The Old Princess Consort resorted to tantrums and feigned illness to support her daughter and granddaughter. The Princess Consort maintained a respectful demeanor towards the Old Princess Consort, but she firmly refused to intervene in the Ningxia affairs, leaving the Old Princess Consort furious yet helpless.
After Zeng Pu arrived in Ningxia, Wu Xiaohe's subordinates refused to acknowledge his authority, while Xiao Wei and her daughter continued to occupy the Ningxia Regional Commander's residence. Although Zeng Pu was nominally the new Ningxia Regional Commander, he could not even grasp a fraction of the military power in Ningxia. When the emperor's decree reached Ningxia, everyone listened and accepted it with laughter, but afterward, they went about their business as usual, paying it no heed.
Zeng Pu had no recourse but to remain in Ningxia, frustrated and powerless, while submitting reports to the court about the situation there. For now, he served little purpose beyond keeping a close watch on the movements of the Ningxia army.
During this time, Di Shi, Wu Xiaohe's esteemed concubine, survived over a dozen assassination attempts, miraculously escaping danger each time. Observant individuals began to realize that the Yanbei Prince's Mansion was secretly involved, gradually discerning its stance. Some who had previously adopted a wait-and-see attitude around Xiao Wei and her daughter also started to withdraw their support.
Having enjoyed years of prestige and arrogance, Xiao Wei and Wu Yiyu finally experienced the fickleness of human nature, where everyone turns against those who have fallen from power.
Autumn passed swiftly, and winter arrived in haste. Ren Yaoqi now earnestly hoped for a peaceful and uneventful end to the year, after which her father would take their branch of the family away from the Ren Family to Yunyang City. Ever since she learned the true origins of the Ren Family estate, she had grown to loathe the place incessantly.
Before the Lunar New Year, Ren Yaoqi received a letter from Xiao Jinglin. Next summer, Xiao Jinglin would celebrate her coming-of-age ceremony, and she might return to Yunyang City for the occasion, as the Princess Consort intended to hold the ceremony for her. Xiao Jinglin reminded Ren Yaoqi of their previous agreement to choose courtesy names for each other.
From the tone of Xiao Jinglin's letter, it seemed that after this return, the Princess Consort might not allow her to leave again. While Ren Yaoqi was delighted at the prospect of spending more time with Xiao Jinglin, she felt even more regret and sorrow over her friend's inability to pursue her own ambitions.
At the end of the letter, Xiao Jinglin briefly mentioned Yun Wenfang's recent situation. Yun Wenfang had distinguished himself in several recent battles between the Liao people and Yanbei, repeatedly achieving remarkable feats. Even the Prince of Yanbei, during his inspection of the border, praised him highly. Yun Wenfang had been exceptionally promoted to the rank of Cloud Cavalry Commandant and appointed as a Deputy General. Having been at the border for only a year or two, his rapid rise sparked envy among many. However, this time, Yun Wenfang had earned his promotions through genuine merit, garnering more admiration than resentment. During his two years at the border, he had also made several friends.
As for Yun Wenfang's affairs, Ren Yaoqi merely glanced at the news before setting it aside, giving it no further thought.
The year passed as Ren Yaoqi had hoped—peacefully and without incident.
After the first lunar month, the steward Ren Shimin had previously instructed reported that he had found temporary accommodations—three courtyards. One was a small two-courtyard residence, though not particularly spacious. Its advantage was its proximity to Yunyang Academy, with only a fifteen-minute walk from there to the academy, requiring no carriage or horse.Another was a two-courtyard residence. Since the owners had renovated it just last year, it could be moved into immediately without much additional tidying up. However, the owner was only willing to rent it out, not sell it. It was worth mentioning that this courtyard was extremely close to the residence of Prince Xian’s family—just two alleys away.
There was also a three-courtyard estate, slightly farther from Yunyang Academy, requiring nearly half an hour by carriage. However, the courtyard was spacious, with a well-designed layout, and could be made quite comfortable with just a bit of renovation.
The steward came to ask Ren Shimin for his decision. After some thought, Ren Shimin decided to go to Yunyang City in person to take a look. After all, they would be living there for quite some time, and Third Master Ren was a man of refined tastes—the environment was something he needed to be particular about.
However, without a second thought, Third Master Ren dismissed the courtyard near Prince Xian’s family. He only wanted to see the two-courtyard residence closest to the academy and the three-courtyard estate.
Third Master Ren did not like his wife’s family and had no desire to interact with them.
Upon learning this, Ren Yaoqi said nothing. It was indeed better for the people of Xianwang Residence and the Ren Family to avoid contact. Living a bit farther away was fine, because even if they lived next door, they couldn’t just run off to their maternal grandfather’s house without reason.
Third Master Ren planned to take Ren Yaoqi with him to Yunyang City to see the courtyards. After all, when it came to aesthetics, father and daughter shared similar tastes, making communication easier. If they decided on a courtyard, they could also discuss the renovation arrangements.
As usual, Ren Yaoqi pulled Ren Yaohua along. Since Ren Yaohua had nothing much to do at home, she thought it over and agreed.
However, when the father and his two daughters went to bid farewell to Old Madam Ren, she instructed Ren Shimin to also take Ren Yaoying, who happened to be in her room at the time.
Old Madam Ren smiled and said, “Let them all go and take a look. After all, they’ll be living together in the future.”
Ren Shimin wasn’t particularly fond of this illegitimate daughter, but since Old Madam Ren had spoken, he didn’t object. Taking two was no different from taking three—they could all go together.
Ren Yaoying was delighted. She thanked Old Madam Ren and Ren Shimin, then gave Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua a meek smile.
Ren Yaoqi remained unfazed, but Ren Yaohua turned her head away coldly, refusing to even glance at her.
Ren Yaoying didn’t mind. Instead, she blinked her eyes innocently and asked Old Madam Ren, “Grandmother, will my brother, my mother, and I also go to Yunyang City to live with Father?”
Old Madam Ren had been quite affectionate toward Ren Yaoying lately, often calling her over to her courtyard to keep her company. She replied with a smile, “Didn’t you say before that you liked Yunyang City? If you like it, you can go too.” Often, Old Madam Ren could be very accommodating, as long as she was willing to indulge you and give you face.
Currently, the granddaughters with the most favor in front of Old Madam Ren were Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi, and recently, perhaps Ren Yaoying had joined their ranks—all daughters of the third branch.
Ren Shimin frowned slightly and said calmly, “You and Yihong can go, but your mother must stay in the Ren Family.”
Ren Yaoying instinctively asked, “Why can’t Mother go?”Ren Shimin said unhappily, "I am going to Yunyang Academy to teach, not to travel for leisure. What would it look like to bring a concubine along? Wouldn’t that invite ridicule? If you insist on following, you must behave obediently and respectfully before the legal wife. Otherwise, it would be better for you to stay in the Ren Family."
Ren Yaoying bit her lower lip, tears already welling up in her eyes.
Old Madam Ren smoothed things over, saying, "Alright, alright, this was my idea. Why take your frustration out on a child?"
Ren Shimin said, "Mother, given Concubine Fang’s current situation, even if she were to go to Yunyang City, she would have to stay indoors and could not go out. It would be better for her to remain in the familiar surroundings of the Ren Family. I will take Yihong and Yaoying with me." On this point, the face-conscious Third Master Ren was firm; he would not risk his reputation in front of his students and friends.
Old Madam Ren thought for a moment and said nothing more.
Concubine Fang truly could not go out to meet people now. Even if she went to Yunyang City, she would be confined to her room every day, just as she was now. So, whether she went or not made little difference.
Thus, Ren Shimin set out with his three daughters.
Ren Yaohua was unwilling to share a carriage with Ren Yaoying. Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua rode in one carriage, while Ren Yaoying ended up riding alone in another.
The journey passed without incident. Upon arriving in Yunyang City, Ren Shimin immediately took them to view two residences. The first one, located near Yunyang Academy, was somewhat old. If it were to be renovated, it would require considerable time. The second residence, a three-courtyard house, was much more spacious and bright. Third Master Ren couldn’t help but nod in approval upon seeing it.
Finally, Ren Shimin asked Ren Yaoqi for her opinion. After thinking for a moment, Ren Yaoqi said, "The two-courtyard house is too small. It would likely be cramped for our entire household. Most importantly, the access for carriages and horses is extremely inconvenient. If we plan to stay here long-term, we may need to host Father’s friends or other scholars for meals in the future, which would make it even more impractical. Although the three-courtyard house is a bit farther from the academy, Father, you will be taking a carriage daily anyway, so the distance isn’t too great by carriage. Moreover, the house itself is quite new and requires little renovation. I think it’s a good choice."
Third Master Ren had actually already taken a liking to the three-courtyard house. Upon hearing this, he immediately nodded and said, "Exactly! That’s precisely what I was thinking!" He then turned to his steward and asked, "Is the owner willing to sell this house?"
The steward bowed his head and replied, "Yes, Master. If you are satisfied, we can sign the deed today."
Ren Shimin was straightforward: "Then go ahead and purchase it for me. Also, report any areas that need renovation."
The steward promptly agreed and went to make the arrangements.
Ren Shimin grew increasingly pleased with the new residence and enthusiastically discussed renovation plans with Ren Yaoqi. Third Master Ren had high standards for living, but he was also meticulous in his work.
At that moment, a servant from the Ren Family Villa came to report that the eldest daughter of the Lei Family had gone to the villa to look for Third Miss and Fifth Miss.
It turned out that Lei Pan’er had heard that the Ren Family had arrived in Yunyang City and had happily come to play. However, Ren Yaohua and Ren Yaoqi had gone out with Third Master Ren and were not at the villa, leaving the young girl disappointed.
Ren Yaohua, finding herself unable to contribute to the conversation and growing somewhat bored, immediately suggested, "Why don’t I return to the villa to check?"Ren Yaoying also said, "I'll return to the side courtyard as well. The breeze has made me a bit dizzy." Her complexion indeed did not look very good.
Ren Shimin waved his hand dismissively, "You two go back first."
Ren Yaoying and Ren Yaohua then returned to the side courtyard, while Ren Yaoqi continued to accompany Ren Shimin in designing the garden.
However, no one could have anticipated that Ren Yaoying and Ren Yaohua, merely by leaving a step earlier, would encounter trouble.
Votes, please... votes, please... mumbling drowsily...
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