The two sisters talked all afternoon, and it wasn't until after dinner that Li Yunyan took Dongyun and got into the Li family's carriage to go back.
By the time we arrived at the entrance of the Shen Mansion, the lanterns were already lit.
After bidding farewell to the coachman, Li Yunyan pulled her cloak tighter around herself, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.
Next, we anticipate a tough battle ahead.
Dongyun knocked on the door.
When the gatekeeper opened the door, he found that the young mistress had finally returned, and immediately opened the main gate.
Before Li Yunyan could even step inside, the gatekeeper said, "Young Madam, you're finally back! The Old Madam has sent people over several times to inquire about you, asking you to come over immediately upon your return!"
Li Yunyan had no intention of making things difficult for him, so she nodded to indicate that she understood.
But he led Dongyun towards Liuyan Courtyard.
"Young Madam?"
Li Yunyan turned around. "I must put away the things I brought from the Li family properly, so that outsiders won't think that my mother-in-law is after my daughter-in-law's small favors!"
The gatekeeper thought the young mistress was right, so he closed the gate and didn't interfere any further.
A sarcastic smile curled at the corner of Li Yunyan's lips.
In the Shen household, the servants treated her with great respect and never made things difficult for her. This was all because Shen Fengxian had deceived everyone!
He made everyone believe that the man of the house was deeply in love with her and devoted to her wholeheartedly.
If she doesn't make good use of it, she'll be doing a disservice to Shen Fengxian's excellent acting skills!
Dongyun knew how to get to Liuyan Courtyard; she had come there once on the day her mistress got married.
However, he was sent back to the Li family the next day.
She carried several bolts of brand-new silk in her hands, following lightly behind her young mistress, her eyes and brows brimming with smiles.
She was finally reunited with her mistress!
So happy!
Entering the dark and smoky courtyard, Dongyun asked curiously, "Miss, why are there no lights in the courtyard? Where are the servants?"
Li Yunyan took out a tinderbox, lit the candlestick, and said nonchalantly, "I didn't tell you before because I was afraid you'd worry, but my mother-in-law is a stingy person. You'll find out soon enough!"
Li Yunyan didn't want to tell Dongyun about Chen Fengxian; Dongyun didn't have her acting skills, and what if she gave herself away...?
It's safest to be unaware of things that could be fatal!
Dongyun covered her mouth. The old lady looked kind and gentle, but she was unexpected to be such a person in private!
Looking at the deserted courtyard, Dongyun frowned.
Her young lady must have been wronged!
Not long after they returned to the courtyard, Granny Lin came over.
"Young Madam, the Old Madam requests your presence!"
What's meant to happen will happen!
Li Yunyan calmly stood up. "Let's go!"
When Lin Mama saw Dongyun following behind Li Yunyan, she frowned.
However, she didn't say anything. The young mistress was the young master's darling, and they, as servants, couldn't afford to offend her.
The old lady will handle it!
Upon arriving at Cining Courtyard, where Madam Shen resided, Granny Lin asked Li Yunyan to stand at the door. "Young Madam, please wait a moment while I go in and announce your arrival!"
"Thank you for your hard work, Granny Lin!"
Lin Mama nodded slightly, sensing that the young mistress seemed somewhat different from usual today.
She couldn't quite put her finger on what was different, but she felt that she had much more energy and spirit than before!
Upon hearing Lin Mama's announcement, Madam Shen snorted coldly, "Only now you've deigned to return! Let her stand outside for half an hour!"
"yes!"
Granny Lin responded softly and then silently stepped aside.
Li Yunyan, with her sharp ears, had already heard it.
In the dead of winter, if she were left to stand in the cold wind for half an hour, wouldn't she freeze to death?
She took a long stride and went inside.
When Chen's mother saw Li Yunyan, she looked surprised. "You...?!"
Li Yunyan spoke first, "I knew Mother was worried about me, so I rushed in without keeping you waiting! Mother is always magnanimous, so I hope you won't blame me?"
They're already inside! What's the point of blaming them now?
Mother Shen glared at her, "Li Yunyan! Kneel down!"
Her voice was so stern that it made Dongyun tremble.
That old lady has such a loud voice, it's terrifying!
Li Yunyan seemed not to hear her words, walking around her room with her arms crossed, as if strolling leisurely, looking her over.
Black lacquer ivory carved peony screen, cloisonné three-legged elephant trunk incense burner, red lacquer carved peony flower dressing box, Qishou Changchun white stone bonsai...
These are all hers!
There's no rush to take them back now. Later, she'll have Chen's mother return all of these things to her, one by one!
Mother Shen felt uneasy under her gaze and frowned, saying, "What are you looking at? Didn't you hear me tell you to kneel down?"
Li Yunyan glanced over and asked, "Mother, are you comfortable using these things your daughter-in-law gave you as a token of respect?"
Mother Shen snorted coldly, "They're just some junk, just for display! Do you think they're anything special? Hurry up and send more over!"
"Since Mother doesn't like it, then it's best not to put it here, lest it offend her eyes. Dongyun..."
"shut up!"
Mother Shen gave a cold shout, and only then did she notice the maid following behind Li Yunyan.
"Who gave you permission to bring people back?!"
Dongyun was so frightened that she wanted to kneel down, but Li Yunyan pulled her up and gave her a look: Stand still!
Having understood the look in her young mistress's eyes, Dongyun stood up properly.
She couldn't let her mistress lose face!
Li Yunyan's voice was calm, "Mother said before that managing a household is not easy, and that my husband works hard to earn money outside, so she didn't allow me to use maids! Today I came home and brought my own maid with me. I will pay her wages myself, so Mother doesn't need to worry about it!"
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