Time Travel: The Noble Family
Chapter 389 - 136: Female Guard_3

Yueyao cried in Ma Chengteng’s arms, "Uncle, I almost couldn’t see you again." Yueyao cried vigorously, still frightened by the incident. Had it not been for her quick decision to jump out, and knowing from past incidents to curl up to avoid severe injuries, she would have ended up lying in bed like Qiao Lan.

Nanny Hao, who had watched the Third Young Lady stay composed from the moment the accident happened, was deeply saddened to see her crying so bitterly in front of Uncle Master. She realized she had misunderstood the Third Young Lady’s calmness; it was not that she was fearless, but rather that she did not want to show weakness in front of Lady Mo and the maids. In front of Uncle Master, it was like finding her backbone, so she stopped pretending to be strong.

Ma Chengteng also did not know how to comfort Yueyao. The incident had scared Yueyao, but he couldn’t just tell her not to ride in a carriage anymore.

Yueyao asked Nanny Hao and the two maids to leave. Once only the two of them were left in the room, she voiced her suspicions, "Uncle, I think this was not an accident, but someone trying to harm me."

Upon hearing Yueyao’s suspicion that it was not an accident but murder, Ma Chengteng’s expression darkened. Hearing Yueyao describe the situation in detail, he also became somewhat hesitant. He could not believe that Lady Mo could be so heartless and cruel.

Yueyao could see Ma Chengteng’s hesitation, "Uncle, this time I reacted quickly. Otherwise, I would be in the same uncertain state between life and death like Qiao Lan."

Ma Chengteng sighed softly, "Yueyao, there is no evidence." If there had been evidence, he could have used it as a reason for Yueyao to move into Ma’s Mansion; however, all these were mere speculations by Yueyao, baseless statements that could bring her criticism if they leaked out.

Yueyao felt frustrated. If there were evidence, she would not even consider moving to Ma’s Mansion, she would have moved out on her own already. Now that moving out was not an option, she still needed to ensure her safety, "Uncle, just because there’s no evidence, should we let Lady Mo do whatever she pleases? If so, I wouldn’t even know when I might be harmed again. If there is a first time, there will definitely be a second, and a third. It’s only logical to be a thief for a day, not to prevent theft every day."

Ma Chengteng felt conflicted. His last ordeal at least had some basis, but this time, coming forth with such claims seemed a bit unreasonable and quarrelsome.

Yueyao grasped Ma Chengteng’s hand, "Uncle, I know this is hard on you. But I am really scared, Uncle. I fear that another accident might happen anytime."

Ma Chengteng looked at Yueyao, who was crying like a teary figure, and decided firmly, "Don’t be afraid, Uncle will find a way." The child was so frightened, she could not even stay regularly in Lian Mansion.

Yueyao shook her head, "Uncle, I don’t want to trouble you. Uncle, I want a personal female guard, so if there is any danger again, I will have someone to protect me." What Yueyao truly needed was a female guard, someone skilled in martial arts for protection. She feared a repeat of her past life, where she was secretly sold off.

Though times had changed, the recent event made Yueyao realize that it’s better to be prepared, as once certain things happen, there’s no going back, and her life would be ruined. If in a few years she encountered Zhou Shu again, and he used some despicable tactics, she would be helpless. Having a skilled female guard by her side would give her peace of mind.

Ma Chengteng was taken aback, "A female guard?" He hadn’t expected Yueyao to feel so insecure that she would want bodyguard protection. It was telling of the kind of life she was living within the mansion.

Yueyao nodded firmly, "Yes, I want to find a female guard for close protection. Uncle, I know it’s not easy to find female guards, but with a substantial reward, I am sure we could find one. Uncle, please. I’m so frightened by the incident, I can’t even sleep at night." She really didn’t want to live in constant fear anymore.

Ma Chengteng looked at Yueyao, who was like a startled bird, and after a moment’s thought agreed, "Alright, Uncle will find someone. But Yueyao, even if we find a female guard, let’s keep it quiet, Uncle will make the arrangements." If people knew, it would stir up more trouble, which wouldn’t be good for his niece.

Yueyao wiped her tears, "Thank you, Uncle."

Ma Chengteng had only stayed in the Inner Courtyard for less than an hour before he had to leave; he needed to return to his duties. However, upon reaching the front yard, he was invited over by Lian Dongfang.

Ma Chengteng naturally would not say that this incident wasn’t an accident, but a malicious act by the Lady Mo, as such words could not be carelessly spoken without evidence. Speaking without evidence would mean making an enemy, and it would be Yueyao who suffered the consequences if relations between the families deteriorated.

However, during their conversation, Ma Chengteng’s implied message was his hope that Lian Dongfang would take more care of Yueyao. In Ma Chengteng’s mind, Lady Mo might scheme against Yueyao, but Lian Dongfang wouldn’t, as after all, Lian Dongfang was Yueyao’s biological uncle.

Lian Dongfang, facing Ma Chengteng’s repeated presses on the matter, smiled stiffly. He had originally wanted to mend the relationship with Ma Chengteng, but ended up fetching sarcasm due to the incident in the backyard. After Ma Chengteng left, Lian Dongfang turned and went back to the Inner Courtyard to find Lady Mo. What was said, no one knew, but the people in the Main Courtyard knew that after the Old Master left, Madam’s face did not look good.

Although Lady Mo looked troubled, she did not smash any objects to vent her anger. Lian Dongfang’s message to her was clear; Ma Chengteng was a Third Rank Official. Although he wasn’t in a critical department, he had a capable marital connection. He was currently observing mourning; for his eventual return to duty, he would need the support of the Ma Family, so Lian Dongfang warned Lady Mo not to stir up trouble in the backyard.

In Ma’s Mansion, Zhuang Ruolan rested in a Noble Consort Chair.

Cai Yun brought a plate of cherries since the Imperial Physician had said not to eat too many fruits. Ruolan ate about ten and then shared the remaining cherries with the maids by her side.

Cai Yi came in and said, "Young Lady, the Old Master has instructed to send some medicinal herbs to Lian Mansion." Although Zhuang Ruolan was heavily pregnant, she still managed the Internal Affairs. Of course, there wasn’t much going on in the mansion; the affairs of the estate were currently managed by a few maids and Lady Steward. Zhuang Ruolan merely oversaw.

Zhuang Ruolan asked, "Is Cousin Miss’s injury severe?"

Cai Yi shook her head, "Fortunately, Cousin Miss only suffered superficial injuries. Yet, one of her maids is still unconscious, and the other one has injured her leg and will need to lie down for three to five months."

Ruolan was surprised, "Did you inquire carefully?" It wasn’t that Zhuang Ruolan didn’t trust them, but it was somewhat baffling.

Cai Yun relayed all the information she had gathered to Zhuang Ruolan.

Zhuang Ruolan listened and shook her head, smiling, "This Cousin Miss, truly an interesting person!" The response capability and the manner of handling incidents were truly remarkable. Nevertheless, it was a good thing; the cleverer Yueyao was, the better it was for Ma’s Mansion. "Go to the storeroom and pick the best medicinal herbs to send over."

When Yueyao heard that Qiao Lan had awakened, she hurriedly went to the wing room to visit her, supported by Xi Yu.

Qiao Lan was awake, but her complexion was as pale as paper, and she lay in bed, unable to move. She called out laboriously upon seeing Yueyao, "Lady..." Seeing her lady was fine, she too felt relieved.

Yueyao spoke softly, "You focus on recuperating." Doctor Tang said as long as Qiao Lan was awake, it meant there was no danger to her life. Doctor Tang said she needed at least three to five months to get out of bed, and recovery to full health would take at least a year or even longer.