Chapter 165 Is Yao Qingling really that wicked?

We're dealing with family discipline in the middle of something; who's in the mood to entertain guests?

Marquis Zhongyong waved his arm dismissively and said irritably, "I can't see them! Can't you see the manor is busy?"

On a rainy day, who would come knocking on your door for no reason?

The gatekeeper hesitated, glanced at the Marquis of Zhongyong, and said cautiously, "My lord, it is the Lady of Xincheng and her fourth daughter."

Marquis Zhongyong: "..."

He frowned.

The Marquis of Zhongyong's mansion and the Marquis of Xincheng's mansion have never had any dealings. What are they doing here?

However, the Marquis of Xincheng is far more prestigious than him, the Marquis of Zhongyong.

The eldest daughter of the Marquis of Xincheng is the current Empress.

After she became empress, the Marquis of Xincheng should have been granted the title of Duke, but the empress stopped him from doing so.

The reason given was that she had not made any contributions, so her family should not receive this honor.

The common people had long suffered from the oppression of powerful and aristocratic families, and because of her actions, they called her a virtuous empress.

The heir of the Marquis of Xincheng is also a man of both literary and martial talents. He has already entered the Hanlin Academy at a young age, and his future is limitless.

Although the Marquis of Xincheng has not yet been officially promoted to the position of Duke, it is only a matter of time.

It's raining, how can we let the wife and daughters of the Marquis of Xincheng get wet?

Marquis Zhongyong then berated the gatekeeper, accusing him of being inflexible and causing him to almost offend a distinguished guest.

He half-stood up, almost wanting to greet them personally, but then he thought that all the guests were women, and what kind of thing would it be for a dignified marquis like him to go and greet women?

He sat down and said to Madam Ma, "Go to the flower hall and entertain them."

Mr. Ma was also very puzzled. Why would someone come to visit in this weather?

Previously, Yao Qingling was the young mistress of the Duke's mansion, and some people of lower social standing would try to curry favor with her. Later, Yao Qingling did things outrageously, and everyone from the powerful and noble to the servants would try to avoid the gate of the Marquis's mansion.

Today, it seems we have distinguished guests visiting?

Ma stared at Qingling with a gloomy expression, suspecting that Yao Qingling was behind it all.

But Yao Qingling has no connection with the Marquis of Xincheng's family, so why should they meddle in her affairs?

Even if Yao Qingling wanted to call for reinforcements, she should have gone to the Grand Princess.

Didn't she keep saying that this child belonged to Master Zhan?

In addition, Yao Qingling's closest friend was the Censor's wife; they were sworn brothers.

Madam Ma's mind raced, but she couldn't figure out what the people from the Marquis of Xincheng's residence were doing here; she lingered, unable to put her mind at ease about the bowl of abortifacient medicine.

Yao Qingling is cunning and scheming, and the Marquis is like a reed, bending whichever way the wind blows. Without her keeping him in check, things might change.

She was so close; she wanted to see Yao Qingling take the medicine before leaving.

Before Madam Ma could say anything, the gatekeeper said again, "Lord Marquis, Madam, they are here to see Miss Qingling."

"What? Looking for her?" Marquis Zhongyong glared at Yao Qingling. "What trouble have you gotten into this time?"

In the eyes of the powerful and wealthy, Yao Qingling was no longer considered a noblewoman. Her reputation in the elite circles was ruined, and no one needed to associate with her. They were even more afraid of being influenced by her and being led astray.

Marquis Zhongyong subconsciously felt that Yao Qingling had done something wrong, and that people had come knocking on his door.

Madam Ma's face fell, and she said coldly, "Go tell Madam Hou that Miss Qingling is not home, and tell them to come another day."

Whatever the reason, we must not let things be interrupted today!

Qingling shook off the hands of the old women holding her: "I invited Madam Hou here. If I hadn't shown up, Madam Hou would probably have complained to the Empress Dowager that I was being harassed and abused by the Hou family."

Ma's face turned extremely ugly: "Yao Qingling, it really was you!"

I knew she wouldn't come to Dan Gui Courtyard obediently!

However, Yao Qingling only managed to divorce him smoothly because she received the Empress Dowager's decree. Her business ventures caused quite a stir, so the Empress Dowager might actually be keeping an eye on her.

Ma gripped the armrests of the chair tightly and took a deep breath.

Damn it, she was so close... so close, that bowl of medicine would have gone into her mouth!

Yao Qingling said, "Uncle, Aunt, I have to go see the guests now. I don't want to keep them waiting."

When Qingling turned around, the whites of her eyes were visible.

She took Lou Yue and He Yin away.

The old woman, still with silver needles stuck in her skin, cried out, "Hey, I haven't taken these needles out yet!"

She quickly chased after him.

Inside the room, a group of people remained, all looking speechless.

It's both infuriating and hilarious.

Now that things have come to this, how can Yao Qingling be allowed to escape unscathed?

Is Yao Qingling really that wicked?

...

On the way back to Mulan Courtyard, Yao Qingling tilted her head slightly and asked He Yin, "Can you tell how far my uncle's illness will go?"

Previously, Madam Ma had taken advantage of Yao Qingling by having He Yin recuperate for everyone in the household.

He Yin was well aware of the physical condition of everyone in the mansion.

The diagnosis left Yao Qingling quite disappointed.

Apart from the Marquis of Zhongyong and the old lady, most of them were in good health.

They eat well, sleep well, and have nothing to truly worry about. Their biggest concern is fighting fiercely within their own household. If they lose, they drink ginseng soup and bird's nest, along with various precious medicinal herbs to replenish their qi and blood. How could their health not be good?

The old lady was old and aging naturally, but the Marquis of Zhongyong was showing signs of physical decline after taking the pills given to him by Aunt Zhao.

Yao Qingling had just observed her uncle and noticed that he had dark circles under his eyes and was breathing heavily when he became agitated.

He Yin pointed to the pen and said, "The Marquis can no longer live without that elixir. It is estimated that if he takes it for another three years, it will deplete his vital energy."

Qingling can now understand He Yin's sign language.

Three years.

She gently stroked her belly; her child was about three years old at that time.

It is estimated that during this period, Madam Ma also noticed that her eldest uncle's health was deteriorating, and she may soon propose the matter of bestowing the title of heir apparent.

Qingling said, "You need to find a way to alleviate your uncle's outward symptoms and make him appear physically strong. But you must maintain the downward trend of his internal illness. Can you do that?"

It's like an apple; you keep it looking shiny on the outside, but the core is actually rotten.

He Yin nodded.

Marquis Zhongyong cannot live without elixirs; no matter how much she administers acupuncture and medicine, she cannot save the crumbling empire.

This is not difficult for her.

As they were talking, Qingling returned to Mulan Courtyard.

Lady Xincheng and the fourth young lady were waiting in the flower hall, with Xia Chan keeping them company.

"Madam Hou, Fourth Miss." Qingling greeted them.

She was very polite, her manners and etiquette were impeccable, and her expression and demeanor were flawless; she looked like a lady from a well-to-do family.

If it weren't for her reputation, who would have thought that she was such a feisty and rebellious young woman?

The Lady of Xincheng gave her a detached look; Miss Zhou looked at Qingling with interest and curiosity.

There are too many well-behaved noble ladies in the entire city of Shengjing, and only one has emerged who is so unconventional.

Yao Qingling felt a little uncomfortable with the Fourth Miss's bright gaze, feeling as if she were looking at some strange monkey.

She gently rubbed the spot where the old women had scratched her, a faint smile playing on her lips: "It's kind of you, Madam Hou, to come to the manor in the light rain. It should have been Qingling who visited the manor."

Lady Hou's gaze fell on Qing Ling's clothes.

Her clothes were dirty and wrinkled, and her complexion wasn't good either.

She remained calm and got straight to the point: "Second Miss, what is the meaning behind sending someone to the Marquis's residence to tell me such a story?"