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墨書 Inktalez
Yue Clan lowered her head upon hearing this: she actually wanted to preserve the glory of Yun You during his lifetime and let Yun Ke inherit the title. However, she was well aware of the complexities of the struggles within the residence. If Second Master were still alive, she would certainly not easily relinquish what belonged to Second House.
But with Second Master's departure, all the disputes had lost their meaning, and it was even difficult to ensure that it wouldn't cause trouble for her children in the future. The selection for Yun Ke's Martial Champion was imminent, and she did not want anyone to interfere because of this matter. However, Yue Clan had considerations regarding who should inherit the title.
Master had good character, but he rarely concerned himself with matters of the inner residence; most of the time, he listened to Madam. Sun Rulan only performed superficial duties and liked to speak sweetly, but when it came to doing something or helping out, she would always make excuses and delay, often adopting a "fair treatment" stance as Sister-in-law, which was not beneficial for Second House. Therefore, allowing either Master or one of his two offspring to inherit the title was acceptable, but Yue Clan did not trust Sun Rulan.
As for Third House Yun Yang, she had actually considered letting him inherit the title. Over the years, she had witnessed his care and affection for Seventh Young Lady, treating her as if she were his own daughter. If Three Elders inherited the title, it would undoubtedly further "win over" his heart. However, just thinking about how treacherous Third Madam was made Yue Clan feel as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her from head to toe, leaving her chilled to the bone and abandoning that thought.
Thus, only one option remained: Four Elders Cloud City, who had a close relationship with Second House, was still unmarried and without a wife, eliminating concerns about future disputes within the residence favoring anyone. Moreover, Zhou had always favored her son Cloud City, which could help alleviate any biases against Second House. In critical moments, he would also speak on behalf of Second House. Weighing both sides, Yue Clan deemed Fourth Master to be the most suitable candidate.
Although now the title held by the Marquis had temporarily been revoked following the passing of the involved party, the matter of nobility was still unclear. However, if she stood up now to express her stance, it might play right into Zhou's hands. Regardless of whether it succeeded or failed, it would be more beneficial than harmful for Second House. After all, no matter how the emperor decided on this matter, she had already made her position clear. This was a point where Second Madam differed from both Sun Rulan and Fu Lianyin.
"This matter can only be decided by His Majesty; this much I understand," Yue Clan said with a knowledgeable smile. "I have a few heartfelt words for you, Mother. During his lifetime, Master cared most for Fourth Brother, who also has the closest relationship with Second House. If he were to inherit the title, I would feel at ease."
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Zhou felt relieved; her gloomy wrinkled face gradually relaxed: she had always thought that Yue Clan was a person who understood the bigger picture and became even more convinced after this incident.
The joy in Zhou's heart was evident on her face—she previously thought that Yue Clan had come to probe her attitude towards this matter or perhaps needed her help to secure the title. Thus, their initial conversation had been somewhat lukewarm. Now hearing Yue Clan speak openly and sincerely eased her wariness towards her and made her more enthusiastic.
"Cheng Er's relationship with Second House, how could I not know?" Zhou laughed heartily. "You don't know; every time he comes here, he always praises Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law. It makes me feel like an insignificant mother." She added somewhat jealously.
"That's just how Fourth Master is," Yue Clan replied with a light smile. "There are some heartfelt words he won't say in front of you but will express them to us. He always worries you too much; it's quite unfilial of him. What pains him most is that his 'misdeeds' have led him to remain unmarried all this time; he feels deeply ashamed for not allowing you to hold your grandchild."
Upon hearing this, Zhou frowned and paused in thought. Realizing she had touched upon her mother-in-law's "heartache," Yue Clan felt guilty and quickly offered comfort: "I'm sorry, Mother. I spoke out of turn; it's just that I know how much you care for Fourth Brother, which is why I said those words. Please forgive me."
"I don't blame you," Zhou said absentmindedly as her gaze drifted past Second Madam, lost in thought. "It's all fate; it's fate..."
“Mother, do not worry,” Yue Clan quickly stepped forward to comfort her, “I believe there is no grudge in this world that cannot be resolved. Everything will be clear when the clouds part and the moon shines.”
“Hopefully,” Zhou raised her eyes to glance at Yue Clan and replied dismissively, then lowered her head again to softly murmur, “I hope to see Cheng Er married before I grow old and die.”
Yue Clan suddenly felt a wave of sadness. She supported one of Zhou's shoulders and choked out, “You will, Mother, you definitely will…”
“Second Madam, it’s late. You should go back and rest. I am tired as well,” Zhou said listlessly.
“Yes, Mother. I will help you back to your room before leaving,” Yue Clan said as she reached out to assist Zhou.
Zhou gently pushed Yue Ziyun's hand away and smiled lightly, “No need. I can walk by myself. You can leave first.”
Second Madam did not insist further. After bowing, she left.
Fu Lianyin had already slipped out of the North Courtyard earlier. She didn’t even know how she made it back to the Third House—if the fire in her heart could ignite flames, Duke's Residence would have been ablaze! She could only listen to half of the conversation before she couldn’t take it anymore and stumbled back to the Western Courtyard—she never expected that Zhou and Second Madam were “in cahoots,” while she still held onto a glimmer of hope for support; thinking about it was laughable!
With a dark expression, she paced back and forth in her bedroom before finally plopping down into a chair, her fierce gaze fixed on the teacup in front of her. The sleeves of her robe were twisted into a bunch: what a Second Madam! She had grasped the old lady's thoughts tightly; she used to think she was just patient, but now she realized how cunning she truly was. It was possible that the initial “Adopted Condition” was her idea all along.
Yue Clan, I will never let you off! Fu Lianyin glared fiercely, then with a loud crash, a teacup fell to the ground. Hearing the noise, a maid hurriedly pushed the door open. Upon seeing the shards scattered everywhere and noticing Third Madam's poor complexion, she was startled at first but dared not ask anything; she could only crouch down to clean up the mess.
“Get out!” Fu Lianyin shouted at the maid like a madwoman. “We don’t need you right now!”
"But Third Madam, if your foot gets pricked by these shards—"
"Get lost!" Fu Lianyin spat out a word through clenched teeth.
The maid was startled and thought, could it be that Third Madam has eaten gunpowder tonight?! She hurriedly dropped the broken teacup and fled, closing the door behind her...
As Yue Ziyun stepped out of Haitang Pavilion, Cloud City emerged from behind the screen—
"Mother, look at you, forcing me to hide behind the screen. If Second Sister-in-law finds out, how heartbroken she would be."
"It's fine. With Second Madam's shrewdness, she probably has her guard up as well," Zhou said, taking a sip of the water handed over by Cloud City, speaking in a cryptic manner, "I also want to hear how she views Cheng Er."
"I didn't expect Second Sister-in-law would want me to inherit the title..." Cloud City seemed not to hear Zhou's words and spoke as if to herself, "Among my brothers and sisters-in-law, only Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law treat me the best."
"Cheng Er didn't expect that I had 'calculated' this," Zhou smirked, a knowing smile on her face. "With Second Master facing misfortune, and Second Madam feeling overwhelmed with her young son and daughter, it's hard for her to support them alone. Plus, since Ke'er is not yet of age, if he were to inherit the title, it would be difficult to gain support. But whether it's letting First House or Third House inherit the title, life for Second House in the future won't be easy. Thus, she thought of the Fourth Room, which has the closest ties with Second House. And you, Cheng Er," Zhou paused slightly and added with admiration, "the Yue Clan is indeed shrewd."
"I see now," Cloud City nodded in realization, his gaze fixed on the dark stone bricks outside as he softly said, "But Mother, regardless of whether I can inherit the title in the end, I am grateful to Second Sister-in-law. At least she treats me as family rather than an enemy."
"Am I not aware of this?" Zhou grasped one of Cloud City's hands and looked up at him with a sigh. "I heard every word that Second Madam said here before; it was quite rare."
"Unfortunately, Second Brother left too unjustly, and those two children..." Cloud City suddenly felt sorrowful. He couldn't forget how devastated he was when he first learned of Yun You's passing. "I wonder how they will get by in the future?"
"Don't worry. The Yue Clan is still the lady of the Duke's Residence Second House, and eventually, Ke'er will find success," Zhou said sternly as she couldn't bear seeing her beloved son care for others more than her. "Aren't we still here?"
Yun Cheng originally planned to tell Zhou that he wanted to move to the farm where Second Brother lived before his death, but upon seeing his mother's expression and demeanor, he held back: his mother would never allow him to do so.
"Mother," Yun Cheng said lightly with a smile, "we can take good care of Second Brother's wife and children. It's late now; I will take my leave, and I hope you will rest early as well."
Zhou wanted to chat a bit more but could not. With a reluctant smile, she said, "Go on."
Yun Cheng nodded and took his leave, stepping across the threshold. Zhou watched his thin figure gradually fade away, and a sense of desolation and loneliness arose in her heart. She withdrew her gaze and suddenly sank deep into the chair, as if she had lost all strength and fell silent. After a long while, a maid from the inner room came out to assist her back into the bedroom and helped her settle down for sleep.
The next morning was somewhat gloomy, gray and hazy, as if ink had been spilled on paper that had not yet dried. It was not a day that made one want to go out; there was no motivation for traveling. The Yue Clan's relatives—her sister and brother—came to visit the Duke's Second House to see the Yue Clan mother and child. In fact, ever since Yun You was unfortunately harmed, her family had been visiting more frequently than before. However, this time they came after hearing about last night's events and were somewhat incredulous.
"Sister, are you really planning to 'pass on' this title?" Sister Yue Ziting asked playfully while cracking sunflower seeds.
"No, I just think 'it's better to avoid trouble than to create it,'" Yue Clan responded calmly. "However, this is just me expressing my stance early; it doesn't decide anything."
"Right, this matter still depends on how the Emperor decides. If he issues an edict allowing your nephew to inherit the title, it is very possible," Bochao said while drinking and snacking on peanuts. He turned to Yue Ziyun and added, "Sister, you don't have to resign yourself to fate like this. Though Brother-in-law is gone, you still have your family; I doubt anyone would dare bully the Second House."
Bochao had passed the Shuji Shi exam two years ago and worked at the Hanlin Academy, speaking with confidence. (To be continued)
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