CHAPTER 559: 219 THE HEAVENLY DAO BEARS THE CONSEQUENCES OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

Liu Runxi dropped Yu Ruohuan off at the hotel. Before Yu Ruohuan could even steady herself, the car door slammed shut ruthlessly, speeding off without a moment’s hesitation.

Yu Ruohuan inhaled a mouthful of exhaust fumes, yet she wasn’t angered. Curling her lips into a faint smile, she turned and stepped into the hotel.

Jing Zhan was so exhausted his arms and legs were practically immobile. He rushed back to his room and collapsed onto the bed.

Yu Ruohuan walked out of the bathroom draped in a bath towel, and the phone on the table began ringing.

She walked over, glanced at the caller ID, and a smile appeared at the corner of her lips as she picked up the call.

"Mom, it’s so late. Why haven’t you gone to sleep yet?"

"Huanhuan, the winter camp has already ended. Why haven’t you returned home?"

A soft and tender woman’s voice came through the phone.

"I took a trip to Qingzhou."

"Qingzhou? The jade token?"

"Not entirely because of that. I met some interesting people."

Yu Ruohuan lowered her gaze, fiddling with the belt on her bathrobe.

"You always make excuses to have fun. Come back soon; your second aunt is hosting a Plum Blossom Banquet."

Yu Ruohuan pulled a sarcastic smile. "She’s hosting her banquet. What does it have to do with me?"

"You shouldn’t say things like that. Your great-grandmother adores her. If you show her some respect, it’ll make your great-grandmother happy."

"I’ve given her enough leeway over the years. That’s why she now dares to act high and mighty over you and me. As for this Plum Blossom Banquet, I suggest you don’t attend—otherwise, she’ll surely run to great-grandmother afterward and claim you stole her spotlight."

The woman on the other end sighed softly. "There’s no helping it. She’s your second aunt, after all. Your second uncle is no good, and she’s the niece-granddaughter from your great-grandmother’s maiden family. Your great-grandmother is sentimental and never forgets that childhood favor her cousin once did her. So long as she doesn’t overstep too much, we can only turn a blind eye."

"And during all these years, just how many slights have you suffered in silence? There’s no way I’ll put up with it. Go if you want to. For New Year’s, I’ll be in Yunzhou attending a birthday banquet. I won’t be coming back."

The woman listened to the busy tone as the call disconnected, letting out another sigh.

Kids grow up, develop wings, and can no longer be restrained.

"Madam," a respectful voice of a maid rang from outside the door.

"What is it?"

"Second Madam is hosting the Plum Blossom Banquet and said she’s short on teaware. She’s hoping to borrow your Longquan tea set."

Wei Zhuhua’s temple twitched.

The maid outside continued, "Second Madam thoughtfully acknowledged the tea set is a precious item within your private collection. It’s entirely reasonable if you’re unwilling, but with several Jingzhou upper-class nobles attending the banquet, she worries about offending the esteemed guests and plans to plead with the Old Madam."

So, this was a threat.

In recent days, Mei Qingdai had used the banquet as an excuse to "borrow" plenty of items from her—none of which had ever been returned.

And now, she was going after the Longquan tea set.

This tea set had been part of Wei Zhuhua’s dowry when she married.

Already filled with resentment towards her stingy sister-in-law, Wei Zhuhua had always refrained from lashing out, adhering to her cultivated manners. These were just worldly possessions, after all; if Mei Qingdai cherished them, then she could have them. As long as they didn’t escalate matters by involving the Old Madam.

The older the Old Madam got, the more partial she became to the younger generation—and especially to this niece-granddaughter, who could effortlessly sweet-talk her. Wei Zhuhua had no interest in inviting useless conflicts and preferred to spend money for peace of mind.

Wei Zhuhua instructed her personal maid to retrieve the tea set from the storeroom. She handed it over to Mei Qingdai’s maid and dismissed them.

Just as she settled down to rest, hurried footsteps sounded outside.

"Madam, something has happened."

No matter how patient she was, Wei Zhuhua couldn’t help but feel a flicker of irritation. "What has Second Madam done now?"

The maid stepped inside, closing the door before quickly approaching Wei Zhuhua.

"Madam, it’s Silent Garden. There’s been an incident."

Wei Zhuhua’s brow twitched.

Silent Garden was a taboo among the Yu family.

Ever since she took charge of household affairs, everything related to the Yu family had been under her supervision—except for Silent Garden.

It wasn’t until last year, when the Old Madam suffered a serious illness and lost much of her energy, that she started managing Silent Garden.

Only then did she uncover the secrets of Silent Garden.

Wei Zhuhua maintained her composure and asked evenly, "What happened? Speak slowly."

"That couple attempted suicide last night."

Wei Zhuhua’s breathing hitched, her face growing a shade paler.

"How are they...? Are they alive?"

"The rope wasn’t strong enough. They fell to the ground. Apart from some scrapes, they’re not seriously injured. But..."

Wei Zhuhua had barely begun to relax when the maid’s pause stoked her nerves once again.

"But what? Speak clearly!"

"The old woman looks unwell—she might not survive the winter. The old man’s spirit seems broken as well. In short..."

The maid shook her head gently.

Wei Zhuhua exhaled heavily. "Send for a doctor immediately, and warn the attendants inside—ensure their food and warmth are properly managed. If anyone dares to neglect their duties, there will be consequences."