Escape to Your Heart

Chapter 266: Resolution

The matter was finally settled. What happened afterward was beyond their control or ability to intervene.

Third Sister couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.

Fu Tingyun also felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders and discussed plans for an outing with Third Sister:

"...We adults have been so preoccupied with our own affairs, keeping the children cooped up indoors all winter. Now that spring has arrived, it would be cruel not to let them out for some fresh air. Tanhe Temple would have been ideal, but with so many influential figures gathered there now, it’s easy to get entangled in trouble. We’d better steer clear."

Third Sister nodded repeatedly. "How about Xiangguo Temple, then? I’ve heard they hold temple fairs on days ending with the number seven. We could take the children to stroll around the fair."

"We’d need to bring plenty of maids and attendants," Fu Tingyun said. "Temple fairs are packed with people—far too chaotic. Every year, children go missing or get abducted."

"Then let’s pick somewhere else!" Third Sister immediately changed her mind. The two sisters went through all the major and minor temples in the capital before finally deciding to take the children to Daci Nunnery outside Xuanwu Gate for incense and a spring outing.

Fu Tingyun leaned in and whispered to Third Sister, "I’ve heard the Child-Seeking Guanyin there is particularly efficacious. Why don’t you offer a few extra sticks of incense and pray for a daughter?"

Third Sister blushed but was clearly tempted. The two sisters grew more and more excited as they talked, eagerly looking forward to the day of their visit to Daci Nunnery. Naturally, this called for new outfits and a few pieces of fashionable jewelry.

When the household servants heard they’d have the chance to accompany their mistresses to the nunnery, they rummaged through their trunks, adorning themselves before their mirrors. Recalling the five thousand taels of silver in profits Shopkeeper Ye San had delivered at the end of the year, along with the several chests of silverware, furs, medicinal herbs, and spices Zhao Ling had sent back, Fu Tingyun generously rewarded each servant with two taels of silver.

Overjoyed, everyone wore bright smiles, chatting more cheerfully and working with even greater diligence—the atmosphere was livelier than during the New Year celebrations.

Meanwhile, the mood at the Yu residence on Alley Street was somber.

Since the New Year, Grand Secretary Yu had been in poor spirits, casting a pall over the entire household. Everyone moved and spoke with caution. Yet, months later, his expression had only grown darker, leaving Madam Yu equally troubled and deepening the oppressive atmosphere at home.

Fan Shi watched anxiously and confided in Mo Zhuan:

"...I asked Mother-in-law, but she wouldn’t say a word. And with my husband away from home, it’s truly maddening." She lowered her voice further. "Do you think Father might be forced to retire, like Grand Secretary Shen?"

Mo Zhuan, Fan Shi’s trusted confidante, was well aware of the Yu family’s former closeness with the Shen family. The current situation left her uneasy as well. At the question, she hesitated blankly before replying, "Surely not... After all, with Grand Secretaries Shen and Tian gone, our master now holds the most seniority... The Emperor can’t possibly dismiss all the elders, can he? Even newly appointed officials keep a few experienced hands around to appear magnanimous..."Fan Shi listened, her brow furrowing with concern. "But if the new steward solidifies his position, he’ll likely start purging those left behind by his predecessor… Father-in-law has been too close to Grand Secretary Shen in the past!" She couldn’t help but complain, "Father-in-law should know better—under heaven, all lands belong to the Emperor. Who in history has ever benefited from opposing the throne? Why not bow his head and yield? At the very least, he could retain his position as Grand Secretary. If even that is lost, it would truly be a disgrace!" At this, she sighed despondently.

Madam Yu, who had brought Grand Secretary Yu a bowl of ginseng soup, similarly advised her husband: "…Since Hao Jianfeng and others have already aligned themselves, shouldn’t you follow the tide as well?"

Grand Secretary Yu smiled bitterly. "Do you think I don’t want to? But can I even do so? Hao Jianfeng and the others took Zhao Ling’s path. Do you expect me to do the same?"

Madam Yu was stunned.

"Zhao Ling’s path?" she asked skeptically. "Are you certain?"

"Official Wu told me himself," Grand Secretary Yu said grimly. "And it was Fu Shi who facilitated the connection."

Madam Yu was visibly shaken, her expression flickering between disbelief and unease. "Fu Shi… has such influence?" she murmured.

"And that’s not all," Grand Secretary Yu added with a hint of frustration. "She also co-owns a restaurant that’s doing quite well. I estimate it earns several thousand taels a year. If only back then—" He caught himself mid-sentence.

What was the point of dwelling on the past?

Changing the subject, he said, "Don’t worry too much. As long as I remain diligent, His Majesty wouldn’t dismiss me without cause, would he?"

Madam Yu hesitated.

Her husband was already past fifty. Forced retirement might be more dignified than clinging to a position where he’d be sidelined—handled with contempt, burdened with trivial or unsavory tasks, and scolded for any misstep.

But now wasn’t the time to voice such thoughts.

Her eyes dimmed slightly as she forced a reassuring smile. "You’re right. Didn’t Grand Secretary Shen also endure years of obscurity when he first joined the Grand Secretariat? Your integrity is renowned among all court officials. Distance tests a horse’s strength, time reveals a man’s heart. In time, His Majesty will surely recognize your worth. For now, please set your mind at ease." She then brightened. "It’s been a while since you’ve seen Zhen Jie’er, hasn’t it? She’s already starting to talk! Shall I have her brought to you?"

"No need," Grand Secretary Yu replied, too preoccupied. Instead, he asked about Yu Jingxiu. "When is he returning?"

Yu Jingxiu had been dispatched on an imperial inspection tour and periodically returned to the capital to report to his superiors.

"He should be back in a day or two," Madam Yu said, her mood lifting at the mention of their son. "De Pu has handled matters admirably this time. The family’s future is secure!"

Yu Jingxiu had uncovered a corruption case in Shandong, earning widespread praise. Madam Yu brought it up to lift her husband’s spirits.

Grand Secretary Yu’s expression softened slightly. "At least he’s obedient."

Just then, a servant hurried in to announce, "The young master has returned!"Grand Secretary Yu and Madam Yu couldn't help but show joyful smiles. Madam Yu even went to the main gate to welcome her son, then took his hand and asked about his daily life in Shandong along the way, accompanying Yu Jingxiu to see Grand Secretary Yu.

Compared to the mother's visible delight at seeing her son, the father appeared much calmer.

Grand Secretary Yu greeted his son mildly: "You're back!"

Yu Jingxiu respectfully replied "Yes" and performed a deep bow to his father.

Seeing his son who had matured somewhat, a glimmer of satisfaction flashed in Grand Secretary Yu's eyes as he instructed Yu Jingxiu: "After being away for several months, not only has your mother missed you, but surely your wife has as well. Go to the inner courtyard to see your wife, freshen up, and later bring your wife and child to the main house for dinner."

Yu Jingxiu cheerfully assented and returned to the inner courtyard.

Madam Yu, accompanied by Housekeeper Shu, went to the kitchen to prepare for the evening family banquet.

Fan Shi was overjoyed to see her husband and personally attended to Yu Jingxiu's washing and changing of clothes, presenting him with new spring garments to wear.

Yu Jingxiu looked at them and asked, "Did you make these?"

Remembering the winter clothing mishap, Fan Shi suppressed her displeasure and smiled, "How would I have the time? These were made by the seamstresses."

Yu Jingxiu examined his new clothes and said, "The ones you make are better—they fit well and have a simple, elegant style." Then with a smile, "If you have time, please make me a couple more!"

Fan Shi was exasperated but had no choice but to agree.

After exchanging a few vague words, Housekeeper Shu came to hurry them to dinner.

Fan Shi carried Zhen Jie'er and went with Yu Jingxiu to the main house.

After dinner, the family moved to the western sitting room for tea.

Just as Grand Secretary Yu was about to ask about Yu Jingxiu's trip to Shandong, Yu Jingxiu spoke first, inquiring about The Empress Dowager's birthday celebration: "I heard it will be a grand affair? Organized by the Ministry of Rites, the Court of Imperial Entertainments, and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Grand Secretary Li even proposed holding the Longevity Banquet at the Hall of Central Harmony, inviting Imperial Mandate Title holders over seventy years old to attend?"

"The Emperor has that intention, but it's still under discussion," Grand Secretary Yu replied with a smile. "I didn't expect your news to be so swift, even from faraway Shandong."

"I heard it from Lord Jiang," Yu Jingxiu said, then exclaimed, "Whose idea was this? Having Imperial Mandate Title holders over seventy attend the Longevity Banquet at the Hall of Central Harmony—isn't that asking for trouble? If anyone were to collapse during the banquet, wouldn't that be inauspicious?"

Seeing his son's indignant expression, Grand Secretary Yu's face darkened slightly. "This isn't your concern, and you shouldn't speak carelessly outside." Then he asked, "Lord Jiang—is that the Left Councilor of the Shandong Provincial Administration Office?"

"That's him!"

Grand Secretary Yu gave his son a deep look and said pointedly, "Grand Secretary Tian's mother passed away two steps ago. He is Grand Secretary Tian's half-brother's nephew!"

"I already know," Yu Jingxiu said with a smile. "He and I get along quite well."

Grand Secretary Yu looked at his son: "Did he tell you who proposed this idea?"

"It was Chen Dan Ting," Yu Jingxiu replied cheerfully. "He also said many provincial officials, knowing the Emperor wants to celebrate The Empress Dowager's seventieth birthday, are already preparing gifts, even though nothing is confirmed yet! Just in Shandong alone, prices for antiques, calligraphy, paintings, gold, silver, and jade have all risen by thirty percent. Those running silver shops this year will make a tidy profit."Madam Yu, who was sitting nearby, chimed in, "Shouldn't we also make some preparations? Otherwise, we might not be able to buy anything decent even if we have the money!"

Yu Jingxiu smiled and replied, "Mother, there's no need to worry. I've already prepared something—a Guanyin statue carved from agarwood in the likeness of The Empress Dowager. It's being crafted in Rizhao, Shandong, and will be delivered in a couple of days."

Of course, such a gift alone wouldn't suffice. Nevertheless, Madam Yu beamed with joy and said, "De Pu is becoming more and more like a proper adult now!" But when she looked up, she noticed her husband sitting beside her, lost in thought with a solemn expression. Puzzled, she gently asked Grand Secretary Yu, "What are you thinking about, my lord?"

"Oh!" Grand Secretary Yu straightened up. "I was wondering what Zhao Ling might present as a birthday gift for The Empress Dowager!"

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I noticed some friends in the comment section pointing out typos—first, I'd like to apologize. Firstly, my skills are limited, and I wasn't even aware of the mistakes, so they remained uncorrected. Secondly, due to time constraints, I wrote in a hurry. Regardless, I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I'll try to adjust my schedule to post proofread drafts whenever possible. If there are still errors, please point them out so I can recognize and correct them promptly.

Here, I’d like to extend my gratitude to all my friends who care and support me!

O(∩_∩)O~

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(End of Chapter)