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墨書 Inktalez
"Since Yun Xiao was born, she has always been taken care of by the Nursemaid and maids," Yun Kexin replied calmly and sarcastically, "I have never seen Mother take the initiative to care for the children. It seems that Mother has been working day and night for the Third House, leaving her no time for her children. As for how I treat Eighth Sister, everyone in the Third House can see it. Or perhaps," Yun Kexin paused, looking at Yun Xiao with a smile, "you can ask Xiao Er and you'll know."
Fu Lianyin frowned: what does it mean that she has never taken the initiative to care for the children? Isn't that just telling Yun Yang that she has ulterior motives? Yet she speaks in such a considerate tone!
Suppressing the anger within her, Fu Lianyin looked at Yun Xiao, deciding to take a softer approach, and smiled:
"The sisterly bond between Seventh Aunt and Eighth Younger Sister is deep; how could I, as their Mother, not be aware? What I mean is, it really isn't appropriate to go to the Duke of Yan's Residence right now." At this point, her gaze flickered and landed on Yun Yang. "Isn't that right, Master? Seventh Aunt has just entered—everything needs attention. In the future, when you preside over the family matters, there will be many things you need to worry about..."
Without much pause, Yun Kexin continued, smiling, "It's still too early to discuss family matters, Mother. I genuinely want to take care of Yun Xiao. Otherwise, if you alone take care of two children, it will be exhausting. Teaching them might also be delayed."
"Seventh Aunt, Xiao Er is already eight years old; I am just looking for a good teacher for her."
Yun Kexin lowered her head and squinted with a mocking smile. She walked towards Yun Xiao, cupping her face gently and said:
"Xiao Er, you have grown up; it's time for you to start your studies. Seventh Sister is not well-versed enough to teach you," Yun Kexin paused lightly before adding meaningfully, "Don't blame Mother. She must be worried that if you follow others too closely, you might lose your connection with your family. Since Seventh Sister was brought into the Third House, she understands this 'good intention' best. Xiao Er, listen to your Mother. In the future, we can let Father and Mother take you to the Duke of Yan's Residence to see Seventh Sister. How does that sound?"
Tears welled up in Yun Xiao's eyes but did not fall; her expression was neither good nor bad, which was heart-wrenching.
The voice of Yun Kexin was soft like a whisper, yet it stirred up turbulent waves in Yun Yang's heart:
What is the Seventh Young Lady hinting at? Is she trying to tell him something? From being brought into the Third House, separated from the flesh and blood of the Second House, surely it must have been painful for both Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law. After learning the truth, knowing she belongs to the Second House, yet unable to get close—it must be a deep torment for her... What about He Er? Now already unable to recognize her Birth Mother, so lacking in understanding of familial bonds; one mistake could lead to another tragedy like that of second child, Yun Ran!
Slowly turning his face away from her, he looked at Fu Lianyin. Seeing her face filled with exposed "concerns," unable to respond and just sitting there dumbfounded made his heart race: momentarily considering her as the main wife almost made him forget that a woman's thoughts are as elusive as needles in the sea. She truly doesn't want to take care of the Eleventh Young Master. Otherwise, how could she have said such hurtful words when returning home?
Recalling everything that had transpired, a grim expression settled on Yun Yang's face. Noticing his countenance shrouded in layers of dark clouds, panic surged within Fu Lianyin. She felt flustered and at a loss for words; she couldn't find an appropriate response. Seeing that she had achieved her purpose of "awakening" him, Yun Kexin thought it was time to stop—having spoken so plainly herself; if her adoptive father remained unmoved, then it would only lead to her own fate as a mere concubine.
"Father, Mother, I will set off with my husband to the Yan Guo Gongfu tomorrow," Yun Kexin said calmly in front of the Third Master and Third Madam. "I would like to rest early today, and it's getting late. You should also go back to your rooms and not tire yourselves out."
Yun Yang pulled himself out of his thoughts and looked at Yun Kexin's lively eyes. After a long moment, he replied with a double meaning, "Alright, Father knows Seventh Young Lady's intentions best. Be filial to Mother and Father; go back to your rooms now. I will see you off tomorrow."
Feng Yinxiao also stood up to take her leave, then took Yun Kexin's hand and walked out of the main hall with the maidservant.
Yun Yang watched Yun Kexin's delicate figure leave, squinting in contemplation, remaining silent for a long time. However, Fu Lianyin could no longer sit still; she turned to face Yun Yang and sobbed, "Master, you can't let Seventh Aunt take Eighth Sister away. Xiao'er is the Consort's beloved!" She covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, crying like a rain-soaked pear blossom. "Master, you can't be so heartless..."
Before Yun Yang could respond, Yun Xiao was softened by Fu Lianyin's tears. She ran forward and held Fu Family's hand, saying, "Mother, don't cry. I won't go to Seventh Sister's place for now; later on, Mother and Father can take me."
The Third Madam immediately showed joy on her face and even glanced at Yun Yang to see his reaction. Unexpectedly, after a long silence, Yun Yang directly called over Yun He and said solemnly, "He'er, when your Legal Wife takes you out, you must not forget your Birth Mother, understand?"
Yun He blinked his eyes and tilted his head in confusion. "Father, what is Birth Mother? What is Legal Wife? Isn't my Birth Mother just Mother?"
Yun Yang sighed and said, "This... Father will tell you later. He'er just needs to remember that your Birth Mother is Shui Lian; she looks like her. It is right to respect and be filial to your Legal Wife, but you must not hurt your Birth Mother's feelings. Do you understand?"
Yun He stared blankly at Yun Yang for a while longer before glancing at the smiling Water Concubine beside him. Finally, he nodded in confusion.
Fu Lianyin became anxious; she didn't know what other "astonishing words" Yun Yang would say next. But seeing him silent for a moment as he focused on Yun He, he said, "He'er, from today onward, you will follow your Birth Mother Shui Lian," and just pay respects to your Legal Wife regularly."
Fu Lianyin's lips parted in shock; she could no longer pretend to comfort Yun Xiao and disregarded the situation as she cried out to Yun Yang, "Master, what does this mean? Are you trying to embarrass the Consort in front of everyone in the Third House? Master..."
"How could I dare to embarrass the lady?" Yun Yang cast a cold glance, his words laced with sarcasm. "I was just thinking about some things," he paused slightly, his tone becoming sharper, "Previously, Ran'er followed you; look at her now. Now you have He'er with you; see what He'er has become? Even if the Eighth Young Lady is your biological daughter, how much have you taught her since she was little? Fu Family, do you really think you can raise a child?!"
The Fu Family was left speechless, staring in shock, their nostrils flaring as they stammered, "Master, you... you are worse than a Consort, unworthy of raising children?!"
Fu Lianyin's gaze turned sharply towards Shui Lian, fierce and intimidating.
Yun Yang looked at Fu Lianyin, but his eyes seemed to drift away: "First answer me, over the years, what has the lady taught the Third House's children?" His tone was cold and merciless. "Putting aside my intentions, can you honestly say you are worthy?"
Fu Lianyin was stunned, her lowered phoenix eyes flashing with a hint of hatred as she bit her lip and retorted, "According to your meaning, what should be done? Should the Eighth Young Lady follow Seventh Aunt while He'er follows Water Concubine? Master, where does that leave me as the Third House's legitimate wife?!"
Her voice was soft and even carried a hint of weakness, yet every word was filled with deep resentment and questioning.
Yun Yang's gaze fell to the bluestone tiles at the door as he replied expressionlessly: "...You are the legitimate wife of the Third House; there are many matters for you to manage. Xiao'er has grown up; hiring a good teacher is enough. He'er is still young; let him stay with his Birth Mother for now. When he grows older, it won't be too late for the lady to teach him..."
"What if the Consort disagrees?" Fu Lianyin sneered fiercely—could she be divorced?
"Disagree?" Yun Yang instinctively retorted, his smile turning cold. "Then I will let Xiao'er go to Yan Guogong's residence tomorrow with Seventh Aunt and Seventh Uncle. I absolutely cannot let the lady tire herself out; if the Han Wangfu finds out, they might think all the servants of the Third House have died... Seventh Aunt has studied under Tong Mansion and can easily teach Xiao'er..."
This was a threat! A threat! A threat! Fu Lianyin screamed in madness within her heart.
"Master, could you allow the Consort to think it over?" Fu Lianyin trembled as she stood up, bowing deeply. "Though this matter may not seem significant, it cannot be taken lightly."
"It's fine; Seventh Aunt will only return with Seventh Uncle tomorrow. The lady still has one more night," Yun Yang said almost mockingly.
The Third Madam stumbled out of the main hall with the help of her maid Jin Xiu, her expression blank: Was this fate playing tricks on her? Or did the master intentionally want to oppose her?!
Since Yun Kexin was adopted into the Third House over a decade ago, nothing has gone as smoothly as she wished. Everything has always been contrary to her plans. Now, having achieved nothing and ending up in such a situation of being abandoned by everyone, it is truly absurd.
The next day, Feng Yinxiao and his wife got up early to bid farewell at the Third House. Shanling, Shanying, and Shanyue loaded the luggage they had prepared the day before onto the carriage, waiting for their two masters. At this time, the relatives of the Duke of E had already gathered in the Western Courtyard to send off Seventh Aunt and her husband.
"Father, Mother, my husband and I are returning to the Duke of Yan's residence today, and we have come to say goodbye."
Yun Yang and Yue Ziyun's faces showed a hint of reluctance and sadness: returning home felt as quick as three hours; just two days ago they were here, and now they had to go back to the in-laws. This is a sentiment that every daughter experiences when getting married.
Feng Yinxiao also respectfully bid farewell to everyone in the Yun family.
"Seventh Uncle, please do not be so formal," Yue Clan smiled restrainedly. "The Duke of Yan's residence is not far from the Duke of E's residence; you can often bring Seventh Aunt back home to visit."
Feng Yinxiao smiled gently in response. At this moment, Yun Yang pointedly said, "What about Eighth Sister? Ask her if she wants to go with Seventh Sister to the Duke of Yan's residence."
Fu Lianyin quickly stepped forward and said with a dry smile, "Master, yesterday Consort had a long talk with Eighth Young Lady. Consort feels that although Xiao'er has grown up now, there is no need to take her along deliberately. However, educating children is important; Consort wants to personally teach Eighth Young Lady knitting and other skills, and Xiao'er has agreed. As for He'er, Master’s words yesterday were right; since Young Master Eleven is still young, let him follow Birth Mother and Water Concubine for now. There will be plenty of time in the future for education."
Only then did Yun Yang nod in satisfaction.
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