The Illegitimate Daughter

"Ari told me you had a nightmare last night, my lady?" Aman came over early in the morning to attend to Murong Yu and noticed her less-than-stellar complexion.

"It's nothing," Murong Yu shook her head and said. After freshening up and having her breakfast, she headed straight for the stable.

"How was he last night?" Murong Yu felt Ji Chengxuan's forehead, inquiring.

"Lady Yu, he had a high fever all night last night. I fed him medicine and water, and it wasn't until the latter half of the night that his fever finally subsided." the guard reported, busy pouring freshly brewed medicine.

"Aman, remember to tell the accountant to increase this month's pay by thirty percent." Murong Yu instructed.

"Yes, my lady." Aman acknowledged.

"Thank you, Lady Yu," the guard said. He also seemed quite pleased.

"I've already notified the kitchen. They will send over food soon." Murong Yu informed the guard. "Continue to take care of him. When he wakes up, tell him he survived this ordeal. He'll be working as my groom from now on."

After sending Murong Yu away, the guard returned to find that Ji Chengxuan had already awoken.

"You're a lucky one. You've caught Lady Yu's eye. Heal well; soon you'll be her groom," the guard said, somewhat enviously.

Ji Chengxuan lay in silence. He had already awakened when Murong Yu had touched his forehead. Her hand, warm like jade against his forehead, almost made his heart jump into his throat. 

However, Ji Chengxuan soon scoffed at the thought, 'What game was this sister and brother duo playing? One wanted my life, and the other showed compassion, wishing to save me and even wanting me to work as a groom. Perhaps she found me interesting because I survived such injuries. After all, someone as pampered as she had probably never encountered a hard-to-kill rat like me.'

Taking the medicine offered by the guard, Ji Chengxuan drank it slowly but left not a drop. He thought, 'If Lady Yu found me interesting, I would serve her well. Until, of course, she found me uninteresting...' Ji Chengxuan thought. He pursed his lips, refusing to think any further.

Murong Yu and Aman had already arrived at the Temple of Benevolent Virtue. After lighting the incense and making a donation, they released a mink in the temple's backyard pine forest.

"My lady, shall we take a walk to clear our minds, or should we head back?" Aman asked, watching the purple mink scamper away.

"Let's take a walk," Murong Yu said. She felt much more at ease since arriving at the temple.

Aman also thought a walk was a good idea because she noticed that Murong Yu had been distracted since yesterday, often lost in her thoughts.

"My lady, you don't need to worry too much. Old Mrs. Li has always been healthy, and our madam even personally visited her." Aman comforted, supporting Murong Yu.

Murong Yu nodded, taking a stroll with Aman, absorbing the temple's serene atmosphere, feeling much more clear-headed before deciding to head back home. She planned to check on Ji Chengxuan at the stable and crossed the backyard only to spot two women admiring chrysanthemums in the garden, chatting and laughing.

Annoyed by the sight of them, Murong Yu had no intention of engaging in conversation.

"Yu, back from the temple?" Murong Rui spoke, her voice a mix of innocence, romance, and softness.

Murong Rui was the only illegitimate daughter in the mansion. Beside her, Huo Hongyu lifted her chin, her expression filled with arrogance.

Murong Yu gave them a sidelong glance and passed by without uttering a word.

"Yu, won't you join us in enjoying the flowers?" Murong Rui called after Murong Yu but she ignored her.

"What's gotten into her?" Murong Rui paused, a look of disappointment settling on her charming face. "I went over this morning, and they said she went to the Temple of Benevolent Virtue. Why does she seem to be in a bad mood?"

Endearing and fragile, Murong Rui looked like a beautiful blossom, her delicate demeanor evoked compassion from others.