Duan Qimeng and Ruan Wanrong had a good relationship, and since Old Madam Duan was biased towards Ruan Wanrong, not long after marrying, she had already received plenty of valuable items. Several manors and shops were clearly given to Ruan Wanrong, as well as the deeds for three more shops, which she was to transfer to Yun Jinnian. Those were all in bustling areas of Capital City, excellent shops that even with money, one might not necessarily be able to purchase. If the Old Madam said she would give them, she gave them.
The others harbored resentment, but they couldn’t object, for it was true that Yun Jinnian had saved the Old Madam and helped the Duan Family through their hardest times.
The male heirs understood the greater good and felt it was appropriate to give, even if their wives were unhappy; yet, they dared not make a scene.
Should they cause a scene, their own husbands would be the first to spare them no mercy.
When Yun Jinnian arrived at the entrance of the Duan Residence, Ruan Wanrong came out to greet her with a smile, "Sister Jinnian!"
Yun Jinnian stepped down from the carriage and smiled back at Ruan Wanrong, noting that she walked a bit strangely but thought nothing more of it.
Ruan Wanrong approached and took Yun Jinnian’s hand, "You’ve grown taller but thinner!"
Yun Jinnian smiled without replying.
She let Ruan Wanrong hold her hand.
"Why are your hands so cold? Are you ill?" Ruan Wanrong asked with concern.
"No, it’s just my constitution. There’s nothing to worry about!"
Ruan Wanrong nodded, "You know more than I do, but even doctors cannot heal themselves. You should still have your maternal grandfather take a good look at you. If you’re lacking any medicinal ingredients, just tell me. I now manage a medicinal shop and have all sorts of ingredients!"
Yun Jinnian responded, then saw Duan Qimeng, and with a slight bow, greeted, "I have seen Duan—" She paused, then corrected herself, "Brother-in-law Duan!"
"Mhm!" Duan Qimeng smiled and nodded.
He invited Yun Jinnian through the main gate.
Due to Yun Jinnian’s exceptional status, naturally, she entered through the main entrance.
The primary wives from the several branches of the Duan Family all came out, smiling at Yun Jinnian so widely their eyes disappeared into their cheeks.
Yun Jinnian greeted each in turn, not bothering to remember who they were.
"Sister Ruan, how is the Old Madam feeling now? My main purpose today is to follow up on the Old Madam’s examination!" Yun Jinnian said gently.
It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her maternal grandfather, but she believed in seeing things through to the end.
She had begun the treatment and felt obligated to conclude it.
"Grandmother’s health is much improved, but she keeps mentioning you. Come with me to see her!" Ruan Wanrong said with a smile.
Indeed, she was better, but the Divine Doctor Han had visited the Duan Residence several times; after his treatments improved the Old Madam’s condition, he hadn’t visited since.
Duan Qimeng had also summoned the Imperial Physician several times, but for the Old Madam’s ailment, Chenke, they had little effect.
The Old Madam giving those three shops was partly in hope that Yun Jinnian, seeing the value in them, would continue to treat her illness.
Ruan Wanrong led Yun Jinnian by the hand, with Hemei carrying the medicine chest, and Shi Jiayu and Henuan followed behind.
The Duan Residence, once royal merchants, had ample funds and had their large estate exquisitely and beautifully renovated, with attention to detail so as not to be criticized for having merely the smell of copper coins.
Shi Jiayu found the sight endlessly fascinating, while Hemei and Henuan kept their eyes forward.
Seeing mountains of gold and silver every day, sleeping next to them, yet knowing these things would never belong to them, naturally caused their desires to settle down over time.
The primary wives from different branches of the Duan Family followed, flattering Yun Jinnian now and then. It was well known that their men, and their sons below them, had all taken Barrenwort and could no longer father children.
This was also the reason the Old Madam gave Yun Jinnian three exceptional shops, and why they dared not cause an uproar.
The Divine Doctor paid no attention, and the Imperial Physicians were helpless— all their hopes now rested on Yun Jinnian.
Upon reaching Old Madam Duan’s courtyard, the overseeing butler immediately approached with warm greetings, "Miss Yun has arrived, this servant greets Miss Yun!"