Chapter 78: The Leisurely Heart of Heaven

Because Ji Tianxin was walking slowly, Ji Huaili had no choice but to slow his own pace as well. As a result, the entire procession’s steps became more measured. Tianxin’s leisurely, almost strolling manner also attracted the attention of many people entering the palace.

Her attire was quite unusual: a flowing celestial gown of white, embroidered with pale pink and light blue at the crossed collar and wide sleeves, with a hem adorned by several colorful butterflies—exquisitely beautiful. The loose fit made her appear even more petite, and as she walked, the jade pendant at her waist swayed gently with each step.

With her adorable, doll-like features and complexion whiter than snow, every movement seemed to unfold in slow motion; she was as pleasing to the eye as a living painting.

“So that’s the little girl the Ji family reclaimed as kin after all these years…”

“She’s so lovely… Ah, she must have suffered quite a bit living away from home. If it were me, I could never bear to let such a precious daughter endure hardship.”

“But I heard… When the General’s daughter returned, didn’t she beat someone up right at the gates of the General’s manor?”

“Nonsense! How could a seven-year-old child be capable of that? She’s so small she couldn’t even reach your shoulders if she jumped! How could she possibly beat anyone? Don’t believe everything you hear in the market.”

“Well, you’re probably right… But I also heard that after she returned to the manor, the general’s wife fell ill and passed away…”

“Tch, you can’t judge the affairs of the inner chambers so simply. How do you know the general’s wife didn’t do something… questionable in the past? Perhaps she was so upset at seeing this young lady return that her anger took her life.”

“Master Shangshu, I take your point—thank you for enlightening me.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, my wife deserves the credit for raising me well…”

Ji Tianxin’s gaze wandered over the royal architecture of the Yu Kingdom. “Suqing, is your home like this too?”

Suqing laughed softly. “My lady, my home is much grander than this. The royal city of Yu isn’t considered large at all.”

Tianxin nodded. “Oh.”

Up ahead, Ji Yuanruo heard their exchange and furrowed his brow, finding it rather odd.

“Hmph, country bumpkins will always be country bumpkins—they’ve never seen the world. Do they think the royal palace is just some ordinary place? As if a servant’s family could have a house bigger than this palace! If you’re going to boast, at least make it believable,” Ji Yucheng sneered, her tone dripping with scorn.

Both Ji Tianxin and Suqing heard her, but neither paid her any mind.

Suqing merely gave a cool snort and continued speaking to Tianxin. “It’s said the royal chefs here are quite talented. In a moment, my lady, you might find something you like to eat.”

Suqing’s usually cold face softened a little at these words, and a hint of warmth appeared. “All right.”

Her expression, now gentle, made her seem even more striking—especially to the ladies who were mothers themselves, who found it impossible to resist such a sweet, delicate little girl.

Ji Huaili noticed that everyone else had already gone inside, while his own family was still lingering outside. He stopped, looked at Tianxin, and deliberately cleared his throat, his voice stern: “Tianxin, can’t you walk a little faster?”

Ji Yucheng had been wanting to say this all along. Why should everyone have to wait for her to dawdle at the back? Seizing the cue from her father, she quickly added a cold sneer: “Are you squashing ants with every step? Do you expect the whole family to wait for you?”

She then muttered under her breath, “She really thinks she’s someone important—just a stray brat dragged in from the wild.”

No sooner had the words left her lips than Ji Huaili barked, “Yucheng!”

Yucheng flinched. “Father…”

At that moment, Tianxin slowly turned her gaze toward Ji Yucheng.