Return of the Swallow

Chapter 331: Origin (I)

Qin Yining spent the night wreathed in smiles, even in her sleep.
In her dreams, a beaming Pang Xiao kept asking, “Just stay by my side, alright?”

She nodded boldly in her dreams, much more candid than she was in reality.

She used to often feel lost when it came to the future, but things were much different now.
She was going to stay by his side, no matter what troubles came their way.
She would never give up, no matter how dire his circumstances.
They would weather together the storms that beat down on them.

The next morning, Jiyun and Xianyun were helping her dress and put up her hair when Bingtang returned from her news-gathering jaunt.

“Miss, the prince set out early this morning.
He said it was for the grand court session.” A merry Bingtang hung an exquisite pouch on Lian Xiaozhou’s neck.
The little girl was busily stuffing her face with snacks.

Crumb-encrusted cheeks bent down to closely scrutinize the pouch.
The girl snatched it up for a close sniff and immediately beamed with joy.
She ran up to Qin Yining to proffer her new treasure.

“Big sis, smells nice.”

“That’s right.
There’s dried flower petals and a few medicinal ingredients inside the pouch.
Smell it often in this weather.
You can ward off colds this way.”

Bingtang knew that Lian Xiaozhou was an orphan and had a speech impediment.
After close diagnosis, she concluded that it would be difficult for the child to speak normally like others in this life.
This conclusion had inspired deep tender protectiveness.

Qin Yining smiled.
“Isn’t that lovely? Xiaozhou, thank big sister Bingtang.”

Lian Xiaozhou looked at the maid who wasn’t much taller than herself.
She bowed merrily.
“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Bingtang waved her hand.

Qiulu brought over the semi-worn, pale blue cotton jacket that Qin Yining was to wear today.
She dimpled at the scene.
“Our Bingtang can finally enjoy being a big sister.”

The maid didn’t speak much ordinarily, but her occasional word would always poke straight at the heart of the matter.

Bingtang snorted and feigned anger.
“And wouldn’t you like to enjoy being a younger sister? Who told you to be the oldest out of all of us? We’ll have the miss find you a husband later on and marry you off.
What should I call your husband then? Brother-in-law?”

“Why, you! All you know is to tease and make fun of others.
I’m going to smack you silly!” Qiulu put down the jacket and chased after Bingtang, who promptly ran circles around the octagonal table and kept up a string of teasing remarks.

Everyone else found it hilarious.

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