Chapter 053
Chapter 53: Just Thinking About It Is Utterly Mortifying
Jiang Zi Tang left in a fluster, her cheeks burning red. Urged on by cousin and friend, she cast aside the rules of an aristocratic lady for the first time, even laying down her pride and dignity, all to seek the truth in her heart.
Outside the gate, Yun Wan Yao watched the carriage wheel away, then turned to the girl beside her and asked softly: “Princess, do you think it is possible that A’Tang’s maid is the real knot between her and Young Master Xie?”
Mo Zhao Zhao thought a moment, her ink-dark eyes curious as she answered with doubt: “I do not think so. Ling’er has served Elder Cousin for years. She is like a sister and is deeply trusted. If she is found out, at best she is sold, at worst she loses her life. What maid would ruin her mistress’s marriage?”
Yun Wan Yao blinked, a trace of meaning in her gaze as she replied in a low voice: “That is not certain. What if Ling’er was bribed? Think on it. A’Tang is Great Wu’s foremost prodigy maiden, brilliant and beautiful, noble in conduct and birth. How many distinguished young men wish to marry her? And Young Master Xie is just as bright. He won first in the exams at thirteen, became famous early, and stands as young lord of the strongest noble house. How many noble girls would rather see him marry anyone but A’Tang? There are countless people who might work to divide them. Passing a message is simple. As a first-class maid from the Imperial Uncle’s manor, how could she err at such a minor task? If she is truly that careless, would someone as keen as A’Tang trust her this much? So I think there is only one truth: she did it on purpose.”
Mo Zhao Zhao stared at her, awestruck, then blurted with a grin: “Wow, A’Yao, it is like you grew an extra brain. How did you think of so much at once?”
Yun Wan Yao rubbed her cheek with an awkward smile, then steadied her tone: “The more I consider it, the more it holds. Both Elder Cousin and Young Master Xie have seas of admirers. Someone may well try foul tricks. And Elder Cousin trusts that maid. If enough benefit is offered, and the maid hides behind that trust, she might dare it. But I have only suspicion, no proof. I told you so you can look into the maid quietly. If I told A’Tang outright, would it not sound like I sow discord between mistress and servant? She would not take it amiss, but if we alarm the maid, she will cover her tracks. Until there is proof, we cannot say it to A’Tang’s face. And you must not tell her either, Princess.”
Mo Zhao Zhao nodded solemnly and promised with crisp certainty: “I will not tell Elder Cousin. I will have people investigate the maid in secret. If she dares treat Elder Cousin like this, I will make her regret it.”
After seeing the Princess off, Yun Wan Yao returned to Peace Keeping Courtyard and sat by Yun Wan Ning, waiting for her to wake. Little Sister’s inner voice had warned that at the Winter Banquet the female lead would trample A’Tang and steal her title, and now only fifteen days remained. She had to ask Little Sister for details and prepare early. She would not let A’Tang be a stepping stone again.
Half an hour later, Yun Wan Ning stirred awake. As a baby, there were usually urgent matters after waking: hungry, needed to pee, or had already gone. Sadly, she had all three. Her bottom was warm and damp. The moment she saw Yun Wan Yao beside the bed, she wanted to sink into the quilt and vanish as she wailed in her heart: [Eek! Why is Elder Sister here? What do I do? I pooped my diaper. If Nanny changes me while Elder Sister is watching, my pride will be gone. Just thinking about it makes me want to die of shame. No, Elder Sister must not see. Please go away. Even though I am small, I still have my pride. Waaah.]
Tears welled at once. Her pitiful little face tugged at Yun Wan Yao’s heartstrings. She did not mind, but Little Sister minded. Everyone has their own boundaries. Just hearing the inner voice, she could feel how unbearable it was for her. She bent and kissed her forehead, then eased her tone as she said: “Ah, Little Sister is awake. I will call the nanny. Lie here and do not move.”
Soon the nanny came in from the gallery. Seeing only the nanny enter, Yun Wan Ning relaxed at once: [Yay, Elder Sister left. Perfect. I will not lose face.]
“Your diaper is wet, young miss. It must feel bad,” the nanny cooed as she worked. She cleaned the baby with warm water, tied on a fresh square of cotton, then fed her milk. [Nanny is so kind and gentle. When you retire, I will give you a big gold bracelet.] The warmth of milk filled her belly, and contentment seeped into her bones.
At dinner, everyone came except one: Yun Zhan. Yun Zheng sat in the head seat with a stormy face as he growled: “Where is that Yun Wan Ye brat? Is he eating or not?”
Madam Yun lifted her chopsticks first and laughed lightly as she said: “Let us eat. Do not wait for him. I wager he is too ashamed to show his face.”
“Huh, what happened, Mother?” Yun Wan Yao leaned in with interest, her eyes bright. Yun Zheng and Yun Wan Chen also looked over, clearly ready to hear. Madam Yun did not hold back with Little Fourth absent. She told how Yun Wan Ye had tried to trick her earlier, only to be exposed by Little Fourth on the spot. Yun Wan Yao winced, then burst into helpless laughter until her eyes watered as she said: “Hahaha, no wonder he is not eating. He must be mortified. But, Mother, are you sure he is fond of the Princess? Could this be wrong?”
“Going by Little Fourth’s heart voice, there is no mistake,” Madam Yun sighed, sorrow touching her tone. Of all people to like, he liked the Princess. The Princess had a marriage pact. It was a road of thorns.
“But she already has a fiancé, and she detests him,” Yun Wan Yao said softly, sympathy quickening in her chest: “Even if every man vanished, she still would not fall for him.”
“Not necessarily,” Yun Zheng said as he placed a portion into Madam Yun’s bowl, a brow lifting as he continued with calm weight: “I believe the Princess may also have feelings for that little scoundrel.” Yun Wan Chen smiled and added with ease: “I agree with Father.”
“Father, Eldest Brother, how?” Yun Wan Yao asked, baffled. “The Princess always complains about him to me.”
“Ye’er did many questionable things, and the Princess caught him more than once,” Yun Wan Chen said, voice gentle and clear: “But she never exposed him. She had her people clean up behind him. During Little Fourth’s full moon banquet, he lured the Princess to the attic. He did bring Lu Wu and others to distract her shadow guards, but the truth is, when they saw it was him, they chose to fade and not stop him. That proves she had told them to stand down. That alone speaks loud.”
Yun Wan Yao went mute. “Even so, the Princess is engaged. What now? Ye’er is stubborn. Once he sets his heart, he will not let go. Will this lead to trouble?”
Madam Yun pressed her lips and then spoke with care: “Let us eat. There is no use stewing. I will have people keep an eye on that brat. Still, if he is truly smitten, the engagement to Marquis Chang Le’s son may not be iron.”
Yun Zheng’s lips curved, a faint glint brightening his eyes. An engagement was only an arrangement, not fate. And according to Little Fourth, that young marquis was not truly devoted to the Princess. In time he would turn into the heroine’s lackey. He had courted the Princess to secure his place as young marquis. Now that he had it, a little guidance might pry his fingers loose. Yun Wan Yao stared at her father in wonder. Was Father saying that if Ye’er’s feelings were deep, they might help him break the engagement? It was not a bad idea. Lu Huai Jin would ruin the Princess. If Father approved, she could begin hinting to the Princess. If it could be done, she truly hoped both the Princess and Yun Wan Ye could find what they sought. He was a black-hearted rogue, but he guarded his own. He would not treat a wife too poorly.
Meanwhile, in another courtyard, the air was thick with the scent of medicine. Under moonlight, Yin Shuang stood outside and watched the man inside through the window. He had not come out all afternoon. She did not know what he worked on. He looked up and met her eyes, then said in a low voice: “Come in.” She stepped inside at once. He asked without looking away from the flame: “How has your body been these days? Any change?” She answered truthfully: “On the night it was meant to flare, nothing happened. These two days I feel better than ever. My body is at ease.” He nodded once and turned back to the furnace. She followed his gaze and asked in a whisper, a tremor in her quiet heart: “Seventh Lord, are you brewing medicine for me?”
He let a light breath escape and answered with a small smile: “Smart guess. Yes. Some time ago, I found rare prescriptions. One is for scar removal and skin regeneration. I thought I would try to brew it for you.” The words struck her like thunder. Scar removal, skin regeneration. Her hand rose slowly to the silver mask. Could she truly get her face back?