C49 Second Concubine's Sinister Thoughts

How could she not worry? She had watched her younger sister grow up, and they had never been apart for so long. If her sister didn’t come back soon, she was going to worry herself sick.

"Big Sis, don’t worry. I’m back safe and sound, aren’t I?" Yuvyuv felt warmth spread through her as her sister hugged her. After nearly freezing on the way back because of that devil of a man, she finally felt a bit of warmth. Her cheeks quickly turned a healthy pink as she smiled and gently patted her sister. "Sis, I went on a trip with some classmates out of state. I left in a hurry, so I didn’t get a chance to tell you."

Yuvyuv decided to fib a little to ease her sister’s mind and keep the rest of the family from worrying too much.

Nianci sighed with relief at her sister’s explanation but couldn’t help giving her a stern look. "Next time you go on a trip, don’t just leave without a word. The family will worry. Got it?"

Nianci’s gentle eyes scrutinized her sister, knowing full well she was fibbing. But with so many people in the living room, she didn’t press further and pretended to believe her. She held her sister’s cold hands, her voice full of concern. "Why didn’t you take some luggage with you? Look at your cold hands. You’re so caught up in having fun that you forget everything."

"Yes, yes, you’re always so thoughtful, Sis. Next time I go out with my classmates, I’ll be sure to let you know so you can help me pack what I need."

Yuvyuv went to an all-girls school, so her classmates were naturally all girls. She and her sister played along for the family’s benefit. Otherwise, if word got out that a young woman disappeared for several days, it wouldn’t look good.

The Second Concubine, who had been hoping to get some information, looked disappointed.

She initially planned to use the sudden disappearance of that troublesome girl as an excuse to spread rumors throughout the entire high society of the city. Only by stepping over these bothersome sisters could her two precious daughters become the jewels of the family.

The Second Concubine had two daughters. The younger one, Ye Yulin, who was currently at home, unfortunately inherited her mother's less-than-attractive looks. The elder daughter, Ye Jingchu, was quite the opposite. While not a stunning beauty, she had the grace and poise of a refined young lady. She wasn’t in the city at the moment, as she was studying in England.

These two daughters were born in quick succession. Ye Jingchu was 18 years old, and Ye Yulin was 17, just over a year apart. It was clear how desperate the Second Concubine was back then to have children to secure her position. As Yuvyuv put it, the Second Concubine was in a frantic rush to have a son, hoping to leverage the support of Old Madam Ye, her aunt, to elevate her status.

Unfortunately, she ended up with two daughters, both of average looks, and her ambitions to rise through her children were all too obvious. Yuvyuv had overheard the gossiping housemaids discussing how the Second Concubine managed to conceive twice, thanks to the help of her aunt, who supposedly drugged her father to get him into her bed.

Listening to the maids' chatter back then, Yuvyuv couldn’t help but feel a sense of disgust on behalf of her father. He was a man who valued appearances and adored beautiful women. The Second Concubine was far from attractive, and if her father had been in his right mind, he wouldn’t have gone near her, even at gunpoint. After being tricked twice, he became much more cautious.

Otherwise, how could the Second Concubine have had two daughters and then no more children? It wasn't that she couldn't have more; it was that their father never gave her the chance to share his bed again. So, her hopes of gaining status through a son were dashed.

Her only remaining hope was for her two precious daughters to marry into a prestigious family, ideally one as grand as the Great Marshal's Mansion. But the Second Concubine knew all too well that there were many children in the family, especially girls, and two of them were the offspring of a long-deceased, troublesome woman. Those two daughters, with their legitimate status and their mother's striking looks, only made her own daughters seem plain by comparison.

The Second Concubine was anxious. Her daughters were already seventeen or eighteen, the perfect age for marriage, but with those two other girls in the picture, how could her daughters find good matches? Her anxiety only made her more spiteful.

She watched the two sisters sitting on the sofa, laughing and chatting as if no one else existed, her eyes glinting with malice.

"What's wrong with the Second Concubine? Why is she staring at Yuvyuv and Nianci like that?" a soft, delicate voice suddenly asked from the side.

The room fell silent as Ye Yuvyuv and Ye Nianci turned to look.

The Second Concubine's expression soured. "What are you talking about, Fifth Concubine? I'm just admiring the deep bond between these sisters. I don't understand what you mean."

The Fifth Concubine smiled knowingly. "Oh, maybe I was mistaken. For a moment, it looked like you wanted to kill someone. It gave me quite a fright."

Her voice was drawn out, her smile lingering as she glanced at the Second Concubine. Then, as if it were nothing, she waved to a servant behind her. "What are you standing around for? Didn't you see that the Fifth Miss just returned from outside? It's chilly in the early autumn evenings. Have the kitchen prepare something warm."

"Yes, Fifth Madam." The maid responded promptly and left.

Yuvyuv watched as the Fifth Madam approached with a gentle smile. Her lips curled into a slight smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. She spoke softly, "Thank you, Fifth Madam."

"Why are you acting like a stranger, dear?" The Fifth Madam chuckled softly, holding an embroidered handkerchief, and reached out to gently grasp Yuvyuv's hand.

Yuvyuv subtly moved her hand away, smiling naturally. "My hands are cold. You and Big Sister shouldn't touch me, or you might catch a chill and fall ill. Don't blame me then."

She giggled, appearing carefree and innocent.

The Fifth Madam laughed warmly, "Oh, you little rascal, spending a few days outside and now you're full of tall tales. How could a handshake make someone sick?"

The Second Madam, standing nearby, struggled to maintain her composed and gracious demeanor. She forced a smile and said, "You all continue chatting. I'll check if dinner is ready." She glanced at Yuvyuv, asking kindly, "Is there anything special you'd like to eat? I'll have the cook prepare some of your favorites."