Union

Chapter 127 I'm not moving anymore.

After discussing the public order and morals of Yun Gui County, Yun Ying suddenly remembered that she had something important to say.

She quickly mentioned to the Second Master that she wanted to move out.

Second Master's relaxed, smiling expression suddenly froze, and his brows furrowed.

"You said you're moving out? Is it because you're not comfortable living in this yard, or has someone been gossiping about you?"

The second master raised his eyebrows, narrowed his eyes, and his expression was tense. His handsome face was filled with a hint of hostility.

When Yunying saw the Second Master like this, the slight sadness she felt when she mentioned moving away vanished instantly.

She couldn't help but smile, her almond-shaped eyes curving into beautiful crescent shapes.

“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable living in this courtyard, nor is it that anyone has been gossiping about me. This is Second Master’s courtyard. I moved in with my maid at the time because of the emergency, and I couldn’t care less about these things. But now that the hurricane has passed, it would be inappropriate for me to stay here with Second Master and not move out.”

Second Master wanted to ask, what's wrong with this?

Can their relationship be severed simply by Yunying moving away?

To outsiders, Yunying was his favored concubine, his virtuous wife, and a woman who could rightfully and completely handle all matters in the inner quarters.

Not only do outsiders see it that way, but even the maids and servants in the inner quarters all regard Yunying as his bedmate.

It's normal for them to live in the same courtyard; if they live separately, others will start to speculate.

These words were right on Second Master's lips; he could say them as soon as he opened his mouth.

But the Second Master didn't say anything in the end.

Because he and Yunying knew the truth perfectly well.

They weren't in that kind of relationship. Even though they were interested in each other, they restrained themselves because he was already married.

After pondering for a long time, the Second Master stared intently at Yun Ying for a long time, until Yun Ying lowered her head, her mind wandering and she almost crumpled her handkerchief. Only then did the Second Master say, "If you really want to move out, that's fine too."

"Really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

The second master picked up his teacup, drank half a cup of tea, and then continued, "It's just that the courtyard you lived in before was badly damaged, so I'm sure you weren't comfortable living there. In that case, you chose to live in another courtyard."

“But the other courtyards…”

Yunying frowned, looking troubled.

"how?"

Yunying looked at the Second Master, thinking that the other courtyards weren't much better.

These houses have been home to many people, and due to limited space, each courtyard is in a terrible state of disrepair.

She had inspected the area and remembered the terrible state of the yard.

Even now, recalling those scenes makes her feel nauseous.

Although she had already sent people to thoroughly clean and tidy those courtyards, and replaced everything that needed replacing, thanks to her excellent memory, she truly felt that she couldn't bring herself to step into those courtyards.

Yunying looked troubled. The Second Master looked at her carefully, without urging her, and waited quietly for her to tell him what was wrong.

But Yunying remained silent for a long time, and the Second Master couldn't help but ask, "Is it because those courtyards have been ruined and you're bothered by it?"

Yunying turned to the side and awkwardly hummed in agreement.

"So you mean... to demolish that courtyard and rebuild it, or you can live in my courtyard first, and I'll move to one of the other courtyards?"

Upon hearing this, Yunying glared at the Second Master. "Listen to what he's saying! Is that even reasonable?"

Does demolishing and rebuilding cost nothing?
Now is a critical time for money. The gold mine hasn't been found yet, and we need to resettle the displaced people. Second Master has taken out all of his savings. Even Yunying, seeing that Second Master is strapped for cash, took out the money she got from selling her jewelry, the reward she received from Prefect Zhang, and the compensation money from the tea plantation.

With so much silver, totaling several thousand taels, the Second Master took half, and gave the other half to Yunying.

The second master even gave her an IOU, promising that the government would repay her the principal and interest at the market rate.

If it weren't for something extremely difficult, would Second Master have used her money?
Since it's been used, it means that Second Master is really that poor now.

Second Master is penniless, how could she bear to let him pay for the courtyard repairs?
If Second Master doesn't contribute money to rebuild the courtyard, will she be willing to spend that money?

Yunying thought about it and realized she was very unwilling.

Leaving aside other considerations, just demolishing and rebuilding her courtyard would be no small expense. It would definitely cost a hundred or so taels of silver, and then there would be the need to buy new furniture. All the miscellaneous costs would add up to a considerable sum.

With that money, wouldn't it be better for her to buy some land and shops to hoard? Why does she need to build a house? Who knows how many years she might be able to live in it after it's built?

Building a house would definitely not be cost-effective, and it would be even more unrealistic to ask the second master to move out and live in the front yard.

Yunying scratched her head, unable to come up with a proper solution.

Seeing that she didn't know what to do, the second master suggested, "How about this? You don't need to move yet. Just stay in this courtyard. I'll be even busier later, and I'm afraid I won't have many opportunities to come back to the mansion. You can stay here for now. Once the gold mine is mined and the county government has distributed the profits and there's a surplus, I'll take back my share of the silver, and then I'll demolish your courtyard and rebuild it."

Yunying looked at the Second Master, "Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

The second master glanced at her and said, "Why don't you pay for the reconstruction?"

Yunying quickly clutched her purse, shaking her head vigorously, "I don't have any money... I can't bear to spend this money, it feels like such a waste."

"Then you don't feel it's a waste for me to pay this money?"

That would definitely be a waste.

But isn't Second Master supposed to be rich and powerful?

She didn't feel much pain when it wasn't her own money being spent, but she did feel a bit pained when it came to spending Second Master's money.

It will be quite some time before Second Master becomes rich again, so we should reconsider whether or not to rebuild the courtyard.

"Then will you continue to live here with me?" Second Master asked.

Yunying nodded, then asked the Second Master halfway through her nod, "Is it alright?"

"It's possible. But..."

The second master's eyes held a hint of a smile as he said softly, "It's just that you brought in too many maids and servants; I find it too noisy."

"Should I send them all away?"

The Second Master didn't like maids and servants entering his courtyard. The only people who served him personally were Suiyun and three others.

She brought them in initially out of fear that the refugees would harm the maids in the courtyard, just in case. Although she later sent a group of maids and servants back to their own courtyards, there are still seven or eight left in the courtyard.

Yunying awkwardly touched her nose; with so many people, it was indeed quite noisy.

Yunying looked at the Second Master, waiting for his instructions.

If things were to go according to the Second Master's wishes, none of them would be kept. However, considering that it wouldn't matter if he lived a simple life, but Yunying was a woman and it would be inconvenient for her to be without servants, the Second Master said, "Just keep the two maids who serve you closely, and send the rest back. Is that alright?"

"That's great," Yunying nodded in agreement.

The two agreed on the matter, and it was lunchtime.

The kitchen staff prepared lunch, and a maidservant brought it over. Yunying and the Second Master ate together.

Afterwards, the Second Master did not take a lunch break and went out again to check on the progress of the road repair. Yunying called out the maids and servants in the courtyard and sent them back to the backyard.

After finishing this task, Yunying felt exhausted and quickly lay down on the chaise longue to rest.

Sui'er and Liu'er were serving her. The two maids asked absentmindedly, "Miss, we'll be living in Second Master's courtyard from now on. Are we really not going to move back?"

The two maids appeared calm on the surface, but inside they were screaming hysterically.

Why do we have to live in Second Master's courtyard? Their courtyard is very nice too.

The backyard is quiet, there aren't many messy things, and you won't see many people. If they want to lie down and rest, no one will say anything.

Conversely, living in the Second Master's courtyard, aside from other inconveniences, just the fact that they would see the Second Master every day would make them feel like they were facing a formidable enemy, trembling with fear, and their entire being would be constantly on edge. This would be extremely detrimental to their physical and mental health.

The two maids stared at Yunying expectantly, hoping to hear a rebuttal from her.

Unfortunately, they heard Yunying say, "We should be living here before the new year. As for next year, we should move next year, but we're not sure exactly when."

Good news: They will be moving.

Bad news: The relocation date is uncertain.

Sui'er and Liu'er were both amused and exasperated, wondering whether this was good news or bad news.

Whether it's good news or bad news, it doesn't stop the two girls from cheering themselves up and throwing themselves into their busy work with even more enthusiasm.

From now on, they'll be working right under Second Master's nose. If they slack off even a little... *sob*, they wouldn't dare! They'll be working ten hours a day, with only two hours for rest. They'll also have to clean their faces and eyes, and be even more observant, absolutely not getting in Second Master's way or preventing him from getting close to the young lady.

Leaving aside what Sui'er and Liu'er were thinking, let's just say that Yunying woke up from her nap and suddenly remembered something.

Second Master's birthday...

When is Second Master's birthday?

It seems like it was September, around the sixth day of the ninth month, but it's already early October!

Yunying silently cursed herself a few times.

It's not that she overlooked the Second Master's birthday; it's just that the hurricane came at the wrong time, drawing everyone's attention away.

For the past month, her mind has been preoccupied with the hurricane, and she has completely forgotten about the Second Master's birthday.

Yunying hurriedly called the Kitchen Goddess over to discuss tomorrow's menu with her—it was definitely too late today, as it was getting dark soon and it would be too late to prepare anything then; they could only wait until tomorrow.

After talking to the kitchen maid, Yunying started pacing around the room again.

What kind of birthday gift should we give to Second Master?

She's terrible at giving gifts; it always seems like she never gives anything that truly resonates with people.

What should I give as a gift? What should I give as a gift?

When Sui'er and Liu'er learned that the young lady had forgotten the Second Master's birthday, they also went crazy.

But there was nothing we could do. Back then, everyone was thinking about survival, so who cared about Second Master's birthday?

But now that I think about it, I definitely need to make up for it, and the birthday gift is absolutely essential.

Sui'er suggested, "Why don't you make a purse or a belt for Second Master, Miss?"

The purses and belts are small items; they should be able to be made in a day if we work on them quickly.

but……

Liu'er said, "Putting aside the question of whether there's enough time, just look at your needlework skills, are you sure the purses and jade belts you make are presentable?"

"Then why don't we send Second Master a painting that the young lady painted herself?"

Yunying quickly waved her hand, "Second Master is an expert in both calligraphy and painting. I'd better not embarrass myself in front of him with my meager skills."

"But..." But the portraits you drew for them last time were so lifelike. If you were to draw a portrait of the Second Master and give it to him, who knows, he might like it?

Liu'er said, "Why don't you cook a bowl of longevity noodles for Second Master yourself?"

Yun Ying's heart skipped a beat; this suggestion seemed plausible.

"But wouldn't it be too simple to just prepare a bowl of longevity noodles?"

"What does the girl think would be a good addition?"

Yunying and her two maids racked their brains trying to figure out what to prepare for the Second Master. But after much thought, they still couldn't come up with anything, so they could only wash up and go to bed feeling utterly frustrated.

Because she had something on her mind, Yunying got up very early the next day.

As luck would have it, when she pushed open the door to go out, the Second Master had just finished his morning exercise and returned to the courtyard.

The weather was gloomy today, with a slight cool breeze carrying the salty smell and chill of the sea, giving it a touch of autumn.

Yunying wore a white jacket with an indigo plum blossom and bamboo leaf embroidery collar and a beige front opening, paired with a light green brocade skirt with exotic flowers. The outfit was simple yet warm, making her fair face appear even more delicate and clear, and her whole being elegant and beautiful.

Yunying rarely wears warm colors, but today's warm-colored outfit makes her look less aloof and more gentle and delicate.

When the Second Master saw Yunying like this, he couldn't help but freeze on the spot. Then, with a slight frown, he walked towards Yunying.

"Why are you up so early today?" Second Master asked, bowing his head. He wanted to reach out and touch Yunying's cheek to see if she was cold, but under everyone's gaze, he didn't do it. He could only lower his voice and ask again, "Didn't you sleep well last night?"

After a pause, the second master added, "It's a bit chilly today, so wear a couple more layers so you don't catch a cold."

Yunying smiled, a hint of charm radiating from her eyes, making her dazzlingly beautiful. "I know, Second Master, don't worry. I slept well last night. Maybe I've been sleeping too much these past few days, so I didn't feel like sleeping anymore and woke up early. But I don't know when Second Master went out."

The Second Master was radiating heat, his black bodysuit completely soaked. Sweat streamed down his face, past his sharply defined jawline, and onto his chest, leaving a dark patch on his clothes.

Judging from this, he must have been exercising for at least half an hour, no less.

Yunying looked at the warmth emanating from the Second Master's body, then felt her own hands and feet. Her hands and feet were cold; despite wearing so many layers, she was still so cold. Her body was indeed somewhat weakened.

Thinking this to herself, Yunying urged the Second Master to quickly wash up and change his clothes.

Don't catch a cold while wearing wet clothes.

The second master agreed, took two steps out, then turned back and asked Yunying, "Shall we have breakfast together later?"

Yunying nodded quickly, "Okay."

She was just about to ask Second Master if he could come back early tonight, as she was looking forward to celebrating his birthday.