Chapter 262: Stop Beating Around the Bush! Speak Clearly!
Chang Huilan’s words left Yu Yingying utterly dumbfounded!
If Yu Yingying had been on the verge of madness earlier, then Chang Huilan was now in a full-blown frenzy!
She clutched her burning cheek in disbelief, her mouth gaping wide. Her arrogant eyes still held their usual disdain, but now they also burned with hatred and rage toward her own mother.
She had never imagined that such humiliating words could come from the lips of the woman who had given birth to her!
Little Yu Xiaoyun, who had been silently holding his ceramic bowl, shrank into himself at the fire pit, his tiny body trembling. His wide, round eyes reflected his growing fear of Chang Huilan.
Even though he was just a concubine’s son, in all the years he had lived in the marquis’ residence, he had never seen Chang Huilan this angry—let alone speak so harshly to his legitimate sister.
But today, it was as if Chang Huilan had become a different person entirely, radiating an aura that terrified Yu Xiaoyun to his core.
“Don’t just sit there staring at me—it won’t change anything. You need to face reality!”
With that, Chang Huilan turned away and returned to the fire, grabbing another ceramic bowl to ladle herself some more antelope and radish soup.
Her face remained dark, and she didn’t spare Yu Xiaoyun even a glance, treating him as if he were invisible.
The soup was awful—barely seasoned with a pinch of salt, and the gamey stench of the antelope meat was impossible to suppress.
In the past, she would never have touched such food, nor even looked at it.
But times had changed.
Even her eldest daughter, now a consort to the crown prince, hadn’t sent a single letter in the past six months—let alone any silver or supplies.
Chang Huilan had come to understand that nothing was more important than her husband’s life.
From now on, even her children came second.
Perhaps only Yu Zhengqing truly cared for her.
As for Yu Yingying’s arrogance—it had been cultivated over years of indulgence, not only because of her status as a noble daughter but also due to Old Madam Chen’s excessive spoiling.
Even after hearing those cruel words from her own mother, Yu Yingying’s anger still burned strong.
Though she was left shocked at first, her fury soon took over.
After screaming in rage, she yanked her quilt over her head and buried herself in her bedding, fuming in silence.
But today, Chang Huilan was determined to stand firm.
She ignored her daughter entirely.
Even if Yu Yingying starved to death, she wouldn’t soften her heart.
After filling her own stomach, she put on a thicker coat and prepared to check with the other exiles about Old Madam Chen and the others’ whereabouts.
To be honest, if Old Madam Chen, Lady Lan, and Yu Meiyao had all met some misfortune, it would be a blessing.
At the very least, it would mean her husband would have only one wife left—herself. No more evil mother-in-law to suppress her.
That, to Chang Huilan, was a cause for celebration.
However, her two sons had been gone for a long time now. If something had happened to them, that was another matter entirely.
Just as she was about to head out to investigate, she ran into Liu Lan, who was rushing toward her.
Seeing that Chang Huilan was about to leave, Liu Lan grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.
“Big sister-in-law, are you going to ask about your mother-in-law and that Lady Lan woman?”
Chang Huilan narrowed her eyes at Liu Lan, a flicker of surprise crossing her face.
“How do you know?” she asked. “I was just about to go ask around. My mother-in-law, Lady Lan, and my husband’s concubine’s daughter went out this morning and haven’t returned. My sons went looking for them, but they’ve been gone a while. I was getting worried.”
Hearing the concern in Chang Huilan’s voice, Liu Lan clapped her hands on her thighs, then shot her a playful wink.
“Ah, sister-in-law, you’re too kind! You really are a proper noblewoman. If it were me, I’d be celebrating! Look at you, worrying yourself sick. No wonder that old hag bullies you all the time—you’re too soft!”
Chang Huilan’s lips twitched, barely suppressing her amusement.
It was fortunate that it was already dark. Though they both held torches, the wind kept the flames flickering unsteadily, and Liu Lan didn’t notice her expression.
Kind?
No—Chang Huilan had never been a kind woman.
If she were truly kind, the marquis’ residence wouldn’t have had only one concubine all these years.
“Stop joking. People have been missing for an entire day—that’s serious. Liu Lan, do you know something?”
She quickly masked her delight, deepening her expression of concern as she grabbed Liu Lan’s hand.
Her hatred for Old Madam Chen and jealousy of Lady Lan had always been buried deep within her heart.
Even her own children didn’t know the full extent of her resentment—so how could she possibly let Liu Lan see through her?
She forced more anxiety into her tone, looking at Liu Lan expectantly.
Liu Lan sighed, shaking her head.
“Sigh, that’s exactly why I came to find you! Have your men already gone searching?”
“Yes, it’s just me, Yingying, and Xiaoyun at home now. The rest left a while ago.”
Of course, she wouldn’t mention her husband’s departure for the capital.
If he were caught, it would be a crime punishable by death.
If word reached the emperor, their exile would be the least of their worries.
Even though Liu Lan was also a member of the Yu family, Chang Huilan wasn’t about to take any risks.
“Oh dear, then I’m afraid your men are going to have a rough time tonight!”
Liu Lan’s cryptic words and teasing tone made even Chang Huilan’s well-trained patience wear thin.
“Enough with the suspense! Just tell me already!”
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaoran and Yu Xiaoxuan had been searching for a long time.
They had even ventured close to Yu Luo’s lands, calling out as they walked.
But still, there was no sign of Old Madam Chen, Lady Lan, or Yu Meiyao.
An unease began to settle in their chests.
The three missing women were old, weak, and had no martial skills.
Even if they had wandered into a populated area, they wouldn’t have gone far.
