Description

For an ordinary working woman to transmigrate into the body of an official wife of a nobleman, described by the emperor as 'peerless talent', life should be good, right?

Too bad the official wife was an eyesore to this handsome 'peerless talent' husband. Hated as a political chess piece that prevented the dear husband from taking his true sweetheart as the official wife, she was universally despised by the entire family and was tossed into a corner of the inner court to fend for herself.

If that's not enough, this scum man also tossed a pair of unloved children born of some lowbred woman he had accidentally xxx with into her miserably poor courtyard.

Thus, she was set on a course of self-destruction…

Or so everyone thought.

Instead of self-destruction, this is the time to hone one's self-sustaining skills!

We are far away from the inner court battles and our face is an eyesore to everyone. So, let's just spend our leisurely days shut away from the world! Our transmigrator is very satisfied with the lifestyle of an abandoned wife.

Only…

Father of these children, why are you here?

Poking your nose into our private paradise after five years, just what do you think you're doing!?

Humph!

Children, it's time to defend our corner of paradise!

So, the god of transmigration exists after all.[1]

The god of transmigration exists after all

The god of transmigration exists…

This same line repeated itself over and over again in Fang Chuyu's mind from the moment she opened her eyes and realised where she was. By this point, the number of countless repeated words were enough to circle the earth twice or three times.

"Madam [2], please say something. Say something, ah… wuwuwuwu, don't frighten this maid, ah. This maid knows you are very sad, but… but madam, you should not seek death, ah, ah, ah…"

This noisy person next to her has incredible endurance. The words that spilt out of her mouth was probably enough to twirl around the earth eight or ten times after half a day of wailing. Was this her maid? Should she compliment this girl on her endurance?

Ignoring the background noise, Fang Chuyu slowly chewed over the memories left in her head. Once she deemed herself properly informed of this strange new world, she let out a long shuddering breath.

"Madam… madam…"

"Enough with your wailing," Fang Chuyu sat up effortlessly. "Can't your eyes see that I am not dead?"

The soul within this body must have yielded her mortal coils quite willingly. Not only did the original graciously left her memories for the next occupant, Fang Chuyu also found herself fitting very nicely into this mortal container. In fact, she felt so comfortable that she could probably pull off some of the more difficult yoga poses with no problem.

"No, I am no longer Fang Chuyu," she whispered to herself. "I am Fu Qiuning. I must remember this."

The wailing girl, her maid, stared at Fang Chuyu, no, Fu Qiuning with frightened eyes. Fu Qiuning smiled, "What is it? Since you do not want me to die, I have woken up. Have you changed your mind? Was the crying and wailing just a show?"

Fu Qiuning paused. Her words sounded oddly formal, dignified and fitting with her current surroundings. Was this a blessing left by the previous owner? Or was her adaptability just that good? Fu Qiuning's smile widened, good, very good. Personally, she had never liked Dream of Red Chamber much and would be hard-pressed to try and speak like an ancient Chinese noble lady.

"N, no…" the maid, Yu Jie, hastily wiped her tears. Her mouth stretched into a smile, Madam, would madam like something to eat? This maid will make it for you, is that alright?"

"Hmm, I am a little hungry," Fu Qiuning nodded to herself. "Go make some noodles."

Yu Jie leapt to her feet and ran off happily.

As she stared at the disappearing figure, a bitter smile graced Fu Qiuning's lips.

Then, she shook her head and stared into the space. The original Fu Qiuning was seventeen years old. This girl's character could be described with three words, cowardly, self-abasing and, oddly enough, talented. If one had to describe this girl with just one word it would be 'wimpy'. Taking her character into consideration as well as the situation she found herself in, this girl's condition could be described as 'miserable'. Tied all of this with her identity as a [4] shu-born daughter, her situation could well be described as 'doomed'.

The newly assigned Fu Qiuning glanced around the very spacious room. It did not look like the room of a doomed person, at first. A second glance revealed the very simple, almost austere architectural designs did not match a woman of her status. Moreover, although the shelves were made of beautiful antique wood, there was almost nothing on them.

It was… very empty.

It looked nothing like the room of an official wife. If she was forced to guess from appearance alone, she would have thought she had transmigrated into the body of a concubine at best.

This doomed girl's story was very complicated. In fact, if one looked at her story through written text alone, one would have thought that this Fu Qiuning was quite fortunate. After all, though she was a shu-born daughter, how many could compete with the shu-born daughter of the King Zhenjiang's Heir?

Moreover, she was the official wife, the main wife of the Young Marquis of Jinxiang Marquisate.

One could only blame politics for her fate. Ah yes, that dirty thing called politics was to be blamed.

The reason why it took Fu Qiuning a long time to parse out her inherited memories was because of how very complicated it was. Let's split it into four parts:

Part 1: Fu Qiuning is a shu-born daughter of the heir of King Zhenjiang. She and her mother were bullied and driven out of the royal palace when Fu Qiuning was three years old to live in some random village. When little Fu Qiuning grew a little older, she was presented to dear old dad, who finally took notice of her talent and assigned a female tutor to train her up. Don't see this as a kindness, she was really being groomed to become a concubine candidate for the Marquisate of Jinxiang. Oh, that was when she was summoned to live in a palace too. How nice.

Part 2: Who were the Marquisate of Jinxiang?

Nobody ordinary, that's for sure.

Old man Marquis of Jinxiang died before he was 50 years old. Boo hoo.

Luckily, he left two sons behind him, Jin Yu and Jin Shi. Both were pretty decent men with their own official positions. Elder son Jin Yu inherited the title of Marquis and had one daughter, Jin Yanqiu, who married Prince Rong as a succeeding wife. Prince Rong was the sixth son of the current emperor and was known to be witty and benevolent. More importantly, he was highly favoured by the emperor and was a popular candidate for the Crown Prince position.

Good daughter Jin Yanqiu also worked hard and gave birth to a son, which pleased Prince Rong so much that he installed her as the Crown Princess last year. Thus, the status of the Marquis of Jinxing rose with the tide.

So, how did the Heir of King Zhenjiang manage to get the Young Marquis to marry his shu-born daughter as the official wife?

This brings us to Part 3: of this long and involved story.

It's all Prince Rong's fault. This young prince was coddled by the emperor since he was young and developed an arrogant behaviour. One day, this arrogant prince openly offended the emperor and was harshly reprimanded. He even nearly lost his 'Prince Rong' title and was placed under house arrest for a year to reflect upon his wrongdoing.

Because of this unfortunate event, Prince Rong's reputation in the court plummeted. Before this, both Prince Rong and Prince Hong's influences had been at par. However, with Prince Rong locked away, Prince Hong now had the upper hand. He showed his capability as prince and became the new apple of the emperor's eye. With the emperor's favour upon him, courtiers and princes who had once supported Prince Rong turned around to support this new rising star.

Part 4: What does all this have to do with Fu Qiuning?

Well, [3] jumping ship to shift support from one prince to another was easy except for the House of the Marquis of Jinxiang. They were bound by marriage to Prince Rong via Jin Yanqiu, who had been elevated to Crown Princess status thanks to her smart womb. The Marquis of Jinxiang could do nothing but cautiously guard his back and grit his teeth while others bullied them.

Again, this should have nothing to do with Fu Qining. In the end, it was all Prince Hong's fault. The prince was petty and narrow-minded and enjoyed kicking people when they were down. Now that Prince Rong was put under house arrest, he could not lay his hands on that brother of his. Therefore, Prince Hong decided to make trouble for the Marquisate of Jinxiang instead.

What was supposed to be a good year for the House of the Marquis of Jinxiang turned into something very disastrous indeed. That year, the second son of the marquis, Jin Fengju, had just reached marriageable age and was supposed to welcome his cousin into the family in marriage when he was forced to marry the shu-born daughter of the Heir of King Zhenjiang [5]!

This was basically slapping the Marquisate of Jinxiang in the face! This second son was a rising star in the scholarly world. Even the emperor once praised his talent and grace, naming him 'A peerless talent with no equal'. The emperor even bestowed the title of 'Young Marquis' to him, making him the heir to the Marquisate which would have gone to his elder brother, Jin Pengzhan.

To see this peerless Young Marquis forced into the terrible situation of marrying a lowly shu-born… So what if she's a prince's daughter? A shu-born concubine's daughter was practically a nobody! Such atrocity! Such shame!

The Marquis of Jinxiang ended up bedridden for several months, feverish and ill, barely clinging to life. Luckily, he was able to recover, but how could he look fondly upon this terrible shame forced into his household?!

Thus began the miserable life of one Fu Qiuning.

Young Marquis Jin Fengjiu wanted to marry his childhood sweetheart, his cousin and granddaughter of the Duke of Lu. They had grown up together until the age of ten before they separated, each waiting for the moment when they would reunite in marriage as a heaven matched couple, the envy of all around. But now… An obstacle had been thrust between their happiness. Who was this lowly plain-faced woman to dare force herself in as his main wife?! How could he stomach it?!

Due to the tragedy of having to take a shu-born as a wife, the Marquis of Jinxiang allowed Jin Fengju to take in a second wife immediately. In anger, Jin Fengju took in Jiang Wanying, the sweetheart cousin and granddaughter of the Duke of Lu as his secondary wife. Still not quite appeased, he also took in Jiang Wanying's two dowry maids as his concubines. Then, in a strange fit, he also married two fourth-rank city official's daughters as concubines. Not long after that, a lot of women entered the angry Jin Fengju's room as various 'chambermaids' and bed warmers. It was all done to humiliate this main wife, Fu Qiuning.

The current Fu Qiuning with the newly imported soul rubbed her forehead.

Wei, this was obviously the fault of Prince Hong and the Zhenjiang household, you could even be generous and say it was the fault of Prince Rong. Moreover, would hurting Fu Qiuning do anything to those two rogues?

Obviously, there was something wrong with everyone's head in this marquisate. They could not attack the royal household and took their anger out on Fu Qiuning instead. As for the rogue prince and his partner in crime? After landing a slap on the Marquisate's household, they are probably toasting each other over their cleverness now. Who cares what happened to Fu Qiuning? What happened to her had nothing to do with them!

Would they intervene as Fu Qiuning's maternal family and insist that the Marquisate of Jinxiang treat her as a proper official wife? Not a chance! They just wanted to give the Jinxiang Marquisate a little slap, then hurry away and watch the drama. They had no intention of sticking their hands into the wasp nest that was Jin Fengju's inner courtyard.

Just like that, Fu Qiuning's life was ruined while the men in power played their political games.

Letting out a long sigh, Fu Qiuning the Second rubbed her forehead again.

It has been nearly a year since Fu Qiuning the First married into this Marquis' household, living in the very remote Night Breeze Pavilion. For the first few months, people would often drop by to criticise her. Now, not even the shadow of these critics could be seen. On the night of their wedding, Jin Fengju kept drinking until he ended up dead drunk. Fu Qiuning the First took care of him the whole night until dawn, only to be rewarded with these cold words from her husband: "Just you wait, I will definitely divorce you." After that, this peerless and praiseworthy Young Marquis left with a flick of his sleeves.

It was under this miserable situation that Fu Qiuning lived a difficult ten months as an abandoned wife despite holding the title of the main wife. She had been bullied since childhood and was used to it. Therefore, although she was very much aggrieved, she did not have any suicidal thoughts.

Until yesterday.

A young maid of Jin Fengju's secondary wife, the cousin, came over and said something that triggered Fu Qiuning. The poor girl cried all night and hung herself this morning. Fortunately, Yu Jie came to her rescue. Unfortunately, she did not manage to rescue her mistress and thus, allowed a strange spirit to enter her body.

So.

What was the terrible thing that triggered the original Fu Qiuning into committing suicide?

Time to introduce the 'extra' episode of the story of The Unfortunate Fu Qiuning.

This Jin Fengju guy, though was famous for being a gifted scholar, a lover of beauty and a peerless scholar. This peerless guy has some very strict standards. He was a pure and untainted young man until his marriage. This pure and untainted mindset was shattered when he drank himself silly one day and wandered into the laundry room by mistake. It was unclear whether it was by accident or design, he encountered the washerwoman there and they proceeded to, ahem, together. This gruff and vulgar widow of advanced years was robust enough to give birth to a pair of boy and girl children ten months later. Living evidence of his 'special night' with that horrible woman.

This shameful incident was known to the whole family, but no one ever brings it up. Jin Fengju had always been proud of his image as a pure and elegant scholar who prize beauty and intelligence. Therefore, how could he be willing to accept this incident where he 'did stuff' with a vulgar and coarse widow that resulted in children? Even if he was drunk, this was not acceptable, ah. That vulgar woman was greedy and expected to rise in status as the mother of the lord's children. However, after the children were born, she and the children were placed under house arrest in a storehouse in a little corner of the inner court. Even after Jin Fengju got married, and started taking secondary wives, concubines and random bedmates, she was given neither face nor recognition.

The widow held the anger in her heart and took it out on her children every day. However, the Jin family did not care. When the widow finally died and the children had no one to rely on, Jin Fengju still could not bear the sight of them. However, since they were still of his flesh and blood and it would not look good to just throw them away. While he was fretting over what to do with them, Jiang Wanying proposed a most wonderful idea: why not let Fu Qiuning raise them as the main wife's children?

Technically, this was too good for a pair of children born of a vulgar washerwoman. It was the equivalent of giving the shu-born pair the status of di-born children. Nevertheless, it was clear to everyone in the Jin Estate that Fu Qiuning's days were as short-lived as a grasshopper in autumn. She was bound to be divorced after three to five years. Therefore, nobody held any jealousy in their heart. Instead, everyone agreed with Jiang Wanying's brilliant idea even as they gloated internally. Jin Fengju also thought this was a good idea. By the time he divorce Fu Qiuning, those two children would be old enough to be moved into some random farm out there to take care of themselves. Out of sight, out of mind.

When this 'wonderful' news was sent to her, how could the heart of the original Fu Qiuning take it? She had been married for nearly a year and was still a virgin. She struggled to feed and clothe herself and yet this heartless slag husband still wanted to send a pair of children with no status, born of a vulgar washerwoman to her care?

How could she bear this humiliation?

Nevertheless, though she could not bear it, she was unable to voice her thoughts. Cowardly and timid, she dared not quarrel with anyone. Instead, after a night of washing her face with tears, she found a length of white silk and hung herself. Let's just die. Die and leave this wretched marquisate where life is worse than death.

The current Fu Qiuning was a music teacher in her past life. She loves children and specializes in teaching opera-style singing. Therefore, she could not understand original Fu Qiuning's thoughts. Privately, she thought: Though you were abandoned into a place where birds don't even come and poop, those two children are still so young and lived a bitter life. If you treat them well, won't they bring some joy and pleasure into your life? Why would you just die in a fit of anger?

She just could not understand original Fu Qiuning's thinking.

However, one thing was clear. The Young Marquis Jin Fengju was a peerless scum. A giant scum from a sewer filled with all kinds of scummy debris swimming in their own filth. Unfortunately, as a helpless woman, she could do nothing against this scum man and his scum family. Besides, isn't King Zhenjiang's house filled with a variety of scum as well? Scumbags, filth and garbage, all of them! Men, women, servants, noblemen, all scum!

Her increasingly emotional thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the fragrant aroma of noodles. Fu Qiuning sat up and found herself staring as Yu Jie came in with two steaming bowls of noodles. Her fingers twitched. This body must not have eaten since yesterday after it was triggered by that news, so, of course, it would be hungry. Fu Qiuning accepted one bowl of noodles with both hands and grabbed a pair of chopsticks. She stabbed the chopsticks into the noodles and was about to haul up a large mouthful when she caught sight of Yu Jie sitting on a small mat and sipping at her own portion slowly.

Fu Qiuning coughed and proceeded to imitate Yu Jie's eating style. One. Tiny. Bite. At a time.

No matter what, she has now transmigrated to this hell-like era for women. To survive till a ripe old age in peace, she must be sensible and play by the local rules.

Under the tenets of "low-profile behaviour", she must also follow along and never let anyone know that the soul of the owner of this body has changed.

[Gumihou: I noticed that in the novelupdates review, some readers say that they hated modern FQN for looking down on original FQN for committing suicide. Personally, I don't think that's what happened. As someone who enjoys a measure of success in spite of adversity (modern FQN is a teacher of opera singing, a creative who defies the patriarchy and reached a compromise), she lives in a world where success is possible so long as you work on it (part of it is Communist China brainwashing, let's not forget that happened. Women hold up half th sky mentality is the one good thing Chairman Mao promoted). Original FQN live in a world where you are screwed the moment your gender is decided at birth and had her confidence bashed up left and right as she grows up. These two Fu Qiunings can't understand each other because they came from too different circumstances.]

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] Decided to use italics to denote internal thoughts for better text flow.

[2] 奶奶 = Madam, a form of address that could be translated as 'granny' but…

[3] Changed the idiom a bit in English to make sense.

[4] Shu-born – Illegal or not born by wives. Children of concubines and others (prostitutes, washerwomen, some farmer's daughter they took a liking to etc.

All wives' offspring are 嫡子嫡女 'di-born' direct son and direct daughter, and have higher status than shu-born concubine's offspring.

[5] I'm sure you're wondering how this happens. Basically, in ancient China you can't say no to your boss. Boss says: here's a nice girl, why don't you marry her? (even if that girl was an obvious trap, like being a whore's daughter.) Refusing would make your boss lose face, and petty royalty can do bad things like strip your title or even execute you on a whim.

Wife Ranking Chart 妻 :

正妻 (Official wife, aka 嫡妻 direct wife)

填房 (Succeeding Wife) if 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 Fengju, 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 status.

通房丫头 (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

After the noodles were eaten, Yu Jie deftly packed the detritus of their meal away. Fu Qiuning looked at the small folding stool on the ground, she privately sighed and thought: Fu Qiuning, ah, Fu Qiuning. You had such a caring person right next to you this whole time, but you still indulged in such classist attitude. What do you think would happen if you ate at the same table together?

After such a precedent, Fu Qiuning dare not simply invite her maid to eat together at the table. That would attract too many questions. Still, it's rather meaningless to eat alone. Sigh… You poor woman. Already at a disadvantage thanks to the feudal society and yet still isolating yourself even behind closed doors. Hopefully, you will be reborn into the modern era and live life as a free and happy career woman.

After the meal, there was nothing much to do but lie in bed. The warm afternoon sunshine was making Fu Qiuning drowsy. It was the beginning of spring, willow trees were sprouting, peach and apricot trees were budding. The spring breeze was gentle, nothing like the cold and bitter north wind. As Fu Qiuning stared at the plain ceiling and sank slowly into sleep, her final thought was: Hey, I crossed over during a really nice season.

Some time passed, who knows how long but Fu Qiuning was suddenly awakened by soft speaking voices. She got up from the bed and looked out the window in a daze. The voices came from shadowy figures standing at their front door. Yu Jie was blocking their small doorway with arms outstretched like a faithful guardian. Her angry hissing whispers reached Fu Qiuning's ears, "You do not believe me? If you do not believe my words, you are welcome to see with your own eyes. The marks on Madam's neck have yet to dissipate and she has suffered for so many months, yet you brought these two dirty things here? Why should our Madam care for them? Is it not enough to merely withhold our Madam's allowance, so you want to add these two mouths here?

There is not a single coin to be found in this courtyard, are you planning to starve us to death? Very good, once our Madam returns to her maiden home we'll beg his highness the prince for justice. I ask you, what has this house done for us? How dare you pressure our Madam to the point of suicide!"

This Yu Jie's mouth was surprisingly powerful, perhaps stirred up by Fu Qiuning's suicide attempt, she no longer minced words with others. The speech was so powerful that even the maids outside were rendered speechless.

Fu Qiuning got out of bed and peeked through the window. A particularly beautiful maid was acting as the leader in front of the other maids. She glowered at Yu Jie and opened her mouth a few times to speak, but ended up saying nothing.

It was really kind of hard to defend herself from Yu Jie's accusations.

After all, no matter how one tried to twist the facts, Fu Qiuning really did hang herself from on the rafters. If she had died within the Marquisate, would Prince Hong let go of this golden opportunity to suppress the Marquisate of Jinxiang and reduce Prince Rong's influence? Even insignificant maids like them knew they were on thin ice. If word got out that they were the ones who cast the final stone that started this avalanche, would their master hesitate about throwing their pitiful lives to the wolves? In short, how could she dare to act rashly?

Behind this pretty looking maid was an older woman in her 30s who was dragging 2 children along by the hand. Even for spring, their clothes were far too thin and ragged. Their little heads bowed as they stared at their feet. Now and then, the sound of snot being sniffed back into their noses was heard. These children were clearly very badly treated.

Fu Qiuning sighed privately: No wonder they are not well-liked. Low status aside, who would like dirty looking brats like these? Especially in such a clean and snobby marquisate?

At first, she thought to just let the matter solve itself. After all, if Fu Qiuning the First had hung herself to force Jin Fengju to retract the order to take the children in, then would it not be strange if she were to turn around and take them in now? Logically speaking, she should not. However, looking at the two miserable children and grim-faced woman, she could not help the sudden well of compassion in her heart.

She was about to say something when the pretty maid stomped her feet and sneered, "Good, very good, ah! To think that even a lowly servant dares to speak to me like that. Just wait, I will report this matter to the Madam. You just wait,"

After this final vent, she turned, roughly pushed the little girl aside and snapped, "Scram back! There's no place for vulgar dirty rats like you in this place. Send them back to Mister Ming, prepare to throw them out to the farmstead later."

The children whimpered, not daring to cry out loud as the pretty maid stomped away.

"Enough. Yu Jie, take them in." Fu Qiuning said as she exited her room.

Her voice was so unexpected that Yu Jie actually jumped, before hurrying back and exclaiming, "Madam, why are you up? No need to quarrel with these people. Just rest a little more. Everything will be fine. Miss Xia Yue will be taking them away. Those children have nothing to do with us…"

From her vantage point by the door, Fu Qiuning saw the pretty little maid stop and turn around. There was disbelief on her face.

Fu Qiuning repeated, "Leave them behind and go."

Xia Yue recovered her poise and a smug smile played about her lips as she sneered, "Well, why not say so earlier? Still imagining yourself as the face of Zhenjiang Palace? After all those frightening words and that pointless play, you still obediently swallow these two dirty things." She pushed the girl forward. "Well, go on. That kind-hearted madam is going to take you in. Remember to work hard or you'll be scolded and beaten. You'll deserve it too."

[2] The little girl would have fallen if that grim-faced servant had not been holding her hand. Something snapped inside Fu Qiuning.

"What was that? A play is it? You think I was just playing? Very well, let us go and meet your Madam. Shall we wait together for the Young Marquis for his judgement? If the Young Marquis wants me to move out, that's fine too. I don't mind returning to Zhenjiang Palace. After all, I am shameless. I don't care about causing a scene. If I die, those vixens surrounding the Young Marquis will not have a good life anyway. In fact, why don't we go now?"

Fu Qiuning stared at Xia Yue, her eyes cool and contemptuous. The smile on her face was more like a sneer and Xia Yue shivered. Of course, she would not dare let Fu Qiuning out and cause a ruckus. The person who would be blamed would be her, ah! Her face turned red, then white, then red again before she finally gritted her teeth and clasped her hands to the side, knees bending in a respectful bob and whispered, "This maid has misspoken. Would madam please overlook the matter,"

After this, she cast a final poisonous glare in Fu Qiuning's direction before fleeing the scene with her flock.

"Crossing words with [1] little vixens who borrowed a tiger's might is beneath my dignity. However, I cannot overlook her cruelty towards these children." Fu Qiuning turned to Yu Jie and sighed. "In truth, I have no intention of keeping them. However, now that I have seen them, I cannot help but recall my own childhood. Aih! How terrible it is to bear so much misfortune at such a young age. Enough, lead them in, Yu Jie."

When Fu Qiuning was married off, Yu Jie had been specially chosen to be her handmaiden. Eldest Prince Zhenjiang realised that this daughter of his has no practical skills and had sent Yu Jie along as support. Fu Qiuning was only good at the qin, chess, calligraphy and painting with little to no skills in scheming or seduction. The more capable daughters had been sent off to seize power within the inner courts of other princes and noble houses. Yu Jie had been purchased for her outstanding skills and ended up wasting her talents in Fu Qiuning's courtyard. After all, there was very little need to spy or scheme when one's mistress was so universally despised.

Moreover, since Yu Jie had only been with Fu Qiuning during her short married life, all she saw was how her mistress had suppressed her rage and swallowed her words during the 10 months of serving her. She had no idea what Fu Qiuning was like before her marriage. Seeing how her mistress had made that Jiang woman's maid salute and apologise before fleeing their courtyard, she assumed that Fu Qiuning had had enough and was finally showing her true colours. That attempted suicide must have somehow enlightened her and she grew a spine of steel after suffering this humiliation. Yu Jie was looking forward to life after this.

Still, she was not at all happy about having these three extra people in their house.

[Gumihou: The pure and untainted young master xxx a widow and already had kids that could walk… haizzz…]

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 狐假虎威的小人

Gumihou: little vixens who exploits a tiger's might – adjusted to fit inner court scenario the fox exploits the tiger's might

= To use powerful connections to intimidate people

[2] Jarring transition here, suddenly bringing up Xia Yue's behaviour out of nowhere. Fixed

Fu Qiuning sat down a chair. The two children, without their much older servant prompting them, immediately prostrated themselves on the ground and kowtowed three times respectfully, saying together, "This servant greets madam."

Tears immediately welled up in Fu Qiuning's eyes. She hurriedly got out from her seat to help the two children up. This was her first clear glance at their faces. Both children have delicate and pretty features under all that dirt. Fearful eyes blinked up at her and she looked at Yu Jie, nearly choking with emotions as she said, "These two children suffered an even worse fate than myself. What 'Young Marquis'? A fierce tiger does not eat its young and even wolves protect its cubs. How could that man allow his own flesh and blood to suffer like this? The women who love him are truly blind."

"Madam, you must not say this!" The beautiful woman in her 30s threw herself to the ground and flapped her hands in panic. Fearful eyes darted to the door and windows before she whispered, "If the Young Marquis hears this, Madam will suffer for it. Please, never say this again."

Fu Qiuning gritted her teeth. However, she also knew her limits and could only hiss, "Fine, fine! I won't say it."

She helped the two children up and fished out a handkerchief from her bosom to wipe their little faces. The beautiful woman stood up too and smiled awkwardly, "I had cleaned their faces this morning, but they followed me when I was called to work at the warehouse and both became covered in dust. I intended to give them a bath before coming to see madam, but Xia Yue suddenly came and said to hurry and dragged us all here… This one… has really let madam see something unfortunate…"

Fu Qiuning frowned and said: "You work at the warehouse? Why bring the children along? Speaking of which, what is your name? And what are the names of these children? Tell me now."

"This humble maid is Qiao Yu. People address this one as Aunt Yu [1]. The children do not have names. The Young Marquis has yet to set his eyes on them. Their mother and this maid are ignorant. How could we name them?"

This sentence was punctuated by an embarrassing pause. Nevertheless, Aunt Yu continued, "Perhaps Madam is not aware but the children are not favoured by their parents since they were still young. The Young Marquis aside, even their blood mother was… b-before this, if they weren't being beaten, they were scolded. There is no child in the estate who had not bullied them.

Just last month, this maid came back from working at the warehouse to find the girl-child thrown into the water tank in the courtyard. if this maid had not returned in time, the child would have lost their life…"

Aunt Yu pressed her sleeve against her mouth, choking from emotion. The boy and girl clutched each other, tears falling from their eyes but not daring to cry out their grief.

The story was so filled with tragedy and misfortune that even Yu Jie was shocked. She muttered, "This… h-how can this be? What Young Master or Young Miss? Even offspring of dogs and bitches would not be so ill-treated." She reached forward to pull the boy closer by the arm to wipe his tears when the child cried out in pain.

Shocked, Yu Jie quickly rolled up his wide, ill-fitting sleeves and beheld an arm that was as thin as a wooden stick and covered in swollen bruises and old scars.

Even the jaded Yu Jie could not help the tears falling from her eyes. She looked up at Fu Qiuning and said, "Madam, I never thought they'd be so pitiful. Just look at this arm…" she could not bring herself to continue and just held out that thin arm to Fu Qiuning.

"What marquisate? Clearly, this place is a devil's nest filled with man-eating demons," Fu Qiuning shook her head and sighed. "Do we have any healing ointment or something? Just the arm is already so pitiful, I cannot imagine the injuries on the rest of the body…"

Before she could finish, the boy said timidly, "It has always been like this, madam… madam need not be concerned, if… if these injuries displeases madam… In the future, as long as I am not beaten, they would… disappear." Then, he hung his head.

Fu Qiuning froze. She studied the boy for a moment before asking Aunt Yu: "How old is this child?"

From her inherited memory, these two children should only be about three years old, but what kind of three-year-old would say these words? Not only was the thought process fluent, but the words were also polite. The most surprising thing was his cleverness. On the surface, it was as though he was speaking for Fu Qiuning. What 'if these injuries displeases madam'? What 'madam need not concern'? He was clearly scheming to prevent future beatings! Was this the kind of cunning something a three-year-old should have?

"In reply to Madam's words, both the girl and the boy are nearly three years old. They were born on the same day. In two months, it will be their third birthday." Aunt Yu replied with a smile.

Fu Qiuning was even more amazed; these two children weren't even three years old yet? Keeping the surprise hidden, she laughed gently and said, "No need to be so afraid. Your days with me will also be quite bitter here. Soon, you two shall understand my situation better. Though I carry the title of Madam, my life is no better than your mother's. However, I can promise you one thing. As long as you are in my place no one will come and bully you. After all, this is a place where no one would willingly visit. It is unfortunate, but you will most likely suffer from loneliness in the future."

"We are not afraid of loneliness." Perhaps it was due to Fu Qiuning's gentle tone, the little girl actually raised her head and spoke up in a childish tone.

Looking at these dirty but clever and sensitive children, Fu Qiuning liked them even more. She nodded and said, "Good, good, it is very good if you are willing. From now on, we shall only have each other to speak to. We will not mingle with the bad people from the outside. That's not so bad, is it not?

Now, neither of you have names yet. Since the Young Marquis does not acknowledge you as his children, I believe we cannot expect him to grant you a name. Why don't I pick out something for you?" Fu Qiuning stood up and paced a couple of steps before studying the boy's steady and silent back. Suddenly, the phrase 'Beware the Quiet Ones' [2] appeared in her mind.

She believed that so long as she carefully nurtured this child, he would one day astonish the heavens. Surely the name Chang Feng would suit him well? Or is 'Hidden Blade' too straightforward? She laughed and decided, "Boy, what do you think of the name Jin Changfeng? A quiet blade hidden in the sheath. However, once your sharpness is revealed, the world would be amazed."

Fu Qiuning turned to the girl and could not help but think of the story 'A Golden House to Keep a Beloved [3]'. The pinyin just happened to be 'Jin Wu Chang Jiao', isn't it auspicious? "Yes," she laughed gently. "It would be a pity to not refer to an old classic. The girl shall be called Changjiao. Jin Changjiao. I hope my Jiao'er will live in a golden house as someone's precious beloved and be doted on forever."

Before the two children could say anything, Aunt Yu said out loud, "Changfeng, Changjiao, what wonderful names they are." Although Fu Qiuning had addressed them as Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao, she was perceptive enough to understand that the names of these two children could not be recorded into the family tree. Nor could they use the surname Jin. Still, the children now had names, and what good names they were.

"From now on, your nicknames will be Feng'er and Jiao'er." Fu Qiuning said with a little smile. She glanced at Yu Jie and said, "You take them and give them a good bath. Aunt Yu shall go with them too. Find some clean clothes for them as well."

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie quickly accepted the order and pulled the children to the kitchen in the back. First, they should boil some water for a bath.

This Night Breeze Pavilion might be vast but it was very poorly maintained. From her borrowed memory, she knew that this place used to house the old marquis' favourite concubine. The concubine was the quiet and obedient type, therefore the old marquis took great pains in creating such a luxuriously large courtyard in this out of place corner of the estate and called it Night Breeze Pavilion.

However, that same concubine was later caught committing adultery and was sentenced to 30 strokes of the cane right in this very courtyard. Barely clutching to life, she was then dragged to the pond and drowned. From that day onwards, the spacious front yard, backyard and over a dozen buildings within the Night Breeze Pavilion were left to fall into disrepair. No one even came to clean it until Fu Qiuning entered the Jin household.

The two children were quickly bathed and changed into clean clothes. Even so, they looked far from noble with their thin bodies and clothes covered in patches over patches. While Aunt Yu led the children off to pick out a suitable room, Yu Jie took the opportunity to speak to Fu Qiuning.

"Madam," she began sorrowfully. "You have not seen it, but I swear those little children's bodies are crisscrossed with wounds. It is a heartbreaking sight. Is their mother's heart made of iron? How could anyone be so cruel? It is fortunate that she had died. Otherwise, how could two little children continue to endure beatings like that?"

Fu Qiuning smiled and said, "Yo, look at you wiping your eyes and sighing with distress. Who was it that called them 'those nasty things' in front of Xia Yue…"

Yu Jie stomped her foot and cried, "Madam even heard that! This maid… this maid did not know about their pitiful situation before. This maid thought that those shameless people deliberately sent them here to humiliate you and- and said all those things. Now that I know, even if they want those children back, this maid will stop them."

Fu Qiuning laughed, "Yo, it looks like our Yu Jie is unexpectedly chivalrous…"

Before she could say anything more, Yu Jie stomped her foot again. Her face a brilliant red, she cried, "Madam, I shall not speak to you anymore. You only know how to tease this maid."

"My, my, you call yourself 'maid' but words like 'I' and 'me' fly out of your mouth when you are excited. Enough, enough, what kind of situation are we in now? If you're not used to being a maid, just use 'I' when speaking to me. There are only so many of us in this place. I'd like it if everyone is friendlier with each other. Inform Aunt Yu too."

However, Yu Jie had recovered her poise and said with a prim expression, "Absolutely not. Though we live in a place where not even rats would patronize, etiquette should still be observed. Moreover, we have to guard against those who look down their noble nostrils at us. We must let them know that our dignity is no lower than theirs and will not bring shame to the marquisate. Perhaps there might be a slip of the tongue now and then. If Madam is tolerant and does not reprimand us, that is due to your good temper and generous grace. However, rules must still be maintained."

Just then, Aunt Yu was seen leading the two children in, so maid and mistress stopped speaking to welcome the now clean and tidied up children.

Aunt Yu ventured to say, "Madam, if Madam would allow it, the children say they wished to stay in the room next to Madam. We promise that we will be quiet and not disturb your rest."

Fu Qiuning laughed lightly, "That's how it should be. I meant to have you live close by anyway. That way we can chat easily with each other. Otherwise, with so few people, if we disperse some to the west and others in the east, how can we grow intimate with each other?"

The children looked delighted. No matter how mature they might be, they were still children in the end. Both happily called out, "Thank you, Madam," in their sweet voices.

Fu Qiuning's heart twisted. She said, "Well now, since you have been sent to be raised under my name, enough with the 'Madam this', 'Madam that'. Just call me mother."

Never in her wildest dreams would Fu Qiuning have imagined that this normal request would result in two children bursting into tears. In the next instant, they threw themselves forward, as though they were throwing their lives away, towards Fu Qiuning's feet and hugged her legs. Both children were crying and calling 'Mother, mother' endlessly, giving Fu Qiuning a big fright. She quickly helped them up and turned to Aunt Yu, "What's wrong? Are they missing their blood mother?"

Awkwardness filled Aunt Yu's face and she leaned over to whisper, "Perhaps Madam does not know, but three years ago when that surname Xie person got involved with a drunken Young Marquis and had a spring evening with him that resulted in pregnancy, she harboured ambitions of being the mother of a noble lineage. Who would have thought that even after the two children were born, the Young Marquis never gave her a second look? With hatred in her heart, she took out her anger against the Young Marquis on the two children and forbade them from calling her mother. They could only call her 'Madam'. That shameless woman secretly borrowed this title and lived out a fantasy life."

Fu Qiuning trembled with rage. She pounded one fist on the table and hissed, "For a mother to harbour such hatred, unheard of! Unheard of! Yu Jie is right, she's lucky to be dead. Otherwise, these two children would have died in her hands. Her conscience has long since been clouded by greed. A person with such a perverted mind is destined to go to hell!"

Aunt Yu had no idea what 'perverted mind' meant and could only stand by and keep quiet. After a long time, Fu Qiuning sighed and said softly, "Enough, take the children away and let them rest. They have dark circles under their eyes. Perhaps they haven't had a good night's sleep for many days, ba? What sort of worries could a child carry? Isn't it too tiring? You take them for an afternoon nap."

Aunt Yu accepted the order and left. Fu Qiuning sat in the room for a long time before suddenly getting up, saying, "Yu Jie, I'm bored, let's go out for a walk together."

Yu Jie acknowledged the order and hurried forward to support her. Fu Qiuning laughed and shook her off, "What is that for? I am not a 70 or 80 years old lady. If you want to talk about a Madam's dignity, well, no need for that. After dying once, I've finally realised that there's more to life than vanity and arrogance. I used to think of myself as the Madam of a marquisate and could not bring myself to swallow any kind of injustice.

Now that I've snatched my life back from the jaws of death, I understand that dignity, nobility and pride are all hollow things. The best thing in life is to live well. I am a Madam in title but not in life. I know that now. So why bother chasing the life of a Madam? Look at that Xie person. That woman fell so far in her daydreams until even her children became her enemies. Truly, delusions are too harmful to a person."

"Madam…" Yu Jie murmured, tears pooling in her eyes: "That's only because the Young Marquis did not know your good sides, otherwise… otherwise no matter what, he would not treat you like this."

Fu Qiuning sneered. The words in her heart never crossing her lips: My good side? What's good about 'me'? In this era, women are judged most by appearance. Although I am not like some ugly swamp witch [1], this appearance can barely pass as beautiful. If there is a family banquet or some small gathering, I would belong to the group looking onto the stage rather than on it. If we talk about talent, I do have some to my name. But can being good at qin, chess, calligraphy and painting fill my belly? Needlework is a more practical talent compared to those artsy hobbies [2].

Now then, the old Fu Qiuning has generously left her memories in her body. Surely she should also know the art of making clothes, embroidery and so forth? With those two households still slinging mud at each other, it would be easier for the sun to rise from the west than for me to take control of the inner court. Moreover, that scum man Jin whatever, so what if he has a handsome face or is a man praised by the emperor? Slag men like that are useless. She didn't want one even if you hand him over for free. Right now he had better just stay away and not make trouble for me.

Yes, the best thing that a slag man could do is just keep staying away.

As Fu Qiuning explored the grounds with Yu Jie under the pretence of strolling through the garden, she said, "I have something to say to you. Make sure you remember this well. So long as we live in this residence, our only goal is to seek peace and nothing else. You have seen how the Young Marquis treats his children. From this alone, you can tell that he is a cold-hearted and ruthless person.

We shall consider ourselves lucky that he left us alive. Do not hold out hopes for anything else, especially thoughts of getting close to him. Let him forget we ever exist. I do not want to scare you but this is something you must know. The struggles of the imperial court have leaked over to this residence. Moreover, the struggles are no longer hidden in the shadows but are happening in the open as well.

You have not studied much, so I will make it easy for you to understand. We will close our doors and live our lives in seclusion. The fewer people remember us the better off we are. The Young Marquis has plenty of wives and concubines to occupy him. They should have no interest in bothering an abandoned wife like me. You know what I am saying?"

Yu Jie nodded. Privately, she studied Fu Qiuning. She had a feeling that ever since her mistress woke up from her near-death experience, she had become very different from before. She thought: They say that people who have a near-death experience would become so enlightened that it is as though they are reborn. Perhaps, after her brush with death, Madam really could see through everything. In any case, as long as Madam lets go of her worries, what is a little bitterness in life? It's not as though I have never suffered before.

After her little speech, Fu Qiuning had pretty much seen most of the front yard. The yard was dominated by an expansive white flagstone pathway bordered by plum, apricot, peach and other flowering fruit trees. Off to the side was a flower garden filled with all kinds of exotic plants and bushes.

Right now, most of the branches looked like dead twigs. However, here and there, small buds have already formed and a few flowers have opened, releasing their sweet fragrance to the air. Fu Qiuning sighed happily, "I rarely leave my room and never pay attention to these things. From the smell alone I can tell that these aren't ordinary plants and flowers. Some must be spices too. This is wonderful. We must tidy this place up and raise these flowers properly."

Yu Jie agreed. Seeing Fu Qiuning's smiling face, free of its usual melancholy and sadness, was like seeing a sickly little tree suddenly blooming with nourishment in sweet spring. Her mistress' liveliness made her very happy. Together, maid and mistress made their way towards the backyard.

There, they saw a less showy garden. To the northeast, a few hundred trees formed an unexpected little forest within the courtyard. Fu Qiuning was delighted. She pointed at the forest excitedly and said, "How wonderful, when the summer rains come, we could even pick mushrooms there."

She happily explored the other side of the little garden. However, aside from a dozen old plum trees, there was only an empty space. Perhaps it's because no one knew what the space was for, the servants merely tilled the ground and did nothing else, leaving unsightly patches of overturned turf behind. However, upon closer inspection, one could see a few greens poking up here and there.

Fu Qiuning approached the new growth and laughed happily, "Look, there are wild vegetables here! These are all delicious things we could eat. In the future, we must find a way to plant corn and soybeans, we can supplement our diet with these lovely vegetables…"

Fu Qiuning turned to share this happy find with Yu Jie when she suddenly stopped speaking. The servant girl's eyes were red and there were tears rolling down her cheeks. Before she could ask what was wrong, Yu Jie howled, "It's all those cursed people's fault! How could they throw my poor mistress into this desolate place and leave us so short of money that my poor mistress has to eat wild vegetables and plant our own food? H-how pitiful is my poor mistress, ah, ah, ah…"

Fu Qiuning could only laugh helplessly: What's this misunderstanding? In the modern era, how many rich people rush to the countryside to secure a nice piece of land to experience the pleasures of farming? For the sake of escaping the hectic lifestyle of the modern world, they took pleasure in connecting with mother nature by growing their own food. Now that I have transmigrated into a world without computers, TV or the internet, I can only depend on this to pass the time. To think you'd actually shed tears over this rare luxury, what kind of misunderstanding is this, ah?

However, she did not bother to explain her sudden bout of laughter as she continued to make private plans for this free piece of land. On their way back to the house, they passed by a lovely cluster of budding apricot trees. Having no intention of emulating Dai Yu Cherishes Flowers [4] she ordered Yu Jie to break off a few branches to decorate the house with. They entered the living room and found that Changfeng and Changjiao had woken up and were waiting for her.

Fu Qiuning noticed Changjiao staring longingly at the branches of apricot flowers and passed a few to her with a laugh, "This house is rather simple, but we do have a few cheap vases around. Take some of these branches and place them in water. The flowers will bloom in three to five days. Their fragrance will be much nicer than those stinky incense and is much prettier to look at."

No matter what, Changjiao was still a little girl who loved pretty things. When Fu Qiuning gave her permission, she ran off with the apricot branches in her arms. Aunt Yu hurried after her and helped her put the branches into vases. When the two finally came back to the living room, they found that Yu Jie had placed the rest of the apricot branches into vases as well.

When she saw them, Fu Qiuning got up from her chair and said, "Alright, even though this courtyard is remote and a little broken down, but as the saying goes 'Though a Sparrow is Small, it Possesses All its Internal Organs' [2]. Over there, we have a large study filled with lots of books. Come, let's go and have a look." She reached for Changfeng and Changjiao's little hands and led them towards the study.

The brother and sister pair had been destined to a miserable life from the moment they were born. Ironically, it was Jin Fengju's pettiness and contempt for that Xie woman that saved them. In order to humiliate surname Xie, he deliberately sent a beautiful widow, Aunt Yu, over to her side. If not for Aunt Yu, the two mewling babes would not have survived to this age. Back when they were completely helpless, Aunt Yu spent her meagre monthly salary on cow's milk and goat's milk for them. Later, once they were three or four months old, they were weaned on thin congee and sweet potato porridge. It was all thanks to Aunt Yu that they were here today.

It was difficult enough to try and survive under such a miserable life, how could they even imagine the luxury of studying? Even if they had wanted to… Oh, how they wanted to! Especially when they saw other children in the residence studying together, their little heads bobbing and weaving as they chanted words from the books. However, no matter how envious they might have been, they never even dared to imagine that one day, they could read books too. Therefore, when Fu Qiuning said that they would be going to the study, the shock was indescribable.

This study once belonged to the old marquis' beloved concubine. After many years of neglect, even though there were no visible cobwebs, it was all very dusty. Fu Qiuning did not particularly enjoy reading. However, the days ahead stretched endlessly in these ancient times. With nothing else to occupy her days, she would have to depend on farming and these books to pass the time and stave off boredom.

Moreover, these two children needed to learn how to read too. With their status, no private teacher would entertain invitations to come and educate them. [6] She would have to be their primary educator. Luckily, although her knowledge of ancient Chinese writing was poor, original Fu Qiuning had generously left a flawless account of her memories to Fu Qiuning the second. With the memory of this scholarly lady to aid her, it was more than enough to educate these siblings.

Thus, looking upon this study with renewed importance, Fu Qiuning ordered Yu Jie to fetch a few basins of water and together with Aunt Yu, the ladies began the project of cleaning up this large study. Hundreds of books were taken down and carefully wiped clean of dust before they were returned to the shelves under a different category system.

Changfeng and Changjiao were still very young and not even as high as a stool on tiptoes, but they enthusiastically fetched rags for themselves and helped wipe down the legs of tables, chairs and benches. This pleased and saddened Fu Qiuning very much. These two children are just too sensible, ah.

Once again, she could not help but privately sneer: Jin Fengju, ah, Jin Fengju. To think you would actually abandon a pair of sensible children like this without hesitation. I wonder, just what kind of children would you choose to personally dote upon in the future.

[1] Daiyu Cherishes Flowers – the saying originates from the scene where Dai Yu buries flowers in A Dream of Red Chambers. Daiyu's beauty is so great that she is often compared to flowers. Beautiful yet weak and fragile. After a devastating emotional blow, she buries the beautiful flowers, possibly as an act of burying herself (or the love she had for someone) just before she sings the 'Song of Buried Flowers'. In the TV drama, it was especially tragic because the other girls were hanging wishes among flowers and praying for their future while she buried hers in the ground. It was an incredible juxtaposition.

[2] Though a Sparrow is Small, it Possesses All its Internal Organs – A thing might be small, but its contents are complete.

While she was busy disparaging the marquis in her mind, Aunt Yu suddenly cried out. Fu Qiuning looked over with a reflexive smile, "What is it now? Have you accidentally found a gold ingot?"

When Aunt Yu remained standing with a shocked expression, she couldn't help feeling curious and walked over to see what had surprised this woman so. She found Aunt Yu staring dumbfounded at six or seven opened drawers of a large desk. The drawers were filled with all kinds of papers, two complete sets of the 'Four Treasures of Study' [1] as well as exquisitely made inkstones for grinding ink and ink sticks. At the topmost drawer, there were two gold hairpins.

Fu Qiuning only needed a moment of thought and immediately understood: According to the rumours, the previously favoured concubine (now dead) used to be a famous courtesan [2] with outstanding literary talent. These must be the things she left behind the day she died. After her death, the servants must have packed off every valuable thing in the house aside from the books and stationery in this study

They must have ignored this place since there were no rare books or similar precious things. Still, it showed just how rich the Marquis of Jinxiang was to simply ignore books and stationery which are considered 'treasures' to the general public. Whatever, let's just consider this stationery as a free bargain or compensation for our suffering. As for the two gold hairpins, they should still be worth 20 or 30 silver if we pawned them off.

The more she thought, the happier she became. Wasn't this a stroke of good luck? Even the corners of her lips started to curl up.

Yu Jie, seeing her mistress's good mood, laughed and said, "There's a saying that goes 'A Thousand Things is Not as Good as a Relieved Heart'. Now that madam has learned to take things easy, even two little hairpins are enough to make you happy. Madam's calculative nature is finally slipping out."

Fu Qiuning pretended to hit this maid and scolded, "Of course it's natural to be calculative. Enough with you, I have plenty more to calculate. How can we live in peace in this kind of place without being a little calculative? Just wait until tonight, I'll settle some scores with you."

Yu Jie clutched her chest and pretended to be frightened by her mistress' remark, causing Aunt Yu, Changfeng and Changjiao to giggle.

Outside, the red sun was sinking west. With so many people working together, the study was finally tidied up. Fu Qiuning turned to Yu Jie and said, "Alright, what's in the kitchen? Let's cook something first. Surely we can at least eat our fill in noodles, right?"

Yu Jie laughed, "How poor do you think we are? Of course, we eat our fill in noodles. We can even have a small piece of dried meat. Today, I shall serve everyone noodles topped with meat. Dinner will be extra fragrant tonight."

With that, Yu Jie turned and made her way to the kitchen. Aunt Yu hurried after her with a laugh, "I am poor in talent. However, I can still give Miss some help."

That left Fu Qiuning alone with Changfeng and Changjiao. Together, they went to the main living room to wait. However, what was there to talk about with two little children? Luckily, Fu Qiuning had plenty of stories she could tell. After all, she had worked with young children in her previous life and none had disliked her. If she could not entertain little children, how could she earn the love and admiration of those little kids?

The two children sat with wide eyes as they hung on her words. They never had such a lovely time in their lives. They recalled the time when those other children boasted about their teachers telling them stories. How envious they had been! This must be what it felt like to have a teacher tell them stories. Happiness and satisfaction filled their little hearts.

Just as the trio was chatting happily together, they heard footsteps coming from the courtyard followed by a light cough. Then, a voice called out, "Is Madam here? The young marquis is here to see you,"

Shocked, Fu Qiuning sat up on the [3] kang bed: Wait, what's going on? Why is that scum man here? Odd, no one in this courtyard had gone out at all today, so what attracted that wolf here?

Still thinking, she slid down the kang bed. She was about to leave the room when she saw the two little children huddling and shivering together. She lowered her voice and said gently, "Don't be afraid. No matter what, he's still your father. He may not like you but he won't eat you either. So don't worry."

It was wrong of her to speak to the children about their father this way. Children were born with the natural desire to want affection from their parents. It was cruel of her to speak this way about their real parent as it could leave a shadow in their hearts. However, this Jin Fengju was simply too disgusting. They had grown up respecting and fearing this scum father from afar. Even if she could ignore her conscience and say: Your father is just busy. He really loves you and intends to treat you well.

Even if heaven doesn't strike her for her lies, the children would instinctively recognise her words as false, right?

Changfeng and Changjiao had already shown how shrewd and tactful they could be to survive in this viper's pit. Moreover, little children are especially sensitive to adults' emotions. If she lied to them now, how could she, as a stepmother, earn their respect and trust?

Therefore, she would not lie to Changfeng and Changjiao. Their father really did not like them. However, she would not deliberately strain father and children's feelings further by openly disparaging him either. Slowly, she coaxed the two children over and held their hands as the three of them went to greet the young marquis.

Before she pushed past the door, Fu Qiuning adjusted her clothes, smoothed back the children's hair, and stepped past the carved door.

Under the warm golden rays of the setting sun, a handsome young gentleman, tall, straight and upright with fine jade-like features stood quietly at the bottom of the steps. His hair was simply tied back in a long ponytail with ribbons that cascaded down his back. The line of dark hair drew the eyes to his elegant person and set off his graceful eyebrows and romantic eyes. The white changpao edged with silver embroidery seemed to float with the wind, lending a dashing air to his person. This impression was further emphasised by the finest calfskin boots. The whole effect was grand, noble and ever so slightly wild. [4]

Seeing Fu Qiuning at the door, a trace of smile bloomed across the young marquis' handsome face. Mockery flashed briefly in those gorgeous eyes.

"This humble one greets the young marquis."

Fu Qiuning quietly ogled the eye candy while thinking: This little marquis has very good skin, not even Pan An or Song Yu would be this good looking.[5] No wonder the emperor was so pleased and handed the hereditary marquis position to him just like that. Thank goodness he was not born in modern times, otherwise, I do not know how many women would have been harmed. En, if he was born in modern times, maybe he would live as a kept man.

Thought Fu Qiuning mercilessly as she studied this beautiful man before her. That glittering scum was shiny with pasted gold and jade on the outside but stank of rottenness inside, best not to be overly familiar with him.

"Mm." Jin Fengju made a little sound and stepped forward gracefully. When he reached the top of the stairs, his gaze fell on the two figures clutching at Fu Qiuning's trousers. A slight crease appeared between his brows. He glanced at the middle-aged person beside him but did not say anything in the end.

Finally, he said in a soft voice, "Let's go in and sit for a while,"

How rude. I can't block him even by standing at the door.

Fu Qiuning was very reluctant. However, she also knew she could not stop him. Therefore, she stood to the side and watched as Jin Fengju stepped over the threshold into their living room and planted himself in the main seat.

"I heard that you hung yourself from a beam this morning?"

As if unwilling to waste words with Fu Qiuning, Jin Fengju opened his mouth and went straight to the point.

Fu Qiuning frowned slightly and did not answer. Instead, she bent down and patted the two children, softly asking: "You know where the kitchen is?"

When the two children nodded, she smiled encouragingly at them, "Good, very smart, go and look for Aunt Yu and big sister Yu Jie. See if the noodles are done, alright?"

"Yes," the children dutifully answered. After a timid glance at Jin Fengju, they shivered at his bright gaze and jumped slightly. Still shaking, they quickly stepped out of the room. Fortunately, the threshold was not very tall. Otherwise, they would have tripped over it with their short little legs.

[1] The Four Treasures of Study – Brush, paper, ink stick, ink stone

[2] 花魁 – Google translate this as 'Oiran', which is, incidentally, a very expensive and talented prostitute who could sing, dance and debate literature. 'Courtesan' would be a closer equivalent in English.

[3] kang bed – is translated as 'bed' but could also be considered something like a small day bed placed in the living room as a giant heating pad about 2 meters wide and heated with firewood or coal.

[4] Pill Bug: *gack*

[5] Pan An, Prince Lanling, Wei Jie, Song Yu, the "Four Most Handsome Men in Ancient China"

"To reply the Young Marquis, this humble one had been too upset this morning due to eyes blinded by lard. Fortunately, Yu Jie was there to preserve this humble one's life. The near-death experience frightened this one so much that this humble one finally understood that no matter how miserable life is, it's still better to be alive than dead,"

Fu Qiuning had taken two steps forward and made her complaint, hidden under a veil of placating words for Jin Fengju.

If she wanted this slag man to leave immediately, she must not catch his attention by being too generous or too strident. As someone who had been nurtured on various palace dramas and inner court fights, she knew that the one who stood out would attract other people's attention. Especially the male lead. Once the male lead's attention was attracted, all sorts of rubbish would follow too.

Therefore, the best thing to do was to 'act normally'. Be soft-spoken, yet place a badly hidden needle in her words to show her complaint. The other side would treat her existence as annoying, a clumsy schemer at best and would easily distance himself and slowly forget her existence. That way, she could run amok within this residence as she like… ahem, that is, she could run things smoothly within the Night Breeze Pavilion without catching other people's attention.

Jin Fengju gave a slight nod. He had hurried over to this place the moment he heard that Fu Qiuning had hung herself. After all, if this person died from mysterious circumstances under such a turbulent time, things would be… very difficult. This was something even a maid could understand. Therefore, how could the young marquis not see it?

"If you do not like those two children, I would not force you…" Jin Fengju stood up. He made to leave but paused. He said he would not force this woman but he had not made plans on how to deal with them if Fu Qiuning were to say she did not like them.

"No need, I like them well enough," said Fu Qiuning lightly. "However, there is one matter I would ask Young Marquis,"

"You like them? If you like them then why did you hang yourself this morning?" Jin Fengju's sharp eyes flashed towards Fu Qiuning, seemingly trying to see through her thoughts. The only thing he saw was a pair of calm, clear eyes.

"As this humble one had explained. My heart had been greatly troubled and caused my eyes to be blinded by lard. Now that I have taken the time to think things through, I shall not do it again. It has nothing to do with the two children." Fu Qiuning avoided Jin Fengju's gaze and lowered her eyes indifferently.

"Very well," Jin Fengju nodded. "What is the matter you wish from me?"

Fu Qiuning gave another little respectful bob and said in a soft voice, "The two children have not received their names yet. This concubine knows that Young Marquis does not like them and dare not bother Young Marquis with this matter. Therefore this humble one gave some thought to their names. No matter what, they are children of the Jin family. When will the Young Marquis enter them into the family registry?"

To bring this sensitive matter up at their very first meeting was something that Fu Qiuning had done so after careful consideration. This could well be the last time she saw this scum. In this era, children who were not recognised by their ancestors and clan families would carry the stigma of a modern-day illegitimate child. These children would be despised in public, which was why the normally cautious Fu Qiuning would risk this reckless move.

"This… let's speak of that later. What names have you thought of for them?" the corners of Jin Fengju's mouth curled.

When First Prince Zhenjiang sent a matchmaker to propose marriage, his wife-to-be was described as both 'Talented and Beautiful'. From what he could see, this so-called beauty was as ordinary as cattails and willow trees, unable to match up to the label of 'Beautiful'. Right now, he doubted whether she could live up to being 'Talented'.

Fu Qiuning saw his smirk, of course. However, she was not annoyed. Instead, she maintained the same faint voice saying, "This hunble one is dull and could not think of good names. The boy is called Changfeng, the girl Changjiao. Very ordinary names. If Young Marquis does not like the names, this humble would have to beg Young Marquis to spare a little effort."

"Changfeng, Changjiao." Jin Fengju murmured and suddenly laughed softly, "Changfeng, a blade hidden in the sheath, once its sharpness is revealed, the world would tremble. Changjiao, a precious beloved living in a golden house. Well, these names have good meanings in them. No need to change." After he was done commenting on the names, he said, "Wanying is pregnant, I must see her, so I will not dawdle at your place, no need to send me off."

With that, he began to walk away. Suddenly, he paused, eyes landing on the branch of apricot blossoms arranged in a vase on the hall table.

"This humble one shall respectfully send Young Marquis off," Even though he said there was no need to send him off, and Fu Qiuning also really did not want to send him off, the wifely etiquette still had to be followed adequately. In the end, she sent Jin Fengju out all the way to the courtyard gate. Only then was she relieved enough to turn around and return to the house.

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"Jin Ming, what do you think of that woman?" On the way back to Clear Soft Pavilion, Jin Fengju asked his personal attendant in a seemingly casual voice.

Jin Ming studied his master's face and pondered how best to answer. However, before he could come to a decision, Jin Fengju laughed and said, "Stupid thing, since I've asked you, you must answer quickly without deception. Now that you've already taken the time to deliberate for something pleasing, what use is your answer? Enough, let's not speak of it anymore."

Cold sweat popped out on Jin Ming's forehead. He secretly cried out: This is the worst thing about serving an intelligent master. If you try to kiss ass, he'll know exactly what shit [2] you're about to pull. This personal attendant position is really not easy to sit on, ah.

The more Jin Ming thought about it, the more bitter tears welled out of his heart. The stories he could tell, the close calls he had had. Even if you give him a whole night he would not be able to tell it all, ah! On the other hand, he also had to give himself credit for being able to stay alive until now without being driven away by the Young Marquis.

"The two children's clothes are really too worn out, stacked with more than a dozen patches. No matter what, they are also my flesh and blood. Don't you think the way you people do things is a bit too harsh?"

These words pierced through Jin Ming's self-admiring heart, shaking him even further, causing the sweat on his head to grow from the size of millet grains to unhusked grains.

"To answer Master, this is… this is because Master had never shown any interest to the Young Master or Young Miss, that is… this servant also never took the initiative to inquire after them and… and never knew just how miserable their situations are. This servant shall return and have them…"

"Enough," Jin Fengju waved his hand lightly. "No need to wait for any specific instructions. Just make sure to personally send over a few rolls of fabric tomorrow evening. Whether they are truly miserable or just putting on a show for me is irrelevant. They should be getting at least this much," Jin Fengju ordered. Then he added, "Remember, carry this out personally. Do not reveal a word to Wanying or the other three concubines. Otherwise, you can just scram."

"Yes, yes, yes, this servant shall carry this duty out personally and never let the madam or the concubines catch wind of the matter," the beads of sweat on Jin Ming's head had grown from the size of rice grains to soybeans, audibly falling down with a 'pitter patter'.

While he was busy pondering over how to complete the order that the Young Marquis had given him, he suddenly heard his master lightly say, "The incense in that room is not bad either. The apricot branches with their half-open buds are oddly lovely. The fragrance is gentle and sweet."

"… …" Jin Ming looked at his master's light smile and could not even begin to guess what his master's intentions were anymore. When the young marquis stepped through the gates of Clear Soft Pavilion, he was still in a muddle.

[1] 杏花寒 Title is taken from a poem: 燕子不归春事晚,一汀烟雨杏花寒 – 'Even Before the Swallow Returns to its Nest, Good Times of Spring are Nearly Over'. The fall of apricot blossoms heralds the rain.

'Luckily I did not kill you' is also another meaning for 杏花寒

[2] Rather crude, but it's the closest colloquialism in English.

The person who came through the gate just then was Qiu Xia, Jiang Wanying's personal maid. When the maid saw them, she quickly came over to bob a salute [2]. Jin Fengju nodded at her, went past her and enter the courtyard.

As the master strolled into the courtyard, Qiu Xia stared at his back, disappointment dimming her eyes. Suddenly, a voice whispered in her ear, "Miss Qiu Xia, don't you also have apricot trees in this courtyard? Why don't you break off a few branches and put them in a vase? The fragrance of apricot blossoms is gentle and sweet. Since the Madam is unwell now, surely she would prefer this over strong incense?"

Qiu Xia quickly covered her mouth and laughed. She shook her head and said dismissively, "What's this? While apricot flowers might be considered a good thing in some people's homes, how could they be seen in our Clear Soft Pavilion?"[1]

Her mouth might be hidden, but the disdain in her eyes was so obvious that Jin Ming felt his face reddened: F*ck your grandma, can't you take a hint? Are your eyeballs only good for following our master around and not seeing the obvious? Do you think the young marquis would put trash like you in his eyes?

While he privately cursed this woman, the edges of his mouth curled up and he laughed amiably, "What are you saying? The Young Marquis happened to walk past some apricot trees today and commented on the sweetness of their blossoms. If Miss thinks that it is too troublesome, you may treat my words as so much nonsense."

Even as his mouth placated this maid, he privately thought: The people of Clear Soft Pavilion have been rather arrogant lately, just because they received the young marquis' favour. Even side concubines are polite to me but you, a mere personal maid, dare to treat me like a low-level servant?

While he was ruminating over this, Qiu Xia suddenly tittered and said, "Is that so? I should thank you for this favour. Fine, fine, I shall break off a few branches just for the Young Marquis."

With that last remark, she turned and swayed away. Jin Ming stared at her slim graceful back and soft swell of hips, all the while muttering things like "xxxx", "fox spirit" under his breath.

Meanwhile, Jin Fengju had entered the inner room and saw Jiang'shi supporting her large belly as she leaned back on the bed. She had been slowly peeling an orange when she spotted him and smiled. She quickly sat up and said, "What excellent timing. I'd just finished peeling one and you came in just in time to benefit from it. Come, open your mouth. Let me feed you."

"Since you like it so much, go ahead and eat it. I've never been gluttonous," said Jin Fengju with a laugh. He sat by her side and stroked her bulging belly lovingly. Then, he pressed an ear to the belly with a serious expression.

Jiang Wanying covered her mouth and laughed, "Have a care or he'll kick you, the little one is very naughty, kicking me at every turn." As she spoke, she pried off a piece of orange and placed it into Jin Fengju's mouth. "Eat as much as you like. Although this small thing only grows in the south, it doesn't require as much labour or resources as lychees. My family estate just happened to receive a few large baskets. After the family divided them up, my place still receives 20 catties' worth. Surely that's enough to share between you and me?"

Jin Fengju held her hand and smiled, "I just worry for you. How could I let you work hard peeling oranges for me while carrying a large belly…"

Jin Fengju grabbed her hand and laughed: "I'm just afraid of you working too hard, bothering you to peel oranges with such a large belly…"

Jiang Wanying's eyes curved into crescents and she gently said, "I want to, has my dear cousin forgotten already? I've liked you since childhood. So long as I have something good, I will always reserve them for you."

Jin Fengju smiled, "Of course, how could I ever dare to forget Wanying's affections?" He pressed his ear against her belly again and beamed. "Ah, he kicked you. I just felt it."

"Look at you now," Jiang Wanying pouted before breaking into a smile and reaching for another orange. As she peeled the fruit, she said in a seemingly casual way, "Where did my cousin come from? You're a little late today, did you come from some remote place?"

Jin Fengju moved to a chair and smiled at her, "You're such a sensitive one. I went to Night Breeze Pavilion. That person hung herself over the matter of those two children yesterday. Though she had been revived, I still had to personally go over and give some strong warning to avoid future trouble. It does not matter if she harms herself doing stupid things but she should avoid bringing us trouble."

Jiang Wanying gave a quick trill of laughter, "What are you saying? You make me sound like a jealous woman. I care not where you've been. I'm just asking in passing. Speaking of which, since you've seen her, how is she? Is she still so bored that she'll try and commit suicide again? I suppose she could only restrain her anger now that she has failed. Since she doesn't like those two children, just have them sent to the farmstead to be raised."

Jin Fengju frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly. Ever since the two children were born he had avoided them out of shame and resentment. Thus, he never saw their faces. In the end, no matter what, they were still the young master and young miss of the estate, and surely even if they could not have a luxurious life filled with brocaded clothing and expensive food, they would not have a bad life?

Therefore, he was shocked to see Changfeng and Changjiao dressed in such miserable clothes. [3a] At first, he thought that Fu Qiuning must have deliberately dressed them poorly to provoke him, but nothing could have disguised those thin faces, wary eyes or bony wrists. What's more, she never said a single bitter word in front of him. If this was not part of the woman's profound schemes, the only conclusion was that his children had indeed suffered bitterly within his own estate.

This reminded him of mother and grandmother's gossip about other rich and noble families' dirty laundry. He never thought that such nasty things would happen within his own house and to his own blood-children as well. They had already been living so poorly in this rich estate, what would happen once they were sent out to the farmstead? Isn't it no different than sending them to their deaths?

After seeing the miserable-looking Changfeng and Changjiao, he had already resolved to hire some goodhearted family to bring them up within the inner court if Fu Qiuning refused to accept them. Unexpectedly, Fu Qiuning had a sudden change of heart and solved this troublesome matter for him. Therefore, although he would not be grateful to Fu Qiuning nor favour her one bit, his distaste for that person had reduced a little. Just a little, of course.

For a long while, the room fell into silence.

Suddenly, Qiu Xia came in with a large vase of apricot branches. Jiang Wanying frowned, "The flowers aren't even open yet, why did you bring them in? What a waste of flowers."

Qiu Xia stole a glance at Jin Fengju's face, seeing the slight smile on his face, she said, "I was taking a walk when I was struck by the sweet and gentle fragrance of the apricot flowers and thought of Madam. I know Madam has been missing the smell of fragrance since incense has been forbidden due to your condition. Apricot blossoms not only have a light, sweet smell, they also nourish the mind and vitality. I especially brought the unopened blossoms so that Madam could slowly enjoy the slowly blooming flowers. Isn't this better than bringing in opened flowers that will wither after two or three days?"

This slew of words brought a smile to Jiang Wanying's face and she nodded with a little 'tsk', "My, I never thought you'd be so meticulous. Enough, since you are so thoughtful, just leave it here. I wish to experience this sweet and gentle fragrance that has caught even your attention"

Her eyes flashed towards Jin Fengju once but only caught a faint smile. The man said nothing, causing a trace of unease to spring in her heart. The smile on her face grew even more brilliant in reaction.

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Let us return to the Night Breeze Pavilion.

After Jin Fengju left, [3a] Fu Qiuning sighed and collapsed onto the kang bed. She laid there for some time waiting for Yu Jie to return with the promised noodles. However, after a long time, nobody came. Not Yu Jie, not Aunt Yu nor even the two children. Worried that something might have happened, Fu Qiuning sprang to her feet and quickly headed to the kitchen.

Once she reached the kitchen, she saw four people seated at the kitchen table poking at each other, as though daring or coaxing the other to do something. Curious, she hid behind the door and heard Yu Jie say to the children in a coaxing voice, "It is more appropriate for Young Master and Young Miss to go. That is your father after all. Even tigers would not eat their cubs, right? This poor servant girl is different, even the Madam knows of my firecracker temper. When faced with such a heartless man this poor maid might accidentally open her mouth and explode on him. Poor Madam might also be dragged in and be blamed for this maid's nasty tongue."

Aunt Yu laughed: "You! You dare call yourself an adult? How dare you use the two children as sacrificial soldiers [4]?"

Yu Jie puffed out her cheeks and muttered, "Don't just run your mouth. If you really love them, why don't you go over? What? Are you afraid of the young marquis?"

Aunt Yu shrank back and whispered: "How… how could I dare to meet him with this appearance? If I pollute the eyes of the Young Marquis, what if he really throw me away? How would I live?"

Her pitiful little speech over, she looked at the two children.

Changfeng and Changjiang shook their heads like a pair of rattles.

No. No matter what you say, we refuse to go.

[1]

Pill Bug: What does 'Apricot flowers might be considered a good thing in some people's homes, how could they be seen in our Clear Soft Pavilion' mean?

Gumihou: She's saying that apricot flowers are common. Rich people use incense.

Pill Bug: Ah, I missed the cultural reference

Gumihou: Rather than cultural reference, it's more like maid-san is being a snooty little bitch. That's why Jin Ming is super offended

Pill Bug: Wow this two-faced *bleep*! (╬ ・`3 ´・)

[2] 行礼 Google translate says "salute", but this is more of the fist-in-palm greeting used in ancient China.

Gumihou: Salute or greeting is correct. Since women usually bend their knees with their hands demurely on the side, I like to use 'bob in salute' or 'bob in greeting'.

[3] Wow this wall of text.

Gumihou: [3a] I'm changing a bit of the wall of text. Deleted 'But observing Fu Qiuning's face, it seemed that it was not intentional' to 'observing the children's faces' because you can't fabricate acute starvation.

[4] 枪使 'Gunner', meaning scapegoat? Sacrificial soldiers?

Gumihou: Sacrificial soldiers would be more correct, lol

Seeing the maids trying to push each other, and even the children, forward to perform this unpleasant task, Fu Qiuning found herself feeling both amused and furious. She walked to them and said, "That person has been gone for a long time now, what are you still sneaking around here for? I wonder, even though Young Marquis is not a good man, he's not a man-eating wolf. So why are you so frightened?

Also, what bad things are you teaching the children? No matter what, that person is their father. He might not pity them but it's not like he will suddenly beat them for no reason. Surely even that kind of person can't be lower than beasts." As she spoke, she came over and picked up Changjiao. She held Changfeng's hands and said to Yu Jie, "Hurry up and make your noodles. It's getting dark and my stomach's crying for food."

It was not long before the noodles were brought to the living room where Fu Qiuning and the two children continued with their storytelling session. Yu Jie and Aunt Yu had already rolled out the noodles when the children ran in with the news that Jin Fengju was in the courtyard. The two women were so frightened that they stopped whatever they had been doing and hid like frightened mice in the kitchen, not daring to even make a sound for fear it would attract the young marquis and call his wrath upon their heads.

Thus, all four huddled in the kitchen. None of them dared to even peek into the living room. It was only after Fu Qiuning came in and scolded them did the maids open up the pots and begin to boil the broth and cut the noodles.

Fu Qiuning sat with the children at the same table. She personally served them from a small serving pot, speaking to Yu Jie who was already eating her share of noodles at a different table. "Did you cook these a little longer? The children are still young, noodles that are too firm could give them indigestion."

Yu Jie smiled, "Surely this is something Madam need not order? The noodles are soft and tender, Young Master and Young Miss can eat them with ease."

Fu Qiuning nodded, she fished out all the meat in the pot and put them into Changfeng and Changjiao's little bowls. The children eagerly ate a piece and their eyes widened with shock. Changfeng waved his empty chopsticks, "Mother, what's this? It's so fragrant and delicious."

That sentence nearly caused Fu Qiuning to burst into tears, she quickly turned her head and flicked off the teardrops from the corner of her eyes. Aunt Yu sadly said, "The children are already this old, yet they do not know the taste of simple cured meat."

Suddenly, she stood up. She picked out all the meat in her bowl with her chopsticks, clearly intending to transfer the meat into the children's bowl. Yu Jie also stood up.

Fu Qiuning quickly waved a hand at them. "Sit down, everyone sit down. There's no need to be like this. Our days might not look good now and we might have to tighten our belts a little in the future. However, that's cured meat. It might be fragrant and delicious but it's not good for three-year-olds to eat too much. It will just give them indigestion. In the future, just buy some fresh meat for them."

Yu Jie and Aunt Yu looked a little unwilling, but sat down in the end.

Fu Qiuning looked at Changfeng and Changjiao. After knowing how terrible their living conditions had been she was a little worried to see them slurping up the noodles and chomping on the meat eagerly. She was afraid that they would overeat and make themselves sick. After their little bowls were empty, she hardened her heart against their pleading eyes to say, "Now, now, it's good that you enjoyed your meals. However, don't forget you're still only three years old. Your little bodies won't be able to withstand too much food. Do you want to get sick? If you get sick you will cost me money. Money that could be used to buy more delicious food. Now tell me again, do you want a second bowl?"

The two children stared longingly at the pot of noodles. However, their bellies were already bulging with food. Although they licked their lips, both obediently put down their chopsticks and looked at Fu Qiuning with sparkling eyes.

After dinner was over, the children were washed and tucked up on their own kang bed. There were regular beds in the Night Breeze Pavilion, but Fu Qiuning really liked the old fashion kang beds that were unique to an era without electrical heating systems or electric blankets. Once the stove under the bed was lit up, it was very warm. Snuggling on a soft mattress on a heated kang bed under a brocade quilt, how luxurious and wonderful life is, ah?

Once the two children fell asleep, Fu Qiuning personally tucked the brocade quilt over them before returning to the living room. Aunt Yu and Yu Jie were waiting for her. She sat down and gave them a little glare. "I told you earlier that I will be settling accounts with you, didn't I? Know this, I am not joking. We are now isolated from the rest of the estate. If we don't find a way to live, we will all eventually starve to death. Personally, I don't care about having less to eat or wear but what about Changfeng and Changjiao? They are innocents caught up in a bad situation. We cannot let them suffer anymore. Therefore, now is the time to count up all of our money and make serious plans for the future."

Yu Jie and Aunt Yu bowed their heads. Aunt Yu suddenly cried, "For the poor to lean on the poor… If I had known how difficult Madam's situation is, this maid would never have come here with the children…"

Her lamentations were cut off by Fu Qiuning's light laughter, "Enough with that nonsense. We may have been abandoned by the marquisate, however, this also means we have fallen away from the eyes of those struggling for power inside the estate. The Young Marquis has several wives and concubines jostling for his favour and power, but don't forget, that's only one side of the faction. There's the Old Marquis' faction as well as the Second Master's faction.

Do you think the Second Master, with his wives, concubines and children would live happily together after being overlooked as heir? Think about it, three large factions fighting internally for power, dozens of women fighting and tearing each other to pieces with hidden knives and poisoned arrows to gain favour. Think again of our position. How many servants do we have? With no strong maternal family to back us, we are the softest persimmon in this wretched place.

Aunt Yu, you came to us at the right time. Now that I have recognised the children as my own, you must remember to call them by their titles. Call them Feng'er and Jiao'er when no others are around. However, you must remember to address them as Young Master and Young Miss. Others might disrespect us but we must not disrespect ourselves. Moreover, as blood children of the Young Marquis, these titles belonged to them anyway."

Aunt Yu quickly replied, "Yes, now that those two… ah, that is, Young Master and Young Miss are now Madam's children. Of course, they should be addressed that way. This maid had been negligent. Only, this maid is sorry for Madam's situation…"

Fu Qiuning raised her hand to stop Aunt Yu again. She smiled, "Will you stop with such alienating words? I shall tell you the truth, without Feng'er and Jiao'er, there will be nothing but emptiness in my life. Do you think there's any possibility for the Young Marquis to have children with me?"

At this, Aunt Yu and Yu Jie fell silent. Both understood in their heart of hearts, even if Fu Qiuning possessed the looks of a celestial in flight, it would be very difficult to gain the Young Marquis' favour due to the fractured relationship between Zhenjiang Palace and Jinxiang Marquisate. Therefore, the chances of having children would, of course, be very low.

"Alright, enough about that matter. As long as you understand, it's fine. Do not worry about them. Now, back to settling accounts. Yu Jie, tell me honestly, how much of my dowry is left?" The original Fu Qiuning was a sad girl stuck in the middle of a heartbreak. Aside from focusing on her depression and loneliness, she did pretty much nothing all day. Therefore, Yu Jie was the one who took care of her property.

Yu Jie sighed and said: "Because the estate heavily docked Madam's allowance each month, we had to rely on selling the dowry to live a decent life. Fortunately, Madam married into the Jinxiang Marquisate as the main wife, therefore the dowry was not too meagre. However, it could not be considered rich either. Right now, there are only three boxes of various jewellery, six rolls of brocade and the furniture within the house left. Basically, things that could not be sold. All that could be sold are almost gone."

Yu Jie fetched two camphor wood boxes and showed Fu Qiuning their contents. Indeed, there were only those remaining jewellery as well as the brocade cloth.

Fu Qiuning checked her memories and found that the majority of the value in her dowry was in furniture, things that were shiny but could not be eaten or sold. She frowned at the shiny furniture. Zhenjiang Palace did not care whether she lived or died, but the marriage still had to look good on the surface. [1] Perhaps they were hoping she'd die here so that they could cause more trouble for the Jinxiang Marquisate? As for the marquisate, they were stupid enough to go along with this and forced her to sell her dowry for food and living expenses. What if she dies here? Were they really that stupid?

Fu Qiuning opened the box of ornaments and picked through silver hairpins and other small shiny things. Even if they pawn everything in this box, they would probably only get a few dozen silver taels. If they live frugally, five people could live on this for maybe two or three years. As for the brocade, she'll need fancy clothes for whatever reason in the future, right? Since clothes make the man or something like that.

Also, it's not like she'll get much money out of them anyway.

[1] Gumihou: Added reason why it's actually stupid to starve Fu Qiuning to the point where she had to sell her dowry for living expenses

Fu Qiuning sighed, returning to her chair and sitting down facing her maids. Gently, she said, "Now that all three of us understand the situation, you must know that it will be very difficult for us to pass our days well. However, it is still not impossible. First, I need to clarify something. Yu Jie, when you sold those things, how did you do it and through whom? Will others be able to find out?"

Yu Jie quickly replied "Madam need not worry. This maid has entrusted the matter to Aunt Zhang's son. Both he and his mother are honest people, otherwise, they would not be entrusted to watch the back door. They get a little money as an errand fee and are both very grateful to us. Moreover, they know of our situation here and would not reveal anything."

Suddenly, her back straightened and she lifted her chin with a cold harrumph, "So what if the main house finds out? If anyone comes and questions us, this maid has plenty to say to them. They were the ones who dock our allowance to the point that we have to sell our property just to stay alive. If this comes to light, let's see whose face would fall first."

Fu Qiuning sneered and said: "You sure know how to talk big. I wonder, who hid in the kitchen like a frightened turtle when the Young Marquis came here earlier?"

Yu Jie's brave countenance deflated and her neck shrank back as she glared helplessly at the table.

Fu Qiuning laughed and said, "Pei! You're just a scoundrel who only knows how to talk but dare not act. Still dare to speak such heroic words in front of me?"

She shook her head and sighed, "Regardless, Yu Jie's thoughts are wrong. We are now the people of this estate. If others discovered us selling things, they might not be able to label us as thieves but they could still cast the blame of ruining the reputation of the marquisate. Do you believe the Old Madam, Old Marquis, Young Marquis as well as those numerous secondary wives and concubines would care why we sell our things?

Don't be silly, they cannot wait for an excuse to cast us out. We are eyesores and the world has never been fair. This is something that the two of you should have known by now. If not, remember it and keep it in your heart. You say the Zhang family is reliable? I should think so seeing how you have been selling off bits and pieces through them for the past ten months. Have there really been no questions?

Aunt Yu suddenly spoke up, "Madam, if this one may. There should be no need to worry about the Zhang family. This maid used to be neighbours with them and… if not for this maid's parent's greed for money, this maid would have…"

Just as suddenly as she had begun, she stopped speaking. However, her reddened eyes were very eloquent and Yu Jie cried out, "Surely not! The reason why Brother Zhang still refuses to marry… is because of Aunt Yu?"

Aunt Yu nodded. Fu Qiuning and Yu Jie could not help but sigh together for her misfortune. How terrible to be saddled with gold-digging parents. Aunt Yu's original happy life was destroyed thanks to their greed.

Nevertheless, Fu Qiuning felt that much more at ease after knowing about Aunt Yu's connection with this Aunt Zhang and her son. If the son was devoted enough to stay single until now…

Yu Jie added," They normally don't such things, but, because they pitied Madam's situation…"

"They made an exception for us?" finished Fu Qiuning. "Well, since there are no problems on that side, we only need to concern ourselves with what to sell. We can't just depend on these little ornaments and brocades, what would we eat once the house is empty? Are we to survive by drinking the northwest wind?"

When Aunt Yu and Yu Jie began to frown with concern, she smiled and continued: "I have a few plans at hand. Why don't you listen and think about it? Firstly, as women, we should all be skilled in those womanly arts. We can sell some embroidered handkerchiefs or pouches. That's one source of income.

Then, when the season comes, we can collect flowers from the courtyard to make perfumes and scented bags for sale. I have spoken to Yu Jie about it earlier and even with my limited knowledge, I manage to identify roses, Chinese roses, chrysanthemums, Moutan peonies and Chinese peonies. In fact, we can even sell these as cut flowers too. Our second way to make money will depend on these flowers.

Thirdly, well, we have some good quality papers, brushes and ink in the study. I believe during our slow days we can spend some time drawing landscapes, flowers and birds, attach them with some good poem or other and sell them to some painting or calligraphy stores. Thus, securing our third source of income.

With these three ways to make money, we should be able to cover our food and clothing expenses. Nevertheless, we should not just rely on money for food. I plan to plant corn, soybeans, potatoes and sweet potatoes in the backyard. It should also be possible to raise chickens, ducks and geese and supplement Feng'er and Jiao'er with their eggs. We may start with a few and hatch more for future meat and eggs."

Finally, she took a breath and saw Yu Jie and Aunt Yu sitting together with stunned expressions on their faces. After a while, Yu Jie suddenly laughed, "After hearing Madam's words, what had once been a dead-end road is suddenly filled with willows that give shade and flowers that give light. Just how did Madam bring up so many plans in a blink of an eye? This maid suddenly felt as though the future is bright with opportunities."

Aunt Yu also nodded, "This maid feels the same."

"If you think it's good, then let's do it. Now that spring has just begun, there is no need to rush just yet. We still have rice and flour and a bit of silver left. I think it's better to quickly make two sets of clothes for Feng'er and Jiao'er tomorrow. When the Young Marquis came just now, my face fairly burned when he saw the children. With so many things happening today, I have been remiss about their clothes.

It's possible that the Young Marquis thought that I had intentionally let the children look poor in front of him. Nevertheless, I still have a bit of pride. I might not be talented, but I do not wish to give him the wrong impression."

"If this maid may say so, Madam might have been overly concerned. Why would the Young Marquis pay attention to Young Master or Young Miss?" Aunt Yu's laughter was a little cold. She despised Jin Fengju's ruthless and neglectful attitude to the point that she forgot her station.

Fu Qiuning sneered, "If he does not pay attention then let it be. Who knows how many hidden struggles are happening within this distinguished family? If the children had received the Young Marquis' favour, who knows whether they would live long enough to grow up? Now that I have fallen out of favour and am cast out to this isolated courtyard, I am now safe from those hidden struggles.

Let us all consider this a blessing in disguise. I am too stupid for those cloak and dagger schemes. I'll probably fall for someone's tricks and die a miserable death without knowing the culprit of my death."

Aunt Yu and Yu Jie both smiled and said. "But of course, Madam has spoken to us at length about this. Madam has seen through the truth behind this rich and powerful family into the true danger behind the noble facade. To be honest, we cannot believe that Madam really does not care for the Young Marquis' favour. After all, how can there be a woman who does not want or expect adoration from their husband?

However, as Madam said, a noble family is different. Favour invites trouble from unexpected sides. On the other hand, being cast out like this may look bad from the outside and life might be a little difficult, but we can at least protect our lives. After all, while it's not unheard of for the man to 'Favour the Concubines and Abandon the Wife', the stories of the 'Wife Torturing the Concubines' are just more prevalent."

The three of them continued to talk for a little before Fu Qiuning finally said, "Let's go to bed, we have many things to do tomorrow." She slept at the end of the kang bed, which was not as hot as the head of the bed, but it was still warm enough. After all, spring was coming and it was not as cold as winter.

She slept soundly.

The next morning, she woke up just a little after dawn, about seven o'clock in modern terms. Now that she has come into this world, she wanted to get started on going to bed early and waking early as well as exercising every day. It would not do to get sick in this era with limited funds and a lack of modern medicine.

Otherwise, she would still be sleeping under the covers if she was still in the modern world.

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 老太君 Old Madam? Google translate threw out 'Old Prince' but further googling says 'Old Madam'.

Gumihou: I used 'Old Madam' in the Feast. We could stick to that.

[2] 蔷薇,月季,菊花,牡丹,芍药 You know, a flower is a flower to me, without a degree in herbology, google translate tells me they are roses, roses, chrysanthemums, peony, peony. And I probably can't tell the difference. Gah.

Gumihou: 蔷薇 Multiflora Rose, not to be confused with 月季 Chinese Rose

Generally speaking, the Chinese rose is a highly cultivated species of rose. The image you have in mind with the word 'rose' comes from this variation. The Multiflora rose has single petal blooms and are much more hardy. To the point that it is considered a noxious weed in some parts of North America though it was introduced there originally to help with soil conservation measures.

菊花 = Chrysanthemum, duh. lol.

牡丹 is the famous Moutan Peony that often appeared in Chinese paintings. It's bred through a combination of different variations to achieve the many petal versions loved by scholars, painters and embroiderers.

芍药 or Chinese peony is probably the Peonia lactiflora that comes in deep pink with double petals and are likened to the 'minister of flowers' whereas the Moutan is often associated with the empress.