After Yao Ye left, An Jiu lay down on the couch, closing her eyes to rest.
“An Jiu, I’m so worried about Mother,” Mei Jiu sobbed.
An Jiu opened her eyes slightly, showing rare gentleness. After some thought, she carefully consoled Mei Jiu, “Don’t worry. Without you as a burden, she’ll surely live longer.”
Upon hearing this, Mei Jiu cried even harder.
The sobs made An Jiu’s head throb, but she didn’t scold Mei Jiu this time. Instead, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Outside, Yao Ye spoke in a hushed tone, “The young lady is unwell today. Please inform Elder Zhi that she’ll be absent.”
Mu Qianshan’s voice was deep, “You should go yourself, miss. The front courtyard is crowded lately, and it’s inconvenient for me to move about.”
Yao Ye pondered, “Very well. Take care of the young lady.”
“Mm,” Mu Qianshan agreed, though he didn’t understand Yao Ye’s motherly concern. What was there to worry about in such a brief absence?
However, shortly after Yao Ye left, the Old Madam arrived.
The maids at the door couldn’t stop her.
The Old Madam entered the room. A maid brought an embroidered stool and placed it before the soft couch. The Old Madam sat down, her gaze complex as she looked at the sleeping girl.
Years ago, her daughter, not much older than Mei Jiu, had cuddled up to her, seeming like only yesterday. Now, her daughter’s fate was unknown. All because of Mei Yanran! Mei Yanran had fled, sacrificing everything, only to willingly join the Crane Control Army today. If so, why drag her daughter into this mess?
The Old Madam raised her hand to touch An Jiu’s cheek.
Before she could make contact, her wrist was suddenly gripped tightly. In a flash, a cold blade was at her throat, murderous intent erupting.
The Old Madam tried to defend herself but realized it was too late. Shocked and angered, she exclaimed, “You dare to kill your elder!”
The dagger stopped abruptly, a hair’s breadth from the Old Madam’s throat.
Less than two feet apart, the Old Madam could see the coldness in An Jiu’s eyes—emotionless, as if waiting for a single command to take a life in an instant.
An Jiu withdrew the dagger and lowered her eyes, calling out, “Grandmother.”
The Old Madam slowly suppressed her anger, still shaken as she said, “Child, why are you so alert?”
An Jiu remained silent. She didn’t know how to interact with people, especially elders. It seemed that only around Mei Jiu did she ever relax, perhaps because Mei Jiu resembled a harmless little lamb.
“I heard Yanran left, and I was worried about you, so I came to check,” the Old Madam said gently, her expression neutral.
After a moment’s thought, An Jiu replied, “I’m fine.”
The Old Madam smiled faintly, “Then I can rest easy.” She stood up, sighing, “It’s been many years since I left the island. The outside world hasn’t changed at all, which is quite unsettling.”
She lowered her gaze, briefly glancing over An Jiu. “Rest well.”
The Old Madam left Yuweichu with her maids, seated in a palanquin with a hand warmer. She couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
Though she tried to suppress it, her laughter sounded quite jubilant.
“Lingxi,” the Old Madam said quietly, “do you think Mei Ruxue harbors hostility towards me, or is she simply naturally vigilant?”
A middle-aged woman outside replied, “Either way, her killing intent was unmistakable. She’s suited for the Crane Control Army. We should inform those above about this.”
“Hah!” The Old Madam leaned back. “Mei Yanran is still as cunning as ever. Knowing that after ten years away, her influence can’t match mine, she’s made a desperate move by aligning closely with Elder Zhi. That old fellow won’t be easy to deal with.”