Rebirth of the Treacherous Official’s Madam

Unknown as to whether it was because Xun Che’s warning truly made Xun Xiang and Qi Pei have misgivings, or because the Xun family second branch’s invitation this time really was just an ordinary social gathering, all in all, drinking tea and chatting in Liufang Courtyard was unexpectedly far more relaxing than what Yu Lingxin had thought.

The guests weren’t that many to begin with. Aside from the first branch and Duanyi Xianzhu, there were just the friends and relatives of the same generation that were from families very close to theirs. The topic of the tea party also just revolved around the spring tea and desserts, clothing material and accessories, and such daily life matters, idly chatting, rather simple and harmonious.

Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but recall Xun Che’s occasional evaluation of these siblings of the second branch in the past. The second branch’s eldest di daughter, Xun Yan, had a heart higher than the skies, her schemes flowing out like side strokes of the brush, but she can also be considered daring and cunning. The second branch’s eldest di son, Xun Ze, his studies were decent, his moral character also not considered too bad, but he lacked decisiveness, further not good at dealing with change. The second branch’s shu son, who ranked third in their generation, Xun Tan, actually was relatively clear-headed, lacking a little in poetry and writing, but his ability to deal with concrete issues and adapt to change was actually not bad.

And among the four children of the second branch, the most lacking in abilities was just Xun Xiang, having sights higher than what she can achieve. When Xun Yan was around, she would somewhat be like ‘the fox exploiting the tiger’s might’, but now that Xun Yan was gone, she just didn’t have a pillar anymore. Even when dealing with this kind of ordinary tea party, it was also mostly Qi Pei standing out.

However, this also let Yu Lingxin be spared from the trouble. Right now, she was still more interested in getting to know Duanyi Xianzhu that Ming Jinrou ‘conveniently’ invited over.

In the past life, Yu Lingxin although had heard many things about Cheng Yanling, she never had the opportunity to meet her in person. In this moment, meeting face to face, even sitting down and drinking tea together, her curiosity was unable to be contained.

After all, regardless whether it was the past life or this life, when mentioning Duanyi Xianzhu Cheng Yanling, the first impression was just her legend in the Battle of Yulong Pass in Tianxu year 10, where she singlehandedly beheaded seven generals, using a hundred mounted soldiers to defeat an army of a thousand.

As such, countless people, including Yu Lingxin, all thought that Cheng Yanling might have the back of a tiger and waist of a bear, tall and robust.

However, in reality, Cheng Yanling’s appearance was extremely elegant, her figure also graceful and delicate. The beautiful palace gown on her was appropriately fitting, and in her refined hair bun, the pearls and jade glistened. Her quiet and smiling appearance when drinking also very much have the dignified elegance of a noble daughter.

However, from the way Cheng Yanling walked and moved, as well as the way she spoke, one can still clearly make out her valiance that surpassed others.

Especially, after greeting, Yu Lingxin curiously asked about the Chen province’s scenery and anecdotes in the army. Cheng Yanling’s tone when casually responding was both candid and easy-going. The broad-mindedness and far-sightedness casually revealed in her words further increased Yu Lingxin’s good impression of her.

At this time, recalling Xun Che’s meaning, she actually somewhat looked forward to it. Don’t know how Ming Jincheng and Cheng Yanling will get along?

Right when Yu Lingxin was secretly laughing and feelings curious about someone else’s future, a servant girl dressed in a silvery red bijia^[1] came over to deliver tea for Xun Xiang’s side.

Xun Ying’s eyes couldn’t help but slightly flicker, softly whispering, “That’s Songxiang from my grandmother’s place.”

Ming Jinrou, Cheng Yanling, Yu Lingxin, and Xun Ying were originally chatting together. At this time, they all looked over together, and sure enough, just saw Xun Xiang’s expression appear somewhat cramped and nervous, shortly after, turning towards Qi Pei.

Qi Pei, at this time, also saw Yu Lingxin and them all gazing over, her stomach full of jealousy and anger, feeling increasingly uncomfortable.

She has secretly paid attention to Xun Che for several years already. Just, she inwardly felt that her birth and appearance all had nothing to nitpick, and moreover, her family background and status was well-matched with Xun Che’s, so should just wait for her maternal uncle and aunt-in-law to voluntarily mention. But, who knew that this Yu family younger cousin with divorced parents and an ordinary family background would suddenly come out of nowhere.

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

Previously, when her mother told her that her maternal aunt-in-law might be looking over Yu Lingxin, Qi Pei even felt that it was very absurd. How could the Yu family match with the Xun family?

However, during the preparations for her maternal grandmother, Xun old madam’s birthday banquet, when she personally saw the Tianshui jade on Yu Lingxin, also seeing how Ming Huayue defended Yu Lingxin, she finally felt that things might go awry. At this time, how much she regretted for being reserved in the past was all set aside. Afterwards, she also agreed to listen to her maternal grandmother and mother, directly going over to stay at the Xun manor, seeing whether or not this matter still had leeway to turn around.

Actually, she had another thought inside, and that was just even if there’s no leeway, stealing a few more glances at Xun Che was also fine.

Who knew that this glance today, she was able to see, yet immediately afterwards, just got splashed with heart-penetrating cold water by Xun Che’s words that were like as if urgently trying to cut clear from her.

At this time, Xun Xiang’s eyes also gazed over. Qi Pei naturally knew what this meant. Xun Che’s warning previously was truly terrifying, but Xun old madam wanting to call Yu Lingxin over to Cide Hall for tea and to chat certainly won’t be anything good. Xun Xiang clearly was scared, while also not having any ideas.

“Have second brother’s words told to the old madam first.” Qi Pei also somewhat looked down on Xun Xiang for not having a brain, but at this time, she had no choice but to help out, so just instructed a little.

Xun Xiang hurriedly nodded, and shortly after, directly got up, calling that servant girl to the side and having Xun Che’s words roughly passed on.

Songxiang’s complexion instantly just changed, instinctively glancing in Yu Lingxin’s direction, yet just so happened to meet with Yu Lingxin, Xun Ying, as well as Ming Jinrou and Cheng Yanling’s gaze.

Songxiang and Xun Xiang both got startled, the forced smile on their face appearing even more awkward. Songxiang hurriedly lowered her head and rushed back to report, while Xun Xiang went back to discuss with Qi Pei.

Xun Ying also felt somewhat embarrassed, especially given that with Cheng Yanling, she didn’t have the same kind of close relationship with her like the Ming family siblings, so she further felt embarrassed letting Cheng Yanling see these scandalous matters of their family’s, “To have let older sister Cheng see a joke.”

Cheng Yanling’s gaze swept over Qi Pei and Xun Xiang again, the corner of her lip lightly hooking, “This isn’t considered anything. The same kind of rice raising a hundred different kinds of people. Even prestigious military families will have wastrels, let alone little girls that are merely short-sighted. It’s nothing.”

Ming Jinrou angrily snorted in objection, opening her mouth, but immediately got shot a glance by Yu Lingxin, thus forcibly changing the subject, “By the way, older sister Cheng, did Master Xiao and his family also arrive in the capital?”

Cheng Yanling nodded, “Just arrived yesterday, also temporarily settling in the princess manor. Are you thinking of Xiao Tang? You can come look for her to play at anytime.”

Just as they were chatting on this side, Songxiang returned again on the other side, even bringing another long-face servant girl that appeared a bit older, going over to speak with Xun Xiang and Qi Pei.

Xun Xiang had no other choice this time, hardening her head as she went over to look for Yu Lingxin, “Um, Yu family older sister, my grandmother wants to invite you over for tea.”

That long-face servant girl also went forward and added with a smile, “The old madam said, the Yu family’s eldest miss can also be considered a young lady of a scholarly family, so certainly very respectful towards elders, knowing etiquette, so asking you to please go over to meet.”

‘Can also be considered’ from a scholarly family?

Just from this line, they could all make out the meaning. Xun Ying and Ming Jinrou immediately frowned.

Yu Lingxin’s expression was actually still fine. Regarding Xun old madam’s accomplishments in courting death, picking fights, and causing trouble, as well as her hobby and enthusiasm towards messing up her grandchildren’s marriage arrangements, Yu Lingxin might be even more clear than Xun Ying and them.

Even if Xun old madam appear to be fond of the people of the second branch, aside from Xun Yan being the old madam’s true precious baby, also having her own means, the rest, like Xun Ze, Xun Tan, and even Xun Xiang, their marriage arrangements in the past life all got stirred up by Xun old madam.

That’s why, currently, on Xun Che’s marriage, it would be strange for Xun old madam to not cause trouble. Just, Xun old madam didn’t have any brilliant moves either. Going back and forth, it was just those few kinds. She was already prepared.

However, Yu Lingxin didn’t expect that prior to her opening her mouth, Cheng Yanling just responded first, “When it comes to respecting elders, going to greet and paying one’s respect, it seemingly isn’t just necessary for the young ladies of scholarly families. Previously heard that your noble manor’s old madam was recuperating in bed, thus just directly came to the tea party, not going to pay one’s respect. Since able to meet now, I will also accompany along.”

Xun Xiang and Qi Pei couldn’t help but mutually share a glance. That servant girl also blanked. But, at this time, Cheng Yanling had already stood up. She was originally just four five years older than the girls present, her stature also extremely tall. When sitting and chatting, it wasn’t noticeable, but at this time, getting up and taking a step, there were actually sparks in her eyes as she glanced back, making one shiver from the pressure.

This kind of Duanyi Xianzhu, who would dare to block?

Never mind the servant girl, even Xun Xiang and Qi Pei didn’t dare to say anything excessive. They could only helplessly watch Ming Jinrou and Xun Ying get up along with and accompany Yu Lingxin over to Xun old madam’s Cide Hall.

“Sister Pei….” Xun Xiang was even more scared. She originally just didn’t have any ideas, and at this time, she instinctively felt that the situation wasn’t too good. Things might be different from her grandmother’s original plan. She couldn’t help but softly ask Qi Pei, “Should I let my father and mother also go over for a look, that……that xianzhu is a bit scary……….”

On the surface, Qi Pei was still calm, but she also wasn’t able look down on Xun Xiang’s cowardice anymore, hesitantly nodding, “Alright.”

In reality, the ones that were worried about Xun old madam weren’t just Xun Xiang and Qi Pei. When Yu Lingxin and the others entered Cide Hall, they discovered that the main hall was already half-filled with people.

Xun second master and his wife had already received the news when Xun Xiang sent someone to reply to the old madam the first time and already hurriedly rushed over. But, what made Yu Lingxin even more surprised was that today, the Wen’an Marquis, Xun Nanheng, was actually present too, sitting together with Ming Huayue in the head seat. Xun Che was also to the side.

Xun old madam was sitting on the couch in the center. Her spirit although appeared pretty good, her complexion was nevertheless already very gloomy. Especially when seeing that Yu Lingxin didn’t get led in by the servant girl alone, instead even having Xun Ying, Ming Jinrou, and Cheng Yanling following along, she was just even more annoyed.

This original plan of ‘the old madam using the granddaughter’s tea party to naturally look over the future granddaughter-in-law’, how come just turned into an extremely solemn and unnatural big greeting assembly with this many people?

Once the servant girls finished adding all the seats and also served the tea, when everyone forcibly managed to go through a round of greetings, Xun old madam just directly gazed towards Yu Lingxin, “Miss Yu, is everything well in your manor? How are your parents recently?”

Once these words came out, the complexion of everyone in the hall were all somewhat peculiar. Yu Lingxin’s birth actually was considered neither high nor low. Yu Bocheng was just a Chief Administrator of the Ministry of Works, this fourth rank post. Speaking of which, with the Wen’an Marquis Manor, this in-law family, it truly wasn’t considered too compatible. But, if to give face, looking more at the already deceased old head minister, then this status as the eldest di granddaughter of the Head Minister of Rites was also fair.

Just, Xun old madam directly pointing out like this, it was just wanting to mention Yu Lingxin’s parents’ divorce, this past event that no matter what wasn’t considered glorious, especially considering how Qi-shi as a person had a violent and unreasonable temper, truly not considered having a virtuous reputation, and the husband she remarried, Kou Xian, his official post right now was just a seventh rank, which was even lower.

But, from the literal meaning, this was just another conventional greeting. As an elder and as the host, never mind Xun Che and Xun Ying, even the Wen’an Marquis, Xun Nanheng, wasn’t able to block her words.

Yu Lingxin although had expected that Xun old madam would start from here, but she ultimately wasn’t a saint. The emotions and desires of a mortal were always heart-piercing. At once, the smile on her face just stiffened for a slight moment, but immediately after, she forcibly suppressed the emotions interweaving in her heart, vaguely responding, “Thanks to your blessing, everything is well at home.”

“That’s good.” Xun old madam smiled, “Your mother remarried into the Jiang province Kou family, right?”

Yu Lingxin further choked on her breath, but after lightly coughing, she still endured and answered, “Yes.”

“As the saying goes, loyal subjects won’t work for a second ruler, a chaste woman won’t follow a second husband.” Xun old madam looked to Yu Lingxin, feeling increasingly smug. So what if the people of the first branch come to back her? She can still just say whatever she wanted! Could it be that she, this old madam, was fake?

Pausing for a moment, Xun old madam continued, “Some also say, mother and daughter are linked by the heart, the daughter resembling the mother. Back then, your mother remarried that resolutely, presumably Miss Yu also has a bold and daring temperament?”

The offensiveness of these words made even the second master and madam all feel somewhat awkward. Xun Nanheng and Ming Huayue’s complexion were already ashen. As for Xun Che, he had his eyes slightly lowered, forcibly covering up the anger and even killing intent inside.

At this time, a cold snort sounded from Yu Lingxin’s side, “What, Xun old madam very much have an opinion on remarriage?”

Cheng Yanling slightly raised her brow, her lips containing a smile.

[1] See below, it’s like a vest. I’m glad I can keep reusing this image.