Chapter 248: Gentle Words (Bonus Chapter Seeking Pink Tickets)
"Don't jump to conclusions at every rumor, will you?" Wu Daren glared at Madam Wu. "The Yu Family has deep roots. If the two families clash, the Yu Family might not necessarily lose. However, no matter how powerful the Yu Family is, they cannot override reason. Let’s first find out what grievances exist between them before making any plans."
Madam Wu felt much more at ease.
Wu Daren then instructed her, "You should also inform Consort Wu. If anything happens on her side, make sure to send word."
Madam Wu agreed and arranged for someone to relay the message to Consort Wu the next day.
Upon hearing it, Consort Wu was momentarily stunned.
"So it really is like this!" she murmured to herself, not even noticing when Lianxin brought in tea.
Meanwhile, Third Older Cousin's Husband had gone to his official duties, and Third Sister's heart settled as well.
She went to Shi Family Alley to discuss matters with Fu Tingyun:
"...The best resources and most talented people are all in the capital. Not just the children, but even I have learned so much. I’ve talked it over with your cousin, and we’ve decided to entrust household affairs to loyal stewards while we stay in the capital for a few years. If the children can make progress in their studies because of this, that would be ideal. But to do so, it’d be best to purchase a house and settle down properly. If you know any reliable brokers, Ninth Sister, please introduce them to me."
It was never good for a married couple to be apart.
Fu Tingyun fully supported Third Sister’s decision and sought help from Chen Shi, Madam Mo, and Wang Furen to inquire about suitable houses.
Within a few days, Madam Mo had news:
"It’s in Sanyuan Alley. The location isn’t the best, but the house is about seventy percent new—three courtyards with three sections each. The owner needs money urgently and is selling it thirty percent below market price."
Third Sister wanted to take a look and pulled Fu Tingyun along:
"Such a big decision, and your cousin is so busy with work, leaving early and returning late. I don’t even have anyone to discuss it with. You must come and help me decide."
Fu Tingyun agreed with a smile and accompanied Third Sister by carriage to Sanyuan Alley.
The moment they stepped out of the carriage, she froze.
As it turned out, Sanyuan Alley was right next to Four Happiness Alley.
The sisters exchanged glances.
Third Sister immediately told the broker, "This alley is too narrow for carriages. I think we’ll pass. Please find us another suitable place."
"Wait, wait!" The owner was desperate to sell and had offered a high commission, so the broker was eager to close the deal. "At least take a look inside, Madams... The bricks are all neatly laid, the pillars have been freshly painted, and there are a few fine pieces of furniture—you’ll love them at first sight!" He then paced the alley with his feet to measure it. "See? Not just one carriage, but even two could pass through side by side with room to spare! If you don’t believe me, drive your carriage in and see..."
"No need!" Third Sister was firm. "Please find us another place." She insisted on leaving.
The broker had no choice but to follow them out of Sanyuan Alley.
Fu Tingyun felt somewhat guilty and said, "Third Sister, maybe you should still take a look. You shouldn’t have to avoid the Fu Family just because of me. That’s between me and them—it has nothing to do with you."
But if that were the case, Ninth Sister wouldn’t be able to visit them often.Third Sister pondered for a moment before smiling and saying, "Though that may be so, I'd feel uneasy staying here. Besides, this place is rather remote—it would take my husband nearly two hours to reach the yamen. Summer would be tolerable, but winter would be miserable. It's better to find a place closer to Bingma Hutong."
Fu Tingyun knew Third Sister was considering her feelings and felt deeply grateful. "It's not that I'm afraid of seeing Master Fu the Fifth," she explained, "but rather that our presence might disrupt your household. If Third Older Cousin's Husband, Chunbing, and Yuanxiao were to witness any discord, they might look down on the rest of the Fu family."
"How dare they!" Third Sister laughed. "If it weren't for the help of my two Fu family brothers-in-law, where would he be today? If he dares to slight any of our Fu family's sons-in-law, I'll make sure he regrets it." Despite her words, she knew that any conflict between Fu Tingyun and Master Fu the Fifth would reflect poorly on the Fu family. Deciding to change the subject, she leaned out and lifted the carriage curtain to ask the broker riding alongside on his mule, "Are there any other properties to see?"
The broker, who had assumed this deal was as good as done, hadn't prepared any alternatives.
After a long pause, he replied, "There are a few other fine properties, but they're quite far from here. We'd have to wait until tomorrow morning to see them."
Third Sister nodded, arranging a time with the broker before settling back into the carriage. Turning to Fu Tingyun, she said, "Since we're out, why not come to my place for some tea?"
Thinking it had been a while since she'd seen Chunbing and Yuanxiao, Fu Tingyun smiled and agreed, instructing Yu Wei to go ahead and buy some pastries to bring to Third Sister's rented home.
"If you keep spending like this every time, I won't dare invite you over again," Third Sister protested.
"These are for my nephews—no need to fuss, Third Sister," Fu Tingyun teased. "I'm being nice to them now so they'll remember me when I'm old and visit me often!"
"Do you really think they won't visit you if you don't spoil them?" Third Sister retorted. "Children raised like that wouldn't amount to much anyway!"
As they chatted, they soon arrived at Third Sister's rented home.
Yu Wei had already arrived and handed the Eight-color Gift Box to Third Sister's personal Housekeeper before helping Fu Tingyun alight from the carriage.
Chunbing and Yuanxiao eagerly stepped forward to greet her, both asking in unison about Youyou: "...Why didn't she come with Ninth Aunt?" Their eyes searched behind her.
Fu Tingyun was momentarily taken aback before laughing. "If I'd known, I would've brought her. Do you miss her that much?"
Chunbing blushed and stayed silent, but Yuanxiao nodded vigorously. "Cousin can sing and play cat's cradle."
Fu Tingyun and Third Sister burst into laughter.
A young maid entered and announced, "Madam, the Fifth Elder of the Fu family has arrived. He says he wishes to see our master."
Father?
What is he doing here?
Fu Tingyun was stunned.
Third Sister was equally surprised. "I'll go see and return shortly," she told Fu Tingyun, making no move to involve her.
Fu Tingyun nodded and continued chatting with Chunbing and Yuanxiao.
Before half an incense stick's time had passed, footsteps sounded outside.
Assuming it was Third Sister returning, Fu Tingyun paid no mind—until the curtain was lifted, revealing none other than Master Fu the Fifth.Behind him followed Third Sister, looking somewhat awkward.
Fu Tingyun's expression darkened slightly as she stood up. Master Fu the Fifth had already begun speaking warmly, "Quan Hui is here too! What a coincidence. Why didn’t you bring the children along? Your eldest should be three years old now, shouldn’t he? I haven’t met him yet. I heard you’ve had another son? Good, very good." He maintained the reserved demeanor of an elder as he exchanged pleasantries with Fu Tingyun.
What kind of act was this?
If he truly cared about her, why couldn’t he even recall the names of her children?
Fu Tingyun sneered inwardly but managed a faint smile in acknowledgment before turning to Third Sister. "It’s getting late, and the children are at home. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll visit you another day, Third Sister."
Third Sister visibly relaxed.
She knew Fu Tingyun’s temperament well—if you were in the right, she could be gentler than anyone, but if you were in the wrong, she would stand her ground firmly, no matter who you were. Fifth Uncle was, after all, an elder. If he were to reprimand her, Fu Tingyun would either have to respond, risking disrespect, or stay silent and endure the injustice.
All she wanted was for Fu Tingyun to leave this troublesome situation as quickly as possible.
Without a word of protest, she stood to see Fu Tingyun out, whispering an explanation, "He saw your carriage and insisted on coming in. I couldn’t stop him..."
Fu Tingyun nodded slightly. "I understand... He is an elder, after all."
Third Sister gave her a grateful look.
"Wait!" came Master Fu the Fifth’s hesitant voice from behind them. "Quan Hui, I have something to ask you!"
Fu Tingyun and Third Sister exchanged glances.
Third Sister shook her head subtly, urging her to leave quickly.
But after a moment’s thought, Fu Tingyun turned back and faced Master Fu the Fifth, who had followed them out. With a smile, she asked, "What guidance do you have for me, Lord Fu?"
The formal address made Master Fu the Fifth’s eyes flicker with discomfort, but he pressed on. "I heard your Third Older Cousin's Husband secured his position in the Ministry of Personnel thanks to your intervention?"
Third Sister frowned.
Fu Tingyun, inexplicably, felt an urge to laugh out loud.
Truly, a leopard couldn’t change its spots.
The only thing that could make Master Fu the Fifth humble himself was power.
Her smile brightened like a blooming flower. "Lord Fu, you are mistaken! Third Older Cousin's Husband earned his position in the Ministry of Personnel through his own virtue, talent, and qualifications. What does that have to do with me?"
Master Fu the Fifth’s expression soured slightly. "Are you still holding a grudge over my refusal to acknowledge you back then? You must understand, I had no choice! Both your eldest uncle and I were deceived by Yu Jingxiu, which is why we publicly declared you had passed away. The Fu family is prominent and upholds its reputation. How could we go back on our word?"
"Lord Fu," Fu Tingyun interrupted with a smile, "what exactly are you trying to say? I’m not very clever—please speak plainly."
Master Fu the Fifth faltered, his rehearsed speech cut short. Awkwardly, he muttered, "It’s nothing much... The past was all a misunderstanding... Your eldest uncle has been in Jinhua for four or five years now and is thinking of relocating..."
Fu Tingyun burst into laughter, tears welling in her eyes. "So it’s just Eldest Uncle who wants to relocate? What about you? Don’t you have any plans of your own?"
The undisguised scorn in her tone turned Master Fu the Fifth’s face ashen.
He opened his mouth as if to speak, but after several attempts, he swallowed his words."If I said I never resented you for disowning me, that would be hypocritical," Fu Tingyun said calmly, smiling at Master Fu the Fifth. "But after learning why you refused to acknowledge me, that resentment faded. Still, I couldn’t help feeling a trace of regret. Yet today, standing here and listening to your words, I’m truly grateful you never claimed me as your daughter." Her expression turned disdainful. "For power, you’d stoop to anything, wouldn’t you? Not only am I relieved for myself—I’m relieved for Mother as well. She passed away early, spared the shame of seeing what you’ve become. Otherwise, she’d surely feel just as ashamed as I do now." Her face grew solemn. "Master Fu the Fifth, I don’t know you. My father died long ago. In my heart, he was a learned, kind man—one who taught me calligraphy, explained the classics, and showed me how to live with integrity. Not someone like you, scrambling for petty gains, discarding all decency for the sake of power!" With that, she turned and strode away.
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I had vowed to add an extra chapter daily during the double-votes period, but reality had other plans—trivial matters kept piling up, leaving no time to write. Though this chapter is much later than intended, I’ve decided to post it as the bonus update and will rush tonight’s regular chapter afterward… so today’s update will be quite late!
O(∩_∩)O~
Gotta keep pushing forward!
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(End of Chapter)
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