Rebirth of the Treacherous Official’s Madam

T/N: Mandarin ducks symbolize a happily married couple.

It was practically unavoidable. Everyone in Shaoyao Residence, while exchanging greetings, were all either openly or secretly comparing the clothes on Qi Pei and Ming Jinrou. Amidst the sea of praises just now, Qi Pei didn’t mention the origins of this brocade. However, now, with Ming Jinrou coming over similarly dressed in qingyun brocade, everyone all couldn’t help but think exactly what this meant, yet no one dared to ask it directly.

Generally speaking, when it comes to selecting a consort for the princes, if the emperor doesn’t have a specific decree, then normally, it’ll be either the prince’s birth mother, or the prince himself, selecting someone, and afterwards, report to the emperor, asking for a decree.

The so called getting bestowed a marriage decree was merely just going through the process.

If to say that Qin Wang being present on the day of Xun Che’s wedding, as well as visiting the Jin Duke Manor three days later, can be considered showing his intent to seek marriage with Ming Jinrou, then the Wen family young ladies being close with Qi Pei today instead showed Zhaoyang Hall’s other thoughts.

In everyone’s view, the two of them having the exact same qingyun brocade can be considered very clearly confirming Empress Wen’s intentions. Aside from roping in the Qi family, it was also vaguely warning the Ming family. If Qi Pei really becomes Qin Wang’s side consort, even if having this ‘side’ word in front, she should still have the empress’s support behind her, thus able to sit as equals with the main consort.

Seeing Qi Pei’s extravagant attire, as well as her usual arrogant and haughty look, Yu Lingxin actually somewhat understood why Xun Che felt that Qi Pei had the possibility of becoming a side consort. However, at the same time, her attitude towards Ming Jinrou was nevertheless somewhat confusing.

Ming Jinrou’s personality was extremely optimistic and hot-blooded, normally not too fond of relatively cold hues such as blue and green. Regardless of whether it’s in the winter or summer, she all loved wearing colors such as rubia, red, orange, and such. This jade blue qingyun brocade long dress today, although beautiful, it was nevertheless very different from Ming Jinrou’s usual style.

And more importantly, with the two of them having similar clothing, Qi Pei although appeared haughty, her expression and movement actually still had that moment of slight rigidness, her calm smile more or less appearing to be a bit forced.

But, Ming Jinrou was nevertheless calm and composed, really very calm and collected, seemingly as if having prepared to come wearing the same clothes as Qi Pei. Moreover, facing the Wen family young ladies and Qi Pei’s intimacy, she also didn’t mind in the slightest, the bright smile on her face still no different from before.

“Jinrou.” Xun Ying also had some worries, going forward to pull her hand, softly asking, “Have you been well these days? I heard that………”

The matters regarding Ming Yunji lashing out in front of Qin Wang at the Jin Duke Manor that time, Xun Che and Yu Lingxin had immediately recounted to their parents and younger siblings after returning home. At present, Xun Cong no longer attended the academy, instead just studying at home. Xun Che intentionally discussing these matters together in front of the whole family, it was precisely for the sake of letting Xun Cong and Xun Ying learn to comprehend the state of affairs in the capital. Even if, for the time being, they don’t have the ability to deal with it, they at least need to understand the stakes and interests.

Ming Jinrou glanced at Yu Lingxin, her eyes ultimately still having a trace of dimness quickly fleeting by, but it was also just a trace. In the next moment, she still raised her brows and smiled, “These things, second cousin also told you? En, you sure enough have also grown up!”

Xun Ying angrily rolled her eyes, “I’m older than you!”

“Haha, I know.” Ming Jinrou couldn’t help but reach out to pinch Xun Ying’s cheek, “Then, my dear older cousin, if you feel bad for me, then just add to my dowry. The imperial selection, I still need to go.”

Although when hearing about Ming Jincheng getting beaten, Yu Lingxin already heard Xun Che mention that this should be a sign that Ming Yunji has made the decision, but hearing Ming Jinrou bringing it up this calmly, she still couldn’t help but slightly sigh inside.

Even if Ming Jinrou likes Qin Wang, this path really wasn’t easy to walk. Furthermore, Qin Wang had said that kind of heartless words last time. Even if the two of them are able to marry, and even work together for the sake of shared political benefit, but between the two of them, what kind of future can there still be?

TN: All translations outside of are stolen and reposted without permission!

“Second cousin-in-law, don’t worry about me.” Lifting her eyes and seeing Yu Lingxin’s gaze full of tenderness, Ming Jinrou’s nose instantly turned sour, but she endured, still putting on a smile, “I’ve already discussed with him.”

“Already discussed?” Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but blank.

Ming Jinrou slightly looked around, surprisingly appearing to be a bit embarrassed, also pulling Yu Lingxin to the side a little, before pressing her voice extremely, “I told him, if we really marry, we’ll just be putting on an act, pretending to be a modeled couple for outsiders to see. He can pamper whichever side consort he likes, and if he insists on staying in my room, I will prepare for him two beautiful servant girls. If they really have a child, then saying it’s mine is also fine. Once he achieves his great cause, then regardless whether it’s divorcing or faking my death, just give me back my freedom.”

Yu Lingxin was extremely astonished, “Isn’t this……this too child’s play?”

“What’s wrong with this?” Ming Jinrou lowered her eyes, “Didn’t he tell me to not give him trouble and get in the way of his great cause? This way, nothing will get held up, he will have his political marriage, and also collaboration. On the surface, he…….he will appear ‘loving’ with me, and if picking the right servant girl, perhaps he’ll have a child very soon!”

“What nonsense are you saying?” Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but poke her forehead, “Such a young age, yet thinking quite far ahead. You haven’t even married, yet already planned for children?”

Ming Jinrou slanted her mouth, “The disputes in the imperial family, isn’t it precisely just those? This matter, I’ve already told my father and older brother, they’re currently looking for servant girls for me.”

This time, Yu Lingxin really was too speechless to respond. Although she still felt that this really wasn’t good, but on one hand, Ming Jinrou was very resolute, and on the other hand, this was ultimately Chang’de Count Manor’s banquet. Softly whispering a few words was fine, but they can’t really just sit in the corner the whole time, having lengthy debates.

“No need to worry.” Cheng Yanling also came over, “If Qin Wang wrongs Jinrou, I will beat him.”

Yu Lingxin felt a bit more at ease. These words, if said by Ming Jincheng, or even Ming Yunji, then it was merely just randomly saying to coax a child. But, if it’s Cheng Yanling saying it, then it might really happen.

If Cheng Yanling can successfully become Ming Jinrou’s older sister-in-law, then no matter how Ming Jinrou messes around, it all won’t be a problem.

Just, at the same time, Yu Lingxin was also curious, also having a faint trace of uneasiness. In the past life, why didn’t Cheng Yanling and Ming Jincheng end up together? Seeing the calm smile on Cheng Yanling’s face in this moment, it was that bright and pleasant, seemingly getting along quite well with Ming Jincheng.

Thinking to here, Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but recall Ming Jincheng’s marriage in the past life, and afterwards, glance in the direction of Qi Pei and the Wen family young ladies.

And it just so happens that Wen Ruoqiong and Wen Ruoyao also looked over in their direction, their expressions similarly very complicated, even carrying a bit of determination.

That strange uneasy feeling inside Yu Lingxin was increasingly intense. When once again turning her gaze towards Ming Jinrou who was talking with Xun Ying, and afterwards turn to look at the similarly dressed Qi Pei, she suddenly felt that the imperial selection for the princes this time afraid will have very unusual outcomes.

That night, when Yu Lingxin returned to the Wen’an Marquis Manor and mentioned this thought to Xun Che, Xun Che’s expression was still considered relaxed, “Thousands of superficial changes won’t depart it from its original stance. The messes in the palace merely just have those approaches. Changchun Palace wants to appear as if having lowered their heads towards Zhaoyang Hall, but in reality, it’s just voluntarily retreating a step, letting the scales further lean towards the empress’s side. At present, Zhao Wang is still young, his body also not that good. The matter of establishing the crown prince, never mind if bringing up a few years later from now, but if it’s bringing up immediately after the new year when the respective princes have selected their consorts and married, then it’s still his Highness Qin Wang having the highest chance.”

Yu Lingxin thought for a moment, “Then, it’s just pushing the empress to first fight internally with his Highness Qin Wang? After all, in the last lifetime, after the Zhu family collapsed, the empress indeed schemed against his Highness.”

“Yes.” Xun Che’s lips were filled with a cold smile, “Actually, the central palace’s methods aren’t considered that brilliant, and this bit of thought is further known by everyone. His Highness Zhao Wang’s body although isn’t good, he is still the empress’s biological son. How could she be willing to yield the throne to someone else? But, Changchun Palace and Zhaoyang Hall have accumulated grudges for this many years. It’s not something that can be forgotten about by just kneeling down and saying a few soft words, then symbolically drop by a rank. Right now, Zhu-shi although hold the position of a low first rank Li Consort, her imperial favor from his Majesty has also gradually increased again. If my predictions are correct, Changchun Palace, for the sake of showing their sincerity, most likely will let Wu Wang or Wei Wang pick a Wen clan daughter as their main consort.”

Yu Lingxin nodded, “Looks like, it should be Wen Ruoqiong. In terms of status and age ranking, it’s all very suitable. Moreover, Wen Ruiqiong’s body isn’t that great either. Probably, in the future, without even needing them to scheme, she will naturally just die of illness.” She paused for a moment, also sighing, “Speaking of unforeseen changes, Jinrou’s thoughts are practically……….”

Xun Che hooked the corner of his mouth, reaching out to hold Yu Lingxin’s waist, “Jinrou is just angry inside. Her words, you just need to carelessly listen to.”

“You know?” Thinking about it, it also made sense. Since Ming Jinrou said that she has already discussed with Qin Wang, then Qin Wang probably will also pass on the news to Xun Che, “Then, what did Qin Wang say?”

Xun Che smiled, “What can Qin Wang say? Of course, it’s just agreeing. He previously was hot-headed, saying words that heavy in front of maternal uncle. Maternal uncle is rather grateful towards him, but Jinrou instead had her heart broken. Giving him attitude, putting down harsh words and whatnot, just let her be.”

“How can you……..” Yu Lingxin increasingly felt there was something amiss, especially seeing how Xun Che’s smile was actually full of confidence in his plans, just like a crafty black-hearted fox. At this time, she also recalled that day Xun Che whispered something to Qin Wang, “By the way, that day, what did you say to his Highness?”

“Which day? I don’t remember.” Xun Che smiled as he led her towards the bed. The servant girls that were originally just standing by outside, out of intuition, practically all retreated two steps farther outwards.

Yu Lingxin immediately realized what this guy was thinking of again. Even though after coming back to life again in the past, the two of them had waited an entire year before marrying, and he truly was too anxious from waiting, but in the seven to eight days since their wedding, Xun Che has stuck to her too tightly. Practically every time, after roughly explaining the matters outside, he will just become restless. Even if not immediately returning to their room, it was still messing around for half a day before it was over.

Thinking to here, she immediately pressed Xun Che’s hand with a stern face, “This big of a matter, aren’t you being too half-hearted? Don’t even have the sincerity to come up with a decent enough excuse to brush me off. Also, if you’re tired, then go rest first on your own. Yesterday, mother has already started giving me the purchasing account books for the manor.”

“This soon?” Xun Che furrowed his brows, “For better or worse, wait until after my marriage break is over.” However, how could he really be willing to let go. In the past life, as husband and wife, the great majority of time was spent struggling between life and death, looking upon one another with tears in their eyes. Although there was also deep-rooted longing, but it was still different from the current bone-gnawing ecstasy of their newlywed days.

“You should be returning to your post the day after tomorrow.” Yu Lingxin calmly attempted to pull back her hand and body, “Clearing your mind early in preparation is also good.”

“I’m going to be on duty, not going to be a monk, yet even need to have inner peace and no desires?” Xun Che directly side-stepped with a smile, singlehandedly having her picked up. But, he didn’t have her immediately thrown onto the bed, instead lowering his head and staring at Yu Lingxin in his arms, “Speaking of which, I even want to ask you, since you know that I will be returning to my post before the emperor the day after tomorrow, this kind of difficult job of accompanying by the emperor’s side, you can just bear not letting me relax for two more days?”

“For you, how is it anything difficult?” Yu Lingxin retorted without thinking, similarly gazing back at Xun Che.

Xun Che choked up for once. His wife trusting and admiring him too much seemingly wasn’t that great of a thing either. At least, when it comes to pretending to be pitiful, it was just very difficult.

But, how can the talented and renowned Wen’an Marquis heir easily admit defeat?

“You’re right.” He smiled, “Since not difficult, then no need to prepare.”

“Eh?” This time, it was Yu Lingxin’s turn to be stifled. And in the next moment, a certain someone already didn’t plan on giving her the opportunity to mention anything else……….

And just as the Wen’an Marquis Manor was amidst a harmonious dream of mandarin ducks, having limitless radiance of spring, Great Sheng’s most chaotic imperial selection for the princes during Xuan Emperor’s reign will soon pull open its curtains.