Chapter 16 Chapter 16 It’s better to die early or late than to die…
Lady Cheng'an held a banquet at home and sent out invitations to all the ladies in the family, including the Xie family.
That day, the servants harnessed the carriage and waited at the door for their master to set off.
The new clothes for the banquet were delivered yesterday. With Chun'er's help, Yun Wu put on her new clothes and put on fine makeup on her face. The little maids circled around her and praised her again and again.
However, both the master and the servant tried to lower their voices when they spoke, for fear of disturbing the other person in the room.
Yun Wu observed him carefully for a moment in the bronze mirror's reflection. She saw that he had been lying motionless on the couch from beginning to end, and it was impossible to tell what his mood was. Before leaving, she whispered to Xie Yi, "Husband, I'm leaving."
Xie Yi ignored him and continued reading the book.
Yun Wu was filled with sorrow and didn't dare to offend him again. Seeing that it was getting late, and fearing that her elder and second sisters-in-law would be anxiously waiting for her, she quickly picked up her dress and went out.
She wasn't late, but when she arrived, the two sisters-in-law were already waiting in the carriage. Seeing her beautiful face covered with sorrow when she got on, Second Young Mistress Chen Qiutang couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Sanlang is still angry with you?"
Yun Wu's eyes drooped. He raised his head and looked at her silently.
Meng Qingtong wanted to laugh, but she tried her best to hold it back. She nudged Chen Qiutang with her elbow and said, "Awu is worried, don't tease her about this."
"Okay, okay, I won't say anything more." Chen Qiutang sat upright and really shut his mouth.
When the three masters arrived, the coachman whipped his whip and the wheels began to turn, heading towards the Cheng'an Earl's Mansion.
But before driving out of the street, Chen Qiutang turned his face away, shrugged his shoulders, and was obviously trying to hold back laughter.
Yun Wu was a little depressed. "Second sister-in-law, laugh if you want to. Don't worry about me."
Chen Qiutang laughed heartily: "Don't get me wrong, I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at Sanlang. I never thought he was such a grown-up, but he's actually so petty!"
All of a sudden, Meng Qingtong couldn't help but curl up the corners of her mouth.
What big thing happened in the Duke's Mansion recently? Of course, it was the newly married Mr. Xie San and his wife who were having a quarrel!
The reason wasn't earth-shattering, but rather a small candy jar. Meng Qingtong hadn't expected Yun Wu to ask for a few candies from her just to coax Xie Yi into taking his medicine.
But everyone in the mansion knew that despite his frail frame, Sanlangjun was incredibly arrogant, sometimes even the powerful Duke couldn't handle him. Didn't you see that he refused to take his medicine when he wanted to, and even the entire mansion couldn't do anything about it? Yun Wu pulled out a candy jar and treated him like a six-year-old, which was like stirring up a hornet's nest!
This outburst of anger caused a dark cloud to hang over the courtyard of the Third House for several days. Yun Wu trembled with fear every day, staying away from him, wishing she could just walk along the cracks in the wall, becoming as inconspicuous as a speck of dust. She even dared not to boil medicine, but over the past few days, Xie Yi showed no sign of calming down.
She used to think Xie Yi had a bad temper and was mean-spirited, but now she realized that he was truly terrifying when he got really angry.
However, Yun Wu was the only one who suffered, and this scene was just funny to others.
"Everyone says I have a bad temper, but I think Sanlang's temper is no less severe than mine. It's just a few pieces of candy, and he doesn't want to eat them. Why would he be so angry for so long?" Chen Qiutang sat down next to Yun Wu, took her arm in a friendly manner, and spoke to her heart to heart: "Your sincerity is sincere, but he doesn't appreciate it. That's his problem. Ah Wu, you have to be tough. If a man doesn't obey, just give him a couple of spanks!"
Meng Qingtong's eyes curved, "Since Sanlang fell into the water, he has been lifeless all day long. Since Ah Wu came, he has become more energetic than before. If he is willing to be angry, it is also a good thing."
Chen Qiutang was surprised: "You call this a good thing?"
Why not count?
People have seven emotions and six desires. If you have no interest in anything, doesn't that mean you have seen through the world and want to become a monk? With vitality, people are alive.
"However, Qiutang did say something that makes sense." Meng Qingtong looked at Yun Wu: "You are too soft-hearted. You will suffer if you do this."
Yun Wu lowered her head and twisted the corner of her clothes, saying to herself: This can't be blamed on her.
Xie Yi's phoenix eyes glared at her, and she felt panicky and short of breath. If he turned cold again, even if he didn't say anything, Yun Wu would lose all her courage and would have to hide away. Not only her, but the servants in the entire courtyard dared not even breathe these days, even ants would avoid them.
She didn't know if it was her illusion, but she always felt that when her husband got angry, he seemed more terrifying than the Duke.
As they were talking, the carriage had arrived at the Cheng'an Marquis's Mansion.
The red gate of the Cheng'an Marquis's Mansion was wide open, and the entrance was filled with carriages from various mansions. There were many guests, all of whom were the wives and daughters of prominent officials in the capital.
Yun Wu seldom attended banquets, and Madam Yun never took her with her when she went out to visit guests. When she encountered such a big occasion, she just lifted the curtain of the carriage to take a look outside, and she was timid.
Seeing her discomfort, Meng Qingtong held her hand and said, "Don't panic, just stay with me. I'll show you around."
As they spoke, the three of them handed over their invitations and walked towards the mansion. She gestured to Yun Wu to look at the people talking not far away and introduced them in a low voice: "The one in purple is the wife of Minister Xue's eldest son. The one next to her in yellow is her cousin. The one opposite is..."
Yun Wu tried hard to remember everyone as he walked in and recognized them all.
There are many powerful people in the capital, and the various mansions are related to each other. Some people's husband's family is not very famous, but their mother's family is a famous and prestigious family. There are also grudges between the various mansions, so one has to be more careful when interacting with them to avoid offending other people's taboos.
Yun Wu had never heard of these things before. The Yun family was of humble origin and had no qualifications to associate with prominent families. But after entering the Duke's Mansion, she would inevitably have close relationships with everyone present in the future. Yun Wu could only try hard to remember them.
Fortunately, she was inconspicuous at the banquet. If anyone came to greet her, they would greet Meng Qingtong. No one noticed her, which made her feel relieved.
When Meng Qingtong introduced her, Chen Qiutang interrupted from time to time: "I had a quarrel with her... I don't get along with her sister... She has a bad character, don't associate with her..."
After the three of them sat down, Yun Wu recognized most of the Second Young Lady's enemies.
However, she also saw someone she knew at the banquet: her stepsister Yun Hui.
Today, there was a banquet at the Cheng'an Marquis's residence, and Yun Hui was there too. She had come with Madam Ye and had been introduced to quite a few people. She had also seen Yun Wu, and the two sisters' eyes met from a distance before they each looked away.
Meng Qingtong noticed and recognized Yun Hui, and asked in a low voice, "Do you want to go say hello to your sister?"
The two of them were seated far apart, so if they wanted to say hello, they had to go over. Next to Yun Hui sat Madam Ye, whom Yun Wu hadn't seen for a long time, and seeing her for the first time at this moment, she felt quite a bit of a mixed bag.
She shook her head: "No."
Their relationship hasn't gotten that good yet.
Seeing this, Meng Qingtong did not force her. Instead, Chen Qiutang went to look for her sisters from her mother's family and only came back after the banquet started.
After everyone arrived, the banquet began.
Lady Cheng'an hosted a flower banquet, the venue adorned with a riot of colourful blossoms. At the turn of spring and summer, the flowers clashed in vibrant colours, filling the room with their fragrance. Even the snacks and drinks at the banquet were ingeniously designed, incorporating flowers into the food. The various desserts were both delicious and beautifully presented, and Yun Wu couldn't put them down. She couldn't bear to eat them, glancing at their exquisite presentation.
Fortunately, she was inconspicuous, and the husband she married was even more inconspicuous. No one would take the initiative to look for her. She was happy to hide aside to eat and drink, and even had time to think about her husband at home.
She thought about it for many days but still couldn't figure out why Xie Yi was so angry.
People are afraid of bitter medicine because it tastes bad, but who would dislike sugary water? Good medicine is bitter and beneficial to the disease. She already had plenty of experience coaxing the old lady to take medicine at home, so by overpowering it with sweetness, the bitterness would be less noticeable.
But Xie Yi was so angry that he knocked over the sugar jar. He has not been friendly to her since then and even eats less than usual during his daily meals.
Yun Wu put a candied flower into her mouth. The flower itself had no taste, only a faint fragrance. After being pickled in honey, the sweetness lingering on the tip of her tongue was accompanied by a faint floral aftertaste.
He refused to take medicine or eat. Yun Wu was really at her wit's end.
"Awu." Meng Qingtong whispered, "I'm going to talk to Lady Cheng'an."
Yun Wu sat down obediently: "I understand, sister-in-law, you go ahead."
Meng Qingtong smiled and said, "The purpose of a banquet is to make friends and have fun. You don't have to be so reserved. Go find some friends to play with."
Yun Wu smiled, said nothing, and watched her leave.
She was embarrassed to say that she had few friends.
Of the few who remained, one had left the capital several years before with her father's transfer, and the other had married last year, also to a distant land. They kept in touch only through letters. She was not good at socializing, and with no one in the room full of women interested in her, she preferred to be alone and have some free time.
For example, this flower-shaped pastry is particularly interesting...
"Big sister, why are you sitting here alone?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the side.
Yun Wu looked up and saw Yun Hui, who had come to her side without her noticing, looking at her with a beaming smile. Madam Ye stood beside her, nodding at her subtly. Yun Wu was stunned for a moment, then quickly stood up and greeted the two of them.
"Second sister...Mrs. Ye."
Yun Hui came over and took her hand affectionately. Facing her smiling face, Yun Wu suddenly felt uncomfortable and tried to pull her hand away, but she was held tightly. It was not appropriate to lose her composure in public, so she had to hold back.
"Big sister, I saw you just now and wanted to say hello." Yun Hui glanced at Madam Ye and said to Yun Wu, "I don't need to introduce you. You recognize me."
Of course Yun Wu recognized him.
Mrs. Ye's expression was indifferent, and she didn't show any intimacy. Of course, the three people involved in the marriage exchange knew that there was no need for intimacy.
Madam Ye said, "Hui'er, you two sisters can talk. I'll go to the side to enjoy the flowers."
Yun Hui replied, "Okay, Mother. I'll come find you after I finish talking to my elder sister."
Mrs. Ye left Yunhui and walked towards the garden.
Yun Wu was puzzled. She and Yun Hui had nothing to talk about. They were only on good terms with each other, and there was no need for any further interaction. Why did Yun Hui come all the way here to talk to her?
Then Yun Hui asked with concern, "Big sister, why are you here today?"
Yun Wu paused.
She pulled her arm out, and this time she succeeded. Then, she took a step back calmly, putting some distance between herself and Yun Hui, and asked, "Can't I come here?"
"Of course I can come. Big sister, you misunderstood. That's not what I meant." Yun Hui said caringly, "I just care about you. You usually face Mr. Xie at home every day. It would be nice for you to come out and relax."
Yun Wu frowned slightly: "He..."
Yun Hui asked again, "How is Third Young Master Xie's health?"
Yun Wu: "He's fine."
Yun Hui took her words as comfort and couldn't help but sigh heavily. "Third Young Master Xie is so young, and I don't know when he'll recover. Oh, by the way, I heard there's a doctor with excellent medical skills. Big sister, would you please ask him to see him?"
Yun Wu refused coldly: "No need."
Besides. She thought to herself: No matter how superb the medical skills are, facing a patient who does not follow the doctor's orders, even a miracle doctor can do nothing.
Yun Hui said earnestly, "Big sister, even if it's for your future, don't be discouraged. If there's a good opportunity, you have to try it!"
Yun Wu: “…”
She looked at Yunhui and felt like she had seen a ghost.
Not to mention that her relationship with her second sister is not as good as before, even in the past, Yun Hui has never been such a considerate and considerate person. Even if she was sick and standing in front of her, she would not think of calling a doctor for herself. Why is she so concerned about her husband's health?
Just as she was wondering, gossip from all directions came into her ears.
Yunhui didn't consider others when she spoke just now, so everyone around her heard them talking.
After being reminded by her word by word, even those who had not noticed Yun Wu before now noticed her existence.
"Is this the person who married the Third Brother of the Xie family to bring good luck?"
"Which Sanlang of the Xie family?"
"Which other Xie family is there in the capital? It's naturally the Xie family of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion! They even found someone to celebrate their wedding not long ago!"
Those who heard the gossip talked about it with their friends nearby.
"I've also heard that their third son has been frail and sickly since childhood, and is a notorious sickly child in the capital."
"Given the power of the Xie family, they must have given their son good medicine and seen good doctors long ago. But there has been no improvement over the years. I guess it's..."
"It's come to the point of just getting married, I'm afraid time is running out..."
"Then... won't she become a widow soon?"
"Ah, that's really pitiful..."
…
At dusk, the sun sets in the west.
The afterglow of the setting sun shines on the window, passes through the window lattice, and casts orange shadows in the house.
When Xie Yi woke up from his nap, the yard was empty. The servants had already disappeared. You could hear a pin drop in the house, and even his breathing was particularly obvious.
He stared at the cool sunset for a while before he remembered that there was no footsteps in his ears today.
On weekdays, there was always someone milling around the house. Their footsteps were quiet, light, and not fast, yet they were busy and bustling, having measured the land of this side courtyard several times with their feet. Xie Yi was very perceptive and could always sense that someone was constantly looking at him from various directions, observing him from the shadows, thinking they were not paying attention.
Although weeds are inconspicuous, they grow from every corner and crack.
Xie Yi remembered that she had said before she left the house today that she was going to a banquet.
Xie Yi raised his eyelids, glanced at the sunset outside, and slowly changed his posture.
Not long after, there was a sudden noisy movement outside: "Third Young Madam, you're back!"
She is the maid who always follows her around and keeps chattering.
Xie Yi lazily closed his eyes as he heard the sounds in the yard suddenly increase. The servants rushed out at the noise, their footsteps chaotic and their voices overlapping. Among them, a very light footstep quickly entered the yard and headed straight for the main house.
It was rare for her to walk so fast, and the tassels on her head made a rustling sound.
Xie Yi opened one eye slightly, but before he could see clearly, he saw a figure passing by him, bringing with it a gust of fragrant wind, and rushing straight into the inner room.
"?"
Xie Yi sat up.
The little maid Chun'er rushed in behind her, shouting "Third Young Madam". As soon as she entered the room, her eyes met with the person sitting in the shadow. Seeing his gloomy face, she was immediately frightened and fell silent, swallowing the second half of the sentence back into her stomach.
Chun'er remembered that he hated servants making noise, so she quickly covered her mouth and backed out the same way she had come.
The servants outside were in a commotion, but soon the noise died down.
The only sound left was a slight gasp coming from the inner room, only slightly heavier than breathing, muffled in the pillow, almost imperceptible.
Xie Yi: “…”
Didn’t you go out to play?
When the sunset glow faded and the lanterns and candles were lit, the servants in the front yard came to call for dinner, and Yun Wu slowly came out from the inner room.
She changed out of the gorgeous clothes and jewelry she had worn to the banquet. Her cloud-like black hair was braided into a loose bun and hung down at the side of her neck. Her almond-shaped eyes were moist and her eyelids were swollen. She said to the maid in a listless voice, "I'm not feeling well. I won't eat today."
The maid replied yes and asked Xie Yi again. Xie Yi said with a cold face, "I don't want to eat."
He often didn't go to the front yard to eat. The servants knew his temper, so Yun Wu turned around and went back into the inner room.
She usually advises me to take medicine, go to bed early and eat, but today she doesn't.
She said she wasn't eating, but there was a hot meal in the small kitchen. Chun'er, the maid, went to the inner room to invite someone and invited Yun Wu to the table. Xie Yi, of course, didn't have the habit of just watching others eat, so he sat down at the table as well.
The chef in the mansion performed well again today, and the table was full of delicious food, but no one at the table had an appetite.
Yun Wu took two bites, then put down her chopsticks with a lack of appetite and said softly, "I'm done."
Xie Yi remained silent.
He glanced at the small bowl next to him, which was still full. Even the birds in the trees ate more than this.
He lost his appetite after watching it.
Summer is approaching and the weather has started to get hot. The house is stuffy during the day, but at night, the cool breeze from the yard blows in, making it quite cool.
Xie Yi sat by the window reading some books. The evening breeze blew on his face, and he couldn't help coughing twice.
He flipped through a few pages of the book, then suddenly remembered something. He glanced at the wide-open window and then turned back to look at the people in the inner room.
After dinner, Yun Wu went into the inner room to rest. The noise outside was quiet, so it didn't wake her. Xie Yi casually folded a page of the book and walked into the inner room, where he saw her lying on the edge of the bed, facing the wall, motionless.
Xie Yi frowned and was wondering which end he should enter from when he saw the figure on the bed dawdle to the innermost part and leave the empty space facing outside to him.
It was obvious that he was not asleep and was still awake.
Xie Yi was so angry that he almost laughed.
He reached out and pinched Yun Wu's face: "You are so bold, are you showing me your face?"
With her chin pinched by him, Yun Wu had no choice but to turn her body around with his force. She lowered her eyes and said, "No."
Her almond-shaped eyes were black and moist, as if they had been soaked in water. She didn't know if she had just cried again. Her eye sockets were red and her eyes were sparkling. She looked particularly pitiful, and it was difficult for anyone who saw her to harden their heart.
But Xie Yi was no ordinary person. He pinched her chin and lifted her face, forcing her to look at him. He then demanded, "You didn't show me a face? Look at what you did."
Yun Wu was very depressed: "I didn't do anything."
Xie Yi sneered and gritted his teeth, "I caught a cold outside just now, and even the maid knew to pour me a cup of hot tea. Didn't you hear it?"
Yun Wu said truthfully, "I heard it."
Xie Yi uttered a "ha".
His phoenix eyes were filled with rage and fire, and he was about to continue to accuse her when he heard Yun Wu say, "You don't like me to control you."
“…”
"You don't take your medicine or eat, and you don't even listen to the doctor. If I say a few more words, you'll get angry." Yun Wu huddled under the quilt and said in a muffled voice, "You won't listen to anything I say anyway, so I might as well not say anything. It won't make you angry."
"you……"
She was rarely sharp-tongued, but what she said was the truth, leaving Xie Yi speechless.
It was he who didn't take the medicine, and he was also the one who was angry.
After a long while, he finally managed a smile through his teeth with a pale face: "Yes, I won't live long anyway. It doesn't matter if I die early or late, I might as well die happily."
I don't know why, but after he said this, the red eyelids of the young lady in front of him trembled. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes, as if she had a thousand words to say.
Before Xie Yi could realize what her look meant, Yun Wu had already turned around holding the quilt.
She faced the wall with her back to him, closed her eyes and began to pretend to be asleep again.
Xie Yi: “…”
Xie Yi took a deep breath, feeling that he would be pissed off to death by her before he died of illness.
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