Higher Level Wife

by Usui Takumii

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

2. 11 to 20

Fu Qiuning got up very early the next morning.

Or so she thought.

After getting off the kang bed and stretching the sleep out of her body, she looked into the room where Changfeng and Changjiao were supposed to be staying and found that they had disappeared. Heart in her throat, Fu Qiuning did not bother to put on a coat and hurried off to look for the children. After the incident yesterday, she could not bear to have the children out of her sight. What if those scummy people make trouble for them in the middle of the night, ah?

"Changjiao? Changfeng? Where are you?" Fu Qiuning called as soon as she stepped into the yard.

Thankfully, she heard someone answer and soon, a pair of bright-eyed children came running over, hand in hand calling, "Mother, mother, we wanted to sweep the yard but couldn't find a broom. Aunt Yu says we won't need to sweep the yard in the future, is this true?"

"S-sweep the… yard?" Fu Qiuning frowned. Suddenly, she burst out, "Don't tell me you've been sweeping yards all this while? What kind of joke is this? A single broom is taller than both of you. Your little arms and legs… can you even lift the broom?"

"Aunty Yu made us special little brooms…" their voices petered off when they noticed Fu Qiuning's red, furious face. The children trembled, unsure what they had done wrong.

Just then, Aunt Yu came out of the kitchen. Seeing Fu Qiuning in the yard, she quickly came over to say, "Madam, why are you up so early? It's fine for Madam to sleep in a little since there's no need to greet the Old Madam in the morning. No one comes to our courtyard either and we slept so late last night…" Finally, Aunt Yu noticed Fu Qiuning's flushed face and angry silence. She cast an anxious look at the two children but they looked back with equal confusion.

"Who made them sweep yards? If you tell strangers that children barely three years old are sweeping yards outside would they believe it? Even beasts of burden like cattle and horses are allowed to grow up before they are put into the field. And you, I heard you're the one who made 'special brooms' for them?"

Only then did Aunt Yu realise the source of Fu Qiuning's anger. She gave a placating smile and said, "Oh, so it's this? Madam is angry because of this matter? There's really no need to anger yourself over such a little matter.

Yesterday, this maid told Madam about Xie'shi, the widow. Because she did not rise in status as the mother of the Young Marquis' children, she held great hatred against the children she carried with much hardship and little help for ten months. She hated them but dared not directly harm them. Otherwise, she would have strangled them a long time ago.

Even so, she spent her time thinking up ways to bully them. After all, even if the children were a little older, they were still too young to sweep the yard properly. Ordering them to sweep the yard is just her way of tormenting them, looking for an excuse to scold and beat them.

I noticed that Young Master and Young Miss could barely hold up a proper broom and made two small brooms for them to prevent Xie'shi from scolding them. I never expect them to do a proper job of sweeping. To make sure Xie'shi would not have any reason to scold them, I made sure to clean up after them. The brooms are made to reduce their punishments."

After hearing the whole story, Fu Qiuning sighed: That surname Xie woman must have been really psychologically disturbed.

With tears falling down her face, she squatted down and touched Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao's little heads, "You have never experienced it, so no wonder you don't know, ah. In this world, a parent's most precious treasures are their children. Children should be pampered and spoiled, and be the joy and happiness for their parents.

Rich or poor, all the best should be given to the children. Sometimes, you see children throw tantrums and act spoiled. This is evidence that the child is blessed with love. Sadly, your unfortunate circumstances meant that you have never enjoyed a single day of blessing that should have been yours as a child.

Still, since you have acknowledged me as your mother, you are now my children. I cannot promise you many things. However, I can promise to be a parent to you and give you the best I can. You should not grow up to be a useless waste of space, but you should not work like horses or cattle either.

As children, your job is to play and have fun. You should read, write, play the qin with me and not worry about anything else. Sleep as much as you like, wake up when you like. Not too late, of course, because otherwise, Grandpa Sun will laugh at you."

Grandpa Sun?

Changfeng and Changjiao looked at each other, then at the sun in the sky. Why is the sun their grandfather? Fu Qiuning saw their confused look and quickly improvised a story about Grandpa Sun for them. The two children listened to her silly little story with sparkling eyes until Yu Jie called them for breakfast.

They headed towards the dining room and found that breakfast consisting of congee, sliced pickled radish, pickled tofu and two hard-boiled eggs had been placed on the small table on the kang bed. On another table was a similar spread, minus the two eggs.

Yu Jie smiled at them, "Everyone got up early today, so this maid could only prepare these. We only have these two eggs left. I have already entrusted someone to buy more. Madam usually eats two hard-boiled eggs every morning."

Yu Jie was incredibly tactful. As servants, it would not do to be seen to openly pity the Young Master and Young Miss. She also could not say that these were the only eggs left in the entire courtyard without mentioning their ability (or inability) to buy more. Hopefully, Madam would get her hint.

As expected, Fu Qiuning smoothly said, "Eggs every day? That's too excessive for me. Here, one for Feng'er and one for Jiao'er." She personally peeled the eggs and matter-of-factly placed them into the children's bowls.

Aunt Yu wiped her tears and said, "Truly, these two children have fallen into fortune's nest. Later, we shall also make clothes for you. Remember to thank Madam…"

"Really?" the children's eyes lit up. "We'll have new clothes? Will it be like Er Gouzi's [1] clothes with only a few patches? He likes to laugh at how many patches we have on our clothes."

"Nothing like that. Your new clothes will not have even a single patch," said Fu Qiuning with a smile. "Eat up now, it takes time to make clothes, so focus on your meal first. It's bad manners to chatter endlessly when eating."

Even though it was only their second meal together, Fu Qiuning thought she should teach Changfeng and Changjiao some semblance of good manners before moving on to proper dining etiquette for rich and noble families. As the children of their scum father and adopted children of the official wife, they might be called to attend banquets or something. She did not want the children to make a fool of themselves and suffer the ridicule of others.

Changfeng and Changjiao must somehow be innately gifted. They ate their meal quietly and were very well behaved. After breakfast, Fu Qiuning saw that the sun was very bright and there was very little wind that morning. She checked their clothes again and decided that though the clothes were thin, they should protect the children adequately enough and send them out to play.

Then, she beckoned Aunt Yu over and said, "In the future, don't make the children thank me for every little thing. I am their mother now. I have taken them as my children and I will treat them as such. Have you ever seen children thank their parents for basic food and clothing? It will only create awkwardness and distance between myself and the children. I know you mean well, but refrain from doing it again."

Aunt Yu hastily agreed, all the doubts in her mind were gone. Seeing the children in such good hands also eased her heart. She was very grateful to Fu Qiuning and could not help wanting to thank her at every opportunity.

Just then, Yu Jie came in with six rolls of brocade cloth. These were all that was left of the brocades that came with Fu Qiuning's dowry. They were the absolute best pieces which was why they have not been pawned out yet.

"Madam, what do you think of this one? It has the best colour and pattern suitable for Young Master and Young Miss."

[Gumihou: Boohoo… these poor kids…]

Pill Bug TL Notes

[1] 二狗子 Poor guy, who names their kid Second Doggy?

Gumihou: It's actually pretty normal for ordinary households to name their children Dog Two, Big Cow, or even Girl One, Girl Two or Child Two, Child Three maybe even Little Onion, lol. For more affluent families, children will have childhood nicknames like Little Butterfly, Precious Jade or other more valuable and delicate animals or objects.

This practice comes from avoiding the usage of a child's 'true name' to avoid evil spirits. In Japan, in addition to nicknames like xx-maru, boys will be dressed up in girl clothing to avoid the eyes of evil spirits.

Fu Qiuning received the rolls of cloth from Yu Jie and examined them closely. As expected of the cloth from a prince's daughter's dowry, the colours were good and the designs excellent. She smiled, "These are not bad, since we don't have much fabric, let's make some light padded [1] cotton jackets first. The clothes they have on now aren't suitable and it will most likely be cold once dusk has fallen. Make some undergarments too, some dudou [1] and trousers for children."

The three ladies chatted together as they got their sewing kits out. All three were quite accomplished in the womanly arts. The one with the worst skill was Yu Jie but that was only in comparison with Fu Qiuning the Original, and married woman Aunt Yu. As for Fu Qiuning the Second, her sewing skills were limited to costume maintenance and basic repair work. Luckily, however, Fu Qiuning the Original had generously passed on her skills to Fu Qiuning the Second, something which she found out when she picked up a pair of scissors and her hands automatically began cutting up patterns for the clothes.

After half a morning's work, the patterns for the clothes had all been measured and cut out. Yu Jie found some leftover cotton from last winter at the bottom of a box and the ladies laid them out to see if it was enough to stuff the jackets. Luckily, although there was not a lot of it, it was still good cotton.

Changfeng and Changjiao, knowing that clothes were being made for them, pattered around wildly as they observed the process. When shooed to play outside, they would patter out, only to run back in to inspect the progress made. Fu Qiuning was both vexed and amused by their behaviour. "You two have clearly never seen the sky before. It's just some clothes, why are you so happy? Did I not tell you to behave more prudently at dinner last night? You've already thrown all that to the clouds after romping about outside?"

While laying out the cotton on the cut fabric, Aunt Yu laughed, "Madam can't blame them for being so excited. They have never owned a single set of new clothes since birth and have only seen it on others. How much do you think they yearn for new clothes? How could they not be excited now? It's been only a day and they're already this naughty. When they arrived with this maid yesterday, could Madam imagine them being this lively?"

"It's good for children to be naughty, the naughtier they are, the smarter they will become." Fu Qiuning said with a smile. Then, she stood up and stretched out her arms from the cramped position of sewing all morning. She thought: Ever since I came to this ancient time, my normal modern routine has been disrupted. I don't even dare to do my daily Chinese operatic voice training [2] since it might scare the children.

The mere thought of singing made her throat itch. As a passionate opera singer, she had been trained to sing from an early age. After graduating from training school, she joined an opera troupe to be a professional singer. However, not even traditional singing troupes like the opera could avoid bad social influences such as nepotism and favouritism. In the end, fed up with the bad environment, she dropped out of the troupe and opened up her own school for Chinese opera singing.

The school focussed on teaching [3] Yue Opera and Huangmei Opera with the occasional Peking Opera or Kunqu Opera styles. When her old teachers heard about how she had dropped out of the opera troupe, they lamented over how the world had lost an opera genius due to those bad social influences.

While she was busy contemplating her past life, her hand picked up her scissors and she unconsciously began to hum the melodies to the song called Love of Your Childhood Sweetheart [4] taken from a Huangmei Opera called Home.

As she continued to hum to herself, she suddenly noticed something wrong. It was too quiet! A little alarmed, she looked up and saw Yu Jie and Aunt Yu staring at her in a daze. Seeing their mistress stare back at them, the two quickly returned to their senses and said, "Madam, the tune you hummed just now was very nice. But… what is that song? We never heard such a nice tune before."

Fu Qiuning suddenly realised that in this era, Huangmei, Yue or other similar types of opera probably did not exist yet. They probably only have Kunqu Opera now. For a short while, she berated herself for her carelessness, but only for a short while.

She thought: Opera singing is like my own lifeblood. If I cannot sing as much as I want, what is the point of living?

Moreover, it's not like there's anyone else in the courtyard. Yu Jie and Aunt Yu were in the same boat as her and neither were the scheming type. All she had to do was give a plausible explanation for this unexpected skill.

She smiled and said, "Oh, this? While I was with my mother in the countryside, there was this old grandmother who was really good at singing. I learned a lot from her. However, since it is unseemly for a woman of the house to sing and my tutor is particularly strict, I never dared to even hum these songs. However, now that I have a whole house and courtyard to myself, I can sing to my heart's content."

Yu Jie and Aunt Yu quickly chimed together, "It's good for Madam to sing to her heart's content. Our ears would be blessed too. This is a great pleasure that no other could enjoy. Madam, please sing that song out loud. Let us hear the verses too."

Seeing them so enthusiastic, she was also pleased. Who did not like it when their talents were recognised? Thus, she opened her mouth and sang the whole excerpt to Love of Your Childhood Sweetheart. By the end of it, Aunt Yu and Yu Jie were fully entranced. Even the two children had firmly sat down to listen and refused to go out. They pestered her to sing the song once again.

Fu Qiuning hastily extracted a promise from them to never say anything about it to outsiders.

Suddenly, Yu Jie said with some exasperation, "Really Madam, what other secrets are you keeping? I have been with you for more than 10 months but have never heard you sing."

Fu Qiuning smiled mysteriously, "When I first entered the marquisate, nothing but worry filled my heart. Where would I find the heart to sing? Now, after dying once, I've decided not to let fear or worry stop me from doing anything anymore. Let's all live freely and sing happily," she laughed as she slapped Yu Jie lightly on the arm.

Aunt Yu, who had been watching from the side, said, "Madam, do sing it again? It's so lovely."

The two children also begged, "Mother, sing it again, we've never heard such a beautiful song, it's much better than what Er Gouzi's mother sang."

Er Gouzi's mother was a songstress that the marquisate had bought from Jiang Nan at a great price. Her looks were nothing much and she was considered rather old. However, her singing voice was unusually good and rare. Thus she held some status within the marquisate. When distinguished guests happened to arrive, she would be called in to sing for them at banquets.

"Did I not say that you have not seen the world? Do I only have this one song? If you like my singing so much, let me treat you to this." Fu Qiuning teased before opening her mouth and singing,

" [5]

To save Li Liang who left home

The unexpected Number One Scholar of the Imperial Exam…

"

This was one of the most famous songs in The Emperor's Female Son-in-Law [5]

Fu Qiuning sang as the ladies continued to sew the thin cotton-padded jackets. The songs made work feel light and it did not take them a whole day to finish both jackets. Feng'er and Jiao'er put on the jackets and washed their faces. Aunt Yu helped them comb and style their hair and what's this? Where have the two little beggar children from yesterday gone? In their place was a pair of golden boy and jade girl, a pair of cute and delightful children like carved jades and just as lovely.

As the evening sun sets, Fu Qiuning, Changfeng, Changjiao, Yu Jie and Aunt Yu were having their dinner when they heard the sound of footsteps in the courtyard. The door to the house opened to reveal the chief steward who was with Fengju yesterday. Behind Jin Ming were a couple of low-level servants with rolls of fabric in their arms.

Fu Qiuning quickly let them in.

To make a long story short, the rolls of cloth they brought were for the children. Clearly, that Jin Fengju must have noticed the children's patched clothes yesterday and this was the result. Fu Qiuning gave a smooth smile and said, "Thank you for your trouble, there's no need for such courtesy in the future. In truth, this courtyard lacks clothing for children and we did not have time to prepare them. For the Young Master to be so thoughtful, we must thank him, of course.

Still, our courtyard does not lack these few rolls of fabric. The clothes have already been made and I invite the Head Steward to have a look at the children. New clothes certainly make a difference in a person's demeanour, don't they?"

Jin Ming looked at the two children as directed and found the pair of twins staring back at him with large, apprehensive eyes. They were dressed in new cotton-padded jackets and looked much more respectable than before.

He quickly smiled and said, "The children will still require many things in the future and will trouble Madam to provide them. This fabric is a small token from the Young Marquis. In the future, if Madam happens to face any shortages, please inform this servant. This servant would definitely inform the Young Marquis. It is getting late, this servant has other matters to attend to and shall not linger any longer."

Fu Qiuning sent him out of the house. Once Jin Ming and the low-level servants had exited the courtyard gate, she turned to Yu Jie, "Since we do not plan to socialise with anyone within the marquisate, close it up. For the time being, there's no need for Changfeng or Changjiao to interact with other people. We will discuss this matter once more when they are older."

Yu Jie accepted the order, and the matter was settled just like that. That evening, they ate their dinner without further interruption.

After he was done with his various errands, Jin Ming returned to his master's study. Just as he was about to enter, he saw Xu'shi in the room along with a bowl of lotus seed soup on the desk. He quickly stopped himself from pushing the door open and retreated to the side.

Jin Fengju took a snow-white handkerchief from Xu'shi's hand and wiped his mouth before handing it back carelessly with a smooth, "You should return. You're also pregnant, so let the maids handle these kinds of things in the future. Be careful about harming the foetus."

"Those bunch of vixens are all hoping to pull something strange before the Master, so how could this humble woman be at ease about them?"

However, despite her protest, she still pouted her lips and picked up her bowl. Still, it was only after a long-winded admonishment for Jin Fengju to look after his health et cetera et cetera in so many words, before she finally felt pleased enough to leave.

Jin Ming secretly watched his master's expression and saw that aside from a trace of mocking irony, there was very little else on that face. He sighed: All these madams and concubines are very hardworking and motivated to capture a single man's attention. If it had been anyone else, they would have long since been charmed. Too bad they married his master. Of course, he's an excellent man but how much of his heart is devoted to love?

Even the Second Madam, look at how tenderly the master treats her. Those who do not know the situation would think that she was absolutely drowning in affection, but is that really love? I have served this master for many years and I've never heard him mention Second Madam, the supposed beloved cousin, in all those years I've served him. In truth, whose scheme could ever be as deep or profound as the Young Marquis'?

"What are you thinking about? So lost in thought?" Jin Fengju's voice shocked Jin Ming out of his reverie and he quickly answered with a flattering smile, "To reply Master, this servant was just thinking that Master is really blessed. Surely Concubine Xu is about five or six months pregnant? Yet, she did not forget to send lotus seed soup to Master."

"That's the most basic method of currying favour. It's fine if others do not know. But if you don't know this much, do I still need to keep you by my side?" Jin Fengju smiled mildly. Then, he turned away and said, "The items have been sent? What did she have to say?"

"To reply the Young Marquis, the Young Master and Young Miss are now wearing brand-new cotton padded jackets. Madam explained that Young Miss and Young Master's appearance yesterday was due to the lateness of the hour and lack of preparation. Madam said they rushed to make clothes for the children and I saw with my own eyes the padded cotton jackets on them. She also asked me to convey her thanks to Young Marquis for taking the trouble to think about them, saying that there's no need to worry about anything as they have no shortage of food, clothing or other expenses."

Jin Fengju's sword-like eyebrows came together in a slight frown. His slender fingers gently tapped the table for a while before faintly smiling, "This surnamed Fu is quite interesting, to think I cannot guess her true intentions. Enough, whatever her intention is, it has nothing to do with me. Since she herself has said it, there's no need to bother with that side in the future."

Jin Ming made a sound of agreement, thinking: Look, look, look! This is our Young Marquis! You have certainly miscalculated things, ah, Fu'shi ah, Fu'shi. I hope you can get used to true loneliness. Otherwise, your future days would only become more and more difficult.

No one knew about this conversation between Jin Fengju and Jin Ming. Not even Jiang Wanying, who has planted eyes all over the estate, knew that her husband had sent a few rolls of satin to Night Breeze Pavilion. The matter had been carried out seamlessly.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

Night Breeze Pavilion.

Fu Qiuning, Aunt Yu and Yu Jie managed to finish two sets of spring clothing by the second day. While the children were happily running about outside in their new clothes, the ladies picked out a roll of white satin from the pile sent by Jin Ming and got to work making crafts. Simple purses, handkerchiefs and small scented bags decorated with simple but exquisite embroidery were quickly made and on the third day, handed over to Zhang San to be sold.

Before evening fell, Zhang San returned with a few strings of coins. A few strings of coins is worth a few taels of silver, and to the women of the courtyard who barely have a few dozen silver taels left to their name, making this much on their first try was quite promising.

According to Zhang San, their handicraft sold well and at slightly higher prices at the stores due to their good quality. This was a great delight for the three of them. Yu Jie laughed, "This maid used to embroider flowers for sale but never earned this much before. This good fortune must be due to Madam and Aunt Yu's excellent hands."

The next few days passed quickly. In a blink of an eye, the apricot and peach trees were in bloom and the entire Marquisate of Jinxiang was adorned in brilliant red and green. Nor were the foliage the only beauty to be seen, as feminine laughter filled the gardens. Young maids still at that romantic age busily chased and teased each other in the gardens, creating a lively atmosphere.

Although Fu Qiuning did not go out and only spectated from a distance, she could perceive that the wealth of the Jinxiang Marquisate is at a level higher than the Jia family in Dream of the Red Chamber. That Jia family could be thought of as rich and prosperous, especially around the period when Jia Yuanchun married into the imperial family as the Imperial Consort [1]. That was the time when the Grand Viewing Garden of the Jia family could barely be contained by the single word 'extravagant'.

However, from Yu Jie's description, the Jinxiang Estate gardens were far wider and more exquisite than the Grand Viewing Garden of the Jia family. It contained the residences of several young ladies still living with the family. Not only that, but there was also another beautiful garden, constructed especially for the day of the emperor's visit. This garden was cared for by a few selected people and no one dared to live inside that place.

To date, only the Old Madam, the Marquis and his wife, the Young Marquis, the Second Master as well as a few other highly placed masters could bring their families in. Ordinary servants would just stay outside.

However, this had nothing to do with Fu Qiuning. Her current goal was to work hard, earn money, live in relative comfort and raise those two children with care. As for strolling those fancy gardens… it was too bad but she'd rather not invite trouble.

The sun shone brightly that day.

Fu Qiuning watched as the two children ran around in the yard, sweating a little in their cotton padded jackets. She called them over, wiped their sweat off and ordered Auntie Yu to help them change into their spring outfits.

She was just looking fondly in the direction the children skipped off when Yu Jie came running in to say, "Zhang San bought the seeds for us. We can plant them in the next two days. Also, there are a lot of wild vegetables growing in the front and backyard. Shall we dig them out and boil them for dinner? I can make a dipping sauce for them."

Fu Qiuning laughed: "What are you talking about? Hmm, it's probably fine to eat wild vegetables with a dipping sauce but don't you know there's an even tastier way of eating them? Let's harvest the vegetables together and turn them into dumplings."

That's right, though wild vegetables might be considered 'free stuff' that not even servants of a large house would eat, back in modern China, 'Wild Vegetable Dumpling' was the most expensive dumpling on the menu, you know? Even more expensive than most meat and shrimp stuffed dumplings.

Thus, after some general house cleaning, she, Yu Jie and Aunt Yu went to the back garden with their baskets. Feng'er and Jiao'er ran along with them curiously. However, Fu Qiuning refused to let them do any hard work and had Aunt Yu teach them about the different types of edible wild vegetables instead.

Laughter and joy filled the back garden. The soil had already been raked a few days ago in preparation for seed sowing. However, before they even did anything to the soil, tender plants had sprung up under the bright sunlight and in less than six days wild vegetables waved their tender green fronds at them.

Looking at this happy scene, Fu Qiuning could not help but burst into a song. The excerpt of The Fisherman's Family Lives in the Middle of the Water from the Fairy Couple [2] resounded in the yard. At first, she sang a little cautiously. Soon, however, her natural performer self grew more and more excited as she sang and her voice projected across the whole yard, reaching Yu Jie and Aunt Yu who were digging for vegetables in a plot a little ways away.

Having thrown caution in the wind, believing that this courtyard was off the beaten track and there's no need to be cautious, Fu Qiuning sang ever louder. Her stage training seeped into this world and lent power to the original body's voice.

The song drifted with the wind beyond the walls of Night Breeze Pavilion. It just happened that a few people were out walking about in the garden.

Those people happened to be Jin Fengju and Jin Ming, followed by a few maids and servants.

"To think that grandfather went through such trouble for the sake of one concubine. I've just strolled out of the main garden, thinking I've seen all that's worth seeing only to suddenly catch sight of a green tiled flying eave. The lofty edges of the green tile roof draw the eye, bringing attention to the fresh greenery and red apricot flowers flourishing around it, hinting at an otherworldly scenery just beyond these walls. Like a brilliant village appearing around an unexpected bend, or the appearance of another world at the end of a darkened path."

Jin Fengju found himself with some free time today and decided to take a stroll around the main estate garden. His walk unexpectedly brought him close to the walls of Night Breeze Pavilion and his romantic scholar's heart lit up at the sight of an unexpected harmony of beauty.

"Master… should we take a closer look?" Jin Ming hurried over to inquire.

Jin Fengju laughed, "No need, did you not see the courtyard door? Clearly, the owner wishes to enjoy her spring time alone. Since they have no wish for visitors, we should not disturb her peace. Let us return."

"Yes," Jin Ming's mouth was agreeable but his heart was cursing that Fu woman: Why did you close the door in broad daylight? You deserve to sit and waste your youth inside that courtyard for the rest of your life. A great opportunity had just fallen out of the sky but was wasted just like that. This is really the so-called, weak life, weak fortune, ah.

Jin Fengju turned around to walk away but suddenly stopped. "Where is this singing coming from? I don't seem to have heard this song before."

One of the maids next to him said, "There were some actresses by the Jade Lake this morning, perhaps they are rehearsing a new play? If Master likes it, tomorrow happens to be Concubine Xu's birthday, perhaps we could invite them to sing?"

Jin Fengju nodded and said: "That's good too, it has been a long time since I've last heard a play. The current play seems a little unfinished but sounds promising."

The Jade Lake happened to lie in the north of the garden, in the same direction as Night Breeze Pavilion. Both were a little far away from Jin Fengju's location. However, thanks to his martial arts, his hearing was better than average.

As for the others, including Jin Ming who knew a little kung fu, none of them could hear anything. Jin Fengju only had a vague idea of where the direction of the singing came from and the maid's conjecture seemed reasonable. In the end, he did not really pay any attention to the matter.

Until the hour of Concubine Xu's birthday, nobody could locate the singer.

Time flew by and in a blink of an eye, five years passed like a speeding white horse leaping over a gorge. One leap and it was gone.

"There's no need for brother-in-law to worry, the emperor's dragon body is as healthy as a flourishing plant blooming in spring. The matter of deciding who will be Crown Prince is still early. Brother-in-law has been careful to keep a low profile these past few years. Prince Hong had no opportunity to repeat his tricks with us, and now Prince Lie had stepped forward to compete with him for the emperor's favour.

This is a good thing for brother-in-law. Although there is one more rival for the Crown Prince position, it also prevents Prince of Hong from standing out by himself. As the saying goes, when cranes and clams compete, only the fisherman profits. If they do not compete, how can brother-in-law pick up this excellent bargain so eagerly provided by them?"

Seated in Prince Rong's back garden, Jin Fengju, dressed in elegant white, was speaking to a handsome man in his 30s. Between them was a table covered in wine and snacks. It was clear that these two had been drinking together for some time.

At Jin Fengju's eloquent words, the melancholy on the handsome man's face disappeared. Downing his cup of wine, he laughed and said, "I'd been wallowing in sorrow hoping you'd come back from Suzhou soon. As expected, the moment you're here, you set my mind at ease with just two lines.

How is it that words became more favourable when spoken from your lips? The past two nights of sorrow now felt like a farce. Aih! In truth, us brothers should not attack each other like this. I know there's no need for pretence before you so I shall speak frankly. There is no such thing as flesh and blood among royalties. However, now that I have ridden on the tiger, I must fight till the end."

Jin Fengju maintained his indifferent smile as he took a sip of wine, "Of course, you must fight, why shouldn't you? My dear brother-in-law is a man blessed enough to survive the imperial palace. Wouldn't it be such a disappointment if he did not achieve an earth shattering position at the end of this? Furthermore, there's no turning back now. Brother-in-law, now that we have reached this point, not only you but the rest of our families and the courtiers supporting you can no longer retreat."

Zhao Lun [1] nodded, "You are right. Fengju, in your opinion, what should we do next? Continue keeping a low profile?"

"Where brother-in-law's temperament has been honed after five years of silent endurance, Prince Hong is impetuous while Prince Lie is arrogant. As for the other princes, they are merely mediocre. If my expectations are correct, several important matters will appear before the court soon and the emperor will most likely let brother-in-law handle one or two matters.

Brother-in-law, there's no need to think about other things. So long as you handle the matter properly and please everyone in court, that's good enough. The old man is not senile yet. No, I should say he's still very sharp here," Jin Fengju pointed at his own head with a laugh. "If we compare him to the emperors of the past, there aren't many who could match your old man. So long as brother-in-law handles matters properly, I'm sure the old man would… understand what to do."

The final four words were heavy with meaning. Zhao Lun leaned forward, nodding now and then before finally saying, "I understand. This is not the time to think about offending or suppressing others. It's better to stay low profile and not catch their attention. Let them bite each other to death instead."

Suddenly he laughed out loud and declared, "Just look at all those courtiers and imperial princes. How many schemers and plotters are they raising? I, on the other hand, have none. With you on my side, I don't need to waste my resources on a single useless plotter or schemer. After all, a single Jin Fengju is worth a hundred of those parasites put together."

"Brother-in-law, according to you, even if I am better than a thousand parasites, aren't I still a parasite?" Jin Fengju laughed as he shook his head in amusement.

Zhao Lun laughed heartily, "Yes, yes, yes, your brother-in-law said the wrong thing. Of course, our Fengju is not a parasite. You're the great scholar born under the Wen Qu Star [2], hahaha…"

"Brother-in-law, you're drunk." Jin Fengju stood up and said respectfully to Zhao Lun, "Well brother-in-law, it's getting late, I have to go back. There are concubines and wives at home to appease. If I return too late, I'm afraid they will suspect that I've gone to the brothel to make fireworks."

Zhao Lun also stood up and grumbled, "I just don't understand you. With your ability and status, what's a little trip to the brothel? Who is there to stop you? But look at you, keeping yourself so clean and contained, only indulging in those few women in your estate. Let me tell you, those wives and concubines of yours are getting old. While it's fine to keep those who bore your children, you can just kick out the rest and replace them with fresh, pretty ones. Yet you still refuse to listen to me."

Jin Fengju smiled mildly and said, "Brother-in-law, it's best not to let elder sister hear this. Otherwise, won't she be sad?"

Zhao Lun slapped his hand over his mouth and looked furtively around for a moment before jerking his lips into an awkward smile, "Don't worry, don't worry, this will never reach her ears. That great lady has borne this king two sons and three daughters in the seven years she has been in this palace. Who would dare offend or show a hint of disrespect? Even I have to yield three points out of four to your sister."

Jin Fengju laughed, feeling relieved to know that his sister was doing well. Though he was an intelligent man, even he eventually grew tired of playing these little games of intrigue within his house. Generally, he tried to stay out of the way and watch his own family members play out their little schemes against each other.

If the rise and fall of Prince Rong's faction were not tied to the rise and fall of his own family, he would not have thrown himself into these bothersome games either. Thus, whenever Zhao Lun praised him for his extraordinary wisdom, he still saw himself as nothing more than a parasite.

By the time Jin Fengju bid farewell to Zhao Lun and returned home, it was already after the Wei hour [1]. The first place he stopped by was his study. He had heard from the servants that several of the estate wives and concubines had gathered at the Old Madam's place and decided not to enter the inner court. Instead, he made his way towards the Yong Cui Garden, where ladies of age, but still awaiting betrothal offer, resided. It is also the place where his younger sisters once lived.

Now, all but two were married off. The remaining two sisters had moved back to their own homes awaiting their marriage date. The unoccupied Yong Cui Garden had been swept clean and tidy, awaiting the next generation of girls to grow up and move in.

A small path wounds through the garden, bordered by flowers and trees. At the slightest breeze, red petals fell like drops of rain. Jin Fengju could not help but sigh at how quickly time had flown by. Thinking back, it suddenly occurred to him that he was no longer that 16 or 17-year-old youth [a]. In a blink of an eye, he was now a young man in his early adulthood.

Without realising it he had strolled out of the garden. In the afterglow of the setting sun, he suddenly caught sight of a green tiled flying eave jutting out amidst a sea of green leaves. Below the tiled roof, a row of pale pink and deep pink apricot trees displayed themselves in full bloom.

Jin Fengju suddenly fell into a trance. Living in this courtyard was a person whose life was worse off than an abandoned woman. His main wife, if only in name. However, because of the feud between the Marquisate of Jinxiang and the Palace of Prince Zhenjiang where neither could rest until the other had perished, this woman had been sent to his home to disgrace his family and humiliate him.

In his resentment, he swore to humiliate her back and force her out of his house. He will crush her and divorce her regardless of whether she had committed any of the seven offences [2]. Who cares whether she lives or dies after he had divorced her?

What he had never expected, never anticipated was the lack of reaction from this woman. There had been some small schemes in the early days of their marriage but time was not yet right to divorce her so he had ignored her antics. Later, however, she seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth? Her presence was so dim that he had nearly forgotten that he had ever married this person, thus allowing her to lurk in this estate until now.

"Perhaps, it is now time to divorce her," Jin Fengju said suddenly.

Beside him, Jin Ming's heart trembled.

"Master, that woman has been unexpectedly peaceful. It is a great shame for a woman to be divorced. The Zhenjiang Palace… may not accommodate her," Jin Ming chose his words carefully, not even daring to use the honorific title of Madam.

Jin Fengju nodded slightly and said, "I understand, she is an innocent woman who had suffered from the power play between two factions. Nevertheless, she is still someone from Zhenjiang Palace. Once Prince Hong loses power, though I could protect her, why should I do such a troublesome thing? You know how I hate trouble."

After watching the situation from the side with cold eyes all these years, Jin Fengju could tell that although the winds still favoured Prince Hong, the emperor had long grown wary of his accomplishment. On the other hand, blinded by his own greatness and future prospects, Prince Hong had not perceived the danger right under his eyes.

Moreover, due to some fickle impulse, Jin Fengju had never mentioned to Zhao Lun that Prince Hong was already on the road to failure. The only one left to compete for the Crown Prince position against Prince Rong – Zhao Lun, was Prince Lie. The hero prince with his string of military successes, also known as Zhao You.

While Jin Fengju was contemplating all these complicated political aspects, Jin Ming remained silent by his side. As a servant, he knew better than to interrupt when his master was thinking. The reason why he made an exception and spoke a couple more words than necessary was mostly out of some trace of pity in his heart.

"Her courtyard door is still firmly closed as usual. Did she really believe that this courtyard is her private paradise?" Jin Fengju shook his head and sneered. He slowly made his way towards Night Breeze Pavilion, "Let's go and have a look."

This would be Jin Fengju's third time visiting Fu'shi. The first was on the day she married in, the second was when he heard she hung herself. This should be the third and last time.

Once again, Jin Ming privately lamented over Fu'shi's poor luck: It is said that beautiful women have thin luck [3], but I remember that Fu'shi's looks are just average. So, why is her luck as thin as paper?

As they slowly approached Night Breeze Pavillion, the vibrating sigh of a guqin faintly trembled in the air. When they reached the courtyard door, the sound of guqin grew much clearer. Jin Fengju stopped and listened carefully.

"From the sound of it, this music is not played by that Fu woman. Back then, she was known as a woman of great talent. This sound is too ordinary to be anything close to something a woman of talent would play," Jin Fengju's smile was light as he commented idly. Suddenly, he paused as a dawn of realisation crossed his face, "That's right, perhaps one of the two children is playing. They should be seven or eight years old now, right? It's rare for children at that age to be able to play this level. Looks like that Fu woman really paid some attention to the children's education."

"It still sounds slightly inferior to Third Young Miss," Jin Ming knew that Third Young Miss, Jin Xiuzhen, born of Jiang'shi is particularly favoured by Jin Fengju and deliberately flattered her.

"Xiuzhen's playing relies on talent and she likes to show off her technical skills. From the sound of this guqin, the player plays from the heart and relays the emotion behind the music clearly. Though their skill is mediocre, it is good enough to move the heart," Jin Fengju nodded to himself as he closed his critique.

Suddenly, a clear bright voice was heard reading aloud, "Confucius says: Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned? Isn't it also great when friends visit from distant places? If one remains not annoyed when he is not understood by the people around him, isn't he a sage?"

The sound of the guqin suddenly changed. The music transformed in a flash, like falling torrential rain. The reader's tone also changed, their rhythm gradually accelerating.

Jin Fengju stood outside the door and realised that the reader was matching the lively sound of the guqin.

Jin Ming stood rooted in place, listening dumbfoundedly at the side. The atmosphere sounded very intense, even his mind was dragged in by the tempo. Suddenly, the sound of the guqin changed again, from an accelerating current to a sweet and floating melody. The reader's tone also slowed down, their voice giving the words more depth and purpose.

"It's about to end, there are no victors or losers in this," at Jin Fengju's sudden whispering, Jin Ming turned to look at his master and nearly gasped.

On Jin Fengju's handsome and elegant face, instead of the usual smooth and cool smile, there was a rarely seen smile of appreciation o his face. It was clear that he was in a very good mood.

Sure enough, the sound of the guqin eventually came to an end. Jin Ming stepped forward to announce their arrival when Jin Fengju waved for him to stop. Instead, he raised his voice and said,

"

When everything in the garden is lovely,

Why should the master keep it to himself?

To refuse to open one's door

And deny the people's viewing pleasure.

"

A long while later, a childish voice was heard through the door,

"

This inauspicious place is lowly

Noble guests will be offended

Beg to shift your steps away

The noble Marquisate is a place

Where spring shines everywhere

"

The voice was childish but Jing Ming could discern that it belonged to a boy. What surprised him was how calm and articulated the child sounded.

The smile on Jin Fengju's face grew even deeper. He laughed and replied,

"

If the Marquisate is a noble place

Is this place not the Marquisate?

As it is part of the Marquisate

Where the land is noble and rich

How could an inauspicious place exist?

"

Again, there was another long silence. Jin Ming couldn't stand it and stepped forward once more to announce themselves. Again, Jin Fengju waved his hand. This time, he even spared Jin Ming a glare.

Suddenly, the voice came through the door to say,

"

The nine sons of dragons are different

Affairs of the world are bound by fate

This youngster's intentions are good

Bid noble guests to not misunderstand

A remote place where the sun sets

We fear the host is seeking for sir,

Please, turn back and depart

"

Though the speech was a little inappropriate and verging on rude, the smile on Master's face was incomparably pleased. So much so that the man himself stepped forward to the courtyard door and smack it cheerfully,

"

Open up,

I am your father

"

Gumihou: …let's talk math. You all should know by now how Gumi can be when it comes to Numbers That Don't Add Up

In [a], Jin Fengju mentioned that 'he was no longer that 16 or 17-year-old youth'. Back in Chapter 14, 5 years had passed since then, so he's 21 or 22 now, a young adult.

…guys, he has 3-year-old twin kids at 16-17.

They had to have been born when he was 13-14.

That means a certain surname Xie, a widow working as a laundress in the estate had had… relationships with a 12-13 minor.

The official marriage age for girls back then is generally 14-16, when they start menstruating. Men should marry around 20 or 30 according to Confucius, but he's kind of a sexist person and nobody really followed that anyway but regardless…

12-13-year-old is a minor, okay!

Surname Xie! Are you the reason behind ML's shitty attitude towards women?!

(ꐦ ಠ皿ಠ ) ヽ༼ ಠ益ಠ ༽ﾉ

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] Old Chinese timekeeping count, means 1pm to 3pm afternoon.

[2] 七出之条 『無子，一也；淫佚，二也；不事舅姑，三也；口舌，四也；盜竊，五也；妒忌，六也；惡疾，七也』

Seven reasons in Chinese Feudal Society where you can divorce your wife. 1: No offspring. 2. Obscenity. 3. Not respecting grandfather or grandmother. 4. Gossip. 5. Theft. 6. Jealousy. 7. Incurable illness.

Seriously, not very good reasons for divorce in modern society.

[3] 红颜薄命 "Beautiful women have thin luck" idiom.

Jin Ming nearly choked to death on his own spit. He thought: Hey, did the sun rose from the west today? Had he ever heard this usually graceful and poise master speak in such playful tones?

He was not the only person shocked by the master's weirdly cheerful tone. The two siblings by the door were nearly scared silly. Changfeng and Changjiao stared at each other with wide eyes.

Outside the door, Jin Fengju heard a girl's voice say, "Th-this is bad. Brother, go fetch mother, quick! I will stay and block the door."

Jin Fengju nearly slipped and hit his head against the door: Am I such a scary person? What do you mean 'This is bad?' Also, what's this about you staying to 'block the door'? How dare you treat me like a big bad wolf?

Nevertheless, though these various thoughts ran through his mind, his interest had already been piqued. When he visited his other wives, concubines and children, all of them had presented themselves in their best behaviour and were invariably respectful and obedient. Although they were all very courteous, thoughtful and well-mannered, it became a little boring over time.

A while later, sounds of hurried footsteps were heard crossing the courtyard and the door opened. His eyes fell upon a woman in plain clothing with a cotton handkerchief wrapped around her head. The only accessory on her was a plain silver hairpin, which looked like it had been used to pin up her hair and nothing else.

At the sight of him, the woman gave a deep salute and said, "This humble woman had not known that the Young Marquis is visiting. Please excuse this one for not coming to meet you. This one begs the Young Marquis for his indulgence."

Jin Fengju studied her closely before finally saying in a light voice, "Why are you dressed like this? Have the usual allowances not been given?"

His eyes travelled past her shoulders to study the two children behind Fu Qiuning. One glance was enough to make his heart jump.

Beside him, Jin Ming was also staring with a stunned expression: Aiyo! Wei! How unexpected, ah. To think that ugly laundrywoman could actually give birth to such a beautiful pair of children. Well, considering how they look seven or eight points out of ten similar to the Young Marquis, it's no wonder they are so handsome and lovely.

"To reply the Young Marquis, the usual allowances are sent on time. However, this humble woman likes to spend time in the garden. Silks and satin might be spoiled, so this humble woman wore plain clothing," replied Fu Qiuning lightly.

To this, Jin Fengju said, "This is nothing. Gardening is a good activity. Let's go inside. I have walked about for half a day now and am thirsty. Pour me a cup of tea."

With that, he stepped past her and made his way towards the main building.

"Yes." Fu Qiuning answered helplessly. She straightened up and trailed after Jin Fengju into the main house. As they passed by her maid, she said, "Yu Jie, serve tea."

"Yes," Yu Jie replied and hurried towards the inner room to brew tea.

Jin Fengju stepped into the living room with all the authority of the master of the entire estate, sat himself down on the most prominent chair and began questioning Fu Qiuning about their general living conditions. All the while, his eyes roamed about the room. After a few rounds of general talk, he smiled and said, "Your room is very fragrant, what incense did you use?"

Fu Qiuning was a little taken aback. She quickly smiled and said, "To reply the Young Marquis, we do not use incense here. The fragrance came from the plants and flowers in the courtyard. When this humble woman first came here, this humble woman noticed there were many kinds of curious plants and flowers in the courtyard. Some of them could even be made into spices. Thereafter, this humble woman raised them tenderly and was thus rewarded with such a fragrant room."

Jin Fengju nodded. He then glanced over at the pair of children standing to the side. When the children noticed their father's gaze, they hastily dropped to their knees, touched their foreheads to the ground and called out together, "Greetings to lord father."

Seeing them, Jin Fengju could not help but recall the first time he saw these children. They were basically two little beggars hiding behind Fu Qiuning's trousers, staring at him with fearful eyes of birds fearing a hunter's bow. If he had not seen them with his own eyes today, he would never have thought that those two children could have turned out this way.

When he thought of their pitiful appearance, his cold and merciless heart could not help but soften a little. He said gently, "Get up," and put his hand into his shirt.

However, aside from ingots of money, there was nothing else. He had never paid attention to these children before and guilt pricked at him. Surely silver ingots are not suitable gifts?

After some thought, he took off two jade pendants on his person and said with a smile, "This pair of dragon and phoenix jade pendants is gifted to me by Prince Rong during the last Lunar New Year. I just wore them yesterday. Since the two of you are a pair of dragon phoenix twins [1], these jade pendants are perfect for you. Take them."

The two children had not expected this frightening, big bad wolf of a father to suddenly give them jade pendants. Stunned and a little frightened, they froze in place for a long time. They exchanged a look with each other but still dared not reach out for the pendants. Finally, the pair of gazes turned to Fu Qiuning, who nodded slightly. Like a spell breaking, the children said in unison, "Many thanks to father," before stepping forward to receive the jade pendants.

Fu Qiuning was secretly amused: Have I accidentally brought up these two to become fans of wealth too? When they first greeted their father it was 'Greetings to lord father', as though greeting an unfamiliar person. At the sight of the jade pendants, the man suddenly became 'father'.

Jin Fengju also smiled faintly, probably because he was happy at the children's naivety and lack of scheming. Just then, Yu Jie came to pour tea. She gently set a teacup in front of Jin Fengju first before setting a second cup for Fu Qiuning.

There was a slight frown of worry on Yu Jie's face, but Fu Qiuning nodded slightly, signalling something with her eyes. At the signal, the crease between Yu Jie's eyebrows flattened a little and she gave a little bow before backing away.

Jin Fengju picked up the cup of tea in front of him. He studied the colour of the liquid and frowned, "What kind of tea is this? What is this strange smell?"

Tea, real tea leaves, are expensive things. How could Fu Qiuning afford such luxuries here? However, it's too miserable to just drink water all the time. For women and children, the only interesting beverage they had to drink was tea. Therefore, Fu Qiuning was struck by an idea. She collected the first crop of green plum herb[White Pear Flower: A kind of wild vegetable eaten locally. We called them this way but have no idea what its scientific name was. Not sure what it's called elsewhere either] [2]. This wild vegetable was dug out, dried and could be made into tea. After all, in the absence of pearls, fish eyes would do [3], right?

From Jin Fengju's frown and knowing his background as the young master of a very rich and noble family, she realised there was no point hiding this matter from an expert. Therefore, she only smiled and said, "To reply the Young Marquis, we just happened to run out of tea leaves. This humble woman has yet to ask for more and decided to make some myself."

She described the tea making method to him and laughed, "Young Master need not look down on this thing. It may not be real tea but it is still a good thing. Ever since they started drinking this, Feng'er and Jiao'er's appetite grew better due to a more novel diet, we happen to start drinking this tea every day. Thus far, all of us rarely encounter sickness. Because of this, the people in this courtyard tended to drink this tea from time to time."

Fu Qiuning was not speaking blindly either. Back in her previous life in modern China, she heard an old Chinese doctor once say that this green plum herb was the best at enhancing one's immune system. Once, a friend's prawn farm happened to suffer from some kind of disease. The friend was very anxious since they could go bankrupt if all the prawns in the pond died. In their desperation, they sought advice from an old Chinese doctor who advised them to chop some green plum herb and mix them into the pawn feed.

The prawns were given this special feed for two or three days and would you believe it? The prawns which had been languishing for close to half a month suddenly recovered without the use of antibiotics or other medicines.

According to that old Chinese doctor, patients suffering from hepatitis B could also recover from drinking tea made from green plum vegetables. [White Pear Flower: This is true! My father personally experienced this. Of course, dad was just a regular doctor and not an old traditional Chinese doctor] [2].

What kind of person was Jin Fengju? After hearing this explanation, he came to some private conclusions of his own. Though Fu Qiuning said that the allowances had been given regularly, what rich noble family would wear plain clothes or have no incense in their room? These standard things aside, it looked like basic necessities such as food and clothing had also been skimped. Why else would they take the trouble to make things like tea, and moreover, to dare serve it to the master of the house?

He had known they were not rolling in luxury. However, he never thought that an entire family would be so poor that they have to dry herbs to make fake tea! The situation was far worse than anything he had imagined. These people must not have received a single silver ingot for goodness knows how many years.

Naturally, Qiuning was also at fault for acting so low-key and refused to come out and collect her dues. Otherwise, how could the estate neglect them to this point? In all these years, if it were not for Fu Qiuning's careful plans, the entire population within this estate would probably have starved to death long ago.

[1] 龙凤胎 Twins with different genders, literally "Dragon and Phoenix babies".

"The two children drink this too?" Jin Fengju carefully sipped a mouthful. The taste was not particularly good, but it was not as bad as he imagined. After tasting it carefully, he discovered a touch of residual fragrance under the bitterness.

Fu Qiuning nodded her affirmation and took a sip too.

Jin Fengju lowered his cup of tea and looked at Changfeng and Changjiao, who were still standing in the middle of the room, "Were you two the ones reading and playing the guqin in the courtyard earlier?"

Changfeng and Changjiao huddled together a little fearfully and replied with voices as loud as a mosquito's, "Yes,"

"You're the one who usually taught them?" Jin Fengju turned to Fu Qiuning, who calmly nodded in response.

There was neither the slightest pride nor joy in her expression. He could not help but feel her restraint quite laudable. He turned to the children again, "You seemed to have familiarised yourself with the essay. For seven or eight-year-old children, though it is not particularly difficult, it still quite taxes your attention. What books have you studied so far? How many have you memorized?"

Changfeng knew that the questions were aimed at him and quickly supplied his answer in a respectful manner, "To answer father, sister and I studied together. Of the Four Books [1], we have just finished learning Analects and Mencius. We can recite both from memory but there are passages we have yet to fully understand."

"This much is already rare." A smile bloomed on Jin Fengju's face, he was obviously very happy. When he thought of his other children, though brought up surrounded by wealth, rich food and an excellent environment, their ability to study were a little lacking. Though their talent with poetry, guqin, and chess was passable, none show true promise when it came to the sages' writings.

Of the lot, the best one was a five-year-old son, who had just memorized the Thousand Character Classic [2]. Though it would not do to demand too much from a five-year-old, he could tell from Changfeng's speech that the twins must have been doing more than just reciting the Thousand Character Classic at five.

"This humble woman's knowledge is shallow and could only give crude explanations to the sage's words. This humble woman only thought of letting Feng'er and Jiao'er read and understand words, we've let the Young Marquis seen something absurd."

Fu Qiuning lowered her head slightly but Jin Fengju waved his hand generously and said, "You're being too humble. It's not easy to have studied to this degree. You must have been very attentive."

Jin Ming thought: How many years has it been since I've seen the Young Marquis so happy? Even the year he won third place at the Imperial Exams and rode through the streets in glory, the master had been calm and indifferent. However, after thinking about it, the master's happiness is quite reasonable. There are several young masters and young misses in the family but none of them has half as much interest in studying.

They had all been spoiled by their mothers and the Elder Madam. Only the Old Madam understood that 'A Spoilt Child Courts Death' However, so what if she understood this? Though she wishes to show strictness to the little grandchildren, it would look as though she sided against her child. The Young Marquis famously ranked third at the Imperial Exam and yet his children are not as good as their father in studying the sages' writings.

It would be difficult for these children to achieve significant accomplishments in their studies. In the future, they might even end up living off the grace of their ancestors and inheritance. How could he not be depressed?

To suddenly see a pair of well-read children of his own blood, how could he not be happy? Moreover, although that Fu Qiuning woman was not much of a beauty, she was a fresh and dignified woman with a stable temper and elegant manners.

Seeing the two children call such a woman 'mother' so affectionately also dispelled the shadow left by the original woman who had left a stain on the Young Marquis' heart in his youth.

Even as he pondered over these things, Jin Fengju continued to test the children over what they have read. He spoke a few more words to Fu Qiuning and instructed Changfeng to show him some of the words and lines he had written. The children brought out their homework together and Jin Fengju found himself nodding over the quality of their writing. However, the fact that both sides of the paper were used made his brows crease slightly.

Just how bad was the condition within this courtyard that noble-born children had to write on both sides of the paper in this marquisate?

"Young Marquis, it's getting late, this humble woman's sisters might be starting to worry… perhaps…" Fu Qiuning was starting to feel anxious: Oh my, Young Marquis, the sky is already darkening. Why are you still here asking this and that? Are you planning to eat here? We don't have anything good to serve you, so why do you insist on making things difficult?

Helpless to do anything else, she could only voice out a reminder.

Instead of playing his part, Jin Fengju laughed. "What's this? Is this your way of hinting at an unwanted customer to leave? Still, you're right. It is getting late. I have yet to greet them today, so, it's likely they are probably looking for me."

At this, he stood up and walked towards Changfeng and Changjiao. He patted their little faces, "Your father will return first. Make sure to study well. When father has time, I will come and see you again. I shall also test you on your knowledge on my next visit, so study well, yes?"

"Yes," Changfeng and Changjiao dutifully echoed his words. Jin Fengju noticed that although their mouths were quick to reply, there was no excitement in their eyes. Clearly, they did not believe that he would ever visit them again. To be fair, his last visit was five years ago. How long ago was that? It was more than half the years they had lived. It's no wonder the children do not believe him.

However, this was not the time to give excuses or explanations. Jin Fengju believed that so long as he continued to visit when he said he would, the children would no longer be indifferent or unfamiliar with him.

He got up and left. When he reached the courtyard door, he turned back. The little children hidden behind the door were looking at him with anxious eyes. Sudden heat gripped his heart, the pain and shame of guilt wrenched at him and he cursed himself, "Inhuman."

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

"Young Marquis, this lowly one could see that young master and young miss are both very fond of Young Marquis. After all, the bonds of blood and flesh cannot be denied so easily. Only, that woman's teaching is a little too strict. To think that while Young Marquis is leaving, she still did not have the self-awareness to come and send you off. At least the other young masters and young misses knew to curry favour and show some reluctance when the master was leaving."

On the way back, Jin Ming studied Jin Fengju's slightly gloomy expression and decided to use this opportunity to carefully alleviate his master's mood by inviting him to vent about the people they had just visited.

As expected, he heard the sneer in Jin Fengju's voice, "Yes, those other children are very good at currying favour and helping their mothers plead for me to stay. Aside from tricks like this, I have no idea what is being taught to those children. Not a single one of them is as good as a shu daughter of Eldest Prince Zhenjiang."

After saying this, he glanced over at Jin Ming, "Also, what did you say just now? 'That woman'? Is that something you can say? No matter what, she is my official wife in name. Stupid thing."

Jin Ming quickly threw himself to his knees and said, "Yes, yes, yes, this servant is stupid." He received a light kick to his side, followed by Jin Fengju's admonishment of, "Get up. What are you doing kneeling here? Are you afraid that no one can see you kneel?"

Jin Ming stood up and trotted after his master. Privately, he thought: Before we entered that courtyard, who was it that said it was time to divorce someone? That someone also said that they don't like trouble and yet, what happened? After we stepped out of the courtyard, not to mention divorce, I even have to address her as Madam now. Master, aren't you flipping your attitude too quickly?

Despite his private grumblings, Jin Ming was also happy for Fu Qiuning and the two children. So long as the Young Marquis has a good impression of them, all else aside, the marquisate will continue to see peace. If she is really divorced and thrown back to Zhenjiang Palace, the Imperial Family would never allow the humiliation of raising a divorced woman in their hands. Even if she refuses to commit suicide, they will find other ways to kill her. No matter what the ending, the two children would lose their safe haven and no longer have a peaceful life.

"On my next visit, remind me to bring them some brushes, inkstone and papers," Jin Fengju's mild stated order came suddenly.

Jin Ming hastily agreed, despite reeling from further shock: What? Young Marquis, are you planning to not neglect them anymore? Is surnamed Fu going to make a comeback?! I-impossible, all Young Master did today was speak to the children a bit and maybe that lightened his disdain for the mother, but it's impossible for him to suddenly like her. He must be planning to spoil the children a little. Perhaps he had some guilt over neglecting those children and intends to compensate them. Yes, that's probably it.

[1] Four Books of the "Four Books and Five Classics (四书五经)" : "Great Learning", "Doctrine of the Mean", "Mencius", "Analects"

While Jin Fengju continued to ponder over his thoughts, his feet led him over to Jiang'shi's courtyard. When he entered the house, in addition to the secondary wife, his three concubines and one lesser concubine [1] were also there. Of the ladies in the room, only the lesser concubine was childless. However, Jin Fengju had not sold her off yet nor did he add any new people into his house.

In fact, it could be said that he was very indifferent towards matters of love. On the day he was forced to marry Fu Qiuning, the Marquis of Jinxiang gave him special leave to take in other people out of sympathy. In the end, he took in so many people that even the blind could see that it was done out of revenge against that woman, a way to appease his own helpless anger.

Seeing him come over, the secondary wife and mother of two, Jiang'shi, ordered the maids to prepare the meal. She came over to personally help him out of his light silk cloak. Her laugh was crisp as she commented, "What's this? Here I thought you'd be kept by Prince Rong until dinner time. That Prince is also too much, calling you to his place the moment you return from Suzhou. Your bottom has yet to warm the seats here but he called you over without telling us anything and insisted on keeping you until so late. We don't expect you for lunch, but to think he did not even allow a messenger to bring word to us."

Jin Fengju smiled and said, "There was some business to discuss. I have made you worry." After the main couple exchanged their greetings, the three concubines and one lesser concubine all hurried over to greet him and speak with him. Suddenly, several children ran in from outside, clutching paper balls in their hands, their mouths calling "Father, father!"

The group of children quickly erupted into a cacophony of noise. One complained "Little brother drew a turtle on my paper", another cried "he beat me", then there was something about "someone drawing a short-tailed magpie on mine". A little apart from the boys, the girls gathered together and twittered like birds, laughing at their brothers.

Jin Fengju's expression went flat and could not help but think of the two quiet and well-behaved children at Night Breeze Pavillion. He sat down in a chair and said, "You sure are lively, what happened to the large characters I've instructed you to write before I left? Also, what books have you memorised? Well? Tell me all about it."

As soon as he mentioned "large characters", the two boys and four girls suddenly stopped speaking. They all darted glances at their father, unsure what to say.

Seeing how quiet the children became, Concubine Xu'shi came forward to say, "My lord, really, to ask after their homework as soon as you come home, just how old are the little children, ah? This is the age where children longed to have fun and play. Old Madam and Elder Madam also mentioned that winter has just passed and to not force the children to study too much. Otherwise, they could suffer from internal heat and fall sick. It's better to wait until the season is warmer before letting them pick up their studies again."

Jiang Wanying also came forward to intercede on behalf of the children. Like cunning little beasts [2], with their mothers' support, the children all rushed forward to clutch at his clothes, their little mouths filled with all sorts of flattery and promises until Jin Fengju could not help but laugh and shook his head. "You, ah. When it comes to fighting for favour, you are all so spirited. When it comes to studying, you refuse to be moved at all. These silk clothes, expensive inkstone and papers have all been wasted on you."

At this, Jiang Wanying sneered. She could not accept these words. Her voice was filled with mockery as she scoffed, "What is the Lord saying? I cannot believe the lord who just came back from the royal palace actually said these words. I cannot believe it. Is the lord saying the young masters and young misses of the royal palace are all obedient and understanding little people who refused to set their sages' books down and spent all day memorising essays? They must be for you to praise them this much."

Jin Fengju smiled mildly, "No need to speak to me thus. The children at brother-in-law's place, aside from Little Fourth, all like to have fun, just like the ones in our estate. However, there are clearly many children in this world who are more outstanding than yours."

Concubine Huo'shi stepped forward to smile and say, "This humble woman knows that the lord must be speaking of children from poor families. Who asked them to be born into such bad situations? When they have been dealt with such a poor hand, if they don't study hard, would they have any other way out? How could our children be compared to those poor wretches? With a grandfather and father like the Old Marquis and my lord, not to mention the Second Lord and Uncle who are officials at the court, is there any need to worry about their future?"

She finished her little speech triumphantly, only to see Jin Fengju's expression sank. Her heart lurched with a thump and she immediately shrank back, her knees bending and her lips curved into a desperate smile, "This humble woman is too foolish. This clumsy mouth is stupid, and to be blamed for offending my lord…"

"No need to blame," without waiting for her to finish, Jin Fengju turned away and said plainly. "If your ability to talk well is clumsy and stupid, how many others would be considered fools?" He got up and said, "I'm hungry, let's eat."

Huo'shi's face reddened. Just then, Jiang Wanying's tittering laughter reached her ears, "My dear sister must be ecstatic. Look how my lord praises your ability to talk well." She covered her mouth with her hand and left, still smiling.

Shame and hatred roiling inside her, Huo'shi flashed a glare at Jiang Wanying and said coolly, "I may be the one who bore the shame this time. However, I'm afraid that as mistress in charge of this family, you must carry the greatest responsibility. My lord's meaning has been clearly revealed. He finds our children inferior to outsiders."

Jiang'shi stopped in her tracks. She frowned. Beside her, Xu'shi laughed gently, "While it is true that she is in charge of the family, but the mistress? Perhaps not quite yet. That title belongs to the first wife by right. You should be careful with your words, sister. If you anger the Madam, as concubines, we are the ones who would eat a loss."

Jiang Wanying's hand immediately clenched into a fist, her heart filling up with hate as she gritted her teeth and thought: After so many years, you still bring this matter up every single time. Just you wait, that useless waste of space has occupied my rightful position long enough. Now that Prince Hong's faction has weakened, isn't it time to throw her out?

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but be a little smug again.

Concubine Cui'shi and Lesser Concubine Yue Lan were the most honest and straightforward in the group. They dare not say anything when battles like this erupted. Suddenly, the womenfolk heard Jin Fengju call from the dining table, "What are you all muttering about over there? Still not coming?"

Only then did the women stop their spats and rush over as one with smiles on their faces.

At the large table, only Jin Fengju, Jiang Wanying and the children were seated. All the concubines, lesser or otherwise, had to stand by the side and serve their masters and mistresses quietly.

That's enough about Jin Fengju and his troop of concubines.

Let us return to Night Breeze Pavilion.

Once Jin Fengju left the courtyard, the stiff atmosphere at Night Breeze Pavilion relaxed and everyone immediately cheered up.

Changfeng and Changjiao held the jade pendants in their hands, cheerfully chasing after each other, stopping now and then to admire them. Just then, happy laughter reached their ears.

Aunt Yu came out, her hand wiping her tears as she said, "It is true that the bond of flesh and blood indeed cannot be erased. Madam, can you still remember the Young Marquis' cruelty last time? After not showing his face for so many years, he suddenly came and gave the young master and young miss some trinkets. Look how happy they are at his gifts."

Fu Qiuning laughed, "At least his conscience has not been completely fed to the dogs, still know to give the children a gift as a reminder. It was not in vain that the children to call him father." Seeing the children still holding up their jade pendants to the candlelight admiringly, she quickly snatched them away. "My two little ancestors, ah. These are very valuable items, so take care not to break them."

She handed the jade pendants to Aunt Yu, "Find some red thread and string them into necklaces. Let them wear the jade around their necks."

Changfeng blinked and whispered, "Mother, since it's so valuable, why don't you sell it? Won't you get a lot of money?"

"Have you exchanged your eyeballs for golden taels? [3] These are your father's gifts to you. If he no longer visits us in the future, it will be the only thing that reminds you of him. Still willing to sell? You are unexpectedly heartless."

Fu Qiuning shook her head good-humouredly.

Unexpectedly, however, Changfeng lowered his head, his eyes reddened, "If father doesn't come and doesn't like us, what is the use of keeping reminders? I would rather sell it so that mother, Aunt Yu and Sister Yu could rest their eyes and embroider fewer flowers."

When he finished, Changjiao echoed, "Yes, ah, yes, ah. Mother, if you embroider by the light of the oil lamp every night, you will eventually spoil your eyes."

[Gumihou: …what? I'm not crying, you're crying. 55555]

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] Welp, time for the wife chart to make an appearance again!

Wife Ranking Chart 妻:

正妻 (Official wife, aka 嫡妻 direct wife)

填房 (Succeeding Wife) if the Official wife dies or was divorced, she would rank higher than all wives/concubines except for Official Wife. Her children would have similar ranking too.

平妻 (Secondary Wife) generally daughters of officials who are married in for political reason. Or in the case of Jin Fengji, he married Official Wife for political reason and Secondary Wife for love

Children from this category are all di-born

Concubine Ranking Chart 妾:

二房 (Second Room Concubine) generally dowry maids of wives, they are given rooms close to the wife so that they can still serve their mistress. They are also close confidants and serve as the hands and feet of the wives in their schemes.

姨娘 aka 偏房, 侧室 (Side Room Concubine) given small rooms on the side, out sight out of mind, but still have their own servants. Generally, maids that have given birth to the nobleman's children and thus were granted corresponding status

房丫头 (Common Room Girls) maids that the master has taken a liking to are given their own rooms (no need to sleep in dormitories with other girls). Highest ranking personal servants. Their job was to warm the master's bed. They still have some jobs, bringing tea, massaging shoulders etc, but their main purpose was to be pretty and agreeable.

Children from this category are all shu-born

[2] Got a better term for 人精?

Gumihou: Cunning little beasts.

[3] Originally I intended to use "Have you screwed in dollar signs as eyes?" but ancient China doesn't use dollars…

Gumihou: Let's replace $$ with gold taels, muahaha!

Fu Qiuning couldn't help but pull Changfeng and Changjiao into her arms. Her tears fell like a snapped string of beads, pattering unstoppably down her cheeks. Beside her, Aunt Yu was also crying. This startled Changfeng and Changjiao, who quickly came forward to wipe the tears from her eyes, all the while stuttering, "Mother… mother… d-don't cry… it's all this child's fault… causing mother to be sad…"

"Stupid child, mother is not sad. Mother is very happy," Fu Qiuning hugged the two children close to her. She looked at Aunt Yu, "Look, look, have we loved these children in vain? So young but already know how to care for us. As for those pampered young masters and young misses raised on luxurious food and brocade clothing, how many of them are as lovable and understanding as my children?"

Aunt Yu also wiped her tears and laughed, "Isn't this true? What Madam said is very true. The rich and noble families produce many useless fops, unlike the children from poor families who had to manage households early."

Fu Qiuning nodded, grasping the hands of the children, "Don't worry, mother has her own plans. I won't abuse myself. I won't work too long into the night and will make sure to sleep well. The next day, I will always exercise well. At the end of the day, I won't let my eyes be too tired. You just make sure to study properly and don't worry about us."

Changfeng and Changjiao nodded. Seeing them so obedient, she ushered them to run to the kitchen to see if the meal was ready. Once the children had left she turned to Aunt Yu, "Feng'er and Jiao'er had no idea they have just saved my life today."

Startled, Aunt Yu said, "Madam, what are you saying? Why would you… Saved your life? Could it be… had the Young Marquis come to take your life?"

Fu Qiuning smiled bitterly, "He was not here to kill me, not directly. However, isn't divorcing me the same thing? Once I'm divorced, I'll have to return to Zhenjiang Palace. Even if I have no wish to die, that ruthless father and grandfather of mine would never tolerate living proof of a family dishonour. They would rather hang me to death with a rope and tell everyone that I killed myself to protect my reputation. This way, they can also smear the Marquis of Jinxiang's name without having to risk much."

Aunt Yu was speechless.

Fu Qiuning continued in a low voice, "In fact, I knew this day would eventually come. I must say, the Young Marquis came much later than I had expected. This closed courtyard method of ours must have been very effective. He must have completely forgotten about me these past five years, allowing me to stay alive and giving Feng'er and Jiao'er more time to grow up well. As you've said, the blood knows, and considering how much the children resembled him, he must have been moved to compassion. Thus, allowing me to escape disaster for just a little longer."

Aunt Yu's face slowly regained its colour as she muttered, "So that's how it is… that is to say, the Young Marquis probably won't be divorcing Madam in the future, right? But… he won't come back here either?"

Fu Qiuning said, "En, I believe he won't be back until a few years later. Perhaps, he might take Feng'er and Jiao'er away immediately and place them in some other people's care so that they could continue to study and shine. If my fortune is good, he might even let me stay here for the rest of my life.

Or perhaps he won't remember my affections for the children and forgot who raised Feng'er and Jiao'er all these years and divorce me. If that happens, well, it can't be helped. We can only go with the flow and hope for the best. So long as Feng'er and Jiao'er can be included in the family genealogy, they will be acknowledged as the Eldest Young Master and Eldest Young Miss of the Young Marquis despite not being di born children. Having such status should protect them from direct bullying. So long as this happens, I can feel relief in my heart."

"No, surely the… the Young Marquis would not divorce Madam? Surely he would not be so heartless? These past years, this maid has kept an ear open for news from around the estate and heard that he has never brought any new people into his house. Clearly, he is devoted to the Second Madam and… therefore, surely… surely such a person would not be so heartless? Madam, please do not worry."

"En, let us hope so." Fu Qiuning smiled faintly, secretly thinking: Even if the final axe falls on me and the worst happens, I will not return to Zhenjiang Palace to quietly wait for death. Perhaps, I should make plans to escape. I can still join an opera troupe to earn my keep.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

Because he just returned from Suzhou, Jin Fengju really was busy for the next few days. Basically, he had to travel between Prince Rong's palace and the Imperial Palace to run errands here and there. Just travelling from the prince's palace to the Imperial Palace took up a lot of his time. Thus, he spent very little time at the marquisate during the daytime. When he finally returned, night had fallen and he would take turns resting at his different wives and concubines' rooms. In short, he had very little time to think or even care about what was happening with Fu Qiuning and those two children for now.

Finally, after matters had settled down a little, the emperor took pity on him and specially granted a three-day leave for him as a reward after toiling so hard for the country.

Jin Fengju had not been officially acknowledged as a marquis yet. Right now, he held the position as one of [1] Imperial Hanlin Academy's compilers. However, instead of compiling books at the Academy, his real job was to patrol parts of the country any time the emperor decreed it. This was equivalent to being an imperial enjoy, a very lucrative and powerful position.

On days when he did not have to patrol the country, he would help compile books at the Imperial Hanlin Academy. It was quite an idle position, which allowed him some freedom. Still, it was rare for him to have three days to himself without having to show his face in court.

Therefore, he took the opportunity to sleep in as much as he wanted. When he finally woke up, the sun was already high in the sky and Jiang'shi was smiling down at him. "You must have worked hard. To think you'd sleep in this late. Well, it's time to get up. The leading man must not be late for his role this afternoon."

"The leading man? What role are you talking about?" Jin Fengju pushed himself up and washed his face, ignoring the adoring gazes of the maids as though he was a blind man. Jiang'shi personally combed his hair and laughed, "You really don't know? It's your birthday, have you forgotten?"

"My birthday? Is today the 16th of the Fourth month?" Jin Fengju made to turn around in astonishment but was stopped by Jiang'shi's light pat on his head. A gentle laugh later, her voice floated down, saying, "Don't move, you'll mess up your hair."

Jin Fengju smiled faintly, causing the peeping maids to blush as their hearts fluttered in their chests. However, none of them dared to come forward with the madam there. They could only complain bitterly in their hearts: Which young master is like our young master, ah? Don't mention his position as the future Young Marquis, even if he was not the Young Marquis, surely he should have a few or even a dozen bedmates by now?

Don't we always hear the madams of other families complain about the number of bedmates their husbands have? Only our master is too incomprehensible. To date, he only has two maids to warm his bed. Pei! Those old things are already over 20 years old and still have the face to squat over a toilet without shitting [2]! Who knows what kind of vixen magic they used to charm the master into keeping them?

"No need for you to serve, leave." Jiang Wanying had seen the maids' little gestures and expressions in the mirror and could not help the impulse to strike them out with a smile. Then, she stretched out slim, flexible fingers as white as spring onions and lightly touched Jin Fengju's face.

"Cousin is so good looking. I still hear people still addressed you as the number one most beautiful man in the capital. To think, you, a married man with several four or 5-year-old children under you the most beautiful man in the capital! Surely such a title should have been inherited by some other man, and yet, the last time I met with Fifth Madam, everyone still addresses you the most beautiful.

It felt so odd that I felt compelled to speak a word for you, reminding them that you already have six children and surely could no longer be called the most beautiful of man? Ah, but guess what they said to me in return?"

[Gumihou: …I guess the other two kids don't count?]

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 翰林修撰 Compiler? Editor? Librarian?

Gumiho: Let's go with compiler.

[2] 占着茅坑不拉屎 This idiom LOL, direct translation: "occupying the toilet pit without shitting"

Gumihou: Such vivid imagery, lol

[3] 五奶奶 Uh… Fifth Madam? Fifth Grandma? Who's this?

Gumihou: Goodness knows…

Jin Fengju's smile was very bland, "What's the point of getting excited over looks? Isn't it just a bit of skin? Whether it looks well or not the important thing is what's underneath. So long as you don't feel that I am golden outside but rotten on the inside."

"What's this? Who would dare utter such words? Who does not know that our lord is a great person admired by even the emperor? The long term envoy of this generation's celestial guards? Such a great man has never yet existed and may never exist again. Our current emperor, this once-in-a-million brilliant ruler, clearly values great talent. Who dares to say that my lord is golden on the outside yet rotten on the inside?"

"What do I care what others think of me? It's all good so long as Madam doesn't think me that way," Jin Fengju held Jiang Wanying's hand and smiled.

Jiang Wanying blushed and gave a gentle little laugh, "How old are you? Still speaking such sweet words, no wonder those maids stare at you so, afraid to even blink."

After a pause, she sighed and took a seat beside Jin Fengju, "Time flies by so fast. In a flash, six years have already passed us by. We have two children and you're still so young, just twenty-four, and your every word and glance are still so charming. Cousin, you are so outstanding that it makes me fearful. Fearful that I could no longer match you. You will grow tired of me and become bored of me. I swear, you even look younger than me."

Jin Fengju smiled, "You've worked hard for the sake of the family and have suffered. Do not worry, don't you know what kind of person I am? I dislike people who fight for favour the most. Back then, I had to marry in a few more people and felt shameful about facing you. How could I bring in any new people, ah? I don't like it either.

Just you, Cailian and Biyu is enough for me [1]. It's more than enough. I am so busy that I barely spend any time at home. I feel lucky that you ladies live so harmoniously together. Otherwise, how could I find happiness within the family?"

Gazing into Jin Fengju's incomparably handsome face, Jiang Wanying's heart could not help but swoon. She fell into his arms and closed her eyes. "Cousin, can we grow old together?"

"Nonsense, how can we not grow old together?" Jin Fengju replied with feigned anger.

"Cousin, I'm afraid, afraid that one day, I will no longer be able to control my fate and… Heaven's will is difficult to defy… I- I'm really afraid…"

"Afraid of what? You're being overly concerned again aren't you?" Jin Fengju patted Jiang Wanying's shoulder soothingly, a touch of pity rising within. "Enough, ever since you married me, you often say such things, aren't everything perfectly fine? You only said that you are afraid of early death from a life that is too smooth and too happy, yet we have already passed these years peacefully.

Do not think too much, get up and dress quickly. Today, you shall accompany me to pay respects to Mother and Grandmother. Today might be my birthday but I should still accompany and entertain them a bit. I don't know if Father has sent any letters recently, I've been too busy these days and haven't had the time to ask."

While he was speaking, Jiang Wanying also got up, dried her tears, freshened up again and changed her clothes. She accompanied Jin Fengju to the inner court to greet the Old Madam and the Marquis' wife. Later, the Jin family's Second Old Master's wife and daughter-in-law also arrived. It was afternoon before they finally dispersed.

The group made their way to Jiang'shi's room. Jin Fengju rarely had such a leisurely half-day with nothing better to do but lounge around the kang bed in the living room to chat and joke with his concubines. Gradually, the talk wound around to the topic of rent collection.

Jiang'shi was complaining about how uncontrollable the tenants were becoming. Why, when the representative went to collect rent at the beginning of spring, the tenants were asking for a reduction of the rent! How reckless of them, considering that last autumn's rent had already been reduced by nearly 10%, to think they'd want further reduction this year too! Isn't this Stepping on Her Nose to Climb Up Her Face [2]?

Jin Fengju listened from the side. When she finished, he said lightly, "Surely that's fine? Last year's harvest was not too good, quite a few places have suffered natural disasters. In fact, our family's properties are some of the less affected ones. It's not easy to be a farmer. Come spring, not only would they have to till the fields, but they also needed money to purchase seeds and fertilisers, all of which cost money. Since they want some reduction, just give them another 10%."

Jiang'shi laughed reproachfully, "Aiya, it's so easy for my lord to just flutter his lips and say 'give them another 10%'. Words are light but consequences are heavy. If we reduce the rent by 10%, they would naturally be happy. But for us? Once we reduced this money, what would our family eat? Really, people who had never managed the household finances would not know the cost of firewood or rice."

A slight frown appeared on Jin Fengju's forehead. When Xu'shi saw this, glee brightened her heart so much that it resembled newly fallen snow. Her smile was quick and demure as she gently said, "Sister must not say this. Just what sort of person is our Lord? Do not mention household finances, is there anything in this household that escapes his eyes?

The emperor advocates a benevolent government and our lord moves on behalf of the emperor, to gladly spread a little benevolence to the people. What is this matter in comparison? Do not speak of 10%, our little palace could afford a 50% reduction in rent. After all, who depends on that little bit of rent for a year's worth of food and clothing, ah?"

Huo'shi was also quick to echo these words. "What Concubine Xu said is right. Though we have never been in charge of the household finances, we have eyes and could watch the situation with detachment and understand enough to know that in all these years, our marquisate does not depend on this little bit of rent money. After all, we have other businesses everywhere. The yearly income of just any of these stores would yield a profit that is no less than the rent collected. In fact, one could say that the rent collected is equivalent to A Single Hair off Nine Oxens, simply too minute to be considered…

Moreover, our lord enjoys his majesty's imperial favour. Each year the annual bestowment of gold, silver, jewels, courtyards and stores makes up the highest income of our marquisate. Dear sister, you are always so busy that not only your feet barely touch the floor, but you nearly kick the back of your head! How on earth did you find the leisure time to think about that bit of rent money? Surely there's no need to worry yourself over such trivialities?"

Jiang'shi gritted her teeth in anger. However, none of the ill will showed on face aside from a condescending sneer, "What's this? No matter how wealthy one is, money is accumulated coin by coin. Not to mention, the rent of 20,000 to 30,000 silver taels is no small amount. Moreover, the rent included items such as hard to obtain game animals, river goods and some of the best fresh rice and grain.

Your daily food, toys and wild pets, are they not paid for with this rent? You accuse me of being heartless, having no care for the lord or the people. I know that you are not happy about having me in charge of the household finances. Very well, I can hand this matter to you. I wish to see if my little sisters are ten times cleverer than me when it comes to household management."

Jin Fengju listened as the women continued throwing their barely veiled verbal barbs at each other, one side insinuating that someone had been sneaking silver back to their maternal house, another wondering why a certain someone had been wearing a lot fewer of their valuable accessories lately, just where have those accessories gone to? Have they been gifted away?

He was getting rather tired and annoyed by the quarrelling. Secretly, he thought: These people already have more than enough to eat, drink and wear, yet still felt that life was inadequate and wanted to garner more power and hoard mountains of gold and silver. If I make them live like Fu'shi, would they all commit suicide within five days?

He was a calm and steady person, with a mild temper. He did not like conflict and though he did not like to see his women throw barbs around like this, he continued to listen with a faint smile on his face. As he lay on the quilt, his eyes travelled to where the children were playing on the floor.

All six children were pretty good looking, their skin jade-white but bearing only 30 or 40 percent resemblance to him. Still, since they had also inherited beauty from their mother's side, their looks were not inferior to Changfeng or Changjiao.

Just as he was starting to grow interested in what they were doing, the children suddenly began to argue. Jiang'shi's daughter, Xiuzhen, accidentally stained Huo'shi's daughter's skirt with something oily, causing Little Xiuru to cry. Xiuzhen had no idea that her father was looking at them, believing that he was still chatting with their mothers. This little girl curled her lips and sneered, "What precious thing are you talking about? This kind of satin is only good for rags in our place. The oil stain compliments it perfectly." So saying, she ran her hands down Little Xiuru's skirts a few more times.

Suddenly, Xu'shi's son came forward and pushed Xiuzhen away. With a disdainful snap, he said, "Yes, who dares to compete with the main house? With your mother in charge of the food and clothing for all the family, you naturally keep everything good to yourself and throw whatever you don't want to us.

This is already too unfair. It's fine if you treat yourself well but there's no need to shamelessly throw your weight around and bully people. Take care not to offend me or I shall bring this matter up to the Madam."

[Gumihou: You know, I'm not interested in seeing romance between Fu Qiuning and Jin Fengju. I want to see Finance Manager Fu!]

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 有你们几个和采莲碧玉陪着我 Is this referencing 采莲曲, or are there really 2 more girls called Cailian and Biyu?

Gumihou: They are probably the concubines' given names. Though I'm not sure who's who yet.

[2] 蹬鼻子上脸 Chinese really has some funny idioms. Direct translation: "Stepping off the nose onto the face". Meaning being given face and overlooked on bad behaviour, yet totally disrespecting the giver by not appreciating it and acting arrogantly instead.