"I know Sixth Daughter wouldn't," Xie Jiayan paused, "but I'm afraid Madam Gong already knows. Have you thought about how you'll explain yourself?"
"My mother never scolds me," Yu Mingyue said, clutching her handkerchief, though her voice lacked conviction.
For a young lady to go out alone late at night, even if the people in her courtyard kept silent, the hidden guards of the Gongfu would report it if they knew. She could only hide her departure from her mother for a while.
Xie Jiayan smiled, "Madam is likely already here."
He heard the sound of a carriage not far away, traveling at a brisk pace. At this hour, it could only be someone from the Gongfu.
"Ah," Yu Mingyue gasped, her small face paling in panic. Her mother could be quite fierce when angry. She absolutely couldn't afford to lose face in front of Brother Jiayan.
Soon, the young servant driving the carriage spotted the Gongfu's carriage and called back, "Miss, people from the Gongfu are here. It looks like Madam's carriage."
Yu Mingyue gave a dry chuckle, "My mother came so quickly. She must have been very worried about me."
Xie Jiayan nodded in agreement, "Indeed."
Cui Shi had already alighted from the carriage. Xie Jiayan lifted the curtain and stepped down, "Madam."
Cui Shi hadn't expected Xie Jiayan to be the one emerging from her daughter's carriage, her anger still etched on her face.
"Imperial Academician Xie," Cui Shi softened her tone, trying to maintain her composure, "Has Sixth Daughter been found? Is she safe?"
Yu Mingyue then poked her head out of the carriage, smiling sheepishly, "Mother, I'm here! Li Fu is in the carriage!"
Cui Shi forced a loving smile, "You child, you gave me such a scare. Come down quickly, let Mother have a good look at you."
Cui Shi extended her hand, gesturing for Yu Mingyue to get out. Yu Mingyue knew the anger hidden beneath her mother's smile, and she chuckled nervously before slowly dismounting.
"Mother, look at me. I'm perfectly fine," Yu Mingyue spread her arms for Cui Shi to see.
Cui Shi nodded and smiled, "Very good. Today, we have Imperial Academician Xie to thank, otherwise, who knows what trouble your recklessness would have caused, Yue'er."
"You are too kind, Madam. Sixth Daughter is loyal and righteous, and handles matters with great prudence," Xie Jiayan said sincerely.
"This child... she's so troublesome," Cui Shi's gaze fell on her daughter. Her boldness was growing, and she needed to be disciplined.
Yu Mingyue knew she couldn't escape punishment and proactively grabbed Cui Shi's arm, trying to appease her. "Mother, you must have a lot to say to me after not seeing me all night. I'll ride in your carriage. Brother Jiayan, you escort Li Fu back. I'll visit him another day."
Yu Mingyue pulled Cui Shi's arm and walked towards the other carriage. She was sure to be confined for at least ten days to half a month.
Seeing her daughter's demeanor, Cui Shi was helpless. She turned to Xie Jiayan and said, "Then I'll trouble Imperial Academician Xie."
Xie Jiayan cupped his hands, "Madam, rest assured."
Once in the carriage, before Cui Shi could question her, Yu Mingyue knelt down. "Mother, Yue'er was wrong. I'll confess everything now."
She then recounted the entire incident to Cui Shi from beginning to end.
"Mother, Li Fu was working for me, so of course, I couldn't abandon him. I just didn't expect to worry you so much. Yue'er was wrong and will never dare to do it again," Yu Mingyue swore, raising her small hands.
Cui Shi scoffed, not believing her sweet talk. "Dare not? You dared to trespass into the Li Jing Sect. I think you dare quite a lot."
Such glib talk, she wondered who she took after.
"Mother, Yue'er truly knows she was wrong. The sect leader of Li Jing Sect was greedy and unrighteous. He took Yue'er's money but wouldn't release the person. He was so detestable. Fortunately, Brother Jiayan..." Yu Mingyue felt a wave of grievances, and she now felt sorry for her jewelry.
Cui Shi was both angry and heartbroken, but her reason wasn't completely clouded by her daughter's words. "How did Imperial Academician Xie help you? What is your relationship with him...?"