CHAPTER 178: CHAPTER 178 - SHE HAS ANOTHER IDENTITY

Liu Neng still remembered the little child who used to ride on his shoulders as he took her strolling through the streets. When they left all those years ago, the child was already seven or eight years old. She had said to him, "Uncle Liu, you stay put. I’ll go out and explore the world. When I return, I’ll bring back ginger candies for you!"

"Get up now! Xi’Er is not coming back. This is her daughter, and her name is Suisui."

The elderly Mistress Ji stepped aside, revealing Suisui standing behind her.

She then pointed to Liu Neng and said to Suisui, "Sweetheart, this is our Ji Mansion’s Steward, Liu Neng. You should call him Grandpa Liu!"

Xiaosuisui took a step forward and crisply called out, "Grandpa Liu."

"Ah! Miss, how old are you this year?" Liu Neng wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye, trying his best to hold back his tears. He had cried earlier because the Mistress had returned, a joy that brought him to tears. But later, it was the Mistress’s words, "Xi’Er is not coming back," that made him cry again.

"I’m four and a half years old, Grandpa Liu. What about you? How old are you?"

The little girl cocked her head, staring at the old man in front of her. Despite his smile, she sensed a hint of his sadness.

"This old servant! This old servant is forty-eight this year."

Seeing that the little girl and Liu Neng were engaged in conversation, the Old Mistress grew somewhat afraid they might bring up some astonishing topics and hurriedly interrupted. "Everyone is tired. Steward Liu, you should take everyone to rest!"

This little girl, I just asked you to greet someone, how did you end up chatting away with him? Mistress Ji mused. The more she’s like this, the less she can be allowed out in the future.

"Yes! I’ll make the arrangements immediately."

Once back in her room, Mistress Ji kept the little girl close, not letting her run around.

Liu Neng led a group of maids and old women to serve the Old Mistress as she rested. Meanwhile, he reported, "Over these years, the Ji Family has acquired more properties under the Eighth Master’s management. Here is the account book; please have a look, My Lady."

Mistress Ji nodded, signaling for him to put the account book down. Then she asked, "When does the Eighth Son usually return?"

Liu Neng quickly replied, "The Eighth Master has been the Emperor’s companion in studies for all these years. Even after His Majesty began to personally govern a few years ago, the Eighth Master is still often summoned to the Palace to accompany the Emperor. A few days ago, the Eighth Master participated in this year’s Autumn Examination. He should have been resting at the Mansion today, awaiting Your Ladyship’s return. However, today is also the day the Emperor returns to the Palace from his southern tour, so the Master went to the Palace early this morning. He will likely have to wait for the Emperor to return to the Palace and grant him an audience. Only after receiving permission will he be able to come back, so it will probably be evening by then."

Mistress Ji nodded upon hearing this and said, "In that case, when the Eighth Son returns, tell him to rest well and come see me tomorrow."

Liu Neng hesitated for a moment upon hearing her words, but he still complied.

"Yes!"

YAWN...

A yawn sounded from nearby. Both Mistress Ji and Liu Neng turned their heads to see sleepy Xiaosuisui sitting next to Mistress Ji.

"Old Mistress, this is Nanny Lin, a dedicated Nanny for Miss Suisui whom this old servant specifically sought out. The few girls behind her are also sharp-witted maids I handpicked from the Mansion. They will be in charge of Miss Suisui’s food and daily life. What do you think?"

Mistress Ji shook her head without a second thought. "Suisui doesn’t need a Nanny, nor does she need maids from the Mansion to attend to her. For the next few days, she will stay with me and live in the same Courtyard."

"Ah..." Liu Neng was genuinely puzzled and asked, "Why is that? Do you find the people I’ve picked unsuitable?"

Cold sweat beaded on Liu Neng’s forehead. The Old Mistress has just returned, and I’ve already been found lacking. My future days are bound to be difficult...

"Not at all, don’t worry, Steward Liu. Your Miss Suisui is indeed the young lady of our Ji Family, but she has another identity that you are not aware of!"