A Steadfast Support

The matter of the poisoning was thus hastily concluded. Though everyone found it unexpected, no one dared to speak of it privately. Ning Qian, however, felt a persistent unease about the bizarre nature of it all. Master Yu had nearly met his end—how could such a grave incident be dismissed so lightly?

That evening, Yu Ziqi returned home late once more. Ning Qian waited for him, struggling to stay awake.

“If you’re tired, go to bed. Lying here like this will only make you ill.”

Rubbing her eyes, Ning Qian straightened up, relieved to see it was Yu Ziqi. “My lord, you’ve come back so late again tonight. Is there trouble with your business?”

“It’s not trouble, exactly. I’m still at the beginning of everything, so I must rely on myself for all matters. It’s only natural that I’m busy, but thankfully, I can bear it.”

“Well, you haven’t eaten yet, have you? Shall I have Nian Yu bring you some food?”

“No need, I’ve already eaten outside. It’s late—you should rest. I’ll return after I bathe.” With that, Yu Ziqi turned to leave.

“My lord, do you require my assistance with your bath?”

He waved her off. “No, you’re tired as well. I’ll have Xiao Liu attend me.” Without waiting for her reply, he strode out.

Ning Qian disliked Xiao Liu’s rough ways, but she didn’t want to invite gossip. In the end, she decided to go to the bath herself. Besides, she wanted to use the opportunity to ask him some questions.

When she arrived, Yu Ziqi was already reclining in the tub. Upon hearing her footsteps, he didn’t turn but said, “Didn’t I tell you Xiao Liu would suffice? Wouldn’t it be better for you to rest?”

“How did you know it was me?”

“Would I fail to recognize your footsteps?”

She laughed softly. “My lord, let me do it.” She picked up a cloth and gently began to wash his back. “My lord, there’s something I don’t understand. Father’s poisoning was so serious—how could it be settled so quickly? We still don’t know who was behind it; if she acts again, who knows what might happen?”

“It’s actually quite simple. The only people who could have poisoned him were those from Lady Yu Chen’s courtyard. From what we see now, Lady Yu Chen herself wasn’t the culprit, so that leaves the servants. Father dismissed them all, severing any future danger. Rest assured, the matter is settled.”

“My lord, what truly frightens me is the person behind it. Usually, those in a master’s own courtyard are trusted confidants. For one’s own to betray them—such things are both tragic and lamentable.”

Yu Ziqi turned and grasped Ning Qian’s hand. “My dear, I know you’re worried. Don’t fear—with me here, I’ll never let you come to harm.”

To say she wasn’t afraid would be a lie. Ever since the incident, she had eaten poorly and slept fitfully, plagued by dreams of being murdered by those in her own household. She trusted Nian Yu and Shu Ni, but the others—those sent by different parties—were thorns in her side.

“My dear, I know what you fear. With your cleverness, you can deal with them. Go ahead—I’ll be your support. Even if Mother complains, I’ll protect you.”

“Really?” Ning Qian was overjoyed. Lately, she had been pondering these matters. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to deal with those people, but each had powerful backing, making it difficult to take action. Helpless, she had let them remain. Now, with Yu Ziqi’s promise, things were different.

Yu Ziqi waved, pulling her hand. “Your clothes are soaked—then let’s bathe again together.” With a gentle tug, he drew her into the wooden tub.

The glow of red candles, the warmth of affection, and the heat of passion filled the bath. The night, in truth, was only beginning.

Half a month had passed since the poisoning. Recently, Ning Qian had been considering how to expel the three troublesome maids from her courtyard. After consulting with Nian Yu and Shu Ni for several days, they finally devised a plan.

One day, Ning Qian suddenly fell ill—and quite severely. Yu Ziqi had left early, while Shu Ni and Nian Yu had gone out to procure items for her. She could only call loudly for Yu Zhi.

Yu Zhi entered to find Ning Qian flushed, trembling all over. She panicked, “Madam, what’s wrong? Where are you unwell?”

“I… I feel cold all over, and my head is spinning. Yu Zhi, I feel so miserable.”

“What should I do? Madam, I’ll send someone to fetch the doctor.”

“Good. In that box over there are brocade pouches—inside is five taels of silver. Take it and get the doctor quickly!”

“Yes, Madam, I’ll go immediately.”

Yu Zhi didn’t dare delay. She grabbed the pouch and rushed out. Half an hour later, the doctor arrived, together with Nian Yu and Shu Ni. As it happened, they met outside and, hearing of Ning Qian’s illness, hurried back without finishing their errands. After the doctor took Ning Qian’s pulse and prescribed medicine, Shu Ni went to prepare it, leaving Nian Yu to attend her.

“Nian Yu, how did it go? Did the doctor do what was needed?”

“It’s all arranged. According to our plan, we’ll wait for the young master to return tonight. If we don’t get rid of her now, it’ll be a miracle.”

“We shouldn’t count our chickens yet. Let’s wait until it’s done before we celebrate.”

They waited, and finally, as dusk fell, Yu Ziqi returned unusually early. Learning of Ning Qian’s illness, he rushed to her room. “My dear, you were fine yesterday—how did you fall ill so suddenly?”

“I’m not sure—perhaps I caught a chill during my bath last night.”

“How careless! Did you have the doctor see you?”

“Yes, he’s been.”

“That’s good. Still, you must be more careful.”

“Young master, I believe Madam fell ill because she stopped wearing her jade pendant a few days ago.”

“Jade pendant? What pendant?” Yu Ziqi was puzzled.

“Oh, it’s the one the Master bought for Madam when she was born. A monk blessed it for protection—she’s never been sick or harmed while wearing it. Who would have thought, as soon as she took it off, she’d fall ill? One cannot disregard such things.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Where is the pendant? Bring it quickly for Madam to wear! My dear, why did you suddenly take off your jade pendant after so many years?” Though Yu Ziqi had never put much store in such matters.

“I didn’t mean to—the red string broke a few days ago, and I meant to have it restrung. Who could have guessed I’d fall ill so suddenly?”