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"I haven't finished speaking," Qian Hanqiu glanced at Fu Lianyin with dissatisfaction and said, "The old lady may be angry, but she still favors the Second House. Plus, she dotes on the Seventh Young Lady more as she grows up. I think you should pay more attention to the Seventh Young Lady and try to 'pull' the old lady over to the Third House."
"Who in the Consort's family doesn't care about the Seventh Young Lady?" Fu Lianyin seemed insulted, her phoenix eyes widening. "Even the master sees it clearly. In order for the Seventh Young Lady to make good connections, I've run myself ragged," Fu Lianyin said while lightly patting her chest with her right hand that held a handkerchief. "But in the end, it still allowed others to get ahead! I really don't understand what the Wei Wen Wang family is thinking."
"Third Madam, don't complain," Qian Hanqiu was too lazy to expose Fu Lianyin's true intentions and only sarcastically remarked, "It's all your fault for choosing a Wei Heir Apparent who is five years older than the Seventh Young Lady. The Wei Wen Wang and his wife are eager for their son to marry and have children early, yet you introduced a nine-year-old Seventh Young Lady to them. If it were you, would you be willing?"
Fu Lianyin knew she was in the wrong and didn't retort—she hadn't even considered marrying Yun Kexin into a high-ranking family. The Wei Wen Wang family's polite refusal had actually suited her intentions perfectly. However, she never anticipated that Wei Qing would marry Yun Yan, which left her feeling frustrated! Thinking about how capable the Second House was, she originally thought that Yun You's death would completely defeat them and leave a woman from the Yue Clan struggling alone, but instead, things seemed to be going better for them. Every time she thought of this, it made her feel irritable.
Seeing Fu Lianyin's silent expression, Qian Shi thought it was because Fu Lianyin was unhappy with her "nagging," so she quickly added:
"Don't blame this old woman for being talkative; it's all for your own good. Last time, the Fifth Young Lady made a scene about adoption in front of so many people in the North Courtyard. Surely that can't be kept under wraps anymore. I'm worried that Yang and Third Madam are drifting further apart; this won't do."
Qian Shi's words hit a nerve with the Fu Family, making Fu Lianyin feel both angry and resentful: "That Fifth Young Lady is more trouble than she's worth, always causing issues for the Third House. Fortunately, the Consort had taken precautions beforehand; otherwise, we would have been in deep trouble because of her. The Seventh Young Lady still believes in me." At this point, Fu Lianyin raised her eyebrows slightly; this was her unique expression of "confidence."
However, despite her outward self-satisfaction, she was still troubled and gritting her teeth over her inability to control Yun Kexin. This situation worsened as the Seventh Young Lady grew older, causing her to feel increasingly anxious.
"What I mean is that if you want to regain the trust of the Third Master, you'll have to rely on the Seventh Young Lady and the old lady," Qian Shi finally expressed some impatience. "Even the Seventh Young Lady knows how to get close to the old lady through the Fourth Master; how could you not understand as her mother?"
Fu Lianyin lowered her head, a cold glint flashing in her phoenix eyes as she looked at the bluestone floor: She had considered winning over the old lady, but Zhou only cared about Fourth Master Yun Cheng and showed no interest in other houses. She even helped him fight for his title; just thinking about it made her furious.
After managing to suppress her growing anger, Fu Lianyin looked up and smiled:
"Auntie’s advice is well taken; your niece will remember it. I hope you will continue to guide me in the future."
The Second Matriarch nodded in satisfaction and said meaningfully, "Of course; our goals are aligned. Remember not just to use or deal with the Seventh Young Lady but also to be sincere..."
At that moment, Yun Yang entered the hall. Qian Shi took the opportunity to change the subject and smiled, "Yang, why are you back alone? Where is the Seventh Young Lady?"
"Xiner was called by Mother, at the Haitang Pavilion," said the Third Master leisurely. "She'll return to the Western Courtyard later."
Upon hearing this, Qian cast a glance at Fu Lianyin that seemed to say, "I wasn't wrong, was I?" Fu Lianyin lightly curled her lips and replied, "There aren't many children in this household who can win the old lady's favor. Let Xiner accompany her grandmother. Consort should also go to the Haitang Pavilion for a visit."
Yun Yang responded with a detached "hm," and then fell silent.
Yun Kexin supported her grandmother as they walked under the blooming crabapple trees in the courtyard. A gentle breeze caressed them, carrying the fragrance of flowers and swirling fallen leaves around them: Yun Kexin had come here with her mother to explain matters to her grandmother because the Yue Clan knew that these old ladies were unhappy about the engagement between the Second House and the Wen Wang family while keeping it from her. After confirming that Zhou had calmed down, they left, but Yun Kexin stayed behind to accompany Zhou.
"Grandmother, have you really forgiven Auntie?" Yun Kexin paused under a crabapple tree and turned to her grandmother.
"I was a bit angry at first," Zhou admitted, stopping to look at Yun Kexin. "The Fourth Young Lady is still my granddaughter no matter what. Her marriage is a significant matter, yet I, as her grandmother, was kept in the dark. How could I not feel resentful?" Suddenly her expression brightened as she smiled and added, "However, since the Second Madam has personally come to explain, I won't hold it against her."
Yun Kexin smiled and said, "I also believe Auntie didn't mean to hide it from us; I was quite surprised at that time too."
Zhou chuckled, "Fortunately, Wen Wang is known far and wide as a virtuous king in Great Taihe, and the Heir Apparent Wei Qing is also close to his subjects. This marriage seems quite perfect; there's nothing for Grandmother to criticize."
"It's best if Grandmother is satisfied; that way Auntie won't feel troubled for not consulting you beforehand," Yun Kexin said sweetly.
"Does Xiner still often visit Fourth Uncle?" Zhou reached out to smooth Yun Kexin's hair tenderly and smiled. "I've heard from your Fourth Uncle that you are very clever; you learn things quickly—three shops wouldn't compare to your sharp mind."
"I go often. If I learn well, it's because Fourth Uncle teaches me earnestly and carefully," Yun Kexin humbly replied with a smile. "Now besides attending classes at Tong Mansion, I'm either copying scriptures here with Grandmother or studying at Fourth Uncle's shop... Grandmother, Fourth Uncle is truly capable."
Upon hearing this, Zhou's face lit up with joy as if she had become ten years younger—no wonder Fourth liked bringing Seventh Young Lady along; she was clever and sweet-tongued; which elder wouldn't like that?! However, this smile faded quickly as another thought crossed her mind:
"Seventh Young Lady," Zhou's expression turned serious as she looked at Yun Kexin with a meaningful gaze, hesitating before speaking again. "Grandmother has heard that you often correspond with Prince Qin Yan?"
"Yes, we do. His Highness is a companion reader for the young master of Tong Mansion," Yun Kexin replied candidly with a shy smile. "Every time I go back to Tong Mansion for class, I run into them both; we are both classmates and playmates."
"What does Xin'er think of the Crown Prince?" Zhou seemed to ask casually, but was actually keenly observing Yun Kexin's reaction.
"What do you mean?" Yun Kexin repeated in confusion, then said, "He's quite good, smart, eager to learn, capable, and occasionally carefree."
"Oh, the Crown Prince is that great?!" Zhou's eyes lit up, her gaze searching back and forth on Yun Kexin's youthful face.
Yun Kexin was bewildered by the strange expression on Zhou's face. After a moment of reflection, she asked, "Grandmother, what are you thinking?"
"Xin'er, not every girl has the chance to meet the Crown Prince," Zhou fixed her gaze on Yun Kexin, occasionally squinting as if contemplating something or struggling to find the right words. After a moment, Zhou suddenly said, "You need to seize this opportunity..."
Yun Kexin was taken aback again and then suddenly widened her eyes, holding her breath as she said, "Grandmother, my relationship with the Crown Prince is not what you imagine. We are just classmates and friends. Besides, he already has someone he admires—"
Before Yun Kexin could finish her sentence, Zhou sharply interjected, "That girl is a commoner and cannot possibly become a consort. But Seventh Young Lady is different; you are the Seventh Sister of the Duke of E's household. Your uncles and cousins hold high positions in court. Now that your brother has won first place in martial arts and your sister is a Consort of the Wen Wang's household, such a prestigious background makes others envious, do you understand?"
Grandmother actually knows that the girl the Crown Prince likes is a commoner? How strange!
"But I have no feelings for His Highness..." Yun Kexin felt suddenly parched and stammered incoherently, "I haven't even thought about it. May I ask why Grandmother suddenly has this idea?"
Zhou gazed at the fresh and bright face before her that was filled with astonishment. With a slight frown, she raised her hand to gently stroke Yun Kexin's hair. After a long silence, she finally pressed her lips together and said in a hoarse voice:
"If Seventh Young Lady becomes Consort Qin in the future, your Fourth Uncle Yun Cheng will be saved!"
Yun Kexin was shocked: Fourth Uncle can be saved? How can becoming Consort Qin save Fourth Uncle? Save him from what? Then memories began to flow slowly in her mind about Yun Cheng around his sixtieth birthday. In a daze, she seemed to understand something and suddenly took a few unsteady steps back, feeling tightness in her chest that made it hard to breathe.
"No, Grandmother, I... cannot do this," Yun Kexin turned aside and stood under the tree where petals were falling like rain. Alone and forlorn, she gazed into the depths of the courtyard as if lost in thought and said, "The purpose of doing this is too strong; Xin'er would look down on herself."
"As long as it can save you, Fourth Uncle, what is there to be ashamed of?" Zhou unconsciously raised his voice and said, "Seventh Young Lady, after much thought, Grandmother believes you are the most suitable. You know the Crown Prince and have a good relationship with him; this is a blessed match—"
"Grandmother, please stop!" Yun Kexin couldn't help but interrupt—her face turned pale with agitation as she trembled and said, "Kexin... takes her leave!"
After saying this, Yun Kexin nearly fled from Haitang Pavilion. As she ran, her heart grew colder with each thought: Why does Grandmother want to use her? For Fourth Uncle, she would drag her into such a whirlpool?! Why can't she escape the role of a 'sacrificial victim' in this life or the last? Is it fate?!
She admitted that Fourth Uncle had always been an unsolved mystery to her, and she was eager to get closer to the truth itself, but why must it be done in this way? No, she cannot, will not, and cannot bring herself to do this.
Yun Kexin ran tirelessly, ignoring the servants who greeted her as she passed by. Before she knew it, she had reached the Western Courtyard and was stopped by the Three Elders who had just come out of the Study—
"Kexin, what’s wrong? Why are you running so hurriedly?" Yun Yang asked while gripping Yun Kexin's arm.
"Nothing! Nothing! Nothing!" Yun Kexin irritably shook her head, repeating "nothing" three times.
"That's not right; something must have happened. Is it about Grandmother?" Yun Yang asked again.
"Father, I have an unreasonable request. I hope you will agree," Yun Kexin raised her pale face and said softly, "From now on, I will not attend classes at Tong Mansion. I want to study and read on my own at the farm, just like Second Uncle did back then."
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