Chapter 3: Excellent News

Chapter 3: Excellent News

Yun Jiao furrowed her brow slightly as she gazed into the bronze mirror, noticing how pale her complexion had become due to the recent distressing events. Just thinking about it sent chills down her spine; she was filled with lingering fear. Had it not been for Jian Jia’s timely return, she might have been doomed beyond redemption.

Jian Jia tightened the white inner garment’s waistband around Yun Jiao’s waist and picked up the pale purple crossed-collar ruqun nearby, raising her hand to help her put it on.

Yun Jiao glanced at it. Though the ruqun was perfectly fine, the neckline left a section of skin exposed below her neck. Remembering the loathsome look in Shen Changdong’s eyes, she waved her hand. “Bring me the crimson cross-collar jacket dress instead.”

“Certainly.” Jian Jia turned and swiftly bent over to open the beechwood cabinet.

“Where is Mu Jin? Why did both of you leave at the same time?” Yun Jiao asked, perplexed.

She had long sensed Shen Changdong’s ill intentions and was always cautious in her dealings, especially now, being extra vigilant. The two maids were her trusted aides, and from the moment they arrived, she had instructed that one must always remain by her side no matter the circumstance. She couldn’t fathom how such a lapse had occurred today.

“I don’t know either,” Jian Jia replied with some confusion, her movements slowing. “It was Mu Jin’s turn to keep watch last night. Before dawn, she woke me, saying that the people sent by the madam were arriving soon and asked me to wait at the second gate to greet them. So I got up and went.”

Yun Jiao frowned thoughtfully and stood up, allowing Jian Jia to assist her in dressing properly.

She then used green salt with a poplar twig to clean her teeth, washed her face with warm water, and as usual, Jian Jia helped her arrange her hair into twin buns. Looking at her somewhat youthful reflection in the mirror and recalling her so-called brother-in-law’s behavior earlier, a wave of revulsion washed over her.

Jian Jia picked up a silk ribbon made from tongcao and fine gauze from the dressing table, intending to pin it in her hair.

Yun Jiao turned her head to avoid it.

Seeing her displeasure, Jian Jia did not insist. She put down the ribbon, turned around, and filled a copper warming pot near the gilded little stove in the room.

“Call Gu Youzi in,” Yun Jiao said, taking the warming pot Jian Jia handed her and holding it close to her chest. Her complexion looked somewhat better than before.

While Jian Jia stepped outside, Yun Jiao examined the warming pot in her hands.

It had been sent by her second uncle just yesterday.

The warming pot was covered with a pink satin insulating sleeve embroidered with blossoming red plum flowers. The opening was trimmed with white fox fur, and a tassel made of colorful feathers hung down, giving it a warm and exquisite appearance.

Yun Jiao parted the opening and peeked inside. The pot was made entirely of copper, with a handle inlaid with jade that was smooth and pure in color and texture—obviously a precious item.

To have even a warming pot so finely adorned, her second uncle clearly came from a well-off family.

“Greetings, Ninth Miss,” Gu Youzi entered and bowed respectfully.

He looked up and was somewhat surprised. This Ninth Miss was still young, about the same age as his own sister, yet she had faced such an ordeal with remarkable composure. Within a mere cup of tea’s time, apart from a slightly pale face, she showed no trace of fear.

He marveled inwardly and thought of his own sister, who, while obedient and sensible, would likely have burst into tears if faced with a similar situation. She certainly wouldn’t have remained so calm.

No matter how much he pondered, he couldn’t find a reason other than his sister’s lack of fortitude.

“Gu Youzi, thank you for your trouble,” Yun Jiao said with a faint smile.

“You are too kind. It is my duty,” Gu Youzi replied, bowing repeatedly. “Ninth Miss is too gracious. You flatter me.”

“Is everything well at home?” Yun Jiao looked up, a gentle smile gracing her lips.

“All is well at the manor,” Gu Youzi said, lowering his head.

“Has my brother sent any news recently?” Yun Jiao asked again.

“Yes,” Gu Youzi’s face brightened. “The young master sent a letter a few days ago. He is doing well at the academy. Please do not worry. He will return home to reunite with you and the madam after the new year.”

“The new year?” Yun Jiao and Jian Jia exchanged a glance, both showing signs of joy. “That means it’s soon.”

It was already the coldest part of winter, and the New Year’s Eve was just over a month away. This was indeed excellent news.

Her brother had not returned home for two years, and Yun Jiao felt a faint thrill in her heart.

“Has my madam been informed about grandmother’s situation?” Yun Jiao asked, recalling that matter amid her happiness.

“The madam remembered your instructions and, worried the young master might be distracted from his studies, did not mention it in the reply,” Gu Youzi answered truthfully.

Yun Jiao sighed in relief. As long as the madam kept silent, no one else would inform her brother.

“How has my madam’s health been lately?” At this question, Yun Jiao involuntarily straightened up.

“Perhaps it’s the chill of the season. Madam Qian has always been frail. Since entering winter, she has had intermittent coughing fits, but it is a chronic condition, recurring every year,” Gu Youzi said, observing Yun Jiao’s expression carefully. Seeing her brow furrow, he quickly added, “But there is no need to worry. The household provides her with daily medicated soups, and her cough has not worsened.”

Yun Jiao lowered her eyes to the warming pot in her hands, paused a moment, then spoke again. “Madam Qian sent you here this time for what reason?”

“Madam Qian was concerned there were too few attendants around you this time. Jian Jia is young, and Mu Jin cannot always be spared. She feared you would not be well cared for, so she sent me to check on you,” Gu Youzi replied humbly.

“Tell madam when you return that I am well at my uncle’s house. My uncle and aunt treat me kindly. Please tell her not to worry. When grandmother’s health improves, I will return to the capital,” Yun Jiao said, clutching the warming pot tighter.

Gu Youzi was somewhat surprised but still said, “If Ninth Miss encounters any difficulties, please tell me. I will return to madam at once. From Laizhou to the capital is not far. I can reach there in half a day on a fast horse.”

Yun Jiao nodded slightly. “You may go now. If anything arises, I will inform you.”

Gu Youzi glanced at Jian Jia and nodded. “Yes.”

With that, he drew the curtain and stepped outside to wait.

“Ninth Miss, you’ve been here for three or five days, yet Second Uncle keeps claiming to be busy and hasn’t even seen you. Second Aunt is cold and distant as well. Considering what you just endured, why did you tell Gu Youzi nothing is wrong?” After Gu Youzi left, Jian Jia anxiously asked.

“What do you think should be done?” Yun Jiao looked up at Jian Jia, smiling faintly.

“You can still smile!” Jian Jia grew more anxious. “If it were up to me, I’d tell the truth and have Gu Youzi return with reinforcements. Madam would surely send more people.”

Yun Jiao toyed with the tassel on the warming pot. “You’re right. Madam would send more help. But have you forgotten what mother said before I came?”

(End of chapter)