“Alright, Miss, we’re all just concerned about your health. You’ve been injured several times these past few days—how can we not worry? You never seem to take care of yourself. His Highness Prince Ning only has your best interests at heart. Sit here for now, and I’ll go inside to fetch you a cloak.”
Watching Wanqing’s childish grumbling, Honglian couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Over these past few days, she had grown increasingly fond of the young lady. As long as those around her treated her sincerely, Wanqing would respond with equal sincerity, even risking her life for them.
Though she had taken the medicine she prepared herself, her pale face and unsteady steps betrayed her condition. Unable to hide her concern, Honglian scolded her gently. Seeing Wanqing pout childishly at her, Honglian smiled and turned to fetch the cloak.
Even though it was only early autumn, Wanqing’s frail frame and lack of warm clothing made her susceptible to the cold.
“Sigh, I keep saying I’m fine, but you all make such a fuss… Xiahe, Qiuju, come with me for a walk over there. Lately, that girl Honglian reminds me more and more of a nagging old woman…”
Though she understood Honglian’s concern, the injuries she had sustained in her past life were nothing to her. Yet everyone around her acted as if it were a grave matter. While their worry warmed her heart, being confined to bed for two days—even needing help to eat and drink—was something she simply wasn’t accustomed to.
As soon as Honglian walked away, Wanqing sighed and muttered to the other maids behind her. Then, instructing two of them, she rose, gritting her teeth against the dull pain in her chest, and made her way toward a patch of medicinal herbs.
“Miss, please be careful…”
Chunhong, who had been confined for several days and still looked pale, though her spirits had somewhat recovered, watched her with a mix of helplessness and concern.
“Chunhong, can you believe the life we were living just six months ago? How quickly things change… By the way, you mentioned Liu Chunmei before—who is she to you?”
As she walked alongside Chunhong, Wanqing couldn’t help but recall the days when she had first transmigrated into this world, when the two of them had relied on each other for survival. Now, surrounded by so many sisters and friends in the Marquis’s household, she couldn’t help but reflect on how different things had been. Suddenly remembering Chunhong’s words when she had returned from the brothel, she asked curiously.
“She’s actually my elder sister. She was sold by my uncle and aunt to be a child bride. When I first entered the household, Granny Liu took me to see her. She wasn’t living well at the time, but thanks to Granny Liu, her situation improved somewhat. Later, she visited me twice in the household, but after Granny Liu passed away, she stopped coming. I suppose even if she wanted to, the Madam and Eldest Miss would have prevented her from seeing me…”
At Wanqing’s question, Chunhong’s eyes filled with rare longing and worry. Speaking of her sister, her expression grew visibly distressed.
“Silly girl, things are different now. If you want to see her, you can go anytime. I’ll arrange for someone to accompany you. In fact, if I have time tomorrow, I’ll take you to visit her myself. How does that sound?”
Seeing Chunhong’s troubled yet yearning expression, Wanqing smiled gently. The thought of being doted on like an invalid all day filled her with quiet amusement.
“Miss, that wouldn’t be proper. You’re still recovering and should rest. I can go by myself. Oh—Third Miss and Fourth Miss are here. Please sit; I’ll prepare tea and snacks.”
Chunhong hesitated at Wanqing’s offer. Just then, she noticed Mu Wanjun and Mu Wanxia approaching. Though unsure of their purpose, she excused herself politely and hurried off.
“Second Sister, Father said you were injured because of him. Are you feeling better now?”
Mu Wanxia stepped forward, her voice filled with concern. Before the Grand Princess’s birthday banquet, she had been poisoned and nearly died—only saved because Wanqing had instructed Aunt Xue and others to treat her. Though she hadn’t treated Wanqing well in the past, recent interactions had softened her heart. Thanks to Wanqing’s intervention, her mother and father had reconciled, and both she and her younger brother now lived much improved lives. Moreover, Wanqing had saved her life.
Despite all the unkindness she had shown Wanqing before, her elder sister bore no grudges and continued to help them. Now, Mu Wanxia looked at her with rare sincerity.
“Much better. And your poison—has it cleared? Since my return, things have been so hectic I haven’t had time to check on you…”
Wanqing observed that Mu Wanxia’s complexion had improved, though traces of the poison still lingered. Still, most of the toxins had been purged. Seeing her younger sister’s polite demeanor, Wanqing responded warmly, though she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt for her own neglect.
“I understand, Second Sister. You were injured protecting our family. I’m still taking the medicine you prescribed. Third Sister, didn’t you say you had something to ask Second Sister? We’re all sisters here—just ask.”
Mu Wanxia spoke gratefully, then nudged Mu Wanjun, who stood beside her with a troubled expression. “Go on,” she urged playfully.
“I… Second Sister, I heard… they say my mother isn’t my real mother, and Eldest Sister isn’t my real sister. Is that… true?”
Left alone with her sisters, Mu Wanjun hesitated before lowering her voice. The rumors she’d heard weighed heavily on her.
“Silly girl, don’t pay attention to idle gossip. All you need to know is that Father and I are your family, your true kin. Is there something else bothering you?”
Wanqing reassured her gently, though she knew the truth about Madam Liu and Mu Wanxia’s identities was a well-kept secret. Still, recalling the events at the Grand Princess’s banquet, she couldn’t help but probe further when Mu Wanjun hesitated.
“I… It’s nothing. Second Sister, will the bond between us three sisters last forever?”
Mu Wanjun shook her head, though her eyes betrayed deeper worries. After a pause, she looked at Wanqing with sudden intensity.
“Of course we will always be sisters—forever. I’ve said it before: as long as you treat me as family, I will never turn you away. I’ll cherish and protect you both.”
Puzzled by Mu Wanjun’s thoughts but sincere in her response, Wanqing smiled warmly. She reached out, clasping each of their hands in hers.
“Yes… We were foolish before, but from now on, we’ll care for and support each other.”
Touched, both younger sisters nodded. Mu Wanjun’s eyes brimmed with tears as she spoke earnestly.
“Good. Sisters united—I’ll do everything in my power to ensure your happiness.” Seeing their newfound sincerity, Wanqing felt a quiet joy. If they were truly willing to change and embrace her as family, she saw no reason to hold back.
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