Chu Wang Fei chapter 56 Niece and uncle joining hands together to get the dowry back

“What are all of you doing? Are you all dead? Still not quickly go and pull the second miss down?!”

Yun Xuan Zhi stepped inside and took one glance. Wang mama hold Yun Ruo Xue’s waist. Yun Ruo Xue was bent on bumping onto the wooden pillar, making Yun Xuan Zhi roar in anger.

Hearing Yuan Xuan Zi saying those words, the maids who originally didn’t dare to enter the chamber, immediately rushed forward. They pulled Yun Ruo Xue but didn’t dare to hurt her. A dozen people went to great lengths to pull down Yun Ruo Xue.

And Su Qing didn’t bother to look at it anymore. She went to sit on the couch. With resentment she looked at Yun Xuan Zhi who she hasn’t seen in a long time.

“Qing er, what’s this matter? You’ve always been reliable. Why didn’t you stop Xue er from doing things that are disgraceful? You’re her biological mother. You actually have the heart to watch your own daughter commit suicide?! What’s your heart made of?! Why is it so ruthless?! I misjudged you!”

• Er: term of endearment

Yun Xuan Zhi saw that Su Qing only bothered with sitting on the couch and resting. She didn’t even greet him. The anger in his heart rose. In front of everyone, while pointing at Su Qing, he scolded her.

When Su Qing heard Yuan Xuan Zhi’s accusations, the tears in her eyes slowly slid down. Her face didn’t show hurt or sadness. Finally, she raised her head and laughed out loud……

After half an incense stick, did she stand up. She walked towards Yun Xuan Zhi with tears in her eyes and a faint smile on her mouth. Clearly and plainly, she said: “Prime minister really misjudged this slave! And it was really a mistake for this slave to give you this slave’s true heart! Originally, this slave thought that prime minister’s heart still has this slave, but now this slave understands that anyone can replace this slave. Also, prime minister is able to forget this slave with anyone! Prime minister hasn’t come to see this mother and child for so long. Meeting this time, but prime minister is being so brusque as if this slave did things that had offended the heaven and earth! Tell me, did you hurt this slave deeply or are all of these only this slave’s faults?

Yun Xuan Zhi was at loss for words being asked like that by Su Qing. Remembering about these past days, while Su Qing is pregnant, he didn’t set a foot in Feng He yuan because he got several young and beautiful concubines.

And remembering again the face full of joy after hearing that Hua concubine was pregnant and wishing that he could move the entire prime minister’s warehouse to Fu Liu yuan, but towards Su Qing who is also pregnant, he didn’t even ask her about well-being!

Thinking about the hardship that Su Qing suffered while managing prime minister and that she followed him without bothering about a title, Yuan Xuan Zhi felt limitless shame. The eyes looking at Su Qing was filled with heartache. His whispered “Qing er”, but he didn’t know what to say.

Wang mama who stood at the side,  after seeing that Su Qing had caught Yun Xuan Zhi’s heart again, couldn’t help but applaud Su Qing’s strategy. She quietly led the maids away. She personally pulled away Yun Ruo Xue who still wanted to make trouble and left the chamber for Su Qing’s show.

At this moment, Su Qing looked extremely calm. She gestured at Yun Xuan Zhi and said: “This slave only wants to give prime minister a boy. I’m not in the mood and don’t have any intention for those who are fighting for favor and power. Prime minister doesn’t need to feel guilty. It would be better for you to go to Fu Liu yuan to accompany Hua concubine. After all, it is her first time being pregnant. She must feel somewhat uneasy.”

While talking, Su Qing turned around and didn’t look at Yun Xuan Zhi again. But the shoulders that are shaking a little, made Yun Xuan Zhi’s heart ache. He took a big step forward and forcefully took Su Qing in his embrace.

With his head on her shoulder, he whispered in her ear: “Qing er, don’t be mad! No matter how much favor she gains, she’ll not reach the place you have in my heart. In my eyes, your children are the best. You’re not allowed to eat sour vinegar for these kinds of things. I was wrong just now. I shouldn’t have scolded you without asking the reason. You’re not allowed to get mad and accidentally hurt the child.”

• Eat vinegar: get jealous

After the speech, Yun Xuan Zhi’s hand gently covered Su Qing’s belly. With all his heart, he wanted to feel the little life inside.

A hot tear which could enter people’s heart fell on his hand. Then the sound of Su Qing’s crying came. Yun Xuan Zhi couldn’t bear it anymore. Both hands held Su Qing’s shoulders, turned her around and fiercely hugged her……

And Su Qing who buried her face in Yun Xuan Zhi’s chest, finally couldn’t control her emotions anymore. A hand fiercely beat Yun Xuan Zhi’s back. Another hand fiercely held his waist. In his arms, she cried loudly.
Yun Xuan Zhi felt guilt, so he didn’t stop her from venting. He quietly held her and let her cry.

After half an incense stick, did Su Qing hide the tears in her eyes. But when she saw Yun Xuan Zhi’s pale blue tunic full of her own tears, she shyly blushed.

Yun Xuan Zhi saw her shy but lovely and charming expression, his heart skipped a beat. He picked her up and went towards the big bed. The two people showed tenderness for quite a while.

Wang mama who was guarding on the outside, saw that madam totally won, felt happy for Su Qing. Especially when the ears heard the sound of joy of a man and woman within the chamber, Wang mama’s smile was like blooming flowers. But Wang mama only cared for the movement in the chamber and completely forgot Yun Ruo Xue who was beside her.

Yun Ruo Xue, an unmarried girl hearing these sounds; her face has been flushed red. In her heart, she hated Su Qing more. She hated her for not looking at what time it is and that her head was only full of this kind of thing. The pair of hand resting on her knees clenched into fists. She only thought about how to complain later with Yun Xuan Zhi.

After a long time, did it quiet down in the chamber. It took another half hour before Yun Xuan Zhi walked out from Su Qing’s chamber.

Yun Ruo Xue saw her opportunity coming, immediately jumped up from the bench. She quickly rushed to Yun Xuan Zhi, but she has been scared by Su Qing’s fierce gaze….

“Ah, I forgot, why did Xue er wanted to commit suicide just now? Don’t you know that your mother is pregnant and need to take good care of her body? Next time, if you’re so reckless again, see how I’ll punish you!”

Yun Xuan Zhi saw Yun Ruo Xue’s expression which still didn’t know the severity of the situation. He immediately gave her a verbal teaching.

Yun Ruo Xue saw that after having some happy moments, his target became herself. In a blink her heart is full of grievances. With red eyes, she roared: “Now everyone’s heart and eyes don’t have me. I might as well die! I just want to participate in Lao Tai Jun’s birthday. Why are all of you……”

Yun Ruo Xue hasn’t finished yet when Su Qing covered her mouth.

Incidentally she pulled her backwards. She explained to Yun Xuan Zhi: “It’s no big deal! It’s just that this child didn’t buy any new jewelry to participate in the birthday, so she threw a little temper. After coaxing a little, it’ll be good. You better go see Hua concubine. Here, there’s me.”

Yun Xuan Zhi glared once at Yun Ruo Xue and then he nodded with affection to Su Qing. He said softly: “I’ll come see you at night again.”

After talking, he strode out of Feng He yuan.

Yun Ruo Xue saw that her only chance has been cut by her biological mother. That pair of eyes were full of hatred. But Su Qing only smiled faintly at her and uttered some words that Yun Ruo Xue couldn’t believe: “Since you want to participate in the birthday, your mother will comply with you.”

Yun Ruo Xue couldn’t believe what she had heard. She was shocked and her eyes looked full of suspicion at Su Qing. Her mother raised a hand and grabbed her chin. With a trace of pain did Yun Ruo Xue finally believe that all of this is true. Suddenly a huge joy entered her heart. Yun Ruo Xue hugged Su Qing with a big smile. She asked: “Mother, is this true? Do you really agree?”

Su Qing seeing her happy like that also laughed. One hand stroked the white gauze on her daughter’s head. She said: “Silly kid, of course it’s true. Would mother lie to you? Later, I’ll let people go inform Yun Qian Meng and old madam to let them come at night. In front of your dad and old madam, I’ll give back her mother’s things to her!”

Hearing that, Yun Ruo Xue nodded. The ferocious appearance of just now completely changed. Carefully, she led the tired Su Qing back in the chamber to rest.

—
At Qi Luo yuan, after hearing this news, Mi mama felt that there must be some things going on that they didn’t know about. Otherwise, with Su Qing’s past character, how would she easily return madam’s dowry back to miss.
Yun Qian Meng was only looking with interest at the scenery outside the window. On her mouth hung a touch of casual smile, making Mi mama and Mu Chun unable to guess what their miss was thinking at this moment. Or it could be that she has been turned into a state of confusion by Su Qing.
“Miss, Su concubine letting you go to Feng He yuan tonight must be some conspiracy. You better not go.”

In the end Mu Chun was young and wasn’t as unflustered as Mi mama. She thought Yun Qian Meng was smiling because she was angry and said those words with worry.

It’s just that after hearing Mu Chun, Yun Qian Meng smiled more brightly and dazzling. The eyes that were half-closed showed a little coldness like frost, making people afraid. But her whole body was exuding a gentle atmosphere, giving people an illusion.

“Why shouldn’t I go,” Yun Qian Meng softly asked.

Even Mu Chun and Mi mama knew that Su Qing didn’t have any good intention; naturally Yun Qian Meng knew her purpose.

Mu Chun and Mi mama were stunned for a moment. They didn’t understand how their miss could laugh so happily and asking them a rhetorical question. She obviously wanted to go to the appointment. But that Su Qing never liked to see their miss. Particularly, now that the miss has primi minister’s and old madam’s favor. Su Qing can only try any means to harm, so she wouldn’t really invite miss.

Seeing that Yun Qian Meng has a not very concerned expression, Mi mama also got anxious. She strode forward, bend her head and whispered in Yun Qian Meng’s ear: “Miss, this afternoon prime minister just came from Feng He yuan. The servant of prime minister’s said that prime minister stayed at Feng He yuan for nearly two hours. He went in very angry, but when he came out, his face was blooming. Miss, this explains the problem.

 

Presumably Su concubine gained favor again. Doesn’t this mean that she wants to give you a heavy blow with prime minister’s favor?! Before we were too softhearted and didn’t quickly dispose her!”

Speaking till there, Mi mama’s eyes were full of regret. Staying in this big residence for such a long time, she has been long accustomed to seeing the phenomenon of losing favor and then gaining favor again. But she reacted too late. Before, she didn’t expect that there wouldn’t be an opportunity to suppress Su Qing till she couldn’t stand up again. The result (of reacting too late) now was that it caused trouble for miss and may harm her body again (by too much thinking).

Yun Qian Meng saw that Mi mama is upset like that, a trace of warmth flashed in her cold eyes. She said warmly: “Mama, if we can really dispose of Su Qing then with Fu Guo Gong Fu’s power, they  surely would have investigated mother’s death that year. Since she can deceive the heaven and earth, then naturally she’ll have her means and schemes. We mustn’t look down on her just because her status is that of a concubine.”

That year, Su Qing killed her little brother but left herself was not because she was compassionate or lenient. This matter told herself that Su Qing was someone with intelligence.

By killing Yun Xuan Zhi’s son, she got rid of the most important enemy. Otherwise, if this child grows up, he would’ve certainly been suspicious of his biological mother’s death. By that time, between a concubine and the heir, Yun Xuan Zhi certainly would choose his successor. Then this child will certainly take revenge for his mother. Su Qing naturally would’ve have a good ending.

Therefore, she bribed a midwife and got rid of that child without anyone finding out. That was Su Qing’s first step in her plan and letting her stay alive was just to block Fu Guo Gong Fu. After all, if Qu Ruo Li died after leaving a daughter, as long as the midwife announces that Qu Ruo Li died from giving birth, even Fu Guo Gong Fu could do nothing. And she was just a girl after all. In the future, she’ll be married off; poured out water. The threat to Su Qing was not as big as a son’s. So, letting herself live on, was the second step in Su Qing’s plan. Also, this little girl already suffered in the womb. Naturally, it would be difficult to keep her alive. In the future, if she accidentally died, it would only be blamed that the child was unfortunate. Being reincarnated into a rich family but didn’t have the life to survive.

Then the blame would only fall on herself. Therefore, Su Qing was considerate on the surface, but in secret wished for the death of the previous Yun Qian Meng. She had to admit that even water couldn’t even leak through this step by step calculation of Su Qing. However, everything was for nothing. She forgot that Yun Qian Meng had an aunt who is empress dowager. Fortunately, there was the empress dowager’s protection that Yun Qian Meng could become an adult in this difficult prime minister’s residence. Although, she didn’t want to admit it and regardless for what purpose the empress dowager put Shui er and Bing er at her side, Yun Qian Meng could stay alive till this day was really because of the empress dowager’s protection.

If she didn’t guess wrong, at the same time that Su Qing sent people to invite her, she (SQ) also sent people to invite the old madam. Presumably, this time Su Qing got drastic and made a bold gamble. Su Qing wanted to give her Qu Ruo Li’s dowry back in front of Yun Xuan Zhi and old madam.

At the same time, Su Qing wanted to state that she was just keeping it custody. If she accepted Su Qing’s kindness, it would bury the suspicion that Yun Xian Zhi and old madam have towards Su Qing and at the same time create hostility for her (YQM).

If she refused, then presumably this dowry would forever become Su Qing’s private wealth. She had to admit that Su Qing really was very smart. But, she was not clever to the point where she (YQM) couldn’t use any strategy against.

The mouth slightly curved up, making a smile that’s colder than ice. Yun Qian Meng looked out the window at the gradually falling sunset. She was actually looking forward to the night that the sunset would bring.

—
Night soon fell. The dark night is dotted with countless of stars. So, dazzling yet so cold.

After Mi mama and Mu Chu served and waited for Yun Qian Meng to finish dinner, they help her put on her outer skirt. Afraid of the night wind and frost, they specially added a single cloak. Then, they walked out of Qi Luo yuan to Feng He yuan.

And at this time in Feng He yuan, Su Qing was gently accompanying Yun Xuan Zhi finishing off dessert. Then the two people went back in the inner chamber and talked to each other about what happened in these past few days.

Yun Ruo Xue was already waiting. Her eyes frequently looked out of the window, wishing for Yun Qian Meng to arrive more quickly.

When Yun Qian Meng and her people arrived at the yard, they unexpectedly encountered old madam and her entourage. They immediately approached and paid their respects. But at this time, old madam’s expression wasn’t very good. Just when she saw Yun Qian Meng did she give a very faint smile. However, it was of no wonder. The affair of Yun Xuan Zhi staying in the afternoon at Feng He yuan must have spread to every corner of prime ministe’s residence. Old madam naturally also got to know about this matter. Not to mention that after Yun Xuan Zhi left, Su Qing sent a notice to old madam to let her come to Feng He yuan after dinner. Where should old madam put her face? A little concubine, just getting a little favored, forgot who she (SQ) is and is beginning to command the grandmother of this house. It would really be strange if old madam didn’t get angry.

Yun Qian Meng took all of this into her eyes, but didn’t mention it. Even more, she didn’t say anything bad about Su Qing in front of old madam, but she is rather passionately holding old madam’s hand and asking concerned what for dishes old madam used for dinner. If the dishes wasn’t to her taste, she must definitely tell the kitchen.

Old madam saw that in front of this granddaughter, she still had face. The cold aura on her face lessened a bit more. Her hand lightly patted Yun Qian Meng’s hand and said smilingly: “Little girl, don’t worry. All is well with grandmother. Liu concubine is also a caring person. She thought about all the necessities of life even more than the people around me. Coupled with little girl’s concern for grandmother, I’m already really comfortable.”

The meaning of the words was really evident. Bai Shun Tang was very comfortable, but outside Bai Shun Tang it was not to old madam’s wishes.
Yun Qian Meng smiled, but didn’t say a word. She pretended to not hear the meaning between those words. She only single-minded walked with old madam to Feng He yuan.

At this time, the maids of Feng HE yuan already ran into the inner chamber to inform Su Qing. When Yun Qian Meng and old madam walked into the inner chamber, the people inside, already stood up and greeted old madam.
Yun Qian Meng let her gaze swept over the expression of the people inside the chamber. She saw that Yun Xuan Zhi’s face was full of happiness, Su Qing looked really charming, Yun Ruo Xue’s eyes are full of joy. Just in half a day, Su Qing appeased both Yun Xuan Zhi and Yun Ruo Xue!

At this time, Su Qing was also looking at Yun Qian Meng. Seeing that Yun Qian Meng looked indifferent and calm, hate flashed through Su Qing’s smiling eyes, which was then covered with a thicker smile and she attended the old madam to her seat.

Old madam was also blunt. With a cold face, she sat on the seat where Yun Xuan Zhi sat just now. The maids poured new tea. After everyone drank a mouthful did the old madam glance at Yun Xuan Zhi and said: “Su concubine is more and more precious now and able order this old woman!”

After those words, Yun Xuan Zhi’s expression didn’t change and still looked at Su Qing with eyes full of affection. Su Qing with a terrified expression walked to the front of old madam and explained: “Old madam, don’t get angry! Because there is important matter that this slave didn’t have a choice but to send people to invite old madam.”

While she was spoke, Su Qing wanted to kneel but Yun Xuan Zhi got up fast and held her. Then he turned to old madam and said: “Mother, Su concubine is pregnant. Don’t tormenr her so. After all, son is already a middle-aged man. It’s not easy. Hope that mother will understand.”

Those words of old madam just now were just to probe out Yun Xuan Zhi’s attitude. Now that she knew that he was a shield for Su Qing, old madam also knew with which tone, she should speak. She nodded with a slightly cold face and let people bring a chair for Su Qing. Only after that did she speak again: “In the end, what is that matter about that you even had to call Meng er over?! At this moment you’re pregnant and Meng er is a girl. If she saw something, she shouldn’t have seen, wouldn’t people say that the rules of prime minister are lax?”

Facing with such degree of provocation, naturally Su Qing wouldn’t put it to mind. At this moment, she lovingly exchanged a glance with Yun Xuan Zhi. After that did she answer old madam: “This slave wasn’t thoughtful enough, hope that old madam will forgive this slave. However, today’s matter is related to eldest miss. That’s why this slave took the liberty to invite eldest miss over.”

Hearing that, Yun Qian Meng’s eyebrow raised a little. Suspicion entered the eyes. She looked puzzled at Su Qing: “Relate to me? What is this matter about?!”

Su Qing saw that Yun Qian Meng was putting on an act. In her heart she said that later Yun Qian Meng would show her true colors. So, she didn’t hurry to expose Yun Qian Meng. She said with a smile: “Eldest miss, don’t need to be nervous. Naturally, this is good matter.”

When the people heard Su Qing saying those words, their eyes exposed doubts. Especially old madam. The eyes looking at Yun Qian Meng had blame in them as if Yun Qian Meng was also concealing something from her.

Seeing that, Yun Qian Meng knew that her analysis this afternoon of Su Qing was correct. Seeing old madam’s attitude, Su Qing must’ve calculated everyone’s character when planning all of this. Following old madam’s suspicious personality, she put this topic in the front and didn’t uncover it, letting the misunderstanding that old madam has against her (YQM) grew bigger and bigger and Su Qing became the one watching the show from all sidelines.

Yun Qian Meng didn’t dodge the bullet. She smiled generously at old madam and slowly said: “The best matter Su concubine giving birth to a boy for father. In face of such a matter, any good matter will become insignificant!”

Old madam saw that Yun Qian Meng’s eyes are full of honesty and she heard the meaning of the words. She knew that Su Qing deliberately said that to alienate their feelings. She glared at Su Qing with eyes full of anger.

Su Qing also really didn’t think that Yun Qian Meng was this tough. She obviously pointed the spearhead at her (YQM). The old madam’s eyes just now also explained that it worked, but in a blink of an eye, Yun Qian Meng turned it around. She, herself again became the thorn in old madam’s eyes. Thinking about that, Su Qing became more careful in dealing with Yun Qian Meng.

At that side, Yun Ruo Xue was already anxious. Occasionally, she pulled the clothes on Su Qing’s back as to remind her to not waste time on riddles.

When Su Qing saw that Yun Ruo Xue was so impetuous, her anger flared up. And another thought emerged, Yun Qian Meng was so eloquent. It was better to get to the point now, otherwise Yun Qian Meng will be able to shift the topic and all would be for nothing.

Therefore, Su Qing no longer talked in circles and directly cut the chase. With solemn eyes, she looked at Yun Qian Meng. Her eyes were looming with tears. Her voice was choking: “Eldest Miss, this slave asked you to come today because the matter of the dowry that madam left!”

Upon hearing those words, Yun Xuan Zhi’s eyes turned more serious and old madam was looking forward to it. The body that is originally sitting on a soft pillow, involuntarily sat up and she was waiting for what Su Qing has to say next.

Yun Qian Meng saw the two people’s expressions. From that glance she could conclude that Yun Xuan Zhi knew that Su Qing made Qu Ruo Li’s dowry her own and old madam’s eyes were full of greed. Her thoughts must’ve gone to the dowry.

Yun Qian Meng put together her thoughts and calmly said: “Dowry? I don’t know about such a thing. Could it be that mother’s dowry have been hidden by Su concubine?”

While saying that, Yun Qian Meng opened her eyes and stared puzzled at Su Qing.

Su Qing got so angry because of Yun Qian Meng that she almost vomited blood.

What “hidden”? What “don’t know”? If Yun Qian Meng really didn’t know, would she use tricks to force herself (SQ) to surrender the dowry?

Moreover, the consequences of that word “hidden” could be guessed. Old madam would surely not let her(SQ) off the hook easily. Even if she gave the entire dowry back to Yun Qian Meng, old madam would suspect that she was still hiding some other treasure. Su Qing reminded herself again and again to be careful of Yun Qian Meng. While in battle, this little slut’s mouth could always speak some words that could put other people to death. It really made Su Qing furious.

But since the words have been uttered from her own mouth in front of Yun Xuan Zhi and old madam, Su Qing couldn’t take them back. She could only say smilingly: “Eldest miss has got it wrong! This slave isn’t qualified to hid madam’s dowry. It was just that these few years, this slave watched over it instead of madam. Seeing that miss was still young, so I took care of it for miss. Since miss already got the hairpin ceremony now, of course, all of these should be given back to you.”

Su Qing words just landed when old madam already got anxious. What was “give back to Yun Qian Meng’? This dowry has been brought to the prime minister’s residence by Qu Ruo Li. Now that Qu Ruo Li wasn’t here anymore, this wealth of course should be attributed to the prime minister.

What had it to do with Yun Qian Meng? Don’t tell her that she should marry off with this dowry? Is this Su Qing confused because of being pregnant?

Normally, she was smart and tough. Today it was like she burnt her mind and actually said those untimely words! Just thinking about handing such a large dowry to others, old madam felt like someone was cutting her heart with a dagger. Really painful. She hastily wanted to open her mouth to stop it.

“Old madam, prime minister, eldest miss, Fu Guo Gong Fu’s marchioness has come!”

At this time, a maid’s voice came from the door and blocked old madam’s words.

“Aunt has come! Father, can you invite aunt inside? Meng er hasn’t seen aunt in a long time,” Yun Qian Meng saw that old madam still wanted to say something, so, she carefully requested Yun Xuan Zhi.

Yun Xuan Zhi looked once at Su Qing who was shaking her head lightly at the thought of Fu Guo Gong Fu’s support. Carefully thinking once gain again, did he nod and commanded: “Let marchioness come in!”

Then he stood up and bowed to old madam: “Mother, it’s inconvenient here for son. Son will leave first!”

Old madam also knew the importance of reputation. So, she nodded to Yun Xuan Zhi and let him go.

Seeing that Yun Xuan Zhi has left, old madam wanted to open her mouth again but the moment Yun Xuan Zhi set a foot outside, Ji Shu Yu put a foot inside and entered the chamber, making old madam put aside the matter and gather some spirit to meet Ji Shu Yu.

“Zhixi have seen old madam!”

• Zhixi: nephew daughter-in-law

The moment Ji Shu Yu entered the chamber, she looked once deeply at Yun Qian Meng and then she greeted old madam warmly.

Old madam actually lowered her status because someone with the status of a marchioness was facing her. With her face full of smiles, she took Ji Shu Yu to sit beside her. The two people began talking eagerly.

Yun Qian Meng saw that Ji Shu Yu has come, she couldn’t help but sigh from relief in her heart. The smile on her face relaxed a little.

At this time Su Qing’s eyes no longer have the pride from just now. A deep anger is hidden under the eyes. She wished she could make a hole in Ji Shu Yu who suddenly appeared.

“Old madam, have you been well these few years? The moment since our Lao Tai Jun knew that you’ve come back to prime minister with Meng er, she has been looking forward to meeting you. It’s just that in a few days is Lao Tai Jun’s birthday. But she is impatient and afraid that you’re not used to Jindu’s water and soil after leaving for so many years. So, she let me to come bring some bird nest and ginseng to you after dinner. And also let me bring two blood corals. It’s said that’s good for old people. She also let me move the warm partition of her room over. This is a tribute. There’s only ten of it. Empress Dowager’s heart has Lao Tai Jun and gave two to the marquise.”

Because of Ji Shu Yu’s noble identity, Su Qing didn’t dare to be rash. The entire inner chamber only heard the voice of Ji Shu Yu.

Seeing that she explained why she had come the moment she entered and she came with rare gifts, it instantly blocked old madam’s mouth and let her mind wander far away from the dowry. The moment her words left, several maids from the marquis carried the things for old madam to take a look. The supplements are of good quality and was all good proportioned.

After the old madam looked at all of that, she saw two girls carrying a miniature tree of the height of half a human. Ji Shu Yu personally approached it and lifted the red satin that was covering it. It was very bright in it. The coral shone under the candlelight, making old madam and Su Qing stunned.

Ji Shu Yu saw that the objective had achieved let the maid cover it back with the red silk cloth. She sat down beside old madam again and said smilingly: “Is old madam satisfied? Lao Tai Jun is an upright person. To those she loves, she could dig her heart and lungs for them. To those she doesn’t like, she would skin their skins and give them cramps. But, Lao Tai Jun is the most compatible with old madam, so she let zhixi sent this over by night. Old madam, please don’t dislike them!”

How would old madam dislike them?!

Ji Shu Yu said it so clearly and plainly. Lao Tai Jun was thinking highly of her (old madam). That’s why she brought such good things to prime minister’s residence. Not to mention that this coral was a rare treasure. Others would feel deeply honored for having even only glanced at it. And, she got two herself for no reason. It would make all the old madams in Jingdu jealous.

Old madam eyes shone brightly. The pupils couldn’t be seen any more in the laughing eyes. She held Ji Shu Yu hands and happily said: “This is Lao Tai Jun’s mind. Originally, I felt that they are too precious and afraid to accept them, but madam said the words so clearly, this old body can only accept it with a thick face! This old body will certainly go to Lao Tai Jun’s birthday and let her have a good time. I need to also ask marchioness to take the trouble and convey my words to Lao Tai Jun.”

After seeing that old madam has accepted the gifts, Ji Shu Yu glanced at the chamber once. She saw Yun Qian Meng standing silently at a side and beckoned her to come. She held Yun Qian Meng’s hand and looked at her from head to toe. After that did the hanging heart finally came down. She said smilingly: “Old madam, don’t laugh at zhixi. Zhixi took this job from Lao Tai Jun actually also has a selfish motive. After all, there isn’t a biological mother at Meng er’s side. I, as an aunt feel heartache, so I took this opportunity to come over.”

Old madam listened smilingly to Ji Shu Yu. Naturally, she also needed to show concern as a grandmother for her granddaughter. Immediately, she praised Yun Qian Meng in front of Ji Shu Yu: “Madam, Meng er, this child is really considerate and well behaved. After this old body came these past few days, everyday Meng er will come pay respect at twilight and is also caring towards a sister who just arrived. Don’t need to say madam, I, this grandmother’s heart is also aching for her!”

Ji Shu Yu hearing old madam mention sister that just arrived, her eyes flashed a strange light. At the same time, she looked a Yun Qian Meng with a worried look. Just that when she saw Yun Qian Meng gave her a reassuring look, did she not continue to ask. But she pretended to be surprised and asked old madam: “Old madam, zhixi will say some words that zhixi shouldn’t say. This is a concubine’s place. Why is our Meng er, who is a legitimate daughter, here? Besides, it’s night right now. If this get out, I’m afraid that it’ll ruin Meng er’s reputation.”

Ji Shu Yu spoke softly but the tone was a little rough. Plus, her status was high, giving people the feeling of being oppressed.

Old madam didn’t think that Ji Shu Yu would ask this. She felt that her old face didn’t have any light anymore. In her heart, she couldn’t help but start complaining at Yun Xuan Zhi and Su Qing.

At this time, Yun Qian Meng is aware of her grandmother’s distress. Very considerate, she explained for her grandmother: “Aunt may not know. Originally, grandmother also didn’t know and has been invited here by Su concubine.”

Hearing that, Ji Shu Yu’s face slightly deepened. A dagger-like gaze shot towards Su Qing. A cold tone said: “I actually didn’t know that a concubine’s arrogance is so great. She actually can invite old madam and eldest miss. Tomorrow, I’ll go into the palace and ask the empress dowager if concubines are now so big.”

After Su Qing has been prodded by Ji Shu Yu, her expression suddenly turned ugly. She immediately knelt in front of old madam and said while pleading mercy: “Old madam, this slave didn’t have such meaning. Old madam, please look into it.”

Old madam also didn’t want to let this matter get big in front of Ji Shu Yu. Otherwise, if it gets to His Majesty, the one who would get bad luck was Yun Xuan Zhi. So, she took her smiling face and said good words to Ji Shu Yu: “Madam, don’t get angry. This old body will certainly take care of these slaves and will never let Meng er feel wronged!”

When Yun Qian Meng heard the love that old madam has for her, her eyes immediately reddened. She grabbed Ji Shu Yu hand and said: “Aunt, Meng er hasn’t been wronged. Aunt, don’t get angry to prevent the body from getting ill. Meng er will feel heartache then.”

Ji Shu Yu’s hand has been grabbed by Yun Qian Meng and seeing her (YQM) pitiful state, she sighed heavily. Then did she relent: “Aunt knows. But in the end what is the matter that made you come here in the middle of the night?”

Hearing Ji Shu Yu ask, Su Qing’s heart was in her throat. But because of her lowly status, she wasn’t eligible to speak. She could only restrain her hands and looking forward that old madam would be able to stop it.

But old madam has been scared by Ji Shu Yu just now. She didn’t dare to stop Yun Qian Meng from answering. She can only look distressed at Yun Qian Meng for her to speak.

Yun Qian Meng and Ji Shu Yu took the two people’s expressions into their eyes. Both’s eyes glowed a little happy. Then, the sound of Yun Qian Meng’s voice could be heard: “Aunt, just now Su concubine was talking about mother’s dowry! Presumably it’s to give back mother’s dowry to Meng er. That’s why she sent people to invite grandmother and Meng er over.”

After Ji Shu Yu heard the reason, her expression got slightly better, but she still had doubts: “So you are saying that our miss dowry is in the hands of Su concubine? What power does Su concubine have to dominate the dowry of the official wife for so many years?”

Upon hearing Ji Shu Yu questioning, Su Qing’s heart skipped a beat. She argued in a small voice: “Madam has misunderstood. This is entrusted to this slave by our madam before she died. She let this slave hand it over to miss after miss get the hairpin ceremony. What this slave did today is just trying to give everything back to miss.”

But Su Qing’s explanation hasn’t been accepted by Ji Shu Yu. She humphed coldly and coldly said: “Entrusted before she died? Who are you that our miss will give you something so important? Do you think that our Fu Guo Gong Fu is dead? Or is she afraid that her own family will swallow her own miss’s things?”

After such remark, even old madam felt that this matter was important. She broke of the idea of wanting to get the dowry for herself. At this time, old madam didn’t have the hope that Ji Shu Yu would be merciful. She let her gaze go to Yun Qian Meng and hope that she (YQM) would say some good words.

Yun Qian Meng knew. She carefully shook Ji Shu Yu’s hand and cautious said: “Aunt, Su concubine is father’s concubine after all. We should only bother with mother’s dowry. Don’t get angry over unimportant matter. Meng er will feel heartache.”

Ji Shu Yu has been turned soft by her words. The chill on her face softened. She raised her hand and patted Yun Qian Meng’s forehead and helplessly said: “You, ah!”

Then, she turned her head and said sternly to old madam: “Old madam, this is originally a matter of the prime minister. I shouldn’t interfere as an outsider, but our Meng er doesn’t have a biological mother since birth. If I don’t see her as a biological daughter, then nobody will care for her. I’ve come today and encountered this matter. I have to interfere. As for the concubines who caused trouble will be left for prime minister to take care off. What does old madam think?”

Old madam saw that Ji Shu Yu already had come to this and seeing her mentioning the dowry, she immediately nodded and replied hastily: “Madam’s remark isn’t right. We are relatives. Madam helping Meng er managing the dowry is the right thing.”

Hearing that, Ji Shu Yu nodded slightly. Her gaze turned to Su Qing and she coldly said: “Su concubine, you should hand the dowry now. I’ll let this old mama follow you. Piece by piece she would write down and bring it back to Fu Guo Gong Fu to compare to what had been written previously. If nothing is missing, this matter will be over. But if one is missing, everyone better be prepared to face the consequences.”

Su Qing has been kneeling on the ground all this time. She was already full of anger. Hearing Ji Shu Yu forcing now, a new anger entered her heart. ‘Pu chi’ sound can be heard. Blood immediately flowed from her mouth and Su Qing fainted in a blink of an eye.

“Come (people), carry Su concubine to another room!”

Old madam only felt that in this lifetime, she hasn’t been in shame like this in front of the relatives. Immediately, she pointed at several mamas to carry Su Qing away. Ji Shu Yu called Wang mama to let her point out the place where the dowry was hidden. She herself was following Wang mama step by step. Seeing Wang mama open a wall in the inner chamber, she commanded the maids from Fu Guo Gong Fu to bring out the things and register them.

Looking at all the dowry that has filled Feng He Yuan and still has many left to bring out, old madam felt pain in her heart. But because of Ji Shu Yu’s presence, she could only curse Su Qing at one side and at the other side she could only say that these things should’ve long gone back to their owner.
Hearing the words of old madam that didn’t match her thoughts, Ji Shu Yu and Yun Qian laughed secretly!