The next morning at dawn, Su Yue rose early and practiced her martial arts as usual – a habit she had developed over the years.
When she returned to her courtyard, she saw two young maidservants pacing anxiously. Upon noticing her return, they hurried over, "Young Lady, you're back! Where did you go so early? We were looking all over for you and nearly had to report to the Paternal Aunt-in-law."
The speaker was a cute round-faced maidservant named Qing Lian, while beside her stood the graceful Zi Yi in purple robes, also looking worried.
"Oh, I went to practice martial arts. Were you two sent by the Paternal Aunt-in-law?"
Zi Yi hastily bowed, "I am Zi Yi, and this is Qing Lian. The Paternal Aunt-in-law assigned us to attend to the Young Lady. We will be serving you closely from now on."
"Qing Lian greets the Young Lady. You woke so early, Young Lady."
In those brief exchanges, Su Yue noticed the different personalities of the two girls. Zi Yi was composed and seemed reliable, while Qing Lian was lively and guileless. Su Yue found them both likable. The Paternal Aunt-in-law had good judgment.
"Yes, it's my habit."
"Then let us assist the Young Lady with bathing and dressing."
After a simple wash, Qing Lian excitedly brought over several outfits, "Young Lady, which would you like to wear today? The Paternal Aunt-in-law had these prepared recently, all the latest styles favored by young ladies. Take a look – shall it be this pink one, or the purple, or this light blue? With your fair skin and beauty, Young Lady, you'll look lovely in any of them."
Su Yue sat before the dressing table while Zi Yi combed her hair. Listening to the chatty Qing Lian amused her. "Any will do. You choose one for me."
Having worn plain robes up in the mountains for years, she wasn't particular about such things.
"How about this pink cross-collared jacket and skirt? With your snow-white complexion, Young Lady, you'll look stunning in it."
"Alright."
Qing Lian beamed adorably upon hearing Su Yue's agreement.
Zi Yi smiled too, "Young Lady, if you wear this pink outfit, let's pair it with this white jade hairpin and these green jade earrops – simple yet elegant."
"Sure, as you suggest."
The two maids were delighted, relieved to find their new mistress so pleasant. Initially assigned by the Paternal Aunt-in-law to serve this mysterious young lady they had never seen before, they had worried for days about whether she would be difficult. Now their minds were at ease.
Once ready, Su Yue headed to the courtyard of the Zhenguo General and the General's Wife. Lady Liu, Lady Li, and Lady Lin were already with the Paternal Grandmother, and their eyes lit up upon seeing Su Yue enter.
The slender young beauty's exquisite features, fair porcelain skin, bright eyes, and delicate smile shone even more radiantly in her pink robes.
"What a lovely little fairy!" Lady Liu exclaimed, ushering Su Yue inside to meet the elderly matriarch.
"Su Yue greets Paternal Grandmother, and the Paternal Aunt-in-law, Second Paternal Aunt-in-law, and Third Paternal Aunt-in-law."
"Come here, good child, sit beside your Paternal Grandmother."
"Yes, Paternal Grandmother."
"Why didn't you rest a while longer? Have you had your morning meal yet?"
"Not yet. I came to join Paternal Grandmother for breakfast," Su Yue said cheekily.
The elderly lady burst into laughter. "Well, aren't you thoughtful! Matron Liu, have the servants serve the meal."
Lady Lin covered her mouth, chuckling, "It seems we all had the same idea, coming to join Mother for breakfast."
"Su Yue, did you rest well last night? Are you settling in alright?" Lady Li asked with concern, hoping the girl wasn't uncomfortable on her first night there.
"I slept very well and don't have trouble adjusting to new environments," Su Yue assured her.
"That's good. Let the Paternal Aunt-in-law know if you need anything or if there's anything you dislike about the arrangements I made. I'm not familiar with your preferences."
"I like everything. The Paternal Aunt-in-law's arrangements are perfect, and I'm pleased with the two maidservants assigned to me as well."
"Wonderful. Tell me if you need anything else, alright?"
"Of course."
Soon the meal was served, a simple fare. Su Yue joined the ladies, chatting and laughing, when Su Huan strode in from outside. "What's so amusing?"
"The General returns."
"Father."
"Father."
"Father."
"Paternal Grandfather."
They all rose to greet him, but he waved them down, "No need for such formalities at home. Su Yue, someone from the palace will likely bring the imperial physicians to examine your injuries later today."
"Injuries? My wounds have healed; it was just some minor cuts and scrapes. Why would I need the imperial physicians?"
Su Huan's expression grew slightly awkward. "Ahem! Yesterday, the Emperor wished to summon you to the palace, but I said you were injured and needed rest, so he relented."
The elderly matriarch swatted his arm lightly. "Why mention her injuries? That was unwise."
"You're right, Wife. My mistake."
"Don't worry, I understand. Is there anything else I should be aware of?"
"No. But I can only delay the Emperor once. Prepare yourself, as he'll likely summon you again soon."
"Understood. I was planning to sneak into the palace in the next couple of days anyway to see my brother."
Su Huan fell silent upon hearing this. His second son had not appeared at the palace banquet the previous evening, and no one had questioned his absence, which was concerning.
"Don't go in secretly. The palace is well-guarded, and I don't want you getting hurt. I'll take you to the palace tomorrow. If you wish to avoid others, you can disguise yourself as one of my attendants."
"Paternal Grandfather's suggestion is wise. After hearing how unwell my brother is, I'm quite worried about him."
"Ah yes, the Second Prince..." The Paternal Grandmother's expression turned grim. "All these years, to ensure his safety within the palace, we dared not visit him privately. He's been alone there all this time – how difficult that must have been for him."
Seeing the elderly lady's distress, Su Yue said reassuringly, "Don't worry, Paternal Grandmother. I'm an excellent physician, and so is my Third Master - the Divine Doctor Xuan. We'll definitely cure my brother's ailment."
"Good, good. Our Su Yue is so capable." The Paternal Grandmother patted her hand, visibly relieved.
"By the way, Paternal Grandmother, I've prepared some medicines for you. Use them regularly. This one is for soothing your eyes - keep using it, and after a month, your blurred vision will improve. And this one, massage your scalp with it when washing your hair, along with these herbal pills. They'll help with your graying hair." Su Yue took out bottle after bottle from her qiankun pouch, handing them to Matron Liu beside the Paternal Grandmother.
The elderly maid felt reassured seeing the filial young lady's preparations. "This servant understands. I'll ensure the Paternal Grandmother takes them regularly. Young Lady, rest assured."
"Yes, let me know when you need refills."
"I also have some recipes for nourishing herbal cuisine. Please give them to the kitchen staff so they can prepare these dishes regularly to fortify everyone's health."
"Yes, this servant will arrange it."
