Chapter 120
Chapter 120: Sprinkling Salt on His Heart
[No wonder Sister said she would come see me, yet she never came all day. I thought she was just saying it to make me happy, but I never expected it to be like this.]
[Father, what exactly happened to Sister?]
[Is she alright? Maybe you could take me to see her?]
[Ah, I almost forgot. Father isn’t an immortal, so of course he wouldn’t know what I’m thinking right now. That means he won’t take me to see Sister in the middle of the night.]
Yun Wan Ning sighed, her little face scrunching into a troubled frown.
Hearing her heart voice, Yun Zheng’s mood, which had been gloomy all day, finally lifted a little. The corners of his lips curved faintly, and an uncontainable sense of pride welled up inside him.
Little Fourth, Father may not be an immortal, but Father can indeed hear your thoughts. Truly.
[Oh right, I remember Sister’s courtyard is right next to Mother’s, less than two li away. My spiritual power could definitely reach that far.]
[The problem is, Father seems to be able to sense my spiritual power. If I release it in front of him, he’ll start suspecting me again.]
[Not that I’m afraid of his suspicion, but exposing myself too often isn’t wise. Better to hold back until Father leaves, then I can go check on Sister.]
Yun Zheng: “…”
What do you mean, suspect you for no reason?
He does not!
And there’s no need to worry about exposure—you’ve already been exposed long ago!
Just then, urgent yet light footsteps approached from outside. Yun Wan Ning instantly returned to herself and, together with Yun Zheng, looked toward the door. There stood Madam Yun, hair slightly mussed, stepping quickly toward them.
[Mother’s back! Hold me!]
Her little face lit up with joy as she waved her tiny arms energetically toward Madam Yun.
Seeing her little darling’s swollen red eyes, Madam Yun’s heart gave a pang of ache. She quickened her pace and gathered Yun Wan Ning from Yun Zheng’s arms.
“Little Fourth, you’re awake. Forgive me, Mother forgot you need to drink milk on schedule.”
Hearing this, Yun Wan Ning blinked and reassured her inwardly:
[It’s alright, Mother. Father told me about Sister’s situation.]
[Mother is always caring for me, but now that something’s happened to Sister, of course you should be with her.]
[When you’re worried about Sister, it’s only natural to forget some things. I understand.]
Madam Yun gave a soft smile and gently rubbed her cheek against her daughter’s tender face, her heart melting completely. Her Little Fourth was always so thoughtful.
“Husband, please bring me the milk bowl.”
“Alright.”
Since her own milk had been insufficient, Madam Yun had raised a milk goat in the manor and weaned Yun Wan Ning completely. Now, she drank only goat’s milk.
Before long, Yun Zheng returned with a half-bowl of warmed milk.
Madam Yun took it, tested the temperature, then began feeding Yun Wan Ning.
Lying in bed, drinking leisurely, Yun Wan Ning’s thoughts remained on Yun Wan Yao.
[What exactly happened to Sister?]
[Could my earlier guess be right?]
[Was it Su Qian Xue and the system, trying to seize luck, who harmed Sister?]
[What condition is she in now?]
[I hope she’s alright.]
[I want to see her, but with Father here, I can’t make a move.]
…
Even after she finished the milk, her heart voice never stopped, every thought tied to Yun Wan Yao.
Seeing this, Madam Yun felt relieved yet touched. She set down the bowl, wiped the milk from her daughter’s chin, and changed her diaper.
When all was done, she gathered Yun Wan Ning into her arms and looked at Yun Zheng.
“Husband, tonight I’ll take Little Fourth to Yao’er’s room to keep her company. Later, pack her milk, diapers, and such, and have them sent over.”
“Alright, I’ll take you both there.”
Yun Zheng frowned, unwilling to spend the night alone. But remembering Yun Wan Ning’s heart voice, he agreed in the end.
Yun Wan Ning’s heart leapt with joy:
[Yes! Finally I can go see Sister openly. Mother truly understands me best.]
[Let’s go, Mother. I want to see Sister.]
In the dim lamplight, the family of three headed for Yun Wan Yao’s courtyard.
Yun Zheng carried Yun Wan Ning, escorting them until they entered the room. Only after looking at Yun Wan Yao did he leave.
The large zitan bed could easily fit several people. Wrapped in quilts, Yun Wan Yao took up less than half, leaving ample space.
Madam Yun bent down and set the well-fed Yun Wan Ning beside her sister.
[Mother, I’m too far from Sister. Could you move me closer?]
Seeing the half-meter gap between herself and Yun Wan Yao, Yun Wan Ning gazed at Madam Yun with pleading eyes.
Madam Yun: “…”
Sorry, no.
She was too small—if Yao’er moved unconsciously in her sleep, it could be dangerous. The distance was necessary.
When Madam Yun didn’t respond, Yun Wan Ning sighed.
[So Mother doesn’t always understand me after all.]
[Forget it. I can’t take Sister’s pulse at this distance, but I can still use my spiritual power.]
[Mother can’t sense it, so I don’t have to hold back now.]
[Let’s see what’s wrong with her.]
With that thought, she sent her spiritual power toward Yun Wan Yao, enveloping her unconscious form.
Her brows furrowed.
[Sister has several bruises and hematomas from external blows. Thankfully, they’re only flesh wounds, no bone damage.]
[Wait, there’s also a head injury.]
[That’s worse than the rest—it could even cause a concussion.]
[Alright then, I’ll dissolve the swelling in her forehead with spiritual power. As for the other injuries, the family doctor can treat them.]
She carefully directed her spiritual power into Yun Wan Yao’s forehead, precisely locating the swelling and repairing the damaged cells. In a short while, it was gone.
[Done. She’ll be fine—just needs a few days of medicine.]
[Still, I can’t help but wonder what exactly happened to her.]
The next day, when Pei Yu came to visit, she finally had a clue.
“Madam, forgive me for coming uninvited. I wished to see Sister Yao,” he said, carrying valuable medicinal herbs and smiling warmly.
Madam Yun’s expression softened outwardly but remained grim inside. This man, using the excuse of saving Yao’er to step into her chambers without a thought for her reputation—truly audacious.
She smiled faintly: “It is kind of you to visit, but Yao’er is fine. You needn’t trouble yourself.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I could not rest without seeing her myself.”
Madam Yun’s eyes cooled. “Yao’er is already engaged. You should be mindful of your words, lest they cause misunderstanding and tarnish her name. If you truly care for her, protect her reputation.”
Her blunt words stiffened Pei Yu’s face, though he forced a smile. Inside, resentment simmered—how dare she speak so, when he had saved her daughter?
Still, he dared not offend Duke Ning’s household. “Madam is right. But since I’m already here, may I see her just this once? I promise I won’t trouble you again soon.”
Suppressing the urge to have him thrown out, she agreed.
Yun Wan Ning watched him thoughtfully:
[So this man was the one who saved Sister and brought her back?]
[But something feels off…]
[In the original plot, he would already be entangled with Su Qian Xue. I disrupted their meeting, but they must have contacted each other afterward.]
[If so, and if they’ve resumed their plans, then Sister’s accident is likely part of it.]
Hearing these thoughts, Madam Yun’s face darkened further. If this man dared scheme against her daughter, she would not let him go unpunished.
Just then, a low groan sounded from the bed.
[She’s awake! Finally, I can ask her what happened—ah, but I can’t speak… Mother will have to ask for me.]
“Yao’er, you’re awake?” Madam Yun hurried to the bedside, clutching her daughter’s hand.
Pei Yu also leaned closer. “Sister Yao, it’s me, Brother Pei…”
Yun Wan Ning: […]
[If he really did this, his acting skills surpass even the award-winning actors of my time.]
Yun Wan Yao’s lashes fluttered, and she murmured faintly, “Water… water…”
“Yao’er, what did you say?” Madam Yun leaned closer but couldn’t catch the words—until Yun Wan Ning’s heart voice chimed in:
[Mother, she wants water. She took bitter medicine earlier, so her mouth must taste awful.]
“Of course—water! Hua Wu, bring some water!”
Yun Wan Ning smiled with satisfaction.
[Yes, that’s right. Once she drinks, she’ll fully wake.]
After a cup of water, Yun Wan Yao slowly opened her eyes, gazing blankly at Madam Yun.
“Yao’er, you’re finally awake. Do you feel unwell anywhere?”