Chapter 37 - 25: The Blind-Eyed but Clear-Hearted Marquis
Xiao Anning hesitated, only then remembering that her mother had arranged a meeting with Ji Liruo and her mother. The speaker was likely Ji Liruo’s mother? This was Xiao Anning’s first encounter with Ji Liruo’s mother.
"This is Mrs. Ji, the mother of Miss Ji. Mrs. Ji, this is my daughter, Anning." The Commandery Princess of Yong’an introduced with a smile. From the initial interaction, it was obvious that Mrs. Ji was very pleased with the match, her tone suggested she wished the two children would hold the wedding immediately.
"Greetings, Mrs. Ji." Xiao Anning bowed. So Ji Liruo was here too?
"Little Marquis, you’ve rushed here to see the Commandery Princess, you probably haven’t eaten yet? Why not have a meal first before we continue?" The more Mrs. Ji looked, the more pleased she was. To have someone of the Little Marquis’ status as her future son-in-law would further secure her position in the Prime Minister’s household. Recently, because of Tan Weizhi’s situation, her father-in-law and husband had been quite displeased with her, and her husband hadn’t visited her room for days. It was only after Ji Liruo returned from the flower-viewing banquet that her husband came to her room again.
Ji Liruo stood beside Mrs. Ji with her head lowered, but her eyes betrayed undeniable anger and helplessness. Her mother was always like this; her heart and mind solely focused on her father. Always waiting in her own little world for her father’s arrival and favor. Why had there been no change after all this time?
Her mother’s fawning attitude towards Xiao Anning was also probably because of her father’s instructions. Why did she always consider her father and seemed to care nothing for her own feelings?
It was like this now; it was like this back then!
Had she ever thought that she had a daughter? Had she ever cared about her own daughter? Had she ever thought about protecting her daughter?
𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
Probably not, never...
Ji Liruo’s hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched tightly, her nails nearly cutting into her palm.
Soon, Ji Liruo slowly released her grip.
Yes, this woman never cared about her feelings, yet she still couldn’t let her go. She was her mother, the one who gave birth to her. That was an unchangeable fact.
After the anger came deep helplessness.
The Commandery Princess of Yong’an felt comforted seeing Xiao Anning arrive in such a hurry, noticing the slight sweat on his forehead, she felt a pang of affection.
"Oh, you child, alright, go quickly and eat, come back after you’re done." The Commandery Princess of Yong’an scolded gently, sending Xiao Anning off to eat first. She glanced at Ji Liruo, not having found a chance to ask, but since Ning’er was here, she could observe how she truly felt about him.
"Yes, Mother. Mrs. Ji, I shall take my leave for now." Xiao Anning bowed again before turning to leave. As for Ji Liruo, who kept her head down and remained silent, Xiao Anning refrained from speaking to her abruptly to avoid offending her.
After Xiao Anning departed, Mrs. Ji turned to the Commandery Princess of Yong’an, smiling, "Commandery Princess, the Little Marquis is truly filial to you. I am quite envious watching him."
"Oh no, Miss Ji is very filial to you too." The Commandery Princess of Yong’an naturally smiled in response to someone praising her son and likewise complimented the other’s child.
"Indeed, Commandery Princess, I dare not boast about anything else, but in terms of filial piety, I genuinely must praise our Liruo. Since childhood, she has been so understanding and capable. So much so that, not to be laughed at, I, as her mother, am often cared for by her." Mrs. Ji recalled the Prime Minister’s words, and while chatting with the Commandery Princess of Yong’an, she decided to only praise Liruo for her filial nature, avoiding other topics.