TPGA - 79

Chapter 79: Sending a Letter

“It’s just a minor injury—nothing serious. Also, send someone to Yuxiu Pavilion to inform Lady Wan that I’ve returned, so she doesn’t worry. As for Eldest Brother, I’ll visit him myself. When Doctor Xu arrives, have him go directly to Qingchun Garden.”

After Lin agreed, Li Shimin turned to Yunyi beside him. “Go rest for now. Once Doctor Xu arrives, I’ll have him come to check on you.”

“It’s just a sprained ankle—it’s fine. I’ll apply some medicinal oil when I get back.” In response to Yunyi’s refusal, Li Shimin insisted, “Regardless, it’s better to have the doctor take a look to be safe. Don’t worry about Madam Yang—I’ll send someone to explain. Remember, don’t practice dancing until your foot is fully healed, or you might worsen the injury.”

Their exchange caught Lin’s attention, and his eyes flickered with realization. He had long suspected that Second Master treated Wu Meixue differently, and now, after spending the night alone with her, it seemed his suspicions were confirmed. Though Second Master usually appeared saintly, it seemed he too had feelings.

“Mm, thank you, Second Master.” After seeing Li Shimin off, Yunyi returned to the room she shared with Jiang Caiping. The latter was pacing anxiously and, upon seeing her enter, froze momentarily before rushing over to grasp her hands tightly. Rapid-fire questions followed: “Sister, where did you go? Why didn’t you come back last night? Do you know how worried I was? Are you alright? And what about Second Master? Did he return too?”

Yunyi chuckled. “You’re asking so many questions at once—how am I supposed to answer? At least let me sit down first, then ask one by one.”

Realizing her oversight, Jiang Caiping quickly led Yunyi to sit. Only then did she notice that Yunyi was limping slightly. Alarmed, she exclaimed, “Sister, your foot…”

“It’s nothing—just a minor twist.” After sitting down with the help of the table, Yunyi instructed, “Go fetch the medicinal oil from the cabinet.”

Jiang Caiping hurried to retrieve the oil and gently massaged it onto Yunyi’s foot after removing her shoe and sock. Curious, she asked, “Sister, where did you two go yesterday? How did you end up like this?”

Yunyi recounted the events of the previous day, omitting any critical details, and then added, “My injury is minor compared to Second Master’s. A boulder struck his shoulder, and he endured the entire journey back in pain—far worse than my sprained ankle.”

Jiang Caiping nodded earnestly. “Indeed! It’s remarkable how thoughtful Second Master is. Miss Wugou is truly fortunate to have such a caring fiancé.”

Yunyi sipped her tea and asked, “By the way, does Madam Yang know about this?”

“Sister didn’t attend dance practice yesterday afternoon, nor this morning. How could Madam Yang not be aware? However, I’ve already explained to her that Second Master insisted on taking you along. I don’t think it’ll cause any trouble, but…” Jiang Caiping trailed off, lowering her head as her hands slowed their movements.

Curious, Yunyi pressed, “But what?”

Jiang Caiping forced a smile and resumed her brisk pace. “It’s nothing. Sister hasn’t eaten since yesterday—you must be hungry. Once I’m done massaging your foot, I’ll ask Li Niang to fetch something for you to eat.”

Yunyi wasn’t so easily placated. “Has something happened?”

Jiang Caiping’s smile faltered, and her eyes reddened slightly. “This morning, when I went to practice, everyone in the music hall knew that you and Second Master hadn’t returned all night. At first, they said nothing, but once Madam Yang left, the gossip began. They accused you of conspiring with Second Master to… to engage in improper behavior, claiming you’re trying to climb the social ladder by seducing him. The rumors were unbearable. I couldn’t help but argue with them, but they turned on me too, saying I was also hoping to become one of Second Master’s concubines.”

Yunyi responded calmly, “People will say what they want. Why bother listening to such baseless nonsense, let alone arguing about it? That’s just inviting trouble.”

“I understand what you’re saying, Sister, but we can’t let them slander you like that. If these rumors spread, how will you ever marry in the future?”

“The innocent remain pure, and the guilty bear their shame. Nothing improper happened between Second Master and me. Do you doubt my integrity?”

Jiang Caiping quickly reassured her, “Of course not, Sister! But others won’t believe us. You’ve only just become the lead dancer, and those people are jealous. They’ll seize this opportunity to slander you.”

Yunyi gently smoothed Jiang Caiping’s furrowed brows. “Don’t worry. If they dare to spread malicious lies, someone will deal with them.”

Jiang Caiping looked puzzled at first, then her face brightened. “You mean Second Master?”

“Precisely. I injured my ankle while painting the snow lotus for him. He owes me a favor, and I trust he won’t stand idly by while I’m mistreated.”

Hearing this, Jiang Caiping visibly relaxed and returned to her usual cheerful self, chattering away about the day’s events.

Once she finished speaking, Yunyi said, “Caiping, can you do me a favor?”

Jiang Caiping waved dismissively. “Sister, just tell me what you need—I’ll do anything for you.”

Yunyi nodded. “I’m going to write a letter. Find a way to send it to my father.”

Without hesitation, Jiang Caiping agreed. “That’s simple. Later today, I’ll go to Shuangqiao Village and deliver the letter to Uncle Wu.”

Yunyi’s tone grew serious. “It can’t wait until later—it has to be sent today.” Before Jiang Caiping could respond, she added, “And you can’t deliver it yourself. No one must know it’s a letter.”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jiang Caiping cautiously asked, “Sister, has something happened?”

“If you trust me as your elder sister, don’t ask questions. Just tell me if you have a way to get it done.”

After some thought, Jiang Caiping replied, “Li Niang can leave the mansion anytime. She’d likely help, but she can’t know it’s a letter—that’s tricky. Give me a moment to think.”

After a brief silence, Jiang Caiping’s eyes lit up. “I’ve got it!” She retrieved a pair of new shoes from the cabinet. “These are the shoes I made for my father—I originally planned to send them on the fifteenth. This time, we can use them as an excuse. We’ll say the shoes are from you, meant for Uncle Wu, and ask Li Niang to deliver them.”

Yunyi considered the plan and found it feasible. Li Niang was trustworthy, so there shouldn’t be any issues. She immediately prepared ink and paper, wrote the letter, and carefully dried the ink. Rolling it up, she concealed it inside one of the shoes—it was hidden well enough that no one would notice unless they examined it closely or wore the shoe.

Once everything was ready, they approached Li Niang together. Upon hearing it was merely a matter of delivering shoes, Li Niang readily agreed, saying she’d take care of it after preparing lunch.

On their way back from the kitchen, Yunyi expressed her gratitude. “Caiping, thank you.”

“There’s no need for thanks between us. I just don’t understand why…” Jiang Caiping hesitated, leaving her question unfinished. After a moment, Yunyi, having anticipated this, offered an explanation. “Have I ever told you about the childhood friend I grew up with?”