Chapter 708 Humble Name

Chapter 708: A Lowly Name

“My lady, the contact from the Chaoyang Tower syndicate said they’ve shifted their focus to information brokering and no longer accept killings,” Qi Huang reported to Yu Mingzhu with her head bowed.

Yu Mingzhu’s expression darkened.

Acts like arson and mass killings were tasks ordinary thugs and ruffians wouldn’t dare undertake—only the most ruthless “professionals” would take them on.

“Where there’s a high reward, there’s bound to be a desperate soul,” Yu Mingzhu said coldly. “If Chaoyang Tower refuses, then find other outlaws. Just ensure one thing: our identity must never be exposed.”

Qi Huang bowed in acknowledgment.

“My lady, Madam has sent Sister Tang to fetch you. She asks that you come over.”

A maid announced from the doorway, prompting Yu Mingzhu to instantly shift her demeanor. Her tone softened from its earlier iciness. “…Alright, I understand. Have Tang wait for me in the parlor.”

“Go handle it,” Yu Mingzhu murmured to Qi Huang, her voice low. “Make sure to leave no traces.”

Qi Huang replied, “Rest assured, My lady.”

After quietly instructing Qi Huang, Yu Mingzhu changed clothes, a polite smile on her lips, and went to meet Tang in the parlor.

Tang curtsied the moment Yu Mingzhu appeared.

Yu Mingzhu had always been gentle and courteous toward Madam Jiao’s maids. She smiled warmly. “Sister Tang, what does Mother need me for?”

Tang replied, “It’s about her cousin. It’s nearly settled, and Third Aunt is preparing to return to Zhoushui.”

Yu Mingzhu’s expression cooled slightly.

So it was about Third Aunt.

During her stay in the capital, Third Aunt had initially been exceedingly warm toward Yu Mingzhu. But one day, her attitude had turned distant.

Yu Mingzhu knew instantly—Third Aunt must have learned she wasn’t a true Jiao.

A cold sneer flickered in Yu Mingzhu’s heart.

*Back then, she called me her ‘precious darling’ and even dared to dream of marrying me, the daughter of a duke’s household, to her unranked son!*

*Now that she knows I’m not of the Jiao bloodline, her face changes.*

A flicker of disdain crossed Yu Mingzhu’s eyes.

She had a bright future ahead—in a few years, once she came of age, she would marry the Fourth Prince and become the esteemed Fourth Prince Consort.

The Jiao family of Zhoushui might be a century-old noble house, but they were beneath her.

Maintaining her gentle smile, Yu Mingzhu said, “Ah, so it’s that. Then I’ll accompany you to bid farewell to Third Aunt.”

She followed Tang to Madam Jiao’s courtyard.

Third Aunt was seated with Madam Jiao, chatting quietly.

When Yu Mingzhu entered, Third Aunt greeted her with a smile. “Mingzhu, you’re here.”

Madam Jiao studied Yu Mingzhu and immediately looked distressed. “It’s only been a few days, yet you’ve grown so thin!”

Lately, the Zou family’s troubles had worn Yu Mingzhu thin. But in front of Madam Jiao, she sighed softly. “Eldest Brother and Second Brother’s affairs haven’t been going smoothly. The thought of it preys on my mind endlessly.”

Jiao Shi was deeply moved and grasped Yu Mingzhu's hand: "My dear, your brothers haven't spoiled you for nothing... If they were even half as sensible as you, I wouldn't be so troubled now!"

After comforting Jiao Shi for a while, Yu Mingzhu turned to Third Sister-in-law: "Third Sister-in-law, look at me—today is meant to be your farewell, yet I've gone and brought up these worries again."

Third Sister-in-law, however, was very understanding: "We mothers only want our children to have smooth paths in life, don't we?... The troubles Chong Jie and Chong En are facing now are, frankly, about marriage. There are plenty of good girls back in Zhoushui. After I return, Mother and I will look carefully. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a capital-bred young lady, right?"

Privately, Jiao Shi still preferred finding a young lady from the capital, ideally one who could give her sons a leg up.

But truth be told, even if they couldn’t provide support, a capable homemaker would suffice.

So, Jiao Shi sighed and placed her hand over Third Sister-in-law’s: "Then I’ll trouble you and Mother to keep an eye out for those two hopeless boys of mine."

Third Sister-in-law was just saying, "We’re family, no need to stand on ceremony..."

Before she could finish, a maid announced from outside that Jiao Yulou had arrived.

Jiao Shi couldn’t help but praise: "Yulou’s studies have been improving steadily. His teacher has gained great fame in the capital for his lectures and debates. Just the other day, I heard the Right Minister’s lady praising Yulou’s teacher. It’s truly a blessing for our Jiao family to have him studying under such a great scholar."

This pleased Third Sister-in-law immensely. She beamed and modestly replied, "It’s just a stroke of luck for Yulou."

As they spoke, Jiao Yulou entered and first greeted Jiao Shi and Yu Mingzhu.

Third Sister-in-law looked at her son with pride in her eyes.

Jiao Yulou hesitated before speaking: "Aunt, just now when I arrived, there was a young lady outside the estate asking the doorkeeper to see Cousin Jie... The doorkeeper said Cousin Jie hadn’t returned from duty yet and didn’t let her in. That young lady..." He put it tactfully, "was causing quite a ruckus."

Jiao Shi’s eyebrow twitched.

As the mistress of the house, she was well aware of the previous visits from Zou Wan Shi and Zou Pingping.

She knew her Zhu Zhu was kind-hearted and had likely befriended someone outside who was now latching onto her. She certainly couldn’t be bothered with Zou Wan Shi.

As for Zou Pingping...

Jiao Shi sneered—this little girl’s schemes were plain as day!

First returning clothes, then promising sachets!

Wasn’t that the same tricks used by those women from the brothels?!

Did she really think she could seduce her son with such tactics?!

Jiao Shi scoffed. She had already instructed the maids to relay orders to the doorkeeper: any little girl asking for the Young Master was not to be let into the estate.

Now, the doorkeeper must have followed her orders and kept that Zou girl outside.

"Pay her no mind," Jiao Shi said coldly, though she felt somewhat embarrassed that her nephew had witnessed this. "Some little girl from who-knows-where has been shamelessly clinging to Chong Jie. Chong Jie, being a gentleman, was too soft to reprimand such a shameless hussy, which only encourages her audacity."

Third Sister-in-law, however, genuinely cared about Yu Chongjie’s reputation: "...But letting her make a scene outside will only tarnish Chong Jie’s reputation."

Jiao Shi thought for a moment and agreed, her expression turning stormy: "...Then I’ll have her chased off!"

Third Sister-in-law stopped her: "...If you chase her away, what if she goes elsewhere and starts gossiping?"

The mention of "spreading rumors" made Yu Mingzhu’s brow twitch slightly.

After a pause, she even spoke up for Zou Pingping outside: "Mother, why not invite Miss Zou in and ask her a few questions? If she isn’t up to your standards, just make it clear to her and tell her to give up her delusions."

At this moment, Yu Mingzhu was simply relieved that Zou Pingping looked nothing like her.

Seeing her daughter say this, Jiao Shi paused thoughtfully and actually sent for Zou Pingping.

Zou Pingping was taken aback—she hadn't expected to meet the Young Master's mother so soon.

On her way in, Zou Pingping fussed with her hair and straightened her clothes.

When she entered, she saw two lavishly dressed noble ladies seated in the room.

Miss Yu sat to one side, accompanied by another young man whose attire suggested he was a young gentleman from some household.

Zou Pingping pursed her lips.

It seemed the Young Master's mother truly didn't take her seriously.

Having an unrelated man present meant she wasn't being treated with any regard at all.

With affected meekness, Zou Pingping curtsied to the noblewoman who bore some resemblance to the Young Master: "Young Miss Zou pays her respects to the Madam Heir's mother."

Jiao Shi's brows furrowed tightly!

Look at this curtsy—awkward and lacking refinement, dripping with country bumpkin awkwardness!

Even the courtesans in brothels performed better than this!

Jiao Shi was completely revolted!

She didn't even want to speak!

Her expression frosty, Jiao Shi simply stared at Zou Pingping.

Jiao Shi's sister-in-law, however, took pity on Zou Pingping's flushed face and asked more gently: "Your surname is Zou, isn't it? What's your given name?"

Zou Pingping hastily replied, "My given name is Pingping."

Jiao Shi perked up—Pingping? ...Xingxing?

They both sounded like fruit names.

At last condescending to ask, she said, "Which 'Ping'?"

Zou Pingping hurriedly explained, "The 'Ping' in my name is the same as in 'waterweed' (萍). My mother said she ate an apple before I was born, but the 'Ping' in 'apple' (苹) sounded a bit too common, so she changed it to the one with the three-dot-water radical (萍)."

Inexplicably, anger flared in Jiao Shi's heart.

What was she implying—how was naming someone after fruit vulgar?!

What, was she saying Xingxing's name was vulgar?!

Yu Mingzhu dabbed her lips with a handkerchief.

She had the same thought as Jiao Shi—both had been reminded of Xingxing's name.

But honestly, Zou Pingping's explanation rather pleased her.

Naming someone after fruit—wasn't that just vulgar?

At this, Yu Mingzhu affected a warmer tone: "Miss Zou, what brings you here to see my elder brother?"

With feigned shyness, Zou Pingping produced a haze-blue sachet from her sleeve: "...This—the sachet the Young Master asked me to make last time. I've finished it. It's filled with mint and camphor to keep pests away and clear the head."

Jiao Shi felt mortified!

Her eyebrow twitched uncontrollably!

That needlework couldn't even compare to half the skill of the embroiderers in their household, yet she went through the trouble of making it as a gift!

And besides! She refused to believe that her Chong Jie, even after one divorce, could have such poor taste! At best, this little girl was moderately attractive, whose only asset was her youth—what could he possibly see in her?!

Why would he ask her to make a sachet?!

Jiao Shi was so furious she was speechless.

Meanwhile, Aunt Jiao, upon hearing Zou Pingping's words, gave her a suspicious look. "...Did Chong Jie really ask you to make this?"

Zou Pingping, with a mix of shyness and pride, held up the sachet a little higher. "...Of course. Young Master even told me to make it in misty blue—he loves misty blue!"

Jiao Shi's gaze sharpened!

She naturally knew her son favored misty blue.

How did this little minx find out?!

Had her son actually lost his senses?!

As for Yu Mingzhu, her eyes turned cold.

She naturally felt hostile toward anyone who competed for her family's affection and attention!

Especially someone like Zou Pingping, who she thought was beneath her in every way!

But Yu Mingzhu also knew now wasn't the time to speak.

She lowered her eyes and stayed silent.

Aunt Jiao, however, sensed something amiss and leaned closer to Jiao Shi, whispering, "Could it be... Chong Jie really has taken a liking to her?"

She phrased it delicately, "After the divorce, perhaps his standards have... changed?"

Jiao Shi was burning with embarrassment!

Of all people, her son had to fancy this... nobody!

But Jiao Shi was now half-doubting, half-believing—could her son truly have taken a fancy to such trash? Disgusted, she muttered, "I don't know. Maybe Chong Jie has gone mad."

Zou Pingping remained standing there, the two ladies seated above her showing no intention of inviting her to sit.

She felt both nervous and hard done by.

After a long while, a maid announced from outside that Young Master was back from work.

Zou Pingping's eyes instantly lit up, and she eagerly moved toward the doorway.

Unbeknownst to her, this behavior struck Jiao Shi as brazenly presumptuous.

Utterly lacking in propriety!

Jiao Shi was furious!

Yu Chongjie entered the room, his brows knitted tightly.

He was annoyed—why was this girl pestering him again?

But in Zou Pingping's eyes, which had idealized all of Young Master Yu's behavior, it seemed as though her Young Master was standing up for her!

Zou Pingping's nose tingled, and tears nearly spilled from her eyes as she whimpered, "Young Master..."

Yu Chongjie stopped short, his expression turning complicated.

To be honest, from this angle, with tears in her eyes, Zou Pingping did look vaguely like Mao Fuqu in her younger days.

Jiao Shi, seeing the conflicted look on her son's face, gasped and gripped the armrest of her chair.

No—had her son truly... gone mad?!

Noticing Jiao Shi's terrible expression, the third aunt quickly shot Yu Chongjie a warning look, urging him to choose his words carefully—she, too, had misunderstood, assuming Yu Chongjie had feelings for Zou Pingping.

Yu Chongjie took a deep breath. "Mother, what is this?"

Jiao Shi was too furious to speak.

Yu Mingzhu said gently, "Elder Brother, Miss Zou here says she's finished making the sachet for you and came to deliver it."

Yu Chongjie stiffened, but Zou Pingping, her eyes brimming with tears, had already raised the sachet in her hands, murmuring shyly, "Young Master... it's your favorite haze-blue color..."

Jiao Shi nearly hurled the teacup beside her!

What in the world had the Zou family taught their daughter?!

To act so brazenly in front of elders—how disgraceful!

Yu Chongjie's skin crawled.

He didn't like Zou Pingping—he only occasionally found she slightly reminded him of Mao Fuqu, which sometimes distracted him.

But now, with things having gone this far, he had to set things straight.

Yu Chongjie took the sachet offered by Zou Pingping. Before her smile could fully form, he turned and handed it to the head servant beside him. "A reward for you."

Zou Pingping was struck dumb!

Yu Chongjie continued, "...Miss Zou, let this sachet make up for the robe you ruined earlier. We're even now."

Zou Pingping was stunned—she couldn't accept this!

Jiao Shi's mouth twitched upward, impossible to suppress.

Yu Mingzhu, too, couldn't suppress her smirk.

Dabbing her mouth with a handkerchief to hide her smile, she watched Zou Pingping's devastated expression with great pleasure.