Xiao Yunyi lifted her gaze to He-shi. The woman's imperious stance drew a flash of icy coldness in Yunyi's eyes. Turning to the Old Madam, her voice, though frail, was unnervingly clear: "Grandmother, my parents have just passed. Is the manor truly so destitute it cannot support one more child?"
The Old Madam looked distinctly uncomfortable. Madam He *had* mentioned the matter before, but no decision had been finalized. Hearing her granddaughter frame it this way, she too felt Madam He's enthusiasm and haste were unseemly. If this got out, wouldn't the entire capital laugh at them?
"We will discuss this later," she declared. "Your most urgent task now is to recover your health."
The manor physician, Dr. Lin, arrived hurriedly upon receiving the summons. Entering the room, he bowed respectfully: "Greetings, Old Madam, Madam He, Young Masters, Young Ladies."
The Old Madam rose, clearing the space beside the bed. "Dr. Lin, examine Third Young Lady at once. Ensure there are no lingering issues."
Dr. Lin set down his medicine chest and placed the pulse-rest pillow. Affecting calm, he gestured for Third Young Lady to extend her wrist. Within moments of checking her pulse, fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead. "Reporting to the Old Madam, Third Young Lady is out of danger. A few days of careful rest will see her fully recovered."
Madam He swept a cold glance towards the physician. "Dr. Lin, should Third Young Lady continue taking medicinal broth to consolidate her recovery?"
Dr. Lin stole a glance at the pale Third Young Lady. Memories of the late Second Master's kindness stirred a pang of remorse. If Madam He hadn't threatened his wife and child, he would never have committed that shameful deed. Now, with his family safely departed the capital, he was free of attachments. He bowed respectfully. "Medicine carries its own toxicity. Since Third Young Lady is already well, further decoctions are unnecessary. A light diet for the next few days will suffice."
Seeing Yunyi truly seemed well, the Old Madam said, "Yunyi, rest well. Send someone to your Aunt He if you need anything."
Yunyi gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Grandmother."
Madam He narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing the physician. *He dared ignore my hint? Could it be he never followed my instructions in the first place?* Suspicion coiled within her. *How else could someone so gravely ill suddenly revive?* She resolved inwardly: if she found evidence of his deception, he would pay dearly.
Suppressing her churning emotions, she echoed her mother-in-law's words, her tone flat. "I shall instruct the kitchens to send over some light, suitable meals later. Focus on your recovery."
Yunyi felt a wave of exhaustion. Now was not the time for confrontation. A light cough escaped her as she replied coolly, "Thank you, Aunt He."
At that moment, a maid rushed in, breathless: "Reporting to the Old Madam, Madam He! Eldest Young Lady has learned of the Huo family calling off the engagement! She's locked herself in her room, weeping, screaming, and smashing things!"
Madam He's heart lurched. She was already unsettled by Third Young Lady's inexplicable recovery – how could someone pronounced near death simply wake up? Before she could make sense of *that*, news of her daughter's distress struck.
Panic surged. "Mother, if there's nothing further, this daughter-in-law must take her leave. I must see Ruer!"
The Old Madam agreed there was little point in hiding the broken engagement now, though she hadn't expected her granddaughter to find out so soon. There was no time for questions. She waved dismissively at Madam He. "Go. Comfort her well. When Prince Jing's residence sends representatives in the coming days, I will have them keep an eye out for suitable matches. Tell her to set her mind at ease."
Inside Lanyuan Courtyard.
Xiao Yunru, the legitimate Eldest Young Lady of the main branch, had barricaded herself in her room for over a quarter of an hour. Muffled sobs and the sharp, crashing sounds of shattering objects echoed intermittently from within.
Servants milled anxiously in the courtyard.
The maid, Qiuyang, kept casting frantic glances towards the gate, consumed by regret. *If only she hadn't urged the Young Lady to eavesdrop near the front hall! Now this... the Young Lady heard firsthand the Huo family came to break off the betrothal!*