After Liu Lihu and the others left, the courtyard returned to its usual desolate quietness.
Yin Youyue hadn’t expected Liu Lihu’s attitude to change so drastically.
However, upon further reflection, the original host, as the legitimate eldest daughter of the State Uncle’s residence, was someone many in the capital dared not offend. Liu Lihu and the others should have been wary and ingratiating toward her, ensuring she lived comfortably and freely in the Liu residence.
Yet the original host herself failed to leverage her status. Not only was she framed and her reputation ruined, but she ultimately met her demise. Yin Youyue couldn’t help but sigh for her.
Not long after Liu Lihu and the others left, servants delivered Blood Bird’s Nest and delicacies from land and sea, along with over a dozen attendants to serve her.
However, realizing these servants were all Bai Ruyan’s people, Yin Youyue kept only two for miscellaneous tasks and sent the rest back.
Shortly after finishing lunch, another servant arrived, inviting Yin Youyue to Yayou Courtyard, claiming that all clothing and necessities were fully prepared.
Yayou Courtyard was elegantly and luxuriously decorated, filled with rare and precious flowers, plants, and trees.
Standing at the entrance and taking a deep breath, she felt the air here was fresher than elsewhere. Coupled with the thought of having the Medical System, she felt this ancient era wasn’t so bad after all.
Yin Youyue stood at the courtyard entrance, glanced up at the plaque, and decisively instructed the servant:
“I don’t like this name. Change it to Youyue Courtyard.”
The servant dared not say a word and could only report Yin Youyue’s every move truthfully to Bai Ruyan.
…
Ruyan Courtyard.
After listening to the servant’s report, Bai Ruyan’s face turned ashen.
Beside her, Liu Xinrou was even more furious:
“Mother, look at that wretch! Not only did she take my courtyard and treasures, but she also changed the courtyard name I loved most. Does she really think the courtyard belongs to her now?”
Even though Bai Ruyan was seething with hatred, she had no choice but to suppress her frustration and say:
“The master gave the order himself. There’s nothing I can do.”
“I really don’t understand, Mother. Yin Youyue has already been driven out of the capital. Why does Father still have to be so cautious about her? Even if she really returns to the capital, who would believe her words?”
Bai Ruyan sighed and comforted Liu Xinrou:
“These two years are critical for your father’s promotion and return to the capital. Many are watching closely. If we are truly caught in a scandal, our hopes of returning to the capital will be completely dashed. That’s why your father needs to be extra careful. Rou’er, don’t worry. I won’t give Yin Youyue any chance to return to the capital! Right now, your most important task is to take good care of your health and the child in your womb. Ye Yixuan’s status isn’t as simple as you think. As long as you marry him, you’ll enjoy endless wealth and glory in the future.”
Thinking of the child, Liu Xinrou couldn’t help but touch her belly. This was her guarantee to marry Ye Yixuan, and she would never let anything happen to the child again.
Yin Youyue had no idea about Liu Xinrou’s thoughts, or she would have sneered in disdain. Relying on a child to trap a man was truly naive.
At the moment, she was busy examining the new courtyard to see which treasures she could sell first to buy medicinal herbs.
Almost everyone in Bianhe City harbored malice toward the original host. She wanted to return to the capital as soon as possible, so it was best to recover her health quickly and save enough money to go back!
After looking around all afternoon, Yin Youyue selected a few vases that seemed quite valuable, planning to sell them the next day in exchange for medicine.
As for now, it was time for a proper bath.
Having gone two days without a bath, and as a medical practitioner with a certain degree of cleanliness, whether major or minor, she immediately had the servants prepare hot water and enjoyed a comfortable bath as soon as conditions allowed.
Who would have thought that not long after finishing her bath, before she could even take another look at her own sallow and gaunt face to see how frightening it looked, a servant came looking for her.
It was said that Ye Yixuan had come, specifically requesting to see Yin Youyue.
Ye Yixuan coming to see her? That was as rare as the sun rising from the west.
Yin Youyue didn’t know what Ye Yixuan wanted, but after thinking for a moment, she decided to go and see.
…
On the quiet, secluded path in the breezy backyard, Liu Xinrou and Bai Ruyan, dressed in elegant and expensive white water skirts, were walking toward the front courtyard.
Along the way, Liu Xinrou, with her exquisitely made-up face, urged with delight:
“Mother, walk faster~ This time, Brother Ye must be here to discuss the marriage proposal! But… I wonder why Brother Ye specifically asked to see that wench. Could it be that he’s taken a liking to her?”
“Silly girl, always overthinking things. Just looking at Yin Youyue’s face is enough to turn any man’s stomach. How could your Brother Ye possibly be interested in her? Don’t worry too much.”
Bai Ruyan didn’t take Yin Youyue seriously at all and didn’t see her as an obstacle to her daughter’s marriage prospects.
“Mother is right. Perhaps Brother Ye just wants to humiliate that wench! Brother Ye cares so much about the child in my belly.”
When it came to winning Ye Yixuan’s heart, Liu Xinrou was naturally confident.
Bai Ruyan looked at her with satisfaction and sighed with a smile:
“Who would have thought that as soon as we told Ye Yixuan about your pregnancy, he couldn’t wait to come and propose? It seems he truly cares for you, Rou’er.”
“Mother~ I told you Brother Ye treats me the best.”
Liu Xinrou’s face flushed with a mix of shyness and joy, unable to hide her coyness.
They spoke softly as they walked with delicate steps into the luxurious and brightly lit hall. When Liu Xinrou saw Ye Yixuan, gentle and refined, sitting in the lower seat, she immediately felt a wave of shyness. After exchanging a glance with Ye Yixuan, she quickly lowered her head, her face flushed red.
When Yin Youyue entered the hall, what she saw was the flirtatious exchange between Liu Xinrou and Ye Yixuan.
A cold sneer rose in her heart, but her expression remained utterly calm as she walked in without glancing sideways.
However, the moment her figure appeared, Ye Yixuan’s gentle gaze unexpectedly fell upon Yin Youyue.
It wasn’t until Yin Youyue was about to sit down that she noticed Ye Yixuan looking at her.
Ye Yixuan had always regarded her with disgust before, but now his gaze was sickeningly sticky.
She had no desire to acknowledge him, treating him as if he didn’t exist.
But after Yin Youyue sat down, Ye Yixuan even flashed her a charming, friendly smile.
Liu Xinrou had been closely watching Ye Yixuan all along, and seeing this, she felt both shocked and furious.
What was going on?!
Brother Ye had never shown Yin Youyue a kind expression before. Why was he suddenly smiling at her so gently now?!
Liu Lihu also didn’t know why Ye Yixuan had suddenly come to the Liu family, so he took the initiative to ask:
“Nephew, why have you suddenly come to see Youyue? Has she offended you again somewhere?”
A mocking smile curled at the corner of Yin Youyue’s lips.
“That’s not the case, Uncle Liu. You’ve misunderstood.”
Ye Yixuan’s voice sounded slightly urgent.
He looked apologetically at Yin Youyue’s sallow face and said with remorse:
“Actually, I came today to apologize. Youyue, you left too quickly yesterday, and I didn’t have a chance to apologize to you. That’s why I specially came today to make amends. I misunderstood you yesterday, and I hope you can forgive me.”
Bai Ruyan, who had thought Ye Yixuan came to propose marriage, felt the smile on her face gradually crack.
She hurriedly signaled Liu Xinrou with her eyes, wanting to ask her what was going on—why Ye Yixuan’s attitude toward Yin Youyue had changed so drastically.
But Liu Xinrou was in no state to notice Bai Ruyan’s signals. Her face was full of anxiety, and in her agitation, she blurted out:
“Brother Ye, aren’t you here to discuss the marriage proposal?”
The hall instantly fell into a deep silence.