Read Novel Full CHAPTER 50 PART1
CHAPTER 50 PART1
The main hall was deathly silent.
Despite the bright midday sun, the maids and old servants behind the Old Madam felt an unmistakable chill in the air.
The smile on the Old Madam’s face could no longer hold. After living through most of her life, this was the first time she had ever been so publicly scolded—someone had pointed at her nose and cursed her out in front of everyone.
But Zhu momo wasn’t finished. The next moment, she spat contemptuously near the Old Madam’s feet.
“Heh. What kind of person barges into her daughter-in-law’s courtyard, bossing people around like some petty tyrant? No class, no manners—unbelievable!”
“I’ve served in the palace for decades, met nobles of all ranks, and never have I seen a so-called madam act like this… If I recall correctly, your maiden name was Ren, wasn’t it?”
The way Zhu momo looked at the Old Madam was like she was a coarse countrywoman—disdain and disappointment written all over her face.
That condescending look struck a nerve.
The Old Madam was suddenly reminded of her early days in the marquis’s household, decades ago, when her own mother-in-law, Madam Lu, had looked her over with the same judgmental eyes.
She had once overheard Madam Lu sigh to her confidante: “Three generations of scholars in the Ren family, and yet they’re still just a poor household. The eldest daughter-in-law… truly lacking.”
At the time, she had been only sixteen—and she had wanted nothing more than to dig a hole and crawl into it.
That scene from decades ago surfaced vividly in her mind.
Zhu momo shook her head and sighed. “The Ren family’s upbringing really is lacking.”
The Old Madam’s lips parted, but no words came out.
Xiao Yanfei let out a quiet chuckle.
She quickly stifled it, but the amusement danced unrestrained in her eyes.
Turning her head, she spoke calmly to Steward Jin: “Start moving them.”
“There’s too much stuff. If we wait until it’s all sorted, we might hit curfew.”
She lazily swept her eyes over the surrounding trunks, her manner relaxed, as if she were just strolling through a garden.
“Yes, Miss,” Steward Jin responded cheerfully, bowing slightly to Xiao Yanfei. Then, deliberately turning toward the Old Madam, he gave her a fox-like grin and called out loudly to the servants, “Move those sealed trunks first. Be quick about it!”
The maids from the Yin household responded in unison.
Two of them moved to lift a particularly heavy trunk. From their strained expressions and effort, it was clear how heavy it was.
In the Old Madam’s eyes, it looked as if her belongings were being looted right in front of her.
She widened her eyes. Suddenly snapping back to herself, she blurted out, “Wait!”
Outside the hall, the servants she had brought exchanged glances and moved to block the doorway.
“Tch.” Zhu momo clicked her tongue. “Didn’t the Ren family only produce three or four generations of scholars? No wonder—they’re still falling short.”
For any household, having several generations of scholars would have been a great honor. But in Zhu momo’s mouth, it became a repeated dismissal.
She gave the Old Madam a once-over, full of disdain, then lectured sternly, “Old Madam, noblewomen should ‘not reveal their feet, not take steps longer than an inch, not show their teeth when they smile, and never raise their hands to their chest’*. Your etiquette is truly lacking.”
(*Note: This is an old-fashioned ideal of refined womanly behavior.)
The Old Madam’s nostrils flared twice. Reflexively, she tucked her feet back under her skirt and lowered her hands that were fiddling with the prayer beads.
Zhu momo scoffed. “Since you married into a noble family, you should’ve held yourself to higher standards. Only then are you worthy of your rank and title.”
“Don’t you agree, Old Madam Xiao?”
The Old Madam’s face changed color repeatedly—first humiliation, then anger, then hesitation.
Her jaw clenched so tight it seemed her teeth would shatter. She looked like she was about to speak.
But Zhu momo met her gaze coldly and took out a ruler, tapping it meaningfully against her palm. “This was a gift from Her Majesty the Empress.”
As she spoke, she stepped closer, brandishing the ruler.
Startled, the Old Madam feared Zhu momo might strike and instinctively blurted out, “Yes.”
Only after the word left her mouth did she realize what she’d said. Her face flushed crimson as she bit her lip, wishing she could disappear.
Zhu momo, of course, could see her resentment and shame, and sighed again.
“It seems the Old Madam still doesn’t understand her mistake.”
“Truly unteachable.”
Xiao Yanfei watched the scene play out like a well-performed play, the corners of her lips curling into a smile as serene as a summer crescent moon.
She gave Zhu momo a small nod of approval. That single gesture made Zhu momo stand a little taller, her spine straightening with pride.
Xiao Yanfei set down her teacup and said blandly, “Carry on.”
The maids moved with even more vigor, straight-backed, heads held high as they carried the heavy camphorwood trunks out of the hall, through the courtyard, and toward the front gate.
One by one, the trunks filled with dowry items were moved out of the marquis’s estate and onto Yin family’s carriages—especially the most valuable items like deeds, gold, silver, and jewelry.
Steward Jin gave the Old Madam a sideways glance. Her whole body had gone rigid, her face a mix of humiliation and anger. She couldn’t stop herself from glancing longingly at the items being carried away.
He curled his lip slightly, recalling Young Master Xiao Yan’s earlier arrogance, and sneered inwardly.
Enjoying the Yin family’s wealth and favor, yet secretly looking down on them?
Ridiculous.
Suppressing the irritation in his chest, Steward Jin turned to Xiao Yanfei and said with a smile, “Miss, perhaps you should return now. This will likely go on until late tonight.”
Looking around at the messy hall and courtyard, Xiao Yanfei nodded. Then she turned to Zhu momo, “Stay behind.”
It was best to leave Zhu momo here to keep things under control—just in case the Old Madam tried anything again.
“Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll keep watch.” Zhu momo was more energetic than ever, her eyes burning with zeal.
This was a sign of the young lady’s trust—and she would never disappoint her!
Xiao Yanfei rose, smoothed her dress, and walked out of the main hall.
“Xiao Yanfei…” The Old Madam frowned, wanting to call her back, but Zhu momo quickly stepped between them.
Xiao Yanfei acted as if she hadn’t heard and continued walking, her pace unhurried. From behind, she could hear Zhu momo prattling on: “Old Madam, I’m saying this for your own good. I’m being kind, offering you some advice.”
“I served in the Bureau of Rites for over ten years. The Empress Dowager and Her Majesty both praised my teachings—ordinary people can’t even dream of getting my instruction.”
“This time, Her Majesty sent me to this marquis’s residence to teach proper etiquette. I’m being generous by saying a few more words to you. Honestly, Old Madam, your ability to manage your household is lacking too. Look at that maid you brought—she keeps sneaking glances into the room. How improper!”
“And another thing…”
The Old Madam stood there, completely stunned, unable to utter a word.
Outside, Xiao Yanfei couldn’t hold back any longer and burst out laughing.
The Empress’s authority really does work wonders—no one dares cause trouble when her name’s involved!
She walked away with light steps, still smiling, leaving the marquis’s estate behind.
All the dowry items, ledgers, and boxes would be delivered to one of the Yin family’s estate properties in the capital—except for the most important land deeds and property titles, which Xiao Yanfei carried herself.
This was a three-entry courtyard residence located on Ande Street in the western part of the city—just three or four blocks from Hulu Alley. The location wasn’t particularly prime, but the house itself was refined and tasteful.
It had been Old Master Yin’s idea.
Perhaps to ease her own conscience, Old Madam Yin had taken Xiao Yanfei aside in private and gently confided, “Yan’er, now that your grandfather and I finally have a male heir, it’s better to separate things early—just in case the child develops improper thoughts about your mother’s share of the estate. Best to draw a clear line now, before things become messy over time.”
“Your grandfather and I only ever had your mother. She’s our only daughter, and all we ever wanted was for her to live well. The dowry we prepared for her back then, along with the private assets that weren’t even listed, amounted to nearly half the Yin family’s property.”
“Wealth stirs the heart.”
Xiao Yanfei naturally understood. Since ancient times, it had never been uncommon for siblings to fall out over inheritance disputes—sometimes to the point of cutting ties for life.
She followed the Yin family’s carriage on a quick detour to Ande Street, took a distant look at the house, then returned to Hulu Alley with the deed in hand.
To her surprise, when she arrived at the Yin residence, Gu Feichi was already there.
He was sitting with Old Master Yin in the octagonal pavilion, playing a game of Go. His bright violet robe was eye-catching in the sunlight. The golden light filtered in from the side, casting a soft glow over half of his face. Beneath his mask, the slope of his nose and the curve of his lips were sharp and elegant, like a mountain ridge traced in ink.
Black and white stones were scattered across the nanmu board in a complex formation—they’d clearly been playing for a while.
Old Master Yin remained in his wheelchair, smiling warmly despite his frail state. The hand that picked up the white stones trembled slightly with age.
After placing a stone, he glanced up and greeted her with a loving smile. “Yan’er, you’re back?”
When it came to this granddaughter he had lost and now regained, the usually astute and reserved elder turned warm and doting, constantly trying to make up for the regret of the past fifteen years.
Xiao Yanfei responded with a gentle smile and obediently said, “Grandfather, Steward Jin is still busy at the marquis’s estate, and I wasn’t of much help, so I came back first.”
Gu Feichi casually plucked a black stone from the bowl, gave her a brief glance, then placed it on the board with effortless grace.
His eyes, like polished obsidian, shimmered with light. The natural lift of his fox-like eyes and the thick lash line gave him an almost bewitching allure.
Such beautiful eyes, Xiao Yanfei thought to herself, a smile blooming on her lips.
She walked quietly into the pavilion and sat down beside them, watching the game unfold.
Due to his stroke, Old Master Yin’s mind worked more slowly now. Each move required deep thought, and his hand was no longer as steady as it used to be.
Gu Feichi deliberately matched Old Master Yin’s pace, pausing briefly before each move—graceful and relaxed, his every gesture exuding calm ease.
The soft clack of stones being placed echoed occasionally through the air.
Xiao Yanfei rested her chin on her hand and gave her grandfather a sideways glance. He was beaming with joy.
She sighed inwardly. Grandfather really is a terrible player. Even she, who didn’t play often, could see that half of his last dozen moves were suicidal.
At first, she had thought his serious expression meant he was good. Now she realized—he was just enjoying himself.
Clack!
Gu Feichi placed another stone, leisurely and polite—capturing only one white stone.
How kind of him. He could’ve wiped out a whole cluster. Xiao Yanfei thought with amusement.
Old Master Yin stared at the board with great concentration, frowning, deep in thought. After a long pause, he finally placed a stone.
No, not there. He frowned, realizing it was a mistake, and quickly glanced at Xiao Yanfei, giving her a conspiratorial wink.
Xiao Yanfei instantly understood. She returned the wink with a knowing smile, her eyes curving gently.
Switching hands to support her chin, she smiled sweetly and turned to Gu Feichi.
“What brings you here?”
Gu Feichi picked up the teapot and personally poured her a cup of floral tea. Handing it to her, he said calmly, “I came to propose.”
“…What?” Xiao Yanfei blinked, stunned, staring at him in disbelief.
***