Ye Minglan was deeply moved by Ye Minghui’s concern for her.

“Minghui, I’m back. All these years, you’ve suffered,” she said with emotion.

Ye Minghui was frozen in place upon hearing these words.

Her expression nearly slipped out of control—Ye Minglan… had recovered?

“Sister… Sister? You’ve recovered? You recognize me now?” Ye Minghui was so shocked that she failed to conceal the unwillingness and regret in her eyes.

Although it was just a fleeting moment, Shen Qingwan caught it keenly.

However, Ye Lingxue, standing beside her, wore an expression of joy, as if overwhelmed with emotion.

She looked at Ye Minglan with teary eyes.

“Aunt, you’re finally back! You scared us so much. My mother and I have been searching for you, hoping every day that you would return safely. Now, at last, you’re home.”

As she spoke, Ye Lingxue even wiped away nonexistent tears from the corners of her eyes.

Ye Minglan patted Ye Minghui’s hand gently and smiled warmly. “I made you all worry. Fortunately, this ordeal turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Not only did I find my long-lost daughter, but Wanwan even found a miracle doctor to cure my illness. Wanwan, come greet your aunt and cousin.”

Hearing this, Shen Qingwan’s lips curled into a subtle smile.

She stepped forward, looking at the two of them. “Qingwan greets Aunt and Cousin.”

The word cousin was deliberately emphasized, and her gaze was direct and scrutinizing.

Ye Minghui was so stunned that she couldn’t react for a long time.

She stared at the young woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to Ye Minglan.

Her lips trembled slightly. How was this possible?

She was still alive?

And she had come back?

Seeing her mother lost in thought, Ye Lingxue quickly shook her arm. “Mother, are you too happy to speak? Cousin is talking to you.”

Ye Lingxue’s hostility toward this so-called cousin was evident.

In her heart, she was the rightful eldest daughter of the Huguo General’s Manor. A heroic man like Gu Tingyi should have been her father.

She had thought that selling Shen Qingwan to human traffickers had ensured she would never return to the capital.

Yet, against all odds, she was back.

Indeed, her mother had been too soft-hearted back then—she should have killed her outright.

“Sister… is this really Wanwan? Wanwan has really come back?”

Ye Minghui could hardly believe it.

She had ordered the traffickers to cripple and sell Shen Qingwan to the most remote place possible.

How had she returned alive and well?

And she had grown so… beautiful.

Yes, the young woman before her was even more beautiful than her own daughter.

Ye Lingxue resembled her father more, making her undeniably attractive.

But standing next to Shen Qingwan, she paled slightly in comparison—less striking, less captivating.

In the capital, Ye Lingxue had always been known for her beauty and talent.

At seven, she could compose poetry; at ten, her dance had mesmerized the entire city; at thirteen, she established Xueyan Pavilion, where she crafted beauty products and facial masks beloved by noblewomen across the capital.

Her literary works were praised by both scholars and officials.

Many noble sons admired her, and even the Third Prince regarded her with special attention.

Such a woman naturally had a bit of arrogance.

Though she was envious of her cousin’s appearance, she didn’t believe she was inferior.

After all, she was the protagonist of this world—the modern, highly-educated university graduate from the 21st century.

Her intelligence and talent far surpassed these ancient-era women.

Besides, this so-called cousin had been wandering outside for years—who knew if she was still chaste? Ye Lingxue certainly didn’t consider her a threat.

“Mother, let’s go inside first. It’s cold out here, and Aunt and Cousin just returned. They must not have eaten yet.”

Ye Lingxue’s reminder seemed to bring Ye Minghui back to her senses.

She immediately turned to the housekeeper, who had been waiting nearby, and issued commands.

“Uncle Zhao, hurry and notify the kitchen to prepare a meal. Also, have someone clean up Sister’s courtyard. Though it has been maintained, it’s been unoccupied for a long time. And make sure to inform the Old Madam at the small Buddhist hall—tell her that Sister has returned. The Old Madam worries about her every day and has been hoping for her return. Letting her know early will put her mind at ease.”

Her well-organized instructions made Shen Qingwan see things clearly—Ye Minghui had long taken control of the General’s Manor.

If an outsider were watching, they might even think she was the true mistress of the household.

“Yes, Madam.”

Uncle Zhao responded promptly and left to carry out the orders.

Shen Qingwan narrowed her eyes. Madam?

Shouldn’t the rightful Madam of the General’s Manor be her mother?

“Aunt seems quite at home in the General’s Manor,” Shen Qingwan said with a cool smile. “Anyone who knows the situation would understand that you’re assisting my mother in managing household affairs. But those who don’t… might mistake you for the lady of the house.”

Ye Minghui’s expression changed instantly.

She hurriedly explained to Ye Minglan, “Sister, you’ve been unwell for years, so I’ve been helping manage the household. After doing it for so long, I’ve become accustomed to it and forgot for a moment that you’ve recovered now. You no longer need me to handle these matters. Since you’ve just returned, it may take some time for you to adjust. I’ll organize all the household accounts over the next few days and bring them to you. Now that you’re well, it’s only right for you to take charge again.”

Her words were flawless, leaving no room for criticism.

Instead of suspecting anything, Ye Minglan felt guilty.

She thought she had burdened her sister and caused her undue hardship.

“I’ve been such a burden on you. If not for your help all these years, the household would have been in chaos.”

Although she felt her daughter’s words were a bit sharp, she didn’t blame her. In her heart, no one mattered more than her daughter.

“I’m just glad you don’t mind that I took over temporarily. Seeing you recover and Wanwan return is the best thing that could happen. It’s a pity the General isn’t home; otherwise, we could have a proper family reunion,” Ye Minghui added.

Shen Qingwan’s lips twitched.

Family reunion? With you?

Did they really think she didn’t see through their schemes? Their little game was all too obvious.

At the mention of Gu Tingyi, Ye Minglan’s eyes filled with anticipation. She wondered when he would return.

“I heard that the Northwestern army won a great victory, and Xiyue has begun peace talks. Once negotiations are settled, Tingyi should be back soon.”

Shen Qingwan had been the one to tell her this news.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have known anything about the warfront.

Ye Minghui, being in the capital, was naturally aware of the situation as well.

She had been looking forward to Gu Tingyi’s return.

Back when she followed him to the northwest, she barely had the chance to see him.

Each meeting was brief, and he always left quickly due to military matters. She had wanted to get closer to him, but there was never an opportunity.

Now, with Ye Minglan back and Shen Qingwan’s unexpected return, everything had changed.

And Ye Lingxue clenched her fists, her gaze dark and unreadable.