033 Such a headache, truly.

After spending the entire day exploring their new residence, Yu Ziqi and Ning Qian only returned to the old house as dusk settled in. Worn out from their adventures, Ning Qian quickly drifted into a hazy sleep in the carriage, so deep that even upon arrival she remained unconscious. She slept through the night, and when she awoke, the first light of dawn was already filtering through the windows.

Sitting up, she glanced around and realized she was back home. With a quiet sigh, she called, “Nianyu, Nianyu, what time is it?”

It was a while before Nianyu entered, saying, “Why are you up so early? The hour is still young—it’s only the beginning of the day. You should rest a bit longer.”

Ning Qian smiled sheepishly. “Did I wake you? I had no idea what time it was when I got up. I’m fine, you should go back to sleep.”

Nianyu shook her head. “I’m already up, there’s no sense in going back now. Are you hungry? You slept soundly in the carriage yesterday and missed dinner. I’ll check the kitchen for some pastries.”

“Yesterday—ah, I remember now. I was so tired. By the way, how did I get back while I was asleep?”

Nianyu covered her mouth with a laugh. “It was the Third Young Master who carried you back. Everyone in the courtyard knows about it now.”

“What? Everyone knows?” Ning Qian’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. How was she supposed to face anyone in the estate now? “Why didn’t you wake me up? Now that it’s spread, how will I show my face? The servants will surely gossip. Nianyu, you really are vexing.”

“I wanted to wake you, but you know your own temper. When I was about to do so, the Young Master stopped me. He said you’d been exhausted these past days and ordered me not to disturb your rest. He also told me to have the kitchen keep some cakes warm for you when you woke. Oh, and he mentioned he wouldn’t be returning last night, as he had matters to attend to.”

Ning Qian frowned, dressing and stepping off the bed. “He comes home only to leave again, leaving me alone. If our outing angers Mother, I’ll be the only one to suffer.”

“I tried to persuade him, but the Young Master was firm. He said he absolutely had to see someone last night. He also said that person was especially important to him—his fated benefactor.”

“Fated benefactor?” Ning Qian immediately understood. So he had gone to meet that benefactor—no wonder he was in such a hurry. “Nianyu, close the door and come back; I have something to discuss with you.”

Seeing Ning Qian’s serious expression, Nianyu hurried to close the inner door, then went outside to bolt the outer door as well. Returning, she sat across from Ning Qian. “Madam, what’s happened? You seem tense.”

“This matter is troublesome, Nianyu. Yesterday the Young Master confided in me about many things, and now my mind is unsettled. Give me your advice, will you?”

“I’m not sure I know much, but you’re clever—I’m sure you’ll find a solution. I can only discuss it with you.”

Ning Qian waved her hand. “No need for formality between us. I truly am troubled. Yesterday he said he wants to become the head of the Yu family and hopes for my support.”

Nianyu was stunned. “Is that true? How could the Young Master have such an idea? It’s neither reasonable nor customary. He’s the third son, with two elder brothers above him. The position of family head always goes to the eldest legitimate son. How could it ever be his turn?”

Ning Qian sighed deeply. She knew these reasons well; if not for a certain matter, she too would think Yu Ziqi was merely ambitious. But now, things were different. After a moment’s hesitation, she lowered her voice, “Nianyu, actually, the Young Master is the eldest legitimate grandson of the Yu family.”

Nianyu shot up in disbelief. “How could that be?”

“I don’t know all the details yet; he hasn’t told me everything, probably because he doesn’t fully trust me yet. Also, yesterday he shared a story: when he was young, his father and mother showed him no affection.”

“That’s so strange. I’ve been here quite some time and never heard such rumors. Could the Young Master be mistaken?”

“I don’t think so. His expression wasn’t one of falsehood. Yet something feels off, and my head aches with confusion. I feel as though I’m caught in a great trouble—if something happens, I dread to think what consequences may follow. Nianyu, have you any ideas?”

Nianyu shook her head, her face troubled. “No wonder the Young Master’s smile always seems so subdued—he’s carrying a burden. Who could have guessed he’s hiding such a past? To think he’s the Yu family’s eldest legitimate grandson—how could that be?”

“I don’t know, so I’m feeling overwhelmed. There are too many mysteries surrounding this man. I can’t tell if staying with him is wise, or if leaving now would be the better course.”

Nianyu shook her head vigorously. “No, no, it’s not so easy for a woman to leave her husband. Such things can’t be taken lightly. Honestly, if not for that night, I’d say the Young Master is a good man. It’s a pity he raised his hand against a woman.”

“He apologized, but I can’t forgive him so easily.”

“Then take some time to observe. A woman needs a good fate.”

Ning Qian exhaled. “I suppose I’ll take it one day at a time. Thankfully, he said he wouldn’t force me. Still, something about this feels wrong, as if there’s a hidden thread.”

“Do you think the Young Master is making up stories?”

“I can’t say he is, but consider this: he’s the third son, his mother’s own child—why is his treatment so different from that of the eldest and second sons? How am I supposed to believe him completely?”

“That’s something I don’t understand either. How about I try to find out? Some rumors can be discovered among the servants.”

“That’s a good idea, but be cautious. In this large estate, you must be careful in all things. A single misstep could be fatal.”

Nianyu’s face changed dramatically. “Is it really that serious?”

“Better safe than sorry. Wasn’t the death of that young servant recently warning enough?”