Chapter 16: The Departure Date is Set

Suddenly, the main hall fell into a silence, each person lost in their own thoughts.

Seeing that Yunyi from the Second Branch had already agreed, the Old Madam found it difficult to say anything more. Regardless, she had to leave some face for Madam Feng, as she was the managing lady in charge of the household affairs.

The members of the First Branch were internally excited, but they dared not show it for fear of ruining things—especially the legitimate daughter of the First Branch, Zhan Yunhui. Her mother had previously mentioned that her Second Aunt's dowry consisted entirely of top-tier and exquisite goods.

Furthermore, there were the gifts sent by the Duke of Wu's residence during every festival over the years, each one a rare treasure. With her marriage only six months away, the dowry provided by the Marquis's household for legitimate and concubine-born daughters was strictly regulated.

What remained would be the private property provided by her parents, supplemented by the additional dowries from these close relatives. Her mother's maternal family had fallen into decline, so her mother's own dowry could only be described as mediocre and standard.

Her mother had previously remarked that if Second Aunt's private treasury could be brought over, her dowry would be several times more lavish. Thinking of this, the way she looked at her third sister changed, her gaze now tinged with contempt.

As for the Third and Fourth Branches, they had only heard this news today. They all looked over, their minds racing to figure out the situation and why the First Branch was acting this way. Everyone knew that the First Branch would never act without a profit in mind.

Though the Third Branch had only recently returned to the capital, they were all shrewd individuals. Glancing at the Heir's wife from the First Branch, whose smile she could not hide, and then at the dejected mood of the Third Miss, they seemed to understand something.

As for the Fourth Branch, although they had long known the First Branch's intentions, they held no voice in the household. Besides, it was none of their business; regardless of what happened, they wouldn't be able to claim even a fraction of what belonged to the Second Branch.

Yunyi scanned the seated crowd with her peripheral vision, taking everything in. She sneered inwardly; it seemed one truly could not expect even a shred of genuine affection in these ancient high-ranking households. Only Grandmother held a piece of true sincerity, and even that was likely only so long as it did not involve the interests of the Marquis's household or her own.

With this realization, Yunyi made her decision. There was only one wish she needed to fulfill for the original owner of this body: to find her biological younger brother. She hoped that child was still alive and that she could find him.

This had always been the original owner's obsession. Thus, she said silently to herself, *Don't worry, Zhan Yunyi. From this moment on, I, Xiao Yunyi, am taking over your life—except for the fact that I won't be meeting that so-called father of yours.*

*Rest assured, I will do my utmost to fulfill your wish, to find your biological brother and treat him well. As for the Zhan family, I am sorry, but I cannot prioritize them; I only want to live the life I desire.*

The Heir's wife, Madam Feng, spoke with a smile, "Then let us set off in three days. What do you think, Yunyi? This will give the people in Zhudi Residence time to pack and allow you a few more days to recuperate. Everything must be centered around your health.

The Old Madam dotes on you most of all; we cannot let your grandmother worry about you any longer. What do you say?"

Yunyi sneered inwardly. *How impatient they are.* Hadn't they said that women in the inner courts of ancient times were masters of scheming and house fighting? Was this what a master looked like? Yunyi felt like laughing at her own wandering thoughts.

Yunyi replied, "Very well, I shall do as Aunt says. I will return shortly and instruct the maids in my courtyard to begin packing." After speaking, she turned to look at the Old Madam of the Marquis's household seated at the head.

Her eyes were filled with profound reluctance as she continued, "It is just that, in doing so, Yunyi will not be able to stay by Grandmother's side frequently to offer my daily greetings. Grandmother, I will miss you. I hope you and Grandfather will be happy and find everything to your liking in the days to come. I will frequently transcribe scriptures for you and Grandfather to pray for your health and peace. Once I have recovered, I will return to serve you both and repay the kindness and love you have shown me." As a modern person, she was quite adept at such performances.

(End of Chapter)