Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Breach

After some inquiry, they learned that the woman was named Bai Yulan, a resident of the capital. She had come to Yun County for personal matters, and seeing the fine weather today, she had brought her maid to enjoy a stroll. Unexpectedly, she encountered this misfortune.

The three of them got along quite well, but now the little chubby girl in Zhi’er’s arms began to grow restless, squirming incessantly.

Fubao was displeased; her mother paid her no mind and didn’t want to play with Zhi’er anymore.

The little girl babbled and fussed, so Zhi’er had no choice but to carry Fubao over.

Fubao found herself in Meng Yun’s arms and, before she could even put on her usual charm, she turned her head and saw a pair of beautiful eyes gazing at her.

Wow!

Pretty Aunt!

Is it really possible for such a small child to be attracted to pretty things?

Bai Yulan observed the chubby girl, who had just been wailing but was now staring intently at her, and couldn’t help but find the child amusing.

Suddenly, Bai Yulan’s heart grew heavy at the thought of her own circumstances.

“This child is truly adorable. Is she Miss Meng’s…?” Bai Yulan asked, seeing the young woman before her. Perhaps she was a relative.

Cradling Fubao, Meng Yun smiled and replied, “I am married. My husband’s surname is Lin. This is my daughter, her nickname is Fubao.”

“So she is the daughter of Lady Lin. I didn’t expect you to be married already,” Bai Yulan said warmly, developing a fondness for Meng Yun.

Meng Yun simply smiled, saying nothing more.

“May I hold your little one for a moment? Seeing her so gentle and sweet truly makes my heart flutter,” Bai Yulan said, looking at Fubao, whose wide eyes stared back at her, and feeling a growing affection.

“Of course, Lady Bai. There’s no need for such formality,” Meng Yun replied, glancing down at her daughter. She hadn’t realized Fubao was such a little charmer.

Gu Xiaoxiao watched as Fubao eagerly crawled into Lady Bai’s arms, recalling the twisted expression the girl had worn when in her own embrace, and suddenly felt exasperated—could it be that Fubao was a face enthusiast?

Fubao cared little for Gu Xiaoxiao’s thoughts at that moment; she was fully absorbed in admiring her beautiful aunt. Bai Yulan, now holding Fubao, noticed a faint, pleasant scent and felt a bit puzzled.

Soon, Bai Yulan realized how warm and comfortable she felt. There was a reason she had come here. Born into a wealthy family, she was the only daughter, with her father serving as Chancellor and her mother being the second daughter of the esteemed Princess Huailing. Her life had once been ideal.

However, after marrying, that happiness vanished. At first, her husband and his family treated her kindly and lovingly, but after a series of miscarriages, her health declined and their affection faded, eventually disappearing altogether. She later discovered she had merely been a stepping stone, a tool for social climbing.

With her father’s help, she divorced and, against her parents’ wishes, wandered about in search of distraction. Her grandmother often remarked she was just as stubborn as her aunt.

Bai Yulan felt comfortable now, holding Fubao, with the little one nestled close and the side benefits of what seemed like a nourishing ginseng—of course she felt warm and invigorated.

But when did this little ginseng come over?

Little Fubao chirped, “I’m Fubao!”

Bai Yulan responded, “So your name is Fubao! What a lovely and auspicious name!”

Little Fubao declared, “My grandmother gave it to me! It’s so nice!”

Bai Yulan was amused.

The two soon became engrossed in conversation. “Lady Bai really seems to enjoy children,” Gu Xiaoxiao whispered to Meng Yun.

“It’s just that my little treasure is so adorable,” Meng Yun replied with a proud smile, sipping her tea—so fragrant.

Gu Xiaoxiao: Hmph.

Soon, Bai Yulan’s boat was repaired. Reluctantly, she returned Fubao to Meng Yun and took her leave, though her heart was unwilling—after all, it wasn’t her child.

But later, seeing a certain man appear at her boatyard, she wondered if she could still go visit Fubao.

By the time Meng Yun brought Fubao home, it was already midday.

After lunch, Meng Yun chatted with Lady Meng, her mind wandering, thinking she should return home soon and wondering how her husband was faring.

Just then, Meng Xuan entered.

Meng Xuan had spent several days chasing thieves, but hadn’t found a trace. Whoever it was, they were quite skilled! Frustrated, Meng Xuan hadn’t eaten or slept well for days.

“Despicable thief! If I catch them, I’ll tear them apart!” he exclaimed.

He slammed his hand on his father’s sandalwood table, only to let out a pig-like shriek moments later, “Ah!”

Meng Yun shook her head, exasperated. “Brother, calm down. Since the storehouse was lost, let’s hold off on replenishing medicinal herbs. Why not let the shop assistants take a few days off to relax?”

“No way! If the boss doesn’t rest, neither should the employees!” Meng Xuan protested.

Meng Yun gave him a look of disdain. She knew her brother well—clearly, he was suffering from the blow.

Lady Meng sipped her tea. “You never care about anything, so what’s gotten into you today? Did someone provoke you?”

Meng Yun nodded, impressed—her mother really understood her son.

Meng Xuan remained silent. Could he admit he’d run into Gu Xiaoxiao, that shrew, and had been mocked and ridiculed?

“That’s enough, do as your sister suggests. Take a few days off. When you’re home, I have something for you to do,” Lady Meng interrupted, issuing the order.

Meng Xuan felt a sense of doom. No, he couldn’t stay home these days—he had to escape!

But soon, Meng Xuan would realize that the elderly were always more cunning! Woe is me.

“Brother, about catching thieves—aren’t there officials for that? Why are you meddling? You’re not making things worse, are you?” Meng Yun glanced at the sandalwood table, then at her brother’s “pig hoof,” and sipped her tea.

Meng Xuan was baffled. What did she mean by that?

“Listen, sister, don’t attack me personally! There were people helping, but then I heard the Prefect arrived and all the county officials were sent to greet him!”

Meng Xuan dismissed their usefulness entirely.

“The Prefect? Why did he come? Did something happen?” Lady Meng asked, surprised. Meng Yun also looked at Meng Xuan.

“I heard something about a dam breaking, flooding many villages downstream. The Emperor was furious and sent people to investigate the disaster,” Meng Xuan recalled the rumors he’d heard recently, frowning.

“What, a dam breach?” Meng Yun’s face turned pale. Her husband had gone to repair a dam—if… She was suddenly terrified.

“Don’t be so upset, sister!”