Chapter 174: Ambush
The contemptuous and scornful expressions had already made Master Fu the Fifth feel deeply humiliated. Now, with Fu Tingyun bluntly telling him to leave, he trembled with rage and growled in a low voice, "Truly, long hair but short sight! Don’t think that just because Zhao Ling is the Emperor’s favored minister, you can do as you please. Remember, our dynasty has always governed through civil means over military. Those who rise through favoritism are nothing more than court jesters at best! How can they compare to the Yu Family, with generations of officials, decades of influence over the Imperial College, disciples across the land, and a reputation that shakes the nine provinces? You should weigh the consequences carefully. Offend the Yu Family, and you’ll regret it when you can’t bear the fallout..."
Fu Tingyun’s willow-leaf brows arched in anger as she indignantly cut him off: "No matter how prestigious the Yu Family is, Young Master Yu’s actions are nothing but the deeds of a petty man. No matter how lowly Zhao Ling’s status may seem, he conducts himself with integrity. Comparing the two, who stands higher and who lower? I doubt someone like Lord Fu, blinded by wealth and glory, could even discern it. Fortunately, while Lord Fu sees us as lacking judgment, we see him as lacking gratitude—mutual disdain suits us just fine. Since that’s the case, I won’t keep Lord Fu here to suffer any longer." She then raised her voice and called to Zheng San, "Lord Fu is returning to his residence. Aren’t you going to see him off?"
Zheng San and the others had only held back out of respect for Fu Tingyun, not daring to forcefully stop Master Fu the Fifth. Now that father and daughter were at daggers drawn, they had no more reservations. Zheng San answered loudly and summoned Yan Qing. The two of them flanked Master Fu the Fifth, half-dragging, half-pulling him out.
"Fu Tingyun, how dare you...!" Master Fu the Fifth was so humiliated and enraged he could barely speak.
Fu Tingyun couldn’t be bothered with him and signaled Jin Yuanbao to go check outside. "Though my father cares deeply about face, I fear he might disregard everything and start shouting at the door, tarnishing Ninth Master’s reputation!"
Jin Yuanbao understood and hurried after them.
Fu Tingyun also strained her ears to listen.
Only a few low murmurs reached her.
She let out a sigh of relief.
Her father, after all, still valued his dignity most.
Jin Yuanbao soon returned.
"Sister-in-law," he said quietly, "Lord Fu was still shouting loudly in the courtyard, but the moment he stepped outside the gate, he fell silent and pushed Yan Qing away. Yan Qing, being sharp-eyed, immediately released him and helped him into the carriage... It seems Lord Fu doesn’t want anyone to know either, so you needn’t worry."
Fu Tingyun nodded wistfully and said to Jin Yuanbao, "Do you still have that letter I wrote to my uncle? Return it to me. I want to rewrite it."
Puzzled, Jin Yuanbao retrieved the letter from his sleeve and handed it to her.
Fu Tingyun took the letter and went to the south hall.
A Sen hurried to grind ink for her.
As Jin Yuanbao followed her inside, Fu Tingyun explained softly, "Lord Fu came here at Yu Jingxiu’s behest to mediate. Not only does he have no intention of discussing things fairly with us, but even if he did, he’d likely side with Yu Jingxiu. The truth of what happened back then would surely be distorted. Rather than that, we should find another way!"
Jin Yuanbao, being a strategist by nature, immediately grasped her meaning. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Sister-in-law, are you planning to drive a wedge between them?"
Fu Tingyun gave a slight nod."Ever since being confined in Azure Cloud Temple, I've been heartbroken and filled with indignation. During those quiet nights when I reflected on everything that happened, though I found it suspicious, I still couldn't believe my father would harm me, always placing the blame on my uncle. But now, upon careful consideration, I realize I was wrong." She spoke melancholically, "After all, I'm still the daughter of the fifth branch. Even if my uncle is the family head, regardless of Zuo Junjie's blatant lies—even if evidence were found of any improper relationship between us—with both my parents alive, he couldn't bypass my father to punish me..." She paused briefly, "This clearly shows my father gave his consent."
Jin Yuanbao watched as tears welled in her eyes while she forced a smile, his heart aching for her. "Sister-in-law," he comforted, "No one could have anticipated this. Fortunately, it's not too late now that you've seen the truth..."
Fu Tingyun smiled at Jin Yuanbao, "I must thank Ninth Master for this! Had he not seen through it early on, stopping me both openly and covertly while comforting my mother, I might have drowned in blind filial piety, allowing them to manipulate me. How could I have come to this realization so quickly? How could I have stood firm against Lord Fu with such conviction?"
Her smile now was unlike the strained one before—it came from the heart, sweet as honey, brimming in the corners of her eyes and brows, lighting up her entire face.
Every time Sister-in-law mentions Ninth Master, she looks like this...
Jin Yuanbao smiled sheepishly.
Their marital bond is truly strong!
A Sen, however, turned directly to Fu Tingyun and asked, "Sister-in-law, are you thinking about Ninth Master?"
Fu Tingyun's face flushed. Instinctively, she wanted to deny it, but under A Sen's bright, expectant gaze, she suddenly felt her hesitation was unnecessary.
They're husband and wife—why shouldn't she admit to missing him?
"Yes," she pursed her lips, "I hope Ninth Master returns soon!"
A Sen chuckled smugly, pleased with himself for guessing correctly.
Jin Yuanbao added, "The war ended in February. By my calculations, Ninth Master should return by mid-May."
Fu Tingyun sighed regretfully, "If only he could make it back for Youyou's first birthday."
"One can never say for certain," Jin Yuanbao said cheerfully. "I've asked my colleagues to keep an ear out. If there's any news, I'll send word immediately."
Fu Tingyun nodded. A Sen interjected, "Sister-in-law, the ink is ready."
She moved to the desk, wrote another letter, and handed it to Jin Yuanbao, emphasizing once more, "You must keep a close watch on Zuo Junjie. He's my trump card."
"Don't worry, Sister-in-law," Jin Yuanbao reassured firmly, "I understand the gravity of this matter."Fu Tingyun felt slightly reassured but still said, "I remember my uncle once had the chance to arrange a marriage with Hao Jianfeng from the Ministry of Personnel, but he ultimately declined out of concern for his reputation. Someone like him values his good name above all else, even to the point of disregarding personal gain. Yet first, there was Zuo Junjie's false accusation, then my elder sister-in-law secretly releasing someone, and now he has to rely on the Yu Family for reinstatement, bending to their will. Given my uncle's temperament, he must be seething with resentment. This is our opportunity—fleeting, but if we seize it, we can't pin all our hopes on Zuo Junjie. That man is not only cold-hearted but also weak-willed. If we truly clash with the Yu Family, there's no telling which side he'd choose!"
"I understand," Jin Yuanbao nodded repeatedly. "I'll arrange to have the letter sent to Jinhua immediately!"
After giving a few more instructions, Fu Tingyun let Jin Yuanbao go.
In the afternoon, Jin Yuanbao returned to report the letter had been dispatched: "By express courier—it should reach Jinhua in four or five days at most."
"Let's hope it arrives in time," Fu Tingyun murmured. Just then, Zheng San entered with a peculiar expression. "Madam, Lord Fu is here again!"
Surprised, Fu Tingyun paused briefly before replying, "Repeat what I said this morning to Lord Fu." She added firmly, "I meant it when I said I don’t wish to see him again."
Zheng San flushed slightly, bowed, and left.
The sound of raised voices drifted in from outside.
Fu Tingyun rose and returned to the main house.
Though March in the capital still carried a chill, the wind no longer bit sharply. Tong Shi and the nursemaid were basking in the courtyard with Youyou in their arms. The moment the little girl spotted her mother, she stretched out her arms and babbled excitedly.
Fu Tingyun quickly took her daughter with a smile, kissing her rosy cheeks before asking the nursemaid, "Has Youyou been fussy?"
"Not at all!" The nursemaid adored the well-behaved child and beamed as she spoke. "The young miss has been playing wonderfully—earlier, she tried to imitate Yu Wei separating threads for embroidery and ended up tangling them all. Zhenzhu and Yu Wei are still sorting them out!"
"You little rascal!" Fu Tingyun teased, gently pinching her daughter’s nose.
Youyou giggled delightedly.
The innocent laughter filled the courtyard, lifting Fu Tingyun’s spirits.
In the following days, the Zhang family formally sent matchmakers—a deputy inspector and a granary official from the Zhangjiawan Patrol Inspectorate—to propose marriage. Yang Yucheng, in turn, enlisted a deputy commander and a centurion from the Daxing Garrison as his intermediaries. He purchased a modest single-courtyard house in Daxing as their new home. The Zhangs offered a dowry of thirty-six trunks, four hundred acres of prime farmland in Zhangjiawan, two shops in Daxing, two maids, and a servant family. After consulting Fu Tingyun, the wedding date was set for the tenth day of the tenth month.
Some of Yang Yucheng’s colleagues enviously clamored for him to host a celebration, while others muttered jealous remarks.
Worried he might act arrogantly in front of the Zhangs to save face, Fu Tingyun summoned Yang Yucheng to admonish him: "...You knew the Zhang family was wealthier when you agreed to this match—that’s hardly Zhang Xiaojie’s fault. Don’t you dare take it out on her or her parents with a sour face."Yang Yucheng blushed and smiled, "Don't worry, I'll learn from Ninth Master."
"What does this have to do with Ninth Master?" Fu Tingyun chided.
Yang Yucheng grinned, "Ninth Master said that you, sister-in-law, were drawn to how well he treated you, so whether eating husks or wearing silks, you'd always follow him. I'll treat Zhang Shi well too, so she'll willingly follow me back to Huxian County."
Fu Tingyun glared at him.
Yang Yucheng remained unbothered, continuing to chuckle to himself.
Jin Yuanbao and A Sen walked in, both beaming.
While Jin Yuanbao maintained his composure, A Sen's grin stretched ear to ear.
After a quick greeting to Yang Yucheng, A Sen blinked at Fu Tingyun and asked, "Sister-in-law, guess what happened?"
Fu Tingyun's eyes lit up, "Is Ninth Master coming back?"
A Sen scratched his head, laughing sheepishly with diminished enthusiasm, "No... it's something else."
Fu Tingyun went "Oh," then pondered before saying, "Did your teacher say you're qualified for the county exams next year?"
Last February, six students from Bowen Private School took the county exams and all passed. A Sen had been talking about it nonstop at home for days.
"No!" A Sen's face darkened further.
"Stop keeping her in suspense," Jin Yuanbao interjected, glancing at the grinning A Sen before turning back to Fu Tingyun with an unchanged smile. "Last night, someone sneaked into the cellar where Zuo Junjie is held. We caught two of them and handed them over to Shuntian Prefecture as thieves."
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This week I'm moving to the tutoring village. Internet there needs to be installed after arrival, so updates might be irregular for a couple days. Apologies—I'll resume normal schedule ASAP.
O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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