Chapter 444 Everything Will Be Alright

She didn't finish her sentence, but Daiyu understood what she meant.

"I know I was wrong," Daiyu whispered. "I will definitely act within my capabilities in the future."

Yuan Hongqu then smiled and said, "That's right. You should take good care of yourself. Granny will take care of things outside."

In the days that followed, Yuan Hongqu indeed took over the affairs of the Lin family mansion and the academy.

She was a high-ranking official of the third rank and the headmistress of a women's academy, so handling these household affairs was naturally a piece of cake for her.

In just three to five days, everything was arranged perfectly.

What's even more remarkable is that she still managed to find time to take care of Daiyu.

He personally supervised her taking her medicine every day, prepared medicinal meals for her, and even read to her for a while every night before bed.

On this day, Qiu Hui suddenly visited. Logically speaking, she should not have appeared at the Lin family's house at this time to avoid suspicion.

However, when she heard that Daiyu was ill and that even Lord Yuan had come from the capital, she felt very uneasy.

Upon entering the courtyard, one could see Yuan Hongqu scolding several incompetent old women.

Those old women were usually the most cunning and shrewish. Normally, since there was no mistress in the mansion in Suzhou, they were used to doing whatever they wanted. When the emperor went on his southern tour, they restrained themselves somewhat, but as soon as the emperor's entourage left, they immediately revealed their true colors.

Furthermore, she felt that the Lin family was about to have a new mistress, and that Princess Lin would no longer be able to get whatever she wanted as before, so she became even more unruly.

Daiyu has been ill these past few days, and she's somewhat helpless against them.

However, at this moment, the women were trembling with fear in front of Yuan Hongqu, not daring to even breathe loudly.

"...You dare to be so perfunctory about such an important matter as ancestor worship? Do you think the Lin family has no one left to rely on?" Yuan Hongqu's voice was not loud, but it carried an air of authority. "For today's incident, three months' wages will be deducted. If you do it again, you'll be sold off!"

The old women begged for mercy, but Yuan Hongqu remained unmoved: "Go down, all of you. Remember, the Lin family is not a place without rules."

Qiu Hui watched in stunned silence. Only after the old women had left did she step forward and bow, saying, "Lord Yuan."

When Yuan Hongqu saw her, her expression softened slightly: "Miss Qiu is here? Yu'er is in her room, you can go in directly."

Qiu Hui hesitated and asked, "Lord Yuan...you don't blame me?"

Yuan Hongqu raised an eyebrow: "What's it to you?"

"If it weren't for me, Yu'er wouldn't be so tired..." Qiu Hui said softly.

Yuan Hongqu laughed: "What does this have to do with you? It's you who's about to get married, you should be preparing properly. I'll take care of Yu'er, you don't need to worry."

Moved, Qiu Hui bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Lord Yuan."

Upon entering the room, Daiyu was leaning against the headboard, drinking her medicine. Seeing Qiu Hui, she smiled and said, "Sister, what brings you here? Did the nanny frighten you?"

Qiu Hui shook her head: "Lord Yuan is fine. But you, how did you get so sick?"

Daiyu sighed, "It was my own carelessness. Fortunately, Granny is here, so I can focus on recovering."

After the two talked for a while, Qiu Hui suddenly said, "Yu'er, I just watched Lord Yuan handle the household affairs. He was really organized. No wonder you are so capable. It's all thanks to Lord Yuan's good teaching."

Daiyu said proudly, "Of course. Granny is the best."

Fine snow was falling outside the window, while the room was warm and cozy.

Looking out the window, Daiyu suddenly felt that although this winter had been full of ups and downs, things would eventually get better.

Because she knows that no matter what happens, there will always be someone who will appear when she needs them and provide her with shelter.

And that person is right outside the door, shielding her from all the wind and rain.

"Granny," Daiyu called softly, "you've finished your medicine."

The curtain was lifted, and Yuan Hongqu walked in carrying candied fruit: "It must be bitter, right? Have a candied date to sweeten your mouth."

Daiyu ate the jujube from her hand, feeling a sweet sensation in her heart, thinking that this was probably the sweetest taste in the world.

Daiyu's illness came on fiercely, but fortunately it passed quickly.

Under Yuan Hongqu's meticulous care, she was able to get out of bed and walk around in just a few days.

However, Yuan Hongqu was still worried and insisted that she rest for a while longer.

That morning, as soon as Daiyu woke up, she smelled an alluring fragrance.

Zijuan and Xueyan hurriedly dressed her and tidied her hair. Before they could even comb it properly, she saw that she had already run to the outer room.

Then Yuan Hongqu personally carried in a vermilion lacquered food box and said with a smile, "The kitchen made your favorite crab roe xiaolongbao today. Try it while it's hot."

The food box was opened, revealing eight delicate and translucent xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) neatly arranged, their skins as thin as paper, revealing glimpses of the golden crab roe broth inside. A small dish of ginger and vinegar garnished the side, its tangy aroma filling the air.

Daiyu hadn't had much of an appetite, but seeing how exquisitely made the xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) were, she couldn't resist their allure. Gently picking one up, she carefully bit through the thin skin, and the delicious broth immediately flooded her mouth. The rich crab roe and the sweet pork blended perfectly, complemented by the subtle tang of ginger and vinegar, which just the right amount of savory flavor to cut through the richness.

"Granny, you should eat too." Daiyu picked up a piece to give to Yuan Hongqu.

Yuan Hongqu waved her hand: "I've already eaten. These are all for you, so you should finish them."

As she spoke, she took out a bowl of almond tea from the bottom of the food box, saying, "This is the best accompaniment to your health."

The almond tea was as white as jade, sprinkled with a few osmanthus flowers, and had a delicate fragrance.

Daiyu took a sip and found it to be warm and sweet, spreading from her throat all the way to her stomach.

After several days of such careful recuperation, Daiyu's complexion improved significantly.

That afternoon, they suddenly heard familiar footsteps coming from the courtyard.

"Sister Susu!" Daiyu exclaimed in surprise.

Lan Su walked in, looking travel-worn. Upon seeing Daiyu, she frowned: "How did you become so thin? How has Master Yuan been taking care of you?"

Yuan Hongqu said helplessly, "Ask her yourself, is she just putting on a brave face again?"

Lan Su didn't say much, and directly took out a thin book from her bosom. "This is a new breathing technique I've just learned. It's the best way to nourish your Qi. Practice it once in the morning and once in the evening every day. I guarantee it will be better than any tonic."

Daiyu took the booklet and saw that it was filled with detailed drawings of various poses, accompanied by breathing techniques, which were simple and easy to learn.

Yuan Hongqu curiously flipped through a few pages and praised, "This method is ingenious. Lan Su, your skills have improved again."

Lan Su rarely showed a smile: "I can't just eat all those snacks of yours for nothing."

As the three chatted and laughed, more snacks were brought in from the kitchen.

Today's dish is rock sugar stewed pears, made with the finest pears. The pears are stewed until they are crystal clear, the rock sugar is completely melted, and the soup is clear and bright.

Yuan Hongqu personally served a bowl to Daiyu, saying, "The stewed pears are just right today; they're perfect for moisturizing the lungs."

The pear melts in your mouth, sweet but not cloying, with a faint fragrance of osmanthus.

Before she knew it, Daiyu had finished the bowl, and felt a sense of relief in her throat and a significant relief from the tightness in her chest.

From then on, Daiyu practiced breathing exercises every day as taught by Lan Su, while Yuan Hongqu tried various methods to nourish her.