Chapter 210: Discussion
Yang Yucheng clicked his tongue in amazement: "If Ninth Master ever attains a high position like Marquis Yingchuan, how would he manage? He probably wouldn't even have time to eat."
Having served under Marquis Yingchuan before, Jin Yuanbao didn't view the marquis as unattainably lofty like Yang Yucheng did.
He retorted dismissively, "By your logic, does that mean Marquis Yingchuan never eats? When one's rank is high, visitors must weigh their own standing—there are only so many in the entire court worthy of interaction. Besides, some people pride themselves on their status and deliberately avoid encounters." He added, "In fact, it's someone like Ninth Master who's the busiest."
Yang Yucheng pondered this and found it reasonable, sighing, "If only Ninth Master could reach Marquis Yingchuan's level one day."
Fu Tingyun chuckled, "Nothing in this world is perfect. Even Marquis Yingchuan has his constraints. I think things are fine as they are now—with friends, good companions, good health, a smooth career... There's no need to envy others!"
Zhang Shi, Yang Yucheng's wife, nodded. "I agree with Sister-in-law. My father says, 'The tallest tree in the forest attracts the strongest wind.' Marquis Yingchuan is so wary of being targeted that he governs his subordinates strictly. Other households' chief stewards swagger through Zhangjiawan with their noses in the air, but those serving Marquis Yingchuan are always cautious, never daring to offend even a lowly soldier... Listening to this, I just feel like such a life would be unbearable!"
Zhangjiawan was a crucial hub for transporting southern goods northward, and nearly every merchant of significance had a presence there.
Fu Tingyun grew curious and asked, "Do noble families in the capital openly allow their stewards to conduct business?"
"It's always been 'concealed from above but not below,'" Zhang Shi replied with a smile. "When you're in power, even if everyone knows, no one dares to speak up. But once you fall from grace, even if no one knows, people will find ways to smear you. Why not be bold and do what you must while you still have influence?"
This perspective was entirely new to Fu Tingyun.
She had always taught her children to be low-key, steady, and rule-abiding.
With an exclamation, she laughed, "I never realized Sister-in-law had such profound family teachings—I’ve learned something today! Upon reflection, it really does make sense."
No wonder Zhang Daren had held his position as the Zhangjiawan inspector for so many years!
Zhang Shi smiled demurely.
Yang Yucheng, however, wore a smug and dismissive expression. "Sister-in-law, don’t praise her too much. She’s just parroting a few phrases she picked up from her father."
Zhang Shi pouted in displeasure and muttered, "You always scold me no matter what I say. Why can’t you learn from Uncle Jin, who always speaks so gently to Aunt Jin?"
Shi Shi, who had been listening quietly nearby, froze for a moment before a faint smile touched her lips, her gaze softening as she glanced at Jin Yuanbao.
Jin Yuanbao happened to look over at the same time.
Their eyes met, and both quickly averted their gazes, slightly embarrassed.
Yang Yucheng, meanwhile, retorted indignantly, "He’s him, and I’m me. Are you living with him or with me?"
Zhang Shi stiffened, her face flushing crimson with humiliation. Tears welled up in her eyes.Fu Tingyun glared at Yang Yucheng and said sternly, "Is that any way to speak? Luckily, we're all family here. If outsiders were present, where would that leave your sister-in-law's dignity? It seems to me she's been indulging you too much, letting you forget your place. Say one more word, and I'll report you to Ninth Master—see how he deals with you!" Then she turned to console Zhang Shi, "You know how he is—the closer he is to someone, the more careless his words and actions become... Don't take it to heart."
Yang Yucheng gave an awkward chuckle.
Zhang Shi, feeling sorry for her husband, quickly interjected, "Sister-in-law, please don't be angry. He usually treats me very well. I was just upset that he didn’t spare my feelings in front of you."
"Did you hear that?" Fu Tingyun scolded Yang Yucheng. "Your wife always puts you first!"
Shi Shi, seeing the need to break the silence, said softly with a smile, "This just proves what Sister-in-law said earlier—nothing in this world is perfect. Sister Yang envies my husband for his eloquence, while I sometimes wish he weren’t such a silent gourd, keeping everything to himself. Unlike Brother Yang, who speaks his mind and discusses everything with his wife."
Jin Yuanbao chuckled and stood up, patting Yang Yucheng on the shoulder. "I think we should leave. Once women start comparing, there's no end to it. I don’t want to stand here as a target." He gave Yang Yucheng an easy way out.
Yang Yucheng naturally took the opportunity. "No wonder my wife always compares me to you—my judgment really isn’t as good!" With that, he bid farewell to Fu Tingyun and left the hall with Jin Yuanbao.
Only the women remained in the room.
They chatted cheerfully about daily life, and before they knew it, it was time to light the lamps.
Zhao Ling returned home.
The group exchanged warm greetings, filling the room with lively chatter.
It wasn’t until the third watch drum sounded that everyone retired to their rooms.
Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun discussed Yang Yucheng and Jin Yuanbao’s situation. "...I think staying in the capital won’t get them anywhere in terms of securing titles for their wives and descendants. They’d be better off coming with me to Xuanfu."
"Father and sons go to war together; brothers hunt tigers side by side," Fu Tingyun agreed wholeheartedly. "Having them by your side would be ideal." But she also had concerns. "However, they’re both married now. Whether they go or stay will require careful consideration." She added, "If you bring it up, they definitely won’t refuse, but forced arrangements never work out. Why don’t I first sound out their wives and see what they think before you step in?"
Zhao Ling nodded. "Leave it to you."
Fu Tingyun then brought up A Sen’s marriage. "After the New Year, Lord Wang plans to keep his eldest daughter at home for a matrilocal marriage..." She had barely started when Zhao Ling swept her into his arms and rolled onto the bed.
"Why so much talk?" He nibbled at her neck. "We can talk later. Let’s attend to more pressing matters first!" In a few swift moves, he stripped off her underwear.
Fu Tingyun was speechless but also stirred, letting him have his way for a while.
Only afterward did Zhao Ling ask, "What were you saying earlier? About Lord Wang keeping his eldest daughter at home for a matrilocal marriage—is the betrothal or wedding happening soon?" Then, with a hint of guilt, he added, "With me away, you haven’t been able to socialize much. When the time comes, I’ll accompany you to the Wang family for a few days."
What on earth was he talking about?Fu Tingyun chided, "You didn't even listen clearly before jumping to conclusions." Playing with Zhao Ling's fingers, she softly recounted the whole matter to him.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ling sat up abruptly: "No way! How can we let A Sen become a live-in son-in-law? He'd never be able to hold his head up for the rest of his life!"
"You never let people finish speaking!" Fu Tingyun grew anxious. "If A Sen didn't have feelings for Eldest Miss Wang, why would I go propose marriage? Both of us have suffered from reputation issues before—what's more important, reputation or living comfortably? Besides, the Wang family has promised me A Sen won't change his surname. Even if he doesn't marry into their family, wouldn't A Sen still fulfill filial duties as their son-in-law if anything happens? Moreover, Lord Wang and his wife are virtuous people—A Sen could learn proper conduct from them. What's wrong with that?"
Zhao Ling felt a headache coming on.
Fu Tingyun continued persuading him gently: "Only the drinker knows if the tea is hot or cold. Only those living the life know if it's good or not. When you picked him up back then, wasn't it so he could survive and live well? If being with Eldest Miss Wang makes him happy enough to overlook other matters, then that's the good life he wants. By blocking this, aren't you going against your original intention?"
Zhao Ling knew his wife made sense, but his heart still felt stifled.
He turned over and pulled up the blanket: "I don't care anymore! Do whatever you want."
This meant he agreed!
Fu Tingyun smiled and leaned over his shoulder, kissing his face while whispering: "Ninth Master, you're so wonderful!"
Zhao Ling didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He turned and embraced Fu Tingyun, teasing: "I never realized I held such importance in your heart."
"Ninth Master!" Fu Tingyun held his hand coquettishly.
Zhao Ling laughed helplessly: "Fine, fine. When the time comes, give A Sen all the properties we prepared for him to take along. We can't have him truly living off the Wang family."
"Mhm!" Fu Tingyun nodded cheerfully. "Then I'll formally reply to the Wang family." She added, "How about we finalize this while you're home?"
"Alright!" Having agreed, Zhao Ling stopped hesitating. "As long as the Wang family doesn't think it's rushed, I have no objections."
The couple snuggled together and discussed other matters: "...What do you think about the business Shopkeeper Ye San recommended? Should we do it?"
After some thought, Zhao Ling smiled: "Short on silver? Just pawn some of those calligraphy and paintings. I originally bought those because carrying too much silver was conspicuous—I worried it might attract trouble on our way back to Jiangnan."
"How could we do that?" Coming from a scholarly family, Fu Tingyun considered calligraphy and paintings the most precious things in the world. Only families truly destitute would pawn such items. With their current comfortable life, how could they pawn artworks? "I'd rather pawn my jewelry instead! We can redeem them later when we have money."
"Don't worry about this." Zhao Ling decisively ended the topic. "Ten thousand taels of silver, right? When do you need it? I'll have Anxin make a trip back."
Hearing this, Fu Tingyun tensed: "Where would you get that much silver?""Borrow from Mo Yi," Zhao Ling said without hesitation. "If he agrees readily, we'll pay him back when we make money. If he's reluctant, then we won't."
He wasn't someone who didn't know what was important. Since he said this, there must be some reason behind it.
Fu Tingyun didn't press for details, only advising him, "Don't let money come between people either. There are no walls that don't leak—word would get out, and it wouldn't sound good."
"Don't worry," Zhao Ling said. "I know my limits." Then, feeling the atmosphere was too serious, he called out, "Hey," and said, "Can we stop talking about all this messy stuff and talk about us instead?"
Fu Tingyun, seeing his dissatisfied expression, hid in his arms and laughed. "Then you tell me—what should we talk about?"
Zhao Ling's eyes gleamed mischievously as he whispered suggestively in her ear, "For example... which position did you like best just now..."
Before he could finish, Fu Tingyun punched him on the shoulder. "Stop talking nonsense!"
"Alright, alright!" Zhao Ling laughed roguishly. "I won't talk nonsense—how about I act it out instead..." With that, he pinned her beneath him.
"You're impossible..." Fu Tingyun couldn't help but laugh...
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O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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