Stepping out of the carriage, I took a deep breath of the chilly air and waited for Eldest Brother to climb out.

I stood before the large red lacquer gates of Ye Residence with a strange feeling in my gut. An odd mixture of dread and longing all bundled together with a twinge of happiness.

"Whew, finally home," stretching his long limbs, Eldest brother did a few stretches before walking up beside me. "What are you standing around for? Let's go inside."

After beckoning the guards to open the gates, the red gates soon slowly swung open to reveal the grand central courtyard of the home leading up the main hall.

"Welcome back to Ye Residence, Eldest Young Master and Second Young Miss," bowing, a line of maidservants and manservants waited for us to step over the threshold.

"Eh," nodding towards them, I walked through the gates with my brother as we approached the main hall.

"Where's Father," Eldest Brother asked with furrowed brows.

"The Master has left on some business with the Third Young Master," without lifting her heads, head maidservant, He-mama[1], answered his question. "The Master said he would return by the evening for dinner."

For some reason, I couldn't help but feel a tad bit disappointed that Father was here, but that thought quickly vanished like a huff of smoke.

"Ah, I see," sighing Eldest Brother shrugged. "It can't be helped." Turning to me, he flashed me a smile. "Xiao Hua, you had a long trip, why don't you freshen up for a bit? We can go see Grandfather together once you're ready."

"Eh, alright. I'll listen to Eldest Brother."

"Then it's settled," patting my head; he departed with half the maidservants back to his courtyard as he walked away. Eldest Brother's trusted manservant, Xai Fang, whispered something into his ear, prompting Eldest Brother to freeze up for a second before relaxing once more.

I tried to listen in to more of their conversation, but it promptly ended with Eldest Brother muttering, "... let's leave it as is…"

I wonder if this has to do with the surprise that Eldest Brother spoke of earlier.

"S-second Young Miss," a timid voice called from behind. Meekly bowing her head while flickering her eyes between me and the floor, an unfamiliar young girl squeaked, "W-would Second Young Miss like to return to your quarters?"

"Em," nodding my head, I began to walk back to my courtyard. "I haven't seen you around before."

"Eh," the young blushed as she bowed her head again. "T-this slave is called Xia Jia. This slave was assigned to serve Second Young Miss six months ago, s-so it's natural Second Young Miss doesn't recognize this slave."

"I see." It was strange being here without my maid, Li Jie. However, before she married, I handed over her slave contract back to her as well as a decent dowry so that she may live a good life.

I figured it was pointless to serve an absent master and that she may be happier taking care of her family, rather than an empty courtyard.

Before, I wondered what it was like to take care of a family, being a wife, and a mother.

But, after having to take care of Master and Junior Sister, I might as well be married to a ghost. After all, I'm already attending to elderly and junior in-laws day in and day out.

"U-um, Second Young Miss doesn't need to worry about the upkeep of your courtyard. Eldest Young Master had assigned some sturdy servants to clean Second Young Miss's courtyard every so often, so it should be ready for Second Young Miss."

"Em, thank you," arriving back at my courtyard, I dismissed Xia Jia to stand outside of my door.

After taking care of myself for almost a year, it was strange to have someone serve me hand and foot every second.

"Hmm, I supposed I better start preparing Grandfather's tea."

---

"Ah, finally! Some good tea," taking in slow sips, Grandfather finished off his fourth cup of tea as he slammed the cup down on the elegant tea table.

"Em, indeed," Eldest Brother chimed in as he took a sip.  "It's delicious as always."

"Thank you, but my tea making skills still need work."

"Haha! Are you kidding? I don't know how you do it, but every time I drink your tea, I feel as if I'm descending into Heaven," Grandfather laughed as I refilled his cup with the fragrant tea.

"Hmm, please don't Grandfather," smiling, I turned to Eldest Brother's cup and refilled his teacup. "What would Xiao Hua do without you here?"

"Haha, okay, I won't," laughing he started in his next cup. "I'll just enjoy this heaven on earth then."

"Hah," quietly enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, it was nice to be in the company of my family again.

"So, Xiao Hua" — setting down his cup gently, Grandfather crossed his arms — "how have you been?

Have you met anyone that you like?"

"Eh? Grandfather, where are you going with this," Eldest Brother huffed. "Are you already trying to get rid of our Xiao Hua?"

"Settle down, settle down," brushing him off, Grandfather continued. "I'm asking Xiao Hua, here."

I paused, mid-sip, before continuing to drink. "Em, no, not yet, Grandfather."

"Eh, I see," picking up his drink once more, he sipped the warm tea.

"Why do you ask?"

"Hm, you're turning eighteen in a few days," Grandfather sighed. "And I'm getting old. I just want to make sure that my granddaughter is in good hands by the time I leave for the Yellow Springs.

After all, I can't keep your Grandmother waiting for me."

"What nonsense," I smiled. "Grandfather, I'm sure that you will live for a hundred more years."

"Haha! I'm glad Xiao Hua thinks so."

"Em," tracing my thumb along the rim of my teacup, I can see my reflection looking back at me. "I'd rather take care of Grandfather and Eldest Brother instead of marrying so soon."

"Hah, what are you talking about? I've read your letters; how can you take care of this old man while being the Martial Aunt of Yun Cai Peak," he laughed. "No, I'd rather my granddaughter seek out her happiness than stay here, enclosed within these walls."

"Ah, what's with the sudden somber mood," Eldest Brother piped up. "We're here to celebrate Xiao Hua's return!

What's this talk of her leaving and getting married? Plus, Xiao Hua is still young and beautiful, so I'm sure there is a line of suitors for her somewhere.

Heck, if she wants a harem of men, I'm sure our Ye Residence can provide for them!"

"Haha, you're right! My Xiao Hua doesn't deserve one man to serve her, but multiple!"

As Grandfather and Eldest Brother began to brainstorm ways to build me a harem, I couldn't help but shake my head.

Ah, what nonsense. "Thank you, Grandfather and Eldest Brother, for the thought, but I'd rather have someone who will stand beside me and love only me for the rest of their lives. I don't need a harem for that."

"Hmm, are you sure? I'm sure this old man can arrange something."

"No need, no need." I can't imagine coming home to a courtyard full of men, just to serve me. Ah, if this ends up being a birthday surprise in the future, I don't know what I'll do. I felt my face burn at that mere thought. "Xiao Hua only needs one."

"Alright," Eldest Brother shrugged. "But if you ever want a harem, make sure to come to us about it."

"Eh, I will."

The conversation between the three of us lasted until Eldest Brother returned to his room to rest before dinner, thus leaving me alone with Grandfather.

I fidgeted with my hands, wondering how to approach the topic of Father and Third Brother. I didn't want to ruin the harmonious mood, especially after coming home, but I can't help but have a gut feeling that whatever was happening, it wouldn't have a good ending.

"Speak, Xiao Hua," Grandfather started. "You look as if you need to ask Grandfather something."

"Em, I do," nodding, I tried to think of how to start. "Why did Grandfather get into an argument with Father?

And why is Father taking Third Brother to court?"

"Ah," pinching the area between his brows, he sighed and leaned back into his chair. "It's complicated, Xiao Hua."

"Complicated? What does Grandfather mean?"

"Aiyah, you know ever since your Father brought that woman into the family, that we would disagree in many things."

"Em." That's true. Ever since Father remarried, the relationship between Grandfather and Father has become strained. "But, what does this have to do with Third Brother?"

Taking in a deep breath, Grandfather spat out, "My son wants to make that bastard his heir."

[1] mama - its a title given to servants who are married or widowed. They are typically the older servants in the house and are similar to nannies in some cases.