Chapter 31: Wanting to Protect Oneself

Upon entering the hall, Lin Jinyan led Yutong and Manao to pay their respects to Bai Yiran, and then instructed Manao to present the prayer beads the old lady had sent to Bai Yiran.

Bai Yiran smiled and said, "The old lady is truly too kind; I am most grateful. Is this girl one of the servants attending the old lady?"

Lin Jinyan sat down beside Bai Yiran, glanced at Manao beside her, and replied

"Manao is Grandmother's most capable maid. Since two of the maids by my side were sold off, Grandmother, out of affection, sent Manao to look after me."

Bai Yiran smiled. "The old lady is truly compassionate. Yan'er, we will have to trouble you to look after her in the future."

Manoa bowed deeply and said, "I do not deserve such a word of trouble from the General's wife. It is a servant's duty to care for the Young Mistress. Manao will surely serve with utmost care in the future; please rest assured, General's wife."

Bai Yiran laughed. "She is a clever one. Qiurong, go inside and bring me that pair of red jade earrings from my dressing table."

Qiurong complied and went into the inner room to fetch the earrings. After taking them, Bai Yiran said to Manao

"Come, this color is too vibrant; it is no longer suitable for someone of my age, but it will suit you perfectly."

Manao stepped forward, bending down to receive them with both hands. "Thank you for the reward, Madam. You maintain yourself so well that you look as if you are in the prime of your youth."

Bai Yiran burst into laughter. "Hahaha, this girl has such a sweet tongue! No wonder the old lady likes her. Come, Yan'er, let me check your pulse."

Lin Jinyan smiled as she extended her hand and said to Qiurong, "Sister Qiurong, please take Yutong and Manao downstairs to rest for a while. I wish to have some private conversation with my Aunt."

Qiurong smiled and agreed. "Yes, Young Mistress. I will take these two sisters downstairs for some sweet treats. Qiu Ling will wait at the door; if the Madam or Young Mistress need anything, just call her."

Having seen Bai Yiran nod, she led Yutong and Manao out of the hall.

Bai Yiran came from the martial world; her temperament was gentle yet free-spirited. She did not possess the many formalities of an official's wife, nor did she enjoy attending banquets at various manors in her daily life. She preferred tinkering with medicinal herbs and medical arts; even for palace banquets, she would not attend unless absolutely necessary. Over time, no manor sent her invitations anymore.

However, she loved Lin Jinyan as if she were her own child. Of all the official residences in Taian City, she visited the Lin manor most frequently.

After finishing the pulse reading, Bai Yiran was completely relieved

"You are fine now. Continue using the herbal soak packets I left for another two days; it will help dispel the coldness from your body, which is good for your health."

Lin Jinyan withdrew her hand, straightened her sleeves, and smiled. "I am deeply grateful to Aunt for your hard work for me these past few days. However, I have one request, and I hope you will grant it."

Bai Yiran smiled. "We are family, what is there to thank me for? Tell me, what is it?"

Lin Jinyan said seriously, "Aunt, I want to find two maids. They must have clean backgrounds, be loyal to me, possess martial arts skills, and understand medical arts. Furthermore, no one in the Lin family except for me can know that they possess medical skills or combat abilities."

Hearing this, Bai Yiran asked in surprise

"What do you need maids with medical skills and combat abilities for? And why must the Lin family not know?"

Lin Jinyan said solemnly

"Aunt, when I fell into the water this time and suffered from high fever and nightmares, I saw many unsettling things. Although I know they were dreams, I still cannot feel at ease. This fall was also truly strange—how could I have lost my footing for no reason in the place where I grew up?

You and the other elders show me much affection, but you cannot be by my side at all times. Having these two people by my side to ensure my safety will allow me to sleep soundly.

Regarding this matter, I only told Father and Brother that I wanted your help to find a maid skilled in martial arts, but I have only mentioned the need for medical skills to you, Aunt. I thought that if someone truly intends to harm me, having a healer by my side whom no one else knows about could save my life."

(End of Chapter)