Chapter 65 Former Second Brother-in-Law
As expected, although Princess Hehua was slapped twice, Xiaoman's strength was extraordinary, and her hands swelled up immediately after the slaps. But even so, Prince Ruiyang showed no intention of settling scores.
Yang Qing couldn't help but laugh when she recalled the first time she and Princess Hua were beaten.
That wicked woman even wanted someone to slap her, but she ended up getting slapped first.
This is what they call "punishment may be delayed, but it will come eventually."
Two days passed after this incident before she remembered to ask Rongyue about her relationship with Si Jiamu, whether they had talked things out, and whether he was really willing to break off the engagement as he had previously said.
Rongyue smiled and shook her head: "No, I've changed my mind. Anyway, it doesn't matter who I marry. He may not be perfect, but he's not bad either."
The man who was the dream lover of half the young women in the capital, in Rongyue's words, only received the title of "not bad." Yangqing chuckled, then asked, "Why did you suddenly change your mind, sister? Didn't you say before..."
She mimicked Rongyue's stern expression, "A great reputation is often undeserved. That Si Jiamu is nothing but a fame-seeker."
Rongyue was rarely amused and explained, "His reputation is indeed undeserved. In terms of poetry, books, and history, he is naturally the young generation and takes the lead, but when it comes to music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers, and tea, he is a very vulgar person."
Yang Qing thought to herself, "I can't eat the music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; I can't drink poetry, wine, flowers, or tea. I guess I'm just a very ordinary person."
In conclusion, Rongyue concluded, "It's already very good that he can admit his shortcomings and see my strengths. Although I have a high opinion of myself, I will not belittle those who are not as good as me for no reason. It's a good story for us to make progress together."
Yang Qing remained silent.
She knew what Rongyue meant; all learned people have a tendency to like to teach, and Rongyue was no exception.
Although Si Jiamu was renowned for his quick wit and talent, he did not have a good reputation for his skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
If she could become Si Jiamu's teacher, Rongyue would be more than happy to do so.
However, if there is a marriage agreement, Rongyue will marry into the family to become a wife, not a teacher.
Yang Qing still didn't quite agree, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
After all, Scarlett's family background and her own character are impeccable.
Rongyue has reached a certain age, and she finally has such an enviable marriage opportunity. If she misses it, the Second Madam will really go and start cursing.
Well, there are plenty of arranged marriages in this world. Marrying someone powerful and wealthy is better than marrying someone who can't afford to eat.
Si Jiamu has put some effort into Rongyue, so hopefully the outcome won't be like that of his second brother-in-law and second sister.
If all else fails, Yangqing will become empress in another year or two, and she can always support Rongyue then.
The days passed by unnoticed, and everything remained the same as usual.
Xu Yanran was like a raindrop in a downpour, disappearing without a trace, never to be heard from again.
Xu Pianran was still being watched by her family and was not allowed to leave. Her marriage had already been arranged, just like in her previous life. She was still the same spineless coward.
If Yang Qing couldn't stand such a spineless man, Xu Pianran, whose personality was even stronger than hers, would find him even less appealing.
But compared to Xu Yanran's fiancé, this man neither indulged in drinking, gambling, or prostitution, and although his family wasn't particularly prominent, they were still quite wealthy, making it an exceptionally good marriage prospect.
Xu Pianran had no reason to refuse.
Ming Qiluo and Xu Sheng, as always, kept harassing the Chi residence.
Yan Yun is in poor health and doesn't go out much to begin with, which makes things difficult for Yang Qing.
Her marriage to Li Shangxuan was set for this autumn, and she had originally planned to take advantage of this last bit of free time to go out and have some fun. But once she became the Crown Princess, it would be difficult to go out, and with so many people around, it would be hard to enjoy herself to the fullest.
With Ming Luoqi, her inseparable shadow, around, she didn't even dare to go out. As soon as she heard the news, she would immediately follow.
Yang Qing was afraid that she would reveal those shocking conclusions to others, so she chose to stay at home all day.
Days passed by like flowing water, and if there was anything different, it was only one thing...
Li Shangxuan seemed genuinely angry with her. Ever since their argument at the hot spring resort, she deliberately ignored him during the Lantern Festival, and the two of them actually stopped having any contact after that.
She went to see him when he was sick, but he was still unconscious, and the two of them didn't exchange a single word.
At several banquets afterward, including his birthday, the Empress's birthday, and the Emperor's birthday celebration, both of them were present. However, he was no longer like before, often stealing glances at her, as if she didn't exist in his eyes at all.
In private, the two seemed to have broken off all contact. He never asked Xiaoman to send any messages again, and apart from the Empress Ming's gifts during festivals, he never sent anything else.
The second madam was also very anxious, but although Yangqing's things were gone, Master Chi and her things were still there.
Rongyue's wedding is almost over. Although there is an order of seniority, it would be too rushed to have her get married before Yangqing. Since Yangqing is marrying into the royal family, there is no need to be too particular about these things. Rongyue's wedding date is set for next spring.
Once this news spread, every noblewoman in the capital envied Jiang Xianyi, who was truly blessed with good fortune.
The second wife was all smiles every day. And it's true, when you're in a good mood, you naturally think the best of everything.
Li Shangxuan must know when to advance and when to retreat. The marriage has already been arranged, so what would it look like to be sneaking around in private? This is the proper way to behave.
Yang Qing felt a little awkward. In his previous life, he had to be careful to coax him. In this life, he hadn't even become emperor yet, but he was already so arrogant. If he became emperor, what would happen?
She was also holding back her anger. This man had gone too far. What she said was the truth. He was thinking about lewd things all day long. How could she be angry?
Si Jiamu's collection of fine items—ancient zither, chess manuals—was delivered to the Chi family in a continuous stream, making him seem like a young man deeply in love.
Yang Qing was slightly puzzled. When exactly, without her knowledge, had Si Jiamu suddenly fallen deeply in love?
The arrival of an uninvited father and daughter disrupted this peaceful period.
Second sister's husband and niece, no, it should be former second sister's husband. I don't know if the niece is still considered a niece, since Yanyun no longer acknowledges this daughter.
Yan Yun denied it, but the Second Madam did.
This child is only five years old and came from thousands of miles away. He looks just like Yanyun when she was a child, a healthy version of Yanyun.
The second wife's heart softened uncontrollably. Her original fierce determination to give Wei Yun a thorough dressing down disappeared. Holding her granddaughter, she couldn't help but shed tears as she looked at her.
Fufu is like a delicately carved little dumpling, with eyebrows and eyes that are very similar to the second young lady Yanyun. However, because she is healthy, her face is rosy and healthy, making her even more lovable.
The little girl's voice was soft and tender. She kept calling her grandmother "grandmother" and even reached out her little hand to wipe away the second mistress's tears. The second mistress's heart melted.
Seeing that his parents-in-law's attitude had softened, Wei Yun bowed and said, "I'm sorry for causing you trouble during this time."
Upon hearing this, the Third Madam merely sneered, "So you know how to cause us trouble now. Wei Yun, Wei Yun, have you forgotten what you promised me?"
Wei Yun's face was flushed.
The Third Madam continued, "Of all my daughters, only Yanyun is in poor health. I've always favored her and never dared to let her suffer any grievances. When you came to propose marriage that year, I was initially unwilling. The Wei family is on the border, while my family is in the capital. It was you who pleaded until your lips were hoarse, swearing to the heavens that you would treat Yanyun well. I thought you were sincere, so I agreed. You're a scholar, so count on your fingers how many years have passed, and you've already changed your tune, completely disregarding our past relationship?"
Wei Yun blushed and said, "Mother-in-law is right. I have already taken care of everything. The border is windy and dry, which is not good for your health. I have made arrangements. After you come back with me, you will go directly to Jiangnan to take up your post. I guarantee that there will be no more gossip or trouble for you."
The second wife was stunned for a moment, then immediately questioned, "What do you mean by that? The divorce was officially registered with the authorities. What do you mean by taking Yanyun back? Do you think this is a joke?"
Wei Yun looked troubled: "My mother-in-law should also know that Yan Yun is weak but has a strong personality. At that time, there were many rumors, and I was afraid that she would get sick from anger, so I had to agree temporarily. Now that I have dealt with everything, I will naturally take Yan Yun back."
The second wife asked, "Take her back? Do you want to take her back and then drive my daughter to her death? I won't allow it."
The back-and-forth between the Second Madam and Wei Yun kept the Second Master Chi, who was standing nearby, extremely anxious. He finally managed to squeeze in a sentence, "I won't allow it either!"
It was the height of summer, and the capital was sweltering. Although there was no sun inside, the heat was still intense, and the atmosphere was tense. Wei Yun's forehead was already covered in sweat.
Both Master Chi and his wife were adamant in their stance. He couldn't help but wipe his sweat and exchange a glance with his daughter, who was hiding in his wife's arms. Fufu understood and immediately said, "I want to see my mother. Grandmother, where is my mother? I haven't seen her in so long. Please let Fufu see her, okay?"
The adorable granddaughter didn't cry or make a fuss; she just opened her big eyes and acted coquettishly. The second madam's heart softened again. She immediately put away her stern words and replaced them with a kind and gentle expression, saying softly, "Alright, alright, Mother misses Fufu very much too. Grandmother will take our Fufu to see Mother right away."
Wei Yun breathed a slight sigh of relief. With her daughter around, this battle was not entirely hopeless.
Fortunately, he didn't let Yanyun bring his daughter back, and he had already made arrangements before coming to the Chi residence.
Yan Yun is in poor health, and since Fu Fu was born, Wei Yun has taken care of all her affairs, big and small. Naturally, Wei Yun knows that although her daughter looks naive, she is actually very clever and precocious.
With her help, things will be a little easier, right?
Seeing that the Second Madam agreed to take Fufu to see Yanyun, he smiled and said, "Then, son-in-law..."
The second wife rolled her eyes: "Lord Wei, please have some self-respect. You and my daughter have already divorced, and it's been officially confirmed by the government. Don't say such nonsense. There are many women in the inner quarters, so it's not appropriate to let you in. Please wait here."
Wei Yun had no choice but to watch the three of them leave.
Perhaps to deliberately make things difficult for him, the Chi family didn't even release an ice chest on this sweltering day.
It might not be so bad for others, but he came from the border and couldn't handle the heat for a while.
He sat in the chair, feeling as if the outside world was ablaze, as was his heart.
But no matter how anxious you are, this is something that can't be rushed.
He sat for a while, then stood up and paced back and forth a few times. After about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea, there was still no movement.
The young boy who served tea was only a teenager and looked rather dull and simple-minded. Wei Yun asked him a few questions, but as expected, he couldn't find out anything.
He could only sit back down and try his best to keep his eyes and ears open.
He did indeed see something unusual.
The windows were covered with transparent paper, so even when closed, light could still shine through.
A figure emerged from behind; judging by the shape, it appeared to be a woman.
Was it a maid sent by the Chi family to watch over him?
No, if she were a maid, she could have come in openly and honestly; why would she need to sneak around peeking?
Judging from her attire, she wore quite a few hairpins and ornaments...
He stood up, quickly walked to the window, and suddenly flung it open.
Sure enough, the person standing by the window didn't have time to react and was caught red-handed.
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