Having gone through the events of her former life, Yueyao no longer cared about her reputation, yet she wished not to bear any undesired infamy.
Hua Lei stared blankly at Yueyao, not expecting the young lady to have thought everything through so thoroughly, "Don't worry, my lady, I won't reveal anything for now. After all, this matter relates to your reputation, it's not child's play. If people were to find out that the lady had dismissed her wet nurse without any reason, it would damage your reputation. I must be cautious too!"
Yueyao was quite satisfied with this, "Let's not hurry to find your uncle just yet. Wait until a proper opportunity arises to discuss this matter with him. Rashly approaching will surely draw Lady Family's attention. It would be better to find an impeccable time to discuss this matter. She was impatient to see Nanny Gu's face, but she still needed to be cautious."
Hua Lei quickly responded, "I understand, my lady." She needed to report to the lady before going out, she couldn't make decisions on her own.
Yueyao tried to keep her heart as calm as possible. Whether she could really face all of this, all these people, with a peaceful heart, she did not know at the moment. But she would strive to control herself and not let the past repeat itself.
The first thing Yueyao did after adjusting her mindset was to visit her grandmother. Mu Qiu had picked out a moon-colored dress for her, which looked quite elegant.
Yueyao frowned, "Go fetch that light blue dress. This one is too plain." Could her grandmother be pleased seeing her in a dress that resembled mourning attire? If her grandmother was in a bad mood, it could also affect her health.
Hua Lei nodded silently in her heart, the young lady had thought of everything now. A dream had made the lady grow up all at once.
Arriving outside the Old Madam's Yisong Courtyard, Yueyao happened to meet two graceful young men. Yueyao's eyes flickered briefly, and she quickly stepped forward to greet them, "Eldest brother, second brother, I hope you are well."
Tingli, being the legitimate eldest son of the family, would eventually carry the family's responsibilities, thus he seemed a bit mature beyond his years. Tingli had just returned and had been briefed by a young servant about the recent happenings at home. Hearing Yueyao's greeting, his eyes held a scrutinizing look.
Second Young Master Tingyi looked surprised, "Third younger sister usually calls me and eldest brother as 'big brother' and 'second brother'. Why do you sound so distant today?"
Yueyao paused, having forgotten how she used to address them. After hearing Tingyi's comment, she went along amicably, "If 'second brother' feels distant, I will continue to call you as before. Eldest brother, second brother, I hope you are well."
Seeing Yueyao lively more than usual, Tingli was filled with doubts. The young servant said third sister was somewhat strange indeed, quite strange. But, that was all.
Tingyi, sensing nothing amiss and always being jovial, cheerfully pulled Yueyao into the courtyard.
Yueyao endured not to pull away from Tingyi's hand. But her heart felt as tumultuous as a stormy sea. Now, anyone associated with the Lady family, she wished to avoid. Yet she could not.
The moment Old Madam saw Yueyao, she expressed displeasure, "You should have rested for a few more days if your health hadn't fully recovered. There was no need to rush to greet me. If your health worsens, having me worry every day would be even more inappropriate and truly unfilial."
Yueyao knelt down by the Old Madam's feet, massaging her legs, "Do not worry, grandmother, I have recovered quite a lot. Doctor Tang also mentioned that moving around would be beneficial for my health. Grandmother, seeing that the weather is so nice today, I would also like to accompany you outside for a walk." Doctor Tang indeed had said so; Yueyao was not making it up.
Hearing Yueyao speak, a faint smile appeared on the Old Madam's face, making her seem brighter. It proved the child had indeed eased her mind. Old Madam said with a smile, "Very well, having heard your words, I am reassured."
Only after Yueyao finished speaking did Tingli and Tingyi greet the Old Madam.
Looking at her two direct grandsons, Tingli was raised under the Great Grandfather's guidance and was good in every aspect. Tingyi, whom she had personally raised until he moved to the front courtyard for his schooling, shared a deep bond with her even after they had parted. Old Madam, holding Tingyi and seeing how thin he had become, felt heartbroken, "Have you lost so much weight? Is the food not good at the academy?"
Tingyi responded cheerfully, "Not at all, the food at the school is quite good. Mother also sends things over every now and then. Grandmother, do not worry."
Tingli and Tingyi both studied in Capital City's most prestigious Bailu Academy. The academy's admittance was very strict; one had to pass three examinations. Even with connections, failure in these tests meant inability to attend. Moreover, every term, the bottom ten students were dismissed, and then ten new students were admitted externally. Being accepted into Bailu Academy also meant that the Lian family could rest easy because entering there, eight or nine out of ten students would likely pass the provincial level imperial examinations. After all, even the least successful students from the Bailu Academy were Juren (Successful Candidates in the Imperial Examinations at the Provincial Level).