At that time, she was still young, and it was only later that she vaguely heard that Madam Hai had died a terrible death. Even now, Madam Hai's courtyard was still sealed off, and rumors of hauntings occasionally spread.
Afterward, Fifth Uncle was expelled from the family by the Old Madam on the grounds of filial impiety.
Father had also sent people to search back then, but Father was always confused when it came to matters involving the Old Madam.
On one side was her biological mother who had suffered for many years, and on the other was her half-brother with whom she had little affection. Over time, the matter was dropped.
But Yu Mingyue knew that if anyone in the mansion knew news of Fifth Uncle, it would be Uncle Zhong.
"Uncle Zhong, when Grandfather passed away, I was still young and didn't know what happened back then. But I know that Fifth Uncle must have been wronged, and both the Duke's mansion and my father need Fifth Uncle to return."
Uncle Zhong remained unmoved and still said, "Young master, please do not make things difficult for this old servant. Fifth Master has had no news since he left the mansion, and the Duke has also sent people to search for him all these years without success. How would this old servant know?"
"Uncle Zhong, if the Duke's mansion were to face a life-or-death crisis, would Fifth Master stand by and do nothing?"
"..."
"As long as Fifth Master is a descendant of the Yu family, as long as he remembers his surname and remembers Grandfather's love and cultivation, he will definitely return."
Uncle Zhong continued to remain silent, not daring to give his young master any guarantees.
"Uncle Zhong, please convey a message to Fifth Master for me. The death of Madam Hai back then was the Old Madam's fault. Madam Hai was Grandfather's most beloved person, and she was devoted to Grandfather during her lifetime. She should not be left alone after death. She should be buried in the Yu family's ancestral tomb with the rites of a co-wife, and her memorial tablet should be placed in the Yu family's ancestral hall to be worshipped by descendants."
...
Yu Zeyao took the letter from his confidant, glanced at it, and casually threw it into the candle flame to burn. He chuckled, "Since when did Uncle Zhong stoop to taking orders from a child?"
"Fifth Master, Sixth Lady has already asked a master to choose an auspicious day to inter Madam's remains in the ancestral tomb," the confidant said.
Yu Zeyao's captivating eyes turned cold. "Who gave her the audacity to disturb my mother's grave?"
"Fifth Master, why don't you go back? Uncle Zhong means that Fifth Master has been away from home for too long."
"Tell that little girl that I acknowledge her favor. If the Yu family is in trouble, I will help, but I will not return to the Duke's mansion."
That place held many memories for him, but also too much pain that he could not face.
...
Yu Mingyue did not go hunting and stayed in the tent to catch up on sleep.
After all, she was young, and it was truly difficult to be energetic without enough sleep.
Moreover, Yu Mingyue had a natural tendency to wake up easily, and with so many things happening, she was quite agitated.
After sleeping for more than half a day, she felt much better after being well-rested.
"Although Miss didn't go hunting, she received quite a lot of prey," Chi Dan said with a smile.
Not only rabbits, but also pheasants and roe deer. Gu Youyou sent the most; she was a lively person, and she had Jing Zhan, who was skilled in martial arts and archery, by her side.
"Have Eldest Sister and Fifth Sister returned?"
"They have returned. Miss was sleeping then, and the two ladies went to help in the kitchen." Chi Dan said.
Yu Mingyue raised her eyebrows. She could believe Fifth Sister helping, but Eldest Sister? Wouldn't that just cause trouble?
As expected, at dinner, Yu Mingyue saw Yu Miaoyan with her finger wrapped in bandages, her movements clumsy when holding chopsticks.
Yu Mingyue couldn't help but chuckle. Yu Miaoyan's face was a little embarrassed. If it were in the past, she would have cried from anger. This time, she just pouted and held back.
"Eldest Sister's hand is quite cute." Yu Mingyue smiled brightly, but there was no mockery in her tone.
Yu Miaoyan sat up straight, putting on an air of magnanimity. "Laugh if you want to. I won't mind anyway."