Yu Miaoyan had always known Yu Mingyue to be sharp-tongued, but it was only when she heard her taunt Madam Feng that she realized her sixth sister had been holding back her words when speaking to them.
And that arrow, it had scared her so much her heart nearly leaped out of her chest, and it had even caused Madam Feng to break her leg.
Thinking of this, Yu Miaoyan felt a chill on her ears and her legs went weak.
Sixth sister was definitely a ruthless one; she shouldn't try to court trouble.
"Eldest sister is becoming more and more like a proper elder sister."
"Of course."
"Keep it up!"
...
Yu Miaoyan was beaming with pride when she suddenly noticed Yu Miaoling and her own brother suppressing laughter.
It was then she realized that Yu Mingyue's tone was clearly that of an adult praising a child, like saying "Good job, baby."
She was so angry she wanted to slam down her chopsticks.
However, she didn't.
They continued their meal.
Yu Mingyue had eaten her fill and slept well, and was in a good mood.
The moonlight was lovely, perfect for a stroll to aid digestion. She felt that while Eldest sister was a bit foolish, she wasn't irredeemably bad. Today, she seemed quite endearing; she should continue this way.
Moonlight, a gentle breeze, and then...
Yu Mingyue saw Xie Jiayan.
"Brother Jiayan," she said, running towards him with her skirt in hand.
Brother Jiayan had also sent gifts today: wild delicacies and vegetables. The delicacies had been used to stew chicken, and the vegetables were stir-fried, making for a delicious dish.
"I heard you weren't feeling well today?" Xie Jiayan asked.
"No, I just... slept through the spring dawn," Yu Mingyue replied playfully.
Xie Jiayan smiled at her words. As expected of a child; yesterday she was worried, and today she was in good spirits.
"We'll be returning to the capital the day after tomorrow. Enjoy yourself tomorrow." He remembered she liked hunting.
Yu Mingyue's interest immediately waned. "I always went with my brother. It's a bit boring this year, and Brother Tingyun isn't here either."
Xie Jiayan watched her smile instantly dim, feeling an inexplicable irritation.
"Brother Jiayan?"
Yu Mingyue noticed that Xie Jiayan had fallen silent again.
In fact, when they were alone, it was mostly Yu Mingyue who did the talking, and she had grown accustomed to it.
However, he also looked unwell.
He was usually so composed; it was rare for him to show his emotions so openly.
Others might not have noticed.
But Yu Mingyue, wanting to befriend him, paid close attention to his expressions.
"Hmm?"
"Does Brother Jiayan have something on his mind?"
"Why do you say that?"
"I noticed Brother Jiayan hasn't been in a good mood for the past two days," Yu Mingyue said, deliberately watching Xie Jiayan's face.
"No!" Xie Jiayan quickly replied. "Perhaps I'm just a bit tired."
"..." Honestly, it didn't seem like it.
However, if Xie Jiayan didn't want to talk about it, Yu Mingyue had no intention of asking.
"Then Brother Jiayan should rest early. I was just about to go find Youyou." Yu Mingyue felt that he might find her chatter annoying at this moment, so it was best not to provoke him.
"..." Before Xie Jiayan could speak, he watched her quickly curtsy and hurry away with Chidan.
Xie Jiayan clutched the sachet at his waist, his eyes darkening further.
On the last day of the hunt, Yu Mingyue, though not very enthusiastic, still went. After all, it was a rare opportunity, and she could treat it as a distraction.
"Sixth sister's horse is so beautiful," Yu Miaoyan couldn't help but praise.
This time, it was genuine praise, not envy.
"My maternal uncle gave it to me. If Eldest sister likes it, I can lend it to you for a ride." Yu Mingyue said generously.
"Really?" Yu Miaoyan could hardly believe it.
"Just kidding."
Yu Miaoyan fell for it, puffing out her cheeks in annoyance, looking like she was angry but dared not speak.