Chapter 161: No chance to make concessions (1/2)

Chapter 161: No chance to make concessions

After sending off Duanmu Yao, Han Yunxi was ready to leave when Grand Concubine Yi called her back. “Yunxi, come with me for a bit.”

Although Grand Concubine Yi spoke in a kindly tone, Han Yunxi knew that no good was coming. She kept up her guard as the woman led to to Peony Courtyard. She already knew what Grand Concubine Yi was going to ask before she opened her mouth. After they entered the courtyard, Grand Concubine Yi even dismissed Gui mama.

“Yunxi, did you go out with Feiye just then?” Grand Concubine Yi asked. Even since Han Yunxi had successfully settled into the Hibiscus Courtyard without Long Feiye kicking her out, Grand Concubine Yi had somewhat disapproved. She didn’t mind Long Feiye’s attitude beforehand because she was hoping to kick this girl out of the estate as soon as possible. But now things had changed. She’d learned to accept this daughter-in-law, so she had to take her into consideration for things.

“No, we just happened to return at the same time,” Han Yunxi wasn’t sure why she made up a lie. Perhaps it was to cover up for her first fib, when she had said she had an appointment with someone else. Grand Concubine Yi nodded thoughtfully. She wouldn’t have believed it if Han Yunxi said ‘Yes.’ Although Feiye wasn’t as distant towards this woman as before, he wouldn’t make many exceptions for her, either. Wanru had helped her look into things before and said the sole reason her son didn’t reject this girl was because of her poison skills. They were both useful and formidable, enough to help him quite a few times. Han Yunxi did have many abilities, but compared to Feiye, she was like the mud on the earth next to the cloud in the skies. Their feelings would never mingle.

In other words, Han Yunxi couldn’t claim ties of kinship with those in high positions!

Now that Murong Wanru was being married off, Grand Concubine Yi considered Han Yunxi’s acupuncture skills to be a worthy asset worth leaving by her side as a lifelong companion. If Feiye could marry Yao Yao, then she’d have no other desires besides waiting to hold her grandchild. One daughter-in-law could be left at her side to serve her, while the other brought more face to the Duke of Qin. When the time came, Han Yunxi could move out of the Hibiscus Courtyard and live with her while Yao Yao moved in. With her here, the two daughter-in-laws shouldn’t kick up too much of a row! Moreover, Han Yunxi really couldn’t gain any advantages from causing a ruckus with Yao Yao.

“Yunxi, how do you feel about Princess Rongle completing her marriage alliance with the Duke of Qin’s estate?” As expected, Grand Concubine Yi asked this question.

Han Yunxi had a forced smile as she replied, “This matter should be settled by mufei and His Highness.”

“Yunxi, today you…weren’t very polite,” Grand Concubine Yi came right to the point. Was she trying to give her a warning by being so blunt?

“Mufei, Princess Rongle is the golden branch and jade leaf; moreover, she came with the intention of completing a marriage alliance. Her status is unique and particular, so chenqie naturally understands the importance of matters. I wouldn’t dare act recklessly or wanton to stir up trouble.” Han Yunxi spoke very earnestly, leaving Grand Concubine Yi quite satisfied. This girl is quite self-aware, so I don’t need to take the time to explain everything.

“Since you understand, then when you see her in the future, you should speak…”

Before Grand Concubine Yi could finish, Han Yunxi cut her off. “Mufei, chenqie may be of petty and low birth, but I’m not someone who can be bullied at will. Chenqie only asks for a safe haven in this estate and won’t compete for anything. But if someone wants to stick up their nose and provoke chenqie, then chenqie can only accompany them to the end.”

Grand Concubine Yi narrowed her eyes at these words. It looked like this girl hadn’t truly understood her meaning. Duanmu Yao had a naturally bad temper even without recalling her hateful losses at Pill Fiend Valley and the Plum Blossom Meet to Han Yunxi. Once she married into the family, she definitely wouldn’t make Han Yunxi’s days easy. Grand Concubine Yi not only wanted Han Yunxi to behave herself and abide by her lot without causing trouble, but to swallow insults and indignation while yielding to Duanmu Yao under all circumstances.

Her face fell as she asked coldly, “Han Yunxi, what qualifications do you have to accompany them to the end?” This girl. Just because she cut her some slack recently, she was going to treat herself as all that?

Han Yunxi didn’t want to clash too much with Grand Concubine Yi. After all, she’d worked hard to improve their relations. However, Grand Concubine Yi was already warning her even before Duanmu Yao stepped in the door. Once that girl really moved in, wouldn’t she be eaten alive? She’d rather be a broken piece of jade than a whole tile–better to die in glory than live in dishonor.

“Mufei, you should know chenqie’s temper as well!” Han Yunxi replied icily.

“You!” Grand Concubine Yi stood up in anger.

Han Yunxi did the same. “Mufei, if there’s nothing else, chenqie shall take her leave.”

Grand Concubine Yi was too mad to speak, so Han Yunxi took a deep breath before turning to leave. Once she left the Peony Courtyard, she began to talk to herself. “Grand Concubine Yi, ah, Grand Concubine Yi. Would you treat me sincerely if I treated you sincerely? Maybe in your eyes, I’ll always be no different from the servants in the estate?”

Were birth and status really so paramount?

Nobles, generals, and ministers, what types were they? They’ll come a day when I, Han Yunxi, will definitely show you that none of these things matter!

By the time she returned to Hibiscus Courtyard, that mysterious shadow called Long Feiye had long disappeared. That fellow’s stance was still uncertain, but Grand Concubine Yi and Duanmu Yao were both convinced of a wedding after the new year. Han Yunxi took a deep breath and told herself, this isn’t something I can change. It has nothing to do with me, either!

So don’t brood over it!

There were only a few more days until the new year, so the Duke of Qin’s estate grew lively as well. The servants were all busy cleaning and decorating the place. Due to her impending marriage, Murong Wanru spent all her days in her rooms. Grand Concubine Yi paid her frequent visits to comfort her, but ever since that night, she had completely ignored Han Yunxi. Han Yunxi didn’t find her for her acupuncture and moxibustion sessions, either. Even though their relationship had stalled, they still managed to live in peace together.

Han Yunxi didn’t need to worry about preparing for the New Year’s banquet, so she was left with nothing to do. She took the chance to make frequent visits to the Han estate. Seventh Madame’s body had recovered excellently. Her meals had improved and her worries lessened, so her mental state was superb. She’d lost much of her former timidity and weak-will in favor of doing more things proactively. Little Yi’er was still too young, so Seventh Madame became the pillar of the household. Han Yunxi was the happiest one to see her changes.