Xia Jingfeng was smiling as he looked at her.
"Eldest Sister!"
...
The campaign tent was very quiet, with Eunuch Li guarding outside.
Although propriety dictated distance between men and women, they were full siblings who rarely had the chance to meet. Thus, there was no need to rigidly adhere to conventions, especially with palace maids present.
Zi Ning had prepared the tea and stood by Xia Ruqing’s side.
Xia Jingfeng appeared somewhat restrained.
Xia Ruqing simply laughed.
"What are you nervous about!"
He scratched his head, looking quite sheepish.
"Eldest Sister, you’ve changed so much!"
Xia Ruqing looked at herself, then at Zi Ning, and burst into laughter.
"Naturally! Your sister has been well-fed and cared for in the palace, so of course, I’m much better off than before!"
After laughing, she sized Xia Jingfeng up again and said with great satisfaction, "You’ve grown taller! But you’re still a bit thin. You need to eat more!"
When Xia Jingfeng heard the familiar voice, he relaxed.
He and his Eldest Sister had relied on each other to survive growing up. They were full siblings, sharing the same mother.
The words "you need to eat more" had been on his sister’s lips since they were children.
He hadn’t expected her to say the same thing upon meeting him now, still treating him like a child.
Yet, for some unknown reason, a warmth spread through his heart, so potent it made his throat tighten.
Trying to control his emotions, Xia Jingfeng said, "Eldest Sister, I’ve grown so tall. I’m not a child anymore!"
Sipping her tea, Xia Ruqing felt a little puzzled. What is this handsome young man thinking? Why does it look like he’s about to cry? When I told him to eat more, it was just a casual reminder! He’s just a kid; if I don’t say this, I don’t know what else to say to him.
However, after a moment’s reflection, Xia Ruqing understood.
He must be remembering the hardships they, as siblings, endured in the past. After all, the original owner’s life was so tragic. She had finally struggled through, only to perish... Since I’m occupying her body, I might as well commit to the role.
She quickly dredged up the previous owner’s memories. After a moment of bittersweet reflection, she smiled and said, "Fortunately, we made it through. Mother in heaven will surely be very happy to see us."
Xia Jingfeng managed to smile as well.
"You’re right, Eldest Sister!"
"Mother will surely be very happy!"
As soon as their mother was mentioned, his voice choked, and his eyes reddened.
A man does not easily shed tears, only when truly heartbroken.
Seeing him like this, Xia Ruqing quickly changed the subject.
She asked how he was faring at their eldest brother’s home and inquired about his studies.
"Are this year’s imperial examinations over? What are your plans next?"
Xia Jingfeng’s mood quickly recovered. After a moment of thought, he said, "The results haven’t been released yet! If I don’t pass, I’ll continue to study for the exams. If I do pass, I naturally want to serve the Imperial Court to the best of my ability! Even if it’s only as a Ninth-Rank County Magistrate, I want to strive for it with all my might!"
As he said this, his fists were clenched, and his gaze was filled with unprecedented determination.
He was a man of few words, but his heart was clear as day.
The Xia Family couldn’t be relied upon, nor could his father. He could only depend on himself.
Because he had someone he wanted to protect, he had to strive hard.
Seeing him like this, Xia Ruqing paused for a moment, then smiled.
"Good!"
"Your Eldest Sister supports you!"
Rich or poor, a man with his own views is a man who can stand tall.
Xia Ruqing was very pleased. This brother of mine is truly remarkable!
She smiled again.
"Seeing you doing so well, I can rest assured in the palace!"
Xia Jingfeng nodded.
"Rest assured, Eldest Sister! I will definitely work hard!"
I will definitely become your support. Even if the whole world thinks ill of you, to me, you will always be my dearest Eldest Sister!
...
After chatting a bit more about other things, the siblings parted ways.
All in all, it was no more than half an hour.
Back in her own tent, Xia Ruqing finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Her heart ached once more for the original owner and her brother.
Actually, it wasn’t surprising that Xia Jingfeng was easily moved to tears. The siblings had simply endured too much hardship.
If the original owner were still here, she might have broken down long ago.
"Alas..."
A thousand words were contained in that single sigh.
Zi Ning came forward with a smile.
"Mistress, you needn’t worry. This servant can see that Second Young Master is an exceptionally capable person!"
His eyes are so bright, so full of spirit. He looks nothing like those profligate young masters!
Xia Ruqing smiled faintly and nodded.
"Yes, he is very capable!"
Original owner, do you see? Your brother is the best brother in the whole world! You’re so lucky!
She was even a little envious. To think that in modern times, besides my grandmother, I had no other relatives!
"Alas..."
Another sigh. This sigh was for herself. She was quite pitiful too, wasn’t she?
Seeing her somewhat downcast, Zi Ning said no more and changed the subject.
"Mistress, the Emperor will be back from the hunt soon. Shall we go out for a stroll?"
Xia Ruqing mentally calculated the time. It should be about time. It’s been one Shi Chen for the round trip!
With that, she led Zi Ning out.
...
The act of hunting itself was uninteresting, even somewhat dull. It was an annual affair.