Yu Mingyue had a hearty dinner, finishing half a bowl more of the white fungus and lotus seed porridge than usual. She was growing quickly these days, and her attendants didn't stop her.
"When are you leaving?"
"Aunt Su is an impatient woman. She said she'd leave first thing tomorrow."
"Your cousin-in-law has had a difficult time. Send some hairpins and silver. We mustn't let people say our Duke's mansion is stingy."
"Yes!"
The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Aunt Su left with Su Wanqing. It was said that before leaving, Su Wanqing went to kowtow to the Old Madam. Unfortunately, the Old Madam didn't see her. She merely kowtowed at the courtyard gate.
The Su family's carriage was parked at the back gate. It was a gray carriage, worn and old. Su Wanqing looked back at the mansion she had lived in for nearly two years, biting her lip, a hint of unwillingness in her eyes.
Aunt Su pulled her arm. "Hurry up and go. A dog doesn't scorn its poor home, but this place, no matter how good, is not your home."
Su Wanqing thought of Yu Mingjing's heartlessness when she had pleaded with him last night. A malicious glint flashed in her eyes. Since you cannot tolerate me, I will not let you have an easy time either. I will return someday.
Yu Mingjing arrived while Yu Mingyue was having breakfast, his face grim. Yu Mingyue knew her brother was here to reprimand her.
"You all withdraw!"
Chi Dan and Chi Hua were worried. The young lord looked very angry. Would the young lady be scolded?
"Withdraw!" Yu Mingyue glanced at the two.
They bowed to Yu Mingjing and withdrew. The Duke had not yet returned from court, and the Madam had long since been tricked by the young lady into going to Qianshan Temple. Now, there was no one to help.
"Brother, you haven't had breakfast yet, have you? Sit down and eat with me." Yu Mingyue acted as if nothing had happened.
"Your courage is growing bolder," Yu Mingjing's gaze was deep, with evident anger.
"Brother," Yu Mingyue shook Yu Mingjing's arm, trying to charm her way out of it.
"No coyness. Sit properly!" Yu Mingyue's tone was stern.
"Brother, aren't you on duty today? Isn't the Northern Commandery very busy lately?" Yu Mingyue said ingratiatingly.
After her brother went to the Northern Commandery, he left before dawn every day and still had to spend time studying with Mr. Zi'an when he returned. This was how she had the time to do these things.
"Stop joking. Do you know how dangerous your actions are? It's only because you were dealing with the Su family, with Su Wanqing. What if it were someone else? Could you still get away unscathed?"
Yu Mingyue pouted. "This is a straightforward stratagem, fighting fire with fire. They should have considered the consequences when she and the Old Madam colluded. The Su family, though influential, are not bad people. Su Wanqing's life won't be too difficult."
"Is that what I'm worried about?"
"Then why are you here looking so fierce?"
"Yue'er, never underestimate your opponent." Yu Mingjing reached out and stroked his sister's head.
"Brother, I've grown up. I can protect our family." Yu Mingyue looked at her brother, her eyes bright and resolute.
She had no regrets.
Yu Mingjing opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately did not.
If she could handle everything, what use would he have as a brother?
"How do you know Mr. Yuan?"
"Mr. Yuan lives next door at Brother Jiayan's house?"
Yu Mingyue gave him a look as if to say, "Don't you know?"
Yu Mingjing had been secretly observing the Xie father and son next door since his sister was injured last time, but they were too clean.
Yet, the cleaner they were, the more it suggested a problem. He was perfect to the point of being mysterious.
Although he still interacted with Xie Jiayan, it didn't mean he considered him a friend. He simply didn't want to make an enemy for the Duke's mansion.
His intuition told him this person was very dangerous, and he couldn't let his sister associate with him.