Chapter 22 Chapter 22 Pink~
The sky had been gloomy since the afternoon, and the light was still dim the next day, just as dim in the morning and evening.
The weather was bad, so Mrs. Jiang asked Xiaoman to go find Chen Ling'an in a few days. However, she was worried and couldn't sit still, so she had to let her go.
Xiaoman rushed to the Beizhenfusi Yamen excitedly.
Unfortunately, Chen Ling'an was ill and was absent from duty.
She was shocked and hurriedly asked where Chen Ling'an lived, but the doorman hesitated and couldn't tell her clearly where he lived for a long time.
Xiaoman was so anxious that she kept pacing around the yamen gate.
Wu Yong, who was still out on business, told her, "I know, but the master doesn't like being disturbed. Last time he was sick, we went to visit him with a bunch of stuff, and we got scolded and kicked out."
Wu Yong's face was stern, and he mimicked Chen Ling'an's tone and said, "You all have nothing to do? It seems the tasks I assigned you are too few. I advise you not to go. You'll just end up in failure if you do."
Xiaoman isn't afraid. "If he scolds me, I'll scold him back, but I don't think he'll scold me back."
A look of full confidence.
Wu Yong couldn't help laughing, but then he thought, this person who hit the master on the forehead and got a big bump but was still safe and sound, maybe he can really enter the Chen family's gate!
He swallowed his laughter and whispered to her, "Your Excellency lives in the old Chen family residence, in Chenjia Lane outside Xihua Gate. Don't tell her it was me who said it."
"Of course!"
Xiaoman thanked Wu Yong and rode straight to Chenjia Lane.
Outside Xihuamen are mostly the residences of powerful and high-ranking officials, which is why there are streets and alleys named after their surnames. Chenjia Lane is one of them.
The old driver recounted the story incessantly, "When Grand Secretary Chen was at the peak of his power, the entire alley belonged to his family. Together with their relatives and guests, they occupied two full streets."
"Every day, the Chen family's entrance is bustling with people. There's a constant stream of people visiting him, sedan chairs, sedan chairs with pigs on their backs, mule carts, horse-drawn carriages... The line stretches all the way to the entrance of the alley, and then has to turn several corners!"
"The servants of each household waited outside in the pavilions, gossiping and chatting, while vendors carried baskets and pushed carts along the streets, hawking all kinds of food. It was so lively! It made these two streets look like a temple fair."
"Some people said it was inconsistent with the solemn and elegant style of the Academic Palace and proposed to drive out those small vendors. Grand Secretary Chen said that those people had a hard life and earned a few copper coins. It was not a righteous act to cut off other people's livelihoods just because of one's own peace and quiet."
The old driver was filled with admiration and sighed, "It's a pity that good people don't live long. Grand Secretary Chen died, his family property was confiscated, and when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. Chen Family Lane has become completely deserted."
Xiaoman asked, "Did Chen Ling'an later buy back the Scholar's Mansion?"
The old driver shook his head. "This old servant doesn't know. I'd like to remind you that his house cannot be called the Bachelor's Mansion. The current residence of Grand Secretary Chen is on Xinchen Street, Yinhong Bridge."
As he spoke, the carriage came to a steady stop.
A deep alley lies quietly before my eyes.
The cool summer breeze blew past, and the weeds in the cracks of the bricks rustled, as if telling of the glory and scenery of the past.
The moisture accumulated overnight finally condensed into dense raindrops, falling silently, wetting the bluestone road surface underfoot and casting a layer of gray on the already dim alley.
Deep in the alley, two black-painted doors were closed tightly, with no plaque hanging above them. The black paint was mottled, the steps were broken, and the area was overgrown with weeds.
One of the big stone lions in front of the gate was also missing. The remaining stone lion was squatting on the left, glaring fiercely, with its fangs bared, without any sign of decline.
Xiaoman let out a light breath, grabbed the door knocker and knocked twice.
There was no response.
Hit harder.
There was still no sound from inside the door.
I pushed the door, but it wouldn't budge.
"Is anyone there?" Xiaoman called out a few times but heard no response.
"Maybe he is not here. Why don't you go back first and come back another day?" said the old driver.
Xiaoman was not giving up. "He's sick. I have to take a look at him to make sure I'm at ease. I'll climb over the wall and get in!"
That being said, it is not easy to climb over a ten-foot-high courtyard wall. Xiaoman jumped twice but couldn't even reach the top of the wall.
The old driver patted his shoulder and said, "Girl, step on me to get on."
"That won't work. You're already over sixty. It would be too painful if you sprained your waist!" Xiaoman saw the carriage not far away and immediately had an idea. "I'll climb over the wall using the carriage."
The old driver had no choice but to drive the carriage over. He reined in the horses to prevent them from moving, and looked at Xiaoman anxiously, "Girl, please go slower. If something goes wrong, how will I explain to my wife?"
"It's okay, I'm good at climbing trees, climbing over walls is a piece of cake for me..." Xiaoman stepped on the shaft of the cart tremblingly and reached up, but his hand was still a little short of the top of the wall.
She simply kicked the car wall, and with the rebound force, she finally climbed onto the wall. She gritted her teeth and struggled with her legs a few times, and finally got up!
"It's done!" Xiaoman cheered while lying on the wall, but before he could finish his words, he lost his balance.
Screaming, she fell uncontrollably to the ground in the yard.
flutter!
There was no expected severe pain at the back of my head, but instead I felt a firm and warm embrace.
Xiaoman opened her eyes and what she saw was Chen Lingan's expressionless, dead face.
"You caught me!" Xiaoman was overjoyed. "You came here specially to wait for me, didn't you?"
Chen Ling'an curled his lips and let go of his hand.
"Ouch!" Xiaoman fell into a pile of weeds. She didn't get hurt seriously, but unfortunately, the pomegranate skirt she had just put on was soaked by mud and water, and it was ruined.
Xiaoman glared at him, "You're such a weird person. You caught it and then let it go."
Chen Lingan: "What are you doing here?"
Xiaoman: "I came to see you, aren't you sick?"
Suddenly he paused, looked him up and down for a long time, and reached out to touch his forehead.
Chen Ling'an turned his head away, "Who said I was sick?"
Faking illness? Xiaoman was stunned for a moment, then realized that this guy must have suffered a loss outside and couldn't tell anyone, so he was sulking at home.
"Just like when I was a kid." Xiaoman muttered.
Chen Ling'an raised his chin towards the door, indicating that she could leave.
Xiaoman refused to leave. "It's raining. If people don't keep guests, then heaven will. Please invite me in and have some tea. I have something to discuss with you."
Chen Lingan frowned and was about to say something. After hesitating for a long time, he finally said, "There is no hot tea, only cold water."
Xiaoman was overjoyed and followed him inside.
There is a spacious patio and a tall hall at the entrance, and a winding corridor at the back. Even though the ground is covered with half-human-high wormwood and the beams are covered with spider webs, the former grandeur and splendor can still be vaguely seen.
Not far away was where Chen Ling'an lived. There were two rooms, one bright and one dark. The yard was still deserted and didn't look like anyone lived there. The house was very tidy, with just a long couch, a wooden box, a desk, a few chairs, and a few bookshelves.
Chen Ling'an poured a glass of water, but instead of handing it to Xiaoman, he placed it between the two buns on her head.
"What do you want from me?"
"Ah!" Xiaoman exclaimed softly and quickly took the cup down.
I took a sip and it was pretty good, cool and sweet. It must be mountain spring water.
She said, "Thanks to you, I received the Emperor's reward. My mother and I would like to invite you to dinner at Linyuan—their private dishes are unparalleled in the world!"
A strange look appeared in Chen Ling'an's eyes. He didn't know what he was thinking about, but he actually smiled.
I thought he was going to agree, but his pretty lips opened and closed, and two cold words came out: "No!"
Xiaoman's cheeks puffed up.
Just like a big-eyed frog!
Chen Ling'an laughed, and for some unknown reason reached out and pinched her cheek.
Xiaoman covered her cheek and quickly backed away, "You're so annoying! If you pinch me again, I'll bite your head off!"
Chen Ling'an was stunned.
Under the brilliant sunshine, the exasperated little girl suddenly jumped onto the boy's back, holding his head and screaming, "I told you not to pinch me! I told you not to pinch me! Awooo——"
"Are you born in the year of the dog?" The young man hissed and gasped in pain, but he still had to hold her up to prevent her from falling. He stumbled and accidentally fell into the ditch.
Chen Lingan couldn't help but laugh softly.
When I came to my senses, the sky and the earth were gray. The cool wind wrapped in raindrops blew on my face, and the scene outside the window was still as gray and desolate as before.
What qualifications does he have to laugh so easily?
"If you have nothing else, please go back." He said in a low and cold voice.
Xiaoman slammed the window shut. "You're always in a hurry to get me out, like I'm a monster! Mother is planning to buy a few shops. Can you help me look after them?"
Chen Ling'an looked at Xiaoman without saying a word.
Zhang Wen has been an official for many years and has many friends who are in business. As long as Zhang Wen opens his mouth, he will definitely get a shop in a good location at a low price.
No matter how bad their relationship is, they are still husband and wife, tied together and have the same interests.
To put it another way, there is the Pingyang Marquis's Mansion, and she and the Crown Prince's wife are sisters.
Why did Mrs. Jiang choose him, an outsider?
Xiaoman noticed the scrutiny in his eyes and couldn't help complaining, "I haven't seen you for a few years, and you've become so suspicious. There are some things I can't tell you. Anyway, the Zhang family can't know about buying the shop."
It made it seem like she wasn't a member of the Zhang family.
Chen Ling'an's eyes flashed slightly.
Xiaoman: "Don't refuse! I made a promise to my mother when I came here!"
Chen Ling'an already had an idea. "I do know a few suitable shops in the busiest area of Jubaomen. They're all ready-made, and the prices are half the market price. We can open them the same day we buy them, or we can rent them out. It all depends on whether Mrs. Jiang has the courage to take them over..."
He picked up the teacup and tasted the boiled water in the cup as if he were tasting tea, until Xiaoman's mouth was hooked like a fishhook, then he spoke slowly.
"It was originally the private property of Yuan Wenfang, the deposed emperor's teacher. The current emperor hated him so deeply that not only did he confiscate his property, but he also unprecedentedly executed his entire clan. People were terrified of even the slightest connection with him. The Yuan family's shop sat in the state treasury for years, its price constantly dropping, and no one dared to take it over."
"If you really want to buy it, it's not impossible to negotiate 30% off."
"Thirty percent?" Xiaoman stood up suddenly, her eyes shining as if she had seen a mountain of gold. "Isn't this a free gift? Today is worse than tomorrow. Take me to see it!"
Chen Ling'an reminded her, "You should ask Mrs. Jiang's opinion first. Even if she's willing, Lord Zhang may not agree. If this matter comes to light in the future, you'll be the one who suffers."
After saying this, he kindly wanted to see her out.
"You're kicking me out before I even get comfortable in my chair." Xiaoman complained in a low voice, and asked him when they would meet next time.
Chen Ling'an thought for a moment and said, "You two have already agreed. Send someone to the Northern Pacification Office to deliver a message, and I will come find you."
The rain was getting heavier, hitting everything densely and forcefully. Water was flowing down from the eaves like a rushing waterfall.
Xiaoman didn't bring an umbrella.
Chen Ling'an searched for a long time before he found an umbrella from a corner. When he opened it, he found that there was a hole in it!
Xiaoman laughed out loud.
"Let's go." Chen Ling'an held an umbrella and walked slowly towards the misty rain, looking calm and composed.
If I hadn't seen the embarrassment that flashed across his face, I would have let him fool me.
The wind blows, the rain falls, and the broken umbrella flutters.
Xiaoman lifted her skirt slightly and followed closely on his right, with a smile on her face that she couldn't hide.
"Don't laugh." The tone was stern but not intimidating.
Xiaoman raised her eyes and looked up secretly.
Under the dim sky, the hand holding the umbrella handle glowed with a cold light like white jade, and the light blue veins on the back of the hand stretched out, appearing and disappearing.
Xiaoman couldn't help but stare at his hands.
His fingers slowly stroked the yellowed umbrella handle. As he moved, the muscles on the back of his hand slid slightly, and the umbrella began to sway gently.
"Have you seen enough?" His voice suddenly sounded above my head.
Xiaoman shuddered, blushed and looked away.
But her honesty did not last long, and she secretly went to see Chen Ling'an again.
“Hey.”
"Um?"
"Your..." Xiaoman swallowed the second half of the sentence after thinking it was inappropriate.
Chen Ling'an finally condescended to look over and said, "Don't finish your words halfway."
What was she to say, his lips were so pretty?
It has clear edges and corners, and is neither too thin nor too thick. It is just the right amount of plump and moist, and also pink, just like a crabapple that is about to bloom.
But he will definitely be angry if I say this!
Xiaoman smiled and looked at him without saying a word.
"You're coming up with some weird ideas again." Chen Ling'an snorted.
Half his body was soaked.
A drop of crystal-like transparent water on the forehead gently slid across the brow bone that undulated like a mountain range, and stopped on the thick and long eyelashes, trembling slightly.
He blinked his eyes slightly, and drops of water fell like tears. He kissed him lightly on the lips, and then disappeared into his clothes.
The raindrops danced happily on the umbrella, the corners of my robe lifted up my skirt, and my heart was beating wildly.
Xiaoman suddenly hoped that the road under her feet would never end.
"arrive."
Her hand felt heavy, and it was her turn to hold the umbrella.
With a creaking sound, the black door opened from the inside.
The old coachman hurriedly drove the carriage over.
Xiaoman really wanted Chen Ling'an to say something to her, but he just stood at the door, watching her get into the car in silence without even saying goodbye.
The misty rain and fog blurred his figure, making it seem like the first time I met him.
However, that time he was getting closer, but this time he was getting further and further away.
The carriage turned a corner and he was completely out of sight.
Xiaoman lowered the car curtain and felt inexplicably heavy in her heart.
This feeling did not dissipate until I met Mrs. Jiang.
I thought it would take some time to convince her, but Mrs. Jiang didn't care at all and immediately asked Mother Fang to prepare the money.
"Make an appointment with Master Chen to inspect the shop. If there are no problems, we'll sign the paperwork that day."
It was so fast that Xiaoman thought he had misheard.
Fang's mother asked, "After buying it, should we rent it out, or should we start a business ourselves?"
Mrs. Jiang thought for a moment and said, "We've sold all our old shops, and those knowledgeable shopkeepers and clerks have all left. You and I don't know much about business, so it's better to rent it out. At most, we can charge less rent!"
"Just rent it out at the normal market price," Xiaoman interjected. "Cheap goods are not good, and good goods are not cheap. The lower the price, the more people think the shop is bad."
Mrs. Jiang laughed and said, "There was already a lawsuit."
"The lawsuit was settled long ago! The emperor hated people, not the Yuan family's property—otherwise, it would have been burned to ashes long ago."
"You are so knowledgeable, kid. Okay, okay, I'll do whatever you say." Mrs. Jiang nodded with a smile.
The house was filled with joy. Mother Fang's mind became lively as she watched this scene.
She privately spent a lot of money to hire an experienced person from outside to check the accounts, and the difference in the accounts alone was as much as 20,000 or 30,000!
The warehouses and farms haven't been checked yet, so God knows how many loopholes there are.
Her heart sank.
If this continues, the lady's dowry will be taken away by those villains.
But she didn't dare say it.
My wife has a bad temper. If she gets angry and develops a chronic illness, no amount of money can make up for it.
besides……
Mother Fang lowered her eyes, and her hand holding the handkerchief trembled slightly.
Even if it is exposed, what can be done? From what my nephew said, the servants in charge of the Zhang family are even more greedy.
She didn't believe that he was so bold and had no one to back him up.
The lady can punish the servants and also punish the master and the mistress as well?
In the end, it was just a big fight, and the relationship between the master and the mistress became worse. The old lady would no longer protect the mistress at all, and it was not certain how much of the money they embezzled could be recovered.
Legally speaking, the dowry belongs to the woman and the husband has no right to dispose of it.
However, the husband is the leader of the wife. In real life, it is not uncommon for the husband to use his wife's dowry.
Regardless of the true situation, the world is saying that these women voluntarily supported their husbands' families. I heard that some government officials even commended them.
Even the current trend seems to be that if a woman does not give her dowry to her husband's family, she is considered a shrew, a vicious woman, or a poisonous woman, and her behavior is extremely rebellious and will not be tolerated by heaven and earth!
Rumors are scary. How do people outside who don’t know the truth view your wife?
Mother Fang’s hair has turned white these days because of worrying about this matter!
But now we have a guardian angel.
"The rental income is stable, but the return on investment is too slow. If Master Chen is willing to introduce a few good deals, it won't be difficult for us to start our own business. Of course, we can't ask others to work for us for free. We can give them 20% of the shares. Madam, what do you think..."
Mother Fang's voice was not loud, but it startled the other two.
Giving dry shares is equivalent to tying the mother's property to Chen Ling'an's interests.
Xiaoman immediately realized that the dowry that had been embezzled from her stepmother was much larger than she had imagined. Mother Fang was unable to handle it at all and had to find a scare backer.
"Is it possible?" Mrs. Jiang was a little hesitant.
Xiaoman and Fang's mother nodded in unison.
Mrs. Jiang couldn't help but smile, "Then I'll leave it to you two."
There was a hint of confusion and sadness in that smile, but tenderness was evident in his eyes.
Xiaoman was confused.
"Mom..." she shouted.
"You've been running around in the rain all day. Come back to the yard and rest." Mrs. Jiang touched her head lovingly. "I still have something to tell Mother Fang, so I won't keep you for dinner."
The rain became lighter, the fog thickened, and the light in the house grew dimmer.
Mother Fang lit the candlestick.
Mrs. Jiang said, "I'll transfer the shop to Xiaoman as her dowry. She may appear carefree, but she's actually very thoughtful. Don't let her know."
"Madam is so good to her." Mother Fang sighed.
Mrs. Jiang smiled and said, "A few shops are nothing. I also want to buy her some land, but I don't have anything suitable at the moment... I don't want to bother two people with one thing, so I'll just hand it over to Chen Ling'an."
Mother Fang suddenly had an idea. "Why bother with that? Madam already has the farm in her name. Why not just give it to the third young lady?"
"You're also confused. If you touch my dowry, won't everyone in the Zhang family know about it? If you give it to her, why not give it to others? It will only cause an embarrassing scene."
"I'm buying a shop and a piece of land, but I don't have enough money."
"I remember my family gave me a lot of porcelain and antiques as gifts. I don't like those things. You can quietly sell a box of them. It will be enough."
Those were all the hard-earned money of the old man of the Jiang family. They are priceless!
Mother Fang felt a pang of pain in her heart, but then she thought, if she kept it, it would be a bargain for those ungrateful people, so it would be better to give it to the third girl!
The candlelight flickered as the two discussed in detail for a while. The next day, Fang's mother quietly left the house.
When he came back, he walked with a breeze, looking energetic, and a smile that could not be hidden in the corners of his eyebrows and eyes.
Aunt Yao immediately noticed it.
The specific reason was not found out, but the news came from the stable that the third girl and Mother Fang were going out early tomorrow morning, but no one knew where they were going.
Aunt Yao thought for a moment and asked Zhang Junyi to send an invitation to Princess Jingxuan, inviting her to her house to appreciate the flowers tomorrow.
Zhang Junyi said, "My aunt may not know that the laws of our dynasty stipulate that a prince consort cannot hold a position of real power. Princess Shang will end my brother's career."
Aunt Yao glanced at her and asked, "Did you specifically look up the law?"
Her tone was slightly cold, which made Zhang Junyi feel nervous, but he still continued with an embarrassed smile.
"Our family isn't a founding hero like the Pingyang Marquisate, who holds military power. If my eldest brother marries Princess Jingxuan, he'll only get a second-rank, empty title of 'Fu Ma Du Wei', and will forever be excluded from the center of power."
"I'm afraid my father won't agree..."
Aunt Yao smiled and said, "I know what I'm doing. Just post the invitation."
"Time is too urgent and it would be disrespectful to the princess." Zhang Junyi avoided Aunt Yao's gaze and did not start writing.
Aunt Yao began to get impatient. "Last time you were unwilling to do it, and this time you're giving me excuses again. Why, it's not your own business, so you don't care at all?"
Zhang Junyi's eyes immediately turned red.
Seeing this, Aunt Yao softened her tone a bit, "I'm also concerned about your situation. Ask your brother to invite Liu Jinshu over as well. Now that the Third Miss is away, no one will bother you two anymore."
She thought she had touched her daughter's heart, but Zhang Junyi suddenly stood up and her face changed drastically.
"He's obsessed with Zhang Xiaoman, why should I flatter him? Aunt, please don't talk about a secret meeting again, it's so embarrassing. I'm a girl from the Shangshu Mansion, not a pimp who seduces men!"
Aunt Yao's face turned cold, "Miss, are you talking about me?"
Zhang Junyi was stunned. "I didn't... Anyway, I won't go looking for him."
Aunt Yao suddenly chuckled, "You really have a childish temper. Who hasn't made a fool of themselves before? You'll make it up next time."
"He doesn't like you, so you have to seduce him so much that he's obsessed with you and wants to marry you. Then you deliberately give him the cold shoulder, watching him cry bitterly and regret it, and then he'll agree to your every request and let you play with him at your will. Isn't that fun?"
Zhang Junyi felt that his aunt was joking, "He is not that kind of person."
"How many men have you met? I've made you too pampered. You can't lower your dignity or your status."
Aunt Yao's laughter was cold. "All crows are black. There's no man who isn't tempted by beauty! They all pretend to be decent people, but once they get on top of you, what ugly things can't they do?"
Zhang Junyi's face turned red, and she bit her lips tightly without saying a word.
This is a vulgar remark and should not be said to an unmarried girl.
Aunt Yao realized she had spoken out of turn and was silent for a moment. Then she picked out a piece of pink and white paper with a peony pattern and put the pen into her daughter's hand. "This concerns your brother's future. You can't be willful. Write it."
Zhang Junyi had no choice but to write the invitation according to her wishes.
As soon as the invitation was sent out, Zhang Bi appeared at the gate of the courtyard.
He came to say goodbye.
Aunt Yao was shocked. "Why are you leaving so suddenly? Is your wife mad at you again?"
This was very disrespectful. Zhang Bi frowned, but did not point out his aunt's problem. He only said that the schoolwork was heavy and could not be delayed.
Aunt Yao sighed, "The old lady will return to the nunnery on the tenth day of the lunar month. At least wait until she leaves before returning to the academy. Otherwise, mother will be really scared."
Several people in charge of the family have clearly stated that they will no longer pursue Aunt Yao's faults. Zhang Bi thinks that Aunt Yao is just worrying too much, but when he sees the tears in her eyes, he can't bring himself to say no.
Aunt Yao added, "You can review your lessons at home. Your cousin from the Liu family is a former top scholar, so it's a good opportunity to ask him for advice. Let's do it tomorrow. Invite him home in your father's name. Your father will be happy to know."
My son has always admired Liu Jinshu and regards him as a role model. He will definitely follow his words and practices.
Sure enough, Zhang Bi had no intention of leaving, but said that Liu Jinshu was his senior brother and had already served as an official in the court, so he had to pay a visit in person to show respect.
Aunt Yao smiled and said, "It's right to be polite and follow the rules, but don't be too rigid. Don't forget that you have a younger sister..."
Zhang Junyi's face turned red instantly.
Zhang Bi was stunned for a moment before he frowned and said, "This kind of private meeting is against etiquette and too reckless."
"They are cousins, there is nothing wrong with etiquette." Aunt Yao disagreed.
Zhang Bi was silent for a moment, swallowing what he wanted to say. Finally, he shook his head and said, "I heard that the Liu family is looking for the third sister. How can sisters fight for a husband? You should just give up on this idea."
Inflexible!
Aunt Yao was so disappointed with Zhang Junyi that she glanced at her and motioned her to leave first.
Zhang Junyi stood up and avoided it.
As she reached the hallway, she suddenly remembered she had forgotten her handkerchief. It wasn't a big deal, and if she hadn't taken it normally, she would have forgotten it. But today, for some reason, she felt a strong urge to go back and get it.
She tiptoed back to the corridor, but did not enter the house. She hid behind the window as if possessed by a ghost, and just listened quietly to the movements in the house.
The eldest brother's voice contained a tone of instruction.
"A true man should be upright and benevolent, emulating the saints and making great achievements is the right way to advancement. Relying on nepotism is ungentlemanly, so please don't mention it again, Auntie."
Nepotism? Zhang Junyi's heart trembled.
"You silly child!" The aunt's voice was clearly anxious. "You've been studying so much that your brain has become wooden. Your father was a Jinshi (two-time Jinshi) who only rose to the position of Shangshu when he was nearly fifty. Yet, he still has to be cautious in everything he does and judge others by their opinions. He has no real power at all."
"It's because there's no one in the court!"
"Speaking of this, your father is also furious. Madam's father is so devoted to compiling books that he constantly advises your father not to pursue a career in government. He clearly has connections with the Pingyang Marquisate and the Liu family, but he refuses to recommend your father."
"If your wife's family had been willing to help, you would have long been a nobleman on par with Liu Jinshu. Why is it that you still haven't found a marriage?"
The eldest brother's voice suddenly rose. "Father actually thinks so? A son should not criticize his father. There are some things I can't say. Father should at least listen to Auntie, and Auntie should advise him more often."
"The Madam is the principal wife, and concubines should respect her. Even if she is wronged for a while, she should not complain. She should serve her carefully and strictly observe the hierarchy between wife and concubine."
The room was eerily quiet.
Zhang Junyi outside the window covered her mouth in shock.
After a while, the aunt's voice was heard, "Okay, okay... My son was a rare talent, but unfortunately he was not born in Madam's womb. I am so sorry for causing trouble for him."
After a brief silence, there was a thud, and the eldest brother must have knelt down.
Then I heard him call himself an unfilial son and repeatedly stated that he had no intention of despising his biological mother.
Zhang Junyi couldn't help but peek inside through the crack in the window.
"My son has been wronged!" The aunt hugged her eldest brother and burst into tears.
"Madam refused to register you as a bastard because of your status as a bastard. You've been looked down upon since you were a child. Others may not feel sorry for you, but mother does."
"Why did mother go to such lengths to force your sister into the Liu family? Was it to vent her anger on the mistress? To get revenge on the third young lady? I did it all for you! With the Liu family's support, why worry about your career?"
Amidst the endless crying, Zhang Junyi felt suffocated and quietly left the yard.
The gray clouds hung low overhead, almost merging with the dark eaves. The green vines in the corners of the walls swayed in the wind, making a rustling sound.
It was clearly midsummer, but Zhang Junyi suddenly felt a chill for no reason.
I didn't know how long I walked in a daze. When I looked up inadvertently, I found myself in front of Zhang Xiaoman's courtyard gate!
She suddenly wanted to talk to Zhang Xiaoman.
As soon as she stretched out her hand, the door opened from the inside, revealing Jinxiu's surprised and wary face.
"What are you doing here?"
Her tone was extremely bad, making Zhang Junyi furious, "Who gave you the guts to talk to me like that?"
Jinxiu rolled her eyes. "You two scheme against the Madam and the Third Miss every day, and you still expect us to be nice to you? After doing something like that, you have the nerve to show off here."
After saying that, he slammed the gate shut.
Zhang Junyi's face turned red, and she stamped her feet and left without looking back.
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