Chapter 22. At this moment, this sentence most sounds like something a married couple would say...
After the major upheaval in the Chu family, the relationship between Ji Jinghe and her had long since changed.
In the past, Yu'an would have told him everything without reservation and placed all her hopes on him.
But now, she doesn't.
A way out is something you leave for yourself.
If Ji Jinghe continues to be swayed by others and blind to her, she and Baozhu will be proven guilty today.
Yu An smiled at him, "Grandpa, tell those people to leave as soon as possible, and let Banmu Courtyard have some peace and quiet."
The family members she herself had brought in had committed such a dirty and shameful act, and they were still trying to pin the blame on her. Originally, she had intended to establish her authority over the entire household, but now she had become the laughingstock of the whole family.
Shen Qiulan stared at the Lin mother and daughter beside her with a look of exasperation, too angry to utter a single word.
The servants gathered at the courtyard gate were urged to leave, and just as the mess in the courtyard was about to be cleared up, Rongshoutang spoke up, saying that he wanted to see Shen Qiulan and Ji Jinghe.
With the old lady's order, the half-acre courtyard was tidied up much faster, and Yu'an and Baozhu were able to go back and catch their breath sooner.
The master and servant closed the door tightly, and both breathed a sigh of relief.
Baozhu held out her still trembling hand for her to see, "This is the first time I've hit someone."
She had followed her gentle mistress since childhood. Apart from being quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, she had never actually hit anyone. Today, however, she truly loathed the faces of the Lin mother and daughter. When things took a turn for the better, she disregarded everything else and slapped them across the face.
Yu An smiled, grasped Bao Zhu's reddened hand, and let out a long breath, "People really can't be too honest, or they'll get bullied."
Baozhu nodded repeatedly: "I was worried that the young master would protect them, but after what happened just now, with everyone in the mansion watching, the Lin family will not only be unable to stay here, but they will also have to think twice before they want to enter the Ji family again."
Those who do evil will not live long.
The Lin family is too arrogant. Just as Baozhu said, she is still in mourning. If she really grants Shen Qiulan and the Lin family's wish and lets Lin Qiaoyan into the family, her life will be in vain.
Lin's repeated provocations, she only stayed at home for a few days and tried to provoke her a few times, yet she came up with such a vicious scheme. If it is not stopped in time, it will only be like raising a tiger to cause trouble.
This time, not only were the dogs driven away, but Shen Qiulan's prestige was also diminished, which may make life a little easier for Banmuyuan.
Within two or three hours, the nanny who served Shen Qiulan arrived, bringing the keys to the storeroom and the account books of each household. She said that Shen Qiulan was unwell and that the management of the household affairs would be handed over to Yu'an in the future.
This was a truly unexpected and delightful surprise for Yu-An.
Later, I heard from others that Ji Jinghe and Shen Qiulan had a rather unpleasant argument in Rongshou Hall.
“We should thank the old lady properly,” Yu An said.
Baozhu patted her chest and said, "Of course. I'll go to the storeroom later and pick out a couple of nice things. I'll send them over along with the embroidery you made, Miss."
Baozhu smiled from ear to ear, "If I had known that being cunning could bring me a good life, I should have planned ahead when I first married into the family... It's just that you'll have to work hard, Miss. There are so many things to manage in such a big mansion."
Yu An smiled without saying a word, and ate her meal with her head down.
With mountains high and rivers long, what is this little bit of fatigue?
*
Inside the study, the brother and sister faced each other, Ji Shu with her neck stiff and a look of disdain on her face.
"You and Grandmother have both taken over Mother's household management duties, so what do you want from me now? I haven't offended anyone from Banmuyuan..."
As Ji Jinghe continued writing, he said, "The things you said during the day, you didn't act like a proper young lady from a noble family at all."
Ji Shu sneered, completely ignoring Ji Jinghe's words, which only fueled her anger. "Brother, could it be that you've really fallen for that Chu Yu'an?! Her father killed Uncle Xu, and she caused you to be demoted. If you hadn't protected her so fiercely, Mother would have kicked her out of the house long ago. How could she be allowed to cling to us like this?"
“If it weren’t for her, would you have been demoted? If you hadn’t been demoted, would I have been rejected for marriage? Mother and I are doing this for your own good. Otherwise, do you think she would have allowed the Lin family to stay in our house for so long?”
It turns out that all this talk is about the Chu family.
Ji Jinghe reluctantly put down his pen, looked up at his younger sister's blushing face, and felt a mix of emotions.
Ji Shu continued, "Brother, didn't you clearly like Sister Xu before? Mother told you to divorce her and marry someone else, why didn't you agree? What's so good about the Chu family girl?"
Ji Jinghe frowned: "I have never liked Xu Jingshu. As for her, I only care about her because of my teacher's kindness. I have never thought about romantic feelings between us."
“No.” Ji Shu immediately denied it. “Sister Xu told me when she visited last time that she likes you.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Ji Shu saw Ji Jinghe's eyes darken, and his face also changed color.
After hearing Ji Shu's words today, Ji Jinghe finally understood.
Since his marriage, the Xu family has always asked him for help under various pretexts, whether it was because of illness or other trivial matters. Because of Xu Yun's kindness, he never refused in the slightest. Little did he know that they had ulterior motives.
Xu Jingshu said she liked him, so what is her relationship with Jiuwanshan?
Time and again, they used the excuse of inconvenience to ask him to help deliver messages; now it seems like a joke.
When did the most talented woman in the capital, who was indifferent to power and wealth and fame, become like this?
Ji Jinghe put down his pen and said solemnly, "It was not the Chu family that harmed the Xu family, it has nothing to do with the Chu family. Your marriage and my official position have absolutely nothing to do with the Chu family. As for Xu Jingshu and me, I have already answered that question. I will only say it once."
Ji Jinghe was not optimistic about the marriage he had arranged with Ji Shu. Now that he saw it, if she broke off the engagement without any credibility just because he had been demoted, then she was not a good person. It would be better to break it off sooner rather than later, since the Ji family's daughter would not be short of suitors.
The matter is that simple, but Ji Shu, who is deeply involved, does not understand it and still blames others for the matter.
Ji Jinghe understood the situation and didn't want to waste any more words with her.
“Ji Shu, remember this: in the Ji residence, seeing her is the same as seeing me. Treat her the same way you treat me,” Ji Jinghe said in a deep voice. “Do not listen to rumors or make unfounded speculations. You have to acknowledge this sister-in-law whether you want to or not. Go to Banmu Courtyard to apologize tomorrow.”
"Brother, are you crazy? You go if you want! I'm not going."
Ji Jinghe fell silent and began to handle his official duties, ignoring his younger sister's crying and whining.
Ji Shu pouted, her eyes brimming with tears, and clung tightly to Ji Jinghe's sleeve, refusing to let go.
“Brother, how can I apologize to her? I’d rather die than go, I won’t go… That Chu family is the murderer. If it weren’t them, why would His Majesty punish them?”
“If you’re not going, then don’t expect any allowance. You can get it once you apologize.” Ji Jinghe looked at her and said, word by word, “My order is final. Even if you beg your mother, it won’t help. Don’t think about underhanded methods. Instead of worrying about that failed marriage, you should learn more from your sister-in-law.”
After pleading for a while, seeing that Ji Jinghe showed no sign of wavering and seemed determined, Ji Shu became furious and embarrassed, "I think that Chu family member has bewitched you and driven you crazy..."
After uttering those words, he stormed out the door.
Ji Jinghe also found peace and quiet.
Previously, there was only a misunderstanding; he had no idea that her situation was so difficult.
His mother-in-law was unkind, his siblings were unfilial, and his servants were disloyal. Today's events are like a glimpse of the leopard through a tube, presenting the facts to him and forcing him to accept them.
Looking back at my current situation, isn't it a case of reaping what I sowed?
Today he was summoned to Rongshou Hall, partly for the sake of him and his wife. Thinking of this, Ji Jinghe sent Qingque to find the watermark paper he had treasured for a long time and went to Banmu Courtyard.
Since she married into the family, the courtyard has become less noisy and bustling, but it has gained a more lively and peaceful atmosphere that it never had before. Stepping into the courtyard gate makes one feel comfortable.
The courtyard reflects the person, just like her own personality.
The dim light cast faint shadows on the window.
She should be sitting, her shoulders flat, her fingers flying up and down on the embroidery frame, as serene and harmonious as a painting.
Yu An was taken aback by his late-night visit, but upon seeing him arrive, she immediately got off her bed to greet him.
Ji Jinghe glanced at the bed that Baozhu was making, but didn't pay any more attention. Instead, he sat in his favorite spot as usual. "These are some watermarked paper pieces that I collected years ago. Since you like them, I thought I'd send you some more."
After saying that, he picked up the tea that Yu An had poured out and took a sip.
The paper in front of her was exquisitely carved and smooth, clearly a fine product at first glance... Yesterday's words still echoed in her ears, and Yu'an could only manage a forced smile.
She reached out and touched it. "It's really good paper. I can't bear to use it..."
Such fine paper must have cost a fortune. Compared to that, her expenses are truly insignificant. I really don't know how Ji Jinghe accused her of being extravagant back then.
He stood by and watched the Chu family suffer, so what is the purpose of his two attempts to make amends now?
She couldn't understand it.
Perhaps it was because of what happened during the day that he felt he had hurt her dignity and self-respect, and felt he needed to make amends for misunderstanding her?
If that's the case, she should cooperate.
Ji Jinghe smiled faintly, "What's there to be reluctant to use? Just use the Xuan paper as usual. If we run out, we'll just buy more."
Having grown accustomed to Ji Jinghe's strictness, this sentence, which sounded most like something a married couple would say, sounded extremely jarring.
Yu An smiled and instructed Bao Zhu to put the things away.
Ji Jinghe: "I have already sent the Lin mother and daughter back. They will not visit again. Mother was confused this time and made you suffer."
Yu An deliberately turned her back to him while pouring herself some water. "What's the big deal? The misunderstanding will be cleared up. If anyone's to blame, it's Lin Shi for deceiving her mother-in-law with her sweet talk."
Her tone was gentle, but her expression remained unwaveringly cold, as if she were not the one who was considerate of others, and that this matter had nothing to do with her.
Ji Jinghe, unaware of this, was pleased with his wife's thoughtfulness and generosity, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "It's good that you have no lingering resentment. If you encounter any trouble while managing the household in the future, it's fine to come to me or to Mother."
After finishing his tea, he stood up and happened to be face to face with Yu-an, who had turned around.
They were only a step apart, yet it felt as if they were separated by an invisible veil, their fragrances silently intertwining and forming a tight knot in that small space.
Ji Jinghe's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as his gaze fell on her trembling eyelashes, and an unknown emotion welled up in his heart.
-----------------------
Author's note: Ji Shu: [Afraid] What is he doing?
Yu Tian: It's okay, you'll betray me sooner or later anyway [hugs]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
