Chapter 92: Awakening of the Heart?

Upon returning to the manor, Jun Zijin went to see the Old Lady as always. Under Jun Zijin’s care, the Old Lady’s headaches rarely recurred, and she could even manage to walk a few steps, though she could not stand for long. After all, the erosion from the poison was severe, and due to the lack of one medicinal ingredient, the best antidote had not yet been concocted. Even so, the Old Lady was extremely satisfied.

Jun Zijin ran into Jun Chengcai as he was coming out of the Jingzhu Courtyard. She raised an eyebrow; among the children in the manor, aside from Jun Shuyan, she considered them all to be crooked saplings.

Yet, Jun Chengcai, who had once been a drunkard, gambler, and womanizer, seemed to have turned over a new leaf ever since the death of Lady Wu, to the point that even the cats and dogs in the manor began to look at him differently.

Jun Chengcai no longer went to gambling dens or brothels, and he had even given up alcohol. He began returning to the manor every day, waking up early, studying, and concerning himself with family affairs. He also seemed to harbor no resentment toward Jun Zijin, despite her significant role in Lady Wu’s death.

Jun Zijin had heard of these things, but she had not paid much attention to them before. Come to think of it, Jun Chengcai had never done anything too outrageous to her, but the thought that he was, after all, Lady Wu’s son always made her feel uncomfortable.

Meeting him today, Jun Chengcai was dressed in a green robe and possessed a certain scholarly air. Jun Zijin could not help but take a few extra looks, only to discover that his very temperament seemed to have changed.

Jun Zijin intended to walk past him calmly. After Jun Chengcai saw that it was Jun Zijin, a trace of awkwardness appeared on his face, and he then greeted her:

"Second Sister, why are you here?"

Jun Zijin raised her eyebrows, stopped, and looked at him with a half-smile, "I should be the one asking you, Big Brother. You aren't out enjoying yourself, so what brings you to Grandmother’s Jingzhu Courtyard? Could it be you’re up to some mischief again?"

Jun Chengcai scratched his head and laughed:

"Second Sister, you’ve misunderstood. Haven't I turned over a new leaf? Grandmother isn't in good health, so I came to visit and show my filial piety."

Jun Zijin scrutinized him and discovered that there was actually a hint of sincerity in his eyes.

Jun Zijin became somewhat interested and asked:

"Oh? Is that so?"

Jun Chengcai scratched his head and smiled awkwardly:

"Second Sister, people always change. I was ignorant before, but now that our family is small, I also want to contribute to the family. How could I continue to act recklessly?"

"Your mother is dead; do you not hate me?" This evasive way of speaking had never been Jun Zijin’s habit.

Upon hearing this, Jun Chengcai’s face grew more awkward, but then he revealed a sense of composure:

"What use is hatred? As for the things she did, as her son, while I cannot judge her, I certainly do not approve of them."

Jun Zijin nodded slightly, harboring doubts in her heart. Jun Chengcai’s change was indeed beyond her expectations, but it is easier to change rivers and mountains than a person’s nature. She said nothing more and turned to leave.

Arriving at the Old Lady’s room, Jun Zijin saw the Old Lady sitting happily in her wheelchair, holding a cup of hot tea. She quickly stepped forward, "Grandmother, how are you today?"

Seeing that it was Jun Zijin, the Old Lady looked at her with loving kindness:

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

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

The Old Lady nodded, looking gratified, and then added:

"Girl, it is certainly good to have the Crown Prince’s protection, but your status is different now, and the dangers around you will only increase. You must be careful in everything from now on; you cannot be careless. As long as my Second Girl is safe and sound, that is better than anything else."

A warm current surged through Jun Zijin’s heart, "Your granddaughter knows, and I will be careful."

"I just ran into Big Brother outside," Jun Zijin said, remembering Jun Chengcai.

"Your big brother just came to see me as well. He seems to have changed a lot; what do you think?" the Old Lady said.

Jun Zijin smiled slightly, "Grandmother, if Big Brother has truly changed, that is naturally a good thing. However, we should observe him for a while longer to see if his words and actions are truly consistent." She did not want the Old Lady to be sad. After all, he was the Old Lady’s only grandson; if he could truly change for the better, the Old Lady would naturally be happy.

The Old Lady nodded, "You are right. If your big brother has truly changed, and if he can truly distinguish right from wrong, it is a cause for celebration and is beneficial to our manor. Although the things his birth mother did deserve a thousand deaths to atone for, the mistakes of parents should not be counted against the child."

"No need to rush; let us watch slowly," the Old Lady said, gently patting Jun Zijin’s hand.

Jun Zijin nodded in agreement, "Rest assured, Grandmother, I understand."

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

In the Jingzhu Courtyard, the charcoal fire was burning brightly, and it was warm and cozy. The Old Lady sat in her wheelchair, holding a cup of hot tea that Jun Zijin had personally prepared for her. Her gaze swept gently over the two sisters, Jun Zijin and Jun Shuyan, who were accompanying her on either side, as she chatted softly about daily life. Outside, the cold wind was biting, but inside, it was a scene of harmony and joy.

"Now that winter is here, the various courtyards in the manor have not yet made winter clothes. I called you here today to have the tailor take your measurements so you won't catch a chill," the Old Lady said, setting down her teacup with a tone of concern.

No sooner had she finished speaking than footsteps were heard outside. Jun Zhidie and Lady Li walked in one after the other, followed by Jun Yiyi.

"Greetings, Old Lady." The three bowed in unison, though each harbored her own thoughts.

The Old Lady nodded, signaling them to sit. The tailor had long been waiting to the side, holding a soft measuring tape and waiting respectfully.

"Since everyone is here, let us begin." The Old Lady waved her hand, and the tailor stepped forward to take Jun Zijin’s measurements first.

Jun Zhidie sat to the side, her gaze sweeping impatiently over the other three sisters, appearing somewhat anxious.

This scene fell into Jun Yiyi’s eyes, and she said with a hint of mockery:

"Third Sister is here quite early today. Could it be you were afraid of missing out on these winter clothes?"

Jun Zhidie was immediately displeased:

"I naturally would not dare to neglect anything the Old Lady has ordered."

Lady Li also snorted coldly and interjected, "What is that supposed to mean, Eldest Girl? Speak clearly."

Jun Yiyi wore a mocking expression and was about to speak, but was interrupted by the Old Lady.

"Enough. Today is for making winter clothes, not for arguing."

Jun Zhidie and Lady Li exchanged a glance, a flash of triumph in their eyes.

Jun Yiyi lowered her head and said no more.

The tailor finished measuring Jun Zijin, and it was Jun Shuyan’s turn next.

Jun Yiyi would not have it: "Why should a concubine-born daughter be measured first?"

The Old Lady’s brows furrowed slightly, but her tone remained gentle:

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

Seeing the Old Lady defending Jun Shuyan in her words, Jun Yiyi curled her lips, cursing the "old thing" in her heart, but ultimately said nothing more.

Just as Jun Shuyan’s measurements were finished, a voice was heard announcing from outside: "The Imperial Decree has arrived."

As soon as the words fell, Jun Zhengming walked in, and he led everyone to the front hall to receive the decree.

Upon arriving at the front hall, Jun Zhengming was stunned. Eunuch Xi? This Imperial Decree was actually delivered by the Emperor’s own Eunuch Xi? He truly did not know what kind of decree this could be.

Behind Eunuch Xi was a guard holding a tray, and on the tray sat a plaque, neatly placed, though it was unclear what it was.

Jun Zhengming felt uneasy, his heart pounding. He quickly sorted through the recent events; it seemed he had not offended the Emperor, so perhaps this decree was a good thing. Jun Zhengming’s heart settled slightly.

Seeing that Jun Zijin had arrived, Eunuch Xi nodded with a smile and greeted her. Once the Jun family had all knelt on the ground, he became serious. He shook the Imperial Decree in his hand and announced in a loud voice:

"Princess Qingping, receive the decree."