Most of the time, Jiang Chen does not understand his aunt actions. Whether it is talking to herself randomly or saying things he does not know, his aunt is hard to follow. There are also moments where she's in front of you but it seems like she's looking somewhere else.
Her thoughts--- Jiang Chen wondered where they lingers.
But there is one thing his young mind could comprehend; his imperial aunt, even if she like to deny it, wears her heart on her sleeves.
"Auntie… why are you sad?" Jiang Chen asked slowly, forcing each word to form in his mouth.
The first reaction of Wei Yi Yi is to answer him with, 'you'll understand once you grow up', thinking that there's no need for a child as young as him to involve himself.
But then, Wei Yi Yi couldn't find within herself to brush off his concerns. He bravely asked and slapping the hand that reach out to you with worry is just so sad.
"Were you worried Ah Chen? Awww… Having such a cute little angel caring over me is healing my soul." With a laugh, Wei Yi Yi lifted Jiang Chen by his waist and cradled him in her embrace.
"Aunt!" The sudden gesture startled Jiang Chen and unconsciously straggled.
However, when he thought that his action might be interpreted as a rejection towards his aunt, Jiang Chen stiffen in place, his face turning red in embarrassment.
Wei Yi Yi laugh heartily. She put a hand on the back of his hand then proceed to stroke his hair, trying to smooth down his emotions. "I saw someone really important… my 'brother'." Glancing straight at Jiang Chen, she continued with certainty, "I'm sure that he's my brother--- and that remind me strongly of home. It rudely woke me up to the reality that… that I might have lost everything. It was heartbreaking and suffocating and I thought, I'm allowed to cry at least. And so I did. But I'm all good not that I let it all out! You worry too much Lil one. Don't forget how amazing your aunt is!"
Wei Yi Yi definitely just throw out of her head the ugly image of her crying. In her defense, it's an effective mode when it comes to moving on.
As for Jiang Chen, astonishment formed in his eyes and he asked curiously, "Do you missed the Wei manor, Auntie?"
Although the maternal family remain connected to the daughter and form as their closest backing once married, it was a fact that married daughters are but water that spilled. Their achievement, their crimes, and their child will belong to their husbands. They were raised to be married and there's no daughter that grew up unaware of this fact. In reality, everything a woman did in his youth, was all to find a good family to marry into. And from then on, everything that they will do, was all to follow the husband.
It was the first time, that Jiang Chen saw someone strongly attached to their maternal family.
Is his aunt strongly devoted to her maternal family? But then, aren't the wives belong to their husbands? Then, imperial aunt's loyalty toward his Imperial Uncle…?
Thinking about dangerous points, Jiang Chen stop his thoughts. It might be that he's also too young to understand.
After Jiang Chen asked about the Wei Manor, Wei Yi Yi knew that he was thinking of another 'home'. It's understandable while she also found it laughable. That place is 'Wei Yi Yi's' home but can she call it hers too? What belong to her and what did not, it was hard to draw a line in between.
Does she lost herself then gain 'Wei Yi Yi's'? Or did 'Wei Yi Yi' lost hers?
What more, 'Wei Yi Yi's' memories are far and in-between. There's no telling what's in her mind before she died nor her feelings at that moment.
'It was like she's purposely trying to forget something,' Wei Yi Yi thought suspiciously.
"Maybe." Wei Yi Yi brought out a white lie. "How about Ah Chen? Do you missed Cheng Wang Fu?"
Jiang Chen gave her a contemplating look. After a long pause, he said something depressing in a normal tone. "For as far as I remember, I have always been in the palace. As for the Cheng Wang Fu, I don't have any memories regarding it, Auntie."
Hearing this kind of respond, Wei Yi Yi broke in cold sweat. Her face stiffen in an awkward manner and her head are full of warning flags.
Holy fondue!
Holy fondue!
This is actually not just a case of a relative trying to raise someone else child! This is borderline kidnapping! Why does this kid have no memories of his house?! That mean Boss took him away when he was still an infant!
Fudge, does Boss know that a child's custody with age below seven or what, belong to the mother? Someone's going to sue you, Boss!
Wei Yi Yi put both her hands on his shoulder and shake him. "Ah Chen, do you know who's your mother? Or your father?!" she asked in panic.
"Of course I know! Auntie, you're weird again!"
"I'm just making sure. We're treading dangerous waters here! Where's your mom exactly? When will she visit you? We need a serious talk! A meeting, yes, yes, a meeting, I tell you!"
"I don't know…" Jiang Chen hesitate.
"Can't she enter the palace?" Wei Yi Yi thought it might be the case. In the novels that she read, the imperial palace is a place that so sacred in others eyes that it's a sin to simply step inside.
Should she smuggle a person in?
There are times, around eight out of ten, that Wei Yi Yi's line of thoughts are a lot more threatening than the imperial palace.
"It's not 'can't'. But mother said it's complicated so I must endu---"
"Ah! The phoenix seal!" Wei Yi Yi reached enlightenment. Isn't she an empress? Can't she just summon a person inside with the empress decree? Aiyo, smuggling a person? Ahaha, there's no need for such complication. "Wait here Lil one. This aunt shall collect your mother!"
Jiang Chen gave her a questionable look as she put him down. Wei Yi Yi then proceed to scramble around her things. She remember throwing the seal in some corner of the room.
Suddenly, the eunuch outside announced, "The Emperor arrived!"
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The chapters will go premium(locked) at chapter 86. It might be next week or next, next week; depending on my updating speed.
Thank you and Good Day!