Ch 77 – Catching the Fish
Cheng Yujin's eyes towards Lin Qingyuan were as if looking at a piece of fat meat. She instantly realized that her gaze was too obvious, so she hurriedly lowered her head and coughed slightly: "This little girl is ignorant. I made Brother Lin see my joke."
Lin Qingyuan heard Cheng Yujin said, "You should be more confident of yourself." His face flushed, and he didn't dare to look at Cheng Yujin at all. His eyes wandered towards the floor. Hearing Cheng Yujin's last sentence, he hurriedly waved his hand and said: "No, no, it's me who shouldn't have said these things to you. I have been brash. Eldest miss Cheng, I apologize."
Cheng Yujin smiled sweetly: "Brother Lin is too polite. No one has ever said this kind of thing to me. You are willing to trust and confide in me. I am very happy. How can you be brash?"
Lin Qingyuan was taken aback. He stared at Cheng Yujin: "Eldest miss Cheng..."
"Brother Lin is sincere to your future wife and considers everything for her sake. The future Madam Lin must be the luckiest woman in the world." Cheng Yujin sighed; she looked a bit melancholy. "Although I am the eldest branch's eldest daughter, as everyone knows, I was adopted. I never have to worry about my food and clothing over the years, but I never can get truly close to my mother. Second aunt also has second younger sister and doesn't need me, this daughter that has been adopted by others. I often feel that I have nowhere to go. Like today, my second sister is returning home, and everyone is focusing on her. My engagement has been canceled, and it is not suitable for me to stay long there, so I quietly withdrew. Fortunately, I met Brother Lin halfway. Otherwise, I really don't know where I should go."
Lin Qingyuan had no immunity against this kind of tactic, and he was immediately ensnared. He thought, eldest miss Cheng was beautiful and elegant. What she showed in front of people was always her smart, capable, and considerate self. But now, she lowered her head and sighed sadly. Who knew she actually had such a fragile side?
Lin Qingyuan's heart suddenly shattered into pieces, full of pity and distress. He tried his best to control the tone of his voice and gently consoled Cheng Yujin: "Eldest miss Cheng must not belittle yourself. You are very excellent. Whether it is the eldest madam or the second madam, they must be very pleased to have such an excellent daughter as you. They simply didn't say it outright."
Cheng Yujin smiled and shook her head. Although she was smiling, her expression made people feel distressed. Cheng Yujin glanced sadly towards the window and said: "Brother Lin doesn't need to comfort me. How my family feels about me, I can feel it myself. I'm not ignorant. Just, I have always been envious of other girls who are loved and cared for by their parents. Second sister's body has always been weak since she was a child. It made people feel distressed. However, although her health isn't good, her family members always take care of her carefully. If I didn't take the nutrients from my sister when we were still in the womb, maybe second sister wouldn't be sickly like that."
Lin Qingyuan couldn't bear it anymore. A gentleman shouldn't point his finger at others' right and wrong. But Cheng family's elders actually had this kind of conduct? A person's health was predestined by heaven. What did it mean by blaming eldest miss Cheng for the second miss' poor health?
Lin Qingyuan couldn't help feeling angry. He looked at the girl in front of him with even more pity and distress: "Eldest miss Cheng, this is not your fault at all. It is regrettable that your second sister was born with poor health, but you were also just a child. None of this has anything to do with you."
Cheng Yujin smiled softly. Her face was pale and sad: "Thank you, Brother Lin. When I was a child, I always felt frightened. I thought that it was really my fault that my second sister is born sickly. But when I grow up and know more, I no longer feel so. Now second sister is married to her sweetheart, and Marquis Jingyong treats her wholeheartedly, holding her on his palm like a treasure. They both got their wish and met a good end."
Lin Qingyuan suddenly felt uncomfortable. His memory was particularly good, and he almost immediately remembered that Marquis Jingyong was originally Cheng Yujin's fiance.
This...the original fiancé married her second sister and was very loving towards his wife. No wonder Cheng Yujin couldn't stay with other family members in the main hall and had to walk out quietly. Changed to him, he also couldn't stay calm.
Lin Qingyuan felt that Cheng family's approach was truly inappropriate. No, it was inappropriate to the extreme! Eldest miss Cheng was so smart and sensible. In his Lin family, she would be a jewel on everyone's palm, like the moon surrounded by the stars. However, in Cheng family, she was forced to bear an original sin that was not her fault. When she grew up, she had to give up her marriage to her younger sister. Now that her younger sister, former fiance, and other family members were in harmony, she had to take the initiative to avoid them. Lin Qingyuan was so angry. He really wanted to take Cheng Yujin home so that she didn't have to suffer such an injustice anymore!
Lin Qingyuan's heart suddenly jumped wildly.
Bring Cheng Yujin home?
Lin Qingyuan's heart suddenly jumped wildly. Bring Cheng Yujin home?
Cheng Yujin continued: "Actually, I have no remaining feeling towards Marquis Jingyong. Anyway, he doesn't like me. Since my sister likes him, and he also likes my sister, it is best to bless the lover with the marriage. What am I to hinder them? I am feeling happy for them. However, the later situation is too difficult for me."
Lin Qingyuan was made stunned by his sudden thought. His heart was still jumping wildly now, and his blood was boiling hot. He felt himself to be very rude—how could he have such thought towards eldest miss Cheng? However, feelings didn't always follow rationality. Once the thought arose, Lin Qingyuan could no longer control it.
He kept thinking. His mother had urged him many times to get married. Although his father didn't express explicitly, both parents clearly hoped that he would marry a wife soon and have children of his own. Both of his parents were from a family of scholars, and they were fond of a knowledgeable, gentle, and virtuous woman the most. Although Yichun Marquis Manor wasn't a scholarly family, eldest miss Cheng was well-learned, well-read, and had a gentle temperament. If his mother met her, she would surely like eldest miss Cheng.
Lin Qingyuan realized that the more he thought, the wilder his imagination became. He desperately put a stop to his own imagination. Just then, Cheng Yujin spoke again, and Lin Qingyuan used this chance to ask: "Why is it difficult for you?"
"Lin Zhuangyuan doesn't understand?" Cheng Yujin laughed. "After an engagement is broken, which good family will come to propose again? It actually doesn't matter to me, anyway, I have been alone my whole life. However, I don't want to drag my family down. If I stay in the house, how can my later nephews and nieces get a good marriage? Therefore, my grandmother found me a widower. The man has lost his wife a year ago and has not yet remarried. Grandmother said that his age is older and his son isn't young anymore. But since I can be his legal wife, this is a good marriage. If my situation is dragging on, even becoming the second wife of a widower will be impossible. Moreover, because the other party already has a son and heir, my pressure is reduced a lot. Anyway, this marriage is no more than changing a place to live.'
The more Lin Qingyuan listened, the angrier he became. How wronged was eldest miss Cheng to become a second wife? The other party had been married once, and even his son was no longer young. How old was this man? Lin Qingyuan's mind subconsciously portrayed the image of a forty or fifty years old man with a big belly, and his frown deepened even more.
Cheng Yujin obviously had no psychological burden when she smeared Zhai Yanlin's image behind his back. After all, she didn't tell a single lie. Zhai Yanlin was indeed older than her, and his son was six years old, not young.
Lin Qingyuan didn't know that the 'widower' in Cheng Yujin's mouth was the famous Duke Cai. He naturally didn't know that although this marriage was to be a second wife, it was actually no worse than marrying Huo Changyuan.
His mind made up a scene of a wretched old man forcibly marrying a young and beautiful woman. Lin Qingyuan immediately became furious. He felt very wronged for Cheng Yujin: "Eldest miss Cheng, you are smart and considerate, knowledgeable and virtuous, what a blessing for any man to marry you! How can an old and incompetent man who knows only to bully others be worthy of you? There is no reason for you to be subjected to such an insult!"
If Cheng Yujin hadn't forced herself into the play, she almost laughed out loud. Lin Qingyuan's words were so excellent. Zhai Yanlin deserved to be scolded, and Cheng Yujin listened very cheerfully.
Cheng Yujin held back her laughter and continued to put on the image of a gentle and compassionate but ill-fated noble miss. She said mournfully: "But, what can I do? Grandmother fears this person's power and didn't dare to refuse. He becomes more and more aggressive, and even said that he would send people to propose marriage in a few days. Naturally, I don't want to, but I cannot ignore my family. If I resist with all my power, the worst is just I choose my own death. But what will happen to my parents and family?"
Lin Qingyuan was fuming with anger. His fists clenched tightly as he asked: "Eldest miss Cheng, who is this person? Acting in such a tyrannical manner...There are law and justice, and we cannot let him be such a bully."
Cheng Yujin shook her head and refused to say the person's name: "Brother Lin, I know you are kind to me. But please don't ask. I cannot cause you trouble too."
Lin Qingyuan was taken aback for a while, and finally lost all his strength. He had been overly enthusiastic just now and spoke fervently, but now he quickly calmed down. Lin Qingyuan was not a naive youth who knew nothing about the world. In the past few years mingling in the officialdom, his initial naivety had been polished away. The capital was full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons. The water here was deep, and even the young masters of noble families didn't dare to offend people rashly. Cheng Yujin's grandmother was the old madam of a marquis manor, yet she was powerless against the other party. He was only a small sixth-rank official. What kind of power did he have to give Cheng Yujin justice?
Lin Qingyuan couldn't say anything. After a while, he asked dejectedly: "Could it be that there is no other way?"
"There is actually one." Cheng Yujin lowered her head. Her eyelashes trembled slightly. "Even if the man is powerful, he cannot forcibly rob a girl from a good family. If I have a marriage contract with another person, he won't be able to do anything. However, my engagement has been broken once. Where can I find a fiance?"
Finished speaking, Cheng Yujin sighed with grief: "I'm delusional. This method is impossible to achieve. Please forget what I just said."
Lin Qingyuan's lips trembled a few times, hesitating. After a while, he said slowly: "Actually, it's not completely impossible."
Cheng Yujin raised her head and looked at him quietly. Her pair of beautiful, innocent eyes blinked in confusion. Lin Qingyuan was used of debating various topics with others for so many years, yet for the first time, he thought himself to be very clumsy with his words. His ears were totally red. He suddenly mustered up his courage and said: "Eldest miss Cheng, you see..."
Lin Qingyuan suddenly mustered up his courage and said: "Eldest miss Cheng, you see..."
When Lin Qingyuan began to speak, Cheng Yujin's eyes lit up. After so much effort, this big fish finally took the bait. Cheng Yujin couldn't hold her excitement. Her mouth raised slightly. Her expression at this moment was totally different from the weak and broken-hearted 'eldest miss Cheng' just now.
Cheng Yujin realized that she had just revealed her true face. But everything had been a foregone conclusion, and Lin Qingyuan wouldn't notice such a small flaw at this moment. Cheng Yujin adjusted her expression and waited for Lin Qingyuan to finish his words.
Lin Qingyuan didn't notice the slight change in Cheng Yujin's expression. He was so nervous and excited that he couldn't pay attention to other things. After saying "You see..." he was about to say "What do you think about me?" when the door to the room suddenly opened.
Lin Qingyuan was surprised, and the next sentence about to blurt out was swallowed back into his stomach. Cheng Yujin didn't expect this interruption either. She quickly stood up, and immediately after, she saw a person standing just outside the door—a person clad in a black attire embroidered with golden patterns, a leather belt on his waist, and whose eyes were as cold as the stars.
No one knew how long Cheng Yuanjing had been there. Cheng Yuanjing's eyes swept across the room slowly, and his lips raised in a shallow smile: "It seems that I am interrupting you?"
Lin Qingyuan was stunned for a moment. He stood up abruptly and said with a surprised joy: "Jingxing, you are back!"
Lin Qingyuan was surprised by Cheng Yuanjing's return, how could he still remember what he was originally about to say? He didn't notice that Cheng Yujin stood up and walked forward before him, so he didn't see that Cheng Yujin's expression at this moment was completely different from the usual 'gentle and kind' eldest miss Cheng.
Lin Qingyuan greeted Cheng Yuanjing and pulled him to talk. Instead of looking at Lin Qingyuan, Cheng Yuanjing went over him and stared at Cheng Yujin, who was standing in the middle of the room.
Cheng Yujin was completely stunned for five or six seconds. At this moment, she even suspected that her eyes were wrong. She blinked hard several times. Seeing that the figure before her eyes still didn't disappear, she closed her eyes harder.
However, heaven certainly didn't hear her desperate plea. When Cheng Yujin opened her eyes again and saw the person standing in front of her, her heart was totally broken.
Heaven, ah...
For the first time, Cheng Yujin wondered if she was actually jinxed. Wasn't Cheng Yuanjing busy preparing for his return to the Eastern Palace? Why did he come back suddenly? Why was she so unlucky, she finally met Lin Qingyuan today, but Cheng Yuanjing had to come back at this exact time. Even a few more minutes was enough for her!
No—Cheng Yujin quickly reacted. Cheng Yuanjing interrupted at the exact timing right when Lin Qingyuan was about to say the most crucial sentence. Was there such a coincidence in the world? When was Cheng Yuanjing back? How long was he here, and how much did he hear?
Cheng Yujin couldn't help but glance at Cheng Yuanjing suspiciously. But when she raised her eyes, she collided with Cheng Yuanjing's gaze.
Cheng Yujin's mixed emotions of suspicion, anger, grief, and resentment instantly deflated. She lowered her head silently, revealing only the lush hair on top of her head.
She knew that she was over.
Cheng Yuanjing hated the most when others lied to him. Before he departed, Cheng Yujin promised, and even swore an oath, to live peacefully and observe the mourning for one year without making a fuss.
Who knew he would be back today? As long as Cheng Yuanjing sent a message beforehand, she definitely would choose another place and time. How could she let herself be caught redhanded?
Cheng Yuanjing was fuming with anger, but he maintained his calmness on the surface. He glanced at Cheng Yujin silently. Although the girl lowered her head obediently and showed a docile posture, he knew for sure that she had no remorse at all and was even planning her move for the next time.
Truly good.
Without saying a word, Cheng Yuanjing slowly walked into the room. Cheng Yujin heard the slow and steady footsteps approaching. Her legs suddenly became soft. Cheng Yujin secretly pinched her skin. She raised her head and used her lifelong-trained acting skill to smile brightly at Cheng Yuanjing: "Ninth Uncle, you are back!"
Cheng Yuanjing smiled back at her: "I didn't manage to go back in time for the New Year. Today I rushed back to give my eldest niece a New Year's money, but you are unexpectedly pretty hard to find."
Cheng Yujin's eyebrows twitched. Cheng Yuanjing and her were not a real uncle and niece. In private, Cheng Yuanjing always called her name directly. But when he was angry, he would call her 'eldest niece' threateningly. If Cheng Yuanjing showed a cold face, it was still okay. But for him to be like this, neither cold nor indifferent, Cheng Yujin was even more afraid.
It's over. This time, His Highness was really angry.
Like a deflated ball, Cheng Yujin sat down with Cheng Yuanjing dejectedly. After she sat down, she raised her eyes towards Cheng Yuanjing. Heaven, he even sat on her previous seat.
The tea on the stove was still gurgling and bubbling. Cheng Yuanjing glanced down through the water vapor and said: "It seems that you were very preoccupied when I came in. Sit down and pour me a tea."
The tea on the stove was still gurgling and bubbling. Cheng Yuanjing glanced down through the water vapor and said: "It seems that you were very preoccupied when I came in. Sit down and pour me a tea."
Cheng Yujin's eyebrows jumped, and she quickly instructed Du Ruo to remove the boiling tea. Cheng Yujin sat next to Cheng Yuanjing in an obedient manner, like a good little girl. She raised her head and smiled flatteringly: "Ninth Uncle, this tea has been brewed for a long time and already old. Ninth Uncle is a man of both literary and military talent, truly a peerless of your generation. I admire Ninth Uncle so much. How can I let you use inferior things? Du Ruo, change to new water."
Du Ruo was also very frightened. She moved very quickly to change the boiling tea with fresh water. Cheng Yujin readjusted the fire, boil the water, and put in a new tea leaf. Her each and every movement was extremely serious, with a professional technique that was several levels higher than when she brewed tea for Lin Qingyuan just now.
The difference was obvious to the naked eyes. It could be seen that this was Cheng Yujin's true level. One was to achieve absolute perfection, and the other was done in a casual manner.
Lin Qingyuan saw this and finally knew that Cheng Yujin didn't use her real ability just now. He watched for a while and said sourly: "Sure enough, there are differences between a close person and an outsider. With Jingxing here, eldest miss Cheng is willing to come out with the best thing."
Cheng Yujin glanced at Cheng Yuanjing and continued to flatter without blinking her eyes: "This is natural. I admire Ninth Uncle the most. Of course the things I prepared for him must be different from others."
Lin Qingyuan listened on the side and clicked his tongue. Fortunately, he knew that these two were niece and uncle. Otherwise, both his arms would be filled with goosebumps.
Cheng Yuanjing felt a little better after hearing Lin Qingyuan comment about the difference between a close person and an outsider. Cheng Yujin quickly replied in affirmation, which improved his mood even more. However, just relying on these little tricks was still far from enough for her to get through this time.
Cheng Yujin was paying close attention to Cheng Yuanjing's expression. After she finished speaking, Cheng Yuanjing still didn't speak up. She knew that it was truly hopeless. Cheng Yujin sighed sadly. She took several cups, skillfully poured the tea, and served the first cup to Cheng Yuanjing.
Cheng Yujin raised her head. She blinked her eyes and called out softly: "Ninth Uncle."
Her tone was deliberately softened. With just the two words 'Ninth Uncle,' she seemed to have suffered multiple grievances. Cheng Yuanjing was determined to give Cheng Yujin the cold shoulder, but seeing the look in her eyes, he couldn't bear to embarrass her in front of an outsider.
Cheng Yuanjing took the teacup Cheng Yujin served. Cheng Yujin sighed in relief. After that, she poured the second cup of tea and handed it to Lin Qingyuan.
After Cheng Yuanjing came in, Lin Qingyuan felt somewhat uneasy, as if there were thorns pricking his back. However, he dismissed it as his imagination. Seeing Cheng Yujin's obvious difference in treatment made Lin Qingyuan a little baffled, but thinking that Cheng Yuanjing was Cheng Yujin's uncle, it was understandable.
After all, family members should always be closer than outsiders. It was normal for Cheng Yujin to treat Cheng Yuanjing better than Lin Qingyuan.
In fact, Lin Qingyuan wanted to continue the previous topic. But with Cheng Yuanjing here, there was no way he could continue saying the words that were cut off just now. Moreover, now that the atmosphere here had changed, it was harder for him to bring back the conversation. Lin Qingyuan felt a little regretful, but for the time being, he could only swallow the remaining half of the sentence.
With Cheng Yuanjing present, it was improper for Lin Qingyuan to talk to Cheng Yujin directly, so he could only turn aside and said to Cheng Yuanjing: "Jingxing, why were you absent from home for so long? Did something happen at your official job?"
"No." Cheng Yuanjing's tone was insipid, "It's just a personal affair."
On the side, Cheng Yujin pursed her lips slightly. Personal affair? Right, it was just a personal affair that greatly affected the whole country.
Since Cheng Yuanjing said it was a personal affair, it was impolite for Lin Qingyuan to delve further. Moreover, he also had an inexplicable trust in Cheng Yuanjing. It seemed that no matter what happened, as long as it was handed over to Cheng Yuanjing, there would be no problem. Lin Qingyuan's tense mind relaxed, and he gradually talked about trivial daily life.
Cheng Yuanjing listened to Lin Qingyuan for a while, then casually asked: "It's still the New Year. Even if the Lin family's ancestral home is not in the capital, your residence should still be busy with welcoming and sending off guests. Why are you coming to Cheng's manor?"
"Oh, this." Lin Qingyuan replied honestly. "Actually, it's not a big deal. I was bored at home, so I wanted to borrow books from you. After hearing that you were absent, I was about to go home, but happened to meet eldest miss Cheng on the way."
Cheng Yujin lowered her head even more. Cheng Yuanjing glanced slightly at her and smiled: "What a coincidence."
"Yes, what a coincidence." Lin Qingyuan didn't notice the subtle and unusual atmosphere between the two, and continued to talk without the slightest restraint: "I'm here to borrow the Linyuan Poetry Collection and Jiuzhai Essay Compilation. Eldest miss Cheng said that these books are happened to be in her place. She sent her servant girl back to fetch them. Because waiting is boring, she kindly prepared tea for me."
Cheng Yujin wanted to stop Lin Qingyuan, but she was powerless. After he finally finished, Cheng Yujin really wanted to dig a hole and bury herself down.
She was very embarrassed. Cheng Yujin quietly glanced at Cheng Yuanjing. Cheng Yuanjing brushed the porcelain teacup with his fingers. There was a thin smile on his lips: "Linyuan Poetry Collection and Jiuzhai Essay Compilation?"
With a smile in his eyes, he turned to look at Cheng Yujin: "Those two books are with you?"
Obviously not. Cheng Yujin just used it as the reason to lure Lin Qingyuan. She sent a servant girl to fetch the books, but of course they couldn't be found. In fact, there was no need to really find the books Lin Qingyuan asked. She was prepared to give him different books, using mistake as the reason. When Lin Qingyuan came to return the books, he would naturally look for her. By going back and forth, she would use the chance to ensnare him further.
Cheng Yujin raised her head and looked at Cheng Yuanjing with weak, innocent, and pitiful eyes: "Ninth Uncle."
Ch 78 – All Men Are Selfish
Cheng Yuanjing was very angry. A flame was burning under his calm facade, which he forcefully suppressed. But when he lowered his head and met Cheng Yujin's innocent eyes, he suddenly found no outlet for his burning anger.
Cheng Yuanjing knew well that she was pretending. This girl was sleek and cunning and had countless tactics to deceive others. She was especially best at confusing a man's mind, including how she used a coquettish and subservient look.
Whenever Cheng Yujin acted closely and intimately, she always harbored a hidden motive behind it.
Of course he knew. But what could he do?
In front of such beautiful eyes who looked at him with trust and dependence, what else could he do?
After Cheng Yuanjing walked out of Old Madam Cheng's courtyard, he immediately went to Cheng Yujin's Jinning Courtyard, but found out that the girl was not there. He was taken aback, and finally calmed down and ordered his subordinate to inquire, only to receive the news that Lin Qingyuan was visiting Yichun Marquis Manor today.
Just now, Cheng Yuanjing stood outside the door, listening to Cheng Yujin skilfully digging the corner to inquire about Lin Qingyuan's marriage, listening to her pretending to be pitiful and subtly lamenting her difficult situation in Cheng family, and finally, listening Cheng Yujin said that Old Madam Cheng was going to marry her off to a widower.
Cheng Yuanjing was not Lin Qingyuan. It only took him a bit of listening to deduce who was the man who wanted to propose marriage to Cheng Yujin. From the phrases of a widower, having a son, and fancied by Old Madam Cheng, this person clearly was Duke Cai Zhai Yanlin.
Cheng Yuanjing obviously didn't care about how much Zhai Yanlin was discredited by Cheng Yujin's vague words. He only cared about the fact that the Zhai family actually came to propose marriage.
Cheng Yuanjing had long prepared that Zhai Yanlin might refuse to listen to his previous warning. However, when he heard it directly from Cheng Yujin's mouth, he was still caught off guard and couldn't help feeling angry.
Why not tell him? Why would she rather go to an unfamiliar man whom she only met a few times before? Was his position in Cheng Yujin's heart so insignificant?
In Cheng Yuanjing's eyes, Cai family, Huo family, and even Lin family were not a problem. No matter who came to propose marriage to Cheng Yujin, they would never succeed. However, he was very concerned about Cheng Yujin's own attitude.
Cheng Yujin stood outside in icy silence. None of his attendants and guards dared to make a single noise. Until Cheng Yuanjing's heard Lin Qingyuan's last sentence, he finally couldn't bear it anymore and opened the door grandiosely.
Cheng Yuanjing made up his mind not to tolerate Cheng Yujin and to hung her dry this time. However, the moment his gaze met Cheng Yujin's, seeing that pair of beautiful and innocent eyes, he could no longer bear to be so cruel. He thought, men died for wealth and birds died for food. It was human nature to chase for benefits. Cheng Yujin didn't know his plan, and she couldn't be blamed for looking for a way out for herself.
Cheng Yuanjing felt utterly helpless. He was a person who was clear about rewards and punishments, and his thoughts had always been calm and rational. But now, he found himself making excuses for Cheng Yujin.
Cheng Yuanjing didn't speak for a long time. He was truly at a loss of what to do with Cheng Yujin. His gaze was full of helplessness, and he couldn't help feeling exasperated at her lack of good insight.
Why was Cheng Yujin's vision so bad? She ignored him, the dignified crown prince, and wanted to attract Lin Qingyuan at any cost. No matter how good Lin Qingyuan, his future prospect was no more than a court minister, an imperial subject. How could he be a match with a crown prince?
Cheng Yuanjing truly couldn't understand. But people standing above couldn't directly express their thoughts, let alone exposing their preferences. Most of the time, they relied on trusted subordinates to figure out the master's intention.
Cheng Yuanjing, who received strict education as the heir to the throne since he was a child, was even more so. It was hard for him to tell Cheng Yujin directly to change her target to him, but apparently, the girl's insight was not good enough, and she couldn't understand his implied meaning. Cheng Yuanjing had to face such a tricky situation and was made very helpless. He couldn't bear to treat Cheng Yujin harshly, so he had no choice but to target the men.
Why did she never cease to do things that made him angry? The answer was simple. It was because the men outside were not decent and always jumping in front of Cheng Yujin, thus obstructing her eyes and clouding her judgment. This matter was very simple for His Highness the Crown Prince. All the eye-catching men were to be shoveled far away.
And Lin Qingyuan was the first on the blacklist.
Cheng Yujin was an expert at reading people. She vaguely noticed that Cheng Yuanjing's attitude had softened. Afterward, she continued to please him with no principles. Ninth Uncle was the best, and anything Ninth Uncle did and said was totally correct. When Lin Qingyuan saw this, he clicked his tongue secretly. He knew that today was the day when Cheng family's married daughters returned to their natal family; both Cheng Yujin and Cheng Yuanjing certainly still had other things to do. Besides, Lin Qingyuan couldn't stand eldest Miss Cheng's mindless flattery of her uncle. After receiving the books, he left quickly.
Cheng Yujin's gaze swept over the two books and cautiously took a glance at Cheng Yuanjing. When Cheng Yuanjing discovered, she hurriedly retracted her gaze.
Cheng Yuanjing sent his attendant to fetch the two books Lin Qingyuan wanted to borrow. Cheng Yujin was particularly afraid that Cheng Yuanjing would blow her lie in front of Lin Qingyuan. Fortunately, Cheng Yuanjing was generous enough not to shame her in public.
However, after Lin Qingyuan left, Cheng Yuanjing no longer put on a facade, and his expression was clearly frosty. With no outsiders, Cheng Yujin didn't need to maintain her face either. She immediately knelt next to Cheng Yuanjing and held his sleeve pitifully: "Ninth Uncle, I was wrong."
Cheng Yuanjing's expression didn't change in the slightest, and he didn't even give her a glance: "Niece arranged everything perfectly. How could you do wrong?"
Hearing this, Cheng Yujin became even more docile, and she fawningly pulled Cheng Yuanjing's sleeve. She blinked her eyes and said: "It's all my fault. Ninth Uncle came back, but I didn't even come out to greet you. On New Year's Eve, I waited for Ninth Uncle all night, wanting to be the first person who gives you a New Year's greeting, but Ninth Uncle didn't come back in time. Today second sister's family is here to visit. I didn't want to stay in the main courtyard and see Huo Changyuan's face, so I walked out to avoid them. I didn't expect to miss Ninth Uncle's return."
Towards Cheng Yujin, Cheng Yuanjing was always fierce on the outside but soft on the inside. He couldn't bear giving the girl a cold shoulder. Now that he heard Cheng Yujin spoke about waiting for him all night on New Year's Eve, he became even softer.
As for the truth of her statement, Cheng Yuanjing didn't want to pursue it. It was enough to hear the words from her mouth.
Cheng Yuanjing's mood had improved, but his face was still cold: "Then you tell me, what is your mistake?"
Cheng Yuanjing's ability to control his expression was first-rate, and even Cheng Yujin didn't realize that he was no longer angry. Seeing Cheng Yuanjing's cold face, she thought that his anger hadn't calmed down yet, so she seriously admitted her mistakes and didn't dare to conceal anything: "I shouldn't leave the main hall alone, I should have come out to greet Ninth Uncle, and I shouldn't say that the two books are in my room."
As Cheng Yujin spoke, she carefully observed Cheng Yuanjing's reaction. Seeing that his face was still as cold as before, she could only bite the bullet and continued admitting her mistakes, and her voice gradually became smaller and smaller.
Cheng Yuanjing didn't intend to let her go: "Just those three?"
Cheng Yujin bit her lip in secret. Why was Cheng Yuanjing so ruthless? Did he want to warn her not to target Lin Qingyuan? Cheng Yujin gritted her teeth and said: "I shouldn't stop to talk with Compiler Lin. Compiler Lin is an outsider male, and I should avoid meeting him. I shouldn't stay alone with him just because I want to ask about Ninth Uncle."
Cheng Yuanjing really admired Cheng Yujin's ability to make up excuses and spout nonsense in a very justifiable way. Like this, didn't she mean that she was alone with Lin Qingyuan because she cared about him?
Seeing that Cheng Yuanjing still refused to say a word, Cheng Yujin leaned closer and held the hem of Cheng Yuanjing's clothing: "Ninth Uncle." Her voice was so weak and pitiful.
Cheng Yuanjing sighed and finally turned to look at her: "Don't repeat it."
"Yes." Cheng Yujin smiled. Her eyes were bursting with dazzling light. Cheng Yuanjing lost his mind for a moment, until a soft chuckle returned him to his sense: "Ninth Uncle, Happy New Year. This year, everything will go well for you, and your wish will surely come true."
Cheng Yuanjing couldn't help smiling back: "So you remember."
"Of course." Cheng Yujin saw that Cheng Yuanjing was no longer angry, so she stopped kneeling and sat back on the chair. The two sat side by side, with Cheng Yuanjing was on the edge of the tea table. Cheng Yujin put her arms on the table casually; her posture was slim and graceful. She sighed regretfully: "Unfortunately, I am not the first person who gives Ninth Uncle the New Year's greeting. Later, I must be the first one."
Cheng Yuanjing glanced at Cheng Yujin and smiled. His Highness the Crown Prince always maintained the most correct posture and manner. Although his every detail was elegant and beautiful, he was always like an immortal separated from the mundane world. But now that he was smiling, there was something deep in his eyes that Cheng Yujin couldn't comprehend, but finally gave him a humane touch.
Cheng Yujin couldn't understand the look in Cheng Yuanjing's eyes and was made even more puzzled by his next words, which seemed to be full of meaning: "You surely will be able to. There are more opportunities in the future."
To be the first person who exchanged the New Year's greeting in the middle of the night was surely couldn't be done if they were separated by distance. Except, of course, if they were a couple who shared the same bed.
When Cheng Yuanjing's seemingly meaningful smile fell on Cheng Yujin's eyes, she instinctively sensed danger, and her back was unconsciously straightened up. Cheng Yuanjing received the most pleasing sentence of this New Year and was in a good mood. He reached out his hand to gently stroke Cheng Yujin's hair and said: "Don't make trouble. Let's finish the previous matter first. What is going on?"
Cheng Yujin was busy thinking about the meaning of Cheng Yuanjing's smile. As a result, she was suddenly told: "don't make trouble." Cheng Yujin was dumbfounded, and even forgot to care about Cheng Yuanjing's hand that was messing with her hair: "The previous matter? Does Ninth Uncle mean the joke we were talking about earlier?"
Cheng Yujin began to fluster again. She thought that she had finally passed the matter smoothly. But His Highness suddenly told her not to make trouble?
Cheng Yuanjing smiled slightly and asked, "What's the matter with the marriage proposal?"
Cheng Yujin was stunned. After a moment, she straightened her back and pursed her lips: "Nothing. Ninth Uncle doesn't need to worry about the small matter in Cheng family."
"Is it Zhai Yanlin?"
Cheng Yujin originally didn't want to talk about it, but hearing the name from Cheng Yuanjing's mouth, she opened her lips slightly and finally couldn't help sighing helplessly: "Yes."
Cheng Yuanjing carefully observed Cheng Yujin's reaction. After a long time, he also sighed and patted Cheng Yujin's head gently: "Since you are calling me Ninth Uncle now, I will naturally do my duty as an uncle to protect you. You are facing such a big crisis, but would rather tell Lin Qingyuan than asking for my help?"
"That's not it." Cheng Yujin quickly retorted. Seeing Cheng Yuanjing's face, she sighed again: "It's just that this kind of matter is unsightly. I still want to maintain a good image in front of Ninth Uncle. I really don't want to bother you with such an unsightly matter."
"It's okay." Cheng Yuanjing took the opportunity to steal another chance to stroke Cheng Yujin's hair. While enjoying the touch, he still maintained a serious tone: "Since I already know, I naturally won't ignore it. If you have any problem, just tell me directly."
Cheng Yujin didn't notice Cheng Yuanjing's small action. Since she was a child, she had already been burdened by heavy duty and had never enjoyed the warm care of an elder. At this moment, in front of Cheng Yuanjing's genuine care and upright words, she was very touched and finally started to talk: "It's actually nothing. The previous time I disciplined Zhai family's little shizi in the garden, it happened to be seen by Duke Cai. Ninth Uncle was also there and knew the situation at that time."
Cheng Yuanjing nodded. Cheng Yujin continued: "Later, in Xiangji Temple, Old Madam Zhai came to chat with grandmother and happened to meet me there. She spoke about how their family lacks a head madam to discipline the shizi, and my condition was just right. I was also without a marriage contract, and so Old Madam Zhai wanted to marry me to Duke Cai as his second wife. Afterward, I met Duke Cai in the garden. I didn't want to enter such muddy water like the Zhai family, so I took the initiative to clearly explain my stance to Duke Cai. I thought I had made it clear to him. Unexpectedly, Duke Cai still expressed his intention to marry me to grandmother. Grandmother fancies this marriage. After knowing about the matter from mother, I went to persuade grandmother, but she turned a deaf ear on me."
Because the person facing her was Cheng Yuanjing, Cheng Yujin didn't hide her unwillingness and Cheng family's calculation. After Cheng Yuanjing listened to Cheng Yujin's narrative, he squinted his eyes slightly.
He didn't even know that Cheng Yujin had met Zhai Yanlin on the Xiangji Temple garden that day. It seemed that he needed to add some personnel to Cheng Yujin. As for Zhai Yanlin this messy person, he naturally would deal with him.
After finally vented out the problem that troubled her these few days, Cheng Yujin loosened a bit. She gritted her teeth and complained: "Duke Cai truly has no credibility! At Xiangji Temple that day, I clearly explained all my thoughts to him. He cannot give me what I want, and I also don't want to become what he wants. Isn't it the best that we separate ways peacefully? Yet he went back on his words and directly went to grandmother."
Cheng Yujin's teeth were itchy with anger. Cheng Yuanjing listened to her rant in silence. His fingers gently fiddled with a strand of loose hair from her hairdo.
"Yujin, not everything in the world is reasonable." Cheng Yuanjing looked at her deeply. "Especially men. All men are selfish. Seeing beautiful things, they only think about plundering, occupying, possessing. Even if you argue with one hundred reasons, they still couldn't resist their selfish intention."
Cheng Yujin looked at him dumbfoundedly. Cheng Yuanjing suddenly smiled: "No one is an exception."
Men were all selfish. No one was an exception.
Including him.
The only difference was that he was more powerful than Zhai Yanlin.
Ch 79 – Making it up to Her
Cheng Yujin fell silent for a long time. She knew that she was too naive. She thought that if she rejected Zhai Yanlin, he would weigh the pros and cons, and finally retreated. But what if he didn't? Zhai Yanlin was more powerful than the entire Yichun Marquis Manor, and his words held much more importance to the Cheng family than hers, a mere eldest miss. If he shed all pretense of cordiality and insisted on marrying Cheng Yujin, even if she was unwilling, what could she do?
The gap between the strong and the weak was too far. What's more, her action might be backfiring this time. She rejected Zhai Yanlin so mercilessly, which anger him and made him deliberately wanted to marry her for revenge. After marriage, there were too many ways for a man to make a woman's life miserable.
When Cheng Yujin heard about Zhai Yanlin's proposal from Qingfu Junzhu, she was vaguely aware of her mistake. Now after Cheng Yuanjing pointed it out to her, she found herself too naive and ridiculous. She actually thought that she could convince Duke Cai by herself. In front of the absolute strength, what value did fairness and reason hold?
Seeing Cheng Yujin fell into silence, Cheng Yuanjing could feel her depression. He sighed slightly and reached out to straighten her hairpin: "You don't have to blame yourself. You are still young, and you don't understand men's despicable thoughts. It's normal."
Cheng Yujin shook her head, "In the end, all of this happens because I am too weak. I have no idea what to do. Even if I got the news beforehand, I am still powerless to resist."
Cheng Yuanjing was silent for a moment: "Actually, you can tell me."
Cheng Yujin shook her head again. Her expression seemed to be indifferent, and she replied instantly: "Ninth Uncle's identity is unusual, how can I always trouble you with my problems? After all, this happens because of my lack of thinking."
Cheng Yuanjing's smile faded. He looked at Cheng Yujin sternly and suddenly said: "Why not?"
Cheng Yujin was startled. She looked up at Cheng Yuanjing, unable to understand why he was suddenly angry again. Cheng Yuanjing stared deeply into Cheng Yujin's eyes. After a long time, his displeasure finally turned into helplessness: "Forget it. You don't have to worry about this problem. I will take care of it."
Cheng Yujin frowned, obviously was not convinced: "Really?"
"If I let you try to solve it alone, maybe you will make the situation even more complicated." Finished speaking, Cheng Yuanjing flicked Cheng Yujin's forehead lightly. "Stop thinking about those messy ideas of yours. Wait obediently, I will solve it all."
If His Highness the Crown Prince really lent a hand, his was obviously much more powerful than Cheng Yujin's. She had no reason to disagree. Cheng Yujin glanced at the sun. It had been a long time since she left Shou'an Hall, and should be about time for the noon meal. Cheng Yujin reminded Cheng Yuanjing, and the two got up. When they walked out, Cheng Yuanjing asked, seemingly nonchalantly: "Do you mind that a man is older than you?"
Cheng Yujin thought that Cheng Yuanjing was referring to Zhai Yanlin, and immediately nodded vigorously: "Of course. The man is obviously very old, but still wants to marry a 15 years old girl. With his age, he can be an elder, yet still coveting a young girl. Moreover, he even uses his authority to force the girl to marry him. I hate this kind of person the most."
Cheng Yujin very smoothly set up Zhai Yanlin's position as far as possible from herself. She thought Cheng Yuanjing would be relieved, but when she looked up, she found Cheng Yuanjing's expression had turned cold again, seemingly was upset.
What's happen? Did she say something wrong? Cheng Yujin was utterly confused.
Cheng Yuanjing initially just wanted to test Cheng Yujin's attitude casually, but didn't expect to get such a response from her. He was five years older than Cheng Yujin. Although the age gap was not too much, he was more mature than his peers and held much higher authority. Coupled with his relationship with Old Master Cheng, he was actually one generation older than Cheng Yujin.
Cheng Yujin's each and every word just hit the bullseye and perfectly fit Cheng Yuanjing's situation. After Cheng Yuanjing learned about Cheng Yujin's opinion, his mood became very complex, and the aura around him gradually turned colder.
Cheng Yujin had no idea, so she asked cautiously: "Ninth Uncle, what's the matter with you?"
"Nothing." Cheng Yuanjing replied shortly. "Let's go to eat first."
"Oh." Cheng Yujin responded in a low voice. She couldn't understand why Cheng Yuanjing was angry again. His patience seemed to be exceptionally poor, and he was always so easy to get angry. Sure enough, no one liked to be troubled. His Highness must be irritated that she always troubled him with her problems.
Although His Highness did tell her to talk to him anytime she needed help, she should keep a distance and tried not to bother him too much.
The two walked in silence, passing through several small gates and pathways. Halfway, when they passed through a roofed corridor, a gust of wind blew fiercely. The corridor was narrow and relatively closed, and the wind blowing through it was very strong. Cheng Yujin's cloak was blasted by the wind. She quickly pressed her hood and turned her head to avoid the wind. When Cheng Yuanjing saw it, he moved forward and blocked the wind for her.
Cheng Yujin tidied her cloak and whispered softly: "Thank you, Ninth Uncle."
Cheng Yuanjing waited for her to finish before moving forward. The two had just walked a few steps when Cheng Yuanjing suddenly asked: "The 20th of the twelfth month is your birthday?"
Cheng Yujin paused in surprise and replied quickly: "Yes."
Cheng Yuanjing asked in a heavy tone: "Why didn't you tell me?"
Cheng Yujin didn't seem to expect Cheng Yuanjing to ask this kind of question. She was stunned for a moment and couldn't help but chuckle: "Why should I mention this kind of trivial matter? Ninth Uncle, where did you hear about my birthday?"
Cheng Yuanjing knew she detested hearing Huo Changyuan's name, so he skipped the detail and casually said: "I heard it just now. Did the manor celebrate your birthday?"
Cheng Yuanjing knew that Cheng Yujin detested hearing Huo Changyuan's name, so he skipped the detail and casually said: "I heard it just now. Did the manor celebrate your birthday?"
"No." Cheng Yujin shook her head lightly, seemingly didn't care at all: "It's just an ordinary day, a symbol without special meaning. There is no need to make a great fanfare of it. Moreover, I am still observing mourning. Compared to celebrating birthdays, having the reputation of filiality is more important for my future."
Cheng Yujin didn't like birthdays. Since she could remember things, she always shared her birthday with Cheng Yumo. Cheng Yujin's identity was already awkward, and Cheng Yumo had both her biological parents and two younger brothers to celebrate her birthday. So whenever the two spent their birthday together, Cheng Yujin would always be the one getting compared. After a while, Cheng Yujin no longer felt any interest in her birthday. She didn't like being stepped on, and no one liked to do something only to be compared with another person. In fact, this year's birthday was pretty good. It was quiet and calm with no noisy banquets, and she only took her gift and walked away.
"How can it's not important." Cheng Yuanjing sighed. "That is the day you were born. A special day belongs only to you. Of course it's very important. I missed your birthday, what kind of gift do you want? I will make it up for you."
Cheng Yuanjing didn't know that her birthday was on the 20th of the twelfth month. Otherwise, he definitely would have come back in time. Now that it was too late, he could only make it up with presents.
Cheng Yujin was a little flattered: "No need."
"No problem. Just say."
Cheng Yujin thought of Cheng Yuanjing's birthday. He was born on the fifth day of the fifth month, the unlucky day and unlucky month. Because of his birthday, Empress Dowager Yang denounced him to have a short life, and even his birth mother, Empress Zhong, was also affected.
Cheng Yujin suddenly felt overwhelmed by an inexplicable emotion. Cheng Yuanjing had been living outside since he was six years old. Probably, no one had remembered or celebrated his birthday. What did he feel every year when seeing everyone drove away evil spirits on his birthday?
Cheng Yuanjing never celebrated his birthday, so he wanted to compensate her.
Thinking about this, Cheng Yujin fell silent. Cheng Yuanjing had noticed the change in her expression from the beginning, and could roughly guess what she was thinking. Cheng Yuanjing never cared about the remark made by Empress Dowager Yang. They all said that he wouldn't live long, but unfortunately for them, he had lived to this day.
Cheng Yuanjing worried that Cheng Yujin might be thinking too much. He glanced at her and said: "You don't have to overthink. There is no need to worry about me. Just tell me what you want. There is no way I am not going to fulfill your birthday wish."
Cheng Yujin didn't believe this. She looked up at Cheng Yuanjing and said mischievously: "Ninth Uncle, can you give me anything I want?"
Cheng Yuanjing chuckled. If others said this, it would be a great taboo. After all, if Cheng Yujin said that she wanted the throne, she would commit a great crime. However, with Cheng Yuanjing here, it was really possible.
He could give her anything—wealth, power, glory, even the throne.
Cheng Yuanjing indulged her willfulness: "Just say it."
"Then I won't hold back. My wish is that in the future, I can live happily, with my own children and grandchildren, have nothing to worry about, and no one would oppose my will."
Cheng Yujin deliberately asked for a blank promise. There was no real form in those words; how could they be fulfilled? But one dared to ask, and the other dared to give. Cheng Yuanjing smiled and looked at her very meaningfully: "It's easy."
Once again, Cheng Yujin saw a strange look in Cheng Yuanjing's eyes, but she couldn't figure out what it was. Fortunately, they happened to arrive at Shou'an Hall. Cheng Yujin secretly sighed in relief and was about to walk into the courtyard when she heard Cheng Yuanjing suddenly said: "You are not allowed to call 'Brother Lin' again."
Cheng Yujin was stunned and paused her steps. Cheng Yuanjing had already bypassed her and now was standing on the stone step ahead. The height difference between the two was already a lot, but now that Cheng Yuanjing was standing in an elevated position, the gap was even bigger. Cheng Yuanjing found that this position was particularly convenient for him to touch the top of Cheng Yujin's head, so he didn't hold back and reached out to rub her soft, silky hair.
Cheng Yujin reacted in time and avoided his hand in annoyance. Cheng Yuanjing felt regretful, but he knew that other Cheng family members were nearby, and Cheng Yujin needed to mind her appearance, so he didn't persist. He withdrew his hand and said: "You call me uncle, yet you call him brother? You are not allowed to do it again in the future."
Cheng Yujin was reluctant. After all, Cheng Yuanjing was not her real uncle. Strictly speaking, Lin Qingyuan was her peers; how could she call him 'Uncle Lin'? It was ridiculous. If Cheng Yujin wanted to Lin Qingyuan, she must subtly change Lin Qingyuan's perception of herself, from a friend's niece to an unmarried girl of the same generation.
Was there better a cover than calling him 'Brother'? Cheng Yujin first planned to call him 'Brother Lin,' then 'Brother Qingyuan,' and finally 'Qingyuan.' Such a great plan, why did Cheng Yuanjing have to hinder her?
Cheng Yujin struggled to refute, "But, I'm about the same age as Compiler Lin..."
Cheng Yuanjing didn't like to hear this reasoning. He and Cheng Yujin were not much different in age, yet she regarded him as an elder. He had never been called 'Brother' by Cheng Yujin; how could he let Lin Qingyuan take this advantage for nothing?
"No." Cheng Yuanjing cut off Cheng Yujin's rebuttal with no compromise. "In the family, seniority is the most important. My generation is his generation, understand?"
Cheng Yujin lowered her head and responded weakly, "I understand."
Cheng Yuanjing glanced down at the meek-looking girl, and knew very well that she still didn't give up.
The head under this soft and silky hair was probably made of hardwood, very stubborn.
Having this thought, Cheng Yuanjing lightly knocked Cheng Yujin's head. Cheng Yujin quickly covered her head and glared angrily: "What are you doing?"
"Be obedient."
Ch 80 – Lantern Festival
Cheng Yumo and Cheng Min were both visiting their natal home, and it happened that Cheng Yuanjing also came back today. It was rare for the Cheng family members to be so complete, and it was even more lively than New Year's Eve. Old Madam Cheng was very happy to see all her children and grandchildren gathered, and everyone enjoyed a lively reunion banquet.
After being full and warm, people became drowsy. Old Madam Cheng retired to the inner room to take a nap, and Xu Nianchun was also sent to bed by Cheng Min. After placing her daughter in the green gauze cabinet, Cheng Min closed the door gently and stepped out.
Several people were still staying in the main hall. Without elders or little children around, they sat relaxedly in small groups, chatting and laughing. Second Master Xu, Cheng Yuanhan, and Huo Changyuan sat together and talked about court affairs. Cheng Yumo was pulled aside by Ruan-shi, and the mother and daughter were now sitting on the heated kang next door, talking about recent trivial affairs.
Cheng Min went through all five rooms in the front main hall, but didn't find the person she looked for. Cheng Yumo saw Cheng Min went around in the circle, seemingly was looking for someone. She asked: "Aunt, are you looking for second biao brother?"
Cheng Min shook her head. She also sat down on the heated kang and said: "Not him. That child is already a big man; there is no need for me to worry about him. I am looking for Yujin. She only came back after we started eating. I went to the green gauze cabinet to prepare Nianchun's bedding and didn't pay attention for a moment, but she is already gone."
Cheng Yumo smiled slightly and said: "So Aunt is looking for eldest sister. Ninth Uncle has just come back. She must be with Ninth Uncle now."
"Oh, is that so?" Cheng Min hesitated, "Since when Jin jie'er became so close with the ninth child?"
The servant girl standing on the side answered: "Lady might not know about it yet. Since last year, Eldest Miss and Ninth Master have become very close to each other. When Old Master was still here, he ordered Eldest Miss to embroider Ninth Master's calligraphy to be sent to the palace for the Emperor's longevity present."
Cheng Min nodded, "I know about this."
"To embroider this present, Eldest Miss learned calligraphy from the Ninth Master for one or two months. After the embroidery was finished, Eldest Miss often went to Ninth Master's courtyard to borrow books or learn calligraphy. She must be there now."
Cheng Min was astounded. As a married daughter, she could only return to her natal family a few times a year, so she wasn't updated about the recent situation of Yichun Marquis Manor. In the past, Cheng Yujin had always stayed by Old Madam Cheng's side. This time, Cheng Min didn't see her around and became worried. Only now did she know that Cheng Yujin and Cheng Yuanjing had actually become so close.
Who knew what Cheng Yumo was thinking, but she suddenly raised her hand to cover her mouth with a handkerchief and chimed in, seemingly unintentional: "Not only that. We are gathering here today, but suddenly found that eldest sister wasn't here, and it was also Ninth Uncle who went out to look for her. Since Ninth Uncle came back, eldest sister rarely stays with us, and basically only follows Ninth Uncle around. They always go in and out together. Since I married, I rarely return home, and it has been a long time since I last talked with eldest sister. Maybe it is because Ninth Uncle is very knowledgeable, so eldest sister doesn't bother to pay attention to us."
Ruan-shi also nodded on the side: "Right. Even if other people were talking inside, they always sit separately outside. If people didn't know, they might be mistaken as a couple."
Cheng Min took a look at Cheng Yumo. The girl had her eyes drooping, and there was no change of expression on her white and delicate face. Cheng Min didn't expose her, and said with a smile: "When a child grows up, they will have their own opinion. Besides, eldest girl matured early and has always been sensible. Compared with her, Nianchun is still like a naughty monkey. Eldest girl already knows how to help eldest sister-in-law in managing the household. Even if she sat together with Nianchun and the others, they wouldn't have a common topic. As for us, the topics we are talking about are not suitable for an unmarried girl to listen to. If the ninth child wasn't there, I'm afraid that she wouldn't have anyone to talk with. Fortunately, the ninth child is back. The ninth child and eldest girl are similar in age, but he is much more experienced than her. Both are very smart people, and they must have many common topics. I am too old to keep up with young people, so just let them chat by themselves."
Cheng Yumo's expression was stiff. The corner of her mouth twitched, and she smiled unnaturally: "Aunt is correct. It seems that I didn't pay enough attention to eldest sister."
Cheng Min smiled cordially and said a few nice words to break the topic away. Cheng Yumo and Ruan-shi proceeded to talk about Huo family. Cheng Min deeply sighed in secret as she watched the previously innocent and weak second niece couldn't stop mentioning Huo family in her conversation.
The children had grown up, and Cheng Yumo, who had always hide timidly behind the adults, now had learned how to turn around and demean her sister behind her back. Cheng Min sighed in regret. She wasn't going to say that Cheng Yumo's action was wrong, but it was true that it made her feel uncomfortable.
The girls were a pair of twins sisters, one was adopted, and the other stayed with their birth mother Ruan-shi. For this and other reasons, when others mentioned the sisters, they always compared them together. In the first fifteen years of their lives, Cheng Yujin dominated everyone's attention with an absolute advantage. Cheng Min was no exception. She felt sorry for Cheng Yujin's life experience and couldn't help being biased towards her, not to mention that Cheng Yujin was indeed better than Cheng Yumo.
Cheng Min originally thought that the two sisters grew up to be an ideal pair. The elder sister was calm and dignified, while the younger sister was charming and lively. Unlike other family sisters, they were friendly with each other and never had a fight.
But facts gave Cheng Min a hard blow. The sisters she thought was supporting each other turned out to be just her fantasy. The fate of the two diverged at the age of fourteen, and the final result was totally out of everyone's expectations. Cheng Yumo married high. Instead, it was Cheng Yujin, who grew up under high hopes, who had her engagement canceled and couldn't find a good husband after a long time. Cheng Yumo had only been married to Huo family for four months, but she had already found a sense of superiority by secretly pointing fingers at her sister's back and snatching family members' attention.
It was common for children to compete among themselves in order to secure the family's resources and attention. Still, Cheng Min felt a bit uneasy seeing this thing happen in her natal family. It was still four months now. In the future, after Cheng Yumo gained a proper foothold in her husband's family and gave birth to the eldest son, would she do even more? In contrast, Cheng Yujin was already unable to secure a good marriage, and the gap between the two sisters would only get bigger and bigger.
Except for sighing, Cheng Min was helpless to do anything. She couldn't bear seeing Cheng Yujin like this, but remembering the brat in her own family, she was unable to say anything.
A few months ago, Xu Zhixian's state seemed to be wrong, and he looked to be out of spirit. As a mother, Cheng Min could roughly guess what was bothering her son. She initially thought that the marriage talk she had put down earlier suddenly found a fortunate turnaround. But not long after, Xu Zhixian came home in depression. Cheng Min tried to mention Cheng Yujin again, but her son just shook his head in silence.
Cheng Min could see that Xu Zhixian truly rejected this time, but no matter how she asked, he refused to tell the reason. Cheng Min failed to persuade her son and could only sigh deeply.
The children had truly grown up.
Cheng Min sighed inwardly, and suddenly heard Cheng Yumo calling her. Cheng Min returned to her sense. She turned to look at Cheng Yumo, who was wearing an expensive and beautiful dress, like any noble family young madams in the capital. The girl was smiling elegantly and gracefully: "Aunt, what are you thinking about? You seem to be engrossed. I have called you several times, but you didn't respond."
Seeing the look in Cheng Yumo's expression, the uneasiness in Cheng Min's heart became heavier. However, she was, after all, the second madam of a dignified duke manor. Cheng Min adjusted her expression in an instant and smiled like nothing was wrong: "I was thinking about your second biao brother, that naughty brat. I wonder what he is up to now. Mo'er, what did you just say?"
Cheng Yumo pursed her lips slightly, a delicate little dimple appeared on her cheek: "Mother and I were talking about the Lantern Festival. There is no curfew in the capital during those three days. Marquis has a rare holiday and said that he would take me to walk around the streets. But Jingyong Marquis Manor has a small population, and my mother-in-law feels it is too tired to walk around. It will be too boring with just two people, so I wonder if Aunt wants to go with us. There are many young masters and young misses in Chang Duke Manor. After marrying into Huo family, I realized how nice it was to have many family members around, and our Marquis also thought so. He seems to like Chang Duke Manor's liveliness. So, Aunt, how about our two families going together?"
Cheng Min was surprised at first, but soon overjoyed. Huo Changyuan was on the rise now, unlike their Chang Duke Manor, who was declining. In recent years, they had been relying on the imperial consort in the palace to barely keep an appearance. Xu family people also wanted to have a relationship with Huo Changyuan, but couldn't find the right timing. Cheng Yumo's invitation was an opportunity that they desperately needed.
Of course Cheng Min agreed. Cheng Yumo was her niece. When she returned home and brought back this news, her position in front of Old Madam Xu would also rise.
Cheng Min vaguely sensed that Cheng Yumo was deliberate. After all, Cheng Min had always preferred Cheng Yujin, who was smart and sensible. This kind of preference couldn't be concealed from the related parties. Now, Cheng Yumo was deliberately competing with Cheng Yujin, and wanted to show Cheng Min that she had chosen the wrong person all this time.
Cheng Min really hoped that she was overthinking, and that she had misunderstood Cheng Yumo by seeing a good man's intention using the villain's mind. However, facts were stronger than people. A woman's status followed her husband. Cheng Yumo was now rising with the tide, and this was an indisputable fact.
Cheng Min also had to bow her head to this second niece of hers. She looked at Ruan-shi and asked: "Of course we will be happy to watch the Lantern Festival with Huo family. However, second sister-in-law, you rarely see Mo'er. Are you not going with her?"
Ruan-shi sighed and said, "I originally wanted to do so, but mother said earlier that she had made a plan for the Lantern Festival, and told us not to accept others' invitation. After all, Mo'er is Jingyong Marquis Manor's person now. I cannot go against mother's will. So I have to ask Lady to take care of Mo'er later."
Cheng Min naturally agreed. Speaking of the Lantern Festival, this was a festival popular among women. Not only the married madam like Cheng Min, Cheng Yumo, and the others; all women in the capital, married or unmarried, commoners or nobles, all were looking forward to the Lantern Festival.
The festival lasted three days, and there was no curfew during this period. The Emperor and his subjects celebrated for the whole day. Everyone went to the streets to watch the lantern parade. The usual strict separation of gender was also loosened, and there were no curtains or partition separating men and women. Young people walked in small groups, regardless of gender, to meet on the streets and spend time together.
In other words, the Lantern Festival was truly a lover's day.
By the thirteenth, the servant girls in the manor began to become antsy, and at the fifteenth, they all changed into new, bright clothes. Everyone was very lively. In Cheng Yujin's courtyard, Du Ruo and Lian Qiao were very eager to dress their Miss to be on par with a celestial fairy. Today was a rare day without restrictions. Their Miss must surprise the crowd and capture the heart of the future male master. It would be best if a new marriage proposal came immediately after.
On the contrary, Cheng Yujin didn't have much enthusiasm. These days, she had been secretly worrying about the problem with Cai Duke Manor. After Cheng Yuanjing told her to leave the matter to him, there was no other news. Cheng Yujin was anxious, and she especially wanted to know what Cheng Yuanjing's so-called solution was.
Under the festive hustle and bustle, the sky slowly darkened. Yichun Marquis Manor's people took the evening meal early today, and after that, Qingfu Junzhu and Ruan-shi took female family members and servant girls to watch the lanterns on the streets.
Even so, the only female junior in Cheng family right now was Cheng Yujin. Thinking about spending time under the double watch of Qingfu Junzhu and Ruan-shi, Cheng Yujin totally lost interest and felt very gloomy.
But it was not only that. She had just stepped out from the carriage when she saw Qingfu Junzhu looked around and waved her hand towards another carriage. When Cheng Yujin saw the insignia on the carriage, her face instantly turned cold.
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It was Duke Cai Manor again. Needless to say, this must be Old Madam Cheng's arrangement.
Second Madam Zhai had actually seen Yichun Marquis Manor's carriage a long time ago, but she turned her face away and pretended not to see it. Now that Qingfu Junzhu directly waved her hand, Second Madam Zhai could no longer pretend, so she bit the bullet and stepped forward.
"Eldest Madam Cheng, Second Madam Cheng, what a coincidence to meet here. There are so many people here, and I didn't see you just now."
Regardless of what Qingfu Junzhu was thinking, she didn't rebut Second Madam Zhai's words and greeted the other party warmly. When Ruan-shi saw that it was Cai Duke Manor's madam, her eyes lit up, and she immediately stepped forward to greet Second Madam Zhai.
Only Cheng Yujin stood still, looking at the group of people in front of her with an indifferent gaze.
Second Madam Zhai smiled brightly, but she couldn't stop sighing inwardly. She casually raised her eyes and glanced towards Cheng Yujin. She had just seen the girl standing not far away, illuminated by the various lanterns nearby, and staring at them quietly.
Second Madam Zhai's heart suddenly missed a beat. She immediately remembered her mother-in-law's instruction before she went out today, and her heart turned heavier with worry.
When she learned that her mother-in-law had taken a fancy to the eldest miss of Yichun Marquis Manor and wanted the girl to become eldest brother-in-law's second wife, Second Madam Zhai was extremely unwilling. However, Cai Duke Manor was controlled by mother-in-law and eldest brother-in-law. What right did her, a mere second madam, have to oppose their decision? She could only put on a smile and listening to her mother-in-law and eldest brother-in-law's discussion.
It was just a second wife, but listening to their arrangements, the marriage was even grander than marrying the first wife! Second Madam Zhai was very upset. When she thought that she would have to hand over the household management right after the new Duchess Cai entered the family, she became even more distressed. Second Madam Zhai inquired about eldest miss Cheng in private. When other madams mentioned her, they all unanimously praised her. The consensus was that this eldest miss Cheng was brilliant, smart, capable, and virtuous.
The more Second Madam Zhai listened, the more upset she became.
Second Madam Zhai originally thought it would be bad enough to have a little girl standing above her head. Unexpectedly, this was not over yet.
One day, eldest brother-in-law suddenly came home with a gloomy face. Everyone in the manor instantly became alert. Old Madam Zhai tried to ask, but Zhai Yanlin just shook his head without saying a word. Zhai Yanlin was the pillar of Duke Cai Manor. When his expression was bad, other family members also became anxious.
Second Madam Zhai didn't know what happened afterward, only that Zhai Yanlin had a conversation with Old Madam Zhai. After mother-in-law came out, her expression was extremely complicated. Then, she instructed Second Madam Zhai to go and courteously take back the marriage proposal from the Cheng family, taking advantage of the cover under the Lantern Festival's crowd to do so.
It was not a problem to go out during the Lantern Festival. Cai Duke Manor had made an appointment with Cheng family beforehand. The matter of taking back the marriage proposal was also understandable, but what did it mean to do it courteously?
Second Madam Zhai was extremely bitter. Especially when Qingfu Junzhu enthusiastically pulled her aside, smiling and laughing with intimacy, her mouth was full of words about becoming a relative. Second Madam Zhai suddenly felt a headache.
Second Madam Zhai was dragged by Qingfu Junzhu to look at five or six lantern stalls. Qingfu Junzhu was full of excitement that her nominal daughter was about to climb high into Duke Cai Manor. In contrast, Second Madam Zhai was full of anxiety that she had no mood to admire the lanterns. Second Madam Zhai struggled for a while, and finally made up her mind. She said: "Eldest Madam Cheng, I have something to tell you."
Qingfu Junzhu smiled: "Why is Second Madam so polite? Just say it directly."
Second Madam Zhai sighed inwardly. She then glanced at Cheng Yujin, who was following behind. Although Second Madam Zhai didn't put it out, Qingfu Junzhu understood her meaning. Qingfu Junzhu cleared her throat and said to Cheng Yujin: "Eldest girl, I have something to talk with Second Madam Zhai. You go to the stall next door to watch the lanterns."
Cheng Yujin's eyes quietly swept over Qingfu Junzhu and Second Madam Zhai. Seeing that kind of gaze, Second Madam Zhai felt her breath stopped inexplicably. Fortunately, Cheng Yujin didn't say anything. She nodded obediently, then turned and left.
Only then did Second Madam Zhai let her breath go. She was in a great dilemma; no matter what she did, the result still wouldn't be good. Second Madam Zhai hardened her heart and began to tell Qingfu Junzhu her mother-in-law's instruction.
Meanwhile, Cheng Yujin was standing in front of a lantern stall just across the street. Although her eyes were looking at the lanterns, there was no joy in her expression.
The stall owner was frightened by Cheng Yujin's expression. He stepped forward, smiled, and said: "Miss, which lantern do you like? Do you want this humble one to take it off for you?"
Cheng Yujin wasn't in the mood to watch the lantern. She knew that the stall owner was hinting her not to stand there and block his business. She was going to step aside with Du Ruo and Lian Qiao when a voice suddenly came from the side: "Eldest Miss Cheng?"
Cheng Yujin stopped. She turned sideways and glanced around. The other party noticed that and quickly pushed himself out of the crowd: "It really is you. I thought I see it wrong."
Cheng Yujin was stunned for a long time. She couldn't tell whether this was fate's will or a man-made encounter.
"Bro-...Compiler Lin?"