by Ning er
“You ah!” Yet what she received was a light few light knocks to her skull from Yun Qian Meng.
“Xiaojie!” Teased by Yun Qian Meng, Mu Chun pouted and her cheeks began to blush. With one hand covering her forehead, she said reproachfully, “Nubi is still just thinking for xiaojie‘s sake! That Liu yiniang isn’t exactly a good person, now that she is in charge, will she even put xiaojie in her eyes in the future?”
Yun Qian Meng saw her little yatou get angry and that her eyes filled with concern, and couldn’t help feeling warm in her heart. She slapped her hands together a few times then received a clean handkerchief from Mu Chun to wipe off the dirt on her hands. Only then did she speak with deep meaning, “Do you think that Su Qing managing the estate for all these years counts for nothing? Liu yiniang“>Liu Han Yu might be a yiniang like her, but she doesn’t have father’s affection, doesn’t have a favored child by her side, nor does she have a strong maternal family. Do you really think that she could be on par with Su Qing? In the xiangfu, the people working under Su Qing, which one of them is not a clever person? Will they really let Liu yiniang“>Liu Han Yu easily take over as zhuzi and let her order them around? Silly yatou, this really isn’t a easy chore; if anything goes wrong, we can’t tell how nitpicky Su Qing will be!”
Mu Chun felt like she suddenly saw the light, her pupils looked at Yun Qian Meng full adoration. But she still had something she didn’t understand, “Xiaojie, if this is such a thorny problem, why did you save san xiaojie then? If Su yiniang comes into power again, then I’m afraid that san xiaojie will be even more miserable!”
“Miserable?” Yun Qian Meng coldly snorted, as the scene of Liu yiniang‘s barely repressed excitement replayed in her head, and calmly said, “After so much trouble to regain father’s attention, Liu yiniang will certainly seize the opportunity to find Yun Yan a good marriage!”
As she spoke, Shui’er was seen quickly walking over. She saw Yun Qian Meng, immediately bowed, then finally said, “Xiaojie, the da furen of Fu Guo Gong Fu came to see you!”
Finishing, Bing’er was seen leading Qu furen Ji Shu Yu and Liu yiniang over……
“Wai shengnü greets da jiumu!” Yun Qian Meng immediately handed the handkerchief over to Mu Chun, personally went forward, and bowed towards the graceful and poised Ji Shu Yu……
A pair of well maintained hands gently stretched to Yun Qian Meng‘s sides and lightly lifted her with a hug. Jin Shu Yu’s eyes were filled with concern as she sized up Yun Qian Meng whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. Her heart couldn’t help but pain as she said, “Meng’er since to have lost weight recently! Let jiumu take a look at your head wound. You must take of it properly, can’t let it leave a scar!”
Yun Qian Meng only felt a warm, fine and smooth hand caressing her cheeks while her injured forehead was gently cared for. She couldn’t help feeling curious, wanting to find out what Ji Shu Yu was really like!
Lifting up her head, she saw that Ji shi‘s refined facial features, especially her gentle and limpid eyes, allowed others to subconsciously feel willing to be close to her!
Her body was clad in an expensive long dress, while a pearl-embroidered waistcoat was draped over her shoulders. Her hair sported a ruyi hairpin and two Eight Treasures hairpins, while the jade-emerald earrings on her ears emitted a faint radiance under the sunlight. Although she was dressed reservedly, she still displayed the intangible airs of a person from an influential family.
Yun Qian Meng quickly understood that Qu furen was an aristocratic lady through and through.
“Many thanks for jiumu‘s concern! Meng’er was unfilial to have caused jiumu to come here personally. Some other day, I will necessarily head to Fu Guo Gong Fu to beg forgiveness!” Yun Qian Meng bowed again on the spot, but was held up by Ji shi!
Ji shi said in playful anger, “Don’t mention it, your health was poor, how could you move about? Old madam is also very worried about the condition of your injury, and sent me over to take a look. If it can’t heal in time for old madam’s birthday, then you should just stay here and recuperate at ease!”
Yun Qian Meng respectfully invited Ji shi into her chambers, personally offered some hot tea, then lightly said while smiling, “Jiumu please report to wai zumu that on her birthday, Meng’er will definitely visit to give congratulations! This head wound is already healing quickly, please don’t worry about it!”
Ji Shu Yu swept a glance at Yun Qian Meng‘s room, only to find that the eldest young miss of the xiangfu only had an old bed and a dressing table in her pitiful room, and that the four walls were stained with rain marks. Ji Shu Yu’s heart was suddenly unhappy, but only because Liu yiniang was present, she endured it and didn’t speak out!
However, seeing today that Yun Qian Meng was behaving in natural and unrestrained manner, every one of her actions calm and unhurried, Ji Shu Yu’s expression couldn’t help but change as she started to seriously examine the young lady before her!
She could only see that Yun Qian Meng was wearing a light green muslin skirt that, covered by an external layer of gold chiffon, was embroidered with silver clouds. Her black hair was teased up in a simple fashion with a white marble hairpin pinning some in place, while the rest was left to hang down her neck, contrasting with her snow white skin; her disposition extraordinary!
And at this time, Yun Qian Meng had a mild smile across her face, her eyes were as if a deep well, of which others can’t even glimpse at the bottom. Especially the way she had responded appropiately just now, if compared to her past cowardly, timid, shy and reserved behaviour, was like a completely different person; leaving Ji Shu Yu in a momentary blank stare!
No wonder when she visited the palace recently, the Empress Dowager had mentioned to her that Yun Qian Meng was completely different from the past, it seems that it was really true!
If the old madam met this kind of granddaughter, she would probably be very delighted!
Thinking about that, Ji Shu Yu revealed a pleased expression as her lips couldn’t help curling up. She pulled Yun Qian Meng‘s small hands and lightly patted them a few times, “In that case, I’ll arrange a carriage to pick you up then! Only……
Ji Shu Yu’s gaze swept towards Yun Qian Meng‘s clothes. Although the material was not bad, it could be seen that these clothes were getting old, showing her it was likely that xiangfu people didn’t properly serve her with their hearts!
Ji Shu Yu lightly creased her eyebrows and coldly glanced at Liu yiniang at the side. Somewhat displeased, she said, “If the xiangfu can’t afford it, then da xiaojie‘s future expenses will be borne by Fu Guo Gong Fu!”
Hearing this, Liu yiniang‘s heart sounded a large thud and she immediately said fearfully, “Furen don’t anger, nubi will take good care of xiaojie, won’t let furen worry!”
Yun Qian Meng was very touched at the moment. Somewhat coquettishly, she burrowed into Ji Shu Yu’s bosom, and spoke with a slight sob, “Many thanks for jiumu‘s concern! Only, Liu yiniang just recently took over the affairs of the fu, please don’t blame her wrongly!”
Hearing Yun Qian Meng‘s explanation, she relaxed her expression a little bit, but her tone remained heavy. Still, feeling that the young one in her bosom was now so sensible, her heart unwittingly filled with motherly love as she tenderly stroked Yun Qian Meng‘s fine black hair and lightly said, “If Meng’er needs anything, just send someone to jiumu to ask! You little girl, before this you were unwilling to to visit our Fu Guo Gong Fu, every year the old madam’s birthday was attended by your er mei. None of us knew anything about your life or your surroundings! Now that I’ve seen it, how can I not feel sad?”
Finished, Ji Shu Yu pulled out a handkerchief and quietly wiped her tears……
Yun Qian Meng, who was still sitting in her bosom, comforted her with smiling eyes, “Jiumu has nothing to worry about, Meng’er won’t be bullied by others anymore!”
Ji Shu Yu saw her resolute expression and felt somewhat relieved. Both of them chatted idly for a while
, before Yun Qian Meng got up to send off Ji shi……
“So, what matters have brought yiniang here today?” Returning to Qi Luo Yuan once again, Yun Qian Meng looked at Liu yiniang who was following close behind and asked faintly……
Chapter 17: Seeking advice from the young miss | Chu Wang Fei
Glossary
嬷嬷 mama – an older female servant
丫头 yatou – usually referring to a servant girl; can also mean girl, latter usually used as a form of endearment
夫人 furen – legitimate wife; would be added to the surname of the household as a form of address; usage is similar to the English “Missus”
小姐 xiaojie – young miss; usually from a good family, but can be used to refer to any young girl
姨娘 yiniang – concubine, not the legitimate wife; added to the end of the maternal name to show their (lower) status compared to the wife
(TL Note: Barely managed to rush out a short chapter!)
Liu Han Yu kept looking at the three yatou behind Yun Qian Meng, seemingly hesitant to speak……
“Don’t worry, just speak your mind!” Watching her act so cautiously, Yun Qian Meng could only find it funny. Perhaps, if Shui’er hadn’t arbitrarily decided to bring them into Qi Luo Yuan back then, Liu Han Yu would likely still be having headaches over Yun Yan’s unwanted marriage; currently, her appearance was similar to a person avoiding theives and robbers!
Liu yiniang had originally wanted to let Yun Qian Meng dismiss her servants, but, seeing that she trusted her yatou so much, she swallowed her words back into her stomach and wore a flattering smile. Sitting down beside Yun Qian Meng, she softly said, “Da xiaojie, the situation over at Feng He Yuan seemed turmultuous for the past few days! Reportedly, the slightest mistakes by the servants at Su yiniang‘s side were met with heavy punishment!”
In the face of Liu Han Yu‘s fawning, Yun Qian Meng didn’t refuse to give her face. She held up a jasper tea cup, lifted the cover with a hand and, lips smiling, listened to her talk about Su Qing‘s circumstances!
“So what you’re saying, is that Su yiniang is unsatisfied with father’s punishment?” Gracefully taking a few sips, Yun Qian Meng gazed at the dark green tea as she lightly said, “Only, if yiniang has the free time to worry about others, you should spend your attention on father instead! This time only then father punished Su yiniang because she did something wrong! But she is still fathers favorite; if Liu yiniang doesn’t strengthen your position, then this hard-fought position will become hers again in the blink of an eye!”
Liu yiniang had wanted to continue talking about Su Qing, but Yun Qian Meng‘s reminder, was like an alarm knocking her awake!
Truly, Su Qing, although her maternal family was not even nearly as influential as the legitimate wife, Qu Ruo Li’s, had been showered with the most affection by Yun Xuan Zhi for the past decade. It could be seen that Su Qing really had a firm grip on Yun Xuan Zhi‘s heart!
Yet she, herself, had been so engrossed in happiness after gaining a little ground, that she had pushed these important facts to the back of her mind. If, in half a month, Su Qing regains her authority, she could only worry if she and Yun Yan had any good days left to live!
Thinking so, Liu Han Yu could only feel that her back was drenched in cold sweat, so much so that her handkerchief had become damp from perspiration from her hands!
Humbly glancing up, she saw Yun Qian Meng calmly and peacefully sip her tea. Liu Han Yu finally truly admired this young lady. Although she spent her days idling in Qi Luo Yuan, she was actually well aware of the happenings outside as if everything was on the back of her hand!
Slightly turning her gaze, Liu Han Yu lowered her voice, then finally brought up the reason for her visit, “Da xiaojie, these days, nubi went to the accounting office to withdraw the daily household funds, but the accountant there keeps being difficult! Does Da xiaojie have any advice?”
Finishing, Liu Han Yu didn’t say more and only tightly gazed at Yun Qian Meng, her eyes clearly full of expectation!
Yet Yun Qian Meng only smiled, put the teacup on the table, then slowly and deliberately spoke, “The person in charge now is you, Liu yiniang, not me! Besides, if there is anything that you can’t handle in the fu, Liu yiniang can report to father. I trust that father will surely help yiniang take charge of the situation!”
Everyone could see that this situation was a result of Su Qing intentionally making things difficult!
Most likely, the jade medallion that grants the right to withdraw the funds was firmly in Su Qing‘s possession. Without the jade medallion, even if Liu yiniang was in charge, the accountant won’t accept her authority!
Su Qing did this, undoubtedly wanting Liu Han Yu to make a fool of herself, as she paved the path for her eventual return to power!
Yun Qian Meng‘s answer, on one hand, reminded Liu Han Yu that Yun Xuan Zhi was the master of the estate; anything that happened ought to be reported to him. She trusted that with Liu yiniang‘s competence and ability, Yun Xuan Zhi definitely won’t be able to be too biased in favor of Su Qing!
On the other hand, she was also telling Liu Han Yu not to let go of any opportunities to get closer to Yun Xuan Zhi!
Liu Han Yu was also a smart person. Knowing that Yun Qian Meng had already given her such a clear hint, her heart was filled with gratitude, and her face lit up with joy. Agreeing repeatedly, she then rose to leave……
Only, after taking a few steps, she recalled Ji shi‘s earlier words, and lifted her head to sweep her eyes over Yun Qian Meng‘s chambers. Inwardly frowning, she turned around to gently say, “Da xiaojie, why don’t you temporarily move out of Qi Luo Yuan? After nubi gets people to renovate the place, you can return.”
Sensing Liu Han Yu‘s kind intentions, Yun Qian Meng however shook her head with a shallow smile, “There’s no need, living here is quite good. If Yan’er has nothing to do everyday, she should come visit Qi Luo Yuan more often!”
Yun Qian Meng didn’t want to owe others a favor some small issue. Besides, even though the loft was now somewhat shabby, it was still where Qu furen stayed in while she was alive. It was a constant reminder to herself of all the injustice that had been given to Qu furen and the former Yun Qian Meng, as she planned to regain everything that was taken from them in their place!
Liu Han Yu saw that Yun Qian Meng was resolute and didn’t try to force her. Only, noticing that Qi Luo Yuan had only three childlike yatou, her eyes slightly turned as she said in a low voice, “Since xiaojie insists, nubi will respect your wishes! However, xiaojie doesn’t even have a mama to take charge by your side. nubi will have someone send over the register over later, xiaojie should take a look and choose a few capable servants to serve under you!” Finishing, she brought her servants to leave.
During her return trip, Yun Qian Meng‘s earlier invitation was still lingering on her mind. Mulling over her thoughts, she finally understood the hidden meaning!
Right now, in Yun Xuan Zhi‘s eyes, it was really inappropriate for Yun Qian Meng to interfere with the xiangfu!
That’s why, it was better for her to maintain some distance from Qi Luo Yuan. But, if Yun Yan and Yun Qian Meng were close, then the sisters meeting often would be something that Yun Xuan Zhi liked to see. Besides, if she encountered any difficult problems, she could consult with Yun Qian Meng through Yun Yan, even having the effect of pulling wool over people’s eyes!
It couldn’t be left unsaid that, the young miss, ever since her betrothal was rejected by Chen Wang, really commanded a whole new level of respect from others. She couldn’t imagine, if Chen Wang finds out in the future that he had given up such a bright and intelligent lady, what kind of reaction will he have?
Slightly slowing down her steps, Liu yiniang couldn’t help but laugh at herself. There was no need for her to concern herself with other people’s affairs. Even if Yun Qian Meng was actually no good, she was still a legitimate daughter of the xiangfu, and had Fu Guo Gong Fu as well as the Empress Dowage
r to back her; regarding her marriage, Yun Xuan Zhi would never treat her unfairly. Instead, she should quickly start thinking about her own Yan’er‘s future!
Seeing Liu Han Yu leave, Mu Chun cleaned up the tea set on the table. She was somewhat puzzled by her young miss’s unwillingness to live in a better room. Regarding what Liu yiniang said last time, she just sealed her lips and didn’t mention it!
Furthermore, Mu Chun felt for Yun Qian Meng it was not worth it to vainly let Liu yiniang gain a big benefit. Her eyebrows knitted together, she said with disatisfaction, “Why should xiaojie be so kind-hearted, working hard for other’s benefit?!”
Yun Qian Meng‘s lily-white hands propped up her left cheek as her eyes smilingly gazed at Mu Chun‘s facial expression. She only felt that this yatou was really cute and innocent, somewhat lightening up her current heavy feelings!
However, she was afraid that Liu Han Yu had other objectives for sending over the register!
Although she refused her kindness, she couldn’t stop Liu Han Yu from coming over to play nice again!
“If Liu yiniang sends people to deliver the register here, let her see me personally!” After deliberating, Yun Qian Meng‘s expression slightly sank, having somewhat unraveled the puzzle in her mind……
Chapter 18: Choosing yatou | Chu Wang Fei
Glossary
嬷嬷 mama – an older female servant
奴婢 nubi – slave servant girl; often used by servants speaking to their masters
老 lao – old
老奴 laonu – old slave
丫头 yatou/ 丫鬟 yahuan – servant girl
妹妹 meimei – younger sister;
姐姐 jiejie – elder sister; can be added to names to show respect or a close relationship;
夫人 furen – legitimate wife, missus;
