Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
The next day, Feng Yinxiao and Yun Ke led a large group westward to the Juyuanxi at the border of Great Taihe.
The Yun Family members accompanied them to the city gate before returning to the Duke's Residence. The Second Madam was silent along the way, clearly having cried just yesterday, her eyes red. Yun Kexin quietly stayed by her side, accompanying her mother.
“Auntie, do not be sad,” Yun Kexin said gently as she linked arms with Yue Clan while walking through the corridor. “Brother Yun Ke is serving the country; this is the honor of the Yun Clan.”
“I know this well, and it is also a principle that Master has always followed: a man should not idly stay at home. As long as he has any strength left, he must serve his country,” Yue Clan sighed and shook her head. “But that is a battlefield. What parent wouldn’t worry about this? The Second House only has Yun Ke as a man; we are counting on him for everything in the future…”
Yun Kexin understood her mother’s feelings: Father was harmed, Fourth Sister was married off, Ninth Brother was still young, and Yun Ke was her only hope and support. If anything were to happen to Yun Ke, she and her two orphaned children would surely suffer greatly and might even face complete marginalization.
“Auntie, you worry too much. Don’t forget, this time Young Lord is going with Yun Ke; nothing will happen,” Yun Kexin said, trying hard not to show her own worries, hoping her optimism would uplift her mother. “Before leaving, Young Lord promised me that he would bring Brother Yun Ke back safe and sound.”
Yue Clan smiled faintly, indicating her willingness to believe Yun Kexin's words. But Yun Kexin knew that her mother’s heart was still troubled, so she encouraged her to rest on a bench for a moment. Then she looked around to ensure no one was nearby before saying to Yue Clan, “Auntie, Young Lord also told me that the Emperor intends to promote Yun Ke.”
Seeing Yue Clan's surprise and disbelief, she blinked and continued, “Since Brother Yun Ke has no achievements yet, it would be difficult for the Emperor to reward him without public support. This time Tatar is causing trouble; it is a great opportunity for Brother Yun Ke to make his mark…”
“Is this true?” Yue Clan appeared somewhat excited, instantly revitalized.
“Absolutely no falsehood!” Yun Kexin nodded seriously at Yue Ziyun.
The sun broke through the heavy clouds, radiating golden light that filled the Second House's Southern Courtyard and cast into the somewhat chilly corridor. It illuminated the Second Madam's face with a rosy glow, though she did not express much. She quietly gazed at this young yet sensible girl before her, with shimmering light in her clear eyes. Seeing that Mother finally set down her burdens, Yun Kexin couldn't help but smile knowingly.
“Kexin, Auntie has recently heard the servants in the residence discussing something,” Yue Clan asked with a serene smile as her mood improved and she became more talkative. “Is it true that the Three Elders are taking a concubine?”
“Yes. Father has already begun negotiating a contract with Water Mansion.” Yun Kexin had intended to bring this up with her mother but was surprised that the Second House had already received news. “The Third House has good news.”
“Then Mother didn’t oppose it?” The Second Madam looked astonished—given the Fu Family's nature, they would typically resist such matters vigorously. It would likely cause quite an uproar.
Yun Kexin candidly replied, “Mother initially did not want it, but I persuaded her, and Grandmother helped clarify things.”
Yue Clan was taken aback, thinking she had misheard, and asked again, “Seventh Young Lady persuaded her? How?”
"Mother can no longer bear children and cannot continue to 'branch out and spread leaves' for the Third House. Moreover, Father has no sons, so taking a concubine is only natural." Yun Kexin spoke eloquently, "Actually, during this time, there have been some conflicts between Father and Mother. I suggested to Mother that if she agrees to take a concubine, perhaps their relationship with Father could be eased and salvaged."
"And then she agreed?" The Second Madam still found it hard to believe, looking at Yun Kexin with suspicion. "So their relationship with the Third Master improved?"
Recently, there had been much discussion in the household about how the Third Master’s relationship with the Third Madam had deteriorated, to the point where he was even sleeping in the study at night instead of returning to his room. Could such deep-seated conflicts and unhappiness really be resolved by a ten-year-old girl?
"Yes, Father and Mother are now 'as good as new,'" Yun Kexin said with a cold smile, mocking. "However, this is merely a temporary measure. Once Water Lily enters the Duke's Third House, their previous relationship will remain unchanged!"
Yue Ziyun was taken aback; it felt as if she had just met Yun Kexin for the first time. She could hardly believe such words were coming from a ten-year-old child. After being stunned for a moment, as if she understood something, Yue Clan frowned and said gently yet anxiously:
"Seventh Young Lady, regardless of Auntie's prejudices or even resentment towards anyone, those are matters between adults. You must not get involved as a child, understand? Auntie does not want to implicate you..."
Mother and daughter share a bond; how could Yun Kexin not understand her mother's worries? She forced a smile and said, "Auntie, don't worry. Everything I do is not just for the Second House but also for myself. I want to stand up for myself and 'repay' the Fu Family for the harm they caused me that separated us..." The more Yun Kexin spoke, the more hatred filled her heart, brimming with determination. "I will make the Fu Family taste the bitterness of life..."
"Alright, alright, Xin'er," Yue Clan said as she saw Yun Kexin getting agitated, her face alternating between red and pale. Heartbroken, she pulled her into an embrace and comforted her softly. "Auntie thanks you. The master is not wrong; after all, they are flesh and blood. Knowing where 'roots' lie, with understanding children like you around, my heart is already content. Even if there is more anger and resentment, I can endure... Seventh Young Lady, rest assured that the Second House will be fine."
For the first time, Yun Kexin leaned against Yue Ziyun's shoulder without distraction and whispered clearly, "Mother, I will always be your daughter; I will always belong to the Second House."
Upon hearing this, Yue Ziyun held Yun Kexin tighter as her anxiety and unease over her son's expedition finally dissipated.
A few days later, Water Lily entered the residence and became the Third Master Yun Yang's third concubine after Chang Mengyao and Dai Chun Ni.
Fu Lianyin saw that although Water Lily was a Concubine Daughter, she was young and beautiful—both delicate and serene in temperament—and in terms of appearance alone could easily outshine Dai Chun Ni by miles. This made Fu Lianyin feel indignant: how could someone be so charming? No wonder the master was captivated by her; this "vile woman"! Amidst her anger, she felt increasingly uneasy about how Yun Yang would treat her in the future.
That evening, the Third Master did not enter the Third Madam's bedroom but instead went directly to Mingyue Pavilion where Water Lily was staying. Fu Lianyin paced restlessly in her room; her mind was filled with thoughts of Yun Yang visiting Water Lily’s bedchamber in romantic scenarios. The more she thought about it, the less sleepy she felt. So she got up and went to the main hall, occasionally glancing towards Mingyue Pavilion in hopes of seeing some movement inside. Finally unable to contain herself any longer, she tiptoed to Water Lily's door and listened closely.
"Mother, what are you doing?"
Fu Lianyin was startled and turned around to see Yun Kexin, her face flushed with embarrassment, looking as if she had been caught red-handed. Meanwhile, Yun Kexin couldn't help but smirk inwardly: Why does she look like she has seen a ghost? I bet you won't be able to sleep tonight; I've been waiting for you here!
"Nothing much, just taking a stroll," Fu Lianyin feigned calmness as she brushed her hair back and used a light pink handkerchief to wipe her sleeves. "I was going to ask Miss Water Lily if she needed anything and send someone to take care of it, but it's getting late, so never mind." Then she slyly changed the subject, "Why is the Seventh Young Lady still awake at this hour? Running around like this will make you catch a cold; you should go back inside."
Yun Kexin nearly laughed out loud: Fu Lianyin, did I hear you right? You, a proper main wife, actually care about the life and death of a concubine? Dai Chun Ni has been locked up in West Jia Courtyard for years, and I haven't seen you show any concern. What’s different today? Don’t tell me you’ve turned over a new leaf and become kind-hearted! Or are you trying to create trouble for your adoptive father and Water Concubine, intending to ruin their "good fortune"?
"Kexin has nothing to do; I just got up to use the restroom and didn’t expect to run into Mother," Yun Kexin had already mastered the art of being unassailable in front of Fu Lianyin. She lied without batting an eye and maliciously asked, "What’s wrong, Mother? Can't sleep?"
"There's really nothing going on; I just stepped out for some fresh air," Fu Lianyin replied awkwardly with a smile. "Kexin, don’t think too much; go back to your room and get some sleep; we have to get up early tomorrow."
What am I thinking too much about? Isn’t it you I’m imagining?!
"Yes, Mother should also get some rest," Yun Kexin suppressed her laughter and said blankly, "Kexin takes her leave!"
Fu Lianyin returned to her room with a look of sorrow and continued tossing and turning on the cold soft couch, unable to sleep.
In stark contrast was the scene in Mingyue Pavilion, where spring was in full bloom—Yun Yang, having gone without intimacy for some time, could hardly resist the youthful sweetness of Water Lily. Before long, he was like a tiger released from its cage as they indulged in each other’s company.
Afterward, Water Lily nestled against Yun Yang's chest, breathing heavily—
"Master, Consort, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you."
"If anyone should be thanked, it should be Seventh Young Lady," Yun Yang turned his head to look at Water Lily with a smile. "She suggested that I take a concubine."
"Oh, it was Seventh Sister?" Water Lily's eyes lit up as her lips curled into a smile. "Consort has met her once and likes this clever girl very much; she truly is endearing."
Yun Yang had never heard such tender and sincere words from Fu Lianyin before. In that moment, he felt even more drawn to her. He pulled her closer into his embrace and affectionately asked, "Lian'er, when did you start having feelings for me?"
Water Lily blushed and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Seventh Sister... is everything alright with Master?"
"Yes," Yun Yang replied lightly.
"Consort is not bad either," Water Lily shyly said, "It should have started when Master also resolved a Major Case with Father."
"Since then, Lian'er has been keeping an eye on me?" Yun Yang asked eagerly, like a young man digging for details.
"Yes, Consort often hears Father mention you," Water Lily confessed, "always praising you."
Moved, Yun Yang kissed Water Lily, saying, "Lian'er, promise me to treat Seventh Young Lady and Eighth Sister well, and respect the lady, understand?"
"Master, Consort understands and will keep it in mind," Water Lily replied obediently.
Yun Yang gently touched Water Lily's delicate face: "Lian'er, would you mind 'serving' your husband one more time?"
After saying this, he had already "turned the tables," and she shyly complied, as spring returned to the Mingyue Pavilion... (To be continued)
Comment 0 Comment Count