Soon!
Lai Da and three or four other stewards came rushing through the inner gate, their hats askew and sweat pouring down their faces as they gasped for breath. They nearly tumbled inside.
Whether they were putting on an act or truly in a panic was anyone's guess.
In any case, their faces were alight with irrepressible joy. Before they had even reached the steps beneath the covered walkway, they dropped to their knees from a distance. Their voices shook with excitement, stumbling and stammering, yet rang out with unmistakable delight:
"W-We report to you, Old Madam!"
"And to all the madams, young madams, and young ladies!"
"By, by the command of Second Master!"
"Second Master sent us to hurry back with the news: he asks Old Madam to lead the madams of the various branches into the palace at once to give thanks for the imperial favor! Please dress in full ceremonial attire according to your rank!"
The moment they heard the words "give thanks for the imperial favor," it felt as though rain had fallen after a long drought. The anxiety and unease that had weighed on everyone's hearts for so long vanished in an instant, and their worried, apprehensive faces brightened at once.
"!!"
"Give thanks for the imperial favor?!"
Grandmother Jia swayed sharply, but Yuanyang caught her in time.
She paid it no mind and only asked urgently:
"Quick!"
"Come closer and explain it to me!"
"What on earth happened?"
"How is the master?"
"What favor are we giving thanks for?"
At her words, Lai Da didn't dare delay. He hurried forward a few steps, stumbling as he went.
Then he bowed beneath the covered walkway. Once he had caught his breath, he reported with a glowing face:
"We report to you, Old Madam!"
"We have