Chapter 16: Assistance
◎In truth, you must also be worried about your daughter, right?◎
The young servant girl's return after the first two days didn't bring much news of her daughter. However, since the day she entered the Huafu, the entire capital had been discussing her daughter, praising her virtue and loyalty. Even scholars and talented poets who had come to Beijing for the imperial examination composed poems in her honor. For a moment, her daughter had become the most virtuous woman in the eyes of the citizens.
But no matter how good her reputation was, it paled in comparison to her daughter's happiness in the long run. She couldn't help but recall the day when her daughter returned from Tianyuan Temple, having prayed for blessings for the elderly matriarch. She had scolded her daughter for neglecting her reputation, pointing out that the broken marriage had tarnished her name. Now that the damaged reputation had somewhat recovered, and the ruined marriage was restored, it was at the cost of her daughter's lifelong happiness. Her son-in-law had been executed, separating them forever. Who would now bring happiness to her daughter?
Thinking back, she would have preferred her daughter to have a slightly worse reputation and marry into an ordinary family, rather than end up a widow like this.
Regrets are now in vain; the matriarch wouldn't call her back, and this isn't her maiden family's home. Since she disregarded the Wei Duke's residence, her parents, and her siblings to wholeheartedly marry into that family, insisting on fulfilling her own affections, any suffering she endures now is the result of her own actions. There's no need for you to empathize with her pain.
Madam Yu San was wiping away tears, but upon hearing this, she immediately stopped and looked over with reddened eyes, glaring fiercely at her husband. "She's your own daughter; how can you be so insensitive to her suffering?"
Yu Sanlang stood with his hands behind his back, his face dark and solemn, his brows perpetually knitted. "She's impudent and reckless. The matriarch has already communicated with the Ru Yang Marquis' residence. Now that she's defied authority and left, they're furious and have declared they won't associate with the Wei Duke's residence anymore. The Ru Yang Marquis is the Empress's maternal family, and with the Empress's favor, their power is at its peak. At such a time, our family's involvement in offending them has drawn criticism from Elder Brother and Second Brother."
"I don't have a daughter like that!"
A young boy ran in, shouting, "Father's lying! You say you don't like Sister, but I saw you carefully store her letters in a box and hide them. You didn't even let me read them!"
Madam Yu San cast a glance at her husband, the master.
Yu Sanlang stiffened his neck and said, "Hmph, you always slacked off when I tried to teach you the basics. Now, how many characters do you actually recognize?"
The young boy hid behind his mother, cautiously peering at his father. "Although I don't fully understand it, I can learn from it bit by bit. But Father won't let me read it, nor does he want me to know what my sister has written."
Yu Sanlang remained silent, turning to leave with his hands clasped behind his back. Lady Yu finally came to her senses, gazing at her husband's departing figure. A hint of a smile shimmered in her tearful eyes, "My Lord, you're always like this, tough on the outside but soft on the inside. Don't you actually worry about our daughter?"
"No wonder, you are accustomed to studying the classics of sages and gentlemen, strictly adhering to the principles of benevolence, righteousness, and propriety. Though Lian'er's actions might have been unexpected, they should have earned your approval. Yet, due to the pressure from your mother and elder brothers, and perhaps because you're accustomed to being a strict father, you dare not show your admiration. Am I right?"
Yu Sanlang paused in his stride, not turning back, and rebuked sternly, "Nonsense, utter nonsense, absolute drivel!"
A mother and son chuckled stealthily behind him.
At that moment, a young servant girl rushed in, bowed to the master, then began, "Madam, from the groom's family... no, from the Hu residence, they've been keeping to themselves. There are barely any servants around, and they seldom venture out. So, this servant went to the marketplace and discovered two significant events concerning Miss today."
Yu Sanlang, who was about to step forward, halted, standing there with his hands behind his back.
Lady Yu hurriedly asked, "What were they? Tell me quickly."
The young servant girl took a deep breath. The boy was quick-witted and promptly brought over a pot of tea. The servant girl hastily thanked the young master before drinking it all in one go, gaining the strength to continue.
"First, I heard that the favored candidate for this year's top scholar, Scholar Yuan Xiaocai, rewrote a storybook for our Miss. It sold out as soon as it was published, and now people are talking about it everywhere – in teahouses, inns, and on the streets. I even secretly bought a copy. Second, I've learned that the Hu household is selling their belongings. The common folk all pity Miss, saying that the Hu family is in dire need of money and can no longer afford rice, flour, vegetables, or meat. They have no choice but to sell what they have. Poor Miss, her family was once confiscated, so there isn't much of value left. Whatever they sold was inexpensive, and they didn't even get a few hundred silver taels in total. Miss must be having a hard time there."
The young servant girl had been with Miss for many years and, upon finishing, wiped away tears.
Poor Miss, a lady from the Marquis household, couldn't even afford food and had to resort to selling possessions to survive.
Madam Yu also felt pained, her eyes reddening. "Why, why must it be like this? My poor, foolish child, reduced to such straits."
She turned to her husband. "My Lord, you're back. What should we do now? Lady forbids us from helping our daughter or sending her a dowry. What are we to do?"
"Which noble lady in the capital has suffered like our Lian'er? Other young misses, even if their families are struggling, still receive at least a few sedan chairs and shops or manors as part of their dowries. Our Lian'er left with nothing but her dowry; how will she manage her life?"
Yu Sanlang snorted. "Does she think I don't know she took two thousand silver taels?"
Madam Yu angrily threw a teacup in his direction. "What good are those two thousand taels? When Lady agreed to this marriage for Lian'er, she promised to contribute ten thousand taels from her personal savings, while Eldest and Second House would each provide another ten thousand, making a total of thirty thousand taels for Lian'er's dowry. Now, Lian'er is married to the same man, but she received nothing. Compared to that thirty thousand, what are two thousand taels?"
"Our household expenses, excluding clothing and social obligations, only require a few weeks' worth of food and drink. Although the Hu family is small, they're poor. Being stripped of their titles and reduced to commoners, what silver could they possibly have left? Look, after just a few days, they've started selling these worthless trinkets. Clearly, Lian'er is not doing well there."
Yu Sanlang returned and sat beside his wife, solemnly asking, "So what do you suggest?"
"You think of a way to secretly send some silver notes to our daughter. If possible, take the little maid along so she can attend to our girl. Lian'er has been pampered since childhood. I've heard that most of the servants in the Hu household have fled. What competent help could be left for her to command?"
The man pondered for a moment before replying, "Silver notes can be concealed, but sending a person might easily raise suspicion. It wouldn't look good for our family if word got out. The matriarch and my elder brothers would surely object."
The young maid stood quietly by the side, unsure if she wanted to serve her mistress or not. In her current state, the Hu family was far from prosperous, and naturally, life in an ordinary household wouldn't compare to that in a Duke's residence. But she had served her mistress for many years, and it was her duty to attend to her.
"Then shall we send someone secretly to deliver the silver notes?"
Madam Yu San was about to rise and return to her chambers to count her personal savings, even if she had to scrape together some funds for her daughter.
Yu Sanlang said, "There's no rush. I'll consider it further."
"The servants of our household, regardless of their affiliation, carry the mark of the Wei Duke's residence when they go out. If they were to head towards the Hu residence, it might draw unwanted attention. The Hu family keeps their doors closed, only venturing out occasionally for provisions. It would be less suspicious to approach them openly rather than sneaking around."
He paused at this point.
Madam Yu San also fell into deep thought. After a moment, she suggested, "Let me go. I'm Lian'er's mother, and it's understandable that I would be eager to see her... No, the matriarch has given a strict order forbidding us from contacting our daughter."
"Would it be better to find a street urchin outside to deliver the message?"
"What if the little beggar runs away with all those banknotes?"
"What are we to do then?"
"How pitiful is my sister, sobbing because she's so hungry?" Suddenly, the young boy's eyes welled up with tears as he whined.
The couple turned their attention to their youngest son, exchanging a knowing glance.
While the Matriarch forbade them from contacting their daughter, adults had self-control. But what about children? They were innocent and ignorant; it was understandable for the young one to run to his long-missed sister on a whim.
The Matriarch doted on her grandson, and even if she was upset, she wouldn't go too far – at most, a light scolding or a spanking.
Madam Yu called her youngest son over, affectionately patting his head and asking, "If your sister were in trouble and needed your help, would you be willing to lend her your support?"
The boy answered loudly, "Of course, I would, Mother. Before she left, she gave me a handful of sweets, and I've been saving them, not daring to finish them." He then covered his mouth, fearing that his parents might take the candies away.
Madam Yu didn't comment on the sweets. Instead, she patted her son's head and asked, "If your actions were to displease Grandmother, and you got punished, would you be afraid?"
The young boy hesitated for a moment, but the thought of his sister's kindness towards him and her current plight of not having enough to eat stirred his courage. He lifted his small chin resolutely, "Yu Shi isn't afraid!"
That evening, Third Lady Yu summoned her youngest son to her side. The mother and son whispered confidentially for a long while. Then, she handed him two silver banknotes, instructing him to keep them safely in his pocket and bring them to his sister the next day.
The following day, the young Yu Shi set out with his bookish companion, planning to find an opportunity to sneak into the Hu residence to see his sister. However, they were met with a crowd gathered at the entrance, and armed soldiers with fierce expressions.
Alarmed, he hurriedly sent his bookboy back to inform his mother – something had happened to his sister!
Chapter 17: Marry Me
◎ If he could also gain her affection as she has for Hua Ji ◎
Yu Lian also didn't expect the officials to arrive so swiftly.
Hardly had breakfast been concluded when the gatekeeper rushed in, breathless, to report that officials from the government, accompanied by soldiers, had arrived at our doorstep.
Upon opening the door, the soldiers and officers stormed in and began to wreak havoc, slashing and chopping at anything in sight, causing considerable damage. Even the set of purple sandalwood table and chairs usually used for meals in the main hall were not spared from their destructive rampage.
Having finished the chopping, they were about to brazenly proceed to the East Yard to confront her father-in-law and mother-in-law. Yu Lian stepped forward to intercept them.
The group was led by two men. One was dressed in an official's robe, likely the commander of the soldiers. The other, wearing luxurious brocade clothing, appeared to be in his early twenties, with fair skin and handsome features. There was a hint of arrogance and recklessness in his gaze, suggesting he was a noble young master.
Yi Po whispered into the young lady's ear, "This is Li Xiang, the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis, and the Empress's own younger brother. He has quite a reputation in the capital. In the past, he envied the Prince's talent and fame, often slandering him behind his back. However, his reputation is built on his family's status and charm, unlike the Prince, whose brilliance is genuine and unparalleled."
Yu Lian suddenly understood. This was the marriage arrangement her grandmother had once made for her, involving the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis. Back then, she didn't comprehend why all the influential families in the city avoided her, refusing any connection with the former fiancée of the East Yuan Marquis's heir. Yet, Li Xiang had actively sought her out.
Now, Yu Lian grasped the situation. Even someone favored by the emperor wouldn't offend him lightly. There was only one explanation: Li Xiang's impulsive desire. Consumed by jealousy and resentment towards Hua Ji, he wished to marry his former fiancée. Once wed, he would likely humiliate her and make her life miserable, thus alleviating his previous grudge.
As Yu Lian emerged, Li Xiang's gaze fell upon her, transfixed for a long moment, his eyes unable to shift.
Until the beauty, with a furrowed brow, inquired, "What is the meaning of this?"
The leader of the soldiers bellowed in a gruff voice, "His Majesty has issued an imperial decree a while ago, stripping East Yuan Marquis of his title and official position, as well as the noble rank of the matriarch. The entire household has been demoted to commoners; it is no longer fitting for you to reside here. Why haven't you moved out yet after so much time?"
"I have come today on the orders of our superior to inspect the situation. I grant you one more day. If you have not vacated the premises by tomorrow, I will send people to remove you forcefully."
Yu Lian chuckled softly. "Our dynasty was founded on benevolence and righteousness. The law clearly stipulates that those whose estates are seized or titles revoked must be given a month to settle affairs before relocating. If one fails to move within this period, the authorities are entitled to enforce the law. As far as I recall, the imperial edict was issued less than a month ago. What authority do you have to evict us?"
"Hmph, simply because you've committed high treason, no one would dare to speak up in your defense even if I were to expel you right now! It would be wise for you to vacate the premises before tomorrow. If you delay any further, the embarrassment will be on your own heads."
He then turned to address the young Lord Li with an ingratiating smile.
"Wouldn't you agree? You've already pleaded with Empress Concubine for this residence. She, being deeply favored by His Majesty, merely had to mention it, and the Emperor agreed to reserve this estate for you until the day you achieve greatness and earn your place in society."
Li Xiang had long been captivated by the woman before him. He had heard of Hua Ji's fiancée, known as the most beautiful lady among the capital's aristocrats. That was why he had sought the Countess's intervention to negotiate a marriage with the Wei Duke's family, but he never imagined she would be this stunning.
Lost in admiration, he stared blankly. Upon hearing the question, he gently patted the soldier's head and said, "Is that how you address people? Show some manners and respect!"
Confused, the soldiers looked up to see the captivated expression on Young Master Li's face and understood the situation.
Young Master Li had long been known for his licentious ways, with a particular fondness for beauty. It was no surprise that he found this woman, with her captivating looks and icy demeanor, appealing.
He stepped back respectfully, not daring to interfere with what he perceived as a significant matter for Young Master Li.
Apologizing, he said, "My apologies, Sixth Miss."
Yu Lian replied coolly, "Sir, you are an official of the court, while I am merely a commoner's wife. Formalities aside, your apology is unnecessary and I cannot accept it."
Li Xiang approached two steps, a flirtatious smile on his face. As he tried to move closer, Yu Lian retreated several steps. He halted and said, "Lian'er, there's no need to be so courteous. You are a lady from the Marquis' residence, while he is just a messenger. How could he have the right to behave recklessly in front of you?"
With a wave of his hand, the soldiers hastily left, leaving only Li Xiang behind. The housekeeper was on edge; all five servants present, excluding the lame man guarding the entrance, were worried about any ill intentions the stranger might have towards the young madam.
Judging by his lecherous gaze, even though the young madam had already tied her hair in a married woman's bun, indicating she was married to the crown prince, such brazen behavior was unacceptable, especially addressing her by her pet name?
With no outsiders present, Li Xiang spoke frankly, "Earlier, I asked my mother to discuss our marriage with your family's matriarch. Why did you change your mind and refuse me?"
He glanced at the dilapidated courtyard with a tinge of envy. "What is so great about Hua Ji that you would forsake wealth and status to marry a deceased man?"
"You'll soon be cast out of this estate, homeless and without protection. With your extraordinary beauty, no one will be able to safeguard you. Aren't you afraid?"
Yu Lian's gaze remained cool and detached. "That is not a concern for you, sir. If there is nothing else, I kindly request that you return. Before the one-month deadline, our entire family will move out, so there is no need for you or any officials to come and evict us."
The more Li Xiang observed the beauty before him, the more he admired her. She was stunning whether she wore an expression or not, like a pure and translucent ice lotus, exuding extreme elegance.
Back then, when he heard that the Sixth Miss of the Wei Duke's residence had rejected his marriage proposal and instead entered the Hua residence on Hua Ji's execution day, dressed in a wedding gown, he had merely sighed at her foolishness and lack of appreciation. His feelings didn't extend beyond mild annoyance at being toyed with.
At this very moment, he was consumed with envy and hatred. How could Hua Ji, even in death, still have such a devoted and affectionate beauty by his side? What kind of fortunate destiny did he possess?
As the saying goes, it's not frightening when the intelligent hold power, but when the reckless do. Yu Lian had no desire to deal with these privileged, spoilt scions of noble families, for they acted impulsively and always had powerful patrons to clean up their messes. Now that the Hua family was in decline, all she sought was tranquility, so she lacked the audacity to engage with such individuals.
With a cold expression, she instructed Yi Po and the others to see the guests off while she turned and left.
Li Xiang called out, "If you're willing, leave the Hua residence now. I'll take you back to the Wei Duke's mansion. You can stay there just as you did before your marriage, and I'll ask my mother to make formal arrangements. We can start anew, find an auspicious day, and soon you'll be welcomed into my Ru Yang Marquis residence, living a comfortable life without having to read anyone's mood or worry about lacking wealth. My sister in the palace has bestowed fabrics and cosmetics upon the Hua family; they would not go to waste on someone as beautiful as you."
Seeing Yu Lian continue walking, ignoring him, Li Xiang grew anxious. He suddenly shouted, "I, Li Xiang, am twenty-one years old and have no official wife. Only a few concubines and chambermaids. If it bothers you, I can send them away as well."
Yu Lian came to an abrupt halt, not turning back as she said, "I am already taken, my husband's name is Hua Ji."
With those words, she departed gracefully.
The young man in exquisite Chinese attire stood mesmerized, gazing for a long while before he was willing to depart.
Yi Po and her daughter, Erya, wiped away their tears, deeply moved by the sentiment.
Upon the ascension of the new emperor, the Ru Yang Marquis's household became one of the most influential and prestigious in the capital, owing to the favor bestowed upon the imperial concubine. As Li Xiang had mentioned, if Lady Li were willing to remarry him, no one would dare to raise objections. A life of endless prosperity and glory awaited her within the Ru Yang Marquis's residence, and even her attendance at social gatherings would earn her the admiration and envy of other noble ladies.
Moreover, Li Xiang had promised to dismiss his concubines and chambermaids for the young lady, something he had never done for any other girl before. Yet, the young lady remained unmoved.
Yi Po commented to her daughter, "The young lady truly loves the crown prince with all her heart. If His Highness were still alive, he would surely be deeply touched by her devotion."
"You're right, Mother. I've never seen a woman like the young lady. Even a noble gentleman like Li Xiang is willing to dismiss his concubines for her, but she doesn't waver. If I were her, I would have regretted entering the Huafu long ago."
Yi Po patted her daughter's head. "What nonsense are you talking? How can you compare your small self to the young lady's integrity and character? Her love for the crown prince is as clear as day and as bright as the sun and moon, far beyond our simple understanding. These days, I've come to realize that the young lady isn't foolish. On the contrary, she is very clever and handles matters with great wisdom. Whatever she instructs us to do, we execute flawlessly. She has never been indecisive. Such a woman is highly sought after by prestigious families. If our estate were still in its heyday, the young lady would have been the perfect one to manage the household. With her at the helm, our family would surely flourish. For her to enter our estate during such a difficult time, solely out of her love for the crown prince, it shows that even if her reputation were tarnished, she would not worry about finding a suitable match."
Li Xiang stood there for a long while, listening to the mother and daughter's whispers before finally leaving.
His expression shifted unpredictably as he clenched his fists tightly.
Again, it was Hua Ji, Hua Ji, and more Hua Ji! While alive, this man had vied with him for fame and prestige, even causing the East Yuan Marquis House to overshadow the Ru Yang Marquis House. Now that he was gone, despite the East Yuan Marquis House's decline, there was still someone willing to marry into his family and devote her life to him.
And that person happened to be the woman he had set his sights on!
When Little Yu Shi rushed in, she collided with Li Xiang just as he was leaving. Li Xiang gave the child a sharp glance. Remembering her mother's words not to engage in petty squabbles or provoke trouble outside, Little Yu Shi swiftly dodged and darted inside.
But she was stopped by a servant.
Yu Shi cried out, "I am Yu Shi, the younger brother of Yu Lian. I have come to find my sister."
Li Xiang paused, then called the child over. "Come here, I want to tell you something about your older sister. You must relay this message to your mother and grandmother when you return."
Little Yu, initially disinclined to engage with her irritating brother, approached when she heard that it concerned her sister. She asked him what was the matter.
"Return to your mother and convey my words: Li Xiang has taken a liking to Yu Lian. Despite her impetuous marriage into the Hua residence, with Hua Ji now deceased, all of that is null and void. I am willing to escort her in grandeur with eight palanquins, to make her my lawful wife, disregarding any past circumstances and holding no grudges against your House of Wei Duke. Ask her for her thoughts and let her personally visit the Hua residence to persuade your sister. Surely you don't wish for your sister to be a widow, without a home, fine clothing, and constantly subjected to others' contempt?"
His words struck a chord with the child. Yu Shi was still young, his thought process straightforward. He didn't want his sister to be homeless and driven away by soldiers like today, nor did he want her to go hungry. Most importantly, he didn't wish for her to be bullied by others.
If marrying this man could spare her from such tribulations and ensure a comfortable life for her elder sister, why not do it?
But he still felt the need to exercise caution, asking, "Who are you? What makes me believe you? What if you're a villain?"
Li Xiang burst into laughter. "Tell your mother that her future son-in-law is none other than Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the House of Ruyang."
With that, he left.
It was only upon seeing the child that he recalled the matter. Yu Lian's marriage would be decided by their elders; her consent was not crucial as long as the final outcome was achieved.
He would treat her well.
Should she bestow upon him even a fraction of the affection she had shown Hua Ji, he would cherish her with all his heart and never treat her worse than that deceased Hua Ji!
Yu Shi jotted down these thoughts before rushing back in. The doorman, upon learning that he was the young lady's brother, did not hinder him.
Many onlookers remained gathered at the entrance.
Within an hour, Li Xiang's conversation with the child had spread throughout the capital. There was no need for Yu Shi to relay the news to his parents and grandmother – the Wei Duke's residence had already been informed.
Receiving the news from her bookish attendant, Lady Yu, the third wife, rushed about the estate in anxiety. She promptly fetched some silver and instructed the servant to hire skilled protectors to safeguard her daughter at the Hua residence. Hardly had the attendant left when Lady Yu was summoned by the matriarch for a conversation.
Chapter 18: Discussion
◎ Doesn't he like Elder Sister? ◎
Erya followed beside the young lady and asked cautiously, "Young Lady, may I dare to ask, although that Mister Li is somewhat detestable, what he said does have some truth. I've heard from Mother that if you have a better place to go, Old Lady would also be happy for you. She often can't sleep at night and tells Mother that she feels guilty, afraid of delaying you and making you suffer."
Yu Lian looked at the little maid, who was full of curiosity, and said, "Some things cannot be compared with external possessions. You're still young and don't understand."
How could someone who had never experienced the hardships of modern life understand the importance of having a good roommate?
"I might be young, but I know that true affection in men is the most valuable thing in this world. It seems that Mister Li has fallen in love with you at first sight. For a noble young man of his background to promise to dismiss his concubines and concubine's chambers, it's something no other noble young man in the capital would do. Aren't you even a bit moved? I'm afraid you might miss out..."
"A kind person like you deserves happiness. If the Prince were still alive, he would also wish for you to live happily and joyfully."
Yu Lian stopped her actions and fell silent. She didn't understand why this little maid was so eager to find her a new roommate.
Although Li Xiang had agreed to dismiss his concubines and concubine's chambers, who didn't have a past relationship in this day and age? She didn't mind if he had been with other women, but it was too late to bring it up now.
Her image was established, and she had solidified her position in the household. Grandmother, the head of the dormitory, was very satisfied with her, and the others didn't pose a threat. She basically had control over the power in this residence. No matter how small the nest, as long as one was comfortable, why not stay?
Moreover, although the current situation is less than ideal, life is full of ups and downs. As long as she manages it well, there's no reason she can't lead a smooth life. Here, she is a free bird, the one who holds power in the household. Everyone in the manor sees her through rose-tinted glasses, adoring her. But if she were to enter another wealthy family's nest...
Like the Ru Yang Marquis House, for instance. Entering such an esteemed family and marrying the youngest legitimate son, she would have no title or authority. All she'd have is the affection of elders, and she'd have to deal with numerous people in the mansion. Intra-family strife would be inevitable. Without control over the household, she would lack initiative, which would mean being restricted and always at a disadvantage. That's not Yu Lian's style.
Even if she were willing to engage in such struggles, to invest her time and energy to help her husband rise in status and take charge of the family, history has shown that the most perilous position is that of an influential relative. Wealth and glory are fleeting like bubbles, riches shadowy like a mirage. The entire marquis house relies on a woman's favor from another man for its prosperity. Such wealth is like walking on a tightrope; one misstep could lead to utter destruction. It would be more straightforward for her father-in-law and husband to stage a rebellion.
Lastly, consider Li Xiang. As the beloved youngest legitimate son, he's accustomed to being indulgent and domineering. How could she trust impulsive promises from such a person? Yu Lian, having studied psychology extensively in her past to advance her career, was confident that if she agreed to leave the Huafu and marry Li Xiang on the spot, his enthusiasm might wane. These kinds of young masters tend to be capricious, cherishing someone deeply one moment and discarding them the next. When his infatuation fades, he could easily dismiss everything with a simple "I don't love you" and continue taking concubines and seeking other women. By then, her reputation, already damaged by breaking the devoted lover persona, would suffer even more by marrying into wealth. Would there be any way back?
Yu Lian didn't take his words seriously, dismissing them as mere nonsense from a spoiled child.
To believe him would be to lose.
Erya interpreted the young madam's silence as a testament to her deep affection for the prince.
Mother was right. How could she impose mundane standards on the young madam? Her heart belongs solely to the prince, and nothing will change that.
"Sis, Big Sis, Sister, I miss you!"
A child's voice rang out, followed by a blur of black as a youngster rushed over and embraced Yu Lian's waist.
Erya was about to pull the child away and scold him for his impudence when she saw the young madam smile, affectionately patting the child's head. She asked in surprise, "Why is Shi here?"
Taking advantage of his mother's absence, Little Yu Shi rubbed against his sister's belly before answering, "Mother said that you had no money and might be hungry. She was worried sick at home, so she sent me to check on you."
"I saw lots of fierce soldiers outside when I came. I told my study companion to go back to the mansion and inform Mother, asking her to send help," he said, blushing with embarrassment. "Mother said that I'm just a child and shouldn't rush into danger. I might not be able to help and could even make things worse, so Shi didn't dare come in. I waited until the armed soldiers left before entering."
Yu Lian patted her brother's head with satisfaction, praising him for his good behavior. It wasn't easy for someone his age to restrain his impulses and follow the elders' advice. This brother had been raised exceptionally well.
In her opinion, if they were to split from the main family in the future, even if their father still couldn't advance in his career, this younger brother might be able to develop the third branch of the family and improve their parents' lives.
The child asked his sister what those soldiers had come for and if they had bullied her.
"I heard people talking. Did they really come to chase you away?"
Yu Lian didn't treat the child like a mere kid, knowing that at this age in ancient times, one should start to understand things. In another decade or so, he would be old enough to marry and manage a household. Thus, she straightforwardly explained, "Your sister's husband offended a nobleman in the past. Now that your sister's husband is gone, and our mansion has fallen on hard times, this nobleman has brought soldiers to bully us and vent his anger. Perhaps he's just bored."
"Ahh... This young nobleman is so wicked. How can he be so cruel? Who is he?"
Yu Lian chuckled. "You should have seen him when he left. He's the youngest legitimate son of the Ru Yang Marquis, the one in the blue robe."
Yu Shi was even more astonished. "It was him?"
"But didn't he like Sister? Why would he make things difficult for her?"
"Shouldn't you treat someone you like kindly? Just like how Shi-er likes Sister and our parents, so I'm nice to both of you and listen to your words. I don't understand how someone could love someone yet send fierce soldiers to bully them?"
The innocent words of the child warmed Yu Lian's heart, and she couldn't resist pinching his plump cheeks.
Erya interjected, "Young Master, you don't know. This gentleman fell in love with Madam the moment he saw her at the door. Adults call it love at first sight. If he had met Madam before, would he still dare to come and bully her? He'd be begging for her favor! That's why he ran away quickly, right?"
Yu Lian tossed a fruit into Erya's mouth to silence her.
Elder Yi came over and pulled her daughter away to prevent her from talking nonsense.
Yu Shi seemed to grasp the idea but not entirely. Suddenly, he remembered something and took out two silver bills from his pocket, handing them to his sister.
"Your mother asked me to give you this, saying that if your sister runs out of money, she'll send someone over and find a way to help."
Yu Lian gazed at the two crumpled banknotes in the child's pouch, each worth a thousand taels - a total of two thousand. She knew her father, holding a humble sixth-rank official position, had a meager salary that barely covered even the most basic necessities. In their household, the three branches lived off the provisions provided, with no other sources of income.
Grandmother had yet to divide the family assets, so nothing substantial reached their branch. Her father's low salary meant that these savings were solely thanks to her mother's dowry shop.
But saving money was no easy task. Yu Niang doted on her children, ensuring they always had the finest food and clothing, refusing to let them be outdone by the first branch. She often secretly took money to purchase extras, as their young stomachs easily became hungry after meals. With the kitchen not providing additional free meals, they had to spend more for extra dishes and snacks.
Moreover, her father had social obligations to attend, and all those expenses fell on her. Even with a small household, their monthly expenditures were considerable, leaving very little room for saving.
These two thousand taels, Mother might have to save for a year or more.
Pushing the banknote back, she was indeed calculative and desired comfort, but she still held her principles. To her brother, she said, "Take it back and tell Mother that since I've severed ties with the Wei Duke's residence, I can't accept this money. It's already incredibly unfilial of me to leave without a care, so how could I take the hard-earned savings that Mother has worked so tirelessly for?"
"Tell Father and Mother not to worry about me and to stop thinking of me. This path is one I've chosen myself, and I'll walk it well. Their daughter isn't a fool; I'll manage to live a prosperous life. The people at the Hua residence treat me exceptionally well, especially Grandmother, who is kind and affectionate, caring for me greatly."
Considering her brother's bewildered expression, she feared he might forget, so Yu Lian fetched paper and pen to write a letter to their parents, asking her brother to deliver it. She explained in her heart, they would always be her parents, but her actions were already incredibly unfilial, and she didn't wish to involve them further. If the elder matriarch found out, trouble might ensue.
She concluded the letter with, "Don't think too much, dear parents, from your daughter."
Finished writing and dried it, she folded the letter and slipped it into her brother's pocket.
"Alright, hurry back. Don't stay too long. If Grandmother finds out, you'll get punished."
Yu Shi pouted, "Sis, I'm thirsty. I've been standing here for so long, talking so much, and you're not even giving me a drink before sending me off?"
Yu Lian was amused and promptly instructed the young maid to bring over the almond milk that was being warmed in the kitchen.
She tapped his forehead affectionately, "You got lucky. Your sister has been craving this for a while."
After finishing the almond milk, the child wiped his mouth contentedly, "I'll pass on the message to Father and Mother. But sis, you're too late. Before I came, Mother already told me that Grandmother would find out. I've prepared myself for a scolding. At worst, I'll just lie low for a couple of days. Mother promised to make me some delicious pastries."
Looking at the child, Yu Lian's eyes welled up with tears as she waved him off with a smile, urging him to head back quickly.
Exiting the Hu family's gate, Little Yu Shi felt around his small pocket and chuckled secretly. Although his sister refused the banknotes, he had secretly placed them on the table.
However, upon returning to the Duke's residence, he discovered two banknotes tucked into his clothes, which his sister had discreetly returned!
Failing to complete his mother's task, Little Yu Shi returned to his courtyard with a dejected look. The maid informed him that Mother was not there, but had been summoned by Grandmother. He initially wanted to seek her out, but realized that going to Grandmother's quarters would be like walking straight into a trap. So, he decided to sit and wait for his mother to return.
In the residence of the Wei Duke, the matriarch had been frowning at the third branch of the family for days, treating them with cold disdain. This was all due to Li Xiang's audacious actions. Although her bold move didn't bring any direct harm to the Wei Duke's household, she had severed ties with the entire city in front of its citizens. As a result, she offended the Ru Yang Marquis's family.
She had initially negotiated an alliance through marriage with the Ru Yang Marquis's family, which would have greatly benefited both her granddaughter and the entire estate.
Unfortunately, Li Xiang didn't see it that way and instead fled the mansion, causing the Ru Yang Marquis's family to hold them accountable and sever all relations. The matriarch had been worried lately, fearing that the Empress would use this against the Emperor.
Now, however, the legitimate youngest son of the Ru Yang Marquis openly declared his intention to marry her granddaughter, not holding her past actions against her. The Ru Yang Marquis's family even sent a messenger, indicating a chance to mend their relationship. How could she let such an opportunity slip away?
"Qin'Er is my own flesh and blood. Would I ever harm her? Speaking of fate, Qin'Er is truly fortunate. First, she was connected to the wealthy East Yuan Marquis, and although that family is no more, now there is the Ru Yang Marquis. I've heard that Li Xiang fell in love with Qin'Er at first sight. This is a blessing. If he marries her, he won't let her suffer. She'll live a life of luxury and prosperity, far better than enduring poverty and hardship in the Hu household."
Chapter 19: An Embarrassing Situation
◎She was once destined for greatness, but now she's a common widow.◎
"You shouldn't only consider the household or Lian'er, you should also think about Third Son and his son. If Lian'er marries in, Third Son's position could be improved with the help of the Ru Yang Marquis. When Shi-er grows up, he'll have a brother-in-law to rely on. Isn't that beneficial for both parties?"
On this day, the matriarch was unusually kind, keeping Third Daughter-in-law in her room for a long conversation. Yu Niang walked slowly on her way back, her mind preoccupied with these matters.
Upon entering the courtyard, she saw her youngest son sitting there eating a snack. He ran over when he saw her, "Mother."
"How is your sister doing?" She had heard most of the story from the matriarch. Li Xiang, the legitimate youngest son of the Ru Yang Marquis, had led soldiers there with intentions of intimidating and taking advantage, but upon seeing Lian'er, he changed his mind and withdrew his troops.
Yu Shi was too young to understand many complexities. He simply said that the bad brother had brought soldiers and, after leaving, bumped into him at the gate, summoning him for a talk.
"He asked me to tell you that your future son-in-law's name is Li Xiang. Pfft, shameless! He also wants you to marry your sister to him, promising a nice house, good food, and fine clothes for her, and that he would come for her in an eight-carriage procession."
Yu Niang was taken aback. She hadn't expected Li Xiang to seem sincere rather than just joking around. She stroked her son's head, "What do you think, Shi-er, about having him as your brother-in-law?"
She had expected her son to say yes, given Li Xiang's favorable conditions. As a loving younger brother, he wouldn't want his sister to go hungry or wear shabby clothes, and Li Xiang could provide all of that. Moreover, he would protect his sister from being bullied, just as Yu Niang had witnessed today when soldiers entered the Hu residence and caused chaos, aware of the difficult situation her sister faced.
Little one lifted his chin, creasing his tiny brow in displeasure. "Mother, this man is very wicked. If he truly likes Sister, why does he hurt her? He should be the one sent away."
"I don't think he's a decent fellow. Erya doesn't like him at all."
Despite Erya's earlier explanation of love at first sight, the child couldn't grasp the concept.
Yu Niang sighed and sat down to sip her tea, gazing blankly at the garden full of flowers. Back then, her daughter had adored cultivating them, even if it was somewhat for the sake of appearing refined. Still, she had cared for them with dedication, filling the entire third courtyard with blooms, especially peonies, which were planted in the center and blossomed vibrantly, surpassing all others. A circle of various other flowers surrounded them, as if paying homage to the peonies, without any intention of competing for beauty.
These flowers revealed the high aspirations her daughter once held; she was born with a phoenix's heart, but now, she was just a common widow, the wife of a convicted criminal...
"Yu Shi, how is your elder sister? Does she need money? Have you given her the banknote?"
Feeling awkward, Little Yu rummaged in his pocket and took out the banknote for his mother. "Sister, please don't secretly slip it into my clothes again."
Madam Yu felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. This silly child was still being polite with his own mother at such a critical time.
Little Yu also retrieved the letter his sister had written for their mother.
Having grown up in a scholarly family, Yu Niang was accustomed to composing occasional poems for women's chambers. Reading a letter was certainly within her capabilities. Little Yu pestered his mother to read it aloud for him as well.
Yet, no sooner had she glanced at the letter twice than tears welled up in her eyes, making it impossible for her to continue reading it aloud to her son. She carefully read the letter twice more, then neatly folded it away, intending to show it to her husband when he returned from his official duties.
Little Yu harrumphed in frustration, feeling equally resentful towards both his parents. They refused to show him his sister's letter, nor would they read it aloud to him.
After his younger brother left, Yu Lian noticed it was still early, so she decided to visit her grandmother's chamber. Coincidentally, the matriarch had just awakened, and Yi Po was attending to her as she took her medicine. Yu Lian took over, helping the elderly lady finish the remaining half bowl of her herbal decoction.
After finishing her medicine, the elderly matriarch patted her granddaughter-in-law's hand affectionately. "You've worked hard, Lovely."
"Is the commotion outside today caused by officials from the government coming to create trouble?"
Yu Lian glanced at Yi Po, who turned her head away awkwardly.
The elderly lady chuckled. "It's not her fault. Grandmother's old and has trouble sleeping. Once she's woken up, she can't fall back asleep. I understand your concern for Grandmother's health, so I've instructed Yi Po not to report these trivial matters to her, for fear of distressing her. But with an issue this significant, I'm worried you might not be able to handle it alone."
"Our family's influence is weak now, so don't argue with the officials. We'll only end up suffering. In the next couple of days, let Yi Po's spouse help find a residence outside to move to. Grandmother still has some silver and jewelry. Sell them and see how much money we can get. If the city houses are too expensive, inquire about options in the outskirts. At this point, we can't be picky; we just need a place to settle down."
The elderly lady looked at her granddaughter-in-law and sighed.
In the end, all roads led to the same conclusion: her granddaughter-in-law would have to endure hardships. The elderly lady could only hope that she would be strong enough to bear it all.
Yu Lian nodded with a smile. "Grandmother, there's no need to worry. Lian'er knows her limits. As for the money, please don't concern yourself with it. Just focus on taking care of your health. When you're better, we'll move to a new place."
The term "Grandmother" soothed the old lady's worries, and her smile deepened, radiating even more kindness.
"Grandmother remembers when Hua'er used to call me that when he was young. But as he grew older, not only did he dislike being called by his nickname, but he also didn't want Father, Mother, or Grandmother to address him that way. He preferred being cool," she reminisced.
Yu Lian asked curiously, "Your husband had a nickname? I've never heard of it before."
At this, the old lady perked up and explained with enthusiasm, "Of course you haven't. When he turned seven and started understanding things, he developed a sense of shame. He found his nickname embarrassing and thought it diminished his dignity, so he forbade people from using it."
Yu Lian's curiosity grew. "What was his nickname?"
The wrinkles around the old lady's eyes deepened as she chuckled. "He was called Hua Tong. Your husband's name was given by your father, with 'Ji' as his given name. When Hua'er was three and had just composed his first poem, gaining some fame, he suddenly fell gravely ill. The best imperial doctors were helpless. Eventually, an abbot from Tianyan Temple gave a prediction: 'Life too heavy for youth to bear.' It meant that Hua'er's destiny was incredibly prestigious, but he couldn't withstand it in his childhood, and there was a risk of an accident. We didn't know what to do at the time, but the master suggested giving him a nickname to suppress it until he was ten years old. Strangely enough, after we gave him the nickname, Hua'er recovered in just a few days."
"As he grew older, Hua'er wouldn't allow anyone to call him by his nickname anymore. His parents and I used to call him Hua or Tongtong, but once he forbade it, we thought 'Hua' and 'Ji' sounded similar, and coincidentally, his master gave him the courtesy name Zihua. So, we decided to call him Hua'er, and that settled it."
Yu Lian couldn't help but giggle softly. She never would have guessed that the renowned Hua Ji was once such a vain child.
The old lady laughed along and shared more anecdotes about her grandson's mischievous antics.
"From the moment he learned to walk and talk, he displayed numerous idiosyncrasies. At three, he began composing poems for himself. At five, he persistently requested the carpenter in his household to create wooden soldiers and generals for him. At seven, he passed the preliminary scholarly examination but, due to a fever, settled for second place. Unsatisfied, he retook the exam the following year and consecutively achieved six top honors. By ten, he entered the Imperial Academy, swiftly gaining admiration and respect from both his teachers, renowned scholars, and fellow classmates. The following year, when the Third Prince, at twelve, also joined the academy, the two, for some unexplained reason, engaged in a brawl, thus forging a deep-seated enmity between them..."
After a heartfelt conversation, Yu Lian noticed the matriarch's mood and vitality significantly improved. She then escorted her through the courtyard to enjoy some sunshine. Once they were done, Yu Lian politely bid the matriarch farewell and headed to her in-laws' quarters.
The matriarch stood in the courtyard, watching her granddaughter-in-law leave. Yi Po inquired, "With your astute mind, wouldn't you like to inquire about Madam's thoughts?"
Chapter 20: White Dove
◎ How does one deal with a teary-eyed person? ◎
"I am married to Hua Ji. These eight characters may seem light and effortless, but they carry a profound weight. Mother-in-law, since your granddaughter-in-law has no such intentions and her heart is solely devoted to Hua'er, why should I ask and risk hurting her feelings?"
The elder lady finally refrained from asking further.
When the commotion occurred in the courtyard earlier, it had awakened the matriarch. Upon inquiry, she shared the backstory between the Ru Yang Marquis's youngest son and his young wife. They learned that before marrying into the Hua family, the young wife had turned down an arranged marriage with the later Ru Yang Marquis, even risking elopement. However, when Li Xiang encountered the young wife again, he became infatuated, trying every means to persuade her, even promising not to take concubines. Despite this, the young wife remained steadfast, responding only with those eight characters.
Upon sharing these details with the matriarch, she fell into a long reverie, her expression a mix of emotions as if she had much to say but ultimately held back.
She had expected the matriarch, who felt deeply remorseful towards her granddaughter-in-law and wished for her happiness without being burdened by the Hua family, to at least inquire or advise her to consider her options more carefully. Surprisingly, she did not bring it up.
"The Prince has been blessed in his previous life to have a wife like the young wife. This old servant often wonders if, in their past lives, the young wife and the Prince were a blissfully happy pair of swans. Perhaps the heavens, seeing their harmonious existence in their previous lives, decided to test them in this lifetime. Once they overcome these challenges, they will be reunited in the next life. Please do not grieve, Lady. Take everything in stride, for life must go on."
Arriving at her in-laws' courtyard, Yu Lian saw her mother-in-law dressed in a plain outfit, sitting at a stone table in the yard. She was diligently embroidering patterns onto a blue silk robe. Her skilled hands crafted intricate designs, with meticulous stitches bringing the patterns to life.
Only half of the embroidery was completed, and Yu Lian stood there for a while without seeing her mother-in-law add another stitch. It seemed to be a piece that had been started earlier. The garment's vibrant colors suggested it was meant for someone younger, not a man of Father-in-Law's age.
Was this meant for her husband?
It wasn't until Yu Lian took a few steps closer and called out to her that the woman snapped back to reality, hastily wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.
She managed a weak smile. "Lian'er, you've come over. Come, sit down."
After Yu Lian sat, the woman hurriedly turned to summon a servant to prepare tea.
This maid had come with her as part of her dowry, and her indenture was under Mrs. Chen's control, not the household's. She was attending to her master in the room and, upon hearing the call, rushed out, addressing Yu Lian as Young Lady from a distance.
Yu Lian nodded in acknowledgment.
This was their first direct encounter as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and Yu Lian felt at ease. In her previous life, she had interviewed countless candidates for her company, treating this meeting like just another mutual assessment, akin to interviewing a roommate.
Mrs. Chen, however, felt somewhat awkward. With red-rimmed eyes, she looked at Yu Lian and said, "Lian'er, it was Mother's fault. I apologize for neglecting you. At Hua'er's memorial, I didn't even realize you had entered. Later, I asked Aunt An to inquire, and that's when I learned about it."
Yu Lian reassured her, "Mother, you were deeply grieving, so it's understandable that you couldn't attend to other matters. There's no need to blame yourself."
With these words, Mrs. Chen seemed to have heaved a sigh of relief. She showed Yu Lian the dress in her hands. "There's still half a month until Hua'er's birthday. This was supposed to be the dress for her birthday banquet, but now she'll never wear it. I had almost finished sewing it; I wanted to complete it and burn it for Hua'er."
As she spoke, a tear dropped onto the fabric, creating a water stain. Mrs. Chen hurriedly tried to wipe it away, but only succeeded in making a mess. Her tears fell even more abundantly, and she accidentally pricked her finger, causing blood to drip.
Now Yu Lian understood why her grandmother often described her mother-in-law as emotionally fragile and scatterbrained. It was unclear how scatterbrained she was, but her tears certainly flowed easily. Since she sat down, she hadn't said much before the tears started falling like a bucketful, leaving outsiders to think Yu Lian had mistreated her.
Sighing, half amused and half exasperated, Yu Lian reached out to gently press against Mrs. Chen's hand, taking the dress from her. She carefully folded it and placed it in a sewing basket nearby. Just then, a servant brought tea, and Yu Lian asked her to fetch some ointment while she picked up a clean handkerchief to clean Mrs. Chen's hands.
Without drinking the tea herself, she handed it to Mrs. Chen to hold, so she wouldn't hiccup from crying too much.
Mrs. Chen obediently followed her daughter-in-law's instructions. When the servant rushed back with the ointment, Yu Lian applied it to Mrs. Chen's finger, warning her not to get it wet.
With red-rimmed eyes, Mrs. Chen watched her daughter-in-law tend to her injury. Her eyes welled up again, and two more tears rolled down her cheeks, landing on Yu Lian's wrist, warm and fresh.
Yu Lian: "..."
If she were dealing with a villain, Yu Lian would know how to retaliate. However, her experiences from her previous life didn't equip her with a solution for dealing with a weeping woman.
Mrs. Chen expressed her gratitude, "Aside from your father and Hua'er, no one has been this kind to me." Since both her husband and son were men with coarser sentiments, they had never personally attended to her wounds; it was always the maids and nursemaids who took care of such tasks.
As Hua'er grew older, she inexplicably continued to seek solitude from her mother. Her husband was preoccupied with official duties, and both he and her father were often too occupied to give her much attention. Although she felt content in her life, there were moments when she sensed an emptiness, a subtle loneliness. Her relationship with her mother-in-law was also distant; they found it challenging to connect on a deeper level.
If Yu Lian were aware of her mother-in-law's thoughts, she would have given a straightforward response: who would want to face a constant crybaby every day? She genuinely sympathized with Hua Ji and his son.
Yet, the thought of this teary-eyed girl becoming her mother-in-law, someone she would have to face every day, stole all smiles from her face.
After applying the soothing medicine, Yu Lian gently advised, "Your Highness is emotionally delicate. It's best not to be reminded of past sentiments by these objects. If this dress only brings you sorrow, then it's not a cherished possession. Your husband wouldn't want to see you weeping every day." With that, she instructed the servant to put it away for now.
Mrs. An gave Lady a glance, noticing her bowed head and lack of protest, so she put the item away.
Yu Lian followed up with a question, "How has Father been these past few days? I've been occupied with matters in the front courtyard and haven't had the chance to attend to this side. Mother, you've worked tirelessly."
Mrs. Chen wiped away her tears, stood up, and took Yu Lian by the hand to see her father in their chamber.
"Not at all, Mother knows nothing. I simply follow the physician's instructions. Most of the time, it's An Po who assists me; otherwise, with my clumsy hands, I wouldn't be able to do anything properly."
It was understandable for Yu Lian. Her mother-in-law had a delicate and frail appearance, prone to tears. Despite being close to forty, she still looked like a young woman in her twenties or thirties. In modern times, she would still be considered in the prime of her beauty and didn't show any signs of aging.
If she were not his mother-in-law, Yu Lian would have commented, "What a pure and innocent act."
She didn't seem capable of caring for an adult male weighing over a hundred pounds. Only a seasoned servant could assist her in such matters.
Upon entering the room, the air was thick with the scent of medicine. Yu Lian instructed the servant to open the windows for ventilation. Approaching the bed, she observed that her father-in-law had good looks, but his face lacked any sign of vitality. Even in a deep sleep, his brows remained tightly knitted.
Yu Lian gently touched his forehead, sensing a slight fever. Spotting a basin of water and a towel nearby, she wrung out the cloth and placed it on his brow.
Mrs. Chen explained, "He just took some medicine, which is quite potent. It's keeping him alive, but the doctor said that your father suffered some old wounds from his time on the battlefield. Although they seemed unproblematic, the trauma of recent events and Hua'er taking on everything caused him immense emotional distress, aggravating those old injuries. He's been having low fevers frequently lately. The doctor believes that your father has lost the will to live; he only wants to pass away. No amount of medicine can cure him now. They're just using it to prolong his life for a little while longer."
Yu Lian hadn't anticipated her father-in-law's condition to be so severe.
But upon reflection, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
His eldest son, Hua Ji, was the pride of his life. Father and son shared a close bond and a similar disposition, both excelling in their careers and interpersonal relations. He had already considered Hua Ji as his life's pride and accomplishment. Under such circumstances, with Hua Ji taking the blame to free the family from prison, how could he not be devastated?
One could even imagine the intense argument the two must have had before deciding who would bear the guilt, who would die, and who would carry on and save the family.
"Back when we were first imprisoned, the previous emperor was gravely ill, and the palace was in chaos. No formal charges were laid, only that we were confined in one cell. I heard Hua'er and your father argue for a long time. Eventually, your father said he had lived half his life, while Hua'er was still young with a long path ahead. He believed it should be him to die. But Hua'er disagreed, stating that the new emperor held a deep grudge against him. If only your father took the blame, the new emperor wouldn't acknowledge it, making their efforts futile. In the end, Hua'er seized the opportunity when your father was off guard, giving his confession. Your father, overwhelmed by pain, had no choice but to admit to the crime, watching helplessly as Hua'er was sent to the death row. Once the new emperor pronounced the sentence, everything became irreversible. Upon returning home, your father fell ill and never recovered."
Yu Lian sighed, saying, "A continuous low fever isn't good either. Besides, Father has been in a coma for so long that he can hardly eat anything. His body won't be able to withstand it much longer. Have you asked other doctors to take a look?"
Mrs. Chen smiled bitterly and shook her head. "There aren't many doctors willing to come to our house now. This doctor was willing to visit only because the Hu family had once done him a favor. As for the others, they're all too cautious and afraid of getting involved, so they dare neither come to our residence nor treat your father."
Yu Lian's desire to move out intensified. The East Yuan Marquis's mansion was too high-profile, and if they remained there, no doctor might ever dare to visit. If they left, they might be able to find a skilled physician to save her father's life.
However, a prolonged low fever would severely test the immune system, and with the added strain of a long-term coma and minimal food intake, the body would suffer even more.
After leaving her in-laws, Yu Lian strolled back to her courtyard, deep in thought beneath the bamboo grove.
At this point, summoning an imperial physician from the palace would be ideal. They were among the best doctors in the world, with extensive experience and access to abundant medicinal resources. Surely, they could save her father's life. But if even doctors from the common folk were avoiding the Hu family, how much more would the imperial physicians?
She shook her head and laughed bitterly.
Erya brought a cloak and draped it over her shoulders. "Madam, it's almost dark. Are you going to have dinner with the elderly matriarch today?"
Yu Lian shook her head. "Grandmother is not in good spirits. If I'm there, she'll keep trying to accommodate me and stay awake to talk to me. I don't want to disturb her. I don't have much of an appetite today, so just make me a bowl of plain noodle soup."
Erya nodded, "Madam, don't worry. My family's roots are in the northwest, so we're experts at making noodles. Just wait, I'll go make some for you right away."
These past few days, most of the servants had fled, leaving the main kitchen deserted. To avoid wasting firewood, each courtyard had its own small kitchen where they cooked their meals. Erya's culinary skills were inherited from her mother, Yi Po, and though not exquisite, her dishes tasted pleasantly fresh.
Upon hearing Erya's words, something flickered across Yu Lian's mind. But in that fleeting moment, her thoughts were preoccupied with the imperial physician, and she failed to grasp the fleeting notion.
A leaf suddenly drifted down from above, and Yu Lian caught it. She gazed at the green bamboo leaf for several breaths before scanning the treetops and rooftops, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
She sighed.
A breeze carried a slight chill, prompting her to wrap herself tighter in her cloak before turning back into the house.
A white dove soared away from the rooftop.