Chu Xinhuan invited Yun Jinnian to the courtyard, as he was a person who observed rules and would also consider Yun Jinnian’s reputation.
The courtyard was spacious, making everything clearly visible.
"Princess Yijia," Chu Xinhuan began with a deep bow.
Yun Jinnian nodded, "Speak, Second Young Master, if you have something to say!"
"Does Princess Yijia take on disciples?" Chu Xinhuan asked.
"Take on disciples?" Yun Jinnian was taken aback.
She herself was still but a child.
Yun Jinnian gave a light, faint smile, "I do not plan to do so now, and even if I were to take disciples, it would not be until some years later!"
She was also curious, for whom was Chu Xinhuan seeking this favor?
"Then what does Princess Yijia think of Sister Yu?"
"Her?" Yun Jinnian couldn’t help but laugh, "I have not met Sister Yu!"
"True, but now, having made such a grave mistake, in this household, even if she is dearly loved, there may no longer be a place for her, and how will she face Brother Agen in the future?"
"So, Second Young Master, you intend to abandon her?" Yun Jinnian asked gravely.
Claiming it’s for the child’s sake? But has he ever asked her opinion?
Has he considered how frightened she must be now, heartbroken, drifting, helpless?
A child just over one or two years of age, growing up in a place like the Wang Residence, learning fear all too well, must by now know she did wrong.
The maids, old women, and wet nurses by her side are probably all disposed of; her parents, grandfather, grandmother, they’re all revolving around her brother, does anyone care if she has eaten or is warm?
Having been abandoned before, Yun Jinnian knew all too well the taste of abandonment, truly an unpleasant feeling.
"No, no, that’s not it, I just..." Chu Xinhuan stuttered.
"Since Second Young Master can’t bring himself to say it, then go see her. It’s said that twins share a special bond, and Sister Yu by now should also realize her mistake!" Yun Jinnian spoke, pausing briefly, "I hope you’ll forgive my boldness in asking, Second Young Master, but since the incident, has anyone shown any concern for Sister Yu?"
Having spoken, she didn’t wait to see Chu Xinhuan’s expression, turning instead to enter the room.
The loyal Princess Consort sat by the bed, her fingers nervously clutching a handkerchief, intently watching over Agen.
Seeing her kind and gentle demeanor, who would have thought she could give such a cruel order to Chu Xinchun, who was not her son!
Mrs. Dai stood to the side with swollen eyes, looking timid and shrunken.
Yun Jinnian knew that she and Dai Hanmi were close cousins, but she lacked Dai Hanmi’s presence, not to mention her elegance.
In the end, they only shared a surname.
"Princess Yijia," Mrs. Dai greeted with a slight curtsy.
Mrs. Dai knew that Yun Jinnian and her cousin Hanmi were good friends, so she hoped to influence Yun Jinnian into speaking on her behalf, that she might be allowed to stay and take care of the child.
And that the child would stay by her side in the future.
But with her mother-in-law present, she dared not make such a request!
Yun Jinnian nodded to Mrs. Dai and approached the bed, saying to the Princess Consort, "Princess, please step aside a moment; I need to take Agen’s pulse."
"Of course, of course!" The Princess Consort quickly stepped aside.
No matter what, Yun Jinnian had saved Agen’s life, a favor greater than heaven itself.
The Princess Consort was nonetheless very clear about what was right and wrong.
Yun Jinnian sat down and Hemei passed her a damp handkerchief.
Yun Jinnian wiped her hands, waiting for them to dry before taking Agen’s hand to feel his pulse.
"How is Agen now?" The Princess Consort asked anxiously.
"He seems better now, but when he wakes up, his eyes will hurt. The pain here is bearable, but he has been poisoned, and the pain when the poison flares up is the hardest to endure!"