621 The Secret About the Past 239 (2/2)
Since she had not seen her other set of godparents for quite a long time, An Xiaoning headed to the Jin family in the evening carrying gifts in her hands.
Upon seeing her sudden arrival, Commander-in-chief Jin and Madam Jin were at first shocked, then elated by her presence.
”Wow, Xiaoning's here.” The couple welcomed her heartily, and Madam Jin remarked when she saw the gifts she was carrying, ”Why did you buy things when you're back home? It's a waste of money.”
”They're not worth much anyway. I bought them to show some respect to Father and Mother.” She grinned as she scanned the living room. ”Minxing's not at home?”
”No, the Second Prince and Princess Consort have returned home, and the Princess came over as well. Minxing went along.” Madam Jin dragged her to sit down and continued, ”Your father and I were going to head over, but since you're here, it's fine if we go there a bit later to have a chat.”
”I'll head over in a few days as well. I haven't seen the two of you in so long, I actually missed you all quite a bit.”
The couple was overjoyed upon hearing her words and, at the thought of her divorce, Madam Jin carefully said, ”We wanted to visit you when you were overseas, but you refused. Xiaoning, are you feeling alright now?”
An Xiaoning understood what Madam Jin was referring to. She nodded. ”I'm fine now. I'm still young, such setbacks don't amount to anything.”
”You have a strong heart, that's good. I think you don't have to head over there tomorrow. You can come along with your father and me later. You didn't attend the Second Prince's wedding. Since the Princess Consort is also back, the two of you can have a chat.”
An Xiaoning rejected her immediately. ”It's fine, I'll go there another day.”
She was not stupid. She had just come out of the Autumn Palace, and if she had to run into Tuoba Gucheng and her sister now, wouldn't she be asking for death?
”Alright, sure. Since you didn't attend the Second Prince's wedding, you must make sure to attend Minxing and the Princess' wedding in December.”
Hearing this, An Xiaoning sighed heavily inside. It was only a matter of time for her to have to see the Tuoba family.
She nodded. ”Alright, if I'm well and fine, I'll definitely attend.”
”What are you talking about? Of course you have to be well and fine. Your father and I would hate to see anything happen to you.” Madam Jin stood up. ”Wait a moment, Mother has something to give you.”
”What is it?”
”You'll know in a moment.”
Madam Jin hurriedly ran into her bedroom and came out very soon.
She held a box in one hand and broke into a warm smile as she passed it to An Xiaoning. ”Quick, open it and see if you like it.”
An Xiaoning took the box and exerted some force to open it. Contained inside was a Buddha figure made from a crystal clear piece of jade.
It was of an azure green color, and attached to it was a piece of red string so it could be worn as a charm necklace.
”Xiaoning, do you like it?”
”I like it.” She nodded and removed the piece of jade Buddha from the box, asking, ”Mother, where did you buy this?”
Madam Jin grinned. ”This jade Buddha may look the same as any ordinary piece of jade stone, but it's a birthday gift I received. When I saw it, I told your father that it didn't suit me but it would suit you, so I kept it for you. I saw you wearing a jade bangle before, I think this matches that bangle quite well.”
”This is a birthday gift you received, Mother, how can I take it?” An Xiaoning felt that it was not right.
Madam Jin held onto her hand. ”Mother doesn't have much to give you, but I just think this suits you. Xiaoning, you must accept Mother's sincerity. They say jades have a spiritual aura to them. If you wear it long enough, it will be no different from a protection charm. Mother hopes that this piece of jade will keep you safe.”
”Mother, thank you.” An Xiaoning hugged her tightly. ”I'll accept it then. Can you put it on for me?”
”Of course.” Madam Jin took the jade Buddha and hung it around An Xiaoning's neck, then she turned to ask her husband, ”Do you think it looks good on our daughter?”
”Naturally,” Commander-in-chief Jin answered heartily.
”I told you my judgment won't be wrong,” Madam Jin said with a laugh.
”…”
After leaving the Jin residence, An Xiaoning headed back to the Gu residence.
She took out the jade bangle she had carefully stored and looked at it, deep in thought.