Chapter 62: Chapter 61: Perhaps It’s a Blessing!
"Stolen health? Fortune theft?" The Grand Princess was shocked, and she slammed the table angrily, "Who dares to do such insane things right under the nose of the General’s manor? Who exactly did this?"
Her anger was palpable, knowing that Ling Xiangyun was her niece, the daughter of her own brother.
In the General’s manor, they had consistently given birth to boys, and finally, they cherished this precious daughter, only to encounter such a misfortune.
No wonder the Grand Princess was so infuriated.
Ling Xiangyun’s small face turned pale, and her eyes welled up with tears. With a sobbing tone, she said, "Cousin-in-law, I’ve never harmed anyone since I was little. Who would want to harm me this way? Throughout the years, I’ve always been in poor health. The doctors even said... said that it would be extremely difficult for me to have children. I was supposed to be of age to marry, but seeing my poor health, many suitors have shied away, and later even the matchmakers were unwilling to approach. I thought it was because I accidentally fell into the pond and hurt myself, but now it turns out..."
Ling Xiangyun sniffled quietly, genuinely heartbroken.
From childhood, she had been well protected by the General’s manor, and even after falling ill, they treated her like delicate porcelain. They never expected such malice.
"We don’t know exactly who yet, but that person is definitely close to you. Fortune theft is something done gradually, usually by those nearest to you!" Yu Nianzhao said, "You think they mean well for you, yet little do you know they are after your life."
The Empress furrowed her brow, "General Ling commands great respect and surely has many enemies in secret, but if they are enemies, then how come they are close to her?"
The Grand Princess quickly replied, "Guessing won’t do us any good here. Princess Consort Su, hurry to the general’s manor and see for yourself. As long as you catch this wicked person, I’ll give you as much silver as you need."
"What’s the rush?" Yu Nianzhao smiled confidently, stood up, walked to Ling Xiangyun, and handed her a talisman, "This is the Gathering Spirit Talisman, which can gather spiritual energy within a few miles and temporarily block them from stealing your fortune. Wear it close to you. The person who is stealing from you must be in poor health and using your fortune to sustain themselves. It will only take a few days for them to expose themselves, and I will personally visit the general’s manor to help catch them."
Ling Xiangyun received the talisman with both hands, extremely grateful, "Thank you, cousin-in-law. If I hadn’t met you today, I wouldn’t have known how long I’d be kept in the dark. Cousin-in-law, you are truly my savior, and I can’t repay you enough..."
Ling Xiangyun looked at Yu Nianzhao with admiration, almost overflowing with fondness.
Xie Jiuxiao’s brows furrowed tightly, and he spoke first, "No need for any repayment, just give money."
Oh my!
Yu Nianzhao’s affinity with other women is oddly extraordinary!
The Grand Princess glared at him, "What nonsense are you talking about? Are you so fixated on money?"
Ling Xiangyun laughed through her tears, "Cousin’s reminder is right, I’ll bring the silver back and have it sent to Prince Su Mansion."
Yu Nianzhao also especially reminded her, "Xiangyun, you should be careful recently. Stay away from water, avoid walking by water routes, even if just passing by. When I first saw you, I noticed a dark haze over your forehead; there may be bloodshed soon. The adversary might utilize this chance to seize a significant part of your fortune, and if you don’t get through it, you might not have many years left."
Yu Nianzhao’s words made Ling Xiangyun’s body tremble uncontrollably.
She was so frightened!
Ling Xiangyun murmured, "No wonder cousin-in-law said earlier that I have only a few years; she saw my fate from the beginning."
"That sinister scoundrel, transferring their illness onto Xiangyun, is truly despicable. If caught, I will not spare them! A girl’s precious youth tormented by sickness is infuriating!" The Empress Dowager angrily exclaimed.
In Ling Xiangyun’s fearful moment, a pair of warm hands grasped hers. As she looked up, she saw Yu Nianzhao’s beautiful, ethereal face, radiating a bright smile that dispelled her gloom.
Yu Nianzhao laughed and said, "Why fear? Destiny is in your hands. You’re destined to meet me today, so your life is not meant to end. I am the change in your fate. Once you regain your fortune, you can still live a long life; many years remain."
Her words made even the Grand Princess view her with increased esteem.
Ling Xiangyun was moved, nodding vigorously, "Cousin-in-law, I will remember your words. Yes, destiny is in my hands. Since that person started off despicable, I must reclaim what rightfully belongs to me."
Her eyes sparkled with determination, a resolve never seen in the often ill-ridden Ling Xiangyun.
Seeing this close bond formed upon their first meeting.
Xie Jiuxiao lowered his voice and asked, "Mother, how is the Princess Consort I chose? Isn’t she quite excellent?"
The Grand Princess detected pride and self-satisfaction in his tone and rolled her eyes, "Yes, she’s quite good indeed!"
She also had to admit that Yu Nianzhao was an extraordinary woman, unquestionably a lucky star for them.
"Mother should treat her well." Xie Jiuxiao’s lips curled slightly.
"How have I not treated her well?" The Grand Princess retorted indignantly, "It’s just her orphan status that is a bit undignified."
"Mother, without Zhaozhao, I might have already been dead." Xie Jiuxiao lowered his gaze, saying just a few words that promptly quieted her.
These words were indisputable. Remembering the near-fatal incident at the New Year’s Eve banquet, she couldn’t help but shed tears.
"Moreover, Mother doesn’t truly know Zhaozhao. If you knew her true background and journey, you might cherish her even more than I do." Xie Jiuxiao picked up the tea cup, deep and starry-eyed.
The Grand Princess pondered, "What did she experience in her childhood? Was she perhaps just excessively eloquent? I am curious why the Marquis Wu’an Mansion severed ties with her?"
The Grand Princess began to feel intrigued by Yu Nianzhao.
Xie Jiuxiao corrected, "It was Zhaozhao who severed ties with them; they indeed don’t deserve to be her family."
The Grand Princess sensed the scent of gossip.
After they left, she quickly instructed her attendant, "Ms Sun, go to Prince Su Mansion and invite Ms Jiang to the palace, saying that I have things to ask her."
"Yes, Grand Princess!"
Before leaving the palace, Yu Nianzhao especially reminded the Empress once again, "Your Majesty should pay attention to diet recently, and remember to exercise appropriately. When idle, appreciate the flowers and plants; your state of mind is important."
The Empress was puzzled, her eyes somewhat bewildered, "Zhaozhao, is there something wrong with my health?"
Yu Nianzhao glanced meaningfully at her abdomen and smiled brightly, "Your Majesty shouldn’t worry; it might be a happy occasion."