Nurse Gui

After leaving school, Ye Lily returned to the Ye residence. It was already getting late.

Ye Amy and Ye Cindy still didn't accompany her. Ye Lily didn't bother to argue with them.

Lady Ye had already retired, so she headed straight to the Western Courtyard.

As she approached the Western Courtyard, she heard a somewhat warm voice. "Miss, you've finally returned. This old servant was so worried when I heard you fell into the water. Seeing you well puts my mind at ease."

Turning her head, she saw a middle-aged woman walking towards her. About forty years old, slightly plump, with darker skin, wearing a simple but quality green jacket.

A heavy silver bracelet adorned her wrist, and her face was full of smiles.

"Nurse Gui," Ye Lily responded indifferently.

The woman didn't notice anything amiss and continued, "I wanted to come earlier, but Ran has been sick and needed constant care.

Finally, I left him with his mother and came back to see you. I'm relieved to see you well."

Her words were clever, making it seem like Ye Lily was more important than her own grandson.

Normally, Ye Lily would have been deeply moved and comforted her, giving her some silver to treat her grandson's illness.

But now, looking at this woman, Ye Lily almost laughed at herself. How could she have ever thought such a person was a loyal servant?

Shortly after Ye Lily was born, Ye Xin went off to war. Too young to travel, Ye Lily stayed at the Ye residence.

Lady Ye hired a wet nurse for her—now Nurse Gui. Nurse Gui was from a farming family on the estate.

Initially, Lady Ye found her diligent and honest. Seeing how well she cared for Ye Lily, Lady Ye trusted her to stay as a governess.

But people change.

The Western Courtyard was sparsely populated, with the Eastern Courtyard and Lady Ye holding the power.

Nurse Gui initially cared for Ye Lily honestly, but over time, she saw the situation clearly and aligned herself with the Eastern Courtyard and Lady Ye.

Nurse Gui was sycophantic. When Ye Lily insisted on marrying Xu Hao, Nurse Gui played a significant role in encouraging it.

Most hateful was when Lady Ye brought a distant niece to rely on the Ye family.

That niece was defiled by Ye Qiu, forced him to take responsibility, and became Ye Lily's sister-in-law, wreaking havoc in Ye Qiu's household. Nurse Gui testified against Ye Qiu in that incident.

Looking back, it was a clumsy performance.

Once disloyal, never trustworthy. Nurse Gui had betrayed her countless times. Keeping such a treacherous dog was worse than killing it.

Nurse Gui waited a long time without hearing any reward from Ye Lily. Her maintained loving expression stiffened.

She couldn't help but look up at Ye Lily, who was gazing at her indifferently.

Her heart sank, feeling inexplicably guilty.

The next moment, Ye Lily replied nonchalantly, "Oh, you've worked hard, Nurse."

Gu Yu snorted lightly, casting a mocking glance at Nurse Gui.

She had always despised Nurse Gui's sycophantic ways, bullying others in the Western Courtyard because she was Ye Lily's wet nurse.

Her previous mistress had been easily swayed by Nurse Gui's sweet talk, believing her lies, alienating the original servants of the Western Courtyard.

Now, after recovering from the drowning, Ye Lily seemed to see things clearly. Her indifferent attitude towards Nurse Gui gave Gu Yu immense satisfaction.

Nurse Gui forced a smile, unsure why Ye Lily was treating her so coldly today.

Thinking Ye Lily might be upset about the drowning, she consoled her, "Miss, don't be too sad. Take care of yourself. You're as beautiful as a flower. Duke Ding must like you. One day…"

She was always good at saying pleasing words, usually picking what Ye Lily liked to hear, winning her favor. But today, seeing Ye Lily's expression change, she froze.

"How dare you speak like this, trying to tarnish my reputation?" Ye Lily said coldly. "Though Father and Mother aren't at the General's Residence, I am still the legitimate daughter of the Ye family and the mistress of the Western Courtyard. Even ordinary families value their reputation. Are you intentionally putting me in a difficult position?"

Nurse Gui was stunned and instinctively said, "Miss, how can you say that? I'm doing this for your own good…"

"So it's my fault?" Ye Lily sneered. "Fine. Let's ask Grandmother. Are the daughters of the General's Residence now worthless? Even cabbages are worth a few coins. Nurse Gui, you speak so grandly. Am I too ignorant of etiquette?"

Unexpectedly, Ye Lily suddenly changed her tone. Even if upset, she shouldn't vent on her.

Nurse Gui had been domineering in the Western Courtyard, easily manipulating Ye Lily.

Today, being humiliated in front of Gu Yu and Jingzhe made her angry.

She couldn't help but say, "Miss, your words hurt this old servant. I've been with you for over a decade. How can you think I intentionally harm you?"

"How dare you!" Jingzhe exclaimed loudly. "Miss is the master. How dare you speak to her like that?"

Nurse Gui was startled, regretting her earlier outburst. But words spoken couldn't be taken back. Many servants gathered around to watch the spectacle.

Thinking Ye Lily was still the easily manipulated girl, she quickly softened her tone. "Miss, I genuinely care for you. After all these years, I consider you my own child. My earlier words were wrong. Please don't be angry. Take care of your health."

Considering her as her own child? Ye Lily sneered inwardly. She found Nurse Gui amusing.

She often received money from her but treated the Eastern Courtyard as her true masters. She even caused her elder brother great trouble.

In her past life, if she encountered such a troublesome servant in the palace, she would have issued an edict to have her beaten to death.

But now… Since Nurse Gui sincerely aligned with the Eastern Courtyard, why not use her to make the Eastern Courtyard suffer?

She raised an eyebrow and said indifferently, "Since Nurse Gui knows her mistake, deduct three months' salary as punishment."

Nurse Gui's expression stiffened. Ye Lily's lips curved slightly.

Without money, what would Nurse Gui do?

Naturally, she would go to the Eastern Courtyard to show her loyalty.