Perhaps, in being such a way, mother was also responsible!
Soon, Henuan came back.
"Miss, Bai Que has gone to receive punishment!"
"Receive punishment?" Yun Jinnian was taken aback for a moment, then instantly understood, "I know, you go call her back!"
"But the old master..." Henuan hesitated.
"Go on, just say it’s my order, grandfather will agree!"
Henuan went down and when she found Bai Que, she saw her in a sorry state. Looking at her, Henuan said, "Auntie Bai Que!"
Bai Que looked at Henuan, "Hmm?"
"Miss sent me to take you back, saying the madam also can’t do without you to serve her!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Que wasn’t pleased, "Go back and tell the miss, this is what I deserve. I concealed the madam’s illness, causing it to worsen; this punishment is what I should accept!"
"There are no buts, you go back. Since I am here to be punished, I must endure it. In a few days, I will return to serve by the madam’s side!"
Seeing Bai Que’s state, Henuan felt very distressed, "Auntie Bai Que, if you’re truly this loyal and dedicated, then you should be by the madam’s side during her hardest times!"
Having said that, Henuan turned and left.
Bai Que stood still, and after a while, she burst into tears.
She had served by the miss’s side for many years, witnessed Aunt Su’s betrayal, accompanied the madam at the manor, living in silence for years.
Upon returning, the madam actually had expectations for Uncle Er, yet, to her dismay, he repeatedly disappointed the madam, leading to her despair.
On top of that, the miss went to Nanjiang and Tianci, the young master, also left. After their return, they had both grown up and became estranged from the madam.
The madam’s hidden illness gradually surfaced, and now, it had become uncontrollable.
How could she have the face to meet the madam!
Henuan returned to the study and saw Yun Jinnian slightly shaking her head.
Some people, some matters, can’t be forced.
Nor can they be brought upon by force!
She instructed someone to cook porridge, "Just light porridge!"
Sitting by the bedside, after tending vigil for a while and feeling tired, Yun Jinnian leaned on the bedside, grasping Mrs. Han’s hand and resting her face upon it.
When dawn was barely breaking, Mrs. Han woke up.
Feeling her hand being held, she turned her head and saw Yun Jinnian asleep on her hand.
At that moment, Mrs. Han was very lucid.
Looking at her beloved daughter, Mrs. Han also remembered how excessive her words had been the night before, yet she couldn’t control herself at that time.
Back then, it felt like everyone had let her down. She was in so much pain, so aggrieved; it seemed right that everyone else should feel the same.
But now, upon waking up, she regretted it deeply.
Gently stroking Yun Jinnian’s long hair, she didn’t know how long she would remain clear-headed, she just didn’t want to hurt her beloved daughter anymore.
Her eyes reddened, tears streaming down her face.
As she thought to retract her hand, Yun Jinnian held it tight, lifted her head and smiled at Mrs. Han, "Mother!"
Mrs. Han was startled.
For a long time, she dared not speak.
Afraid that her words would be hurtful again.
"Mother, you’re awake, are you hungry? Do you need to relieve yourself? Shall I have someone bring water in for you?"
Gentle and filial, as if the events of the previous night had never happened.
Mrs. Han was somewhat stunned, opened her mouth wanting to speak, thought of something, and hurriedly closed it.
"Mother, shall I help you up?" said Yun Jinnian, getting up to help Mrs. Han.
Mrs. Han remained silent, but let Yun Jinnian assist her to sit up, and helped her into the adjoining bathroom. Seeing Yun Jinnian intending to help her personally, Mrs. Han was touched yet distressed, and softly said, "Go out, I can manage on my own!"