During Yun Jinnian’s time at Niannian Garden, she had thought of telling Mrs. Han, but when she saw Aunt Su and Aunt Hua outside of Niannian Garden, Yun Jinnian didn’t want to say anything anymore.
"This servant greets the Fourth Young Miss!"
Aunt Su and Aunt Hua paid their respects.
Yun Jinnian returned the courtesy with a half-bow, yet she understood that these two were also here to add to Mrs. Han’s troubles.
There used to be no one else by her father’s side, but now suddenly there was an Aunt Rou.
They must think an opportunity had come!
Yun Jinnian glanced at them and stepped into Qiyue Academy.
The maids serving in the courtyard were all brought from the Han Family by Mrs. Han, much more respectful than before. Upon seeing Yun Jinnian, they hurriedly paid their respects, "The Young Miss has arrived!"
"Where is my mother?"
"The lady is in the small hall!"
Yun Jinnian entered the small hall and saw Mrs. Han sitting on the Arhat bed, a smile at the corners of her eyes and brows. Yun Jinnian didn’t understand but at the same time, she did.
Her heart had grown cold, and so she had become stronger,
just like in her dreams. Initially, it hurt, but later, no matter how many concubines Chu Liange had, or whom he favored, she didn’t care anymore.
Mrs. Han beckoned Yun Jinnian over, asking her to sit beside her, "What brings you here?"
"I came to have a chat with you!"
The mother and daughter talked about what to watch out for at Songshan Academy, and discussed the events of the following day. Most of the conversation was driven by Mrs. Han, while Yun Jinnian listened and took it to heart.
Yun Jinnian was a clever girl, who previously had no one to teach her, ignorant of the ways of the world. Now, with just a few casual pointers from Mrs. Han, Yun Jinnian understood.
Midway through the conversation, Yun Qi returned.
Carrying lots of packages, "Aunt Shu, Jinnian, come see what I have bought for you!"
Yun Jinnian looked at Mrs. Han and, seeing a smile on her lips and no displeasure, she stood up and walked over to Yun Qi, "Father!"
Because before, Yun Jinnian always called him ’Dad’.
Yun Jinnian unwrapped the packages to find several boxes of pastries and a few sets of jewelry.
"Do you like them?" Yun Qi asked.
Mrs. Han stood up, walked over to Yun Jinnian, and looked at the items, "They are all very nice. Jinnian, you take them. I don’t really like wearing such things anyway!"
Yun Qi seemed to want to say something, but in the end, said nothing.
Yun Jinnian couldn’t stay any longer, packed up the items, and split the pastries, taking two boxes back to Niannian Garden. Mrs. Han kept two boxes and sent one to the Old Lady, with the rest distributed to the three aunts.
Mrs. Han responded indifferently, waiting for Yun Qi to speak.
But Yun Qi didn’t know what to say and fell silent.
Mrs. Han didn’t speak either.
Yun Qi, feeling restless, stood up and said, "I will go to the study to read for a while!"
Yun Qi left Qiyue Academy as if fleeing, looking back at the plaque of Qiyue Academy with slightly reddened eyes.
He vividly remembered writing the words with Mrs. Han’s hand — the words remained, but everything else had changed.
Hardly had Yun Qi made his way to the garden when Zhen’er, the maid from Aunt Rou’s side, approached him.
"Second Master has been seen!"
Yun Qi’s face was stern.
"Second Master, Aunt Rou is ill, and can’t even swallow her medicine. She’s been calling out for you nonstop. Would you please visit Aunt Rou?"
Yun Qi wanted to ignore it, but part of him couldn’t let go.
He walked towards Aunt Rou’s courtyard.
Bai Que whispered, "The Second Master has gone to see Aunt Rou."
Mrs. Han snorted coldly, "Do you think I should also find a couple of men to bring home for myself?"
"The lady needn’t..."
Mrs. Han laughed bitterly, "I am just speaking in jest. Let him be!"