When Yun Zijun heard the maid’s report, she was stunned for a long while, as if she couldn’t believe her ears.
“Yun Zi’rao is staying in Mother’s quarters? And Mother personally fed her medicine?”
The maid, Chaolu, nodded.
“Yes. This servant went to inquire about it. Although the servants in Jing’an Courtyard kept their mouths tightly shut, after Madam Zhou brought the medicine inside, she came out alone. Other than Madam and Eldest Miss, no one else was in the room.”
She paused before continuing.
“This servant watched from afar for a while, but I was afraid of being discovered, so I hurried back.”
Yun Zijun gripped the bedding tightly.
She couldn’t understand how things had turned out this way.
Yun Zi’rao had kicked her into the lake.
Her elder brother should have already told their mother.
So why hadn’t Mother punished Yun Zi’rao according to the family rules?
Why had she allowed her to stay in Jing’an Courtyard and even summoned a physician for her?
Had Mother softened toward Yun Zi’rao?
Or had Yun Zi’rao said something to her?
Yes.
That had to be it.
She must have gotten there first, accused others before they could accuse her, then cried and acted pitiful, causing Mother to relent.
A vicious glint flashed through Yun Zijun’s eyes.
She could not allow Yun Zi’rao any chance to make a comeback.
There could only be one daughter of the Yun family.
Yun Zi’rao should have died.
What right did she have to remain in the Yun household?
Shouldn’t Mother have sent her away?
Yun Zijun threw back her blanket and got out of bed, ordering the servants to help her dress.
“Second Miss!”
Chaolu hurried to her side.
“The physician said you need bed rest. You shouldn’t be getting up yet…”
“Chaolu.”
Yun Zijun grabbed her wrist.
Her face filled with anxiety and concern.
“Big Sister didn’t mean to hurt me. I can’t let Mother misunderstand her. I need to explain everything to Mother right now.”
Chaolu frowned.
“But Miss, your health is important too.”
“I can’t worry about that now.”
Once dressed, Yun Zijun hurried outside.
Chaolu and Chaoyang exchanged glances before quickly following after her.
When they arrived at Jing’an Courtyard, Yun Zijun lifted her skirt and stepped through the gate.
“Mother! Mother!”
Her voice was filled with urgency and unease.
Inside the room, Madam Yun frowned when she heard the shouting.
“She just fell into the water. Instead of resting in bed, why has she run all the way here?”
Yun Zi’rao lowered her head uneasily.
“Mother… perhaps I should return to my own courtyard.”
“That courtyard is too shabby.”
Madam Yun squeezed her hand reassuringly.
“It’s not suitable for someone recovering from illness.”
She slowly rose to her feet.
“Stay here and recover in peace. We’ll discuss everything else after your health improves.”
Yun Zi’rao said nothing.
She watched Madam Yun walk out of the room.
The timid, vulnerable look in her eyes vanished instantly.
In its place remained only indifference and mockery.
Yun Zijun.
You’re good at acting weak.
So am I.
The difference is—
You’re healthy.
I’m frail.
You’ve spent three years living comfortably.
I’ve spent three years covered in scars.
You’ve only been in this household for three years.
I grew up here.
Do you really think Madam Yun will always stand on your side?
Once you’ve lost Yun Zexuan’s constant protection, let’s see how long you can keep your mask from slipping.
This first battle is all about acting.
Let’s see whose performance is better.
“Mother.”
The moment Yun Zijun saw Madam Yun emerge from the room, she quickened her pace and hurried over.
Grabbing her mother’s hand, she spoke anxiously:
“Mother, don’t blame Big Sister! She didn’t mean to kick me into the lake! Please don’t be angry with her, alright? It was my own—”
“I don’t blame her.”
Madam Yun interrupted her.
Then she frowned.
“You just fell into the water. You should be resting in bed. How can you be running around like this? What if you catch a chill from the wind?”
Yun Zijun froze.
A barely noticeable stiffness crossed her expression.
“Mother… doesn’t blame Big Sister?”
“Your sister is rather pitiful too.”
Madam Yun gently patted her hand and wiped away the moisture gathering in her eyes.
“The injuries on her body…”
Her voice trembled.
“My heart aches just looking at them.”
Yun Zijun’s smile nearly froze.
Her lips trembled.
For a moment, she almost failed to maintain her gentle and fragile expression.
Fortunately, she recovered quickly.
“As long as Mother isn’t angry with Big Sister.”
Lowering her eyes, she looked visibly relieved.
“Big Brother was very upset and insisted on telling you the truth. I couldn’t stop him. I was worried you might become angry with Sister.”
Madam Yun narrowed her eyes.
“The truth?”
Yun Zijun blinked.
“Didn’t Big Brother tell you?”
“He did.”
Madam Yun’s expression grew slightly displeased.
“But what he said was rather ridiculous.”
“He claimed that Rao’er kicked him into the lake.”
She shook her head.
“Isn’t that absurd? He’s a grown man. How could Rao’er possibly kick him into the lake?”
Yun Zijun’s face changed immediately.
Without thinking, she blurted out:
“But Mother, Big Brother wasn’t lying.”
The moment the words left her mouth, she realized her mistake.
Madam Yun frowned.
“What did you say?”
Yun Zijun hurriedly tried to cover it up.
“I… I didn’t mean that. What I meant was that Sister didn’t do it intentionally…”
“Zijun.”
Madam Yun’s expression turned serious.
“Did Zi’rao actually kick you and your brother into the lake or not?”
“Tell me clearly.”
“I’ll have someone investigate.”
Yun Zijun lowered her gaze.
Biting her lip gently, she looked both wronged and magnanimous.
“I don’t blame Big Sister. Please don’t blame her either, Mother.”
Madam Yun stared at her lowered eyes.
She wanted to ask:
So your meaning is that your sister really did kick you into the lake?
After all, only if the act had actually happened would there be something to forgive.
Only if someone were guilty would they need to be generously pardoned.
With that seemingly kind-hearted response, Yun Zijun had effectively confirmed Yun Zi’rao’s guilt.
Yet she had carefully avoided giving a direct answer.
Wasn’t this exactly how she earned a reputation for tolerance and kindness?
A trace of disappointment flashed through Madam Yun’s eyes.
Thinking back over the past three years…
Hadn’t Yun Zijun always responded this way?
Never directly accusing Yun Zi’rao.
Yet always generously “forgiving” Yun Zi’rao’s supposed mistakes.
Then…
Were those mistakes truly Yun Zi’rao’s after all?
Madam Yun lowered her eyes, concealing the turmoil within them.
“Jun’er, go back and rest.”
She spoke calmly.
“I heard the physician instructed the servants to prepare ginger soup for you. Remember to drink it later.”
Yun Zijun secretly clenched her hands.
“And Sister…?”
Madam Yun’s gaze cooled.
“Your sister will remain here for now.”
“Once Shangxue Residence has been renovated, she’ll move there.”
Yun Zijun’s head snapped up.
“Shangxue Residence?”
“Yes.”
Madam Yun nodded.
“It’s closer to my quarters, making it easier for me to look after her.”
She sighed softly.
“Your sister’s injuries are severe. The physician said her body is very weak and requires careful treatment. Otherwise…”
Her eyes reddened.
“Jun’er, from now on, you must treat your sister well. Do you understand?”
Yun Zijun pressed her lips together.
A dark shadow flashed across her eyes.
Slowly, she nodded.
“I understand.”
“Please don’t worry, Mother.”
Then she looked up with an innocent smile.
“Mother, I’d like to go inside and see Sister.”
“Go ahead.”
Madam Yun nodded.
As Yun Zijun climbed the steps, a cold smile curled her lips.
A few injuries are enough to earn Mother’s sympathy?
Yun Zi’rao, I’ve underestimated you.
But don’t think Mother’s pity means life in the Yun family will become easier for you.
With just a little effort, I can ensure you have no place left to stand in this household.
The moment she crossed the threshold, the cold smile vanished.
In an instant, her face became one of concern and affection.
Lifting her skirt, she hurried to the bedside.
“Big Sister!”
Her expression was filled with worry.
“Are you alright?”