Chapter 26 Deer Cry: The Strange Xiao Qiyu.
Back at Qiyun Pavilion, Cui Ying first changed her clothes and then restyled her hair. When she finished getting ready and went out, Xiao Qiyu was no longer there.
Outside the door, the paulownia trees swayed, their green shadows filtering the sunlight, while birdsong sang sweetly from under the eaves.
It was so quiet that it was as if no one had ever been there.
Where are the others?
Cui Ying looked around, then casually pulled off an expensive, beaded hairpin from her head and tossed it to Cui Jin: "It's so heavy, I don't want to wear this. Find me a flower."
As Cui Jin instructed her maid to fetch fresh flowers, she said, "Shortly after the young lady went inside to change, the young master returned to his study."
Cui Ying asked suspiciously, "Go back to the front study? His clothes are still wet, aren't you going to change them?"
But as soon as he said it, Cui Ying realized that the front study, as Xiao Qiyu's second living room, could not possibly not have a change of clothes.
Thinking about it this way, Cui Ying felt even stranger.
Since there were clothes to change into earlier, why did he accompany me to the inner quarters? Wasn't that unnecessary?
The eccentric Xiao Qiyu.
Cui Ying didn't dwell on it much and turned to pick out hairpins.
Although Cui Jin knew that Cui Ying was physically strong, she was still worried that she would catch a cold from going into the water, so she specially ordered the kitchen to boil a strong bowl of ginger soup and coaxed and forced Cui Ying to drink it.
The ginger soup made him sweat, and after drinking it, Cui Ying felt sleepy. When he woke up, the paulownia flowers outside the window were dyed golden by the setting sun, and the crimson glow climbed up the west wall.
Cui Ying stretched comfortably and was rinsing her mouth with rosewater when someone from Bodhi Hall came and called her over for dinner.
Cui Ying was not surprised by this.
Apart from the eldest son's family, it was a rare occasion for all the children from each branch of the family to gather together. The old grandmother was overjoyed and was sure to hold a grand banquet at the Bodhi Hall to celebrate.
Cui Ying didn't linger in bed. She changed into a more dignified outfit and set off for the Bodhi Hall.
...
Bodhi Hall.
As soon as Cui Ying stepped into the corridor, she heard her grandmother's laughter coming from the main house, a rare, cheerful and bright sound.
She walked through the intertwined bamboo branches, the golden light and shadow casting a subtle fragrance on the hairpin at her temple. Her gold-embroidered shoes lightly stepped across the threshold.
Madam Wang was leaning against the daybed, talking to her two granddaughters. When she saw Cui Ying, her smile became even more kind, and she beckoned, "My youngest child, you've come at just the right time. Come here quickly."
Then she said to her two granddaughters sitting around her, "Get up and greet your sister-in-law."
Wang knew that Cui Ying and Xiao Shu and Xiao Wan had been acquainted since childhood, and this was merely a belated wedding ceremony.
Xiao Wan stood up first, folded her hands on her hips, and gave Cui Ying a graceful curtsy: "Greetings, sister-in-law."
Xiao Wan was naturally beautiful and gentle, and now, dressed as a girl with light makeup on her face, she looked even more graceful and approachable.
Cui Ying then adopted the dignified demeanor befitting an elder brother and sister-in-law, abandoning her flamboyant and lively manner by the pond that afternoon. She gently helped Xiao Wan up, her voice soft: "You're too polite, younger sister."
Xiao Shu then stood up.
Xiao Shu was slightly taller than Xiao Wan, with honey-colored skin and a more slender figure. Her features inherited the phoenix eyes and thin lips of the Xiao family, bright and beautiful yet heroic, making her stand out from the crowd at a glance.
Facing the smiling and friendly Cui Ying, Xiao Shu kept a stern face and gave a cold curtsy: "Greetings, sister-in-law."
Cui Ying resisted the urge to roll her eyes and helped her up, saying, "You're too polite, little sister."
Wang noticed Xiao Shu's unusual expression: "Huixin, why are you speaking to your sister-in-law with such a stern face?"
Xiao Shu said calmly, "I have never liked to smile since I was a child, and my grandmother knows that."
Wang frowned, her face showing obvious displeasure. Just as she was about to ask a question, Cui Ying smiled and said, "Why do I only see two younger sisters and not three older brothers?"
Knowing that Cui Ying was sensible, Madam Wang deliberately changed the subject, her gaze becoming loving: "Your fourth and fifth brothers changed their clothes and went to the Ministry of Works to see your fourth uncle. They haven't returned yet."
The fourth son of the Xiao family was named Xiao Yuanke. He served as the Director of the Construction Department in the Ministry of Works, in charge of the construction of palaces and buildings.
Two years before the late emperor's death, a large-scale construction project was launched to build an imperial mausoleum on Longyin Mountain outside the city. However, the mausoleum was never completed, the late emperor passed away, and Prince Heng ascended the throne.
The new emperor granted a general amnesty and sent away those who had been forced into labor. However, to avoid causing hardship to the people and wasting resources, he halted the construction of the imperial mausoleum and buried the late emperor in the Junshan Mausoleum outside the city.
But just two years ago, His Majesty had a dream in which the late Emperor cried out that the roof was leaking and the rain was cold. He sent people to Junshan Mausoleum to take a look and found that the mausoleum was damaged and rainwater was seeping into the tomb.
After consulting with his court officials, His Majesty decided to rebuild the Imperial Mausoleum at Longyin Mountain to relocate the late Emperor's tomb, thus fulfilling his lifelong wish.
The task of supervising the construction of the imperial mausoleum fell to Xiao Yuanke. For the past two years, he has been shuttling between the Ministry of Works and the imperial mausoleum, so busy that he is rarely seen and can hardly go home for holidays.
Xiao Sheng and Xiao Lin then went to the Ministry of Works to pay their respects to their father.
"As for your sixth brother..." Wang Shi said with a helpless expression when she mentioned Xiao Ye, "It's better not to mention him. That good-for-nothing wasted on frivolous pursuits."
Cui Yingming understood.
Xiao Ye is definitely still looking for the cricket, looking for that "Cosmic Mighty General".
As the last rays of sunset faded from the horizon, the maids lit the lamps one after another, and the light and shadow gradually brightened. The swastika-shaped latticework on the ceiling of the covered walkway sliced the light and shadow into diamond patterns, which then enveloped the thrush that was preening its feathers.
The "Spring Water and Green Waves" hairpin in Cui Ying's hair was originally a pale bluish-white rose, but under the soft light, it emitted a smoky pink glow, making her complexion appear warm, white, and delicate.
As the grandfather and grandson were talking, voices began to appear outside the door.
First, Madam Xue entered with her twins, beaming with joy, to pay her respects. Then, Madam Qin, with a dark face, led Xiao Ye, who looked distressed, into the room. Finally, Madam Zhang entered.
Finally, there is Xiao Qiyu.
The boy changed his clothes, but the color remained the same, except that he changed from smoky black to dark blue, so dark that not a single bright color could be found. The color also made him look more mature and composed, and his delicate features exuded a solemn air.
Standing next to him was Xiao Ye, who was a year older than him, looking like a complete greenhorn who hadn't been weaned yet, making it impossible to tell who was the older brother and who was the younger brother.
Looking at the lively family, Madam Wang was overjoyed. She even coughed less than usual. With her granddaughter-in-law on the left and her granddaughter on the right, she said to her grandsons, "Your third brother is tied up at the Northern Garrison Command. We don't need to wait for him today. Just eat our food."
After chatting and laughing for a while, the old woman came to serve the meal. Qin Shi, along with her two sisters-in-law, personally served the meal. Cui Ying was supposed to join them, but Wang Shi kept her there to talk, so she couldn't go.
After they were seated for the meal, since there were no separate tables, each child sat next to their mother. Because they hadn't seen each other for a long time, they couldn't help but try to win their mothers' favor.
Cui Ying sat next to Wang Shi, talking to Xiao Wan, but felt something was missing. When she looked up, she saw Xiao Qiyu standing beside her, watching everything all alone. His long eyelashes covered his pupils, making it impossible to see his eyes or what he was thinking.
"What are you standing there for?" Cui Ying beckoned to him, pointing to the empty seat next to her. "Come and sit down."
The light from the lamplight shone into Xiao Qiyu's eyes. He looked up and saw the girl waving at him. Without thinking, he took a step towards her.
Like a weary bird returning to its nest, it has finally found a place to stay.
"It's rare for the children to be back, so let's have a drink today and drink until we're drunk."
The aristocratic family had strict rules, emphasizing "not speaking while eating or sleeping," but the old grandmother was so happy today that she disregarded these rules and forced the maid to fetch wine.
Qin pleaded earnestly, "The imperial physician said that your health is not suitable for drinking alcohol."
Wang, like a mischievous old man, immediately started to act spoiled: "I never said it was for me to drink. I'm giving it to the children. The youngest of them is fifteen. How can they not drink alcohol? Today, I'll let them practice."
Qin: "The children don't drink either."
Then he turned and asked, "Who among you would like to drink?"
The crowd shook their heads.
Just then, a clear, cool girl's voice rang out: "I'd like a drink."
Qin looked at Xiao Shu in surprise: "When did you learn to drink?"
"I knew how to do it two years ago." Xiao Shu curled her lip in disdain.
"Who taught them?" Madam Qin's voice became stern.
Cui Ying lowered her head and pretended to be busy peeling crab shells.
Xiao Shu's gaze swept over Cui Ying's head for a moment before she said, "Xiao Ye taught me."
Xiao Ye, who was focused on peeling shrimp, looked up in confusion upon hearing this: "Is that so?"
Qin slapped Xiao Ye on the back of the neck, gritting her teeth in anger: "If you don't learn to be good, don't delay your sister's studies."
Xiao Ye: "No, I'm innocent! I don't remember anything like this happening!"
Cui Ying lowered her head even further.
Xiao Qiyu noticed Cui Ying's guilty look and lowered his voice, asking, "You taught him?"
Cui Ying glared at him with wide eyes: "Shh! Keep your voice down."
She really taught me.
Two years ago, Cui Ying was still enjoying dressing up as a man and often went to brothels to play hide-and-seek with pretty girls. As a result, he often discovered refreshing and non-spicy fruit and flower wines, which he would bring home and hide under his bed, secretly taking a few sips while reading novels at night.
Once, Xiao Shu visited the Duke's mansion to play with her, and after trying a couple of bites, she learned how to make it.
Xiao Qiyu scoffed and rolled her eyes at her: "You're misleading the younger generation."
Cui Ying shoved the peeled crab claw into his mouth and said fiercely, "Eat yours and shut up."
The aroma is refreshing, mixed with the faint floral scent from the girl's hands.
Xiao Qiyu chewed on the freshly steamed crab claw meat. He, who was originally indifferent to crab meat, suddenly tasted its deliciousness.
It's strangely sweet.
...
After the meal, everyone rinsed their mouths with strong tea and then sat around chatting.
It wasn't until nearly midnight that Wang finally couldn't be relied on anymore and sent her grandchildren back to their rooms to rest.
During meals, Cui Ying always observed Xiao Shu, wondering what she had done to offend her. Now that she finally had some free time, she caught up with her without stopping, wanting to find out the truth.
In the corridor, facing Cui Ying, whose face was full of "curiosity," Xiao Shu didn't even give her a chance to speak, snorted coldly, and strode away.
Cui Ying was initially just annoyed, but this "humph" immediately ignited her anger.
She caught up with Xiao Shu again, without saying a word, deliberately walked ahead of her, raised her chin and gave her a fierce "Hmph!"
The moonlight was like water. Xiao Qiyu stood under the sal tree, watching Cui Ying finish "humphing" at Xiao Shu, then walk down the corridor and past the tree.
Xiao Qiyu asked, "Cui Ying, are you three years old?"
Cui Ying looked up at him and glared at him: "What's it to you how old I am!"
Xiao Qiyu frowned, clearly displeased: "Are you like a dog, biting anyone you see?"
For the first time ever, Cui Ying didn't continue arguing with him. She tossed the shawl from her arm and stormed off.
This was the first time Cui Ying hadn't engaged in a life-or-death struggle with Xiao Qiyu.
Xiao Qiyu realized that Cui Yingzhen was angry.
...
Jingsong Hall.
The aroma of food filled the air. On the small square kang table with scrolling patterns made of huanghuali wood, there were four dishes of meat and four dishes of vegetables, along with several plates of pastries and a bowl of lotus seed, wolfberry and hawthorn soup to aid digestion.
Xiao Ye couldn't eat much at the Bodhi Hall, but now that he's back in Qin's courtyard, he can finally indulge in a hearty meal and satisfy his appetite.
He first ate three bowls of rice, then drank a whole bowl of soup, and still felt there was room in his stomach, so he held the bowl up to the maid and said, "Give me another bowl."
Madam Qin was completely stunned. Before the maid could come forward, she personally took the bowl and added rice, saying, "My child, does the academy not provide you with food? How could there be such a huge famine?"
After the rice was served, Xiao Ye ate a few more mouthfuls of rice, chewed and swallowed, and muttered, "In the academy, it's always just radishes and cabbage. It's rare to see any meat. The dean said that he wants us noble children to remember the bitterness of the past and appreciate the sweetness of the present, to eat some food that ordinary people eat, so that we won't become ignorant of the hardships of life."
Madam Qin sighed, "That's true, but we can't be too harsh. You're still growing, what if you starve yourselves and develop health problems later?"
Xiao Ye didn't have time to speak. He quickly finished another bowl of rice and drank half a bowl of soup before slowly burping and saying, "Mother, Luming Academy is too strict and the food is bad. Anyway, I'm going to school, so it doesn't matter where I go. Why don't you change my academy?"
Qin said helplessly, "You're already seventeen, and you're not cut out for taking the imperial examinations. What's the point of going? When your brother comes back, I'll talk to him and ask him to arrange a job for you so you can gain some experience first."
Xiao Ye's eyes immediately lit up: "That's great!"
Xiao Shu was playing with disassembling the nine-linked rings when she heard this, she raised her hand: "If Xiao Ye doesn't play, neither will I!"
Qin's tone turned stern as she looked at Xiao Shu and said, "This is not up to you. If you don't want to go to school, it's no use coming to me. You have to go to the Empress Dowager. Only when she nods will it count."
Xiao Shu fell silent, lowered her head, pouted, and began to disassemble the nine-linked rings roughly.
Xiao Ye didn't care about his sister's feelings. He went to massage Qin Shi's shoulders and said cheerfully, "Mother, since we're going to trouble my brother, why don't you talk to him again and ask him to arrange a leisurely job for me, one that doesn't involve being exposed to the wind and sun, and preferably one with a little power."
Qin shoved the claw off her shoulder and said, "Shut up!"
"Qilang is a year younger than you, but he is already a captain of the Vermilion Bird Gate. He goes to work without fail, through the cold winter and hot summer, and he is in charge of hundreds of people."
Looking at her son, whose belly was round from eating and who was burping incessantly, Qin Shi became increasingly angry: "And you, you can't even endure the slightest hardship or fatigue! Look at Qi Lang, and then look at yourself!"
Xiao Ye, completely oblivious, shamelessly said, "It sounds impressive, but isn't Qi Lang just a gatekeeper? What's so great about him?"
Qin was too lazy to say anything more, so she served him another bowl of digestive soup to shut him up.
On the other side, Xiao Shu was still dismantling the nine-linked rings with a loud "clattering" sound, her expression so somber it could drip water.
After dealing with her son, Qin turned to her daughter, took the nearly broken nine-linked rings away, and grasped her daughter's hand, saying, "Did I speak too harshly just now, Mother?"
Xiao Shu shook her head, but her tone was still defiant: "What Mother said is true. If I don't want to go to school, I can only do so if the Empress Dowager agrees."
As early as ten years ago, the Empress Dowager advocated for girls' education, proposing that "the wisdom of a child is not bestowed by heaven, but by his mother."
When a child lies in swaddling clothes, and the mother recites the poem "Liao E," the child learns the fundamental principles of filial piety. When a child stands in the courtyard, and the mother recites the classics and principles, the child cares for the common people. Mencius' mother moved three times, and it was through this connection that Mencius, the second sage, was born.
Instead of focusing solely on the imperial examination system to select talent, the imperial court should establish girls' schools to improve the knowledge and wisdom of women in the community, and then have them teach their children and cultivate talent.
His Majesty values filial piety and responds to the Empress Dowager's every whim.
However, over the years, folk women's education has rarely been promoted.
The Empress Dowager had no choice but to rebuild Luming Academy herself, establishing co-education and ordering all aristocratic families with multiple children to have at least one daughter enrolled in Luming Academy. Once enrolled, daughters were not allowed to drop out and had to complete the full two-year program, all to set an example for others.
Xiao Shu entered school last August, so it's only been a year now, and she still has one year left.
"I really envy Cui Ying."
Xiao Shu's eyes reddened without her realizing it, and she complained to Qin Shi: "Her parents only had one child, so she doesn't have to go to school. She can play however she wants at home, and she has a grandmother who is a grand princess who spoils her. No one can do anything about her. She even chose to marry someone who has no parents, so she doesn't have to serve her in-laws."
Qin grabbed her ear: "My ancestors, what are you saying? If your grandmother hears this, you won't be spared!"
Xiao Shu snorted, "Grandmother can't hear me, can't I even say it to my own mother?" She was so aggrieved that she was about to cry.
After all, she was her own daughter. Seeing her daughter's distress, Qin felt distressed as well. She had no choice but to lower her voice and whisper to Xiao Shu, "You think Cui Ying has everything going smoothly, but you don't know that this marriage is not what she wanted at all. She and your seventh brother have been arguing since their wedding night, and there hasn't been a moment of peace since. They started sleeping in separate rooms not long after the marriage. It was only after the old lady intervened that they were persuaded to sleep in the same room."
Furthermore, there was Cui Ying's resistance to getting close to Qi Lang, and Qi Lang's forceful kiss on Cui Ying. Qin Shi could no longer tell her daughter about these things.
Xiao Shu was initially envious and jealous of Cui Ying, but after hearing this, she felt sorry for Cui Ying. However, when she thought about the bad things Cui Ying had done to her before, Xiao Shu secretly felt a sense of satisfaction.
Cui Ying finally encountered some unpleasant things.
Just as Xiao Shu was secretly delighted, a maid stepped forward and said, "Madam, the Seventh Young Master requests an audience with you, saying he has something important to ask you."
Upon hearing Xiao Qiyu's name, Xiao Shu asked in surprise, "It's so late, what important matter could Seventh Brother possibly have to ask me?"
Madam Qin said, "Your seventh brother has always been steady and never comes to visit easily. Since he has come to see you, he must have something important to discuss. Go quickly and don't delay."
Xiao Shu nodded and got up to go to the flower hall.
Flower Hall.
The lamplight was bright, and the jewel-encrusted floral screen on the wall reflected a cold light. The young man stood with his hands behind his back, his posture upright, like a jade tree standing in the wind.
"Seventh Brother, you were looking for me."
As Xiao Shu stepped into the flower hall, she saw Xiao Qiyu's dark figure from behind and felt inexplicably frightened.
Xiao Qiyu turned to look at her, his phoenix eyes flashing with cold light, and said calmly, "Explain yourself clearly."
"What exactly did your sister-in-law do to you?"
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Author's Note: Look! It's a huge! A really big! chapter!
Seeing the comments, I noticed some readers don't know which son Xiao Qiyu's father is, so I'll explain here: Grandma Wang has five sons in total (her daughters won't appear in the story yet). The eldest, second, and fifth sons (the male lead's father) are his biological sons, while the third and fourth sons are his illegitimate sons. Please remember this! If you can't, don't worry, I'll explain it again when the story progresses.
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