The words were overheard by Mrs. Han, who let out a cold, mocking laugh, "It’s that annoying ghost, do tell me so I too can know!"
Frightened by Mrs. Han, Xu Xinmo hid in the old Lady’s embrace.
The old Lady grew angry as well, "What are you fussing over with a child for!"
"Arguing with her?" Mrs. Han scoffed, "I wouldn’t bother, but Lady, do you really think it’s good to raise the Xu Family’s child ?"
Is this pampering the child? This is harming her, coddling her to her doom!
Anyone with a clear mind and genuine love would not fail to educate her. Speaking ill of others behind their backs is highly improper.
"Do you need to poke your nose into everything?" the old Lady drawled.
"Yes, it indeed appears I’ve concerned myself with matters that aren’t mine!" Mrs. Han retorted and walked away.
Just let them keep raising her this way; they will have their time to cry later on.
One by one, the dishes were served, and the old Lady invited everyone to sit.
Aunt Rou, Aunt Lian, and their daughters sat together as well. The Yun Residence originally had another daughter from the main family, Yun Tai, but it was said she had been abducted. Her mother, Aunt Kang, had placed a Buddha statue in her own courtyard, taken up vegetarianism and chanting of sutras, spending many years without ever coming out.
As for what Aunt Kang looked like, Yun Jinnian had no idea.
The welcome dinner was very oppressive; Yun Zhen had consistently failed to pass the imperial exams, Yun Yi hadn’t even tried, and Yun Xuan would soon be eligible to participate. As a result, Yun Zhen was in a foul mood, drinking glass after glass until he eventually passed out drunk.
Lady Mrs. He was so anxious she was in tears but didn’t dare to persuade him, simply ordering people to take Yun Zhen back to rest.
Watching the Yun Family’s decline, Yun Jinnian felt a sense of schadenfreude for some reason.
Returning to Niannian Garden, Yun Jinnian freshened up and then sprawled on the bed, flipping through a Medical Book. Simultaneously, she pondered how her patients looked, what prescriptions she should write for them, where they lived, the climate of their location, and which regional herbal remedies could maximize their medicinal properties.
"What are you thinking about?"
A male voice sounded, drawing Yun Jinnian back to reality. She saw Chu Yu and quickly said, "Turn around quickly!"
The days were growing hotter, and she was wearing very little.
Underneath was just a bellyband, and on top, a thin gauze that scarcely concealed her form.
"You bean sprout, what’s there to look at!" said Chu Yu as he spoke, though his eyes still wandered over Yun Jinnian’s body.
Enraged, Yun Jinnian grabbed a pillow and hurled it at Chu Yu, "Even a bean sprout has its time to grow, turn around now!"
Chu Yu caught the pillow and, not wanting to anger Yun Jinnian further, obediently turned around.
Yun Jinnian quickly got out of bed, put on some clothes, and tied up her hair with a ribbon before saying, "You can turn around now!"
Chu Yu turned around with a smile, and Yun Jinnian took a good look at him. She noticed he was carrying a food box, which surprised her for a moment.
"Happy Dragon Boat Festival!"
"The Dragon Boat Festival isn’t here yet!" Yun Jinnian said, turning to glance at the hourglass. Seeing that the sand had flowed to the third quarter past midnight, indeed it was now the Dragon Boat Festival.
"See, I’m the first one to wish you a happy Dragon Boat Festival. I’ve also brought you zongzi and realgar wine; isn’t that thoughtful!" Chu Yu said as he turned to place the food box on the table, lifting the lid to reveal two zongzi and a small, exquisite wine jug.
Yun Jinnian intended to say she had no gift.
But Chu Yu had come so early.
"Of course, I have something. Just wait a moment!" Yun Jinnian said, opening the wardrobe to take out a Colorful String she had woven and a zongzi-scented sachet.
"I made the Colorful String myself, but I bought the sachet!"