Chapter 171

Chapter 174: The Arrival (Part 2)

"The Emperor remained silent for a long while. After I repeatedly insisted on resigning, he finally agreed," Lord Xu said with a detached expression. "He also mentioned that since Third Young Master wishes to be posted outside the capital, his rank in the official hierarchy shouldn't be too low. He asked if it would be appropriate to appoint him as a prefect in Jiangsu or Zhejiang. I replied that holding an official position is secondary; the main concern is that we must not let family relations be damaged by the division of property. Appointing him as a prefect in Jiangsu or Zhejiang might lead to censure by the imperial censors, so it would be better to assign him to an inconspicuous county as a small magistrate. The Emperor listened without uttering a word, and it didn’t seem like he opposed the idea. This matter is likely to be settled without further issues."

In this way, the Emperor had tacitly agreed to Lord Xu's resignation.

While pondering this, a young maid came in to report, "Fifth Young Master requests an audience with you!"

"What does he want at this time?" Lord Xu was surprised and frowned as he asked Eleven Miss, "Has he been staying at home all this time? Has he gone out at all?"

Poor Fifth Young Master, Lord Xu had developed an automatic reflex, always thinking he had caused trouble first. But recalling Fifth Young Master's unusual behavior earlier when someone who played the fiddle wanted to see him, Eleven Miss couldn't help but think in that direction too.

She quickly informed Lord Xu about the matter without delay, "...I wonder if it's about this?"

Lord Xu's face turned grim as he listened, and he hurriedly went to the adjacent eastern side room.

Eleven Miss wasn't sure if Lord Xu would stay here for the night, but after some thought, she still prepared the bed as usual. Just as she finished tidying up the room, Lord Xu stormed in angrily.

"Finished talking so quickly?" she asked with a smile, pretending not to notice his mood. "Shall I help you freshen up, my lord?"

Lord Xu didn't respond but paced around the room restlessly.

"This brainless one, I wonder when he'll finally grow up!"

Eleven Miss knew he was talking about Fifth Young Master and smiled, "Marquis, you were just talking about Chun Ge too earlier, saying that you were busy with battles outside and later with court affairs, which led to some neglect, thus shaping his timid character now. Fifth Young Master is the same. He lost his father early, and his older brothers were each busy with their own affairs, so he lacked proper guidance. Since you're about to resign from your official post, you'll have more time at home. Why not take this opportunity to have a heart-to-heart talk with Fifth Young Master? If you always look stern immediately when you see him, he naturally won't dare to discuss matters with you. When things get out of hand, you'll still have to help clean up the mess eventually. It would be better to maintain a harmonious relationship, so he can consult you in time about his affairs, and you can guide him on what's right or wrong. He'll learn what can be done and what cannot, and gradually, he'll improve!"

"How old is he already!" Lord Xu couldn't contain his frustration, "Do I still need to tell him what to do? When I was his age, I was already quelling rebellions in Miaojiang! I had over a dozen experienced generals under me, and I knew nothing, yet I dared not reveal the slightest hint in front of them. I had to learn how to allocate military provisions and supplies by following minor officials in the middle of the night, and then deal with the day's trivial matters the next morning..."

"If everyone were like you, Marquis, what would become of us!" Eleven Miss chuckled.

Lord Xu sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed in disappointment.

Eleven Miss called for a maid to bring in hot water.

"Marquis, soak your feet. Whatever the matter, discuss it calmly. Even if you scold him a thousand times, you still have to help resolve the issue."

Lord Xu leaned back on the large pillow, "I know. It's just that he's so disappointing... otherwise, our family wouldn't be in such a state..."

"That's why I said we can't let Third Young Master and his wife leave in anger," Eleven Miss took the copper basin from the maid and placed it at Lord Xu's feet, then helped him remove his boots, "And there are the two children. Our Chun Ge will need support in the future!"

Lord Xu remained silent, letting Eleven Miss help him soak his feet.

*

Meanwhile, elder madam was also asking Madam Du, "Have you found out?"

"Yes, I have," Madam Du replied, "Fifth Young Master learned to sing opera from this Liu Huifang. Although he didn't formally become his disciple, Fifth Young Master promised to give Liu Huifang two hundred taels of silver annually for his retirement. After Fifth Young Master got married, although he no longer interacted with this Liu, he still sent two hundred taels of silver every year. Liu used this money to drink and visit brothels, and he never bothered Fifth Young Master. This year, with the heavy snow, the price of rice in Yanjing has soared several times. He claimed he couldn't make ends meet and came to ask Fifth Young Master for some money, shamelessly suggesting it be deducted from next year's payment."

Elder madam trembled with anger, "How could I have given birth to such an unfilial son!"

Madam Du quickly consoled her, "Fifth Young Master has realized his mistake, hasn't he? Otherwise, he wouldn't have gradually cut off contact over the years." She added, "I heard Fifth Young Master just went to see the Marquis, probably about this matter. With the Marquis handling it, you needn't worry."

Elder madam sighed helplessly.

*

Fifth Young Master returned to his room where Fifth Madam had already retired. After washing up in Fifth Madam's room, he slipped on his shoes and went to the inner chamber, climbing into Fifth Madam's bed.

Fifth Madam was startled awake, "What's wrong, my lord? I'm pregnant and can't serve you..."

Fifth Lord did not speak, his hand reaching out to touch his wife’s protruding belly.

“What’s wrong?” Fifth Lady said softly, “Should I have Xiaomei come and attend to you…”

“I’m not always thinking about that,” Fifth Lord muttered, “That’s not necessary.”

Fifth Lady smiled, “I just didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

Fifth Lord remained silent.

Knowing his temperament, Fifth Lady called the night-duty maid to blow out the lamp, rustled into bed, and nestled into her husband’s arms. Just as she was drifting off to sleep, she suddenly heard her husband murmur, “Dan Yang, only you are the best to me… Others just want my money or my fourth brother’s influence… Dan Yang, only you, are the best to me…”

In the darkness, Fifth Lady let out a big sigh of relief.

At least this wayward man still has some sense, knowing who is good to him!

As the elder madam said, men are all like children; it depends on how women guide them…

She fell asleep with a smile.

...

Although the episode with Liu Huifang caused some worry in various households, it did not affect the normal life of the Xu family.

Lord Xu went to the palace to see the empress once and submitted his resignation on the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. The emperor did not approve but allowed him to rest at home for a while. Groups of imperial doctors frequently visited the Yongping Marquis Estate, prescribing a slew of remedies, but none dared to claim they could cure Lord Xu’s illness. Eleven Lady attended to him, stepping aside when the doctors came in, sending people to get the medicines, and constantly receiving visits from old friends from the Five Military Commands, the Ministry of War, and aristocratic families, keeping her swamped. Fortunately, the Emperor’s Birthday soon arrived, and everyone had to go to the palace to offer congratulations, bringing some peace to the Xu household.

Since it was not a major birthday, the court was only suspended on the day of the Emperor’s Birthday, and officials of the fourth rank and above in the capital, along with inner court women, entered the palace to offer congratulations.

The empress seemed in much better spirits as she chatted with Princess Fucheng Chang and others. Seeing Eleven Lady, she had a lady-in-waiting invite her over.

“The weather is cold; you should bundle up.”

Eleven Lady was momentarily stunned, but looking around at the women dressed exactly like her, she immediately understood—the empress was showing concern for her.

She curtsied respectfully, just as she had before, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

The empress looked at her for a while, nodded, and continued speaking with Princess Fucheng Chang beside her.

Eleven Lady stood obediently by, listening to everyone’s conversation.

When the Emperor’s Birthday banquet began, she followed the rules and took her seat with everyone else. While watching the acrobatics, she attended to the elder madam, her every move perfectly proper.

The empress nodded slightly and privately said to Aunt Huang, “I used to think her background was low and her age young, feeling sorry for the marquis. Now it seems we were narrow-minded.”

Aunt Huang smiled, “Your Majesty was not wrong. It’s just that we didn’t expect the marquis to have such good fortune, marrying a true gem.”

As they were speaking, a eunuch loudly announced, “The emperor is here!”

The empress straightened her clothes and went forward to greet him.

Before she could bow, the emperor took her hand, dismissed the attendants, and went to the east chamber to speak with the empress.

“Do you know about Little Four’s matter?”

The empress nodded, candidly saying, “He came to the palace and told me two days ago. I also think it’s good. I was planning to discuss it with Your Majesty after the Emperor’s Birthday.”

The emperor was a bit surprised.

Her Majesty the Empress sighed, "You know his character well. Even if something happens, he would grin and bear it. In the early years, he and Yuan Niang had such conflicts, resulting in a lack of heirs. The second brother passed away early, and even though the second sister-in-law has the talent of Wen Ji, her widowhood restricts her from assisting much with the family matters. The third brother is honest, but the third sister-in-law has a strong personality. For years, they have been quarreling over splitting the household, causing unrest in the home. As for the fifth brother, you know without me saying it—he maintains a troupe and lavishes attention on actors outside... The family relies entirely on the fourth brother to hold it together. He puts on a strong front in front of you, but I heard from his wife that every night she has to apply hot water compresses to his knees, sometimes scalding his skin as he demands it be hotter." As she spoke, tears fell, "After all, he is a descendant of a noble family, a high-ranking official of the second rank. Unlike others of his status, who enjoy luxury and comfort, he has never had a day of leisure... Please, let him rest for a few days."

Seeing the Empress cry, the Emperor hurriedly comforted her, "I know, I know. He has been through a lot these years."

"He is both your subject and your brother-in-law," the Empress said, wiping her tears with a handkerchief, "It's only right that he helps you, and you help him. But I think what he said to me the other day makes sense. Before, it was due to the circumstances, and he had no choice. Now, you are the father of all, ruling over the vast empire. With the situation in Miao territory stabilized and the northwest peaceful, it's time for the civil officials to take over. He is not well-read and knows nothing but warfare. He can't help much with your affairs. But he can be a paragon of a loyal minister for those who think they have contributed to your ascension."

The Empress's words truly struck a chord with him.

He wanted to be a renowned emperor through the ages, which meant he needed to get along well with the civil officials. Yet, those who helped him ascend to the throne were all military officers, and he feared they might hinder his reforms with their past merits...

The Emperor listened with great emotion, "But we can't just let him resign like this..."

"Your Majesty, you're being foolish," the Empress chided, "As long as you are here, he will be here. With you holding this golden bowl, why worry about him not having food? Otherwise, with his abilities, how could he have become the Crown Prince's Tutor at the age of twenty-seven? He knows his limits! Let him resign now, while he is at the peak of his success, to avoid any future mishaps that could ruin his hard-earned reputation. If he loses face, it would also be a blow to your dignity."

The Emperor, relieved of his earlier worries, couldn't help but laugh heartily.