Chapter 63 Yao Family
The news that Fu Yunxiu's leg had healed caused a great stir in the Cheng'an Marquis's residence.
First, there's Madam Liu's side.
When Fu Yunxiu came to mobilize the palace troops yesterday, Madam Liu was the first to know. Upon learning that Fu Yunxiu's leg was completely healed, she felt as if the sky had fallen.
Just when it seemed Fu Changze was about to inherit the title, why did things go wrong at this crucial moment?
Unfortunately, Fu Changze currently has his uncle in Beijing, so he has no one to consult with.
Left with no other choice, she could only write a letter of divorce and head to the capital, urging Fu Changze to return as soon as possible to make plans.
Madam Liu didn't sleep a wink all night, and similarly, Madam Fu didn't have a peaceful night either.
Upon hearing the news that Fu Yunxiu's leg had healed, she was so shocked that she dropped the teacup in her hand.
"Madam!" Granny Zhang was startled and rushed forward to check if she had been burned.
But Madam Fu had no time to think about any of that. "What did you say? Are you sure you didn't see it wrong?"
“This servant is certain that it was indeed the eldest young master who obtained the guard's token from Steward Xu himself. This servant saw it clearly,” Yuxiu said.
"The garrison troops?" Madam Fu frowned. "Why would he mobilize the garrison troops for no reason?"
"Well... this servant doesn't know either."
After a moment's thought, Madam Fu said to Yuxiu, "In that case, go to Wutong Garden and find out some information."
"Madam, aren't you going yourself?" asked Zhang Mama. She was, after all, the young master's birth mother; shouldn't she personally visit him at a time like this?
Madam Fu did not answer, but instead asked, "Granny, do you think Yun Xiu will compete with Yun Ting for this title?"
"Madam?" Granny Zhang said with a hint of exasperation, "What kind of time is this, and you still care about these things?"
"How could I not care? That child hates me." Madam Fu said with a sorrowful expression. She knew she had made a mistake and that she had let the child down, but what could she do in that situation?
Her maternal family was out of power, and the Marquis's mansion was full of wolves and tigers. Under such circumstances, she had no choice.
“Madam,” Zhang Mama had been by Madam Fu’s side since childhood and naturally knew all of her choices. However, knowing that she was guilty but doing nothing would only push the young master further and further away.
Granny Zhang wanted to persuade her again, but Madam Fu waved her hand wearily, "I'm tired, I want to go to sleep for a while. When Yuxiu comes back, I'll have her come to see me."
After Madam Fu returned to her room, Zhang Mama could only wait for Yuxiu on her behalf.
Soon, Yuxiu returned with the information she had gathered.
"Is Aman injured?" Granny Zhang frowned slightly.
"Yes, and the injuries seem quite severe; even Elder Cheng went to see them," Yuxiu said.
"Anything else?" Granny Zhang asked again.
"The rest, I can't find out." The guards have already returned to the drill ground, but without their masters' orders, she can't go in to find out anything.
Aman, the Marquis of Yunyang's residence?
Granny Zhang couldn't connect the two things yet, but she knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Go to the storeroom and pick out some of the more expensive tonics. Come with me to Wutong Garden tomorrow morning." Granny Zhang handed over the storeroom key.
It's already completely dark, and curfew is just around the corner. It's too late to go out now, so we might as well wait until tomorrow. Since Madam doesn't want to face the young master, then she'll go in her place.
Granny Zhang was an old servant of Madam Fu, and her orders were practically equivalent to Madam Fu's orders.
The next day, the weather was fine and sunny.
The lamp in the west wing burned all night, and Fu Yunxiu stayed up all night, looking utterly haggard.
Mantou came in carrying a bowl and continued to urge, "Young master, you should at least eat something!"
"Take it away, I can't eat it," Fu Yunxiu said, his voice hoarse from not having eaten for a long time.
Mantou frowned. "Young master, please eat a little bit more. If this continues, you'll collapse before Aman even wakes up."
“That’s right.” Old Cheng came out of the steamed bun shop and chimed in when he heard this. “You’ve just recovered, and you’re ruining yourself like this. If Man’er wakes up and sees you like this, I don’t know how angry she’ll be.”
As he spoke, he took the bowl from Mantou's hand and handed it to Fu Yunxiu, "Hurry up and drink it, then go wash your face. What kind of appearance do you look, all sloppy?"
Fu Yunxiu knew he didn't look good in his current state, but with Aman in this condition, he had no intention of grooming himself. However, Mantou was right; he couldn't give up, Aman still needed him.
Fu Yunxiu took the bowl from Old Master Cheng's hand and forced himself to swallow the porridge inside.
Seeing that he was eating, Mantou finally felt relieved.
"Knock knock knock"
There was a knock at the door, and Mantou went to open it.
"Granny Zhang, what brings you here?" Mantou was somewhat surprised to see the person who came.
"I heard that the young master is feeling better, so the madam specially sent me to come and see him. Has the young master gotten up yet?" asked Zhang Mama.
"Get up." Mantou stepped aside to let the two in.
Granny Zhang hadn't been to Wutong Garden for a long time. At first glance, the changes were quite significant. But it still felt alive with life.
Mantou led her to the west wing, where Old Cheng was giving Aman a follow-up examination.
Since this morning, Aman's condition has stabilized, and now we're just waiting to see when she wakes up.
When Mantou led her to the west wing, Zhang Mama was still a little confused, but when she remembered that Yuxiu had said yesterday that Aman was seriously injured, she immediately understood.
It seems the young master was worried about her and came here specifically to take care of her.
Therefore, Granny Zhang naturally had no objection, but now that the young master's leg had healed, Aman's status was somewhat unacceptable.
"Young master, Granny Zhang has arrived."
Granny Zhang stepped forward and curtsied, "Young Master."
"No need for such formalities, Granny." Fu Yunxiu stepped forward and helped her up.
When Granny Zhang saw that Fu Yunxiu could actually stand up and even move freely, she was stunned. After a long while, she finally came to her senses and said, "Good, good."
Zhang Mama's eyes were filled with tears. "I knew it. The young master is a lucky man. Heaven will not treat him badly. Look, isn't that good?"
Granny Zhang held Fu Yunxiu's hand and examined him for a long time until she was completely certain that he was healed. Then she wiped away her tears and said, "Madam was overjoyed to hear that the young master's leg was healed, but she was too busy with affairs in the manor to come herself, so she sent me to come and see him first."
When he was young in the Marquis's mansion, his mother was always busy with Fu Yunting's affairs, and only Granny Zhang often came to see him. Although she always said it was her mother's idea, if his mother really missed him, why didn't she come herself?
Fu Yunxiu knew he was not popular, so he didn't expect anything and just listened to whatever Zhang Mama said.
It's just a pity that she still says the same thing, even though I've heard it since I was a child.
Fu Yunxiu understood and nodded slightly, "Thank you for your concern, Mother. It should be me, as your son, who should personally go to pay my respects, but Aman is seriously injured and I cannot leave for the time being."
“I’ve heard about this,” said Zhang Mama. “When Madam heard that Aman was seriously injured, she ordered me to go to the storeroom and pick out some medicinal herbs to help her recover, Yuxiu.”
Yuxiu stepped forward and handed over the gift box in her hand.
Fu Yunxiu glanced at it and gestured for the steamed bun to be accepted.
"Please thank your mother for me," Fu Yunxiu said.
"Young master, what are you saying?" Granny Zhang glanced into the room. "I heard that Aman's injury seems to be related to the Yunyang Marquis's residence?"
Zhang Mama came for two reasons: first, to ease the tension between the madam and the young master; and second, to gather information. Fu Yunxiu had been cared for by Zhang Mama since childhood and was one of the few people in the Marquis's mansion who was willing to say more than a few words.
“That’s true. The concubine of the Marquis of Yunyang ate something that ruined her complexion and suspected that it was a problem with the cosmetics sold by Aman. She then took her anger out on Aman.” Fu Yunxiu.
"But which Yao?" Granny Zhang asked.
"Yes." Fu Yunxiu nodded.
Upon hearing this, Granny Zhang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, it's just Aman. The Marquis of Yunyang dotes on Madam Yao like his own heart and soul. Even the original wife of the Marquis of Yunyang has to be subservient to her. It's fortunate that he only took his anger out on Aman; if it had involved the Marquis's mansion, that would have been terrible."
"Granny," Fu Yunxiu called out coldly, his tone somewhat unpleasant.
What do you mean by "luckily, he only took his anger out on Aman"?
Zhang Mama didn't realize what she had said and continued, "Young master, you may not know this, but the Earl of Yunyang is now a favorite of King Yu. In the entire Yongzhou, the only truly noble families are the Marquis's Mansion and the Earl of Yunyang's Mansion. If you really anger the Earl of Yunyang, he will ask King Yu to suppress the Marquis's Mansion, and then the Marquis's Mansion will truly decline."
Granny Zhang, who often stayed by Madam Fu's side, would subconsciously think of the Marquis's mansion. "Young master, when Aman wakes up, let her go to the Marquis of Yunyang's mansion to apologize. It's better to avoid trouble."
"Granny," Fu Yunxiu was truly angry now, "Aman is innocent, why does she come to beg for forgiveness?"
The people of the Yunyang Marquis's mansion didn't care about Aman's life or death, so why did Zhang Mama say that she didn't care about Aman at all?
Is Aman's life not a life?
“Young Master…” Zhang Mama wanted to say that she was doing this for the young master’s own good, but seeing Fu Yunxiu’s ashen face, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
"Since you came to see me on behalf of my mother, and now that you have seen me, please leave!" Fu Yunxiu gave her the order to leave.
Although Granny Zhang didn't realize that her words had offended Fu Yunxiu, she knew he really couldn't stay any longer.
Ah Man has caused such a huge disaster, she needs to go back and have a good talk with her wife about how to make amends.
After Zhang Mama left with her people, Fu Yunxiu stood in the courtyard for a long time with a furrowed brow before finally speaking, "Mantou, during this period, don't let anyone from the Marquis's residence come in."
Now that the news of his leg recovery has spread far and wide, many interested parties will likely come to inquire about the truth. He doesn't want anyone to disturb Aman's rest, and he doesn't want to engage in any pretense with these people.
"What? She actually offended the Marquis of Yunyang's mansion!" Upon hearing Zhang Mama's words, Madam Fu slammed her hand on the table in anger.
"I knew it! That little brat is so sharp-tongued at such a young age; she'll surely cause trouble in the future. And I was right!" Madam Fu frowned deeply.
If this had offended someone else, it wouldn't have mattered; with the Marquis's mansion still around, they wouldn't have been able to cause any trouble. But it just so happens to be the Yunyang Earl's mansion.
Now, the Earl of Yunyang is on good terms with King Yu, and King Yu is at the height of his power in the court. It is highly likely that the throne will be inherited by King Yu in the future.
Yun Ting had already been walking on thin ice in the capital after refusing King Yu's invitation before the new year, and now he had offended the Earl of Yunyang.
If Yunyangbo were to go and speak to King Yu, the two of them could escape unscathed, but poor Yunting...
"Go to the storeroom and find the set of jewelry my mother gave me from my dowry. I will personally go to the Marquis of Yunyang's residence," said Madam Fu.
“Madam, that set of jewelry was the old lady’s keepsake.” Granny Zhang was a little reluctant to part with it.
“It’s alright,” Madam Fu said. “Things are inanimate. Since Mother has given them to me, I can make the decision. Right now, the most important thing is to be on good terms with the Marquis of Yunyang’s family.”
The following day, Madam Fu led a group of people to the Yunyang Earl's residence.
After the announcement was made, the maid at the door led her inside.
This was Madam Fu's first visit to the Marquis of Yunyang's residence.
Previously, Lady Liao, the wife of the Marquis of Yunyang, had invited her to a flower-viewing banquet. However, at that time, the old Marquis of Cheng'an was still alive, and the Marquis's mansion was at its zenith. She had just entered the family and did not know many people. Also, because she was shy, she politely declined.
Perhaps due to some rumor that had spread, Lady Yunyang rarely sent her invitations after that.
Later, the Yunyang Earl's Mansion sent another invitation, but this time it was to celebrate the birthday of Yao, one of the Yunyang Earl's concubines. As the legal wife, Madam Fu already looked down on the Yunyang Earl's behavior of favoring his concubine over his wife, so why would she go to add to her joy?
I never thought I would have any connection with the Yunyang Marquis's family in my life, but who would have thought that I would come to visit them under such circumstances today.
The young maidservant led Madam Fu to the Lotus Courtyard and then left.
The servant guarding the gate of the Lotus Courtyard was severely punished by Madam Yao because the master failed to find the so-called Master Cheng yesterday, and he let someone else in and took away the flower dew seller. Not only was he beaten, but he also lost his monthly salary.
He was still angry, and when he learned that the people who came were from the Marquis's mansion, he naturally didn't give them a good look. "My lady hasn't gotten up yet. Please wait here for a while."
Their attitude was arrogant and they had absolutely no manners.
When Yu Xiang saw that the other party dared to look down on her mistress in such a way, she immediately said angrily, "How dare you! A lowly servant dares to speak to my mistress like this. Is this the rule of the Yunyang Marquis's Mansion?"
But the other party was clearly not afraid. He glanced at her and sneered, "If you don't want to, you can leave!"
"You..." Yu Xiang was furious, but there was nothing she could do.
"Alright, Yuxiang, if we have to wait, then let's wait!" Madam Fu said, stopping them.
She had come to apologize, and it wouldn't be good to cause any more trouble. As for the rest, she knew, of course, that Yao was just putting on airs. It was almost noon; even a pig would be up and looking for food by now.
Yao was born into a humble family, and she finally rose to prominence, so she had to be allowed to be arrogant and domineering.
Madam Fu remained calm and even looked around in a good mood.
It must be said that Madam Yao is truly favored. The entire Lotus Courtyard is uniquely landscaped, luxurious yet understated, clearly showing that a lot of thought and money has been spent on its design.
Inside the house, Madam Yao breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Madam Fu was indeed waiting outside.
That old hag! I kindly invited her back then, but she was so arrogant and refused to come, making me lose face at the banquet. Now it's finally her turn to vent my anger.
"In that case, let her wait!" Madam Yao picked up the lip rouge, held it up to her lips, but ultimately put it down.
Her face is still ulcerated, and the doctor said it's not advisable to use these products for the time being.
She threw the lip rouge back onto the table, and looking at her terrifying reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but reach out and turn the bronze mirror upside down on the table.
"Has that Old Cheng still not been found?"
"There's still no news from the master," said the maid, Songzhi.
"Hmph!" Yao couldn't help but snort coldly when that person was mentioned.
Master, Master is probably in some vixen's room now. Ever since she injured his face, he hasn't rested in his own courtyard for a long time. Even when he comes, he only sits for a while, asks a few words of concern, and then leaves in a hurry.
"Madam, why don't we have the young master inquire about it privately as well?" suggested the maid, Bai Zhi.
“No,” Yao refused outright. Songzhi and Baizhi were Yao’s confidantes, and they knew all about her affairs. “A Yuan shouldn’t show his face right now. You two shut your mouths and don’t mention him again, do you hear me?”
"Yes." The two maids responded in unison. Songzhi, however, seemed to be deep in thought and said, "Madam, why don't we go and ask the Lady of the Marquis?"
Fu Yunxiu was the eldest son of the Marquis's family. The doctor he knew was also someone Fu's mother knew.
Upon hearing this, Madam Yao's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. Let's invite her in then."
Cecilia accepted the order, opened the door, and went out. A moment later, she returned with Madam Fu.
Hearing footsteps, Madam Yao greeted her with a smile, "It's freezing cold, why did Madam Fu come in person? You could have just had a maid deliver the message. It's my fault, I wasn't feeling well and got up a little late, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
This hypocritical manner is exactly like that of Madam Liu. Madam Fu sneered inwardly, but did not show it on her face. "It's alright, my sister's health is the most important thing."
The two entered the room, and Madam Yao asked someone to serve tea.
Madam Fu then had a moment to glance at Madam Yao's face.
Just as the information I had heard was true, Yao's face was badly ulcerated. Although she covered it with a veil, you could still see the signs if you looked closely.
In Madam Fu's mind, Yao was a vixen, and her ruined face was her own fault. However, she still showed great concern in her words: "I heard that you recently injured your face. Are you feeling better?"
Yao thought to herself, "Are you blind or something?" But considering she still needed his help, she suppressed the urge to roll her eyes and said, "It's the same as always. May I ask what brings Madam Fu here today..."
"Oh, I came here specifically to visit you after hearing that you were injured, and also to apologize for my unfilial son. He was very offensive the other day, and I hope you and the Lord will not take offense."
As she spoke, she gave a wink, and Yuxiang understood. She took two steps forward and opened the box she was carrying.
Even though Yao had seen many fine things, she still couldn't help but light up when she saw the jewelry in the box.
The craftsmanship and the jadeite detail alone tell you it's quite valuable.
Madam Fu saw Yao's reaction and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
He really comes from a humble background and seems to have never seen the world.
Having received the good stuff, Madam Yao's tone softened a bit. "Sister, what are you saying? It's also my fault. I was angry that day and taught Young Master Fu's people a lesson, but I didn't know her identity beforehand."
"It's alright, she's just a maidservant," said Madam Fu.
"That's good, that's good," said Madam Yao. "But my men were a bit rough, I wonder how that girl is doing now?"
"She's fine, just some minor cuts and bruises," said Madam Fu.
She didn't die? Madam Yao frowned slightly. It seemed that Young Master Fu indeed had a capable person by his side; otherwise, that woman would definitely not have survived a single night.
Having made up her mind, Madam Yao's smile widened. "That's good, otherwise I'd feel uneasy. But I've heard that Young Master Fu has a renowned physician named Cheng by his side. I wonder if you know his identity, sister?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Fu knew that Madam Yao wanted to ask Doctor Cheng to examine her face.
But since the Yao family knows about Doctor Cheng, it's only a matter of time before they find him. He might as well go with the flow, do her a favor, and also gain favor with the Yao family.
“I was just about to say that. I imagine most doctors would be helpless with your face. This Dr. Cheng was someone my late husband sought out to treat my eldest son. Now that my son Yunxiu can walk, it’s all thanks to him. However, Dr. Cheng has a strange temperament. If you’re going to send someone to invite him, you’ll have to find someone calm and polite.”
Ha, this is a criticism of her subordinates for being frivolous and lacking manners.
Madam Yao pretended not to understand her implied meaning and nodded with a smile, "Of course, thank you for reminding me, sister."
The two talked for a while longer before Madam Fu got up to take her leave.
Madam Yao's face shouldn't be exposed to the wind, so she asked Baizhi to help escort Madam Fu out. After the person left, Madam Yao instructed Songzhi to inform the Marquis of Yunyang, Elder Cheng, of the news and to ask him to invite him over.
As for Madam Fu's comment about his eccentric personality, she didn't take it to heart at all. Even if his medical skills were superb, he was still a commoner; with the Yunyang Marquis's mansion making the move, why would he refuse?
Soon, Earl Yunyang had his steward take the money and forget about De'an Hall.
At this time, Dr. Cheng was giving Aman a follow-up examination at Wutong Garden. Three days passed, and Aman still showed no sign of waking up.
Fu Yunxiu stayed by his side day and night, without sleep or rest, and was completely exhausted. His hair was disheveled, his beard was unkempt, his face was haggard, and his eyes were lifeless.
Anyone who didn't know better would think he was seriously injured!
After taking Fu Yunxiu's pulse, Old Master Cheng shook his head helplessly, seeing the hopeful look in Fu Yunxiu's eyes.
Aman's injuries are healing well, and he didn't have much of a fever last night, which is a good sign. As for when he will wake up, we can only wait and see.
"I brought some nourishing medicinal herbs. Go to the market and buy a chicken later, stew them together, and feed Man'er some." After saying this to Mantou, Old Cheng turned to Fu Yunxiu, "And you, even if you're worried about Man'er, you have to take care of yourself. Look at yourself now, what kind of state are you in? Do you think you won't live if Man'er doesn't wake up?"
Old Cheng was also worried about Fu Yunxiu. After all, the poison in his body had only been neutralized not long ago, and his frail body couldn't withstand such torment. But he didn't know that Fu Yunxiu really thought that way; if Aman didn't wake up, he would go with her.
Seeing that Fu Yunxiu was still unmoved, Old Master Cheng softened his tone, "No matter what, you have to take good care of yourself. If you fall ill, who will take care of Manya? Are you going to let Mantou take care of both of you by himself? I think Manya is recovering quite well. Just wait patiently, she will wake up sooner or later."
Old Master Cheng patted him on the shoulder, about to say something more, when a young apprentice from De'an Hall burst in.
"Master Cheng, something terrible has happened! The people from the Marquis of Yunyang's mansion have surrounded the pharmacy with their troops."
Upon hearing the words "Yunyang Marquis's Residence," Fu Yunxiu jumped to his feet, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked. "What do they want?"
"Don't rush," Old Cheng pressed him down to sit, then turned to ask the young apprentice, "Did they say what it was about?"
"They said they wanted to find you at the Marquis of Yunyang's residence to treat your illness," the apprentice said. "My master said you had left the city and were not in Yongzhou for the time being, but the other party seemed convinced that my master was lying, saying that they wouldn't leave until they saw you."
"This is truly the consistent behavior of the Yunyang Marquis's mansion!" Old Cheng sneered. This practice is no different from that of bandits.
"Very well, since he insists on inviting me, then I will go and see what kind of demon or monster is responsible for my disciple's unconsciousness."
He patted Fu Yunxiu on the shoulder to comfort him, saying, "Don't worry, even if it's the Yunyang Marquis's mansion, they won't do anything to an old man like me. I'll be away these two days, so Guo An will take care of Man'er. Don't worry too much, Man'er is recovering well, and it's only a matter of time before she wakes up. The most important thing is for you to take good care of yourself. We can talk about the rest later."
After returning to De'an Hall with the medicine boy, the middle-aged man in the lead took Old Cheng directly to the Yunyang Earl's Mansion without saying a word after learning that he was Old Cheng.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com