Her Revenge.
Upon hearing this, Jing Chun was genuinely startled and quickly turned around.
Thinking about how Yan Chiyun had suddenly returned and how to properly conceal the events about to unfold, Pu Jinyu’s face was unadorned with makeup, and in broad daylight, if their eyes met, the flaw would inevitably be exposed.
But when she turned around, there was no one there at all? It was clearly Pu Jinyu’s deliberate trick.
Jing Chun hadn’t expected her to deceive her like this. “Miss, you—”
Before she could finish her sentence, the young lady who had just tricked her once again burrowed under the covers, covering her head and going back to sleep. She even drew the bed curtains, shutting Jing Chun out completely, leaving her to face a cold shoulder.
Pu Jinyu’s tantrum had lasted far too long, and she was growing increasingly unrestrained, repeatedly refusing to conceal her feelings.
Even though Jing Chun didn’t want to do this, for the sake of the bigger picture, she had no choice but to seek out Nanny Wu and inform her of the matter.
Upon hearing this, Nanny Wu placed her hands on her hips, furious. “Why didn’t you report this earlier?”
Jing Chun said she hadn’t expected Pu Jinyu to be so willful this time.
Nanny Wu sneered, “I’ve told you before not to get too close to this little wench. And you even made her iced drinks, spoiling her until she grew arrogant. Did you really think I didn’t know about this?”
No wonder she had been clinging to the master all night, refusing to rest. So she really was throwing a tantrum?
Jing Chun, scolded, dared not argue back too much and only meekly defended herself, saying she was merely following the mistress’s orders.
Besides, she had done this to get closer to Pu Jinyu, to understand her true thoughts and placate her.
But who could have known that this time, she would be so furious and willful, as if she could no longer keep up the act and didn’t want to play along anymore.
When it came down to it, didn’t Nanny Wu bear some responsibility as well? It was likely because of that day when she scolded Pu Jinyu, speaking too harshly, that she had provoked Pu Jinyu’s rebellious streak.
Of course, Nanny Wu had served in the Pu Family for many years and held seniority. Even as a first-class maid, Jing Chun didn’t dare to talk back or act out of line.
She merely muttered a few complaints in her heart, quickly agreeing that it was all her fault, that she should have kept a closer eye on Pu Jinyu, and that she would never give Pu Jinyu special treatment again. After all, Pu Jinyu had said yesterday that the Iced Snowball Dessert need not be made anymore in the future.
“Good that you know,” Nanny Wu scoffed coldly. “The mistress is right. This little wretch born of a lowly woman doesn’t deserve to be elevated. She’s enjoyed the good life of a noble household for three years, and now, after just a few words of criticism, she dares to put on airs as if she’s the mistress. She should take a good look at what she really is.”
Nanny Wu kept cursing and grumbling, while Jing Chun stood by, listening and repeatedly agreeing.
But soon, her gaze inadvertently lifted and fixed on a figure in the distance. Meeting the young lady’s eyes, she felt so guilty she couldn’t utter a word. Lowering her head, she tugged at Nanny Wu’s sleeve, urging her to stop talking.
Nanny Wu followed her gaze and saw the young lady in green standing not far away.
Beside the red pillar, Pu Jinyu, who had arrived at some unknown time, stood silently watching the two of them. Her gaze was deep and unsettling, inexplicably chilling.
Not just Jing Chun, but even Nanny Wu was momentarily startled when confronted with such a look.
But soon, Nanny Wu regained her composure.
What is there to fear from a little wretch born of a lowly woman? Could she possibly stir up any waves? No matter how she struggles, she could never escape the Five-Finger Mountain that the Pu Family uses to suppress her.
Nanny Wu, like a debt collector, strode forward with an imposing air. Seeing no one from the Yan Family around, she had Jing Chun keep watch and began to reprimand Pu Jinyu.
Today's words were far more offensive than the previous day's, for she started by asking Pu Jinyu if she had grown tired of living, or if she had enjoyed a comfortable life for so long that she had forgotten her true status.
She even began to jab at Pu Jinyu's forehead, "Do you really think that by wearing the young lady's clothes, bearing her name, and enjoying everything she had, you can truly consider yourself the legitimate and honorable daughter of the Pu Family?"
She scolded Pu Jinyu, saying she was merely the child of a lowly woman, a stray dog abandoned in the countryside. "You should be grateful to the Pu Family for the value you now possess, living a life of luxury, sleeping on soft pillows, and being served by maids in golden houses!"
Pu Jinyu remained silent, even wearing a faint smile as she watched Nanny Wu, who was furious and spewing filth from her mouth.
Jing Chun listened to Nanny Wu's reprimands—no, her humiliation of Pu Jinyu—with a pounding heart.
She also noticed the smile on Pu Jinyu's face, which inexplicably filled her with unease.
Pu Jinyu was being insulted, yet instead of anger, she smiled. What did this mean?
Whatever it meant, Nanny Wu's words inevitably touched upon the information Jing Chun had secretly revealed. Pu Jinyu must have known about her betrayal.
To placate Pu Jinyu later, Jing Chun quickly stepped forward, "Nanny, please say no more. The Yan Family servants will soon finish tidying the room and come out. Be careful, as walls have ears, and someone might hear or see."
Standing behind Pu Jinyu, Jing Chun gave Nanny Wu a pleading look, begging her to stop speaking. A few warnings were enough.
Nanny Wu gave Jing Chun face and finally threatened Pu Jinyu, saying that if she continued to disobey and ruin Madam Pu's plans, causing discord between the two families, she would make sure Pu Jinyu suffered.
"Third Miss is young and was raised as a wild child in the countryside. Her bones may be tough and able to withstand beatings, but I wonder if your mother can endure the agony of being skinned and having her tendons pulled."
Pu Jinyu lowered her eyes, hiding the flicker of mockery and cold laughter within them, and obediently replied that she understood.
"It's good that you understand." Nanny Wu warned her not to invite trouble and seek death again.
At that moment, a young maid from the Yan Family came out of the room carrying a pot of soup. "Young Madam, the Pear Soup you requested to quench thirst has been brewed."
Pu Jinyu personally poured a cup and handed it to Nanny Wu with both hands. "Thank you for overseeing the servants early in the morning and handling the complicated matters to deliver the message for me. This soup is a token of my gratitude. You have truly worked hard."
As Nanny Wu was Pu Jinyu's dowry maid and held a respectable position in the Yan Family, the servants were not surprised to see Pu Jinyu offering her soup in the morning.
Nanny Wu knew that Pu Jinyu was bowing her head in submission, offering the soup as an apology.
In front of the Pu Family servants, she pretended to be humble and fearful as she accepted and drank the soup, but in her heart, she remained as arrogant as ever.
Pu Jinyu watched intently as Nanny Wu finished the Pear Soup, then offered her a smile.
Jing Chun, standing nearby, remained inexplicably on edge. It was only when the mistress and maid returned to the inner chamber, and Pu Jinyu poured her a bowl as well, urging her to drink, that Jing Chun was too frightened to accept it.
She said that as a mere servant, she dared not partake of such a soup.
Pu Jinyu, however, smiled and asked, "Are you worried I put something in the soup?"
Jing Chun replied awkwardly, "You jest, miss."
In truth, Jing Chun did indeed suspect as much, for Pu Jinyu had seemed quite out of sorts these past two days.
Pu Jinyu did not respond. Instead, she took a fresh bowl and, right before Jing Chun’s eyes, ladled some soup and took a sip.
After drinking, she looked at Jing Chun, silently asking if she was now reassured.
Jing Chun did feel somewhat relieved. Seeing that Pu Jinyu remained unmoving, seemingly determined to bestow the soup upon her, Jing Chun had no choice but to pick up the bowl and drink every last drop.
The soup had no strange taste—it was light, sweet, and delicious.
Watching Jing Chun’s guarded demeanor, Pu Jinyu couldn’t help but laugh. "Why are you suddenly afraid of me?"
Jing Chun wiped her lips and denied it.
Pu Jinyu said, "Is that so? You look so timid, as if you’ve done something to wrong me."
Jing Chun was startled. "Miss, what… what are you saying? How could I ever do anything to wrong you?"
Pu Jinyu personally gathered the used bowls and placed them on the tray. Seeing this, Jing Chun stepped forward to take over the task.
Pu Jinyu watched her profile and said, "I was only joking, of course. All these years, you’ve treated me like an elder sister, diligent and loyal. I’ve always remembered your kindness toward me and truly don’t know how to repay you."
Jing Chun, guilty as a thief, felt her heart race at the mention of "loyalty."
Yet she dared not speak recklessly again, instead cautiously observing Pu Jinyu’s expression, which seemed to have returned to normal, much like the day before.
The sweet fragrance of the pear soup lingered in her mouth, long and persistent. As Jing Chun savored the taste, she recalled Nanny Wu’s earlier scolding and considered how to soothe her mistress. But before she could speak, a young maid arrived from the front hall, saying Madam Yan wished to see Pu Jinyu to discuss some matters.
Naturally, Jing Chun swallowed her words.
When Pu Jinyu arrived, Madam Yan was flipping through a ledger. Hearing the greeting, she turned to look at Pu Jinyu.
The woman from the Pu Family stood before her in a rippling aqua-blue gown, every movement dignified and proper. Even as she moved, the hairpin in her coiled hair barely swayed, and her makeup was exquisite—a perfect image of a noble lady.
If there was any fault to be found, it was that after three years of marriage, there was still no sign of a child.
Originally, Madam Yan had intended to select a second wife for Yan Chiyun, but the elderly maid beside her advised that it might not yet be the right time. The Yan Family’s main branch had many members, and over the past two years, the woman from the Pu Family had managed the household affairs with great order, leaving no room for criticism from the other wives—a clear sign of her dedication.
Precisely because of this, Madam Yan had distanced herself from Yan Chiyun, and the couple had spent little time together. It might be better to give the Pu Family woman a bit more time. If by next year there was still no sign of a child, they could then consider taking a second wife.
This way, it would also benefit the Yan Family’s reputation.
Logically, the Pu Family’s main branch had gradually declined due to the lack of male heirs, so the Yan Family had little to fear from them. Yet, given the long-standing friendship between the two families, it was still wise to show some consideration.
Yesterday, when Yan Chiyun returned home, the couple performed their marital duties as usual. It was said the duration was even longer than previous times, so it seemed both were anxious to have a child, especially the Pu woman.
Having been married for three years without producing any offspring, whenever the sisters-in-law gathered, holding their children or leading their grandchildren, the topic inevitably came up.
Since Pu Wange was aware of the situation, Madam Yan naturally said nothing more.
"Wange, come here," she called Pu Jinyu forward.
"Take a look at the young ladies in this register. See who stands out and could be chosen as a match for Brother Xiaoxiao?"
Yan Mingshu was already married off, leaving Madam Yan's two remaining children, Yan Huaixiao and Yan Mingxi, still unattached.
Now was indeed the time to start considering matches, as even after selecting someone, the formalities of betrothal and various procedures would still require considerable time.
"Your daughter-in-law sees that each one is excellent," Pu Jinyu said gently, following Madam Yan's page-turning with a glance.
"You child, how come you have the same idea as me?" Madam Yan sighed.
Pu Jinyu responded, "Mother-in-law, why not let Younger Brother see for himself?"
"Don't even mention it. That child is anything but worry-free. If only he were as obedient to arrangements as Brother Yun. Not only is he unwilling to choose anyone, he even refuses to meet potential matches, saying there's no hurry, no hurry. He's already past the age of twenty—how can there be no hurry?"
Madam Yan said that until the marriages of Yan Huaixiao and Yan Mingxi were settled, she could not rest easy.
Pu Jinyu merely smiled, drawing closer to Madam Yan. She took the tea poured by the old nanny and personally offered it to her.
Madam Yan accepted it but did not drink. Instead, she handed the register to Pu Jinyu, still insisting she help with the selection.
As she picked up the teacup, she added, "Once Brother Xiaoxiao's wife enters the household, you and she will be sisters-in-law and must get along. What's important is that from then on, you'll have someone to assist you with household matters, so you won't be so exhausted. Otherwise, seeing you toiling away day and night, I, as your mother-in-law, always feel distressed."
Having lived two lifetimes, not to mention being constantly admonished by Madam Pu, and having navigated high society for so many years, how could Pu Jinyu fail to grasp the underlying meaning in Madam Yan's words?
On the surface, it was sympathy for her hard work managing the household, but in reality, she was still seen as an outsider. There was concern that she might control the Yan Family's inner quarters, grow too powerful, harbor improper ambitions, or engage in unscrupulous profiteering—after all, the Yan Family possessed abundant wealth and influence.
Under the pretext of having her select a proper wife for Yan Huaixiao, Madam Yan was testing her intentions.
A cold, mocking smile curled within Pu Jinyu's heart, though her expression remained unchanged. She slowly flipped through the register of noble young ladies from prominent families and replied to Madam Yan, "Your daughter-in-law thanks you for your consideration. Hearing you say this, she now eagerly awaits the arrival of her sister-in-law."
Madam Yan looked at her face and smiled, still urging her to make a choice.
The noble young ladies who made it onto Madam Yan's register naturally needed no elaboration regarding their family backgrounds, character, and appearance. Before marrying into the family, under the Pu Family's "guidance," Pu Jinyu had familiarized herself with all the noble young ladies from prominent families in Jingcheng, understanding most of them well. After careful consideration, she selected a few candidates particularly skilled in household management and needlework and informed Madam Yan.
Listening to her selections, which largely overlapped with her own preferences, Madam Yan nodded in satisfaction, then asked her to single out one specifically.
Madam Yan pressed step by step, but Pu Jinyu did not take the bait.
She smiled playfully, feigning a mix of amusement and helplessness as she said, "Mother-in-law, please spare your daughter-in-law. Let your younger son make the final choice, after all, it’s his future partner. Though I am his sister-in-law, how could I overstep to such an extent?"
Madam Yan also laughed. "Alright, alright, I won’t trouble you anymore. We, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, will stop here. Let Xiaoge and your father-in-law handle the rest."
"Yes."
Pu Jinyu nodded with a smile, though beneath that smile lay complete indifference, revealing no flaw to Madam Yan.
As night fell, Yan Chiyun did not return home. Thinking of how he had thrown Pu Jinyu under the bus during the day, causing her to be insulted by Nanny Wu, he grew concerned that she might hold a grudge. Jing Chun, wanting to make amends, deliberately refrained from applying powder or makeup for Pu Jinyu before bed. Seeing her sleep in a disorderly manner, Jing Chun held back any criticism.
She only reminded Pu Jinyu to be careful and said she would keep watch outside overnight, in case Yan Chiyun suddenly returned.
Pu Jinyu smiled meaningfully. "How troublesome for you. Do keep a close watch."
Since that day, Jing Chun had always felt there was something odd about everything Pu Jinyu said, but she couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was.
Suppressing her doubts, she lowered the bed curtains and withdrew.
The next day, before dawn, Jing Chun hurried in, shaking Pu Jinyu awake, saying something was wrong.
Pu Jinyu already had an idea. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she asked what had happened.
"Nanny Wu… somehow, last night, she suddenly developed a high fever and broke out in terrifying rashes all over her body. The itching was unbearable. When I went to see her today, her face was scratched raw. Not only that, but… her throat was burned from the fever too!"
Fear was evident on Jing Chun’s face as she spoke, her eyes fixed on Pu Jinyu’s expression, watching for any reaction.
But Pu Jinyu also appeared shocked. After hearing the news, she quickly asked if a doctor had been called.
"Yes."
Jing Chun added that Nanny Wu’s sudden illness was severe. With the Yan Family having just celebrated a wedding and the return banquet for the Second Miss Yan scheduled for the day after tomorrow, she didn’t dare make a fuss, fearing it would affect Pu Jinyu.
Pu Jinyu told her not to panic and then said, "Quickly send someone to inform my Legal Mother and ask her what should be done."
"Alright, I’ll go right away." With those instructions, Jing Chun immediately left.
After she ran out, the anxiety on Pu Jinyu’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a composed demeanor.
Upon receiving the news, Madam Pu quickly sent people over. They took Nanny Wu away discreetly, without alerting the Yan Family. Even the Yan servants who knew about it were bribed to keep quiet.
It was only explained that Nanny Wu had sprained her foot, causing discomfort, and was temporarily taken back for treatment, with no details of her condition revealed.
Due to the suspicious nature of Nanny Wu’s illness, Madam Pu questioned Jing Chun. Learning that Pu Jinyu had offered Nanny Wu soup as an apology, she narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
Jing Chun added that both she and Pu Jinyu had also eaten the soup and experienced no issues.
Madam Pu sneered but said nothing further. She only instructed Jing Chun to keep a close watch on Pu Jinyu in the coming days, reporting any abnormalities immediately without concealment.
When Jing Chun reported Nanny Wu’s condition to Pu Jinyu, she naturally omitted Madam Pu’s orders.
Upon hearing this, Pu Jinyu nodded indifferently.
Jing Chun gazed at her profile, feeling an inexplicable sense of dread. Could Nanny Wu's sudden, severe illness really have nothing to do with Third Miss? How could she believe it was unrelated?
Yet it was merely speculation, and Jing Chun remained silent throughout.
In the blink of an eye, the day for Yan Mingshu's Returning to the bride's family home arrived.
During this time, Yan Chiyun had been preoccupied with Official Duties and had not returned home except for that one night.
Today, however, he returned unusually early.
Pu Jinyu had just risen, washed up, and settled before the dressing table, allowing Jing Chun to apply her makeup and powder, when she heard the voices of the maids outside offering their greetings.
Yan Chiyun acknowledged with a hum and walked into the Inner Chamber.