Chapter 23–Part 4

Teng Yuyi patted the small sword in her sleeve.

“This sword now has a name: let’s call it ‘Xiao Ya Sword.’ By the way, have you heard of a mysterious technique called ‘borrowing life’?”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi exchanged surprised glances.

“Miss Teng, why do you ask about this?”

Watching their expressions, Teng Yuyi felt a sinking feeling.

“One of my maids has a family member who experienced some strange happenings and happened to encounter a wandering Taoist. Somehow, the topic of ‘borrowing life’ came up. So I wanted to ask you two if such a thing actually exists.”

“We don’t know much about it ourselves. If this technique does exist, it’s certainly not a righteous path; our master and senior brother would rarely mention anything like that to us.”

At that moment, a maid arrived.

“Ah Jue, Ah Qi, the princess is looking for you everywhere.”

Jue Sheng and Qi Zhi whispered, “Miss Teng, we’ll be going now.”

Teng Yuyi nodded to herself and made her way back along the path to the main hall.

Halfway there, she ran into Du Tinglan, who was hurrying over with her maid.

It seemed she’d been worried and had come to look for Teng Yuyi.

“All the women of the Duan family are in the main hall, including the old madam, Madam Duan, and Duan Ningyuan’s older sister, Duan Wenyin. They’ve all been asking my mother where you were,” Du Tinglan said, linking her arm through Teng Yuyi’s.

“What did Princess Jingde want to talk to you about?”

“She probably heard about me from someone and got curious, so she called me over to chat.”

Du Tinglan glanced toward the nearby main hall.

“It’s strange—so many people have come to bow and congratulate the old madam, yet Young General Duan is still nowhere to be seen. It’s not just the guests who are looking for him; the family seems to be wondering where he is too.”

Teng Yuyi chuckled.

“Now, how could this be? The Duan family places great value on filial duty, and all these guests have come to bow and offer birthday congratulations to the old madam, yet her grandson is missing.”

Looking around, Du Tinglan lowered her voice, “I’ve been meaning to ask—did you have something to do with this?”

Teng Yuyi leaned close and whispered something in her ear.

Du Tinglan’s face lit up with both surprise and delight as she nodded quietly.

Together, they made their way back to the main hall.

The hall was brightly lit as if it were daytime, and the old madam sat on an emerald green cushion, looking as dignified as a Buddha amid blooming lotuses.

The room was filled with laughter and conversation.

When someone spotted Teng Yuyi entering, they called out with delight, “She’s here! She’s here!”

Teng Yuyi looked up and saw two finely dressed women approaching her.

The one on the left was Duan Ningyuan’s elder sister, Madam Duan Wenyin, the Marchioness of Yong’an.

The other was unfamiliar, likely a distant relative from the Duan family.

Duan Wenyin’s face lit up with a smile as she approached, putting her arm around Teng Yuyi.

“Finally, you’re here! Grandmother was just asking about you.”

Teng Yuyi smiled and respectfully greeted them.

“Greetings to both madams.”

“This is Ningyuan’s fiancée?” The ladies marveled at Teng Yuyi’s striking beauty, unable to stop praising her.

“A face like this is rare in all of Chang’an. No wonder the old madam speaks so fondly of her and often mentions Ah Yu.”

Just then, another woman with a dignified bearing emerged from behind the curtains.

She looked at Teng Yuyi and paused, slightly surprised.

“So this is Yu’er?”

Teng Yuyi quickly paid her respects, “Greetings, Madam.”

This woman was the madam of the Duke of Zhenguo’s household, the mother of Duan Ningyuan and Duan Wenyin.

She was bold and imposing, with a heroic air that distinguished her from most women.

Duan Ningyuan and Duan Wenyin had inherited much of their mother’s looks.

Madam Duan held Teng Yuyi’s hands and examined her from head to toe, looking increasingly pleased.

“I heard from Ningyuan that you were startled at Ziyun Pavilion the other day, so I had some lingzhi delivered to your residence. Has it helped you feel better?”

Teng Yuyi replied warmly, “Thank you, Madam, for your kind gesture. The physician advised against tonic supplements at the moment, so we have stored it for now.”

“A few days of light nourishment is good, too. If you crave anything later, feel free to tell me.”

Madam Duan pulled Teng Yuyi closer.

“Mother, look at Yu’er.”

Teng Yuyi stepped forward and respectfully bowed.

“I offer my birthday wishes to the Old Madam and wish you longevity and happiness.”

The old madam beamed with joy, barely able to contain her smile.

“I haven’t seen you in years, and now you’re so tall! Come over and let Grandmother take a good look at you.”

Teng Yuyi glanced at her maids, Chunrong and Biluo, who nodded in understanding and brought forward a brocade box.