The butler was taken aback, "Sir, what do you wish to know?"
"Tell me about Jinnian’s situation, talk about the maid sold yesterday!" Yun Chen spoke indifferently.
But as an Imperial Censor known for his uncompromising integrity, his presence terrified the butler.
"Sir, the Fourth Miss is doing well!" the butler said dryly.
"Is that so? It seems that while I’ve been busy impeaching others, I failed to realize who should be impeached the most. Pack your things and leave; the Yun Family will not tolerate you any longer!" Yun Chen remained indifferent.
The butler, however, was so frightened that he fell to his knees, "Sir, it wasn’t me, it wasn’t my doing—it was the old lady’s orders. She said not to supply the Fourth Miss with the finest things and also mentioned that ’To whom God assigns great tasks, he first tests their resolve, works their muscles and bones, and starves their body and skin.’ And so, the Fourth Miss had only one maid and one wet nurse!"
Yun Chen trembled with anger, his voice stern, "Continue!"
"The food for Niannian Garden is always cold by the time it’s sent over. No charcoal has been delivered this year, and the winter clothing are only hand-me-downs unwanted by the First Miss. A few days ago when the Fourth Miss fell into the Lotus Pond, the old lady did not send for a doctor; she merely had someone randomly gather some herbs..."
"Get out!" Yun Chen shouted in anger.
Terrified, the butler scurried away.
"Keep your mouth tightly shut. If a single word leaks out, you know the consequences!" Yun Chen added coldly.
The butler didn’t dare to say a word outside.
Yun Chen took several deep breaths before walking towards the garden.
In the garden
Yun Jinnian was picking plum blossoms with great seriousness.
Mrs. Yuan looked around, somewhat anxious.
"Nurse!"
"Miss?"
"You must remain calm. The person I’m waiting for will certainly return!" Yun Jinnian said while handing over a branch of plum blossoms to Mrs. Yuan.
Suddenly she spoke, "Nurse, do you think Grandmother will reward me with some mung bean cakes if she sees these plum blossoms?"
"..."
Mrs. Yuan found herself at a loss for words.
Yun Jinnian continued, "I didn’t eat lunch or dinner yesterday, and I don’t even know if I’ll have anything to eat this morning. I’m so hungry!"
Mrs. Yuan started to cry, "Miss, it’s all this useless nurse’s fault. When I went to the kitchen yesterday, there was nothing left to eat. If only I had gone earlier!"
"How can I blame you, Nurse? You also had nothing to eat. If Grandmother rewards me with some mung bean cakes, I will definitely save two pieces for you."
"No, no, no, Miss, you should eat them yourself. You’re at the age when you need to grow!"
Yun Jinnian said no more, as the figure behind the rockery had disappeared.
Yun Chen returned to his study and summoned someone from a hidden spot to investigate the affairs of the inner court before he left to attend the morning court session.
Yun Chen left the house, his heart heavy with discomfort.
Yun Jinnian, having picked the plum blossoms, walked slowly with Mrs. Yuan towards the old lady’s Cixin Academy.
Although named Cixin, the old lady’s courtyard was anything but merciful.
At the entrance, Yun Jinnian could already hear laughter coming from inside—it was her cousin on her mother’s side, nine-year-old Xu Xinmo.
Because her mother, also Yun Jinnian’s aunt, passed away early and her father was assigned elsewhere, the old lady couldn’t bear to see her granddaughter suffer and took her in. Xu Xinmo had her own quarter in the Yun Family but mostly resided in the old lady’s Cixin Academy.
She was the old lady’s most beloved and also loved to bully her cousin Yun Jinnian.
She never held back, whether in plain sight or behind closed doors.
"Is that the Fourth Miss?" Ming Liu called out loudly, causing the laughter in the room to abruptly cease.
Then came a thumping sound as Xu Xinmo, dressed in a charming pink outfit, looked down at Yun Jinnian with arrogance and demanded sharply, "What are you here for?"