Chapter 4 Chapter 4 No Longer a Daughter of the Xiao Family
After recovering from the cold, Shuyun couldn't stay in Yanfuju forever, but Quhetang had been returned to Xiao Shuzhen. Xiao Ye settled her in Chanxueju in the west courtyard and assigned a group of servants to serve her. Even Shuyun's former personal maid Qiongzhi was transferred back to her side.
Among all his children, Marquis Anlu doted on Shuyun especially. He set aside the two best courtyards in the west yard, Chanxueju and Quhetang, for Shuyun to choose where to live.
Because Quhetang was close to Wang Huilan's residence, Shuyun chose it.
That day, on the way to move to Chanxueju, Shuyun passed by Quhetang.
Not long ago, she lived in Quhetang. Every plant and tree in the garden and all kinds of furnishings in her boudoir were based on her preferences. But now everything has changed and even her favorite pots of flowers by the steps are gone.
Shuyun stood behind the moon-shaped door outside the yard for a long time, staring blankly at the place where she once lived.
Faint laughter could be heard coming from the house. It was probably because Xiao Shuzhen's words pleased her mother, and the mother and daughter were in harmony, both smiling happily.
Shuyun turned around dejectedly, wiped her tears secretly, and went to Chanxueju.
*
Quhe Hall.
In front of the dressing table, Wang Huilan was choosing a hairpin for Xiao Shuzhen. Suddenly, she learned that Shuyun had moved to Chanxueju, and her face turned pale.
Xiao Shuzhen glimpsed Wang Huilan's gloomy face in the mirror and said softly, "Big brother seems to be very caring about Sister Yun."
Wang Huilan frowned slightly, "Sister Yun?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Shuzhen turned around and looked at Wang Huilan. She blinked innocently and said, "Big Brother taught us that the generations shouldn't be messed up, so the name was changed. Zhen'er was born later, that's true."
Wang Huilan was silent, recalling the exchange on a rainy night sixteen years ago, and hated the bitch who separated her and her mother.
Xiao Ye has always harbored resentment towards her as his stepmother, and now he is using Shu Yun to make things difficult for her everywhere and sincerely disgust her.
But Shuyun had to move to Chanxueju, and after many twists and turns, she finally moved to the residence carefully selected for her by the Marquis. Wang Huilan's hatred spread in her heart, and she clenched the gold hairpin tightly, making her palm ache.
Xiao Shuzhen continued, "Mother, I can't understand why Big Brother always favors Sister Yun even though I'm Dad's daughter. That day, I brought your favorite water chestnut cake to Yanfu Residence, and Sister Yun was in your yard. I don't know what she said to you, but I didn't even give you the cake, and you still..."
Xiao Shuzhen choked up as she spoke, "And he pointed a spear at me."
Xiao Shuzhen held Wang Huilan's hand and said tearfully, "Zhen'er must have grown up in the countryside, so her words and actions must have offended her brother."
Wang Huilan was furious. She had suffered so much contempt for giving birth to this baby, but the farmer's daughter that Shuyun had exchanged with her had all the benefits, while Zhen'er had to bear all the hardships.
Wang Huilan comforted her daughter with a few words and left the house angrily.
Xiao Shuzhen looked at herself in the mirror with tears in her eyes, reached out to wipe away the tears from her face, and smiled triumphantly.
Back at Jingfang Garden, Wang Huilan sat down angrily and ordered Madam Wu, "Take the matching cards and withdraw ten taels of silver from the account to the Tian family. Tell them to come to the Marquis's mansion and cause trouble in the next few days. No matter what, Shuyun must be taken away."
Nanny Wu concentrated, received the instructions, and left the room immediately.
Wang Huilan's chest heaved, and she held the anger in her stomach for a long time.
*
Chanxueju has been uninhabited for a long time, and only a few necessary pieces of furniture have been added to the house, making it look particularly empty and deserted.
The maid Qiongzhi held up a vase of azaleas and asked, "Young lady, should these flowers be placed by the window or on the table?"
Shuyun took a look and said, "Put it by the window."
She had just sat down on the couch when she heard hurried footsteps outside, and then a maid led a young girl in blue into the room.
When Lin Yunxi saw Shuyun, he was shocked and worried, "Oh my God, how can you be so haggard?"
Lin Yunxi is the daughter of the Minister of Personnel. She is about the same age as Shuyun. Because both of their names contain the word "Yun", they have a close relationship and can talk about anything, just like real sisters.
Shuyun subconsciously touched her face, feeling a pang of pain in her heart. Lin Yunxi sat down on the couch, took Shuyun's hand, and asked with concern, "Is your cold better? Are you still feeling unwell?"
Shu Yun was surprised, "How did you know I was sick?"
Speaking of this, Lin Yunxi felt aggrieved for Shuyun. "I've heard everything. I've wanted to come to the Marquis' Mansion to see you for a long time. I sent invitations several times, but they were all rejected by the Marquis's wife. I asked the maids there and learned that you weren't living well. I finally waited until the eldest son returned to the capital. A few days ago, I sent him an invitation, hoping to see you, but he also refused, saying that you caught a cold and needed to rest."
"I calculated the days and estimated the time. Today I sent another invitation to the eldest master, and then I was led into the mansion by the servant."
Shuyun was stunned. She didn't expect that during the time when she was locked in the small room by Wang Huilan, there was still someone who cared about her. She couldn't help but hold her friend's hand tightly.
Lin Yunxi hadn't seen Shuyun for more than a month. She felt bad when she saw that she had even changed her residence and her personality was not as bright and lively as before.
"Whether your last name is Xiao or Tian, you are still my good friend, Lin Yunxi." Lin Yunxi patted the back of Shuyun's hand and said comfortingly, "It's not the empty title of the Third Young Lady of the Marquis' Mansion that I'm friends with, it's you, Shuyun, as a person."
Shuyun felt warm in her heart and her nose felt sore.
Seeing her red eyes, Lin Yunxi took the handkerchief and said, "You cried today, don't be sad again in the future."
Shu Yun wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, burst into laughter, and snorted softly, "There's no need to shed so many tears. It's just that there's sand in my eyes."
Lin Yunxi also laughed, took her arm, and told jokes to tease her.
The two of them were reminiscing and chatting on the couch. When Lin Yunxi heard Shuyun mention that Wang Huilan wanted her to write a letter of breakup and send her back a few days ago, his face wrinkled.
"Brother promised to help me, so I stayed in the Marquis' Mansion." Shuyun's lips curled up. With her brother's promise, she felt much more at ease.
Lin Yunxi breathed a sigh of relief. "Fortunately, the eldest son returned to the capital in time. You and your sister have always had a good relationship. Now you have someone to rely on in the mansion."
Shuyun nodded. Her father was ordered to go to war two years ago and was far away in the northern border. All the important matters in the mansion were decided by her brother.
*
The next evening, Mrs. Cui returned home.
In her hometown of Qinghe, Mrs. Cui received a message from Biluo and learned that something big had happened at home. She immediately set off for Beijing with her granddaughter Xiao Shuyi. After returning home, she did not care about the fatigue of the journey and sent someone to Jingfangyuan to pass on the message.
When Wang Huilan arrived at Jingfang Garden, Xiao Ye was already sitting in the hall.
Old Madam Cui had learned about all the recent events from Xiao Ye. She had never liked Wang Huilan and still did not acknowledge her as her daughter-in-law. She also disliked her behavior.
When Wang Huilan got married, Shuyun was only four years old. Her temperament had already been somewhat spoiled by Wang Huilan. Old Madam Cui took charge and assigned two maids to teach her and correct her arrogant and domineering nature. That's how she became the well-educated and gentle lady she is today.
The old lady played with the Buddhist beads in her hand and scolded Wang Huilan for causing chaos in the Marquis' Mansion recently, which would make people laugh if it got out.
It wasn't the first time Wang Huilan had read Mrs. Cui's expression. She had a good attitude, clutching the handkerchief, and tearfully said, "Mother is right, but Zhen'er is of the Xiao family. How can a mother not feel distressed for her to be stranded and suffering? This is all the fault of the Tian family. Shuyun is enjoying herself..."
Old Madam Cui frowned and interrupted, "I heard from Brother Ye that you locked Yun girl in the room and forced her to return to the Tian family."
Wang Huilan's heart sank slightly. She had wanted to send Shuyun back hurriedly while Mrs. Cui was in Qinghe, but by then it was already done, so what could she do?
Madam Cui sat upright and scolded, "Just a while ago, you held Miss Yun in your hands and cherished her, but now you regard her as a thorn in your side."
Madam Cui slowly turned her Buddhist beads and said in a serious tone, "The Marquis is not at home, and there has been no reply to the letter I sent. Now that Ye'er has returned to the capital, this matter will be handed over to Ye'er. You don't need to interfere with what Yun girl is doing in the Marquis's mansion."
Wang Huilan was stunned, and the smile she forced out was a little stiff. "My daughter-in-law knows."
Madam Cui looked at her grandson, who had been silent the entire time, and asked, "What do you think, Brother Ye?"
Xiao Ye's eyes darkened, as if he was deep in thought, and he said, "The bloodline of the Xiao family cannot be disturbed. The children of the Xiao family should be included in the family tree."
Wang Huilan's expression softened and she nodded in agreement.
"As for Sister Yun," Xiao Ye was silent for a moment, then said, "Have her name removed from the family tree. She is no longer a daughter of the Xiao family."
“No!”
Wang Huilan was quite dissatisfied. The Marquis hadn't replied yet, so how could Xiao Ye make the decision on this matter? If he wanted to remove her from the list, he had to wait for the Marquis to come back and let him do it.
"Sister Yun is not a member of the Xiao family and cannot be included in the family tree." Xiao Ye said in a deep voice, his eyelids slightly raised, his dark eyes were cold and arrogant under the light, showing the majesty of the head of the family.
The cool breeze blew, causing the lanterns under the eaves to sway from side to side, and also made the lights in the house flicker.
Old Madam Cui had always been indifferent to this branch of the family. She said, "Now that the background is clear, everything should return to its original place. When Ye'er is free, take someone to the Xiao clan ancestral hall and ask the elders to add her to the family tree."
Xiao Ye nodded and continued, "Sister Yun's parents are both dead. She would be alone and helpless if she returned to the Tian family. There is no such thing as a wall that is impenetrable. Rather than kicking Sister Yun out and making our Xiao family known for being heartless and cruel, it would be better for us to keep Sister Yun. The huge Marquisate will not lack a single mouth to feed. Sister Yun is also a girl in the mansion, but please stop calling her Third Miss and call her Miss Yun instead."
Old Madam Cui murmured, "There is a new young lady in the mansion. According to seniority, your sister Shuyi has to step back one place and be called the Fifth Young Lady." She felt really aggrieved.
Madam Cui nodded and told the nanny, "Just do as Ye'er said. Don't mix up the names from now on."
Old Madam Cui pinched her brows, her face showing a slight fatigue, and waved her hand to send Wang Huilan away.
Wang Huilan, who had been so respectful just now, suddenly changed her expression as soon as she stepped out of Shou'an Hall, with a stern face and cold eyes.
Everyone knows that after the Marquis returns to the mountains a hundred years later, Xiao Ye will be the next Marquis of Anlu. The old lady's move is undoubtedly to establish Xiao Ye's prestige in the clan.
"Why haven't the Tian family come to make trouble yet?" Wang Huilan whispered.
Madam Wu blushed and replied, "Madam, please be patient. Uncle Tian's eldest son has accepted the money and will probably come to cause trouble in the next few days."
*
As soon as Mrs. Cui came back, the younger generations in the mansion went to Shou'an Hall to pay their respects every day.
Marquis Anlu has four daughters and three sons. The eldest son Xiao Ye and the fourth daughter Xiao Shuyi are born to the deceased first wife. The third daughter and the third son Xiao Qi are born to the second wife Wang Huilan. Xiao Qi is the fourth prince's study companion in the palace. He returns home once every five days and is still in the palace.
The eldest girl who has already married is the only daughter of concubine Bai Yi Niang.
Five years ago, Aunt Bai was possessed by some unknown evil spirit and became insane. She was sent to a farm in the countryside by Wang Huilan and no longer lived in the mansion.
The second young master and the second young lady were born to concubine Fang, and they were twins, a boy and a girl. Unfortunately, the second young master broke his legs when he was young due to playing too much, and he had to sit in a wheelchair all day.
The second girl, Xiao Shuan, is one year older than Shuyun. She takes after Aunt Fang and has a quiet and gentle personality. She always stays quietly aside, so the mother and daughter have a relatively low presence in the mansion.
It was Xiao Shuzhen's first time meeting Old Madam Cui. She was dressed elegantly and beautifully, and her words were as sweet as honey when she met her elders and brothers and sisters.
Old Madam Cui's attitude was cold. She asked a few questions about her food, clothing and other expenses in the mansion, and asked about Shuyun's health in detail.
She didn't like Wang Huilan's family because Shuyun was not Wang Huilan's daughter. Besides, she was the one who raised her, so she liked the girl a little and showed some concern for her.
"From now on, it will be like this. Call Shuyun Miss Yun and Shuzhen the Third Miss of the Marquis' Mansion. You sisters should get along well with each other and avoid causing chaos."
The girls listened to the old lady's instruction and responded in unison.
Madam Cui nodded, glanced at Xiao Shuzhen who was sitting next to Wang Huilan, and after a moment of silence, she said, "Shuzhen is new here and isn't familiar with the mansion. You sisters should help her out. The whole mansion is a community of shared honor and disgrace."
"I will listen carefully to my grandmother's teachings."
The old lady's words seemed to be teaching the girls, but in fact they were a warning to Wang Huilan.
*
After coming out of Shou'an Hall, everyone returned to their own residences except the fourth girl who lived in the old lady's courtyard.
Passing by the large garden in the mansion, the second young lady, Xiao Shuan, saw the beautiful crabapple blossoms and suggested, "Sisters, let's go pick some flowers."
Xiao Shuzhen shook her head and said, "Mother has assigned a nanny to teach me etiquette. I have to go back. Second sister, go with Sister Yun."
Wang Huilan left first and disappeared. Xiao Shuzhen looked at Shuyun with a smug look in her eyes, "Mother said she would take me to a banquet alone in a few days. Time is running out, so I can't be careless."
Xiao Shuzhen didn't say goodbye. She walked past Shuyun and walked down the corridor with her little maid in a proud manner, heading towards Chanxueju.
Xiao Shuan blinked and murmured, "Why didn't Mother tell Sister Yun that she was going to the banquet? She always took Sister Yun with her wherever she went."
Shuyun pursed her lips, no longer in the mood to pick flowers, and said goodbye to Xiao Shuan and left.
Xiao Ye left late because he was asked to talk to Mrs. Cui alone for a while.
The man stood under the corridor where light and shadow were scattered, watching the lonely figure gradually go away, tapping his hands behind his back, his deep eyes firm and with a bit more determination.
*
That day, Shuyun woke up from her nap and Qiongzhi was helping her comb her hair in front of the dressing table.
In the yard outside the house, the women sweeping the floor were chatting, and their voices reached Shuyun's ears.
"The eldest son has always been decisive and resolute in his actions. This morning, he took Miss Zhen'er to the ancestral temple to be included in the family tree. She is the legitimate third daughter of our mansion. This girl was already removed from the family tree by the eldest son."
"Ah? The eldest master has always been close to that person inside. How could he be so cruel as to expel her from the family tree like this?"
"Well, how much affection can a person without blood relationship have? The old lady handed the matter over to the eldest son to handle. The eldest son kept the person in the mansion out of a trace of old friendship. It's already very good."
"Alas, Miss Yun is also pitiful. Her parents have passed away, and she has gone from being a princess to living under someone else's roof. Life in the Marquis's mansion is bound to be difficult. I'm afraid that after she gets married..."
"Miss Biluo." The old women suddenly shut their mouths.
Qiongzhi frowned when she heard this, "What nonsense are these old women gossiping about?"
Shuyun was struck by lightning as if from the blue sky. She sat stiffly on the stool, her eyes gradually turning red.
She was removed from the family tree and was no longer a daughter of the Xiao family.
Over here, Biluo came into the room holding a letter, "Miss Yun, this is a letter from Master Zheng."
"Miss, it's my cousin from the Zheng family." Qiongzhi was happy. She took the letter from Biluo and handed it to Shuyun.
Yuyun was surprised and stood there in a daze, her fingers curled up, and she was a little afraid to take the letter and open it.
Zheng Shaojiu is the son of my second aunt and the son of the Earl of Changyi. He has a handsome face and is of good character. He is old enough to get married. Half a year ago, the two families said that they would arrange the marriage of their two children when the Marquis of Anlu returned to Beijing.
But in just two months, she became a farmer's daughter, while her cousin, at a young age, was working as a Tongshi Sheren in the Secretariat, with a bright future ahead of him. The difference in their status was as great as heaven and earth.
The author has something to say:
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Lin Yunxi: I am the eldest daughter-in-law [Loop-eared rabbit head]
Tongshi Sheren: Affiliated to the Secretariat, he was responsible for welcoming the emperor to the court, reporting to the palace, presenting tribute, and comforting the soldiers and their families.
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