Higher Level Wife

by Usui Takumii

not mine, Kitchennovel. Waiting for the translater to update.

12. 111 to 120

After a fairly [1a] restless night of planning, Fu Qiuning finally managed to fall asleep a little after midnight. Because of this, she got up a little later than usual the next day. Fu Qiuning immediately got busy ordering Yu Jie and Aunt Yu to help her and the twins get ready. This reunion meeting would require a lot of formal clothing, makeup and a fancy hairdo. Without even stopping for breakfast, they hurried out to Health & Longevity Court.

As soon as they passed the door, they found many maids and servants milling about in the courtyard. A lot of them were new faces and Fu Qiuning's heart sank a little as she thought: [1b] Goodness, even after all that hurrying, we're still late in the end.

She made her way up the steps and saw a lesser maid push open the curtain to very loudly announce, "Second Madam Ning has arrived."

Fu Qiuning [1d] stepped through the curtained door and came face to face with an entire room of people. Half she could not recognise, and the rest she did not know well. For some reason, without anyone prompting, Jiang Wanying suddenly appeared to pull her in front of some older married women. [2] With a beaming smile, she said, "I believe that Elder Sister might not recognise everyone and not everyone knows Elder Sister."

[2] She turned to the group of women and continued, "And no wonder, after all, everyone knows that our Lord Husband married quite a few new people in back then. Not everyone here knows that I am just a secondary wife, not the official wife at all. Today, I am here to introduce the true official wife. The people in the marquisate have taken to calling her Second Madam Ning."

[2a] This Jiang Wanying said a lot of things, but she neglected to mention the marquisate's official excuse of 'long illness and weak body'. After all, Jiang Wanying privately sneered: Outsiders might not know, but would the people of the marquisate not know? You were sent in specially to slap Lord Husband's face. If not for this kind of ridiculous fortune, would you ever have the opportunity to stand in this place?

Fu Qiuning knew that Jiang Wanying would never come up with any good words for her. [b] Who could, when the love of your life suddenly decided to turn his attention on another woman, especially one whom she had already dismissed as a rival in the past? She thought: You poor thing, here you are trying to score points against me with something I don't even care about. I'm sure you wish you could bite me to death, but you have no choice but to acknowledge that my social standing is higher than yours just because a fickle man decided to pit his women against each other like fighting cocks. You even have to call that hated woman 'Elder Sister'…

[2d] As expected, when Jiang Wanying saw [1e] the pitying smile on Fu Qiuning's face, hatred brewed even stronger in her heart. Still, she managed to swallow her anger and said, "Elder Sister, this is Sister-in-law Liu, the di-born granddaughter of Duke of Feng."

She deliberately stressed the "di-born granddaughter' part, then pointed to a boy and a girl beside Liu'shi and said: "These two children are Zhenyun and Xiufeng, they happen to be older than Feng'er and Jiao'er by two years."

Fu Qiuning quickly greeted Liu'shi and her servants. Jiang Wanying then introduced He'shi, Jin Pengzhang's concubine. He also had a daughter called Jin Xiuli and another concubine called Ming Yan. This Ming Yan was a former courtesan from the Qingguan brothel. Jin Pengzhan was so taken with her that he bought out her contract. After marrying in, she lived peacefully within the marquisate and quietly gave birth to a son, Jin Zhenhe, and was then raised to the status of a concubine. Otherwise, with her dubious background, she could only be a favoured bedmate at best.

On and on it went. Everyone was curious about the abandoned wife Fu'shi who had managed to transform her status from its former salted fish-like existence to a lively koi. This group of curious people eventually edged Jiang Wanying aside to personally question her instead. Fu Qiuning felt as though her face had turned stiff from [3] smiling through all the double meanings and hidden jabs. Pity and ridicule for these pretty and vicious women battling for space in her heart. She thought: As women, we should not trouble our fellow women. However, I doubt you will leave me alone if I don't do anything to you. Nevertheless, with status and favour on my side, I can afford to be generous. I shall only defend and retaliate, but not sabotage or attack you. After all, you were brought up in a system that ruined your minds.

After spending half a day chatting, Old Madam Jin raised her voice to say, "Alright, you have already spent a lot of time standing around chatting. Do you not know what it means to be tired? Come, sit down, sit down. Luo Cui, take Feng'er and Jiao'er to see their uncle and grandfather. They should be waiting outside, be sure to have them come back for dinner." She turned to Madam Jiang, "Qiuning arrived a little late, so there's no need to meet with her father-in-law today. It should be fine to wait until Fengju has returned to bring her over."

Madam Jiang agreed, [4] after all, what else could she do? Her son had already openly gone against her when she schemed against that Fu'shi. He had even reprimanded her in private and explicitly told her to 'not make trouble if she could not be fair' to that woman. As for her husband, there would be no assistance from that side, since, as Fengju had reminded her how, even back then, he had expressed disapproval of how Fengju had treated the children. Given her husband's stance on how 'heroes should be judged by merit and not background' and how much he favoured scholars, he would most likely look upon Fu Qiuning favourably for having brought up two scholarly and intelligent children on limited resources.

[4] She winced as she was once more reminded of just how limited those resources were. To be reduced to selling personally handcrafted goods in the market to survive while living inside a prosperous marquisate. How embarrassing would it be if that were to leak out? Moreover, those two children… Madam Jiang had a sudden desire to return home and chant more sutras to cleanse her soul…

Meanwhile, Luo Cui had escorted Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao to the study located in the outer court. Qiuning was anxious, of course. [5] It would be good if their grandfather liked them, especially if Jin Fengju somehow managed to get himself killed off in a mission. The children's future would be assured if their grandfather were to like them. Even their grandmother, Madam Jiang would be helpless to do anything if the Marquis himself decided to look favourably upon the twins who resembled Jin Fengju most in looks.

Suddenly, Old Madam Jin laughed and said, "Why are you so anxious? They are with their grandfather. Their meeting would be three-tenths intimate since they are blood-related. Moreover, those two are so well behaved, it would be impossible for a grandfather who loves scholars to dislike them. Did you not see me bid Luo Cui to follow along and make sure the children will return to us for their meal? I fear if I did not do that, they would be kept back by their grandfather."

Fu Qiuning thought: Isn't it because you fear they would be disliked that you sent Luo Cui with them? [5] Moreover, so what if they are related? Am I not related to my grandfather, the Feudal King Zhenjiang? And yet, what happened 6 years ago? I was pushed into your marquisate and ignored for over 6 years, and you expect me to forget all of this in less than a year?

[5] She had no idea whether the Old Madam had conveniently forgotten this crucial information or was just tactless. She must have been a shrewd one to reign supreme as the Old Madam of a marquisate, so it could not be that she had forgotten this fact. It must be a hint for Fu Qiuning to not exercise her brain too much. Therefore, she smiled her best business smile and said, "What is Old Ancestor saying? Who's worried? I am just looking to see if the snow has stopped."

"Look at you! What a stubborn mouth you have, heheh, just look at those dark circles under your eyes, you must have been worried sick and not able to sleep last night," Old Madam Jin cackled. "Let me assure you, you are just being overly worried. What is there to worry about? We are all a family." She beamed at Fu Qiuning before looking in the same direction and asking loudly, "Has the snow stopped falling yet?"

Immediately, some maids replied, "It hasn't stopped yet, it's heavier than it was in the morning."

Old Madam Jin sighed and shook her head, "It snowed when Fengju left a few days ago, and now it's snowing again. Sigh, although it's said that falling snow heralds a prosperous year, if it goes on like this, the weather will be a little too cold. I don't know how Fengju is doing now. He is surrounded by nothing but men. Who is there to properly tend to his needs, ah?"

[5] Fu Qiuning: …Madam, he is going on a mission and you are worried about his needs? What? You want a woman to warm his bed there too?

Jiang Wanying laughed, "Old Ancestor, do not worry, Lord Husband is headed to Jiangnan where the four seasons are warm as spring. He should be more comfortable than us."

That was when Huo'shi snorted and said, "Jiangnan is as warm as spring? What nonsense is this? Just ask around. Although the winter there is not as cold as here, the winters of Jiangnan are wet and cold. I had already begged Lord Husband to bring me with him to take care of his needs, but he refused. To think that he had not even sent a letter to us, worrying us all to death."

Jiang Wanying flashed a glare and sneered, "Is that place as dreary as you imagined? You're making the Old Ancestor worry over nothing."

Huo'shi reflexively glanced over at Old Madam. When she saw the anxious expression on the old lady's face, she hastily lowered her head and dared not speak again.

Fu Qiuning allowed their conversation to flow over her head. Right then, aside from Jin Pengzhan's official wife and two concubines, the rest were all silent. Obviously, they were all worried about Jin Fengju, [3] the pride of their marquisate and the man they all pinned their hopes and future upon. What would become of them if something were to happen to him?

A little while later, Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao returned. After answering a few questions from Old Madam Jin, they retreated to stand quietly behind Qiuning, the very picture of well-behaved and understanding children.

With the children and Qiuning standing far away and talking quietly to each other, Old Madam whispered to Luo Cui, "How was it? What did the Old Master have to say after seeing the twins?"

Luo Cui hastily replied with a giggle and said, "The Old Master was very shocked. He had no idea what had happened at the marquisate this past year, but he did hear about the two children that the Young Marquis had begotten during a moment of confusion. After realising how much they had grown and how sensible they are, he was naturally very happy to acknowledge them.

He questioned the children over some phrases from a book and both Young Master and Young Miss answered very well. This pleased the Old Master very much. He even wanted to keep them and have them stay for a meal. It is only after this maid had passed on Old Madam's orders that he finally relented. He gifted the children a good jade pendant each. Their uncle also rewarded them with a few things."

Old Madam Jin nodded, with a little chuckle of relief said, "Did I not say that he would like them? Looks like I was right…"

Luo Cui interrupted with a giggle, "Naturally, who would not like Young Master or Young Miss after meeting them? They are such lovely children."

The reunion banquet was meant to last until the evening dinner, after which everyone happily dispersed.

After the banquet, nothing of note happened. Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao mentioned that things were very uneventful at school, that even the precocious Jin Zhenyi was very restrained and no longer making trouble for them as often. Qiuning estimated that everyone was probably wary now with the return of the Old Marquis and dared not cause trouble.

Therefore, she could not help but feel that the [1f] the Old Marquis' presence was much more useful than his heir's.

In the blink of an eye, they entered the final month of the Lunar Calendar. After Laba, also known as the 8th day, the weather continued to become colder and colder. Snow was no longer falling, but the north wind was very unforgiving. Since the weather was poor, the school decided to begin the annual holiday.

The children were naturally happy to have a break from their studies, especially when they saw their new clothes. The clothes were exquisitely made, but more importantly, very warm and comfortable. It was so warm and lovely that they could not bear to put the clothes away.

Since the children did not have to attend school, Qiuning sent Jin Zhuan and Lu Hua home to their very happy parents, who were made even happier with gifts of satin, toys and a few taels of silver to celebrate the New Year. The parents were so grateful that they brought their children over to give thanks to Qiuning in person. Qiuning did not receive them lightly either, welcoming the families into her house and even saying a few words of praise for Jin Zhuan and Lu Hua before sending them on their way.

According to the customs of the north, Chinese New Year was celebrated on the 23rd of the First Lunar Month. The general atmosphere within the Capital was largely cheerful. However, inside the Jinxiang Marquisate, the air was a little heavy. It had been weeks since Jin Fengju left for Jiangnan, but he had never written to them, and they received no news from the palace either.

At first, everyone assuaged each other about how the days were shorter and that he must have been inundated with work, therefore, he would not even have time to even think about his family. However, after not receiving even a single letter for a whole month, everyone knew that something must have happened. However, no one dared to be the first to voice it out loud.

After all, Old Madam and Madam Jiang were already sick with worry, who would dare to speak their thoughts out loud? Are you joking? Do you want to be accused of murdering the two seniors?

If they wag their tongues carelessly and bore the sin of plotting to kill their masters, they could be sentenced to death. It was just not worth it.

Thus, New Year passed under a cloud. However, on the 24th of the Lunar Month, the court released some great news. The report was short. It said that Jin Fengju's mission to Yangzhou this time nearly washed out the Yangzhou administration with blood. From First Rank Governer to lesser Seventh Rank County Magistrates, many were taken off the streets. Word had it that Jin Fengju had personally executed nine officials himself and had escorted twenty-three to the Capital.

What was more, the rumour was that the real Governor of Yangzhou had been assassinated a mere few months after his appointment and was replaced by a cunning and sinister imposter with a similar appearance. This same person nearly took the life of the Imperial Envoy when they arrived to confront him on his wrongdoing.

Such news was all kept secret until all the prisoners were escorted to the Capital. That morning, during the morning court session, the emperor grimly read out the evidence and crimes against these corrupt officials. Aside from two relatively less corrupt officials who were exiled, the rest were all sentenced to death.

This was really a heaven-flipping, earth-churning major event! Needless to say, the entire court was shaken. Even Prince Lie and Prince Hong could not help but felt as though their hearts and guts were spilling out from the shock. Within this batch of executed officials were their hidden henchmen, placed there to help enrich their own camps. There were even some officials close to Prince Rong's faction rounded up in the purge. They had not expected Jin Fengju to be so ruthless, to not even spare his own faction's people.

There was certainly plenty of shock and fear to spread around. Even so, there were quite a lot of people with lifted spirits. After all, just what kind of place was Jiangnan? It was the world's fattiest piece of meat. If they could not insert their own people in, how could they be willing to sit and watch as white, flower-like silver pieces flowed into their opponents' pockets? This money could be used to buy people's hearts. Therefore, even Prince Rong also could not help but make a few small arrangements for himself. However, these were all things that happened later and need not be mentioned for now.

Gumihou: Remember Gumihou's analysis of the mission back in chapter 107? Well, things happened pretty much how I had predicted it. So, nyeh.

[1] Reword some terms for +Dignity:

[a] 'tossing and turning' +Dignity 'restless night of planning'

[b] 'this is bad' + Dignity 'Goodness me'

[c] 'hurried up', 'only saw' +Dignity 'went up', 'saw'

[d] *Sigh* Delete all evidence of Fu Qiuning 'hurrying' because it is not elegant

[e] 'Bright smile' +Dignity pitying smile'

[f] 'her heart could not help but feel comfortable' +Dignity 'the Old Marquis was more useful'

[2] Adjusted Jiang Wanying's dialogue to show hidden knives

[a] Mitigate Jiang Wanying's hate with real reasons rather than 'she evil'. Because, if she's not evil, JFJ is even more of an asshat. The content is the same, but we see more of JWY's POV and less of 'she a petty bitch'

[b] Have FQN pity JWY instead of disdaining her

[c] Delete most of: She only felt that within Jiang Wanying's performance, in her heart, she would hate that she could not bite her to death, wanting to cast her worthless person aside. Yet, she just happened to have the qualifications to fight with her. She even had to wear a smile on her face and call her 'Elder Sister', just how painful was that?

Switch from 'disdain' to 'true sympathy'

[d] Fuel JWY's hate with FQN's sympathy instead of her disdain as per [1e]

[3] Overtly showcase the disdain in her heart over these women's attitude.

…you want to harm me at every turn instead… Since you are so vicious, and I am not a saintess, then I can only return your moves as I see them. Alas, in a phrase, the feudal system kills people.

Replace this cliche thought with something more down to earth

[4] Show the fractured world that is period drama China. A 'mother' is helpless in the face of her husband, her son and her mother-in-law.

The original was just 'Madam Jiang agreed', Gumi somehow expanded that to 2 paragraphs of deep thoughts.

[5] Expand Fu Qiuning's worries beyond "will father-in-law like the kiddies~~" and "will father-in-law hate the kiddies~~"

If we were to mention what was happening at the Jinxiang Marquisate… Well, if the news of Jin Fengju's achievements had rocked the Imperial Court like an earthquake, it was as though a great catastrophe had fallen upon the entire marquisate.

The Old Madam heard rumours that Jin Fengju had nearly died at Yangzhou, that he could barely gasp for breath and was so seriously ill that for two days and two nights, not even a grain of rice passed his lips.

Jin Yu and Jin Shi, her two sons, took turns to personally serve her various medicines and decoctions, doing their best to soothe her emotions as best they could. They informed the Old Madam that, since the news they received was that Jin Fengju suffered a 'near death' situation, meaning that he had not died, he must still be safe at that time. Even so, with the marquisate not receiving a single letter from the Jinxiang Heir and Jin Fengju not arriving with the criminals escorted into the Capital, how could the Old Madam be at ease?

Even the isolated Night Breeze Pavilion had broken open its doors due to this incident. Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao were crying so much that their eyes were like swollen peaches. [1a] As for Fu Qiuning, she spent her nights staring at the ceiling, pondering over what would happen if Jin Fengju ended up dead or crippled. If he died, could she take the children with her? Should she stay? Nope. Nope. No way. But that still begged the question of where to go. Would the children see it as a betrayal if she left them in the marquisate? Maybe she could stick around and wait for Madam Jiang or someone to decide to send the children to the farm. Although, considering how much the Old Marquis liked the twins, that might not happen…

[1a] On and on, various thoughts churned in her head as the occupants of the inner court cried like it was a competition, or like overworked employees out to fill the tears quota, so that the precious Heir could return to the marquisate.

[1a] The sobbing competition was briefly halted on the 25th, when news came that the Young Marquis was safe and would reach home on the 26th.

[1a] Following that, a fresh round of the sobbing competition commenced.

After shedding tears of joy, like spring buds popping up after rain, life returned to the Jinxiang Marquisate. On the night of the 25th, almost nobody slept. Early the next day, the Old Madam sent someone to wait at the gate. Jin Ming arrived to inform them that the Young Marquis had gone to the palace to make his report and that he would return to the marquisate soon after.

Seeing Jin Ming in one piece, the anxiousness level of the marquisate basically went down by half. Even so, the family still had people waiting at the gate, hoping for news. When Jin Fengju finally arrived, escorted by the Imperial Army and carried on a sedan chair, the servants (and everyone else) realised that the master's injuries must still be quite serious. Otherwise, he would not have allowed himself to sit on this slow sedan chair.

Fu Qiuning went with everyone else to the Old Madam's place to wait for news. [1b] The last thing she wanted was to give Jin Fengju a false impression… no, wait, surely that's the last thing she should care about? There was really nothing she could do if the delusional man wanted to misinterpret her actions in his worldview, but… if she did not show appropriate concern, she would make an enemy of the Old Madam and the Old Marquis, on top of every single participant of the sobbing contestants within this marquisate. She just could not afford to not go.

More importantly, the children were also part of the teams of people crying their eyes out for the Heir. So, there was no way she would not bring them there. Therefore, they got up at the butt-crack of dawn, freshened themselves up, and went over to wait for news with the Old Madam.

There was really nothing much to do as they waited. Nobody wanted to chat; everyone was just waiting. [1] Fu Qiuning would have liked to sleep in or do something more useful with her time, but, needs must.

Suddenly, a group of maids happily twittered, "The Young Marquis has returned, the Young Marquis has returned~"

[1] Fu Qiuning, "… …"

[1] All hail the conquering hero.

Madam Jiang and Jiang Wanying leapt to their feet as though the illness that had been lingering over their persons had suddenly disappeared. [1c] Fu Qiuning blinked at the suddenly energetic ladies before also leaping to her feet. She would imitate them for the moment. Even so, Fu Qiuning made sure to stay half a step back, behind the Jiangs who were quivering like taut bows, both staring almost desperately at the doorway. [1d] She watched with interest as their bodies actually shivered when Jin Fengju stepped in. Jiang Wanying involuntarily stretched out a hand even as Madam Jiang cover her mouth to control her emotions.

[1d] That's because, despite being nearly overwhelmed by their emotions, etiquette dictated that Jin Fengju must greet the Old Madam first before mother and wife could greet son and husband.

[1d] Eh, whatever.

The time it took for Jin Fengju to step through the door and walk around the screen was not long, but from [1d] the way the Jiang ladies acted, it was as if they might have been waiting for hours or days to see Jin Fengju. The man of the hour stepped around the screen, dressed in ivory brocade cotton qi bao. A bright red cloak was draped across his shoulders. Although he looked a little wan, there was a smile on his face. At first glance, it did not look like he was injured, but he was walking more slowly.

When he reached the Old Madam, he attempted to kneel, but was quickly enveloped in a hug as the old lady cried loudly, "You still have the heart to observe these petty niceties when you must know how I nearly died from worry. I heard you almost died at the hands of those greedy, corrupt officials. You… you nearly scared your grandma to death."

Jin Fengju pressed a hand over his chest and coughed twice. However, the smile on his face did not diminish. He clasped Old Madam's hands and helped her up to the couch and leaned her against the pillows. He smiled and said, "Didn't your grandson come back? No matter what, I am safely back. Mother and grandmother should have gotten the news, this time it… cough, cough, the commotion was rather big. That this grandson could preserve his life is already very lucky… cough, cough."

Madam Jiang [1d] could not stand it anymore. She hurried over to grab Jin Fengju's hands and wept, "Why are you coughing so badly? Where are you injured? Your face is so pale. Have you not properly nourished yourself?"

Jin Fengju quickly assisted Madam Jiang to the couch too. Then, he swept a glance around the hall and caught sight of Qiuning [1e] staring at him with deeply concerned eyes. He could not help but stare for a moment as his heart warmed up. He thought: No matter how hard-hearted you appear on the surface, deep in your heart, you still missed me, right? When you heard that I have been injured, you must have run over quickly to wait for news. With your cool temperament, surely you would not be here if you did not care for me at all.

The corner of his mouth curled up into a smile at the thought. As for Fu Qiuning, who had really [1d] been watching this live drama with interest, she felt a shiver go up her spine and finally realised what a certain delusional person must have been thinking. [1f] Unable to scoff, curl up her lip in disgust or show other negative emotions, she could only lower her head and chant the heart sutra: Form is emptiness, emptiness is form…

Jin Fengju addressed the room, "Everyone, please sit down, ba. Cough, cough… it's difficult for me to stand too long… cough, cough, cough… Elder Sister-in-law, it's been a few years since I've seen you. Unexpectedly, I am in this condition."

While he was rambling, everyone eventually sat down. Liu'shi hastily said, "Please don't say this, your elder brother is back. After knowing that the Second Master has gone to Jiangnan and not receiving news for so long. I could not sleep well. Two days ago, when we received such big news, nothing but fire poured out from Eldest Master's mouth. Now that Second Master is back, and though you returned injured, you have still returned safely to us. Naturally, the whole family is relieved by this great blessing."

Jin Fengju smiled, "Yes, I came here to greet Old Ancestor first. I have yet to visit Father and Elder Brother, I should go and speak to them later." Then, he coughed again.

[1d] Beside him, Madam Jiang and Jiang Wanying stared at him, wet eyes brimming with more tears as they sobbed, "What are you saying? Going when you're so injured? To cough so badly, surely you must have injured your lungs? As for that servant Jin Ming, we questioned him several times but he never said anything. We didn't know you had been injured so."

Jin Fengju smiled and said, "I am the one who ordered him not to say it. On this Jiangnan trip, we not only cast a net over those dog officials, we also wanted their lives. Therefore, how could they let me go? Cornered dogs will try to jump over the wall, so, how could they not fight to the death? I've suffered some injury, but was lucky to come back with my life. I sustained this injury south of the Yangtze River. I fear I must have caused you much worry, having not received any correspondence from me. Later, who would have thought that I would suffer a sword wound in the chest. I nearly lost my life then and dare not even move. Fortunately, the injuries have mostly healed. Therefore, Old Ancestor, Mother, there is no need to worry."

[2] No one dared to interrupt as he continued his monologue, punctuated by many coughs. They all know by now that his injuries haven't fully healed yet, although they must be getting better. Jin Fengju was afraid that his family would worry, and even more afraid that the officials would break out or cause more trouble, which was why he had hurried back to the Capital. Regardless, since he managed to snatch his life back from the jaws of death, he considered it something like snatching fortune from the jaws of misfortune.

In order to not disturb him, the Old Ancestor ordered, "Quickly return to your room and lie down and rest. You must recuperate well. Drink more tonics. I have a few old ginsengs around. Have Wanying take them back and stew them with some chicken. Ginseng Chicken is best supplement to recover one's health."

A few more exchanges later, with Jin Fengju saying 'thank you' and 'no need' while the Old Madam insisted, he finally left.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

If it was up to him, he wished to go to Night Breeze Pavilion. However, the location was quite far away and he had trouble walking a short distance. Moreover, he feared causing worry to his grandmother and mother. Therefore, he forced himself to act nonchalantly. In fact, after leaving Health & Longevity Court, he could not hold it back anymore and realised his health would not allow him to make it all the way to Night Breeze Pavilion [3]. Secondly, when he saw Jiang Wanying's haggard, anxious face with swollen eyes, he recalled that they had been husband and wife for a few years already and [3a] it would not be good to leave her like this. Therefore, he could only make his way to Clear Soft Pavilion. The moment he stepped into the house, he dropped himself onto the bed and did not move.

[3b] Jiang Wanying was so shocked that she screamed with fright. Before she could rush outside or panic further, Jin Fengju said in a soft voice, "No harm done, do not frighten yourself over inconsequential matters. My body is merely a little weak…"

Just then, Jin Ming came in to announce in a low voice, "Master, the Imperial Physician sent by the emperor has arrived. He is waiting outside right now."

Jin Fengju smiled faintly, "Let him in, ba… cough, cough, I am much better now, in fact… surely there's no need to send such an illustrious person to see me."

Even as he spoke, the Imperial Physician was being ushered in. After greeting the Young Marquis, he took the man's pulse. Right then, [3c] Jiang Wanying did not care about rousing suspicions. She stared fixedly at the Imperial Physician and, the moment the physician was done taking the pulse, she hurriedly asked, "How is it?"

The Imperial Physician said, "The Young Marquis had suffered heavy internal injuries. His heart and lungs have been injured. Forgive this one for speaking of things he should not, but, this life… has indeed been snatched back from the jaws of calamity. The Young Marquis must have been seen by a fine doctor indeed to have survived the journey to Jiangnan. Otherwise, I fear that he could not have left Jiangnan…"

[3d] He did not continue speaking, but Jiang Wanying could understand what he was eluding to. Privately, she was very displeased. She thought: Why are you saying such nonsense? Hurry up and give us a prescription instead, ah.

Jin Fengju was not at all displeased by the Imperial Physician's words, he smiled indifferently, and said, "Imperial Physician Fang is right. When I was injured, Jiangnan's most famous doctors Zhang Chongli and Hu Xuwei happened to be nearby. They were immediately summoned to treat my internal and external injuries. Otherwise, I'm afraid would not have come back."

Physician Fang smiled and said, "No wonder the injuries are so nimbly handled. This official thought that this must be the work of a master. So long as the Young Marquis rest well and do not become overly angry or excited, all should be well. This official shall carefully write up two prescriptions for the Young Marquis. I believe that with careful nursing, the Young Marquis should be fully healed within two or three months." [a]

"If that's the case, I have trouble Imperial Physician Fang," Jin Fengju closed his eyes after that final statement. He had rushed back all the way from Jiangnan. Though every care had been taken, his injuries were still affected. Therefore, he was very tired and only wanted to rest.

Jiang Wanying escorted the Imperial Physician out. She returned to see that he had fallen asleep, his complexion much worse than the time when he was at Health & Longevity Court. Distress and heartache suffused her as she gently covered him with a blanket. Suddenly, she noticed Jin Zhenxuan, Jin Zhenyi and Jin Xiuru, running in to loudly cry, "Mother, what happened to Father? Everyone said he's been injured. Will he die? Wu wu wu, we don't want Father to die…"

"Be quiet," Jiang Wanying scolded them in a low voice. She turned and saw Jin Fengju frowning in his sleep and quickly herded the children out of the room. After gently closing the door, she sharply said, "Who has been spreading such nonsense? Your father has returned to us safely. Though he might be injured, he would recover after two or three months of care. Is your skin itchy? To dare spout such nonsense during the Chinese New Year… if I ever hear such nonsense again, the punishment will not be light. Now go, I still have many things to do here."

Gumihou: … there seemed to be a loooooot of emphasis on 'uwu JFJ injured, but lucky to be alive' here. (Gumi counted about 7 times?)

It was probably to draw sympathy from readers and FQN, Gumi can't help but feel that JFJ was just incompetent.

Also, injured your right hand and can't write? Your Jin Ming illiterate? Your left hand can't be used to write 'Me Well. No Worry'?

Incompetent. Inefficient. Drama generator.

[1] Replaced 'oh noes oh noes' and 'kyaa' with ┐(￣ー￣)┌

[1a] Replaced 'could not sleep, could not eat, oh noes, why no letter' AR Qiuning with a 'hrmm, what should I do if the worse happens' FQN.

[1b] Replaced 'oh noes, I so worry, um, I'm gonna pretend I dun care, uwu' with 'I don't really care, but I'm going to come anyway, because it would be stupid not to'

[1c] AR Qiuning leapt to her feet like an excited frog…

Fu Qiuning: No.

[1d] FQN observes emotional Jiangs

[1e] The 'deeply concerned eyes' was in canon but it could also be JFJ's delusion, so let's keep it.

[1f] Replaced 'Kyaa~ he caught me looking, uwu~~' with 'ugh'

[2] Change 'sympathetic situation' to 'ugh'

[3] Are we supposed to feel sorry for him? Pfft.

[3a] Oh, so you recall that you have another wife?

[3b] Gumihou feeling sorry for JWY…

[3c] Ah, laying grounds for an 'evil JWY'? This is… so heavy-handed?

[3d] Making Jiang Wanying angry at the world and make us sympathetic to the ML? Pfft.

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[a] "I believe that with careful nursing, the Young Marquis should be fully healed within two or three months."

After frightening the children into obedience, the little ones dared not make a peep. Even so, though frightened, they were also reassured that their Father would not die. No matter what, they were still little children and were easily pacified. They held hands with each other and quietly shuffled out. A short while later, Qiu Xia came back with a few prescriptions, saying that they were issued by the Imperial Physician.

Jiang Wanying looked through them in a glance before returning the papers to Qiu Xia. She said in a voice that implied heavy caution, "Have Jin Ming collect the medicine according to the prescription and bring them here. I will personally decoct them myself."

Qiu Xia understood that her mistress could never allow the Young Marquis to enter another person's house, especially that Night Breeze Pavilion. She nodded her understanding and left with the prescriptions. Not long after she had left, the Old Marquis and Jin Pengzhan came in with Old Madam Jiang. Since they were all close relatives, Jiang Wanying did not hide anything and told them what the Imperial Physician had said. She also added that Jin Fengju nearly collapsed into the bed the moment they came back. The Old Marquis nodded and went to have a look at his son. Seeing Jin Fengju still asleep, with his breathing stable, he felt reassured. The young man's complexion was still too pale, but should recover with rest and care. Thus, he left.

That day, who knew how many people came and went? All were received by Jiang Wanying. As for visiting sons of aristocrats who came especially to check up on the patient, they were all entertained by Jin Pengzhan. In short, the entire marquisate found themselves quite busy entertaining all these unexpected guests. By evening, Jin Fengju eventually woke up. The first thing he saw was Jiang Wanying sitting by his bedside, lightly blowing at a bowl of medicinal soup. He forced himself up and smiled, "Is that a prescription by Imperial Physician Fang?"

"If not his, then, whose?" Jiang Wanying held the bowl close to Jin Fengju's mouth and scooped a bit of medicine with a spoon to personally feed him. She beamed, "Your timing is truly excellent. Here I am, blowing at the bowl of medicine to cool it, unable to bear waking you up. In the end, you still woke up on your own, just as the medicine had cooled."

Jin Fengju beamed back, "I'll drink it myself. It's troublesome to drink it spoon by spoon."

Jiang Wanying shook her head. In a voice choked with emotions, she said, "I still want to feed you. It is only with heaven's protection that I could still have this opportunity. Dear cousin, I… I dare not think, if you really did not return from Jiangnan, I will lose even the opportunity to feed you this medicine. I… really dare not consider…"

"Enough, aren't I back?" Jin Fengju could only swallow the spoonful of medicine and smile reassuringly at her. "It's fine, if you wish to feed me, go on. It just so happened that it is still too inconvenient to use my right hand." As he slowly drank the bowl of medicine, he noticed that Jiang Wanying's hair looked a little untidy. He gave a bitter smile and said, "I believe there must be a lot of people coming in to visit the sick. You must be tired from receiving them?"

Jiang Wanying said, "What of it? This is something that a mistress of a marquisate cannot neglect. Those concubines and other assorted ladies came over not once, but a few times. I could tell they were extremely worried about you and wished to accompany you. Only, curiously enough, Lord Husband favours Eldest Sister so much, and yet why was she not willing to come to see you? No matter what, surely this cannot be the case."

Jin Fengju knew that he was referring to Fu Qiuning. He smiled and said, "Qiuning is a cautious and understanding person. She must know that you will be very busy, so how could she be willing to come and trouble you? Moreover, isn't it better that she did not come? This saves you some discomfort."

The words struck a chord with Jiang Wanying, yes, [1] she had indeed thought so. However, she feigned anger and said, "What are you saying? I have been waiting the whole day for her to come, hoping that Elder Sister would help me entertain the guests. In the end, I saw not even a shadow of her. Moreover, I have so few people at hand that I could not even spare a single person to invite her here."

Jin Fengju said blandly, "You have very few maids and matrons here. Since that is the case, purchase a few more, and get a few for Night Breeze Pavilion as well. Qiuning has two children to raise and only has those two able-bodied people beside her. With Aunt Yu about to get married and Yu Jie already at a marriageable age, it would be time to add some staff there."

Frustration clouded Jiang Wanying's heart. As she placed the bowl on the table, she sneered, "Yes, yes, no need to worry over such things. What am I here for, after all? You're already so injured, but still did not forget to plan for others. Who knows whether others would appreciate your concerns."

Jin Fengju laid down again. He smiled and said, "You're the one who started the topic, but you're also the one who blamed me for it. Enough, enough, let me rest a little more. Once I am more alert, I shall do battle with you over these little details again." After speaking, he closed his eyes again. Jiang Wanying's heart really ached for him. She collected the bowl and quietly left.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

While he was still tangled in sleep, the sounds of footsteps reached his ears. The creak of a door opening and whispers were heard. Jin Fengju did not open his eyes. Instead, he vaguely said, "Wanying, who's there?"

"Lord Husband, wake up quickly. Prince Rong and the Princess Consort are here."

Hearing Jiang Wanying's urgent voice, Jin Fengju's eyes popped open. He quickly sat up, or tried to, but the pain in his chest forced him back to bed and he began to cough continuously.

"What are you sitting up for? Do you think we do not know how badly injured you are?" Princess Consort Rong hurried over to press him back to the bed and Jin Fengju could only comply. Finally, while half-reclining on the bed, he smiled wryly at them and said, "Why are you here at this time? Don't you know it is best to avoid suspicion? Do forgive me for not complying with etiquette."

"You still have the cheek for such witticism," Princess Consort Rong actually stomped her feet. She said bitterly, "As for avoiding suspicion? You are my little brother. After receiving such heavy injuries, it is only natural for your blood sister to visit you with your brother-in-law. What of it? We have nothing to hide, why should we fear the words of petty people? Moreover, you and your brother-in-law's closeness did not happen suddenly over the course of a day or two. What is there to be suspicious about? I fear, it would be more suspicious if we had not come."

Prince Rong and Princess Consort Rong came here in a hurry and arrived with minimal fanfare. After personally seeing Jin Fengju and knowing that though his injuries were heavy, his life was not at risk, they were very relieved. After that brief visit, they left again under the cover of darkness. Not many people even realised they had been visited by the royal in-laws. Even Madam Jiang only knew about it after Jiang Wanying informed her the next day.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

On the 27th day of the Twelfth Lunar Month, it was practically the end of the year. No matter what, Jin Fengju came back with his life intact. Therefore, the Old Marquis gave the order to have a good New Year celebration in order to properly celebrate the Chinese New Year in a lively manner. Thus, everyone within the marquisate got busy. Carts piled with meat, vegetables and other necessities flowed through the back entrance like running water. The kitchen was filled with the sound of frying and the crackling of fire.

On the morning of the 28th day of the Twelfth Lunar Month, Fu Qiuning woke up early. She, together with Aunt Yu and Yu Jie, did some paper cut-outs for decorations and set out to prepare sugar, flour and crushed peanuts for snack making. [1b] Without the convenience of shops for prepacked sugared peanuts, etc, everything would have to be made by hand. Even so, amidst the New Year preparations, the twins still looked a little lethargic.

Fu Qiuning said, "I know you're worried about your father. How about this, since you're so worried, go and pay a visit to Clear Soft Pavilion. Meet with your official mother and ask about your father's injury."

The children immediately cheered up. Just as quickly, though, they deflated. They shook their heads and said, "Official Mother doesn't like us, if we go, she will just sneer at us. It's fine, we can wait here quietly for news on Father's health."

Fu Qiuning smiled, "Do not worry. She cannot block you from visiting your father at this time. When you go, be sure to be as sweet as possible, I'm sure you will definitely get to see your father. There is no need to say anything about visiting on my behalf. Just say that you are worried and could not bear not knowing anymore. You can also ask whether there's anything he would like to eat."

When the children heard this, they cheered up again. After changing their clothes, they immediately headed towards Clear Soft Pavilion. [2] It was at this point that Yu Jie and Aunt Yu giggled and asked, "Why did Madam not go and pay a visit? Instead, you send the children over by themselves. What would they know?"

[2a] Fu Qiuning forced a smile. She thought: What's with the 'What would they know?' What are you implying?

[2a] However, there was no getting through to these brainwashed ancient-era women, so she merely said, "It's better for them to go. After all, there is no guarantee that I would actually get to see the Young Marquis. Moreover, there is no need to cause more friction between myself and Second Madam .'

The ladies chatted with each other as they worked. Not long after that, the children rushed in, all smiles as they said, "Father looks very well. He is sitting in a chair and called us in. He heard us speaking outside and told us to come in. He asked us about our homework. We asked him what he would like to eat, and he told us he had been thinking about the Minced Meat and Vegetable Dumplings from before. He said if we have any to send some to him."

"My goodness, how rare that the Master still recalls that thing," Aunt Yu interjected. Then, she put her hands together and recited a few sutras. After that, she beamed and said, "What excellent timing. I happen to have minced some leftover pork belly from last time and mixed them up with chopped pickles to make Dumplings. However, I fear that this crude dish would only elicit ridicule from others. How could we dare to send these cheap things over to the Young Marquis?"

Fu Qiuning smiled, "It's fine. Aren't we about to fry some snacks too? We can smuggle the Dumplings along with some prettily made-up snacks for the Young Marquis."

With that, everyone began to make the snacks together, [1c] taking care to make the snacks more exquisite looking. Once everything was packed, Yu Jie was sent to deliver the basket of food. Jiang Wanying was privately angry to see the food, but since Jin Fengju had personally asked for it, she could not stop Yu Jie's delivery.

In a blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve.

On the morning of the auspicious day, the servants of the marquisate quickly got to work pasting up Spring Festival couplets, cutting out pretty paper cut-out designs and hanging up lanterns. Everyone was very busy. Fu Qiuning was more or less done with her decorations, having put up the festival couplets at the gate earlier, and sticking on the paper cut-outs. Luo Cui came to deliver a message, informing the occupants of the Night Breeze Pavilion that there would be a reunion banquet at the Health & Longevity Court that night.

So, off they went to have the reunion dinner that night. Fireworks were set off and everyone sat up to meet the incoming New Year. After midnight, the people were made to rest at Health & Longevity Court for the night.

The next day, it was time to greet the New Year.

Normally, New Year was Jin Fengju's busiest time of the year. However, due to his injuries, he rested leisurely that year. He sat around Health & Longevity Court until evening. When he saw Fu Qiuning bringing the children over to bid the Old Ancestor farewell for the day, he quickly said, "This grandson will not disturb grandmother's rest anymore. These days, I am feeling much better. There must be plenty of good things to eat at Night Breeze Pavilion, this grandson shall go and see what good things they have and make her honour Old Ancestor with them. This grandson shall prevent her from swallowing all the good things on her own."

The Old Madam could not help but laugh out loud. She shook her head and said, "Why are you pushing such claims on Qiuning's head? She had been so worried over you, you know?"

Jiang Wanying laughed and said, "Old Ancestor, you had better not try and stop Lord Husband. These days, while the person rests at my Clear Soft Pavilion, his heart had already flown off to Night Breeze Pavilion. If you do not allow him to get intimate with dear Elder Sister, I fear that little fingers will grow out of his heart."

Everyone laughed. The Old Madam laughed the heartiest as she kept shaking her head and said, "Wan girl, your mouth, ah. Really unforgiving, ah." Then, she addressed Jin Fengju, "Fine, you shall go and rest for a few days at Night Breeze Pavilion. There will be no lack of excitement at the marquisate for the next few days. You require some quiet time to recover. It is best to rest at Night Breeze Pavilion."

[Gumihou: … these horrible people are shameless.]

[1] Added details for clarification

[1a] Ladies playing games: It's sad and painful to see her trying to manipulate Jin Fengju. She's just so obvious and it is all going to backfire on her. I feel #SadforJiangWanying

[1b] Ancient times when you have to prepare everything by yourself.

[1c] Add details to make things a little more interesting and textured

[2] Add annoying behaviour

[2a] Annoyed FQN in place of a beaming AR Qiuning. Also, deleted 'The Young Marquis had escaped with his life etc etc' like, it was mentioned 7 times in the last chapter.

Deleted: since he did so much merit work, there is no way anyone would go against his word, which is contrary to what she had just said in the earlier sentence, so just deleted the whole tangled argument and leave it at 'don't want to cause trouble with JWY'

The words were said in jest, but they reflected Jin Fengju's feelings perfectly. Therefore, he hastily grinned and accepted everyone's teasing and [1a] more or less giggled like a child who had gotten his way as he attached himself to Fu Qiuning's group. Like a signal, everyone else also got up to leave. As they left Health & Longevity Court, Madam Jiang stared after Jin Fengju and Fu Qiuning's disappearing figures and frowned. She whispered to Jiang Wanying, "You should have used the excuse of Fengju not being well and stopped him from going to that place. Why are you assisting him instead?"

Jiang Wanying sneered and said, "Surely Aunt has seen how anxious my cousin is? Could I reign him in? All kinds of snacks and delicacies have been offered to him, but he liked none of them. Instead, he treated all the crudely made things from Night Breeze Pavilion like treasures. If this continues, wouldn't I be treated as the person who tries to block his favour? If I do not let him do as he wishes, even if the person remains at Clear Soft Pavilion, would I be able to serve him well? Instead of letting him be unsatisfied, it is better to let him have his fun at Night Breeze Pavilion."

Madam Jiang said, "Child, you are confused. The more he is like this, the more you should stop him, ah. Otherwise, what if the affection between those two deepened? What will you do then?"

Jiang Wanying turned to wink at Qiu Xia, who was walking just a step beside her. The maid immediately slowed her steps, making the rest of the entourage trail further behind the two mistresses in front. Once she deemed that there was no one nearby to overhear her, she whispered, "Aunt might not know, but since Lord Husband was injured, that Fu'shi never came to personally visit him. From what this niece could see, it is only Lord Husband who is anxious to go and look after her. Does Aunt still remember? Back in spring, when I questioned Lord Husband about his visits to Fu'shi, he vowed that there had been no man and woman relationship between them.

In short, they have never shared a room. Back then, this niece was careless and did not think much of the matter. Later, Lord Husband grew more and more intimate with them and seeing how Lord Husband favours her, surely they had already become a serious couple? Otherwise, how could Lord Husband praise Fu'shi so much? However, it is clear from the past few days that Fu'shi is unwilling to show her face. Clearly, she still holds a grudge in her heart. If that is the case, and considering my Lord Husband's gentlemanly character who disdains to force others… I fear that that Fu'shi is still…"

She stopped and looked around again. Then, she placed her lips closer to Madam Jiang's ear and said softly, "…is still a virgin."

Madam Jiang frowned. Then, in a heavy tone, said, "How can that be? Even if that is the case, what of it?"

Jiang Wanying smiled, "Is Aunt confused? If that Fu'shi is really a virgin, a woman who had married into the family for over six years, isn't this a clear indication of her failure to serve her husband? If that is not grounds for divorce, what is? If this is made clear, Aunt need not go through Cousin and could use this as a reason to drive the arrogant and wilful Fu'shi out. Once Cousin returns, the block of wood would have become a boat."

Madam Jiang gave the matter considerable thought. Finally, she nodded slowly and said, "This is a matter of great importance. We must verify this before striking with one decisive blow. Otherwise, the slightest mistake would turn this into Fu'shi's advantage against you and me. If that happens, we will no longer have a place to stand within the marquisate."

Jiang Wanying nodded, "Yes, this niece understands. I shall investigate the matter carefully. Aunt, do be patient for the next few days. With my Cousin's health being so poor, we still need to endure a little longer. No matter what, we must wait until he is away at court before we can do anything. I dare say, with the emperor favouring him so much, who is to say just how busy he would be? That is when we shall have our opportunity."

Madam Jiang said gratifyingly, "This child, how thoughtful and clever you are. This is why your reputation within the marquisate is so excellent. Looking back, auntie has not wronged you in pairing you with your cousin. Otherwise, if you had been too pure and straightforward, surely this aunt would have caused you to suffer in a firepit?"

Jiang Wanying hastily laughed and said, "What is Aunt saying? This niece is naturally grateful to Aunt for your arrangement. For a talented man like Cousin, this niece is ready to jump into a firepit regardless of my own safety."

Madam Jiang also laughed. As for the servants, seeing that whatever private discussion was over, they eventually shuffled forward back into their places.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

Let us speak of the moment when Jin Fengju and Fu Qiuning were leaving Health & Longevity Court.

Jin Fengju was still a little weak. Jin Ming could not bear seeing his master suffer and hurried up to help, but was glared away. Immediately, this sharp servant knew what's what and smiled wryly to himself: Goodness, it is so difficult to be a servant, ah. If outsiders saw me, wouldn't they curse me as a wicked slave who mistreats his master? My master is already this weak, and yet here I am, not going over to assist him. If anyone saw this, wouldn't it damage my integrity as a servant?

Naturally, Fu Qiuning saw the little scheme brewing between those two and did her best to pretend not to see anything. However, Jin Fengju's complexion grew paler and paler. Moreover, he was shuffling on a slippery floor covered in ice. Unable to bear it any longer, she said, "Aunt Yu, Yu Jie, go and support the Young Marquis, make sure he doesn't fall over."

"No, no, no, I do not dare," Jin Fengju immediately stopped them. He laughed and said, "I am an unloved one, why should I defile you with my bad luck? One is to be married and another is waiting for marriage. Though I am a master, I should still pay attention to the matters between men and women. I am fine walking alone."

Fu Qiuning [2a] gave him a bland look. The twins could not be called to help, because they were too short [3a]. Nevertheless, there was still one person who could definitely support the Young Marquis. [1b] Fu Qiuning maintained her stare at Jin Ming for a long time until the servant's neck turned red. Then, she said, "I am unaware that Jin Ming is actually a woman."

[1b] There was a sudden commotion as the entire garden was filled with coughing people. Jin Fengju, in particular, was nearly doubled over, wheezing from a particularly powerful coughing fit. Fu Qiuning maintained a bland face as she continued, "Please allow me to apologise, Steward Jin. Ah, perhaps I should address you as Miss Jin…?"

[1b] Jin Ming looked mortified. Jin Fengju looked like he was dying. The twins were confused while the maids looked like they were about to burst into laughter. Suddenly, Jin Ming shouted, "I- I have to fetch the Master's prescription!" and ran away. The servant slipped once on the slippery floor before righting himself and dashing away.

Unfortunately, this led to the original problem.

With Jin Ming having disappeared from the party, there was only Fu Qiuning to support Jin Fengju.

Therefore, she had no choice but to personally walk up to the nearly dying Jin Fengju and support him herself. She really had no choice, if he died there, it would just cause more trouble for her. Looking at the mostly composed Jin Fengju, she said, "I do not understand your self-pitying speech. If Lord Husband is unloved, can anyone in this world be loved? From the emperor to the lowest servants in the mansion, who in this world does not coddle you like a precious treasure? As one who is doted upon by tens of thousands, but still dares to utter such nonsense, are you not afraid of being struck by lightning?"

As for Jin Fengju, now that he had that tender and flexible arm in his possession, felt only elation as he laughed and said, "What do you mean doted upon by tens of thousands? Why is it that each time I see you looking at me, it is like you are looking at a snake? Do not forget, you are still my official wife."

Fu Qiuning [3b] looked around. Yes, as expected, Aunt Yu and Yu Jie were just a little too far away to be called to take over the stupid job of supporting this inappropriate man. They were watching as the twins played in the snow. As for Jin Ming, that fellow [2a] was not yet back from his self-appointed errand. "[3c] A promise had been made, but why do I get the feeling that I am being blamed for keeping that promise?"

"Well? If I were to admit that I wish to renege on that promise, will you let go of my arm?" Normally, Jin Fengju would have backed off when the conversation reached this point. However, things were different that day. Seeing Fu Qiuning maintaining her silence, he sighed a long drawn-out sigh and said, "Back then, when those corrupt officials sent over a dozen assassins to kill me, I could still stay strong against them with the guards protecting me. I am no slouch in martial arts either, but I was still badly injured when two of their most highly skilled assassins broke through. I suffered a great injury and fell into a coma for two or three days. My life hung in a balance and…"

[1c] Here we go again, thought Fu Qiuning tiredly: Is he going to say that he saw Buddha and has regrets or something?

"…in my dreams, aside from Old Madam, the Old Marquis and Elder Madam, all I saw was your smiling face. I thought back to how you have not forgiven me and thought that I must come back alive to see you. In this way, I survived past the two most dangerous days. Qiuning, you must not blame me for my lack of tact today and how I keep pushing you. In fact, I… cough, cough, cough… after narrowly escaping death, I realised that life is not permanent. That it is better to speak about certain things sooner rather than later. Otherwise, I fear that I shall regret it for the rest of my life…"

[1c] "… …" I knew it. [3d] Bitterly, she thought: Look at those pitiful watery eyes, am I obliged to say yes just because you're pitiful? Is my lot in life not pitiful too? Why should I be sorry for you and draw the ire of your other women on my head?

"Young Marquis… I believe this is not something that I should answer so suddenly. Moreover, you're still injured. It is best to be focussed on recovering first," was Fu Qiuning's answer. [3e] If at all possible, she wanted nothing to do with this person. However, no matter how dewy-eyed and pathetic he looked then, he was still the Young Marquis of an influential family. Worse, he had the might of the emperor's affection behind him. Who knew what would happen if she just categorically rejected him?

[1d] He could lock her up, take the twins away, restrict her movements even further, blackmail her with the safety and future of the twins, make Aunt Yu's marriage to Third Brother Zhang impossible, hint to Aunt Yu about Third Brother Zhang's betrayal and destroy her feelings for her future husband just to indirectly hurt Fu Qiuning. Hell, he could just break down and force her into bed, so where did that leave her only leverage?

"What if… I insisted on an answer right away?" Jin Fengju was staring at Fu Qiuning intensely, as though trying to will her into making a decision straight away.

"Young Marquis, if you wish to force me, then… very well. This humble woman shall give you an answer…" Fu Qiuning's voice had turned cool.

Before she could continue speaking, wry laughter from Jin Fengju interrupted her. The man shook his head and with a bitter smile and said, "Never mind, I am still sick and not in my right mind. In fact… I do not mean to force anything. I just, I was afraid that… if I don't speak out now when I am injured, while you still have a trace of pity for me. You might harden your heart against me once more when I am well again."

Fu Qiuning's [3f] hand tightened into a grip, but she quickly loosened her hand. She thought: [3g] In other words, you have just admitted that you are trying to influence my feelings through your injuries? Well, well, I wonder just how true your tale of woe about your injuries is. I heard talk that your chest injuries would be healed within two or three months [1f], so either the healing techniques in this ancient era are far more advanced than the modern world, or, more likely, you have seriously exaggerated your actual injuries.

However… she could not expose his performance, not if she wanted to continue living under his protection. Nevertheless, she could not bring herself to say what he was panting to hear. In the end, she could not help but say with some venom, "Are you trying to elicit this humble woman's pity? Surely there is no need for such a farce? Don't you still have many other gorgeous beauties and pretty concubines eager to serve you? This humble woman is nothing but a willow reed next to them. I fear that the Young Marquis may be temporarily fascinated by what is out of reach. Once you have the item in your hand, wouldn't it be the same as a pair of discarded shoes?"

"Therefore, you are afraid of being abandoned by me? Is that why you refused my attention?" Jin Fengju's tone suddenly became urgent as he tightly grasped Fu Qiuning's hand. His eyes were full of expectations as he stared down at her.

[1g] Fu Qiuning looked back with cool eyes. Then, after a while, shrugged and said, "Who knows."

The urgent fire in Jin Fengju's eyes slowly dimmed and [3g] Fu Qiuning said blandly, "What is the matter with you today? Why is that cool and unrestrained person acting so hopelessly muddled in front of a woman? Is my answer truly important? You want me to be more than your confidante? [1h] If that's the case, you can just take me into your chambers as you like. A beautiful woman will eventually become old and ugly, especially once you have known her too long and learned all her faults and shortcomings. Are you saying that you will continue to love her and support her even after all this?"

"Yes," Jin Fengju nodded resolutely. "Only, it isn't like that. Once I know her faults and shortcomings, she would still be beautiful to me. So long as she-, no, so long as you do not hide a heart of snakes or scorpions, I will continue to love you."

[1h] Liar.

[1h] Was the first word that appeared in Fu Qiuning's mind. She thought: Do you think I am blind? That I do not see how you treat Jiang Wanying? Not developed a heart of snakes or scorpions? Do you really not know how vengeful a woman can be? You are essentially raising snakes and scorpions inside the hearts of the chickens in your backyard. Not only Jiang Wanying, those other concubines clearly have secret thoughts in their bellies already, that poor silly child Jiang Zhenyi has already been instigated by others to become cannon fodder!

The words were brewing inside Fu Qiuning, nearly exploding out of her mouth when Jin Fengju suddenly smiled again and said, "Enough about that. You say that I am hopelessly muddled, but from now on, I shall endeavour not to be muddled anymore. Just now, you said 'who knows' but it is still not a complete 'no'. Otherwise, my heart shall be plunged into ice, knowing that I have no chance at all."

[1i] This pompous coc-

[1i] It was all Fu Qiuning could do to not curse in front of this- this- she gritted her teeth and said, "This humble woman would like to change her answer."

Gumihou: This chapter was very difficult for Gumi.

Fu Qiuning: It was difficult for me too.

Pill Bug: Quick, throw this fox back into the other henhouse!

[1] Added Details

[1a] Added 'eww' level of cringe to JFJ's behaviour because it's more canon than canon

[1b] Result of [2a]. Like, Jin Ming exists. Since his existence has been pointed out, it had be addressed.

[1c] Fu Qiuning privately rolled her eyes at JFJ's long monologue. Gumi will not allow Fu Qiuning to be 'touched by his near-death story'

[1d] Give actual, real worries for rejecting the affections of an obsessed and influential man than vague 'kyaa~~ b-b-but~~'

[1e] In place of [3g] add 'disdain', cast 'doubt'

[1f] Added medical details about chest wounds after consulting with Pill Bug who has actual real life medical knowledge

[1g] Rearranged the paragraph to reflect more disdain and less 'kyaa~~'

[1h] Add some terrible truths, because there is a lack of those. Also, Gumi is hinting at poor Jiang Wanying here. #SadforJiangWanying

[1i] Add details re [1h] and [3h]: Realistic reaction to JFJ's pompous reaction

[2] L00p h0les

[2a] Switched out 'looked at him helplessly' for 'a bland look'. AR Qiuning is helpless because her brain had erased the existence of Jin Ming, who was in cahoots with JFJ and not helping the Master. Like, what do you think would happen if you call this behaviour out?

[3] Deletes

[3a] Deleted long explanation of why the kids could not support JFJ 'oh too short, oh only tall as his thigh'. It was immediately followed by 'oh noes, I can only go personally~~'

Haha, no. Activate Card 2a

[3b] Switched out 'FQN blush' because that is obviously AR Qiuning. Also, deleted 'fortunately, no one saw' because who the f*ck cares if the man is making inappropriate overtures at you? It's already expected

[3c] 'Don't say such meaningless things again' like, this weak statement could only be construed as slightly whiny, and therefore AR Qiuning

[3d] Delete: 'AR Qiuning could not help but be moved, he must be sincere, he looks so afraid of rejection, kyaa~~~'

[3e] Replace 'aahhnn~~ I am too tender hearted~~' with 'I have to be careful with this bomb'

[3f] AR Qiuning's heart trembled, kyaa~~

Fu Qiuning: … who is that idiot?

Gumihou: *sigh* who knows?

[3g] Deleted all Ass Polishing thoughts: This master is too intelligent. He saw through me thoroughly. I did feel a little bit sorry for him. In this era, isn't it too degrading for a man to speak so gently to a woman? If it had been another man, as a woman, is there anything I could do if he treats me roughly?

Dude, no, wut?

[3g] Deleted: 'kyaa~ could not bear it~' and 'ugh, I stare bitterly at you *bites lip*' because they are disgusting. Replaced everything with 'blandly'. Because true pain comes from lack of reaction and not hate

[3h] Deleted: Humph! Humph! If I know, I'd have said no~~ blep~

Jin Fengju burst out laughing. However, after just two laughs, he clutched his chest and began to cough. He shook his head and squeezed out between coughs, "T-too late… cough, cough… too late…"

"Fine, you're still injured. It's best not to talk too much," Fu Qiuning really could not believe this man. [1a] Leaving aside the trouble she will get into if he died under her care without proper witnesses (damn you Jin Ming for running away), he had the cheek to give all that grand talk, but still refused to let her go in the end. "You're not allowed to talk anymore," she said sternly.

"Alright," Jin Fengju nodded. This time, he really remained silent. At that moment, nothing was heard in that silent world aside from the occasional whistle of the wind and the crunch of snow underfoot. From far away, the sounds of children's laughter carried over the snow and she heard Jin Ming's cry of 'Aiyo, Young Miss. Please don't hit this one…'

[1b] Fu Qiuning, "… …" So you have returned but remained out of sight of your master? What good are you as a servant?

She turned a slightly judgemental gaze on Jin Fengju, who looked back at her and beamed slightly, "What is it? Are you enjoying the sound of silence?"

"… Your servant is rather incompetent; you should discipline him."

[1b] The silence was punctuated by Jin Ming's miserable cries.

Once they reached Night Breeze Pavilion, Yu Jie and Aunt Yu quickly put out large soft pillows on the couch. Jin Fengju sat down. He smiled at her, "Your place is quite warm now."

[1c] Fu Qiuning smiled back, "Indeed, it is warmer now. Many thanks to the Young Marquis. If it were not for the charcoal from last time, we would not be living in such warmth. We used to huddle together on a single kang to keep warm. Even so, there are days when it gets too cold…"

[1c] She stopped speaking. Her smile was still firmly in place even as the one on Jin Fengju's face had fallen. That's right, feel guilty.

When Yu Jie came in with the tea, Fu Qiuning said, "We still have a few of those autumn pears in the cellar. Bring out two and stew them with White Fungus to nourish Lord Husband's lungs and clear away his heatiness [3]."

After accepting the order, Yu Jie left.

Fu Qiuning [1d] dithered over what to do for a moment before sitting down opposite Jin Fengju and said in a soft, neutral voice, "The injury is not healed yet, you should rest as much as you can." [1d] When Jin Fengju's reply was to sigh dramatically and look into space, she resisted the urge to put her face into her hands. Instead, she prompted, "The injury looked very serious. What happened back then? Who would dare to lay their hands on you like this?"

[1e] Like an actor given his cue, Jin Fengju sighed again, and that time, his sigh lasted longer as he leaned back like a sick maiden onto the couch. Then, he shook his head sadly and said with a bitter smile, "It's not like I do not know how to cope with the unexpected. Indeed, you were not there to see just what those black-hearted scum had done. If they had limited their greed to silver, it is unlikely that I would consider it a heinous crime. However, because I had very strong reasons, I did not let any of those officials go. Even Brother-in-law's people were not spared. I did not do it as a show for people to gawk at. My reasons are all very solid."

[2c] Fu Qiuning waited. However, Jin Fengju did not elaborate more. Instead, he was now frowning into the distance, his mouth turned down and- oh, it's her turn. Ahem. Fu Qiuning, put a hand to her mouth to indicate 'startled fear' and said in a soft, slightly supple tone, "What did those officials do to make Lord Husband so angry? One wonders, must Lord Husband be so heavy-handed when punishing the criminals?"

[1e] That was when Jin Fengju straightened up to snort coldly. "What did they do? You best ask what evil they did not do. In fact, it is thanks to your speculation over the true identity of the Yangzhou official that made me take extra precautions. Indeed, the truth is that the official had been murdered a long time ago and had since been replaced by a counterfeit. The crime of deceiving the emperor and murder of an official was heavy enough. You don't know, you don't know that once I was there, I realised that all of the officials at Yangzhou had their consciences dug out.

I cannot allow even a single piece of scum to be left behind, otherwise, they would eventually retaliate. Leaving all else aside, last year's torrential rain in the south of the Yangtze River alone was terrible enough! Those black-hearted dog officials deliberately lured many victims into the city, drugged them with medicine and then shoved thousands of people into the river to plug the gap. I ask you, where are their conscience? Don't they deserve to die from a thousand cuts?"

Fu Qiuning was stunned. [1f] Woah, such a long and emotionally charged monologue, but not a single cough interrupted it. Was this fellow really injured in the lungs? She had suspected that he had been faking his 'injuries' or was just making them appear worse when it was useful for him. Now she had proof.

[1g] Also… drugging thousands of people and using them to plug a channel… is it really possible? She had heard that while building the Great Wall of China, corpses were pushed in to become part of the wall… Even so, deliberately drugging thousands of people and pushing them into rivers sounded very unlikely. While it was possible that people may have been drugged and thrown into the river, but, thousands of them? The personnel needed to do this would be in the hundreds at least, with a lot of drugs. If it was really true, then, the country had more to worry about than a couple of dozens of officials…

[1g] While she was thinking, Jin Fengju, [1f] obviously too caught up with his own performance to realise he had committed a faux pas, fiercely declared, "A good city like Yangzhou had been desecrated like this. I made an unannounced visit in unobtrusive clothes but found out that the place had become hell on earth. Aside from places that the rich frequented, the people wandered around in tattered clothing and there was a clear lack of food even as the rich lived in extravagant waste. I cannot tell you more for fear of causing you nightmares.

In a word, the officials that I came upon this time, each and every one of them should be killed eight or nine times over to appease the people. When the Memorial reached the eye of the dragon, the emperor was so furious that he even wanted to have all those below the officials dead! That is why I had to rush back to the Capital and do my best to persuade him… cough, cough, cough…"

Fu Qiuning wordlessly handed him some tea. When the coughing did not subside, she [2c] patted his back awkwardly. When even that did not cause the suspiciously strategic coughing to subside, she considered her words and went with, "Just how long has it been? To still be so angry. Enough now, don't talk about it if it angers you so." [2c] Jin Fengju was still coughing tragically, so she switched to, "What will happen to Jiangnan now? Surely someone must be there to govern the place? I'm sure there will be plenty of volunteers for such a lucrative place, some people really have no use for their face!"

[1e] Finally, the coughing stopped, and Jin Fengju launched eagerly into his next act, "I have already picked out a few local officials to temporarily govern the place. I expect that some would be promoted to permanent positions. Though, neither Prince Hong nor Prince Lie could resist the opportunity to insert their own people. With the attention on the emperor so firmly fixed upon Jiangnan and how the place had been thoroughly cleaned out, they should restrain themselves from doing anything too eye-catching."

Fu Qiuning nodded [1g] absently [2d], vaguely paying attention as Jin Fengju held the teacup to his lips and sipped elegantly at his tea. She thought: This fellow's looks are certainly first class. If he ever gets into the acting scene, [1e] with his love for all things theatrical, he would make it big on TV. Who knows how many men and women would scream and throw their underwear at him?

"Let us go. Father and Elder Brother are back, but you have not seen them, yes?" Jin Fengju lowered his cup. When he looked up, he saw Fu Qiuning staring intently at him. [2e]

When he blinked, Fu Qiuning was already picking up the teapot and refilling his cup. "Indeed, I have not seen them yet. The children have already met them and informed me that their grandfather and uncle treated them quite well. They even received some gifts. Children are truly easy to bribe."

The corner of Jin Fengju's lips quirked up slightly and he thought: Surely there's no need to be shy about staring at one's own husband? I am willing to sit here and let you stare as long as you like. Even a lifetime if possible.

He was desperate to tease her, but unsure how this kind of 'joke' would be perceived. Instead, he coughed once and smile knowingly at her for just a moment too long before saying, "That's right, I have met with Father and Elder Brother. They both say that Feng'er and Jiao'er are very excellent! They even say your teaching skills are impeccable."

Fu Qiuning knew that there was no way that her father-in-law or brother-in-law would have such a good impression of her. With Madam Jiang so openly displeased with her very existence, there was no way she would actively say anything good about Fu Qiuning.

Even so, she was willing to play the fool and pretended to be pleased by Jin Fengju's grand announcement. [1h] In the end, Madam Jiang's power was limited to Jin Fengju's opinion. If Jin Fengju decided that his father and brother liked her, they must like her.

Jin Fengju continued, "This year, I went to the south and injured myself. I had promised to enter Feng'er and Jiao'er into the genealogy, but in the end, it was delayed…"

[1] Could Fu Qiuning say anything to that without looking like a total bitch? Of course not. There was only one way to answer this statement. Therefore, she smiled and said, "There is no rush. So long as you have the intention to do so, their names can still be entered next year. Only, it should be done before Feng'er takes the Tongzi [4] Examinations."

Jin Fengju smiled and said, "Of course. Once Feng'er gains a higher position, it would honour our Jin Ancestors as well."

Fu Qiuning sneered and said, "How interesting, are you saying that if Feng'er cannot honour your Jin Ancestors, his name would not be recorded in the family genealogy?"

Jin Fengju thought for a moment before laughing out loud, "You certainly know how to scold people, ah. Indeed, I have spoken wrongly. Aih! I only saw them last spring! Only then did I realise how wrong and badly behaved I had been. As a father, I took my anger out on my children and never bore the responsibility of looking after them. No wonder you are disappointed in me, to the point that you refuse to forgive me. Each time I recall this, even I would accuse the past me for being wicked beyond redemption."

[2f] Fu Qiuning stared at the stupidly grinning Jin Fengju until his smile dripped off that stupid face. "No need to mention the past," said Fu Qiuning stiffly as she stood up. "I shall go to the kitchen and check on Yu Jie. The Stewed Pear and White Fungus should be ready soon."

[2f] "Qiuning, wait-"

"It's been a long time since the children have seen you. They are very worried, yet dare not ask after you. You should see them and speak with them." Without waiting for Jin Fengju to answer, she turned and left. Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao had been hovering outside the door all this while. [1i] When Fu Qiuning stepped out, they sensed something was wrong and hesitated about going in. When Jin Fengju beckoned them in, they stepped in carefully and stood at a polite distance to ask about his health.

[1i] How Jin Fengju answered them was unclear to Fu Qiuning, as she had already left for the kitchen.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

Because of Jin Fengju's issue. Fu Qiuning did not return to her maternal home on the 3rd day of the Lunar Festival. Princess Consort Rong could not easily return either, due to her position as the wife of a prince. Still, there were enough people in the Jin Family there to cheerfully celebrate the New Year.

In a blink of an eye, the Lantern Festival arrived.

Jin Fengju had planned to take all his wives, concubines and children to the city to see the lanterns at night, but due to his injuries, such plans had to be put off. He would have to be carefully nursed back to health for the next two months before he could do anything vaguely strenuous.

Jin Fengju could at least go to court. When he arrived, he was immediately surrounded by ministers and courtiers. Flattery and vague promises of gifts were thrown at him. Fortunately, the emperor ordered him to the South Study, and he quickly escaped.

The emperor did not really have anything much to say. He merely mentioned that the 'Hotpot sauce' had all been eaten and to bring more.

Jin Fengju did not know whether to laugh or cry at this. After leaving the South Study, he encountered Prince Rong. However, before he could greet his brother-in-law, the round-faced fellow rushed over with wide angry eyes and declared, "These days, my threshold nearly collapsed from all the visitors stomping in! I can refuse some, but not others. Think of a plan quickly, what should I do now?"

Jin Fengju smiled and said, "What else is there to do? As you've said, see those that you should see, and refuse those you have no need to see. The upright person is not afraid of a slanting shadow. If you're too apprehensive, you'll lose yourself."

Prince Rong angrily said, "You say it so casually. Enough of that, I'm not going to think of it anymore. Today, you must come and drink with me."

He was about to pull Jin Fengju with him when the man said, "I am still recovering from my injuries. How could I drink? Moreover, after resting for over two months, the things I have to deal with at court are as many as the hairs on the back of an ox. You are my good brother-in-law and not a creditor, surely there's no need for you to keep reminding me? Be at ease, within 10 days or half a month, there is no need for you to drag me over. I shall come to your door begging for a drink, how about it?"

When Prince Rong heard this, he dared not force the matter anymore. He could only nod and say "Very well, remember your word. Otherwise, I shall complain to Father-in-law about you." Then, as though recalling something, he said, "Speaking of which, Father-in-law has been back for three months, yes? Surely you should make some arrangements for him? What do you think?"

Jin Fengju smiled, "It is all the emperor's will. Why are you in such a hurry? My father is back home enjoying a leisurely life meeting friends and visiting relatives every day! He goes for walks in the mountains and countryside, being very free. As for my elder brother, I heard from the emperor that he may have to go outside again."

Gumihou: I think, I can see shadows of why the men in the family get along well. In the first place, the majority of them are either sent far away (dad & older brother) or kept very busy (cousin). This means that males other than the ML all have their own thing to do. A villainous mind is created when it compared itself to the successful person in the room or is so idle that it is rented out as a devil's workshop.

The women, on the other hand, had too many leisure hours (not even bothering to nurture their kids) and spent their time sitting around plotting schemes.

[1] Add details:

[1a] The lack of details after FQN 'could not believe this man' made it look like she was concerned for him. Add some cynical thoughts.

[1b] Since Jin Ming is 'back' let's comment on his presence.

[1c] Adjust details to change 'oh noes, I hurted you~~' to 'that's right, feel guilty, scum'

[1d] Add a 'now what' atmosphere for FQN. Maintain all of FQN's 'concerned questions', since JFJ wanted to be dramatic. Set the stage for his solo drama.

[1e] Add detail to poke fun at JFJ's obvious dramatic nature

[1f] Fu Qiuning was stunned. Added reasons why she was stunned. The guy gave a super long and emotional monologue without coughing…

[1g] More canon than canon FQN already treated JFJ's monologue like a drama, so she has some distance to think instead of just reacting to the deaths of thousands.

[1h] Give details on poor Madam Jiang's position as the fussy decorative chicken in the Jin Marquisate coop.

[1i] Adjust children's reactions as per [2f]. No kya~~ over dad, but be hesitant because mom is seething.

[2] Deletes/Replacements:

[2a] There are 3 '!' in this paragraph for no good reason aside from the emphasis on how silent the world is and how alooneee~~~ they are~~~

[2b] Deleted: "Humph, don't talk! *Tsun tsun*" as well as the utterly vomit inducing 'Kyaa~~ Deep down I'm so happy~~ this is what I want in life~~ a peaceful life with my handsome guy in this stupid era~~~'

Replace everything with bland indifference and a sharp poke on Jin Ming's disappearances. Do NOT let the plot hole slip by.

[2c] Replaced 'FQN became frightened by JFJ's murderous air' with 'Yes, and…?'

[2d] Deleted 'she sat down again', when did she get up?

[2e] Deleted: Suddenly flustered when Jin Fengju looked at her.

We really don't need the extra kyaa, here.

[2f] Delete 'Fu Qiuning smiled slightly', because… for real? After the man just laughed and said 'aiya, I was so bad for taking out my anger on the kiddies, no wonder you are angry at me~~ hehe~~'

Fu Qiuning: Is that crazy woman braindead?

Gumihou: Hold on, I'm going to evict her from your body soon. Hang on… 3, 2, 1-

[3] Chinese medical concept of 'Heatiness'

[4] Tongzi – Youth/Juvenile exams

The word 童子literally means 'kids' or 'juvenile'.

It's one of the Tang Period exams where youth or 'apprentices' take the exam to become scholars.

Prince Rong laughed, "Brother-in-law is young and doing well at the regional level. Therefore, the emperor will not let go of a talented person like you. If you have not been holding two positions all this while, he would have sent you to exile long ago."

Jin Fengju replied with a bitter smile, "If I had to handle more incidents like the one at Yangzhou, what's the difference between that and an exile? In fact, I'd say having to lick blood off a blade while serving as an official is even worse than exile."

The two exchanged a few more words before bidding their farewells and returning to their homes.

Back at the marquisate, he headed straight for Health & Longevity Court to find that everyone was there, except for the obviously missing Fu Qiuning. Old Madam Jin was very happy to see him, calling him over to sit with her. She laughed and said, "What are you doing back here at this time? Here I thought the emperor would drop a good amount of work on you the moment you return. You are unexpectedly free at this time?"

Jin Fengju laughed and said, "After my mission at Yangzhou and nearly losing my life there, how could the Old Emperor bear to send me on errands right after I recovered? Even if he wishes to send me on errands, he should still bestow a little something before he could open his mouth, ah."

Old Madam Jin slapped him lightly on the head and scolded him with a smile, "You are getting more and more mischievous. To dare slander the emperor behind his back, if word gets out, won't you lose your Sword of State to others?"

"There are only you and I, ancestor and grandson here, who will spread the word? Old Ancestor need not be overly cautious," Jin Fengju said with a smile. Then, he [1a] made a show of looking around and touched his chin, "Did Qiuning not come to pay respects to Old Ancestor today? Why do I not see here? I fear she is becoming more and more ignorant."

Old Madam Jin snorted, "Are you truly blaming her for being ignorant? You are obviously blaming her for not being here for you to feast your eyes on the moment you arrive. Seeing how she dislikes trading barbs with these people, I allowed her to abstain from giving her greetings to me. Since you're thinking of her, I shall have Luo Cui go fetch her."

Jin Fengju stood up and said, "That's not necessary, I shall go there myself…"

Old Madam Jin tugged him back down with a laugh, "The more you wish to go, the more I refuse permission. Now that you have a [2] wife, have you not only forgotten your mother, but your grandmother as well?" With that, she swiftly turned Luo Cui to say, "Go to Night Breeze Pavilion and fetch Ning girl over. Say that the Young Marquis is waiting for her here."

Jin Fengju laughed and said, "If Grandmother calls for her, would she dare not come? Why even mention my name?"

At this, Old Madam Jin also laughed and said, "If I do not mention you, how would she know that you are yearning to see her? That a day is like three autumns of separation?" She shifted closer to her grandson and whispered, "Fengju, ah. When do you plan to have Qiuning move in? Night Breeze Pavilion is too remote, do you plan to travel through that garden each time you wish to see her? That's at least a few li [6] away. Could it still be considered home? It's closer to the racing course from here."

Jin Fengju replied helplessly, "I have already spoken to her many times, yet she insisted on remaining there. What can I do?"

Old Madam Jin snorted, "Aren't you supposed to be the clever one? Have you no ideas at all? If Qiuning refuses, just think of a way to make her move. Women are timid by nature. She has lived there for many years and is used to the place as she believes it is safe. If an unexpected problem crops up and disturbs her peace, would she still be so stubborn?"

Jin Fengju's heart skipped a beat. He looked at his grandmother who was smirking back with a fox-like smile. His own mouth curved up and he could not help but laugh and nod, "Indeed, this grandson has received your wisdom. Old Ancestor's eyes and heart are the sharpest and most agile, this grandson fears he could not keep up even upon a racing horse."

He was piling on more flattery when Luo Cui arrived with Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao. However, even when he squinted his eyes, he could not see Fu Qiuning. Curious, he grabbed the children's hands and asked, "Where is your mother? Why isn't she here?"

Jin Changfeng lowered his head slightly and said, "Replying to Father, Mother caught a cold yesterday and is still in bed. She could not come and bade this son and daughter deliver her greetings to Old Ancestor, Grandmother and Father. She says that she will personally convey her greetings once she is well again." The nine-year-old child relayed each word calmly and clearly. He was so mature that it was like looking at a little adult.

"What? Your mother is sick?" Jin Fengju suddenly stood up. He anxiously asked, "Has a physician seen her?" Then, he shook his head to himself and said, "No, why would she ask to see a physician? That person fears troubling people the most. No, I must go and have a look. Old Ancestor, with your permission…"

The Old Madam was also shocked to hear that Qiuning was sick. She said, "Quickly go and take look now. Though her health is fairly good, and I have never heard her complain about being sick, to think that she has caught a cold now… [1b] well, it might not be a bad thing. Have her take a couple of doses of medicine to expel the heat and toxins from her body when you see her."

Jin Fengju nodded [1b] slowly, the panic in his mind receding as he caught Old Madam Jin's meaning. He smiled inexplicably and was about to leave when Jin Ming suddenly barged in, stammering, "Master… Master, come quickly. The decree bearing Eunuch has arrived and he… he brought a lot of things…"

Seeing his usually steady and quick-witted servant stammering like that, Jin Fengju's heart stuttered. He thought: Jin Ming has been with me for a long time and had seen all sorts of rewards bestowed on me by the emperor. What manner of 'things' had arrived to cause Jin Ming to panic this way?

With a decree waiting to be heard, Jin Fengju dared not ignore it to run to Qiuning. After all, it was only a cold, not some life or death matter. Thus, Jin Fengju, his mother, Old Madam Jin and the rest of the people quickly went to the front courtyard where an incense altar had been set up. Old Marquis Jin Yu, and his brother, Second Old Master Jin Shi, both happened to be at home. Jin Pengzhan and Jin Luanfeng were also present. Thus, within the spacious and neat courtyard, a sea of black heads could be seen as they all kowtowed to the ground before the decree-bearing eunuch.

"Felicitations to Marquis and Young Marquis." The eunuch smiled as he unfold the decree. [3]

The following decree was bestowed:

Old Marquis Jin Yu – appointed as Duke of Jing (First Rank)

Jin Pengzhan – appointed as Imperial Official of Jiangnan (Third Rank)

Liu'shi (Jin Pengzhan's wife) – Rank 4 Title

The announcement of the first decree nearly caused the entire marquisate to faint with sheer joy. With the appointment, the marquisate's status would be raised to a dukedom. A duke's status is a great step above a marquis, as a duchy's status is only one step below a feudal king. Now that their family's status has risen, would they ever need to fear being suppressed by ordinary feudal kings?

In addition to his new official appointment, Jin Pengzhan also received an order to leave for Jiangnan in half a month. Jin Fengju's heart jumped again as he thought: This old fellow is truly good with his tactics. Brother is still young, but has already been raised two tiers up to the Third Rank Official at his age. On the surface, it looked like a very excellent promotion. However, I'm sure he has been secretly ordered to manage the officials and to help oversee the tax collections. The seeds I have planted and the people I have elected were all done under the name of Jin Marquisate, so how could the people of Jiangnan not support him? Indeed, this arrangement is not bad. It would also save Brother-in-law the hassle of cracking his brain over how to insert his people in.

He was still pondering over this when the eunuch put away the first decree and opened another one. This third decree was for Jin Fengju, [3] with the following bestowment:

Jin Fengju – Appointed as Marquis of Jinxiang

Bestowed the option to rebuild the Jinxiang Marquisate in a different location, all expenses will be borne by the palace

10,000 taels of silver

5,000 taels of gold

The above reward was bestowed due to his great merit in Jiangnan. Additionally, there were many various treasures, antiques, silk and satin cloths. The entire list shook the audience to speechlessness.

It was not easy for them to stay kneeling until all three decrees were read. By the end of the bestowments, the Old Marquis and Jin Fengju still managed to maintain their composure, but Jin Pengzhan and Jin Luanfeng were already a little dazed. Finally, the eunuch rolled up the last decree and came over with cupped hands to smile at them, "Congratulations, congratulations, felicitations to the Duke and the Young Marquis, ah. It should not be young marquis anymore; it should be Marquis."

Jin Fengju hastily laughed and said, "Eunuch Liu should just address me as Young Marquis, I feel younger that way."

Everyone laughed.

Eunuch Liu turned to Jin Shi and said, "Felicitations to the Second Old Master, when I received this decree at the Imperial Study, I heard the emperor speaking with the Minister of Personnel, Lord Qin, that Lesser Secretary Lord Luo of the Ministry of Justice will be retiring to his hometown soon. Once he does, Lord Jin may fill in the vacancy. As for Elder Master Jin (Jin Shi's son), should the Elder Master wish it, the position of Dragon Cavalry Guard is yours. Although the position is an idle one, the is still a prestigious post. Who would not be envious of someone with a position like Rank 5 Dragon Calvary Guard, ah?"

Jin Shi did not expect that he too would encounter such a fortuitous opportunity and hastily thanked the eunuch for the information. He had never been the type to like to compete with others, which was why the brothers got along so well for so many decades without any animosity. Naturally, he understood that this heaven-sent joy was something that Jin Fengju nearly paid with his life, and that both he and his son were merely enjoying the glory reflected off this nephew. Therefore, he felt only gratitude with not a single drop of envy.

As for Jin Fengju, his heart thumped violently again. He thought: Old Man, what is the meaning of this? For you to put most of our family members into key positions, is this to pave the way for Brother-in-law? Is it to test Brother-in-law? No, looks like I must be even more cautious.

When he courteously offered to serve Eunuch Liu tea, [4] the eunuch eagerly accepted. After all, how could he not take the opportunity to befriend the most royally favoured man in the city?

[4] Several cups of tea and many lines of flattery later, Jin Fengju's mind was still swirling with thoughts about Fu Qiuning's illness. He was so anxious that he nearly spewed fire. Even so, he managed to keep the smile on his face until Eunuch Liu decided to leave. Eunuch Liu left with a red packet containing 100 silver taels, while the lesser eunuchs also received red packets containing 10 silver taels each. Everyone naturally raised their voices in praise as they bowed several times before finally leaving.

After finally getting rid of Eunuch Liu, Jin Fengju was about to hurry away to Night Breeze Pavilion when his father's personal servant, Liu Qiuqian came trotting over. The servant beamingly saluted him and said all the appropriate congratulatory words before finally saying, "The Marquis…"

Here, he paused, tapped lightly at his own mouth and said with some affected anger, "This useless mouth is really useless. Still can't change even now. That is… The Duke bade Second Master over. The Eldest Master, Second Old Master and Master Feng [4] have gone to the study."

Jin Fengju sighed, realising that this shower of royal grace must have overwhelmed his father and the rest into confusion. Although his heart felt like it was on fire, he had no choice but to send the children away, [4] "Jin Ming, you take them to Night Breeze Pavilion first. I shall come over in a little while." With that, he made his way to his father's study.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

[4] The day before, Fu Qiuning had been staring absently at the budding peach, apricot, pear and other trees in the backyard when she was struck by a wave of nostalgia. The feeling was so strong that it burst out of her in a song. The luscious melody flowed and ebbed around her like eddies until she forgot herself. The strong breeze teased her hair and picked up the ends of her sleeves, and she sang and sang, completely forgetting that she had been too thinly dressed to stay outside for long.

That night, she went to bed with a slightly dry throat and a throbbing head. It did not take long for the symptoms to develop itself into a slight fever. Still, she did not think too much of it, merely having Yu Jie and Aunt Yu boil some cooling medicinal herbs, which she diligently took. Who would have thought that the fever refused to loosen its grip on her and she woke up feeling worse again?

This time, she had the maids simmer more medicine, which she drank with some difficulty before falling back to sleep. [1c] Really, being sick in this era

\was so inconvenient, what she would give for some paracetamol or aspirin now?

[4] Aunt Yu watched her mistress diligently. When she finally saw a layer of sweat forming on Fu Qiuning's head, she breathed a sigh of relief. After dabbing the sweat away, she left the room to quietly inform Yu Jie, "She is sweating now. The fever should leave with the sweat and cool her body down. I believe madam should recover soon."

Yu Jie giggled. [4] When she caught Aunt Yu's disapproving gaze, she laughed and said, "Madam had been with us for so many years, but had never fallen ill like this before. To think that a fierce sickness would strike her the moment our Young Marquis favours her, well, once the Young Marquis finds out, I wonder how worried he will be~? Truly, this illness is most timely. [4] Who knows, perhaps Madam would be softened up by it too…"

Pill Bug TL Notes:

￣\_(ツ)_/￣

Gumihou: Umm?

Pill Bug: I turn off my brain and just enjoyed the drama, lol

Gumihou: I was too busy judging everyone's behaviour… Also, why are this chapter's lines so awkward? The f*ck is:

The day before, because Fu Qiuning was reminiscing on her own days in modern times when she was enjoying the view of the budding peach, apricot, pear and other trees in the backyard, she could not help but sing a few lines of opera.

Note 4!

Gumihou:

[1] Add Detail

[1a] Add details re JFJ's dramatic showmanship nature

[1b] Add detail to make it clear that Old Madam thinks that FQN might be faking her illness. (It was vaguely implied in the original text)

[1c] Add some random 'I miss modern meds' moment. After all, she had 'been missing the modern times' earlier, so it made sense.

[2] Gumi's Rant:

[2a] 'Now that you have a wife'

Ma'am, what? Have you already forgotten Jiang Wanying? It's one thing to forget about the concubines, who are often regarded as little more than egg-bearing chickens, but Jiang Wanying is your daughter-in-law's niece! By saying 'Now that you have a wife' you're dismissing her existence!

Why would the Old Madam do this?

Well, she is working in sync with JFJ to reduce the existence of the 'other women' in his life because she knows that JFJ plans to raise FQN up. She is also assuaging her guilt for not paying more attention to FQN and the two grandchildren in the past. By declaring 'now that you have a wife', she is hinting that 'things start now' and all matters in the past are negligible.

It's all self-serving and selfish.

There's also this golden phrase 'Seeing how she dislikes trading barbs with these people, I allowed her to abstain from giving her greetings to me'

The terrible implications behind this phrase are…

She KNOWS that FQN doesn't like butting heads with the local chickens

She KNOWS the chickens like to scratch and quarrel among themselves

The chickens are there every day, day after day, quarrelling and comparing their features against each other.

Conclusion 1: She ENJOYS being the head chicken overseeing this bunch of clucking, clawing, and self-destructive chickens

Conclusion 2: She is the vixen overseeing this chicken coop

[3] Adjust the text so that the emperor's decree is clearer

[4] Adjust text for smoother and prettier delivery. I'm fine if the characters acted awkward, but why are the sentences also awkward?!

[5] I swear, seeing Yu Jie going 'tee hee' over her mistress' illness really pissed me off

[6] li = 0.31 miles

Yu Jie was [1a] still giggling to herself over her mistress' 'timely sickness' when she heard the children's laughter. Aunt Yu quickly rushed out to hold a finger to her lips to silence the children before saluting Jin Ming.

She then led Jin Ming and the children into the house, whispering, "Madam has just fallen asleep after taking medicine. She has started to sweat out the fever. It is best not to wake her. Where is the Young Marquis? Has something prevented him from coming?"

One could not blame Aunt Yu for being so [1b] arrogant as to imagine that the Master of the house would fly to see her mistress as soon as he heard she was ill. Anyone with eyes could see the love that Jin Fengju had for her mistress. When only Jin Ming appeared, she could not help but felt a little uneasy.

"Unfortunately, he is still preoccupied with work," Jin Ming said cheerfully, his cheeks obviously shining with joy. As for the two children, they were grinning so widely that the corners of their lips nearly reached their ears. Even knowing that their mother was sick, they could not tuck away their smiles.

When Jin Ming informed Yu Jie and Aunt Yu about the three consecutive decrees from the emperor, they were dumbfounded.

"This… this is so unexpected!" After a while, Aunt Yu was also brimming with smiles. "For a single household to have two titles in a family is unheard of. That is to say, our Young Marquis, no, our Marquis could move out of the marquisate into his own property?"

Jin Ming smiled, "This clearly shows how mighty the grace of heaven is. Just how much does the emperor favour our master's family, ah? Old Master is now the Duke of Jing [2], and Master is now the Marquis. Eventually, the Dukedom would be inherited by the Eldest Master. As for our Master, even though his position as Marquis might appear slightly inferior for now, with his abilities, it would not be impossible for him to eventually become a Duke or even a Feudal King one day.

This is the emperor's special grace bestowed upon our master, meant to prevent future strife or conflict over the issue of titles. You all listen here, ah. For the emperor to consider even this, isn't it the greatest of all favour? This favour trumps even the ones received by the princes. Don't you think so too?"

Next to him, Yu Jie laughed, "Isn't it so? From the way he takes care of our Young Marquis, I believe that the emperor must have taken him as his foster son."

Jin Changjiao chirped up, "What's so interesting about all that? There are lots and lots of good things in the courtyard. Ten thousand silver taels and five thousand gold, ah. I asked Brother earlier, but he also is not sure how to calculate in value. He could only say that it is lots and lots of money. So much so, that we can't spend it all even with ten lifetimes. And the gold things. It's all very shiny and sparkly. Not only in things but in necklaces and rings and the pretty stones and antiques, my eyes are dazzled…"

"How would you know about those?" Aunt Yu asked as she stroked Jin Changjiao's cheek. "The imperial decree may be impressive, but your imagination is certainly vivid."

"That's because the young lady saw them when she went looking for Master," Jin Ming said with a satisfied laugh. "The rewards from the emperor naturally had to be verified. Over 20 servants carried the goods in and it all had to be counted and checked against the list. It took them close to an hour to count everything. There's also the Second Old Master and Master Feng, both of whom have been promoted to official positions. Should they make some achievements in the future, even a noble status is not impossible…"

The more they chatted, the more excited they became, to the point that they forgot that Fu Qiuning was sleeping off a fever in her room. When Jin Fengju arrived, he saw a bunch of people sitting around, talking and laughing together, and anxiously asked, "Where's Qiuning?"

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie quickly stood up to give their salute, "Congratulations to the Young Marquis, salutations to the Young Marquis. Madam had taken her medicine and is now asleep…"

Jin Fengju's displeased voice cut in, "Since Qiuning is sleeping, why are you laughing and talking so loudly here? I can even hear you from outside, how could she sleep well like this?"

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie were both so happy about this exciting news that they had completely forgotten about their sick mistress. Seeing Jin Fengju's moody expression, they felt a little frightened. Just then, a cough was heard from the room. Fu Qiuning's somewhat hoarse voice called out, "Looks like Lord Husband is here, running roughshod over others as usual. Here I am, being cheered by their liveliness, but you just have to destroy it the moment you arrive."

The moment he heard Fu Qiuning's voice, the Young Marquis' face cleared, all gloominess giving way to brilliant sunshine. He pushed past the door to her room and smiled, "How could I dare to run roughshod over anything in your place? How are you? How did you suddenly catch a cold like this? You're too careless." As he spoke, he stepped forward to put his hand over Fu Qiuning's forehead. After a while, he shook his head and said, "Still a little warm. Fortunately, I bade Eunuch Liu send word on my behalf to invite Imperial Physician Liang over. He is the best person to consult with when it comes to sickness related to fevers and chills."

Fu Qiuning's heart shook. [3a] Well, well, she privately sneered: Even in the midst of his great success, he did not forget to drag me down by sending the emperor's private lackey to call for an imperial physician of all things for a mere fever. Was she supposed to be grateful that a man in this era still remembered to call for a doctor at all? [1c] Oh wait, it would be strange if his 'yandere-ness' forgot to call for a doctor. The 'illness as a pushing scene' was one of the great favourites of novels and TV dramas, right alongside the 'Aiya! I fell!' scene. [1c] Fu Qiuning could only blame herself for falling into this trope by singing in the cold, but she had been so stressed and anxious by all the attention that she just could not help herself.

"Qiuning?"

Jin Fengju was still waiting for her to respond. So, she shifted on the bed to sit up. Jin Fengju quickly fetched a pillow and helpfully stuffed it behind her so that she could sit more comfortably. With a smile, he said, "Your sickness has left you a little sallow. I must say, you don't look too bad at all. On the contrary, there is a certain pitiful beauty that stirs a viewer's heart. Even so, it is better to take care and nourish yourself."

Fu Qiuning smiled, [3b] "So, it turns out that Lord Husband likes the pitiful type. I supposed there is a certain charm to having someone completely under your power and dependent on your favour and generosity. Ever since you started bringing things into this courtyard, my life has been too comfortable. I have even put on ten catties of flesh. Certainly, it is difficult for well-nourished looking person to elicit pity. I supposed I ought to take this opportunity to lose weight."

[3b] The smile on Jin Fengju's face stiffened. Then he vehemently shook his head, "Nonsense, nonsense. How could I… Ahem, haven't you heard the saying 'King of Chu's Love of Slim Waists Starves the Palace to Death'? A thousand years ago, a king in the Chu Feng Kingdom loved slim and slender girls. Because of this many girls starved themselves to death trying to achieve that ideal body. When it comes to weight, you have put on some and lost some. Even so, it is better to be a little fatter. Anyway, you're not allowed to lose any meat."

[3c] "I see," what a politician. To completely ignore the difficult question to wax on and on about the mundane. Since he refused to address the issue, Fu Qiuning decided not to press it. Instead, she said, "Speaking of which, I have yet to congratulate the Marquis. I heard that the emperor has bestowed quite a generous reward on the marquisate."

Jin Fengju smiled, [3c] clearly more than eager for the change of topic. "Indeed. Well, when those corrupt officials were raided, we confiscated nearly ten million silver taels. This made the old man very happy, of course, hence the generous reward. Also, as my brother-in-law has always shown restraint and not the least bit of edge all these years, he appeared quite pitiful and aggrieved next to the more domineering Prince Hong and Prince Lie. The emperor's rewards also serve to strengthen our faction and increase our influence. In fact, it is all for Prince Rong. Just wait, after this, people will come toppling over to our side."

Fu Qiuning smiled gently, "[1d] I see, so the emperor also likes the pitiful type. Is that why he finally decided to choose Prince Rong?"

[1e] "… you are still ill right now, why don't you lie down. Your voice is still a little bit hoarse, perhaps it is best for you to rest more. As for what the emperor thinks, who knows how he thinks? At any rate, he has rewarded us greatly, therefore his support for Prince Rong ought to be real."

Fu Qiuning stayed quiet as ordered. She stared at the ceiling contemplatively, thinking: Though the situation was not the same as Emperor Kangxi, it was not necessarily different. There had been speculation that Emperor Kangxi secretly favoured his fourth son, but who knew the truth? It was possible that the Fourth Son was too cunning and bet on the right moves. In her current era, the emperor appeared to enjoy watching his three sons battle each other out. [1f] Moreover, like the director of an elimination game, he would give them missions, implement weird laws to make the contestants' life difficult and throw in some bonus help now and then to keep the show interesting.

In short, the Imperial Family was basically like a giant cricket fight. Tch, that emperor was certainly a unique kind of pervert to find this kind of struggle amusing. [1g] Wait… what does it mean when a pervert like that likes you? That's right, this perverted emperor favoured Jin Fengju so much that he even bestowed the title of Duke to his father, so that his elder brother could inherit that while he immediately becomes a Marquis instead! Just what is going on? Should she be worried?

On Jin Fengju's side, he continued to stare silently at Fu Qiuning even as she lay on the bed. She appeared to be thinking deeply and he did not wish to disturb the warm atmosphere between them. Suddenly, the silence was broken by Luo Cui's voice, "Is the Young Marquis here?"

He knew that Imperial Physician Liang must have arrived and personally hastened out to meet with the maid, "Has Imperial Physician Liang visited Old Madam?"

Imperial Physician Liang smiled, "Eunuch Liu's instructions were a little unclear. I only heard that someone in the marquisate came down with a fever, and this official naturally thought it was the Old Madam. Just before the New Year, the Old Madam did catch a cold and her illness was aggravated by worry over Young Marquis' safety. It was a near miss, but fortunately, Young Marquis made it back safely and the Old Madam managed to escape this trial.

Therefore, when this official received the news, I naturally believed that the old illness must have flared up and rushed over quickly, only to find the Old Madam snacking happily on oranges. It was only when this young lady here escorted me over that I understood that the person who caught a cold is the Second Young Madam."

Since Jin Fengju was familiar with this imperial physician, he immediately escorted the doctor over to see Fu Qiuning. She was already dressed, lying on the kang bed, and had put her cloak on when she heard the physician was about to see her. When the imperial physician came in, she held out her wrist for him to inspect. Jin Fengju personally [a] placed the light cloth over the tender wrist before Imperial Physician Liang took her pulse. After a while, he stood up and smiled, "There is no need to worry. I shall write a prescription. Be sure to eat lightly in the next two days, the illness should fully disappear after a few days."

Jin Fengju thanked the man and personally escorted him out. He placed another five taels of silver into the imperial physician's hands. Imperial Physician Liang's brows and eyes curved with smiles, and he left the marquisate quite happy with this unexpected errand. After instructing Jin Ming to collect the medicine according to the prescription, Jin Fengju turned to Yu Jie and said, "I shall stay here for a few days. I'll leave once your Madam has recovered. Prepare the bedding for me."

[3a] Fu Qiuning's eyes widened. She thought: I'm just sick, but you want me to die?!

She quickly said, "No need, no need, it's just a fever. Didn't Imperial Physician Liang say I shall be well in three or five days? You have recently recovered and just received so many rewards, surely the emperor would not allow you to rest? This place is quite far, you will have to wake early and walk further to prepare for morning court. No, no, you had better return quickly and let me rest quietly."

Jin Fengju beamed at her, "It is difficult for me to stay here for even an extra day. Now that I have encountered such a convenient excuse, don't expect to be rid of me so easily. If you believe that it is inconvenient for me, very well, move with me to the inner court. We shall all stay there happily together, how about it?"

Fu Qiuning fell silent. "I see that your promise is hardly worth the air that was used to make it. [1h] Should I even mention it anymore, seeing as how you have completely forgotten your own words?"

Jin Fengju smiled, "I am only joking. No need to take it so seriously. If you really do not wish to go, I shall not force you." Even so, he had already secretly made up his mind. It was just a matter of waiting for the right time to move her in.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

Jin Fengju ended up staying at Night Breeze Pavilion for that ambiguous 'three to five days', pissing off Jiang Wanying, Xu'shi, Huo'shi and the rest. They all shared the thought that this Fu Qiuning was not simple. [1i] Who knew what kind of tricks she had used to bewitch a man like Jin Fengju? Jiang Wanying sank deeper into her schemes, [1i] all her thoughts focus on how to get rid of Fu Qiuning. The outspoken Xu'shi had already cursed plenty of times in front of the servants.

Fu Qiuning's fever had already cleared up by the third day. However, Jin Fengju refused to leave, citing the [1j] 'three to five days' time limit. After the fifth day, he stayed for another day 'just in case'. On the seventh day, however, he ran out of excuses and had to move out of Night Breeze Pavilion. Reluctant to give up, he thought: I must think of a way to get Qiuning to openly say she wishes to move into my inner court, that way I can be close to her all the time.

Pill Bug: [a] Huh? I thought pulse reading needs to be done over the skin to be accurate?

Gumihou: For fancy ladies in noble houses, a thin cloth over the wrist is part of the etiquette. There's also the legendary 'thread reading' where the physician held a thread over the patient's wrist to take their pulse. So…￣\_(ツ)_/￣

Gumihou: Ah, the classic fever scene that allows ML to provide over-the-top care and tenderness while MC is rendered helpless in bed. Too bad Gumi is here to spoil all your good intentions.

This chapter once again pressed the fact that humans are inherently selfish creatures. The servants were happy because their masters have been promoted, and hence their lives would be elevated as well.

The maids were happy that their mistress was favoured because that also means their position would be made more solid. They might harp on about how being loved is the best, it was less about feelings and more about things they would receive from a 'starry-eyed' master. They could also lord this fact over maids from other factions.

The children were happy because they could see their father more, probably not even thinking about their other five siblings.

There's also JFJ's selfishness, giving lip service and trying to gaslight FQN into complying with whatever he wants. This guy definitely has some narcissistic behaviour. The classic 'I'm joking, lol, take a chill pill' attitude is one I hated the most.

Dear readers, if you encounter someone who does this to you, either confront them and squash them or get out of the relationship. It's a bloody red flag.

[1] Add Detail

[1a] Add clarity from the previous chapter

[1b] Show the entitlement. It was meant to be 'evidence of love as seen by outsiders', but everything just reeks of smug entitlement

[1c] Break the fourth wall on the classic 'illness as pushing scene' for romantic development

[1d] Extend [3b] comment to create awkwardness

[1e] Flipped the dialogue. Start with 'you are sick' before addressing [1d]

[1f] Add modern thoughts, to cement the fact that FQN is from the modern world

[1g] Extend 'emperor is a pervert' thought to 'JFJ might also be a perv'

[1h] Add more venom, not just a lame 'humph, you're getting worse and worse~ pui~!'

[1i] Add more details to these poor women's thoughts

[1j] Add detail to show how manipulative, cunning and childish this asshat is.

[2] Duke of Jing – 靖国公

The '靖' or 'Jing' here means peace or tranquillity.

[3] Deleted or Replace:

[3a] Change the reason why Fu Qiuning's heart 'shook'. Delete 'overflowing affection and secret kyaa~~', replacing it with 'seriously? You want to get me into more trouble with your nest of women?'

[3b] Instead of commenting on 'Nourish? What is there to nourish?' switch it to 'So, you like pitiful beauties, I see…'

[3c] Delete: Kyaa~~ all these jokes about weight between husband and wife is so intimate and heart warming, kyaa~

Respond as per [3b].

Gumi is not amused.

Fu Qiuning: I am also not amused.

In fact, it was not that Jin Fengju was being deliberately wilful and uncaring about Qiuning's wishes. In fact, he was thinking of her well-being all the time. After all, he knew very well from the depth of his heart that once he and Qiuning were no longer a couple in name, no matter where she resided, harem battles would be inevitable. Therefore, instead of being isolated and alone at Night Breeze Pavilion, it would be better for her to be moved into the inner court as soon as possible. With Old Madam Jin there to look after her, those other wives and concubines would not dare to be too presumptuous. [f]

He had already decided this earlier, but could not carry out the matter immediately as he had been occupied with too much work. He simply did not have the time to plan or carry out any appropriately subtle, yet inevitable schemes to move her in.

[a] If he had not made that hasty promise, he would have had a much easier time. Right now, he had no choice but to come up with a scheme that would not make him look bad, which was easier said than done. Why did Qiuning have to be so stubborn? He just didn't understand it. [g] [a]

While Jin Fengju was busy making up plans to… [a] 'gently convince' Fu Qiuning into agreeing to move into the inner court, Jiang Wanying had not been idle either.

That day, Madam Jiang had called her over. After dismissing their subordinates, the Madam asked worriedly, "Wanying, you've seen it yourself these past few days. Fengju spends all his nights at Night Breeze Pavilion regardless of how far it is or how tired he is. Think, girl. What do you think will happen to you eventually? Of the matter we discussed last time, has there been any progress?

If you wait too long, even if you wish to make use of this as leverage, you might miss your opportunity. No matter how much that Fu Qiuning professes to hate Fengju, she is still a woman. How long do you think she could hold out? Once she develops feelings for him, your opportunity would disappear."

Jiang Wanying quickly replied, "Do not worry, Aunt. Your niece has considered this matter carefully. Today, Cousin has moved his official clothing back to Clear Soft Pavilion. I believe that he will be busy for the next few days and will not visit Night Breeze Pavilion. With him being busy, the time is right for us to implement the plan."

Madam Jiang sighed and said, "No matter what, she is still your cousin's

official wife. I have thought of the matter over and over again. Even if there is complete certainty, I am not comfortable having another woman check her body. It is not right. If word gets out, not only will she lose face, but you and I shall also carry the scandal on our shoulders.

It is a disgrace to the family's honour. The Old Madam and Old Master would almost certainly be angry. Therefore, perhaps it is better to find out the matter from Fengju's lips instead? Also, what if that woman got wind of our investigation? Once she knows of our plan, all she has to do is instigate a night between herself and Fengju in order to turn around and bite us to death instead."

Jiang Wanying smiled, "There is no need for Aunt to worry about this. I already have a plan. Aunty, do you know that hundreds of years ago in the Great Song Dynasty, it was popular for maidens to wear Chastity Proving Dust on their person?"

"Chastity Proving Dust? It has been hundreds of years, didn't they say the technique had been lost to time? It's unlikely that Fu Qiuning would have any on her person. As for you or I, we don't have it either. How do you expect to get some on her?" Madam Jiang exclaimed. [h]

Jiang Wanying walked a few steps closer and whispered something in her ear.

Madam Jiang's perplexed expression eventually transformed into glee. She nodded and said, "Good, this is an excellent scheme. Let's do it this way. Only, you must be cautious. Once you have the prescription in hand, you must ensure that no one notices anything. This matter must be handled well. Once this is confirmed… humph, even if that Fu Qiuning wants to delay or deny anything, there is nothing she can do."

"It is as you say," Jiang Wanying was beaming smugly now. "Therefore, Aunt may rest easy. The time for that Fu'shi to be driven out of this place is not far now. Just endure it for a little longer."

Madam Jiang nodded and coldly snorted, "She is fortunate to have Fengju endure her presence. Each time I clap my eyes on her, I recall the insult that Zhenjiang Palace has inflicted on our Jinxiang Marquisate. I look forward to pulling this thorn out of my flesh as soon as possible. That way, I may live the rest of my life in peace and happiness at last." [i]

Jiang Wanying covered her mouth and laughed, "Aunt still calls us the 'Jinxiang Marquisate', but it should be 'Jing Dukedom' now. Now that Uncle is the Duke of Jing, Cousin is now the present Marquis of Jinxiang."

Madam Jiang gave a sudden trill of laughter. "So it is. Oh, it just slips my mind. As for you, aren't you also a forgetful one? Why are you still calling me 'Aunt'? Shouldn't you call me 'Mother'?"

Jiang Wanying immediately lowered her head to giggle, "After having called you 'Aunt' for over twenty years, it's difficult for me to change. Uncle also did not oppose it. My Aunt loves me, so why force me to change? Though my lips call you Aunt and Uncle, my heart has long since regarded you as my parents."

Madam Jiang smiled and nodded, gratified with her answer. "I know you are filial.

Enough, you go and do your thing. So long as I know that there is a plan in place, I can be at ease."

With that, Jiang Wanying excused herself and returned to Clear Soft Pavilion.

She was in her sitting room, pondering over various matters and schemes when Qiu Xia came in to report that Fu Qiuning had arrived. Surprised, she thought: Why did she come to find me of her own volition?

Still, she put on a smile on her face and personally went out to receive Fu Qiuning, even taking her hand and escorting her into the bedroom. With a brilliant smile as fresh as spring, she said, "Elder Sister is a rare guest. I remember that you have never been to my Clear Soft Pavilion before. Why did the wind blow you over here today?" If one did not delve too deeply into her attitude and tone of speech, one would think that she really did think of Fu Qiuning as a beloved sister-friend.

Fu Qiuning returned the brilliant beams with a bland smile of her own. "Little Sister is busy every day, how dare I disturb you? I came here to beg Little Sister for a favour. I had beseeched Lord Husband about it before, but he said that it would be better to ask Little Sister about it. Therefore, I thickened my face and came to your door. Well? Have I bothered Little Sister?"

Jiang Wanying laughed and said, "Goodness, how distant your words sounded. You and I share a husband, therefore we should be as close as sisters. Now that Elder Sister is preoccupied with a need, if you don't come to me, who should you go to? This little sister is hurt by your words."

Even as she spoke, she ushered Qiuning into an upper-tier seat, while she occupied a lower-level seat. Qiu Xia had already served them tea, so she took the initiative to say, "Is this the Mingqian tea [1] that arrived just a

few days ago? Elder Sister is unlike other guests, be sure not to serve the

inferior Yuqian [2] goods to her."

Fu Qiuning thought: Even the oh-so-famous Yuqian Longjing tea has become inferior goods here. Even if you want to show off your wealth, isn't this a little too tacky? [b] Can't you at least pretend to have some subtlety? Is your status as a granddaughter of a duke just words on paper? [j] [b]

On cue, Qiu Xia laughed and said, "How could this maid be so classless? This is indeed the Mingqian Longjing tea sent over just a few days ago."

Fu Qiuning gave these [c] two performing artists a glance before playing her part by sipping her tea and giving the appropriate praises. It amused her to see Jiang Wanying's eyebrows soar, apparently very pleased with herself.

After some idle chatter over family affairs and other nonsense, Fu Qiuning finally deemed it time to declare her reason for coming here. It was actually for Aunt Yu and Third Brother Zhang's marriage.

It was only then that Jiang Wanying finally recalled Jin Fengju had instructed her to follow up on the matter. Still, since it was nothing for her to perform this bit of task, she was happy to show her magnanimity.

After receiving a promise from Jiang Wanying, Fu Qiuning was about to turn and leave but Jiang Wanying got up to pull at her, saying, "Why the rush? It is rare for Elder Sister to come, but now that Elder Sister is here, this little sister cannot allow Elder Sister to leave so easily."

Jiang Wanying dismissed Qiu Xia and the rest of the maids and pulled Fu Qiuning to sit on the bed once more. She leaned closer and, with a discreet laugh, whispered, "I heard that Elder Sister does not have a room with a canopied bed, but has a kang bed instead. Is it because there is more room to move about when Elder Sister engage in that matter with Lord Husband?"

"That matter?" Fu Qiuning blinked. It took her a while to understand what Jiang Wanying was referring to and had to cough. With a heated face, she said, "What are you saying… what kind of question is this?"

She nearly blurted out that she never did the deed with Jin Fengju, [d] but stopped herself just in time. After considering the snakes and scorpions that disguised themselves as broody chickens in Jin Fengju's hen house and considering how this beaming woman and her disapproving mom-in-law had been looking for ways to kick her out, it was probably better to not let them find out that she had not let their precious stallion stick his thing into her v.

Jiang Wanying's eyes were as sharp as knives. Even so, the smile on her face became even warmer as she nudged Fu Qiuning and coyly said, "How is that nonsense? Aren't we sisters? It is fine to talk about such private things with each other. When I sit with my maids, we sometimes talk about men. When men sit with other men, it is only natural for them to talk about us women. Now, Elder Sister and I both belong to Lord Husband, so what is there to be shameful about?

Our Lord Husband is the best. He is so powerful that each time I ended up begging him to stop. I had to plead and plead before he finally pauses. I wonder, is Elder Sister stronger than this little sister? How many times do you and Lord Husband do it, ah?"

Fu Qiuning blinked at her. She thought: Were the ancient people always this liberal? Weren't people always saying something about the feudal system being strict and inhumane? So, why is this woman talking about being done by her husband many times so gleefully? Should I say that Jin Fengju does the deed three or seven times a night too? Why can the woman in front of me talk about such an explosive topic without changing her expression?

Cheeks burning a little, she decided to play coy and stood up to shyly say, "Little Sister's words are getting more and more outrageous, this… how could we even talk about such things even in our own boudoir? I… I'm sorry, I have some matters to attend to at home. I need to be back." Then, she fled the Clear Soft Pavilion, refusing to let Jiang Wanying make her stay. So what if it made her look like a prude? Let that woman think whatever she liked.

"Elder Sister should come by whenever you have the time. Us sisters should get together more often and be closer to each other," Jiang Wanying trilled loudly at Fu Qiuning's disappearing back. Suddenly, a cold smile crossed her lips.

She turned to see Qiu Xia standing right behind her. The maid had a confused look on her face. Jiang Wanying lightly scoured her with her eyes before saying, "What is it? Is there something else that you don't understand?"

Qiu Xia trotted closer and asked, "Earlier, was Madam testing that Fu'shi? Are you not worried that she might suspect something? Surely it's best to ask the Master…"

Jiang Wanying interrupted her with a spit. Still in that light, trilling voice, she said, "You stupid, stupid thing, did I not already guide you through all the important points? Think, no matter how cunning that Fu'shi is, could her intellect be compared to Lord Husband's? Our Lord Husband's mind is the best among the best. I had been worrying over how to inquire after the matter without rousing his suspicion for days, but then that Fu'shi actually delivered herself to our doorstep. What could she know? What is there to suspect? In the first place, this kind of talk is perfectly common in a boudoir." [k]

One could almost see the lantern lighting up in Qiu Xia's mind. Thinking of the almost omniscient Jin Fengju, she could not help the full-body shiver as she nodded fervently. "Madam is truly far-sighted. So it is like this. Then, how was it? What did Madam find out?"

Jiang Wanying's smile was smug as she said, "Naturally, she refuses to say. Only… from her words and the way she looks, I can tell that she had never shared a room with dear Cousin. At last, my plan may be carried out now."

Qiu Xia also beamed. However, it soon disappeared as she pondered, "But… Madam, what if that Fu woman had an affair with someone and the thing doesn't work? Wouldn't the scheme be useless?"

Jiang Wanying couldn't help but angrily drill her finger into Qiu Xia's forehead. "Stupid thing, you stupid, stupid, thing! So what if she climbed into another bed? If the Chastity Proving Dust cannot fix her, Cousin will naturally take her to task. What kind of person is Cousin? Could he tolerate his women putting green hats on him? [3] If that were to happen, events would turn out even better for us."

The lantern in Qiu Xia's mind brightened once more as she exclaimed joyfully, "Then, this means that no matter what, we would win! Congratulations to Madam, felicitations to Madam! We can finally remove this thorn from our flesh!"

[Gumihou: haha…]

[f] Gumihou: Okay, who threw up in their mouths a little at JFJ's self-justifying thoughts? Say 'I' in the comments.

[g] Gumi: Yeah, show your toxic hypocrisy, JFJ

[h] Gumi: Behold, the stupid chicken

[i] Gumi: Note the selfishness? She's not evil, just a selfish dumb chicken

[j] Gumi: Calling out childish, inferior behaviour from other female characters

[k] Gumi: Ma'am, your husband is not all that intelligent, really. The rest of the people around him are just dumb buttss.

Pill Bug TL Notes

[1] and [2] 雨前茶 Yuqian tea and 明前茶 Mingqian tea

Yuqian means "before the rains", that is, from April 5th to around April 20th. The tea made from tender bud tips harvested during that period is called Yuqian tea. Although Yuqian tea is not as tender as Mingqian tea (tea picked before Qingming), due to the high temperature at that time, the buds and leaves grow relatively quickly and the accumulated contents are richer, so Yuqian tea is often fresh and strong and can be steeped for a long time. (Normal teas turn bitter when oversteeped)

Mingqian tea is picked before the Qingming Festival. It tends to have less insect damage, have tender buds and leaves, be green in colour, fragrant, mellow in taste and beautiful in shape. Considered upper-class tea. At the same time, because the temperature before Qingming is generally low, the number of buds that germinate is limited, the growth rate is slow, and the yield that can meet the picking standard is very small, so there is a saying that "Mingqian tea is as expensive as gold".

item/%E9%9B%A8%E5%89%8D%E8%8C%B6/6690416

item/%E6%98%8E%E5%89%8D%E8%8C%B6/5043110

[3] 'Wearing a green hat' means getting cuckolded in Chinese.

[a] Add detail to show JFJ's scumbag side. Actually, scratch that. Add detail to reveal JFJ's scumbag and hypocritical side.

[c] Add 'performing arts' detail

[d] Okay, so FQN was not very charitable towards the women here. One could say she even looks down on them by calling them chickens, snakes and scorpions but think, could you, as a modern woman think of these women as anything but poisonous creatures or walking wombs when they themselves don't act any better?

Moreover, there is a feeling of distance when you don't openly acknowledge the other person as 'people' but as 'chickens' instead. It makes it easier to dismiss their feelings and existence. Also,

FQN is acting oddly prudish here, which is really weird? Fixed.

[e] Yeeting the AR Qiuning.

Replaced: Heavens help me ah, how would I know whether Jin Fengju is a man who does it three times or seven times a night ah!

Dude, just say the man's a limp noodle or something.

Jiang Wanying finally revealed a smug smile. In a gentle voice, she said, "That's right, we can finally be rid of that thing. As you know, I have been a secondary wife for six years now, and I have long tire of this position. It is only right for me to become the official wife."

[Gumi: Ah, so we're going for the obsessive yandere path? Sad for Jiang Wanying, but you're the villainess in this story]

Enough about the master and servant and their secret talks at Clear Soft Pavilion. Let us speak of Fu Qiuning's position now.

On her way back, heart filled with all kinds of suspicion, Fu Qiuning mulled over Jiang Wanying's words and actions. She thought: Isn't it too odd for Jiang Wanying, who had always hated me and invariably filled her words with hidden knives to suddenly ask such a private question? Moreover, in such a cheery and buddy-buddy tone too?

Would any jealous woman willingly talk about such things with their rival? Something must be wrong, but I can't think what it could be. Was it to investigate something? Is she testing me? Testing me for what? What could she do with this information?

As she walked, Fu Qiuning continued to think. Today was a sunny spring day in March, and the willow wind [1] was no longer chilling her as it blew across her face.

Seeing a pair of flowers blooming on an apricot tree, she could not help but smiled and thought: When the buds first opened a few days ago, I caught a cold just by standing outside too long. Now, the weather feels so warm.

[Gumihou: Ah, foreshadowing, nice touch. A bit heavy-handed though]

Fu Qiuning had walked through Yong Cui Garden several times, but had never fully explored it. She only took the shortest path back and forth from Health & Longevity Court. That day, seeing the distant willow branches, little bridges, flowing streams and half-hidden pavilions and flowers, she was struck by a sudden impulse to explore the garden a little more. There was nothing urgent waiting for her at Night Breeze Pavilion anyway, therefore she felt that it would be alright to stroll around a little.

[Gumihou: A potential pushing scene. Lovely]

She was so excited to explore the garden that she had forgotten that this garden was nothing like the modern ones, filled with tourists, staff and little directional signages. Thus, casually following a little trail towards an

interesting-looking pavilion, she admired the trees and flowers along the

pathways, entering deeper and deeper into the depths of the garden.

[Gumihou: The fact that she was directionally challenged was indicated 3 times here. …she was so excited; …she could get directions in modern gardens, …she forgot (just in case dear readers did not get it the first two times]

Speaking of which, Fu Qiuning was not some young miss who merely hid at home all the time. She often visited the Suzhou Gardens and Hangzhou West Lakes. Even as a directionally challenged person, she had visited places like Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden or Lingering Gardens so often that she could find her way with her eyes closed. Only, after walking through the endless paths of Yong Cui Gardens, she finally realised just how inferior those gardens were, especially in terms of acreage.

According to the Dream of the Red Chamber, it was mentioned that their Grand View Garden alone occupied a few mu [2] of land. From what she could tell, this garden felt larger than even that fictional garden, especially in its half-wild condition. Servants and gardeners must have gotten a little lazy about maintenance there.

She continued to look and admire the scenery until the sun was high in the sky. Thinking that it must be close to lunchtime, she decided to return.

Unfortunately, when she tried to trace her way back, she found herself

confronted by five or six forked roads. Heart thumping a little faster, she

tried to remember her original path, but no matter where she looked, there was only silence around. What had been a beautiful, half-wild garden, suddenly felt gloomy and threatening.

Panicking a little, she picked up speed, hoping to meet up with a gardener or some sweeping staff. Unfortunately, no matter how long she walked or how many paths she went down, she did not even meet a single person.

[Gumihou: Original paragraph was twice as long to make FQN seem extra incompetent. Deleted them]

She walked until she was a little out of breath. [a] Since it looked like there was no way she could get out of this place on her own, the gardens already looking far too different from what she remembered, Fu Qiuning chose one of the more prominent-looking pavilions and sat down. She thought: Considering Aunt Yu and Yu Jie's attitude and their absolute love and trust for Jin Fengju, they would raise the hue and cry soon enough.

[b] The most unfortunate thing about this situation was that she would have to tell people she had gotten lost in a garden. An enclosed garden inside an estate. How humiliating was that? Then again, who in their right mind needed a whole few acres of garden for one family? It was really not her fault. It's the fault of these people being too excessive about showing off their wealth.

Speaking of Aunt Yu and Yu Jie.

As Fu Qiuning had predicted, once noon came around and not a hair of Qiuning was seen, they immediately panicked and rushed to the inner court. Knowing that Madam Jiang and Jiang Wanying hated their mistress to the bone, the only person they could rely on was Old Madam Jin.

Jin Fengju just happened to be back to the dukedom for lunch. Because the emperor had bestowed a box of treats made with cheese and sugar, which the Old Madam liked, he came over with the box after a meal at Clear Soft Pavilion. He was on his way when he saw the two women hurrying at a distance. He called out to them with a laugh, "Where is your Madam? Why are you two empty-handed? I thought she plans to give…"

That was when he noticed their tear-stained faces. His heart shook and the smile on his face disappeared. In a solemn voice, he said, "What happened? Where is your Madam?"

[Gumihou: Many words were dedicated to JFJ's schedule and extra emphasis on how this is all Just One Big Coincidence. Wow fate, wow divine intervention, wow your fart]

"Young Marquis, Madam went to Clear Soft Pavilion this morning to see Second Madam Wan about Aunt Yu and Third Brother Zhang's marriage. She has not yet returned."

The moment Yu Jie caught sight of him, she found her backbone to say all of that in one breath before crying out in a loud 'Waaahhh', dissolving into sobs.

[Gumihou: Backbone? Wut? Seriously?]

Aunt Yu was also sobbing, "Young Marquis, please, please have people look for her. I… I don't know if Madam is harmed…"

"Enough with your nonsense. This is the dukedom. Do you really think that the people here are so daring?" Jin Fengju chided them in a low voice. Even so, his fist tightened and he thought: Did Wanying really harm her? No… she would not. Even if she wishes to harm Qiuning, she would not dare be so blatant. She could perhaps come up with some scheme, but she would never dare to have someone killed off just like that.

Managing to calm himself down with this logic, he continued in a low voice, "I understand now. There is no need to inform the Old Madam. She is getting on in age and could not bear the shock. Return to Night Breeze Pavilion, I shall handle the matter. If Feng'er and Jiao'er look for her, just say that I have called her to see me. Do not scare them." Then, he turned around and returned to Clear Soft Pavilion with the box of treats in hand.

Seeing him return so soon, Jiang Wanying could not help but get up with a smile, "You are back? Why such urgency? Is there some government business that needs tending? Clearly, being a compiler for the Imperial Hanlin Academy is more leisurely…" she paused at Jin Fengju's expression. A little shocked, she said, "What is it?"

"Did Qiuning come to Clear Soft Pavilion this morning?" Jin Fengju asked with a gloomy face. Jiang Wanying's heart could not help but jump with a "thump". She nodded and said, "Yes, Elder Sister came to speak with me about Aunt Yu and Third Brother Zhang's marriage. Lord Husband had already decided on this matter, so I was happy to assist. Elder Sister did not speak of anything else, merely bidding me farewell and leaving soon after. What happened?"

"Qiuning is missing."

As soon as the words were out of Jin Fengju's mouth, Jiang Wanying was so shocked that she collapsed into her chair. After a while, she stammered, "H-how can this be? When Elder Sister left, she was perfectly fine, ah." Seeing how Jin Fengju's expression had not changed, she threw herself at him to cry, "D-does cousin suspect me?"

"What are you crying for? I do not think even you have such great guts," Jin Fengju patted her shoulder. "Alright, it is not the time to cry. Now is the time to quickly gather people to search for her. Although there are all kinds of schemes and hidden struggles inside this dukedom, I don't believe that anyone would dare to lay a hand on Qiuning so blatantly. No matter what, she is still my official wife."

[Gumihou: See this? This is the arrogance of a man in power. 'My position will protect you', 'I like you, therefore you are safe', completely forgetting that women aren't rational creatures. Moreover, we could be driven by motives such as desperation or hate.]

Jiang Wanying nodded and said, "Yes, although those concubines and other inferior women are a little jealous of Elder Sister, none of them would do such a heinous thing. Even the heavens would not tolerate it. This is something that would absolutely not happen in our dukedom."

As she went out to arrange for people to go look for Fu Qiuning, she thought: Could there really be someone here with the guts to swallow the sky that assassinated Fu'shi and tried to pin the blame on me? This person is really tired of living. Just what kind of person is Cousin? To dare rub sand in his eyes, they should reconsider the weight of their own worth…

At this time, all the courtyards had been searched aside from Health &

Longevity Court. Nearly everyone had learned about Fu Qiuning's disappearance.

Even more servants had been sent out to look for her, and yet, when evening neared, not a trace of her could be found.

Seeing that it was getting late, Jin Fengju grew more and more anxious. He ordered Jin Ming, "Bring a few people with me. We shall walk through Yong Cui Garden once more to see if we can find any traces." He had already searched Yong Cui Garden a few times already. However, not suspecting that Fu Qiuning had ventured deep into the garden, he had found nothing.

Jin Ming hastily called a few sharp boys to follow him. While they searched, he heard Jin Fengju mutter, "There is not even an extra servant by her side. Is this truly what the Mistress of the House should be like? If someone were to develop any nefarious intentions…"

When he did not continue on, Jin Ming thought: Master, ah. That's not the Mistress of the House, just one of the madams…

Naturally, he did not voice this thought out loud, because Jin Fengju followed that muttering with a fierce, "When I find her next, I shall send 20 or 30 people into Night Breeze Pavilion. If trouble happens, I can shake them for answers."

Jin Ming hastily made some sounds of agreement, even as he thought: Master, you are very good at planning. However, I fear you can never master Second Madam Ning.

[c] Desperate to please his increasingly agitated master, Jin Ming looked around the garden and, spotting the blooming flowers, a thought pinged in his mind.

"Master, didn't Madam fall sick after she spent too much time outdoors admiring the blooming flowers? As someone who admires spring flowers and autumn moons, could it be possible that she had been lured by the beauty of the garden, ventured too deeply in and became lost? Just a day ago, even the Old Master mentioned something about wanting to come and admire the flowers…"

Like someone waking from a dream, Jin Fengju stopped in shock. Then, he fiercely slapped his own forehead a couple of times before saying loudly, "Right, that's right, that's very possible. That person is truly bad at directions. Indeed, back when she first started visiting Health & Longevity Court, how many times did she have to be guided there before she could remember the way? Moreover, she never even deviated from that single straight road. If she really had gone deep into the garden with its many forks and turns, how could she find her own way out?"

He turned around and barked, "Quick, all of you split up and look in all

directions. Yell a few times if you find anything." Then, he turned his wrath

on Jin Ming, "Why did you not mention this earlier? Your incompetence cost me needless worry for over half a day."

[Gumihou: Ah, how ironic. Just a chapter ago his mind was 'best among the best'. Then again, Jiang Wanying is clearly biased…]

Jin Ming gave a bitter little laugh, "Master, this servant just thought of it.

Also, it… it, the Madam may not actually be there…"

Jin Fengju firmly interrupted him, "No, she must be there. She must. Qiuning must have just gotten lost. She must."

Jin Ming blinked at his master's out-of-character actions. His master who had always been 'calm, ruthless and indifferent' was shaken up to this point. Perhaps he was really worried that Fu Qiuning had been assassinated?

Gumihou: …I has a question. Why did FQN go off to the enemy camp Clear Soft Pavilion alone?

Fu Qiuning: Yes, I would like to know what possessed me to do that. Oh, wait.

Gumihou: You were clearly possessed.

Fu Qiuning: Looks like me, sounds like me, but not me.

Gumihou: Pfft

Reference to this: . /article/news/bar-news/news/lingam-looks-like-me-sounds-like-me

[a] Retain Fu Qiuning's logic and give a more likely response rather than unnecessary panic for dramatic purposes.

Walking until the afternoon, Fu Qiuning was so tired she was huffing and puffing. Seeing a pavilion with some difficulty, she went in, sat down and refused to get up. She thought: I definitely cannot get out. Now, I'm counting on Yu Jie and Aunt Yu observing that I had not returned and then reporting it to Fengju, and then him sending someone to find me.

Ultimately, the true reason for this 'getting lost scene' is for JFJ to swoop in for the 'rescue'.

Hah, no.

[b] Change the reason for being humiliated with the 'getting lost' scene. Instead of 'oh noes, I is ashamed~~ kyaa~~' replaced it with 'ugh, rich people and their stupidly huge gardens'

[c] Add detail to why Jin Ming has a good idea whereas his master is still floundering around.

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 杨柳风 Willow wind

People in Ancient China called the wind that came during the flowering period the flower letter wind. There are 24 periods from Xiaohan to Guyu, each period corresponding to a type of flower letter, collectively called "twenty-four flower letter winds". Among them, the flower letter at the end of Qingming Festival is the willow flower, and the wind at that time is called willow flower wind, or willow wind.

.

[2] 亩 1 mu = 0.165 acre, or 666.5 square meters (around 26 x

25 meters). That's kinda small for a mansion garden, it's like only as big as a house!

In fact, if one were to think about it carefully, it would not be difficult for anyone to guess that Jin Fengju was only superficially calm. Inside, his heart was a mess.

ಥ⌣ಥ: so that's your excuse for being dumb, ok.

Otherwise, with his superior intelligence and wisdom, would he need Jin Ming to remind him of this possibility? After the servants had been dispersed to search the garden, Jin Fengju and Jin Ming made their way towards the Lotus Love Pavilion.

After skirting around some rock mountains and some willow trees, they saw someone resting on their belly at the Lotus Love Pavilion. Jin Fengju suddenly grabbed hold of the tree next to him as he trembled. In a wavering voice, he said to Jin Ming, "Is… is that Qiuning?"

ಥ⌣ಥ: lol, dramatic

Jin Ming stood on his tiptoes and looked. He happily reported, "Master, it is indeed Madam. The flowers have yet to fall, which is why there are fewer servants in the garden. Moreover, the person is wearing bright colours, therefore they cannot be a man. So, it must be Madam! Goodness, if she actually walked all the way here, no wonder she could not find her way out. That aside, even this servant could not confidently find a way out of this garden on the first visit."

While he was still talking, Jin Fengju had already run off. To be honest, Jin Ming had already followed this master for so many years, but this was the first time he saw him running forward so heroically. Even back at Jiangnan, he had only seen this master fighting valiantly, but never running. Therefore, he followed this master with his eyes wide open, eager to not miss the sight of his 'cold as ten-thousand-year-old iceberg' master running in a hurry.

ಥ⌣ಥ: yeah, yeah, this is the first time, she unique, blah blah

Fu Qiuning was really tired and sleepy, which was how she ended up sleeping at the pavilion. While she was sleeping sweetly, a shiver pierced through her body. As she blinked herself awake, she thought she heard a faint shout. Someone was… shouting her name? When she tried to look, she suddenly found herself in a warm embrace. A familiar, yet unfamiliar voice next to her ear kept whispering, "Qiuning, you… you nearly scared me to death."

ಥ⌣ಥ: Oho, is this meant to be a romantic moment? Well, well, incoming AR Qiuning, but Gumi is going to yeet her away

[1a] Huh? Fu Qiuning vaguely recognised the shaky voice as Jin Fengju's. So, he had graduated from 'coughing illness' to 'tremulous emotion' now? Nice, five stars for the performance. Had he been taken lessons from someone?

Jin Fengju then pushed her back enough to stare into her eyes, his eyes sparkling like stars from unshed tears. Fu Qiuning gave him a private thumbs up. Yes, very excellent. It's this kind of acting that brings the house down.

When Fu Qiuning remained silent. Jin Fengju thought that she must have been too frightened to speak. He quickly hugged her again and patted her back lightly, saying, "It's alright, it's alright, I'm here now. Now that I am here, no demons or monsters would dare come." Then, he picked up Fu Qiuning in a princess carry and said to Jin Ming, "Return to Night Breeze Pavilion, inform Yu Jie and Aunt Yu to make a nerve-soothing soup. Qiuning must have been quite frightened."

"I, ahem, I am not at all frightened. You let me down now," said Fu Qiuning [1b] dryly, resigning herself to more misunderstood moments and random 'kyaa' remarks from her rose-glasses-wearing maids as Jin Ming scurried off. When Jin Fengju did not let go, she pushed at his chest and kicked her legs.

The position was getting dangerous, so Jin Fengju had no choice but to lower her down. He said faintly, "Aren't you frightened? Why did you not say anything just now? This place is meant for the unmarried girls of the clan to live. After they were all married off, it has been vacant for a long time. You have been here for half a day, there is no shame in being afraid."

[2a] Fu Qiuning stared at him uncomprehendingly. "What is there to be afraid of? I was alone in Night Breeze Pavilion with Yu Jie for a year before Aunt Yu and the twins came to live for the next five years. Moreover, what could possibly happen in this place? Don't tell me you're afraid I'd be assassinated in your own home?"

[3a] She laughed heartily.

[3a] Jin Fengju flinched. His shameful actions from the past reared their heads at the most inopportune moment. That's right, he had abandoned this woman with no other companion aside from her maid on the day he married her in.

[3b] How could he ever admit any of this? To concede even a bit would ruin his chances to be with this woman or at convincing her to move into the inner court. Therefore, he forced himself to laugh too. "Hahah, how, how could that be? Haha, s-speaking of which, this garden was specially designed by Zen Master Huiming. It has nine bends and 18 corners. There is no shame in getting lost here. Even I would probably be lost the first time I enter. Therefore, you must not enter this place without an experienced guide.

If something were to happen… [3b] if you happen to get lost again, wouldn't it be unfortunate? Not that anything would happen. I know this, but for some reason, I was suffused with fear when I heard you had gone missing. Aside from the time back in Jiangnan where I was drifting between life and death, I never felt such fear in my life."

Fu Qiuning watched with [2b] interest as Jin Fengju talked. The man was turning paler and paler, obviously frightening himself with his own conjecture. [3c] So, this fellow is the immersive kind of actor. Look how he panicked himself with thoughts of her falling into danger…

[2b] Hm? Fu Qiuning frowned and said, "So, Lord Husband is saying that dangerous incidents could happen within the marquisate, ah no, that is, the dukedom? If that's the case, this humble woman shall be more careful in future and not leave Night Breeze Pavilion for whatever reason."

[3d] "… …" Jin Fengju had a sudden sensation of dropping a stone on his foot. He wanted to reprimand her. He wanted her to know how anxious he had been. However, if he voiced out any of those concerns, it would only serve as reasons for her to never leave that wretched Night Breeze Pavilion. No, wait…

Jin Fengju shook his head and sighed, "Qiuning, there is no need for you to isolate yourself. Listen to me and move to the inner court, ba. If you want to go out and enjoy the scenery, you can go with Old Ancestor and accompany her. Now that she is getting on in years, it is best for her to move her body more. Otherwise, you living in such a remote place really worries me."

[3b] "What is there to worry about?" asked Fu Qiuning. "Obviously, problems only appear when I leave Night Breeze Pavilion. If you wish me to list the terrible things that I have encountered ever since leaving that place. I can do so." After all, she had lived in that place for over six years, close to seven years now. The gardens that were personally tended by her and the maids, the crops, the peaceful and tranquil life. So long as there was room for resistance, she would not give in.

[3d] Jin Fengju gritted his teeth. Naturally, he did not want to hear the list of things that had happened to Fu Qiuning ever since the doors of Night Breeze Pavilion were thrown open. He could only sigh tragically and said, "If you do not wish to move out, that is fine. Only, you must have more servants. You cannot lack errand boys, matrons and cleaning maids. At least, I could be at ease knowing that you are safe in that lonely place. I know you like your solitude, but this time, it is not up to you."

[2c] So you would risk inserting spies and assassins into my place for your pride? Fu Qiuning thought glumly. She knew, from that stubborn, righteous look on his face that it would only be a matter of time before she was stuffed into the inner court, [2d] just like that time when she was stuffed into the same inner court by dear old Grandpa Fu. Heh, to think that 'Fu Qiuning' would be forced into the same man's inner court by two different men… what kind of ridiculous joke is this? [1e]

[3e] It was under this sense of helplessness that Fu Qiuning said lifelessly, "If you wish to add people, just add a few… as for the rest, it is best to wait until I am moved into the inner court." [1f]

"Move to the inner court? You're willing?" Jin Fengju stared at her. Under the light of the setting sun, the woman of his heart looked especially delicate and [1g] sad in the waning light. He thought: You must have been more frightened by the ordeal than I had thought. My dear Qiuning, ah. Your husband is so moved…

"Even if I am not willing, could I avoid moving there? Lord Husband had made a promise to this humble woman, [2f] that is to let this humble woman live her life peacefully in Night Breeze Pavilion. However, did Lord Husband ever intend to keep this one promise?" Fu Qiuning said [1h] dully.

Jin Fengju choked, [3f] his beautiful thoughts from earlier shattering. He had made the promise rashly, to prevent what he had then believed would be yet another troublesome woman pestering him for favours and making his life difficult. He had been working hard all this while, trying to subtly reduce the promise from 'a lifetime' to 'a few years' and now…

How could he have imagined that his heart would be taken away by this woman? Otherwise, he would never have made such a rash promise even if someone were to beat him to death. [3f] Gritting his teeth, Jin Fengju hardened his heart, thinking: Since you already despise me for breaking this promise. I shall shatter this cracked jar in one go!

ಥ⌣ಥ: Tsk

Before he could stop himself, Jin Fengju quickly blurted out, "If you move into the inner court in three months. I would not add any person into Night Breeze Pavilion."

[3f] The concession was really no concession at all and both knew it.

"Three months?" Fu Qiuning [1i] said in that same dull voice. "I see, so you are granting me a final three months of peace and happiness before sending me to the inner court to wait for death."

Jin Fengju wanted to strangle this woman to death. Just what did she mean by 'sending her to the inner court to wait for death? Leaving aside the fact that the inner court intrigue of the marquisate never reached that kind of level, even if it did reach that kind of despicable level, what was there to be afraid of? Didn't she have his full support? With him standing behind her, who would dare touch her? If this was heard by outsiders, just what kind of uproar would it cause? Did she even know?

Fu Qiuning [1j] blinked as Jin Fengju's face rapidly turned red. She thought: What's wrong with him now? Did he not like to hear truths? Was he offended by the truth? Should she say something?

[1j] After some thought, Fu Qiuning half-heartedly said, "It's just a joke. Haha…"

"… very well, if it's a joke I can ignore your statement. However, if this is heard by others, do you know what the consequences are?" Jin Fengju sighed heavily. He really could not see through this woman. If he were to call her foolish, there were times when she saw through a problem even more clearly than he did. But, to call her sharp? To recklessly blurt out taboos like this when even servants would know better than to even touch, as though she had not half a point of sense in her head. Could it be that this was what they mean by 'Great Intelligence may Appear Stupid to the Unenlightened'?

[1k] [2g] Fu Qiuning stared up at Jin Fengju with clear eyes. Then, dropped the following devastating statement, "No, Lord Husband. This humble woman does not know the consequences. Would Lord Husband please explain to this humble woman?"

[3g] Jin Fengju nearly choked on his tongue. How, how could this woman… Could this woman really have no sensibility at all?!

[3g] "…I see," said Fu Qiuning finally after a long silence. She looked away, saying, "So, it is one of those unspoken rules of a noble house. I supposed speaking ugly truths out loud could be considered bad manners. I shall endeavour to guard my tongue in the future."

[3g] "… …" what could Jin Fengju say to that? In the end, all he could say was, "Once you move in, just be careful. If anyone catches your weaknesses, it will cost me great effort to protect you." [1k]

[3g] "I understand. So, in the end, I must do my best to guard against death in that place."

[1k] How miserable, ah. She not only had to guard against scheming females, but she also had to guard against a self-righteous scheming male lead and his scheming grandma too. Let's not forget about the scheming MIL.

How sad was her life?

[3g] The walk to Night Breeze Pavilion was conducted mostly in silence, [3g] with Fu Qiuning wallowing in misery and Jin Fengju seething with unspent emotions.

Back at Night Breeze Pavilion.

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie had nearly gone insane with anxiety. Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao were both clamouring to go out and look for their mother. Like little spirits, they managed to catch on that something had happened to their mother even behind the veil of secrecy. Yu Jie and Aunt Yu did all they could to stop the children, but even they were on the verge of running out to look for their mistress.

Fortunately, that was when Fu Qiuning returned.

"Madam, where have you been? We nearly died from anxiety!" Yu Jie rushed over, tears falling like beads down her face.

Fu Qiuning looked at this loyal maid of hers. Though this [2h] poor dear was too stupid for her own good, to the point that she would cooperate with the enemy to push said mistress into his bed. However, she could not completely hate Yu Jie, since the maid sincerely thought that it was a 'good thing'.

She sighed and said, "I got lost at Yong Cui Garden."

"It's all fine, your Madam reached the Lotus Love Pavilion and could not find her way out," said Jin Fengju. [1d]

[3h] The other two women expressed their sincere sympathy. After all, they had a bad sense of direction too and understood just how complicated the garden paths were. So, how could they ever make fun of their mistress for getting lost?

[2h] They had even gotten lost on the way to Health & Longevity Court the first time they visited the place.

Gumihou: …unexpectedly, allowing FQN to keep her common sense resulted in a lot of footnotes…

Fu Qiuning: Apologies…

[1] Delete AR Qiuning related foolishness

[1a] Deleted: Kyaa, what is this anxious voice? Even when he's injured, he did not cry out like this, kyaa~~

Not a true to form translation, you understand, but Gumi is not going to waste her brain power on obvious ass-polishing statements

Replace all 'kyaa~ a beauty~' moments with 'wow, excellent performance. Five stars'

[1b] Deleted: Kyaa, ufufu, I- I am not frighten~ *blush*

[1c] Deleted: UwU I shy to say I got lost~~

Replaced with [2a]

[1d] Deleted JFJ's 'Haha, you are so funny~~ why would you be ashamed of getting lost? Tee hee'

Delete the bonding moment with [3b]

[1e] Deleted FQN making excuses for JFJ's behaviour 'originally, this is an era where wife must have three obediences and four virtues. JFJ first came to Night Breeze Pavilion because he felt guilty towards the children. He thought I am a good confidante. He keeps his promises etc etc etc'

Completely ignoring [2d]

[1f] Deleted 'Aih, I'm so miserable. Aih, I should maintain some dignity. Mu~' Basically deleted sulky AR Qiuning.

[1g] Deleted 'guilty look' replacing it with 'sad look' and switching JFJ's described thoughts to a more active sentence for extra self-deluding impact.

[1h] Deleted 'finally pulled back a victory to look at Jin Fengju confidently' replaced it with 'dully'. To show a sad defeated person, because causing misery to the person you 'love' has a greater impact than 'causing defiance'.

[1i] Deleted 'FQN opened her eyes wide' presumably in shock, however, the current trend of her feelings don't support this, so replaced with more 'dullness'. Remove '?' and turn questions into statements.

[1j] Deleted 'Fu Qiuning also knew she had said the wrong thing blah blah oh noes, but I has no choice, but, ah. This is awkward, kyaa~ it's a joke, it's a joke nyan~~'

Gumi:… anyway, keep the 'it's a joke', but maintain the 'dull' attitude.

[1k] Deleted 'FQN lowered her head and muttered, 'nyaaa~~ I don't want to move nyaa~~ wuwu, so many enemies. Husband kennot protecc. Wu, sad~~' UwU

Seriously, these similar statements are repeated 3 times. What the f?

[2] Terrible Truths author likes to gloss over. Heheh

[2a] Terrible Truth 1: I've been practically alone for over 1 year, what is half a day?

[2b] So, this place is dangerous after all?

[2c] More people = more danger

[2d] Draw comparison between JFJ and dear old Grandpa Fu

[2f] Inability to keep his promises. It was mentioned briefly, but Gumi gave extra emphasis and detail

[2g] Question JFJ on his 'it is taboo' statement, replacing [1k]'s 'nyaa~~' attitude

[2h] The stupidity of the local females

[3] Consequences of changes:

[3a] JFJ burst into laughter after [1c], a very nope moment for Gumi. Transfer the laugh to FQN, as she knows that women dying mysteriously in noble houses is a normal occurrence.

[3b] Consequence of [3a] Fu Qiuning bringing up death

JFJ to laugh and try to brush things over with a canon explanation of the garden's history

[3c] In place of [2b], continue with 'wow, this guy's a great actor' and 'JFJ dropping a stone on his foot'

[3d] Consequence of mentioning 'danger comes when I leave this place'

[3e] Fu Qiuning's glum thoughts, per [1e] and [2d]

[3f] Consequences of [1g], [1h], [2f]

[3g] Consequence of [1k], [2g]. JFJ had to answer the 'consequences of speaking about taboo issues' and not be given the opportunity to be smug about ignoring AR Qiuning's UwU

[3h] Since we deprived JFJ his opportunity to magnanimously overlook FQN's shame about her ability to get lost, switch the POV to the maids' side.