That night, Yun Qi stayed in the courtyard of his gentle concubine. She was delighted and tended to him diligently.
Afterward, she was left exhausted and faint by Yun Qi’s embrace.
Satisfied, Yun Qi stood in the yard, looking in the direction of Qiyue Academy with a gaze filled with depth and despair.
There really was no going back.
Zhuangyong Marquis Residence
Dai Hanmi had not fallen asleep.
She couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning restlessly.
Yun Jinnian had extended an invitation, which she was happy to accept, but it was to the Yun Residence, and Dai Hanmi hesitated.
Therefore, she had not yet replied.
Ruan Wanrong, Hu Shuiling, and Chen Danyan were all waiting for her response.
"Miss, can’t sleep?" Minxian asked.
Dai Hanmi said as she sat up.
Because of the cold weather, Dai Hanmi was a bit scared to sleep alone, so she had Minxian sleep with her.
Minxian was fifteen that year, two years older than Dai Hanmi, but had been with her for ten years.
Their bond was extraordinary.
Minxian also sat up and draped a robe over Dai Hanmi, "Thinking about Miss Jinnian?"
"Miss can’t decide whether to go or not? If you don’t go, it’s Jinnian Miss’s invitation; but if you do, you’ll have to meet the Yun Family’s eldest miss, especially since the Yun Family’s eldest miss is about to come of age soon, and she also invited you on the eighteenth of the first month, yet you haven’t replied!"
She liked Yun Jinnian, felt at ease when with Yun Jinnian.
But, she didn’t like other members of the Yun Family, so she was reluctant to go.
"Then, Miss, just go!"
"Mm, go!" Minxian confirmed firmly.
"Should I discuss it with Mother first?"
"Madam has always supported whatever decision the Miss makes. Besides, this isn’t a big issue, and Madam is so worried about the old lady, this small matter is something the Miss can decide on her own!"
Minxian smiled along, "Alright, Miss, stop agonizing over it. Just go. If the Yun Family’s eldest miss has any sense, you go support her on the eighteenth; if she’s not sensible, there will be plenty of chances for the Miss to deal with her!"
Dai Hanmi decided to go to the Yun Residence. On the morning of the fifteenth, she had someone send a reply. Ruan Wanrong and the others, knowing Dai Hanmi would go, also replied, agreeing to meet at the Yun Residence on the sixteenth.
The residence was bustling with activity.
Yun Jinnian got ready and went to Qiyue Academy to greet Mrs. Han.
After the fifteenth, the year would come to an end.
But upon arriving at Qiyue Academy, she saw the gentle concubine with her maids, kneeling in the courtyard.
Yun Jinnian’s eyes narrowed slightly as she walked into Qiyue Academy, not giving the gentle concubine a second glance, and went directly into the hall.
Bai Que greeted her, "Miss has arrived!"
"Mm, where’s my mother?"
"She’s getting dressed, and the second master isn’t here!"
Yun Jinnian nodded slightly and entered Mrs. Han’s bedroom.
She saw Mrs. Han dressed in a bright red jacket, her complexion fair as jade, her hair in a ’Chao Yun Jin Xiang’ style, a Sandalwood Konghou Hairpin slanting on top of her head, and two Jade Hairpins, the set matching her earrings and bracelets. She wore a pair of red phoenix-winged brocade shoes with a cloud and smoke pattern, dazzling in beauty, yet dignified and elegant.
Mrs. Han looked at Yun Jinnian and smiled, "You’re here!"
"Mm, I came here to mooch off your food!"
Rarely did Yun Jinnian act so coquettishly; Mrs. Han was delighted, stood up, and went over to check on Yun Jinnian, "You look really beautiful today!"
Mrs. Han led Yun Jinnian to the dining hall where breakfast was already prepared.
Bird’s nest porridge, several kinds of pastries.
All sweet foods, which Yun Jinnian loved.
Mrs. Han served Yun Jinnian a pastry, and after eating, Yun Jinnian glanced out toward the courtyard.
The gentle concubine and her maid were still kneeling there.
Mrs. Han let out a cold smile, "Since she’s willing to kneel, let her kneel!"