The moon rose above the treetops, and Chi Yun Garden's tightly closed door remained shut. Inside the room, not a single trace of candlelight could be seen, making it seem as though no one was there.
The loyal maidservants stood guard outside the door, refraining from any reckless chatter despite the desolate surroundings.
From time to time, they glanced worriedly at the room's door behind them and exchanged looks to comfort each other. At this moment, the night wind was slightly chilly, and neither of them had eaten, making them both feel somewhat cold and instinctively hug their arms.
Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside the garden gate.
This immediately put the two maids on alert. After exchanging glances, they descended the steps to meet the newcomer.
Before they reached the garden gate, the glow of a lantern was already visible, casting light and shadows upon You He and Hua Yue, dispelling the darkness and some of the chilliness around them.
Enveloped by the candlelight came a tall woman wearing stylish women's attire and wrapped in soft armor. Her vivid features shone without make-up, with her hair tied up high, secured with an elegant hairband, adding a few more degrees of grace and elegance to her.
At her waist hung a short sword. Its exquisitely crafted sheath was adorned with gemstones that gleamed dimly under the candlelight.
The expression between her brows bore a striking resemblance to Mu Qingge.
However, she was much older than the latter.
"Miss!"
Upon recognizing her, You He and Hua Yue knelt down simultaneously to pay their respects.
"Rise." Mu Lianrong pushed aside the lantern held by her maid, looked over the kneeling pair, and spoke calmly.
"Yes."
At her command, You He and Hua Yue stood up.
Only then did they notice that behind Mu Mansion's eldest miss were two more individuals. One wore a white silk dress with flowing sleeves, looking delicate and charming as she obediently followed Mu Lianrong. The other was her personal maid.
Hua Yue secretly winked at You He, seemingly to say: 'Even she came.'
You He seemed oblivious, standing quietly with her eyes lowered.
Mu Lianrong didn't notice the silent exchange between the maids. She scanned the area and frowned at the dark Chi Yun Garden: "It's already dark, why haven't you lit the lamps? Also, where is your young master?"
You He stepped forward with a slight bow, speaking softly: "After the young master returned, he went to rest. We dared not go far in case he woke and gave commands; hence, we haven't lit the lamps yet. We were about to light them when the eldest miss arrived."
Mu Lianrong nodded and looked towards the pitch-black room behind them and asked, "That rascal has been sleeping since he returned?"
You He and Hua Yue nodded repeatedly. They were worried but dared not disturb the young master.
At this moment, the figure in white, graceful like a willow, approached Mu Lianrong with seeming concern: "Aunt Lianrong, Brother Mu returned from the battlefield and has been sleeping deeply. Could something be wrong?"
In the dim glow of the candlelight, her naive eyes looked exceptionally bright, like those of a doe.
Her words prompted Mu Lianrong's brow to furrow deeply as a layer of worry crept into her sharp gaze.
You He briefly glanced at the white-clad person before lowering her eyes again, saying nothing. Meanwhile, Hua Yue's lips twitched slightly but remained silent.
Their attitude toward the girl in white seemed less than friendly.
"I'll go in and see." Having made up her mind, Mu Lianrong strode toward the room.