Chapter 36: Belief
It had to be said that Yu Qizhi was extremely sharp. Even if he didn’t fully believe Yu Lingzhao’s story about the dream, he still quickly deduced who the person in his younger sister’s words was.
Thinking that his sister had been living in fear because of a dream—perhaps even losing sleep over these past few days, Yu Qizhi’s expression darkened.
"Zhaozhao, regardless of the reason, Second Brother will help you solve the problem, so do not be afraid."
Yu Qizhi’s priority was to first soothe his sister.
Looking at her brother's eyes, Yu Lingzhao knew he must be overthinking things.
She hadn't been restless day and night because of this!
Well, maybe just a tiny bit...
Yu Lingzhao furrowed her brows and looked at her second brother: "Second Brother, my point is that this dream is very real. I don't want to see everything in the dream happen again!"
Yu Lingzhao’s attitude was very intense. Seeing the skeptical look on Yu Qizhi’s face, she asked directly, "Second Brother doesn't believe me?"
Yu Qizhi had always doted on his sister.
Seeing her displeasure, he was about to say he believed her when he heard her continue, "Second Brother, you don't have to force it. No one knows the events of the future. But if I am right about what happens, you must promise me that you will remain vigilant."
Since his sister had put it that way, Yu Qizhi could only nod and agree. In truth, all Yu Lingzhao wanted was her brother's vigilance, after all, since her arrival, she had made certain choices and changed certain things.
For example, her third brother’s leg, Shangguan Bai’s mother, and the Qin family—she absolutely had to secure the Qin family.
Even if it wasn't to cut off Xiao Ning’an’s purse strings, it was to prevent the Qin family’s destruction.
Taking in an adopted son only to have that son cause the ruin of the entire family; saving a life only to have the whole family buried because of it, there is no such justice in this world.
Yu Qizhi’s mind turned quickly, and he thought of Yu Lingzhao’s plan to meet with the Qin family.
He felt a sense of doubt and uncertainty: "So, Zhaozhao, you intended to send a message to the Qin family through Xiuluo Villa long ago?"
It wasn't surprising that Yu Qizhi had only just thought of this, it was a matter of a young lady getting clothes made, something he usually didn't concern himself with.
Yu Lingzhao nodded, her tone sarcastic: "Qin Baiwan’s adopted son is wolf-hearted and dog-lunged. Just because Qin Baiwan refused to marry his beloved daughter off as a concubine, this vertical brat poisoned him to death.
The Eldest Miss of the Qin family refused to submit and ended her life with a length of white silk.
The Qin family’s entire fortune fell into the hands of the adopted son. He used the Qin family's millions in wealth to trade for the title of Count Zhongyi.
Count Zhongyi... Heh, truly laughable.
A person without virtue, conduct, shame, or righteousness—one who is neither loyal nor filial—actually obtained the title of 'Loyal and Righteous' Count. How ironic!"
Yu Qizhi felt a tremor in his heart, his brows knitting tightly together: "Zhaozhao, what you're saying... these are things that happened in the dream?"
Yu Lingzhao glanced at Yu Qizhi and said seriously, "Tomorrow, Second Brother, come with me to the Jifang Garden Teahouse to watch a good show. Then you will know if what I am saying is true or false."
Yu Qizhi remained silent. He understood Zhaozhao's character, she was not someone who would lie, and she wouldn't go so far as to use a nightmare to deceive him.
As for the matter at the Jifang Garden Teahouse tomorrow, even if Zhaozhao hadn't mentioned it, he would have followed her anyway.
Since that was the case, he stopped dwelling on it with her.
"Fine, Second Brother will go with you tomorrow. Promise me that from now on, you won't keep things hidden in your heart. You must speak up. Even if I can't help you, there is still Father and Mother."
Yu Qizhi smiled at his sister, his tone lightening. He hoped she wouldn't be too distressed by all of this.
Yu Lingzhao agreed readily. She wiped away her tears and left the study with Yu Qizhi.
Upon returning to Zhaoyang Residence, Feiyu and Zhaoxing both saw that the County Princess's eyes were red. She had clearly been crying.
Could it be that the Second Young Master had bullied her?
As soon as the thought arose, the two shook their heads in unison. Even if the Heir or the Prince bullied the County Princess, it was impossible for the Second Young Master to bully his sister.
The two maidservants didn't know what was wrong with their Miss, so they silently brought a basin of water for her to wash her face.
Yu Lingzhao was lost in thought. While being served by Feiyu, she wondered why she had suddenly opened up to Yu Qizhi.
But after thinking it over, she felt it was for the best.
Even if Yu Qizhi didn't fully believe in the dream, as long as he remained slightly vigilant, the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion would have an extra backup plan.
Yu Lingzhao did not underestimate anyone; a man as capable and talented as the Prince of Zhennan was certainly no useless person.
Furthermore, her mother came from the Cui family and had been well-versed in history since childhood. If they were prepared, perhaps they wouldn't be so passive.
Meanwhile, Yu Qizhi returned to his courtyard. Lying in bed, he tossed and turned, thinking about the dream his sister described.
She said it was because of her that the Prince's Mansion, the Prime Minister's Mansion, and even their aunt's family were implicated...
The more Yu Qizhi thought about it, the more he felt this dream might be real—a miraculous encounter and a warning sent by the Heavens to his sister.
Because Yu Qizhi knew very well that if his sister truly fell in love with someone, everyone in the Mansion would surely love that person by association.
Helping that person ascend to the throne might not be a difficult task.
The Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion held solid military achievements and actual power in their hands.
And then there was the matter of the Qin family. His sister spoke with such conviction and certainty that it didn't seem like a fabrication.
Once he accepted that the dream might be real, Yu Qizhi’s sense of vigilance immediately spiked.
Without even realizing it himself, he began to look forward to the meeting with the Qin family tomorrow.
The Next Day.
Yu Lingzhao woke up early. As Feiyu helped her dress, she specifically observed her Miss's mood. Finding that the County Princess was in a good mood, she also became happy.
Noticing Feiyu's small movements, Yu Lingzhao smiled: "What is it today, Feiyu? Why do you keep looking at me?"
"I just want to look at you, County Princess. When you are happy, I am happy too," Feiyu said with a beaming smile as she carefully finished dressing her.
Yu Lingzhao now understood the habits of her three maids.
Feiyu had a more delicate mind, one could be absolutely at ease leaving important matters for her to handle.
Huayue was skillful with her hands, whether it was making food, styling hair, or crafting items that required care like sachets, she was the one for the job.
Zhaixing had a steady temperament, possessed some medical knowledge, and was better at holding her ground in a situation.
Each of the three girls had her own strengths, they were truly rare, top-tier service talents.
As for the malice directed toward these three girls in the original book, Yu Lingzhao found it truly baffling.
To have three such wonderful maids, she was honestly more happy than she could say. "There is something even better to be happy about, I'm taking you out to stroll around the capital today."
Yu Lingzhao figured that since she had to meet the Qin family anyway, she might as well just take a walk around the capital.
She had been in the capital for over a month and had yet to properly go out and see the sights.
Upon hearing they could go out for a stroll, Feiyu was also very happy and immediately bowed in thanks: "Thank you, County Princess, I am indeed even happier now."
Huayue watched eagerly from the side, and although Zhaixing was more composed, her eyes couldn't help but drift toward her Miss as well.
Yu Lingzhao laughed and said readily: "Everyone is going! Today we shall see for ourselves how the prosperity of the capital differs from the South."
Huayue and Zhaixing also bowed together, "Thank you, County Princess."
Yu Lingzhao gave Zhaixing a smile, "Go tell Third Brother to have his silver ready."
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