The matter of the second prince was spreading like wildfire in court.

It seemed to become more and more excessive, with some officials even directly arguing in court. The crown prince's faction was on the side of tradition and naturally pointed out the second prince's violation of the ancestors' decree, not leaving for his vassal state after coming of age. The second prince's faction remained quiet until the crown prince's side became more and more overbearing before raising objections.

They generally used the second prince's recent marriage as an excuse. Regulations were important, but they couldn't have his majesty toss his newly married son out of the capital. How would outsiders view his majesty? The love between father and son was what should be proper. Of course, this reasoning was preposterous, but there were quite a lot of people who agreed with it.

Actually, the so called debate was just a performance for Emperor Xi. As long as he didn't express his opinion, the officials wouldn't quiet down.

Ezoic

On this day, Emperor Xi finally gave a response.

Ezoic

His general opinion was that with the third prince's marriage approaching, his older brother was going to attend before leaving the capital. Furthermore, the second prince's vassal state was being chosen and the results should be out soon.

Emperor Xi's words served to put an end to the matter.

The crown prince's side was naturally smug and overjoyed. The second prince's side was dejected and disappointed.

Ezoic

However, this outcome was to be expected. Emperor Xi was currently in his prime. How could he pick a side so early? He wasn't too satisfied with the crown prince, but ultimately it wasn't easy to switch out the successor. The second prince's side wanting to overturn the crown prince's stable position with this pretext wasn't really rational.

Xu Xiang Rong naturally hadn't been the one to encourage the officials to argue on behalf of the second prince.

In his opinion, they should have remained silent. The more arrogant and overbearing the crown prince's side was, the more Emperor Xi would be biased towards the second prince. This sort of bias wouldn't be apparent in the short term, but there were boundless benefits to be had in the future.

Wasn't this the strategy Senior Concubine Xu's faction had employed all along?

Ezoic

However, they now had the second prince's old father-in-law, the Chengguo Duke, who always loved jumping out and making a fuss!

The issue was that he couldn't be cast aside. This was an alliance by marriage. Although there were benefits, the drawbacks were something that needed to be dealt with as well.

After Xu Xiang Rong met the Chengguo Duke a couple of times, he no longer bothered with him much. Regarding the Chengguo Duke jumping around making a fuss, he merely watched without commenting.

Every faction had its leader. The Chengguo Duke wasn't satisfied after seeing Senior Concubine Xu's younger brother. He felt there wasn't anything good about Xu Xiang Rong, who didn't even hold a proper posting. How could he lead the officials who sided with the second prince to greatness? Therefore, using his identity as the second prince's father-in-law, the Chengguo Duke often made decisions on the second prince's behalf outside.

When the crown prince's faction used the matter of the vassal state to attack the second prince, Xu Xiang Rong's initial strategy was to remain steady like a mountain. Unexpectedly, there was a lot of dissent towards the end. They were all from the Chengguo Duke's party. Since the Chengguo Duke was willing to make a fuss, Xu Xiang Rong decided to let him do so. Now, he finally stopped fussing.

Afterwards, Xu Xiang Rong made a trip into the palace. It wasn't clear what the siblings discussed. Regardless, Senior Concubine Xu called the second prince over and thoroughly cursed out the Chengguo Duke. She told the second prince to have him mind his own business more in the future.

Ezoic

The second prince naturally understood. To be honest, due to this matter, he was a little disappointed with this father-in-law of his. He completely lacked the ability to see the greater picture. No wonder he was thoroughly suppressed by the Zhenguo Duke for so many decades.

The two of them subconsciously forgot the fact that they had indulged the Chengguo Duke's actions. To put it plainly, it wasn't just the officials who wanted to know Emperor Xi's thoughts. This mother and son pair was the same way. Unfortunately, the results left them disappointed.

Since Xu Xiang Rong let the Chengguo Duke do as he pleased previously, he now had to deal with the aftermath. This was something that required experience. Often times you weren't just competing with people on the outside, but also with your own people as well. No one was willing to be subordinate to someone else after all.

At the same time, another matter occurred.

Ezoic

One of Xu Xiang Rong's small pavilions in the suburbs was actually ransacked by soldiers using the excuse of looking for bandits. The soldiers responsible were part of the capital's troops. It was said one of the captains encountered a suspicious person while on patrol. That person's actions were extremely fishy, and he had fled at the sight of the soldiers.

Therefore, the soldiers had followed this person to this remote pavilion.

All this was naturally just an excuse. However, those soldiers truly ended up finding something. They actually found quite a lot of regulated weapons. Weapons like hard bows and crossbows were strictly regulated by the authorities. Private citizens weren't allowed to possess them. Of course there were some noble descendants who loved horseback archery, so it was still allowed for some households to have a couple of good bows. However, such a large number of them was definitely food for thought.

Ezoic

Especially since this location was very mysterious. A mere merchant dared to keep such a large number of bows and crossbows. What was he trying to do with them under the nose of the son of heaven? It was easy to accuse him of plotting a rebellion!

Since the soldiers ended up discovering something fishy, who would dare accuse them of improper conduct? Those soldiers were responsible for protecting the capital's peace to begin with. No one would dare say anything about their unconventional methods. The matter was naturally handed over to the Ministry of War and the capital's administrative office. It no longer had anything to do with the troops.

Xu Xiang Rong knew this was the Zhenguo Duke Estate's revenge. It was the capital troops who rescued Shen Yi Yao, and now they were the ones who conducted the raid. They fell just short of telling him outright that they knew this matter had something to do with him, and were settling the scores.

Shen Yi Yao had lost a lot of her guards and now Xu Xiang Rong had suffered a tragic loss as well. Along with those weapons, they discovered around twenty or thirty strong men. Xu Xiang Rong was lucky he was cautious enough to store his secrets in different locations. Otherwise, the loss this time would be larger than he dared imagine.

The remote pavilion was under the name of a merchant household. That merchant was naturally one of Xu Xiang Rong's people. That merchant's entire family was imprisoned, and a beheading was probably one of the lighter punishments that awaited them.

Ezoic

The money, the goods and the people were all lost. This made Senior Concubine Xu and the second prince's heart ache incessantly. They merely assumed the crown prince's faction had managed to discover this place and seized the opportunity to strike at them. They didn't associate this matter with the Zhenguo Duke. Xu Xiang Rong knew the truth but he couldn't say anything about it.

Having to suffer in silence put Xu Xiang Rong in a bad mood for several days.

However, the Zhenguo Duke's overt display of retaliation also made Xu Xiang Rong feel at ease. If the Shen household had remained silent, he would have to worry if there was some hidden plot. This display meant that the matter had been written off. The Zhenguo Duke would remain uninvolved in the future.

It wasn't clear if this was a blessing or a calamity.

He had yet to finish wiping the Chengguo Duke's butt and now another matter needed to be cleaned up. Xu Xiang Rong had spent several nights with only a few hours of sleep.

Ezoic

It was at this time that something happened to Yan Ting.

Whenever the Zhenguo Duke Estate made a move, it would always be a bolt from the blue.

Swift, ruthless and extremely accurate.

Ever since Yan Ting argued with Xu Xiang Rong that day, he hadn't gone to the private residence again. If this were in the past, Xu Xiang Rong would come up with different excuses to call him over. This time he didn't show any signs of movement.

Ezoic

On this day, Liu Xi made plans with Yan Ting to go to the hot spring manor in the outskirts to play. Yan Ting had been feeling gloomy these days. Ever since Shen Yi Yao returned to the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, she never mentioned the matter of her being ambushed. Although Yan Ting didn't meet with her, he also didn't feel like remaining in the estate. After getting off work that evening, he went straight to the outskirts.

It was early spring so the weather was still rather cold in the evening.

Yan Ting wore a dark green overcoat as he galloped on the roads of the capital. Behind him were three of his subordinates: Wang Meng, Wang Qin and Liu Ju.

The sky had turned dark quite early. Yan Ting's group had just left the city gates when the light faded. The night was pitch black. There was no moon and even the starts were hiding behind the clouds. Luckily, Yan Ting's group had ridden in the night before and didn't feel it was a big deal. The way to the hot spring manor was familiar.

Suddenly, there was a rumbling as though people were heading over on horses. It seemed like quite a few people, at least twenty or thirty.

Ezoic

Yan Ting was puzzled. Why would there be such a large group in the wilderness at this hour? He heard a cry of "not good, lord marquis, run" from behind him.

He turned back. The dark night made it impossible to clearly see who had come. Not far from his position, Liu Hu seemed to have been shot by an arrow. Along with Liu Ju's voice, the swish of arrows sounded out.

Yan Ting cried loudly "take cover" before spurring his horse forward. Although his followers had already been shot, they also staggered after him.

The ambushers remained behind them like ants infested into bone.

The night made it hard to see the surroundings. In his panic, Yan Ting had already lost his sense of direction. He only knew to run straight ahead continuously. Otherwise, their group was probably going to end up dead.

Ezoic

Wang Qin finally fell behind due to his heavy injuries. His brother Wang Meng saw this and hurriedly turned back to save him. Unfortunately, the other side had too many people. Before he could get close, Wang Qin was shot full of holes. Wang Meng's eyes were split open wide. Knowing that he wouldn't be able to escape, he stopped trying and prepared to duke it out with these despicable ambushers.

Liu Ju had been the first to get injured, and his injuries were also the heaviest. He was already unable to hold on.

Seeing this, he cried loudly: "Lord marquis, hurry and run. Your three subordinates will cover your retreat…."

Yan Ting stopped when he heard Wang Meng's roar. He was just about to turn back and join the fight when Liu Ju's blade fell on his horse's rear. The horse neighed and ran forwards.

The wind was very heavy and penetrated everywhere.

Ezoic

Yan Ting's guts were splitting. He knew the other side had too many people and that if he turned around, he would only be throwing his life away. He lowered himself and urged his horse forward with all his might.

The hoof beats behind him refused to be shaken off. Several tragic cries sounded in the distance.

Yan Ting felt grief and anger, and also extremely sullen.

He hadn't even been able to see the enemies before losing three followers who had been with him for over a decade!

The sound an arrow rang out. Yan Ting's hairs stiffened. Based on his years of experience, he knew this arrow wasn't ordinary. If he was hit, he would die for sure. He did his best to lower himself to his horse, hoping to avoid it.

Ezoic

Seeming to have been caught off-guard, his horse suddenly fell. Yan Ting was thrown out, flying several meters before hitting a tree.

A gust of wind blew over and the moon in the sky had revealed itself at some point.

The moonlight was like water, scattering quietly across the wilderness.

Yan Ting felt like he was in a dream. However, the rumbling ground told him this wasn't the case. He shook his head in a daze and didn't even wipe the blood from his mouth before pulling himself up and running into the trees.

His chest hurt, his arms hurt, his legs hurt, his head hurt. Everything hurt. Yan Ting spat a mouthful of blood as he staggered along.

Who was it? Who was making such a vicious move against him?

For some reason, the domineering old face of the Zhenguo Duke appeared in front of his eyes.

Not far behind him, the group of people got off their horses.

"Second lord, that guy is running up the mountain."

Torches were lit, lighting up the surroundings.

Ezoic

This was a group of masked men wearing black. Only their leader was different, with a full beard and fierce eyes. It was actually Shen Ding.

"Pursue."

Shen Ding gave the order and the group of over twenty men in black surrounded the mountain and pursued.

Ezoic

At this moment, in a private residence in the capital.

The steward hurriedly entered the study without even time to salute before saying: "This subordinate has something to report."

Xu Xiang Rong was in the middle of discussing things with his trusted aide. Seeing the steward's urgency, he waved his hand and had the aide leave.

"What is it? Speak."

The stewards urgently said: "Something has happened with Lord Yan. Lord Liu invited him to the hot spring manor today outside the city. Lord Yan and his three subordinates were ambushed on the way there. The other side had many people with impressive skills. They seem to belong to the Shen household."

With a crash, Xu Xiang Rong knocked his teacup to the floor.

His gaze was inexplicably gloomy: "What's his current status?"

Ezoic

The steward paused and said: "You previously ordered some deathsworn warriors to follow lord Yan. Two of them went after him while another came back to report. From what he says, the situation is extremely bad. Lord Yan's three followers have all died and he himself is heavily injured. He escaped up Jiming1 Mountain."

Xu Xiang Rong stood up with a swish, "Gather the men, head towards Jiming Mountain."

Before long, a group of people left the capital under the cover of the night.

At this time, the city gates were already closed. The person in the lead received a token from the black carriage in the middle, and handed it to the guards at the gate.

The large gates slowly opened and the people filed out.

Ezoic

Yan Ting could feel he wasn't able to endure any longer.

His mind was already shutting down. Only his survival instincts made his body continue running forward.

If there had been light, it would be possible to see how wretched Yan Ting appeared. His black hair was scattered and his face was bloodied. His robes had long since been ruined, stained with blood and dirt, no longer its previous magnificent color.

Every breath made his lungs burn. His eyes were gradually obscured by the color of blood, making him unable to see the road ahead.

Ezoic

He staggered along the entire way, running for his life. However, he no longer had anywhere left to go.

Yan Ting looked at the cliff in front of him and laughed coldly. He no longer ran, turning around and sitting on the ground.

Soon, the footsteps behind him grew louder and torches lit up the entire night sky.

Yan Ting brushed his hair aside and glared at his pursuers like a demon.

The group parted and a person walked out.

Ezoic

That person had his hands behind his back and walked with vigor. He wasn't out of breath at all, as though the mountain and the forest had been even ground. He was tall and sturdy with a full beard. It was Shen Ding.

Yan Ting's pupils suddenly dilated as he glared at him.

"It was really you!"

His voice was hoarse and muffled, no longer as bright and clear as before.

Shen Ding nodded: "It's me!"

Ezoic

Yan Ting laughed mournfully: "Everyone knows the Shen household's second lord is a noble and benevolent character. The open and honest Shen Ding would actually ambush his own brother-in-law in the night?"

Shen Ding smile, his white teeth dazzling under the torchlight.

"Don't put me on a pedestal! Yan Ting, this daddy has wanted to pinch you to death a long time ago. If it weren't for Ah Yao's sake, do you think you could have survived for so long? You've had countless chances, but you took them for granted!"

"Chances? You've given me countless chances? What chances did you give me?" Yan Ting laughed and choked, his tone full of mockery: "Your Shen household is always so lofty, your actions appearing so honest. But you've always looked down on others. Everyone talks about my dumb luck in managing to marry the Shen household's precious pearl. They say that my days will definitely be smooth in the future and that I'll experience a meteoric rise. Everyone is jealous of me, but in reality? This so-called glorious son-in-law of the Shen household isn't even worth as much as one of your dogs!"

Yan Ting didn't give Shen Ding a chance to speak as he continued: "When you bother with me, you give me a smile. When you don't, you give me the cold shoulder. Ever since I married Shen Yi Yao, how many faces has your Shen household given me? Shen Ding, do you know?"

Ezoic

These sullen words had been buried in Yan Ting's heart for far too long, so long he had thought he would never speak them in this life. Unexpectedly, under these circumstances, everything was revealed.

His expression was reckless with some hints of malevolence: "I behaved, acted with caution, and kissed your asses for several years before your household's old man finally gave me a decent expression. I toiled diligently at the border for several years, and was finally about to get some results. However, due to momentarily displeasing your estate, all my hard work was destroyed overnight. I was brought back to the capital to continue being your Shen household's caged bird. You shun me, hinder me, and make things difficult for me as the Shen household's son-in-law. Does it make your household's people feel good? I am very regretful. I regret being blind back then and marrying Shen Yi Yao…."

Under the orange light, Shen Ding's expression was very complicated. This sort of complicated expression became complete disdain in the end. It was absolute disdain, as though he were looking at a pile of excrement.

He took a deep breath and said: "It wasn't a mistake to call you narrow-minded, ambitious with little ability, someone biting off more than you can chew, someone with a despicable and twisted nature! You dare say your thoughts were innocent when you first approached Ah Yao?" He laughed disdainfully and continued: "Don't take everyone else as fools. Do you think no one knew the thoughts you and that sickly dad of yours had? Our entire family didn't approve of Ah Yao marrying you, but Ah Yao was foolish. She stubbornly wanted to marry a beast like you. She even went on a hunger strike to threaten us. Otherwise, do you think someone like you could have married my sister?"

"Your actions were shameful but you won't allow others to look at you with misgivings? Your position was unstable to begin with, so what right do you have to demand everyone accept you without reservations? The truth has proven that your truly are a twisted person. You acted as if you treated Ah Yao well while allowing your conniving family to bully my innocent sister. Also, aren't you ashamed to say you've toiled diligently at the border? You've always wanted to reap without sowing, and will never understand how much effort others have put in for you! Hard work? You wouldn't have forgotten the "Broad Justice Band", would you? You should know very well what you did. Are you aware that you almost caused everyone surnamed Yan to die? Do you know who helped cover for you? It's no big deal if you die, but don't implicate my pitiful sister and my niece and nephew!"

Ezoic

Yan Ting's pupils had shrunk to the size of a rice grain. The memories buried deep in his mind suddenly popped up.

Broad Justice Band?

How did the Shen household find out about this? Did everything he had done get discovered?

"Not only did you not repent, you even mixed together with Senior Concubine Xu's faction after returning to the capital. There are so many nobles and major clans in the capital. Do you think you're the only smart one under the heavens, and everyone else are fools? The struggle for the throne was always something that brought calamity to the whole family with the slightest inattention. Do you think the Xiao household never made a move against your Yan household? Yan Ting, you don't seem to be a stupid person. Why are you unable to understand such simple reasoning? However, it doesn't matter whether you understand or not. Just based on your unscrupulous and cruel actions against my sister, you were destined to die without a proper burial! After you die, everyone can rest easy!"

The air seemed to have frozen at that moment. Yan Ting's expression had turned rigid.

Ezoic

After a long while, he roared with laughter. He laughed so hard his body rocked back and forth.

The blood flowed from his lips, and bloody tears seemed to be flowing from his eyes.

His voice was very low, so low it was almost inaudible. It was like a whisper.

"You are right, I should have died long ago! It's really fucking exhausting to live in such a filthy world! You don't need to make a move, I'll do it myself…."

Before he finished speaking, Yan Ting staggered up and threw himself off the cliff behind him head first.

Ezoic

The moon hung above them, illuminating the earth in an unchangeable cycle.

Shen Ding took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

One of the men walked up to the edge and looked over for a while before walking in front of Shen Ding.

"Second lord, this…."

"Who knows what wretched place is down there. However, it shouldn't be possible to survive such a fall. We'll set up camp here. Once the morning comes, send someone to search. We must find him, alive or dead!"


At dawn the next day, the Zhenguo Duke's troops gathered their equipment and prepared to go search.

It was too steep to go down there from the top of the mountain. They could only go around from behind the mountain and see if they could get to the bottom of the cliff. By the time they found a path, it was already noon. Shen Ding had hurried back from the Zhenguo Duke Estate and brought a few hunting dogs.

Ezoic

The path beneath the cliff was extremely rugged, and there were many places where it wasn't possible to walk. Luckily, these people were all skilled in martial arts and it wasn't a problem for them.

Ezoic

They searched the whole way until they reached the spot facing the mountain's peak. What awaited them wasn't Yan Ting's corpse, but a badly mutilated pile of meat. It seemed to have marks of being chewed on by animals and looked extremely tragic. Only the fragments of cloth and some of Yan Ting's belonging indicated that this seemed to be Yan Ting.

There was almost nothing remaining!

After Shen Ding received the news, he muttered to himself before ordering them to continue the search. Only after searching the entire base of the cliff and seeing that all signs pointed to Yan Ting's death did Shen Ding take his subordinates and leave Jiming Mountain.

…….

Yan Ling's wedding was on the third day of March.

On this day, the Weiyuan Marquis Estate was extremely lively. Firecrackers were set off around noon and didn't stop until the evening when the bride had gotten onto the bridal sedan.

Ezoic

Yan Zhi spent the entire day receiving and sending off guests and relatives. He didn't even have time to drink some water. During this time, he naturally noticed that Yan Ting hadn't appeared. However, Yan Ting had rarely made an appearance in the last couple of years so he didn't think too much about it.

After all, this was merely a concubine born daughter of the eldest branch. There was truly no need for the Weiyuan Marquis himself to show up.

Yan Yan had naturally returned to her maternal household. Luo Huai Yuan had come along as well.

With the deafening sound of firecrackers and the beating of drums, the bridal sedan slowly departed from the Weiyuan Marquis Estate's gates.

Ezoic

On the other side, another carriage arrived at the backdoor.

All the errand boys, grannies and maids had gone to participate in the liveliness out front, so a person was carried from the carriage directly into the estate without attracting any notice.

Ezoic

Afterwards, an explosive news soon spread throughout the estate.

The news had come from the Jinse Pavilion. It turns out that Yan Ting's follower Wang Meng had returned to the estate covered in wounds, and reported to the madam Shen Yi Yao that the lord marquis had been ambushed and had fallen off the cliff.

This information stirred up huge waves in the estate.

Wang Meng was heavily injured and died right after speaking.

Shen Yi Yao was extremely terrified and called the eldest lord Yan Zhi and third lord Yan Qu over and told them about this matter. Both of them were incessantly startled. Yan Zhi's previously joyful expression became grave.

Wang Meng's corpse was still in the Jinse Pavilion. His eyes were wide open and bloodshot, his body extremely tattered. His wounds were grievous and bound with bloodstained cloth.

Shen Yi Yao sat in the main seat and her tears flowed incessantly. "Brothers-in-law should be the ones to decide how to resolve this matter. After all, this one is just a housewife. Wang Meng had said he fainted after getting shot and managed to luckily escape. Since they were in the wilderness and he didn't have a horse, he could only drag his wounded body back to the capital. Luckily he encountered a carriage driver making deliveries which saved him some effort in getting back. Unfortunately, he was only able to hurriedly say a few words before passing away. It isn't clear who ambushed them or why."

When Yan Yan received the news, she also hurried over to the Jinse Pavilion. However, her face was filled with doubts: "Wang Meng is dad's personal guard who followed him for over a decade. He's always been loyal so he wouldn't speak randomly. He actually said dad has fallen from a cliff and that his survival is uncertain. Since this is the case, it's better to send people to search the place. The longer we delay, the smaller dad's chance of survival."

"What niece said is right!" Yan Zhi said heavily: "I will go gather the household guards and head to Jiming Mountain to search."

At this time, news came from the Rongan Hall. When the old madam heard about this matter, she had directly fainted.

Shen Yi Yao could only hurry past Yan Zhi and Yan Qu, saying she had to go check on the old madam. She also ordered for Wang Meng's corpse to be temporarily stored before making funeral arrangements the next day. Wang Meng had loyally guarded his master so his funeral needed to be dignified. They couldn't let his loyal spirit down.

Yan Zhi and Yan Qu split up, each busying themselves.

Ezoic

…….

The search yielded no results.

The Weiyuan Marquis Estate had sent out guards, carriage drivers, errand boys and so on. Jiming Mountain wasn't tall but the terrain was rugged. They searched through the night and the entire next day, but didn't find anything.

When the old madam awoke after fainting yesterday, she wasn't able to sleep and restlessly paid attention to the proceedings despite not being able to move or speak. Every once in a while, she would order someone to ask about the situation, bugging people to no end.

Eldest aunt Yan Feng had also received the news and returned. She had to worry about her younger brother's fate while also worrying about her mom's health. Chen Chun had come with her. Although he didn't look too concerned on the surface, he did have the Chen household's guards help with the search.

Ezoic

Ezoic

Another day passed. During this time, the old madam faded in and out of consciousness several times. With no other choice, she had Matron Zhao ask Shen Yi Yao to come, and requested that she go and ask her maternal family to help with the search.

With the Zhenguo Duke Estate's assistance, everything seemed to become a lot easier. The path to the cliff was easily discovered. They then went through the bumpy road to the bottom of the cliff. Everyone saw the pile of meat that was already giving off the smell of decay.

The torn yet familiar clothing and some scattered items made it clear that this was the missing Yan Ting.

When news of his death was sent back to the estate, the old madam once again fainted.

The entire estate was in a state of mourning. Everyone looked bleak and pale.

Ezoic

Ezoic

Although Yan Ting was a minor character, he was ultimately still a marquis. He actually ended up dying mysteriously in the wilderness without a complete corpse.

This matter naturally aroused a clamor within the capital. Just for the sake of the Zhenguo Duke's dignity, there were quite a few people who came to offer respects to the dead.

It was said he had died after falling from a cliff due to an ambush by an unknown party. This caused the previous matter of Shen Yi Yao being ambushed as well to spread. Within a few short days, the couple had both been attacked. Could they have offended someone? Many people couldn't help but wonder. To actually dare make a move against the Zhenguo Duke's daughter and son-in-law, the person responsible was naturally not ordinary. Therefore, despite there being a lot of people paying respects, none of them expressed any opinion on this matter. It was like Yan Ting had died of ordinary causes, and not due to an ambush.

In the funeral hall, Shen Yi Yao wore a plain white hemp garment. Yan Mo, Yan Hong and the fifth miss Yan Chan were dressed similarly. Even the young fifth young master Yan Qing was wearing mourning clothes as they knelt in the hall.

Ezoic

Since Yan Yan had married out and was also part of the royal family, regulations stated that she was no longer part of the Yan family. She naturally couldn't wear mourning clothes for Yan Ting like the rest. However, since her father had died after all, it was still appropriate to wear something plain despite the regulations.

Because Yan Ting had died in his prime unexpectedly without an intact corpse, they only awaited the departed soul for seven days before hurriedly burying him with a cenotaph. Afterwards they had to lay out forty-seven Taoist arrangements seven by seven and perform ceremonies to help his soul find peace.

The old madam hadn't been able to accept that her son had tragically died. Although she couldn't speak or move, she still bugged everyone daily. Matron Zhao was her interpreter. Not only did the old madam become visibly thinner, Matron Zhao was the same way.

The old madam lay in bed with a sinister expression, babbling who knows what.

She was shriveled and her eyes were sunken, looking like a skeleton at first glance. Although she had been bedridden for several years, she had maintained herself pretty well. There were maids and grannies massaging her every day and changing her bedding. All sorts of nourishments were given to her continuously. Apart from not being able to speak or move, she wasn't much different from any other elderly person.

Ezoic

However, Yan Ting's death had given her a deep blow. If it weren't for her resentment, she would probably have passed away.

Shen Yi Yao, Xue-shi, Yan Zhi and a few adopted sons and wives were in front of the bed. Matron Zhao spoke while shedding tears: "The old madam only wants one thing now: to find the true culprit behind the lord marquis's death. This thought occupies her both day and night. Lords and madams should do their best."

Yan Zhi looked dispirited and his beard was unkempt.

First was the matter of finding the missing Yan Ting, and then came the funeral arrangements. The women weren't able to handle this matter and old three was always muddled in handling things. All of this had been left to him.

These days, Yan Zhi had also grown thin. Xue-shi's heart ached as she brewed nourishing tonics for him daily to replenish his body. However, during the mourning period it was forbidden to eat meat. She could only depend on swallow's nest soup. Many people were the same way in the estate.

Ezoic

Yan Zhi didn't really like these sorts of nourishment. These were good things but without any meat and relying on soup made him almost give birth to a chicken inside his mouth. Without good food and good sleep, along with the old woman making a fuss daily, how could he not grow thin?

He took a deep breath and forced himself to remain calm: "Mom, your sons have already tried their best. We've reported it to the Heavens Abiding Estate but those people had been extremely careful. They didn't leave the slightest trace. If it weren't for Wang Meng's words prior to his death, everyone would have assumed he had accidentally fallen off the cliff and died from his injuries."

This was truly the case. Since something like this happened to a grand marquis, who was also the Zhenguo Duke's son-in-law, the Heavens Abiding Estate naturally put in all their efforts. Unfortunately, they were helpless and couldn't find anything.

But the old madam didn't believe it. No matter how they explained, she didn't believe any of it. She had already made up her mind that they couldn't find the culprit because they weren't trying hard enough. They were all bad people, mooching off old two's glory and acting respectful daily. Now that he was gone, they had revealed their true faces.

Of course, Matron Zhao didn't dare to relay these words. If she did, the masters and mistresses in the estate wouldn't let her off. The old madam not only scolded Yan Zhi's group, but also scolded Matron Zhao since she never managed to relay her point completely.

Ezoic

Her method of scolding was to viciously glare with wide eyes while muttering curses. If was still fine when many people were present, but if you were alone with her at night, it would make your blood run cold.

The old madam glared viciously at Yan Zhi and then at Matron Zhao.

Matron Zhao could only stammer: "Second madam, your maternal household has so much influence. The Zhenguo Duke, that elder, is also highly valued by his majesty. The old madam means to ask second madam to do her best and find the culprit as soon as possible so the lord marquis can rest in peace."

Shen Yi Yao had also grown extremely haggard these past few days. Her chin had become pointy and she seemed so weak the wind could blow her over.

Hearing these words, she raised her head and said: "Father will naturally do his best. It's just that there's a lot of difficulties with this matter. Mother-in-law also knows the details. We can only do our best, but dare not guarantee anything."

The old madam fiercely glared at Shen Yi Yao, seemingly wanting to eat her up. Her mouth babbled some unclear curses. No one could understand her but it clearly wasn't anything good.

Shen Yi Yao stared straight at her without fear or yielding.

Xue-shi saw the atmosphere was a little awkward and hurriedly interrupted: "Second sis-in-law will naturally do her best. It's just being newly widowed, it's not easy for her to move about. There is another matter. The Grand Xi's nobility is only inherited for five generations. Second brother-in-law was the last generation. Now that he has met with mishap, we're all incessantly heartbroken, but it also cannot be changed. According to convention, someone will soon be sent over to take reclaim this estate and also our bestowed land, as well as the estate's cinnabar metal seal of nobility. What should we all do at that time?"

Author's notes:

Wang Meng's so called report was naturally fake. Wang Meng's corpse was in the Shen household's hands. With Shen Yi Yao giving inside information from the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, it naturally wasn't something difficult to accomplish. As for why they did this, it was so Yan Ting's death could be publicly announced. He couldn't just vanish, right?


Xue-shi had been thinking about this ever since Yan Ting's death was confirmed.

Although it was a little heartless, humans were selfish creatures. She naturally had to consider what was best for her. Furthermore, Xue-shi wasn't just being selfish here. What was going to come would come. It was better to be prepared instead of being caught unaware.

The atmosphere immediately froze at her words.

The old madam let out a shout from the bed and then fainted once again.

The scene grew chaotic. Luckily the old madam had fainted several times in the past few days so the maids and Matron Zhao were all experienced. They pinched her central acupuncture point and forced down some medicine. Soon, the old madam slowly awoke.

Ezoic

Ezoic

Right after waking, she let out a hysterical cry. The sound was extremely ugly, as though her neck was being squeezed by someone. She thrashed around on the bed. Matron Zhao stepped up and held her down while crying: "Eldest madam, something bad has just happened to the lord marquis. How can the old madam withstand so many things at once? It's better if you said less."

Xue-shi angrily closed her mouth.

Chen-shi muttered quietly: "Eldest sis-in-law is really good at alarmist talk. Second brother-in-law has just passed away. How can those above kick us out so soon!? Especially since second sis-in-law is still here. As long as her maternal family puts in some effort, perhaps our nobility can be extended another generation. It'll be passed on to Ah Mo after all."

The third lord scolded: "Quiet!" He then cupped his hands at Shen Yi Yao: "We will have to trouble sister-in-law on this matter. Such a large household is currently backed into a corner. The heavens are collapsing so how can we worry about having to move!?" As he spoke, this man started wiping his tears with his sleeve, making it hard for others to look at him.

Ezoic

This third lord Yan Qu had grown up under his parents and his siblings' wings. Although it wasn't normally obvious, his character could be seen at times like this.

Ever since Yan Ting had gone missing, Yan Qu was panicked. Once they received word of his death, Yan Qu almost became bedridden like the old madam. He wasn't young anymore but didn't have any opinions of his own. Therefore, many matters needed to be handled by Yan Zhi. Yan Zhi wouldn't be so exhausted otherwise.

Shen Yi Yao was extremely speechless. The mother wanted her to find the culprit and the son wanted her to extend their nobility by a generation. Although he said it was to save the household from suffering, the truth was that he merely wanted to remain under the Weiyuan Marquis Estate's roof and hold an idle posting.

Yan Ting had worked for almost two decades, and spent a lot of effort but with nothing to show for it. Why would it be that easy for Shen Yi Yao? Perhaps she truly could have her dad obtain some pity for his newly widowed daughter from his majesty, and perhaps have their nobility extended by another generation. After all, they had no authority, and merely received a salary.

Ezoic

But why would she do something like that?

A wave of annoyance and disgust suddenly permeated her heart. Shen Yi Yao no longer wanted to stay here. She turned around and left.

Xue-shi wasn't able to hold it in any longer. She smiled mockingly and followed behind.

Yan Qu was still a little confused. He didn't understand what he had said to offend his sister-in-law. Yan Zhi was extremely helpless. Unfortunately, his wife could run but he could not. He still had to keep an eye on the old madam's condition. He had to at least play his part on the surface.

Seeing Shen Yi Yao not give them any face, the old madam once again thrashed about before finally calming down. She had Matron Zhao call Yan Zhi over to the bed.

Ezoic

The old madam looked tearfully at Yan Zhi. Matron Zhao wiped her tears and interpreted: "Eldest lord, the old madam said you're still her closest son after all. That second madam is becoming more and more outrageous. We'll have to trouble you regarding the estate's matters."

Yan Zhi smiled bitterly: "Second sis-in-law is just too overcome with grief. Especially since she cannot do much anyway as a woman."

The old madam babbled something unclear. Matron Zhao leaned over and listened for a while before speaking: "The old madam says she hasn't cherished you in vain. Her son is the most reliable in a crisis. However, the eldest madam…."

Yan Zhi laughed mockingly: "The only influence this estate has left, apart from eldest sis, is second sis-in-law. Since we're on the decline, we have to rely on others for everything. It's better not to have a falling out."

Ezoic

This time the old madam didn't express any objections.

Seeing this, Yan Zhi hurriedly said: "Mother, your son still has some matters to take care of and will leave first. Third brother, you and sister-in-law should accompany mom some more here. Console her a little. Her health is most important. She shouldn't worry too much."

After a pause, he pulled Yan Qu to the side and quietly said: "The estate isn't like it was in the past. We can no longer weather any storms. If anything happens to mom, we won't be able to keep our postings. After three years of mourning, no one would know our Yan household. You should know we currently have no one to help us. There is no more shelter for us."

Yan Qu froze. He nodded, a trace of panic in his eyes.

Yan Zhi sighed and patted his shoulder before leaving.

After returning to the Yusheng Pavilion, Xue-shi wasn't back yet. She was undoubtedly accompanying Shen Yi Yao at the Jinse Pavilion.

Ezoic

Since the estate was in a period of mourning, the decorations were now all plain and simple. All the brightly colored things were put away. Previously the Weiyuan Marquis Estate still had the makings of a noble household. Now, it looked bleak and declining. It was like someone who was past his prime. It was once reputable, and it was once glorious. However, it couldn't withstand the cycle of life and death, and gradually walked towards its demise.

Yan Zhi looked at the sky for a long while before letting out a sigh and walking inside the residence.

Ezoic

Before long, Xue-shi returned.

Yan Zhi said: "How is it? Have you figured out sis-in-law's intentions?"

Xue-shi was full of depression as she said: "From her appearance, it doesn't seem like she intends to manage the household again. Actually it's clear that second brother has thoroughly hurt second sis-in-law's heart over the years. Ever since she returned from the manor, her attitude completely changed. She became completely focused on her son and daughter. Nothing else seems to stir her emotions."

Yan Zhi sighed and didn't speak.

Xue-shi smiled bitterly: "In the past we always felt this estate wasn't good. There were too many rules and mischief-makers. It gave off a thick smell of decay. But now that we're about to lose it, I somehow feel uncomfortably panicked."

Ezoic

Yan Zhi felt the same way.

Often times, due to all sorts of annoyances, the eldest branch inevitably thought how good it would have been to have moved out back then. They could live their own lives without getting caught up in anything.

But when the moment truly came, just like what Yan Zhi said to Yan Qu earlier, losing the Weiyuan Marquis nobility, the Yan household would fade into the crowd. Not only would they be excluded from the capital's social circles, nothing would be as convenient anymore. Perhaps the Yan household would soon fade from everyone's memories.

"It's better if we made plans earlier!" Yan Zhi concluded: "As for what plans, it would depend on second sis-in-law's actions. Since we've already kowtowed ninety-nine times, doing so one more time wouldn't hurt. The Zhenguo Duke definitely made preparations for his daughter and his grandchildren. For the sake of some goodwill, we must still help them fulfill their wishes."

Xue-shi nodded, "You don't need to say it, I'm well aware. Now that our daughters are married off, only we two incompetent parents are left. It's best if we could have a couple of relatives to rely on so that our sons could have some assistance when they get married. I just feel sorry for our sons. Due to this matter, how long will it be until they can get married?"

Ezoic

Xue-shi's hair was turning white from worry. After all, Yan Xiao and Yan Rui weren't young anymore.

"A man of character won't have problems finding a wife. If they are capable, they would naturally have the pick from the capital's young misses. Not having a noble status is also a good thing. Perhaps my sons can successfully pass the civil service exam now."

Xue-shi glared at Yan Zhi, "Keep dreaming!"

Although she said so, she inevitably held a bit of hope. Noble descendants were forbidden from taking the exam. However, since Yan Zhi hadn't achieved anything himself, he placed high hopes on his two sons. When they were young, he had invited a teacher over to instruct them.

This had lasted for a decade whether rain or shine. Because children all liked to play, Yan Zhi had given his sons a good amount of beatings. This lasted until the present day. Since Yan Zhi wasn't capable, he couldn't tell how intelligent his sons were. However, just based on their hard work, they wouldn't be worse off than others.

Ezoic

The couple spoke for a long while before eating dinner and turning in. The night passed without words.

Xue-shi's previous words weren't a shot in the dark. The moment Yan Ting's seven days of departure ended, the Ministry of Rites sent people over with a document.

Basically it stated that the Weiyuan Marquis title had reached the final generation. The people needed to move out of the marquis estate bestowed by the court within a set time limit, and also hand over the cinnabar metal seal and their land.

This matter was a stone that caused countless of waves. The entire estate grew chaotic.

Ezoic

Everyone's emotions were unstable and many of the servants born into the estate were anxious. They were deeply afraid they would be sold by their masters. After all, there were quite a few examples of fallen noble households in the capital. All their servants ended up getting sold off one by one.

Chen-shi was no longer able to call Xue-shi an alarmist. She was completely panicked. Everyone else was the same. The only steady ones, apart from Shen Yi Yao and Yan Mo, were the couple from the eldest branch.

These days, the old madam and Yan Qu had spent a lot of time on Shen Yi Yao. Shen Yi Yao would sometimes show up at the Rongan Hall and sometimes refuse to go using her newly widowed status and grief as an excuse. These days, everyone could tell that Shen Yi Yao didn't care at all about the Weiyuan Marquis Estate.

The old madam was willing to try anything in a crisis and made quite the fuss. Yan Feng was also called over and fussed at several times. She had to act as the communicator between the Rongan Hall and the Jinse Pavilion. Shen Yi Yao spoke as little as she could. When she wasn't silent, she was shedding tears.

After one too many times, Chen Chun grew furious and said Yan Feng should go beg his majesty for mercy herself since she liked to get involved so much. Yan Feng was embarrassed. She knew this matter was difficult, but the Zhenguo Duke's influence was right there. Even if his majesty didn't give them any face, he had to give some to the Zhenguo Duke. He just had to open his golden mouth, how was it such a big deal?!

Ezoic

However, was the Zhenguo Duke's face something so easily brought out? Should he ruin his relationship with Emperor Xi over such a little thing? Sometimes it's necessary to be tactful. Don't take other people's regard for granted.

Furthermore, Yan Ting and the Zhenguo Duke's relationship wasn't good. Many people were aware of this. It isn't unexpected for him not to help. To put it plainly, the Yan household had nothing to do with the Shen household. Now that his daughter was a widow, he would only take care of her, and no one else.

However, some people's thoughts were rooted too deep. After the Ministry of Rites sent over the documents, Shen Yi Yao's place became lively. One came after the other. She wasn't able to get any peace.

Not only Chen-shi and Yan Qu had come, even the second and third branches' few invisible concubines were dispatched.

The third branch's Concubine Cui had just given birth to a son. Yan Qu was overjoyed so her status wasn't low in the estate. She brought the sixth young master over, saying he missed his second aunt as an excuse, and ended up crying in the Jinse Pavilion. She cried about how pitiful she was, how pitiful the sixth young master was. He was too young to be facing such a hopeless situation.

Ezoic

There was also Concubine Lan. She wore plain white clothing and brought the fifth young master Yan Qing over several times to cry. She cried about being a widow and about the fifth young master losing his dad at such a young age. She hoped to arouse the madam's sympathy. All these actions made Shen Yi Yao not know whether to laugh or cry.

The old madam couldn't move or speak. Matron Zhao had been embarrassed by Shen Yi Yao a few times so her words were naturally useless. She just kept sending Yan Feng over, hoping to pressure Shen Yi Yao using her identity as her eldest sister-in-law.

Yan Feng had to worry about her husband getting angry while also getting angry herself at Shen Yi Yao's stubbornness. After several days, her expression was no longer good, and her tone became worse and worse.

On this day, Yan Feng came to the Jinse Pavilion once again, and flipped out at Shen Yi Yao on the spot.


In Yan Feng's eyes, Shen Yi Yao was a stubborn and unyielding person. She had absolutely no idea what she was thinking.

Was her son not her own?

If a woman wanted prestige, she still had to depend on her man and her son. Why would she toss a perfectly good noble title aside? She truly didn't know what was going on in her mind.

Many people had such thoughts. Shen Yi Yao wasn't surprised Yan Feng thought this way.

"Second sis-in-law, can you tell your eldest sis what you're thinking? Ah Mo is your biological son. Why won't you consider his future?"

Ezoic

Ezoic

Shen Yi Yao lowered her head and said: "Eldest sis, I feel the younger generations will be fine on their own. Furthermore, eldest sis is overestimating the Shen household too much. This is the Grand Xi's rule, and it cannot be overturned so casually."

Yan Feng's cheeks were flushed from anger. She stood in front of Shen Yi Yao and stared her down. Her expression was unreconciled, irritable and filled with doubt.

There were many titled nobles in the capital that ended after five generations. It wasn't like there weren't previous examples of those who received some favor outside the law. The point was that it required his majesty's favor. The Yan household didn't even register in Emperor Xi's eyes. They were the lowest of the low. However, the Shen household was different. This inherited duke title could be counted as the tip of the pyramid amongst nobility. If the Shen household could speak up for the Yan household, and then put in some effort, nothing was a problem.

Ezoic

Yan Feng wasn't the only one who thought this way. Many people in the estate did as well. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many people spending time on Shen Yi Yao. When the tree was about to collapse, everyone feared for the eggs inside the nest.

"Do you think that because old two is gone, the future Yan household has nothing to do with you? Don't you forget you're the Yan household's wife!" Yan Feng was utterly exasperated.

These words shed all pretenses of cordiality. Yan Feng had truly gotten frustrated.

Her maternal family was a mess and her husband's family didn't want her to get involved. But her heavily ill old mom cried and begged her. Could she say no? She just couldn't figure out why Shen Yi Yao made things all sorts of difficult when it was an extremely easy matter. In the past when her mom didn't like Shen Yi Yao, she assumed it was because mothers-in-law were natural enemies with daughters-in-law. Now she no longer thought this. She felt it was completely this Shen Yi Yao's issue!

Ezoic

Shen Yi Yao raised her head and looked at Yan Feng, saying: "Eldest sis, no need put such a label on me. I truly am the Yan household's wife. Since that is the case, I will naturally abide by my role and properly mourn for my husband at home. The matters outside aren't things that a housewife like me can handle."

Yan Feng was angered by Shen Yi Yao's gentle retort, and said shrilly: "Then you mean you won't manage this household anymore?"

"Eldest sis, ever since I married into the Yan household, I've never been in charge. Why are you asking me whether I'm still going to manage it? You should ask your mom this question instead."

This was the truth. Although Shen Yi Yao had been the household manager for several years, everything was still controlled by the old madam. The old madam was rude and unreasonable, and held everything tightly in her grasp. For the sake of usurping her daughter-in-law's authority in a justified manner, she had used all sorts of covert and overt methods.

When everything was fine, she couldn't care less about Shen Yi Yao. When something was wrong, she would force her to shoulder the responsibility. No one was really a fool. It's just that people often weren't willing to say the ugly part out loud.

Shen Yi Yao even wondered if Ah Mo's premature birth was due to someone's scheme. She had maintained herself well when she was pregnant with him and everything had been fine. Only when it was two months before he was due did something happen.

Ezoic

As the saying goes, a baby born after seven months is more likely to survive than one born after eight months.1 At that time, Shen Yi Yao had even wanted to die. Luckily Ah Mo was able to be safely born. Although he was frail due to the premature birth and needed all sorts of medicine and treatment, she still felt it was a blessing from the heavens.

The doubts she had back then was so long ago. She more or less had been able to understand some things. Although she had no proof, many things didn't require any proof. It was fine as long as she knew.

The more she understood, the colder Shen Yi Yao felt in her heart. She lamented about her blindness in finding such a household, and she was also full of exhaustion.

Yan Feng didn't expect Shen Yi Yao to say such ugly words. She viciously glared at her.

"Although I'm being a busybody, as a married woman I can only do my best without making demands for my maternal family. You just sit pretty and watch as the Yan household is ruined by your hands! How will you go explain yourself when you meet old two in the ground? Aren't you afraid the Yan household's ancestors will come speak to you at night?"

These words were a little malicious!

Suddenly, a girl's voice sounded from the door. An imposing aura swept in before the person could even be seen.

Ezoic

"Oh? According to eldest aunt, my mom should be taking care of the old and young in this estate? She has to take care of the oldest ones until they pass, and take care of the youngest ones until they get married? Is my mom this estate's madam, or is she the Yan household's slave? When someone's daughter marries into the Yan household, she's supposed to work herself to death for this household of vermin? Is eldest aunt like this at the Chen household too? Aren't you a little too full of yourself?"

"Ah Yan." Shen Yi Yao stood up.

Yan Yan nodded at her and then turned to Yan Feng with a cold smile: "Your niece had some spare time today and came by to see my mother and brother. I didn't expect to see eldest aunt, who's also married out. Eldest aunt, you keep putting all these labels on my mom's head. Your niece has been listening for a while outside. Eldest aunt is also the Chen household's wife now. Aren't you overreaching a little bit too much!?"

Yan Feng's face was flushed. She was angered due to her humiliation: "As someone of the younger generation, do you still have a sense of propriety? To actually speak to your elders this way. I felt you were still quite an obedient miss when younger. How did you become so domineering after marriage? No wonder everyone's calling you a tigress in makeup!"

Shen Yi Yao was normally gentle. Often times, when someone says something ugly, she wouldn't get angry or argue. She naturally appeared a little weak to others. However, this was just her way of doing things. She ignored whatever she didn't want to hear. Why should she bicker with others? Arguing only serves to degrade herself to a lower level.

Ezoic

She could comment on her own daughter's personality, but others weren't allowed to do so. This was a mother's protective instinct. Therefore, when she heard Yan Feng vilify Yan Yan so, Shen Yi Yao suddenly got angry.

"Eldest sis, you're saying Yan Yan has no sense of propriety? As an elder, is it proper to vilify your own household's younger generation? Furthermore, Ah Yan is my daughter. Let me worry about her upbringing. There's no need for you to mouth off."

Yan Feng was repeatedly refuted and was then trampled over by Yan Yan who was her junior. She was already in a towering rage. Hearing Shen Yi Yao's words, she immediately retorted, "You also know your daughter's being improper? Heh, it's good that you're self-aware."

Shen Yi Yao teared up in anger. She was a novice at bickering after all. If Xue-shi were here, she would naturally have thousands of ways to make Yan Feng retreat in defeat. Therefore, being too good-natured really wasn't a good thing.

"So what if I'm a tigress in makeup?" Yan Yan stepped forward and puffed out her chest. She didn't seem ashamed at all. She still had the cold smile around her lips and she glared sharply at Yan Feng. "Like I said, eldest aunt is full of herself and likes to stick her nose in other people's business. This consort is the royal family's daughter-in-law. My royal father and mother empress, and even my husband have never criticized me. Eldest aunt, what status do you have that gives you the guts to wax on about this conferred consort?"

Ezoic

Yan Feng's face was deathly pale and she couldn't say anything.

This label of Yan Yan was rather vicious.

Since Yan Yan had married into the royal family, she was now part of it. In terms of status between monarch and officials, Yan Yan was the monarch and Yan Feng the official. This difference in status superseded that between elders and juniors. This was the proper way of things. In theory, Yan Feng should be saluting Yan Yan. After all, she couldn't even be counted as a noblewoman. As for Yan Yan, she was the conferred consort, which was a first-rank position. In the future, she would be the consort of a titled prince.

More severely, Yan Feng really had a lot of face. Emperor Xi and Empress Xiao hadn't said anything about their daughter-in-law, and neither did her husband the fourth prince. What rights did Yan Feng have to judge her? There were many who spoke about Yan Yan secretly, but no one dared to say it to her face. Charging Yan Feng with offending her superiors would be letting her off lightly.

Of course, Yan Feng had lost herself due to her anger. Normally she wasn't someone so frivolous. After being stimulated by Yan Yan's words, she realized what she had done. However, she wasn't able to suck it up and apologize right away. She could only stand silently with a rigid expression.

Ezoic

At this moment, Luo Huai Yuan walked in.

Yan Feng's face turned pale when she saw him. Her heart was a mess. She wondered how much the fourth prince had heard while also complaining that this couple was screwing with others. Why didn't they come in at the same time? If she knew the fourth prince was there as well, Yan Feng definitely wouldn't have said those things.

The circumstances didn't let her do as she pleased. Yan Feng wasn't a fool. She naturally knew if things got out of hand, she would end up being incriminated. Furthermore, this matter could be big or small. It depended on how they wanted to play it out. Since she had made a fuss at the Jinse Pavilion, argued with Shen Yi Yao and Yan Yan, based on that lass's cold smile, Yan Feng knew she had offended her. If she took revenge by making a fuss in front of the emperor and empress, Yan Feng didn't dare imagine the outcome.

These thoughts flashed through Yan Feng's mind like a spark. Her face was pale and awkward: "Second sis-in-law, Ah Yan, please don't take offense. I was just too anxious. Second brother had just met with mishap and mom is bedridden. Now that this matter with the estate occurred, I'm still surnamed Yan despite having married out. I'm worried about my family not being able to continue on in the future. If I've offended with my words, please don't lower yourselves to my level. After all, I didn't have any ill intentions."

As she spoke, Yan Feng wiped her tears with her handkerchief. It seemed the Yan household's situation has truly alarmed her.

Ezoic

Was she trying to get some sympathy?

However, it was truly effective. Since she was being reasonable, if Yan Yan continued to bicker with her she would seem a little too merciless.

Yan Yan couldn't be bothered with this sort of person. Shen Yi Yao was also angry in her heart. The mother and daughter went and sat down together.

Luo Huai Yuan smiled and said: "This highness can understand eldest aunt's sincerity. It's just that some words cannot be casually spoken. However, we're relatives after all so we naturally won't bicker about it excessively. Eldest aunt should be more careful in the future. Don't have such issues when out in public. Otherwise it would be hard to fix."

Yan Feng stared at the smiling chubby face in a daze, all sorts of emotions in her heart.

Ezoic

She was a little resentful that this useless fourth prince didn't give her any face. A junior actually dared teach a senior like her a lesson. However, a useless prince was still the son of the emperor. A small woman like her couldn't provoke him.

She restrained her emotions and awkwardly said, "of course, of course" before using the excuse of checking on the old madam to hurriedly leave.

Seeing Yan Feng leave, Yan Yan scolded Shen Yi Yao: "You're just too good-natured. These types of people shouldn't be indulged."

Shen Yi Yao looked gently at her daughter and said: "She is the eldest in name. It's still better to leave her a bit of face."

"That would depend on who it is. Why bother with people who blindly demand things without doing any self-reflecting?! I heard that some mischief-makers in the estate come annoy you every day. Since you're annoyed with them, just have them kicked out."

"This matter is better decided sooner rather than later. You can expel one, but not all. We can't just waste time with them daily." Luo Huai Yuan interrupted.

A maid brought some tea and the three continued discussing.

"Since mom and grandfather are of the same opinion, and everyone else feels the same way, we should get things started. Take this opportunity and be rid of these bad characters a little sooner. Mom and Ah Mo will also get some peace and quiet."

Hearing Luo Huai Yuan say this, Yan Yan first agreed before revealing a troubled expression: "It's easy to say, but with mom and bro being a widow and an orphan, the old madam has countless excuses to tie them down. Based on her character, it's impossible for her to let mom off. In my opinion, if things develop to the very end without any changes, the old madam will definitely cling onto mom. It's reasonable for a widow to take care of her mother-in-law until the end. Of course, the third branch will also cling on using the excuse of taking care of the old madam. Therefore, this excess baggage isn't easy to discard."

Shen Yi Yao sighed and said: "If that is the case, then might as well not discard it. This is already the best case scenario. Not everything can be perfect. There are times when we are helpless."

Ezoic

A delicate person lacked that bit of unyielding spirit after all. When faced with an unsolvable problem, they usually choose to endure instead of struggle. This was a woman raised under a traditional upbringing. Since she was his mother-in-law, it wasn't appropriate for Luo Huai Yuan to judge.

He stroked his chin and his eyes flashed: "I remember hearing Ah Yan say that when the previous Weiyuan Marquis passed away, the household had been split before?"

Shen Yi Yao nodded. Yan Yan couldn't figure out why Luo Huai Yuan brought this up.

The Weiyuan Marquis Estate had truly been split before. Since the old madam was still alive, the principal branches and the eldest branch had received their share of the assets, but didn't really "split". Even if they did, the old madam would follow Yan Ting since he was the inheritor of the noble title. With Yan Ting's death, it was still upon Shen Yi Yao to serve her. This was the way of the wife.

Ancient convention was really fucking lousy!

Luo Huai Yuan cursed inside and said persistently: "What if someone forcibly assumed this "responsibility"?"

Yan Yan's eyes flashed as she thought of the eldest branch.

The couple looked at each other. Luo Huai Yuan laid out a few possible methods. The more he spoke the more feasible it seemed. Unfortunately, Shen Yi Yao didn't really agree after listening.

"Your eldest aunt and uncle aren't bad people. Your eldest aunt has helped your mom in many places. We can't screw them over." Giving someone baggage that she herself wanted to throw away, wasn't that screwing them over?

Oh mother-in-law, can you not be so kindhearted?!

Ezoic

Luo Huai Yuan wailed in his heart.

Yan Zhi was the oldest. Although he wasn't a biological son, he had been raised as one. The entire estate was aware of this. Otherwise, he wouldn't have remained behind when all the other concubine born sons were split off. Yan Zhi was nominally listed under the old madam's name on the ancestry records. As the justifiable oldest son, he could naturally supersede his widowed sister-in-law and receive the old madam to take care of her. This would be repayment for her raising him all these years. It was reasonable in every way.

Ezoic

Unfortunately, this reasoning didn't work with Shen Yi Yao. She was determined not to harm anyone. It wasn't convenient for Luo Huai Yuan to say it clearly. He could only ask: what if the eldest branch took the initiative to bring it up?

Shen Yi Yao naturally didn't realize her seemingly honest son-in-law was actually very cunning. He would put all his efforts into accomplishing his desires. Shen Yi Yao didn't insist after hearing this. She said if eldest brother and sister-in-law were willing, she herself would naturally be willing. After all, no one would say anything about this show of filial piety and noble character.

Luo Huai Yuan was overjoyed at hearing this.

Yan Yan didn't say much at the time. After the two returned to their estate, she asked Luo Huai Yuan what he was up to.

He smiled and wouldn't say, merely telling her to wait and see.

Since he had the idea, Luo Huai Yuan would naturally adjust accordingly.

The so-called adjustment was to investigate the other party's characters and likes so he could take the most effective approach.

Ezoic

He ordered his subordinates to investigate Yan Zhi. After receiving the information, Luo Huai Yuan carefully looked it over and felt some admiration towards him.

Yan Zhi seemed to have accomplished nothing on the surface, but upon closer examination he was actually an extremely wise person.

He was a concubine born son who was raised by the principal mother. This should have been a blessing but the world was fickle. The principal mother soon became pregnant and gave birth to two boys in a row. In theory, his situation was extremely awkward. However, he turned it to his advantage and managed to survive. This naturally involved some wisdom from his biological mother, but afterwards was also due to his own efforts.

He used a seemingly preposterous method to survive and get accepted by the principal mother. He had almost reached the level of a biological son, and he was like a fish in the water back at the estate. He was even pretty well off.

Ezoic

Of course, others wouldn't think a man squandering his days in a small estate was worthy of praise. But those who hadn't been in his shoes weren't qualified to judge. Those living without worries wouldn't be able to understand what struggles a child whose life wasn't guaranteed had to go through to mature into a large tree.

Perhaps this tree didn't grow too well, and was even a little crooked. However, it was able to provide shade and shelter for those under it. For Xue-shi and their children, Yan Zhi was this sort of character. The lofty Yan Ting might even fall short in this regard.

Luo Huai Yuan felt that on a fundamental level, he and Yan Zhi were the same. Yan Zhi's struggles were in an estate and he sought to survive and obtain a better life, at least better than the other concubine born sons. As for Luo Huai Yuan, his struggles were on a wider field and they were more difficult. He merely wanted to live peacefully. In the past it was just him and his mom. Now there was Yan Yan, and perhaps their children in the future.

Furthermore, Yan Zhi was a cunning person but not sinister. He had his bottom line in doing things. If he were someone ungrateful, there was no need for him to continue acting anymore. Yan Ting was dead, the Weiyuan Marquis Estate was on the decline, the old madam was bedridden and Yan Qu wasn't any use. He could have shed all pretenses.

Perhaps it was due to his nature or perhaps he was sincere. Regardless, he still remained the good son and Yan Qu's good brother.

The only reason he noticed Yan Zhi was to help his wife's maternal family. However, Luo Huai Yuan was now praising him in his mind.

Ezoic

Perhaps his following actions could also allow him to develop someone useful at the same time? After all, the two matters weren't in conflict!

No one knew how Luo Huai Yuan discussed things with Yan Zhi.

Ultimately, the two came to a pleasant agreement.

Luo Huai Yuan was all smiles when he returned. As for Yan Zhi, there was an unusual joy on his face that couldn't be concealed.

Ezoic

This matter naturally couldn't be kept from Xue-shi and Yan Zhi also wasn't planning on doing so.

Ezoic

Xue-shi was anxious: "Have you lost your mind? Although your previous seventh-ranked idle posting was a little low, it's still better than a ninth-ranked posting. Are you stupid or are you dumb to have agreed to this?"

It was no wonder she was anxious. Now that the Weiyuan Marquis Estate was falling apart, the lowly seventh-ranked posting was what they depended on to live. Could it be discarded just like that, for some minor functionary position?

What was a functionary? It was someone who did odd jobs. It wasn't even given a rank.

Yan Zhi had gotten a few drinks with friends after meeting with the fourth prince. At the time he had suppressed his excitement and didn't dare express anything. Now, he was flushed from drinking and wanted to brag to his own wife, but ended up getting struck down.

Ezoic

However, he was in a good mood and didn't want to bicker with a woman. He beamed and waved his hand: "Shortsighted woman, I won't argue with you!"

He put his legs up as he leaned against the kiln. He squinted his eyes, lost in his own pleasure while even humming a little tune.

Xue-shi didn't let him off and pounced over, pulling him up: "If you don't clarify this matter, neither of us will be sleeping!"

"Fine, fine, don't pull me great aunt, my clothes are going to get ruined. I'll explain things slowly in detail." Yan Zhi pulled Xue-shi's hands away before looking at her smugly: "Have you heard of the city's shipping regulatory office? It's the city's shipping office that opened up in the last few years, responsible for managing the vassal countries' offerings and overseas trading."

As a woman, Xue-shi had really not heard of this before. However, this didn't mean that Yan Zhi hadn't heard of it.

Ezoic

Ezoic

After the embargo was lifted, the city's shipping office was set up in the Fu Province. It was mainly responsible for managing the tributes and commercial goods being exchanged. At first glance it truly didn't seem like much, but after several years' of development, the ocean trade was now a large part of the Grand Xi's economy. It actually made up over half of the Grand Xi's taxes.

The treasury grew rapidly which made Emperor Xi and the Ministry of Revenue overjoyed. They would have long since lifted the embargo had they known. Therefore, the unassuming shipping office entered everyone's eyes.

For those at the top of the pyramid, this shipping office wasn't a big deal. However, no one felt they had too much silver. Silver made everything easy and without it anything would be hard. However, many postings needed one to seize the opportunity. Those who failed naturally wouldn't get any of the good stuff.

The shipping office had one captain and two vice-captains. Under them were a certain number of functionaries. The lowly Yan Zhi naturally wouldn't have anything to do with the position of a captain, but the fourth prince had promised him a spot as a functionary in the shipping office. This was a position where the ranking was low but the influence was large. The functionary was the vice-captain's assistant and was responsible for the daily interactions with the sea merchants. There were unimaginable benefits involved.

Yan Zhi had discussed with his disreputable friends when the shipping office first entered people's eyes. These friends were all concubine born sons who were suppressed at home. They seemed well off but were actually poor. How would they have any grand ambitions? Any posting that came with benefits was a good one in their eyes.

Ezoic

Especially since rumors built upon rumors. People in the capital believed Fu Province's port was a good place where gold was counted by the shipload. Yan Zhi had naturally coveted the position in the past.

He truly didn't expect such a good thing to happen to him. The position seemed to be low and he would only be a minor functionary after going. However, the fourth prince had said that the Fu Province wasn't like the capital. The postings in there capital were all tightly filled. For someone like him without any literary or martial skill, without any background and having passed the imperial exam, it was extremely difficult to make any progress. However, the Fu Province was different. Ability and insight was what mattered. As long as you were good at maneuvering, good at turning things to gold, good at seizing opportunities, it wasn't hard to rise up in the ranks.

Yan Zhi happened to possess all of those qualities.

Furthermore, the ocean commerce was becoming more important by the day in the eyes of the emperor. The shipping office would definitely become well-developed in the future. Being able to get a spot in advance will have quite a few benefits.

Xue-shi was dazed from listening and still couldn't quite believe it. "There's so much gold there? They really count it by boatloads?"

Ezoic

Yan Zhi rolled his eyes at his wife, "Of course not. However, the meaning behind it is still there. Our Grand Xi takes in around forty to fifty thousand taels every year in taxes, and if calamity strikes the treasury may even have to give some of it back. Since over half of it comes from overseas commerce, how much do you think the city's shipping office is passing upwards? This cannot be counted in terms of boats!"

"How can such a good thing fall into our laps? Are there some stipulations?"

Hearing this, Yan Zhi's face froze: "This naturally has a lot to do with the time we spent with second sis-in-law. We are close with her so she is close with us. Good things are naturally given to those close to you. You must remember this reasoning. However, there is indeed a condition. The fourth prince only brought up one thing. The estate has to be split up, and at that time, we must take mom in by our sides to show our filial piety."

Xue-shi's hand suddenly tightened.

She naturally understood the implications. The two of them had discussed that the Zhenguo Duke would definitely make plans for his own daughter. Unexpectedly, before he could make a move, her son-in-law had already done so.

Ezoic

This move was fast and accurate. There was nothing to be picked at.

The only thing left for them to decide was whether or not to accept this arrangement.

From Yan Zhi's expression, it was clear his mind was made up.

Xue-shi also knew this was a sacrifice they had to make. However, thinking of how she had to serve the old woman in the future, she was sullen.

"We were finally about to be free of her, but now it'll be just like before. Wouldn't your mom be able to torment me in the future? The situation with the third branch is also a difficult matter. If they use the excuse of also wanting to show filial piety to the old madam and tagged along, what can we do?" Xue-shi was aggrieved.

Ezoic

This truly gave them a headache. However, there had to be a solution. This was what Yan Zhi thought.

Author's notes:

Haha, this author realized that the eldest branch can come in with the godly assist. Xue-shi can be the shadow to Shen Yi Yao's light. The eldest branch will handle the hard and bitter jobs. Of course, minor characters have their own way of living. Those with more righteous hearts will ultimately get what they deserve. Although they are getting screwed over a little, it's also an opportunity for them.

Myth apparently used to explain away children conceived out of wedlock.


As the deadline given by the document gradually approached, the Weiyuan Marquis Estate started growing chaotic.

In the past the servants could still be seen methodically performing their assigned tasks. Now it was rare to see anyone. They were anxious and wondering what the future would bring. The third branch's managing grannies were frequently seen cursing and beating disobedient maids. The Rongan Hall was the same.

At the Jinse Pavilion, Shen Yi Yao remained calm. The servants knew the madam had money and a powerful maternal household so they didn't seem worried either. They just did their all to get into Shen Yi Yao's good books, hoping that they wouldn't be part of the servants getting sold off.

Towards Shen Yi Yao's unmoving attitude, there weren't many people coming to her door anymore. They wondered secretly whether the Zhenguo Duke had lost the emperor's favor, or perhaps he didn't favor this daughter of his. Of course these were just guesses. After all, Yan Mo was Shen Yi Yao's son. Even if the title was extended, Yan Mo would be the one inheriting it. Since she didn't take care of her own son, she must truly be powerless.

Ezoic

They were forced to face reality. What should they do in the future?

Ezoic

The estate had been split before in the past. The three branches only stuck together due to the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. Now that the estate was no longer theirs, they would naturally go their separate ways. But since the estate was impoverished, how were they supposed to survive?

Actually this was a problem they should have considered right after Yan Ting died. After all, he had been propping up all the expenses. Now, this problem had become even more pressing.

Ezoic

Shen Yi Yao remained aloof and the eldest branch didn't give any indications for now. Chen-shi couldn't sleep all night and gradually couldn't remain still. Ignoring the things that happened previously, she went to find Yan Qu. The couple discussed for a while before Yan Qu made a trip to the Rongan Hall.

The next day, Yan Qu gathered everyone to discuss what to do.

The two from the third branch had thought their actions were extremely covert, but they had already been seen by the eldest branch and Shen Yi Yao. The two branches sat there waiting to see what schemes the third branch came up with.

The third branch's intentions were actually very clear. They wanted to take the estate's two remaining businesses. Everyone was aware of the estate's situation after all. No matter how noble people were, they still had to eat, drink and crap. All this required silver. But how to get silver? Naturally, a profitable business was needed. The estate only had these two businesses remaining. The third branch knew there wasn't enough to go around and thus made the first move.

Ezoic

Of course, Yan Qu couldn't be the one to say this. The old madam had to make the decision.

After all, this household didn't only have the third branch. Without mentioning the eldest branch for now, Yan Ting left quite a few children behind. How could the direct lineage be discarded for another branch? Only if the old madam spoke up would there be no arguments.

The old madam had currently shed all pretenses. She was in such a state already so she no longer had to consider things as much. Yan Ting's death seemed to tear away her last bit of cover, revealing her thoughts. Especially since she could only speak through Matron Zhao nowadays, there was no way to cover her actions using pompous words.

Seeing that everyone was gathered, the old madam gave a glance. Matron Zhao stepped up and spoke the old madam's intentions.

In general, it wasn't possible to keep the estate. Their shelter was about to be taken away and they were forced to move. Everyone was aware of the estate's situation. They naturally couldn't afford another such large residence. Therefore, they had to live separately. Since they had to split up, the things in the estate had to be divided. The old madam was planning on giving the remaining two businesses to the third branch.

Actually these words had been rephrased by Matron Zhao. However, no matter how nice she made it sound, it couldn't cover up the truth, an extremely selfish truth. The old madam was planning to give everything to the third branch.

What about the other two branches?

Ezoic

Without mentioning the fact that Shen Yi Yao had her own wealth, the eldest branch wasn't well off at all. This was something everyone knew. Having married off two daughters and with their sons about to look for wives, they would be left with nothing? How were they supposed to survive? Furthermore, part of the public funds belonged to the eldest branch.

However, the old madam no longer remembered the good son Yan Zhi. When choosing between her own son and a good son, the old madam was naturally biased towards her own son. Just like how Yan Ting was treated differently in the past. Yan Ting was the successor of the marquis title and also more capable than Yan Qu. The old madam was naturally biased towards him.

Yan Zhi remained silent and Shen Yi Yao was the same way. Xue-shi wasn't good-natured and spoke up with a sharp voice.

"Since mom wants to do so, we juniors cannot doubt her. However, several things need to be clarified. Since all the businesses are going to youngest brother-in-law and second brother just passed away, what about second sis-in-law and the second branch's juniors?"

Yan Qu looked embarrassed and didn't raise his head. Chen-shi glanced at Xue-shi and twisted her mouth. Matron Zhao was the old madam's spokesperson and naturally had to bear the brunt of these words. Her expression was awkward and she made a show of looking at the old madam. The old madam didn't say anything so Matron Zhao remained silent as well.

Matron Zhao wasn't a fool. Although she served the old madam and was forced to be her spokesperson, she also didn't want to offend the others. The old madam couldn't move or speak. If she offended the other masters and mistresses, they could find an excuse to deal with her. That would truly be an injustice.

Ezoic

Her position was a very awkward one and she could only tread carefully and keep the right balance. There were many times when she understood what the old madam meant, but would pretend not to know until the old madam "said" it. Therefore, the old madam berated her often.

Only when Xue-shi repeated her words did the old madam's face turn fierce. She glared viciously at Xue-shi, seemingly asking what business it was of hers. She then glared at Matron Zhao and babbled something.

Matron Zhao was sweating. She hurriedly bent over and listened, saying: "Er, the old madam means to say that the second madam is wealthy and shouldn't have any issues raising the people in her branch."

The atmosphere suddenly froze when these words were said.

Matron Zhao smiled and tried to smooth things over: "Our second madam is kind and virtuous. Since the lord marquis has passed away, it's also reasonable for the second madam to arrange things for the branch."

Shen Yi Yao didn't show any expression, as though it had nothing to do with her.

Ezoic

Xue-shi nodded as though she understood the old madam's thoughts.

Actually this matter didn't need to be spoken out loud. Shen Yi Yao was the madam of the second branch. With Yan Ting gone, it was reasonable that Shen Yi Yao take over. But the old madam bringing this up right after saying the businesses were all going to the third branch made it a little awkward and heartless.

Yan Qu felt extremely awkward, and even resentfully wondered if eldest sis-in-law did it on purpose.

Xue-shi was naturally doing it on purpose!

She wasn't someone who would suffer in silence. If she had to suffer, she was going to air it out! An eye for an eye. Since they dared to do it, they shouldn't be embarrassed to hear it said out loud.

Ezoic

She then spoke again: "Back when dad divided the assets amongst our three branches, we pooled them into the public funds since we didn't split apart. Now that we're splitting up, the assets naturally should be divided again. But since mom has spoken, and wants to leave the rest of the businesses to the third branch, what about our eldest branch?"

This was the peak of the awkwardness within the hall. Everyone's expression turned stiff.

Before anyone reacted, Xue-shi changed her tone and said: "Of course, filial piety takes precedence before everything. Since mom has spoken, we can only obey. Even though we're about to end up homeless and hungry, we can only obey."

Her face was completely expressionless. This was the first time Xue-shi looked this way. It was as though this matter didn't concern her, or that she had given all hope. Yan Zhi whose head was lowered the entire time tugged at her and wanted her to stop talking. Xue-shi waved his hand away, tears finally streaming down her cheeks.

"Why won't you let me speak? Apart from not being birthed by mom, where has our eldest branch fallen short? As the oldest brother, when have you let anyone down!? Whenever something happens in the estate, when did you not have to personally deal with it?" Xue-shi's voice suddenly became shrill and seemingly hysterical: "Since we're splitting up, everything needs to be made clear. Daughter-in-law has another question: since mom is giving everything to third brother, does that mean mom plans on living with third brother in the future?"

Ezoic

This stone caused a thousand ripples.

Yan Qu and Chen-shi couldn't sit still any longer, their expressions cramped.

They were merely thinking of how to survive in the future. They actually didn't think about the matter of the old madam. Xue-shi's words made them start thinking. The most important question regarding the estate was now placed in front of everyone.

Xue-shi wiped her tears and said: "Eldest lord was planning on bringing mom with him and showing his filial piety in taking care of her. Now that our family doesn't even know if we can survive, we naturally can't let mom suffer along with us."

No one spoke. The room was scarily silent.

Ezoic

Yan Qu wanted to speak a few times but was stopped by Chen-shi.

The old madam started thrashing around on the bed again, letting out a high-pitched noise.

This noise sounded a little frightening, like a cat yowling. In the silent room, it was even more horrifying. Yan Qu and Chen-shi felt cold sweat trickle down their backs.

Matron Zhao hurriedly went over. She knew the old madam was calling her to interpret.

The old madam's way of expressing herself had startled everyone. She made low and high pitched noises with her throat. When she got to a difficult part, she would move her paralyzed body around on the bed and look extremely fierce. It was clear she struggled to communicate with others. Regardless, no one was able to understand. But from Matron Zhao's nodding and wiping her brows, it seemed she could understand.

Ezoic

After a long, long while, Matron Zhao finally stood up and looked at the crowd. She wanted to speak but hesitated.

Matron Zhao didn't speak and others naturally didn't feel like responding. Yan Qu was held back by Chen-shi, Shen Yi Yao couldn't be bothered and the eldest branch intentionally remained silent.

Everyone wanted to find a way out, but why would anyone want to offer a way for others?

Matron Zhao saw that no one was raising the topic. She could only stammer and start speaking. She spoke quite a lot, but with so many twists and turns no one could understand what she was saying. Seeming to realize what she was doing was useless, Matron Zhao closed her eyes and said: "The old madam means to say that after splitting up, she will be living with the second branch!"

This time Matron Zhao no longer tried to polish the words and make it sound nice. This naked intent was a sinister thought that couldn't be covered up by eloquent words. There was no need for her to waste her time.

The old madam had long since made her plans. Everything would be left to her own son while forcing Shen Yi Yao to carry the responsibilities. Of course, it didn't matter if it was shouldered by Shen Yi Yao or the eldest branch. However, she felt that since Shen Yi Yao was wealthy, her days would be a little better with her. There was no need to let her daughter-in-law have it easy. She was supposed to go with old two anyway. Since old two was gone, Shen Yi Yao would naturally be the one taking care of her.

She had planned well but Xue-shi had popped out halfway. The old madam wanted to do it surreptitiously. She would first give the things to her younger son and then mention the other matter later. Unexpectedly, Xue-shi had made a fuss in front of everyone.

The old madam hated Xue-shi to death. However, it was hard to dismount after getting onto the tiger. She was forced to air out her plans.

She knew that this wouldn't be as easy as she had hoped before. However, using "filial piety" as pressure, she believed Shen Yi Yao wouldn't dare refuse.

Since Matron Zhao had already said the hard part, the remaining words were naturally easier.

Ezoic

She continued to say: "The old madam means to say that she had always lived with the lord marquis. Now that he is no longer here, she naturally has to take his place in managing the second branch and keep an eye on those young children. Otherwise, the lord marquis won't be able to rest in peace."

These words were really extremely shameless. She was now considering Yan Ting's spirit? Why didn't she think of him and the second branch's children when splitting the assets? To put it plainly, she didn't want to burden her own son and didn't want to let Shen Yi Yao have it easy.

Ezoic

Shen Yi Yao directly laughed in anger.

She couldn't figure out why this old madam hated her so. Despite hating her, she still insisted on tying herself together with her!

Everything that happened just now made Shen Yi Yao feel many things. It also overturned her worldview. She suddenly understood her daughter's previous words. Cheap people loved to ask for a foot after getting an inch. If you were too soft, they would come to your door and bully you. This was because they knew you wouldn't do anything to them. Only by making them hurt and scared would they consider whether they could accept the consequences next time.

Ezoic

In the past, Shen Yi Yao didn't like Yan Yan's personality. She felt she was too unyielding and merciless. She was always overbearing. After all that has happened since then, she realized that her personality was a result of her circumstances. As her mom, she was too soft which forced her daughter to become a prickly hedgehog.

She suddenly felt like tearing up, with many indescribable emotions in her heart.

She raised her head and looked at Matron Zhao. Matron Zhao shivered at her bright gaze. She then turned to look at the old madam and slowly said one word at a time: "I'm afraid I will have to disappoint mom. My father feels it's not appropriate for a widow to be living outside. He plans to bring me and Ah Mo back to live with my maternal family."

The old madam directly glared at Shen Yi Yao. Her turbid eyes seemed to be about to pop out. Her throat made an urgent high-pitched sound before she started babbling abuse.

Chen-shi suddenly stood up: "Second sis-in-law, how can you say that? What will mom do in the future?"

Ezoic

Shen Yi Yao looked at her anxious face and smiled: "Then we'll have to trouble third brother and third sister-in-law. This daughter-in-law feels very assured with you guys taking care of mom."

"But…."

Xue-shi crowded over and said with a smile: "Third sis-in-law has always been filial. As the eldest sis-in-law, I also feel assured. After all, third brother and sis-in-law are close with the old madam. Her own son and his wife will naturally do their best in taking care of her."

Shen Yi Yao stood up: "Daughter-in-law still has some matters to deal with and stuff to tidy up. I will take my leave first."

After speaking, she turned and left.

Ezoic

Xue-shi also used the excuse of having to tidy and forcibly pulled Yan Zhi away.

As for the old madam and the third branch's reactions, no one bothered paid attention to them.

On the way back to the Yusheng Pavilion.

Xue-shi said: "The two from the third branch really came in with some timely assistance. They took the initiative to accept the inconvenience."

Ezoic

The eldest branch had planned on seeing how the situation played out before acting. It was fine if they had to take in the old madam, but they would do their best to avoid taking the third branch. Who would have thought the third branch would take the initiative to jump out for the sake of some scraps. Xue-shi thus took the opportunity and ended up saying all sorts of things.

Actually, those words weren't just for the old madam and the third branch. They were also for Yan Zhi and Shen Yi Yao.

The outcome proved it was extremely effective. Without mentioning Yan Zhi for now, at least Shen Yi Yao was firm. That's right. Since Xue-shi didn't care about her reputation, there was nothing they could do to her. Actually the hardest thing to get over wasn't how others regarded you, but rather your own conscience.

Luckily, Shen Yi Yao wasn't a fool and she understood Xue-shi's sacrifice.

There were no fools or saints. Since they took her for a fool, why should she care about anything else!?

Seeing Yan Zhi remain silent, Xue-shi's eyes flashed and she said: "What? Still thinking about that matter? It's not that we were heartless. You saw how the old madam and the third branch acted so decisively."

Yan Zhi sighed. He wasn't hung up over that matter, but just felt a little uncomfortable. Actually, thinking of it differently, it wasn't a big deal. They got what they asked for. Those who planted melons got melons and those who planted beans got beans.

The old madam was naturally extremely not resigned. She made a ruckus twice afterwards.

However, Shen Yi Yao ignored her and didn't even go to the Rongan Hall anymore. No matter what was said, her response was always one word: busy.

Ezoic

She really was busy. She was busy with packing.

Everything that needed to be taken was pretty much packed. Shen Yi Yao started arranging things to be sent out.

The old madam was truly panicked now. Matron Zhao was sent over several times. Chen-shi had come once as well. Yan Qu was a man, and since the previous matter was truly a little excessive, he was too embarrassed to come. However, Shen Yi Yao didn't meet with them. She wasn't even willing to maintain the last bit of appearances.

With the help of the Zhenguo Duke Estate and the fourth prince estate, all of Shen Yi Yao and Yan Mo's personal belongings were soon shipped out. There were only a few bits and pieces left as well as the larger pieces of furniture.

After leaving the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, Shen Yi Yao temporarily moved into the Zhenguo Duke Estate's Tranquil Garden. She was newly widowed after all and was supposed to be in mourning. It ultimately wouldn't be good to make a fanfare about moving back to her maternal household. The Tranquil Garden was within the Zhenguo Duke Estate, but it had its own doors and could count as an independent residence. The Zhenguo Duke Estate's deterrence would prevent the old madam's side from making any trouble.

Ezoic

Ezoic

The matter was settled. Seeing the madam's actions, Concubine Wu and Concubine Lan both started panicking.

If the madam left, how would they survive in the future? The second branch still had Yan Hong, Yan Chan and the fifth young master Yan Qing. What would happen to them? The madam was clearly expressing that she didn't care about anyone. The madam could return to the Zhenguo Duke Estate but it wasn't possible for her to bring all the concubines and their children with her. Would the old madam care about them?

This made the others in the second branch feel terrified.

Concubine Wu had remained silent for several years. Even though Yan Chan was almost at the age of marriage, she didn't show any sign of impatience. Now she was no longer able to sit still. She had previously gone to ask Shen Yi Yao for an audience at the Jinse Pavilion.

The moment she entered the room, she thudded to her knees.

Ezoic

She wore a dark cyan jacket with her black hair swept into a bun using a single hairpin. Her previously pretty self now looked aged and listless. She didn't look her age at all.

She sobbed and cried as she spoke: "Madam, oh, no, miss, I beg you. I beg you to bring Ju Fang and the fifth miss with you. Ju Fang will serve you for the rest of her life. Ju Fang knows her wrongs, I've known it for a long time. Hopefully madam could tell that Ju Fang was sincerely trying to right my wrongs over these years, and bring this servant and the fifth miss away from here."

Looking at Concubine Wu who was kneeling on the floor, Shen Yi Yao seemed to have recalled something.

It turns out she used to be called Ju Fang, not Concubine Wu?

But how did Ju Fang become Concubine Wu?

Ezoic

Ezoic

Oh, right. Back then when she gave birth to Ah Yan, she wasn't able to get pregnant again in the years after that. The old madam inevitably revealed some displeasure in her words. Yan Ting would always console her, telling her not to overthink things. He said that he wasn't in a hurry to get a son. But the more generous Yan Ting was, the more anxious Shen Yi Yao had felt.

Concubine Pei had expressed sympathy and came to comfort her daily. She was anxious about Shen Yi Yao's anxiety and her thoughts were in line with hers as well. However, Shen Yi Yao still showed no signs. Afterwards, Concubine Pei suddenly got pregnant. After this happened, she still continued her previous actions and even showed some guilt. She said several times that she wanted to abort the fetus. She was afraid of giving birth to a boy and stealing the future young master's spot.

Shen Yi Yao was truly moved back then. Whenever she felt the slightest hint of jealousy, she would feel very ashamed of herself. She felt was letting down her role as a woman. Thus, her personal maid Ju Fang was brought forward. This was because Concubine Pei had said they had to shut the old madam up.

Actually, after Shen Yi Yao snapped out of it, she wasn't willing to see these people who reminded her of how foolish she used to be.

She didn't hate these people, so she might as well just let them be. She didn't expect Concubine Wu to come to her doors. Actually, she should have expected it. After all, Ju Fang had always been a smart one.

Ezoic

"Your wrongs? What wrongs did you commit?" Shen Yi Yao's expression was calm and emotionless.

Concubine Wu raised her head and looked at her shamefully, saying while crying: "This servant shouldn't have allowed Concubine Pei to threaten me back then and help her harm the madam! But this servant was also truly helpless. Concubine Pei had truly seized my weakness so I only helped her because I had no choice."

Shen Yi Yao didn't speak.

"This servant had thought to secretly tell the lord marquis back then to clear the madam's name. Luckily the third miss is extraordinarily smart and saw through Concubine Pei's sinister scheme, exposing her in front of everyone."

Shen Yi Yao let out an "oh" and didn't say anything else.

Ezoic

The room was scarily silent. Only the sounds of Concubine Wu's occasional sobs could be heard.

"Madam, please forgive this servant. Are you willing to forgive this servant? If you forgive this servant, I can even die in peace!"

Shen Yi Yao silently sighed. She turned her gaze to Concubine Wu and her eyes were dark and heavy.

"Was that the only wrong you committed?"

Concubine Wu's body suddenly turned rigid.

Ezoic

Author's notes:

Concubine Wu is really good at enduring. Unfortunately she finally couldn't hold out any longer.

The old madam's thoughts were too optimistic. Unfortunately, she forgot even the weakest person still had some temper. Especially since Shen Yi Yao had things pretty much figured out. She just isn't used to letting things get too ugly, and also isn't used to embarrassing people. This has to do with how she does things. After being bullied by the old madam and the third branch, Shen Yi Yao also understood that cheap people shouldn't be given any face.


Was that the only wrong you committed?"

Shen YI Yao's voice faintly sounded out, winding around Concubine Wu's ears and making her body suddenly turn rigid.

She was half prone on the floor. The Persian rug with woven peony trees in front of her eyes looked luxurious, but it somehow caused Concubine Wu to recall something over a decade ago.

At that time she was young and pretty. The lord marquis back then was tall and handsome. As Shen Yi Yao's personal maid, she would always see the lord marquis and the madam being lovey-dovey. The lord marquis was very considerate of the madam, and cherished her extremely. Ju Fang couldn't help but feel some admiration.

Her envy gradually became longing.

Ezoic

Somehow, Concubine Pei had known it all. One day when the madam was washing up, Concubine Pei came over and was received by Ju Fang. Concubine Pei had said one thing to her: you're the madam's personal maid from her dowry, right?

Ezoic

Afterwards, these words became Ju Fang's nightmare within the deepest corners of her heart. This was truly the case. Everyone knew what dowry maids were used for. She was the madam's favorite maid that came with her dowry, and was also the best looking one.

Somehow, she got involved with Concubine Pei. She had helped her achieve her desires and she….

She had once pondered if she could let down this madam who always treated her well. However, these thoughts were always gone in a flash, buried deep in her heart.

Ezoic

Concubine Wu panted anxiously and choked out: "This servant has sinned gravely. This servant shouldn't have colluded with Concubine Pei just to achieve her own shameful desires."

Shen Yi Yao who was sitting above was lost in her memories from long ago. These memories made her look at Concubine Wu with a complicated and disgusted gaze.

"Concubine Wu, you're very smart. You're smarter than I imagined. You came to admit your wrongs, but only the minor ones. Are you sure you're here to atone?" Shen Yi Yao suddenly lost her patience. She stood up and said to Cui Qiao: "Send her out!"

Concubine Wu climbed up and charged towards Shen Yi Yao, but was restrained by Cui Qiao.

Ezoic

"Madam, this servant really wants to atone. This servant isn't trying to conceal anything. I just find it really hard to mention my actions in the past. Madam, I beg you, give me another chance, I beg you…."

Concubine Wu's face was filled with tears of alarm that flowed down her pointed chin and wetted her clothes. Shen Yi Yao looked at her with a cold and estranged gaze.

This gaze made Concubine Wu feel a sense of inferiority. Shen Yi Yao was always kind and intimate to those around her, but always gave Ju Fang a remote feeling.

This woman had everything a girl could dream of. She had status, honor, wealth, beauty and so on, and so on. Whenever she needed something, she didn't have to reach out for it herself. There would always be people offering it to her. At her maternal family's place, her parents, brothers and their wives pampered her. After marriage, her husband and his household worshipped her….

When did her longing turn to jealousy?

Ezoic

Jealousy, resentment, unwillingness, anger….

These emotions nibbled at her soul night and day. The more she couldn't obtain, the more she hated Shen Yi Yao who had everything. Finally, with Concubine Pei's help, this woman who had everything except brains had given her to the lord marquis. Ju Fang finally got what she wanted.

The next day she had kowtowed to Shen Yi Yao. Looking at the woman above her staring back with a cryptic gaze, she had felt smug and full of satisfaction.

Concubine Pei was really a demon. She could understand the darkest parts of people's hearts.

"Aren't you jealous of her? Look at her, with everything we don't have. She's so lofty it makes others hate her. Wealth, beauty, glory…she has everything. If we want something, we can only use our own hands to work for it….I really, really want to take everything from her. Who knows what expression she will have at that time…."

Ezoic

After that day, the maid Ju Fang had become a second Concubine Pei.

As a chambermaid, and even a concubine, she should be putting most of her efforts into Yan Ting. However, the lord marquis usually only minded the madam and never took the initiative to go to them. Only when the madam occasionally said something did they receive some favor. Ju Fang finally understood why Concubine Pei diligently came to the Jinse Pavilion daily. They could only pick up some scraps from this woman's hand. Her resentment gradually became stronger….

Because she was the madam's personal maid, Ju Fang was trusted by Shen Yi Yao. Even if Shen Yi Yao was very close with Concubine Pei, Ju Fang was able to feel the difference. With dark intentions, she and Concubine Pei conspired to slowly steal away the people by the madam's side. Because Ju Fang was an insider, this wasn't hard to do….

Seeing a woman with everything being manipulated by them made Ju Fang feel like laughing.

Ezoic

So what if you're lofty? Ultimately, you're just a fool!

Concubine Wu revealed everything she had done one word at a time.

Cui Qiao and Cui Ping couldn't believe their ears. How could this person's thoughts be so sinister? She actually conspired with others to harm her own madam. Especially since the two finally realized why they used to hear others say "the madam and the third miss's relationship isn't too good". No matter how close they were, they couldn't have withstood people instigating conflict daily!

Ezoic

Shen Yi Yao's expression was a mixture of sorrow and joy. Her eyes faintly flashed with tears. After a long, long time, they finally became calm.

"Since you've committed so many wrongs, what makes you think I will definitely forgive you? What makes you assume I will forget past wrongs and bring you with me?"

These words broke the silence. Concubine Wu whose head had been lowered in remorse suddenly looked up.

Looking at her astonished expression, Shen Yi Yao laughed: "Could it be that in your eyes, I'm someone who doesn't hold grudges? I forgot to tell you, I actually do hold grudges. That's right. Ah Mo being born prematurely was also due to you and Pei Yu Jin's involvement, right?"

Shen Yi Yao didn't stay and walked into her room.

Ezoic

"Have her leave."

Her final words were light like a wisp of smoke.

Concubine Wu was extremely startled, her heart filled with fear.

She knew, she actually knew!

Actually, despite lowering her head and begging for forgiveness, Concubine Wu had never thought much of Shen Yi Yao. In her eyes, Shen Yi Yao was a naïve and clueless madam. As long as she lowered herself enough, as long as the third miss wasn't there, the madam would definitely take pity on her due to their past relationship.

Ezoic

This was why she lowered herself and begged for forgiveness remorsefully. Seeing as these things couldn't be kept from Shen Yi Yao and also being forced to reveal some things, she had ultimately not confessed everything. However, she had forgotten something. Shen Yi Yao had doubts about Yan Mo's unusual premature birth long ago. Since Ju Fang and Concubine Pei had conspired together to do so many things, how could Shen Yi Yao not suspect them?

Yan Mo's premature birth hadn't been planned by the two of them. The old madam was also involved. Concubine Pei had wanted to manage the household and the old madam wanted to take over the household's income from Shen Yi Yao. This was how the dirty scheme was carried out so smoothly. Afterwards, Concubine Pei had discussed things with Concubine Wu. Concubine Wu merely assumed Concubine Pei had wanted to manage the household and didn't realize the old madam was involved. However, whether she knew or not didn't matter anymore. Nothing was airtight in this world. She would one day have to atone for her sins.

Cui Qiao and Cui Ping's expressions were furious. Seeing Concubine Wu remain frozen in place, they dragged her out.

Concubine Wu was thrown down the steps. Cui Qiao said to the grannies and maids: "Have her thrown out. Don't let her enter the pavilion doors in the future."

Cui Qiao and Cui Ping had still restrained themselves but the grannies and sweeper maids outside weren't that gentle. The people lifted Concubine Wu up and directly threw her outside the doors.

Ezoic

Concubine Wu fell wretchedly on the floor. Before she could respond, she heard a faint crying next to her.

"Concubine mom, don't beg the madam anymore. Let's go back." Yan Chan cried and said while helping her up.

Concubine Wu looked at her quiet and obedient daughter. Her alarmed and unsettled eyes finally became firm and decisive.

This was her daughter, her everything! For her sake, she was willing to do anything!

"Don't be scared. Your concubine mom will convince the madam. Don't worry, your concubine mom will definitely have the madam take you away."

Ezoic

……

That night, Concubine Wu hung herself.

Because the maids weren't really working diligently anymore during this period of time, no one discovered her. Only the next morning when Yan Chan came to find Concubine Wu did she see her hanging and swaying gently.

Yan Chan screamed and fainted on the spot.

When Shen Yi Yao received the news, she was out of it for a long time.

Concubine Wu didn't leave behind a note but her meaning was extremely clear. She wanted to atone for her sins with her death, and was begging Shen Yi Yao not to put her crimes onto her child.

Yan Chan was in a daze. She didn't cry or make a fuss. Shen Yi Yao couldn't bear letting her remain in that pavilion and brought her back to the Jinse Pavilion. She ordered the servants to help arrange Concubine Wu's funeral. She would provide the silver.

Yan Yan received the letter and returned. When she heard about the details of the matter, she flipped out at Shen Yi Yao.

"Why did you bring her over? Are you really planning on bringing her to the Zhenguo Duke Estate? Don't forget why Concubine Wu died. Are you planning on bringing someone back to hate you every day?! I really can't figure out what these people are thinking. What makes them think we'll let bygones be bygones and grant her wish?"

Luo Huai Yuan was also speechless. This whole matter made him feel an indescribable sense of disgust.

Ezoic

Just because you admitted your faults and repented, you're obligated to be forgiven? Seeing that you weren't, you used your death as a threat!

That's right, it was a threat. At least that's how Yan Yan felt. Otherwise, she wouldn't be so furious.

Yan Mo said on the side: "Mom, this person can't be kept by our side. If you can't bear it, just leave her to eldest aunt. We'll find her a husband and have her directly married off."

"It's not that mom can't bear it. I just felt she looked pitiful." Shen Yi Yao paused and said: "Since you guys said so, I'll go find your eldest aunt later and leave Yan Chan to her. This fifth miss has always been obedient. It's just unfortunate…."

It's just unfortunate that Concubine Wu made a mistake in her calculations. If Shen Yi Yao was by herself, she might have gotten her wish. This was because Shen Yi Yao's heart had truly softened. A person dying was like a light being extinguished. She also wasn't someone to take her grudges out on children. Unfortunately, Yan Yan and Yan Mo were both grown up. Since her children objected, Shen Yi Yao naturally wasn't a fool. How could she disregard her children's opinion for the sake of this person who made her feel extremely complicated?

Ezoic

Luo Huai Yuan said: "I feel that it's better for mom to move out faster. This estate is filled with demons and monsters. Who knows what other schemes will pop up?"

Shen Yi Yao felt his words were reasonable and ordered the servants to speed up. Due to this incident, Yan Yan didn't plan on leaving. She prepared to oversee the matters personally and escort her mom out before heading back to the fourth prince estate.

During this time, Shen Yi Yao went to Xue-shi. Xue-shi agreed straightforwardly. Shen Yi Yao was a little embarrassed and said she would pay for Yan Chan's expenses. Xue-shi smiled and said there was no need to mention it.

When it was almost noon, all the bits and pieces were transported out. Only the large pieces of furniture remained. Yan Yan had Shen Yi Yao and Yan Mo leave with the carriage first. Moving the furniture could be left to the servants.

Shen Yi Yao had promised her servants that if they wanted to leave with her, she would take their life contracts from the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. Yan Yan remained behind to deal with this matter.

Ezoic

The moment Shen Yi Yao left with Yan Mo, the Rongan Hall received the news and issued summons.

Since the matter of the life contracts needed to go through the Rongan Hall, Yan Yan had Luo Huai Yuan remain in the Jinse Pavilion and went to the Rongan Hall herself. When she arrived, she realized everyone was present. Even the second branch's Concubine Lan, the fifth young master and Yan Hong were there.

Seeing Yan Yan arrive, Chen-shi chose to raise the difficult questions first: "Third miss, it's good that you're here. Your mom only cared about herself and returned to her maternal family. Your second branch has so many people. How do we deal with this?"

Yan Yan wasn't soft like Shen Yi Yao. She never left anyone any face. She was filled with anger to begin with, so this was good timing.

She looked over at Concubine Lan's side and smiled coldly at Chen-shi: "I never knew when a widow gets brought back home, she has to bring a bunch of concubines and their children. Is third aunt trying to say they aren't surnamed Yan?"

Chen-shi was choked up at these words. She said in a fluster: "The estate's in this state already. Second sis-in-law really plans well, tossing all the baggage to us and going off to live comfortably. Why should our third branch and the eldest branch help raise your second branch's people!?"

Xue-shi smiled brightly and said: "Third sis-in-law, speak if you want to speak. Don't bring our eldest branch into it."

Yan Yan was angered into laughter by Chen-shi, "If third aunt isn't willing, that's fine. I remember the old madam gave your third branch both businesses which are under my dad's name. The old madam couldn't recall that she still has some pitiful grandchildren, but as their older sister I remember. How about you hand those businesses over to these two pitiful little brothers of mine?"

"You…." Chen-shi's face immediately twisted and she shrieked: "Those businesses were given to us by the old madam. Why should we hand them over?"

Yan Yan raised her brows: "Because those businesses are under my dad's name. Don't say whatever about the old madam handing them over. My mom is gentle and didn't want to bicker with you guys. She was also overly upset and overlooked the matter. Otherwise, let's bring it up in front of the Heaven's Abiding Estate and have them arbitrate. Let them see how my dad's younger brother stole his businesses before his bones were even cold, and even left his poor descendants with nothing. Shall we see what they charge you with?"

Ezoic

Yan Qu's face was flushed. He stood up, "Niece Yan, don't you slander people! The third branch also has a share of the businesses in the public funds."

Yan Yan looked nonchalant: "I only know those businesses are under my dad's name. As for where your third branch's businesses went, third uncle can go ask grandmother."

"You…."

Everyone knew that for the sake of maintaining the estate's livelihood, the old madam had sold off many of the businesses. After so many years, they were only left with these two small ones. From the third branch's point of view, they had a share of the public funds. Yan Qu was also the old madam's biological son. Now that Yan Ting was gone, it was reasonable for it to be given to them. But from a legal or an outsider's perspective, only the name on the deed was recognized. Who would care about anything else?

The reason Yan Yan bickered with these two was to vent her anger. She felt that these people were shams. It was also part of Luo Huai Yuan's plan. After all, no matter how they looked at it, Yan Hong and Yan Qing were part of the second branch. With Yan Ting's death, it was reasonable for Shen Yi Yao to take care of them as the principal mother. However, Luo Huai Yuan and the Zhenguo Duke Estate came up with the thought of having her mom move home due to her widowed status. This meant that the second branch's juniors would fall to the old madam or Yan Qu, their biological uncle.

However, it was clear from the third branch's expressions that even if they did take them in, their lives wouldn't be good. There was also the matter of Concubine Wu hanging herself. To save Shen Yi Yao and Yan Mo from trouble in the future, Yan Yan decided to "help" the two juniors.

Ezoic

"Your niece didn't want to bring this up at first. Since third aunt is so passionate, your niece really has to speak some reason. Although your niece is already married out and shouldn't be minding the household's matters, seeing the second branch's people so unsettled made me involuntarily feel compassion. What, the grand Weiyuan Marquis's descendants need to be raised by outsiders? Even though their father passed away, don't forget that you are standing in the Weiyuan Marquis's bestowed estate. Don't act like you're a random guest here!"

Concubine Lan held the fifth young master Yan Qing and sobbed, looking extremely pitiful. The usually silent Yan Hong also looked sorrowful.

Not waiting for the third branch to retort, Yan Yan continued speaking: "Therefore, third uncle and aunt shouldn't blame your niece for overstepping. Even if it's just for the sake of my deceased father, I must intervene in this matter."

Yan Zhi stood up: "Niece Yan is reasonable. As the eldest brother, I didn't with to bring these matters up. However, it was truly too excessive. I wasn't birthed by mom so our eldest branch doesn't dare think too much. But it's reasonable for second brother's things to be left to his descendants. Ah Mo has second sis-in-law as his mom, and the Zhenguo Duke as his backer. It is clear second sis-in-law doesn't want to struggle for these things. But these two children, one not yet of age and the other still an infant, what are they to do?! Mom, you should speak up. Don't let second brother's spirit feel cold up there."

Ezoic

Everyone's gaze fell upon the old madam in bed. She didn't make a sound for a while as though struggling internally. She didn't deny being biased towards old three, but she also liked Yan Hong. Yan Hong had been raised by her after all. Along with her cherishing Yan Ting, the scales in her heart slowly shifted.

After a long while, she finally made a sound.

Matron Zhao said: "The old madam said her previous decision was truly a little muddled. Her intent now is to have the two businesses placed under the third young master and the fifth young master's name. Since they are still young and cannot operate things by themselves, they will live with the old madam and the third lord temporarily. The third lord and the third madam will be responsible for managing the businesses."

The third branch was naturally unwilling but Yan Yan was there glaring at them from the side.

This second branch's eldest daughter had always been tough. When she got angry, she didn't leave any face for anyone. Yan Qu and Chen-shi were really scared that she would make a ruckus at the Heaven's Abiding Estate. The moment she did so, the two of them wouldn't be on the side of reason. They would lose both properties and face, and perhaps even end up in jail. After all, Yan Ting was a marquis prior to his death. Although he wasn't any longer, the court usually settled for the most severe judgment in such cases.

Ezoic

The third branch ended up getting a bunch of nothing for their efforts, and even had to take in the old madam. Now, they could only comfort themselves by thinking that managing the businesses should bring quite a few benefits.

The matter was thus settled. Yan Yan ordered the servants to get the deeds from the authorities on the spot, and handed them to Yan Hong and Concubine Lan. Their expressions were complicated and they didn't know whether to thank her or what else to say.

Ezoic

Finally, Yan Hong stammered out: "Thank you, third sis."

"No need to thank me. You guys take care of yourselves in the future."

The meaning was extremely clear. In the future, they could only depend on themselves. The third branch's couple weren't saints. Since they depended on the third branch to eat, they would have to get in their good books. However, with the businesses in their names, they had some backing to stand up tall. How their future would turn out would require them to plan for themselves.

Ezoic

Afterwards, Yan Yan brought up the matter of the servants' life contracts. Chen-shi had fallen out completely with Yan Yan and wasn't planning on being nice. She used the excuse that "the estate isn't doing well and those servants can be sold for quite a lot". Yan Yan was too lazy to bicker with her and had her name a price. They could treat her as the buyer.

Chen-shi naturally threw out an excessive sum. Xue-shi couldn't stand it and gave her some crap. Finally, Yan Yan spent a thousand taels to buy those people.

Naturally it was a little much, but it was within Yan Yan's expectations. Problems that could be solved using money weren't problems. Luo Huai Yuan had told her if that woman gave you trouble, use silver to smash her to death.

This inside joke of the couple won't be discussed in detail for now.

After Shen Yi Yao moved out, the eldest branch also moved out.

Ezoic

Ezoic

Xue-shi had a two-compound courtyard outside the city. Although it wasn't too big, it was plenty for their family and a few servants.

The servants the eldest branch took were naturally bought from Chen-shi. However, Xue-shi wasn't as lax about it as Yan Yan. She only paid the market price, and also angered Chen-shi quite a bit.

The eldest and second branches both left. Only the third branch remained. The deadline drew closer and closer so the third branch also started moving things out.

However, the third branch didn't have any residences under their name and could only buy one on the spot. After picking and choosing, Chen-shi used Yan Yan's thousand taels to buy a two compound little courtyard. Although it was a little cramped, it was sufficient to live in. Unfortunately it was very rundown. However, it was good that they had a place to live.

After the third branch left, the grand Weiyuan Marquis Estate finally became empty.

Ezoic

Afterwards, two seals were posted on the doors, awaiting the day the emperor bestowed it to a different household.

One day, an ordinary looking carriage stopped by the Weiyuan Marquis Estate's doors, which were now without an inscription. No one got out of the carriage. After a long while, the carriage slowly drove off.

Author's notes:

The old madam's decision wasn't just due to Yan Hong or Yan Ting. It was also for the third branch's sake.

Yan Yan was eyeing them like a tiger eyeing its prey. If this matter got to the authorities, since the things were under Yan Ting's name, the old madam's word was only good within the family. In reality, the third lord had truly stolen Yan Ting's businesses.

Ezoic

Yan Yan snatched them back and gave them to Yan Hong and the fifth young master not because she was compassionate, but because of Concubine Wu's suicide. She was worried the others might come up with additional schemes. After all, those without any hope would dare to do anything. In Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan's minds, things that could be solved with money weren't a problem. Ultimately, Yan Hong and Yan Qing didn't do anything, and could be counted as innocents. Of course their days won't be too good in the future. The deeds are their only backing. The two are young and need to live under the third branch for many years.

Concubine Wu is also a ruthless one. She knew that if she didn't die, Shen Yi Yao wouldn't care about her and Yan Chan due to previous matters. She could be said to have cut off her means of retreat. Unfortunately, Shen Yi Yao was no longer the same person she remembered. However, it was still a little effective. At least Yan Chan was taken in by the eldest branch, and after marriage would have somewhere to settle down.

Translator's notes:

Regarding the last paragraph of the chapter, I read the comments on the raws and the author was responding to them. Kind of spoiler but not really. I guess it depends if you want your thoughts confirmed or not.

Ezoic

Many people in the comments were saying "looks like the scummy dad didn't die", to which the author responds "en".

Some asked where the body came from and she responds by saying CEO Xu used a replacement. Says he now has nowhere to go but stay with CEO Xu. Some material for your potential fanfic, Gumihou


Yan Ting who sat in the carriage had an unclear expression on his face. Some indescribable feelings arose in his heart. He buried his face in his hands and let out a howl like a wounded beast.

Actually the household's situation was something he had expected. Along with his death, the household had fallen apart. But being able to imagine it and seeing it with his own eyes were two different things. Yan Ting's obsession from a young age had been to restore the Weiyuan Marquis Estate's glory and allow it to continue for many generations.

This obsession had started when he was still a child. His dad had held his hand and pointed at the large golden words engraved upon the doors, saying "dad's health isn't good and everything will depend on you in the future." This was buried deep in his heart. After over two decades of effort, not only did he have nothing to show for it, he even managed to lose the estate….

A long, long time passed. Xu Xiang Rong looked at the side of Yan Ting's face. Only after seeing him recover his calm did he have the carriage driver take them away.

Ezoic

Yan Ting saw that he was looking at him and raised his head, saying expressionlessly: "Don't worry, I'm not a fool I know that I'm already a "dead person"."

Ezoic

As he lifted his head, a scar on his face was revealed. This scar started from the corner of his left eye and ran under his left ear. From the right, Yan Ting was still a handsome man despite looking a little worn and weak. However, he looked sinister like a yaksha from the left.

The day Yan Ting fell from the cliff, he had planned on dying. Unexpectedly, he had awoken and found out he was rescued. At that time he was heavily injured. Many of his bones were fractured and his legs were broken. He was completely out of it and didn't know how much time had passed. After becoming a little more conscious, he realized it was Xu Xiang Rong who had saved him.

Ezoic

Why did you save me?

At that time Yan Ting had truly wanted to die so he leapt from the cliff. He knew that Shen Ding definitely wouldn't let him off, but also because he was in despair. After working hard for so many years, it was all in vain. Even all his thoughts and actions were overturned, as though he was just a joke. He was a huge joke from head to toe. He flaunted his intelligence, but was actually a jumping clown.

Yan Ting didn't want to live. He felt his own existence wasn't worth anything. He didn't eat, didn't cooperate with the treatment. This lasted until Xu Xiang Rong told him about the Weiyuan Marquis Estate's recent situation.

"Don't you feel your current state is extremely laughable? A grand man like yourself is actually acting like a woman who cannot endure any shock. Stand up if you're a man. Go back and take a good look. Then, bide your time until you can snatch everything back one day…."

Yan Ting's wounds were too serious. By the time he recovered enough to take a carriage, the Weiyuan Marquis Estate's inscription had already been taken off and the place was empty.

Ezoic

……..

"Your brother and mom are living in Hengshui Alley. Do you want to go take a look?"

Yan Ting froze and shook his head: "No need. Since we cannot see each other, why go take a look?" After a pause, he said with a complicated expression: "Thank you."

Xu Xiang Rong didn't speak and merely smiled.

A month after the third prince's wedding, the fifth prince Luo Jing also got married.

Ezoic

The third prince's wife was naturally chosen carefully by Senior Concubine Xu. She was the Lin household's principal daughter. The Lin household was a major influential clan. Although the third consort was only Senior Minister Lin's distant niece, Senior Concubine Xu had still spent a lot of effort to forge this connection to the official.

Yan Yan had seen the third consort Lin-shi before. She was timid, respectful and delicate. Walking next to the sturdy third prince made people feel a little unbearable. It was like a beast being matched with a little rabbit.

The fifth consort was a daughter from the empress's Xiao clan. She was the principal daughter of a concubine's branch and Empress Xiao's niece. She was listed under the Xiao clan's second branch's name and was matched with the fifth prince.

After a prince got married, they had to go pay respects to Emperor Xi and Empress Xiao at the Fengqi Palace the next day. The other princes and consorts would be present as well. It could be called a family gathering.

Ezoic

When the third prince got married, Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan made a trip to the palace. They did the same for the fifth prince's wedding this time.

The fifth consort was someone who looked rather dignified and magnanimous. Her entire demeanor was reminiscent of someone from the Xiao clan. The husband and wife kowtowed to Emperor Xi and Empress Xiao, toasted them with tea and received bestowals. Empress Xiao had a dignified smile and spoke a few words regarding the art of being a wife to Xiao-shi.

Afterwards they met the various brothers and sisters-in-law. The fifth prince wasn't able to speak and merely stood by Xiao-shi's side and saluted the people with her. When Yan Yan put her gift in the fifth consort's hands, she saw her own man smile rather mockingly.

After the event, the various princes and consorts went their separate ways. Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan prepared to leave the palace.

After getting on the carriage, Yan Yan said: "Why did you smile so weirdly when looking at fifth sis-in-law?"

Ezoic

Luo Huai Yuan's eyes flashed and he said doubtfully: "Did I? I was spacing out earlier. You were probably mistaken."

Yan Yan declined to comment.

She naturally didn't understand Luo Huai Yuan's current mood. Every time he saw his ally from his past life, Luo Huai Yuan couldn't help let his mind wander.

Ezoic

He vaguely remembered in his past life that old fifth had always been extremely well-behaved. Even after leaving for his vassal state, he remained a good kid. Unfortunately, that guy Luo Jin was vicious and merciless. He didn't even let the impaired old fifth off. As for the fifth prince Luo Jing's death, despite it being orchestrated by Luo Jin, it was at the hands of Xiao-shi.

This was why Luo Huai Yuan had a weird expression when looking at her. He just couldn't tell Yan Yan about it.

As he spaced out, Luo Huai Yuan couldn't help reveal a dull expression.

Some things had changed from his past life while other things remained the same. Would the ending be the same as before?

No matter what, for his and Yan Yan's sake, he had to plan properly.

Ezoic

After the third and fifth princes' weddings, the second prince Luo Jin no longer had an excuse to remain in the capital.

The Ministry of Rites announced the second prince's vassal title and his vassal state. The second prince was conferred as the Jin Prince, and his vassal state was the Jin Province. The Jin Province was a fertile place and has always been wealthy. It had to be said Emperor Xi was rather biased towards the second prince.

After the vassal state was settled, the second prince chose an auspicious day to depart. This delayed things for another month. By the time the Jin Prince left, it was already July.

Afterwards, the plans were made for the third prince's vassal title and state. It seemed that after the second prince's departure, Emperor Xi had decided to arrange things for the rest of the princes. Not only did the third prince's vassal state and title get settled, even the fourth prince Luo Huai Yuan's had come as well.

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The third prince was conferred the Qi Prince and his vassal state would be called the Qi Province.

Like his past life, Luo Huai Yuan became the Yun Prince and his state was the Yun Province

Although they were all conferred as princes, their different positions in Emperor Xi's heart could be seen based on their vassal states. The Qi Province was fertile like the Jin Province and wasn't far from the capital. When it got to Luo Huai Yuan, things fell dramatically. Not only was it a cold place in the north, the Yun Province was also just slightly better than a place where birds wouldn't shit.

However, with his past life's experience Luo Huai Yuan wasn't surprised. He knew there was someone worse off than him. In his past life, the fifth prince was sent to an even more remote location. It was a famously bitter and cold area.

The third prince soon left the capital. After all, he had exceeded the age as well, having had his coming-of-age ceremony this spring. Senior Concubine Xu had tried to delay it several times but wasn't able to overcome the rules laid by the ancestors. Therefore, Empress Xiao's faction was secretly smug recently.

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Luo Huai Yuan's coming-of-age ceremony was in three months, after which he would leave for his vassal state. This meant he could still remain in the capital for three more months.

Therefore, the two of them started preparing early. They packed up all the businesses in the capital that could be packed up, and had trusted people handle those that couldn't be packed up.

The businesses and properties that came with Yan Yan's dowry were mostly in the capital. She thus handed these over to her mom. She would feel more at ease with Shen Yi Yao watching over them.

Yan Yan had asked Shen Yi Yao and Yan Mo if they wanted to go to the Yun Province with them but Shen Yi Yao had refused. The Yun Province was far away and Yan Mo still had to continue his studies. Furthermore, Shen Yi Yao felt she should show some filial piety due to having worried her family for so many years.

Yan Yan didn't object. She had heard Luo Huai Yuan say that the climate in the Yun Province wasn't as nice as the capital's. Furthermore, her grandparents were both old. Since she wasn't able to stay by their side, it was good to leave her mom with them.

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During this time, Xue-shi found a marriage for the fifth miss Yan Chan. The groom was someone who passed the provincial-level exam and his household was slightly well off. Shen Yi Yao looked it over and felt it was pretty good. After asking Yan Chan's opinion, they settled the marriage.

This marriage couldn't be counted as excellent. However, the Weiyuan Marquis Estate no longer existed and Yan Chan was a concubine born daughter who lost both her parents. Xue-shi could be said to have spent some effort to be able to marry her into such a household.

The wedding was set for October. Yan Yan naturally wouldn't be in the capital anymore, but she wasn't really close to this concubine born sister anyway. She left her congratulatory gift with Shen Yi Yao who would hand it over at that time.

After the eldest branch settled down, Yan Zhi obtained Luo Huai Yuan's permission and made a trip to the Fu Province by himself. His plan was to head over by himself and bring his family over once things were stabilized. Xue-shi was naturally reluctant to part. However, he was ambitious and finally obtained an opportunity. He would naturally go seize it.

Xue-shi was efficient and wasn't the gloomy sort of person. After Yan Zhi left, she shut herself in and passed her own days, managing the little household. She supervised her sons and had them study properly. In her free time, she would at most go to the Zhenguo Duke Estate to chat with Shen Yi Yao.

After moving to the Zhenguo Duke Estate, Shen Yi Yao's days were rather leisurely.

Yan Mo wasn't a troublesome child, and his grandfather and uncle kept an eye on him. She didn't need to worry too much. At first she didn't dare leave the Tranquil Gardens since she was still in mourning. As time went by and no one in the Shen household minded, she gradually put it to the back of her head.

In her free time, she would chat with her mother and sister-in-law. They would do some needlework together or play a few rounds of Game of Leaves. She seemed to have returned to the happy days when she was still living in her maiden's chambers.

Since her days were worry-free, her complexion improved. The current Shen Yi Yao looked radiant. If it weren't for her not going out due to being in mourning, others wouldn't believe she was a widow when looking at her.

During this time, Liu Shu Yi also got married. The groom was her childhood nemesis Chu Ming Chen. Yan Yan knew that their marriage had been arranged when they were very young. She just didn't think they would delay so long before getting married. They naturally had their disputes during this time, but luckily the outcome was a good one.

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People in mourning naturally couldn't go congratulate them. Since she couldn't be present for her only good friend's wedding, Yan Yan could only gather all sorts of curious trinkets to supplement Liu Shu Yi's dowry. Shen Yi Yao also sent a generous congratulatory gift over.

Everything seemed to be going well. Only after leaving the Weiyuan Marquis Estate was it clear that days could be spent a different way. Yan Yan had long since experienced this. Shen Yi Yao had shut both her eyes for a long time. She finally opened them one day and saw this beautiful world.

Everyone knew the third branch's outcome. However, whether intentionally or not, they all did their best to forget about them.

Then, how were the people at the third branch doing?

The Hengshui Alley was located in the outer city. It couldn't be called remote, and the people there were mostly minor officials or scholars. It could be called an innocent place.

The reason Chen-shi chose this place was because she preferred somewhere that wasn't where snakes were mixed in with dragons.

When they moved out of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, due to the lack of space and silver, Chen-shi had sold off most of the servants and only left a few behind.

Within the two compound pavilion, the old madam lived in the second compound's main residence. The eastern wing was where the sixth miss Yan Xian and seventh miss Yan Juan stayed. The western wing was given to Concubine Lan and the fifth young master. Chen-shi and Yan Qu lived in the first compound's main residence. The eastern wing there was given to Concubine Cui and the sixth young master. The western wing was where Yan Hong lived.

The small two-compound courtyard was filled to the brim.

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It naturally couldn't compare to the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. Back then they all had their own large pavilions. Grannies and maids would serve them the moment they got up. Now, not only were they cramped, their servants were also mostly gone.

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The old madam had Matron Zhao and a little lass called Xiao Miao. The sixth and seventh misses naturally got better treatment since they were birthed by Chen-shi. The two had a granny and two little lasses. The fifth and sixth young master each had a little lass. Yan Hong was now grown up and was also a boy. He could only depend on himself for his daily routine. Chen-shi kept her wet nurse Matron Wang and a little lass. Because the third lord had to show up to his posting every day, he kept his two little errand boys. When they were free during the day, they were responsible for guarding the doors.

Things weren't the same as before. In the past, the servants were each assigned specific roles. Now they no longer had the luxury. Apart from serving their own masters or mistresses, they also had to do some odd jobs around the place. For example, they didn't have a granny cooking in the kitchen anymore. Everyone had to take turns making the food. Other examples included sweeping the courtyard and washing the masters and mistresses' clothing and bedding.

Not only did the masters and mistresses, old and young, feel sullen, the servants felt the same way too. The more capable servants bought their own freedom. Those who were favored were released. The ones that remained were mostly incapable or had nowhere to go. Even if their days were sullen, they had to keep going.

What made them raise their eyebrows most was the Tian household, which was Concubine Cui's maternal household.

Previously, Steward Tian had begged the third lord to release his entire family. The third lord didn't make things difficult for them due to Concubine Cui and the sixth young master. Therefore, even though Chen-shi's eyes rolled in anger, she couldn't prevent it.

After Steward Tian's family left the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, no one knew where they went. Only after the third branch settled down in the Hengshui Alley did they come visit in a carriage.

It turns out that the Tian family had some savings after working in the Weiyuan Marquis Estate their entire lives. After being released, they opened up a store and depended on it for a living. They were rather happy.

Of course, this was just what they said on the surface. It wasn't clear if they had really saved up this money or if they had embezzled from the Yan household while working there. All they knew was that the Tian family looked extremely well off. Grandma Tian who usually wore plain clothing was now decked out in jewelry. She even had a little lass serving her. There was no need to mention Steward Tian. Concubine Cui's brothers and their wives were all dressed in new clothes as well, and put on a lot of airs.

Others would call it confidence but to Chen-shi they were putting on airs!

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Did they really think they changed skin and became lords? But this was truly the case. At least, they were much better off than the third branch.

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They were here to give Concubine Cui some backing.

Concubine Cui's eyes were squinted from smiling. She spent several days waving her handkerchief as she chatted with her family's servants in the courtyard. What they chatted about was naturally the family's business and how they were doing these days. This made the other servants envious and Chen-shi filled with anger. She cursed Concubine Cui secretly for being a bitch.

Although she cursed her, she could only do so secretly. Not only did she have to mind the sixth young master's face, her relationship with Yan Qu was only harmonious on the surface. Her own maternal family was just a small official's household. None of them were currently in the capital so she didn't have much backing.

Since she couldn't vent her anger on Concubine Cui, and also couldn't vent it on Yan Qu or her daughters, Concubine Lan, the fifth young master and Yan Hong naturally became her punching bags. She didn't show them any pleasant expressions and implied that they were freeloaders.

Yan Hong was a smart one and rarely showed himself. Chen-shi's anger naturally couldn't reach him. Therefore, Concubine Lan and the sixth young master became her targets. Concubine Lan had worked at a brothel in the past and naturally wasn't a fool. She first chose to endure until she couldn't hold it anymore and exploded.

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One day, seeing Yan Qu at home, she made a ruckus in front of him and the old madam.

She first complained tearfully about how pitiful she and the sixth young master was. She cried about Yan Ting dying prematurely and leaving mother and son to depend on other people's kindness. After crying she put on a show of wanting to commit suicide. After being stopped, she said tearfully that if the third madam really felt they were eyesores, give the sixth young master's business back to them and they would move out. Even if they were bullied outside, it was better than being treated coldly here.

This immediately seized upon Chen-shi's lifeline.

Things weren't the same as before. The third lord only got several tens of taels as his official's salary every year. Such a large household depended on the income from the businesses to eat and drink. The sixth young master was still young, and there were several years to go before he could be independent. How could Chen-shi be willing to have the silver in her hands leave?

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She could only apologize and comfort them, saying that she had been overworked since the household encountered misfortune so she was inevitably irritable. She definitely wasn't against the sixth young master and Concubine Lan shouldn't overthink things.

Concubine Lan naturally didn't really want to go off by themselves. As a weak mother with her child, the world outside was dangerous. She might be swallowed alive by someone someday. No matter how useless, Yan Qu was still an official and could provide some shelter. The reason she made a ruckus was just to tell everyone she and the sixth young master weren't freeloading. The many people in this household depended on the sixth young master instead. She wasn't demanding them be reverent, but they at least shouldn't be used as punching bags. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to live properly in the future.

Due to Concubine Lan's actions, everyone realized she shouldn't be provoked. Many of the servants hadn't realized that Yan Yan forcibly handed the deeds over to Yan Hong and Yan Qing. Only after this ruckus did they all know.

Suddenly, everyone looked at Yan Hong and Concubine Lan in a different light. In the past Yan Hong didn't have anyone serving him and whenever Concubine Lan needed something the servants pushed the matter back and forth. Now things changed drastically. Whenever the two places needed something, servants from all over would come fawn upon them.

Therefore, there was still a social structure no matter how small the place. Yan Yan's actions that day were truly effective. To put it plainly, she had given the two of them some backing to live off on.

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Over by the old madam's side.

The old madam had always been living large. Even when she was bedridden she was meticulously taken care of, let alone when she was still able to move.

Now, she had to move out of the Rongan Hall she had lived in for ten years, and move into this cramped and lowly place. Although the old madam's residence wasn't small, it was a little damp and stuffy. Along with the fact that she only had Matron Zhao and a little lass taking care of her, they would inevitably get overwhelmed with work, making the old madam feel extremely unbearable.

The old madam naturally made a fuss, but with their current situation it was no use. The entire household was already making her a priority. What else did she want?

She was naturally sullen and uncomfortable. Lying in bed all day made it hard to tell night from day. When she woke up, she would lie there grumbling incoherently. Matron Zhao and the little lass Xiao Miao who were in the same room couldn't take it anymore. The sixth and seventh misses in the eastern wing who were pampered since birth slept lightly. They were often startled awake by the sounds of the old madam cursing, and would cry and complain to Chen-shi the next day, saying the noises grandmother made at night were too frightening.

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The western wing's Concubine Lan and her son didn't seem to be disturbed. Actually, it wasn't that Concubine Lan didn't want to raise objections, but since they had no backing she naturally didn't dare provoke the old madam. Initially they had been frightened awake. Afterwards, Concubine Lan found some cotton padding and stuffed it in their ears prior to sleeping. Although it wasn't really comfortable, it allowed them to sleep peacefully.

Matron Zhao wasn't young and had served the old madam her entire life. Although she called it serving, she merely used her mouth. All the manual labor had been done by others in the past. Now it was just her and Xiao Miao taking care of the old madam. Xiao Miao was young, her limbs slender. Flipping the old madam over and wiping her down could only be done by Matron Zhao.

Before long, Matron Zhao became visibly thinner.

Matron Zhao also had a son and a daughter-in-law. They used to work in the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, and after moving out she asked the old madam to release them. Matron Zhao was also one of the estate's important figures. In the past she had embezzled quite a lot of silver. Her son borrowed her limelight and worked as a purchaser for the estate. This was naturally a job with many benefits. Therefore, after he was released, he bought a small courtyard and the couple started a small business. Their days were comfortable. Her son had wanted to take her to live comfortably several times, but was refused by her.

Matron Zhao was someone who repaid favors. She knew that everything they had was due to the old madam. Now that the old madam was in a tough spot, how could she bear to leave?

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But no matter how loyal she was, it couldn't withstand the daily grind. As the saying goes, there were no filial sons in front of long-term sickbeds. How could a servant endure?

Especially since Matron Zhao was now old and couldn't hold on much longer. Furthermore, ever since the old madam left the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, her temper became even weirder. She always made trouble when she ate and drank. Not only did she mess up her clothes, her bedding was also dirtied.

In their current situation, the dirtied bedding had to be washed by Matron Zhao and Xiao Miao. Of course they could ask other servants to help, but those people couldn't even finish their own tasks. Inevitably, there were times when they couldn't clean it. Since they couldn't let the old madam freeze, the two of them had to busy themselves daily.

Matron Zhao was tormented by the weird-tempered old madam on one side and constantly urged by her son and daughter-in-law on the other. She finally couldn't endure and thought about leaving. When she had the thought, it could no longer be wiped away.

After a day of consideration, Matron Zhao fell ill.

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Translator's notes:

Looks like previous chapter's notes weren't necessary. I thought the author would just leave it ambiguously. Also, spoiler in the author's notes below.

Author's notes:

Ah Yan and the little fatty will leave the capital soon. The old grandma is about to go bye bye.


That night, the old madam made trouble again.

The chicken soup Matron Zhao brought her was spilled all over her clothes and blankets.

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Matron Zhao knew this was the old madam being unwilling to drink chicken soup. Ever since they moved out of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate, the old madam's food quality had dropped a large level. Although it wasn't like she had endless ginseng in the past, she still had swallow's nest and other nourishing items every day. Now, the only nourishment the old madam had was was chicken soup, chicken stewed with Chinese Angelica, red dates and other similar things. No matter how they changed it up, it was still chicken and the taste was the same.

The old madam rarely ate chicken in the past. Even when she did, she would be very picky. For example, ten chickens would be slaughtered so she could eat a plate of simmer-fried chicken wings. She would stew several chickens into soup just so she could eat a bowl of shredded chicken noodles. How could the old madam be satisfied with chicken?

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Therefore, Xiao Miao who didn't understand would often say the old madam is feeling peckish and wants to eat something more substantial.

Matron Zhao didn't have time to manage her so she let her say as she pleased. Actually Xiao Miao wasn't being mouthy. There were just many undercurrents amongst the servants. They all understood that serving the old madam was bitter work. Only fools would volunteer for it. Therefore, this ended up being left to Xiao Miao, the little lass who had been purchased outside. Some servants loved to shirk work while still mocking others. Every time they saw Xiao Miao scrubbing the blankets in the large wooden basin, someone would ask her what was up this time.

Xiao Miao was young and didn't understand much. She couldn't understand why such good chicken soup would be disliked by the old madam so. She could only say the old madam wanted to eat something more substantial. She was also kindheartedly letting Chen-shi know about this and have her switch things up for the old madam. Unfortunately, Xue-shi always turned a blind eye to it.

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Matron Zhao supported things from the front, having Xiao Miao help the old madam change. Xiao Miao went up to undo her clothing while listening to the old madam's incoherent shouting and cursing.

At first Xiao Miao had been quite afraid of these noises. As time passed, she wasn't scared anymore as long as she wasn't too close. However, she was afraid of looking too closely at the old madam's face. That face made her think of the old hag in the stories her mom used to tell her as a child.

Xiao Miao wasn't a servant from the Weiyuan Marquis Estate. She had been purchased after they moved to the Hengshui Alley, since they really didn't have anyone to serve the old madam.

After this round of hard work, Matron Zhao and Xiao Miao were covered in sweat. They rested for a while before Xiao Miao went to the kitchen and brought over the food that was being kept warm on the stove. Matron Zhao had her go eat first while she sat by the bed and soothed the old madam.

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Xiao Miao was very impressed with Matron Zhao. This was because she had heard the old madam speak before and she couldn't understand a word. She naturally didn't know that this was a skill Matron Zhao developed over the decades she had served the old madam. Matron Zhao knew what she meant with just a glance.

Xiao Miao crouched in the outer room and scarfed down her food. The servants naturally didn't eat as well as the masters. They only got a few pieces of fatty meat and some leafy greens. However, this was something Xiao Miao had never dared imagine eating in the past. She was from a small village not far from the capital. During the previous year's famine, her family couldn't raise her anymore and sold her off. At the time she was only eigth years old, and she was only ten now.

Matron Zhao still wasn't able to persuade the old madam in the end and brought out the remaining half-bowl of chicken soup. Xiao Miao sniffed at the chicken soup's aroma. Matron Zhao saw this and poured the remaining soup into her bowl. Xiao Miao offered some to Matron Zhao as well but she shook her head. She looked strangely at Xiao Miao.

Xiao Miao knew she was pitying her. Many people in the courtyard looked at her the same way. In Xiao Miao's opinion, these people were all rather senseless. Weren't the days supposed to be spent this way? It was pretty good to have food to eat. Those people probably never felt the pain of an empty stomach.

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Matron Zhao didn't even eat dinner before sighing, shaking her head and going back inside. The old madam needed someone on standby overnight. This job was usually left to Matron Zhao. Xiao Miao was young and also a little dense so she wouldn't be involved.

In the middle of the night, Xiao Miao was awoken by Matron Zhao. She said she wasn't feeling well and asked her to take over for a bit.

The next day, Xiao Miao wondered why Matron Zhao didn't get up. Only after going to wake her did she find that Matron Zhao wasn't able to get up.

…….

Matron Zhao was ill, seriously ill. She was bedridden and couldn't get up.

Chen-shi invited a doctor over for her. The doctor said it was due to her age and being overworked. She could only recuperate slowly.

Matron Zhao was ill and couldn't serve the old madam anymore. Xiao Miao definitely couldn't do it by herself so they had to pick someone from the other servants. The servants didn't have time to feel afraid, and begging their ancestors wasn't any use. It wasn't possible for Chen-shi to personally step up. Therefore, whoever was chosen was out of luck.

When she didn't see Matron Zhao, the old madam made a huge fuss. But since no one could understand her words, they just let her fuss. Xiao Miao understood why the old madam was making a fuss. She told her that Matron Zhao had gotten sick and couldn't get up.

Matron Zhao rested for two days. Her son had come to the door and begged the third lord to let him bring her away. Matron Zhao had worked for the Weiyuan Marquis Estate all her life. Now that her situation was critical, her son wanted to bring her out to recover for a couple days.

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The third lord agreed. When Matron Zhao was carried out, her eyes were filled with tears.

After Matron Zhao left, the old madam was silent for a few days. However, she soon reverted back to her old ways. Her new servant was not as considerate. If her clothes got dirty they remained dirty. If things couldn't be washed in time she would have to wait. There was even less need to mention wiping her down. She wasn't even being flipped every half hour like she was supposed to be.

The third lord would come visit the old madam once every few days. However, she was now completely different from before. Everyone knew she made a ruckus for no reason so it wasn't appropriate for him to blame the servant. He could only have Chen-shi put in some effort. Chen-shi was filled with anger to begin with. She had to manage this rundown place and her daughters complained every day. After Yan Qu asked her to put in some more effort, he turned and went to Concubine Cui's place. It would be weird if she actually put in more effort!

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A sick person lying in bed needed to be meticulously taken care of. After making such a fuss for several days, the old madam no longer had the strength to continue doing so. The weather was hot and no one helped flip her or change her bedding. The old madam soon got bedsores.

She was uncomfortable from the pain so her shouting and wailing could be heard night and day. However, no one paid attention to her at this point. They all assumed she was doing it on purpose. The granny who was serving her with Xiao Miao even cursed her secretly: why don't you hurry up and die?!

Suddenly one day, the old madam finally grew quiet. She no longer scared the sixth and seventh misses into crying at night and no longer forced Concubine Lan and her son to stuff their ears with cotton. Everyone revealed a pleased expression.

The next day, Xiao Miao's screams sounded throughout the courtyard.

The old madam had passed away.

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The old madam looked extremely tragic in death. She was emaciated and her buttocks were covered in festering bedsores.

Yan Ting was furious and cursed the servants responsible for the old madam.

However, the servants were rather innocent. Xiao Miao was still young and was merely playing a supporting role. Ever since Matron Zhao left, Chen-shi had arranged others to go serve. However, they would only last a few days before crying that they were quitting. She could only switch them out. In the end, they settled on rotating between the servants every few days. Who was responsible for the old madam's current condition? They couldn't drag them all out and have them beaten. Furthermore, if they beat them, who would do the work in the courtyard?

Under Concubine Cui's instigation, the third lord put all the blame onto Chen-shi. It was all because this daughter-in-law wasn't diligent, which resulted in this outcome!

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They could only make a fuss behind closed doors. When they went to report her death, they had to tidy the old madam up. They couldn't let the eldest branch and the eldest daughter know that the old madam had died miserably due to the third branch's negligence.

Yan Zhi wasn't present. Xue-shi brought her two sons over. Shen Yi Yao and Yan Mo also hurried over.

Matron Zhao's son had been keeping an eye on things and didn't dare tell his mom the news. Ever since she left the place, she had fallen seriously ill. She had just recovered slightly. He was afraid she wouldn't be able to take this news.

The old madam's funeral was held in Hengshui Alley.

Things were no longer the same as before. Apart from the Chen household, Shen household and Xue-shi's maternal family sending some people over, there were almost no others at the ceremony. Yan Feng cried her heart out but it was no use.

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Dead was dead. A person's death was like an extinguished lamp.

After observing her wake of seven days, they hurriedly buried her. They buried her in front of Yan Ting's cenotaph, next to the deceased old marquis.

Xu Xiang Rong had considered keeping it from Yan Ting. After thinking it over, he ended up telling him.

Yan Ting was just beginning to recover. After hearing the news, he fainted. When he awoke, he insisted on being brought into a carriage. The carriage remained an entire night in front of the Hengshui Alley's residence where the third branch lived.

Everyone naturally was present the day the old madam was buried. Even Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan were there.

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After the event, as Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan were preparing to leave, they saw a rather familiar black carriage in the distance.

This type of ordinary looking carriage could be seen everywhere in the capital. What made Yan Yan look twice was that she had seen this carriage once before at the Hengshui Alley. Now, she had seen it once again.

Was it the same one or was she mistaken?

"What's up?" Luo Huai Yuan asked.

Yan Yan shook her head: "Nothing."

This matter merely made a small ripple in her heart. She didn't think too much of it.

…….

After everyone left, that unassuming carriage finally approached.

It stopped far away and the driver put down the steps and lifted the curtains.

A voice sounded out.

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"I'll have someone help you down."

"No need." It was another male voice.

A person came out from the carriage.

That person was pale like a ghost, his cheeks extremely sunken. He seemed to be all skin and bones. He had some difficulty moving. Just getting off the carriage took him quite some time, and covered his forehead in sweat.

The driver couldn't watch any longer and stretched his hand out to help him. He stumbled off the carriage and almost planted to the ground.

"Your injured leg…"

Yan Ting gripped his wooden crutch and used his other hand to wave his support away. "Scram, scram!"

He was rather emotional, his eye sunken with heavy bags. His eyes were bloodshot. He looked like a demon that crawled out of hell.

He stumbled over, every step hurting him to the bones. However, this made him feel a sort of refreshing feeling.

Mom, mom, your unfilial son is here to see you!

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Xu Xiang Rong looked at Yan Ting's back from the carriage, his gaze complicated.

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Soon, he got off the carriage and slowly followed behind.

Yan Ting exerted all his efforts to reach the front of the grave.

His right leg had been too severely injured from his fall. It was said when they found him, his bone was directly sticking out. Only after being treated by a famous doctor did his leg get reconnected. The doctor said he needed to rest properly, or he would end up disabled in the future.

In theory, Yan Ting shouldn't be walking at this time. But he had never fulfilled his filial duties properly. Prior to his mom's death, he wasn't by her side. He wasn't there for her funeral and couldn't even show his face when she was buried. Yan Ting had finally walked out of the shadow of his depression and had finally felt like living again. Now, everything was shattered by the old madam's death.

He knew that death was a part of life and that the old madam's health hadn't been good for a while. News of his death had probably given her another heavy blow. Who would be able to endure seeing their children die before they did?! She then had to experience moving out of the Weiyuan Marquis Estate where she lived her entire life. This was another blow! It was expected for her not to be doing well. However, Yan Ting couldn't think of this at the moment. Even if he did, he wouldn't accept it. He felt everything was his fault. It was his fault the old madam had died so early and so miserably. Otherwise, she would definitely have lived a long life.

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Yan Ting thudded to his knees and threw aside his crutch.

He cried out an extremely sorrowful "oh, mom" and fell prone to the floor. He cried out all of his grief. The cold wind blew and the white ritual money for the dead danced. Xu Xiang Rong stood not far behind him, one hand behind his back in a show of respect.

Yan Ting knelt there like an unmoving statue.

It started to drizzle, and soon the ground became wet.

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Xu Xiang Rong stepped forward and pulled him up: "Let's go, it's time to leave."

The silent Yan Ting waved him off: "Scram!" He roared hysterically, as though Xu Xiang Rong was his enemy.

Xu Xiang Rong's mouth tightened.

"I'll say it again, it's time to leave!"

Yan Ting ignored him so he went to pull him again. Xu Xiang Rong didn't know martial arts. If Yan Ting was healthy, he wouldn't have been able to move him. But in his weakened, grieving and crippled state, Xu Xiang Rong was able to pull him up.

"Why did you save me? Why did you save me? You might as well let me die, I won't be grateful to you…."

Yan Ting seemed as if he was crazy and struggled with all his might. The rain fell upon the two of them, quickly soaking their hair which stuck to their faces.

"Enough! What are you causing a ruckus for!?"

Xu Xiang Rong lost his patience and dumped him on the floor. Seeing his wretched appearance, he felt it hard to bear again and went to hold him.

"My patience is limited. Don't test it. Don't ask stupid questions like why I saved you. Since I did, you should live properly for me!"

Ezoic

Xu Xiang Rong spoke while supporting Yan Ting to the carriage. The driver hurriedly helped lift him inside.

Yan Ting's appearance was extremely wretched. He lay in the carriage covered in mud. His lips were purple from the cold, his face drawing a strange arc.

"You're disgusting, you disgust me! It's all because of you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be in this state!"

Xu Xiang Rong took out a towel from the cabinet and wiped his wet hair. He then calmly wiped off the mud on his hands.

"Yes, I'm disgusting, I'm despicable. You've said these things countless times. Even if you act submissive, you are still cursing me in your heart. You can do so if you wish, but don't forget. I'm the one who saved your life."

Ezoic

"Do you think I should be grateful for that? It's hard to live, but easy to die!" Yan Ting smiled coldly.

Before his voice fell, Yan Ting realized there was a hand on his chin. Those snow-white slender fingers tightly gripped his chin, as though wanting to crush it. The other slender hand held a towel and slowly wiped his face. The movements were very gentle, but these movements along with the face in front of him made Yan Ting involuntarily feel fear.

The thin pale lips moved: "I've realized face really shouldn't be given. I've given you face but you refuse it. Don't blame me for not giving you any in the future. You wish to die?"

Xu Xiang Rong's voice was very soft, like a wisp of smoke, "I've said it before: your life was saved by me. Want to die? Sure! I recall you still have a young brother and a few sons. If you don't wish to be the last of your line, if you don't wish your mom to climb out from her grave to find you, then behave!"

Yan Ting's face immediately turned deathly pale.

Ezoic

The person's tone and his usual conduct told him that he was truly capable of doing something like this.

"Xu Xiang Rong, you're a despicable, shameless demon!"

Xu Xiang Rong closed his eyes and covered their gleam. He ignored him.

The day of Luo Huai Yuan's departure from the capital soon arrived.

Ezoic

The Yun Prince Estate had long since been prepared. The people who needed to be brought along were chosen. Over the years, the estate had been pretty much thoroughly inspected by Luo Huai Yuan. He would naturally not bring the spies of others.

Eunuch Xi was old so he wasn't planning on going to the vassal state with Luo Huai Yuan. He could remain in the Yun Prince Estate within the capital and watch over the place. Luo Huai Yuan understood his meaning and straightforwardly handed the "antidote" to Eunuch Xi. It helped him clear up the load on his mind.

The day of departure, there was a large procession of carriages. It looked very grand but actually couldn't be compared to when the Jin Prince and Qi Prince left.

Shen Yi Yao, Yan Mo, Yan Ru, Yan Ling, Liu Shu Yi and her husband had all come to see Yan Yan off. No one came from the Zhenguo Duke Estate. This was because Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan had already stopped by the estate to meet with her grandparents, uncle and aunt. There were currently many eyes around so it was better to be low-key.

Once they got on the carriage, Yan Yan left behind the capital she grew up in. In front of her was a completely foreign place.

Ezoic

Ezoic

"Don't worry. The Yun Province is just a little cold. Once we're in our own world, we can do whatever we want in the future."

Luo Huai Yuan was naturally just comforting Yan Yan. Although a vassal prince was in charge of his state, there were still quite a few overseers from the court and various defensive measures between the vassal princes.

But it was better to be more optimistic. With effort, anything can be achieved!

The Yun Province in the north.

Ezoic

It wasn't extremely north but the weather was still colder.

It was already November. Before they crossed the borders it had started snowing heavily. Although it wasn't to the extent of blocking the roads, it was still hard to travel.

Luckily this was a vassal prince going to his state. Luckily Luo Huai Yuan was surnamed Luo. Therefore, they were escorted by authorities the entire way. When they saw places where the road was blocked, the authorities would order the snow to be cleared.

Once a prince was given his title, he was no longer just the emperor's son. He was also a vassal prince. The court had always managed vassal princes strictly. For example, there were deadlines for when they had to leave the capital and when they had to arrive at their vassal state. Exceeding this deadline meant violating imperial decree.

Although this didn't warrant a beheading, it would still be censured by the court. At that time, the vassal prince would have to submit a memorandum explaining things. It was extremely troublesome.

Ezoic

Just ahead of the deadline, Luo Huai Yuan and Yan Yan finally arrived at the state's capital Yun City. Luo Huai Yuan quickly scribbled a memorandum and stamped his prince's seal upon it before handing it to the court.

The Yun Prince Estate had started construction soon after Emperor Xi conferred his title. The vassal prince's estate was where the vassal prince spent his entire life, and was also the place of highest authority within the vassal state. It naturally couldn't be ordinary.

Ezoic

Luo Huai Yuan had asked the Department of Architecture. The Yun Prince Estate would be completed around June of next year. Prior to that, Luo Huai Yuan's group would stay in a courtyard outside Yun City.

The Grand Xi had a feudal system, meaning the princes had to leave for their vassal states while only the crown prince remained in the capital. This was the rule set by the Grand Xi's ancestral emperor for the sake of safeguarding the emperor's successor and preventing the Luo household's descendants from killing each other.

Ezoic

In the Grand Xi, a prince was a hereditary title that would never get demoted. They had a pension and an extremely bountiful salary. They were given ten thousand stone of rice per year. Apart from that, they were conferred a title, given a palace, a marriage, funeral expenses, kitchen workers, various palace maids and manual laborers. They would also get occasional bestowals.

Furthermore, the vassal prince governed his vassal state.

To put it plainly, the vassal state was the prince's own little world. The collected taxes weren't given to the court, but rather to the prince. He had authority over the local yamen via the judicial department and human resources. Apart from the adjutant's office, commander of the troops and commander of the guards being arranged by the court, everyone else could be personally appointed by the prince.

It seemed like the vassal prince had a lot of authority and freedom, almost like a local emperor. However, this was all an illusion.

The highest authority within the vassal state was the vassal prince estate. Within the estate was an adjutant's office. The adjutant's office was an external supervisor to all the vassal state's affairs. It had several units with clearly defined roles. The justice center was responsible for administering punishments for crimes. The meal management center was responsible for the food, drink and feasts of everyone in the estate. The regulatory center was responsible for all the stamps and seals of the estate. The virtuous guidance center was responsible in teaching the prince's would be offspring etiquette, hosting national holidays of gratitude and doing virtuous deeds in name of the prince. The tribute and offerings center gave rites to the gods and ancestors. The ceremonial center was responsible for ceremonies and etiquette within the estate. The skilled labor center maintained, repaired and renovated the estate. The medical center was responsible for medical treatment and hygiene. The transportation center was responsible for chariots, carriages and the riding thereof, as well as ceremonial weaponry. The herding center was responsible for raising livestock. The offices of the protectorate and honor guards were responsible for the estate's safety and ceremonial patrols. The warehouse and granary were responsible for collecting, storing and distributing food and salary. There were also those tutors, professors, ceremony officiators and so on who were permanent residents in the estate.

It could be said that the Adjutant's Office was the largest governmental division within the vassal state.

Included within the adjutant's duties were to "reinforce official decrees within the estate, prevent the prince from making mistakes, rectify the prince's mistakes, manage all the estate's workers and some miscellaneous affairs, deal with the citizens' requests for names, titles, marriage, favor and gratitude, write various reports and clean it all up for his highness's eyes.

From this it was clear that the Adjutant's Office had a lot of authority.

Apart from the Adjutant's Office, there was also the troop commander's office who was in charge of the troops as well as the guard commander's office who was in charge of the estate and prince's safety. These were both appointed by the court.

Therefore, saying the vassal prince had a lot of authority wasn't quite true. This was because everything that involved governing and militia was run by court-appointed people. This was like keeping him nailed down in place. They used their role as overseers of the vassal prince's actions to guard against potential rebellion.

Ezoic

Of course people had different opinions about this sort of freedom. If you were an honest vassal prince with no other thoughts, you would be like a fish in water. On the other hand, if you had harmful thoughts or twisted ideas, you would need to spend an extreme amount of effort.

In his past life, the Yun Prince had been an honest vassal prince. He had truly lived like a fish in the water.

However, in this life, he no longer wanted to be an honest prince. There were three large mountains ahead of him that he needed to overcome. If not, his vassal state couldn't be called his own world.

Luckily, the commander of the guards was someone promoted from one of Luo Huai Yuan's guards. He was the previous captain of the guards, Li Wei. This meant Luo Huai Yuan had a little more personal freedom. A vassal prince was allowed to have thousands of personal guards. This was to say, as long as he could afford it, he could have under ten thousand people under his control. The court wouldn't interfere with this.

Luo Huai Yuan currently had over a hundred guards. Thirty of them had been with him for a long time and could be called his own men. There were another few dozens who were sent to protect him by the court. He didn't know if there were any spies among them so it was better not to use them if possible. It was better to recruit more on the spot.

Because the weather was cold and it was the end of the year, Luo Huai Yuan was very well behaved after getting to Yun City. He spent his days inside accompanying his consort.

The boss of the vassal state had arrived so an endless stream of officials came to offer their greetings. The heavy snow didn't stop them from wanting to move up in ranks. However, Luo Huai Yuan was too lazy to bother with them. Before his estate was constructed, he wouldn't get involved with any work. The various government offices could continue to work as before. He didn't make any excuses and refused everyone at the door.

In private, he brought Yan Yan along on a trip throughout the entire city. Every now and then they would go riding and play in the snow.

The various officials and wealthy merchants couldn't get in the doors so they could only secretly bribe servants in the neighboring courtyards. They wanted to get information on what the Yun Prince liked. They spent a lot of money and only managed to get one piece of information: our Yun Prince highness doesn't get the final say. It's the Yun Consort who decides what goes.

Err, what was going on here?

Ezoic

Were they still supposed to send gifts of silver and beauties over? Would the Yun Consort like beauties?!

Translator's notes:

Spoilers below

Author's notes:

Err, saw some readers saying this author didn't bully the scum. This author really wants to clarify. All the scum that should be dead are dead. Those who didn't die aren't doing well. Of course there is still a fish that escaped the net. It's the scummy dad. The scummy dad didn't die, but his fate seems to be even more tragic than death.

Let's consider this example. If the scummy dad really died from falling off the cliff, it would be the end of all his troubles. He wouldn't have to care about anything after his death!

Unfortunately he didn't die and was saved by CEO Xu. His current situation is that he was now a dead person and the Weiyuan Marquis Estate he struggled for his entire life was gone. His family was split up. His wife had run off. His face was disfigured and his leg crippled. He is also being kept by CEO Xu. Now, his mom also died. Actually, the old madam's death hit Yan Ting just as hard as the Weiyuan Marquis Estate losing its nobility. The old madam's health had always been good, but because of him (raising money for his prospects, dealing with trouble due to Yan Ting taking the large sum of money, this was why the old madam was so exhausted in mind and body.) The old madam was unpleasant to everyone else, but was an exceptionally good mom to Yan Ting. She gave her all for him until the day she died. Yan Ting was naturally aware of this.

Readers who are worried the scummy dad will cause trouble can relax. There is no way for him to do so. 1. Yan Ting knew his collusion with the enemy had been discovered. If he really made trouble and provoked the Zhenguo Duke Estate, this accusation would wipe out the entire Yan household. 2. Yan Ting wasn't unaffected by Shen Ding's words that day. It overturned everything he had thought and done for the past twenty years. Otherwise he wouldn't have wanted to die and thrown himself from the cliff. 3. CEO Xu wouldn't let him make trouble. CEO Xu's biggest mission is to get his nephew on the throne. He doesn't want to provoke the Zhenguo Duke Etate at this moment. Wouldn't he be afraid of pushing this leviathan towards the crown prince's side? Of course, if the Xu household succeeds, it would be a different story. However, we all know that he won't succeed.

Therefore, whether Yan Ting's dead or not isn't important. What's important is that he's even worse off! No matter what Yan Ting thinks, whether or not he wishes to take revenge, there's nothing he can do. He can only suffer night and day, feeling pain, regret, remorse. Of course, if all the readers feel it's better for him to die, this author will let him close his eyes thoroughly in the future.


The lateral courtyard the Yun Prince and his consort stayed in was the Yun City Governor Qian Cheng Qi's private property.

Ezoic

The Yun Prince Estate hadn't finished construction prior to the Yun Prince's arrival. They naturally needed a temporary residence. As governor of the Yun Province's capital, Qian Cheng Qi was one of the most important officials within the Yun Province. He had naturally ordered his people to clean up his lateral courtyard properly in preparations for the Yun Prince's stay.

The Yun Province was located in the north and the style of its buildings was different from the south's style of gardens with small bridges and flowing waters. Qian Cheng Qi was a rather elegant person so his courtyard was renovated in a southern style with unique rocks, small bridges, flowing water and winding corridors. Despite being covered in snow, it was hard to cover the graceful style of the waterways.

The largest and most unique pavilion within was the "Chunyu1 Building". This was where Luo Huai Yuan and Yan Yan were staying. As for the palace maids, eunuchs and guards who had come along with him, they were scattered throughout the courtyard. Luckily it was big enough to accommodate so many people.

Ezoic

To be able to host the Yun Prince was a great honor for the Yun Province's official. Qian Cheng Qi gave the orders to ensure everything was perfect and everything was to the Yun Prince highness's liking.

Luo Huai Yuan and Yan Yan also weren't unreasonable and remained guests instead of acting like the host. They didn't use any of the servants in the courtyard and only used their own from the capital. Even the cook they brought over would be in charge of the cooking. The cook Qian Cheng Qi prepared did show off some of the Yun Province's specialty dishes. Whether the food suited their taste wasn't known for now. Regardless, the Yun Prince and his wife mostly used their own cooks.

Towards this, Qian Cheng Qi was rather dejected. Afterwards, he figured that it was hard to get accustomed to new foods after eating the same flavors for many years. Therefore, it shouldn't be that he didn't prepare well, but rather it was due to their habits.

Actually Qian Cheng Qi shouldn't be blamed for kissing up to them so much. In theory, he was also extremely unfortunate.

Ezoic

The local officials had three-year terms. Those with good results for their entire term usually got promoted by a rank or half a rank, or got relocated as official to a wealthier location. The Yun Province capital's governor was a major fourth-rank official. Any higher would mean relocation to the Grand Xi's capital. Qian Cheng Qi had been an official for a decade and all he wished was to be located in the nation's seat of power. He had dreams of becoming a first-rank official.

Unexpectedly, a year from when he was to be relocated, his city became designated as a vassal prince's vassal state.

To be designated as a vassal state?

There was nothing worse than that!

Everyone knew the vassal state was the prince's own territory. The officials there could be appointed by him or the Minstry of Appointments. However, the court's system was different from that of the vassal prince's system. The officials in the vassal state happened to be in the most awkward position. They were controlled both by the court and by the vassal prince. If the official wanted to be promoted out of the vassal state, it would require the vassal prince's or the adjutant's office's approval.

Ezoic

Therefore, this was why Qian Cheng Qi kissed up to the Yun Prince so much. He wanted to avoid being unable to relocate and thus put in more effort to get into his good books. It was also to get close to him so the Yun Prince could help give him a push when the time came.

Every time Qian Cheng Qi left his office, he would rush back to the courtyard waiting for the Yun Prince's summons.

However, he had yet to receive anything after waiting several times. Could the Yun Prince have forgotten his host?

Luo Huai Yuan had truly forgotten the host Qian Cheng Qi. To be more specific, he had never kept him in mind. The day he arrived at Yun City, there were too many officials who had come to welcome him. He did remember there was a thin little official who was the head, but he didn't know his name. He knew that the place they lived in was the governor's private residence, but he didn't know who the Yun City's governor was.

Espcially since he had brought quite a lot of people over from the capital. When Yan Yan found out they were staying here until the Yun Prince Estate was constructed, she immediately ordered all the servants, cooks and guards to be switched out for their own. This was for their safety, and also Yan Yan's personal habit.

Ezoic

They had been too content and seemed to feel it was their own place. How could they recall who the host was?

The saying "the turtledove occupying the magpie's nest" referred to precisely this.

Of course, wanting to occupy someone's nest depended on one's backing. In the capital, in the palace, amongst his other brothers, the Yun Prince was on the bottom. However, after coming to his own vassal state, the heavens came first but he was second! Wait, no, the heavens came first, his wife was second and then came him, who looked down on everyone else!

At first, Qian Cheng Qi didn't understand this relationship, but afterwards he figured it out. Since he didn't seem to be getting anywhere, he thought of his own wife.

Ezoic

The Yun Prince had a proper consort already. It was said he regarded her rather highly. The Yun Consort was a woman and his own wife was one too. There was naturally a lot to discuss between women.

If they could get close to the Yun Consort, would they remain distant from the Yun Prince?

Therefore, Qian Cheng Qi hurredly returned to his own estate and had his wife pack up and move to the lateral courtyard. Their excuse was that he himself was busy with work so he had his wife come entertain the guests and keep the Yun Consort company.

Ezoic

Since he was the host, the guards didn't make things difficult for him. After hearing about it, Yan Yan didn't think too much and agreed. After all, this was someone else's home. They were being polite and considerate so it wasn't good to refuse them.

Madam Qian couldn't help but smile smugly after figuring out her husband's thoughts, and put on a lot of airs for several days.

She thought: no matter how you pamper those little vixens, you still need this madam to step up at the key moment.

For the sake of coaxing his wife, Qian Cheng Qi spent several days in the main residence before managing to convince Madam Qian to go to the lateral courtyard.

Ezoic

Yan Yan was a tactful person. Hearing that Madam Qian had arrived, she summoned her for a meeting the next day.

Madam Qian was around forty with an oblong face, pehonix eyes and a small black mole by her lips. She was all smiles.

Yan Yan felt this Madam Qian was a rather lively person. She naturally didn't know that Madam Qian's current appearance was only for her. If it were anyone else, she wouldn't be this way.

Women chatted about superficial things when they got together. Usually it was about clothing or jewelry or what not. Yan Yan hated these things the most and naturally didn't have much to dicuss with Madam Qian. Madam Qian merely felt that the Yun Consort didn't seem to like her much, but didn't know why.

After a few times, Yan Yan no longer called Madam Qian to chat. Madam Qian had found a few excuses to see Yan Yan but was mostly told the consort was busy. Yan Yan actually wasn't busy, but Luo Huai Yuan had noticed she didn't like socializing and helped her avoid it.

Ezoic

Madam Qian was inevitably a little resentful. She felt that the Yun Consort was too young to be putting on such airs. However, there was nothing she could do. Her status as the emperor's daughter-in-law truly gave her the capital to look down on all the other noblewomen under the heavens.

On the other side, Qian Cheng Qi had asked his wife about her progress.

They had been married for almost twenty years. The two of them were married as teenagers and got along rather well. They had also gone through tough times together. But as Qian Cheng Qi rose through the ranks, the women in his rear court gradually increased. Qian Cheng Qi was a kind and hardworking person. His only issue was his weakness for women. Of course, it wasn't really an issue. Which man didn't have several wives and concubines nowadays?

Men liked having a woman in each arm and the joys of having multiple partners. For women, the more pleased a man was, the less pleased the women would be. However, due to the Confucian moral injunctions for women, and the various scriptures and disciplines to suppress them, Madam Qian could only endure her jealousy and turn her mind towards the flowers in the rear court instead.

She normally struggled incessantly with those concubines, but she was no longer got jealous so easily. Madam Qian had finally found something to struggle for in life.

Ezoic

Because Qian Cheng Qi had to ask his wife for help, he coaxed and flattered her quite a bit. Men only had a few ways to do so. He chose some jewelry and clothing that women liked, and also stayed with her at night for several days to raise her reputation. Qian Cheng Qi was using the tricks he used on his little concubines on his own wife? But weirdly enough, it was quite effective.

There was nothing that made those little concubines more jealous than this, and it made Madam Qian feel very pleased.

Knowing what her husband was after, Madam Qian had put in a lot of effort. However, if the Yun Consort wasn't playing along, what should she do?

Seeing Qian Cheng Qi's expression slowly beginning to change, Madam Qian tried a new approach.

…….

Ezoic

On this day, Madam Qian asked to see Yan Yan again. Her excuse this time was that she had brought her daughter to pay respects to the Yun Consort.

When the matter was reported, Yan Yan and Luo Huai Yuan were curled up on the large kiln chatting idly.

Hearing this, Luo Huai Yuan revealed an impatient expression but Yan Yan had Mei Xiang order them to be brought inside. They were the hosts after all so they couldn't keep refusing them every time.

Although Luo Huai Yuan was the vassal prince, he still needed to pay attention to the relationship between local officials. Although Qian Cheng Qi wasn't a really high-ranked official, they were still living in his courtyard. Yan Yan understood that some face still needed to be given at times.

She got off the kiln and changed into clothing more suitable for receiving guests before heading out of the warm room.

Before long, a palace maid led Madam Qian and her daughter over.

Following etiquette, the two kowtowed in respect.

Yan Yan's eyes flashed with astonishment as she said: "No need for such etiquette." She had the palace maid bring the two a seat.

Yan Yan's astonishment was because she had assumed when she heard Madam Qian mention her daughter that she should be quite young. Unexpectedly, she was a young lady in the prime of her youth.

Ezoic

The girl seemed to be around fifteen or sixteen, looking slim, delicate and cute. Her fair skin was like the highest quality white jade and her half-knit brows made one inevitably feel pity for her.

Ezoic

"Consort, this is your subject's young daughter.Her name is Ying Ying and she's fifteen. Consort has a majestic yet approachable presence so this subject wanted my daughter to learn from consort. Hopefully this petty daughter of mine can acquire some of consort's mannerisms."

"Mom…." Qian Ying Ying's face turned red as she said in embarssment.

"What? Did mom say something wrong? It's good for women to be quiet, but they need to be more magnanimous." Madam Qian was all smiles and seemed to be educating her daughter. However, her words were merely flattering Yan Yan.

Yan Yan pursed her lips in a smile, brilliant like spring flowers: "Madam Qian is mistaken in her praise. This consort feels Miss Qian is pretty good this way. Back at the capital, my mom always felt I wasn't ladylike."

Madam Qian's mole trembled as she laughed, "That must be consort's mother having too high standards. In the eyes of this subject, consort is like a fairy from the highest of heavens. If my Ying Ying could have half of consort's splendor, as her mom I wouldn't have to worry about her being unable to get married."

Ezoic

Qian Ying Ying's face was blood-red from embarrassment. She hid in Madam Qian's arms and didn't dare raise her head.

After some idle converstion, Yi Yun brought over a black painted platter with a brocaded pouch.

"This is a small greeting gift from this consort to Miss Qian. Hopefully Madam Qian and Miss Qian won't dislike it."

"Of course not, of course not. Hurry and thank the consort for her bestowal." Madam Qian nudged Ying Ying and said to Yan Yan: "Look at this subject's daughter. She's so dense."

Qian Ying Ying stepped up and saluted, taking the pouch with both hands. She didn't dare look at Yan Yan and kept her head lowered.

Ezoic

Seeing the Yun Consort lifting her tea, Madam Qian tactfully stood and said her farewells before leaving with her daughter.

Only after leaving the Chunyu Building did Madam Qian say quietly: "Did you see? That's the demeanor of the royal family's daughter-in-law. Your mom's been married to your dad for so many years but he merely managed to reach a fourth-rank official's position. That's why mom's been telling you that a woman's happiness depends on her man. Your mom is also in her forties now, but still has to kowtow to someone not even half her age."

Qian Ying Ying lowered her head and didn't make a sound.

Madam Qian spoke again: "Mom has looked into it. That Yun Prince highness is said to be merely twenty. He's a young talent, both outstanding and carefree. He just got married to the Yun Consort not long ago, and both his senior concubine spots are still open. A vassal prince's senior concubine isn't ordinary. She would be recognized as the royal family's daughter-in-law, and be given a ranking."

Qian Ying Ying still remained silent. Madam Qian anxiously gave her a pinch.

Ezoic

"You should say something!"

Qian Ying Ying groaned in pain, her eyes suddenly turning red. She was about to speak when Madam Qian gave her a tug. Only then did she realize someone dressed as a palace maid was walking over.

That palace maid saw the two of them and slightly bent her knee. Only when the two went by did she straighten up.


Madam Qian pulled Qian Ying Ying along and swiftly left.

Only when they could no longer see the palace maid did Madam Qian slow down.

Ezoic

"Who knows if that palace maid heard what we were talking about?" Madam Qian fussed and said: "She shouldn't have. We weren't that close to her. It's all because of you. If you weren't so silent, why would your mom get anxious enough to start arguing with you? You aren't young anymore and need to think about what's good for you. In this large Yun City, there's no one more suitable than his highness the Yun Prince. If you marry well, your mom and dad will both be well. Your dad is putting so much effort into flattering the Yun Prince. If you became the Yun Prince's senior concubine, your dad would have to flatter the two of us. Your older brother wouldn't have to worry about his prospects either."

Qian Ying Ying said quietly: "Mom, don't mention it anymore. Let daughter think it over properly."

Ezoic

Madam Qian nodded and pulled her daughter into her arms, "Silly lass, this is a rare opportunity. You can tell from your mom's example that it's better to marry well instead of marrying someone of your choice."

The palace maid they had run into earlier was Yi Meng. She was following orders to handle some affairs but ended up running into this situation.

Yi Meng's ears were pretty sharp and she had more or less heard the general gist of things. Therefore, after the mother and daughter left, she had spat in contempt at their backs.

Ezoic

She ran over the entire way to the Chunyu Building and started tattling to Yan Yan in front of Luo Huai Yuan. She told her everything Madam Qian had said.

Yi Meng also knew that their highness didn't put on airs and was also submissive in front of the consort. Otherwise, she wouldn't do this no matter how impetuous she was. The couple's relationship was good. Some Madam Qian and her miss suddenly popping out coveting the senior concubine position? Did they not know that his highness had angered his majesty into kicking them out of the palace due to refusing his bestowed senior concubine?

Thinking of this, Yi Meng's little chest puffed up and her face was filled with disdain.

When Yan Yan heard that Madam Qian had said "That Yun Prince highness is said to be merely twenty. He's a young talent, both outstanding and carefree", she couldn't help but look at the large Luo Huai Yuan who was curled up. Luo Huai Yuan saw her looking at him and was a little embarrassed. He looked back at her with some grievance.

Ezoic

This was a young talent, both outstanding and carefree?

Yan Yan, how could you be so blunt!?

Yi Meng naturally didn't see the couple's little interactions. After Yan Yan finished listening, she nodded and said: "Don't bother with them. What others think has nothing to do with us."

Afterwards, she had Yi Meng take her leave.

Ezoic

Yan Yan smiled like a blooming flower and leaned over, her slender hand rubbing Luo Huai Yuan's round stomach.

"Outstanding and carefree Yun Prince, highness, what are your thoughts?"

Luo Huai Yuan sat up swiftly and nimbly, pointing at the heavens and making a few oaths of loyalty, promising not to even give that girl a glance. He said things like no beautiful fairy from the highest heavens could compare to his consort's little toe. His extremely shameless bragging made Yan Yan sound like she was one of a kind, making that Miss Qian seem completely worthless. Yan Yan wanted to tease Luo Huai Yuan but he had amused her into laughing instead.

Seeing Yan Yan's eyes curve while laughing, that guy Luo Huai Yuan leaned over, acting coquettish and shameless. He attacked from every direction while matchlessly mouthing off. By the time Yan Yan reacted, she was already pressed against the kiln. Her lips were sucked until they were flushed and her clothes were pulled open. A large meaty hand had reached inside kneading and pinching.

"You're doing this again!?" Yan Yan said in a fluster.

That fellow was very busy and found some time to say: "My little heart suffered a blow. You must make it up to me."

This making it up to him meant messing around on the kiln for an entire afternoon.

This New Year's Festival, Luo Huai Yuan and Yan Yan spent it in an extremely boring manner.

They didn't want to go socialize with those officials and could only shut their doors tightly and spend the days by themselves.

As the last day of the year approached, Luo Huai Yuan ordered the kitchen to make preparations. On the day, the courtyard set up a large banquet, allowing everyone to celebrate the New Year properly. Everyone had been forced to leave their homes after all, so they got together for the liveliness.

Luo Huai Yuan and Yan Yan naturally wouldn't eat together with the servants. They wouldn't feel at ease with the two of them present. The two merely showed up before returning to their own place.

Ezoic

During this time, because of the cold weather and the festivities, Madam Qian hadn't made any moves recently. On the first day of the New Year, she brought her duahgter over to give Yan Yan their blessings. At the time, Luo Huai Yuan wasn't present. Yan Yan also couldn't see anything from their faces. This caused Luo Huai Yuan and Yan Yan, who had been bored and were hoping for some amusement, to be greatly disappointed.

Soon, winter passed and spring arrived.

At the beginning of spring, Luo Huai Yuan started getting busy. Yan Yan rarely asked him what he was busy with. She only knew that he left early and returned late. She had heard that it had to do with his secret businesses. He also had to keep an eye on the Yun Prince Estate's construction in case they cut corners.

Ezoic

Compared to Luo Huai Yuan, Yan Yan was so idle she became a little bored. She wasted her time away during the day. Luckily she was someone who patiently trained martial arts so she didn't find it unbearable.

During this time, Madam Qian had gone back to her estate for the New Year. Only after the weather became milder did she come visit again. Afterwards, she would occasionally bring her daughter over to speak with Yan Yan. It wasn't clear just what they were planning.

Ezoic

The two of them didn't seem to have seen Luo Huai Yuan before. Yan Yan theorized in private with her servants, wondering if they were planning on a chance encounter with the Yun Prince.

Madam Qian truly had this idea. The pavilion closest to the water got the moon first. She admitted that the Yun Consort was peerlessly beautiful. However, how could men be satisfied with just one beauty? You could be splendid like spring flowers but I can have my own unique characteristics. Madam Qian felt her daughter was no worse looking than anyone else. She was filled with confidence that if the Yun Prince saw her daughter, he would definitely be astonished.

Let's not mention whether Luo Huai Yuan was astonished when he saw Qian Ying Ying for now. Instead, it was Qian Ying Ying who got a fright.

That day, Madam Qian brought Qian Ying Ying over to visit the Yun Consort. After sitting for a while, the two of them left. As they left the Chunyu Building, a man walked over. They saw he was enormous and looked terrifying from afar.

His clothes were rather magnificent and he was walking in the direction of the Chunyu Building. Qian Ying Ying was still astonished when the palace maids knelt and greeted him as "his highness the Yun Prince".

Ezoic

This was the legendary outstanding and carefree Yun Prince?

Qian Ying Ying saw Madam Qian's equally astonished expression and had no idea what she should say.

The two of them hurriedly returned to Madam Qian's residence. Qian Cheng Qi sat there drinking tea in casual clothing.

Seeing the two of them looking panicked, he couldn't help but ask what the matter was.

Qian Ying Ying didn't speak and covered her face crying as she ran into her room.

Ezoic

Qian Cheng Qi was still asking about it when Madam Qian's shame turned into anger. She pounced over and started berating him.

"Didn't you say the Yun Prince was outstanding and carefree, so much so that he was really hard to meet? Why did he turn out to be a huge fatty?"

Qian Cheng Qi held her fast and covered her mouth. He went to close the doors before turning and scolding: "Foolish woman, watch your mouth. His highness the Yun Prince isn't someone you can criticize!"

Madam Qian choked up. Her eyes were red and her tears started falling.

"I listened to your nonsense and believed you. How are we supposed to explain it to our daughter?! She has thin skin to begin with, and her thoughts had finally stirred. Today after finally seeing the Yun Prince, he turned out to be a huge fatty. How can our daughter take this!?"

Ezoic

Qian Cheng Qi glared: "So what if he's a fatty? This fatty is the most respected fatty under the heavens! To call you women foolish truly isn't an exaggeration. You can only see what's on the surface. He's a prince. Even if he can't ascend the throne, his title is still iron-clad and hereditary. The Yun Consort has been married to him for a while now and still isn't showing any signs. If our daughter marries over and can give birth to children, we can ask for her son to be conferred heir if we are lucky. Even if we can't overcome the Yun Consort, they'll still be little princes and princesses in the future."

Ezoic

Qian Cheng Qi sat back down in his chair and took a sip of his tea. He started scolding Madam Qian again: "Do you think princes and princesses are a dime a dozen like cabbages on the streets? Even if someone with a different surname breaks through the heavens, the highest noble rank they can hold is a duke. Even then that's something that requires effort and sacrifice on the battlefield. For the royal family, their starting point is a prince! Furthermore, calling him an outstanding talent wasn't referring to his appearance. How did it become me speaking nonsense!?"

Madam Qian was speechless in the face of her husband's words. After a long while, she cried and said: "How am I supposed to explain things to daughter? For the sake of this matter we refused the Chen household's proposal. Daughter was already extremely unwilling, and now with this matter, what should we do?"

"What should we do? A daughter's marriage is decided via matchmaking by her parents. She's so delicate precisely because you spoil her. Have her abandon all thoughts of the Chen household, and tell her to do her best at the Yun Prince's side."

This won't be mentioned for now.

On the other side, seeing the two women looking like they were fleeing in panic and swiftly disappear before his eyes, Luo Huai Yuan really felt a little depressed. He couldn't help but wonder if he was really that frightening.

Afterwards, whenever he saw Qian Cheng Qi, he didn't show him any pleasant expressions for several days.

Yan Yan had also received the news and she felt truly weird.

Afterwards, every time Madam Qian brought Qian Ying Ying over to visit, Yan Yan ordered the servants not to let them in. Her husband was her husband. She hadn't even commented on him but he was shunned by others instead. The point was that after they shunned him, they still came back and wanted to stick to him again. These actions truly made them speechless.

Madam Qian naturally didn't dare complain about the Yun Consort's change in attitude. Luckily the flowers had started blooming and the garden's scenery was extremely beautiful. Stumbling across the Yun Prince occasionally while admiring the view and chasing butterflies was also a good thing.

Ezoic

It had to be said, they truly ran into the Yun Prince several times.

Unfortunately, every time he saw Qian Ying Ying, he would recall them fleeing that one time. Furthermore, he also didn't have distracting thoughts in his heart and felt nothing towards the charm of a beauty. He also understood what was going on. To put it plainly, she was throwing herself into his arms. This was something he had experienced many times in his past life so it wasn't anything unusual.

He didn't feel anything to begin with and this was also under his consort's eyes. Ah Yan seemed to not care about this sort of thing, but her maids and Matron Zou had the courtyard's palace maids thoroughly in their grasps.

To avoid creating any misunderstandings, after they ran into him a couple of times, Luo Huai Yuan called Qian Cheng Qi over. He told him that he cherished his consort and that she had no other issues except that she easily got jealous. To avoid causing any arguments between the couple, it was better if he took his daughter away from here. This was supposed to be his and his consort's residence to begin with. Adding an official's daughter into the mix would cause others to criticize and also harm his noble daughter's virtue.

Ezoic

Qian Cheng Qi's face turned thoroughly red. He angrily said it was all due to the women being insensible. After listlessly returning, he ordered Madam Qian to bring Qian Ying Ying home to avoid embarrassing themselves further.

Ezoic

Soon, summer arrived and the Yun Prince Estate was nearing completion.