A certain madam’s suggestion was immediately met with approval.
Hu Rui smiled lightly. “I’ve long heard that our An’er was exceptionally talented while still in the inner chambers. How about ”
“Mother”
Yu Lin suddenly clung to Hu Rui’s arm and acted coquettishly.
Hu Rui’s smile stiffened.
Yu Mu’an’s face turned pale, and she couldn’t help pressing a hand to her stomach.
If they really played a poetry chain game, Yu Lin who had never liked studying since childhood would make a complete fool of herself.
Yu Lin plucked a delicate flower bud nearby, held it in front of her face, and gave a charming smile.
“What’s the fun in just reciting poetry? I think, with such a beautiful flower banquet prepared by Mother, it would be more suitable for singing and dancing.”
Hu Rui smiled faintly. “I didn’t prepare any singing or dancing.”
Yu Lin gave a playful bow. “Just watch me!”
She suddenly clapped twice.
Jingle
A melodious bell sounded in the distance.
The crisp tinkling of small bells rang out as a group of young girls in dance attire came running lightly into the garden.
Jingle.
A lively pipa began to play, followed by other instruments. A cheerful tune rose from all directions.
The girls danced along with the music, their skirts stirring fallen petals into swirling motion.
“How lovely spring itself seems to be conducting, and all things are in harmony.”
“So full of life it even warms my heart.”
Amid the ladies’ praises, Yu Lin somehow produced a gauzy shawl, draped it over her dress, and joined the dancers, moving joyfully.
Compared to the others’ admiration, He Shuya’s expression grew a little strained.
She carefully glanced at Hu Rui and said softly, “That child Yu Lin… was raised in Aunt Zhao’s quarters since she was young.”
Hu Rui maintained her smile and did not respond.
Her gaze met that of another madam below; the two exchanged slight nods and raised their teacups.
He Shuya lifted a handkerchief and pretended to wipe the corner of her mouth, concealing her forced smile.
“Our marquis… you must have heard he dotes most on that Aunt Zhao. And since she is also our old madam’s niece, my days in that household have been…”
Yu Mu’an obediently lifted the teapot and refilled tea for both mothers.
She spoke softly in comfort, her voice a little weak: “Mother, perhaps you could look at it another way. Everyone is just here to enjoy themselves. Younger sister is still just a child it’s not a big issue.”
Hu Rui glanced at Yu Mu’an and snorted lightly.
“You’re also a child why don’t I see you behaving as absurdly as she does?”
Yu Mu’an lowered her eyes, her lips so pale they were almost white. “An’er is not as clever and lively as younger sister.”
By then, the dance was nearing its end. The dancing girls somehow produced fresh, vibrant flowers and dispersed, respectfully presenting one to each of the seated ladies and young misses.
This unexpected interaction delighted everyone.
Only the Duchess of the State Duke’s residence, upon receiving a budding flower, looked indifferent. “What a pity…”
Yu Lin held two flowers and personally presented them to Hu Rui and He Shuya.
Her voice was as clear and pleasant as a songbird’s: “Lin’er wishes Mother enduring blessings and family harmony!
And wishes Madam joy and happiness year after year!”
Hu Rui accepted the flower. “Thoughtful of you, Lin’er.”
Yu Mu’an suddenly clutched her stomach, a thin layer of cold sweat forming on her forehead.
Hu Rui quickly supported her. “An’er! What’s wrong?”
He Shuya appeared anxious in action, though her eyes remained indifferent.
Yu Mu’an spoke weakly, “Mother… I… since this morning, I’ve had unrelenting abdominal pain…”
Hu Rui scolded lightly, “You child, why didn’t you say so earlier?”
She turned to the others, looking apologetic. “I’ll take An’er back to see a doctor. As for the rest ”
Yu Lin had been hoping for such an incident and immediately spoke up confidently: “Mother, don’t worry. Take Sister back I’ll take care of things here!”
Hu Rui’s carriage quickly returned to the General’s residence.
Anxin helped Yu Mu’an down from the carriage.
Hu Rui called out behind them, “Someone! Go check on the Eldest Young Madam! Where’s the residence physician?”
The gatekeeper looked flustered and hurried off to relay the message.
Yu Mu’an’s face was pale as paper, her legs so weak she could barely stand.
Halfway along, Ju Hong rushed over after hearing the news and crouched down.
“Eldest Young Madam, let this servant carry you inside.”
Yu Mu’an felt Ju Hong supporting her hand and squeezed it three times.
Her heart eased. She allowed Ju Hong to carry her as they hurried toward the rear courtyard.
Anxin ran after them at full speed.
A servant reported respectfully, “Madam, the physician has already been summoned to Qingchen Courtyard.”
Nanny Zhang supported Hu Rui and comforted her, “Madam, don’t worry. Everything has been arranged.”
The two hurried inside, with no one else around.
Hu Rui lowered her voice. “Why would she suddenly have stomach pain? I’m worried the girl might be…”
Nanny Zhang paused, then also lowered her voice. “You mean the Eldest Young Madam might be pregnant?”
Hu Rui frowned. “I’ve had people watching Qingchen Courtyard, but I’m afraid something may have slipped through… After all, that fool doesn’t know restraint.
If anything happened, Yu Mu’an’s frail body wouldn’t be able to resist.”
Nanny Zhang said, “Hongjin has been watching closely rest assured. As long as we find an opportunity to get rid of Yu Lin, Yu Mu’an will be in our young master’s grasp. For that alone, Hongjin will keep a tight watch.
Don’t worry, Madam. This old servant doesn’t think the Eldest Young Madam is pregnant most likely she just ate something bad.”
“The Eldest Young Madam is merely suffering from improper diet, an acute condition. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She only needs a light diet and two doses of my herbal decoction to recover.”
As the physician finished speaking, Hu Rui and Nanny Zhang exchanged a glance, both subtly letting out a sigh of relief.
Nanny Zhang escorted the physician out.
Hu Rui looked at Yu Mu’an sleeping on the bed, instructed Anxin and Ju Hong to take good care of her, then turned and walked out of the inner room.
She sat on the couch outside, her expression cold as she looked at the servant kneeling in the room.
“You audacious, useless dog! You don’t even know where your own young master has gone what use are you?!”
Ping An lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to make a sound.
Outside, the servants of Qingchen Courtyard were all kneeling.
After seeing the physician out, Nanny Zhang returned and whispered in Hu Rui’s ear, “We’ve asked no one saw when the eldest young master left.”
Hu Rui sneered. “Good! Very good!
So many servants in the courtyard, and not one is useful! Ping An was off duty were the rest of you all dead? So many people and you couldn’t keep an eye on one young master?”
Ping An could only beg for mercy. “Madam, spare me! Even though I was off duty today, I should have made proper arrangements with the others. Please calm your anger!”
Hu Rui glared at him. “And what about the food from your small kitchen last night? Why did the Eldest Young Madam suddenly fall ill?”
Ping An looked completely bewildered and kowtowed.
“Replying to Madam, I truly don’t know. Last night, the young master and Madam ate dinner together, and the young master showed no abnormalities…”
What did she even eat?!
The Eldest Young Madam hadn’t eaten anything at all last night!
Last night, his young master had stood in the cold wind repairing the door for an entire hour.
He himself had been held in the kitchen by two maids, busy preparing food. By the time everything was ready, the Eldest Young Madam had already gone to sleep.
In the end, all that food went into the young master’s stomach so even if someone were to get sick from it, it should be his young master, not her!