Chapter 92: True Heart Awakens?

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin returned to the manor and, as always, went first to see the Old Lady. Under Jun Jun Zijin's care, the Old Lady's headaches rarely recurred; her legs and feet could barely manage a few steps, though she could not stand for long, for the poison's erosion had been severe. Lacking one medicinal guide, the best antidote had not yet been formulated. Even so, the Old Lady was extremely content.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin ran straight into Jun Chengcai coming out of the Quiet Bamboo Courtyard. She raised an eyebrow. Of the several children in the manor, apart from Jun Jun Shuyan, in her heart they were all crooked saplings.

Yet Jun Chengcai, who had once indulged in eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling, stealing and pilfering, seemed to have changed his nature since Wu Shi died; even the cats and dogs in the manor had begun to look at him differently.

Jun Chengcai no longer went to gambling dens, no longer visited brothels, and had even quit alcohol. He began returning to the manor daily, rising early, studying, and caring about family affairs; he seemed to hold no resentment toward Seeing Jun Jun Zijin, a person so closely tied to Wu Shi's death.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin had heard these things, but she had not paid much attention before. Come to think of it, Jun Chengcai had not done anything particularly outrageous to her, but thinking that he was after all Wu Shi's son, she always felt a bit uncomfortable.

Meeting him today, Jun Chengcai wore a green robe and carried a hint of scholarly air. Seeing Jun Jun Zijin could not help but glance at him a couple more times, and discovered that Jun Chengcai seemed to have changed in temperament from head to toe.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin pretended not to notice and planned to walk past. After Jun Chengcai saw it was Seeing Jun Jun Zijin, a hint of awkwardness appeared on his face, and then he called out:

"Second Sister, what are you doing here?"

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin raised her eyebrows, stopped, and looked at him with a half-smile. "I was about to ask you, Big Brother: if you are not out enjoying yourself, why come to Grandmother's Quiet Bamboo Courtyard? Could it be you are hatching another bad scheme?"

Jun Chengcai scratched his head and smiled:

"Second Sister, you misunderstand. Haven't I turned over a new leaf? Grandmother's health is poor, so I came to visit and fulfill my filial duty."

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin scrutinized him and discovered a trace of sincerity in his eyes.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin grew a bit interested and asked:

"Oh? Is that so?"

Jun Chengcai scratched his head again and gave an awkward smile:

"Second Sister, people do change. Before, I was immature. Now that the family has few members, I also wish to contribute to the family. How could I continue to act recklessly?"

"Your mother is dead; do you not hate me?" Such evasive ways of speaking were never Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's habit.

Hearing this, Jun Chengcai's face showed a bit more awkwardness, then he revealed a frankness:

"What use is hate? She did what she did. As a son, although I cannot judge her, I do not approve either."

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin nodded slightly, doubt lingering in her heart. Jun Chengcai's change was indeed beyond her expectations, but the mountains and rivers may shift, but a man's nature is hard to alter. She said no more and turned to leave.

Arriving at the Old Lady's room, Seeing Jun Jun Zijin saw the Old Lady sitting cheerfully in a wheelchair, holding a cup of hot tea. She hurried forward. "Grandmother, how are you today?"

Seeing it was Seeing Jun Jun Zijin, the Old Lady's face was full of affection:

"Grandmother is doing well. Second Girl, did everything go smoothly for you today?" the Old Lady asked with concern.

"Grandmother, rest assured. With Crown Prince protecting me, your granddaughter will be fine," Seeing Jun Jun Zijin said obediently.

The Old Lady nodded, looking gratified, then added:

"Child, having Crown Prince protect you is naturally good, but your status is no ordinary one now, and the dangers around you have increased. Henceforth, you must be careful everywhere; you cannot be careless. For Grandmother, having Second Girl safe and sound is better than anything."

A warm current surged in Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's heart. "Your granddaughter understands; your granddaughter will be careful."

"I just met Big Brother outside," Seeing Jun Jun Zijin said, recalling Jun Chengcai.

"Your Big Brother just came to see me again. He seems to have changed a lot. What do you think?" the Old Lady said.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin smiled slightly. "Grandmother, if Big Brother truly repents, that is naturally a good thing. However, we should observe him for a while longer to see if his words and deeds truly match." She did not wish to sadden the Old Lady. After all, he was the Old Lady's only grandson; if he could truly become better, the Old Lady would naturally be happy.

The Old Lady nodded. "You are right. If your Big Brother truly repents and can truly distinguish right from wrong, that is also something to be happy about. It would benefit our manor without harm. Although the deeds of his birth mother deserve a thousand cuts and ten thousand stabs to atone, after all, a parent's faults should not be counted against the child."

"No rush; let us simply watch slowly," the Old Lady said, gently patting Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's hand.

Seeing Jun Jun Zijin nodded in agreement. "Grandmother, rest assured; I understand."

The next day, the Old Lady recalled that winter had arrived and the various courtyards in the manor had not yet made winter clothes, so she summoned everyone to the Quiet Bamboo Courtyard and called in tailors to take measurements for clothing.

Inside the Quiet Bamboo Courtyard, the charcoal fire burned bright, filling the room with warmth. The Old Lady sat in her wheelchair, holding a cup of hot tea personally prepared for her by Seeing Jun Jun Zijin. Her gaze gently swept over the two sisters, Seeing Jun Jun Zijin and Jun Jun Shuyan, who sat on her left and right, as she spoke softly about daily matters. Outside, the cold wind howled; inside, all was harmonious and joyful.

"Now that winter has arrived, the various courtyards in the manor have not yet made winter clothes. Today I have summoned you so the tailors may take your measurements, to avoid freezing," the Old Lady said, setting down her teacup, her tone carrying a hint of concern.

No sooner had the words left her lips than a sound of footsteps came from outside. Jun Jun Zhidie and Li Shi entered one after another, with Jun Jun Yiyi following behind.

"Greetings to the Old Lady," the three said in unison, yet each harbored different thoughts.

The Old Lady nodded, gesturing for them to sit. The tailors had already waited nearby, holding soft measuring tapes, respectfully awaiting orders.

"Since everyone is present, let us begin," the Old Lady said, waving her hand. The tailor stepped forward and first took Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's measurements.

Jun Jun Zhidie sat aside, her gaze impatiently sweeping over the other three sisters, seeming a bit anxious.

This scene fell into Jun Jun Yiyi's eyes. With a hint of mockery, she said:

"Third Sister has arrived early today. Could it be you fear missing out on these winter clothes?"

Jun Jun Zhidie immediately became displeased:

"The Old Lady's orders, I naturally dare not neglect."

Li Shi also let out a cold snort and interjected: "What is the meaning of this, Eldest Girl? Speak clearly."

Jun Jun Yiyi, her face full of mockery, was about to speak when the Old Lady interrupted.

"Enough. Today we are here to make winter clothes, not to quarrel."

Jun Jun Zhidie and Li Shi exchanged a glance, a hint of triumph flashing in their eyes.

Jun Jun Yiyi lowered her head and said no more.

After the tailor finished taking Seeing Jun Jun Zijin's measurements, it was Jun Jun Shuyan's turn.

Jun Jun Yiyi protested: "Why must a concubine-born daughter be measured first?"

The Old Lady's brows furrowed slightly, her tone still gentle:

"Eldest Girl, Jun Shuyan is also your sister. First come, first served; there is no need to fuss."

Seeing that the Old Lady's words, both explicit and implied, defended Jun Jun Shuyan, Jun Jun Yiyi pouted, cursing the old thing in her heart, but said nothing more.

No sooner had Jun Jun Shuyan's measurements been taken than a proclamation from outside was heard: "The Imperial Decree has arrived."

No sooner had the words left the messenger's lips than Jun Zhengming entered, leading everyone to the front hall to receive the decree.

Upon reaching the front hall, Jun Zhengming was stunned. Eunuch Xi? This Imperial Decree had been personally delivered by Eunuch Xi, who serves beside the Emperor? Truly, who knows what kind of Imperial Decree this is?

Behind Eunuch Xi stood a guard, holding a tray upon which a plaque was neatly placed; what it was remained unknown.

Jun Zhengming's heart fluttered uneasily. He quickly sorted through recent events; it seemed he had offended the Emperor nowhere. Perhaps this Imperial Decree would be good news. Jun Zhengming's heart calmed slightly.

Eunuch Xi saw Jun Jun Zijin arrive, nodded with a beaming smile, greeted Jun Jun Zijin, and only when the entire Jun family had knelt on the ground did he turn serious; shaking the imperial edict in his hand, he raised his voice and declared:

"Lady Lady Qingping, receive the edict."