Chapter 25: Osmanthus Pastries Are Delicious

This loving scene gave Ji Huaili a momentary illusion of grandfatherly tenderness and filial piety. But as soon as he recalled what had just transpired, he quickly banished that thought from his mind.

“Father! Grandfather! She killed Mother!” Ji Yuanruo’s voice rang out with bitter hatred, his gaze fixed fiercely on her. His eyes were red with fury—his mother’s murder was a grievance that could never be forgiven.

No sooner had he spoken than Ji Yuntian waved his hand, striking Ji Yuanruo unconscious with a single blow.

Family matters could be dealt with later; the urgent concern now was to keep his granddaughter here.

Ji Tianxin mused for a moment.

“My lady?” Su Qing noticed Ji Tianxin’s slight change in demeanor.

Ji Tianxin said nothing, lifted her head, and stepped back. Suddenly, she caught a scent in the air.

“What is that smell?”

Ji Yuntian, too, leaned back and asked in his deep voice, “What is that smell?!”

A servant hurried in from outside, carrying a basket of pastries.

“Replying—replying to the old master... It’s—it’s osmanthus cakes, made by the new cook. I... was just about to deliver them to the young master...”

Seeing Ji Tianxin’s eyes fixed intently on the osmanthus cakes in the servant’s hands, Ji Yuntian immediately said, “Bring them here.”

“Yes,” the servant replied in a trembling voice, handing over the basket.

Su Qing, well acquainted with Ji Tianxin’s habits, stepped forward to accept the osmanthus cakes.

“My lady.”

Ji Tianxin reached out her small hand, the red string and fragrant bell tied at her wrist tinkling softly. She pinched a piece of osmanthus cake and placed it in her mouth, her eyes brightening noticeably.

“Good. I’ll stay,” she said.

With that, she took another piece and ate it as if nothing else mattered.

Su Qing was momentarily stunned. “My lady? Did you say you’ll stay?”

Ji Tianxin nodded, “Mm.”

Not only Su Qing, but even Ji Yuntian and Ji Huaili were surprised that a single osmanthus cake could persuade Ji Tianxin to remain.

Ji Yuntian was momentarily taken aback, but quickly recovered and said in a deep voice, “Why are you all dawdling? Take Miss Tianxin to rest, quickly!”

The servants, startled, scrambled up from their kneeling positions.

“Miss Tianxin, this way please,” a servant said, hastily rising to lead the way.

Ji Yuntian smiled gently, coaxing her, “Tianxin, if you need anything, just tell Grandfather. From now on, the General’s Manor is your home—don’t be a stranger. If anyone doesn’t listen to you, just let Grandfather know, alright?”

He was delighted with Ji Tianxin—so beautiful, clear in affection and aversion, crisp and decisive, and possessing profound cultivation. How could he not like her? Especially since she was his own granddaughter.

Ji Tianxin nodded, casually picked up another osmanthus cake, and walked out after the servant.

Su Qing followed closely behind, giving the servant who brought the osmanthus cakes a fierce glare as she passed.

Ji Yuntian, seeing Ji Tianxin stay, could not hide the joy in his eyes and at the corners of his mouth. He quickly whispered to that servant, “Go find the cook and have him make more. From now on, let that cook move into Miss Tianxin’s courtyard and set up a small kitchen just for her.”

The servant nodded hurriedly, “Yes.”

With that, he dashed off as if fleeing for his life.

“My lady, why did you decide to stay?” Su Qing asked quietly, following behind Ji Tianxin.

Ji Tianxin paused, pondered for a moment, and then replied, “The osmanthus cakes are delicious.”

“We could just take the cook with us,” Su Qing’s eyes lit up. “If you like them, I’ll go capture the cook right now and bring him along when we leave.”