Chapter 17

Chapter 17

To avoid raising Yuan Heng’s suspicions, I took the initiative to suggest that Hongyu return to serve me once her injuries had healed.

Yuan Heng smiled and asked, “Are you no longer angry with that girl?”

I replied that Hongyu hadn’t done it on purpose.

After all, Hongyu was a female official from the palace. Her etiquette and work were beyond reproach, and having served high-ranking nobles before, she was a woman of the world.

Since the injury on my face made it inconvenient to return home, and I had no desire to deal with my legal mother, I sent Hongyu to my family home over the past few days to handle matters on my behalf.

First, it would intimidate that wicked woman;

Second, it would make it clear to my father that I would definitely be moving my mother’s grave in the future;

Third, she was to collect a few pieces of my mother’s old clothes and belongings to keep by my side as mementos.

Yuan Heng had no interest in such trivial matters. Using work as an excuse, he avoided me whenever possible.

Time flew by, and soon it was the anniversary of my mother’s death.

…

Early that morning, Hongyu came to request instructions, saying we could set out for Ci’en Temple.

I ignored her, piously burning incense and bathing before repeatedly checking the items I was bringing. I delayed our departure until nearly noon.

At noon, the temple would be crowded with people offering incense, making it easier to escape.

As expected, the entourage included not only the maids serving closely but also many guards and armed servants.

After boarding the carriage, I glanced at Hongyu and Cuinong standing nearby.

I had been observing them coldly these past few days. Cuinong was quiet and diligent, taking care of me with meticulous detail; she seemed quite honest.

Several times, I had seen her secretly remarking to Hongyu, “The Madam is very considerate of the servants, especially toward the two of us. We must serve her well in the future.”

At those times, Hongyu would sneer with disdain. “It’s honestly upsetting to talk about. We used to serve the Empress Dowager and princesses-every one of them of noble birth. Now we have to serve the concubine daughter of a minor official. Fortunately, the days of serving her won’t last much longer.”

Cuinong had asked in confusion what she meant. Why wouldn’t they be serving the Madam for much longer? Were they going back to the palace?

Hongyu only smiled without answering.

Finally, Cuinong poked Hongyu’s head and teased, “I see now. Rumors have been flying around the manor that the Marquis treats you quite differently and wants to raise you to be a concubine. It turns out you don’t want to be my sister anymore; you want to be my mistress.”

Hongyu’s face flushed, neither admitting nor denying it.

In my past life, through several instances of being killed, I had never seen Cuinong.

From the look of it now, Cuinong was unaware of the truth.

If things went smoothly today and I escaped Chang’an, those serving closely under me would surely suffer.

If I implicated an innocent person, my conscience would not be at peace.

Thinking of this, I adjusted my hair and said to Hongyu, “Your frequent visits to my home lately have given my father and the First Madam quite a fright. They probably think I’m planning to settle old scores and turn the Ye Family upside down.”

“Because of that, my brother and his wife have been sending invitations every day, wanting to visit me.”

“Today is the anniversary of my mother’s death, and I don’t want to be disturbed. Hongyu, go to my family home to deliver some silk and silver, and pass along a message saying I’ll return in a while.”

Hongyu was stunned and said urgently, “Madam, the Marquis instructed me to take good care of you. I’m afraid I cannot…”

I gave a cold laugh. “What, am I unable to command you now? I am insisting that you go today.”

Hongyu lowered her head with a stubborn, neither-humble-nor-arrogant persistence. “I must still listen to the Marquis!”

Seeing the tension rising in the carriage, Cuinong secretly tugged at Hongyu’s sleeve and smiled. “How about I go instead? My zodiac sign clashes with the anniversary of the late Madam’s death. If I go to the temple, I fear I might cause an ill omen.”

I continued to feign anger, glaring fiercely at Hongyu before waving my hand irritably. “Fine, let Cuinong go instead.”