Qiao Nian finally met the old lady.
When she arrived, the old lady had just taken her medicine and was listlessly propped up against the headboard. Only upon hearing from Mama Su that Qiao Nian was here did she seem to find some vigor, sitting up.
"Grandmother!" Qiao Nian hurried over.
Before coming, she had promised herself not to cry in front of the old lady, lest she cause her distress.
But seeing her grandmother so frail and weak, tears fell unbidden from her eyes.
How little time had passed!
Since returning to the Marquis's residence, her grandmother seemed like a different person. Her complexion was ashen, and she exuded an air of impending departure.
Qiao Nian's heart felt like it was shattering just looking at her.
The old lady, however, smiled and reached out to wipe her tears, "My dear girl, you've suffered..."
She was unaware of the incident with Lady Lin hitting Qiao Nian's head; she was referring to the matter where Lin Ye had wronged her.
Qiao Nian, to soothe her grandmother, quickly shook her head, "No, no, your granddaughter escaped, she's quite the brave one!"
"Good, good!" The old lady nodded in satisfaction, "My Nian is indeed the bravest! She won't be harmed by such petty villains!"
The old lady was calling her only grandson a petty villain.
Qiao Nian felt a stir in her heart and couldn't help but call out softly, "Grandmother..."
It seemed that just by saying this one word, all her grievances were alleviated.
The old lady, pained, caressed Qiao Nian's cheek, "I know you kept quiet out of concern for me, and I know you spared your brother for my sake. But Nian, in my heart, you are the most important! So, if you want to do anything, do not worry about me, just do it! I only wish for your peace and happiness; everything else is of no consequence!"
Qiao Nian looked at the old lady in surprise; she had expected some comforting words for the sake of the mansion's only male heir.
Unlike the Marquis and Lady Lin, even if the old lady did say such things, Qiao Nian would never resent her, understanding her grandmother's difficulties and concerns.
But she never imagined that the old lady would staunchly stand by her side.
Even if it meant opposing the mansion's only male heir, or the entire Marquis's residence...
Her lips trembled, and Qiao Nian embraced the old lady, all her grievances bursting forth, her nose stinging, tears welling in her eyes.
Yet, all these feelings melted away in her grandmother's embrace.
She thought, her grandmother was the best in the world.
And also, the person she loved most in this world!
In the following days, besides recuperating in Fragrant Lotus Garden, Qiao Nian visited her grandmother, learned some medical techniques from the estate's physician, and often gave her massages.
As for news about Lin Ye and Lin Yuan, the servants wisely refrained from mentioning them in her presence.
Even mentions of the Marquis and Lady Lin were scarce.
Life was so serene it seemed as if only she and the old lady existed in this vast mansion.
Until one day, a letter from Prince Ming was delivered to her once more.
Ning Shuang handed her the letter, "Miss, I've checked, the seal is intact. It seems the Marquis has ordered that your letters should not be opened."
Qiao Nian took the letter, examined the unopened envelope, and then opened it.
Another invitation to meet.
Regarding the previous meeting, although it wasn't Prince Ming's fault, it had left her with a shadow of unease; she truly did not wish to attend.
But considering she hadn't seen him since then, and given his position as her fiancé, his concern was understandable.
Not going might seem ungracious.
As she hesitated, Ning Shuang said, "Miss, spring is almost here. Staying cooped up in Fragrant Lotus Garden isn't good. Going out for a walk might clear your mind!"
Indeed, staying in the garden all day, while peaceful, was quite stifling.
So, she agreed.
Prince Ming had arranged to meet her by Ming Lake in the east of the city.
The weather was fine today, with no wind, and the sun felt warm on her skin.
Looking at the shimmering lake and the sprouting greenery by the shore, Qiao Nian thought, spring was indeed approaching.
"Miss, the Prince is here," Ning Shuang whispered.
Qiao Nian turned around to see Prince Ming's carriage approaching from a distance.
Soon, the carriage stopped by the lake, and Prince Ming leaped down, quickly walking towards her with urgent steps.
Qiao Nian was startled by his haste, stepping back instinctively, fearing he might embrace her.
Fortunately, he restrained himself.
"I've heard about the incident a few days ago. How is it? Does the wound still hurt?"
His tone was full of concern, his voice gentle.
His eyes, like water, seemed to want to melt her.
For a moment, Qiao Nian almost believed his concern was genuine.
But their relationship was built on mutual benefit; how could his concern be real?
Understanding this, Qiao Nian bowed slightly in greeting before she spoke, "I've recovered after a few days, thank you for your concern, Prince."
Prince Ming observed her demeanor.
Though polite and impeccable, her entire being radiated a cool distance towards him.
Even with the marriage bestowed by the Emperor, with their wedding day approaching, she maintained her usual aloofness.
Far from the intimacy she shared with Xiao Heng.
At this thought, a shadow of gloom crossed Prince Ming's otherwise gentle gaze.
But before he could speak further, several carriages approached from not far away.
Qiao Nian's attention was drawn, and she saw them stopping behind Prince Ming's carriage, from which young men and women alighted.
Seeing these faces, Qiao Nian's previously calm expression darkened.
She hadn't expected to encounter these troublesome individuals while seeking respite; both the Lin siblings and the Xiao siblings were there!
Noticing her clear displeasure, Prince Ming smiled gently, "Don't be angry. I invited them. With today's fine weather, I thought it might be a good day for reconciliation among you."
Lowering his voice, he added, "After all, you'll be coming to Gu City with me; there's no need for such strained relations, right?"