"Father should explain these words clearly to Mother. Now the entire Duke's mansion knows that Father and Mother are not on good terms, and Second Aunt mocked Mother in front of Aunt and everyone today." It wasn't a lie, as Second Aunt often found fault with Mother.
Thunder God Grandpa, please be sure to see clearly when you strike.
Yu Zeyan: ...
He felt so guilty. How could he ask for leave to return home now?
Yu Mingyue didn't linger after completing the task. This was the yamen, where officials handled their duties. Her presence was inappropriate.
...
The snow was heavy, so each courtyard ate in their own area to avoid the cold while walking around.
Yu Mingyue had something on her mind and didn't eat much that evening, only having a bowl of glutinous red bean porridge and two shrimp dumplings.
After her bath, Granny Rong brought a bowl of warm milk. Madam had ordered it, saying that drinking milk would make the skin fair and tender and help one grow taller.
As Yu Mingyue was drinking the milk, Chihua came in, "Miss, this servant heard that the Duke lost his temper in the Old Madam's courtyard. Zhang Mama was beaten with thirty planks, and everyone in the courtyard had their monthly allowance deducted."
"Father is most filial. It must be that Grandmother made Father sad. Alas, being a child is truly difficult," Yu Mingyue said with conviction.
Chihua suppressed a smile. What the young lady said was absolutely right.
Granny Rong looked at the mistress and servants, always feeling that something had happened.
"Has Miss been naughty again?"
Yu Mingyue raised her small hand and swore, "Absolutely not.嬷嬷, Yue'er needs to rest. 嬷嬷 should also rest early."
Granny Rong agreed, turned around, and gave Chidan and Chihua a reproachful look. It was the two of them who indulged the young lady's naughtiness.
The next day, as soon as Yu Mingyue woke up, she heard two pieces of good news. One was that the snow was too heavy, and the tutor had canceled class for another day.
The other was that the Duke had gone to Qingfeng Courtyard yesterday, and the two of them did not quarrel as soon as they met, unlike before.
Yu Mingyue smiled, her eyes curving. Excellent, excellent!
"Does Miss still want to go to Mingyue Courtyard for breakfast?"
Yu Mingyue shook her head, "No!"
"Is there anything about Ci'an Hall that Miss wants to hear?" Chihua leaned in and whispered.
"Sister Chihua, you've become mischievous!"
"Today, the Old Madam didn't let those who came to Ci'an Hall to pay their respects in. She said she caught a chill last night and feared passing it on, so she canceled the morning greetings."
Yu Mingyue's expression immediately turned very sad.
"Our Grandmother truly dotes on her juniors. But how can we do nothing? Have Sister Sumu go take a look, and have the small kitchen simmer some cooling soup. Good medicine tastes bitter, remember to say it's from Father. Go."
Chihua suppressed a smile. The young lady was clearly afraid the Old Madam would forget how her illness came about.
"Yes, this servant will go and instruct them."
Yu Mingyue nodded. What else could she do? Who told her she was Grandmother's granddaughter? The skill of fanning the flames had to be passed down and could not be allowed to decline.
Chidan beckoned, and a line of maids entered, carrying water, wringing out cloths, applying balm, and combing hair, standing in two rows on either side.
Yu Mingyue had an oval face, and her eyes were like almonds, clear and distinct, already hinting at future beauty.
Because she was raised extremely delicately, her body was well-proportioned, not thin and withered. Although her face had some baby fat, it suited her face shape and didn't make her look fat.
Today, she wore a red cloak again, with a white fox fur collar trimmed all around, exuding an air of grandeur and refinement.
Those who attended the clan school were either Jade family relatives or young ladies with connections to the clan.
They were all around the same age. Although they were children, they already understood social etiquette and knew who held the most prestigious position in the school.