CHAPTER 628: 242 A PIGEON OCCUPIES A MAGPIE’S NEST

Lady Mei followed behind Mei Qingdai cautiously as they stepped into the meditation hall.

The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air. Old Madam Yu knelt facing the deity, her back turned toward the entrance.

She was clad in moonwhite silk, a fabric of extraordinary rarity, once exclusive to noblewomen in the imperial court, valued at the price of a thousand gold coins per bolt.

The silk’s worth lay in its shimmering cloud patterns, created through the intricate art of double-sided embroidery—an ancient technique rumored to have long been lost to time. It is said that this stitching method was rediscovered only after studying garments unearthed from ancient tombs. Such attire is no longer suited for daily wear but rather showcased in museums.

Old Madam Yu’s moonwhite silk robe, modest at first glance, revealed its brilliance upon closer inspection. Under sunlight, the cloud-like patterns glimmered like golden waves, dazzling yet elegant.

It was understated sophistication at its finest.

Lady Mei gazed at the moonwhite silk with a hint of yearning in her eyes.

Would she ever have the chance to wear moonwhite silk in her lifetime?

Her eyes then swept across the meditation hall—it radiated luxury at every turn. Even the altar table was carved from golden-thread nanmu, and the deity statue was cast entirely in gold. A single glance was enough to feel overwhelmed by its overwhelming radiance.

Lady Mei quickly lowered her gaze, averting her eyes from the sight.

"Grandmother." Mei Qingdai knelt down on a prayer mat beside Old Madam Yu, her voice tender and filled with a coy affection.

Lady Mei followed suit, kneeling on another mat.

"It took me so much effort to organize the plum blossom banquet, but it was completely ruined by my eldest sister-in-law and her daughter. Grandmother, aren’t they clearly trying to spite me? You must stand up for me."

Mei Qingdai shed a few tears, yet Old Madam Yu remained still, not even sparing her a glance.

The Buddha beads in her hand moved steadily, gliding through her fingers without the slightest deviation.

"Grandmother~"

Mei Lvge opened her eyes and raised her arm slightly. Mei Qingdai promptly held onto her for support.

Mei Lvge rose slowly and seated herself in a nearby carved yellow pearwood chair. Mei Qingdai knelt down beside her and began to gently massage her legs.

Lady Mei poured a cup of tea and offered it respectfully to Mei Lvge.

Mei Lvge raised her eyes and gave Lady Mei a brief glance. Lady Mei offered a polite, reserved smile.

Mei Lvge sipped the tea and remarked indifferently, "So? What do you want me to do?"

"Naturally, they should be summoned and properly chastised, especially Ruohuan. She lacks even a shred of feminine propriety. She’s completely disgraced the Yu family. That little girl thinks far too highly of herself. Today, she was humiliated publicly by that boy from the Gu family. Grandmother, you have no idea how the noblewomen will gossip behind our backs after today. If Ruohuan doesn’t marry that boy from the Gu family, then the Yu family will be unable to salvage its reputation. Her name is ruined now. Beyond our Jun Zhe, who else can she marry?"

Lady Mei cast a covert glance at Mei Qingdai. Sometimes, she had to admire her little sister-in-law’s incomprehensible confidence.

Today’s spectacle may have embarrassed the Yu family, but Yu Ruohuan’s prospects weren’t bleak—quite the opposite. Suitable suitors would likely be lining up in greater numbers.

She refrained from speaking her mind, realizing that her Jun Zhe was unlikely to want anything to do with this mess.

But such an occasion was not the right time for her to express her opinion.

Mei Lvge chuckled coldly, "Yao Huixing has certainly raised quite a fine grandson."

"Grandmother, why are you siding with the Gu family?"

"If the Gu family hadn’t raised such an exceptional grandson, would that mother-daughter pair embarrass themselves clinging onto them? What is it they’re after?"

Mei Qingdai pursed her lips. "Our Jun Zhe isn’t any worse."

"Enough. Ruohuan’s marriage will be handled by her father. Don’t concern yourself with it. Better spend your energies worrying about your own matters."

Mei Qingdai froze. "Grandmother, you previously promised me you would match Ruohuan with Jun Zhe."

Mei Lvge cast her a deliberate glance. "When did I ever promise you that?"

Mei Qingdai: ...

Well, sometimes the older generation really knew how to outmaneuver her.

"Don’t go out tomorrow. I’ve invited a senior physician to examine you."

Mei Qingdai immediately deflated, lowering her head with a meek expression, entirely stripped of the arrogance she had exhibited upon entering the hall.

"Grandmother... I... my health has been fine. I’ve been taking my medicine on schedule. Perhaps there’s no need for the examination?"

"This senior physician is a disciple of Leng Baiwei, the renowned expert in gynecology. They’ve been reclusive in Queshan for years, but upon hearing they came down from the mountains, I invited them straightaway. Are you certain you don’t wish to see them?"

Mei Qingdai paused in disbelief—it was Leng Baiwei’s disciple.

Leng Baiwei hailed from the Leng family of legendary physicians. In ancient times, gynecology had seldom been valued, yet Leng Baiwei defied societal norms, dedicating herself to the study of women’s health and curing countless patients. Even the Empress’s infertility was remedied by her. The Empress had awarded Leng Baiwei the title of "Gynecological Sage," presenting her with a golden plaque to commemorate the achievement, and her reputation spread far and wide.