Ruan Wanrong knew that though one could say it was just fate, it was nothing short of an undeserved disaster.
Her heart ached for Duan Qimeng, and she also despised the hidden mastermind behind this.
It was truly too malicious.
They wanted to wipe out the Duan Family’s lineage completely.
How deep must the grudge be for them to resort to such extremes?
"I’m okay, just feeling a bit unwell, holding me will make it better!" Wanrong said, tears streaming down her face.
Duan Qimeng carried her in his arms back to their room.
He laid her on the bed, instructed the maid to fetch water, personally washed Wanrong’s face, wiped her hands, and only then did he hold her close and heave a deep sigh.
"Wanrong, I’m sorry, for letting you suffer alongside me!"
"Fool, we’ve been childhood sweethearts, promised to each other from a young age.
Now that we’re husband and wife, we are one. No matter what happens, I have no regrets. If we truly die, I hope we die together and are buried side by side!"
Duan Qimeng was profoundly moved by her words.
He hugged Ruan Wanrong tightly, "We won’t die, we’re not going to die!"
"Mhm, we must live well, for Sister Jinnian!"
Ruan Wanrong started talking about the earlier incident, and after a moment’s thought, Duan Qimeng said, "Since it was given to you, you should pass it on to Sister Jinnian."
The couple then talked about other matters until they realized that in the afternoon, they had been so preoccupied with their troubles that they didn’t even offer Yun Jinnian a cup of tea.
Wanrong felt very uncomfortable about it.
In contrast to her discomfort, Yun Jinnian did not take it to heart. Her carriage rattled as it made its way to the Han Family residence. Upon arrival, a servant immediately welcomed her, "The servant greets the young miss!"
"Is my maternal grandfather here?"
"Yes, the master is here, as well as the lady and the young master. They are all in the main hall at the moment!"
Yun Jinnian smiled happily and quickened her steps toward the main hall, where she heard the hearty laughter of Han Tianci.
Yun Jinnian sped up, and upon hearing him shout "Sister," she ran towards him.
He hugged her tightly, "Sister, I’ve missed you!"
"I’ve missed you too!"
Yun Jinnian replied with a tender smile.
Han Tianci then led Yun Jinnian towards the main hall.
"Jinnian pays respect to maternal grandfather, and to mother!" Yun Jinnian curtseyed as she greeted them.
Mrs. Han, seeing Yun Jinnian’s wrinkled clothes, hurriedly said, "Quickly go to your quarters and freshen up. The meal is almost ready; you can eat as soon as you’re done!"
Yun Jinnian nodded, and as Tianci wanted to follow, Mrs. Han held him back, "Tianci, stay here and keep your mother company for a while!"
Although Tianci was reluctant, he stayed.
Yun Jinnian’s quarters in the Han Family were named Chaoyang Academy, facing the morning sun, with daylight slowly rising and sunshine illuminating the earth.
Chaoyang Academy was already prepared with hot water and clean clothes. Yun Jinnian bathed and changed, and when her hair was dry, the maid came to invite her to the dining hall.
Yun Jinnian asked Shi Jiayu, Hemei, and Henuan to stay behind and rest; it was safe in the Han Family residence.
Hemei and Henuan agreed.
Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she saw Han Tianci grinning at her, twirling a tree branch in his hand.
"Aren’t you supposed to be talking with mother? Why have you come here?" Yun Jinnian asked, letting Tianci hold her hand.
"Hehe!" Tianci chuckled.
He didn’t voice out that he wasn’t particularly fond of Mrs. Han, his mother, and that this time upon returning home, he always felt Mrs. Han’s gaze upon him was strange, almost like she didn’t want him and Yun Jinnian to be together.
Although it wasn’t very obvious, he didn’t like it.
He knew he was getting older and couldn’t always be with his sister. He had to maintain decorum and consider his sister’s reputation.
But he had only grown taller; in fact, he was still just eight years old.
"What’s so funny, did you sleep well last night?"