Yining didn’t harbor strong feelings towards Zheng Mama; she simply couldn’t understand her methods. This woman, who claimed to leave for little Yining’s protection, had left her in the Luo family. How much suffering and scheming had the young Yining endured? Perhaps even Yining herself couldn’t count.
That child remained forever at the bottom of the lake, beyond rescue.
Yining leaned against the window, sketching patterns on paper. She wanted to make knee protectors for Old Madam Luo, to ease her rheumatic pain on rainy days. Sunlight filtered through the latticed windows, gently illuminating her. The small Yining, kneeling beside the tall tea table, appeared fragile and innocent.
Xuezhi, just entering, saw Yining diligently sketching and felt her eyes moisten.
Yining set down her brush, blowing on the paper to dry the ink. She asked, “Xuezhi, I’m making knee protectors for Grandmother. Should I use flannel or silk? I think flannel might be more comfortable.”
But Xuezhi said, “Young Miss, come with me quickly…” She paused, seeing Yining’s puzzled look, and tears welled up. “You… you must… Something’s happened to Old Madam!”
The last words came out as a hoarse whisper, freezing Yining in place.
Unprecedented chaos engulfed the household. Maids rushed about, informing the various branches and fetching the Second Master from the yamen.
Xuezhi led Yining to the western side room. Maids bustled in and out of Old Madam Luo’s chamber, carrying hot water and ginseng soup. A senior maid told Xu Mama, “We can’t get her to drink the ginseng soup. What should we do?”
Xu Mama, no doctor herself, was at a loss. Sweating profusely, she said, “Let’s not force it. Wait for the doctor.” Just then, the physician arrived, escorted by several maids. Xu Mama ushered him into the inner chamber.
Emerging, she spotted Yining and approached, crouching to speak softly: “Young Miss, don’t be afraid. It’s very busy inside now. Please wait out here, alright?”
Yining felt surreal. Hadn’t Grandmother been in good spirits just days ago? Why had she suddenly fallen ill?
Though she knew this day would come eventually, when it arrived, Yining felt an indescribable suffocation. No one had ever been as kind to her as Old Madam Luo. She had protected and doted on her. In her previous life, when Yining died, her heart had turned to ice. Now, having finally experienced Old Madam Luo’s affection, she regarded her as her true grandmother.
Chen Shi and Lin Hairu arrived. Lin Hairu glanced at Yining, about to approach, but Xu Mama ushered the two ladies in to see Old Madam Luo. Yining tried to follow, but Xu Mama stopped her, saying gently, “Young Miss, please wait outside. The two ladies are inside making decisions, and the doctor is treating Old Madam. I’ll call you if needed…”
Yining took a deep breath and stepped back. Xu Mama was right; a child would only be in the way.
But as she gazed at the bustling main hall, a deep chill settled over her. She felt utterly alone.
Just like her years in the hairpin, no matter how angry, hurt, or upset she felt about the events around her, she could do nothing, say nothing. She was an outsider, forced to watch everything unfold, powerless to intervene.
In the distance, a group approached. Luo Shenyuan, having received the news, had arrived with others.
He immediately spotted Yining standing alone, looking lost. So small, ignored by the bustling crowd, she stood by a tall pillar, utterly isolated. His heart clenched. He walked over, crouching before her: “Meimei, what’s wrong? Are you scared?”
Yining saw his handsome profile, his tone unprecedentedly patient and gentle.
Luo Shenyuan lifted her into his arms. Tall and broad-shouldered, he enveloped the tiny Yining.
His voice was steady: “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Yining clutched his collar. Luo Shenyuan had awakened her from the fear of helplessness and silence. She seemed to come to her senses, realizing she was no longer trapped in the hairpin. She’d never be that way again. Leaning against Luo Shenyuan’s warm chest, she nodded and managed a small smile: “Yining isn’t scared.”
Yining had rallied. If something truly happened to Old Madam Luo, she needed to stay calm, even more so.
If Old Madam Luo were gone, who would protect her like this?
Yining thought quietly, leaning against Luo Shenyuan. Since becoming little Yining, she had lived a child’s innocent life, protected and cherished. She seemed to have forgotten that everything was fraught with danger.
But now, that couldn’t continue. She wasn’t just little Yining; she was also Luo Yining, trapped in the inner courtyard for over twenty years. This period of innocence had to end, never to return.
Luo Shenyuan stroked her head comfortingly and carried her to Xu Mama, asking, “How long ago did Zheng Mama leave? Can we still catch up?”
Xu Mama replied, “She boarded the ferry. I’m afraid we can’t catch up now.”
With only the elderly, women, and children left in the Luo family, they could only rely on him. Luo Shenyuan’s profile was resolute, his eyebrows thick. Yining, so close, could see his slightly pursed lips. His expression exuded stability. After a moment’s thought, Luo Shenyuan continued, “If we can’t catch up by water, we’ll pursue on horseback by land. Intercept her at the arched bridge in Qingyuan County.”
Xu Mama nodded immediately. The Third Young Master truly lived up to Old Madam’s expectations, showing such composure in crisis.
Just then, the doctor emerged from Old Madam Luo’s room. Xu Mama hurried over. The doctor sighed, “Old Madam has suffered a sudden stroke. She can barely move and has difficulty speaking. The onset was rapid; I could only prescribe some restorative medicines. Given her advanced age and the recurrence of her old ailment… even if we can administer the medicine, recovery seems unlikely.”
With each word, Yining’s heart sank further. She gripped Luo Shenyuan’s collar tightly, almost speechless.
Xu Mama knew Old Madam’s health had long been failing. Zheng Mama had said even two more years would be fortunate. Her eyes reddened, but she remained silent.
Luo Shenyuan said, “Then please write the prescription immediately.” He instructed a steward to accompany the doctor.
As the doctor left, he looked down at Yining, “Meimei, do you want to see Grandmother with me?”
Yining nodded. Luo Shenyuan gently stroked her head, “It’s good that you’re not afraid.”
Yining suddenly noticed that Third Brother had used her pet name. Like Old Madam Luo, they called her ‘Meimei’ when being affectionate or when she was ill as if a child’s nickname could comfort her.
She hugged his neck, feeling an indescribable tightness in her chest. The third Brother was trying to comfort her too.
Luo Shenyuan carried her into the inner chamber.
Lin Hairu and Chen Shi sat by Old Madam Luo’s bedside. Everyone had heard the doctor’s words; several senior maids were wiping away tears.
Yining immediately slipped from Luo Shenyuan’s arms, running to Old Madam Luo’s bedside.
Old Madam Luo had never looked so aged, as if she had withered in the blink of an eye. Her eyes were open, and when she saw Yining approach, her gaze seemed to flicker. She mumbled, “Meimei, Meimei…”
Yining grasped Old Madam Luo’s hand. Seeing the usually healthy Old Madam suddenly so frail, possibly not surviving this, she couldn’t help but cry. Tears streamed down her face as she choked out, “I’m here, Grandmother. I’m here.”
Old Madam Luo looked around at those by her bedside. Lin Hairu was also distressed, clutching a maid’s sleeve until her knuckles turned white. Chen Shi, red-eyed, dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief, silent.
Yining, half-kneeling before her, cried so pitifully. Still so young, she sobbed, struggling to breathe.
Luo Shenyuan watched from a distance, his gaze too deep, seeming to contain everything and nothing.
Old Madam Luo released Yining’s hand, withdrawing her own. With difficulty, she said, “I… need to speak with Shenyuan. You all… go out…”
Yining looked at her in confusion, still trying to hold her hand.
But Old Madam Luo closed her eyes, unable to bear looking at her.
She needed to get used to this now. Soon, she would likely no longer have her grandmother’s love. She couldn’t depend on her like this anymore.
A senior maid said, “Old Madam wants to speak with the Third Young Master. Everyone, please step out.”
Yining didn’t know what Grandmother wanted to tell Third Brother, but she didn’t want to leave. She feared Grandmother might be gone if she left. Lin Hairu had to half-carry her out.
Luo Shenyuan stepped forward, standing by the bed. Everyone else had left, the latticed door creaking shut.
He quietly observed Old Madam Luo, once so formidable, now clearly ailing. Old Madam Luo grasped his hand, looking at him, speaking slowly: “I have only one thing to entrust to you. You… must do it!”
Luo Shenyuan listened silently.
“Meimei… you must protect her in the future!” Thinking of the secret of Yining’s identity, Old Madam Luo feared others might discover and harm her. So she clutched Luo Shenyuan’s hand, emphasizing each word, “You must protect her… Don’t let others find out… know about it.”
Luo Shenyuan frowned slightly. What did Old Madam Luo mean? What couldn’t others know?
“Will you… promise me?” Old Madam Luo’s gaze flickered. Luo Shenyuan had never seen such a pleading expression on her face. “I don’t have… many days left. Will you… promise me?”
Before, Luo Shenyuan had only seen indifference on Old Madam Luo’s face. But now she was begging him, imploring him to agree. She had no other options left, only able to plead with this typically cold-hearted but capable third grandson, hoping he wouldn’t refuse her on her deathbed.
Luo Shenyuan also knelt. He finally sighed softly, saying, “Don’t you already know the answer? Why ask? Yining is my sister; of course, I’ll protect her.”
Old Madam Luo smiled bitterly, shaking her head: “No…”
Luo Shenyuan looked up at this, brow furrowed.
“No, so you mustn’t… let others know…” Old Madam Luo gasped, seeming to struggle for breath. She understood Luo Shenyuan; his care for Yining wasn’t just because she was his sister. That’s why she felt safe telling him. With Luo Shenyuan’s abilities, he would keep this secret well. She gripped his hand tightly, her gaze fixed on him, urgently asking again, “Will you promise?”
The room was silent for a long time.
Luo Chengzhang had also rushed back. Learning of his mother’s sudden illness, he paled, immediately trying to enter the room.
The maids hurriedly stopped him.
Only when Luo Shenyuan emerged did Luo Chengzhang enter, followed by Luo Huaiyuan and Luo Shanyuan.
Luo Shenyuan looked at Yining. She stood beside Lin Hairu, who held her small hand. Tear stains still marked her face.
“Third Brother,” Yining asked, “How is Grandmother?”
Luo Shenyuan nodded, reaching out to her: “Meimei, come here.”
Yining released Lin Hairu’s hand and walked over. What did Luo Shenyuan want to say?
Luo Shenyuan knelt, holding her small shoulders, and said, “From now on, no matter what happens, don’t be afraid. I’ll protect you in the future. Do you understand?” He seemed to be making a vow, his tone calm but resolute.
Yining didn’t know why he was suddenly so serious, but she nodded. Luo Shenyuan then took her hand and stood up. Yining glanced at him, noticing he was looking towards Grandmother’s room… Her heart tightened. Was it… was Grandmother not going to make it?
That night, until midnight, everyone kept vigil outside Old Madam Luo’s door. Her condition worsened; eventually, she couldn’t speak, just staring at the ceiling, breathing heavily.
The people sent to chase Zheng Mama had been gone for a long time but hadn’t returned.
Luo Chengzhang had instructed Luo Shenyuan to prepare for the funeral. The Luo family’s eldest son had returned to the capital a few days ago and was still en route. A message had been sent to Yining’s elder sister, Luo Yihui, who was also likely on her way.
By dawn, there was still no change. Old Madam Luo drifted in and out of consciousness, her breath still in her throat, not yet gone.
Everyone had been up all night, eyes red. Young Xuan had been taken back to Concubine Qiao’s room to sleep. Luo Yixiu had also retired, but Luo Yiyu and Luo Yilie still knelt.
Xuezhi urged Yining to go rest. Yining refused, fearing something might happen to Grandmother at any moment. Seeing this, Chen Shi frowned, saying, “Yining, it’s good that you’re concerned for Grandmother. But if you fall ill, won’t that just add to our troubles? Look, your Fifth Sister has already gone back.” Yining remained silent, standing to face Chen Shi. Chen Shi’s tone was flat, not even looking at her.
Without Old Madam Luo’s support, what was Yining now? She could only care less about Yining.
Yining replied coolly, “Aunt is right.” She said no more, retreating from Old Madam Luo’s room.
In the courtyard, the sun was just rising. The morning light was exceptionally bright. It was rare to have such clear weather after entering autumn.
Yining watched the sun hang obliquely on the horizon, its glare dazzling. She remembered lying on the luohan bed, the sun warming her body, Old Madam Luo making shoes for her nearby, her hands like ancient yet lustrous silk. Or stroking her head, smiling and saying, “Who knows what kind of person our Yining will marry in the future…”
Suddenly, a commotion erupted behind her. Someone called for Old Madam, another for the doctor.
Yining seemed to understand. She suddenly turned and ran back.
She didn’t heed Xuezhi or her aunt’s instructions.
She only feared she might be too late!
“Grandmother—” Yining ran to the door, bursting into the room. She saw, bewildered, that Old Madam Luo’s eyes were open, but she had no breath left, her hand motionless.
“Grandmother…” Yining called again. She suddenly burst into loud sobs, clutching Old Madam Luo’s sleeve, crying like a child, “I just left… Please don’t… I beg you…” She knelt by the bed, inconsolable, resisting attempts to pull her away.
Chen Shi was also stunned, frozen in place, unable to speak for a long time.