Mrs. Dai, upon hearing the words, retreated several steps in a startled stumble.
The complexion of the Princess of the Loyal King also turned very unsightly.
"Princess Yijia, I beg you to save my son, Anguo!" The Princess of the Loyal King said this with an entire demeanor that was gloomy.
Her tone was cold and harsh.
She did indeed resemble a heartless and ruthless stepmother princess.
Yun Jinnian sent Hemei back to the Han Residence to fetch some medicinal herbs, and to check if Tianci had gone home and to inform Mrs. Han of the situation at the Loyal King Residence; she might not be able to return these next few days, and fetch a few changes of clothes for her as well.
Even her own personal toiletries, she was accustomed to those used on ordinary days.
It was not that those of the Loyal King Residence would be lacking; she just wasn’t comfortable using them.
The Princess of the Loyal King immediately ordered someone to ready a horse carriage to send Hemei back to the Han Family, and several maids carefully carried in a large Arhat bed, setting it up in a side study room, with several cotton-padded mattresses and a silk quilt from Jiangnan that was a recent tribute.
Before supper, Hemei returned with the items.
"The young master has already gone home. Knowing that you were dealing with an urgent matter, he told you not to worry, that he would study hard at home. Madame also said that you needn’t worry about the household and sent several pastries she made herself with me for you!" Hemei reported respectfully by her side.
"Has my grandfather said anything?"
"The old master said, ’A doctor should thus be!’"
Yun Jinnian gently pursed her lips, her smile soft and gentle.
Her grandfather was a man of indifferent character, not willing to associate with others, but that did not mean he lacked a kind heart.
The Princess of the Loyal King personally kept her company for supper, and her daughter, Chu Lilan, who was married off, also rushed back in a hurry.
And reproached Mrs. Dai for a good while.
Yun Jinnian stood behind the curtains, watching indifferently as Chu Lilan scolded Mrs. Dai like a maid, Mrs. Dai hanging her head low, not daring to utter a word.
This was the plight of marrying above one’s station, where, because one’s natal family could not match the status of the husband’s, carefulness and lack of backbone followed.
Even having given birth to boy and girl twins, one still wouldn’t dare to hold one’s head high and chest out.
Just like when she married Chu Liange, she too was always cautious and walking on eggshells, afraid of making a mistake.
Yet, even with all the caution, she still made a mistake.
Yun Jinnian stood in place, looking on indifferently until the Princess of the Loyal King came forward and rebuked Chu Lilan a few times, and only then did Chu Lilan stop talking.
When she turned to see Yun Jinnian standing behind the curtain, her face immediately flushed red, "Who are you? Why are you sneaking around behind the curtain?"
"Lilan, hold your tongue!" The Princess of the Loyal King rebuked.
"But Mother..." Chu Lilan protested.
She considered herself the legitimate eldest daughter of this house, and also a Commandery Princess by title, accustomed to arrogance.
Thinking that others had heard her scolding her sister-in-law, the unpleasant feeling in her heart made her resent Yun Jinnian.
The Princess of the Loyal King, annoyed, glanced at Chu Lilan and approached Yun Jinnian, "This child is spoiled by me, Princess, don’t take her words to heart!"
Yun Jinnian’s smile carried a hint of amusement as she curled her lips, "No harm done!"
"Hehe," The Princess of the Loyal King forced a dry laugh. "Princess Yijia, supper is ready. Would you like to dine here or go to the dining hall?"
"I will have someone bring the meals over here!"
Yun Jinnian nodded slightly and walked over at a leisurely pace, blatantly ignoring Chu Lilan.
Though a princess of the imperial family, Chu Lilan’s comportment really was something one could hardly agree with.
Sitting beside the bed and taking Anguo’s pulse, Yun Jinnian slightly furrowed her brows, "Hemei, bring me the silver needles!"
"What’s wrong with Anguo?" The Princess of the Loyal King asked urgently.
"The poison is taking effect!"