The next day, Xie Jiuxiao, with dark circles under his eyes, headed towards the imperial prison.
Before leaving, Yu Nianzhao grabbed his arm and carefully examined the white jade Buddha beads on his wrist, "They look decent, but probably won’t last long."
"Really? These Buddha beads are already a rare material and have carved runes inside, hiding secrets. There are no better beads available."
Dongfang Chenyue didn’t dare to argue with Yu Nianzhao this time. She pointed to the Buddha beads, not daring to get too close to Xie Jiuxiao.
"Hmm, I see the runes inside. Just wear them for now; it’s better than having nothing."
Not fully assured, Yu Nianzhao also replaced the talisman in Xie Jiuxiao’s sachet with a new one to ensure he wouldn’t be carried away by evil forces.
Xie Jiuxiao seemed worried, whispering, "Stay away from Dongfang Chenyue; don’t catch her stupidity."
"Hey! Are you badmouthing me? How am I stupid?"
Dongfang Chenyue watched as Xie Jiuxiao left without looking back, thinking about throwing her shoe at him. The tall and impressive image she had of him was shattered.
"Princess, someone from the Lien Family has sent word; they want to invite you to a lunch and to give you the silver."
Zhixi came in from outside and informed Yu Nianzhao.
"Going for the money?" Yu Nianzhao’s eyes lit up, "Let’s go then."
"Zhaozhao, where are you going? I want to go too!"
Dongfang Chenyue, unfamiliar with Shangjing after so many years, naturally stuck to Yu Nianzhao.
"If you’re coming, then don’t say anything unnecessary." Yu Nianzhao constrained her, allowing her to join.
"Don’t worry, I’m sweet-tongued, won’t say unnecessary things." Dongfang Chenyue chuckled.
"Ha, sweet-tongued? Pigs could climb trees." Dongfang Chenyuan scoffed, muttering behind her, but still cautioned, "Don’t disgrace Prince Su Mansion while with the princess."
Dongfang Chenyue stuck out her tongue and followed Yu Nianzhao carelessly to the Lien Mansion.
Once at the Lien Mansion gate, Lien Yanran eagerly came forward.
"Zhaozhao cousin, you finally arrived, everyone’s waiting for you." Lien Yanran warmly led her inside, "Mother said you missed the wedding feast and saved big sis. It was all too rushed, couldn’t properly catch up. So we’re especially inviting you for a meal to express thanks."
"Catching up and eating aren’t important; I’m mainly here for the silver." Yu Nianzhao straightforwardly said.
"The silver is ready." Lien Yanran was amused and helpless; previously thought Yu Nianzhao’s greedy side seemed a bit vulgar, but after going through Lien Zhiyuan’s incident, she found her frugal yet charming.
"Grandmother’s here too; she’s particularly missed you."
Approaching the main hall, Lien Yanran blinked and reminded her.
Yu Nianzhao slowed her steps, raising her eyes to see the hurriedly approaching Lien old lady, grey-haired, hunched, with more wrinkles but her kind gaze unchanged.
Lien old lady pushed aside the attending maids, quickly walking with a cane towards Yu Nianzhao.
A surge of mixed emotions passed through Yu Nianzhao’s eyes, causing her to sigh softly as she steadied and greeted her, "Old lady."
Lien old lady touched Yu Nianzhao’s face, tears streaming, "It really is Zhaozhao, grown taller and prettier, truly a good child of the Lien Family, yet suffered. Grandmother’s missed you so much."
Yu Nianzhao pressed her lips together, unable to push away, allowing her to touch her.
"Mother, quickly lead Zhaozhao inside for lunch."
Lien Wenhe, seeing Yu Nianzhao, was overjoyed, "Zhaozhao, you saved Zhiyuan. She’s still recuperating; you can visit her later."
"Yes, yes, come in to eat; everyone’s waiting for you."
Lien old lady wiped her tears, joyfully taking Yu Nianzhao’s hand and leading her inside.
The atmosphere in the main hall wasn’t so pleasant. The three houses of the Lien Family were gathered; upon Yu Nianzhao’s arrival, they scrutinized her collectively.
Curious, skeptical, hostile... every kind of gaze.
"Since you’ve come, have a seat." Mr Lien raised his chin arrogantly, indicating them to sit.
The Pei Family was also there today. Given the events at Lien Zhiyuan’s wedding, the Pei Family, as relatives, was there to express concern.
"Zhaozhao sister!" Pei Yunqing, seeing Yu Nianzhao seated, was very comforting.
Her gaze dimmed slightly, wondering when Zhaozhao sister would be able to live with them in the Pei Family.
"Zhaozhao, yesterday there was a misunderstanding; you indeed saved Zhiyuan." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ NoveI-Fire.ɴet
Ms Lien couldn’t wait to sit next to Yu Nianzhao; if Pei Yunzhi hadn’t held her arm, she would’ve already warmly welcomed her.
Yu Nianzhao disregarded her; she only came by for the sake of the Lien old lady.
"Elders addressing you and yet no response? Who taught you manners?" Mr Lien frowned, clearly disapproving of Yu Nianzhao’s behavior.
Yu Nianzhao side-eyed him, "Do orphans need to be taught manners? If you can’t tolerate it, then go ahead and leave."
Hearing Yu Nianzhao’s confident retort towards Mr Lien, everyone present gasped.
Mr Lien was genuinely angry, slapping the table hard.
Yu Nianzhao propped her chin with one hand, tapping the table lightly with a finger, "This table is really pitiful, needing replacement soon enough."
"This is the Lien Mansion, such arrogance." Mr Lien clutched his chest, scolding, "When you were young, you seemed obedient; didn’t expect you to be so lawless now."
"You wet your pants as a child; do you still do that as an adult?" Yu Nianzhao gave him a disdainful look.
"..." Mr Lien felt he could hardly breathe from rage.
"Zhaozhao, don’t upset your grandfather." Pei Yuanzheng gave her a stern fatherly look; Yu Nianzhao didn’t even glance at him.
Ms Lien’s third wife covered her mouth, laughing meanly, "Zhaozhao’s tongue is so sharp; wonder who she inherited it from?"
Ms Lien coldly glanced at her, "If you can’t speak well, don’t speak."
Ms Lien’s third wife gave a cold snort, her eyes darting around, eager to say something to provoke Ms Lien and her sisters-in-law and this sister-in-law; she always hoped to see them embarrassed.
Ms Lien’s third wife maliciously said, "Mr Lien, Zhaozhao was raised in the countryside and spent five years in Tomb Guard City. Being is good enough; don’t overestimate her."