The Plot of a Concubine's Revenge

Chapter 7: Decision Under the Night Curtain

The night was low, Ren Yaoqi's words were like fine needles, stitching up the cracks in the family one by one. She stood up and said her farewell softly, as if every step was stepping on the strings of fate.

Ren Yaoqi felt exhaustion coming in like a tidal wave, her sick body was only able to sleep peacefully under the soothing of medication, and this night's long talk had already overwhelmed her.

Sister Zhou, that weathered old servant, a trace of worry flashed in her eyes as she hurriedly signaled for Xi'er to come forward to assist her: ''Fifth Miss, let Xi'er send you back to your room, and let her keep watch for you tonight. The people around you still need to be on guard.”

Ren Yaoqi gently waved her hand, rejecting Sister Zhou's good intentions, “Sister Xi'er, after sending me back, it's better to return to mother's place. The Ziwei Courtyard is strained for manpower, and my two maids, even though they were sent by Aunt Fang, do not dare to disobey me. My illness has improved, and my mother's side needs even more care.”

A trace of warmth swept across Sister Zhou's face, “Fifth Miss, there's still me by Mistress' side, you don't need to worry.”

Ren Yaoqi stood her ground, “Nowadays, it's better to do more than less. If I don't get better, Grandma will ask Sister Xi'er to take care of me.”

Seeing that Ren Yaoyi was so adamant, Sister Zhou stopped persuading her and personally escorted her out the door until her figure disappeared into the night, before turning around and returning to the main room.

Inside the east secondary room, Ren Yaohua was still sitting in her original position, the small silver scissors in her hand fiddling with the candlelight, the light and shadows swaying like the waves in her heart.

Sister Zhou sighed softly and came forward to remove the scissors, “Third Miss, be careful of burns.”

Ren Yaohua's respect for this old servant made her accept it silently.

“Third Miss, tomorrow when Aunt Fang comes to pay her respects, if she offers to serve her illness, let Mistress push back. She is cunning, but Mistress is generous, so don't suffer a secret loss. Although you can restrain her, you are inferior in seniority.” Sister Zhou's words revealed her concern for Ren Yaohua.

Ren Yaohua faintly answered, although she didn't care about reputation, she agreed with Ren Yaohua's words. She wouldn't fall into Aunt Fang's trap, cleaning her up would come in time.

“Aunt Fang is really sinister, if you fall into the trap and spoil your reputation, not only will you lose favor, you will also offend the master of the house. If the Purple Violet Courtyard is without you, Madam's life will be even more difficult, and won't the third house be at her mercy?” Sister Zhou's worry was overflowing.

A fierce look flashed across Ren Yaohua's face, causing even Sister Zhou to shiver.

“I'll make a note of this account!” Ren Yaohua's voice carried an unquestionable determination.

Sister Zhou looked at Ren Yaohua with worry in her heart, “Third Miss, since Fifth Miss has shown her kindness, you sisters should get along well.”

Ren Yaohua said in a cold voice: “She was expelled from the Ren family for scheming against me, so she's not going to settle the score?”

Sister Zhou was speechless, and could only advise, “Fifth Miss was young and Aunt Fang was treacherous, it's understandable that she was taken advantage of. You are blood sisters and should support each other.”

Ren Yaohua's face was expressionless as she stood up, “After rushing for a day and night, you are all tired, rest early. I will visit mother again tomorrow.”

Seeing this, Sister Zhou pressed down the words in her heart, thinking that she would talk about the merger later. If these two sisters could be of one mind, why would they be afraid of Auntie Fang?

Ren Yaoqi had a windy night and woke up late the next day, her head was groggy. She was worried that Auntie Fang would make a mistake when she asked for peace, so she called the maid to wait for her to get up. Xi'er's voice rang out in the outer room, teaching the rules.

Xi'er came in and asked Ren Yaoyi with a smile if she wanted to use breakfast. Ren Yaoyi nodded her head, so Xi'er ordered Qingmei and Xue Li to fetch water to wash up, and helped Ren Yaoyi put on her little jacket herself.

“Why did you come over?” Ren Yaoyi asked.

Xi'er smiled and replied, “Mrs. Fang is not worried about you, so she asked me to come over. Aunt Fang was persuaded back by Mistress this morning, and Sister Zhou told you to recuperate at ease.”

Ren Yaoyi nodded her head, expressing her understanding.

After washing up, Xi'er waited for Ren Yaoyi to have breakfast. When the medicine was brought up, Ren Yaoyi realized that the prescription had been changed back to the original one.

On the third day, Ren Yaoqi's body was fully healed, meaning that she was going to resume her morning and evening visits to Elder Master Ren and Elder Madam Ren. After many years, she would once again face those so-called blood relatives.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)