Chapter 614: Chapter 616, Ulterior Motives (2nd Update)
"If you don’t mind the elder madam’s noise, that’s good," Mrs. He said, just as Ru Yue came in with tea.
"Elder madam, please have some tea," Yun Jinnian said very politely.
Mrs. He took the teacup and sipped.
The tea was fragrant, mellow, and sweet, a cut above what the master would serve to guests in his study.
Where did Yun Jinnian get this tea?
Did she buy it herself, or was it a gift from someone?
"This tea is indeed good!"
Yun Jinnian smiled and didn’t pursue the conversation.
Mrs. He couldn’t continue either.
Actually, Mrs. He had contributed to Yun Jinnian’s difficulties over these years.
She knew that if Yun Jinnian had any spirit left, she wouldn’t be getting close to her.
"By the way, Auntie Cui has been unwell recently; would you like to visit her later?" Mrs. He asked, testing the waters.
"Sure," Yun Jinnian replied indifferently.
This response was beyond Mrs. He’s expectations.
"Then I’ll go back first. You should visit her soon, too. We have to climb the high view tomorrow, so rest early!"
"Thank you for your concern, elder madam!"
After sending Mrs. He off, Yun Jinnian asked Hemei and Henuan, "What do you think was her reason for coming?"
"Don’t know, but the lady rarely visits Niannian Garden!"
No visits without a motive; no courtesy without a plan; either treachery or thievery.
Yun Jinnian thought for a moment, "Nanny, personally take a trip to Nuanxin Academy, bring the jade bracelet there, and let the elder lady find an opportunity to return it to the lady of the Wang Residence!"
"Yes!"
Mrs. Yuan didn’t ask why and took the brocade box with Ru Yue to Nuanxin Academy.
As for whether Mrs. He would return the jade bracelet to the lady of the Wang Residence, that was no longer her concern.
After some thought, Yun Jinnian, accompanied by Hemei and Henuan, went to visit Auntie Cui.
Mrs. He returned to Nuanxin Academy and immediately sent a message to the Wang Residence.
Reclining on the chaise longue, she smiled sinisterly.
"Madam, the fourth young lady’s mother, Mrs. Yuan, is here!"
Mrs. Yuan rarely left Niannian Garden, and it was her first time visiting Nuanxin Academy like this.
Mrs. He frowned but still said, "Let her in!"
Now, Yun Jinnian was not the same as before; Mrs. Yuan was Yun Jinnian’s nanny, and she had to be shown respect.
After all, you have to look at the master when beating a dog.
"Yes!"
Tianmi went out, and soon Mrs. Yuan came into Nuanxin Academy with the brocade box.
"Madam, Mrs. Yuan greets you," she said respectfully with a bow and a light smile on her face.
"You may dispense with the formalities!" Mrs. He said, looking at the brocade box in Mrs. Yuan’s hands, realizing something.
"Lady," Mrs. Yuan said, "the young lady instructed me to return this. Inside is the jade bracelet of the lady of the Wang Residence. Please help return it!"
No sooner had Mrs. Yuan finished than Mrs. He, as if fearing she would change her mind, said, "Tianmi, put the jade bracelet away!"
"Yes!"
Tianmi came forward and took the brocade box.
Upon opening it, the jade bracelet lay quietly inside, its luster delighting to the beholder.
"Lady, then I will take my leave!"
"Go ahead!"
Mrs. Yuan turned around and left the parlor, leaving Nuanxin Academy and returning to Niannian Garden with Ru Yue.
Inside Nuanxin Academy
Mrs. He held the jade bracelet in her hand.
The bracelet was indeed made of fine jade; no wonder the lady of the Wang Residence was reluctant to part with it.
But now, should she return it?
To return it meant letting go; not to return it...
If she doesn’t return it, probably only a few people would know the bracelet was in her possession, right?
"Tianmi, put it away for now!"
Tianmi was surprised but thought Mrs. He wanted to keep it for a few days to return it to the lady of the Wang Residence at the right time.
So without asking further, she carefully placed it in the cabinet.
Yun Jinnian was strolling slowly in the garden, not expecting to encounter Auntie Lian.
Behind Auntie Lian, two nannies carried two children.
"The concubine greets the fourth young lady," Auntie Lian bowed respectfully and politely.
Yun Jinnian, who intended to ignore her, had to stop and gave Auntie Lian a slight nod, "Auntie Lian!"