Chapter 359: Chapter 127: Yuehuan Arrives (Part 1)
The room was tranquil, with a small and exquisite Purple Jade Incense Burner in the shape of a Kirin Protective Ganoderma placed at the desk on the eastern side, the burner’s mouth gently emitting fragrant wisps of incense smoke.
Yueyao was in the room copying scriptures when Hua Lei, looking displeased, came in and said, “Miss, the family has sent things over, and Fourth Miss has come along too. The steward said that Madam is worried about you being alone and bored on the mountain, so she specially sent Fourth Miss to keep Third Young Lady company.”
Yueyao put down her ivory brush, “Let’s see.”
Yuehuan never intended to come, so she hadn’t thought everything through. She ended up getting cold as soon as she got to the mountain, which was much colder than Capital City.
Seeing Yueyao’s expressionless face, Yuehuan felt sad, but she couldn’t say a word at the moment and could only respectfully say, “Third Sister.” Yuehuan knew that when Madam and Maternal Auntie decided to send her to the mountain to accompany Yueyao, things wouldn’t be good. Yuehuan thought of many ways to avoid going to the mountain, but sadly none of them materialized, and she was still sent up by Maternal Aunt Su.
Yueyao said expressionlessly, “On such a cold day, Fourth Sister doesn’t need to come see me. I will be returning soon anyway.” Yueyao was clearly sending her away.
Yuehuan didn’t expect Yueyao to be so dismissive and hung her head in a pitiable manner. Hong Mei, the Senior Maid beside Yuehuan, couldn’t stand it, “Miss, Madam is worried about Third Young Lady being lonely on the mountain, so she sent Fourth Miss to accompany Third Young Lady.”
Yueyao glanced at Hong Mei and scoffed, “What does it mean to be alone on the mountain? Did you say that, or did Eldest Aunt say that? My trip to the mountain is for meditation and praying, not for sightseeing or enjoyment.” Yueyao’s voice carried a hint of chill when she spoke.
Hong Mei didn’t expect Yueyao to give her such a big rebuke and quickly knelt down to admit her offense, “This servant spoke out of turn, please forgive me, Miss.”
Given the choice, Yuehuan would not want to be here either, but the decision was made by Eldest Madam and Maternal Auntie, and she couldn’t oppose it; hence, even if Yueyao disliked her, she had no choice but to stay. She explained, “Third Sister, Mother sent me here to pray for Grandmother’s blessing.”
Yueyao also knew it would be difficult to send Yuehuan away but didn’t want to let it go at that, saying in front of everyone, “If Eldest Aunt really had sincerity, she should have sent Second Sister instead of you.” She paused, then laughed deliberately, “Don’t tell me Second Sister’s cough hasn’t gotten better.” Yueyao was deliberately tarnishing Lady Mo’s reputation.
Everyone in the courtyard lowered their heads.
Yuehuan felt helpless; her fate was controlled by Eldest Madam, and disobedience would lead to a miserable end. Yuehuan was resentful and wanted to resist, but what frightened her was that she didn’t know how to. Maternal Auntie never thought of resisting, and Yuehuan herself didn’t know where to start. She needed time to contemplate her future path, and the temple was the best opportunity, free from external influences, to quietly think about the future.
Yueyao didn’t want to drag things out with Yuehuan and said directly to the steward, “Take Fourth Miss back with you! I have no room for more people here. If you want her to stay, find accommodation for her.” Unable to send her away, at least let people know she couldn’t be manipulated at will.
The steward hadn’t expected Third Young Lady to be so difficult.
Yueyao returned to the room, saying as she walked, “Hua Lei, you take charge of checking the items, I’m going back to practice my writing.”
Just as Yueyao picked up the brush again, Yuehuan, who had followed her, said, “Third Sister, there are some things I want to talk to you about.”
Seeing that Yueyao didn’t even frown and continued writing, Yuehuan could only take a deep breath and say, “Third Sister, I have some private matters to discuss with you. I’d like to speak with you alone.”
Qiao Lan looked at Yuehuan with a hostile gaze.
Yueyao, seeing Yuehuan’s determination not to give up, then said, “Qiao Lan, go outside!” Yueyao wasn’t worried about Yuehuan talking nonsense; if Yuehuan had her secrets, she had Yuehuan’s as well. Furthermore, Yueyao had few concerns, as rebirth was an ethereal matter, one that nobody would believe if spoken of. The idea of ‘borrowing another’s body to return to life’ could be more believable, and if Yuehuan’s drastic changes were considered, just the suggestion would place Yuehuan in endless trouble.
As far as Yueyao was concerned, it would be best for the two of them to stay out of each other’s way. Unfortunately, Yuehuan clearly didn’t think so. Since that was the case, Yueyao was curious to see what Yuehuan intended to do.
Yuehuan added, “Let everyone withdraw to the outside of the courtyard.” This time she had many questions for Yueyao, questions that no one else could hear.