Chapter 257: Delivering News
Consort Wu was taken aback.
She hadn’t said anything particularly significant, so why did Madam Wu’s expression look so grave?
As she pondered, Wu Daren lifted the door curtain and entered.
Madam Wu led the others forward to greet him with a bow.
Wu Daren cast a glance at Consort Wu, who stood nervously behind Madam Wu, and asked in a low voice, “What’s happened?”
Madam Wu’s personal housekeeper immediately ushered the servants out of the room and considerately closed the partition door.
Madam Wu then personally poured Wu Daren a cup of tea and gestured for Consort Wu to sit on the embroidered stool by the kang before speaking. “Just now, Consort Wu mentioned that during Zhen Jie’er’s hundred-day celebration at the Yu Family, the Xiping Marquis sent her a gold filigree necklace inlaid with precious gems…”
Before she could finish, Wu Daren’s expression darkened.
The so-called “precious gems” referred to ornaments inlaid with various rare jewels, often of immense value. The Xiping Marquis, stationed in Liangzhou, was a hereditary noble family guarding the frontiers, with no prior connections to the Yu Family. For them to present such an extravagant gift to the Yu Family on the occasion of Zhen Jie’er’s hundred-day celebration clearly indicated they sought a favor—and not a trivial one at that.
“How did you come to know this?” he asked sternly, fixing his gaze on Consort Wu.
Many gifts had been presented that day, but the gold filigree necklace stood out conspicuously. The Yu Family’s eldest daughter-in-law had taken a particular liking to it, often admiring and handling it during their visits to pay respects. Miss Chen had even remarked behind her back that the eldest daughter-in-law had vulgar tastes, which had displeased her greatly. That was why Consort Wu had mentioned it when Madam Wu inquired earlier.
She hadn’t expected her words to draw Wu Daren’s attention.
Judging by his reaction, the matter seemed serious.
As a child, she had studied for a couple of years under her father’s guidance and understood the principle of “turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to improprieties.” Gossiping about the Yu Family behind their backs was already improper—what if her words inadvertently brought trouble upon them? Wouldn’t that be her fault?
Moreover, this matter involved…
At this thought, hesitation flickered across Consort Wu’s face.
Madam Wu exchanged a glance with Wu Daren.
After all, she had married into the Yu Family—when it came down to it, her loyalties still lay with them.
A faint displeasure stirred within Madam Wu.
But Wu Daren understood his wife’s meaning. After a brief consideration, he hardened his expression and said sharply, “You must distinguish between primary and secondary loyalties. How the Yu Family treats you, you know well. Were it not for the Wu Family standing behind you, you should also know how the Yu Family would treat you. Only if the Wu Family thrives will you have a firm footing in the Yu Family. Remember, Grand Secretary Yu is a capital official, while the Xiping Marquis is a frontier noble. Collusion between capital officials and frontier nobles is a crime punishable by the extermination of one’s clan!” His tone then softened slightly. “Even so, as a concubine, if I intervene to plead for you, you won’t be implicated…”
Consort Wu had never faced such a situation before. Panicked and flustered, she stammered, “It’s not collusion! The Yu Family isn’t colluding with the Xiping Marquis! The Xiping Marquis has a request for Grand Secretary Yu!”
Sometimes gentleness was needed, but other times, a sharp blow was more effective!
Madam Wu shot her husband an admiring glance and chimed in, “And you still claim it’s not collusion? Presenting lavish gifts to seek Grand Secretary Yu’s favor—what else could it be? Hurry and tell your uncle what the Xiping Marquis is asking for! Your uncle can then act on your behalf!”Consort Wu pressed her lips together without speaking, her face as pale as paper.
Wu Daren spoke gently, "As a woman of the inner chambers, how could you understand the dangers of court politics? Sometimes what appears to be good fortune hides calamity; other times what seems misfortune may prove beneficial if precautions are taken..."
Consort Wu looked up in astonishment. "Precautions... may prove beneficial..."
Seeing her wavering, Madam Wu quickly added, "Exactly! How could we fathom the depths of court affairs? Just speak plainly. You bear the Wu name—everyone in the capital knows you're one of ours. Would we ever harm you?"
After a moment's silence, Consort Wu whispered, "I heard from the maids that Xiping Marquis has offended Lord Zhao Ling and is now in dire straits. He sought Grand Secretary Yu's help to mediate with Lord Zhao."
How did Xiping Marquis become involved?
The Wu couple exchanged bewildered glances.
"This wouldn't count as collusion, would it?" Consort Wu asked anxiously. "It's merely seeking Grand Secretary Yu's mediation."
"Did Grand Secretary Yu agree?" Madam Wu inquired cautiously. "And why did Xiping Marquis fall out with Zhao Ling?"
Consort Wu shook her head. "I don't know. But the marquis's household left Grand Secretary Yu's study looking grim."
Little more could be gleaned.
Madam Wu glanced meaningfully at Wu Daren, who nodded slightly.
With a smile, Madam Wu said, "We've wronged Grand Secretary Yu then. All's well. Since you mentioned needing to return early, shall I have the housekeeper escort you? Don't mention today's matter to Madam Yu, but do convey my thanks to her." She added absently, "How thoughtful of her to send those small garments for Fourth Miss through you."
Preoccupied, Consort Wu rose to take her leave. A housekeeper accompanied her to the festooned gate.
"Please return now," Consort Wu said, tipping the housekeeper with a dozen coppers. "My carriage awaits outside."
The housekeeper accepted graciously and parted ways at the gate.
Consort Wu urgently instructed Lianxin, "Go ahead—knock on Madam Zhao's door immediately. I must see her."
Her sharp tone startled Lianxin.
"Go now!" Consort Wu snapped, startling the maid further with this unprecedented display of temper.
Lianxin hesitated only briefly before sprinting to the Zhao residence.
The frantic pounding made Yue Chuan frown. "Coming!" he called, opening the gate to a breathless girl of fifteen or sixteen.
"Is Madam Zhao home? We're from Grand Secretary Yu's household—we must see her!" The girl turned to call, "Consort Wu!"
A young woman hurried in, her face etched with anxiety. "Is Madam Zhao here? It's urgent—please announce me quickly." She thrust coppers into Yue Chuan's hand while casting nervous glances behind her, as if pursued.
The commotion drew Zheng San and others to investigate.Recognizing Consort Wu, Zheng Sanniang stepped forward to scrutinize her and asked curiously, "What brings you here?"
Consort Wu also recognized Zheng Sanniang and clutched her hand like a drowning person grasping at a lifeline. "Housekeeper, please help me announce my arrival quickly. I have urgent matters..."
Fu Tingyun was in the kitchen making pastries with Yuanxiao, Youyou, and Xi Ge'er when she heard the commotion. She instructed Zhenzhu, "Go and see what's happening?"
Zhenzhu obeyed and soon returned. "It's the Yu Family's concubine—the one from the Wu Family. She insists on seeing you for urgent matters, and Zheng Sanniang couldn't stop her!"
Consort Wu must have obtained permission from Madam Yu or Fan Shi to leave, and she was accompanied by maids from the Yu Family. Knowing the rift between the two families, she still risked punishment from Madam Yu or Fan Shi to visit—this likely involved something truly urgent.
"Please invite Consort Wu to the southern hall for a talk," Fu Tingyun instructed Zhenzhu before washing her hands.
Zhenzhu relayed the message promptly, and Zheng Sanniang seated Consort Wu in the southern hall, serving tea and snacks.
Fu Tingyun changed her clothes and arrived shortly.
Consort Wu immediately stood up. "Madam Zhao, I can't stay long. I just came from the Wu Family. The Xiping Marquis gifted Zhen Jie'er a gold-inlaid treasure necklace during her hundred-day celebration. When Madam Wu asked about it, I accidentally mentioned it... The Xiping Marquis's family wants Grand Secretary Yu to mediate and reconcile with Lord Zhao... Official Wu also found out. He even said that Grand Secretary Yu is colluding with external officials and could face confiscation of property... I don't know if this is useful to you, but I came to inform you."
Though her words were disjointed, Fu Tingyun understood her message clearly.
"Thank you, Consort Wu," she said sincerely, her brow furrowing with concern. "I appreciate you taking the trouble to come and tell me. This is the first I've heard of the Xiping Marquis seeking reconciliation with my husband. I'll need to consult him for details."
Hearing this, Consort Wu exhaled deeply in relief, her face lighting up with joy. "Then I'll take my leave—the Yu Family's carriage is waiting for me outside." She rose as she spoke.
Not daring to detain her, Fu Tingyun could only say, "If you have anything urgent in the future, send a maid to inform me. Don't come like this again." Her tone carried a hint of worry.
Consort Wu smiled at this, her lips curving upward.
Her smile was as radiant as the bright spring sunshine in May, illuminating her entire being.
Fu Tingyun was taken aback.
Before she could react, Consort Wu curtsied slightly and hurried out of the hall.
The Yu Family's coachman, already impatient with serving someone like Consort Wu, grew even more displeased when she suddenly left him to visit the neighboring Zhao Family. As soon as Consort Wu boarded the carriage, he cracked the whip without waiting for orders, sending the carriage rattling out of Shi Family Alley. Inside, Consort Wu and Lianxin were jostled violently.
By the time Madam Wu heard the news and rushed out, the Yu Family's carriage had long disappeared.
Madam Wu stamped her foot in frustration, muttering in confusion, "Since when could she speak to Madam Zhao?"
Official Wu, however, was preoccupied with the matter of the Xiping Marquis. Absentmindedly, he said, "Just go and find out," before heading to his study to relay the incident to Hao Jianfeng.
Hao Jianfeng was stunned upon hearing it.Official Wu said, "This matter might require your assistance in making some inquiries... Liangzhou falls under the jurisdiction of the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission."
Hao Jianfeng nodded repeatedly and replied, "I understand," before he could no longer sit still and promptly took his leave.
Upon returning home, he immediately summoned his steward and instructed him to gather information about the Xiping Marquis.
The steward cupped his hands in acknowledgment and then reported with a smile, "Magistrate Cen has arrived. Will you see him?"
Hao Jianfeng's eyes lit up at the news.
Magistrate Cen had originally been the local official of Huayin. After Hao Jianfeng was promoted to Vice Minister of Personnel, Magistrate Cen had shown him great respect, not only presenting generous gifts during festivals but also never forgetting the birthdays of his parents, himself, and even his wife and concubines. Over time, the two naturally grew close. Hao Jianfeng had also helped Magistrate Cen with his career, aiding his rise through the ranks. Just two days prior, Magistrate Cen had been appointed as the prefect of Runing.
Hao Jianfeng had expected Magistrate Cen to arrive in the capital soon to report to the Ministry of Personnel.
It seemed Magistrate Cen had come in person to express his gratitude.
"Quickly invite him to the study for a talk," Hao Jianfeng instructed the steward loudly.
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O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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