Who wants to get beaten?
Upon entering the main hall of the Yang residence, one is greeted by a thick carpet. Two rows of armchairs are flanked by braziers tended by maids who occasionally add a few pieces of fine charcoal, causing sparks to fly, much like the tense atmosphere in the hall. The small, animal-shaped purple-gold bronze incense burner, too, leaves only a tiny ember, refusing to go out, just like the Third Miss in the hall.
A graceful figure stood in the center, her stubborn back straight, refusing to bow her head even in the face of death. The Yang family couple sat in the high hall, while on the west side, on a chair, sat the concubine Zhu Xiu, her face bare, wearing a lychee-colored white satin dress, sobbing.
Red Plum Rose gently pressed her handkerchief to her eyes, tears streaming down her face, her eyes already red. She was Yang Cong's birth mother, and had just learned that Yang Cong had been imprisoned.
Guo Yaozhu didn't know how to persuade him. She usually loved to burn incense and pray to Buddha, but who knew that Yang Cong would commit murder. She had failed to raise her son properly, and as the head of the household, she was also embarrassed. There was also Yang Fei kneeling on the ground. She didn't know how to plead for her.
"Father, Yang Cong has done something wrong. I don't want to cover it up. I don't know what he did wrong?" Yang Fei said stubbornly. She had only intercepted a letter, and Yang Cong wanted to burn the evidence. It was clear that he had no remorse and was so vicious.
If she doesn't make the first move, and he succeeds in the imperial examinations and gains her father's favor, she'll be in deep trouble and might even be married off to him without a second thought.
Yang Chuanye remained silent, leaving only Zhu's sobs in the hall. Hearing her words, he couldn't help but defend his son, "Even if Erlang is wrong, and the Third Miss doesn't want to cover it up, if she had just spoken up, how could Master have ignored it? How could things have come to this?"
Yang Chuanye became even angrier upon hearing this, slamming his fist on the table and cursing, "You've really made something of yourself! I usually turn a blind eye to your petty squabbles, but you dare to do something that damages the family's reputation like this!"
“Father, I did this to protect the reputation of the Yang family.” She turned to look at Madam Zhu. “Aunt, when I found out, he had already hired someone to kill someone. If I spoke up, wouldn’t that put you in a difficult position? Do you want Father to protect a murderer? Aunt made a mistake for her son, but Fei’er cannot do that for the sake of the Yang family.”
“He framed His Majesty’s own sister. Who would dare to offend Qi Guanlan? His Majesty will definitely investigate. You can imagine how powerful the secret guards are. If they really investigate, it will inevitably involve Father. Father’s official reputation and future will be ruined. The whole family may even be demoted. Then you will blame me for not making an exception beforehand. Isn’t this Erlang’s fault? Father, why do you blame me, a daughter?”
Yang Fei spoke eloquently, which greatly pleased Guo Yaozhu. Her daughter had finally learned to use her brain; she had never listened to her previous teachings, always acting recklessly and making a fool of herself. She handed the tea to Yang Chuanye and said gently:
“Master, what Fei’er said makes sense. If it were someone else, we could have managed to handle it. But Erlang has made a mistake and insisted on impersonating Qi Guanlan. The Princess’s Mansion is not something we can mess with. We can’t hide it from them. Now Erlang’s future is hopeless, but at least his life can be saved. Fei’er and you have put righteousness before family. I’m sure the Princess’s Mansion won’t blame you. Otherwise, we might be in big trouble.”
Unable to argue with her, Yang Chuanye slammed his teacup down on the table, cracking the white porcelain. Water droplets splashed onto his hand, and he abruptly pulled back, his face growing increasingly gloomy.
After a while, still not satisfied, he pointed at Yang Fei and scolded, "I think you are too arrogant and ignorant. What about that hairpin? You went to confront someone for the sake of a servant. How can you be so shameless?"
That damned Yang Cong, he's about to die and he's still complaining. Yang Fei folded her hands and kowtowed three times. Her forehead was red and her eyes were already red. "Father, I love Yang Shen and I will marry no one but him. Please agree."
Yang Chuanye frowned deeply, and several more vertical lines appeared on his slightly sunken forehead. None of the children were easy to deal with. He closed his eyes, his chest heaving, clearly furious.
Guo walked over, patted his back, and faced Yang Fei, advising, "Do you think your parents don't have this idea? Yang Shen is promising, and your father also intends for him to marry into the family. He asked about it for you a long time ago. Yang Shen only treats you like a younger sister. With your personality, if you marry him, it will only be mutual torment. Son, let go."
Before she could finish speaking, tears welled up on the ground and formed a puddle. She raised her face, tears streaming down her cheeks, ruining half of her beautiful peach blossom makeup. "I don't believe it, Mother. You know Yang Shen loves me the most. There's no way he wouldn't like me."
Yang Chuanye sighed, helped her up, and said earnestly, "Yang Shen has a younger sister who is the same age as you. She was abducted when she was seven years old. After that, her personality changed drastically, and she vowed that she would never marry until she found her sister."
"Never to marry?" Yang Fei suddenly remembered and asked, "Then he's talking about marriage with Wen Ruo?"
"Think about it yourself."
A servant came in from outside the door. "Master, the Princess's residence has invited Miss and Madam to a banquet at the Orchid Pavilion tomorrow. The servants have also delivered jewelry and clothing and are waiting."
Originally, Zhu's crying annoyed him, but now that his daughter had suddenly been invited by the princess, Yang Chuanye was overjoyed. He immediately stood up, strode out the door, leaving the three of them behind.
The high, vermilion gates of the princess's residence remained wide open. Princess Rongjing stood inside, stray hairs occasionally brushing against her face, her cheeks flushed an unnatural red. Clearly, she had been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing him, her eyes instantly reddened. "Why are you in such a disheveled state? Did they beat you?"
"How could that be? I had a fight with Zhao Heng." Qi Guanlan reached out to help her, but Princess Rongjing, worried about his health, tried to pull away. However, upon hearing that he had been in a fight, she angrily grabbed his ear and said, "Tell me, why don't you ever learn?"
"What mother would dislike her son?"
When he got playful, he insisted on sticking his arm out to get close to her. Princess Rongjing tapped his forehead with her white, scallion-like index finger. "I find this distasteful. I think you shouldn't eat. You should hurry back to the military camp so you can avoid causing trouble."
"Mother, are you serious?" Qi Guanlan's smile vanished. He tugged at his sleeve and pleaded, "Can I not go back? I'm injured."
Princess Rongjing glanced at him, said "Oh," and turned to leave without saying anything more. Qi Guanlan immediately complained, "Mother, you've changed. You don't even care about my injury anymore."
Without turning her head, Rong Jing said, "Some people are right, a doting mother spoils her son. You were raised to be so trusting of others that you have no sense of self-preservation, which is why you are in such a predicament today."
“Who dares to be so disrespectful? Mother, tell me, and I’ll go and teach him a lesson.”
“Mother, didn’t you say that there’s no reason to guard against thieves for a thousand days? If I have to be on guard at all times, what’s the fun in life? Let’s drink and be merry while we can, Mother. Anyway, I’ve never taken those compliments seriously.”
"Mother did say that, but who told you to be so blind? You have no ability to judge people or test their character. You're surrounded by wolves and tigers, and no one will stand up for you. It's not as safe as the army camp."
The two bickered as they walked. Momo slowly approached and bowed to them, saying, "Princess, hot water and clothes are ready. Please let the young master bathe and change."
Qi Guanlan put his arm around his mother's shoulder, looking obedient: "Mother knows how to care for people."
"Wait!"
The sound of horses' hooves echoed from afar at the gate. The newcomer, with a lithe and agile figure, dismounted with a leap. His tall and imposing stature made him stand at the gate with an air of authority, and his resolute face clearly indicated his military background. As soon as he spoke, Qi Guanlan let go and ran, faster than a rabbit.
Rong Jing paused for a moment, her long nails clenching into her palms, a hint of inexplicable anger flashing in her eyes. Her brother had actually placed Guanlan on Gu Yu's territory! It was infuriating! She raised a lip before turning around, "General Gu, what brings you to the residence?"
Gu Yu straightened the sword at his waist, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Your Highness, Qi Guanlan has deserted the Thousand Feather Camp without permission. According to military law, he should be punished with fifty strokes of the cane. I will take him back to be punished."
"General Gu, Guanlan had his reasons, so perhaps he could be dealt with leniently."
These words sounded less like a plea and more like a command. Gu Yu frowned instantly, his gaze sharp as a sword, his entire being radiating a murderous aura. "Princess, military law is as firm as a mountain; if everyone..."
Before he could finish speaking, Rong Jing quickly interrupted him, not wanting to see that stiff and annoying face at all. "Alright, I understand. After Guanlan finishes washing up, I will send him back to be punished. General Gu, please return."
"Thank you, Princess."
Gu Yu lowered his head and stood still without moving. After hesitating for a moment, he carefully said, "I was in a hurry on the way. Would you mind having a cup of tea with me?"
“General Gu’s family is in the capital, so it’s only natural for him to go home to visit them.” Rong Jing raised the corners of her lips, revealing a shallow dimple. The wine didn’t intoxicate her, but the feeling was intoxicating. Gu Yu’s eyes flickered slightly, and then he shook his head. “There is still training in the camp, which cannot be delayed. Qi Guanlan broke the rules and must be taken back as a warning to others.”
Seeing how serious it was, Rong Jing couldn't laugh anymore, and she didn't even bother to be polite. "Yun Qing, please invite the general to the hall for tea. I'll go and urge Guan Lan."
The old woman behind her gave her permission, and Rong Jing turned and left without hesitation. Gu Yu stared blankly at her retreating figure, a hint of loneliness in his eyes. He composed himself and said, "Aunt Yunqing, it's been a long time."
“Yes, General Gu is so imposing today, I’m afraid the princess will be angry again.” Yun Qing shook his head with a smile and led him to the main hall. “I didn’t expect Guanlan to come to my camp.”
"General, you might as well take a step back, and the princess's anger will naturally subside." Gu Yu did not respond, so Yun Qing did not want to be disliked. She knew Gu Yu's character well; he was too clear about right and wrong.
In the dining room, Qi Guanlan, dressed in a snow-white brocade robe embroidered with crane patterns, his half-dry hair draped behind him, stepped into the doorway refreshed after washing up. As soon as he entered, he smelled the aroma of roast chicken. He quickly sat down. Chestnut roast chicken, cherry pork, white jade duck soup, and crab meat lion's head meatballs were all his favorite dishes.
Excitedly, Gu Yu was about to pick up his chopsticks when he looked up and almost dropped them on the table. Surprisingly, he wasn't kicked out. He looked at his mother in confusion, but she was focused on eating. He then looked at Yun Qing, who shook her head slightly with an unreadable expression.
Starving, Qi Guanlan should have been enjoying a hearty meal, but instead, he shoveled rice into his mouth, glancing resentfully at the person opposite him. The aroma of the food in the hall seemed to be mixed with the fragrance of the camp's soil, making it truly hard to swallow.
Qi Guanlan put down his chopsticks, picked up a spoon, ladled out a bowl of duck soup, bowed, and handed it to Rong Jing. The two looked at each other, their eyes meeting silently, yet their voices seemed to speak volumes: "Mother, save me!"
A moment later, Qi Guanlan's face scrunched up, his arms aching so badly he could barely stand it. What was wrong with his mother? She clearly understood, yet she was still pretending to look at him with a puzzled expression. "Mother, you've worked so hard."
Quickly refuse General Gu on behalf of the child.
"Lan'er is so thoughtful," Qi Guanlan said, clutching the bottom of the bowl tightly. Rong Jing smiled and ordered Yun Qing to take it from him. Gu Yu seemed not to notice the mother and son's little actions, calmly picking up food with his chopsticks as the rice in his bowl was almost gone.
Rong Jing coughed lightly, covering her mouth. "No need to put any on my plate. You should eat quickly, or the food will get cold."
Upon hearing this, Yun Qing immediately served food to Qi Guanlan, glancing sideways. Didn't she see that Gu Yu was almost full? If he didn't eat soon, he would have to leave on an empty stomach.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com