Shen Yi and Shen Shi, the two sisters, spoke graciously and justly, causing Qian Yuchan’s expression to change several times. When she realized that the sisters were determined to examine her injury, a thin layer of sweat appeared on Qian Yuchan’s forehead.

In this weather, with the crisp and refreshing autumn air, one wouldn’t sweat from simple movement.

"...It’s really nothing serious, it’ll be fine in a while." Qian Yuchan hesitated for a moment before speaking again, expressing that she didn’t want to trouble Shen Yi and Shen Shi over such a small matter. "Let’s hurry back to the event, shall we?"

"That won’t do. If Miss Qian goes back with an injury, our mother will surely blame us... it wouldn’t be proper hospitality from our Shen Family." Shen Yi said, "Moreover, seeing how much pain Miss Qian is in, it doesn’t seem minor. If it’s not treated promptly and leaves a chronic issue, that would be unfortunate."

Shen Shi nodded in agreement.

Some of the girls nearby advised Qian Yuchan to go with Shen Yi and Shen Shi to get properly checked, while others suggested to Shen Yi and Shen Shi that since Qian Yuchan herself said it was no issue, it seemed unnecessary to go to such lengths.

"In my opinion, it’s better for Miss Qian to have it looked at." Lian Manman considered for a moment and then said, "Firstly, it’s for your own good, and secondly, it wouldn’t let down the host family’s concern."

Qian Yuchan’s expression turned even more unpleasant upon hearing Lian Manman say this, her gaze towards Lian Manman showing obvious hostility.

Originally, Lian Manman, upon seeing the current situation, thought to let go of her earlier frustration and not expose the matter. But seeing Qian Yuchan’s attitude, she realized that no amount of tolerance would garner Qian Yuchan’s appreciation. On the contrary, seeing her silence, Qian Yuchan might think her foolish and easy to bully.

Qian Yuchan protested that she didn’t want anyone to inspect her injury, but her earlier act was so believable that Shen Yi and Shen Shi had already called for a sedan chair to carry a reluctant Qian Yuchan onto it.

"...We, the sisters, will accompany Miss Qian to check her injury. Two maidservants will stay back, and you girls can either continue strolling in the garden or go back to watch the play. Just have them lead the way. You can also freely command the servants in the garden. We’ll be back soon." Shen Yi and Shen Shi apologized to Lian Manman and the other girls before leaving.

Everyone naturally responded that it was no trouble. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Watching as Qian Yuchan’s sedan chair was lifted, a few young maids busily leaned the screen back upright. Lian Manman signaled to Ji Xiang, who accompanied her for service.

"Miss, this maid is a bit dense and doesn’t understand something." Ji Xiang, catching on, raised her voice slightly and said, "Weren’t Miss Qian standing with the young ladies earlier, which means standing on this side of the screen? The screen fell to the other side, so how did it end up hitting Miss Qian’s foot?"

Everyone present heard Ji Xiang’s words.

On the sedan chair, Qian Yuchan’s back suddenly stiffened further. Though her face was hidden, her current expression was unknown. However, Lian Manman guessed that Qian Yuchan’s face was likely not looking good. As for the other girls, some were already stifling their laughter, some pretended not to have heard, and others displayed a look of sudden realization.

Lian Manman couldn’t see the expressions of Shen Yi and Shen Shi either. The sisters didn’t say anything, only instructing the bearer women to walk carefully and not to jostle Miss Qian.

Seeing that Shen Yi and Shen Shi had taken Qian Yuchan far away, Lian Manman and the other girls discussed and decided not to venture further, retracing their steps back to their seats.

Grandma Shen San and others were watching the play and immediately noticed them return, yet without Shen Yi and Shen Shi, they didn’t inquire further. Likely, someone had already reported the earlier events to her.

Lian Manman and Qin Ruojian took their seats, both refraining from mentioning the recent incident in front of their mothers. Lady Zhang and Madam Qin, noticing their closeness, appeared quite pleased.

About two cups of tea later, a small maid hurried over, whispered something to Madam Qian, after which Madam Qian’s expression changed. She immediately got up, said a couple of words to Grandma Shen San, who also rose. The two seemed to exchange a few courtesy words, but Grandma Shen San sat back down, dispatching her steward lady and a close maid to accompany Madam Qian out.

Lady Zhang was engrossed in the play but sensed something amiss and turned to Lian Manman, inquiring with a glance. Lian Manman suspected it must be regarding Qian Yuchan’s issue, but it wasn’t appropriate to speak now, so she reassured Lady Zhang with a slight shake of her head.