Chapter 351: Chapter 124: Suspicions Arise
Lian Dongfang heard that Yueyao had not returned and directly ordered the Chief Steward to select a capable Coarse Maid for her. Life on the mountain was austere, and from now on, they would change the delivery schedule from once every half a month to once every ten days.
Yuehuan fell silent upon receiving the news.
Maternal Aunt Su couldn’t figure out what Yuehuan was thinking and asked, “Fourth Miss, what are you thinking?” In the past, her daughter would always consult her on matters, but now she rarely asked her for advice. Maternal Aunt Su knew her daughter had grown distant because of the incident with the lipstick. She also knew she was wrong, but she was in a difficult position, having to constantly persuade for the sake of the three of them. She had tried to talk about it several times, only to find her daughter growing more and more reticent and distancing herself emotionally.
Yuehuan shook her head and said, “Nothing.” Maternal Aunt Su tenderly touched Yuehuan’s forehead and added, “Speak up, keeping things bottled up inside can make you sick.” If her guess was correct, her daughter was probably thinking about the Third Young Lady.
Yuehuan looked at Maternal Aunt Su and asked, “I am wondering why Third Sister hasn’t come back?” What Yuehuan was actually pondering was what Yueyao had experienced in her past life. If it was a deep-seated hatred, she should have sought revenge instead of being so calm. Yet, if there was no hatred, it made no sense, because Yueyao was highly guarded against the people of Lian Mansion. Third Young Lady sought help from her maternal family, from the Li family, but uniquely avoided the people of Lian Mansion. Now being a part of Lian Mansion herself, to gain the trust of Third Young Lady seemed like an impossible task with her current state of mind.
Maternal Aunt Su was also surprised and said, “I thought the Third Young Lady would be the first to give up.” She had never visited the mountains, but she knew that life in the temple was extremely austere. How could the pampered daughter of a rich family endure it? Moreover, from what the steward said, it seemed like the Third Young Lady was doing quite well on the mountain, which was really strange.
Yuehuan felt increasingly unsure how to communicate with Maternal Aunt Su; every time they talked about the Third Young Lady, all the negative words would surface, always putting her on guard. Yueyao felt helpless; she now only thought about getting along well, never considering distancing herself from the Third Young Lady, who had her advantages, and getting close to her could mitigate many risks. She said to Maternal Aunt Su, “I understand, Auntie. I will go back to my room to sleep now.”
Lying in bed, Yuehuan stared through the window into the pitch-blackness outside, seeing nothing. Her mind kept pondering what kind of person Yueyao really was. She was somewhat unable to see through Yueyao, who clearly harbored hatred for the Eldest Madam, yet could remain so composed. Was she preparing to strike a sure blow, or was she genuinely kind enough not to seek revenge?
Yuehuan heard light footsteps and squinted her eyes, feeling Maternal Aunt Su pinch her quilt but did not open her eyes until Maternal Aunt Su had left the room. Yuehuan then reopened her eyes. Maternal Aunt Su indeed loved her deeply, but her outlook on life and worldview were different from hers. She did not want to be forever constrained by others, let alone let her fate be controlled by others. Therefore, she would not be content, and the only one she could possibly collaborate with was the Third Young Lady.
In the Ma’s Mansion, Zhuang Ruolan learned that Yueying could not endure and returned to Lian Mansion, and she smiled lightly, “Life on the austere mountain is not for everyone.” Not only were the meals simple, but daily life was also monotonous and dull; those accustomed to luxury and lacking willpower could not endure it.
Cai Yun expressed her admiration, “Young Madam, even Master Ru Kong from the temple holds the Third Young Lady in high regard. Now the Third Young Lady can even borrow Scripture Scrolls from the Scripture Pavilion for copying. Young Madam, the Third Young Lady is indeed extraordinary.” The Third Young Lady had grown up spoiled and pampered; it was unexpected that she could endure such hardships–it’s truly impressive not to admire her.
Ruo Lan couldn’t help but nod in agreement and said, “It is indeed rare. Tell the steward to bring some items to Yueyao tomorrow and remind her to move to a different room, as the wing room is too cold.”
Cai Yun smiled and said, “Okay.”
Nanny Hao made a bowl of Bird’s Nest Porridge for Yueyao the night after Yueying left. According to Nanny Hao, their young lady should supplement her nutrition from time to time, just like when she was in Lian Mansion. Otherwise, constant mental stress would wear down her body.
The next day, the Coarse Maid was sent over to Lian Mansion.
Yueyao glanced at the old nanny, who was tall and seemed capable of hard work. Initially, a Coarse Maid was meant just to perform chores, but this one carried a sycophantic smile that made one uneasy to laugh, unsure what the Lady family intended by sending such a person over.
The Coarse Maid saw Yueyao looking at her and hastily bowed, “Miss, I hope you are well.” Although life on the mountain was a bit austere, who didn’t know the Third Young Lady was generous? A few months of hardship in the mountains might be better than a year in a grand estate!