“It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious. Also, go to Yuxiu Pavilion and tell Second Madam that I’ve returned, so she won’t worry. As for Elder Brother, I’ll go see him myself. When Physician Xu arrives, have him go directly to Qingchun Garden.”

After Steward Lin agreed, Li Shimin said to Yunyi beside him, “You should go back and rest first. When Physician Xu comes, I’ll have him go to your place to treat you.”

“I only twisted my ankle, it’s nothing serious. I’ll just apply some medicinal oil when I get back.” Faced with Yunyi’s refusal, Li Shimin said, “Regardless, it’s better to have a physician examine it for peace of mind. Don’t worry about Nanny Yang’s side – I’ll send someone to explain to her. Remember, before your foot is completely healed, don’t practice dancing to avoid worsening the injury.”

Their conversation made Steward Lin’s eyes flicker slightly. He had always felt that Second Young Master was especially good to Wu Meixue, and he was right. Now they had even spent a night alone together. Usually Second Young Master seemed like a saint, but it turned out he also had emotions and desires.

“Yes, thank you Second Young Master.” After watching Li Shimin leave, Yunyi returned to the room she shared with Jiang Caiping. The latter was pacing back and forth in the room. Seeing her enter, she first froze, then rushed over and gripped her hands tightly, firing off questions like a machine gun: “Sister, where did you go? Why didn’t you come back all night? Do you know how worried I was? Are you alright? And what about Second Young Master? Has he returned too?”

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

Jiang Caiping came to her senses and quickly helped Yunyi sit down. Only then did she notice that Yunyi was limping slightly when she walked. She hurriedly said, “Sister, your foot…”

“It’s nothing, just twisted it.” After sitting down with support from the table edge, she said, “Go get the medicinal oil from the cabinet.”

Jiang Caiping quickly fetched the oil as instructed. After helping her remove her shoes and socks, she gently massaged her foot, asking puzzledly, “Sister, where exactly did you go yesterday? Why did you end up like this?”

Yunyi recounted the previous day’s events, selecting only the unimportant parts, then said, “I’m actually better off. Second Young Master was hit on the shoulder by falling rocks, and then had to endure the jarring ride all the way here. His injuries are much worse than mine.”

Jiang Caiping nodded in agreement, “Indeed! I never thought Second Young Master was such a thoughtful person. Miss Changsun is truly fortunate to have such a caring husband.”

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

“Sister didn’t go to dance practice yesterday afternoon, and didn’t go again early this morning. How could Nanny Yang not know? But I already told her that Second Young Master took you there, so I don’t think there will be any problems. I’m just afraid…” She lowered her head without continuing, and her movements slowed down.

Yunyi asked curiously, “Afraid of what?”

Jiang Caiping forced a smile and quickened her movements again, “It’s nothing. Sister, you haven’t eaten all night and must be hungry. After I finish massaging your foot, I’ll go ask Lady Li for some food.”

Yunyi wasn’t so easily brushed off and pressed, “Did something happen?”

Jiang Caiping’s smile collapsed, her eyes reddening slightly, “This morning when I went to practice dancing, those people knew that you and Second Young Master hadn’t returned all night. At first they didn’t say anything, but once Nanny Yang left, all sorts of nasty comments came out. They said you seduced Second Young Master to go outside and engage in improper conduct, trying to latch onto Second Young Master as a high branch to climb. In short, they said the most horrible things possible. I couldn’t help but argue with them, and they ended up cursing me too, saying I also wanted to climb up to Second Young Master and become a concubine.”

Yunyi said calmly, “Their mouths are their own. If they like to talk, let them. Why listen to such groundless nonsense and argue with them? Aren’t you just making yourself miserable?”

“I naturally know what Sister says, but I can’t let them speak wildly and ruin Sister’s reputation. If word gets out, how will Sister marry in the future?”

“The pure are naturally pure, the turbid naturally turbid. Second Young Master and I are completely innocent – nothing happened at all. Don’t even you believe me?”

Jiang Caiping hurriedly said, “Of course I believe Sister! But others won’t believe it. Sister just became the lead dancer, and they must be incredibly jealous. They’ll definitely seize this opportunity to slander you.”

Yunyi stroked Jiang Caiping’s troubled brow, “Don’t worry. If they really dare to maliciously slander me, someone will deal with them.”

Jiang Caiping first looked puzzled, then showed a hint of joy, “Sister, you mean Second Young Master?”

“Exactly. This time I twisted my foot painting snow lotus for Second Young Master, so he owes me a favor. I believe he won’t stand by and watch me be bullied.”

Hearing this, Jiang Caiping immediately felt relieved and returned to her cheerful, talkative self, chattering about the day’s events.

After she finished, Yunyi said, “Caiping, can you help me with something?”

Jiang Caiping said nonchalantly, “Sister, just tell me what you need. I’ll definitely help you.”

Yunyi nodded, “I’m going to write a letter in a moment. Can you find a way to send it to my father?”

Hearing this, Jiang Caiping readily agreed, “That’s simple. After the first day of next month, I’ll make a trip to Shuangqiao Village and deliver the letter to Uncle Wu.”

Yunyi said seriously, “It can’t wait a few days. It must be sent out today.” Before Jiang Caiping could speak, she added, “And you can’t be the one to deliver it, and no one else can know it’s to deliver a letter.”

Jiang Caiping realized something was wrong and probed, “Sister, what happened?”

“Caiping, if you trust me as your elder sister, don’t ask too many questions. Just tell me if you have a way.”

Jiang Caiping thought carefully for a while, then said, “Lady Li can leave the residence anytime and would probably help me with this favor, but… not letting her know it’s to deliver a letter is somewhat difficult. Sister, don’t worry, let me think carefully.”

After a moment of silence, Jiang Caiping’s eyes lit up and she exclaimed, “I have an idea!” She took out a pair of brand new shoes from the cabinet, “These are shoes I made for Father. I originally planned to send them on the fifteenth, but now I can use this as a cover. I’ll say these shoes were made by Sister for Uncle Wu, and ask her to take them over.”

Yunyi thought about it for a moment and felt this plan was feasible. Lady Li was a good person and probably wouldn’t cause problems. She immediately ground ink and wrote the letter. After the ink dried, she rolled it up and stuffed it into one of the shoes. She hid it very cleverly – unless someone wore the shoes or looked carefully, they wouldn’t discover it.

After finishing all this, she and Jiang Caiping went to find Lady Li. When Lady Li heard it was just about delivering shoes, she readily agreed, saying she would send them after finishing lunch.

On the way back from the kitchen, Yunyi said gratefully, “Caiping, thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me? We’re like sisters. I just don’t understand why…” Jiang Caiping hesitated and didn’t ask further. During this time, Yunyi had already thought of a strategy, “Have I ever told you that I once had a childhood sweetheart who grew up with me?”