Bi Yu was just waiting outside when she heard that Jin Fengju was about to leave for Night Breeze Pavilion. Concerned, she said, "Master, Jin Ming has already gone home…" then, she caught sight of Cai Lian waving frantically at her and she switched her words to, "But there are two young servant boys on duty. I shall ask them to escort the Master over."

"No need, I don't need any escort. I shall go by myself today," said Jin Fengju as he took the lantern. "You two return to the room and rest. You must have found it difficult to sleep with me here at all hours at the study. Go back and rest well, you must get up early tomorrow and wait on me before court."

Cai Lian and Bi Yu accepted the order and tried once again to persuade Jin Fengju to bring the boys with him. However, could someone like Jin Fengju listen to their entreaties? Instead, he laughed and said, "Those young boys, the only thing they can do is carry lanterns. They cannot even put on a martial arts show, let alone defend me properly. If something were to happen, who would be rescuing whom?"

With that final derisive remark, he left Cai Lian and Bi Yu to lock up the study, carried off the lantern and grandly set out.

Upon entering Yong Cui Garden, he found the entire area shrouded in darkness. Just how beautiful and upright were those trees in the daytime? However, at night, they looked like ghastly shadows, giving people an exceptionally eerie feeling. Nonetheless, Jin Fengju did not care, he carried his lantern and slowly walked forward. Seeing a few courtyards with their lights shining in the distance, he guessed that these places must be where Jin Yanfang, Feng Zhenzhu and Feng Mingzhu were staying at.

At the sight of those lights, Jin Fengju could not help his curiosity and turned around to have another look at the lighted ares. He passed by Elegant Mansion and had to sigh: Just when will Qiuning move in, ah? Once she move in, wouldn't the lights of this courtyard be lit up too? If that is so, I can come in and we could trade words under the candlelight. We could even trim the red candles together and enjoy the night in each other's arms. Would it not be so very charming and romantic?

As he indulged in his fantasies, he heard footsteps followed by some noisy chatter in the distance. Soon, faint lantern light was seen and, as they approached, he realised they were a large group of matrons and older maids. Leading this group of women was a housekeeping maid with so much status that even he was obliged to address her as 'Auntie'.

He stopped walking to smile slightly and said, "Is Matron Yu leading the night patrol?"

At those words, the matrons who had been prepared to shine their lanterns on him immediately lowered their hands. Not a single one dared to speak up, their heads timidly lowered. Matron Yu was the only one who came forward to laugh and say, "Isn't it so? With so many young ladies living in this garden now, this is the time to make our rounds to inspect the matrons and maids. Some of them might be slacking off or wasting their money on gambling and drinking. Old Madam has instructed us to be vigilant. What's more, the young ladies were all very warm-hearted and friendly."

Jin Fengju nodded with a smile and said, "Yes, now that we have several young girls in the estate, the place is livelier than before. The Old Ancestor has also enjoyed the change of atmosphere. However, we must trouble you all for all this extra work. Later, I shall speak with Wanying. Now that we have added all these new people for you to look after, it is only right for you to be compensated with a little more money."

When the maids heard this, it was as though flowers were blooming on their faces, although it was not really clear due to the darkness of the garden. Matron Yu also laughed and said, "No need, it is just adding a few more steps to our regular work. If this also merits an increase in monthly salary, how can the hearts of these servant girls remain stable? That's right, it is very late. Where is Second Master going?"

Jin Fengju coughed and laughed, "I happened to recall a matter that I need to discuss with your Second Madam, that is why I am on my way to Night Breeze Pavilion."

He was too embarrassed to say that he came out on a whim and that he had missed Qiuning, to the point that he was walking through a darkened garden in the dead of the night, alone, with no escorts.

However, even without saying it, the women all knew why he was there and were all sniggering in the privacy of their hearts, thinking: That Second Madam Ning, whose appearance could only be considered 'willow-like' at best, somehow manage to charm our master to the point of being muddled. Just what kind of foxy charm did she use on him?

As Matron Yu lead her congregation of maids and matrons away, Jin Fengju continued on his way towards Night Breeze Pavilion. He had no idea that this entire interaction had been witnessed by someone who had been quietly engaged with her embroidery at a faraway window.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

"What is the young lady looking at?"

Feng Zhenzhu's maid, Zi Yuan, had just spread out the bedding when she noticed that her mistress was staring out the window, lost in thought. She went over to close the window before smiling and saying, "Although spring is here, there is still some spring chill lingering in the air. Young Lady should be more careful, it is best not to trifle with one's health."

"Yes, I understand. I will be careful." Feng Zhenzu walked towards the table and sat down. After some time, as though she could not herself, she said, "Zi Yuan, I saw the night patrolling madams outside. They appeared to have encountered someone and spent some time talking to the person. A short while later, the Madam went east towards the exit, but the person made their way west. Who do you think it was, ah? To have such great privilege to walk around freely in a tightly guarded garden in the middle of the night?"

Zi Yuan laughed, "Who else? The only people with such power within the estate are the Old Masters and the Masters. Eldest Master is now in Jiangnan while Second Old Master's family had moved out. Therefore, only the Young Marquis is still at the estate. Moreover, the Young Lady mentioned that he went west. It could only be the Young Marquis making his way towards Night Breeze Pavilion. Speaking of which, this maid had encountered that Second Madam Ning twice now and felt that her looks were quite ordinary. It is unclear why the Master likes her so much."

Feng Zhenzhu gave the closed window another glance before sighing, "As the saying goes, a woman's beauty is short-lived. Second Madam Ning's looks might be ordinary, but that might be a good thing instead. With the Young Marquis being so loving towards her, isn't her position much better than us sisters who have no one to rely on?"

Hearing something amiss in the young woman's voice, Zi Yuan gave her mistress a closer look. She noticed that, although the young lady was speaking in a sad tone, there was a brightness to her eyes and lightness to her brows that gave off a very spring-like atmosphere. A flash of understanding lit up Zi Yuan's heart. However, she first tested the waters with a light laugh, "Young Miss, please don't be like this. Though we have been taken into the duchy, this maid feels that the Old Madam and Elder Madam are very good to the young ladies. Surely there is no need to fear they would not assist Young Miss's family to locate good families to marry into? Aren't they an excellent family to rely on for the rest of one's life?"

Feng Zhenzhu shook her head and laughed bitterly, "A good family? What's the use of having a good family? If Heaven pities one such as I, they will allow me to find a man as affectionate as the Young Marquis. Not to mention, us sisters… how old are we now? Can we still consider ourselves girls in the first bloom of our youth? To marry into a good family… there is no need to be so extravagant."

It was only after she was done speaking that she suddenly realised that she should not have spoken so frivolously before her maid. Blushing with embarrassment, she stomped her foot and said, "You little hussy, you tricked me into speaking these shameless things with your tricky tongue! Why should I spare a maid like you!?" with that, she chased after Zi Yuan, her hands raised to smack the maid.

Zi Yuan was a maid from the newest batch of maids brought into the Jin estate. Before coming into a large mansion, she had worked under more gruelling circumstances outside, so who knew just how much stronger she was compared to a pampered young miss? After chasing around for a few steps, Feng Zhenzhu ended up panting and holding herself upright with a chair, one hand covering her chest. This pitiful appearance really invoked feelings of tenderness and endearment from onlookers.

Zi Yuan smiled. She approached her mistress, saying, "Everyone says that Xizi clutching her heart [1] is the picture of utmost beauty, but when I saw Young Miss today, how could Xizi clutching her heart be compared to you? Young Miss is such a beauty that if age and past incidents could drag down your looks, the very Heavens must have their eyes shut tight.

This maid has only been with Young Miss for a few days, but I know that the Young Miss is a good-hearted person, bound to have a rich and happy life in the future.

Leaving aside those far from the eye, isn't there at least one person within Young Miss' sight? Whether it is your character, family history, appearance or talent, everything is higher than others. Only, if Young Miss were to really match with him, I fear that your status will suffer some aggravation."

"You hussy, how dare you bully me to this point? You are becoming more and more improper…" Feng Zhenzhu pretended to scold the maid, but her heart was already flipping about as Zi Yuan's words stirred her mind.

She knew in her heart of hearts that after coming out of a bandit's den, despite still remaining pure, there was no way any decent family from the Capital would take them in. Any family with some degree of prominency would not want them. Even so, she still possessed her city-toppling, nay, country-toppling appearance…

Moreover, just what kind of young talent was Jin Fengju? Even all the noble sons and aristocratic young men combined could not match him. On top of that, he valued that ordinary-looking wife of his, so if she and her sisters were to follow him, wouldn't they be spoilt to the heavens? That way, they would have a dependable backer for life. With the Jing Dukedom being so prominent, even if she were to become a concubine, her sisters would not be shabbily treated either…

The more she thought about it, the more it made sense.

Zi Yuan was a clever one. Just by looking at her Young Miss' face, she knew that the Young Miss had been convinced by her persuasion. The maid also had her own schemes brewing. She thought: personal maids of noble girls and madams all doubled as their husband's bedroom maids. The Young Marquis is so handsome, if I could go one round with him, I shall die happy.

Thus, she made up her mind to urge the Young Miss, perfectly willing to be her mistress's hands and feet as she promised to fulfil her precious Young Miss' dream to be together with Jin Fengju.

The two of them each had their own thoughts, all their plans falling on Jin Fengju's head, yet he remained blissfully unaware.

Jin Fengju continued on his way to Night Breeze Pavilion. The night patrols never made it there, but from what he could see, the gates of Night Breeze Pavilion had long been shut tight. Even so, from the lights in the distance, most of the people here had not retired for the night yet.

Thus, [a] emboldened by these assurances, he walked up to the gates and called out. The gatekeeping servant grumbled and opened the gate crossly, ready to reprimand the person behind the gate when he saw that it was the Young Marquis.

[a] The servant fell to his knees with a thud, shocked by the sight of the most prominent master of this house and was frightened to think that the marquis may have heard him complaining just then.

Instead of reprimanding him, Jin Fengju generously allowed him to rise to his feet and even awarded the man with a gold leaf, shocking him to elated silence. That's a gold leaf, ah! Even if he worked hard for the rest of his life, there was no guarantee that he would ever earn enough to buy a single piece, you know? And yet, the Young Marquis handed him a whole piece of gold leaf just like that, how could he not be overjoyed?

[a] Now that he had bought the gatekeeper's silence, Jin Fengju quietly made his way toward's Qiuning's room. [a] Naturally, any maids or servants that happened to notice him would be understanding enough to turn a blind eye to their Master's antics. He was the one who paid their wages after all.

He found Fu Qiuning in front of the mirror, humming a line from Huangmei opera as she removed her makeup. Perhaps sensing someone, she said, "Have the children gone to sleep? If so, go rest, I don't need anyone to serve me."

[b] When no one answered her, she paused. The footsteps did not move away but came closer instead. Feeling that something was wrong, she quickly stood up and turned around, a plain and sharp hair accessory already in hand. When she saw it was Jin Fengju, she froze, "Young Marquis, why are you here? Has… has something happened? Is it an urgent matter?"

[b] And don't tell me you are here because you missed me, she thought furiously.

"I missed you, is it an urgent matter?" Jin Fengju smiled as he handed the lantern to Fu Qiuning.

[b] "… …" Fu Qiuning had no words. She automatically accepted the lantern and blew out the candle inside, thankful for the opportunity to turn away and cringe to her heart's content as the man took off his cloak and laughed, "I was at the study, thinking to retire for the night when I thought of you. I could bear it no longer and came to see you."

After putting the lantern away, Fu Qiuning snatched up the cloak and went to fold it at the table, [b] unwilling to face the man she had hoped to not see for the night, her mouth saying unnecessary things like, "Who escorted you? I shall speak to Yu Jie about finding a place for them to rest. Did you call Jin Ming from his home to escort you again?"

[Gumihou: I think the interaction between JFJ and FQN was supposed to be cute and sweet, but it just smacks of entitlement on one part.]

[a] Add creep factor for JFJ, can't have too much of that. No need to thank Gumi.

[b] Dialed up Fu Qiuning's 'creep sensor'

Pill Bug TL Note:

[1] 西子捧心 Chinese idiom, means: the beauty of a sickly woman.

Jin Fengju smiled and said, "I was not escorted. I came here on my own."

[1a] Then, he beamed meaningfully at Fu Qiuning, who blanched at his expression. [2a] She thought: Why is this fellow leering at me? How disgusting…

[1a] He must have misinterpreted Fu Qiuning's disgust for something else, because the leer turned into a droopy grin as he said, "What? Are you worried that something would happen to me? I know some martial arts, you know? If I were to allow the two boy servants to escort me, they would only become burdens for me. How tiring, do all of you see me as some sort of weakling?"

[2b] "… …" it was all she could do not to retch into her sleeves.

[1b] "Oh my, if you worried to the point of speechlessness, how about moving into Elegant Mansion as soon as possible? It would save me a lot of worries ~~" by then, he had climbed onto the kang and was [1a] staring meaningfully at Fu Qiuning.

"…you are truly the calamity star of my life," said Fu Qiuning. [2a] She knew that it was only a matter of time before she was forced to move. He had already bought out all the servants in her courtyard, including her two so-called 'personal' maids. Him traipsing over to her place in the middle of the night without escorts would only invite more comments. If something were to happen to him, whether it is assassination, a fall, or, hell, even a divine strike from the very heavens, she would probably be blamed for it.

[2b] For some reason, her answer made him happy to the point that his eyes sparkled. He suddenly lunged forward with a beam, "Then, when will you move in? I shall have someone clean the place up immediately!"

[2c] "… you are saying as though you haven't had the place already cleaned out, renovated and decorated…"

[1b] "Hahahah! As expected, my Qiuning is the cleverest!"

[2d] Fu Qiuning could only stare as this so-called 'brightest and cleverest' man in the Capital laughed stupidly at her. There was no talking sense to him. He would just re-interpret everything she said to whatever he wanted to hear. She could only hope that he would get over this weird obsession of his soon. Preferably before she gets pregnant with his 'favour'. Who knows what his other women would do to her if she, the 'official wife', were to carry his 'heir'?

[2d] Gyaahhhh! She's already worrying about that future child's future!

"What are you thinking about?"

Jin Fengju's sudden question shook her out of her thoughts. [2d] Although she had been shaken out of a nightmare of her own making, life was not better since she found herself in a living nightmare instead. Shaking slightly, she forced a smile and said in a slightly high-pitched voice, "Oh, nothing. Nothing at all."

"Seeing such an expression on your face makes my heart ache," Jin Fengju sighed. He shook his head sadly, saying, "You must be thinking that in the future, 'while the newcomer laughs, the old one cries'. Qiuning, you clearly don't trust me. You don't trust in my sincere love or respect for you. You must think that I would have a change of heart and believe that once you are old and greying, I will transfer my love to one of those young and pretty women, don't you?"

Fu Qiuning was taken aback. [2e] Just… how did this insane guy come to this kind of conclusion? It's completely the opposite of what she had been thinking. Go and transfer your love away now!

"Aih, I know that it's pointless to say anything. Brother-in-law loves Elder Sister so much, and is even a little afraid of her, but he still raised a prostitute on the side. Men are all like this, it is useless for me to argue anything." Jin Fengju had [1a] grabbed Fu Qiuning in his arms, rubbing his chin on her head, as though he could rub his conviction into her mind if he rubbed hard enough. "I shall prove it to you, Qiuning! Just continue to watch my actions, now that we have shared a bed. You shall understand just how deep my affection for you is!"

[2a] "… …" Fu Qiuning remained silent. When faced with the insane, it was best to remain quiet and watch the situation carefully before acting.

As for Jin Fengju, he was thinking: Most other women would have said something duplicitous like 'This humble woman is not a jealous wife, this humble woman dare not expect anything extravagant…' [1b] to think that his Fu Qiuning actually stayed quiet like this, silently showing her displeasure… ahhh! My Qiuning is so shy!

"As expected of my Qiuning," Jin Fengju said with a tender smile.

[2e] "… …" Fu Qiuning had completely checked out of this conversation.

"Ah, speaking of which, what was the song you were humming just now? Why have I never heard it before? Hurry up and sing it for me."

[2f] "… …" Fu Qiuning was exhausted, but she still had to entertain this crazy person. Who told her to transmigrate into this world as a helpless woman who had to depend on this crazy person to live well? After a quiet sigh, she said, "It is based on the Legend of the [3] White Snake. The song that I was humming just now is when she was looking for Xu Xian."

This White Snake legend also existed in this world, although it was slightly different from the modern version. The concept of 'white lady' didn't exist yet.

"Oh?" as expected, Jin Fengju immediately perked up. "Well, let's have a listen."

[2f] "… …" was he in love with her voice? No, he was in love with novelty. This man adored operas and other related entertainment. Well, even in the modern world, people fell in love with electronic waifus or become obsessed with idols. Was he seeing her as some sort of idol?

Still, there was no reason to decline an opportunity to practice her art. She stood up and smoothed down her skirt, before raising her chin and began to sing:

"

Westlake appears the same

Withered autumn meets the eye

"

When the song was over, Jin Fengju sat in a daze, as though still buried in its recollections. He sighed a long sigh and said, "This White Snake Spirit is clearly a foolish woman in love. As for that Xu Xian, he is unfit to be called a man. In a way, he is worse than the turtle."

"Indeed, she is a foolish woman," [2g] Fu Qiuning agreed. What, was she supposed to argue against a statement that was clearly baiting her to make him look good?

"… indeed, indeed! Ah, if it were me and I found out that you are a snake demon from that monk, Fa Hai, I shall stuff his mouth with gold and silver. Failing that, I will silence him permanently. I will never let him hurt you."

[2g] "… …" so, this was the eloquence of the emperor's favourite. This fellow sure knew how to flatter a person. Look at him waxing grandly about a fantastical situation that would never happen. How could someone be so shameless?

"What is it? Have you been struck dumb with my words? Clearly, I rarely speak sweet words to my sweet Qiuning, otherwise, my dear wife would not have lost her soul after hearing just one sentence from me. [1a] Ah~ I, your husband, shall correct this slight and shower you with more tender words in the future," Jin Fengju crooned as he stroked Fu Qiuning's smooth long hair.

Cringe.

[2g] It was all Fu Qiuning could do not to barf at this overly sweet declaration. She had to turn away from Jin Fengju's face. When she felt the face touching her neck she jumped out from his embrace and, with her back to him, declared, "In the past, I used to believe that the Stone Bridge Oath was the most… 'touching' I had ever heard. However, after hearing Lord Husband's words, I must say that… Lord Husband's words are even more touching…"

"What is this Stone Bridge Oath?" Jin Fengju beamed, [1a] getting up to drape himself on his wife's back.

[2g] Unable to escape the situation, Fu Qiuning said, "It's… back at the village, I heard several matrons chatting with each other. They had just returned from a story-telling session given by a passing scholar. The story is about a young scholar bewitched by a fox spirit. He was so fascinated by her that he declared: I should wish to transform into a stone bridge and withstand 500 years of sun, 500 years of rain and 500 years of wind, just for you to walk across me once. The saying stayed with me because it was so cri- touching. However, I had all but forgotten about it. Hearing Lord Husband's words, I am suddenly reminded of this saying."

Jin Fengju nodded and sighed a long sigh, "Too infatuated, too infatuated, I fear I can't do it…"

If you want to talk, just talk, stop rubbing your face into my neck…

Thankfully, before she could actually lose her temper and do something she regretted, the sounds of footsteps interrupted them, and Yu Jie's voice carried over, "I finally manage to put them to sleep. Madam, these days, it is very difficult to put Young Miss and Young Master to sleep. I told them three stories, but they still wanted more. I had to tell them two more stories before they finally…"

She paused, finally catching sight of the master draping himself over the mistress. Surprised, she stammered, "Y-y-young Marquis? Ah… this maid greets the master… I-is there anything…"

"En, nothing much, I just thought I'd come here," said Jin Fengju said with a faint smile as he casually moved away from Fu Qiuning to sprawl elegantly on the kang. He flicked a glance over Yu Jie's hair and said, "You have worked hard to put Feng'er and Jiao'er to sleep. That buyao on your mistress' table, go ahead and receive it as your reward. Be at ease, so long as you continue to do good work, I will not treat you unfairly."

At this, Yu Jie beamed and happily picked up the buyao, a single glance was enough to tell her that it was a valuable piece. A little worried, she said, "I dare not wear such a good thing, surely, only our Madam could…"

Jin Fengju interrupted, "What's all the fuss? It's just a little accessory with some good pearls stuck on it. What's so fancy about it? I told you to take it, so just take it. You have followed your Madam for many years, enduring hardships on top of more hardships. What is a single buyao? You are worthy of wearing more precious things."

Hearing this, Yu Jie happily accepted the buyao and skipped out.

Fu Qiuning [2a] pressed her lips together. "I see you are now buying favours with my possessions."

[1b] Instead of looking contrite, Jin Fengju's smile deepened and he said, "Dear me, I have not even complained about anything yet, but here you are scolding me. Let me ask you, of the jewellery I have bestowed to you, are there any that are inferior to that piece? If you like it so much, I can have someone bring in an even better Eastern Pearl buyao, After all, I cannot let you walk around with an accessory gifted to you by that woman. Don't you understand the hearts of women? They are not easy to deal with.

What's more, you should wear some jewellery whenever you go out in the future. As my Official Wife, and the Second Young Madam of this estate, people would not consider your actions pure, or indifferent towards wealth. Instead, they would misunderstand and think you are posturing. Worse, they would think that you have lost favour and will try to climb over your head."

[2g] "… are you really going to lecture me about the hearts of women?" instead of addressing the other nonsensical, self-aggrandising words, she decided to focus on this one single line.

[1b] "… indeed, indeed, ahaha! Come now, sleep, sleep. Now that you have hinted so many things to your dear father, I'm afraid that Prince Hong will have plenty of things to say tomorrow. Come, sleep."

[2g] Fu Qiuning stared at the man squirming on the kang, still in his outdoor clothes. She thought: So, this is how you react when shoved into a corner. Also, are you really not going to change? Should I bring it up and embarrass him? Let's bring it up.

[2g] "My Lord Husband must be incredibly busy or looking forward to going to court tomorrow," she said, and waited.

[1b] "… yes, yes!" Jin Fengju leapt out of bed and started taking his clothes off. "Indeed, I cannot wait to hear what Prince Hong has to say tomorrow." Even as he dropped his belt to a corner, he snorted coldly, saying, "That Prince Hong, if he was the type that could hold himself back, he would not be struggling against Prince Lie today."

"I see," [2g] she was not really interested in the topic, but Jin Fengju wanted to keep showing off, so she had to humour him.

"In fact, Brother-in-law and Prince Hong's mothers were the emperors' favourite imperial concubines back then. Unfortunately, Concubine Min, Brother-in-law's mother, passed away early while Prince Hong's mother is still alive. As for Prince Lie, his mother is young and beautiful, and more importantly, she is the most favoured person in the harem. The other princes were not at all outstanding, thus, factions eventually formed around these three princes."

[Gumihou: How could a person who is sick in the head (JFJ) and someone without her full mental capacity (thanks to AR Qiuning) be 'In Love'? They could only be 'In Love?']

[1] Add details:

[1a] Add to JFJ's creep factor. It was missing, which was too bad, but that's okay. Gumi is happy to assist~

[1b] JFJ is crazy enough to reinterpret everything Fu Qiuning did and said to his advantage. So there was really no need to force FQN to act like a possessed idiot just to make JFJ act like an idiot in love.

[2] Remove the AR Qiuning:

[2a] Switched out all of Kyaa~~!Qiuning with Original Goods!Qiuning

[2b] Deleted all the saccharine 'kyaa~~ it's not like I'm afraid of assassins but if you get hurt, I'd~~ iyaan~~' replacing it with "… …" of disgust.

[2c] Calling out JFJ's bullshit instead of going 'iyaan~~ I'm so busyy~~ oh, um, the Thorny Roses are~~ kyaan~~!'

[2d] Instead of worrying about him 'cheating' on her with other women and talking about how men in the modern world where women's rights were (somewhat) respected, worry more about ACTUAL issues. Like having a KID with this insane man in this insane world!

[2e] In place of 'he guessed my thoughts correctly! Kyaa~~' go with 'what bullshit is he talking about now?'

[2f] Instead of happily chatting with the crazy, have FQN act like normal person when trapped with a crazy

[2g] Calling out texts that were clearly made to make JFJ look good. At the same time, delete all of AR Qiuning's disgustingly pandering 'iyaan~~' dialogues

[3] Legend of the White Snake

Xu Xian – human male who is in love with the White Snake

Fa Hai – monk who aims to save Xu Xian's soul from the White Snake

[1a] "In short, they are all princes whose mothers were favoured by the emperor," said Fu Qiuning. "And Prince Rong is at a disadvantage because his Imperial Mother had died."

[2a] "…speaking of which, I have spoken to Jin Ming about rooting out Prince Lie's spy. Unfortunately, though we searched openly and secretly, we still did not manage to find anything. It was too strange. I have never encountered such a thing before. They must have hidden themselves too well. However, it's fine. Even if there's a spy within the estate, so long as we remain upright, there is no need to be afraid of any spies. Come now, let's sleep. I have to be up early tomorrow. You must be early to serve me too."

[1a] "… …" what is this cringey attitude?

[2b] She had no idea what kind of expression she was making, but for some reason, Jin Fengju was grinning at her and saying, "Are you surprised? I am only in my twenties, but Old Madam and Elder Madam all say that I am too serious. However, how can I be anything but serious? Is the court a place where one can act immaturely? However, now that I have met you, I felt like I have recovered some of my youth. This is very good, even in my youth, I have never felt this much happiness in my heart."

[1a] "… …" Fu Qiuning could almost feel bits of her soul flying out the window from the sheer cringe of this statement. Just what kind of books had this guy been studying lately?

[2a] Also, after taking his outer clothes off, Jin Fengju blew out the candle and, instead of climbing onto the kang bed to sleep or whatever, he went over to the window to look wistfully into the moonlight. It was only after his monologue started that she finally realised that she was being treated to a performance.

"

A gentleman does not see the surging white waves,

It is too late to collect the pole and turn the boat,

The world of man suffers turmoil most infinite,

But it pales to the Old fisherman's loss on Mandarin Duck Lake. [3]

"

Jin Fengju murmured the lines as he stared out into the moonlight. Then, he turned burning eyes at Fu Qiuning and said, "This is a most wise saying. Qiuning is a rare talent. Could the Mandarin Duck Lake be the Mandarin Duck Lake in Jinzhou? Moreover, these four sentences appear to be the conclusion of a longer poem. Where did Qiuning get this poem from? Why won't Qiuning recite the whole thing?"

[1b] Fu Qiuning stroked her own hair, hiding the fact that she was totally rolling her eyes at this comment. Hasn't she already told him? It's all that old woman. All her weird knowledge came from that dead old woman.

[1b] "Unfortunately, though the old woman from the village is well-versed in opera, her knowledge of poetry is lacking. I'm afraid this is all she had bestowed on me."

[2b] Jin Fengju was now looking at her with… knowing eyes? Why? Before she could speculate on what was really happening in this fellow's mind, the man himself was smiling down at her in an indulgent way, "Goodness, the village Qiuning comes from must be teeming with talents and prodigies. One day, you must take me there for a look. Perhaps together, we could uncover some wonderful scholars there."

[2b] Jin Fengju was… snickering to himself, as though he had discovered some great secret of hers. [1b] However, her one witness had already passed away and could not be questioned by anyone. If this guy really wanted to, she could show him where the old lady was buried. It would at least be amusing for him to try and find out that woman's origin.

[1b] Therefore, Fu Qiuning merely shrugged and said, "As the Young Marquis likes," before going to bed. Having no one to witness his dramatic solos, Jin Fengju also went to bed next to her.

[Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~]

In the middle of the night, the patter of rain suddenly woke Jin Fengju up. He sat up to find that Fu Qiuning was also awake. In a low voice, he said, "Is it raining outside?" [2c]

[1a] "…yes, it is raining, and it is happening outside,"

"… …"

[1a] "Perhaps the Young Marquis has never experienced the rain before? It happens ever so often. Back at the village, spring rain is considered as precious as oil because it comes so sparingly." Since he wanted to mock her for invoking 'the village' for every little abomination, let's mention it at every opportunity.

[2c] Jin Fengju cleared his throat and appeared to listen to the rain for a while before smiling and saying, "These days, the emperor mentioned something about this year's crop being poor due to bad weather conditions. However, now that the rain has arrived, it looks like the emperor's mood would be better tomorrow."

[1b] "Yes, the emperor's mood being better would lighten the pressure on Prince Rong as well," she said agreeably. Then, in a more decisive voice, "Go to sleep."

[1b] Unable to find a way to extend the conversation, Jin Fengju obediently went to sleep as well.

The weather in ancient times was really fickle. When she went to bed earlier, the moon was shining. For it to suddenly [1c] rain, it brought her back to the times when life was hard and resources were limited. Back then, she had acted strong in front of her maids and the twins. However, thoughts of how to fulfil basic necessities and how to give the children a good life had plagued her mind.

[1c] Spring was a time of gladness for everyone, especially so for the people at Night Breeze Pavilion. However, there was a lull between dwindling winter provisions and waiting for the next batch of crops to ripen. She had not anticipated the weather to withhold its ration of rain. If not for the pond, which had drastically lowered due to the dry weather, their clumsily planted crops would have died. Fortunately, perhaps due to the nutrients that came with the pond water being close to the bottom, [4] their harvest was unexpectedly good, allowing them to live on enough to see the next spring. That was before they even had any ducks or chickens to supplement their diet.

[1c] They ate a lot of wild vegetables during that first year. Later, life was a little better with eggs and a bit of poultry meat…

Suddenly, a beloved poem appeared in her mind:

The youth listens to the song of rain upstairs,

The red candle flickers dimly under the veil.

The ageing man hears the rain on his boat,

The river is wide and the clouds low,

With broken cries of geese in the wind.

Now I listen to the rain under a hut,

The stars are my temple,

Heedless of man's joys and sorrows,

The dawn comes dripping in, drop by drop.

Perhaps influenced by the feelings brought on by the poem, tears began to fall from her eyes. She thought: After transmigrating into this world, I can never go back, unlike these travellers who could still return home despite wide rivers, low-hanging clouds and bleak Western winds. But me? I'm afraid that even the stars above me are not the same as the ones from my previous life. I can only take each day as it drips by, knowing that I can never set eyes on the asphalt roads and concrete jungle of my hometown ever again.

Weighed down by her sad thoughts, she could barely sleep. Another sound of thunder woke her and she noticed that it was time for Jin Fengju to get up. She pushed against the man sticking to her, saying, "It is time for Lord Husband to wake up. Though it is not yet light, it is already dawn."

Jin Fengju got up and allowed Fu Qiuning to help him wash and dress up. He rushed outside with an oil paper umbrella with a glass lantern, even forgoing breakfast.

As he was hurrying across Yong Cui Garden, there was a sudden flash of lightning, followed by the heavy sound of thunder. For a moment, he was stunned by the sudden racket but reassured himself by thinking: Since I am surrounded by trees, I should be safe. Still, he picked up his pace. More lightning flashed and there was suddenly a cracking sound that did not belong to the heavens at all. It was only then that he noticed that a tree, about as thick as a large bowl, had been split in half and was falling to the ground.

Jin Fengju reflexively leapt backwards. However, he was focusing so much on the tree that he did not notice a stone behind him that was as sharp as a bamboo shard. He tripped and fell, unfortunately, despite being quick of mind, he could not fully control his body and he lost his balance. A sharp rock pierced his calf and he immediately started bleeding.

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As the thunderstorm continued outside, Cai Lian and Bi Yu waited anxiously inside the study. Jin Ming had gone over to meet the master for some time now, but why have they not arrived yet? As for why the maids were so anxious, how could they not be? The thunder and lightning outside were so ferocious and their beloved master had to walk through the whole garden in this terrible weather, what if something were to happen to him?

They were still preoccupied with their thoughts when Jin Fengju suddenly appeared, supported by Jin Ming. The two servant girls immediately tensed and quickly rushed out, asking, "What happened? What happened to the Master?"

"It's nothing, a rock pierced my leg. Cai Lian, Bi Yu, bring a little salt water to wash the wound. I still have to attend court- Aiyo!"

The cry was so painful sounding that Cai Lian and Biyu's hands trembled with fright.

"Master, how about resting for a day? Just look at your leg, how can you still attend court?" Jin Ming gave the wound a bitter look and muttered, "Moreover, it is not right to just have us servants treat you. We should call the Imperial Physician over to take a look."

"Where did this nonsense come from?" Jin Fengju snorted. "Go and have them prepare a sedan chair. Today's morning court, leaving aside a single pierced leg, I must attend even if I have broken both legs. En, this is perfect for the 'Mourning Soldier' scheme, perhaps this is Heaven's way of assisting me."

Knowing that he could not dissuade his master, Jin Ming quietly agreed and made arrangements for the sedan chair. The sedan bearers swiftly carried Jin Fengju along the road and the group managed to reach the court just a little over half an hour before the start of the morning court.

The courtroom was already filled with ministers and princes with official positions. Seeing Jin Fengju, who rarely allowed himself to be brought in on sedan chairs, they were very surprised and hurried over to find out what was going on.

Jin Ming was not qualified to enter the court, therefore, after finding a seat for his master in the waiting hall, he withdrew. By now, Prince Rong was staring at Jin Fengju with concern on his face as he trotted over to ask Jin Fengju what happened to him. As for Prince Hong and Prince Lie, their eyes flickered as a sense of schadenfreude filled their hearts.

Jin Fengju briefly explained the situation. They chatted for a little while until it was time to enter court. When it was time, they made their stately way into court with the princes leading the way. Jin Fengju tried his best to maintain his dignity as he limped in. Hopping on one leg would be less painful, but also less dignified.

Seated behind the screen, the emperor noted everything that was happening and frowned. When the eunuch announced 'The Emperor has arrived~', he stepped forward and seated himself on the dragon chair. Behind him, the eunuch called out, "With reports, court ensues; with no reports court retires~"

How could there be no reports? Several ministers stepped forward, one after another, to make their reports. Finally, when there was a lull of reports, a Censor Official stepped forward, knelt and said, "I wish to report that the Duke of Jing's estate has committed the crime of immoral conduct."

Jin Fengju's heart skipped a beat. He thought: Here it comes.

On the surface, he showed a look of astonishment, privately, he assessed the person making the report. It was Chu Daxiu, a staunch supporter of Prince Hong. No wonder Prince Hong had tasked him to carry out this scheme.

"Immoral conduct?" an imperceptible frown appeared on the emperor's brows as he glanced over at Jin Fengju. He said lightly, "What is this immoral conduct? Let Us hear it."

Thus, Chu Daxiu began talking about the Jing dukedom taking in unchaste women into their estate. The ancient people attached great importance to a woman's chastity. Though there were no explicit rules within the Jin estate for women's conduct, it was a private rule that unmarried daughters were not even allowed to appear in public. Therefore, the accusation of 'immoral conduct' was able to barely scrape through.

[Gumihou: About adding random mockery against JFJ. From Gumi's Characteristics Calculation, he appears to be the type that chases longer the harder one runs. If FQN had really been replaced by AR Qiuning, their so-called 'great love' would have been as short-lived as a summer storm. In other words, Gumi has been helping the novel to stay realistic. Seriously.]

[1] Remove the AR Qiuning:

[1a] Calling out texts that were clearly made to make JFJ look good. At the same time, delete all disgusting AR Qiuning's dialogue

[1b] Remove over 250 words of AR Qiuning's 'oh noes oh noes~~Iyaan~~' panic that just baits JFJ to 'look at her with sparkling eyes as though he knew she was thinking up an excuse'

Yeah? Well with the 'iyann~', 'kyann~~' and 'ufufufu~' scenes gone, there goes the entirety of 'wow, that village must be full of talents. Qiuning must bring me for a visit one day~'

Naturally, this was followed by an 'iyann~~' blush moment from AR Qiuning.

Total number of words deleted would have gone over 500 if not for [2b]

[1c] In the original version, AR Qiuning suddenly recite poetry as a way to sob and make us feel sorry for her in general. Basically, make us even more glad for JFJ's existence.

However, since Gumi had deleted over 250 words, I have to make up the numbers somehow, right? How about reminiscing about the time when she was stuck at Night Breeze Pavilion for six years with limited resources? Isn't that a wonderful idea?

[2] Add details:

[2a] Reveal JFJ's creep factor

[2b] Reveal JFJ's crazy. His ability to reinterpret everything Fu Qiuning did and say to his advantage is a special kind of entitlement.

[2c] Jin Fengju attempting to look intelligent. Attempting.

Pillbug TL Notes:

[3] This comes from 《鸳湖曲》"Yuanhu Qu" "Song of the Mandarin Duck Lake"

[4] I really do not recommend using water from the bottom of a still body of water. Yes, the nutrients are dense, but so are the heavy metals. You can see reports of lead or arsenic poisoning happening near towns with dried-up lakes.

The emperor listened to the whole tale quietly. His eyes swept over his sons before settling on Jin Fengju. When the Censor was done speaking, he said in a grave voice, "Fengju, how do you answer the Imperial Censor's accusation on the Jing Dukedom?"

For the emperor to direct this question to Jin Fengju was quite ridiculous. In the first place, Jin Shi was among the courtiers and it was his daughter who was being censured. Clearly, in the eyes of the emperor, so long as it had anything to do with the Jin Clan, Jin Fengju must answer for it as the true representative of that clan.

Jin Shi, who had no idea about all the shenanigans that had been happening behind the scenes, was caught off guard by the sudden denunciation against his daughter. He could not help the shock, anger, shame and frustration that coursed through his body. It was most fortunate that the emperor did not question him directly. Otherwise, this old man really would not know how to answer.

He watched as Jin Fengju limped forward with a serene expression and knelt with some difficulty before the emperor. Before he could begin his explanation, the emperor asked, "What happened to your leg?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I fell badly when walking and a stone pierced my leg. It is nothing," Jin Fengju replied in a grave voice. After an 'oh' of acknowledgement from the emperor, he continued, "Your Majesty, Imperial Censor Chu has censured my family for not strictly guarding the family honour. However, this minister would like to ask him this. When Lord Feng met with sudden misfortune, leaving no one in his household but a few orphans and widows that were sold to other houses as slaves, what, according to Imperial Censor Chu, should we have done?

Clearly, the Jing Dukedom is in the wrong for putting in untold effort and hardship to track these family members down and bring them home. Perhaps the Imperial Censor would have applauded the Jing Dukedom had we dedicated our efforts to exterminating them from this world. Tell me, Imperial Censor Chu, are you advocating for the Duke of Jing to commit acts of atrocities?

Will the people applaud the Duke of Jing for his ruthless actions in eradicating the family's shame and be a model family for all to follow? To have those women and children strangled with a rope without even confirming their chastity or innocence in the name of preserving the family honour? Lord Chu, are you hoping to instigate something here? Should I apologize for not meeting your expectations? Is that why you cannot help but jump up and censure us today?"

"You…" Chu Daxiu's entire face turned a pig liver red. He faced the emperor and cried, "Emperor, this minister had no such intention! Your Majesty is wise, this minister is… because the Jing Dukedom did not maintain strict moral values that…"

"Lord Chu appears very sure that the women of our family had been defiled. How strange, I wonder, why is Lord Chu so very sure? Could it be that Lord Chu has eyes on that bandit's nest and thus knows the fate of the Feng family girls? These girls were sold to an ordinary household as slaves almost immediately after they were captured. They were never sent to brothels or opium dens, which could have fetched those thugs a much higher price. Lord Chu, you must enlighten us. Just how did you know so clearly, ah?"

"You… Lord Jin, stop spitting venom at others. How could I have eyes at a bandits' nest?" Chu Daxiu's face had reddened a few more shades. This Jin Fengju was too hateful. To casually throw a pot of dirty water at another's head is too lowbrow!

"Surely the one spitting venom at others is Lord Chu? If you have no eyes at a bandit's nest, why do you act as though you have intimate knowledge of what happened? Before bringing up a matter before the emperor, one must have evidence. Surely this is basic common sense? Lord Chu declared that my Jing Dukedom stained our honour by harbouring unchaste women, don't tell me that this is mere speculation?"

"You…" Chu Daxiu wanted to say: Could any woman that came out of a bandit's den still be chaste?

However, from the way Jin Fengju was glaring at him, he could tell that if he were to say this, Jin Fengju would immediately counter it with a charge of 'slander' and 'trusting unfounded rumours'. Therefore, he could only flap his mouth and uttered a few more 'you' as he tried hard to think of something else to say.

"I what? Must I blindly agree with Lord Chu's unfounded slander? What's more, pardon this official for his bluntness, but as ministers, our priority should be state affairs. What does my family's moral value have anything to do with you? To carelessly slander a woman's reputation before His Majesty, Lord Chu, [a] were you born without shame?"

"Pffft…!"

A few ministers with less self-control nearly burst out laughing. Even the corners of the emperor's mouth twitched. He thought: This Fengju, he usually tries not to stand out too much, ah. To be so merciless with Chu Daxiu, had something happened to anger him so? This kind of sarcasm, how do you expect your opponent to raise his head in the future, ah?

"Jin Fengju…"

Chu Daxiu's face had long since swollen into the colour of a pig's liver, his finger trembling as he pointed at Jin Fengju, "You had better not oppress others too much."

Jin Fengju maintained [a] his glare, determined not to show weakness. Then, he slowly turned to the emperor and said gravely, "Your Majesty, Lord Chu has accused this minister of oppressing others. Thus, this minister wishes to know, he who believes in unfounded rumours and slanders the women of another family, how should this crime be dealt with? Lord Feng's corpse is not yet cold and his soul still roams the earth. However, Lord Chu, not only did you not sympathise with his misfortune, but look forward to the annihilation of his entire family. Does Lord Chu not fear retribution from Lord Feng?

"Your Majesty is wise, this minister is just…"

Chu Daxiu was getting more and more anxious. What had started out as a censure against the Duke of Jing's estate, suddenly became a wrongful accusation. If Jin Fengju was to keep talking, he would soon be accused of attempted murder. Legs softened, he collapsed to the floor and was about to continue when the emperor said, "Enough, Fengju is right. In court, state affairs should be our priority. Is this a place to air out other people's family affairs? You need not speak further."

Red-faced, Lord Chu retreated. However, Prince Hong stepped forward to say in a grave voice, "Imperial Father, this son believes that as the Jing Dukedom receives the emperor's favour and when graced with an inheritable Duke title… well, no one knows how exactly they celebrated such incredible blessing… This son has great respect for the family. Because of this, while a minor family's affairs could be overlooked, the Duke of Jing's affairs are…"

"Oh? Is that so? Are you suggesting to put the Jing Dukedom's affairs on an open trial, to be jointly charged by the three divisions?"

There was no particular emphasis within the emperor's sentence. However, it frightened Prince Hong to the point that he dared not continue and retreated back in line again. The emperor waved a hand and stood up, "If there are no other matters, court is adjourned. Fengju, with your leg injured, rest at home for a few days. We will summon you to court when you are well."

The decree was a little unclear. On the surface, Jin Fengju appeared to have received great favour from the emperor and was allowed to recuperate from his injury. However, the emperor also said 'we will summon you to court when you are well'. It was unclear whether this should be taken at face value or that Jin Fengju would not be allowed to participate in court until summoned, essentially placed under house arrest. Thus, a lot of the ministers left court while scratching their heads.

Jin Fengju limped out with Prince Rong personally supporting him. As for his blood-related uncle, old man Jin Shi had been thrown aside.

"Brother-in-law, I won't be able to come to court these next few days. My criticism against Chu Daxiu was too strong, making me look too aggressive. This decree from the emperor is both a reward and a punishment. He did not want me to be too open. Even so, there is no need to be afraid. Just remember this, no matter what the emperor asks of you, do not try to guess the emperor's intent or try to choose the 'best' answer. Let 'devotion' and 'righteousness' be your guide. Even if it offends the emperor, you must hold on to this guide."

Being no fool, Prince Rong listened to Jin Fengju's instructions intently. After a moment, he answered in a low voice, "You are saying that, now that I am already burdened with a previous conviction, I might as well go all out and leave Imperial Father with an impression of 'Though frivolous and ignorant of priorities, value devotion and righteousness'. Is that right?"

Jin Fengju nodded with relief. Looks like he was not supporting a complete Deadweight Dou [1]. Brother-in-law still has enough understanding of the situation. No matter how precarious the situation, he had no choice but to bet everything on this particular horse.

As he had half-expected, they had just walked past the door when he heard a eunuch call out, "Prince Rong, please do not depart yet. The emperor has summoned you to the South Study."

Jin Fengju glanced over at Prince Rong and smiled, "Go ahead."

Once Prince Rong had left, Jin Shi finally came forward, stomped his foot and said, "What should she do now? Yanfang has been censured, dragging the entire family into the matter. Even you were punished. What should we do?"

"What is there to do?" Jin Fengju smiled. "Second Uncle, what are you worrying about? That Chu Daxiu is but a loach. He dares to set his sight on our family after a little instigation from Prince Hong. Were I to spare him, what would others think of me? Does he think that we are the same as before when Prince Hong oppressed us to the point we could not raise our heads?

Do not worry, though it is a punishment, isn't the emperor showing face by phrasing it as giving concern? The old man will not fault me for my recklessness today. As a man, it is only right for us to shed a little blood. Otherwise, could we even dare to talk about assisting the emperor in the future?"

Only then did Jin Shi's emotions settle down a little. He wanted to support Jin Fengju, but how could Jin Fengju be willing to accept his uncle's assistance? Etiquette and balance of power had to be observed. In fact, his close relationship with Prince Rong actually disregarded true etiquette; however, they have already pre-established an intimate relationship as brothers-in-law and were often seen together. Moreover, Prince Rong's jovial and casual attitude barely justified their closeness.

A few steps later, he paused, as though suddenly recalling something else. He said, "Second Uncle, we must not let Sister Yanfang know of this matter. Otherwise, I don't know how they will take it. To be honest, when Chu Daxiu censored us, though our family honour suffered a little damage, we may have taken some fire away from Prince Rong.

This is a very good thing. You must not let Sister Yanfang thinks she has dragged down the family name in any way. When you return, you must show her a good expression. Sister is very intelligent and she is currently very self-conscious about living under other people's roof. Therefore, may detect even the slightest change in your expression. Second Uncle, no matter what, you are her father. Therefore, you must not disregard your own flesh and blood."

"Look at you, lecturing your Second Uncle. You present yourself as a very considerate and loving cousin, are you attempting to say that I am an inhuman father?" Jin Shi's face was stern, befitting that of an elder reprimanding his junior. Even so, his heart was very moved, knowing that Jin Fengju had spoken up for his daughter's sake.

"Yes, this nephew made a mistake and said the wrong thing." Jin Fengju smiled as the two of them continued to make their way out of court.

Jin Ming had been sitting in the waiting room for so long that his neck had stretched out. When he spotted the masters, he quickly rushed forward to support Jin Fengju, the sedan bearers hurrying forward behind him.

Gumihou: Ahh, the well-used 'surround the ML with fools to make him look intelligent' tactic. Well, that's fine. The author had to be some kind of grand genius to make the characters plot and counter-plot each other realistically. I have already spoofed this incredible level of idiocy with FQN's maternal family's spies. FQN is not around to roll her eyes so JFJ managed to retain his image of genius throughout the chapter.

Oh look, those last few paragraphs sounded particularly forced even with Gumi's best effort. What to do? JFJ must be giving a performance as usual. Look, look how unusually lovely and caring ML is despite being an ancient-era man. Look how he reminds his uncle not to 'blame' Sister Yanfang. Bravo. Pinnacle of man. Yay.

It was subtle, but Second Uncle did call JFJ out on this behaviour in canon, Gumi just made it a little more obvious.

Also, while I believe that the 'uncle had been thrown aside' is meant to be a careless joke to show just how important JFJ is 'like wow, awesome sauce, applause everyone' it shows just what kind of snob JFJ really is. He outranks his uncle, and therefore he looked down on him. It's just facts. He was brought up this way. However, we must also remember that it is the same for Jiang Wanying. He cannot defend FQN for being 'better' than Jiang Wanying because when he displays the exact same attitude. The abnormal people at the Jin Estate are JFJ and the Old Madam when they take Fu Qiuning's side. It makes absolutely no social sense for them to coo over FQN like that.

The only explanation that makes sense for Old Madam to act like this is: It's fun, hehe.

As for JFJ, his so-called 'love' for Fu Qiuning is no more, no less, than an obsession and it is right for FQN to be suspicious of it. It also makes sense for him to fall even more 'in love' with FQN the longer she disdains him. It fits into his character profile to desire what he cannot have. Poor Jiang Wanying is an imitation of Fu Qiuning, with an extra dose of snobbishness to make her more easily hated by the readers. Also, the poor thing is really in love with JFJ.

Everyone, please observe a moment of silence for Jiang Wanying.

[a] Mitigate special flower language used solely to make JFJ sound more intelligent than he really is.

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] A Dou, Liu Bei's son. Famously incompetent.

Soon after the Jin family uncle and nephew left, all three princes also came out. After exchanging a few pleasantries with each other, all three went on their separate ways without other further discussions.

At that moment, within the imperial study, the emperor was staring contemplatively at a report. A long while later, he looked at his most trusted eunuch, Li Dezheng, and mused, "Today, Chu Daxiu censored the Duke of Jing for not properly guarding their family honour, how do you see it?"

"Aiyo, does Your Majesty seek to trouble this servant?" Li Dezheng beamed ingratiatingly at his master. "How could a slave like me understand the intricacies of court happenings? This poor servant felt that the Young Marquis' words did not seem wrong. As the saying goes, it is difficult even for an upright official to meddle with family affairs. Whether the Jing Dukedom carefully guarded their family's honour or not, surely Lord Chu need not trouble himself?

However, as Prince Rong said, as a prominent and titled family, their honour is related to the honour of the aristocrats. Each argument has its own merits. However, this servant doesn't understand the intricacies of either argument and even less whether Duke of Jing's side should be punished or not."

"What is there to punish? As Jin Fengju said, should we have strangled those women and children one by one?" the emperor leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh. "Beloved Minister Feng's grave misfortune was enough to make people clutch their wrists to stifle their anger. That Fengju boy… He is generally restrained in both words and actions. However, you heard the way he mocked Chu Daxiu, yes?

Though We have discreetly punished him, We also know that he is a person rich with emotion and sincere in nature. Furthermore, those so-called bandits have a decent reputation and therefore the women most likely have never been violated. Even if they had been, once rescued from the bandit's nest, I fear, with that sentimental nature of his, he would most likely bring them home and care for them carefully."

"Aiyo…" Li Dezheng clapped his hands and laughed. "Your Majesty, did Prince Rong not just say the same thing? Tsk tsk, this servant really did not expect that the usually cold-looking Young Marquis would be so emotional. Only, there are many in this Capital who enjoy wagging their tongues. Aih, this servant fears that the Young Marquis' family will eventually…"

He trailed off in a thoughtful manner. When the emperor did not pick up the obvious invitation, he also did not pursue the matter. The emperor picked up Chu Daxiu's censure report from the Dragon Table. He looked at it for a moment before setting it down and picking up the imperial memorial that Prince Lie had personally submitted. The second document was also set down after a glance.

Suddenly, the emperor sneered, "Clearly a case of [1] throwing rocks down a well after someone had fallen in, ah. Foolish things. How disappointing. Unable to endure, so anxious to act that they become a puppet in someone else's scheme. They flap their lips, making a show of brotherly intimacy even as they drag their own brother-in-law's family down. What's the damned point?"

It was rare for the emperor to curse. However, Li Dezheng was secretly relieved to hear the emperor's sudden emotional outburst. Hastily dredging up another ingratiating smile, he said, "Your Majesty, this servant is ignorant of many things. However, this servant felt that it is not bad to make a show of intimacy. It is still better than being too cold or confrontative. The previous few emperors were all people who valued relationships. It is Your Majesty's good fortune, ah."

The more he spoke, the more relaxed the emperor became. The heavy weight on his chest also lightened. He thought: Prince Rong is truly lucky this time. With Prince Hong and Prince Lie misstepping one after another and thus rousing the emperor's suspicion, the disaster that had fallen on his head has since passed, right?

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Let us speak of Jin Fengju's side.

By the time he returned to the estate, Madam Jiang, Jiang Wanying and the other women had already heard about his injury from Cai Lian and Bi Yu. The moment he returned, the women all crowded around him and herded him into Clear Soft Pavilion. Madam Jiang sneered and said, "You have been well and truly held within Fu'shi's palm. She wanted to remain at Night Breeze Pavilion and you allow her? Does she even remember whether you are her husband or not? You cannot even make her compromise on such a little thing. Look, you've even hurt yourself."

Seeing that he was not seriously injured, Jiang Wanying, Xu'shi, Huo'shi and the others all relaxed. At that time, Jiang Wanying wiped her eyes and sorrowfully declared, "Speaking of which, we should not completely blame Second Madam Ning for being too aloof. Surely it is Lord Husband who cannot help but run over there? Lord Husband is always running to that side. The servants reported that the sky had already darkened, but Lord Husband personally carried a lantern and made his way to Night Breeze Pavilion alone.

In the end, Lord Husband was caught in this morning's thunderstorm while crossing the garden. Getting pierced in the leg with a stone may not be a serious matter, but the cleaning servants reported that several trees had been struck by lightning. I fear… I dare not think… what if Lord Husband had been struck by lightning?"

Xu'shi snorted coldly and said, "It's all because Lord Husband has been indulging her. What basis does she have to be so domineering? Is there anyone in this estate that is as lawless as her? I swear, you can't find anyone in the world that's as lawless as that… that…" her voice stuttered away when she caught sight of Jin Fengju's cold eyes on her.

In contrast, Madam Jiang was not at all concerned by Jin Fengju's cold gazes. Her son's injury was enough to cause fire to erupt in her belly. She gritted her teeth and coldly instructed the senior maids, Fang Rong and Ju Rui, "You two head over to Night Breeze Pavilion right away. Tell her that she must move into the Inner Court on my order. If she refuses, she can no longer stay in the estate."

"Mother."

At Jin Fengju's grave voice, Madam Jiang turned and sternly exclaimed, "Why are you still protecting her? Such a lawless thing. Not expelling her from this estate is already a great mercy on my part. I do not care what nonsense you get up to, it is all your own business, but look! Look! Look at your injury! Is this not because of that woman's wilfulness? Since you cannot make up your mind, I shall decide for you…"

Jin Fengju said coldly, "Every other word out of Mother's mouth is 'lawlessness' and 'wilfulness', has mother completely forgotten the grievance she had suffered in our hands? The Chastity Proving Dust incident was the latest in a long string of grievences and happened only a few days ago. I see that Mother has already completely forgotten about it."

Before he could go on, angry tears rolled down Madam Jiang's cheeks and she pointed at him, shouting, "You… you blame me for this? Very well, I have bullied your wife, should I twist a rope around my neck as reparation? Will this absolve my sins in your eyes?"

"Mother." Jin Fengju rubbed his head as Jiang Wanying, Huo'shi and the others rushed over to comfort Madam Jiang who was dramatically howling, crying, and slapping her chest. Finally, he sighed a long sigh and said, "Mother, I have my own arrangements. Qiuning has already agreed to move into Elegant Mansion after the Dragon Boat Festival and Aunt Yu's marriage. If you must know, this injury has aided most me conveniently at court. Mother should also know about Brother-in-law's matter. Though I cannot tell you all the dangers that lurk behind that scheme, I can say that in order to protect Brother-in-Law, I have had to battle hard against Prince Hong and Prince Lie. I am very, very tired. Can you please let me rest quietly at home? Elder Sister is still here and there are still many things to settle. If all of you wish to make more trouble for me, just take a rope and strangle me to death already."

When Madam Jiang, Jiang Wanying and the others heard this, they fell silent for the first time. A closer look at Jin Fengju's face showed that yes, he was indeed exhausted. Madam Jiang's love for her son overcame her hatred against Fu Qiuning and she hastily said, "Alright, alright, we know you're tired. We won't trouble you anymore. You rest quietly here. As for Prince Rong's matter, as you say, even we women know about it. If you don't step forward to help him, who would? Just rest well."

Xu'shi, Huo'shi and the others also echoed her words. Seeing Jin Fengju's ugly expression, they all excused themselves from his presence and made to leave. When they were just about to reach the gate, Jin Fengju's mild voice said, "Mother, no need to send anyone to Qiuning's side. I don't want her to know that I have been injured."

Madam Jiang understood that this was a warning from her son, that she was not to send anyone to meddle with the people living in that courtyard even on the pretext of informing them that he had been injured. Losing the opportunity to even send people to hint for Fu Qiuning to move into the inner court, she gritted her teeth as anger and helplessness battered her heart.

Finally, she could only snort and said, "Be at ease, unlike you, there is no reason for us to venture into that unlucky place."

With those final parting words, they left.

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Jin Fengju was currently laying in bed, pondering upon the emperor's true intentions. His timely injury came just in time to trigger some sense of compassion from the emperor for his condition. However, because of this, the next phase of the plan he had created with Fu Qiuning could not be employed. Forget it, since it looked like the emperor had not completely given up on Prince Rong, today's 'group attack' ploy should have some effect. There is no need to push the boat when the current is already moving in their favour.

As he continued to ponder over various things, he slowly fell asleep. In his dream, it felt like someone was crying next to him. Knowing that it was most probably Jiang Wanying, a sense of guilt [a] pinched his heart. After realising that he had fallen in love with Fu Qiuning, he finally understood that the feelings he had for his cousin were only obligatory sentiments born out of duty and not true love between man and woman.

[a] His cousin just happened to be infatuated with him. After they married, because he could never return her feelings, he permitted her arrogant and vicious actions because she had always acted in his best interest.

Therefore, he gently took her hand and said, "Do not worry, there is no need to keep watch like this. Just let me sleep." After a while, the crying stopped. Without opening his eyes, he sank back into a deep sleep.

After an unknown period of time, he heard the sound of people speaking. The voice was familiar. Jin Fengju sat up in bed and said, "Is that Elder Sister?"

The sound of light footsteps was heard and the susurrus of a door curtain being pushed aside later, Princess Consort Jin Yanfang entered the room. Her two eyes were slightly swollen and there were some tear marks on her cheeks. Jing Fengju smiled and said, "Yo, do my eyes deceive me? My Elder Sister is such a decisive and stubborn person, why are you crying now? Have you been reading some tragic stories about true love being bashed to death?"

"You still have the cheek to make jokes now?" Jin Yanfang let out a little 'pu' of laughter and sat next to him. She took out a handkerchief and patted at the cold sweat on his forehead, saying, "Is it terribly painful? While you were asleep, the emperor sent an imperial physician over. He had a look at your leg but said that the injury is not too bad and just changed the bandage. You slept like a pig and never woke up even once."

Jin Fengju was surprised, "Is that so? I thought I heard someone crying, why was I not at all aware of the imperial physician?"

Jiang Wanying laughed, "Don't fault Cousin for not waking up. He looked so tired that I lit some mind-calming incense in the room. That is why he slept so soundly. Otherwise, with his martial skills and his ability to stare down six roads and hear in all eight directions, [2] surely he would have woken up at the slightest noise?" She directed a beaming smile at Jin Fengju, saying, "The imperial physician left some instructions. Cousin is not allowed to engage in vigorous activities. I fear that Lord Husband has no choice but to lessen his trips to Night Breeze Pavilion."

Jin Fengju smiled and said, "The imperial doctors nagged too much. According to them, I would never have made it back from Jiangnan alive. This time, it's just a little hole made by a stone, what is there to worry about?"

Jiang Wanying's expression changed subtly, and she turned to Jin Yanqiu, "You heard it, Princess Consort. For the sake of going to Night Breeze Pavilion, even a stab wound is reduced to a 'little hole' and the advice of an imperial physician became 'unnecessary nagging'. Do listen to my one request and rest peacefully. If my Lord Husband is still anxious, I shall send someone to invite Elder Sister, Feng'er and Jiao'er over, how about it? In exchange, you must promise to properly rest at home."

"No need, I don't want her to know that I am injured and worry her," Jin Fengju said with a sigh.

Privately, Jiang Wanying's heart grew even more uncomfortable, and she sneered, "Indeed, you only have Elder Sister in your heart. Sadly, Elder Sister may not reciprocate your care. Otherwise, she would have moved into Elegant Mansion already. Looks like Lord Husband wasted a lot of effort furnishing Elegant Mansion with so many good things."

"Cousin's mouth has gotten more powerful, can you not afford me a little dignity in the face of my injury and restrain your sharpness a little?" Jin Fengju laughed helplessly. A while later, he said, "I am a little thirsty. I'd like some lotus seed soup, one that you've personally made."

Knowing that the siblings wanted to have a private conversation together, she agreed and left.

[Gumihou: To be honest, I had been hoping lightning would strike him, but I guess that would be good to be true. Author God is already so biased…]

[a] Adjusted a bit of detail to reveal that JFJ is really a delusional asshole justifying his actions with nice-sounding excuses. Seriously gals, guys, don't date red flags like him.

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 落井下石 Chinese idiom, means: Adding trouble for someone in danger.

[2] 眼观六路耳听八方 Chinese idiom, means: describes people who are quick-witted and flexible, and can observe and analyze things in many ways.