Chapter 176 – The Princess Consort
"They're here, they're here!" When the crowd saw the horse cart and donkey cart piled high with watermelons, they immediately became excited and automatically backed away to allow a space for the carts to move.
Li Li, whose head was dripping with sweat, finally managed to push through the people. He squeezed himself in front of the donkey cart and wiped off the perspiration that was pooled on his forehead. He exclaimed in a somewhat exaggerated manner, "My little lady ah, you're finally here! If the watermelons didn't get here soon, then all of the people here would rip me apart!"
Another familiar figure also managed to push his way to the front. It was the Yao Family's steward. Yesterday, he had eaten a meal with Li Li and commented in a familiar tone, "Who would dare to cause difficulties for Lord Li?! Everyone knows that the imperial envoy highly values Lord Li!"
"Highly valued? I've been delegated here to sell watermelons. I'm definitely not someone highly valued ah!" Li Li made fun of himself in a way that he thought was humorous.
However, Yu Xiaocao merely raised an eyebrow in response, "Oh? I only had you help us for two days and you're already complaining and whining? I see, I see ah! In the future, I'll just prepare a smaller portion of food for godfather to bring the docks..."
"No! Please don't! Other than your family's braised food, the rest of the food available at the docks is not worth it. However, I can't guarantee that I'll be able to buy a portion when I line up. Without the food you send, how will I be able to eat in the future ah?! Xiaocao, my little lady, just pretend that I didn't say anything earlier, okay? Being able to help my little lady, it is truly the blessing of three lifetimes..." Compared to Wu Yun, Li Li's personality was a bit more lively. Thus, he was able to say some more comical things and perform more hilarious expressions without seeming out of place.
"Don't just stand there and chat ah! Hurry up, we're all waiting to buy watermelons!" They weren't sure who was complaining loudly but it was obvious that the person didn't know the power behind the melon stand. A customer next to the guy kindly whispered into his ears and explained. Immediately, the man deflated and hunkered down to avoid being spotted by Li Li's sharp eyes.
There were a decent number of people who came with the carts and Li Li was also there to help. Thus, the two carts full of watermelon were quickly unloaded into the store. The previously empty and bare shelves were now full of round and plump watermelons.
The people, who had been waiting for a very long time in front of the store, could now finally buy some watermelon. The store, which wasn't large in the first place, was soon squeezed full of customers.
After Steward Yao finished helping them unload the watermelons, he smiled at Xiaocao, "Do you remember the two watermelons that you gifted to us yesterday? That afternoon, two of our old master's friends came over to visit, so he couldn't help but show off a bit and took them out. Unexpectedly, his two friends pestered him into giving the watermelons away! In a fit of pique, our old master ordered me to line up at dawn today and told me to buy a lot. He's planning on hosting a 'watermelon tasting event' at noon..."
When Yu Xiaocao heard this, she couldn't help but laugh a bit. There was a common saying among the people: An old child, an old child!! Sure enough, when people got older, they tended to act more like children. Old Yao's two old friends could even forcefully take their host's watermelons. On the other hand, Old Yao, in order to show off, had to host a 'watermelon tasting event'. This was truly too funny!
Xiaocao personally picked out over a dozen first-rate watermelons for Steward Yao. Perhaps it was because she spent every day in close proximity with the little divine stone, but she was starting to be able to sense spiritual energy. For example, she could faintly feel the spiritual energy that was found in the little divine stone's 'bathing water'. As for these watermelons, their ripeness and sweetness was dependent on the amount of spiritual energy they had absorbed from the mystic-stone water. Therefore, she could faintly tell which ones had a higher concentration of energy and would likely taste better.
After Steward Yao paid for his goods, it was as if the floodgates had opened. Following that, Yu Xiaocao could only sit next to the cash box and had no opportunities to leave. This was truly an experience of receiving so much money that her hands hurt ah!
The watermelons displayed on the shelves quickly sold out. Eldest Maternal Aunt, Madam Han, continuously moved watermelons from the rear courtyard onto the shelves. After one shelf became empty, she would swiftly replenish it with more watermelons. There was more work than she could handle by herself, so Grandmother Yao also helped out.
The two men, Yu Hai and Li Li, quickly drove the two carts back to Dongshan Village. They planned on hauling another two carts full of watermelon to the store that afternoon so they would have more to sell the next day.
The wealthy and rich people in town usually interacted closely with each other. Many families that bought watermelons yesterday had also invited friends and family over to taste them. Every single person who tasted the Yu Family's watermelons immediately became fans of the fruit. Because they weren't able to eat enough at their relatives' or friends' homes to satisfy their cravings, they all either sent servants over or came themselves to stand in line. Thus, the frenetic scene of people scrambling to buy watermelon once again occurred at the Yu Family's watermelon stand.
"Eh? What sort of store is over there; it's so lively!" A subdued yet luxurious horse carriage stopped not far from 'Tanggu's Watermelon Shop'. A pair of pale, delicate hands lightly opened the carriage's window curtains and the person peered over.
Next to the horse cart was a handsome young man riding a large horse. He glanced at the melon store and bent over to softly speak to the person in the carriage, "Mother, that should be a watermelon stand..."
The person who the handsome youth called 'mother' was a matron who had once been beautiful. Her face was full of pallor and seemed quite thin. Every movement she made seemed to be weak and lacking but she still had a hint of innate grace. The matron lightly coughed twice and took the proffered cup from a maid. She moistened her throat and replied in a gentle and delicate voice, "Watermelon stand? Aren't watermelons only available in the summer? Are you telling me that the watermelons in Tanggu Town ripen earlier than the ones in the capital?"
The good-looking young man also seemed a bit perplexed, "I'm not sure! We've just reached the end of spring, so how can there be watermelons for sale? Little Zhuozi, our farm also planted watermelons, right?"
The person called 'Little Zhuozi' was a youth who looked somewhat gentle and reserved. When he heard his master asking him a question, he bowed while on horseback, "This servant went to the farm a few days ago. The watermelons on the farm aren't bigger than the size of a fist and are probably around a month away from becoming ripe!"
The matron became interested in the watermelon stand and gently yet firmly declared, "Xiaoer [1], go buy a watermelon and bring it over. Let's try it and see how it tastes."
"Mother, watermelon is a cold type of food. Recently you haven't been feeling well, so let's not buy any watermelons now, okay?" The handsome youth frowned deeply and replied in a worried tone.
The beautiful lady's long and large eyes faintly glanced at him. Her willow-shaped eyebrows knitted briefly as she worriedly said, "Ah...most of my body's issues stem from too much stress and worry. It's not like you don't know this! You even said that you're accompanying me out here to help me relax. It's with great difficulty that I even have an appetite to eat some fruit, yet you have all kinds of excuses to not buy any...aiyo, my chest hurts..."
Here we go again! A helpless expression appeared on the handsome youth's face. Although his mother was almost forty, she still had the personality and temper of a young maiden. She always needed to have someone compliment and protect her. However, she wasn't grateful at all and always complained that this or that hurt all the time...Ah! This was all caused by his father spoiling her!! Who in the capital didn't know that his imperial highness, Prince Jing, was one hundred percent a wife-pampering maniac?
"Mother! Before you left, what did you promise Father? You had personally promised that you would always listen to my ideas regarding food and lodgings! We've only traveled out of the capital for a couple of days, so how could you forget about this?" The handsome youth, Zhu Junxi, was the second son of Prince Jing, and was currently unhappily trying to persuade his mother.
Princess Consort Jing's large eyes flickered. She decided to continue her shameless behavior and covered her chest with her hands. Cries of pain and annoyance poured out of her as she continued to complain, "Didn't you promise your father that you would go with what I said when it was right and reasonable to avoid making me angry ah? I currently don't have much of an appetite and want to eat some fruit. That's not unreasonable!"
In front of Princess Consort Jing's shameless acts, her two personal maidservants, Meixiang and Lanxiang, both lowered their heads and continued to do their regular tasks. They had seen this kind of scene occur many times before. The princess consort was constantly pampered by the prince and also had three sons to protect her. Every time she wanted her way, she would always shamelessly act sick. Both the old and young masters loved her dearly, so she always won in the end.
Zhu Junxi silently sighed and attempted to struggle one last time. He softly tried to persuade her, "Mother, do you still remember why you've traveled to Tanggu? If you eat watermelon, which is a cold food, and end up becoming sicker, then when Third Younger Brother comes home, he'll blame himself!"
Why did Princess Consort Jing appear in a small town like Tanggu? She had ample reasons——her third son, Zhu Junyang, had already been out at sea for more than half a year. Since he left, there hadn't been a message sent home. She constantly thought and worried about him until she became ill. Thus, she absolutely had to come over here to inquire about any news.
The seas were full of danger. Rough winds and water would often appear at a moment's notice. In fact, had her third son's luck not been good enough, then he might have drowned in the ocean during the previous test voyage. How could she not be worried after he had been gone for over half a year? Tanggu was the town that had the closest harbor to the open ocean. Coming here was like becoming slightly closer to her youngest son. By doing that, her fretful heart could finally calm down a bit.
Prince Jing had also seen his beloved wife slowly wasting away day by day due to missing her son. That was the reason why he allowed his second son to bring her out and relieve her worries. Had he not been busy recently, he would have personally accompanied her too.
When the topic of her youngest son came out, Princess Consort Jing's eyes immediately dimmed. Earlier, she had been mostly faking her distress, but now she was truly upset. All of her worry and anxiety over her youngest son poured into her heart and almost made it hard for her to breathe.
Her youngest son had long been interested in traveling by ship. Since he was young, he had always stuck around his older cousin——the current emperor——and looked avidly at the models of ships slowly being created by his cousin's hands. The little guy, who was only around three to four years of age at the time, had set down an ambitious goal that day——that when he became older, he would become an adventurer of the distant seas and bring back rare and strange objects from far away lands back home to relieve his mother's boredom!
She had previously dismissed it as a child's dreams and never expected that, ten years later, that her youngest son truly went on a long journey in the seas to find distant, unknown lands. However, he had been gone for more than half a year. How could she, as his mother, not be constantly worried about him?
"Princess Consort, are you feeling ill again? Lanxiang, where are Her Highness's pills? Quickly take out one and help Her Highness take it!" Meixiang could sense that her mistress wasn't feeling well and hurriedly poured a glass of lukewarm water. She then took out a lengxiang pill and helped her mistress take it.
Zhu Junxi could tell that he had said the wrong thing and caused his mother to become anxious again. He quickly dismounted, lifted the carriage's curtain, and asked with concern, "Mother, please don't worry. The crew on the ship are all experienced sailors who have previously sailed with the emperor. I believe Third Younger Brother will soon come home safe and sound."
After she took her medicine, Princess Consort Jing felt a little better. She smiled weakly at her son, "It's the old illness again. I'm fine, don't worry."
When Zhu Junxi saw that his mother's complexion had improved a little, he relaxed slightly. He commented with a bit of blame in his voice, "With the parents here, one shouldn't travel far away! Third Younger Brother is truly too impudent. He knew Mother has problems with her heart yet he still persisted on leaving..."
"Don't talk anymore!" Not a hint of a smile could be seen on Princess Consort Jing's beautiful face. Her weak and delicate eyes immediately became more spirited, "Xiaoer, stop thinking those thoughts! Prince Jing's family absolutely cannot have the tragedy of brothers fighting and scheming in the dark!"
[1] Xiaoer (小二) – She's literally calling him 'little two' since he is her second child.
Chapter 177 – Scheme
Princess Consort Jing seemed to realize that she was being a bit too severe and lightly sighed, "I know that you haven't had it easy. Your eldest brother is the heir of Prince Jing's household and he had been personally taught by your father. Third son is the youngest at home and had a weak body after being born, so he received a bit more care from me and your father. You are the second son sandwiched between an older and younger brother, so it would be hard for Mother and Father to avoid somewhat neglecting you. However, Second Son, you must remember that you, Li'er, and Yang'er are all my flesh and blood. You are all are incredibly important to me!"
Everyone in the capital knew that Prince Jing and his wife were a couple that loved each other very much and that Prince Jing pampered his wife beyond expectation! The prince's residence not only didn't have any concubines living in it but he also got rid of any maidservants who had other ideas.
That's right, you're not crazy, it was Prince Jing himself! He managed to resist the alluring temptations and only loved his wife. It had been like this for the past ten years. There wasn't a single married woman or noble maiden in the capital who didn't envy Princess Consort Jing for having a good life.
The princess consort had been married for twenty-five years and had given birth to three sons and one daughter. The eldest son, Zhu Junli, had been designated the heir since he was born. Prince Jing thought it would be too tiring for his wife to undertake his education, so once his eldest son just started to learn how to talk, he personally educated him himself. In addition, he imbued his son with the necessity of protecting and respecting his mother.
Second Son Zhu Junxi had a difficult birth and the princess consort had a lot of postpartum bleeding. She was nursed for a long time before she was out of danger. At that time, Prince Jing didn't even go to court anymore. He personally served his wife at her bedside and refused to let other people take over. Although the princess consort was ultimately able to retain her life, her body was no longer the same as before. Whenever the wind blew on her, she would get a headache and pain in her heart. This made Prince Jing very worried. Naturally, he was not very happy with his second son for causing his wife's problems and didn't like him very much.
Their third child, Zhu Miaoke, was a daughter. She had two older brothers and was very adorable. It wasn't surprising that both her mother and father doted upon her, especially Prince Jing. He pampered the little girl who resembled his wife to the skies.
When the princess consort was pregnant with her third son, Zhu Junyang, they had to use medications to hasten his birth prematurely due to her body's condition. After he was born, the imperial physician said that this son might be too premature and may not survive to adulthood. Princess Consort Jing felt very remorseful and focused all of her energy towards raising her youngest son. In order to not let his wife fret too much, Prince Jing brought over all of the famous doctors to treat his son and was finally able to preserve his life. By the time their third son was around three to four years of age, he was no different than any other child in his age group.
Thus, Second Son Zhu Junxi was the one who got the short end of the stick. His father snubbed him while his mother was too busy to take care of him. When he was young, Zhu Junxi was clever and sensible, and he even knew how to help his mother take care of his brother, who was younger than him by five years.
However, as he slowly got older, a seed of jealousy started to grow within his heart. In addition, some unscrupulous people also deliberately tried to incite disharmony. Slowly, resentment accumulated inside him. The year when his younger brother, who was only fifteen years old, was personally give the title of royal prince by the emperor after he finished a seafaring trip, Zhu Junxi felt even more resentful. Why was eldest brother titled the heir as soon as he was born? Why did his youngest brother, who didn't do much, get to be entitled? Why was he, who was also a legitimate son of Prince Jing, always neglected by everyone...
However, he naturally had a kind heart and couldn't cruelly murder his own kin and blood. The most he could do was to occasionally try to say bad things about his brothers in front of their parents.
Although Princess Consort Jing had been pampered and protected for most of her life, she was clever and had a good understanding of people's hearts. She was well aware of the inner struggle that often occurred both overtly and covertly within wealthy and prestigious families. She had previously believed that her household was simple. There weren't any concubines vying for favor, and no concubine-born children around to cause trouble. Thus, her family shouldn't have any shameful secrets or fighting. However, she never expected that her usually sensible and respectful second son, the one she never had to worry about, had an unsatisfied heart.
Zhu Junxi, who had just received a scolding, had a stubborn expression his face. Seeing that, Princess Consort Jing stopped trying to feign an illness and sat up straight in her seat. She lovingly caressed her son's handsome face and gently said, "Second Son, I and your father have neglected you all these years. I deeply apologize for hurting you. However, this cannot be the reason why you hate your brothers. If you want to hate, hate me, your mother, instead! If it weren't for my body disappointing me at the time, how could I neglect you..."
Zhu Junxi's eyes dimmed as he quietly replied, "Mother, I don't hate anyone. I just feel that it's somewhat unfair. Eldest Brother and Younger Brother can all make you proud, only I...Mother, I want to enlist in the army!"
"Enlist?" Princess Consort Jing stared at her second son with an obvious look of surprise on her face. She quietly commented, "Although our current emperor is a wise ruler, your father has a high rank with many responsibilities. If you enlist and gain military power, I'm afraid the imperial family might become afraid..."
"Mother, I've already thought of everything you just mentioned! I want to conceal my identity and start from the lowest ranks to see how far I can climb using my own abilities. Mother, I want to prove to myself that I'm not mediocre. That way, I can also be like Eldest and Youngest Brother and make you proud..." Zhu Junxi also knew that his current attitude wasn't good. If he continued to stay at home, he was afraid that the feeling of injustice in his heart would evolve into true hate and cause a conflict at home.
Princess Consort Jing tightly held onto her second son's hand and remarked reluctantly, "You want to start from the lowest ranks? Swords have no eyes and the battlefield is cruel and merciless. If you end up in an accident, how could I, your mother, live anymore?"
Zhu Junxi squeezed his mother's hand and comforted her, "Mother, father has hired a famous master since we were young. The master taught us both literary arts and martial arts. Although I am not as good at literary arts as eldest and youngest brother, my martial arts are no joke. I'm not boasting, but neither of my brothers would be able to win against me, even if they worked together. Don't worry about me, Mother!"
When the princess consort saw her second son's steady gaze and decisive expression, she knew that he spent a lot of time thinking about this. If she tried to force him to stay at home, then her son would truly become worthless in the future! She weakly leaned back on the cushions in the carriage and somewhat resentfully complained, "All of you have ideas and plans! One has to go out to sea despite all our attempts to stop him, while another wants to rush into the battlefield to prove himself. Have any of thought about my feelings about this?"
"Mother, please forgive your son for being unfilial! If I had to stay at home any longer, I...I don't know what I might turn into! I don't want to do something that hurts you, so please allow me to be selfish for once!" Zhu Junxi fell to his knees and forcefully kowtowed to his mother three times.
Princess Consort Jing hurriedly raised her second son back up. Her eyes filled with tears as she slowly nodded her suddenly heavy head. She gently replied, "Second Son! You must achieve your goals and prove to yourself. Mother will not block you. However, you must remember that every strand of hair and piece of flesh on your body came from your parents, so you must take very good care of yourself..."
"Mother..." Zhu Junxi noticed that his mother's eyes were full of tears, so he could only choke out one word before his emotions overwhelmed him. He solemnly nodded his head, "I...I'm going to buy some watermelon..."
If he didn't step off the carriage now, he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to hold back his own tears. He didn't want his mother to see such a weak side of him.
"Young Master Zhu, my aunt wants to ask, does the princess consort know where she wants to lodge tonight?" Right after Zhu Junxi came down from the carriage, he saw a pretty young maiden dressed in pink clothes who was looking at him bashfully.
Prince Jing had a noble rank and was trusted by the emperor. Many of the high-ranking officials at court wanted to use marriage with his family as a way to consolidate their own positions at court. In addition, Prince Jing's three legitimate sons all had good reputations and handsome looks. Thus, many young ladies in the capital silently admired them. A marriage with one of Prince Jing's sons was their secret desire...
A similar shy and retiring expression of the young girl in front of him had been seen by Zhu Junxi too many times in the past. The amiable and kind manner he had in front of the princess consort disappeared when he confronted outside people. He frowned and a hint of impatience entered his eyes, "Such a question could have easily been asked by a maidservant. Is there a point in having you, Miss Xia, personally coming over?"
"I..." Xia Furong opened her eyes widely, and her lip slightly trembled as she slightly sobbed. She looked pitifully at Zhu Junxi.
Zhu Junxi became even more impatient and lightly waved his arm. He decidedly said, "If you have any other questions, then just ask my mother! I have other things to do!"
Xia Furong watched as Zhu Junxi ruthlessly left and then wiped the pitiful expression from her face. Her eyes glinted with shrewdness. Her father was only a fifth-ranked minor official at court. In the capital, one could hit dozens of fifth-ranked officials just by randomly throwing a stick.
She had many sisters at home and also had a stepmother suppressing her. She had no option but to try to scheme on her own. Her paternal aunt was childless and was also a third-ranked noblewoman. Although her uncle was a bit uncouth, he was still a third-ranked official who was regarded highly by the emperor. She had also asked about her aunt's personality and deliberately changed her own behavior to fit the woman's tastes. In front of her, she pretended to be innocent and sweet as well a bit silly and delicate. Thus, she was able to win her paternal aunt's affections.
After inquiring around, she discovered that her uncle had an old injury and would have difficulty fathering a child in the future. Thus, an idea sprouted. She needed to curry their favor by being obedient and see if they might adopt her as her paternal aunt's daughter. In the future, that would mean she had become a major third-ranked official's legitimate daughter. With her uncle's network, how could she not find an ideal husband in the future?
However, she never would have expected, never would have thought, that her uncle would adopt a little farmgirl when he was sent as an imperial envoy to the insignificant town of Tanggu. Every time he talked about that lowly farmgirl, he praised her to the skies. A lowly peasant girl, who knew how to cook a few dishes, had been raised so high in a second. In addition, that little brat even took away what should have been hers? Dream on!!
Therefore, when her paternal aunt packed her luggage a few days ago in preparation for travelling to Tanggu Town to give her uncle a nice surprise, Xia Furong managed to persuade her aunt with great difficulty to let her come too. She wanted to see just what sort of base person wanted to seize what was hers!
However, she never would have expected that, on the way there, they would encounter the prestigious Princess Consort Jing and the lofty and handsome second son of Prince Jing. Although it was rumored that the second son wasn't very favored at home, he was still a son of an imperial prince. Today, she could tell from a glance that the rumors were true: he had an attractive appearance and elegant bearing. Every movement he made spoke of his noble birth. He was absolutely someone who was hard to find, a man who would be an ideal husband!
Once the two families figured out the identities of the people within the carriages, they decided to travel as a group. For the rest of the journey, Xia Furong would always inadvertently appear in front of Zhu Junxi and try to become closer to him. She always used what she considered to be her best angle, act shy and timid, and sweetly gaze at Prince Jing's second son.
Xia Furong believed that, among her numerous sisters, she had the best appearance. She was convinced that, with her good looks and clever plans, she would be able to make Prince Jing's second son look favorably upon her.
Unfortunately, the situation was the opposite to what she had wanted. Zhu Junxi always turned a blind eye to her coquettish actions. Because of society's expectations of what men and women should do, she couldn't be too forward in fear that she might make the second young master and the princess consort disgusted with her. Thus, despite trying for three days straight, she could never find the chance to privately speak with him.
Xia Furong wasn't discouraged and always silently observed Zhu Junxi's every movement. At last, just earlier, she found her opportunity to talk to Second Young Master Zhu. However, he didn't even treat her politely. Was it because her charm wasn't strong enough? Or was it because he wasn't in a good mood today?
Xia Furong twisted her handkerchief into knots as she bit her lip in frustration. She watched silently as his imposing figure disappeared into the watermelon store. Her eyes became dark and it was obvious that she was still scheming inside...
Chapter 178 – Godmother
"Miss Xia, do you need something?" Princess Consort Jing observed the bevy of expressions that crossed Xia Furong's face. She had been aware of the young maiden's schemes throughout the whole journey. Luckily, her second son completely disdained her, which made her relax quite a bit.
A preteen girl who was only interested in seducing men was definitely someone who would cause trouble later on. How could she let such a person become someone who was linked to her son for a lifetime?
Xia Furong quickly fixed her expression and pasted on an innocent smile. She replied sweetly, "Princess Consort, Aunt wanted me to ask you if you already have a place to stay tonight. If not, Aunt says that she has a small residence here in Tanggu Town. Although it's a bit crude, it should still suffice as a resting place..."
"No need, County Magistrate Wu's wife is a close childhood friend of mine. Before I left, I had written a letter to her to let her know that I was going to bother her for two days!" Although Princess Consort Jing had a good impression of Zhaoyong General Fang Zizhen's wife, she didn't want her son to have any more exposure to this young girl who had such obvious ulterior motives. Thus, she resolutely refused the offer.
Xia Furong's pair of dark, lively eyes instantly became dim from disappointment. She turned around and stared at that tall and manly figure in the melon stand. Not resigned in the least, her eyes flickered a bit and the corners of her mouth slightly curved up. However, she still politely said her farewells to the princess consort.
When Xia Furong returned back to the Fang Family's horse carriage that was behind Prince Jing's carriage, she smiled sweetly at her aunt. She cheerfully reported, "Aunt, the princess consort said that she had already made plans with the county magistrate's wife and will be staying over there...oh right, there's a family selling watermelons over there. They say that the melons are tasty and the price is reasonable. Niece will go right now to buy one to let aunt try some!"
Her expression and tone didn't betray the fact that she had just been soundly rejected by Zhu Junxi. It was as if she was just another young maiden without a care in the world.
Lady Fang lovingly smiled at her niece and waved a hand, "Let a maidservant go over. After traveling for so many days, you must also feel tired."
"Aunt, Niece isn't tired! After sitting in the carriage for a few days, walking around is also good!" Xia Furong's eyes, which resembled Lady Fang's, gleamed with a dazzling light.
Among her numerous nieces, Lady Fang had chosen Xia Furong not only because of her temperament but also because she thought this niece resembled herself the most. She patted Xia Furong's hand and nodded, "You are right. It's good to step down and walk around for a bit. Aunt will also accompany you to go there to look!"
Lady Fang looked through the window and saw a young cute girl with a glittering smile in front of the watermelon store that wasn't far from them. She looked to be around eight to nine years of age and had gleaming, pale skin. Although she couldn't be considered to be astoundingly beautiful, she was still quite adorable. Her large and dark eyes were especially charming and seemed to be full of liveliness.
Although Lady Fang had never seen the adopted daughter that her husband had taken in, she had pieced together an image of an odd little girl who was amazingly talented at cooking from his stories and letters about her. His most recent letter said that his adopted daughter had planted watermelons that had ripened astoundingly early. In addition, these watermelons were tastier and sweeter than the ones he had before. He even had someone bring two of them over to the capital so she could try them. She had never tried watermelon that was so big and so sweet before!
Within Tanggu Town, only the Yu Family had enough courage to try planting watermelon. Then, did that mean that this watermelon store was linked in countless ways with her husband's adopted daughter? Was that lively little girl in the watermelon stand the adopted daughter that her husband praised constantly?
At this moment, her niece wanted to go look at the watermelon stand which met her interest too. With the help of her personal maidservants, Linglong and Zhenzhu, Lady Fang stepped off the carriage. She gently stretched out her legs and idly strolled towards the melon stand.
Although Lady Fang was content, Xia Furong wasn't actually happy about her decision. The young maiden was originally planning on finding an opportunity in the watermelon store to talk to Prince Jing's second son again. Now, her perfect plan had been ruined. She stared at her aunt's back and resentment filled her heart.
By this time, the craze for buying watermelons had mostly died down. Within the store, there were only two to three matrons who were dressed in dignified attire. They were carefully selecting some watermelons from the remaining stock on the shelves. Yu Xiaocao, who could finally take a breather, sat on the tall stool and kicked her feet playfully underneath her skirts. Her heart felt cheerful as she rocked the cash box full of ingots on the counter.
At this moment, she saw a figure come in from the corner of her eyes. She promptly smiled sweetly at the new customer and trumpeted out a greeting, "Welcome, feel free to choose what you would like!"
As she raised her head, she saw a handsome face that seemed to have been finely carved with a knife. The young man was wearing a blue robe that was embroidered with black bamboo. There was a white belt cinched around his waist and his feet were shod with a pair of white deerskin boots——he was a perfect example of an alluringly attractive man from ancient times! Yu Xiaocao gazed at the handsome guy's nice figure with obvious interest.
Zhu Junxi seemed to sense Xiaocao's eyes on him and faintly glanced at her. He suddenly discovered that the little girl had a pair of eyes that glittered brightly that stared at him appreciatively. Although her eyes stopped for a long time on his handsome face, her gaze seemed pure and didn't make him feel disgusted.
After he looked at her for a bit longer, he discovered that the owner of the eyes was actually a lively little girl who hadn't reached the age of ten. Zhu Junxi couldn't help but let out an amused laugh. How would such a little girl know of the propriety between men and women? No wonder she didn't try to hide her obvious stares!
Zhu Junxi smiled at the little girl and unexpectedly found that little girl seemed to be a bit stunned by his grin. This young girl was quite interesting. Was it really okay for her to reveal such an obvious appreciative glance at a man?
Zhu Junxi couldn't help but want to tease this little girl, so he walked up to her and deliberately frowned, "What are you looking at me for?"
Zhu Junxi had a tall figure and practiced martial arts all year round. Thus, it was natural that he would have an intimidating aura. Whenever he frowned, he actually frightened the people around him. Yu Xiaocao blinked a couple of times. She could tell from the expression in his eyes that he wasn't actually angry, so she revealed a charming smile, "Ah? If you weren't looking at me, how would you know I was looking at you? I'm staring at you, you're staring at me, I think we can consider ourselves even right now!"
"I definitely wasn't looking at you the same way you were staring at me! Doesn't that mean that I'm the one at a disadvantage here?" Zhu Junxi furrowed his brows and had a somewhat fierce expression on his face.
Yu Xiaocao suppressed a grin, "Having someone look at you doesn't cause you to become injured, so how could it be considered you're at a disadvantage? Young master looks like a handsome gentlemen who wouldn't be someone so petty to haggle over every ounce."
"And what if I was?" The mirth in his eyes became much more apparent yet his face seemed even more fierce.
Yu Xiaocao merely shrugged and fanned out her arms, "Then I made an error of judgement ah! If you feel like you're at a disadvantage here, then I still can't give you a melon for free to compensate you. If you want to make a fuss, just go ahead!"
Seeing that the little girl was being a little rascal, Zhu Junxi didn't feel disgusted and instead thought she was quite cute. His younger sister, when she was around eight to nine years of age, would also act shamelessly in front of him. Once she got older, she became gentle and refined and was no longer as adorable as she was when she was young.
"Second Young Master, have you picked out a watermelon already? Do you need someone to help you?" Xia Furong, who had followed her aunt, had noticed that Zhu Junxi had been in the store for a while yet his hands were still empty. She couldn't just stay next to her aunt anymore and instead used her large and watery eyes to look at him shyly while she took the initiative to talk to him.
Uh oh! Handsome and refined guys would always have many people admiring them. Was it possible that women in ancient times also sometimes took the initiative too? This young girl's eyes seemed as if they were stuck on this good-looking guy's body. Was this truly okay? Yu Xiaocao propped her cheek on a hand as she avidly watched the handsome guy and pretty girl's interactions.
The mirth within Zhu Junxi's eyes slowly dimmed away and he directly ignored Xia Furong's earnest gaze. Instead, he greeted Lady Fang, "Lady Fang, if you want to eat some watermelon, just tell someone. There's no need for you to personally come here."
Lady Fang had also noticed that her niece had been staring conspicuously at Zhu Junxi and felt a bit displeased. She frowned a bit but she couldn't say anything right now while Prince Jing's second son was in front of her. Once she heard his greeting, she slightly smiled, "After sitting in the carriage for a few days, I wanted to immediately get off and exercise my legs and feet!"
"Lady Fang, please continue with what you were doing then. I'm going to select watermelons now to avoid...avoid having my mother wait for too long!" Zhu Junxi didn't look at Xia Furong even once while he was talking. After he finished, he entered the store to look at the shelves.
Falling flowers had plans yet flowing water was ruthless ah! Yu Xiaocao could tell exactly what had happened from start to finish. However, it seemed like even after the little flower fell, it didn't become discouraged!
"Aunt, let's also go pick a watermelon too!" Xia Furong's voice became a bit more eager and polite. However, she continued to stare at that figure clothed in blue that was in the store.
The smile on Lady Fang's face disappeared and she mildly said, "Us two women only know how to eat watermelon, so how would we know how to select the right one? Little girl, please help us choose two melons!"
'Oh, oh, oh! This little flower absolutely has no more luck as her parent doesn't agree with this! Tsk tsk, this little flower is quite courageous to even make sheep eyes at this man in front of her parent. What a pity that this man is just ignoring her.'
She had been watching the scene unfold in front of her quite avidly, so when Lady Fang suddenly called on her, she paused for a couple of seconds before she immediately revealed a warm smile, "Madam, please don't worry. I promise that I'll pick watermelons that are sweet and juicy to satisfy you!"
The sight of such a bright and dazzling smile dispersed some of the gloom within Lady Fang's heart. She sized up the clever little girl in front of her: she was dressed in a lotus-cyan colored attire. The edges of her skirt and sleeves were embroidered with small purple cape jasmine flowers. Her hair was swept up into adorable twin buns with a hairpin with purple flowers made of pearls inserted in. She had a small face, not much bigger than the size of someone's palm, that was clear and clean, and a pair of lively eyes that seemed to speak volumes. Her rosy red lips seemed to be faintly curved up permanently making her seem very cute. Sure enough, this was a likeable and adorable child!
Originally, Lady Fang had been worried that her husband, who she understood like the back of her hand, had been fooled by a sinister person. Now, she could finally relax. A little girl who had eyes as clear and pure as spring water could not be someone who had a malicious heart.
Under Lady Fang's bright gaze, Yu Xiaocao chose a couple of watermelons cheerfully despite the amount of pressure she was under. This graceful and resolute lady had been staring at her continuously ever since she had entered the store. Why was that? Was it because she was too cute and made it hard for other people to move their gaze? Xiaocao suddenly became a little narcissistic...
Oh wait, what did that handsome guy in the blue robe call this lady? Lady Fang? Oh my god, could she possibly the godmother she had never met who had decided to come over today to inspect her? Godfather really was something to not give her a hint prior——Fang Zizhen protested his innocence: He also didn't know that his wife would also surprisingly appear, okay ah?
Yu Xiaocao pretended to select watermelons as she tried very hard to remember her conduct from earlier. Was there anything shameful that occurred? A feeling of nervousness settled within her heart: would Godmother be hard to get along with? Would her godmother be unhappy with her?
Lady Fang watched as the little girl pretended to be busy. She had also noticed that, from time to time, this little girl would glance at her and knew that the little girl had guessed her identity——this was truly a clever and bright little girl! Within her heart, she added a few more points for Xiaocao.
Chapter 179 – Enmity
Out of the remaining watermelons in the store, Xiaocao chose the two that had the highest concentration of spiritual energy within them. She carefully took them off of the shelf and personally brought them over to the counter. She needed to make a good impression on her godmother. Lady Fang, on the other hand, felt bad having such a small and fragile little girl moving the watermelon and commanded her maidservants, "Linglong, Zhenzhu, why aren't you two going over to help?"
Yu Xiaocao was a bit embarrassed in front of Lady Fang and had a bashful smile on her face when she raised it up to look at the woman. She was usually chirpy and talkative but she didn't quite know what to say to the woman in front of her.
Lady Fang lowered her head and gently looked at the shyly smiling little girl. She used the handkerchief in her hand to lightly clean a bit of dust that had inadvertently been smudged onto that cute little face. She then stroked the little girl's glossy and dark hair. The little girl's eyes, which had previously been a bit anxious, immediately brightened and looked as dazzling as a bunch of stars. It made her somewhat common looking face become lively and energetic.
"Little girl, how much would it be for these two watermelons?" After seeing the young girl's sincerely smiling face, Lady Fang surreptitiously glanced at her niece's gloomy expression and became much more cheerful. The older woman's expression and mood clearly showed that she was trying to tease Xiaocao!
Yu Xiaocao came closer to the woman again as she kneaded at the corner of her clothes with a blush on her face. She quietly said, "We're all family, there's no need to talk about payment for the watermelons, right? I'm giving these two watermelons to you, Godmother, to show my filial respect to you."
"Oh? You can't just make an assumption that anyone is your godmother. Aren't you afraid that you might have mistaken her identity?" Lady Fang teased the little girl as if she was the Perisan cat at home. Her expression and tone all held a hint of laughter.
Yu Xiaocao deliberately used an uncertain tone and hesitated before she asked, "May I ask...are you a part of the Fang Family?"
Lady Fang seemed to be smiling as she slowly replied, "There are many people surnamed Fang in this world, are you telling me that every Lady Fang is your godmother?"
"My godfather told me that my godmother is beautiful, magnanimous and has a sweet-tempered personality while being resolute. She's kind but also courageous. Godfather also said that we are like two kindred spirits and would get along splendidly. At first glance I could tell that you are an amiable lady and my intuition told me that you are my godmother!" Yu Xiaocao cleverly flattered the older woman as she tried to please her.
Xia Furong, whose attention was still on Prince Jing's second son, suddenly became alert after hearing Xiaocao say, "You are my godmother". Her almond shaped eyes opened wide and she glared fiercely at Xiaocao. She instantly noticed that the little girl was dressed plainly, had an average looking appearance, and a shy manner that bespoke of her lowly birth.
She sneered and remarked drily, "Can you call anyone your godmother? Little girl, you already know how to try to climb the ladder at such a young age. You are truly too unscrupulous ah!"
Her aunt disliked people who schemed the most. If she could lead her aunt down the wrong line of thinking with her words, then it didn't matter if her uncle recognized the little girl as his adopted daughter. The mistress of the General's Estate was still her own blood aunt!
Yu Xiaocao could sense the pretty young maiden's hostility towards her. She felt a bit puzzled inside, 'We're total strangers to each other, so why is she deliberately trying to discredit me?'
Lady Fang had never seen the harsh side of her niece before. Usually, her niece always seemed innocent, cheerful, and had a good understanding of others. The words she said today, why did they seem so mean? She started to recall that her niece often tried to please her and that the young girl also insinuated that she saw the general's residence as her second home...
Lady Fang was familiar with inner yard politics and had also personally experienced the infighting and scheming of the Xia Family's wife and concubines. Within a wink, she grasped what her niece was trying to do and immediately became unhappy. Apparently the simple and innocent appearance of her niece was a special act especially crafted for her ah!
Lady Fang's gaze at Xia Furong became stricter and she mildly said, "Furong, this is the adopted daughter that your uncle personally recognized himself. Her name is Yu Xiaocao and she's not quite ten this year. Yet, she can already support her family all on her own. Hasn't our current emperor extolled that women should strive for self-improvement and independence? I believe Xiaocao is a shining example of that!"
When Yu Xiaocao heard her godmother supporting her and even complimenting her at such a high degree, she hurriedly interjected humbly, "Godmother, you praise me too much! Without the help of my parents and siblings, I wouldn't be able to do anything! Godfather also helps me very much. For example, this store has such a good location. If it wasn't for the previous owner regarding godfather so highly, we absolutely wouldn't have been able to buy it..."
"What?!" Xia Furong raised her voice and a jealous expression twisted her face, "Uncle bought this store for you? Aunt, a store in such a good location must be at least a thousand taels! How could a country bumpkin like her possibly have enough money to buy something so expensive? When Uncle took up the imperial envoy post, he only took a couple thousand taels along with him. Is it possible that she took bribes from other people to pay for this?"
Xia Furong had accompanied her aunt for a full two years and naturally knew that her aunt hated officials who took bribes. She even constantly warned her uncle that he shouldn't take small benefits and end up losing the emperor's trust. If something like that truly occurred, this little panting dog would never be able to be liked by her aunt. Thus, wouldn't she be one step closer to her dream of becoming a young lady of a general's household?
However, Yu Xiaocao wasn't actually a true nine year old little girl. She could clearly tell that the delicate young maiden had a boatload of schemes swimming behind her eyes. She couldn't help but frown a bit, 'I'm pretty sure I didn't offend her ah, so why is she trying to trip me up? What is she up to?'
She exclaimed, "Older sister! What you said is incorrect! What do you mean I'm just a country bumpkin? You clearly are discriminating against farmers! Out of the four classes of people, farmers are only second to scholars. Without farmers working hard day in and day out, older sister can become an immortal instead——"
Yu Xiaocao absolutely couldn't allow this girl to discredit her, right? If her godmother believed this girl's lies, what was she to do? She didn't rely on the Fang Family for sustenance or shelter, so why did she have to take this beating lying down? In any case, this godfather of hers just showed up. If he wanted to treat her well, that was definitely good but she never had to force him to do any of this. Thus, she could easily and confidently defend herself without any qualms.
When Lady Fang saw the little child in front of her defend herself, with a straight back and large eyes, she thought the girl resembled a proud and spirited little rooster. It was quite a rare sight!
"What did you mean by what you just said?" Lady Fang thought that the term 'immortal' wasn't necessarily a compliment in this case.
"In legends, immortals only need to sup from the wind and drink dew, so they have no need for the mundane food of mortals! Without farmers who till the land, we wouldn't have any crops. Without crops, what would people eat then? Drink the northwest wind?" Yu Xiaocao slanted her eyes at Xia Furong and looked incredibly adorable.
However, Xia Furong didn't think she was cute at all because this lowly farmer's daughter made her lose face in front of her aunt. She immediately flew into a rage and shrieked, "Do you dare to say that this store wasn't bought from you by Uncle? A few thousand taels isn't a small number. You're so young, yet you have such a scheming mind, what will happen when you get older?"
Zhu Junxi had just finished picking out his watermelon and was suddenly shocked by Xia Furong's shrill voice and malevolent expression. He never would have thought that a young maiden from a noble family could also have such a shrewish side too. The vast majority of gently-raised maidens would protest injustice at his assumption...
"Enough!!" Lady Fang had naturally noticed the surprised expression that flickered on Prince Jing's second son's face. She had even less patience towards her niece now, "Furong, your uncle had already explained the matter with the store to me in his letter! The money to buy the store came from Xiaocao, who earned it all herself. The store was originally owned by County Magistrate Wu. Your uncle would never take a bribe, and he only helped with contacting the seller..."
"Aunt!" Xia Furong had also seen Zhu Junxi's expression and quickly controlled herself. She somewhat impatiently tried to explain, "Don't be deceived by this crafty peasant! An ordinary farmer's daughter, even if she had a lot ability, still wouldn't have enough skill to make enough money to buy this store. That's not a small number ah, a thousand or so taels! From my perspective, let's not even talk about earning, I bet she would have a hard time even seeing that much money!"
All she could think about was what her life would be like if she was adopted into her aunt's family. All of the glory, splendor and wealth associated with the general's residence would be considered hers alone, including the thousand or so taels used to buy the store...In the Xia Family, she was only a daughter who wasn't favored. Her monthly pocket money wasn't much more than what a head maidservant could earn. How many clothes and jewelry could she buy with a thousand taels? The more she thought about it, the more bitter she became.
When Lady Fang saw that her niece was going to continue to harp about this topic, her face darkened and she remarked, "Why couldn't she earn it herself? Xiaocao is very talented at cooking. Zhenxiu Restaurant's roasted chicken, osmanthus duck, braised food, and oyster sauce vegetables were all recipes created by her. She earned several thousand taels in the past two months from her share of the profits from the osmanthus duck alone! In addition, Xiaocao also has shares in the capital's newest 'Haitian' brand of seasonings too! Having enough money to buy this store isn't something difficult for her."
"Oh? Osmanthus duck was created by this little girl? My roy...mother really likes it. However, every time we buy it we need to stand in line and we still may not be able to get any!" Zhu Junxi inspected the skinny and tiny little girl in front of him with great interest. He had never thought that the capital's most popular dishes were all created by her ah! It was truly an example of not judging a book by its cover!
When Xia Furong saw Prince Jing's second son, who had never given her a second glance, smiling at that lowly girl, her last hold on logic and reasoning snapped, "Nonsense!! Aunt, you can't believe everything she says! She's a poor and petty little farmer's girl. How often can she eat chicken in a year? Can she afford to buy duck? Are menus and recipes that easy to come up with and are famous chefs crowding the streets?"
"Older sister, we are total strangers to each other, so why are you always targeting me? You claim that I didn't come up with roasted chicken, osmanthus duck or any of the other recipes. So who do you think came up with them? If you haven't investigated properly, then you don't have the right to make claims. Do you really think it's okay for you to smear my reputation so easily?" Since this girl was her godmother's niece, Yu Xiaocao couldn't say things more bluntly. However, she still had to defend herself. Did that girl think she was easy to push around and bully?
She didn't wait for Xia Furong to retort and turned over toward that handsome youth and reminded him, "Although osmanthus duck is delicious, able to reduce swelling and aging and strengthen the blood vessels, it's still a food with cold properties. Women shouldn't eat it too frequently. Instead, they should only have some every few days or so."
Zhu Junxi didn't expect that a little girl who didn't even reach his chest would be able to describe osmanthus duck's properties so well. Thus, he somewhat believed Lady Fang's claims. He smiled, "Thank you for your kind reminder. I will make sure to tell my mother about this. Let me pay for the watermelon now, to avoid having my mother wait for too long!"
"Altogether, it comes out to ten taels." Yu Xiaocao swiftly took the money and warmly said, "Thank you for your business, hope you come back again next time——"
Xia Furong felt incensed and resentful that the youth she liked completely ignored her. She blurted out, "It's obvious you're a farmer's brat, so petty! Second Young Master is also like aunt's nephew, so how can you take his money so easily?"
Chapter 180 – Destiny
Zhu Junxi's cold gaze swept over the surroundings. The impatience simmering inside him transformed into anger. He didn't really care what Xia Furong was trying to do but when she involved him, he couldn't let her continue, "Miss Xia's words are incorrect! This little girl is running a business and I'm buying what she's selling. That's a fair deal, so why shouldn't she take my money? Or does Miss Xia believe that my Zhu Family can't afford to spend ten taels on watermelon?"
"No! That wasn't what I was implying..." Second Young Master Zhu had finally paid attention to her, but the look in his eyes was filled with loathing. Xia Furong freaked out. In front of Young Master Zhu, she needed to be more patient. She immediately regretted getting angered by that lowly peasant girl and letting Second Young Master Zhu see her bad side——it was all that lowly peasant girl's fault!
Xia Furong was the one originally at fault yet she still pushed all the blame on her victim. This type of person was truly too laughable!
Zhu Junxi carried the watermelon in his arms as he walked out. Xia Furong stared at him as if there was a magnet attracting her eyes to him. She glanced longingly at that imposing figure for a long time before she reluctantly looked away.
Yu Xiaocao felt embarrassed for this girl. Was it really okay for her to be that obviously lovesick in front of her elders?
"Furong! Don't let me regret bringing you along!" Lady Fang didn't disguise her disappointment towards Xia Furong and her tone of voice became much more serious.
Xia Furong reluctantly brought her attention back and angrily glared at Xiaocao, who was delightfully watching the show. Anger bubbled within her heart, 'It's all the fault of this devious brat! She stole all of my aunt's love and favor. In the past, Aunt never could bear to scold me!'Once again, Yu Xiaocao became her scapegoat.
"Come here, Furong! Let me introduce you. This is the adopted daughter that your uncle recognized, so she is also your younger cousin. You're a little bit older than her, so you must treat your younger sister well." Lady Fang could tell that her niece had a bit of hostility towards Xiaocao, so she deliberately warned Xia Furong.
"Godmother, your niece is naturally my older sister, so don't worry, we'll definitely get along well." Yu Xiaocao pulled at Xia Furong's hand in an intimate manner and lightly swayed. "Older sister, there's a lot to do here! We can climb up hills to dig up wild vegetables, catch pheasants, and also go down to the beach to gather shellfish and seafood...that's right! Tomorrow I'll bring you along to dig up some sandworms ah! The sandworms here are long and plump. They're thicker than my fingers, very long, and soft. When you touch them, they feel squishy, kind of like a large earthworm..."
This little brat knew that Xia Furong was pampered maiden from a wealthy family, so she wouldn't like insects. Xiaocao deliberately described the appearance of the sandworm very vividly. As expected, Xia Furong turned pale after hearing her description and forcefully shook off Xiaocao's hand. She even pushed Xiaocao a little and screeched, "Go away! You're such a dirty peasant!!"
Xiaocao reeled from her push and her back crashed into the doorframe, making a very loud sound. Tears came to the corners of her eyes (Author's note: She's not faking it, it really hurt.) and she raised her little face. She cried pitifully and innocently, "Godmother, I feel like Older Cousin doesn't like me...even so, she can't just swear at me! We are all human and have parents. I am also my parents' treasure, so how can I be dirty and lowly?"
Lady Fang's patience had almost been worn away by her niece's behavior today. She looked at Xia Furong, who had an expression of disgust on her face that she didn't bother to disguise. The older woman thought of her niece's previous sensible and sincere personality...haha, apparently that was all an act to worm into her good graces ah! Now that her niece knew that the Fang Family had adopted a daughter, her previous hopes had been dashed. Did she think it was no longer necessary to hide her true nature now?
"Xiaocao, come here, let Godmother see if you got injured or not?" Lady Fang pulled on Xiaocao's hand and lightly touched her back, which had been hurt.
"Godmother, it hurts..." Xiaocao had a feeling that there was a bruise on her back now. She didn't expect that a young maiden, who looked delicate and weak, could have so much strength. Did she provoke the other girl too much?
Lady Fang recalled the noise that sounded when her adopted daughter collided with the doorframe. She knew that Xiaocao wasn't faking it and comforted the young girl, "Xiaocao, let's go to the inner courtyard. Godmother will help you rub some medicinal oil on your injury and it will stop hurting very soon."
As she talked, she took ahold of Xiaocao's small hand and walked along with her two maidservants through the store in the direction of the inner courtyard. When she passed by Xia Furong, she didn't even bother giving the other girl a glance.
When Lady Fang was a young maiden, she was the legitimate daughter of the main branch, so she had grown up by the matriarch's side. Although the Xia Family's relationships were quite complicated, the matriarch's compound was as peaceful as a heavenly garden. Thus, Lady Fang grew up to be an open-minded and candid young lady who firmly knew what she liked and disliked. If she liked you, she would make sure to give her best to you. However, if she didn't like you, she would immediately ignore you as if you weren't there.
The Xia Family's inner courtyard relationships were not peaceful and there was a lot of scheming and infighting. Naturally, Lady Fang was aware of this. She had originally believed that her niece, Xia Furong, was like her—the only pure lotus flower to grow out of a dirty and muddy Xia Family. However, she didn't expect that her niece had been pretending in order to fool her. To people who tried to pull the wool over her eyes, Lady Fang would dislike them as much as she had originally liked them.
Xia Furong had accompanied her aunt for almost two years at the Fang Family and naturally understood her aunt's personality. When she saw Lady Fang walk by and ignore her, she immediately panicked. She promptly tried to explain, "Aunt, earlier I was...scared by Younger Cousin. You also know that niece is afraid of bugs. At that moment, I wasn't thinking straight and I accidently hurt Younger Cousin. I want to apologize to her now..."
Even until now, she didn't know what her biggest mistake was, eh? Argh, she truly didn't judge correctly this time...Lady Fang paused for a second but didn't even turn her head around before she continued forward.
Yu Xiaocao gently took her hand out of the older woman's hand and turned around, "Older Cousin, I often run around in the mountains, so it's hard to avoid getting hurt. Therefore, I'm not angry because you accidentally injured me. I'm angry because you used such hurtful words to insult me! You not only hurt my feelings but you also had such a scary expression on your face! Although I was born in a farmer's family, I also know what the phrase, 'to insult someone is to invite six months of cold', means——in my village, only shrewish women would insult people in public!"
When Xia Furong heard what Xiaocao said, her face twisted into another ugly expression, 'This stupid brat must be destined to not see eye to eye with me! Not only did she steal aunt's love away from me but she also always found a way to sneakily slander me in front of Aunt! That won't do, I need to let Aunt see Yu Xiaocao's true colors!'
"Aunt, I said the wrong thing when I wasn't in the right mindset. However, Younger Cousin just compared me to her village's shrewish women, Aunt..." Xia Furong took out her handkerchief and wiped the corner of her eyes. She lowered her head, as if she was the one being bullied.
Lady Fang lightly sighed, "In a couple of days, I'll have someone send you back to the capital. Tanggu Town is too small, so you won't be accustomed to living in this place."
"Aunt, don't drive me away! I'll get used to living here, I swear!" Xia Furong started to panic. Go back to the capital? There wasn't anyone home at the General's Estate, so she knew she wouldn't be going back there. Instead, she would be sent back to the Xia Family's residence. She was already thirteen years old. If she was sent back to the Xia Family, then she would likely be sent to a high-ranking official's residence to become a concubine to give the Xia Family some benefits. After the matriarch passed away, the Xia Family had become even more chaotic and muddy...
When Lady Fang saw that her niece had been taken down a peg, she hoped that she might change for the better. She mildly replied, "If you don't want to leave, then prepare yourself for difficulties in the future. You need to remember that I'm not here to live comfortably. Instead, I'm here to help your uncle so he can work without any worries!"
"I'll remember, aunt!" Xia Furong seemed quite emotional and that wasn't feigned. She was truly afraid now.
"Godmother, you didn't let Godfather know ahead of time that you were coming over right?" When Yu Xiaocao saw Xia Furong getting lectured, she hurriedly pulled on Lady Fang's hand, lightly swayed a bit, and interjected.
Lady Fang gently caressed her head and led her into the inner courtyard. She talked as they walked, "That's right! Originally, I wanted to give you and your godfather a nice surprise. How did you know that I didn't tell him in advance?"
"Godfather went into the prefectural city today! If he had known you were coming today, he absolutely wouldn't be able to abandon you here..." Yu Xiaocao cheerfully raised her head and looked up. Her gaze was open and magnanimous, and there wasn't a hint that she wanted to curry favor or test the waters.
She acted as if she regarded Lady Fang as her closest relative. No matter what she said or did, she knew that her closest kin wouldn't truly get angry at her. At last, Lady Fang truly understood why she always felt a slight separation between her and Xia Furong, there was a reason...
Lady Fang lightly tapped Xiaocao's head and pretended to get angry, "You're such a gutsy little girl! You even dare to tease your godmother!! When your godfather gets back, I will tell on you!"
Yu Xiaocao exposed a slightly scared expression on her face, as if she was a frightened little girl and deliberately used a voice that trembled to reply, "Don't do that ah! If Godfather found out that I offended you, Godmother, then he'll definitely break my leg in two...Godmother, please spare me ah~~~~"
Lady Fang felt that her little act was quite hilarious and couldn't keep a straight face anymore. She finally burst out into laughter. The older woman bent down and pulled Xiaocao's thin and soft body into her arms. She remarked in a voice full of mirth, "You're such a bizarre little girl, how can you be so interesting? No wonder your godfather praises you without end!"
Xia Furong, who was following from behind, almost tore up the handkerchief in her hands. Aunt had never treated her so intimately before. No matter how hard she tried to mold herself into her aunt's liking, her aunt always had a bit of separation from her. Why?! Why did this lowly brat get to obtain her aunt's unconditional love at first sight?
Unfortunately, Yu Xiaocao was unable to enjoy her godmother's hug. She yelped a few times, "Hurts, hurts! Godmother, my back hurts!"
Lady Fang remembered that the little girl had injured her back. She quickly picked her up like a little child and stepped swiftly into the room.
Yu Xiaocao's butt was in the crook of her godmother's arm, and she looped her arms around the woman's neck. She felt a bit awkward inside, 'I'm almost ten years old, but she treats me as if I was a three year old instead. If other people see this, that would be so embarrassing! But, I never would have expected Godmother, who looks so weak and delicate, to actually be quite strong. Is it because Godfather knows martial arts so Godmother became strong too?'
"Madam, let me hold her instead!" Lady Fang's competent maidservant, Linglong, hurriedly came over to take Yu Xiaocao off her mistress's hands.
"No need, it's not a far distance, I can hold her!" Lady Fang didn't want to let go of the soft and sweet little girl in her arms. If she had birthed a daughter, would she also be this cute and sweet?