Mei Gongxue had deliberately applied light makeup before visiting her sister-in-law. She did not want to appear before her looking so dejected. Since the medicine her sister-in-law took contained sedatives, she was still fast asleep when Mei Gongxue arrived.
Three years had passed, and the face that had never been particularly full to begin with was now hauntingly thin. Mei Gongxue sat quietly by the bedside, not daring to disturb her, but after only a short while, the person on the bed slowly opened her eyes.
"Xiaoxue, is that you?"
Though they were identical twins, Mei Gongxue was recognized instantly. Her eyes welled up with tears as she whispered, "It’s me, sister-in-law!"
Wen Ke gave a joyful smile and studied her for a moment before exclaiming in surprise, "Why have you become so thin?"
Mei Gongxue replied with a composed expression, "I was trying to lose weight, so I haven't been eating regularly. My stomach hasn't been well these past two years."
Wen Ke looked at her suspiciously, clearly disbelieving. "You cannot neglect your health just because you are young. I know a physician with excellent skills. Liuyue, hurry and send someone to invite Doctor Zhou!"
Mei Gongxue quickly stopped her. "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I'm fine!"
A hint of sternness entered Wen Ke’s eyes. "At the very least, you must be examined by a professional. Health is your greatest asset; I still need to find you a good match in the future!"
Seeing her insistence, Mei Gongxue could only plead, "Dear sister-in-law, I have some injuries on me... I really don't want a doctor to see them!"
Wen Ke froze, seeming to understand something. She tenderly stroked Mei Gongxue's cheek and said, "Very well, I will not force you. From now on, no one will ever be able to force you again!"
Those words made Mei Gongxue’s nose sting, and her tears fell uncontrollably. She could not stop crying; it was as if all the grievances of the past three years had finally found a place to vent now that she was with family.
It was ironic. Her sister-in-law was the only person in the Mei family who shared no blood relation with her, yet she had given her the most affection. Ever since Mei Gongxue returned to the Marquis Manor at age ten, it was her sister-in-law who had cared for her. Though she was only ten years her senior, she was the only one besides her father who indulged her temper.
As a child, Mei Gongxue often thought that if her mother were still alive, she must have been as gentle as her sister-in-law. Three years ago, when her father was framed and the Marquis Manor faced both internal and external turmoil, her sister-in-law had worked tirelessly to stabilize the household while selling family assets to secure funds to save her eldest brother from imprisonment. The exhaustion was so great that she had even miscarried the child she had finally conceived.
That was why, initially, Mei Gongxue had not dared to ask her for help; she had already sacrificed too much for the family. When the dust finally settled, her sister-in-law learned that Mei Gongxue was about to marry a eunuch. She rushed over before she had even finished her post-miscarriage recovery to ask what had happened. Mei Gongxue could only comfort her, claiming it was her own choice. After all, Zhao Zhang’s betrothal gift was a significant sum that resolved the manor's urgent crisis.
After crying for a long time, Mei Gongxue pulled herself out of the memory, composed her emotions, and helped her sister-in-law get up to wash.
Wen Ke took out a small box. "I am returning this to you."
Inside, the Peach Blossom Hairpin lay quietly in the velvet-lined box. Its lustrous glow shimmered in the dim light; crafted from warm, polished Hupo, the petals were as thin as cicada wings—ancient and elegant.
Mei Gongxue stared at it in a trance, as if she had returned to her coming-of-age ceremony, the day her father had personally pinned it into her hair. The hairpin had been crafted by the Old Marquis himself as a blessing for his two daughters. Mei Gongxue’s was the Peach Blossom Hairpin, and Mei Xianghan’s was the Plum Blossom Hairpin. It seemed as though all beautiful things had frozen in that moment.
"Thank you for keeping it for me, sister-in-law!" Mei Gongxue’s fingertips brushed gently over it.
"Let me put it on for you," Wen Ke said, her gaze filled with love.
"Alright," Mei Gongxue replied with a smile.
Just then, Mei Yanjun and the others entered to pay their New Year respects and happened to witness the scene. Mei Xianghan subconsciously touched the plum blossom hairpin in her own hair. Seeing how close Mei Gongxue and her sister-in-law were, she felt a complex mix of emotions.
Respecting the eldest sister-in-law like a mother, the three siblings performed their New Year greetings. As soon as they sat down, Mei Yanjun said, "Sister-in-law, now that Xiaoxue has finally returned, it’s a rare moment for the whole family to be together. I have a pressing matter I’d like your opinion on."
"What is it?"
"The marriage between A Xiang and Ji Yunchu!"
Wen Ke was startled and instinctively glanced toward Mei Gongxue.
Mei Yanjun continued, "I believe you’ve noticed, sister-in-law, that Ji Yunchu’s attitude toward our Marquis Manor has been cold these past few years. Especially since receiving his official post, he has moved out. Our manor isn't what it used to be; we should use this marriage to secure his loyalty!"
Mei Gongxue was not surprised by the news. As she looked across the room, she met Mei Xianghan’s gaze. Mei Xianghan appeared timid; the moment their eyes met, she immediately lowered her head and pulled piteously on Mei Yanjun’s sleeve. "Second Brother, perhaps we should let this matter go!"
In the Mei family, who didn't know that Mei Gongxue had been in love with Ji Yunchu since childhood? Mei Yanjun pulled Mei Xianghan behind him like a mother hen shielding her chicks, blocking Mei Gongxue’s view, but he kept a smile on his face.
"Xiaoxue, Second Brother is only worried that there might be friction between you and A Xiang, so I didn't want to hide this from you. I want to settle this clearly—you won't object, will you?"
Mei Gongxue felt a stinging pain in her eyes. How she wished she were the one being protected behind him. To say she didn't care at all would be a lie. They were acting so hypocritically now, asking for her opinion, but three years ago, why had no one asked if she was willing?
But seeing the expectant look in Wen Ke’s eyes, Mei Gongxue softened her tone. "Rest assured, I approve of the marriage between her and Ji Yunchu."
No sooner had she finished speaking than someone walked through the door: it was Ji Yunchu himself. However, his expression was dark and gloomy.
Mei Xianghan stood up with a smile. "Brother Yunchu..."
But the next moment, Ji Yunchu turned and walked away. Everyone stared at each other in confusion. Mei Xianghan blinked her large eyes, seemingly puzzled, assuming he was merely shy upon hearing the news of the marriage. Her cheeks flushed red, and she turned to Mei Gongxue. "Thank you, sister, for allowing us this!"
She reached out to pull Mei Gongxue affectionately, but Mei Gongxue pulled her hand back as if she had received an electric shock. Mei Xianghan recoiled, looking flustered as she hid her hands behind her back, her voice clearly trembling with tears. "Sister, are you still unable to let go of Brother Yunchu? It’s alright... if you just tell me, I... I will..."
Mei Changgong, who had been quiet until now, was provoked into anger and lashed out at Mei Gongxue: "A Xiang and Yunchu are in love. We didn't even need to ask you; Second Brother was only being considerate of your feelings. Because your own marriage is unfortunate, do you begrudge lovers their happiness?"
Even Wen Ke looked at her with concern. "Xiaoxue, the marriage isn't finalized yet—there is still room to maneuver!"
Mei Gongxue took a deep breath. She knew the misunderstanding could not go any further. Under everyone’s gaze, she slowly rolled up her sleeve.
"You are all mistaken. Just now, it was only because Mei Xianghan hurt me!"
Her slender arm was revealed, and the scabbed wound had already reopened. But the most striking sight was the jagged scar from her slashed wrist.