Chapter 89 (1/2)

Chapter 89

Translator: NovelMultiverse | Editor: NovelMultiverse

Hearing this voice, Yu Linglong frowned slightly, and calmly pulled her hand out of Lady Yu’s palm.

Concubine Mei was wearing a pink spring s.h.i.+rt with a lotus pattern and a dazzling brocade print. With a concerned smile on her face, she walked in gently and saw Yu Linglong sitting by the bed, smiling and saying, “The Fourth Lady is also here. She is really filial.”

Yu Linglong was silent. She had always been a little wary of this Concubine Mei and didn’t want to have too much contact with her.

Although she didn’t care about the mess in the Yu house, she also knew that this Concubine Mei who followed General Yu from northern Xinjiang to the capital was not a simple figure. Just a few days after entering the Yu house, she had been stable. Being General Yu’s favorite, if she was not limited by her status, she would even nearly surpa.s.s Mu s.h.i.+.

Just like now, everyone else was shooed away by Yu Linglong, and only Concubine Mei dared to enter the room to visit Lady Yu.

Concubine Mei was standing in front of Lady Yu’s window. She smiled and said: “This is the ginseng that the master brought back from Northern Xinjiang. He left it for the Lady.”

Yu Linglong hadn’t heard of this, so she looked away from her.

Why did Concubine Mei come to give her ginseng? She clearly wanted to give her ginseng to show her status.

The things General Yu brought back were not given to Mu s.h.i.+ but were given to Concubine Mei. Obviously, he valued Concubine Mei very much.

Lady Yu didn’t look at Concubine Mei. She nodded faintly, and Ying Han took the box from Concubine Mei.

Concubine Mei knew that Lady Yu accepted this, and the smile on her face couldn’t help adding to it. She stepped forward and said softly: “Lady, your health is not good, let Mei’er serve you in the future.”

Yu Linglong calmly watched Concubine Mei’s courtesy to Lady Yu. It seemed that Concubine Mei was very good at judging the situation. Some time ago, when Yu Linglong was in the limelight, she often went to Pinlan Garden to talk to her. Now seeing Lady Yu, being sick, she wanted to take the opportunity to spend more time with Lady Yu, so as to consolidate her position in the Yu house.

No wonder she came to the capital alone with General Yu from northern Xinjiang. General Yu was not a beloved person who can be entrusted for life, and she had no relatives to rely on. There was no better way except to go around and make good contributions.

It’s just that Concubine Mei underestimated Lady Yu. Although Lady Yu was straightforward, she was not a fool. Concubine Mei was so careful, so how could she hide her from her?

Besides, Concubine Mei’s reason was too far-fetched. Not to mention that there were a lot of maids in Lady Yu’s room. Even if children and grandchildren were needed to do their filial piety, there was also the decent daughter-in-law Mu s.h.i.+, as well as several grandchildren. How could she get a concubine who wasn’t seen in public?

In front of Lady Yu, even the servants refused to claim a t.i.tle. Did Concubine Mei think that Lady Yu was as foolish as Yu Peng? Concubine Mei wanted to kiss Lady Yu’s a.s.s, but this time she would probably only kiss her feet.

Sure enough, Lady Yu listened to Concubine Mei’s words. Without raising her eyes, she said coldly: “Peng’er will set off within three days. Why don’t you pack your things?”

Concubine Mei was taken aback. She reluctantly smiled, and said: “I’ve already packed the things Yu Peng needs…”

Lady Yu glared at her: “Did you pack your things?”

Concubine Mei was completely shocked this time. She stared at Lady Yu in a daze, “Lady, what do you mean…”

Lady Yu said angrily, “Didn’t you come from northern Xinjiang with Peng’er? Peng’er is going to southern Xinjiang this time, aren’t you going with him!?”

Concubine Mei’s face suddenly turned pale: “I…”

Seeing Lady Yu’s eyebrows raise, Concubine Mei hurriedly changed her words: “Are…are the servants going, too?”

Lady Yu snorted heavily, “Of course. If you don’t go, who will serve Peng’er? Besides—”

Glancing at Concubine Mei with disdain, Lady Yu continued: “—There is no one around Peng’er, and he will probably want a concubine with him. Our house is not so unruly. All sorts of cats and dogs are pulled in!”

Concubine Mei’s tears filled her eyes when she was scolded by Lady Yu. Her face was like a pear with spots of dew, which looked really pitiful.

It’s just that the few people in this room didn’t appreciate her tearful beauty.

General Yu went to northern Xinjiang for three years, but he returned with a concubine. If this matter spread out, General Yu’s reputation must be damaged. Although General Yu’s own position was not firm in this matter, General Yu’s servant w.a.n.g Yong had long said that Concubine Mei was originally rescued by General Yu from the chaos, and later became a concubine. Concubine Mei had been in the Yu house for a short time, and she had been infatuating everyone, and she wanted to know if this woman was also a vain woman who was greedy for wealth.

How could Lady Yu not embarra.s.s such a woman?

Seeing Lady Yu’s stern look, Concubine Mei knew that the matter was settled, so she held back the tears in her eyes and bowed to Lady Yu: “Yes, I’ll obey your orders.”

Concubine Mei retreated, but the words of Lady Yu’s orders suddenly sounded behind her.

“Let Concubine Dong bring in Brother Yuan, I want to see my grandson.”

Concubine Mei’s figure was stagnant. Biting her charming lips, she paused before she walked out of the room.

They were all concubines, but why did Lady Yu treat Concubine Dong differently? It was not because she gave birth to a grandson!

Seeing Concubine Dong pulling Yu Weiyuan and walking in with a pleased expression, Concubine Mei’s eyes almost burst into flames.

Sooner or later, this family business will be mine!

…

In the room, because Yu Linglong was present, Yu Weiyuan seemed very well-behaved. After entering the room, he walked to the bed of Lady Yu and said childishly: “Grandma, are you sick? Does it hurt?”

When Lady Yu saw her youngest grandson, her face softened a lot: “Good grandson, grandmother isn’t in pain, grandmother is just a little tired.”

Yu Weiyuan nodded, seemingly understanding, and Concubine Dong respectfully saluted: “Lady.”

Lady Yu looked at Concubine Dong, and sighed for a long while: “It’s not easy for you… Ming’er, you can come and give me medicine.”

Yu Linglong, who had been silent for a while, listened to this and looked at Lady Yu when she met Lady Yu’s thoughtful gaze.

Yu Linglong then understood Lady Yu’s meaning. Now, although Mu s.h.i.+ was the mistress of the mansion, she was in harmony with General Yu, and her power had been declining. And Concubine Mei was young and deliberate, especially when she won General Yu over. It’s possible that it won’t take a long time for Concubine Mei to have her own status and influence in the mansion.

Under these circ.u.mstances, the best way was to force a check and balance with Concubine Mei. In the Yu house, Concubine Dong was of an innocent background and had a son, so she was undoubtedly the best candidate.

Lady Yu just asked Concubine Dong to attend the medicine. Although this incident was small, it hinted to everyone in the house that Lady Yu valued Concubine Dong.

Yu Linglong chose to sit on the sidelines with regard to matters related to the inner courtyard of the Yu house.

After listening to Lady Yu’s words, Concubine Dong looked flattered, and her head drooped lower: “I’m afraid I’m too clumsy and can’t serve the Lady.”

The Lady Yu smiled faintly: “If it is not easy, then forget it.”

Lady Yu gave Concubine Dong a chance, but if she wanted to compete with Concubine Mei, most of it had to rely on Concubine Dong herself. If she was not motivated, no one could help her.

Concubine Dong hurriedly knelt on the ground: “I wouldn’t dare. I will do her best to serve the Lady.”

Lady Yu waved her hand wearily: “Alright then, you can leave.”

Concubine Dong took Yu Weiyuan and walked out lightly.

Lady Yu had been speaking for a long time, and she was a little tired. She closed her eyes and let Ningshuang gently ma.s.sage her temples, and slowly said: “As people get older, there are more and more things that they cannot do …”

Her voice gradually lowered, as if she was asleep, but she was filled with infinite melancholy: “I want to see your fifth sister.”

…

Suddenly two days pa.s.sed. Not only did Lady Yu’s body fail, but she watched her illness become more severe. General Yu and Mu s.h.i.+ begged their friends and family to make General Yu not go to the border of Xinjiang, but they made no progress. They racked their brains and couldn’t think of anything. There was no time to visit Lady Yu at all. Only Mu s.h.i.+ sent a woman to send some nouris.h.i.+ng medicinal soup every day, just showing an appearance. When other people saw that Mu s.h.i.+ was upset, they just came to Jingshan Hall in the morning to greet them and went back. Only Concubine Dong asked the little maid to move her bed the next morning after Lady Yu gave her instructions. Here, she really served in the Lady’s room.

Yu Linglong went to Jingshantang to visit Lady Yu every day. She also knew that Lady Yu had heart disease, not to mention that people who were sickly had illnesses that came and went. If they got excited, they would probably not be healed in a few months.

At noon that day, Yu Linglong had just returned from Jingshantang, and she happened to meet Mama Cui in the garden.

Mama Cui was leading a middle-aged woman in a blue and white jacket into the garden. When she saw Yu Linglong, she stopped in the road and said with a careful smile, “Good morning, Fourth Lady.”

Yu Linglong nodded faintly and glanced at the woman behind Mama Cui. This glance made her pause.

The middle-aged woman was not outstanding in appearance. She was of medium height and slightly plump body. She was well-washed and neatly dressed in new clothes. Her skin was sickly white, her ordinary face was expressionless, her slightly thick eyelids drooped, and you could not see the look in her eyes. There was a faint tolerance in her body, and it was obvious that this woman was not an ordinary servant.

Seeing Yu Linglong looking at her, Mama Cui said: “Fourth Lady, this is the Palace Maid Liu who was specially invited by the lady. She will live in our mansion for a period of time and teach the ladies to behave well.”

Palace maid? No wonder she looked different.

Yu Linglong nodded faintly and moved away.

Just as she was about to leave, Palace Maid Liu suddenly stopped her: “Fourth Lady, please stay.”

Yu Linglong raised her eyebrows, looked at her, and saw Palace Maid Liu raise her head and say, “Although the Fourth Lady was born in Jiangmen, she is also a golden lady. Please pay attention to your gait! First, when you step, the distance between your feet cannot be more than one foot; second, when walking, you cannot lift up your skirt—”

Seeing that Palace Maid Liu entered her teaching state so quickly, not only did Mama Cui not feel happy, but she was almost scared to death.

This Palace MaidLiu person arrived for the first time, and she didn’t know what role the Fourth Lady had. He even opened his mouth and started to teach, did she want to die??

Yu Linglong looked at this plausible mouth, both angry and funny, and unceremoniously interrupted her teaching: “Why, you are going to teach me now!?”

The Palace Maid Liu didn’t seem to think this incident was funny, but still had a serious look: “Fourth Lady, as a family lady, you must pay special attention to your words and deeds. Interrupting others, like you did just now, is extremely uncultivated behavior—”

Seeing that Palace Maid Liu was still talking, Mama Cui was so scared when she said that Yu Linglong was “uncultivated.” She hurriedly stretched out her hand and pa.s.sed Palace Maid Liu: “You should follow me to meet the lady first. This is not a place to talk.”

The Palace Maid Liu didn’t receive the kindness of Mama Cui at all, and did not hesitate to get rid of Mama Cui’s hand, and continued: “Since I have been entrusted by the wife, I naturally have to teach the lady in the house well…”

Yu Linglong said coldly: “Teach? It’s up to you!?”

What a joke. You have to teach me? Who do you think you are??

Her pretty figure stood on the garden path, surrounded by flowers of various colors about to bloom, but they could not conceal Yu Linglong’s fierce youth all over her body: “Get away from me, go far away from me! Don’t let me see you again!”

Palace Maid Liu must have never seen such a young lady. She was shocked and her fair complexion turned red: “Fourth Lady, this is not something that a grown-up lady can say.”

Mother Cui was almost frightened, and she wished she could immediately go up and cover Palace Maid Liu’s mouth. She was pulling her desperately, just wanting to quickly stay away from this place of right and wrong.

Yu Linglong didn’t even bother to look at them and left without looking back.

Behind her, an angry voice from Palace Maid Liu came from a distance: “What kind of young lady is this in your house? She’s harder to serve than the princess!”

Yu Linglong smiled coldly. She really wanted to know how this Palace Maid Liu would teach the young ladies of the Yu family, and what she would look like when she saw those “Miss Jinjin” who had no hair and teeth.

…

In the evening, Yu Linglong had dinner and leaned on the couch to rest while drinking tea.

Flowers and shadows were floating outside the window, bursts of faint fragrance floated in, putting a fragrant coating on the night.

Looking at the black shadow on the window paper, Yu Linglong suddenly found that the man in black had really disappeared.

She didn’t know what kind of emotions pa.s.sed through her heart. She seemed a little sad. With the disappearance of the man in black, the b.l.o.o.d.y ma.s.sacre once seen on the mountain road seemed like a dream, making her almost start to doubt its authenticity. The doubts were unsolved, but they all disappeared with him.

That was good. As long as she can live a peaceful life, she doesn’t need to know the answers to those puzzles.

Suddenly there was a silver bell-like laughter outside the door, pulling Yu Linglong’s thoughts back. She didn’t need to look to know that the girl who dared to laugh so brazenly in her yard was Ling’er.

Sure enough, the next moment, Ling’er smiled and raised the curtain and walked in. Xuan Cao gave her a strange look, and said: “You girl, how many times have you talked about you, it’s still so loud, and you are disturbing people.”

Ling’er stuck out her tongue and smiled: “It’s a good thing, Miss will not blame me.”

Without raising her eyelids, Yu Linglong lowered her head and gently sipped the tea. Whatever good things can be done in the Yu house, it didn’t matter to her, unless Lady Yu was cured.

Ling’er didn’t need Yu Linglong to ask, she said to herself: “Miss is about to add a younger brother, is that good news?”

Xuan Cao raised her head in surprise, and said, “What are you talking about? What younger brother does miss have?”

Ling’er smiled and said, “It’s true, I just heard the news from outside. Our new Concubine Mei is more than two months pregnant!”

Yu Linglong raised her eyebrows. Concubine Mei was pregnant?

She remembered that at Lady Yu’s a few days ago, Concubine Mei was so disheartened. Remembering that tomorrow was the deadline for Minister Feng to order General Yu to go to southern Xinjiang, Yu Linglong sneered coldly.

Concubine Mei was pregnant, and it was really neither early nor late.

If the news was announced earlier, Concubine Mei would inevitably arouse the envy and ostracism of Mu s.h.i.+. She couldn’t even stand in the Yu house. If it was announced later, she would not be able to escape the fate of going to southern Xinjiang with General Yu tomorrow.

Ling’er said with relish: “I heard that the master is very happy, and all the maids in Concubine Mei’s yard have been rewarded with a bunch of copper coins!”

After all, Xuan Cao was a bit older, so after thinking about it, she wanted to ask: “Then Concubine Mei doesn’t have to go tomorrow.”

Ling’er said: “Of course. The Lady heard that Concubine Mei was pregnant and sent a woman next to her to serve. She said she was experienced… Sister Xuan Cao, what experience? Do you need experience too?”

Xuan Cao couldn’t help but laugh and said, “Little girl, you know how to ask questions, but you don’t know how to be ashamed!”

Ling’er was confused, and she was still entangled with Xuan Cao to explain. Yu Linglong had already guessed the thoughts of Lady Yu.