Chapter 41: A Display of Exemplary Acting Skills
After leaving the Hall of Eternal Light, Tang Shuyi hurried back to the courtyard, suspecting that the Wu family might make their move during the midday rest.
True to her suspicions, upon entering the courtyard, she encountered a flustered Cui Yun, who whispered urgently upon seeing her, "Madam, something's happened."
Tang Shuyi's heart skipped a beat—could Xiao Yuchen really have fallen into the Wu family's trap?
"What happened?" she asked, grabbing Cui Yun's arm.
Cui Yun, with beads of sweat on her forehead, exclaimed, "The eldest young master, he..."
"Madam Hou," interjected Madame Wu, her face etched with concern as she approached Tang Shuyi. Lowering her voice, she said, "My Jingshu is missing. I've looked everywhere and can't find her. Have you seen her?"
Tang Shuyi narrowed her eyes, about to reply that she hadn't, when a maid beside Madame Wu suddenly chimed in, "Madam, I just saw the Third Young Miss with… with the young master. Could they be in the young master's room?"
"Nonsense." Tang Shuyi hadn't even spoken when Madam Wu interjected, scolding sharply, "The Young Master is well-mannered. How could he have private meetings with Jing Shu, let alone let her enter his room?"
Tang Shuyi sneered. It seemed she was the only clever one in the whole world, and everyone else was a fool, wasn't it?
"Indeed, my son Yuchen has been well-behaved since childhood, and has never been rude in his interactions," Tang Shuyi stated, her voice cold and laced with mockery, "Take today, for instance. It was Miss Wu who sought him out to talk. If it weren't for you, Madam Wu, asking him to look after your three daughters, he would have stayed far away from them."
Madam Wu's face turned the color of liver in irritation. She hadn't expected Tang Shuyi to turn on her so quickly, nor had she anticipated such blunt and sharp retorts that spared no feelings. However, she still wished to marry her daughter into the marquisate. Despite her fury, she forced a stiff smile and said:
"Madam Marquise, my apologies for misspeaking earlier. I, of course, trust the Young Master's character. It was just my anxiety speaking, as I couldn't find my child. Please don't take it to heart. The priority is to find her now."
Saying so, she hurried towards the courtyard next door, where Xiao Yuchen's room was located.
Tang Shuyi quickly followed, whispering to Cuiyun, "What happened?"
Cuiyun rattled off like a machine gun, "You had us keep an eye on the Wu family. I had a stomachache and went to the latrine. When I returned, Cui Zhu told me she saw Miss Wu taking snacks to the eldest son's room. She was about to stop her when the second Miss Wu called her away. By the time she returned, she heard... those sounds coming from the eldest son's room."
Hearing this, Tang Shuyi's step faltered, nearly causing her to stumble. Cuiyun quickly steadied her.
Taking a deep breath, Tang Shuyi continued towards the adjacent courtyard. Upon arrival, she saw Madam Wu standing at the doorway of Xiao Yuchen's room, trying to enter while Cui Zhu barred her way, resulting in a standoff.
"Madam Marquise," Madam Wu approached Tang Shuyi anxiously, "I mean no offense. I just want to ask the Young Master if he has seen Jing Shu."
Tang Shuyi ignored her and approached Xiao Yuchen's room. The sounds of slapping and moans from inside sent a surge of blood to her head.
She was profoundly disappointed. From the Wu family's visit to their house to the lunch they had just had, she had reminded Xiao Yuchen more than a dozen times to be cautious. Yet, he still fell for their scheme.
Given the circumstances, there was no need to save his face anymore. Losing face might teach him a lesson.
After a moment's silence, she raised her foot and kicked the tightly shut door. The door trembled with a bang but remained closed. She kicked again, and with another bang, the door swung open, and she entered with a frosty demeanor.
Madam Wu, with a racing heart, tried to follow. The Marquise's kick was so fierce, it was like a man's, no, even more vigorous than an average man's. She began to worry. Would her daughter suffer if she married into a family with such a Marquise?
While pondering, she stepped one foot inside but before she could step further, Tang Shuyi pushed her out and said, "They're in the middle of something. Let's talk after they're done."
Saying so, she closed the door and instructed a maid to bring a chair over, then sat down leisurely.
"Madam Marquise, what... what's the situation inside?" Madam Wu was now completely confused and didn't understand Tang Shuyi's intentions.
Moments ago he was all bluster, how come he's in no rush now? Could it be the fear of disturbing the young master? Interrupting a man during that sort of thing can indeed lead to complications.
"Your daughter is indeed inside," Tang Shuyi said nonchalantly, leaning back in his chair with a lazy drawl, "Young people are full of vigor, you should understand."
"Th-this... this..." Madam Wu was at a loss as to Tang Shuyi's real intent when she heard her add, "Just go back and prepare the dowry."
Although Madam Wu was extremely embarrassed, she was somewhat relieved. Does this mean that the Marquess's wife has accepted the situation?
Although it deviated somewhat from their original plan, as long as the Marquess's wife accepted her, and her daughter could marry into the Marquis's household, that was all that mattered. However, her worry was that the Marquess's wife was not as the rumors suggested, acting too decisively and sharply. With such a mother-in-law, her daughter's future...
Thinking this, Madam Wu sighed.
At this moment, Wu Jingyun approached. She greeted Tang Shuyi and Madam Wu gracefully and then said, "I was feeling a bit unwell just now and was resting in the room. I didn't know my younger sister had gone missing. Mother, has she been found?"
Madam Wu, upon hearing her words, wore a troubled expression. She looked towards Tang Shuyi, hoping she would say something, but Tang Shuyi was looking at her nails, not even glancing her way.
Madam Wu could only speak to Wu Jingyun with a face full of guilt and distress, "Child, it's all a misunderstanding, no one expected this to happen."
Wu Jingyun wore a face of confusion, "Mother, what do you mean? Isn't it just that my younger sister is missing? How does it relate to a misunderstanding?"
Tears already brimmed in Madam Wu's eyes, "Child, I'm afraid your engagement with the young master might not come to pass. Your sister and the young master, they... they..."
She didn't finish her sentence before pulling Wu Jingyun into her embrace, crying and comforting her, "Rest assured, your mother will not let you be wronged."
Wu Jingyun's eyes were wide with disbelief, "Mother, what are you saying?"
Madam Wu shook her head and cried, holding Wu Jingyun...
Tang Shuyi sat leisurely, watching the drama unfold, thinking that acting is indeed a necessary skill among the women in these ancient households! Look, Madam Wu and Miss Wu, one more skilled in acting than the other.
Chapter 42: It seems you're quite confident!
Life is indeed like a play, with acting skills constantly being put to the test.
Tang Shuyi sat leisurely in the spacious loop chair, watching Madam Wu and Wu Jingyun outdo each other in acting. Honestly, with their acting skills, if they were to join the modern variety show "The Birth of a Drama Queen", they would surely win first and second place.
If one really had to rank their acting skills, Tang Shuyi felt Wu Jingyun had the upper hand. Look at that bewildered, helpless, and aggrieved look in her eyes, just right in measure — any more would be overacting, any less would lack sincerity.
By comparison, Madam Wu's performance seemed a bit too forced, crying too sorrowfully, with a somewhat exaggerated expression. But still, it was very good.
Just then, as the embracing mother and daughter parted, Wu Jingyun walked incredulously close to Tang Shuyi and said sorrowfully, "Madam Marquess, is what my mother said true?"
Tang Shuyi observed her with an enigmatic smile, remaining silent.
"I am the judge here; I'm not interested in playing along with your act."
Wu Jingyun felt unsettled by her gaze, though she didn't let it show. Without a response, she continued, "Madam Marquess, how could the Heir... how could he do such a thing?"
"What have I done?"
A crisp voice interrupted, silencing the entire courtyard instantly. The expressions on everyone's faces were a kaleidoscope of emotions.
Tang Shuyi was the picture of calm; she knew the moment she walked in that the man inside wasn't Xiao Yuchen.
Wu Jingyun's mouth hung open slightly, her large eyes wide with surprise. Tang Shuyi thought her performance was lacking. She should have shown a mix of relief and joy along with her surprise. Instead, she only conveyed shock, omitting any sense of reassurance or happiness.
Points deducted!
Madam Wu's performance was excellent, genuinely heartfelt. Upon hearing Xiao Yuchen's voice, she turned in disbelief. When she saw him in person, she let out a shrill scream and her legs gave way. Had the maidservants not supported her, she would have surely collapsed.
She then pushed through the maids, stormed into the room, and saw on the modestly sized bed, a man and woman, both bare, entwined and panting, clearly having just engaged in vigorous activity.
The woman on the bed was naturally her daughter, Wu Jingshu, but the man wasn't the one she had hoped for. Instead, it was a bald monk, and upon closer inspection, she realized it was Chang Jing, the monk who had received them earlier.
"Ah..." Madam Wu let out another piercing scream, "What's going on? What is this?"
Her screams finally roused the man and woman on the bed, who were just coming out of the effects of the drug. Realizing their situation, they too began to scream…
Tang Shuyi paid no heed to the chaos in the room. She addressed Wu Jingyun, "Miss Wu, I believe we need to have a discussion."
Saying so, she rose and left. Wu Jingyun was in turmoil, clueless about what Tang Shuyi wanted to discuss, but instinctively wanting to flee. Yet before she could move, she found herself encircled by Tang Shuyi's maid and Xiao Yuchen's attendants, leaving her with no escape.
She paused briefly, then took a deep breath, chiding herself for her earlier panic. The day's events had gone almost flawlessly; the Madam Marquess surely had no evidence.
Comforted by this thought, she walked "casually" towards Tang Shuyi's room. Reaching the doorway, she took another deep breath before stepping inside.
As soon as she entered, the door shut behind her. The Marquess sat in a chair in the center of the room, with Xiao Yuchen beside her. Neither wore any expression, yet their presence exuded the aura of a solemn tribunal.
She stood motionless, and as Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuchen remained silent, the room was engulfed in quietude, unsettling Wu Jingyun even further.
After a moment, Tang Shuyi spoke up, her voice calm yet commanding, "Miss Wu, I have told you before that some matters could be settled amicably through discussion. Yet you choose to escalate them so dramatically. What good does this do you?"
Wu Jingyun looked at Tang Shuyi with a hint of surprise. Since their last meeting, she had felt that the Marquise seemed different than before, and now that feeling intensified. The Marquise of the previous life didn't possess such an aura and wouldn't have been so confrontational upon speaking.
She even began to doubt if this person was truly the Marquise, but how could that be? If not the Marquise, then who?
Her surprise lingered as she observed Tang Shuyi for a while, yet her face betrayed no flaw. Withdrawing her gaze, she responded, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Do you really not know?" Tang Shuyi scoffed, then continued, "Miss Wu, I'll give you another chance. Let's talk frankly and openly."
Wu Jingyun pressed her lips tightly, confident that her actions today had no loopholes, believing the Marquise had no evidence. Otherwise, she would not be trying to bluff but would present the evidence outright.
"Marquise, I truly don't know what you're talking about," she insisted.
"You seem very confident," Tang Shuyi observed, then raised her voice towards the closed door, "Bring them in."
No sooner had she spoken than the door opened, and two figures, bound tightly, stumbled in. They were her personal maids, Xing'er and Tao'er.
At that moment, Cuiyun, Cuizhu, Changming, and Changfeng also entered, paying their respects to Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuchen before taking their places to the side. Tao'er and Xing'er knelt on the floor, crying to Wu Jingyun, "Miss, miss, please save us!"
"Marquise, what is this about?" Despite her inner turmoil, Wu Jingyun's face showed anger, "Even with the power of the Marquis's residence, you shouldn't arbitrarily torture my maids."
Tang Shuyi ignored her, instead addressing the kneeling Tao'er and Xing'er, "What did you two do after going to Chongguang Temple today? Speak!"
Her voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority, and coupled with her commanding presence, Tao'er and Xing'er were shaking in fear.
"Marquise, you have no right to interrogate my maids, do you?"
"Then shall we have your father, Minister Wu, conduct the interrogation?"
…
The room fell into a silence so deep, it was almost suffocating. Wu Jingyun could even hear the chattering of her teeth as her confidence waned. She was certain that no one could find a flaw in what she did today, but she had not anticipated the Marquise's move to cut the ground from under her feet.
Would she dare to let her father interrogate the maids?
No, she wouldn't dare. If her father found out what she had done today, it wouldn't just be a severe punishment; her life, as she knew it, would effectively be over.
"Will you speak, or not?" Tang Shuyi pressed again.
Wu Jingyun stood trembling and silent, so Tang Shuyi turned to the maids, "You tell me."
The two maids looked at their young mistress, who closed her eyes in resignation, and then they shakily recounted the day's events.
Chapter 43 - A Woman Like You, Our Marquis' Residence Cannot Afford to Entertain
Tang Shuyi's gaze upon Wu Jingyun turned colder, laced with caution. A person who constantly lowers their own moral threshold, or worse, has none, is a truly terrifying being.
Wu Jingyun had suffered greatly in her previous life, deeply wounded by Xiao Yuxin, and Tang Shuyi could understand her desire for revenge upon rebirth. However, her bottomless retribution that hurt innocent people was... malicious in intent.
First, it was the little beggar who died because of her, and now the young monk Chang Jing. How many more would suffer in the future?
Furthermore, she schemed to have Wu Jingshu and Monk Chang Jing caught in a compromising act. Did she spare a thought for the innocent women of the Wu family? Once exposed, the scandal of a Wu daughter's indiscretion in a temple would spell disaster for all the Wu women.
Of course, how many people Wu Jingyun harmed was of no concern to Tang Shuyi. Her duty was to guard against this woman.
The situation unfolded as follows:
Madam Wu's objective today was to facilitate a meeting between Wu Jingshu and Xiao Yuxin, then during the naptime, drug Xiao Yuxin with a sleeping potion, creating a scene of Wu Jingshu and him in a disheveled state in the same room, which would lead Madam Wu to create an uproar, resulting in the engagement between Wu Jingyun and Xiao Yuxin being broken off in favor of one between Wu Jingshu and Xiao Yuxin.
As her own daughter, Madam Wu would not stoop to using aphrodisiacs. However, Wu Jingyun felt that merely drugging Xiao Yuxin with a sleeping potion was letting Wu Jingshu off too easily, so she planned to administer aphrodisiacs to both, ensuring a major scandal.
Drugging Wu Jingshu was easy, accomplished with little effort, but drugging Xiao Yuxin proved more difficult. After the midday meal, not only were Changming and Changfeng by Xiao Yuxin's side, but Cuizhu and Cuixun also stood guard outside his chamber.
She had, however, planned for this, and while everyone dined at midday, she had Liu Dayong, her nanny's son, light the aphrodisiac incense in Xiao Yuxin's chamber. Liu Dayong had arrived at Chongguang Temple the day before, all for today's scheme.
However, unexpectedly, Xiao Yuxin did not return to his room after the meal but went to appreciate the mountain scenery instead.
The reason she chose to drug Xiao Yuxin with incense in his room was because he was always accompanied by attendants, making it impossible to drug his food or person. Additionally, in her previous life, Xiao Yuxin had a habit of taking a noontime nap, unswerving as thunder.
Yet, this unswerving habit changed today; Xiao Yuxin did not sleep at noon but went to enjoy the scenery instead.
As her plan seemed doomed to fail, Wu Jingyun felt unbearable frustration. She decided that even if she could not manipulate Xiao Yuxin today to break off their engagement, she would still ruin Wu Jingshu. Thus, she took advantage of Cuixun's absence at the latrine to distract Cuizhu, allowing Wu Jingshu to slip into Xiao Yuxin's chamber, and then she also lured the young monk Chang Jing there, drugging him.
Afterwards, under the influence of the aphrodisiacs and the incense, Wu Jingshu and Monk Chang Jing instinctively began to engage in primitive activities, unaware even when Tang Shuyi kicked open the door.
In her previous life, Tang Shuyi had been through many a shady deal in the business world, but the likes of Wu Jingyun, who involved innocent people in her vendetta just to vent her spite, was a rare encounter.
After listening to the testimony of Wu Jingyun's two maids, Tang Shuyi remained silent for a long while before finally saying icily to Wu Jingyun, "You will break off your engagement with Yuxin. In three days, I will send someone to the Wu residence. Your task is to ensure that your father agrees smoothly to the dissolution, and not a word of dishonor about my Marquis' residence should be
Wu Jingyun watched Tang Shuyi in disbelief. All this spectacle, from tying up her maidservant to the interrogation, was just to call off an engagement? Just for that?
She couldn't believe it.
Tang Shuyi read her expression and scoffed, "To cause a commotion that led the Liang family to storm my residence and to pull such a stunt today, a woman like you, I fear, is too much for my marquisate to handle."
Wu Jingyun's jaw dropped in shock. How could the marchioness possibly know she had sent a letter to the Liang family?
"If you wish your deeds to be unknown, commit them not at all," Tang Shuyi continued icily, "I'm not sure why you're so bent on breaking this engagement, whether you think my marquisate or Yu Chen has wronged you, but I won't delve into today's matters. Let's consider it a settling of scores between us. However, if in the future..."
Tang Shuyi paused, her gaze sharp as a blade upon Wu Jingyun, and warned, "If in the future you commit any actions detrimental to my marquisate, don't expect any courtesy from me."
Wu Jingyun's hands clenched into fists, shaking, and her knees trembled. The marchioness's aura was overwhelming, and she believed her threats were real.
But why should it be so? In her previous life, Xiao Yuchen had caused her so much harm. Why couldn't he suffer even the slightest retribution now that she had been reborn?
"Let them go," commanded Tang Shuyi.
No sooner had her words fallen than Cui Zhu and Cui Yun dragged Tao'er and Xing'er out, not bothering to untie them even outside. Wu Jingyun, leaning on the door for support, trembled violently. It took several deep breaths before she could walk unaided.
Approaching Tao'er and Xing'er, she began to untie them. As the ropes loosened, a figure charged over and, with a series of slaps, struck her face left and right.
"Wretch, a vicious creature born without a mother's love," Madam Wu pointed at Wu Jingyun with fury in her eyes, "They say the biting dog doesn't bark, and it's so true!"
"Mother, why do you strike me? Because I'm not your own flesh and blood, do I deserve your slaps and scolding?" Wu Jingyun, clutching her burning face, teared up, "When I get home, I'll have father judge this matter."
"Oh, let your father also know what a venomous daughter his beloved former wife bore him." Madam Wu felt like killing Wu Jingyun right then and there.
If her daughter had been involved with Xiao Yuchen, it would have been one thing, but now it seemed to be with a monk. What was she to do? Should she marry her off or not?
"On what grounds do you call me venomous? What proof do you have?" Wu Jingyun's question was a probe, her confidence in her past actions shaken after the marchioness's interrogation.
But her question caught Madam Wu off guard, leaving her speechless for a moment before she managed, "If you did nothing, why would the marchioness have your maidservants tied up?"
"They were tied up for offending the marchioness," Wu Jingyun replied. She guessed that Tang Shuyi wouldn't concern herself with what happened next.
Madam Wu, of course, didn't believe her and hurried inside, grabbing Tang Shuyi's hand and crying, "Marchioness, my Jing Shu's fate is so bitter, please help her."
Tang Shuyi gently pushed her away, saying coldly, "Madam Wu, your reasons for inviting me to Chongguang Temple are quite clear to me. My coming here was simply going with the flow. The matters of the Wu family should be resolved behind closed doors. It's not appropriate for an outsider like me to interfere."
With that, she strode outside, passing by Wu Jingyun without a glance, and Xiao Yuchen did the same.
In an instant, only the members of the Wu family remained in the courtyard.
Chapter 44: Whether He Has the Fortune to Survive, It's Up to Him
Before coming to Chongguang Temple, Mrs. Wu was full of confidence and hope.
She thought she had everything under control, but little did she know that while she was using others as pawns, she too was a piece on someone else's chessboard. And she was the one in the light while others operated in the dark; this game was destined for her defeat.
She had come to some realization now, starting to scream and shout at Wu Jingyun, but how could Wu Jingyun let her dictate? She coldly said to Mrs. Wu, "Even if you don't tell father about today's events, I will ensure he seeks justice for me."
"You..." Mrs. Wu, trembling and pointing at Wu Jingyun with tears in her eyes yet filled with hatred, exclaimed, "How can you be so vicious? That's your sister, not of the same mother, but you share a father."
"Wu Jingshu is shameless and willingly degraded herself. She acted promiscuously in a temple guest room; what does that have to do with me? Why are you screaming and shouting at me, is it because I am a stepdaughter, not your own flesh and blood?"
Wu Jingyun naturally pushed the blame completely away; after all, Mrs. Wu had no evidence. Moreover, if she wanted to interrogate her maids like Lady Tang did, Wu Jingyun had plenty of ways to evade.
"Wretch, wretch, I will kill you!" Mrs. Wu was nearly out of her mind; her daughter's incident meant that all was lost.
She lunged at Wu Jingyun again, but before she could get close, she was blocked by Xing'er and Tao'er. Just as she ordered people to pull Xing'er and Tao'er away, Liu Dayong, the son of Wu Jingyun's wet nurse, arrived. Tall and burly, he stood in front of Wu Jingyun.
Seeing Liu Dayong, what else could Mrs. Wu not understand? Wu Jingyun had been prepared for today's events. It was just unknown if Lady Tang and Lord Xiao were the same. Only now did she realize she was just a laughingstock.
Meanwhile, Lady Tang and Xiao Yuchen were slowly descending the mountain.
"Mother, how did you know that Miss Wu wouldn't let you interrogate her two maids?" Xiao Yuchen asked, puzzled.
In his view, Wu Jingyun was indeed clever, leaving no handle to be caught. Who would have thought that her people were not just the two maids she brought along, but also the son of her wet nurse.
He had thought that without catching Wu Jingyun red-handed, the marriage would likely not be called off today. Unexpectedly, his mother forcibly detained Wu Jingyun's maids and pretended to interrogate them, causing Wu Jingyun to actually fear.
Lady Tang didn't answer his question but said, "Send someone to inform Monk Changjing to flee immediately, and it's best not to seek revenge for now. He can't touch the Wu family."
Xiao Yuchen was startled, "They want to kill Monk Changjing?"
Lady Tang: "If the Liang family can kill a beggar boy to vent their anger, why can't the Wu family kill a monk to cover up a scandal?"
Xiao Yuchen understood and hurriedly instructed Changming to handle it. He had always studied the classics and held himself to the standards of a gentleman, but now he truly understood the treacherous nature of the human heart.
"We lack concrete evidence, yet we all know that Wu Jingyun is the perpetrator," Tang Shuyi began answering Xiao Yuchen's earlier query.
"Indeed," Xiao Yuchen concurred.
"That's sufficient," Tang Shuyi declared. "As long as we're certain it was her doing, there are myriad ways to unearth evidence."
Observing Xiao Yuchen's contemplative demeanor, Tang Shuyi continued, "In fact, my intent in seizing Wu Jingyun's maids wasn't to interrogate them, but rather to probe Wu Jingyun herself, because I'm certain she'd never dare let her father discover what she's done today."
"Why so?" Xiao Yuchen queried, perplexed. "He's her father, after all. Even if he learns of her actions, the worst she'd face would be a harsh punishment, surely preferable to our threats and coercion?"
"Were she a man," Tang Shuyi expounded, "she'd undoubtedly opt for her father's punishment over threats from outsiders like us. After all, it's better to have the dirt in one's own hands rather than in those of strangers."
"Ah, but why is it different for a woman?" Xiao Yuchen inquired.
Tang Shuyi glanced at him and elucidated, "Were she a man, the worst aftermath would be a beating or confinement. Once the incident blows over, he could resume his studies, military training, or even business ventures without further implications.
"But for a woman, the situation diverges drastically, directly affecting her marital prospects. With her biological mother long deceased and her matrimonial fate in the hands of her father and stepmother, how do you suppose she'd fare should her father grow disappointed or resentful due to this incident, especially with a stepmother who loathes her to the bone? Unlike men, women have far fewer avenues open to them. A poor marriage could very well doom the rest of her life."
Tang Shuyi couldn't help but sigh towards the end, reflecting on the plight of women in ancient times. In modern days, an unsuitable marriage could be remedied by divorce and a fresh start. However, in ancient times, although divorce was possible, a divorced woman would face a life significantly more challenging than that of her peers.
Xiao Yuchen, however, mistook her sigh as one for herself. Recently, his mother had harbored deep grievances about his father taking a concubine, and with his early demise, the entire estate's affairs had fallen on her shoulders. Could it be she also regretted her own marriage?
He pondered deeply on how to console Tang Shuyi before finally stating, "Mother, you still have us, your three children."
Tang Shuyi paused, then replied, "Indeed, I find the three of you quite wonderful, and I harbor no dissatisfaction with my current life."
Her words were heartfelt; she genuinely appreciated her current circumstances. With high social standing and no financial worries, what was there to be discontented about?
Though she had three unruly children, none were egregiously wicked or malicious. With time and education, they would improve. Despite some chaos within the household, it was all within her capacity to resolve.
After all, what life is utterly perfect? Hers was very good as it was.
As they reached the foot of the mountain and boarded the carriage, Changming returned and reported in a hushed tone, "I found Changjing. He's detained in a room with Wu family guards outside. I informed him through a rear window to escape. He seemed incredulous that the Wu family would harm him."
"Well, we've done what we could. Whether he survives now is up to him," Tang Shuyi remarked.
As the carriage clattered along, Xiao Yuchen suddenly voiced, "I still fail to understand why Miss Wu would cancel our engagement over my feelings for Qinyin. Does she truly expect to marry a man who will never take a concubine?"
Tang Shuyi shot him a sidelong glance, "Whether or not she marries a man who won't take concubines remains uncertain. However, she's acutely aware that with Liubi Qinyin in the picture, she'd never hold a place in your heart."
Detecting a hint of displeasure in Tang Shuyi's tone, Xiao Yuchen refrained from mentioning Liubi Qinyin any further.
Chapter 45: Do you still wish to marry your daughter off to a monk?
After what had transpired with Wu Jingshu, Lady Wu dared not linger in Chongguang Temple for fear that news might leak out. Should even a whisper of the incident spread, not only would Wu Jingshu's life be over, but the future of all Wu daughters would be imperiled.
The dilemma at hand was how to deal with Monk Changjing. Lady Wu considered letting him die but felt that for the moment, his death was not an option; he was her daughter's last resort.
Upon entering Monk Changjing's quarters, Lady Wu stood above him, looking down at the kneeling figure. He was indeed handsome, and it would have been wonderful if he had a respectable background, but alas, he was a rootless monk.
"My Lady, I don't know how this happened, I am also a victim of someone's scheme," Changjing pleaded on his knees, genuinely a casualty of unwarranted misfortune.
"Even if you were set up, the fact remains, and you cannot escape the responsibility you must bear," Lady Wu said through gritted teeth.
Kneeling and silent, Changjing was willing to accept his responsibility; he would even renounce monkhood to marry the young Miss if allowed. He thought this to be the best solution, but someone had just told him to flee. He didn't believe the Wu family would kill him, yet he harbored his own schemes.
Lady Wu, in truth, was also at a loss for solutions, pacing the room anxiously, biting her lip. After a while, she said, "Now that it's done, we shall return home. Stay here in the temple, and I will send someone for you later."
That was the only option for now; they couldn't kill Changjing yet nor could they detain him indefinitely. His absence would raise alarm in the temple eventually. They had to offer him some hope, to stabilize the situation.
Changjing breathed a sigh of relief; at least his life was not in danger for the moment.
Having temporarily resolved the matter with Monk Changjing, Lady Wu hastened home with her two daughters. As for Wu Jingyun, she couldn't care less; their relationship was now openly hostile, and she no longer intended to play the doting mother.
Throughout the journey, Wu Jingshu wept continuously. Lady Wu felt both fury at her daughter's helplessness and heartache for the great ordeal she had suffered. Now, she was completely at a loss as to what to do next.
But no matter what, she was not going to let Wu Jingyun, that vile creature, get away with it.
The carriage arrived at the Wu residence by evening. Lady Wu didn't head to the inner courtyard but went straight to Wu Guoliang's study. Upon seeing him, she burst into tears.
Wu Guoliang had never seen her weep like this; startled, he quickly inquired about what had happened. Sobbing uncontrollably, Lady Wu recounted the events that took place at Chongguang Temple, conveniently omitting her own scheming, and blamed all of Wu Jingshu's misfortunes on Wu Jingyun.
Wu Guoliang, upon hearing her account, felt his mind reel, almost fainting. He asked, "What did you say? Jingshu with... with a monk...?"
Lady Wu, crying, nodded, about to claim it was all Wu Jingyun's doing and to beseech Wu Guoliang to take her side when he slapped her across the face and, trembling, pointed at her and exclaimed, "A fine daughter I entrusted to your care, and she ends up... ends up…"
"Master," Lady Wu, disregarding the pain on her face, clutched at Wu Guoliang's sleeve and cried, "Our Jingshu was victimized, she was framed..."
But Wu Guoliang was not moved by her tears. He paced the room, hand on his waist, and after a while, he asked, "How was the monk dealt with?"
Lady Wu hadn't expected such a reaction from him. Shouldn't he be asking who harmed her daughter? Sobbing, she said, "My lord, Jing Shu was harmed by someone, she..."
"Fool!" Wu Guoliang roared, "The most critical thing now is to cover this up, not a whisper of it should leak out. Tell me, how did you deal with that monk?"
Lady Wu was stunned by his outburst and took a moment to respond, detailing how she handled Monk Chang Jing. After listening, Wu Guoliang called her a fool again, then shouted towards the door, "Someone come here."
Immediately, his attendant pushed the door open and Wu Guoliang whispered a few instructions. The attendant quickly turned and left. Lady Wu overheard his order to have Monk Chang Jing killed.
"But, my lord, what about Jing Shu if he is killed?" Lady Wu asked.
Wu Guoliang turned to her with a look of incredulity, "Do you really want your daughter to marry a monk?"
"But..."
"No more 'buts'," Wu Guoliang interrupted her, "Does this mean that Lady Hou and Xiao Shizi are also aware?"
Lady Wu nodded. Wu Guoliang paced the room. Then there was a knock at the door, followed by Wu Jingyun's voice, "Father."
"Come in." Wu Guoliang's voice was impatient. Wu Jingyun let out a cold laugh, then composed herself, pushed the door open, and without a word, fell to her knees in front of Wu Guoliang.
Lady Wu glared at Wu Jingyun with venomous eyes, "It's useless for you to admit your fault now."
Wu Jingyun glanced at her with a stammer, then turned to Wu Guoliang, "Father, Lady Hou told my sister at Chongguang Temple that she wants to call off the marriage."
Wu Guoliang remained silent, scrutinizing his daughter. Although Feng had accused her of harming Jing Shu, he was somewhat skeptical, yet still harbored doubts.
"Father," Wu Jingyun, ignoring Wu Guoliang's skepticism, grabbed the hem of his robe and cried, "In front of Lady Hou, mother accused me of harming my sister. After what happened to her, Lady Hou said... said our Wu family has improper conduct, and wants to call off the marriage, wuu wuu wuu... Father, if I am rejected by the Hou family, how can I live!"
Wu Guoliang's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he hadn't heard Wu Jingyun's crying. What concerned him now wasn't the loss of Jing Shu's chastity, nor Wu Jingyun's potential rejection, but rather how to silence Lady Hou and Xiao Yuchen.
After a while, he said to Wu Jingyun, "Stand up."
Wu Jingyun stood up, only to hear Wu Guoliang ask, "Did Lady Hou mention when she would call off the marriage?"
Wu Jingyun wiped her tears, "She said in three days."
"My lord," seeing that Wu Guoliang had stopped talking about Jing Shu, Lady Wu pointed at Wu Jingyun and said, "Jing Shu has been harmed by her, aren't you going to do anything?"
"Mother, you keep saying I harmed my sister, do you have any evidence?" Wu Jingyun said.
Lady Wu replied, "Whether it was you or not, interrogating your maidservants will reveal the truth."
Wu Jingyun: "Mother, do you still intend to coerce a confession?"
"Enough," Wu Guoliang interrupted the quarrel between the two, his anger palpable, "At such a crucial time, you still bicker? Have you no shame? Can you not prioritize the gravity of this situation? Should today's events become public knowledge, you'd all be doomed. Leave, all of you!"
Mrs. Wu, teeth clenched in frustration, turned and left. Wu Jingyun paid her respects to Wu Guoliang hesitantly before departing. Outside, she saw Mrs. Wu staring at her with eyes sharp as knives. Wu Jingyun let out a mocking laugh, stepping past her and walking away.
"You little wretch, just you wait," Mrs. Wu called after the retreating figure of Wu Jingyun.
"If I am a wretch, what does that make your daughter who has dallied with a monk?" Wu Jingyun threw back the taunt before she left.
Her stepmother had yet to understand what her father truly valued.
Ah, her father, who valued nothing more than his reputation and his career.
Chapter 46 This won't do, replace it with another
Tang Shuyi guessed that the Wu family must be in disarray, but that had nothing to do with them. As long as the engagement could be smoothly annulled, the chaos of the Wu household was of no consequence to her.
Moreover, the schemes Mrs. Wu and Wu Jingyun had plotted against Xiao Yuchen, including their attempt to drug him, were not matters Tang Shuyi could let slide without retribution. As for what form this retribution would take, that depended on the actions of Wu Jingyun's father, Wu Guoliang.
Now, her guiding principle was to be assertive when necessary. With Xiao Huai gone and Xiao Yuchen yet to inherit his title, showing weakness now would surely make others think the Marquis of Yongning easy to bully.
Upon rising this morning, Tang Shuyi made herself presentable and headed to the training grounds. Xiao Yuming was to begin his martial arts training with Niu Hongliang today, and she planned to observe.
The training ground was located beside the small garden, and she took a detour through it, enjoying the equivalent of a morning exercise. Passing by the lotus pond, she smiled and suggested to Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, "Later, we should have our young master compose a poem about the lotus to test his learning."
Cui Zhu and Cui Yun joined in her laughter, with Cui Yun adding, "That surely won't stump our young master. The lord used to always ask him to write poetry, and never once did it pose a challenge."
Cui Yun had hardly finished speaking when Cui Zhu lightly chided her, causing Cui Yun to suddenly remember they should not speak of the lord. Every time they mentioned the lord before, their mistress would become saddened.
"Mistress, I deserve death," Cui Yun hastily apologized to Tang Shuyi.
"What's this? Why the talk of death all of a sudden?" Tang Shuyi asked with a smile, unaware of the issue.
Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, seeing the smile on her face, suddenly realized that their mistress, the Marquise, had truly moved on from the mourning of her late husband, which brought them great relief. They quickly dismissed the matter as nothing.
Tang Shuyi glanced at them, a slight smile curling her lips as she continued forward. The maids were worried about bringing up Xiao Huai, fearing it would upset her. They were worrying needlessly; the death of a man she had never met had no bearing on her life.
This 'small' garden was by no means modest, complete with pavilions, bridges over water, rockeries, and flower beds aplenty. Approaching a tall octagonal pavilion nestled among the flora, Tang Shuyi mused that enjoying the view here while eating skewers would be a delightful indulgence.
She turned to the two maids beside her and said, "When we return, have someone bring the roasting brazier here, and ask the kitchen to prepare some meats and vegetables. We shall have our noon meal here roasting meat."
In ancient times, there were also grills, but they were referred to more elegantly as braziers. And the meat wasn't simply roasted; it was called roasted meat.
Seeing her in such high spirits, Cui Zhu and Cui Yun naturally shared in her excitement, promptly replying that they would take care of it.
"What meats do we have in the kitchen?" Tang Shuyi asked.
"Pork and mutton are always stocked, and whether we have other meats, I'll check later," Cui Yun answered.
"It would be great if we had venison," said Tang Shuyi.
In her memory, Xiao Huai sometimes hunted deer, and as someone from the modern era, Tang Shuyi naturally hadn't tasted venison, but it seemed possible here. So she added, "Later, urge our Second Young Master to practice martial arts diligently. Perhaps he'll hunt a deer for us."
"That would be wonderful," Cui Yun replied with a smile.
The mistress and servants reached the training ground amidst laughter, only to see Niu Hongliang vigorously practicing his punches, while Xiao Yuming had just arrived, still bleary-eyed. Tang Shuyi felt that her wish to eat venison might take a long while to come true.
"Good morning, Madam," Niu Hongliang greeted Tang Shuyi with a fist and palm salute.
"I'm just here to watch. Continue with your training as usual," Tang Shuyi said.
Niu Hongliang acknowledged and then said to Xiao Yuming, "Second Young Master, warm up with some stretches, then show me a couple of forms."
Xiao Yuming glanced at Tang Shuyi, loosened up his arms and legs, and then executed a set of punches with all his might. Despite being a playboy, he too sought approval from his elders.
"Hmm, not bad, but..."
Niu Hongliang began instructing Xiao Yuming, with Tang Shuyi observing from the side. They say a layman watches for fun, and Xiao Yuming's form looked quite impressive. But when compared with the punches Niu Hongliang had thrown earlier, it lacked power and was somewhat flashy.
It was indeed all flash and no substance!
Meanwhile, Niu Hongliang had Xiao Yuming practice the horse stance. Tang Shuyi signaled for Niu Hongliang to come over and inquired about Xiao Yuming's progress, as martial arts too were a matter of innate talent. She wondered if Xiao Yuming possessed it.
"The Second Young Master has a solid foundation. Although he has neglected his training, he hasn't let it go to waste. If he dedicates himself, he can certainly excel," Niu Hongliang responded earnestly.
Pleased with his response, Tang Shuyi said, "We will rely on Master Niu's hard work then. If Yuming makes progress, he shall be duly rewarded."
"This humble one will do his utmost," Niu Hongliang said, but whether the Second Young Master would cooperate or not was beyond his control.
After watching for a while, Tang Shuyi returned to the Shi'an Garden. A quarter of an hour later, the three children arrived, and Tang Shuyi had the breakfast set. Just as the family sat down at the dining table, the butler arrived, handing over an invitation, "It's from the Wu residence."
Tang Shuyi took it and saw that it was an invitation from Wu Guoliang, stating he would visit in the afternoon, but it didn't specify whom he wished to see.
"Take a look." She handed the invitation to Xiao Yuchen and said, "What do you think he's coming for?"
Xiao Yuchen pondered for a moment and replied, "To probe for information or to discuss calling off the engagement."
Tang Shuyi hummed in agreement, "You'll receive him. If he takes a tough stance, you be even tougher. If he's amiable, then reciprocate in kind. But remember two things: first, both Lady Wu and Wu Jingyun have tried to scheme against you, and we will not tolerate this indignity; let him figure it out. Second, regarding the matter of Wu Jingshu and Monk Changjing, we keep our lips sealed, but in the future, we'll trouble Lord Wu to take extra care of his junior here."
Xiao Yuchen nodded seriously, while Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu were completely confused, unaware of yesterday's events at Chongguang Temple. Tang Shuyi didn't conceal it from them and briefly recounted the incident, successfully witnessing their astonished expressions.
"He who schemes against others often schemes against himself, and he who seeks to harm others often brings about his own destruction," Tang Shuyi said. "Harming others is ultimately self-harm, so don't consider yourself clever and trap others with tricks; who is truly a fool?"
"So, it means the Second Miss Wu no longer wishes to marry Big Brother, and the Third Miss Wu does, and they are trying to sabotage each other?" Xiao Yuzhu looked at Xiao Yuchen, "Even if Big Brother is exceptionally handsome, it shouldn't be to this extent, right?"
Xiao Yuming: "Hahahaha..."
Tang Shuyi: "Hahahaha..."
Xiao Yuchen: "..."
After laughing, Tang Shuyi began to teach Xiao Yuzhu: "A woman does not need to depend on a man to live, nor should she be so desperate over one; if he's no good, simply move on to the next."
Xiao Yuzhu nodded earnestly after hearing this.
Xiao Yuchen: "..."
Xiao Yuming: "..."
Chapter 47 A New Respect
Since Tang Shuyi had already told Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu about the events at Chongguang Temple, she also analyzed the stakes involved, serving as a learning experience for them.
Xiao Yuzhu, being young, didn't understand some parts, so Tang Shuyi told her, "It's okay if you don't understand; you will in time."
Xiao Yuzhu nodded at her words, seemingly not taking it too seriously. Tang Shuyi smiled and patted her head, fond of the girl's uncomplicated nature.
"I'm sharing this with you so that you're better informed and can gain some experience, but this matter must not be spoken of outside, especially regarding the affair between Miss Wu and Monk Changjing," Tang Shuyi cautioned earnestly. "If word gets out, it would be a disaster for all the women in the Wu family."
The siblings nodded solemnly upon hearing her words, reassuring Tang Shuyi. She then proposed that they should roast meat in the garden pavilion at noon, which delighted the siblings, all eager to try their hand at it.
After breakfast, Tang Shuyi made a trip to the kitchen herself to observe how the meat skewers were being marinated. She watched as the cooks cut the meat into pieces and seasoned them with wine, salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon among other spices...
Initially planning to offer some guidance, Tang Shuyi decided there was no need upon seeing their proficiency. She headed back to the Shi'an Garden, where she summoned the family's embroiderers as she intended to have some men's clothing made for easier travel in the future.
As noon approached, the siblings eagerly arrived at the Shi'an Garden, thrilled at the prospect of roasting meat together. Led by Tang Shuyi, they proceeded to the small garden where servants were bustling about. As they entered the octagonal pavilion, they were greeted by a stone table laden with pastries, fruits, wine, and tea.
The kitchen steward promptly reported the readiness of the roasted meat upon the masters' arrival. Tang Shuyi, intrigued by the idea of roasting the meat herself, stood up followed by an excited Xiao Yuzhu. Xiao Yuxin and Xiao Yuming, however, lounged leisurely, awaiting the feast.
Tang Shuyi beckoned them over, questioning, "All this talk of gentlemen avoiding the kitchen is nonsense. Practical skills are never a burden. Can you ensure that you'll never find yourself alone and stranded in the wilderness?"
Both shook their heads; such certainties were beyond anyone's guarantee.
"What would you do then?" Tang Shuyi looked at Xiao Yuming. "Would you resort to gnawing raw rabbit?"
The thought made Xiao Yuming shudder, and he quickly shook his head.
Tang Shuyi then turned to Xiao Yuxin, "Or would you, like a rabbit, nibble on grass?"
Xiao Yuxin too shook his head.
"Exactly," Tang Shuyi declared with a grand gesture, "Self-reliance is the key to survival."
Xiao Yuming, always playful, chuckled and made his way to the grill, while Xiao Yuxin, slightly reluctant, followed suit.
Tang Shuyi, having barbecued only a couple of times during company team-building events in her previous life, wasn't an expert, and neither were the siblings. Yet their enthusiasm for novelty and the guidance of the cook made the experience enjoyable for all.
Tang Shuyi laughed heartily watching the elegantly dressed children busily turning skewers, sprinkling seasoning, and fanning the flames amidst the smoke and sizzle of the grill. This, she mused, was the essence of life's simple pleasures.
The food they had prepared themselves was delicious. The siblings, along with Tang Shuyi, feasted heartily. Afterward, they sat in the pavilion chatting idly, enjoying the view, and discussing household matters and trivialities.
Xiao Yuxin and his siblings found the afternoon delightful and cheerful, while Tang Shuyi appreciated the quaint charm of ancient life.
As the afternoon was filled with tasks, the family conversed for a while before departing to change clothes and attend to their respective affairs, each carrying the smoky scent of the barbecue.
Upon returning to Qingfeng Garden, Xiao Yuxin was greeted by Ziling. He instructed her to find a set of dark, sober clothes before retiring to his bedroom. He was somewhat nervous about meeting Wu Guoliang soon.
A casual encounter or trivial chitchat about poetry would not have concerned him, but discussing the annulment and the events at Chongguang Temple with Wu Guoliang was an entirely different matter.
Wu Guoliang was not like Liang Jianan; Liang Jianan was merely brazen under the guise of the noble consort's influence, not truly cunning. Wu Guoliang, on the other hand, was a genuine imperial scholar by training and currently served as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a fourth-rank official.
Born into a family steeped in scholarly tradition, a graduate himself, and immersed in the bureaucratic arena for years, such a character was not one to be trifled with lightly. Xiaoyu Chen felt the pressure but knew it was his duty to rise to the challenge, gradually mastering the art with ease.
"Eldest Master, how do you find this attire?" Ziling presented a dark robe with subtle gold embroidery and wide sleeves. Xiaoyu Chen approved with a nod after a brief inspection.
"Allow me to assist you with your robe, Young Master."
Ziling stepped forward to help Xiaoyu Chen, who spread his arms to facilitate her movements, though his mind was preoccupied with how he would soon deal with Wu Guoliang. After changing, Ziling offered to redo his hair, but Xiaoyu Chen waved her off, proceeding to the front hall with Changming and Changfeng.
"You stand by the door and inform me immediately upon their arrival," Xiaoyu Chen instructed Changming.
"Yes, Master," Changming acknowledged before hurrying off.
Seated in the hall, Xiaoyu Chen reflected on Tang Shuyi's advice to stand firm on his principles, know what he wanted, and let the rest follow. After all, the advantage was theirs; Wu Guoliang should be the one feeling uneasy.
Yet, he couldn't afford to underestimate a seasoned schemer like Wu Guoliang. When Changming reported Wu Guoliang's entry, Xiaoyu Chen rose to greet him.
Wu Guoliang was different from Liang Jian'an in both his official rank and his background, as well as his prospective father-in-law status, warranting a reception at the entrance.
As he approached the courtyard, he spotted a man in his thirties or forties, portly and stern-faced, approaching under the steward's guidance. Xiaoyu Chen quickened his pace to meet him, "Uncle Wu, forgive me for not greeting you sooner."
"My worthy nephew," Wu Guoliang offered Xiaoyu Chen a rare smile. His usual severity had been absent even on the day Xiaoyu Chen was betrothed to Wu Jingyun.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they entered the hall to take their seats, Xiaoyu Chen in the central chair of honor, Wu Guoliang to the left as the guest. The maids served tea, and Xiaoyu Chen offered, "Try this pre-rain Longjing tea, Uncle."
Wu Guoliang took a sip from his cup and smiled, "Excellent tea."
In truth, preoccupied with his thoughts, he could hardly distinguish the quality of the tea. But he was starting to respect the marquis' heir, who knew books but not the ways of the world.
Wu Guoliang was somewhat familiar with his future son-in-law: a bookworm with a straightforward nature, slightly naïve, yet not without the pride of a marquis' heir. A man like him, if not for his noble birth, might have been deemed utterly without merit. Yet, his lineage alone was a merit; without any fatal flaws or habits, it was enough to stand guard over a city.
Hence, he had been content with this match, but now...
Having not met for several days, Xiaoyu Chen appeared much improved, at least much more composed. He had been involved in the incident at the Chongguang Temple, the very target of the conspiracy, yet it was by sheer luck he had escaped.
Of course, whether it was an intentional escape or a stroke of fortune is now debatable.
But regardless, after the incident at Chongguang Temple, if he were the Xiao Yuchen from his memory, it would have been good enough if he didn't snub him. Who would have thought he'd be as meticulously polite as he is now, as if nothing had happened?
PS: Regarding updates: 4000+ words daily. On whimsical days, the author might go for 6000+ or more. Update time is around 6 PM daily.
The update yesterday morning was due to the rush for the debut verification period, but typically it will be around 6 PM in the afternoon.
Chapter 48: More Troublesome
Wu Guoliang's mind grew more complex for a time, while Xiao Yuchen was not as tense. Many things are like this; they seem insurmountable and daunting in your mind, but when you actually face them, they're not as difficult as imagined.
This was exactly how Xiao Yuchen felt now. He had thought that negotiating with Wu Guoliang as an equal would be nerve-wracking, but in reality, it wasn't as anxiety-inducing as he had anticipated.
"I remember the first time I saw you, you were only six or seven years old, about this tall," Wu Guoliang raised his hand to indicate a height and continued sentimentally, "Back then, you were following Zi'an around, and he had you reciting poetry. You puffed out your little chest and recited with such rhythm and cadence, it was delightful. In the blink of an eye, you've grown so much."
Xiao Yuchen felt a twinge of nostalgia upon hearing his father mentioned. His father had passed away over two years ago, and the past slowly turned into memories. Yet, every mention always brought a warm and slightly bitter feeling to his heart.
"You flatter me, Uncle," he said.
Wu Guoliang waved his hand dismissively, "Although Zi'an and I were not the closest of friends, we were well-acquainted. Your grandmother and Jingyun's maternal grandmother were close friends, which led to your engagement with Jingyun. I was truly happy and relieved that you two were betrothed. When she came home yesterday and told me you wanted to break off the engagement, I was utterly shocked. Nephew, where did Jingyun go wrong to upset you and the Marquess's wife? I will make sure she corrects her behavior."
Xiao Yuchen had been lost in thoughts of his father, but Wu Guoliang's words snapped him back to reality. He picked up the teacup beside him and took a sip, pondering how one must always be cautious in conversation with this old fox, lest you get led astray unwittingly.
Wu Guoliang started by playing the emotional card with his father, then brought up the broken engagement, yet he didn't mention a word about the incident at Chongguang Temple. Xiao Yuchen was certain that if he followed Wu Guoliang's lead and explained why he wanted to break off the engagement, Wu Guoliang would have a response waiting for him.
Xiao Yuchen felt a surge of annoyance. If his father or mother were present today, would Wu Guoliang dare act this way? He probably would have started with an apology instead.
Repeating the mantra 'show no joy or anger' twice in his mind, he placed the teacup on the table, producing a crisp sound. Looking at Wu Guoliang, he said, "Uncle, as for the matter of breaking off the engagement, you should ask the Second Miss about it. She insists on breaking it off. Then there were many incidents at Chongguang Temple..."
He feigned difficulty in speaking.
Wu Guoliang's fingers tensed slightly. He hadn't expected Xiao Yuchen not to follow his lead. It seemed that the young master of the Marquess's household had indeed matured.
He let out a deep sigh, looking exhausted, "It's all due to my lack of strict discipline. I'm too ashamed to speak of such incidents. Nephew, I hope you can keep this a secret, or my Wu household's womenfolk won't be able to live it down."
"Uncle, what exactly happened at Chongguang Temple?" Xiao Yuchen asked, anger apparent on his face, "If... if the one targeted at Chongguang Temple that day had been me, I... I shudder at the thought. After all, the people from your household came for me. Uncle, wouldn't you be angry if you were in my shoes?"
Wu Guoliang was at a loss for words due to Xiao Yuchen's retort. He had intended to manipulate the situation by invoking the moral standing of the women in his household, but Xiao Yuchen had bluntly exposed the plot against him. How could Wu Guoliang respond to that?
Momentarily silent, Xiao Yuchen continued, "Since my father passed away, my younger brother and I have been in a haze of confusion. The Yongning Marquis's household is indeed vulnerable, but I never expected that even you, Uncle, would take advantage of our weakness."
"Nephew, it's absolutely not... not what you think," Wu Guoliang stood up in shock. He could never admit to bullying the widow and orphan of the Yongning Marquis residence; the Liang family served as a stark example.
"Uncle, my mother was also quite upset at Chongguang Temple. Even now, she's seething with rage. There's no point in keeping things under wraps anymore. After all, mother and I can't be bothered with that now. Let's discuss everything once our hearts are no longer clouded with resentment."
Wu Guoliang opened and closed his mouth several times without saying a word. Xiao Yuchen's meaning was clear: if they wanted them to keep silent, they'd first have to calm them down.
For some reason, he suddenly recalled how the Liang family had damaged a rockery in the Yongning Marquis residence and compensated with thirty thousand taels of silver.
It was said that every stone of that rockery had been blessed by the monks of Putuo Temple. Of course, Wu Guoliang didn't believe it, but the predicaments he faced now seemed eerily similar to that rockery's tale.
Ha!
Who says a widow and orphan are easy to bully? Let them see, the affairs of the Yongning Marquis residence are much more troublesome now than in the days of Xiao Huai. Xiao Huai wouldn't have been so nitpicky. But, they were in the wrong, and he had no choice but to reluctantly accept it.
"It's all due to my lack of discipline, causing you, my dear nephew, to be aggrieved," Wu Guoliang lamented. What else could he say?
"Uncle, my mother's heart is heavy, and I must go to console her, so I won't keep you," Xiao Yuchen stood up, gesturing for his guest to leave. Wu Guoliang had no choice but to take his leave, his heart heavy with thoughts.
Once the guest had left, Changfeng and Changming entered the hall, looking at Xiao Yuchen with admiration. Changfeng even remarked, "Young master, you were especially imposing just now."
"You have the bearing of the lady of the house," Changming added.
Xiao Yuchen let out a long sigh, "Let's go to Shian Garden."
His actions had been spur of the moment, and unexpectedly effective, filling him with a bit of smug satisfaction.
Upon arriving at Shian Garden, Tang Shuyi was playing mahjong with Cuizhu, Cuiyun, and a young maid. Seeing him, Tang Shuyi waved him over to join the game. The young maid stood up, and he took her place.
Mahjong had become popular in recent years, especially among the ladies of the inner court. As it was invented by a great scholar, many literati held it in high esteem. Xiao Yuchen had studied the game when it first gained popularity and was quite adept at it.
In her previous life, Tang Shuyi had loved playing mahjong. Today, she had found a set while Cuiyun and the others were tidying up, sparking her interest.
Xiao Yuchen glanced at his tiles, threw a five of circles onto the table, and began recounting his encounter with Wu Guoliang. After hearing it, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but praise him, "Well done."
For his first confrontation with an old fox like Wu Guoliang, maintaining the upper hand without being swayed, and even outmaneuvering him, was commendable for a seventeen-year-old. She encouraged him further, "A child worth teaching."
Xiao Yuchen, delighted by the praise, was as happy as a mouse sipping honey, but he maintained his composure, simply smiling and responding, "It's all thanks to mother's teachings."
Seeing his elation while he struggled to stay composed, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but burst into laughter. Her eldest son was quite endearing in his stubbornness.
"Three bamboo," Xiaoyu Chen declared as he played a tile. Tang Shuyi swiftly pushed her tiles forward with a slap. "Mahjong!"
…
Chapter 49: Could Her Misfortune Be Any Worse?
Wu Guoliang's mood on his way back from the Marquis of Yongning's residence was far too complex to describe simply. He felt a tinge of regret and a wistful longing. Regret for underestimating Xiaoyu Chen; had he been more sincere earlier, perhaps things would have gone smoother.
Wistful, because he lost Xiaoyu Chen as a son-in-law. Clearly, Xiaoyu Chen had grown much; should he continue on this path, he might become a significant figure in the future.
He returned to his residence in a flurry of vexation. No sooner had he sat down in his study than his attendant reported, "Master, the monk Chang Jing has fled."
"Fled!" Wu Guoliang's mood soured further. "How did you handle this?"
The attendant immediately knelt, "When I arrived at Chongguang Temple, Chang Jing had already gone. I searched the entire temple but found no trace of him."
Wu Guoliang frowned deeply, sinking into silence. Chang Jing must have fled out of fear. He doubted the monk would disclose that day's events; a hint of a rumor would suffice to track him down.
A man who fled so swiftly must be clever.
"Rise," Wu Guoliang ordered. "Pay close attention to any rumblings outside in the coming days, and quash them immediately."
The attendant understood he referred to the affair between Wu Jing Shu and Monk Chang Jing. With the reputation of the entire Wu family's women at stake, he dared not be negligent. "I will be thoroughly vigilant," he assured solemnly.
Wu Guoliang gestured for him to leave. The attendant exhaled a sigh of relief as he exited, encountering Madam Wu at the door. After he paid his respects and was about to leave, she stopped him to inquire about Chang Jing. Learning of the monk's escape, she nearly toppled over, saved only by her maidservant's quick support.
Inside the study, upon seeing Wu Guoliang, Madam Wu grabbed his sleeve. "Chang Jing has run off, what about our Jing Shu?"
"You actually wish to marry our daughter to that monk?" Wu Guoliang's ire flared at the sight of his wife. If not for her antics at Chongguang Temple, he wouldn't be in such a predicament.
In truth, her scheming was for her daughter's advantage over her stepdaughter's matrimonial prospects.
"Of course I don't wish Jing Shu to marry Chang Jing, but if he divulges our secret, how can Jing Shu live?" Madam Wu's greatest fear was the scandal.
"Then let her die!" Wu Guoliang bellowed, his gaze upon Madam Wu turning fierce. "I've always believed you to be kind and virtuous, treating Jing Yun as your own. Who knew you harbored such vile thoughts? What other harm have you wrought upon Jing Yun?"
"Master, if not for Jing Yun's persecution, how would Jing Shu be in this plight?"
Wu Guoliang had no desire to hear her speak, nor did he want to delve deeper into the matter. The issues at the Marquis of Yongning's residence were headache enough.
He said, "Now, the Marquis of Yongning's household won't let go of their grievances against Xiao Yuchen because of your schemes. Unless we appease them, the chances of them keeping this matter under wraps are slim."
Madam Wu's mind had been a jumbled mess these past few days. She didn't grasp the meaning of Wu Guoliang's words at first, but after pondering for a while, she said, "At Chongguang Temple, neither the Marquise nor the heir of Marquis Yongning suffered any loss. What right do they have to be so infuriated and unrelenting?"
"You schemed against them, and you think they have no right to be angry?" Wu Guoliang nearly blurted out 'fool' again. How had he never realized how foolish she was before?
"Then... what should we do now?" Though still somewhat indignant, Madam Wu didn't dare voice her dissatisfaction.
Wu Guoliang instructed, "Prepare a sincere apology. I'm stepping out for a bit."
With those words, he walked towards the door. Pausing at the entrance of the study, he added, "The apology must be heartfelt. If you're unsure of what to offer, consider the 30,000 taels of silver the Liang family paid to the Marquis of Yongning. Moreover, the compensation should come from your dowry."
After he left, Madam Wu was so infuriated she felt like spitting blood. Her daughter had been violated, and now she was expected to pay tens of thousands of taels in compensation. Was there anyone as wretched as her?
Wu Guoliang left the study and headed towards Wu Jingyun's courtyard. He hadn't realized before how secluded his daughter's living quarters were, and the simplicity of her courtyard suggested the hardships she must have endured under Feng's care over the years.
This realization dispelled many of his suspicions towards Wu Jingyun.
Wu Jingyun was pretending to read a book, but she couldn't concentrate on a single word. Ever since returning from Chongguang Temple, she had been consumed with worry, fearing that the Marquise and Xiao Yuchen might disclose her actions to Wu Guoliang.
If Feng accused her of harming Wu Jingjun, she could argue against it, and her father might believe her somewhat. But if the Marquise or Xiao Yuchen accused her, even if her father didn't believe them fully, he would likely interrogate her attendants to verify their claims. Even the most loyal servant might confess under severe torture.
While she was fretting, a maid informed her that Wu Guoliang had arrived. She hurriedly set aside her book to greet him, her heart pounding in her throat. She knew her father had visited the Marquis of Yongning.
Once inside, father and daughter sat in uncomfortable silence. Wu Jingyun was afraid of what her father might have learned at the Marquis's residence, while Wu Guoliang found it difficult to broach the topic.
After a prolonged silence, Wu Guoliang finally spoke. "Jingyun," he said, "you have been wronged this time."
Hearing this, Wu Jingyun's heart settled. The Marquise and Xiao Yuchen hadn't spoken to her father about her actions.
"But this matter still needs resolution," Wu Guoliang continued. "The incident involving your youngest sister... it must not be disclosed. If it were, all the women in the Wu family would suffer the consequences.
However, the Marquise and Xiao Yuchen are fully aware of the incident. We must ensure they keep silent. But Feng and the others have schemed against Xiao Yuchen, and now the Marquise and Xiao Yuchen are furious. They need to vent their anger before we can negotiate their silence."
Wu Guoliang's gaze then held a hint of pleading as he looked at Wu Jingyun. "I was thinking... your maternal grandmother has close ties with the Marquis of Yongning's household. I want her to take a peace offering to them on our behalf. Mainly because, as an outsider, it's inappropriate for me to meet the Marquise."
This was the best solution Wu Guoliang could think of – to find someone respected and trustworthy, with a good relationship with the Marquis's family, to apologize on his behalf. And the ideal person for this task was Wu Jingyun's maternal grandmother, the venerable matriarch of the Zhang family.
The Zhang family matriarch and the late old Marquise of Yongning were close as sisters, and even though the old Marquise had passed away, the current Marquise would still afford her due respect. Moreover, the matriarch would certainly keep the incident involving Wu Jingjun a secret, knowing that if it were to leak, Wu Jingyun wouldn't be spared either.
…
Chapter 50: Don't Even Think About It
Wu Jingyun had always known that Wu Guoliang was a man adept at scheming, but she never anticipated he could scheme to such an extent. How could he have the audacity to suggest that her maternal grandmother should apologize to Lady Yongning?
A stepmother plotting against the daughter of the first wife, and now expecting the mother of the first wife to clean up the mess — where is the logic in that?
Feeling aggrieved and indignant, and recalling the events of her past and present lives, Wu Jingyun's eyes brimmed with tears as she said, "Father, my grandmother is over sixty years old, and she has always been strong-willed. When have you ever seen her bow her head to anyone? How can you bear to make her... apologize to Lady Yongning?"
By the time she finished speaking, her face was already streaked with tears.
Even Wu Guoliang, a man fond of his schemes, had his pride. His face turned red, and he sighed heavily, saying, "Jingyun, I truly have no other choice! The Yongning Manor is becoming increasingly troublesome. Today, although I did not meet Lady Yongning, I can imagine that she is not one to consider past affections; otherwise, she would not have directly brought up the matter of breaking off the engagement at Chongguang Temple.
As a man, it's inappropriate for me to meet Lady Yongning, and Feng's condition is what it is now. After much thought, I believe that only your maternal grandmother holds some sway with Lady Yongning. This is not just for the sake of Jing Shu. If the incident at Chongguang Temple gets out, it won't bode well for you either!"
"The trouble was caused by Lady Feng and her daughter; let the Feng family go to Yongning Manor to apologize," Wu Jingyun said, wiping her tears.
Wu Guoliang's face creased with worry like a folded steamed bun as he said, "You're not unaware of the Feng family's humble status. If they were to meet Lady Yongning, they might just kneel down right away, and how would that solve anything?"
Wu Jingyun remained silent, tears streaming down her face, while Wu Guoliang paced the room anxiously. After a while, he said, "I know you have suffered a great deal this time. I will give you the two tracts of good farmland in Liu'an County, on the outskirts of the capital."
A tract of land is fifty mu, so two tracts amount to a hundred mu, and all of it fertile land. Wu Guoliang was truly offering a substantial compensation. However, Wu Jingyun still hung her head, tears flowing, without saying a word. Seeing this, Wu Guoliang could only grit his teeth and say, "The shop on De Ping Street in the capital will be yours too."
The shop on De Ping Street was the best property owned by the Wu family.
Clutching a handkerchief, Wu Jingyun dabbed at her tears and said, "Father, wealth and possessions are external things. I am just heartbroken for my grandmother, at her age she still has to…"
"I understand, I truly do," Wu Guoliang said, knowing that Wu Jingyun had agreed, and added, "I'll go with you to your maternal grandparents' house now and speak with your grandmother personally."
Wu Jingyun nodded slightly, and Wu Guoliang patted her shoulder, "I know you're sensible. Get ready, and I'll go prepare some gifts for your grandmother."
With her eyes red from crying, Wu Jingyun turned and went to the inner chamber to wash her face, while Wu Guoliang headed to the storeroom to select gifts for Madam Zhang, Wu Jingyun's maternal grandmother.
The Zhang family was also of scholarly background. Wu Jingyun's maternal grandfather, the patriarch of the Zhang family, was a great scholar of his time and had once been the headmaster of the Shanglin Academy in the capital. Shanglin Academy was considered the finest academy in the Dagan Dynasty, boasting numerous students, which spoke volumes of the prestige the elder Mr. Zhang held.
However, in the past few years since the elder Mr. Zhang passed away, the prestige of the Zhang family had declined, yet many still respected Madam Zhang.
Wu Guoliang carefully selected a cartload of gifts in the storeroom. Once Wu Jingyun was ready, the father and daughter set off in a carriage towards the Zhang residence. On the way, Wu Guoliang asked Wu Jingyun, "Today, the heir of the Xiao family said it was you who first wanted to break off the engagement. Is this true?"
Wu Jingyun bowed her head in silence; there was nothing Wu Guoliang did not understand. Xiao Yuchen had spoken the truth. Puzzled, he asked, "Why? It was you who pleaded with your grandmother to speak to Old Lady Marquis Yongning to arrange your marriage with Xiao Yuchen."
Holding a handkerchief, Wu Jingyun remained silent for a long while before saying, "Xiao Yuchen's heart has always been preoccupied with Liu Biqin; he has no room for anyone else."
This was the excuse she had come up with today. If Xiao Yuchen had fallen into a trap at Chongguang Temple, she could have directly called off the engagement citing his flawed character. But since Xiao Yuchen returned unscathed from Chongguang Temple, she had to find a reason for breaking off the engagement.
Xiao Yuchen and Old Lady Marquis Yongning hadn't revealed that she had drugged Wu Jingshu and Xiao Yuchen, which was already a mercy. There was no way she could take the blame for calling off the engagement.
"This..."
Wu Guoliang was torn between anger and annoyance as he said, "Didn't the Liang family already search? Xiao Yuchen isn't hiding any daughter of the Liu family. Even if he were, what of it? What can a disgraced orphan do? Even if Xiao Yuchen has feelings for that girl from the Liu family, you'll be his principal wife once you're married. With my support, what do you have to fear?"
Wu Jingyun continued to bow her head in stubborn silence, infuriating Wu Guoliang to the point where he almost wanted to slap her. But remembering that he still needed Lady Zhang, he restrained himself.
The carriage rattled to a stop in front of the Zhang residence. Father and daughter alighted and made their way to Old Lady Zhang's quarters.
The Zhang family was thriving, and Old Lady Zhang was surrounded by several children of five or six and seven or eight years old, whose childish voices made her laugh heartily. Seeing the Wu father and daughter approach, Old Lady Zhang hurriedly beckoned them to sit.
After exchanging a few words, Old Lady Zhang sensed something was amiss with the father-daughter pair and dismissed everyone, leaving only her personal maid in the room.
Wu Jingyun approached Old Lady Zhang and whispered in her ear, "Grandmother, please ask the two aunts to leave as well."
Her words caused Old Lady Zhang's brows to furrow slightly, but she still instructed her personal maid to leave, leaving only the three of them in the room.
"Speak, what is it?" Old Lady Zhang asked, looking at Wu Guoliang. She was generally pleased with her son-in-law.
Wu Guoliang felt somewhat embarrassed to begin, but finally mustered the courage and recounted the events at Chongguang Temple, naturally omitting Wu Jingyun's involvement.
After he finished, the room fell into such a silence that one could hear a pin drop. After a while, the quiet was shattered by the sound of a teacup smashing to the ground, and then they saw Old Lady Zhang trembling with rage, pointing at Wu Guoliang and saying:
"This is outrageous, utterly outrageous! How could you have the gall to come here? And you expect me to apologize to the Marquis Yongning's household on your behalf, to clean up after your wicked stepwife? No way, not in a million years."
Wu Guoliang fell to his knees with a thud, tears welling in his eyes as he choked out, "Mother-in-law, I know this puts you in a difficult position, but I truly have no other choice! If word of this gets out, not only will the Feng mother and daughter lose face, but Jingyun will also be implicated! Mother-in-law, please think of Jingyun."
Old Lady Zhang clenched her teeth in rage; if she could, she would have torn Wu Guoliang to pieces. Yet, his last remark left her feeling powerless. Indeed, if the matter became public, her granddaughter would also suffer.
"Grandmother..." Wu Jingyun knelt beside Old Lady Zhang and burst into tears. Unable to hold back her own, Old Lady Zhang let them fall as she stroked Wu Jingyun's head, lamenting, "Child, why is your fate so hard!"