HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 94

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 94

Qingyuan didn’t know what it was at first. She hesitated before accepting it, and only upon holding it in her hands did she realize it was a jade pendant carved with a dragon holding a pearl. This jade had been worn close to his body and still carried his warmth. It must have been quite old, nurtured to a delicate and smooth finish, though the five-colored silk cord had faded so much that its original colors were indistinguishable. She looked up at him, seeming to understand something, but still asked, “Why are you giving this to me?”

Lord Xie said, “This was given to me by your mother back then. It could be considered her keepsake. I’m entrusting it to your care now, regardless of what happens, as something to remember her by.”

Holding the jade pendant, Qingyuan suddenly felt overwhelmed with emotion.

Indeed, all of the Jin family’s property had been taken by the Xie family, and only this jade pendant could still be called her mother’s keepsake. How tragic for a young woman who, after losing both parents, met a man who repeatedly promised to treat her well, only to end up rushing like a moth to the flame with all her possessions, ultimately being thrown out empty-handed! What did it mean that this man who had wronged her had worn this jade pendant all these years? Did it show that he felt guilty about the concubine who died unjustly? That he still couldn’t forget her even today?

Qingyuan clutched the jade pendant tightly in her palm and let out a soft sigh, “I remember when we were in Hengtang, I asked you if you ever suspected my mother was framed. You didn’t answer me then. What about now? If I ask you again, do you still believe my mother poisoned Consort Xia?”

Lord Xie stared vacantly at the canopy above and mumbled, “I don’t want to recall the events of that time. A perfectly good household suddenly faced a murder case – it would be a scandal for any family. Consort Xia’s death was pitiful, and the Third Miss was still in swaddling clothes. In my fury, I failed to distinguish truth from falsehood – that was my mistake. I was very fond of your mother, and though I hated her to the bone for doing such a thing, I couldn’t completely disregard our relationship. Throughout history, noble families have handled domestic affairs without making them public. If judged by her crime, she should have been executed…” He paused, taking a labored breath before continuing, “It was I… who couldn’t bear to let your mother die, so I suggested to the Madam to drive her out of the household. At least outside, she would have a chance to live.”

Only now did Qingyuan understand that she had misunderstood earlier – misunderstood that it was Madam Hu’s mercy that merely drove her mother out of the household. In the end, it had been the Master’s decision.

She listened calmly and asked quietly, “What about later then? Did the Commissioner notice any clues that my mother had been wrongly accused?”

Lord Xie’s gaze slowly shifted to her, and after looking at her once, he said, “Maintaining face isn’t an easy matter. When my ancestors passed down this family estate to me, I couldn’t let it be shaken by one woman. The matter could only be left unresolved – what good would come from investigating further? The reason I didn’t acknowledge you these past dozen years… was because I knew you were better off with the Chen family than with the Xie family.”

So he knew everything but deliberately played ignorant, all to protect Madam Hu. Qingyuan swallowed her tears and said through gritted teeth, “What do you mean by face? Is elevating a cruel and vicious matriarch and maintaining the Xie family’s facade what you call face?”

Lord Xie closed his eyes briefly, “You all say that marriage is a lifetime matter for young ladies, but don’t you know it’s the same for men taking wives? The principal wife cannot be demoted – this is an unspoken rule among noble families. If any family breaks this precedent, they will become a laughingstock. I didn’t have that courage. I know you hate me and the entire Xie family, and even if you did something later, I wouldn’t blame you…”

Qingyuan froze, then found it laughable, “Does the Commissioner think I’ve done something harmful to the Xie family? It’s the Xie family who wronged us, mother and daughter, and now you’re turning it around, offering me forgiveness?”

Lord Xie became agitated, a flush rising on his ashen face as he struggled to sit up, “There’s no need to deny it. What you did to Qingru…”

It seemed her guess was confirmed – Madam Hu had pinned everything on her. This further proved she was right to come today. As Qinghe had said, things unsaid remained unclear, so why should she bear this false accusation?

She laughed coldly and said word by word, “The Xie family never treated me as their flesh and blood. Let’s not speak of what happened in Hengtang, but after moving to Youzhou, when you led troops into battle, I was nearly killed by someone’s scheme. Do you know about that, Commissioner? The records are still in the Palace Guard’s office – Madam conspired with Liang Yi, the Imposing Guard Commander of the Xi Long Guards, to have me killed. Fortunately, Shen Run saved me. Did Madam tell you about any of this? As for Qingru, that trap was originally set for me. I was cautious and didn’t fall for it, so I turned their plan against them and sent Qingru instead. I did regret it afterward – if I had known it would ruin her reputation, I wouldn’t have done it. But please think carefully, Commissioner – if they hadn’t been so viciously cruel, how could this evil karma have fallen on Qingru?”

Lord Xie seemed confused by what he heard. Madam had told him that the incident with Qingru was Fourth Miss conspiring with Shen Run to seek revenge for her mother. How could there now be a new version?

Qingyuan knew he had been deceived but could only sigh at why he still chose to believe Madam Hu’s one-sided words even now.

“Listen to both sides and you’ll be enlightened; believe only one side and you’ll be in darkness. Doesn’t the Commissioner understand this principle? You’re willing to stay ambiguous about it, just like how you ambiguously handled my mother’s case sixteen years ago. Is Madam now emboldened because the case is closed and the witnesses are either dead or fled? Don’t forget that Shen Run still has the case files! Earlier, I was considering my brothers and wanted to leave the Xie family some face, but since she’s now falsely accusing me, let’s see the truth in court!”

After making this fierce statement, she turned to leave. Lord Xie sat up straight, coughing while shouting “Stop!” His shouts alarmed Qinghe outside, who hurried in.

“Fourth Sister, didn’t you just promise me you would talk nicely?” Qinghe anxiously stamped her foot. “Don’t upset Father, he’s ill right now!”

Lord Xie continued gasping, still muttering “Stop!” Seeing his anger reaching a dangerous point, Qingyuan knew she couldn’t provoke him further. She had to return, and after calming herself, said, “Commissioner, please calm your anger. Your health is most important.”

Lord Xie craned his neck and shouted hoarsely, “Why must you take things to such extremes? You’ve just gotten married, and immediately after, you turn against your maiden family – how does that sound to others? Even if that imperial decree changed your household registration, you still carry my blood, Xie Shu’s blood. Even if you went to heaven, you couldn’t change that!”

Qingyuan stood there and said miserably, “If I could, I would truly want to return this blood and bones to you. It’s all because of your indulgence that Madam became so bold, doing so many despicable things, not only harming me but even her daughter. Are you happy seeing Qingru in this state? Madam Hu found two fake monks who were originally meant to violate me – what kind of heart does it take to do such things? Fortunately, heaven has eyes and lets them taste their evil fruit. If I had been the one violated, I wonder, would you have allowed this illegitimate daughter to live until now?”

Lord Xie, who had been red-faced and neck-bulging at first, suddenly deflated upon hearing her words to the end. He gnashed his teeth and struck the bed, “That worthless woman! Worthless woman!”

Qinghe spoke softly from the side, “I didn’t want to say anything, but since Fourth Sister has brought it up, I must say a few words too. Father, Second Sister has been spoiled by Madam beyond all bounds. Even after such a huge setback, she hasn’t been restrained but has become even more outrageous than before. Those who know say she’s a young lady from a good family, but those who don’t might think she’s some shrew, being mean and spiteful, stopping at nothing! Earlier, when Fourth Sister was promised to the Danyang Marquis’s son, if not for her desperate interference, that marriage wouldn’t have been ruined. How much longer will you tolerate them? Are you going to wait until they’ve destroyed the Xie family before you’re satisfied? Because of Second Sister’s affair, nobody in the family can hold their heads up now. Even Lanshan faces ridicule outside, with people openly and secretly questioning how our Earl’s mansion could be connected to such a family. Father, open your eyes and see! How did our century-old noble family come to this? If our ancestors knew, wouldn’t they be heartbroken!”

Qinghe was usually as quiet as a bottled gourd with its mouth sewn shut, never speaking unless necessary. Now she must have truly reached her limit to say so much at once. Lord Xie lay weakly against his pillow, blinking his sore eyes, “I understand what you sisters are saying. I will handle this matter. Our Xie family, glorious for a hundred years, has now… truly fallen to ruin.”

Qingyuan let out a long breath. The purpose of her visit had been achieved. Regardless of whether he would ultimately punish Madam Hu, half of the knot in her heart regarding the Xie family had been untied. They would have to see what happened next.

“Take care of your health. Although the battle at Stone Fort resulted in losses, it was ultimately His Majesty who insisted on this campaign. To be precise, you originally didn’t agree to it, and His Majesty won’t bring up old matters. You’ve guarded the area beyond Jianmen Pass for twenty years – no other general knows the terrain and formations better than you. His Majesty still has use for you. An old general isn’t truly old and can still be of service. You can rest assured that there will be a day of restoration.”

She knew well what troubled his heart, and with proper consolation, he would recover. Moreover, she understood the Xie family’s nature best – now that the Master’s official career was hindered, if he could reconcile with Shen Run, everything would be resolved. So, to draw closer to this second-ranked official son-in-law and an imperially titled daughter, whether to sacrifice Madam Hu was truly worth considering.

Lord Xie heaved a long sigh, the anxiety between his brows indeed lessening. Qingyuan smiled slightly, “Please rest well. I have household matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.” With that, she curtsied and withdrew. After walking a few steps, she remembered something and turned back, “I am safe and well after marriage. Shen Run respects me and treats me very well, please don’t worry.”

Lord Xie’s heart trembled, his eyes reddening. By the time he nodded, she had already gracefully departed toward the courtyard.

The two sisters walked in the garden, with Qinghe’s hands continuously trembling slightly. Qingyuan asked, “What’s wrong, Elder Sister?”

Qinghe replied awkwardly, “I’ve never reported anyone before. My hands and feet are still shaking even now.”

Qingyuan couldn’t help but laugh, “Elder Sister is a kind person, enduring grievances without a word. But those were just honest words, there’s no need to be afraid.”

“You don’t understand, I want to bring down Madam,” Qinghe spoke frankly, turning to look at her with bright, burning eyes. “I’m about to be married. My mother has only me as a daughter. After I leave, she’ll still be living under Madam’s thumb. I can’t rest easy. I’ve been scheming too, so I’m not a kind person. Do you look down on me?”

Qingyuan said no, “Even if we’re not kind, we’re still not as evil as Madam. Why would I look down on you?”

Qinghe nodded slowly, sighing, “I never imagined there were so many things I didn’t know happened to you. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Qingyuan looked at the grey sky above, saying bitterly, “There was no use in telling. It would only have added to everyone’s troubles. In this household, no one could stand up for me.”

Fortunately, her luck wasn’t too bad – she had married a husband who cherished her. Thinking of Shen Run filled her heart with warmth. Now that she wasn’t without support, she finally dared to speak up before the Master.

Hand in hand, they slowly reached Huifang Garden. Qingyuan had intended to bid farewell there, but unexpectedly, Old Madam Xie was waiting for her under the eaves. Seeing her approach, she said, “Fourth Miss, Grandmother has a few words to say to you.”

Qingyuan had no choice but to follow her inside, where she immediately met Madam Hu’s glaring eyes. She paused her steps and deliberately asked, “What’s wrong, Madam? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Madam Hu had nothing but enmity with her, so there was no need for superficial courtesy. She said coldly, “Fourth Miss, you haven’t been speaking nonsense to your father, have you?”

Qingyuan frowned slightly and smiled, “What do you think?”

Qingru was truly simple-minded, popping out from who knows where with her usual provocative tone, saying sharply, “What good could she have to say? It’s good enough if she’s not making things up.”

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she was rebuked by Nurse Fu behind Qingyuan, “Second Miss Xie, you’d better be careful! Our Lady is an imperial-titled second-rank lady. For your irreverence toward her, we don’t even need imperial permission to slap your mouth!”

Qingru was stunned – she had never been scolded like this by a servant before and didn’t know how to respond. Qingyuan didn’t bother arguing with her, just gave a contemptuous smile and walked toward the main room.

The Old Madam stood there, gesturing for her to sit. After Qingyuan was seated, she said, “Grandmother was truly muddle-headed before, listening to villains’ instigation and making a scene at your wedding feast, not behaving like an elder should. Thinking about it now, my gut wrenches with regret. I don’t know what came over me – I usually care so much about face, but this time I lost all dignity, becoming a laughingstock before all the guests. I was so ashamed when I returned home that I wished I could die right then. I know you’re still angry, and you deserve an explanation…” She raised her voice, “Bring in the person!”

From outside came sounds of begging, along with shouts from Madam and Qingru. Then an old woman, bound like a dumpling, was pushed in to kneel on the ground. Madam followed in, her face pale, asking, “Mother, what are you doing?”

The Old Madam glared, saying sternly, “It was this wretch who wagged her tongue before me with suggestions, leading me to do such an outrageous thing. If I don’t deal with her, how can I dispel my hatred?”

Qingyuan turned her head to look – it was Madam’s attendant, Nurse Sun. She was crying and shouting, “Old Madam, your servant was… your servant was foolish, only wanting to please the masters, and gave… gave such terrible advice. Old Madam, Fourth Miss, I was wrong, I was truly wrong. Please, Old Madam and Fourth Miss, have mercy and spare me this once!”

Madam Hu was so anxious she was sweating profusely, clutching her handkerchief as she said, “Mother, she’s my servant, brought from my maiden home. How can you dispose of her so arbitrarily?”

The Old Madam snorted, “It’s better if you hadn’t said that. Since you have, let me ask you – how do you usually manage your servants, letting them grow such audacity? I’m only punishing her crimes now, don’t try to make excuses! When you married into our family, you became one of us. Are you saying I can’t discipline the servants you brought? What kind of logic is that? Though your Hu family isn’t what it used to be, it’s still a respectable household. How did they raise you to be so ignorant of proper hierarchy?”

Madam Hu was stunned by the Old Madam’s scolding. In her twenty-some years since marrying in, the Old Madam had never spoken to her so harshly. Even when she was a young daughter-in-law, she had been shown favor. Now at this age, to be publicly reprimanded – it left her utterly humiliated.

Everyone was watching the spectacle. Madam Hu’s face alternated between pale and flushed, her legs trembling so much she could barely stand. Seeing that even Madam couldn’t protect her, Nurse Sun wailed even louder, begging the Old Madam and Fourth Miss for mercy.

Old Madam Xie wanted to hear Qingyuan’s opinion. Qingyuan maintained the air of an outsider, smiling calmly, “This is your Xie family’s internal matter. How could I have any say in it?”

The Old Madam understood that Qingyuan wanted to see if she was serious, so she gritted her teeth and said, “Give this old woman fifty strikes with the board. If she doesn’t die, send her to the estate to feed pigs, never to return!”

Nurse Sun was carried away by the serving women on duty. For a personal attendant, especially one brought from her maiden home, to be disposed of like a scapegoat was tantamount to publicly slapping Madam Hu’s face. Madam Hu was so distressed she nearly fainted, while Qingru shrilly cried out, alternating between “Mother” and “Grandmother.” The Old Madam grew impatient and waved her hand for someone to help Madam back to rest, finally bringing quiet to the main room.

“Good child, I’ve had your courtyard cleaned up for you again. All your usual servants are still in their original places. Whenever you’re willing, you can come back to stay as before.”

The Old Madam was doing her utmost to win her over, but Qingyuan smiled and shook her head, “I can’t leave there even for a moment… Oh, I remember, when I left last time, there was a jewelry box I didn’t have time to take. Inside were bank notes worth three thousand taels and over ten pieces of jewelry, altogether worth four or five thousand taels. I don’t want this jewelry box anymore. May I ask Old Madam for a favor – I’d like to exchange these silver and jewelry for Chuntai and Nurse Tao. Would Old Madam be willing to part with them?”

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