Yu Mingyue's gaze sharpened; it seemed the palace was already aware of today's events.
When Yu Mingyue went out, she was wrapped in a thick cloak, her small body hidden within the layers of clothing, revealing only a pale, delicate face.
Although the scent of medicine on her person was masked by another fragrance, Eunuch Li still detected it.
He was a trusted confidant of Noble Consort Yao and naturally possessed keen senses.
"Greetings, Eunuch Li," Yu Mingyue coughed softly.
Eunuch Li quickly replied, "I dare not, I dare not. Her Ladyship heard that Sixth Lady was unwell and specially sent this old servant to deliver nourishing medicinal herbs, so that Sixth Lady may recuperate with peace of mind."
Yu Mingyue appeared grateful and quickly bowed in the direction of the imperial palace, "This humble subject thanks Her Ladyship."
When Eunuch Li returned to the palace, Noble Consort Yao was reclining on a chaise lounge, with two palace maids kneeling beside her, massaging her.
"Your Ladyship!"
"You're back?" Noble Consort Yao remained in the same position, without lifting her eyelids, and asked.
"Yes, Sixth Lady Yu is indeed ill. She was afraid of appearing disrespectful when receiving the imperial decree, so she specifically used a sachet to mask the medicinal scent on her person."
"You have a sharp nose indeed!"
"This old servant only has this small ability."
"Sixth Lady Yu is after all the daughter-in-law this Consort selected. Third Lady is too willful. Tell Madam Luo to discipline her daughter properly," Noble Consort Yao said with displeasure.
Yu Mingyue was having her meal when Chihua brought the latest news, "Miss, Yao Sanniang has been confined to her quarters."
"Only Yao Sanniang?"
Chihua nodded, "Yes! Why does Miss ask this?"
Yu Mingyue shook her head, "Who was the one who stirred up trouble yesterday?"
Chihua instantly understood, "It was First Lady Yao!"
First Lady Yao was the daughter of the second branch of the Cheng'en Marquis's mansion. Both Yao Sanniang and First Lady Yao were of marriageable age. With Yao Sanniang overshadowing her, the best suitors would naturally not fall to First Lady Yao.
Yao Sanniang lost face and was confined by the Noble Consort. First Lady Yao naturally benefited.
If her guess was correct, someone in the Yao family had already been chosen.
"Miss is indeed intelligent; she knows everything without leaving her courtyard," Chihua said with admiration.
"It's all thanks to you, my clever girl, who is so well-informed."
Chihua, with her innocent and endearing appearance, naturally garnered goodwill, and there was no news she couldn't uncover.
"Miss, please don't praise this servant, or I will become proud," Chihua said shyly, flattered by the compliment.
"Chihua, find a way to leak this matter to Yao Sanniang."
If the Yao family's young ladies were to quarrel amongst themselves, they would have no time to bother her.
Madam Luo was also not to be trifled with. Her daughter had suffered such a great loss and would certainly not let it go.
Yu Mingyue imagined the scene of prosperity within the Yao mansion and felt her mood lift.
However, there was also some bad news.
Yu Mingyue had the same servant who delivered gifts to Xie Jiaxian previously send a few pomelos over.
But the servant returned saying Xie Jiaxian had moved, and he hadn't found out where he went.
"Moved?" Yu Mingyue was surprised.
The house Xie Jiaxian had been living in was a villa belonging to the Gu family. He was only staying temporarily as he wouldn't be in the capital for long.
Now that he had moved, did it mean he would be residing in the capital permanently?
Yu Mingyue's expression immediately relaxed. The capital was vast, but it wouldn't be difficult to find his residence.
As the year-end approached, when families were busiest, Yu Mingyue, on the contrary, was at leisure. She had indeed feigned illness before because she didn't want to go to the Yao family. Now that she had the Noble Consort's tacit approval, she could openly refuse to go.
The sound of a zither from next door drifted over, making one's heart feel expansive.
"Bring a ladder!" Yu Mingyue suddenly said.
"Miss, there are no pears this season," Chidan quickly advised.
Yu Mingyue shook her head, "No, no. As the ancients say, Bo Ya sought his kindred spirit amidst high mountains and flowing water. Today, I, Yu Mingyue, shall climb a ladder to meet my kindred spirit."