HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 93

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 93

Zhengze paced back and forth in the hall, rubbing his hands, alternately peering outside and looking at Qinghe, “Elder Sister, do you think Fourth Sister will see us?”

Qinghe’s face was wooden, even her eyes were stiff, as she said coolly, “I can’t say whether she’ll see us or not. If she doesn’t, she has her reasons. Either way, we can’t blame her.”

Last time when the Old Madam and Madam led people to disrupt the wedding banquet, they thought holding the household registry was their best leverage. Who knew an imperial edict would come down and publicly shame the Xie family? Now the Xie family had become the laughingstock of Youzhou – among all the noble families in the capital region, while each had their trivial matters, none had lost face as thoroughly as the Xie family.

Looking closely at this family, something had gone wrong this year, with so many life-or-death incidents – how could the Master not fall ill! His official career setbacks were one thing, but more crucial was Qingru’s matter. Whatever the Madam had told him about it, the Master had afterward beat his chest and stamped his feet in the main chamber, crying out about the family’s misfortune. Surely the Madam had embellished things, and the Master believed her, allowing the Old Madam to lead people to make trouble with the Shen family. But unexpectedly, even the Emperor intervened – the Xie family was utterly defeated this time, defeated beyond recovery. The Master still had to maintain the family’s dignity; feeling too ashamed to face people, attacked by both anger and frustration, he took to his sickbed.

Yet at this time, he suddenly thought of Fourth Sister, which was quite puzzling. The Old Madam had ordered her and Zhengze to make this trip, seemingly still hoping for reconciliation. But didn’t the Master resent Qingyuan? The Madam surely had nothing good to say, probably insisting that Qingyuan had harmed Qingru. What if Qingyuan went back and the Master meant her harm?

Qinghe felt anxious inside – she was to be married in the second month, and she hoped everything would remain peaceful until then. Initially, she hadn’t wanted to come, but the Old Madam had finally sighed deeply, “Let your father resolve this knot in his heart, perhaps then he’ll slowly recover. Look at the current situation – if anything happens to your father, not only will our whole family be devastated, but you too will likely be affected.” The meaning was clear – if the Master died, she would have to observe three years of mourning. How could she think of getting married then? So she had to swallow her pride and make this trip, ultimately driven by self-interest.

As for Zhengze, he was like an ant on a hot pan. He had never gotten along with Fourth Sister, and after Qingru’s affair, he was even more hostile and awkward around Qingyuan. But there was no choice – the Old Madam had no face to come, the Madam even less so, and among the whole family, only he and Qinghe remained. He was forced into it, like a duck pushed onto the chopping block.

While they were suffering this torment, footsteps sounded in the corridor. First came several servant women and maids, and then Qingyuan appeared. She was now the Commander’s wife, with the same official title as the Old Madam and Madam at home, having been granted the title of Commandery Lady by imperial decree. Looking at her current bearing, she was indeed different from the former smiling girl.

However, she didn’t put on airs, treating them with proper courtesy, gesturing for them to sit, “It’s so late – what brings you two to visit me?”

Ah, she no longer called them “Elder Brother” and “Elder Sister,” just referring to them as “you two” – intending to draw a line between herself and the Xie family.

Qinghe cast a melancholic look at Zhengze, “Elder Brother, you speak.”

Zhengze pushed to the front with no choice, steeled himself, and called out “Fourth Sister,” saying, “We are still closest kin after all. Even if there were unpleasant matters before, with your magnanimity, please don’t take them to heart. The Old Madam is advanced in years, inevitably listening to troublemakers and doing foolish things, she’s been full of regret since returning…” As he spoke, seeing Qingyuan’s face remain indifferent, he realized such a superficial reconciliation wouldn’t improve her view of the family. He decided to stop beating around the bush and spoke directly, “Fourth Sister, to tell you the truth, the Master is ill, gravely ill. Last night he was delirious, frightening the Old Madam badly. In his confusion, he kept calling for ‘Fourth Girl’ – Father misses you. We’ve come for Father’s sake – though knowing you wouldn’t like it, we had to make this trip. We hope Fourth Sister can consider the blood ties between you and return to see the Master.”

“Return?” Qingyuan smiled slightly, those jet-black eyes looking toward Zhengze, “Everyone in the Xie household probably hates me to their core. If I went back, I fear I’d be torn apart alive.”

Zhengze choked, “Fourth Sister, don’t say such things. We’re family – what deep hatred could there be! Now you’re also an imperial-titled lady – who would dare disrespect you? With an imperial edict, no one can risk offending you. What are you afraid of?”

But Qingyuan still shook her head, “I have no more connection with the Xie family. There’s no point in delivering myself to their doorstep to be despised.”

Qinghe remained silent for a while before finally speaking, “Fourth Sister, some things need to be said clearly. Father wants to see you – if you avoid him, how can the misunderstandings between father and daughter ever be cleared up? The Old Madam may be muddled, but you’re not going back for her sake – you can ignore her completely. Just go see Father – he seems to have something to say to you. I won’t ramble on about useless things like blood ties and family affection, those old platitudes… You indeed have no connection with the Xie family now, everyone in Youzhou knows that. Going back to look in on him – just consider it an act of kindness, a moment of mercy for a dying man.”

Hearing her words, Qingyuan felt a wave of pain in her heart. She had never thought about matters of life and death before, feeling they were too distant, perhaps only to be faced after eight or ten years. She hadn’t expected it to suddenly crash before her eyes, leaving her unprepared.

Seeing emotion cross her face, Qinghe quickly added, “You lost your mother when you were young, and now Father is at death’s door. If he goes too, sister, you’ll truly become someone without origins!”

These words struck true – plants have roots, water has sources, and people have origins. No matter how unwilling she was, Xie Shu was her origin – this could not be denied. She had once hoped he would be like an ordinary father, showing her devoted love. She was naturally a sentimental person – when he returned from beyond the passes to Hengtang, and the Old Madam hosted a banquet for father and daughter to dine together, he had given her two spoons of white dragon soup, which she remembered even now.

“Fourth Sister…” Zhengze watched her, his heart rising and falling – after saying so much, if she still refused, what else could they do?

Qinghe looked at her anxiously, “Right now the household is falling apart because of Father’s illness. Don’t worry about anyone harming you…” She glanced at Zhengze, “Even if someone had such intentions, Elder Brother wouldn’t allow it. Right, Brother?”

Zhengze hurriedly agreed. He saw this matter clearly – the Xie family had already reached this state, and further trouble would surely bring punishment to the entire household. The family didn’t just include the Madam and Qingru, but also his wives, concubines, and children. He would never agree to let them all pay for his mother and sister’s recklessness.

Qingyuan smoothed the corner of her garment, not immediately agreeing, “Let me think about it. It’s late now – you should head back first.”

She wasn’t as adamant in her refusal as before – at least that was a good sign. Zhengze exchanged glances with Qinghe, saying alright, “We’ll wait for Fourth Sister at home.”

Qingyuan instructed Nanny Fu: “Please see the Young Master and Young Lady out.”

Nanny Fu acknowledged and gestured, and only then did the siblings hesitantly leave.

After they left, Qingyuan remained silent, quietly returning to her bedroom and sitting silently on the bed, lost in thought. Baoxian, putting away the dressing-case, saw her still sitting there and went forward, calling “Young Lady,” saying, “Whatever you think in your heart, do that. If the Young Master were here, he would surely say the same – everything should be according to your wishes, don’t force yourself.”

Qingyuan nodded, leaning against her pillow, “Going back would fulfill the duty between father and daughter, though there isn’t much of that duty left. Not going back – others can’t criticize either. I’m part of the Shen family now, and the imperial edict has drawn a clear line between me and the Xie family. Who would dare comment!”

Baoxian smiled slightly, “Then what are you struggling with?”

Qingyuan propped her face on her hand, saying: “I’m worried about Chuntai and Nanny Tao, wondering how they are – probably been relegated to menial work again! And Elder Sister’s words… the Master only heard Madam’s side of the story, likely has deep prejudices against me. If something happens to him, won’t I be hated till death?”

“Young Lady has decided to go back, hasn’t she?” Baoxian said, “That’s good – to see how Madam Hu is doing. At least make her return that box of dowry jewelry.”

Qingyuan couldn’t help but laugh she wasn’t the only one holding grudges. Baoxian was still concerned about that box of jewelry, while she was thinking about Madam Hu. Bringing up those old accounts might not be useful, but it could make her life less comfortable – people should always pay the price for their actions.

Meanwhile, the Xie family couldn’t help but wait hopefully – since she hadn’t completely refused, perhaps she would still come.

Qinghe observed coldly from the sidelines – now everyone had their thoughts. The Old Madam, after ordering her and Zhengze to make an appearance, had fallen silent. Madam Hu didn’t want Qingyuan to return; she was agitated, fingering her prayer beads rapidly, calculating who knows what. As for the daughters-in-law in the family, they were all craning their necks watching the gate. Though Zhengze and his two brothers had entered official service through the military examinations, their ranks were not high, merely serving as military officers. If something happened to the Master and they had no one to support them, they certainly wouldn’t rise high in their careers. The clever one was Madam Jiang from the East Mansion, who had quietly maintained connections with Fourth Miss without letting go – her two good-for-nothing sons had even entered the Palace Guard. Look at that – without even taking the military examinations, they had secured good prospects. Their three brothers’ years of studying and military training hadn’t brought as much practical benefit as those who spent their days cockfighting and running dogs.

All blame fell on the Old Madam and Madam – they were intolerant, pushing away the returned daughter once again. Now they could only hope Fourth Miss wouldn’t remember old grievances and might still be willing to help if anything happened to the Master.

“Send someone to watch at the alley entrance – as soon as they see her carriage or sedan chair, report back immediately.” After dispatching the servants, Madam Qiu turned to see Madam Hu frowning, but paid her no mind, speaking her thoughts to the Old Madam, “Grandmother, if Fourth Miss returns this time, let’s treat her with proper courtesy! Fourth Miss responds to gentleness, not force – if we speak kindly, she’s not unreasonable.”

Qingru, sitting to the side, turned her face away with a snort, “Such bootlicking!”

Madam Qiu turned to look at her, wanting to scold her properly but restraining herself before the elders, instead saying with a cold smile, “Second Miss, why are you still here? In this situation, you’d better avoid being present!”

Just then, they heard the doorman announce that the Fourth Lady had arrived. Everyone waiting in the main chamber immediately perked up, hurriedly standing.

However, now that she was the Commander’s wife, she no longer came casually with just a maid and a fan like before. Now her presence was preceded by her status – the Shen mansion’s guards stood like nails outside the decorated gate. Though male guards couldn’t easily enter the inner women’s quarters, their mere presence was enough to intimidate the Xie family members, preventing them from any rash actions.

Times had indeed changed, making Old Madam Xie deeply sigh with emotion as she stood at the door watching her smallest granddaughter approach the main chamber. Dressed in embroidered brocade clothes with a sable-trimmed satin cape, she suddenly seemed almost unrecognizable. This reunion was awkward – after all, she had disrupted the wedding day – so she stood there uncertainly, wondering how to begin.

Qingyuan took the initiative, stepping back and bowing, addressing her as “Old Lady.”

Madam Xie was stunned – truly, she was unwilling to acknowledge their relationship anymore. Hearing her use such a formal address brought a wave of melancholy.

The atmosphere could never be like before. Several daughters-in-law came forward, warmly welcoming her, “It’s cold outside, come in and warm up.”

Qingyuan wore a smile, but it was distant as she said there was no need to fuss, “I’ve come to visit the Commander. I have many matters at home and must leave after a brief look.”

Hearing her use his official title to refer to the Master, everyone felt awkward. Qinghe hurriedly came forward to take her arm, saying to the Old Madam: “Grandmother, I’ll take Fourth Sister to see Father. Grandmother, if you have anything to say, it can wait until later.”

The Old Madam nodded dejectedly but still managed to say: “Fourth Girl, we’re all grateful you could come today. For Grandmother’s past mistakes, I hope you won’t take them to heart, after all…” She trailed off, unable to continue, letting out a long sigh before telling Qinghe, “Take your Fourth Sister over.”

Qingyuan followed Qinghe into the garden. As they walked, Qinghe explained: “After falling ill, the Master moved to his former study to recuperate. He seems unwilling to interact with people, now keeping only two male servants and two elderly maids to attend him.”

Qingyuan understood – after twenty years navigating official circles, ending with his reputation in ruins, looking back on the past probably made everything seem worthless.

“When you see the Master, try to offer some words of encouragement,” Qinghe gently squeezed her hand, saying softly, “When those unfortunate events happened in the family, the Master was beyond the passes. Though his presence might not have made much difference, one should remember that those who don’t know cannot be blamed.”

Qingyuan nodded slightly, “Don’t worry, since I’ve come, I have my reasons.” She added, “I heard your husband was appointed as Editor in the Hall of Literary Brilliance – I haven’t had the chance to congratulate you.”

Qinghe smiled bashfully, “It’s all because of his background – coming from a ducal mansion with hereditary privileges, he entered service with a proper sixth rank.”

Qingyuan smiled, “That’s wonderful. Now that I’m settled, I hope for Sister’s happiness too. February is approaching – is everything prepared?”

Qinghe replied: “It’s just mother and daughter managing things, with some additions from the Old Madam – as long as appearances are maintained, it’s fine.” As she spoke, she led Qingyuan into the Master’s Qingxi Studio.

It was deep winter, everything desolate. The pomegranate tree in the courtyard had lost all its leaves, though a few shriveled fruits still hung from its branches. An empty birdcage hung under the study’s eaves – the bird that had been kept there had probably died, but the empty cage remained, creating a somewhat heartbreaking sight.

Qinghe entered first, calling out at the bedside, “Father, look who’s come to see you?”

This was Qingyuan’s first time seeing the Master bedridden. Xie Shu, who had commanded battlefields for years, cut a tragic figure of a fallen hero. Hearing Qinghe’s call, he opened his eyes to look over, and upon seeing Qingyuan, felt a mixture of emotions as he sighed and called out “Fourth Girl.”

Qinghe withdrew outside the threshold to let them talk. Qingyuan sat down on the stool by the bed, softening her tone as one does with the gravely ill, “Are you feeling better?”

Xie Shu nodded, “Somewhat better than yesterday…” Then father and daughter fell silent, as if an invisible hand had gripped their throats, neither knowing where to begin.

After sitting in awkward silence for a while, Qingyuan stood up saying, “Now that I’ve seen the Commander, I’ve done my duty. Commander, please take care of yourself. When spring comes, you’ll gradually get better.”

Hearing her address him this way, disappointment welled up in Xie Shu’s eyes. Then he thought – an imperial edict had completely severed her connection to the Xie family; her using his official title seemed appropriate enough.

But still, how could severing blood ties not bring regret? He lay back on his pillow without speaking, reaching up to remove something hanging around his neck, holding it out to her.

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