Early the next morning.
In Cuizhu Courtyard, Yun Feiwan slowly woke up.
Seeing the familiar green gauze bed curtains before her, she felt a brief moment of disorientation.
Nearby, hearing the movement, Xiaying stepped over, lifted the curtain, and said softly, "Madam is awake."
Yun Feiwan let out a soft "mn" and allowed Xiaying to help her sit up.
Sitting before the dressing table, Yun Feiwan gazed at her reflection in the mirror, somewhat dazed.
The person in the mirror had hair as dark as ink and delicate, moth-browed features. Time had left subtle traces on her face, yet also added a mature grace that a young girl could never possess.
Her facial features were naturally beautiful, but her brows were wreathed in a sharp, imposing severity—an aura of sternness she had deliberately cultivated over the years to manage the household both inside and out.
Now, such sternness was no longer necessary.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled. Thinking of her fate in her previous life, of the chance to start over, and of the opportunity to make amends for everything, her brows gradually relaxed.
Instantly, the beauty in the mirror seemed like a classical painting slowly unfurled, offering a breathtaking glimpse.
Xiaying rubbed her eyes, thinking she was seeing things:
"Madam looks truly lovely today. Walking out, who could ever guess you're already a grandmother?"
Qiutong, standing nearby, immediately chimed in, "Isn't that so? When Madam was young, she was a renowned beauty in the Capital. Although Madam and the Master had been betrothed since childhood, the matchmakers still broke down the threshold of our Yun family."
As she spoke, Xiaying brought over a brown silk-brocade skirt embroidered with auspicious Chinese characters in silver thread.
Yun Feiwan frowned.
Xiaying asked, "What's wrong? Does Madam dislike this outfit?"
Yun Feiwan shook her head and had Xiaying open her innermost chest, pulling out a blue and orange dress embroidered with a hundred dancing butterflies.
Once she was dressed in it, both Xiaying and Qiutong lit up with admiration.
"Madam should definitely wear brighter colors like this. Going out looking like this, even girls in their prime would be outshone."
A gentle smile bloomed on Yun Feiwan's face.
Ever since giving birth to her child, she had rarely dressed up. Having become a grandmother this year, she had dressed even more gravely and solemnly, masking seven or eight tenths of her true beauty.
She was naturally striking to begin with, and with today's styling—dressed in rich, vibrant hues that suited her to perfection—her entire spirit and aura were transformed.
Xiaying and Qiutong offered praise after praise. Knowing the reasons behind it all, Nanny Qu felt immense relief seeing Yun Feiwan's transformation.
When breakfast was brought in, Xiaying couldn't help praising her again: Madam truly looks so beautiful.
Yun Feiwan smiled, and Xiaying withdrew, leaving only Nanny Qu by her side.
Nanny Qu glanced around the room before reporting to Yun Feiwan on the events that had taken place in the household.
"After Madam fainted yesterday, First Madam stepped in to preside over the tea-serving ceremony. But before the tea could even be served, the Master heard the news and rushed over, interrupting it right on the spot—"
Nanny Qu recounted the scene as Yun Feiwan sipped her congee, listening with a faint smile.
"Madam, that Eldest Young Master is simply too outrageous. Both his father and mother are ill and bedridden, yet he..."
Nanny Qu spoke with utter disdain, but Yun Feiwan was not surprised at all. She knew all too well what kind of person Song Jingcheng was.
Her heart remained as still as stagnant water.
At this moment, the one who was suffering the most inside was Yao Yun'er.
"And the Master?"
"The Master bumped his head. The physician said it's nothing serious, though it's uncertain when he'll wake up.
"During the Master's unconsciousness, First Madam went to check on him for a little while, but she didn't do anything out of line."
Seeing that Yun Feiwan showed no interest in these matters, Nanny Qu stopped dwelling on them.
Instead, lowering her voice even further, she said:
"Madam, word has come from the country estate."
Yun Feiwan instantly perked up: "Speak."
Nanny Qu: "The young master hasn't had an easy life these past few years. The family never hired any proper tutors for him. Although he knows how to read, hoping to distinguish himself through the imperial examinations is probably too late now."
Nanny Qu spoke tactfully, but Yun Feiwan understood her exact meaning.
She knew in her heart that knowing Song Yanqing was her child, there was no way Yao Yun'er would ever raise him properly.
Just thinking about how her son should have grown up wrapped in fine silks and pampered with luxury, only to suffer so much hardship due to a vicious woman's malice, made her heart ache with a sour grief that brought tears to her eyes.
"Is his health all right? Is he robust?"
When she asked these questions, her voice was practically choked with sobs.
She was mentally prepared and never expected him to attain high office or bring glory to the family name—these were simply a mother's most earnest wishes for her child.
Nanny Qu hurriedly replied, "Madam, rest assured, Young Master Yanqing is in good health, it's just that... he has endured quite a bit of hardship."
Tears instantly welled up and spilled from Yun Feiwan's eyes.
Nanny Qu spoke in veiled terms, but Yun Feiwan knew that while Yao Yun'er dared not take Song Yanqing's life out of fear of Song Mingjian, short of ruining his future, she certainly wouldn't let him live comfortably.
Fortunately, as long as he was in good health, that was all that mattered.
As long as his health remained sound, everything else could be managed. Whatever she wanted to achieve, there would be opportunities in the future.
Seeing her emotional state, Nanny Qu continued:
"This old servant sent people to make inquiries. Young Master Yanqing has a kind disposition. Though he faced oppression, he never harbored bitterness or blamed the heavens and others. Even when tempted on numerous occasions, he was never led astray or tainted by bad habits."
With a mixture of relief and comfort, Yun Feiwan wiped away her tears: "That's good then, that's good."
"Yes, Madam need not worry. This old servant has already followed Madam's instructions and sent Chen Shan to Young Master Yanqing's side.
"Chen Shan's father once received a favor from the Yun family and is fiercely loyal to them. Moreover, Chen Shan has a simple background—he was merely punished and sent to the estate for making a mistake, so even if curious eyes investigate, it won't arouse any suspicion.
"The few covert guards I requested from the Yun family's Eldest Young Master have also arrived by Young Master Yanqing's side. When necessary, they can protect him."
"Mmm."
Yun Feiwan nodded, took another couple of sips of congee, and finally set her bowl down.
She needed to protect her son, but she also had to take good care of herself so she would have the energy to match wits with the wolves and tigers of this household.
After the mistress and servant chatted for quite a while, Xiaying came in to pass along a message:
"Madam, Concubine Cen, who entered the estate yesterday, has come to pay her respects to Madam."
"Mmm, tell her to wait a moment."
"Yes."
Yun Feiwan gazed out the door, leisurely picked up a damp handkerchief to wipe her lips, seated herself in a chair, and had someone brew a fresh pot of tea.
In her previous life, because Song Jingcheng constantly favored Concubine Cen and committed numerous foolish acts on her behalf, she had viewed Concubine Cen like a mortal enemy.
Now, with her standpoint changed, she held not a single trace of aversion toward Concubine Cen.
She was even pondering precisely how to win Concubine Cen over and make her an ally.
Nanny Qu was puzzled: "Is Madam planning to give Concubine Cen a show of force?"
Yun Feiwan shook her head: "No. However, since I just fell into the water, I must at least put on a show.
"Pass the word down to have fruits and pastries prepared. We must not slight the Master's beloved."
Nanny Qu understood immediately: "Yes."