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墨書 Inktalez
Sunlight streamed through the tall vermilion gates of the Duke's Residence, casting golden ripples on the flagstone ground. Liu Ruyi, dressed in a lake-colored pleated skirt with a cloud shoulder wrap, stepped out alongside Yuan Yingwu, who wore an ink-colored long robe. Their figures elongated in the morning light, resembling a painting imbued with distant charm, serene and beautiful.
In this tranquil atmosphere, a piercing cry shattered the silence. Fan Jiao Jiao burst forth from the crowd like a lone boat caught in a tempest, kneeling before Liu Ruyi with her hands gripping the hem of her skirt. She cried out, "Madam, please grant me a way to live!" Her eyes were red-rimmed, tears streaming down her face and smudging her makeup, rendering her both disheveled and pitiable.
Liu Ruyi remained calm inside; the experiences of Liu Rumeng from her past life were etched deeply in her memory. How could she be unaware of today’s upheaval? Yet she maintained an impassive expression, casting a detached glance at Fan Jiao Jiao. A glimmer of insight flashed in her eyes as she thought, "As expected! In my past life, Liu Rumeng faced this calamity on this very day, known throughout the capital. How could I be any different?" She understood that if she were to act as Liu Rumeng had—brutally driving her away or engaging in a scuffle—it would only lead to repeating history and falling into someone else's trap.
Seeing Liu Ruyi silent only heightened Fan Jiao Jiao's despair. Her cries grew more heart-wrenching: "Madam, I truly have no way out! I beg you for mercy; just give me a chance to live!" She wept bitterly as if she had reached the end of her rope.
At that moment, Mei Xin emerged from within the gates, supporting Old Madam. Upon witnessing the scene, she immediately called out with concern, "Miss, you absolutely mustn't!" Her voice was gentle yet tinged with feigned urgency. Then she turned to Yuan Yingwu and advised, "Second Uncle, everyone in the capital knows about your dealings with her. If anything happens to her, outsiders will surely say it was you two who caused it. This is a matter of life and death; you could be held accountable by the censors. It might even implicate your entire family." Her words were earnest but carried an undercurrent of cunning.
Liu Ruyi interjected, "Sister-in-law is right!" Her tone was soft yet resolute.
Mei Xin felt a surge of joy and quickly added, "Liu Ruyi, you are so sensible. You see, this matter cannot be resolved quickly; why not let Second Uncle handle it while you return home?" Her eyes sparkled as if she were offering Liu Ruyi a "clear path."
Liu Ruyi's expression darkened as she firmly rejected the suggestion: "I will not!" Her voice was strong and unwavering.
Feigning surprise, Mei Xin continued, "Are you angry? That's more like it! We are all family here; there's no need to hide or pretend to be virtuous. If you have grievances, just tell Grandmother; she will surely support you." Her gaze seemed to hope for Liu Ruyi to fall into her trap.
Liu Ruyi chuckled coldly within but maintained a faint smile on her face as she replied, "This matter does not require Grandmother's intervention!" Her tone was cool and left no room for debate.
Old Madam furrowed her brow slightly and asked, "What do you propose?"
"Take her into our household!" Liu Ruyi declared succinctly.
Fan Jiao Jiao was momentarily stunned before her face lit up with joy; her eyes sparkled like a newly risen morning star.
Mei Xin was taken aback as well and hurriedly said, "With her status, it might not be appropriate for her to enter as a concubine!" She cast an anxious glance at Old Madam as if seeking support.
However, Liu Ruyi was prepared. With a clap of her hands, Zhang Yue emerged from behind holding a contract. Liu Ruyi raised the document and proclaimed loudly, "I have already taken her contract to the county office to change her household registration; she is now an ordinary citizen." Her voice rang clear for all present to hear.
Mei Xin grew anxious and exclaimed, "That wouldn't sound good if it got out!"
But Liu Ruyi had anticipated this response. With a dismissive smile, she replied, "We will simply publicize how her father saved Young Lord’s life. Outsiders will only say that Young Lord is willing to sacrifice his reputation for gratitude and loyalty. This will reflect positively on Young Lord." She surveyed everyone with an air of undeniable authority.
Old Madam nodded approvingly at this reasoning while a hint of admiration flickered in her eyes.
Unwilling to concede defeat, Mei Xin pressed on: "But if we take her in, we need proper arrangements!"
Liu Ruyi responded confidently: "I have already instructed people to clean Green Water Pavilion; all necessary servants and supplies are ready for Jiao Jiao Girl to move in immediately." Her tone remained cool and left no room for doubt.
"But... but..." Mei Xin attempted to object but was interrupted by Liu Ruyi.
Liu Ruyi fixed Mei Xin with a sharp gaze: "Sister-in-law's constant obstruction—are you trying to deliberately escalate this matter? To harm our marital relationship and invite Grandmother's reproach upon me?" Her voice was cold and carried an accusatory edge.
Old Madam also questioned sternly: "Yes indeed; what exactly do you mean?"
"Grandmother!" Mei Xin quickly took hold of Old Madam's arm, putting on a display of affection. "I just think that having Jiao Jiao Girl come into the household as a lowly concubine might not be something she would want!" She cast a flattering glance at Old Madam.
"I’m willing!" Fan Jiao Jiao hurriedly raised her hand to declare, her expression eager and sincere.
What a slap in the face! Liu Ruyi cast a disdainful glance at Mei Xin and said, "It seems that sister-in-law has no further instructions then!" She turned to Old Madam and added, "Grandmother, my husband and I will take our leave now!" Her tone carried a hint of composure.
Old Madam nodded in agreement.
Yuan Yingwu and Liu Ruyi cupped their hands in farewell to Old Madam before turning to leave.
Fan Jiao Jiao wore a beaming smile, clearly satisfied. Only Mei Xin was furious but unable to express her anger, grinding her teeth in silence, fire blazing in her eyes.
Just before getting into the carriage, Niu Peng leaned closer to Yuan Yingwu and whispered, "Madam is so magnanimous. With such a marriage, Young Lord must be very pleased, right?" His eyes held a teasing glint.
Yuan Yingwu, however, looked troubled. "But why do I feel like he’s not very happy?" His voice was low and tinged with helplessness.
As the carriage slowly started moving, Zhang Yue looked puzzled and asked, "Miss, why did you take the initiative to give Young Lord a concubine?" Her eyes were filled with confusion.
Liu Ruyi smirked disdainfully and replied, "Isn’t it good? It earns me a reputation for being virtuous without having to serve a man myself." Her voice was cold and calculating.
"But… what if Young Lord develops feelings for her? Wouldn’t that undermine your position?" Zhang Yue expressed her concern, worry evident in her eyes.
Liu Ruyi remained confident. "We have Grandmother as our strong backing and now I hold the power of the household. With money and authority in my hands, what does it matter where a man's heart lies?" Her gaze was resolute, as if she had already grasped the situation firmly in her hands.
Zhang Yue listened and nodded with a smile, admiration shining in her eyes for her mistress.
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