Chang Yuncheng looked up at Madam Xie in astonishment.
“Mother, why do you say such things?” he asked. “Naturally, I listen to Mother…”
Madam Xie looked at him and let out a cold laugh.
“What did you do today?” she asked.
Chang Yuncheng hesitated for a moment…
“Had quite a good time playing around with that woman, didn’t you?” Madam Xie asked with a cold smile. “This also wouldn’t be something your father forced you to do, would it?”
“No, it wasn’t.” Chang Yuncheng hurriedly said. “I… I wanted to go to Qianjin Hall to take a look, after all… after all, this matter is somewhat related, so I went to see if there were any follow-up matters to handle. Yueniang, she heard about it and also wanted to go. She and Doctor Liu and the others have been through hardships together, so I had no reason not to let her go…”
Madam Xie looked at him with a scrutinizing expression.
“Is that really so?” she asked.
That’s how it was… that’s what he thought.
Chang Yuncheng nodded emphatically.
“Don’t go there anymore from now on.” Madam Xie’s expression softened slightly as she reached out to pull him up, saying, “It’s just a pharmacy and medical clinic, what’s there to see? Those lowly people are like blood-sucking flies and insects – once they latch onto you, you can’t shake them off. Stay away from them.”
Chang Yuncheng stood up.
“Mother, they’re actually quite good people,” he said.
This child always said whatever was on his mind and wouldn’t speak nonsense just to please her. Hearing this, Madam Xie wasn’t angry but rather felt more at ease, because it meant he wouldn’t lie to deceive her.
“Your father does absurd things, but it’s always you who has to bear the consequences.” Madam Xie sighed and said, gesturing for Chang Yuncheng to sit down. “That woman didn’t cause you any trouble, did she?”
Chang Yuncheng smiled somewhat unnaturally and shook his head.
“No, how would she dare? Besides, what would she have to make trouble about?” he said.
“Is she the type of person who knows her place?” Madam Xie sneered disdainfully.
Chang Yuncheng touched his nose.
“Mother, actually, Yueniang, she… she…” he hesitated before saying.
“As for her, I have my own plans. Don’t worry.” Madam Xie said, looking at Chang Yuncheng’s conflicted expression with great heartache.
It was all because of this lowly servant that Chang Yuncheng couldn’t even have peace in his own home.
“With New Year approaching, I can’t get away, but you’ve been back for so long without visiting your grandfather and the others. Why don’t you go deliver New Year gifts?” Madam Xie said.
Chang Yuncheng nodded in agreement.
“When I first returned, I went to see Grandmother, and her health wasn’t very good. I’m quite worried about her,” he said.
Speaking of her mother, Madam Xie’s expression became even more gentle.
“Yes, she’s getting on in years. If you can visit her more often, then do so. Who knows about next time…” she said with a sigh.
Chang Yuncheng’s expression also became somewhat downcast. Grandmother’s health had never been good. If… if that woman could go take a look and cure her…
Would Mother then like her a little more?
Chang Yuncheng’s expression immediately brightened.
“I’ll go prepare right away,” he said.
“Just like when you were little – mention going to Grandmother’s house and you become all eager,” Madam Xie smiled.
Chang Yuncheng touched his nose and took his leave with some embarrassment.
Madam Xie then reached for the calendar book, discussing with Nanny Su which day to go, finally settling on the day after tomorrow.
“Go tell the Second Madam,” Madam Xie said, putting down the book.
Nanny Su was slightly stunned. Why would they need to tell the Second Madam about the Prince going to visit his own grandmother? But she asked no questions and went out with an acknowledgment.
Meanwhile, Chang Yuncheng returned to his courtyard, where Qi Yue was already asleep.
“…The Young Madam and Sister A’Ru were both extremely tired and went to sleep as soon as they returned…” Qiu Xiang said carefully, watching Chang Yuncheng’s expression, afraid he might be angry that the Young Madam hadn’t waited for him.
Chang Yuncheng glanced at the curtain hanging down from the partition over there.
“Has she eaten?” he asked in a low voice.
Qiu Xiang was actually startled by the question.
“No…” she answered hastily.
Chang Yuncheng frowned and looked again toward that direction before going in to wash and change.
Qiu Xiang rubbed her eyes. Good heavens, am I seeing things? It seems like the Prince’s expression was… somewhat worried?
Qi Yue woke up in the middle of the night. The charcoal fire in the room was still burning warmly, and she reached out from under the covers, using the light from the floor lamp to get up.
Listening carefully, she could hear complete silence outside, clearly indicating it was already past midnight.
Since she was accustomed to not having servants stay in the room, Qi Yue got up herself to pour water. She had just walked over to light the lamp when footsteps could be heard from outside.
“Awake?” Chang Yuncheng’s voice immediately came from outside.
Qi Yue was startled, watching him lift the curtain and enter.