Chapter 15: A Marked Improvement in Craftsmanship

“Your Highness, the peach blossoms are in full bloom. I have specially prepared these peach blossom pastries for you to taste,” the maid said.

Yun Qing glanced at Sheng Jintang swaying before her, a wave of the perfumed scent she despised washing over her. Watching her perform the refined etiquette expected of a noble lady, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Sheng Yukun smiled and said, “I heard yesterday that Your Highness was coming. Even before dawn, Jintang went to the kitchen to make these peach blossom pastries by hand, just waiting for Your Highness’s arrival.”

Ye Jincheng cast a glance at Yun Qing. The girl’s eyes practically crackled with lightning, as if ready to scorch him to ashes.

He raised his hand, pushing the plate toward her, then took a sip from his teacup and said, “I don’t care for sweets.”

Yun Qing gave a look that said, “Good, you’re sensible,” then faced Sheng Jintang and said, “He won’t eat it, so don’t be too upset. I’m still being gracious.”

Sheng Yukun shot Yun Qing a displeased glance.

Such an ill-mannered girl! She clearly didn’t come from a respectable family.

Sheng Jintang bit her tongue silently but maintained a courteous smile. “Miss Yun Qing’s graciousness is an honor for Jintang.”

“Jintang, Jintang, what a smooth name to say!” Sheng Yuting, wearing a jade hairpin, shouted, “I gave you that name! Pah, she’s shameless!”

“Achoo... achoo...” Sheng Jintang’s nose twitched, and she covered it as she sneezed twice, hastily bowing. “Jintang is rude.”

A mocking smile gleamed in Yun Qing’s eyes. She picked up a pastry and began to taste it with practiced finesse. “Hmm, not bad at all. Your skills have improved.”

Eight years ago, this little maid had done anything to stay in the Marquis’s residence, fawning over Yun Qing more than any other servant. At a tender age, she entered the kitchen and personally made pastries for her.

Those memories were precious to Yun Qing—the maid’s devotion, the heartfelt confidences, the beautiful and valuable jewelry given to her, treating her like a sister.

But to Sheng Jintang, now the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis’s family, those memories were a source of shame.

She gritted her teeth and smiled, “Miss Yun Qing, how could Jintang not understand your words?”

“Jintang, do you know Miss Yun Qing?” Sheng Yukun raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Sheng Jintang had never mentioned any connection to Yun Qing before.

Her heart skipped a beat. Hastily, she turned to Sheng Yukun and shook her head. “N-no, I don’t know her.” She forced a stiff smile toward Yun Qing. “Miss Yun Qing must be mistaken. Today is our first meeting.”

Clenching her fists hidden in her sleeves, her legs trembled beneath the fine garments.

“Hmm, then I must have been mistaken,” Yun Qing said indifferently to Sheng Jintang, not taking it seriously.

Sheng Jintang was furious, itching to slap Yun Qing several times.

Suddenly, a maid rushed in from outside, breathless. “Bad news, Marquis!”

Sheng Yukun slammed the table angrily. “How dare you! The prince is here, and you rush in so recklessly?”

The maid knelt hurriedly before Ye Jincheng. “I beg Your Highness’s pardon! It’s just… it’s an urgent matter that cannot be delayed…”

Sheng Yukun frowned. This maid served the young master Sheng Yi; she shouldn’t be so frantic unless it was serious.

His heart tightened. “What is it?”

Sheng Jintang frowned and said to Sheng Yukun, “It’s the younger brother!”

Without another word, she dashed out.

The maid explained, “Young master’s leg pain has returned. He’s been crying for quite a while. I came to inform the Marquis because his condition looks grave.”

“What?” Sheng Yukun’s expression visibly turned alarmed. He hurriedly bowed to Ye Jincheng. “Forgive me, Your Highness, but I cannot entertain you further. Please forgive me; I will personally visit to apologize.” With that, he left Ye Jincheng behind in haste.

Yun Qing glanced toward the direction Sheng Jintang had rushed off. She let out a faint, barely audible snort. This was all a show staged for Ye Jincheng’s benefit, wasn’t it?

Such a pity—in her dreams, there was no trace of Ye Jincheng in that garden.

She brushed the crumbs from her hand and rose to go.

A moment later, in the rear garden.

Since Ye Jincheng was to visit today, all the flowers were newly arranged, placed in neat pots, lacking the natural elegance formed by years of growth.

She glanced sideways at Ye Jincheng, who stood beside her. Her eyes betrayed her hidden annoyance. “Why did you follow me?”

Did he care so much about Sheng Jintang?

“You were brought by me,” he replied. “Wherever you go to cause mischief, I naturally must watch over you.”

Ye Jincheng looked at her meaningfully. Sheng Yukun had already left some distance behind, yet she was able to find her way to the rear garden with ease, even passing through a secluded grotto beneath a rockery earlier.

Even if he were to behead him, he would never believe she had no connection to the Marquis’s household.

Yun Qing rolled her eyes silently. Well, if he wanted to follow, let him.

She was curious to see how long he would favor that impostor.

Taking several shortcuts, she arrived before Sheng Yukun and saw Sheng Yi first.

The little boy sat pitifully in a wheelchair, crying and struggling so hard he nearly fell.

Sheng Jintang hurried over, taking out pills from a small porcelain bottle to administer to him. Yun Qing frowned and flicked a finger, sending a gust of wind. Sheng Jintang felt the bottle burn in her hand and startledly loosened her grip; the pills tumbled to the ground.

Yun Qing stepped forward, pushing Sheng Jintang aside, then crouched in front of Sheng Yi, placing her fingertip on his leg.

“Who are you? Let go of my son!” A stunning woman in her thirties rushed over, shouting. She was Madam Bai, wife of the Marquis of Northern Town and Sheng Yi’s mother.

“Yun Qing! Stop this at once! If there’s an issue, take it up with me. He’s just a child!” Sheng Yukun, having arrived, grew agitated upon seeing Yun Qing before Sheng Yi.

Yun Qing snorted coldly. Her finger lightly glided from the boy’s thigh down to his knee. The young boy’s sobs ceased. Warmth spread from her fingertip along his legs, easing the persistent pain. His legs felt lighter than ever before—he had never experienced such relief.

Sheng Yi blinked, tears still clinging to his lashes. He regarded Yun Qing with a warmth that seemed familiar and asked, “Pretty sister, did you come to save me?”

“Yes,” Yun Qing said softly, lifting her eyes to him. This little cousin shared some resemblance in features; the bonds of blood stirred a tender warmth in her heart. She smiled gently and said, “Little Sheng Yi, try standing and walking a few steps.”

He lifted his knees hesitantly and stared in astonishment at his freely moving legs—there was not a trace of discomfort. Supporting himself on the wheelchair’s arms, he stood up, feet firmly planted, standing straight.

Witnessing this, Sheng Yukun and Madam Bai gaped in shock.

Sheng Yi tried to take a few steps and then ran joyfully toward Sheng Yukun. “Father! Father! I can walk! I can walk now!”