The True Daughter of the General's Household

Untitled Part 5

The next day, my birth mother from the General's Mansion didn't come, but Baili Qinyin did. Before I left, I'd made it clear that I didn't want them disturbing my life here.
If I wanted to see them, I would go find them myself.
Unfortunately, Qinyin didn't seem to understand that.

I was rolling up my sleeves, chopping minced meat for an elderly lady buying pork, when Qinyin leapt down from her carriage, rushing over as if to hug me—only to pinch her nose in distaste.

"Sister, I came to see you," she said softly.
I was annoyed, still baffled as to why this pampered young lady would come to flaunt herself here. The General's Mansion had made quite the scene when they took me away yesterday. Now, here she was, this delicate beauty descending upon us today.

People nearby stretched their necks to watch the spectacle.
I ignored her, carefully packed the minced meat and bid farewell to the elderly woman.
After taking off my butcher's apron and tossing it on the meat counter, I scowled at Qinyin and crooked my finger at her to follow.

My foster mother glanced at me, then at Qinyin, but ultimately said nothing.

I led her to our drafty little courtyard. She looked around with curiosity, oblivious to the darkening look on my face.
Then she called out, and servants began unloading boxes into the courtyard.
The boxes were filled with jewelry, women's accessories, and brand-new clothes.

"These are all mine. Originally, they should have been yours. Now that you've returned, it's only right to return them to you."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit offended.
But there was no mockery or malice in her expression.
Seeing my silence, she thought I was hesitant.

"These have been used, but they're still in good condition. If you don't want them, please don't throw them away. You can donate or sell them if you like.
"Father and Mother... they have some money, so if you want new things, just ask them to buy them for you."

Observing her, I realized she wasn't faking it. Baili Qinyin, pampered and naïve, was indeed as simple as she seemed.
This was what a proper young lady raised by the General's Mansion should be like—perhaps with some flaws, but genuinely kind-hearted.

Watching her pretend to be sensible, I rolled my eyes, utterly speechless.