Description

With a dad who made it big, his scheming b*tch of a concubine, and a pushover for a mother, Yan Yan's life was bound to be rough. No matter. In her opinion, absolute strength could overcome any number of schemes in household struggles. As she became used to acting fierce, everyone feared her as though she were a wolf or tiger. She thought no one would want to marry her, but someone by her side actually said he had deeply rooted feelings for her.

Come, come, little fatty Luo, tell this lady how many years ago you've had these deeply rooted feelings for me.

Little fatty Luo: T.T… I won't tell you that it was in my past life, even if you beat me to death!

Due to various reasons, Luo Huai Yuan only had the dirty thoughts but not the courage in his past life, and missed out on his consort. After reincarnating, he is determined to treat her like a treasure. He won't fight back when beaten. He won't yell back when scolded. He also wants to have her give birth to a bunch of fat little children for him…

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Posted on December 12, 2020 by PCP Translations

Every man dreamt of being a stud. Chen Yun was no exception.

Unfortunately his dreams could only be realized within his own novels.

That's right, Chen Yun was an author who wrote harem webnovels. He was contracted to Xdian and couldn't be worse off. He could only live off his meager author's fee every month.

Chen Yun was an orphan. He had no money and no friends. He left the orphanage the year he got into university and put himself through school by working part-time.

He had the unrealistic expectation that getting a degree meant a prosperous life, but those thoughts were promptly shattered the moment he left the school gates. After messing around here and there, he decided to live life the way he wanted to.

As a shut-in, he wrote all sorts of imaginative webnovels, losing himself in the fictional world.

One day, out of the blue, he transmigrated after going to sleep.

He transmigrated into a world he didn't dare imagine. Here, the emperor ruled supreme. Here, men could have numerous wives and concubines. Here, he was a prince….

This was the best thing that could have happened!

However, after experiencing this world for a few days, he realized that no matter where he was, it wasn't easy to loaf around.

In his previous world, it was possible to go anywhere and start a new life as long as one had money. Here, there were all sorts of restrictions, and even hidden dangers at every step….

When people told you daily to remain low-key or else risk deadly calamity, anyone would become brainwashed.

Chen Yun was thus brainwashed.

Fine, so be it. If he had to loaf around waiting out his days, he might as well do so. It wasn't anything different from what he was doing before. He might as well gain some weight. Men didn't rely on their looks to earn a living. He might as well be a little dumber. Others all said the smart ones died faster….

Apart from these little details, Chen Yun felt his days passed rather splendidly. He had always been good at adapting. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made it to his eighteenth birthday where he went to school for a few years, entered society and then finally transmigrated.

At the very least, his dream of becoming a stud could become reality. Perhaps—-he had transmigrated into a harem novel, and not one where the male lead set out to conquer the world?!

Chen Yun, no, he was now the fourth prince of the Grand Xi Dynasty Luo Huai Yuan, continued living his new life in its preset trajectory. He often felt it was all a dream, and expected to wake up back in reality every morning.

In the end he truly woke up, but it was right as he was about to die.

His life after transmigrating flashed before his eyes. Luo Huai Yuan's mouth twitched in a careless smile, his gaze gradually coming into focus.

He was actually in quite some pain, but he was unwilling to cry towards these fucking heavens. He wanted to curse the mother-effing heavens a thousand times, but stubbornly shut his mouth.

Although he was a weeb, although he was occasionally vulgar, he was still a weeb who had standards. Therefore, he merely raised his middle finger at the sky and left the rest of his words unsaid.

'Pa.' The sound of a slap rang out. Luo Huai Yuan's face was slapped crooked. The smile he himself thought was carefree but actually looked rather vulgar to others immediately slid off his face.

"Curse if you feel like cursing, why act like a grandson!?"

It was a woman's voice, both clear and lively.

This was his consort.

She completely matched the image of a goddess within Luo Huai Yuan's mind. She was plucky, straightforward and wasn't afraid to be herself. These were all qualities Luo Huai Yuan didn't have in either of his lives. This was his nominal wife. He had only dared look upon her and didn't dare defile her.

The goddess was too perfect and he was too unworthy. There were several tens of beauties within the Yun Prince Estate's rear court, but the only one he didn't dare touch was this woman who should be his to begin with.

Luo Huai Yuan laughed gently, a trickle of blood flowing from the corner of his lips.

"Actually, there's actually no need for you to accompany me in death…."

But she still foolishly drank that cup of poisoned wine.

"It's my bad luck in becoming your consort. Since you're about to die, can I still live on? Fine, I could, but I have no interest in living on sullenly!"

"Sullenly, huh…."

"That's right. I can't stand being stifled. I've made all who tried to stifle me incapable of doing so again. This one I admit to being incapable of beating, so might as well be sensible…"

"Any regrets?"

"What about you?"

"You first."

"You damn greasy fatty!" Yan Yan swallowed the blood flowing from her mouth back down. "I'm worried about my brother…."

"No need to worry. I've helped you arrange everything."

"Really? You're lying, right? You run off every time you see me. How can you know what's on my mind?"

Luo Huai Yuan licked his lips bitterly and let out a sigh.

He naturally knew whenever he wanted to know.

The woman next to him still pressed him for answers energetically as blood continuously flowed from her mouth. Luo Huai Yuan was unable to keep watching as his heart ached dearly.

He did his best to smile a little more valiantly, but scarcely realized that his fatty face paired with his subconsciously twitching and bloodied chin made him look sinister and frightening.

"Aren't you curious….what my regrets are?"

"You spend your days so blissfully. You have regrets?"

"Of course I do." Luo Huai Yuan slowly lifted himself up and moved over to lean by Yan Yan's side. "My only regret is—–that I wasn't able to make you the real Yun Consort…."

Yan Yan tilted her head and spat a mouthful of blood all over his face, "This damn problem of yours is acting up again. Back then, back then weren't you the one who said it was better if we remained a respectful distance?"

That's right, it was me who said it. But I now regret it. I've long since regretted it….

"…..if you're still my consort in the next life, let's be husband and wife, ok? I will bravely cherish you, cherish you so, so much. I will treasure you…."

Treasure? What does it feel like to be treasured by someone? She had never been anyone's treasure before!

Because of these lovely sounding words, Yan Yan nodded straightforwardly, "Sure."

How could there be a next life? Death was the end!

"Then it's a promise…." Chen Yun said in satisfaction.

"Ok, I won't go back on my word."

Obtaining a promise from his goddess before death, how nice. Luo Huai Yuan, your death was worth it. Truly worth it. But, why did he still feel some regret?

"…..give birth to some fat little children for me at that time. I'll take you to travel the world…."

"…..I've always wanted to do so, but never had the money before, and didn't have the freedom now…."

"Yan Yan! Yan Yan! Yan Yan—–" 1

Mother-effing heavens!

Luo Huai Yuan let out an extremely sorrowful scream.

He had never acted this way before. The Yun Prince was worthless in everyone's eyes. He was cowardly and useless. Even if others spat in his face he would act as if nothing was wrong. He was so timid that he never seemed to lose his temper. Who would have expected that he could make such a frightening expression!?

Wearing a mask for too long made it seemingly impossible to take off. Yet at this moment, the mask that seemed to have become part of his skin finally cracked.

He reached out his trembling hand and slowly stroked her face.

He had done this countless of times in his dreams, but never dared do it when he was awake.

"Don't go off too quickly. Wait for me…."

Her full name is Yan Yan, different words with different tones. Her nickname is the second Yan in her name used twice. It's not really possible to differentiate in English so I'll just leave it as is.

r 1

Posted on December 12, 2020 by PCP Translations

In the rear garden of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, a sudden scream shattered the tranquility of the summer afternoon.

The maids and grannies who heard the sound immediately hurried over. On the way, they heard someone yelling in alarm "the fourth young master has fallen into the water". Several people amongst them slowed their steps, exchanged weird glances and found excuses to be elsewhere.

Of course there were those who went over, but they merely watched from affar and didn't approach.

"Someone come quick. Is there anyone who can swim?"

"Hurry and call some grannies and servant boys who know how to swim. The fourth young master has fallen into the water…"

Ying'er and Yan'er were both panicked, their faces full of tears. There were a few maids and grannies standing on the side, but not one of them stepped up to help. They continuously retreated, giving the excuse that they didn't know how to swim and that they also had to take care of the third young master.

Yan'er was still looking around for help when Ying'er gritted her teeth, stomped her foot, turned around and jumped into the lake.

"Ying'er, you don't know how to swim….you heartless bunch…." Yan'er cried mournfully. Seeing those around unwilling to help, she went to call those standing further away.

Some were too scared to move, some ran around in a panic looking for a long bamboo pole, and others merely cried out for servant boys who knew how to swim…..

The scene was chaotic for a period of time.

Although everyone seemed to be doing something, not a single one did anything useful. Everyone seemed to have forgotten about the child in the lake, and the maid who also didn't know how to swim.

At this moment, a petite crimson silhouette flashed over.

She appeared to be around ten years old. Her hair was jet-black, her skin fair. She had phoenix eyes and cherry lips. She wore a crimson set of robes and appeared to be anxious, asking urgently: "Where's Ah Mo?"

"Third miss, the young master has fallen into the water. Ying'er doesn't know how to swim but jumped in after him….this servant called for people but none of them are helping…"

That young girl's heart burned with anxiety as she looked around at the chaotic scene.

Along with the young girl came a slightly darker-skinned middle-aged woman: "Don't panic third miss. This servant concubine will go in and take a look. You should hurry and instruct others to help. I'm afraid this lake is too big and it might be hard to find them right away."

Right after she spoke, she jumped swiftly into the water.

Only then did the young girl feel a little relief. She looked angrily at the maids and grannies who looked ill-at-ease, and her gaze then fell upon the third young master Yan Hong who was surrounded by those people.

Yan Yan understood things clearly and was both worried and angered. Before her brother was rescued there was no use in saying anything else. Seeing how no one was helping despite the numerous servants around, she grew even more furious.

Her wrist lightly moved as she pulled something from her waist. Without any explanations, she struck out. Only when someone was hit did those people see clearly what she held in her hand: it actually turned out to be a dark brown, coiled whip.

This whip wasn't long, around two meters in length. Although the color wasn't bright, it was extremely glossy. It was clear that this whip was braided with high-quality material.

"Aiya, the third miss is hitting people." Someone was crafty, screaming while clutching their neck before they were even hit.

Yan Yan had been angry and resentful to begin with, and seeing someone playing mischief her rage burned brighter.

She charged into the crowd, waving her whip at those people. Some retreated immediately, others covered their heads and fled, the scene was a mess. Her actions were rather quick and she moved as swift as the wind. When she saw someone get close to the water, she kicked that person into the lake. It was quite astonishing how much strength this ten year old girl had.

"The master has fallen into the water but you guys don't even think about helping. You actually dare tell this miss that you don't know how to swim. Even if you can't swim, don't you know how ask for help? If anything happens to the fourth young master today, I'll have you all pay with your lives….."

All this happened in a few breaths of time. Several people by the lake fell into the water like dumplings and the lake was suddenly filled with wails and howls. Some cried for help while those who could swim floated in the water and didn't dare move upon seeing the violent third miss's fury.

The scene grew chaotic once again. Some ran to call for help. Others who were close with those in the water hurriedly stretched out their hands, but were unfortunately kicked into the water as well before they could reach anyone.

"Why weren't you guys so proactive when the master fell in?" Yan Yan seemed to have gone mad as she yelled while whipping.

The third young master Yan Hong sat on the floor shivering in fear. Since he was still young, even if he was mischievous, he had never seen such a scene before. He cried as his wet nurse held him tightly while trembling.

The third young master's maids had all been kicked into the water, and the wet nurse was the only one left. This wet nurse didn't dare stand out, and could only hug him tightly, using him as a protective charm in the hopes that the third miss wouldn't kick her into the water on his account.

What happened next proved she made the correct choice. In the blink of an eye, everyone around them had fallen in, leaving her alone next to the third young master.

Author's notes:

Although this novel is related to "Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid", the story is actually quite independent. Remember the vulgar jokester fatty Yun from back then? Remember that famously fierce Yun Consort? This is their story.

er 3

Posted on December 14, 2020 by PCP Translations

Hearing these words, Yan Yan's anger flared.

She gripped the corner of her clothes tightly and suppressed her temper: "Even if he was being naughty, shouldn't he come apologize and admit his mistake after accidentally pushing his brother into the lake?"

Before Yan Yan finished speaking, Fang Cao spoke on the side: "Concubine Pei did send someone over to check on the situation, but since things were too chaotic, this servant arranged for them to go back."

Yan Yan glanced at her and smiled coldly: "What great prestige you have, even greater than your mistress. You made arrangements before the mistress even said anything?"

Fang Cao lowered her head and appeared timid, "This servant doesn't dare…."

Shen Yi Yao really couldn't get used to seeing her daughter's eccentric behavior. She frowned and wanted to speak, but was interrupted by Yan Yan.

"Matron Qin, you speak. Tell us whether it was an accident due to mischief, or if it was on purpose. Also, did all those maids and grannies by Yan Hong's side truly try to help at that time? It's best if you can describe things in detail, in case someone tries to obscure the facts. You are elderly, and have always been attentive and earnest. You've also taken care of Ah Mo for such a long time. Since no one believes Yan'er and Ying'er's words, you should be the one to speak."

"Yes, third miss."

"Since the weather was nice today and it wasn't too hot, the fourth young master said he wanted to play in the garden. This servant took him, Yan'er and Ying'er to the garden. The fourth young master wanted to play by the water but this servant wouldn't let him. In the end, he wouldn't be convinced. However, he was always obedient and well-behaved, and didn't get too close to the lake. He merely stood there and watched the water. The third young master came at that time…."

"…..the fourth young master held a small wooden horse that third miss gifted to him. The third young master wanted it but the fourth young master didn't want to hand it over. The third yang master went up to snatch it…..us servants tried to block him but the third young master had his servants hold us down before going to struggle with the fourth young master….after the fourth young master fell into the water, everyone watching was scared silly. This servant yelled at them to help but no one moved. In my helplessness, this servant couldn't only run out and yell that "fourth young master has fallen into the water"…."

Yan Yan had been brought over by Matron Qin at that time since her pavilion was the closest to the garden.

After Matron Qin finished speaking, Ying'er and Yan'er both added a few words. The room fell silent.

Shen Yi Yao's expression turned rigid. She grasped her handkerchief as she stood up, her voice filled with anger: "You are all telling the truth?"

"Madam, every word."

"Fang Cao, go call the third young master and Concubine Pei over!"

Fang Cao slightly froze before lowering her head and said: "Yes."

Afraid to disturb Yan Mo, the group moved to the living room. As they walked, Yan Yan gave Shen Yi Yao a glance and her brows remained furrowed.

Concubine Pei was quickly summoned over as well as the third young master Yan Hong.

She bent her waist respectfully at Shen Yi Yao and saluted. Shen Yi Yao gave her a complicated glance before ordering someone to grab Concubine Pei a seat.

Yan Yan's gaze turned sluggish as Concubine Pei beamed.

"Not sure why big sis called for little sis. Is something the matter?"

Concubine Pei looked extremely relatable. She appeared delicate and tender, making anyone who saw her feel for her. Shen Yi Yao's initial indignation faded quite a bit at seeing Concubine Pei, and after offering her a seat out of habit, faded even more. When Concubine Pei spoke, Shen Yi Yao ended up seeming a little at a loss.

But Yan Mo was her beloved after all. Her only son had always been frail, and only managed to grow up after countless efforts. This incident had frightened Shen Yi Yao and made her display a rare hint of anger.

"About Mo'er falling into the water…."

Before Shen Yi Yao finished speaking, Concubine Pei started crying mournfully. She wiped her tears with a handkerchief while saying: "Turns out big sis is talking about this matter. The fourth young master falling in was all Hong'er's fault. I asked about it after getting back. It's all Hong'er's fault for not being sensible. How can he fight with his younger brother over a toy? It even caused the fourth young master to accidentally fall into the water."

Concubine Pei was truly too frank, making Shen Yi Yao feel at a loss. She didn't know what to say next. Seeing Concubine Pei's sorrowful appearance, she even started consoling her.

These two women were both part of the Weiyuan Marquis's harem, and their relationship was normally pretty good. They could even be said to be as close as sisters. Of course, this was only Shen Yi Yao's own assumption, and also what those who didn't understand the situation assumed.

Regardless, Yan Yan started laughing.

She was only ten years old but her face revealed an intensely mocking expression. At that instant, her eyes flashed brightly.

She let out a cold sneer: "Concubine Pei is really good with her words, truly downplaying things. An accident due to insensible children fighting over toys? Can the truth be obscured in this manner? Calling you over wasn't to hear you cry, but to ask you questions."

"Third miss…." Concubine Pei revealed a timid expression. She stopped her cries out of fear.

Shen Yi Yao's expression also turned rigid and she let go of Concubine Pei's hand.

Yan Yan couldn't be bothered to care what her mother's reaction was. "Ying'er, Yan'er, Matron Qin. Repeat your words from before."

The same situation was repeated once again. Concubine Pei's expression was slightly rigid, but since she kept wiping her eyes with her handkerchief, it wasn't obvious.

"It wasn't me. I didn't, I didn't push him…." Yan Hong yelled and hopped around on the side.

Concubine Pei turned and hugged Yan Hong, crying loudly: "Madam must see things clearly. The third young master is so young, how could he possibly push the fourth young master. He doesn't have such a wicked heart. You mustn't listen to these servants' nonsense…."

Yan Hong's wet nurse also hurriedly explained: "That's right, madam. You definitely can't listen to their false accusations. This servant was there at the time. The fourth young master fell in by himself. There were so many people around. We can go ask them if you don't believe it."

Shen Yi Yao revealed an awkward expression and said: "Then call those at the scene over."

Apart from Yan Mo's three people, everyone else at the scene belonged to Yan Hong. The four maids along with Yan Hong's wet nurse all said it was the fourth young master who fell in by himself.

Ying'er and Yan'er raised their voices in disagreement and the room grew chaotic.

"What's going on here? What's all the fuss about?"

A woman's voice sounded from the door. White-haired Old Madam Yan walked in with a group of maids and grannies.

The room suddenly fell silent. Concubine Pei let out a cry and threw herself in front of the old madam, "Old madam, you must mediate for the third young master. These servants are falsely accusing him of pushing the fourth young master into the water. The third young master is so obedient and well-behaved, there's no way he would do such a thing…."

Shen Yi Yao also hurriedly stood up. She went to the old madam's side and helped her into the seat of honor.

Old Madam Yan sat down and looked at Yan Hong: "Hong'er, come over to your grandmother."

Yan Hong cuddled over and rubbed his eyes, saying pitifully in a quiet voice, "Grandmother, I didn't push fourth brother…."

Old Madam Yan hugged her "darling grandson" tenderly and smacked the armrest in anger: "Those who falsely accused the third young master, step forward!"

Yan Hong's maids and grannies revealed complacent looks as they pushed Ying'er's group forward.

"Old madam, it was these three."

"Servants, drag them out and slap their mouths twenty times."

Several maids came up at once and started dragging the three outside. Yan'er anxiously cried: "Old madam, we weren't lying…."

Yan Yan rushed up and held onto the three of them, glaring at the old madam: "Grandmother, you're having people beaten without determining right from wrong. It was clearly Yan Hong who pushed Ah Mo. How is this reasonable?"

One of the grannies by Old Madam Yan's side walked over and said smiling at Yan Yan: "Third miss. You mustn't be deceived by these servants. They are the fourth young master's servants. Since their master fell into the water, they are naturally trying to blame others. Otherwise, they would be the ones getting punished."

"Ah Yan, hurry and come here. Grandmother hasn't even looked into the matter of you randomly hitting others this afternoon. You're not allowed to get involved."

Although Old Madam Yan's brows were furrowed, her tone and expression were both benevolent, as though a senior watching helplessly at a junior's antics.

Those people were still pulling at Yan'er's group. Yan Yan was both worried and angered, yelling at Shen Yi Yao: "Mom, you're just going to believe others, and not the people by Ah Mo's side?"

Shen Yi Yao's expression was hesitant as she said: "Ah Yan, listen to the old madam….."

Old Madam Yan nodded her head at Shen Yi Yao in praise. She pulled her hand and said: "Oh, Yao'er. You're too naïve. These servants are all extremely deceitful, trying to blame others for their own mistake because they're afraid of punishment. Yan Yan was also influenced by your simplemindedness and was easily convinced by them…."

Shen Yi Yao half-lowered her head and was a little ashamed.

Yan Yan looked over in grief and indignation. Seeing those maids still pulling at Yan'er's group, she couldn't help but shout, "Stay your hands, all of you!"

Her voice was both anxious and rushed, making those maids stop their actions in surprise. The old madam who was berating Shen Yi Yao, Shen Yi Yao who was doing some self-reflecting and the satisfied looking Concubine Pei all looked over in astonishment as well.

Yan Yan didn't care and glared at those maids, "Let them go."

"Old madam…." Those maids looked towards the old madam.

"Ah Yan—–" The old madam's voice held a hint of warning.

Yan Yan's face was red. She roared without looking at anyone: "It's fine if you're going to slap them. At least figure out the truth of the matter first. Without asking or investigating, you're so sure it's them falsely accusing the master?"

The atmosphere in the room froze.

Shen Yi Yao saw the old madam's expression turn ugly and urgently said: "Ah Yan, who permitted you to speak to your elders this way?"

Hearing this, the old madam's eyes flashed in a smile.

Yan Yan refused to look at Shen Yi Yao, and only glared at the old madam. "Grandmother, Ah Mo is grandfather's only direct grandson. How are you going to explain things to my grandfather if you don't investigate this matter?"

The old madam's eyes froze over and she wasn't able to maintain her amicable expression. She clutched her chest and coughed a couple times. Immediately, maids and grannies rushed up, crying: "Aiya, old madam. What's wrong? Third miss is still young and isn't sensible. You mustn't bicker with her!"

Another respectable granny scolded: "Third miss. You're still a child, how can you make such irresponsible remarks. Look how you've angered the old madam!"

"Second madam, why don't you keep her in check!?"

Shen Yi Yao looked at the old madam and at Yan Yan in panic, her tears starting to flow.

"Ah Yan, hurry and apologize to the old madam!"

This again!

Bitterness flashed across Yan Yan's eyes as she stubbornly looked at this preposterous scene.

"Ah Yan, hurry and apologize to the old madam!"

Shen Yi Yao walked over and pulled at Yan Yan urgently, but Yan Yan refused to move.

"You're more disobedient the older you get. Hurry and apologize to your grandmother."

Yan Yan's large eyes glared as tears began to flow.

"I! Will! Not!" She spoke one word at a time: "I'm not wrong!"

From within the crowd, the old madam's voice sounded out weakly and disjointedly. "Yao'er, forget it. Your mother-in-law knows you are filial. Ah Yan is still young….."

"You, hurry and apologize to the old madam!"

"I….." The sound of a slap interrupted Yan Yan's words.

4

Posted on December 15, 2020 by PCP Translations

The living room was in chaos. Yan Yan clutched her face as she stared at her mom in disbelief.

Shen Yi Yao's eyes were filled with pain as she sobbed: "Ah Yan, mom is begging you. Go apologize to the old madam."

This was the first time Yan Yan was hit in her life, and it was also her first time being hit by her mom. This was her own mom. Yan Yan was sure she wasn't adopted!

But, but why did she always listen to the words of others instead of her own people?

Did she forget Ah Mo's frail appearance? Didn't she know her son almost died today? Didn't she know if Yan Yan and Lady Hui hadn't arrived quickly that Ah Mo would have died in such a downplayed manner?

At that time, would she still be so biased towards others?

When she was still very young, Yan Yan learned the saying "outward bending elbows". She merely had the thought back then but didn't know how to describe it. Only after she matured did she understand the essence of this saying.1

Shen Yi Yao wasn't ruthless and unloving towards her own children. In fact, she loved them very much. But she listened to others too easily, and was too easily led astray. Just like how the old madam came in and put on this performance, all for the sake of distracting her and downplaying the matter. Yet Shen Yi Yao was just so easily convinced by her.

Shen Yi Yao had been married into the Weiyuan Marquis household for twelve years. This amount of time was enough for the old madam to have a grasp on her character and manipulate her in circles without her realizing.

Actually it wasn't just the old madam. The entire Weiyuan Marquis Estate was the same. Yan Yan only realized this recently.

Shen Yi Yao was also very heartbroken after hitting her own daughter.

Ah Yan was still young, but if she already disrespected her elders so at this age, what would happen once she grew older?! Shen Yi Yao was raised in a traditional wealthy household, and was therefore completely unable to accept this.

Shen Yi Yao felt that her own actions were correct. Therefore, despite feeling heartache, she still said: "Ah Yan, hurry and apologize to grandmother! Ah Yan, be obedient…."

The last line was shouted out while crying.

No matter how stubborn Yan Yan was, she was still just a ten year old girl. Her stubbornness was a front she forcibly put on. Her shoulders were still very narrow, her figure was still very small. She was now going against her own mom and grandmother. She had been stimulated far too many times today, and her face had long since been filled with tears but she had gritted her teeth and forced herself not to make a sound.

The phrase "be obedient" penetrated the defensive barriers she had erected around her heart. She remembered how she had fallen ill once when she was younger. Her mom had held and comforted her without sleep or rest. Normally, she always had a gentle smile when she called her "Ah Yan"…..

Ah Yan, be obedient!

She really wanted to be obedient, but if she did so, would other frightening events occur?

Today Ah Mo fell into the water and was rescued.

What about next time? Would he be rescued in time?

Yan Yan glanced with reddened eyes at the old madam next to Shen Yi Yao and slowly walked in her direction.

"Grandmother. I apologize to you." Yan Yan's voice was clear, but her fists were clenched under her sleeves.

The old madam revealed a smile and Shen Yi Yao finally felt relieved. Concubine Pei's gaze was obscure and Yan Hong looked pleased with himself as he stuck his tongue out at Yan Yan…..

"Ah Yan, grandmother doesn't blame you. You're still young…." The old madam sat up straight and waved her hand for the maids and grannies to spread out.

"Third miss, this is the right thing to do. It's for your own good." A granny said.

This was a very reputable granny by the old madam's side who had served her for several decades. She was also the Weiyuan Marquis, Yan Yan's father's wet nurse. She was surnamed Zhao, and had a lot of face within the estate. Everyone addressed her as Matron Zhao, and even the Weiyuan Marquis was respectful towards her.

Yan Yan twitched her mouth, "Grandmother, I was wrong. I shouldn't have spoken to you disrespectfully."

The old madam patted her hand benevolently. "Grandmother knows Ah Yan didn't do it on purpose. Ah Yan was just anxious at the time…."

How considerate, she had even come up with an explanation for her.

Unfortunately—-

"Then can we discuss the matter of Ah Mo falling into the water now?"

The old madam's face turned rigid. She retracted her hand and looked at this stubborn and hateful little lass.

She had never liked this granddaughter of hers. Never. At first it was because of Shen Yi Yao. Afterwards, it was because this little lass always looked at her with a strange gaze. At that time she was only five or six years old, and was still immature.

A couple of years later, that strange gaze disappeared but the seeds of dislike had already taken root. She had so many grandchildren. Why did she need to force herself to like a little lass who never knew to act cute in front of her? The only reason she treated her benevolently was for the sake of the Zhenguo Duke.

If it weren't for him, the old madam wouldn't even spare her a glance!

"Also, when Ah Mo fell into the water and all those people didn't help him, shouldn't that be discussed as well?" Yan Yan spoke one word at a time: "Ah Mo is the Weiyuan Marquis's heir after all, and is the future inheritor of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. He's the Zhenguo Duke's grandson as well as Governor Shen and the Xuanwei General's nephew. If such a major event weren't thoroughly investigated, wouldn't it be hard to explain?"

This was a threat!

Old Madam Yan understood!

This was truly a threat. Yan Yan's first time threatening someone was actually towards the old madam who was seated in the seat of honor, her own grandmother.

The old madam was already over fifty years old, but had taken good care of herself. Her face was round, her body stout, her skin fair and clear and her expression benevolent. A head of grizzled hair was tied up neatly in a bun behind her head. She wore an azure headdress, upon which was a ruby the size of a dove egg. Dressed in a jade green robe embroidered with the pattern of five fortunes surrounding the life character, she exuded an air of nobility.

At this moment her face grew solemn and her brows furrowed, her dignified aura increasing by a few shades.

"Ah Yan, were you speaking to your grandmother just now?"

This was also a threat. Yan Yan understood.

She straightened her back, clenched her fists and looked directly at the person across from her, not allowing herself to reveal any weakness.

"Yes. The matter of Ah Mo falling into the water must be thoroughly investigated today!"

The air froze. Shen Yi Yao frowned and walked over, wanting to say something, but was suddenly interrupted by the old madam.

"Fine, looks like everyone in this residence no longer has this old woman in their eyes…."

The old madam inhaled sharply and started bawling. She leaned against the carved rosewood chair and started crying her eyes out. "When Ting'er isn't home even a junior is bullying this old woman. I might as well just die…."

"Old madam, you definitely can't say that. You're the ancestor of this household. Who dares bully you? The third miss is still young and doesn't think before she speaks. The madam will instruct her properly in the future….." Concubine Pei pounced over and sobbed.

The maids crowded over once again, some consoling while others wiped away tears on the side.

Yan Yan froze, and wasn't quite able to react to this old woman suddenly losing her will to live. Yan Yan was still too young after all, and older ginger was still spicier. The old madam's methods were much more brilliant.

Yan Hong rushed up and started kicking and punching at Yan Yan. "How dare you bully my grandmother, how dare you bully my grandmother….."

Yan'er, Ying'er and Matron Qin rushed forward and shielded the frozen Yan Yan.

On the other side, Shen Yi Yao also went over to the old madam, crying and apologizing with all her might, "Mom2, don't be angry. It's all my fault. Your daughter-in-law didn't raise Ah Yan properly….."

"Big sis, you must properly keep the third miss in check. If the old madam gets ill from her anger, how are we to explain things to cousin when he gets back….." Concubine Pei seemed to be extremely worried as she started sobbing while speaking.3

Thinking of her lord husband Yan Ting, Shen Yi Yao squeezed her handkerchief. She turned around, "Ah Yan, mom has spoiled you too much. Look how you've angered grandmother!"

Yan Yan snapped out of it and sullenly wanted to speak, but was held fast by Matron Qin.

"Thid miss. Things are getting out of hand. Why don't you let it go, don't anger madam anymore."

Yan Yan had thoughts of giving up, but then thought of the pale-faced Ah Mo.

Give up? Based on what? This old woman is clearly acting. Is everyone here blind? It's fine if everyone else was blind, but why was her own mom blind as well?!

A wave of sullenness and resentment arose. Yan Yan turned her face and no longer looked over at that side.

Shen Yi Yao saw her daughter's stubborn expression as the sounds of weeping rang in her ears. She recalled how her lord husband asked her to pay respects to the old madam prior to his departure, and felt that she had failed completely.

"Fine, you don't feel like you've done anything wrong? It's mom who failed to raise you properly." Shen Yi Yao gritted her teeth and said: "Servants, send the third miss to the small worship hall, have her properly cool off and reflect."

Yan Yan was shocked. The crying Concubine Pei revealed an obscure and faint smile. However, this smile was too faint, making it hard for others to tell, and it was soon covered up by her apparent grief.

There was a small worship hall in the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. In the past, it was used for women in the family to burn incense and worship Buddha. Because its location was remote, it was left abandoned. Afterwards, juniors who repeatedly provoked their seniors would be locked up there to reflect.

The small worship hall was cold, without bed nor chair. There was only a Buddhist statue and a prayer mat in front of it. Once someone was put inside, the doors would be locked. They would only be given a bowl of water and two buns for their three meals. The lack of good food and sleep combined with the boredom of solitude made one unable to endure after a few days. They would naturally keep this lesson in mind in the future, and wouldn't dare reoffend.

The last time the small worship hall was used as punishment was during Yan Yan's father, the Weiyuan Marquis's generation. No one in Yan Yan's current generation of juniors had ever been shut inside before.

Yan Yan wanted to speak when Matron Qin said quietly by her ear: "My third miss, don't make a fuss. The old madam is talking about not wanting to live, so madam will naturally use you to placate her anger. Wait for things to calm down and this matron will come save you."

Matron Qin was Yan Yan's wet nurse. When Yan Yan was six, Matron Qin was given to her own brother to serve by his side. Despite this, the two of them were still extremely close. Yan Yan would still obey Matron Qin's words more or less.

Matron Qin was also speechless from tears. "Matron knows you are sullen in your heart, but their methods are too good. The old madam is taking advantage of her seniority, making it impossible to persist."

Two grannies walked over, "Third miss, come with us servants." Their tone was respectful but their attitudes were extremely firm.

Yan Yan bit her lower lip and glanced at Shen Yi Yao who was standing there before turning and leaving.

…..

Matron Qin personally escorted Yan Yan to the small worship hall.

When they arrived, they saw it was completely cold and silent, without even a single lamp. In the large hall, there was only the tiny prayer mat in front of the Buddhist statue.

Matron Qin wanted to bring a lamp and some blankets over but was stopped by the two grannies.

One of the fierce-looking grannies said coldly: "This worship hall is meant for repentance. If there were good food, drink and rest, would anyone repent? This matron, don't make things difficult for me. This rule was set by the previous old marquis, and has never been changed over the years. Why are you the only one complaining?"

Matron Qin forced a smile, "This old sis shouldn't say that. I'm just feeling pity for the third miss. The third miss is still young and it's the dead of night. Such a young girl staying here by herself in the dark would definitely be scared. Furthermore, the night is cold. What good is that prayer mat?"

"Enough, enough. Stop making a fuss. The second madam was the one who gave the orders and these rules were set long ago. If you have anything to say about it, go say it to the second madam."

Yan Yan gave that granny a glare and said rigidly to Matron Qin: "Matron, you don't have to worry about me. I've always been tough. Hurry and go back, it'll be fine."

Matron Qin didn't speak any further since she knew it would be useless. These two grannies were clearly unreasonable, and were probably Concubine Pei's wicked servants. She might as well go speak to the madam. Madam has always cherished the third miss. Once her anger faded, she would definitely release the miss.

"Third miss, you must take care of yourself. This servant will go beg the madam to release you."

Author's words:

By this point, it should be clear who Old Madam Yan and Concubine Pei are cautious of. Otherwise they wouldn't resort to such veiled methods to deal with Shen Yi Yao and Yan Yan. Yan Mo falling into the water wasn't ordered by anyone. It was just Yan Hong's maliciousness, pushing him when he wasn't able to snatch the toy. As for the old madam and Concubine Pei, they're just using their own methods to downplay the event.

Shen Yi Yao is a little naïve and foolish, but there's a reason for it. It's hard to protect yourself when you don't realize you're being schemed against, though of course she also has her own reasons. Don't know if my readers can see the shadow of the female lead's father Yan Ting. It'll be explained in the future.

Some readers are feeling sullen, wanting these lowly people to be dealt with. This author won't spoil things, and will merely say that Yan Mo falling into the water is a major event that stimulates Yan Yan's personality to change (It can't be called a big change. Yan Yan's temper was never good to begin with, but since nothing big has happened before and she also has a pig teammate dragging her down, she never fully erupted in the past). Once someone stops caring about what the person most important to her thinks of her, what else is there to fear? Therefore, after this event, there shouldn't be any sullen situations. Because those who make her feel sullen will feel even more sullen. Haha, this author has given the female lead a goldfinger.4

1-Meaning overly generous, altruistic to a fault. Being a doormat for others.

2-How Chinese women address their mother-in-law.

3-I guess this is a case of intermarriage within the clan.

4-Someone who turns things to gold. Plot device used to make things develop well, like Eunuch Fu in the last novel.

5

Posted on December 16, 2020 by PCP Translations

The doors were shut from the outside and locked.

Because there was no light and the lamp held by the two grannies had also been taken away, the entire small worship hall plunged into darkness. The moon was out tonight but the hall had no windows. The doors were also tightly fitted, preventing even the slightest light from shining through.

Being left alone in the pitch black made Yan Yan want to pound at the doors and beg to be released, but her pride refused to let her do so.

As the footsteps outside gradually faded, the surroundings fell silent as well. It was as though the heavens and earth had grown still, leaving her by herself.

Yan Yan regretted her courage a little. She felt she should have made a fuss about not wanting to come here. She finally understood why this small worship hall made those in the Weiyuan Marquis Estate change their expressions when it was mentioned. It turned out that it wasn't merely a lack of good food, sleep and company. The moment night fell, it truly tested one's courage and character.

It was pitch black and she couldn't even see the fingers on her hand.

Yan Yan spaced out for a while and couldn't help all sorts of distant memories from springing up. They were all various ghost stories told by the maids and grannies.

At the time, Yan Yan hadn't been afraid because she had never been by herself before. When she heard those stories, she was surrounded by servants and the lights were brightly lit. She had forgotten about it after listening, but she now realized her memories were very clear. She kept feeling that there was a woman in white with long hair and covered face watching her from behind…..

She turned around suddenly but only saw darkness in front of her eyes. There was no female ghost. But after turning around, she felt as if someone was watching her from a different direction again.

Her hands trembled slightly and subconsciously reached for the whip still wrapped around her waist.

She felt a little comforted. She pulled her whip out and swung it in the direction of the presence. She swung her whip again and again based on her memory of the room's layout…..

After a long time, her whipping told her that there was no female ghost in here. Those ghost stories were all made up!

She grasped her whip as she sat down, hugged her knees and couldn't help but shed some tears.

All sorts of nonsense ran through her mind. She even wondered if her mom knew what the small worship hall was like. She probably didn't know it was so terrifying. She still cherished her quite a bit, and if she knew she definitely wouldn't let her stay alone in such a place.

She then thought mockingly about the old woman's act of wanting to die. Her mom was so filial, and she had also been disrespectful to her elders. Of course her mom would use her to placate that old woman.

Actually it was also Yan Yan's first time witnessing the old madam use such a method. Normally she would at most use her identity to suppress others, or put on a sham. Only now did she realize there was still such a method.

It wasn't as if Yan Yan hadn't raised a commotion in the past. However, the outcome was the same every time, just like today. Either her mom would foolishly get manipulated into suppressing her, Concubine Pei would act pitiful and smooth things over, or the old madam would personally make a move.

Regardless, Yan Yan had never succeeded and could only get beaten down. Of course, the previous matters had all been trivial and didn't stab into Yan Yan's Achilles ' heel like this time.

Yan Yan thought that if she was in the Ningxiang 1 Chamber at the moment, Mei Xiang and Mei Xue would definitely be taking proper care of her. She would lie in her soft blankets and chat with them before falling asleep peacefully. But instead she had to stay in this terrifying place, both cold and frightened….

Does she regret it?

Does she regret not spending her days comfortably in exchange for turning a blind eye? She was just a child and didn't need to bother with adult matters!

But how could she turn a blind eye?! This was Ah Mo, the small and soft Ah Mo who always cutely called her big sis!

Matron Qin had once pulled her over and told her: people who are too intelligent suffer more!

Yan Yan understood what she meant. She could just as well act dumb and pass her days. She was currently ten years old, and in six or seven more years she could be married off. All these annoyances would have nothing to do with her in the future!

But Yan Yan also understood that people were greedy, and that their greed knew no bounds. Just like how in the past Concubien Pei would always be respectful towards her mom while only making minor moves in the dark, but now with the old madam's support, she actually twisted the truth and said Yan Hong didn't push Yan Mo into the water.

Even if it had truly been an accident, a slip up due to naughtiness, those maids and grannies by their side weren't children. Why did they dare stand there watching the show, and still complain after being reprimanded by her? Wasn't it because they were influenced by their mistress's attitude?

Concubine Pei's influence within the estate grew day by day since she was her dad's cousin and the old madam's niece. Her mom was simpleminded and Concubine Pei also managed the estate. Her power flourished.

The estate's servants could clearly see the old madam and the marquis's intent, and they all kissed Concubine Pei's stinking feet. Those who couldn't see things clearly still followed along with everyone else. Everyone would show a reverent expression when Concubine Pei was mentioned, but any mention of the proper Weiyuan Marquis's madam was inexplicably avoided.

Watching the bits and pieces as she grew older, Yan Yan understood what was going on but Shen Yi Yao herself had never understood. She was still immersed in her marital bliss and loving relationship with her husband.

In her eyes, her lord husband was good, her mother-in-law was good and even those concubines whom her lord husband took pity on and married were also good. Everyone in the estate was good, and even if they weren't, there was definitely a good reason for it. The only thing that wasn't good was this cherished yet troublesome daughter of hers, Yan Yan.

As the only one who saw things clearly, Yan Yan didn't want to and didn't dare play dumb. She couldn't afford to bet on this. She didn't know what would happen to Ah Mo next if things were downplayed this time.

Misdeeds needed to be punished to prevent them from reoccurring. If they continued to tolerate, the offender would only grow bolder and bolder. Their actions would also grow more savage.

Yan Yan also knew this was merely treating the symptoms and not the root cause, but she was young and powerless. She had a mom who had the right to intervene, but wasn't astute enough to do so. Otherwise, she wouldn't have to suffer so.

Yan Yan hugged her knees as she sat there, suddenly feeling so very cold.

This sort of bone-chilling cold had been assaulting her constantly ever since she started understanding things, but at this moment it suddenly spread rapidly.

After the two grannies locked up the small worship hall, they walked away without looking back.

The small worship hall was in the most remote western corner of the estate, and to get back they had to pass through a set of doors. Matron Qin had come back with them, and seeing her hurry off to the residence one of the old grannies couldn't help but laugh mockingly.

After getting to those doors, Granny Liu turned and locked it. The other granny surnamed Li merely looked on and smiled.

When they reached the gates of the Jinse Pavilion, Granny Liu and Granny Li went their separate ways.

"How crafty. In such a rush to get your reward?"

Granny Liu chuckled: "Go report to the Jinse Pavilion. After I come back with the reward you'll get your share."

Granny Li didn't speak and left towards the Jinse Pavilion.

Of course she was envious and jealous, but Granny Liu was someone who had some say at the Ziyu 2 Pavilion. She naturally didn't dare fight over merit with her, and could only make up her mind to properly hug onto the Ziyu Pavilion's leg in the future so she could also muddle along like Granny Liu.

The rest won't be mentioned.

When Granny Liu arrived at the Ziyu Pavilion, Concubine Pei was in the middle of taking a bath.

After a while, she was summoned to the side room.

There was a large kiln under the window, and on top of it was a crimson carpet, a rouge embroidered mattress and an autumn-colored gold-threaded pillow. Because the weather was warm, a layer of glossy bamboo woven mat was placed on the mattress. On the left was a table with tea sets and various other things as well as a vase of flourishing orchids. Concubine Pei wore a set of pale blue satin clothes and wide-legged silk trousers. Her hair was scattered as she lay on the kiln, plucking at the orchids with her fine fingers.

"This servant greets the concubine."

Concubine Pei glanced at Granny Liu and said faintly: "Rise."

"Concubine, this servant has already shut the third miss inside and personally locked the door. Such a large copper lock cannot be opened by anyone, guaranteed. Furthermore, the backdoor on the way there has also been locked." Granny Liu's face wrinkled in a smile and took out two keys. "These are the keys."

Concubine Pei looked at the keys and knit her brows, saying coldly: "Just make sure to put them away properly."

"But…" Granny Liu revealed a worried expression.

Concubine Pei sat up and didn't look at Granny Liu, merely saying: "Granny Liu, since you are responsible for this, you naturally have to carry out your duties responsibly. Just stick to the rules, and make sure not to overstep. Otherwise we'll provoke criticism."

Granny Liu had a moment of realization and hurriedly praised Concubine Pei for her wisdom.

Concubine Pei had thought this Granny Liu a little insensible at first, but seeing her quick comprehension and hearing her sweet words, she gave Xiang Liu on the side a glance.

That Xiang Liu walked over and pulled Granny Liu's hand, stuffing a small silver ingot inside.

"Matron Liu, this is Concubine Pei treating you to some tea. This servant will see you out."

"Thank you concubine for your bestowal."

Although Granny Liu didn't see what it was, she could feel it was at least two taels. She couldn't help but sigh at Concubine Pei's generosity and departed in high spirits.

Xiang Liu came back after seeing her off and came to Concubine Pei's side. "Concubine, aren't we going to make the third miss suffer a little? Having made such a fuss, if the old madam hadn't arrived so quickly, concubine would probably have gotten blamed by the madam."

"Even if aunt hadn't come, I wouldn't have been blamed. That Shen Yi Yao is a foolish one, and always gets led around by the nose."

Xiang Liu stammered in agreement, but still had some resentment on her face.

Concubine Pei lowered her eyes and didn't speak.

She knew what Xiang Liu was thinking. She herself wanted to use this opportunity to get rid of that eyesore of a third miss as well, but even if everyone else could forget themselves, she still had a trace of wisdom.

The Zhenguo Duke's name hung over her head like a large knife, making her afraid to take any rash actions. She didn't forget the words of her cousin prior to his departure. He told her she had to be respectful of Shen Yi Yao on the surface and not do anything she shouldn't do.

Concubine Pei didn't forget that her status in the estate was all due to being the old madam's niece, the Weiyuan Marquis's cousin and childhood friend, and also due to Shen Yi Yao's foolishness.

That Shen Yi Yao was truly foolish. If she weren't a fool, she wouldn't have messed up her excellent hand of cards to this extent and still be oblivious to being played by them. Apart from her, the entire estate treated Concubine Pei as the Weiyuan madam. All those other madams treated Shen Yi Yao as a piece of meat, wishing nothing more than to take a bite out of her.

She can't be impatient. It was still best to cut with a blunt knife, so that the victim never realizes anything. She just needed to wait until her cousin obtains some merit and secures their estate's future glory. Then, she would naturally deal with that Shen Yi Yao.

Thinking of this, Concubine Pei's resentment from today faded quite a bit.

She turned and looked at Xiang Liu, saying: "Things haven't calmed down on that side yet?"

That side referred to the Jinse Pavilion.

Xiang Liu's expression revealed some Schadenfreude as she said: "The fourth young master, that weakling, has caught a fever. The entire Jinse Pavilion has their hands full."

Concubine Pei let out an "en" and said: "Go make some arrangements later. Don't let those lowly servants from the Ningxiang Chambers get into the Jinse Pavilion. Say that the madam is busy with the fourth young master's fever. The third miss is too hotheaded. Have her cool off properly in there. Tomorrow I'll go find the old madam again. We naturally can't eat this loss, though of course we can't be the one to make the move either."

As she spoke, her eyes rippled piercingly, "We must have the madam make the move. This way, no one would be able to pick out any faults."

"Yes."

Author's notes:

Those who feel this author is bullying Ah Yan shouldn't worry. When she comes out this time, she'll turn things around.

1-Condensed Fragrance

2-Violet Jade