Princess Jinyue, upon returning to the Furong Pavilion, threw a tantrum that terrified her attendants, who dared not make a sound, fearing they would be caught and punished by the princess at this critical juncture.
After the mess subsided, Jinyue felt her anger somewhat quelled. She slowly sat down on the soft couch. A woman in her thirties, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward. "My dear princess, why are you angered by those who are irrelevant? Do not forget that you are the noble Grand Princess. It is others who should seek to please you; you must not deign to stoop to their level."
"Hua Momo, why! I am the Grand Princess, why does he not like me! Am I not worthy of him? How can that illegitimate daughter of the Qi family be worthy of his affection?" Jinyue snarled, unconvinced.
"The princess is worthy of the Young Master in every way. It is he who is blind, who cannot see the princess's good qualities. There are thousands of fine men in the world; why should the princess confine herself to him alone? If you do not favor him, there are many talented young men in Da Feng, choose whomever you please. This old servant cannot bear to see the princess grieve for such a man and neglect herself," Hua Momo said with a pained expression.
"But I do like him. I had thought I would just wear him down, and he would eventually see my worth. I never believed the rumors about him outside. I thought I could wait until he fell for me, but he actually..." Jinyue's face contorted, her breathing ragged. "What I cannot have, I would rather destroy than let another possess."
Hua Momo was alarmed. While directing palace maids to fetch medicine, she stepped forward to rub Jinyue's back and calm her breathing. "Princess, do not be agitated. Relax, relax. Follow me, breathe in, breathe out..."
After a while, Jinyue calmed down. Hua Momo coaxed her to drink the medicine and helped her lie down in the inner chamber to rest.
"If anyone asks, do you know how to answer?" Hua Momo asked coldly, looking at the few young palace maids after leaving the inner chamber.
The young palace maids lowered their heads in unison. "Her Highness the Princess caught a chill and has a slight headache. She has taken calming medicine and is resting."
"You are the Grand Princess's people. If the Grand Princess is unwell, you will not fare well either. Therefore, what to say and what not to say, remember it clearly. If I find anyone with divided loyalties, do not blame me for being ruthless," Hua Momo said through gritted teeth.
Everyone answered in unison, and Hua Momo then waved for them to disperse.
It was known that a dignified princess suffered from mania, and naturally, the fewer people around, the better. In the past, when it was severe, it had alarmed the Emperor, and physicians from the Imperial Hospital had come to take her pulse, administer medicine, and provide meticulous care. The conclusion from the Imperial Hospital was that she had recovered. This was why Jinyue was still able to reside in the palace; otherwise, she would have long been sent to a royal estate for care. Although she would still have enjoyed fine food and clothing, she would have been confined. The hardship of such a life was unimaginable.
But Hua Momo knew that the princess's mania had not truly healed. Or rather, mania could never be fully cured. When stimulated and overwhelmed by anger, it would flare up. She was the princess's wet nurse, having watched her grow up, pouring all her heart into her. How could she bear to see her suffer?
To make outsiders believe the princess had recovered, Hua Momo had put in a great deal of effort, and fortunately, the results were good. Moreover, with her constant companionship and meticulous handling of all matters, the princess had almost no opportunity to become angry, and her mania had indeed not recurred for a long time. However, after learning of the Young Master's engagement, the princess's emotions were greatly affected, showing signs of an episode several times. She had managed to appease her each time, but it still flared up after she saw that illegitimate daughter of the Qi family.
Hua Momo knew that the Young Master had become a sickness in the princess's heart. As long as he existed, this sickness could not be cured.
Unless, the Young Master was gone.