Yu Zeyan looked at his daughter with satisfaction. See, this was his daughter, so magnanimous in her dealings, just like him.
Su Wanqing smiled outwardly, but inwardly she scoffed. Yu Mingyue was still the same, always wanting to compete with her.
She peeled shrimp and crab meat for the old madam, and Yu Mingyue followed suit, ultimately falling short.
Yu Mingyue’s eyes darted towards her second aunt, Zhao Shi. If there was anyone in the manor who could instantly displease the old madam, Yu Mingyue thought her own mother was still second. After all, her mother would never seek out the old madam for no reason.
As expected, Zhao Shi’s face was filled with jealousy. It was one thing for her daughter to be inferior to Yu Mingyue, the legitimate daughter of the Duke, but to be inferior even to an outsider, a wild girl.
Her Miaoyan was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Duke’s manor, wasn’t she? And yet she was being overshadowed by this brat.
Her husband was also useless, only concerned with exchanging glances with his concubine at a time like this. Truly beyond redemption.
Prompted by Zhao Shi, Yu Miaoyan reluctantly rose. She returned carrying a food box, naturally also for the old madam.
The other young ladies of the Yu manor naturally did not want to be outdone, especially since even Yu Mingyue had to curry favor with the old madam.
The old madam looked at the sudden abundance of dishes before her, her head aching. Were they trying to stuff her to death by sending so many dishes?
But they were all her granddaughters, and she couldn’t openly show favoritism. If she accepted one, she couldn’t refuse the others.
Moreover, she had to appear delighted, continuing to foster an atmosphere of joy and harmony.
Yu Mingyue would also occasionally remind her with a sincere expression, "Does Grandmother like it? These ingredients were all carefully selected. Grandmother must eat more."
The old madam smiled and agreed, but when she looked down, her eyes were practically rolling out of her sockets.
Cui Shi covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and for some reason, her mood suddenly improved.
The next day, as soon as Yu Mingyue woke up, she heard that the old madam had felt unwell the previous night and had sent for a doctor in the middle of the night.
Yu Mingyue said with feigned distress, "Grandmother has it so hard. She just recovered from her illness and is unwell again. She must not have fully recuperated and is pretending to be better to avoid worrying us, her juniors. Did the hawthorn cakes I ordered the small kitchen to make last night get done? I’ll bring some to pay my respects to Grandmother."
"My lady, rest assured, they are ready."
Yu Mingyue went after breakfast. When the old madam heard from the servants that Yu Mingyue was here to deliver hawthorn cakes, her stomach churned even more violently.
"Go, send her away!" The old madam, clutching her abdomen with one hand, pointed outside with the other.
Vile creature, truly a vile creature. This damned girl was here to jinx her.
"Grandmother, you didn't sleep well all night. Please don't get angry now..." Su Wanqing said as she gently patted the old madam’s back.
When Yu Mingyue heard the old madam telling her to leave, her small face immediately crumpled, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. "If Grandmother doesn't want to see me, then I won't go in. These hawthorn cakes were made by my own hands. Sister Ziyun, please take them in for me."
Seeing the Sixth Young Lady looking at her with such teary eyes, Ziyun couldn't refuse.
Her hand moved faster than her brain, taking the food box from Chidan. By the time she realized what she had done, Yu Mingyue had already left with her maid.
Ziyun sighed. Sixth Miss must be heartbroken not to see the old madam. She saw her shoulders trembling as she cried. Fine, she would help carry them in.
...
Xie Yuanlang entered from outside, bringing with him a chill that seemed to lower the room's temperature.
Xie Jiaxian poured him a cup of hot tea and brought it to him. "Father, please don't go anymore. You won't be able to see him."