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墨書 Inktalez
Some are joyful while others are worried! Feng Yinxiao and Yun Kexin are immersed in the joy and sweetness of their newlywed life, while Jiangyin Marquis is troubled and restless. He did not sleep well last night and early this morning summoned his "spy" Wang Teng to the Study to hear their report:
"Lord Marquis," Wang Teng stood before Feng Hongwen with a bow, "the Seventh Sister of the Duke of E State Mansion is indeed the legitimate daughter of the Second House; it is no secret that her relationship with her adoptive mother, Third Madam, has been increasingly strained over the years. However, regarding the Second Master's 'last wishes,' the Three Elders not only had no objections but also provided one-third of their assets as a dowry for the adopted daughter, which is quite perplexing. This has greatly angered Third Madam Fu Lianyin, and the Seventh Sister has not shown a smile since her engagement." Wang Teng frowned and lowered his voice, "What is most puzzling is that Fourth Elder Cloud City, who is related to the Seventh Sister as an uncle, would give one-third of his estate as a dowry. I later learned that Fourth Elder has yet to marry and has no wife or children—"
"Are you suggesting that Fourth Elder intends for Seventh Sister to be his heir?!" Feng Hongwen suddenly stood up from the Grand Scholar Chair, staring intently at Wang Teng.
Wang Teng looked up, meeting Jiangyin Marquis's shocked expression, and nodded slowly.
Feng Hongwen inhaled sharply: Fourth Elder's long-standing bachelorhood has always been a mystery, but he is known as a wealthy merchant in Taihe; this is common knowledge. His assets span the entire country, and his connections are extensive. In the capital alone, he interacts with many royal families and nobles, all eager to do business with him. His financial power makes him unpredictable and a target for many bandits; yet strangely, Cloud City has not only prospered in business but also remained safe over the years.
In truth, none of this matters much; no matter how much money Cloud City has, it cannot compare to Jiangyin Marquis's status. However, he is wary that now with such a high-status and wealthy daughter-in-law in Duke of Yan's Residence, there is a strong possibility she will inherit Uncle's estate in the future. This would make it much harder for Jiangyin Marquis to create trouble for Duke of Yan's Residence or Feng Yinxiao. Just thinking about Yun Kexin potentially surpassing him makes him uneasy about losing everything he has built over the years. He suddenly recalled something from years ago regarding Second Master and shivered—if Seventh Sister were to find out about this...
"Wang Teng, do you remember a certain person who was expelled from the residence years ago?"
Wang Teng was taken aback and then his expression changed slightly. He replied, "I remember."
"Are you sure he is dead?" Feng Hongwen asked ominously.
Wang Teng pursed his lips and nodded affirmatively.
"Yes, this matter is crucial; there must be no mistakes," Feng Hongwen said cautiously. "You should investigate why Fourth Elder has remained unmarried all these years and clarify—" Feng Hongwen paused suddenly, his eyes flashing as he smiled sinisterly. "Whether there is any unclear relationship between Fourth Elder and Second Madam; otherwise, with so many nieces in Cloud City, why would he treat only the legitimate daughter of Second House so well?!"
If they tarnish the reputation of Second House and Fourth Room, Seventh Sister might sever ties with her maternal family in anger or even reject Fourth Uncle's substantial estate. Without such generous support from Duke of Yan's Residence, Feng Yinxiao would lose her influence. At that point, controlling matters would be merely a matter of Jiangyin Marquis's word.
Wang Teng's expression brightened slightly as he smiled and said, "Understood, Lord Marquis."
Meanwhile, Water Lily was filled with anxiety. Son Yun He was three years old this year, and the Fu Family seemed increasingly "interested" in the child, often taking him along under the guise of being the Legal Wife, while also intentionally separating the mother and son. At first, Water Lily thought this was the First Wife's "kindness" towards the Bastard, but as time went on, things felt increasingly wrong. Son was not close to his biological Mother and even avoided her—years of hidden worries finally surfaced.
Third Madam was holding Yun He in the West Garden Main Hall, sitting on the Imperial Concubine Chair, with Water Lily beside her.
"Sister Shui, I called you here today to discuss something," Fu Family said with a smile.
Water Lily couldn't help but glance at the Son who was "clinging" to the Legal Wife. Her heart tightened, and she forced herself to act as if she didn't see it, saying:
"Sister need not be polite, please."
Fu Family gently stroked Yun He's head and smiled, "Water Lily, Yun He is the only boy in my Third House. I want to personally raise him to adulthood. Is that alright?"
Water Lily's heart sank suddenly. She forced a smile and said, "Madam, there are Nursemaids and maids for taking care of children. How can I trouble Sister to do it personally? If this gets out, it wouldn't be good—"
"What does it matter?!" Fu Lianyin retorted with a smile. "Actually, ever since Yun He was born, I took a liking to this child at first sight. I think he looks like Master. Sure enough, as Yun He grows up, he resembles Master more and more," Fu Family said, suppressing her inner jealousy that burned like fire. "I am certain this child will be as smart and capable as Master in the future, bringing glory to our family. I hope for great things from Yun He; therefore, I want to raise him myself."
While observing Water Lily's reaction, Fu Lianyin reminded herself internally: After years of planning, she must not let her efforts go to waste! This time, nothing like Seventh Young Lady's "White-eyed Wolf" incident could happen again; she wanted Eleventh Young Master to recognize only her as the Legal Wife!
Water Lily stood up uncomfortably and said softly but firmly: "Water Lily thanks Sister for her affection and appreciation for He Er, but I remember when He Er was just born, Master had come by. The child is to be raised by me alone; therefore, shouldn't we discuss this with Master as well—"
A cold light flashed in Fu Family's phoenix eyes: Wings have grown strong! She started using Master to suppress the First Wife! Hmph! But unfortunately, it was under my consent that Three Elders were allowed to take concubines; he still owes me for that. I haven't asked him to repay it yet; it's just right that this time I see who Master truly favors!
Just as Fu Lianyin was about to respond with a cold smile, she saw Three Elders enter the Main Hall.
"Master, you're back..." Fu Lianyin stood up and called out sweetly and intimately.
"Mm." Yun Yang appeared somewhat indifferent—he had not forgotten how Fu Family had disrespected him on Yun Kexin's wedding day.
Fu Lianyin pretended not to see and said to the maid Jinxiu who followed her in, "Serve tea to Master, and then tell the kitchen to prepare a bowl of silver ear Lianzi soup."
Jinxiu complied and left. Water Lily only called out "Master" once and then fell silent.
However, the Fu Family couldn't hold back. Yun Yang had barely settled into his seat when she hurriedly got straight to the point:
"Master, Consort has a request, and I hope Master will fulfill it."
Yun Yang took a sip of the tea served by the maid, seemingly indifferent.
"Consort wishes to personally take He Er; I wonder what Master thinks?" Fu Lianyin slightly turned her body to face Yun Yang, feigning a virtuous demeanor.
The Three Elders nearly spat out their tea in surprise, looking at Fu Lianyin—after being married for over ten years, they understood her somewhat. She didn't like taking care of children; she found them noisy and tiring. Eighth Sister Yun Xiao was the apple of the Fu Family's eye, yet they had never seen her so proactive. Looking at Water Lily again, they noticed her face was tense and pained.
"Why does Madam suddenly want to take He Er?" Yun Yang shifted uncomfortably in his seat, concealing his bewilderment and pretending to ask casually.
"Look at what Master has become," Fu Lianyin pouted in dissatisfaction, feigning a spoiled tone. "As if I were indifferent to Third House's offspring. As the rightful wife, I have failed enough; not only did I fail to gain my sister's understanding, but I also allowed Master to misunderstand me so deeply. It's truly..."
The Fu Family sighed repeatedly, causing Yun Yang's heart to tighten: the main wife is paramount, and the Legal Wife is respected. If she wanted to personally take care of the child, it was understandable; a concubine shouldn't have objections. But he could see that Water Lily was unwilling.
"But, Madam," Yun Yang cleared his throat, glancing at Water Lily before turning back to Fu Lianyin. "I promised Water Lily that He Er would be raised by her."
"Oh, it seems that Consort as the rightful wife is not as instructive as Water Concubine, is she?" Fu Lianyin sneered. "Though Lianyin is unworthy, my grandfather was the Predecessor Emperor's tutor and personally guided me... May I ask which esteemed teacher Water Concubine studied under before entering?"
Water Lily felt diminished; she could read and understand some simple texts but was after all a Concubine Daughter with a low status. How could she have opportunities like those from noble families who received proper education in all aspects? It was all fate! The more Water Lily thought about it, the more desolate and painful she felt—this was her only Son. Every time she looked at him and called him Fu Family Mother, her heart already felt uneasy. Now Fu Family wanted to forcibly separate mother and son, even depriving them of time together; how could she swallow this indignation?!
"Master, what does Mother think?" Water Lily urgently brought up Zhou.
Yun Yang had not yet responded when Fu Lianyin burst into laughter, "How refreshing! When did the legitimate wife have to go through 'five passes and slay six generals' just to bring her children along?" The Fu Family paused slightly, their expressions falling, and Fu Lianyin's gaze turned like a whip towards Water Lily. "Water Concubine, do you have something against me? Or do you think I am unworthy to take care of your child?!"
Upon hearing this, Water Lily was taken aback. She had merely made a comment, and Third Madam was quick to escalate the situation.
"No, Madam, I didn't mean that," Water Lily hurriedly stepped in front of Fu Lianyin, nodding in concession. "I just can't bear to part with the child; after all, it's a piece of my flesh..."
"Why does it sound like I'm trying to take someone else's child?" Fu Lianyin shifted from her previous aggression, looking at Yun Yang with a face full of grievance, her voice trembling as she said, "Master, you should say something. What's wrong with a Consort wanting to personally educate her child..."
Yet inwardly, she was sneering: Shui Clan, you once looked down on me when you had Seventh Young Lady by your side. Now that Yun Kexin is married off, I wonder who you can rely on. Even if Seventh Sister were here now, I would still take what is rightfully mine; this is what the Third House owes me!
Water Lily seemed to sense Fu Lianyin's inner thoughts and became increasingly flustered and distressed.
"No, Madam, I... Water Lily absolutely did not mean that." Water Lily expressed urgently, but the more anxious she became, the less coherent she was. She could only cast a pleading glance towards Yun Yang.
"What does Water Concubine mean then?" Fu Lianyin suddenly raised her head, seemingly speaking softly but actually pressing hard.
"Enough!" Yun Yang coldly interrupted. "In my opinion, this matter should wait until Seventh Young Lady returns home before we discuss it. I do not want to create chaos in the family so soon after her marriage." (To be continued)
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