A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

With all these trivial matters out of the way, it was finally the day of the engagement ceremony.

According to custom, the engagement ceremony was to be held in the bride’s house. As such, Old Master Li led the family over to the Xia Family village. While Old Master Li didn’t like this granddaughter-in-law, he knew that her family background was not to be disrespected or offended. Hence, he made sure that he showed Xia Ling face in all the preparations.

He handed a jade bangle to Xia Ling, saying, “This is the Li Family heirloom. It’s traditionally worn by the Family Head’s wife. I’m handing it to you now. In the future, this will represent your status as the wife of the Family Head.” The deep green jade bangle with beautiful marbling shone and was warm to the touch.

Xia Ling received it and respectfully thanked the Old Master.

Since the Old Master was being courteous to her, she would return with the same courtesy. Regardless of how much they bickered at home, he was still an important person in the Li Family and they knew that this ceremony was not one that they should act out of place.

She smiled at her husband-to-be. “Help me to put it on.”

Li Lei smiled back at her before reaching out and helping her to slip the jade bangle onto her hand.

It fit perfectly.

“Live well with Li Lei in the future… the Li Family has such high hopes for you, don’t disappoint them.” This time, it was Madam Xia, who was dressed to the nines, speaking. Madam Xia was happy to see that the Li Family was giving the jade bangle to Xia Ling preemptively, as this was a mark of respect and acceptance of Xia Ling into the family.

However, who said that the Old Master truly accepted Xia Ling?

He was just wary of the Xia Family’s power and hence, decided that it was appropriate to gift her the family heirloom ahead of the wedding.

Xia Ling didn’t tell the backstory to her mother. This matter was not something that her mother should worry about. She smiled sweetly and took her mother’s words to heart, responding softly, “Mummy, I’ll make sure to be happy.” She lifted her head and looked lovingly at her one true love.

Li Lei was dressed in the smoky-colored suit that she had gifted him, looking dashing. He was like the perfect protector standing by her side. He glanced at her gently before turning to Madam Xia. “Mum, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Xiao Ling.”

He smiled. It was wonderful to be able to call Xia Ling’s mother “mum.” It made them feel so much closer.

Madam Xia was overjoyed. Other than preparing huge red packets for them, she also placed two heavy gold chains into Li Lei’s hands. She said, “Good child… feel free to treat this place as your home as well. I was drawn to you the moment we met… you’re so unlike that ice cube we have in the house. After so many decades, he’s never called me mum quite as sweetly as you do.”

The “ice cube” big brother standing to the side felt irritated. Was she even his biological mother? Even though he knew that his mother was always regretful that she had only one son, and would always chide him for being too serious, lamenting that she should have had one more son to cheer her up, but… Mum, who was the one who asked for the two-sided contract to be changed to the owner-slave covenant during the Phoenix Comeback Ceremony?

After what you did to Li Lei, you’re still smiling like nothing’s wrong? Does Li Lei even know about what happened?

Big Brother was tempted to reveal what she had done but controlled himself for the sake of peace in the family.

Madam Xia didn’t feel abashed at all. In her eyes, Li Lei was an outsider before, but after the owner-slave covenant was established, and now that he had called her mum, he was both part of the family as well as their private property. With such a sweet-talking son-in-law, what use was this cold eldest son?

In that moment, the poor big brother was being despised by his own mother.

Li Lei continued to smile happily, calling Madam Xia “mum” a few more times. He said, “My biological mother died when I was really young. All these years, I’ve been so envious of others with their mothers. Now that I have you, I’ll treat you like you’re my biological mother.”

Madam Xia was touched and said, “Of course, I’ll be just like your biological mother in the future.”

The saying goes that mothers-in-law tended to like their sons-in-law more as the days past, and this was a perfect example of that. Even Family Head Xia started to get jealous. He cleared his throat several times and said a few stern words to Li Lei.

Li Lei responded warmly, “Dad, I’ll come to play chess with you often in the future.”

With that, Family Head Xia’s irritation dissipated entirely. “That’s my good son!”

Xia Moyan was speechless.

The engagement ceremony continued without a hitch. The Xia Family arranged for a banquet, and the entire village joined in the celebrations. The day’s festivities ended late, and the Li Family stayed the night.

Xia Ling returned to her room, changed out of her gown, and removed her makeup. She was feeling sore from running around all day and commanded Li Lei, who had climbed through the window as usual. “Give me a back massage.”

Li Lei did as she asked, massaging her into a state of full relaxation.

As he hugged her to himself and prepared to sleep, there was a sudden knock on the door. “Xiao Ling…”

Li Lei was upset. This was the voice of the big brother that always sent a shiver down his spine.

“I’ll go open the door. You be good.” Xia Ling mouthed to him.

Li Lei nodded and watched as she left.

Xia Ling opened the door and asked, “Brother, you’re looking for me?”

Xia Moyan said lightly, “Xia Yu is back.”

Xia Ling was stunned for a moment, before asking, “She tried to murder Shaohui and turned herself in. How did she manage to appear here all fine and dandy?”

“Didn’t you remember that other than turning herself in, she said that she wanted to come back to the family?” Xia Moyan reminded her. “Xia Yu did go turn herself in. However, given how things panned out, and seeing that no real harm was done, the courts ruled that she botched her attempt at murder and was sentenced to three years in jail, but can serve her sentence on bail.”

“What does that mean?” Xia Ling’s legal knowledge was lacking.

“In other words, she’s a free bird in these three years. She’s free to come back to the Xia Family, and to stay here if she wishes.” Xia Moyan replied.

“Isn’t that being too lenient on her?!” Xia Ling was upset. “My little Shaohui almost died!”

Xia Moyan responded calmly, “What’s there for you to be unhappy about? She’s chosen to turn herself in and come back to the family. There are rules within the family as well. She’s tried to kill the son of the Phoenix… do you really think we will let her off so easily?”

“Will you kill her?” Xia Ling asked.

“We would, usually.” Xia Moyan said. “However, she’s part of your destiny and it’s not appropriate for us to punish her too harshly or it could alter the course of your life. We’ve decided that she will receive 30 lashes, and that will be repeated every year on the birthday of the Phoenix’s son.” This wasn’t a light sentence. 30 lashes would usually result in there being many open wounds, and Xia Yu would be virtually bedridden for a good ten days to half a month.

Xia Ling was mildly disappointed but decided that this was better than Xia Yu going scot-free.

Xia Moyan could tell that she wasn’t happy. “She’s now in the main room preparing to receive her punishment. Do you want to go to watch?”