READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 24: Direct It All at Me
Chapter 24: Direct It All at Me
Meanwhile, Qiao Nian didn’t care at all about what Lin Ye had said to Madam Lin.
She was in a hurry to see Old Madam.
Compared to yesterday, Old Madam’s condition had improved considerably. When Qiao Nian arrived, Old Madam was taking medicine under the care of Nanny Su.
The medicine must have been extremely bitter, as Old Madam’s face was scrunched up while drinking it. However, upon seeing Qiao Nian, she deliberately relaxed her expression into a smile, “Nian Nian is here!”
“Grandmother,” Qiao Nian greeted her and sat down by Old Madam’s bedside. “How are you feeling today, Grandmother?”
“Much better,” Old Madam smiled, gently caressing Qiao Nian’s cheek. “Were you frightened?”
Qiao Nian shook her head repeatedly, “I’m just glad Grandmother is alright.”
Seeing Qiao Nian’s reddened eyes, Old Madam felt truly distressed. However, remembering what Madam Lin had told her last night, she asked, “Did you just return from the palace?”
Qiao Nian was surprised that Old Madam knew about this. She hesitated briefly before nodding silently.
Old Madam then said, “You don’t need to worry about anything else. If you’re unwilling, even if it’s Prince Ming or Noble Consort De herself who comes, Grandmother can help you refuse.”
Grandmother always put her first in everything.
A warmth surged in Qiao Nian’s heart. She looked at Old Madam and shook her head slightly, “Given my current situation, being able to marry Prince Ming is already a great blessing. Grandmother doesn’t need to worry, I am willing.”
“It’s good as long as you truly are willing!” Old Madam sighed deeply. “Grandmother just fears that you’re rushing to marry someone just to make me happy. Nian Nian, this is a lifelong decision, it can’t be taken lightly!”
In the entire Marquis’s mansion, only Old Madam treated her marriage as a truly important matter.
Qiao Nian couldn’t help but throw herself into Old Madam’s arms, hugging her tightly. “Don’t worry, Grandmother. Nian Nian is truly willing.”
As long as it could make Grandmother happy and free from worrying about her affairs, she was willing to do anything!
For the next few days, Qiao Nian accompanied Old Madam daily.
With her company, Old Madam was cheerful every day, and her spirits improved considerably.
True to his word, Lin Ye didn’t come looking for Qiao Nian again.
Qiao Nian thought, if only every day could be like this from now on.
But fate had other plans.
Early on the morning of the eighth day, before Qiao Nian had even finished her breakfast, Ning Shuang came to report reluctantly, “Miss, the Second Young Miss is here again.”
The word ‘again’ showed how much Ning Shuang disliked Lin Yuan now.
Qiao Nian also frowned, but before she could speak, Ning Shuang continued, “I’ve already told the Second Young Miss that the lotus pond outside our Fanghe Courtyard is deep and dangerous. I told her to tell me if she had any business, but she insists on seeing you in person.”
The words “deep and dangerous” were likely Ning Shuang’s intentional jab at Lin Yuan.
Qiao Nian couldn’t help but sigh softly, “She is still the legitimate young miss of this marquis’s mansion. You saw my current status in this household last time. If you truly offend her, I won’t be able to protect you.”
However, hearing Qiao Nian’s words, Ning Shuang looked delighted instead, “Miss wants to protect me? Does that mean Miss has truly accepted me?”
This girl!
Qiao Nian didn’t know how to respond.
She thought, even if Ning Shuang was Lin Ye’s person, being able to protect her at crucial moments was already quite valuable.
She would return genuine sincerity to those who protected her.
So, seeing Ning Shuang completely missing the point, Qiao Nian relented, “Let her in then!”
“Alright! Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll stick close to the Second Young Miss to prevent her from accidentally falling into the water again! Hehe!” Ning Shuang giggled as she left, clearly not having taken Qiao Nian’s words to heart.
Qiao Nian sighed helplessly, then tidied herself up to meet Lin Yuan.
Soon after, Ning Shuang returned with Lin Yuan.
Seeing Ning Shuang indeed sticking close to Lin Yuan, Qiao Nian almost laughed out loud.
Lin Yuan entered the room and greeted Qiao Nian. Noticing the smile on Qiao Nian’s lips, she thought Qiao Nian was in a good mood and felt less nervous than when she arrived.
She smiled at Qiao Nian and said, “I came early. I hope I haven’t disturbed you, Sister?”
Qiao Nian was taken aback, not understanding Lin Yuan’s sudden change in attitude. She sighed slightly and asked, “Is there something you need?”
“I’ve come to invite you to Fahua Temple with me.”
Lin Yuan seemed quite excited.
Qiao Nian suddenly remembered that today was the eighth day of the first lunar month, which was also the holy day at Fahua Temple.
Legend had it that on this holy day, any sincere wish made before the Buddha would be granted, regardless of what was asked for.
In previous years, Qiao Nian would always visit Fahua Temple on the holy day, firstly to pray for her family’s peace and prosperity, and secondly to see Xiao Heng.
Now, after three years of not going, she naturally didn’t want to pray for her family’s well-being, nor did she want to see Xiao Heng.
However, for Old Madam’s sake, she could make a trip.
To pray to the Bodhisattva for Old Madam’s happiness and longevity for many more years.
But, since the holy day only occurred once a year, many nobles and officials would be visiting Fahua Temple today. She would inevitably encounter the young ladies she used to know.
Her status now was incomparable to before, and going might invite gossip.
However, what was a bit of gossip compared to Old Madam’s well-being?
After barely any hesitation, Qiao Nian agreed, “Alright, I’ll go prepare.”
Since they were going to the temple to pray, they naturally couldn’t go empty-handed.
But Lin Yuan said, “Sister, you don’t need to prepare anything. I’ve already prepared everything we need.”
As she spoke, Lin Yuan stepped forward and affectionately linked arms with Qiao Nian.
In her view, Qiao Nian agreeing to accompany her to Fahua Temple today meant their relationship had thawed. Plus, with Qiao Nian about to become a princess, she no longer needed to worry about Xiao Heng harboring any feelings for Qiao Nian. Her mood naturally improved, leading her to act so naturally intimate.
However, Qiao Nian’s entire body stiffened.
She felt uncomfortable with Lin Yuan’s sudden familiarity and immediately frowned, forcefully withdrawing her arm. “I can walk by myself.”
The word ‘disgust’ was almost written on her face.
Lin Yuan was stunned, not expecting Qiao Nian’s attitude to change so quickly. Her eyes immediately reddened, “Sister…”
She looked so pitiful, as if she had been bullied.
Qiao Nian felt very helpless. Fearing trouble, she spoke again, “I’m not used to people being too close to me.”
Only then did Lin Yuan nod, “I understand. Sister’s current situation is all because of me. It’s natural for you to feel aversion towards me. But…”
Lin Yuan bit her lip, as if making some sort of resolution before speaking again, “But Mother really cares for you, Sister. You shouldn’t upset Mother anymore. She’s been so worried about your situation that she can’t eat or sleep, and has lost a lot of weight. Sister, if you have any anger, direct it all at me. Don’t mistreat Mother anymore!”