Chapter 41 Part 1: Emperor's Grace
The little emperor tilted his head slightly and looked at Lin Wei Xi with undisguised curiosity in his eyes.
The Emperor being curious was not necessarily a good thing, Lin Wei Xi's head lowered again, only revealing her slender neck. Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi, and then said, "It's the family's wife."
The Emperor looked inquisitively a few more times before saying, "You may dispense the curtsey."
Lin Wei Xi stood up with everyone, and the Emperor stepped forward to salute Empress Dowager Qian. The Emperor and Yan Wang came together, and of course the seats had to be rearranged. Lin Wei Xi took this opportunity to walk to Gu Hui Yan's side, silently hiding under Yan Wang's imposing aura.
Gu Cheng Yao also followed Gu Hui Yan and the Emperor to visit the Empress Dowager. He saw Lin Wei Xi walking in his direction with her full makeup, but finally stopped at his front side and stood still.
Gu Hui Yan was wearing a black Qinwang python suit, Lin Wei Xi wore gorgeous red dress, Gu Hui Yan was tall and slender, and Lin Wei Xi was curvy. From the back, the two stood together in an unspeakable harmony.
Gu Cheng Yao had some inexplicable moods for some reason. Gao Ran saw Lin Wei Xi naturally walked to Yan Wang's side, she also could not be outdone and walked towards Gu Cheng Yao. After she stood beside him, she saw Gu Cheng Yao looked a little distracted, she couldn't help but whispered: "Shizi?"
Gu Cheng Yao woke up and saw Gao Ran looking at him with concern. Gu Cheng Yao smiled gently, and easily concealed his emotions, tried to appease Gao Ran with his eyes: "I'm fine. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager are here, so I'll talk about it later."
Gao Ran naturally understood this reason, but when Gu Cheng Yao said this, she was a little unhappy for some reason. It seemed that in her expectations Gu Cheng Yao should not behave like this. Gao Ran wanted to let Gu Cheng Yao know how Lin Wei Xi acted with her mother-in-law's identity, how she deliberately intercepted her words, and how she slander her in front of Empress Dowager. But now, Gao Ran could only respond quietly, and then lowered her head to listen to the Emperor and Yan Wang talking.
The Emperor took the throne at the age of eight, and after five years, the Emperor would be thirteen after the New Year. The age of thirteen, could not be said old but could not be said young either, but in imperial family it was a sensitive age.
The earth dragon in Cining Palace burned very hotly, and the incense floating in the palace was warm like spring. It was a very comfortable environment, but in the room, only the Emperor and Gu Hui Yan were talking.
The other people didn't even dare to breathe loudly, bowed their heads and waited. Even Empress Dowager Qian just forego the small talk. She just sat on the side with a smile and nodded and answered one or two from time to time, but couldn't really intervene with the conversation. Lin Wei Xi just sat next to Gu Hui Yan with a bright smile on her face, but she was a little distracted.
Right now is the eleven month of Yuanjia's fifth year, the Emperor was already twelve years old. If she were still Shizi Consort of the previous life, she would certainly feel that the court was harmonious and the country was peaceful, but Lin Wei Xi had read that book of heaven, and she knew that the rest was not all smooth sailing.
Since he came to power, First Assistant Zhang had made drastic reforms, grasping all matters of the court political affairs, and also served as the Emperor's teacher, responsible for teaching the Emperor's benevolence, justice, and etiquette. For a court minister to reach this point, it could be said he was the best among scholar since the dawn of time. However, Lin Wei Xi learned from the book that in his life Zhang Xiao Lian had reached the highest official position, but near his death, it was inevitable like all ministers of the past he didn't end well, even the bones could not be saved. Later, there was even a wave of crusade against Zhang Xiao Lian, all the policies promoted by First Assistant Zhang were rejected, all the officials who opposed First Assistant Zhang would be called loyal and respectable people, even if the minister was actually just a cynical idiot.
Just a few words in the heavenly book, Lin Wei Xi could already feel the thrilling explosion of that time. Lin Wei Xi had never involved with the government affairs. She did not know what kind of person the famous First Assistant Zhang was, but it was true that the national treasury tax had doubled several times during Zhang Xiao Lian's reign. He commanded the court with strict decree, but the Zhang's family wantonly accepted bribes was also true. Zhang Xiao Lian took the opportunity to exclude dissidents and install his own people was also true. Such a legend was not within Lin Wei Xi's turn to evaluate, she actually only concerned about Yan Wang Mansion.
Once she was the Shizi Consort, but now she become the Yan Wangfei, she was bound to live and die together with Yan Wang, to share both the honor and the disgrace. The previous Emperor left the three auxiliary ministers in order to control each other. Yan Wang was the clan elders, holding the military power in his hand, deterring the world; Eunuch Feng was a palace eunuch, to take care the Emperor, and restraining the cabinet; Emperor Muzong's original intention to promoted Zhang Xiao Lian before his death must be because he had seen Zhang Xiao Lian's outstanding administrative ability, he wanted to use him to guard against Yan Wang. Yan Wang himself had the surname Gu, his nephew was young, and Empress Dowager Qian didn't have a high IQ. In case something happens, afraid the person who sat on the dragon chair would be replaced.
Unexpectedly, things went on the opposite direction. Yan Wang was still well-behaved, but Zhang Xiao Lian, who was once the most trusted, had a dominant family. There was no prime minister in this dynasty, and all the memorials must be personally approved by the Emperor. In fact, apart from the founding Emperor, no Emperor could withstand this kind of physical work. Therefore, the dynasty set up a cabinet to replace the Emperor's vote. Later, he was afraid that the cabinet would be too dominant, and so the Emperor later set up a department of rite supervisor. The draft proposal sent by the cabinet, that was, the preliminary plan, would only take effect if department of rite supervisor approved it. Today's superintendent of the department of rite is Eunuch Feng.
Eunuch Feng watched the Emperor grew up, and affectionately called "Feng Dabao" by the emperor, which was no different from daddy1. It was unknown how Eunuch Feng looked at First Assistant Zhang, the two people who were supposed to be competing with each other were actually very harmonious. Eunuch Feng even directly approved all memorials that First Assistant Zhang handed over without looking at it. In this way, it was not surprising that First Assistant Zhang could covered the sky with one hand and monopolized the courts.
The two of the three legs stand were joyous and harmonious, and Yan Wang as the other end was very important. After Yan Wang remained in the capital, he was on good terms with First Assistant Zhang. At least on the surface the two respected each other and had gentlemen's friendship. Lin Wei Xi once thought that the friendship between Gu Hui Yan and First Assistant Zhang must be good, but when Gu Hui Yan came back from the banquet on the wedding night, there was a faint anxiety between his brows. The true relationship between these three auxiliary ministers may not be as calm as the outsiders had seen.
Even Yan Wang found it tricky, Lin Wei Xi never thought that she could say any wise opinions. She was just a little worried. If what the heavenly book said were true, what would happen to Yan Wang Mansion when Zhang Xiao Lian criticized heavily in the future? What would happened after the next First Assistant Shen came into power? Even more maliciously speculated, what role did the Emperor play in this matter?
1 The original word is 奶爸 or naiba which literally means 'milk dad' LOL, it refer to man who takes an active role in taking care his newborn baby, but it's kinda awkward to call it that so I changed it to daddy. ↩
Chapter 41 Part 2: Emperor's Grace
The little emperor, who was only twelve years old, was sitting and talking to Yan Wang. He had handsome eyes and looked kind and harmless. But Lin Wei Xi felt a chill from the bottom of her heart.
Lin Wei Xi finally realized at this moment that although the heavenly book was mysterious, but it was also a story with individualistic insight. That book was more like a personal life note after it all beautified from Gao Ran's point of view. How could this kind of book be able to sum up the ins and outs of the courts and its treacherousness, and the ferocity of political power struggles.
Perhaps, she didn't need to take the contents of the book seriously.
Gu Hui Yan accompanied the emperor to the inner palace to pay respect to the Empress Dowager, but also to satisfy the Emperor's curiosity to take a look at Lin Wei Xi. After all, it was the Emperor. Gu Hui Yan couldn't say anything. After saw the people, Gu Hui Yan thought that it was almost time, immediately get up and lead Lin Wei Xi to leave.
Seeing Gu Hui Yan took his leave, the Emperor rather reluctantly get up and said: "Uncle Yan Wang, you rarely enter the palace, why don't you sit for a while? I still want Uncle Wang to teach me horsemanship."
"Today is mainly to accompany my wife to thank the Empress Dowager. It's not early anymore. We should not stay in the inner palace for too long. If the emperor wants to practice riding and shooting, I might as well enter the palace again tomorrow and practice with the emperor."
After hearing this, the Emperor helplessly sighed: "Uncle Yan Wang said that. But tomorrow I am going to Wenhua Pavilion to listen the lectures, I am afraid I won't have time to go to practice field."
Gu Hui Yan paused for a short time, then smiled again: "First Assistant Zhang is dedicated to Your Majesty and abides by his role as a teacher. This is a blessing for the country."
Lin Wei Xi did not miss that the Emperor called himself "I" in front of Yan Wang, nor did she miss that Yan Wang only said that First Assistant Zhang's strict discipline to the emperor was "a blessing to the country", but he did not express any personal opinions. First Assistant Zhang took the name of the Emperor's teacher. He also responsible to cultivate a benevolent ruler for the dynasty. Therefore, the Emperor's discipline was very cumbersome and strict, from the books he read, the words he practiced, to what he needed to do with courts, it's all very strict. From the perspective of an adult, what First Assistant Zhang had done was for the Emperor's benefit, but from the perspective of a boy of twelve or thirteen, afraid it was very irritating.
The emperor reluctantly sent Yan Wang out. He glanced at Lin Wei Xi again and said, "Uncle Wang is newly married, Zhen1 as a junior did not be able to come and celebrate, it's really unfortunate. Zhen don't have any meeting gifts, only a pair of Yubi2 to give as present for Aunt Yan Wang, and hope that Aunt Wang and Uncle Wang will have a good relationship for a hundred years, and in perfect harmony."
Lin Wei Xi unexpectedly was called, she had never speak to the emperor, so she stammered a little bit: "Long live, how… how can this court wife..."
The Emperor smiled kindly at Lin Wei Xi. The young man had fair skin with a pretty and clean smile: "Aunt Wang doesn't need to be like this. Zhen always respect Uncle Yan Wang. This is Zhen wedding gift for you two. Auntie just accepts it."
Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan, Gu Hui Yan nodded slightly, and Lin Wei Xi said, "Thank you, long live Your Majesty."
Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan made a small talk with the Emperor at the front, while Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao could only stand and watch at the back. Gao Ran couldn't say a word. Looking at the two people standing side by side from behind, for some reason she thought to herself, Gu Cheng Yao was only a Shizi. When others talked about him, they would always call him Yan Wang's son. Gao Ran used to be deeply proud of this identity, but now her feelings was a little hard to distinguish.
Just because he was the son of Yan Wang, Gao Ran could only stand at the back, watching Lin Wei Xi accepted the greetings, and chatting and laughing with various big people. This was not because of how clever Lin Wei Xi was or how clumsy Gao Ran was. Lin Wei Xi could do this because she was Yan Wangfei, Yan Wang's new wife.
Gao Ran stood at an arm's length, watching Lin Wei Xi smilingly thanked the Emperor, and then let people put away the jade gift from the emperor. She and Gu Cheng Yao were standing there, obviously very near, but they seemed to be separated by an insurmountable ditch.
This ditch was power, status, and seniority, and it was also the heroic military service of Yan Wang. The emperor had no choice but to rely on one hundred thousand soldiers. For the first time, Gao Ran clearly realized that the honor she assumed as Shizi Consort was not because of Gu Cheng Yao, but because of Yan Wang.
After coming out of the palace, Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran each got into the carriage and were silent all the way. Lin Wei Xi was thinking about the heavenly book, while Gao Ran stared at decorative motif on her Shizi Consort's dress sleeves, slightly in daze.
Because of this incident, Gao Ran was a little absent-minded until dinner time. Tonight, the people of the mansion ate at one place. Gao Ran had been standing behind Lin Wei Xi and waiting. The maid offered new tea, Gao Ran rolled up her sleeves and poured tea for Lin Wei Xi.
Lin Wei Xi watched her former good sister brought her tea and water. She silently enjoyed it for a while. When Gao Ran held the tea to her, Lin Wei Xi said, "I'm not thirsty yet, I don't want to drink tea. Put it away first. "
Gao Ran's fingers tightened. Ning Fu and the other maids also showed uneasy expressions. Of course Lin Wei Xi could see it. Her smile unchanged, and said casually: "Shizi consort's hand just healed. Previously while your hands still well it's already unstable when serving the tea, now that your hand is injured, I'm afraid it's even more useless. Put it down. This tea is freshly boiled, unlike Shizi Consort I cannot stand being scalded."
Lin Wei Xi was incessantly picky. Gu Cheng Yao just entered the door when he heard this. His eyebrows twitched, and subconsciously looked at Gu Hui Yan in front of him.
1 Zhen, I think if you read Chinese historical novel a lot you will know this, well in case you don't know it's the illeism for the emperor.↩
2 Yubi (玉璧), is a jade ritual object with round shape and hole in the middle. ↩
Chapter 42 Part 1: Demonstration
Gu Hui Yan's qigong1 training was excellent, he was still calm as before, as if he hadn't heard anything. When the people in the hall saw Yan Wang and Shizi coming, they hurriedly greeted them. Lin Wei Xi stood up when she heard the voices and saluted: "Wangye."
Gu Hui Yan naturally supported Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi only done half the greetings ceremony and then stood up with Gu Hui Yan's help. The other people in the room were a little surprised when they saw this. Gao Ran stared at Yan Wang's palm supporting Lin Wei Xi's arm, and couldn't believe that Yan Wang could be like this. How good this Lin Wei Xi.
Gu Cheng Yao withdrew his gaze from the overlapping hands of the two people, and greeted Lin Wei Xi with restrained eyes: "Mother."
Lin Wei Xi did not expect Gu Hui Yan would help her up in front of everyone. The wife was responsible for passing on the children and took charge of the food. What the husband had to do was respect, not intimacy. For a long time Lin Wei Xi had always understand it like this, and she had never expect a man could treat her with such cares. Lin Wei Xi's brain couldn't reacted. She was led to the seat by Gu Hui Yan in a daze, and sat side by side with Gu Hui Yan.
Gu Cheng Yao also took a seat immediately. There were a total of four masters in the house. Gao Ran's position suddenly became awkward. She was the only one who could not sit. The daughter-in-law should waited on the mother-in-law to eat, so before her mother-in-law said the words she could not sit down.
Coincidentally, Gao Ran was the only wounded person at the table. After the dishes were served on the dinner table, Gao Ran held up her chopsticks with the intention to give Lin Wei Xi the dishes. Lin Wei Xi gave her hand a quick glance and said, "Shizi Consort don't need to be in hurry to do her filial piety. Your hand is still hurt, so sit down, lest it will looks like I treat you harshly. Then it will be this stepmother's fault again."
Lin Wei Xi's words seemed to have other meaning. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't continue listening to it, so he stood up and said, "It was this son's fault for disrespecting mother yesterday. Mother please forgive."
It's really great to have a powerful father, could confidently make others easily forgive. Lin Wei Xi chuckled lightly and said, "I don't dare. Shizi is the only successor of the mansion. I'm just a second wife, how could I dare to point fingers at Shizi."
Many people's faces changed when they heard this. In their mind they actually thought so, but once it was spoken, the implications were too serious. Even if they faintly look down on her, Lin Wei Xi was Yan Wangfei, the mother of Shizi. Gu Cheng Yao frowned and said, "This son never think like that. Why mother get such idea?"
"You don't have this kind of thought, but you can't keep the people below for thinking like this." Lin Wei Xi's eyes swept mercilessly over Bu Mama, cold and fast. The others present may not be able to catch it, but Bu Mama the person involved, must had feel it. After Lin Wei Xi finished mocking the other, she said casually: "Shizi, Shizi Consort, sit down."
Although Lin Wei Xi's line of sight was quick, but the few people present were all smart people, how could neglect these details. Gu Cheng Yao noticed that Lin Wei Xi's eyes fell on Bu Mama behind him. He was embarrassed and also puzzled. Why, what did Bu Mama said to Lin Wei Xi? Bu Mama was not that kind of person, right?
Gu Cheng Yao continued to stand and refused to take a seat. Gao Ran also stood beside Gu Cheng Yao, frowning and said, "Mother, there must be a misunderstanding. If this daughter-in-law is not serving well, then mother can beat and scold me, but don't take your anger on Shizi for no reason."
Gao Ran was really annoying. This kind of selling pity made it looked like Lin Wei Xi found trouble without reason. Not only that, she also tried to step up to Lin Wei Xi while defending Gu Cheng Yao, to showed everyone that she was loyal and dependable. Lin Wei Xi was bored, and her tone of voices was also not good: "It's just a matter of fact. I'm also not related to him. Why would I take my anger on him? I know that Shizi Consort and Shizi have deep feelings, but before Shizi Consort defend Shizi, you should listen to what other people are saying."
Gu Cheng Yao didn't expect the matters would turn out like this. He was about to speak, but was cut off by Gu Hui Yan: "He should apologize, you just accept it."
When Gu Hui Yan opened his mouth, immediately every seat were quiet, Lin Wei Xi also became docile.
Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi, with a light tone: "She is the Yan Wangfei, and her words are the same as mine. If you neglecting her order, that is the same as neglecting my order. In the future you don't have to stay in the Yan Wang Mansion."
As soon as these words came out, the servants that were standing in the dining hall turned pale, no matter which courtyard they served, at this moment they all knelt down: "Wangye..."
Gu Hui Yan's eyes still fixed straight ahead, he didn't even look at so many people kneeling around. Seeing the tense atmosphere, Lin Wei Xi could only quietly tugged Gu Hui Yan's sleeves: "Wangye."
Lin Wei Xi gazed at Gu Hui Yan with wet eyes, her expression cautious and vaguely fawning. Lin Wei Xi indeed had deliberate thoughts when she flared up today. Bu Mama did not acknowledge her as the new Wangfei, instead tried to suppress her. If she did not beat this kind of person first, how could Lin Wei Xi establish her standing? Originally, she meant to knock some sense into Gu Cheng Yao, so that Gu Cheng Yao could see what his loyal servant was like. But Lin Wei Xi didn't expect that Gu Hui Yan would actually speak, and not only he blamed Gu Cheng Yao but also side with her unconditionally.
Lin Wei Xi was moved by Yan Wang's statement, but she was also guilty for her own deliberate thoughts. Yan Wang was in the palace for a day, but during dinner she made trouble and took the opportunity to beat people. Lin Wei Xi felt very apologetic, now when she looked at Gu Hui Yan, her eyes unconsciously fawning.
Seeing this kind of eyes, Gu Hui Yan's anger calmed down a lot. After all, he still couldn't bear to refuse Lin Wei Xi, and said flatly: "Get up."
All the people in the room were greatly relieved and got up from the ground with their heads down. Gu Hui Yan glanced lightly at Gu Cheng Yao and said, "Since she asked leniency for all of you, then remember it well. Sit down. You don't need to arrange the dish today."
Gao Ran hurriedly gave thanks and walked over to Gu Cheng Yao's side and sat down. The meal was eaten quietly, and when serving the foods the maids deliberately softened their footsteps. All the maids and servants stood by the hall below with their hands hanging down. After a meal, their eyes could not help but glance at Lin Wei Xi.
This new Wangfei was so valued by Wangye. First, Wangye personally helped her up, and then scolded Shizi and to deter the servants for her. Lin Wangfei was more than a round younger than Yan Wang, and she was so beautiful. It's no wonder that Yan Wang was very doting and indulgent with such a young lovable wife.
Everyone faintly felt that the wind in the mansion was about to change. Previously they guessed that Wangye put heavy importance on Shizi and would guarded against the second wife, afraid they were gravely mistaken.
1 Qigong is type of exercise from ancient china, it combines slow graceful movement with mental concentration and breathing to increase and balance a person's vital energy. ↩
Chapter 42 Part 2: Demonstration
After dinner, Gu Cheng Yao and his wife quietly asked to take their leave, Lin Wei Xi also followed Gu Hui Yan back to their courtyard. After entering the room, Lin Wei Xi gave meaningful glance, Wan Xing and Wan Yue understood, and drove all serving people out, leaving only the two of them in the room.
When the people left, Lin Wei Xi didn't need to worry about face anymore, immediately sat next to Gu Hui Yan, hooked his sleeve with her little finger, tilted her head slightly, and her eyes curled up: "Wangye, thank you very much for today."
Gu Hui Yan actually thought it's as it should be. Since he had agreed to marry her, how could he let the servants in the mansion rely on their seniority to bully her? It was his negligence to let these slaves come to her and say these ambiguous words. He should have beaten the servants earlier to tell the matter front of everyone openly. Gu Hui Yan originally didn't take it to heart, but now this little girl took the initiative to sit down and tell the truth. For some reason, he felt moved and asked, "What are you thanking for?"
"Thanking Wangye for supporting me in front of everybody today." Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan very seriously, "I know that I was wrong in the past, deliberately make Wangye marry me. If Wangye despise me for this reason, I have nothing to complain about. But Wangye still respects me, considerate in all aspects, and your kindness has reached to the extreme. Today, Wangye took a lot of trouble accompanying to the palace, and after returning to the mansion afterwards also couldn't take a rest. Dinner was originally a family reunion, but I made trouble with this kind of affair, my heart is really..."
At the beginning, Gu Hui Yan had deliberately teased her, and listened with a smile. Later, his smile vanished slightly, and his tone became serious: "Why do you think like that? What happened that day...you were indeed very bold. But when I make my decision, no one can forced me. Everything come from my intention, so how could I despise you because of it? In the future don't say this kind of words again. That sentence on the big wedding day is still true, since I married you, I won't let you feel embarrassed. In the future just continue to be yourself, just be what you used to be. There is really no need to have so much burden.
Lin Wei Xi's eyes was a little moist when she heard these words. She felt deeply moved, she even felt a little bit like fooling the heaven. She went to Yan Wang's study to say those words that day, saying it in pleasant way, it's to pay a debt of gratitude, but to said it in vulgar ways, it's to force repaying the favor. She basically blackmailing Yan Wang. With this kind of circumstances where the man was forced to marry the woman, it was very clear what will happen after marriage. However, even like this, Yan Wang could still say that the decision was his own, and that he would be responsible to the end. If Gu Cheng Yao had a tenth of the responsibility of his father, she wouldn't have end up like that in her previous life.
But how could there be so many ifs? Besides, she was now married to Yan Wang, so she could no longer think about things in her previous life. Lin Wei Xi blinked hard, tried to retract her tears, and smiled forcefully at Gu Hui Yan: "Your Highness Yan Wang, I have admired you since I was a child. I only learned today that my admiration is still too light. You really are a very good person."
In the past few days, Lin Wei Xi deliberately changed how she addressed Gu Hui Yan from formal to informal. She was not his subordinate' daughter, but his wife. Lin Wei Xi did not want Gu Hui Yan to look at her like she was a child. But at this moment, Lin Wei Xi said these words in place of her two lifetimes' self, that she sincerely loved the hero in front of her. She was lucky to be able to marry Yan Wang.
Gu Hui Yan heard a lot of flattering words from others, but in fact, he didn't care about his achievements. He was not as noble as outsiders imagined. At fifteen he commanded the army was for the mansion and the fief. Starting from the age of twenty, he fought in various places for power. At the age of thirty he entered the capital to save the country also not necessarily for the common good of the whole world. He knew that he was actually very selfish, and the various praises given to him by the outside world had glorified him too much. As for the continuous victories since joining the army and no defeat, Gu Hui Yan, as the commander, didn't think this was something to brag about.
Marching a war was not a child's play, every move was human life. It's the responsibility of the commander to seriously consider how to plan, to order and to move.
However, even if Gu Hui Yan didn't think there was anything to it, but now a young and beautiful girl looked up at him with such eyes, Gu Hui Yan could not help but feel a hint of male pleasure. Especially this was his sweet wife, seriously and intently said 'I admire you so much'.
Although he believed that his self-control was first-rate, and also used to seeing strong winds and big waves, Gu Hui Yan had a hard time controlling himself. He didn't know why, so he looked up at the sky outside.
Seeing Gu Hui Yan was not speaking but looked up at the sky instead, Lin Wei Xi thought her words were too rash, which made Yan Wang felt impatient. Lin Wei Xi's heart was startled, and quickly said: "Wangye, my words and sentences are all sincere, and I don't mean to offend, nor to deliberately flatter."
Gu Hui Yan raised his hand and lightly coughed, used his fist to cover it slightly: "I know." In contrast, his mind became more and more dirty. Lin Yong previously entrusted him to look after his only daughter out of trust in his character. If Lin Yong learned of his recent behavior, wouldn't it be like he betrayed his old friend's sincerity?
Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Hui Yan's expression looked unpredictable, but it did not look angry. She felt a little relieved, thought for a while, and asked tentatively: "Wangye, today I am rude to Shizi, will you not be angry with me?"
"It's all right." Gu Hui Yan looked indifferent. "He has thick skin, just a few words, what can happen. On the contrary, your body is weak and your temperament is also squeamish. You scold him, for him it was nothing, so don't blame yourself."
Lin Wei Xi grinned: "Thank you, Wangye, it's good if Wangye do not blame me. In fact, I'm not making troubles out of nothing. What I said is justified."
Gu Hui Yan looked at her and smiled: "I know."
Like a phrase being old and disrespectful1, Gu Hui Yan enjoyed listening to her. As for his son, Gu Hui Yan didn't care too much, how old was he, how could he not be able to bear even a few words of scolding. The stepmother was younger than him and her body was delicate, Gu Cheng Yao not only need to give in but also should.
Lin Wei Xi received the pardon from Yan Wang, and immediately felt confident, she was so excited for this elder' treatment. Who would have thought that last year she suffered terribly because of Gu Cheng Yao's anger, and had no choice but endured his cold treatment. But finally today, she could legitimately scold him.
1 Being old and disrespectful, it means as an old person didn't know how to respect oneself and behave in disorderly themselves so the younger person also disrespect them.↩
Chapter 43 Part 1: Served
Lin Wei Xi was happy for a while, but suddenly thought of the things described in the book, the joy in her heart suddenly clouded, her smile faded. Gu Hui Yan keenly noticed Lin Wei Xi's changes, his eyes moved, and asked in a deep voice, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Lin Wei Xi shook her head. She didn't intend to mention this to Yan Wang. After all, the story in the heavenly book was too unbelievable. To put it bluntly, she was now catching the wind and catching the shadow1, guessing what hasn't happened yet. But when she looked into Gu Hui Yan's eyes, for some reason she trully trust him. It seemed that no matter what happened, the person in front of her was worth relying on. Lin Wei Xi was gradually bewitched. Looking at Gu Hui Yan, she hesitated and asked, "Wangye, what kind of person do you think First Assistant Zhang is?"
Gu Hui Yan's eyes changed suddenly, and even a little surprise appeared on his face. He thought his little wife let her imagination run wild again. She seemed to get caught in memories easily, and sometimes showed the sadness of the world, as if something similar, but not very good things, had happened to her. These looks were absolutely undesirable for her growth experience. Gu Hui Yan just kept these things in his heart, and usually did not reveal them. He thought it was the same situation today, but he didn't expect to hear this question from Lin Wei Xi's mouth.
If she asked it this way, then what she wanted to hear was definitely not about Zhang Xiao Lian's poems and prose, personally and painstakingly teach the emperor and so on. Gu Hui Yan felt strange that with Lin Wei Xi's age and experience, she shouldn't have been exposed to this level of political affairs. Gu Hui Yan thought so, and asked, "Why do you ask this?"
"It's nothing. Only when I saw the emperor today, I realized that His Majesty has grown so tall, not much different than me. Probably next year His Majesty will be taller than me, so I feel a little bit emotional." Lin Wei Xi nervously answered. When she said this in front of Yan Wang, she felt a little bit like showing a little skills in front of an expert. She secretly looked at Yan Wang and asked carefully, "Wangye, I have a superficial idea, but still dare to bring this up to tell you, isn't it ridiculous?"
"No." Gu Hui Yan laughed. He couldn't help but stretched his hand over the low table and rubbed the top of her head. "Why? You can think of this, it's already very good."
The young emperor grew up day by day, but the three courtiers still controlled the government, celebrated peace with song and dance, and buried thousands of miles of thunder and fire, but the people in the imperial court were ignorant and still immersed in this flourishing vanity. Afraid even Zhang Xiao Lian himself had never thought about this crisis. Lin Wei Xi, a sixteen-year-old girl, could look till here only from entering the palace. It was already very rare.
Gu Hui Yan's expression became deep. He saw Lin Wei Xi, who was under his arm, looked at him nervously with her moist eyes, as if the sky was about to collapse in the next second. Gu Hui Yan smiled lightly, and the imposing air around his body also relaxed: "It's still far from that day. There are at least five years of peaceful days to enjoy. What are you worried about? Besides, even if that day comes, there will still be me, nothing will happen."
Because Lin Wei Xi had read the heavenly book, she knew that in the future the implications of First Assistant Zhang's case would be enormous. Even if at present all factions were calm, her heart was always faintly shrouded with dark clouds. Now that Gu Hui Yan said this, her heartstrings really relaxed a lot, so she immediately smiled and said, "Yes there is Wangye."
Lin Wei Xi became more relaxed. Watching Gu Hui Yan's expression, he seemed to also guarding against this matters. Maybe he already expected the scene today from the moment he first entered the capital to assist the government. Who was Yan Wang? Even if Lin Wei Xi was lucky enough to see the future from the heavenly book, she would not dare comparing herself with Gu Hui Yan. Since he already prepared, wouldn't she worry for nothing?
Lin Wei Xi's heart settled after that, and her countenance also relaxed a lot. Although this was Gu Hui Yan's goal, but he still surprised when he saw this: "You trust me just like that? I'm just talking about it. No one can really say anything about the future."
"Of course I believe it." Lin Wei Xi changed her previous depressed looks and smiled at Gu Hui Yan, with a pear vortex looming on her cheek, "Because you are Yan Wang."
The unreserved trust from this little girl could really make a man lose himself, Gu Hui Yan's unconsciously smiled, and his expression also softened.
Gu Hui Yan said he had seven days wedding leave. In fact, when he returned from the palace on the third day, he ended his wedding leave and went back to handle the government affairs.
Lin Wei Xi forced herself to get up early and insisted on personally putting on Gu Hui Yan's Qinwang court dress. Gu Hui Yan saw the corners of Lin Wei Xi's eyes were red, obviously she hadn't completely woken up yet. She only wore her inner clothes, and when she helped him changed his clothes her body slightly shuddered. Even if the earth dragon was burned, it was cold in the early winter morning. Gu Hui Yan pitied the still drowsy Lin Wei Xi, and felt sorry for letting her stood outside in the cold. Several times he asked her to go back to sleep, but Lin Wei Xi shook her head and declined. It was the first time she did this kind of thing for a man. Because Gu Hui Yan's status was high, his court dress was also a bit cumbersome. Lin Wei Xi stretched her hand and strenuously tried to tie Gu Hui Yan's leather belt.
Gu Hui Yan had a wide shoulder, a thin waist, and well-proportioned and long legs, when he stand he looked majestically tall and straight, with one look people would know that he was a military man. When Lin Wei Xi stood in front of Gu Hui Yan she was originally slender, but now she only wore inner clothes with all her long hair draped behind her, and when she embraced Gu Hui Yan's waist to tie his leather belt, it seems like she was taking the initiative to hug Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan was immaculately dressed and wore a full set of first-grade court dress, and Lin Wei Xi had long hair to waist and simple clothes, this contrast brought an unspeakable romantic feeling.
Lin Wei Xi was a little embarrassed when she was putting on the leather belt, especially when she clearly felt that Gu Hui Yan was looking down at her, his eyes were especially focused. Lin Wei Xi didn't know why, but her hands' movements were a little flustered, and the leather belt was tangled for a long time but it didn't fasten properly. Lin Wei Xi was a little anxious, attending the court was a major event, whether being discourteous or being late was all serious matter. Lin Wei Xi became impatient, but Gu Hui Yan suddenly stretched out his hand, holding her hand to properly tie the leather belt. Gu Hui Yan's palm had some thin calluses, which was a bit rough on her hand, but it carried reassuring warmth. Lin Wei Xi's face turned a little red. She forcibly calmed herself down, took the jade pendant, grand seal, knee-cover and so on, hung them on the leather belt one by one.
After the full set of first-grade court dress were properly put on, the time was already late. Lin Wei Xi took a step back, she felt deeply and intuitively the impact of this dress. She pursed her lips at Gu Hui Yan and smiled, deeply saluted: "Today let Wangye wait a long time. This servant will be here waiting for Wangye to return."
Gu Hui Yan didn't speak. He looked deeply at Lin Wei Xi. After a while, he stepped forward to support Lin Wei Xi's arm, and with a little effort lifted her up. In passing he raised his hand to Lin Wei Xi's cheek, caressed her chin a few times, and then turned away.
When Lin Wei Xi dressed Gu Hui Yan, obviously there were many maids around, but no one dared to intervene. Wangfei turned back and forth to put the clothes for Yan Wang. Yan Wang also looked at Lin Wei Xi intently. Even if Yan Wang didn't say a word, everyone knew that Yan Wang would not allow them to come forward and interrupt.
1 Catching the wind and catching the shadow, it's a metaphor for illusion and unfounded speculation.↩
Chapter 43 Part 2: Served
When Gu Hui Yan left, everyone in the inner room were all relieved. Only then did Wan Xing and Wan Yue dared to step forward, served Lin Wei Xi and asked: "Wangfei, it's still early, do you want to go back and lie down for a little while?"
Lin Wei Xi looked outside, although the sky was still dark, but at the same time the east was already appeared a brighter blue. When she first got up, she was so sleepy, but after changing Gu Hui Yan's court dress, her sleepiness almost completely disappeared. Lin Wei Xi shook her head and said, "I'm already awake, if I go back to lie down it will be a disgrace. Let's change the clothes."
Because Gu Hui Yan was the only one in the mansion that need to attend the court, therefore when Gao Ran came to pay respect, the mother-in-law Lin Wei Xi had been sitting for a long time. Previously Gao Ran waited for Lin Wei Xi for a long time before the tea ceremony. In addition to the matter of entering the palace yesterday, she already knew in her heart that Lin Wei Xi liked to sleep in, so she couldn't help but become a little sloppy when she went out today. Who knows that Lin Wei Xi actually woke up early today. When Gao Ran saw that Lin Wei Xi was already neatly dressed and sitting by the window drinking tea, she was shocked and could only hurried forward and bowed her head and said: "Pay respect to mother. This daughter-in-law is late today. Mother please forgive me."
Lin Wei Xi glanced at her and said nonchalantly, "Didn't you say that you still have burns on your hands? Didn't I excuse you from morning and evening greetings these few days? Why are you here again?"
"Mother is very compassionate to her children, this daughter-in-law is very grateful, and want to get closer and be more filial to mother, how dare to neglect."
Lin Wei Xi was no stranger to this kind of routine. If their position were changed and she was pitied by her mother-in-law because of the injury, and being exempted from morning and evening greetings, her lips would say grateful, but her action also didn't dare to really not going. In Duke Yingguo Mansion, Lin Wei Xi was accustomed to seeing her grandmother's, Duke Yingguo madam, ways of doing things. Her mother, as the daughter of the Grand Princess, also never dared to neglect paying respect in the morning and evening. In Lin Wei Xi's impression, only in those few days when her mother Wei shi's had premature delivery, because she could not get out of the bed, she was exempted from paying respect. Later, Wei shi's health deteriorated and she could not get up to serve her mother-in-law.
Lin Wei Xi thought of Wei shi, and inevitably also recalled Han shi and Han shi's son, her former shu younger brother. Thinking of these unpleasant old acquaintance, Lin Wei Xi's enthusiasm was waning, and the expression on her face became more and more indifferent: "Shizi Consort has a heart. No wonder I always listened others praised Shizi Consort for her filial piety. I heard that even before you married you already had a good name. Today it seems that name is really not in vain."
"Mother is absurd. These words are just other madams giving face to this daughter-in-law. To have a name for filial piety in the capital was just a fluke. How dare this daughter-in-law take it seriously? Mother shouldn't say this again. This daughter-in-law is really embarrassed."
She spoke modestly, but deliberately told her that Gao Ran indeed had both talent and filial reputation before she was married. Lin Wei Xi smiled, put down her teacup, and looked at Gao Ran with a smile: "The fame of Shizi Consort is actually this big, my Yan Wang Mansion is really fortunate to have you as a wife. Since Shizi Consort was famous before getting married, then surely serving your parent-in-law, doing housework, needlework and cooking, all would be no problem."
Gao Ran's face became a little stiff, for some reason Lin Wei Xi's words made her seems like a maid serving on someone. But even if she was unsatisfied also there's no other way. The world's requirements for the daughter-in-law were precisely to be like a maid in front of the mother-in-law, like a perfect person in front of the husband, and like a bodhisattva in front of the servant.
If Lin Wei Xi really ordered Gao Ran around like a maid, Gao Ran actually could do nothing except to spread the tears to cheat sympathy outside.
Lin Wei Xi wiped the corners of her lips with a kerchief and hold the armrest to get up. Gao Ran upon seeing this, even if her heart felt crooked, she could only hurried forward to help. "Be careful, mother."
After Lin Wei Xi stood up, she silently shook Gao Ran's hand. She walked to the front hall and asked, "Is Shizi Consort already have breakfast? If you still have not, you can have it with me here."
Gao Ran quickly said "Do not dare". Today she was late paying respect. If she had breakfast at Lin Wei Xi's place, wouldn't that leave a fodder for gossip? In contrast, Gao Ran would rather be hungry.
Lin Wei Xi was just asking, in her heart she did not want to eat at the same table with Gao Ran. She sat down at the dining table, and the maid brought the refreshment tea, which was still steaming, every dish was exquisite and delicate, and it was worth looking at. After Lin Wei Xi sat down, Gao Ran hurriedly stepped forward and said to the servant girl who was serving food, "I'll serve mother to eat, you withdraw."
Seeing that Lin Wei Xi did not say anything, the maid passed the chopsticks to Gao Ran with both hands, then bowed her head and stepped back.
Lin Wei Xi smiled politely: "Shizi Consort still has injuries on her hand. It's too hard for Shizi Consort to do this kind of things."
"Serving mother-in-law, how can it be called hard work?" Gao Ran still smiled softly, not showing any stiffness or embarrassment. Lin Wei Xi's eyes only moved a little, and Gao Ran would put the dish that Lin Wei Xi had looked at into Lin Wei Xi's bowl, without her need to say any words. Lin Wei Xi had seen Gao Ran fawn on her grandmother like this when she was still in the Duke Mansion. Although she felt that Gao Ran was just putting on an act of filial piety, she had to admit that Gao Ran's ability on serving people was much higher than her own. If it changed to Lin Wei Xi, she definitely would not be able to do things like serving tea personally or serving dishes diligently, whether for female elders or for her husband.
She used to look down on Gao Ran's style very much, but now Lin Wei Xi changed her position and suddenly found that she was quite comfortable. No wonder the Duke Yingguo madam always said that Gao Ran is good, being served so attentively, who wouldn't say good?
Chapter 44 Part 1: Extorting Money
Lin Wei Xi happily enjoyed the treatment of her former grandmother. Gao Ran was also an expert in this respect. Lin Wei Xi only glanced at a certain dish twice, and Gao Ran would serve her that dish in the next instant. After a few times, Gao Ran knew Lin Wei Xi's preferences. Now, the amount of refreshment brought over was just right, there would be no leftover, nor let Lin Wei Xi still craving to eat.
Unconsciously, Lin Wei Xi ate a little more than usual. Being in a good mood was really appetizing. Lin Wei Xi put down her chopsticks, and rinsed her mouth with tea and spitted it out, Gao Ran already passed the silk kerchief for wiping her lips, from beginning to end she was really attentive.
After Lin Wei Xi tidied up properly, she slowly stood up with the help of people. She looked at Gao Ran and smiled slightly: "Shizi Consort have work hard. Shizi Consort has been standing for half a day, I will see the people in charge of estate, if Shizi Consort is tired, just go back first."
Gao Ran only had two mouthfuls of pastries in the morning and then went out. Observing other people's body language to discern what they thought was really exhausting. After this breakfast, the two chestnut cakes in Gao Ran's stomach were digested completely. But after Lin Wei Xi said this, how could Gao Ran really go back? Was it exhausting to stand and honestly serve her mother-in-law? Gao Ran suppressed her exhaustion and said with a smile: "How can that be possible? If mother doesn't feel vexed with me. I look forward to serving mother for a while. What should I go back early for?"
Since Gao Ran said so, Lin Wei Xi was not polite, and really took her across the courtyard, through the main hall, and sat in the guest hall on the east side of the main hall. A screen stood at the entrance of the guest hall, which covered Lin Wei Xi's figure. The maids quietly filed in and placed the incense burner, fruit plate, brocade cushion and other items. After putting everything in order, Wan Yue helped Lin Wei Xi to sit down on a couch in the middle of five-panel patterned silk screens.
Lin Wei Xi was the center of sight of the whole house. After Lin Wei Xi sat down, Gao Ran walked to the side of the couch, went behind Lin Wei Xi's side, and stood still.
The maid went out to announce, and after a while, the steward of Yan Wang's estate in Daxing was taken in.
Headed by a sturdy woman in her forties, wearing a short blue burlap jacket. She was no stranger to Yan Wang Mansion. Their husband and wife were domestic slaves of the mansion. They took care of the estate in Daxing. At the end of each year, they offered tribute of poultry and fresh produce raised by estate to Yan Wang Mansion. In previous years, she directly met Bu mama, but when she entered the capital this year, she learned that Yan Wang had married a new Wangfei. With a new mistress, this kind offering the tribute from the estate, Bu Mama could no longer be the master, so the granny from the estate must first come and kowtow to the new Wangfei.
Except for the flowerbeds in the mansion, all other places were flattened with bluestone. The estate' granny followed the beautiful maid from the side gate, walked on the mansion middle road straight to Jingcheng Courtyard. After entering the tall gatehouse, the estate granny first saw a glazed screen wall1 , gold and jade in glorious splendor, truly majestic. When she stared at the coiled dragon on the surface her pit of stomach jumped, she didn't dare to look anymore, and quickly lowered her head and followed the maid to go around the screen wall, and walked along the corridor under the eaves to go inside.
Even if the estate granny was only a farmer, she knew that Jingcheng Courtyard was the courtyard where Wangye and Wangfei lived. Behind the screen wall was a wide and flat courtyard, and the wing rooms on both sides were incredibly tall and magnificent. The estate granny couldn't help taking a peek at it. This one wing room might be more spacious and brighter than their three room house in Daxing countryside. However, the maid in the palace said that these wing rooms were left empty.
The estate granny felt regret, and her mind couldn't but started wandering. At last they finally here. At the front were five section main house with raised eaves and corners. The middle section had a pass through that was made into a hallway, with armchairs, vases and other objects placed in the middle, which was intended to be used for meeting guests. A magnificent garden could be faintly seen through the hallway, the flowers and trees were lush and dense, and the carvings were exquisite. The estate granny barely took a glance when all of a sudden she was bumped by a person. She looked up and saw the maid who led the way looking at her disapprovingly: "Inside is the courtyard where Wangfei lives. Don't be presumptuous."
Only then did the estate granny realized that the courtyard under her feet that had made her sigh for half a day was just the outer part of the place where the Wangfei lived. The place where the Wangfei actually lived was still inside. Outsiders like them could only met Wangfei in the outside yard to see guests, and to think about what kind of person the Wangfei was, how could she let people step into her living space at will.
After being reminded, the estate granny's heart tightened. She stood in the hallway with the maid. Across the screen, the shadow could already showed a very beautiful silhouette, all the people were surrounding this one person. After the maid pressed her hand to pass the word inside, a voice came: "This is the steward of the estate in the southern suburbs of Daxing?"
The estate granny had lived for so many years, but it was the first time she heard such a nice voice. She didn't know how to describe it, it was like the spring water that just melts in the spring, like the raindrops on lotus leaves in the summer, it was clear and delicate but didn't have the kind of deliberately charming and overly sweet, it hits people senses with fresh and clean nature. The estate granny was distracted by this voice, and after a while she finally reacted and quickly responded, "It's this old slave."
There was a pause inside, and the estate granny was panicking, then heard the fairy-like voice sounded again: "Since you are all servants of the mansion, then you are not outsiders. It's cold in the hallway, come in and talk."
The estate granny was like stepping on the clouds, she seemed to be in dazed, after a while still didn't react. The maid next to her took a look and said, "Still not thanking Wangfei."
The estate granny woke up from her dream: "Ah yes, thank you Wangfei."
The granny thought that voice must be the new Wangfei's strong point. The imperial family womenfolk all had their own strengths. Some had long slender waists and some were good at flattering. The new Wangfei's strength must be this good voice. The estate granny walked around the screen, knelt down to kowtow, she got up when suddenly raised her eyes, she let out a sound "Oh" and almost fell backward.
Wan Xing frowned, and immediately shouted: "Presumptuous! How dare you make noise in front of Wangfei?"
The estate granny saw that the woman sitting in the middle raised her hand. Even though the maid who had just stood up and chided still glaring her eyes, she immediately bowed her head and took a step back. Then, the woman who made the estate granny forgot her manners, that she could barely catch her breath, turned her head and glanced lightly at her: "The steward hasn't firmly stand, help her up."
The estate granny was half lifted half drag to stand up by the maids on both sides, and when she looked at Lin Wei Xi, she couldn't even speak for a while. The estate granny looked distracted, realizing that she had just lost her manners, quickly bowed to beg forgiveness: "Wangfei please forgive me... this old slave is really shocked just now, so lost her manners. This old slave has lived for so many years. I have seen many big girls and little wives in the city and countryside, but I have never seen such a beautiful person like Wangfei... No, they can't even compare with Wangfei's finger. As long as they have a tenth of Wangfei's good looks, this old slave will still unprepared, directly fall because of shock."
Lin Wei Xi had long been accustomed to outsiders being all kinds of surprises when they saw her. This old woman was just a bit exaggerated and fell directly to the ground. Lin Wei Xi didn't take such flowery words into her heart. She saw that the granny had finally stood up properly, flipped through the book in her hand, and asked: "The livestock used for the winter sacrifices and New Year celebration are all ready?"
1 Screen wall here is a traditional architecture, a wall made of bricks the entrance of the house usually decorated with auspicious carving for blocking the line of sight. ↩
Chapter 44 Part 2: Extorting Money
Lin Wei Xi saw that the granny had finally stood up properly, flipped through the book in her hand, and asked: "The livestock used for the winter sacrifices and New Year celebration are all ready?"
The book showed the farming situation of the estate in Daxing. How much land the estate had, how many tenant farmers leased this year, and how many chickens, ducks, fry, cattle, sheep and even wild deer were raised in the early spring were all clearly stated in the book. Every spring, each farm hand over a roll, and at the end of the year, the better products produced within the year would be sent to the mansion, and the rest would be sold at the market. The money from the transaction would be sent to Yan Wang Mansion at the end of the year. Calculating how much they should make each year became the test for the mistress's eyesight. For so many years, the estate under Yan Wang Mansion had operated like this.
Speaking of the topic, just now the granny still looked all around the place, all of sudden she became at ease. She rubbed her hands and smirked: "Reporting to Wangfei, to be honest this old slaves also want to send things to the mansion, the more the better. It's just that this year's harvest is really bad, and the weather this winter is really cold. Our family went out to look for fish in the pond every day, in the past few days almost no different from living next to the fish ponds. But the fish in estate are still not energetic. This old slave knows that it's impossible for the mansion to leave out the whole fish feast at the end of the year, but the fish in the pond are not lively. Soon will be the end of the year, this old slave is also anxious..."
The scale of this estate in Daxing was not small, there were more than 100 acres of land around the estate area and the farmer family on the ground were all the property of the mansion. Yan Wang Mansion actually had many similar estate. However the real specialty of Daxing's estate lies in its unique geographical location.
This farmland was backed by hills, and there were mountain springs not too far away. The land was rich and fertile, suitable for digging fish ponds and raising fish. At the annual banquet in the Yan Wang Mansion, half of the dishes were freshwater fish, so this estate had become irreplaceable, and the steward also had some face. This granny dared to come and say that the fish in the estate were not energetic, wasn't it because the mansion could not lack freshwater fish. It's almost December, and obviously impossible to buy fish and shrimps on the market in the winter, so they dare to be so confident.
Lin Wei Xi had seen these scenes of collusion between inside and outside steward of the mansion, and they acted as each other horns. She was not in a hurry, just put down the produce book and looked at the audience with clear eyes: "What did this steward means?"
The granny laughed more and more cheerfully: "It's almost the twelfth month. The annual offering and New Year ceremony are important events. This old slave also knows that this is a big deal. So these few days urging our family to quickly manage the fish pond. Wangfei doesn't have to worry, our whole family has been looking after the estate for a long time, and we have the most experience. We will definitely be able to deliver the fresh fish before the twentieth of twelfth month. However, Wangfei also know that this matter is too sudden, fish and shrimps this kind of living thing are different from the seedlings. It's really hard to maintain. The silver in the estate is not enough. If the fish pond is arranged in a hurry, I am afraid that the turnover will not come..."
After all, it came down to money. Lin Wei Xi smiled lightly. She looked at the other stewards in the room and found that everyone was bowing their heads and didn't intend to say anything. Being able to manage an estate that covers the area of one hundred acres and produce specialty that extremely important, it was conceivable that this steward couple had a lot of connection in the mansion. They must have bribed other people when they came to the capital to ask for money this time around.
These servants may had been in the palace for 20 or 30 years. They were as slippery as a loach. Everyone took the money together, breathes together, and acted as a horn for each other. This was the way to survive together. As for the silver they corrupted from the master family... Anyway, the mansion had a huge business, and one or two thousand taels to throw into the water was nothing. How could they care about this small one or two hundred taels? As long as there was no shortage of produce in the end and no major troubles arise, then this was nothing.
Lin Wei Xi said: "Year ends offering and New Year's celebration are both major events, and there should be no delay. Then to look after the matter, the turnover need how much silver?"
Sure enough, the estate granny rubbed her hands and smiled. This new Wangfei was as beautiful as a goddess, but she looks young and knew nothing about the estate. This was the first time the Wangfei had come in contact with year ends offering, celebration and other things. When she heard that something was wrong, she must have lost her soul. As long as it could be solved with money, then quickly get the money out.
Thinking about this, the granny smiled more and more sincerely: "Reporting to Wangfei, the time is tight. If you want to catch up with year ends festival, I am afraid that you will have to spend more money to ask an experienced person to come and look after it. This old slave has calculated, if Wangfei give this slave one hundred taels in advance it will be enough."
One hundred taels... Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but laugh in her heart, she really dared to say it. The expense of a family of five in a year was only ten taels, and one hundred fifty taels could buy another estate, including the land under their feet. This old woman was asking one hundred taels, which showed how arrogant and rampant these wicked slaves that were seizing their mistress' stuff in their pockets.
Seeing Lin Wei Xi's face turned cold, the estate granny quickly added: "It's cold these days, and the fish in the fish pond are not lively. If we don't remedy it, I'm afraid we will have to delay the New Year's banquet. You know, Wangfei, the New Year's Banquet in Yan Wang Mansion the half of it are all freshwater fish. The capital is located inland. It is not easy to eat fresh fish and shrimps. Our estate have been staring at the ancestors in the pond without blinking our eyes for a year. This one hundred taels maybe nothing for Wangfei, but the fish in the pond cannot wait. This winter is cold, and it's extremely hard to reorganize the fish pond in the cold winter. I'm afraid our family will not be able to close our eyes for half a month after we return..."
Gao Ran also heard that this granny was greedy for money in the name of the New Year, but when she heard that she only need one hundred taels, she suddenly felt that it was nothing. Yan Wang mansion's annual income was more than tens of thousands of taels, one hundred taels of silver, Gao Ran had long ago despised. Although these old slaves were greedy, a hundred taels was not too much. As long as they could handle the errands, these flaws would pass with them.
Not only Gao Ran, but the other people in the room also felt that one hundred taels was not too much. Lin Wei Xi's outfit was far more than that. Yan Wang liked freshwater fish, and the dishes at the annual banquet could not be delayed. Since it could be solved with one hundred taels, then just give it.
Lin Wei Xi picked up the tea cup and took a sip. After putting down the celadon cup, she said very casually: "Since it's so troublesome, then don't send it. Just raise it this winter and wait until next spring to fatten it up. Take it to the market and sell it, to save you from having to fix the fish pond without sleeping for half a month. Since it's exhausting, then don't do it."
The estate granny was shocked, never expected Lin Wei Xi to say this. She smiled stiffly: "Thanking Wangfei for being compassionate. This old slave is the slave of the mansion. It's only right to work hard for the mansion. It's just that the New Year's banquet is a major event. The fish and shrimps are indispensable for the New Year's banquet. Nowhere to buy..."
Even dared to threaten her with it, Lin Wei Xi said lightly: "Since the steward can't deliver the things on time, it's okay to cut a few fish dishes on the menu. Wan Xing, take the menu."
Wan Xing was stunned, Wan Yue had to poke her from behind before she hurried out to get the New Year's banquet menu. The estate granny was panicking a little bit, and she looked at granny Zhao, who had been bribed before, for help. Granny Zhao was Bu Mama's right-hand. Now that Lin Wei Xi really wanted to change the menu to remove the fish, she quickly stepped forward and said: "Wangfei, the New Year's banquet menu was set by Wangfei Shen1 that year. It has been in use for many years. I am afraid that it would be inappropriate to change it rashly."
1 Previously I write it Shen Wangfei or Lin Wangfei, but from now on I will change it to Wangfei Shen and Wangfei Lin, because the Yan in Yan Wangfei is the title, same as that annoying Zhao Wangfei, while Shen and Lin is the maiden name, to differentiate it the title at the front and maiden name at the back of Wang. ↩
Chapter 45 Part 1: Mother-in-law
"What's wrong?" Lin Wei Xi smiled, and looked at Granny Zhao coldly, "Is the menu a golden rule? The law of Dali Temple can be modify, but the banquet menu of Yan Wang Mansion cannot be changed?"
"But, after all, this was set by Wangfei Shen..."
Lin Wei Xi's eyes were cold and her voice was like ice hitting jade: "Am I not the Wangfei now?"
Granny Zhao was completely speechless. She looked at Gao Ran and asked for help: "Shizi Consort, what this lowly old slave said is count for nothing, please persuade Wangfei."
The estate granny followed Granny Zhao's line of sight, only to realize that Shizi Consort was also there. She was in a cold sweat, feeling ashamed, and hurriedly knelt down to salute: "This slave pay respect to Shizi Consort, greeting Shizi Consort."
The estate granny kowtowed while sweating. Actually, she couldn't be blamed. Lin Wei Xi who sat in the middle, had a glamorous appearance. Even if the whole house was so rich and luxurious still not as dazzling as her. The estate granny was surprised by such a bright fairy character, she didn't notice the person next to her. In fact, if looked closely, obviously could recognize Gao Ran. Gao Ran was gorgeously dressed, with golden hairpins and jade, and entirely different from a maid. But who made Lin Wei Xi's appearance too magnificent, estate granny was surprised by the new Wangfei, she secretly glanced at Lin Wei Xi and subconsciously thought the people around were her servants. As a result, with such a negligence she actually mistook the Shizi Consort.
If this estate granny kept her mouth shut, Gao Ran could still regarded it as this granny could not find any gap to greet her because Lin Wei Xi was in the way. However, this woman first showed a surprised look like she saw a ghost, and then knelt down in a hurry, Gao Ran was very embarrassed by her doing this. Under the embarrassment, Gao Ran became more and more angry. This woman was so bold that she just regarded her as Lin Wei Xi's maid?
But in front of so many people, it was not good for Gao Ran to flared up, so she could only smile forcefully and ordered the people up: "It's okay, you are too nervous, to neglect the etiquette can also happen."
The estate granny sweating coldly, she got up and smiled, "It's this old slave who was rude, Shizi Consort do not blame."
Granny Zhao also felt that this hillbilly was an embarrassment, she throw an annoyed glare at the estate granny, and changed the subject: "Shizi Consort, Wangfei is angry, you please persuade Wangfei."
Gao Ran rolled her eyes slightly, she thought to herself, could it be Lin Wei Xi didn't know that Yan Wang liked freshwater fish? If like so, then Gao Ran should even more let Lin Wei Xi make this mistake. She turned her mind and put on a smile on her face: "Mother, I know you are angry, but the New Year's banquet menu is something left behind by mother-in-law. This cannot be changed. Besides, it has been passed down for so many years. It is not good for you to change it rashly."
Gao Ran knew that Lin Wei Xi minded Wangfei Shen, the more she like this, the more Gao Ran wanted to mention Shen shi in front of everyone, so that everyone would know who her real mother-in-law and proper Wangfei was. Gao Ran wanted to provoke Lin Wei Xi to make mistakes on the menu, and it would be better to make Lin Wei Xi so angry that she insisted on touching Shen shi's legacy. If this happened, multiple crimes done one after another and when it passed on to Yan Wang and Shizi, Lin Wei Xi would be in big trouble.
Shizi Consort mentioned "mother-in-law" in front of Wangfei, the atmosphere in the room was obviously stagnated. The maids who served all bowed their heads, and Granny Zhao, who had served Wangfei Shen, was even more prideful. Lin shi was only a novel thing now, that's why Wangye doted on for a day or two, that's all. In fact how could it be compared with Wangfei Shen? It would be too ignorant of if she dared touch the things left behind by Wangfei Shen.
Lin Wei Xi didn't get angry when she heard Gao Ran's words. She paused and said, "That's right, I'm young after all. I'm afraid it's not easy to handle things properly."
As soon as Lin Wei Xi's words came out, everyone in the room was happy and surprised. Happy because Lin Wei Xi finally agreed to follow the routine, also surprised that Lin Wei Xi gave in just like thiat. Lin Wei Xi ignored the various expressions of the people in the room, and continued: "The younger generation is not sensible, so of course they have to learn from the elders. Come on, bring out the New Year's banquet menu when the old Wangfei was alive, and I will consult my mother-in-law's things and see how the banquet should be handle?"
Gao Ran, Granny Zhao and the others became quiet all of a sudden. The late old Wangfei was the first generation of Yan Wangfei, the mother of Yan Wang Gu Hui Yan. They could bully Lin Wei Xi as the second wife, but even if these people were lend many guts they did not dare say that the old Wangfei was wrong. Lin Wei Xi glanced at the hall and saw everyone bowing their heads silently. Then she chuckled, "Why don't you speak anymore? Shizi Consort, do you still have a good opinion?"
Gao Ran could only lower her head and said, "Don't dare, this daughter-in-law has oversteps."
Lin Wei Xi's eyes were lingering on her, do you think only you who has a mother-in-law? If Gao Ran dared to move Wangfei Shen to suppress her, then Lin Wei Xi could move her own mother-in-law, the old Wangfei, and let's see who could overwhelm who.
Just then Wan Xing took the menu, Lin Wei Xi stood up and motioned for Wan Xing to follow her with the menu. Lin Wei Xi walked to the hall, and the surrounding maids crouched down to salute when they saw this. Even Granny Zhao had to step back and bend over. In the room, everyone was one head shorter than Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi stopped when she was in front of the estate granny. When she saw the exquisite skirt stopped in front of her, the estate granny became more and more frightened, and firmly knocked her head under Lin Wei Xi's feet.
"The harvest in Daxing estate this year is not good, so the rent collection at the end of the year will be slowed down. The 100 acres of farmland are not handled well. Since your whole family not able to manage the estate, then don't. Yan Wang Mansion still has a lot of people who can do it."
The estate granny was shocked, Lin Wei Xi withdrawn her family's managerial position? The estate granny wanted to get up to explain but didn't dare to touch Lin Wei Xi's exquisite and compelling dress, so she could only watch her walk away: "Wangfei, please listen to this old slave's explanation, it's not like that..."
Lin Wei Xi ignored her and left. After Lin Wei Xi left, estate granny sat on the ground and looked at Granny Zhao frantically: "Zhao Mama you see, how can this be good?"
Chapter 45 Part 2: Mother-in-law
Lin Wei Xi ignored her and left. After Lin Wei Xi left, estate granny sat on the ground and looked at Granny Zhao frantically: "Zhao Mama you see, how can this be good?"
It was the end of the year, and their family wanted to save some silver for the New Year, so they had some thoughts on their master family. Of course they knew that this was wrong, but other farmers had done it in the past. The estate granny's family were tempted and thought that maybe it was nothing. Why would the mistress of Yan Wang Mansion cared about this insignificant hundred taels of silver? If it was only their family, even beaten to death they wouldn't be so greedy, earlier they gave ten taels silver to Granny Zhao that let them have the confidence to speak. Granny Zhao had the backing of Bu Mama, the chief steward of the mansion, as long as Bu Mama turned a blind eye, their trip would definitely be without surprise.
However, who would have thought that the Wangfei was so angry that she would put down her words and replaced the people next year! The estate granny's whole family eats from the estate and lived from the estate. Every year, they save a lot of money by reselling the estate farm produce. If they were driven out from the estate, how could their whole family live?
The estate granny didn't expect that when she wanted to make a big deal, but instead of making any money, the chicken flown from the coop and the eggs were broken (a dead loss). After Lin Wei Xi left, the other people in the room were also left one after another. Taking advantage of the small number of people in the room, the estate granny grabbed Granny Zhao. In any case, she refused to let Granny Zhao walk out first: "Zhao Mama, you also received things this time. You should help me."
Granny Zhao tugged several times but she couldn't get away, she could only get furious, she lowered her voice and said angrily: "Let go, how many people are here? What are you talking about?"
The estate granny was not stupid, even if she die she would not let go, her expression showed 'since you receive the money then you must help me'. Granny Zhao had no choice but to secretly signal: "I can still be greedy for your ten taels of silver? It's useless for you to pester me here, I am not a person who can decide the matters of the mansion."
The estate granny heard some hints: "Zhao Mama means..."
Granny Zhao winked at Gao Ran's back: "The new Wangfei wants to fight Wangfei Shen. Of course, us servants have to obey the orders, but Wangfei Shen is the proper mother-in-law of Shizi Consort. How can Shizi Consort sit idly by? Besides, there is Bu Mama."
The estate granny suddenly realized, pleasantly surprised she got up with a grunt, pulled Zhao Mama's hand, and said, "To inconvenience Zhao Mama to sell goods for me. This vulgar person cannot see Shizi Consort. To trouble Zhao Mama on my behalf to put a words or two in front of Shizi Consort and Bu Mama."
Granny Zhao showed an awkward looks, the estate granny understood, and immediately stuffed a piece of silver from her cuff. Granny Zhao weighted her sleeves, and immediately smiled: "Since you have said so, cannot be avoided to toil around on your behalf. You wait first at the gatehouse. I will call you when I have the news."
The estate granny nodded with a smile. She felt heartache when she thought of the pieces of silver that she had just given away. But the granny then thought about her position at the estate, and thought if she could keep the position, in a year wouldn't there be more than that? The money was worth it.
The estate granny looked at the direction where the goddess Wangfei was leaving just now and sighed. Without rhyme or reason, how come branches suddenly appeared? Everything was good before, how come the newly arrived Wangfei was so stingy.
Gao Ran followed Lin Wei Xi back to the house, Lin Wei Xi was considering the menu, and after a while, she sent a message to let Gao Ran go back.
After Gao Ran returned to her courtyard, Ning Fu and several other maids felt distressed for Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort, your injured hand is not healed yet. Not only Wangfei did not spare you from morning and evening greetings, but she also kept you standing all morning. This bullying is too much."
"Okay, don't say anymore." Gao Ran said, "After all, she is my nominal mother-in-law, and to the worlds it's no different from parents, you know? In a while Shizi should come back from the study, and you are not allowed to mention it to Shizi."
Ning Fu pouted and refused to accept, Gao Ran gave her a glance before these maids responded reluctantly. Before leaving, many people were distressed by the ill-fated of Shizi Consort. When she was in her maiden family her di older sister snatched her marriage, with great difficulty she and Shizi successfully became husband and wife, but still her evil mother-in-law made things difficult for her.
Gao Ran heard the secret whisper of the maids, but she didn't care, just acted like she didn't hear anything. Gu Cheng Yao returned from studying in the front yard study, and as expected, no one told him about this morning affairs. Gao Ran gently and cautiously served the meal for Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Cheng Yao looked at the unstable chopsticks on her hands, and said with some distress: "Quickly sit down, you are already hurt, you should rest. How can I let you to prepare the dishes."
Gao Ran smiled softly at Gu Cheng Yao, her expression looks very moved: "Thanking Shizi for his compassion."
Gu Cheng Yao looked at Gao Ran, but for some reason his thoughts drifted to another person. Gao Xi never said such soft words. What's more, she would not even serve her husband or done any other female virtues. Gu Cheng Yao's mood suddenly withdrawn, and then he was surprised, why did he think about Gao Xi? A vicious woman who deliberately ruined other people's predestined marriage, why would he suddenly think of her voice and smile one year after her death?
Gu Cheng Yao suppressed the strangeness in his heart, but fortunately the maid blocked Gao Ran's sight, so Gao Ran didn't notice. Gu Cheng Yao looked at it and thought about the other mistress at home. Suddenly, his head ached, "Today you went to pay respect to her. Is everything going well?"
Of course Gao Ran knew who this "her" was. Only in front of Gu Hui Yan, but in private neither of them refuse to called Lin Wei Xi mother, which was too awkward. Ning Fu moved, as if she wanted to say something, but was still suppressed by Gao Ran. Gao Ran smiled gently and generously: "Wangfei is very kind and didn't make things difficult for me."
Gao Ran didn't say anything bad. Gu Cheng Yao was even more suspicious when she said it like this. Gu Cheng Yao frowned helplessly, but when he saw Gao Ran's expression, he sighed inwardly and didn't mention it again.
In the afternoon, after Gu Cheng Yao left, Ning Fu was very upset: "Shizi Consort, just now Shizi specifically asked, why didn't you say anything? Wangfei, she deliberately make things difficult for you."
Gao Ran smiled disapprovingly: "To file a complaint is the next step. A truly smart person never fights in person."
Ning Fu didn't understand, Gao Ran also didn't elaborate. While they were sitting, there were noises from outside the door, and from outside there were sound of greetings "Mama Bu" one after another. Gao Ran smiled and stood up, seemingly had no clue and said: "She's here?"
There was no need for her to become the bad person. Wouldn't it be better if Shizi heard her grievances from other people?