024 Women Who Share the Same Sorrow

“Shuni, how are you feeling?” Ning Qian sat down by the bedside.

“Madam, I'm fine.”

“As long as you’re all right. By the way, Yuzhi, fetch a glass of water, would you? And, there are some preserved fruits in my room—bring some of those too.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Shuni understood that Ning Qian was deliberately sending Yuzhi away. Once she had left, Shuni anxiously asked, “Madam, are you all right? Earlier, when I saw the young master with his hands around your neck, I was so frightened I nearly died. Madam, how are you?”

“Don’t worry about me. What about you? How’s your head? Does it still hurt? If you’re feeling unwell, you must say so.”

“Madam, truly, I’m all right. I was dizzy just a moment ago, but I’m much better now.”

“Then drink some tea and get an early night. Shuni, Nianyu, in this Yu family, you two are the only ones I consider true family. At first, I thought the Yu family was just an ordinary wealthy household, but things are different now. Everything that’s happened lately tells us this family is anything but simple. We must be careful. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to either of you.”

Nianyu stepped forward, clasping both Ning Qian’s and Shuni’s hands. “Madam, nothing will happen to us.”

The three of them exchanged a look, their eyes full of resolve. As long as they stood united, there was still hope for them to gain a foothold in the Yu household.

Yu Ziqi did not return home that night, and it was unclear where he spent it. In truth, what young master from a wealthy family doesn’t have his own little nest? Surely, finding a place to sleep is the least of his worries.

His absence, however, was a relief for Ning Qian. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how to face him. But her good fortune lasted only that one night.

Early the next morning, just as she was rising, Yu Ziqi returned. As soon as he entered, he sent Nianyu away, then turned to Ning Qian. “Help me out of these clothes.”

Frowning and biting her lip, Ning Qian reluctantly approached Yu Ziqi. Just seeing him made her think of yesterday, and the pain in her neck seemed to throb anew.

“Why are you still dawdling?” Yu Ziqi suddenly turned his head.

“Ah!” Ning Qian shrieked and instinctively leapt to the side, watching him warily, ready to flee at any hint of violence.

Yu Ziqi couldn’t help but chuckle at her defensive posture. “What’s wrong with you? What are you afraid of? I’m not going to eat you.”

“Of course you won’t eat me. You’d rather strangle me to death,” she muttered under her breath, lips pursed.

In a flash, Yu Ziqi appeared by her side with startling speed. “Are you afraid of me? Because of yesterday?”

“I…”

“No need to explain. I admit, I lost my temper yesterday. I don’t like others touching my things. In the future, just stay out of my study if you can.”

“I understand.” She knew when to yield—the wise choose their battles, and now was not the time to argue.

“Sir, I know what to do now. I won’t touch your things again.”

Yu Ziqi pushed her down to sit beside him. “It’s not that I don’t want you touching my things. You’re my wife; it’s only natural. It’s just, the study contains business affairs. If things get misplaced, it’s troublesome.”

“All right, I understand.”

“As long as you do. I don’t want this incident to affect our relationship. It’s over now, so let it go. By the way, how’s Shuni? Is she all right?”

“She’s fine.”

“That’s good. I’m tired. Help me out of these clothes.”

“Oh.” Her hands settled on his shoulders. Staring at his neck, she found herself wanting to squeeze tightly, but reason prevailed, and she quietly helped him undress.

She ordered water to be brought for him to wash his hands and feet, and then, shockingly, in broad daylight, he lay down to sleep. Looking at his exhausted expression, she wondered what he’d been up to the night before.

A strange feeling flickered in her heart. Glancing at the clothes in her hands, she found herself sniffing them unconsciously. There was no scent, and suddenly, a suspicious smile crept onto her face. She walked out with the clothes, her steps lighter than usual.

On the bed, Yu Ziqi smiled broadly. This foolish woman—she was rather amusing, wasn’t she? Ning Qian hadn’t told Nianyu about the painting. Not because she couldn’t, but because she didn’t know where to begin. She herself had no clue; how could she explain it to someone else?

Yu Ziqi slept the entire morning, only leaving after lunch. Shortly after he left, Nianyu came in to announce that the Eldest Madam had arrived.

Though somewhat surprised by this visit, Ning Qian tidied herself and had Nianyu invite her in. As soon as the Eldest Madam entered, Ning Qian greeted her warmly. “Sister-in-law, what brings you here today?”

The Eldest Madam sighed deeply. “Sister, what do you think? I really don’t understand what the master has done wrong for Father to treat him this way. Out of nowhere, he sends him off to some remote place. Now everyone in the household looks down on me. Oh—”

“Sister, please don’t be upset. I heard Father sent Big Brother away to check the accounts—he should be back soon.”

“I don’t see it that way. Father has never been fond of my husband. Any good thing that happens, he never considers us. Like this time—he sent my husband away for no reason.”

“Sister, I wouldn’t say that. Father is strict with Big Brother because he’s the eldest son and the future head of the Yu family. The higher the expectations, the stricter the discipline. Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Well, you’re right.” Though the Eldest Madam didn’t smile, the pride on her face was unmistakable. “By the way, sister, there’s something I wanted to ask you, but I wasn’t sure if I should.”

“Please, speak freely.”

“Very well.” The Eldest Madam glanced at the maids she’d brought with her. “You may leave us.”

Once they had left, the Eldest Madam leaned in conspiratorially. “Sister, I heard that Third Brother didn’t come home last night?”

Ning Qian was taken aback, her brows instantly knitting together. How did she know? Her thoughts immediately went to Yuzhi—clearly, there were plenty of informants in her own courtyard.

The Eldest Madam didn’t notice Ning Qian’s reaction and continued, “Sister, I shouldn’t meddle, but we’re both women, and I can’t bear to see you suffer.”

“Thank you, Sister, but I’m all right.”

“Oh, how could you be all right? Don’t force yourself. As a woman myself, I understand how you must be feeling.”