troisième mariage

Chapitre 5

Yu Chi Mingyue snorted coldly and said nothing more.

Mei Ziqi smiled and shook her head, then patted Di Xiu's left leg and said, "Alright, alright, bear with it."

After saying this, he grabbed the section of the arrow shaft on Di Xiu's left leg with one hand and used his other hand to cut open the flesh around the arrow.

Yu Chi Mingyue felt the person she was pressing down suddenly shudder, then tense up all over, presumably in excruciating pain. But he gritted his teeth and remained silent.

Mei Ziqi frowned. The knife used for healing was already thin and delicate. Now, with Di Xiu's muscles tense, it made wielding the knife incredibly difficult. He looked up and said helplessly, "Xiao Si, make him relax."

"What?" Yu Chi Mingyue was completely bewildered.

"Distract him, why don't you sing him a song?" Mei Ziqi said with a smile, steadying the knife in her hand.

"Are you kidding me?! I'm going to sing for him?! That's ridiculous!" Yu Chi Mingyue said, displeased.

“Then tell me a story,” Mei Ziqi said.

“How could I?!” Yu Chi Mingyue retorted.

"Just say whatever you want..." Mei Ziqi said helplessly, "The knife is about to break."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue became nervous, but she still didn't know what to do. After hesitating for a moment, she could only reach out and stroke his forehead, gently coaxing him, "It doesn't hurt, it doesn't hurt..."

Mei Ziqi burst out laughing on the spot, saying helplessly, "Hey Xiao Si, what's this all about..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yu Chi Mingyue retorted, "That's all I know how to do, don't push your luck!" She muttered discontentedly, "When I was little and sick, this is how my mother comforted me..."

As she spoke, a bright smile appeared on her face. "Actually, being sick is quite nice. When I'm sick, I don't have to write or embroider, so I can legitimately stick to my mother and eat her homemade lotus root starch dumplings. Although this is the only dessert my mother knows how to make, its taste is so good that even the imperial chefs in the palace would be envious. Later, I learned from my mother for a long time and finally mastered it. Although it's not as good as my mother's, it's much better than the cooks here..." As she spoke, her mood improved greatly. She smiled at Di Xiu and said, "I'll make it for you."

Upon hearing this, Di Xiu's brows gradually relaxed, and his expression softened. His eyes brightened, and he nodded with a smile, replying, "Mm."

Upon hearing the reply, Yu Chi Mingyue suddenly realized her mistake and was filled with remorse. How could she have spoken so carelessly? Make him something to eat? Only a fool would do that! But the words were already out; what could she do? Her face flushed red, and she stammered, "I...I don't mean what I just said..."

Di Xiu was shocked and looked at her in bewilderment.

Yu Chi Mingyue said irritably, "What are you looking at? Can't I change my mind?"

Upon hearing this, Di Xiu's expression turned sorrowful. He was about to speak when a sharp pain struck him, forcing him to cry out.

Before Yu Chi Mingyue could react, she saw Mei Ziqi pull the arrow out of Di Xiu's left leg and smile at her with approval.

Mei Ziqi put down the arrow in his hand and praised with a smile, "Hmm, as expected of our Fourth Miss, you are really capable, amazing!" As he spoke, he completely ignored Yu Chi Mingyue's dissatisfaction, raised Di Xiu's right arm, looked at the other arrow, and said, "This one is easy."

Having said that, he swung his sword to cut off the arrow's fletching, and then struck with a palm. The arrow, propelled by the force, pierced through his arm and embedded itself in the bed board.

Upon seeing this, Yu Chi Mingyue quickly looked down to check on Di Xiu's condition.

He was covered in a cold sweat, leaning limply against the pillow, panting heavily, too weak to move.

Knowing he was alright, Yu Chi Mingyue unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, a maidservant respectfully presented her with hot water and a towel.

Yu Chi Mingyue immediately expressed her dissatisfaction and retorted, "How dare you! How dare you! Do you expect me to serve him?!"

The maid laughed gleefully, hastily admitted her mistake, and continued to stand beside Yu Chi Mingyue, still holding the things, refusing to leave.

Just as Yu Chi Mingyue was about to reprimand her further, Mei Ziqi spoke up as if to herself, "Look, these are the specially made arrows of Yu Chi Manor..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue looked up and saw Mei Ziqi pulling out the arrow nailed to the bed board, examining it closely. He gently turned the arrow, smiling, "A fine steel arrowhead, three-edged blade, with a blood groove. The shaft has three rows of barbs. Once hit, it will bleed profusely. If pulled out forcefully, the skin will be torn open. Hmm, fortunately, it wasn't poisoned..." Mei Ziqi paused, then smiled at Yu Chi Mingyue, "While it won't kill, it will cripple his limbs. It seems Yu Chi Manor no longer needs this 'steward'..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue's expression turned slightly sorrowful, and she turned to look at Di Xiu. He, however, was already too weak to continue and had fallen into a deep sleep. She remained silent for a moment, then reached out and took the handkerchief from the maid beside her, gently wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Mei Ziqi looked at the situation before him with a gentle smile. He threw down the arrow in his hand and said loudly to the maids, "You unruly girls, do you expect us, the dignified Fourth Miss Yuchi, to do such rough work? Come and get to work!"

The maids laughed and joked again, bowed and said yes, and each went about their duties.

Yu Chi Mingyue stopped what she was doing, put down the handkerchief, stood up, and silently retreated. She watched the maids bustling about, a nameless emotion welling up within her, lingering for a long time.

Chapter Six

That night, Yu Chi Mingyue tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

She had never cared about the affairs of Yuchi Manor before, but now she couldn't help but think about them. But no matter how she thought about it, it was all shrouded in mystery, and she remained unaware of the truth.

The next day, after 7 a.m., she lazily got up, washed and dressed, and then ate breakfast while half-lying on the soft couch.

When she saw the meal served by the maid, she couldn't help but frown.

Although she always brought her own maids and servants, even her own carriage and drivers, when she visited Yuchi Manor, the only thing she always provided was food, which was taken care of by the manor. She had originally wanted to bring a cook, but since it was only for two months each year, setting up a separate kitchen would be too much trouble, so she gave up the idea. She had never felt there was anything wrong with it until now. But today, the dishes before her eyes displeased her.

Black sesame rice porridge, served with honey-braised pigeon breast and plum-sauce winter bamboo shoots. There are also four dishes of dried fruit: amber peach kernels, pine nuts, torreya nuts, and candied lotus seeds, and four dishes of desserts: chestnut cake, jujube cake, almond shortbread, and spring rolls.

The food was undeniably exquisite and delicious, but unfortunately, Yu Chi Mingyue disliked none of it. She frowned, pushed away the bowl of porridge, and muttered, "Who eats this…?"

Upon hearing this, the maidservant beside her smiled and said, "Fourth Miss, now that Steward Di has run into trouble, there is no one to manage the affairs of the manor. Please make do with what you have."

With a sullen face, Yu Chi Mingyue reluctantly picked up a piece of almond shortbread, took a small bite, and said with dissatisfaction, "Is there no one else besides him?"

The maid said, "I don't know. However, the kitchen staff said that the food in the South Garden is managed by Steward Di. Usually, the recipes would be sent to the kitchen every other day for instructions. Now that no one is giving instructions, the kitchen is just cooking according to the other young ladies' recipes."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue recalled her usual diet and couldn't help but be somewhat surprised.

Another maid continued, "Actually, not only food, but everything in the South Garden, from large plants and rocks to small ornaments and decorations, is managed by Steward Di."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue was momentarily lost in thought. She looked around; the white fox fur blanket, the sandalwood beaded curtain, the blue gauze drapery, the paulownia wood zither, the meticulously painted flowers and birds… all were things she loved. Looking out the window, the winding path and carved railings, the plum blossoms braving the snow, were even more to her liking. She had long taken these things for granted, never imagining that the one who understood her preferences so well was him…

She paused for a moment, then asked, "Is he awake?"

The maid replied with a smile, "He woke up a long time ago. Mr. Mei has been playing with him for quite some time."

"Play?" Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue frowned, stood up, and walked straight out the door. "What nonsense is this! I'll go take a look."

Upon seeing this, the maids all covered their mouths and laughed, then followed them away.

Yu Chi Mingyue entered the adjacent suite and saw all the maids gathered around the bed, laughing and chatting, completely disregarding etiquette. Mei Ziqi sat to the side, staring blankly at a game of chess on the table.

Ignoring them, Yu Chi Mingyue strode forward. As she approached, she heard a maidservant softly ask, "How many bites is this?"

Di Xiu honestly replied, "Four."

The maidservant giggled and said, "Hmm, good girl, have another sip, and we'll have some candy."

"Now it's my turn to feed them, isn't it?" one of the maids said coquettishly.

"Let me go first!" another person immediately protested.

Yu Chi Mingyue froze immediately, a chill running down her spine. After a moment, she recovered and frowned, asking with displeasure, "What are you doing?"

Upon hearing this, the maids all stopped laughing and curtsied.

A maidservant, carrying the medicine, replied with a smile, "Reporting to Fourth Miss, to feed her the medicine."

Yu Chi Mingyue lowered her eyes, looked at the bowl of medicine, and then gently touched the bowl.

"It's already cold," Yu Chi Mingyue complained.

Hearing this, the maids laughed again. The maid carrying the medicine bowed slightly and said, "I'll go heat it up right away." After she finished speaking, she carried the medicine away briskly. Seeing this, the other maids followed her out.

What could be so funny? Yu Chi Mingyue frowned, not understanding the behavior of the maids. She didn't bother to think about it anymore. Just as she was about to check on Di Xiu, she looked down and saw him smiling at her.

He had changed his bandages, put on a gray squirrel fur cloak, and leaned against the cushions. He smiled happily, his eyes bright and gentle. The dejection and weakness of yesterday were gone; he must be alright now.

Yu Chi Mingyue stared at him, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly shouted, "Are you pretending to be stupid?"

Di Xiu was slightly startled and utterly bewildered.

"Don't lie to me! Tell me now!" Yu Chi Mingyue's voice was stern and imposing.

Di Xiu became increasingly bewildered, his expression slightly timid.

“Oh dear…” Mei Ziqi finally spoke up, sighing, “Little Si, don’t be so fierce, let’s talk this out.” As he spoke, he got up and walked to the bedside, patted Di Xiu’s head, and coaxed, “Don’t be afraid, Master will take care of you.”

Upon seeing this, Yu Chi Mingyue felt a chill run down her spine again. She grew increasingly dissatisfied, gritting her teeth as she said, "Sir, do you really believe he's gone mad?"

Mei Ziqi smiled and shook her head. "He's not stupid."

Yu Chi Mingyue was stunned, "Then why did you..."

Mei Ziqi looked at Di Xiu and smiled, "This morning I examined him carefully... He remembered the date and year. He knew everyone in the manor. His martial arts and internal strength were also impeccable. He hadn't forgotten any of his poetry, music theory, abacus, divination, or games." Mei Ziqi pointed to the chessboard on the coffee table beside her, "I even played a game of chess with him."

Yu Chi Mingyue couldn't help but feel nervous, "How is it?"

Mei Ziqi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Of course I win. After all, I am a teacher, hahaha." Before Yu Chi Mingyue could complain, he stopped smiling and said in a deep voice, "However, I have never seen anyone so uniquely stupid... If you ask me, he is not stupid, but his words and thoughts have become like those of a child."

Yu Chi Mingyue glanced at Di Xiu, "What's the difference?"

“Yes!” Mei Ziqi said earnestly, “He understands everything you say. He knows who is good and who is bad. Most importantly, he would never lie to anyone now.” Mei Ziqi drew out the last few words, her words carrying a deeper meaning.

Yu Chi Mingyue's heart skipped a beat, and she naturally understood what he was talking about. She jumped up and retorted, "Impossible!"

Mei Ziqi smiled at her, about to say something, when a maid entered and bowed, saying, "Fourth Miss, Second Miss requests an audience, saying she wants to visit Steward Di."

The second young lady, Yuchi Caiyao, was already engaged to Di Xiu. Now that she had come to visit, there was no reason to refuse her entry. Yuchi Mingyue nodded and replied, "Please invite my second sister in."

Mei Ziqi hesitated for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, putting away the chessboard. He said, "I'll go back to my room first so as not to disturb you." He smiled and waved to Di Xiu, "Ah Xiu, the master will come and play with you again later."

“Ah Xiu…” Yu Chi Mingyue was stunned when she heard this title.

But Di Xiu smiled and nodded.

Mei Ziqi walked out with a smile. When she passed Yu Chi Mingyue, she gently patted her shoulder and said meaningfully, "Little Si, you better keep a close eye on things."

Yu Chi Mingyue didn't understand what he meant and was about to ask him when she saw the maid leading Yu Chi Caiyao in.

Yu Chi Mingyue stopped thinking about it and called out with a smile, "Second Sister."

Although Yu Chi Mingyue wasn't familiar with most people in the manor—even her older siblings were merely nodding acquaintances—she got along very well with her second sister. Yu Chi Caiyao was gentle, modest, dignified, and generous, and was also greatly favored by Yu Chi Siguang. Therefore, Yu Chi Mingyue couldn't understand why such a wonderful second sister would be married off to that ruthless, two-faced, arrogant… “Chief Steward Di”…

Yu Chi Caiyao entered the room and stood still, gently calling out, "Mingyue..." She looked up and then gazed at Di Xiu on the bed. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and tears were streaming down her face.

“How could it have turned out like this…” Yu Chi Caiyao said sadly. She took a few steps forward and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Where are you hurt? Is it serious?” As she spoke, she reached out and gently stroked Di Xiu’s cheek.

Seeing this, Yu Chi Mingyue felt embarrassed and was about to leave. But then she heard a crisp "slap" and Yu Chi Caiyao's hand was ruthlessly slapped away.

Yu Chi Caiyao froze, staring at Di Xiu in disbelief, and said in a trembling voice, "You... what's wrong with you..."

Yu Chi Mingyue stepped forward and angrily rebuked Di Xiu, "How dare you! How dare you! Quickly apologize to my second sister!"

Di Xiu glanced at Yu Chi Mingyue, then lowered his eyes and remained silent.

“You…” Yu Chi Mingyue was about to scold him again, but Yu Chi Caiyao stopped her.

"Mingyue, it's not his fault. I was impolite," Yuchi Caiyao said with a wry smile.

Yu Chi Mingyue was dissatisfied, but since Yu Chi Caiyao had said so, she couldn't show it and had to endure it.