Chapter 206: Resentment
"An Imperial Mandate Title!" Fan Shi gasped, her face turning pale. She asked in a low, serious voice, "Are you certain? Is this Fu Shi the same Fu Shi we know?"
Mo Zhuan's expression darkened as she bit her lip and replied softly, "To avoid any mistake, I specifically asked the maid who served tea in the flower hall during the banquet when the master entertained the two Lord Fus. She clearly remembered that the master referred to Fu Shi's husband as 'Lord Zhao.'"
"So it's true..." Fan Shi murmured, her gaze distant.
Could it really be as her mother-in-law said—that Fu Shi's Destiny was exceptionally fortunate?
Otherwise, how could she have encountered a nobleman amidst such chaos? Not only did she escape, but she also married a young and accomplished husband. And now, at such a tender age, she had already gained an Imperial Mandate Title through her husband's glory...
Her thoughts were in turmoil.
"Since that maid has seen Zhao Ling, does she know what he looks like?" Fan Shi asked, almost involuntarily, her tone laced with reluctant curiosity. "What is his background? And how does he treat Fu Shi?"
Mo Zhuan understood the implication and felt uneasy. "That maid is under General Manager Yu's supervision and is usually tight-lipped. She only shares trivial matters with me because we're close. If I press her too much, she might become suspicious..."
The white Hangzhou Silk Handkerchief embroidered with orchids crumpled in Fan Shi's grip.
"Then find another way to inquire!" she snapped impatiently. "I refuse to believe this household is an impenetrable fortress without a single crack."
Mo Zhuan murmured an acknowledgment but hesitated. "Madam, perhaps I could ask Cheng Xin, the young master's attendant, to gather information outside?"
Last time, when Madam Yu summoned him to question Yu Jingxiu's whereabouts, it was Cheng Xin who secretly informed Yu Jingxiu.
"Good," Fan Shi perked up. "If he proves resourceful, I'll reward him handsomely."
Mo Zhuan withdrew with a bow.
Fan Shi kicked the large bolster pillow at her feet to the corner of the kang in frustration.
Meanwhile, Fu Tingyun was smiling as she sipped tea and chatted with Yu Wei. "Who's been spreading such nonsense? The war isn't even over yet—how could there be any imperial honors? And even if there were, wouldn't they first be bestowed upon my mother-in-law? How could they possibly come to me? Others may gossip, but why are you joining in?"
Yu Wei laughed. "I was just hoping His Majesty might grant titles to three generations in recognition of Ninth Master's great achievements!"
Fu Tingyun burst into laughter. "For Ninth Master to return safely is already a blessing from the Bodhisattva. You're being too greedy." Her smile faded as she grew serious. "Those are just empty titles. Though I do value them, I can't help feeling they'd be bought with Ninth Master's life—unworthy and unsettling..." She trailed off, her voice trembling. "Who knows when this war will end? Or if there will be setbacks?" Before she could finish, tears glistened in her eyes.Yu Wei noticed that Fu Tingyun had been on an extended vegetarian diet these days, her thoughts constantly preoccupied with the military affairs in Xuanfu. Hearing such rumors outside, she deliberately shared them with Fu Tingyun, hoping to cheer her up. Little did she expect it would only remind Fu Tingyun of Xuanfu again. Regretting her words, Yu Wei quickly added, "Didn’t we run into Mr. Zhao when we went to Tanzhe Temple to offer incense for Ninth Master last time? Mr. Zhao said Ninth Master was fine—he’s the Emperor’s military advisor! If he says so, then Ninth Master must be safe. You shouldn’t dwell on Ninth Master’s matters all the time. The tenth of next month is the young master’s first birthday celebration, and in two months, the second young master will take the county-level imperial examination..."
"Worry makes one irrational!" Fu Tingyun smiled apologetically at Yu Wei.
Keeping busy would prevent her mistress from overthinking!
Yu Wei sighed in relief and seized the moment to present a red list. "Madam, this is the guest list for the young master’s birthday banquet. Please see if there’s anyone to add or remove."
Fu Tingyun took the list and began discussing the invitations with Yu Wei.
Just then, Zhenzhu entered to announce, "Madam, Madam Mo is here!"
She must have come about the situation in Xuanfu—they had been visiting each other frequently these days.
"Quick, invite her in!" Fu Tingyun set aside the list, straightened her clothes, and stepped out of the inner chamber.
Madam Mo walked in, beaming. "Quan Hui, great news! They’ve captured the leader of the Uliangha tribe. The Tatars have requested peace talks and agreed to pay annual tribute."
"Ah!" Fu Tingyun was overjoyed. "Does this mean the Tatars have surrendered?"
"Exactly," Madam Mo replied cheerfully. "Once they’ve accounted for the wounded and reorganized their troops, they’ll surely return to the capital by July."
"Wonderful!" Fu Tingyun’s face lit up with joy. "I must go to Tanzhe Temple to fulfill my vow. And I should inform Mr. Zhao."
Madam Mo paused, surprised. "You... you’ve met Mr. Zhao?"
Fu Tingyun nodded. "When I went to offer incense for Ninth Master last time, Mr. Zhao had his guard summon me inside. I asked about Xuanfu, and he assured me everything was fine..."
A hint of envy flickered in Madam Mo’s eyes. "I heard even Grand Secretary Shen was denied an audience with Mr. Zhao recently..."
"Of course," Fu Tingyun said dismissively. "Grand Secretary Shen went with an agenda, whereas my meeting with Mr. Zhao was purely coincidental."
Madam Mo, recalling how Grand Secretary Shen had been repeatedly reprimanded by the Emperor over grain transport issues, couldn’t help but laugh. She then chatted with Fu Tingyun about Xuanfu: "...Since they’ve submitted their surrender, they’ll likely send an important general to accompany the Tatar envoy to the capital. My Lord Mo must remain to guard Xuanfu, so this task will probably fall to Lord Zhao. He may return to the capital ahead of schedule."
Fu Tingyun sighed. "Whenever there’s a need to come to the capital, General Mo always sends our Ninth Master. Over the years, we’ve received so much kindness from General Mo, yet neither my husband nor I are good with words—we’ve never even properly thanked him."
"Don’t speak so formally," Madam Mo said warmly, their shared hardships having brought them closer. "Our general is impatient by nature. Without your Ninth Master, how could Xuanfu’s military pay and provisions arrive on time every month...?"
Joy lifts the spirit.
The two chatted for hours, and Madam Mo stayed for dinner before departing.
Jin Yuanbao and Shi Shi arrived shortly after."I heard the Tatars have surrendered," he said, having also received the news, his usually composed face now brimming with excitement. "I wonder if the Emperor will hold a victory ceremony at the Meridian Gate!"
Shi Shi, a gentle and serene woman, sat beside them with a soft smile.
A Sen, standing behind Fu Tingyun, occasionally stole curious glances at her.
Knowing this young man was also considered her brother-in-law, Shi Shi's smile grew even warmer.
A Sen blushed and awkwardly lowered his head.
Noticing this, Fu Tingyun smiled at Shi Shi and turned to Jin Yuanbao. "It's still unclear. You got the news so quickly—has Xuanfu already submitted an official memorial to the court?"
"Not yet," Jin Yuanbao replied with a laugh. "I heard it from a colleague whose brother serves in the Standard Guard." Over the past two years, Jin Yuanbao's social circle had expanded significantly.
Fu Tingyun chuckled. "We'll only know the arrangements once the official memorial reaches the Grand Secretariat."
Jin Yuanbao nodded. "It would be great if they could return before Xi Ge'er's first birthday celebration!"
He had always regretted that Zhao Ling couldn't attend his wedding.
Fu Tingyun smiled. "The greater good must come first. We should have more news in a few days."
As they chatted cheerfully, Yang Yucheng arrived.
Seeing everyone in high spirits, he paused in surprise. "Don't tell me you've already heard the news?"
A Sen, finally shaking off his earlier embarrassment, exclaimed loudly, "If even you in Zhangjiawan know about it, of course we in the capital would!"
"Well, well!" Yang Yucheng widened his eyes and playfully smacked A Sen's head twice. "Look at you, getting all cocky now! How's your preparation for the June provincial exam going? I've already prepared firecrackers for you—don't embarrass me when the time comes!"
"Last time, it was all your fault for making me a laughingstock," A Sen retorted, his face flushing with anger at the mention. "This time, stay out of it!"
"Oh ho, now you're looking down on me as some country bumpkin? You don't even want my congratulations anymore?" Yang Yucheng eyed A Sen sideways. "You've really grown some nerve, kid..."
"Who—who said I look down on you?" A Sen stomped his feet in frustration. "I—I was just picked up by the master from who knows where..."
Even Shi Shi couldn't help covering her mouth to laugh, let alone Fu Tingyun.
Fu Tingyun called A Sen to order. "Enough. Brother Yucheng is just teasing you! You're not a child anymore—you can't keep shouting at every little thing."
A Sen lowered his head sheepishly but shot Yang Yucheng a fierce glare.
Yang Yucheng burst into laughter. "Where are Da Niu and Ge'er?"
"They're washing up," Fu Tingyun replied with a smile. "I've already told Tong Shi to bring them over to greet you once they're ready."
Shi Shi looked surprised. "So early?"
It was only the beginning of the Hai hour (7-9 PM), and with summer approaching, the days were getting longer.
Fu Tingyun explained, "Without rules, there can be no order. Once they've washed up, they're not allowed to go out and play. Before bed, I tell them stories and teach them a few characters along the way."
"Starting their education so early?" Jin Yuanbao asked in surprise.
"It's not exactly formal education," Fu Tingyun said. "Just casual teaching. If they remember, great; if not, no matter. It's about giving them a foundation so formal lessons won't feel so difficult later." She added, "I learned characters the same way when I was little."Yang Yucheng nodded repeatedly. "That's a good idea. In a few days, I'll have my wife come visit Sister-in-law to learn from you."
Just as they were speaking, Youyou and Xi Ge'er came in.
Youyou's eyes lit up when she saw Yang Yucheng. She called out "Uncle Yang!" loudly and ran to him, tugging at his sleeve while looking up at him. "What goodies did you bring me?"
Under the lamplight, her delicate little face glowed like polished jade.
Yang Yucheng scooped Youyou up in his arms and produced a slingshot from his pocket.
Youyou cheered and hugged the slingshot to her chest. "Thank you, Uncle!"
Yang Yucheng beamed with delight. "When autumn comes, I'll take you to Zhangjiawan to hunt birds."
"Great! Great!" Youyou nodded eagerly, already excited at the prospect.
Fu Tingyun called sternly, "Youyou," and said, "What did I tell you the other day..."
Youyou stuck out her tongue and quickly slipped out of Yang Yucheng's arms. She curtsied respectfully to Jin Yuanbao and the others. "Uncle Jin, Auntie, Second Uncle!"
Jin Yuanbao laughed heartily and picked Youyou up. "Uncle brought you something too, but you'll have to guess what it is."
Meanwhile, Shi Shi held Xi Ge'er in her arms.
Youyou tilted her head thoughtfully for a moment before declaring, "Cherries!"
Shi Shi was startled. "How did you know it was cherries?"
Youyou answered innocently, "Because Uncle Yang always brings me fun things, and Uncle Jin always brings me tasty treats. Housekeeper Tong said cherries would be in season soon, though they'd be very expensive... So I guessed Uncle Jin must have brought me cherries!"
"This child!" Shi Shi exclaimed, looking at Fu Tingyun. "She's remarkable!"
Though pride shone between Fu Tingyun's brows, she modestly replied, "Children only think about eating and playing!"
But Jin Yuanbao disagreed. "Even if it's about food, most children wouldn't be able to guess like that."
Like all parents, Fu Tingyun continued being modest. "She's just being clever in small ways."
"She's clever in small ways!" Xi Ge'er parroted from the side.
"Look at you all, neglecting our little birthday boy," Shi Shi teased with a laugh. "Our little birthday boy is getting upset!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
The joyous atmosphere lasted until three days later.
The Tatars formally submitted their letter of surrender to the imperial court.
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(End of chapter)
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