Who Cares – Chapter 1

SYNOPSIS

In the previous life, she treated her mother-in-law like her own mother, treated her husband with respect and affection, devoted herself to her stepson and stepdaughter, looking back at herself Guan Suyi had a clear conscience. But in the end she was ruined, exiled and died alone. When she was about to die, Guan Suyi summed up her tragedy with one point: doing too much and saying too little.

After rebirth, she decided to just say nothing, put on hypocritical face of a good wife and mother, striving for thereputation as a gentle and virtuous character, bury all the enemies in the pit and ask them to be grateful, and remember her as their benefactor as long as they live.


translator's notes:

This novel is really exciting in my opinion, full of face slapping and a stoic heroine that watch everything burn, after she lit the fire, those kind of stuff. But the novel is really hard to translate for me (aside from the fact that what I do is edit the mtl) because it's full of things that I don't understand, Confucianism, Legalism, Neo-Confucianism, not to mention the historical background and lots and lots of idioms. I will try very hard to do some research and try to explain things, but I will only brush over the difficult subject. If you still don't understand please google it yourself. If you find any error in my translation please correct it in the comment.

Chapter 1 Mourn the death

Guan Suyi was sitting in the pavilion surrounded by greenery while arranging flowers. Two maids stood at the left and right, handing out flower branch or a pair of scissors from time to time. Outside the bamboo curtain, which was swayed back and forth by the breeze, was the setting sun and many fallen leaves. Autumn has arrived.

"Madam, the eldest son is here, he wants to see you." The middle-aged servant's hasty footsteps disturbed the tranquility.

Guan Suyi was stunned, her calm face showed a daze, as if she tried to remember who the "eldest son" from the woman's mouth was . After a while, her eyebrows frowned, she slowly and decisively spit out two words, "Not seeing."

The servant woman wanted to say something but stopped, she also knew that the madam was stubborn and very assertive, when she said not seeing it means not seeing. But this was just a remote estate of the Zhao family. Only domestic slaves or female relatives who have made mistakes would be sent over. Life was extremely miserable. How could it be compared with the prosperity and wealth of Yanjing? The servant woman wanted to return to the main house but had no opportunity. After finally waited for so long finally the eldest son came, how could she missed the chance to curry favor with him, after leaving the second gate, she ignored the madam's order and let the eldest son in.

After inserting the golden chrysanthemum into the vase, Guan Suyi turned it around, trying to find any shortcomings. Suddenly saw one of the golden chrysanthemum leaves was too lush, lacking the artistic conception of blankness and the beauty of containment. She picked up a small scissor and wanted to trim it a bit.

"Mother." The guilty shout made her fingertips tremble slightly, the sharp blade missed the extra leaves, but cut off a beautiful golden chrysanthemum. Guan Suyi didn't immediately put down the scissors, nor did she show any annoyance. Even the frowning eyebrows were flattened at this time. She picked the leaves with the tip of a knife, then took the cut flower branches and threw them into the small bamboo basket beside her. Then she looked at the young man standing outside the pavilion with a panic and decadent face.

Looking from top to bottom, her gaze rest on the crutches in his hand and the obviously short left leg, Guan Suyi was a little surprised and wanted to ask, but in the end, she didn't speak. Wasn't she being sent away to Cangzhou precisely because she cared too much?

The young man saw the concern in her eyes, and the misery and guilt that had stuck in his heart instantly broke out. He limped a few steps forward, and wanted to rush to the woman's feet to cry. Guan Suyi did not dodge, but the two maids had already blocked the young man. They asked while supporting him, "Eldest son, what's the matter with you? What kind of grievance have you suffered? Your foot is injured, you must not knock it!" What kind of grievance can make the eldest son, who regard madam as an enemy, come all the way to Cangzhou to complain, and still in this kind of bad situation?

If the two of them didn't ask, the young man was able to tolerate it, but once asked the flood seemed to break away, tears fell instantly, choking while intermittently saying, "Mother, son has let you down! You have always been strict with this son, you would scold if son was too playful, you would punish if son made a mistake, but you also would praise if son made progress. You treat son as your own, but son listens to other people's slander. I always felt that you have ulterior motives, inside harbor evil intentions, so deliberately alienate you and get close to Aunt Ye. Son is really stupid. Son is wrong!"

Guan Suyi held her forehead with one hand, and placed the other flat on the stone table. She tapped the edge of the table with her fingertips, seemingly to be listening attentively, but also looked stunned. Aunt Ye? Which Auntie Ye? After two years in Cangzhou, she deliberately forget about Zhao's mansion, and it took quite a while to find this person from her dusty memory.

Aunt Ye was the cousin of Zhao Luli's first wife, and soon after she passed the door she took the name of taking care of the children to climb higher. She had blood connection with Zhao Luli's children. It could be said that she had watched them grow up since childhood, and she also looked very similar to their mothers, completely satisfying the children's desire for maternal love. On the surface she was just a concubine, but she was quite popular in the Marquis mansion. Zhao Luli was also particularly infatuated because of her similar appearance to his first wife. Needless to say, the two children treated her as their biological mother.

On the other hand, Guan Suyi was in embarrassing position. There was no prominent family background and no rich dowry. In order to gain foothold in the high gate Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, she had no other choice but to restrain herself and observe proprieties, adhered strictly to her role. She did everything she could to serve her mother-in-law, take care of her husband, educate her children, fulfill her duties, and she did everything to perfection. But in the end she was ruined and sent away.

The unbearable memory became clear again, and the corners of Guan Suyi's mouth raised slightly, as if mocking herself at that time, as if mocking the young man crying miserably and desperately under the stairs.

"What's wrong with your legs?" she asked quietly.

After receiving the long-lost care from his mother, the young man burst into tears and felt guilty. "Son's leg was broken by people! It was Aunt Ye who bribe son's close servant and order him to lure son into fight with the rogues. The imperial physician said that I will never be able to walk like ordinary people anymore, it's basically crippled. In order for Zhao Guang to inherit the position of Marquis Zhenbei, she ruined son's life! Mother, you have always been strict with son, teach son to study, and order son to observe courtesy, and you will punish if there's mistake and negligence. On the other hand, Aunt Ye who only blindly pampered and indulged, told son to go farther and farther on the treacherous road, and today become like this."

Guan Suyi's eyes were distant and her expression was hard to fathom. The young man once called "Aunt Ye" so affectionately, but only said "Madam" when he came to her, and never called "Mother". When she left Zhao's Mansion, she thought: I don't know how long the harmony of this "close family" will last. But she didn't expect that after only two years it came to this point, broken leg and crippled, Ye Fan is really cruel.

The young man was so distraught and did not notice his mother who was obviously distracted, still confided, "At this moment, son finally figured out that what is good for you may not be really good, and what is bad for you may not be really bad."

Guan Suyi laughing silently, her eyes became more and more mocking. What is bad for you? Daily necessities, study books, practice martial arts, and even future marriage, she exhausted her body and mind to plan for both this son and daughter that had no blood connection with her, but in their hearts it turned out to be something bad.

Forget it, encountering such a wolf-hearted family, it was not wrong to end up like today. Guan Suyi shook her head and sighed slightly.

Hearing the sigh, the guilt in his heart grew stronger. He hesitated for a moment and finally confessed, "Mother, son was so wrong back then. I should not listen to Aunt Ye's instigation and slander you for having an affair with Master Xu. Although son's legs and feet are useless, and Aunt Ye is not good, but with my father still here, the title of Marquis Zhenbei is still mine. When I become Shizi, I will definitely take you back."

At this point, his eyes became red and his fists were also firmly clenched, it made a "click" sound like cracked bone, as if enduring great humiliation and anger. He hesitated and hesitated, faltered and faltered, but in the end gritted his teeth and squeezed out a word, "Mother, do you know? My mother is not dead!"

Your mother? Guan Suyi was in a daze for a while before she realized that Zhao Wangshu's mother was Zhao Luli's first wife, Ye Zhen. She was not dead? how could it be possible? Zhao Luli hated himself for not be able to follow his wife to reincarnated and continue their fate together. If she didn't died, how could he not look for her, and why would he want to marry another person?

Soon, the young man gave the answer, "My mother is exactly Ye Jieyu, Ye Zhen. She is not my mother's twin sister, she is precisely my mother. For glory and wealth she abandoned her husband and son. I hate that that my father and my sister know the truth, but they still helped her everywhere. They even killed the fetus in your stomach, and sent you to Cangzhou on the charge of losing your chastity. She has already switched to other's embrace, why should she still want to dominate father, why should she let me be covered with such an unbearable life experience…"

The young man changed from a low sobbing to a weeping bitterly. The Aunt Ye he loved was cruel, cold-blooded and merciless; the dead mother he admired was greedy for wealth and abandoned her husband and children. If she put herself in his shoes, Guan Suyi would cry too. But what she cared about was not this bizarre, ridiculous scandal, but the middle sentence.

"My miscarriage is not an accident, but the work of your father and sister?" Recalling that one extremely humiliating night, Guan Suyi's plain heart suddenly stirred up a storm. It's ridiculous. Zhao Luli had never touched her in the five years of being married to Zhao's family, only once when he was drunk. To this day, she still remembered the disgusting alcohol on his body and the sound of "Ye Zhen" that kept echoing in her ears, full of love and guilt. He regarded her as a substitute for his cherished dead wife, and this substitute wanted to give birth to his child, which would interfere with the interests of the children from the first wife, it was naturally intolerable.

After thinking about everything, Guan Suyi's calm face finally shattered, and she asked slowly, "Have I wronged Zhao Luli, wronged you, wronged Zhao Chunxi? Why are you doing this to me? What a pure family style Marquis Zhenbei Mansion is; what a noble original wife; what a virtuous character and well-loved by the emperor Ye Jieyu, but it turns out just male thief and the female prostitute, bunch of pigs and dogs!"

The young man was ashamed and embarrassed, but faintly feel pleased. The male thief and the female prostitution, bunch of pigs and dogs, the scolding was really right! Only mother the most qualified to scold like this. He knelt down willingly, originally thinking that mother would lose control and vent, but he saw her suddenly chuckled and shook her head, quickly recovered her calmness.

It's a good thing she had a miscarriage. Guan Suyi stroked her flat abdomen, only to feel the pain of guilt and regret buried deep in her heart, disappearing without a trace at this moment. "Su Yi Zhu Bo, Cong Zi Yu Wo", Su Yi (white clothes) spotlessly white, pure and good character, this was her grandfather's expectation of her. Although falling into the quagmire of Zhao's family and couldn't escape, she was not contaminated with the slightest filth after all. This child was not a hope or sustenance for the future, but a sin, doesn't matter if it doesn't come.

If the father was not the father, the mother was not the mother, the son was not the son, how could the Zhao family was not in chaos? Guan Suyi had anticipated this a long time ago, but she didn't think that there was such a shocking inside story hidden inside, which really opened her eyes. She didn't care about the repentance of the young man, and she didn't want to be a tool for him to vent his grief and resentment. Just as she was trying to get people to drag him away, someone from the Zhao Mansion in Yanjing came in and carried the eldest son with his unhealed leg into the carriage and quickly left.

Outside the pavilion, the autumn cicadas made a loud sound and the tired birds swirl in the air. Guan Suyi was in a daze for a while. Then she pulled out the golden chrysanthemums in the vase and replaced them with twisted thorns and withered reeds. The spikes of thorns pierced her fingertips, causing a piercing pain, but she seemed to not feel anything, her expression remained flat and calm from beginning to end.

After trimming the reed flock with scissors, Guan Suyi laughed at herself. What a weird and sad work, just like her life. What if it was possible to leave at the beginning? Knowing that Zhao's family was a puddle of stinking dirt, she could not leave or stay, so could only watch as she drowned. From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of books on the table, and finally showed a resentment expression and threw them into the tea-making stove and put them on fire.

The maid exclaimed, "Madam, don't you read these books every day? How could you burned them?"

"Half of my life's tragedy probably stems from this. How can I not burn them?" Guan Suyi stared at the rising flames and thick smoke, her eyes felt sore, and tears gradually flowed.

Another maid pulled her and told her to stop talking. If madam was born five years earlier and met a strange flower like the Zhao family, she would divorce and remarry along time ago, how could there be such today? If it weren't for the popularity of Xu shi's Neo-Confucianism, if it weren't for the popularity of "Female Caution", "Internal Training" and those kind of books, how could madam be imprisoned here and not free. If she remarried or divorce, it would be tantamount to ruining the reputation of the sisters in the clan. They would have no marriage prospect in the future, lonely and helpless, so they would have no choice but to shattered their teeth and swallow their blood. Those hypocrites were really harmful!

After that day, perhaps because she felt that there was no hope in this life, Guan Suyi's unhealthy body rapidly deteriorated. When the end of her life was approaching, she seemed to hear Zhao Luli and Zhao Wangshu's hurried footsteps and distraught repentance, but only left one sentence: "I only wish I will never see you again in the next life."


Shizi: heir to a noble house.

Zhao Luli's first wife,Ye Zhen: zhen here means abundant.

My mother is exactly YeJieyu,Ye Zhen: zhen here means treasure.

male thief and the female prostitute: describe men and human who are corrupt and vile.

. "Su Yi Zhu Bo, Cong Zi Yu Wo": white clothes, red collar.

Xu'shi: shi means that Xu is the clan's maiden surname.

shattered their teeth and swallow their blood: metaphor for extreme helpless tolerence.


Chapter 2 Rebirth

Guan Suyi originally thought that she would start a new life after death. But she opened her eyes and saw a plum forest covered in dark mist, snowflakes drifting in the mist, like an illusion, but appear so real because of the sudden cold air. Guan Suyi was stunned for a while before realizing that the dark mist shrouded everything in front of her was because she was wearing a veil hat over her head. The black gauze at the edge of the veil hat was blown by the cold wind, and a few snowflakes got in and fell on the tip of her nose, making her shiver for no reason.

"Miss, are you cold? This servant will go back to fetch the hand stove."

The crisp voice awakened Guan Suyi, who was hovering between confusion and reality. She lifted the corner of the black veil, and the hazy world immediately became clear and vivid. Her extraordinary memory told her that this was the plum forest in the back of Jueyin Temple. When the Guan family moved to Yanjing, they temporarily lived here for a few days while their house was still repaired.

"Where's grandfather? Where's my parents?" Guan Suyi tentatively asked Ming Lan carefully. She understood that she was back, back to the past, back to the time when she first entered Yanjing, and everything has not yet begun. It was not difficult to make this judgment. The coldness on the body could not be faked, the cold wind like a steel knife could not be faked, the suffocation of death could not be faked, and Ming Lan, who was much younger, could not be fake.

"The old master is attending the literary meeting in Bodhi Garden. Master and madam went to the Beishan Pavilion to enjoy the snow and paint, and maybe they won't be able to come back until the evening." Ming Lan rubbed her hands, "Miss, let's go to Bodhi Garden. It's too cold here. Be careful not to freeze." She was a little girl who couldn't understand such an elegant thing as an appreciation of plums in the snow.

Literary meeting? Guan Suyi was in a daze for a while, then turned around and went to Bodhi Garden. Regardless of whether all this was true or not, or the refraction of the reincarnation mirror, she was willing to change from this moment on.

There were several huge braziers burning in the courtyard, and the raging flames breathe out the heat, setting off the surroundings as warm as spring. Compared with the outside world where snowflakes were flying and the cold wind sent a chill, it was indeed much more comfortable and lively here. A group of men gathered around the stone table to talk and talk, a few young novice monks concentrated on making tea, and guqin master bowed their heads to play the strings. The bustling sound of the guqin gave a distant and long flavor.

A few women stood in the water pavilion not far from the stone table, whispering to each other, laughing and playing; or leaning on a railing to look out, pondering with themselves; there were also a few pointing at the men, seeming to be discussing something. The scene where men and women mixed together made Guan Suyi a little nostalgic, but also a little sad. After Xu's Neo-Confucianism flourished, such scenes would probably no longer be seen. Now they never imagined that after five or six years, if women tried to criticize men, they would have no chance to step out of the second gate.

'The door does not go out, and the second doors do not move.' This commandment trapped women in the back house until they died, and also trapped them in unfortunate marriages dominated by men one after another. 'Divorce wife' had become a reminder for women, and the Four Books for Women had become a soul talisman for women. Life you are the husband's family and dead you are the husband's ghost, even after entering the Yellow Springs, you couldn't get the slightest freedom.

Thinking of this, Guan Suyi looked cold and walked slowly to stand beside her grandfather. She wore a veil hat on her head to hide her beautiful secular appearance, but she was still eye-catching with her refined temperament. Due to the nobleman's manner, these people didn't ask much, just unobtrusively glanced at her and continued the debate.

At this period, the status of women was not low, there were several women politicians and historians, and also there were no lack of imperial women who held power of the country. As long as there was someone who could recommend, anyone could enter such place like literary meeting. The reason why Guan Suyi wore a veil hat to block her face was not because of the women's precepts, but because the world was too chaotic and bandits were rampant, so she had to protect herself.

At this time, the political power changed frequently. Today you will be the king, and tomorrow I will ascend the throne. The various nations would conquer each other, thus gave birth to a large number of people who fished in troubled waters. Misfortunes could come from the sky while staying at home, let alone during long-distance migration. Guan Suyi had always been cautious, even if her appearance could not be said to overturn the country, but it was enough to overturn a state. In order not to cause trouble to her family, the veil hat was indispensable, and she always equipped herself with a sharp silver hairpin for self-defense or to kill oneself. Not only her, but men and women in troubled times were like this.

Gathered together the black gauze that was tossed by the wind, she bent over and stretched out her hand to add a cup of hot tea for her grandfather.

Old master Guan studied Confucianism all of his life. He was very knowledgeable, but suffered from poor eloquence. At this literary meeting he was asked questions many times, for a moment he was blushing and looked embarrassed. The era of fighting for hegemony had just passed. A descendant of Jiuli tribe, Huo shi, who unified the five state of Central Plains invited scholars with aspiration from all over the world to serve the court. The scholars who were familiar with poetry and books were waiting for such an opportunity, so they responded and gathered in Yanjing.

At this time, The Hundred Schools of Thought had their own opinions, and they all wanted to develop and achieve their own ambitions, and the phenomenon of squeezing each other out was very serious. In order to gain fame, to attract the attention of the upper echelons, even more to refute the views of other schools and strives for the best interests of the teachers, they frequently hold literary meeting like today.

Guan Suyi listened quietly, patted her emotional grandfather on the back from time to time, trying to relax him. The farther behind, the sharper the arguments of the Legalism scholars became, and the others gradually became unable to parry. As the backbone of the Confucian school, her grandfather endured the most questioning.

Seeing that her grandfather was forced to a dead end, the scholars from the same school cast anxious and dissatisfied looks at him, and Guan Suyi's lips moved slightly, as if pondering. Through the hazy black veil, she stared at a very elegant and handsome middle-aged man with a goatee who was hidden in the crowd. That was Xu Guangzhi, the founder of Xu's Neo-Confucianism, who would become popular in the future, and also honored as semi-sages of Confucianism by Emperor Sheng Yuan.

Although he was still unknown at this time, Guan Suyi knew that in a few moments, when her grandfather was forced to vomit blood, he would come forward and refute all the scholars present one by one, thus establishing his own reputation. The pragmatic and powerful legalism, the eloquent political strategist, they were all defeated by his clever tongue. It was precisely because the wonderful performance of this literary meeting that he became a representative of Confucianism in one fell swoop, and finally embarked on an official career and achieved steady progress.

Guan Suyi did not think that she has the ability to change this era, nor did she want to compete with Xu Guangzhi. She just didn't want this person to step on her grandfather's position, let alone watch her grandfather indulge in this failure, and never recover from it. In the previous life, she sat beside her grandfather and listened in the same way. She deliberately argued a few words for her grandfather. However, due to etiquette, she didn't dare to say too much, until her grandfather suddenly vomited blood. In this life what's etiquette, what's a woman's ignorance is virtue, just go to hell.

Thinking like this, Guan Suyi suddenly held her grandfather's trembling left hand, and slowly said, "If you talk about Hundred Schools of Thought, you should respect Confucianism."

The scene was quiet for a while, and Xu Guangzhi, who was about to step forward, walked back silently. His cold eyes looked back and forth on the woman's black veil hat.

Guan Suyi drank a sip of hot tea, said unhurriedly, "The Sage follows ancient rituals, respects virtues, treats others according to etiquette, and governs the country with courtesy. Therefore, the rituals flourish makes the family prosperous, the prosperous family makes the village party gather, when the village party gather then the state will be established, when the state established then the world will be peaceful. The heroes will compete, the country will be unified, and the religious rituals will continue. If the religious rituals continue, all people will submitted. This is what the Sage said, 'There is no way to stand without courtesy.' 'If the rituals and music cannot thrive, the punishment will not be properly executed; if the punishment is not be properly executed, the people will be at loss….'"(from The Analects)

She turned to look at the aggressive Legalism scholars, and continued, "The so-called legalism 'set point to set disputes, rejoice in power and fear violence', (from Seven Ministers and Seven Lords by Guan Zi) its various laws and regulations were established based on the patriarchal ritual teachings. How can they be qualified to criticize and insult the Confucianism who respects ancient rituals. Human relations are the way of righteous beginning, ethics education is the foundation of the Emperor's enlightenment, all theories cannot escape those two constraints. Therefore, Confucianism, which values human relations and respects ethics education, is a well-deserved academic supremacy. The Sage's words: 'If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame. If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good'. This is the real power of enlightenment, the way to govern people"

As soon as her voice fell, Confucian scholars clapped their hands in applause. Xu Guangzhi looked down and pondered. He never expected that this woman was quite talented. It was really sharp to refute Legalism from the basis of legislation, but it was not without flaws. He thought of countless mistakes and omissions in an instant, only to wait for the Legalism scholars to drive this person to the end of the road and show their power again.

Old master Guan breathed a sigh of relief, and patted the back of his granddaughter's hand with relief. He only had this one granddaughter, who had been taught nobleman character since she was a child, and she had never fallen behind in the Six Arts of a nobleman character, full of talents and learning comparable to those great scholars. As long as she was willing to speak, it was more than enough to deal with this kind of scene.

When it came to human relations and ethics, the scholars on the scene found it difficult. No matter how they opposed Confucianism, they dare not say that their school exists outside the human relations and ethics. Otherwise they became heretics, or even evil sects, and they would definitely be criticized by the world.

While the others were still contemplating, Guan Suyi touched the tea cup, and softly persuaded him, "Grandfather don't be anxious, drink the hot tea slowly. The Sage said: 'A nobleman should be cautious in his speech and act swiftly, how can it use to flatter'. Bad tongue is not your fault, it's your virtue."

After hearing those words, the Confucian scholars who were dissatisfied with the old man all introspected themselves and showed shame on their faces. The old master Guan was completely relieved, and smiled while stroking his beard.

Seeing his pale complexion gradually eased, Guan Suyi let go of her high-hanging heart, and said to the Legalism scholar who was about to stand up to refute her, "Guan Zhong reformed the law to reinvigorate Qi, one era stopped, and then Qi died; Li Kui reformed the law to reinvigorate Wei , one era stopped, and then Wei died; Wu Qi reformed the law to reinvigorate Chu, one era stopped, and the Chu died; Shang Yang reformed the law to reinvigorate Qin, and eventually unified the Central Plains to establish a hegemony, once again one era stopped, and then great heroes pursue deer in the central plains, and the society collapsed. Countries have prospered through reforms, and perished by violent politics. Dare to ask everyone what is the reason for this? Where is the eternal way of legalism? If you can't even answer this question, wouldn't it be a joke for you to keep trying to govern and transform the nation into a strong country?"

As soon as this remark came out the audience was silent. Throughout history, reforms and reorganization have indeed helped many countries to prosper, but they have also driven them to extinction very quickly. This was indeed the biggest drawback of Legalism. However, no one had said clearly what this drawback was, nor could they understand it. The woman's question was like a dagger pierced through the heart, hitting the central point.

The legalism scholars were dumb and embarrassed, but Guan Suyi had already helped her grandfather to get up and said goodbye. The scholars hurriedly got up to send them off, and frequently rushed to the old man, praised his family's learning origin and good education. Xu Guangzhi, who had a lot to say, saw that the rest of the people were all gone. Although he laughed on the surface, he hated it inside.

What Guan Suyi wanted was for him to have no opportunity to talk, and couldn't post his aspirations, that was why she raised a few questions to completely confuse the essays. If Xu Guangzhi wanted to become famous and embark on an official career, just look for another opportunity, but to use her grandfather as a stepping stone, in this life she would never let him do so.

After the group of people left, the women also felt bored and left in twos and threes. A man with a strong build and resolute face came out from behind the rockery, staring thoughtfully at the direction where Guan's grandfather and granddaughter had left. Following him, a white-faced, sharp-sounding old man admired, "They said that all women in Central Plains are full of talent and knowledge, it is not a lie."

Seeing the man raised his eyebrows and laughed sarcastically, the old man's conversation turned, "but her vision is limited, the end is too narrow." Although the master invited many famous scholars and intended to ask them for advice on how to govern the country, but he had already had an opinion in his heart. All the books on his desk were Legalism classics, and the most respected ones were also Legalism scholars, he obviously value Legalism more. After a while, the era of Hundred Schools of Thoughts would soon pass, and the legalism would certainly be very popular in the future, and the reform of the law and system was imminent.

The man glanced at the old man with a smile, said with a deep and mellow voice, "Send someone to check the grandfather and granddaughter just now." In his heart, he wondered: Where is the eternal way of legalism? This was indeed a problem.

The air fluctuated slightly, and after a while, the death soldier hiding in the dark left quietly to investigate the background of Guan's family.

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Translator's notes:

This chapter really showed why I reluctant to translate this novel, this whole philosophical debate is really over my head. Researching into it really reminded me of school, which is not fun! So I didn't delve too deeply into it, so if you want to know more you have to google it yourself (I'm sorry). But I will leave the key point and their wiki page.

During Spring and Autumn Period (771 to 476 BC) and Warring States period (475–221 BC) of ancient China, there were a lot of social and political turmoil that it birthed a lot of thoughts and philosophies which is called Hundred Schools of Thought , with Confucianism and Legalism are among them.

Confucianism relies on the fundamental goodness of human beings, whereas Legalism presupposes that people are fundamentally evil. Therefore, Confucianism casts everything in terms of corresponding responsibilities, whereas Legalism casts everything in terms of strict laws and harsh punishment.

During Warring States Period Legalism played a critical role in unifying China. Legalism scholars argued that if the state allowed individuals to pursue their own self-interest and accumulate wealth, the state would become weak. However, the ultimate downfall of the state occurred through the oppression of the individual, or as Confucius argued, by governing against nature. This led to the return of a Confucian style of economics during the Han dynasty.

Now, Neo-Confucianism, is different matter, the real Neo-Confucianism started in the Tang Dynasty around eighth century, way after the setting of this novel which I think around Han Dynasty. I think Neo-Confucianism in this novel mean the branch of Confucianism where it reinterpret or modify the Confucius teaching.


guqin: a type of zyther.

second gate: refer's to the gate leading to the inner house in anciant china arquiteture.

The door does not go out, and the second doors do not move.': it refers to women that were not allowed to go out easily.

Four Books for Women: namely the commandments of women, internal training, the analects of women and female fans jiulu.

nobleman's manner: it means superior person and has no gender implication, it is what is considered the ideal human in confucionism.

The Hundred Schools of Thought: great social changes took place during warring states period which spurred cultural development where appear many philosophers, they stated their views on society from diferent stands and angels,

and gradually formed schools of philosophy

represented manly by taoist, confucian, mohist and legalist schools .

Legalism: an important school of philosophy that advocates the rule of law at its core idea.

The sage: refers to confucian.

The six arts: etiquete,music,archery, driving, literacy and mathemarics.

Guan Zhong: The chancelor and a reformer of the state of Qi during the spring and dall period

Qi: a state of the zhou dynasty-era 1046 bc-221 bc

Li Kui: legalism philosopher and statement of Wei State

Wei: one of seven major states during warring states period.

Wu Qi: military lider and politician of the warring states.

Shang Yang: a prominent legalism scholar, politician and philosopher and reformer serving the state of Qin. His policies help strengthened his state and enable it to eventually conquer the other six and unify china into a centralized rule for the first time under the qin dynasty.

great heroes pursue deer in the central plains: many vie for supremacy.

Translator's notes:

This chapter really showed why I reluctant to translate this novel, this whole philosophical debate is really over my head. Researching into it really reminded me of school, which is not fun! So I didn't delve too deeply into it, so if you want to know more you have to google it yourself (I'm sorry). But I will leave the key point and their wiki page.

During Spring and Autumn Period (771 to 476 BC) and Warring States period (475–221 BC) of ancient China, there were a lot of social and political turmoil that it birthed a lot of thoughts and philosophies which is called Hundred Schools of Thought , with Confucianism and Legalism are among them.

Confucianism relies on the fundamental goodness of human beings, whereas Legalism presupposes that people are fundamentally evil. Therefore, Confucianism casts everything in terms of corresponding responsibilities, whereas Legalism casts everything in terms of strict laws and harsh punishment.

During Warring States Period Legalism played a critical role in unifying China. Legalism scholars argued that if the state allowed individuals to pursue their own self-interest and accumulate wealth, the state would become weak. However, the ultimate downfall of the state occurred through the oppression of the individual, or as Confucius argued, by governing against nature. This led to the return of a Confucian style of economics during the Han dynasty.

Now, Neo-Confucianism, is different matter, the real Neo-Confucianism started in the Tang Dynasty around eighth century, way after the setting of this novel which I think around Han Dynasty. I think Neo-Confucianism in this novel mean the branch of Confucianism where it reinterpret or modify the Confucius teaching.

The chancelor and a reformer of the state of Qi during the spring and dall period

Qi: a state of the zhou dynasty-era 1046 bc-221 bc

Li Kui: legalism philosopher and statement of Wei State

Wei: one of seven major states during warring states period.

Wu Qi: military lider and politician of the warring states.

Shang Yang: a prominent legalism scholar, politician and philosopher and reformer serving the state of Qin. His policies help strengthened his state and enable it to eventually conquer the other six and unify china into a centralized rule for the first time under the qin dynasty.

great heroes pursue deer in the central plains: many vie for supremacy.

Translator's notes:

This chapter really showed why I reluctant to translate this novel, this whole philosophical debate is really over my head. Researching into it really reminded me of school, which is not fun! So I didn't delve too deeply into it, so if you want to know more you have to google it yourself (I'm sorry). But I will leave the key point and their wiki page.

During Spring and Autumn Period (771 to 476 BC) and Warring States period (475–221 BC) of ancient China, there were a lot of social and political turmoil that it birthed a lot of thoughts and philosophies which is called Hundred Schools of Thought , with Confucianism and Legalism are among them.

Confucianism relies on the fundamental goodness of human beings, whereas Legalism presupposes that people are fundamentally evil. Therefore, Confucianism casts everything in terms of corresponding responsibilities, whereas Legalism casts everything in terms of strict laws and harsh punishment.

During Warring States Period Legalism played a critical role in unifying China. Legalism scholars argued that if the state allowed individuals to pursue their own self-interest and accumulate wealth, the state would become weak. However, the ultimate downfall of the state occurred through the oppression of the individual, or as Confucius argued, by governing against nature. This led to the return of a Confucian style of economics during the Han dynasty.

Now, Neo-Confucianism, is different matter, the real Neo-Confucianism started in the Tang Dynasty around eighth century, way after the setting of this novel which I think around Han Dynasty. I think Neo-Confucianism in this novel mean the branch of Confucianism where it reinterpret or modify the Confucius teaching.


Chapter 3 The Way Forward

The resolute man was exactly Huo Shengzhe who proclaimed himself as the emperor. His father was originally the leader of the Jiuli tribe, but he rose up because of his dissatisfaction with Qin's tyranny and politics. He wiped out or annexed all forces all the way and eventually became a powerful chief in the Central Plains. However, his knowledge and courage were limited, he only relied on the emperor to make himself a justified vassal lord, and checked and balanced with the other vassal states, live together in harmony. Unexpectedly his son was so outstanding, not only eliminated the rest of vassal lords and a few restless brothers, he also get rid of the little emperor. He then unified the rivers and mountains, ascended to the throne, changed the country's name to "Wei" with honorary title "Sheng Yuan", implying that he was the first Holy King to pioneer the world.

This shows how arrogant and self-reliant Huo Shengzhe was.

Although he came from a barbarian tribe, he loved Han culture very much. He possessed superior insight and talent in politics and military affairs. Although he had never governed the country, he understood that as an emperor, the most important thing was not to do it himself, but to be good at discovering and using talents, while at the same time finding the right way to govern the country.

After experiencing the struggle for supremacy among the warlords during the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States period and the tyranny and fragmentation of the Qin Dynasty, almost every hero who wanted to be the ruler or a literati warrior who tried to save the common people was thinking about the same question, how to govern the country? They were either for personal gain or for common people, and the doctrines of the philosophers and Hundreds Schools of Thoughts had also been greatly promoted.

Legalism, Miscellaneous Schools, Taoism, Mohism, and Confucianism appeared one after another, and they also sent disciples to visit various vassal states to lobby and attempted many progress. Among them, the most successful was undoubtedly the Legalism. Since Huo Shengzhe learned Chinese characters, the first article he read was Han Feizi's "Five Beetles". At that time, he was shocked. He immediately collected all of the Legalism classics. Even if the government affairs was busy, he would set aside two hours every day to study. By contrast, looking at the classics of the Confucian school, he no longer knew where he had thrown them.

Hearing that Jueyin Temple would hold a debate between Legalism and Confucianism, he immediately braved the wind and snow to observe, planning to find a few usable talents.

The white-faced old man was called Baifu, one of the servants left by the emperor of the previous dynasty. Because of his outstanding ability and good at observing people, he was fortunate enough to be favored by Emperor Sheng Yuan and served as Zhongchang Attendant. Seeing that his master only sent death soldier to investigate the two grandfather and granddaughter, but never mentioned the few Legalism scholars who just performed outstandingly, he was puzzled, but didn't dare to ask more. The new master's temperament was extremely changeable, sometimes resolute and straightforward, sometimes vicious, sometimes generous and open-minded, sometimes elegant and gentle, even a seasoned courtier could be played on the palm of his hand. He was really unfathomable. Wanting to guess what he was thinking, not to mention Bai Fu was only fifty years old, even if he live another fifty years it would be useless.

The Holy's ride came and returned in a hurry, actually not as single person knew. As soon as he entered Weiyang Palace, the death soldier had already given a secret letter, which recorded all the circumstances of the Guan family and his nine generations. Huo Shengzhe looked at it for a long time, and sighed, "With both talents and virtues, innocent family background, and loyalty, Guan Qiguang can be used a lot." After speaking, he raised the brush and wrote two edicts with the handwriting of iron painting and silver hooks. After thinking about it, he felt it was still insufficient, then added three words "Guan Suyi" to the list of candidates for beauties (as in for imperial concubines).

Bai Fu secretly took a deep breath, one moment he understood, then the next moment he became more puzzled: the emperor was planning to promote the Guan family. Not only did he order the Guan family's father and son to become officials, he also admitted the Guan family's daughter into the harem, there were no greater grace than this. However, he used to admire the Legalisms so much, but now he didn't mention a word, what on earth he want to do? What are you trying to achieve?

When others wondered for themselves, Huo Shengzhe had put two edicts into a dark box, then spread a piece of brocade and wrote carefully and slowly. As a Zhongchang Attendant, Bai Fu knew a few words quite a bit, and was stunned after a short glance, he saw the black ink spreading out such a sentence 'Dismissed a hundred schools and respected Confucianism'.

Baifu blinked his eyes quickly, and finally understood that the rule of the country that the emperor wanted to promote and implemented was not Legalism thinking, but Confucianism. How come?

When Bai Fu secretly sighed that Emperor Sheng Yuan was unpredictable, an unremarkable little eunuch sneaked into Ganquan Palace and reported the emperor's white dragon fish suit action and secretly checked the Guan family's matter to the woman in the head seat. The woman was in her early thirties, but she was still well maintained. Her skin was delicate, her face was beautiful, her pale lips and frowning eyebrows showed that she seemed to be suffering from ill health, and her gestures were filled with frail and amorous feelings, which made people feel pitiful.

She was the most beloved concubine of Emperor Sheng Yuan, Ye Zhen, who had just been named Jieyu, only two ranks lower from the empress. The Emperor Sheng Yuan went on expeditions outside the country all year round, and had no time or mind to find a woman. Although he was now on the throne, he was busy with government affairs, which made him even more elusive. His concubines in the harem, when all was said and done, were only a small number, and several of them were selected by the Empress Dowager on her own initiative, and have yet meet him so far.

Because Ye Zhen had a life-saving grace for him, and he had an unspeakable shame to Ye Zhen, his attitude was very different. While the other women still anxiously waiting in the hidden mansion, he immediately received Ye Zhen in Yanjing, gave her a high position and real power, even the Empress dowager couldn't overstep her.

Now Ye Zhen has neither Zhaoyi nor Empress above her. Except for the Empress Dowager's Changle Palace, all other palaces would follow her blindly and ordering a few eunuchs even if that eunuch was people by the emperor's side, it was easy. The death soldier were only responsible for protecting the emperor's safety. The emperor didn't talk about investigating, so naturally they would not follow and monitor an inconspicuous eunuch.

"Oh? You said that the emperor added the name of Guan family's daughter to the Beauties Selection?" Ye Zhen's beautiful eyes opened slightly, and the lazy body leaning on the soft couch finally sat upright.

"This is absolutely true, niangniang! That Beauties Selection was handed over to Inner Harem Deputy by this slave myself, this slave will never be mistaken. The original list did not contain the name 'Guan Suyi', but now it was added at the first place. It's undoubtedly the emperor's handwriting." The little eunuch was a direct disciple of Baifu, and naturally had some sources to learn about these secrets.

It was a rule left over from the previous dynasty to fill up the harem by a wide selection of beauties in August every year. The empress dowager sent out words that she want to continue this tradition, the emperor naturally wouldn't push out the beauty in vain. Because it was the first time to do such errands, the Palace Senior Officer and Inner Harem Deputy didn't dare to neglect, they bitterly searched for four to five months to submit the list, and hurriedly let the newcomer enter the palace before the years ended, warmed the emperor's bed, to open the branches and scatter leaves.

The top ten on the list were all noble ladies of the Jiuli tribe personally selected by the Empress Dowager. Their pedigree overshadowed other people, Ye Zhen couldn't refute it. But how divine this "Guan Suyi", to actually pressed on the heads of many noble ladies?

She sent away the little eunuch, and said while pondering, "Yonghe, send a message to my father, let him check this Guan Suyi carefully."

All the people of the Jiuli tribe were warriors, as long as they were given a sword, both men and women of all ages could go into battle. Therefore, most of women in the tribe were stout, bold in words and deeds, without the gentle and freehand feelings of the women in Central Plains. In the face of these vulgar people who didn't know a big character, Ye Zhen was not afraid, in any case she was the number one beauty in the Central Plains, and also the number one talented woman, as long as the men were not blind, they would never abandon a beautiful jade for a dross. Furthermore, Emperor Sheng Yuan admired Han learning very much, and in the harem only she could understand what he was talking about and what he was thinking. He often praised her as considerate flower, which showed that this was her biggest advantage in the harem.

However, that old pious Empress Dowager could not bear to see her being pampered in the Sixth Palace alone, and proposed to choose concubines from the two ethnicity. Waiting for more Han women who have studied poetry and full of learning to come in, could she maintain being special? Thinking of this, Ye Zhen felt a little flustered, unconsciously stroked her cheek with her fingertips, and slowly calmed herself down.

She lacked confidence in her talents and learning, probably because the reputation as "first talented woman" was passed down from the army, the soldiers of the Jiuli tribe didn't even know Chinese characters, so how did they know what a real profound knowledge mean? But when it comes to looks, it's not that Ye Zhen was boasting, after thirty years of life, she had never seen a woman who looks more beautiful than herself.

"If the emperor doesn't even look at you, who else can he look at? Ye Zhen, don't panic, the emperor will definitely belong to you, and that position will definitely belong to you. Everything you throw away and everything you endure will be worth it." After waiting for the maid to leave, Ye Zhen muttered to herself as she walked to the window and stared at the Jiaofang Hall, her eyes were full of wild hope.

After living in the Jueyin Temple for about a month, the newly-purchased house of Guan's family was finally repaired, and they chose an auspicious day to move in. Guan Suyi paced back and forth in the newly furnished boudoir, with a confused and nostalgic expression on her face.

After more than 30 days of repeated verification, she gradually confirmed that she had been reborn. Perhaps the illusion produced in the mirror of reincarnation could also reach the point for fake being passed as genuine, but she didn't want to miss any chance to change her destiny. This time, she would never step into the Zhao's house, and she didn't want to see even Zhao Luli's face.

As soon as she put her luggage in order, Guan mother Zhong Cailing sent her servant to call her, saying that she had something to discuss. Guan Suyi knew what she wanted to say, and she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

After entering the main hall, Zhong shi passed over a few posts to her, "Because of mother-in-law passed away, it took three years to observe filial piety. With this delay, unknowingly, you are already eighteen, and have missed the time for a lifelong event. I originally wanted to choose among your father's disciples, the one who have a good moral character. But I didn't expect that the old master suddenly decided to go north to Yanjing. Right now we are strangers in a strange land, which is really unthinkable, and your age is getting older and can't be delayed. So mother can only take you to attend more gatherings, so you can take a good look. You can pick these posts first, they all have a son of the right age in the family, the second son of the Zhou family…"

Listening to her mother's endless narration, Guan Suyi's eyes were dimmed, remembering the past. In her previous life, Zhao Luli fancied her at a certain banquet. Originally, based on family background of the Guan family, it was absolutely impossible to climb into a high gate and deep house like Marquis Zhenbei. Her parents and grandfather were also very hesitant at first, and only agreed after examining Zhao Luli's talents and personality. However, after passing the door, she knew that what Zhao Luli fancied was her humble family background and knowledgeable temperament. What he wanted was not a wife, but a servant who would take care of his children and serve his mother.

It's ridiculous that she did everything he asked for, in exchange for insincere, nevertheless malicious, even cruel treatment. Now to started all over again, she didn't want to take revenge, she just hopes the years would be well. As for who should be Marquis Zhenbei madam in this life? Who do you love? What it got to do with her?

Han Feizi: legalism philosopher during warring states period.

Zhongchang Attendant: an official title for an eunuch with specific duty as consultant in the Han dysnaty.

Iron painting and silver hooks: describes the brush strokes as iron-like strength and silver-like softness.

'Dismissed a hundred schools and respected Confucianism':It was Dong Zhoungshu's idea of governing the country that was introduced to Emperor Wu of Han dynasty in 134 bc.

white dragon fish suit: it is an idiom that means when an important person, here the emperor, disguising himself and making a private visit outside.

hidden mansion: refers to the residence before the emperor ascended the throne.

Zhaoyi: imperial concubine position below the empress.

Niangniang: the honorific name for imperial women.

Considerate flower: a metaphor for a beauty that is smart and lovely.


Chapter 4 Conspiracy

Guan Suyi picked and chose among the many posts, Zhong shi would then introduce the sons of families she picked up. It could be seen that she had already sent someone to inquire about it clearly. In her life, she had only one daughter, Guan Suyi, naturally she dare not take her daughter's marriage lightly.

However, how could the news from the matchmaker or neighbors be accurate, most of them were untrue or inflated praises. As Guan Suyi listened carefully, she sighed in her heart: Among the seven or eight men of the right age, according to her last life, at least six had a large numbers of concubines in their house and the back house was chaotic; also one died before he reach twenty. And their family status were comparable to the Guan family, with neither power nor wealth. However, even so, they have to accept concubines one by one, as if they were competing something, really poor choices to entrusted a lifelong event with.

Nowadays, women still have some status that was difficult to block. After four or five years, Xu's Neo-Confucianism would completely prevailed. His thought of 'Preserving the laws of nature and destroying human desire' had spawned a large number of hypocrites, and pushed the oppression and cruelty towards women to the extreme.

Guan Suyi had really experienced it once. She already viewed marriage as something dangerous, so how could she dare to jump into the fire pit? But she couldn't tell her mother about her experience. After thinking about it for a moment, she replied, "Mother, when it come marriage we still need to know their roots and their family, lest daughter will be wronged but have nowhere to complain after marrying. Grandfather and father have students everywhere, there will be a few disciples that will come to Yanjing, you wait and see. After all, marriage is a life-long event, we must be cautious. Daughter will rather shelved for another three years than have to pay for the mistake."

Zhong shi would also hate if her daughter suffer a hardship. At home she was a precious young lady, when married she would become someone else' daughter-in-law. In private, didn't know how she would be treated by her parents-in-law and husband. Instead of marrying someone with unknown background, it would be better to marry her husband's disciple. As the saying goes 'Be a teacher for a day, be a father for life', he wouldn't dare to treat her too badly.

Thinking of this, Zhong shi hurriedly retracted the post, planning to write refusal letters one by one in a while. She thought for a moment, then smiled, "Fortunately, you reminded mother. Mother remember that your fourth senior brother will be entering the capital in a few days. Although his family's circumstances is a bit embarrassing, his talents and character are first-class, and his parents are both honest person. I just don't know if you are willing to suffer from poverty."

How could poverty be regarded as suffering? Guan Suyi immediately smiled, she was about to nod and agreed but stopped in time. The fourth senior brother was indeed a rare good man in the world. He had a good character and was full of learning, he would be single-minded and loyal toward his wife. If she marry him, even if she eat unappetizing vegetables every day, it would be more comfortable than staying in Marquis Zhenbei Mansion and enjoying exotic delicacies, or wearing beautiful and magnificent clothes.

But the problem was that in her previous life, his wife was another person. The husband and wife were in perfect harmony, and they were loving until their hair turned white. If she was agreeing at this time, it would seem to steal other's fate. If she takes away other's fortunes because of her own misfortune, Guan Suyi couldn't pass the hurdle in her heart. In her memory, men like fourth senior brother who could be relied on with one's life were rare in the world. If she miss this time, she might fall into another quagmire. Guan Suyi was thinking deeply but inevitably shook her head and sighed, "Mother, daughter doesn't want to marry."

"As a woman, how can you not marry? Yiyi is shy, right?" Zhong shi embraced and patted her daughter.

Guan Suyi also knew that she was a little silly, so she changed her words, "Mother, the fourth senior brother's family is poor, afraid daughter cannot bear the suffering. Please look at another." Next time, she would continue to find excuses to push it away. In her life, she would rather become a nun than marry.

Zhong shi squeezed her daughter's tender little face, and thought to herself: Can't bear the hardship, dislike the poor and love the rich is not like Yiyi at all, wouldn't this child have a sweetheart but too shy to open up? She hinted over and over again for me to look at husband's disciples, which one should I see? It's not the little four, is it the little six? I should ask Minglan and Mingfang carefully to find out.

When Zhong shi was busy taking care of her daughter's marriage, Madam Ye handed out the sign to enter the palace. In Ganquan Palace, mother and daughter dismissed the servants to have a private conversation.

"Where is Guan Suyi worthy? Actually make His Majesty thinking of her?" Ye Zhen's eyes were full of stern expression.

"Your father has checked it out. Guan Suyi is the granddaughter of Confucian master Guan Qiguang. She had fate to meet His Majesty at Jueyin Temple that day, perhaps he had taken fancy to her at that time." Ye mother said anxiously, "Now the emperor has announced to the world, canonized Kong Ming as the sage Confucius, the teacher of the world, and praised Confucianism as the emperor's enlightenment, and built a Confucian temple in the suburbs of the capital, wanting to go to worship in person. Nowadays, Confucian scholars have been reused one after another, as the master of Confucianism, Guan Qiguang is expected to be in a high position. Your father has received definite news. In two days, his majesty will call Guan family father and son to become officials. Guan Yunqi will be promoted as the Chief Minister of Ceremonies, Guan Qiguang is even worse, he will serve as the emperor's teacher, the rank salary of ten thousand stones. Before this, they were just common people, without power and influence."

After she finished talking, Liu shi showed a gritted expression, showing that she was extremely unhappy about the sudden wealth of the Guan family.

Ye Zhen was also greatly shaken, and said in surprise, "Chief Minister of Ceremonies? That is one of the Nine Ministers, in charge of the ancestral temple ceremony, the position is very precious. And the official position of the emperor's teacher is even more unprecedented, the rank salary is ten thousand stones, and the power is noble and comparable to the prime minister. How can they be called common people?"

Liu shi quickly agreed, "Yes, your father is the emperor's father-in-law, but he only sealed a Grand Scribe deputy with a salary of four hundred stones, and he can't even support his family. Before Guan Suyi entered the palace, the emperor lifted Guan's family to such a high position, does he want to canonize her as the empress?"

Ye Zhen immediately denied, "There is empress dowager, it's not yet the turn for Han woman to be the empress."

"But there is Zhaoyi position, did you forget?" Liu shi reminded worriedly.

Yes, there was Zhaoyi above Jieyu, who was the "Vice Empress", who was also powerful enough to overwhelm her. If the emperor wanted to promote Confucianism, he would naturally elevate the Guan family, a position of Zhaoyi, he would definitely be willing to give it. Ye Zhen's eyebrows wrinkled tightly, she was pondering, "How is Guan Suyi's talent?"

Liu shi's eyes flickered, she was about to modify her words, but listened to her daughter's sharp command, "Be honest! If you deliberately belittle her, This Palace will underestimate the enemy, you should know how underestimated the enemy will end."

The back house was full of swords and shadows, intrigues and deceit, let alone the palace where the dirt was hidden? If her daughter was a little careless, she would lose everything, and the Ye family would surely fall. Thinking of this, Liu shi did not dare to conceal it anymore, and said anxiously, "That Guan Suyi has followed Guan Qiguang to study literary characters since childhood. Guan Qiguang is proficient in all nobleman's Six Arts, poems and songs, no one can compare. Even Han Xinfang, the leader of the Legalist school, also praised him as this generation's literary giant, his talents and learning are evident… "

How could Ye Zhen be patiently listened to Guan Qiguang's achievement, and was about to wave her hand to interrupt, but heard her mother's next words. "Someone once said that Guan Suyi is the student that surpasses the master. Her talent is not under Guan Qiguang. A modest and prudent person like Guan Qiguang also nodded and smiled. It can be seen that he agrees with Guan Suyi's talent. Niangniang, in the aspect of talent, afraid you cannot compare to her."

Ye Zhen gently curled the corners of her lips, and then asked, "What about the face?"

Seeing her daughter's conceited look, Liu shi dared not hide it. "Do you remember the poem "Shuo Ren"? Guan Suyi's appearance is about comparable Zhuang Jiang."

Ye Zhen stunned for a while before speaking with a trembling voice, "Shou Ren appearance… the hands are like catkins, the skin is like condensed fat, the collar is like a grub, the teeth are like rhinoceros, the eyebrows are like crests, with a beautiful smile, beautiful eyes look forward to it. Is that true? Someone really grows up like this?" ( T/N : of course the English translations of the poem is rubbish, but it's beautiful and rhyme in Chinese, you can take my word for that, lol)

Liu shi nodded heavily, "Your sister-in-law and I have both seen her secretly, and it is true. You and her… you are still a little bit inferior to her."

Ye Zhen heard the jealousy and helplessness in her mother's voice. Afraid that it was not only "a little bit inferior", but a lot, right? She always flaunt her beauty, she couldn't imagine what a woman who was more outstanding than herself should be like? She couldn't compare with her talents and her looks. Now even her family background was overwhelmed. When Guan Suyi enters the palace, how could she survive? In recent years, she had offended the Empress Dowager and other concubines many times. Seeing her fall out of favor, these people would surely throw some stones and leave no room to come back.

When Ye Zhen was frightened and uneasy, Liu shi counseled her, "Niangniang, don't think about it, things may not be so bad. His Majesty has no heirs now. As long as you give birth to the first prince, you can be promoted to Zhaoyi. His Majesty has favored you alone for several years. Is his deep affection comparable to others? At this time, you must be steady."

Speaking of offspring, there was a quick flash of bitterness in Ye Zhen's eyes, but she hurriedly covered it up, for fear that her mother would see some clue.

Liu shi didn't notice, and continued, "Although recently Zhong shi is looking at other people's families for Guan Suyi, but the Empress Dowager will soon call the beauties into the palace for the selection. This marriage will definitely not going to happen. Your father and I have plan to take drastic measure to deal with the situation, first ruin her innocence."

Ye Zhen pondered for a moment and waved her hand, "No! This Palace and His Majesty have been together in the border for two years, although could never guessed what he thinks, but still more or less understand his behavior and ability. Since he has decided to put the Guan family's father and son in important positions, he will definitely send someone to watch them at all time. If something goes wrong with Guan Suyi at such a critical juncture, His Majesty will definitely investigate to the end. Are you sure you can avoid His Majesty's eyes and ears?"

Avoiding Huo Shengzhe's eyes and ears? Afraid only ghosts and gods dare to answer this question. In the world, there were things he didn't want to know, even disdain to know, but there was nothing he couldn't know.

"What should I do then? Let Guan Suyi smoothly enter the palace right away?" Liu shi's tone was anxious.

"She must never enter the palace!" Ye Zhen closed her eyes firmly, and powerlessly waved her hands, when she opened them again she said, "You go back first, don't let Dad act rashly. He is a little Grand Scribe deputy, what big things can he do?"

"He is indeed a low-ranking official, but you are Jieyu niangniang anyway. You often blow pillow breeze to the emperor. Why our family cannot go up there?" Liu shi wanted to say more, but was invited out by two grand palace maids.

Ye Zhen pondered for a long time, and finally slowly unrolled a piece of rice paper, and raised a brush to ask someone for help. Guan Suyi couldn't enter the palace, so let her get married. She would pointed out to a rare good marriage under heaven, who knows, maybe she would kowtow in gratitude to her in the future.

After making the last stroke, Ye Zhen smiled briskly.


Preserving the laws of nature and destroying human desire': this is the goal of moral cultivation proposed by famous Confucian cheng hao and cheng yi in the son dynasty, it is understood as preserving the natural principles in the heart and eliminating people's private desire.

'Be a teacher for a day, be a father for life': it is a metaphor to always treat the teacher with the same respect as the father.

Zhaoyi: imperial concubine rank below the empress.

Poem shuo ren: a poem in the 1st collection of the poetry the book of song focus in describing the beautiful image of Zhuang jiang, it became the benchmark for describing beautiful women in china.

Zhuang Jiang: she was a princess of Qi in the spring and fall period.


Chapter 5 Old Friend

After successfully persuading her mother not to rush finding husband for her, Guan Suyi really spent a few days leisurely. That day, she was sitting in the warm pavilion practicing calligraphy, the maid Minglan came in, holding a cotton cloak, "Miss, the carriage is ready to set off, madam is waiting for you at the front hall."

Because Emperor Sheng Yuan especially admired Confucianism, he built a Confucian Temple in Minde Mountain in the southern suburbs, people below do what people above do, so these days people who went to worship Confucius were endless. As the masters of the Confucian school, of course, Old Master Guan and Father Guan couldn't be left behind. They had ordered Zhong shi to cook lamb meat for the sacrifice. To showed their sincerity, the two people already carried the lantern and went out at yinshi (3-5am), preparing to climb the mountain step by step, leaving the mother and daughter behind to ride in the carriage.

Guan Suyi put on the big cloak and walked into the fluttering snowflakes. Although her feet at ease, her thoughts kept surging. Only with a small change, everything seems to be different. That day, her grandfather was not so angry that he fell sick in bed, nor was he ridiculed and teased because of his awkward speech, nor even lost his reputation. Now he was still a leader of the Confucian school, and he was also admired as literary giant. Her father didn't have to wait by the bedside every day, and eventually got the nickname 'Turtle with head shrunk', and since then he was ashamed and unable to show his face.

Now they used literature to make friends and made good connections, even if they didn't become officials they could still live a stable life.

Remembering her grandfather in the previous life holding his sick body to come to Marquis Zhenbei Mansion to seek justice for her, but he was so angry that he fainted; Remembering that her parents were resolutely unwilling to believe in the Zhao family's slander, they were so desperate that they wanted to let her divorce and almost expelled from the clan; Remembering that her maternal grandparents had come to the other people's house to take her back to their hometown and then were hurled with verbal abuse, Guan Suyi's eyes were full of tears.

In this life, the humiliation and torture that she shouldn't have to bear had probably gone away. Thinking of this, she quickly blinked away the tears in her eyes and walked towards the smiling Zhong shi who was standing in the corridor.

The mother and daughter got on the wupeng carriage and drove slowly towards Minde Mountain. Although the heavy snow was still falling, due to Emperor Sheng Yuan's several homages to Confucius, the road had long been flattened by the passing armored horses. There were also labors who cleaned it every two hours, so it was not difficult to travel. At the foot of the mountain, the carriage slowly stopped by the side of the road, there seemed to be a little girl crying outside.

"What's the matter?" Zhong shiasked through the bamboo curtain.

"Madam, don't know whose carriage broke down, now it stuck in the middle of the road. The young lady of that family is crying with cold. It's really pitiful." The coachmen said with pity.

Zhong shi opened the bamboo curtain for a moment. She saw a well-used wupeng carriage parked in front of her, the coachmen meandering around looking anxious, seemed to be at his wit's end. The master was afraid to get out of the carriage for fear of freezing, but the cries of grievances came from time to time, which was indeed heartbreaking.

Zhong shi was infected by her father-in-law and husband, and always used to the words "Don't think that bad thing are small and do nothing, don't think that good things are small and don't do it", and then said, "Li Wen, go and help them see if the carriage can be repaired. Tao Hong, you go ask, if all are womenfolk in the carriage, please invite them to ride together."

At this time, men and women were not as strict as later generations. It was not uncommon for men and women to ride in a carriage. That's why Zhong shi asked this question. Guan Suyi knocked her chin on her mother's shoulder and looked across the gap between the bamboo curtains. She couldn't help but frown. She always felt that she had seen the coachman somewhere, he really looked familiar.

Tao Hong, Zhong shi's maid, ran over, said a few more words, and then a luxuriously dressed middle-aged woman came down with a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl. The little girl has bright eyes and white teeth, pink face and cheeks, two strings of teardrops hanging from the corners of her reddish eyes.

Zhong shi felt affectionate at first glance, and hurriedly lifted the curtain of the carriage to call them, "Look at how this little face is frozen, come up and warm it up!" She never noticed her daughter's complexion became pale instantly.

It was strange that the coachman seemed so familiar, it turned out to be an old friend. In half a breath, Guan Suyi had already restrained her abnormality, and calmly watched the two staggering people.

The middle-aged woman and the little girl climbed into the carriage supported by Tao Hong, first saluted to Zhong shi, and then looked at Guan Suyi, both eyes radiating amazing light. They were all related to the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, which Guan Suyi avoided. One was Ye Zhen's mother, Liu shi, and the other was her daughter, Zhao Chunxi.

Even after secretly observing Guan Suyi many times, at close range, Liu shi was still captured by her dignified, restrained yet refined appearance. If it changed to a man who came in, afraid he would lose his soul at this moment. No wonder His Majesty lifted Guan's family so high, it was to build momentum for her entering the palace. Such a stunner, really couldn't let her in, otherwise her daughter would have no place to stand.

Thinking like this, Liu shi and Zhao Chunxi exchanged glances secretly, and then pretended to be grateful and approached Zhong shi.

Guan Suyi had become indifferent towards everything from her previous life, so in this life, she would naturally not be disturbed by the old people and the old things. She stretched out her hand, poured two cups of hot tea slowly, and softly whispered , "Please drink." All of them had already come up, and she wouldn't push people for no reason.

The girl wore the most simple and pure blue dress. The wide sleeves were slightly raised to reveal half of the slender, snow-white wrists. There were no gold, silver or jade ornaments on them, but they were gorgeous enough. This gorgeousness infiltrated the skin and flesh into the blood and bone, like tender peach fragrant apricot, shocking the heart and soul. No wonder people said 'beauty is in the bones, not in the flesh', this was the truth. On top of that her clear and mellow voice inherently contained a hint of tenderness and honey. It was fine when she speaks normally, but when she deliberately lowered her softness as she does now, it was hard to resist even for women like Liu shi and Zhao Chunxi. The two touched their numb ear, and then raised their tea cups to express thanks, but a sharp glow appeared in their eyes as they sipped.

Guan Suyi had already noticed abnormalities in their speech and behavior, and could not help but secretly speculate about their intentions. With the power of Marquis Zhenbei Mansion, how could they let their di young lady ride in the wupeng carriage exclusively for the common people? She remembered that Zhao Chunxi had a carriage decorated with gold powder and vermilion lacquer, which was especially ostentatious when she parade around the town. Unlike now, actually said that her surname was Zhao and never mentioned the word 'Marquis Zhenbei', which seemed to have deliberately hidden her identity. What does she want to do?

Guan Suyi was curious and tried to deal with Zhao Chunxi, which seemed naive, but when she was about to inquire the truth, they had arrived at the Confucian Temple without realizing it. A man with a long stature and noble temperament has been informed by his servant, standing by the gate with an umbrella waiting, his face full of concern. Seeing the carriage slowly stopped, he stepped forward to help his daughter and mother-in-law, and finally thanked Zhong shi through the curtain of the carriage.

Seeing the man has incomparable handsome face, Zhong shi had a good impression of him, continuously said it was not a trouble, you're most welcome, and so on. Guan Suyi had already put on the veil hat, calmly followed her mother to get out of the carriage, and then nodded at the man slightly. The moment she met Zhao Chunxi, she knew that Zhao Luli must be in the Confucian Temple. Zhao Wangshu and Zhao Chunxi, these two children, were the lifeblood of Zhao Luli, even a bit of hair fell out he would be distress for a long time, so how could they be allowed to go out alone. Her marriage with this person had never filled with deep feelings. Even if the heart moved, it was only for a moment, and then it was obliterated by various misunderstandings and humiliations.

When she saw him again in this life, Guan Suyi had no love nor hatred for him, so she could face him calmly. However, the enthusiastic Zhong shi started talking with Zhao Luli, and thus learned of his prominent status as Marquis Zhenbei.

"This country woman have seen Lord Marquis, it is only a matter of effort, Lord Marquis doesn't have to worry. The worship ceremony is about to begin, allow this country woman to take one step ahead." Zhong shi's enthusiasm quickly decrease, bent her knees and said goodbye. Guan Suyi didn't speak from beginning to end, and her expression couldn't be seen clearly through the veil hat, but her eagerness to leave could be seen from her frequent movements to the front door.

The unusual reaction of the two surprised Liu shi and Zhao Chunxi. They thought that after seeing Zhao Luli, the Guan family's mother and daughter would surely entangle him to the ground, but they actually quite disdainful. It should be known that Zhao Luli not only had a high-ranking title, but also a well-known handsome man. Even as continuation, there were many young women in the prime of life who were willing to marry him, even imperial clan noble ladies also flocked over him. Why the mother and daughter of the Guan family seemed indifferent?

Zhao Chunxi, who was originally worried that Guan Suyi's marriage into the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion would harm her own interests, has now changed from hesitation to annoyance. After the two walked away, she took her father's arm and praised Guan Suyi very much. Liu shi also help beat the drum, and bluntly said that her granddaughter was getting older and that he should find a mistress to take care of her marriage, so that she would not be looked down upon. And also the grandson was still young and needed the care of a mother.

Zhao Luli regarded his children as his life, always fear they would be wronged. But thinking about his daughter's marriage, and remembered his son who always clamoring for his mother, he was finally moved.

—-

Presiding over the whole process of the ceremony to worship Confucius, Old Master Guan's reputation among scholars had reached the peak. After returning home from the mountain, guests would come to visit every day, and there was an endless stream of carriages. Since the 'coincident encounter' with Liu shi and Zhao Chunxi, Guan Suyi had a vague premonition. Originally she was somewhat resistant to the idea of marriage, but became uncharacteristically positive.

However, the candidate had not been yet selected, and the matchmaker sent by the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion had already come with a generous gift, even Liu shi had come several times to intercede for her former son-in-law. Fortunately, the Guan family was not the one who tended to follow the flames, and categorically rejected on the grounds of 'improper gate and wrong house'. The matchmaker and Liu shi tried their best to persuade them to no avail, so they had no choice but to turn around angrily, and Guan Suyi let out a sigh of relief.

But the matter was not over yet, the news of the marriage rejection caused Zhao Chunxi to cry in sorrow, and immediately led her younger brother to kneel in front of her father's study and refused to get up. She only recognized Guan Suyi, and refused to listen to anyone's advice, and under her instigation Zhao Wangshu was also desperately want a gentle and kind mother.

Zhao Luli couldn't figure out what magic power Guan Suyi had, to the point that his daughter could not forget her. Even though he was rejected, he would not force it. But he could not resist the ardent and sad disappointed eyes of the pair of children. Even his mother-in-law Liu shi also praised Guan Suyi, saying that she would feel rest assured to give her two grandchildren to her more than to anyone else.

Zhao Luli felt ashamed towards his "late wife" and was about to order someone to send a letter to ask for her opinions. After going back and forth, Zhao Luli finally made up his mind and went to the palace to ask for audience. And because of all kinds of unspeakable entanglements, although he was in a high position after the founding of the country, he had no real power and rarely made inquiries about the affairs of the court. Therefore, he did not know that Guan Suyi had been appointed by the Emperor Sheng Yuan as the imperial concubine, and would enter the palace soon.


Di: children from the official wife.

'improper gate and wrong house': means that their social status is too different.