Mrs. Yuan knew why Yun Jinnian’s anger flared.
For the first time, she started to hate Mrs. Han.
It had been nearly a month since she went to Huguo Temple and not only had she not come back, but she hadn’t even sent a message.
Now that her young mistress had returned, as a newly titled Commandery Princess, yet without a single person beside her to rejoice, it would be strange indeed if she hadn’t fallen ill with anger!
Yun Jinnian’s illness had caused a fever that left her delirious. When she woke, she felt as if she were in a different era, and when she fell asleep again, she had the sensation of slipping into an endless slumber.
She only felt her forehead alternate between hot and cold, while her nanny hummed a soft tune beside her, holding her hand and feeding her medicine.
When she woke again, it was the morning of the fifth day of October.
Yun Jinnian, looking at the disheveled and haggard Mrs. Yuan in front of her, tried to smile and said, "Nanny!"
Her voice was hoarse, and her throat extremely sore.
"Now that you’re awake, rinse your mouth; the kitchen has cooked porridge. Have some light porridge in a bit!" Mrs. Yuan said softly.
The day Yun Jinnian returned, someone had been sent to inform the lady at the Huguo Temple, but now three days had passed without her return.
Mrs. Yuan didn’t know how to break the news to Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian responded with a sound.
Assisted by Mrs. Yuan and Ru Yue, she washed, changed into clean clothes, and ate a bowl of white porridge.
Yun Jinnian leaned against the headboard, "Nanny, I want to take a bath!"
"Miss, you’ve just woken up. Rest a while longer and have your bath in the afternoon," Mrs. Yuan advised.
Yun Jinnian later still asked how many days she had been ill.
Mrs. Yuan answered each question.
She had been in a stupor for three days, and her mother hadn’t returned from Huguo Temple.
"Fifth sister, sixth sister, and seventh sister came three times, staying for a short while before leaving; eighth sister and ninth sister came twice, also only sitting for a moment before departing. The lady sent people to deliver medicinal herbs, but the old lady and my cousin made no indication. It’s likely that the eldest brother and the second brother don’t know, as they also didn’t send anyone to inquire. However, there are invitations from Zhuangyong Marquis Residence, Duan Residence, the residence of the Commandery Princess of Zhen Guo, Count Xuanping’s Residence, and Elder Chen’s Residence, inviting the miss to visit at her leisure!"
Yun Jinnian listened quietly, then after some thought, asked, "What about second sister?"
"Your second cousin has severed ties with the Yun Family and has not sent messages through the main entrance. However, she managed to send medicinal herbs and a letter through a doctor, explaining things a bit!"
"Second sister has a hard life; I understand her!" Yun Jinnian took a deep breath.
It was not easy for her second sister to escape the pit that was the Yun Residence, and then to lose their mother; she must be heartbroken.
Yun Jinnian took another deep breath.
She understood her sister’s pain, and her sorrow, so she forgave her for not visiting the Yun Residence.
It was better she did not come, for fear she would only be mocked and ridiculed.
"Speaking of which, although your second cousin has lost her mother, her second cousin’s husband treats her extremely well. According to the doctor, when she went to see him, her husband, Yeye, was with her!"
"That’s good," Yun Jinnian said, taking a deep breath.
Lying in bed, she asked Mrs. Yuan to go wash up and rest.
Mrs. Yuan thought for a moment, "Alright, I will go now!"
But she called Jiayu to serve her.
Jiayu was talkative and enthusiastic, full of energy, which made her perfect company for Yun Jinnian.
Ru Yue entered the bedroom and said in a low voice, "Miss, fifth sister, sixth sister, and seventh sister are here!"
Yun Jinnian frowned slightly, "They are?"
She hadn’t wanted to see them, but considering they had come to visit every day during her illness and recalling their commendable behavior during the Double Ninth Festival,
Even though their purpose seemed driven by self-interest, for daughters born outside the main line, it was quite normal.