Chapter 5 – Part 1: Her Life Is Over 1

Liu Yuru was surprised when she received the order of grounding from Concubine Yue. 

Although Concubine Yue wasn’t particularly good to her, she had always maintained the facade of a loving mother to please Liu Xuan. Despite her status as a concubine, her conduct was never inferior to that of the principal wife. Over the years, she had neither nurtured nor restricted Liu Yuru. Grounding her now, because of Gu Jiusi’s prank, was rather puzzling.

Guixiang, the maid who delivered the message, saw Liu Yuru’s confusion. “Miss, please don’t blame Concubine Yue.” She explained with a smile, “My lady says your situation is different now. This grounding is meant to demonstrate the strict discipline of the Liu family, for the sake of your reputation. Please understand.”

Guixiang’s words seemed reasonable. If Liu Yuru didn’t know Concubine Yue well, she might have mistaken her for the most caring stepmother. However, she understood that Concubine Yue would never act without potential gain. This sudden show of concern unsettled Liu Yuru, but she concealed her unease and obediently accepted the punishment.

After sending Guixiang away, she retrieved a needle and thread before joining Yin Hong in the small courtyard to embroider flowers.

Yin Hong, ever direct, asked with puzzlement, “Miss, what do you think made Concubine Yue suddenly change and begin to consider you sincerely?”

Liu Yuru’s hand paused mid-stitch. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Perhaps she fears something will jeopardize my marriage to the Ye family.” After all, her marriage represented cold, gleaming silver in Concubine Yue’s eyes. 

Liu Yuru had no di^[1]di means to be a legitimate, full blood related kin, sharing both the legitimate mother and father. They have legitimacy rights to the family inheritance over the shu borne (illegitimate) son/brother … Continue reading brother, meaning Concubine Yue’s son would inherit the Liu family’s property. Throughout the years, Concubine Yue was well aware and never hindered Liu Yuru’s search for a good match. Their lack of conflict of interest, and even their veiled alliance, had kept the inner workings of the Liu Mansion harmonious over the years.  

Liu Yuru understood that with her mother lacking a son, her own advantageous marriage was the best way to ensure her mother’s well-being. If she married well, Concubine Yue would be forced to treat her mother kindly, if only for her own sake.

For women, birth was the first reincarnation, determining their fate before marriage. Marriage, then, was the second reincarnation, shaping the rest of a woman’s life. Liu Yuru believed in this principle, so from the time she could understand, she tirelessly sought a good marriage.

Now that she had finally obtained it, perhaps that was why Concubine Yue changed her attitude? 

The thought brought Liu Yuru some relief. She finished embroidering a pair of mandarin ducks. Her eyes felt a bit sore so she put down her needlework and went into her room.

“Miss,” Yin Hong, knowing what she was about to do, couldn’t help but find it strange. “Reading again?”

Liu Yuru nodded, took out a book called “Record of the Little Stone Mountain,” and said softly, “Last time when I went to the Ye Residence, Ah Yun told me that Young Master Ye had read this book before and liked it very much. I must keep up so that I can have something to talk about with him in the future.”

Hearing this, Yin Hong sighed. “Miss, you’re thinking too far ahead. You’ve almost become a scholarly lady just to have something to discuss with Young Master Ye.”

Liu Yuru just smiled and said nothing more. She lowered her head and began reading the book.

From the moment she decided to marry Ye Shi’an, she had subtly inquired about him from Ye Yun.

Ye Yun understood her friend’s feelings and was always forthcoming with information.

Liu Yuru knew all his favorite books and hobbies. Over the years, she had carefully prepared herself to be compatible with Ye Shi’an. She read the same books he enjoyed, learned the four arts, could present a few pieces of poetry, and even meticulously copied Ye Shi’an’s elegant handwriting.

She had silently made countless efforts, all for the day she could marry Ye Shi’an.

The more a person pours their heart and effort into something, the more likely they are to develop rosy expectations. She had only met Ye Shi’an a few times and hadn’t spoken much with him since he left for Bailu Academy at the age of thirteen. Her impression of him stemmed from his boyhood. But in her heart, she felt she liked, or perhaps ought to like, Ye Shi’an. The thought of marrying anyone else never crossed her mind.

She looked at “Record of the Little Stone Mountain,” imagining Ye Shi’an reading the same book and wondering what he would think. When she finished reading, she sighed, looked at Yin Hong, and said with a hint of distress, “When do you think Young Master Ye will return?”

“Don’t worry,” Yin Hong said with a smile. “Young Master Ye will be back soon.” She lowered her voice to a playful whisper, “He’ll be back to marry you!”

“Don’t talk nonsense!” Liu Yuru pushed her, but her smile lingered. She relaxed a bit in private, and Yin Hong knew it. They played around for a while before Liu Yuru washed up and went to bed.

Before sleeping, she lay with her eyes open, staring at the book beside her. Somehow, the words slipped out softly, “Young Master Ye, you must return soon. My whole life depends on you.” 

With that said, she hugged the book close, as if embracing all her hopes.

The next morning, Liu Yuru got up as usual. After copying a few pages of calligraphy, she heard a commotion outside. Finding it strange, she said to Yin Hong, “Go see what’s happening.”

Yin Hong did as instructed but returned shortly after. “Miss, the guard outside said you’re grounded. I can’t go out either. He’s sent someone to check and will let us know soon.”

Liu Yuru nodded, a sense of unease lingering. After a while, breakfast was delivered. Liu Yuru asked the maid who brought the meal, “Please trouble yourself to tell Concubine Yue that I want to see my mother. Could you ask if that’s possible?”

The maid agreed and left. As Liu Yuru waited, Yin Hong beside her said, “Miss, why don’t you eat something first? You can wait for the news after eating.”

Liu Yuru knew Yin Hong was right. There was no use panicking until she understood the situation. While pretending to be calm, she ate breakfast, then waited for the news.

However, after a short while, her eyes began to feel heavy. An overwhelming wave of drowsiness washed over her, making her uncomfortable. “Yin Hong, how did I suddenly get so sleepy?”

“Sleepy?” Yin Hong seemed puzzled. “Miss, why don’t you take a nap?”

Liu Yuru felt confused and incredibly sleepy. Nodding hazily, she let Yin Hong help her to bed. 

“Miss, did you not sleep well last night?” Yin Hong asked with a smile.

Liu Yuru said nothing. The moment her head touched the pillow, she fell into a deep sleep.

She slept for a long time. When she woke, it was already afternoon. Yin Hong gently called her, “Miss, Miss.”

Liu Yuru felt disoriented. Yin Hong hurriedly said, “Miss, get up. Concubine Yue is here. She said she has something to tell you.”

Hearing this, Liu Yuru rose quickly. A dull ache throbbed in her head, an unnatural discomfort that set her nerves on edge. Despite the confusion swirling within her, she forced herself to her feet, washed her face with cool water, and proceeded to her outer chamber.

Concubine Yue had been waiting. Upon seeing Liu Yuru, a hint of sorrow crossed her face. “Yuru…”

Liu Yuru’s heart sank at Concubine Yue’s expression.