After travelling for past 5 days and nights, Bai Rouyuan's carriage finally arrived at Lingnan City.
The moment their carriage crossed the jade bridge into Lingnan City, her breath caught.
The air smelled of silk, lotus, incense, and warm wind.
The streets glittered.
Everything glowed.
Lingnan City was unlike anything she had ever imagined.
Silk banners fluttered from tall wooden towers, dyed in shades of indigo and rose-gold.
Merchant stalls lined the streets, overflowing with gems, embroidered robes, carved jade, musical instruments, delicate fans, rare herbs, and shimmering fabrics that danced in the light like water.
Musicians played soft melodies on guqin and flutes.
Perfumes drifted from teahouses.
Elegant ladies in flowing robes walked like floating clouds.
Even Xiaoya stared with round eyes.
Bai Yanyu forgot how to breathe.
And Rouyuan felt something stir in her chest — a strange sense of belonging, as if her soul recognized this place.
Master Su Yuelian smiled.
"Welcome," she said softly, "to the land of your mother."
The Wen Merchant Clan Mansion
When the carriages turned into a massive stone gate guarded by two golden lion statues, Rouyuan's heart skipped.
The guard shouted: "Wen Merchant Clan, main residence!"
Rouyuan gasped.
She lifted her Shāmào[1] slightly to see better.
Before them rose a mansion so vast it looked like a small palace.
Tall walls carved with phoenix patterns.
Wide courtyards glittering with silver lanterns.
Marble floors polished so smooth they reflected the sky.
Bridges curling over koi ponds filled with golden fish.
Gardens stretching far enough to disappear into mist.
But the most stunning were the workshops.
A vast complex on the left — loom halls where rolls of silk hung like waterfalls.
On the right, enormous jewellery workshops — artisans hammering gold, polishing jade, setting diamonds.
Behind them, warehouses stacked with fine fabrics, gemstones, carved boxes, rare minerals, scrolls, spices, dyes…
Bai Rouyuan and Bai Yanyu froze like statues.
This is not a mansion. This is a kingdom....
Master Su whispered with a soft smile, "Your mother grew up here."
Rouyuan pressed her hand to her heart.
Bai Yanyu trembled beside her.
"So, this…" he whispered, voice shaking, "…was Mom's world?"
Rouyuan nodded.
Their mother, Wen Rouying — gentle, elegant, adored.
Had played in these gardens.
Studied in these halls.
Walked through these silk corridors.
Rouyuan could almost see her ghostly silhouette, dancing among the lotus petals.
The Gates Open
A deep voice echoed.
"WHO'S THERE?"
The heavy gates opened—
And an elderly man with long silver hair strode out, dressed in silk robes and jade ornaments.
Even from afar, his presence was powerful.
His eyes — sharp, intelligent, lonely — fell upon Bai Rouyuan.
His breath hitched.
"…Rouying."
The name slipped from his lips like a prayer.
Bai Rouyuan froze.
This man was—her maternal grandfather, Wen Shisheng.
Patriarch of the Wen Merchant Clan.
But more than that…
Rouyuan's breath caught in her chest.
Her heart trembled violently.
He looked exactly like her grandfather from her past life—Wen Qian.
The same steady brows.
The same gentle yet firm eyes.
The same dignified presence that always made her feel safe.
For a moment, Bai Rouyuan couldn't move.
Her two lifetimes overlapped, past and present blurring until she wasn't sure which world she stood in.
Wen Shisheng stepped forward slowly, his entire body trembling with emotion—unaware of the storm inside the little girl before him.
When he reached her, he knelt —a mighty merchant lord kneeling before a ten-year-old girl.
His voice broke, "You… you look just like her."
His hand shook as he touched her cheek.
"The same eyes… the same gentleness… my Rouying…"
Rouyuan didn't know what broke first—
Her breath,
Her heartbeat,
Or the walls she thought she'd built between two lifetimes.
The moment she looked into Wen Shisheng's face…the face that mirrored her past-life grandfather Wen Qian so perfectly—her vision blurred.
Her chest tightened painfully.
This wasn't just recognition.
It was coming home after two worlds of loneliness.
Her lips trembled, "…Grandpa…?"
The word slipped out—not from this life, but from the memories of a girl who once cried in Wen Qian's arms, laughing, growing, being loved.
Wen Shisheng stiffened, eyes widening at the soft, tear-choked whisper.
Bai Rouyuan's tears finally fell—quiet, uncontrollable—as if two lifetimes were grieving at once.
Wen Shisheng inhaled sharply.
He gathered her into his arms, holding her as if afraid she would vanish.
"Child… my precious child… we thought we lost you."
Bai Yanyu stood frozen until Wen Shisheng pulled him into the embrace too.
"My precious grandson…you too, look like Rouying when she was young…"
Bai Yanyu trembled and buried his face in the old man's chest.
"I-I remember her voice… Grandpa."
Wen Shisheng cried openly now.
"My poor grandchildren…"
"My daughter's child…"
"You suffered so much…"
The Wen Clan's Shock
More people rushed out.
Aunties.
Uncles.
Servants.
Cousins.
Gasps filled the air.
"Look—!"
"It's Lady Rouying's children—!"
"They resemble her so much—!"
"Poor little ones…"
"Bring them inside quickly—!"
"Prepare the Lotus Hall—!"
Hands fluttered.
Servants knelt.
The entire clan bowed deeply.
Rouyuan stared, overwhelmed.
In Bai's Manor, she had been bullied. Ignored. Mocked.
Here—people treated her like treasure.
Wen Xianyi Appears
Someone pushed through the crowd — a girl about Rouyuan's age, with bright eyes and long soft hair tied in silk ribbons.
Wen Xianyi, daughter of Rouyuan's mother's eldest brother, Wen Roushan.
She stopped in front of Rouyuan, staring at her veil.
"Are you… my little cousin?"
Rouyuan nodded shyly.
Wen Xianyi sighed dramatically. "You're so tiny! And cute! Just like the lotus dolls in the shop!"
Then, without hesitation, she grabbed Bai Rouyuan's hand.
"Come! I'll show you everything!
The gardens, the silk towers, the jewelry hall, the treasure chamber!"
Bai Yanyu stepped forward protectively, "Not too fast."
Wen Xianyi blinked.
Then grinned, "You must be Cousin Yanyu! Dad told me you're a genius!"
Bai Yanyu turned red.
Rouyuan giggled softly behind her veil.
Grandfather Wen laughed through his tears, "Yi Er, slow down. They've travelled far."
Wen Xianyi huffed but obediently slowed her pace.
"Fine, fine. But Cousin Rouyuan must stay next to me."
She held Rouyuan's hand with warm determination.
And strangely— Rouyuan felt safe.
A Home She Never Knew
The servants ushered them toward the main Lotus Hall.
Silk curtains swayed gently.
The floors smelled of sandalwood.
Every corner glimmered with love and memory.
Suddenly, Rouyuan stopped walking.
"Grandpa…" she whispered. "…Did Mom live here?"
He nodded, tears softening his gaze.
"She laughed here. Sang here. Learned here. Loved here."
Rouyuan lowered her head.
Her chest ached — not with sadness, but with a longing she never knew she had.
For the first time in her new life—she felt she had come home.
A Night of Warmth in the Wen Clan
Night descended softly over Lingnan City, and lanterns lit up the entire Wen Clan Mansion, bathing the courtyards in warm golden glow.
Tonight was not an ordinary dinner.
It was a family gathering—a reunion welcoming the long-lost children of their beloved Lady Wen Rouying.
Inside the Grand Lotus Hall, long tables were filled with steaming dishes, musical instruments played softly at the corners, and laughter danced in the air.
It was nearly a feast.
The Family Gathers, Wen Shisheng, the patriarch, stood proudly at the head of the table.
"Tonight," he declared warmly, "We welcome home Rouying's children—Rouyuan and Yanyu."
Applause and soft cheers filled the hall.
Rouyuan bowed politely.
Bai Yanyu bowed stiffly, overwhelmed but happy.
Wen Shisheng led them around the hall to introduce relatives.
Wen Roushan & Bo Aimin Family
The first couple stood gracefully, smiling warmly.
Wen Roushan, tall and steady, was Wen Rouying's elder brother— the one who helped Wen Shisheng manage the clan's massive operations and business.
Beside him was his wife, Bo Aimin, elegant and gentle.
Bo Aimin knelt slightly to meet Rouyuan's eyes. "You look so much like Rouying," she whispered, voice trembling with affection.
"If she could see you now… she would be so happy."
Rouyuan can felt her heart warm.
Wen Roushan's Son — Wen Xiangyu, a young man with clear eyes and calm demeanor bowed.
"I'm Xiangyu Ge," he said politely. "I'm close in age to your eldest brother. If you ever need help, just tell me."
Rouyuan blinked.
Such a serious young man… very different from bubbly Wen Xianyi.
Speaking of—
Wen Xianyi, unable to sit still, threw her arms around Rouyuan.
"These are my cousins! Aren't they cute?!"
Bo Aimin sighed. "Yi Er… mind your manners."
Rouyuan giggled softly behind her veil.
As Bai Rouyuan and Bai Yuyan finished greeting Wen Roushan's family, Wen Shisheng's expression softened with nostalgia.
"There is someone important you must know about," he said gently.
The hall quieted slightly.
Consort Wen Rouya — First Concubine of the Emperor
"Your mother had three siblings," Wen Shisheng continued.
"The eldest is Wen Rouya, now known as Consort Rou,"
"The Emperor's First Concubine."
Rouyuan blinked in surprise.
This was her aunt—but one who lived in the palace, far from this world of merchants and rivers.
Wen Roushan added with a respectful tone, "Consort Rou Niángniáng[2] cannot leave the palace freely,"
"Especially not at night."
"And to come here, a long journey needed, so it not necessary for her to come."
"But she sends word often." Bo Aimin smiled warmly.
"She cried when she heard you two were coming home."
"She has always loved Rouying dearly."
Wen Xianyi nodded vigorously.
"Consort Rou Niángniang, always brings gifts whenever she visits us!"
"She will definitely dote on you both!"
Rouyuan bit her lip, her heart trembling.
Wen Shisheng continued softly.
"She once told me this—If Rouying's children return..."
"Tell them my arms are open.'"
Bai Yuyan bowed his head respectfully. "Grandpa… we did not expect this so much kindness."
Wen Shisheng's eyes glistened.
"You are her blood."
"You are Rouying's children."
"This family will never abandon you."
Rouyuan felt warmth blooming inside her chest—so warm it almost hurt.
For the first time, she felt… wanted. Protected. And loved.
Introducing the Four Wen Clan Pavilions
Once everyone settled, Wen Roushan explained the structure of the Wen Clan businesses to Bai Yuyan and Bai Rouyuan.
"There are four main pavilions in our merchant clan," he said proudly.
Yunli Pavilion — The Fine Silks & Craft Pavilion
Specializing in silk & fine fabrics, dye houses & pigment factories, embroidery ateliers, tea & medicinal herbs, ceramics & lacquerware, exotic imported goods, and exquisite artisan products (fans, hair ornaments, combs).
This pavilion carried the artistic legacy of the Wen Merchant Clan.
Haoxing Pavilion — Logistics, Shipping & Trade Pavilion
Handling in river & sea transport, merchant fleets, caravan routes, trade contracts & shipping, storage depots, and wholesale distributions & warehouses.
The movement engine of the Wen Merchant Clan.
Wen Qianbao Pavilion — The Luxury & Jewelry Pavilion
The richest division, handling in gold, diamond and gemstone mines, jade, pearl and silver workshops, Jewelry crafting, high-end jewelry exports, luxury boxes, perfume bottles, and hairpins.
This was the wealth engine of the entire Wen Merchant Clan.
Huayan Pavilion — Perfume, Fragrance & Incense Pavilion
This division originally belonged to Wen Rouying.
It produced perfumes, fragrance incense, aroma oils, soaps, shampoo, hair oils, makeup products, beauty balms & healing, and salves Scented merchandise.
After her death, the pavilion fell dormant…
Rouyuan felt warmth bloom in her chest as she listened.
"One day… this will be mine. I will revive Mother's legacy."
A Secret the Public Never Knew
Wen Roushan glanced around before lowering his voice.
"Our family also manages the hidden network—The Silk Whisper Guild."
Bai Yuyan's eyes widened.
Wen Xianyi leaned close, whispering dramatically, "It's a huge spy network! Merchants, caravan riders, jewel miners—even brothels and tea houses work for us!"
Rouyuan nearly choked on her tea.
Her grandfather coughed lightly, "Yi Er, mind your mouth."
But her words were true.
The Silk Whisper Guild— was the Wen Clan's silent blade in the dark.
The Arrival of Prince Murong Yunxian
Just as the hall grew lively with laughter, a soft rustle spread through the crowd.
Servants straightened.
Relatives stopped talking.
Lantern light flickered against rippling silk robes.
A gentle yet commanding voice echoed at the entrance.
"Grandfather, I hope I'm not too late."
Everyone turned.
A tall young man entered—graceful, refined, dressed in pale blue princely robes embroidered with flowing river patterns.
His presence was elegant and serene, like moonlight over calm waters.
Prince Murong Yunxian, Marshal of the Southern River Silk Region — Maternal family: Wen Clan
Wen Shisheng's face lit with pride. "Xian Er!"
"Just in time."
Rouyuan blinked.
Murong Yunxian walked toward her with warm eyes, and a gentle smile that eased the heart.
He bowed lightly to Wen Shisheng. "I came in to celebrate Aunt Rouying's Children too."
"You never miss Wen Clan gatherings." Wen Shisheng replied happily.
Murong Yunxian's gaze drifted to Bai Rouyuan and Bai Yanyu.
When he saw their delicate figures—Bai Rouyuan in her pale fù miàn jīn[3] veil,
Bai Yuyan sitting properly beside her—his expression softened even more.
"These must be Aunt Rouying's children," he said quietly.
Wen Shisheng nodded. "Yuan Er. Yu Er."
"This is your older cousin—Prince Murong Yunxian."
Murong Yunxian bent down slightly to meet their eyes, a gesture rare from someone of his status.
"Welcome back to the Wen family," he said gently.
Rouyuan felt warmth bloom in her chest.
His aura was calm, steady—like a river flowing under moonlight.
Bai Yuyan bowed deeply. "Your Highness."
Prince Murong Yunxian shook his head softly.
"In the Wen Clan Mansion," he said with a warm smile, "We are family."
"You may call me Xian Ge."
Rouyuan's eyes widened. "…Xian… Ge?"
He chuckled softly. "Yes."
Wen Xianyi rushed over, grabbing Bai Rouyuan's arm excitedly.
"Xian Ge is amazing! He's gentle, smart, and the best person in our region!"
Murong Yunxian coughed lightly, embarrassed. "Ah Yi, don't exaggerate."
But Rouyuan could tell—his kindness was genuine.
A Prince Who Belonged to Both Worlds
Prince Murong Yunxian took his seat beside Wen Roushan, yet his eyes often shifted toward Bai Rouyuan and Bai Yuyan—checking on them with discreet care.
It made Rouyuan feel Shy but strangely safe.
Wen Roushan explained softly to the children, "Your Cousin Yunxian visits often."
"The Southern River Silk Region is his domain, and the Wen Clan manages most of the trade and economic affairs in this region."
Wen Shisheng smiled proudly.
"He's half-Wen."
"His loyalty to this clan runs deep."
Murong Yunxian nodded humbly.
"The Wen Clan raised my mother. Protected her. Protected me."
"And now… they will protect both of you too."
Rouyuan lowered her eyes, emotions swelling again.
She didn't just return to a family.
She returned to a clan, a network, a shelter—strong enough to stand against any storm.
A Night of Acceptance – Bai Rouyuan's Quiet Wish
Dinner continued with stories, and warm embraces — with music, laughter, and warm conversations swirling around her—
Rouyuan sat between Wen Xianyi and Bai Yuyan,
Wen cousins crowded around Rouyuan and Bai Yuyan.
Aunts fussed over Rouyuan's delicate face.
Uncles praised Bai Yanyu's intelligence.
Servants brought extra dessert for the two children.
Rouyuan again felt warmth spreading through her chest—
This family… accepted her. Cherished her. Loved her.
She glanced at Prince Murong Yunxian again.
So gentle. So refined. So much like a guardian spirit watching over his kin.
As the night ended, Rouyuan returned to her room in the Lotus Courtyard.
She lay under the silk canopy bed, moonlight spilling gently inside.
Today was the first day she truly felt she belonged.
Her eyes slowly closed.
"I hope tomorrow," she whispered sleepily,
"…will be just as happy."
And for the first time since waking in this world—she fell asleep with a peaceful smile.
[1] A silk cap veil covering from head to chest.
[2] Your Ladyship - respectful address for a royal consort.
[3] A light veil used in traditional Chinese culture that covers the face while allowing some visibility. Usually wear in martial art, medical job and travelling.