Chapter 26: Legitimacy and Illegitimacy

Tan Yun immediately broke into a broad smile. “Exactly! How could there be so much animosity between real sisters? I remember, back when you were still living at the Tan residence, your elder sister always treated you quite well.”

Treated her well?

Indeed, Tan Yunge had treated her quite well—if one considered every occasion to be after the servants had freely abused and humiliated her. Every time, it was only after others had bullied and trampled her that Tan Yunge would come, feigning concern, asking a few perfunctory questions, stamping her feet in mock distress, dabbing at tears that were never there, and then scolding, “How could they treat you like this?”

If that counted as kindness, so be it.

After all, although Tan Yunge’s acting was far from convincing, the original Tan Qingjiu had naively believed it.

That was why, after being rescued by Tan Yunge from the pond, she had felt so grateful.

Thinking of this, Tan Qingjiu curved her lips into a smile. “Yes, Sister did treat me exceptionally well when we were both at the Tan residence.”

“That’s settled, then.” Tan Yun quickly turned to instruct the steward behind him. “Send someone to the Prince Ding’s heir’s residence and inform the Lady—tell her the miracle physician has agreed to see her, and she should hurry over.”

“Yes, sir.”

Only Chen Yueru remained suspicious, but in front of Tan Yun and Tan Qingjiu, she dared not say much, merely casting a few more glances at Tan Qingjiu.

Tan Yun beamed. “So, when will you take another look at my illness?”

“No rush,” Tan Qingjiu replied coolly. “I’ll need to observe the effects of my last treatment before deciding on the next course of medicine.”

“Good, good. I’m feeling well enough now, so there’s no hurry. Since everything’s been cleared up between us, when do you plan to return to the residence?”

Tan Qingjiu glanced at Tan Yun and Chen Yueru, her smile tinged with irony. Since their arrival, they had mentioned her moving back to the Tan residence several times. She couldn’t help but ponder their intentions.

Were they planning to lure her back to their territory and then find a way to control her?

How amusing.

This truly piqued her interest; she was curious to see what they were plotting.

“I’m willing to move back, but I have many medicinal herbs here, as well as apprentices and female assistants. The courtyard I stayed in before was simply too small and wouldn’t accommodate everyone.”

“That’s easily solved—we have plenty of empty courtyards in the residence. When you come back, you can choose whichever one you like.” As Tan Yun spoke, he glanced at Chen Yueru.

Chen Yueru immediately nodded. “Yes, Qingjiu, pick whichever you prefer.”

Tan Qingjiu blinked. “Then may I choose Yunshang Court?”

Chen Yueru’s expression changed at once. “But that’s your sister’s old room!”

Of course Tan Qingjiu knew—and that was precisely why she asked.

“Yes, I know it was my sister’s room, but hasn’t she been married for eight years now? It doesn’t make sense to keep a maiden’s chamber for her in the residence after all this time, does it?”

“I’ve always liked Yunshang Court. It’s the largest courtyard in the back apart from the main residence. I heard it was originally intended for the legitimate daughter of the Tan family, but because my sister was born two years before me, Madam Chen asked Father for it on her behalf. Back then, she was just a concubine’s daughter occupying the legitimate daughter’s courtyard—fine. But surely, after so many years of marriage, it’s time that courtyard be reassigned?”

Chen Yueru clenched her embroidered handkerchief in secret. Legitimate and illegitimate—she hated when people brought it up.

So what if her daughter was born of a concubine? After she became Lady Tan, her daughter became legitimate too, didn’t she? And her daughter had married the Prince Ding’s heir—people in the city envied her. How dare Tan Qingjiu harp on this?

And to call her “Madam Chen” right in front of Tan Yun! That was certainly deliberate!

Tan Yun, oblivious to Chen Yueru’s resentment, simply nodded. “That’s fine. Yun’ge barely ever comes to stay now—tidying up the guest courtyard is easier anyway.”

“It’s settled, then. Once you return, Yunshang Court will be yours.”

Tan Yun had his own plans. After Tan Qingjiu was taken away by the Prince Duan’s steward, he’d made inquiries and learned about this miracle physician—her medical skills were extraordinary. In less than a month in the capital, many officials had sought her help, and whatever rare illness she faced, she always had a cure. Her reputation among the city’s noble families was rising fast.

Now that he knew this miracle physician was his daughter, he would not miss this opportunity.

No matter how lofty one’s status, sickness was inescapable. With Tan Qingjiu back in the Tan residence, he could use her skills for many things—wooing allies, currying favor with those he sought to impress, paving the way for his own bright future.

A glimmer of ambition flashed in Tan Yun’s eyes as he smiled. For someone so useful, what was a mere courtyard?

Tan Qingjiu glanced at the clearly disgruntled Chen Yueru, her own smile growing more radiant. “Thank you, Father.”

Even as she thanked him aloud, her gaze lingered on Chen Yueru. “Why such a look, Madam Chen? Is it because Father’s giving me Yunshang Court that you’re displeased?”

Seeing Tan Yun also turn his attention to her, Chen Yueru nearly ground her molars to dust. Only after a deep breath did she force a smile. “Why would I be unhappy? You’re overthinking it, Qingjiu.”

Wretch!

Chen Yueru took another deep breath. No matter—Tan Qingjiu would soon move back. She’d been Lady Tan for over a decade; the back courtyards of the Tan residence were long under her control. Once that girl returned, she’d see how to deal with her.

As Chen Yueru simmered with anger, a voice announced from outside, “Master, Madam, the Lady of the Prince’s heir has arrived.”

Tan Qingjiu raised her eyebrows. So quick? Clearly, she’d received word and was waiting nearby.

As she was musing, Tan Yunge entered from the doorway. Her gaze fixed on Tan Qingjiu’s face, and her eyes widened in shock.

Tan Qingjiu acted as though she hadn’t noticed, her smile gentle and inviting. “Sister, come, let me take your pulse.”

Tan Yunge kept staring at her as she approached, stopping only when she stood before Tan Qingjiu and extended her hand.

Tan Qingjiu’s eyes curved as she methodically took her pulse. “Sister, your illness is caused by heat toxins invading the heart meridian. The rashes and your loss of voice stem from this.”

“To cure it is simple, but…it may require you to endure a little hardship.”

Tan Yunge caught the sly glint in Tan Qingjiu’s eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. “I’ll have to endure hardship?”