Upon the first glance at Mrs. Zhao and her daughter, Wang Yanâs presumptions about Zhao Fengâs mother and sister were immediately shattered, as they were nothing like she had imagined. In her mind, her future mother-in-law was supposed to be an ordinary woman from the village, and her sister-in-law the same. But a single look was enough to overturn her expectations.
This kind of natural temperament could not be faked, especially not to a woman like Wang Yan, who was born in the Royal Capital and could easily sense it. Her future mother-in-law exuded the air of a former lady of high standing. Despite her simple clothes, she carried herself nothing like a typical rural woman of this era. Her future sister-in-law, meanwhile, radiated an elegance that was not the least bit inferior to her own and even possessed an aura of worldly transcendence.
While Wang Yan was still in a daze, Mrs. Zhao looked at her and asked tentatively, "You are?" She wanted to confirm Wang Yanâs identityâto see if she was truly her sonâs bride, as Yan Bing had claimed.
Wang Yan stepped forward slowly and said with gentle respect, "Auntie, might you be Zhao Fengâs mother?"
"Yes," Mrs. Zhao nodded.
Receiving confirmation, Wang Yan immediately curtsied, performing a formal greeting. "Wang Yan pays her respects to Auntie," she said as she bowed.
Hearing this, Mrs. Zhaoâs eyes lit up and her expression completely relaxed. She turned to exchange a look with Zhao Ying beside her, their glances conveying the same thought.
So itâs true.
Still, Mrs. Zhao remained composed. She quickly walked down to help Wang Yan up. "Please, stand," she said warmly, taking Wang Yanâs arm. "I had only heard that Fengâer was betrothed to a lady from the Xianyang Royal Family. I thought it was just a rumor, but I never expected it to be true."
"Thank you, Auntie," Wang Yan replied, allowing herself to be helped up.
Wang Yan then turned her gaze to Zhao Ying. "This must be Zhao Fengâs sister? Zhao Ying," she called out softly.
"Sister-in-law," Zhao Ying stepped forward, her own greeting just as warm.
At the sound of "sister-in-law," Wang Yanâs smile grew even brighter. "Yingâer," she said, "I have brought some gifts for you and Auntie." She then turned her head and instructed a guard, "Bring them inside the residence."
"Yes, my lady," the guards promptly responded, carrying the boxes into the house one by one.
Just then, a sound pierced the air.
WAAH, WAAH...
Another babyâs cry immediately followed the first. The sudden wailing made both Mrs. Zhao and her daughter look toward the carriage in confusion. It never occurred to them that Wang Yan had already given birth to their sonâs children.
From the carriage, two maids slowly descended and approached Wang Yan. "Miss, the young master and young miss are awake."
Wang Yan smiled radiantly and walked toward them.
"They couldnât be... my brotherâs, could they?" Zhao Ying whispered.
Mrs. Zhaoâs eyes widened, her gaze fixed on the two swaddled infants with immense anticipation.
Wang Yan gestured for the maids to come forward. "Auntie," she said softly, "this pair of children belongs to Zhao Feng. Theyâre almost three months old. They are your grandson and granddaughter."
At her words, Mrs. Zhaoâs expression shifted through a storm of emotionsâdisbelief, shock, and finally, overwhelming joy. "Feng... Fengâerâs?" Her voice trembled as she took an involuntary step forward, her eyes locked on the two crying infants. "This... This is my grandson?" she asked, still unable to believe it.
"Yes," Wang Yan nodded with a smile. "This is the elder, the brother. And this is the sister. A pair of Dragon and Phoenix twins."
"Wonderful! Fengâer is truly blessed!" Mrs. Zhaoâs face was wreathed in smiles. "I have grandchildren now!" As she looked at the pair of infants, her hands trembled so much she did not know what to do.
"Let Auntie hold one," Wang Yan said immediately.
The maid holding the older twin stepped forward and gently handed the baby to Mrs. Zhao. Once he was in her arms, Mrs. Zhao clutched him tightly, her movements extremely cautious, as if terrified she might drop him.
Nearby, Zhao Ying was still in a daze.
Iâm an aunt? No way! Sister-in-law actually gave my brother a pair of Dragon and Phoenix twins, just like my brother and me. Should I go hold one? These are my nephew and niece!
she thought, her heart a mess of conflicting emotions.
Just then, Wang Yan noticed her and walked over with a smile. "Yingâer, donât you want to hold your niece?"
"I... Can I really?" Zhao Ying asked, twisting the hem of her clothes in nervous anticipation.
"Of course, you can," Wang Yan said with a smile. "Youâre their aunt, after all."
"Thank you, sister-in-law!" This time, Zhao Yingâs address was utterly sincere. Full of nervous excitement, she cautiously approached and took her niece from the maidâs arms.
"Sheâs so tiny," Zhao Ying murmured, gazing at her niece with a face full of joy. "This is my niece. This is amazing."
"He looks so much like Fengâer when he was little," Mrs. Zhao said joyfully, cradling her grandson. "Itâs like they were cast from the same mold."
"Mother," Zhao Ying chimed in, holding her niece closer for inspection. "Quick, see if my niece looks like me!"
"You silly girl," Mrs. Zhao chuckled. "My granddaughter will take after her mother. How could she look like you?" With her two new grandchildren, Mrs. Zhao was overflowing with happiness.
"Hmph," Zhao Ying snorted playfully, holding her niece with adoration. "I canât believe I have a niece now. Iâll have someone to keep me company in the future."
At that moment, Yan Bing approached and clasped his fist in a respectful salute to Wang Yan. "Greetings, Miss Wang."