Chapter 055: Zhong Wuyan

Seeing the awkward expression on the Lady's face, Ning Qian hurriedly said, "Lady, I understand what you mean. The Master treats me very well. Marrying him, I am truly happy."

The Lady nodded. "Yes, you are a smart girl. Ziqi should be very happy with you. In truth, Ziqi is a child who deserves compassion. Qianqian, you must be attentive to him in the days to come."

Ning Qian felt puzzled. From the Lady's words, it was not the attitude of someone who had only met a few times. Her expression, her manner, even her words all revealed that her relationship with Yu Ziqi was far from simple. Suddenly, she recalled the story Ziqi had told her.

In his story, he encountered a predestined benefactor. Could that benefactor be the Lady? If so, everything could be explained.

"Qianqian, what are you thinking?" The Lady waited for a response, but none came. Looking closely, she saw that Ning Qian had her head bowed, lost in thought, clearly her mind was wandering far from the present.

Still immersed in her own musings, Ning Qian did not hear the Lady's words. Standing behind her, Nianyu grew anxious and poked Ning Qian's back. "Madam, the Lady is speaking to you."

Ning Qian finally returned to herself, seeing the Lady's probing gaze, her heart clenched, and she immediately knelt to the ground, uneasy. "Lady, please forgive me, I..."

The Lady smiled gently, rising to walk to Ning Qian's side, bending to help her up. Seeing her nervousness, she laughed, "What a silly child. There is no one else here now, you need not be so formal. Don't think of me as the Lady; treat me as your aunt. I brought you here just to chat freely. If you are so tense, how can we speak comfortably? Silly girl, don't you agree?"

Now, Ning Qian was even more certain of her guess. She must be the predestined benefactor Yu Ziqi spoke of. With this connection, she relaxed a bit. "Lady, I will do as you say."

"Good girl. Oh, right, Qianqian, tell me again about the marriage robbery. It's a very strange matter. That bandit who took you, having gotten you, why did he let you go? You are a beautiful girl; there's no reason he wouldn't be tempted."

Thinking of the masked man, an indescribable feeling passed through Ning Qian's heart. During those days she was locked away, truthfully, he did not harm her. On the contrary, he was rather courteous. If not for what he did on the last day, perhaps she wouldn't have hated him so much.

"Qianqian, what is it?"

"Nothing, I just feel uneasy recalling that event. Lady, your doubts are mine as well. I don't know what really happened. After I was captured, I saw only one person. He wore a silver mask, kept me locked in a dark room, and hardly spoke to me. Apart from asking me a few questions later, he left me alone in the dark room."

The Lady grew even more curious. This bandit's behavior was nothing like that of ordinary brigands. It was said that bandits would take women up the mountain to be their wives, but given Ning Qian's beauty, this bandit did nothing, which was truly odd. "What happened afterwards?"

"In truth, I don't know myself. On the last day, the masked man drugged me, and when I awoke, I was already home. I only learned from my family that when I returned... um... I was not properly dressed."

The Lady was shocked, gazing at Ning Qian's face, which showed no sign of deceit. Could it be that she had already been... "Qianqian, can you tell me the truth? When you married into the Yu family, were you still..."

Ning Qian took a deep breath. She knew what the Lady wished to ask. Anyone would doubt her chastity. "Lady, I married into the Yu family with my purity intact. Before I married, I too thought I was no longer untouched. But on the wedding night, I... I only then discovered. Lady, please trust me, I truly was pure."

"Hahaha... good, good. In fact, I believed you all along, just had some doubts. Qianqian, you don't blame me, do you?"

"How could I? Lady, anyone hearing such a thing would have doubts about me."

"But, Qianqian, with what you've said, the matter is even more complicated. Why did the bandit let you go? How could such strange things happen? Qianqian, do you need me to ask the Prince to investigate for you?"

Ning Qian hurriedly waved her hands, "Lady, that's not necessary. Though I don't know what the bandit's intentions were, since he let me go, it shows he meant me no harm. Besides, it's not a pleasant matter. If it can be forgotten, let it be. Lady, it's not that I don't want your help, but I truly don't wish to bring it up again."

The Lady patted her hand. "I understand. Very well, if you don't wish to pursue it, let it go. But if you ever need anything, send word to me at any time."

"Thank you again for your kindness, Lady."

"No need for such courtesy, Qianqian. Aren't you curious why I care so much about you and Ziqi?"

---

"Lady, the Master once told me a story. He said he met his predestined benefactor. If my guess is right, Lady, you should be his benefactor?"

The Lady cast Ning Qian an approving glance. "You are indeed a clever child, but this time you guessed wrong. I am not his benefactor, though I know who is. The details, however, I cannot tell you yet. It is better to wait for Ziqi to tell you himself in the future."

"Lady, I understand."

"Good. Now, I want you to meet someone. This is the main reason I called you here today."

Ning Qian glanced around; there was no one special in the room, only the Lady's maids. "Lady, who is it you wish me to meet?"

"Be patient, don't rush." The Lady waved to a maid, who promptly left the room. Soon, she returned, leading in a middle-aged woman. The woman was about the Lady's age, though less well-preserved, she was still quite attractive. Yet, she kept her body turned, so Ning Qian couldn't see her full face.

Though the woman wore only ordinary clothes, the noble air about her could not be concealed. Ning Qian was certain she was not a commoner. From the moment she entered, she kept her face turned, as if avoiding something.

The Lady smiled. "Shiyun, turn around. Qianqian is not an outsider." So the woman's name was Shiyun.

Upon hearing the Lady's words, Shiyun slowly turned. Seeing her face, Ning Qian nearly cried out. Shiyun's face was like that of Zhong Wuyan—her left cheek was covered in scars, and at first glance, the chilling horror made it difficult to look at her directly.

Feeling the gazes of those around her, Shiyun smiled faintly, raising her hand to gently touch her left cheek. "Sorry to have frightened you."

The Lady quickly walked to Shiyun's side, taking her hand in comfort. "Shiyun, don't say such things. It is not your fault. Besides, I don't think you are ugly at all. You are more beautiful than anyone."

Shiyun gave a gentle smile, a faint expression, yet somehow it brightened her entire being, making even the terrifying scars seem much softer.

The Lady pulled Shiyun to sit, then turned to Ning Qian. "Qianqian, let me introduce you. This is Shiyun, you may call her Mother Han. She is a friend of mine, but years ago her family suffered misfortune, which left her like this. She has stayed in the Prince's residence, but lately there have been some issues... Qianqian, I invited you here today to ask a favor, and I hope you can agree."

Ning Qian immediately nodded. Aside from the Lady's status, she was connected to Yu Ziqi's benefactor. Both emotionally and rationally, she had to agree.

The Lady nodded in relief. "Qianqian, you haven't disappointed me. You agreed before hearing what it was. I have thought carefully, and only you can help me. I want Shiyun to stay with you for a while. When I am less busy, I will fetch her. Qianqian, what do you think?"

Ning Qian hadn't expected the Lady's request to be this. She wanted to agree, but bringing someone into the Yu family was no easy matter, requiring many steps. Moreover, it was a troubled time, and even if she wished, she wasn't sure the Old Madam would consent.

"Qianqian, are you troubled?"

"Lady, it's not that. Um, I mean, bringing Mother Han into the Yu family is not impossible, but not easy either. There are many hurdles. I am newly wed, and my words carry little weight." Speaking this, Ning Qian felt ashamed. Frankly, she had little status in the Yu household.

"So this is your concern. Don't worry, I will speak to the Old Madam myself."

"Lady, if that's so, it is wonderful."

The Lady shook her head. "Qianqian, in my view, you are not someone easily manipulated. Why now do you yield in everything?"

Ning Qian gave a bitter smile. The reasons were not for outsiders to know. She only wished for a peaceful life. "Lady, I just want a simple life."

"I understand. Yet, sometimes, even if you keep your head down, troubles will not leave you. Qianqian, think carefully."

Her words moved Ning Qian deeply. Was it wrong to mind only one’s own affairs? After a little more conversation, the Lady let Ning Qian leave, saying she would stay a while longer.

---

Returning from the Temple of Guanyin, Ning Qian and Nianyu hurried back to the Yu household. They hurried all the way, and only when they saw the familiar gate did they truly breathe easy.

Ning Qian patted her chest. "Thank goodness, all is well." She smiled as she entered, and at her door she saw Shuni. Ning Qian waved at her. "Shuni, we're back. Is everything alright?"

Shuni's mouth trembled a little, but she said nothing. Ning Qian found it odd and stepped quickly to her side, raising her hand to feel Shuni’s forehead. "Shuni, are you alright?"

"I... I'm fine."

"Hmph." Suddenly, a cold snort sounded in Ning Qian's ear. The bedroom door swung open from inside. "She's fine, but I am not."

Ning Qian shuddered, slowly turning to see the scene inside, and was so startled she retreated a few steps. "Mother... Mother? How are you here?"

The Old Madam slapped the table hard. "How do you think I'm here? Hurry up and get in here!"

Ning Qian dared not delay and rushed inside. Standing before the Old Madam, she bowed her head. "Mother, I... I was just walking in the courtyard."

Before leaving, she and Shuni had rehearsed their story, so if caught, they would say they were strolling in the courtyard. The Yu family estate was large enough that finding someone was no simple task. Besides, she trusted Shuni—she would never betray her.

"Outrageous! Kneel!" The Old Madam was so angry she stood up.

As she stood, the First Madam and Second Madam also hurriedly rose. The First Madam spoke anxiously, "Mother, mind your hand."

The Old Madam barked, "At this point, who cares about my hand? To dare lie to my face, such courage!"

The First Madam sighed, turning to Ning Qian. "Sister-in-law, where did you really go? I think you'd better be honest. Mother is truly angry."

Ning Qian glanced furtively at the Old Madam and the others, inwardly wondering—did Shuni really betray her?

"What are you looking at? Still thinking of lying?"

Ning Qian’s anxiety grew stronger; she nearly confessed then and there. But at the last moment, she held back. She trusted Shuni would never betray her.

"Alright, you won't speak? Yuxuan, what is the third family rule?"

The First Madam looked at Ning Qian, then at the Old Madam, finally sighing, "The third family rule: Do not lie to elders without cause. If discovered, thirty strokes."

Ning Qian grumbled inwardly—who set this rule? To punish thirty strokes for a mere lie? How could anyone survive?

Seeing Ning Qian silent, the First Madam spoke earnestly, "Sister-in-law, just tell the truth, lest you suffer."