Chapter 301: Chapter 112 Displeasure Chapter 301: Chapter 112 Displeasure Lian Dongfang returned to his hometown to bury the Old Madam, and took the opportunity to mingle with his clan, fostering much better relations than before, so naturally, he felt more relaxed when he came back.
When Yueyao saw Tingzheng, she noticed he had lost a significant amount of weight, but fortunately, he was in good spirits.
Tingzheng took Yueyao’s hand and called out, “Sister.” Tingzheng, while away, behaved very well, and the people around him were protective, so he was not bullied by anyone outside.
Yueyao smiled and instructed the Kitchen Maid to prepare a few of Tingzheng’s favorite dishes for lunch, then asked, “Tell your sister, what have you been doing at home these past few days?”
While in his hometown, Lian Dongfang often went out and was not at the old house. Tingzheng usually followed Tingyi, although last time he went home, it was Tingli who took him. However, Tingli was too mature and Tingyi’s outgoing personality made Tingzheng like him more.
Tingzheng spoke to Yueyao about many things, and eventually remembered something and said, “Sister, Uncle said he is now at leisure at home and has time to teach us. Uncle suggested that I should stay home and study with him in the future, instead of going to the teacher’s.”
Yueyao was very happy to see Tingzheng, and knowing that Tingyi treated Tingzheng well lifted her spirits. Upon hearing his words, however, her countenance fell as she asked, “What did you say to that?”
Tingzheng, seeing that Yueyao was displeased, pinched the hem of his clothing and said, “Sister, I said I had to ask my sister first.” While at home, Lian Dongfang had given Tingzheng a couple of pointers, but finding him as stubborn as a rock, impossible to enlighten, he gave up. Sensing that Uncle disliked him, Tingzheng, a sensitive person, felt this keenly.
Yueyao breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that there was still room for maneuver since Tingzheng hadn’t agreed, and asked, “Tell your sister, do you prefer studying with the teacher or staying at home studying with Uncle?”
Naturally, Tingzheng preferred studying with the teacher, who was very kind to him and often praised him, unlike Uncle, who always frowned and looked at him with disdain. Tingzheng replied, “I like the teacher.” After speaking, he clenched his small hand and added, “Sister, I don’t want to study with Uncle. Uncle is very strict, and I don’t understand what he teaches.” With the last sentence, Tingzheng involuntarily lowered his head.
Yueyao smiled and said, “You rest at home for a day first, and the day after tomorrow, you’ll return to the teacher’s place.” Yueyao planned to send a message to the Li family and Mr. Zhu the next day.
That night, Yueyao practiced her calligraphy in the study room, and went to sleep after finishing. However, in the middle of the night, lightning flashed and thunder roared outside.
Lying in bed, Yueyao cried out loudly, “Please, I’m begging you to let me die, let me die; I really don’t want to live anymore.” Yueyao was having a nightmare where she imagined herself kneeling in front of Zhou Shu, desperately pleading with him to let her go or to let her die.
It was Qiao Lan’s turn to be on duty that day, and she was terrified by Yueyao’s cries. Qiao Lan quickly shook Yueyao, calling out, “Miss, Miss, wake up…”
Seeing Qiao Lan’s expression, Yueyao realized she had a nightmare. She quickly regained her composure and asked, “What did I say just now?”
Qiao Lan replied with a smile, “Miss, you didn’t say anything.” It was better not to utter such inauspicious words. Qiao Lan didn’t overthink it, as it was just a nightmare, and there was no need to take it too seriously.
Looking at Qiao Lan’s expression, Yueyao guessed maybe she hadn’t said anything after all, and asked again, “I have a habit of talking in my sleep, are you sure I didn’t say anything just now?”
After thinking for a moment, Qiao Lan answered, “I only heard Miss saying ‘don’t,’ and didn’t hear anything else.” She couldn’t say anything about not letting her die, such a taboo subject.
Yueyao felt that Qiao Lan was holding back, judging from her expression, this night terror probably did not include anything too shocking or outrageous, or else Qiao Lan would not be so calm. Still, Yueyao decided not to let Qiao Lan be on duty at night from now on; Hua Lei would take over instead, and whoever was on duty should not sleep in the room, but outside.
A thunderous boom sounded as if the sky had been ripped open with a vast chasm.
Yueyao said worriedly, “Such a loud thunder, I wonder if Tingzheng is scared.” Tingzheng had always been afraid of thunder in the past, but now he was in the front courtyard, and she couldn’t go to check on him.
With a smile, Qiao Lan reassured her, “Miss, don’t worry, with Nanny Deng there, the young master won’t have any problems.” Nanny Deng took great care of the young master, so there was no need to be concerned.
Yueyao nodded and then lay down to sleep again.
Yueyao tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep, and kept on recalling her past life involuntarily. She could only chant sutras, and after reciting several times, her mind finally calmed.
Yueyao murmured to herself, “I hope that this visit to the temple will help dispel the inner demons left behind.” Those experiences from her previous life had become her inner demons, and she had to eliminate these negative influences; otherwise, continual disturbance was not good for her future.