Chapter 28 Who is the domineering young master under the marriage tree?!
The night was thick and inky, the bright moon swallowed by the drifting clouds, revealing only a few pale streaks of white. The distant sound of the night watchman's drum shook the pristine white blossoms from the branches, and spring colors cascaded down into the courtyard like a handful of fresh snow.
Jingnu was squatting under the pear tree, burning up with gusto, when she heard a noise and was startled, suddenly raising her head.
With difficulty, Qin Jin looked away from the book "The Overbearing Young Master's Pampering" on the ground, and was startled. His stiff gaze fell on the gilded brazier on the gray stone bricks.
The charcoal fire in the basin was burning brightly, and a copy of "Three Hundred Little Tricks to Turn Enemies into Friends" was completely consumed by the flames.
Qin Jin's pupils trembled.
—What kind of filthy, chaotic books are these?
Driven by her loyalty and a strong sense of justice, Jingnu, despite Qin Jin's shocked and bewildered expression, spoke with unwavering resolve: "It's my choice to watch; it has nothing to do with my mistress."
Qin Jin, humbly asking, "What's written in this book?"
Jingnu: "..."
The words caught in her throat, and Jingnu's gaze drifted away. She didn't know; she hadn't read a single word.
The sound coming from inside the house broke the tense silence in the courtyard. Xue Rongyue's voice was impatient: "Is it finished burning? Jingnu, did you run out to slack off again?"
After a slight pause, Xue Rongyue added angrily, "Burn them all! I won't read or study a single word of these books again!"
Jingnu sighed, rubbing his forehead.
His eyebrows involuntarily rose, Qin Jin's breath caught in his throat, and he froze on the spot.
...It really was Xue Rongyue reading these books.
"Turning Enemies into Friends" is fine, but what's the point of "The Domineering Young Master's Gentle Pampering"? Why is she researching all this? Who is the domineering young master?!
His eyelids twitched in disbelief, a sense of absurdity washing over him. Qin Jin took a deep breath, finding it utterly unbelievable.
No wonder I sent him hangover soup, no wonder I looked into his preferences, no wonder I took the initiative to form an alliance with him; it turns out that my previous gestures of goodwill were all foreshadowed.
His expression of shock gradually deepened as he gazed at the graceful figure beneath the candlelit window, his eyes scrutinizing with astonishment.
Xue Rongyue condescended to learn these clumsy tricks; she must have some ulterior motive.
But then again, what kind of scheme could possibly require reading all this random, miscellaneous books?
Qin Jin couldn't figure it out for a moment. He rubbed his temples, temporarily put aside his thoughts, and strode to the bright window under the eaves.
Out of courtesy, he did not knock on the door to enter, but instead reached out and knocked on the window.
Xue Rongyue thought it was Jingnu causing trouble and was about to tell her to get in when Qin Jin's voice rang out from outside the window: "It's me."
Her expression froze, and Xue Rongyue subconsciously looked out the window—
The hexagonal palace lantern under the eaves illuminated his well-defined face, his sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards into his temples, and his long, thick, curled eyelashes cast shadows of varying shades on his eyelids. The black jade belt outlined his superior figure, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, making his tall and upright stature even more apparent.
What time is it?
Xue Rongyue still held a grudge, so she pursed her lips, turned her back, and didn't say a word.
The restless spring breeze stirred the red tassels hanging under the palace lanterns, and a splash of bright red reflected in Qin Jin's clear and bright eyes. His gaze swept over the figure of Jing Nu still trying to burn the book, and he couldn't help but imagine what Xue Rongyue would look like when she read the book.
A belated sense of amusement welled up inside him, and he couldn't help but lower his eyes and chuckle softly.
Xue Rongyue heard it clearly: "What are you laughing at!"
She stood up angrily, the hairpins at her temples jingling softly. Through a dimly lit gauze window, she glared at Qin Jin: "Do you know how long I've been waiting for you? I've been waiting for you for a full four hours!"
With a slight twitch of his brow, Qin Jin raised his eyes.
The flickering candlelight cast a hazy glow on Xue Rongyue. Although her figure was blurred behind the gauze window, Qin Jin could perfectly imagine her angry expression and whispered, "On the way back, I was tripped up by the Guards."
He didn't want to explain, and he didn't care whether Xue Rongyue would misunderstand, but once the words were spoken, there was no turning back.
Xue Rongyue raised an eyebrow: "Cao Mingyu has come to you again. What's the reason this time? Is it Wang Jinhu's death, or the murder in the bamboo forest that night?"
Leaning against a pillar, he casually twirled the red tassels under the lamplight with his knuckles, and unusually, he answered every question: "The bamboo forest is a killer."
Xue Rongyue felt relieved.
Qin Jin was an "innocent" person who was assassinated in this case, and the case did not cause a great uproar like the Wang Jinhu case. It should just be a routine inquiry.
After a moment of silence, she suddenly spoke: "When did you begin to suspect Liu Ruyu?"
A glint of light flashed in Qin Jin's eyes, and he lowered them to ask, "And you?"
He drawled, "After all, he's your fiancé."
"It's not settled yet!" She was furious at the mention of it. Liu Ruyu was actually involved with the person who had harmed her. Xue Rongyue was unwilling to admit this shameful marriage and retorted, "We didn't exchange birth dates."
Qin Jin scoffed dismissively, "Is that so?"
Xue Rongyue didn't want to discuss this matter with Qin Jin, an outsider, and changed the subject: "It's already strange enough that he would appear in that tavern, isn't it?"
"The Liu residence is located at the western end of Chang'an City. It's just an ordinary tavern. Why would he bother to travel halfway across the city to drink there? And what a coincidence! He was there when Wang Jinhu died, and he was there when I lured him out. I don't believe it's a coincidence. That night in the tavern, he pestered me, and I secretly sprinkled perfume powder on him."
"When I was stabbed in the bamboo forest, I deliberately sprinkled another kind of fragrant powder on the tip of the arrow. The two fragrance powders were mixed together, and the fragrance lingered on the skin for a long time. Not only would it attract bees, but the fragrance was also light and not easily noticed by others."
She sent people to keep an eye on the Liu residence, following Liu Ruyu whenever he left to check for any persistent bees around him. Unfortunately, he hadn't left for several days, but today he finally sneaked out of the residence. When the servants hurriedly reported back, she wasn't at the residence. Fortunately, she saw it with her own eyes, which made her even more certain.
Besides these, there is also Zhang Weng.
After that day at the Xuanmiao Taoist Temple, Zhang Weng was bound and taken to the Xue residence, where Luo Zhen personally interrogated him and finally learned the whole story.
Old Zhang had a good-for-nothing son who, before reaching adulthood, dared to gamble at the manor for amusement. There, he met Liu Ruyu. Once, after losing everything and even giving away his boots, he borrowed a few taels of silver from Liu Ruyu by pressing his fingerprint on the document.
In his desperation to borrow money, he didn't carefully read the loan agreement. As interest accrued, he was completely dumbfounded when Liu Ruyu pressed him for repayment.
Unable to repay the debt, and with the Liu family being a powerful and influential family that they could not afford to offend, Zhang Weng had considered asking her for help. However, upon learning that the Xue and Liu families were about to be married, he hesitated and wavered.
In the end, Zhang Weng dared not gamble and had to give up the idea, which led to the creation of the Xuanmiao Taoist Temple, where free-range chickens raised by farmers were used as substitutes.
However, she didn't need to tell Qin Jin any of this.
Xue Rongyue retorted, "And you? What did you put on your arrow?"
Leaning his head back against the pillar, he languidly gazed at the distant bright moon above the eaves: "The powder you once gave me will cause a rash all over my body if I get it."
"No wonder he hasn't left the mansion for several days."
Xue Rongyue scoffed lightly and asked, "What did you discover today?"
"You really want to hear it?" he asked.
Xue Rongyue rolled her eyes: "Nonsense, why are you asking me questions if you're not going to listen?"
After a moment of silence, Qin Jin lowered his eyelids and said in a low voice, "Liu Ruyu went to a brothel today, not just to patronize prostitutes. He is the owner and runs an illicit business. It's a pity that it's not convenient to go in and investigate in broad daylight."
Xue Rongyue was taken aback: "Then why didn't you continue your investigation under the cover of night? What are you doing back here?"
With a few casual taps of his knuckles on the red tassel, Qin Jin was amused by this and chuckled in exasperation, saying in a half-serious tone, "I just promised to come back and tell you, and I was afraid you'd have to wait another four hours."
"Don't even try!"
Xue Rongyue pouted, thinking to herself, "I'd be a fool to believe you."
The moon was setting in the west, and the scattered stars had disappeared; it had long since exceeded the time he had expected to stay.
Qin Jin straightened up, brushed the fallen petals off his clothes, and with the last shred of sincerity, lazily advised, "Liu Ruyu is no good man and harbors ill intentions towards you. You'd better be wary of him and avoid getting involved with the Liu family."
Before Bu Hui, who had been captured alive, could speak, he said all he needed to say and turned to leave.
With a "click," the window beside me suddenly opened.
The soft, wispy candlelight spilled out, dispelling the chill of the spring night. The peony silk flower adorning her hair was eye-catching, but it paled in comparison to the girl's bright and beautiful eyes: "Qin Jin."
Qin Jin paused slightly and glanced sideways.
Xue Rongyue leaned out halfway, her almond-shaped eyes filled with a gentle light, tilting her head to look at him mischievously: "You're not angry anymore?"
Her thick eyelashes trembled slightly, and Qin Jin avoided her gaze: "What do you mean by that?"
"Stop pretending!"
Xue Rongyue gave a short hum: "I admit that I was indeed very curious when I saw that room with the windows and doors sealed, but when I got closer I found that not a single ray of light could get in. I am a person who values my life the most, and in order to prevent you from killing me to silence me, I didn't even take a second look."
She stated the facts earnestly: "You have wronged me again today."
With a slight raise of his eyebrows, Qin Jin was about to speak when Xue Rongyue cut him off, saying, "I don't need your apology. After all, I still owe you one..."
She paused for a moment, her expression slightly unnatural, and hummed softly, "I owe you a thank you."
Qin Jin was taken aback.
Xue Rongyue took a deep breath, quickened her pace, and tried to finish in one breath: "Thank you for taking in Zhiquan and taking good care of it. You didn't take your anger out on it and you've raised it to be dark and fat. Okay, that's all. You can go now. Go and run faster."
With a "snap," before Qin Jin even had a chance to react, Xue Rongyue quickly closed the window the moment her words fell.
Holding onto the corner of the table, Xue Rongyue slumped onto the soft couch, almost unable to catch her breath.
Qin Jin snapped out of his daze, the sound of Xue Rongyue's rapid thanks still lingering in his ears. He could hear the increasingly hurried breathing coming from inside the room, and he chuckled to himself.
After Qin Jin's figure gradually disappeared into the deep night, Jingnu scurried into the house. Xue Rongyue had already calmed her breathing and was fiddling with the two candles in front of her: "Go outside the window."
"Huh?" Jingnu was confused, but obediently turned back.
Opening the window again, Xue Rongyue restored the two candles to their original positions, returned to her previous standing posture, and raised an eyebrow at Jingnu.
Jingnu didn't understand and looked at him with a questioning gaze.
Xue Rongyue asked bluntly, "Is it pretty?"
Jingnu's flattery flowed like a never-ending stream without a single pause: "My lady is stunningly beautiful, breathtakingly gorgeous, with a face like ice and jade, simply breathtakingly beautiful!"
The carefully placed candles revealed her beautiful profile, and paired with her impeccable attire, Xue Rongyue nodded in satisfaction.
After the anger subsided and reason returned, life had to go on, so the strategy still needed to be pursued.
Jingnu tentatively asked, "So, you two have made up?"
Removed the peony silk flower from her temple, Xue Rongyue still harbored resentment, and coldly snorted, "We've never been on good terms, so how can we be on good terms?"
Qin Jin had better pray day and night that he wouldn't fall into her trap, otherwise he would definitely suffer the consequences once she turned the tables!
Jingnu glanced at her expression, as if she had something to say: "Just now, when Prince Qin came to the courtyard, he happened to see me burning books. He glanced at me for a moment..."
Xue Rongyue's scalp suddenly tingled, and she glared angrily at Jingnu: "What did he see?"
Jingnu dared not meet her gaze, keeping her head bowed low: "Turning enemies into friends with the domineering young master..."
The candle flame popped and flickered.
Before Jingnu could finish her soft whimper, Xue Rongyue was struck dumb, frozen in place, her ears ringing, her cheeks flushing red, she was both annoyed and furious.
She threw the silk flowers in her hand at Jingnu, and roared in fury: "You idiot, you're good for nothing and good for making things worse!"
Jingnu shuddered in fright and quickly closed the window.
Enraged, Xue Rongyue picked up a soft pillow and threw it out the window, but Jingnu had already fled. She sat there in a huff until the candle burned out before finally undressing and going to sleep.
Perhaps because of the many upsetting things that happened with Qin Jin today, Xue Rongyue tossed and turned until she finally fell asleep, only to dream of Qin Jin again.
The snow fell like cotton wool, and even the heavy winter night could not hide the snow-covered mountains.
She dreamt of the Lantern Festival, that night at Puming Temple.
Jingnu, carrying a lantern, tried to persuade her to stop, but she was blinded by anger and no one could stop her determination to go up the mountain.
Holding a long sword in her hand, her fingertips were already frozen, her cloak covered in frost and snow, she walked with difficulty up the mountain path.
The snowy night was lonely and desolate, with the weight of the snow bending the bamboo branches, which fell with a soft rustling sound. Several red plum trees were planted in front of Puming Temple, in full bloom. Although covered by the snow, they could not hide their proud and unyielding spirit.
Xue Rongyue finally found Qin Jin under the famous marriage tree at Puming Temple.
She climbed the mountain covered in snow, her skirt already soaked through with mud and snowmelt, her forehead still damp with fine beads of sweat, her hair loose, a few strands of black hair falling beside her ears, and her hairpins that swayed in the snow somewhere along the way.
She thought she was already in a sorry state, but Qin Jin was no less disheveled.
His tall figure stood beneath the marriage tree, his knees stained with large patches of snow and mud. His wrinkled brocade robe hung loosely on his body, and glaring blood slid down his deep-set eyes. In addition to the wound on his forehead, a deep, bone-revealing wound on his left wrist stained the white snow beneath his feet.
He seemed oblivious to pain, his dark eyes fixed intently on the marriage tree, as if searching for something.
She charged forward with her sword, and only when the blade was about to touch his neck did he realize what was happening. Yet he did not dodge, letting the sword slice across his skin, leaving a trail of blood droplets in the falling snow.
His deep gaze was fixed on her face. Suddenly, he kicked up a dead branch and started fighting with her.
Her reddened eyes met his with hatred and resentment. The cold wind was biting, swirling up thousands of snowflakes. On the vast mountain peak, only the two of them breathing heavily could be clearly heard.
Gradually, she became exhausted. During one of her sword swings, Qin Jin struck her wrist, causing the sword to fall from her hand. She was knocked back several steps and, unable to maintain her balance, fell down the mountain.
In a split second, she swiftly grabbed a red ribbon hanging down the mountainside, used for prayers. Although this stopped her from falling, she could not maintain her precarious position.
The faint sound of footsteps stopped overhead, and a few clumps of snow rolled weakly down from Qin Jin's feet, landing on her forehead.
She looked up and met Qin Jin's cold, condescending gaze.
His sword-like eyebrows were lowered, his eyes were frosty, and blood was congealed on his arrogant brows and eyes, his killing intent was undisguised.
She was certain that at that moment, Qin Jin truly wanted to kill her.
But in the end, he stepped aside and let the maid who rushed over pull her up.
After returning home, she had a high fever for three days in a row. Just like when she was a child, she seemed to have forgotten many things from her past, but she couldn't say exactly what they were.
Xue Rongyue was startled awake again by the endless system notifications. She sat up with lingering fear, but before she could even come to her senses, the system notifications started coming one after another.
[Warning to the host: The favorability rating of the target [Qin Jin] has decreased by 5.]
[Congratulations, host! Your favorability towards target [Qin Jin] has increased by 3.]
[Warning to the host: The favorability rating of the target [Qin Jin] has decreased by 2.]
[Congratulations, host! Your favorability towards target [Qin Jin] has increased by 4.]
[Warning to the host: The favorability rating of the target [Qin Jin] has decreased by 2.]
......
Retracting her fingertips from the still-warm ash of the calming incense, Xue Rongyue rubbed her aching, swollen temples, tilted her head back, and let out a slow sigh—
here we go again!
Why can't Qin Jin get a good night's sleep in the middle of the night? What is he thinking about now?
She did a rough calculation and found that no matter how the favorability fluctuated, it always increased or decreased to offset each other and maintain the original value, so she stopped paying attention to it.
Despite tossing and turning in bed, Xue Rongyue couldn't fall asleep.
Left with no other choice, Xue Rongyue sat up.
Taking advantage of the quiet of the night, she took out the original book, propped her head up with her hand, and carefully flipped through it again.
Although it was still the same few pages, many questions remained unanswered, causing her to frown and feel uneasy.
Let's start with the account of the drowning incident in the original work.
Nowadays, social customs are more open. Although there is still a strict separation between men and women, it is no longer the case that in the past dynasties, the unfounded notion of female chastity was viewed with extreme rigor. Divorce and remarriage are now commonplace.
If it were truly as written in the original novel, and she had simply fallen into the water and been rescued, how could she have ended up losing her innocence, being disgraced, having her engagement broken off by the Liu family, and being forced to stay at home?
That's one point. Secondly, who exactly saved her in the original story? And what discrepancies occurred, such that the person who saved her didn't appear as written in the original story, leading to her drowning?
Thirdly, why was the General's Mansion convicted, and how did she manage to survive the execution of her entire family?
As she traced the words on the original book with her fingertips, Xue Rongyue's thoughts raced, but she was unable to find a solution.
Outside the window, the long night receded, and the rising sun leaped from the distant mountain peaks, slowly spreading out the rosy dawn as bright as silk.
Hearing the sound of Jingnu sweeping in the courtyard, Xue Rongyue got up and opened the window.
Jingnu was startled and cautiously stepped forward: "My lady, did you not sleep well tonight?"
Xue Rongyue said expressionlessly, "It's not that I didn't sleep well, it's that I couldn't sleep because you were so incompetent and stupid."
Jingnu looked embarrassed, touched his nose, and said, "It's still early, and since we have nothing to do today, I'll light another stick of calming incense for you, so you can take a short rest."
Pressing her sore eyes, Xue Rongyue asked suddenly as Jingnu walked in, "Have the people sent to monitor Jiang Shiyan returned with any news?"
Jingnu nodded: "I replied to the letter once. He was taken back to the Jiang family mansion. I don't know if he was frightened by this turmoil, but the young master of the Jiang family fell ill again. He was only three days old when he recovered and has already started packing his bags to go to Liangzhou."
"As for Madam Xu, she has been sent to Qingxin Nunnery. The Jiang family was initially unwilling to accept this, but they only gave up after learning about the poisoning."
Thinking of the new content that had surfaced in the original book not long ago, Xue Rongyue thought to herself that this person was no pushover either, and instructed again: "You have Luo Zhen send some more reliable people with high martial arts skills to keep an eye on him. Every ten days, they must write a letter to report on his every move. The letters should be handed directly to me, and I want to read them myself."
Jingnu asked, puzzled, "Is there something wrong with the young master of the Jiang family?"
Xue Rongyue narrowed her eyes and slowly uttered four words: "Definitely not a kind person."
Jingnu responded with a half-understanding, then heard Xue Rongyue ask again, "How is Zhong Yuan?"
Jingnu replied, "I was placed in a side courtyard, next to Luo Zhen's courtyard, so we can look after each other."
Has Bu Hui confessed?
That night in the bamboo forest, although the man in black escaped, it wasn't entirely fruitless. The attempt to lure the snake out of its hole was successful, and the villain with a black mole on his neck was captured.
Jingnu shook his head: "He's a tough nut to crack. Luo Zhen used many methods, but he still refused to utter a single word. He knew nothing when asked."
Xue Rongyue raised an eyebrow: "Can't Qin Jin do anything about him either?"
Jingnu explained, "According to Luo Zhen, Prince Qin rarely goes to the woodshed to interrogate Bu Hui, as if he is not interested in him."
Xue Rongyue pondered for a moment: "I'll go and see for myself another day."
After dealing with these trivial matters, she lit some calming incense, and drowsiness swept over her again. Unfortunately, this time Xue Rongyue didn't get enough sleep for an hour before being shaken awake by Jingnu.
Opening her sleepy eyes, Xue Rongyue's eyelids drooped, and she leaned weakly against the soft pillow, frowning: "What is it now?"
Jingnu whispered, "The wives of the first and second branches of the Liu family have arrived and want to speak with you, Madam."
"The Liu family?"
Xue Rongyue's thoughts cleared a little, and she frowned, asking, "What are they doing here?"
Knowing that she had "fallen into the water" after attending the banquet, why did the Liu family ignore her and come all the way to the Princess's residence to talk to her today, when it is neither a holiday nor a festival?
“They wouldn’t come to the Three Treasures Hall without a reason.” Jingnu shook her head. “Although I don’t know their purpose, I’m sure they have ill intentions. But since the two of them are already sitting in the main hall drinking tea, Madam should wash up and dress before going to pay her respects, so as not to be criticized by others.”
Displeased, Xue Rongyue got out of bed and sat in front of the dressing table. After Jingnu did her hair and makeup, she went to the main hall. Madam Wang, the eldest wife of the Liu family, looked impatient and paced back and forth in the hall.
Wang's plump figure was wrapped in a long, wide-sleeved gown with auspicious cloud and chrysanthemum patterns in dark purple. Her hair was styled in a high bun, with a peony hairpin at her temple. Her steps were hurried, and her tightly furrowed brows revealed a hint of displeasure.
On the other side, Madam Zhao, the second wife of the Liu family, was gently advising her.
Before Zhao could finish speaking, Wang caught sight of Xue Rongyue's late arrival and immediately snorted coldly, saying unhappily, "The tea from the Princess's residence is indeed excellent. Thanks to Madam Xue, I was fortunate enough to drink two cups."
"I did not receive your invitation in advance. I wonder if the two ladies have something urgent to discuss with you?"
Xue Rongyue stepped forward to perform the junior's greeting, but upon hearing the reproach in Wang's voice, she had no intention of giving Wang any face.
In noble families, whether visiting in person or by invitation, one must first send a visiting card to the household and receive a reply before proceeding. Arriving abruptly without important business would be considered impolite.
Ever since the marriage proposal was made, Xue Rongyue and Wang Shi have disliked each other and can't even exchange a few words.
Upon learning of Liu Ruyu's despicable behavior, Xue Rongyue became even more unscrupulous and retorted sarcastically, "Since the two ladies enjoy the tea at the Princess's residence, they may have a few more cups; it won't hurt."
Wang's face darkened.
This is not the first time Xue Rongyue has embarrassed her.
She was, after all, an elder. No matter what, as a junior, Xue Rongyue should have been humble and respectful. However, Xue Rongyue was ignorant of manners and often spoke out of turn.
Her second son was handsome and gentle. He passed the imperial examination last year and his future was limitless. If it weren't for the Xue family's reputation, given Xue Rongyue's temperament and her domineering reputation in Chang'an, she would have been extremely unwilling to agree to become her daughter-in-law.
The Liu family is a family of scholars and gentlemen; how could they tolerate a daughter-in-law who doesn't know etiquette?
She frowned, wanting to say a few words of admonition, but Madam Zhao, the second wife of Liu, grabbed her sleeve without thinking and secretly gave her a wink.
We cannot delay the important business we have come here for.
Wang opened her mouth, but reluctantly swallowed her words. Zhao stepped forward to take Xue Rongyue's hand and said gently, "That day at the banquet, Madam Xue fell into the water. The First Madam and I have been very worried. We only knew that Madam Xue needed to stay at home to recuperate, so we did not come to disturb her. I wonder if Madam Xue is feeling better now?"
Jingnu, who was standing to the side, couldn't stand it anymore and said with a forced smile, "It's been several days since my mistress fell into the water. Even if she was in bad shape then, she should have recovered by now."
Although his wife claimed to be recuperating at home, any household she visited, even if she didn't personally visit to offer her condolences, would send her servants with generous gifts to show their closeness.
However, the Liu family, who were about to form a marriage alliance with the mansion, failed to even fulfill the most basic courtesies.
Not only have they not sent anyone to inquire about the matter, but they haven't even sent a single gift, remaining deaf and dumb until now. Their sudden pursuit of the Princess's residence makes their words seem hypocritical and laughable.
From the moment the two families began discussing marriage, the Liu family put on airs, and the women of the Liu family were even more arrogant. Although they clearly wanted to curry favor with the family, they acted pretentiously, criticizing the words and actions of their mistress, as if they wanted their mistress to grovel and fawn over them.
Anyone who didn't know better would think that this marriage was a step up for the family, and that they dared to treat the lady like this just because she didn't have any female elders to support her!
Zhao's outstretched hand was coldly avoided by Xue Rongyue, and Zhao's face turned embarrassed. She cursed the eldest son's family for their undignified behavior in her heart.
In recent years, the Liu family has finally started to prosper. The legacy of their patriarch has not faded, and the younger generation has also lived up to expectations, passing the imperial examinations. Just when life seemed to be getting better, the eldest branch of the family still couldn't shake off their petty and mean-spirited ways. They coveted the Xue family's generous dowry but were unwilling to give up their small gains.
Even if they were dissatisfied with their daughter-in-law Xue, they should at least maintain appearances. However, the eldest son's family, being self-righteous, showed no manners whatsoever.
Madam Wang naturally understood the sarcasm in Jingnu's words and became angry again. Xue was one thing, at least she had the family background to back her up, but even her maid dared to lecture her? This was utterly outrageous!
If we don't intimidate Miss Xue now, she might take advantage of her family background to control her once she enters the family.
She immediately rebuked Jingnu, saying, "How can a servant interrupt when the master is speaking! I heard that Madam Xue has been managing the household affairs for a long time, but she is still young and can't even control a servant."
Xue Rongyue's eyes darkened.
Madam Wang disliked her arrogance and disobedience, and said in a deep voice, "Without a mistress to discipline the Xue family, Madam Xue has become so reckless that she has even been involved in a murder case. What kind of place is a tavern? How could Madam Xue openly go to such a place to drink? With such a restless attitude, it is no wonder that the Guards are suspicious of her."
Xue Rongyue laughed angrily: "It seems that the two ladies came here today not to care about my health, but to give me a lecture."
Madam Zhao, the second wife of Liu, tried to pull on Madam Wang's sleeve, but Madam Wang shook her off: "Madam Xue's behavior is completely different from the Liu family's style. My family's juniors would never dare to do such things. After Madam Xue enters the family, I will set some rules for you so that you will know what it means to be law-abiding."
Seeing Xue Rongyue's gloomy face, Madam Liu felt remorse and blamed herself for coming to the house with the eldest son's family.
It's not that people are stupid, it's that they're stupid and unaware of it, and even smug about it.
Wang Shi, seemingly unaware of any problem with her words and actions, raised her head and asked, "Since Madam Xue is involved, do you know how the case is progressing? Has the Guard Bureau found out who the real culprit is, and is it related to you or the Xue family?"
That's the real reason they came to visit today.
Xue Rongyue lowered her eyes and fiddled with the jade bracelet in her hand. Instead of answering, she asked, "Speaking of this murder case, I have to ask you two ladies, how did Mr. Liu, a scholar, get involved in a murder case?"
Liu Ruyu had already passed the imperial examination and was just waiting for the official appointment document from the court when he suddenly found himself embroiled in a murder case. The Liu family's biggest worry was that their son's future would be ruined as a result.
However, the Imperial Guard is under the Emperor's jurisdiction, and Cao Mingyu doesn't give the Liu family any face at all. On the day Liu Ruyu was taken away, they inquired everywhere but to no avail, which is why they remembered Xue Rongyue and came to visit today.
Wang retorted, "Erlang is a man. It's perfectly normal for him to go to a tavern for a drink to relieve his fatigue after studying."
With a short laugh, Xue Rongyue coldly mocked, "The imperial examinations have just ended, and it's a time when people are in need. The various departments of the court are currently examining the successful candidates from the past two years, and they will be assigned to their respective departments after the spring examinations. Young Master Liu's ranking in the palace examination was at the very bottom. Instead of keeping a low profile and behaving himself during this time, he still has the mind to drink and seek pleasure. Now he's even involved in a murder case. It seems he's going to disregard his future."
These words struck a nerve with Madam Wang, who stood up angrily: "Your sarcastic remarks are so insensitive. What good will it do you if Erlang doesn't achieve a good future? If I were you, I would be planning things out for Erlang, not indifferent to his fate!"
Although she didn't know what connection Liu Ruyu had with the man in black in the bamboo forest that night, she hadn't settled this score with him properly yet, and Xue Rongyue didn't intend to let him go. However, today was not the time to alert him.
But it was absolutely impossible for her to swallow this insult: "How could there be no benefits? I come from a general's family. Even if I marry a man whose family is not good enough, whether we divorce or not, I can still live a good life with the title of county princess and my dowry."
Wang's expression froze.
Xue Rongyue raised her eyes, her almond-shaped eyes flashing with undisguised sarcasm: "As for that good-for-nothing husband and his family, if they don't have the ability to stand on their own two feet and don't know how to read people's expressions, they're probably going to have a hard time."
"Madam Liu has long heard of my reputation, saying that I act arrogantly. That is indeed true. I never consider the consequences of my actions. I cannot scheme for the Liu family or for Liu Ruyu, but if you want me to trip them up, I am eager to try."
"You dare!"
Wang was furious: "How dare you threaten me!"
"What wouldn't I dare to do?"
Xue Rongyue calmly stirred the tea foam: "I cannot tell you what the two ladies want to know, but I have one thing to say to Madam Liu."
Her icy gaze was like a knife, slicing across Madam Liu's skin from top to bottom, causing her to tremble inexplicably. Xue Rongyue smiled lightly: "I am not only arrogant, but also vindictive. If you piss me off, I will do anything that harms others without benefiting myself."
Staring at Xue Rongyue with wide eyes and speechless expression, Wang Shi turned pale and before she could speak, Zhao Shi hurriedly grabbed her.
Forcing a smile, Zhao pulled her up to say goodbye.
"With such meager skills, you dare to lecture your wife? You're utterly ignorant!"
Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Jingnu spat and stepped forward to ask, "My lady, are you still tired?"
After taking a sip of hot tea, Xue Rongyue nestled in her chair, pondering how to take revenge on the Liu family. Upon hearing this, she snorted coldly, "I'm so angry I'm full, how could I possibly feel sleepy?"
Jingnu blinked: "My lady, don't be angry. Since you're no longer sleepy, why don't I prepare the carriage and we'll do something to cheer you up?"
Xue Rongyue raised an eyebrow: "What's so satisfying?"
Jingnu said, "Just now Luo Zhen sent someone to inform that Liu Ruyu left the mansion and picked up two men in a small courtyard in an alley."
Xue Rongyue asked in confusion, "And then?"
Jingnu lowered her voice: "Luo Zhen said that the two men were handsome and charming. Liu Ruyu touched them inappropriately, so their relationship must be quite close."
Xue Rongyue sat up abruptly: "Really?"
Jingnu nodded: "Luo Zhen saw it clearly. After Liu Ruyu picked up those two people, she pulled them onto her lap and embraced them on both sides. Her behavior was very improper."
Xue Rongyue sneered, "Good, good, good, he's quite dashing."
With both old and new grudges settled, Xue Rongyue stood up, gritting her teeth, and said, "Not only do I want the engagement annulled, I want him to never have a peaceful day again!"
The courtyard houses deep in the alley are connected to the taverns. Even though the taverns are closed during the day, the courtyard houses are filled with the sounds of music.
Two handsome young servants sat on her lap, and Liu Ruyu was playing and frolicking with them.
"My husband hasn't come to see me for quite some time."
Liu Ruyu sighed, "It's all because of that murder case. The elders are keeping a close eye on us, so we haven't had time to have fun with you."
The servant laughed and said, "I thought that the young master was about to marry the Xue family's lady and would distance himself from us. I heard that the Xue family's lady is a beauty of unparalleled grace and beauty. The young master is truly blessed. He will surely forget about us after the marriage."
"How could that be?"
Liu Ruyu teased, "No matter how charming and beautiful that Xue woman is, she can't compare to the weight you hold in my heart."
"I only married her because of her family background, which makes her better able to deal with the elders in my family. She has a tough fate, which will cause the death of her elder brother and the separation of her parents. After I marry her, I will lock her in the backyard and bring you into the mansion. The two of us will be together every day, enjoying a carefree life."
The servant was overjoyed and wrapped his arms around Liu Ruyu's neck: "My lord, you mustn't lie to me!"
Liu Ruyu smiled maliciously: "As long as you serve the master well, you will have plenty of wealth and honor to enjoy in the future."
They lingered until nightfall before Liu Ruyu finally emerged, reeking of alcohol. His clothes were half-open, and he staggered out, his body covered in red welts.
However, the carriage that should have been waiting for him at the back gate was nowhere to be seen.
Rubbing her aching temples, Liu Ruyu felt dizzy and was about to unleash a torrent of curses when everything suddenly went black.
A large burlap sack was put over his head, and before he could react, he was kicked hard to the ground.
He immediately felt a sharp pain, and the shock sobered him up considerably. He tried to struggle, shouting, "Who? Who! What kind of thief dares to be so disrespectful to me? Do you know who I am?!"
He kicked him hard in the face and stomped on him, causing Liu Ruyu to cry out in pain. Qin Jin crossed his arms, looked down at him with icy eyes, and scoffed, "Even if you were the King of Heaven today, I would still beat you up without hesitation."
Liu Ruyu was filled with fear: "Who...who are you? Who sent you?"
Qin Jin slowly rotated his slender wrist, lifted him up, swung his right hand in a wide arc, and punched him squarely in the mouth, his voice nonchalant: "Just a righteous person passing by who can't stand you."
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Author's Note: The plot summary is in these two chapters.
Next chapter preview:
Qin Jin: Buy me two books.
Guang Sheng: What book?
Qin Jin: ...
Qin Jin: ...What should I do? It's such an embarrassing name to say. [Chin resting on hand]
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