Chapter 54: If you don’t want anyone to know, don’t do it at all.

Chapter 54: If you don't want anyone to know, don't do it at all.

In conversations between clever people, there's no need to be too explicit. When Tang Shuyi asked for Wu Guoliang to take better care of Xiao Yu Chen, she was implying that he couldn't evade his duties when the Yongning Marquis' estate needed him. Elder Madam Zhang couldn't make such a promise on behalf of Wu Guoliang, so she could only say she would convey the message.

After all was said and done, they exchanged some pleasantries, and Elder Madam Zhang took her leave. Tang Shuyi didn’t insist on her staying; she had matters to discuss with Wu Guoliang. However, she personally escorted Elder Madam Zhang to the main gate, a significant show of respect.

Once Elder Madam Zhang was in her carriage, and far from the Yongning Marquis' estate, she said to her old maid, "The Lady of the Yongning Marquis is quite different from before. She doesn't suffer any losses, yet no one can find fault with her methods."

The old maid, recalling the radiant and spirited appearance of the Lady of the Yongning Marquis, remarked, "It seems she has moved on from the grief of the Marquis' passing."

"Not just that," Elder Madam Zhang sighed deeply, "Her actions are more methodical than before. It's the strength of a mother; with the Marquis gone and her three children not being easy to handle, she had to stand firm."

The old maid agreed, "Indeed."

Elder Madam Zhang leaned against the carriage wall, resting with her eyes closed. After a while, she added, "It seems the Duke of Tang has also spent much effort on this daughter."

She felt that Tang Shuyi's handling of matters was guided by the Duke of Tang himself.

When the carriage reached the Zhang residence, Elder Madam Zhang saw Wu Guoliang waiting at the entrance. She huffed heavily and strode into the estate, with Wu Guoliang following with an apologetic smile. Upon reaching Elder Madam Zhang's Shou'an Hall, Wu Guoliang eagerly inquired about the outcome of the visit.

Elder Madam Zhang didn't trouble him further and recounted her conversation with Tang Shuyi, ending with, "The Lady of the Yongning Marquis said that you should take better care of Xiao Yu Chen in the future. How you respond is up to you."

Wu Guoliang, a clever man, understood Tang Shuyi's implications. Yet, he was somewhat in a dilemma, unsure of how to respond. If it had been Xiao Huai of the past, he would have agreed without hesitation. Xiao Huai, though never at a loss, was always open and aboveboard.

However, the current style of the Yongning Marquis' estate was somewhat more cunning. For instance, when the Liang family trespassed into the Mei Hua Lane residence, the Yongning Marquis' estate used the pretext that the rocks in the artificial mountain were consecrated by a high monk to extort thirty thousand taels.

This time, although the Feng mother and daughter had plotted against Xiao Yu Chen at Chongguang Temple, Xiao Yu Chen had not fallen for it. Instead, it was their family who was in a state of disarray. Yet the Yongning Marquis' estate felt aggrieved, implying compensation in every word. Today, the compensation was sent over, and the Lady of the Yongning Marquis accepted it very calmly, without a word of courtesy.

With such a modus operandi, Wu Guoliang feared that in the future, the Yongning Marquis' estate might make demands too difficult for him to fulfill. But with the leverage in their hands, could he refuse?

"What about the marriage between Jingyun and the heir of the Marquis of Yongning?" Wu Guoliang still harbored some hope; though the Marquisate of Yongning's methods were not... very straightforward lately, such tactics, if used against others, were indeed satisfying. He was reluctant to let such an advantageous marriage alliance fall through.

"We will call off the engagement tomorrow," sighed Madame Zhang heavily. "Jingyun and Xiao Yuchen were fated to meet but not destined to be together. Let it be. When we call off the engagement, we should return the betrothal gifts previously given by their estate."

"This…" Wu Guoliang hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yes... it is right to return the betrothal gifts to them."

He now dared not take any advantage of the Marquisate of Yongning.

After conversing for a while longer, Wu Guoliang left as he had to prepare for the annulment of the engagement. After his departure, Madame Zhang spoke towards the folding screen, "Come out now."

Wu Jingyun emerged from behind the screen; she had been eavesdropping on the conversation between Madame Zhang and Wu Guoliang. She approached Madame Zhang and curtsied, saying, "Jingyun has caused Grandmother undue concern."

Madame Zhang sighed, pulled her to sit beside her, and said, "I need to ask you something, and you must tell me the truth."

Wu Jingyun tensed up at her seriousness but nodded nonetheless. Looking straight into her eyes with a stern voice, Madame Zhang asked, "Was it you who informed the Liang family about Xiao Yuchen hiding Liu Biqin?"

Wu Jingyun gasped in shock; she hadn't expected Madame Zhang to ask about this. She had thought her actions had been flawless.

Seeing her reaction, Madame Zhang understood everything and said with a disappointed tone, "How could you be so reckless in your actions?"

"Grandmother," Wu Jingyun clutched Madame Zhang's sleeve anxiously, "How did you find out?"

Madame Zhang snorted, "How did I find out? The lady of the Marquis told me today."

Wu Jingyun was even more astonished, "How could that be? How would the Marquis's wife know?"

"There is nothing secret if oneself doesn’t keep it," Madame Zhang said irritably. "The lady of the Marquis did not say how she found out, but it’s obvious if you think about it. When the Marquis was alive, it was quite normal for someone of his stature to have informants in the capital."

"So, it was because of informants," Wu Jingyun muttered under her breath. She had always suspected that the Marquis's wife might also be someone reborn, and even after testing her, the doubts hadn't completely vanished. Now it seemed she had indeed been overthinking.

This was also why Tang Shuyi had told Madame Zhang today that it was Wu Jingyun who had sent the letter to the Liang family, to dispel any doubts about herself.

"It's fortunate that Xiao Yuchen didn’t actually harbor the traitor's daughter," said Madame Zhang.

"Grandmother..."

Wu Jingyun wanted to say that Xiao Yuchen had indeed hidden Liu Biqin in Meihua Alley, but Madame Zhang cut her off sternly, "Regardless of the truth, Xiao Yuchen did not harbor the traitor's daughter."

Wu Jingyun lowered her head in silence. Madame Zhang continued harshly, "In the capital, many families suspect that Xiao Yuchen truly hid the Liu family girl, and even the Emperor probably wishes it were true, but there is no evidence, is there?"

"Without evidence, acting rashly is a folly, as the Liang family serves as a stark example. With the Empress backing them, their transgression was overlooked. Otherwise, with the vengeful nature of the Yongning Marquis Mansion, the Liang family would have surely suffered severe consequences."

Dowager Zhang wanted to add that if it weren’t for the Empress, if the Emperor hadn’t been seeking a pretext to deal with the Yongning Marquis Mansion, even the Duke of Tang would have made the Liang family suffer.

"The Yongning Marquis Mansion didn't hold you accountable, probably because they wanted to put that matter behind them quickly," Dowager Zhang continued. "Tomorrow, your engagement with Xiao Yuchen will be dissolved, and from then on, you will have no further ties with him. Let bygones be bygones, and do not bear any more grudges against the Yongning Marquis Mansion."

Wu Jingyun nodded, but inwardly she felt a deep sense of injustice. Why should Xiao Yuchen enjoy a good life in both his past and present lives?

………

After returning to his residence, Wu Guoliang went straight to Feng Shi’s courtyard and instructed her to tally the betrothal gifts previously sent by the Yongning Marquis Mansion for Wu Jingyun. Feng Shi was visibly displeased with the task, but Wu Guoliang, unwilling to argue further, asserted firmly, “Just do as you are told.”

Having made a mistake, Feng Shi didn’t dare to object and meekly agreed. Then she asked, "My lord, what about our Jing Shu? How will she marry in the future?"

Wu Guoliang, filled with anger at the mention of Wu Jing Shu but still considering she was his daughter and couldn’t remain unmarried forever, pondered and then said, "In the imperial examinations two years from now, find a scholar from a humble family."

Madam Wu was somewhat dissatisfied, "Life is hard for those of humble origins, how could our Jing Shu endure such hardships?"

"Then what do you suggest?" Wu Guoliang retorted angrily. "Do you still expect her to marry into a prominent family?"

"It's... not impossible," Madam Wu whispered to Wu Guoliang. "The proof of virginity from the wedding night could be fabricated."

Wu Guoliang looked at her as if she were a fool, "Do you think you're the only clever one in the entire Daqian Dynasty, and everyone else is a fool? In the capital, which young master of a prominent family doesn’t have a host of attendants, with countless eyes watching? How would you falsify it?"

Madam Wu, clutching her handkerchief, wept, "Our Jing Shu was framed! Why should the one who harmed her live well, while my Jing Shu has to suffer for the rest of her life?"

Wu Guoliang didn’t want to hear this. Regardless of whether Wu Jing Shu was harmed by Wu Jingyun or not, he had no desire to delve deeper. The matter was resolved, and there was no need to stir up more trouble. He said, “I think you're not suitable to manage the household anymore. Hand over the domestic affairs to Jingyun.”

"My lord!" Madam Wu clutched Wu Guoliang's sleeve in despair, "You’re trampling my dignity into the ground!"

"You’ve brought disgrace upon yourself," Wu Guoliang grew increasingly disgusted with her. Desperate to salvage the situation, she wept, "Jingyun is just a teenager, how can she manage a household?"

"Let Auntie Hu assist her," Wu Guoliang said, leaving her with these words as he departed. Madam Wu collapsed to the ground, wailing in despair, unable to fathom how things had reached this point.

At that moment, Wu Jing Shu and Wu Jing Ya emerged from behind the screen, and the three women, mother and daughters, embraced and wept together, presenting a scene of utter desolation.

Meanwhile, Wu Guoliang, having left Madam Wu’s courtyard, proceeded to the Yongning Marquis Mansion. He was received by Xiao Yuchen, and without any scheming, he expressed his intentions—so long as the Yongning Marquis Mansion kept their silence, they could count on his assistance in the future.

Of course, though he said as much, he would have to weigh his options when the time came, depending on the demands made by the Yongning Marquis Mansion.

This time, Xiao Yuchen didn't display the nervousness he had during their last encounter; instead, he seemed quite at ease. The two conducted their conversation courteously and amicably, and when all was settled, Xiao Yuchen even personally escorted Wu Guoliang to the mansion's gates.

Wu Guoliang couldn't help but regret losing such an excellent son-in-law. Clearly, Xiao Yuchen now handled affairs with great tact and method. On reflection, it seemed only natural; after the passing of the Marquis of Yongning, as the heir, he was expected to shoulder the entire mansion's responsibilities. Evidently, the Duke of Tang must have provided no small amount of guidance.

Early the next morning, Tang Shuyi instructed the steward to deliver Wu Jingyun's engagement documents to the Wu residence, and Wu Guoliang likewise had Xiao Yuchen's engagement documents and the betrothal gifts sent to the marquis's mansion. Thus, the marriage arrangement between the two families was discreetly dissolved.

Of course, they had to let the word out where it mattered because both Xiao Yuchen and Wu Jingyun needed to be known as eligible once more in order to find suitable matches for marriage.

After the annulment, Tang Shuyi expected Xiao Yuchen to bring up the matter of Liu Biqin, but he didn't. However, this didn't mean he had forgotten her. From their interactions over time, Tang Shuyi realized that Xiao Yuchen was quite obstinate. Although he had changed significantly, some things that had almost become fixations for him remained unchanged.

She feared that her eldest son might take a serious fall on the path of love, but it was something she couldn't prevent.

At this moment, Xiao Yuchen was in his study, painting. The lady in his artwork was graceful as a willow in the wind, her eyes carrying the melancholy of autumn – it was Liu Biqin.

After finishing the last stroke, he held his brush aloft, staring entranced at the lady in the painting. After a long while, he turned to Changming, who stood by the study door, and asked, "When will someone from the West Mountain Villa come by?"

Changming entered the room and glanced at the lady in the painting before replying, "Every year-end, the household accounts need to be settled. People from there will come to reconcile the accounts with the mansion."

"Not until the end of the year, huh!" Xiao Yuchen sighed wistfully, then asked, "Is there a way to send some charcoal over there? Winter is approaching, and it must be quite cold at the villa."

"Eldest Young Master, you must be aware of our current situation. Many eyes are fixed upon our marquis's mansion. Any slight movement from us could potentially lead to great trouble," Changming advised in a soft voice.

It seemed that the incident with the Liang family had concluded with their apology, but in the shadows, countless eyes were watching the Marquis of Yongning's mansion, waiting for them to make a move. They were eager to follow the trail to Liu Biqin and then use it as a pretext to accuse the mansion.

Xiao Yuchen understood all too well, but he couldn't help worrying.

"Although the villa doesn't have the amenities of the mansion, the bedrooms there have heated brick beds. Lighting them up in the evening ensures a very warm night," Changming added.

Xiao Yuchen hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze returning to the lady in the painting. Seeing this, Changming quietly withdrew, just as Ziling was arriving with a tray of tea. He didn't stop her, thinking it might be good for her to face reality.

Ziling entered the study with the tea tray and quietly approached the desk. Just as she was about to speak, she caught sight of the painting. Biting her lip, she said, "Young Master, please have some tea."

Xiao Yuchen's eyes never left the painting as he replied, "Put it down."

Ignoring his instruction, Ziling held the tea cup up to him. Xiao Yuchen frowned, giving her a fleeting glance, and said indifferently, "You may leave."

Tears welled up in Ziling's eyes. She set down the tea cup and turned to leave. Upon exiting the study, she hurried back to her room. Changming watched her retreating figure and snorted disdainfully. Some people just couldn't recognize their place.

………

The weather cleared up on the second day, presenting a perfect opportunity for an outing. After breakfast, Tang Shuyi was brimming with excitement as she had her maids, Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, help her change into men's clothing. The seamstresses at the mansion had made her four or five sets of male attire. Tang Shuyi perused her options and pointed at an elegant white garment patterned with clouds, remarking, "Let's go with this one. Our second young master commented that white clothes are ostentatious. I want to see just how flamboyant I can look."

Cui Zhu and Cui Yun covered their mouths and giggled before helping her change. They started with the undergarments, followed by a narrow-sleeved robe, then a wide-sleeved cloak, and finally a pair of boots with elevated heels. Tang Shuyi stretched out her arms and spun around, asking, "How do I look?"

"You haven’t done your hair yet," Cui Yun reminded her.

Only then did Tang Shuyi realize she was still wearing a woman's hairdo. She hastily asked Cui Zhu to style her hair. Her hair was combed up high and twisted into a topknot, then adorned with a jade crown, instantly adding a heroic touch to her appearance. With slightly thickened eyebrows, she transformed into a strikingly handsome young gentleman.

"This servant thinks you look even more dashing than the eldest young master," Cui Zhu said with a smile, with Cui Yun nodding in agreement.

Tang Shuyi took a careful look in the mirror. Although the reflection bore the same face, the transformation was remarkable. Someone not very familiar with her would likely hesitate to recognize her as the Lady of Marquis Yongning.

Standing up, she strode across the room and declared, "You two should also get ready. The young master is taking you out for some fun."

"Yes, Sixth Young Master," Cui Zhu and Cui Yun replied with smiles.

The title "Sixth Young Master" was an agreed upon designation. In the lineage of the Duke of Tang's residence, Tang Shuyi had five older brothers, naturally placing her sixth in the sequence.

In a short while, Cui Zhu and Cui Yun were ready, looking as fresh as two newly minted manservants. Cui Yun took the name Yun Cheng, and Cui Zhu became Zhu An.

"Follow your master," Tang Shuyi commanded, striding out, with Cui Zhu and Cui Yun quickly stepping to keep pace.

PS: Posting with a phone today is not very convenient, so two chapters were edited down to one, but the word count remains unchanged, haha.