Bright Moon Enters My Embrace - Chapter 23
23
When Lin Feng and the others saw her standing there in a daze, eyes blank and unfocused, they couldn’t help but call out, “Young Master, we’re home!”
Only then did Lin Yanran snap back to reality. Without bothering to respond, she hurriedly dashed toward the house.
Lin Cuicui and Chen Xiaohua opened the door at once. “Sister Yanran!”
The moment the two girls saw her, their faces lit up with joy. But when they caught sight of her new outfit under the lantern light, their eyes widened in shock.
The Young Master looked so beautiful in that new dress! Handsome yet enchanting—truly a match made in heaven with the fairy-like sister-in-law!
Lin Yanran didn’t notice their stunned admiration. Her gaze was fixed on the main bedroom window, which was open only a crack. Youqin Mingyue must have heard her return, right?
She stared unblinkingly at that narrow gap and asked in a low voice, “Where’s your sister-in-law?”
Lin Cuicui quickly answered, “The fairy sister-in-law is talking with Sister Wan in the room.”
Youqin Mingyue was actually talking with Wan Yu?
A strange feeling washed over Lin Yanran. She suddenly exclaimed, “Ah! I’m so thirsty—I’m dying of thirst!”
With that, she rushed into the kitchen and scooped water from the jar. As expected, Lin Cuicui and Chen Xiaohua followed her in. Lin Yanran set down the ladle, closed the kitchen door, and whispered urgently, “While I was out hunting, did any strangers come to the house?”
The two girls grew nervous at her tone. They thought hard, then shook their heads together. “No.”
“But Sister Yanran—”
“But what?”
“Today, while you were in Shimen County, a stranger did come. He said he was Physician Zeng, looking to discuss some medicine business with you. He was acting all sneaky, so we let Heihu loose and scared him off.”
Lin Yanran immediately guessed that Physician Zeng had come for the “fever-reducing medicinal wine.” So her little scheme had worked.
But that wasn’t what she wanted to know. She pressed, “When I was out hunting, did anything strange happen at home? Anything at all—think carefully.”
The girls had no idea what she was getting at. After racking their brains, Lin Cuicui finally said nervously, “Sister Yanran, there was one thing…”
“Spit it out!”
Lin Cuicui stammered, “The day before yesterday, Xiaohua and I were cooking and accidentally fell asleep. When we woke up, the rice was burnt—Sister Yanran, please don’t be mad! We ate every last grain, and didn’t throw any away.”
Lin Yanran zeroed in on the key detail. “You suddenly fell asleep?”
“Yes!”
“Did Heihu bark?”
Chen Xiaohua chimed in, “I remember he barked once right before I dozed off. I even asked about it, but then he stopped, so I didn’t think much of it.”
“Sister Yanran… did we do something wrong?”
The two girls looked at her anxiously.
Lin Yanran felt her already-dead heart die once more. It was confirmed—Youqin Mingyue’s death guards had come.
She forced a smile. “It’s fine. I was just worried about your sister-in-law, that’s all.”
With that, she left the kitchen.
Lin Cuicui and Chen Xiaohua exchanged a glance, then suddenly giggled and whispered to each other.
“Sister Yanran really loves the fairy sister-in-law!”
“Yeah, the fairy sister-in-law is so lucky. Sister Yanran is so good to her!”
At that moment, the mule carts arrived at the gate. Lin Feng and Chi Bao loudly called the girls to help unload. The two hurriedly ran out.
Lin Yanran entered the main hall. Wan Yu had just stepped out of the bedroom—no doubt she’d heard her return and come to greet her.
“Benefactor, you’re back! Your wife and I were just talking about you.”
Her eyes suddenly lit up as they landed on Lin Yanran. She stared, forgetting to blink, until she realized how rude she was being and quickly looked away. Still, she couldn’t help thinking: Young Master Lin is truly peerlessly elegant.
Youqin Mingyue had actually mentioned her? That made Lin Yanran feel even stranger.
She nodded casually. “Miss Wan, I bought a lot of things. Go take a look—anything you need, just take it.”
Wan Yu thanked her profusely and immediately went to the courtyard to help unload.
Only then did Lin Yanran enter the bedroom.
She lifted the curtain and immediately saw the culprit behind the earth-shattering crime that had thrown all of Shimen County into chaos—Youqin Mingyue, sitting calmly at the table, holding a book.
Her expression was serene, her beauty breathtaking. Between her brows lingered a faint, almost imperceptible aura of authority — the natural dominance of one born to rule.
Lin Yanran’s heart skipped a beat.
“Mingyue, I’m back.”
As she spoke, she recalled how, worried about Youqin Mingyue’s safety that day, she had sprinted down the mountain, abandoning Liu Zhenzhen and Wan Yu, and rushed into this very room—only to smell the faint scent of a stranger.
At the time, she’d thought it was Lin Cuicui or Chen Xiaohua and hadn’t dwelled on it.
She subtly sniffed the air. The room was filled with Youqin Mingyue’s faint fragrance… and Wan Yu’s… and yes — another trace of a stranger.
Her death guards had been here again.
Lin Yanran’s already-dead heart now died so thoroughly it could’ve been used as a brick.
Youqin Mingyue noticed she’d only said one sentence and hadn’t continued as usual. She looked up curiously.
“Hm?”
That single sound nearly scared Lin Yanran out of her skin. She hurriedly added, “I bought a lot of books. Shall I bring them in for you?”
Youqin Mingyue’s gaze lingered on her face for a moment before subtly shifting away.
Lin Yanran was wearing new clothes today.
In the past, she’d found her repulsive. But today, in that purple dress, she actually… caught her eye.
Immediately, Youqin Mingyue ruthlessly crushed that thought, her eyes growing cold.
No matter how good-looking, scum would always be scum.
Her emotions stirred, then were suppressed. She gave a nonchalant, almost dismissive “mm.”
Lin Yanran retreated as if pardoned, stepping out and gulping in fresh air.
Damn! Being alive feels so good!
Her mind was now a complete mess, impossible to untangle. The five betas hadn’t left yet—they were unloading at the gate. Seeing her emerge, they called out one by one like soldiers in formation.
“Young Master—”
Lin Yanran stood on the veranda like a lost soul, seemingly deaf to their greetings.
Chi Bao and the others sighed.
They all knew Lin Yanran had once been close with Zhang Zhen, Li Qing, and Zhu Shiyu. Now that all three had died in quick succession, she must be struggling to accept it.
But Wang Jinghong, ever bold, took the first step into the courtyard. Lin Cuicui and Chen Xiaohua glared at him like enemies, while Heihu stared him down menacingly.
Wang Jinghong instantly regretted it. But locked by Heihu’s intense gaze, he didn’t dare move. He could only strike a dramatic pose, gazing skyward at a 45-degree angle.
“The courtyard may be simple,” he drawled pretentiously, “but it’s clean and quiet. A few days’ stay wouldn’t be bad.”
Lin Feng, long annoyed with him, sneered, “When did our Young Master ever agree to let you stay here? Keep dreaming! A fugitive like you belongs in a pigsty!”
Chi Bao immediately barked, “Lin Feng—! Did you forget what the Young Master said?”
Only then did Lin Feng realize his slip. He stealthily glanced at Lin Yanran—she hadn’t noticed at all—and breathed a sigh of relief.
Wang Jinghong turned back. His beautiful peach-blossom eyes lifted lazily, radiating sharp disdain.
His thin lips curled. “I don’t stoop to the level of idiots.”
Lin Feng exploded. “You bastard, who’re you calling an idiot?!”
Wang Jinghong’s gaze grew even more scornful. “Whoever answers.”
Lin Feng’s face flushed crimson. He charged forward, fist flying toward Wang Jinghong’s face. Wang Jinghong, no pushover, fought back at once.
Heihu, sensing danger, began barking furiously: “Woof woof woof—!”
At his bark, Putao immediately joined in arrogantly: “Woof woof woof—!”
The dogs’ barking finally snapped Lin Yanran out of her daze. Her vacant eyes fixed on Heihu and Putao.
Her body seemed to flip a switch. She walked over.
“Quiet, all of you.”
At her low command, Chi Bao and the others immediately pulled the two apart and held them back.
But Lin Yanran ignored them completely. She extended her hand. “Heihu, come—”
Chen Xiaohua promptly dragged Heihu over, gripping his neck so he lay submissively before Lin Yanran.
Lin Yanran crouched, stroked his head, then ran her hands over his entire body. Then she called Putao. The dog wagged its tail eagerly, licking her hand. She pressed its head down and examined it from head to tail.
No wounds.
Not only were Lin Cuicui and Chen Xiaohua unharmed—even the dogs were untouched.
She stood and couldn’t help glancing at the window crack again.
In her previous life, the Yuanbao Gambling Den had kidnapped Youqin Mingyue and sold her to Chunxiang Pavilion. The madam had tormented and humiliated her in every way, even force-fed her powerful aphrodisiacs, leading to her glands being carved out and her eventual leap from the cliff. That had been the darkest moment of Youqin Mingyue’s life.
And Zhang Zhen, Li Qing, Zhu Shiyu—all three had humiliated her, treated her as a plaything, hurling every kind of vile, filthy word at this proud daughter of heaven.
If Lin Yanran had suffered such humiliation, she would absolutely slaughter every last perpetrator! She might even be more vicious and ruthless than Youqin Mingyue, consumed by hatred for the world.
The book had described Youqin Mingyue as bloodthirsty and cruel, utterly heartless. Yet—
On the day her death guards arrived, she hadn’t harmed Lin Cuicui or Chen Xiaohua. Not even the dogs.
She only killed those truly guilty—every one of them had bullied her. Even if she hadn’t killed them, their sins deserved death.
She only killed those who deserved it.
That was completely different from the villainess portrayed in the book.
If Youqin Mingyue hadn’t been reborn, Lin Yanran wouldn’t be shocked—after all, she hadn’t yet suffered those inhuman torments. But Youqin Mingyue had been reborn. She had truly endured all that pain in her previous life.
In short, she had returned for revenge.
Yet Youqin Mingyue wasn’t as cruel as the book claimed.
Lin Yanran felt both fear and relief. Then another thought struck her: the original host had been the true mastermind, yet Youqin Mingyue still hadn’t killed her.
Of course, she didn’t think Youqin Mingyue had gone soft.
There must be some reason she was holding back.
What could it be?
Lin Yanran wished she could scoop out her own brains and force them to give her an answer.
Just then, Wan Yu approached. “Benefactor, thank you for buying so many things I needed.”
When Lin Yanran had shopped for Youqin Mingyue, she’d also picked up a few practical items for Wan Yu — nothing expensive, but genuinely useful: cloth towels, shoes, clogs, spare clothes, etc.
Her embroidered shoes had long been ruined during the escape. She hadn’t wanted to trouble Lin Yanran, so she’d said nothing. She hadn’t expected Lin Yanran to notice even such small details.
Lin Yanran returned to the present. “It’s nothing, just little things. Don’t mention it. If you need anything else, just tell me. Or tell your sister-in-law, or Cuicui—no need to be shy.”
These words warmed Wan Yu’s heart deeply.
Lin Yanran’s “little things” had solved urgent problems for her.
And Lin Yanran was her lifesaver.
At that moment, Wan Yu’s gratitude reached a new peak. She even felt guilty for hiding her identity.
She bit her lip, gathered her courage, and said, “Benefactor, there’s something I’d like to speak with you about privately.”
Lin Yanran was preoccupied and answered absently, “Sure, sure. Wait until I’m done.”
She hurried toward the mule cart where Chi Bao was carrying a bamboo basket full of books.
She immediately took it from him. “I’ve got it.”
These were her tools to curry favor with Youqin Mingyue—she had to handle them carefully.
Chi Bao’s eyes widened as he watched her effortlessly lift the heavy basket and walk leisurely toward the main room.
“The Young Master has such strength?”
Lin Feng piped up, “Of course! That day my brother tried to whip someone—she grabbed the whip with one hand. No matter how hard he pulled, it didn’t budge.”
Chi Bao exclaimed, “With skill like that, the Young Master must be a high-level Alpha!”
All the betas present looked at Lin Yanran’s back with admiration and awe.
Lin Dahai and Lin Shan were only low-level Alpha, yet they dominated Fenghuang Town. High-level Alpha were far rarer and more valuable—entrusted with important roles in any trade.
As betas, they could disdain an arrogant low-level Alpha like Lin Shan, but they couldn’t help idolizing a powerful, sincere, and generous high-level Alpha like Lin Yanran.
Even Wang Jinghong, face bruised from a punch, glanced at her. This Young Master Lin is truly beloved. Maybe coming to her wasn’t a mistake.
Lin Yanran carried the basket of books and lifted the door curtain. This time Youqin Mingyue didn’t even look up—she completely ignored her entrance.
Yet for some reason, Lin Yanran’s legs went weak.
“Mingyue, I’m bringing in the books.”
Youqin Mingyue gave a casual, indifferent “mm”—the kind that screamed I don’t care.
She still didn’t glance at her.
Lin Yanran took the chance to scan the room, then up at the beams.
Not a shadow in sight.
As expected of death guards—completely undetectable.
She did notice quite a few cobwebs on the beams, though.
She thought: Those death guards come and go without a trace, flying high and low. If one accidentally gets covered in cobwebs and appears before Youqin Mingyue, won’t she blame me?
If I get hated by the villainess over some spiderwebs, that would be too unjust!
She immediately decided: tomorrow, she’d hire people to thoroughly clean and renovate the entire house.
She walked to the bookshelf in the corner and saw that the books she’d placed before going hunting had been moved by Youqin Mingyue.
Glancing back, she realized Youqin Mingyue was holding exactly that book.
Good sign.
She crouched and neatly arranged the new books, filling the simple shelf to the brim.
Standing up, she eyed the shelf and felt something was missing. Her eyes lit up. She stepped out, then returned shortly after.
This time, Youqin Mingyue finally looked up, her gaze displeased.
This lowly commoner keeps dangling in front of me. Is she tired of living?
Lin Yanran crouched by the shelf again, fiddled for a while, then stood. “Mingyue, the books are all arranged. I’ll head out now.”
She fled quickly.
Once Lin Yanran left, Youqin Mingyue’s curiosity got the better of her. She glanced at the shelf.
“Hm? What’s that?”
She supported herself on the table and walked over.
The books were neatly organized. Each level was divided into two sections, and between the dividers, square cloth tags tied with hemp string were labeled:
【County Gazetteer & Geography】【Wanderer’s Travelogues】【Unofficial Histories】【Boudoir Secrets】【Strange Tales】【Martial Arts Records】
It made finding books much easier. This lowly person had quite a few clever ideas.
The entire shelf was packed full.
Youqin Mingyue was genuinely surprised.
Books were not something ordinary people could afford—most commoners were illiterate, so demand was low and prices high.
Roughly estimating, this shelf of books was worth at least two hundred taels of silver.
This lowly person was spending more and more to please her.
But then a doubt arose: since when did Lin Yanran have so much money?
She quickly connected the dots—Lin Yanran could make medicinal pills. She must have sold them and earned a fortune. That meant today in the city, she had very likely gone to the Yuanbao Gambling Den to pay debts.
Which also meant she must have learned that the entire Yuanbao Gambling Den had been slaughtered.
Youqin Mingyue’s brow arched.
No wonder Lin Yanran had been acting strange today—stealing glances at her, looking guilty and rushed.
She’d probably been frightened by the massacre.
No—wait.
With two lifetimes of experience reading people, Youqin Mingyue was extremely perceptive. She sensed something different.
If Lin Yanran knew about the massacre, she also knew Zhang Zhen, Li Qing, and Zhu Shiyu were dead. News traveled fast in a small place like Fenghuang Town.
So why was she acting guilty around her?
She was afraid of her.
Youqin Mingyue reached a conclusion instantly.
Could she have guessed that the murders were connected to her?
The despicable, brainless Lin Yanran of the previous life would never have figured it out. But what if she was no longer that Lin Yanran?
She suddenly recalled Lin Yanran’s words:
“I was possessed by a ghost before.”
“The current me is the real me.”
“I’ve said it before, I’m not her. Everything I’m doing now is just atoning for that scum.”
For the first time, Youqin Mingyue began to take those words seriously.
Now that she had been reborn, she would reclaim everything she lost. Anyone who stood in her way would be eliminated.
Having an uncertain factor beside her was absolutely intolerable.
With that thought, she lightly tapped the table twice.
A black shadow descended like a ghost, landing silently before her.
Before An Xing left, she had left her the best of the death guard squad.
“Go immediately and investigate everything Lin Yanran did and saw in Shimen County today—every detail, no matter how small.”
“Yes!”
“Also, send the 【Secret Agents】 to look into any clues about ‘ghost possession.’ The moment anything is found, trace it to the root and report to me as quickly as possible!”
“Understood!”
Lin Yanran stepped out of the bedroom. Chi Bao and the others were about to leave. The purchased goods were piled high in the corner. She glanced at the new bedding, thinking she’d change all the dirty ones after dinner.
Wang Jinghong’s fair face was bruised purple from a punch, yet he still stood tall and proud under the veranda, peering into the kitchen.
Heihu squatted at the kitchen door like a guardian deity, staring him down.
Yet Wang Jinghong wasn’t scared. He kept glancing inside.
“Hey, little miss, I’m asking you—what’s for dinner tonight?”
Lin Cuicui ignored him. Chen Xiaohua snapped, “Not telling you.”
Lin Yanran suddenly remembered something.
Youqin Mingyue very likely remembered Wang Jinghong—he was her mortal enemy. If she brought him home and Youqin Mingyue misunderstood her intentions, that would be disastrous.
She quickly called Chi Bao back.
“Take him to your place. Find him a room. Food and lodging are on me.”
Chi Bao hurriedly said, “Young Master, my house has plenty of empty rooms. How could I let you pay?”
Lin Yanran glanced at Wang Jinghong and lowered her voice. “Keep an eye on him. Don’t let him run, but don’t restrain him either.”
Chi Bao nodded knowingly. He hesitated, then asked, “Young Master, we all know you were close with Li Qing and Zhu Shiyu before. For their funerals, we planned to go with you. How much condolence money do you think is appropriate?”
Lin Yanran jumped in fright and dragged him to a corner outside the gate. “Never mention that again! I was young and foolish and made bad friends. Now I’ve turned over a new leaf—how could I go back? None of you are allowed to go either, or I won’t acknowledge you as brothers anymore!”
Joking! Youqin Mingyue had only just taken revenge—she, the mastermind, was still terrified. Going to mourn Youqin Mingyue’s enemies? Did she want to die?
Chi Bao took her warning seriously. “Don’t worry, Young Master. I’ll make sure Lin Feng and the others understand!”
Lin Feng, who didn’t get along with Wang Jinghong, called out, “Young Master, we’re heading home. We’ll come find you tomorrow.”
Lin Yanran nodded. Lin Feng and the other three left together. Chi Bao dragged the reluctant Wang Jinghong away.
Wang Jinghong craned his neck stubbornly. “Young Master Lin, you promised to save my sister. What’s this? Going back on your word isn’t something a gentleman does.”
Afraid he’d disturb Youqin Mingyue, Lin Yanran quickly said, “You’re educated—you should know men and women must keep their distance. My house is full of women. A man staying here would be improper. Stay with Chi Bao tonight. I’ll come find you tomorrow.”
Only then did Wang Jinghong grudgingly leave with Chi Bao.
At that moment, Wan Yu emerged from the side room. “Benefactor, are you free now?”
Hearing the unease in her voice, Lin Yanran had no choice. “Yes. Miss Wan, what did you want to say?”
Gu Yuwan felt gratitude toward her and fondness for Youqin Mingyue. Whatever she was about to say, it was fine even if the couple overheard.
She bowed and led Lin Yanran into the main hall. “Please sit, Benefactor.”
Lin Yanran sat.
Inside the bedroom, Youqin Mingyue immediately pricked up her ears and quietly set down her book.
Sure enough, Gu Yuwan began, “Benefactor, my family suffered misfortune. Both my parents passed away, leaving only a paternal uncle who sees me as a thorn in his side, eager for me to die so he can inherit everything. This whole ordeal was his doing. Therefore—”
Her face filled with guilt. She moved off the chair and knelt.
“When I first introduced myself, I didn’t tell the truth. ‘Wan Yu’ is an alias. Please forgive me, Benefactor!”
Lin Yanran had thought it was something serious—just a fake name. She quickly gestured. “Miss Wan, please get up. It’s a small matter. I wouldn’t mind. If I were in danger away from home, I wouldn’t reveal my real name to strangers either.”
“I completely understand.”
Gu Yuwan was stunned. She had feared Lin Yanran would distrust her, maybe even politely ask her to leave.
She never expected such understanding.
Youqin Mingyue was also taken aback.
She knew Gu Yuwan’s true identity, but Lin Yanran didn’t. Was this lowly person really so trusting?
Gu Yuwan’s voice choked. “Benefactor, I’m truly fortunate in three lifetimes to have met you!”
“Please accept my kneel of gratitude!”
She was about to kneel again. Lin Yanran jumped up in panic.
“Miss Wan, please don’t—it makes me uneasy.”
Gu Yuwan only wanted to thank her, not make her uncomfortable. She stopped.
“I was thoughtless. Please forgive me.”
They sat again. Gu Yuwan continued, “My real surname is Gu, given name Yuwan, from Fengwu City. My family has been merchants for generations with modest wealth. But after my parents died young, the businesses declined. My uncle repeatedly schemed against me. This trip was for an important deal—I went personally to inspect the goods, but was ambushed by bandits midway. Thankfully I was cautious and escaped with my maid, only to later fall into the hands of Black Dragon Stronghold along with Sister Liu. Thanks to Benefactor’s rescue, I survived.”
Lin Yanran finally understood. Gu Yuwan—the name sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t place it. Since she couldn’t remember, it probably wasn’t important.
When she’d read the original novel, she’d only skimmed parts related to the original host and Youqin Mingyue, skipping huge sections. She had no memory of this future richest woman in the book.
She sighed sympathetically. “So both ambushes were arranged by your uncle?”
Gu Yuwan nodded sadly. “Most likely. I never imagined he hated me so much he’d send two separate groups to kill me.”
Lin Yanran thought for a moment. “Do you need my help?”
Gu Yuwan looked at her gratefully but shook her head firmly. “This is my family affair. I cannot trouble Benefactor further. But please don’t worry—I used to see him as family out of respect for my late parents. After this, my heart is dead to him.”
Lin Yanran was impressed by her resolve.
She suddenly slapped her forehead. “Gu Yuwan, I’m so sorry—I was so busy in the city I forgot to deliver your letter.”
She took out the letter. “I can have someone send it tomorrow. How’s that?”
Gu Yuwan had written that letter before revealing her identity. Now she had new plans. She wiped her tears and took the letter. “No need to apologize. Actually, I remembered something I forgot to write. I’ll rewrite it.”
Lin Yanran sighed in relief.
Gu Yuwan looked at her earnestly. “Benefactor, I have one more presumptuous request.”
“Go ahead.”
“That night you stayed up making medicine, I realized you are profoundly skilled in pharmacology—your pills are no less effective than those of great physicians. My Gu family originally made its fortune with apothecaries. Though other businesses have declined, we still run the famous ‘Henian Hall’ pharmacy chain in Fengwu City — a century-old name. I also have some business experience. If you don’t mind, would you allow me to sell your medicinal pills?”
At those words, Youqin Mingyue’s heart leaped inside the bedroom.
Lin Yanran’s pills were genuine and more effective than those of renowned doctors. Once on the market, the profits would be enormous—and exclusive distribution would be ideal.
And the best person for exclusive rights was none other than Gu Yuwan.
At that moment, she desperately hoped Lin Yanran would agree immediately.
Lin Yanran considered. “Miss Gu, it’s true I made the pills, but I’m a nobody. Pills like these are usually made by famous physicians. If mine suddenly appeared, it could cause trouble—for me and possibly for you too.”
“Let me think about it.”
Of course she wanted money, but in her previous life she’d seen too many fall out over fame and fortune. She wasn’t impulsive.
Seeing Lin Yanran refuse out of concern for her safety, Gu Yuwan was deeply touched and admired her character even more.
“Very well. I was inconsiderate. Everything will be as Benefactor decides.”
Youqin Mingyue was flabbergasted that Lin Yanran rejected it. Wasn’t she pushing away a fortune? And it went against her own plans!
This lowly person had no vision!
She felt inexplicably angry.
After Gu Yuwan left to help in the kitchen, Lin Yanran grabbed the new bedding and entered the bedroom.
“Mingyue, look—brand-new cotton quilts. I’ll make the bed for you now.”
Her tone carried a hint of flattery, but Youqin Mingyue was still fuming and couldn’t vent. Seeing her only made it worse. Her face darkened.
Lin Yanran read the room—something was wrong. Her legs went soft. Is the villainess about to off me now? Can I still escape?
Youqin Mingyue vented silently, then calmed herself.
“I see,” she replied coldly.
Lin Yanran felt like she’d been spared execution. She hurriedly made the bed.
The room fell deathly silent, the air thick.
Lin Yanran felt chills down her spine. Once finished, she fled.
Youqin Mingyue glanced at her fleeing back and sneered inwardly.
This lowly person finally knows fear?
After dinner, Lin Cuicui and Chen Xiaohua cleared the dishes and came to Lin Yanran. “Sister Yanran, we’re heading home. We’ll be back early tomorrow to cook.”
With decent savings now, Lin Yanran didn’t mind hired help. Thirty wen a day was affordable.
She smiled. “Wait a second.”
She fetched a cloth bag and handed it over. “Your promised gifts.”
The girls opened it—a whole bag of malt sugar, fragrant and tempting. They swallowed hard, eyes shining. “Thank you, Sister Yanran!”
“Go home and enjoy, but don’t overeat or your teeth will suffer.” She waved them off.
Hugging their bags, the girls thanked her profusely and left.
Lin Yanran bolted the gate. Seeing Gu Yuwan smiling at the scene, she placed another bag of malt sugar on the table.
“My wife likes sweets, so I bought plenty. Miss Gu, help yourself—no need to be formal.”
She then took clean clothes to the bathhouse.
Gu Yuwan, still only fifteen, couldn’t resist sweets either. She took one piece, then carried the bag to the bedroom door, and said softly, “Sister-in-law, Benefactor bought malt sugar for you. Shall I bring some in?”
Youqin Mingyue had just heard Lin Yanran announce she liked sweets.
Raised in the palace, she’d never been allowed to indulge—sweets especially were strictly limited by the more forbidden, the more she craved them. Whenever she was upset as a child, her mother would secretly give her sweets to cheer her up.
She hadn’t expected Lin Yanran to notice and even tell an outsider.
She felt strangely exposed and ashamed, mentally adding another mark against Lin Yanran.
“No need, little sister. I’ve already bathed and won’t eat tonight,” she replied coolly.
Gu Yuwan returned the bag to the table and enjoyed a piece herself, thinking: Benefactor’s wife is so beautiful—they seem made for each other. But why does she seem a little cold toward Benefactor?
Lin Yanran enjoyed a hot bath, changed into clean underclothes, and stepped out in clogs. The spring night was cool, the moon high, the breeze gentle—utterly refreshing.
She admired the moon for a while, played with Putao, then headed back to the main hall—and suddenly stopped.
Gu Yuwan had taken her room.
Where would she sleep? The woodshed floor?
Then a reckless idea struck: what if she asked to sleep on the floor in Youqin Mingyue’s room?
She was tired of living with a blade over her head. She wanted to test why Youqin Mingyue hadn’t killed her yet.
Clutching her bedding, she stood at the bedroom door. “Mingyue, I’m coming in?”
The lamp was still lit—Youqin Mingyue wasn’t asleep.
After a long pause, a faint “mm” came from inside.
Lin Yanran entered, clutching her quilt, and whispered, “Mingyue, I have nowhere to sleep. Can I lay a mat on your floor?”
She spoke very softly, terrified Gu Yuwan would hear—she still had her pride.
Youqin Mingyue’s first instinct was to kick her out. But then she changed her mind.
This lowly person clearly suspected she’d ordered those scum killed, yet still dared to come closer. She wanted to see what game Lin Yanran was playing.
“Sure,” she said calmly.