Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Yun Kexin had been learning to manage the "Yuefeng" inn in Yun City for over a month. In fact, Yun City had only guided her for a few days; the rest of the time, she had taken charge herself. At that moment, she stood behind the counter, her eyes fixed on the account book, skillfully tapping away at the abacus.
"Yun Kexin, do you want to take a break?" Yun Cheng came out from the back room. Seeing her so focused on her work, he couldn't help but smile. "Don't tire yourself out."
Yun Kexin looked up, paused her work, and handed the account book to Yun Cheng with a smile. "Fourth Uncle, come take a look and see if I'm doing it right."
Yun Cheng laughed heartily. "No need to be overly concerned. You've been here for some time now; I've seen how well you're doing—both the staff and the guests praise you for being capable. I'm not worried about having no one to take over." He paused for a moment and added half-jokingly, half-seriously, "However, Yun Kexin is pregnant, so don't stand or sit for too long and tire yourself out. I can't explain that to Seventh Uncle."
Yun Kexin laughed along but grew serious at the mention of "having no one to take over." Looking at Yun Cheng, who still retained his charm despite some gray hair, she furrowed her brows. Was Fourth Uncle really going to remain unmarried for his entire life? Subconsciously glancing around and then outside where there were no hidden guards watching, she wondered why Fourth Uncle hadn't married and started a family yet. Hadn't Consort Xiang given him his freedom?
It was noon, and most of the customers in the inn were taking their afternoon rest; there weren't many people around. Yun Kexin wanted to have a talk with Yun Cheng, so she called a shop assistant to watch over the inn while she went to the backyard with Fourth Uncle.
"Yun Kexin, are you doing well now?" Walking side by side around the rockery, Yun Cheng turned back with a smile and answered himself. "But it’s clear that Young Lord treats you quite well."
Yun Kexin smiled back. "As Fourth Uncle said, Young Lord treats me like his own." Remembering her earlier worries, she paused briefly before changing the subject. "Fourth Uncle, do you really not wish to marry? You're still so young..."
Yun Cheng was taken aback and suddenly understood why Yun Kexin had called him to the backyard. He felt a stir in his heart.
"What young? Fourth Uncle is already old," he chuckled lightly and said meaningfully, "I'm not like you young people who can start over after losing something."
"But what does that have to do with 'starting over'?" Yun Kexin was determined to help Fourth Uncle let go of his burdens and express what was on her mind. She lowered her voice cleverly. "Fourth Uncle, didn't Consort Xiang promise to give you your freedom? Now that the hidden guards have withdrawn, you should be more open-minded."
"What is there for me to be open-minded about?" Yun Cheng smiled faintly and said seriously, "I just feel that I owe Xiang'er something. Although she is favored by the Emperor as a consort, I know she isn't happy."
"So you've decided to spend your life compensating her?" Yun Kexin glanced at Fourth Uncle thoughtfully. "Then won't Grandmother worry about this for a lifetime..."
Yun Cheng took a deep breath; his gaze flickered before he finally spoke sadly: "In this life, I owe two women—one is Xiang'er, and the other is my mother."
Yun Kexin realized that her efforts had been in vain—Fourth Uncle had never given up on his inner convictions. She had underestimated his steadfast feelings for Xiang'er; it wasn't just about "compensation." He was holding onto Xiang'er in another way, staying together until old age. Failing to persuade Fourth Uncle left Yun Kexin feeling regretful and frustrated. Seeing this, Yun Cheng smiled calmly.
"Foolish girl, why worry about Fourth Uncle? Don't worry, I won't put myself in a difficult position."
Yun Kexin forced a smile: You may not put yourself in a difficult position, but you will end up like Third Uncle, lonely and old. This is truly a dismal late life; just thinking about it makes me feel unbearable.
Cloud City seemed to hear her thoughts and suddenly sneered, "You still don't know, do you? Old Man doesn't have long to live."
Yun Kexin was taken aback and directly asked, "Old Man? Third Uncle? Is he going to die?!"
Cloud City nodded with an indifferent expression and sarcastically said, "Master is quite merciful; he didn't let him suffer any retribution and will just naturally pass away due to illness."
"When did this happen?" Yun Kexin calmed down and asked, "How did Fourth Uncle find out?"
"He couldn't get out of bed last month," Cloud City replied casually, "This month his food intake has drastically decreased. I heard from my brother... he won't survive until spring."
Yun Kexin felt a mix of emotions. This old man had brought too much suffering to Second House and Fourth Uncle, making it hard not to hate him. Now that he was old and nearing death, she didn't mock him like Fourth Uncle, but she felt no sympathy either; not even a moment of sadness. It seemed she had little familial affection for Third Uncle, only letting out a light sigh.
"What did Uncle say?" Yun Kexin casually asked, looking elsewhere.
"Old Man is an elder and a contributor of the Yun Clan," Cloud City repeated indifferently what Yun Ci had said, "As juniors, regardless of our grievances, we must go pay our respects and attend the funeral..." Cloud City paused for a moment, glanced at Yun Kexin, and suddenly smiled bitterly, "This is really meant for me; I can't pretend not to understand?!"
"So when it comes time for Fourth Uncle, should he go or not?" Yun Kexin probed.
"Of course he has to go; my brother has already spoken," Cloud City coldly snorted to himself, "What does it matter for someone who is about to die? I can't let outsiders point fingers at the Yun Family because of this."
Though he said so, there was a hint of reluctance in his tone. Yun Kexin knew that Fourth Uncle's "not caring" didn't mean forgiveness. After all, the pain caused by Third Uncle was something that would last a lifetime; it wasn't something that could be easily let go.
Seeing that Yun Kexin was lost in thought with her head down, staring at the bluestone floor, Cloud City suddenly remembered something. He furrowed his brows and walked closer to her, lowering his voice: "Girl, you still don't know, do you? Old Man left all his property to you; what a windfall!"
"What?" Yun Kexin suddenly looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Unexpected wealth? Third Uncle's inheritance... how could it all be left to me?"
"I’m not sure," Yun Cheng mocked. "The old man probably knew he owed you, Xin'er, and wanted to make amends. It’s said to be several thousand taels of silver, but who knows if that money is clean?!"
Yun Kexin felt increasingly lost in a fog. She had no time to think about the source of this "windfall," but was curious about how Third Uncle, who had always been obsessed with money and had once been reluctant to part with the betrothal gifts, could actually leave all his savings to a great-granddaughter he didn’t value in life. She would rather believe that his decision was more about taking the money with him to the grave.
"Fourth Uncle, who did you hear this from? It can't be just gossip among the servants of the Duke's residence, right?" Yun Kexin asked suspiciously.
"I don’t think so; everything has its source," Yun Cheng shook his head, decisively rejecting the idea. "Ever since the old man fell seriously ill, especially in the later stages, it has been First House taking care of him and handling his affairs. This news must have come from First House; it can’t be wrong. I imagine the Duke's residence is in an uproar over this."
Yun Kexin had no words. She understood Fourth Uncle's implication: she had been pushed into the spotlight and had become a target for criticism. If not handled properly, it could lead to internal strife.
Seeing her expression dark as water, Yun Cheng fell silent again and said meaningfully, "Xin'er, Fourth Uncle cannot let personal grievances make you refuse this money. But I still hope you will think carefully. The old man made this will without a word. Is he trying to stir up chaos in the Duke's residence before he even dies? I understand the saying 'As one approaches death, their actions become virtuous,' but I can’t help but be cautious when I think of his previous resentment towards Second House."
Yun Kexin inhaled sharply, her eyes sparkling with light, then she gently smiled and said:
"Fourth Uncle, I won’t accept this money for any reason."
Yun Cheng was initially surprised but quickly revealed a look of relief: "Xin'er is indeed wise and sensible; Fourth Uncle did not misjudge you. In that case, I can rest easy..."
****
Yun Cheng's prediction was correct; the Duke's residence had been buzzing for several days due to the old man's "will." The first to bear the brunt was First House, and Yun Kexin became the focus of everyone's discussions.
Sun Rulan was so angry that she couldn't eat or sleep, often sighing in her room. When she walked into the courtyard and saw Second House and Third House, she felt even more resentful—inheritance was left to Seventh Aunt, while although Yun Kexin had been adopted into Third House, on her wedding day she had recognized Second House as family. Thus, both Second House and Third House might share in this fortune, while First House would get nothing. How could she swallow this anger? As usual, she complained to the servants in the East Garden but then caught sight of Third Madam Fu Lianyin walking over. Immediately swallowing her displeasure, she greeted her with a smile:
"Oh, Third Sister-in-law, what brings you to the East Garden? Please come in," then turned back to instruct a nearby maid, "Quickly bring some tea and a plate of snacks."
The two took their seats in the flower hall. Sun Rulan looked at the Fu Family with a curious yet guarded gaze, and saw Fu Lianyin elegantly sipping tea, smiling as she said:
"Third Sister-in-law came specifically to see Sister-in-law, to voice her grievances."
Sun Rulan glanced at Third Madam with a cold smile: "Came to see me? More like came to watch my jokes! Who doesn't know that you might also get a share of the inheritance, yet you still come here to curry favor and act coy. It's truly laughable!"
Sun Rulan cursed inwardly but maintained a facade of humility and grace, feigning confusion as she asked, "Voice grievances? What do you mean by that, Sister-in-law?"
Fu Lianyin smiled lightly: "Sister-in-law, I just heard about Third Uncle leaving all his inheritance to Seventh Aunt. According to the old master's wishes, it will be transferred directly to Seventh Aunt without any changes. As a woman, I felt it was inappropriate to speak up in front of the old master, but I truly feel indignant for Sister-in-law." Fu Lianyin paused and spoke with righteous indignation, "Since Third Uncle fell ill, Sister-in-law has been there day and night taking care of him, even personally overseeing the meals for the old master. You didn’t dare slack off for a moment, yet in the end, this is the result? No one can swallow this bitterness."
Sun Rulan observed the hypocrisy and pretense of the Fu Family but chose not to expose it. Without thinking, she retorted:
"What Third Sister-in-law said is quite absurd. The First House serving the old master was done out of genuine filial piety without any ulterior motives. How can it sound like 'malicious intent' or 'premeditation' when it comes from your mouth?!"
Upon hearing this, the Fu Family realized they had spoken too hastily and quickly corrected themselves:
"Look at me; I can't help being straightforward in front of my own people," Fu Lianyin said, covering her embarrassment with a laugh. "Sister-in-law, forgive me—by seniority, you are the eldest daughter-in-law of the main branch; in terms of filial duty, you have been more dedicated than both Second House and Third House. Logically speaking, the First House should receive the largest portion of the inheritance. I really don’t understand what Third Uncle was thinking; could it be that he’s lost his mind due to illness?" (To be continued)
Comment 0 Comment Count