Chapter 46 – Attitude

Editor: mako

Proofreader: kllua

As Wei YuHua and Yin YueHan verbally attacked each other, it was obvious that the latter was more arrogant than usual. Her lack of respect to the main wife made it impossible for outsiders to discern that she was merely just a concubine. In this dynasty, there was a clear distinction between the status of main wives and concubines. Such words and actions were then a blatant show of disrespect, and usually, the main wife had the power to severely punish any unruly concubines. However, the current situation was an exception. Besides making veiled verbal attacks, Wei YuHua could not do anything else in the face of Yin YueHan’s disrespect.

After all, with the crown prince severely ill, there was a very high probability that the second prince’s position would rise. Recent news that Imperial Concubine Yin Xian had gotten pregnant again had also caused the Yin family to flourish. With the countless beauties in the harem, Imperial Concubine Yin Xian was not the only one who was favored. However, with no news from the other concubines, she was the only one to conceive constantly, which showed how she was undoubtedly favored by the heavens. Sometimes luck was more important than power, and it was apparent that she possessed great luck. Despite being only the daughter of a merchant, she was backed by vast wealth, which provided her with great power. The Yin family’s children’s marriages had also ensured that they held a solid foundation in court.

Nobody knew what type of physique the members of the Yin family possessed, but their greatest characteristic was their fertility!

Whether it was men or women, their families were full of children and grandchildren. One of the reasons why Imperial Concubine Yin Xian managed to enter the palace then was also because of such a reputation.

Despite the advanced scientific and technological developments in the future, there were still people troubled with conception, not to mention this world that highly valued the ability to conceive. After all, a lack of offspring or, by extension, descendants could diminish a person’s accomplishments, not only for civilians but also for dignitaries and nobles. This was precisely the case for Emperor Qian Xing and the crown prince. On the streets, there were rumors that it was some form of retribution that resulted in the emperor’s weak offspring, offsetting a swarm of undercurrents brewing in the capital.

Additionally, like how the crown prince’s position was not guaranteed because he had no children, it was the same in Marquis WenYuan’s household. It was because Wei YuHua had no children of her own that she was trampled by a concubine and found it difficult to lift her head in the presence of outsiders.

At this point in time, Zhuang Zhong, who had no intention of participating in the strife between them, drank his tea unhurriedly and acted like he was not there. If it were not for waiting for the marquis to arrive, he would have already left long ago and not stay here to listen to their bickering. If someone wanted to pull him into the strife, he would just either smile foolishly or act ignorant to prevaricate.

Meanwhile, Zhuang Su could not stand Zhuang Zhong’s carefree and unperturbed state. This, coupled with Zhuang Zhong’s recent rise to fame to the point his classmates were aware that he had such a brother, had made him lose face. He rolled his eyes and said, “Big Brother, I heard that you often dig graves and open coffins to see corpses. Aren’t you afraid of disrespecting the dead and inviting misfortune? The dead are revered and to disturb their peace is not the way of a true gentleman.”

However, seeing Zhuang Su, who was no more than ten years old, criticize him with a solemn expression, Zhuang Zhong was not angry at all and only found it humorous.

“If I had a better way to solve the cases, I would not have settled for this choice. Little Brother is very intelligent, so I think such a matter would not pose any difficulty for you. In the future, if I cannot solve it, I will find you and approach it in an alternative way.”

During this period of time, it was unknown how many officials had been severely punished for their hasty settlement of cases. Even though Zhuang Zhong did ignite a wave of reexamination unrest, it was not the cause. After all, unjust cases existed in any dynasty and there would always be people who went over old cases like him. This time around, it was actually due to Emperor Qian Xing’s anger towards the issues regarding the crown prince. So, when the emperor heard about the unjust cases, it became an outlet for him to vent, causing a group of officials to be impacted.

It was also due to this that some people’s attention on the crown prince was slightly diverted. However, despite that, the crown prince’s condition further deteriorated, and Emperor Qian Xing ended up summoning famous doctors from all over the world for him. As this matter was unconcealable, there were louder suggestions to change the crown prince in court, causing the emperor to become more enraged and punish the officials who had misjudged their cases more severely. For officials like Official DaWei, their previous protection was no longer effective, and all of them were either sent to prison, beheaded, or exiled after autumn.

Zhuang Su was aware that Zhuang Zhong was deliberately ridiculing him. However, if he dared to respond and Zhuang Zhong really let him solve the case, he would fall into a trap. Even if he was young, he would not be able to take on the responsibility if something went wrong. In the end, he coldly hummed, “The books I read are regarding the virtues of men. I do not have the knowledge to care about your insignificant issues.”

“What is your reason for reading?”

“To be educated and have good sense.”

“In the future, are you planning to take the imperial examination to become an official and enter court? If so, you will inevitably encounter criminal cases. At that time, will you still think those are insignificant and refrain from dabbling in them?”

“I am still young now. It will naturally be different in the future.”

Zhuang Zhong smiled and patted Zhuang Su on the shoulder. “Since you are still young and do not understand, you should learn to speak less. Otherwise, you will become a phony person with all bark and no bite.”

Here, Zhuang SuNing, who was nestled next to Yin YueHan, could not help but frown when she saw Zhuang Su’s worsening complexion. “Brother, have you been bullied?! Why does your complexion look so bad?”

Zhuang SuNing’s voice was not soft and directly attracted the attention of Wei YuHua and Yin YueHan, who were coldly insinuating at each other. The initially sleepy Zhuang Jun in Yin YueHan’s arms also blinked and looked at Zhuang Su with his big eyes upon hearing that.

As only Zhuang Zhong and Zhuang Su were sitting together on the left, it was undoubtedly Zhuang Zhong who would be at fault.

Wei YuHua, who was displeased, said, “Are there still any regulations?! Concubine Yin, although you are from a merchant family, you should have learned the necessary etiquette and rules. How can you rear such a daughter? If Imperial Concubine Yin Xian in the palace knew that your children were brought up this improper…”

Besides the fertility of the descendants of the Yin family, it was also because of Imperial Concubine Yin Xian that the females in the Yin family enjoyed such an excellent reputation of being virtuous, gentle, beautiful, and most knowledgeable of etiquette. Otherwise, with just fertility itself, it would have been impossible for one to climb to such a position in the palace. The key point was to know how to conduct oneself properly.

The Yin family did not pay special attention to rules at the start either. It was only after they climbed to their current position that they had no choice but to put more focus on it. If they did not, they would be accused by the imperial censors that they did not understand the rules, affecting the second prince’s probability of becoming the crown prince.

However, Yin YueHan did not pay much attention to it and retorted, “We are inside one’s own home and not outside. Even if such things were spread out, there has to be someone who believes in it first.”

Hearing that, Wei YuHua was so angered that she almost turned her back to Yin YueHan. The corners of Yin YueHan’s mouth lifted proudly, but she looked at Zhuang Su with a face of concern. “Su’er, what happened?”

Yin YueHan’s eyes swept past Zhuang Zhong, who was a thorn in her side. She initially thought he would not be able to cause any waves, but unexpectedly, a little monk from the countryside actually managed to dash out. If it were not for Imperial Concubine Yin Xian being pregnant again and their Yin family being in a good situation, she would have needed to divert some attention to take care of it.

Zhuang Zhong also asked with a face of concern, “Brother Su, is something wrong?”

Only Zhuang Su was aware of the true meaning under Zhuang Zhong’s genial expression. If he dared to say anything, he would only be laughed at. Even though Zhuang Su was young, outstanding, and pampered since childhood, he faced some controversy outside because of his status as a son of a concubine. As someone with enormous pride, he could not stand being looked down upon by others.

“I was just wondering why Father has not returned despite how late it is.”

It was only here that Wei YuHua and Yin YueHan realized that the marquis was already around half an hour late compared to his usual timing. Although it was not something unusual, it was still a turbulent time in the imperial court, and any abnormality was inevitably worrying.

These words made the people present temporarily forget their disputes as they waited anxiously. It was only half an hour later before Marquis WenYuan arrived.

Marquis WenYuan’s complexion was not good, and his whole person radiated chilliness.

Yin YueHan greeted him and asked with concern, “Marquis, did something big happen in court? Why is your complexion so bad?”

Marquis WenYuan glanced at her coldly and rebuked, “The issues of court are not something discussable amongst women.”

Humiliated, Yin YueHan’s face turned pale. However, Marquis WenYuan ignored her and sat down in his head seat. Meanwhile, Wei YuHua was repressing her inner joy. Although the scene just now was just a small matter, it was enough to see that the marquis had no plans to show favor to Yin YueHan and even had some intention to suppress her despite the power the Yin family held now. After all, Marquis WenYuan had never reprimanded Yin YueHan in front of so many people before.

Wei YuHua said warmly, “Marquis, the kitchen has prepared your favorite venison porridge and dishes. You have worked hard all morning in court. I will order someone to bring them here.”

It was only here that Marquis WenYuan’s complexion looked better. “I will be bothering Madam then.”

Wei YuHua said with a smile, “As husband and wife, there is no need for you to be so polite.”

“YuHua has worked hard these years.” Saying that, Marquis WenYuan smiled towards Wei YuHua, and in an instant, it was like the moonlight had shone on the earth. Even after being a couple for so many years, it still made Wei YuHua flustered.

Wei YuHua blushed and only managed to regain her composure after a while. She said angrily, “What is the matter with you today? Aren’t you embarrassing me with such words?”

When Yin YueHan saw how Wei YuHua was harboring the amorous thoughts of spring despite her age, her teeth ached, and her heart filled with resentment. Why would the marquis be so gentle and considerate to this woman today?! Was it because she was too arrogant these days that he was taking the opportunity to knock her down a peg?

“Zhuang Zhong has also returned.”

Hearing that, Zhuang Zhong came forward to greet the marquis with a respectful and polite attitude.

Marquis WenYuan measured him with his eye before nodding and looking towards Wei YuHua. “Zhuang Zhong’s current state is all thanks to your careful care.”

“There is no need for the marquis to say such words again, as it would seem like we are too distant with each other.”

Marquis WenYuan patted her on the back of her hand. “Since you are on friendly terms with the nun from Guanyin Nunnery, find a day and ask her to help calculate a date. Zhuang Zhong has been back for so long, and it is time for him to be included in our family register.”

With his words, everyone’s expression changed.

During this year, Marquis WenYuan has been treating Zhuang Zhong so coldly that even if Zhuang Zhong managed to make a reputation in the capital, the marquis was expected to be indifferent to it. This caused many people to speculate that the marquis did not like to see his son who grew up in the countryside and only took him back because of blood ties. They thought that he did not really want to recognize this son, but unexpectedly, he suddenly decided to include Zhuang Zhong in the register. At this moment, Yin YueHan’s face was very pale, as she had not expected that the marquis would order Zhuang Zhong to return for this matter.

Wei YuHua lowered her eyes, repressed the emotions in them, and tried to keep herself composed. “Yes, my lord.”

“Zhuang Zhong’s mother left early. Although he is already grown and does not need you to raise him in person, I would still need you to make arrangements for his future marriage. So, at that time, he could be recorded under your name.”

His words were like a sudden clap of thunder which made people unable to react for a moment.

Wei YuHua, who could no longer keep calm, said, “Marquis, you-you mean…”

Marquis WenYuan looked towards Zhuang Zhong. “After entering the family register, make sure that I will not be hearing the wrong forms of address. Since you want to enter the official career in the future, it is important that no one can accuse you of being unfilial!”

Zhuang Zhong was stunned, as he did not expect that Marquis WenYuan would say such words and make such a decision today. Although Lu LiuZhi was the first wife of the marquis, it has already been many years since she died. So, even though the Lu family was in the capital, it was not easy for them to get involved in the affairs of the marquis’ household. At most, they could only reduce the bullying he would suffer, as it was impossible for them to be certain that he would be the successor. After all, it was not guaranteed for the eldest son to be the one to inherit everything, and most people in the same situation as him were unable to do so. However, if he were recorded under the name of Wei YuHua, it would be completely different. With the support of the living main wife, gaining the position of the successor was something possible. No matter the dire straits of the Wei family, they would no doubt still be able to provide some support.

Everyone was aware that the unborn child in Imperial Concubine Yin Xian’s body and the crown prince’s serious illness would result in earth-shaking changes in the whole court. Many of the servants in Marquis WenYuan’s household speculated that their main masters in the future would be changing. Although pampering the concubine over the main wife was not tolerated by most, this might be an exception. As long as the second prince was the only one who could inherit the throne, the Yin family would prosper. After all, as the second prince’s close aunt, it was impossible for her to remain as a humble concubine, and her position would be raised. The second prince also needed such a solid backing, and Marquis WenYuan would have to show his sincerity if he wanted to climb upwards.

However, from the decision Marquis WenYuan was making now, it was obvious that he would not be standing with the Yin family and was disclaiming his relationship with them!

Translator’s Notes:

Sorry, it had been quite some time since I last updated cause of how hectic my life is. Hopefully, it would not be too long till the next one T^T