The physician Master Ming, frowned as he withdrew his fingers from Bairan's wrist.
Master Lin leaned forward said quickly,
"How is she?"
Madam Luo's voice followed softly with just the right touch of concern.
"Master Ming, did the accident harm her memory?"
Master Ming shook his head lightly.
"So her memory is damaged as well… it is understandable."
He turned toward Master Lin and explained gravely,
"Your daughter's health is in very poor condition. She has suffered heavy blood loss and her qi is unstable and her heartbeat is weak. It is a miracle she survived in such a broken body. Fortunately, she received treatment in time. Now with careful care we can help her recover completely."
Madam Luo's brows furrowed she asked gently again.
"And her memory? Will she regain it?"
Master Ming lowered his gaze.
"That.. I cannot tell for sure. She has endured too much suffering. The fact that she is still alive… that alone is worth celebration."
Then he rose to his feet and bowed toward Master Lin.
"I will write down a prescription of herbs to help her recovery."
He began to pack his things. Before Master Lin could follow him out, a soft voice stopped him.
"Father…"
Master Lin paused and turned back.
"Yes?"
Bairan's lashes trembled as she lifted her eyes.
"May I ask a favour from Father?"
He raised a brow surprised.
"A favour? Speak, A'Rou."
Bairan smiled faintly.
"I brought one of the teahouse servants with me… His name is Baian. He helped me a lot. Could he stay in our household?"
Master Lin's brows furrowed thoughtfully. Then he remembered, "You mean that boy? I had heard news of Master Mo, but he is still someone else's salve."
Bairan spoke quickly.
"His master was arrested by Master Pei's order. Master Pei already knows Baian came with me."
As she mentioned Master Pei, Master Lin's expression eased. He gave a slow nod.
"Since it is known to Master Pei, then very well."
Bairan's face brightened with relief. She bowed her head shyly.
"Thank you, Father."
Master Lin studied his daughter for a brief moment. Perhaps… perhaps she had learned from past mistakes and was no longer so willful and rash. He nodded once and withdrew.
After he left.
Madam Luo stepped closer she said with warm and careful tone.
"Tonight, we will hold a small banquet to celebrate your safe return—and also for the sake of our noble guests. Be ready, will you?"
Bairan curved her lips into a gentle smile.
"Yes, Madam. I will."
The banquet began in the early evening.
Outside hall the lanterns had already been lit. Their light casting soft halos across the courtyard.
Master Lin and Madam Luo busied themselves with the servants ensuring every detail was proper for the honoured guests.
Ruomei had changed into a more eye-catching gown of light pink embroidered with golden threads. Her lips curved into a gentle smile she setting there happily.
After the greetings were exchanged. Bairan took her seat quietly. Everyone waited for the two noble guests before the banquet could properly begin.
Soon footsteps approached. But Only Hanyue entered. His aura was calm and gentle as always his refined bearing more dazzling beneath the lantern light.
Ruomei's heart skipped. She had seen many handsome young men in town such as her sister's fiancé, Young Master Lu—but none of them carried such noble grace as Master Pei's.
Her mother's words echoed in her mind If this young master were to take a fancy to you then your life would be blessed.
her cheeks warmed up further and a flush of girlish dreams spread across her face thinking about this.
her eyes drifted toward Bairan, expecting to find her rival shamelessly staring in admiration at Master Pei's handsomeness. But to her surprise Bairan only greeted Hanyue with calm composure simpler than she thought.
Ruomei bit her lip.
Did she really just want to act ladylike after what she did?
Bairan had her thoughts elsewhere. Why did Master Pei come alone? Did his Master's headache return again? I hope not.
But she had to find a way to speak with Hanyue in private tonight anyway.
There were so many things in her mind. Earlier before the banquet Bao'er had told her that She/Ruolan had been engaged to Young Master Lu, the second son of the Lu family, since the age of sixteen. But the marriage was not completed because Ruolan's mother passed away shortly after the engagement. So she had spent the past three years in mourning, while the Lu family kept their promise and waited.
During this time, Madam Luo rose in favour within the household. Her rank became higher, and she was respected as a proper concubine after bearing a son for Master Lin There's gossip that she may have her position as the main wife soon, and she has always been respectful toward Ruolan and never made things difficult for her.
The only problem was that Madam Luo was Ruomei's mother. The relationship between Ruolan and Ruomei was like fire and water—they were always competing with one another. What made things worse was that Ruomei secretly hated Ruolan for having Master Lu, the man every young girl in town dreamed of marrying.
Second Son of the Lu family, Lu Yichen, was two years older than Ruolan and had already passed the imperial examinations two years ago, yet still honoured his engagement with her and patiently waited until her mourning period ended so they could marry next month.
Bao'er also mentioned that Ruoyu and Ruolan weren't very close. She had hesitated before admitting that the only reason her young miss had ever allowed Ruoyu near her was because of her hatred toward Ruomei.
Bairan gently touched one of her earrings to slip it soundlessly from her ear without letting anyone know, then turned her focus on the banquet.
Master Lin was talking about different things to Hanyue, who listened calmly while sipping his tea.
At that time, Ruomei lifted her cup toward Bairan. "Elder sister, let us toast for your safe return," she said sweetly.