"Xiu Qiu!"
"Brother!" she exclaimed, jumping up and hugging him. Mo Lin laughed and hugged her back, spinning her around.
She giggled.
The servants walked to the side, watching the long-separated siblings happily cuddling. Mo Lin stopped spinning and put her back on the ground.
How did you know I was back?
"Brother, news travels fast. The moment you stepped through the door, especially after you've been gone for so long, the news spread like wildfire."
"You've grown into a beautiful young lady," Mo Lin said. Xiu Qiu smiled, then retorted,
"Have I been bad ever since?" she asked, feigning hurt. Mo Lin smiled, as if he had expected her to say that. "Your beauty has never faded, little sister." He said, gently patting her head.
"Where are Mom and Dad?" Mo Lin asked.
"Dad has gone out."
"My lord has gone on the king's orders," the servant said.
"Mom is waiting for you inside. I just came out first." Xiu Qui said
"How dare you abandon your poor mother and go on alone!" the mother cried out as she approached, supported by servants.
She wore a radiant smile, the finery befitting a lady of the Xiu family, and a magnificent headdress. Everyone bowed in respect.
Mo Lin walked toward his mother with a smile, and his mother opened her arms to welcome him.
"Mother"
"Son, you're back. Why didn't you let us come and pick you up?" the mother said, cupping Mo Lin's face in her hands.
"No need, I know the way back."
"However, the journey must be tiring. Here, let me make you a cup of tea. They will go and prepare your bath water. You should rest for a while and wait for your father to arrive."
"Young master, I will arrange your room." After saying this, the servant bowed and left.
"And what about me?" Xiu Qiu asked.
"Let your mother and son be alone for a while. You've spent enough time with your brother. Go on now," their mother said, gesturing for Xiu Qiu to go away before turning to look at Mo Lin. "Come on, darling," she said, and Mo Lin helped her back to her room.
"How are your studies?" Mo Lin helped her sit down and then sat down in the seat behind her.
"All is well, Mother," he replied. At that moment, a servant brought tea, placed it on the table between them, and then left.
The mother gently picked up the teapot, gracefully poured the brewed tea into teacups, and then handed one to Mo Lin.
Mo Lin gently took the teacup, sipped a few mouthfuls, and then placed it back on the tray.
His mother stayed by his side, watching him, happy for his return. Mo Lin also turned his attention back to his mother.
"I hope you were not treated unfairly during your stay."
"No, Mom, I wasn't. I made a friend there. I'll meet with him later on."
"That's good," his mother said. "Let me release you. The bathwater should be ready. Go and take a bath." With that, Mo Lin got up, and she got up too.
"Yes, Mom," he replied. His mother smiled and placed her hand on his cheek.
Just as she was about to let him go, a servant's voice echoed across the courtyard.
"Master is back!" The words had barely left his lips when a carriage sped up, its neighing piercing the air.
The horse trainer alighted and took a small step in front of the carriage.
A moment later, a man in official robes stepped down from the carriage and, supported by servants, ascended the steps into the mansion.
The servants bowed in greeting and rushed forward to unload the things he had brought back. He walked down the corridor.
"Where is my son?" his voice rang out. He quickly reached the madam's room, where she and Mo Lin were standing in the reception area. He spotted them immediately.
"My son!" he exclaimed, bursting into laughter. Mo Lin smiled and bowed. "Hello Father, how is your health"
"Good! Good. Now, let me take a good look at you." His father said, helping Mo Lin up and placing his hands on his shoulders as he scrutinized him.
"Wow! You're taller than your old man now, and you've even inherited my looks. You'll definitely have a lot of girls chasing after me in the future."
Mo Lin chuckled at his father's words. "I remember when I was young, I was handsome, and girls would beg me to look at them, um, except for your mother, she… ah!"
As his father was speaking, he was struck in the ribs by an elbow and groaned.
"Father, are you alright?" Mo Lin asked. Seeing his father's pained expression, his father nodded slightly.
His mother stood to the side, an innocent smile on her face, as if she had done nothing wrong.
"Ahem, son. I hope you haven't caused any trouble for the teachers?" His father finally managed to straighten up and ask.
"How could he do this? My son is very quiet and gentle" his mother said.
"Teacher Zhou is in good health and sends his regards." Mo Lin said
"That's wonderful news, what about teacher—"
"Don't ask anymore questions. My son just got back. He hasn't showered or rested yet. Don't ask now," the mother interrupted
His father spoke gently. "Mo Lin, you can go back to your room now." She took the father's hand.
Mo Lin looked at his father, who had become silent. The mother continued, "Ignore him, child."
"I will take my leave now, Mother, Father." Mo Lin smiled and bowed, then turned and left, while the lady led her husband into her room
Mo Lin entered his quarters. The servant bowed, and he politely nodded in return. He stood in the doorway, gently pushed it open, and it creaked open.
He went inside, looked around, and saw everything was unchanged, as if he had never left.
His belongings were still in the places he had left it.
He picked up a few books from the table; not a speck of dust was on them.
He flipped through a few pages, then put the books back and continued deeper into the room.
His luggage was on the chair in front of the bed.
"Young master, the bathhouse is ready," the old servant called from behind.
"Thank you, Uncle…" Mo Lin said, turning around.
"I won't bother you any longer. Just call me if you need anything." After saying this, the old servant left the room and closed the door behind him.
Mo Lin walked alone to the luggage, took out each piece of item in the luggage, arranged them neatly, and then went to the prepared bath.
He took off his clothes, folded them, and placed them on the clothes rack in front of the bathtub.
The warm water embraced him, and he slowly sank into it until the water reached his neck, at which point he sighed contentedly
Finally, he was ready and dressed in the new clothes prepared for him.
He sat down at the table and took out paper, a brush, and ink. He dipped his brush in the ink and wrote something on the paper.
After finishing, he called out to a passing servant, handed him the note, and instructed him to deliver it to a designated place.
The servant nodded to indicate that he understood and left. Taking advantage of the free time, he decided to rest for a while.