Chapter 172: Coercion
Fu Tingyun narrowed her eyes slightly.
To be so glib-tongued, twisting right and wrong, and still speak with such righteous confidence—this was truly not something an ordinary person could accomplish.
"The matter of breaking off the engagement is indeed not something Young Master Yu alone can decide," she said unhurriedly. "However, the affairs of elders have their own reasoning. Naturally, I will inquire about them. Right now, I only wish to know Young Master Yu's justification." She raised an eyebrow, a trace of disdain flashing in her eyes. "Or perhaps Young Master Yu also has unavoidable circumstances? How is it that I heard from Zuo Junjie that the elders of the Yu Family do not agree to breaking off the engagement?"
A flicker of frustration passed through Young Master Yu's eyes.
Fu Tingyun saw it clearly and grew more convinced of Zuo Junjie's words. She continued, "Every time I think of this matter, I find it strange. Our Fu Family has always upheld a clean and honorable reputation—how could anyone come up with such an ill-fitting scheme? Anyone with half a brain would know at once that there must be something fishy about it. And yet, your father is a man who has risen to the highest ranks of the court—how could his methods be so petty? His vision so narrow? His perspective so shallow? Where is the slightest hint of a man who embraces the world? Now, hearing Zuo Junjie's words, everything suddenly becomes clear. It seems people are indeed divided into ranks—the superior act with integrity, the middling uphold loyalty, and only the lowest, for the sake of selfish gain, cast aside all propriety and shame, committing such astonishingly foolish deeds while still believing themselves clever. In the end, they lift a stone only to drop it on their own feet, unable even to cry out in pain..."
As she spoke, Young Master Yu's smile gradually faded, his eyes glinting with anger, not a trace of his earlier amiable demeanor remaining.
Fu Tingyun sneered inwardly, though her expression remained calm and composed. "Why does Young Master Yu look so displeased? I had thought you carried yourself with grace, even resembling a modest gentleman. How is it that a few words have changed you so? I suppose Young Master Yu prefers reading commentaries on current affairs, skimming over poetry and verse without delving deeper, unaware that the phrase 'a gentleman is like jade' refers not only to a person's outward demeanor but to their moral character. Otherwise, why would there be the saying, 'A bellyful of poetry and books lends an air of refinement'? It seems Young Master Yu still has much work to do in cultivating virtue and conduct..."
Her words left Young Master Yu's face ashen.
A cold sternness flashed across his features as he said, "Madam Zhao, do you find such verbal sparring amusing? Between straightforward people, there is no need for veiled words—"
"Master Yu, you are mistaken!" Fu Tingyun coldly interrupted Yu Jingxiu. "Without understanding the principles, one cannot discuss right and wrong. If we do not first clarify the reasoning between us before speaking of anything else, then that would truly be indulging in empty talk!" Then, shifting her tone, she added, "However, I too feel that since Master Yu and I walk different paths, further discussion is pointless." Her expression turned solemn as she continued, "I only wish to know—since marriage is meant to unite two families in harmony, and since Young Master Yu seeks to break the engagement, thus violating its very purpose, why not openly explain the matter to the elders? To my knowledge, your father is known for his uprightness..." Her gaze grew sharper as she fixed it on Yu Jingxiu. "Unless... the reason Young Master Yu wishes to break the engagement... cannot hold up to scrutiny?" By the end, her eyes burned like torches.
Her aggressive demeanor startled Yu Jingxiu.It's a good thing I didn't marry that Fu Shi back then—otherwise, I doubt we could have lasted even a single day together!
A shrew like her is probably only tolerable to someone like Zhao Ling, who rose from the rough-and-tumble world.
He silently mocked Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun with ill intent, then said, "If my reasons hadn't been justified, why would your father have agreed to break off the engagement? However, a son should not speak of his father’s faults. Though our families didn’t form a marital alliance, your father is still an elder, and I’ve always regarded him as such. Some things simply shouldn’t be said by me. The reason I came today is to make things clear with Madam Zhao, so that certain matters don’t fester in our hearts and turn into an irresolvable misunderstanding. After all, you are now married, and so am I. If nothing else, for the sake of propriety, we should all be more cautious."
As he spoke, he glanced at Jin Yuanbao, who had been sitting quietly, eyes downcast, sipping tea without a word. "Though Lord Zhao is broad-minded, even he can’t endure Madam Zhao repeatedly dredging up the past! These are my sincere words, and I hope Madam Zhao will consider them carefully."
Jin Yuanbao had long been seething with indignation. Seeing the accusation directed at him, he could no longer hold back and replied with a smile, "It seems Lord Yu knows nothing about my elder brother’s character. In fact, my brother has always wanted to know what exactly happened back then—why the Fu family harbored such deep misunderstandings toward my sister-in-law that they drove her to attempt suicide. That’s why, after discovering Zuo Junjie’s whereabouts, my brother specifically pulled strings with Mr. Zhao to have me transferred to the capital and stay at their home. First, to protect my sister-in-law in case Zuo Junjie, cornered like a desperate dog, tried something violent. Second, to urge the Five Cities Patrol Brigade to find Zuo Junjie as soon as possible and put my sister-in-law’s mind at ease.
"Perhaps there are things Lord Yu doesn’t know? During the famine, my sister-in-law encountered bandits and, to preserve her chastity, was about to slit her own throat. Had the Emperor not intervened in time, she would have died. Before the Empress Dowager arranged the marriage between my brother and sister-in-law, she summoned my sister-in-law to the palace and questioned her about those past events. The reason my sister-in-law is so eager to clarify this matter is also for the sake of the Fu and Yu families—lest the Emperor one day ask about it, and she has no answer, leading to misunderstandings about both families. That’s also why, when Zuo Junjie claimed this was Young Master Yu’s idea, my sister-in-law was so desperate to seek an explanation from you!"
Using Mr. Zhao and the Emperor to pressure him—Yu Jingxiu couldn’t possibly miss the implication.
A trace of cold ruthlessness flashed in his eyes, casting a shadow over his otherwise bright countenance.
If not for this very reason, why would he have rushed over in person upon hearing the news and wasted so many words on that Fu woman?
Over the past two years, the Emperor had been frequently reassigning military posts. By the end of this year at the latest, the reorganization of the regional commands would be complete. Barring any surprises, the civil service reforms would begin next spring... His father was the most junior member of the Grand Secretariat, and since the Emperor favored stability in governance, his father was the most likely candidate to succeed Shen Shichong as Chief Grand Secretary. Thus, this autumn and next spring were critical—absolutely nothing must happen that could give the censors grounds for impeachment...This Fu Shi is utterly unyielding—it seems other methods must be employed!
With this thought, Yu Jingxiu smiled faintly, resuming the graceful demeanor of a refined gentleman: "The Yu Family is one of farming and scholarship, passing down poetry and literature through generations. Though I cannot claim profound erudition, I have studied the classics of sages and consider myself upright in conduct, with nothing to hide. My intentions were pure, yet Madam Zhao remains distrustful, making it clear my words fall on deaf ears. Since that is the case, I shall say no more. Didn’t Zuo Junjie claim I was behind this? Then let Madam Zhao hand him over to the authorities. We can confront each other in court, and the Two Masters of the Fu Family will surely provide an explanation." With that, he rose, cupped his hands toward Fu Tingyun, and said, "I shall take my leave now. If summoned by the Shuntian Prefecture, I will certainly appear to clarify matters." Then he turned and strode out with the poise of a pine tree.
Threatening me?
Fu Tingyun curled her lips disdainfully as she watched his retreating figure.
If your father were just an ordinary capital official, I might hesitate for Zhao Ling’s sake. But your father is now a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet—do you think he’d risk being drowned in the censors’ scorn by going to court?
"Then let us meet in court," she replied brightly, her voice clear. "However, one party is a third-rank military officer with Merit from Supporting the Emperor, and the other is the illustrious Grand Secretary of the Cabinet. I wonder if the Shuntian Prefect will refer the case to the Court of Judicial Review!"
Yu Jingxiu’s elegant stride faltered.
Thinking you can bluff me just because I’m a woman confined to the inner quarters? Not a chance.
Fu Tingyun scoffed disdainfully and called out sharply to Yan Qing, "See our guest out!"
Yu Jingxiu resisted the urge to look back, his face dark as he exited the Zhao residence.
His attendant, Songyan, who had served him since childhood, was startled by his master’s grim expression.
After all, their young master was always the picture of gentility and grace, no matter the circumstances!
Hurrying forward, Songyan whispered anxiously, "Young Master, what’s wrong?"
"Nothing!" Yu Jingxiu exhaled deeply and gazed up at the clear spring sky.
With the successful campaign in Guizhou, Zhao Ling would return triumphant around May, undoubtedly to further accolades.
He needed to act quickly!
"Let’s go to Four Happiness Alley," Yu Jingxiu instructed Songyan. "It’s been too long since I’ve tasted Lord Fu’s Longjing tea. Today, we’ll see if it remains as fragrant and refreshing as ever."
Songyan’s eyes gleamed, his expression brimming with pride for his master.
He bowed promptly and helped Yu Jingxiu into the carriage.
Back in the Zhao family’s southern hall, Fu Tingyun asked A Sen, "Has that Yu fellow left?"
A Sen nodded, watching her with concern. "He seemed to be heading to Four Happiness Alley."
Fu Tingyun showed no surprise, only a faint melancholy as she nodded.
Jin Yuanbao quickly interjected, "Sister-in-law, should we also visit Four Happiness Alley? If Lord Fu realizes we’re unafraid of the Yu Family, perhaps he’ll reveal the truth of what happened back then..."Fu Tingyun shook her head. "Even a woman like me can think of this—how could the master not have considered it? There's no point in discussing it now. Just make sure Zuo Junjie is securely guarded. As long as we have him in our hands, we hold the advantage, and they'll have no choice but to negotiate with us!" After a moment's thought, she added, "Uncle Jin, I'd like to write a letter to my uncle. Please deliver it to him as quickly as possible."
Jin Yuanbao was momentarily taken aback.
"Since none of them are willing to speak up, we'll just have to stir the waters ourselves." Noticing his reaction, Fu Tingyun smiled faintly. "I believe my uncle must have his own thoughts on the matter!"
Jin Yuanbao relaxed and nodded with a smile. "As you command, sister-in-law."
※
Posting a draft first... then blushing as I ask for monthly votes...
PS: Thank you all for your support—we managed to hold onto fourth place in the monthly votes for July!
O(∩_∩)O~
※
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel