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墨書 Inktalez
Dusk, Yun Yang returned from the Palace to the Duke's Residence. During Dinner in the North Courtyard Main Hall, Yun Kexin struggled to suppress her urge to tell her adoptive father about her recent “adventure.” It wasn't until after the meal, while the people from the Third House were on their way back to the Western Courtyard, that Yun Kexin finally shared her experience. However, Yun Yang, who had been leisurely walking before, seemed startled and paused, asking in shock:
“What does your Tong Zhichen look like? And what about the young man accompanying him?”
Yun Kexin described their ages, heights, clothing, and so on. Yun Yang staggered back a few steps, frowning as he said, “Kexin, you’ve gotten yourself into trouble, serious trouble…”
“Why do you say that, Father?” Yun Kexin asked in confusion. Was it just because of their identities?
“Master, what happened?” Fu Lianyin looked at the distressed Yun Yang with confusion.
“Kexin, did your Tong Zhichen refer to another person as ‘Qin Young Master’?” Yun Yang pressed further.
“Yes, Father,” Yun Kexin replied cautiously. She couldn’t reveal that she had known about Tong Zhichen beforehand.
“He is none other than His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Qin Yan. His companion is indeed Tong Zhichen!” Yun Yang furrowed his brows and said anxiously, “The two are inseparable and very close. It’s well-known that they often dress incognito and leave the palace.”
Yun Kexin was astonished: The Crown Prince?! The Purple Gold Crown Young Master is actually a prince? What a coincidence! Although she sensed that the identity of the Purple Gold Crown Young Master was extraordinary, she never imagined him to be a prince. However, since Yun Yang was the current Minister of Personnel, who frequently worked at the Palace, he couldn’t possibly be mistaken!
“Father, I don’t think the Crown Prince is someone who would cause trouble,” Yun Kexin pondered for a moment and reassured him, “I was just discussing matters at hand and didn’t offend him in any way. I believe he won’t make an issue out of it. Besides, I had already given him the Seven-Colored Glass Beads at that time.”
Listening intently from the side, Fu Lianyin felt her heart racing like her restless eyes darting around—she had initially planned to mock Yun Kexin after she revealed the truth to Yun Yangming. She never expected that Yun Kexin would actually “get involved” with the Crown Prince. Such harsh words could not be taken lightly anymore. While she scoffed inwardly, she also became more guarded and thus smiled sweetly:
“Master, what Seventh Young Lady said is reasonable. She didn’t offend the Crown Prince at all and even graciously offered him the Seven-Colored Glass Beads. You shouldn’t worry too much.”
“That may be true,” Yun Yang still looked uneasy as he addressed Yun Kexin, “But he is still the Crown Prince; your actions will surely leave a bad impression on him.”
Yun Kexin smiled dismissively, "What's wrong with having a bad impression? She doesn't ask anything of him."
"Father, how about this," Yun Kexin thought for a moment, then looked up mischievously and said, "Do you remember I mentioned wanting to take Tong Ye as my master? Tong Zhichen is his son and also the Crown Prince's companion. Could you take me to Tong Mansion now to formally apprentice under him? If I happen to run into the Crown Prince playing at the Tong Family, I can apologize to both of them together."
Yun Yang couldn't help but smile; this was indeed a good compromise. It wouldn't be too much trouble and would show sincerity in a timely manner.
Fu Lianyin felt suspicious and glanced at Yun Kexin: How does the Seventh Young Lady know about Tong Ye? She wants to become his apprentice? This thought might not be simple; she needed to find out more.
"Is it a good time to go now?" Fu Lianyin looked up at the sky; the sun was gradually setting. With ulterior motives, she said, "Isn't it too late? Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow."
She intended to inquire about the situation from Yun Yang before Yun Kexin became an apprentice. If this person posed any threat to her, she could "interfere" and prevent Yun Kexin from getting her wish.
Unfortunately for Fu Lianyin, her scheme was seen through by Yun Kexin, who cleverly smiled and said, "Father, Mother, I believe now is the most appropriate time to go. This will reflect my sincerity and your importance. If we wait until tomorrow, it might be seen as 'too late to act,' which wouldn't be good."
Yun Yang thought about it and found her reasoning sound. He turned to Feng Momo behind him and said, "Go help Seventh Sister change her clothes; I want to take her out."
"Yes, Master." Feng Momo stepped forward and took Yun Kexin's hand, leading her away.
Once they were far enough away, Fu Lianyin seized the opportunity to probe Yun Yang about the matter. However, Yun Yang wasn't very clear either; it was Seventh Young Lady who had brought it up herself. Hearing this, Fu Lianyin's suspicions deepened. She wanted Yun Yang to hold off for a while longer, but unexpectedly saw Feng Momo leading Yun Kexin back toward them. She fell silent but then devised another plan: since they were showing sincerity, she couldn't let herself fall behind as the mother. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing in front of the Tong Mansion people. Yun Yang agreed and allowed her to accompany them. Only Yun Kexin saw through Fu Lianyin's intentions and coldly laughed inwardly without exposing her: Let her go if she wants; does she think she can turn things around?
The carriage arrived at Tong Mansion south of the capital. As Yun Yang, Fu Lianyin, and Yun Kexin got out of the carriage, they were surprised to find that the entrance was heavily guarded. Yun Yang pondered that either the Crown Prince was inside or there were distinguished guests from the Tong Family. He wondered if entering would be too abrupt. However, Yun Kexin boldly stated that since they were already here, they couldn't leave empty-handed and suggested they go in. Thus, Yun Yang informed one of the soldiers at the entrance of their situation and asked him to relay a message. Upon hearing that they were with the Minister of Personnel, the soldier did not dare delay; he nodded and went inside to report. Soon after, he came back out with news: Lord Tong requests your presence.
Tong Ye is a middle-aged man in his thirties, still relatively young, with an average build and appearance, and he possesses good manners. His wife, Chen Family, has a slightly plump figure but kind eyes and a gentle demeanor. Upon seeing the Yun Family members, especially Yun Yang, Tong Ye bowed and smiled, saying:
"Rare guest! Rare guest! Minister of Personnel Lord Yun has come to visit. I apologize for not welcoming you properly."
His polite words carried no hint of flattery or servility, which Yun Kexin greatly appreciated.
"Please, take a seat," Chen Family said with a smile, instructing the servants to provide seats and serve tea and snacks.
Yun Kexin keenly noticed that when Chen Family's gaze fell upon Fu Lianyin, there was a flash of disdain and contempt in her eyes. This surprised her and suddenly reminded her that Mother had mentioned that Chen Family was her close friend. Could it be that the Yue Clan also knew about the adoption? A sense of respect for Chen Family arose within Yun Kexin.
Once the three were seated, Yun Yang intentionally refrained from asking why there were heavy guards outside and instead clarified his purpose for visiting:
"I wouldn’t come here without reason. My visit this time concerns Miss Yun Kexin." He pulled Yun Kexin forward and smiled at Tong Ye, saying, "She wishes to become your disciple, so I brought her here to pay her respects to Lord Tong. May I ask if that is acceptable?"
Tong Ye and Chen Family both studied Yun Kexin seriously: she wore a fitted pink rose-scented robe with embroidered red plum blossoms on a white background and a long skirt with eight panels. Her complexion was fair with rosy cheeks, her eyebrows like willows competing in green, and her face was as delicate as a peach blossom. Standing there quietly with a slight smile, her large eyes sparkled with cunning and wisdom rarely seen at her age.
Both of them praised Yun Kexin's youthfulness while noting her outstanding beauty and grace. Especially Chen Family, who looked at Yun Kexin with warmth in her eyes as if seeing a "copy" of Yue Ziyun. However, Fu Lianyin looked on with evident disdain.
In fact, before the birthday celebration of the Three Old Lords Yun Jinxiu, the Second Master and his wife had visited beforehand to inform them that if the Third Master brought the Seventh Young Lady to request apprenticeship, they hoped she could be accepted as a student. They specifically instructed not to mention the visit from the Second House. Although Tong Ye and his wife were unaware of the grudges between the Duke's Residence's various households, they nodded in agreement but insisted on meeting Yun Kexin in person before making a decision. After seeing her today, Tong Ye dismissed his previous concerns.
"Seventh Sister," Tong Ye said seriously despite having already decided to accept Yun Kexin as his student, "I am quite a strict person. You may have to endure some hardships in the future. If you do not make progress within a month, I will ask Lord Yun to take you back."
His tone was friendly yet serious; his upright demeanor instilled respect in Yun Kexin. However, hearing that he was willing to accept her as a student brought her considerable relief.
She still smiled quietly as she approached Tong Ye, knelt down, and said in a clear voice:
"Master, please allow your student Yun Kexin to pay her respects."
Yun Yang smiled with satisfaction, took a cup of tea from the table, and handed it to Yun Kexin, saying, "Kexin, quickly offer this cup of tea to Lord Tong."
Yun Kexin accepted it and held it out before Tong Ye, smiling, "Please drink this bowl of tea, Teacher."
"Good." Tong Ye took the bowl of tea from Yun Kexin's hands and drank it. Then he said, "From now on, you will be my first female student."
"Thank you, Teacher," Yun Kexin replied politely with a smile.
"Rise," Tong Ye said with a faint smile.
Yun Kexin obeyed.
"Lord Tong is truly thoughtful," suddenly remarked Fu Lianyin, who had been sitting quietly beside Yun Yang. "I would also like to thank Lord Tong for accepting a female disciple. However, there is one thing I do not understand, and I hope Lord Tong can clarify it for me."
"Feel free to ask," Tong Ye replied expressionlessly.
"Thank you, my lord," Fu Lianyin nodded slightly and smiled meaningfully. "I heard that the Seventh Young Lady requested to become your disciple herself. What I am curious about is how the Seventh Young Lady, who rarely leaves the Duke's Residence, came to know about Lord Tong?"
Her words seemed to be directed at Tong Ye but were actually aimed at Yun Kexin, prompting her to "confess the truth."
Yun Kexin was not mistaken; Fu Lianyin must have some ulterior motive for this visit. Just as she was contemplating how to respond, a burst of mocking laughter came from above:
"Well, it seems our lord's reputation is not as well-known as we thought?!" Chen said with a faint smile, her eyes glancing at Fu Lianyin, unreservedly mocking, "In this entire capital, outside the palace, which household does not know our lord? Only the people from the Duke's residence have never heard of him. This is truly a loss for the Tong Mansion..."
Both Yun Yang and Fu Lianyin were taken aback, their faces turning pale as they took deep breaths.
"Madam Tong has misunderstood," Fu Lianyin said awkwardly with a forced smile, hastily defending herself, "Lord Tong is willing to take a girl as a student; the Consort is grateful and merely curious how the Seventh Young Lady, being a woman of the inner chamber, knows of Lord Tong's renown..."
This statement was somewhat foolish; if it was renown, how could it not be widely known?
"Madam Yun, my son Tong Zhichen has never met Sir Yun," Chen said with a smile, "but he knows very well that there is a Minister of Personnel named Yun Yang who is known for his integrity and dedication to justice." She paused slightly and added pointedly, "Of course, perhaps our lord's reputation is not as great as Sir Yun's, so it is not surprising that he is unknown or even looked down upon."
At this point, Fu Lianyin was not just embarrassed; she felt like she was sitting on pins and needles and didn't know what to do. She glanced at Yun Yang for help.
"Madam Tong, please do not be angry; my wife simply lacks eloquence," Yun Yang thought to himself that Fu Lianyin had spoken out of turn and brought trouble upon herself. However, he still smiled and defended her, "Lord Tong is highly respected in court; his trust and reliance from the Emperor are evident. He is also a well-known figure among the people. Even if my Seventh Young Lady has not met him, she must have heard of Lord Tong's reputation. It is entirely reasonable for Xin'er to request to be taught by Lord Tong; we are not surprised at all."
After finishing his words in one breath, Yun Yang still felt uneasy inside, fearing that Fu Lianyin would embarrass herself again. He shot her a warning glance to signal her to keep quiet.
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