The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Returning Home

He didn’t want to waste any more words on her. Meeting her today was just his bad luck. What a terrible person.

Pei Qingyan pulled on the reins, turned his horse around, and galloped back home, leaving Xue Yiran looking stunned.

The tears on her face hadn’t dried yet, and he just walked away like that?

Jinxin finally caught up, saw Xue Yiran standing there with tears on her face, and asked anxiously, “Miss, what’s wrong? Who made you cry?”

Xue Yiran quickly grabbed Jinxin and pointed at Pei Qingyan’s figure. “Do you know that man? Who is he?”

Jinxin followed her gaze and saw only a distant figure in shining armor with a crimson cape fluttering in the wind.

She couldn’t recognize him from just his back, but since it was the day General Wei Yuan was returning to the capital, maybe he was one of his subordinates.

“I don’t know which young master he is,” Jin Xin replied honestly.
“Today is General Wei Yuan’s return day, and there were many people at the city gate. Maybe he’s one of his men, but I didn’t see his face.”

When Xue Yiran learned that he was connected to General Wei Yuan, she made a mental note.
From the military, huh?

She thought about his handsome face and imposing aura and knew he was extraordinary. He was definitely someone worth getting to know.

As for Pei Qingyan, he considered the encounter with Xue Yiran just an unpleasant incident. It was like being bitten by a dog; he wouldn’t stoop to her level.

He was eager to see the gates of the Pei mansion, and finally, he saw the building with its vermilion doors and dark green tiles.

By the gate stood a woman with an elegant and refined appearance, bearing some resemblance to him. Her eyes sparkled when she saw him, and her lips curved into a smile, making her look radiant and beautiful. He couldn’t help but feel happy, and he wished she could always be this happy.

Pei Qingyan was overjoyed to see his sister and forgot about the unpleasant encounter. He dismounted and ran towards Pei Lingyi.

Layan and Luoxu thought their miss was indeed prophetic. Normally, returning officers would report to the palace first, but despite his low rank, Pei Qingyan’s identity was special. Still, he had come straight home.

Seeing the man running towards her, Pei Lingyi was delighted.
“Brother, you’re back,” she said softly.

Pei Qingyan reached out and placed his hands on Pei Lingyi’s shoulders, studying her face carefully. “Why are you standing at the gate in this cold weather?” he asked, concern etched in his voice.

He glanced at Layan and Luoxu behind her. “How do you take care of my sister? Don’t you know she’s delicate and can’t be exposed to the wind?”

Pei Lingyi playfully took his arm and teased, “Brother, you’re still as protective as ever. My body isn’t that fragile. I can withstand a little wind.”

Pei Qingyan treasured Pei Lingyi dearly. From a young age, he knew his delicate sister was like a fragile porcelain doll. Whenever he took her out to play as a child, she would get sick afterward. Since then, he had been extremely cautious around her.

He was always worried about her health, even now that she was grown. Whenever he saw her, he couldn’t help but ask about her well-being.

Hearing her teasing him, he couldn’t help but chuckle and gently tap her forehead. “You always know how to play tricks on me, and I always spoil you.”

Pei Lingyi giggled and said, “You’ve always been like this, brother.”

Layan and Luoxu followed behind them, watching the affectionate sibling duo and exchanging smiles.

As they entered the mansion, Pei Qingyan couldn’t help but ask, “Today is the day of our triumphant return, but how did you know I wouldn’t go to the palace to report?”

Pei Lingyi’s eyes sparkled, and she said, “I just knew. I’m your sister, and we have a special connection.”

Pei Qingyan didn’t press the issue, nodding instead. “I’ll go see Grandmother and Mother now. You can go back to your courtyard.”

He had been away for three years, and there were many things to attend to.
Pei Lingyi didn’t cling to him and nodded before leaving.

The news of the eldest young master’s return spread quickly throughout the Pei mansion.

Old Lady Pei held Pei Qingyan’s hand, looking at him with concern. “Jingzhi, you’ve lost weight and gotten darker. The border is too harsh. You shouldn’t go back there again.”

Pei Qingyan saw the silver threads in his grandmother’s hair and felt a pang in his heart. He couldn’t help but get emotional, and his mother, standing behind them, felt the same way.

Their son used to be a lively and mischievous young man, always getting into trouble. Now that he had grown up and tempered himself, they couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions.

“We’re glad you’re back, Jingzhi. Stay in the capital with us. We need you here,” his mother said.

Pei Qingyan looked at his mother and grandmother, his voice choked with emotion. “I’m sorry for making you worry about me all these years. Now that I’m back, I won’t leave again.”

He knelt down and kowtowed three times.

“Good boy, Jingzhi. You’re a good child,” Old Lady Pei said, smiling at her daughter-in-law.
“You and your sister are the future of our Pei family. You’ve done a great job raising them.”

Madam Pei smiled humbly. “It’s nothing, Mother. They’re just talented and hardworking. I didn’t do much.”

The warmth of family love flowed through the room, and even the servants in the mansion couldn’t help but feel the beauty of the moment.

Night fell.

A family banquet was held.

Today was the day Pei Qingyan returned home, and the mansion had been bustling with activity since early. The seat of honor was naturally taken by the Old Lady Pei.

The rest of the family, including Prime Minister Pei, was seated below. He looked at his son, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, and felt a mix of emotions. However, he had to maintain a stern expression on his face.

“Your journey to the border was tough, but today, the emperor praised you in court. In three days, there will be a grand banquet in the palace to welcome General Wei Yuan’s return,” he said.

“Our family will attend, and we will discuss your arrangements then. But now that you’re back, you shouldn’t go so far away again,” he added, his voice firm but with a hint of concern.

“It’s worrying for the women in the family,” he said, trying to sound stern.

Pei Lingyi looked at her father’s serious face and couldn’t help but find it amusing. She knew he was just pretending to be strict, and his words were actually filled with longing for her brother.

However, the upcoming palace banquet in three days did pique her interest. She couldn’t wait to see what it would be like.