Fu Tingyun narrowed her eyes.

To be so glib-tongued, to distort facts so brazenly, and to speak with such righteousness was not something an ordinary person could accomplish.

“Indeed, breaking off an engagement is not something Young Master Yu alone can decide,” she said unhurriedly. “However, the affairs of elders have their reasoning. I will naturally ask them. Right now, I just want to know Young Master Yu’s reason.” As she spoke, she raised her eyebrows, a flash of contempt in her eyes. “Or perhaps Young Master Yu has some unavoidable circumstances? I heard from Zuo Junjie that the Yu family elders did not agree to breaking the engagement?”

A trace of vexation flashed across Young Master Yu’s eyes.

Fu Tingyun saw it clearly and believed Zuo Junjie’s words a little more. She continued, “Whenever I think about this matter, I find it strange. Our Fu family has a clean reputation—how could anyone come up with such an incongruous idea? Anyone with a brain would immediately realize something was amiss. Moreover, your father is a man who has risen to the position of Prime Minister. How could his methods be so petty? His vision so shallow? His perspective is so narrow? Where is the demeanor of a man who holds the world in his heart? Now hearing what Zuo Junjie said, I suddenly understand. People are divided into different classes. Superior people uphold righteousness, middle-class people respect loyalty and honor, and only inferior people, for their selfish interests, disregard propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. Only they would commit such stupefying foolishness, all while thinking themselves clever. In the end, they’ve lifted a stone only to drop it on their own feet, yet they can’t even cry out in pain…”

As Young Master Yu listened, his smile gradually faded, and flashes of anger appeared in his eyes, with no trace of his earlier spring-like warmth.

Seeing this, Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but laugh coldly in her heart, though her outward appearance remained calm and composed. “Why does Young Master Yu look so displeased? I see Young Master Yu has an elegant demeanor, somewhat resembling a humble gentleman. How is it that a few words have changed you so completely? Perhaps Young Master Yu usually only enjoys reading annotated contemporary prose and doesn’t pay much attention to poetry. You don’t understand that the phrase ‘a gentleman is like jade’ refers on the surface to a person’s appearance and manner, but refers to a person’s character and cultivation. Otherwise, how could there be the saying ‘With a belly full of poetry and books, nobility naturally radiates’? Young Master Yu still needs to put more effort into establishing his conduct and virtue…”

These words made Young Master Yu’s face turn greenish.

A cold expression flashed across his face, and he said, “Madam Zhao, do you find it amusing to engage in such verbal sparring? Let’s not speak in riddles before plain-speaking people…”

“Young Master Yu is mistaken!” Fu Tingyun coldly interrupted Yu Jingxiu. “Without understanding the principles, one cannot discuss right and wrong. If we don’t establish the facts between us before discussing other matters, that would be mere verbal sparring!” Then, changing her tone, she said, “However, I also feel that since our paths differ, there’s no point in further discussion.” Her expression became serious, and she said solemnly, “I only want to know: marriage is meant to bring two families together. Since Young Master Yu wants to break off the engagement, already violating the original intention of the alliance, why not speak frankly with the elders? As I understand, your father has a reputation for uprightness…” Her gaze toward Yu Jingxiu grew increasingly sharp. “Could it be that Young Master Yu’s reason for breaking the engagement… cannot stand scrutiny?” By the end of her words, her gaze was burning with intensity.

Her aggressive attitude startled Yu Jingxiu.

Fortunately, he hadn’t married this Fu woman. Otherwise, he probably couldn’t have endured even a single day!

Such a sharp-tongued woman could probably only be tolerated by someone of common origins like Zhao Ling.

He silently mocked Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun with malice, then said, “If my reasons couldn’t stand scrutiny, how could your father have agreed to break the engagement? But a son does not speak of his father’s faults. Although our two families couldn’t form a marital alliance, your father is still an elder, and I’ve always regarded him as my elder. Some words should not come from me. The reason I rushed here today was to clarify things with Madam Zhao, to prevent misunderstandings from festering over time. After all, now that you are married and I am wed, if for nothing else, we should consider avoiding suspicion.” As he spoke, he glanced at Jin Yuanbao, who had been sitting there silently drinking tea, his eyes fixed on his nose, his nose fixed on his heart. “Although Master Zhao is broad-minded, he cannot withstand Madam Zhao repeatedly pursuing past matters! I hope Madam Zhao will carefully consider these heartfelt words.”

Jin Yuanbao had been listening with righteous indignation. Seeing the accusation directed at him, he could no longer remain silent and laughed, “It’s clear that Young Master Yu doesn’t understand my elder brother’s character at all. As it happens, my elder brother also wants to know what exactly happened back then that caused the Fu family to misunderstand my sister-in-law so deeply that they forced her to commit suicide. Since discovering Zuo Junjie’s whereabouts, my brother specifically used Master Xu’s connections to have me transferred to the capital and stay at home. Firstly, he feared Zuo Junjie might become desperate and harm someone, so I’m here to protect my sister-in-law’s safety. Secondly, he wanted me to urge the Five Cities Command to find Zuo Junjie quickly, to fulfill his sister-in-law’s wish. There are some things Young Master Yu may not know. When my sister-in-law was fleeing famine, she encountered bandits. To preserve her chastity, she was about to slit her throat with a knife. If the Emperor hadn’t intervened in time, she would have lost her life. Before the Grand Empress Dowager arranged the marriage between my brother and sister-in-law, she summoned my sister-in-law to the palace and asked about that year’s events. The reason my sister-in-law is anxious to clarify this matter is also for the sake of the Fu and Yu families—in case the Emperor inquires about it someday, and my sister-in-law doesn’t know how to respond, which could lead to the Emperor misunderstanding both families. That’s why when my sister-in-law heard Zuo Junjie say it was Young Master Yu’s idea, she was eager to ask you for clarification!”

How could Yu Jingxiu not understand the intimidation implied by mentioning Master Xu and the Emperor?

A sinister light flashed in his eyes, giving his originally bright face a somewhat gloomy air.

If not for this reason, why would he personally visit upon receiving the news, wasting so much breath arguing with that Fu woman!

In these two years, the Emperor had been frequently reassigning military positions. By the end of this year at the latest, he would complete the reorganization of the various Military Commissions. If nothing unexpected happened, the restructuring of civil officials would begin in spring next year… His father had entered the Cabinet most recently, and the Emperor pursued a policy of stability in state affairs. His father was the most likely candidate to succeed Shen Shichong as the Chief Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. Therefore, this autumn and next spring were crucial times when nothing that could invite impeachment by censors should emerge…

This Fu woman was being impossible. It seemed that other methods would have to be employed!

With this thought, Yu Jingxiu smiled slightly, recovering his earlier refined and graceful demeanor: “The Yu family is a family of scholars and farmers who pass down literature through generations. Although I cannot claim to be learned, I have studied the works of sages and consider myself to be upright and honest, with nothing I cannot speak of to others. I had good intentions, but I see that Madam Zhao is full of wariness toward me, suggesting that whatever I say, Madam Zhao will have difficulty accepting. Since that’s the case, I won’t say more. Didn’t Zuo Junjie say this matter was instigated by me? Then please let Madam Zhao hand Zuo Junjie over to the authorities. When the time comes, we can confront each other in court, and the two masters of the Fu family will surely have their explanations.” As he spoke, he stood up, cupped his hands toward Fu Tingyun, “Then I’ll take my leave. If I receive a summons from the Shunian Prefecture, I will certainly attend to explain.” Then, with a posture as straight as a pine, he turned and walked out.

Threatening me?

Fu Tingyun watched his retreating figure with contempt.

If your father were just an ordinary official in Beijing, I might hesitate for Zhao Ling’s sake. But your family’s father is now a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. By going to court, isn’t your father afraid of being drowned by the censors’ spittle?

“Then we’ll see each other in court,” she replied with a smile, her voice clear and bright. “However, our family has a third-rank military official with merit from supporting the Emperor, while yours has a renowned Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. I wonder if the Shunian Prefect, upon receiving the complaint, might refer it to the Court of Judicial Review?”

Yu Jingxiu’s graceful figure paused.

Thinking you can trick me because I’m a woman from the inner chambers? Not a chance.

Fu Tingyun watched him and snorted disdainfully, then loudly instructed Yan Qing: “See the guest out!”

Yu Jingxiu barely managed to resist turning around and left the Zhao residence with a gloomy face.

Accompanying him was his attendant Song Yan, who had served by his side since childhood. Seeing his master’s difficult expression, he was greatly alarmed.

He knew that his young master always maintained an elegant and refined demeanor, regardless of the circumstances!

He hurriedly approached, anxiously asking in a low voice, “Young Master, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” Yu Jingxiu let out a long sigh, raising his head to look at the clear mid-spring sky.

The military campaign in Guizhou was proceeding smoothly, and Zhao Ling would return triumphantly around May, undoubtedly receiving more commendations.

He needed to act quickly!

“We’re going to Sixi Hutong,” Yu Jingxiu instructed Song Yan. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had Master Fu’s Dragon Well tea. Today we’ll go taste it and see if Master Fu’s Dragon Well tea is still as fragrant and refreshing as before.”

Song Yan’s eyes flickered slightly, looking at Yu Jingxiu with proud admiration.

He hurriedly bowed in acknowledgment and helped Yu Jingxiu into the carriage.

In the south hall of the Zhao residence, Fu Tingyun asked A Sen, “Has the Yu man left?”

A Sen nodded, looking at her with some concern: “He seems to have gone to Sixi Hutong.”

Fu Tingyun showed no surprise upon hearing this, only nodded somewhat dejectedly.

Seeing this, Jin Yuanbao hurriedly said, “Sister-in-law, why don’t we also go to Sixi Hutong? If Master Fu knows we’re not afraid of the Yu family, perhaps he’ll tell you the truth about the past…”

Fu Tingyun shook her head: “Even I, a mere woman, can think of this. How could the master not? There’s no point in discussing these things now. You just need to keep a close watch on Zuo Junjie. As long as he’s in our hands, we have the initiative, and they must negotiate with us!” At this point, she thought for a moment and said, “Uncle Jin, I want to write a letter to my uncle. Please deliver it to my uncle’s hands as quickly as possible.”

Jin Yuanbao was slightly taken aback.

“Since they are all unwilling to speak, we’ll just have to muddy the waters,” Fu Tingyun smiled slightly at him. “I think my uncle must have his thoughts on this matter!”

Jin Yuanbao understood and nodded with a smile: “I’ll follow sister-in-law’s instructions.”