by Ning er
Hearing this, Yun Ruo Xue felt her teeth tremble in hatred. She wanted to spit the ginger soup in her mouth at Yun Qian Meng’s face but was a step too late, Yun Qian Meng had quickly stuffed the silver spoon into her mouth! Passing the bowl back to Mu Chun, she looked at her coldly and said expressionlessly, “Since meimei has already recovered, Mi mama, help er xiaojie change her clothes. We will immediately set off!”
At Yun Qian Meng’s instructions, Mi mama immediately stepped forward and, ignoring Yun Ruo Xue’s menacing eyes, forcefully pulled the clothing over her body!
After everything was set in order, Yun Qian Meng finally walked beside Yun Ruo Xue, then supported her powerless body and said concernedly, “meimei’s body is weak, let jiejie help you!”
Yun Ruo Xue glared at Yun Qian Meng with an angry look, but noticed that although she had a face full of smiles, her deep and serene eyes were like a block of ice. She immediately felt her heart tighten, and couldn’t help but feel cold sweat on her back!
The old madam had disliked Yun Ruo Xue for a long time, so she just let her use the last carriage. After bringing Yun Qian Meng onto the leading carriage, the entire party set off towards the capital.
Around one o’clock in the afternoon, the carriages finally passed through the city gates and properly entered the capital. In a moment, the sounds of hawkers and peddlers selling their wares floated into their ears, causing everyone to experience the one-of-its-kind bustle of the capital!
After another hour and a half, the carriage gradually stopped. They soon heard Captain Liu’s voice reporting from outside, “lao furen, we have encountered Chu xiang’s carriage. He’s letting us pass first!”
Chapter 45: Taking a fancy to Chu Fei Yang | Chu Wang Fei
弟弟 didi – younger brother
儿子 erzi – son
The Minister of the Left (or Chancellor) is the head of all civil service officials. The Minister of the Left has a more senior position than the Minister of the Right.
Although the old madam had been away from the capital for a long time, she still had a thorough understanding of the great clans and families in the capital. After hearing Captain Liu’s report, the identity, status and background of the other person immediately floated into her mind, as she told Captain Liu, “Help me thank Chu Xiang!”
The old madam’s words caused Yun Qian Meng to secretly pull a sarcastic smile. Her grandmother was really too impatient, already planning to establish a foothold in the upper class society of the capital!
What kind of person was Chu Fei Yang? He merely let them pass today as a sign of respect for the elderly. If they really considered their official ranks, Yun Xuan Zhi’s Minister of the Right was still lower than Chu Fei Yang’s Minister of the Left!
But the old madam’s heart was only hurriedly set on helping her grandsons pave their career paths, how would she care about these things?
Besides, even if Yun Xuan Zhi was of no help, she still had Fu Guo gongfu as relatives by marriage; that family had produced an Empress Dowager!
With these thoughts, the old madam momentarily showed a gleeful expression. However, Chu Fei Yang was too much a legendary figure, causing her to be somewhat curious. Just what kind of man could have gained so much favor from Yu Qian Di at such a young age; to govern over the rest of the officials and citizens!
As the curiosity in her heart grew, the old madam lightly lifted the curtains on the carriage, sending her gaze outwards……
She only saw that not far away from the carriage, a young man with a navy blue cloak was riding on a black horse. He had dashing eyebrows and sharp eyes; his nose straight and his lips thin. At the moment, the corners of his eyes were slightly raised as he looked towards the carriage; his lips were slightly pursed, like a smile yet not a smile; the black eyes under his eyebrows were like dense ink that could not be rubbed away. His refined appearance seemed to carry a devilish charm, his handsome features carrying an air of mystery; causing all the young ladies who passed by on the street to blush, some of the bolder ones even directly stared at his outstanding dashing appearance, momentarily unable to retrieve their gazes!
Even the old madam who had always thought that her own grandsons were the greatest, couldn’t help but nod with smiling eyes, as if extremely pleased with Chu Fei Yang’s appearance!
Yet right now, what was reflected in Yun Qian Meng’s eyes was the grandeur of Chu Fei Yang’s figure on horseback, carrying the formidable air of the ruling class. Momentarily recalling her own entanglement with the Imperial family, Yun Qian Meng’s eyebrows couldn’t stop from slightly furrowing as she thought to herself to keep away from this person in the future!
However, that pair of inky black eyes just seemed like were penetrating her thoughts, his graceful features unexpectedly perked up with a slight smile. Everyone who was watching momentarily blanked out, even causing Yun Qian Meng to widen her eyes!
“I didn’t expect Chu Xiang to have such charm, truly surprising! Don’t know if Chu Xiang has any wives and concubines at home?” The old madam propped herself up to have an honorable reputation and had only taken a quick look before lowering the curtains. Posing the question towards Yun Qian Meng in seemingly idle gossip, her eyes showed a scheming expression that was difficult to ignore!
Yun Qian Meng had withdrawn her gaze when the old madam turned towards her. Hearing the old madam’s question, she slightly smiled before answering, “Meng’er usually rarely leaves home, also can’t really ask about other the marriage affairs of men from other families! If zumu is interested, perhaps you should ask father!”
The old madam heard this and felt inwardly annoyed. However, after considering Yun Qian Meng’s answer and feeling that it was rational, she indifferently nodded her head. Only, inside her heart, she was already trying to pair up Chu Fei Yang and Yun Yi Yi as a couple; the more she thought about it, the more she felt that the two of them were well-matched!
Yun Qian Meng had also guessed the old madam’s intentions. The court was currently more or less split into two factions; one headed by Yu Qian Di, and the other by Chen Wang!
Yet Chu Fei Yang was a special existence. He wasn’t too close to Yu Qian Di, but also didn’t stick around Chen Wang. He was unconventionally independent, but had extraordinary ability, yet was cleverly remaining neutral. Consequently being given an important position by Yu Qian Di, he also didn’t let Chen Wang cause any trouble!
She feared that the old madam had taken a fancy to this point!
After all, although there were many respectable men in the nobility, Chu Fei Yang and Chen Wang were nevertheless the most outstanding talents. Now, the xiangfu was already tightly bound to Yu Qian Di, and since Chen Wang had even rejected the eldest di daughter of the xiangfu, it was decidedly impossible for him to take a fancy to Yun Yi Yi!
Instead, Chu Fei Yang’s position was far more secure; no matter who wins and who loses in the conflict between Yu Qian Di and Chen Wang, depending on Chu Fei Yang would give the xiangfu an extra layer of insurance!
The carriage quieted down for a moment, as the old madam and Yun Qian Meng both had their own thoughts until Captain Liu’s voice was heard once again, “lao furen, daxiaojie, we’ve reached the xiangfu!”
The two people in the carriage only looked each other in the eyes. The old madam’s eyes suddenly showed a solemn expression, while Yun Qian Meng only had a shallow smile, respectfully saying, “sun’nü will help zumu get off the carriage!”
When the old madam saw that Yun Qian Meng was as gentle and polite as before, the discontent she had felt towards her a moment ago gradually dispersed. She nodded her head and took Yun Qian Meng’s hand, letting her support her while she got off the carriage!
At this moment, Yun Xuan Zhi was personally leading the servants from the xiangfu to wait at the main entrance. After the old madam had alighted, he immediately walked forward to bow, saying with a sorrowful voice, “er’zi pays respects to mother! Has mother’s health been good?”
T
he old madam raised her eyes, and saw that she son she had raised had now become one of the highest ranked officials, a prime minister, couldn’t help but become somewhat proud of herself. Seeing that her son had personally come to receive her today, she only felt like she was in the spotlight, and appreciatively put her hand on his. Gently patting his hand, she said happily, “Good! Everything is good!”
Right away, the servants behind Yun Xuan Zhi orderly kneeled on the ground, exclaiming in unison, “Wishing lao furen to be safe and sound! Wishing lao furen great happiness!”
As the old madam saw this, her expression became even better. Nodding her head again and again, she stepped into the xiangfu with Yun Xuan Zhi and Yun Qian Meng’s support……
Yun Xuan Zhi had earlier asked butler Zhao to tidy up the southernmost Bai Shun Tang. When the old madam stepped into the main room in Bai Shun Tang, a strong fragrance was rising in spirals from the red sandalwood incense burner. The entire room was clean and tidy, the tables had been arranged with valuable and precious antiques, and the wall was even decorated with famous works by renowned masters, in which each word was worth a thousand gold. Every piece, every roll was written by hand, causing the old madam to feel extremely pleased, further widening the smile on her face!
After everyone was seated, the old madam pointed towards Yun Yi Heng and his brother in front of Yun Xuan Zhi, saying, “Son, these are your brother’s two sons, Yi Heng and Yi Jie! This time bringing them here, was first in order to consider their future, and secondly, also to give you some help! Your didi’s body has been getting worse year after year. You are his only dage, you mustn’t turn a blind eye to him!”
The old madam didn’t beat around the bush, immediately blocking all of Yun Xuan Zhi’s routes of retreat as soon as she spoke, causing him to become speechless!
He was truly in the wrong all those years ago, but when he thought about the news that Captain Liu had sent back in the morning, Yun Xuan Zhi was extremely upset in his heart. He could only look at the two brothers bow towards him, embarrassed smiles on their faces, but their etiquette was still passable. He only questioned them about their usual studies, then called butler Zhao over and asked him to get people to prepare Qing Hui Yuan before he finally smiled towards the old madam and said, “These few days, mother should first rest properly. After that, er’zi will send a few yiniang come to pay respects!”
But after hearing these words, the old madam’s expression sank. A trace of disgust couldn’t help but leak through her eyes as she said unhappily, “Those yiniang of yours sure are arrogant, even mom has to wait a few days before I can see them!”
Yun Xuan Zhi heard the dissatisfaction in the old madam’s tone, then immediately laughed in reply, “Mother doesn’t need to be angry, it’s er’zi who was inconsiderate! At dinnertime, I’ll have them come over to your room well-behaved! Mother should first rest for a while, er’zi will go and arrange it!”
Finishing, Yun Xuan Zhi’s gaze swept across Yun Qian Meng, and the both of them simultaneously got up to leave Bai Shun Tang!
However, as soon as he stepped out of the courtyard in Bai Shun Tang, the smile on Yun Xuan Zhi’s face disappeared in a flash. His body enveloped with a hot fury, he walked briskly towards Feng He Yuan with an ashen face……
Chapter 46: Punishing Yun Ruo Xue | Chu Wang Fei
婶娘 shenniang – wife of father’s brother. (Li shi, Yun Xuan Mo’s wife)
While Yun Xuan Zhi was furiously hurrying towards Feng He Yuan, Captain Liu just rushed directly towards him. He hurriedly bowed as soon as he saw Yun Xuan Zhi, then, leaning closer, he whispered a few words into Yun Xuan Zhi’s ear before turning and leaving……
Yun Xuan Zhi was already in a bad mood and only felt his heart churn with rage. His face colored while his steps became even more impatient and fierce, making loud noises whenever he stepped onto the limestone paths!
When the servants in Feng He Yuan saw that his expression was so terrible, they lowered their heads and didn’t dare to breathe. For a while, they even forgot to enter the warm room to announce his arrival!
Yet at the moment, Yun Xuan Zhi did not pay attention to these details. Bursting into the room without leave, he saw Su Qing supporting her waist with one hand, while hitting Yun Ruo Xue’s palm with a wooden ruler. She reprimanded, “Let you get along properly with da xiaojie, but you nearly splashed tea on da xiaojie’s body! Even if da xiaojie is kind-hearted and doesn’t mind it, you can’t stop the servants from feeling indignant. Just great, you almost lost your own little life as a result! If I don’t make you remember this today, how will still dare to let you go out?”
As she spoke, the wooden ruler in Su Qing’s hands violently smacked onto Yun Ruo Xue’s hands. Only, her own heart was also finding it unbearable. The moment the ruler moved downwards, the tears in her eyes also fell!
Right now, Yun Ruo Xue also didn’t dare to retort. She sat stiffly on the floor with both her hands raised upwards. Even as she bit on her lower lip, while her eyes were swirling with tears, she did not say a word and just let Su Qing punish her!
Yun Xuan Zhi saw Su Qing like that and suddenly creased his eyebrows.
Su Qing was clearly doing this to let him cool his temper!
But how can he just let it go?
Even putting aside who had schemed against whom in this matter, Captain Liu’s earlier report was enough to make Yun Xuan Zhi blow up in anger!
That Zhao Ming was the distant relative of a butler from Su Qing’s maternal family, having just become a scholar after passing the Autumn Exam last year. Yun Xuan Zhi absolutely did not expect that Su Qing could still be so muddled, bringing out the strife in the rear gardens to the front yard. Isn’t this clearly telling the people that he, Yun Xiang, could not govern his family well?
And, by finding that scholar to ruin Yun Qian Meng’s reputation, when the time comes, no matter how unwilling, he would still have no choice but to have Yun Qian Meng get married off to Zhao Ming. Without a doubt, this move of Su Qing’s would break off an opportunity for Yun Xuan Zhi to entice influential bigwigs!
Coming to this conclusion, Yun Xuan Zhi suddenly stepped forward. Lifting his hands, he gave Su Qing a big slap, sending her staggering until she nearly fell onto the floor!
Wang mama saw this and paled in horror. She immediately ran over and supported Su Qing’s tottering body, then spoke in tears, “xiangye, if you want to hit or scold, please do it to nubi! yiniang is still pregnant. She was already angry just now, how can she withstand your slap?”
Yun Ruo Xue also didn’t expect Yun Xuan Zhi to physically hit Su Qing. Now seeing Yun Xuan Zhi’s furious expression, his eyes fierce and severe, her body turned limp in fear. She timidly shuffled backwards, afraid that Yun Xuan Zhi would take out his anger on her!
Yet Yun Xuan Zhi, after Wang mama’s reminder, finally recalled that Su Qing was a pregnant woman. He couldn’t help but turn to look, and only saw Su Qing leaning her entire body within Wang mama’s chest. Both her hands were clutched around her right cheek while tears swirled in her eyes. Her complexion paled as a trace of blood had flowed out from the corner of her mouth!
With merely a glance, Yun Xuan Zhi knew that he had been too heavy-handed. But Su Qing had really made a mistake, causing Yun Xuan Zhi to momentarily refuse to oblige. Still, the anger in his heart had mostly dissipated. He only made a dry cough before he shifted his glance over to Yun Ruo Xue who was silently holding her head in her hands and spoke coldly, “Luckily that Zhao Ming is already dead. Otherwise, you tell me, should ben xiang let Ruo Xue marry over or not?”
Hearing this, the few of them in the room all trembled, but felt relieved at the same time!
Yun Xuan Zhi knew what they were thinking at the moment. Did they really believe that everything would be fine as long as he didn’t look into it further? They couldn’t have forgotten about Yuan Qing Zhou already!
After a slight sigh, Yun Xuan Zhi continued, “Ruo Xue, you are punished to kneel at the ancestral hal
l. You won’t be allowed to come out until you’ve kneeled for three whole months! Qing’er, the girls’ futures will be decided by mother, you can restfully take care of the fetus!”
Finishing, Yun Xuan Zhi quickly glimpsed at Su Qing one more time. Seeing her bite her lower lip while resisting her tears, the anger in his heart immediately vanished. But he knew that if he didn’t give them some punishment this time, the backyard of the xiangfu would become a mess. He only hardened his heart and turned away, leaving Feng He Yuan with large strides!
As soon as the door curtains in front were let down, the tears in Su Qing’s eyes disappeared without a trace. She only stood up from within Wang mama’s bosom, then helped Yun Ruo Xue up. She tenderly grasped both of Yun Ruo Xue’s hands, then received some White Jade pain relieving ointment and carefully helped her daughter apply it to her palms!
“Mom, I don’t want to go to the ancestral hall!” Yun Ruo Xue knew that Su Qing had just pretended to be desperate. Even though her daddy was still angry, he had already forgiven them. Hence, she started to act spoiled again, grumbling and refusing to go to the ancestral hall!
Su Qing inwardly knew that Yun Xuan Zhi had forgiven her again this time. But the last few words before he left had carried a deeper meaning, causing her to feel a crisis for the first time. Hearing Yun Ruo Xue kick up a fuss at this moment, her expression momentarily sank before she coldly replied, “You must go even if you don’t want to! If you want to get married to Yuan Qing Zhou, don’t hesitate to make noise! When the time comes, even mom can’t help you anymore!”
Yun Ruo Xue saw that Su Qing was venting her anger on herself, and immediately felt bitterness bubble up in her heart. After glaring at Su Qing’s stomach with a dangerous gaze for quite a long moment, she made a grim smile and pulled her hands away from Su Qing’s grasp, peculiarly saying, “Don’t think that I don’t know that you’ve placed all your hopes on that piece of flesh in your tummy. I won’t let you two be conceited!”
