Chapter 548

A Concubine Daughter's Tactics Chapter 554: The Winner (Part 1)

When Fang Ji heard Lady Eleven mention "asking the elders of the Fang family to clarify the matter," he understood that she was trying to frame his actions as the impulsive behavior of a younger generation.

He saw an opportunity.

This was the Xu family offering the Fang family a way out.

The condition was that the Fang family would have to apologize to the Xu family and admit that his actions were improper.

Since the Fang family had entrusted him with handling this matter, they had the same intention. As long as the Xu family agreed not to divorce his sister, the Fang family was willing to admit fault.

But if the Xu family refused to divorce her, it would mean admitting that the claims about his sister being an "ill-omened wife" were nonsense. Could the Xu family accept that?

Fang Ji needed an assurance.

"Filial piety is the greatest virtue, and obedience its highest form," Lady Eleven said with a hint of amusement. He couldn’t respond too rigidly either. Fang Ji smiled and replied, "But as the sages teach, ‘When parents err, children must guide them.’ A dilemma indeed!"

The atmosphere lightened considerably.

Since the Third Madam (Fang Shi’s mother-in-law) was Fang Shi’s mother-in-law, Fang Shi naturally had to be filial.

Fang Ji’s words were merely a way of fishing for a response—he wanted to know how the Xu family intended to handle the accusations about Fang Shi being an "ill-omened wife." But with the Elder Madam still waiting for news from Huzhou, Lady Eleven couldn’t give Fang Ji a definitive answer at this point.

Lady Eleven could only smile and say, "Brother Fang truly lives up to being the Tanhua (Third-ranked scholar in imperial exams) personally selected by His Majesty. Citing the classics with such ease—truly admirable. If only our second young master could one day achieve such scholarly prowess!"

She was skillfully parrying Fang Ji’s probing.

Fang Ji couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Yet he also knew this matter was too significant to be resolved in one or two discussions. The fact that the Xu family was willing to sit down and negotiate gave the Fang family at least a chance. If the Fang family had truly wanted their sister to divorce, why would they have gone to such lengths to arrange her marriage into the Yanjing capital in the first place? The entire family hoped she could live a good life. Especially their late grandmother, who, on her deathbed, still blamed herself for being swayed by Young Master Hu’s good looks and pushing for the betrothal when she was barely of age…

Since the family had entrusted this matter to him, he couldn’t afford to fail.

Steeling himself, he exchanged pleasantries with Lady Eleven. "Xu Siyu studies under Mr. Jiang of the Jinxi Academy. He’s making strides, and success is surely within reach."

The two of them exchanged pleasantries, all smiles, though neither meant a word.

One refused to invite the elders to apologize without an assurance, while the other couldn’t give any promises without the Elder Madam’s approval.

The final decision lay entirely with the Xu family.

Further discussion would be pointless.

Lady Eleven signaled Zhuxiang to refill the tea.

This was the prearranged cue she had agreed upon with Xu Siyu.

When she called for tea, it meant the conversation had gone as far as it could. It was time for Xu Siyu to step in.

Before long, a maid announced, "Madam Xu, Xu Siyu asks to see you!"

The conversation was thus interrupted.

Xu Siyu invited Fang Ji to his study.

Fang Ji knew full well—this matter ultimately required Lord Xu’s final decision.

He excused himself with a smile and accompanied Xu Siyu.

Lady Eleven then went to the Dowager's place.

Thinking that Third Young Master was currently in hot water, she didn’t dare mention Fang Ji’s words about him and only shared the Fang family’s plans.

Compared to her previous anger, the Dowager was much calmer this time, merely nodding lightly before bringing up the trip to the Medicine King Temple on the eighth: "Let’s bring Jin Geer along!" Her eyes crinkled with joy as she spoke. "Have Lord Xu assign more guards. This will be Jin Geer’s first outing since he was born!"

On the eighth day of the fourth month, the Buddha’s birthday, all temples were bustling with incense smoke, blanketing half the city in a fragrant haze. Lady Eleven had been to the Medicine King Temple before, where the thick smoke made people cough constantly. Jin Geer was still too young—how could he endure such an overwhelming scene?

Lady Eleven hesitated. "It’ll be so crowded and noisy that day. What if Jin Geer gets frightened? Maybe we could take him another day?"

"You’re right," the Dowager agreed, somewhat dejected. "All sorts of people show up there. Once, I even saw a snake charmer!" She gestured with her hands. "A snake as thick as a bowl, coiled around him—terrifying! We mustn’t let Jin Geer see such things."

"How about we go on the sixteenth instead?" Not wanting to disappoint the old lady, Lady Eleven suggested cheerfully, "The fourteenth is the Crown Prince’s eldest son’s first birthday celebration. We can invite Zhenjie, Yuge, Zhun'er, Xu Sijie, Xin Jieer, Shen Geer, along with Siqin and his wife from the third branch, and Xu Sijian. It’ll be so lively!"

"Wonderful!" The Dowager, who adored having her grandchildren around, brightened at once. "Have Lord Xu assign extra guards then. We’ll go to Ciyuan Temple—no, not Ciyuan Temple. We always go there. This time, let’s visit Yunju Temple instead." She turned to Lady Eleven. "Have you heard of Yunju Temple?"

Lady Eleven quickly shook her head. "This is my first time hearing of it."

"It’s in the outskirts. They house relics of Sakyamuni Buddha." The Dowager’s eyes crinkled again, her earlier gloom replaced by delight. "It’s very peaceful, with a vast and beautiful temple grounds surrounded by towering ancient trees. Jin Geer and the others will love it."

Noticing the old lady’s spirits lifting after days of melancholy, Lady Eleven chimed in cheerfully. "Sounds perfect! We’ll join in the fun too." The conversation smoothly shifted from the Medicine King Temple to the upcoming trip to Yunju Temple.

When Lord Xu heard, he sighed in relief. "I’ve been worried Mother already knew about Third Brother. It’s good she’s in the mood for an outing. Just keep a close eye on Jin Geer—he can’t afford any mishaps."

Lady Eleven smiled. "Don’t worry, Yuge will be there too."

Lord Xu couldn’t help chuckling. "You’re quick to delegate."

"He’s the older brother, after all!" Lady Eleven replied with a coy smile, her large almond eyes sparkling—a sight that warmed Lord Xu’s heart.

He reached out to caress her cheek but asked solemnly, "What should we gift for the Crown Prince’s son’s birthday?"

His deep, mellow voice and tender gaze settled Lady Eleven’s nerves. She closed her eyes and nestled into his embrace. "I’ll leave it to you, my lord."

Outside, Jin Geer’s clear, joyful laughter rang out.

Lord Xu knew Xu Sijie was playing *cuju* with Jin Geer, who wouldn’t tire for at least another hour. With Jin Geer sharing their bed lately... His earlier arousal flared into full intensity.

Nipping at her earlobe, he murmured, "Really? You’ll obey me in everything?" Not waiting for reply, he lifted her effortlessly and carried her toward the lacquered bed draped in vermilion silk curtains...

A maid arrived to ask whether they’d dine at the Dowager’s or at home, but she lingered at the chamber door for a long while before Lord Xu finally instructed, "We’ll eat here."

Lady Eleven hastily fussed with her disheveled robes, hesitating. "Shouldn’t we join Mother? Don’t you need to discuss Third Young Master with her?"

Lord Xu handed her the mirror from under the pillow. "Look at yourself first. How could you face Mother like this?"

The moment Lady Eleven saw the mirror, she recalled how he’d used it earlier to make her... Her face burned crimson as she snatched it away and tossed it aside, trying to sound composed. "What’s wrong with me? It’s you who ought to change clothes, my lord. The children might come in and see you being indecent."

"Indecent?" Lord Xu pressed her down beneath him again. "Conjugal duties, continuing the family line, upholding ancestral rites—nothing could be more proper." He nipped her ear and whispered, "Tell me, how am I being improper?"

His tone and gaze were heavy with implication.

Though he’d already taken her twice, Lady Eleven’s heart fluttered nervously. "Get up! Jin Geer’s been outside too long—he might come in any moment."

As if on cue, the chime of silver bells sounded outside the window—only Jin Geer, besides Lady Eleven, dared wear noisy trinkets in this courtyard.

Lord Xu immediately sprang up.

The sound of jingling bells gradually faded away from the window, mixed with Jin Geer's loud voice: "Brother, let's play ball!"

Eleven Miss couldn’t help covering her mouth and laughing.

Her soft bosom, hidden beneath the scarlet embroidered "Lotus Pond" bellyband, trembled slightly, reminding Lord Xu of its snow-white, delicate texture when held in his hands. His pulse quickened, and he bit the pert peak through the fabric.

A sting shot through her.

"Ah!" Eleven Miss exclaimed, pushing him away. "It's almost time for dinner!"

Lord Xu looked up at her. "Call me."

Eleven Miss froze for a moment before quickly understanding.

Pretending not to catch his meaning, she hurriedly straightened her clothes and called out, "My Lord."

Lord Xu wrapped his arms around her from behind and whispered in her ear, "Say it like before..."

What do you mean "earlier"? It was clearly his own request!

Eleven Miss ignored him, though her face betrayed her with a blush.

Lord Xu chuckled softly, tightening his embrace and coaxing her gently, "Call me."

Eleven Miss deflected him. "Later!"

Lord Xu refused to relent, planting feather-light kisses down her neck, sending shivers through her.

She bit her lip to stifle a sound.

Outside, Qiuyu's voice called, "My Lord, My Lady, shall dinner be served in the inner chamber or the western side room?"

Lord Xu didn’t answer, focusing instead on kissing her shoulder.

Eleven Miss knew this man was playing games—though he paid no mind to the servants, he would never let her lose face in front of them.

She let him have his way.

"Ah!" Lord Xu sighed, raising his voice to answer Qiuyu, "Serve it in the western side room." Then, with a resigned air, he ruffled her already disheveled hair. "Go tidy up. Let’s have dinner."

But Eleven Miss turned and buried her face in his chest, muffling a soft call: "Dearest brother."

Just as he wished.

Lord Xu’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

...

On the eighth day of the month, Elder Madam led Second Madam, Eleven Miss, and Fifth Madam to burn incense at the Medicine King Temple. Third Madam also came.

"You should rest at home," Elder Madam said, adjusting the three loops of sandalwood rosary beads around her wrist without looking at her. "The crowds will be overwhelming today. I wouldn’t want you to get overwhelmed and fall ill again—that would be troublesome." She extended her hand for Second Madam to support her and asked Fifth Madam, "Is Shen Geer properly cared for? Don't you dare abandon him with Little Five while you go out to play. Is he even capable of minding a child?"

Fifth Madam hurried forward to assist Elder Madam. "Mother, you wrong me! Nanny Shi remains at his side!" Her movement conveniently blocked Third Madam, who stood nearby.

Elder Madam nodded and let the two of them escort her out.

The maids, nannies, and older women attending in the room streamed out in their wake.