Rebirth of the Treacherous Official’s Madam

Thirteenth of the first month, auspicious.

Suitable for eye-opening ceremonies^[1], opening trades, setting out on a journey, tricking honest people, duping an old friend, being a matchmaker for one’s black-hearted nephew, and so on.

The Yu family was busy from top to bottom. During the preparations, there was a bit of a subtle nervousness.

Because there weren’t that many relatives in the capital, and the eldest master, Yu Bocheng, also didn’t have a wide circle of friends, the Yu family’s new year banquets and such in these last few years actually weren’t considered that many. Especially this year, even the Su family in-laws that they frequently had dealings with and were very close with in the past years also merely just came over for a sit, not even staying for a meal. As such, the Yu family’s new year was spent even more simply.

All the way until the twelfth of the first month, the Jin Duke Manor suddenly passed a visiting card in. The eldest master Yu Bocheng’s old friend, the Jin Duke heir, Ming Yunji, said that he will drop in for a visit the next day. This can be considered a rare noble guest for the Yu family.

Although when checking the new year gifts, the old madam and Su-shi both sensed that the gifts received this year seemingly were a bit more valuable than past years’, but it also wasn’t too improper, and the relatives and friends that actually visited also weren’t more than past years. However, when sending the gifts in return, they also added some more last minute.

That’s why, the Jin Duke heir’s visit this time can be considered the Yu family’s most noble guest this new year. Yu old madam personally questioned about the preparations for receiving the guest, warning in every way. Yu Bocheng even specially had the old chess records collected in the past dug out again to look over for an entire night as preparation.

And amongst all of this, the most peculiar atmosphere was just the faint excitement in Dongli Residence, as well as the strange nervousness in Yu Bocheng’s study.

When all is said, the friendship between Yu Bocheng and Ming Yunji was probably just the proper etiquette based on reciprocity once or twice every year. The last time they met and chatted was probably three years ago, and the most recent time Ming Yunji personally visited the Yu manor was probably the year after the old head minister passed away, coming over to visit Yu old madam who had fallen ill that time. That was already four years ago.

That’s why, this visit this time, although also had the new year gift list added on after the visiting card, also politely mentioning their old friendship in his words, but the Yu family from top to bottom all understood that the Jin Duke heir’s true identity in visiting this time was probably still as the Wen’an Marquis heir Xun Che’s maternal uncle.

While carefully preparing, Yu old madam was full of joy as she waited for her future in-law family’s relative. Meanwhile, on Yu Bocheng’s side, his brows were just tightly locked with worry.

During this time, he would occasionally take out the old chess record to flip through, while also occasionally looking out in the direction of his daughter’s Lianyi Residence with a long sigh. Su-shi, as well as his other concubines, regardless whether it was coming over to deliver soup, or ask something, all got sent out by Yu Bocheng in irritation.

And after a night of restlessly tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep, on the thirteenth of the first month, when receiving Ming Yunji, Yu Bocheng’s face inevitably carried a bit of a forced enthusiasm.

Ming Yunji’s appearance was very handsome. Although the son of a military household, his own martial arts also good, his appearance and style still leaned towards that of a scholar. Just, his conduct was extremely candid and carefree, completely just the same as Ming Huayue.

As such, after paying his respects to the old madam in Dongli Residence, he just followed Yu Bocheng to the study for tea, merely just exchanging a few pleasantries before Ming Yunji made out the faint dark circles under Yu Bocheng’s eyes, “Looks like this foolish older brother’s visit this time was truly presumptuous, making virtuous brother feel uneasy.”

Yu Bocheng although knew that Ming Yunji had this kind of a straightforward personality, he still couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward, “To have let older brother laugh, this younger brother’s body has been somewhat weary lately, just not sleeping all that well, not really because of older brother’s visit. Speaking of which, the last time we had a match was already three years ago. This younger brother has been continuously thinking about asking older brother for guidance again.”

Ming Yunji candidly laughed, “Virtuous brother doesn’t need to continue with the pleasantries. You being unable to sleep peacefully, if not because of this foolish older brother, then it’s probably just because of that disappointing nephew of mine.”

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

Yu Bocheng didn’t expect that Ming Yunji would actually get to the main point this quickly, so could only dryly laugh.

“The Xun family, Ming family, and your noble manor, speaking of which, don’t just have a day or two of friendship and dealings.” Ming Yunji continued, “This foolish older brother won’t go in circles either. Heard that your eldest daughter is currently fourteen years of age, talented and virtuous. One’s younger sister has the intention of asking for her to be the eldest daughter-in-law. Don’t know what is your manor’s opinion on this? Do you still approve of the Xun family’s family style, and that nephew of mine’s moral character?”

Yu Bocheng originally had the intention of vaguely declining, but Ming Yunji’s words were linked very tightly. The words that were previously prepared, Yu Bocheng had no choice but to swallow back, deliberating for a moment, “The Wen’an Marquis Manor has held a high position for many generations, the family style noble and dignified. This younger brother naturally admire.”

“Then, what about my nephew, Xun Che?” Ming Yunji didn’t wait for Yu Bocheng to continue going in circles, directly adding, “He although never participated in the imperial exam, he still had studied in Wenyuan Academy for three years. Virtuous younger brother, towards Great Scholar Yan’s eyesight, you probably still acknowledge, right?”

Wenyuan Academy, for the scholars of Great Sheng, was tantamount to the holy land of the ministerial class. The Yan clan that preside over the academy have taken in disciples and taught for generations. Its selection process for students was extremely strict, the number very little. Moreover, not every student will all enter officialdom. The scholars that stay in the academy to teach, or focus on researching history, or write books were also quite a few.

But, once the disciples of Wenyuan Academy enter officialdom, it was usually scaling the court and saluting the high ministers, having the talent to enter the cabinet to assist in politics. For instance, the Prime Minister of Xiang Emperor’s reign, the Ying Duke, Lou Heng, the Vice Minister of Jing Emperor’s reign, Nie Zheng, and such renowned officials were all disciples of Wenyuan Academy. As for the Yan clan, they themselves vow to not enter officialdom for life, just fostering countless renowned officials and great scholars. As such, the Yan clan was also known as ‘the cabinet ministers out in the wild’.

Since Xun Che had studied under Wenyuan Academy, who would dare to question his learning.

Especially last time at Jingfu Temple, when looking over Qi Ke and discussing about painting and calligraphy, Yu Bocheng had also learned a bit more about Xun Che at the same time. As such, facing Ming Yunji’s question at this time, he could only forcibly smile again, “This, the Wen’an Marquis heir’s learning is naturally good.”

Ming Yunji smiled, “Since that’s the case, then why don’t virtuous brother agree to this marriage, especially given that the Xun family isn’t the kind of family that likes to take in concubines. Look at my brother-in-law, doesn’t he precisely just have my younger sister, this one wife. This kind of family principle should be able to let your family’s old madam feel reassured, right?”

And Yu Bocheng’s honesty just exhibited itself at this time. Although hesitant, he still said, “Wen’an Marchioness’s legendary reputation is known throughout the capital. The marquis not daring to take in concubines is also possible.”

“Hahaha.” Ming Yunji couldn’t help but laugh, “Saying it like this is not wrong either. It’s probably true that my brother-in-law doesn’t have the guts to take in concubines. However, my younger sister likes your beloved daughter very much, so naturally won’t allow her son to get involved with other women. Exactly what misgivings does virtuous brother still have at this time?”

“This, my daughter is currently still young……….”

Ming Yunji waved his hand, “How can this be considered anything major? Our dynasty although have many that marry late, but fourteen is also the age to get engaged, especially considering that the Wen’an Marquis Manor’s heir’s marriage isn’t a small matter. It’ll still take some time for everything to be ready and for the preparations to complete. Even if virtuous brother can’t bear to part with your beloved daughter, still can’t hold up her marriage.”

Yu Bocheng long knew that his rhetoric was far inferior to Ming Yunji. At this time, when actually debating, he increasingly felt that he wasn’t as capable as desired. After hesitating a bit more, he clenched his teeth and voiced his true feelings, “Older brother being sincere, this younger brother is very grateful, but there’s also words from the bottom of one’s heart that one doesn’t dare to hide. Currently, the case in the Judicial Court is still pending a decision, afraid the state of affairs in the capital this year will be unstable. This younger brother truly has fear in one’s heart.”

Hearing this, Ming Yunji also became serious, “Virtuous brother’s considerations aren’t excessive. Just, virtuous brother should also consider, since the raging storms are unavoidable, fearing or not, won’t one still be among the waves? Since virtuous brother has spoken bluntly with this foolish older brother, then this older brother will also say something blunt. The old head minister has passed away for a long time already. The Yu family doesn’t have any strong support.”

Pausing for a moment, the expression on his face was increasingly cordial, “Virtuous brother, wanting to be a pure official is not bad, but one also needs to have the capital to be a pure official. For instance, the Ying Duke Manor, practically every generation all served as cabinet ministers, their students and disciples all over the country, also not having marriage ties with the imperial clan, so naturally able to stand firmly. But the Yu family, unless virtuous brother resign from one’s post and not serve as an official anymore, otherwise once the storm rages to the point where even your noble manor gets affected, then afraid, by that time, one won’t even have a way to save oneself.”

“This……..” Yu Bocheng couldn’t help but be at a loss for words. Ming Yunji’s words were sensible and reasonable. Although also having unpleasant sounding areas, it was nevertheless the truth. Just, in his heart, he still faintly felt that there seemingly was something not that appropriate about this, yet unable to describe.

Ming Yunji watched Yu Bocheng’s expression change, adding once more, “If virtuous brother still has misgivings about the disparity in family status and such, then it’s further unnecessary. Since the beginning of time, when it comes to marriages, what’s important is still the moral character and family style. Even if virtuous brother finds a family of an equal status, if the other party’s moral character isn’t good, and your beloved daughter gets bullied, even if your manor is able to back her, what can come of it? Your beloved daughter will still be ruined for life. Could it be that virtuous brother is unsure of my nephew’s moral character?”

“That isn’t the case.” Yu Bocheng naturally can’t answer to these words. Although previously, the rumors in the capital were endless, and when it was said that Xun Che had plotted to kill Xun Yan, he’d also doubted, but by the time the matter reached the Judicial Court, the discussions outside already began to turn towards the Cheng’en Duke Manor framing the Wen’an Marquis heir, and how the Wen’an Marquis heir suffered in silence, investigating the truth on his own, searching for and rescuing his tang younger sister Xun Yan, and so on.

In addition to the Xun and Zhu family case stirring up this big of an uproar, all of the Xun family’s presented evidence and questions were all open and proper. Compared to the Zhu family’s vague stutters, the words in front not matching the words in the back, having explanations but no evidence, who was shady and who was not, it was further obvious at a glance.

“Since not the case, then how about just settling on this matter?” Ming Yunji said with a smile, “That nephew of mine will also be nineteen soon. My younger sister is more or less a bit impatient. The wedding date can be discussed later, but getting engaged at this time, whether it’s her, or the elders at home, all will feel at ease inside.”

Pausing for a moment, Ming Yunji’s tone became a bit more solemn, “Virtuous brother, if there’s still some other misgivings, feel free to mention. But, if because of some groundless thought, let your beloved daughter miss out on this kind of marriage fate, then as a father, virtuous brother just doesn’t love one’s daughter enough. Virtuous brother, have a look throughout the capital, is there still anyone even more outstanding than that nephew of mine? Could it be that someone as talented as your beloved daughter isn’t worthy of matching with such a young man?”

In the end, after another cup of tea, Ming Yunji’s candid laughter once again sounded from the study. Shortly after, the servants were ordered to pass in the tea and desserts, also setting up the chessboard. After chatting for three matches, Ming Yunji finally took his leave.

Yu Bocheng naturally sent him out personally. By the time he returned to the study again, he just saw that Yu Lingxin had intimately came to deliver soup.

Yu Bocheng looked at his tall and elegant daughter before him, already full of a young woman’s charm, helplessly sighing, “Ling’er, I seemingly got spiraled in by your uncle Ming.”

[1] This is one of the ceremonies in buddhism for unveiling a new religious idol. The purpose is to invite a deity or spirit into the work of art.