Chapter 62 Warning: Beauty Can Lead to Deception
After the letter was sent, Li Yunru didn't pay any more attention to the matter. After all, she had spoken politely. Given their current relationship, even if Cui Shi disliked her, she couldn't disregard her health and force her to go back.
If this gets out, it will cause gossip and disputes.
She wouldn't put herself in that situation.
Yan Sheng didn't interfere anymore. With the support of her brother and sister-in-law, she felt much more confident and continued to go to the charitable hall to help out as usual.
Li Yunru continued to learn how to manage accounts from the steward. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, she also had to explain and arrange various procurement matters for the household during the festival.
She didn't realize how troublesome it was until she took charge, not knowing it before.
It wasn't a matter of difficulty, but rather something trivial and tedious.
For example, there are specific customs regarding food. The mooncakes we eat, the mooncakes for moon worship, the mooncakes for personal use, and the mooncakes for gifts are all different. Buying them is easy; as long as you have money, there's nothing difficult about it. But since everyone's tastes are different, it's difficult to make them.
Especially when giving gifts, you need to understand the recipient's preferences and taboos to avoid making a mistake.
Even the servants in the household are given some gifts or favors on such holidays to prevent them from getting upset.
Ugh, these are all trivial things, they're so tedious.
She suddenly admired Cui. She only had to manage the affairs of the villa and Yan Ning's social interactions with colleagues and friends in the capital, which she found extremely troublesome. Yet Cui handled all the big and small matters of the Yan family by herself, and organized so many famous banquets. She had been doing this for many years, and no one had ever said a bad word about her. Everyone said that she was a model of a noble lady from an aristocratic family.
Putting aside their personal grudges, her skill level is unmatched.
While she was busy with her own affairs, Yan Ning was not far behind. When Emperor Xuan was still on the throne, he gave the military power of Jiangzuo to the Yan family as a dowry. Although other aristocratic families were dissatisfied, it was legitimate and they could not say anything. They could only secretly plant their own people in the family, which was just a minor matter. But now that Emperor Xuan has passed away and Emperor Wucheng is just an empty shell, the idea has come out into the open.
After all... no one would complain about having too much money and power.
Taking advantage of Yan Ning's proposal to include temple land in the tax, they exerted pressure on him at every turn in the court.
The Yan family is a top-tier family with a lot of prestige, but when it comes to interests, and with the Wang family, another top-tier family, pulling in the strings, they didn't gain much benefit.
Wang Wu said, "I know that you care about the country and its people, but this matter should be decided jointly by the four great families. You are too hasty, Changjun!"
He's using the reputation of other powerful families to pave his own way to success, at least that's how others see it.
So no matter how good their reputation is outside, in private, everyone has some resentment and will take some actions to retaliate.
Yan Ning knew that Wang Wu held a grudge against the Liu family and was using this as an excuse to make trouble. Their relationship wasn't actually that bad, but when it came to family interests, or people or things that she cared about and couldn't touch, the conflict would surface.
When he made the decision, he had anticipated this day and didn't care too much about these things. Faced with the barrage of criticism, he just smiled and said politely, "Brother Minxing is right. I was short-sighted back then. But now that His Majesty supports its implementation, why are you all in such a hurry? Why not wait and see?"
If we were to ask Yan Ning what her most regrettable decision has been so far, what would it be?
When Emperor Xuan was seriously ill, Li Yunru begged him to save him and to stand up and support Crown Prince Li Xun to ascend the throne. He had many concerns and did not comply. Instead, he lobbied around to gain support. In the end, the news leaked out and he accomplished nothing. Instead, he was hindered. Even when Emperor Xuan died, he was unable to be by Li Yunru's side during her most difficult time.
He never dared to think about that time. Every time he recalled the way Li Yunru looked at him when he returned home...
He and the Yan family both owe her a debt!
He was a magnanimous person who clearly distinguished between gratitude and resentment. Even though he hated the aristocratic family, he never took his anger out on them.
His wife, Liyang, suffered many losses and hardships in the aristocratic family.
The two exchanged barbs, neither willing to yield, yet neither could gain the upper hand. In the end, Wang Wu left with only the words, "Beauty can be deceiving; I only wish that you, my lord, will not follow in the footsteps of Xie Jialang," before departing.
Yan Ning's servant was displeased by these words. As the carriage drove away, he cursed and said, "Bah! That's utter nonsense! My lord is kind, benevolent, and loyal. How can he compare to that heartless and ungrateful Xie family man who drove his wife to her death?"
He cursed passionately, but Yan Ning listened in silence.
The story that the Xie family forced Ding'an to her death and even took away her mansion and salary is widely known. The Xie family's reputation was even greatly affected by this, and they were not as good as before. However, those close to them knew that this was not the case.
Or to be more precise, although the ending was absurd, the process was not what everyone expected.
The Xie family's young master and the princess were a harmonious couple. Even though the world had changed, their affection remained the same. The Xie family wanted him to divorce his wife and remarry, but the young master refused. In the end, the princess couldn't bear to see him in such a difficult position and voluntarily gave up her place.
After a heated argument, it was revealed that a branch of the Xie family had humiliated the princess. Ultimately, unable to bear the humiliation, the princess committed suicide.
The young master of the Xie family was indignant and killed the collateral descendant. However, this was a disgrace to the clan, and the Xie family forbade it to be spread. After the matter was settled, the princess was already dead, so they arranged another marriage for the young master. The young lady was from the Wang family and was considered Wang Wu's sister. Although she was born out of wedlock, she was still from the direct line. She was dignified, virtuous, and a true noblewoman. After the two got married, they treated each other with respect. After they had a child to carry on the family line, the young master left the Xie family and stayed at the princess's residence. This story, with its beginning and end cut out, became distorted as it was told.
His situation was remarkably similar to that of Liyang, Xie Jiazi, and Princess Ding'an, so he was reluctant to hear this.
Because this won't be the end for him and Liyang!
Absolutely not!
...
As Yan Ning looked downcast, Cui Wan from Qinghe picked up a stick of black ink from the dressing table and began to draw her eyebrows along the curves of her brows. A maid came in from outside and said, "Madam, the old master requests your presence."
"knew."
She responded, her hands continuing to trace, when the maid relayed the message and left.
Zhu Xiang stepped forward to serve, saying, "I heard that the old master sent a letter to the Yan family before, so this is probably for this reason. Young lady, would you like to wear lighter makeup and look more pitiful?"
Cui Wan curled her lips and said, "Grandpa has been proud all his life, and what he can't stand the most is people making a scene over things like this!"
She's already put on a show of being heartbroken enough. If she continues like this now, her family will only think she's useless!
Grandpa hated useless people like this the most.
If she takes a step back now, who knows how many other women are thinking of taking her place? One can't be confused at a time like this!
Ignoring Zhu Xiang's advice, Cui Wan drew her eyebrows even darker and used the darkest color for her lip rouge, making her makeup quite vibrant. After finishing her makeup, she chose a pale yellow, wide-sleeved, cross-collar, waist-length embroidered dress. The bright color and dignified pattern made her look elegant and poised, yet still retain a charming and pretty demeanor. Only then did she slowly step out of the courtyard gate and into Old Master Cui's courtyard.
Since catching a cold in the winter two years ago, Old Master Cui's health has deteriorated significantly, and he has been bedridden for many years. When Cui Wan visited, he was sitting on the bed taking medicine. The room was filled with a strong smell of medicine, mixed with a rich fragrance. Grandfather loved fragrances, and he never changed even in his old age.
There are many people in the room, and about ten people must stay in the room to serve them every day.
My grandmother and grandfather had a lukewarm relationship and lived separately. After he fell ill, he would only visit occasionally before returning to his own courtyard. It was past noon, the time when she was resting, and she was not in the house.
Inside the room was her younger sister, Cui Yuan, attending to her medicine. The two were not biological sisters. Cui Yuan's mother was originally her mother's maid. Somehow, she had an affair with the master while the mistress was pregnant and became a concubine. She also pleased the master. After the mistress passed away, her status was elevated again and again, and she almost became the mistress herself.
She was only five or six years old at the time, but she was already quite sensible. Therefore, she didn't have a good impression of her younger sister and her mother. Usually, people would avoid her and live in peace, but now that it was happening in front of her, she felt her temper flare up.
"Grandpa." She walked over gracefully.
"They're here."
Just as Grandpa Cui was swallowing the last mouthful of her medicine, he saw Cui Wan come over. She didn't move, but her eyes brightened a little.
Cui Yuan also saw all of this and said with a sarcastic smile, "Sister's makeup today is really outstanding, giving people a fresh and elegant feeling. If you didn't know better, you would think she was a fairy from heaven."
"Sister, you flatter me. I think your performance was quite good, but this brocade is so beautiful that not just anyone can pull it off. Sister, there's no need to feel too sorry for yourself..."
"you!"
The two were exchanging insincere flattery, each trying to outdo the other in a direct confrontation.
Old Master Cui was delighted to hear this. In his younger days, when he was out in the world, he had at least three or five wives and concubines, all of whom had children. But he didn't think much of it. His wife helped him take care of the children, and he only needed to do his job well. Men are responsible for external affairs, and women are responsible for internal affairs. This has been the way since ancient times.
He didn't have a deep affection for these children, but now that he's older, he enjoys a lively atmosphere. With Sun Chenghuan around, the noise and commotion, whether genuine or not, always brings him some energy and life, which makes him happy.
The man interrupted the two with a smile, saying that he was very relieved that Cui Wan was able to get through this.
These are the true children of the Cui family!
Cui Wan smiled gently and agreed, saying, "Although there is no good match for me, life still goes on. I will not ask for anything more now."
Her well-mannered and knowledgeable manners pleased Old Master Cui, and he didn't hide anything from her, saying, "Don't worry, your aunt has replied to the letter, and you are the only daughter-in-law recognized by the Yan family. This marriage is a done deal."
Cui Wan said, "My aunt is very kind, but it's a pity that my cousin..."
When Old Master Cui heard Yan Ning's name, he hummed twice, recalling the past affairs of Master Yan. However, he naturally couldn't mention this to the younger generation. He simply said, "Your cousin is young and impetuous, and doesn't know any better. It's alright. As long as your aunt and the others approve, this matter can be settled. Besides, since you two have already agreed to this marriage, even if he wants to back out, he can't. Your father and brothers won't let it go so easily!"
Cui Wan knelt down, clasped her hands in front of her and prostrated herself on the ground, tears streaming down her face and choking back sobs, "Awan is unfilial, causing Grandfather and Father and Brothers worry!"
Old Master Cui asked Cui Yuan to help her up and told her that he had sent letters to the Yan family and Yan Ning in the capital, and that they would be spending the Mid-Autumn Festival in Qinghe this year to discuss marriage matters.
"This matter will be settled soon, so you should prepare well for your marriage."
"yes!"
...
The letter from the Yan family and the letter from the Cui family of Qinghe requesting leave arrived almost simultaneously.
The Yan family and the Cui family have been related by marriage for centuries. It is said that Yan Ning received his early education at the Cui family's private school in Qinghe, where he was personally taught by the old master Cui.
This is also the origin of his childhood friendship with Cui Wan.
The two families have always been close, and with this added layer of kinship, it would be unreasonable for Yan Ning not to visit Qinghe. However… the thought of facing the Cui family and Cui Wan again made her feel uneasy.
"If you don't want to face your grandfather, mother, and the rest of the family, that's fine too. Just wait in the capital. I'll be right back."
Yan Ning noticed her unease and stepped forward to embrace her. "Liyang, you don't need to force yourself for my sake. I don't care about that."
"No."
She wrapped her arms around his waist, found the most comfortable position to lean against him, and said, "I know you care about me, but since I've decided to go back to the Yan family, I can't possibly never see them again. It's alright, you know my temperament. I'm not the kind of person who will just accept whatever comes my way. I gave them respect and dignity in the past. If they still make things difficult for me, I won't stand for it. Don't worry."
"Um."
Seeing that people said this, Yan Ning said nothing more, but lowered his head, kissed her forehead, and said, "The princess is the best and most understanding wife in the world."
People always love to praise her. Even the smallest things can be praised. Li Yunru is used to it and readily admits it, "Of course, you've really gotten a great deal, you know?"
"Know."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
