Chapter 40 A Woman's Wish

  After the palace maid entered the palace and reported what Yu Wang said, Yun Fei's face didn't show any shame, instead she smiled and said to the Fourth Lady: "Yu'er has spoiled me so much that I'm beyond consolation. However, now that he's here, it's not convenient for us to talk, this child..."

  "The King is well-versed in etiquette and understands what is proper, naturally he was raised well by the Empress Dowager," the Fourth Mistress continued along with Consort Yun's words.

  Until dusk, Yunfei finally allowed them to leave. She had originally said that she would keep them for dinner, but the palace was not like an ordinary household. After all, she was only a concubine and only the empress had the right to detain people for meals.

  On the way back to the mansion, Fourth Mistress remained silent for a long time, lost in thought. Water Lotus Moon couldn't help but lean gently against her shoulder and ask, "Mother, why aren't you saying anything?"

  "Alas...", the fourth madam sighed softly, her voice very low: "Over the years, Yun Fei has changed a lot. Once you enter the palace gates, even the purest and most lovely person will become as venomous as a snake."

  Shui Lian Yue slightly furrowed her brow and gazed at the Fourth Mistress, asking: "Mother, have you discovered something? Why are you so melancholy?"

  The fourth lady shook her head helplessly: "How can a young girl like you, who has not yet left the boudoir, know about the affairs of the palace? Anyway, Mother suddenly remembered what you said and wondered whether marrying Rui Wang was right or wrong."

  This time, Shui Lianyue didn't say a word. At this moment, the more she spoke, the less it would help. It was better to let her mother figure it out for herself. The more she thought about it, the more marrying Rong Wang would make her mother uneasy. She believed that after a few days, her mother would naturally come to understand.

  The sunset is infinitely good, but near dusk, returning to the Water Mansion is already approaching nightfall. Shui Yunheng has returned home and waited for the mother and daughter to return to the mansion before being taken by the housekeeper to the Musui Pavilion for questioning.

  Knowing that Yunfei did not have any dissatisfaction with this marriage, Shuiyun Heng finally put his heart at ease. On the day of the imperial summons, it was also his sister who enlightened him, making him suddenly realize and return home without causing a commotion.

  Now that Shui Lianyue's wedding is approaching, people from all sides will come to congratulate her. As the fourth lady of the Shui family, the fourth madam cannot be so shabby. So, she ordered someone to open the warehouse and took out five large boxes, all of which were precious fabrics and jewelry. She also instructed the accountant to give the fourth madam 50,000 taels of silver, telling her to buy whatever she liked. And she was told to rest in the Orchid Fragrance Pavilion tonight, and ordered someone to renovate the Orchid Fragrance Pavilion tomorrow.

  Back in the Orchid Pavilion, sitting in the main hall, Hong Niang Cui and the four madams, Shui Yun Yue, with eight pairs of eyes staring intently at the five large trunks, where the precious brocades and gold, silver, and jewels inside illuminated the dimly lit main hall.

  Shui Lianyue shifted her gaze to the Fourth Mistress, only to see that although the Fourth Mistress's face was expressionless, the disgust flickering in her eyes had not escaped Shui Lianyue's notice. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly. If it were any other woman, she would probably have been moved to tears by now. But Mother's temperament was stubborn and unyielding; all she needed was for her loved one to cherish her, no matter how poor he might be, as long as he treated Mother well, Mother would stand by him for life.

  Unfortunately, Shui Yunheng's reputation was ruined overnight, and his mother would never look at him with the same eyes again. There is no greater sorrow than a dead heart, and this might be the reason why.

  Hong Ying also frowned, not saying a word from start to finish. Cui Cui's performance, however, made Shui Lian Yue's heart skip a beat. The strong disdain in her eyes was barely concealed, and Shui Lian Yue vaguely sensed a hint of chill emanating from Cui Cui's body. When she discreetly examined Cui Cui again, it seemed like those were just her own illusions. Cui Cui once more revealed an expression of relief after hardship, comforting her mother.

  "After all, we are all from the same household, and have lived together for most of our lives. Since Master is willing to give us a way out, let's just follow his lead and make things easier for ourselves, why make it difficult?" Chui Cui's words made Fourth Mistress's expression relax slightly, and she let out a soft sigh.

  "Take all these away, it's getting late and everyone must be hungry. I'm also a bit tired today. Cui Cui, just prepare some food for the young lady, I'll go back to my room to rest first. When Master comes in the evening, call me." After speaking, Fourth Madam stood up and returned to her own room. The moment the door closed, Shui Lian Yue was heartbroken for her mother. Even the strongest woman has times when she can't hold on. Mother, you've been strong enough. If possible, she would rather take her mother away now and fly high, back to Bai Hui Mountain, even if it means hiding in seclusion for a lifetime.