Rebirth of the Treacherous Official’s Madam

Just, when Yu Bocheng hesitantly went to Dongli Residence to discuss with the old madam, Yu old madam was already looking over the gift list Yu Lingxin drafted, clearly never having thought of declining the Xun family’s invitation. In fact, towards Yu Bocheng’s worries at this time, she was very surprised, “What is there to think over? This invitation currently is just the Xun family second miss inviting Ling girl over for a visit. The other side clearly won’t have elders stepping in, merely just those of the same generation being close, what are you nervous for?”

Yu Bocheng sighed, “Mother, I still feel this marriage with the Xun family isn’t very appropriate. For the entirety of the twelfth month, the Xun family and Zhu family have been endlessly tearing at one another in the Judicial Court. After Shangyuan^[1], the case will continue to be tried. Afraid, without two to three months, it won’t be able to conclude. The Zhu family although have many inappropriate areas, that is ultimately still Cihui Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Zhu’s maiden family. Not joining their faction and adhering to them is only natural, but offending and becoming enemies isn’t too good either. I’m still worried about Ling’er.”

Yu old madam placed down the gift list, “I see that Ling’er is very dependable, having a good sense of propriety, also understanding when encountering situations. That Gentleman Qi we met at Jingfu Temple last time, although good, Ling’er may not necessarily have the intention. Besides, Ling’er being close with the young ladies of the Wen’an Marquis Manor and Jin Duke Manor isn’t just for a day or two. Even if the marriage arrangement doesn’t work out, still can’t just not have dealings anymore.”

Just as they were talking, Yu Lingxin who’d finished changing arrived at Dongli Residence again. Seeing her father Yu Bocheng also present, his face even faintly carrying a bit of worry, she was somewhat astonished, “Grandmother, father, is something the matter?”

“Nothing.” Yu old madam smiled, having the gift list given back to Yu Lingxin, “These gifts are very suitable. Although it’s just visiting one another as peers, you’re going over during the new year after all, so it’s still best to take some gifts to express our family’s meaning. This sense of propriety is very good.”

Yu Bocheng looked to his daughter dressed in a pale red brocade dress embroidered with sprigs of plum blossom, her black hair like clouds, the glistening pearls and jade contrasting her increasingly outstanding beauty, his feelings inside extremely complicated.

But, thinking over his mother’s words, it was also reasonable, thus just sighed, “Since it’s visiting as peers, then just go, but be careful with your speech and conduct, also go early and return early.”

Yu Lingxin knew that her father was still not that willing towards the marriage with the Xun family, just she wasn’t too able to understand her father’s thoughts completely, but at this time, there also wasn’t anything to be too conflicted over. As such, she just agreed on the spot, saying a few more words to her grandmother before taking Bai Guo and directly mounting the carriage to head to the Wen’an Marquis Manor.

The carriage trip this time was actually quite peaceful, not having anyone suddenly appearing again. Just, when Yu Lingxin was climbing onto the carriage, Bai Guo had handed over a short letter, “Miss, this was received just now.”

Yu Lingixn nodded and accepted it, opening it in the carriage.

This was the most primary way of communicating between Xun Che and her during the entire twelfth month. Ever since the Wen’an Marquis returned to the capital on the first of the twelfth month, the Xun family’s internal conflict and disputes just never had a moment of rest. And Xun Che also officially began his duties as the Chief Secretary of the Central Secretariat. In addition to the lawsuit with the Cheng’en Duke Manor, and such, after parting at Jingfu Temple, they already haven’t met in more than a month.

However, although they didn’t see one another in person, the letters between the two of them were actually extremely frequent, practically one every day. Sometimes, when seeing his writing, Yu Lingxin can roughly understand his feelings for the day.

For instance, this current letter in the carriage, looking at Xun Che’s wording and handwriting, Yu Lingxin was just able to sense a bit of irritation.

The reason was actually very simple. Towards their marriage, the Wen’an Marquis Xun Nanheng didn’t really approve of it, feeling that he was just away from the capital for a few months, yet Xun Che just found himself a wife, even one whose family status wasn’t that high. He kept feeling that as the wife of the heir, this matter was too impulsive.

Although in Xun Che’s wording, it was full of pacification, emphasizing that his mother and younger siblings all like her, saying good words for her in front of his father, but Yu Lingxin still sensed that when facing his father, Xun Che wasn’t that confident like when handling other matters.

But unknown as to why, Yu Lingxin actually didn’t mind that much.

Perhaps, because she’d been Madam Xun for more than ten years in the past life, she’d invested too much feelings into the Xun family, so in this life, when meeting Ming Huayue again, she didn’t feel nervous, but instead felt close.

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

And even if Xun Che had warned her that the meeting this time, although said as just dealings between peers, the Wen’an Marquis might look her over or even give her a hard time, Yu Lingxin still didn’t feel it was that big of a deal.

This kind of composure, she also didn’t know where it came from. That’s why, when descending the carriage at the Wen’an Marquis Manor second gate and seeing Xun Ying and Ming Jinrou who came to welcome, it was instead Yu Lingxin going to console the two of them, “I know, it’s nothing.”

“Really know?” Ming Jinrou coiled around Yu Lingxin’s arm the whole way as they headed over to the reception hall for tea, also softly whispering, “Older sister should still be careful. I’d heard that uncle-in-law recently argued with paternal aunt twice, also scolding second cousin several times.”

“It’s not fully because of this.” Xun Ying hurriedly explained, “Father returning to the capital early this time was originally because of the second branch. The old madam, second uncle, and second aunt-in-law have been continuously making a ruckus at home. Moreover, recently, the old madam fell ill again. Father and mother haven’t been in a good mood either, so sometimes, when speaking, it’s inevitable to be a bit pressed. Occasionally when mentioning this matter in between, it’s also merely in passing. Scolding second brother is also mostly because of the matters at home.”

Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but crease her brows. She actually didn’t feel that it was that worrisome, but rather, intuitively felt that the meaning reflected in Ming Jinrou and Xun Ying’s words wasn’t too like the Wen’an Marquis Xun Nanheng that she’d heard of in the past.

In the past life, although she’d never met the Wen’an Marquis, but regardless whether it was from Ming Huayue and Xun Che’s mouth, or Ming Jincheng and Ming Jinrou’s mouth, the Wen’an Marquis all extremely cherished his wife Ming Huayue. Towards his children, although a bit strict, and towards Xun old madam and the second branch, also somewhat overly soft, but towards anything that involved Ming Huayue, the Wen’an Marquis was always very resolute.

The Wen’an Marquis would argue with Ming Huayue?

But, recalling the matters in the Xun family recently, it seemingly was understandable. Yu Lingxin nodded, “It’s fine, I understand. Recently, with this many things happening in the marquis manor, the elders not being in a good mood is also normal.”

Strictly speaking, right now really wasn’t a good time to discuss marriage. Xun Yan’s death was ultimately a major matter after all. Even if when holding a funeral for a younger generation at home, it wasn’t necessary to observe mourning, but that was still the niece that the Wen’an Marquis watch grow up that died of a sudden death. In addition to Xun old madam falling ill due to grief and anger overlapping, as well as the the lawsuit with the Cheng’en Duke Manor outside, how could the Wen’an Marquis be in a good mood.

Very soon, they arrived at the reception hall. The Wen’an Marquis, Xun Nanheng, was already sitting in the main seat drinking tea with Ming Huayue. Sitting next to them was Xun Che and Xun Cong. The two brothers were both sitting upright, their backs completely not touching the back of the chair. Clearly, in front of their father, it was completely different from their relaxed posture when with their mother.

“Paternal aunt, uncle-in-law, sister Huijun has come.” Even when Ming Jinrou was greeting with a smile, her voice was all a bit more cautious and reserved than usual. As such, Yu Lingxin was just further able to sense the imposing atmosphere in the reception hall.

“Greetings marquis, madam.” Following Ming Jinrou in through the door, Yu Lingxin just went forward and curtsied.

“No need to be too courteous, have a seat.” The smile on Ming Huayue’s face was still amiable like usual, casually asking, “Lately, things have been messy at home, so didn’t call you over. Are things well at home for the new year?”

“Thanks to madam, everything is all well.” Yu Lingxin smiled and bowed, replying in a very relaxed manner, also casually chatting a few words about the new year affairs at home.

In the past life, Yu Lingxin already got along with Ming Huayue like mother and daughter, so simply didn’t need to deliberately fawn over, very naturally able to chat along. After a few words, the atmosphere increasingly warmed up, becoming harmonious.

During this entire process, the Wen’an Marquis didn’t say anything, just his gaze that was as sharp as a falcon swept over Yu Lingxin again and again.

When Yu Lingxin noticed for the first time, she was also a bit surprised, instinctively looking at Xun Che, Xun Cong, Ming Jinrou, and the others. However, seeing everyone’s stiff appearance, she unexpectedly still didn’t feel nervous, instead recalling that time she cooperated with Ming Huayue to scare Xun Che previously.

As they talked more, seeing the martial and solemn Wen’an Marquis, Xun Nanheng, sizing her up with a stiff expression, Yu Lingxin actually began wanting to laugh. She kept feeling that Xun Nanheng wasn’t that scary, especially that feeling of wanting to sternly ask a bit of something, yet needed to maintain his status, so couldn’t say anything. It just made her even more curious.

Thus, right as Ming Huayue was about to let her go talk with Xun Ying on her own, Yu Lingxin voluntarily gazed towards Xun Nanheng, “Does marquis have something to ask me?”

The smile on the young girl’s bright face was natural and full of sincerity, her neither distant nor intimate manner was just like towards an unfamiliar, yet extremely trusted and respected elder, her gaze soft and clear. For a moment, Xun Nanheng was actually somewhat awkward.

“Haha.” In the end, it was still Xun Che that laughed out first, “Father, why be like this?”

Ming Huayue slanted her mouth, “What’s so fun about scaring the children, if you have something to say, then say it. The child that I took a fancy to, would she not be good?”

At the same time trying her best to hold back her laughter, Yu Lingxin slightly lowered her eyes. This was more like the Wen’an Marquis from her impressions that Ming Huayue and Xun Che frequently mentioned. That imposing and cold front that was like a black iron mask and whatnot, that was all directed towards the outside.

“Cough, cough.” Xun Nanheng’s soundless might this time completely didn’t have any effect during the entire process of looking over his future daughter-in-law. Sweeping a glance at his own wife, he didn’t say anything, just dryly coughing twice before turning towards Xun Che again, still with a stern look, “Still daring to say excessive things? Your skin just gets itchy in front of the guest?”

Looking at his father’s expression, Xun Che still couldn’t help but laugh, “This isn’t an outsider either. Mother already gave the Tianshui Jade set, and had also gone to visit the Yu family. If not for you insisting on meeting, I would’ve looked for maternal uncle to go as a matchmaker today.”

Xun Nanheng couldn’t contain his expression anymore, “Nonsense, is this something that you can just decide on your own?!”

Xun Che glanced at Yu Lingxin, also straightening his back and clearing his throat, “This matter, I’ve already made up my mind. The fate between people is just like this. Once set, unable to be replaced. For instance, between you and my mother, wasn’t it just settling once decided on? If, I’m saying if, back then, your marriage arrangement with my mother didn’t work out, switching with another young lady of a high birth, would you still be able to have this kind of loving and happy days like now?”

Hearing Xun Che’s first few words, everyone was still extremely shocked. After all, Xun Ying and Xun Cong, these younger ones, were still present, and Yu Lingxin was also present, so how can he say it this bluntly?

Xun Nanheng’s complexion was just about to change when Xun Che suddenly turned the topic, directly just pointing towards Xun Nanheng and Ming Huayue.

The children instinctively followed along his words and gazed towards the two of them. Even Yu Lingxin all carried pure curiosity as she gazed towards this loving couple that was renowned in the capital.

However, when has Xun Nanheng ever said sweet words to Ming Huayue in front of this many people before. Suddenly seeing all his children, niece, and future daughter-in-law all look towards him, he instinctively just choked up, “Ah? This——”

“Yo? Turns out, if switched with someone else, the days can similarly go by?” Ming Huayue finally reacted. Although knowing that Xun Che was deliberately retorting his father, but Xun Nanheng blanking still made her eyes immediately light up!

“No!” Xun Nanheng, at this time, finally came to his senses, his back instantly just stiffening.

“Father, mother, we’ll take our leave first.”

Xun Che immediately got up, taking his younger brother and sisters behind him as he quickly retreated out.

[1] Shangyuan – Also the day of the lantern festival, refers to the fifteenth of the first lunar month.