Chapter 37

In the afternoon, the General’s wife brought her second daughter to the Qingge Hall.

The General’s wife’s maiden name was Xue. She was now thirty-three years old, with a dignified and beautiful appearance, looking like a very gentle woman.

Lady Xue had given birth to two daughters and one son, and there were also several illegitimate children from her concubines.

The one she brought to the palace today was her second daughter, Xiao Zhilan.

As for the eldest daughter, she was none other than Xiao Xixi, who had already married into the Eastern Palace.

As the General’s wife, Lady Xue held a rank of the fourth grade, while Xiao Xixi’s position as a consort was of the third grade, one rank higher than her.

Lady Xue and Xiao Zhilan stood at a distance from Xiao Xixi, kneeling to pay their respects.

“Your servant/woman pays respects to Consort Xiao.”

Xiao Xixi wanted to go over to help Lady Xue.

However, Lady Xue, as if frightened, quickly pulled her young daughter back.

Her demeanor was as if she were avoiding a flood or a fierce beast.

Xiao Xixi stopped, her smile fading slightly. She said, “Mother, there’s no need for such formalities. There are no outsiders here, so you can be more relaxed.”

Lady Xue realized her reaction had been too strong.

She quickly composed herself and politely said, “Your servant dares not.”

Xiao Zhilan hid behind her mother, curiously observing this elder sister.

Xiao Zhilan was just ten years old, with a round, chubby face and bright, round eyes. Her hair was styled in two buns, making her look like a doll from a New Year’s painting, very endearing.

Xiao Xixi had Baoqin bring some snacks for Xiao Zhilan.

When Xiao Zhilan saw the snacks, she wanted to reach out, but her mother stopped her.

Lady Xue whispered, “Xiao Lan, we won’t eat anything here. When we get home, Mother will make you something delicious.”

Although Xiao Zhilan was only ten, she was not completely naive.

She had once overheard people discussing that she had an elder sister, but this sister was a celestial killer, bringing misfortune to those close to her, causing them to die untimely deaths.

Thus, her sister was sent away right after birth, and Xiao Zhilan had never seen her elder sister since she was born.

It wasn’t until last year that her sister suddenly returned home, and Xiao Zhilan met her for the first time.

However, the family seemed to avoid her, walking around her whenever they saw her.

Her parents also repeatedly warned Xiao Zhilan and her brother not to speak to their sister, not to be with her, and not even to look at her more than necessary.

During meals, her sister always ate alone in her own courtyard, rarely going out or interacting with others.

It wasn’t until the selection for the palace began that she first stepped out of her courtyard, standing before her parents and expressing her desire to marry into the Eastern Palace.

Her sister’s wish was granted, and she married the Crown Prince, becoming his consort.

The entire General’s household, numbering over a hundred people, breathed a sigh of relief.

Lady Xue protected her young daughter, like a hen protecting her chicks, fearing that her child would be harmed.

Seeing this, Xiao Xixi wisely abandoned the idea of chatting with Lady Xue.

Lady Xue cautiously said, “The General heard that Consort Xiao was accidentally poisoned at the birthday banquet and was very worried. However, the General has been very busy recently, and as an external official, he cannot enter the inner palace. Therefore, he sent me and Xiao Lan to come and see you.”

Xiao Xixi replied, “Thank you for your concern. I am almost fully recovered.”

Her gaze lingered on Lady Xue and Xiao Zhilan for a moment, and she frowned slightly.

“Mother and sister, do not cross the bridge for the next few days, remember this!”

Lady Xue was puzzled, “Why?”

The family did not know that Xiao Xixi was a practitioner of the mystic arts, and she did not intend to reveal this.

She said, “You don’t need to ask why. Just remember my words.”