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CHAPTER 42 - A PAINFUL PAST
Pausing, Lady Ye coughed lightly before continuing her story.
"A few days before her due date, Qinxin accidentally fell, leading to unbearable abdominal pain and premature labor. The child was difficult to deliver. At that time, I was pregnant with your third brother, less than three months along, and showing signs of a miscarriage. Bedridden, I could only instruct the servants to ensure Qinxin and her baby's safety and sent a messenger to call your father home urgently."
"Although the baby was eventually born, Qinxin's body remained weak due to the difficult labor. She had been in good health during the early stages of her pregnancy, so we were both puzzled. We discreetly consulted a renowned physician and discovered that Qinxin had been poisoned a few days before going into labor. The fall and the subsequent difficult birth, including the fact that Yuan'er was born frail and often ill, were all consequences of the poisoning."
After taking a sip of tea to moisten her throat, Lady Ye continued, "Since the baby was full-term, the poison didn't threaten Yuan'er's life. However, Qinxin's fall, combined with the effects of the poison, took a toll on her. Sadly, she passed away two years after giving birth to Yuan'er.”
Before she passed, Qinxin entrusted Yuan'er to me," Lady Ye continued, her voice tinged with sorrow.
"So, I've always considered Yuan'er my child and have officially acknowledged him as such. He was too young to show any immediate symptoms, but as he grew, we discovered he had been affected by the same cold poison as his mother, leading to his frequent illnesses."
"Later, I was poisoned with the same substance as Qinxin. It happened the year Bo was eight, and Qiao was five. I lost the baby I was carrying then. That baby, a boy, was already five months along." Tears streamed down Lady Ye's cheeks as she recounted this painful memory.
Wiping away her tears, she said, "At that time, your father was not at home, and the elderly matriarch was indifferent to our plight. From then on, I began to resent your father."
"I've often thought, if only Qinxin had been alive and your father had stayed at home, the mischief-makers wouldn't have had their way. Perhaps Qinxin wouldn't have been poisoned, Yuan'er wouldn't have contracted the cold poison, and Qinxin wouldn't have left us. And the child in my womb might have been born into this world."
Lady Ye's voice trailed off, lost in the sorrow of what might have been.
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“Perhaps if your father hadn’t brought other concubines into our home, none of this would have happened. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as I hoped, and I resent him.”
“Then, one day, I realized that the person orchestrating these events must have been after the lives of Qinxin and my children. So, I sent Bo to the military camp and Qiao to Chuzhou. But what about Yuan'er?"
Lady Ye's gaze drifted as she delved into her memories.
"Our marriage was against the wishes of your maternal grandparents, and we had been estranged since. Out of desperation, I sent Qiao to Chuzhou. To my surprise, my parents didn’t hold my marriage against Qiao and raised her exceptionally well."
"But I was unaware that my parents had forgiven me. I sent Bo to the military camp only after pleading with my brother. Yet, Yuan'er was too frail for the military camp or Chuzhou. At that time, I believed my parents were still angry with me and couldn’t be sure if they would accept Yuan'er."
Lady Ye's recounting of the past was filled with regret and sorrow, the weight of her decisions heavy in her voice.
Hearing this, Yun Yongyuan stood up and walked over to sit beside Lady Ye, gently taking her hand.
"Mother, in my heart, you are my true mother. Please rest now. I will continue the story."
"Sister, you might not remember, as you were very young then, but I was already about eight, almost nine. When I learned that mother planned to send me away for our safety, I went to her. I told her I didn’t want to leave her side. Moreover, I had already been afflicted with the cold poison, posing no threat to those lurking in the shadows. So, I stayed with mother, hoping to protect her. Sadly, my strength was insufficient, and I couldn’t repay her kindness in raising me…"
Mother and son spent a long time recounting these past events to Yun Qingqiao.
Listening intently, Yun Qingqiao’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice quivering slightly, "Please believe in me, Mother, Elder Brother. I promise you, our days ahead will be better."
In her heart, she vowed to bring those who had harmed her family to justice.
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☆☆☆
THE DELICATE COURTYARD
"While that's true, Qiao'er, please heed my advice," Lady Ye said gently.
"The past has happened, and you shouldn't hold a grudge against your father. These were matters between us adults. Despite everything, he cares for you. Although it was due to the royal marriage decree that you were called back, your father was genuinely delighted to hear of your return. He even went to great lengths to learn about your preferences. Knowing your fondness for bamboo, which is difficult to grow in the capital, he employed skilled craftsmen and cultivated a small bamboo grove in your courtyard. It may not compare to the one at your grandparents' place, but it's filled with your father's emotions."
"I understand, Mother," Yun Qingqiao replied.
"If you were to clash with your father, those schemers would be the ones to benefit. Remember, avoid confronting your father directly. You've inherited your temperament from your maternal grandfather and uncles, so I must stress this."
Yun Qingqiao nodded in agreement, her inner thoughts wryly acknowledging that she inherited her feistiness from her mother as well. Her mother, after all, had defied her parents and societal norms to marry the man she loved, an act that would be considered rebellious even in modern times.
"Mother, my sister knows how to weigh her actions. You needn't worry about this matter," Yun Yongyuan reassured her with a comforting smile.
"Enough of that now. Since your elder brother is on your side, let him take you to see your courtyard," Lady Ye suggested, leaning against her pillow.
Speaking so much had visibly drained her strength.
The siblings ensured their mother was well cared for by the servants before they, accompanied by their maids and manservants, left Yunhua Residence.
As they walked, it wasn’t long before they arrived at Yun Qingqiao's courtyard. The entrance lacked a nameplate, indicating it was yet to be named. Stepping inside, they noticed the courtyard was spotless, evidently well-maintained by someone.
A small bamboo grove had been planted along the courtyard wall. Though modest in size, it lent a refreshing look to the area, complementing a nearby artificial hill. Yun Qingqiao was immediately fond of it, appreciating the effort her father had put into considering her preferences.
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Beside the bamboo grove stood a stone table flanked by four stone stools, with a swing not too far off. In the courtyard's center was a large, intricately carved water tank, which housed lotus plants—not the usual water lilies, but Buddha-seat lotuses.
Touching the carved water tank, Yun Qingqiao admired its craftsmanship.
"The workmanship is exquisite!"
Yun Yongyuan, placing a hand to his lips as he coughed, revealed, "I designed the pattern for this carving and had craftsmen execute it. I hope you like it, Sister."
Yun Qingqiao blinked in pleasant surprise and smiled. "Elder Brother, what are you talking about? I love it. Thank you so much!”
At that moment, Madam Su approached respectfully. "Miss, I've checked everything. All your luggage has been placed in your room, and Youzhu and Jingyu have arranged your personal belongings."
"Thank you, Madam Su," Yun Qingqiao smiled.
"I'll go and make some final arrangements so you can have a comfortable sleep tonight," Madam Su.
"Please also take care of the room arrangements for Chunan and the others," Yun Qingqiao requested.
Just then, a young servant dressed as a scholar approached and bowed politely.
"Good day to the Second Young Master and Fifth Miss. The master has returned and is currently in the study, waiting for the Fifth Miss."
Yun Yongyuan replied faintly, "I was about to return to my room to read. Sister, let me accompany you to our father's study."
Yun Qingqiao hadn't expected their father to return so early. She was curious to meet the Prime Minister and see whether he was a good father.
"Chunan, come with me. Everyone else, please stay here and finish cleaning up. Elder Brother, let's go." Yun Qingqiao decided, ready to meet her father.
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