I BECAME THE STEPMOTHER OF MY EX-HUSBAND

Lin Wei Xi found out after she died that she was just a cannon fodder in a novel, used as contrast to the gentle and considerate and virtuous female lead.

The male lead was her ex-husband, the dignified heir of Yan Wang, his family were superior and brilliant, but the female lead was not her.

The female lead was her concubine-born younger sister, and her husband’s white moonlight, his cinnabar mole, no wonder! After Lin Wei Xi died, her husband finally married her sister as he wished.

She watched coldly at the two like honey in the oil, in love and harmonious, everyone using the success of her younger sister to contrast the impropriety of the original wife.

Lin Wei Xi sneered, okay, since your love moves the world, then this sister will come back and be your stepmother!

So she married her ex-husband’s father, the father-in-law she never met in the previous life, the country’s God of war, who has not remarried after losing his wife, the one that hold military power, the brilliant Yan Wang.

Later Yan Wang, who was in his prime years and used to act decisively, looked at his small, delicate, much younger wife, and had a headache.

No matter, she is still young, he have to spoil her, indulge her, teach her.

Chapter 1 : Rebirth

The wind was cold and the night was breaking dawn early in winter, the person in the low room was delirious. Lin Wei Xi was lying on the bed with her fine eyebrows frowning, at once you could see that she didn’t have a peaceful sleep.

The sound of cooking gradually could be heard from the village, the farmers did not have a fortune to be idle. Even on such a cold day, many people got up to burn wood and cook. There’s also noise in the brightest room in the main courtyard. It seemed that Aunt Lin had risen. Lin Wei Xi had a vague thought, but her limbs were weak and confined in a dream, unable to break free.

In the dreamlike vermilion courtyard, there was a maid wearing double bun hairstyle and the fabric of her clothes were crisp and bright lu silk, she lowered her head as if she did not dare to face the person in front of her, her voice was as fine as a mosquito: "Shizi Consort, the front yard come over and pass the words, saying that shizi* is busy today, and he was just arrive. If madam is uncomfortable, to call the imperial doctor to come and have a look."

*Heir of prominent family, usually conferred to the eldest son.

The woman opposite seemed to have stopped for a long time, with hoarse voice before faintly sounded: "Busy? I don’t know what is so important that even more important than I this dying wife."

"Madam..."

"Stop talking, I don't want to listen." The woman coughed twice. She seemed to try to suppress the cough, and refused to show weakness in front of others. The maids standing outside also knew the master's rules, held their breath and lowered their head, not looking at the other side's sickness appearance. After a while, the cough finally eased a little. The woman didn't care about moistening her throat with tea, but insisted on asking: "Who came to pass the message?"

The maid couldn't bear it: "Shizi consort..."

"Say it! "

The maid sighed and said, "It's Miss Yun Hui."

"Yun Hui..." The woman laughed lightly, unsure whether it was sarcasm or mocking herself, "It turned out to be her, can’t compete, really can’t compete with her. She serve shizi for many years, bestow by Shen Wangfei* herself, this mutual affection for many years, do I as an outsider can match it?"

*Princess consort, the primary wife of a Wang or prince.

Obviously the Shizi Consort, but she said she was an outsider, if other people heard they would thought that was a joke, but in the Yan Wang Mansion the maid knew that the consort did not speak wrong.

Shizi and his consort had been married for one year, but they were even worse than strangers. The Shizi Consort was seriously ill, and these servants secretly went to the front yard and invited Shizi three or four times, but the result was chilling. The maid knew that although Shizi Consort was tough and forbid them to intercede with her problem, but she turned a blind eye to their little actions, showing that she also wanted to see him. But no, Shizi never came.

Lin Wei Xi was still lying on the simple wooden bed with her eyes closed, tears continued to flow from the corners of her eyes, making the pillow wet. Lin Wei Xi knew that she had been caught by a nightmare. Even in the dream, the memories of the past would not let her go. It took her back to the Yan Wang* mansion and her failed marriage.

*Wang can be translated as King or Prince, to put it simply in here wang is prince and Yan is the title.

In fact, she was not originally called Lin Wei Xi, nor was she a girl from this small village. Her former family was very prominent. She was originally named Gao Xi, the eldest di* granddaughter of Duke Yingguo Mansion. Her biological father was the only di son of the duke. Her biological mother was the only daughter of Grand Princess Shou Kang**. She was born in this kind of family and she came from quite a good background.

*Born from primary wife, not from concubine.

**Grand Princess usually conferred to the sister of the emperor, Shou Kang is the title.

Because of her high status, Gao Xi was very strong minded since she was a child. Later, her marriage didn't make her lose honor. Relying on the face of her grandmother, she actually married Gu Cheng Yao, the only son of Yan Wang. After the announcement of the marriage, the whole capital was shocked that Grand Princess Shou Kang was able to make Gao Xi married the only son of Yan Wang, and the face of Princess Shou Kang was very real.

Speaking of Yan Wang, in the land under heaven regardless if it was men, women, young and old, even ignorant baby had heard of his prestigious name. The previous emperor’s final years of Jianzhao was very turbulent, Bu Guifei* with the help of powerful eunuch controlled the court, if it weren't for Yan Wang to send the troops to the capital in time, corrected the chaos and killed the eunuch, afraid that the future would change drastically.

*High ranking imperial concubine.

Yan Wang protected the emperor and calm the upheaval, and after the death of the previous emperor, he supported the new emperor who was only eight years old to succeed the throne. The Great Zhou Dynasty’s vassal state in the border took advantage of the new emperor young age. In the second year, many places in the border were becoming restless. Yan Wang took the initiative to ask for battle and brought the troops out of the capital to pacify the chaos. At that time Gao Xi was seriously ill bedridden for several days. The front line heard the news that Yang Wang had great victory, after the good news came, the court cheered. To put it more bluntly, the little Emperor was young, the Empress Dowager was cowardly, and the bureaucrats in the court were in chaos. Now the whole Zhou Dynasty was guarded by Yan Wang.

Yan Wang had only one son, Gu Cheng Yao. As Gu Cheng Yao's wife, when father-in-law repeatedly made military achievement, Gao Xi should feel proud. It was a pity that the glory of Yan Wang Mansion belongs to Yan Wang Mansion and had nothing to do with her.

Gao Xi sometimes wondered, when she first married Gu Cheng Yao, he had a deep affection, but why did he became cold all of a sudden?

She still remember that on the first night of their marriage, when Gu Cheng Yao lifted up her veil, he deliberately avoided everyone and said to her with a smile: "Look, I still found you."

Gao Xi was confused. What does that mean? However, the newlyweds were already thin-skinned, and Gu Cheng Yao regarded her silence as shy and stopped mentioning it with a faint smile. Which girl didn't cherish spring, Gao Xi grew up listening to Yan Wang’s achievements, and now she married Yan Wang’s only son, and the other person was such a deity, Gao Xi’s small heart was instantly hit, and she became both anxious and happy to be Gu Cheng Yao's wife. In the next month, the two of them were very affectionate, almost inseparable, Gao Xi was so happy like she was falling into a honeypot. Since she was a child she grew up seeing her mother suffer from concubine's tricks. She never thought that her marriage would be an unexpectedly happy one.

But she still miscalculated God's kindness. The flowers will wither, a beautiful face will grow old, and things that are too good will never stay long. In just one month, Gu Cheng Yao's attitude took a sharp turn. That day, he looked at her coldly and asked: "Why did you lie? Why become an imposter?"

What?

She was sewing clothes for Gu Cheng Yao at that time. She was not very good at female's art, because she was always compared to Gao Ran, she didn't like doing it even more. But now, she wanted to make a set of clothes for Gu Cheng Yao with her own hands, even piercing her fingers with needles. Hearing Gu Cheng Yao's words, Gao Xi was confuse, what lie? What imposter?

Since then, Gao Xi and Gu Cheng Yao's husband and wife relationship had cooled down. Gao Xi was the eldest granddaughter of a Duke mansion, and had a princess grandmother that always spoiled her so she had stubborn personality. If Gu Cheng Yao didn't want to come then don’t come. Don’t expect her to be like a concobine, fighting for favor to make him stay.

Later, the husband and wife became more and more alienated, and they turned into enemies. In the end, when Gao Xiyu fell ill and couldn't get up again on the sickbed, Gu Cheng Yao refused to even look at her.

Gao Xi was a very proud person, but this failed marriage completely destroyed all her pride.

Gao Xi was not reconcile when she’s facing death. Where did she not do well? Why Gu Cheng Yao didn’t like her? Even if he didn't like her, how could he not even give her the last dignity as his wife?

Because of remaining grievances her soul was not taken away by the Ox-head and Horse-face*, she floated for a while and then she returned to the world again.

*Two Guardians of the underworld.

This time, Gao Xi finally knew why Gu Cheng Yao asked her those two questions and why she suddenly fell out of favor.

Gao Xi saw a book amidst the vast expanse of whiteness. She was puzzled and flipped through it tentatively. Then she was shocked and trembling by the contents.

There was Gao Xi's life in the book, but unfortunately, the protagonist was not her, but Gao Xi's shu* younger sister, the torn on her side since childhood, Gao Ran.

*Concubine-born.

The book said that Gao Ran was a transmigrator and Gao Xi didn’t understand what transmigrator was, but this was just a passing point in the book and it was not important. What Gao Xi really care about was the following story.

According to the description in the book, Gao Ran transmigrated into an unfavored concubine daughter in Duke Yingguo Mansion when she was six years old. She had just gotten a serious illness and almost died. Perhaps she was already dead, so that Gao Ran could replace her.

Gao Ran reincarnated into the body, the shell was only six years old, but the soul was a 26-year-old adult. With the help of modern knowledge and adult experience, she pretended to be stupid, pretend to be a pig and eat tiger, and not only helped herself, but also her biological mother Han shi* became the favorite concubine of the Duke Yingguo Shizi, and even taught her own younger brother, who would later be established as the heir of Yingguo dukedom. Gao Ran saved a masked man in a Buddhist temple when she was 13 years old. She didn't want to reveal her identity, but the other party held her hand and refused to let go. Gao Ran had no choice but to remove a jade pendant from her body. Let him find her by himself if he was capable.

*Refer to the surname of married women, like here Han is the surname it can roughly translated as Madam Han.

Gao Xi laughed mournfully when she saw this, and burst into tears. No wonder when she was a child Gao Xi always accused by her elders to be not as sensible and caring as Gao Ran. No matter what she learned, Gao Ran was always ways ahead. Gao Xi originally thought that Gao Ran might really born smart. Now she understand that Gao Ran was not a child at all, her age was even comparable to Gao Xi's mother, an old ghost who lives in a child's body, it's not surprising that she was so well-rounded.

No wonder Gu Cheng Yao said to Gao Xi that day in the bridal chamber, "Look, I still found you." No wonder Gu Cheng Yao later said she lied.

That's it, that's it!

The corners of Gao Xi's eyes were red with anger. Her mother, Wei Shi, was the daughter of Grand Princess Shou Kang. The Princess had only this one child. It was not surprising that her character accustomed to being pampered. Therefore, Wei shi had always been putting on an air of noble lady, with a cold expression, refused to soften her body to coax her husband and master, and refused to make a gentle gesture. From a young age, Gao Xi watched her mother guard the lamp alone and waited until dawn for the arrival of her husband. At this time, Gao Xi's father, the duke shizi, was mostly in Han shi's courtyard.

Gao Xi felt sorry for her mother and was angry with the fox concubine in the west courtyard. But she was a di daughter and it's impossible for her to lower her status and fight with a concubine, so she desperately studied, trying to surpass the daughter of the west courtyard. However, the strange thing was that no matter how much work Gao Xi spent in private, she could never be as good as Gao Ran. Gao Ran could play novel song which surprised the zither master. She invented gomoku and checkers, which attracted brothers and sisters in the clan to vie for friendship. Sometimes, Gao Ran would blurt out some extremely delicate verses, but when asked again, Gao Ran smiled faintly, saying that she only thought of this sentence, and forgot the rest.

No one believed that Gao Ran had really forgotten such subtle verses, but felt that she was hiding something behind her, so everyone in the mansion paid more attention to her. Under the light of such a little sister, Gao Xi was under a lot of pressure. Fortunately, Gao Xi’s identity could leave Gao Ran behind. With the influence of Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gao Xi could married Gu Cheng Yao of Yan Wang Mansion. Gao Xi once thought to herself that she finally won against Gao Ran. There would never be anyone in the capital higher than Gu Cheng Yao. Gao Ran, even if Gao Ran jumped again, in the future her husband's family would certainly lower than hers.

It's a pity that things were so funny. Gao Ran once rescued a man in a Buddhist temple. By coincidence, this man was Gu Cheng Yao. At that time, Gao Ran pulled a jade pendant off her body in order to get away. The jade pendant was in the shape of a fish. It was originally a pair. This was made by someone outside and gave it to Gao Xi. Gao Xi felt that the carving was quite delicate, so she gave the half of it to Gao Ran.

That was originally Gao Xi's jade pendant, but Gao Ran was afraid of getting into trouble, so she took Gao Xi's things out to eliminate the disaster. Gao Xi gave it to her in private, and if someone came to the door in the future, it would be Gao Xi who was left to handle it.

Gu Cheng Yao fell in love with the mysterious woman who saved him on that moonlit night. Although he didn't see her face, he decided to marry her. By mistake, Gu Cheng Yao used the half jade pendant to find Gao Xi and married her. He was so sure that Gao Xi was his lifesaver. In the first month after marriage, the two of them get along well. However, in the second month, when Gao Xi returned to her family's house, Gu Cheng Yao accompanied her back and in the Duke Yingguo Mansion met his wife’s sister Gao Ran.

Without knowing the truth, Gao Xi was accused to lie and abandoned.

The malicious older sister that deceived feelings and replaced kindness had been dismantled. After that, her marriage was full of misfortune, but Gao Xi had a strong personality. The more Gu Cheng Yao ignored her, the more she had to prove it to everyone. Gao Xi personally managed Yan Wang Mansion, drastically rectifying the fields and shops of Yan Wang Mansion, internally suppressing the people around Gu Cheng Yao, and fighting against the personal girl Yunhui who had served Gu Cheng Yao for ten years. Gao Xi fully believe that as long as she was good enough, Gu Cheng Yao could see her, and changed his mind.

But she simply brought herself down and slowly died, to the end could only wait for Gu Cheng Yao to change his mind.

If the story only ends here, Gao Xi would only sighs and thought that she had no luck and didn't have enough fate with Gu Cheng Yao. But the story in the book had only progressed for a while, and the real climax had yet to arrive. After Gao Xi as failed elder sister and wife died, the Duke Yingguo also felt that Gao Xi was unqualified. She was simply not good example of what a wife should be. Duke Yingguo Mansion felt guilty towards Gu Cheng Yao and proposed to let Gao Ran marry him as a successor. Gu Cheng Yao certainly agreed. So not long after Gao Xi died, Gao Ran married as the second wife.

After Gao Ran married into Yan Wang Mansion, she always treated Gu Cheng Yao with gentleness and subtle intention. Gu Cheng Yao also very much cherished someone that he thought he lost, the two hearts beat as one. Gu Cheng Yao was moved by Gao Ran's sincerity, and even dismissed his concubine for her, only favor her alone. Many years later, Gu Cheng Yao took over the mantle of Yan Wang and became the new mainstay of the country, but even so he never took a concubine.

The second half of the book was the sweet daily life of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran. Between the lines, it was said that Gu Cheng Yao loved how smart and capable Gao Ran was. She was a graceful and caring wife and everyone in Yan Wang Mansion respected this Shizi Consort. When people in the capital praise Gao Ran, they would always pull Gao Xi out and use Gao Xi’s downright failure to contrast against Gao Ran’s high EQ. Finally they conclude: “Sure enough, we can’t just marry a wife based on family background, the most important is still character and temperament. The eldest di daughter of Duke Yingguo Mansion and the second wife of Yan Wang’s Shizi are the best examples."

Look, Gao Xi, the original wife, was not even qualified to become the Shizi Consort.

When Gao Xi saw this, she didn't want to read anymore, she closed the book and let the tears ran down her cheeks.

The Buddha said that there are seven sufferings in the world: birth, old age, sickness, death, resentment, separation from the loves one, and not able to achieve what ones asked for.

Gu Cheng Yao was what Gao Xi coundn't ask for. She was dislike by her father and elders since she was a child. After marrying someone she liked, she saw that he ignored her, so she had to cover it up with toughness and carelessness, and then tried her best to attract him to come back. Until she exhausted herself and died in depression, she couldn’t keep her husband from turning his back on her.

In fact, when Gao Xi died, she knew that Gu Cheng Yao was young and had an outstanding family background. He would definitely continue to marry in the future. With the power of Yan Wang, there were many noble women in the capital who were not inferior to her, rushing to marry Gu Cheng Yao. But that person, cannot be Gao Ran. Gao Xi hastily scanned the second half of the book, and she realized that Gu Cheng Yao could also tossing and begging, he would get off his high horse to please a woman, he even had no regrets. He could even keep himself pure for one woman and never touch other women.

When Gao Xi reading the book she thought: 'Scumbag'. Even if Gao Xi had never heard the word before, she could guess the meaning. Was Gu Cheng Yao a scumbag? It didn't seem so, he could also be deeply affectionate, and only take one scoop for three thousand weak water*, but then again this affection was not given to Gao Xi.

*It means: you may encounter many beautiful things in life but it’s enough to grasp one of them carefully.

Gao Xi was very embarrassed, and her eyes gradually blurred. Before losing consciousness, Gao Xi saw a delicate girl smiled shyly at her: "Benefactor sister, I'm going to find my father. Six years ago you saved me but I’m unable to repay you, and now I have to bother you to keep on living for me.”

Gao Xi was in dazed and not knowing how long she was asleep. When she woke up again, she saw a semi-old bed curtain, a dark wooden cabinet, and a pair of slender white hands.

It seemed to be very noisy outside. Many people were clamoring, and Gao Xi vaguely heard words like "to die for one’s country", "Yan Wang's decree," and "to confer as Marquis" and so on. Gao Xi walked to the vanity mirror with her weak body, and stared at the face in the mirror for a long time.

Yes, the eldest granddaughter of Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion's Shizi Consort Gao Xi is dead. From today on, she is Lin Wei Xi.

Chapter 2 : Forced Marriage

Lin Wei Xi finally woke up from the nightmare, she suddenly broke free from the dream, opened her eyes to look at the semi-old bed curtain, her limbs stiff, and her heart beating fast.

She dreamed of the things in her previous life again. Her failed marriage, the despair and abandonment at death, the weird book of heaven in her dream, and the horror and gratitude in her heart when she woke up in Lin Wei Xi's body.

Gao Xi had completely passed away. Since then, there was no Gao Xi in this world. The eldest granddaughter of Duke Yingguo and Yan Wang Mansion’s Shizi Consort* was buried and had become a cold memorial tablet. Gao Xi was dead, her identity and status, grievances and censure have nothing to do with Lin Wei Xi.

*Shizi means the heir’s title of prominent family and Shizi Consort is the title of his primary wife.

Resurrection from the dead was already a great kindness, she was Lin Wei Xi and she would never be trapped by those bitches in her previous life, she should start her new life.

Thinking about this, Lin Wei Xi slowly recovered from the horror of the nightmare. She sat up, moved her wrists lightly, and then walked on the ground slowly.

It had been a month since Lin Wei Xi came here. This month could not be said to be long nor short, but it was enough for her to understand Lin Wei Xi's situation. Speaking of her, she still had some connections with the original owner. When she was still Gao Xi, at the age of eleven years old, she came back from the princess mansion and met a pair of father and daughter at the Duke Yingguo Mansion’s gate. She usually never seen this kind of thing and the driver who drove the carriage was afraid that she would be angry, and quickly scolded the father and daughter to walk away. Gao Xi opened the curtain casually and saw a man standing in front of the gatekeeper. He looked angry because he was humiliated by other people, but he looked back at his timid daughter and endured his breath, lower himself to look up at the gatekeeper, begged to give him a chance. He said he was strong enough to be a guard, he wouldn't do a sloppy job, even if they gave him work that only need strength also fine.

The man was talking in a low voice and the thin little girl coughed from time to time, her little hand always held the man's clothes tightly. Gao Xi's heart was suddenly moved. She was not very close to her father since she was a child. No matter what she did, the Duke Yingguo Shizi only gave an "Oh", then turned around and smiled at the two shu siblings. The Duke Yingguo Shizi complained that she was raised as an white-eyed wolf, always close to her mother and Grand Princess Shou Kang. But who would have guess that the arrogant Miss Gao Xi had also longed for fatherly love.

Gao Xi put down the curtain and ordered a few words to her close servant. The girl looked at Gao Xi with surprise, but still obediently jumped out of the carriage and gave the father and daughter twenty tael silver. Gao Xi guessed that the man was trying to raise medical expenses for his daughter, he was so anxious that he even unable to get angry. A penny stumps a hero, and it was not easy for anyone to live. Twenty teil was nothing for Gao Xi. If she could help them, then just regarded this as Gao Xi's longing for fatherly love since her childhood.

Gao Xi didn't know the rest of the matter. She didn't show up, didn't ask the father and daughter's name, and didn't tell them who she was. If this was Gao Ran, she must be inadvertently revealed it, to let people know that Gao Ran did a virtuous deed, but Gao Xi would not. That was not her style of doing things. What she wanted to do was her own business. There was no need to use others to build her reputation.

It was just a chance meeting, and then she completely forgot about it. Later, the chaos of Bu Guifei* caused everyone in capital to be in danger, and she was not in the mood to think about it. However, who knows that the father and daughter she rescued back then had another good luck. The man's name was Lin Yong, and the girl who need a doctor was Lin Wei Xi. Lin Yong used the twenty taels to seek cure for his daughter, and he managed to save her daughter's life. At that time, Yan Wang** entered the capital to save the country. Lin Yong was born with unnatural power. He throw himself under Yan Wang to be his subordinate and then sent his daughter back to his hometown. He followed Yan Wang wholeheartedly in order to give his daughter a dowry.

*High ranking imperial concubine.

**Wang here means Prince as in the descendent of imperial family.

In the thirteenth year of Jianzhao, Mu Zong Emperor died. Before his death, Yan Wang was named one of the three auxiliary ministers. Yan Wang could only stay in the capital and help the young emperor's eldest son to be the emperor. One year later, there was another situation in the border area. Yan Wang took the troops out of Capital in February and went to the border to calm the chaos.

Putting down the rebellion, supporting the new emperor, and going to the border to suppress the enemy, these inevitably required a lot of manpower. Lin Yong took this opportunity to gain a foothold under Yan Wang, and gradually made some accomplishment and fortunate enough to attract Yan Wang's attention. Yan Wang indeed saw the potential in Lin Yong, so he ordered Lin Yong to go with him. This time, the Duo Huo Ti tribe* in the northwestern border took the opportunity to make trouble. The terrain was complicated and the climate was bitterly cold. Yan Wang worked bit by bit before he gradually gained the upper hand.

*Dughlat – Mongol tribe.

During a small-scale siege, Yan Wang was ambushed while Lin Yong died to save Yan Wang. Lin Yong was a strong man. Even when he was hit by three arrows on his back, he still desperately escorted Yan Wang to break through, but it was a pity that Lin Yong was too badly injured and unable to rush out. Duo Huo Ti failed to win with a single blow and became angry, so they let out their anger on Lin Yong, who had contributed the most, even after he died. Two or three days later, Lin Yong's head was cut off and hung from the city gate to demonstrate to Yan Wang.

Yan Wang spent a year of effort to almost exterminate the Duo Huo Ti tribe. The men and the boys were all killed, leaving only the elderly, women and children. In the following year, Yan Wang supported a new regime, took over the women and property of the Duo Huo Ti tribe, and formed checks and balances with the other two tribes in the north. After the northwestern situation was cleaned up, Yan Wang took Lin Yong's bones and returned to the court.

The news of Yan Wang’s victory came to the capital, and the citizen were all delighted. The little emperor under the guidance of Teacher Zhang acted like a grown-up and write a letter to Yan Wang for him to request a reward. Yan Wang was already a Qinwang* of Ten Thousand Houses, he also had authority as Regent Minister. He lack nothing in this world. If one had to say it was that his Wangfei died ten years ago, perhaps the thing he lacked was a new wife.

*First grade wang or prince, usually a title given to the sons of the emperor.

However, the reward that Yan Wang asked for was beyond everyone's expectations. He did not ask for money or an official position for his only son. Instead, he asked the emperor to enshrine Lin Yong as a martyr that die for the country. It was nothing more than an honorary title. It’s much easier than awarding Yan Wang Mansion a reward, and by doing so it’s also beneficial to the reputation of the court, so the First Assistant Zhang without hesitation agreed to Yan Wang’s request to confer Lin Yong who were died for the country as Marquis Zhongyong.

Lin Yong's wife died of illness many years ago, and there was only one daughter under her knees. The title of Marquis of Zhongyong had come to an end. What Lin Wei Xi could use was nothing more than the reward and fame of his father's life.

The news of Lin Yong's tragic death was sent to Lin's house in the second year of Yuanjia by Yan Wang. It was not until October in the fourth year of Yuanjia that the imperial court conferred Lin Yong as Marquis Zhongyong. At this time, Lin Wei Xi's three years of father's filial piety had not been finished. The original body was weak, her mother died when she gave birth many years ago. Over the years father and daughter could only rely on each other, the original body could last until now it was completely to wait for Yan Wang to send Lin Yong's bones back to their hometown.

Lin Wei Xi remembered that a month ago, the timid little girl of the original body suddenly appeared in her dream with a smile and said that she was going to find her father. Presumably by then, Lin Yong's remains had already set foot on the land of Great Zhou.

From the perspective of the original body, the good name of Marquis Zhongyong's orphan girl and the large amount of land canonized by the court were not as important as the bones of her father. Therefore, the original body waited for her father before leaving without worry, and Gao Xi, who had a good relationship with the Lin family, was able to be born again.

It was the first month of the fifth year of Yuanjia. Gao Xi passed away in December last year. The original owner followed Lin Yong. It has been a month now. She got it!

This was Lin Wei Xi's life experience, Gao Xi, or Lin Wei Xi sighed for a while, then she fetched water, stumbled and tidy up her appearance.

This was almost unthinkable in Lin Wei Xi's previous life. Even a second-class servant girl in the Duke Mansion did not have to do rough work such as sweeping. Since Lin Wei Xi was born, even washing hands she just need to spread her fingers and was wiped away by the servant girl. Now she had to learn to wash her face, comb her hair, and even wash clothes by herself.

In fact, Lin Yong had been conferred as Marquis Zhongyong by the court. Even if he couldn’t be compared to the wealthy families in the capital, in a small countryside, it was enough for Lin Wei Xi to live a worry-free life. But Lin Wei Xi now needs to do everything by herself, in fact, she started doing this since the day the award was given.

The emperor in the capital ascended the throne at the age of eight and he’s only twelve years old this year. How could one and a half child be expected to run the country. It was said that the young emperor was in power, but in fact, the whole country's government decrees came from First Assistant Zhang Xiao Lian.

This First Assistant had nothing to do with Lin Wei Xi. Zhang Xiao Lian worked in the capital circle, to get the reputation for valuing talent and cherishing capable people, at once handed over the matter of Jin Shu Iron Deed* to the people below. Although Marquis Zhongyong was a noble title, had the name of a martyr, but he had no brothers, no sons, and no clan. There was only a lonely daughter behind him, there were no successor. One could well imagine how much the court's reward that had to go through layer upon layer of government's hands that were sent to Lin Wei Xi's place, had been hollowed out.

*Privilege certificate from the emperor to heroes and important minister, in a form of metal plaque

Lin Wei Xi was still angry at the thought of this. She came late and didn’t know what was going on the day the imperial envoy arrived. Only knew that after the imperial envoy read the imperial decree, Lin Wei Xi was supposed to take the decree. But she didn’t know what happened later, the imperial decree was transferred to the county magistrate. The rewards from the imperial court were all carried to the prefecture office. Lin Wei Xi was annoyed and anxious. This was obviously because she didn't give enough money that day, and was cheated on. Aunt Lin's family was also short-sighted. Why do you just want money? Take the imperial edict and the Jin Shu Iron Deed, ah!

The main things of the award by the imperial court was detained by county and village officials, and this so-called county magistrate leaked off a corner of it and it was controlled by Aunt Lin's family. In the end, the only thing that really fell into Lin Wei Xi’s hands, this sole daughter, turned out to be only the ‘martyr’s daughter’ title.

To get Lin Yong's things back, Lin Wei Xi couldn’t avoided spending money to seek help. If it was in the past, Lin Wei Xi would just need to say something casually, but now she was no longer the Shizi Consort of Yan Wang mansion. If she wanted to get Lin Yong's things back she could only think of a solution herself.

Lin Wei Xi was thinking about taking back the imperial decree and the iron deed things, stumbling and twisting the towel in her hand, she managed to tidy herself up in order to meet people. Speaking of Lin Wei Xi's appearance, she was truly stunning. She had seen so many officials and aristocratic beauties in her previous life, no one could compare to Lin Wei Xi in terms of facial features. It was a kind of extreme exquisiteness, extreme beauty, and because it was too beautiful, it could make people felt contemptuous.

Lin Wei Xi just washed her face and wiped her arms, but she managed to wet most of the ground. She was in dazed and wanted to go out to find something to wipe the floor.

She just placed her hand on the door of the room when she suddenly heard voices outside.

Aunt Lin Xu thought that Lin Wei Xi had not woken up yet, and even if she was awake, she wouldn’t be afraid of being heard. Aunt Lin spent her life squeezed out a living from the land, and suddenly a group of officials came and sent the imperial decree and many rewards. If Aunt Lin didn't want anything in her heart that would be weird.

"My brother’s life is short. His wife was gone as soon as the daughter born, and he died on the battlefield to save others. This older sister loves him, ah! He sent the orphan to our home six years ago, and we still have many mouths to feeds, suddenly there is a medicine jar*, such a heavy burden have I said anything?"

*People who often get sick.

Lin Wei Xi's hand on the door suddenly stopped. She listened quietly to the unconcealed conversation outside through the door.

"Sister-in-law Lin, I know that you have a kind heart and raised a daughter for your younger brother for six years, but now your younger brother has won fame, Sister Xi* is no longer a drag, she is now a Marquis’s daughter! Unfortunately she is not a man. Your brother's marquis title can only be a pity. The title can't be retained, but the money will not deceive people. Sister Xi has so many dowries, and she will be blessed to marry in the future."

*This is Lin Wei Xi’s nickname, the pinyin actually Xi jie er, jie means older sister, er means child usually used as an endearment

Aunt Lin was not happy when she heard this: "I am his only sister. He is gone now. The money he earned can still pass me and leave it to Sister Xi? His daughters belong to other people. I and he are bone and flesh brother and sister. What's more, sister Xi can't bear the title, our family Li Da is a boy, ah!"

Li Da was the son of Aunt Lin, now 19 years old, not yet married . He was idle all day, and now he doesn't know where to go.

Grandma Wang was a well-known matchmaker in the village, she could only laugh at this. Although on the surface she was polite, Grandma Wang could not help muttering in her heart that she heard people left family property to their brothers and their daughters, but she had never heard sister’s son coming over to inherit the title. What kind of reasoning was this?

But she came here to act as a matchmaker, there was no need to have a stiff relationship with Aunt Lin. Grandma Wang continued to laugh and said: "Sister-in-law Lin is right. You are Sister Xi’s aunt. Her parents are dead. Marriage matters naturally needs you to see. Sister-in-law, this son of Liu Yuanwai* family is very popular. If sister Xi marry over she will live like a young madam. She doesn’t have to go to the fields or do housework. There is even a little maid waiting on her! Sister-in-law, don’t blame me this matchmaker to side with the main house, but Liu Yuanwai house is really good, within ten li** and 8 village how many girls want to marry into their home, now Liu Yuanwei is willing to let Sister Xi to become the primary the family, this is excellent thing ah!

*Landlord.

**1 li is approx. 500 m.

Exactly what excellent thing? Lin Wei Xi had a huge inheritance under her name, and she did not have any brothers and uncles to support her. Whoever married her, wouldn't it mean that he won a sky-high dowry for nothing? What's more, he could also use Lin Yong’s Marquis Zhongyong title to make his descendants seems special, whether they wanted to take official post, or doing business, or if they wanted to take imperial exam, the benefit were so many.

Lin Wei Xi's fingers were clenched unconsciously. Her father’s filial piety was not over yet, but these people already came to force her to marry.

Author’s note:

Gao Xi is completely dead, so the ethical relationship between the heroine and the Yan Wang mansion due to marriage is no longer exist. Lin Wei Xi is now completely free and unmarried.

Chapter 3 : Yan Wang

If it was three months ago someone willing to marry Lin Wei Xi, Aunt Lin would have been happy to send the person over, but now...

Aunt Lin hesitated, she didn't dare to brush away Li Yuanwai's face, but she was really unwilling to part with her brother's property. She the elder sister who was married out of the house, couldn’t seriously be count as Lin family’s elder. Even if she could pull some from Lin Yong’s estates, it was only a small amount. But if Lin Wei Xi was to marry her son, then Lin Yong’s reward would all stay in their family. Maybe you could even go to the government to ask the title of Marquis Zhongyong be passed on to his son Li Da. This is a Marquis, ah! Much better than that scholar person next door, it would be out of the question if Aunt Lin was not green with envy.

Aunt Lin and Grandma Wang each harbor ulterior motive, and the two of them continued to pull each other, completely treating Lin Wei Xi as a decorative item. Lin Wei Xi stood in the room and gave a sneer while listening to this. Then suddenly scowled and pushed open the door.

The wooden door slammed into the wall, scaring the two people in the courtyard. Aunt Lin turned her head in horror and found that it was Lin Wei Xi. The fright immediately turned into anger: "What crazy things you do so early in the morning? Can you afford it if you broke the door?"

"How cannot afford?" Lin Wei Xi's back straightened and her clear eyes fixedly stared at Aunt Lin. The black and white of her eyes were extremely clear, as if all the dirt in the world was not worthy to enter those eyes, letting all nasty and sinister things had nowhere to hide, "Lin... Father died for the country, and the court named him Marquis Zhongyong. Aunt already seized so many things from my father, is she still reluctant to bear this small wooden door?"

Grandma Wang saw the person in the room and let out a sigh. She only knew that there was an orphan in Lin shi family’s house. She heard that she was always sick and didn't go out to see people very often, so Grandma Wang never seen this Lin Wei Xi. It wasn't until the court sent the reward that Grandma Wang remembered about her. Now that the whole village was staring at Lin Wei Xi, this fat sheep, Grandma Wang after receiving money from Li Yuanwai, hurriedly came over to act as a matchmaker.

In Grandma Wang's mind, Lin Wei Xi was a medicine jar with a huge inheritance and a sick body who could die at any moment. This kind of person must be exhausted by the disease. She acted as matchmaker was certain that she wouldn’t refuse. But now that Grandma Wang saw Lin Wei Xi, she didn’t know that there was really a fairy-like appearance in this world, and the graceful celestial from the play unexpectedly really exist.

Grandma Wang was shocked by Lin Wei Xi's beauty, and her desire to make this marriage became more urgent. With thousands of wealth, the name of the only daughter of a martyr, and the appearance of Chang'e, this kind of woman she was a fool if she didn't grab it quickly.

Aunt Lin was also surprised. She knew that Lin Wei Xi's looks was good, but before Lin Wei Xi always shut herself in the room, did not talk to people or communicate with others, she always looked sick, and made people who saw her feels unlucky. Aunt Lin also resented Lin Wei Xi’s timid nature. Her son proposed to marry Lin Wei Xi as his wife but Aunt Lin did not agree no matter what. Afterwards, she hated Lin Wei Xi even more. She wholeheartedly believe that this was a foxy child with a short life, entering the house would only cause bad luck. But after all, Aunt Lin had raised Lin Wei Xi for several years, and she couldn't lose so many rice for years for nothing. Aunt Lin already thought about it. Later, she would sell Lin Wei Xi to a rich family as a concubine, which was just right.

However, after knowing that Lin Wei Xi had Lin Yong's legacy, Aunt Lin changed her mind, but she just couldn't overcome the previous prejudice, which made her very tangled, even so Aunt Lin didn’t put to Lin Wei Xi in her eyes. But now seeing Lin Wei Xi pushed the door to question her, she felt awe for some reason, even her knees were faintly shaking. This feeling was like seeing a high ranking madam.

Aunt Lin shook her head hard and secretly laughed at herself for being afraid of the sick girl in front of her. Aunt Lin slanted her eyes and glanced at Lin Wei Xi, with a shrill voice said: "What do you mean seizing? That is what Lin Yong left me. There are many things to buy during the New Year. I don’t know how much money I have lost to support you over the years. Now my brother got the honor, what's wrong with taking some to subsidize family expenses?"

"Although I am staying at my aunt’s house, I didn’t spend the Li family’s money. Father has worked under Yan Wang all of these years, and he sent money back every year, and I haven’t even seen it once. See, it’s all collected by auntie. Don’t say these, just the box of silver ingot that auntie secretly hid when the court gave the title, that alone is enough to buy your little yard hundreds of times over."

Grandma Wang was shocked, a box of silver ingot? Aunt Lin’s secret was exposed, she was flustered, her eyes twitching: "You little child knows nothing, don’t talk nonsense. What silver ingot? just a few pieces of shards. I am Lin Yong’s sister. He was rewarded by the court, so I can’t take a few pieces of silver?"

A few pieces of broken silver... Lin Wei Xi sneered in her heart. Other family’s farm worked for a year while live frugally could only bring two or three silver. This family with large number of people, based on the harvest of the Li family in a year, how could they make a couple of silver back? Before they embezzled Lin Yong and Lin Wei Xi's property, afraid Aunt Lin and the others never came across silver ingot before. Even now, Aunt Lin said she just got a few broken silver.

Lin Wei Xi was not a stingy person who didn't understand right and wrong. She was brought up as the eldest granddaughter of duke mansion and from time to time received guidance from Grand Princess Shou Kang. After that, she became the madam in charge of Yan Wang Mansion. She was not a cheapskate. On the contrary, she was very generous to her own people. If Aunt Lin treated Lin Wei Xi better, and had a little consideration towards her, it was impossible for Lin Wei Xi to keep Lin Yong's astronomical inheritance by herself, and not leave a single thing to Aunt Lin.

But in the past month Lin Wei Xi had been watching coldly, and Aunt Lin's performance was too disappointing. She never really regarded Lin Wei Xi's as her niece. She used to think Lin Wei Xi as a medicine jar. Later, Lin Yong was conferred posthumously by the court and leave behind a large inheritance. At this time, Aunt Lin recalled her brother and sister' deep feeling.

What was the best way to embezzle the brother's property? Of course, let Lin Wei Xi "voluntarily" marry Li Da, so that Lin Yong's things could belong to Aunt Lin and Li Da. Lin Wei Xi's health still not very good. If Lin Wei Xi died after passing the door, it would be even better.

Lin Wei Xi saw it clearly, and her heart became more and more angry. What kind of act this group played? Each and every one talked about benevolence, righteousness, etiquette, but their mind thought about making money and killing, Lin Wei Xi at last understood how the original owner died. The original owner was timid by nature, but Lin Wei Xi was not.

However, Lin Wei Xi thought of her mother’s teaching and felt that it was not good to scold others, so she maintained her previous self-cultivation and said politely: "Auntie, I am grateful for your kindness in taking care of me, but my father’s filial piety is not over, so I shouldn’t talk about it now. Grandma Wang, thank you for taking this trip, but after you go back you can tell others, I Lin Wei Xi is grateful to my father for his kindness, and determined to recite sutras and pray for my father, so that I will not marry anyone in the future. Afterward if others ask you to act as a matchmaker, you don’t have to accept it for me."

When Lin Wei Xi said that she would not marry in the future, Aunt Lin was more anxious than Grandma Wang: "How can this work? You are a little girl who doesn’t know anything, but as elders I can't watch you make mistakes. There are not so many rules in the countryside. Mourning periods for a few months is enough. You are now still young and someone is willing to marry you, so you should marry as soon as possible."

Lin Wei Xi held back her anger and said, "I don't want to marry anyone." After speaking, she didn't want to listen anymore and turned around. Just walked into the room.

Aunt Lin jumped to her feet with anger, pointed at Lin Wei Xi with her finger, her words became more acrid: "You just pretending to be virtuous, act arrogance and say you don’t want to marry. When you get older, no one will marry you again, I see what you do!"

Lin Wei Xi's back suddenly stopped, in the gloomy peasant house Lin Wei Xi's eyes glowed brightly.

Aunt Lin’s words could be said to have stabbed Lin Wei Xi’s achilles heel. Lin Wei Xi’s previous life was a noble granddaughter of a Duke and grand princess, but after marrying, the life of husband and wife was very bad. Later she knew that she was just an unruly ex-wife, a failed original partner, a stepping stone to smooth out Gao Ran's path with status as shu daughter, so that Gao Ran could justify marrying into Yan Wang Mansion. This had become a thorn in Lin Wei Xi's heart. Now Aunt Lin in front of outsiders said that Lin Wei Xi pretending to be virtuous and no one would marry her in the future. This was like poking a hornet's nest.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly turned around, with blazing flames in her eyes: "Whether I can marry or not is it up to you? Who do you think you are? Besides, if I don’t marry, I will be tortured to death early by you, shouldn’t you be happy? If I die, Lin family's reputation, Lin family's rewards are all yours."

Aunt Lin jumped up like someone stepped on her tail, "Hey, what are you talking about!"

"I speak so clearly you don’t understand, are you deaf? You really think I don’t know about your vicious plan? I will tell you clearly, I will not marry in the future, I Lin Wei Xi born as Lin family’s person, dead I am Lin family’s ghost. Marquis Zhongyong’s estate will not have anything to do with you and your son!”

Lin Wei Xi’s speech was very fast, would not let other people insert a word, as it happened she didn’t use obscenity but her words were sharp, like countless small knives that jabbed people till they were full of cuts and bruises. Aunt Lin was so hurt in her lungs that she was trembling, “You, you, I” for half a day, but she couldn't complete the whole sentence.

Grandma Wang was also surprised and couldn't close her mouth. This little girl looked delicate and weak, but when she scold it was this fiercely? Looking at this mouth that was very nimble, not like Aunt Lin said that she didn't see other people all day long, on the contrary... it was like she often scold people like this.

Grandma Wang didn't know where she got this strange sense. She shook her head, put aside this strange thought and said to Lin Wei Xi with a smile on her face: "Sister Xi understands her own heart. We outsiders look at you and feel distressed, want to pull you but afraid to let you aunt and niece’s hearts stranded away. Now it’s better for Sister Xi to figure it out by yourself. Sister Xi, you stay with your aunt’s family is not very good match, although Li Da is loyal, but the Li family is farmers after all. Unlike Li Yuanwai’s house, heirs of poetry and books*, generations of hairpins**, if you married in you are going to have a young lady's life, and there will be a maid that takes care of you! Sister Xi, if you miss this village, there won’t be other inn. You can't let it slip by, ah!"

*It comes from Sanhui hall inscription that means passing down loyal and kind moral qualities from generation to generation.

**Successive generation have been high ranking officials.

Lin Wei Xi was so angry she laughed: "You are in front of me, saying poetry and book heirs, generations of hairpins? It must be hard for you to memorize these two fancy lines. You and my aunt are just like the one who retreated 50 steps laughs at the one who retreated 100 steps*. The Li family is like jackal and wolf, and the Li Yuanwai’s home is like a tiger’s nest. Who can't tell the vile ideas in your heart? I plainly tell you, don't even think about it."

*The pot calls the kettle black.

Li Yuanwai was the local tyrant of this area. Grandma Wang was very proud to be a matchmaker for the son of Li Yuanwai's family. Now Lin Wei Xi threw Li Yuanwai’s face on the ground and stepped on it, Grandma Wang was immediately annoyed, she lowered her face and said, "Don't be shameless. You are just an orphan without a father and no brother. We give you face and call you 'A martyr's daughter', you really think of yourself as the miss of marquis mansion? Let me tell you, Li Yuanwai take a fancy on you is your blessing, you need to be tactful otherwise you don’t want to marry also need to marry. If you are still pretentious be careful to offend Li Yuanwai and reduce you to a concubine. Don't tell me become proper young lady won’t do it, insist to be a little woman, when the time comes even you want to cry there won’t be a place to cry."

"You're just a second-rate matchmaker, dare to speak such big words, and still want to force a good-born girl to be a concubine?" Lin Wei Xi's jade-like eyes fell on Grandma Wang’s body, she let out a soft laugh with a lot of sarcasm, "What a big tone, a landlord that came out from a donation*, really think of himself as a local tyrant? I know the one speaking is a rich village squire, but if you don’t know you will think his son is an Emperor’s son, selecting his imperial concubine."

*People who bought their official post.

Grandma Wang heard this were scared half to death: "You don't want your life, this kind of beheading words also dare to say!"

"Since you people dare to do it, why you don't dare to let people talk about it. It's ridiculous to play this trick with me. This great aunt, what I have been experienced, you people don’t know about it." Lin Wei Xi’s eyebrows gently raised, her thick eyelashes were slightly drooping and her voice was like ice hitting jade. It was obvious that these words were condescending and a little bit mean, but her voice was clear and cold, her tone was a little delicate, and with Lin Wei Xi's fast and smooth speech, even when she cursed, unexpectedly could still feel a little enjoyment.

Lin Wei Xi didn't know that her admonishment was judged as enjoyment by others, if she knew she would have been so angry. She was still pointing at Grandma Wang and scold: "I let you know, this great aunt will not marry, and no one in this world can force me. Today it’s Li Yuanwai’s son, will there be Wang Yuanwai's grandson tomorrow? If you have such a nasty thought again in the future, I will hang a white silk on the front beam of the county magistrate office. Anyway, my father’s Jin Shu Iron Deed* are still being held up, I will die just for everyone to see how you people persecute the daughter of a martyr! When the time comes, things will be big, let the capital and Yan Wang know about this, and none of you can have an easy time!"

*Privilege certificate from the emperor to heroes and important minister.

"Sister Xi..."

"Go away! If you say one more word I'm going to cast myself to the lake now!"

Outside the courtyard, the county magistrate that accompanying was in cold sweat. A man gently rubbed his jade thumb ring and asked indistinctly, "Lin Yong's Jin Shu Iron Deed were held up?"

"No, this little one is… em..., it was just to give temporary custody for Marquis Zhongyong for safekeeping, the people’s wisdom is not open in the countryside, not really enlighten, theft and other things are always exist, local government worried Marquis Zhongyong’s Jin Shu Iron Deed will be stolen by a thief, so it's being kept in the county office."

Very poor official article*, the man did not say whether he believed it or not. He took a look at the particularly lively peasant house, and said: "While Marquis Zhongyong still alive the most reassuring thing for him was his only daughter. Although she is only a little girl, she is Lin Yong's proper successor. Fetch the things back and hand them to her."

*In the old offialdom there were routine official document with fixed formats and formulas, metaphorically, attention was paid to the form, empty words without actual content, or perfunctory platitudes.

"Yes."

The man's tone was plain but unquestionable. It could clearly be seen that he was a high-ranking person for many years, and used to giving orders. After the county magistrate responded with cold sweat on his face, he found that the man was not moving. The magistrate was surprised, and then realized as he hurriedly arched his waist and walked toward Aunt Lin's courtyard.

In the yard, Aunt Lin and Grandma Wang were both suffocated. They also often quarreled with neighbors and villagers, but everyone come and go, and each had wins and losses, not like right now. To say something only to be interrupted again, couldn’t get a single word in. Their ear could only hear Lin Wei Xi's unceasing voice, truly infuriating.

Aunt Lin was so angry she wanted to hit someone. She just had this thought but suddenly felt that the atmosphere was not right. She hurriedly turned her head and saw someone came, her legs were almost weak.

"Master county magistrate..."

The county magistrate waved his hand angrily, the big Buddha outside was still looking at him, whose your master? Don't ruin his official career. After secretly warning the two village women, the county magistrate turned to look at Lin Wei Xi, his face immediately became kind: "Miss Lin, I heard that you were ill again a few days ago. Are you better now?"

Lin Wei Xi was not an ordinary village girl, she recognized that the county magistrate wore the most formal official uniform, and this county magistrate was fawning on her. Lin Wei Xi became more alert in her heart. She looked at the other person defensively, perform a salute first, and then asked tensely: "The county magistrate is here, what is the matter?"

The smile on the county magistrate's face became more obvious, and after listening to the county magistrate's words, Lin Wei Xi became more surprised.

The county magistrate actually returned the Jin Shu Iron Deed to her, and furthermore the rewards brought by the court would be transferred to Lin Wei Xi's name intact. How could this be possible? What is this abnormal goblin, what does he want to do?

When the county magistrate saw Lin Wei Xi's reluctance to speak up, he was so anxious that he was sweating. He really had no choice but to turn sideways and pointed outside, then motioned Lin Wei Xi with his eyes: "The big man from the capital is here, he wants to give it to you, you should accept it."

Lin Wei Xi followed and looked out, she saw there were many horses tied to the crooked tree on the other side of the road. There were so many people standing there, but all of theme were silent, stood behind one person in awe.

Lin Wei Xi grew up so big, how many big scenes she went in and out, but she was actually captured by the other person's aura. Lin Wei Xi's eyes were blank and asked, "Who is that?"

"Yan Wang."

Chapter 4 : Take Away

Lin Wei Xi stared blankly. The county magistrate thought she didn't know who Yan Wang was, so he could only add: "That person is His Royal Highness Yan Wang. He entered the capital to save the country to support the new emperor. The previous emperor named him one of the three auxiliary ministers before his death. Now he just returned from calming the upheaval in Dingbian, specially come to Shunde Prefecture to send Marquis Zhongyong’s bones back to his hometown."

Of course Lin Wei Xi knew who Yan Wang was. She looked at the man outside in a daze. This was the famous and powerful Yan Wang, and the father-in-law she never met in her previous life.

In the previous life, because Lin Wei Xi was going to marry Yan Wang’s only son, numerous noble ladies in the capital throw her sarcastic remarks for two years. Later, she and Gu Cheng Yao broke up, and the sour words outside got better. But even so, no one could deny that Lin Wei Xi married very well in her previous life. She was the granddaughter of a Duke and the granddaughter of a Grand Princess. With such a prominent status, to marry Yan Wang’s son was still marrying above.

Lin Wei Xi's grandmother was an imperial princess, and she spent most of her time in the princess mansion every year, so since Lin Wei Xi was very young, she had heard Yan Wang's accomplishment. According to reports, Yan Wang led soldiers to the battlefield at the age of fifteen. In the first year of Jianzhao, the old Yan Wang passed away, and Gu Hui Yan, who was only seventeen years old, became the new Yan Wang. In the past ten years, he had fought war on all side, and Emperor Muzong also put him in an important position. Later, the palace was in chaos, and Emperor Muzong's first secret edict was issued to Yan Wang. Yan Wang lived up to the expectations to pacify the chaos in the capital and cleaned up the dynasty situation. Later, Emperor Muzong entrusted him to assist the eight years old eldest son and now the little emperor.

Lin Wei Xi grew up listening to Yan Wang's story. She didn't know how happy when she knew she was going to marry Gu Cheng Yao. But in the end, she and Yan Wang Mansion were not fortunate. Lin Wei Xi married Gu Cheng Yao in the first month of Yuanjia’s fourth year, in Yuanjia’s second year, Yan Wang went out of the capital to quell Duo Huo La Ti’s rebellion. Even when his son marry he didn’t return. Then later she died.

Lin Wei Xi could not believe that even when she married into Yan Wang Mansion she never had a chance to meet Yan Wang, but after being reborn, she met the legendary God of War in a small village.

Lin Wei Xi's heart was very complicated. She and Gu Cheng Yao finished like that, based on Lin Wei Xi's temperament, she should hate the house and its crow, no longer have a good impression of the entire Yan Wang Mansion. But at this moment, when Lin Wei Xi saw Yan Wang the man himself, she realized that she couldn't gave birth to anger in her heart. Yan Wang just stood there, and the invisible power enveloped everyone, making people not dare to felt contempt in their heart, much less to complain.

It turned out that this was Yan Wang… The shock in Lin Wei Xi's heart was simply beyond expression. Yan Wang unexpectedly this young and his looks was extremely outstanding. It's just that in his position, no one could notice his appearance anymore. With such a high position, under this deterrence of killing, who else would dare to evaluate Yan Wang’s appearance.

It might be that Lin Wei Xi had been staring for too long that Yan Wang who noticed it, slightly moved his eyebrows. Gu Hui Yan was the commander of the army and the head of the family of Yan Wang Mansion, he would never lack of sight, but there were few girls like Lin Wei Xi. He had been fighting for many years, and his murderous spirit was awe-inspiring. Even when the Empress Dowager saw him, she was a little restrained, let alone other women. When in the capital, younger women bowed their heads and held their breath when they saw him. The girls who hadn’t left the budoir were so scared that they didn’t even dare to lift their heads. There were few people like Lin Wei Xi who took the initiative to watch him, and could stared at him for so long. Yes, she was the only one. Moreover, the eyes of this little girl were also very interesting.

Gu Hui Yan looked back with a slight smile, the meaning of inquiry in his eyes was hidden deep, almost imperceptible. Lin Wei Xi suddenly met Gu Hui Yan's line of sight. After a short while, Lin Wei Xi lowered her head to avoid Yan Wang's gaze.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi lower her head, Gu Hui Yan no longer forced the little girl. If it wasn't for Lin Wei Xi looked for a long time and the expression in her eyes were very strange, Gu Hui Yan would not look back at this little girl, and Gu Hui Yan certainly would not pressure her to look at him. A little kid, he pretended not to know and let it passed.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her head, her heart pounding in her chest. Too scary. The father-in-law of her previous life turned out to be so scary. She thought that there would be not much difference between father and son, but after seeing it today, she knew that her imagination of Yan Wang was still too shallow.

Everyone knew that Yan Wang had come, the atmosphere on the scene changed immediately. The county magistrate Li Zheng were just like facing big enemy. Grandma Wang and Aunt Lin had long retreated to a corner, shivering, and Lin Wei Xi also hung her head, like a rabbit with ears hanging down, where was that impressive verbal sparring of Confucian’s group just now?

Gu Hui Yan didn't came here deliberately to listen to Lin Wei Xi's quarrel with her aunt. He looked at the county magistrate and asked, "Where is Lin Yong's cenotaph?"

He came to Shunde Prefecture this time to bury Lin Yong's bones and along the way take a look at Lin Yong's only daughter, Lin Yong's only concern before his death. Now it seemed that Lin Yong's description of his daughter was very inaccurate. Gu Hui Yan had settled Lin Wei Xi's affairs, naturally now he was going to open Lin Yong’s coffin to bury his bones.

Opening the coffin was not a trivial matter. Li Zheng and the village head lead Gu Hui Yan to Lin Yong’s cenotaph, and the men in the village flapping around and followed halfway. At this time, Lin Wei Xi was very dissatisfied with her identity as a daughter. Because she was a woman, she couldn't even participate in such major events as burying her biological father’s bone.

Because of this matter, Aunt Lin was in a daze, and she no longer had thought of arranging marriage for Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi also returned to her room with a loaded mind. She originally went out to get a cloth to wipe the water on the ground. After such a long time, the water on the ground had dried up. Lin Wei Xi stared at the water stain blankly for a while, the confusion in her eyes dissipated, and her expression gradually became firmer.

She couldn't stay in this ignorant little village, where everyone had the same surname. She could escape Li Da and Li Yuan, but could she escape Li Er and Li San. She was very wealthy but had no power to protect herself. If she continued to stay in this village, she would only brought her own death.

Lin Wei Xi had lived a lifetime, and what she cherished the most was her life.

However, she was a weak lone woman, without parental protection, no family deterrence, and had a face that could be a burden. Even if she converts all her property into silver, and an escape from the village, she would not be able to run long on the road. .

The only way was Yan Wang. Although Lin Wei Xi was reluctant to continue dealing with Yan Wang’s family, but for the present, only Yan Wang could take her away unscathed and find a place for her to settle down.

As to how to convince Yan Wang.... Lin Wei Xi never cast a lovable front so seek a man’s feeling, she felt it was embarrassing, but this time she would try her best....

Opening the tomb was not a light matter, when the task finished the sky was already dark. The village head was very polite, immediately invited Yan Wang to go to his humble house, and the county magistrate also urged Yan Wang to go to the county seat. He said he had already arranged to pick up the wine.

Gu Hui Yan didn't want to toss around too much. He had been marching with the army for many years, for a long time he was already not picky about the environment, so instead of going to the county seat, he went to lead his people to the village head's house to stay for the night.

This time, Gu Hui Yan took the troops to return to the court. Halfway through, he took his trusted subordinates to leave the march, first came to Shunde Prefecture to deliver Lin Yong's bones to be buried, and then set off directly to chase the troops tomorrow. After all, during the march, it was not good for him to leave the army for too long.

Gu Hui Yan refused to stay in the county seat. Although the county magistrate felt regret, he was also quietly relieved in his heart. Accompanying the monarch was like accompanying a tiger. Although this was not a monarch, but his influence was not small. He should not bet on his career prospects.

When the village head learned that His Royal Highness Yan Wang really wanted to stay in his home, he felt very flattered, and immediately sent someone back to clean up the house, and went to notify other squires who had idle houses. Yan Wang's trip also brought many people. Even if the countryside was large and empty, it was not a trivial matter to settle so many people at once.

The village head hurried away. Gu Hui Yan was not in a hurry to go back, so he got off his horse, dismissed his entourage, and walked slowly on the moonlit country road. He rarely had such a relaxing time, there was no war, no politics, no social necessities. There was a vast starry sky above his head, and frosty land under his feet, aimless and undisturbed.

The country was extremely dark at night, the stars in the sky faintly outline the trees on both sides. Gu Hui Yan's ears suddenly moved and his footsteps stopped.

The clouds in the sky covered the moon, and there were shadows in the bushes, he could not see clearly, only saw a vague shadow: "...Daddy, this unfilial daughter has let you down. I've been so weak since I was a child and killed my mother when I was born. Yet still trouble you to run around everywhere for me. Six years ago you said that you would save me a dowry, let me feel at ease to go home and wait for your good news, but I didn’t expect that we father and daughter will separate forever. Daddy because you sacrifice yourself for the country you become a great hero in the whole dynasty. Your daughter should be proud of you... But, daughter would rather her father never been to the capital. Daughter don’t want any dowry. We father and daughter depend on each other for our lives, it would be great to live this way. Now that your heroic soul has return and your bones return home, I can't even send you to the earth safely with my own eyes..."

Gu Hui Yan stopped in place, his face hidden by the night, and he couldn't see clearly. The people far behind saw that Yan Wang hadn't moved for a long time and wanted to ask questions, but Gu Hui Yan pinned him in place with a gesture.

The sky was dark here, and Gu Hui Yan came quietly without making much movement. Lin Wei Xi didn’t know what was happening outside on the road. She was immersed in her grief and squatted under the tree where she played in her childhood to mourn her father: "Daddy, daughter respects you as a hero. When I was born mother had a difficult birth causing her to die, it was you both as father and mother who raised me. Daughter doesn’t want to marry. I really don’t want to marry. I just want to stay by my daddy’s side and be your little girl. You finally return home today, your daughter will send you all the way. If you in the yellow spring aware, you don't have to be concerned about this unfilial daughter anymore."

"If you really don't marry for a lifetime, he won't be able to die contentedly."

Lin Wei Xi stood up from the ground in surprise, with slightly dry tears still hanging on her face. She looked in the direction of the incoming person and stared for a long time before she recognized the speaker in the dim night: "Your Highness Yan Wang?"

"It's me." Gu Hui Yan slowly came out of the shadow, and he stopped three steps away from Lin Wei Xi. Looking at the thin and pale girl in front of him, with waist that was not as thick as his arms, he couldn't help sighing, "You are young and still in your best time, why would you say such depressing words?"

"It's not depressing words." Lin Wei Xi was not used to be seen crying. She wanted to raise her hand to wipe her tears but felt it was too obvious. So she turned her face away and looked to the side forcefully, "Today made Yan Wang laughed. Since this little girl’s ugly side have been seen, also does not need to worry about family affairs, might as well talk to Yan Wang directly. Look at my current situation, even if you help me get my father’s Jin Shu Iron Deed, do you think I can hold it? My aunt already like this, let alone the other people in the village, their surname are all Li, and my name is Lin. If something happens in the future, I can't even run."

Gu Hui Yan heard the crux of the problem: "You don't want to marry?"

"There are so many women in the world, everyone has their own way of living, why insist on getting married!" Lin Wei Xi couldn't help raising her voice, and then she realized that she was too emotional, she took a deep breath and lowered her head, said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, this little girl is rude."

Children nowadays all don’t want to get married? Gu Hui Yan was not good at talking to an unmarried little girl, could only shelve this subject, rather quietly asked: "Then what are you going to do?"

"Your Highness, Yan Wang." Lin Wei Xi suddenly solemnly paid a junior salute to Yan Wang, raised her eyes, and looked at Gu Hui Yan intently and firmly. "Since this little girl was a child, have always admired Yan Wang's achievements, this time can see you personally this is the blessing of this little girl for two lifetimes. Thank you for your help today. This little girl may be seen as to win an inch, want a foot, but I still want to take the liberty to ask you to take me out of Lijia village. After I leave here, Yan Wang can put me in a small town that no one knows, this little girl doesn’t want the reputation of Marquis Zhongyong’s woman. Afterwards, I will guards my father’s decree and recites the scriptures and worships the Buddha every day. Calm and peaceful throughout one’s life, this one already satisfied."

Gu Hui Yan looked at her, with a voice that couldn’t be distinguish whether it’s joy or anger: "Do you want to leave like this? Think clearly, this is your hometown, your sole relatives is here."

"This little girl has figured it out clearly. It can't be said that this is my hometown. Father and aunt fled because of famine. Here, my aunt married into this village, but my father because I was not well ran around all over the place. To me, this is not even my hometown. My hometown is where my father is."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi for a while, he then raised his eyes and looked up at the vast starry sky behind her. Lin Wei Xi's heart was tense, her palms were almost oozing sweat. She took a risk today, but Yan Wang would leave tomorrow, if she did not act tonight, there would be no more chance.

Gu Hui Yan withdrew his gaze from the sky full of stars, glanced at Lin Wei Xi lightly, turned and left. Lin Wei Xi's heart almost popped out of her throat. What does Wang Yan mean? She deliberately imitated Gao Ran's method to "inadvertently" crying and being heard, she still failed?

Lin Wei Xi couldn't help chasing after two steps: "Your Highness Yan..."

"It's getting late, and it's getting colder outside. Go back first."

"You haven't said whether you will to take me away or not!"

Gu Hui Yan sighed. He had been in power for many years, and this was the first time he had been questioned like this. Fortunately, his followers stood far away, otherwise if they heard this then his private affairs would be spread tomorrow. These men have been with Yan Wang for many years, from the cradle to the grave, trusted with each other lives. Gu Hui Yan regarded these people as his hands and feet, but these rough masters have one bad thing, that is, they were too concerned about his private affairs.

A Wangfei1 was not a necessity, Yan Wang Mansion was very good now, and he did not lack heirs. In this way, there was no need to marry new Wangfei.

What's more, there was still a green young girl in front of him. She was only fifteen or sixteen years old, younger than his son. Gu Hui Yan knew that Lin Wei Xi shouted those words just because she was anxious and had no other meaning, and Gu Hui Yan was also an old man. He didn't want his reputation to be ruined in such a place, so he stopped his body and explained his plan for the first time: "I will find you a safe place to live and settled you in. Don't worry, Lin Yong has a life-saving grace to me. You are his only daughter, and I will not leave you alone."

Lin Wei Xi finally breathed a sigh of relief, it’s good to get the words from Yan Wang. Ever since Gu Hui Yan became Yan Wang at the age of seventeen, even earlier than that, since he joined the army at the age of fifteen, he had never been so rudely called like this. Gu Hui Yan didn’t want to care about the little girl. He continued to walk forward. After two steps, there was footsteps behind. The little girl caught up again: "Your Highness, if I go with you tomorrow, I will have to pack up my things tonight? When will we meet tomorrow?"

It was this kind of ambiguity that would make others doubt his character if they heard. Gu Hui Yan could only stop and said to Lin Wei Xi, "You don't have to worry, I will send someone to take care of it. Miss Lin, it's getting late, you go back first."

No need for her to pack things up she can understand, but did not even say the hour? Lin Wei Xi was very skeptical, and couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, you are not scheming me right?"

Gu Hui Yan didn't expect that one day he would hear such words from someone. He smiled lightly and asked: "What did you say?"

Lin Wei Xi shut up and silently lowered her head under Gu Hui Yan's gaze. Seeing this, Gu Hui Yan withdrew his gaze, and continued to walk towards his horse without joy or anger.

After Gu Hui Yan walked out for a while, Lin Wei Xi thought he could not hear it, and in a very small voice she muttered to herself: "None are good people."

Gu Hui Yan's footsteps stopped, his eyes sinking slightly, for the first time he met someone who could provoke his restraint over and over again. He didn't turn around, lightly said to the back: "The wind is cold at night, Miss Lin should go back quickly. Next time if you want to talk to me, just come to me directly, you don't have to run so far and risk catching the cold wind under the tree."

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, she regretted it. She was emotional just now, and somehow she thought of Gu Cheng Yao. In her heart, she felt that there was no good person in the Gu family, who would have thought that the words just came out. As soon as she blurted out she regretted it. Gu Cheng Yao was unworthy that was true, but Yan Wang haven’t done anything wrong to her. He was the guardian god of the dynasty, and even more so, he helped her. How could she say such ungrateful thing? When Lin Wei Xi heard Yan Wang’s words her face turned red and she could hardly speak: "You know?"

How could he not know, her cover-up and technique were too clumsy. Gu Hui Yan did not stay again this time, and went straight into the night.

Chapter 5 : Overlord

Lin Wei Xi went home in the dark. She just pushed open the courtyard door, and a voice suddenly sounded in the dark courtyard: "Where have you been?"

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback. She stroked her heart, calmed her mind, and saw the person who had spoken. She rolled her eyes secretly, not wanting to say anything, walked towards her room.

Li Da saw that Lin Wei Xi regarded him as air, his felt really unhappy in his heart. He stepped forward and blocked Lin Wei Xi, his voice couldn’t help but increased: "I want to ask you something!"

Lin Wei Xi frowned and tried to get around, but after she took a few steps Li Da followed and kept blocking her. After doing these three or four times, the distance between Li Da and Lin Wei Xi was getting closer and closer. He gradually thought it was interesting, but Lin Wei Xi was annoyed.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her face and said coldly: "Get out of the way."

It was rare for Li Da to be so close to Lin Wei Xi. He also felt resentful when he saw Lin Wei Xi's face sinking. But looking at Lin Wei Xi’s face, which man would be angry at such face, his tone couldn’t help but soften: "I’m worried about you! You are an unmarried girl, to go outside alone in such a dark night, what does it look like? I have been waiting for you for a long time, and you only coming back now. Do you think this is right? Even if you want to go out to relax, you should talk to me or my mother, and I will accompany you to go out."

Lin Wei Xi gave a short laugh, full of icy meaning: "No need, I'm going back." She walked forward but was blocked by Li Da's two quick steps again. Lin Wei Xi tried two more times, all of which he firmly blocked. Lin Wei Xi frowned, gently raised one side of her eyebrow to look at Li Da: "What do you want?"

A beauty was a beauty, even with such a cold frown the face was still good looking, it’s amazing. Li Da smiled and said, "Cousin, what do I want, don't you understand? We are cousins of the same age. Since the ancient time it is the best way to marry a spouse. I know that uncle is gone and you must feel sad, but don't worry, I will take care of you in place of uncle in the future."

Lin Wei Xi smiled lightly, when she smiled her eyes were slightly bent, which was more dazzling than the stars in the sky. Li Da looked a little silly. But in the next moment, the beauty stopped smiling, and her mouth spitted out a sharp ice thorn: "By taking care of me, you mean taking care of the silver from the field left by my father, right?"

Li Da's face shrank as he was embarrassed: "Cousin, what are you talking about?"

"Why, big man, dare to do it but not dare to admit it? Didn't you and your mother have a lot ghost idea in your stomach? Do you really think yourself as a good person, thinking that you are doing good deeds and accumulating virtues, taking in a lonely little cousin? Hurry up and take back your hypocrisy. Without you and your mother, I can definitely live better."

After Lin Wei Xi finished she stared at Li Da coldly, and walked around him without looking back. This time Li Da did not come to stop her. He stood by himself for a while, and when Lin Wei Xi was about to enter the door, he suddenly said to her: "Cousin, my mother has that kind of temperament, and I can't help it. I know all these years she has been indifference to you and let you be wronged. Don’t worry. I’ll go and tell her so that you will never be wronged again. I really want to marry you. Long before my uncle’s reward come, I told my mother I'm going to marry you as my wife."

"So?" Lin Wei Xi did not look back, still looking cold, "She said that she disagreed, so you didn't say anything. Moreover, if it wasn't for my dad conferred as Marquis Zhongyang, you won’t say that you won’t wronged me in the future. It’s ridiculous, do you still feel like an infatuated person and can’t extricate yourself? Oh, in fact, you just refuse to admit it, you are a coward who has no opinion of your own and dare not defy your mother."

After finished speaking, Lin Wei Xi didn't bother to look at Li Da's expression and pushed open the door and walked in. But as she reached the doorstep, she heard Li Da say: "Cousin, you are so mean. If it weren't for your good-looking face, with your temper, no man would want to marry you."

Lin Wei Xi’s anger rushed directly to the top of her head. Li Da and Aunt Lin were the kind of people who believe ‘if a bride were not meant to marry into family, fate would not bring her to the door’, didn’t matter if their ability was nothing to speak of, they always look down on women. Did they think women should gently and gracefully flatter them? Did Li Da and Aunt Lin thought they were imperial family?

Lin Wei Xi felt suffocated. The failed marriage in her previous life was a thorn in her heart. In this life, the most taboo thing for her was if people said that she cannot get married or her husband would not like her. Whoever touched this reverse scale would die.

Lin Wei Xi turned around and even smiled at Li Da. Her looks was outrageously beautiful resembling a fairy, but the words that followed were like a knife: "What if no man wants to marry me? My father was conferred Marquis Zhongyang by the court, there’s thousands of hectares of fertile land to my own name. Even if there is no man, just by relying on the shelter left by my father I can live a thousand times better than you in this life."

Li Da was always held in the cup of Aunt Lin’s hands since he was a child, to hear this kind of words he was so angry that his chest moved up and down. He pointed his finger at Lin Wei Xi: "You..."

Lin Wei Xi raised her eyebrows slightly: "What are you doing, put your hand down, who allowed you to point your finger at me?"

When Lin Wei Xi was still Gao Xi in her previous life, because of her temper, she was told off many times by Duke Yangguo Shizi Madam. Shizi Madam often said that she was the Grand Princess's daughter, had always been pampered since young, but she did not develop Lin Wei Xi's temperament that was so unreasonable and could scold people till they cry. Grand Princess Shou Kang laughed when she heard this, people always looked at their own children fondly. Grand Princess said that Sister Xi was the granddaughter of a duke and the granddaughter of Grand Princess, so what if her temper a little bit big? People made mistake, they should be scolded by her.

In the past, Lin Wei Xi married to Yan Wang Mansion and became Shizi Consort. A daughter-in-law of an imperial household always had to be a little gentler. She did not dare to be presumptuous in Yan Wang Mansion, so she reprimanded the servants and took care of the family business with much restraint. Even so, the old people in the mansion still bear grudges, and spread it to Gu Cheng Yao's ears, he naturally became disgusted.

After Lin Wei Xi was reborn, she became negative for a long time. She also wondered if it was really because of her bad temper that she broke a good hand, fell into depression, and in the end died. Perhaps, Gao Ran's personality was really the type that men likes.

Lin Wei Xi was negative for a month and then get over it, anyway she didn't plan to marry again in her life. A rebirth was a godsend, she didn't need to wronged herself for others' opinions. She had such an unpleasant character, she realized the only thing she could do was to stop marrying, not to harm another family. As for the rest of her life, let her live as she pleases.

However, Lin Wei Xi overlooked something. In the past, people she admonished were so embarrassed they did not dare to raise their heads. Most of it because of her identity. Now she was without the protection of Duke Yingguo Mansion, Grand Princess Princess Shoukang, and even Yan Wang Mansion. Could not keep the one that were scolded from getting back on their mouths, and it's easy for angry people to make some extreme actions.

Li Da was like that. Lin Wei Xi's every word was like a sharp knife inserted into his heart, but he couldn't return even one word. Li Da was anxious and rushed towards Lin Wei Xi. Wanted to let Lin Wei Xi experienced for herself whether she want a man or not.

Lin Wei Xi was startled when she saw Li Da's momentum, she reflexively looked at the main room and found that the lights in the main room had been turned off, showing a deliberate silence. Lin Wei Xi understood that this family had long planned to make ‘the overlord use the bow’ (rape).

Lin Wei Xi was a little frightened, her body was not very healthy, walked two steps too quickly and she would cough. How could she be able to match the strength of a young man like Li Da. She knew that she couldn't stay in the house, otherwise even if she cry no one would help. She didn't know what she picked up on her hand, without looking immediately threw it at Li Da’s face. Li Da was attacked by the oncoming bread crumbs and couldn't help but stop and rub his eyes. Lin Wei Xi took the opportunity to desperately run and rushed towards the courtyard door. Li Da couldn't see things clearly with his eyes, it gave Lin Wei Xi opportunity to run past him. When his eyes finally felt better, Li Da grinned and chased after Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi just opened the door latch and found that Li Da had already caught up. She panicked and slammed the door on Li Da's face, and stumbled outside.

But what strength Lin Wei Xi's small body could have, she was quickly chased by Li Da. He hold Lin Wei Xi with one hand, Lin Wei Xi was kicking and hitting, but she couldn't break free at all. The people in this village were all surnamed Li, and the villagers were fierce and hated outsiders. Even if they could hear the unusual sound of Lin Wei Xi here, they would not came out to help her. Lin Wei Xi hated her lack of strength. Seeing that she was about to be dragged back to Aunt Lin’s house, Lin Wei Xi suddenly thought that she was once a lady from the Duke Mansion. Those big families attached to security the most, and they arranged people to guard the courtyard’s wall day and night. The big families in peaceful era were like this, what about Yan Wang?

Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but took a gamble. She didn't care about the demeanor of a lady for many years, and shouted: "Your Highness, you promised to put me in a good place, will you let me be bullied? Your high..."

Before Lin Wei Xi finished shouting, she felt a strong wind grazed the back of her neck, and then the arm that hold her loosened. Li Da was knocked unconscious.

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a moment, then quickly withdrew her hand and wiped the place that Li Da had touched. The person who shot was silent like an iron tower with a black hole behind him. If he hadn't just saved Lin Wei Xi, she would have been scared to death.

"Thank you..." Lin Wei Xi looked at the person in front of her and couldn't help swallowing her saliva. She tried her best to show a gentle and harmless smile, totally different from the person from a moment ago. "What is this hero called?"

"Zhou Mao Cheng." The bear-like man looked at Lin Wei Xi very strangely. He endured and endured it, but he couldn't hold back, "You were calling our Wangye*?"

*His royal highness the prince. Respectful way to call a Wang or prince.

"Yes." Lin Wei Xi smiled gently and tried her best to show her benefactor her quiet side, "Zhou Enren*, can you send me to Yan Wang? You have seen this place... I probably can’t live here anymore."

*Benefactor.

Zhou Mao Cheng’s eyes on Lin Wei Xi simply couldn’t be described with words. Lin Wei Xi was caught by such look, her smile was stiff. What did it mean? She just cursed people like a shrew and left a bad impression?

Zhou Mao Cheng was arranged by Yan Wang to guard Lin Yong's daughter. He felt very strange when he received this task. Why would Wangye paid attention to a little girl? Then he thought that Lin Yong and they were comrades-in-arms, iron-like brothers, and his daughter was also Zhou Mao Cheng's daughter, so it was reasonable to guard the little girl all night. Martial artist had sharp eyes and ears, and when Zhou Mao Cheng squatted outside listening to Lin Wei Xi's scolding, he felt that Lin Yong's description of his daughter was not stable, this father's beautification was too serious. But he had to say listening to this little girl cursing was pretty good.

Later when Li Da became restless, Zhou Mao Cheng cursed in his heart, and immediately came to rescue Lin Wei Xi. However, he did not expect that he heard such unexpected words from Lin Wei Xi's mouth a moment later.

Who did Lin Wei Xi call? Yan Wang?

Zhou Mao Cheng's expression was dark like a bear, but the drama in his heart played one after another. Lin Wei Xi felt this army man glanced at her over and over, her heart couldn't help beating like a drum, did she say something wrong?

In the village head's house, Gu Hui Yan was still checking the letters from the capital under the light, he couldn’t leave the things in the army and capital to others for the moment. Besides, he might not be able to catch up with the big troops as planned tomorrow. These things must be arranged properly.

After an unknown period of time, the door was knocked three times. This was the rule in the army. Gu Hui Yan didn't lift his head and said, "Come in."

Zhou Mao Cheng entered the door, and said with a taut face: "Wangye, the daughter of Lin Yong's family wants to see you."

Gu Hui Yan paused before removing the image of Lin Wei Xi hooking the bait from Lin Yong's daughter, Gu Hui Yan thought of the little girl and couldn't help but pressed his eyebrows: "What's wrong with her?"

"She said that she will go with you tomorrow, and she won't return today. She wants to stay with you."

Zhou Mao Cheng's face was tense. But his eyes sneaking up on Gu Hui Yan's face. He watched as Wangye, who had always seems inhumane, pressed his eyebrows and sighed lightly: "I said I won't leave her... Nevermind, just let her be at ease, let her stay. Mingda, you packed my room and let Lin Wei Xi live in it. Arrange a few more people to patrol the house at night, and replace them more frequently."

Gu Hui Yan stopped after speaking and then added: "You go to Lijia village head and ask for few a new bedding, add to my credit and pay them together tomorrow.” After finished speaking, Gu Hui Yan himself was a little bit unsure: “What else do I need to raise this kind of little girl? Do I have to buy dresses and eyebrow pomade too?"

This question could be difficult for men. They could speak well about the troops and war, but Lin Wei Xi was a delicate little girl...

Gu Hui Yan looked at the expression of people in the room and knew that he couldn't count on them. He tried to recall the layout of Yan Wang Mansion, and said: "Let the village head's wife arrange it. Now there are many things that won’t be available for a while, we will talk about it when we go to the county town tomorrow."

After Gu Hui Yan gave his orders, he found that Zhou Mao Cheng had been stuck in place, did not move. Gu Hui Yan moved his eyebrows lightly, and his voice neither too fast nor too slow, seemed like just an ordinary question: "What's the matter?"

Zhou Mao Cheng woke up like from a dream, immediately stood up straight to give Gu Hui Yan a military salute, and stepped back orderly: "This subordinate obeys."

Lin Wei Xi waited outside the courtyard for a while, then she was led to a spacious room by the village head's wife. Although she felt that the eyes of the people around her were a little strange when she entered the house, she did not take it to heart. She silently lamented that the village head's family was really rich, even the room provided for her at the last minute was so spacious and warm.

Lin Wei Xi said to Zhou Mao Cheng on the road that there was no need to tell Yan Wang about what happened with Li Da. Lin Wei Xi didn't care about her reputation for this kind of thing. She just felt that Yan Wang was her childhood idol, and she should not tell Yan Wang about her unsightly personal affairs.

Lin Wei Xi was sitting on the soft bedding. Thinking back to today matters, she finally gave birth to a sense of realism. At this moment, she felt a little afraid of what had happened just now. Lin Wei Xi fell backward onto the bed, her nose filled with the unique smell of sunlight after the bedding was sun-dried. She stared at the top of the bed for a while, and suddenly burst out a big smile.

The nightmare-like life was finally over. Later, whether Aunt Lin's family was dead or alive, Lin Wei Xi didn't want to care anymore. Tomorrow she would get up early and kept watch on Yan Wang, anyway, she would rely on Yan Wang to take her away. After finding a quiet and simple town, Yan Wang would no longer had to be entangled with her. In the future, when Lin Wei Xi copied the scriptures for Lin Yong and her mother to pray for blessings, she would definitely also burn long life incense for Yan Wang. His son made her so miserable. Lin Wei Xi just asked Yan Wang this much, it’s not excessive right?

Lin Wei Xi kept thinking about her thoughts for a while, and fell asleep like that. This was a rare peace of mind since her rebirth. Lin Wei Xi slept until dawn. When she opened her eyes and saw the dazzling sunshine outside, Lin Wei Xi felt dull for a moment and woke up abruptly.

Oops! Lin Wei Xi hurriedly tidy up her hair, put on her clothes, and ran. As soon as she opened the door, she was stunned when she saw the man in the yard.

Gu Hui Yan turned his head when he heard the voice. The sun shone on him, as if plated by a gold rim: "Awake?"

Lin Wei Xi looked at him blankly for a moment, and closed the door silently.

Gu Hui Yan turned his head and continued to comb Zhao Xue's mane, but there was a slight smile on his lips. Zhou Mao Cheng couldn't figure it out when he saw this: "What's the matter with the Lin family girl? Why did she go back?"

Gu Hui Yan chuckled and shook his head without saying a word.

After a while, Lin Wei Xi pushed the door open again. This time, her cheeks were fair and her hair was neat. Although she did not applied powder, her facial features were almost as dazzling as sunshine. Gu Hui Yan found a carriage for her unknowing from where. Lin Wei Xi raised her chin slightly and boarded the carriage elegantly. After Gu Hui Yan saw it, a thread of smiles appeared in his immovable eyes. Seeing that everyone was ready, he took the lead on Zhao Xue, his voice was clear and majestic: "Leave."

"Yes." The response was loud and full of masculinity, identical like came from one person, the voice rang in the sky and followed by uniform sound of mounting horses. Zhou Mao Cheng was still wondering until he sat down on his horse Shangdu, what was Wangye laughing at? Why didn't he see what was funny?

Chapter 6 : Marriage

Lin Wei Xi rode on a carriage again after a long time, did not know how long the bumps had been going on, and the noise outside of the carriage became more and more noisy. Lin Wei Xi guessed that they might have entered the city.

Sure enough, the guard on the city wall saw Yan Wang's token and did not even dare to check it. He lowered his head slightly and let Yan Wang's convoy entered the city. The county magistrate in the city heard that Yan Wang, who yesterday clearly said that he was leaving, actually came to the county seat. He was startled, hurriedly took along county deputies to welcome him.

"Welcome Your Royal Highness. Wangye* has personally come, excuse this lowly official for not going out to meet you, Wangye please forgive."

*His Royal Highness, respectful way to call a prince or wang.

"Nothing, get up." Gu Hui Yan held the rein loosely in his hand, sitting on the horse towering above, then said with indifference voice, "Is there a quiet courtyard nearby?"

Courtyard? How many days Yan Wang plan to stay? The county magistrate was a little dazed. He glanced at the carriage behind Yan Wang and vaguely guessed that Yan Wang was looking for a quiet courtyard for this one. He heard that Yan Wang had lost his wife for nearly ten years... The county magistrate's mind only went this far, he didn’t dare to think about it anymore, his attitude became more respectful: "Wangye, we are honored by your presence in our humble county, how dare this lowly official let you rent a place outside? This lowly official’s residence is small. If Wangye doesn't dislike it, how about staying at this lowly official’s mansion."

Gu Hui Yan gave the county magistrate a quick glance. The magistrate was so practical, the bureaucratic language was the same stuff. Gu Hui Yan tightened the reins and calmed the agitated Zhao Xue, and said: "No, find another house."

Gu Hui Yan's words were flat, but the county magistrate immediately heard a danger from it. Cold sweat oozes from his back, and he did not dare make any more assertions. He lowered his body and replied: "This lowly official obeys, Wangye please wait a moment."

Lin Wei Xi felt the carriage stopped. Although she was alone in the carriage, she still sat steadily without curiously raising the curtain. It didn't take long for the carriage to continue moving. Lin Wei Xi estimated that after turning a few turns, the carriage let out a click sound. Then Zhou Mao Cheng's voice sounded from outside: "Lin girl, get off the carriage."

In fact, according to Lin Wei Xi's years of upbringing, her figure and appearance could not be seen by men other than her father and brother, and the carriage must be parked at the second gate. It was very rude to get on and off the carriage on the street. But now this was just a small town, and Lin Wei Xi had not recover her identity, so there was no need to be too particular.

Lin Wei Xi lifted the corner of her skirt to get out of the carriage. She looked up and found that they had stopped in front of a two-entry house. Lin Wei Xi was a little confused by Yan Wang's thoughts, what did Yan Wang mean?

Lin Wei Xi looked at Yan Wang, Gu Hui Yan as usual stood in front of everyone. He was listening to his subordinates reporting something. Aware of Lin Wei Xi's gaze, he raised his hand, stopped the subordinates' words, and then gently nodded to Lin Wei Xi: "Go inside."

Lin Wei Xi looked around, and pointed to herself in surprise. Gu Hui Yan nodded. Lin Wei Xi felt flattered then walked in first, Gu Hui Yan soon followed after her, and then the rest of the crowd.

They would stay here only temporarily, so Gu Hui Yan just bought a two-entry house. The second entry was left to Lin Wei Xi alone. Gu Hui Yan lived in the front with his subordinates. If something happened it would certainly alarm them. Lin Wei Xi's safety was guaranteed.

Lin Wei Xi had almost no luggage when she left home this morning. She lived in Aunt Lin's house for six years, but she had very little belonging. The things that tied her up was only some letters sent by Lin Yong. Lin Wei Xi had packed those up a long time ago and was ready to leave any time. She didn't want to see Aunt Lin's family again, so she didn't go back, but asked Zhou Mao Cheng to go to Aunt Lin's house and took her things.

After all, Aunt Lin was Lin Wei Xi's aunt, and adopted the original body for six years, Lin Wei Xi gave a fierce scold, but actually she didn't know what to do with them. Lin Wei Xi didn't intend to pursue those silver coins that Aunt Lin has deducted, only regarded it as giving money to a beggar, but what Li Da did yesterday made Lin Wei Xi felt really disgusted.

Lin Wei Xi grew up so big, no matter as Gao Xi or Lin Wei Xi, she never suffered such humiliation. She was so angry, but now she lost her identity, she couldn't do anything to Li Da, and she didn't know who to turn to for help. Lin Wei Xi thought about it all the way, but in the end she could only get angry with herself.

Lin Wei Xi walked to the inner courtyard. When he entered the door, Zhou Mao Cheng took advantage of the people around not paying attention and said quietly to Lin Wei Xi: "Lin’s Daughter, don’t be afraid. Uncle beat that kid so hard last night. Today, when I went to fetch things, their family was scared like a quail, even didn’t dare to let out a fart."

Obviously very vulgar words but Lin Wei Xi laughed out loud. She then restrained her laugh and said seriously: "Thank you Uncle Zhou."

Zhou Mao Cheng was elated by the phrase "Uncle Zhou", he secretly sighed that it was better to have a girl. Listen to this beautiful voice, and talk politely, better than those wild boys in his family.

Looking at Lin Wei Xi, Zhou Mao Cheng thought on a whim, and asked, "Lin’s Daughter, it’s not that your uncle want to take advantage of you. Uncle Zhou really likes you as a girl. It just so happens that there are a few mediocre boys in my family who are about the same age as you and haven't married. You see if you want to marry into Uncle Zhou's family as daughter-in-law? As long as you want, whoever you take fancy to, Uncle Zhou will let any kid marry you!"

Lin Wei Xi originally was smiling, but when she heard this her smile gradually stiffened, "Uncle Zhou thank you for your kindness, there's no need..."

"Don’t be polite, if you are willing, those small brats in our family are eager."

"There’s really no need..."

After saying goodbye to regretful Zhou Mao Cheng, Lin Wei Xi turned and walked into the house. After entering the room, she heaved a long sigh.

Did she seem to be so worried about marrying? Why did everyone want to act as a matchmaker, Zhou Mao Cheng even planned to force his son.

Lin Wei Xi sat down slowly on the embroidered stool, she looked at the tiny cracks on the pear wood round table, slightly entranced.

Yan Wang rushed back to the capital, presumably for Gu Cheng Yao. Yes, she used to be blinded by her family background. She really thought because she was proficient in Four Arts*, and had a good hand in managing the household, so she thought others spoke highly of her because they really liked her. But once she was out of the halo of her family, she was exposed.

*Zither, Go, Calligraphy, Painting.

Lin Wei Xi smiled bitterly when she thought about it, if she was a man, she would not like herself, someone who relied on her family background and grandmother to be an oppressive woman. That’s why, even if she was really grateful to Zhou Mao Cheng, she could not marry and harm other family.

Zhou Mao Cheng watched Lin Wei Xi enter the house with regret, then returned to the front with a long sigh. Gu Hui Yan was handling urgent matters in the temporary packed study. Hearing Zhou Mao Cheng sigh, he raised his head and glanced up. He kept writing with his hand, and asked casually: "What happened to you?"

"I think that Lin family girl is clever, and has a nimble mouth. Marrying her in the future can definitely revitalize the family. I cheekily act as a matchmaker for my sons, but she refused. Alas, although I expected it, it is still a pity..."

Gu Hui Yan laughed lightly, that girl was intelligent, courageous and high-spirited, if it was not a man with some ability, afraid that she couldn't be subdued. Therefore, Zhou Mao Cheng had been rejected, Gu Hui Yan was not surprised, because yesterday he just mentioned a few words and she could clearly contradict him.

However, speaking of Lin Wei Xi revitalizing family, Gu Hui Yan reminded of another matter. He personally wrote to Grand Princess Shou Kang to seek a daughter-in-law, unexpectedly she died of illness at the end of last year.

Gu Hui Yan still remembered that this daughter-in-law was named Gao Xi. In all fairness, Gu Hui Yan was quite satisfied with this daughter-in-law. It's just a pity that there were no fate, after all, you couldn't force it.

Shen shi had gone for ten years, and the old Wangfei had also died for a long time. Only two men remained in Yan Wang Mansion, Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao. There was no mistress to take care the home, and the marriage of father and son had been delayed year after year. Gu Hui Yan didn't want to remarry himself, and of course he didn't bother to worry about Gu Cheng Yao's marriage. But Gu Cheng Yao suddenly sent him a half-fish jade pendant. When Gu Cheng Yao asked him to find the owner of this jade pendant, he was surprised.

Gu Cheng Yao was only sixteen years old, already knows how to find a wife for himself? Gu Hui Yan didn’t care about family status, anyway, no matter what family status the woman had, to put in front of their family it was almost the same. Since Gu Cheng Yao liked it, as a father he didn't need to pour cold water on him. However, at that time Gu Hui Yan was still quelling the rebellion of Ding Duo Huo Ti tribe. He had no time to check the jade pendant of a woman, so he wrote a letter and sent it back to the capital together with the jade pendant.

Grand Princess Shou Kang was Gu Hui Yan's paternal aunt. Back then when the old Yan Wang had not move to the vassal state he was assisted by Princess Shou Kang, so the old Yan Wang and Wangfei had always valued the friendship of Princess Shou Kang. Later, after Gu Hui Yan's sudden emergence, his power greatly surpassed Grand Princess Shoukang Mansion, but Gu Hui Yan did not sever contact with the princess. The two families moved around fairly close, and Gu Hui Yan was also very courteous to this aunt.

Gu Hui Yan was not free, so it's logical for him to entrusted the matter of finding people to Grand Princess Shou Kang. The princess had always lived in the capital, and usually she had many contact with the womenfolk. It was more suitable for the princess to find someone than Gu Hui Yan. However, Gu Hui Yan didn't expect that he had just sent the letter away, and almost immediately, the princess sent the letter back, and the other half of the fish-shaped jade pendant came with the letter.

Oh, there was such a coincidence in the world, the woman Gu Cheng Yao was looking for turned out to be the granddaughter of Grand Princess Shou Kang. After he received the reply, Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything, and immediately took out his Yan Wang's seal, and sincerely asked for his son to marry the granddaughter of the princess, Gao Xi.

The news of marriage between the Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion was spread out in the capital. Two powerful families join together was a happy event. Gu Hui Yan solved his worry, and then concentrated on dealing with the war in the Northwest, not paying attention to the affairs of the mansion.

Gu Hui Yan knew very well about the situation of Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion. Princess Shou Kang was favored before she declined. Her husband was a Tanhua* in Chengwu dynasty era. The emperor's son-in-law couldn’t serve as an official. Princess Shou Kang fuma** was still a scholar with no foundation, it was a glory to marry a princess, but the future with the princess or as Tanhua he could only have one. Fuma official career was hopeless, he inevitably had to rely on the princess’s face, and Princess Shou Kang also had a slightly stronger personality.

*Candidate who came in third place in imperial examination.

**Emperor-son-in-law.

Later, the only daughter of Grand Princess Shou Kang, Wei Shi, was affected by the way her parents got along. After marrying into the Duke Yingguo Mansion, she refused to bend her waist and suffered a lot in concubine’s hand. Wei shi’s daughter, Gao Xi, couldn’t accept it on her mother's behalf. She was competitive since she was a child, she had to be the best in everything she did among her sisters, even brothers. In Gu Hui Yan's view, a woman with strong personality was not a bad thing. On the contrary, if Gu Cheng Yao really liked the kind of gentle and weak woman, Gu Hui Yan would have to worry about the huge family business of Yan Wang Mansion. Moreover, Gao Xi, this junior, lived in Princess Shou Kang's mansion for more than half a year to received the princess’s guidance, Gu Hui Yan was very relieved.

But Gu Hui Yan didn't expect in the period when he didn't pay attention to the affairs of the mansion, he received a letter informing the news of Gao Xi's death.

Although it was very disrespectful to the deceased to say this, but... Isn’t it too soon? In particular, what made Gu Hui Yan frowned was the news that Gu Cheng Yao passed on along with the obituary of the deceased. Duke Yingguo Mansion intended to let Gao Xi's shu younger sister Gao Ran to marry as a second wife, and he already consented.

Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything at the time, but everyone present knew that Yan Wang was very upset about the re-marriage of his son.

Gu Hui Yan didn't know why he thought of his former daughter-in-law because of Lin Wei Xi. When Zhou Mao Cheng saw Gu Hui Yan's face a little gloomy, his unspoken grumble suddenly took a turn and swallowed. He looked at Gu Hui Yan's expression and said carefully: "Wangye, is it Shizi who wrote the letter?"

Gu Hui Yan sighed slightly: "The capital just sent a letter, his marriage to the third miss of Duke Yingguo Mansion is scheduled for next month."

Lin Wei Xi made a special trip to thank Yan Wang. She happened to hear this when she walked pass the window.

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran will be married next month.

Author’s note:

A good relationship can make people become better and a failed relationship can also destroy a person’s self-confidence. Lin Wei Xi is now at a stage where she doubts herself and breaks her self-confidence because of her failed marriage.

Chapter 7 : Anti-Marriage

Lin Wei Xi passed the window and happened to hear Yan Wang said that the wedding of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran was scheduled for next month.

Lin Wei Xi thought she didn't care anymore, but when she heard these words, the smile on her face stiffened.

She died in depression in December, and only in a few days, Gu Cheng Yao is going to marry a new bride?

She was the eldest granddaughter of Duke Yingguo. Gu Cheng Yao didn't like her, Lin Wei Xi admitted it, but what about the Duke Yingguo Mansion? Where were her father and grandmother? They actually let Gu Cheng Yao do this. Perhaps they were eager to let Gao Ran enter the door as soon as possible and did not ruin the hard-won marriage between Yan Wang Mansion and Duke Yingguo Mansion because of Gao Xi's failure.

Lin Wei Xi felt sore in the corners of her eyes for no reason. Her mother Wei Shi died when she was ten years old. After that, Lin Wei Xi lived in her grandmother's princess mansion for more than half a year. She thought that she was quite indifferent to her former relatives. Between relatives also need affinity, since Duke Yingguo Shizi didn't like his di daughter, then she also wouldn't be close to him nor disrespect him, then the two sides were even. But how could they trampled her dignity like this? Was it because she was dead and would no longer know about these things, and there was no mother to stand up for her, so they became unscrupulous?

Sorry to disappointed them. She didn't die completely, and also returned to the world.

The guard outside the study had already seen Lin Wei Xi, and the conversation in the study suddenly stopped.

Lin Wei Xi adjusted her expression, smiled and walked up: "Is His Royal Highness Yan Wang inside?"

Before the guard reported it, Gu Hui Yan's low and clear voice could heard from the room: "Let her in."

Lin Wei Xi entered the room and saw Zhou Mao Cheng standing on one side, he hung his head slightly, looking unnatural.

Talking about Gu family’s Shizi, even for a close confidante like Zhou Mao Cheng, it was not good to say too much.

Zhou Mao Cheng bowed his head and said nothing. Yan Wang treated them generously, but it didn't mean that they could meddle with Yan Wang’s family affairs. Because Shizi had a father like Yan Wang, he had lived the life of the proud son of heaven since he was a child. Now he was just marrying a new wife, it was not a big deal. Yan Wang could be dissatisfied, but they couldn't.

Lin Wei Xi had a bit of inexplicable evil in her heart, deliberately asked: "Your Highness, Uncle Zhou, what are you talking about just now? Who is getting married?"

Zhou Mao Cheng glanced at Gu Hui Yan and found that Yan Wang did not mind, he explained to Lin Wei Xi: "It’s the only son of Wangye, our Yan Wang Mansion Shizi, he is going to marry a wife."

"Oh, is it the first Shizi Consort? Congratulations to the young couple."

Zhou Mao Cheng's face was a little embarrassed: "It’s the second wife."

Zhou Mao Cheng explained to Lin Wei Xi with some embarrassment, and Lin Wei Xi also pretended to listen. Neither of them noticed Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi faintly, the glance passed by in a flash, but it contained palpitating exploration and insight. When most people heard about marriage, they wouldn’t think to ask if it was the first partner, but when Lin Wei Xi asked it, it was as if she knew it was not the first partner.

Gu Hui Yan only glanced and then withdrew his gaze, his face still looked unhappy. On the other side, Lin Wei Xi finally "understood" the situation in Yan Wang Mansion, and sighed: "It turns out the son of Yan Wang Mansion is marrying a new wife. This is really unexpected. Is the son of Yan Wang already very old? Yan Wang is so young so I thought Shizi was not too old."

Gu Hui Yan was thinking about what happened just now. When he heard this, he couldn't help but laugh lightly, and looked at Lin Wei Xi with a smile: "Your compliment is too obvious, properly practice and then try again!"

Lin Wei Xi felt small grain pricks her heart. Now that she was caught by her ex-husband's father, she would inevitably felt a little troubled. Her eyes flowed, she glared at Gu Hui Yan unconvincingly: "What I said is true! Uncle Zhou, what do you say?"

Zhou Mao Cheng inexplicably got goose bumps, and he was compel to nod with a bitter face, "Wangye is young and strong, Shizi is also in his prime."

Gu Hui Yan smiled softly, and the atmosphere in the room suddenly became more relaxed.

Gu Hui Yan was in a much better mood, and Zhou Mao Cheng sighed with relief before he dared to speak: "Wangye, Shizi specially wrote to ask you go back to the wedding. The last time we were in the northwest calming down the chaos, so we couldn't make it back. Although Shizi didn’t say it, he definitely looking forward to you. This time finally have a chance... Wangye, this subordinate know that you are not satisfied with this marriage, but the wood has become a boat. After all, Shizi likes..."

Lin Wei Xi couldn't bear to hear this "It seems that I have little knowledge. Yan Wang's expedition was only work of one or two years, to miss Shizi’s first wedding, unexpectedly still able to catch up with the second."

Zhou Mao Cheng was speechless by Lin Wei Xi's sentence, his face flushed. Gu Hui Yan was not at all annoyed. Instead, he smiled and looked at Lin Wei Xi: "You seem to be very hostile to Gu Cheng Yao, you are even angry with his marriage. You don’t know him, right?"

Lin Wei Xi was shocked in her heart, she carelessly said something in her heart, why had she forgotten that this was the powerful Yan Wang. She just leaked some emotions in her words and was caught by him.

Lin Wei Xi in any case was also a mistress of big house before. Her expression remained unchanged and deliberately showed an unreasonable attitude: "Of course I am hostile to him. You clearly said that you will settled me first and then return to the capital. But now he sent a letter to call you away! What should I do?"

This reason was reasonable, Gu Hui Yan accepted it. He let it go with a slight smile. Zhou Mao Cheng's heart was ups and downs. In such short period of time, he had been frightened several times. Now he looked at Lin Wei Xi differently. Was it because the ignorant was fearless or this girl simply lucky, dare to talk to Yan Wang like this, was Yan Wang really not annoyed?

Zhou Mao Cheng sighed for a while, then retracted his gaze, still wanted to try again: "Wangye, the matter of Shizi..."

"No need to say anymore, I won't go back." Gu Hui Yan put down the writing brush on the desk, obviously his expression had not changed, but the room suddenly felt cold, "Less than a month after the first wife died of illness, he proposed to remarry, and the wedding is still scheduled for February this year. Did he ever consider Grand Princess Shou Kang’s opinion? Already a big man, he's still so naive and reckless."

Zhou Mao Cheng tried to speak for Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi is still young, how can he take into consideration the human relations..."

"Young? This year he is already seventeen. When I was seventeen years old, I was entrusted with the title of Yan Wang and took over the entire mansion of Yan Wang. If you look at him again, what have he done."

Zhou Mao had nothing to say. In fact, no matter who it was, seventeen was still half a child’s age, not to mention for the noble son in the capital, it’s the age of ‘riding a horse on a leaning bridge and the building full of red sleeves’*. But who made Shizi’s father, Yan Wang Gu Hui Yan, become famous too early, the light was too bright. Gu Hui Yan went to the battlefield at the age of fifteen. At the age of sixteen, he fought a beautiful battle that brought him fame. Since then, his reputation had spread throughout the country. After that, at the age of seventeen he became Dazhou’s youngest Qinwang**. At the age of twenty-five, he already made great achievements and became the most important courtier and nephew that the emperor heavily rely on. At the age of twenty-seven he made the merits of ‘saving the country in times of danger’, at the age of twenty-nine became the regent chancellor***. By now, Yan Wang was only thirty-three years old, and he was already famous all over the world.

*It’s lines from a poem from “The Bodhisattva Man” by Wei Zhuang a poet in the late Tang Dynasty. I think it basically means romantic, unrestrained life of youth, not too sure!

**First class prince.

***A person who issue administrative order on behalf of the monarch, basically the person in charge behind the emperor because the emperor was too young.

Under his father's aura, Gu Cheng Yao did seem a bit too thin. Gu Cheng Yao's performance in recent years was also remarkable. Looking at the younger generation in the capital, he was also one of the leaders, but compared with his father, it was really not enough.

Gu Hui Yan therefore dissatisfied with Gu Cheng Yao, and Zhou Mao Cheng had nothing to say. When Lin Wei Xi heard that Yan Wang wouldn’t go back to attend the wedding of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran, she almost couldn’t hold back her laugh.

Obviously already on the road but avoiding it, this was not the same as not returning because of the war. Lin Wei Xi hurriedly lowered her head to cover up her gloating. However, Zhou Mao Cheng as a loyal subject really couldn't help it, he persuaded a few more words: "Wangye, this subordinate know that you have high hopes for Shizi, but Shizi is young after all. He is not like us, tumbling in the flames of war, training from early morning to have iron bone. Shizi has always admire you, but it’s a pity because of the war, always separated and rarely together. This time you return to capital, it’s a rare opportunity for you to get along with him. Even if you are dissatisfied, you have to talk to him slowly."

After listening, Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything, did not speak or showed anger. However, this kind of expression was often scarier than anger. Zhou Mao Cheng dared not say any more, and looked at Lin Wei Xi for help: "Lin’s daughter, why don’t you say something?"

Lin Wei Xi sneered inwardly, want her be the lobbyist? The ex-husband and her shu sister were getting married. Expecting her, this older sister, to bless their true love? Simply dreaming. Now Gu Cheng Yao's father and Gao Ran's future father-in-law was right in front of her, if Lin Wei Xi did not take advantage of this God-given opportunity to give them trouble, she would live this life in vain!

"Your Highness, you are doing the right thing. If your child does something wrong, he should be punished. You can't get used to him! He is such a big man, what can't he stand? Without your protection, when he won't be obedient can he take responsibilities?"

Zhou Mao Cheng looked at Lin Wei Xi in amazement, and Gu Hui Yan could not help but laugh: "You really hate him. Forget it, just listen to you, this time I will not tolerate him. But you are just a child, why sound so mature? You are one year younger than Gu Cheng Yao, but your teaching tone is the same as his elders."

Lin Wei Xi was called a "child", she was very upset at first, but when she looked at the people around her had a relieved expression, she guessed that Yan Wang's laugh was very rare, at least it proved that there would be no major events next. Lin Wei Xi unexpectedly solved Gu Cheng Yao’s entanglement, her gangster heart actually not willing. But she couldn't be too much, Yan Wang was kind to her, if she provoked again it would be too boring.

Looking at Lin Wei Xi's reluctant look, Gu Hui Yan felt more and more that this little girl was really lively and compare to a solidified person like him almost like they lived in two different worlds. Gu Hui Yan didn't want to embarrass her too much, so he asked: "I haven't asked just now, what are you doing here?"

Lin Wei Xi almost forgot about it, she quickly said, "I come here specially to thanking Your Highness Yan Wang! Thank you for upholding justice for me, and thank you for taking me out of the wolf den."

It's just a sentence, Gu Hui Yan didn't take it seriously. He gestured to Zhou Mao Cheng, and Zhou Mao Cheng retreated. After there were no outsiders in the study, Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi talked about her personal affairs: "Your aunt is too greedy and is not a good match. I sent someone to investigate Li Yuanwai, his son is indecisive and unreliable. It’s right for you to not want to marry these two families. Although this county town is very small, but it’s better to be close to your hometown. You can get married here, so you can live a stable life and avoid the harassment of Lijia village. I asked the county magistrate to fetch a roster over, among them there are a few young official..."

Lin Wei Xi was almost disillusioned: "Your Highness, what are you doing?"

Gu Hui Yan sighed slightly, looked at Lin Wei Xi’s helpless eyes: "You were angry yesterday, so I leave you alone. But you are young and at your prime age, you won't really be an ancient Buddha with a green lantern and be alone right?"

"Why not?" Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan, her eyes moistened unknowingly, "I thought you wouldn't be like this. I respect you from the bottom of my heart, but why do you want to force me?"

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, she did not dare to look at Gu Hui Yan's expression again, turned around and rushed out quickly. Zhou Mao Cheng who guarded the door was shocked when he saw Lin Wei Xi rushing out with red eyes: "Lin Girl, what's the matter with you?"

Lin Wei Xi didn't speak, and ran away. Zhou Mao Cheng stared blankly and then looked into the study, he saw Gu Hui Yan pressing his eyebrows.

Zhou Mao Cheng looked at the expressions of these two people, and the drama that played in his head was almost scaring him to death. He stood at the door and carefully asked: "Wangye, what happened to Miss Lin?"

Gu Hui Yan sighed more times these day than in the past year: "Blame me for forcing her to marry."

It turned out to be this, oops, scared him to death. Zhou Mao Cheng breathed a sigh of relief. He thought of yesterday's affairs, and after a short while, he decided to tell Yan Wang.

After Zhou Mao Cheng finished talking about Li Da, Gu Hui Yan's expression was completely out of sight. His face was covered with ice, and his voice was faintly angry: "Why didn't you say it yesterday?"

"She is a little girl with a thin skin, she wouldn't want to let people know about this kind of thing."

Gu Hui Yan thought for a while, and suddenly felt a little pity in his heart. He thought she only had a temper, just now she only make noises that she would not marry. It turned out that she came across such a thing in private. She was a lone and weak woman to run into this kind of thing and had nowhere to ask for help. It’s no wonder she rejected getting married. Gu Hui Yan sighed in his heart, but the words that came out were completely different and cold: "Call Gu Mingda in."

Gu Mingda was Yan Wang's right-hand man. Zhou Mao Cheng knew that Yan Wang was really angry this time. In recent years, Yan Wang had a lot of responsibilities and his emotions became more and more restrained. Few could make him release his emotions, Aunt Lin's family could do this, that was also some ability.

Chapter 8 : The Capital

After Lin Wei Xi shouted those words to Yan Wang, she pushed away and ran towards the backyard. After returning to her room, her emotions slowly calmed down.

Lin Wei Xi didn’t know why she suddenly erupted. Maybe during this period of time, her previous life and that heavenly book had been holding her firmly. After Li Da’s incident last night, Lin Wei Xi’s backlog of emotions suddenly broke out. It could also because of what Yan Wang said. If it was other people that said it she could fight with reason, but this was Yan Wang.

Lin Wei Xi didn't light up the lamp, while she sat for a while the room gradually darkened, and she couldn't even see the bed cabinet. Lin Wei Xi was in a daze, suddenly the door was knocked: "Miss Lin, are you inside?"

Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses, she never heard this voice before. Why was it outside her door? However even if Lin Wei Xi was angry, she was convinced that Yan Wang could guarantee her safety, so she didn't think too much about it, stood up to open the door.

Standing outside the door was a woman with hair combed into two buns. She was about seventeen or eighteen, dressed like a maid. The visitor was obviously surprised when she saw Lin Wei Xi, and when she realized her rudeness she quickly bowed her head to salute: "Miss Lin, this servant girl is Wan Yue, come to serve Miss Lin by the order of Wangye."

Lin Wei Xi looked at the person, her eyes moved slightly. "It was Yan Wang who asked you to come?"

"Yes."

Lin Wei Xi clenched her lips, wondering what Yan Wang meant. The unpleasant scene just now was actually Lin Wei Xi's fault. From a secular perspective, Yan Wang did this for her own good, and it was Lin Wei Xi who failed to appreciate it. Lin Wei Xi herself still entangled in whether to go over and apologize, but Yan Wang sent someone over in a flash, as if he didn't put the matter in his eyes. Yan Wang didn't care, Lin Wei Xi should felt relief, but she felt very complicated instead. This made Lin Wei Xi felt that she was completely irrelevant in Yan Wang's eyes, as if she was just an ignorant oil bottle* that need to be settled down.

*Oil bottle: Derogatory term that basically means children that a widow brings when she remarried.

Lin Wei Xi immediately laughed at herself. She was originally a nobody to Yan Wang, and Yan Wang brought her out was already an extreme benevolence. When they reached the next town, Lin Wei Xi should resign consciously. Yan Wang still has major events in the capital, not to mention that Gu Cheng Yao's wedding was just around the corner. Yan Wang just said that, but how could he not go back to participate? Lin Wei Xi should be tactful and not be a burden for Yan Wang.

So Lin Wei Xi didn't say anything, but just nodded and stepped aside: "Come in. Where are you from?"

"This slave is from Shunde. Originally a servant girl of the young miss in county magistrate's mansion. Yan Wang asked to bought this slave from the mansion, to serve Miss Lin"

Lin Wei Xi’s forehead almost dripping sweats, "You were personal servant girl of county magistrate’s daughter before?"

"Cannot be count as personal servant, but just do some crude jobs."

Lin Xi had manage the household for many years, looking at Wan Yue’s conversation and conduct, she knew that this must be an important servant in her master’s house. Considering the gap between a small town and the capital, it might take a lot of effort to cultivate a maid like Wan Yue. This was probably the madam of county magistrate’s weapon prepared for her own daughters, but Wang Yan unexpectedly asked for it. This was actually very rude in rich family circle. After all, the maid beside the young lady was basically equal to the face of the master, and Yan Wang's behavior was... too domineering.

But Lin Wei Xi just thought about it, and would not return the person. It was very important to have a clever maid at hand. Anyway, it was Yan Wang who step in. If Lin Wei Xi could just sit and enjoyed his success, why not do it?

Lin Wei Xi asked Wan Yue a few more questions, and after knowing it she set it aside.

Although Lin Wei Xi had received Yan Wang’s good intention, she was still awkward. Yan Wang didn't bother to be at odds with her, and still sent her a capable maid. In this way, should Lin Wei Xi also follow the steps to take the initiative admitting her mistake? After all, although Yan Wang seemed easy to talked to, but he was also a Qinwang with the power to overturn the world, the commander of the three armies with outstanding achievements. Not to say that far, on the rebellion of the Northwest Duo Hua La Ti of the previous year, they tried to provoke Yan Wang, after their defeat, the tribe’s men and boys became extinct, which was an order from Yan Wang himself.

Being easy to talk to was only on the surface. Lin Wei Xi did not dare to offend such a person.

The next morning, Lin Wei Xi went to the front yard to look for Yan Wang. Zhou Mao Cheng was busy going in and out. When he saw Lin Wei Xi, he said hello from afar: "Lin Girl, you got up so early?"

Lin Wei Xi blushed with shame, yesterday because she was frightened and afterward felt relieved she had a rare good night's sleep, and only woke up when the sun was already three poles. But she was usually very well-educated and would not do such inappropriate things. The only time Lin Wei Xi was overslept she bumped into Yan Wang. Everyone had been waiting for her for a long time without saying anything, and she appeared in front of Yan Wang with messy hair. Lin Wei Xi felt embarrassed at the thought of the scene that day, but Zhou Mao Cheng actually shouted out in front of so many people.

Lin Wei Xi smiled stiffly: "Uncle Zhou, you misunderstand, I got up a long time ago." Lin Wei Xi was afraid that Zhou Mao Cheng would ask again, and quickly changed the subject: "Uncle Zhou, what are you doing?"

Zhou Mao Cheng finally changed the subject and said: "I was ordered by Wangye to go out and buy something. If you think they are noisy, just go back and at ease wait."

Lin Wei Xi guessed that Yan Wang took advantage of the time now to purchase something he needed for the road. This was Yan Wang troops’ matter. Lin Wei Xi understood her place, so she didn't ask much. She glanced secretly in the direction of the study and found that it was quiet.

Zhou Mao Cheng was aware of Lin Wei Xi’s movements, and he showed it clearly, asked: "Are you looking for Wangye?"

Now that she was discovered, Lin Wei Xi stopped covering it up and admitted: "I want to ask Yan Wang some things about my father."

Zhou Mao Cheng sighed when he heard it was about Lin Yong’s business. The eyes that looked at Lin Wei Xi contained more pity: "Wangye went out early this morning. If you have something to say to him, you might as well wait."

Lin Wei Xi responded. She was very self-aware, and smiled when she saw this: "I understand, thank Uncle Zhou."

Zhou Mao Cheng looked at Lin Wei Xi's expression and almost told her what Yan Wang was doing today, but he worried about how sensitive women are. This kind of thing was harmful to her reputation after all, so he let it go.

Lin Wei Xi concealed a sigh of relief when she learned that Yan Wang was not there, she went back to the backyard so to not disturbed Zhou Mao Cheng's work. However, she seemed to be born to worry about life. When she was ten years old she was taken to the princess mansion, every 12 o'clock she followed her grandmother to take care the princess mansion's internal affairs and outside businesses. Seeing that Lin Wei Xi really like to take care of these, Grand Princess Shou Kang prepared a lot of land and shops for her dowry. When she was fourteen years old and engaged to Gu Cheng Yao, the Princess gave these properties to her early and let her took care of her own dowry.

Later, she married to Yan Wang Mansion. Although she was Shizi Consort, there was no mother-in-law or grandmother-in law above her. She took care of the food, clothing, housing and transportation of the Yan Wang Mansion herself. Lin Wei Xi had long accustomed to giving orders and managing people. Later, she became Lin Wei Xi, her ears suddenly became peaceful, but she was still quite unaccustomed. Previously, living in Aunt Lin's house if there were no reason she wouldn’t speak. Now, listening to the movement outside, it was really difficult for Lin Wei Xi to sit still.

Lin Wei Xi couldn't help it, and took Wan Yue to the front yard to watch the excitement, looked at the command of Yan Wang's subordinates. Zhou Mao Cheng returned after he brought some people to buy things. He didn't know whether it was good or bad. Lin Wei Xi came across this lively scene couldn't stand idly by and wanted to give a command or two. Gradually, it was done as Lin Wei Xi said. The remaining guys listened and then worked hard to move the items.

These people were mostly military men, taciturn, like to do more and talk less. Lin Wei Xi command was extremely smooth, so much better than those old women in the inner house, Zhou Mao Cheng also felt that working with strength was so much easier, he and a few others were silently relieved. Zhou Mao Cheng looked at Lin Wei Xi’s commanding posture and sighed again in his heart. Lin Wei Xi this girl had a nimble mouth and arranged the housework in an orderly manner, she looked like she came from prosperous family. It was certain that no matter who married her, their family business would be flourishing in the future. Unfortunately, his sons did not have this blessing.

Gu Hui Yan returned with his people at dusk. On the way, his subordinate reported to him about the activities in the yard today. When Gu Hui Yan heard how Lin Wei Xi set the world to rights and greatly showed her skills, he lightly smiled.

That's good, with a clever mind and an upright character, no matter who she married in the future, Gu Hui Yan wouldn't have to worry about her being cheated on. After all, Lin Yong died to save Gu Hui Yan. As long as he could, Gu Hui Yan also wanted Lin Yong's only bloodline to be trouble-free and have harmonious life for a lifetime.

Lin Wei Xi heard that Yan Wang was back, she struggled for half a day, and in the end took Wan Yue to greet Gu Hui Yan.

No matter from the perspective of the previous life or the perspective of Lin Yong, Gu Hui Yan was Lin Wei Xi's elder. As a junior, she should paid respect to Yan Wang, and conveniently apologized for yesterday's mistakes. Yan Wang as an elders should not embarrass her as an ignorant junior.

This time Lin Wei Xi had just walked into the study, the guard at the door let her in without an announcement. Gu Hui Yan was not surprised by Lin Wei Xi’s arrival. He seemed to be busy with official duties. He pointed his hand to a pear wood armchair and said, "Sit and wait for a while."

Lin Wei Xi sat down obediently. Even in front of the Duke Yingguo she still dared to show her temper, don't expect her to listen to admonishment obediently. But facing Gu Hui Yan, Lin Wei Xi didn't know what was going on, she had no temper at all.

Gu Hui Yan lowered his eyes to read the letter. Lin Wei Xi saw that Gu Hui Yan looked so serious, she became curious, when Gu Hui Yan closed the letter, she couldn't help asking: "Your Highness, whose letter is this? You take it so seriously?"

Gu Hui Yan's hand movement stopped, and he glanced at Lin Wei Xi with a bit of interest in his heart: "How do you know that I am serious?"

"It’s easy. When I came last time, you read the letter very quickly, but this letter took almost twice as long as the last time."

Gu Hui Yan smiled lightly, with a color of approval in his eyes: "You are observant." Only in seconds could find this subtle difference. Of course, Gu Mingda and other veterans also could do it, but compared to Lin Wei Xi's age and experience, this was commendable.

Suddenly praised by Yan Wang, Lin Wei Xi was flattered. Gu Hui Yan also answered Lin Wei Xi’s question very easily: “It’s Zhang Jiangling.”

Lin Wei Xi thought for a moment, and was stunned: “Is it from First Assistant Zhang?”

Zhang Xiao Lian's ancestral home was in Jiangling, so he also known as Zhang Jiangling. This was not a secret in the officialdom, but for Lin Wei Xi?

Gu Hui Yan's complexion didn't changed. He put things aside, like an easy-going uncle coaxing an ignorant niece: "It's him."

Lin Wei Xi was frightened. She stared wide-eyes and looked at the letter that was folded at random by Gu Hui Yan, somewhat horrified: "Your Highness, I just said casually, not dare to interrupt your business, you should go back to First Assistant’s letter first."

"There’s no rush." Gu Hui Yan appeared casual, the world-famous First Assistant, to him seemed only an ordinary scholar.

Lin Wei Xi realized that she delayed First Assistant's letter, at once she couldn't sit still. She was also suddenly realized, Gu Hui Yan was one of the three auxiliary ministers, and the most trusted one with military power. She used to think these titles only sounded powerful, but now she intuitively feels what this means.

In Lin Wei Xi's eyes, the person was distant like the boss character on stage play, to Gu Hui Yan was nothing more than a colleague who often wrote letters.

Lin Xi was shocked to speechlessness, Gu Hui Yan saw that she was terrified thus took the initiative to change the subject: "I heard today Zhou Mao Cheng completed the purchase, your merit was not small,"

"I dare not, that was just some exaggeration." Talking about this topic, Lin Wei Xi really relaxed a lot. "Your Highness, are you leaving for your journey?"

"Almost. Originally this house was bought for you. I plan to wait for your lifelong events to be settled. Then go back to the capital again. But since you don't want to, there is no need to wait."

Lin Wei Xi sighed softly, she felt a little bit of guilt, lowered her head and said to Gu Hui Yan, "Thank you, Wangye."

"Nothing, it's because I didn't think it through. Even if I leave you with more self-protection, but here is very far from the capital, I will eventually like the whip that cannot reach (too far away to do anything). The county magistrate here will be content for a while, but as time goes by, I am afraid he will make things difficult for you. You are a lone and weak woman, simply can't compete with those authorities, rather than making you worry about fear, it is better to put you where I can see."

Lin Wei Xi was grateful at first, Yan Wang was really a good person. But after listening to the last sentence, she gradually felt that something was wrong: "Yan Wang, what do you mean?"

"Didn't Zhou Mao Cheng hand over those brow pomade to you? The road is bumpy, take advantage now to prepare thoroughly, so on the journey you can feel at ease."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes widened in surprise, and her red lips opened slightly: "Are you planning to take me to the capital?"

Gu Hui Yan glanced at her strangely, his tone was absolute: "This is natural. You now still in your father’s filial piety, getting married is not urgent, you can rest assured living in Yan Wang Mansion as long as you want, the Yan Wang Mansion will not be stingy with this expense."

Author’s note:

Returning to the capital, Lin Wei Xi will return to her battlefield.

Chapter 9 : Return

You can rest assured living in Yan Wang Mansion as long as you want.

This sentence seemed to be echoing in Lin Wei Xi’s ear, she stared blankly on the spot. After she came to her senses, with straight face said: "No"

Gu Hui Yan’s expression didn’t changed, but hidden deep in the eyes an inexplicable inquiry: "Why?"

What could Lin Wei Xi said, could she said that ‘your son is actually my husband in my previous life, and your soon to be daughter-in-law is my shu younger sister?’ Lin Wei Xi had suffered enough by those two people, and now she still had to return with another identity?

Lin Wei Xi refused to even think about it: "Your Highness, this is not appropriate. I am not a relative of Yan Wang Mansion. If I live in the mansion for nothing what does it look like? And your new daughter-in-law is about to enter the house, and I as an outsider to live there, how can she not mind?"

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi, with calm eyes and faint smile: "If I say you can live with ease then you can, if people speak out of turn, it doesn’t matter who it is, you come to tell me."

‘It doesn't matter who it is.’ Hearing this Lin Wei Xi's back felt chilled, Yan Wang meant Gao Ran, right? That's right, a lone woman without a father and mother living in other people house indeed equal to adding a lot of troubles. It was excusable for the mistress felt unhappy. Lin Wei Xi had been a daughter-in-law before, so she understood this. But if the person that spoken was Yan Wang, he said can then it can, others just need to endure any trouble.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly sighed, it seems not too long ago she still worked hard managing Yan Wang Mansion's housework. Man at the front to be well-off, man at the back was exhausted, to break the silver teeth and swallow the blood*. But in the blink of an eye. She turned from the worrying person into the privileged person.

*An analogy of extreme helpless tolerance.

The world was really wonderful, and the root of all this was just a word from the person in front of her.

Lin Wei Xi sighed for a while, and finally shook her head: "Your Highness, your kindness I appreciate it my heart. But I just wish to live a peaceful life, free of illness and disasters throughout one’s life. Yan Wang Mansion’s status is too high, it's unsuitable for me."

"Unsuitable for you? Why do I think you just don't want to go?"

Lin Wei Xi felt unspeakable pressure. This was Yan Wang, when he spoke there was no slightest amount of arrogance, his laugh sound like moving water, like you step on shallow water beach, made people felt refreshed, but soon you realized that you had been wrapped in the deep sea, the surface was as calm as before, but when it was ready it could set off terrifying waves. Lin Wei Xi now was the one who submerged in the water, over and over again.

.

Lin Wei Xi secretly scolded herself as a pig's brain. She was stumbled once yesterday, why was she fell again today. In the end she put on the air of a rural little girl resisting to stay at a high gate, deliberately rude and said: "I went to the capital when I was ten years old. There are many carriage and people in the capital. What people wear casually on the street are comparable to the village head's family. But at that time when I was extremely ill, with so many people on the street, none of them stopped by to ask and even drove me and my father away. I don’t like that place. Besides, you are Yan Wang, don’t look at you talk nicely to me now, but it’s definitely will not the case when you return to your mansion. I can’t even live in my aunt’s house, let alone living in Yan Wang Mansion.”

Gu Hui Yan ignored the little girl’s delicate and sensitive moods. He restrained his imposing manner and said gently, "Don't be afraid, I will take you back. What happened when you were ten years old will never happen again. Moreover, there are few people in the mansion, and I only have one son. Although he is not sensible, he is unlikely to embarrass you. You just stay in the capital. If you don't like other people to disturb, then I will find you a separate courtyard in the mansion. You have the final say in the manpower arrangement. As for food and clothing expenses you don't need to worry about it. Your spending money will come from my personal accounts, and I will give you whatever you want. No one will come to point their fingers at you."

"Actually, find a simple and quiet town where I can live peacefully..."

"There are no real simplicity in front of interests. You are a very wealthy young woman. If you live outside alone, it’s not safe anywhere. But as long as you come to the capital, whether you want to marry or live alone in the future, only in Yan Wang Mansion no one will bother you."

"I..." Lin Wei Xi opened her mouth and found that Gu Hui Yan had said everything, and she could no longer find any reason to object. She said that she didn't want to be sent under the fence* , so Gu Hui Yan would find a courtyard for her alone. She was worried that she would be in conflict with the new mistress, so Gu Hui Yan would let her made her own private account, so that no one could control her. Lin Wei Xi held back for a long time, only to say: "This is too much trouble for you..."

*To live in someone else’s house and dependent on others.

"No trouble."

Lin Wei Xi was completely speechless. She looked at Yan Wang who was so calm and suddenly felt a strange feeling.

Why did she feel that Yan Wang had deliberately led her to say her unwillingness, and then blocked her way one by one? Yan Wang looked easy-going, but there was no room to maneuver once he made decision. In fact, he was actually a very high-handed person.

Gu Hui Yan noticed Lin Wei Xi’s hidden gaze, he smiled indifferently, rather asked: “What’s the matter? You don’t want to leave your hometown, so you don’t want to go?”

In fact, Lin Wei Xi really wanted to use this excuse. Unfortunately, a few days ago, in order to rely on Yan Wang, she cut off herself this ‘hometown’ reasoning, the most powerful escape route. Lin Wei Xi felt weak from the bottom of her heart. She sighed, her whole person drooped down: "Very well, just as Yan Wang said."

Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell what kind of feelings she felt for the capital. She grew up there, all her relatives lived in that magnificent city, and all her nightmares had happened there. If possible, Lin Wei Xi didn't want to return to the capital, saying that it was alright for her to escape, and to believe in one’s own lie. It was not easy for her to live a lifetime again. She didn't want to see Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran again. As long as she didn’t see them, Lin Wei Xi could continue to deceive herself. You are not a failure. You can also find a small town to live a stable and prosperous life. You just can’t see your relatives, friends, and husband. It’s not that they abandon you, throw you out like a worn out shoe.

But when the five words "return to Yan Wang Mansion" came out of Gu Hui Yan's mouth, after Lin Wei Xi's strong rejection at the beginning, and there was no more room to change the situation, her heart suddenly calmed down. In fact, she was not reconciled.

Not talking about others, but only about Grand Princess Shou Kang, Lin Wei Xi wanted to go back to see her grandmother again. She was the only child of her mother. Mother Wei was also the only daughter of Princess Shou Kang. Wei shi passed away early. Now Lin Wei Xi was the only bloodline of Princess Shou Kang, and the relationship between her grandmother and her husband was not very good. Lin Wei Xi was heartbroken when she thought that there was not even a junior to serve her grandmother. Even only for her grandmother, she had to go back.

Lin Wei Xi's mood gradually calmed down. Gu Hui Yan saw that Lin Wei Xi had figured it out. He glanced at her with satisfaction, then continued to read the letter, and casually said: "Lin Yong's canonization imperial decree, Jin Shu Iron Deed, as well as the land deeds assigned by the court are all with me. If you have nothing to do in these two days, you can check the ritual objects in the gift list book. Will you read the gift list?"

"I will." Lin Wei Xi had arranged banquets and prepared New Year's gifts with Princess Shou Kang since she was young. Last year she prepared Yan Wang Mansion’s tribute to the palace by herself. If she had known what will happened today, why bother took care of the family business in the first place, just let Yan Wang Mansion’s business all go to a deficit.

"Then you go and check it out first. After going back to the capital, I will exchange the title deed with those around the capital, and it will be your dowry in the future."

Lin Yong's posthumous title were greatly embezzled, the Marquis’s set of special ritual object was obvious so no one dared to move it, but other than that, a lot of land deeds, raw silk and silver were intercepted. Gu Hui Yan knew that official corruption was bad, but he didn't expect it to be this serious. If he hadn't made a temporary detour to Shunde Prefecture, afraid even this items would have been lost. The county magistrate has been careful to excuse himself today, for fear that Gu Hui Yan would condemn him, but what status Gu Hui Yan had, how could he be angry with a few low-grade officials. He wrote directly to Zhang Xiao Lian, how First Assistant Zhang deal with his subordinates was none of his business, as long as he finally got the result from him.

But he could just manipulate these disgraceful things, Lin Wei Xi didn't need to know. The land deed granted by the imperial court to Lin Yong were mostly just padding, and many of them were just name on paper, they wouldn’t reach Lin Wei Xi’s hand. Gu Hui Yan would exchange these death deeds to the land in the periphery of the capital. Lin Wei Xi could not do these things, but under his name, it was nothing.

Lin Wei Xi converted it in her mind, and suddenly became interested: "Your Highness, how will this be converted? How much one mu* of land will be exchange for the land in capital?"

*Unit of area equal to 1/15 of a hectare.

Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but laugh, his eyes were full of smiles, he looked at her helplessly with amusement: "Don't worry. I will not take advantage of you. Naturally, one mu is exchanged for one mu, the land will be equally converted."

This was not an equal conversion. Lin Yong's fief was in Shunde. How could the land of Shunde comparable to the land in the capital? When Lin Wei Xi heard this, she quickly thanked Yan Wang for fear that he would regret it: "Thanking Your Highness Yan Wang."

Gu Hui Yan put one hand on the wooden table and looked at Lin Wei Xi with a smile: "You resist marrying like that. I thought you don't want to hear people mention about the dowry."

"How can that be the same?" Lin Wei Xi had been managing the household since she was little, she greatly understood the benefits of private property. She certainly did not want to marry again, but if someone prepared a dowry for her, it’s okay, and there was no need to worry about her pride.

Gu Hui Yan was amused, and he even laughed slightly. If Zhou Mao Cheng or other old people standing here, they would be shocked with their mouth gaping at the sight. However, Lin Wei Xi still didn't understand how rare it was to see Yan Wang laugh. She was now anxious to find a chance to retire. Finally able to get Lin Yong’s title, her palms were itching now.

Gu Hui Yan could see Lin Wei Xi's eagerness. He didn't make things difficult. He pointed to the box beside Lin Wei Xi and said, "This is your father's land deed and that is the maid slave contract. You can take them together. It is not convenient to bring too many maid on the road. I only gave you one, and the rest will be in the capital to make up for it."

Lin Wei Xi was not polite, nimbly step forward to pick up the stuff from Gu Hui Yan. Lin Wei Xi hugged the wooden box and bowed to Gu Hui Yan. She was about to withdraw when suddenly she heard Gu Hui Yan said something very unintentionally: "If you are wronged in the future, come and find me. There is no need to make a compromise."

Lin Wei Xi froze for a moment, a startling guess came to her mind. Her pupils unconsciously enlarge, clearly shocked: "How do you know?"

Gu Hui Yan didn't speak, he spread out the rice paper and took the writing brush from the case, apparently planning to write back to Zhang Xiao Lian. Lin Wei Xi didn’t say anything, quietly grind the ink for Gu Hui Yan, and then quickly retreat.

After she came out of the study, the cold air rushed to her face, the wooden box in her hand heavily demonstrated it existence, Lin Wei Xi finally gave birth to a sense of reality.

Growing up so big, for the first time someone told her, "You don’t need to make a compromise." The former father, paternal grandmother, even the teachers in Duke Yingguo Mansion all told her over and over again ‘You are the eldest granddaughter. You must put the older sister decorum and yield to younger sister below’.

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were a little moist for some reason. It turned out that Yan Wang went out today for her business. Not only did he deal with Aunt Lin and Li Da's family, he also got Lin Yong's reward from the county magistrate for her.

This was the first time she felt the feeling of being cared for by others. In the past, Gao Ran could get the attention of Duke Yingguo Shizi, brothers in the family, and even the male cousins by doing nothing. Lin Wei Xi dismissed it at that time. She was not without hands, she could strive for the things she want herself, so why use them to be a good person? But now Lin Wei Xi finally knows that it was different.

The intention alone was not something you could get by striving for it by yourself, even if it was the same thing.

Yan Wang didn't stay in the county for long. As soon as the things for the road were ready, Yan Wang ordered his departure and headed to the capital. Originally Yan Wang came to Shunde Prefecture only to deliver Lin Yong’s bones to be buried, soon after he would hurriedly chased after the troops to return to the imperial court, but Lin Wei Xi was added to the team at the last minute, and the plan to chase the troops was naturally abandoned. Gu Hui Yan separated from the troops couldn't be covered. In this case, Gu Hui Yan simply wrote a letter to the capital, explaining that he would be late, and then took Lin Wei Xi to the capital slowly.

For Gu Hui Yan, this was a painstakingly slow course of journey, but for Lin Wei Xi who had never traveled far and was not in good health, such a schedule was still too rush.

Lin Wei Xi was able to hold it for a few days, but when she settled down in a traveling post, Lin Wei Xi could no longer hold it. She had a high fever that night, fell gravely ill.

Because of Lin Wei Xi's illness on the road, Yan Wang's journey was greatly delayed. It was already March when they finally returned to the capital.

One month had passed since the wedding of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran.

Lin Wei Xi was feeling ill and leaned on the carriage, someone’s voice could be heard from outside: "Miss Lin, Yan Wang Mansion is here."

Supported by the maid, Lin Wei Xi cautiously got out of the carriage and stood in front of this magnificent mansion again. .

Yan Wang Mansion, she is back.

Chapter 10 : Shu Younger Sister

"Wangye is coming back today. Have you checked the arrangements in the front yard?"

"Please rest assured Shizi Consort, this old slave went to look three or four times. Every servants were all very cautious and didn't dare to neglect their duties."

Gao Ran heaved a sigh of relief: "That’s good, this is the first time Yan Wang return to the mansion in a long time. I will go to the front hall to meet father-in-law in a while. I can’t make any mistakes."

Tao Mama sighed and said, "Don’t worry Shizi Consort, since you entered the door which matters you have not done perfectly. You are generous to others, compassionate to old servants, not to say you exempt them from working hard, you also send out monthly silver, what is it called... Oh yes, pension. Now in the mansion from top to bottom which one is not polite to you, there is no perfect person like you in the world. Although Yan Wang has high authority, he is the most reasonable. You take care of the mansion so well. When he meet you he can only feel grateful."

Gao Ran after hearing this didn't refute, but she reprimanded the wet nurse slightly: "What are you talking about Tao Mama, how am I perfect. Don't say that, let people hear the joke."

"How can this be a joke! Although this old slave is your wet nurse, but these words are really not this old slave boasting. When Shizi Consort was still an unmarried young lady, she was praised by everyone, learning the guqin* can make a new lively song, and learning chess can come up with uncommon gomoku**. This old woman follows just like following Buddha. You to learn without a teacher, can casually say profound Buddhist principles. There is also the story you told the young master when you were ten, what agar wood saved the mother, the fisherman and the fish. Heaven, how old were at you that time, you were able to make up this kind of story. Celestial fairy reincarnation will never be more perfect than you. Shizi Consort, this is not just this old slave who said that, the maids and grannies in the Duke mansion all said that you are the reincarnation of Xuan Nu, it’s just a pity you have slightly lower birth, otherwise, why would you be wronged to be the second wife!"

*Guqin is a plucked seven-strings Chinese musical instrument.

**Gomoku or five-in-row is abstract strategic board game using go stones and go board.

Gao Ran always acted modest, but she didn’t stop Tao Mama, she just listened with a smile. After the talk turned to her birth and becoming the second wife, Gao Ran's smile stiffened, but then she felt at ease. What about a lower birth? What about being a shu* daughter? Being di** or shu should never been a determining factor for evaluating a woman. As long as she married well, what was the different between di or shu?

*Shu – born from concubines.

**Di – born from official’s wives.

Moreover, even a di daughter might not be able to live well. Have a noble birth but unable to invite men’s affection, that was the same as putting themselves on the road to death.

Gao Ran didn't want to mention another person on such an important day. It’s unlucky. Her face turned cold and said to Tao Mama: "Tao Mama, you have cross the line. Older sister is forever my older sister and the first wife of Shizi. The deceased are the noble ones, I have always loved my older sister. I know you don't mean this. But if it heard by Shizi and the others, they would think that I as a shu daughter disrespected her di older sister, and is causing trouble. This cannot be said again, okay?"

Tao Mama and Gao Ran’s dowry maid, Ning Fu, felt indignant, she said: "Shizi Consort, the eldest sister did not give you face when she was at home, and her eyes were getting higher when she got married. Even so, you still welcome her with a smile as always and sincerely serve her as a sister. Miss, you are too good, this will make people bully you."

"Okay, don't say anymore." Gao Ran interrupted the maid faintly, and said, "Wangye has been away from home for three years and today is the first time he comes back. We must arrange things well. Wangye’s carriage should be coming soon. Let me go to the second gate and wait.”

Tao Mama and Ning Fu agreed, supported Gao Ran to walk towards Chui Hua Gate*. Tao Mama chattered as she walked: "Yan Wang has not return to capital for three years. When Wangye comes back and sees that the house is well organized, he will feel very fortunate to get such a smart daughter-in-law like miss. If this old slave can say, anyone under the the sun who has clear hands and eyes and who are not deceived by the prejudice of di and shu, they will like the third miss."

*The gate between inner and outer house.

Without waiting for Gao Ran to speak, Ning Fu said quickly: "That’s right! Shizi Consort is the reincarnation of a fairy, and no one dislikes her. It's just a pity that Wangye was delayed on the road and missed the marriage between Shizi and Shizi Consort"

Speaking of this Tao Mama was also very regretful. She was on Gao Ran’s side so of course felt that Gao Ran was good everywhere. It was a great regret that the patriarch of Yan Wang Mansion failed to catch up with Gao Ran's wedding, but this regret was for not Gao Ran, but for Yan Wang Mansion.

Seeing that there was no one on the left or right, Tao mama quietly said to Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort, I heard that Wangye originally wanted to come back to attend the marriage of Shizi, and he left the troops to go alone for this purpose, alas while on the road the daughter of his previous subordinate was sick, which delayed Wangye's schedule."

Gao Ran originally felt that it was not appropriate to discuss Yan Wang in the mansion. If someone heard, they might think she was gossiping. But the wedding without the husband’s parents was indeed a thorn in Gao Ran’s heart. Now she seemed to hear the reason, Gao Ran was curious. She didn't stop Tao Mama, letting her continue to talk.

"Subordinate’s daughter? Who is this and why is she in Wangye’s convoy?"

"I don't know, I heard that she is an orphan. Her father died in order to save Wangye, so Wangye pulling her everywhere. It was spread in the capital some time ago, and it seems to be called... Oh yes, Marquis Zhongyong."

When Gao Ran heard this she had already lost interest. An orphan who lost both her parents and came to the capital to seek shelter in Yan Wang Mansion, a little white flower* has enter the scene. Gao Ran just heard this and already imagined what kind of person was coming.

*Vicious women but act like weak women.

Gao Ran vowed to marry a rich second generation in her previous life, the wedding should also be very grand, and must overwhelm all her female classmates. Unfortunately, her dream of marrying a rich second generation had not realized before she had an accident. After transmigrating, she found that she became a Miss Perfect*, she was simply overjoyed. Gao Ran also secretly rejoiced that under the skin of a child was the heart of an adult.

*The original word is Baifumei, it’s internet slang that means fair skinned, rich, and beautiful.

Later, her vicious di mother died by disaster she brought to herself, and Gao Xi, who had robbed Gao Ran’s marriage, also got her retributions. She could not get the favor of her husband, prematurely died to clear the position for her. Gao Ran was like all story heroines, her status as a shu daughter was only to sharpen her character. In the end, she married the most powerful husband, one with family background that surpassed all second generation of officials, which was much better than the rich second generation in her previous life.

Gao Ran was very satisfied with her counter-attack career. It was a small regret that the husband’s parents did not attend the wedding. Gao Ran thought that Yan Wang cared about her shu daughter status, but now it seems that this was just an intro. An intro that leads to the upcoming arrival of little white flower.

What a cliché. After the male and female leads had gone through hardships together, they just got married, then came a woman who had lost both parents, and the ancestor that previously owed the woman a favor let her come in to live. Later this woman would likely to fell in love at first sight with Gu Cheng Yao, blinded by Yan Wang Mansion’s rich and honor, under the name of returning the grace, she wished to be Gu Cheng Yao’s concubine.

Thinking of this, Gao Ran's smile became gentler, but the light in her eyes was sharp and full of attacks.

Gao Ran took many servant girls and grannies to wait at the Chui Hua Gate, Gao Ran was like the moon that were hold by many stars*, faintly became everyone’s head, with noble young lady’s posture and great style. She stood for a long time before the frame of Yan Wang's convoy slowly arrived. Many men who looked like members of the army surrounded the second carriage, escorting it carefully and vigilantly. The coachman unintentionally rushed into a small stone, and the carriage shook invisibly, the coachman was immediately glared by everyone.

*To group around the revered leader.

The coachman hurriedly apologized to the inside. When Gao Ran saw this, the smile on her lips grew deeper, revealing a vague victory. After the carriage cautiously stopped, Zhou Mao Cheng knocked on the door and said, "Lin girl, we’re here. Are you still uncomfortable?"

There was a slight noise in the carriage, a white hand opened the curtain, and a fair and delicate woman appeared in front of the crowd. Gao Ran looked at the one that had just arrived, unconcerned. Sure enough, what ability a poor family could have? This kind of person was not even worthy of her shoes, how could she compete with her?

Gao Ran just moved a step and was about to speak when she saw the woman jumped out of the carriage with the corner of her skirt, and then quickly turned back to help the other person.

The carriage’s curtain was opened again, and another woman with a double bun hairstyle supporting a girl appeared in front of everyone. The people of the mansion that waited in the second gate saw the people coming and couldn't help but gasp with amazement.

When they saw the first woman who got off the carriage, many people were despised. This was the oil bottle* that delayed Wangye’s journey? That was it! However, in fact, this was just a maid. When the main character came out from the back and they saw Lin Wei Xi's face, many people were stunned, their mouths opened unconsciously.

*Derogatory term that basically means children that a widow brings when she remarried.

Everyone had a heart for beauty, but to be called a beauty also divided into different opinions. Everyone has their own type. Some people preferred the pitiful kind, some liked the dignified and magnanimous kind, but the one who slowly got off the carriage, even the pickiest person couldn’t say that her looks was bad.

This was one of a kind extremely good-looking, extremely beautiful, not only pretty, but gorgeous woman*. The people in the mansion looked a little dumbfounded, Gao Ran swept across Lin Wei Xi's face, body, down to the shoes, unconsciously frowning.

*I didn’t realize there are so many adjectives for beautiful in Chinese and with different degree apparently.

Lin Wei Xi was tortured by the journey, her whole body was haggard, and her state was extremely poor. If possible, Lin Wei Xi didn't want to appear weak in front of everyone in the Yan Wang Mansion, but her body didn’t allow her. Lin Wei Xi felt tortured and lost her disposition. She gave up and stop bothering, let's make a living like this. Anyway, everyone in Yan Wang Mansion didn't know who she was.

Lin Wei Xi was assisted to get off the carriage by two maids. The escorting guards stared at Lin Wei Xi's movements with bated breath. When they saw her safely standing on the ground, they let out the tightly held breath. Lin Wei Xi drew close the shawl on her body, almost without delay noticed Gao Ran at first glance.

Oh, I haven't seen her for a few days, this shu younger sister has been reborn, and almost made her unrecognizable.

Gao Ran also happened to ran into Lin Wei Xi’s line of sight. She and Lin Wei Xi looked at each other for a short while, and then she calmed down her unhappiness, smiled gently and walked a few steps, wanting to pull Lin Wei Xi’s hand: "So this is the distinguished guest that father-in-law said in his letter. What’s the girl called?"

Lin Wei Xi coldly avoided Gao Ran's hand, and said with an expressionless face: "My surname is Lin. Shizi Consort can call me Wei Xi."

It turned out to be Lin Wei Xi... Gao Ran taste the name in her heart, and then put on the posture of the hostess again, smiled broadly: "Miss Lin just came, I'm afraid she is still afraid of stranger. Younger sister, no need to be afraid, treat the mansion as your own home. If you have any needs, just tell me directly."

"Shizi Consort, my parents only have one daughter, I am afraid I can't be your younger sister." Lin Wei Xi’s smile didn’t changed, although there was smile in her eyes, but frost was hidden in her voice, "I don’t have any siblings, and I'm not used to calling people brothers and sisters. You can call me by my name."

Dare to call her younger sister, where Gao Ran's face came from?

Again and again, Gao Ran couldn't hold back her face. She secretly sneered in her heart, sure enough this one came from a poor family. Petty from head to toe, not allowed to be seen in public. But the more it was so, the more enthusiast Gao Ran treated the other.

Zhou Mao Cheng was not surprised to hear Lin Wei Xi's words, he knew that no one could escape this girl's harsh words except for Wangye. But after all Zhou Mao Cheng knew that even though Lin Wei Xi’s mouth was not merciful, her heart was good. He was afraid that Shizi Consort would make things difficult for Lin Wei Xi, so he quickly stepped forward and said: "Pay respect to Shizi Consort! Wangye originally want to send Lin girl back to the house first, but the palace called urgently, Wangye have to go to the Imperial Palace, so we are the one that send her back. This subordinate will go to the front yard to see Shizi. Lin girl is in poor health and is still sick from the road. Please Shizi Consort take care of it temporarily."

Although Zhou Mao Cheng was a rough person, but these people had follows Yan Wang closely, his speaking skills was also not lacking. His remarks seemed polite, but both inside and outside the words revealed that Yan Wang attached great importance to Lin Wei Xi. Finally the last sentence "Please Shizi Consort take care of it temporarily", you know the weight of this.

Gao Ran understood, and her heart became more and more unhappy. An orphan without a father or mother, wasn't it just that her face looks better, how could she compared to a distinguished and educated woman like her? Gao Ran secretly ridiculed these crude people for their lack of eyesight and ignorance, but still politely bid farewell to Zhou Mao Cheng and the others, and then took Lin Wei Xi into the house affectionately.

Gao Ran enquired about Lin Wei Xi’s well-being along the way, the hostess’s coy attitude was extremely excessive. But Lin Wei Xi had always cold and indifferent, reservedly holding the hand stove, and occasionally replied with a sentence or two. One could imagine how frustrated Gao Ran was. She accompanied Lin Wei Xi to walked Yan Wang Mansion’s richly decorated winding corridor. Turning her head slightly, she could see Lin Wei Xi's delicate profile and long eyelashes. Gao Ran looked at Lin Wei Xi's profile and suddenly felt an extremely absurd feeling.

It felt like the person walking beside her was not Lin Wei Xi, who had lost her father and mother and went to the capital to seek shelter, but the one who had stepped on high cloud since she was a child, Gao Xi!

Chapter 11 : Shizi

Gao Ran was taken aback by this thought. Lin Wei Xi noticed the gaze from her side and asked, "What's the matter?"

Gao Ran's heart was pounding. She looked at the face that was completely different from Gao Xi and smiled secretly, she really though too much. Lin Wei Xi was not in the slightest similar to Gao Xi in terms of identity, appearance, or personality. Moreover, Gao Xi was already dead, Gao Ran even personally lit the incense in front of her tablet.

Gao Xi, who relied on her grandmother to rob someone's marriage, eventually had her own retribution. If it was not yours then it was useless to rob it. As for the woman in front of her, there was nothing desirable except for the face, she was nothing but a stepping stone for Gao Ran to be solely favored.

Gao Ran calmed down a bit, smiled and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Miss Lin must have suffered a lot on this journey right? But when you get to the mansion it will be fine. I will tell my servants to prepare a bath for Miss Lin, afterward Miss Lin will be able to rest well.”

Gao Ran said that she asked people to replace the bedding with the new one for Lin Wei Xi. But Lin Wei Xi interrupted Gao Ran and said, "Shizi Consort, wait a moment, I can take care the daily necessities myself. After a while, Uncle Zhou will come over from the front yard, there is no need to trouble Shizi Consort. As for the courtyard where I will temporarily live… His Royal Highness said that he has his own arrangements, Shizi Consort doesn't need to take care of it."

Lin Wei Xi from head to toe showed uncooperative attitude, preventing Gao Ran's sisterly act. She didn't need the bedding that Gao Ran prepared, now she didn't even want Gao Ran to intervene with her living place. Although Gao Ran was still smiling, the stiffness of her mouth revealed her true mood. Tao Mama behind Gao Ran was already a bit displeased. Ever since Gao Ran came to Yan Wang Mansion, unlike the grievance in her maiden's home, she was always in charge of the house, not to mention that Shizi also loved Gao Ran very much. As the saying the tide rose, the boat floats*, Tao Mama's ambitions also gradually rose. Now for what reason an orphan girl who had just arrived dare to show her face to Shizi Consort?

*To develop according to the situation.

Tao Mama was angry, and so she said, "Shizi Consort is the mistress that manage the household, the entire Yan Wang Mansion's affairs are under her control. Miss Lin’s attitude is too excessive, even daily necessities also doesn’t need Shizi Consort to get involved. It may be assumed that your family circumstances are rather great, do you have the ability to handle all the expense?"

"Tao Mama." Gao Ran softly shouted, reproaching her, "Miss Lin is a guest."

Lin Wei Xi smiled in her heart, no wonder Gao Ran as a shu daughter succeeded in marrying her sister's husband, she spoke and acted well. This sentence of her was clearly a reproach, but when she said "Miss Lin is a guest", she put Lin Wei Xi as the troublemaker, obviously from a poor family but her heart higher than the sky.

Lin Wei Xi hold a hand stove, covered her lips and coughed twice. After the cough passed, Lin Wei Xi's cheeks were stained with an abnormal blush, which made her looks even more beautiful, but her tone was completely the opposite and careless: "I can't say much. Well, my father was a first-grade Marquis Zhongyong that the emperor conferred himself, under his name is thousands of hectare of fertile fields, he has only I as the descendant. Cannot be compare with the Emperor's descendants nobility, but still do not have to worry about daily necessities"

Wan Yue was indeed worthy being carefully taught by county magistrate's madam, when she saw this she immediately moved closer to Lin Wei Xi and said, "Although our Miss lost her parent since she was young, she has the merits of marquis's daughter. Marquis Zhongyong sacrificed his life for the country. Devoted to fulfill her filial piety, our miss's conducts as Marquis Zhongyong’s only daughter, also follows loyalty."

Gao Ran didn’t look good when she heard this. She forgot that Lin Wei Xi nominally had a marquis father. If placed in modern era, Lin Wei Xi status as the child of a martyr would have many benefits from school to employment, in the ancient times that put more attention to reputation and clansmen it was even more so.

Marquis Zhongyong was just an honorary title, no mansion and no real power, but he died for the country. If Lin Wei Xi was a boy, relying on Zhongyong's name, if he want to enlist in the army it would be like breaking the bamboo*, even if Lin Wei Xi was just a girl, to lean on the honor left by Marquis Zhongyong was enough for a lifetime. But Tao mama just tried to intimidate Lin Wei Xi... Gao Ran's face was ugly, but she soon concealed it with her smile. She pretended to be angry and said, "Tao Mama, Miss Lin is Marquis Zhongyong’s descendant, I privately very admired her. Now to meet Miss Lin I’m very happy, what are you talking about?"

*The same as the expression ‘hot knife through butter’, achieve victory without hindrance.

Tao Mama hurriedly lowered her head, retreating behind Gao Ran. Lin Wei Xi stood like it didn’t concern her, watching this scene while she caressed her sleeves, then looked up at the vermilion pillars of the mansion, and said slowly: "I just come to the capital and I don’t understand the rules in the capital, so along the way I dare not say much. But looking at the behavior of the people around Shizi Consort, they don't need to be punished if they say something wrong in the capital? Even if they are mean to the guests, the master just said a word and let it pass."

Gao Ran's smile on her face were stiffened: "Miss Lin..."

Lin Wei Xi looked back fearlessly into Gao Ran's eyes: "What, what else does Shizi Consort want to teach me?"

Meeting Lin Wei Xi’s challenging expression, Gao Ran was feeling suffocated. After staring at each other for a moment, Gao Ran after all didn't dare to say harsh words to the children of martyrs, and said with a sullen face: "Tao Mama, I am too indulgent with you, you even don’t know the immensity of heaven and earth*? Quickly apologized to Miss Lin!"

*Have an exaggerated opinion of one’s own ability, or arrogant.

Tao Mama was startled. Since she followed Gao Ran to Yan Wang Mansion, compared to Duke Yingguo mansion, her treatment was almost like heaven and earth. She was accustomed to the prestige of being the mistress of the house’s wet nurse, and now let her apologize to a 16-year-old girl in front of many servants. This was simply tearing down her face. Tao Mama actually didn't care about Lin Wei Xi. Wasn't it just a hick? Even if her father relied on Wangye to confer him marquis title, also couldn't change the fact that Lin Wei Xi was just a village girl. Tao Mama looked at Gao Ran in disbelief. After she saw Gao Ran's expression, Tao Mama felt angry and apologized to Lin Wei Xi with a thick face: "It's this old slave who lost her sense and propriety and offended Miss Lin. Miss Lin please forgive."

Lin Wei Xi's delicate chin didn't move, but she glanced at Tao Mama with her eyelids down. The posture was condescending and her tone was not weak: "Get up. This time you just spoke rudely to me. I consider His Royal Highness’s face and won’t held you accountable. If next time you dare to insult the name of Marquis Zhongyong, then you will get the crime of disrespecting the court heroes, no one can take care of it for you."

After saying that, Lin Wei Xi didn’t even bother to look at Tao Mama and Gao Ran, and went straight ahead. Since marrying into Yan Wang Mansion Gao Ran rarely being ignored like this. She was stunned for a moment, and anger appeared in her eyes, but in the end she pressed it down and quickly chased after Lin Wei Xi.

"Miss Lin, since you don't want me to arrange the courtyard, where are you going to settle down now?"

Lin Wei Xi paused, and her pace immediately slowed down. She almost forgot that it was the first time she came to Yan Wang Mansion, so she shouldn't know the way. Lin Wei Xi concealed it with a low cough, and said, "Troubled Shizi Consort to lead me to wait in the main hall. His Royal Highness Yan Wang gave me great kindness. I will wait for him to return and ask him to find a place for me."

Gao Ran had nothing to say. In fact, in this short moment, Gao Ran's evaluation of Lin Wei Xi could be described as falling again and again. She now understood that this was not a small white flower in the popular sense, but a figure with some tricks and a little bit of thorns. Suddenly such opponent moved in, it seemed Gao Ran still had a long way to go.

The flames in Gao Ran's heart rose more and more. She lowered her head to conceal the hostility and aggressiveness in her eyes, and when she raised her head again, she looked gentle and generous: "Miss Lin is really sentimental and righteous. When my father comes back and seeing you like this, he will definitely very pleased. Miss Lin comes with me, the hall of the inner house is this way."

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment, and realized that Gao Ran's "father" referred to Yan Wang. Lin Wei Xi felt a little complicated, and at the same time she was a little proud of herself. Was Gao Ran try to use intimate relations to demonstrate to Lin Wei Xi? Lin Wei Xi thought to herself, if it was about real closeness, it could not be said who would win.

Lin Wei Xi fell ill on the road and burned up the whole night. At the time her mind was hazy, but she was extremely keen of the sounds around her. She was dizzy but she could hear some footsteps. She tried to open her eyes and saw Yan Wang sitting on the bedside, checking her forehead solemnly. His eyebrows twisted, didn’t say anything and got up after a while. Soon afterwards he brought the doctor over. Lin Wei Xi laid inside the bed curtain, could only heard the faint conversation outside. Even when discussing her condition, Yan Wang made people lower their voice.

Through this show of kindness, Lin Wei Xi knew she had not chosen the wrong person when she looked up at Yan Wang as an idol for so many years. Even though planted in the middle was his son, Lin Wei Xi could not find any reason to be angry with Yan Wang himself. Lin Wei Xi was cursing people when she met Yan Wang for the first time. Then afterwards her tricks were exposed, and she was seen without washing her face, and she lose temper when she was given guidance... Lin Wei Xi thought that all of her ugliness had already been seen, so Lin Wei Xi was calm in front of Gu Hui Yan, there would be nothing worse. Even if she clearly showed that she disliked Gao Ran, Gu Hui Yan would not say much. If Gao Ran thought to file a complaint with Yan wang... Heh, then it was indefinite who would be accuse to have sinister feeling.

Lin Wei Xi actually knew where the main hall was, but she followed after Gao Ran. Gao Ran was about to lead Lin Wei Xi in when she was suddenly called away by a servant. Lin Wei Xi’s years of upbringing prevented her to go around by herself without the host’s presence, so she stood there and waited, her white velvet cloak draped over her shoulder. Stared boringly at the carved flowers on the window sill, a voice suddenly came from behind: "Sister Xi."

Lin Wei Xi automatically turned her head just to see a man stepped into the gate, and met her gaze. Hearing the call just now, his expression was obviously taken aback.

Sister Xi?

Lin Wei Xi's expression became stiff when she saw the incoming person, she hurriedly lowered her head to cover up the strong emotion in her eyes. At this time, Zhou Mao Cheng had already walked quickly to Lin Wei Xi's side, and said with a grin: "Sister Xi, your body coughs after two steps. Why didn’t you go back to the house and just stand outside?"

Lin Wei Xi was afraid that when she relax slightly she would be exposed, so could only try hard to put an expressionless face. She glanced indifferently at the person that just arrived, and then shifted her gaze to Zhou Mao Cheng. Zhou Mao Cheng slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "Oh, I forget to introduce you. This is the only son of Wangye, our Yan Wang Mansion Shizi, Gu Cheng Yao. He’s not an outsider, you don't need to be shy."

"What is not an outsider." Lin Wei Xi said jerkily, without raising her head, she respectfully and coldly saluted Gu Cheng Yao, "Shizi."

Zhou Mao Cheng was a rough man, he didn't notice Lin Wei Xi's tight body, and warmly introduced Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi, this is the girl Wangye mentioned in the letter, the only daughter of Marquis Zhongyong, Lin Wei Xi."

According to custom woman’s name should not be revealed freely, but In Zhou Mao Cheng’s mind Gu Cheng Yao was the son of Yan Wang, he was certainly not an outsider, so he said Lin Wei Xi’s name carelessly… Gu Cheng Yao didn't feel good until he heard Lin Wei Xi's full name.

It turned out to be Lin Wei Xi, not that Sister Xi. Gu Cheng Yao couldn’t tell how he felt in his heart, but facing a guest, Gu Cheng Yao ignored the complicated emotions in his heart. Instead, he smiled politely at Lin Wei Xi: "I’m Gu Cheng Yao. Since your father gave up his life to save my father, then you are an honor guest of Yan Wang Mansion. You don’t have to be restrained in the future, just live in Yan Wang Mansion freely. If you have any difficulties, just come and find me.”

Lin Wei Xi’s face was still cold, but she laughed in her heart, laugh that full of sadness… Gu Cheng Yao said to a completely unfamiliar woman, "If you have any difficulties, just come and find me." However, as Gu Cheng Yao's wife in the previous life, she was exhausted to the bone in order to manage the household. Afterwards, she fell ill and died because of overwork, but she had never heard Gu Cheng Yao said that sentence, ‘if you are in trouble, you can come to me’.

Life encounters and comparisons are so ridiculous.

Chapter 12 : Bow Down

Zhou Mao Cheng knew nothing about the undercurrent between Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao. He was still enthusiastically pulling Gu Cheng Yao and told him how delicate Lin Wei Xi’s body was and how she was tortured in the whole journey. Yan Wang invited all the doctors in a radius of ten miles, on top of that, in order to take care of Lin Wei Xi, he went to the city to pick a maid for her.

Gu Cheng Yao was surprised when he heard this: "Father actually chose the maid himself?"

"Yes." Zhou Mao Cheng had a complicated expression. Let alone Gu Cheng Yao, even he who had been with Wangye for more than ten years felt strange when he saw this scene.

Gu Cheng Yao turned his head and glanced at Lin Wei Xi. Unlike a moment before, his eyes were much more complicated this time. Lin Wei Xi was not afraid of the other's inquiring gaze. On the contrary, she was more concerned about another thing. Why did she feel that Gu Cheng Yao's eyes just now vaguely reveal a little envy?

Lin Wei Xi thought afterwards, although Gu Cheng Yao was the only son of Yan Wang, he did not spend much time with him. Yan Wang spent half his life in the army, fighting south and north, even the children on the street could said a lot about his military successes, but he didn’t spent much time in Yan Wang Mansion, and there even less time for Gu Cheng Yao.

When Zhou Mao Cheng saw Gu Cheng Yao fell silent, he realized it after another thought. He sighed in his heart, pretending to be relaxed and said: "The wars in various places have been resolved, and there will be no more troubles in the future. There's no need for Wangye to go out. This time Wangye enter the capital surely it will be peaceful for a long time.”

The previous emperor was alone on his deathbed, and the new emperor was young, the capital could not be left unattended. If it weren’t for the serious rebellion in the Northwest last time, and the new dynasty need to quickly put it down and deter the whole world, Yan Wang didn’t need to personally lead the army for battle. However, this time after the victory over Duo Huo La Ti tribe was spread, afraid that for a long time no one dared to challenge the authority of Yan Wang and the country.

Gu Cheng Yao was relieved at the thought of this. It was really rare to be in the same house with his father for a long period of time.

At this time, Gao Ran already dealt with the matter and returned. She walked a little eagerly. When she saw Gu Cheng Yao standing in the middle of the courtyard and Lin Wei Xi was not far from him, Gao Ran's pupils suddenly shrank.

Gao Ran smiled calmly, full of laugh greeted Gu Cheng Yao, and then naturally stood next to Gu Cheng Yao with the hostess attitude. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but sneered when she saw this, she felt disdainful in her heart, and her face inevitably became indifference and nonchalant.

Zhou Mao Cheng came in with Gu Cheng Yao. He came in mainly for Lin Wei Xi. Now he had seen her and Shizi Consort already returned. Zhou Mao Cheng, as an outside man who could not stay in the inner house, left immediately.

After Zhou Mao Cheng left, there were only three of them in the courtyard. For some reason, the servants suddenly felt an unspeakable depression.

It was strange, Shizi and Shizi Consort loved each other deeply. Although Miss Lin was an outsider, but today was the first time she came to the mansion, and she had no old grudges. Why was the atmosphere suddenly tense?

It was Gu Cheng Yao who acted first. He was a man, and today Yan Wang entered the capital, the outer courtyard had plenty matters that need his attention. Gu Cheng Yao sent the womenfolk into the house and left. Gao Ran dropped the guests and quickly chased outside. Lin Wei Xi watched Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran spoke softly to each other through the partition screen. The two stood very close, whispering, Gao Ran always looked at Gu Cheng Yao tenderly. Before he left, Gao Ran gently stretched out her hand to brush the dust off Gu Cheng Yao's shoulder.

Lin Wei Xi looked in daze. She had extremely strict management of Yan Wang Mansion when she was alive. No matter which room it should be cleaned every day, what dust would Gu Cheng Yao get when he walked in the inner house? Even if there was a demon wind today, and Gu Cheng Yao's shoulder was covered with ashes, were the servant girls behind him had no hands, they need Gao Ran to brush off the dust herself?

Lin Wei Xi rolled her eyes fiercely inside, it was so overdone and nauseating. Lin Wei Xi felt regret, she shouldn't give in when Yan Wang forced her to agree to come to Yan Wang Mansion. If she watched it for a long time, she would be angered to death by this slut.

Fortunately, Gu Cheng Yao after all homegrown aristocratic man. He was not used being too intimate with his wife in the presence of others. He glanced at Gao Ran gratefully, whispered something, and then strode out.

At this time, Gao Ran seemed to remember that there was a guest in the room. She walked to the inner room, her cheeks flushed, it just showed the right amount of shyness of the newlyweds: "Let Miss Lin laughed."

Lin Wei Xi smiled cooperatively, but inside she rolled her eyes greatly.

For the rest of the time, Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the magnificent room of Yan Wang Mansion, and from time to time she heard Gao Ran’s inadvertently mention of the nobility of Yan Wang Mansion, the power of her family’s Duke Yingguo Mansion, and that Gu Cheng Yao always worried about her and afraid of giving her ‘trouble’. Had it not been for the news of Yan Wang's return to the mansion at a critical moment, Lin Wei Xi would have hit her on the spot.

As Gu Hui Yan entered the capital he was asked by the palace eunuch to go to the palace to see The Emperor and The Empress Dowager Qian. After appeasing the mother and son he went out of the palace smoothly. Even now he was standing in his mansion, still carrying the fine dust from his journey.

Since Gu Yan Hui entered door, the whole Yan Wang Mansion obviously came to life again, the servants from the front and back courtyard from the top to the bottom were no different, they were all eagerly stood and yell with joy and awe: "Wangye is back!"

Yan Wang came back after three years of absence, the tall Yan Wang Mansion finally welcomed their real master.

The inner courtyard also heard the noise outside, Gao Ran quickly stood up, unconsciously exposed her nervousness: "Yan Wang is back? Tao Mama, how do I look?"

Gao Ran and her maids rushed to stand up, Lin Wei Xi ignoring the people behind her slowly got up and stood by the door. Looking at the person that just arrived, she faced the courtyard and gave a standard salute: "Your Highness Yan Wang."

Gao Ran heard the voice and hurried out to salute. Gu Hui Yan was questioning Gu Cheng Yao. Hearing a familiar voice, he stopped and looked at Lin Wei Xi in surprise: "Why are you here?"

Lin Wei Xi asked: "Didn't you insist on bringing me to the mansion?"

Gu Cheng Yao and the old people of the mansion behind him changed their expression. They were just about to talk, when they heard Gu Hui Yan sigh helplessly and said: "I asked why you didn't go to rest. Didn't I arrange someone to send you back? Why are you standing here?"

It turns out that she was mistaken. Lin Wei Xi straightened up before Gu Hui Yan could say something, and said indifferently: "We want to pay respect to you."

"Be honest"

"Actually I don't know where am I going to live, you didn't say anything, how can I dare to walk randomly?"

As soon as Gu Hui Yan came out from the imperial palace, the whole journey in the capital could feel his steady imposing manner, the might of Yan Wang was fully revealed. Even Gu Cheng Yao when he saw this felt sincere and fearful, surrender wholeheartedly. But with Lin Wei Xi, just a few words could make Gu Hui Yan let out a smile, amusingly looked at her: "Even if you can talk, your body is weak and must recuperate. Jingdan Garden is suitable. Carry things there!"

Jingdan Garden? Lin Wei Xi knew the structure of Yan Wang Mansion very well. She smiled and immediately thanked Gu Hui Yan: "Thanking Yan Wang."

Gao Ran hurried out to greet Gu Hui Yan, because she positioned herself as a gentle and generous Miss Perfect, so if Gu Hui Yan did not mention it, she would kept a crouching position. But who would have thought that the famous Yan Wang unexpectedly without regards to other would talk to a little girl about such trivial matters as daily life, and he did not care about such a loss of identity. Gao Ran couldn't help but raised her head, glanced forward in surprise, and found that Gu Cheng Yao also had obvious surprise in his eyes. Obviously, Yan Wang was not an easy-going person, the whole mansion met his imposing manner did not dare to rise, let alone contradict him. However, Lin Wei Xi just now according to the norm of Yan Wang Mansion was already disrespectful.

Gao Ran somewhat felt jealous, she had long been kept an eye on Jingdan Garden, and planned to leave it to her son in the future. Jingdan Garden and the courtyard where Gu Cheng Yao lived, were built symmetrically, and the significance was self-evident. It was only because there were small number of people in Yan Wang Mansion that it was left unused. Lin Wei Xi, an unknown orphan who attached herself to live in the mansion, why should she live there?

Gu Hui Yan seemed to only seen other people at this time. He glanced down, stepped into the main hall, and said flatly: "Get up."

Only then Gao Ran straightened up, just facing the other person Gao Ran felt an unspeakable pressure. She finally realized that her imagination of the real rich family was still too shallow. Yan Wang definitely was not like the rich generation she had seen in her previous life.

Gao Ran previously thought that Yan Wang was also the son of noble house, who happened to expand his own glory many times that’s all. Gao Ran was full of confidence in herself before, but now she hesitated, if Yan Wang really dissatisfied with her origin... Was it really useful for her to work hard in managing the household and show off herself?

After Gu Hui Yan showed up, he obviously didn't show coldness or viciousness, but the whole hall was held in awe. He scanned Lin Wei Xi and asked, "Have you all met each other?"

"Yes." It was Gu Cheng Yao who spoke. He took a step forward and knelt down uprightly in front of Gu Hui Yan, when Gao Ran saw this she hurriedly knelt after him.

"This son is not filial, pay respect to father."

Gu Cheng Yao deeply buckled his forehead on the ground, and Gao Ran also bowed deeply. Lin Wei Xi gave way to the side to show that she avoided the kneeling ceremony of Gu Cheng Yao and his wife. But at the same time, Lin Wei Xi felt a strange sense of joy. Although this kneeling was not directed at her, Lin Wei Xi was standing now, and Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were both kneeling, which was enough to make Lin Wei Xi felt refreshed.

Well the wood had become the boat, Gu Hui Yan did not embarrass Gu Cheng Yao and his new daughter-in-law. He stared at them with deep eyes for a while, then motioned them to get up. Gao Ran was overjoyed, her maid immediately passed over the tea. She held the teacup and put her hands across her eyebrows, and respectfully said: "Daughter-in-law serves tea to father."

Gu Hui Yan took it and lifted the lid of the tea, then put it on the table. It was just gestured, he did not mean to drink the tea. But this was enough for Gao Ran. She kowtowed to Gu Hui Yan, and then she was helped by the dowry maid to stand up.

Lin Wei Xi stood on the sidelines and watched the whole process, sneering in her heart. She suddenly heard Gu Hui Yan calling her name: "You are still ill. It is not good to stay outside for too long. Go back and rest."

Lin Wei Xi's goal was achieved, and she didn't want to stand here looking at this ‘loving couple’ and felt queasy. She excused herself to Gu Hui Yan. He nodded but seemingly worried, added another sentence: "Jingdan Garden hasn't lived in for a long time. If you encounter any trouble say it as soon as possible, don't bear it yourself, you understand?"

Lin Wei Xi answered with a cry "Yeah", and then couldn't help but asked: "Yan Wang, then my box..."

Gu Hui Yan obviously moved the tip of his eyebrows, did not speak, merely looked at her with clear eyes. Lin Wei Xi smiled at Gu Hui Yan, very thick skinned: "Of course I dare not doubt Your Highness Yan Wang... It's just this kind of thing, I still feel at ease to hold it in my own hand."

Gu Hui Yan retracted his gaze, still did not speak, but there was a smile in his eyes: "Your stuff is indispensable, go."

Lin Wei Xi left with satisfaction. When the servants of the mansion led Lin Wei Xi to Jingdan Garden, their expression always looked terrified.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly changed from being an exploited wife to a privileged class of exploiters, no need to mention how comfortable she was. As expected, Jingdan Garden did live up to its superior position. Lin Wei Xi took a comfortable bath and washed the dust. After taking a nap, the servants outside came over cautiously and reported, "Miss Lin, are you awake?"

The person that came thought Lin Wei Xi did not know her. In fact, Lin Wei Xi knew very well. Lin Wei Xi looked at the old servant’s different attitude, and in her heart smiled sarcastically: "What is it?"

"The evening meal will be serve soon, Wangye said if miss wakes up, let this slaves ask miss to front room to have dinner"

Yan Wang came back, the regulation of evening meal naturally could not be sloppy. Lin Wei Xi's clothes and hair accessories were all ready. There was no need to dress up again. She stood up and said, "I see, lead the way."

When they arrived to the place, everyone stood while holding their breath, even Gao Ran stood on one side and couldn't sit down. Lin Wei Xi calmly saluted Gu Hui Yan, and then calmly walked to the side and sat down. The posture as if she was a member of this family.

Lin Wei Xi sat comfortably, while Gao Ran had to stand and serve the elders. This contrast really made people felt uncomfortable. Gu Hui Yan didn't care. He frowned slightly when he saw Lin Wei Xi changed her clothes, and asked, "Does your head still hurt today?"

Obviously this was a problem for Lin Wei Xi on the road. She was weak and would have a headache after being blow by the wind. After freshening up still need to be careful. Lin Wei Xi shook her head and said, "It's nothing big, there’s no need to worry."

Gu Hui Yan frowned again after hearing this, but it was not the occasion to talk about it at the moment so he didn't say much. The dishes passed by the hands of many maids, and they were quietly delivered into the main hall one by one. Gao Ran took the serving chopsticks and served them to everyone, inevitably also took care of Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi was upset in her heart, and on the surface she still declined: "Thanking Shizi Consort. Shizi Consort is really polite."

Gao Ran smiled stiffly: "As a married woman, I have to assist my husband, educate the children, and manage family affairs. This is what I should do." During meal times unmarried women could sit, but daughter-in-law could not. It was also a rule for brides to serve their elders. But who was Lin Wei Xi? Gao Ran really wanted to vomit to death.

Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi faintly, and said, "There are no outsiders, you don't need to be like this. Sit down."

Gao Ran declined as usual. Gu Hui Yan had an indifference expression, and Gao Ran suddenly felt a sudden shock in her heart, remembering what the old servant had said before: Yan Wang never said it for the second time.

Gao Ran didn't dare to use her usual tune anymore, when Gu Cheng Yao looked at her, Gao Ran immediately sat down next to Gu Cheng Yao.

The meal was silent, when Gu Hui Yan stopped, the others immediately put their chopsticks down. There were still many specialty in the mansion after dinner. After Lin Wei Xi rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, she heard Gu Hui Yan questioning Gu Cheng Yao. The voice neither happy nor angry, but there was a surging power hidden: "I heard from Gu Mingda. These months the mansion and Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion were distanced, what's the matter?"

Chapter 13 : Justice

After Gu Hui Yan's said the words, the atmosphere in the room obviously became stagnant.

Grand Princess Shou Kang was the grandmother of the former Shizi Consort Gao Xi. Duke Yingguo Mansion treated their daughters the same regardless of their status, but Princess Shou Kang might not.

Wei shi was the princess's daughter, back then married to Duke Yingguo Shizi was also a well-known strong alliance, it was an appropriate match. But Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi were not getting along. Wei shi had princess's daughter arrogance, and Duke Yingguo Shizi also preferred weak beauty. This marriage was noble, but the party involved Wei shi had a bad life. After Han shi regained her favor and became the apple in Duke Yingguo Shizi’s eyes, the relationship between Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi even became tensed.

Wei shi since she was young was proud and arrogant, how could she endure being pressed down by a lowly concubine. In the first month of the ninth year of Jianzhao, barely finished the year, Han shi came out again to provoke things, and Wei shi many years of grievances were aroused. She immediately flared up and made Han shi kneel down in the ancestral hall. When Lin Wei Xi thought about this incident later, she always felt horrible by the coincidences. At that time, Han shi did not dare to violate the order of the mistress, feeling wronged and went to kneel in the cold ancestral hall. The weather in the first month of that year was so cold that Han shi did not kneel for long before she saw red. When Duke Yingguo Shizi heard this he hurried back, he saw his favorite concubine’s face like a paper, bleeding from her belly.

Han shi was actually pregnant, the ice cold floor tiles stimulated it and immediately caused the bleeding. The family always put importance on heirs. The Shizi was furious. The ancestor, Duke Yingguo old madam was also angry when she heard Wei shi’s unreasonable jealousy. Disregarding the decorum, Wei Shi and her mother-in-law lashed out on each other and Shizi was also let out many harsh words. Wei shi had been depressed for many years, since childhood her cycle had already been irregular. She didn't even know that she was pregnant, her anger already pressing down her heart and during the conflict she directly miscarried. Pregnancy already hurting women’s body, and to had miscarriage was even more harmful. As a result, Wei shi fell gravely ill. Within a few months, she prematurely passed away.

That year, Wei shi's only daughter, Gao Xi, was only ten years old, and the child that Wei shi had shed was a boy. Wei shi looked forward to it for many years, and finally ended up like this. The irony was that Han shi, who was punished in the ancestral hall and rumored could not save her fetus, gave birth to a son after nine months.

This was Gao Ran's brother. If the book that Lin Wei Xi saw before was correct, later this eldest shu son would become Duke Yingguo Shizi. After all, the di mother already died, the child from official wife was only Gao Xi a daughter, and Duke Yingguo Shizi especially partial to the children of Han shi. Because the official wife didn’t have a son it was reasonable to establish the eldest son as the heir.

The only daughter was killed by the concubine, when Grand Princess Shou Kang heard this she definitely could not forgive. However, Wei shi was also wrong in this matter. In this ethical society that emphasized women’s loyalty and obedience, Wei shi punishment lead the concubine to have a bleeding. She also quarreled with her mother-in-law and husband, but in the end she was so angry that she had a miscarriage. Princess Shou Kang, as Wei shi’s mother, was of course angry to death. Princess Shou Kang couldn't get justice for her daughter, and Duke Yingguo mansion also was not a small household that others could easily bully. Princess Shou Kang could only endure this rage and took her granddaughter Gao Xi and raised her carefully.

Shou Kang was a noble princess, but she and her husband relationship was indifferent for a lifetime, and she had no son or grandson. Her only daughter died a long time ago. Her granddaughter Gao Xi was the only pillar for Grand Princess Shou Kang. But who would have imagined that the tragedies of the previous two generations would be repeated again. Gao Xi was excellent in everything. But after marrying, the marriage was not going well. She could not even compared with Wei shi. She only married for a year and died in depression.

Grand Princess Shou Kang was hit hard, but the other party was the eldest son of Yan Wang Mansion. Gu Cheng Yao's father had the power to dominate the world. What could Princess Shou Kang said? What really made Princess Shou Kang unbearable was what happened afterward. It was only a month after Gao Xi died, and Duke Yingguo Mansion already proposed to let Gao Ran marry him as the second wife.

Who was Gao Ran? Han shi’s daughter. That slut Han shi that killed Princess Shou Kang's only daughter, now she still wanted to take over her granddaughter's position? Princess Shou Kang immediately had fell out with Duke Yingguo Mansion, and the relationship with Yan Wang Mansion, which had been close for many years, also faded.

Grand Princess Shou Kang did not like Gao Ran and that shu son was a well-known thing in the capital. Gu Cheng Yao finally married his heart’s white moonlight and cinnabar mole. Now his sweetheart was targeted by Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gu Cheng Yao was not happy. He was born as a Shizi, and his family’s background was superior. For many years, only had others yield to him. When had he need to look at other people's faces? Now that Princess Shou Kang made a hard stance, Gu Cheng Yao also would not cherish the past favor. Grand Princess Shou Kang mansion was nothing but an empty shell, with no successors. Anyone could see that their family was going downhill, but because Princess Shou Kang's seniority was high, she used Grand Princess’s position to support the facade. But if she want to confront Yan Wang Mansion, how could Gu Cheng Yao be afraid of her?

So after Gao Ran entered the door, Yan Wang Mansion and Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion inevitably became cold. Gao Ran was happy to see it, and Gu Cheng Yao didn't care. Suddenly Gu Hui Yan mentioned it, Gu Cheng Yao only paused for a while, and said: "Grand Princess Shou Kang seems to have some misunderstanding about Shizi Consort, the son made a special trip to explain to the princess, but the people in the princess's house looked coldly on Shizi Consort. Since being husband and wife is like having the same body, their disrespect to the consort is disrespectful to me. If that the case, then I don't need to stay any longer."

Lin Wei Xi knew after hearing this sentence Gu Hui Yan would be angry. The expression on Gu Hui Yan's face was the same as before, and his voice was also the same as before: "You also know that husband and wife are of the same body, and Gao Xi, the granddaughter of Princess Shou Kang, is not your wife?"

Gu Cheng Yao turned towards Gao Ran, Gao Ran originally felt gratified. She felt very relieved that the old princess who was disliked by men even her husband, did not like her and she didn’t even want to enter the gate of the princess mansion. The old princess couldn't even give birth to a son, only knew how to oppress others with her princess’s status. Gao Ran deeply felt that Shou Kang deserved it, back then Wei shi and now Gao Xi both had their karmic retribution. Gu Cheng Yao broke the contact with the princess mansion because the people in the princess mansion gave her cold-face. Gao Ran felt the hero's aura was very useful. But now Gu Hui Yan laid out such things... Gao Ran's face was stunned, and for a while, she didn't know what was wrong. Could Yan Wang dissatisfied with her because of this? Why is that?

Gu Cheng Yao was different from Gao Ran. He knew his father better. Hearing Gu Hui Yan's tone, he knew that his father was angry. The angrier Gu Hui Yan became, the calmer he was. Now this situation was obviously the latter.

Gu Cheng Yao didn't dare to sit any more, stood up immediately, lowered his head and said, "Son doesn't mean that... But Grand Princess Shou Kang is too domineering. Shizi Consort already become my official wife. The elder was not compassionate why the son need to be filial? She is unwilling to respect Shizi Consort, if the son still obeys her as always, wouldn't it be a lowering the face of Yan Wang Mansion?"

Gao Ran also quickly stood up and quickly glanced at Lin Wei Xi, pouting her mouth and lowering her head: "It's this daughter-in-law that is wrong, not Shizi’s fault. Please father don’t be angry at Shizi.”

Lin Wei Xi certainly understood the meaning of Gao Ran’s glance. This was family matters of Yan Wang Mansion. No matter what, Lin Wei Xi as an outsider should not listen to this. Normally Lin Wei Xi would have found an excuse to leave the table, but it was Gu Cheng Yao who stood in front of her. Lin Wei Xi's years of upbringing told her to respect the private affairs of her host family, and she should politely turned away, but... she really wanted to watch Gu Cheng Yao get scolded. Lin Wei Xi finally decided to submit to her own will, sitting steadily, trying to minimize her sense of existence, but continued to listen with awe-inspiring righteousness.

When Gu Hui Yan heard Gu Cheng Yao's words, the anger in his heart grew stronger. There was no joy or anger on his face, but everyone could feel the pressure from his words: "If the princess really ignores the face of Yan Wang Mansion, she will not let you in."

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran both bowed their heads, their breathing deliberately light. Gu Hui Yan calmed down for a while, and when he spoke again, he reverted to being the rigorous Yan Wang: "If you didn’t keep your wife mourning period and insist to remarry, this is your fault. Grand Princess Shou Kang just gave a cold attitude, if she let people bar the door from you that is also right. At the beginning, you personally wrote to marry the granddaughter of the grand princess, who was the only bloodline of the grand princess, but died within a year in the mansion without a clear reason. Princess Shou Kang had opinions on you, do you still dare to disagree?"

"Father." Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but look up, "The person I was looking for was not her, she and the princess..."

Under Gu Hui Yan's look Gu Cheng Yao's voice gradually disappeared. He lowered his head obediently, and Gu Hui Yan chuckled lightly, put the tea cup on the table with a bang: "Are you the person who wrote the letter in the beginning? Is it you the person who exchanged eight-characters card to settle the marriage?"

Gu Cheng Yao looked sullen, after enduring and restrained himself, still reluctantly said: "Yes."

"That's enough, no one will listen to your reasons. You are already so old. If you do something wrong, then you are wrong. You don't want to take responsibility, but make excuses for yourself?"

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were sour when she heard this. She quickly opened her eyes and forced her tears back. For so long, that heavenly book, Duke Yingguo Mansion, and even many old servants in Yan Wang Mansion had been saying that she reap what she sown and that she deserves it. Among so many people, unexpectedly only Yan Wang that redressed her grievances and ruthlessly criticized Gu Cheng Yao… Yan Wang was even Gu Cheng Yao's father, one hundred percent her husband's family.

Originally, it was Lin Wei Xi who carelessly replaced Gao Ran's life-saving grace, but who was to blame? It was Gu Cheng Yao who confessed to the wrong person, and Gao Ran was behind the tricks. Why should she be burdened with someone else’s mistake? Even if it discovered that it was a mistake that made the wrong relationship, but Gu Cheng Yao married her after all, why didn't Gu Cheng Yao think about his husband's responsibility?

Gu Cheng Yao who was reprimanded felt embarrass, Gao Ran wanted to say something, but when she came in contact with Gu Hui Yan's line of sight, she was so scared that her throat was blocked, unable to say anything.

This was Gu Hui Yan’s rare anger, the hall was silent inside and outside. Even the old people that used to serve the old wangye did not dare to speak at this moment. In this extremely quiet house, suddenly there were burst of irritable coughing, and the person seemed to want to suppress the movement. However, the more she want pressed it down the worse the coughing became, Lin Wei Xi covered her mouth, frowning, and taking the time to say to Gu Hui Yan with difficulty: "Sorry, I too don't want to disturb you and Shizi. It's just...cough cough..."

Lin Wei Xi's cheeks were flushed from coughing, her eyes were tearful, actually it was just to hide her excitement. Gu Hui Yan initially was angry but seeing Lin Wei Xi coughing so pitifully, he sighed and said, "Why are you coughing again? Did you drink medicine today?"

Lin Wei Xi was speechless, and Wan Yue hurried forward and carefully replied: "This slave already served Miss to drink it, but the weather is dry these few days, it always doesn't work."

"Tomorrow, I will call the imperial physician from the palace to change your medicine."

Lin Wei Xi thanked Gu Hui Yan with difficulty, and Gu Cheng Yao looked helplessly at group of people rushing to Lin Wei Xi's side, handing tea and pat her back, let this Shizi seemed to be forgotten.

But fortunately, with this, the matter just now also was turned over, and the people who was serving Gu Cheng Yao was very relieved. When Lin Wei Xi thought that she once again helped Gu Cheng Yao out of predicament, she was so angry that she couldn't stop the itch in her throat.

With great difficulty Lin Wei Xi finally stopped coughing, everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief. Gu Hui Yan still frowning when he looked at Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi on the other hand took a look at Gu Hui Yan while carefully obedient: "Your Highness, are you still angry?"

Gu Hui Yan helplessly looked at Lin Wei Xi, without moving his eyebrows, gently raised his hand to Gu Cheng Yao: "There will be no other time."

Gao Ran was overjoyed when she heard this. Gu Cheng Yao's face was tense. He gave Lin Wei Xi a complicated look and bowed his head to Gu Hui Yan. For a while everyone looked at Lin Wei Xi's eyes with gratitude, and Lin Wei Xi smiled stiffly, with misery.

Actually, she didn't mean that...

Chapter 14 : Grudge

Lin Wei Xi sadly found that she always accidently helped Gu Cheng Yao, when obviously what she want was to stir up some troubles. What even more annoying was that the people around her misunderstood her actions, affectionately thought that Lin Wei Xi was kind-hearted, couldn't stand watching Shizi being criticized by Wangye, so she found a way to get him out of the predicament.

Before broken up that damn predicament, Lin Wei Xi looked forward to Yan Wang scolding Gu Cheng Yao for two more hours.

Lin Wei Xi went back to Jingdan Garden with anger. After taking off her cloak she sat down, Wan Xing brought hot tea to Lin Wei Xi. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's cold face, she smiled and said, "What's wrong with Miss? Could it be some people in the mansion dare to make Miss angry?"

Wan Xing was the maid that Yan Wang bought to take care Lin Wei Xi after she fell ill on the journey. Lin Wei Xi followed Wan Yue's name and named her Wan Xin*. These two maids were now all her staff.

*Yue means moon, Xing means star.

Wan Yue put away Lin Wei Xi's cloak, when she came back she heard this sentence, she replied: "Today Miss coughing again outside, but it was also lucky, otherwise Shizi and Shizi Consort will not be able to come out from their spot."

"What's wrong?"

Wan Yue said a few words about the dinner, Wan Xing sighed for a while, and praised: "Miss is so kind. Shizi Consort deliberately asked her wet nurse to intimidate Miss, and Miss willing to help them break up their predicament."

Who was willing! Lin Wei Xi replied angrily in her heart. In the mansion, Gao Ran after all the daughter-in-law of Yan Wang Mansion, Wan Xing and Wan Yue didn't have much to say, so they drop the subject. Wan Yue went on to say: "Exactly, Wangye’s anger today is really scary. I didn't dare to raise my head in fright. That is to say, Wangye is easier to talk to with Miss, but Wangye is really strict with Shizi. In front of many people can reprimand without any feelings."

"Because of what?"

"It’s for Grand Princess Shou Kang. I didn't expect that Yan Wang seems unreasonable, but is filial to the princess."

Lin Wei Xi heard this indifferently added: "It's not that he is filial to Grand Princess Shou Kang. Although Grand Princess is Yan Wang’s aunt, how many princesses must be in the royal family? With so many uncles, nephews and aunts, I don't see him all coming close. Yan Wang was really filial to old Yan Wang. Back then when old Yan Wang has not move to his fief, Emperor Shizong was suspicious and jealous of him. It was with Princess Shou Kang's guarantee that old Yan Wang could go out the country smoothly. Because of this matter, Yan Wang treated Princess Shou Kang Mansion very courteously. Gu Cheng Yao grew up in the fief. He was born when Yan Wang Mansion at the peak of its power, and everything was smooth sailing. How can he understand the relationship of the previous generations."

"It turns out there is this kind of relationship." After Wan Xing listened to it, she inadvertently asked, "Miss, how do you know about Emperor Shizong’s matter?"

Lin Wei Xi’s hand that took the tea immediately paused, she knew this naturally because of what Princess Shou Kang had personally said. But Lin Wei Xi, a lone weak woman, shouldn't know this. Lin Wei Xi inwardly alarmed, but she still casually replied: "When I was ten years old, my dad brought me to the capital to see a doctor. I stayed in the capital for almost half a year and listened to what the old men in the alley said."

Both Wan Yue and Wan Xing came to Lin Wei Xi's side halfway and didn't know anything about Lin Wei Xi's past. They believed Lin Wei Xi's explanation. Seeing that she managed to fool the two maids, while Lin Wei Xi feel relieved, she also secretly warned herself not to be so careless.

If the person who heard this was Yan Wang, it would be over.

Both Wan Yue and Wan Xing came to the capital for the first time, and they were also in the Royal Mansion. The two of them were different from Lin Wei Xi's former maid, chattering lively. Now Lin Wei Xi's identity was no longer the same, let alone the two maidservants. Wan Xing and Wan Yue were full of curiosity about the famous Yan Wang Mansion, and now they both actually live with Lin Wei Xi in the place, which was so remarkable. They lowered their voices and said that Yan Wang Mansion only exposed the tip of the iceberg, but it was already a wonderful enough family’s affair: "I heard that the current Shizi Consort is the second wife, and the lady before her is also surnamed Gao, it’s Shizi Consort’s older sister!"

Wan Yue covered her mouth in surprise: "Her sister?"

"Yes."

Wan Yue showed an expression of surprise: "Shizi looks very young, unexpectedly already married a second wife."

"Wangye looks only in his twenties. If you don't know in advance, who would have guessed that Wangye’s son is already seventeen."

"Yes. Shizi is only seventeen, he married early."

"It's not him getting married early, it’s the former Shizi Consort that died too fast." Lin Wei Xi took in the conversations, even put on a smile, "At the first month of the year got married, at the end of the year the wife died, in February after the new years the younger sister entered the door, it was all as not to delay Shizi’s time."

Wan Xing and Wan Yue didn't expect Lin Wei Xi would suddenly participate in the conversation. The two of them didn't think too much, but sighed: "The previous Shizi Consort was too pitiful."

Pitiful? Lin Wei Xi smiled and said, "Perhaps. But Yan Wang is right. The world only looks at the results and no one will ask the reason. She has lived her life like this, I am afraid she only has herself to blame. Shizi and the new Shizi Consort have an affinity with each other, their feelings deep and righteous, it's good to vacate the position early."

Wan Yue and Wan Xing looked at each other, not knowing why Miss Lin suddenly had such a pessimistic emotion. Wan Xing was lively person, only in one day’s work she already inquired a lot of news from the mansion: "In fact, it’s not necessarily the fault of previous Shizi Consort. This slave today heard people say that the previous Shizi Consort was extremely strict with the mansion at that time. Each have separate regulations, not allow to gossip, no laziness, and no petty theft in the kitchen. Yan Wangfei has passed away for many years, and Yan Wang has been fighting outside all year round. It is inevitable that many rules in the mansion were slack. When the former Shizi Consort has just arrived she made the drastic rectifications with good intentions, but unfortunately it was offended many people."

Wan Yue and Wan Xing were outsiders, so they could objectively evaluate the situation of Yan Wang Mansion. However, for the old servants who had deep roots in Yan Wang Mansion, what Gao Xi did was like to disturb their territory. So in the eyes of these people, Gao Xi was of course no good at all, waiting for Gao Xi to deal with the accumulated bad habits. When it was over, she herself was tired and fell down. After Gao Ran entered the door, the foundation had already been laid, and once she took over naturally it was very easy. What Gao Ran used was superficial skills, she had the benefit, and the rules became a little lax. Compared with Gao Xi's strictness, Gao Ran immediately became a gentle and kind new hostess. The whole mansion also said that she was good.

This led to the current situation. Wan Xing and Wan Yue as newly arrived servant girls could say "the previous Shizi Consort was good at heart", but Gu Cheng Yao, who was wrapped by the old servants and slaves, couldn't see it.

Lin Wei Xi didn't expect to hear such words from these two girls. She laughed mockingly, it was really rare for someone to see her kindness. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to talk about these bad things anymore. Now she saw that Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran’s love was really crooked, and Gao Ran’s dowry maid was preaching everywhere with a proud face. God knows previously these servants had not even dare to lift their heads in front of Lin Wei Xi, but now they could even raise their tails.

Lin Wei Xi stood up and said faintly: "This is their family affair after all. It is not good to talk about personal matters behind their back, later don’t talk about it anymore."

Wan Yue and Wan Xing looked at each other, and both noticed the contradiction in Lin Wei Xi's body. Miss Lin obviously relied on Yan Wang very much, but uncharacteristically indifferent when mentioning Yan Wang’s family. Was it not to love the house and its crow, why Miss Lin had such a contradictory attitude? Wan Yue and Wan Xing didn’t know, and didn’t dare to mention it anymore. Instead, they carefully served Lin Wei Xi and changed her clothes: "Miss, today Yan Wang is angry with Shizi because of Grand Princess Shou Kang, and said he will take Shizi to visit Grand Princess in a few days to apologize. Do you think this is true?"

"Why is it not true." Lin Wei Xi sneered, with sarcasm in her tone, "How dare they despise the grand princess mansion because the lack of children, where did they get the courage from? Even if the princess mansion really has no successor, as long as the eldest princess still alive, no one in the capital will dare to neglect. Even Yan Wang still wants to call Princess Shou Kang aunt, she a shu daughter who was itching to jump up, think that she can behave atrociously in the princess mansion’s territory, truly funny."

"Miss..."

Lin Wei Xi also noticed her agitated emotions. She took a deep breath and said, "Prepared the clothes these days, I am going to visit the princess mansion with Yan Wang."

Wan Yue was stunned. Lin Wei Xi was still in her filial piety period, usually stayed behind close door and declined visitors. Why did she think of going to the princess mansion? But these weren't her things as a maid to worry about. Wan Yue responded with a low voice, and went to prepare Lin Wei Xi’s clothes to visit people.

Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything after learning about it, nodded and agreed. After he finally freed himself, he personally took the people from Yan Wang Mansion to visit Grand Princess Shou Kang.

Yan Wang's presence was of course regarded as distinguished guest and immediately welcomed into the mansion. When Grand Princess Shou Kang heard that Yan Wang was visiting, she had her body supported to greet him herself.

When Gu Hui Yan saw Grand Princess Shou Kang, he quickly got up to support her arm: "Auntie, the dog son is stubborn and has failed your painstaking efforts. Now I trouble you to come out in person. This is really my sin."

"Don't say that. You are now a Qinwang that emperor heavily rely on for your assistance. How dare I, an old lady who already has one foot on the grave, dare to accept your apology."

When Gu Hui Yan saw this he also could not say anything. He lightly looked at Gu Cheng Yao, his hand pointed at him. Gu Cheng Yao understood his father’s meaning, could only reluctantly walk and give a salute to Grand Princess Shou Kang: "This junior was confused a few days ago and offended grandaunt. Please forgive this junior."

Gu Cheng Yao was the son of Yan Wang. Even if Grand Princess Shou Kang hated his negligence of Sister Xi, but she couldn't ignore Yan Wang's face. Yan Wang took his son to apologize in person. From the perspective of etiquette and morals, Yan Wang’s sincerity had been fully satisfied. Princess Shou Kang could only nod her head and said lukewarmly: "There is no overnight hatred in the family, since you understand that's good. Get up quickly."

Gu Cheng Yao got up, Gao Ran followed up and saluted: "Maternal grandmother."

Princess Shou Kang snorted obviously, not even looking. Gao Ran showed an aggrieved look, Gu Cheng Yao felt distressed. But Gu Hui Yan was still calmly sit, even if Gu Cheng Yao was angry, he did not dare to move.

It was also at this time that Princess Shou Kang realized that there was one more person. She looked at the exquisite girl like a New Year picture in the hall, and she was slightly stunned: "This is..."

Lin Wei Xi stepped forward and knocked her head three times to Princess Shou Kang: "This little girl is Lin Wei Xi, pay respect to Grand Princess."

Princess Shou Kang looked at the woman on the ground, her eyes unconsciously widened. Gu Hui Yan saw this gave an explanation: "When quelling the Northwest rebellion, I was careless. It was her father who fought hard to cover for me. You should have an impression of Marquis Zhongyong a while ago. After the Northwest rebellion was subsided, I met this young girl who had lost her mother since she was young, and now her father also dead. It is not a way to live alone, so I took her to the capital. Today, I brought the juniors to greet you, and she also come along."

After Princess Shou Kang listened to this, the inexplicable throbbing in her heart became more and more obvious. She asked someone to help Lin Wei Xi up, and beckoned her to move closer and looked at her for a while, warmly covering the back of Lin Wei Xi's hand with her rough hands, and asked: "Your name is Lin Wei Xi, what is your nickname?"

"This little girl had no mother since she was born, and she didn't have a baby name. Everyone in the family called me Sister Xi."

"Sister Xi." Even the name was exactly the same, Princess Shou Kang's eyes suddenly became wet, "Okay, just call Sister Xi. When were you born?"

"At maoshi (5-7 am) of fifteenth of the first lunar month."

Hearing this Gao Ran's eyes widened, and Gu Cheng Yao's face was also a little strange. When Gu Hui Yan saw this his eyebrows slightly moved, he asked calmly: "What's the matter?"

Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao didn't speak, the old woman in the princess mansion wiped her tears and said, "Reporting to Yan Wang, the birthday of our eldest miss is the fifteenth of the first lunar month, only in youshi (5-7 pm)."

Gao Xi had been close to their family since childhood, and the people in princess mansion directly called her eldest miss.

Gu Hui Yan was also surprised when he heard this: "It's such a coincidence."

The same nickname, the same last syllable, and even the same birthday. That strange feeling came again, and Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi who was standing at the front, suddenly felt a sense of trance.

For a split second, Gu Cheng Yao almost felt that the one standing in front of him was his deceased first wife, his former resentful spouse, Gao Xi.

Author’s note:

Lin Wei Xi will not recognize the princess. She is a pure ancient woman. Modern people must consider self-protection when encountering such things. She is influenced by ancient etiquette and will not take the initiative to expose her own identity, even if it was her grandmother.

Chapter 15 : Against

"This Xi girl and I have a destiny." Princess Shou Kang was still depressed when she first came out, but now her eyes burst with light again. The telepathy between relatives were really indescribable. Lin Wei Xi did not dare to tell her grandmother the truth, but Princess Shou Kang still followed the calling in her blood that brought an unspeakable closeness to Lin Wei Xi. Princess Shou Kang stubbornly felt that this was her granddaughter, and her Sister Xi was back.

Princess Shou Kang couldn't help crying. She wiped away the tears with her fingers, and smiled at everyone: "Let you laugh, it’s easy to be sentimental when you are old, everything you see can make you recall the memories."

Everyone in the room whispered their comfort, Gu Hui Yan He also said, "Auntie, what are you talking about? Lin Wei Xi’s blood relations are also thin. If looking at her can make you happy then you can talk more to relieve your sorrow, it will be really great."

After Grand Princess Shou Kang cried, her heart was obviously much lighter. She looked at Lin Wei Xi, she indeed really pleasing to her eyes: "You were born during Lantern Festival* maoshi (5-7 am), this time is good. I always felt that Gao Xi's birthday was too noisy, I am afraid I can't hold it down. She was born on the 15th day of the first lunar month at yaoshi (5-7 pm). When it’s time to light the lanterns, the whole city was full of fireworks. Although festive, but it was too noisy, afraid it would weakening the good fortune. Your hour is just right, when the sky started to brighten, all living things just waken up, just like your name, Xi (dawn), shining and bright!"

*Spring lantern festival celebrated on 15th day of the first month of Chinese calendar.

"Thanking Grand Princess."

"Why do you sound so distant. Your life also has thin blood relations. You lost your parents at such a young age, even don’t have uncles and cousins. Although I was born in the royal family, but the brothers and sisters each have their own family, even the half already down on the ground. There was only one daughter under my knees, and she passed away a long time ago. Even the only granddaughter... I have the fate of the white-haired person who sends the black-haired person."

This was Grand Princess Shou Kang’s wound that made her extremely hurt. An old mama from the princess mansion saw this and said: "Miss Lin to be orphaned since young, and our princess is also empty under her knees. It would be good for Miss Lin to call the princess grandmother, right! Then Miss Lin will have a relative that can protect her, and our princess also has been wishing about it for so many years."

The most regrettable thing in Grand Princess Shou Kang’s life was her poor blessing in children. Lin Wei Xi had been educated by Princess Shou Kang for many years. In her heart, Princess Shou Kang was much closer and more qualified than her nominal grandmother, Duke Yingguo Madam. Unfortunately, the character ‘outside’* divided the closeness. Lin Wei Xi looked at the expectant eyes of Princess Shou Kang, smiled lightly, and said crisply, "Grandmother."**

*Ok this one is slightly confusing, so Princess Shou Kang is Lin Wei Xi’s maternal grandmother, the pinyin for is ‘Waizumu’ while paternal grandmother is ‘Zumu’, the wai in waizumu means ‘outside’ or ‘foreign’. So basically Lin Wei Xi feels uncomfortable with the addition ‘wai’ or ‘outside’ when calling the princess ‘Waizumu’ as she feels much closer to her ‘outside grandma’ then the actual zumu/grandma. I hope it’s not too confusing.

**In here she said ‘Zumu’ which means paternal grandmother.

Princess Shou Kang's eyes were hot, and she made a heavy "hey" as an agreement, afterward Princess Shou Kang wanted to cry again. The old servants that were standing on the side also one after another turned their faces to wipe their tears.

At the front Grand Princess Shou Kang and Lin Wei Xi were enjoying themselves, as they acknowledged each other as grandparents and grandchildren. The few people standing at the back looked stiff, all kinds of thoughts flashed through their minds.

Gu Cheng Yao felt even more dazed, and his gaze at Lin Wei Xi was also clouded. Gao Ran silently looked at Gu Cheng Yao. After seeing his expression, Gao Ran bit her lip, her hatred for Gao Xi became even more obvious.

Originally it was Gao Xi who grabbed her position. Gao Xi relied on being a di daughter and collude with her grandmother to distort the facts and deceive Yan Wang and Gu Cheng Yao into marriage. God knows how shocked Gao Ran was when she saw Gu Cheng Yao at the wedding. Back then Gu Cheng Yao was injured and didn't see Gao Ran's face, but Gao Ran remembered Gu Cheng Yao's appearance. Combining with the rumors that Gao Xi vaguely passed on a fish jade pendant, Gao Ran finally understand everything. Just like the vicious princesses in the fairy tale who replaced the life-saving grace, Gao Xi shamelessly stole the credits that did not belong to her, and snatched away the prince.

How desperate and hated Gao Ran during that time, don't even mention it, but fortunately the prince and the princess who replaced the kindness did not have a happy marriage. This was the happiest thing for Gao Ran.

Later, the fake princess died, and Gao Ran finally married her prince charming as she wished, and as soon as she entered the door, she won the love of the entire palace. Gao Ran thought that her story would continue happily like a fairy tale. It didn't matter even if Gu Cheng Yao had a close servant girl and tongfang. Sooner or later, she will capture Gu Cheng Yao's heart. But now Gao Ran saw Gu Cheng Yao's gaze on another woman, and that woman had an unparalleled beauty, suddenly Gao Ran couldn't bear the jealousy in her heart.

Gao Ran finally regained her marriage, she will not allow anyone to destroy it. Lin Wei Xi’s character was too standard, she arrived after Gao Ran getting married, when she just came she won the favor of the villain Princess Shou Kang, her attitude was noble and her body was delicate. Every label proves that this was Gao Ran’s female enemy in life, the one ‘little white flower’.

Gao Ran looked at Lin Wei Xi's back with strong hostility in her eyes. From the previous life to transmigrating into this life, she had never lost a struggle with women. Gao Xi’s family could not beat her, an orphan with only a beautiful face, how could she be her opponent.

Gao Ran just took a glance and then retracted her gaze, restraining her eyes to think about the next tactics. Lin Wei Xi was emotional and did not notice the movement behind her. She finally saw her grandmother, even after separation from death. Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell Princess Shou Kang the truth without talking about her strange power. She couldn't take the risk, but it didn't affect her filial piety to her grandmother. Anyway, she didn’t plan to marry anymore, she would spend all her time being filial to Princess Shou Kang, even if they were no longer real grandparents and grandchildren.

Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi and Princess Shou Kang became familiar with each other at first sight. He sat and watched quietly for a while, and then said to Lin Wei Xi, "It's a good thing that you and auntie have a relationship with each other. It’s a good day, there is no need to cry. Go outside and wash your face first. Your face is a mess."

Lin Wei Xi was shocked when she heard this, her face was a mess? Oh my God, she was so ugly again in front of Yan Wang.

Lin Wei Xi's cheeks flushed. She really thought that her appearances were completely ruined, and couldn't care about anything else, hurried down to get her make-up fixed. After Lin Wei Xi left, Gu Hui Yan found an excuse to send Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran out. Grand Princess Shou Kang had foreseen this since Gu Yan Hui said Lin Wei Xi’s face was a mess, she leaned against the pillow while smiling and asked: "Yan Wang deliberately sent everyone out, what you wish to say to this old person?"

"Aunt should already guess it, I want to talk about Lin Wei Xi’s matter." Gu Hui Yan said, "Her father died to save me. After Lin Yong passed away, she has no relatives in her hometown. It is I who let her down, that’s why I have to take care of her in place of Lin Yong, at any rate I want to find a reliable husband for her."

Grand Princess Shou Kang nodded: "Yan Wang is thoughtful. She is a little girl who has no support, it’s hard to avoid people from bullying. In any case it’s good to find her a good marriage, so that she can have someone to rely on in the future."

"That's what I meant." Gu Hui Yan sighed helplessly. "But she is very resistant to being married for some reason. I mentioned it twice before and she was reluctant, finally even annoyed me."

"Oh?" Princess Shou Kang was very surprised, Lin Wei Xi, a little girl, dare to get angry with Gu Hui Yan? When did Gu Hui Yan’s temper get better?

Gu Hui Yan didn’t want to say more about it. He dropped it and said to Princess Shou Kang: “I personally wrote to you to seek marriage with the eldest daughter of the Duke Yingguo Mansion. It’s a pity that that dog son was stubborn and has let Gao Xi down, and also failed to live up to your expectation. I know that I will have no face to mention this to you, but Lin Wei Xi has not come out of the boudoir after all, even if her father and I have a life-saving friendship, living in the Yan Wang Mansion for a long time will end up being unjustified. It will be detrimental to her reputation. So I can only shamelessly raise this request to you."

Grand Princess Shou Kang had already understood: "You want me to find a good marriage for her."

"Yes." Gu Hui Yan, he didn’t expect that one day he would worry about this kind of thing, but Lin Wei Xi’s body was not strong but her temper was fierce. Gu Hui Yan had no choice but to entrust it to other people. "If she knows that I mention this matters again she will certainly explode, I saw that she and Aunt are close, it is better for you to mention it."

"When her filial piety period will be over?"

"May this year."

Not long, only two months left. Princess Shou Kang thoughtfully nodded, readily agreed. Old people always worry about the marriage of younger generations. She saw Lin Wei Xi as if she had seen her own granddaughter, and she would choose a good husband for her granddaughter. There was no reason to refuse this kind of thing. Gu Hui Yan secretly felt relieved when he saw Princess Shou Kang's condition. Since Gao Xi's death, Princess Shou Kang's condition has deteriorated day by day. She had nothing to anchoring her this world, had no vitality, and her body was naturally deteriorating. Now he could find something for Princess Shou Kang to do, and could also solve Lin Wei Xi's marital affairs. It was like killing two birds with one stone, so why not do it?

Gu Hui Yan achieved his two purposes today. There were many things waiting for him outside. He didn't have much time, so he got up and left. Lin Wei Xi had just returned from fixing herself up, and she was forcibly taken away by Yan Wang without even sitting. Lin Wei Xi reluctantly bid farewell to Grand Princess Shou Kang and boarded the carriage of Yan Wang Mansion.

This visit was of great significance. Yan Wang used his actions to smash the rumors in the capital about the discord between Yan Wang Mansion and Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion, and clearly stated his position. Gao Xi this previous Shizi Consort was still the daughter-in-law admitted by Yan Wang, and all the rumors in the capital were complete nonsense.

The atmosphere inside Wang Yan's Mansion also quietly changed. Yan Wang's high-profile visit to Princess Shou Kang Mansion was to restore Gao Xi's name, but it was also felt like a slap in the face for Gao Ran. Even if the relationship between Gao Xi and Gu Cheng Yao was a mess, Gao Xi was still the daughter-in-law that Yan Wang accepted, the original consort of Yan Wang Mansion, Gao Ran’s inexplicable sense of superiority can take a rest.

Gao Ran was not happy, but she immediately told herself, day by day seeing people’s heart and after a long time Yan Wang would definitely be able to see her good point and then he would acknowledge her. But before that, Gao Ran needs to deal with the other threats first.

The weather was getting warmer, the winter clothes were gradually put away, and all girls who loves beautiful things immediately put on light spring clothes. Lin Wei Xi had been living in Yan Wang’s Mansion for nearly a month. At first, everyone only treated her as a guest, with Gao Ran fanned the flames in the back. However as time passed, Lin Wei Xi was like a fish back in the water in Yan Wang Mansion, and the people in the mansion were more and more used to Lin Wei Xi’s existence. Because of Lin Wei Xi's detached status, some people even regard Lin Wei Xi as a backer, and there was no shortage of flattering people.

Gao Ran was inexplicably frustrated during this period of time. It was obvious that there was only one mistress in the mansion, but suddenly there was Lin Wei Xi who annoyingly Gao Ran could not admonished, Gao Ran even had to hold this person like a sister-in-law. The more respected Lin Wei Xi in the mansion, the more Gao Ran's heart suffered.

One afternoon, Gao Ran invited Lin Wei Xi to the garden to enjoy the flowers and talk. In her words, the mansion now has two female relatives, and they were close like sisters. Lin Wei Xi in that instance got goosebumps all over her body. She was bored and passed the time by pulling the petals, when suddenly she saw Gao Ran let people brought out a lot of fruit plates, and chess games, embroidery sheds, and all kinds of entertainments. Lin Wei Xi raised her eyebrows, while Gao Ran smiled gently, and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Today is a good spring day, it is a good time to go for a hike. It's just a pity that we can't go out of the house, so let's take a walk in the garden and chat for fun. "

Gao Ran acted like she accidentally picked up a chess piece, and said: "Miss Lin, do you know how to play chess? The sun is so good today, how about we also play the chess elegantly in the middle of these flowers?"

Lin Wei Xi looked at the black stone in Gao Ran's hand, and smiled softly, "Alright."

Lin Wei Xi generously sat down across Gao Ran. Gao Ran was picking out the misplaced chess piece, her wrist swing gracefully and slowly, with a smile on her lips, casually said: "Miss Lin, chess is boring, why don't we change to a new game."

"Oh, what a new game?"

"Gomoku."

Chapter 16 : War

Sure enough, Lin Wei Xi smiled when she heard this, playing with the crystal clear white jade chess pieces which almost exuding warmth within her fingers, and asked: "What kind of gameplay is this, I have never heard of it before."

Ning Fu who served on the side answered: "This is a new method that our Shizi Consort has come up with. It is easy and interesting. Many young masters and misses in the Duke mansion like it."

Lin Wei Xi smiled and did not speak. Seeing her eyes focused on the chess piece, Gao Ran gently added: "This is my dowry. It is called black and white warm jade chess. It is made from warm jade. Whenever it is taken out, it will be radiant and warm. It will protect the body after a long time."

Ning Fu thought Lin Wei Xi didn’t know what warm jade was, so she said quickly: "Miss Lin hasn’t seen this kind of jade before? This is not ordinary jade. Even in the capital, there are no market for warm jade because it’s too difficult to find. But in Shizi Consort’s dowry, it is nothing more than an ordinary dowry."

"Ning Fu." Gao Ran slightly reproached her, "Giving more dowry is the elders’ love, this is my grandmother cherishing me. How is it when it comes from your mouth it sounds like boasting?" After finished speaking, Gao Ran looked at Lin Wei Xi and nodded a little embarrassed: "Let Miss Lin laughed. Miss Lin please don’t take to mind, even if precious, if not practical it’s merely a worldly possession. Let’s play chess."

Lin Wei Xi looked at the chess pieces in her hand and smiled meaningfully: "Shizi Consort is really open-minded."

Wasn't she really open-minded? A year ago, this was Lin Wei Xi’s things.

This was Lin Wei Xi's dowry before, and Gao Ran's maid just then hurriedly explained it to Lin Wei Xi. It was so ridiculous, made her teeth itchy from laughing.

Lin Wei Xi knew that after her death, her dowry would have to be redistributed by Duke Yingguo Mansion. She even acquiesced to this possibility in her heart. But when the result was really revealed in front of her, Lin Wei Xi found that she still couldn't let go.

Not only these chess pieces in front of her, Lin Wei Xi raised her eyes, and the surrounding gold and silver decorations, the porcelains, and even the sandalwood furniture on display all had a sense of familiarity.

Lin Wei Xi hurriedly retracted her gaze, if she looked at it again she would be furious. Seeing Lin Wei Xi’s face stiff, Gao Ran thought that Lin Wei Xi was frightened by her wealthy family background. She looked down in her heart. She smiled graciously and said: "This Ning Fu always run her mouth, often she just said some nonsense, Miss Lin doesn’t have to mind, she doesn’t have any bad intentions.”

"If she can’t control her own mouth, then she should be punished. If she still doesn’t know how to speak, then you can sell her to a slave trader.” Lin Wei Xi originally felt uncomfortable, when she heard Gao Ran’s words, she immediately explodes. She looked at Gao Ran impatiently, her voice still carries fragileness, but what she said was unforgiving, "The maid does not discipline well, but makes too many excuses to other people. Why should I excuse you? Your dog bites people, don’t you need to put her down?"

Wan Xing let out a "pfft", but hurriedly shrank her shoulders and lowered her head after seeing the sight of others. Even so, people could see that her shoulders shaking slightly.

Wan Xing was bought directly from outside, so she was inevitably worse in the big scene. Wan Yue had experienced in the big house before, so she was much calmer than Wan Xing, even if she really wanted to laugh, she had to hold back.

Ning Fu was embarrassed by Lin Wei Xi's words, and with Wan Xing laughing behind, her eyes became red immediately. Ning Fu and the other dowry maids stared at Lin Wei Xi angrily, and Gao Ran felt faceless when she was criticized by others in front of many servants.

Tao Mama and a few others were glowering, Gao Ran glanced back, her eyes moved slightly, and she still said with a good temper: "Ning Fu is straightforward, only said what was on her mind, not like those people that have a crooked heart. She is not malicious, I’m afraid Miss Lin may have misunderstood her."

"What does Shizi Consort mean? Do you mean by being outspoken, so there is no malice? I am also very straightforward, Shizi Consort are you not happy? Moreover who is this with crooked hearts in Shizi Consort’s words referring to?"

Lin Wei Xi did not wait for Gao Ran to reply after speaking, and the courtyard was abnormally silent at this time. Lin Wei Xi paused for a moment, suddenly became alerted.

Gao Ran, this listless person, came up with her skill again! Lin Wei Xi was always like this before she was reborn. It was obvious that the other party said something plausible first. After provoking Lin Wei Xi's temper, Gao Ran began to pretend to be dumb and wronged. At this time, it must happen that an elder or brothers passed by!

Lin Wei Xi felt suffocated and turned back, she saw Gu Cheng Yao standing not far away. What's worse, Gu Hui Yan was also standing in front of him.

Gao Ran had already stood up at this time, and graciously bowed to Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao, looking gentle and generous, while Lin Wei Xi looked aggressive, and seemed unable to recognize other people’s good intentions.

Lin Wei Xi stood up coldly, saluted hard, her heart was so angry it wanted to explode. Gu Cheng Yao kept frowning, only to be patient with Lin Wei Xi as she was a guest.

Compared to the unhappy Gu Cheng Yao, Gu Hui Yan's face was much calmer, people couldn't see what he was thinking at all. Gu Hui Yan led people to come closer, and the maids on both sides gave way. Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran both bowed their heads and lightly called, "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan glanced across the chessboard, did not show joy or anger, only asking casually: "Are you playing chess?"

Gao Ran rushed to speak, "Yes. This daughter-in-law often plays a new style of chess with my brothers and sisters at home. I was talking about this new style of game with Miss Lin, and didn't notice that Wangye and Shizi. Please Wangye, forgive me."

Lin Wei Xi snorted inwardly. She did not know how many similar scenes she had seen like now. Gao Ran took the initiative to cover it up with chess, as a result, Lin Wei Xi's reputation for making trouble for no reason and not knowing what was good or bad became more solid.

Gu Hui Yan acted like he really believes Gao Ran and Lin Wei Xi talking about chess. He smiled and asked, "Oh? I don't know how to play this new style of chess. What is it like?"

Gao Ran said the gomoku game again. Gu Hui Yan smiled after hearing this, there was interest in his eyes: "The first player to have five pieces line up win. This method is new."

"Let my father laugh." Gao Ran pursed her lips and chuckled, and Tao mama next to her added immediately, "Wangye, this gomoku, our lady came up with the gameplay herself."

The smile in Gu Hui Yan’s eyes deepened: "It’s rare. Since you two want to play, there is no need to delay, you just continue.”

Gao Ran smiled slightly, tilted her head inquiringly at Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi restrained her stomach full of fire, her eyes glowed brightly, and even her voice was choking: "I'll go down, afraid you will not succeed?"

After hearing this, Gao Ran frowned, and nodded apologetically to Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao, then stretched out her hand to signal Lin Wei Xi to take a seat first.

Lin Wei Xi sat down directly with a cold face. When Gu Hui Yan saw it, an imperceptible smile flashed across his eyes.

Gao Ran sat on the opposite side while holding a bright black stone between her fingers and said: "Miss Lin played for the first time. I have the advantage. It's better for me to yield three stones for Miss Lin."

"No need to bother, if you really want to yield, why don’t you give the first four moves for me as well?" Lin Wei Xi looked unhappy, and her tone as if she had eaten chili. She looked at Gao Ran's face and raised her eyebrows lightly: "Why, unwilling? Then stop putting on an act, even if you are not tired, I'm the one that tired."

"Miss Lin!" Gu Cheng Yao unable to put up with it any longer, could not help but gave a warning tone. These words of his poked a big trouble. Lin Wei Xi turned her head, her eyes almost spouting flames: "What are you shouting to me for? I didn't talk to you!"

When Lin Wei Xi said this her eyes were bright, vivid and powerful, the whole exquisite hibiscus face*, that didn’t resemble a real person, really came alive. It could only be said that a beauty is a beauty. Even if she twisted words and force logic, the opposite could not really be angry. Moreover, Lin Wei Xi had a weak body. Such a delicate beauty was glaring and put on a tyrannical appearance, putting it on other people it would look coquettish.

*Metaphor for beautiful faces.

Gu Cheng Yao was choked into speechlessness. Gu Hui Yan did not hold his smile, tilted his head while smiling, and said: "Chess is the way of a noble people, pay attention to virtue."

Lin Wei Xi barely held back her temper, and Gao Ran, who was sitting on the opposite side of the chessboard, subtly gave birth to a sense of being neglected. Her mind felt cold, this was not the effect she wanted to achieve. Gao Ran hurriedly spoke, drawing everyone's attention back to herself: "Miss Lin, I will move first, you let me win*."

*Polite words to say after winning a game

Gao Ran was full of confidence. Chess was her shortcoming, but when it comes to gomoku and checkers, how could these ancient people compare to her? Gao Ran intended to show off her ability in front of her husband and Yan Wang, also to let everyone see who was the ‘Miss Perfect’ with inner qualities and self-cultivation, and who was the empty straw bag with only beauty and no brain.

Gao Ran was still imagining whether her chess posture was graceful, and whether her eyebrows showed the beauty of a serious woman, she was fine-tuning her angle, and suddenly saw Lin Wei Xi put the chess piece between her fingers into the chess box.

Gao Ran was slightly taken aback, what had Lin Wei Xi done? She was a little displeased: "What happened?"

Gu Cheng Yao frowned and didn't speak. Instead, Gu Hui Yan smiled lightly, and gestured at the chessboard with his eyes: "She wins."

Lin Wei Xi win? Gao Ran was shocked, impossible! They played gomoku, how could an ancient person win?

Gao Ran hurriedly went to look at the chessboard and found that, as Yan Wang said, Lin Wei Xi had already joined the five stones first, and Gao Ran who was immersed with her thoughts about whether her posture was beautiful enough, didn't even notice.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue watched from behind. The two of them actually didn’t understand, but if Yan Wang said that their miss won, there would never be a mistake. Wan Xing immediately clapped her hands happily: "Miss only played for the first time just now, but she wins against Shizi Consort who came up this gameplay? Miss is really amazing."

Gao Ran's face went red all of a sudden. Since she “invented” Gomoku at the age of eight, relying on the cheap rules she had never lost. This time she was really careless, and she lost so much face. Gao Ran learned from it painfully, withdrew the unnecessary thoughts, and played the second game with Lin Wei Xi wholeheartedly.

However, this time Gao Ran did not hold on for long before she was easily taken down by Lin Wei Xi.

Gao Ran completely stunned, facing the crowd she smiled awkwardly, stroking the loose hair on her temple, and said: "Miss Lin is really intelligent, quickly realized that I was absent-minded, let everyone laughed"

Gao Ran vaguely hinted that she was deliberately letting Lin Wei Xi win, Lin Wei Xi snorted disdainfully. She thought no one was paying attention, but Gu Hui Yan was actually watching.

Gu Hui Yan tilted his head and coughed lightly, hiding the smile on his lips. Gu Cheng Yao actually noticed Lin Wei Xi's small movements, he was a little embarrassed, and then saw Yan Wang actually smiled, Gu Cheng Yao was shocked beyond words.

For some reason, Gu Cheng Yao suddenly had a very subtle feeling.

After Gao Ran forcibly regained her respect, she straightened her expression and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Three wins in five games. Miss Lin, please."

Gao Ran faintly revealed that she just yield to Lin Wei Xi before and now she was serious. Gao Ran put on the previous life’s attitude of preparing for an exam and stared at the chessboard intently. Her reputation and face were on the line, she could not lose.

The third game was full of gunpowder from the beginning, Gao Ran was eager to win, and Lin Wei Xi also changed her previous style and became extremely aggressive, only offense and not defense. At first, Gao Ran wanted to take advantage of Lin Wei Xi’s eager attack and chaotic moves to size an opportunity and score a victory, but she soon discovered the phrase "offense is the best defense" was correct. She was tired to contain Lin Wei Xi, and her pieces arrangement was a mess, and when she was run around all over the place, Lin Wei Xi won without a word.

Lin Wei Xi put the white chess piece between her fingers on the board, and smiled at Gao Ran, with a somewhat unapologetic triumphed looks: "Three wins in five rounds, you are welcome."

Gao Ran was dumbfounded before she realized Lin Wei Xi's words "You are welcome" was the answer to her remarks "You let me win" at the start.

Gao Ran felt unprecedented shame... and aggrieved. She never expected that she, a transmigrated woman, would lose playing a modern game with an ancient girl. And so before Gao Ran really thoughts that she would win and was talking big, now... after living in both lives for so many years, it was not an exaggeration to discover for the first time she wanted to drill herself to the ground.

Especially with Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao were still watching, Gao Ran sat awkwardly on the spot, unable to stand up. Seeing this, her maid hurriedly said: "The spring cold is chilling, and the wind is strong today. Was Shizi Consort stimulated by the cold?"

Gao Ran raised her hand to her forehead when she heard this, "Maybe, since I woke up this morning, I was a little distracted, always remember things wrong."

Gu Cheng Yao saw this, so he had to go over to hold Gao Ran's arm, and thoughtfully said: "Since you are not feeling well, go back quickly, the garden is windy, be careful of the cold."

Gao Ran gratefully looked at him, her expression tender and soft as water. Lin Wei Xi got up slowly, looked at Gao Ran as if she was seriously ill, weakly being helped away. Gu Hui Yan still stood where he was, watching Lin Wei Xi's expression, and asked amusedly: "What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing." Lin Wei Xi said very heavily, enunciating words by words, "The wind is strong, I have a headache."

Gu Cheng Yao had not gone far paused when he heard this sentence, and then heard Gu Hui Yan’s melodious laugh behind him. Even though the sound was very soft, the joy in it was true: "Since you got a headache, hurry up go back and take a rest."

Chapter 17 : Dowry

Lin Wei Xi didn't have a good face all the way, and when she returned to her room, Wan Xing couldn't hold back her excitement anymore. She quickly pulled Lin Wei Xi's sleeve and said, "Miss, you're so amazing! That was your first time playing chess, but able to beat Shizi Consort until she doesn’t have energy to turn things around.”

After she heard this, Lin Wei Xi’s complexion improved, indifferently said: “It’s not that difficult. The first time playing it may be disadvantage because of the rules, but it’s actually very easy after getting familiar with it. It’s much simpler than the proper chess technique. If you two like it, I can teach you."

"Really? Thank you Miss!"

Wan Xing almost jumped up happily, Wan Yue was more steady, but smiled after hearing this. Lin Wei Xi looked at these two lively maids who had not been wore out theirs humanity by the high gate compound, and smiled unconsciously.

She was too far away from this simple happiness.

Lin Wei Xi remembers that in her previous life, she recited thousand character classic at the age of three, went to school at the age of five, and began to learn the four arts at the age of six. A six-year-old child couldn't sit still, let her learn all this, the effect one could imagined. Then a year later, Gao Ran suddenly changed her temperament from her former self. Not only her manner of speak, but she also recognized words and learned guqin much faster than Lin Wei Xi. With such a strong contrast, Lin Wei Xi felt more and more unpleasant. She was scared, so she began to study more seriously.

It was a pity that Lin Wei Xi, a real child, could not compare to the adult in Gao Ran's shell. In class, the master still prefers Gao Ran and frequently praises her by name. The grandmother, father, and brothers in the family slowly but surely changed their attitude. That feeling was really terrifying, watching what was originally hers being taken away, and the loved ones who loved her liked another person more, and she didn't even know what she had to do to stop it.

It seemed that overnight, the family love and friendship that belong to Gao Xi were taken away by Gao Ran, the only one left was her mother Wei shi and her identity as eldest granddaughter.

Of course she was afraid. Sometimes people who were tougher actually more vulnerable. Unfortunately, Lin Wei Xi was this kind of person. In order to regain the attention of her loved ones, and to preserve the dignity as di eldest sister, she began to work harder in private. At school, Gao Ran could master new things in a stick of incense. Lin Wei Xi couldn't do it. On the surface she didn't care, but after returning to her yard, she tried desperately to make up for it, spending double the time to catch up with her lag in class. However, even if she worked so hard, she didn't dare to let anyone knows, Gao Ran could do it easily, but she had to spend a lot of work in private. How could such a thing be known?

She was too headstrong, she would rather smash the silver teeth to invigorate the blood, and never show in front of outsiders how much effort she had done.

When she was ten years old her mother died because of accidental miscarriage, Grand Princess Shoukang was furious and took her to the princess mansion. After that, she lived in the princess mansion for almost a year, and finally escaped from Gao Ran's shadow.

The ten years old Gao Xi really regarded Gao Ran as an insurmountable opponent. It was not until later when she saw the heavenly book she finally understand that Gao Ran was not naturally intelligent. Gao Ran just wore a young shell, with a twenty-six-year-old mind, among six-year-old children she was like a fish in the water. When the peers were six years old, Gao Ran had obvious advantages, but when they reached sixteen or seventeen, the gap was very small.

Lin Wei Xi was growing, but Gao Ran was stagnated. Gao Ran immersed in the false prosperity brought by the age benefit, while ignoring the truth from ancient times, like rowing a boat upstream, if you stop moving forward you will fall back. But Gao Xi since she was a child had worked harder than her peers because of her powerful shu younger sister.

In her previous life, Lin Wei Xi had learned gomoku and checkers in private, and after listened to it once she could also remember Gao Ran's novel song, but Gao Ran did not lay a solid foundation for her four arts.

For Lin Wei Xi, who had a solid foundation in chess, gomoku was not difficult. She understood after practicing two games in private. But for Gao Ran, once deprived of the advanced stuff that modern times brought to her, she had nothing else.

To catch somebody off guard was a powerful method to win, but a general who could only rely on surprise attack, sooner or later he would die from his laziness and arrogance. Gao Ran put too much on superstitious skills, and neglects true strength. Like today's scene, even if Gao Ran tried her best, she couldn't beat Lin Wei Xi, who had already mastered gomoku.

Before Lin Wei Xi playing, she didn't expect that she would win three rounds in a row, completely crushing her opponent. It was also when she was holding the white jade chess piece that Lin Wei Xi suddenly realized that the insurmountable peak that had brought her endless pressure at the age of ten had collapsed. Gao Ran could no longer be Lin Wei Xi's opponent, except in men and women’s affair.

Gu Cheng Yao was simply the fatal wound in Lin Wei Xi's heart. She loved, hated, resented and even abandoned herself before she was reborn, but Gu Cheng Yao just didn't love her, what could she do? Following the journey to the capital, Lin Wei Xi for the first time in her life got along with outside male for a long period of time. With Zhou Mao Cheng and other reticent soldier silently took care of her, Lin Wei Xi felt that perhaps she might not be so bad, maybe it was Gu Cheng Yao who was blind.

When Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Cheng Yao now, the strong love and hatred when she reborn were gone. Now she just wants to see him not living well. If possible, Lin Wei Xi would like to run a few step on him herself.

Today, Lin Wei Xi looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar Yan Wang Mansion, and Jingdan Garden which almost exactly the same as her previous marriage courtyard, and realized that she finally reconciled with her past. Lin Wei Xi and Gao Xi had truly merged into one person.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue had been chatting for a long time, and found that Lin Wei Xi hadn't spoken for a while. The two of them asked strangely: "Miss, what's the matter with you?"

"Nothing." Lin Wei Xi stood up and walked to the window, pushed open the delicately carved red painted window frame, looked at the vibrant spring outside the house, her lips lightly rise forming a smile, "I'm just thinking, maybe it's time to find Grand Princess and propose to move in with her."

Even though there was still unwillingness in her heart, but in the end people still need to move forward. Yan Wang Mansion was her past, her ex-husband Gu Cheng Yao and shu younger sister Gao Ran, their love stories would make them tossed each other, Lin Wei Xi should start her new life.

Wan Xing was shocked when she heard this: "Miss Lin, do you want to move? Did someone bully you? Miss, if you feel aggrieved, let's go to Yan Wang. How can you move out?"

"No." Lin Wei Xi said, "I have no relations with Yan Wang Mansion, and if we always live here eventually will cast a bad name. Yan Wang is polite and righteous, considerately letting us treat the mansion as our own place, but we can't really take it for granted."

Wan Xing still wanted to say something, but was held back by Wan Yue. She said: "Miss, this worried slave understands. It's just that... Miss only met Grand Princess not too long ago, to propose to live in the princess mansion. Isn't it a bit too presumptuous?"

Lin Wei Xi stared blankly, she almost forgot that her surname was Lin now. She still regarded Grand Princess Shoukang as her grandmother in her heart, but for Princess Shoukang, Lin Wei Xi was just a junior who somewhat had a close karma with her. It was very rude to want hurriedly move in to the princess mansion when they barely met.

Lin Wei Xi rubbed her forehead with a headache: "Forget it, this matter has to be discussed for a long time. Today's words are all swallowed in your stomach, you are not allowed to say it outside, you understand?"

Wan Xing and Wan Yue hurriedly bowed their heads, "Yes."

Lin Wei Xi's plan to move to her grandmother's place was stranded, and she could only continue to live in Yan Wang Mansion. Lin Wei Xi even moved on to the idea of buying a house in the capital. It doesn't need to be big, a small three entry was enough. Lin Wei Xi over here was still thinking, and after a few days on the other side, Gao Ran's inexplicable headache could be said to getting better. What happened that day was also lightly revealed, Gao Ran was still the kind and generous Shizi Consort.

Lin Wei Xi had already determined to let Gao Ran passed, but Gao Ran refused. Her hostility towards Lin Wei Xi grew deeper, because Lin Wei Xi embarrassed her, Gao Ran had to find other ways to make up for it.

One morning, Gao Ran invited Lin Wei Xi to her courtyard again. Lin Wei Xi was extremely fed up, but she gave Gu Hui Yan face and didn't want to be too ugly with his daughter-in-law at Yan Wang Mansion, so she resisted her disgust.

Not long after Lin Wei Xi sat down, she saw Ning Fu brought a gilded rabbit-shaped incense burner from outside. The carving was exquisite and the base even inlaid with fine rubies.

Whether the materials or craftsmanship, it was an incomparable treasure.

Lin Wei Xi’s eyes hurt when she saw this rabbit-shaped incense burner. Gao Ran put the incense burner on the high table, deliberately slowly lifted the lid, lit the scented stick, and said to Lin Wei Xi: "I am used to light fragrance at home. I’m not accustomed to the smell of agarwood in the mansion. This is the thousand-step incense from the shop under my name. It is the latest fragrance this year. Is it alright for you to smell it, Miss Lin?"

Lin Wei Xi didn't even look at it, and said coldly, "The guest follows the host, you can burn it if you want."

At this time, Tao mama came out from the inner room with a delicate and complicatedly carved lacquer box in her hand, her expression seemed anxious: "Where did Shizi Consort’s filigree golden sapphire buyao* go? A complete set of sapphire head ornament, why is this one missing?"

*Dangling women’s hair ornament.

Inside and outside the house the maids respond one after another, after a while, this gorgeous buyao was finally found, Lin Wei Xi personally watched them put the buyao into the lacquer box. The luminous gems and glided shells on the lacquer box complemented each other, it hurt people’s eyes.

Lin Wei Xi didn't know what to say. If Gao Ran wanted to scare her away with her family background, she should change a set of fine porcelain tea sets calmly. Showing off gold and silver jewelry, what is this?

But Tao mama was still incessantly chattering in her ears, saying that this sets of head ornament was especially given to Gao Ran by Duke Yingguo madam, how much Shizi and the old lady (furen) valued Gao Ran and so on. Lin Wei Xi couldn't bear it, and asked carelessly: "Since the Duke Mansion put this kind of importance to Shizi Consort, why I haven't seen your house madam (taitai) come and talk to Shizi Consort in the past few days?"

Tao mama chattering stopped all of sudden, even Gao Ran’s expression was stagnant.

*Madam (taitai) and grandma (nainai) were common addresses in large families. The grandchildren generation married women usually called it grandma (nainai), and mother-in-law's generation usually called madam (taitai). Only in the household that was granted honorable title, can you call it "lady" (furen). But obviously, no matter if it was madam (taitai) or lady (furen), these titles have nothing to do with the concubine room.

Lin Wei Xi didn't plan to wait for an answer. She looked at the rabbit-shaped incense burner that was spitting incense, and gave a second blow: "This incense burner is made into a rabbit shape, I guess it’s a novelty. Are you born in the year of rabbit?"

Gao Ran's expression was obviously embarrassed. Gao Ran was born in the year of dragon, she was one year younger than Gao Xi. The rabbit-shaped incense burner used to belong to Gao Xi, obviously, it was aimed for Gao Xi when it was created.

The people in the room became quiet all of a sudden. Lin Wei Xi was very satisfied. With a smile on her lips, she issued a third blow: "I really envy the Shizi Consort who has ready-made gold and silver wares. In the future, I need to melt and forge new jewelry. Although my dad left me all the land deeds, Jin Shu Iron Deed, and court awards, these gold and silver wares were made under the supervision of the Ministry of Rites and had a special stamp on them. If I want to use gold, I can only go buy outside."

Gao Ran inherited part of Gao Xi's dowry, followed by subsidies from her father and grandmother. It was true that she was rich, but could a dowry from the Duke Mansion was that the same as inheriting the entire Marquis Mansion's property?

Lin Wei Xi was satisfied to see these group of people shut up. Did they actually want to compare wealth with her?

Lin Wei Xi didn't want to care about these people, but they insisted for her to call them out. These people if they were not scolded would they feel uncomfortable?

Gao Ran of course couldn't sit down here anymore, Lin Wei Xi sarcastically went back to her house. But as soon as she sat down, the expression on her face changed.

"Miss?"

Lin Wei Xi called Wan Xing over, and whispered in her ear, "You go out to inquire about Gao Ran's dowry. You don't have to ask about it, just pick up what you can while chatting."

Wan Xing quickly took her orders and left. Lin Wei Xi looked at the delicate white porcelain vase on the pear-wood table, still angry till her teeth itchy.

No, Lin Wei Xi was still a normal human being. She was definitely determined to turn everything over and restart her life again, but seeing Gao Ran's righteously occupied Lin Wei Xi's property, she was so angry that she wanted to poison Gao Ran.

Enough is enough, in the end what is the dowry mean?

Chapter 18 : Net Worth

After Wan Xing inquired about it for several days, Lin Wei Xi finally pieced together the truth about the dowry.

Last year Gao Xi died of illness, and Yan Wang Mansion had a flourishing business, naturally they would not be greedy for their daughter-in-law’s dowry, so Gao Xi’s dowry was hand over to Duke Yingguo Mansion intact. And the Duke Yingguo Mansion’s idea of remarrying a girl with the surname Gao came in, with a very generous dowry. Later, Duke Yingguo Shizi and Gu Cheng Yao reached an agreement to let Gao Ran married in as the second wife. The Duke Yingguo Mansion was overjoyed. At that time, to won over Gao Ran they transferred all of Gao Xi’s dowry to Gao Ran, and also set aside some silver as protection money for Gao Ran.

Gao Xi was the eldest di granddaughter of Duke Mansion so her dowry was very considerable, and she also her mother Wei shi’s only child. Wei shi's dowry plus the dowry prepared by Duke Yingguo Mansion, and the private subsidy by Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gao Xi's net worth could well be imagined.

Later, Gao Xi died of illness without having any children. If the married daughter had no children, the dowry must be returned to the parent’s family. At that time, Gao Ran's re-marriage was already firmly established. If Duke Yingguo Madam wanted to win over the in-laws of Yan Wang Mansion, then Gao Ran’s attitude was very important. Duke Yingguo Madam was bleeding heavily and transferred most of Gao Xi's dowry to Gao Ran, adding another four new sets of head ornaments and jewelry. However, Gao Xi's dowry was still contains Wei shi’s stuffs. If it was an ordinary daughter-in-law, Duke Yingguo Madam, the mother-in-law, could directly call the shots, but Wei shi was a princess’s daughter, which made it a bit tricky.

Wei shi has been dead for many years, she only had one daughter under her knees, so all Wei shi's dowry should be inherited by Gao Xi, and her family had no right to recover it. The trouble was Gao Xi also passed away at a young age, and she did not leave any descendants. Duke Yingguo Mansion was very anxious when handling Gao Xi's estate. Although Grand Princess Shou Kang had no successors over the years, and the family was in decline, but as long as Princess Shou Kang still alive for one day, she would still be an imperial family, the grandaunt of the current emperor. The decline of the Princess Shou Kang Mansion was the imperial family's own business. If outsiders dare not to give face to the princess, then they would be at odds with the imperial clan.

Duke Yingguo Mansion still had scruples about this senior princess, and could only politely passed the words to the princess mansion, asking how the Grand Princess Shou Kang would handle Gao Xi’s and even Wei shi's dowry.

Grand Princess Shou Kang had enjoyed the imperial worship for a lifetime. When she opened her own account, she didn't have to suffer from her mother-in-law and sister-in-law opinions. Her property was nothing but a worldly possessions, and she was not obsess with it. Although the princess mansion where Shou Kang lives now bears her title, after she dies, the princess mansion would be taken back by the imperial clan and would be awarded to another princess after they repair it. It had nothing to do with fuma’s family. Grand Princess Shou Kang did not have a son, and the huge family property would be returned to the national treasury after death, so the dowry of the married daughter was not as important as in the ordinary family.

If this was an ordinary shu daughter, after Gao Xi's death, Wei shi's dowry would be inherited by the shu daughter, even if she had no relation with Wei shi and Grand Princess Shou Kang. But Gao Ran was the daughter of the Han shi, the culprit who killed Wei shi in the first place, how could Princess Shou Kang let this nest of sluts took such a big advantage? After receiving the letter, Grand Princess Shou Kang sneered, immediately ignored the faces of her in-laws, and ordered the mansion steward to go to Duke Yingguo Mansion. The Duke Mansion planned to give Gao Ran how much dowry she didn’t care, but Wei shi's things and what she prepared for her granddaughter Gao Xi, even a small melon seed had to be return.

After many years, the princess mansion took back the dowry of their married daughter, this face-slapping was too heavy. The high gate households valued face the most. In this way, Grand Princess Shou Kang in front of the entire capital threw Duke Yinggo Mansion’s face to the ground and step on it. Duke Yingguo madam was furious, but who made the other has surname ‘Gu’. Duke Yingguo madam suffered terribly but she did not dare to do anything to Grand Princess Shou Kang except privately scolded a few sentences in front of her son and daughter-in-law. Now that the in-laws of the two houses had become enemies, Duke Yingguo madam also had a cold face, secretly spread about those uncommon things in the princess mansion. They were the dignified Duke Yingguo Mansion. How could the Gao family not able to afford a dowry when married off their daughters?

So Gao Ran’s dowry was the part prepared by Duke Yingguo Mansion for Gao Xi’s dowry. After that, some four-season clothes and gold and silver jewelry were added. Of course, these dowries was not bad, but to put it in the capital, it was only an ordinary noble daughter level. The capital noble family were as many as dogs, and there were numerous women who had superior family background. Gao Xi's dowry was sky-high in the eyes of ordinary people, but in front of women of the same class it was just so-so.

Wei shi was the only daughter, and Gao Xi was also the only daughter. The accumulation of dowries for three generations could not be underestimated, and Gao Ran did not have the financial support of her mother's family. The dowry prepared by Duke Yingguo Mansion was actually mediocre. After all, Duke Yingguo Mansion’s descendants were many. Even if Gao Ran married high, she was also no more than a married daughter. Could she compare with the duke mansion’s son and grandson? However, if Gao Ran gets the financial power of her husband's house in Yan Wang Mansion, it was another matter. No matter how deep the family background was, don’t compared it with imperial family’s riches and honor. The day when they could be compared was probably the day when the family would be cleanly cut.

Lin Wei Xi breathed a sigh of relief when she learned that the dowry of her mother Wei shi and the land deed that her grandmother privately subsidized for her had been taken back by the Princess Mansion. That's good, the dowry given to her by Duke Yingguo Mansion was the private property of the Gao family, and if they were willing to transfer it to Gao Ran, Lin Wei Xi had nothing to say, and didn't care much. However, the relics of her mother Wei shi no matter what couldn't be tainted by Gao Ran.

His mother's relics and grandmother's things did not fall into Gao Ran's hands. Lin Wei Xi was extremely happy. For a few days, the people she met felt her joyful spirit. She even looked at Gao Ran with kindness in her eyes. It seems that what Gao Ran got was far inferior from what she had originally. Lin Wei Xi showed deep regret on the outside but in fact extremely happy.

Now thinking about Gao Ran showing off wealth a few days ago, Lin Wei Xi felt more and more ridiculous. During evening meal Lin Wei Xi looked at Gao Ran with an inexplicable smile, from time to time Gao Ran took a glance at her, Lin Wei Xi deliberately did not conceal her actions. Gao Ran felt a little upset for some reason, even Gu Cheng Yao glanced at Lin Wei Xi strangely.

Halfway through the meal, Lin Wei Xi basically no longer moved her chopsticks, just poking her own rice. After Gu Hui Yan stopped, she immediately put the chopsticks down. Because she somewhat put the chopsticks too quickly, Gu Hui Yan looked over to her: "Eat well, don't laugh foolishly."

Lin Wei Xi was dissatisfied with this sentence: "What foolish laugh?"

When all the servants in the room heard this they were shocked dumbly, even Gu Cheng Yao was surprised. Miss Lin was a very special existence in the mansion. No matter who they offended still could not offend Miss Lin.

Sure enough, Gu Hui Yan didn't care when he heard this kind of contradiction. Instead, he changed the topic and talked about another thing: "You will remove the mourning clothes in May. There is not much time left. Are all relevant things ready?"

Lin Wei Xi pursed her lip, she did not answer, rather looked at Gu Hui Yan: "I must remove the mourning clothes in Yan Wang Mansion?"

Gu Yan Hui gently looked at her: "Otherwise?"

The people on the side who were listening could not stand it, Yan Wang took the initiative to arrange Miss Lin’s filial piety matters, but Lin Wei Xi actually showed reluctance? Gao Ran's expression wasn't very good at this time. Lin Wei Xi rather too pretentious, and Yan Wang was also too much, why spoiling this kind of hypocritical and pretentious woman? But Gu Hui Yan mentioned this, and Gu Cheng Yao, who was sitting next to her, had no objection. Gao Ran just smiled and agreed: "Coming out from filial piety period is a major event. Miss Lin can remove the mourning clothes in Yan Wang Mansion, truly has a fate with the mansion. I have never manage a filial piety matter before. If there is an unsatisfactory place, please ask Miss Lin for understanding.”

Gao Ran buried the nail in her words secretly. It was a polite sentence. Who knows what kind of answer Lin Wei Xi would give, "Since Shizi Consort has never arrange weddings and funerals matters, so let's forget it. Getting rid the mourning clothes is not major event anyway, I can arrange it myself, there is no need for Shizi Consort to learn now."

The scene was suddenly become awkward, Gao Ran did not expect her polite words would be analyze and criticized by Lin Wei Xi, her mouth stiffened, and could only justify herself: "Although I am young, I have been guided by my grandmother and elders at home and have handled some major events. Since Miss Lin lives in the mansion, you are our distinguished guest, the matter of removing mourning clothes, how can we let you, a guest, prepare it yourself?"

"What's wrong, I'm the only one left in the Lin family. If I didn't meet His Highness Yan Wang, what can't I do by myself?" Speaking until here, Lin Wei Xi glanced to the side, she dared to choke Gao Ran face to face, but did not dare to brush Gu Hui Yan's face. To speak frankly, the right to decide this matter was still in Gu Hui Yan’s hand. Seeing Gu Hui Yan’s calm expression, Lin Wei Xi felt the invisible pressure and hurriedly said some flattery words: "I have a fate with His Highness Yan Wang. It’s not because of the fate with Yan Wang Mansion. It makes no sense to ask Yan Wang Mansion to help me remove the mourning clothes. His Highness, don’t you think so?"

"Why is it makes no sense?" Gu Hui Yan looked amiably at Lin Wei Xi, but the words that came out were completely different "Is there a difference in your eyes between Yan Wang Mansion and I?"

"Of course there is a difference. Yan Wang is you, but Yan Wang Mansion is a family conferred by the court. If other people in the mansion instigate me, I will certainly ignore it, but if it is you Yan Wang, as long as you ask, I will offer my life in sacrifice. Without hesitation."

Gu Hui Yan finally laughed and glanced at Lin Wei Xi lightly: "You can talk."

Lin Wei Xi knew when she heard it there is still hope: "Then the matter is decided like this?"

"It's up to you."

Lin Wei Xi immediately smiled, in the end still did not forget to turn to Gao Ran's direction: "Although the guest usually comply with the host, but it is better not to inconvenience you. Shizi Consort does not have to worry about learning. His Highness has agreed. I will handle it myself."

At this time still not forget to bring him up, Gu Hui Yan felt helpless and funny. This little girl's mind was too far away from him. Gu Hui Yan used to being surrounded by blood-stained military reports or cold court struggles. Suddenly, a little girl pulls him into scheming his own children. It was as if he also infected by another person world’s firework. Although thin and shallow, but this feelings was not bad.

Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao sat together, and when Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gao Ran, Gu Cheng Yao naturally saw it clearly. Both his upbringing and childhood experience tell him that he should like gentle and generous women, and Gu Cheng Yao has also thought so for so many years. Lin Wei Xi was the opposite from the female virtues that he expected. Gu Cheng Yao originally thought he would fed up, but when he really encountered Lin Wei Xi's undisguised provocation, he found that he was not impatient, but calm and faintly helpless. It's like... indulging.

Gu Cheng Yao was taken aback by his own thoughts, and immediately laughed at himself, what foolish though he was thinking, Gao Ran is his fated person that he search before. It was just because of his father's face, that he tolerated Lin Wei Xi in every possible way.

The two male masters showed an indulging attitude towards Lin Wei Xi, Gao Ran immediately became unhappy. She believed in her heart that Lin Wei Xi was deliberate, deliberately went the other way to attract Gu Cheng Yao's attention, and then further pretended to be pitiful in front of Gu Cheng Yao. Gao Ran was so angry that her liver hurts, in her heart she became more determined to quickly make Lin Wei Xi move out. Yan Wang's Mansion could only have her as the mistress, and could not tolerate a second mistress.

The matter of Lin Wei Xi's mourning clothes removal finalized like that. Gu Hui Yan said that Lin Wei Xi was allowed to handle it on her own, but later he send some people to help her. Lin Wei Xi showed some reluctances, but Gu Hui Yan said, "This is my personal name that send over some manpower. Didn't you say that you don't want to accept the help of the Yan Wang Mansion, but you won’t reject Yan Wang."

Okay, Lin Wei Xi obediently shut her mouth.

On the third day of May, Lin Wei Xi took off her white mourning clothes and took off the fine white flowers on her hair. The three years of father's filial piety officially ended. Even so, Lin Wei Xi remembered the kindness of Lin Yong and the original body, she did not put on bright red clothes, but still attired herself with plain color.

Grand Princess Shou Kang also paid close attention to Lin Wei Xi's mourning clothes removal. Just by chance it would be the Dragon Boat Festival not long after. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager were going to Xiyuan to watch the dragon boat race, accompanied by the imperial family members and court officials. Grand Princess Shou Kang had sent Lin Wei Xi new clothes and new jewelry early on, she was ready to dress Lin Wei Xi up, and then led her out to formally introduce her to the ladies and wives of the capital.

Lin Wei Xi looked at the Yun brocade dress and sighed, but couldn't bear to disappoint her grandmother, so she followed the wishes of Grand Princess Shou Kang and dressed up grandly.

How could Lin Wei Xi think that Grand Princess Shou Kang had the idea of finding her a potential husband at this time.

Chapter 19 : Family

On the fifth day of May, the servants of the Yan Wang Mansion had started moving around since dawn. Today the emperor set up a dragon boat in Xiyuan (west park), and Yan Wang Mansion was the highlight of the accompanying list. Afterwards there would be a series of activities such as the Dragon Boat Festival feast and the sacrifice of the five poisons in the palace. Afraid that Yan Wang need to go out at the earliest time.

Seeing that the whole day there would no times to rest, since early in the morning the servants of the mansion already stretched their nerves. The calamus hanging screens and other things in the mansion were arranged yesterday. Early this morning, the carriage for the womenfolk stopped at the second gate. Nowadays, high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital traveled with arrogance, but Yan Wang had been in the army for many years, he long ago already developed iron-like rules, how could he take a sedan chair? Not only Gu Hui Yan, even Gu Cheng Yao, who grew up in the capital, was not allowed to riding arrogantly no matter how far he went.

Gu Mingda was holding Zhaoxue*, standing outside the Chui Hua Gate like a post, Zhaoxue puffed his nose. Gu Hui Yan wore a dragon imperial robe with a first-grade Qinwang jade belt tied around his waist, standing with his hands in front of him. Gu Cheng Yao also changed into corresponding imperial clan clothing, but his specifications were one level lower than Gu Hui Yan's in all aspects. Didn’t know if it’s because of the reduction in patterns, obviously the same color, Gu Cheng Yao wore a Qinwang Shizi clothes, he clearly an elegant noble son, but once standing next to Gu Hui Yan, he was immediately suppressed and completely lack power to compete. People passing through the Chu Hua Gate could see Yan Wang at first sight, and they could only see Yan Wang. They hold their breath and bow their heads, did not dare to rise.

*Zhaoxue means shining snow, Gu Hui Yan’s horse

Gu Hui Yan was waiting outside Chu Hua Gate, the carriage behind him was ready, just waiting for the womenfolk inside to leave. Normally Gu Hui Yan would not wait exceeding half a cup of tea from the time of issuing order to the departure of the whole army. He ruled the army extremely strictly, and it was absolutely impossible for people not showed up when the time is up. No one below dared to let Gu Hui Yan wait. But the capital was different from his fief, and person he was waiting for was also different from the strictly obedience soldiers.

All the men and horses stood quietly. Unknown who was the first to make a sound, it was like a stone being thrown into the middle of the lake. The quiet and solemn corridor immediately came alive: "Miss Lin is here."

Lin Wei Xi accompanied by Wan Xing and Wan Yue arrived at the second gate, she saw the outside scene through the gate, she was startled, immediately quickened her pace: "Your Highness, you have already arrived? Since you have arrived, why didn't you go in and call me? It’s my fault to make you wait."

Lin Wei Xi walked across the streak of morning light, and the vermilion pillars and the white morning ray became her background. Gu Hui Yan took a second look at this scene. Lin Wei Xi today wore a white silk top and silvery red horse-face skirt, around the knees were embroidered with large jewel-like flowers with silver thread, and on her hair was a simple hairpin that was covered with fine crystals, which slightly reflected the broken light as she walked. The facial features were more and more beautiful, unlike a real person. When she was still in her mourning period she used to dress plainly, and her beauty already stunning enough. Now she put on a magnificent dress, and the whole person simply like it had a built-in soft focus, which naturally attracts attention.

No matter who was passing by, they always had to look back and look again when they ran into her. Everyone had their own opinions about beauty, but for Lin Wei Xi's kind of bloomed to the utmost beauty, even if they didn't say anything, their eyes still revealed their most honest thoughts. Some beauties were like tea, weak but delicate. Some beauties were like peony, magnificent but silly. And Lin Wei Xi was probably a rough ruby polished to the extreme. You can dislike her, but you cannot say that she is not good-looking.

From the moment Lin Wei Xi showed up, everyone present uncontrollably cast their eyes on her. When she walked these eyes followed her secretly. Until Lin Wei Xi stood in front of Gu Hui Yan, the men present then looked away nonchalantly.

Gu Hui Yan also silently complimented. Before, he knew Lin Wei Xi was good-looking, but he would get used to it after seeing the same face every day. He also paid more attention to Lin Wei Xi's noisy character. At this moment, Lin Wei Xi dressed up and her essence was finely crafted, immediately showed its powerful lethality.

But Gu Hui Yan only exclaimed in his heart, and that was it. Women with different shapes, each with its own beauty, in any case he already experienced many strong wind and big waves. Even if Lin Wei Xi was so beautiful, except for the first moment of surprise, it was difficult to shake Gu Hui Yan's mind afterwards. Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything, and signaled Lin Wei Xi to enter the carriage behind: "It's okay, get in the car."

Lin Wei Xi didn't pay much attention to the surrounding. She sincerely felt apologetic: "To make you wait is very rude of me. Have you waited for long? Why didn’t you let people go in and call me, I thought it’s not ready outside..."

"It’s okay." Looking at Lin Wei Xi’s guilty and beautifully contoured eyes, who could get angry, not to mention Gu Hui Yan would never blame Lin Wei Xi. After he finished speaking, seeing Lin Wei Xi still couldn't let go, he smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, they should wait for you. Get in the carriage first."

Lin Wei Xi was originally ashamed, but couldn't help chuckle when she heard this. This smile was like a gem reflecting colorful luster under the sun, which made people dizzy. After Gu Hui Yan said this, Lin Wei Xi's heart really relaxed a lot. She looked away from Gu Hui Yan, stepped back slightly, and saluted to Gu Cheng Yao and Gu Mingda who followed behind. After she greeted them in a unified manner, she took her maid to get in the carriage.

Gu Cheng Yao was a little impatient at first, but seeing Lin Wei Xi appear stunningly, immediately that little impatience gone without a trace. Later, Lin Wei Xi ran towards Yan Wang, Gu Cheng Yao had a strange feeling for some reason. After Lin Wei Xi and his father had finished speaking, Lin Wei Xi finally turned her gaze to the back. After a hasty greeting, she turned away. Gu Cheng Yao felt very subtle in his heart. With so many of them waiting outside, could Lin Wei Xi only see Yan Wang?

When Lin Wei Xi got in the carriage, she saw Gao Ran was already seated. Seeing Lin Wei Xi getting in, Gao Ran pursed her lips and smiled lightly: "Why Miss Lin just coming now? Does it take too much time to get ready?"

Lin Wei Xi was very indifferent to Gao Ran's attitude, deliberately said the wrong time, this Gao Ran had the nerve to do such a thing. Lin Wei Xi chuckled softly, holding her clothes and sat, then carefully pressed the skirt folds one by one: "I didn't know that Shizi Consort actually can predict the future, to come one stick of an incense early. I really thank you."

Gao Ran laughed and said, "Miss Lin is polite. What my father dislikes the most is being late, so Miss Lin shouldn't do this in the future."

Lin Wei Xi snorted softly, too lazy to care about her. The carriage shook for a moment, and then grumbled forward, and no one spoke in the car for a while. Gao Ran was secretly proud to lower Lin Wei Xi's impression points in front of everyone, but she didn't know that it was her behavior that made Lin Wei Xi had a grand entrance.

The world always didn't need reason in front of beauties.

The carriage of Yan Wang Mansion drove out of the mansion, and all the people along the way when they saw this, whether officials or pedestrians, everyone gave way. After arriving at the palace gate, the eunuch dressed in yellow saw the familiar figure and waited at the door from a distance. Even Lin Wei Xi's carriage also received great treatments.

Gao Ran got out of the carriage first, followed by Lin Wei Xi. When the eunuch who led the way saw Lin Wei Xi, he glanced in surprise, then lowered his gaze, his courteous and respectful attitude was just right: "Pay respect to Shizi Consort, pay respect to noble person. The two noble person please follow this slave to this side."

Xiyuan was located to the west of the palace, next to Forbidden City, surrounded by water, which could be regarded as an imperial private water garden. Today's dragon boat race was set up in Xiyuan, and the family members of the Yan Wang Mansion immediately caused a great sensation. Grand Princess Shoukang arrived early this morning. Upon hearing the announcement from the palace maid, her eyes immediately turned to the voice.

As Shizi Consort of Yan Wang, Gao Ran was surrounded by many people as soon as she appeared. It said that the new Shizi Consort was very much loved by the Shizi as she entered the door, this however was not the end of it. Gao Ran who was born as shu daughter originally was nothing, became Shizi Consort this heavy identity. Backed by Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion these two heavy patron, Gao Ran's status increased several steps. The noble madams who once only nodded indifferently to Gao Ran have all changed from the past, now they were incredibly enthusiastic towards Gao Ran. Gao Ran was proud in her heart, she smiled reservedly, and greeted all the ladies one by one, with an upper class young lady imposing manner.

The ladies enthusiastically approached Gao Ran. Lin Wei Xi didn't like being too close to people, so she stepped back. She was avoiding the crowd, and a voice suddenly came to her ear: "Duke Yingguo Mansion has arrived."

The world around Lin Wei Xi seemed to be emptied out in an instant. She stood there for a while, and the voice in her ear gradually returned to being noisy. She turned her head slowly and saw not far away the fluttering of elegant skirt, and the jingling of jewelry. The people from Duke Yingguo Mansion held hands with familiar madams and young ladies, amiably asked about each other situation. A maid next to Duke Yingguo madam saw Gao Ran and quickly smiled and said, "Shizi Consort is also here."

"Grandma is here." Everyone in the Gao family smiled and greeted Gao Ran. Duke Yingguo madam held Gao Ran's hand. Pulling her to say something to the people around her, Gao Ran’s reply made Duke Yingguo madam laughed, even the wrinkle in the corner of her eyes were squeezed out. The grandparent was compassionate, the grandchildren was filial, who would not admire such a happy and prosperous family picture.

Even Lin Wei Xi smiled at this scene. What a loving picture of twenty-four filial piety*. Gao Ran had married, her brother was the only son of the Duke Yingguo Shizi, the children had this kind of future prospect, Han shi was rising in Duke Yingguo Mansion, heard that she already helped managing the household of Shizi’s courtyard. There was no wife in the main house, and the husband intended to make his son the heir. Han shi now bears the name of a concubine, but she was no different from the wife of the house.

*Twenty-four filial piety exemplars is classic Confucian text on filial piety from Yuan dynasty, it compiles 24 stories of filial son in ancient China.

Now, who will remember Wei Shi and Gao Xi? Although Wei shi was noble, it’s an indisputable fact that Princess Shoukang's Mansion was going downhill.

It was something that people have known for a long time, but Lin Wei Xi still feels sad at this moment.

The familiar voices behind them were still talking and laughing, Lin Wei Xi did not stop, and left without looking back.

Duke Yingguo madam was surrounded by her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, and she was still holding the best-married granddaughter in her hand. It was reasonable to say that she was a perfectly blessed person. But at this moment, her heart jumped suddenly. She looked up and saw a woman wearing a silvery red dress walking away from them. She obviously had a slender and outstanding back, but didn’t know why it somehow revealed a decisiveness. Duke Yingguo madam’s heart inexplicably sped up, as if at this moment, something important was leaving her, and her proud family, descendants, wealth, and the originally glorious future, from this moment on had become flowers in a mirror and the moon reflected on the lake*, become unknown.

*It’s a metaphor for an illusory scene.

"Grandma?"

Duke Yingguo madam returned to her senses and saw Gao Ran worriedly looking at her. Duke Yingguo madam smiled, secretly mocking her old age, why worry about personal gains and losses. Her granddaughter had climbed up to Yan Wang Mansion, and she also gained the love of Yan Wang Shizi. Her precious son cared more and more of the family, so she turned a blind eye to Han shi this concubine. Everything was going in a good direction. Duke Yingguo Mansion had a strong presence on the outside and harmonious inside. The bright future of the duke mansion could be seen with naked eye. How could she gave birth to such baseless speculations.

Chapter 20 : Stunning

The corner of Gao Ran's eyes swept over Lin Wei Xi's "lonely" departure, she laughed in her heart, and suddenly exclaimed "Ah", revealing a little anxiety: "Look at my memory. I was busy talking to grandmother, I left the other person by herself. Where's Miss Lin? Before I go out, I promised my father to take good care of Miss Lin today. She comes out for the first time I’m afraid she is shy with strangers."

A quick-mouthed madam couldn't help asking, "Miss Lin? who is this? '

"A daughter of my father’s old friend. She is also pitiful, lost both of her parents and has no one to rely on, father took pity of her lonely hardship, brought her to the mansion to stay."

The madams there at once understand, the daughter of an old friend who lived relying on somebody else’s charity, an orphan, and the life experience was pitiful. These madam-in-charge chuckled and said to Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort is indeed attentive and kind, always remember the daughter of an old friend."

Marquis Zhongyong Lin Yong in the powerful capital city was like throwing a stone to a drifting river, right away drowned without a sound. Why would these ladies and wives with eyes higher than the sky still remember who Marquis Zhongyong was. They would not think in this direction when they heard the surname Lin. They really thought this was like a miserable and pitiful female younger cousin character.

Duke Yingguo madam overthrown this idea. Her no longer young eyes were indifferent, and her tone both light and scrutinizing: "Is this the orphan that Yan Wang brought back some time ago? It is not easy for you to marry into the mansion. The most important thing is to have an heir, you don’t have to worry too much about other stuffs.”

Duke Yingguo madam didn’t care much about this orphan girl. A nominal marquis’s daughter, who had no vision and knowledge, just casually find a place and then walked away, not even saying a sentence. Obviously, Duke Yingguo madam would think this way because she had never seen Lin Wei Xi, nor had she been to Yan Wang Mansion.

Gao Ran said this originally to show her benevolence and capability, but she was embarrassed by Duke Yingguo madam. Gao Ran secretly scolded Duke Yingguo madam as feudal relics, but she and this cheap grandmother were just close on the surface anyway, she didn't treat Duke Yingguo Mansion as her home, so she just put on her face.

Gao Ran thought this way and said, "This Miss Lin has a very pitiful background. Both her parents have died and she has no uncles or relatives. She has been staying at her aunt's house before. Later, when Wangye saw her alone, he took her to the mansion. I was loved by my grandmother and father since I was born. I didn’t know that there was such a poor person in the world. When I saw Miss Lin, I felt more and more grateful to my family. Being able to have my grandmother’s protection is the heaven granted me a favor, so I even more want to support Miss Lin a little bit, if the Buddha sees it, it might accumulate blessings for my grandmother and younger brother."

After the words were said Duke Yingguo madam repeatedly called her good child, the surrounding madam also praise Gao Ran for her filial piety. Gao Ran pursed her lips and smiled. After refusing a couple of times, she turned to asked Ning Fu gently and softly: "What about Miss Lin, why is she disappeared? It just so happens that all the madam are here. I want to introduce Miss Lin to my grandmother and the madams."

Gao Ran remembered her past life. When she was looking for a relationship she tried to mix into a rich second-generation party, a Miss Perfect classmate who took her to the banquet, introduced her to others in this way. Gao Ran was anxious and happy at that time, thinking that she was accepted by that social class. Until today, the same scene has happened to her. Gao Ran didn't know what was accepted by the other social class. When introduced like that, it was kind of condescending charity.

Gao Ran looked around but didn't find Lin Wei Xi. Seeing her like this, the surroundings ladies and wives also looked around: "Xiyuan is an imperial forbidden garden, why running around..."

They were looking around, and suddenly a voice came from behind: "The dragon boat hasn't started yet, what are you looking for?"

When everyone turned around, they all laughed when they saw the person who came: "Old ancestors, greetings*."

*Wanfu that translated as thousands blessing is salutations done by women.

The people of Duke Yingguo was embarrassed, but still followed to say hello to Grand Princess Shou Kang: "Peace for Grand Princess."

Grand Princess Shou Kang walked slowly with the help of others. She was smiling, although there are traces of years on her face, she was much more energetic than before, and the whole person looks full of vitality, as if several years younger. She smiled and asked: "Seeing from far way how lively you are talking. Who are you talking about?"

Gao Ran wanted to answer quickly, but was intercepted by another quick-mouthed young lady: "Shizi Consort is talking about how two days ago His Highness Yan Wang brought back this woman, I heard that both of her parents have died and she is staying in the mansion. Shizi Consort is very sympathetic to this woman. We are complimenting her filial piety."

"Oh?" Princess Shou Kang gave Gao Ran a cold look, with an undisguised mockery in her eyes, "If I did not recognize this Lin girl and listened to the description of Shizi Consort, I would have thought that Yan Wang had brought another person back."

It's a well-known secret that Grand Princess Shou Kang and Gao Ran of Duke Yingguo Mansion did not get along with each other, but no one expected that Princess Shou Kang would not give face in such a big scene like today. Everyone's laughter froze, Gao Ran was highly sought after in the capital, but she couldn't speak in front of Grand Princess Shou Kang. Princess Shou Kang was Gao Ran's nominal maternal grandmother, and Gao Ran had no qualifications to speak up.

Duke Yingguo madam’s face sank. She and Princess Shou Kang were the same generation old noblewomen. If Shou Kang had not been a princess, how could Duke Yingguo madam who had good children and grandchildren fear her. However, having said that, the identity of the princess was not a joke. The Duke Yingguo madam was not happy, but she didn’t show it on the surface, turned around and try to mediate: "The third girl is sincere, what is the matter with the princess, to take her anger with the third girl?"

Princess Shou Kang sneered while ignoring her, she turned around and showed a benevolent looks, patted the hand of the person beside her lovingly, and said: "Since you are talking about her, then I will show you my newly recognized granddaughter, Sister Xi."

When they heard this name, many familiar madams were stunned, Sister Xi? They looked at the woman next to Grand Princess Shou Kang and found that this young girl was beautiful and dazzling. Although they had never seen her before, she obviously was not the eldest lady Gao Xi from the Duke Yingguo Mansion.

Lin Wei Xi took a step forward and greeted everyone in a smooth flow: "Madams, greetings."

Seeing everyone's doubts, Grand Princess Shou Kang smiled and said, "This child was brought by Yan Wang. The first time I saw her I feel a connection with her, like she is no different from my own granddaughter. Also don’t know what’s wrong, I haven’t seen each other for a few days, feels like separate for a few years. Just now I call her away as soon as I saw her. Sister Xi is well mannered, she said she cannot leave without giving notice. So I took her to talk to Shizi Consort, she will follow me for a while, and there was no need for the Shizi Consort to ‘supposedly’ take care of her."

The relatives of officials and nobilities in the capital gave Gao Ran a face, but Grand Princess Shou Kang obviously did not need to do that. Having her face ridiculed in front of everyone by Grand Princess Shou Kang, Gao Ran was very frustrated and said: "It’s a good thing that maternal grandmother and Miss Lin hit it off with each other. I originally with good intention want to let some of these madams meet Miss Lin. I didn't expect to be misunderstood by grandmother."

"Good intention? Sister Xi doesn’t need your good intention." Princess Shou Kang snorted coldly, and said, "She lost her parents when she was young is not fake, but her father was named Marquis Zhongyong by the court. There are thousand hectares of fertile land under her name, wherever she want to place her home it will be easy. Just two days ago Yan Wang said to me that Sister Xi only temporary lives in the mansion, how when it came from your mouth it become so ugly? "

Grand Princess was lecturing the younger generation, many madams quietly raised their eyebrows, and bowed their head with a subtle smile, without interjecting. Duke Yingguo madam could not stand idly by and watch, frowning: "The third girl obviously had well-intention, I’m afraid Grand Princess is bias, looked at it incorrectly and what it this Sister Xi, how can call her this name?"

Duke Yingguo madam was shocked when she heard Sister Xi. If she didn't know that it was impossible, she thought Grand Princess Shou Kang was calling Gao Xi.

How can call her this name? Lin Wei Xi was sad when she heard her former grandmother could say such a thing, and the smile on her face also became lonely: "This little girl's name is Wei Xi, from childhood my father have called me Sister Xi. Listen to Duke Yingguo madam’s means, is my name inappropriate? But this is what my father leave behind. Now that father has passed away, for other child, how can the name be changed?"

"Change what name? She has a ghost in her heart, and still want to manage other people's names?" Shou Kang unhappily glanced at Duke Yingguo madam, her tone was bad "Marquis Zhongyong gave his life for the country. He is a loyal and brave man drafted by the emperor and First Assistant. Now has only this drop of blood remains in the Lin family, Duke madam put away your domineering style! This martyr's daughter is not someone you can bully."

Duke Yingguo madam’s face was ashen, to had a reputation for bullying orphans, widow or elderly was already offensive, and if the other party is a martyr's child, if one was not careful they could even be impeached. Duke Yingguo Mansion was indeed gaining momentum, but it was mostly stained with the light of Yan Wang Mansion, their in-law. The Gao family's influence in the court was very mediocre. Duke Yingguo madam was tensed for half a day, still did not dare to take a risk with her son's career, could only put on a soft expression, and said: "I just heard the name familiar, mentioned it without thinking it through. How did Miss Lin understand it to change the name? Just last year I was the white hair that send off the black hair, and Sister Xi was only seventeen. In my heart was still mourning, when I heard the familiar name I became distracted."

Lin Wei Xi looked down, her eyes turned disdainful and sad. Duke Yingguo madam actually used the dead as a shield. It was so funny, she was attacked by her grandmother with her own death face to face.

Seeing this, the madam standing next to her hurriedly mediated: "It's all done, it's all a misunderstanding, just let it go. This girl is good-looking, this is the first time I have seen this kind of beauty."

Lin Wei Xi's mood was ups and downs, when she saw this she just pretended to be shy and bowed her head to cover up the strong resentment and anger in her eyes. Grand Princess Shou Kang didn’t want to be unpleasant on such a good day, besides she was still in the palace, so she followed up with a smile: “Sister Xi just came out of filial piety the day before yesterday, she just appear and move around now, for the first time to show her face, making you laugh."

"What did the princess say?" The madams looked at Lin Wei Xi, their eyes flashed eagerly. It turned out to be the daughter of Marquis Zhongyong, who was very hot in the capital some time ago. They didn't expect that she was this beautiful and easy to talk, even obtain the acknowledgement of Grand Princess, which is amazing. Listening to Gao Ran's narrative just now, they really thought it was a shameless refugee.

Grand Princess Shou Kang patted Lin Wei Xi's hand affectionately, and yelled at the crowd: "You can't despise her just because she has no relatives. Later, when she marries, I will emptied out the bottom of my box for her, to keep up the appearances."

Of course, everyone laughed and said flatteries, and the madams who had a son at home was already active. Although Lin Wei Xi's background was not high, but they unable to resist the other’s generous dowry. She carried the whole assets of Marquis Mansion and had the Grand princess add to the trousseau, and her looks was like this... if someday took her back to marry the name Lin’s family loyal and brave was also a very useful bargaining chip.

Seeing that Grand Princess Shou Kang had achieved her goal, she smiled, leaving a few polite words and took Lin Wei Xi away. From start to finish, Grand Princess Shou Kang didn't acknowledge Gao Ran, she and Duke Yingguo Mansion didn't even bother to pretend to have a face.

Gao Ran forced a smile. After they left, a madam complained without thinking to Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort really! You said so modestly. I really thought this was just an ordinary girl. Marquis Zhongyong’s daughter, this status is still very good, but she has no relatives, which is a bit of a disadvantage. However, she looks good, and these flaws are nothing."

Gao Ran heard this her expression was very cold, and another madam also added a sentence: "Isn't it? How many people I have met in the capital for so many years, this is the first time I have seen such an attractive person. Exquisite and honest youth, so young! Hey, Shizi Consort what’s wrong with you?"

Gao Ran turned her head and smiled gently: "It's nothing, thinking of Shizi's instructions before leaving the house, I was a little distracted."

When Gu Cheng Yao was mentioned, these madams immediately put down Lin Wei Xi and talked about Yan Wang Mansion enthusiastically. Gao Ran put the focus on herself again, and lightly hummed in her heart. Gao Ran intended to lower Lin Wei Xi's first appearance, as long as the first impression of these madams were destroyed, Lin Wei Xi would not marry a good person in the future. However, she did not expect that Lin Wei Xi would have caught up with Grand Princess Shou Kang so soon, and Princess Shou Kang was willing to come forward to introduce Lin Wei Xi. To enter the social circle the first introducer was the most important, if not for the support of Princess Shou Kang, how these eyes higher than the sky officials and noble madams could smoothly accept Lin Wei Xi this threatening beauty from poor family?

Gao Ran had prepared for a long time, but now she got such result, she felt extremely stifled in her heart.

Grand Princess Shou Kang enthusiastically led Lin Wei Xi to meet all titled personage. Although Lin Wei Xi already knew these people, she still took the kindness of her grandmother and graciously greeted the ladies and madam all the way. It took a lot of effort to finish this lap. If it weren't for Princess Shou Kang's lacks of energy, she would have introduce Lin Wei Xi to Empress Dowager Qian.

Lin Wei Xi and the servants of the Princess Mansion persuaded Princess Shou Kang to sit down in the palace. After they sit the dragon boat race was about to start soon. Empress Dowager Qian took the womenfolk to the special table. It was difficult for the court womenfolk to have amusements. This kind of dragon boat race was already a rarely seen grand occasion. Everyone was in high spirits. Although Lin Wei Xi was not too curious, but there were many people in the stands. She was afraid something wrong happened, so she was tense and carefully supported Princess Shou Kang.

It was also due to Lin Wei Xi's nervousness, did not know which family's child was blocked from sight, he was impatient and reached out to push the people in front of him. The woman standing in the front could not have thought that someone would push her from behind, she could not prevent herself from being hit hard on the waist. She was currently pregnant, her figure was unstable and almost fell into the water. Lin Wei Xi's eyes saw something amiss, quickly reached out to pull. The woman cried out in alarm and fell forward, Lin Wei Xi grabbed her hand, and pulled her from danger. The woman was not too old, after passing through this accident she was so scared out of her mind, Lin Wei Xi was so also very frightened. She was very angry, calmly asked the child who pushed: "Whose child are you? Actually do this kind of thing."

Chapter 21 : First Assistant

The pushing of the people in this corner of the stands had caused a riot. The ladies and wives were so frightened that they took two steps back quietly. The child was only nine years old but already looks really stocky. He heard Lin Wei Xi's words and puffed. He said, "Who are you, get out, don't block this prince from watching the dragon boat!"

Lin Wei Xi glanced at his clothes and guessed the identity of the child. Zhao Wang died in battle a few years ago, leaving only his Wangfei and one young son. How could this orphan and widow guard the Zhao land? Emperor Mu Zong took pity on his young nephew and brought the widow and young son of Zhao Wang to the capital and conferred his nephew as Zhao Wang early to let them enjoy the prince’s salary, without worrying about life, nor facing the bitter cold of the North, when little Zhao Wang grew up, he would go to the fief. The Zhao Wang family stayed in the capital like this, a few years earlier than the Yan Wang Mansion.

Little Zhao Wang inherited the title of Wang at a young age. His mother was young and widowed. He was the only lifeblood left. One could imagined how spoiled he is, Zhao Wang had no male elders to discipline him, and he had been indulged by his mother and servants all year round. Now that Zhao Wang was nine years old, he was already a little overlord that everyone in the capital avoided. Just like now, who could prevent him from pushing someone coldly? However, who made the other person the little wangye, there were no one who dare to control him, could only regard it as having a bad luck.

The surrounding madams all stepped back and avoided him. A kind-hearted lady thought that Lin Wei Xi did not know who he was, and softly reminded her: "This is Zhao Wang."

This is Zhao Wang, and that's enough.

Zhao Wang snorted arrogantly when he saw this: "Did you hear that, I am a Wangye! Who told you people to block me from watching the boat, deserve to be thrown down."

Listening to what he said, Lin Wei Xi's heart was on fire, Princess Mansion’s servants helped to stop Lin Wei Xi and reminded: "Miss, Zhao Wang is still young, it is inevitable to be playful, let’s take a look at the injured first."

Lin Wei Xi knew that they were still in the palace, and the other person while lawless, still a little Wangye, even if he did disgraceful things she could only leave it to Gu family to teach a lesson, she could not cause trouble for the princess mansion. Lin Wei Xi glared at Zhao Wang with an angry look, then turned to look at the woman who was almost pushed down: "Madam, how are you?"

The woman was only twenty-five or twenty-six years old, and she was just recovered from her shock. When she heard that the other party was the influential Zhao Wang, where would she dared to investigate, and quickly waved her hand and said, "I'm fine. Thank you Miss for helping me, Miss don't have to mind."

The woman was afraid that Lin Wei Xi's righteousness would cause trouble, so she quickly grabbed Lin Wei Xi trying to calm her down. The movement here already attracted the attention of the Empress Dowager Qian on the other side, and Lin Wei Xi had no choice but to say, "Madam, you are pregnant, just now is it alright? If so, I will accompany you out and ask for a doctor?"

"There is no need." The woman wanted to refuse, but Lin Wei Xi looked at the other's face and insisted on accompanying her to find an imperial doctor. The woman's refusal was to no avail, and her lower abdomen was indeed uncomfortable, she didn't dare to stay in this place anymore, so she gave Lin Wei Xi a grateful look, and followed Lin Wei Xi away.

After leaving the stands, the woman dared to breathe a long sigh of relief, and her expression became painful. Lin Wei Xi saw something amiss, and quickly asked the people of the princess mansion to take Princess Shou Kang's sign and go to the hospital to find a doctor.

Lin Wei Xi helped the woman to sit on a water pavilion. This place was originally set up for people to rest. Now everyone was watching the dragon boat with the Empress Dowager. The water pavilion was empty and very clean. Lin Wei Xi helped the woman to sit down, looking at the other's face, really anxious.

She grew up in a big family and knew how dangerous it was for a woman when they were pregnant. Her mother Wei shi died because of a miscarriage, so Lin Wei Xi could not stand someone treats pregnant women harshly. She was so anxious till she got angry, and kept looking outside: "Why the imperial doctor not here yet?"

The woman frowned her eyebrows and half leaned on the armchair, her face pale. Seeing Lin Wei Xi was anxious for her, she felt moved and said, "Thank you Miss. You and I never met before but you saved me without saying a word. Now still getting a doctor for me. The great kindness of miss, Su Niang will remember it for a lifetime, and repaying the favor many times more..."

"Don't say this, you were shocked before. The most urgent thing is to rest. As for repaying, there is no need to repay, anyone who sees this kind of thing would not just stand and do nothing. In the future, when the child is born safely, you can carefully bring him up till he grow up, consider that as the greatest repayment.”

The woman’s eyes were almost red: "Miss, you are such a good person, your kindness Su Niang will not forget. This woman’s surname is Liu, and the boudoir name is Su Niang. I don't know how miss is called?"

Liu Su Niang, Lin Wei Xi didn’t think much when she heard the name, and said, "My surname is Lin, and my boudoir name is Wei Xi."

Liu Su Niang heard this and she understood: "It turned out to be Miss Lin. A few day ago I heard that His Highness Yan Wang took Marquis Zhongyong’s daughter to the capital, is it this miss?"

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback when she heard this: "You know me?"

"Where. Only heard my husband mention it, Su Niang just repeat what somebody else said." Liu Su Niang smiled bashfully and looked at Lin Wei Xi with pure amazement in her eyes, "Marquis Zhongyong with extreme loyaly serves the country. My husband often tell me that Marquis Zhongyong is a role model for his generation, but it's a pity that he didn't have the chance to meet him. Didn't expect today Su Niang have a blessing of three lifetimes, to meet Miss Lin, and Miss Lin is still this beautiful and outstanding first-class talent."

Lin Wei Xi also liked this weak and shy lady very much. When she mentioned about Lin Yong's deeds, her affection was even greater. Lin Wei Xi asked: "I didn't expect anyone in the capital to read about my father. Dare I ask who your husband is?"

"Miss Lin is polite, he is just an editor at the Hanlin Academy, whose name is Shen Ming Da." Liu Su Niang repeatedly declined, sincerely looked like her husband did not have a great official position, and she felt a little embarrassed in front of Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi was stunned when she heard the name, and then repeated incredulously: "Shen Ming Da?"

Liu Su Niang was taken aback by Lin Wei Xi's sudden raised tone, and stared blankly: "Yes, what's wrong? Could it be Miss Lin know my husband?"

It's more than know, Lin Wei Xi had a deep memory of this name, like a thunder piercing the ear.

Before Lin Wei Xi was reborn she saw the heavenly book by chance. After she learned that she was just a character in the book, and a stepping stone cannon fodder, she almost scared out of her wits, so she didn't even bother to read the details in the back. But even so, Lin Wei Xi was in the end the daughter of court official, and she was raised by the princess for a long time. Her years of political intuition made her endure the nausea, skipping the sweet and greasy interaction between Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao, and found it later that the book had a lot of important elements. For example, what will happen in the next few years, and who will be the First Assistant after Zhang Xiao Lian?

This book mainly described the love between Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao, and unilaterally praised Gao Ran. There were very few parts related to court situation, and most of them were in the same area. Lin Wei Xi could only roughly guess the direction of the court from reading between the lines, and Shen Ming Da was a character whose name was clearly mentioned in the later part of the book.

There were no other reason, it’s because Shen Ming Da was the next First Assistant. Shen Ming Da passed the imperial examination brilliantly as Zhuangyuan*. He was an editor in the Imperial Hanlin Academy for many years. His conduct was gentle and cautious, never offended his colleagues. During Zhang Xiao Lian’s administration he neither too soft nor too hard. However, after the death of the tyrannical First Assistant Zhang, Shen Ming Da suddenly shined, in the chaotic situation to flow upstream and became the new cabinet First Assistant.

*Zhuangyuan is the top scorer of the imperial examination.

Lin Wei Xi was able to remember this name thanks to Gao Ran. Although Gao Ran's younger brother was favored, after all he was still a shu-born, how could he able to break through the social class and established as heirs without the assistance of the people in high position. Gu Cheng Yao, a nobility, was one of them, and Shen Ming Da was the other one.

Shen Ming Da only appeared on the late stage of the heavenly book, by then Gao Ran's position was stable, there was Gu Cheng Yao solely favoring her in the inside, and the respected mistress of the Yan Wang Mansion on the outside, and it was supposed to be completely perfect. But who was Gao Ran? She was the heroine, and the people who oppose her would not have a good end, but the family and close friend recognized by the heroine must all have a smooth life. Although not as good as the heroine, they were already winners in all aspects of life.

Gao Ran as a shu daughter heroine, after marriage she was favored, with one stroke she got the man. Her only disgrace was probably the status as shu daughter and the lack of power of her maternal family. In the book, Han shi was a concubine, but her heart was pure, clear as ice and clear as jade, she was together with Duke Yingguo Shizi completely because of love. The relatives of the Han shi were all down-to-earth and good people. They often came to Yan Wang Mansion to give Gao Ran fresh fruits and vegetables. They were accepted by everyone in the Yan Wang Mansion. Among them, Gao Ran had a cousin surnamed Han, Gao Ran then acted as a matchmaker and married her to Shen Ming Da as a second wife.

At that time, Shen Ming Da had not yet made his mark, and was just a small editor. He was very poor and because of his deceased wife did not remarry for many years. Gao Ran felt that such a man who remembered his late wife must be a good man. Although he was poor, but the Han family also had a small savings from her allowance, there was no shortage of food and clothing. In any case, character was the most important. Gao Ran felt that Shen Ming Da was worthy of her cousin, so she decided to let her cousin marry over. It was later proved that this was indeed the heroine’s golden finger for Gao Ran. Shen Ming Da had a meteoric rise after Zhang Xiao Lian's death and soon became the First Assistant in the cabinet. Han shi's son could become the heir of Duke Yingguo Mansion, Shen Ming Da's contribution was not small.

Lin Wei Xi didn't expect to hear the name here today. Lin Wei Xi was surprised, and then she looked at Liu Su Niang in front of her and somewhat understand. Perhaps this was the original wife that had an early demise that made Shen Ming Da unwilling to remarry for many years.

"Miss Lin, what's the matter with you?"

Lin Wei Xi came to her sense, only to find that she had been staring at Liu Su Niang. Liu Su Niang was frightened by her gaze, Lin Wei Xi lowered her eyes, covered the strangeness in her eyes, and smiled casually: "Nothing, just recalling that Shen Ming Da in the 9th year of Jianzhao was Zhuangyuan (top-scorer). I can talk to the Zhuangyuan madam it’s a nice surprise."

Liu Su Niang believed it was true and smiled shyly: "Why, Miss Lin made fun of me again."

Lin Wei Xi smiled and did not speak. At this time, the imperial doctor finally came, and Lin Wei Xi quickly stepped aside to let the imperial doctor check the pulse. She had just stepped back when she saw a man hurriedly walked into the water pavilion with an anxious look: "Su Niang, how are you?"

Lin Wei Xi was shocked. This is the future First Assistant, Zhuangyuan in Jian Zhao's 9th year, Shen Ming Da. Lin Wei Xi turned around immediately, and saw that several others had lifted their robes and stepped into the water pavilion.

It even alarmed Yan Wang.

Gu Hui Yan's expression was not very good. His majestic eyes fell on Lin Wei Xi. Seeing that nothing was wrong with Lin Wei Xi, his expression improved slightly: "I heard that the women side were in chaos, and some of them were almost thrown from the high platform. Are you injured?"

"I'm fine." Lin Wei Xi quickly shook her head and pointed to Liu Su Niang inside, "It's Liu Niangzi* who is not very good."

*Niangzi, polite form of address for a woman.

Gu Hui Yan raised his hand, and the imperial doctor who followed hurried in to check the pulse. Gu Cheng Yao also followed. Lin Wei Xi had nothing to say with him, she just nodded at will and consider that as greetings.

This incident in those old madams’ eyes seemed to be a little play, but when Yan Wang came in person the nature of the jokes immediately changed. People from Zhao Wang Mansion hurriedly led little Zhao Wang to the water pavilion, and when Gao Ran heard that Gu Cheng Yao had come over she immediately followed after.

Not long after Gu Hui Yan's arrival, the water pavilion that originally peaceful immediately became crowded. Lin Wei Xi ignored the people outside and listened attentively to the diagnosis of the imperial physician inside: "... Madam was frightened and her fetus was unstable, which causing her abdominal pain. Fortunately, she was put in place in time, and this old man wrote a few more prescription to strengthen the foundation. Morning and evening, each one dose of the medicine..."

Listened to the imperial doctor’s words it seems that Liu Su Niang didn't have a serious problem. Lin Wei Xi finally breathed a sigh of relief. When Lin Wei Xi thought about it again she was terrified. If she didn't pay attention to her surroundings today, or if she didn't catch Liu Su Niang in time when the incident happened, then the following things would be unimaginable. Perhaps Liu Su Niang's death at a young age was also related to this matter?

Inside there was endless whisper, and after a while, Shen Ming Da walked out of the partitioned area and was about to come over to give Lin Wei Xi a big bow. Lin Wei Xi was taken aback, and hurriedly avoided: "Master Shen, what are you doing?"

Actually, Shen Ming Da's current official position was insufficient to be called Master, but Lin Wei Xi was anxious and did not notice. When Lin Wei Xi evaded, she unconsciously leaned towards Gu Hui Yan's position. Gu Hui Yan supported Lin Wei Xi and reached out to block Shen Ming Da for her: "It's fine if the people alright. You want to give her a big bow, but instead it scared her."

Wang Yan had spoken so Shen Ming Da had no choice but to just make a bow with hands folded in the front to the two people: "Thanking Yan Wang, Thanking Miss Lin."

In fact, the official rank of Shen Ming Da was not enough to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Xiyuan. Today, this husband and wife could enter the palace was all because of the prominent Hanlin Academy as well as his Zhuangyuan title. But the power in the palace was as rich as the clouds. It was tolerable for him to serve the emperor at the front. But Su Niang was pregnant and alone, and she had a non-talkative temperament, Shen Ming Da's heart was vaguely anxious, always feeling that something will happen. Later the news came, it said that Su Niang was almost thrown from the stands. Shen Ming Da was so frightened, cold sweat running down his whole body, he quickly left everything behind and followed Yan Wang out. Fortunately, Su Niang didn't have an accident, otherwise, Shen Ming Da was trembling in fear when he was thinking about it.

Shen Ming Da sincerely thanked Lin Wei Xi, he had a clear and noble reputation, but Hanlin small official had no right to speak in the capital. How could Su Niang's life and death enter the eyes of this group of influential people. If it weren't for Lin Wei Xi that hold Su Niang, and then use her own connection to ask for a doctor, Su Niang would definitely be much worse today.

Yan Wang refused to let him bow to Lin Wei Xi, for fear of frightening Lin Wei Xi, Shen Ming Da then retreated and remembered Lin Wei Xi's kindness in his heart. Big favor did not need to say thank you, if there was a chance in the future, Shen Ming Da would definitely return Lin Wei Xi's grace of saving his wife.

Since the people were fine, it was alright to slowly recuperate later, the matter was stop temporarily. Gu Hui Yan's expression was light, the pressure came in an instant: "Who is pushing the people on the stands?"

Chapter 22 : Chili Pepper

After Gu Hui Yan said the words, the whole water pavilion was quiet, only the sound of gurgling water outside the house could be heard.

People from Zhao Wang Mansion walked out reluctantly and said, “It’s our little wangye.”

Gu Hui Yan’s eyes were sharp, and his voice implied the power of thunder: “Let he speak for himself.”

Little Zhao Wang squeezed out from behind his servant. When he stood up, his voice was inaudible: "It's me." After he finished speaking, he indifferently mumbled: "Isn't she not falling? Who told her to block this wangye from watching the dragon boat."

"Until now you haven't realized your mistake yet." Gu Hui Yan looked at him coldly, "You inherited your father's title at a young age. I used to pity you for losing a father since childhood and didn't discipline you very much, but now it seems rather causing harm for you. You indulge in such lawless behavior."

Yan Wang was the head of imperial clan, even if the former Zhao Wang stood here, he would not dare to raise his head if he was scold by Yan Wang, let alone a nine-year-old child. Gu Hui Yan has gone through several wars, and on his whole body was the aura that has been experienced a pile of dead people. When he saw the unrestrained grim expression in Gu Hui Yan's eyes, Zhao Wang was immediately scared and cried. The cry of the nine-year-old child was sharp and loud, everyone's ears felt like it being stabbed. But Yan Wang was standing here, whoever dared to move, even the servants of Zhao Wang Mansion did not dare to coax this little ancestor.

The child's sharp cries resounded through water pavilion, Zhao Wangfei hurriedly rush over. It almost broke her heart when she heard her son's cry from a distance. She pushed the crowd away and rushed to her son's side, clinging to her own lifeblood, and crying: "My son, you are weak since you were young, who gave you grievances that made you cry like this? Pity your father went early, leaving only us orphan and widow, people bullied also has nowhere to say..."

Gu Hui Yan had a headache. He could scold his nephew, he could scold Zhao Wang, even the emperor could lower his face for his teaching, but for young widow sister-in-law, what could he say?

Zhao Wangfei was still whimpering and crying, and Zhao Wang who had his mother backing him up, gradually changed from crying to roaring, he was very confident.

Gu Hui Yan could only restrain his momentum, without personal emotions, and just talk about the matters: "Even if he is young, he can't ignore people's morals and etiquette, let alone he is not young, he is nine years old, and has reached the time to understand etiquette. Pushing people on a high platform, fortunately no accident happened. What should be done in case of an accident? Only this young already had no consideration for human life, only thought he was the one that was right, if he is not disciplined now, when he grow up, wouldn’t he become a bully who regards human’s life like weeds?”

Zhao Wangfei heard Gu Hui Yan said this about her son, her heart collapsed, and the crying became sharper and sharper: "Why is my son being said this kind of words by Yan Wang? He is just playful. He accidentally ran into a local official's wife who did not even have a grade. Unexpectedly to be cursed by the Yan Wang like this. What are preying on people, regards human life like weeds, Yan Wang is trying force us orphan and widow to our death! My son has lost his father at a young age. Since childhood, has many diseases, often got sick, his body is frail. We both mother and son can only resigned to our fate to survive, but I didn’t expect that we would still annoy Yan Wang. I am a widow and it’s not auspicious wherever I go. I will ask Empress Dowager for her order at once, and I will return to Zhao’s land tomorrow!"

Zhao Wangfei made a fuss about taking her own life, and the people around hurriedly stopped her, tried to persuade kindly. Zhao Wangfei was still crying, she didn't even look at her fat and strong son, and where was the frail appearance of her son?

Gu Hui Yan held one hand behind him, his face was calm, but behind his eyes hidden a great power. Upon seeing this, Shen Mingda hurriedly came out to bow and said: "For saving my wife this lowly official thanking Yan Wang, my wife now has no major problem. Since little Wangye is unintentional, then let’s forget it."

Shen Ming Da said that because he did not want Gu Hui Yan and Zhao Wang Mansion to fight. Zhao Wangfei immediately got the point when she heard this, and said: "It's just a kid being playful, in any case there is no accident anyway, so why make a big deal out of it? It all scared my son to cry."

Little devil existed because incapable parents indulging them. With Zhao Wangfei like this, it was no surprise that the little wangye could push people to the edge of the high platform. Gu Hui Yan remember that this little Wangye was after all the only bloodline of Zhao Wang, in the end took pity on him, gave a few sentence of advises: "A caring mother is often damage the son. If you indulge him this way, you may harm him in the future."

What Zhao Wangfei hated the most was people talking bad about her son. She gathered up her son while giving Gu Hui Yan a glance, and her voice was sharp: "Is Yan Wang cannot bear to see our Zhao Wang Mansion to succeed, how can you gave my son such malicious words?"

The people of the Yan Wang Mansion were angry when they heard this, and stared at Zhao Wangfei with fire-shooting eyes. Zhao Wangfei immediately shrank, and started crying again: "Wangye, why did you leave us orphan and widow behind! You throw your head and shed your blood (sacrifice one’s life) for the imperial family and the country, eventually died guarding the wasteland, but the rest of the imperial family did not take your affection, even if you die, they will be mean to your only son. This is the only blood of our Zhao Wang Mansion! Wangye, I have let you down, it's better for me to die..."

Gu Hui Yan was crying with a headache, waved to Gu Mingda and others to retreat, as not to be rude to Zhao Wang's widow. Zhao Wangfei was secretly proud of this and went out holding her son. The rest of the people from the Yan Wang Mansion stayed in the water pavilion, spouting smoke through seven orifices. Yan Wang lectured little Zhao Wang was it not for his own good, and the result did not have to say, he had been set up by Zhao Wangfei!

Gu Cheng Yao's face was pale, he turned to look at Gu Hui Yan: "Father..."

Gao Ran also wrinkled her eyebrows and walked two steps closer, showing earnestly: "Father, Zhao Wangfei only said this because she was anxious. Don't take it to your heart. "

Gu Hui Yan didn't want to get angry with a woman, he waved his hand to indicate that they didn't need to say it again, Lin Wei Xi suddenly turned around and said to Gu Hui Yan: "Your Highness, I am stuffy, let’s go out to get some air."

Before Gu Hui Yan could reply, Lin Wei Xi walked out quickly.

The few people inside the water pavilion were stunned for a moment, and then a crisp voice rang out from the outside: "Zhao Wangfei, stay."

Zhao Wangfei stopped in confusion, when she turned around she saw Lin Wei Xi, her heart unconcerned, and her expression was also very impatient: "Who are you, dare to call this Wangfei?"

"In terms of identity and status I am definitely not as good as Wangfei, but in terms of being a human being I am still more qualified than Zhao Wangfei. I called you down this time because I wanted to teach you how to conduct yourself and how to educate your child."

"Presumptuous!"

"Wangfei is standing here with straight face only because there was no accident. If the little wangye really pushes people off the stage today, there are deep water under the stands, and Lady Liu is still pregnant, and if there was a slight mistake, there will be one corpse with two lives. Harming this pregnant women and unborn child, Wangfei and little Wangye accumulate some virtues for yourself, in the future are you not afraid of retribution to your descendants?”

Mentioning retribution of one’s descendants in this clansmen society was seriously ruthless, Zhao Wangfei immediately became furious: "You are presumptuous! Who are you, this Wangfei has to punish you for a crime of great disrespect!"

"Speaking of great disrespect, it still unable to say who is plotting the wrongdoing. Little Wangye standing behind a group of womenfolk. Not far away was Grand Princess Shou Kang. Little Zhao Wang secretly pushing people, who knows if he originally want to push the princess or someone else, the person just admit to make a mistake for not being careful and let Lady Liu suffer the crime on your behalf. If Wangfei wants to go to Empress Dowager to ask her to become the judge, we can go together, so that Empress Dowager can decide what to do to your son."

Zhao Wangfei was speechless, this matter in the end was her son's wrongdoing, she could endlessly pester Yan Wang, but in front of Empress Dowager Qian, Zhao Wang Mansion would need to take the responsibilities. Lin Wei Xi ridiculed her without restrain like this it’s because she was sure that Zhao Wangfei would not dare to make trouble in front of the Empress Dowager.

But even so, Zhao Wangfei couldn't swallow this tone. She looked at Lin Wei Xi and sneered: "Do you think because you didn’t say your name this Wangfei cannot find out who you are? Just you wait, this wangfei will make you regret it until you come crying to Zhao Wang Mansion to apologize."

"Sure." Lin Wei Xi folded both hands in front her, tilted her head slightly at Zhao Wangfei, and smiled cutely, "What Zhao Wangfei intend to do to me or to my family? Also no need to trouble Wangfei to investigate it. I can tell you directly, my name is Lin Wei Xi, my mother has passed away for many years, and my father is Marquis Zhongyong Lin Yong. Like the former Zhao Wang, he also died for the country and died in the battlefield. If Wangfei wants to find someone to make a dirty trick, you don’t have to hire too many people. I am the only one in my family. It is enough to come at me. When Wangfei acts, I will go to the capital magistrate to beat the drums and cry injustice, saying that Zhao Wang Mansion oppressing the daughter of a martyr. When the time comes, let's see who the people's hearts will side to."

"You..." Zhao Wangfei was so angry as she pointed at Lin Wei Xi with her fingers and gritted her teeth with hatred. "Do you think with this kind of origin this Wangfei unable to do something to you?"

"Don't dare, I learned from Wangfei. Wangfei can use the reason of being killed in the battle to run against Yan Wang, and I can run against you with my own identity. Zhao Wangfei is an orphan and a widow, and I am also a martyr lone daughter. Wangfei want to show miserableness to sell pity right? What a coincidence, so am I."

Zhao Wangfei looked at Lin Wei Xi while gritting her teeth, almost crushing a pair of silver teeth, and finally gave Lin Wei Xi a fierce look, brushed her sleeves and walked away. Lin Wei Xi watched Zhao Wangfei went away with that evil boy who relied on his young age. She sneered without trying to hide and said directly to the backs of the people of the Zhao Wang Mansion: "Yan Wang disciplined little Zhao Wang for his own good, if Wangfei really loves your son, you should bring him to the Shen family and Yan Wang to apologize, afterward strictly discipline, and not help evildoer doing evil. If not, these evil creature retribution sooner or later will return to you."

Zhao Wangfei could not listen to other people talk bad about her son. She stopped and turned around. From a long distance people could feel the poison in her eyes. At this time, Gu Mingda walked to Lin Wei Xi's side and respectfully leaned over: "Miss Lin, it's windy outside. It’s time to go back."

This was Yan Wang silent statement and it could not be challenged. If you want to use dead man to make a fuss, that’s alright, but if you want to move against Lin Wei Xi, then don't blame her for being merciless.

Zhao Wangfei understood Gu Hui Yan's silent deterrence, she could only stomp her feet with anger and left bitterly.

Lin Wei Xi won a big victory. She sighed into the green water pool and snorted: "Sure enough, come outside to breathe, and the tightness on the chest immediately improved. This kind of people just lack scolding, let's go, let’s return to the house."

Lin Wei Xi turned around. Across the twisty water corridor, she saw Gu Hui Yan standing upright with some people. Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed, but still pretended that nothing happened, and walked back the secluded corridor with a calm expression.

Although the place where Lin Wei Xi and Zhao Wangfei talked was far away from the water pavilion, thanks to the quiet surroundings, even if it was not clear, the conversations could still be heard. Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi went through the corridor, her eyes lowered slightly, her movements were so cute, completely did not show her baring fangs and brandish claws manner.

Shen Ming Da was now full of a sense of disillusionment, if it weren't for Yan Wang standing here, he almost thought he had hallucinations. He saw that Lin Wei Xi was lovable and charming. Originally thought this was a weak Liu Fufeng* kind of beauty, but what did he hear just now? Gu Hui Yan smiled slightly, unaware whether he was talking to himself or saying to the person next to him: "If the person being targeted is not one’s own, listening to her scolding it’s quite enjoyable."

*Weak Liu Fufeng describes a women with a weak posture and gentle movements. It came from ‘Dream of Red Mansion’ one of Chinese classic literature, it’s Baoyu’s impressions when he first saw Daiyu.

If Zhou Mao Cheng was here he must felt the same way. Gu Cheng Yao thought about it, silently nodding.

The conversation between Zhao Wangfei and Lin Wei Xi could be vaguely heard even inside the waterside pavilion. Liu Su Niang looked shocked and felt admiration. Gao Ran at the side was very unhappy in her heart.

She was the daughter-in-law of the mansion. Yan Wang was pestered by that shrew, and it was not her who chased her out, but an outsider.

Gao Ran twisted the handkerchief in her hand hard, if it could be done all over again, she would definitely not leave it to Lin Wei Xi.

Things were so troubled, Liu Su Niang was in no mood to go watch the dragon boat. The eunuch on the emperor's side had come to urge Gu Hui Yan several times, and he could not refuse any more, so he had to return back. Gao Ran also took this opportunity to retreat and returned to the womenfolk place to continue socializing as Yan Wang Mansion people. Lin Wei Xi, this idler, had nothing to do, so she stayed with Liu Su Niang.

The two of them sat for a while, Shen Ming Da had gone to the front to take a leave of absence, and then came to pick Liu Su Niang home. Liu Su Niang reluctantly bid farewell to Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi watched Shen Ming Da carefully holding Liu Su Niang away, and the infinite warmth could be seen from the back of the two of them. She was the only one left in the water pavilion, and Lin Wei Xi continued to sit, sighing into the silent air.

After a while, it started to rain. Wan Xing looked anxious: "Miss, we didn't bring umbrella, what should we do?"

Lin Wei Xi looked outside the window to the line of raindrops, indifferently said, "What can be done, just wait. Yan Wang unlikely to leave me here."

As soon as the voice fell, there was sound of footsteps from the corner, the umbrella’ surface gradually raised, and the face of the incoming person gradually appeared before Lin Wei Xi's eyes along with the patter of rain.

It's Gu Cheng Yao.

Chapter 23 : Evil Mind

Lin Wei Xi saw the face of the person who just came, she didn't even realize it that her eyes gradually getting cold.

Who did she think it would be?

"Miss Lin." Gu Cheng Yao did not enter the house, but said to Lin Wei Xi through the window, "Father asked me to come and pick you up."

Lin Wei Xi turned to look at the curtain of pattering rain. The rain was coming rapidly, Xiyuan also was all water pool, the gray sky seems to be connected with the lake, as far as eyes could see there was the gray water mist.

"Miss Lin?"

"The rain outside is too heavy, even if you bring an umbrella, I will inevitably get wet after going out. Why not wait here for a while, the rain in May won't last long."

Gu Cheng Yao naturally frowned when he heard this suggestion, they were a man and a woman together, it was inappropriate to stay in the same room. Lin Wei Xi gave Gu Cheng Yao a cold glance, and her tone was not polite: "Of course, I say this for my own sake. My body is weak. A little blow of wind and I will have a headache. If I get caught in the rain again, afraid I will not be able to go back today. If you don’t want to wait then hurry up go out. Anyway, Shizi is in good health and doesn’t need to care about a little wind and rain."

Gu Cheng Yao wouldn’t have find trouble for himself. It’s raining outside. If you have a choice, why would you go outside to get in the rain? Anyway, Lin Wei Xi could not leave, so it’s not a bad idea for him to wait in the water pavilion for a while.

Gu Cheng Yao asked people to put away the rain gear, but he stood near the window under the eaves, and did not enter the room with Lin Wei Xi. If it changed to an ordinary woman, Gu Cheng Yao's actions at the moment should be very gentlemanly, but for Lin Wei Xi... she only had coldness and boredom in her heart.

The two of them fell silent in such a strange way, and Lin Wei Xi, a person who could talk so well on weekdays, was surprisingly silent at this moment. Gu Cheng Yao was quiet for a while, and suddenly said, "Thank you for today."

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment before realizing that Gu Cheng Yao was talking to her. Ordinarily, people sitting opposite each other without talking, at least they would have eye contact, but the two of them was not. Gu Cheng Yao was still looking at the vast rain curtain outside the house, Lin Wei Xi only rolled her eyes, and said unhappily: "No. I just can't stand people blaming Yan Wang, not for the sake of Yan Wang Mansion and certainly not for you. Why on earth you say thank you for?"

Gu Cheng Yao smiled lightly, and finally turned to look at Lin Wei Xi: "You seem to really hate me. Since the first meeting, you deliberately kept your distance, and your attitude is not friendly. We never met before, and I shouldn’t have offend you yet, should I?"

"Shizi, you are the proud son of heaven since you were a child. I’m afraid you used to getting whatever you want and have never seen the real world outside. I’ll show you today how arrogant and savage women are. For liking someone, I don’t know, but for hating someone, do you need a reason?”

Lin Wei Xi thought Gu Cheng Yao would be angry, but he didn’t. He just shook his head and smiled: “Your prejudice against me is really deep-rooted.”

Gu Cheng Yao was not angry, still politely talked to this weak woman whose identity and status were far inferior to him. Lin Wei Xi's heart became more and more sad, he could be such a gentleman to a strange woman, but to his former wife, he couldn't even listen to her complete sentence.

Perhaps the atmosphere was too quiet now, or perhaps the pattering rain outside the house gave people some sort an illusion. Lin Wei Xi suddenly mentioned her past when she was still Gao Xi. These words, she thought she would never say for the rest of her life: "Shizi, I am so unreasonable to you, but you still maintain your demeanor and listen to me in a good mood. According to reason you are the standard for family noble son, and there is no blame for your education. But why with someone close to you, you seems to be completely different person?"

"Someone close?" Gu Cheng Yao was very puzzled, "I respect my father, always keep my duty as a son, and never order people by pointing the chin (bossy) in the mansion. With Shizi Consort..."

Gu Cheng Yao paused, his eyes became cold, and he did not hide the scrutiny in his eyes: "What do you mean? How do you know?"

"It doesn't mean anything, heard the servants at the mansion gossiping, just listen randomly." Lin Wei Xi was sitting on a dark brown sandalwood chair. The water pavilion was dark on a rainy day, and her skin was crystal clear, her face was exquisite, she almost glowing in the dark. She looked at Gu Cheng Yao, her features were delicate like those in a picture, there was seldom to be seen concentration in her eyes: "Shizi should be a noble character, but you are very indifferent to your first wife. I want to know why?"

Gu Cheng Yao looked straight into Lin Wei Xi's eyes. Did not know why he suddenly turned his gaze and refused to continue looking: "No reason. She deceived me and deliberately destroyed my destined marriage. Why should I continue with the pretense?"

"This Reason, I heard it when you refuse to go to Princess Shou Kang's Mansion." Lin Wei Xi's gaze moved across Gu Cheng Yao and looked at the vast rain line behind him, her lips did not why was smiling: "Remember when Yan Wang scold you? This is what I want to say to you now. You always take it for granted. When you made this decision, did you talk to her frankly? Do you really understand the truth? Sooner or later, you will pay the price for your idealization."

Gu Cheng Yao did not expect to hear such words: "You..."

Lin Wei Xi sighed very self-deprecatingly without waiting for him to finish, "I wish I can see that day."

Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi’s face, a smile filled up his heart, as if there was no need to explain about what happened just now. He laughed and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Then I wish Miss Lin all the best?"

Lin Wei Xi snorted softly, and she didn't even bother to answer. After this incident, Gu Cheng Yao felt that the distance between him and Lin Wei Xi was much closer, so he also followed what he want to say in his heart: "Miss Lin, when you first come I didn't like you very much, but now, I find that my imagination may not necessarily correct. I thought I would not like a woman with your personality, but after getting along for a long time, I found that although your personality is simple and straightforward, but also not a tiny bit adorable." If Lin Wei Xi did not target him like this, she would be much more adorable.

Lin Wei Xi heard this and was maddened: "Who need your like? I am famous for my looks, with great personal wealth, young and beautiful. If I want it, there will be plenty of men fighting to marry me. Even though simple and straightforward, and not adorable, I don’t need you to tell me! You just go to your adorable Shizi Consort.”

Gu Cheng Yao didn’t expect Lin Wei Xi to react so much. He chuckled helplessly, “You’re too hostile to Gao Ran.”

"Oh, do you think she doesn’t have it for me? What she told you about me privately, do I need to help you remember it?"

Gu Cheng Yao clenched his fist and coughed when he heard this, "You are a girl who has not out of the boudoir yet, how can you say these things?"

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a moment when she heard this, and then she reacted furiously: "You yourself thought indiscriminately, and still blame me."

This conversation ended with Lin Wei Xi's unilateral chicken flying and dog jumping*, as the rain stopped. Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi helplessly, and said, "Now the rain has stopped, we will not to get drenched by the rain, can we go now?"

*Frighten the chicken to fly and frighten the dog to jump around, it means panic and chaotic.

Lin Wei Xi unhappily snorted, and rushed forward to walk by herself. Gu Cheng Yao was left behind in the back, he could only sigh, and quickly followed.

Gao Ran received a message from Yan Wang asking if she had seen Gu Cheng Yao, but Gao Ran didn't know. So, when she inquired again, she knew that Gu Cheng Yao had gone to pick up Lin Wei Xi, and he hadn't come back yet.

Gao Ran gave a chuckle in her heart, and when the rain subsided a little, she hurriedly went to the water pavilion.

She was only halfway there when she saw Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao coming from around the corner. Gu Cheng Yao was handsome and tall, and Lin Wei Xi was very beautiful. The two people walked with the dense water vapor around, it was more beautiful than the idol drama of the previous life.

Gao Ran was keenly aware that something had changed between the two of them. The atmosphere was unpredictable, but in Gao Ran’s intuition, the relationship between these two people has become much closer.

Gu Cheng Yao saw Gao Ran walked towards him with a smile. Lin Wei Xi asked the people behind, "When will be going to leave the palace?" After getting the affirmative answer, Lin Wei Xi just nodded, and walked out without looking back. There was not even a slightest hesitation. Gu Cheng Yao found Gao Ran's eyes looking straight at Lin Wei Xi's back. He bowed his head strangely and asked Gao Ran: "What's wrong with you, why do you seem to be a little confused?"

"It's okay." Gao Ran barely calmed herself down, she walked outside the palace with numerous attendants, and now when they looked up, they could see Lin Wei Xi's figure. Although Lin Wei Xi had a slim body, but her womanly figure was not a straight line, but had a thin waist, slender shoulders and neck. People could see the infinite romance from the back. Looking at this, Gao Ran thoughts became clearer.

Lin Wei Xi could not continue to stay, in any case, she could not be allowed to continue living in Yan Wang Mansion.

Gao Ran suddenly remembered that today the Qian family faintly made a discreet inquiry. Empress Dowager Qian finally made it to become Empress Dowager. The Qian family also had a change of fortunes. Now they were the most honorable relative in the capital. The son of the Qian family fell in love with Lin Wei Xi at first sight, no matter from what point of view, it was Lin Wei Xi's blessing. Even if this second son of Qian family had been a little licentious, only know about sleeping flower borrowing willow*.

*Sleeping flower borrowing willow, means playing around with prostitutes.

There was no reason to refuse, even if Lin Wei Xi tried to moved Grand Princess Shou Kang, but Princess Shou Kang this sunset at the west mountain old women, would she dare confronting Empress Dowager's family?

Gao Ran told herself that she was doing this for Lin Wei Xi’s own good. To be able to marry Empress Dowager’s nephew, as primary wife no less, Lin Wei Xi as an orphan who had nothing, this was a good marriage ah!

Chapter 24 : Wife

It was raining during the Dragon Boat Festival. Since the rain at the Palace Banquet, the capital had been shrouded with gray downpour for several days.

"Miss Lin." The visitor ran across the courtyard quickly and put away the rain gear that she wore at the side corridor. She patted the water off her body and smiled at Lin Wei Xi, "Miss Lin, Shizi Consort has something to find you."

Wan Xing looked at the rain outside, and looked at the messenger questioningly: "It's still raining, why Shizi Consort call our miss at this time?"

"This slave also doesn’t know, maybe there is something important to say to Miss Lin."

Lin Wei Xi stood up from the narrow couch when she heard this, said, "Since there is something important, let's go."

Wan Xing hurriedly went inside to get Lin Wei Xi's cloak, while she tidied Lin Wei Xi's clothes, on one side mumble to herself: "Our miss has a little bit cold when she came back from the palace, and she has to go out to blow the cold wind today, what if our miss fell miserably ill."

"Wan Xing."

Wan Yue secretly pinched Wan Xing, then hurriedly pulled her away. Lin Wei Xi indifferently glanced, tightened her cloak, and walked out.

The rain slid down from the eaves, from afar looked like continuous strip of silver strings, Lin Wei Xi walked on the side corridor. Even though the eaves above covered her from the rain, the corners of her clothes were still wet.

In the hall, Gao Ran was talking to a well-dressed old servant woman. When she saw Lin Wei Xi coming in, she waved to the inside: "Miss Lin is here, please go inside first and sit down. I still have some things to do. Miss Lin, please wait a moment."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at the woman in the hall, and went straight inside without saying anything.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi walked to the back room without saying a word, she flicked her eyes towards Lin Wei Xi's back, lowered her voice, and said to Gao Ran with a frown, "Shizi Consort, this one really! Wangye remember the old favor gives her face to some degree, yet she push the nose to the face*! In front of Wangye she can speak well to make a trick, but once passed people’s back, she dared to shake her face to Shizi Consort."

*Given an inch want a mile.

"Sun family mother, don't say it." Gao Ran increased her voice slightly, and said, "She is the only daughter of a hero, and her father died to save Wangye. It is inevitable that she will be a bit withdrawn. These words you can say it to me, but when you are outside, you are not allowed to mention it again."

"Shizi Consort you are too kind." Granny Sun looked at her wrists, muttered something again. Then she rubbed her hands and brought up another matter. "Shizi Consort, the errands to take care kitchen purchasing..."

Lin Wei Xi sat on the soft cushion, separated by the wooden grid, vaguely heard Gao Ran and granny Sun muttering something, soon after they talked about the kitchen purchasing matters. Even if she didn't hear the previous content clearly, Lin Wei Xi could guess that it was definitely not a good thing. Granny Sun played with her tongue to flatter for personal gain, she had already seen it before.

Speaking of business affairs, Gao Ran deliberately didn't lower her voice anymore, as Lin Wei Xi sat inside, intermittently also listened to the general idea. Granny Sun complained, how life was not easy, how exhausting work in the kitchen was, and finally pulled Shen Wangfei’s name. When granny Sun’s opened her mouth she really could speak, from her mouth it seems that she was a really loyal old servant, conscientious and hardworking for the mansion, but unfortunately offended the former Shizi Consort, the former Shizi Consort was eager to place her own person, right away removed granny Sun whole family from the purchasing position. Although granny Sun still stayed in the kitchen, however it was not an important job, she couldn't even attend the stove, their whole family just went through the motions.

After Granny Sun said that she finally burst into tears and cried, and the maids around listened to this also felt distressed. Gao Ran sighed and said: "I understand your loyalty. You have been an old servant for many years. Since grandmother and mother was still alive, you have been a servant that was in charge at Yan Wang Mansion. There is no doubt about your loyalty. Even if you don't talk about your hard work over the years, just by the kindness of grandmother and mother, I will not treat your family badly."

Granny sun listened tearfully clapped her hands: "Able to get this words from Shizi Consort, this old slave is willing to die immediately!"

"Don't talk like that without rhyme or reason, it is unlucky to say about these deaths and lives, for no reason provoking ominous stuffs." Gao Ran rebuked, she flipped through the roster, and said, "Since it was just a misunderstanding before, then when you were sent to the edge by Sister Xi you are really wronged. In my opinion, your whole family had better come back to take care of the kitchen purchasing. You all are familiar with the vendors at the market and I can rest assured handing over the purchasing to you."

Granny Sun was overjoyed, and immediately knelt down and kowtow: "Thanking Shizi Consort."

Lin Wei Xi held the tea and blew slowly. When she heard this, she shook her head and smiled. Granny Sun really had a good mouth. Afraid that Gu Cheng Yao was tricked by such rhetoric before.

Granny Sun was indeed an old servant for many years, but who says that old servants were loyal servants? The more complicated the relationship between the servants, the more likely they were to do some dirty things. Lin Wei Xi checked the accounts last year and found that the kitchen area had a lot of deficiencies, and they were all in the hands of this wicked slave. This woman relied on Lin Wei Xi as a new bride didn't understand the account books, tampered the account books to fool her, when Lin Wei Xi uncovered it she ruthlessly scold her. At that time, granny Sun also used family loyalty and implicated Shen Wangfei. Granny Sun had served on Shen Wangfei’s side before. This was also what gave her confident to go rampant and corrupt in the mansion. Lin Wei Xi didn't look at it at that time, directly throw their family out of the kitchen. If it weren't for the face of her mother-in-law, Shen Wangfei, how could granny Sun still kept an idle job in the kitchen.

In the end not long after Gao Xi died of illness, granny Sun looked at the vacant position and came running as a witch selling tragic story. Gao Ran’s mind was also confused, she actually believed it and restored her to her original post.

Gao Ran actually did not necessarily believe in granny Sun's words, but granny Sun looks simple and honest. Even if a person with such a face had her own selfish intentions, she would not be a very wicked person. Granny Sun was sent off by Gao Xi because of the discrepancy between purchasing stuffs and the money. Gao Ran flipped through the account books, deeply feeling that Gao Xi made a fuss over minor issue.

Being a madam in charge of the household was like being the executives in her previous lives before transmigrating. There will be no fish when the water is clear. Could people in purchasing department really not greedy at all? Impossible, so when Gao Ran saw that there was no major problem in the account book, she revoked Gao Xi's punishment. Gao Ran sighed over Gao Xi in her heart. Gao Xi looked like a noble lady from prestigious family and claimed to be raised by the princess herself, but why didn't she even have this much emotional intelligence? Only knew how to criticized people, and asked her subordinates not to make any mistakes. No wonder Gao Xi later was mixed up like that, to die in the mansion and no one said she was good. Who could blame if she didn't have enough EQ?

Gao Ran was in a good mood, as if all the regrets from her previous life had been made up in this life. She was now also a noble lady from prestigious family, Miss Perfect that stepped on all living beings, as she "graduated" from her maiden family she directly became an "executive". Gao Ran firmly believes with her emotional intelligence she would be like a fish in the water. In this way, she was delayed by her own class before transmigrating, otherwise she was not inferior to the Miss Perfect that have big family enterprises.

Gao Ran walked briskly into the room, she hadn't forgotten that she still had a trouble sitting there. Gao Ran smiled and sat opposite Lin Wei Xi, and repeatedly apologized: "The mansion have endless trivial matters every day, and I will worry if I don’t personally deal with it. It is really rude to keep Miss Lin waiting for a long time."

Lin Wei Xi ignored Gao Ran's insincere apology, Lin Wei Xi knew that Gao Xi is dead, and Yan Wang Mansion had nothing to do with her since then, but Lin Wei Xi felt regret that the hard work of the past were ruined, and couldn’t help but reminded this successor: "Shizi Consort only rely on their side of the story and handed over the important matters of the kitchen purchasing to them, that’s rather biased."

Oh! Even wanted to point fingers at her management’s authority, she looked at Lin Wei Xi with a smile, "This is my Yan Wang Mansion family affair, Miss Lin doesn't need to worry right?"

Lin Wei Xi snorted lightly, her eyes drifting, she was too lazy to look at Gao Ran to warn her again.

Gao Ran thought that she had won, her mood got better, her speech also raised up, "Miss Lin, you already full sixteen years old this year. You were born in big month, should be regard as seventeen years old* then."

*In traditional Chinese culture ages start at one not zero when a baby was born. So LWX is 17 but her ‘international’ age is 16.

Lin Wei Xi raised his eyebrows: "What do you mean by that?"

"What can I mean, only thinking about it for Miss Lin." Gao Ran smiled and said, "Now that your father's filial piety has been over, you can't justify dragging not to marry. You are seventeen and still not settle the marriage yet. After the six ceremonies*, when you enter your husband’s family you will be eighteen years old. To tell the truth, that age somewhat already old. You need to hurry up, if too old afraid can delay the matter of giving birth."

*Six ceremonies of marriage ceremony refers to six etiquettes from negotiation to the completion of the marriage.

Lin Wei Xi did not expect this kind of words came from Gao Ran. If she guessed right, wasn’t the world before Gao Ran transmigrated was very tolerant of women's marriage age? Lin Wei Xi really did not expect that a person who had traveled to ancient times would be more enthusiastic about marrying and having children than her an ancient clansmen woman. What’s wrong with being 17-year-old? Even if she did not marry for a lifetime, so what?

Lin Wei Xi was disgusted by these words, her face was impatient, and she said coldly: "You called me over on a rainy day just for this? If there is nothing else, then I will go first."

Gao Ran stopped Lin Wei Xi's action, still smiling, stared at Lin Wei Xi motionlessly, "Miss Lin doesn't want to marry, do you really want to pray for your father, or do you have any thoughts about Yan Wang Mansion?"

Lin Wei Xi's face had completely cooled down, there was no smile on her face. Her black eyes gleaming, for a moment it seems like heated pearls that was immersed in ice water, both icy and blazing: "Shizi Consort, pay attention to your words."

"Is Miss Lin angry?" Gao Ran smiled and took a sip of tea, covered her lips, "It's me who is wrong. I shouldn't say this kind of girl's thoughts. After all, which girl doesn't have spring, Miss Lin's color is just right, and it makes sense to fall in love with a young and handsome man at first sight. It just, Miss Lin, the Shizi already married."

Lin Wei Xi sneered, and looked at Gao Ran with a faint smile: "I know, and it’s a second marriage."

Gao Ran’s speech were halted, and then she quickly adjusted her expression to cover up her loss of composure: "… even if I am a second wife, but nevertheless I am the officially wed consort, also the primary wife. However to have shady relationship with a married man while the legal wife is still alive, this is called matchless adultery* , a Third Party trying to squeeze in."

*Matchless adultery refers to the ‘three teas and six rituals’ of marriage without a matchmaker. In the olden days to get married you need a matchmaker as mediator between two families.

"You said it like you only met Gu Cheng Yao after your sister died, so leave this talk to yourself.” Lin Wei Xi noticed Gao Ran’s gaze and met it without hiding, even raising her eyebrows lightly, "What? Am I wrong? Then why is it not even a month since the previous Shizi Consort died, you already marry your older sister husband?"

Gao Ran being called out her heart felt ached, she took a deep breath and found that she really couldn’t argue with Lin Wei Xi, or else she would be totally infuriated by her! Gao Ran immediately changed the subject and said, "Whatever Miss Lin said, you have a clever tongue, honest people like us can't speak like you. But Miss Lin is already old and at the end of marriageable age, this Miss Lin cannot deny right? According to reason you are a Lin, our surname is Gu, and it’s not our turn to worry about your marriage. But after all, you live in Yan Wang Mansion and you have no status. If after coming out of filial piety you still not married, then I am afraid that outsiders will talk about our Yan Wang Mansion."

Lin Wei Xi looked at Gao Ran coldly: "You shut up. Who gave you the courage to insult my reputation?"

"Insult? If Miss Lin really has no idea about Shizi, how could you dragging yourself in Yan Wang Mansion and refuse the matchmaker?” Gao Ran’s expression also became cold, “You want to stare at someone else’s husband, but I don’t want to be schemed by you. I have reached an agreement with Old Madam Qian. The second son of Qian family is just right, he hasn’t married, normally this kind of good marriage would not fall to an outsider, but who let Qian second young master take a fancy to Miss Lin's beauty? It’s a good story of talented man and beautiful woman (ideal couple). Old Madam Qian also not picky about your family background and status. After reporting to the Empress Dowager, the Qian family will send someone to exchange eight character card."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes widened when she heard this: "What did you say? Second Qian?"

Second Qian was a famous hedonist in the capital, sleep around with prostitutes, without learning or skills, he could be described as a trash dandy. What Lin Wei Xi looked down the most was this kind of dissolute child who relied on his parents for good fortune and power. No matter before or after rebirth, she could not stand this kind of person, but now Gao Ran actually behind her back agreed to Qian family's proposal?

"Yes, the nephew of Empress Dowager, the emperor’s maternal relatives Qian family main branch di son. This marriage is actually really unexpected. Speaking of it you are still climb high. Qian second young master doesn't care about family status, willing to marry a poor girl like you, it's a great blessing." After finished speaking, she glanced at Lin Wei Xi's face, the meaning was self-evident. Relying on her body and beauty, still able to become the main house of Empress Dowager’s nephew, just be content!

Lin Wei Xi was extremely angry that she actually calmed down. She asked, "You said that the Qian family would come to exchange eight character card after reporting to the empress dowager. You have given them the words?"

"Yes, what a good marriage. If you are being pretentious and let this opportunity slips away, then you will cry."

"Oh, you're hollowing out your brain to climb to high gate, thought everyone the same. When did you agree? What did you say to the Qian family?"

"That is Qian family son, just be content." Gao Ran sighed, very impatient, "If you want to go to the Princess Shou Kang Mansion to ask for help, then I advise you not to waste your efforts. Princess Shou Kang doesn’t have sons, she can't even protect herself, so how dare she slap the face of Empress Dowager’s family. You listen to my advice, for you to be able to marry the Qian's family, more so as primary wife, this is already a good fortune to cross the classes."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were burning bright, like fire and ice: "Gao Ran, you are indeed naturally shameless. Who do you think you are, dare to decide my marriage? You use crooked door and evil ways (dishonest way) to marry your brother-in-law. Now still use the noble tone of primary wife to advise others to climb a man. Truly lose the face of Duke Yingguo Mansion."

Gao Ran was poked at her sore point by this sentence, immediately looked displeased: "Don't push your nose up. For my father’s sake I gave you some face, do you really think I'm afraid of you? I am a lady from Duke Yingguo Mansion, Yan Wang Shizi Consort, you are just a commoner woman, I and you are the same generation, talk to you just try to educate you, but you actually shout and yell at me, really don’t have any decorum."

"You know who Second Qian is, and you still dare to agree in private. If you do this kind devoid of conscience things, are you not afraid people talking about you behind your back?"

Gao Ran disdainfully sneered: "Are you planning to complain to Yan Wang again? Then go ahead, so that everyone can see whether this marriage is a good match, whether I am doing it for your own good. Lin Wei Xi, your heart is higher that the sky, your life is thinner than paper. If you want to compare yourself with me, it’s not interesting. I am Yan Wang Shizi Consort and I will become Yan Wangfei in the future. My son will be the future Qinwang when he is born. The other di son also will receive the title Junwang*. My children and grandchildren will become royal nobles and enjoy the worship of many people. First Assistant will have replacements, but royal nobility will not. As long as they do not commit the crime of rebellion, they will be nobles for a lifetime. And you, what do you have? A nominal title Marquis with an empty face, even if you use your face to marry, the husband is just a son of an official, and the promotion depends on the emperor's grace and fate. Learn arts and martial arts, sell to the emperor's family**, I am the imperial family, and you are the selling artist. Not only you, but your children and grandchildren destined to be no better than my bloodline in the future."

*Junwang: county prince or prince of the second rank.

**Whether you learned literary talent or martial arts, the ultimate goal is to contribute to the emperor and the court.

Lin Wei Xi stared motionlessly at Gao Ran, her eyes almost bursting fires, Gao Ran even looked back with a smile. Yes, what could Lin Wei Xi do even if she was angry? Gao Ran was already the Shizi Consort of Yan Wang. Few people in the capital were nobler than her. What could Lin Wei Xi this weak woman do?

Lin Wei Xi watched her, without saying a word, stood up and lifted the curtain forcefully and left. The bead curtain made a crisp clashing sound. Seeing this, Ning Fu frowned and stepped forward and said: "Shizi Consort..."

"It's all right." Gao Ran hold out her hand to stop Ning Fu's movements, smiled and shook her head, "She can also take advantage of this now to get angry, don't care about her rudeness, go on and do your thing."

Ning Fu responded and withdrew quietly. Gao Ran looked at the rain curtain outside the window and murmured: "The rain is so heavy..."

Lin Wei Xi walked quickly into the rain without looking back. When the rain fell on the ground, white water mist appeared, covering the entire corridor. Lin Wei Xi walked on the edge of the corridor, her steps were so fast that in a short while her clothes were half wet. Wan Yue hurriedly chased after her, trying to put a cloak on Lin Wei Xi: "Miss, your body is weak and can't get caught in the rain."

Lin Wei Xi was upset and said coldly, "Don't follow me, I want to be alone for a while."

"Miss!" Wan Yue was not frightened by Lin Wei Xi’s coldness, she rushed to Lin Wei Xi in spite of the rain, forcibly stopped her and put a cloak on her: "Miss, even if you feel unhappy in your heart, you can’t make trouble to your body! You have a little bit of cold when you go out. If you get caught in the rain again and blown by the cold wind, don’t know how much you will suffer when you return."

Wan Yue forcibly held her back, Lin Wei Xi wanted to shake her off but failed. She struggled hard a few times, and with this movement, her mind gradually calmed down.

It was simply the most stupid thing to punish her own body because other people’s mistake. Lin Wei Xi stopped struggling and let Wan Yue use the cloak to cover her up.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi finally calmed down, Wan Yue also relieved. After adjusting Lin Wei Xi's collar, she stepped back and stood quietly behind Lin Wei Xi, listening to the pattering rain outside the corridor with her.

Gao Ran was right. She was indeed really vicious, but what could Lin Wei Xi do to her? Lin Wei Xi was not worried about the marriage with the Qian family. It was difficult to form a marriage, but it was too simple to destroy it. As long as she insists on not marrying or use scissors to twists her hair (become a nun), could the Qian family still marry her forcibly? But if this happened, Lin Wei Xi for half her lifetime would be Ancient Buddha with Blue Lantern, suffering and loneliness were inevitable.

What Lin Wei Xi really cared about was what Gao Ran said next, three generations of Dukes and Marquis could be beheaded, but Wang title would not change for generations. Qinwang’s eldest di son was born as Shizi. In the future, he would inherit the Qinwang title. All the other di sons would be appointed as Junwang. The son of the son would be named General of the state. All title of Wang would only increase not decrease. As long as a Qinwang could be born, Qinwang and Junwang would be passed on from generation to generation. So Gao Ran was right. Yan Wang had reached the pinnacle of power, and even the emperor had to rely on Yan Wang. In the future, Yan Wang Mansion would only be glorified from generation to generation, and the descendants would be endless.

Gao Ran dared to do this, wasn't it because others could not do anything to her? Even if Lin Wei Xi resolved her temporary difficulties, could she put up this tone and let Gao Ran maliciously schemed her?

But even if she couldn’t stand it, what could she do to Gao Ran!

Lin Wei Xi stood in the corridor for a long time, the bottom of her skirt were all wet by the rain. Wan Yue looked anxious: "Miss, it's raining and windy, let's go back first!"

"Go back and do what?" Lin Wei Xi moved suddenly, she smiled softly at the rain curtain, her face was snow white, her lips bright red, but the expressions in her eyes were indifferent and terrifying, in the gray rain curtain it was simply thrilling.

Wan Yue watched with shock and horror, her heart beating fast, she heard Lin Wei Xi ask in a calm tone, as if nothing had happened, "What time is it?"

"The end of shenshi (3-5pm)."

When Lin Wei Xi heard this she smiled, turned around and left without even saying where she was going. Wan Yue instinctively felt a little scared, but worried that Lin Wei Xi was alone, so she could only quickly follow.

The guard outside the study stared at the front intently, and did not relax because of the rain. Suddenly his eyes condensed, and he looked at the visitor with some surprise: "Miss Lin?"

Lin Wei Xi sprinted all the way, now the bottoms of her skirt were all wet, her hair even slightly wetted by the rain. There were several locks of unruly hair stuck to her forehead, made her skin looked even more snow white, astonishingly beautiful.

"Is Yan Wang inside?"

"Wangye is here." The guard looked at Lin Wei Xi with hesitation. Lin Wei Xi raised his eyebrows: "I can't enter?"

"Of course not! It's just that, Miss Lin, you are soaked in the rain, do you need someone to come and wait for you to tidy up your appearance?"

"No." Lin Wei Xi saw that the guard had no objection, so she walked straight inside. Gu Hui Yan's study was located at a separate inner courtyard, which became quieter because of the rain.

Gu Mingda was also shocked when he saw Lin Wei Xi: "Miss Lin? Why are you soaked like this? Miss please wait a minute, I will go and find the servant girl..."

A clear voice came from the inside, perhaps because it hadn't been use for a long time, his voice was a little deep: "What's wrong?"

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were sour for some reason, and she quickly went towards the direction of the voice: "Your Highness Yan Wang."

Gu Hui Yan came out of the study and saw Lin Wei Xi. He was surprised at first, and then lowered his eyes: "What's the matter? Who is the person that supposed to serve? Why letting her get caught in the rain?"

Wan Yue kept her head down, and immediately knelt when she heard this. Lin Wei Xi stopped Wan Yue, her dark eyes staring at Yan Wang intently and stubbornly: "It's not her fault. Yan Wang, I have something to tell you."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi, the expression in her eyes rather like she would not give up if her purpose was not reached. Gu Hui Yan sighed and said, "You go out."

Gu Mingda stepped back and closed the door without saying a word. Lin Wei Xi stood there and saw Gu Hui Yan turned around and walked inside. She somewhat hesitated. There were many classified stuffs in Yan Wang's study, and she was unsure whether she could enter. Before she finish thinking about it, she saw Gu Hui Yan coming out from the inside with a piece of white silk in his hand: "The hot water is outside, you wipe your hair first. You know your own body, and it’s not too late to say what you want to say, but if you toss your body till you got sick, you are the one that will suffer."

Lin Wei Xi took the white silk, thinking that she was also a beautiful young girl at the prime of her youth, wiping her hair indecently in front a man, what is that? Seeing her motionless, Gu Hui Yan asked calmly: "Why, not willing?"

"Silk cloth cannot absorb water. Even if you want me to wipe my hair, you should took out cotton cloth instead."

Gu Hui Yan was really helpless: "Okay. I will prepare it for you next time."

But thanks to this interruption, Lin Wei Xi's excitement calmed down, and after thinking about it carefully, her mind became clearer: "Yan Wang, I have something to say to you."

"I still remember." Gu Hui Yan didn't take this matter to heart. He sat back behind his desk, held up his sleeve while holding a writing brush, moistened the tip of the brush, and said casually, "Say it."

"You promised me before. If I have any wishes, you will satisfy me as long as I don't overdo it?"

Gu Hui Yan replied as he wrote, "Hmm."

Lin Wei Xi breathed lightly: "Your Highness, aren't you lack a wife?"

The ink on the brush flicked out. The letter he wrote for Zhang Xiao Lian was immediately destroyed.

Gu Hui Yan raised his head and looked at her deeply, "What did you say?"

Chapter 25 : Pique

Lin Wei Xi regretted it as soon as the words were spoken, but what could Lin Wei Xi do? She could only bite the bullet and pretend to be calm: "Your Wangfei, that is, Gu Cheng Yao's mother's surname is Shen. She passed away in the seventh year of Jianzhao, ten years ago. You are different from Gu Cheng Yao, you kept mourning period for your wife for three years. Even though with your status no one dares to insist, you still did it. Now it has been ten years since Shen Wangfei passed away, and the Shizi has also married and established a family. Although there are no children yet, but obviously there will be in a few years."

"What do you want to say?"

Lin Wei Xi blushed, but her voice did not weaken: "The Wangfei has passed away for many years, and the Shizi has grown up. There is no need to worry about heirs, and there is no need to worry about the new bride treating the predecessors' children harshly. If there is no worries about the future, you should marry a new Wangfei."

Gu Hui Yan put down his brush, did not care about the destroyed letter for First Assistant, rather looked at Lin Wei Xi, his eyes calm, unperturbed: "Go on."

Lin Wei Xi subconsciously want to bow her head, too frightening, it was more terrifying than the old-fashioned master who taught her to read when she was a child. But once the arrow shot there’s no getting it back. Lin Wei Xi in any case couldn't say to Yan Wang ‘sorry, you heard it wrong. Just now it’s only sleep talking’, right?

Lin Wei Xi’s blush almost dripping blood. Using voice that was resolute and loud in her heart, but in actually as thin as a mosquito and fly, she said softly: "You see, how about me?"

Gu Hui Yan still had a light expression, could not be distinguished between angry or happy. But he himself knew, that was not the case.

Gu Hui Yan's fingers were lightly placed on the table, under his fingertips was a reply for First Assistant Zhang, which was just destroyed by a drop of ink. But under this letter, there was another exquisite palace note.

The letter was written by Grand Princess Shou Kang. In the letter, Princess Shou Kang said that she and Lin Wei Xi were very close to each other. She was an old woman who lived in the princess mansion by herself and always felt lonely. It happened that Lin Wei Xi also mentioned this matter, so Princess Shou Kang want to take Lin Wei Xi to the princess mansion to live.

This was actually a proposal that could satisfied both sides. Even if no one dared to gossip about Yan Wang Mansion, Lin Wei Xi was an unmarried girl after all, she didn’t have blood relation with Yan Wang Mansion, and there wasn’t female elders in the mansion. If she lives here, in the end her reputation would be damaged.

It was a reasonable proposal, but Gu Hui Yan stared at the letter for a long time, he couldn't write a good reply after a while. Probably rainy days could make people more irritable. Gu Hui Yan felt offended for no reason. When he noticed this, he was surprised. How could it be? Gu Hui Yan's face was still the usual, but in his heart there was tsunami and landslide. Instead of replying to Princess Shou Kang's letter, he took another piece of paper, laid it out, and wrote a letter to Zhang Xiao Lian. When Gu Hui Yan wrote the letter, his thoughts were always unconsciously drifting towards another matter. At this moment, Lin Wei Xi opened the door and entered.

Gu Hui Yan couldn't tell for a moment whether this was accidental or the inevitable combination of several coincidences.

He only turned to those thoughts in a flash. In reality, Lin Wei Xi had just recommended herself, and she was too embarrassed to lift her head.

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's hair whorl. She was so cute with her head hanging down like this. Her neck was like a swan, made people suspected it would break with a snap. Gu Hui Yan didn't know how long he watched it, maybe it was a cup of tea or maybe it was just for a flash, he quickly returned to his soul and retracted his eyes: "You have a fever, go back and recuperate. I just pretend that I haven't heard these words. Afterwards you still live in Yan Wang Mansion with ease. If you need something say it to Gu Mingda."

"I don’t!" Lin Wei Xi was originally ashamed, but when she heard Gu Hui Yan's reply, she was surprisingly angry, "Yan Wang, what do you mean? I said this to you, you just think that I have a fever, as if nothing happened, just let me go back to rest, and treat me the same way in the future. What the hell am I in your heart? An object without thoughts and emotions, or an amusing pet that come when you call and go with your wave?"

Gu Hui Yan's eyes moved slightly, finally revealing his true emotions: "Do you know what you’re talking about?"

"I know!" Lin Wei Xi thought to herself this matter already came this far anyway, she simply shouted out without hesitation, "I admire Yan Wang’s heroic appearance, and want to marry you as the second wife. My father asks you to take care of me, and you have always want to find me a good marriage, so that I will have a husband that I can depend on in the future. But what should I do if I’m mistaken about the person? What if he only want to get your influence or only coveting my dowry? You can support me once, but can you protect me for the rest of my life? So, let me stay in the Yan Wang Mansion, wouldn't it be the best care..."

Lin Wei Xi's voice became weaker and weaker under Gu Hui Yan's eyes, well, she also knew that this was a fallacy. However, the words didn’t sound good, but the reason was true. Lin Wei Xi had been in a kind of contradiction from the beginning of her journey to the capital. On one hand, she felt that her previous life was over. She was unwilling to pay the past mistake at the cost of her reborn. She should start a new life. On the other hand, she looked at the previous life’s people, and the previous life’s matters, she was not reconciled. She was dead, and these people were still alive, and looked at it they probably would live better in the future. She couldn't pass this hurdle in her heart, really couldn’t.

Lin Wei Xi thought like this, her eyes filled with water. Gu Hui Yan sighed with a headache. Such rebellious thing, he didn't even say a word, but the initiator was aggrieved till crying. Gu Hui Yan could only say: "When you get wet in the rain it’s easy to catch a cold. Go back first and take a good rest."

This was another kind of rhetoric. Why these higher-up people always liked to say ambiguous things, could he actually say yes or no first?

Lin Wei Xi opened her mouth slightly, and wanted to say something, but Gu Hui Yan's gaze swept over in the next second. The courage that Lin Wei Xi had accumulated with great difficulty collapsed thousands of miles away, she lowered her head, gave Gu Hui Yan a salute in silence, and turned away dully.

Lin Wei Xi's retreating action carried some anger element, but at this moment, no one would care about it. As soon as Lin Wei Xi went out, she saw Gu Cheng Yao standing under the eaves and unwinding his umbrella. Gu Mingda dutifully guarded the door. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's face was not good, Gu Cheng Yao wondered: "Why are you here?"

Lin Wei Xi didn't want to say a word, with cold face she brushed past Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Mingda heard the dispute in the room just now, and they as close guards, quite understand about proper behavior, and would not pry into the master's conversation. However Gu Mingda, as Yan Wang’s right hand subordinate, was amazed in his heart. Someone actually dared to argue with Yan Wang? Maybe it should be said, someone actually can argue with Yan Wang?

So when Lin Wei Xi came out and her face was not so good, Gu Mingda was not surprised, but Gu Cheng Yao, after seeing Lin Wei Xi walked into the rain without looking back, frowned silently: "How could she get wet by the rain so much?"

After Lin Wei Xi returned to Jingdan Garden, she had a headache as soon as she entered the house, and started to burn that night, her illness came so fiercely. Previously she suffered a cold after returning from the palace, today it was add with walking in the rain for so long, and as soon as she came back she had a high fever. Lin Wei Xi’s illness alarmed many people. Yan Wang Mansion that very night invited the imperial physician into the mansion, and half of the mansion’s lights were on all night. Until noon the next day, Lin Wei Xi’s fever with great difficulty retreated a little, she opened her eyes in a daze, and saw a dragon imperial robe standing outside the bed curtain. The clothes were majestic and serious black, coiled dragon embroidered on it with gold threads. Standing in the exquisite and warm young girl’s room, it became increasingly majestic and solemn.

People would not think about another person when they saw this clothes in the mansion.

Somewhat heard the movement from the Babu bed, the conversation outside stopped. After a while, three or four layers of bed curtain were opened one by one. Gu Hui Yan stood outside the partition, looking at Lin Wei Xi’s gaze and sighed helplessly: "Are you better?"

At the moment Lin Wei Xi’s bones aches all over, as if this fever was burning her bones. Lin Wei Xi pursed her lips, and with a great effort said, "It's all right."

Her hoarse voice made Lin Wei Xi startled. Gu Hui Yan sighed, how could he believed that she was really "all right". Gu Hui Yan motioned to Wan Xing and Wan Yue to put down the bed curtain: "She doesn’t appear to have the cold now, properly take care of her."

Wan Yue obeyed and carefully put down the innermost heavy red curtain. Gu Hui Yan was still squeezing a lot of things outside, and there really was no time to delay any longer. His figure moved, and as soon as he turned and took two steps, he heard Lin Wei Xi’s voice coming from behind, her voice was hoarse and tired: "Your Highness, what I said yesterday is not just nonsense."

Gu Hui Yan's figure stopped, he turned halfway, and saw Lin Wei Xi half propped up on the bed under the thin layer of gauze. Even if he couldn't see her eyes, he could still imagine it. Her eyes were burning now, even though she was uncomfortably ill, she insisted on asking for an answer.

Wan Yue was setting up the tent when she suddenly saw Miss Lin prop up her body to talk to Yan Wang despite her illness, and Yan Wang stopped silently. Wan Yue was unaware, so what they were talking about yesterday? Although she accompanied Lin Wei Xi to the study, she did not know the specific details.

Wan Yue was holding a delicate curtain in her hand. She didn't know what to do for a while, so she could only stand by the bed and waited quietly without disturbing Miss Lin and Yan Wang.

Gu Hui Yan sank and said, "If you are worried about Second Qian's matter, you can rest assured, I have handled this matter."

The matter of yesterday afternoon, Gu Hui Yan already handled it now. Lin Wei Xi felt emotional for a while, the itching in her throat could not be restrained, and she couldn't help but leaning her head to cough. After finally controlling it, she said in a hoarse voice, "It's not because of him."

She knew she looked silly and impulsive now, but she really wanted to be clear.

Gu Hui Yan's eyes darkened, and the temperature in the room condensed inch by inch: "Do you know what you’re talking about?"

"I know." Lin Wei Xi tried to look Gu Hui Yan's eyes directly and said as best she could.

Gu Hui Yan was separated by a heavy gauze curtain, at that moment he was extremely sure, she didn't know. She was just acted in a fit of pique.

And who made her pique, it’s obvious at a glance.

Gu Hui Yan paused in place for only a moment, and then continued to walk outside: "You set your mind to recuperate."

Gu Hui Yan had just walked out of the house, and sure enough, he heard the sound of tantrums inside. Gu Hui Yan secretly said in his heart that with this little strength, still learned from others to throw things down to vent out anger.

Gu Mingda was waiting in the yard. When he saw Gu Hui Yan coming out, he immediately walked behind Gu Hui Yan and bowed his head slightly: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan brought people walking the heap of gold and pile up jade (extremely wealthy) winding corridors of the inner mansion. When the servants in the garden saw him, they all lowered their hands and moved out of the way, lowered their head down and waited for him to pass first, not even daring to raise their eyes. When Gu Hui Yan passed through a courtyard, he suddenly stopped. Outside the Ruyi carved fence, the wisteria tree hanging above the eaves were gently swaying.

When Gu Mingda saw Gu Hui Yan had stop, he looked at the front, stepped forward and said in a low voice: "Wangye, maybe the wind is blowing it."

The gardener who looked after the courtyard was almost on his knees in fright. Wangye was not satisfied with the wisteria tree? Was he dislike it because it’s too dense?

Fortunately, Gu Hui Yan just stopped to take a look, said nothing, and continued to walk forward. He was silent all the way, and everywhere he passed by was solemn.

Maybe it was not the wind.

After Gu Hui Yan returned to the study, he calmly handled the important official duties that had accumulated since yesterday. After a few brief instructions to his aids, he asked Gu Mingda to prepare his horse to go visit Princess Shou Kang Mansion.

The whole princess mansion was startled by Yan Wang sudden visit. You know, with his rank, wherever he went he should notify at least three days in advance. Grand Princess Shou Kang sat in the main hall and asked Gu Hui Yan with some doubts: "Why do you want to come to me today? If you send someone to say in advance, I’ll be prepared.”

“How dare I trouble my aunt?” Gu Hui Yan smiled and nodded, and said neither too fast not too slow, “I am hastily visiting today because I want to ask aunt for something.”

“Oh?" Princess Shou Kang also became curious, what else does Gu Hui Yan need to ask from others? She smiled and said: "You are being modest again, what else under the sky that Yan Wang can't make it come forward?"

Gu Hui Yan smiled, not this time. He said: "I want to ask my aunt to come forward as matchmaker for me and Lin Wei Xi."

Chapter 26 : Matchmaker

Grand Princess Shou Kang's smile stiffened, blinked, she really thought she misheard things.

Gu Hui Yan still maintained a calm smile, quietly watching Grand Princess Shou Kang.

Gu Hui Yan's expression really didn't look like he’s playing a joke. Princess Shou Kang slowly digest his words just now, and then reflected what Yan Wang had said.

Grand Princess Shou Kang was shocked till she choked. The maid stepped forward to attend her, but she was pushed aside by the princess: "What did you say? Are you serious?"

"Serious."

Princess Shou Kang looked calm and tranquil, as if Gu Hui Yan was talking about something as common as eating and drinking water, but her heart was full of turbulent waves, almost unable to maintain the expression on her face. If she have not confused because her old age, didn’t Gu Hui Yan entrusted her to look for a husband family for Lin Wei Xi only a month ago? What happened in the middle to actually make this kind of reversal.

Grand Princess Shou Kang quickly took a sip of tea. After she calmed down a little bit, she thought about it again. She was really happy from the inside and thinking how good it was. Of course Princess Shou Kang wanted to find a good husband in the capital for Lin Wei Xi. These days she also secretly looked at several powerful family’s son, but which powerful family could compare to Yan Wang?

Moreover whoever Princess Shou Kang chooses, when Lin Wei Xi married she would have to serve her parents-in-law and sister-in-law. How could Princess Shou Kang find a family that was not complicated with honest principle? In the end there was a difference between daughter-in-law and a daughter. There was a saying ‘even a submissive daughter-in-law will one day become a domineering mother-in-law’. Lin Wei Xi must be careful to serve her in-law. But if it was in the Yan Wang Mansion, then these troubles would not exist. Yan Wang's parents had passed away for many years. There were three masters in the mansion. Except for Yan Wang, the other two were sons and daughters-in-law. If Lin Wei Xi married Yan Wang, she would become the elders of Shizi and Shizi Consort. In the whole mansion who would dare to show Lin Wei Xi's face?

The more Princess Shou Kang thought about it, the more she felt that this was an excellent thing. Yan Wang had clear hands and eyes, and his power overflow the sky. He was not the kind of person who would be deceived by the tricks of the back house. As long as Lin Wei Xi didn't make Yan Wang angry, she wouldn't have to suffer from hidden loss in the inner house. The Shizi was also an older adult, and Lin Wei Xi didn’t even have to suffer the anger of being a stepmother, but instead has an extra filial daughter-in-law.

Grand Princess Shou Kang almost laughed out loud at the thought of this, Gao Ran schemed to grab Gao Xi’s marriage, wasn’t it just for the power of the Yan Wang Mansion, and she wanted to be the mistress that manage Yan Wang Mansion, but it’s important to know that Yan Wang Mansion belongs to Yan Wang, not Gu Cheng Yao. Previously Yan Wangfei was hanging empty, Gao Ran, as Shizi Consort, was just right to take charge. Once the real mistress came in, what would Gao Ran count as?

Princess Shou Kang was overwhelmed with joy, she felt relieved of Lin Wei Xi's life-long event, and then she had time to think about the intention of Yan Wang’s word. Women were naturally gossipy, and her highness Shou Kang as a Princess was no exception. She tentatively asked: "Yan Wang, it’s not that I am pretending to be an elder and disrespectful, but it was fine a while ago, you suddenly mentioned this matter today. Is there any reason?”

Even if Grand Princess Shou Kang was beaten to death she would not believe that this explosive idea was Lin Wei Xi’s own initiative. She thought it was Yan Wang who thoroughly want to take care of Lin Wei Xi. Now that Lin Wei Xi was about to get married, he was a little reluctant. Or maybe something happened in the Yan Wang Mansion that outsiders didn't know about. This catalyzed...

Gu Hui Yan looked at Grand Princess Shou Kang's eager eyes, and could guess what his aunt was thinking. He had already figured it out when he returned to the study. He prepared his horse and went out to visit Princess Shou Kang Mansion. He knew very well what he was doing and made clear arrangements for every step in the future. Now when asked by Princess Shou Kang, Gu Hui Yan also thought about it, why did he do this?

Lin Wei Xi said these words despite her illness. With Lin Wei Xi’s temper, there would be no room for maneuver once such words were said, she either succeed or she leave Yan Wang Mansion, then their life would no longer intersect. Gu Hui Yan had to admit that he had a good impression of this overly lively girl, when he watch her make trouble, it was as if he also a lot younger in this pool of stagnant water. To let Lin Wei Xi moved away from the mansion and never see each other again forever, Gu Hui Yan feels inexplicably irritable. Since it’s like this, then this was the remaining route available.

Between them, it was a very simple logic. Gu Hui Yan went to the battlefield at the age of fifteen and spent half his life on the battlefield. What he was best at was to make decisions, and when he made decisions he also was most decisive. Lin Wei Xi’s affairs were much simpler than the ever-changing battlefield. The pros and cons were clear and organized. There was no dilemma of abandoning a team or abandoning the whole army. Gu Hui Yan only took a short time to make a decision. .

But Gu Hui Yan was not used to talked to others closely, so he just smiled and said: "Auntie can rest assured, there is no misunderstanding, I know what I am doing." After speaking, Gu Hui Yan stopped slightly. After a pause, he added another sentence: "She also knows."

I hope she knows.

Princess Shou Kang looked at ease, but she knew in her heart that she couldn't find out what was going on. Yan Wang looked reasonable and easy to talk to, but in fact was very strict with the boundaries, if she asked once again she would cross the boundaries. Princess Shou Kang changed the topic and stopped asking.

Grand Princess Shou Kang was extremely excited today. Her only granddaughter had passed away, and Princess Shou Kang felt unspeakable regret. Now there was Lin Wei Xi, and Princess Shou Kang was full of heart to do a perfect marriage for her, so she would not let her follow in Gao Xi's footsteps. After Gu Hui Yan entrusted the matter to Princess Shou Kang, he no longer remembered it. As for the six ceremonies, marriage proposal and other ceremonies, everything as Grand Princess Shou Kang said. Gu Hui Yan didn’t care, as for whether it would be extravagance or not he even more didn’t care. .

Seeing that the time was almost up, Gu Hui Yan got up and said farewell. Princess Shou Kang smiled and sent Gu Hui Yan out of the main hall, and then excitedly asked the mama to open the warehouse, she went to pick Lin Wei Xi's dowry in person. Princess Shou Kang Mansion was full of joy, while Yan Wang Mansion was still quiet and solemn. It had rained for a long time a few days ago, and the air was still full of moisture today. The trees in the courtyard were washed into deep green by the rain, and the wind blew into the sleeves, made a little cold thought appear.

After Lin Wei Xi woke up for a short time at noon, she fell asleep again. Her breathing was hot, her dreams were intermittent, and she slept very restlessly. The people in Jingdan Garden all came and went with a heavy face, no matter if they were sincere or faking it, they seemed to be very worried about Lin Wei Xi's condition now. Wan Xing and Wan Yue kept replacing the cold water kerchiefs on Lin Wei Xi's foreheads for a while, and spend the time like this until the evening when Lin Wei Xi's fever finally subsided.

After Lin Wei Xi woke up, she saw that the sky outside the window was dark. She bowed her head and coughed, ignoring the drink, and asked quickly: "Has Yan Wang hall came over?"

"No."

Lin Wei Xi gave a soft "Oh" and her heart gradually sank. She should have known it a long time ago, Yan Wang was not stupid, how could he let her scheme him.

Wan Yue saw that Lin Wei Xi's face was not good, and she inexplicably felt a bad premonition. She lowered her voice and added: "Wangye has just returned from Princess Shou Kang Mansion and still hasn’t come to the back house yet. If Miss has something to say, why don’t this slaves go to the front to invite Wangye?"

Before Lin Wei Xi had time to speak, she heard footsteps outside. Lin Wei Xi saw the incoming person and immediately sat up: "Gu commander..."

Gu Mingda was welcomed as soon as he entered Jingdan Garden. No one in Yan Wang Mansion who didn’t know Gu Mingda. Their family had served Yan Wang Mansion for generations. When Yan Wang was young, he followed him around. Later, he was even given the royal surname "Gu", which showed his position. However, such a true confidant who overrides the inner and outer courtyards, and could even override the close servant of the masters, was very polite to Lin Wei Xi. After Gu Mingda entered the house, he stopped outside the screen, his eyes lowered, and did not look inside. He asked rigidly: "Miss Lin, is your illness better?"

Lin Wei Xi let Wan Xing supported her to sit up. Separated by bed curtain she also politely replied, "Thank you for Commander Gu's care, it's much better already." Lin Wei Xi still couldn't hold back, turned a corner and asked, "Did His Highness Yan Wang ask you come over to inquire?"

Gu Mingda unexpectedly did not answer, but paused for a moment, and then said, "It’s good that Miss Lin’s illness has improved. Miss Lin just take

care to recuperate in these few days. After a few days the weather will get warmer, Grand Princess Shou Kang wants to pick you up to stay temporarily.”

Gu Mingda didn’t answer whether or not it was Yan Wang who send him. If she knew that it was impossible, Lin Wei Xi almost thought Gu Mingda was deliberately avoiding it. Which servant would refuse to lifted his master up? Half willing half unwilling answered with a few sentence, just trying having it both ways. Gu Mingda's attitude was really strange. But before Lin Wei Xi tried to understand, she heard Gu Mingda talked about letting her move out. Lin Wei Xi's attention shifted, frowning unconsciously, "Why?"

Why is it at this moment?

"Why?" Gu Cheng Yao also looked at Gu Hui Yan puzzledly, "She is now still ill in bed, and it’s not that Yan Wang Mansion unable to support her, so why let her move out of the mansion?"

Gu Hui Yan sat on an armchair, unhurriedly lifted the tea cup with floating leaves in it: "It used to be no problem how long she wanted to live, but it is not appropriate to continue to stay in Yan Wang Mansion now."

Gu Cheng Yao was baffled. Without a second thought asked, "Why is it not appropriate?"

Gu Hui Yan put down the Yue kiln celadon cup, his movements were calm, and his face was the same as before countless battles, as if victory was within his grasp. But if Gu Mingda was here, he could find that Gu Hui Yan's movements had slowed down, and his speech had paused for a few more seconds than usual. This kind of pause was unusual for Gu Hui Yan.

When Gu Hui Yan puts the tea cup away, his mood has been adjusted. As if his state just now was accidental, he casually said: "She will marry into Yan Wang Mansion in a few days, and to continue living in the mansion will hinder her reputation."

Like a bolt from the blue, all servants in the study room were staring with astonishment, and then quickly gritted their teeth and shrank their shoulders and bowed their heads. Gu Cheng Yao was stunned, and it took a long time to understand what Gu Hui Yan was saying: "Father, you said Lin Wei Xi is going to marry into the mansion? I don't have any brothers, this..." At this point, he woke up and looked at Gu Hui Yan incredulously: "Father, could it be..."

"Yes, soon I will marry her as Wangfei."

Gu Cheng Yao, who was always praised in the capital for being a gentleman, right now even neglected his manners, he looked at Gu Hui Yan with his mouth opened in astonishment. After a while his face suddenly sank, and said resolutely: "No."

Gu Hui Yan just glanced at Gu Cheng Yao lightly, obviously not paying attention. Gu Mingda came in from the outside, when he heard this he said rigidly: "Shizi, you have overstep."

Gu Cheng Yao also found that his words were ridiculous. He was the child, how could he be qualified to manage the affairs of his elders? But how could this work?

Gu Cheng Yao was in a state of confusion. He didn't think about it when he opposed and just blurted it out. After he finished speaking, he thought later, why not?

His mother Shen shi always said that father fell in love with her at first sight and his love was more solid than gold. Was it because Gu Cheng Yao tried to protect his parent’s love that he disapprove of his father to remarry? Or was it because the person his father wants to marry was Lin Wei Xi who was younger than Gu Cheng Yao. He thought it was absurd, so he opposes it, or maybe because the person was Lin Wei Xi, a Lin Wei Xi who brought him an inexplicable familiarity?

The confusion in Gu Cheng Yao's heart only appeared for a moment, and then pressed down by Shen shi's voice and smile. Gu Hui Yan had been fighting for many years and had not stayed in the mansion for long. Gu Cheng Yao grew up with his mother, Shen shi. At that time, they were still living in the mansion in Yan fief, when old Wangfei was still alive. Old Wangfei treatments towards Shen shi was very mediocre. Shen shi complained about her mother-in-law's harshness to Gu Cheng Yao all the time. Over time, Gu Cheng Yao couldn't get close to her grandmother. Staying beside his mother Shen shi even more.

At that time, Gu Cheng Yao was still young. Shen shi recounted her encounter with Yan Wang with Gu Cheng Yao over and over again. Yan Wang rescued Shen shi from military upheaval. The hero saved the beauty and fell in love at first sight. For this reason, Shen shi pursued her husband for thousands of miles. Later, the two of them became husband and wife, and they made a beautiful story. Gu Cheng Yao actually was not very interested in Shen shi’s words about those pair of lovers, but who made it his mother, over the years, the child Gu Cheng Yao was deeply affected. Without even realizing it, he truly felt that the marriage of his father and mother was an eternal love myth, even if Gu Hui Yan stayed in the barracks all year round and did not return home, even though his grandmother, old Wangfei, was very indifferent to Shen shi.

Later, Shen shi died of illness. Yan Wang did not remarry for many years, and everything developed into a beautiful place. Now this love myth suddenly shattered, and a third party inserted out of nowhere. How could Gu Cheng Yao allowed it.

Gu Cheng Yao's face was sullen and his voice was stern: "Father, are you worthy of my mother by doing this? You were busy fighting in the past. She was alone running the household, filial to grandmother, and raised me. You remarry a new Wangfei, have you ever thought about mother in the underworld?"

Gu Mingda thought in his heart ‘you also know that Shen Wangfei is already in the underworld’. But in reality, Gu Mingda just took a step forward and said coldly: "Shizi, you have crossed the line."

Gu Cheng Yao looked at Gu Mingda. Gu Mingda didn't evade, still watching with that kind of businesslike and lifeless eyes. In the end, Gu Cheng Yao ultimately caved in. He said stiffly, "This son was rude," and then turned and left quickly.

"Wangye..."

"It's all right." Gu Hui Yan didn't pay any attention to the storm before him. He stood up and walked toward the study. The daily affairs were piled up like a mountain. In fact, he didn't have a lot of free time. "He is still naive, let him go."

Gao Ran was sitting in the inner room when she saw Gu Cheng Yao rushing towards her, she hurriedly greeted him: "Shizi."

She saw Gu Cheng Yao's face, with a light smile and her voice gentle like water, she asked: "Shizi, what's wrong with you?"

Gu Cheng Yao took a deep breath and said: "It's nothing. I had some disputes with father."

Gao Ran was startled: "What dispute, because of what?" Gu Cheng Yao and Yan Wang had a dispute, this was not a good sign.

"Father wishes to marry Lin Wei Xi as Wangfei, I said a few words, afterwards become like this."

Gao Ran actually didn't hear the second half of Gu Cheng Yao's sentence, all her mind was focused on the first few words. She stood on the spot, her brain buzzing, and after a while, she was finally able to speak normally: "What did you say?"

Author’s note:

In the story revealed by Gu Cheng Yao, did anyone notice that it’s only one side perspective? Spoiler can only up to here. The rest of the story will be revealed bit by bit.

Chapter 27 : Wangfei

What did Gu Cheng Yao just say, Yan Wang wants to marry Lin Wei Xi as his wangfei?

There was a buzz in Gao Ran's head, and it took a long time to recover. At this time, Gu Cheng Yao was also upset, and did not notice Gao Ran's strangeness.

The lantern made a popping sound, Gao Ran’s spirit finally awakened, she suddenly realized the meaning behind this incident. She just agreed to the marriage between Lin Wei Xi and the second son of Qian. Although it was only a verbal promise, Gao Ran was confident when she agreed to Madam Qian and didn't think it would be a problem. Although the parent’s order the matchmaker's words, but in this world there were so many marriage by Emperor’s decree and Empress Dowager’s decree, and not all of those people were relatives of the Emperor. As long as the power was large enough, social class could override all rules.

So when Madam Qian brought up Lin Wei Xi's marriage, Gao Ran got into her head and agreed without much rejection. Both the Qian family and Gao Ran were very happy. As for the opinion of the person involved, was it necessary to ask?

Of course Gao Ran knew that Lin Wei Xi would not be happy, and she even guessed that Lin Wei Xi would probably go to Yan Wang to talk. However, the gecko abandoned his tail and broken his arms to seek survival. Compared to Yan Wang’s temporary dissatisfaction, Lin Wei Xi’s continued stay in Yan Wang Mansion was more harmful, so she straightforwardly abandoned her temporary gains in exchange for long-term peace of mind in the future.

However, Gao Ran didn't expect that Lin Wei Xi went to the Yan Wang to file a complaint and actually came up with such a result.

Lin Wei Xi actually wants to marry into Yan Wang Mansion? What was even more incredible was that the person involved was not Gu Cheng Yao, but Yan Wang?

Gao Ran was too shocked to speak. If it's just shock it was nothing, the trouble was that Lin Wei Xi would be a generation higher than her in name. If Lin Wei Xi remembers their feud and deliberately finds fault in the future, Gao Ran would be in serious trouble.

For now the promise with the Qian family's wife was no longer important, and Gao Ran was more concerned about Yan Wang's matters. Gao Ran was too impatient to notice that her voice was no longer the gentle and watery style of the past, almost impatient: "Why father want to accept Lin Wei Xi as the consort? Is it as the consort or small concubine?"

Although Gu Cheng Yao was thought about this in his heart, but he couldn't help but lower his head and glance at Gao Ran when he heard this. In the past Gao Ran was always righteousness, gentle and graceful, how could she said such vulgar and disrespectful words? Gu Cheng Yao didn't know why Gao Ran had such a speculation. This was not only an insult to Lin Wei Xi, but also an insult to Yan Wang.

Gu Cheng Yao was unhappy in his heart, but still suppressed his mood, and answered his wife's question in a good voice: "Naturally as the consort. As Yan Wangfei."

Gao Ran's last thread of hope was shattered. She was so angry that she want to vomit, she obviously already finished. Why did Lin Wei Xi cause so much mess again. This troublemaker!

Gao Ran frowned and contemplated, after a while she suddenly realized that Gu Cheng Yao was looking at her. Gao Ran became alert in her heart, and quickly eased her face, and squeezed out a smile: "Shizi, I just heard about this and I was so surprised. By the way, what did Shizi and Wangye talking about, why suddenly brings up this matters?"

After Gao Ran explained her gloomy expression in the first half of the sentence, she immediately changed the subject after the vagueness passed.

Speaking of this, Gu Cheng Yao was not too happy, and did not mention Gao Ran's blunder: "Father said that Lin Wei Xi would be moved to Princess Shou Kang Mansion. I was puzzled for a while. After asking a few more questions, father said he would marry her as his consort. "

If Yan Wang really wants to marry Lin Wei Xi, then it would not sound so good to continue letting Lin Wei Xi lived in Yan Wang Mansion. In this way the matters would not spread falsely, and Lin Wei Xi most likely married from Princess Shou Kang mansion.

Why Lin Wei Xi could become the Yan Wangfei without a word, and due to unexpected turn of events she even had a princess mansion as her maiden’s family.

Gao Ran’s heart was on fire. A living Cinderella story happened before her eyes, and Gao Ran felt it was simply dazzling. What was even more disgusting was that this Cinderella would become her mother-in-law and in the future naturally would have management power over Gao Ran.

Gao Ran used to seeing this kind of vicious mother-in-law in her previous life, whether from films or television dramas or novels. If Lin Wei Xi gave birth to a son in the future, she would have the idea of wanting to move Shizi position. Gao Ran made no secret of her malice towards second wife stepmother. She completely forgot that she was also a second wife. If Gao Xi hadn't died early, Gao Ran would be someone else's stepmother.

Gao Ran quickly thought about the countermeasures in her heart, her eyes rolled, felt that the key lies with Gu Cheng Yao. Women were nothing but an adornment, but Gu Cheng Yao was the only son of Yan Wang, the Shizi of the mansion. If Lin Wei Xi tried a trick on Gu Cheng Yao, Yan Wang Mansion inside outside definitely would not spare her. Therefore, Gao Ran's reliance was still in Gu Cheng Yao. Only if Gu Cheng Yao and her were united inside and outside, with the same enemy, Gao Ran could rise above Lin Wei Xi step by step and made her an empty shell Wangfei.

After Gao Ran thought about it, her mind became calmer and quietly asked: "Shizi, you didn't look good when you just came in, did you say something to Wangye?"

Gu Cheng Yao sighed: "It’s me who was wrong. I shouldn't contradict my father. But I'm not worthy of my mother. My mother and father have a deep relationship. My father will remarry after many years. Where will this put my mother’s face?"

Gao Ran knew that the mother here refers to her proper mother-in-law Shen shi. Shen Wangfei was very famous in Yan Wang Mansion. As soon as Gao Ran got married, she heard these things from mama in charge. It was said that during that times Shen Wangfei and Yan Wang’s love could move the world, Shen Wangfei chased her husband for thousands of miles, step over the social class, and after she entered the mansion, remained true to her original intentions even when her in-laws made things difficult for her, her love was brave and passionate. It was a pity that the heaven was jealous of the beauty, Shen Wangfei who had been treated coldly by her mother-in-law for many years, when Yan Wang went to battle for the first time, she died in the back house of Yan Wang Mansion.

Yan Wang came back to learn about this matter, he was silent for a long time and then throw a grand funeral for Shen shi. After many years, Yan Wang did not remarry. During this period, there were many young and beautiful women who recommended themselves as bed warmer. Yan Wang did not accept it. Later, when Gu Cheng Yao grew up, he directly named this Shen shi's son as the Shizi. Gao Ran sighed after hearing this. What a touching love story. The heroine broke through the barriers of the world. The hero had been affectionate for many years. After death, he had been guarding his dead wife. Even many important departments of the mansion were guarding the dowry of the dead wife. In this way, Lin Wei Xi, this third party, was too annoying.

Gu Cheng Yao's memory of Shen shi was already very vague, but it did not prevent him from deeply mourned his mother and treated well the old servant left behind by her mother. Even now, many of Gu Cheng Yao's close people were the servants left behind by Shen Wangei. The day after Gao Ran got married, Gu Cheng Yao's mama-in-charge and servant girl Yunhui came over to have a showdown with Gao Ran. When Gao Ran heard that the other party was Shen shi’s people, she immediately became very polite. Gao Ran was more tactful than Gao Xi, because Gao Ran was fawning over Yun Hui and the others, and Gu Cheng Yao was very fond of Gao Ran, when the Shen Wangfei’s people in the mansion saw this they treated Gao Ran harmoniously. With Gao Xi as the contrast in the front, Gao Ran and the remaining people of Shen Wangfei were to be kind and love one another, joyous and harmonious.

Gao Ran understands Gu Cheng Yao's feelings very well. Her nominal father, Duke Yingguo Shizi, was also unable to be with his true love Han shi because of his secular vision. Han shi could only be wronged as concubine. Gao Ran held Gu Cheng Yao's hand and said, "Shizi, I understand how you feel. Don't worry, Shen Wangfei is the only mother-in-law that I recognized. No matter what happens in the future, my heart for you will never change."

Gu Cheng Yao hold Gao Ran's hand tightly. Normally it was touching words, but didn’t know what happened today, Gu Cheng Yao always felt very detached. He heard those words in his ears, but they did not stun him like before.

After Gu Mingda left, Lin Wei Xi stayed in her room to recuperate for several days. Gu Mingda did not say anything that day. The woman couldn't hear things like engagement in person, but from the surrounding people’s expression these days and the plausible voice of the people in the mansion, Lin Wei Xi could probably guess what was going on.

After Lin Wei Xi's fever subsided, her confused brain finally woke up. Could it be she had been in the rain for too long that day, which caused the water to get into her head? What had she done!

Lin Wei Xi was so embarrassed that she couldn't face the stupid things she had done, so she could only hide in her room in the pretext of recovering from illness, and would not see anyone. Sickness was a really good excuse. She used to think that the women in the Duke Mansion would get sick every few days. It was too exaggerated. But now Lin Wei Xi knows that ‘to recuperate’ was really an omnipotent excuse. She didn’t have to meet people face, could hide day by day.

Fortunately, within two days, people from Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion came and busily took Lin Wei Xi to their mansion to recuperate. Lin Wei Xi's luggage was very simple, except for Lin Yong's intact rewards, there were only two servant girls, Wan Xing and Wan Yue. Wan Yue helped the people from the princess mansion to check the mahogany boxes behind, and Lin Wei Xi leaned back lazily in the front to recuperate. The granny next to Gao Ran came to inquire about the news. She walked softly and quietly into Jingdan Garden and smiled at Wan Xing: "Miss Wan Xing, is Miss Lin in there? Miss Lin will be leaving soon, Shizi Consort send this old slave to come to ask if there is anything that needs to be bought."

Wan Xing's expression was not good: "No. There is no need for you to buy anything, our Miss is not without money, besides, there are many female officials and aunts at the Princess Mansion, who needs you?"

A few days ago, Wan Xing absolutely would not dare talk to the people around Shizi Consort like this, but who made their miss the Wangfei? Wan Xing came from ordinary people, and she was full of the low-class people’ ostentatiousness. She calculated gratitude and grievances very carefully. When she could step on a foot, she must run over with two feet.

Wan Xing thought, her miss would soon become the mother-in-law of Shizi Consort, among ordinary household mother-in-law simply hierarchical to the daughter-in-law. Even if the rules of the aristocratic families in the capital were different from those ordinary people, but according to Wan Xing's observations and inquiries over the past few days she discovered that the rules in these high gate were sometimes stricter than those ordinary people. In this case, there was nothing to be afraid of. Wan Xing's tail was shaking happily. Wan Yue secretly talked to her about what happened that day. Wan Xing probably guessed that Shizi Consort said something bad to Miss Lin, after coming back, she became angry. Now the wheels had turns, Wan Xing exhales and did not give them some face.

The granny’s face turned red when she was scolded, she virtuously said, "This old slave knows that Miss Lin is rich, but after all, the slave comes in the name of Shizi Consort. Even if Miss Lin does not give the old slave a face, won’t she give Shizi Consort a face? If the old slave doesn't even see Miss Lin, what can I reported to Shizi Consort after returning?"

Wan Xing was a little dizzy by the polite words of such a high-ranking family. She didn't know how to respond, so she pouted, and replied with an angry voice: "Wait first, let me ask our Miss."

After a while, Wan Xing lifted the curtain out of the room, with a peacock expression: "Miss said won’t see."

The granny couldn't believe it: "I was ordered by Shizi Consort, Miss Lin, she..."

"Our Miss said, even if Shizi Consort comes here, she won't see her. Go ahead, don't hold the chicken feathers as an arrow*, our miss will not eat your stuff."

*Hold the chicken feathers as an arrow, it’s a metaphor that describes a person who assume unwarranted authority on the basis of some pretext, basically abuse of power.

Wan Xing took the posture of buying vegetables at the market and scolded the granny away. As for leave a thread in everything to see each other in the future*? Wan Xing was immensely proud, no need! Their miss would become the wangfei and mother-in-law in the future. Who wants to leave a thread with your daughter-in-law?

*Leave a thread in everything to see each other in the future, it’s proverb that means you have to leave room for things, to put bluntly don’t be too aggressive.

Lin Wei Xi clearly heard the movement outside the room. Wan Yue put down the gift list book and poured Lin Wei Xi a cup of tea: "Miss, Wan Xing, she is used to walked in the market, always shoot her mouth off, please understand."

Lin Wei Xi covered her lips and coughed slightly. After suppressing the itch in her throat with water, she said nonchalantly, "It’s nothing."

It's good to be happy and straightforward. Anyway, Wan Xing and Wan Yue's deed was with her, if in the future Lin Wei Xi could not protect them, then she would release them both well, and definitely would not leave them to Gao Ran to release her anger. Now, what Lin Wei Xi had to worry about?

After the granny returned to Gao Ran, she angrily scolded Wan Xing, but Wan Xing as a slave dared to speak insultingly, the master Lin Wei Xi naturally claimed a big credit. The people at Gao Ran’s side were indignant, but this was all something that could only be said. At this time, Lin Wei Xi had already got on to the carriage of Princess Mansion, carrying her rich inheritance and moved to Princess Shou Kang Mansion. If nothing unexpected happened, Lin Wei Xi would settle there until she gets married.

Grand Princess Shou Kang was very happy to see Lin Wei Xi. One morning, after Lin Wei Xi had breakfast in her room, she came to greet Princess Shou Kang. As soon as she walked in, she was pulled by the princess. Princess Shou Kang held Lin Wei Xi’s hand and looked at her up and down. After a moment, she shook her head, and said with grief to the female officials around: "Why do I feel that Sister Xi is thin again?"

Lin Wei Xi was in a cold sweat and quickly said, "What do you say, I have eaten well these days and slept well, I have gained a lot of weight."

Grand Princess Shou Kang looked suspiciously, but she could not see where Lin Wei Xi was fat. The elders always thought that the younger generation would be better-looking if they were a little fatter. Princess Shou Kang told Lin Wei Xi to eat and sleep more. Lin Wei Xi felt helpless, but she still agreed one after another.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi’s lovable response, Princess Shou Kang was satisfied, and then she talked about the dowry with Lin Wei Xi enthusiastically: "Yan Wang has sent the betrothal gift list, only the list already an inch thick. Yan Wang also said that it is up to us to discuss it. Sister Xi, although it said marriage is by parents’ order and the matchmaker’s words, you as family’s daughter should not listen to these. But you have lost your parents, and you will have to live on your own when you marry in the future. We also don’t stick to those rigid rules. When do you like to get married?"

Lin Wei Xi was very embarrassed, the princess asked her about her wedding date, right? What was she supposed to say, was it early or late?

Lin Wei Xi could only euphemistically said: "I don't understand this, it's all up to you and Wang Yan."

"You say the same thing, you both the persons involved are very composed, but it seems that I shave my head and picking a hot head*." Grand Princess Shou Kang complained casually, took back the auspicious time list, and repeatedly considered the date of marriage by herself. These two people one was her nephew and the other was her adopted granddaughter, not biologically. Although there was a generation difference, this was nothing in the big clans that connected by marriage for generations. Two younger generations whom she likes very much were getting married, Princess Shou Kang was simply overjoyed, eager to make this wedding perfect, like nothing in heaven and earth.

*Shave my head and picking a hot head, it’s a metaphor for when one party is willing while the other party doesn’t agree.

When Shou Kang and the female officials next to her were considering the auspicious date, Lin Wei Xi continued to sit in embarrassment. Just when she had the intention to get up, Princess Shou Kang stopped her and said, "Sister Xi, it so happens that you are also here. Then about the dowry matters you said your opinion first today. The betrothal gift sent by Yan Wang has not been moved, you take them all with you. In addition I also prepared a dowry for you. The red makeup* booklet is here. You take these two lists and go back your room to carefully take a look."

*Red Makeup, came from 十里红妆 means ten miles red makeup, it’s a traditional wedding custom. People often use ‘thousands acres of fertile land, ten miles of red makeup’ to describes the richness of the dowry. On the day before the wedding the female dowry except for the clothing, jewelry, shoes, bedding and female’s stuff which were sent by sedan chair, all were carried to male’s house, from the heavy stuff like furniture and bed to the smallest thing like thread. When it carried by the porter it could stretched for miles and because the boxes and furniture and stuff usually painted with red lacquer, it was called ten miles red makeup.

Chapter 28 : Maiden

Lin Wei Xi declined to no avail, and returned to her room with a thick stack of gift lists.

The gift booklet divided into two copies, one of them was the betrothal gift from Yan Wang, and the other was the dowry prepared by Grand Princess Shou Kang. Perhaps it should be three copies, and the other one was the reward given by the court to Lin Yong. Lin Yong passed away and the property was inherited by his only daughter Lin Wei Xi. These were originally hers. Neither Yan Wang nor Princess Shou Kang intended to let her use them.

The three gift list booklet were stacked together and quite thick. Lin Wei Xi picked a copy casually and turned it over.

What she picked was the dowry prepared by Princess Shou Kang. Princess Shou Kang listed in the booklet was very detailed, the box furniture, four seasons brocade, gold and silver utensils, from color to material to pattern were clearly recorded, even the gold ware had multiple marked next to it. Obviously, Princess Shou Kang was afraid that Lin Wei Xi would be cheated of her dowry in the future, so she would rather write it all out.

Lin Wei Xi followed the list, looking carefully and slowly. She saw a lot of familiar things on the list, including the dowry of her mother Wei Shi, and some of her back then.

Yes, Grand Princess Shou Kang from the beginning of preparing the dowry, and later demanded Duke Yingguo Mansion to return it, the Princess mansion could only sighed. But apart from ripped open the wound again, it actually did not have any use. These furniture and boxes were first built in order to make red makeup (dowry) for their daughter and granddaughter. The two passed away one after another. Things that once filled with festive feeling piled up in the warehouse, made people who looked at it feel sad. Grand Princess Shou Kang was very old and she did not have a younger generation, who else could it be given to? It would only be a cheap ancestor hall a hundred years later.

But destiny had its own way, Lin Wei Xi appeared soon after. When Princess Shou Kang saw Lin Wei Xi, she instinctively reacted ‘can’t go wrong, this is it!’ Princess Shou Kang had found a spiritual pillar, and soon took Lin Wei Xi as her own granddaughter.

Now Lin Wei Xi was about to get married, marrying Yan Wang to be a consort, conveniently became Gao Ran's mother-in-law, Grand Princess Shou Kang woke up laughing from her sleep several times. In any case, there was nothing else to say, Princess Shou Kang was happy, she had to let Lin Wei Xi get married grandly, and the dowry would be beyond the reach of the people in the capital within ten years.

Princess Shou Kang was worried that Lin Wei Xi would feel taboo, after all, these were dowry from her predecessors. The female officer next to Princess Shou Kang deliberately told Lin Wei Xi that all the gold and silver jewelry of Wei Shi and Gao Xi were melted to make a new ones. The boxes and carrying case were all made with first-class good wood. Wood could be used for many years. The red paint would be repainted. The remaining porcelain, incense burners, vases, etc., if she did not like it, they could replace them with new ones.

Of course Lin Wei Xi felt that it didn't matter. The dowry was not a coffin. It was originally passed on from generation to generation, so there was no taboo. What’s more, Lin Wei Xi didn't say a word, but she would love to see her mother's relic again.

Grand Princess Shou Kang felt relieved seeing Lin Wei Xi not complaining. Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the boudoir with subtle fragrance floating, put down the dowry list prepared by Princess Shou Kang, and picked another one.

This was Lin Yong's reward. Lin Wei Xi had read it countless times and had already memorize it in her head. In fact, there was not much that can be used in Lin Yong’s things. The court only gave a few ingot silver on a schematic basis, with the words Department of Supervision branded on them. Absolutely not able to spend them. The remaining ritual objects that represent the title Marquis, Lin Wei Xi also did not dare to take it out to melt it. As for the imperial decree and Jin Shu Iron Deeds, there were no other use except for display.

In the final analysis, the real important thing in the estate of the Marquis Zhongyong Mansion was the land deed. It was said to split the soil and divide the grass* , the land and field, this was the foundation of a family. Granted, Lin Wei Xi did not have a family, and also didn't know how Yan Wang do it, some of her land were exchanged to the land around the capital, and the rest were exchange into good field with rich soils. Only less than half of the land remained in her hometown in Shunde prefecture.

*Split the soil and divide the grass, it means rewarding the land to a conferred people.

Lin Wei Xi silently praised Yan Wang for his good intentions, advancing could also attacking, retreating could also defending. In peacetime used the fertile land around the capital to make money. In case of there was a chaos, could still return to the ancestral home in Shunde.

When Lin Wei Xi thought of Yan Wang, she instantly thought of the stupid things she did the other day. She put down the list, and her cheeks gotten bright red again.

Lin Wei Xi realized with hindsight that the betrothal gift had also come, and her marriage to Yan Wang was already fixed. In a few months, she would become the wife of a man who had always existed in the legend, who she grew up listening to the other’s fame.

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a while, she felt like stepping on a cloud, without any sense of reality. She was going to be a wife again, but this time it was very different. What if she was still unqualified? What's more terrible, she was the one that ran into Yan Wang's study and took the initiative to mention it.

She probably had water in her head at the time, and while she had a fever it get boiled. What had she done!

Lin Wei Xi was looking at the dowry list in her room, and Grand Princess Shou Kang was also talking about it.

"Miss Lin looked very carefully, after looked at it for a while, she still stay in a daze."

After hearing this, Grand Princess Shou Kang laughed: "Maybe in a daze thinking about her father’s land deeds. In fact, just relying on the things left by Marquis Zhongyong, Sister Xi will have enough food and clothing for a lifetime. I just added some daily utensils for her."

The female officer smiled and said yes, but thought of the darkness and turmoil of the world. If Marquis Zhongyong was still alive, of course it’s all right. Or if the Lin family had an uncle and brother, it’s a little better, but Lin Wei Xi was the only a girl left in the Lin family. If it wasn’t for Yan Wang to take Lin Wei Xi over, these land deeds might not have been in Lin Wei Xi’s hands, even if she still have it, it might not be a good thing.

But the female officer immediately thought of Lin Wei Xi's face and felt relieved. Lin Wei Xi grew up like that, even if she didn't have a family wealth, living among the people was actually quite dangerous. All beauty without self-preservation was a disaster, but now with the protection of Yan Wang, Lin Wei Xi would become Yan Wangfei in the future, which shows that Lin Wei Xi’s beauty, life experience, and inheritance were all destined by heaven, and she deserved this destiny.

Grand Princess Shou Kang still enthusiastically chosen a date. The female officer looked at Princess Shou Kang's enthusiasm and was pleased. She smiled and said: "The princess is really in good spirits. Back then I am afraid that princess has fallen by herself, and didn’t have such heart."

As soon as the female officer said it, she knew that she had said something wrong. Sure enough, Princess Shou Kang's expression sank and asked, "Is Fuma still living in the Wei Mansion?"

"Princess……"

"Nothing." Princess Shou Kang sneered, "I'm not a new bride. It's been so many years. Who cares about him? He probably saw what I prepared for Sister Xi, and become jealous. So he go back to Wei Mansion to enjoy his leisurely old age, and show it off me."

Seeing that Princess Shou Kang did not look sad, the female officer felt relieved in her heart and said: "After all, fuma and the Wei brothers have a heart. I heard that the Wei family has added an offspring two days ago. It is also common for fuma to go back to tease his grand-nephew. There are still several young ladies who are going to get married in two years in their family. Before Madam Wei's family specially led a few young ladies to greet the princess. I'm afraid this will break their idea at that time."

"Heh." Princess Shou Kang thought it was funny, and she really laughed, "He blamed me for ruining his official career. He has not returned to the princess mansion for many years. Our husband and wife are like strangers. He cannot participate in politics after married to a Princess, his grievances I can understand. But since he doesn’t want to admit me as his wife, then don’t stare at the princess mansion’s estate. On one hand going home to grumble, on the other hand still staring at my properties, want me to set aside all my private estate after death for the Wei family, it's ridiculous. Where are they get courage from?"

Regarding Princess Shou Kang's marital matters, the female officer could not speak up, only said: "Princess, don't be angry, now you also have Miss Xi."

When Princess Shou Kang heard Lin Wei Xi’s name, she turned from being angry into feeling happy: "Isn’t it? I still have Sister Xi. It’s up to me whoever I give my things to, even Department of Internal Affairs has no right to interfere. The more Wei family acts like this, the more I want to give all my private estate to Sister Xi."

The days of preparing for the wedding passed by day by day, and Princess Shou Kang’s mansion was blatantly beating gongs and drums. At first the capital was blown away by the news of Yan Wang marrying a consort, but now it had become numb. Everyone calmly watched Yan Wang Mansion and Princess Shou Kang Mansion decorated with lanterns and colorful banner, preparing to welcome the new bride.

The discussion outside about Lin Wei Xi, this new Yan Wangfei, had never cooled down, but Lin Wei Xi herself had no idea about the excitement outside. She stays in the courtyard of Princess Mansion every day, never taken a step outside the second gate, at ease getting ready to get married. One day she heard a movement outside, it seemed the Madam of the Wei family had come. Lin Wei Xi knew the conduct of Wei family. She originally planned to go out and meet the Wei family to prevent them for making things difficult for her grandmother, in the end she was stopped by the princess manor people after only two steps. The female officer next to Princess Shou Kang said with a smile, Lin Wei Xi is Yan Wangfei, there was no need to disturb her to deal with the outsiders, just prepare her dowry with peace of mind.

Since Princess Shou Kang didn't need her, Lin Wei Xi accepted the kindness of her grandmother and stayed in the room with peace of mind. The Wei family was very hostile to Lin Wei Xi, who they thought had seized their property, but they couldn't even see Lin Wei Xi. As for the sour words that was prepared in advance, naturally could only swallow them back into their stomach and continue to sour their teeth.

Lin Wei Xi's world was quiet, but Gao Ran couldn't sit still after seeing grand Princess Shou Kang's amazing battle that almost brought the entire princess mansion over. She picked a day when it was not too hot, ordered people to set up a carriage, and returned to the Duke Yingguo Mansion with the honor of Shizi Consort.

Duke Yingguo Madam was lying on the yellow pear Luohan bed, leaning on the big red pillow behind her back. A little maid took a beauty hammer and gently massaged her legs and feet. Gao Ran moved an embroidered stool to sit in front of the luohan bed, frowning anxiously, and talked to Duke Yingguo Madam.

"You went out today and reported it to your elders, right?"

Even if a married women only want to visit her maiden’s house she still need the consent of her husband’s family, Duke Yingguo Madam thought there’s nothing wrong with that. She even worried that Gao Ran would return to her maiden family too frequently and would be told off by her husband's family.

Gao Ran said: "Don't worry, grandmother. Father is busy all day and doesn't care much about the inner house’ matters. Shizi is also very caring to me. I want to go out and set up my own carriage, no one will gossip."

Duke Yingguo Madam then remembered that Gao Ran had no mother-in-law or grandmother-in-law on her head, and she had more freedom to move than an ordinary wife. Duke Yingguo Madam sighed: "When you marry, at once become the mistress of the house, didn’t have to receive your mother-in-law’s anger. With this point alone, I don't know how many women in the world envy you."

Gao Ran was also very satisfied with Gu Cheng Yao's mother's early death. Wasn’t there a sentence before she transmigrated, ‘have a car and have a house, and have lost both his parents’. Although the one that died was only Gu Cheng Yao’s mother, but Yan Wang was not at home all year round, it was no different from this sentence. It's a pity that Gao Ran's unbridled married life would be cut short.

Duke Yingguo Madam obviously also thought about the Yan Wangfei who was about to enter the door. It was clear that everything was going well, but suddenly a mother-in-law came out of thin air. Of course Gao Ran and the Duke Yingguo Madam were not happy. However Yan Wang’s matters, who would dare to talk too much about it?

Duke Yingguo Madam could only comforted: "It's okay, your new mother-in-law‘s age is not much different from you. She has been raised in the countryside at her aunt's house before. She must be an ignorant straw bag (idiot). You yield to her first, wait until everyone can see who the good and bad between you two. The days ahead will be better."

Duke Yingguo Madam’s thoughts coincided with Gao Ran’s. Gao Ran also thought she should indulge Lin Wei Xi first, then after Yan Wang and others saw Lin Wei Xi’s true color, Gao Ran came out to turn the tide and clean up the mess. Isn't it just right? When necessary, may be able to push one or two times.

Looking at Gao Ran's eyes, Duke Yingguo Madam knew that she understood. Since Gao Ran had a good idea, Duke Yingguo Madam did not go deeper. Among her many granddaughters, Gao Xi looked unreasonable and distant, but in fact she was very benevolent. Only the third girl had a soft smile and a gentle voice, but doing things regardless of the severity. Facts had proven that Gao Ran's character could succeed in major event. Not only was she married well, but also won the respect of her husband's family. Afraid in the future, she could also help her maiden family.

Duke Yingguo Madam was very satisfied in her heart. She even felt that hidden heart and insidious actions were not a big deal, and good usefulness have to have benefits. She rightly believed that although Gao Ran was vicious to others, but Duke Yingguo Mansion was her maiden family, and certainly not on this "others" list.

Author’s note:

This chapter explains the dowry issue that everyone was very concerned about. The next chapter is the big wedding. The chapter name maiden is actually quite ironic.

Chapter 29 : Red Makeup

Duke Yingguo Madam had a conversation with Gao Ran, finally said: "It's not easy for you to come out. While there is still time, go and talk to your mother."

Gao Ran looked at Duke Yingguo Madam with a sneer in her heart, speaking as if she was sympathetic with her. In fact, Duke Yingguo Madam was just tired, that’s all. Gao Ran didn't reveal anything on the surface, and quietly retreated.

When Han shi heard that her daughter came home, since earlier time she had been waiting in her small courtyard. As soon as she saw Gao Ran coming, she quickly wiped her tears and pulled Gao Ran into the room. Han shi didn't care about her daughter's situation at her in-law's house, hurriedly asked, "Your father-in-law is going to marry a new bride?"

Sure enough, this matter was already known inside and outside the capital, from the boudoir to the marketplace.

Gao Ran nodded: "Yes, it’s the woman that Yan Wang brought back last time."

After hearing this, Han shi was stunned for a while, and suddenly stroked her palms, and with no head no tail said, "In this way, if she has a son, wouldn't the Shizi position of the eldest son be unstable?"

The newly-married daughter was about to welcome a new mother-in-law. The mother Han shi’s first concern was not the daughter’s life in her in-law’s family, not the character of the new mother-in-law, but Gu Cheng Yao’s position as the Shizi, in other words, Gao Ran’s Shizi Consort position.

But Gao Ran didn’t seem to be uncomfortable with this. She nodded deeply in agreement: “That’s right, I’m also on guard. But Shizi has grown up, even if she wants to deliberately raise him bad, or make some underhanded tricks. It’s too late."

"That's true." Han shi thought about this and slightly felt relieved, "Shizi is already seventeen, and he has long been sensible. He’s not a half-child who would let his stepmother abuse him. But you must be careful, this woman is not much different in age from you husband and wife. Yan Wang marry again to such a young lovable wife, it unknown how much he will love in the future. When she born a son, it will be terrible. Shizi will not inherit the title for a while, at that time she will sweet talk in Yan Wang’ ears. Then it’s difficult to guarantee that Yan Wang will not leave the title to the younger son."

Gao Ran held Han shi's hand: "Mother, I understand. I've mentioned this to Shizi a long time ago, and I will guard against her in the future."

In fact, clansman ritual law were particularly strict about the inheritance of heirs. Now the court advocates ruling the country by virtue and ruling the countryside by filial piety. Obviously, the inheritance of the royal family must be strictly in line with "virtue." If the emperor wanted to change the crown prince position from the eldest son to the second son that he loved it would out of the question. How could the following princes and generals make the exceptions? Not to mention that Gu Cheng Yao was the eldest di son, the natural victor of ritual law, unless Gu Cheng Yao died prematurely without a son or committed the crime of murder and arson, otherwise it would be too difficult for the second son to replace him.

Unfortunately Gao Ran and Han shi regarded the clan system as nothing. They didn't believe in the clan family or the law. They were sincerely discussing how to win over men and how to win in the inner house, so that Yan Wang would pass the title to Gu Cheng Yao.

Gao Ran and Han shi discussed for a while, and Han shi patted Gao Ran’s hand and said meaningfully: "These methods can only be icing on the cake. What really matters is that you give birth to a son as soon as possible. As long as you give birth to a son, your position will be stabilized, and your husband’s family will look highly at you."

It was reasonable for a new bride to felt shy when she heard such words, but Gao Ran was no stranger to this, just nodding: "I understand."

Although Gao Ran was a sixteen-year-old girl, but the actual age is over thirty, how could she mind this topic.

Seeing Gao Ran's confident look, Han shi finally relieved. She knew that this daughter had been worry-free since she was a child, Han shi sighed: "When you give birth to a son, you will have a firm foothold in your husband's house. Your brother will have you as Shizi Consort to help him, in the future it will be much better."

To put it bluntly, Han shi asked so many questions about whether Gao Ran could keep her position as Shizi Consort, of course it was meant for her daughter, but it was more for her son. To have an elder sister who gave birth to the di grandson of Yan Wang Mansion, Han shi’s son could get the most benefit in Duke Yingguo Mansion, in the school, and even in the officialdom in the future.

Gao Ran knew about Han shi's patriarchal thought, although she loves her, she always puts her younger brother first. Gao Ran didn't care about this, let alone blame Han shi's eccentricity. Although she was a transmigrate woman, it was ancient times. Gao Ran felt that it was fine.

When Lin Wei Xi was a teenager, because the family paid more attention to her male cousin, she always worked hard to study, and learned better than her male cousin, but Gao Ran didn’t. She readily accepted that her younger brother was better than herself, and her younger brother would always got more good things. The growth environment and natural temperament did not know who shaped who, the two have completely different personalities, their life experience were therefore very different.

Everyone is the main character in their own life story.

Gu Hui Yan entrusted the wedding to Grand Princess Shou Kang. Seeing that Yan Wang really trusted her, Princess Shou Kang was not polite and took out the money from her maiden family, every etiquette that need to paid attention to was given attention. It stands to reason that when the groom was older, in order not to delay the offspring, the bride would always shorten the preparation time for marriage and enter the door as soon as possible and Yan Wang’s situation was simply the most outstanding among older groom. But Gu Hui Yan did not urge, Princess Shou Kang then doing things as she pleased, fully kept Lin Wei Xi for half a year, extended the bride’s shelf life and hold the wedding unhurriedly.

Lin Wei Xi lived in the princess mansion from midsummer to early winter. The wind roared outside the house and the trees were desolate. In a blink of an eye, it was already November.

Lin Wei Xi was called up early in the morning, outside the room there were already full of female officials. After hearing Lin Wei Xi got up, they lined up in two rows, holding trays in their hands. Wan Xing and Wan Yue put on a new set of clothes, their nerves were tense but alert.

Princess Shou Kang Mansion held a happy event, and the marriage partner was even Yan Wang, oh, this was incredible. From the emperor’s relatives to the pillar of the imperial court, people who had name in the capital prepared generous gifts since long ago, and the madam of each family also ready to go. On the day of the wedding of Yan Wangfei, the one who had a friendly relation came to the Yan Wangfei's boudoir to send off the bride. The one who were not too close went to the front to amused Princess Shou Kang. The one who had ticker face went on early to the Yan Wang Mansion’s banquet.

With the background of Grand Princess Shou Kang and Yan Wang, Lin Wei Xi’s room since early in the morning was full of Wangfei, Gongzhu*, and Junzhu**. The remaining madams and young ladies had also walked around the imperial court all year round. Even in front of Empress Dowager they still had face. The Good Fortune Madam***, who was personally invited by Princess Shou Kang, took the thin thread, said auspicious words, and skillfully opened Lin Wei Xi's face. The hairs on her face were trim with the tread causing a slight pain. Lin Wei Xi endured it without saying a word, letting The Good Fortune Madam performed this rite of passage that symbolized the transition from a young lady to a woman.

*Gongzhu is first rank princess, usually the daughter of the emperor. Princess Shou Kang is a Gongzhu.

**Junzhu is second rank princess, usually the daughter of a wang or prince.

***Good Fortune Madam, Quan Fu Furen, means someone who has a good fortune in parents, children, has love between spouse, and harmonious relationship between siblings. Good Fortune person usually used during wedding ceremony as auspicious person.

Lin Wei Xi's skin was fair, after the hair on it was treaded, her cheeks became more and more like freshly peeled eggs. They were delicate and watery, and could be broken by blowing. The Good Fortune Madam looked at Lin Wei Xi and couldn't help sighing: "I have combed many bride, and this is the first time I have seen a beautiful woman like Miss Lin, whether the face or the skin, even when I look very closely, I can't pick any part that a little bit unsatisfactory."

Lin Wei Xi only smiled slightly at this. To say auspicious words on the wedding day, even the five facial features would be exaggerated by the surrounding people. Lin Wei Xi had married once before, and she knew it in her heart. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's disbelief, The Good Fortune Madam repeatedly wrung her wrists. It was true that when she opened her mouth it was usually full of flowery words, coaxing the bride's family to be full happiness, but this time her words were all sincere.

As time passed, there were more and more people in Lin Wei Xi's room. Everyone’s laugh shook like beads, full of joy. It was even livelier than when Lin Wei Xi married in her previous life.

Lin Wei Xi was astonished for a moment and then figured it out. Although she was a duke mansion di daughter in her previous life, however in the capital there was no lack of dukes. If her husband was not the only son of Yan Wang, afraid her wedding could not afford such pomp. However, no matter how grand the previous life was, Gao Xi and Gu Cheng Yao were both juniors. The gap between generations was insurmountable. Young people who were also the third generation could come to join in the fun, but the second generation or even the first generation would not come. But this time is different. This was the grand wedding of Yan Wang, and Grand Princess Shou Kang held the wedding banquet. Yan Wang who had the power, and Grand Princess Shou Kang who had the seniority. Thus it was totally understandable if it swept the whole capital and made an uproar.

Lin Wei Xi was painted a rich bridal makeup amidst the laughter and auspicious words in the room. The womenfolk were joking around when suddenly there was a sound of firecracker outside. Everyone looked out, and immediately laughed: "I suppose the bridal sedan has arrived, and Yan Wang personally welcoming the bride. This is a rare scene. Don't let him enter the door easily!"

There was no big or small during three days of the wedding*, and there were not many opportunities to tease Yan Wang. But even so, the gatekeeper just laughed and teased with one two words, and did not dare to really do anything to Gu Hui Yan. What's more, today's groomsman were all first-rank officials. Following Yan Wang to fetch the bride were the iron-clad elite soldiers. These group of soldiers rushed to the door and stand there, even the red clothing they wore could not hide the murderous might. The gatekeeper was stared at by so many people, his legs had gone weak. How could he make fun of him?

*There was no big or small during three days of the wedding, it means there is no seniority during wedding celebration, everyone no matter how old or how young could enjoyed themselves.

As a result Gu Hui Yan's team soon arrived at the main hall. When the womenfolk heard the news that Yan Wang had arrived, they all turned pale, exclaiming "how fast?" while hurriedly looking for the veil for Lin Wei Xi and hold the apple. Because the apple was small, did not know who put it, but they couldn't find it when the time to go out had arrived. Many troubles were caused to find this fruit that symbolizes auspiciousness and peace.

Lin Wei Xi was obviously a person who had experienced a wedding, but because of this apple episode, she also panicked. She was led away like a marionette. Gradually, the movement outside became solemn and the air seemed to be different. Lin Wei Xi's heart jumped violently, even with her vision was all red, she knew that Yan Wang was right in front her.

Lin Wei Xi realized very clearly that she was approaching Gu Hui Yan every step of the way. Lin Wei Xi's legs stiffened, she almost suspected that she would trip over herself. At this time, Lin Wei Xi felt very fortunate that her face was covered with red silk, so no one could see her expression, otherwise she would feel disgraceful.

Fortunately, all bride would be nervous when they came out for the first time, and the people who noticed Lin Wei Xi's stiffness were just laughed. The matron of honor* helped Lin Wei Xi to take leave from her parent in the main hall. Both Lin Wei Xi's parents had passed away. She knelt down and kowtowed to the black tablets of Lin Yong and Lin mother, and suddenly filled with endless emotions and tears. At this moment Lin Wei Xi finally had a sense of realism, she really wanted to say goodbye to her parents and had them marry her off to another person. From then on, she would spend the rest of her life with another person, sharing honor and disgrace, closely related and dependent on each other. This person would also replace her parents and become the closest person to her.

*Matron of honor or Xiniang, a women who is proficient with wedding etiquette and hired by the male’s side to help guide and arrange wedding ceremony.

And this person was Gu Hui Yan, Yan Wang. Lin Wei Xi had never thought of marrying Yan Wang before, she felt it was presumptuous to even thinking about it. Whether from the perspective of Grand Princess Shou Kang or as Shizi Consort, Yan Wang was her true elder.

But now, Gu Hui Yan was standing by her side, accompanied her to kowtow to Lin's parents. Gu Hui Yan's aura had always been obvious. At this moment, he stood beside Lin Wei Xi, even if he didn't say a word, it was enough to intimidate people's hearts. Lin Wei Xi could not see anything, but she could clearly feel every movements of the person next to her, even his breathing.

From then on, they had become a husband and wife, joined in matrimony. Lin Wei Xi whispered to her mother in her heart. Her surname was Lin now and she was not qualified to paid respect to Wei shi anymore, but Lin Wei Xi still wanted her mother to know that she was married. May Wei shi's soul in heaven be at ease, this time, everything would be different.

The newlywed in their magnificent dress said goodbye to the tablet instead of the parents. This scene made many people's eyes teary. Soon after the matron of honor said to Gu Hui Yan to take the people to Grand Princess Shou Kang and saluted Princess Shou Kang. Pincess Shou Kang recognized Lin Wei Xi as her adoptive granddaughter. Everyone knew that Princess Shou Kang did not have a son, but the princess wished even insisted to recognize the granddaughter, who could control it? Princess Shou Kang was Gu Hui Yan's aunt and at the same time Lin Wei Xi's adoptive grandmother. As Lin Wei Xi's elders, she was worshipped by the newlywed, it was as it should be.

Grand Princess Shou Kang changed into a grand princess-grade dress and sat on a high chair. She looked at the two people in the hall, her eyes could not help but tear up.

Gu Hui Yan rarely wears warm-colored clothes, so his bright red dress diluted the coldness and solemnity around him, but his handsome face instead was highlighted. The Qinwang’s wedding dress was also highly regulated, the sun and moon with coiled dragon on his shoulders and cuffs immediately distinguished him from a mere young boy. With his majestic presence, high cheek bone, an invisible aura push down directly on people’s face.

Gu Hui Yan maintained his majestic and amiability in just the right way, which was not intimidating, but it would not give people some leeway. It’s just that today’s occasion was his own wedding. Gu Hui Yan deliberately relaxed the aura around him. After all, it would be rude to scare the bride’s family in such happy occasion. After Gu Hui Yan deliberately restrained himself, Lin Wei Xi's sense of existence became much stronger. Although the bride's face could not be seen, but she had a slender figure and a dignified manner. When walking, the tassels on the veil did not sway. These two people stand side by side in front of the hall, everyone would praise them as the match made in heaven. Extremely well matched.

On the big day, Grand Princess Shou Kang held back the tears in the corner of her eyes and solemnly ordered the two newlyweds. Although Gao Xi’s wedding was also dignified, but she was not married from the princess's mansion after all. Princess Shou Kang did not expect that one day, her many years of regrets would be fulfilled.

After the elders lectured the newlyweds, the ceremony in the bride’s maiden house was completely over. The rite official chanted "Auspicious time", and the people in the courtyard swarmed toward the gate like a red cloud.

Lin Wei Xi sat on the sedan chair with matron of honor’s support, with a loud shout, she proudly rose into the air. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but clenched the apple in the palm of her hand. After a year, she would use another identity to return to the Yan Wang Mansion.

Since then, she had nothing to do with her ex-husband. She was the Yan Wangfei and the mother of Gu Cheng Yao.

Chapter 30 : Grand Wedding

The news of Yan Wang’s wedding shocked all kind of people. On this day, there were tens of thousands of people on the streets. Most of the people in the capital crowded the roadside to watch Yan Wang’s wedding party.

The elite soldiers escorted the bride and the iron armor clears the way, this grand style of marrying a wife was definitely unique. The onlookers enthusiastically discussed about Yan Wang's power and military leadership. They talked about it for a long time, and suddenly discovered that the new Yan Wangfei’s dowry team had not finished yet?

The mahogany boxes were hung with red silk and satin, and the lacquer was neat and shiny. Every footmen who carried it were strong elite men, so it was very laborious to walk. The dowry line bypassed the main street and still met the head not see the tail. The onlookers stretched their necks to look around for a long time, but still couldn't see the end of the dowry line.

Ten miles of red makeup, when ten miles was not enough.

Lin Wei Xi sat motionless in the sedan chair, even though no one could see, her back was still straight. Unknowingly after how long the speed of the sedan chair finally slowed down, Lin Wei Xi still sat still, it didn’t take long before there was a sound of breaking through the air, and then there was "Zheng Zheng Zheng" sound of three arrows nailed to the sedan door, each arrows’ intervals were the same. After the archery ceremony, from outside the sedan chair the matron of honor’s voice happily rang out: "Getting off the sedan chair is very auspicious, the bride step down from the sedan chair."

Lin Wei Xi get off the sedan chair with the support of everyone. When the bride appeared, the guest that came to Yan Wang Mansion immediately broke out a loud noise. Afterwards, Lin Wei Xi followed the guidance from matron of honor stepped across the brazier, crossed over the saddle, and worshiped heaven and earth. Although this was her wedding, Lin Wei Xi's real participation was few. She was like a puppet throughout the whole process, at the mercy of others.

When she finally sat on the bed in the bridal room, the accompanying maids secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After entering the wedding room, the wedding ceremony had basically been completed, and even if something accidentally goes wrong, it would not be seen by outside guests.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue quietly relaxed, but Lin Wei Xi was surprisingly nervous. She had been covered with a red veil today, so she had not seen Yan Wang yet, but when she thought of what will happen next, her palms let out a nervous sweat.

There were no seniority for three days during the wedding, and disturbing the bridal chamber was the favorite activity of many idlers. Someone in the room had long been jeering to see the bride. Lin Wei Xi was nervous about her appearance for the first time. Today's makeup was a bit thick, the powder and rouge instead covering her facial features, which made it looks delicate and unlively. But all bridal makeup was like this, Lin Wei Xi couldn't help it.

She was just thinking about it, and suddenly saw a pair of black boots with a cloud pattern appearing in her line of sight. Even at this time, the other party's steps were calm. Lin Wei Xi even suspected that every step Gu Hui Yan took was uniform.

A red steel stick raised up the tassel, and then the veil rose at a constant speed, Lin Wei Xi's sight became brighter.

Lin Wei Xi reflectively looked at the light source. She raised her head and just happened to meet Gu Hui Yan's eyes. This was the first time Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Hui Yan wearing warm-colored clothes. The red bridal clothes made his complexion warm like jade, and the oppressive feeling that made any living person stayed away was also diminished a lot. In fact, Gu Hui Yan's facial features were very good-looking, with double-edged sword eyebrows and star-like eyes, a tall straight nose, and distinct cheekbones. When he seriously looked at people, his eyes were dark and clear, almost could drowned them.

Lin Wei Xi’s thought suddenly went out of place, this was the first time Yan Wang had looked at her carefully since knowing her for so long. Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell how she felt in her heart. She and Gu Hui Yan glanced at each other, then quietly retracted their gazes, pretending to bow their heads shyly.

No one noticed the exchanges between the two of them, and those who watched the show were still immersed in awe at Lin Wei Xi's appearance. "I have long heard that Yan Wangfei is a beauty. When I saw it today, I realized that I had lived in vain for so many years, actually there is such beautiful figure in this world."

Standing in the bridal chamber were all imperial family’s womenfolk, and a small number of imperial clan boys who relied on their young age to stay here to see the bride. As for the other people, even if they have the heart, they probably didn’t have the courage.

For a while, the womenfolk were full of admiration, and the young boys came back to their senses, with envy and sigh in their hearts. Sure enough, the wife that Yan Wang married would not be bad in appearance. They really angry when they thought about it, these beauties had been intercepted long ago before they saw them.

The new Wangfei surprised the people around, and Yan Wang was also very satisfied with the new Wangfei. The matron of honor was overjoyed, and immediately full of auspicious words and came over with a wedding wine. Gu Hui Yan sat next to Lin Wei Xi and took the lead in picking up the wine cup. Lin Wei Xi then took another cup. This sharing nuptial cup ceremony was a familiar scene, and Lin Wei Xi was no stranger to it, but she quietly glanced at Yan Wang, her hand that hold the wine glass hesitated.

Of course, Gu Hui Yan caught Lin Wei Xi's concealed expression. He felt helpless. In May she was so courageous that she dared to come to him and recommend herself. But now she looks like a little white rabbit. Gu Hui Yan moved his wrist first, took the leading position, and Lin Wei Xi followed after him. When the two looked up and drank, they had to stay close. Lin Wei Xi looked through the glass cup and saw her and Gu Hui Yan's sleeves overlap with each other. Her wedding gown was extremely luxurious and the sleeves were also very wide. Now its elaborate and delicate embroidery covering Gu Hui Yan's dignified black coiled dragon pattern, unexpectedly the collision brought a different kind of beauty.

Lin Wei Xi focused on Gu Hui Yan's sleeves, and accidentally choked by the wine. Fortunately, this kind of wine cup was very small, and the wine in it was not strong. Lin Wei Xi coughed slightly, and quickly held back the itching in her throat, gritted her teeth, and refused to lose her composure on such important day.

The wedding dress was wide, so Lin Wei Xi's movements under the dress were not obvious. She could hide it from others, but to the other person sitting next to her could not.

Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi, who was sitting awkwardly, not even daring to turn her eyes in the other direction. Fortunately, Gu Hui Yan only took a look and then retracted his gaze, as if nothing happened. Lin Wei Xi breathed a sigh of relief when she saw this, and thought with some sadness, when it's over, won’t she be a fool in Yan Wang's heart.

When the groom and the bride exchange the cups of wine many young people cheered loudly, the opportunity to be rowdy in front of Uncle Yan Wang was hard to come by. After passing this village, there would be no more inn. The madams covered up their lips and smiled. The matron of honor took advantage of the good atmosphere in the room and happily came over loosen up the screen, throwing some happy fruits* while saying auspicious words like throwing money.

*Happy fruits are dried fruit that were given to relative and friends at a wedding.

The happy fruits fell from above, unspeakably grand. An old servant woman didn't pay careful and smashed a longan fruit on Lin Wei Xi's forehead. Although the longan was not big, it still hurts to be thrown on her body like this. Lin Wei Xi kept smiling, but the corner of her mouth was slightly invisible.

Gu Hui Yan's expression remained unchanged, but immediately glanced at the old woman. The old woman originally was smiling, but when she saw Gu Hui Yan her hand could not help but trembling, her heart was beating hard. When she tossed the fruit again, she didn't dare to use too much force, but just sprinkled it toward an empty corner.

Many imperial clan boys were not satisfied and wanted to make trouble again. At this time, Gu Mingda walked to the door and stopped silently outside the doorstep. Although he didn't say a word, the people in the room immediately knew that something was happening outside. Gu Hui Yan stood up with his usual face and said, "The madams don't have to feel restrained, just enjoy yourself. You serve Wangfei properly."

The last words were directed at the servant girls in the house. The servant girls lowered their heads in agreement. Gu Hui Yan nodded to several senior princesses and wangfei and walked out. As soon as he crossed the doorstep, Gu Mingda immediately followed in silence, whispering something beside him.

After Gu Hui Yan left, both the guest and the servant girls in the room couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Without Yan Wang, the ladies and madams speak more freely, and the number of people who come to tease the bride Lin Wei Xi had suddenly increased.

The six ceremonies had been completed, and Lin Wei Xi had become Yan Wangfei from now on. Although she was still a bride, the current situation did not give Lin Wei Xi time to be bashful. Lin Wei Xi made a little adjustment and tried to adapt to this situation. She got up from the bed, the smile on her face was just right, shy and generous to greet the madams. If nothing else, these madams would be Lin Wei Xi's main social circle in the future. She appeared as Yan Wangfei for the first time, she couldn't be looked down upon.

The only thing Lin Wei Xi could be proud of in her previous life was probably her noble lady character. Lin Wei Xi stood up generously to entertain the guests. Even when she was teased, she only smiled shyly, and did not show any narrow-minded or anger attitude of small family. These madams secretly evaluated in their hearts, and their smile towards Lin Wei Xi became more eager.

Those imperial clan boys have long since disappeared. Didn’t know if they went out by themselves or were sent away by Yan Wang's people. Only these pampered ladies and madams were left. Where could they be noisy. Everyone laughed a few times. After seeing Lin Wei Xi's bashful manner that they were expecting, they all said goodbye one after another and went to the banquet outside.

Today was Lin Wei Xi's grand wedding. According to custom, it was unlucky to meet the husband’s mother on this day. Although it was common for new daughter-in-law to enter the door and avoid the mother-in-law, the situation in Yan Wang Mansion was reversed. Lin Wei Xi, first was the new bride, and second was the stepmother-in-law. Regardless social custom or social ranking there was no reason for Lin Wei Xi to avoid Gao Ran. So Lin Wei Xi was doing business as usual here, but Gao Ran had to hide in her room all day, unable to come out and provoke Lin Wei Xi.

The gongs and drums were noisy outside, but Gao Ran had to sullenly hide in the house alone. She also must had grateful and willing attitude, so not to disrespect her mother-in-law. The taste of this, afraid only Gao Ran herself who know.

Lin Wei Xi was also very happy that Gao Ran this slut would not appear on her big day. In her previous life, she had to endure Gao Ran dangling in front of her when she got married. Not only that, she had to act affectionate with Gao Ran as a sister, don’t mention how disgusting it was. However, only a year later, Lin Wei Xi was able to legitimately made Gao Ran avoid her, and even better, in the future she could in the name of family principle "teach" Gao Ran to conduct herself. It's a pleasure to even think about it.

There were no outsiders in the room, Wan Yue walked to Lin Wei Xi and asked in a low voice, "Miss, do you want to remove the phoenix crown?"

Lin Wei Xi nodded, she had long wanted to take this beautiful burden off her head, didn't expect that the Wangfei’s phoenix crown was so much heavier than the Shizi Consort’s one. Lin Wei Xi sat down in front of the dressing table, and Wan Yue came over to carefully remove the phoenix crown. While giving Wan Yue an assistance, Wan Xing bumped into Wan Yue's elbow joyfully, winking and said: "What miss, it's time to call Wangfei!"

Lin Wei Xi saw the people's interaction from the mirror, and gave them an angry look. Wan Xing was not afraid, and still smiled and removed the complicated hairpin ring on Lin Wei Xi's head, and carefully and quickly put it into the jewelry box.

After loosen up her hair, Lin Wei Xi was very relieved. Getting married was really a physical job, not to mention her physical strength was not very good. Wan Yue was talking with Lin Wei Xi, suddenly a granny walked in from outside, carrying a tray with her hand and bowed towards Lin Wei Xi, "Wangfei, the sober soup you ordered."

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment, then turned to look at Wan Xing and Wan Yue: "When did you order for sobering soup?"

Wan Yue was also stunned: "This slave hasn’t gone to the kitchen to request it."

The kitchen granny was also surprised: "Didn’t Wangfei tell Commander Gu to let the kitchen heat up the soup?"

Gu Mingda? Everyone in the room was at a loss, but Lin Wei Xi had a flash of inspiration at once understood. She coughed awkwardly, and said quickly: "I asked someone to order it, put it down. You have worked hard today. Wan Xing."

Wan Xing understood, and went ahead to give her a reward. Today, who were serving in Wangfei’s bridal room were rewarded money. The granny originally thought that she would not be happy in the kitchen, but who knew she would get her fortune out of thin air. The granny secretly squeezed her purse, and smiled more and more joyously: "Thanking Wangfei! This servant wish Wangfei and Wangye grow old together and give birth to a noble son. This servant’s mouth is clumsy and can only say these things. Please Wangfei don't dislike."

Lin Wei Xi smiled, and Wan Xing jokingly sent the granny out. After people left, Wan Yue asked strangely: "Miss, when did you ask the kitchen to prepare the soup, or did you let Commander Gu say it?"

Lin Wei Xi also didn't expect that Gu Hui Yan who usually aloof would even notice this kind of detail. She got choked while drinking the nuptial wine. Gu Hui Yan thought that Lin Wei Xi was not used to drinking wine, so Gu Mingda went to the kitchen to prepare hot soup. Lin Wei Xi smiled awkwardly, and quickly changed the subject: "It's late, I'm not sure when Yan Wang will be back. Go inside and check the hot water. I'm going to take a bath."

As expected, Wan Yue obediently went to the bathing room to let the water out. Lin Wei Xi quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Taking advantage of this gap, she also heard from her dowry maid the reason for Gu Hui Yan's early departure. It turned out there was a reward from the palace. The emperor felt regret that he could not attend the wedding of Uncle Yan Wang in person, so he sent Grand Protector Feng to attend the feast to send a generous gift on his behalf. The emperor specially gave Yan Wang a wedding gift, and when Empress Dowager heard about it, she also prepared a gift for Grand Protector Feng to bring it together.

Gu Hui Yan went out just now to meet Grand Protector Feng. Not only that, First Assistant Zhang was also in the mansion today, and the three auxiliary ministers appointed by the previous emperor personally gathered together today.

At the end of his life, Emperor Mu Zong was alone, he appointed Yan Wang Gu Hui Yan, First Assistant Zhang Xiao Lian and Superintendent Eunuch Feng Cheng together as auxiliary ministers of the country to assist the young emperor. Gu Hui Yan was the imperial clan Qinwang, who hold the military power, and no one in the army was out of his grasp. Zhang Xiao Lian was the First Assistant of the cabinet and the main pillar of the court. Feng Cheng was the eunuch and the chief of the factory guard*.

*Factory guard (chang wei 厂卫) is an inner court department. In Ming Dynasty it was in charge as anti-corruption bureau, national security bureau and the intelligence bureau.

The member of imperial clan, the civil official, and the palace eunuch, the three forces checked and balanced each other. It could be seen that although Emperor Mu Zong was muddle-headed with Bu Guifei’s matter, he was very clear when it came to his own country. When Lin Wei Xi heard this she felt it was very magical, First Assistant Zhang, His Highness Yan Wang, and Superintendent Eunuch Feng, which one of these three people was not above tens of thousands people. They had only existed in national events and legends. But now, these three mythological figures were actually stepping on the same land as her, and one of them was even her husband.

Lin Wei Xi thought for a while, shook her head and no longer want to remember. This level of meeting was too far away from her, she could not understand, and it's not her turn to care. She shouldn't worry about it.

Lin Wei Xi removed her makeup and took a bath. After she came out, she put on perfume and took care of her hair. She waited for a long time while tossing and turning, but still did not see Gu Hui Yan coming back. Later, she almost fell asleep leaning on the bedpost. Suddenly, there was a sound of footsteps and greetings outside the door, and Lin Wei Xi awakened with a start.

Through the screen, a tall and straight figure slowly walked towards the inner room.

Chapter 31 : Wedding Candles

The door was opened, and the cold wind of early winter blew in from the gap, Lin Wei Xi stood up subconsciously. Gu Hui Yan had just walked two steps, and saw a vague shadow across the screen. He stopped, and looked at the person who opened the door without discerning joy and anger.

The granny who opened the door didn't react, she was so frightened by Gu Hui Yan's expression. It was Wan Xing who was alerted, grabbed the curtain, turned around and closed the door tightly. After blocking the wind, Wan Xing glared at the woman angrily: "Our miss body is weak, blowing the wind on our miss, can you take responsibility?"

Only then did the old servant knew that Yan Wang was angry just now, and it turned out to be because of the new Wangfei. The wrong granny bowed her head quietly, and the others in the room also bowed their heads, with this atmosphere they did not dare to get up. Gu Hui Yan had no intention to bother with this group of people, when he saw that they knew they were wrong, he turned around and walked in. When Yan Wang left, most of the people let out a long sigh, only a few people looked inexplicable, their eyes were dark and difficult to understand.

Seeing Gu Hui Yan approaching, Lin Wei Xi didn't know how to put her awkward hands: "Your...Your Highness Yan Wang, you are back? The water inside is ready, do you want to take a bath first?"

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi. In the end, didn’t want to make things difficult for her he nodded and went to the bathing room. Lin Wei Xi stood there for a while, her mind was chaotic, what should she do next? It seems that a qualified wife would always prepare sobering soup for her husband. No matter when the husband came back from socializing, sobering soup should always ready. Lin Wei Xi smacked her forehead, oh no, she forget. Now in the room there was only the bowl of hot soup ordered by Yan Wang. Would he recognized it if she modifies it and gives it to Yan Wang?

Lin Wei Xi stood there thinking wildly, and still undecided when she suddenly heard a movement from behind her. She almost collapsed when she turned her head: "You come out? So fast?"

Gu Hui Yan frowned calmly and looked down at her: "Don't talk nonsense."

Lin Wei Xi was confused, what is it? What nonsense did she said?

Gu Hui Yan was obviously more familiar with this room than Lin Wei Xi, and went straight to the side room. Lin Wei Xi struggled for a while, then followed in small steps.

"Your Highness, would you like to drink hangover soup?"

"Have you prepared it?"

Lin Wei Xi lowered her head and softly said: "No."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi helplessly, after enduring it for a while, he couldn't help but smile: "You... all right, lift up your head. I also didn't drink much."

Lin Wei Xi glanced tentatively at Gu Hui Yan and found that Gu Hui Yan's face was calm, and there seemed to be something hidden under his eyes. Although he looked inexplicably impatient, there was indeed no trace of drinking. Actually, Gu Hui Yan went out to receive rewards from the emperor and the empress dowager. The one who came was Eunuch Feng, besides Yan Wang, who else was qualified to receive him? As for drinking at wedding banquet afterwards, it was naturally also the interaction of several top figures such as Gu Hui Yan, Eunuch Feng, and First Assistant Zhang. These three top people, how could they drink too much?

Saying like this, Gu Hui Yan felt inexplicably irritable because of the meeting. Obviously, the top three people of the imperial court get together, and it's hard to say if it was a coincidence. The topics discussed at the wine table surely not too light.

Lin Wei Xi guessed the general idea, but her eyes kept sweeping towards the position opposite Gu Hui Yan. Although she had some kinship with Yan Wang in her previous life, but now after rebirth everything was different, she became Yan Wang’s primary wife. In fact, Lin Wei Xi was quite concerned about the things that symbolize the status of primary wife.

Previously Lin Wei Xi was the daughter of Yan Wang's subordinate, Yan Wang treated her as a child. But if later he always treats her as a junior, and treated her like an amusing person to tease when he was bored, this was absolutely impossible. Lin Wei Xi knew that a person who actively asked for marriage might not have much weight in front of Yan Wang, but even if Yan Wang was unsatisfied, she would still have the status and respect of a primary wife. This was the principle Lin Wei Xi had been instilled since childhood, so there was no need for discussion.

Lin Wei Xi quietly looked at Gu Hui Yan again, pretending to inadvertently walk towards the opposite seat. She had only walked two steps when Gu Hui Yan's gaze swept over, her footsteps stopped immediately, looking a little stiff.

He haven't felt this helpless mood in a long time. Gu Hui Yan had no choice but to say, "Sit here."

No matter how fierce she was before, when facing Gu Hui Yan Lin Wei Xi at once knew her own place. Lin Wei Xi obediently sat across from Gu Hui Yan, her hands unconsciously placed on her knees, in a posture like a child seeing the master. Gu Hui Yan swept her hand and asked with a smile: "Are you afraid of me?"

"You really look high to me." Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but blurted out, "It's not just me, the whole world is afraid of you."

"I remember when I first saw you in the first month, you dared to throw your face at me, and dared to hide behind a tree to calculate my schedule. Why do you think of being afraid now?"

Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed: "I was wrong. I don't know what to say. I have offend Wangye." After saying this she secretly glanced at Gu Hui Yan's face, hesitatingly said: "Yan Wang, some time ago...I was wrong. Don't worry about it."

What Lin Wei Xi was talking about, the two of them knew very well. Gu Hui Yan leaned back on his chair and looked at Lin Wei Xi, his fingers unconsciously stroked his tea cup, he even didn’t realize that there was a slight smile floating in his eyes: "You already become Yan Wangfei, and now coming to tell me not to worry about it? What else do you plan to do if I want to worry about it?"

Lin Wei Xi stood up with a deflated mouth, almost crying: "It was my fault, okay? You as an adult have to be generous, don't worry about me as a little girl."

Now recalled herself as a little girl.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her head, so she didn't see Gu Hui Yan coughing slightly with his head tilted, and clenched his fist to block the smile on his lips. When Lin Wei Xi admonished people before, she was full of excitement, bold and confident. She even dared to mercilessly scold Zhao Wangfei. Such a cute aggrieved looks was rare. Gu Hui Yan's irritable mood unconsciously swept away. It seemed that the problem of a weak ruler with strong court and the problem of court disputes at this moment were far away from him. All he had to face was this awkward little girl.

Gu Hui Yan unconsciously smiled and waved at Lin Wei Xi, motioning her to sit down. After Lin Wei Xi sat down, he said, "You can rest assured that since I promised you, I won't break my promise. What you were like in Yan Wang Mansion before, just continue in the future."

Lin Wei Xi sat on the chair, half-believing, "You mean it?"

"Of course."

Yan Wang promised this to her face. That was very considerate and generous. But Lin Wei Xi didn't know why she was unhappy. She secretly said, "You are so tolerant and generous. If in a few days another woman comes to beg you, will you accept it? I think it will not take long before Yan Wang Mansion will become a charity hall."

Gu Hui Yan calmly smiled, and his tone was almost casual: "After all, I promised your father to take care of you, what better care than staying in Yan Wang Mansion?"

Lin Wei Xi's inexplicable anger suddenly dispersed. She knew that Yan Wang was definitely not a good-tempered person. If you dare to be mean to him, then be ready to lose everything.

Lin Wei Xi sulky sat for a while and found that Gu Hui Yan peacefully doing his own thing, completely ignoring her. Lin Wei Xi suddenly felt stupid. At that time she braved the rain to see Yan Wang and said the boldest words in her two lifetimes, it was not to sit sulky here and be angry with Yan Wang and repeat the mistakes of her previous life. After Lin Wei Xi realized it, she quickly tried to find a way out: "Your Highness, I'm sorry, I'm not dissatisfied with you, but..." She racked her brains to think about her words, "In any case right now I am Yan Wangfei, if in the future you take back a woman, I know I have no position to be dissatisfied, but, my face after all..."

Before Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, she was suddenly interrupted, the other party's voice was determined and firm: "No."

Lin Wei Xi was stunned. Gu Hui Yan thought that Lin Wei Xi hadn’t heard clearly, so he repeated: "There won’t be the next one. There are very few people in the world who I owed a favor. The person who can make me promise the Wangfei position is only you."

Lin Wei Xi's heart suddenly missed a few beats: "What do you mean..."

"I promised Lin Yong to protect you well. Since you don't trust other people and don't want to marry someone else's house, it's okay to stay in the mansion forever. Just be yourself and don't have too much burden."

Lin Wei Xi didn't know what answer she wanted to hear, but she knew that after hearing these words, her heart sank extremely quickly. Yan Wang accepted her unreasonable request and promised to marry her as his wife, only because of kindness.

To put it bluntly, Gu Hui Yan did not care if there was a Wangfei, or who was the Wangfei. Since Lin Wei Xi asked for it like this, Gu Hui Yan thought about it and found it acceptable, so it was all right to follow her wish. The root of all this lies in Lin Yong's life-saving grace.

Lin Wei Xi was a little frustrated. She didn't know why she was frustrated. According to reason this situation was much better than she expected. She very well knew how terrible a husband's silent treatment was. Now she would not harmed in the slightest. Yan Wang willing to have mutual respect as husband and wife with her, each would mind their own business. This was actually a really ideal situation for a couple to get along. In a big influential family, if there were such couples, everyone would praised them as a happy couple.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her gaze, and said in a low voice: "Wangye is right. As long as you give me a face of the primary wife, I will do my best to take care of the housework for you. From now on, Yan Wang mansion will be one with me, I will definitely become a qualified mistress and will not let you down."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi, and couldn't help reaching out to touch Lin Wei Xi's hair: "Why do you look depressed? What's wrong?"

Lin Wei Xi openly slapped Gu Hui Yan's hand, her face still cold and serious: "Wangye, I am your primary wife, you must respect me."

Gu Hui Yan really couldn't hold back, he actually laughed: "Why are you like a child, speak with bad temper."

Lin Wei Xi's anger rushed to the top of her head, she had to forcibly held it back again: "I am not a child. Don't always look at me like a child."

Gu Hui Yan leaned on the armrest with one hand, with a small smile, there was only Lin Wei Xi's shadow in his eyes: "Then what do you think?"

"In two months, I will have my seventeenth birthday. You should treat me like a woman."

Gu Hui Yan's eyes slightly imperceptibly changed, he glanced to the side, for no reason it gave people a very dangerous feeling. Lin Wei Xi subconsciously followed his gaze and found that his sight stayed at a pair of dragon and phoenix joy candles. Because it was burned for a long time, the red candles had burned halfway, and the tears of the candles piled up into small hills.

Lin Wei Xi's face unconsciously blushed, and before she could say anything to smooth things over, she felt her body lighten and rose into the air.

Suddenly feeling weightless, Lin Wei Xi subconsciously climbed onto the shoulders of the person in front of her. Yan Wang had been in the army for many years, his shoulders were much thicker than those of the arrogant man in the capital. Even with two layers of clothes, she could feel his slender and strong arms. The heat that passed through the clothes of the two of them, slowly and unavoidably spread to Lin Wei Xi's waist and legs.

Lin Wei Xi finally understood that Yan Wangfei, in addition to taking charge of the inner household and managing social interactions outside, also represented what.

Author’s note:

Don’t look forward to it anymore, the beginning of the next chapter is "It's dawn"!

Chapter 32 : Tea

Lin Wei Xi couldn't sleep well all night, in fact Gu Hui Yan didn't sleep well either. He spent most of his early years on the battlefield, a slight negligence lead to a dead end, so Gu Hui Yan had long developed a vigilant sleep habit and would opened his eyes when he was slightly disturbed. Right now suddenly there was a person next to him, and this girl’s sleeping posture was not very good. It was conceivable that Gu Hui Yan didn’t close his eyes very much all night. When he finally adjusted after much difficulty, the east sky also gradually turned pale. It didn’t take long, after many years cultivating habit, for his biological clock to make him wake up on time.

Gu Hui Yan resignedly sighed. It seems that were still many places that needs to be adjusted. He laid down for a while before sitting up. Lin Wei Xi who had difficulties sleeping in a bed other than her own, vaguely felt a movement from her side, she was very startled till she sobered up, and straightly opened her eyes. She looked dazedly at the big red bed curtain in front of her for a long time. She was thinking hard, and suddenly felt a pat on her head: "Now that you wake up, get up, don't be in a daze."

Lin Wei Xi struggled to get up, staring at the person in front of her in a daze, then looking back at the furnishings in the room, her consciousness finally returned. Yes, she got married yesterday, and to His Highness Yan Wang.

Lin Wei Xi couldn’t tell between night and day. She was sitting on the bed in daze holding the quilt. Gu Hui Yan already changed his clothes. When he turned around, he found that Lin Wei Xi was still sitting on the bed while holding her knees, his heart felt amuse and helpless, could only opened the bed curtain, stand on the bed step, and say to her: "Still in a daze? They will offer you tea in a while. Are you not embarrassed to let the juniors wait?"

Lin Wei Xi was used to living comfortably in her boudoir, but now on such cold day unexpectedly still need to get up, especially after last night, her body was still feels uncomfortable. But hearing Gu Hui Yan's words, Lin Wei Xi cheered up. Yes, from now on, she was the elder of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran. Today, she was going to accept these two people’s worship. How could such a satisfyingly good thing be delayed by sleeping in?

Lin Wei Xi immediately became excited. Seeing that she was finally willing to take action, Gu Hui Yan smiled in his heart, put down the curtain, and no longer disturbed her changing space.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue had already waited outside the door with hot water, there were no people on the night watch yesterday. Gu Hui Yan was very vigilant. Sleeping with other people on his side was his limit. If he kept the servant girls on night watch duty, afraid he would not be able to sleep in the future. Lin Wei Xi used to leave a maid on the small couch outside the room to be on night watch duty since she was a child, but now she could only follow Gu Hui Yan's directions, the granny and servant girl on night duty would all be removed.

After Lin Wei Xi changed her clothes, she let down her hair and called out, Wan Xing and Wan Yue opened the door and walked in. The whole morning seemed to be active with Lin Wei Xi's sound. The maids came and went, seemingly chaotic, but there was order in it, and the center of this vortex was Lin Wei Xi.

Gu Hui Yan actually did not understand why dressing and washing needed so many people to help, but this morning he stood across numerous attendant, saw the exquisite and seemingly not from human world woman standing in the center of everyone. Stretching out her hands casually and naturally, letting the maids on both sides tie her gorgeous dresses and tidy up every fold. Perhaps because her hair hindered the collar, Lin Wei Xi pulled her long hair that was like a black waterfall. The silky and smooth hair drew a graceful arc in the morning light. Lin Wei Xi did not care to smooth it out. Her delicate face did not have many expressions, but just this kind of carelessness, deeply attracted the attention of male creatures, almost unable to break free.

Gu Hui Yan watched silently for a while, his Adam's apple slightly moved, and finally forced himself to turn his eyes away. He spent half his life as a military horse. In the past his world was full of armored horses on frozen rivers, and the desert's lonely mist, his life was like a moon in a vast desert, quiet and calm, full of order, and the only thing he could hear was the wind. Until one day, a red delicate flower suddenly penetrated into the desolate sea of sand. She herself was weak and tender, but wanted to take roots in the desert, tried to change something with her own power.

In this world, there were armored horses that was unbearable like frosty cold spring wind, and there were green willows and red flowers brightly flourishing, the former was him, the latter was Lin Wei Xi. Gu Hui Yan suddenly understood why there were so many kind of jewelry and precious stones in this world. If it’s Lin Wei Xi, she was indeed worthy of all the treasures in the world for her to match.

The daily arrangements of Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan were probably separated by a galaxy. Gu Hui Yan never done anything artificial. Whether taking a bath or eats or changes clothes, he was silent and quick. But Lin Wei Xi was different, or rather it was the opposite. As a woman, or rather as a beautiful woman, it was quite normal to took a while to dress up and do make up.

By the time Lin Wei Xi finally tidied up to her satisfaction, Gu Hui Yan had already read half of a book in the cubicle. Lin Wei Xi stood at the door with some embarrassment, and whispered, "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan put down his book as soon as Lin Wei Xi approached. At this moment, he just got up and walked to Lin Wei Xi's side. The expression on his face was very calm, not at all like someone who usually fined his subordinates with twenty army sticks for being late even a little bit, the iron commander. Lin Wei Xi today put on a red dress and cross-collared jacket with a skirt of the same color underneath. The skirt was full of large peony flowers. When she stood here, almost half the room was lit up. Gu Hui Yan's eyes stayed on Lin Wei Xi’s body for a while, without concealing the surprise and smile in his eyes: "Very good, let's go."

Lin Wei Xi took a long time to realize that the previous sentence "very good" was complimenting her.

Lin Wei Xi always spends a lot of time on dressing because she liked to make herself beautiful, but it was certainly more enjoyable to be appreciated by others, especially if this person was Yan Wang. Lin Wei Xi was in a good mood, and followed beside Gu Hui Yan, as he walked to the mansion’s main hall.

It was not surprising that Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were already waiting in the main hall. Lin Wei Xi put away the smile on her face, took out the elder's attitude, and sat solemnly on the right side of Gu Hui Yan.

As soon as Gu Hui Yan showed up, the sound of conversation in the hall disappeared. Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao stood to the side with their heads down to welcome their father. Following Gu Hui Yan, a bright red skirt swept past the people presence, and then Lin Wei Xi sat on the armchair in the main hall with her chin slightly closed, looking at them heavily.

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were both felt complicated when they saw this scene. Yesterday was Yan Wang and Lin Wei Xi’s big wedding. Gao Ran did not leave her room because she wanted to avoid her future mother-in-law. Gu Cheng Yao, as a stepson, didn't make sense to hang around in front of the young stepmother. This lead to today embarrassing meeting. When she left in May, who would have thought when they met again, they would have a mother-child relationship.

The servant on the side saw that Wangye and Wangfei was already seated, and calmly cleared his throat to remind the stunned Shizi and Shizi Consort that it was time to act. Gu Cheng Yao returned to his senses, lowered his gaze, lifted his robe and bowed down to Lin Wei Xi: "Father and mother please receive this son’s worship, this son pay respect to you."

Gao Ran also knelt down: "Father, mother."

Lin Wei Xi only needs to lower her eyes to see Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran kneeling in front of her, with their hands on the ground and their foreheads firmly on the backs of their hands. This was a very standard kowtow ceremony. Lin Wei Xi barely managed controlling herself not to laugh. She deliberately pretended to be serious and let them kneeled for a while, but Gu Hui Yan didn’t understand Lin Wei Xi's careful thoughts and said in a deep voice, "Get up."

Lin Wei Xi was very regretful, but she knew that the future is long, and the days when these two people would kowtow to her were still plenty, there was really no need to entangle it this time. Lin Wei Xi smiled at the thought of this, and said, "I am not that much older than Shizi and Shizi Consort. I’m really ashamed to receive such big ceremony from you. Get up."

Hearing this Wan Xing couldn't help but criticize. Miss, although you said this, you are sitting more securely than anyone else, which shows that you are not really ashamed. Even Wan Xing could think like this, Gu Cheng Yao felt weird in his heart, and how angry Gao Ran was, one could well imagined.

Gu Hui Yan turned his face to glanced at Lin Wei Xi, and said, "What do you mean that you are not much older than them? You are even younger than them."

Lin Wei Xi was holding an elder’s attitude, but it was distroyed by Yan Wang in a blink of an eye. She glared at Gu Hui Yan with a little annoyance: "Wangye, we are facing the junior."

Okay, Gu Hui Yan didn't argue with Lin Wei Xi anymore, but turned around and lightly said, "It’s the truth."

Of course Lin Wei Xi pretended not to hear. Kneeling on the ground, Gao Ran realized that the two of them were chatting like nobody else present, as if the people in front of them didn’t exist. Gao Ran felt a little humiliated and embarrassed. When she thought that she would have to pay respect to Lin Wei Xi every day, she was immediately furious and desperate, faintly felt pain in her heart, liver and lung.

Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi both said to get up, but there was still one etiquette that had not been completed. As a junior, you must not get up without permission. Gu Cheng Yao was still kneeling, straightened up to take a tea cup from the maid beside him, raised it to his eyebrows. He fixed his gaze on the table and chair patterns, refused to look at Lin Wei Xi: "Mother, this son offering you the tea."

Previously after the wedding of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran, because Shen Wangfei had passed away and Yan Wang was not in the house, their tea ceremony was delayed. Later, Yan Wang returned from the north, and Gao Ran made up the ceremony of offering tea from daughter-in-law on the day she met Yan Wang. Gu Hui Yan at that time took the tea and put it down. Although a bit cold, but the tea cup was accepted. However, Gu Hui Yan was only a father, and Gao Ran’s tea offering to her mother-in-law had not settled.

If there was no mistress in the mansion, Gao Ran serving a cup of tea to Shen Wangfei’s tablet would be considered finished, and Gao Ran had already done this. However, Yan Wang later married a new Wangfei, and Lin Wei Xi became Gao Ran's new mother-in-law. In this way, the remaining half of the tea ceremony could not be omitted.

Newlywed couples offered tea to their parents to show that they would serve their parents to eat meals and drink tea after marriage and do their utmost to be filial. Gu Cheng Yao took the lead in raising the tea cup over his eyebrows, Lin Wei Xi snorted inwardly, condescendingly took the tea cup, and said: "Your filial piety I remember it. In the future, you must study diligently and carefully consider the way to treats people, you must unite your words and deeds, and always reflect on yourself."

It was common for parents to give lectures during tea ceremony. This was of course for the good of the children, but these few sentences of Lin Wei Xi made people who listened wanted to gnash their teeth.

Gu Cheng Yao's expression remained unchanged, and he faintly agreed. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to drink the tea that Gu Cheng Yao had brought up. She lifted the tea cover and put it down, refused to even take a sip. Gu Hui Yan certainly saw Lin Wei Xi's unconcealed hostility towards Gu Cheng Yao, but he actually already knew it since they were in Shunde Prefecture. Perhaps something once revealed there was no threat. Gu Hui Yan saw this scene actually accepted it without surprise.

Obviously Gu Cheng Yao also expected it, so he was not surprised at all. Gao Ran at the side secretly sneered, in public dared to not give Shizi some face, Lin Wei Xi this outsider, just wait to die! Even though Yan Wang and Shizi were calm now, but in their heart certainly cared about it, so without Gao Ran doing anything, Lin Wei Xi's image already greatly reduced.

Gao Ran's smile became more sincere. She took the tea cup from the maid and handed it to Lin Wei Xi gently and softly: "Wangfei, daughter-in-law is offering you the tea."

Gao Ran concealed the strength in her hands, but Lin Wei Xi have not received it, rather asked, "What did you call me?"

Gao Ran smiled stiffly: "Wangfei..."

Very good, Lin Wei Xi lightly snorted and turned to look at Gu Hui Yan: "Wangye, look at her!"

Gu Hui Yan did not move his eyebrows, but his eyes softened, obviously holding back a smile. Gu Cheng Yao genuinely felt helpless, towards Gao Ran, towards this naive stepmother, and towards his father.

Gu Cheng Yao also felt that Lin Wei Xi's tactics were so obvious that people couldn't bear to look directly, but he couldn't stand Lin Wei Xi's willingness to make trouble, and his father's tolerance that let her make trouble. It was obvious Gu Hui Yan was on Lin Wei Xi’s side. In fact, even after Gu Cheng Yao grew up so big, he had never seen anyone daring to hang around in front of Gu Hui Yan, except for Lin Wei Xi.

Since his father was willing to indulge, Gu Cheng Yao really had nothing to say, but the person Lin Wei Xi targeted was his wife! Harmony was the most important thing in the family, and the estrangement between Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran would only get deeper and deeper. Gu Cheng Yao had no choice but to stand up and say, "Mother, Gao Ran is not malicious, she just thought you would like this title better."

Lin Wei Xi snorted: "I don't like it. Even Wangye didn't call me like that. Why are you?"

Gu Hui Yan raised his eyebrows and glanced at Lin Wei Xi meaningfully, with a smile in his eyes. Gu Hui Yan had a look of watching a play. Gao Ran had no way to release her anger, she could only follow Gu Cheng Yao’s steps and said: "Shizi is right, I only thought mother would like to be called Wangfei that’s all. Since mother doesn't like it, then daughter-in-law will no longer call it that way."

Lin Wei Xi was comforted by this mother's call. She was in a good mood, so she didn't continue to make things difficult: "Since you show your filial piety, then mother understand, of course, I will try my best to teach you, ah..."

When Lin Wei Xi took Gao Ran's tea, her hand suddenly shook, and a whole cup of hot tea was splashed on Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao.

Chapter 33 : Framed

Shizi Consort served tea to the new Wangfei. Shizi Consort was gentle and respectful, with a filial heart, and the Wangfei was also kind. Although she was not the biological mother-in-law, she did not leave out some teaching words to the Shizi Consort. If things only ends here, this would be a picture of filial piety between compassionate woman and her husband’s mother that everyone expecting.

But the scene that followed surprised everyone in the room. The Wangfei looked nice, but when she took the tea from Shizi Consort, she shook her hand and poured a whole cup of tea on Shizi Consort. It’s important to know, this was a freshly brewed hot tea. If it spilled on people, it could be a big disaster.

Lin Wei Xi almost saw a flash of smile in Gao Ran's eyes.

Stepmother, the word ‘step’ was the original sin. To properly take care the previous wife’s children would only make people say honeyed words, a sword in the belly(1), deliberately flattered to put them at disadvantage, to avoid alienation and rumored to be harsh. They all say that stepmothers was cruel, in a word sums up all women in the world. And if a woman had two identities, mother-in-law and stepmother, these were probably the natural topic center. Even if they done nothing people would still stared with defensive eyes. If she poured a cup of hot tea at the original wife’s daughter-in-law in public, once such a thing spreads, then Lin Wei Xi would really be drowned by spitting stars.

Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi had been dealing with Gao Ran for more than ten years. When she was young, she suffered a lot from both obvious and dark losses. Growing up later, she became more defensive than ordinary women. Lin Wei Xi secretly paid attention when she received the tea, and as expected, when she reached out her hand, she saw Gao Ran's fingers move, and her wrist also showed a stiff posture ready to exert force.

Lin Wei Xi said "Oh" in her heart. She remained silent, but the hand that stretched out turned slightly to ensure that the movement of her hand was fully presented to Gu Hui Yan. Sure enough, Lin Wei Xi just touched the saucer and didn't even feel the weight. The whole cup of hot tea was suddenly tilted, and soon after it poured on Gao Ran, this daughter-in-law.

From the back, it seemed like Lin Wei Xi had deliberately buckled Gao Ran.

There were many cries echoing in the main hall, Gu Hui Yan's eyes immediately condensed. Gu Cheng Yao who knelt beside Gao Ran, reacted the fastest. He pulled Gao Ran to avoid the most dangerous wave of hot water, but even so, Gao Ran's arms were inevitably wet with tea. Gao Ran gave a painful "hiss", her eyebrows furrowed, it looked like she was scald by hot water, but she managed to bear it.

Lin Wei Xi just raised an eyebrow at this, and then withdrew her hand casually. The surrounding maids were so frightened that they gathered around Gao Ran while screaming, asking about the injury and felt distress for Shizi Consort. Gu Cheng Yao was also faintly angry, his brows shrouded in anxiety, as he looked up at Lin Wei Xi.

But when Gu Cheng Yao saw Lin Wei Xi's expression, he couldn't help but froze. He thought he would see a fake face, shouldn’t Lin Wei Xi pretended to be a little concerned and guilty? But no, Lin Wei Xi still sat high up on her own, with no guilt or proud expression on her face, there was even a cold smile in her eyes, as if all this had been expected.

Gu Cheng Yao frowned, he was inexplicably uncomfortable with Lin Wei Xi's expression that seems to watch at this situation like an outsider. Gu Hui Yan looked at the chaos in front of him, his voice unconsciously sank, and his power pressed directly on everyone: "Quiet."

The main hall instantly became extremely silent, even Gao Ran who was holding her arms could only made her painful breathing soundless. Afterwards, Gu Hui Yan's emotionless voice sounded: "Call imperial physician."

Yan Wang Shizi Consort burned her arm with hot tea. This was not a trivial matter. The imperial physician came immediately. Because of the accidental injury of Shizi consort, the tea and meeting new in-law ceremony naturally unable to go further. Lin Wei Xi stood in the side room and listened to Gao Ran's wound treatment through the screen.

The imperial doctor instructed many things, and the maids inside responded one by one, even Gu Cheng Yao listened very carefully. Finally, Gu Cheng Yao sent the imperial physician out and walked around the screen, when he saw Lin Wei Xi he just nodded coldly, "Mother."

The imperial physician hurriedly saluted Lin Wei Xi: "Yan Wangfei."

"Imperial physician may dispense with the curtsey." Lin Wei Xi falsely supported the imperial doctor. The imperial doctor hurriedly said he did not dare, and then stood up straight. Of course, Lin Wei Xi only done this to be polite. She was now the Yan Wangfei, even her father and brother could no longer touch her at will, let alone other men. Lin Wei Xi was courteous, then smiled and asked, "How is the injury of Shizi consort?"

"The tea was freshly boiled, and it was poured directly on the arm without any barrier. Mother what do you think?" Before the imperial physician answered, Gu Cheng Yao stared at Lin Wei Xi, bluntly asked.

Lin Wei Xi didn't seem to care about Gu Cheng Yao's offense, and still smiled politely. The imperial physician couldn't help dripping sweat from his forehead. He had long heard that Yan Wang was going to remarry a new bride. Yesterday's wedding banquet was a sensation all over the capital. However, how come Shizi and the new Wangfei didn't get along with each other?

The imperial physician unaware of what to say, and at this moment Gu Hui Yan walked in. This was where Gu Cheng Yao and his daughter-in-law lived. Gu Hui Yan was not suitable to enter the inner room, so while Gu Cheng Yao and Lin Wei Xi accompany the doctor to see Gao Ran inside, he was standing in the outside hall. But now didn’t know what happened, Gu Hui Yan walked into the partition, his gaze first fell on Gu Cheng Yao, and then he looked at the imperial physician, with a light tone: "What's wrong?"

Even if the imperial physician often walks in the inner house of high-ranking officials, but right now he couldn't stand. Yan Wang title had a high weight, and had long passed the age of showing off, also with his rising status, he became more reserved and unfathomable. But this did not mean that the thorns around him were gone. On the contrary, these sharp edges were becoming more and more deadly because they were invisible.

The imperial physician was in the invisible but deadly vortex at this moment. The Shizi gave a few words to the Wangfei, and then the Yan Wang came in without concealing his unhappiness... the imperial doctor faintly understood something, but instead of thinking about it, he lowered his head and said with details: "The wounds of Shizi consort looks terrible, but as long as it’s carefully taken care of, it will not become a big problem. This humble official has already left Shizi consort with medicine, and the dietary taboos were also explained to the maids just now, Wangfei and Shizi can rest assured."

Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything about this, but just told the people behind him: "Thanking imperial physician Zhou. Send him out."

Imperial physician Zhou quickly declined. The doctor and a young servant boy walked away after greeting each other, leave only Lin Wei Xi, Gu Cheng Yao and Gu Hui Yan in the room.

Only then did Gu Hui Yan look at Gu Cheng Yao, his eyes silent: "You just talk to her like this?"

"Wangye..." before Lin Wei Xi could say anything she was interrupted by Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan's voice was not very good, there were thunderous undertone in it, "Let him answer it."

However, this time Lin Wei Xi did not obey as usual. Instead, she walked to Gu Hui Yan's side and holding his arm hard: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan looked down at Lin Wei Xi, she did not dodge and looked back at him. The two of them stared at each other for a while, until Gu Hui Yan seemed to sigh slightly.

Gu Cheng Yao looked at Gu Hui Yan in surprise, his father actually gave in? He grew up so old but he had never seen his father withdraw his order, let alone saw Gu Hui Yan compromised with anyone.

Lin Wei Xi continued her sentence just now: "Shizi talked to me like that, only because he feel that I deliberately used my force to pour hot tea on Shizi consort. After all, the tea was spilled. From the direction it could only me who forced it. Shizi, isn't that so?"

Lin Wei Xi continued her sentence just now: "Shizi talked to me like that, only because he feel that I deliberately used my force to pour hot tea on Shizi consort. After all, the tea was spilled. From the direction it could only me who forced it. Shizi, isn't that so?"

Gu Cheng Yao turned his head away, but clearly tacitly agreed, he really did think so. Lin Wei Xi didn't know whether to sneer or to be sad. After life and death, she changed her identity, and Gu Cheng Yao still reluctant to believe in her. If in the past Gao Xi definitely would argue, but now Lin Wei Xi didn’t even have the desire to explain. Who made her their mother? As the mother, wasn’t she supposed to tolerate the children who made mistakes?

So Lin Wei Xi just smiled generously, and didn’t describe too much the details of that time: "I don't know since when Shizi have such a deep prejudice against me. If I have anything I don’t like I can directly say it, then can you still go against me? Why should I do such a villain thing, stupidly let everyone see that I targeted Shizi Consort and spilled the tea on her?"

Gu Cheng Yao originally wanted to refute, but when he slightly opened his mouth he realized that he couldn't say a word. Although Lin Wei Xi's reasoning was crooked, it was really irrefutable.

Gu Hui Yan was originally angry, but when he heard Lin Wei Xi's words, he wanted to be angry but also found it laughable.

"What are you talking about?"

"What I said is true!" Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gu Hui Yan disgruntledly, her eyes like flowing water, full of spirits, and the arrogance on her face was just right, "Shizi, don’t you think it’s logical?"

Gu Cheng Yao seriously followed Lin Wei Xi's train of thoughts for a while, and found that he was speechless. His mind, which seemed to be possessed by an evil spirit, gradually cleared up. Yeah, why did Lin Wei Xi need to do such an obvious and stupid thing? In the past she was someone who took shelter in the mansion, pouring hot tea on her daughter-in-law in public, is she crazy? Moreover, and it was not good words to hear, if Lin Wei Xi really wanted to spilled tea, it would definitely be aimed at him. With Gao Ran it was just loathing the house and its crow. Gu Cheng Yao clearly knew who Lin Wei Xi was, but when this happened, why didn't he think that it might be an accident, but directly suspected Lin Wei Xi?

Gu Cheng Yao was both shocked and surprised. What’s wrong with him, why did he seem to have been captured by something, and didn't look like himself.

Lin Wei Xi laid out her wonderful logic, and strangely Gu Cheng Yao also really believed it. Looking at the two people in front of him, Gu Hui Yan felt absurd for the first time. Just forget about Lin Wei Xi's stupidity, what's the matter with his son, the heir he had been carefully raised since childhood?

While the three of them were talking in the next room, inside the bedroom was silent. Now that the situation had been reversed, the footsteps inside suddenly became louder, the old servant inside seems to be in pain alongside Gao Ran.

Lin Wei Xi almost unable to contain herself from directly rolling her eyes. Looked at this trick, it was an insult to the Duke Yingguo reputation! It was like a dereliction of duty if the women who grew up inside the high wall of the deep courtyard did not understand secret tricks, but even so if you want to use it, at least look at the situation and see who was standing outside, right?

Gu Cheng Yao just now was still accusing Lin Wei Xi, but at this moment he felt embarrassed, especially with Lin Wei Xi not in the least covering up the disdain on her face. Gu Hui Yan's pupil moved, and the depth of his eyes sank again.

In fact, Gu Hui Yan saw it at that time. He clearly noticed that Lin Wei Xi's hand reached halfway, and suddenly her palm turned in his direction, as her fingertips were placed on the saucer, which was obviously didn’t have much strength, the tea turned sideways in Gao Ran's direction. With Lin Wei Xi's posture, her strength naturally could not make it. Gao Ran suddenly splashed with tea definitely have something fishy about it, but Lin Wei Xi's movements also very interesting.

Perhaps, it wasn't a showdown between young girls like he thought.

Something revealed in Gu Hui Yan's heart, but in the end he didn't say anything. Lin Wei Xi was his wife who barely entered the door, and it was his responsibility to protect her. Gao Ran was his daughter-in-law. The most important thing was that Gu Cheng Yao liked her very much.

Even though this woman might not be a good person, this was his only son’s affairs. As long as Gao Ran cared about Gu Cheng Yao, Gu Hui Yan could tolerate these nasty tricks.

These thoughts were just a flash. Gu Hui Yan's expression not moved a single jot, indifferently said: "I saw it during tea ceremony, Wangfei’s hand did not have the strength."

Just like sudden clap of thunder, inside and outside the rooms immediately became quiet, and the atmosphere inside was obviously tense. Gao Ran’s heart almost jumped out of her throat. If it was not Wangfei, then who would it be?

Without letting anyone speculate for too long, Gu Hui Yan continued to speak: "It must be an accident. Shizi consort and Wangfei are not familiar with each other, so didn’t catch it very well."

Lin Wei Xi heard this she sigh a little, she was not surprised. As the head of the family, Yan Wang couldn't say clearly how his daughter-in-law was. Gu Hui Yan's words proved that Lin Wei Xi's methods were not in vain, he really saw it.

That was enough, Lin Wei Xi also did not plan to make everyone see Gao Ran’s true color all at once. In fact, the first step was the most difficult. Gu Hui Yan was now wary of Gao Ran. There was no need for Lin Wei Xi to do anything in the future. Gu Hui Yan would discover everything step by step. If Gao Ran continued to commit crimes, Lin Wei Xi could only wish her the best, after all, no one knew where the bottom line of Yan Wang was.

Lin Wei Xi was in a good mood, and her heart was filled with the joy of being a mother. Lin Wei Xi’s happiness was shown on her face, until Gu Hui Yan shoot her a glance, then Lin Wei Xi with much difficulty held it back.

But it was just two people so why not received it well? Why the tea cup didn't fall vertically, but splashed towards Gao Ran's direction? Not to mention Gu Cheng Yao, even the other people in the house didn't believe it, but Yan Wang said it was an accident, then this was an accident. Gu Cheng Yao knew better than others. He knew that his father would never tell lies even when he was in court. So there was no doubt that Lin Wei Xi did not push the tea cup.

Suddenly, Gu Cheng Yao didn't want to think about it anymore. Since it wasn't Lin Wei Xi, then who did his father tried to cover up?

Originally, the target was directed at the new Wangfei, but the situation suddenly changed. In the end, Yan Wang testified that the matter had nothing to do with her. Things had developed to this point, people in the room didn't dare to do anything. In this silence, the hustle and bustle of the inner room was particularly obvious. A maid accidentally knocked over a tray, and the mama next to Gao Ran immediately lowered her voice and cursed: "You are so clumsy, have you not seen Shizi Consort still sick?"

"Mama..." Gao Ran's somewhat suppressed voice sounded, and then a strange silence came from within the screen, it seemed Gao Ran gave her a hint.

Since standing here was constraining, Gu Hui Yan was not in the mood to stay any longer. He commanded "serve well", took the lead to turn around and went out. Gu Cheng Yao only paused for a moment, and then left with Gu Hui Yan.

Lin Wei Xi watched the two people leave one after another. When Gu Cheng Yao passed by his eyes stayed for a moment. Lin Wei Xi gave him a glance, the impatience in it was quite obvious.

What?

Gu Cheng Yao retracted his gaze and hurriedly chased after Gu Hui Yan.

The idle and miscellaneous people retreated one after another, and the servant on Gao Ran's side obviously relaxed. Lin Wei Xi brought an inexplicable smile, walked around the screen and walked toward Gao Ran with a smile.

Gao Ran was shocked just now, and her mind finally relieved when Yan Wang turned around and went out. From this point of view, Yan Wang did not discover the truth. He must have defended Lin Wei Xi just for the face of the Wangfei.

Gao Ran saw Lin Wei Xi come uninvited and stood directly in front of her bed. She felt uncomfortable, but she still squeezed out a smile and said softly: "Mother, why are you here? You must be tired today. I am very sorry. My injury is not serious, so mother doesn't have to worry about it."

"Since you called me mother, how could I not worried about you?" Lin Wei Xi smiled, and glanced at Gao Ran's arm that had been applied ointment from the corner of her eyes, "I have come to see whether Shizi Consort has injured herself badly."

Chapter 34 : Payback

"I have come to see whether Shizi Consort has injured herself badly."

Gao Ran originally felt nervous thinking whether Yan Wang had seen it or not, but now hearing Lin Wei Xi's obvious gloating tone, she could hardly hold the smile on her face. She looked cold and asked, "I don't understand what mother means."

"I'm concerned about your injury." Lin Wei Xi's eyes were full of smiles, but when she looked at Gao Ran, some ice thorns faintly appeared inside, "What do you think I'm asking?"

Lin Wei Xi's words had double meanings. Outsiders, who were not familiar with the situation, of course would thought that this was Lin Wei Xi caring for her daughter-in-law, but for those who well aware of Gao Ran, this sound like Lin Wei Xi's secret taunt.

For so many years Gao Ran had relied on her age, and in the inner house she almost never had disadvantages. Gradually, she also felt that she could succeed in whatever she wants, and should succeed. Throwing a tea cup under the eyes of everyone need a high skill and good timing. It was harmful to yourself, and there was a risk of being seen. If it was other people, Gao Ran would think that this plan was not cost-effective, but changed it to herself, she was inexplicably confident, definitely wouldn’t have any problem.

In the first half as Gao Ran expected, the situation was one-sided. The womenfolk had wide sleeves, and Gao Ran only exerted her strength when Lin Wei Xi's hand touched the tea cup. The time, the place, and the people were all good. In front of everyone Lin Wei Xi dared to harass her daughter-in-law like this. Anyone who knew would be angry. If Lin Wei Xi made such a big mistake as soon as she appeared, the wangfei's face was lost. Surely in the future she would have no face and Gao Ran would have the power on her hands.

However, Gao Ran did not expect that Yan Wang would suddenly say that.

When Gu Hui Yan said the first sentence, Gao Ran’s heart almost jumped out of her throat. Yan Wang really saw that Lin Wei Xi didn't push the teacup? Or was it just for the sake of Yan Wangfei's face? Gao Ran panicked for a moment, and then heard Yan Wang's conclusion that this was only an accident.

Just an accident. Gao Ran heaved a sigh of relief. Yan Wang didn't doubt her that was good. But then Gao Ran reacted and became a little unhappy. If it just an accident, Yan Wang would testify for Lin Wei Xi’s innocent, then why Gao Ran need to suffer such a severe burn?

The purpose was not achieved, but also injured herself.

Gao Ran was a little bit uncomfortable at first, she tried to persuade herself to forget about it, but Lin Wei Xi sat on the edge of the bed, took Gao Ran's hand, and carefully looked at the burn on her arm.

"Tsk... it's red and swollen, and it's all blistering, I'm afraid in a few days you will have a layer of skin peeling. It really hurts even thinking about it."

Originally Gao Ran had adjusted her mentality, but when Lin Wei Xi said this, it seemed that her wounds started to burn again. Gao Ran's face was stiff, with much difficulty she smiled and tried to withdraw her hand: "Thanking mother for the concern. The wound is indecent, I won’t let it stain mother's eyes."

Gao Ran wanted to withdraw her arm, but was pulled back by Lin Wei Xi. She raised her head and gave Gao Ran a bright smile. The smile looked sincere: "The water has just been boiled, then a big cup of it directly fell on your arm, fortunately you hide in time, otherwise, that cup of water is probably going to be pour on your face." Lin Wei Xi's gaze rested on Gao Ran's face, stared at it inch by inch: "If it splashes on the face, I'm afraid this face will be ruined."

Gao Ran being stared by Lin Wei Xi this way, the smooth skin on her face seemed to be really burning, as if hot water was really splashed there. A disfigured Shizi Consort... Gao Ran shuddered from head to toe. After breaking free from the unnecessary imagination, she looked a little annoyed at Lin Wei Xi: "Mother, please be careful with your words!"

"What are you afraid of? It didn’t splash on your face right." Although Lin Wei Xi said so, but her expression seemed to show a bit of pity, she lowered her eyes to Gao Ran’s fierce and swollen wound, and said, "It’s fortunate that it only splashed on the arm. Even if it leaves scars when molting, in the winter there will be clothing to cover it up, and in the summer the dress is much tighter so unlikely to be seen. It only hurts a little, Shizi Consort also not lose much."

This recounted was like Gao Ran only had a toothache, what it means that it only hurts a little, people struggled all their lives was it not for their own body? Gao Ran already had a sense of frustration from trying to tricks her enemy only to suffer a double lose. When Lin Wei Xi said this, her heart became more uncomfortable.

Gao Ran's expression completely cooled down. She and Lin Wei Xi had completely break down since May because of the marriage promise thing, and now they were just pretending with each other. Gao Ran’s wrist was gripped by Lin Wei Xi, and now she used that kind of "what a pity" look to gazed at her wounds, even a living Bodhisattva couldn't bear it. Gao Ran withdrew her hand abruptly, but because of too much force, she even pulled the wound. There was a burst of taut burning sensation on her arm, she frowned sharply, and hurriedly covered it up, pretending that it didn’t hurt at all, and said to Lin Wei Xi: “It’s my honor to chat with mother, but I was injured today. I feel restless for so long just now, and really exhausted.”

The meaning of seeing off the guests was very obvious. Lin Wei Xi's smile became more sincere. She glanced down and raised her eyebrows and said, "That pull just now must be quite painful. Imperial physician Zhou has left the medicine. If the wound is not taken care of, it will fail the imperial physician’s painstaking effort. People come, bring the ointment left by imperial physician Zhou, and I will personally apply the medicine to Shizi Consort."

Gao Ran's maid and old servant were a little flustered when they heard this: "Wangfei..."

"Can't hear what I'm saying?" Lin Wei Xi's voice suddenly raised, it sounds delicate but cold. "Or do you all look down on me, the wangfei?"

Seeing this, Wan Xing glanced unhappily at Ning Fu and the others: "Wangfei is the mother-in-law of Shizi Consort, the mother-in-law personally apply medicine to the daughter-in-law, this is an honor, you actually dare to neglect?"

"Do not dare." Tao mama and a few people could only lower their heads, with sullen faces took the ointment left by imperial physician Zhou, and reluctantly handed them to Lin Wei Xi.

Gao Ran turned pale when she saw Lin Wei Xi really want to apply medicine on her: "Mother, I am not that badly hurt, there’s no need for mother to do it."

"You have call me mother, so why still refuse." Lin Wei Xi squinted her eyes at Gao Ran, smiling. "When the elder give you something it’s not polite to decline. I don't have anything on my body now, so I have to personally apply the medicine to make this up. Treat it as a greeting gift for you this good daughter-in-law."

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, without waiting for Gao Ran's reaction, she directly pulled her arm and ruthlessly slap a spoonful. The scalded skin was particularly fragile, it hurts almost as soon as it was touched. Gao Ran could not hold back a cry. Lin Wei Xi pretended to be surprised and covered her mouth, her eyes were filled water: "Does it hurt?"

Lin Wei Xi from head to toe wore red today, and at the moment her eyes widened innocently, and there was also water in it. Anyone who saw it would feel pity. Unfortunately Gao Ran clearly aware that the water in Lin Wei Xi's eyes was not from distress, but from enduring laughter.

Gao Ran clenched her teeth, still squeezing out a smile: "It doesn't hurt."

“It’s good if it doesn’t hurt. I’ve never done anything like this beore. It’s inevitable that I don’t know how much to put. If it’s started to get heavy, Shizi Consort can say it.” Lin Wei Xi continued to dig up the ointment and apply it on Gao Ran’s arm. All these years Gao Ran had nurtured her soft skin and tender flesh, being scalded by boiling tea already made the skin ached, and then being treated like this by Lin Wei Xi, the pain was really unspeakable. However, Gao Ran had nowhere to complained. The mother-in-law personally applied the medicine to the daughter-in-law. This was simply shocking news. If the daughter-in-law felt dissatisfied, then she was simply unable to differentiated good from bad.

Lin Wei Xi applied the medicine on Gao Ran happily. She saw Gao Ran's expression that she wanted to hide but couldn't hide. Tao mama and several others were so angry but did not dare to say anything. Lin Wei Xi endured her laugh until her face was almost stiff. When Lin Wei Xi was completely out of breath she finally put down the ointment, everyone in the room, including Gao Ran, quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Lin Wei Xi looked at Gao Ran with a smile, and said, "Shizi Consort, now, you should be able to take good care of the wound, right?"

Gao Ran put on a fake smile and twitched the corners of her mouth: "Thank you mother."

"Don't mention it." Lin Wei Xi stood up, lowered her eyelashes, and looked down at Gao Ran condescendingly, "Shizi Consort offered me tea, and I should do something to reciprocate it. Shizi Consort has worked hard today, so properly recuperate."

Dared to scheme her with bitter flesh plot, Gao Ran deserves it today!

Lin Wei Xi got her revenge after being calculated and felt refreshed along the way. Yesterday, the worship ritual of wedding ceremony was performed in the innermost hall of the mansion. Large households often set up a special place for weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. That hall had specialize place for bridal room. Now that the wedding was over, Lin Wei Xi also moved from bridal room to the main courtyard of the mansion, Jingcheng courtyard.

Jingcheng Courtyard was in the middle of the mansion, covering a vast area and it was magnificent. Yan Wang and Yan Wangfei lived and entertained guests there. When Lin Wei Xi walked into Jingcheng Courtyard, there were already servants kneeling inside. Seeing her came in, all the servants simultaneously said: "Pay respect to wangfei, may wangfei always in a good health."

These people were all servants who served in Jingcheng Courtyard. Lin Wei Xi briefly paused, her eyes slowly sweeping over everyone's heads. She didn't say a word, and walked through the passageway that was let out in the middle. When she sat on the top seat in the middle hall, she slowly said, "Get up."

"Thank you Wangfei."

The rustling friction sounded, but even when the servants had stood up they did not dare to raise their heads. All holding their breath and bow their head down towards the floor

"Today Shizi Consort accidently got injured and delayed some matters. In that case, I won't say anything else. Let's call the people one by one according to the roster. Just stand up in advance, and the few of you will briefly explain what you are in charge of, and then according to the duty, form a group of five, follow these little maids after being call out to let me recognize the face."

Lin Wei Xi actually recognizes the people below, but as a woman from the outside who had only stayed in the mansion for a period of time, she should not remember the servants who lived in the main courtyard. Therefore, Lin Wei Xi took this opportunity to let everyone show up one by one, and from then on regarded it as she crossed the road*.

*Cross the road, it means the matter has been made public and there is no need to hide it.

After the people finished kowtowing and greeted Lin Wei Xi, the new mistress, the sun had already risen to the highest level. Lin Wei Xi woke up early today, and there was an accident during tea ceremony. After spending half the morning at Gao Ran’s place, it took a lot of time to check the face of the roster. After the kowtowing ceremony was over, Lin Wei Xi got up from the top seat and went to the west room to temporarily sit on the Arhat bed. Wan Yue came to ask for instructions: "Wangfei, do you want to have a meal?"

Lin Wei Xi almost nodded, but she suddenly remembered that she was the Yan Wangfei now, she was no longer a lady who lived in a courtyard by herself and decided everything on her own. Now she had to worry about her husband's everyday life. Lin Wei Xi paused and said, "Wait first. Wan Xing, go to the front yard and ask when will Wangye come back for the meal."

In the study, Gu Hui Yan instructed his son with a solemn face, Gu Cheng Yao lowered his head to receive the instructions. He carefully answered, afterwards he saw that Gu Hui Yan's face was still not very good, so he could only ask cautiously: "Father, yesterday First Assistant and Supervisor Feng came to the mansion..."

The meeting of Yan Wang, First Assistant Zhang, and eunuch Feng was a matter of concern to the entire capital. The court and ordinary people, inside and outside, all want to know what they said.

Unfortunately Gu Hui Yan didn't want to elaborate. He lightly said: "These things still not your time to know about, you should study hard and prepare for next year's spring exam."

"Yes." Gu Cheng Yao responded respectfully.

Gu Hui Yan started his career with military service, and the Yan Wang Mansion was also stationed as the military powerhouse. Gu Cheng Yao would definitely join the army in the future. But, first they were in the capital now, and second, in the current situation, afraid that the heirs of the Yan Wang Mansion were not allowed to only understand military affairs. It was difficult for a lone minister to end well, Gu Hui Yan was not so confident to think that he would be an exception. While he was still in the capital, the various forces were mixed, so he let Gu Cheng Yao learn more through experience.

Gu Cheng Yao right now had somewhat taken it for granted, and Gu Hui Yan had been dissatisfied about it for a long time, so he rejected the opinions of his subordinates, and insisted on letting Gu Cheng Yao go to poor and tiny department to experience little by little from the bottom. Because of Gu Hui Yan, Gu Cheng Yao had received too many preferential treatment, his father's halo almost let him had a smooth sailing. In the past, Gu Hui Yan was too busy with the war, but now, it doesn't matter.

Gu Hui Yan thought of the very skilled daughter-in-law, his eyes were heavy, this was the "savior" that Gu Cheng Yao insisted on marrying regardless of his wife's mourning period. The more disappointed Gu Hui Yan with Gu Cheng Yao, the more severe his requirements become.

Gu Cheng Yao seemed to think about the tea ceremony, his eyes flashed, and he asked, "Father, you said that you saw it..."

At the same time, another voice sounded from outside the door: "Wangye, Wangfei has sent someone to ask you when you will coming back to have a meal."

Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao were both stunned. In the past Gu Hui Yan never had people urged him to have a meal, but then again it was much simpler during wartime, and he was busy with military affairs. The soldier who delivered the food usually only put the food box by his desk and occasionally said a few words, that was the limit. It's the first time someone were thinking about it like this, and asking it specifically.

Gu Cheng Yao was obviously not used to it. The father he remembered seemed to always be in the study, martial arts field, or battlefield. He came to see his father mostly because he had questions. No matter what he asked, his father could always push the cloud to see the moon* with his words. Gu Cheng Yao admired his father more and more, afterwards he put that admiration in his heart and retreated. He naturally respected his father, asking about his father's health was out of filial piety, as for when his father fell asleep, when to eat... Gu Cheng Yao really didn't seem to notice. Yan Wang always gave an impression of unattainability, victory within one’s grasp. People in awe of the god of war would naturally feel that the god did not need to eat or sleep.

*Push the cloud to see the moon, it’s metaphor for breaking through the darkness and seeing the light, dispelling the doubts.

It wasn't until Lin Wei Xi sent someone to pass the word that Gu Cheng Yao somewhat surprised to find that his father had married a new wangfei and even had their private space.

Gu Cheng Yao felt complicated in his heart, and Gu Hui Yan was also a little surprised. He once again realized that he was married and that the marriage partner was still a thoughtful little girl. Gu Hui Yan moved his fingers, really stood up and walked outside: "I forgot the time. Shizi Consort was injured today. Go back and stay with her."

Gu Cheng Yao was sent away like this, it was impossible to find fault with the reason. Gu Cheng Yao remembered his interrupted question, and was a little bit unwilling. He couldn't help chasing after him: "Father, the tea ceremony today, you say..."

Gu Hui Yan stretched out his hand to stop Gu Cheng Yao's words: "If you want to know, find out yourself."

Chapter 35 : Old Slave

Lin Wei Xi sent someone to the study to invite Gu Hui Yan, in the meantime she had not been idle.

In Jingcheng courtyard, several respectable old servant women in the mansion were talking with Lin Wei Xi.

"... Wangfei, all the people in the mansion want to come over to pay respect to you. It's just that you only got married yesterday, afraid there are still many things to be settled, so the people don't dare to rashly come over to disturb you."

A moment before, Lin Wei Xi finished checking the servants in Jingcheng courtyard. If she was only Shizi Consort then that was enough, but Lin Wei Xi now was the Wangfei. In addition to the courtyard where she lives, she also had to accept the visit of the entire mansion. Lin Wei Xi swept a glance at the woman who was talking and calmly asked: "Then in mama’s opinion, when is the right time to call the people over? As the Wangfei, if the servants of the mansion don't even recognize me as the mistress, that is too absurd."

Granny Zhao glanced at the people beside her and said with a virtuous smile: "It depends on what time the Wangfei likes, how dare we call the shots for the Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi snorted inwardly, it’s good if you aware not to dare. Lin Wei Xi flipped through the thick roster of the Yan Wang Mansion and said, "Choosing a day is worse than hitting the sun*, just do it this afternoon at weishi (1-3pm), let everyone in the mansion set aside their works on hands first, and come to Jingcheng Courtyard for me to recognize the face."

*Choosing a day is worse than hitting the sun, it means to just let it happens naturally or everything is fine. In the olden days every major activity such as wedding, funerals, rituals, etc. need to choose a special date, I guess it got too complicated that they eventually said choosing a day is worse than hitting the sun.

Although the old servant woman next to Granny Zhao didn't move, the corners of her mouth curled downwards, and her face looks displeased. This servant looks like she was about fifty years old, with a long face and a square chin, there were deep lines on the corners of her mouth, and her eyes hanging sharply, her face looked unfriendly. She wore a crisp dark blue silk jacket with a black and blue skirt underneath. Her shoes were spotlessly clean. She had a heavy gold hairpin on her head, bracelets on both wrists, and on her right hand there was also a plain weave gold bracelet that as wide as a thumb. It could be seen that this woman was not only strict in temperament, but also had a lofty status in Yan Wang Mansion. She obviously used to giving orders.

Just now when Lin Wei Xi was asking questions, Granny Zhao glanced to the side before speaking, she was looking at this old woman. Lin Wei Xi was no stranger to this extremely pompous woman. Who doesn't recognize Shen Wangfei’s dowry mama, Bu shi?

Old Yan Wang and old Yan Wangfei both left early, and the people who served old Yan Wangfei had also died or moved away. Even if they were still alive, many of these old servants asked to return to their hometowns and had their grandsons supported their lives, very few still continued to work outside. The servants of the old Wangfei generation had retired, and the important departments of the mansion were taken over by Shen Wangfei’s people. Bu mama was the wet nurse that Shen Wangfei brought from her maiden family. She was the person that Shen Wangfei trusted and relied the most. She was always in charge of the mansion, how could she gave up what was hers?

Less than two years after the death of old Yan Wangfei, Shen Wangfei also died. At that time, Shizi was only eight years old, and Yan Wang was twenty-four. Although he was in his prime, the war in the North was endless. Gu Hui Yan went to various places to calm the chaos. At that time he fought many famous battles. Gu Hui Yan was busy with the war and didn't have time to worry about the affairs of the mansion, and Gu Cheng Yao was only at the age to begin schooling. Bu mama was trusted by Gu Cheng Yao and had the honor of serving Shen Wangfei. At that time, it was natural that she had an important position in the mansion. Gradually, every important things in the mansion need Bu mama’s approval.

Yan Wang was away all year round, Shizi was young and ignorant of outside affairs. The mansion relied on these old mama to take care of the affairs. One could imagined the domestic affairs of the mansion during that time. When Lin Wei Xi first got married, she was shocked to see the bills of the previous years. Yan Wang was very famous, but Lin Wei Xi didn't expect that there would be such a mess in Yan Wang mansion. There were so many territory under Yan Wang's name, silver really like running water. With the rich silver, on the outside Yan Wang Mansion still looked like flourishing flower, impressive and brilliant, but the account inside was really rotten.

After getting married Lin Wei Xi was in awkward position for a period of time. In this situation, no matter what it would be her negligence, if she took care of it then she would definitely offend these respectful old servants, when the time come it all would be her fault. It was also Lin Wei Xi's bad luck, at that time she and Gu Cheng Yao had a harmonious relationship, and Gao Ran still had not tell Gu Cheng Yao the truth. Lin Wei Xi was muddleheaded because her farce husband and wife’s relationship, when she was cleaning up the mess somewhat didn’t have any worry. Lin Wei Xi firmly believe that she was doing the right thing, even if they were respectable old servants, they should be punished if they made a mistake. She didn’t care when the people below said that she was not good. The long-term plan of the mansion was the most important.

However, Yan Wang Mansion was not the princess mansion after all, and Gu Cheng Yao was not the Grand Princess Shou kang either. Afterwards thing happened one after another, the relationship between husband and wife was broken, the wicked slave that she punished took this opportunity to rebound. Lin Wei Xi was not a soft person, and naturally cleaning up the rules more strictly and tried to prove herself to everyone. As a result, the relationship between husband and wife was getting worse. Like a vicious cycle, the snowball rolled bigger and bigger, until it finally overwhelmed her.

Lin Wei Xi now looked at Bu mama again, there was a bit amusement and regret in her heart. She also did not expect to meet again with the old people from the previous life, and Lin Wei Xi would once again return to the position of the mistress of Yan Wang Mansion. Lin Wei Xi closed the roster and looked at Bu mama with a smile: "Bu mama, I think you to have something to say. There are no outsiders here. If you have anything to say, just say it."

"Wangfei, to order the people below to have an audience with you it’s only a matter of a few words for you, but from now to weishi it’s only an hour. How many things should be abandoned in the kitchen, purchasing department, and sweeping duty, if you let them leave their work and come over to kowtow to Wangfei. For Wangfei maybe it’s nothing, but there may be confusion below. After all, such a big mansion is not for playing around."

"If only coming to kowtow to me can cause confusion, then they don't have to work in the mansion. I don't need such a mediocre person in Yan Wang Mansion." Lin Wei Xi glanced at Bu mama indifferently, ignoring her pulling the elder face, continued to say, "In that case let’s do it like this, when it’s weishi, let the people in the mansion come in batches to pay respect. Half of the people in each duty will go, after the people in the front return, the other half will come over. The kitchen still need to prepare for evening meals, let the people in the kitchen come first. After the two groups of people in the kitchen leave, it will be the storeroom..."

Lin Wei Xi spoke like a jade pearl falling on a silver plate. At once completed the arrangement of the huge mansion. Granny Zhao and Bu mama couldn't even find a chance to interrupt. After finished talking, Lin Wei Xi lifted the tea cup and took a mouthful to moisten her throat. Then she put the tea cup on the table with a thud, her eyes were clear, and her expression was calm: "Have you remember it?"

Lin Wei Xi’s posture as the mistress was natural and smooth, the people below didn't even dare to lift their heads, could only agreeing. Bu mama was going to break this little Wangfei’s authority today, to show her who was really in charge of the mansion and who was the real Wangfei. Unexpectedly, after Lin Wei Xi's speech, Bu mama was too stunned that she didn't catch any slip up. Instead, she seemed to have fallen into disadvantages position. Bu mama was unhappy. She had been respected for many years, also secretly felt dislike towards this orphan girl who lived in someone else home and the one that took over the position of her own lady. Her lady had a deep affection for Yan Wang, and she gave birth to the only heir of the mansion. Yan Wang should remember her forever. How could he let another person occupy her lady’s position?

Bu mama originally had personal prejudices in her heart, but now she was suppressed by Lin Wei Xi, her heart became more and more angry. The corners of her mouth were stiff, and the wrinkles on both sides became more rigid: "The arrangement of Wangfei is naturally good. I didn't expect that although Wangfei is the second wife, she is decent in terms of managing the household, I think compare to noble ladies also not weaker."

As soon as the words came out, there was silence in the west house. Wan Xing's eyes were wide open, but she was pulled hard by Wan Yue. Lin Wei Xi smiled and put her hands on her knees, leaned back slightly, and looked at Bu mama with a smile: "Although I am not talented, but since I am in this position how can I fail to live up to Wangye’s trust? As Yan Wangfei, this is what I should do."

Lin Wei Xi directly called herself "Yan Wangfei", and even vaguely moved Yan Wang’s name. Bu mama didn't dare to talk about Yan Wang, so she had to choice but avoid the sharp point, smilingly praised. Afterwards, Bu mama seemed to casually talk about Shen Wangfei’s deeds, including the first meeting of Shen Wangfei and Yan Wang, their marriage, the joy of the whole family when Shizi was born, and Shen Wangfei extremely grand funeral when she died.

Lin Wei Xi kept smiling while she listened. She could fight back against the slaves' bullying and decisively displayed her mistress position, but she couldn't say anything about the dead original partner that was like white moonlight.

In fact, Lin Wei Xi had heard of these deeds in her previous life, although the focus last time was to beat her to show her filial piety, but this time it was a show of demonstration to her as an outsider. When she heard it last time, Lin Wei Xi, as a daughter-in-law, didn't care at all about the feelings of her mother-in-law and father-in-law. She treated it as listening to a story. But this time, when Lin Wei Xi heard it there were other different flavors.

Princess Shou Kang was a princess, Wei shi was the princess’ daughter and the wife of a duke’s shizi, Lin Wei Xi was a duke mansion’s daughter in her previous life. With the accumulation of family education from generations to generations, to be honest, Lin Wei Xi, about this story of falling in love at first sight in midst of military upheaval thus eloped with each other for thousands of mile, was unable to hear any sense of beauty.

This matchless fornication, wasn’t the woman who eloped become a concubine? For Lin Wei Xi, who still had a quarter of imperial blood, she didn’t really understand this marriage union. In her world, marriage was a good way to tie both surnames, principal wife concerned the worship to the ancestors, to make offering with the palm of her hand, which symbolizes status, not love. As a clan woman who was raised as a noble young lady since birth, no one dared to talk about love in front of Lin Wei Xi, and the marital relationship of her grandmother and mother did not make Lin Wei Xi feel that love between men and women was a good thing.

So now Bu mama told the legendary and touching love story of Shen Wangfei, Lin Wei Xi besides being silent could only be silent. She had never been in touch with love, and never had someone given her love. She was like a spectator of a play, could only hide from a distance, silent and took a step back from the story of Yan Wang and Shen Wangfei.

First it was Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran, now it was Yan Wang and Shen Wangfei. Lin Wei Xi still had a smile on her face, but her heart was cold. She probably was born as the ashes of other people's love stories, for two whole lifetimes she unable to avoid it.

While Bu mama was still talking, footsteps came from outside the house. When Bu mama saw the incoming person, her voice suddenly went hoarse: "Wangye."

Lin Wei Xi also stood up and greeted Gu Hui Yan, "Wangye, you are back. Have you eaten?"

Gu Hui Yan swept across the house full of maids, and finally fixed his eyes on Lin Wei Xi: "No. Have you been waiting here?"

"This is natural." Lin Wei Xi’s mood felt a little heavy. She held up her smile and tried her best walked over to Gu Hui Yan without any peculiarly, "Wangye, the meal is ready, I will let them prepare the meal. Please wait a moment."

Gu Hui Yan nodded. Seeing this, Bu mama and several others hurriedly retired. Wan Xing and Wan Yue also followed out to set up the meal. Gu Hui Yan barely enter the door, and the completely packed west house was suddenly empty.

Gu Hui Yan sat on the seat at the west window. He looked at Lin Wei Xi. When he came in, he vaguely heard them talking about Shen shi? For this deceased wife, Gu Hui Yan's feelings had always been complicated, even a little inexplicable. But after all she was Gu Cheng Yao's birth mother, Gu Hui Yan unlikely to say ill about the deceased, and he always showed respect towards Shen shi. Was it because these servants actually said it in front of Lin Wei Xi?

That Gu Hui Yan suddenly felt irritable.

Chapter 36 : Couple

Gu Hui Yan's emotions were hard to describe. But he was only surprised for a moment and suppressed this unnecessary mood swings. Gu Hui Yan did not have the habit of saying whether the dead was right or wrong, and he didn't want to mention these things in front of Lin Wei Xi. His expression remained the same and calmly changed the subject: "You haven't eaten all this time?"

Lin Wei Xi sat opposite Gu Hui Yan and looked up at him strangely when she heard these words: "Yes, how can I leave you behind and eat by myself? How can such a thing happen."

"Your health is not good so you need to pay attention to your diet. If I get stuck by something, you can eat by yourself first, don't wait for me."

Lin Wei Xi was a little unhappy, and said quietly, "Wangye, you don't want to eat with me, or think I'm annoying, so you send me away?"

Gu Hui Yan frowned and said, "What are you thinking? I'm just afraid you will be starving."

"It's not fine." Lin Wei Xi lightly snorted and said, "If that is the case, then I even want to wait for Wangye. I am your wife, sleeping together and eating together, that’s what a wife is."

Lin Wei Xi’s mind was full of thoughts about how to be a qualified wife. Gu Hui Yan felt a little helpless, but there was also a thread of strange feeling in his heart. It was a common thing for him to postpone eating, and it was also common for him to be too busy to eat, but at this moment he understood that it would be different from now on. If he didn’t come back, this silly girl would have to wait forever. Her health was not good and if she eats irregularly, afraid it would be even more unbearable.

Gu Hui Yan concealed the throbbing in his heart quite well, when he faced Lin Wei Xi he always seemed to relax easily. Gu Hui Yan unconsciously smile: "Why are you so obsessed with the word wife?"

This was all because Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran. In the book of heaven, Gao Xi was a complete loser in all aspects of submissiveness, heirs, and managing the household. Compared to Gao Ran she didn’t even have one good point, basically a counterexamples of what a successful wife should be. On the surface Lin Wei Xi didn't care, but in her innermost heart she also doubted herself.

So now, Lin Wei Xi was obsessed with becoming a "qualified" wife.

Lin Wei Xi remembered the evaluation of herself in the heavenly book, and somehow recalled Bu mama’s words a while ago. The smile on her face couldn't help but fading: "It's nothing, just fulfilling my promise. Wangye, you married me because of my unreasonable actions. For this I am endlessly grateful, and I will definitely return the favor many times more. Just as I said that day, as long as Wangye treat me with the courtesy of the principal wife, I will do my best to repay Wangye. There’s nothing else I can do except being Wangye’s housekeeper, just regard this as a payback.”

Gu Hui Yan was amused by her words, this girl actually took it so seriously, and really wanted to become his housekeeper. Gu Hui Yan smiled and said, "Then I will rely on you from now on."

Gu Hui Yan knew that he had been away from the mansion for many years, the order in the mansion was a complete mess, but alas the whip could not reach (too far to control). Gu Hui Yan really had no time to manage, so these people kept on going. Now he finally could stay in the mansion for a long time, and the moths in the mansion should be beaten. He had the intention to remind Lin Wei Xi with a few words, but then he thought that he would be looking after her this period of time. For now there was no need to tell her in case it scared her, just help her when she really encountered something.

Seeing Gu Hui Yan's relaxed expression, Lin Wei Xi smiled sadly in her heart. Since listening to Yan Wang’s past story she felt like she couldn’t step in, she just stay from a distance, and tried her best with her responsibility as a wife. Thinking of this, Lin Wei Xi took the opportunity to inquire about Gu Hui Yan's daily habits and hobbies while the table still being set. Lin Wei Xi only realized last night that the disparity between their habits was not small. In the future, the two of them will live together, so they must inquire about each other's habits in advance.

Hobby? Gu Hui Yan paused for a while and said, "I don’t have any requirements for these things, you can arrange it according to your preferences."

"How can this work?" Lin Wei Xi thought Gu Hui Yan was only polite with her, but after she questioned several times she found that Gu Hui Yan really didn't care at all. A person actually didn’t have any preference? Lin Wei Xi didn't believe it, and asked, "Yan Wang, you don’t have any personal hobbies? People always have something to do to pass the time."

Gu Hui Yan only smiled at this: "No need."

No need? Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan with unbelievable eyes. Lin Wei Xi's eyes were extremely focused, Gu Hui Yan inevitably lost his sense when he being looked at by such extremely beautiful eyes.

In the eyes of a little girl like her who had been cared for since childhood, she probably couldn’t understand another life.

Yan Wang Mansion was now flourishing, but when Gu Hui Yan was born, the situation in Yan Wang Mansion was not very optimistic.

Old Yan Wang was Emperor Shizong's youngest brother, and because he was young, he inevitably be treated more favorably in the palace. Later, when Emperor Shizong ascended the throne, there were very few elder brothers who died well, and the situation of old Yan Wang also became awkward.

Emperor Shizong gradually became more suspicious after he ascended the throne. It was not easy for old Yan Wang, this pampered younger brother, to live until adulthood. Later, when it was time to move to the vassal state, Emperor Shizong became suspicious again. At this time, the difference between a princess and a prince was shown. With the blood of the same father, Grand Princess Shou Kang was much more pleasing in front of Emperor Shizong compared to Yan Wang. Only when Grand Princess Shou Kang gave her assurance that Emperor Shizong’s suspicion was gradually dispelled, and old Yan Wang and Yan Wangfei were able to successfully reach Yan fief.

Yan fief was located at an important border fortress and was always invaded by foreign enemies in the north. Old Yan Wang had been trembling with fear since he arrived in Yan fief. He realized that his big brother's doubts about him had not dissipated. If something goes wrong with the border fortress, he, the Qinwang who was stationed in Yan fief, would be the first one to be blamed. Gu Hui Yan was born in this environment. He was told right after he was born that he was the heir of Yan Wang Mansion, and in the future he would assume the responsibilities of the entire Yan Wang Mansion and even Yan fief.

Because of this, Gu Hui Yan had no time to consider hobbies and personal interest. He grew up for Yan Wang mansion since he was a child. Later, when he was fifteen years old, the frontier was in a state of emergency. The old Yan Wang was sick and unable to manage it. Gu Hui Yan could only straighten his back and joined the army. As soon as he came into contact with the military he showed his amazing talent. In the early twenty-fourth year of Yuan Dynasty, at the age of fifteen, Gu Hui Yan fought the first battle of his life using few to defeat many. With three thousand soldiers to beat twenty thousand, this battle was won beautifully. When the battle report was sent to the capital, Emperor Shizong from his imperial seat loudly shouted ‘good’. At this point, because of Gu Hui Yan, the Yan Wang Mansion which was receiving suspicion in the early years of Yuan Dynasty, gradually changed until it got the emperor's favor. After that, Gu Hui Yan’s expedition continued, not only guarding the Yan fief, but sometimes also going to the territories of other fief to quell the chaos, Gu Hui Yan also became Emperor Shizong’s most relied nephew.

Later, Emperor Muzong ascended the throne, and the capital imperial power also changed, new emperor new courtiers. But it didn’t affect Gu Hui Yan very much. Emperor Muzong had a good impression of this young and combative cousin. To be put in an important position by two emperors, the power of Yan Wang Mansion grew like a snowball. By the end of Jianzhao, when the eunuchs of the harem were starting a rebellion, Gu Hui Yan become Emperor Muzong’s trump card.

Gu Hui Yan had spent half his life as a military horse. He had very little free time, and even less personal time. Taking advantage of the only free time in the army, Gu Hui Yan had to deal with trivial matters of the fief, and came back to look after his mother, old Yan Wangfei, and on top of that he still need to be concerned about the dynamics in the capital. How could he have time to consider personal hobbies and all those trivialities.

Since the beginning, his life seems to be full of purpose. He studied rigorously when he was a child in order to inherit the mansion. When he was a boy, he joined the army to protect the Yan fief. His entire youths were spent on war from all sides for the emperor on the throne. Up until now when he was just entering middle age, even need to assist the young emperor, supporting the entire dynasty.

Such calm that almost rigid, what come and go was entirely black and white gray’s world. Lin Wei Xi this lively little girl naturally would not be able to understand.

When he came back to his senses, Gu Hui Yan laughed to himself. How old is he that he would be confused by beauty like a young boy. Lin Wei Xi now looks like a Persian cat with her paws tucked away. Snow white fur, focused and curious, Gu Hui Yan's palms were itchy, he really wants to touch her fluffy long hair. Then he thought that he already married her. There was no need to avoid suspicion like before. With this thoughts, Gu Hui Yan stretched out his hand to rub Lin Wei Xi's hair.

Lin Wei Xi who waited wholeheartedly for Gu Hui Yan's answer, finally found that the other party didn't mean to answer, but instead rubbed her hair with a smile. Lin Wei Xi couldn't bear avoiding it: "Yan Wang, I am not a child."

Gu Hui Yan touched his angry Persian cat as he wished, perfectly satisfied, and nodded to her with a smile: "I know."

This attitude again, Lin Wei Xi secretly annoyed. What kind of existence did she have in Gu Hui Yan's eyes? In the past Gu Hui Yan almost always give in to her unreasonable request, the only thing that contradicted Lin Wei Xi's wishes was probably going to the capital to come to the Yan Wang Mansion. Later, Lin Wei Xi even made more excessive demand. Gu Hui Yan apart from being angry on the first day, the next day under her coercion when she was fallen ill, he still did what she wanted to marry her.

Lin Wei Xi didn't really believe that the famous Yan Wang could be so easily threatened. What exactly was she to Yan Wang?

Lin Wei Xi unknowingly remembered Bu mama's words just now, how Shen Wangfei and Yan Wang really loved each other. Lin Wei Xi hurriedly stopped and returned to the topic at hand: "Wangye, what are your daily habits? Everyone has their own preferences. I am afraid that if I make arrangements rashly it will disrupt Wangye’s rhythm."

"It's okay." Gu Hui Yan said, "You can arrange it as you like. I'm fine with anything."

Lin Wei Xi was helpless: "Wangye, you don't have to consider my face like this. Husband and wife always need to compromise with each other. If I offend your space, you can tell me directly. Although I am small-minded, I am not unreasonable to this level."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi and chuckled, "It's rare, you actually know it too."

Lin Wei Xi's face turned red: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan could only hold back his laugh, but the eyes that looked at Lin Wei Xi were still full of smiles, like dots of stars: "What I said is true. The conditions in wartime were much worse than this, there was no room to be picky. You can just arrange it as you like, I don’t mind."

Lin Wei Xi was a little surprised: "Are you really not being polite with me?"

Gu Hui Yan was about to speak when Wan Yue's voice came from the outside: "Wangye, Wangfei, the meal is ready."

The dots of stars in Gu Hui Yan's eyes immediately dissipated like a low tide, he stood up first and then stretched out his hand to Lin Wei Xi to help her get up: "Let's go, eat first."

Gu Hui Yan's palm very smoothly reached out in front of her, Lin Wei Xi felt flattered, she quickly raised her head and glanced at Gu Hui Yan, and then hesitantly put her hand on his palm. Gu Hui Yan held Lin Wei Xi's slender palm, and with a slight force he pulled her to his side.

Lin Wei Xi...Lin Wei Xi was a little dizzy. Growing up she only had her maid holding her hand when she got out of the carriage. Obviously, the two were not the same. Even in the first month of her marriage in the previous life, when she and Gu Cheng Yao was still had false harmonious feeling, she had never treated like this. In her previous life, Lin Wei Xi always saw her male cousins being very attentive towards Gao Ran. Even the maternal cousin who had just come to the Duke Mansion for the first time was attracted to Gao Xi first when they met. But it won’t take long before they would be more inclined to Gao Ran. They treated Gao Xi highly, respectful but estranged.

It had been so many years, Lin Wei Xi already accepted that her character was not very likable, but at this moment, she was treated kindly by another man, and it was the man she admired very much since she was young, Lin Wei Xi couldn't say how flattered she was. Nowadays, men like to put on master of the house’s arrogance, behind the curtain the wife could not even refute. How could it be possible to take the initiative to help his wife in front of many maids? Ordinary men already like that, what about the proud sons of the imperial family?

While having their meal Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but sneak in Gu Hui Yan's direction. Really can’t judge people by appearances. Gu Cheng Yao looked gentle and polite, and he was known as a gentleman, but in realty he was a heartless and selfish person. However, Gu Hui Yan had a high authority, most people did not dare to get close, but unexpectedly he was attentive and considerate. Asking the kitchen to prepare a hot soup for her yesterday was an example, and subtly taking care of her today was another case.

Lin Wei Xi finished the meal while silently felt a bit emotional. After the meal, Gu Mingda sent many books and reports from the outside, all of which were placed in the east side room. The east side room has a door that opens outwards, allowing direct entry and exit without going through the main room, so it was used as a study room. After all, this was the main courtyard of the Wangye and Wangfei.

But when Lin Wei Xi went to see it yesterday, although there were bookshelves and writing brush in the East room, there were no books or other things inside. Anyway, Gu Hui Yan usually handled the official documents in his own separate study room, and there was no need to move back to the inner house, so this small study room was just for display. But today didn’t know what happened, Gu Hui Yan ordered his servants to move the books he frequently used to the inner house. Lin Wei Xi was curious and couldn’t help asking: "Wangye, do you have anything urgent to deal with?"

Why else suddenly moved his things?

"These days I have seven days of wedding vacation. After this time, I won't have any leisure time. You just come to the mansion, I am afraid there are many places that still unfamiliar, in any case I can't leave you alone. "

On the surface, Gu Hui Yan spoke calmly, but in fact he was also very hesitant. He actually didn’t have many experience staying together with another person day and night, and with a woman it was close to nothing. Lin Wei Xi was trying very hard to be a qualified wife. Gu Hui Yan thought that he also need to do something, at least, to fulfill the responsibilities of a husband.

Accompanying his wife more often seems to be the most basic requirement.

Lin Wei Xi understand. In fact, Wang Yan was also working hard to accommodate her. Not only she was learning to be a wife, but Yan Wang was also adapting to the arrival of another person.

The running-in between husband and wife actually had just begun. Lin Wei Xi suddenly full of fighting spirit, and the frustration caused by Bu mama's words was also wiped away. With this kind a cooperation from Gu Hui Yan, Lin Wei Xi also immediately asked people to move the roster, bills, etc. to the side room. She still need to see the servants of the mansion this afternoon, and would not have time to sleep. In that case, it’s better to accompany Yan Wang to read.

Chapter 37 : Reading

Lin Wei Xi actually knew the roster and bills very well, but as the new Wangfei, she had to pretend she didn’t know. She tried to look through the list earnestly, but staring at the familiar names she couldn't help but get distracted. After a while, she was really bored and couldn't help but tilt her head to watch Gu Hui Yan.

"Wangye, what are you reading?"

Gu Hui Yan tilted over the spine of the book to show it to Lin Wei Xi: "Taibai Yinfu."

"……what is that?"

"Military Book."

Lin Wei Xi was stunned, and looked at Gu Hui Yan in amazement: "Didn't Wangye say that you don't have to take care of the court affairs these few days? Why is Wangye still reading military books?"

"Right now there’s no trouble, but on the battlefield, every negligence can cost lives. No one can take that price."

Gu Hui Yan said these words lightly, but Lin Wei Xi was in awe. Leading the army for ten years without defeat, this record was boasted in the imperial court palace report as the glorious and prosperous age. When Lin Wei Xi and the other bystanders looked at it of course they were full of admiration. But for Yan Wang himself, behind this achievement, how much pressure and burden he must carried.

When Lin Wei Xi was a child, she heard Grand Princess Shou Kang talk about the battles of Langshan and Dingxiang. These were the battles that made Gu Hui Yan famous. At that time she was very fascinated, pestering her grandmother to tell the story over and over again. Unexpectedly, she had the opportunity to get close to the protagonists of these battles.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi's eyes staring at the pages of the book, Gu Hui Yan simply put down the book and said to Lin Wei Xi, "If you are curious, why don't I tell you?"

"Okay!" Lin Wei Xi threw down the business matter on her hands for fear that Gu Hui Yan would change his mind. Gu Hui Yan smiled slightly when he saw Lin Wei Xi's action. He was about to ask the maid to move a chair over, Lin Wei Xi said "no need", took off her shoes and settle down, immediately sit next to Gu Hui Yan. She was originally slender, but when she sat on her knees next to Gu Hui Yan, she was even more like a small ball. The complicated Wangfei’s dress made her look weak and charming. After sitting properly Lin Wei Xi raised her head, with a gleaming eyes looked up at Gu Hui Yan: "Wangye, I'm ready."

Gu Hui Yan looked down at Lin Wei Xi and suddenly felt an absurd feeling of telling a story to his daughter. The space in the side room was limited, it’s naturally impossible to put a whole set of sandalwood tables and chairs like in his study room. Therefore, the side room only had a horseshoe-foot arched square table near the wall. For Gu Hui Yan it was barely enough, but Lin Wei Xi also moved her things over. That square table space was definitely not enough. Anyway, Gu Hui Yan was only reading books, so he violated his own rules of reading, and accompanied Lin Wei Xi to sit on the bed near the window. Originally the two sat across a low table, opposite each other. Now Lin Wei Xi threw down her belongings, took off her shoes to sit beside Gu Hui Yan, and the distance between the two suddenly became narrow.

This distance was a little too close for Gu Hui Yan, he was a little uncomfortable, but then he thought there was a closer contact yesterday, and to make a fuss over this now was too much. So Gu Hui Yan gave in to Lin Wei Xi's actions, placed the book horizontally on the low table, and explained to Lin Wei Xi sentence by sentence from the beginning.

The sun shined into the room from the glazed windows. Gu Hui Yan had a gentle countenance and a quiet voice. He explained the art of war books thoroughly and concisely, and sometimes uses examples of the battle he had experienced himself as an explanation. Next to him was a stunningly beautiful woman, brilliant like jewels, dazzling and yet transparent, listening intently to Gu Hui Yan's words. Because she was too engrossed, her body unknowingly leaned against Gu Hui Yan, and Gu Hui Yan could even feel Lin Wei Xi's hair pricked his neck, making it itch.

After Gu Hui Yan finished, he looked down at Lin Wei Xi: "Do you understand?"

Lin Wei Xi shook her head honestly, Gu Hui Yan sighed: "I know you don’t."

Lin Wei Xi blushed with shame: "Am I too stupid? But I can understand those war stories, or the battle when Wangye was seventeen."

Gu Hui Yan shook his head and lightly sighed: "It’s not your fault." It was because he could not concentrate, once he lost his mind, the order and logic would naturally be messed up, so how could it be Lin Wei Xi’s fault.

Lin Wei Xi didn't know what Gu Hui Yan was thinking. She only felt that Yan Wang was giving her way out of embarrassing situation and couldn't bear to blame her. Lin Wei Xi even more reluctant to give up. She was this kind of character. The more difficult it was, the more reluctant to admit defeat. She unconsciously straighten her waist, made a solemn vow to Gu Hui Yan, her small face was so serious and persistent: "Wangye, you can rest assured. I will study again and again when I have free time, so please don’t think I’m stupid."

"How can that be possible?" Gu Hui Yan laughed. "It’s normal to not understand what you just learn. Why would I dislike you for it? Where did you get that habit and why you always so tense?

She should gave the credit to Gao Ran, because of her she didn't dare to relax even a little in classroom. Over time, Lin Wei Xi got used to it. She always wanted to do her best in everything, always afraid that others would be disappointed in her.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi suddenly looked sad, Gu Hui Yan examined it in his heart and smiled comfortingly: "What are you afraid of? Even a teacher, if he didn’t teach well really cannot blame the students, let alone I am your husband. If you don't understand once, I will just explain the second time and the third time, as long as you are willing to listen, I can always teach you."

Lin Wei Xi raised her head to look at Gu Hui Yan, chuckled, her eyes shone like stars, "Thank you, Wangye."

Yes, Gu Hui Yan was not her former teacher, he is her husband. Lin Wei Xi felt a secret delight. This time, no matter what Gao Ran did, she would not be able to take away the person who belonged to Lin Wei Xi. Yan Wang would always be on her side, regardless the reason.

Gu Hui Yan was stunned by Lin Wei Xi's smile. After he came to his senses, his mind was a little complicated. From morning until now, he already absent-minded three times. His proud self-control, was it so vulnerable in the face of beauty?

Lin Wei Xi saw that Gu Hui Yan was a little distracted, leaned forward, and stared at Gu Hui Yan, "Wangye, what are you thinking?"

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were black and white, Gu Hui Yan's figure was clearly reflected on her clear eyes. Gu Hui Yan personally felt that this distance was a little too close, already exceeded Gu Hui Yan's safety distance limit. Lin Wei Xi was almost completely nestled in his arms, he could even feel Lin Wei Xi’s breath hitting his chest over and over again. Because of this, his heartbeat became irregular.

Gu Hui Yan couldn't ignore the strange feeling around his body, so he support Lin Wei Xi's shoulders to sit properly, and pragmatically said: "Reading books is a wisdom, you must have an upright attitude. Don't sit crookedly."

The feeling in Lin Wei Xi's heart was hard to express. She glanced at Gu Hui Yan unhappily, lifted up her skirt to go behind him, and jumped off the Luohan bed: "Then I will not look at it. It’s almost weishi (1-3pm), someone should have come to pay respect to me"

Lin Wei Xi jumped off from his side, nimble like a small deer, and in a flash, the faint fragrance around him disappeared. Before Gu Hui Yan could say anything, he saw Lin Wei Xi put on her shoes and walked out quickly: "Wan Yue."

Wan Yue came in, Lin Wei Xi walked to Wan Yue's side and said something in a low voice. Wan Yue nodded repeatedly. The master and servant stood very close when they were talking. Gu Hui Yan silently looked at them, then withdrew his gaze, calmly focusing his mind on the page.

Everything seemed to be back on track, and finally no one disturbed him. Gu Hui Yan should feel relaxed. But he looked for a long time, but he didn't turn the page in his hands.

Chapter 38 : Preferences

Lin Wei Xi set a time to let all the servants in the mansion come to Jingcheng Courtyard to visit her. From the beginning Lin Wei Xi was sitting on a chair in the middle hall. The servants formed groups of five, they stepped forward to kowtow to Lin Wei Xi in batches, and then stated their name and work. The entire mansion was complicated and huge, and Lin Wei Xi had to sit until the end of shenshi (3-5pm) before finish meeting with everyone.

Being a mistress was not an easy job, especially for a behemoth like Yan Wang Mansion. Hundreds of people running up and down operating together were not a small number, which requires the mistress' stewardship and organizational skills. Lin Wei Xi summoned all the servants in the mansion, not only to recognize people names, but also showing her status as the Wangfei to the whole mansion. After the whole circle of tossing and turning, the sky was already dark, Lin Wei Xi's waist was stretched all afternoon, made her back felt sore. Especially after she had a late sleep last night, her back already ached in the first place, and today sat for the whole afternoon, she was really exhausted.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue hurriedly helped Lin Wei Xi to take a rest inside. Lin Wei Xi sat down on the soft coach and finally felt a little better. She didn't care about rubbing her waist, and quickly asked: "Where is Wangye? Still inside?"

"Yes."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at the east side room, a smile appeared on her lips. Today's event was something she had to go through. Compared to the significance of this event, the physical aches were not worth mentioning. Today was so smooth, partly because her kind and generous conversation with Bu mama in the morning, but the bigger reason was because of Yan Wang.

Yan Wang was sitting in the east side room, who would dare to make trouble? Lin Wei Xi summoning the servants in the middle hall, the noise was not small. But Yan Wang still endured, and continued to stay in the side room to read. Although he didn't say anything, but sometimes silent was better than talks, his statement undoubtedly greatly deterred everyone and showed his support towards Lin Wei Xi to the public.

Lin Wei Xi felt at ease, and wouldn’t let Wan Xing hammered her waist, immediately walked to the side room happily. As soon as she entered the door, she called out sweetly, "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan unconsciously smiled: "Are you done?"

"Yes." Lin Wei Xi walked quickly towards Gu Hui Yan. She wanted to sit next to Gu Hui Yan, but after she thought about what happened this afternoon, she turned a corner and sat down opposite Gu Hui Yan in a proper manner. "I must have disturbed your reading today. I thanked Wangye first."

Seeing Lin Wei Xi's actions, Gu Hui Yan felt regret for some reason. He suppressed this strangeness and said to Lin Wei Xi: "You are talking and acknowledging people all afternoon. I am afraid that your body will not be able to bear it. Let's have dinner first, and you should rest early after dinner."

Lin Wei Xi smiled listlessly: "I was talking all afternoon... Did Wangye heard? Did it bother you?"

"No." Gu Hui Yan said with a smile. Lin Wei Xi didn't believe it. She looked at Gu Hui Yan's kind expression and became more and more frustrated: "You must have heard it. Now maybe you still laugh at me in your heart."

"I really don’t." Gu Hui Yan couldn't help laughing, the lights shining in his eyes were amazingly bright, "Although you have a fierce tone when you scold people, but you never make trouble out of nothing. It’s both reasonable and well-founded, also there’s clear cause. If I’m not the target, it’s actually pleasant to hear."

Anyone who scold people and evaluated as "pleasant to hear" would not be happy. Lin Wei Xi’s anger was not light. She gave Gu Hui Yan a stern look and turned her back in a huff. Gu Hui Yan laughed more cheerfully. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's back became more rigid, he did not dare to tease anymore, got up and supported her shoulders and walked out: "Okay, don't get angry. Let’s have dinner first."

Yan Wang personally came to support her, of course Lin Wei Xi could not refuse. After Gu Hui Yan took her shoulders and almost took her whole body in his arms, Lin Wei Xi was even more difficult to break free. Lin Wei Xi sat awkwardly at the dinner table, using extra force when picking up the dishes. Don't think that she would easily forget. What was this pleasant to hear? She was the Wangfei, when reprimanded the servants, everyone who watched should feel intimidated. Yan Wang actually dared to say that she when admonish people it was pleasant to hear?

Indeed would rather be killed than humiliated, it’s totally unbearable.

Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi vented her anger by forcefully picking up the vegetables, his eyes were full of smiles. Today he said that he did not need personal hobby, but now it seems that he needs to change that, looked like he had added a new hobby.

The rule of the mansion was for each room to arrange their own meal at noon every day, but to have dinner together at night. There used to be three people in the mansion. Gu Hui Yan often stayed in the court at noon and did not return to the mansion. Even at night, he might not be able to catch up with the meal. So most of the time, it was only Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran this couple who dine together. Now that Gao Ran's hand was injured, could not ask this Shizi Consort to serve the meal, so the dinner was omitted. Gu Cheng Yao and his wife were eating in their courtyard by themselves. If it was in the past, Gu Hui Yan would probably have to eat alone, but now there was Lin Wei Xi. With just one more person to accompany the meal, it actually became much warmer.

No wonder previously his subordinates and colleagues always persuading him to marry a new Wangfei. Gu Hui Yan always felt that it was unnecessary. There would not be many changes in his life by adding another Wangfei. So why bother? But now Gu Hui Yan realized that to have someone who cared and accompanied him, it actually felt like this.

Although Lin Wei Xi was still grumbling in her heart, the observation habit she had cultivated over the years did not stop. She found that Gu Hui Yan was not picky, but he didn't touch the fish in the middle of the table at all. Lin Wei Xi was surprised in her heart, whether it was Bu mama or Gu Cheng Yao, they both said that Yan Wang loved fish and shrimps and other freshwater fish. But, from what she observed, that was not the case right?

Bu mama was Shen Wangfei’s dowry servant. She had been with Shen Wangfei for many years. Shen Wangfei as Yan Wang’s first wife, unlikely to not remember what Yan Wang liked to eat, right? Not to mention Gu Cheng Yao, if as the only son even mistaken what his father loved to eat, then he was really thoughtless.

Lin Wei Xi watched quietly for a while, and asked Wan Yue to scoop her a bowl of fish soup, and asked, "Wangye, do you want to drink fish soup?"

Gu Hui Yan just glanced faintly and said, "No. You can drink it yourself if you want."

Lin Wei Xi really took a sip and said, "It's a bit fishy. Wangye, I don't like to eat this kind of fish. Why don't we just take it away?"

"Very well." Gu Hui Yan's expression didn't fluctuate at all, obviously he didn't care at all.

Very well, Lin Wei Xi was sure, Gu Hui Yan really didn’t like fish. That's very strange. Bu mama might deliberately said the opposite of what Yan Wang liked to misled Lin Wei Xi, but in her previous life as Shizi Consort, Gu Cheng Yao didn't have to lie to her, right? Lin Wei Xi took a bite of the vegetables. What's wrong with this family? The son and the servants of the house reversed the preferences of Yan Wang, but Gu Hui Yan the person himself didn't say anything, and let this mistake continue. Obviously this kind of thing could be discovered with a little intelligence.

Lin Wei Xi tilted her head and thought for a while, but still couldn't figure out where Gu Cheng Yao's misunderstanding came from.

After the meal, Lin Wei Xi took a short rest and then took a bath. After she came out, she brushed her hair, took care of her skin, basically went through all the troubles. After she finished, it was already late. Lin Wei Xi was a little embarrassed. Fortunately, she was the mother-in-law, tomorrow she didn’t need to wake up early to pay respects. If she was the daughter-law, with this kind of attitude she would be late paying respect to her husband’s parents every day.

Lin Wei Xi stood at the door and said with a low voice, "Wangye, I'm good."

Gu Hui Yan put down the book and looked at Lin Wei Xi with her jet-black hair all down. The whole person was fair and tender, still surrounded by faint water vapor. Standing under the dim light, it was like a lotus breaking the surface, her beauty seems out of this world.

The more delicate the porcelain, the more time it takes to maintain it. Lin Wei Xi was obviously one of them. However, she was so soft and weak from head to toe, standing at the door tenderly calling him "Wangye", was this bath really effective?

Gu Hui Yan told himself that she was a full round younger than him. He promised Lin Yong to take care of his daughter, and he agreed to marry Lin Wei Xi out of care. If he didn’t have wisdom for his age, the evening festival was not guaranteed*.

*The evening festival was not guaranteed, it’s Chinese idiom which means that people have reached old age but failed to keep their integrity, It also means that things fail when they were about to succeed.

Gu Hui Yan's Adam's apple moved up and down, finally restrained himself and withdrew his gaze, and said to Lin Wei Xi, "You have worked hard all afternoon today. Go rest early."

"Yes." Lin Wei Xi also wanted to go to sleep, but her husband was still outside, how could she casually went to bed by herself. So Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan with wet eyes and said, "Wangye, it's getting late, you should rest too."

Gu Hui Yan tightened his fingers, then tightened again, finally put down the book, got up and walked inside. Lin Wei Xi was very happy to see Gu Hui Yan coming in. She blew out the candle in the bedroom, leaving only the last lampstand, and then turned to look at Gu Hui Yan sincerely: "Wangye, why are you still standing?"

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi silently, at that moment he admired himself: "Give me the lampstand, and you can go to sleep first."

Lin Wei Xi left the lampstand to Gu Hui Yan with confidence, walked into the Babu bed, and lay in the brocade quilt comfortably. Gu Hui Yan stood in the half-dark bedroom for a while, wait until he calmed down before he walked in.

However, as soon as Gu Hui Yan entered, he saw Lin Wei Xi get up in a daze, with a floating voice said: "Wangye, you are back."

Lin Wei Xi's voice was very refreshing, unfortunately to turn into scolding words it became delicate. He already enjoyed listening to it on ordinary days. Now when she was half-asleep, the words she said could make people soft to the bone.

Gu Hui Yan's eyes unconsciously darkened: "Why are you still up?"

"I'm waiting for you."

Gu Hui Yan was silent, how much did she trust him? As the saying goes, a thing should not be attempted more than three times. Gu Hui Yan decided to let nature take its course. He sat on the edge of the bed and helped Lin Wei Xi to lie down, his voice hoarse: "If you are sleepy, then go to sleep."

Lin Wei Xi gave a low "um", but still stared at Gu Hui Yan motionlessly. She was really sleepy, the mist filled her eyes. When a person being looked intently by such eyes, even a saint wouldn’t be able to hold back.

Moreover, Gu Hui Yan was not a saint. He leaned over and rubbed Lin Wei Xi's cheek lightly with his fingers. Unconsciously there was a hint of coaxing in his voice: "Xi'er, are you very sleepy?"

Lin Wei Xi didn't understand, so she said lowly, "It's okay."

"That's good."

Before Lin Wei Xi had time to think about the meaning of this sentence, she was plunged into a vast ocean. She was actually a little scared of these things, she didn't have much experience in her previous life, and it really hurt last night. She couldn't understand why in the book this kind of thing was described as a bliss. But today she didn't have time to say anything, all the resistance was submerged by the huge waves. When after much difficulty everything settled down, Lin Wei Xi was already trembling all over with tears in her eyelashes.

Gu Hui Yan carried Lin Wei Xi for a brief wash, and then hugged her back to bed. Lin Wei Xi's body was sore, from beginning to end she didn’t open her eyes, naturally also let Gu Hui Yan fiddling with her. After everything was tidied up, Gu Hui Yan lay on the outer side and patted Lin Wei Xi's quilt a little guiltily: "Be good, go to sleep."

Lin Wei Xi snorted in her heart, she didn’t have a strength even to move her fingers. Lin Wei Xi was leaning on her side, her legs slightly bent, her hands on the side of her face, looking very pitiful. Lin Wei Xi's sleeping posture was not normal, Gu Hui Yan looked at it for a while, and couldn't help but want to correct it.

For many years in the military, it’s inevitable to develop an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Gu Hui Yan tried his best to straighten Lin Wei Xi’s posture without disturbing her, to sleep properly legs also need to be straighten. Lin Wei Xi was confused while sleeping, feeling that Gu Hui Yan disdained her sleeping posture, truly made her fill with anger. Just a moment ago he moved her back and forth into that kind of position, why didn't see him dislike her impropriety? Lin Wei Xi felt angry, but she really didn't have any strength, so she just stretched out her hand to wrap around Gu Hui Yan's neck and leaned her head against his shoulder, her voice was low almost inaudible: "No, I will sleep like this."

Gu Hui Yan's hand stiffened, he paused for a while, and restrainedly reach out to support Lin Wei Xi's waist. Okay, so be it.

Chapter 39 : Second Qian

On the second day, the morning light was weak, and Gu Hui Yan woke up on time.

Unlike the day after the wedding, Gu Hui Yan had a rare good sleep last night. He turned his face slightly, and saw Lin Wei Xi leaning on his shoulders while sleeping peacefully, her even and weak breathing pounding on his shoulders and neck, bringing an indescribable tickling sensation.

It was dawn in the winter, now the room was still dim and misty. The light shone into the heavy red curtain, made it even dimmer. As far as eyes could see there was red everywhere, and the faint light of the sky coated the bed curtain with ambiguous crimson, charming and lovely. In the dim view, only Lin Wei Xi was white as fine porcelain, almost glowing in the dark red. She deeply slept, her small face plunged into the soft red brocade quilt, only half of it was exposed. Her soft black hair was scattered on the pillows and brocade quilt, and there was a strand covering her side face. It made Lin Wei Xi's skin became more delicate, like white porcelain. Jet black hair, dark red quilt, snow white skin, the three colors collide together, bringing unspeakable beauty and seduction.

Gu Hui Yan didn't notice it himself, but he had been staring at this scene for a long time. He moved his hand slightly, the skin under his palm was cool and soft, with a delicate fragrance floating. The flesh and fragrance of a beauty, really worthy of the name.

Strangely speaking, it took a long time for Gu Hui Yan to close his eyes after he finished last time, when Lin Wei Xi moved slightly he woke up again. With people lying next to him, he couldn’t sleep, but when he hold her in his arms, there was no problem.

Gu Hui Yan didn't know what was wrong with him.

The red candle outside the bed curtain made a burst of sound, the red candle that had been burning all night finally burned out, and the room returned to silence. This picture of sleeping beauty was so attractive, if the time was not early anymore, Gu Hui Yan would not have the heart to destroy it. However, they still need to enter the palace today. Lin Wei Xi took a lot of time to dress up. If they still did not get up at this time, afraid it would be late when entering the palace.

Gu Hui Yan could only lean over, put one hand on Lin Wei Xi's side, and whispered, "Wei Xi, it's time to get up."

Lin Wei Xi slept soundly, faintly feeling that someone was gathering her hair and whispering something in her ear. Lin Wei Xi originally slept late and overworked last night. Now only feels that all of her bones were limp, how could she leave the warm quilt and get up. She turned around, trying to avoid the annoying noise. Seeing this Gu Hui Yan chuckled, he could only hold her up. Lin Wei Xi’s waist was extremely soft. At this times, she directly fell straight back, weak and boneless. If last night Gu Hui Yan had admired Lin Wei Xi’s soft figure, but now he was afraid that Lin Wei Xi would fold her waist bone, so he quickly reached out to support her fluffy head, helped her to sit up: "Get up, don't sleep."

Lin Wei Xi really felt wronged. She was so sleepy that she couldn't open her eyes, unfortunately she couldn't get angry at the instigator who disturbed her dream. She was forced to come out from the warm bed, when her expose arms met the morning air, a slight goosebumps immediately appeared. Lin Wei Xi wrapped her hands around herself, with her eyes misty, her hair messy, she muttered, "It's cold."

Gu Hui Yan felt pity looking at Lin Wei Xi like this. The earth dragon burned all night, to be weak in the early morning was inevitable, he was always in a good health and did not feel cold, but instead neglected Lin Wei Xi. Now it was too late to let people burn the earth dragon. Gu Hui Yan could only hug Lin Wei Xi and use his own body temperature to warm he upr: "I was negligent, next time won’t be like this. Get up now. After today, you don’t have to wake up early."

Lin Wei Xi was awaken by the cold air of early winter morning, not to mention she had Yan Wang to wake her up. Going to the palace today was to meet the Empress Dowager, really could not be late. Lin Wei Xi's mind sobered up, and only then found herself still nestled in Gu Hui Yan's arms. She blushed with shame, and quickly pulled the bedding back, her cheeks slightly red: "Wangye, I am already awake. My sleeping posture is not good, let you laugh."

Gu Hui Yan just smiled and straightened out her hair, and finally touched the top of her hair and said, "Now that you are awake, get up. You only need to get up today and tomorrow you don't have to get up early."

Gu Hui Yan didn't think it was any trouble to call his lovable wife to get up. If it was replaced with Gu Cheng Yao, or his subordinate soldiers, if they dared to lie in bed without any explanation, they would head straight to the army stick. But with Lin Wei Xi, Gu Hui Yan felt it was very enjoyable.

Gu Hui Yan saw Lin Wei Xi clutching the quilt with both hands, looked at him with some caution in her eyes. He understood in his heart, stood up and went outside to change his clothes and bathe. After Gu Hui Yan left and the bed curtains fell down, Lin Wei Xi finally breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly took out the dress from the box at the foot of the bed, with lightning speed untied the front lapel and fastened the tube top on her chest. After putting on her clothes again, Lin Wei Xi lifted the red curtain and got out of bed, raised her voice to call in the maids waiting outside.

Lin Wei Xi with the help of her maids, put her hair into a high bun, painted a delicate and beautiful palace makeup, her head was inserted with seven-winged golden phoenix buyao that belongs to Wangfei’s rank, her hair was decorated with pearls and gemstones on both sides, the entire person was like bright treasure, like luminous rays of light. Lin Wei Xi's facial features originally were exquisite to the extreme. After wearing makeup, they became more and more like rubies polished to the utmost, under the sunlight it was almost reflecting the scorching light.

Today, entering the palace was to giving thanks, in addition to Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi, the Shizi and Shizi Consort also need to go. In order to save time, each room had breakfast in their own courtyard this morning, and when they were ready, they would meet in Lin Wei Xi’s courtyard. Once they were all together, they could set off. Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran had already arrived. The maids said that Wangfei was still dressing up inside. It was natural that Gu Cheng Yao, as a fully grown stepson, would not enter the house at this time, so he could only stand in the garden and wait. Gao Ran saw this also accompany him on the side. After a while, the curtain of the main room opened, and Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan walked out side by side. Before leaving the house, didn't know what the two of them were talking about. Lin Wei Xi raised her head and glanced at Gu Hui Yan, who still had a smile in his eyes. When they saw the two people in the yard, whether it was Lin Wei Xi or Gu Hui Yan, they instantly put away their smiles and became dignified and solemn.

Such obvious changes could not be hidden from the eyes of the two people in the garden. Gu Cheng Yao didn't know what to think. He had never seen his father smile so softly, and Lin Wei Xi was always cold and estranged in front of him. Actually when he was not around his father and Lin Wei Xi could have such a gentle look. Gao Ran saw Lin Wei Xi and Yan Wang getting out together with such a look, the thorn in her heart pierced deeper.

But no matter what they thought, what Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran should do now was to hold back their expression and respectfully salute the two of them: "Father, mother."

Lin Wei Xi nodded lightly as an answer. Today, the hair on her temple were like clouds, and her hair accessories were extraordinarily gorgeous. The complicated buns made her neck looks slim and slender. As she nodded, the buyou on her head shook slightly, and there was a crisp sound when the gold, silver and gemstones collide together. However, Lin Wei Xi's face was aloof once again. When two completely opposite kinds collided, it brought unspeakable sense of beauty.

The people in the garden unconsciously became quiet, they all looked at Lin Wei Xi with bated breath, and Gu Cheng Yao was no exception. Gao Ran glanced at Lin Wei Xi quickly, tried very hard to calm herself down. In the end she had to admit that any woman standing with Lin Wei Xi would take huge risks. She could definitely despise Lin Wei Xi’s beauty as hollow and confident that she could win with her temperament, but once the two people stand together, Lin Wei Xi’s appearance would absolutely crushing the others. In this case, even if she wants others to notice her temperament, it was also quite difficult.

Gu Hui Yan was the first to break the silence in the courtyard and said, "It's almost time, let's go."

Only then did everyone wake up, hurriedly bend over and answered: "Yes."

This was not the first time Lin Wei Xi entered the palace, but it was the first time she entered the palace as Yan Wangfei. Wangfei would be put into imperial genealogy, so after Lin Wei Xi and Yan Wang get married, they also have to enter the palace to thank the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Now the Emperor was young and the harem was vacant, Lin Wei Xi was saved a lot of trouble and came directly to Cining Palace to kowtow to the Empress Dowager.

Gu Hui Yan took Gu Cheng Yao to see the emperor directly, Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran were the only ones who went to Cining Palace. Lin Wei Xi saluted the Empress Dowager Qian under the guidance of palace eunuch in red: "This servant* is Yan Wangfei Lin shi, pay respect to the Empress Dowager. May the empress dowager flooded with good fortune that fills the sky, to have ten thousand blessing and good health."

*It’s actually qie shen, it’s how an ancient woman called herself modestly, qiè (妾) means this concubine or this servant, shēn (身) means body, it should be translated as ‘this concubine body’ or ‘this servant body’, but that’s so awkward so I shorten it to ‘this servant’.

Empress Dowager Qian sat on the throne. She was over thirty years old and not much older than Gu Hui Yan, but she already looked aged. Empress Dowager Qian’s appearance was not outstanding, and her temperament tends to be negative and bland. It was unknown whether she could not be favored by Emperor Muzong had anything to do with this.

Lin Wei Xi just got down to kneel, and Empress Dowager Qian said with a smile: "So this is Yan Wangfei, please get up quickly."

The palace maid next to Empress Dowager came to help Lin Wei Xi up. Lin Wei Xi firmly saluted, only then she stood up: "This servant is nervous, thanking the empress dowager niangniang* for her compassion."

*Niangniang (娘娘) is actually has so many meaning, empress, mother, goddess, etc. in here it means the honorific name for the empress and imperial concubine.

Lin Wei Xi resolutely gave a full set of etiquette before getting up. Empress Dowager Qian didn't say anything about it, merely smiled and let people showed Lin Wei Xi a seat. After Lin Wei Xi sat down, Empress Dowager Qian took her eyes away from Lin Wei Xi, and cast a second glance at Gao Ran behind her, and smiled: "Aijia* is old and useless, the palace hall also lifeless all day long. Yan Wangfei’s visit letting Aijia here be lively again. Look at you beautiful people. If you don’t tell me, who can guess that you two are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law? Even if you said you are sisters, people will believe it."

*Aijia (哀家), it’s how the empress dowager referring to herself.

Gao Ran accompanied Lin Wei Xi to kowtow and saluted. Now that Lin Wei Xi could sit down, she still had to stand behind Lin Wei Xi and wait on her. Gao Ran was a little unhappy at first, but now hearing the words of the Empress Dowager, her mouth couldn't help stiffening.

Age is a woman’s Achilles hill. Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were said to looks like sisters. Of course, the mother-in-law would be proud of herself, but for the daughter-in-law, afraid it was not a happy thing.

Especially Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran were about the same age, but Lin Wei Xi was a generation higher than Gao Ran. On all occasions, Lin Wei Xi was sitting and Gao Ran was standing. When Lin Wei Xi, the empress dowager and the others were talking, Gao Ran could only listen to them like a wooden stake. As long as there was Lin Wei Xi in the place, Gao Ran could only be the foil. When everyone came to say hello, Lin Wei Xi must be the first one to look at.

This was undoubtedly a huge gap for Gao Ran, who was accustomed to enjoying the honorable status as Yan Wang Shizi Consort. Gao Ran stood silently behind Lin Wei Xi, and felt an extremely absurd feeling for some reason, as if the situation had returned to before she got married, when she was a shu daughter and Gao Xi was a di daughter. Obviously the two were standing together, but all madams could only see Gao Xi and only Gao Xi. The same father but different fate, it was vividly shown with her and Gao Xi.

After Gao Ran managed to surpassed Gao Xi, inherited Gao Xi's generous dowry, and her noble husband, Gao Ran was finally able to replace her faintly jealous self and become the "Shizi Consort".

Gao Ran thought that this was like the saying after the cloud passed, the moon was bright, after bitterness finishes, the sweetness begin, but who would have thought that after less than a few months of comfortable life, Lin Wei Xi appeared. What's more absurd was that after five months, Lin Wei Xi became Gao Ran's mother-in-law. The power and position that Gao Ran scrambled to get hold of, already been taken away again. And this time it was even sadder. Gao Xi and she were sisters, but Lin Wei Xi was her mother-in-law.

After working hard to work out a strategy only to be beaten back to the original point after a few days without enjoying it, this feeling was extremely hard to bear.

Lin Wei Xi glanced to the back, didn't care about Gao Ran's mood at all, pursed her lips and smiled: "The Empress Dowager speak too highly of this servant. This servant’s insubstantial appearance how can it compared with Empress Dowager who has a blessed person splendor? Shizi Consort had receive empress dowager’s honor, but her aptitude is dull, still had many things to learn, and cannot live up Empress Dowager niangniang’s praise. This servant is also young, and still hope for the Empress Dowager niangniang to teach me."

The Empress Dowager Qian’s mentality had become old over the years, she believes in Gods and Buddhas, and liked to hear people say she was blessed. Hearing this Empress Dowager Qian's bland face burst with little vitality, she smiled and said: "Yan Wangfei is really clever, used to coaxing Aijia this old woman."

"How can this be coaxing?" Lin Wei Xi had dealt with Empress Dowager Qian in her previous life, and knew her preferences very well. Lin Wei Xi smiled more sincerely and said, "If Empress Dowager doesn't believe me, you might as well ask the people in the hall and let everyone say, whether or not the Empress Dowager is a person with long lasting happiness and profound grace?"

How could the people that served in Cining Palace dared to say no, of course they all agreed with a smile. Empress Dowager Qian was all smile, and her grudges towards Lin Wei Xi because Second Qian’s matters were also lessened a lot.

The Empress Dowager thought this way, but she still couldn't completely let go, so she said directly: "Two days ago, my sister-in-law came to the palace and talked to Aijia about Shizi Consort. Shizi Consort also really. Since Yan Wang already has the intention, why still promise to others?"

Gao Ran's heart suddenly dropped. Why Empress Dowager Qian suddenly talked about it on this occasion?

Chapter 40 : Promising Marriage

Gao Ran’s chest tighten, for a moment she couldn't tell whether Empress Dowager Qian was mocking her or taunting Lin Wei Xi.

It was true that Gao Ran privately agreeing to Qian’s family proposal was wrong, but Yan Wang and the second son of the Qian family have a crush on the same woman at the same time. For men, it was romantic to be furious because of a beauty*, but for a woman, it was not a good reputation.

* 冲冠一怒为红颜, it came from the poem “Yuanyuanqu” by Wu Weiyi, a poet in late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

Gao Ran's heart jumped the moment her name was called, but soon after she slowly relaxed. She glanced at Lin Wei Xi and lowered her head pretending to be fearful: "Empress Dowager niangniang please forgive me. At that time This Servant heard that old madam Qian want to propose marriage for the second son of Qian’s family, Qian second young master is naturally a good man, and This Servant did not think much about it and accepted it, only thought when I return I will talk to the elders. Please don’t think that This Servant is too greedy, I only thought that the Qian family is a good family, and wanted to accept as a good sister, but because I was too impatient instead doing something wrong."

Gao Ran's words hinted that she listened to old madam Qian’s suggestion at the front, but Yan Wang decided Lin Wei Xi’s matter at the back. As for why Yan Wang done this and what happened in between, then ask the protagonist herself.

Gao Ran wanted to induce Empress Dowager to treat Lin Wei Xi as a femme fatale, and it would be even better if she accused Lin Wei Xi as a seductress. Lin Wei Xi's smile faded when she heard Second Qian’s name. Empress Dowager Qian was the Empress Dowager, so she could say what’s on her mind, but this Gao Ran even dared to play tricks in front of her?

Gao Ran still hasn't learned, it seems that the hot water yesterday was not hot enough. Lin Wei Xi had become the Yan Wangfei, the power the mother-in-law had over the daughter-in-law was far from simple as filial piety.

After Gao Ran finished speaking, she kept staring at Lin Wei Xi. Unfortunately, she was going to be disappointed. Lin Wei Xi did not show any embarrassment or distress expression. She just smiled and unhurriedly said: "What's the matter with Qian second young master? How do I not aware about it?"

Lin Wei Xi’s rhetorical question caused everyone to be silent. Empress Dowager Qian could not speak, no matter how badly she want to, she could not say to Yan Wangfei, previously Gao Ran secretly agreed to marry you to someone, but then Yan Wang passed the news, and this matter was over.

Lin Wei Xi was still smiling innocently and naturally, her pupils full of pure curiosity: "What did Shizi Consort say? How did you get involved with Qian second young master? I don't know anything about these things, Empress Dowager niangniang please tell me, I'm really curious."

The Empress Dowager reluctantly smiled, and then asked tentatively: "Yan Wangfei didn’t know?"

"What should I know?" Lin Wei Xi smiled and turned her head, her dark pupils clearly reflected Gao Ran's figure, "Shizi Consort, you said what should I know?"

Gao Ran was speechless, her dispute with Lin Wei Xi was in private, besides their maids, who else would know? As long as Lin Wei Xi swore she didn’t know anything, Gao Ran had no way to prove otherwise, instead could put herself at a disadvantage.

The Empress Dowager looked at the interaction between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Lin Wei Xi asked frankly, but Shizi Consort looked stiff. Empress Dowager Qian pondered it in her heart and ask: "Yan Wangfei, you didn’t know about your marriage’s matter before?"

"By parents' orders and matchmaker's words, of course This Servant listens to the Grand Princess." Lin Wei Xi said with a smile, "Matchless fornication* and the woman could only become a concubine. If you cross over the parents and elders to act as the matchmaker, you will be cast aside. No matter how naughty, This Servant dare not do such a thing."

*Matchless fornication, in the olden days the get married you need a matchmaker, without it the relationship is legally and morally wrong so the woman could only become a concubine.

People face depends on their mouth, to act was also the same. When Lin Wei Xi said these words, her eyes were clear and her smile was calm, without any guilty conscience. Gao Ran guessed right. It was after she and Gao Ran argued that she was so angry that she went to Gu Hui Yan to recommend herself on impulse. But Gu Hui Yan definitely would not tell this matter, and of course Lin Wei Xi would not. Gao Ran even dared to try to threaten her with this incident. It would be strange if Lin Wei Xi didn't try to fix her.

It’s really well-known that Lin Wei Xi recognized Grand Princess Shou Kang as her grandmother. Empress Dowager Qian felt that she understood when she thought about it. Wasn't Princess Shou Kang also acted as a matchmaker for her granddaughter and Gu Cheng Yao? It seems that Princess Shou Kang’s own descendants were not many so she especially love Yan Wang Mansion. Last time it was her own granddaughter, this time even marrying the barely recognize granddaughter to Yan Wang. Her thoughts were too obvious.

After Empress Dowager Qian thought about some causes and effects, she thought that she finally seen the truth. In this way it seems that Lin Wei Xi was completely at the mercy of Princess Shou Kang. She definitely didn't know anything about the event before. As for Gao Ran secretly accepting the Qian’s family offer, to think positively she probably didn’t know the negotiation between Yan Wang and Grand Princess Shou Kang, but looked at it more negatively she just didn’t want to have another mother-in-law, so she took advantage of Qian's family.

The Empress Dowager's gaze at Gao Ran immediately changed. Gao Ran didn't even realize what happened. In this short period of time, what exactly happened to Empress Dowager, why did she look at her with such expression? Gao Ran felt that something went wrong, and was about to try to mend it, but Lin Wei Xi cut off the conversation: "Empress Dowager niangniang, this picture of a hundred bats wearing flowers on your dress is really cheerful, I have never seen it before."

Empress Dowager Qian had become more and more superstitious in recent years and always liked to wear old-fashioned dress. It was difficult for Lin Wei Xi to say complimentary words with a stunning expression on her face. When a young girl with an extremely beautiful appearance praised her clothes, anyone would feel pleased with themselves. Empress Dowager Qian was happy, right away talked to Lin Wei Xi about blessings, bodhisattvas and so on.

The benefit of Lin Wei Xi's sweet mouth was indisputable. She deliberately turned away from Gao Ran and teased Empress Dowager Qian to talk. Gao Ran tried several times to explain the matter to Empress Dowager Qian but failed to break through Lin Wei Xi's barrier. After all, she was a junior, could she interrupt her mother-in-law or Empress Dowager? She didn't dare, she tried a few times to break through, but she really couldn't get passed Lin Wei Xi.

After Gao Ran failed several times, her heart became angry and she could only grit her teeth and endure. However, she didn't dare to show the look on her face to others, so she had to lower her head immediately.

After Lin Wei Xi guided the Empress Dowager Qian to reverse the order of the engagement matters, she kept smiling, half her attention was guarding against Gao Ran, and the other half deliberately flattering the Empress Dowager. After a short while, Empress Dowager Qian was beaming with joy.

The thing Empress Dowager Qian most proud of in this life was that she had a blessed life. Empress Dowager Qian was once Emperor Muzong's empress, but because of her mediocre appearance and old-fashioned temperament, she could not be favored by the previous Emperor Muzong, and then later Bu Guifei* came out of thin air. Fortunately, she survived the turmoil in the last years of Jianzhao. Yan Wang entered the capital to save the country and killed the rebelling eunuch, and Bu Guifei was also hanged herself. Empress Qian could be regarded as dispel the clouds and see the sun and became the Empress Dowager. Isn’t she a lucky person?

*Guifei, high ranking imperial concubine.

The current emperor was not Empress Dowager Qian’s real son. Although she was an empress but she was not favored, so she had nothing to do for many years. Later, in the third year of Jianzhao, Bu Guifei entered the palace and quickly became favored. A lifeless Empress Qian was also panicking. In the fifth year of Jianzhao a palace maid gave birth to the eldest son of the emperor. Empress Qian didn't care about the separations between di and shu, she hurriedly took the baby and raised him herself. At that point Empress Qian didn't expect to have a son of her own, so she quickly adopted the eldest son of the emperor as a means to protect herself. The eldest son of the emperor was highly regarded, and she raised him under her knees so she regard him as half a son, which in orthodox believe was a very important position. Empress Qian counted on this child to support herself in the future. It's a pity that even when Empress Qian made a good plan, but at the end of the same year, Bu Guifei became pregnant.

This was really a big trouble. Every day, Empress Qian looked forward to Bu Guifei’s miscarriage, but unfortunately the mother and son were safe. By the next year she smoothly gave birth to a child and it was also a prince. Bu Guifei was already favored, and now she was still giving birth to the emperor’s son, the thoughts in her heart inevitably grew bigger. Bu Guifei became more and more domineering, pestering Emperor Muzong to establish the second prince as the crown prince. One was the emperor’s eldest son that he lacked feelings, and the other one was the second son from his favorite concubine. Emperor Muzong really intended to pass the throne to the second son, but the courts firmly refused. If there was di son they need to established him, but if there wasn’t then they should established the eldest son, not to mention the eldest son was raised by the Empress since he was a child. Obviously the eldest son was the orthodox candidate for crown prince position.

For this reason Emperor Muzong and the courts minister was pulling each other back and forth. Because of Emperor Muzong's indecision, the private fight within the court was very serious. Later, Bu Guifei even colluded with palace eunuch, wantonly ruled out dissidents from the courts, and harmed the minister who advocated the establishment of the eldest son. It could be imagined what it was like for Empress Dowager Qian and the eldest son in those years. The turmoil at the final years of Jianzhao, the breaking point came from an epidemic.

The five poisons* was abundant in the early spring. When the epidemic spreads from the capital into the palace, the second prince unfortunately contracted the illness and even the medicine could not cure him, he died in just one month.

*Five poisons, refers to centipedes, venomous snakes, scorpions, geckos and toads, it believed as things that causes a plague.

Empress Qian almost burned incense in Kunning Palace, the Bodhisattva really opened its eyes. The battle for the crown prince for several years was forced to make a decision. Bu Guifei lost her beloved son, and immediately went mad, and became more and more unscrupulous to eliminated dissidents. For a time, the treacherous eunuchs were rampant, and gradually even Emperor Muzong couldn't control it. He had no choice but to write the secret edict to summon Yan Wang to enter the capital, suppressed chaos, to punish the traitors, and governed the Qing Dynasty. Whether Bu Guifei hangs herself, afraid only Emperor Muzong and Yan Wang themselves who know.

The final word was that the second prince died of illness, and Bu Guifei was executed. The remaining prince in the palace was only the eldest prince. Now even if the prince was a fool, the courts must assist him to succeed the throne. After this incident, Emperor Muzong was so distressed that he left after a short while. Before his death, Emperor Muzong established the eldest prince as the crown prince, and Gu Hui Yan, Zhang Xiao Lian, and Eunuch Feng as the auxiliary ministers, together they would assisted the young emperor to grow up until he could govern the country himself.

Right now is the fifth year of Yuanjia, and the little Emperor had been on the throne for five years and already twelve years old.

In fact, Empress Dowager Qian did not care about the affairs of the court, the harem should not interfere with the politics and Empress Dowager Qian did not have any interest to take control. She had become the woman with the highest seniority and the most respected in the whole world. No matter how the previous dynasty changed, could it still implicated the Empress Dowager? Empress Dowager Qian stayed in the harem with a great peace of mind. All day long she either eat vegetarian food and reciting Buddha, or summoned her natal sister-in-law to come in and talk. The matter between the second son of Qian and Lin Wei Xi was brought into the palace by Qian's family old madam.

At that time, the news of Yan Wang's marrying his Wangfei had already spread. Of course, the Qian family did not dare to snatch a woman from Yan Wang, and Yan Wang also specifically passed on a message. Qian second young master was so scared that he did not dare to go out. After a while, when the wind gradually subsided, Qian's family old madam became a little uncomfortable. Obviously Yan Wang Shizi Consort already gave her words, but only a few days later, it was intercepted by Yan Wang, and wasn’t it means Yan Wang Mansion stepped on the empress’s relative Qian family’s face?

The more Old Madam Qian thought about it, the more unwilling she became, so she came to the palace and mentioned this to Empress Dowager Qian. The Empress Dowager only knew that Yan Wang was going to marry a new wangfei. After hearing her sister-in-law’s words, she knew that the new Yan Wangfei Lin shi and her second nephew had such an entanglement. Empress Dowager Qian would naturally not have any objection on Yan Wang. At the beginning, the emperor succeeded the throne thanks to the support of Yan Wang. When he first ascended to the throne, he met foreign invasion, and Yan Wang led the army to calm the chaos. Without the military deterrence of Yan Wang, the Empress Dowager Qian and the emperor were just a pair of orphans and widows. What could they do to suppress the court minister and generals of the previous dynasty? Empress Dowager Qian relied on Yan Wang in her heart, how could she criticized the matter of Yan Wang marrying his wangfei.

However, Empress Dowager Qian did not dare to blame Yan Wang, but it did not prevent her from having some thoughts about this not simple new wangfei. Today Lin shi came to the palace to kowtow, originally Empress Dowager Qian had been thinking about giving her some examinations, she wanted to know what kind of character could provoke her nephew and Yan Wang to marry her.

But now it seems that this Yan Wangfei was not only very beautiful, but her personality was also very well-behaved. When Emperor Muzong was still alive, Grand Princess Shou Kang had high imperial courtesy, she almost had more face than Qian shi the Empress. As a result, Empress Dowager Qian had a little grudge. Now the fortunes was changed, Empress Dowager Qian was not afraid to speculate about Princess Shou Kang with the darkest thoughts. According to her, Princess Shou Kang was most likely fancied Lin shi's beauty, so she recognized her as a granddaughter. Later, she thought of a way to let Lin shi marry Yan Wang in order to stabilize the relationship between Princess Shou Kang Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion. After all, Princess Shou Kang's granddaughter died, and it was reasonable for her to be anxious.

Empress Dowager Qian felt refreshed when she thought of this. She unlikely to have an animosity against Grand Princess Shou Kang, because the princess who was once well-regarded was inferior to herself. Empress Dowager Qian's indescribable joy made Lin Wei Xi looked more pleasing in her eyes. However, when Empress Dowager Qian glanced at Gao Ran, she thought to herself really couldn’t judge a person by its appearance. Such a gentle and graceful well-breed young lady could do something like blocking her step mother-in-law from entering the door and promising her to other’s family. What especially hateful was that she actually calculated her nephew!

At this time, Empress Dowager Qian was completely forget that it was Old Madam Qian who proposed the marriage to Gao Ran. Anyway, Qian family did not dare to confront Yan Wang, then Qian’s family losing face was because of other people!

Gao Ran was inexplicably carrying the pot for Old Madam Qian, but she really couldn't explain it. From Empress Dowager Qian it could be seen that Qian family was not an honest family. Gao Ran had nowhere to say it, and Lin Wei Xi would not even give Gao Ran a chance to speak.

Gao Ran had a mouthful but couldn't speak all morning, it was really unbearable. While she was still anxious, a voice came from outside: "The Emperor is here. Yan Wang is here."

There was an uproar in Cining Palace, Lin Wei Xi got up and bowed to the door to salute.

"The Emperor long live, long live, long live."

The Emperor walked into Cining Palace while surrounded by a bunch of people, with Gu Hui Yan standing beside him. After entering the palace, the emperor looked around, suddenly his eyes condensed on a person: "Uncle Yan Wang, is this the new aunt?"

Chapter 41 : Emperor’s Grace

The little emperor tilted his head slightly and looked at Lin Wei Xi with undisguised curiosity in his eyes.

The Emperor being curious was not necessarily a good thing, Lin Wei Xi's head lowered again, only revealing her slender neck. Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi, and then said, "It's the family’s wife."

The Emperor looked inquisitively a few more times before saying, "You may dispense the curtsey."

Lin Wei Xi stood up with everyone, and the Emperor stepped forward to salute Empress Dowager Qian. The Emperor and Yan Wang came together, and of course the seats had to be rearranged. Lin Wei Xi took this opportunity to walk to Gu Hui Yan's side, silently hiding under Yan Wang's imposing aura.

Gu Cheng Yao also followed Gu Hui Yan and the Emperor to visit the Empress Dowager. He saw Lin Wei Xi walking in his direction with her full makeup, but finally stopped at his front side and stood still.

Gu Hui Yan was wearing a black Qinwang python suit, Lin Wei Xi wore gorgeous red dress, Gu Hui Yan was tall and slender, and Lin Wei Xi was curvy. From the back, the two stood together in an unspeakable harmony.

Gu Cheng Yao had some inexplicable moods for some reason. Gao Ran saw Lin Wei Xi naturally walked to Yan Wang’s side, she also could not be outdone and walked towards Gu Cheng Yao. After she stood beside him, she saw Gu Cheng Yao looked a little distracted, she couldn't help but whispered: "Shizi?"

Gu Cheng Yao woke up and saw Gao Ran looking at him with concern. Gu Cheng Yao smiled gently, and easily concealed his emotions, tried to appease Gao Ran with his eyes: "I'm fine. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager are here, so I'll talk about it later."

Gao Ran naturally understood this reason, but when Gu Cheng Yao said this, she was a little unhappy for some reason. It seemed that in her expectations Gu Cheng Yao should not behave like this. Gao Ran wanted to let Gu Cheng Yao know how Lin Wei Xi acted with her mother-in-law's identity, how she deliberately intercepted her words, and how she slander her in front of Empress Dowager. But now, Gao Ran could only respond quietly, and then lowered her head to listen to the Emperor and Yan Wang talking.

The Emperor took the throne at the age of eight, and after five years, the Emperor would be thirteen after the New Year. The age of thirteen, could not be said old but could not be said young either, but in imperial family it was a sensitive age.

The earth dragon in Cining Palace burned very hotly, and the incense floating in the palace was warm like spring. It was a very comfortable environment, but in the room, only the Emperor and Gu Hui Yan were talking.

The other people didn't even dare to breathe loudly, bowed their heads and waited. Even Empress Dowager Qian just forego the small talk. She just sat on the side with a smile and nodded and answered one or two from time to time, but couldn't really intervene with the conversation. Lin Wei Xi just sat next to Gu Hui Yan with a bright smile on her face, but she was a little distracted.

Right now is the eleven month of Yuanjia's fifth year, the Emperor was already twelve years old. If she were still Shizi Consort of the previous life, she would certainly feel that the court was harmonious and the country was peaceful, but Lin Wei Xi had read that book of heaven, and she knew that the rest was not all smooth sailing.

Since he came to power, First Assistant Zhang had made drastic reforms, grasping all matters of the court political affairs, and also served as the Emperor's teacher, responsible for teaching the Emperor's benevolence, justice, and etiquette. For a court minister to reach this point, it could be said he was the best among scholar since the dawn of time. However, Lin Wei Xi learned from the book that in his life Zhang Xiao Lian had reached the highest official position, but near his death, it was inevitable like all ministers of the past he didn’t end well, even the bones could not be saved. Later, there was even a wave of crusade against Zhang Xiao Lian, all the policies promoted by First Assistant Zhang were rejected, all the officials who opposed First Assistant Zhang would be called loyal and respectable people, even if the minister was actually just a cynical idiot.

Just a few words in the heavenly book, Lin Wei Xi could already feel the thrilling explosion of that time. Lin Wei Xi had never involved with the government affairs. She did not know what kind of person the famous First Assistant Zhang was, but it was true that the national treasury tax had doubled several times during Zhang Xiao Lian’s reign. He commanded the court with strict decree, but the Zhang’s family wantonly accepted bribes was also true. Zhang Xiao Lian took the opportunity to exclude dissidents and install his own people was also true. Such a legend was not within Lin Wei Xi's turn to evaluate, she actually only concerned about Yan Wang Mansion.

Once she was the Shizi Consort, but now she become the Yan Wangfei, she was bound to live and die together with Yan Wang, to share both the honor and the disgrace. The previous Emperor left the three auxiliary ministers in order to control each other. Yan Wang was the clan elders, holding the military power in his hand, deterring the world; Eunuch Feng was a palace eunuch, to take care the Emperor, and restraining the cabinet; Emperor Muzong's original intention to promoted Zhang Xiao Lian before his death must be because he had seen Zhang Xiao Lian's outstanding administrative ability, he wanted to use him to guard against Yan Wang. Yan Wang himself had the surname Gu, his nephew was young, and Empress Dowager Qian didn’t have a high IQ. In case something happens, afraid the person who sat on the dragon chair would be replaced.

Unexpectedly, things went on the opposite direction. Yan Wang was still well-behaved, but Zhang Xiao Lian, who was once the most trusted, had a dominant family. There was no prime minister in this dynasty, and all the memorials must be personally approved by the Emperor. In fact, apart from the founding Emperor, no Emperor could withstand this kind of physical work. Therefore, the dynasty set up a cabinet to replace the Emperor's vote. Later, he was afraid that the cabinet would be too dominant, and so the Emperor later set up a department of rite supervisor. The draft proposal sent by the cabinet, that was, the preliminary plan, would only take effect if department of rite supervisor approved it. Today's superintendent of the department of rite is Eunuch Feng.

Eunuch Feng watched the Emperor grew up, and affectionately called "Feng Dabao" by the emperor, which was no different from daddy*. It was unknown how Eunuch Feng looked at First Assistant Zhang, the two people who were supposed to be competing with each other were actually very harmonious. Eunuch Feng even directly approved all memorials that First Assistant Zhang handed over without looking at it. In this way, it was not surprising that First Assistant Zhang could covered the sky with one hand and monopolized the courts.

*The original word is 奶爸 or naiba which literally means ‘milk dad’ LOL, it refer to man who takes an active role in taking care his newborn baby, but it’s kinda awkward to call it that so I changed it to daddy.

The two of the three legs stand were joyous and harmonious, and Yan Wang as the other end was very important. After Yan Wang remained in the capital, he was on good terms with First Assistant Zhang. At least on the surface the two respected each other and had gentlemen’s friendship. Lin Wei Xi once thought that the friendship between Gu Hui Yan and First Assistant Zhang must be good, but when Gu Hui Yan came back from the banquet on the wedding night, there was a faint anxiety between his brows. The true relationship between these three auxiliary ministers may not be as calm as the outsiders had seen.

Even Yan Wang found it tricky, Lin Wei Xi never thought that she could say any wise opinions. She was just a little worried. If what the heavenly book said were true, what would happen to Yan Wang Mansion when Zhang Xiao Lian criticized heavily in the future? What would happened after the next First Assistant Shen came into power? Even more maliciously speculated, what role did the Emperor play in this matter?

The little emperor, who was only twelve years old, was sitting and talking to Yan Wang. He had handsome eyes and looked kind and harmless. But Lin Wei Xi felt a chill from the bottom of her heart.

Lin Wei Xi finally realized at this moment that although the heavenly book was mysterious, but it was also a story with individualistic insight. That book was more like a personal life note after it all beautified from Gao Ran’s point of view. How could this kind of book be able to sum up the ins and outs of the courts and its treacherousness, and the ferocity of political power struggles.

Perhaps, she didn't need to take the contents of the book seriously.

Gu Hui Yan accompanied the emperor to the inner palace to pay respect to the Empress Dowager, but also to satisfy the Emperor's curiosity to take a look at Lin Wei Xi. After all, it was the Emperor. Gu Hui Yan couldn't say anything. After saw the people, Gu Hui Yan thought that it was almost time, immediately get up and lead Lin Wei Xi to leave.

Seeing Gu Hui Yan took his leave, the Emperor rather reluctantly get up and said: "Uncle Yan Wang, you rarely enter the palace, why don't you sit for a while? I still want Uncle Wang to teach me horsemanship."

"Today is mainly to accompany my wife to thank the Empress Dowager. It’s not early anymore. We should not stay in the inner palace for too long. If the emperor wants to practice riding and shooting, I might as well enter the palace again tomorrow and practice with the emperor."

After hearing this, the Emperor helplessly sighed: "Uncle Yan Wang said that. But tomorrow I am going to Wenhua Pavilion to listen the lectures, I am afraid I won't have time to go to practice field."

Gu Hui Yan paused for a short time, then smiled again: "First Assistant Zhang is dedicated to Your Majesty and abides by his role as a teacher. This is a blessing for the country."

Lin Wei Xi did not miss that the Emperor called himself "I" in front of Yan Wang, nor did she miss that Yan Wang only said that First Assistant Zhang's strict discipline to the emperor was "a blessing to the country", but he did not express any personal opinions. First Assistant Zhang took the name of the Emperor’s teacher. He also responsible to cultivate a benevolent ruler for the dynasty. Therefore, the Emperor’s discipline was very cumbersome and strict, from the books he read, the words he practiced, to what he needed to do with courts, it’s all very strict. From the perspective of an adult, what First Assistant Zhang had done was for the Emperor's benefit, but from the perspective of a boy of twelve or thirteen, afraid it was very irritating.

The emperor reluctantly sent Yan Wang out. He glanced at Lin Wei Xi again and said, "Uncle Wang is newly married, Zhen* as a junior did not be able to come and celebrate, it’s really unfortunate. Zhen don't have any meeting gifts, only a pair of Yubi** to give as present for Aunt Yan Wang, and hope that Aunt Wang and Uncle Wang will have a good relationship for a hundred years, and in perfect harmony."

*Zhen, I think if you read Chinese historical novel a lot you will know this, well in case you don’t know it’s the illeism for the emperor.

**Yubi (玉璧), is a jade ritual object with round shape and hole in the middle.

Lin Wei Xi unexpectedly was called, she had never speak to the emperor, so she stammered a little bit: "Long live, how… how can this court wife..."

The Emperor smiled kindly at Lin Wei Xi. The young man had fair skin with a pretty and clean smile: "Aunt Wang doesn't need to be like this. Zhen always respect Uncle Yan Wang. This is Zhen wedding gift for you two. Auntie just accepts it."

Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan, Gu Hui Yan nodded slightly, and Lin Wei Xi said, "Thank you, long live Your Majesty."

Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan made a small talk with the Emperor at the front, while Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao could only stand and watch at the back. Gao Ran couldn't say a word. Looking at the two people standing side by side from behind, for some reason she thought to herself, Gu Cheng Yao was only a Shizi. When others talked about him, they would always call him Yan Wang’s son. Gao Ran used to be deeply proud of this identity, but now her feelings was a little hard to distinguish.

Just because he was the son of Yan Wang, Gao Ran could only stand at the back, watching Lin Wei Xi accepted the greetings, and chatting and laughing with various big people. This was not because of how clever Lin Wei Xi was or how clumsy Gao Ran was. Lin Wei Xi could do this because she was Yan Wangfei, Yan Wang's new wife.

Gao Ran stood at an arm's length, watching Lin Wei Xi smilingly thanked the Emperor, and then let people put away the jade gift from the emperor. She and Gu Cheng Yao were standing there, obviously very near, but they seemed to be separated by an insurmountable ditch.

This ditch was power, status, and seniority, and it was also the heroic military service of Yan Wang. The emperor had no choice but to rely on one hundred thousand soldiers. For the first time, Gao Ran clearly realized that the honor she assumed as Shizi Consort was not because of Gu Cheng Yao, but because of Yan Wang.

After coming out of the palace, Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran each got into the carriage and were silent all the way. Lin Wei Xi was thinking about the heavenly book, while Gao Ran stared at decorative motif on her Shizi Consort’s dress sleeves, slightly in daze.

Because of this incident, Gao Ran was a little absent-minded until dinner time. Tonight, the people of the mansion ate at one place. Gao Ran had been standing behind Lin Wei Xi and waiting. The maid offered new tea, Gao Ran rolled up her sleeves and poured tea for Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi watched her former good sister brought her tea and water. She silently enjoyed it for a while. When Gao Ran held the tea to her, Lin Wei Xi said, "I'm not thirsty yet, I don't want to drink tea. Put it away first. "

Gao Ran's fingers tightened. Ning Fu and the other maids also showed uneasy expressions. Of course Lin Wei Xi could see it. Her smile unchanged, and said casually: "Shizi consort's hand just healed. Previously while your hands still well it’s already unstable when serving the tea, now that your hand is injured, I'm afraid it's even more useless. Put it down. This tea is freshly boiled, unlike Shizi Consort I cannot stand being scalded."

Lin Wei Xi was incessantly picky. Gu Cheng Yao just entered the door when he heard this. His eyebrows twitched, and subconsciously looked at Gu Hui Yan in front of him.

Chapter 42 : Demonstration

Gu Hui Yan's qigong* training was excellent, he was still calm as before, as if he hadn't heard anything. When the people in the hall saw Yan Wang and Shizi coming, they hurriedly greeted them. Lin Wei Xi stood up when she heard the voices and saluted: "Wangye."

*Qigong is type of exercise from Ancient China, it combines slow graceful movement with mental concentration and breathing to increase and balance a person’s vital energy

Gu Hui Yan naturally supported Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi only done half the greetings ceremony and then stood up with Gu Hui Yan's help. The other people in the room were a little surprised when they saw this. Gao Ran stared at Yan Wang's palm supporting Lin Wei Xi’s arm, and couldn't believe that Yan Wang could be like this. How good this Lin Wei Xi.

Gu Cheng Yao withdrew his gaze from the overlapping hands of the two people, and greeted Lin Wei Xi with restrained eyes: "Mother."

Lin Wei Xi did not expect Gu Hui Yan would help her up in front of everyone. The wife was responsible for passing on the children and took charge of the food. What the husband had to do was respect, not intimacy. For a long time Lin Wei Xi had always understand it like this, and she had never expect a man could treat her with such cares. Lin Wei Xi’s brain couldn't reacted. She was led to the seat by Gu Hui Yan in a daze, and sat side by side with Gu Hui Yan.

Gu Cheng Yao also took a seat immediately. There were a total of four masters in the house. Gao Ran’s position suddenly became awkward. She was the only one who could not sit. The daughter-in-law should waited on the mother-in-law to eat, so before her mother-in-law said the words she could not sit down.

Coincidentally, Gao Ran was the only wounded person at the table. After the dishes were served on the dinner table, Gao Ran held up her chopsticks with the intention to give Lin Wei Xi the dishes. Lin Wei Xi gave her hand a quick glance and said, "Shizi Consort don’t need to be in hurry to do her filial piety. Your hand is still hurt, so sit down, lest it will looks like I treat you harshly. Then it will be this stepmother's fault again."

Lin Wei Xi's words seemed to have other meaning. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't continue listening to it, so he stood up and said, "It was this son's fault for disrespecting mother yesterday. Mother please forgive."

It’s really great to have a powerful father, could confidently make others easily forgive. Lin Wei Xi chuckled lightly and said, "I don't dare. Shizi is the only successor of the mansion. I'm just a second wife, how could I dare to point fingers at Shizi."

Many people's faces changed when they heard this. In their mind they actually thought so, but once it was spoken, the implications were too serious. Even if they faintly look down on her, Lin Wei Xi was Yan Wangfei, the mother of Shizi. Gu Cheng Yao frowned and said, "This son never think like that. Why mother get such idea?"

"You don't have this kind of thought, but you can't keep the people below for thinking like this." Lin Wei Xi's eyes swept mercilessly over Bu Mama, cold and fast. The others present may not be able to catch it, but Bu Mama the person involved, must had feel it. After Lin Wei Xi finished mocking the other, she said casually: "Shizi, Shizi Consort, sit down."

Although Lin Wei Xi's line of sight was quick, but the few people present were all smart people, how could neglect these details. Gu Cheng Yao noticed that Lin Wei Xi's eyes fell on Bu Mama behind him. He was embarrassed and also puzzled. Why, what did Bu Mama said to Lin Wei Xi? Bu Mama was not that kind of person, right?

Gu Cheng Yao continued to stand and refused to take a seat. Gao Ran also stood beside Gu Cheng Yao, frowning and said, "Mother, there must be a misunderstanding. If this daughter-in-law is not serving well, then mother can beat and scold me, but don’t take your anger on Shizi for no reason."

Gao Ran was really annoying. This kind of selling pity made it looked like Lin Wei Xi found trouble without reason. Not only that, she also tried to step up to Lin Wei Xi while defending Gu Cheng Yao, to showed everyone that she was loyal and dependable. Lin Wei Xi was bored, and her tone of voices was also not good: "It's just a matter of fact. I’m also not related to him. Why would I take my anger on him? I know that Shizi Consort and Shizi have deep feelings, but before Shizi Consort defend Shizi, you should listen to what other people are saying."

Gu Cheng Yao didn't expect the matters would turn out like this. He was about to speak, but was cut off by Gu Hui Yan: "He should apologize, you just accept it."

When Gu Hui Yan opened his mouth, immediately every seat were quiet, Lin Wei Xi also became docile.

Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi, with a light tone: "She is the Yan Wangfei, and her words are the same as mine. If you neglecting her order, that is the same as neglecting my order. In the future you don't have to stay in the Yan Wang Mansion."

As soon as these words came out, the servants that were standing in the dining hall turned pale, no matter which courtyard they served, at this moment they all knelt down: "Wangye..."

Gu Hui Yan's eyes still fixed straight ahead, he didn't even look at so many people kneeling around. Seeing the tense atmosphere, Lin Wei Xi could only quietly tugged Gu Hui Yan's sleeves: "Wangye."

Lin Wei Xi gazed at Gu Hui Yan with wet eyes, her expression cautious and vaguely fawning. Lin Wei Xi indeed had deliberate thoughts when she flared up today. Bu Mama did not acknowledge her as the new Wangfei, instead tried to suppress her. If she did not beat this kind of person first, how could Lin Wei Xi establish her standing? Originally, she meant to knock some sense into Gu Cheng Yao, so that Gu Cheng Yao could see what his loyal servant was like. But Lin Wei Xi didn't expect that Gu Hui Yan would actually speak, and not only he blamed Gu Cheng Yao but also side with her unconditionally.

Lin Wei Xi was moved by Yan Wang's statement, but she was also guilty for her own deliberate thoughts. Yan Wang was in the palace for a day, but during dinner she made trouble and took the opportunity to beat people. Lin Wei Xi felt very apologetic, now when she looked at Gu Hui Yan, her eyes unconsciously fawning.

Seeing this kind of eyes, Gu Hui Yan's anger calmed down a lot. After all, he still couldn't bear to refuse Lin Wei Xi, and said flatly: "Get up."

All the people in the room were greatly relieved and got up from the ground with their heads down. Gu Hui Yan glanced lightly at Gu Cheng Yao and said, "Since she asked leniency for all of you, then remember it well. Sit down. You don't need to arrange the dish today."

Gao Ran hurriedly gave thanks and walked over to Gu Cheng Yao’s side and sat down. The meal was eaten quietly, and when serving the foods the maids deliberately softened their footsteps. All the maids and servants stood by the hall below with their hands hanging down. After a meal, their eyes could not help but glance at Lin Wei Xi.

This new Wangfei was so valued by Wangye. First, Wangye personally helped her up, and then scolded Shizi and to deter the servants for her. Lin Wangfei was more than a round younger than Yan Wang, and she was so beautiful. It's no wonder that Yan Wang was very doting and indulgent with such a young lovable wife.

Everyone faintly felt that the wind in the mansion was about to change. Previously they guessed that Wangye put heavy importance on Shizi and would guarded against the second wife, afraid they were gravely mistaken.

After dinner, Gu Cheng Yao and his wife quietly asked to take their leave, Lin Wei Xi also followed Gu Hui Yan back to their courtyard. After entering the room, Lin Wei Xi gave meaningful glance, Wan Xing and Wan Yue understood, and drove all serving people out, leaving only the two of them in the room.

When the people left, Lin Wei Xi didn't need to worry about face anymore, immediately sat next to Gu Hui Yan, hooked his sleeve with her little finger, tilted her head slightly, and her eyes curled up: "Wangye, thank you very much for today."

Gu Hui Yan actually thought it’s as it should be. Since he had agreed to marry her, how could he let the servants in the mansion rely on their seniority to bully her? It was his negligence to let these slaves come to her and say these ambiguous words. He should have beaten the servants earlier to tell the matter front of everyone openly. Gu Hui Yan originally didn't take it to heart, but now this little girl took the initiative to sit down and tell the truth. For some reason, he felt moved and asked, "What are you thanking for?"

"Thanking Wangye for supporting me in front of everybody today." Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan very seriously, "I know that I was wrong in the past, deliberately make Wangye marry me. If Wangye despise me for this reason, I have nothing to complain about. But Wangye still respects me, considerate in all aspects, and your kindness has reached to the extreme. Today, Wangye took a lot of trouble accompanying to the palace, and after returning to the mansion afterwards also couldn’t take a rest. Dinner was originally a family reunion, but I made trouble with this kind of affair, my heart is really..."

At the beginning, Gu Hui Yan had deliberately teased her, and listened with a smile. Later, his smile vanished slightly, and his tone became serious: "Why do you think like that? What happened that day...you were indeed very bold. But when I make my decision, no one can forced me. Everything come from my intention, so how could I despise you because of it? In the future don’t say this kind of words again. That sentence on the big wedding day is still true, since I married you, I won’t let you feel embarrassed. In the future just continue to be yourself, just be what you used to be. There is really no need to have so much burden.

Lin Wei Xi's eyes was a little moist when she heard these words. She felt deeply moved, she even felt a little bit like fooling the heaven. She went to Yan Wang's study to say those words that day, saying it in pleasant way, it’s to pay a debt of gratitude, but to said it in vulgar ways, it’s to force repaying the favor. She basically blackmailing Yan Wang. With this kind of circumstances where the man was forced to marry the woman, it was very clear what will happen after marriage. However, even like this, Yan Wang could still say that the decision was his own, and that he would be responsible to the end. If Gu Cheng Yao had a tenth of the responsibility of his father, she wouldn't have end up like that in her previous life.

But how could there be so many ifs? Besides, she was now married to Yan Wang, so she could no longer think about things in her previous life. Lin Wei Xi blinked hard, tried to retract her tears, and smiled forcefully at Gu Hui Yan: "Your Highness Yan Wang, I have admired you since I was a child. I only learned today that my admiration is still too light. You really are a very good person."

In the past few days, Lin Wei Xi deliberately changed how she addressed Gu Hui Yan from formal to informal. She was not his subordinate’ daughter, but his wife. Lin Wei Xi did not want Gu Hui Yan to look at her like she was a child. But at this moment, Lin Wei Xi said these words in place of her two lifetimes’ self, that she sincerely loved the hero in front of her. She was lucky to be able to marry Yan Wang.

Gu Hui Yan heard a lot of flattering words from others, but in fact, he didn't care about his achievements. He was not as noble as outsiders imagined. At fifteen he commanded the army was for the mansion and the fief. Starting from the age of twenty, he fought in various places for power. At the age of thirty he entered the capital to save the country also not necessarily for the common good of the whole world. He knew that he was actually very selfish, and the various praises given to him by the outside world had glorified him too much. As for the continuous victories since joining the army and no defeat, Gu Hui Yan, as the commander, didn’t think this was something to brag about.

Marching a war was not a child’s play, every move was human life. It's the responsibility of the commander to seriously consider how to plan, to order and to move.

However, even if Gu Hui Yan didn't think there was anything to it, but now a young and beautiful girl looked up at him with such eyes, Gu Hui Yan could not help but feel a hint of male pleasure. Especially this was his sweet wife, seriously and intently said ‘I admire you so much’.

Although he believed that his self-control was first-rate, and also used to seeing strong winds and big waves, Gu Hui Yan had a hard time controlling himself. He didn’t know why, so he looked up at the sky outside.

Seeing Gu Hui Yan was not speaking but looked up at the sky instead, Lin Wei Xi thought her words were too rash, which made Yan Wang felt impatient. Lin Wei Xi’s heart was startled, and quickly said: "Wangye, my words and sentences are all sincere, and I don’t mean to offend, nor to deliberately flatter."

Gu Hui Yan raised his hand and lightly coughed, used his fist to cover it slightly: "I know." In contrast, his mind became more and more dirty. Lin Yong previously entrusted him to look after his only daughter out of trust in his character. If Lin Yong learned of his recent behavior, wouldn't it be like he betrayed his old friend’s sincerity?

Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Hui Yan’s expression looked unpredictable, but it did not look angry. She felt a little relieved, thought for a while, and asked tentatively: "Wangye, today I am rude to Shizi, will you not be angry with me?"

"It's all right." Gu Hui Yan looked indifferent. "He has thick skin, just a few words, what can happen. On the contrary, your body is weak and your temperament is also squeamish. You scold him, for him it was nothing, so don't blame yourself."

Lin Wei Xi grinned: "Thank you, Wangye, it's good if Wangye do not blame me. In fact, I'm not making troubles out of nothing. What I said is justified."

Gu Hui Yan looked at her and smiled: "I know."

Like a phrase being old and disrespectful*, Gu Hui Yan enjoyed listening to her. As for his son, Gu Hui Yan didn't care too much, how old was he, how could he not be able to bear even a few words of scolding. The stepmother was younger than him and her body was delicate, Gu Cheng Yao not only need to give in but also should.

Lin Wei Xi received the pardon from Yan Wang, and immediately felt confident, she was so excited for this elder’ treatment. Who would have thought that last year she suffered terribly because of Gu Cheng Yao’s anger, and had no choice but endured his cold treatment. But finally today, she could legitimately scold him.

*Being old and disrespectful, it means as an old person didn’t know how to respect oneself and behave in disorderly themselves so the younger person also disrespect them.

Chapter 43 : Served

Lin Wei Xi was happy for a while, but suddenly thought of the things described in the book, the joy in her heart suddenly clouded, her smile faded. Gu Hui Yan keenly noticed Lin Wei Xi's changes, his eyes moved, and asked in a deep voice, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Lin Wei Xi shook her head. She didn't intend to mention this to Yan Wang. After all, the story in the heavenly book was too unbelievable. To put it bluntly, she was now catching the wind and catching the shadow*, guessing what hasn't happened yet. But when she looked into Gu Hui Yan's eyes, for some reason she truly trust him. It seemed that no matter what happened, the person in front of her was worth relying on. Lin Wei Xi was gradually bewitched. Looking at Gu Hui Yan, she hesitated and asked, "Wangye, what kind of person do you think First Assistant Zhang is?"

*Catching the wind and catching the shadow, it’s a metaphor for illusion and unfounded speculation.

Gu Hui Yan's eyes changed suddenly, and even a little surprise appeared on his face. He thought his little wife let her imagination run wild again. She seemed to get caught in memories easily, and sometimes showed the sadness of the world, as if something similar, but not very good things, had happened to her. These looks were absolutely undesirable for her growth experience. Gu Hui Yan just kept these things in his heart, and usually did not reveal them. He thought it was the same situation today, but he didn't expect to hear this question from Lin Wei Xi's mouth.

If she asked it this way, then what she wanted to hear was definitely not about Zhang Xiao Lian's poems and prose, personally and painstakingly teach the emperor and so on. Gu Hui Yan felt strange that with Lin Wei Xi's age and experience, she shouldn't have been exposed to this level of political affairs. Gu Hui Yan thought so, and asked, "Why do you ask this?"

"It's nothing. Only when I saw the emperor today, I realized that His Majesty has grown so tall, not much different than me. Probably next year His Majesty will be taller than me, so I feel a little bit emotional." Lin Wei Xi nervously answered. When she said this in front of Yan Wang, she felt a little bit like showing a little skills in front of an expert. She secretly looked at Yan Wang and asked carefully, "Wangye, I have a superficial idea, but still dare to bring this up to tell you, isn't it ridiculous?"

"No." Gu Hui Yan laughed. He couldn't help but stretched his hand over the low table and rubbed the top of her head. "Why? You can think of this, it's already very good."

The young emperor grew up day by day, but the three courtiers still controlled the government, celebrated peace with song and dance, and buried thousands of miles of thunder and fire, but the people in the imperial court were ignorant and still immersed in this flourishing vanity. Afraid even Zhang Xiao Lian himself had never thought about this crisis. Lin Wei Xi, a sixteen-year-old girl, could look till here only from entering the palace. It was already very rare.

Gu Hui Yan's expression became deep. He saw Lin Wei Xi, who was under his arm, looked at him nervously with her moist eyes, as if the sky was about to collapse in the next second. Gu Hui Yan smiled lightly, and the imposing air around his body also relaxed: "It's still far from that day. There are at least five years of peaceful days to enjoy. What are you worried about? Besides, even if that day comes, there will still be me, nothing will happen."

Because Lin Wei Xi had read the heavenly book, she knew that in the future the implications of First Assistant Zhang's case would be enormous. Even if at present all factions were calm, her heart was always faintly shrouded with dark clouds. Now that Gu Hui Yan said this, her heartstrings really relaxed a lot, so she immediately smiled and said, "Yes there is Wangye."

Lin Wei Xi became more relaxed. Watching Gu Hui Yan's expression, he seemed to also guarding against this matters. Maybe he already expected the scene today from the moment he first entered the capital to assist the government. Who was Yan Wang? Even if Lin Wei Xi was lucky enough to see the future from the heavenly book, she would not dare comparing herself with Gu Hui Yan. Since he already prepared, wouldn't she worry for nothing?

Lin Wei Xi's heart settled after that, and her countenance also relaxed a lot. Although this was Gu Hui Yan's goal, but he still surprised when he saw this: "You trust me just like that? I'm just talking about it. No one can really say anything about the future."

"Of course I believe it." Lin Wei Xi changed her previous depressed looks and smiled at Gu Hui Yan, with a pear vortex looming on her cheek, "Because you are Yan Wang."

The unreserved trust from this little girl could really make a man lose himself, Gu Hui Yan’s unconsciously smiled, and his expression also softened.

Gu Hui Yan said he had seven days wedding leave. In fact, when he returned from the palace on the third day, he ended his wedding leave and went back to handle the government affairs.

Lin Wei Xi forced herself to get up early and insisted on personally putting on Gu Hui Yan's Qinwang court dress. Gu Hui Yan saw the corners of Lin Wei Xi's eyes were red, obviously she hadn't completely woken up yet. She only wore her inner clothes, and when she helped him changed his clothes her body slightly shuddered. Even if the earth dragon was burned, it was cold in the early winter morning. Gu Hui Yan pitied the still drowsy Lin Wei Xi, and felt sorry for letting her stood outside in the cold. Several times he asked her to go back to sleep, but Lin Wei Xi shook her head and declined. It was the first time she did this kind of thing for a man. Because Gu Hui Yan's status was high, his court dress was also a bit cumbersome. Lin Wei Xi stretched her hand and strenuously tried to tie Gu Hui Yan's leather belt.

Gu Hui Yan had a wide shoulder, a thin waist, and well-proportioned and long legs, when he stand he looked majestically tall and straight, with one look people would know that he was a military man. When Lin Wei Xi stood in front of Gu Hui Yan she was originally slender, but now she only wore inner clothes with all her long hair draped behind her, and when she embraced Gu Hui Yan's waist to tie his leather belt, it seems like she was taking the initiative to hug Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan was immaculately dressed and wore a full set of first-grade court dress, and Lin Wei Xi had long hair to waist and simple clothes, this contrast brought an unspeakable romantic feeling.

Lin Wei Xi was a little embarrassed when she was putting on the leather belt, especially when she clearly felt that Gu Hui Yan was looking down at her, his eyes were especially focused. Lin Wei Xi didn't know why, but her hands’ movements were a little flustered, and the leather belt was tangled for a long time but it didn't fasten properly. Lin Wei Xi was a little anxious, attending the court was a major event, whether being discourteous or being late was all serious matter. Lin Wei Xi became impatient, but Gu Hui Yan suddenly stretched out his hand, holding her hand to properly tie the leather belt. Gu Hui Yan's palm had some thin calluses, which was a bit rough on her hand, but it carried reassuring warmth. Lin Wei Xi's face turned a little red. She forcibly calmed herself down, took the jade pendant, grand seal, knee-cover and so on, hung them on the leather belt one by one.

After the full set of first-grade court dress were properly put on, the time was already late. Lin Wei Xi took a step back, she felt deeply and intuitively the impact of this dress. She pursed her lips at Gu Hui Yan and smiled, deeply saluted: "Today let Wangye wait a long time. This servant will be here waiting for Wangye to return."

Gu Hui Yan didn’t speak. He looked deeply at Lin Wei Xi. After a while, he stepped forward to support Lin Wei Xi's arm, and with a little effort lifted her up. In passing he raised his hand to Lin Wei Xi's cheek, caressed her chin a few times, and then turned away.

When Lin Wei Xi dressed Gu Hui Yan, obviously there were many maids around, but no one dared to intervene. Wangfei turned back and forth to put the clothes for Yan Wang. Yan Wang also looked at Lin Wei Xi intently. Even if Yan Wang didn't say a word, everyone knew that Yan Wang would not allow them to come forward and interrupt.

When Gu Hui Yan left, everyone in the inner room were all relieved. Only then did Wan Xing and Wan Yue dared to step forward, served Lin Wei Xi and asked: "Wangfei, it's still early, do you want to go back and lie down for a little while?"

Lin Wei Xi looked outside, although the sky was still dark, but at the same time the east was already appeared a brighter blue. When she first got up, she was so sleepy, but after changing Gu Hui Yan's court dress, her sleepiness almost completely disappeared. Lin Wei Xi shook her head and said, "I'm already awake, if I go back to lie down it will be a disgrace. Let’s change the clothes."

Because Gu Hui Yan was the only one in the mansion that need to attend the court, therefore when Gao Ran came to pay respect, the mother-in-law Lin Wei Xi had been sitting for a long time. Previously Gao Ran waited for Lin Wei Xi for a long time before the tea ceremony. In addition to the matter of entering the palace yesterday, she already knew in her heart that Lin Wei Xi liked to sleep in, so she couldn't help but become a little sloppy when she went out today. Who knows that Lin Wei Xi actually woke up early today. When Gao Ran saw that Lin Wei Xi was already neatly dressed and sitting by the window drinking tea, she was shocked and could only hurried forward and bowed her head and said: "Pay respect to mother. This daughter-in-law is late today. Mother please forgive me."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at her and said nonchalantly, "Didn't you say that you still have burns on your hands? Didn’t I excuse you from morning and evening greetings these few days? Why are you here again?"

"Mother is very compassionate to her children, this daughter-in-law is very grateful, and want to get closer and be more filial to mother, how dare to neglect."

Lin Wei Xi was no stranger to this kind of routine. If their position were changed and she was pitied by her mother-in-law because of the injury, and being exempted from morning and evening greetings, her lips would say grateful, but her action also didn’t dare to really not going. In Duke Yingguo Mansion, Lin Wei Xi was accustomed to seeing her grandmother’s, Duke Yingguo madam, ways of doing things. Her mother, as the daughter of the Grand Princess, also never dared to neglect paying respect in the morning and evening. In Lin Wei Xi’s impression, only in those few days when her mother Wei shi’s had premature delivery, because she could not get out of the bed, she was exempted from paying respect. Later, Wei shi's health deteriorated and she could not get up to serve her mother-in-law.

Lin Wei Xi thought of Wei shi, and inevitably also recalled Han shi and Han shi’s son, her former shu younger brother. Thinking of these unpleasant old acquaintance, Lin Wei Xi’s enthusiasm was waning, and the expression on her face became more and more indifferent: "Shizi Consort has a heart. No wonder I always listened others praised Shizi Consort for her filial piety. I heard that even before you married you already had a good name. Today it seems that name is really not in vain."

"Mother is absurd. These words are just other madams giving face to this daughter-in-law. To have a name for filial piety in the capital was just a fluke. How dare this daughter-in-law take it seriously? Mother shouldn't say this again. This daughter-in-law is really embarrassed."

She spoke modestly, but deliberately told her that Gao Ran indeed had both talent and filial reputation before she was married. Lin Wei Xi smiled, put down her teacup, and looked at Gao Ran with a smile: "The fame of Shizi Consort is actually this big, my Yan Wang Mansion is really fortunate to have you as a wife. Since Shizi Consort was famous before getting married, then surely serving your parent-in-law, doing housework, needlework and cooking, all would be no problem."

Gao Ran's face became a little stiff, for some reason Lin Wei Xi's words made her seems like a maid serving on someone. But even if she was unsatisfied also there’s no other way. The world's requirements for the daughter-in-law were precisely to be like a maid in front of the mother-in-law, like a perfect person in front of the husband, and like a bodhisattva in front of the servant.

If Lin Wei Xi really ordered Gao Ran around like a maid, Gao Ran actually could do nothing except to spread the tears to cheat sympathy outside.

Lin Wei Xi wiped the corners of her lips with a kerchief and hold the armrest to get up. Gao Ran upon seeing this, even if her heart felt crooked, she could only hurried forward to help. "Be careful, mother."

After Lin Wei Xi stood up, she silently shook Gao Ran's hand. She walked to the front hall and asked, "Is Shizi Consort already have breakfast? If you still have not, you can have it with me here."

Gao Ran quickly said "Do not dare". Today she was late paying respect. If she had breakfast at Lin Wei Xi's place, wouldn't that leave a fodder for gossip? In contrast, Gao Ran would rather be hungry.

Lin Wei Xi was just asking, in her heart she did not want to eat at the same table with Gao Ran. She sat down at the dining table, and the maid brought the refreshment tea, which was still steaming, every dish was exquisite and delicate, and it was worth looking at. After Lin Wei Xi sat down, Gao Ran hurriedly stepped forward and said to the servant girl who was serving food, "I'll serve mother to eat, you withdraw."

Seeing that Lin Wei Xi did not say anything, the maid passed the chopsticks to Gao Ran with both hands, then bowed her head and stepped back.

Lin Wei Xi smiled politely: "Shizi Consort still has injuries on her hand. It’s too hard for Shizi Consort to do this kind of things."

"Serving mother-in-law, how can it be called hard work?" Gao Ran still smiled softly, not showing any stiffness or embarrassment. Lin Wei Xi's eyes only moved a little, and Gao Ran would put the dish that Lin Wei Xi had looked at into Lin Wei Xi's bowl, without her need to say any words. Lin Wei Xi had seen Gao Ran fawn on her grandmother like this when she was still in the Duke Mansion. Although she felt that Gao Ran was just putting on an act of filial piety, she had to admit that Gao Ran's ability on serving people was much higher than her own. If it changed to Lin Wei Xi, she definitely would not be able to do things like serving tea personally or serving dishes diligently, whether for female elders or for her husband.

She used to look down on Gao Ran's style very much, but now Lin Wei Xi changed her position and suddenly found that she was quite comfortable. No wonder the Duke Yingguo madam always said that Gao Ran is good, being served so attentively, who wouldn't say good?

Chapter 44 : Extorting Money

Lin Wei Xi happily enjoyed the treatment of her former grandmother. Gao Ran was also an expert in this respect. Lin Wei Xi only glanced at a certain dish twice, and Gao Ran would serve her that dish in the next instant. After a few times, Gao Ran knew Lin Wei Xi’s preferences. Now, the amount of refreshment brought over was just right, there would be no leftover, nor let Lin Wei Xi still craving to eat.

Unconsciously, Lin Wei Xi ate a little more than usual. Being in a good mood was really appetizing. Lin Wei Xi put down her chopsticks, and rinsed her mouth with tea and spitted it out, Gao Ran already passed the silk kerchief for wiping her lips, from beginning to end she was really attentive.

After Lin Wei Xi tidied up properly, she slowly stood up with the help of people. She looked at Gao Ran and smiled slightly: "Shizi Consort have work hard. Shizi Consort has been standing for half a day, I will see the people in charge of estate, if Shizi Consort is tired, just go back first."

Gao Ran only had two mouthfuls of pastries in the morning and then went out. Observing other people’s body language to discern what they thought was really exhausting. After this breakfast, the two chestnut cakes in Gao Ran's stomach were digested completely. But after Lin Wei Xi said this, how could Gao Ran really go back? Was it exhausting to stand and honestly serve her mother-in-law? Gao Ran suppressed her exhaustion and said with a smile: "How can that be possible? If mother doesn't feel vexed with me. I look forward to serving mother for a while. What should I go back early for?"

Since Gao Ran said so, Lin Wei Xi was not polite, and really took her across the courtyard, through the main hall, and sat in the guest hall on the east side of the main hall. A screen stood at the entrance of the guest hall, which covered Lin Wei Xi's figure. The maids quietly filed in and placed the incense burner, fruit plate, brocade cushion and other items. After putting everything in order, Wan Yue helped Lin Wei Xi to sit down on a couch in the middle of five-panel patterned silk screens.

Lin Wei Xi was the center of sight of the whole house. After Lin Wei Xi sat down, Gao Ran walked to the side of the couch, went behind Lin Wei Xi's side, and stood still.

The maid went out to announce, and after a while, the steward of Yan Wang's estate in Daxing was taken in.

Headed by a sturdy woman in her forties, wearing a short blue burlap jacket. She was no stranger to Yan Wang Mansion. Their husband and wife were domestic slaves of the mansion. They took care of the estate in Daxing. At the end of each year, they offered tribute of poultry and fresh produce raised by estate to Yan Wang Mansion. In previous years, she directly met Bu mama, but when she entered the capital this year, she learned that Yan Wang had married a new Wangfei. With a new mistress, this kind offering the tribute from the estate, Bu Mama could no longer be the master, so the granny from the estate must first come and kowtow to the new Wangfei.

Except for the flowerbeds in the mansion, all other places were flattened with bluestone. The estate’ granny followed the beautiful maid from the side gate, walked on the mansion middle road straight to Jingcheng Courtyard. After entering the tall gatehouse, the estate granny first saw a glazed screen wall* , gold and jade in glorious splendor, truly majestic. When she stared at the coiled dragon on the surface her pit of stomach jumped, she didn't dare to look anymore, and quickly lowered her head and followed the maid to go around the screen wall, and walked along the corridor under the eaves to go inside.

*Screen wall here is a traditional architecture, a wall made of bricks the entrance of the house usually decorated with auspicious carving for blocking the line of sight.

Even if the estate granny was only a farmer, she knew that Jingcheng Courtyard was the courtyard where Wangye and Wangfei lived. Behind the screen wall was a wide and flat courtyard, and the wing rooms on both sides were incredibly tall and magnificent. The estate granny couldn't help taking a peek at it. This one wing room might be more spacious and brighter than their three room house in Daxing countryside. However, the maid in the palace said that these wing rooms were left empty.

The estate granny felt regret, and her mind couldn’t but started wandering. At last they finally here. At the front were five section main house with raised eaves and corners. The middle section had a pass through that was made into a hallway, with armchairs, vases and other objects placed in the middle, which was intended to be used for meeting guests. A magnificent garden could be faintly seen through the hallway, the flowers and trees were lush and dense, and the carvings were exquisite. The estate granny barely took a glance when all of a sudden she was bumped by a person. She looked up and saw the maid who led the way looking at her disapprovingly: "Inside is the courtyard where Wangfei lives. Don't be presumptuous."

Only then did the estate granny realized that the courtyard under her feet that had made her sigh for half a day was just the outer part of the place where the Wangfei lived. The place where the Wangfei actually lived was still inside. Outsiders like them could only met Wangfei in the outside yard to see guests, and to think about what kind of person the Wangfei was, how could she let people step into her living space at will.

After being reminded, the estate granny’s heart tightened. She stood in the hallway with the maid. Across the screen, the shadow could already showed a very beautiful silhouette, all the people were surrounding this one person. After the maid pressed her hand to pass the word inside, a voice came: "This is the steward of the estate in the southern suburbs of Daxing?"

The estate granny had lived for so many years, but it was the first time she heard such a nice voice. She didn’t know how to describe it, it was like the spring water that just melts in the spring, like the raindrops on lotus leaves in the summer, it was clear and delicate but didn’t have the kind of deliberately charming and overly sweet, it hits people senses with fresh and clean nature. The estate granny was distracted by this voice, and after a while she finally reacted and quickly responded, "It's this old slave."

There was a pause inside, and the estate granny was panicking, then heard the fairy-like voice sounded again: "Since you are all servants of the mansion, then you are not outsiders. It's cold in the hallway, come in and talk."

The estate granny was like stepping on the clouds, she seemed to be in dazed, after a while still didn't react. The maid next to her took a look and said, "Still not thanking Wangfei."

The estate granny woke up from her dream: "Ah yes, thank you Wangfei."

The granny thought that voice must be the new Wangfei's strong point. The imperial family womenfolk all had their own strengths. Some had long slender waists and some were good at flattering. The new Wangfei's strength must be this good voice. The estate granny walked around the screen, knelt down to kowtow, she got up when suddenly raised her eyes, she let out a sound "Oh" and almost fell backward.

Wan Xing frowned, and immediately shouted: "Presumptuous! How dare you make noise in front of Wangfei?"

The estate granny saw that the woman sitting in the middle raised her hand. Even though the maid who had just stood up and chided still glaring her eyes, she immediately bowed her head and took a step back. Then, the woman who made the estate granny forgot her manners, that she could barely catch her breath, turned her head and glanced lightly at her: "The steward hasn't firmly stand, help her up."

The estate granny was half lifted half drag to stand up by the maids on both sides, and when she looked at Lin Wei Xi, she couldn't even speak for a while. The estate granny looked distracted, realizing that she had just lost her manners, quickly bowed to beg forgiveness: "Wangfei please forgive me... this old slave is really shocked just now, so lost her manners. This old slave has lived for so many years. I have seen many big girls and little wives in the city and countryside, but I have never seen such a beautiful person like Wangfei... No, they can’t even compare with Wangfei’s finger. As long as they have a tenth of Wangfei’s good looks, this old slave will still unprepared, directly fall because of shock."

Lin Wei Xi had long been accustomed to outsiders being all kinds of surprises when they saw her. This old woman was just a bit exaggerated and fell directly to the ground. Lin Wei Xi didn’t take such flowery words into her heart. She saw that the granny had finally stood up properly, flipped through the book in her hand, and asked: "The livestock used for the winter sacrifices and New Year celebration are all ready?"

Lin Wei Xi saw that the granny had finally stood up properly, flipped through the book in her hand, and asked: "The livestock used for the winter sacrifices and New Year celebration are all ready?"

The book showed the farming situation of the estate in Daxing. How much land the estate had, how many tenant farmers leased this year, and how many chickens, ducks, fry, cattle, sheep and even wild deer were raised in the early spring were all clearly stated in the book. Every spring, each farm hand over a roll, and at the end of the year, the better products produced within the year would be sent to the mansion, and the rest would be sold at the market. The money from the transaction would be sent to Yan Wang Mansion at the end of the year. Calculating how much they should make each year became the test for the mistress’s eyesight. For so many years, the estate under Yan Wang Mansion had operated like this.

Speaking of the topic, just now the granny still looked all around the place, all of sudden she became at ease. She rubbed her hands and smirked: "Reporting to Wangfei, to be honest this old slaves also want to send things to the mansion, the more the better. It’s just that this year’s harvest is really bad, and the weather this winter is really cold. Our family went out to look for fish in the pond every day, in the past few days almost no different from living next to the fish ponds. But the fish in estate are still not energetic. This old slave knows that it’s impossible for the mansion to leave out the whole fish feast at the end of the year, but the fish in the pond are not lively. Soon will be the end of the year, this old slave is also anxious..."

The scale of this estate in Daxing was not small, there were more than 100 acres of land around the estate area and the farmer family on the ground were all the property of the mansion. Yan Wang Mansion actually had many similar estates. However the real specialty of Daxing’s estate lies in its unique geographical location.

This farmland was backed by hills, and there were mountain springs not too far away. The land was rich and fertile, suitable for digging fish ponds and raising fish. At the annual banquet in the Yan Wang Mansion, half of the dishes were freshwater fish, so this estate had become irreplaceable, and the steward also had some face. This granny dared to come and say that the fish in the estate were not energetic, wasn't it because the mansion could not lack freshwater fish. It's almost December, and obviously impossible to buy fish and shrimps on the market in the winter, so they dare to be so confident.

Lin Wei Xi had seen these scenes of collusion between inside and outside steward of the mansion, and they acted as each other horns. She was not in a hurry, just put down the produce book and looked at the audience with clear eyes: "What did this steward means?"

The granny laughed more and more cheerfully: "It's almost the twelfth month. The annual offering and New Year ceremony are important events. This old slave also knows that this is a big deal. So these few days urging our family to quickly manage the fish pond. Wangfei doesn’t have to worry, our whole family has been looking after the estate for a long time, and we have the most experience. We will definitely be able to deliver the fresh fish before the twentieth of twelfth month. However, Wangfei also know that this matter is too sudden, fish and shrimps this kind of living thing are different from the seedlings. It's really hard to maintain. The silver in the estate is not enough. If the fish pond is arranged in a hurry, I am afraid that the turnover will not come..."

After all, it came down to money. Lin Wei Xi smiled lightly. She looked at the other stewards in the room and found that everyone was bowing their heads and didn't intend to say anything. Being able to manage an estate that covers the area of one hundred acres and produce specialty that extremely important, it was conceivable that this steward couple had a lot of connection in the mansion. They must have bribed other people when they came to the capital to ask for money this time around.

These servants may had been in the palace for 20 or 30 years. They were as slippery as a loach. Everyone took the money together, breathes together, and acted as a horn for each other. This was the way to survive together. As for the silver they corrupted from the master family... Anyway, the mansion had a huge business, and one or two thousand taels to throw into the water was nothing. How could they care about this small one or two hundred taels? As long as there was no shortage of produce in the end and no major troubles arise, then this was nothing.

Lin Wei Xi said: "Year ends offering and New Year's celebration are both major events, and there should be no delay. Then to look after the matter, the turnover need how much silver?"

Sure enough, the estate granny rubbed her hands and smiled. This new Wangfei was as beautiful as a goddess, but she looks young and knew nothing about the estate. This was the first time the Wangfei had come in contact with year ends offering, celebration and other things. When she heard that something was wrong, she must have lost her soul. As long as it could be solved with money, then quickly get the money out.

Thinking about this, the granny smiled more and more sincerely: "Reporting to Wangfei, the time is tight. If you want to catch up with year ends festival, I am afraid that you will have to spend more money to ask an experienced person to come and look after it. This old slave has calculated, if Wangfei give this slave one hundred taels in advance it will be enough."

One hundred taels... Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but laugh in her heart, she really dared to say it. The expense of a family of five in a year was only ten taels, and one hundred fifty taels could buy another estate, including the land under their feet. This old woman was asking one hundred taels, which showed how arrogant and rampant these wicked slaves that were seizing their mistress’ stuff in their pockets.

Seeing Lin Wei Xi’s face turned cold, the estate granny quickly added: “It’s cold these days, and the fish in the fish pond are not lively. If we don’t remedy it, I’m afraid we will have to delay the New Year's banquet. You know, Wangfei, the New Year's Banquet in Yan Wang Mansion the half of it are all freshwater fish. The capital is located inland. It is not easy to eat fresh fish and shrimps. Our estate have been staring at the ancestors in the pond without blinking our eyes for a year. This one hundred taels maybe nothing for Wangfei, but the fish in the pond cannot wait. This winter is cold, and it’s extremely hard to reorganize the fish pond in the cold winter. I’m afraid our family will not be able to close our eyes for half a month after we return..."

Gao Ran also heard that this granny was greedy for money in the name of the New Year, but when she heard that she only need one hundred taels, she suddenly felt that it was nothing. Yan Wang mansion’s annual income was more than tens of thousands of taels, one hundred taels of silver, Gao Ran had long ago despised. Although these old slaves were greedy, a hundred taels was not too much. As long as they could handle the errands, these flaws would pass with them.

Not only Gao Ran, but the other people in the room also felt that one hundred taels was not too much. Lin Wei Xi's outfit was far more than that. Yan Wang liked freshwater fish, and the dishes at the annual banquet could not be delayed. Since it could be solved with one hundred taels, then just give it.

Lin Wei Xi picked up the tea cup and took a sip. After putting down the celadon cup, she said very casually: "Since it's so troublesome, then don't send it. Just raise it this winter and wait until next spring to fatten it up. Take it to the market and sell it, to save you from having to fix the fish pond without sleeping for half a month. Since it’s exhausting, then don't do it."

The estate granny was shocked, never expected Lin Wei Xi to say this. She smiled stiffly: "Thanking Wangfei for being compassionate. This old slave is the slave of the mansion. It’s only right to work hard for the mansion. It's just that the New Year's banquet is a major event. The fish and shrimps are indispensable for the New Year's banquet. Nowhere to buy..."

Even dared to threaten her with it, Lin Wei Xi said lightly: "Since the steward can't deliver the things on time, it's okay to cut a few fish dishes on the menu. Wan Xing, take the menu."

Wan Xing was stunned, Wan Yue had to poke her from behind before she hurried out to get the New Year's banquet menu. The estate granny was panicking a little bit, and she looked at granny Zhao, who had been bribed before, for help. Granny Zhao was Bu Mama’s right-hand. Now that Lin Wei Xi really wanted to change the menu to remove the fish, she quickly stepped forward and said: "Wangfei, the New Year's banquet menu was set by Wangfei Shen* that year. It has been in use for many years. I am afraid that it would be inappropriate to change it rashly."

*Previously I write it Shen Wangfei or Lin Wangfei, but from now on I will change it to Wangfei Shen and Wangfei Lin, because the Yan in Yan Wangfei is the title, same as that annoying Zhao Wangfei, while Shen and Lin is the maiden name, to differentiate it the title at the front and maiden name at the back of Wang.

Chapter 45 : Mother-in-law

"What's wrong?" Lin Wei Xi smiled, and looked at Granny Zhao coldly, "Is the menu a golden rule? The law of Dali Temple can be modify, but the banquet menu of Yan Wang Mansion cannot be changed?"

"But, after all, this was set by Wangfei Shen..."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were cold and her voice was like ice hitting jade: "Am I not the Wangfei now?"

Granny Zhao was completely speechless. She looked at Gao Ran and asked for help: "Shizi Consort, what this lowly old slave said is count for nothing, please persuade Wangfei."

The estate granny followed Granny Zhao's line of sight, only to realize that Shizi Consort was also there. She was in a cold sweat, feeling ashamed, and hurriedly knelt down to salute: "This slave pay respect to Shizi Consort, greeting Shizi Consort."

The estate granny kowtowed while sweating. Actually, she couldn’t be blamed. Lin Wei Xi who sat in the middle, had a glamorous appearance. Even if the whole house was so rich and luxurious still not as dazzling as her. The estate granny was surprised by such a bright fairy character, she didn’t notice the person next to her. In fact, if looked closely, obviously could recognize Gao Ran. Gao Ran was gorgeously dressed, with golden hairpins and jade, and entirely different from a maid. But who made Lin Wei Xi’s appearance too magnificent, estate granny was surprised by the new Wangfei, she secretly glanced at Lin Wei Xi and subconsciously thought the people around were her servants. As a result, with such a negligence she actually mistook the Shizi Consort.

If this estate granny kept her mouth shut, Gao Ran could still regarded it as this granny could not find any gap to greet her because Lin Wei Xi was in the way. However, this woman first showed a surprised look like she saw a ghost, and then knelt down in a hurry, Gao Ran was very embarrassed by her doing this. Under the embarrassment, Gao Ran became more and more angry. This woman was so bold that she just regarded her as Lin Wei Xi's maid?

But in front of so many people, it was not good for Gao Ran to flared up, so she could only smile forcefully and ordered the people up: "It's okay, you are too nervous, to neglect the etiquette can also happen."

The estate granny sweating coldly, she got up and smiled, "It's this old slave who was rude, Shizi Consort do not blame."

Granny Zhao also felt that this hillbilly was an embarrassment, she throw an annoyed glare at the estate granny, and changed the subject: "Shizi Consort, Wangfei is angry, you please persuade Wangfei."

Gao Ran rolled her eyes slightly, she thought to herself, could it be Lin Wei Xi didn't know that Yan Wang liked freshwater fish? If like so, then Gao Ran should even more let Lin Wei Xi make this mistake. She turned her mind and put on a smile on her face: "Mother, I know you are angry, but the New Year's banquet menu is something left behind by mother-in-law. This cannot be changed. Besides, it has been passed down for so many years. It is not good for you to change it rashly."

Gao Ran knew that Lin Wei Xi minded Wangfei Shen, the more she like this, the more Gao Ran wanted to mention Shen shi in front of everyone, so that everyone would know who her real mother-in-law and proper Wangfei was. Gao Ran wanted to provoke Lin Wei Xi to make mistakes on the menu, and it would be better to make Lin Wei Xi so angry that she insisted on touching Shen shi's legacy. If this happened, multiple crimes done one after another and when it passed on to Yan Wang and Shizi, Lin Wei Xi would be in big trouble.

Shizi Consort mentioned "mother-in-law" in front of Wangfei, the atmosphere in the room was obviously stagnated. The maids who served all bowed their heads, and Granny Zhao, who had served Wangfei Shen, was even more prideful. Lin shi was only a novel thing now, that’s why Wangye doted on for a day or two, that’s all. In fact how could it be compared with Wangfei Shen? It would be too ignorant of if she dared touch the things left behind by Wangfei Shen.

Lin Wei Xi didn't get angry when she heard Gao Ran's words. She paused and said, "That's right, I'm young after all. I'm afraid it's not easy to handle things properly."

As soon as Lin Wei Xi's words came out, everyone in the room was happy and surprised. Happy because Lin Wei Xi finally agreed to follow the routine, also surprised that Lin Wei Xi gave in just like thiat. Lin Wei Xi ignored the various expressions of the people in the room, and continued: "The younger generation is not sensible, so of course they have to learn from the elders. Come on, bring out the New Year's banquet menu when the old Wangfei was alive, and I will consult my mother-in-law’s things and see how the banquet should be handle?"

Gao Ran, Granny Zhao and the others became quiet all of a sudden. The late old Wangfei was the first generation of Yan Wangfei, the mother of Yan Wang Gu Hui Yan. They could bully Lin Wei Xi as the second wife, but even if these people were lend many guts they did not dare say that the old Wangfei was wrong. Lin Wei Xi glanced at the hall and saw everyone bowing their heads silently. Then she chuckled, "Why don't you speak anymore? Shizi Consort, do you still have a good opinion?"

Gao Ran could only lower her head and said, "Don't dare, this daughter-in-law has oversteps."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were lingering on her, do you think only you who has a mother-in-law? If Gao Ran dared to move Wangfei Shen to suppress her, then Lin Wei Xi could move her own mother-in-law, the old Wangfei, and let’s see who could overwhelm who.

Just then Wan Xing took the menu, Lin Wei Xi stood up and motioned for Wan Xing to follow her with the menu. Lin Wei Xi walked to the hall, and the surrounding maids crouched down to salute when they saw this. Even Granny Zhao had to step back and bend over. In the room, everyone was one head shorter than Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi stopped when she was in front of the estate granny. When she saw the exquisite skirt stopped in front of her, the estate granny became more and more frightened, and firmly knocked her head under Lin Wei Xi's feet.

"The harvest in Daxing estate this year is not good, so the rent collection at the end of the year will be slowed down. The 100 acres of farmland are not handled well. Since your whole family not able to manage the estate, then don’t. Yan Wang Mansion still has a lot of people who can do it."

The estate granny was shocked, Lin Wei Xi withdrawn her family's managerial position? The estate granny wanted to get up to explain but didn't dare to touch Lin Wei Xi's exquisite and compelling dress, so she could only watch her walk away: "Wangfei, please listen to this old slave's explanation, it's not like that..."

Lin Wei Xi ignored her and left. After Lin Wei Xi left, estate granny sat on the ground and looked at Granny Zhao frantically: "Zhao Mama you see, how can this be good?"

It was the end of the year, and their family wanted to save some silver for the New Year, so they had some thoughts on their master family. Of course they knew that this was wrong, but other farmers had done it in the past. The estate granny’s family were tempted and thought that maybe it was nothing. Why would the mistress of Yan Wang Mansion cared about this insignificant hundred taels of silver? If it was only their family, even beaten to death they wouldn't be so greedy, earlier they gave ten taels silver to Granny Zhao that let them have the confidence to speak. Granny Zhao had the backing of Bu Mama, the chief steward of the mansion, as long as Bu Mama turned a blind eye, their trip would definitely be without surprise.

However, who would have thought that the Wangfei was so angry that she would put down her words and replaced the people next year! The estate granny’s whole family eats from the estate and lived from the estate. Every year, they save a lot of money by reselling the estate farm produce. If they were driven out from the estate, how could their whole family live?

The estate granny didn't expect that when she wanted to make a big deal, but instead of making any money, the chicken flown from the coop and the eggs were broken (a dead loss). After Lin Wei Xi left, the other people in the room were also left one after another. Taking advantage of the small number of people in the room, the estate granny grabbed Granny Zhao. In any case, she refused to let Granny Zhao walk out first: "Zhao Mama, you also received things this time. You should help me."

Granny Zhao tugged several times but she couldn't get away, she could only get furious, she lowered her voice and said angrily: "Let go, how many people are here? What are you talking about?"

The estate granny was not stupid, even if she die she would not let go, her expression showed ‘since you receive the money then you must help me’. Granny Zhao had no choice but to secretly signal: "I can still be greedy for your ten taels of silver? It's useless for you to pester me here, I am not a person who can decide the matters of the mansion."

The estate granny heard some hints: "Zhao Mama means..."

Granny Zhao winked at Gao Ran's back: "The new Wangfei wants to fight Wangfei Shen. Of course, us servants have to obey the orders, but Wangfei Shen is the proper mother-in-law of Shizi Consort. How can Shizi Consort sit idly by? Besides, there is Bu Mama."

The estate granny suddenly realized, pleasantly surprised she got up with a grunt, pulled Zhao Mama’s hand, and said, “To inconvenience Zhao Mama to sell goods for me. This vulgar person cannot see Shizi Consort. To trouble Zhao Mama on my behalf to put a words or two in front of Shizi Consort and Bu Mama."

Granny Zhao showed an awkward looks, the estate granny understood, and immediately stuffed a piece of silver from her cuff. Granny Zhao weighted her sleeves, and immediately smiled: "Since you have said so, cannot be avoided to toil around on your behalf. You wait first at the gatehouse. I will call you when I have the news."

The estate granny nodded with a smile. She felt heartache when she thought of the pieces of silver that she had just given away. But the granny then thought about her position at the estate, and thought if she could keep the position, in a year wouldn’t there be more than that? The money was worth it.

The estate granny looked at the direction where the goddess Wangfei was leaving just now and sighed. Without rhyme or reason, how come branches suddenly appeared? Everything was good before, how come the newly arrived Wangfei was so stingy.

Gao Ran followed Lin Wei Xi back to the house, Lin Wei Xi was considering the menu, and after a while, she sent a message to let Gao Ran go back.

After Gao Ran returned to her courtyard, Ning Fu and several other maids felt distressed for Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort, your injured hand is not healed yet. Not only Wangfei did not spare you from morning and evening greetings, but she also kept you standing all morning. This bullying is too much."

"Okay, don't say anymore." Gao Ran said, "After all, she is my nominal mother-in-law, and to the worlds it’s no different from parents, you know? In a while Shizi should come back from the study, and you are not allowed to mention it to Shizi."

Ning Fu pouted and refused to accept, Gao Ran gave her a glance before these maids responded reluctantly. Before leaving, many people were distressed by the ill-fated of Shizi Consort. When she was in her maiden family her di older sister snatched her marriage, with great difficulty she and Shizi successfully became husband and wife, but still her evil mother-in-law made things difficult for her.

Gao Ran heard the secret whisper of the maids, but she didn't care, just acted like she didn’t hear anything. Gu Cheng Yao returned from studying in the front yard study, and as expected, no one told him about this morning affairs. Gao Ran gently and cautiously served the meal for Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Cheng Yao looked at the unstable chopsticks on her hands, and said with some distress: "Quickly sit down, you are already hurt, you should rest. How can I let you to prepare the dishes."

Gao Ran smiled softly at Gu Cheng Yao, her expression looks very moved: "Thanking Shizi for his compassion."

Gu Cheng Yao looked at Gao Ran, but for some reason his thoughts drifted to another person. Gao Xi never said such soft words. What's more, she would not even serve her husband or done any other female virtues. Gu Cheng Yao's mood suddenly withdrawn, and then he was surprised, why did he think about Gao Xi? A vicious woman who deliberately ruined other people’s predestined marriage, why would he suddenly think of her voice and smile one year after her death?

Gu Cheng Yao suppressed the strangeness in his heart, but fortunately the maid blocked Gao Ran's sight, so Gao Ran didn't notice. Gu Cheng Yao looked at it and thought about the other mistress at home. Suddenly, his head ached, "Today you went to pay respect to her. Is everything going well?"

Of course Gao Ran knew who this "her" was. Only in front of Gu Hui Yan, but in private neither of them refuse to called Lin Wei Xi mother, which was too awkward. Ning Fu moved, as if she wanted to say something, but was still suppressed by Gao Ran. Gao Ran smiled gently and generously: "Wangfei is very kind and didn’t make things difficult for me."

Gao Ran didn't say anything bad. Gu Cheng Yao was even more suspicious when she said it like this. Gu Cheng Yao frowned helplessly, but when he saw Gao Ran's expression, he sighed inwardly and didn't mention it again.

In the afternoon, after Gu Cheng Yao left, Ning Fu was very upset: "Shizi Consort, just now Shizi specifically asked, why didn't you say anything? Wangfei, she deliberately make things difficult for you."

Gao Ran smiled disapprovingly: "To file a complaint is the next step. A truly smart person never fights in person."

Ning Fu didn't understand, Gao Ran also didn't elaborate. While they were sitting, there were noises from outside the door, and from outside there were sound of greetings "Mama Bu" one after another. Gao Ran smiled and stood up, seemingly had no clue and said: "She’s here?"

There was no need for her to become the bad person. Wouldn't it be better if Shizi heard her grievances from other people?

Chapter 46 : Mobilized Forces

Bu Mama saw Gao Ran and saluted with a smile: "Shizi Consort."

"Mama, what are you doing?" Gao Ran hurriedly stepped forward to support Bu Mama, and said with some disapproval, "Mama, you are my mother-in-law's wet nurse, and you have looked after Shizi since he was young. It's not an exaggeration to say that you are my half elder. Now, how can I make you salute?"

Bu Mama felt at ease all over when she was held up. She knew that even if she was a senior, but she was just a slave. Shizi gave her face because of Wangfei Shen, but if she seriously acted up then she would really unable to differentiate good and bad. But people were always like this, in their heart they understood, but in action they were always reluctant to lose face. But Gao Ran, as the young lady of a Duke Mansion, could hold her posture so low, Bu Mama couldn’t express her pride and comfort.

Bu Mama was warmly and thoughtfully welcomed by Gao Ran into the inner room, and sat face to face with Gao Ran. The servant should not sit in front of the master, even if the master gave a seat, they must timidly lift up half their body, sitting on one bottom was really unsightly. But Bu Mama was not only sitting properly, but also sitting face to face with Gao Ran. Although Gao Ran was smiling, she sneered in her heart.

In her heart Bu Mama quite enjoyed Gao Ran low posture. She was deeply moved. If it changed with the former Shizi Consort, she would never even think about this kind of treatment. On the second day after entering the door, she told Gao Xi about the rules and brought Yunhui over to introduce her to Shizi Consort, but the other actually got angry. Yunhui had served Shizi for so many years, and she was almost half of the room companion. Bu Mama brought Yunhui over, so that the former Shizi Consort and sister Yunhui could get to know each other. This was also out of the consideration for serving Shizi, Gao Xi what qualifications did she have to immediately throw her weight around? Bu Mama was declined some face of course she was not happy. After that, in front of Shizi, she would naturally not be able to say good things about Gao Xi.

But this Shizi Consort was different. Bu Mama sometimes sighs, why the gap between sisters from the same house and the same father was so big? Gao Ran this Shizi Consort was very gentle and considerate, and also very polite to Yunhui, and even gave Bu Mama a junior courtesy. To put it more bluntly, Gao Ran almost served Bu Mama as half mother-in-law.

In the past, Bu Mama would only think it should be right, but everything has comparisons. With Jingcheng courtyard as the contrast, Bu Mama now saw Gao Ran was too soft and docile. Bu Mama really got a headache thinking about that Wangfei Lin. Not to mention this person replaced her family young lady’s position, and now she still wants to touch the regulations and gift list left by her young lady, Bu Mama was really angry. Really hated that estate granny reported the matter when she was not around, and also that Granny Zhao’s mouth was not nimble, and actually let that one succeed.

How could this happened? Bu Mama absolutely would never allowed it. With a common enemy, Bu Mama immediately looked Gao Ran pleasing to her eyes. Before, she listened to Granny Zhao’s story, and then came here to think of a plan with Shizi Consort: "Shizi Consort, today I heard that one really inflexible with the rules and let you stand for a long time. Shizi Consort, your hand is still hurt, isn't she deliberately trying to grind her daughter-in-law?"

Gao Ran recalled the things in the morning also very annoyed. She put her hand on her injured arm and smiled with her head lowered: "What about it, who make her my mother-in-law now."

Bu Mama was speechless with this sentence, yes, who made that one the Wangfei. So what if they hated it. Who let Yan Wang to indulge her, and Shizi also unwilling to contradict this younger stepmother.

Hated her, but couldn’t do anything to her. Bu Mama opened her mouth for a half a day but couldn't say anything, "Shizi Consort, can you bear it like this? Isn't it because no one controlling her?"

Gao Ran said sadly: "I am a junior. To serve the Wangfei is my duty, not to mention that Wangfei just asked me to prepare the dishes and set the rules, even if she make me cook and wash her feet, or to stuff people into my room. I can’t resist. That is to say, in the outside, other people are also like that toward their elders and mother-in-law. What's more, now that father is in the mansion, the Wangfei is young and beautiful, certainly will dote on her. I just suffer a bit of grievance, really it’s nothing. As long as Shizi is fine, I'm perfectly satisfied."

Bu Mama was saddened by these remarks, she wiped her tears with the kerchief, deeply felt pity for Gao Ran, and felt pity for Shizi. Bu Mama cried and said: "Pity our young lady left early, leaving the young Shizi growing up all alone to this day. With great difficulty he marry a wife, but still treated harshly by the new second wife who barely enter the door. This old servant's heart ah... it’s like it was fry in a hot oil. It's a pity that our young lady left early. If our young lady is still here, where is her turn?"

Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Gao Ran smiled in her heart, she mournfully and sincerely held Bu Mama's hand: "Bu Mama, you can't say that. Wangfei is only targeting me. Where she dare point fingers at Shizi. Besides, Shizi is very filial to my mother-in-law, and Yan Wang is very in love with the first Wangfei. Can someone else replace my mother-in-law’s position? Bu Mama didn’t you say that back then Wangye in the middle of upheaval rescued mother-in-law, the two fell in love at first sight, wasn’t this a marriage predestined by fate? There is a Yan Wang and Shizi, so mother-in-law’s position is stable. If someone really doesn't watch her step and tries to belittle mother-in-law, Yan Wang will not spare this person."

"What Shizi Consort said is right." Bu Mama had been with Wangfei Shen for many years. She had never seen Yan Wang with amiable looks, so that day at the dining hall when Yan Wang personally helped Lin Wei Xi up, and then supported Lin Wei Xi regardless of the reason, Bu Mama was frightened by Yan Wang's abnormality, she really couldn’t understand it. Now, after Gao Ran reminded her, Bu Mama only realized how confused she was, that she had forgotten Shizi!

As for Gao Ran's claim that Yan Wang would give justice, Bu Mama dare not expect this. Gao Ran just got married and didn't know the depth of it, but she knew the situation back then. Yan Wang could not be provoke, but Shizi indeed crawled out of the belly of Wangfei Shen. They could go to Shizi and ask Shizi to seek justice for Wangfei Shen!

Bu Mama's eyes moving around as she made up her mind. Gao Ran smiled lightly when she saw Bu Mama's expression, and raised her hand to personally pour tea for Bu Mama. Bu Mama finally made up her mind about what she was going to say after a while. She looked at Gao Ran, and couldn't help holding Gao Ran's hand, and earnestly said: "Shizi Consort, although you call that one mother, but remember, our family’s young lady is the birth mother of Shizi."

"I understand." The other's hand was withered and dry, Gao Ran resisted the urge to immediately pull her hand away, she resisted the discomfort and said, "Of course I know that Wangfei Shen is my mother-in-law. Of course, I will side with Shizi and Mother-in-law, it's a pity that I didn't have the chance to be filial to mother-in-law. Bu Mama you, and all those old servants, are half my elders. I will rely on you in the future."

With Gao Ran's words, Bu Mama was relieved, she smiled and said: "It’s good that Shizi Consort understand who that person in that courtyard really is. This old body still have something outside, so will not bother Shizi Consort that still recuperate."

Gao Ran was finally able to withdraw her hand. Her hand felt so uncomfortable that she almost rubbed it clean on her skirt. But Gao Ran held back, smiling eagerly, and personally sent Bu Mama out.

After seeing the person walking away, the smile on Gao Ran's face also retracted little by little. In the end, it became completely cold. Where could see the smile just now. Gao Ran watched for a while, then flung the curtain to return back to the house, calling the maid to change her own clothes.

If she guessed correctly, the main courtyard would be lively in a while, how could she be absent from such an important scene. Lin Wei Xi actually dared to touch the relics of her predecessors, then she was finished.

Lin Wei Xi sat on a Luohan's bed and wrote very neatly. After a few strokes, she scratched several time-consuming and boring dishes. Gu Hui Yan didn't like to eat fish, but half of the menu in New Year's Eve banquet was freshwater fish, which was too boring. Lin Wei Xi referred to the menu when old Yan Wangfei was still alive, and then tried to recall the dishes that Gu Hui Yan had moved with a chopstick more during the meal, and stumbled to draw up a new menu.

As for the one who relied on the old to sell the old*, and these estate steward who wanted to take advantage of the new year festival to extort money from their master family, they indeed loved to serve who they want to serve. It was true that Lin Wei Xi didn't put a hundred taels of silver in her eyes, but it didn't mean that others could take her as a fool and tap her for money one by one. When Lin Wei Xi was a Shizi Consort in her previous life, she rectified these practices. Unexpectedly, there was a year of blankness in the middle, and the nerve of these people became fatter again, moreover every opening was a hundred taels. This kind of servant was really difficult to deal with. Lin Wei Xi was now the Wangfei, so she didn’t have to worry about it. After the spring next year, she would let people driven out their whole family, to be a wakeup call for those lawless servants in the mansion.

*Relied on the old to sell the old, it’s a Chinese idiom that means the older person put on the elders attitude, contempt toward others, believe that everyone should showed some humility and understanding of the elderly.

Lin Wei Xi asked someone to spread the paper, and personally copied the revised menu again, and then handed it to the servant, saying: "Take another copy of this list. This year’s New Year’s Eve family dinner will be prepared according to the menu on this list."

Wan Yue took the heavy red menu, she tried to endure, but still tactfully mentioned it: "Wangfei, it turns out that the list was left by the former Wangfei. You only entered the door and withdraw the regulations left by the predecessors. Is it not too impatient?"

"Otherwise?" Lin Wei Xi asked, "I also want to spend a few years in peace, but those wicked slaves rely on their seniority to use the so-called propriety to squeeze people. If I don't beat them, could it be doing things as they want, not only not investigating their negligence, even gives a hundred taels for them to squander?"

Wan Yue was silent. Everyone knew that the new bride when entering the door should not make too many big movement. However, in the situation of Yan Wang Mansion, if you didn’t push yourself forward, it would only let people step on you. How could Miss Lin, who even dare to provoke Wangye, indulged them?

Wan Yue said nothing, she gave Lin Wei Xifu a salute and respectfully went down to arrange things. At the end of the year, every household was busy, just preparing the New Year’s Eve banquet and the candles to worship the ancestors was busy enough. And Yan Wang Mansion was still the mansion of imperial family and generals. At the end of the year, it was necessary to pay tribute to other high-ranking officials. This major event concerned the matter of faces, any carelessness was not allowed. So the new years’ banquet menu could not have any mistake, once it was finalized, there was no time to change it.

However, Wan Yue only walked out of the door and directly ran into a wave of people. Wan Yue had to stop, step aside, bowed her head to salute the visitor: "Shizi, Shizi Consort."

Gu Cheng Yao's expression couldn't be said to be good, he walked straight into the house. Gao Ran glanced at the red list in Wan Yue's hand, pursed her mouth and smiled, chasing after Gu Cheng Yao.

Wan Yue silently sighed, and was not in a hurry to send the list to the kitchen and warehouse, trailing behind, slowly walked into the room.

Lin Wei Xi heard the noise outside, she snorted in her heart. When someone walked into the house, she was not surprised at all: "Shizi, which wind actually blow you here?"

This kind of carelessness but also carried some sarcastic expression. Gu Cheng Yao didn’t have much emotion at first, but when he saw Lin Wei Xi’s look, he felt like a basin of cold water was poured on his face, and his tone became worse: "I heard that mother is going to remove the steward of Daxing estate in southern suburbs?"

Yo, it turned out to be for this, Lin Wei Xi thought Gu Cheng Yao was here to question her about Wangfei Shen’s matters. Lin Wei Xi said, "Yes, I remove them. This kind of trivial matter was still passed on to Shizi?" Lin Wei Xi glanced at the people behind Gu Cheng Yao, the people who were being looked at immediately bowed their head. Lin Wei Xi chuckled lightly, didn’t try to hide the sarcasm in her words: "The means of doing things is really numerous."

Gu Cheng Yao frowned, and his tone unconsciously became very hard: "Of course, the inner house affair will be arranged by mother, but the estate tenant are ordinary people. Since they have suffered a disaster and the harvest is not good, mother should give them a month or two. How can their family's livelihood be cut off because of a little human error? If it spreads to the outside, wouldn’t people say that Yan Wang Mansion treats the farmers in their estate harshly?"

"Treat the farmers in their estate harshly?" Lin Wei Xi threw the writing brush, straightened up, looking at Gu Cheng Yao with scorching eyes and frost on her face, "That's how Shizi thinks of me? Are you just relying on their words to come here and condemn me? "

Gu Cheng Yao wanted to say no, he just couldn't bear for Lin Wei Xi to have the reputation for treating farmer family harshly, so he came to remind her, how could it become condemning her? But facing Lin Wei Xi's bright eyes Gu Cheng Yao couldn't speak, and actually became speechless. He gave birth to an unprecedented sense of absurdity and familiarity, it was like he and Gao Xi's conversations in the past that deviated from the original meaning, and become irreversible.

Chapter 47 : Condemn

Gu Cheng Yao wanted to explain, but couldn't say anything. When Lin Wei Xi saw his silence she became more disappointed. She sneered, didn’t want to look at Gu Cheng Yao anymore, just walked around him, looked at the woman who bowed her body outside the partition, the granny tried in vain to hide her whole body: "I taught you during the day and this is how you reflecting? Not only did not admit your mistakes, but also brought the inner house matter to Shizi’s face, and still provoke Shizi to argue with me. Your means of doing things can even go through the sky!"

Estate granny had long been afraid to look up. When she heard Lin Wei Xi's full of frost words, her legs trembled with fright, directly knelt down: "Wangfei please quell your anger, this slave didn't dare to instigate Shizi and Wangfei! This slave just didn’t have any other way. This slave whole family old and young are all attached to Yan Wang Mansion, and two generations have served the mansion for ten years. If Wangfei drives us out, we will not even have land, and there is no way to make a living, the only way is only to starve to death!"

Lin Wei Xi was angry but also found it laughable: "So you just blame me?"

For no reason Gu Cheng Yao didn't like Lin Wei Xi's expression. He said, "I met them by chance, so I brought them over to ask clearly. You don't involve them."

It was actually good for Gu Cheng Yao to be silent, as soon as he open his mouth, Lin Wei Xi's anger that was suppressed with great difficulty was drawn back. Among the many people present, the one Lin Wei Xi wanted to scold the most was Gu Cheng Yao.

"By chance? Shizi dare to say this again? You dare to say that these slaves haven't fiddled in front of you before entering the door?"

"I..." Gu Cheng Yao was loss for words. Bu Mama did say something, also that steward took the opportunity to complain. Gu Cheng Yao also knew that there might be ulterior motives, but Lin Wei Xi declined the estate’s stuff just because the day was too cold that the fish was frozen, and also wanted to remove the steward’s position, which was too arbitrary and callous.

Shizi and Wangfei clashed with each other, all the maids in the room bowed their heads and held their breath. Only Bu Mama looked in all directions, feeling proud with herself. She stood up and said: "Wangfei, this old slave knows that you are full of youthful vigor, and want to make some achievement for everyone to see. But no matter how urgent, there is no reason to use our people, let alone these loyal servants have served the mansion for more than ten years. If Wangfei send them away, it will chill the people’s heart below."

Lin Wei Xi ignored Bu Mama and looked at Gu Cheng Yao directly: "You think so too?"

Gu Cheng Yao wanted to say yes, but he looked at Lin Wei Xi's disappointed and cold eyes, and for some reason he couldn't speak. Bu Mama was his half-mother. For so many years, she had done her best for him. Naturally, she would not tell lies, and Gao Ran also agreed with Bu Mama. So after hearing these two people, Gu Cheng Yao’s first reaction was that Lin Wei Xi done something again. After listening to Bu Mama's report, Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but frowned. Lin Wei Xi's punishment was too heavy. After all, she was an old servant who had served the mansion for many years. How could she be thrown just like that?

This was the brilliance of Bu Mama, or should be said Gao Ran. They didn't directly say that Lin Wei Xi wanted to overturn the regulations left by Wangfei Shen, but went around and used the previous matter as a raft to deny Lin Wei Xi. As long as Lin Wei Xi's punishment was overruled, would anyone still obey her changing the menu for the celebration?

Lin Wei Xi laughed, the mocking in it was very obvious. At this time, there was the sound of footsteps outside the door, and a person stood outside the door, bowed and said: "Young lady."

Lin Wei Xi restrained her anger and said, "Come in."

Gu Cheng Yao subconsciously frowned. Who was this to actually called Lin Wei Xi ‘Young lady’ and not ‘Wangfei’? When the person came in he only kowtowed to Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi pointed her finger to Gu Cheng Yao and said, "Don't be rude, this is Yan Wang Mansion’s Shizi."

Only then the person greeted Gu Cheng Yao. Everyone didn't know who this person was, to have the cheek to be so arrogant. Lin Wei Xi explained: "This is a retainer under the Marquis Zhongyong Mansion. He manages the estate in the suburbs of the capital for me. Coincidentally, it’s also in the southern suburbs of Daxing County."

Gu Cheng Yao remembered that before the imperial court conferred Lin Yong as Marquis Zhongyong, in addition to thousands of hectares of fertile fields, he was also given a batch of slaves, presumably this was one of them. Not only Gu Cheng Yao, but others also felt in a daze. Although Lin Wei Xi brought ten miles of red makeup to marry into the mansion, everyone in the mansion still thought that Lin Wei Xi was a helpless orphan, they almost forgot that she was also the daughter of a marquis.

Lin Wei Xi continued: "After I received the report from the steward of the mansion estate this morning. I was surprised, it was the same location, but why my estate is fine. I sent someone to inform the estate in the southern suburbs to let them take a trip to Yan Wang Mansion estate."

Estate granny’s face had changed a bit. The Lin family's retainers received the words and said, "This slave receive the order from our young lady and went to your mansion manor. It is true that the fish in the fish pond are not very lively, but it is not because freezing or met a disaster, but because the manor’s stewardship is not good, the water in the pond has not been changed for seven or eight days. The debris in the water is extremely dirty. No wonder the fish were not energetic. If it delayed for a few more days, I’m afraid all the fish will be dead."

After the other person finished speaking, Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Cheng Yao with a sneer in her eyes: "Do you understand now, it's not that I treat the slaves harshly, but that they cheat the master to fatten up their own pockets! They looked after the estate like this and on top of that, with the excuses of cold weather disaster, still want to ask me for a hundred taels of emergency money as the capital. Shizi, such a slave, we should be sympathetic, and also can't be punished heavily?"

Gu Cheng Yao shivered as he watched the estate granny kneeling on the ground trembling, did not dare to reply. There was nothing left to understand right now. If that person was telling a lie, then the estate granny would jumped up long ago to make a fuss, but she didn't dare to move, it means that this was true.

Gu Cheng Yao suddenly had a huge doubt about himself. Before he came here, he genuinely thought that Lin Wei Xi had gone astray and he was here to correct her. However, in a short period of time it was proven that it was not that Lin Wei Xi was harsh, but he was the one that ignorant. He was blinded and deceived into running around in circles by a few wicked slaves!

Gu Cheng Yao's face was not good. Bu Mama also didn't look right. She didn't care about her original plan. She hurriedly stepped forward and said, "This granny is too treacherous, Shizi wholeheartedly being benevolent. How can I get her to talk nonsense today! But in the end this granny was just an excuse, Wangfei took her anger on everyone because of her, and want to overthrow the rules and regulations carefully set by Wangfei Shen. What is the reason?

Lin Wei Xi snorted, raised her eyes that contained a mocking smile, and looked at Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi also feels the same way? As long as it was left by your birth mother, I can't change it?"

Gu Cheng Yao's throat seemed to be blocked. He really respected his birth mother, but he with Bu Mama and those womenfolk were different, he didn't care about the rules left by Wangfei Shen. Now Lin Wei Xi was the Wangfei, if she wanted to change it, of course should follow her wish. Gu Cheng Yao probably understood, why Bu Mama especially came to find him today. What feels sorry for people who scrape by, what couldn’t bear to see her kind got hurt, Bu Mama clearly done this for the power in her own’ hands. The shock in Gu Cheng Yao's heart was beyond words. He respected and trusted Bu Mama since he was a child, how could she do such a thing? Was there such a similar situation before?

Looking at Gu Cheng Yao who was silent for a long time, Bu Mama felt a little flustered. Gao Ran originally planned to hide behind the scenes. She was really angry when she saw Bu Mama this person who’s unable to do everything right. Inside the room was chaotic, and suddenly there was a voice with a dignified and restrained power outside: "What are you all doing?"

Yan Wang?!

Everyone was startled. When did Yan Wang came back, there was no notice at all. All the people in the room hurriedly reduced their expressions and in a flurry turned around to salute Yan Wang. Lin Wei Xi was also surprised. She bypassed the bookcase and stood beside the table to give a greetings ceremony. Gu Cheng Yao happened to be standing nearby, so that the two of them seemed to salute side by side.

This was what Gu Hui Yan saw when he entered the door. His heart sank for some reason, and his sub-consciousness rejected this possibility to the extreme without even being aware of it. Gu Hui Yan inexplicably gave birth to a kind of evil anger, this anger came so fast, he didn’t even have time to suppress it under his usual calm appearance.

The people in the room clearly felt that Yan Wang's aura became more and more terrifying after entering the house. They did not dare to look around, but they had many speculations about this rare anger of Yan Wang. There was a glimmer of hope in Bu Mama's heart, and Gao Ran was even more ecstatic. She guessed right. Yan Wang really had a deep affection for his previous wife, and Lin Wei Xi, who rashly moved the things of Wangfei Shen, was touching Yan Wang's reverse scales.

Of course Lin Wei Xi also noticed Gu Hui Yan's mood change. What was even more baffling was that Yan Wang glanced in her direction, and he became more absorb after seeing something. There were only two people, she and Gu Cheng Yao. Who was Yan Wang looking at? Could it be that Lin Wei Xi was overconfident, and between her and Shizi, Yan Wang still prefers his son without hesitation?

Lin Wei Xi remained in a crouching position, feeling confused for a while. Fortunately, Gu Hui Yan withdrew his aura in an instant, and reverted back to His Highness Yan Wang that would still calm even if Mount Tai was collapsing before his eye. He glanced at Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao, but still felt it was too unsightly, and said, "Get up."

Lin Wei Xi dared to stand upright now. After she stood up, she realized that Gu Cheng Yao was actually standing by her shoulder. Lin Wei Xi rolled her eyes and immediately pretended to inadvertently step back two steps.

Although Gu Hui Yan looked straight ahead indifferently, his mind was always paying attention to this direction. The inexplicable evil fire in his heart was finally healed. He stood in the middle of the hall, upon seeing this a maid strengthen her courage to bring Gu Hui Yan an armchair, but Gu Hui Yan stopped it. He glanced across the room and asked again: "What's going on here?"

Granny Zhao's eyes rolled around in confusion, Bu Mama kept calm as she lowered her head silently, while Gao Ran glanced at Bu Mama, her eyes full of consideration. Everyone had a lot of small tricks, but no one dared to speak.

Lin Wei Xi only struggled for a moment, then took a step forward and whispered, "Wangye..."

Gu Hui Yan finally had a chance to say this. He opened his palm to Lin Wei Xi and said in a deep tone: "Come here."

Of course, Lin Wei Xi didn't even think about it and bypassing the crowd, walked quickly towards Gu Hui Yan. Gu Cheng Yao stood at his spot, and Lin Wei Xi seemed to bring up a gentle whirlpool when she walked past him. It just so happened that the lampstand beside the table moved, and as Lin Wei Xi walked away, the light seemed to dim.

Since Gu Hui Yan entered the door to this moment, Gu Cheng Yao haven’t said a word. He didn't have time to react when Lin Wei Xi, who was still squabbling with him just now, walked past him quickly and righteously towards his father. Gu Hui Yan also spread his palms, and when Lin Wei Xi approached he wrapped her hand, and lightly and irresistibly pulled her to his side.

Gu Hui Yan lowered his head, clearly still the same words, but his tone dropped by several notches: "What's going on here?"

Lin Wei Xi glanced at the estate granny who was lying on the ground, and then at the tense-face, righteous Bu Mama. She thought her intonation was frosty and cold, but when it fell to Gu Hui Yan's ears, it was a bit like complaining her grievance: "Today, the granny from Daxing County in southern suburbs came to deliver the stuffs from the estate, she herself was ineffective, but she still wanted to use the master’s silver to disguise the chaos as peaceful scene. I removed her from the post of steward. I never thought that in the afternoon, they brought Shizi over, and said I treated her unjustly."

Lin Wei Xi's remarks were fair and just, but when Gu Hui Yan looked down at Lin Wei Xi's tone and demeanor, he felt that what was written on her face was, "Wangye, they bullied me."

Gu Hui Yan often had been absent from the mansion in recent years, but it would be a big mistake to think that he knew nothing about the mansion. After all, the prefix of the mansion is Yan Wang. Since he was a child, he had been immersed in the art of war and politic, but could he neglect the control of his own house? He knew the details of Bu Mama and others very well. He used to think that it was not important enough. Compared with the war and government affairs at hand, it was really not worth his diversion. But it would be too arrogant and stupid to try to deceive and tricks him because of this.

Chapter 48 : Punishment

Gu Hui Yan just took a glance and roughly understand what had happened. He was a little surprised. This little girl also has a brain, even knows how to pull out the firewood from under the kettle*, and prepared for herself in advance. The Lin family retainer who was standing in the courtyard, did not how he could go back and forth between Daxing and the capital in a short time. Satisfied, Gu Hui Yan nodded to the Lin family retainer: "You did a good job today. It's getting late. Hurriedly get out of the city."

*Pull out the firewood from under the kettle, it means to take drastic measures to deal with a situation.

The other party was flattered. Although he was loyal to the Marquis Zhongyong Lin's family, he was actually found by Yan Wang and assigned to Lin Wei Xi for her protection. Because of this background, he certainly knew how rare it was to get Yan Wang’s praise. He also aware that Yan Wang’s words "you did a good job" was not meant for his management of Lin Family’s estate, but for strictly abided by Lin Wei Xi’s command. The Lin family retainer’s heart was bright, but at this moment he understood the meaning of Yan Wang, he should leave the mansion. The retainer knelt and bowed to Gu Hui Yan. When he entered the door, he dared to only bow to Lin Wei Xi and ignored the others in the house. But now he kowtowed to Gu Hui Yan without any disrespect. He also did not dare to use the Lin Family old term to call Lin Wei Xi: "Thank you Yan Wang. This subordinate salute Yan Wang and salute Wangfei. Wangye, Wangfei, this subordinate retire first."

After the retainer left, only people of the mansion remained in Jingcheng Courtyard.

Everyone keenly felt that the atmosphere changed. They lowered their heads and dared not speculate at will, but resigned themselves to waiting for Yan Wang's conclusion.

Gu Hui Yan also no longer concealed it, and his powerful aura came out: "Who gave you the courage to question Wangfei's decision and gathered everyone in front of her?"

Gao Ran still amiably bowed her head. She thought she was ready in her heart, but when she heard this she was shocked. Isn’t Yan Wang's focus a bit biased? Is this really the point?

Bu Mama was obviously also suppressed, and when she finally reacted, she couldn't help but say: "Wangye, you haven't asked about the whole situation today. How can you directly convict according to Wangfei's one side story?"

Gu Hui Yan's eyes were extremely unpleasant. He glanced over slightly, but it was only this glance that almost frighten Bu Mama to the ground: "Didn’t I say before that she is Yan Wangfei, the only master of the inner house of the Yan Wang Mansion. Just do what she said. Other people don’t need to know the whole reason. I never say the words for a second time. This is the only exception. Do you understand this time?"

People knelt down on the ground, didn't care that the floor was cold. Their forehead were all touching the ground, with the atmosphere they didn’t dare to rise. Bu Mama’s cold sweat was overflow. She knelt down in panic, with her cheeks pressed against the cold ground, making a surrender appearance. Even so, Bu Mama's face was deathly pale, obviously extremely scared.

Although Bu Mama was a dowry maid from the Shen family, she had been in the mansion for many years, and she already regarded this as her place in her heart. But since Bu Mama entered the mansion, only when the old Yan Wangfei passed away that she had seen such a clear and terrifying personal emotions of Yan Wang.

Gu Cheng Yao of course angry with Bu Mama who relied on his trust to incite discord, and turned black and white, but Bu Mama was Wangfei Shen's dowry maid. An old servant who looked after Gu Cheng growing up since he was a child. Now she knelt on the ground and trembled with no face. Gu Cheng Yao couldn’t just stand and watch. He could only take a step forward under the tremendous pressure and bowed his head to Gu Hui Yan and said: "Father, Bu Mama's words and deeds today are my negligence and ineffective discipline. Ask father for forgiveness."

Gu Hui Yan didn't even turn his head, but said plainly: "The one you should ask for forgiveness is not me. She is the one that preside over the affairs of the house."

The people in the courtyard were stunned, but Gu Cheng Yao was just startled for a while, at once cup his hand in obeisance and saluted to Lin Wei Xi: "Mother, today is this son’s oversight. I haven’t understand clearly what happened, but already offend you. Mother can scold and punish me. I absolutely will not object, only ask mother, for the sake of Bu Mama’s years of hard work, to forgive her old muddle-headedness."

When Lin Wei Xi first saw Gu Hui Yan, besides being surprised, she was actually a little nervous. With the experience of her previous life, Lin Wei Xi was quite worried about her husband's attitude towards her, but Gu Hui Yan's attitude was unexpected. He didn't even ask why and directly reprimanded others, even now he didn't even give Gu Cheng Yao any face.

Of course, the inner houses belong to women, but the husband’s family was different from the maiden family. People all had close and distant relations, and the husband would be closer to the people of the family who had been together since childhood. It’s really human nature. Lin Wei Xi’s greatest hope in the past was to have a reasonable husband’s family, it would be a great fortune to have a husband that was able to distinguish right from wrong. She had never even thought that her husband, regardless of the reason, would directly protect her.

Gu Hui Yan was standing next to her now. With Yan Wang by her side, Lin Wei Xi's confidence instantly rose. Lin Wei Xi didn’t even dare to think about it before, that one day Gu Cheng Yao would beg her for mercy. Lin Wei Xi finally understood what it feels like to be a fox that exploits the tiger’s might. She snorted in her heart, her face was even more respectable: "I don’t dare to accept Shizi’s words. After all, I’m just a stepmother, and I’m afraid I’m still an outsider to the mansion. I know I can’t compare to Shizi’s birth mother. How dare I deal with the loyal servants and old slaves left by Wangfei Shen? Don’t mention in two days Shizi and Shizi Consort will go outside again to complain, saying that I this second wife doesn’t know the importance of things and punish the loyal servant left by her predecessors. After all, I can't even change the menu left by Wangfei Shen."

Gu Cheng Yao's face was unreadable, but Gu Hui Yan clearly frowned, "They said this to you?"

Facing Gu Hui Yan, Lin Wei Xi immediately dropped her mocking and sneering tone, blinked innocently, raised her head and smiled, "Of course they dare not say that with Wangye here. It's just..."

Lin Wei Xi left the other half of the sentence, and the art of speaking was particularly in place. Gu Hui Yan was already very angry from the previous matter. Now when he heard Lin Wei Xi said this, his expression completely sank. He glanced at Gu Cheng Yao, his eyes were dark, and the invisible aura pressed on everyone: "You are indeed truly mature. Because of a few wicked slaves you came to rebel against your mother, questioned her decision and make her suffer a grievance?"

Gu Hui Yan had always been emotionally restrained. This was already quite heavy words, but also a condemnation of both virtue and wisdom. Disobedient against his mother was a lack of virtue, not able to differentiate right and wrong was a lack of wisdom. This was a very serious accusation, let alone the words came directly from Gu Hui Yan.

Gu Cheng Yao's face turned pale, his hands on his side tightened, and in the end he just hung his head lower. Gu Cheng Yao himself was silent, but the rest of the people were going crazy.

Since Gu Cheng Yao was a child, Bu Mama regarded him as her hope for the future. She regards Gu Cheng Yao as hers, to say that he was her lifeblood was not excessive. And for Gao Ran, becoming Shizi Consort was the proudest thing in her life. Now her glory and medal was condemned by other people, she couldn’t bear it.

Bu Mama's anxious eyes were red, simply hated that she was unable to use her body to replace him. And Gao Ran was so angry that she cursed in her heart, It was true that to have a stepmother and the father become a stepfather, the majestic Yan Wang could actually be this muddle-headed?

Of course, Bu Mama and Gao Ran’s movements could not be hidden from the three standing people. Lin Wei Xi took a quick glance and pretended not to see anything. Gu Hui Yan didn't say a word. Gu Cheng Yao frowned and shouted: "Bu Mama, Shizi Consort, you must not be rude."

Bu Mama was very afraid of Yan Wang. When Gu Cheng Yao said this, she became even more afraid, and could only anxiously bow her head. However, Gao Ran stayed in Yan Wang Mansion for a short period of time, and she had never seen Gu Hui Yan’s other faces. She thought that she was justified, and took the opportunity to say: "Wangye, you dote on the new Wangfei is not wrong, but Shen shi is also your Wangfei. Shizi is even more has filial heart, when you say these words to Shizi, won’t it chilled everyone's hearts?"

As soon as Gao Ran's words were spoken, Bu Mama's face turned white when Gao Ran focused on Wangfei Shen. Gu Cheng Yao was even more shocked and angry. Regardless of being reprimanded by her father, he immediately took a step forward, with rare solemnity in his eyes: "Presumptuous! Still not ask father and mother for forgiveness?"

Gao Ran bit her lip. Obviously, she didn't feel that she said something wrong. Gu Hui Yan have a new wife and forget the old one. Why did Gu Cheng Yao say that? Didn't Bu Mama say that Yan Wang had a deep affection for Wangfei Shen? And also Gu Cheng Yao, why should be afraid of Lin Wei Xi this second wife?

Gao Ran originally argued in order to let Gu Cheng Yao see her kindness, but instead she was reprimanded by Gu Cheng Yao mercilessly. Gao Ran felt very unhappy, but she didn't dare to disobey Yan Wang and Gu Cheng Yao. She could only hold back her true thoughts, biting her lip and bowed to Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi: "This daughter-in-law was in a hurry just now, too concerned about Shizi and made her words and deeds disoriented, please Father and mother forgive this child impoliteness."

Listen to this, was this an apology? Gu Cheng Yao almost overturned his impression of Gao Ran, but Gu Hui Yan didn't say anything, so he didn't dare to make his own claims to criticize Gao Ran. Gu Hui Yan was still calm, he just glanced at Gao Ran indifferently, the expression in his eyes could not be disputed. But he quickly withdrew his emotions, turned his face to the side and nodded to Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi knew that Gu Hui Yan leave it for her to decide. Whether or not to forgive Gao Ran and how to deal with these people, it was all up to her. Lin Wei Xi smiled, and beamingly said to Gao Ran: "It turns out Shizi Consort said these words to protect Shizi, you husband and wife are very much in love, it’s really touching. However, this kind thing is nothing for me, but your words just now are disrespectful to Yan Wang, and this cannot be easily let go."

Gao Ran realized that it was Lin Wei Xi who came forward to lecture her, she suddenly felt a bad air stuck in her throat, and almost lost her breath. But without waiting for her to adjust her emotions, to put up a sensible but have no choice to accept compromise gesture, Gu Cheng Yao had already replied for her: "Mother said that Shizi Consort is young, and if mother wants to punish, this son is willing to accept it for her."

"This and that are different. Shizi is the heir of the mansion. Your education and punishment are all determined by Wangye. But the conduct of Shizi Consort and the order of the servants, are all the matters of the back house, and I as the Wangfei is the rightful master. What's more, people will be punished if they do something wrong. Right and wrong should be consider first before talking about status. I know that Bu Mama is an old servant for more than 20 years, and she made a lot of contributions for the mansion over the years. To receive generous treatment is acceptable, but if she made a mistake then the judgment should be no different from the young maid in the mansion. Mistakes should not be substituted on their behalf, and the old servants made an error also should not been sympathized at one will. Otherwise, what’s the point of rules and regulations? "

Lin Wei Xi's words were cold and cruel. As Bu Mama knelt on the ground, the coldness from her knees crept into her heart. Gu Cheng Yao also felt that Lin Wei Xi was too ruthless, people were not sages who could do no wrong. It was appropriate to be lenient towards the elderly who had many contributions such as Bu Mama. But now, he was speechless, he could only listen in silence.

Gu Cheng Yao, who grew up in the mansion and was taken care of by the servants, felt that Lin Wei Xi's concept was too heartless. But Gu Hui Yan agreed, it was a good point to consider right and wrong first, and then talk about identity. Gu Hui Yan showed some approval, he looked at Lin Wei Xi, the expression on his face could be considered soften up: "According to you, how today’s matters should be handle?

Looked at Gu Hui Yan’s approving expression, Lin Wei Xi felt calm and continued to say: "The estate granny neglected her duty, cheated the master’s money, and later sow a discord, from now on her family will be expel from Yan Wang Mansion and sent someone to search her home, all the money she took from the estate for many years should be returned. Shizi Consort in her hastiness disrespect Wangye, considering it was her first offense, her punishment is to copy the Book of Filial Piety a hundred times. This several days stay at Buddhist hall and eat vegetarian foods to reflect on your error. Come out after you finish copying."

Copy the book a hundred times, but also stay in the Buddhist hall! Even when she made mental preparation Gao Ran was still shocked, Lin Wei Xi could be this unscrupulous? Moreover, copying the Book of Filial Piety and copying the Female Commandment were completely different concepts. In a few days it would be the end of the year, and each families’ womenfolk had begun to socialize with each other, but she, as Shizi Consort, was imprisoned in the Buddhist hall to copy the Book of Filial Piety. This punishment was far more severe than physical punishments such as kneeling.

Gao Ran was stunned, but when she raised her head to look at Gu Hui Yan, Lin Wei Xi, and even Gu Cheng Yao, no one paid attention to her. Obviously, these people with the right to speak didn't intend to say anything. Gao Ran understood, her heart was very angry but she could only squeeze out one word with much difficulty: "Yes."

After dealing with Gao Ran and estate granny, the remaining few people felt a bit complicated. The relationship between Bu Mama and the people was very complex, the implications was too big, and almost everyone in the mansion was staring at this place. If the punishment was too heavy the people below would resist, and if the treatment was too light it could not convinced the masses. Lin Wei Xi thought for a while, and said, "Granny Zhao took bribes from the estate granny to jointly conspire against the family’s master for your own interests. Although not as bad as her co-conspirator, but the crime of corruption is unavoidable. According to the law, Granny Zhao should be sent to the authorities to be caned to death, but considering that she had served the mansion for many years, so her punishment will be lighten. She will be removed from her steward duty in the mansion. The money given by the master over the years will not be recovered, but she will leave the mansion within three days, and after that life and death is her own responsibility."

Granny Zhao's face turned gray when she heard this. She was the right-hand man of Bu Mama. She had been rampant for many years, and never thought that she would be driven out of the mansion. A servant that was driven out by Yan Wang Mansion, who else would want her in the future? And as a slave, how could she live without the protection of her master?

Granny Zhao cried out, trying to climb over to beg with Lin Wei Xi, but was dragged out by the others. Listening to this noise, Bu Mama's heart became colder and colder, merely receiving ten taels of silver from the outside as a show of respect, this Lin shi actually kicked them out? How dare she!

Lin Wei Xi's gaze turned to Bu Mama. Bu Mama quivered from head to toe, subconsciously knelt straightly. Lin Wei Xi just smiled when she saw this, and said, "Bu Mama, I also know that you have served Wangfei Shen for more than ten years, and later you served Shizi for eighteen years. You are a first-class veteran in the mansion, to say that you are a half-master is not an exaggeration. But everything, in the end, have to have regulations. Mama’s position is high, however if you do something wrong, you must be punished according to the rules. Bu Mama, isn’t that right?

Bu Mama tightened her cheeks, gritted her teeth and said, "Yes."

"It’s good that Bu Mama understand." Lin Wei Xi said slowly, "Bu Mama did not distinguish right from wrong, and listened to the provocation of the evil slaves, and brought the inner house’s matters to Shizi, this is the crime of overstepping her authority. That is the first offense. She as the chief steward indulged the greed and deceit of her right and left arm, for so many years has been negligence and did not say anything about it, later also fell into the trap of others. This is the crime of dereliction of duty, which is the second offense."

Everyone paid attention to Lin Wei Xi’s next words. One was the new Wangfei who had just enter the door, and the other was the old people brought by the previous Wangfei, the one who always managed the mansion for more than ten years. This was the first time the two of them had dealt with each other, it didn’t need to be said how important the final result was. Even Gao Ran couldn't help getting tense. On one hand, she disapproved of Lin Wei Xi. After all, who was Lin Wei Xi, how dare she moved such a powerful local snake like Bu Mama? It had been a year since Gao Ran passed through the door, but she only dared to speak nice things. But on the other hand, Gao Ran couldn't help but being infected by the atmosphere at the moment, and became nervous.

Lin Wei Xi didn't let everyone wait for long. She cast her eyes down and glanced at Bu Mama, her voice was crisp and delicate: "Bu Mama is at fault, if she continues to take charge of the mansion it may not be good for everyone. But after all, she is an old servant who has served the mansion for more than 20 years, also served two generations of masters. Looking at the face of Shizi, Bu Mama's position will not be lowered, but she will be transferred to Shizi's Qingsong Garden to continue to be the chief steward."

Gu Cheng Yao heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this. He was really afraid that Lin Wei Xi would be too aggressive, this after all was his half-mother. Bu Mama originally planned to make troubles endlessly, but when she heard Lin Wei Xi transferred her to Qingsong Garden, her hostility was loosen up. Although it was changed from the chief steward of the mansion to the chief steward of Qingsong Garden, the name was the same, but in fact it was a demotion, but with Granny Zhao at the front, Bu Mama could still accept this result. The power in her hands was greatly reduced, but to be able to take care of Shizi nearby Bu Mama was still willing.

The two sides were happy with this result, but Gao Ran almost lost herself on the spot, what did Lin Wei Xi say? Stuffed Bu Mama into her courtyard? Since the beginning Bu Mama had big attitudes and regarded herself as half mother-in-law, but Gao Ran endured it in the past, but if she let Bu Mama stay in Qinsong Garden for a long time, it’s outrageous!

Chapter 49 : Disagreement

Bu Mama accepted the result on the surface transfer but in actually demotion, especially after Granny Zhao got the heavy punishment of being expelled from the mansion because she took bribes. Bu Mama originally already mentally prepared. If Lin Wei Xi used the same method to deal with her, then she would incited many servants in the mansion to make trouble. But she didn't expect that compared to her previous momentum Lin Wei Xi's actual outburst was only a little thunder and rain.

Although she was demoted from the inner courtyard of the mansion to Qingsong Garden, but Qingsong Garden was the place where Shizi lived. The importance was self-evident. Bu Mama said nothing when she heard this. Of course, there was no need to organize people to make trouble. And Gu Cheng Yao was greatly relieved when he heard this. Bu Mama was indeed at fault, but if Lin Wei Xi acted as she pleased, Gu Cheng Yao would be unwilling. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi just transferred Bu Mama to Qingsong Garden. For Gu Cheng Yao, this transfer had no effect. He was brought up under the care of Bu Mama, so he had no opinion on this.

Both Gu Cheng Yao and Bu Mama were satisfied, and the only person present who was dissatisfied with the result was Gao Ran. Gao Ran never expected that Lin Wei Xi would give her such a hand.

Lin Wei Xi refused to personally deal with the people, so she stuffed Bu Mama into Gao Ran's courtyard. Once the male master gets married, the power in the inner courtyard should belong to his wife. In the past Bu Mama liked to point fingers in Qingsong Garden, but in the end they didn’t live together. Bu Mama was also busy with other internal affairs of the mansion. Gao Ran originally planned to make a compromise, and after enduring it for a period of time, she would seek a momentum to destroy Bu Mama’s position in Gu Cheng Yao's heart and gradually ruin Bu shi. However, this did not include letting Bu shi moved to their courtyard. Qingsong Garden already had her Shizi Consort, and if there was another chief steward, then who people should listen to?

Gao Ran was stunned by this result, but in front of Bu Mama and Gu Cheng Yao, what could she say? Gao Ran was speechless, but Bu Mama and Gu Cheng Yao were happy with it. This Lin Wei Xi was really evil, she decided the matter without giving Gao Ran a chance to react.

Only Gu Hui Yan glanced meaningfully at Lin Wei Xi.

Gu Cheng Yao didn’t see the subtle struggle, but Gu Hui Yan understood it. Lin Wei Xi's move was really brilliant, even more brilliant than shifting the troubles in the officialdom. With such a simple action, she was not only appeased the servants in the mansion, showed that she was completely not involved with Shizi’s internal affair to avoid suspicion, took back the power of the mansion’s internal affairs, and conveniently drove a wedge between the other party. Gao Ran and Bu Mama at the moment seemed to be harmonious, because there was no contradiction, the two people target Lin Wei Xi together. However, there was no contradiction now, how about when they lived together?

It was inevitable there would be a crack. When the conflicts and frictions were so intense that they couldn't be covered up, Lin Wei Xi didn't have to bother, Gao Ran and Bu Mama would revealed themselves first. Letting the enemy battalion split itself without spending a single soldier was a brilliant calculation of a military strategist.

It seemed that his Wangfei was very scheming, Gu Hui Yan just smiled and said nothing. Lin Wei Xi didn't pay attention to the glance Gu Hui Yan throw at her, and she was full of joy now. In her previous life, she suffered a lot from Bu Mama. This old woman, relying on her age and seniority, actually meddled in the newlyweds’ room matters, but now it’s all good. The two old acquaintances from her previous life had come together.

Weren’t Gao Ran and Mama Bu always harmonious and respectful not like master and servant? Didn’t you look down on Gao Xi’s uprightness, and now they were ganging up to squeeze her this new Wangfei? Since in Gao Ran’s eyes her mother-in-law was only Shen shi, then take care this Shen shi’s meritorious servant, Lin Wei Xi sincerely wishes them a happy time together.

It's getting late now, the color of the sky was already dark. Now no one had the thought to eat, Lin Wei Xi made a decision for Yan Wang, canceling today's dinner, and for them to return to each courtyard to have dinner. The people in Jingcheng Courtyard left one after another, and the kitchen delivered the meals to the room. Lin Wei Xi took advantage of when the maid’s prepared the meals and whispered to Wan Yue to get the keys and the matched cards.

All the keys to the mansion were in Bu Mama’s hand, and the matched cards for taking stuffs from the treasury was also kept by her. It’s easy to invite the Buddha but it’s difficult to send off the Buddha. Who would be willing to spit what they have. Normally, it’s too difficult to retrieve the key from Bu Mama, but today Bu Mama had offend Yan Wang. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lin Wei Xi certainly needed to strike the iron while it was hot and took the things back to her own hands.

Of course Bu Mama refused to hand over the key, but she did not dare to make trouble at this moment. If it’s alarmed Yan Wang, it would not end with just a fine of a monthly salary. No matter how unwilling, Bu Mama could only take out the key and the matched card box, and threw it to Wan Yue.

Wan Yue didn't care about Bu Mama's black face. After checking everything was in order, she ran back to the main courtyard quickly. Lin Wei Xi had been waiting in the side house. After seeing what was in Wan Yue's hand, she let out a relaxed sigh.

It was only then she became the actual mistress of the Yan Wang Mansion. The keys to the courtyards and warehouses were in her own hands. To hold the lifeline in her hand, only then she had the confidence to speak. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but feeling very good. After looking at it one more time, she let Wan Xing and Wan Yue put it away, and she got up and walked to the main house.

She did not dare to forget that Yan Wang was still waiting for her to have dinner.

Gu Hui Yan was sitting at the table when he saw Lin Wei Xi enter the door with a smile on her face. During the meal, Lin Wei Xi was beaming, obviously in a good mood. He took it all in but didn't point it out. When there were only two of them in the room at night, Gu Hui Yan said casually: "Today was hard on you."

Lin Wei Xi went on alert, she couldn't help but put her smile away: "I don't dare."

Seeing Lin Wei Xi's tense look, Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but laugh: "I don’t mean to question you, you don't have to be nervous."

Lin Wei Xi cooperated with Gu Hui Yan's words and relaxed her body, but her heart still held on tightly.

Gu Hui Yan could also see that Lin Wei Xi was very defensive now. He really felt helpless. He was not a man-eating tiger. Why should husband and wife be so defensive? Between her and a servant, could he still sided with other people?

Gu Hui Yan didn’t understand where her strong distrust of the person next to her pillow came from. He could only moderate his tone and say, “Today, how you handle things is very good. I’m not in the mansion all year round. The rules in the mansion can’t help but loosen. I planned to deal with these people for you. But because you just got married, I’m afraid that doing so will scare you, so I didn’t mention it. I didn’t expect them to make trouble in front of you in the last few days."

Hearing Gu Hui Yan's words, Lin Wei Xi's shoulders unknowingly loosened. Yes, this was Yan Wang, not Gu Cheng Yao. She didn’t have to worry that when she took a lot of trouble to check and balance the servants, she would be criticized coldly by her husband after returning. Lin Wei Xi finally laughed, her tone unconsciously had a little probing: "Wangye, don't you think my approach today is too cold?"

"How could that be?" Gu Hui Yan chuckled, beckoning Lin Wei Xi to sit next to him. He run his palm through Lin Wei Xi's soft long hair and said, "The rewards and punishments were clearly defined, and the powers and responsibilities were consistent. You are doing the right thing. The more mature and trusted the old servants, the stricter we should be with them, otherwise it will harm others and themselves."

Lin Wei Xi was always accused of being cruel and unsympathetic when she was in the Duke Mansion. After marrying, her husband also said that, and gradually she began to doubt herself. Now finally heard from another person’s mouth something different. Yan Wang gave her such a high evaluation, Lin Wei Xi immediately let go of the knot in her heart, her expression also relaxed a lot, and her eyes were bright: "It’s good that Wangye doesn't blame me."

"It’s me who should be blamed." Gu Hui Yan saw his little girl's eyebrows soften, the nervousness on her face disappeared, and a little smile appeared deep in her eyes, "I promised to marry you, but I didn't deal with the mansion in advance. It’s my fault for you to face such a mess."

"How can I blame you?" Lin Wei Xi smiled as she said this. She tried to leaned her shoulders on Gu Hui Yan, and found that Gu Hui Yan did not react, so she put her body weight on him with confidence. Neither of them spoke, but the atmosphere in the room was very warm.

The contrast between the present and the past was so sharp that Lin Wei Xi was so sorry for her past self, but also felt a lot of emotion towards the father and son of Yan Wang Mansion. Gu Cheng Yao's life was superior since he was a child, but the old Yan Wang died early because of illness, and Yan Wang was busy with war. Gu Cheng Yao had not been in contact with a lot of male elders, so he was always pampered by the women in the inner house. Because he was the center of the world since he was a child, when he grows up, he still judged others with his own way of thinking.

But Gu Hui Yan was different. He became famous too early. At the age of 30 he was already at the top of the dynasty. Those who were qualified to sit with him in a banquet were all old men in their sixtieth. Among the three auxiliary ministers, Gu Hui Yan was almost First Assistant Zhang’s son generation. Because he assumed the expectations of his family, fief and even the whole army too early, Gu Hui Yan's sense of responsibility was unexpectedly strong. And he spent his half-life as military horse, of course, approved with the army’s strict and impartial style of doing things. Although Gu Cheng Yao and Gu Hui Yan were father and son, the gap in values was huge.

Lin Wei Xi's stubborn and fierce character, being with Gu Cheng Yao, was indeed a disaster.

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's slightly lost in thought profile, his eyes narrowed, his voice remained the same: "What are you thinking?"

Lin Wei Xi regained her senses. She covered her lips and coughed, and said, "It's nothing, thinking about Bu Mama’s matters, somehow got carried away."

Gu Hui Yan didn't ask further, since she said it was Bu Mama's matters, then it was the old servant's matters. But Lin Wei Xi was still leaning on his body, and Gu Hui Yan would not allow her to think about other things. He sat back, took Lin Wei Xi's shoulders into his arms, and said, "In fact, you don't have to work so hard. If you want the financial power of the mansion, you can tell me."

Lin Wei Xi felt that Gu Hui Yan's hand strength was a bit heavy, but she only thought it was accidental. With Gu Hui Yan's words, she also didn't think too much, just restrained her own opinion and shook her: "No. This is my duty. I can ask Wangye to help me once, but can I always seek your help for the rest of my life?"

Gu Hui Yan smiled and asked, "Why not?"

Lin Wei Xi didn’t connect the words for a while, she couldn't help but smile, and looked up at Gu Hui Yan, jokingly said: "Wangye, whether in the army or in the court you are really brilliant. If a person no matter what happened have to look for you to do everything, so why does Wangye still keep all those subordinates for?"

"It's different." Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi smile at him with sneaky eyes, the dark clouds in his heart somehow dispersed. His voice was very light, almost like saying to himself: "You are not a subordinate. There can be many subjects who follow me, but there’s only one you."

Lin Wei Xi's face was a little feverish, and because she was flustered, she subconsciously said: "This is not necessarily true. Loyal people is hard to find, but Wangfei is easy to change."

Gu Hui Yan watched her silently, under such gaze Lin Wei Xi gradually lost the battle, it’s over, her loose mouth acted up again. She turned around cautiously and gently pulled the corner of Gu Hui Yan's clothes. Gu Hui Yan still didn't move. Lin Wei Xi could only grit her teeth, in for a penny in for a pound. She stretched her hand around Gu Hui Yan's neck and anxiously said, "Wangye, I just said it casually. Don't be angry."

"I am not angry."

"You must be angry." Lin Wei Xi simply hung her heart directly on Gu Hui Yan, her arms tightened, and her hair flutteringly against Gu Hui Yan's neck. Because her chin was knocked on Gu Hui Yan's shoulder, her voice was a little muffled: "Wangye, if you’re not calm your anger, I won't come down and you will not be able to go to court tomorrow."

Gu Hui Yan really couldn't help but laugh. He reached his hand around Lin Wei Xi's waist and with little effort hold the person up: "You have convincing reason. Come on, it's already late, let's go back and rest."

Chapter 50 : Copying Punishment

Entering December, the year-end was approaching, and every household was busy. When it snowed in the past few days, the sky and the earth became white, and the taste of the year became even heavier.

In the Buddhist hall, a maid hurried in from the outside with a red box in her hand. As soon as she walked in, she stomped her feet while shaking off the snow on her hood, and shouted inside: "Shizi Consort, this slave is bringing you hot soup."

Gao Ran was sitting next to the low table in the side room while holding a hand stove, her body was covered with a thick squirrel fur cloak. Even so, the maid besides her still kept stirring the silver coal in the charcoal brazier for fear that Gao Ran would be cold.

The Buddhist hall was clean, and there was sandalwood Buddha incense floating around all year round. In summer, it was quite shady and cool, but in winter it became cooler and cooler till the cold could seeps into the human bones. Gao Ran was punished by Lin Wei Xi to copy the Book of Filial Piety in the Buddhist hall. Gao Ran thought that she would finish copying in two or three days, but after a while she came to realize that things were not so optimistic.

Fortunately, although Lin Wei Xi sent someone to watch Gao Ran copy the book, she did not stop the people below from sending things to Gao Ran. Gao Ran hated how gloomy and cold in here, especially afraid that staying for a long time would affect her fertility, so she let people moved several charcoal braziers, as well as cushions, seats, pillows, etc.. Almost converted the quite and dignified side room of the Buddhist hall into her private warm pavilion.

As soon as Ning Fu went out, she went back to Qingsong Garden to fetch hot tea and freshly baked cakes. Gao Ran was wrapped in thick warm clothing, and when she held the writing brush, she was a little bloated. When Ningfu put the refreshments and other things on the table one by one, Gao Ran shook her hand and wrote a wrong word. The almost finish page was wasted again.

An unknown fire suddenly burst in Gao Ran's heart. She threw the brush onto the brush holder. The collision of the brush and the porcelain made a crisp sound, which was very obvious in the silent temple. Ning Fu's movements couldn't help but pause. Tao Mama saw Gao Ran's face was not good, she quickly pushed Ning Fu from behind: "Shizi Consort is copying books, what are you doing with this food, won’t it delay Shizi Consort's writing? Get out."

Ning Fu's lips opened. Didn't Shizi Consort say that she was cold and asked her to go back and get some hot food? Ning Fu put the plate back into the food box without saying a word, and bowed back.

Gao Ran was very irritable, it was almost the New Year's Eve. These few days, Yan Wang Mansion was very busy entertaining the guests, but she was trapped in the Buddhist hall by Lin Wei Xi, and could not even see outsiders. Gao Ran sat for a while with a gloomy face, and asked, "Are all the steward going to Jingcheng Courtyard to hand over the matched cards these few days?"

"Yes." Tao Mama said cautiously. "Wangfei specially make the room outside Jingcheng Courtyard into a place to meet people. Usually the steward granny would go there every day at sishi (9-11am) to report to Wangfei and ask for daily arrangements. If there were things that couldn’t be decided, they go there again in the afternoon at shensi (3-5pm). Except for these two times, Wangfei will not see anyone unless there is something unexpected or urgent. Wangfei said that if this steward granny always came to ask for every trivial matter, then won’t Wangfei need to attend every single work all day. So she put the time together, and everyone will go during this time. If Wangfei has something to say, she can also explain it at once."

Bu Mama was transferred to Qingsong Garden. Although she was still a chief steward in name, anyone with a discerning eye could see that Bu Mama was demoted. It's just that although she couldn’t control the mansion, Bu Mama could still stay at Shizi’s side and take care of his affairs. She didn’t lose much face, and this didn’t caused much backlash. The country could not be without a king for a day, and the mansion could not be without a decision-making person. If there was no Bu Mama, then the person in charge would naturally be the Wangfei. As soon as Lin Wei Xi got the helmed, she took a completely different style from Bu Mama. Not only did the rules became clearer, but the time to report the matters was also determined. In a day, except for these two hours, Lin Wei Xi did not allow the steward to come over whenever they pleased. Even if people standing outside her door, as long as the hour passed, Lin Wei Xi said no, then no.

Of course, the servants who used to be idle disliked Lin Wei Xi troublesome rules, but after they were refused entrance several times, and saw that there was really no one who they could appealed in the mansion, they obediently followed Lin Wei Xi's order. In this way, the person in charge had to come to see Lin Wei Xi every day. The wicked and slippery grannies dare not go out to bet the wine and eat the food. The steady but somewhat stupid people could see the master above and know what they should do. Any words could be delivered in time. The management level was organized, so unlikely to meet people all day long, and the maids who work below had someone they could asked, so they done things a lot faster. In just a few days, the mansion was clean and orderly, and the efficiency of the work could be seen with the naked eyes.

The changes in the mansion couldn’t be hidden from everyone's eyes, even Gao Ran who stayed in the Buddhist hall had heard about it. Before Gao Ran was faintly confident that Lin Wei Xi, a small household girl from a commoner's house, compared to her who had experience and knowledge, rashly took over hundreds of people, which equivalent to a medium-sized enterprise in her previous life, Yan Wang Mansion, would definitely in deep trouble. When Lin Wei Xi in disgrace, actually didn't have the ability to manage such a large mansion, then the management power would still fall back to Gao Ran's hands. When that time comes, it wouldn’t matter if she copy or not the Book of Filial Piety a hundred times.

So Gao Ran hadn't been in a hurry, but the days had passed, the weather was getting colder and colder, and the New Year’s Eve was getting closer, but the trouble Gao Ran expected had never come. Gao Ran couldn't sit still, and sent someone out for a few days to inquire, and found that Lin Wei Xi really managed the huge mansion in an orderly manner. She was shocked, but she also felt unbelievable.

How could it be possible? Lin Wei Xi, a newcomer, who didn't even recognize the servants in the mansion, and even knew nothing about the intricate relationship of these slaves. How could she, a half-blind new Wangfei, arranged people perfectly?

Gao Ran couldn't figure it out, she tried to ignore the panic that was constantly emerging in her heart. She frowned and thought for a while, and could only attribute Lin Wei Xi's prophetic actions to dumb luck. Gao Ran sat withered for a while, but still reluctantly asked: "There are so many things to do at the end of the year, preparations for the banquet, purchasing the New Year's goods, checking the account books of the shops and farms, and the festival gifts to the palace and the officials, and handle the people below to send the filial piety gifts. She arranged all those things alone?"

"Yes." Tao Mama said, "I heard that Wangfei's courtyard is very busy these few days, and the people in Jingcheng Courtyard are almost flying on foot, but the Wangfei really arranged it."

A bride who barely married for a month dared to arrange so many matters, and quite capable at that. Gao Ran couldn't tell what the feeling in her heart. She entered the door in February, and it almost a year now, but she still wouldn’t dare get started with such a huge and complicated thing, especially when it involved sending gifts to the palace, First Assistant and other people. This was not a child’s play. But Lin Wei Xi was only married in November, and she took over the major event almost as soon as she walked in. Faced with some completely unfamiliar manpower, and assign the task accordingly, no one would dare to take it lightly.

Seeing Gao Ran's silent expression, Tao Mama also felt uncomfortable. In her maiden home Gao Ran climbed all the way to the top, and later married high in one fell swoop. Although Gao Ran was a shu daughter, but over the years she had been going uphill. When did she suffer such a big setback. Now suddenly came a person with a higher status than Gao Ran, a greater right to speak than Gao Ran, and from the look at it who was more capable than Gao Ran, let alone Gao Ran, even Tao Mama couldn't stand it.

Time seems to turned back, once again when Gao Ran was ten years old and was firmly shrouded in Gao Xi's light. At that time it was also like this, Gao Xi had the status of di eldest granddaughter, a powerful maternal family who didn’t need to look at her grandmother’s face, and had outstanding poetry and books achievements that made people looked up to her. The younger generation in the Duke Mansion were all amazed and admired when they mentioned this eldest sister, did not dare to even feel jealous with the comparison. Gao Ran always felt that she lost in her status as a shu daughter, so she worked hard over the years and tried every means to pry away the people around Gao Xi and the things she held dear. Later, due to an unexpected turn of events she married Gu Cheng Yao. Gao Ran thought it was over, she finally proved to everyone that she was better than Gao Xi, and all the separations between di and shu were just prejudices. But after she struggled for a long time, she seemed to return to the original point.

Someone came from the outside, and Tao Mama went out for a while, looking embarrass when she came back. She saw that Gao Ran's face was not good, but she didn’t dare not saying it, could only stammer and said: "Shizi Consort, Shizi is going to prepare for the spring examination, so he won't come back to sleep in these few days. Bu Mama said that Shizi Consort still need to copy the Buddhist scriptures. Afraid don’t have time to serve Shizi, so Yun Hui will follow Shizi to the study."

Gao Ran suddenly returned to her senses, clenched her palms, her nails sinking deeply into the flesh of her palms. After that day Gu Cheng Yao was punished by Yan Wang. And how he was punished, the inner house didn’t need to know. Gao Ran only knew that all of a sudden Gu Cheng Yao had so many assignment that she could barely see him on weekdays. Now Gu Cheng Yao wanted to live in the study altogether. Gao Ran could understand the man's ambition, and she was willing to support it. But this kind of support was limited to letting Gu Cheng Yao study hard by himself, not to throw away his wife and brought other women with him day and night, red sleeves add fragrances*.

*Red sleeves add fragrances, refers to how a young and beautiful woman accompanying the scholars in ancient times.

Bu Mama stopped Gao Ran's people and sent Yun Hui to the study. Do they really think that others can't see their dirty thoughts? Gao Ran was very angry, her chest rose and fell, and finally bear this breath. Small intolerance leads to chaos. This was ancient times, to have three wives and four concubines were common. Anyway, she was the primary wife. For the time being, put up with these cheap maids, and don't let Gu Cheng Yao had objection about her. After she gave birth to a son in the future and her position became stable, wouldn't it be up to her to dispose these cheap whore at will?

Gao Ran finally calmed down the anger in her heart, and she suddenly felt irritated as she looked at the Book of Filial Piety spread before her eyes. Who had the patience to copy these feudal dregs, what’s the use of it except to waste time? A woman studies piano, chess, calligraphy and painting in order to get married. Now that she already married high, what’s the use looking at these? At this time, Gao Ran should be busy going out to the banquet, and socializing with other official wife, and watch over the orioles and swallows beside Gu Cheng Yao.

*Orioles and swallows, Yingying Yanyan, it’s an allusions for concubine and young women.

Gao Ran paused, knowing that she couldn't delay anymore. She called Tao Mama and whispered in her ear. Tao Mama understood, after a while, a person walked out of the side gate of Yan Wang Mansion and headed towards Duke Yingguo Mansion.

In Jingcheng Courtyard, Lin Wei Xi finally took care of all the steward who came to report the work. She sat back in her living room, Wan Xing hurriedly stuffed a soft pillow behind Lin Wei Xi’s waist, and Wan Yue also handed Lin Wei Xi hot tea: "Wangfei, you have been busy all morning. Drink a cup of tea to moisturize your throat."

"Yeah." Lin Wei Xi took the tea, took a sip, and asked, "In the Buddhist hall, that one still hasn't finish copying?"

Speaking of this matter, Wan Yue's expression was a little strange: "It's only one more copy than yesterday."

Lin Wei Xi put the tea down, she felt it was a bit unbelievable. She admitted that she had selfish motives when she punished Gao Ran, so she tried to make her copy a hundred times, but the Book of Filial Piety was less than two thousand characters, which was not that many. But she couldn’t finish copying even after twenty days? Lin Wei Xi originally expected it to be finish in half a month. When the female of the family made mistakes it was normal to confined and let them copy books for half a month. This punishment was also just right, so that Gao Ran would be absent during the period of paying a visit at the end of the year. Meddlesome people said she treated her daughter-in-law harshly. But Lin Wei Xi did not expect that Gao Ran had copy for more than 20 days, from the beginning of the month to the end of the year, she hadn't come out yet.

This was embarrassing. At the end of the year, every house began to visit one another. Many madams came to the mansion, and just met Lin Wei Xi and not Gao Ran, it was inevitable that they would ask. In the past few days, Lin Wei Xi had to explain to others several times that the reason why Shizi Consort was not present was because she made copies of the Book of Filial Piety for Yan Wang in the house.

Anyway, the one who lose face was Gao Ran, and with Yan Wang as a shield, Lin Wei Xi told the truth very frankly. Gao Ran's calligraphy was not enough, and she couldn’t copy the Book of Filial Piety a hundred times. Could it be blamed on Lin Wei Xi?

The dignified daughter of Duke Yingguo Mansion, the Shizi Consort of Yan Wang Mansion, even if the handwriting was not good, she couldn’t even do the basic work. With such negligence of basic skills, Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed for Gao Ran. More than ten years of effort, what did Gao Ran actually learn?

Lin Wei Xi raised her eyebrows lightly, and did not conceal the ridicule in her eyes. Wan Yue also felt that Shizi Consort was a little bit ridiculous, but she was not able to say such things. Wan Yue could only change the subject and said, "Wangfei, today is the twenty-third. From now on, Wangye will be able to take a break, no need to go to court."

Unconsciously, it was already the twenty-third. Lin Wei Xi glanced at the sky outside, stood up and said, "It’s a rest day today, Wangye doesn't have to stay in the palace to discuss matters. I’m afraid he already come back now. I will go and take a look outside."

Wan Xing sighed, and said anxiously: "Wangfei, you have been assigned things to the servants this morning, and your waist is stiff. You should rest for a while before going out."

Lin Wei Xi walked out quickly, her voice muddle indifferently, "No need."

At the front gate of Yan Wang Mansion, Gu Hui Yan had just returned from palace city and took some people to the mansion. Following him on one side was Zhao Qian, and on the other side was Zhou Mao Cheng.

Zhao Qian was also an old general who had follow Gu Hui Yan for many years. He had long heard of Yan Wang's wedding, but he was in another province and had no chance to participate. He could only entrusted someone to send the gift to the capital. Now that he returned to the capital to report on his duties at the end of the year, Zhao Qian took this opportunity to finally come to Yan Wang Mansion and personally said "Congratulations" to Gu Hui Yan.

"Wangye, this subordinates congratulate you on your new marriage. When I heard it in June, this subordinates wanted to come and congratulate you, but the frontier was busy with complicated tasks and couldn't find a chance to get away. Dragging till now and finally had a chance to go to the capital."

"It doesn’t matter. It's an honorable thing for you to guard the border post with all your heart."

"This subordinate understand. This subordinate is afraid of not living up to Wangye's trust, so dare not relax for a moment." Zhao Qian said, sighing, "Before, this subordinate always feel that you were alone. Although you are vigorous and resolute, you will inevitably be a little lonely. Now that you married a new Wangfei, it’s really relieve our, the old subjects, worry for many years."

Usually, no matter how familiar the soldier or how close the friends were, Gu Hui Yan's face would always cool down when people talked about him remarrying a new Wangfei. Zhao Qian had already prepared, but he found that Gu Hui Yan didn’t stop him, and his face looked very soft. Zhao Qian was taken aback and subconsciously looked at Zhou Mao Cheng.

Zhou Mao Cheng understood, and then said: "Wangfei have a good heart and sincere to others. The relationship between Wangye and Wangfei is very harmonious."

Zhou Mao Cheng was a person who had been rolling in bloody soil. He could judge a person as "sincere to others", one could imagine how high this evaluation. Zhao Qian became more amazed. He saw that Gu Hui Yan didn't look unhappy about this, clearly thought that his new Wangfei was perfect. Zhao Qian was surprised and asked the curiosity in his heart: "I haven't pay respect to the Wangfei yet, just do not know where the Wangfei is from?"

Based on to the high evaluation of the Wangfei just now, Zhao Qian's question was actually quite normal. But didn't expect the atmosphere to suddenly became a little strange. He couldn’t see Gu Hui Yan’s expression at the front, but Zhou Mao Cheng coughed hard.

Zhao Qian puzzled: "What's wrong?"

Zhou Mao Cheng glanced forward quickly, then winked at Zhao Qian: "Lin Yong, you should remember? Wangfei is his daughter."

Zhao Qian's mouth widened, and he couldn't react for a long time: "Lin Yong's...daughter?"

Chapter 51 : Goddess

Zhao Qian suspected that he had heard it wrong, Lin Yong's daughter? Wasn't Lin Yong their comrade? Although he went to Yan Wang late, Zhao Qian had seen this natural strongman several times, and he was a potential seedling. Later, when Zhao Qian learned that Lin Yong had died to save Yan Wang, he sighed even more. But Lin Yong's status was still lower than Zhao Qian's. Why did Yan Wang marry his daughter? How he didn’t know this?

Zhou Mao Cheng also felt that what Yan Wang done make the seniority in the family became awkward. He coughed and said, "Didn’t Wangye asked for Lin Yong to be conferred as Marquis? After the war, Wangye went to Shunde Prefecture to send Lin Yong's remains to his hometown, and along the way he took Lin Yong's only daughter back to the capital to take care of her."

So by taking care it means become Yan Wangfei?

Zhao Qian said in his heart, fortunately Lin Yong doesn't know these things. This was a great development, even if this person was his commanding general, he was a little too gloomy. However, Zhao Qian’s silent criticism stayed in his heart, and thinking about this marriage he was still very optimistic. Yan Wang himself must be willing with this second marriage, and Lin Yong's only concern before his death could also have a good home, it was really a win-win situation for everyone.

The only problem was that Lin Wei Xi was originally their junior, but now she became Yan Wang’s wife, this seniority in the family was a bit confusing.

When Zhou Mao Cheng spoke, Gu Hui Yan didn't stop him. He didn't think it was something difficult for people to see. As for Zhou Mao Cheng's winking, Zhao Qian was taken aback... Well, Gu Hui Yan admitted that he was a little embarrassed. After talking about taking care of his subordinate’s daughter, he initially said that he would find a husband for her, but in the end, she entered Yan Wang Mansion and never go out again. He really seemed to let Lin Yong down.

Yan Wang was newly married, these subordinates and old comrades-in-arms of course had to make jokes, and Gu Hui Yan, who had always set himself apart and aloof, actually let them joke around. Zhao Qian was surprised in his heart, as he thought married people were really different. This time, Yan Wang knew that he was wrong. In normal days, how could Gu Hui Yan let them make fun of him.

But joke aside, actually Zhao Qian was very pleased with this result, and even the corners of his eyes were a little sour. After years of goodbye, when they met again, the old friend was safe and sound, and there was also a sweet wife at his side, Zhao Qian sincerely wishes them well. Over the years Yan Wang had fought in the north and south and had been invincible. In the army, he was the god of war trusted and worshipped by everyone. In Yan Wang Mansion he was the pillar. In the court he was also the reassurance for the emperor and ministers, Zhao Qian and Zhou Mao Cheng served Gu Hui Yan with all their heart. However, such a person worthy of everyone's respect was actually didn’t have good fortune in personal relationships, for many years he had been alone no matter what he do. Now he had someone to accompany him by his side. Not only Zhao Qian and Zhou Mao Cheng, but also the 100,000 Yan army, were happy for Yan Wang from the bottom of their heart, and also wish Yan Wangfei well, and wished that Wangfei could accompany Yan Wang forever.

The old friends reunited, and after teasing for a while, they slowly talked about the affairs of the court and the army. Zhao Qian was in the middle of reporting the border affairs, when he turned across the courtyard, suddenly saw a woman in magnificent clothing surrounded by beautiful people on the opposite side. Before Zhao Qian could react, he saw Gu Hui Yan abandon the few people who were talking and walked quickly in that direction.

Halfway through Zhao Qian's sentence, even his mouth hasn’t closed up, Yan Wang had already left. This was unprecedented in the past ten years and simply unimaginable. Zhao Qian was stunned, Zhou Mao Cheng understood, and said to him: "That's Yan Wangfei." After saying that, Zhou Mao Cheng still pointedly added: "This time is different from the past, you understand right?"

Zhao Qian also showed an understanding smile. Newly married, he also had family and children, he understands very well. Out of respect, Zhao Qian never looked in the direction of Yan Wangfei. Even though Lin shi previously was his daughter generation, but now she was the Yan Wangfei. That’s why he should use his life to honor this woman, so even if he was dying from curiosity, Zhao Qian didn't glance in that direction.

However, he did not expect that after a while, Gu Hui Yan came back, this time there was an extremely bright woman standing beside him. The woman's skin was fair and soft, the jade ornaments were jingling, and her beautiful hair dotted with stars-like pearls. However, no amount of precious jewelry could compete with her. She smiled, nodded to Zhou Mao Cheng and the others, gently bowed to salute them: "Uncle Zhou, General Zhao Qian."

Zhou Mao Cheng and Zhao Qian hurriedly stop her. She was Yan Wangfei, they couldn’t afford Lin Wei Xi’s bowing. Zhou Mao Cheng's old face was a little red. He quickly glanced at Gu Hui Yan and said: "This humble official dare not accept this kind of call by Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi called him "Uncle Zhou", then what about him and Yan Wang? Zhou Mao Cheng did not have such a long life to take advantage of Yan Wang.

Of course Zhou Mao Cheng and Zhao Qian did not dare to go to Lin Wei Xi. After they stretched out their hands, Lin Wei Xi also stood up, only done half the salutation. As a junior, it was no problem for her to bow down to these two people, but at the same time she was also Yan Wangfei. Today, she deliberately came to the outer courtyard to greet Gu Hui Yan. She didn't expect to meet Lin Yong's former comrade-in-arms and commanding officer on the way. They were also the capable subordinate of Yan Wang, and Lin Wei Xi had to come and greet these two people.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Zhao Qian didn't dare to look at Yan Wangfei too much, but even so this dazzling appearance made one feels dizzy. For a while, he didn't know whether to lament how Lin Yong gave birth to such a beautiful daughter, or lament that Yan Wang was really cunning. After Lin Wei Xi greeted the two people out of courtesy, she was after all the womenfolk of Yan Wang so she prepared to take her leave after a while. Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gu Hui Yan and asked tentatively, "Wangye?"

Looking at it seems like Gu Hui Yan and these two still had something to discuss. Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan inquiringly. Zhou Mao Cheng and Zhao Qian were not blind. Looking at it of course he had quite the insight, said: "I have an appointment with Old Zhao to go outside for a drink, it’s no good to keep brothers waiting for long, I will take my leave first. Please Wangye and Wangfei forgive this one."

Gu Hui Yan also conveniently said: "It is not safe for you to walk alone, I will accompany you back."

Gu Hui Yan's face was not redden nor skip a beat when he easily abandon Zhao Qian and others who were still talking, and took Lin Wei Xi to the inner house. After the people gradually walked away, Zhao Qian dared to joke around with Zhou Mao Cheng: "I think this is the first. I can always report to Yan Wang whenever I have something. It seems that I don't understand the customs anymore, I pulled Yan Wang to talk for a long time, and it actually delay the newly-wed business."

Zhou Mao Cheng laughed: "You can get used to it if you stay in Yan Wang Mansion for a few more days."

Now that Gu Hui Yan was not there, the two of them had to talk a lot behind Yan Wang’s back. Zhou Mao Cheng knew the detail of this matter, so he simply told Zhao Qian from the start when they went to Shunde Prefecture to deliver the skeleton. The two people secretly gossiped a lot, until they finally looked at each other laughing, perfectly satisfied.

Yan Wang’s personal tidbits, this was rare.

Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan were walking on the ring corridor. Today, the sky was gray again, when they were only halfway, there was snow again.

"Wangye, you don't have to go to the government office from today? You don't have to get up early to go to court tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"Really?" Lin Wei Xi was very suspicious. Gu Hui Yan was very busy every day. Even Lin Wei Xi could only see him after dark, and before she woke up the next day, Gu Hui Yan already went out again. Suddenly learning that Gu Hui Yan would stay in the mansion from today to the fifteenth next year, Lin Wei Xi was very skeptical, always suspicious that Yan Wang would be called away in the next moment.

Gu Hui Yan laughed and said, "Of course it's true. These few days I'm busy with outside affairs and neglect the family affairs, now I can accompany you properly in these few days."

Although Lin Wei Xi did not completely believe it, there was already a smile in her eyes. It had just snowed last night, although the path had been cleared, but there was still a thick layer of snow in the woodland. A gust of wind blew, and a drop of snow fell on Lin Wei Xi’s forehead. Lin Wei Xi reached out her hand, and looked up at the white sky: "It’s snowing."

Gu Hui Yan followed in looking out and then stretched out his hand to tighten the cloak around Lin Wei Xi's neck: "The wind is strong outside, be careful of the cold."

Lin Wei Xi glared at Gu Hui Yan unconvincedly: "I'm not a kid, how come I can't even do this kind of thing? Don't always treat me like a kid."

Gu Hui Yan smiled and fastened her laces, and said, "All right."

Lin Wei Xi looked outwards, her eyes were full of crystal clear snow. Just so happened in that place there were steps to go down, and could go straight to the snow outside. Lin Wei Xi simply abandoned the maids and Gu Hui Yan, and ran to the spotless snow, while stepping on the snow she made a lot of footprints. She turned around and looked at Gu Hui Yan with a smile: "Wangye, look, it's snowing!"

Gu Hui Yan stood on the dark wood winding corridor, watching Lin Wei Xi's actions with a smile. Still said that she was not a child, already an adult, yet childishly stepped on the snow. Suddenly Gu Hui Yan's eyes moved. He was about to say something, but it was too late. Perhaps because it couldn’t bear a heavy load, or perhaps because it was startled by Lin Wei Xi's voice, a bent pine branch shook and suddenly bounced back, shaking the soft white snow on the tree below, just happened to hit Lin Wei Xi's head.

Lin Wei Xi was caught off guard by the pile of snow dropped down on her head. She didn't wear a hood because it was inconvenient. Now the fresh snow happened to fell into her neck. It was extremely cold when the snow fell on the back of her neck. Lin Wei Xi said "Ah" and hurriedly shook the snow on her head.

The people in the corridor did not dare to laugh, but Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but laughed lightly. He walked to Lin Wei Xi, and while chuckling, he brushed the snowflakes off her head: "And you said that you are not a child, what about now?"

Lin Wei Xi was irritated all over her body. She quickly shook off the loose snow on the back collar. When she heard Gu Hui Yan's words, she was really angry and aggrieved: "How could I know this kind of thing will happened, by chance a pile of snow fell down and it fell on my head."

Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but laugh again, it was rare for him to be so open, and his eyes were filled with undisguised smiles. He lowered his head slightly and carefully brushed away pieces of snow on Lin Wei Xi's black hair.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue were very perceptive. They stepped forward and handed Lin Wei Xi a new hand stove, and then retreated, even stopping the other maids, not allowing them to disturb Wangye and Wangfei. Gu Hui Yan lowered his eyes slightly and patted the snow on Lin Wei Xi's body. From the side, still could see the smile on his face. Lin Wei Xi hugged the stove, her cheeks were red, her expression was not very happy.

Lin Wei Xi's neck was surrounded by fluffy white hairs, which made her skin looks translucent and her facial features brilliant. When she stood among the flawless snow and the black branches dripping water, she became more stunning and pure, like a goddess who had fallen into the world. And Gu Hui Yan's face was very handsome, although he was smiling, but the action of patting the snow on the woman was particularly delicate and gentle. Such a picture reflected in the eyes, and anyone who saw it had to praise it as immortal couple.

Gu Cheng Yao stood at the corner of another corridor and came to see this scene. It was the first time he saw Lin Wei Xi with such vivid expression, and also the first time he saw his father with gentle eyes. The two people looked very well matched, his footsteps could not help but stop. For a while he didn’t know whether he should brazenly walk out like it was nothing, or he should pretend not to see and retreat.

Gu Cheng Yao didn't hesitate for long. Wan Yue, who was on the opposite side had good eyes, already seen him: "Shizi?"

Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan both raised their head and looked in this direction. Gu Cheng Yao had no choice but to take two steps forward, completely exposed to everyone's sight: "Father, mother."

Gu Hui Yan saw that it was Gu Cheng Yao, just nodded indifferently, and then continued to lower his head to clean the snow on Lin Wei Xi's collar. The smile on Lin Wei Xi's face quickly disappeared. She looked dignified and alienated, nodded to Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi."

As if only in a flash, Lin Wei Xi was restored from the lively beauty to an aloof, dignified and indifferent stepmother. Gu Cheng Yao didn't know what he was feeling in his heart or why. His eyes accurately captured many details. For example, his father's one hand was picking the snow on Lin Wei Xi's head, and the other hand still fell on Lin Wei Xi's waist. The distance between the two of them was extremely close, and Lin Wei Xi was very calm at this level of touch, without any discomfort.

Gu Cheng Yao's eyes turned around unobtrusively. Lin Wei Xi originally greeted Gu Cheng Yao very formally, and suddenly felt a pain on the top of her head. She covered her hair and raised her head painfully to complain: "Wangye, you just grabbed my hair!"

"Really? I didn't pay attention." Gu Hui Yan withdrew his hand calmly, as if it was a momentary mistake. He looked at Lin Wei Xi's watery eyes that was caused by the pain, and felt a little uncomfortable. He rubbed the place where Lin Wei Xi was pulled, and asked in a low voice, "Does it hurt?"

Chapter 52 : Shu Younger Brother

Gu Hui Yan leaned over and asked in a low voice, Lin Wei Xi wrinkled her nose, and said: "It's all right."

The pulling was over, otherwise, what else could she done?

Gu Cheng Yao vaguely felt something. He took a step back and lowered his head and said, "This son has not completed his homework, so I won't disturb father and mother to appreciate the snow. Please excuse this son."

Gu Hui Yan nodded and said, "Go ahead, the spring examination is coming. It’s important to prepare for the preliminary round. Don't be distracted by the clamoring of these few days. Understand?"

"I understand, thanking father for his teaching." After Gu Cheng Yao responded, he raised his head and glanced at Lin Wei Xi, cupped his hand to salute, and turned away.

Gu Hui Yan was teaching his son, Lin Wei Xi stood aside and listened. After Gu Cheng Yao turned around and walked on the same road, Lin Wei Xi remembered something and asked suspiciously: "What Shizi originally intend to do? He just go back like that?"

"Perhaps just sitting in the study room feel stuffy, so he came out to get some air." Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi and said, "The weather is cold these days, don't let your temper run off. Be careful of catching cold."

"No, I'm not such an unruly person." Lin Wei Xi mumbled, too lazy to care about Gu Cheng Yao. Anyway, how Gu Cheng Yao was had nothing to do with her, she handed over the management of Qingsong Garden to the dowry servant left by Wangfei Shen, her attitude of not interfering in the matter of Shizi was very obvious. Whatever happened in Gu Cheng Yao’s courtyard was their own business, and she this succeeding Wangfei had nothing to do with it.

As for whether Gao Ran and Bu Mama were like the east wind overwhelmed the west wind or the west wind overwhelmed the east wind, it depends on the methods of these two people. Lin Wei Xi would just stay aside and watch the excitement.

After returning to Jingcheng Courtyard, Lin Wei Xi first ordered the kitchen to prepare the foods, and then went to the inner room to change her snow-soaked clothing. That snow ball was just happened to fall on Lin Wei Xi. The soaked hair were fine, but the snow that fell on the collar were troublesome. The snow was already cold, and when it fell on the neck, it froze for a while, and then it was steamed into snow water by the body temperature. Now it all seeped into Lin Wei Xi's back. She was not only uncomfortable, but also easy to catch cold.

Lin Wei Xi could only untie her hair and changed into a new, dry and warm clothes, and then casually rolled her hair up into a low bun and went outside to dine with Gu Hui Yan. Seeing Lin Wei Xi coming out, Gu Hui Yan first reached out to check the temperature of her forehead, and found that she did not have a fever, so he said at ease: "Fortunately, there is no fever. Drink the ginger tea first."

Lin Wei Xi looked at the ginger tea, and before she speaks anything, Gu Hui Yan could see her thoughts and said, "No quibble, you have to drink it. Your body is delicate. Today walking in the snow for so long, there is also snow in your clothes. If not careful now, what should we do if you get fever tomorrow?"

Well, Lin Wei Xi also knew that her current health was not good, couldn’t be like in the past. She could only hold the tea cup and drink the hot ginger tea bit by bit. Lin Wei Xi stared at the cup in her hand intently. The ginger tea’s steam rise up, when encountered the air it condensed into white water mist, and it hung on Lin Wei Xi's eyelashes, concentrated into fine water droplets.

Gu Hui Yan watched for a long time, finally couldn't help but reached out to touch Lin Wei Xi's long eyelashes. Lin Wei Xi's eyelashes were extremely long, and the tail ends tilted up neatly. Now with the water-drops hanging on it, it wouldn’t fall off, looking very delicate and pitiful. Gu Hui Yan's finger touched the outermost eyelashes. Lin Wei Xi was puzzled and raised her head to question: "What's wrong?"

Gu Hui Yan shook his head and smiled, but did not reply. Lin Wei Xi with great difficulty finished the drink, took the kerchief from Wan Xing's hand, and gently wiped the water stains on her lips. When Gu Hui Yan saw that she had tidy up, he let people passed on the meal.

Although it was annual leave from the twenty-third of the twelfth month to the seventeenth of the first month, Gu Hui Yan had a different status. He was both the commander of 100,000 army and the auxiliary minister of the court. Even if he did not go out, there were many things that come to him. Not to mention the New Year was approaching, so there were many people walking through the gate. After Gu Hui Yan spent lunch with Lin Wei Xi, he didn’t sit for long and then went to the front to deal with some business.

After Gu Hui Yan left, Lin Wei Xi had to do her own thing. These past few days, it was not only Gu Hui Yan who was busy, she, the Yan Wangfei, was also up to her neck busy. Many people came to visit before the end of the year, and the daily gifts in the gatehouse were piled up. At the end of the year, officials from other provinces had to go to the capital to report on their duties. Many of these gifts were sent by officials from various provinces. Although most people couldn't even enter the mansion, Lin Wei Xi couldn't let these gifts stay idly by. If there was nothing to asked, who would actually give gifts? Especially Yan Wang’s status was delicate now. It was not a good thing for an emperor’s uncle, who leads the troops to save the country, to be too conspicuous. Lin Wei Xi was not a shallow-eyed person. She didn’t care about the silver sent from outside, she cared more about the stability and longevity of Yan Wang Mansion.

Therefore, these gifts were handled with particular care. If they were too precious, it shouldn’t be accepted, and some gifts from the household that had friendly relations also could not be casually accepted. Lin Wei Xi must prepare a suitable and slightly more precious gift in return, with a group of servants to deliver to the other side’s house. In this way, it was extremely exhausting to process the gift list alone every day.

Lin Wei Xi was considering the return gift for the capital magistrate when she suddenly heard an announcement from the outside. A maid with two buns hairstyle stood outside the curtain and said, "Wangfei, Duke Yingguo Mansion old madam and lady are here."

"Duke Yingguo Mansion?" Lin Wei Xi was stunned when she heard the name. She quickly recovered and asked, "I didn't receive the calling card from Duke Yingguo Mansion yesterday. Did the gatekeeper miss it?"

"It's not that the gatekeeper missed it." The maid stepped forward and handed over the calling card and said, "This is the card from Duke Yingguo Mansion."

Lin Wei Xi asked Wan Xing to pick up the calling card. After she got it, Lin Wei Xi knew what was going on without having to read it.

A household who had some status, whether visiting relatives or friends, always send a calling card to the other side's gate one or two days in advance. First, it was to respect the host and let the host have time to prepare. Second, it was also to show their etiquette. Each family’s calling card was carefully prepared, and an experienced housewife could guess which household it was by just looking at the card. However, to not say a word in advance and went directly to the door on the same day, actually there were very few people who would do that. Even if a married women returned to her maiden house, she would send someone back to say something in advance, and she would never come directly.

It was undoubtedly a bit rude of Duke Yingguo Mansion to do this. If the present mistress was Gao Ran, then she would not say anything. It was her own family, naturally more relax. But now the mistress was Lin Wei Xi, Gao Ran's mother-in-law, Duke Yingguo Mansion dared to be so impolite with their in-laws, if it weren't for them going insane, then it must be because something happened suddenly, too anxious to pay attention.

Duke Yingguo Mansion in any case was a duke mansion, and Duke Yingguo madam unlikely to not even understand this social etiquette. So the duke mansion done this probably due to their good daughter-in-law.

Lin Wei Xi's heart was discerning, but still pretended to be unaware, she closed the calling card and said, "Quickly invite the duke madam to the living room. Wan Yue, send tea to the madam and lady."

Lin Wei Xi stood up and went to the inner room to change clothes. She had just eaten with Gu Hui Yan, they were all dressed for comfort, but it was not suitable to meet guests. Lin Wei Xi didn't let anyone re-comb her hair, merely changed her makeup and clothes that would be more appropriate to see the guests, and then walked slowly to the living room.

The Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people came here without notice. Since they didn't respect her as the master of the house, Lin Wei Xi didn't need to care too much about her hospitality. It would be no problem to let the guests wait for a while.

The people of Duke Yingguo Mansion had finished drinking two cups of tea, it could be regarded as waiting for Lin Wei Xi, who was arrive late. Hearing "Greetings Wangfei" one after another coming from outside the partition, the Duke Yingguo madam knew that it was Lin Wei Xi who came, inside couldn't help but snorted.

When Lin Wei Xi arrived, everyone in the room stood up to greet Lin Wei Xi, but Duke Yingguo madam sat in the same position calmly, didn’t intent to get up. Seeing Lin Wei Xi coming in, Duke Yingguo madam put the tea cup on the table with a solemn face, her expression was indifferent and aloof: "Your Highness Yan Wangfei, this old body should welcome you, but this old body’s legs and feet are inconvenience, afraid it will be difficult to greet Wangfei."

Duke Yingguo madam was already sixty years old. She was old and used her seniority to not give face to Lin Wei Xi. These young people also couldn't say anything. Of course Lin Wei Xi knew what Duke Yingguo madam said just now was to mock her as the hostess that came late. Lin Wei Xi didn't care, only smiled and sat on the opposite side of Duke Yingguo madam, and immediately showed the momentum of sitting on an equal level with her: "The old madam is too polite. You personally brought the madams and ladies of the Duke Yingguo Mansion to Yan Wang Mansion. I as the junior was supposed to welcome you at the second gate. However, your mansion come at an unfortunate time. I am in the middle of dressing up and changing clothes. Can only temporarily set it aside, let you and Gao family’s lady wait for a while. The old madam and lady won’t blame me right?"

Duke Yingguo old madam were dissatisfied that Lin Wei Xi had kept them waiting for a long time, and Lin Wei Xi also could throw the fact that the Duke Yingguo Mansion came without notice. Who made Duke Yingguo Mansion acted rude first? Duke Yingguo old madam was so faceless that they could only take a secret sigh and endure the breath.

After they were seated, Lin Wei Xi looked at the Gao family's womenfolk whom she was once very familiar with, but now should be the first time she met them officially. Her eyes swept across the crowd and suddenly saw a familiar figure. Lin Wei Xi's eyes darkened, but she still smiled and asked, "Old madam, who is this?"

The old madam looked behind her, only then realized she hadn't introduced them to Lin Wei Xi. Although they had met at the palace banquet before, but at that time Lin Wei Xi’s status was still an orphan. How could Duke Yingguo old madam with eyes higher than the sky looked to this kind of person? Later, Lin Wei Xi and Yan Wang got married, and Duke Yingguo Mansion also came to participate at the wedding banquet, but mixed with a bunch of guests, how could the bride Lin Wei Xi remember. So strictly speaking, Lin Wei Xi was still not too familiar with Gao family’s people.

Duke Yingguo old madam could only let her daughter-in-law and grandson came forward and said: "This is my second daughter-in-law, this is my eldest grandson. Are you still not coming to greet Wangfei?"

Gao second lady stepped forward and gave Lin Wei Xi a salutation. Lin Wei Xi looked at her former aunt, smiled and asked Wan Xing and Wan Yue to help her up. She said: "Second lady is too polite, I am young, and I can't receive your salutation."

Gao second lady said: "Yan Wangfei is too modest. Although you are young, you are also a first-grade Wangfei on the imperial family tree. Although I rely on the children marriage to become the same generation as you, I should still bow to you according to the etiquette."

Gao Ran was the niece of Gao second lady, and Lin Wei Xi was Gao Ran's mother-in-law. From this perspective, Lin Wei Xi and this second lady were indeed the same generation. However, the second son of the Gao family, Lin Wei Xi’s former second uncle, has not gained fame, but because the family donation he became an idle a fifth-grade official. From the perspective of rank, the second lady dare not really regard herself as Lin Wei Xi’s peers. The salutation still need to be done.

Lin Wei Xi smiled, did not say much, but politely let the maid took a bench for Gao second lady to sit. After Gao second lady sat down, another person came forward and kowtowed to Lin Wei Xi: "Pay respects Yan Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi's smile was still dignified and fitting, but her fingers under her wide sleeves were tightly clenched. Gao second lady thought that Lin Wei Xi didn’t know who was that, while sat on the side she gave an introduction: “This is the only son of our Duke Yingguo Mansion Shizi’s family. Although he is a shu-born, however accounted as the eldest grandson. He is also very bright and intelligent. Chen boy come closer, let Wangfei take a look."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes turned cold, how could she not know this person? Gao Chen, her former shu younger brother and Gao Ran's younger brother from the same mother, also the child who indirectly killed Wei shi back then.

Who could be become the Duke Yingguo in the future.

Chapter 53 : Disciplined

Gao Chen obeyed the orders of his elders and stepped forward to kowtow to Lin Wei Xi. Kowtowing was considered a very formal etiquette, and only the elders and high-ranking elders could afford it. In the previous life, although Lin Wei Xi was the eldest sister, but she was the same generation as Gao Chen, she could not afford a kowtow. But now, Lin Wei Xi was sitting steadily, watching Gao Chen knock his head strongly three times.

Her eyes were fixed on Gao Chen's movements, there seemed to be a dark vortex deep in her eyes. After Gao Chen knocked his head, he hadn't heard the voice calling him to get up for a long time. Gao Chen was puzzled. He still kept the kowtow posture and didn't dare to get up. Gao second lady was originally smiling, but she was a little surprised when she saw this. Isn’t it the first time Yan Wangfei has seen Gao Chen? Where did Gao Chen being inappropriate? Why does the Wangfei look at him like this?

After a short period of stiffness, Wan Yue gently called Lin Wei Xi from behind: "Wangfei?"

Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses, lowered her eyes, and indifferently glanced at the boy who had almost his whole body attached to the ground, and said without joy or anger, "Get up."

Lin Wei Xi's voice was not harsh, but also didn’t show any like. When Gao Chen came today, his mother and his wet nurse asked him to perform well, and it would be best if he get the favor of Yan Wangfei.

Han shi's daughter was the daughter-in-law under Lin Wei Xi's name, and in the future her son might have to rely on Yan Wang to get official position and even the title. Of course, she did not dare to offend Lin Wei Xi, and even hoped to please this young, rumored to be very favored by Yan Wang, consort. Han shi’s original intention was very good. A noble little boy like Gao Chen had been raised well since childhood, white and tender, with red lips and white teeth. Which madam didn't like it? Moreover, Lin Wei Xi had not given birth yet, so she must like this kind cheerful boy the most, so Han shi privately thought that as long as Gao Chen didn't make some indecent or annoying behaviors, Lin Wei Xi had no reason to dislike Gao Chen.

Before Gao Chen went out, his mother told him what he should and should not do, and on the journey he was told again by his grandmother and aunt. He also knew that the madam he would meet today was very unusual, so he was very careful along the way. After seeing Lin Wei Xi, Gao Chen was shocked. This was the madam he should cautiously fawning on? She was so young, she looked like his sister’s generation.

But no matter what Gao Chen thought, he dared not show it. Instead, he showed his usual style of pleasing his grandmother and father. His kowtow and paying respect was natural and yet childish and cute, ensuring that everyone would smile and praise when they saw him. In the past, this was how he won the rewards from the madams who came to the Duke Mansion, but today, his forehead had been knocked on the floor for a long time, and he didn't see the honorable Wangfei speaking. Gao Chen didn't dare to raise his head, and could only maintain his original posture, his hands and face were firmly on the ground. Inside the room the subtle fragrance were floating, the beautiful and radiant young Wangfei sat tall, and he knelt thoughtfully on the ground, Gao Chen suddenly felt a sense of humbleness.

Unknown how long, it was probably not that long, but for Gao Chen it seemed to be a lifetime. Lin Wei Xi's pleasant to hear voice that was like golden jade flowing water sounded, the end of her words casually enticing: "Get up."

Only then did Gao Chen dared to get up from the ground carefully. This short period of time, it made Gao Chen respected and feared the brilliance Wangfei in front of him. He didn't even dare to look directly. He realized once again that he was just a shu-born, and compared with such a noble lady, he was just cloud of mud and he was ashamed of himself.

Before going out, Han shi had specially asked Gao Chen to respect and pleased the Wangfei no matter what his grandmother said. This principle was easy to understand. How could their Duke Mansion be compared with Yan Wang, Gao Xi with her noble status to marry Gu Cheng Yao was considered marry high, although it was then replaced by Gao Ran, but it was still a younger generation. Now the Duke Mansion was going to see Gao Ran's mother-in-law, the honorable Yan Wangfei, how could Han shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi dare to be scornful. But after all, this time they went to support Gao Ran. The maiden’s family trump card had to be taken out, so before going out, everyone in the Duke Yingguo Mansion had reached a consensus. Duke Yingguo Madam would play the black face, Guo second lady would play the white face, and then Gao Chen, this child would become the mediator. Yan Wangfei in front of the child's innocence should be easier to talk to.

But before the people of Duke Yingguo Mansion went out they thought very thoroughly, never expected that when they came to Yan Wang Mansion, Lin Wei Xi would not even buy Gao Chen's act. Duke Yingguo madam and the second daughter-in-law looked at each other, both saw the surprise and embarrassment in each other's eyes.

The buffer to reconcile from the middle was gone. Duke Yingguo old madam who should play the black-face spoke with a little confidence. She tried her best to tighten up and took out the seniority’s card: "Yan Wangfei, the juniors from Duke Yingguo Mansion are naughty. Let you laugh."

Lin Wei Xi smiled when she heard the words, and sure enough, this came. She leaned back, slanted her elbows on the armrests, and lifted the tea cover with the other hand, with a casual voice said: "Duke Yingguo Mansion is crouching tiger, hidden dragon, the old madam’s words is too modest. I still haven’t ask the old madam. The old madam took your daughter-in-law and grandson personally to the gate of Yan Wang Mansion actually why?"

Lin Wei Xi had an indifferent and leisurely posture, but their side had been tensely waited, ready to fight. Duke Yingguo Madam and second lady frowned, not satisfied with Lin Wei Xi's completely indifferent attitude, was she looking down at them?

"This old body supporting this old bone to come to the door in person, naturally have a purpose. I just don't know, where is that unworthy third girl of our family? Her grandma and aunt come, and she as a junior, didn't come out to greet us?"

"Oh, old madam is asking about Shizi Consort." Lin Wei Xi still leaned lazily on the armchair, and said casually, "Shizi Consort is still copying books in the Buddhist hall. From the end of last month, it was already more than twenty days, Shizi Consort still haven’t finish copying, so she can’t come out to see the old madam. It’s also my fault as the mother-in-law. I didn’t teach her well earlier, she couldn’t even copy a few roll of Book of Filial Piety. If old madam miss Shizi Consort, you might as well wait a moment, and when she finishes copying, I will ask her to come over?"

Duke Yingguo madam was choked. When a woman married a husband, the responsibility of teaching her was transferred from the mother to the mother-in-law. The mother-in-law naturally has the power to discipline the daughter-in-law, and sometimes even the biological mother couldn’t talk too much. Lin Wei Xi disciplined Gao Ran was just and righteous, but Lin Wei Xi said that Gao Ran's rules were not good, and even the Book of Filial Piety were not copied properly, Duke Yingguo old madam as the maiden family was very ashamed. The label of filial piety was really crushing to death. The married daughter was not taught well, and was rejected by her in-laws as incompetent or even unfilial. Even her maiden family would be ashamed.

Duke Yingguo old madam also a mother-in-law herself, and she couldn’t be said to be kind to her daughter-in-law, but changed it to her granddaughter the old madam was very unhappy.

Not long ago, the Duke Yingguo Mansion received a message from Gao Ran. Gao Ran entrusted people to send the message, saying that she was disliked by her mother-in-law and was locked in a cold Buddhist hall to copy books during the New Year. The day she would be let out was far away. When the people in the Shizi’s courtyard saw her absence, some of them were already thinking about climbing the bed.

The greatest reliance of Duke Yingguo Mansion was that Gao Ran, as Shizi Consort, was very much loved by Shizi. Although Gao Ran was a shu daughter, as long as she could bring benefits to the Duke mansion, whether di or shu it didn’t matter. Gu Cheng Yao’s dedication to Gao Ran had been seen by the whole Duke Yingguo Mansion, but everything better be safe than sorry. If when Gao Ran was absent, there were other women who climb the bed and took the opportunity to snatch away Shizi’s affection. How could that be good? Once Gao Ran fell out of favor, the marriage of the two mansion returned to Gao Xi's time, and in jeopardy. Gao Ran’s status was not as high as Gao Xi. Without the backing of Grand Princess Shou Kang, the relationship between the Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion would only be more fragile.

The whole family of Duke Yingguo Mansion looked forward to Gao Ran giving birth to her son as soon as possible, it took a long time to catch Gu Hui Yan this big ship. Now they heard that Gao Ran was treated harshly by her mother-in-law, and there was a danger of falling out of favor. Duke Yingguo old madam immediately panicked. She didn't care about her face and identity, and immediately set up a carriage. She personally brought people to demand an explanation for Gao Ran.

Duke Yingguo old madam gestured to the people below, Gao second lady understood and let the maid went outside with Gao Chen. When there were no children in the house, the old madam’s words could be blunter: "Wangfei, although our family’s third girl was naughty and mischievous when she was in her maiden house, but her temperament is not the one who doesn’t know what’s importance, and she will not do anything unfilial. Saying that the third girl was not filial, and she was also punished to copy the Book of Filial Piety in the Buddhist hall. I wonder if there a reason for this?"

Lin Wei Xi chuckled lightly, and straightened up from the back of the chair, her eyes gleaming, the waves of her eyes carried an unspeakable meaning of ice and snow: "I said why the old madam didn't even send the calling card, suddenly took people to come to the door, so you are here to inquire about the crime. Alright then, although this is the family affair of our Yan Wang Mansion, but since the girls from your Duke mansion can not be punished, then I have to take the family skeleton outside. The third girl of your mansion was punished because she contradicted Yan Wang in front of everyone, and suspected to criticize Wangye for being unfair. I know that I am a step-in-law, everything I do will make people suspicious. But Shizi Consort in front of the crowd contradicted Yan Wang, old madam do you think she should be punished or not? I understand that she is a womenfolk, afraid that she hasn't even scratched a skin at home. She was exempt from family law, only punished to copy books in the Buddhist hall, ponder over her mistakes behind close door, and also conveniently meditate. I didn’t think that twenty days have passed, and Shizi Consort's Book of Filial Piety has only been copied less than half, but also her maiden family came to ask for redress."

The Duke Yingguo old madam and Gao second lady were shocked when they heard that Gao Ran was punished for offending Yan Wang. After listening to Lin Wei Xi's entire story later, they became more and more frightened and dreadful. Beside the shock there was also a wave of anger. Gao Ran dared to confront Yan Wang? Dared to question the unfairness of Yan Wang? Oh my God, that's Yan Wang, even the emperor didn't dare to say such things to Yan Wang, how could she!

Lin Wei Xi looked at her former grandmother and second aunt’s face full of regret and anger mingled with ugly expressions, sneered in her heart, and wanted to stand up: "Since the girl from the Duke Mansion can't be punished, then I will call Shizi Consort out. I am young and it‘s difficult to convince the public. Today, I learn that if a daughter-in-law contradicted her husband’s parents, then her maiden family can be drag down and come over aggressively to ask about the crime. Since the old madam and lady Gao did not allow me to punish Shizi Consort, then said it earlier, saved me from good intention of disciplining her, and also from the old lady who came to the house, point her finger to the nose to scold, saying that I am a wicked mother-in-law who treated her daughter-in-law harshly."

"Wangfei!" Everyone immediately step forward to block. The Duke Yingguo old madam was not moving due to her seniority, but Gao second lady had no scruples. She stepped forward and grabbed Lin Wei Xi's arm. Lin Wei Xi was about to go out but was caught by Gao second lady to tightly stopped: "Wangfei, it is our fault. Hurriedly come over after hearing only a few words from the people below, but actually it was the girl who done something wrong. Wangfei, you are the third girl’s mother-in-law, when she hasn’t married, she will be disciplined by her mother. After she is out of the boudoir, it will refer to Wangfei to teach her! Our old madam spoke in a hurry, but she didn’t mean to blame Wangfei. How do you want to discipline the third girl, we her maiden family will not have any objections."

Lin Wei Xi smiled. Although her arms were held by Gao second lady, the expression on her face was still ridiculing, "I don't dare. I am about the same age as Shizi Consort, and I have never been to the capital before, suddenly became Shizi Consort’s mother. If I’m the maiden family of Shizi Consort, I will also dissatisfied. The old madam and second lady thought like this I can understand. I will call Shizi Consort immediately, how Shizi Consort in the future, it will follow the old madam and Guo second lady’s instructions, I shouldn’t control it anymore."

"Oh, Wangfei, what are you talking about?" Guo second lady couldn’t afford to be embarrass, hurriedly bent over and gave up her old face for more than 30 years to a young girl who was about the same age as her daughter and paid her kind words: “Wangfei, we were wrong just now, and we wrongly blamed Wangfei. Although Wangfei is young, the rules of doing things are praised by the Empress Dowager. This month, Yan Wang mansion’s festival gift moved about, which one was not from the hand of Wangfei. There is no household in the capital that did not praise. We have never underestimated Wangfei’s young age, let alone look down on you because Wangfei just arrived. Of course, Wangfei is justified in doing things. You will never punish the third girl out of nothing. We will leave the third girl for you to teach. Our Duke Mansion has put a hundred hearts on it."

Lin Wei Xi was pulled by a bunch of people, so she could only stop her movements and no longer show the momentum of going out, but her expression was still cold and asked: "If that is the case, what will I assign to Shizi Consort in the future..."

Gao second lady vowed: "You can punish her, our Duke Yingguo mansion will not object. This time we were deceived by the slaves, and actually misunderstood Wangfei. This kind of mishap will never happen again in the future."

Gao second lady puts such words in front of everyone, and in the future she would definitely have no face to point out their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law’s affairs. In the future, as long as it wasn't for Lin Wei Xi's act of letting Gao Ran wash clothes in ice water in the winter, or counting beans in the ashes, the Duke Yingguo Mansion would no longer have the confidence to support Gao Ran.

Gao Ran made a special trip to invite her maiden family to come over to have a showdown, afraid she had never expected this result.

Chapter 54 : Avoid Suspicion

Lin Wei Xi was very satisfied with this result. Who do these people think they are, to actually blame her? Seeing Lin Wei Xi's face ease down, the Gao second lady was overjoyed, and quickly helped Lin Wei Xi sit back in her seat. Lin Wei Xi half-willing half-unwillingly sat back. Seeing that the farce had finally come to an end, and didn’t become out-of-hand situation, Duke Yingguo old madam was relieved in her heart: "Yan Wangfei, this old body talking in a hurry just now. This caused a misunderstanding."

This was a roundabout apology. After all, Duke Yingguo old madam was forty or fifty years older than Lin Wei Xi. In a patriarchal society where the old was respected, a grandmother's generation could say to this degree was rarer than a red rain. How could Lin Wei Xi's previous life ever think that one day, she would hear her arbitrary and domineering grandmother apologize to her.

But Lin Wei Xi was not a person who stop while she’s ahead, what she liked the most was to kill to the very last one. Lin Wei Xi smiled at the old madam. She had a beautiful face, and this one smile was like the sky lighten up for the first time, when spring return to the earth, it’s a pity what she said was a different kind of situation: "Old madam, since today’s scene is all a misunderstanding. Where is the servant who use their tongue to cause this misunderstanding? Can actually move Yan Wang Mansion’s affair to the Duke Mansion, presumably this is a servant of Yan Wang Mansion. Under my rule, some people dare to do this. This matter also misled the old madam and the second lady. It is really a crime worthy of death. Old lady can just say it, no matter who it is, I will punish them severely and give justice to Duke Yingguo Mansion."

Duke Yingguo old madam was shocked when she heard this. She and Guo second lady looked at each other in surprise, never expecting Lin Wei Xi to do things this way. It was also an eye-opener for Guo second lady. Among the noble ladies she used to meet, which one were not thin-skinned. They regarded face more than life, even if they were angry, if other people were looking, they would wipe their face, and most of them would just let it go. But Lin Wei Xi didn't. They had already speak to this extent, and almost put the dignity of Duke Yingguo Mansion to dust, and they finally persuaded Lin Wei Xi to come back. But now Lin Wei Xi still want to pursue the person who passed the message?

It’s the first time for Guo second lady to see such an unreasonable and unforgiving woman. Wasn’t she too confident?

But who made the other person felt so confident? Lin Wei Xi was the Yan Wangfei, who was more than a round younger than Yan Wang, and the one Yan Wang personally seek to bring back. It was indefinite how much Yan Wang loved her. Even if Duke Yingguo Mansion were the in-laws, the one they catch was Gu Cheng Yao. They still need to depend on Yan Wang, so how could they dare to offend the little Wangfei whom Yan Wang loved so much? To make things worse, this matter was still Gao Ran who was wrong first.

Gao second lady scolded Gao Ran very much in her heart. This troublemaker, she caused troubles and was punished, and went home to manipulate her elders, and now she wanted to involve her elders to apologize for her.

Gao second lady took a careful look at her mother-in-law, and after receiving her instructions, she said a name with shame on her face. Lin Wei Xi knew it was one of Gao Ran's dowry servant. Although she was also from the Duke Mansion, she couldn't compare to confidants like Tao Mama and Ning Fu. Lin Wei Xi also knew that it was impossible to cut off Gao Ran's right arm all at once, and it also quite rewarding to be able to get rid of the dowry servant because the opportunity that Gao Ran presented herself.

Lin Wei Xi thought this way, just as the Duke Yingguo old madam wanted, and did not continue to question closely, but just dismissed the dowry servant. It happened that the master’s family was also there, so Lin Wei Xi said, “This dowry servant was brought by Shizi Consort, since Shizi Consort has entered the door of my mansion, then these dowry servants are all become my Yan Wang Mansion’s people. But they are from Duke Yingguo Mansion after all. I can’t judge the severity of it, so I can only ask the old madam a few advises. You said, what should I do with this kind of villainous slave who plays with their tongue and incite disharmony between in-laws?"

It’s really been a long time since Duke Yingguo old madam had been this upset. She said: “You can do anything with those wicked slaves, this kind of people even the duke mansion can’t tolerated it. Wangfei doesn’t have to worry about it, just sell them."

"Alright." Lin Wei Xi responded with a smile, and said to Wan Yue, "Pass on the old madam's order and sell all the dowry servant in the Shizi Consort’s courtyard with the surname Li."

Duke Yingguo old madam was speechless, why it became her orders again? Gao second lady at last gained first-hand knowledge, there were actually such difficult people in this world, and this person was Gao Ran's mother-in-law, and the duke mansion’s people all dare not offend this Yan Wangfei.

This trip for Duke Yingguo Mansion was really a failure. Originally planned to come to support their granddaughter, but they were trolled by their granddaughter’s young mother-in-law and many years of self-respect were all gone. Not only that, but also paid with a dowry family. Gao Ran only took two dowry family with her when she got married, and one family was lost in a blink of an eye. This loss was not insignificant.

Might as well thicken the face, the Duke Yingguo old madam simply gave up and brazenly asked, "Wangfei, the New Year is approaching, even the court has started the annual leave, Shizi actually still has to study all night?"

Lin Wei Xi for a while couldn’t guess why the old madam suddenly asked about Gu Cheng Yao. She was afraid to leave an opening, so she just responded vaguely: "Shizi's daily necessities have always been a matter of the outer courtyard, generally follows Wangye’s arrangement and I never get involved."

Duke Yingguo old madam also only started talking. She did not intend to question the way Yan Wang disciplined his son, but then asked: "Yan Wang’s strict discipline to Shizi really makes me amazed. It's just that studying is a quiet and noble’s work. It’s inappropriate to have distracting thoughts in mind. Since Shizi wants to concentrate on studying, if there is still a maid by his side, won’t it disturb Shizi’s study?

Lin Wei Xi finally realized, it turned out Duke Yingguo old madam were talking about Yun Hui. Lin Wei Xi coughed, and a red cloud rose on her face, and her expression became embarrassed: "Yun Hui's matter...this is Shizi room's affairs. I'm afraid it's inappropriate for me as the stepmother to interfere."

Duke Yingguo old madam also felt embarrassed, and a seventeen-year-old girl said these, she couldn't hold back her old face. However, this was the main purpose of her coming today. Since the words had already spoken here, and the dowry family had been lost, then the vixen around Shizi must be dealt with. They could not meet Yan Wang, also didn't dare to talk to Yan Wang about such things. Of course, how to deal with Shizi’s orioles and swallows, had to let Lin Wei Xi this mother to take action.

Lin Wei Xi felt that this was something… Yun Hui, she had the knowledge from her previous life. This person had served Gu Cheng Yao for ten years and two years older than Gu Cheng Yao. The girl understood the matters early, and Yun Hui personally took care of Gu Cheng Yao from boy to man. She might have regarded herself as his room’s people in her heart. Not to mention Yun Hui and Bu mama were close, the two get along better than mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. In this case, if an outside primary wife wants to gain a foothold, these two "contributors" were a troublesome matter.

In the previous life, Lin Wei Xi was very uncomfortable with Yun Hui's behavior, and even more disgusted with Bu Mama who faintly regarded herself as half mother-in-law. Want her and Yun Hui to follow the example of Ehuang and Nyuying*? She was just dreaming, was Yun Hui really her match.

*Ehuang and Nyuying are from Chinese mythology, they are the daughters of Emperor Yao, they both married Emperor Shun together, one as the wife the other as concubine. The three had good relationship, when Emperor Shun died, they both throw themselves into Xiangjing River.

Lin Wei Xi had a lot of trouble with Bu Mama and Yun Hui in her previous life, but Gu Cheng Yao was blind, wholeheartedly thought that his nanny and close maid were good. Lin Wei Xi had finally left this quagmire now, and came as the sole winner. It was not an exaggeration to say that she was the one who called the wind and summoned the rain (the one that stir up troubles). Why she still contaminated by this mud? Gao Ran usually guarded against her like a thief, but now she wanted her to take action to solve Yun Hui, Heh! Where did she get such a thick face.

Lin Wei Xi firmly shook her head: "I am about the same age as Shizi. I should avoided suspicion. Now I am intervening in the affairs of Shizi’s room. If it spread outside what would it called? Shizi Consort has an orchid heart and vanilla quality*, and also the wife Shizi took a lot of trouble finding. This kind of trivial matter is naturally not a problem. Wife and concubine matters are part of Shizi Consort’s own affairs, so let Shizi Consort make the arrangements herself.

*Orchid heart and vanilla quality, 兰心蕙质 it’s a metaphor for a woman with pure heart and elegant personality.

If Gao Ran could dismiss Yun Hui, how could she still want to borrow Lin Wei Xi’s influence? It was Gao Ran who couldn't get rid of this face, and Duke Yingguo old madam wanted to force Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei’s words are wrong, Shizi in the end wants to call you mother, the younger generation can't know people after a short while, can't see the good or bad, but also cannot rely on Wangfei as the mother to take the helm. After all, Wangfei will depend on Shizi to provide for her elderly life in the future, and the relationship between the mother and Shizi is still long. How can you really not concern about Shizi’s courtyard matters?"

The Duke Yingguo old madam used providing for elderly life to threatened Lin Wei Xi. Even if Lin Wei Xi had children in the future, she would still need to rely on Gu Cheng Yao to provide for her elderly life. Gao Ran's attitude, as the daughter-in-law, was particularly important. After all, Shizi wasn’t Lin Wei Xi's own child. How would she live in the future? Still couldn’t overlook Gao Ran as the proper consort right?

Lin Wei Xi understood. She was vaguely angry, no longer cared about feelings and sentiments, her voice suddenly became colder: "If there’s once there are second. Do you mean, Shizi Consort count on me to arrange the concubine for her?"

The Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly lost her voice. The stepmother get involved with the affairs of Shizi’s room was not a good reputation, but reputation and rules could only restrain to those who care about it. If Lin Wei Xi really open-minded and didn’t care about what outsiders think, she would use the elder’s name to bestow a servant girl to Gu Cheng Yao. Even if she meddled with Gu Cheng Yao's concubine's room, what could other people actually do except said a few words of contempt?

The room was strangely quiet, Lin Wei Xi and the old madam’s expressions were not very good. At this moment, there was a sudden noise outside the window, as if something had been knocked off. Several people in the room were taken aback. Lin Wei Xi stood up and heard a low voice of apologizing from outside, which was also mixed in with the sound of greeting.

Lin Wei Xi's expression sank. She walked out quickly, just in time to see Gao Chen standing aside, with a knocked vase under his feet. Gao Chen's wet nurse was holding him, and she kept apologizing to another person.

Gao Chen actually hided outside to eavesdrop? Lin Wei Xi was angry in her heart, but she still endured it and went ahead and said, "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan nodded, motioning Lin Wei Xi to get up. Gao Chen’s figure was small and hided in the gap. If Gu Hui Yan hadn't come back from the outside, it’s unknown how long he would still hide. Of course, it was the family's instruction that Gao Chen came back to secretly overhear. His mother often asked him to do this. After a long time, Gao Chen himself learned. But today, he was accidentally spotted by someone and knocked down the vase. Looking at the face of his wet nurse, Gao Chen realized that even if he still didn't understand the matter, this time the disaster was serious.

The wet nurse also didn't expect that the young master went to eavesdrop and was discovered by Yan Wang, he was so frightened and accidently knocked down a vase. This was the porcelain of the Tang Dynasty. Yue Porcelain had long been discontinued now. Since the previous dynasty, Yue Porcelain was already priceless. Now the price of Yue Porcelain the wet nurse couldn’t even began to imagine. The wet nurse’s fright was not light, continuously apologize: "Wangye, please forgive me. Young master did not deliberately knock down the vase. Young master is still a child..."

The Duke Yingguo old madam walked out with the help of Gao second lady, her expression was not very good when she saw the sight outside. Gu Hui Yan glanced faintly on the ground and said, "It's nothing but a vase. Come here, just sweep it."

The maids on both sides responded, and everyone from the wet nurse to the Duke Yingguo madam breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you Wangye. Brother Chen is young and not sensible. If he is rude, also asked Wangye to not care."

Gu Hui Yan didn't intend to speak, Lin Wei Xi saw this and said, "It's just a vase. If it fell, then it fell. It’s good that it doesn't hurt anyone. Should I call someone to examine his hand?"

People of Duke Yingguo Mansion were a little embarrassed, so naturally they quickly said no. The old madam sighed in her heart, Yan Wang Mansion was indeed a really big family, even for Yue porcelain vase could said if it fell then it fell, just sweep it. Duke Yingguo old madam felt a little emotion in her heart and turned to worry about another matter. When did Yan Wang come in? Did he hear the previous words?

In fact, Gu Hui Yan was not in a good mood right now. Of course, this was not because he caught a child eavesdropping. He was a high-ranking person, naturally would not be doing such a low thing like eavesdrop, but he had developed a good hearing ability after many years of combat, and just now the Duke Yingguo old madam and Lin Wei Xi didn’t deliberately lowering their voice when they talked.

Lin Wei Xi said that she was about the same age as Shizi, and then the old madam from the Gao family said that Lin Wei Xi would still need to depend on Gu Cheng Yao to provide for her elderly life, and the two people would have to get along for a long time.

Gu Hui Yan's originally acceptable mood suddenly clouded over.

Over the years he had advance gradually, step by step to the pinnacle of power, but no matter how meticulous the plan still could not change the time. He couldn't erase the fact that he was more than a round older than Lin Wei Xi.

He used to not care, but recently, when he looked at the young and bright Lin Wei Xi, and then saw his handsome son, he always felt a sense of absurdity. It was undeniable that Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao were the same age, young and energetic, and they should be people of the same world.

Instead of him.

Especially the words of Duke Yingguo old madam, Lin Wei Xi would always have to be depend on Gu Cheng Yao to provide for her elderly life. Ridiculously speaking, Lin Wei Xi and Gu Cheng Yao were probably would accompany each other the longest and have the deepest bond. In the etiquette society, brothers would separate, father and son could turn into enemies, husbands and wife could part ways, only the relationship between mother and child that could not be cut off.

Gu Hui Yan suddenly wanted to know what Lin Wei Xi thought about this marriage that had to be concluded because of anger and accident? Why did she refuse to arrange a concubine for Gu Cheng Yao?

Chapter 55 : Pride

When Yan Wang came back, people from Duke Yingguo Mansion did not dare to sit down anymore. Lin Wei Xi out of courtesy sent the people out. She politely said: "The old madam is leaving now? It is not easy for you to come to the mansion, don’t you want to take a look at Shizi Consort?"

When the maiden family arrived, there was no reason they could not see their daughters. But today, the situation was special. The Duke Yingguo madam and Yan Wang had face-to-face meeting. Now she just want to leave the house as soon as possible, so how dare still stay in the mansion. The old madam said: "That’s not necessary, the Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion are close, there will be more opportunities to meet in the future, there’s no need to rush. On the contrary, we have been disturbing Wangfei for a long time today, and Wangfei still need to arrange the lunch, so this old body will no longer disturb."

"The old madam is polite." Lin Wei Xi smiled and suddenly asked, "According to the old madam, what should I do with Shizi Consort who hasn't finished copying The Book of Filial Piety? The New Year is coming soon, and she stay in the Buddhist hall also not good. If not, just forget it?"

Duke Yingguo old madam indeed thought so in her heart. Wasn’t this kind of thing everyone would tacitly agree and then went through the motion. However, when Lin Wei Xi said it like this and asked in front of everyone, Duke Yingguo old madam, no matter how big the face, dare not say "Just forget it", the old lady could only bite the bullet and said, "How can that be?! How can she give up halfway when she made a mistake? After the year is over, let her go back and copy it again."

Lin Wei Xi said "Oh", sure enough old ginger is spicier, but it was a pity that Lin Wei Xi had understood the old madam’s way, and it was useless to play with her. Lin Wei Xi smiled and asked sweetly and frankly: "When is this after the years over? That is too general. I'm afraid I will make a mistake. It is better for the old madam to make it clear, what day do you mean?

Gao second lady really couldn't close her mouth. She looked up at Lin Wei Xi in amazement, as if she saw some strange species. Duke Yingguo old madam had to grit her teeth a bit: "After the seventh day, after the People’s Day, it is time for the Kitchen God to return to heaven."

"Alright." Lin Wei Xi responded with a smile, "Then follow the instructions of the old madam and let Shizi Consort continue to go to the temple to copy books on the eighth day of the New Year. I will inform Shizi Consort, the old madam and second lady will wait for Shizi Consort?"

"No need." The Duke Yingguo old madam twitched the corners of her lips stiffly, and said, "We are leaving now, Wangfei stays."

As expected, Lin Wei Xi stopped at the gate of the courtyard, smiled politely, and asked the maid to send the people out. Normally Lin Wei Xi should take a few more steps, but now Yan Wang was inside. Even if she leaves Yan Wang to send off the guests, the people of Duke Yingguo Mansion also dare not take it.

Lin Wei Xi more or less stood at the gate, and then turned around to return to the room. Just now Gu Hui Yan’s expression looks wrong when he came in. What's wrong?

Lin Wei Xi did not see Yan Wang after entering the house. She asked the maid standing by the side: "Where is Wangye?"

The maid squatted over and quietly said: "Wangye is in the study."

Lin Wei Xi walked to the side house. She stood at the door and saw Gu Hui Yan standing in front of the bookshelf, sorting out his own collection. The eastern side house was called the study room, but actually it used to be vacant. Now Wangye moved the frequently used books back to the inner house, and the Wangfei also put things in it. Originally the side house was not spacious enough, so the study naturally need to be expanded. Now the East side house had opened the back pavilion, removed the old windows, and installed clear glazed windows, as far as eyes can see was bright and tidy.

The brightness Lin Wei Xi may have some credit, after all, it was her idea which direction to open the window in the first place, but the neatness was all because of Gu Hui Yan. In fact, Lin Wei Xi’s living habits were definitely not messy. After all, her family background and education were there. She was not a person who throws things around, but Gu Hui Yan’s obsessive-compulsive disorder was absolutely inexhaustible. His book must have the same height, the same direction, and different categories were also in different places, no matter what direction to look at, they were in neatly straight lines.

Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but stop when she walked to the door. Yan Wang's arrangement of this place was so neat that it made her difficult to move. She felt that she was the biggest mess.

Gu Hui Yan had heard Lin Wei Xi's footsteps a long time ago. He waited for a while but found that the noise had stopped. He looked back and saw Lin Wei Xi leaning by the door with a strange expression on her face. Gu Hui Yan was amused by such a weird expression, and the quiet and solemn face finally had some liveliness: "Why don't you come in? What are you doing at the door?"

"Wangye has arranged things clearly here. Once I went in, wouldn't it be messed up again?"

"Worst comes to worst just arrange it again, it’s not a problem." Gu Hui Yan looked at her and smiled, and reached his hand to Lin Wei Xi, "Come here."

Lin Wei Xi really leaned forward. She took the book from Gu Hui Yan, looked up at Gu Hui Yan, and smiled crookedly: "Although Wangye said it's not a problem, I'm still afraid that you blame me in your heart. I will give you a hand, you definitely cannot say it’s inconveniencing me."

Gu Hui Yan smiled, did not object, and said, "Then thank you for your trouble Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan stood side by side in front of the tall and solid red sandalwood bookshelf that still exudes a unique woody fragrance. Gu Hui Yan held the book in one hand, quietly and calmly returning it to the right place. The setting sun hit Gu Hui Yan through the glazed windows, coating his profile with a layer of golden light, and he became more and more like a god descending to the earth, handsome and refined. The orange sun shines on Gu Hui Yan's hands, making his fingers slender and well-shaped, while the thin callus on his fingers and palms silently demonstrate the strength of a master.

Lin Wei Xi looked somewhat spellbound, but Gu Hui Yan saw that she didn't respond, so he could only said it again, "Li Weigong Questions."

Lin Wei Xi wake up from a dream, quickly found the book and handed it over to Gu Hui Yan.

The two of them one handed the books one put it in place, very harmonious. Although Lin Wei Xi felt that her role had no effect at all, and suspected that she was slowing down Gu Hui Yan's progress. But she still shamelessly gave a credit to herself, that she finished organizing the book collection with Gu Hui Yan. The atmosphere in the study was harmonious. Lin Wei Xi was looking for a book and asked while she was free: "Wangye, are you angry just now?"

Gu Hui Yan's hand invisibly paused, and then proceeded to sort out the spine of the book: "No. Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing, just think you are in a bad mood."

Gu Hui Yan glanced down at her, with a light tone: "How old are you, have you learned how to discern other’s words and observe their expression?"

"What's wrong with my young age, was it not allowed to be born brilliant and talented?" Lin Wei Xi was dissatisfied with Gu Hui Yan who always said how old she was, and couldn't help muttering, "Was it not because I see you often that I paid attention, otherwise who’s going to take care of you."

Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi lightly, and after a while, he couldn't help but smile.

In fact, Gu Hui Yan rarely revealed his emotions, especially emotions that showed his true thoughts such as anger and discomfort. He actually didn't intend to mention these words, but who wanted to be seen through by the delicate and bad-temper little wife at home. Gu Hui Yan didn't think it was a retrogression in his many years of qi training. Perhaps, as Lin Wei Xi said, the two of them got along day and night, so the small changes even political opponents could not detect, it still couldn't be hidden from the person who shares his bed.

Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Hui Yan smile, and the pressure around his body became much better. She felt encouraged and asked tentatively, "Is it because of Gao Chen?"

Really didn’t know where Gao Chen learned that "good habit". He could do things like eavesdropping in other people's house, and he almost succeeded. If it were not for Gu Hui Yan's sudden return, and he was more alert than ordinary people, afraid that Lin Wei Xi still unaware that what she said was heard word by word, and all at once it would be pass on to Han shi and even Gao Ran’s ears.

Lin Wei Xi thought that Gu Hui Yan had caught an eavesdropping in his mansion, and felt unhappy. But Gu Hui Yan laughed, and shook his head: "Of course not. Why?"

Even if eavesdropping on this kind of thing was a bit shameless, but Gao Chen couldn’t even count as a piece of sand in Gu Hui Yan's eyes. How could he be worried and even upset for such an unknown person? The people who was able to affect Gu Hui Yan's mind could be counted on one hand, and now, one more person has been added.

Gu Hui Yan looked down at Lin Wei Xi. She was still thinking ignorantly about the culprit that caused Gu Hui Yan's mood to deteriorate. When Lin Wei Xi mentioned Gao Chen, she couldn't help but think of the Book of Heaven and the future end of Gao Chen's inheritance of the Duke title. Lin Wei Xi’s heart was stirring and couldn't help asking, "Wangye, what do you think of Gao Chen?"

"He?" Gu Hui Yan didn't expect Lin Wei Xi to suddenly ask about this person. He was just a shu grandson of the Duke Yingguo Mansion, only seven or eight years old. Gu Hui Yan didn't put this child in his eyes. Hearing Lin Wei Xi's question, Gu Hui Yan thought for a while and said, "Too flattering and embarrassing."

This conclusion was completely different to what Lin Wei Xi saw in the book, but Yan Wang’s judgment of people couldn't be wrong, so why was there such a big deviation? Lin Wei Xi was curious, so she asked, "What makes Wangye think so? Is it because he eavesdropping?"

"No. Those who succeed will not bother with trifles, using trickery for a good principle then eavesdropping on what people say is nothing. But whether a true gentleman or a treacherous man, those who succeed without exception are all strong in heart and have clear goals, but he is too superficial. What he thought are all in order to meet others’ preferences. I don’t know the origin of this child, but I assumed that he most likely adept at pleasing the madams in the inner house, and in his eyes could only have his own family. In the future, he will be good in fighting for power, but there’s no way for him to be a pioneer that open up a frontier."

With this words Lin Wei Xi suddenly realized. No wonder, in the future, Gao Chen indeed would rely on the help of his sister and brother-in-law to overcome his shu status to become the duke, but Duke Yingguo Mansion was not outstanding at that time, all relied on the light of their in-laws. Gao Chen becoming the duke and the person himself was incompetence were not contradictory. Wining the family power struggle did not mean that he could lead the family to prosperity. The idea of looking at the old at the age of three* didn’t came out of thin air. Gu Hui Yan barely met face-to-face, and his evaluation resolved Lin Wei Xi's long-standing confusion.

*Looking at the old at the age of three, it means that through the behavior of a three-years-old child, you can feel what kind of person the child will be in the future.

Lin Wei Xi was originally very uncomfortable with Gao Chen inherited the Duke Yingguo Mansion. Now that she listened to Gu Hui Yan's words, she even more didn't want to let the trajectory of the world to follow the heavenly book.

If Gao Chen was a real talented person, then Lin Wei Xi disliked Gao Chen because of personal grievances, really has a limit. But if Gao Chen couldn’t take the Duke Yingguo Mansion to go up, might also lead the family to indulged in the status quo and slip into the abyss of complacent. Then Lin Wei Xi really had no reason to sit by and watch a person who was incompetent and she personally hated, become the patriarch of the duke mansion.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her eyes and couldn't help thinking about her clan brothers from the side branch who were both excellent in morals and studies. For Lin Wei Xi, the people who had the same bloodline but not the same parent, Guo Ji and his younger shu brother to inherited her father's Shizi position, it would be no difference. After Lin Wei Xi reborn, she was determined to draw a clear line from the past. Her status, past glory, and dowry were all buried with Gao Xi's death, and everyone in the Duke Yingguo Mansion was no longer her maiden family. Even if Lin Wei Xi approached Grand Princess Shou Kang out of selfishness, it was with another identity, and she did not intend to reveal the secret that she was Gao Xi.

Therefore, Lin Wei Xi really had nothing to do with her previous life. The life and death of the Duke Yingguo Mansion has nothing to do with her, but after all, the Duke Yingguo Mansion had raised her. Lin Wei Xi’s lavish life since childhood, the meticulous education, and the pile of gold and jade, were all brought to her by the family. It would be very low if you enjoy the protection of the family, and after you got married, you will curse the family for sucking blood and eating people. Although now Lin Wei Xi was dead and reborn and stayed out of the way, she still want to contribute to the family that once gave birth to her and watch the Duke Yingguo Mansion go up at least for the rest of her life.

Lin Wei Xi quickly went through Guo clan’s side branch, tried to choose a suitable child in all aspects. However, this kind of thing could not be rushed, she raised her head and saw Gu Hui Yan looking down at her, his eyes deep: "What are you thinking?"

Lin Wei Xi blinked, stretched out her hand to embrace Gu Hui Yan's arm, smiled shamelessly, and refused to say. Gu Hui Yan could do nothing to her, so he let her vaguely passed.

If Gu Hui Yan really wanted to know it was very easy to break through Lin Wei Xi’s defense, he allowed Lin Wei Xi to act coquettishly, and didn’t want to go deeply into it.

Lin Wei Xi originally helped hand over the book properly, but later she didn't want to answer, so she just hung her whole body on Gu Hui Yan. The interference was so strong that it was impossible to organize the bookshelves. Fortunately the books were almost all sorted out, and for the rest one-hand was enough. Gu Hui Yan unhurriedly sorted the book, with his other hand wrapped around Lin Wei Xi's waist, very unwittingly asked: "The scenery outside is just right, but you want to stay in the house with me to tidy up the books. Isn't it boring? "

"No." Lin Wei Xi bafflingly asked, "How can I feel bored? It’s rare for Wangye to have such a long free time, can do something with you... although most of it is done by you, anyway, I feel very good."

Gu Hui Yan lowered his head, just in time to see Lin Wei Xi tilting her head against his shoulder, her delicate chin slightly raised, arrogant and straightforward. Gu Hui Yan smiled slightly, and his heart slowly relaxed. In fact, this was not the answer Gu Hui Yan wanted to hear. Lin Wei Xi did not understand his probing. Sometimes, she did not realize that he was testing her. But what does it matter? She was already his wife. Before considering the issue of providing for the elderly life, she had to spend a larger part of her time with him. Therefore, the reason Lin Wei Xi chose to marry him, there was no need to get to the bottom of it.

Gu Hui Yan could understand Lin Wei Xi’s original thoughts, because Gao Ran decided to give Lin Wei Xi to others and said something to provoke her. Lin Wei Xi refused to be oppressed, just like the girl in the boudoir refused to be overwhelmed by her sister. Gao Ran showed off her Shizi Consort’s status, Lin Wei Xi in a fit of pique wanted to marry someone higher. Gu Hui Yan knew from the beginning that Lin Wei Xi was act in a fit of pique, and he was just a tool in her willful actions, just a way out. But it doesn't matter. He could become a way to climb the social class, precisely because he was the higher social class, Yan Wang’s achievements and glory were also part of him.

The past had passed, people were already married, the marriage was completed, and the little girl was really enjoying the role of Yan Wangfei. For him to let her be proud and happy for a long time, it’s not impossible.

Chapter 56 : Transparent

Lin Wei Xi saw that many books were restored to order under Gu Hui Yan's hands. Her heart suddenly moved and said, "Wangye, the Taibai Yinfu you taught me last time was only half of it, it's not finished yet."

That happened when they first got married. Gu Hui Yan had three days of wedding leave, and the relationship between the two suddenly moved closer. When they get along in the same room, Gu Hui Yan taught her a book. It was the Taibai Yinfu, an ancient military book. It was just that Lin Wei Xi only listened the half of it that day, she left midway to meet the stewards, and receive the kowtow of the servants. The next day she entered the palace. Later, Gu Hui Yan's wedding leave ended early. This book, that was read halfway, they failed to continue.

Lin Wei Xi mentioned it suddenly, and Gu Hui Yan was a little surprised: "Do you even remember?"

"I'm not a wood, why can't I even remember this kind of thing?" Lin Wei Xi glared at Gu Hui Yan dissatisfiedly, and when she retracted her eyes, there were some mischief in the corners of her eyes, "Wangye taught me so few things, it's rare for you to teach me something, how can I forget? It’s just a pity that I’m useless, couldn’t keep up with Wangye’s paces. Only this one thing also only done the half of it."

Few people nowadays dared to talk to Gu Hui Yan like this, but Lin Wei Xi blatantly ran straight on, Gu Hui Yan was not unhappy. He couldn't help but laughed and glanced at her: "Stop messing around."

Gu Hui Yan was not angry, and Lin Wei Xi was even more courageous. On the spot she acted win an inch want a foot and confident in her own backing: "Why am I messing around? Wangye, you said it yourself, how much time have you spent in the mansion this month? And how much time you left for me? It's called a husband and wife, but I can't even finish a book from a month ago."

Although Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi with a chuckle, a guilt rose in his heart. He suddenly looked solemnly and said: "This is indeed my negligence. I clearly said that I am going to teach you, but I left it halfway. It was my fault."

Lin Wei Xi originally wanted to follow up with her teasing tone, to joke around, but Gu Hui Yan apologized so seriously that Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed. She hurriedly said: "No, no, Wangye don't need to feel guilty. You are busy with court affairs, you shouldn't have to worry about the affairs of the inner house. You, as a husband, up until now has been very good. On the contrary, it should be me who should share your worries, but always causes you trouble instead. You are willing to lower yourself to personally teach me the book of war, this is due to your cultivation of character. How can I not know what it really means, so don’t take my words seriously."

"Since I have agreed to do it well, any reason is just an excuse." Gu Hui Yan's view was completely different. He said, "You don't have to give excuses, I know what I have done. As a husband, the time I accompany you was too little, this is my dereliction of duty."

Lin Wei Xi didn't expect Gu Hui Yan to be so serious. He was really a strict person. He had a strong sense of responsibility, demanded to the extreme from himself, but maintained the lowest threshold for others. This was what he did to Lin Wei Xi. Gu Hui Yan always demanded himself to be a qualified husband, but he didn't set the same standard for Lin Wei Xi. It could be said that he was very upright and disciplined with himself and treated others leniently. Lin Wei Xi sighed how Gu Hui Yan was knowledgeable and responsible. On the contrary, it was her who was making trouble without reason.

After Gu Hui Yan finished speaking, he found Lin Wei Xi's expression drooped. He was surprised, just at this moment the last book was put in place, Gu Hui Yan sat on the armchair beside him. The two stood closely, Gu Hui Yan drew her to him smoothly: "What's the matter?"

Lin Wei Xi did not resist, followed along to sit on Gu Hui Yan's lap. Because the place was a little cramped, Lin Wei Xi's center of gravity was unstable, she stretched out her arms around Gu Hui Yan's shoulders, and put her forehead on his shoulders, her voices was a little dull: "Wangye, am I arrogant and willful, with high eyes but low hands*?"

*High eyes and low hands, it means to have high standards but little ability.

Gu Hui Yan thought it was funny. He put one hand on Lin Wei Xi's lower back to hold her firmly, while playing with the tassel on Lin Wei Xi's hair with the other hand, he didn't say anything.

Lin Wei Xi snorted lightly, with an unhappy voice: "Wangye, if you don't speak, do you really think so?"

Gu Hui Yan smiled gently. He moved the tassel behind Lin Wei Xi's ear with his fingertips, and said: "Look at you, you yourself always have many thoughts, which lead to bad mood, but when others mentions it, also doesn't allow others to say the opposite. Your arbitrary speaking are too difficult to figure out, and it makes others difficult to follow your intention."

"Who said I'm just arbitrary speaking?" Lin Wei Xi raised her head, and when Gu Hui Yan looked at her, it just so happened she caught it. A smile appeared in Gu Hui Yan's eyes: "Look at it, still say it’s not?"

"I..." Lin Wei Xi was speechless, and couldn't help but justified herself, "Wangye, you cannot think that I'm a careless person just because I've lost decorum in front of you several times. I'm very clear and orderly when I’m managing the affairs."

"I know." Gu Hui Yan chuckled. He just said a word, she immediately became anxious. After Gu Hui Yan had enough laughing, he said: "Of course I know that you have a lot of abilities. The changes in the mansion during this times were very obvious to all. I am very grateful to Wangfei for her tireless work, to help solve the mess in the mansion."

Although Lin Wei Xi still made a face, the corners of her mouth were obviously curved. You could insult her, but you must never insult her ability to manage the matters. Lin Wei Xi was a little overwhelmed by Yan Wang’s praise, but in front of this deity, she concealed a thing or two, pretending to be indifferent and said: "It just need to spend some time, I don’t do well, make Yan Wang laughs."

Gu Hui Yan finally couldn't help but laugh, he rubbed Lin Wei Xi's hair vigorously, and her neat bun immediately became disorderly again. Gu Hui Yan put her on the ground with a little effort, and also stood up: "You have done a good job. You don't need to be disturbed by others. That thoughts are nonsense."

Gu Hui Yan's hand were very steady, even if he was holding a person, he still put her firmly in place. Lin Wei Xi stood on the ground and then realized that Gu Hui Yan's words were answering her previous question.

She was not blindly arrogant, nor wilful. Lin Wei Xi was in a good mood. She hurriedly catching up with Gu Hui Yan's back, and her tone became lively: "Wangye, the book that was not finished last time..."

"Now it's time to set up the meal. After dinner, the idle people will leave. I will continue to teach you."

"Okay. That's a deal?"

Gu Hui Yan smiled and stopped, and simply grabbed her hand, saving her the effort to chase behind: "Of course, your wish is my command. Don’t worry, it’s rare to have such a long free time these few days. I will reject a lot of unnecessary socializing outside, and certainly can accompany you to finish all the books you want to read."

Even though she felt embarrassed, but Lin Wei Xi still responded quite happily: "Thank you, Wangye."

When Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan came out of the study, only then Wan Yue dared to follow Lin Wei Xi from behind, and said in a low voice: "Wangfei, the kitchen has already sent the words. The foods are all ready, the dining hall over there also has been put to order, just waiting for Wangye and Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi said: "Then let them set the meal, Wangye and I will be there shortly. By the way, where are Shizi and Shizi Consort?"

Wan Yue lowered her eyes, not dared to see that the Yan Wang and Wangfei seemed to be holding hands: "Shizi Consort has come out of the Buddhist hall at youshi (5-7pm), and then went back to the Qingshong Garden. Now she is waiting in the dining hall with Shizi."

Lin Wei Xi nodded, and said nothing. Wan Xing had already prepared the cloak and the hand stove. Seeing Lin Wei Xi coming out, she quickly stepped forward to help Lin Wei Xi to dress up. Compare to Lin Wei Xi, Gu Hui Yan’s getting ready was much simpler. He quickly put on an overcoat, but Lin Wei Xi was still finishing up. Gu Hui Yan did not wait outside as the usual practices. Instead, he stood at the door and quietly watched Lin Wei Xi put on a wide cloak. With furry collars clustering around her face, Lin Wei Xi stood carelessly, letting the maid fasten her gold buckles. Finally, she took the hand stove and walked towards Gu Hui Yan: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan stretched out his hand and straightened out the fluffy white velvet on both sides of her neck. Lin Wei Xi's palm-sized face was wrapped in fluff, indescribably delicate and beautiful.

"Let's go."

The two walked into the dining hall. When Lin Wei Xi entered the door, she intended to be half a step behind and walking behind Gu Hui Yan, but Gu Hui Yan deliberately slowed down and accompanied Lin Wei Xi into everyone’s line of sight.

When the people in the room saw Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi coming, they hurriedly bowed down to greet them. Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran also saluted them one after another: "Father. Mother."

Gu Hui Yan nodded indifferently and amiably, then said, "You’re all excuse, sit down."

Gao Ran stood up, followed after Lin Wei Xi, and lowered her eyes slightly. Lin Wei Xi glanced from the corner of her eye and chuckled inside. During the meal, Gao Ran took the serving chopsticks to Lin Wei Xi as usual. Lin Wei Xi said: "Shizi Consort has been copying books these days. She has been working hard, so let's take a break."

"I don’t dare." Gao Ran still wanted to decline, but Lin Wei Xi interrupted her with a smile, and said: "You don't have to say anything, for the New Year's celebration, it's rare for our family to have a reunion dinner. Just sit down. Tomorrow’s copying the books will stop for a while, and Shizi Consort will step up to arrange Qingsong Garden for the New Year. It is never too late to show filial piety, but shouldn’t neglect Shizi during the New Year."

Will be stop for a while, Gao Ran recalled what the maid had told her, her heart felt aggrieved, but on the surface she had to gratefully thanked Lin Wei Xi. The inner house was Lin Wei Xi’s responsibility. Lin Wei Xi opens her mouth to discipline her daughter-in-law, even Gu Hui Yan couldn’t easily intervene. Only when Lin Wei Xi finished speaking and Gao Ran took a seat, the people on the side dared to fetch the bowls and chopsticks to waited on Gao Ran to quietly eat.

The slight sound from the clash of bowls and cups could be heard, with the distinctive crispness of porcelain. Gu Cheng Yao sat on his seat beside Gao Ran. He stared at the dishes at the dinner table boringly, and suddenly realized something: "It seems that for several days the dinner didn’t have any fish, shrimps and other freshwater fish? Why is that?"

The maids who were waiting at the dinner table paused, and then their movements became lighter. Gao Ran quickly glanced at Lin Wei Xi, raised her eyebrows like watching a good play.

Everyone in the mansion knew that Yan Wang likes freshwater fishes, but Lin Wei Xi, in order to fight against previous Wangfei Shen, arbitrarily decided to remove most of the fish and shrimp from the annual banquet, and later even the daily dinner was changed. Now, someone had asked, and this person was Gu Cheng Yao, no doubt the effect was better.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly became a little curious when she heard this. She put down her chopsticks and turned her head to look at Gu Cheng Yao: "In the winter fish and shrimps are rare, sometimes it is inevitable that they are not fresh, and it is not uncommon for them to be removed. Why Shizi suddenly ask?"

Gu Cheng Yao and Lin Wei Xi’s eyes met. Since Lin Wei Xi’s marriage to the mansion, she seldom looked at him with such a serious eyes. Normally, she would either hold her stepmother’s arrogance to avoid his line of sight, or she would use sneering expression to look at him. This kind of earnest and serious looks was really rare. Gu Cheng Yao looked at Lin Wei Xi’s black and bright pupils and for a brief moment lost his mind. He quickly recovered his thoughts and said with a serious face: “Although fish and shrimps are rare in winter, but they are father’s favorite, naturally cannot be lacking. When my late mother was alive, the mansion always prepared fish, shrimp, crabs and other living things."

Even now, Gu Cheng Yao still firmly believes that Gu Hui Yan likes freshwater fish, and Lin Wei Xi didn’t know what to say. If she remembers correctly, when Gu Cheng Yao accidentally mentioned Yan Wang's preferences in her previous life, she specifically said that Wangfei Shen told him this. If this the impression he got from his biological mother when he was a child, it was really not easy to correct it. However, having a meal this kind of things, as long as Gu Cheng Yao paid more attention, he could see it within three meals. Yan Wang that was rumored to love eating fish, shrimps and crabs, actually never touch those things.

The funny thing was Gu Cheng Yao had never found anything wrong. The others received instructions from the master, and still firmly spread this wrong preference. Now it was even spoken by Gu Cheng Yao in front of Yan Wang himself.

Gu Hui Yan's expression was calm and he did not express his position. Even if he heard his son forced for his "preference", Gu Hui Yan's expression did not fluctuate. He was not a person who liked to proclaim himself, and the wrong perception had been carried out for more than ten years. Now if it was corrected, it would embarrassed Gu Cheng Yao’s face, and the entire mansion would also made a fuss. This was really not an important thing, there was no need to stir up the people.

There was a moment of silence on the dinner table, and then Lin Wei Xi put down her chopsticks and calmly took the kerchief from Wan Xing's hand, gently pressed the corners of her lips, and her tone as light as feather, "My health is not good. The imperial physician said that I cannot eat too many things, to avoid causing chronic diseases, so I decided to remove it."

Gu Cheng Yao suddenly choked, he paused for a moment, and finally said solemnly: "This son is rude."

Lin Wei Xi didn't care, only Gu Hui Yan glanced at Lin Wei Xi lightly. Sometimes this little girl was especially irritating, and sometimes she's really incredible.

Chapter 57 : Red Sleeves

The head of the house did not speak, Shizi also bowed his head and gave in. Lin Wei Xi changed the mansion many years of practice, and it passed so smoothly. This also made it clear that the new mistress of Yan Wang Mansion was here, and the past customs and rules could only be the past.

Gao Ran originally looked forward to it, and when she watch how it concluded, the backlog of evil fire rushed into her forehead.

Poor health was really a tough brick, how could it be moved. Where did Lin Wei Xi get such a big face, why when she wanted to change then it changed?

Gao Ran was really vexed to death by this relied on her frailty and annoying troublemaker "mother-in-law". Gao Ran suddenly felt at a loss. Lin Wei Xi was about the same age as her, and enduring this mother-in-law would not work for her. Today, the Duke Yingguo Mansion came to support, but in the end it failed to resolve Gao Ran's matter. Her parents’ family couldn’t be count on, her father-in-law also completely indulged this shrewd who turned against the conventions. Was this how Gao Ran would live for the rest of her life, to be finger-pointed by Lin Wei Xi and had to endure Lin Wei Xi’s vicious actions?

Today, Yan Wang was on vacation, so the dinner was extremely luxurious and elaborate, but when it get to Gao Ran's mouth it was really tasteless.

Gao Ran was eating while her mind wandering around. After sending off Yan Wang and Lin Wei Xi, Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao returned to their courtyard. Gao Ran was in a low mood and had no interest in speaking. Gu Cheng Yao also for some reason remained silent the whole journey.

After returning to Qingsong Garden, Gu Cheng Yao stopped at the door of the house and said, “You’ve been tired all day. Go back and rest first. I still want go to the front study, so I won’t accompany you in.”

Gu Cheng Yao turned and left after speaking, Gao Ran couldn't help said "hey", but Gu Cheng Yao didn't seem to hear it, and soon walked away. Gao Ran looked at Gu Cheng Yao's back, her already irritable mood became worse.

Although Qingsong Garden was only a courtyard in Yan Wang Mansion, but all around it had three entrances, the outer courtyard, the study room, the main room, the back cover room, everything that should be here was here. It was equivalent to a miniature mansion. As long as the gate was closed, it was a completely independent courtyard. Gao Ran lived in the second entrance, which was also the largest courtyard for living. Just now, Gu Cheng Yao walked to the entrance of the living courtyard and turned to the study room in the front.

Of course, the things at the courtyard’s gate couldn’t be hidden from everyone. Gao Ran came back alone. Not long after sitting, Bu Mama came over: "Shizi Consort, did Shizi go to the front yard?"

This kind of obvious thing Gao Ran was not in the mood to answer, and Bu Mama said this sentence, also didn't really think to ask. Bu Mama paused, and then said to herself: "It will be the New Year soon. Shizi is still so diligent. It's a blessing for the family. If Wangfei sees it, she definitely very pleased."

The Wangfei that Bu Mama said refer to Shen shi. Since her authority was seized by Lin Wei Xi, her heart had not been able to accept it, so she also refused to call Lin Wei Xi Wangfei, just use ‘that one’ to substitute it. She still at the drop of a hat mention Shen shi back in those days, didn’t know who she wanted to show it to. At first, Gao Ran and Bu Mama had the hatred against the same enemy, but she couldn't stand Bu Mama said the same things over and over again, Gao Ran couldn't help but feel bored now. Even if it’s a dead person, to say it all day every day was really annoying. Besides, the people had been dead for more than ten years. What's the point of saying how virtuous and affectionate Shen shi was every day? Didn't she see that the current sky had been replaced by that one?

Even if her heart was not happy, Bu Mama moved out Shizi’s birth mother, Gao Ran had to show a smile, said: "What mama said is right, Shizi came from an honorable background but still this diligent and motivated. If mother-in-law learns from the spirit’s world, she will be relieved. "

"Isn't it? Our young lady had a blessed life. When she was at her maiden’s house, she was spoiled by her father and brother. She couldn’t even wash her hands by herself. When she went out, unfortunately met the rebellious army but in the end quickly met Yan Wang, Yan Wang was still the Shizi at that time. Oh! That was indeed a handsome young man with army of thousand men and horse. Between the confusion of people, he was alone at the forefront, commanding people to charge from three directions from left, middle and right. Unexpectedly the riots were quickly calmed down. You didn't see the scene at that time, the black wind was hiding the sky and covering the earth. A young man who was only fifteen or sixteen commanding more than a hundred cavalry, that kind of commanding attitude across the strong wind and the human wall went straight to your eyes. Everyone was watching him, but after Yan Wang cleared up the situation, he took the people away without leaving his name. After he left, we listened to the people around and we knew that this was Yan’s fief Wangye’s di eldest son, Gu Hui Yan."

Gao Ran was fascinated when she first heard the story, but now she only felt annoyed. At the beginning Gao Ran heard that Yan Wang and Wangfei Shen were together because life-saving grace. She thought it was a legendary love story, but she did not expect that Yan Wang was not only saved Wangfei Shen, but also saved many people. Later, as Bu Mama tirelessly retold it again and again, Gao Ran had already consumed all her patience and instead felt disgust.

Bu Mama was still recalling the handsome and brave young Yan Wang at that time. This kind of thing if ones had not experienced it themselves, even if the tongue bright lotus* still could not tell the shock at that time, Bu Mama was like that now. She also noticed that Gao Ran was very indifferent, so Bu Mama stopped reminiscing and ended with a single sentence: "You young people have never seen war, how can you understand how awe-inspiring Yan Wang is on the battlefield. Yan Wang’s power has become higher and higher over these years, and now he was more involved in politics, so he gradually became more restrained. In fact, he liked to show off his ability when he was young. Not only did he fight fast and ruthlessly, but he also looked extremely valiant and handsome. At that time, the people at the border did not worship spirits and gods, but only worshiped Yan Wang."

*Tongue bright lotus (舌灿莲花), it refers to a wonderful talent of speech. It originated from a deed of Tucheng, a monk from Northern and Southern dynasties, it was said that once he took a bowl, filled it with water, burned incense and recite the mantra, not long after a green lotus was born in the bowl.

Bu Mama praised Gu Hui Yan to the extreme. For some reason, Gao Ran felt uncomfortable, so she said: "Even if Yan Wang was a hero at the time, but the northern border was very windy and sandy, and he spent the entire day with weapons and sandstorm. How it reach Shizi’s brocade garments and jade meals*, scholarly aura, and gentleman style?"

*Brocade garments and jade meals, it means a life of luxury.

Bu Mama on normal days encounter Gu Cheng Yao’s matters would be totally irrational, but now she heard Gao Ran’s words, she abnormally did not side with Gu Cheng Yao, shook her head solemnly: “You can’t say that, Yan Wang is now in power and the still water is deep. Fifteen or sixteen was young and frivolous, still like showing off, but no matter which one, his bearing is extremely outstanding. Besides, in terms of looks, Wangye at nineteen still more good-looking than Shizi."

Gao Ran was very unhappy hearing this, but the other party was Gu Cheng Yao's father. She could not say bad things about her father-in-law, so she could only endure it. But even so, Gao Ran's expression was still somewhat disapproving.

Bu Mama stared blankly while recalling what happened back then. After she came to her sense, she once again boasted about her young lady’s good fate: "Our young lady was born to be favored. She was held by her father and brother when she was in her family, and later she married to Yan’s young hero. I didn’t know how many little girls secretly admired Wangye, but in the end wasn’t it our young lady who become the consort, which shows that this is fate. After marriage, the young lady gave birth to a son at her first child. It's just a pity young lady is not in good health, and she went before her son grew up."

Bu Mama sighed, obviously thinking that if Shen shi was still here, where would be that one’s turns to be so high and mighty, Gao Ran was afraid that Bu Mama would talk about the past again, and quickly intercept: "That’s right, but Shizi is now filial and motivated. Mother-in-law in the underworld should be content."

Bu Mama lightly wiped her eyes. In fact, she didn't have tears, but she always have to behave like this. She said: "If our young lady is still here, and look at Shizi during the New Year still go to the study in the evening to work hard, she certainly will feel sorry for Shizi's body."

Gao Ran suddenly had a bad feeling. She was wary in her heart and casually echoing the other: "Of course, Shizi’s body is the most important."

"Yes, we women cannot shared Shizi’s burden with the court’s affairs, and can only be more concerned about his daily necessities. These few days, Shizi Consort must be busy with the New Year's matters, afraid too busy to spare time for other things, and Shizi all day long working hard to study and without people. This old slave come here to tell Shizi Consort that Yun Hui has already follow over to serve and will not return to the backyard tonight. Shizi Consort does not need to worry about the well-being of the study. Yun Hui is in charge of it, so you just need to concentrate on recuperating."

Gao Ran’s anger suddenly went to the top of her head as she listened. What kind of thing is Yun Hui, dared to give order in Gao Ran’s place to take care of Gu Cheng Yao's daily necessities? Moreover, Gu Cheng Yao went to the study at this time, in the evening unlikely to return to sleep, and Yun Hui also stayed in the study...

Gao Ran could hardly sit still, presumably no woman could sit and watch another young woman spend the night alone with her husband. Bu Mama also saw Gao Ran's dissatisfaction, and she immediately pulled her face down and said: "Shizi Consort, this old slave is the people left behind by Wangfei Shen, who has been entrusted by Wangfei on her deathbed to look after Shizi. And Yun Hui She is another caring person who has follow Shizi for ten years. She come to take care Shizi and this old body feel relieved. Moreover, Shizi Consort has not given birth to a son and a half daughter for Shizi, and a few days ago has been staying in the Buddhist hall for a long time. Pregnancy becomes more and more unfavorable. Shizi Conort should take care of your body and as soon as possible extend her offspring instead of being jealous."

Jealousy was not a good name for a woman. Bu Mama even moved out Wangfei Shen and jealousy, one of Seven Outs*. Gao Ran could only take a deep breath and said: "I am not such an unreasonable person, mama doing this for my own good, I understand."

*Seven outs (七出), I think there’s supposed to be nicer term for it, it’s seven reasons for a husband to legitimately divorced his wife in ancient times, namely: disobey the parents, childless, licentious, jealousy, sickness (what a bastard!), talkative (huh?!) and theft.

Bu Mama smiled and said with satisfaction: "It’s good that Shizi Consort understands the painstaking efforts of this old slave. This old slave doing this to allow Shizi Consort to have time to take care of her health, not delay the offspring. This old slave’s good intention, Shizi Consort should not misunderstand."

Good intention? If you have good intention, would you guard the door, and when found out Shizi went out hurriedly catch up, and sent another person inside to stop her? Gao Ran was very disdainful and almost letting out a curse, but when she thought of Gao Xi's fate, she finally held back, and squeezed a gentle smile at the evil slave who right before her eyes had placed a third party in her marriage.

Bu Mama was very satisfied with Gao Ran's performance. She stayed for a while, and saw that Gao Ran did not show any signs of flaring up or even chasing her out, she left with satisfaction. After Bu Mama left, Tao Mama and Ning Fu hurriedly gathered around and jabberingly asked, "Shizi Consort, in the past few days Yun Hui just only serve in the study room during the day. But now she is so shameless, and intends to serve the midnight study. Bu Mama is still staring at the inner courtyard, what should be done?"

Bu Mama's hand was very obvious and known to everyone, she took a deep breath and thought for a long time before saying: "Bu Mama is so anxious that it seems Yun Hui has not been received by Shizi. Since Shizi hasn’t use her, there must be a hidden agenda in their hearts. We don’t need to be anxious, let’s bide our time, and see the follow-up."

Ning Fu and the others agreed. Gao Ran experienced many things today, and her spirit was extremely tired. This fatigue was not due to the body, but spreads from the bottom of her heart, and gradually drowned the whole person. She was hopeful that by calling her family to come they could control Lin Wei Xi, but in the end she lost a dowry family and when returned to the house exhaustedly at night, she was told that Gu Cheng Yao would not be back at night, and Yun Hui followed in the study.

Seeing that Gao Ran's expression was not good, Ning Fu and the others tactfully retreated. When they were about to leave the room, Gao Ran's voice suddenly came from behind: "Tao Mama, inform the small kitchen to make a bowl of zitang soup* at night."

*Zitang soup (避子汤), it translated as avoid child soup but that’s too literal so I keep it in pinyin.

Tao Mama’s footsteps stopped. It was quiet improper thing for a shu eldest son to be born before the legal wife gave birth to a son. She also could not stop her husband from favoring the concubine, so she could only get the concubine to a room to pour her zitang soup. Properly safeguarding the interests of the legal wife and di son. Gao Ran's previous analysis was clear and orderly, but in fact, she also panicked too.

Inside the study room outside Qingsong Garden, the candle flame jumped. Gu Cheng Yao was about to move the lampshade, which had already been taken up first. Yun Hui held the scissors to cut the burnt wick, and the room regained its brightness. After all this was done, she fasten the lampshade properly and smiled at Gu Cheng Yao, "Shizi."

Gu Cheng Yao was a little surprised: "Why is it you?"

Yun Hui said: "Daimao is careless and likes to doze off. If he goes to sleep at night, he won’t be able to take care if Shizi want to drinks hot water. I think he is crude, so I sent him back."

Yun Hui replaced the poor Daimao, worrying that Daimao could not serve well was one thing, but the bigger reason was still due to selfish motives. Yan Wang managed Gu Cheng Yao's study very strictly. The servants in the study were always young manservants, but these few days Gao Ran was absent. Yun Hui’s guts became bigger and ran to the study during the day. Gu Cheng Yao also did not drive her away. She saw Gu Cheng Yao walking to the outer courtyard today, and it seemed that he would not come back at night. Yun Hui felt that this was a godsend opportunity, and quickly asked Bu Mama to watch Shizi Consort, and she stuffed Daimao a piece of silver and sent him out to drink. She then came over to serve Gu Cheng Yao to study and grind the ink. Although it was called a study room, the bed and other things were all available here, and Yun Hui's thoughts were not only red-sleeves add fragrance*.

*Red sleeves add fragrance, is a Chinese idiom that means to have a beautiful woman accompanying on the side to study.

Gu Cheng Yao actually felt that something was wrong when he heard this. After all, he had been married twice and was no longer an inexperienced young man. Of course he knew the hidden meaning of serving the young master at night. Although his father controlled his education strictly, as Gu Cheng Yao got older in recent years, his father's control gradually eased, especially in matters of men and women.

If Gu Cheng Yao was still fifteen years old, Yun Hui followed him to the study to serve, no matter if Gu Cheng Yao allowed it or not, she would not be able to passed Yan Wang. But now that his son was older, some things Gu Hui Yan couldn’t keep taking care of. Seeing that Gu Cheng Yao didn't say anything, he thought it was Gu Cheng Yao's instruction. Gu Hui Yan also turned a blind eye, pretending not to know.

Gu Cheng Yao looked at the woman in front of him, her hair curled up deliberately, revealing a white and soft neck, with pearl earrings hanging on her ears. The woman’s skin under the lamp was much more delicate, seemingly like a porcelain glaze. Yun Hui couldn’t be regard as stunning, but she had served Gu Cheng Yao for more than ten years and has been like an older sister since he was a child. Now she was dressed up like this, became more and more feminine.

Red sleeves add fragrance, the beautiful lady was interested, and she was the big sister who got along since childhood, afraid only a few men in the world would refuse. But at this moment Gu Cheng Yao looked at Yun Hui, suddenly remembered a past event.

That's when Gao Xi was still alive.

Chapter 58 : Dead Wife

Gu Cheng Yao didn't know what was wrong with him, suddenly on this quiet winter night, he remembered his first wife Gao Xi.

Gao Xi passed away in December last year, which was also a snowy winter day. As soon as Gu Cheng Yao returned from outside, he was told that Shizi Consort had gone.

What was his mood at that time? He didn’t know, he just remember that he was very shocked. Because the jade pendant’s matter he had prejudice against Gao Xi. Later, he didn't like her domineering personality, so he even more didn't want to go back to see her. It wasn't until Gao Xi died of illness on that heavy snowy day that Gu Cheng Yao knew that Gao Xi's illness was already serious.

Before that, he had always thought that was just the inner house women’s blackmailing trick.

Gu Cheng Yao learned about Gao Xi’s news all through Bu Mama and Yun Hui. What he heard the most all day long was generally how Shizi Consort kicked people around and how she relied on her family background to bullied the old servants of the mansion. A gentleman, of course, should pity the poor and cherish the weak, as a results it was difficult for Gu Cheng Yao to have a good impression of his wife. Later, Gao Xi's news gradually disappeared. He began to think that Gao Xi realized her tricks were useless, aware enough that she was embarrassing herself so she restrained herself. It was a long time later he realized that Gao Xi had stopped the news and prevented people from passing it to him. However, Gu Cheng Yao never expected that when he heard the news of Gao Xi again, it turned out to be the news of Gao Xi's death.

At that time he was standing under the hall, the white snowflakes kept falling from above onto his shoulders. Gu Cheng Yao stood in the wind for a while before slowly remembering that before he went out today, it seemed that there was indeed a maid who came over and invited him to see Shizi Consort. He was anxious to go out at the time, and disliked Gao Xi to use such tricks to lead him back, so he didn't take it seriously and sent her away. It turned out that should be the last time he and Gao Xi met, but he still didn't go back.

Gu Cheng Yao finally went to the backyard to visit his Shizi consort. Gao Xi's house was as quiet and orderly as before, completely couldn’t tell that its mistress no longer there. Gao Xi was extremely strict with her servants. Gu Cheng Yao had always felt that Gao Xi who easily punished at every turn was no good. But at that moment he was standing in the house where Gao Xi was alive. Although the servants had red eyes but they didn’t dare to be noisy, the people although messy but not also chaotic. Gu Cheng Yao was surprised that Gao Xi's prestige among her servants was so strong that even when she died, no one dare to disobey her rules while she’s still alive

Was this the situation where Gao Xi was not favored and seriously ill in bed for a year?

When the attending maids saw him, they bowed their heads to avoid him, as if he was not in the house. Some of the maids were probably Gao Xi's close attendants. When they saw Gu Cheng Yao, their faces were indignant, but they were immediately taken by the people next to them.

Gu Cheng Yao thought that he should go to see Gao Xi one last time. Those few maids were very unwilling. One maid even said, "When Shizi Consort was seriously ill did not see Shizi come even once. Now that Shizi Consort’s heart has stop beating and the entanglement has been broken, Shizi instead come over, why is that? Shizi Consort walked by herself to get peace and quietness, why should Shizi disturb her death?"

The maid dressed in silk was pinched by someone next to her before she finished speaking. She could only reluctantly shut her mouth and bowed her head angrily. Gu Cheng Yao had been pampered since he was a child, when was the last time he was contradict by people like this? The suffocation that had been lingering in his heart since learning Gao Xi's death diminished a lot. Gu Cheng Yao wanted to turn around and leave directly. Who are these maids dare to spur him? But Gu Cheng Yao didn't leave. He let his personal attendant pulled away the white cloth. Separated by life and death, he saw Gao Xi for the last time.

Gao Xi’s nature was headstrong, even at this time, she had herself cleaned up, showing no signs of weakness and sickness. Instead, she was painted delicately and vividly, as if she was just asleep. Gu Cheng Yao only took a glance, before letting people put down the white cloth and turned around and went out.

The impact left to him by this last sight was far greater than Gu Cheng Yao's own imagination, and even greater than Gao Xi's imagination.

Since then, Gu Cheng Yao had been deliberately avoiding Gao Xi's death. In Gao Xi's mourning hall, his father-in-law, that is Gao Xi's father, the Duke Yingguo’s Shizi, cautiously proposed him to remarry his family’s daughter. Gu Cheng Yao agreed without thinking about it. He thought he would need a wife soon, as long as this position was not empty, Gao Xi's figure would soon fade away. In fact, on that day he didn't hear clearly which Gao Xi’s sister that was, but later learned that it was Gao Xi’s sister from the same parent, Gao Ran.

The rest everyone knows, Gao Xi passed away and Gao Ran became the second wife. Gu Cheng Yao told himself that this was very good. All the mistakes were restored. Everyone was happy. That was enough. After Gao Ran got married, Gu Cheng Yao tried his best to be nice to Gao Ran out of a compensatory mentality that even he didn't realize. Everyone felt that this was because Gao Ran was really loved by Shizi. Gu Cheng Yao almost felt the same way. But on this quiet and cold snowy night, Gu Cheng Yao heard the same sound as that day and realized that it might not be true.

He was guilty, he compensated it on someone who didn’t know.

When Gu Cheng Yao was very young, he often heard her mother’s story about her encounter with his father. Almost every day, as long as Shen shi has time, she would told Gu Cheng Yao about Yan Wang’s life-saving grace and love for her. In fact, the details of Shen shi’s story often changed, and Gu Cheng Yao didn’t know which ones were true and which ones were Shen shi's own conjectures. His mother liked to read story books very much, and she could hardly extricated herself from the stories of talented men and beautiful women, heroes and beauties, and often couldn’t distinguish between reality and falsehood. Although Gu Cheng Yao felt that his mother was not so good, she was his mother after all. Gu Cheng Yao immediately felt that it was really unfilial to think so.

At that time, there were only grandmother, mother and him as the three masters in the mansion. Grandmother would sometimes call him over and teach him, but not long after he sat down, Shen shi would follow him and weepingly stood on the side, her eyes stared at him, as if afraid Gu Cheng Yao would be abused. Of course, his grandmother was very displeased. After reading a few words in the book, she could only let Shen shi took her son back. After this happened several times, his grandmother rarely took care of Gu Cheng Yao anymore.

The impact of childhood was always silent and everywhere. When Gu Cheng Yao grew up, he recalled the past and felt that day his mother was not good. His grandmother, Old Yan Wangfei, was a daughter from literature family in the capital. She taught Gu Cheng Yao history books and Confucian classics was for Gu Cheng Yao’s sake. But Gu Cheng Yao was still influenced by the Shen shi unknowingly. He subconsciously felt that the love of his parents was indestructible, that gifted scholars and beautiful women could cross the social class, and Yan Wang and Shen shi were together because of life-saving grace. So when the same thing happened to Gu Cheng Yao, he unconsciously fell into this kind of deliberate suggestion. He told himself that this was the right thing to do, so he was going to marry a woman he barely met before, someone whose identity, looks, conduct, and family were unknown. Later, it was discovered that this was the eldest granddaughter of Duke Yingguo Mansion, who was worthy of Yan Wang’s family. Gu Cheng Yao was overjoyed and became more convinced that he was right.

Just like in those mystery story book, this was exactly a marriage predestined by fate.

Gu Cheng Yao and his wife passed the first month of their marriage, only to suddenly learn that he had admitted the wrong person. In other words, his predestined marriage was deliberately replaced by someone else.

This may be a story with some ups and downs. If it Shen shi, seeing this kind of plot, she would inevitably cry for the poor heroine and resent the vicious sister who replaced the heroine. Gu Cheng Yao's impression of Gao Xi also plummeted. Later Gao Xi died and he remarried Gao Ran. If life was really a drama, this would be a happy ending.

In the first month after Gao Xi's death, Gu Cheng Yao always felt buzzing in his ears. He arranged the wedding very quickly, even when he knew it would offend his father. When Gao Ran entered the door in February, the shadow of Gao Xi's existence was quickly erased, and Gu Cheng Yao felt better.

Everything was back on track, this direction should be how it developed. Only it was a pity that his father did not come to participate in a very important day of his life. One day in early spring, when the ice and snow melted, and the air filled with a unique sense of moisture. His father, who had been away for many years, finally returned home. Gu Cheng Yao personally greeted his father’s attendants. When he entered the door, he suddenly saw under the vermilion corridor, a slender and quiet silhouette stood facing him, and at the same time, he heard someone shouting: "Sister Xi."

Gu Cheng Yao's blood suddenly froze, and then, he saw the woman slowly turned around, ice muscle jade bone*, it was the time in his life to see such an exquisite facial features, with eyes flowed with coldness and indifference. Gu Cheng Yao didn't know if he was relieved or disappointed. It turned out to be Lin Wei Xi, a woman he didn't know.

*Ice muscle jade bone, it describes clean and smooth skin of a woman.

From then on Lin Wei Xi, this woman seemed to suddenly alive in his life, to the point that she was almost everywhere. When Gu Cheng Yao entered the door, he always unconsciously searched her silhouette. He watched her change from plain clothes like snow to high hair updo and colorful and beautiful dresses. She became his stepmother, his father’s Wangfei.

Gu Cheng Yao knew that he was simply disgraceful, but he couldn't control the absurdity in his heart. Her every move, her words and deeds, and even the lightly raised eyebrows and glances all brought him an unparalleled sense of familiarity.

"Shizi? Shizi!"

Gu Cheng Yao's mind suddenly returned. He saw Yun Hui looking at him anxiously, with unconcealed concern in her eyes.

Gu Cheng Yao suddenly thought that when Lin Wei Xi was with his father in private, would she be this gentle and graceful? In his impression, Gao Xi was always refined and dignified. To her husband gently and considerately pampered almost never happened.

Yun Hui also found that Shizi seemed to be thinking of someone else. She was carefully dressed up like this, and also deliberately changed into thin clothes that showed her breasts, and put perfume on her body. However, Shizi was alone with her and he was still distracted? Yun Hui felt discouraged and also resentful. Who was it that can cause Shizi to worry so much?

Gu Cheng Yao really didn't think much about Yun Hui. He suddenly remembered the moment when he and Gao Xi were newly married. Yun Hui broke into their bridal chamber on the big night. Gao Xi fluttered her eyes lightly and thrown Yun Hui a few words that made her felt ashamed and unable to lift her face. On the second day, Yun Hui naturally came over and cried to Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Cheng Yao also felt that Gao Xi was too tough, not like an ideal gentle wife. Now Gao Ran actually in all aspects was more in line with the virtue of a wife advocated by scholar-officials, even if Yun Hui provoked her, Gao Ran could still bear it. His wife was reasonable and generous. This should be a good thing, but now Gu Cheng Yao suddenly thought, if it were Gao Xi, what would she do?

She would definitely block the entrance to the study room long ago, not only make Yun Hui embarrassed, but Gu Cheng Yao would probably not be spared. Gu Cheng Yao laughed at the thought of this, and after he finished laughing, his heart suddenly felt a long-lost pain like a needle stick.

Another year of heavy snowfall, Gao Xi had been dead for a year.

Yun Hui saw Shizi staring at the same place, obviously thinking of someone, and finally laughed gently. Although it was a laugh, it makes people feel pale and heartbroken. Yun Hui was surprised, what happened? She was in a panic when she suddenly heard Shizi say: "I don't need you here, you can go out."

Yun Hui’s drifting mind was immediately pulled back. She was obviously surprised: "Shizi?" She saw that Gu Cheng Yao did not soften his expression, and immediately became aggrieved: "Shizi, the sky is already so dark. If this servant go back, I am afraid it will disturbed many people. Besides, you can't be without people who are serving for you. If Shizi doesn't like it, then this slave will wait outside the door, and if Shizi has any instructions this slave will come in again, absolutely will never disturb Shizi."

Gu Cheng Yao thought that it was indeed not early anymore. Yun Hui was someone who grew up with him. Gu Cheng Yao didn’t have the heart to let Yun Hui blow the cold wind outside the house, so he could only say: "Then you wait outside the partitioned. If I need anything I will take it myself, do not need you."

Although she was driven out of the room where Shizi was studying, but fortunately, she didn't have to go back. Although Yun Hui was reluctant, she also softly agreed. At this time, the inner courtyard had already been locked. If Yun Hui went back now, she would have to alarm the maid and granny who were in charge of the door and the key. At that time so many people would make a racket, Yun Hui came to serve Shizi, but she was driven out by Shizi, it would be spread all over. Fortunately, Shizi relented. Although she did not succeed in becoming Shizi's woman, Yun Hui was really relieved that her dignity was still intact.

After Yun Hui left, he was the only one left in the room. Gu Cheng Yao sat at the desk for a long time without turning a page of the book in his hand. Finally, he couldn't bear it, put down the book and walked to the window, pushing the window open.

The cold wind immediately whizzed in, and the air with droplets of snow blew the candle in the lampshade. Gu Cheng Yao stood at the wind, looked at the quiet sky outside the window and the snowy ground with cold light. He stood motionless, lost in thought for a long time.

The lights were on in Gu Cheng Yao's study. North from here could see the largest and most beautiful courtyard in Yan Wang Mansion, which was also constantly lit.

"Taicu Judui is the Taicumen, and Yindejugan is the Yindemen. The first general on the right, the line can be water, the black flag banner, is for the Jingmen." After Gu Hui Yan explained, he asked Lin Wei Xi, "Explained it like this do you understand?"

Lin Wei Xi stared with pursed her lips for a long time, and finally shook her head in despair, "No."

"Shoushan Pavilion's book has ten volumes including plots, array charts, sacrificial text, and miscellaneous accounts. If there is no basis for Qimen Dunjia*, listening to these is really difficult."

*Qimen Dunjia, is an ancient Chinese divination method based on astronomical observations. Originally devised to help form military strategy and tactics.

Lin Wei Xi thought to herself that it was more than ‘really difficult’, she couldn't understand it at all.

Lin Wei Xi had already regretted it. At this time, why she said no to Yan Wang, why did she dig her own grave?

But Yan Wang nevertheless was a man with careful planning and rigorous work. He felt that although the student foundation was a bit poor, but he could try a few more methods, and he would definitely make Lin Wei Xi understand. So Gu Hui Yan went to the bookshelf to pick up another book, planned to start from Qimen Dunjia with Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi started to have a headache as soon as she saw the heavy ancient book. Seeing Gu Hui Yan put the book on the table, he turned around and took another writing brush, with ‘if you don’t understand, do not give up’ attitude. Lin Wei Xi panicked. She didn't care about her face, hurriedly straightened up over the table and hugged Gu Hui Yan's waist tightly: "Wangye, it's already dark outside. Let's take a break and do something else, OK?"

Chapter 59 : Coquetry

Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi’s living area had expanded to the study room. Of course, the furnishings inside would also need to be purchased. In the past, the side house’ space was small, and the desk was a narrow table with thin-footed plain weave. Now that the study room had expanded, the tables and chairs had naturally been replaced by a sandalwood square table with exquisite carvings. Gu Hui Yan sat on the main seat, and Lin Wei Xi was sitting on his left side on an armchair with a delicate cloud pattern. Gu Hui Yan had just returned from taking the book from the bookshelf, and had just placed it on the corner of the table. He was about to turn around to get his brush and ink, suddenly being hugged by Lin Wei Xi.

"Wangye, it's already dark outside, let's take a break and do something else, okay?"

Lin Wei Xi lifted her body slightly to hug Gu Hui Yan's waist. The man's waist and abdomen could not be touched casually. Gu Hui Yan's body stiffened a bit and reflexively struggling, and Lin Wei Xi that felt Gu Hui Yan's movements hugged him harder.

Gu Hui Yan lowered his head and saw Lin Wei Xi's two arms circled around him, and her wide and gorgeous sleeves were half-rolled, revealing a delicate and slender forearm. Lin Wei Xi resolutely did not relax her hands, and looked up at him pitifully.

Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi looked at each other for a few seconds, and finally Gu Hui Yan took a step back: "Alright, let’s take a break for now."

Lin Wei Xi breathed a sigh of relief, her change of expression was too obvious, and Gu Hui Yan could not looked below directly. Gu Hui Yan solemnly raised his face and said, "Let go and sit down properly."

Lin Wei Xi said "Oh" and sat back on her seat properly. The layers of her sleeve overlapped and folded too much, it hung on the crook her arms for a while without sliding down, but Lin Wei Xi didn't notice. She curiously turned over the book that Gu Hui Yan had just brought over. She just turned two pages and curled her lips. No longer interested.

Lin Wei Xi had black hair and snowy skin, even her forearms were brighter than the snow, slender and symmetrical, with exceptionally beautiful lines. The translucent and delicate forearms were placed casually on the jet-black wood table it possessed an unspeakable beauty, which made it extremely easy to let people’s imagination run wild. Gu Hui Yan looked down, and said calmly: "Put your sleeves down and sit in the right position."

Lin Wei Xi realized that her sleeves hadn't been tidied up. She sighed. Yan Wang was really upright and serious, his eyes couldn’t even see a little bit of disorder. A person like him who paid attention to order, afraid he would need to endure every moment he spends in the study with her. Only Yan Wang who always kept his promises, had no choice but to put up with her.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly felt very depressed. Seeing her getting more and more downcast, Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but reflect. Was he speak too hard? Why Lin Wei Xi looked so worried?

The atmosphere in the study was a bit awkward. Gu Hui Yan stood beside the desk for a moment, mocked himself in his heart. Sure enough, even at the peak of man's physical strength and wisdom, he and this young and lively girl still have no common topics. After all, he was an old cow that eat tender grass.

Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Lin Wei Xi couldn't care about it anymore. She hurriedly grabbed Gu Hui Yan's sleeve, supported her chin with one hand, raised her head and said to Gu Hui Yan: "Wangye, these theories of military books are too difficult for me, why don't you tell me about the Battle of Langshan?"

The battle of Langshan and Dingxiang was very close. It was Gu Hui Yan's battle to fame and the beginning of Gu Hui Yan's road to become the god of war. Since then, he had been in charge of the army for nearly 20 years without having defeated. Langshan and Dingxiang these two battle also became famous, becoming a model for every young general in the world to study before they go to battle.

The battle of Langshan had been studied upside down and almost crushed into pieces. Even Lin Wei Xi this kind of boudoir girls had heard of it. Everyone in the army could say a few words about it, and for Gu Hui Yan, this was not a problem at all. Gu Hui Yan never thought that Lin Wei Xi would be curious about a battle when he was 16 years old. This was much simpler than a military book. Gu Hui Yan sat down and took a piece of paper, roughly restoring the topography of the Langshan, and told her about this one battle.

Lin Wei Xi immediately became excited. Compared to the difficult and hard to understand theory of warfare, it was obvious that Lin Wei Xi was more interested in Yan Wang. On that day, she brought up the book of war to have something to talk about with Gu Hui Yan. Yan Wang's experience and past that was what Lin Wei Xi really wants to know.

When it comes to specific battles there were many vivid images, and it was not as difficult to understand as Qimen Dunjia. Gu Hui Yan was also a very good teacher. His voice was clear and organized. Moreover, because this battle was his personal experience, he was the most qualified to analyze this battle of Langshan, it was far more detailed than those military tactics on paper. Lin Wei Xi listened attentively, unconsciously, as if going back in time, she really stood in the yellow sand of the long Gobi, witnessing a great battle.

Gu Hui Yan was considerate to her, and Lin Wei Xi was bold enough to ask some questions from time to time. Poor literary and wealthy military, military strategy had always been a monopoly of resources. On earth didn’t know how many people would be overjoyed when they get a military book, but they suffered from inability to get started. If they learn that Lin Wei Xi had been personally taught by the commander of the famous war, and also could ask questions face to face like this, afraid half of the people would be drowned themselves in the river of jealousy.

When Lin Wei Xi asked later, she simply propped her head up and pestered Gu Hui Yan about his military experience. Gu Hui Yan felt that there was nothing important left to say, but Lin Wei Xi looked at him with bright eyes. Gu Hui Yan had no choice but to pick a few things that still had an impression and tell her. After speaking, Gu Hui Yan was afraid that telling her this would make her disappointed, so he asked uncertainly: "These experiences are really nothing interesting, do you find it boring?"

"No, how could it be boring?" Lin Wei Xi said with a smile while holding her face, "I like to know what happened to Wangye when he was young."

Gu Hui Yan's eyes also softened. He has heard a lot of flattering words over the years, from the court, colleagues, and subordinates. After a long time, he had become numb. But at this moment, when the word "like" came out of Lin Wei Xi's lips, Gu Hui Yan's heart was incredibly soft.

Looking at the beauty under the light, not to mention this beautiful woman far exceed the imagination. Gu Hui Yan looked at this radiant and delicate lovable wife, who throughout the world ones would barely met, his heart suddenly moved.

Lin Wei Xi would be seventeen years old after the year passed. Although to him she was still young, but in ordinary household she was old enough to be a mother.

Gu Hui Yan thought for a while, then calmly retracted his thoughts, and allowed himself to focus on proper business: "After talking about so many useless things, you must have enough rest. There are still half of the Taibai Camp map left, and I will finish this article today."

Lin Wei Xi’s head hurts when she saw Gu Hui Yan still want to continue. She always thought that Yan Wang was a very noble and dignified person, even when her sleeves were not put in order he couldn't bear it, and definitely would not like her messed around. But Lin Wei Xi really got a headache when she saw these kanmen, zhenmen, shengmen, simen things. She bit her lip and whispered, "How can Wangye’s fame battle be called a useless thing? Let’s talk about Wangye’s past, ok?"

"No way."

His Highness Yan Wang was a very principled person. Lin Wei Xi was discouraged and returned to the world of the formation map with her head drooping. She forced her understanding in a time of small cup of tea, and then her brain after a day of work couldn't stand it anymore. Lin Wei Xi bit her back teeth, determined even if it would provoke Yan Wang she need to save her head first. She stepped over the armchair that symbolized the orderliness, with two arms around Gu Hui Yan's neck, her eyes looked at Gu Hui Yan eagerly: "Wangye, I really can't listen anymore. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

"No, this is the plan."

Lin Wei Xi squeezed Gu Hui Yan's neck tightly, crossing the seat, almost hanging on Gu Hui Yan's body: "Wangye..."

"Really don't want to hear it?"

"Hmm."

"Sit down first."

"No."

Gu Hui Yan tried his best to let out his posture which deterred the Sixth Army and said, "Sit down, this is an order."

"You are ordering me? I won't!"

... Gu Hui Yan also couldn't help it. His hand put down the book, put it on Lin Wei Xi's waist and legs, and directly hugged her across the seat.

Lin Wei Xi vaguely felt that her goal had been achieved that she was beaming and immediately set off to move freely. But as soon as her legs moved, they were firmly clasped by Gu Hui Yan's fingers: "Be obedient, don't move randomly."

Lin Wei Xi tried again, and found that Gu Hui Yan was serious with her this time, and she was not allowed to move. Lin Wei Xi clung to Gu Hui Yan's shoulders naively. After a while, she felt that something was wrong: "Wangye, there are many servants outside. We can't go out like this, right?"

Wan Yue and the others waited outside the study. From the corner of their eyes, Yan Wang seemed to be holding Wangfei to come out. They hurriedly bowed their heads, and Wan Yue immediately led the people to withdraw. After everyone retreated outside the door, Wan Xing thoughtfully helped Wangye close the door tightly.

... Lin Wei Xi was so angry that she glared at the two girls, Lin Wei Xi dared to guarantee that they were definitely see it. Gu Hui Yan chuckled lightly and leaned over and put her on the dressing table: "You bully the weak."

Lin Wei Xi also smiled across the bronze mirror, and looked at Gu Hui Yan without showing any weakness: "I am bullying the weak, and also should blame the tiger for making me powerful."

Gu Hui Yan finally laughed. He stretched out his hand and gently pinched the tip of Lin Wei Xi's nose from the front, and said, "Twisting words and forcing logic."

Lin Wei Xi just responded with a "hum". She raised her neck and looked back, turning her head to glared at Gu Hui Yan: "You sent the maid away, how can I remove my makeup?"

Lin Wei Xi doesn't usually put on heavy makeup at home, merely puts on her lips and eyebrows. She could remove the makeup by herself, but she couldn’t remove the head ornaments by herself. Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's beautiful and elaborate hair up-do, the black hair was decorated with gems and tassels. Gu Hui Yan suddenly had an impulse and said, "I will take out the hairpin for you."

Lin Wei Xi was startled. Gu Hui Yan thought Lin Wei Xi was unwilling, and when he was about to say that he was just joking, he saw Lin Wei Xi smiled at him extremely brilliantly through the mirror: "Alright."

Gu Hui Yan relaxed, and slowly pulled out the dazzling array of gems and jade on her black hair. Gu Hui Yan's movements were very meticulous and did not pull Lin Wei Xi's hair, almost more careful than the maid who done Lin Wei Xi’s hair. Soon the dressing table was filled with all kinds of hairpins, and Gu Hui Yan watched her exquisite and gorgeous bun turn into smooth long hair in his own hands, his heart filled with tenderness.

Drawing the eyebrows was a beautiful story of a couple in the boudoir. In this current dynasty where the ethics were strict, women were more restricted, and fewer men were willing to do those boudoir charms for their wives. Lin Wei Xi did not expect that Yan Wang, who used to galloping on the battlefield and supporting the army, would actually do such a thing for her.

Gu Hui Yan's hand lingered on Lin Wei Xi's long hair, and finally followed the soft hair to stroke her cheek. Gu Hui Yan rubbed his slightly rough fingertips on her cheeks, and his voice became hoarse at some point: "Go take a bath first."

On such a late evening Gu Hui Yan helped to undone her hair and drove everyone out. How could Lin Wei Xi not know what he wanted to do. Lin Wei Xi's cheeks flushed. Before she could say anything, Gu Hui Yan had already answered the words just now: "Forget it, I'll take you."

Chapter 60 : New Year’s Eve

The busy time passed by suddenly, and it seemed that in the blink of an eye New Year's Eve was here.

Lin Wei Xi was held by Gu Hui Yan to get up early in the morning, she was not allowed to sleep anymore: "Normally it was okay for you to be lazy. Today, the juniors came to pay the New Year's greetings. Don't let the juniors see a joke."

There was a red candle burning on the Babu's bed. Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell what times it was, but looking at the light outside the bed, it seemed to be quite early. Lin Wei Xi shrank listlessly on the edge of the bed, hugged her knees, and tried to reach the quilt: "What junior dares to come over to pay the New Year's greeting at this time, he will definitely not get a gift money."

Gu Hui Yan looked helplessly at Lin Wei Xi, who was lying on the bed and refused to get up. His finger pressed the corner of the quilt, Lin Wei Xi tugged hard but couldn’t pull it. The mountain didn't see me, then I went to see the mountain, Lin Wei Xi moved her body over and wrapped herself in the quilt.

Gu Hui Yan could help but chuckled, and fished her whole body from the quilt: "As the elder, if it’s known that Yan Wangfei is still in bed, you will definitely lose face."

"Will not." Lin Wei Xi's forehead touched Gu Hui Yan's powerful arms, half-covered her mouth and yawned, her eyes filled with mist, "Apart from you, who else would know."

Gu Hui Yan suddenly felt pleased by these words, yes, except him, no man in the world would see Lin Wei Xi's loveable attitude when getting up. Seeing that Lin Wei Xi leaned on Gu Hui Yan's shoulder and showed no movement, Gu Hui Yan lightly sighed and shook her up again: "It's useless to act spoiled, get up."

After a difficult struggle, Lin Wei Xi finally called the maid to come in and help her dress up. Today, she put on a crimson with gold sleeve jacket. The cuffs and collars were all embroidered with gold thread of large group of peony flowers. Underneath was a six-piece skirt with silver-red Zhuanghua satin. It looked like the skirt was glowing. Today was New Year’s Eve, the maids gave their all to dress this exquisite Wangfei as a goddess. When it was finally over, Lin Wei Xi got up and went outside to meet Gu Hui Yan: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan raised his head, only to saw brightness in front of him, the whole room felt like it was really illuminated by her. Lin Wei Xi also thought that she was very good-looking. She half spread her hands and turned around in front of Gu Hui Yan. The grand skirt bloomed layer by layer like flowers. After a circle, Lin Wei Xi just turned to Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan smiled while supporting her, Lin Wei Xi raised her chin slightly, her eyes sparkling: "Wangye, how is it?"

"The brilliance can illuminate people." Gu Hui Yan rarely praised women, but this sentence was convincing. Lin Wei Xi smiled triumphantly, and took Gu Hui Yan's arm in a familiar way: "It’s good that Wangye is satisfied."

Today, the entire mansion was completely renewed. The servants put on new clothes. On the road everyone was beaming. This kind of big celebration would not allowed the servants to show their dejected faces. As soon as Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan showed up, the people gathered together to speak auspicious words to them.

Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao also changed into formal clothes, and came over early to paid respect to the two parents. Hearing the greetings from outside the room, Gao Ran quickly got ready, but despite that, when the door curtain was opened, as soon as she saw Lin Wei Xi, her pupils were still tighten.

Lin Wei Xi's appearance was extremely beautiful, and slightly dressed up on normal days was enough to make people unable to look away. Now that she was dressed up like this, it was simply full of grace. Gu Hui Yan was wearing a black Qinwang clothes today. His body tall and straight, and after years of military service it had mold him into perfect specimen. The revered black color was an ancient rite passed down from the first emperor, with a golden python and dragon baring their teeth and claws on the chest. When the black and gold collide, it looks noble and domineering. Gu Hui Yan did not appear dull in such a deep color, instead became more handsome, tall and majestically indifferent.

Lin Wei Xi was dressed in a lovely red, but Gu Hui Yan was noble and cold, almost made people unable to look at him. The two stood side by side like this, and it was not an exaggeration to say that the rays of light was extremely bright. Along the way everyone was amazed, even when the two of them walked away, the people behind couldn't help but turned their neck to follow them with their eyes.

Gao Ran quickly retracted her surprise and came forward to greet Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan. Gu Cheng Yao also politely saluted the two of them: "Greetings, father, mother."

Gao Ran also said auspicious words for New Year's greetings. She also wore red today, but the quality of her clothes was just passable. Among the noble ladies in the capital Gao Ran was roughly a six-point. No matter what, from the clothing or the person herself it was difficult to rivaled Lin Wei Xi. Just now when Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan hasn’t come in yet, it was alright, but now it scorched by Lin Wei Xi's light, the red on Gao Ran's body felt a bit cliché, seemed a bit exaggerated.

Today, Yan Wang Mansion was quite busy. After Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao gave Lin Wei Xi the New Year greetings, Gu Hui Yan went to the front yard soon after. Today, there were endless stream of people who came to paid him New Year's greetings. Some people have been waiting since early morning. As soon as Gu Hui Yan left, Lin Wei Xi also throw herself into her own things. Many officials, big and small, paid New Year greetings to Yan Wang, and the madams and ladies that came to Lin Wei Xi, this Yan Wangfei, also not just a few.

When Gu Hui Yan went out, of course Gu Cheng Yao followed. Now only Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran, this pair of mother-in law and daughter-in-law were left in the house. Lin Wei Xi was too lazy to act out the compassionate mother-in-law and filial daughter-in-law with Gao Ran. She told the servants who had been waiting for a long time to bring in the annual gifts of each family, and immediately engaged in the work of counting and returning the gifts.

Lin Wei Xi was sitting on the warm heated brick bed, quickly handling New Year's affairs. Wan Yue stood at the side and helped Lin Wei Xi with the gift list. She read a name and asked: "Wangfei, Hanlin’s Shen also sent a fruit plate, do you want to return the gift?"

"Hanlin’s Shen?" Lin Wei Xi repeated, suddenly enlightened, "Is it Shen Ming Da's wife, Liu Su Niang who sent it?"

"It is Lady Liu."

Although Hanlin was known as the place where people must pass through to get to the cabinet, he has not made his mark yet. Today, Yan Wang Mansion had received countless gift from senior officials who already made their mark. Shen Ming Da’s New Year gift mixed among his superiors, it was not very eye-catching.

But Lin Wei Xi went uncharacteristic and said, "Bring the fruits sent by Lady Liu."

The maids who served were all stunned. After Wan Yue pushed her from behind, only then Wan Xing suddenly realized and hurried out to get the things. After a while, she came back with a red lacquer box, "Wangfei, this is the fruit box from Shen Mansion."

Lin Wei Xi opened it and take a look, she saw that it was filled with dried fruits, melons and dates that symbolized reunion and also it conformed with societal norms. In fact, it was easy to understand that although Liu Su Niang had some intersection with Lin Wei Xi during the Dragon Boat Festival, but things were very different now. Lin Wei Xi was already the Wangfei. Even if Liu Su Niang was grateful to Lin Wei Xi, she would not dare to get too close. Although Liu Su Niang sent someone to give New Year’s gift to Yan Wang Mansion, but whether herself or Shen Ming Da, afraid didn’t have any expectation that Lin Wei Xi would return the gift. In this way, the gifts for the top superior Yan Wang Mansion, was better to send a dependable fruit plate that symbolized reunion. Do not seek merits, but seek no demerits*, already the greatest benefit

*Do not seek merits, but seek no demerits, it means do not ask for rewards, only ask not to make mistakes.

When Lin Wei Xi looked at the fruit plate her heart figure it out, then she said to Wan Yue: "Send a return gift to Mr. Shen’s family. Well, you don't need to prepare specially, just use the ordinary one."

Even if Shen Ming Da would become the First Assistant, that would be many years later. Now with her sending a return gift already the best statement. If she was too eager, it would easily become self-defeating.

Everyone was surprised, and Gao Ran also felt surprised. Lin Wei Xi was afraid of people's suspicion, so she pretended to casually explain: "Liu Su Niang and I have some friendships, not to reciprocate is against etiquette. Since she sent the New Year’s gift, we Yan Wang Mansion has no reason to ignore it. Wan Yue, you arrange a dependable young servant to send it to Mr. Shen's house."

When Lin Wei Xi said that Wan Xing and Wan Yue understood, they followed Lin Wei Xi into the palace during the Dragon Boat Festival. Wan Yue remembered that Lin Wei Xi had saved Liu Su Niang once. Although Wangfei had kindness to Shen family, since Shen Mansion had always remember Wangfei’s benevolence and specially sent the fruit box over, there was no reason for Yan Mansion to avoid it. Treat everyone equally and be generous, this was the bearing of a big house.

When Gao Ran heard this, she also remembered who this Liu Su Niang was. She thought that Lin Wei Xi's behavior was abnormal, but when she saw that it was just an ordinary little official madam, Gao Ran just abandoned her thought and didn't pay attention.

The New Year’s gift was a very formal diplomacy between various mansions. Every New Year, each mansion prepared food for the festival and then send it to other families, as a sign of etiquette. Since it involved foods, every household must be different. This would test the skill of its mistress. How to prepare the repetitive annual meal safely and ingeniously was really a deep knowledge.

The standing Gao Ran, watched Lin Wei Xi deal with such a formal inner house diplomacy, it was inevitable that she felt sour inside. She was the same age as Lin Wei Xi, but now Lin Wei Xi could sit in charge, but Gao Ran could only stand at the side and watch. When would it be her turn to join the circle of mistress?

Lin Wei Xi dealt with the incoming and going gifts, during which she also received a few madams who came to pay New Year's greetings, and the time passed quickly. Before you know it, it's getting dark.

Tonight’s New Year’s Eve dinner was also the highlight. Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the warm room and questioning the maids and granny. Suddenly there were footsteps outside, and then a greeting sounded: "Greetings Wangye, greetings Shizi."

Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran both looked up to the door and found that it was Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao who had just returned. Both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law stood up to welcome at door, and just after a few steps, the curtain of the inner room was opened.

"Wangye." Lin Wei Xi bowed to Gu Hui Yan, and Gu Hui Yan very smoothly caught Lin Wei Xi. Also husband and wife, but Gao Ran couldn't be as unscrupulous as Lin Wei Xi. She could only give Gu Cheng Yao a salutation across the people, and then continued to follow Lin Wei Xi.

Gu Cheng Yao also just glanced at Gao Ran, then retracted his gaze. His expression was calm, seemingly dignified and solemn, like a gentleman, but inside he couldn't help thinking about Lin Wei Xi's smile when he first entered the door. Her dress today was very beautiful, the dazzling red lined her skin as white as snow, and her beauty was difficult to resist. When she stood up from the red embroidered inner room and came to welcome her returning husband, afraid no man on earth could refuse this kind of temptation. But there was only his father in her eyes, and her smile was also for his father.

New Year’s Eve was a celebration for the whole country, and New Year’s Eve dinner was an important event for family reunion. In the sense of etiquette, Lin Wei Xi, Gu Cheng Yao, and Gao Ran were also a family. Therefore, on this great day of New Year's Eve, Lin Wei Xi would accompany Gu Hui Yan, also Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran to eat together, watch the years end, and welcome the new dawn.

New Year’s Eve was a big festival. The previous emperor at that time loved the excitement. He often held a banquet on the New Year’s Eve and called the ministers into the palace to accompany the Holy One to spend the festive day. But now the emperor was young, the harem’s empress and the four imperial concubines’ position were all empty, only had one superstitious Buddha, who was not even His Majesty's biological Empress Dowager, really there was nothing to be excited about. Moreover, if the emperor held a banquet, he had to invite the First Assistant and also the emperor’s teacher Zhang Xiao Lian. With the emperor's temperament of twelve or thirteen years old young man, surely unwilling to see Master Zhang's old face on the New Year's Day.

Therefore, the palace banquet was omitted like this. Gu Hui Yan didn't have to enter the palace. It was rare to spend the New Year’s reunion in the mansion. Usually when common people’s family gather together during the New Year, they would be talking, laughing, and very lively. Even in a sparsely populated family, they wouldn’t feel stiff to say some affectionate things to each other, but in Yan Wang Mansion, when the four only masters sit down, no one spoke.

The four of them were usually busy, so there was really nothing to say when sitting together. The maids changed the hot tea and pastries. Lin Wei Xi was slowly shaking the tea in silence, and suddenly heard a rush of footsteps outside the house, and then Gu Ming Da walked in quickly, and kneeled to Gu Hui Yan outside the carved partition door: "Wangye, the Holy One is here."

Lin Wei Xi was startled to stand up. It’s the New Year’s Eve, during New Year's Eve family dinner the little emperor actually come to their Yan Wang Mansion?

Chapter 61 : New Year

The Emperor visited Yan Wang Mansion on New Year's Eve was nothing short of extraordinary. The Emperor could not leave the palace easily, especially on big days like the New Year. If there was a slight mishap, no one could bear the responsibility.

But the Emperor came out discreetly, and his first stop was Yan Wang Mansion. Lin Wei Xi subconsciously looked at Gu Hui Yan when she heard the news. Sure enough, he wasn’t elated or felt like an honored subordinate. Although Gu Hui Yan looked calm as usual, but there was an invisible seriousness in his eyes.

Gu Hui Yan stood up, following his movements, the whole room became quiet. The Emperor’s goal on this trip was obviously Gu Hui Yan. After he took two steps, he seemed to remember something, his movements halted then turned to Lin Wei Xi and said: "I will go out to meet the Holy One, you will wait here for now."

Many people outside were waiting for Yan Wang, but Yan Wang stopped at this moment and specifically explained to Wangfei. No one dared to speak inside or outside the house, only Lin Wei Xi's voice sounded: "Wangye, I understand."

Perhaps he saw that Lin Wei Xi looked nervous, Gu Hui Yan covered Lin Wei Xi's hands, his palms were warm and powerful, it gave an indescribable sense of peace of mind: "I'm just outside, don't be afraid."

Lin Wei Xi’s heart instantly calmed. She squeezed out a smile for Gu Hui Yan, nodded and said, "Alright, I'm waiting for Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan soon left. When the people that were waiting at the door saw Gu Hui Yan coming out they followed him silently, and in the blink of an eye the group disappeared from the red gauze screen inner courtyard.

The Emperor personally came to Yan Wang Mansion on a reunion day like the New Year, which showed how important Yan Wang in His Majesty's heart. The servants were all proud and immersed in the joy of receiving the Holy One. Wan Xing was born in a small town, and before meeting Lin Wei Xi, she never thought that one day she would be able to see the Emperor. Wan Xing's face was filled with uncontrollable joy. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's faint expression, she couldn't help saying: "Wangye, the Holy One is here, maybe will have the meal together later."

"I know." Lin Wei Xi replied in a low voice. When the Emperor came, she pretended to be delighted and grateful. Lin Wei Xi had a smile on her face, but her heart couldn't stop sinking. The Emperor left the Empress Dowager and the people in the palace behind, for what he went through so much trouble to go to Yan Wang Mansion? This kind of thing must be hidden from everyone. What is the Emperor want to do?

Gu Hui Yan went out to meet the Emperor, but Gu Cheng Yao stayed inside. Not everyone was qualified to face the Holy One. The Emperor went incognito to make a private tour. If the Emperor took the initiative to speak to Yan Wang’s family and relatives, this was of course no problem, but if the Emperor didn’t speak, it’s best not to make claims.

Everyone in the room was smiling now, but Gu Cheng Yao could tell at a glance that Lin Wei Xi was not sincere. Gu Cheng Yao looked a few more times and couldn't help but said to Lin Wei Xi: "Since the Emperor is traveling incognito, and he hasn't passed the words in advance, then he won't be too picky about the reception etiquette. You...mother don't be nervous."

Gao Ran glanced at Gu Cheng Yao in surprise. Why Gu Cheng Yao specifically said this to Lin Wei Xi? Was it for comfort? Lin Wei Xi didn't look back when she heard it, just faintly nodded with an "um".

Before long, there were hurried footsteps outside, the maids and the palace envoy hurriedly walked into the inner courtyard. Lin Wei Xi stood up when she heard the footsteps. After hearing the message from the palace servant, she immediately led the crowd and waited respectfully at the door. According to seniority in the family, Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were Lin Wei Xi's son and daughter-in-law, so based on welcoming customs Lin Wei Xi stood at the front, and Gu Cheng Yao stood one step behind Lin Wei Xi. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help frowning as he looked at the fiery red and delicate back in front of him.

Soon, the Emperor appeared surrounded by everyone. The Emperor, who was still a youth walked in the middle. Next to him was Gu Hui Yan. Behind the two of them were many eunuchs wearing palace servant clothes.

Lin Wei Xi bowed deeply the moment she saw the Emperor. The beautiful lady had folded skirts, her head hanged slightly, and her long and graceful neck was especially obvious. Gu Hui Yan recognized Lin Wei Xi in the crowd at a glance. When he approached, the Emperor smiled and spread his hands: "Wangfei, please rise. Today Zhen come uninvited and disturbed Uncle Yan Wang. If still tiring Aunt Wang to make salutation, then Zhen is too much."

Lin Wei Xi lowered her head and said she didn’t dare. Although the Emperor asked her to get up, she still saluted the Emperor properly, and then slowly stood up with the help of the maids.

Gu Hui Yan said: "The wind is strong at night, dare not let Your Majesty stand outside for too long. What words to say, let's say it inside."

The little Emperor agreed, and the group walked into the house. Before the Emperor came in, Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan were sitting above at the main seat. Now that the Emperor suddenly came, Lin Wei Xi certainly did not dare to let the Emperor take the second seat. She gave up her seat, and a maid had already moved a light armchair for Lin Wei Xi, and Lin Wei Xi sat down beside Gu Hui Yan.

Sitting in a small room were the top noble people under the sky, surrounded by gold and jade, the fragrance was curling up, the maids and palace envoy were standing upright, the servants were like clouds, everything looks grandeur, beautiful and bright. The little Emperor dressed in crimson plain clothes sat opposite Gu Hui Yan. Although Lin Wei Xi was sitting on a small chair, but she was leaning against Gu Hui Yan so her identity was obvious. The remaining Gu Cheng Yao, Gao Ran and others could only stand, and behind them, there were many more maids and servants.

After the host and guest took their seats one by one, the maids filed in, served hot tea with pastries, and then bowed their heads and held their breath to retreated, moving silently between them. After everyone was gone, the Emperor took the lead with a smile and said: "Uncle Wang have a reunion with aunt and Shizi. Zhen garrulously disturbed the reunion of Uncle Yan Wang with his family, really feel apologetic."

"Your Majesty's remarks are very wrong. Your Majesty honored us with your presence is making the Yan Wang Mansion flourish." Gu Hui Yan said.

The Emperor was now thirteen years old. He was between a man and a child, with a long neck and fair skin, looks young and tender and also energetic. He laughed after hearing Gu Hui Yan's words and said: "Uncle Yan Wang's words are too polite. In order of age Zhen and Shizi are still brothers from the same family. Uncle Wang doesn't dislike Zhen for coming uninvited and disturbing your family conversation is good. How can Zhen use the monarch and minister’s ceremony to trouble Uncle Wang and Wangfei."

The Emperor's smile seemed clean and friendly. This was the privilege of children and young people, no matter what, it was difficult for people to feel disgusted. Gu Hui Yan nodded and smiled when he heard these words: "This is natural. Gu Cheng Yao has the luck to be a few years older than Your Majesty. He is honored that Your Majesty not abandon, and use brotherhoods to call each other. You are all of the same generation, maybe have more common topics to talk about. Whether reading or martial arts, if Your Majesty and him can exchange pointers, it will be a good deed."

The Emperor smiled more sincerely when he heard these words. Although Lin Wei Xi was sitting very close to the Emperor, she was sheltered under Gu Hui Yan's figure, and her sense of security doubled, if the Emperor have some hidden thoughts she didn't necessarily pick it up herself. Lin Wei Xi slowly pondered over the words of the Emperor and Gu Hui Yan just now. The two seemed to be talking about everyday things, but there were fine and subtle meanings in them, if not listened carefully it would really be impossible to figure out. The Emperor's visit to Yan Wang Mansion on New Year's Eve already had a lot of meaning, and just now he deliberately said that everyone was surnamed Gu and from the same family. Afterwards, Gu Hui Yan also responded to the hook thrown by the Emperor and pushed Gu Cheng Yao out. Gu Cheng Yao was a younger generation, and speaking with the same generation should be better than with Yan Wang himself.

It was impossible for the Emperor to come over from afar just to exchange pointer with Gu Cheng Yao. What he wanted was Yan Wang's attitude. Now there were many members of imperial court, and First Assistant Zhang’s disciples were everywhere. Yan Wang was a ruler of the vassal state, and he held a large army of 100,000. Which side he was on? Here was the meaning of "the same family" that the Emperor said.

After Lin Wei Xi picked up the subtle meaning of these two sentences, several more rounds of dialogue between Gu Hui Yan and the Emperor had passed. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help sighing from the bottom of her heart, no wonder they said that becoming the close minister for the Son of Heaven was not good. This was the most powerful and also the most dangerous place. If it changed with her, she might still in the middle of understanding the Emperor's deep meaning, and the conversation on the other side would have ended. How could she be able to answer so smoothly like Gu Hui Yan, handled matters with ease, and the exchanges were all hidden words.

The Emperor got a satisfactory answer, and his expression was obviously flying. Lin Wei Xi looked at the timing and took the opportunity to ask: "Your Majesty, the mansion’s annual banquet is ready, may this subject wife be so bold to ask if Your Majesty is willing to attend?"

"This is natural. For a long time have heard Yan Wangfei’s orchid heart and vanilla quality. The Empress Dowager in the deep palace has heard about it. Didn't expect today Zhen able to see it." The Emperor stood up as he said, and others accompanied him to stand up, but the Emperor instead of rushing to leave, he said to Lin Wei Xi, "Although Mother Empress is at ease in the palace, but without people to talk to will inevitably be lonely. If Yan Wangfei has time, there’s no harm going to the palace more."

Lin Wei Xi responded with a smile, "Yes."

The Holy One will also be seated, and the mansion’s New Year’s Eve dinner immediately increased three levels. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi's management of the inner house was very regulated. Now that she had enough status, she didn’t have to worry about the people below, and there was no Bu Mama who used ordered people around. Lin Wei Xi's arrangements had become more and more clear, strict and self-contained. The servants all had their own department, and Lin Wei Xi's instructions were sufficiently clear, so in the extraordinary circumstances like the Holy One’s sudden visit, there was no mistake.

When the Emperor arrived suddenly, many arrangements in the kitchen had to be redone. This way, the time was rushed and the pressure was high, and it was most likely to cause trouble. Gao Ran had secretly raised her heart, but when she saw the annual banquet served meticulously, and there was not even a little disagreement, the feeling in Gao Ran's heart became more complicated.

Gao Ran glanced at Gu Cheng Yao and found that he was also obviously relieved, and a trace of admiration appeared between his brows. Gao Ran pursed the corner of her mouth and retracted her gaze. After this incident, afraid Lin Wei Xi's position in the mansion would become more detached. Even the big banquet with the Emperor could be arranged in a moment, and who else dares not accepted it, a mistress who had been managing the household for 20 or 30 years probably would not dare to speak such big words.

The Emperor said that he was going to have the New Year's Eve dinner with Yan Wang Mansion’s family, but in fact he only sat down for a few rounds of wine with Gu Hui Yan, soon he got up and left the mansion. Now the news that the Emperor's going out of the palace must be known to every household, even if the Emperor was not happy, he still need to visit First Assistant Zhang's house.

After the Emperor left, everyone silently breathe a sigh of relief.

Gu Hui Yan's expression was still calm, but Lin Wei Xi spent day and night with him, and immediately saw that although he looked calm, there were still many subtleties, he should have a load on his mind and only the little Emperor who had just left was worthy of Gu Hui Yan's thoughtful expression.

"Wangye." Lin Wei Xi called out softly. Gu Hui Yan regained his senses, glanced at Lin Wei Xi, and took her hand from under the table: "It's okay. Your Majesty should go to Zhang Mansion. We don't need to worry about entering the palace. Let’s continue with the meal."

Lin Wei Xi nodded in response, and Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran also took their seats. However, after this episode, they ate without tasting the food, no one could focus on the meal.

Seeing many people just dropped their chopsticks, seemed not intend to continue, Lin Wei Xi waved her hand to let the maids take down the New Year's Eve banquet. The maids moved the dishes quietly, while the masters had already moved and took their seats in the other room.

This was the first New Year since Lin Wei Xi has been married in her two lives. There was a huge gap from an unmarried daughter to a daughter-in-law. She usually found a quiet place to talk to her sisters and maids, but now she absolutely couldn’t. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi did not have a mother-in-law, and the only one in the mansion who was older than her was Yan Wang. However, accompanying her husband and accompanying her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law to welcome the New Year were obviously two different things. Lin Wei Xi was by Gu Hui Yan's side, and she didn't feel that it’s unbearable.

However, in the same situation, Gao Ran's mood was completely different, as Gao Ran still had to stay by Lin Wei Xi's side. Lin Wei Xi sat behind and felt sleepy. Her eyes were too heavy, but she thought that she was an elder, and she must be dignified in front of the junior, so she forced her eyelids up. After a while, her eyes were full of water mist, stared blankly ahead.

The sleepy Lin Wei Xi reacted much slower. Compared with her usual glib-tongued, with her wet eyes, she looked harmless and innocent. For people who was often ravaged by her words, she was undoubtedly many times cuter now.

That's what Gu Cheng Yao thought. Of course he knew that it was wrong to think like this. It was his stepmother, and it reasonable for him to avoid suspicion. This was not only disrespectful to the young stepmother, but also disrespectful to his father. But even if he retracted his eyes, he still couldn't control to replay the scene he had just seen in his mind. It turned out that Lin Wei Xi was like this when she was sleepy, her reaction was slow, and the whole person was tender and delicate.

Gu Hui Yan sat upright for a while, in the end couldn't help it. He sighed, reached out his hand to support Lin Wei Xi who was swaying back and forth, and said, "Since you are sleepy, go back and rest for a while."

Lin Wei Xi’s brain was not too clear. Sleepy people were just like a drunk people. The most taboo thing was for others to says that she was sleepy. Lin Wei Xi slapped Gu Hui Yan's hand away: "I'm not sleepy."

The whole room was silent, Wangfei actually slapped Yan Wang's hand? Wan Xing was about to be suffocated. She wanted to step forward and shake Lin Wei Xi awake to remind her one or two, only to find that Yan Wang just sighed, supporting Lin Wei Xi's shoulder and laying her flat on his lap.

Lin Wei Xi followed the momentum and lay down, and after a while, she fell asleep in confusion. Gu Hui Yan sorted out the falling hair on the back of Lin Wei Xi's neck, and immediately continued to do his own things without the slightest offensive displeasure. Wan Xing was dumbfounded watching this scene, until someone pulled her sleeves, she silently retreated, just like the many gasping people in the room, pretending to not see anything.

Lin Wei Xi didn't know what happened, she just felt that she slept warmly and comfortably. It was unknown how long before she was gently shaken to wake up: "Wake up first, it’s new year."

Chapter 62 : Rebirth

Lin Wei Xi slept very deeply. When she was sleeping well, she was woken up by someone. Lin Wei Xi thought that Wan Xing was playing around, so she slapped the other’s hand hard, muttered "Don't be noisy", and turned around to continue to sleep.

The other person seemed to sighed and said, "It's me. Outside is welcoming the New Year, first hold on for a while and then you can go back to sleep."

Lin Wei Xi felt something wrong when she heard the voice. She opened her eyelids and found that she was lying under a dark curtain, and because her sleeping posture was never stable, she almost completely squeezed into the other person's arms.

Lin Wei Xi got up a little dazedly, just happened to meet Gu Hui Yan's eyes. Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan in a daze. Her squishy mind finally sobered up and she quickly looked around at the other people in the room.

Fortunately, the room was very quiet. The sound of firecrackers outside, almost converging into a sea of sound. People seemed to be attracted by the excitement, all went outside to watch the fireworks. Inside there was no one else except for her and Gu Hui Yan.

But beside Gu Hui Yan how could there be no one around? Lin Wei Xi was a little embarrassed, obviously because Gu Hui Yan drove the people outside. In this way, wouldn’t everyone know that she fell asleep while keeping watch for the changing year, and she was still conveniently nestled in Gu Hui Yan's arms?

Oh my God, Lin Wei Xi didn’t dare to think about it anymore. How she gave orders in front of her servants in the future, no need to go that far, just going out now, how could she face the maids and grannies outside, and even her son and daughter-in-law was enough headache.

Lin Wei Xi whimpered and knocked her head dejectedly: "Wangye, why don't you wake me up?"

After saying this, Lin Wei Xi knew the answer herself. It was quite troublesome to wake her up, and in front of everyone, what would Gu Hui Yan say? Lin Wei Xi felt a little apologetic. This was her omission, instead she questioned Gu Hui Yan. However, Gu Hui Yan didn't have a trace of impatience. He didn't care about Lin Wei Xi's complaint, but said very seriously: "There is no need. You usually go to bed early at this time. Since you are sleepy then sleep for a while, there is no need to bear it."

Gu Hui Yan always puts himself in the other people’s shoes and very considerate. Lin Wei Xi was very moved. She just woke up and stretched out a little bit, then hugged Gu Hui Yan and leaned back to where she was just now. She slept here for a long time, and the stiff silky fabric was slightly warmed by her. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help rubbing against it. Gu Hui Yan's laugh could be heard from the top.

"As soon as you wake up you acted like a spoiled child. There are people outside."

Lin Wei Xi originally planned to stop while she’s ahead, but when Gu Hui Yan said this, Lin Wei Xi instead hugged him and refused to move. Lin Wei Xi tilted her face from Gu Hui Yan's chest and blinked at him deliberately, "Didn't Wangye drove people outside? What are you afraid of?"

According to Gu Hui Yan's standard for many years, it was taboo to wear disheveled clothes and improper posture in public. Lin Wei Xi has committed both of them now. Gu Hui Yan should corrected her seriously and instructed her to sit upright, but at this moment Gu Hui Yan looked at the little wife who acted coquettishly in his arms, and was reluctant to correct her for a while.

Gu Hui Yan's short pause gave Lin Wei Xi a chance to win an inch want a foot. Seeing that Gu Hui Yan didn't speak, she knew that although he looked noble and strict, but he enjoyed some of her petty tricks, he just refused to say it. There was no one here anyway, since Lin Wei Xi had started might as well carry it through, and immediately stretched out her hand to wrap Gu Hui Yan's neck. Like this all her strength was on her waist, and her waistline had a beautiful and alluring twist. However, this scene was invisible from Lin Wei Xi’s angle. Gu Hui Yan put his hand on Lin Wei Xi’s waist. Just then Lin Wei Xi leaned against Gu Hui Yan’s ear and said softly, "Wangye, this is our second year of marriage. Happy New Year."

Gu Hui Yan lowered his eyes and looked at Lin Wei Xi. The two were very close to each other, breathing each other. Lin Wei Xi's intention was to deliberately provocative, but now she looked at Gu Hui Yan's gaze, she couldn't help being a little scared, and even faintly regretted recklessly advancing just now.

There was an overwhelming sound of fireworks outside, it seemed that the young manservants brought a new batch of fireworks and lit them together. The undercurrent in Gu Hui Yan's eyes disappeared, and he hugged Lin Wei Xi on his lap, so that she would not keep leaning on her waist to support her body. Gu Hui Yan straightened the hairpin on the side of Lin Wei Xi's hair, and said: "In a year it's rare to have today's excitement. Let's go out and watch the fireworks."

Lin Wei Xi thought the same thing. She was passed the age of being curious about fireworks, but as the Wangfei and mistress, in the moment for leaving the old and welcoming the new she did not appear in front of everyone in the mansion, this was very inappropriate. Lin Wei Xi had planned to call Wan Xing and Wan Yue in, but perhaps because the sound of firecrackers outside was so loud that the maid at the door didn't hear it. Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed and was about to call again, but Gu Hui Yan had already picked up her cloak, buttoned her carefully, and straightened out the fine fluff on her coat.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly became silent. She watched Gu Hui Yan's movements silently. When he buttoned the buttons, Lin Wei Xi reached out to take it, but was stopped by Gu Hui Yan. When he finally tidied it up to his satisfaction, he reached out and touched the top of her head, with a smile in his eyes: "Let's go."

Lin Wei Xi's hand was already held in his arm, and she was led out like this. It was strange to say that no one could hear the call from the room, but as soon as the door was opened, the servants who were unknown what they were doing just now immediately looked over and saluted Lin Wei Xi one by one. The wind outside was a bit strong, and the fluff on the hood danced wildly in the night breeze. Half of Lin Wei Xi's face was covered by white fur. It was too cold to stretch out her hand, so she only nodded slightly at the salute, indicating that she had heard.

With such a large main courtyard of Yan Wang Mansion, coupled with the strong night wind and the blast of firecrackers, the changes in one corner of the courtyard were really hard to notice. But when Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan came out, the people in the courtyard immediately realized. Although Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran stood far away, the moment the door opened, the corner of their eyes followed closely. Soon after, Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan appeared, and the two came out together.

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran had moved to another room early on to waited for the New Year. Lin Wei Xi fell asleep on Yan Wang's lap, this kind of scene was not suitable for them to look at. However, people were like this. Sometimes the more invisible, the easier it was to let the imagination roam free. As soon as leaving the old and welcome the new, when the whole city released the firecrackers out, Gao Ran waited outside for a quarter of an hour before seeing the two showed up.

Although Gao Ran stood outside with a smile, accepting everyone's congratulations, but as long as she thought of the scenes inside the main house, she still felt disgusted all over her body. What was it like to watch your father-in-law and mother-in-law show affection? This question, afraid that apart from Gao Ran, only Gu Cheng Yao could only tell.

For the past eighteen years, Gu Cheng Yao's impression of his father has always been righteous, solemn and imposingly inviolable. Gu Hui Yan also perfectly supported all Gu Cheng Yao's imagination of his father. Gu Cheng Yao respected and admired his father from the bottom of his heart. But Gu Cheng Yao didn't expect that his father would pay attention to the other woman's movements all the way. Gu Cheng Yao was also there at the time. Of course he could see that Yan Wang had been paying attention to Lin Wei Xi, even Lin Wei Xi's small actions could not be hidden from his father. And his father, who had always been indifferent and cold, would be careful and meticulous, just like treating a peerless treasure, placing the woman’s body carefully on his lap.

A year ago, if someone told Gu Cheng Yao that Yan Wang would be this considerate, Gu Cheng Yao would have sneered at them, but now, he was speechless.

Especially when Gu Cheng Yao realized that this unspeakable complexity was not directed at Lin Wei Xi, but at his father, Gu Hui Yan. Although Gu Hui Yan didn't say it clearly at that time, no one dared to stay. Gu Hui Yan didn't allow anyone to see what Lin Wei Xi looked like after falling asleep, but he himself stayed in the room for an hour. Gu Cheng Yao suddenly realized what he was thinking. His fist beside him clenched tightly. At this moment, a cold wind blew. Gu Cheng Yao covered it up by taking a deep breath of the cold air, let his drowsy mind because of staying up late to calm down.

Now that they saw them, Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran would definitely come forward to salute their parents and pay New Year's greetings. Although they were standing at the same place, they had their own thoughts in their hearts, and along the way they feel a little bit of the same bed with different dreams.

Lin Wei Xi was wearing a scarlet cloak, only her hood surrounded by a circle of fluffy white fur. She stood under the vermilion corridor, her body looked slender, in the silence it carried an awe-inspiring expression, simply like Zhaojun* come to life, a goddess descended to the world. Seeing Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao coming over to pay respect, she just nodded slightly, and then turned her gaze back to look at the dark night sky.

*Zhaojun, is one of four beauties of ancient china.

At this time, the night was already very deep, the air was cold, and when breathing there was a strong smell of fire. This was a unique taste of the New Year. Of course, the fireworks in Yan Wang Mansion were prepared in many ways. Some young manservants diligently moved the cannon barrels to the courtyard, and then stretched their arms to light the fuse. The maids stood under the winding corridor with their ears covered. Seeing the young man lighting firecrackers, shouting and jumping, they didn't know whether they were afraid or delighted.

Lin Wei Xi looked at such a lively scene, unconsciously a little fascinated, and her sleepiness had long since disappeared. Wan Xing was so lively she couldn't held back for a long time, so she asked for a piece of incense and lit fireworks in the courtyard. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help laughing when she saw this. Lin Wei Xi was standing on the corridor, she didn't look at anyone, but many people were secretly paid attention to her. Now the beautiful Wangfei, who did not look like a real person, smiled. Many people who set off the fireworks were encouraged to change their methods to light the fireworks, hoping to win Wangfei’s attention.

Wan Xing's playing was really unruly. Although Wan Yue was happy for her, she was steady by nature and always more thoughtful. Wan Yue called Wan Xing back and said, "There are so many servants in the garden to take care such things. You mix with them to light fireworks, what is this called? You can take a break. It's important to serve Wangfei."

Wan Xing was in the middle of playing around, and she was reluctant to be called back, but she also knew that Wan Yue was doing it for her own good. Wan Xing grumbled and handed the incense stick to the little maid next to her. However, before she was gloomy for two seconds, she saw Lin Wei Xi and she became excited again: "Wangfei, you are awake?"

Lin Wei Xi pursed her lip and smiled coldly, just pretend to reply to cover up her embarrassment. Wan Xing didn't notice this, she was excited like she was shot with chicken blood: "Wangfei, it's a pity that there are no children in the mansion, so the fireworks can only be set to the little servant. After a few years, the little masters will run all over the place, at that time the New Year will be lively with fireworks!"

Lin Wei Xi had been standing with Gu Hui Yan since she came out, but the noise outside was so loud that she couldn’t hear unless people shouting. With the sound of firecrackers concealing it, Lin Wei Xi and her maid did not appear abruptly speaking, but now that Wan Xing, this dim-witted, said such things, Lin Wei Xi quickly glanced at Gu Hui Yan and found that he was still looking ahead, didn’t look like listening. She was relieved, and immediately glared at Wan Xing.

Regarding children Lin Wei Xi’s attitude had always been to let nature take its course. After all, this was a clansmen society, and if a woman wanted to survive, heirs couldn’t be avoided. But Lin Wei Xi knew that her identity was sensitive. Would Yan Wang let her give birth to an heir? It was alright if it’s a daughter, what if it’s a son?

Lin Wei Xi didn't want to think deeply about this issue, so she never allowed the maid to mention it in front of Yan Wang, even by accident it was still out of the question. She didn't want Gu Hui Yan to think that she was suggesting something.

This was something she had long understand, but at this moment, her excitement because of the New Year suddenly fell, and the endless fireworks before her seemed to lose its appeal. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help being distracted, staring at one spot with a dazed eye, suddenly a fierce firecrackers sounded behind her. Lin Wei Xi was taken aback and took a step back in panic.

Fortunately, the frightened people were not in minority. The yard was full of screams, Lin Wei Xi’s lost of composure was nothing. She fell a step backwards, and before she recovered from the shock, she felt her arm being supported, and then her ears became warm, the deafening firecrackers instantly moved away from her.

Lin Wei Xi's violent beating heart slowly settled down, her ears were blocked, and the sound of her heartbeat was particularly obvious. Beat after beat, its presence in her chest was very strong. Gu Hui Yan was much taller than Lin Wei Xi, and now he slightly bent over to cover Lin Wei Xi's ears. Not only her ears was not distressed, but she could also clearly feel Gu Hui Yan's body temperature on her back. As if the whole person was wrapped in his arms, as if the fire and loud noises outside were not to be feared. She just appreciated the beauty of the fireworks, and without worrying about the noise caused by the beauty.

Lin Wei Xi pursed her lips, and finally did not struggle, rather let Gu Hui Yan half hug herself in front of everyone. The magnificent and noisy firecrackers exploded quickly, as bright sparks like peacocks sounded in the courtyard, all of this was indescribably lively and beautiful. Lin Wei Xi took advantage of the darkness to cover it up, and the corners of her mouth quietly tilted up.

Yes, the New Year was here. Last year’s New Year was not a pleasant one. In December she was struck to death by a hopeless marriage. She died at only seventeen after being married less than a year. When she woke up again, although she was lucky enough to continue to live, she faced Lin Wei Xi’s difficult family situation, it was also difficult for her to celebrate her first new year with peace of mind. But Yuanjia fifth year had passed. In this year, she met Yan Wang whom she had never met in her previous life, gave up all her previous life and its halo, and had no choice but to return to this mansion that brought her both glory and pain. But in the sixth year of Yuanjia, in Gu Hui Yan's arms that seemed like carrying a cold air, she welcomed the first day of the New Year.

Chapter 63 : Congratulated the Emperor

For the imperial court, New Year's Eve was not the most important festival. The first day of the New Year was.

Early morning on the first day of the New Year, the entire capital was filled with an unusual atmosphere. The east was still dark, and each mansion were lit up. In front of Chengtian Gate, officials in full dress were waiting. Giving congratulations to the Emperor on the morning of the first day was the most solemn event of the year. On this day, a hundred court officials came to congratulate and all nations came to worship. This was the might of the great power.

Congratulatory ceremony in the morning of the New Year, was done very cautiously. According to customs all titled women also need to enter the palace to meet the Empress and the Empress Dowager, but the inner palace was empty, the Emperor has not yet established the Empress, then the titled women’s congratulatory ceremony were much simpler. Therefore, to suffer from dawn till the sun hit three pole (around noon) was enough.

Today, Lin Wei Xi had been tossed around since dawn to wear the court’s attire and dress. She put on a Qin Wangfei’s ceremonial dà shān (大衫), her hair wearing a jiǔ dí crown (九翟冠). The inside was lined with plain muslin, a deep green jū yī (鞠衣) was tied up on top it, the chest was embroidered luxuriously with gold thread to form cloud and phoenix pattern. After hanging the jade pendant and ornaments on the jū yī, she put on a wide and grand red (红色) silk weave (纻丝) dà shān on the outermost part, and finally put on a long xiá pèi (霞帔), with a gold pendant hanging on the bottom. When the whole body was finished, there were five or six layers inside out. In between there were many jade pendants and colored ribbons hanging. The long sleeves of the red dà shān were almost reach the floor. The deep green jū yī and the jade pendant on the inside were peeping through. Not to mention the head, jiǔ dí crown was decorated with real gold, silver, jade and precious stones. Lin Wei Xi puts on this glamorous body, she looks noble and awe-inspiring, but the heaviness behind the nobility was also real.

Although heavy, but the Central Plains was known as the country of etiquette. These cumbersome details were the best power. Every detail on the ceremonial dress, even a small embroidery, symbolized status and order. When Lin Wei Xi stood in the main hall for congratulatory ceremony the accumulation of these details made her looks majestic and magnificent.

Lin Wei Xi belonged to outside titled woman, but now there was no concubine in the palace, she was also the consort of Yan Wang, even though she was the youngest, the other Wangfei dare not let her stand behind. Lin Wei Xi tried to decline to no avail, so she stood in the first row of all the titled women, dignifiedly and solemnly led the crowd to hold the congratulatory ceremony, faintly as the head of all titled women.

In fact, the ceremony had been simplified a lot. After all, compared to the Empress Dowager, the Empress was the real ceremonial focus. It was reasonable to say that the Emperor was young and hasn’t establish the Empress yet, the congratulatory ceremony of the womenfolk should be cancelled. However, First Assistant Zhang was very persistent with these elaborate rules. Not only was he critical of the manners of many officials, even the Emperor was not immune, and if there’s a little bit of mistake with the Emperor’s lecture every ten days, people could get impeached. Men were like this, of course Lin Wei Xi and the other womenfolk had to follow suit.

Last night to send the old and welcomed the new, everyone were sleeping late, and today at dawn they already got up and put on their ceremonial dresses. After that, they wore a dozen catties* of clothes to attend the long and cumbersome congratulatory ceremony. Standing and kneeling didn’t know how many times they were tossed around. After this whole set, Lin Wei Xi and the other young people were still alright, but many of the elderly titled madams couldn’t stand it anymore. When the ceremony was over, the Empress Dowager Qian at the top also breathed a sigh of relief, and quickly let someone help her to rest at the back.

*1 catty = 500 g

When the Empress Dowager left, the womenfolk under the steps could relax for a while. Even though the congratulatory ceremony was over, they couldn’t leave the palace. They had to participate in the banquet in the palace and wait until the banquet was over. But the most troublesome period was over, and the remaining time was really nothing. First Assistant Zhang could be called demanding of these elaborate regulations. If ones done a mistake, he might cause trouble for the whole family.

Fortunately, the congratulatory ceremony ended smoothly, as the womenfolk still could not go out of the palace yet, the remaining time was for socialization. The symbolic meaning of the congratulatory ceremony was very heavy. In addition, everyone wore their grandest clothing today. No matter how you play it on weekdays, with the hard rules of who was high who was low, you could know at a glance today. Therefore, many of the madams with their children and grandchildren like to socialize on the First Day banquet at the end of congratulatory ceremony.

As the congratulatory ceremony’s formation dispersed, Lin Wei Xi just stood there, and before she could go to the side to rest for a while, she was surrounded by the madams who came forward to greet her.

Everyone who was eligible to participate in the congratulatory ceremony were all prestigious titled madams. The most glorious thing after being an influential man was to confer a title to his mother, and then confer a title his wife. In this way, the age of the people who come to participate in the congratulatory ceremony were generally already old. Forty-something was already considered young. It was not uncommon for titled madams to be seventy or eighty, and had white-haired. Lin Wei Xi who was only seventeen this year, looked especially prominent among them. On top of that she had a beautiful appearance, and the more gorgeous the clothes, the more it could set off her exquisiteness and beauty. She stood at the head position throughout the whole process, but it didn’t look offensive.

Yesterday when the night fell, it already spread throughout the capital. The Emperor left the palace on the New Year's festival. He went to Yan Wang Mansion at his first stop, and then left after half a meal in Yan Wang Mansion, and the rest went to First Assistant Zhang's house. With the Emperor done this, it clearly showed the high status of Yan Wang in the Emperor’s eyes. Yan Wang had the control of the army, and now it seems that he was still very trusted by the new Emperor. For him to make the Emperor took the initiative to participate in his New Year's Eve family banquet, his status was evident. Three generations of Emperors had relied heavily on Yan Wang, and the weight of this was too formidable.

Lin Wei Xi, the Yan Wangfei, had attracted attention as soon as she appeared today. If before everyone looked at her with curiosity and respect, today there were cautiousness and even fear. Lin Wei Xi sighed inside. In the past the three auxiliary ministers left by the previous Emperor didn't have priority order, but when the Emperor did this, he forced the three to have a priority. However, the young Emperor grew up and his ambitions gradually expanded. This was something that couldn't be avoid.

Before married, the woman was led by her mother and aunt, and after marriage she followed her mother-in-law. In the main hall the madams were seen talking to their daughter-in-law and even granddaughter-in-law. The daughter-in-law supported her mother-in-law with a gentle smile. No matter how it was normally in their family, now they all looked like compassionate mother-in-law and filial daughter-in-law. But then there were Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran this pair, they seems very strange.

Lin Wei Xi, the mother-in-law, stood in front, she was even younger and more beautiful than her daughter-in-law. If they hadn't seen Lin Wei Xi's Qin Wangfei dress, they absolutely wouldn't believe it.

Lin Wei Xi took the opportunity to walk towards the small pavilion in the corner after sending off several madams that came to give the New Year’s greetings. The weight of the jiǔ dí crown on top of her head was really heavy, she felt that her neck would be broken if she didn’t rest.

Gao Ran did not have the right to move freely on such occasions. She could only follow her mother-in-law. Wherever Lin Wei Xi went and whoever she talked to, she had to follow her. Even if she saw her maiden’s family, she couldn’t act without her mother-in-law’s permission.

After many years, a submissive daughter-in-law would become a domineering mother-in-law, this was not just a saying.

Grand Princess Shou Kang also came to the palace today to participate in congratulatory ceremony. She was sitting in the warm pavilion to rest. When she saw Lin Wei Xi, she was overjoyed. Lin Wei Xi was thinking about looking for her grandmother, but she didn't expect to coincidently meet her in the resting place. Lin Wei Xi hurriedly greeted her, and made salutations to the Grand Princess Shou Kang: "Greeting to Grand Princess, this junior give you the New Year greetings."

Lin Wei Xi squatted halfway, and was quickly supported by the female officer next to Princess Shou Kang. Even if Lin Wei Xi was one hundred percent a junior, because of the current status of Yan Wang, Grand Princess Shou Kang did not dare to accept Lin Wei Xi's salutation. Princess Shou Kang let people help Lin Wei Xi to stand up, smiled and held Lin Wei Xi’s hand, and looked straight to the left and right: "I haven’t seen you for a long time. You really have no conscience, once you have a husband, didn’t come to see this old woman."

Lin Wei Xi chuckled and sat next to Grand Princess Shou Kang, leaning on her affectionately: "How dare I forget you? I was itching to run to the princess mansion every day. Fortunately, there are a lot of trivial things in the mansion at the end of the year, otherwise you would definitely be vexed to see me now."

Grand Princess Shou Kang was amused and laughed. In fact, the two hadn't seen each other for a month. It was not easy for the womenfolk to go out. It was considered frequent to meet once or twice a month. Lin Wei Xi was a new bride, and had just taken over the huge mansion. It was normal for her to be unable to get away at the end of the year. But in Princess Shou Kang's heart, not seeing her for a month, it seemed like a really long time.

Princess Shou Kang was already old, this set of tedious ceremony was already too much to bear, but seeing Lin Wei Xi, her exhaustion instantly wiped away, as if there was endless strength. Princess Shou Kang took Lin Wei Xi's hand and asked many questions, extremely affectionate, but with Gao Ran who came in with Lin Wei Xi, she didn't even look at this nominal granddaughter.

Gao Ran stood at the side with embarrassment, her face was very ugly. Gao Ran comforted herself in her heart, the heavens shall give the great responsibility to its people, and the man must first suffer from his will. Now it was merely the villain who were in power. Let these two evil people run wild for a while, and in the future she would surely let them pay tenfold.

Grand Princess Shou Kang carefully asked Lin Wei Xi's recent situation, and she was relieved when she learned that no one in the mansion dared to be scornful, and took over the offering affairs very smoothly. Although she heard from people in the capital that the newly married young Wangfei of Yan Wang Mansion was very capable, and she took over the internal and external affairs of the mansion in just one month after she enter the door. Even the New Year's gift came from the hands of the new Wangfei. But if you care you will be confused. Grand Princess Shou Kang would only feel relieve after hearing Lin Wei Xi's words in person.

Just entered the door even the people couldn’t recognize all, she dared to take over the power of the Yan Wang Mansion. It could be seen that Lin Wei Xi was very capable and bold. Facts had proven that Lin Wei Xi indeed had the capabilities to be this flamboyant. Princess Shou Kang sighed, when she saw Lin Wei Xi she felt close, and even Lin Wei Xi's sharp and capable temperament was very similar to Gao Xi. Perhaps this was destiny in the dark.

Princess Shou Kang saw that Lin Wei Xi did not endure hardship in Yan Wang Mansion, and her heart was calm, so she couldn't help but care about another matter. Gu Hui Yan was also Princess Shou Kang's nephew. Whether from Lin Wei Xi's perspective or from the perspective of Yan Wang, Princess Shou Kang was very concerned about this newlywed which she personally acted as matchmaker to. Princess Shou Kang took Lin Wei Xi's hand and leaned closer and asked, "How are you and Yan Wang?"

Suddenly asked about husband and wife’s private affairs, Lin Wei Xi got stuck for a moment. Before she could say anything, Princess Shou Kang saw Lin Wei Xi's face and said to herself: "Looking at your complexion, I think it’s pretty good."

Lin Wei Xi's cheeks suddenly blushed. They were all married women. Of course she understood what Princess Shou Kang's words meant. Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed and didn't know what to say. Princess Shou Kang saw that the clever Lin Wei Xi also had such a bashful side and she felt more comforted. She patted Lin Wei Xi’s hand, and said with great satisfaction: “That’s fine. You two are a few people I care about. Who could imagine that you two would have come together. Now seeing you are doing well, I can rest assured."

Lin Wei Xi's smile froze: "Grand Princess..."

"It's okay, I'm old, there is no need to avoid these thing." Princess Shou Kang looked at Lin Wei Xi's face carefully, her eyes couldn’t help watered, "I learned that you and Yan Wang support each other, the husband and wife are in harmony. My wish is completed, there is really nothing to worry about. You two must have a good life and give birth to a big fat child soon. If it a son he must be like Yan Wang, smart and clever since childhood. If it a girl, she will be like you. Oh my, this is really an amazing family, afraid not easy to mess with."

Lin Wei Xi also had to laugh hearing this. She accompanied her elders to daydreams, but when she thought of what happened last night, she couldn't help but feel gloomy.

Yan Wang now spoiled her because of the things between men and women. These are false. Only when the son were involved could see the man's true attitude. What kind of feelings did Yan Wang have towards her? Where does he put her?

Lin Wei Xi was interrupted without entangling with this issue for too long. The palace attendant in red stood at the entrance of the warm pavilion, smiling broadly at Lin Wei Xi and Princess Shou Kang: "Yan Wang Mansion, Grand Princess, the Empress Dowager invite you to come."

Author’s note:

If you don't care, you won't be entangled. Only if you care, you will think about things.

Chapter 64 : Maternal Relatives

The words of the servant in red were polite. Actually, Grand Princess Shou Kang herself knew that the one Empress Dowager really invited was Lin Wei Xi, but seeing Lin Wei Xi and Princess Shou Kang sitting here together, the Empress Dowager could not just call Yan Wangfei and leave the other, so they were invited to talk inside together.

Princess Shou Kang could have refused to take a longer rest, but she would be worry if Lin Wei Xi went in by herself, stood up regardless of her fatigue, and accompanied Lin Wei Xi to see the Empress Dowager. When the palace eunuch on the Empress Dowager’s side came out, many people saw it. When they saw the eunuch accompanied Yan Wangfei, many people opened their mouths in surprise. On New Year's Eve, the Emperor went out of the palace to visit Yan Wang. Today, the Empress Dowager was the first to ask Yan Wangfei to go in and talk. The power of Yan Wang Mansion was simply shocking.

In Cining Palace, the Qian family had already sat with the Empress Dowager. However, the Qian family came in to see the Empress Dowager after the ceremony, this was the privilege of maiden house maternal relatives. Naturally, it was not the same as Lin Wei Xi, who was called specifically by the Empress Dowager to speak.

Lin Wei Xi helped Grand Princess Shou Kang walk towards Cining Palace slowly. When the two of them showed up, the few people who were already sitting looked up and said, "Yan Wangfei and Grand Princess are here."

Except for the Empress Dowager, all the other madams stood up and said New Year’s auspicious words to Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi smiled as soon as she walked in. She was about to salute the Empress Dowager, but the Empress Dowager had already asked the maid next to her to hold her back: "Yan Wangfei and Grand Princess doesn’t need to be polite. We are all family, so let’s omit all these empty courtesy that’s rather tormenting people."

"Thanking Empress Dowager." Lin Wei Xi responded with a smile. Although she said so, she still crouched down before getting up. After Lin Wei Xi stood up, she immediately went to help Grand Princess Shou Kang. When the two walked up, everyone in the Qian family felt a little restrained. One of these two was Yan Wangfei, within the titled women in the capital if she said she was the second there wouldn’t be the first, and the other was Grand Princess Shou Kang, a generation higher than the Empress Dowager Qian. When they both entered, who dare to sit higher than these two people?

Qian's family old madam took a step back and gave up her seat. Lin Wei Xi smiled when she saw it, "Qian old madam is polite, how can I bother you."

Qian old madam sneered: "What Yan Wangfei said makes people feel embarrassed. We are lack virtue and ability, how dare letting Yan Wangfei to sit with us. You and the grand princess should sit at the top seat."

Lin Wei Xi smiled and didn't speak, but the Empress Dowager sitting in the middle spoke lightly: "Wangfei and grand princess doesn’t need to be polite, just take a sit."

Grand Princess Shou Kang's expression was flat, she nodded and agreed: "Then thanking Qian old madam."

Princess Shou Kang was worried that Lin Wei Xi would be inconvenient to accept, so she was the one who agreed. The Qian family was fine in front of other people, but they were not qualified to sit above the two of them. However, Lin Wei Xi was young after all, even if her status was high enough, some things were inconvenient to say. If Lin Wei Xi responded directly, she could be called a rampant, but if Grand Princess Shou Kang accepted it, then there would be no problem. After all, Shou Kang's seniority was high, and she should be honored.

Princess Shou Kang sat on the right side of the Empress Dowager, Lin Wei Xi supported Princess Shou Kang to sit, then walked around to the opposite side and sat to the left side of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager Qian, as the Holy Mother Empress Dowager, certainly sat in the middle throne. The first seat on the right of the Empress Dowager was the most noble, followed by the first on the left, the second on the right, and so on. Just now everyone in the Qian family was saying well. As soon as Lin Wei Xi and Princess Shou Kang entered the door, they all had to stand up and give up their seats. After tossing around in circle, the Qian family, who was already somewhat unbalanced, became more and more embarrassed.

After everyone sat down, Empress Dowager Qian asked about the recent health of the people in Yan Wang Mansion. This was a very standard small talk, Lin Wei Xi answered one by one, and finally asked after the Empress Dowager and His Majesty. Lin Wei Xi and the Empress Dowager talked back and forth, and when the two of them exchanged pleasantries, the rest of the Cining Palace could only stare at them, no one dared to interrupt.

Empress Dowager Qian had spoken to Lin Wei Xi for a long time, and when she swept to Gao Ran behind Lin Wei Xi, she remembered that Yan Wang Mansion also had Gao Ran this Shizi Consort. Empress Dowager Qian asked casually: "Shizi Consort also come. You must be tired after tossing for a long time today."

Gao Ran lowered her head and said gently and smoothly: "Serving my mother-in-law and the Empress Dowager, this is the blessing of this servant, not at all tired."

When the Empress Dowager heard this, she nodded lightly, she just asked casually, not really cared about Gao Ran's answer. A lady from the Qian family saw it, and tried to extend the conversation "Shizi Consort is really filial. It is a blessing for Yan Wangfei to have such a gentle and sensible daughter-in-law at her side."

The lady of the Qian family originally meant to compliment Lin Wei Xi, and her words meant to praise two people at the same time. It's a pity that Qian madam flattery was leaned on one side, both Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran smiled politely when they heard these words, but they didn't feel happy in their heart.

After the Empress Dowager Qian and Lin Wei Xi finished with small talk, she didn't know what else could be said. She only learned that the Emperor had gone out late last night, first to Yan Wang Mansion, then to Zhang Mansion, and then he was escorted back by First Assistant Zhang’s people. Empress Dowager Qian complained a lot when she learned about this. Originally, it was wrong for the Emperor to go out of the palace privately, but since the Emperor had gone out, how could he not go to Qian's house? If the Emperor didn't go anywhere, then the Empress Dowager could not say anything, but he went to visit his uncle and his teacher, but did not go to his maternal grandparent Qian's house. This made the Empress Dowager very unhappy.

However, the Emperor was not her biological son, even if in name she was his mother, there were many things that the Empress Dowager could not say. Today, the Qian’s family entered the palace and talked about this, and even though Empress Dowager was not happy, she still had to call Lin Wei Xi in to win her over. The Emperor came over yesterday and specifically instructed her.

Looking at Lin Wei Xi, the Qian family felt complicated and difficult to speak. It was alright to give the seat to Grand Princess Shou Kang. After all, Princess Shou Kang had a high seniority. Even just for imperial family’ face they had to honored her, but it was embarrassing to stand up and gave up a seat to someone that’s the same age as her daughter. The Qian family was ecstatic when they first became a maternal relative of the emperor, but after a long time, the Qian family was used to flattery, and their eyes were not satisfied with the present boundary. They were also relatives. Yan Wang was the Emperor’s uncle, but their Qian family was also the Emperor’s maternal grandfather. Why then Yan Wang was in power, and the Qian family could only take a few superficial errands, and they were treated like a decorations.

This kind of conversation was always polite. After Lin Wei Xi left, a niece-in-law who was very favored by the Empress Dowager said: "Empress Dowager niangniang, obviously has us the family, why the Emperor always turn to an outsider?"

Although the Emperor called Yan Wang as uncle, the branch of Yan Wang was actually far away from the Emperor. In the eyes of the Empress Dowager, even though they relied heavily on Yan Wang, how could it be compared to his own mother’s family, how could he overstep the Qian family to prefer Yan Wang? The Qian family niece-in-law's words were scratching the Empress Dowager's itch. Everyone in the Qian family saw that Empress Dowager did not get angry after her niece-in-law said that, and they were overjoyed. One after another talked about their injustices.

A palace maid who was waiting next to the Empress Dowager secretly frowned. The walls in the palace had ears, you need to be cautious when you speak. But this niece-in-law from the maternal relatives’ clan said that Yan Wang was an outsider in front of the house full of palace maids and eunuchs, and she also vaguely criticized the Emperor. The palace mama felt wrong when she heard this, but the Empress Dowager did not scold her. The Qian family had the support, and the following words became more and more excessive. The master’s words and deeds were really not her turn as the servant to criticized, but the old mama still couldn’t help but sigh. No wonder the Emperor and Yan Wang were unwilling to entrust the Qian family with heavy responsibility. Look at their whole family’s behavior, really cannot be allowed to have high position.

Lin Wei Xi came out of the Empress Dowager’s place, and was surrounded by people again when she showed up. Lin Wei Xi sighed. It seemed that she could not take a rest this whole day.

After finally leaving the palace at night, Lin Wei Xi happened to meet the people from Duke Yingguo Mansion when she went out. The Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people froze when they saw Lin Wei Xi's face. Obviously, they still remembered Gao Ran’s matters a while ago. Yan Wang's Mansion and Duke Yingguo Mansion were in-laws. Just now in the palace it was impossible not to say hello, but at that time they greeted each other in passing then separated. Unlike now the two families met, and there was only one way out of the palace, which made it very awkward. .

Although the Duke Yingguo old madam had a dull expression, she still greeted Lin Wei Xi first: "Greetings, Yan Wangfei."

"Greetings, Old madam." Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but feel amused when she saw this familiar people. Lin Wei Xi stood still. She used to be the junior, but now it should be the Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people who came to salute her. Obviously, they also understood this. After the madam and young lady of Duke Yingguo Mansion saluted Lin Wei Xi one by one, Gao Ran took a step from behind Lin Wei Xi and said, "This child pay respect to grandmother, aunt and sister-in-law. Greetings grandmother."

The Duke Yingguo old madam felt embarrassed when she saw Gao Ran. That time the old madam aggressively led people to Yan Wang Mansion to support Gao Ran, but it turned out it was Gao Ran who was unreasonable, the Duke Yingguo Mansion seriously losing face. The old lady was angry with Gao Ran, so she didn't want to see her, took the people back to the house directly. Since that time, this was the first time everyone in the Duke Yingguo Mansion saw Gao Ran.

It was also in the palace. Last year, when the Duke Yingguo Mansion met the third girl on the Dragon Boat Festival, they were so pleased, to recognized each other as grandparent and granddaughter in front of everyone, it lifted up their status. However, only half a year later, when the Duke Yingguo Mansion met Gao Family’s third girl and the third girl's mother-in-law, the mood was completely different.

Gao Ran disliked the Duke Yingguo Mansion for their uselessness, and treated their daughter as a commodity. It was great when she was well-off, but when she need the support of her maiden family, one by one ran away quickly, really a proper house that sold their daughters for glory. Everyone in the Duke Yingguo Mansion also felt that Gao Ran was not forthcoming. She did something wrong, but without telling the truth, she urged her maiden’s family to come and fight with her mother-in-law, completely using her family as a tool. Duke Yingguo old madam lost such a big face in front of Lin Wei Xi, and the old madam herself was also angry. But now she looked at Gao Ran’s lukewarm attitude, she become more frustrated.

Lin Wei Xi's eyes moved slightly, she looked back at Gao Ran, then turned to the front to look at the Duke Yingguo Mansion, and finally turned around, a smile poured out of her eyes: "The old madam hasn't seen Shizi Consort for a long time, today just happened to meet. I’m also not the kind of unreasonable mother-in-law. From here to go out of the palace is still long anyway. Shizi Consort might as well go over and talk to her maiden family, no need to follow after me."

"How can this be done." Before Gao Ran could speak, the Duke Yingguo old madam said firmly, "It’s only right for daughter-in-law to serves her mother-in-law. She is a junior, how can she leave her mother-in-law and act on her own? Shizi Consort although surnamed Gao, but now married to Yan Wang Mansion, then she is Yan Wang Mansion’s people. How can she at the drop of a hat return to her parent’s home.” After Duke Yingguo old madam said this she looked at Lin Wei Xi, “She is a daughter-in-law. If she do something wrong, please ask Wangfei to correct her. The younger generation is ignorant, and her di mother also went early, so she has to rely on you as her mother-in-law to teach her."

Gao Ran originally didn't want to talk to the Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people, but she should be the one that reject it instead of being rejected by her family. The anger in Gao Ran's heart became more and more violent. She originally had a good feeling for the Duke Yingguo Mansion. After all, her cheap father helped her get a good marriage, but now she heard the old madam say such selling daughters for glory thing and tried to curry a favor, a bit of good opinion for Duke Yingguo Mansion in Gao Ran’s heart was gone.

Gao Ran was unhappy, and it couldn’t be help showed in her tone: "What grandmother said is right, I am a member of the Gu family now, so I shouldn't be with the Gao family all day."

As soon as this was said, the atmosphere became colder again. Lin Wei Xi saw that the two groups were in deadlock, and said quickly: "Gao Mansion understands the righteousness, and Shizi Consort is also sensible. This is really a blessing for Yan Wang Mansion. It is cold today, the old madam pay attention to your feet."

After that, Lin Wei Xi felt very weird. Gao Ran and the Duke Yingguo Mansion all had the surname Gao, and Lin Wei Xi was the step-mother-in-law, according to reason she was the weak target. How could she become the one that mediated and interceded?

Lin Wei Xi reminder for Duke Yingguo old madam was not an empty words. It was snowing before the New Year, and now the sky was dim, the west wind was getting stronger. The road out of the palace was indeed not easy to walk. There was dark ice hidden in the cracks of the bricks, people need to walk carefully. After Lin Wei Xi became the mediator, the Duke Yingguo old madam thanked Lin Wei Xi, and then she was silently supported by her maid and daughter-in-law to go. Lin Wei Xi also didn't want to talk. They were walking silently, when suddenly a little palace eunuch approaching from behind, he shouted from a long distance: "Yan Wangfei, please stay."

Lin Wei Xi heard the sound and turned around strangely to take a look. It was forbidden to make noise in the deep palace, and the eunuch would not dare to yell like this if it wasn’t for being anxious. The eunuch slid up in front of Lin Wei Xi and after bowing to Lin Wei Xi he continued to say: "Wangfei please stop for a while. The road to go out of the palace is far. His Majesty specially ordered the sedan chair to come and send Wangfei out of the palace."

The rest of the people heard couldn’t help but gasped, and Lin Wei Xi twisted her eyebrows and said, "This is not in line with the etiquette. His Majesty is busy with government affairs every day. How could I dare inconvenience gonggong (eunuch) in front of the Holy One? This subject wife thanking for the favor, but let’s forget about the sedan chair."

"Wangfei must not refuse. His Majesty listened to Yan Wangye's words, and then sent a sedan chair to pick you up. If you refuse, Yan Wang will come in person. His Majesty will surely put the blame on this slaves."

It turned out that it was because of Gu Hui Yan, and Lin Wei Xi thought how could the Emperor remember her, these one womenfolk. In the presence of so many people, Lin Wei Xi blushed a little, and she tried to make up a proper reason for Yan Wang’s behavior, but the Duke Yingguo old madam had already answered very tactfully: "Since gonggong are going to send Wangfei out of the palace, then this old body will no longer disturb. Yan Wangfei, this old body will be going ahead."

Lin Wei Xi became more embarrassed and her face redden. The Emperor gave Yan Wangfei a sedan chair because of Gu Hui Yan, but Gao Ran this Shizi Consort was no one. Gao Ran could only salute everyone from Duke Yingguo Mansion, and after watching them leave, she personally sent Lin Wei Xi off, and then walked out alone.

Gao Ran walked alone on the twilight palace road, there were dark ice under her feet from time to time, and the coldness from the soles of her feet gradually surged into her heart. People are more dead than others, comparing goods get thrown away*. A lot of anger in life came from comparison. It's okay if you didn’t know, once you have a comparison, the gap between each other made it very easy to anger you to death.

*People are more dead than others, comparing goods get thrown away, it means people are different, goods are not the same, don’t compare people with each other because everyone has their own advantages.

Chapter 65 : Birthday

Lin Wei Xi had just waited in place for a while, when a young eunuch came carrying the sedan chair. After arriving at the palace’s gate, Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao were already waiting there, only Gao Ran who wanted to walk by herself, and not as fast as being lifted on a sedan chair by palace eunuch, had not arrived yet. After seeing Lin Wei Xi, Gu Hui Yan reached out and tested the temperature of her fingers. Naturally, like it was normal to ask: "Are you tired today?"

"It's okay." Lin Wei Xi said so, but in fact her face was stiff with laughter.

Gu Hui Yan also didn't want to elaborate in such a place. He tightened Lin Wei Xi's hood and said, "It's cold outside, you can wait in the carriage first."

Before Gao Ran came back, it was a bit unkind if she got into the carriage first. Lin Wei Xi looked up, Gu Hui Yan's eyes were calm and deep, Gu Cheng Yao had moved his eyes since Gu Hui Yan and Lin Wei Xi started talking, and deliberately looked to the side. Now he heard these words, also turned around and bowed his head slightly to Lin Wei Xi, saying, "What my father said is right, mother should go in first. This son and Shizi Consort dare not let mother suffer."

In this case, if Lin Wei Xi refused it wouldn’t be polite. She sat in the warm and comfortable carriage, holding the small stove in her hand, and the maid gently massage her leg. After waiting for an unknown amount of time, there was a voice of greetings "Shizi Consort" from outside.

Soon, Gao Ran's voice came across the carriage: "This child greets my mother, was mother safe along the way?"

This was the absolute power of the seniority in the family. If Gao Ran leaves the palace first, she would stand in the cold wind to wait for Lin Wei Xi, but on the contrary, Lin Wei Xi did not have to wait for Gao Ran, even after Gao Ran arrived, she had to greet Lin Wei Xi first. After asking her mother-in-law's well-being then she could get into the carriage to rest and keep warm.

Hearing Gao Ran's voice was a bit hoarse, it was indeed cold today. Lin Wei Xi still hugged the stove, and lazily replied: "Naturally. Shizi Consort is tired from walking all the way, so let's get in the carriage first."

"Thank you mother."

Gao Ran drove in another carriage, and after a while the carriage started to move, the convoy of Yan Wang Mansion slowly drove towards home. It was sunset, and there are many horses and carriage at the gate of the imperial city, but no matter who, when they saw Yan Wang Mansion’s carriages from far away, they quickly let the coachman turn around and give way.

Finally returned to the mansion, everyone was tired after the day. Gu Hui Yan spared Gu Cheng Yao and his wife from the morning and evening greeting, and let them went directly to their courtyard to rest.

After dinner in the evening, Lin Wei Xi took a bath and used a clean white silk to wipe her long hair. Gu Hui Yan then went to take a bath, and when he came out, he saw that Lin Wei Xi was no different from when he went in. Every time Lin Wei Xi took a bath, before and after she was very particular about bottles and jars. It took a lot of time to take care of her hair.

This was totally unreasonable in the army, but the more delicate the flower, the more time it took to attend it. Of course Lin Wei Xi was different from his subordinates in the army. Gu Hui Yan walked over and picked a strand of Lin Wei Xi’s hair. He really liked the feel of it. It was black and smooth, it felt like running water in his hand. Now that it hasn’t dried out yet, it’s even more liquidy. Feels great.

Gu Hui Yan couldn't put it down, he suddenly understood what it means with trifling destroys the will*, and he thought it must be this feeling that means reluctant to let go. He simply sat across from Lin Wei Xi and watched her pick up a piece of ointment with her nails, melt it in her hands, and applied it to her hair carefully. After this strand was rub on, then move on to another strand.

*Trifling destroys the will, infatuation with fine details prevents one making progress.

This was a completely different world. Gu Hui Yan never knew that a woman's world was so gentle and delicate, filled with silk fabrics and soft fragrance everywhere. Lin Wei Xi didn’t know what Gu Hui Yan wanted to do when he suddenly sat in front of her. She kept moving her hands, lowered her head and said softly, “Wangye, I still need a long time here. If you think it’s a waste of time, go find a book to read first."

"No." Gu Hui Yan just shook his head, his eyes still watching Lin Wei Xi quietly. Suddenly sat facing a person, and this person was Yan Wang, who was known for his vigorous actions and strict military laws, Lin Wei Xi feels very pressured by this wasting time and wasting money behavior. She could only speed up her movements and her mind quickly think of a topic to divert Yan Wang's attention: "Wangye, why did the emperor suddenly remember me today? He also sent a sedan chair to take me out of the palace."

Gu Hui Yan gave an “Oh” and said, "I saw that it was not early anymore and planned to pick you up from the back. The emperor may still have some other thing to say, so he stopped me and let the eunuch next to him go."

Lin Wei Xi gasped, what? When Gu Hui Yan was talking to the emperor, he actually planned to abandon the emperor to find her? No wonder the little red eunuch said that. Lin Wei Xi was a little embarrassed, and at the same time couldn’t contain her joy, she put down the hair in her hand, her expression was quiet and solemn, pretended not to be affected at all. She said in businesslike voice: "Thank you Wangye, but in the future Wangye cannot do this anymore. It cause His Majesty to see a joke."

Gu Hui Yan smiled, looked at her with a full smile, nodded and said, "Okay."

The atmosphere became like Gu Hui Yan was coaxing her again. Lin Wei Xi intended to change her disadvantages, suddenly lowered her voice and asked, "Wangye, today the Holy One specially held you up. What did he say?"

Speaking of things in the palace, Gu Hui Yan's expression also cooled down: "It's nothing, just repeat the old topic."

Lin Wei Xi remembered the emperor's words on New Year's Eve, and probably guessed what the emperor and Gu Hui Yan talked about. She couldn't help but a little worried: "Wangye, today the Empress Dowager also made a special trip to ask me to go see her and talk, and specifically asked after Wangye's health. The emperor did this, then we..."

"No, how it was in the past, now it’s still the same, there is no need to deliberately change attitude." Gu Hui Yan shook his head. When he saw Lin Wei Xi’s small face he was unable to restrain his smile, couldn’t help but want to pinch her delicate and smooth cheeks. "It's not a big deal, what are you making a frown for?"

Lin Wei Xi unhappily slapped his hand away. The emperor frequently expressed goodwill to Yan Wang Mansion, and wanted to make Yan Wang and First Assistant Zhang confront each other, and he still said it’s not a big deal? But Gu Hui Yan was calm and composed, didn't look like he was unprepared, Lin Wei Xi's heart slowly settled down. Lin Wei Xi asked, "Wangye, what do I need to do?"

Lin Wei Xi asked, "Wangye, what do I need to do?"

Gu Hui Yan was shocked when he heard these words, and then shook his head and smiled: "No. This is a matter between me, the Emperor and Zhang Jiang Ling. The influence of the womenfolk is minimal, so it's fine for you to interact with Zhang madam as usual."

Lin Wei Xi knew what Gu Hui Yan meant. The relationship between Yan Wang, First Assistant Zhang, and the Emperor became more and more complicated. Lin Wei Xi was afraid that she would accidentally do something wrong that would affect the overall situation of Yan Wang. But think about it, this kind of complex and delicate balance must be Gu Hui Yan’s territory. This was a long and fierce confrontation process. There was really no need for her and Zhang Mansion's womenfolk to become strained because of this, which was too shameful.

When Gu Hui Yan saw Lin Wei Xi's relief, his heart suddenly moved. He had to admit that when Lin Wei Xi said "What do I need to do", he was very surprised.

The marriage started out as an absurd and nonsense thing. Gu Hui Yan clearly remembered that it was raining that day and Lin Wei Xi was burning badly. After Gu Hui Yan went to see her, he planned to leave, but Lin Wei Xi suddenly woke up at that time. She was so sick that her throat became hoarse, but she still braced herself to get up, separated by a layer of red gauze, and asked him reluctantly: "Your Highness, what I said yesterday was not just nonsense."

She probably didn't understand what that meant. Gu Hui Yan knew that Lin Wei Xi was only very angry at Gao Ran’s offense, so insisted on retaliating against her. This kind of impulse that came from momentary dispute did not need to continue.

But didn’t know whether Lin Wei Xi was too persistent, or his mind was bewitched by something, Gu Hui Yan actually agreed. Gu Hui Yan knew from the beginning that Lin Wei Xi was only acted willful and didn't really want to marry, so Gu Hui Yan didn't intend to offend her, just act like before, only there was one more person in the mansion, and the name of Wangfei was just for her protection and reliance. He would still be by himself, living quietly and orderly.

But now Lin Wei Xi was sitting opposite him, with loose clothes and long hair trailed over her shoulder, asking him intently and seriously "What do I need to I do". Gu Hui Yan's plan was deviated for the first time in so many years. He hadn't expected this situation, nor had he thought that one day he would live with a woman day and night, becoming intimate, and even sit down to watch her take care of her hair.

This idea was stronger than ever, Lin Wei Xi was really trying hard to be Yan Wangfei, trying to share his fate. From then on until death, they would not separate.

"Wangye." Lin Wei Xi shouted unhappily, glaring at him with her round eyes, "I'm still sitting here, who you were thinking about?"

Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but laughing. He smiled and said, "Well, I was wrong. Wangfei don’t blame."

But he was thinking in his heart, since when the original plan go astray? Probably from the night of the second day of marriage, the wedding night was his duty. He couldn’t make Lin Wei Xi feel awkward, but on the second night, the third night, and even many nights later, it was obviously he that didn’t control himself, failed to keep his dignity in his old age, really made Lin Wei Xi his wife.

Lin Wei Xi’s hair was almost dry. Gu Hui Yan tested the moisture in her hair and said, “If you’re tired, then lay down on the bed. After a while you will be asleep.”

However, Lin Wei Xi was very upset because of Gu Hui Yan's absent-minded thing. She snorted to Gu Hui Yan, her face was very cold, and she didn't need Gu Hui Yan to carry her, she avoided him and went down by herself. Gu Hui Yan very easily reached out to stop her, and picked Lin Wei Xi up: "Don't be angry, be careful of catching colds."

Lin Wei Xi still didn't look good: "No need, I asked Wan Xing and Wan Yue to come in and fetch me clothes, why would I catch a cold?"

Gu Hui Yan felt really helpless. He could only put the person on the bed carefully, then sat on the edge of the bed himself, and asked in a happy mood, "In a few days is your birthday, how do you want to celebrate it?"

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment: "Do you remember my birthday?"

"Of course, it’s the 15th on Lantern Festival."

Lin Wei Xi was a little surprised. Her birthday was also a grand festival, so many people tend to overlook it. Often times when the family members being reminded on the Lantern Festival, they were a little surprised: "Yes, your birthday is on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month…"

So when Yan Wang suddenly talked about this, Lin Wei Xi was very surprised. She didn't seem to have said her birthday in front of Gu Hui Yan. The only time she did it was when she visited Grand Princess Shou Kang in March last year.

Unexpectedly, Yan Wang was still remember.

Lin Wei Xi suddenly smiled, and she didn't care about what happened just now. She straightened up and leaned on Gu Hui Yan's side and said, "Thank you, Wangye. Can I do anything?"

Gu Hui Yan paused: "You say what it is first."

Lin Wei Xi was immediately unhappy: "You just promised me."

Was that a promise? Looking at Lin Wei Xi's sparkling eyes, Gu Hui Yan found that he had no resistance to beauty. Gu Hui Yan could only violate his principles a little bit again, gave in and said, "Okay, whatever you say."

This was simply a blank cheque. Lin Wei Xi's smile became brighter and she didn't say what she wanted to do. She just sat back to her original position with her chin up: "Yan Wang’s one word worth a treasures, you can’t regret it. I have to think about it."

Lin Wei Xi’s long hair winding down from her shoulders to the crimson silk quilt. Gu Hui Yan picked up a strand and rubbed it on his fingertips. He looked at her and smiled: "Since you make the beauty trick, you should carry things through. If you get the benefit then you are unqualified to withdraw."

As for how to qualify, you have to ask Yan Wang who was familiar with the art of war.

Chapter 66 : Lantern Festival

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, it was the Lantern Festival.

When Gu Cheng Yao walked in from the outside, he happened to see the maids in Jingcheng Courtyard beaming with joy. When they saw that it was Shizi, they all smiled and greeted Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi, Shizi Consort."

Gao Ran also noticed the unusual excitement of these girls. Although they were not allowed to show frustration during the New Year holidays, there was a clear difference between pretending to be happy and really happy. These girls laughed like this, obviously something good had happened.

Not only the two maids who opened the door, but the people who served in the main house were all happy. Lin Wei Xi was sitting on the Arhat bed with a look of joy, while Gu Hui Yan, who was sitting on the other side, looked helpless.

This was very strange. After Gu Cheng Yao saluted his parents, he asked, "This son seems to be miss something, mother looked very happy today."

Lin Wei Xi laughed again when she heard this, but Gu Hui Yan seemed helpless. Seeing that Wangye did not stop her, Wan Xing boldly said: "Today is Wangfei’s birthday, Wangye was just talking about this."

Gu Cheng Yao was obviously taken aback: "Today is mother's birthday?"

In other words, Lin Wei Xi's birthday also today?

Lin Wei Xi was already used to other people surprise, so she explained in a familiar way: "Yes, I was born on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, on the day of Lantern Festival."

Gu Cheng Yao also realized that what he had just said was rude. But he asked like that, not because he couldn't remember the birthday, on the contrary, it was because he knew whose birthday it was that he forgot his manners.

Gao Xi also celebrated her birthday on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, and even the word "Xi" (bright) in Gao Xi's name was because she was born when the lantern was light up on the Lantern Festival. Ablaze with lights, everyone was being merry, so her grandfather gave her "Xi" name. This was what Gao Xi told him in person. Gu Cheng Yao still remembered Gao Xi complaining that she happened to be born on the Lantern Festival, so it was annoying to explain her birthday and the origin of her name to people every year.

Who knew, immediately Lin Wei Xi also said: "When I was born, the sky was still not yet bright, it is just when dawn is breaking, so my father put 'Xi' (dawn)* on my name."

*The Xi in Gao Xi (高熙) and Lin Wei Xi (林未晞) is homophone, 熙 means bright, while 晞 means dawn.

Gu Cheng Yao was almost in a daze, with exactly the same pronunciation and exactly the same sentence pattern. Except for the time of birth, Gu Cheng Yao almost thought that the person in front of her was Gao Xi, and she also had to explain her name to others.

Shizi didn't answer for a long time after hearing these words, Wan Xing and Wan Yue glanced at Gu Cheng Yao strangely. Gao Ran also didn't know what was going on with Gu Cheng Yao, how could he be stunned at such time, after all, Lin Wei Xi took the name of a mother, and he didn't reply when he learned of his stepmother's birthday. This was rude. Gao Ran hurriedly remedy it, and quickly took over and said: "Mother was born on the Lantern Festival, and at dawn, this birthday is really good."

Lin Wei Xi nodded casually. She listened to similar things every year, even if she was reborn, it didn't change. Now she really didn’t feel anything to compliment like this. Gu Cheng Yao came to his senses, his first reaction was to quietly glance at Gu Hui Yan, and seeing that Gu Hui Yan did not respond, he was relieved without knowing whether it was from being relax or being lucky.

Gu Cheng Yao also knew that when looked distracted a while ago it was very disrespectful, but he couldn't explain the reason for it. He could only remedy it another way: "This son don't know that today is mother's birthday. It is really unfilial. Since it’s mother's birthday, then you can’t just take it lightly. I wonder how mother plans to celebrate?"

Lin Wei Xi laughed again when she heard this, her eyes flowed with a smile, unbelievably exquisite and dazzling: "It's not a whole birthday, there is no need to make a big deal, not to mention that today is the Lantern Festival, just conveniently celebrate it with Lantern Festival celebration."

"How can this work?" Gu Cheng Yao frowned, and without thinking he said, "Your birthday is a major event in the family, how can just conveniently celebrate it along with Lantern Festival celebration?" Gu Cheng Yao realized after he finished speaking that his words was inappropriate, so he looked at Gu Hui Yan covertly: "Father, what do you say?"

For some reason, Lin Wei Xi suddenly chuckled and laughed. She also turned sideways and looked at Gu Hui Yan with a smile: "Wangye, what do you think?"

Gu Hui Yan sighed inaudibly, and said helplessly: "Yes, even if it’s not a whole age, your birthday can't be such a trifling matter. Whether it is the Lantern Festival or not, you should celebrate it separately."

Lin Wei Xi couldn't care about the people in the room. She stretched her hand over the small table on the Arhat bed and held Gu Hui Yan's arm: "Wangye, so you promised?"

Gu Hui Yan looked back at her: "Do you really want to go?"

"Yes."

Gu Hui Yan didn't speak, Lin Wei Xi held his arm tightly and refused to let go. Gu Hui Yan even felt that if it weren't for the large number of people in the room and that Gu Cheng Yao and his wife were also there, Lin Wei Xi would have come over and shamelessly acted like spoiled child. Gu Hui Yan finally understood why the ancients said that beauty harmed people, and why the beauty trick was one of The Thirty-Six Stratagems*. He really shouldn't have promised her that night, and promised that she could do whatever she wanted.

*The Thirty-Six Stratagems, is a Chinese essay used to illustrate a series of stratagems used in politics, war, and civil interaction.

Both Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran felt strange, what were they talking about? What did Yan Wang promise Lin Wei Xi? The two of them were hesitating, wondering if they should ask, then they saw Gu Hui Yan sighed, and gave Lin Wei Xi a helpless look: "Alright, since you want to go like this."

Lin Wei Xi immediately laughed, her eyes full of smiles. Wan Xing and Wan Yue behind her were also pleasantly surprised. Wan Xing desperately gave Lin Wei Xi a meaningful looks. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to pay attention to her, but it was not easy for the womenfolk to go out. Lin Wei Xi in the end didn't make it difficult for these maids. "Wangye, can the maids also go to the street to watch the lantern together?"

"Look at the lantern?" Gao Ran didn't care that she was interrupting Yan Wang, she was very surprised. Lin Wei Xi actually asked Yan Wang to take her outside to watch the lanterns? There was no curfew today, so there would be many people on the street, fish and dragon mixed together and most of them were common people. How could the imperial family members go to such a place?

Gu Cheng Yao also felt very surprised, no wonder his father looked helpless. He said, if it was an ordinary thing how could his father give in to Lin Wei Xi’s cajoling, he must have agreed early on, but it turned out Lin Wei Xi wanted to go to the street to watch the lanterns.

The Lantern Festival was a national event, but for the rich and powerful Yan Wang Mansion, they never had to go outside to watch the lanterns. They just summoned the lanterns to come in. Even Yan Wang Mansion own house had an extremely exquisite lantern show, and their own skilled craftsmen had to hollow out their minds to please the imperial family members. It was enough to say what they want, and there was no need to go outside to watch.

This was not only for safety, but also for the reputation of the imperial family. How could the imperial womenfolk be seen by the people outside. Lin Wei Xi wanted to go outside to look at the lanterns, this was the wildest idea.

Gu Hui Yan was worried about taking Lin Wei Xi out, but not because of the reputation this kind of thing. He was worried about safety. He was in charge of the army and held the power in the court. It was inevitable that he would make a lot of enemies. To rashly go to such a crowded place, he would be fine alone, but with Lin Wei Xi, Gu Hui Yan couldn't rest assured.

But who made him lose oneself over lust, early on he had agreed to Lin Wei Xi's request. Besides, Lin Wei Xi really wanted to go. Gu Hui Yan felt soft and once again caved in.

As for the maids Lin Wei Xi was worried about... Gu Hui Yan felt very helpless, he already willing to let Lin Wei Xi go out, could he still entangled with a few servant girls? Gu Hui Yan said: "As long as you like it, take it with you."

Lin Wei Xi narrowed her eyes with a smile, and Wan Xing and Wan Yue were also very excited. These maids could go out only several times throughout the year, on those rare time it was also to follow their master to be a guest, really had no time to have fun and relax. How could Wan Xing and Wan Yue be unhappy to be able to go to the street to watch the lantern festival in the capital together? This was the reason why the maids in the house were full of joy when Gu Cheng Yao and his wife came in.

Seeing that Yan Wang seriously agreed to come out, Gao Ran couldn't help frowning: "There are a lot of commoners outside, it’s crowded and chaotic, how can the womenfolk of the mansion go out and show their faces in public."

Gao Ran showed disgust, and the maids who came from the commoner’s family looked a little subtle. Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gao Ran, thinking that Gao Ran really adapted to this world quickly. After only a few years, she really regards herself as a superior noble lady.

Lin Wei Xi didn't take this seriously. Life won’t always be smooth sailing, fortunes rise and fall, and no one had the right to discriminate against other people. Although in her previous life Lin Wei Xi's birthday was also on the Lantern Festival, she had never gone out to see the lantern displays in the street. She was not allowed to show her face on the street at all. Even if the ancestors felt sorry for the younger generation, most days just rent a private room in the restaurant on the side of the street. They looked at the lampstand from a distance through the folding screen or maybe muslin screen. It's not very interesting, so far away, basically couldn’t see anything.

Who could predict, when she was still a noble young lady she had no chance, but after getting married and became the daughter-in-law of someone else's family, she instead realizes her wish for many years. Lin Wei Xi's success was also due to the fact that she had no elders above her, she was a woman with highest position in the house, and only others listened to her. And if she could wore down Yan Wang again and asked Yan Wang to accompany her, there would be no problem at all.

Lin Wei Xi was in high spirits, with a successful smile on her face, Gu Hui Yan looked at her helplessly but also tolerantly. Looking at the interaction between the two people, Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but sigh in his heart, his father really indulged Lin Wei Xi, practically had no principle or bottom line. If it changed with him or other people, who would dare to do it?

Now that it has been decided they would go to see the lanterns at night, many preparations need to be done. The maids beside Lin Wei Xi all happily went to pack the things to bring with them in the evening, and the whole main house was filled with a festive joy. Gu Hui Yan looked at Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran, and said, "Since we’ll be going out, let's go together. If you two husband and wife want to pack up something, you can go back now. You don't need to stay here."

From the twenty-third of the twelfth month to the sixteenth of the first month, the morning court was closed, the government offices were closed, and officials of all sizes could take a good annual leave. Therefore, it was rare for Gu Hui Yan to stay at home for such a long period of time. Since Gu Hui Yan got married, he no longer stayed in the front yard every day, instead stayed in the inner house of the main house most of the time. When Gu Hui Yan said this to Gu Cheng Yao and his wife, what people heard was that Yan Wang was caring for his son and being sympathetic to the young couple, but Gu Cheng Yao faintly felt that his father might think they were getting in the way, so he didn't want them to be in the main room.

Gao Ran didn't notice it, but Gu Cheng Yao knew it well. He retreated very tactfully.

At night, the lights in the capital were all ignited, and the huge Aoshan lantern* was erected in the imperial city. Lin Wei Xi was fully dressed up. The outer shirt was changed into a white damask jacket with a small stand-up collar and a placket. On the placket there were a neat row of gold buttons. Underneath she wore a sparkling six horse-faced skirt. Because she wanted to watch the lanterns, she deliberately picked a drop-shaped jade, just to match her clothes. When she wears a white fox fur cape on the outermost part, the whole body was white, gold and other light colors, but because of the excellent fabrics and the dark patterns were woven with silver threads in the clothes, when the lights reflected on it, it shined brilliantly and extremely colorful. The beauty really couldn’t be reproduced.

*Aoshan lantern, during the lantern festival they arranged a mountain of colorful lanterns into legendary giant Ao (sea turtle).

Anyone could tell that Lin Wei Xi was really happy. When Gu Hui Yan saw her this enthusiastic, he couldn't bear to refuse her even more, the whole journey just followed her wishes.

Lin Wei Xi originally was sitting in the carriage to watch, but after a long time, she was itchy and couldn't help getting out of the carriage and went to the street vendors to look at the lanterns. Seeing the Wangfei getting off the carriage, the guards in charge of the imperial family, whether they were in the open or in the dark, all had a tingling scalp. They looked forward for a long time and did not hear the instructions from Yan Wang. What's more, Yan Wang personally accompanied Wangfei to light up the lantern at an unknown stall on the street.

No matter how the guard's heart collapsed, now the stall vendor was extremely happy. These were a big customers at first glance, and the most beautiful lady among them was obviously the backbone. Everyone was faintly guarding her. The man with imposing air followed her three steps behind, and his eyes never left her. Even the other younger man looked at her from time to time.

For a while the vendor could not figure out what kind of structure this family has. This outrageously beautiful lady had her long hair rolled up and obviously a married woman, but who was her husband? Looked at the age it seems to be that young master, but an invisible aura told the vendor that he had better not think this way.

But no matter how much he gossiped in his heart, it did not affect the vendor’s diligence in soliciting business. Lin Wei Xi took the two girls, Wan Xing and Wan Yue, to choose from the stall for a long time before finally deciding which lantern to buy. Wan Yue picked the moon-shaped one. Wan Xing might be hungry, she picked a flat peach lantern. Lin Wei Xi muttered to herself for a moment before letting the vendor take down the rabbit lantern.

Gu Hui Yan stood not far away looking at it, and his heart suddenly moved. There were zodiac signs around that lamp, and she actually picked a rabbit?

Chapter 67 : Pair of Fishes

Gu Cheng Yao saw Lin Wei Xi pick up the rabbit-shaped lantern from a distance, and his pupils suddenly shrank.

Was it a coincidence? Did Lin Wei Xi simply like this rabbit lamp, or was it because of the zodiac?

Lin Wei Xi was seventeen this year and her zodiac sign was dragon. The person with zodiac rabbit was Gao Xi.

Gu Cheng Yao could hardly control the shocking thoughts in his mind. For the first time, he was glad that the crowds around him gave him the opportunity to hide the expression on his face.

Lin Wei Xi satisfactorily picked up the lantern, and as soon as she turned around, she saw Gu Hui Yan smiling and looking at her. His eyes were extremely dark and shining under the light. Because of the cold, Lin Wei Xi’s face looked blushing, she couldn't help running over to show Gu Hui Yan her trophy: "Wangye, look!"

Gu Hui Yan's smile was the same as usual. He held Lin Wei Xi's hand and warmed her hands while saying, "What should you call me outside?"

Lin Wei Xi suddenly realized, after much difficulty Gu Hui Yan finally agreed letting her come out to look at the lantern. For safety, Lin Wei Xi could not call him Wangye. Lin Wei Xi's cheeks were red again, but Gu Hui Yan held her hand without letting go. She could only get closer, lowly and quickly shouted: "Husband."

Gu Hui Yan smiled, and finally let go of her hand, no longer embarrassing her. In the presence of so many people, Lin Wei Xi was embarrassed to stay here, and quickly led the maids to another stall.

Lin Wei Xi walked in the front. The crowd around her looked normal, but they were actually emptied by the guard. However, Lin Wei Xi didn't know anything about it. She devoted herself entirely to the novel experience of shopping, and didn't notice anything different around her.

Compared to Lin Wei Xi, the atmosphere around Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran was very dull. Although Gao Ran didn't want to come at first, unlike in modern era, Lantern Festival was the true Valentine's Day of the ancient times. In a sense, this trip was considered a couple's date. Even though Gao Ran dislike the noise, but when she really stood on the street she was also full of longing. Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan walked in front, the two of them were joking around, and many people nearby couldn't help but look at them. Gao Ran was also a little envious when she saw it. She secretly glanced at Gu Cheng Yao but found that his expression was cold and desolate, didn't know what he was thinking. Gao Ran was a little disappointed. She tried to comfort herself, Gu Cheng Yao was just not used to such noisy occasion. He was born a noble and extravagance young master, how could he come to such crowded place?

Lin Wei Xi had a lot of fun all the way, even when returned to the mansion her eyes were still shining. This evening she ate and played, and bought a lot of things. The Jingcheng Courtyard’s maids who hadn't been able to go out saw Lin Wei Xi returned and noisily came over to take a look.

This kind of commoner plaything was out of place in the dignified and splendid mansion, but it had its own charm. Wan Xing and Wan Yue also had a good time today, and now everyone gathered around, Wan Xing was almost like a fish returning to the sea, and immediately showed her talents, telling the little sisters vividly about what she saw along the way.

Wan Yue shook her head helplessly. She walked to Lin Wei Xi and asked in a low voice: "Wangfei, you have been walking for a long time tonight, do you want to take a bath to relieve your fatigue?"

"Alright." Lin Wei Xi nodded, as soon as Wan Yue got the order she immediately went out and ordered people to prepare water. Most of the maid in the inner room went out, Gu Hui Yan looked at the cheerful Lin Wei Xi, smiled and asked, "Are you very happy today?"

Lin Wei Xi sat in front of the dresser, removing her earrings and saying, "Yes, although you can see the lanterns in the mansion, but it's not as popular as the Lantern Festival outside. Did it cause a lot of trouble to Wangye today?"

"No."

Lin Wei Xi chuckled lightly, put her earrings in the brocade box, and turned around to plunge into Gu Hui Yan's arms: "Thank you, Wangye! I have never been to a real Lantern Festival."

Lin Wei Xi's hug was purely out of joy. After expressing her excitement, she let go of her hand and turned to the bathing room to take a bath. Lin Wei Xi's hug came and went quickly, and before a person could react, she had already slipped away like a fish.

Gu Hui Yan stood there, smiling as he watched her drill into the bathing room nimbly and quickly. After her figure disappeared, the smile on Gu Hui Yan's face slipped away little by little. Lin Wei Xi brought back many small plaything, most of which were kept outside by Wan Xing, but Lin Wei Xi really liked the rabbit lantern, so she left it by her side and put it on the Babu bed.

Gu Hui Yan slowly strolled and walked in front of this delicate and lovely rabbit lantern, the light in his eyes flicked and his expression was unpredictable.

Have never been to the real Lantern Festival? With Lin Yong's temperament who loved his daughter dearly, even if his daughter was weak since childhood, this kind of thing shouldn't happen.

What kind of person could just now participate in the common thing like Lantern Festival for the first time?

After the Lantern Festival passed, the morning court soon resumed, and Gu Hui Yan also returned to his daily routine of leaving early and returning late. Without realizing it the regular days slipped away quickly. In a blink of an eye, the wellhead melts and spring returned to the earth.

There was a drizzle a few days ago, the weather got warmer every day, and the light spring clothes finally didn't need to be pressed under the box. Lin Wei Xi put on a bright spring jacket, and has been busy leading the maid to clean up the things for the season. Also took advantage of the good weather, washed and dried the thick winter clothes, and then took out the large wooden utensils, books, writing brush, etc. that have been pressed for a year to bask in the sun.

The main room was turned upside down, and the breath of spring from the willows also filled the house. Today, when Lin Wei Xi was packing things up, she accidently turned over a delicate brocade box.

She was very curious, Gu Hui Yan didn't seem to be the kind of person who usually collect such things. She and Gu Hui Yan didn't avoid any taboos, so despite this was Gu Hui Yan's things, she opened it immediately.

However, when Lin Wei Xi saw what was inside, Lin Wei Xi's originally relaxed expression stagnated.

Gu Hui Yan who just came back from the outside saw Lin Wei Xi standing still in one place. He walked over and asked, "What's the matter?"

Lin Wei Xi did not respond even when Gu Hui Yan already standing behind her. Lin Wei Xi quickly adjusted her mentality, turned around while acting casually, and smiled: "I saw this box, and I was wondering why Wangye would collect jade pendants, but coincidently, Wangye is back."

Gu Hui Yan glanced at the things in Lin Wei Xi's hand, smiled lightly at Lin Wei Xi, his eyes were focused for some reason: "This is not my jade pendant, but it is entrusted by others, and later just leave it with me."

Lin Wei Xi of course understood the origin of this pair of jade pendants. Laid quietly in the brocade box were a pair of Hetian white jade, following the original lines of the jade, it was delicately carved into a fish shape, it was so lifelike, as if it was about to jump out in the next second.

Gu Hui Yan was still explaining where the pair of jade pendants came from: "This was a few years ago. It was probably in the second year of Yuanjia. Gu Cheng Yao sent me a piece of jade pendant and asked me to find someone. I was in the Northwest and was inconvenient. It was entrusted to Aunt Shou Kang’s name. It’s also coincidental that the woman Gu Cheng Yao was looking for happened to be the granddaughter of Aunt Shou Kang, the eldest miss of the Duke Yingguo Mansion, and the original wife of Gu Cheng Yao. Soon Aunt Shou Kang and the miss of Duke Yingguo Mansion was coming with another piece of jade pendant and send it back to me together. You said, wasn’t this coincidence?"

Lin Wei Xi smiled extremely weakly: "Yes, it's coincidence."

"Later Gu Cheng Yao and Miss Gao tied the knot, and this pair of jade pendants stayed with me." Gu Hui Yan took out the half fish from the brocade box and shook it in the sun. "The quality of jade is ordinary, but the carving is pretty good. Didn’t you always like this kind of exquisite thing, if you like it, then leave it to you."

Actually going to return to her hands? Lin Wei Xi was stunned. Gu Hui Yan saw that she didn't reply, and looked at her curiously: "What's wrong, don't you like it?"

Lin Wei Xi quickly recovered. She lowered her eyes covertly, and when she raised her head, there was nothing unusual: "No, I also think this pair of jade pendants is very beautiful. It seems that it’s brought to me by fate, then I won’t be polite and accept it."

Gu Hui Yan put half of the jade pendant back into Lin Wei Xi's palm. Lin Wei Xi stared blankly at the pair of jade pendants in her hand, once again tightly fitted together to form a whole.

At the beginning, Lin Wei Xi also liked the pair of fishes jade pendant because of its ingenuity. She casually gave Gao Ran the half of it, but it was this casual giving that caused her to be miserable for half a lifetime and died young. Lin Wei Xi never expected that after many years, she would recovered the two jade pendants like this.

This pair of fishes jade pendants had been through the hands of Gao Ran, Gu Cheng Yao, Grand Princess Shou Kang, and even Gu Hui Yan. It witnessed a carefree boudoir girl from the second year of Yuanjia, to the sixth year of Yuanjia where things were the same but people have changed Wangfei of a grand mansion, there were even two lives and deaths in it. But in the end, just like that time when the Duke Yingguo Mansion’s granny carried it in front of her, this pair of jade pendants just changed a brocade box and once again laid on the palm of her hand.

Lin Wei Xi felt heavy sigh, maybe this was the fate in the dark.

Gu Hui Yan stayed for a while and was called out again. When Gu Cheng Yao came in to pay respect, he happened to see Lin Wei Xi wearing a goose yellow spring jacket, leaning under the sun and playing with his pair of jade pendants.

Gu Cheng Yao's heart jumped twice without fail. He had to stay on the spot first in order to stabilize his figure and not let himself shown any abnormality. Wan Yue saw Gu Cheng Yao through the window, and quickly walked over to raise the curtain for Gu Cheng Yao: "Good day, Shizi."

Gu Cheng Yao grimaced. He was afraid that if he relaxed a little, he would show a strange appearance, so he could only make himself expressionless. He walked into the room almost ignorantly. The gentleman’s etiquette for many years seemed to be ineffective. He completely forgot to greet Lin Wei Xi, but fixed his eyes on the jade pendant in Lin Wei Xi’s hand and asked: "How can they be in your hand here?"

"Today I tidied things up and accidentally came across this." Lin Wei Xi just gave the general idea, putting the pair of pendants back into the box and closing the brocade box in front of Gu Cheng Yao. "Shizi still recognizes these little things?"

"Of course." Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help adding in his heart, how could he forget it?

Lin Wei Xi smiled, her face against the warm and melting sunshine of spring, clear and exquisite, delicate and pure, almost blending with the spring radiance. With her back against the shining and bright sunlight, her voice carried a sneer: "I heard that Shizi and Shizi Consort met by chance and exchanged love tokens, but unfortunately blocked by the master of this jade pendant. I thought Shizi don't like this pair of jade pendants. After all, without her, you two would have cultivated a righteous fruit a long time ago."

Gu Cheng Yao found himself speechless. What could he say? The matter between him and Gao Xi and Gao Ran was too complicated for outsiders to imagine and naturally could not understand. Many things were painful and unspeakable for the people involved, but to outsiders, she would only though that he was only justifying himself.

Lin Wei Xi was wearing a thin goose-yellow jacket today, with black hair like clouds and white skin surpassing snow, the whole person was unbelievably beautiful. She lazily leaned against the window, and the fragrance of the soil outside the window slowly permeated, gradually enclosing the whole world. All of this was beautiful like a dream.

Gu Cheng Yao stared at Lin Wei Xi at this moment, and the thoughts he deliberately suppressed and deliberately avoided these days became extremely clear. Lin Wei Xi and Gao Xi looked so much alike. It even made people wonder whether they were actually the same.

Wan Yue had been serving by Lin Wei Xi's side. After Lin Wei Xi had finished speaking, she put the things away and continued to read the account books. It was precisely because of this that Wan Yue was able to notice some unusual things.

Suddenly Wan Yue's heart jumped fiercely. Lin Wei Xi kept her head down and didn't pay attention to the things around her, but Wan Yue looked straight. She was frightened by this thought and her heart was beating fast. She didn't care if she would be overstepping, immediately said: "Shizi."

Gu Cheng Yao suddenly awakened by the sound. He turned his head and saw the maid beside Lin Wei Xi looking at him nervously.

The blood in Gu Cheng Yao's heart gradually froze, he hurriedly said goodbye, then quickly turned around and went out.

Lin Wei Xi still didn't care much about it, and didn't even bother to lift her head.

Gu Cheng Yao walked back to the study quickly, what was he doing? He had studied poetry and etiquette for eighteen years. Was this the result of his self-cultivation?

Gu Cheng Yao returned to the study and immediately took out the Four Books that he was so familiar with, but this time, after a long time, he couldn't return to his reading state.

Yun Hui walked in lightly and saw Shizi holding a book in his hand, but did not move for a long time. Yun Hui didn't think much, she poured the tea for Shizi, showing a gentle smile: "Shizi, you have worked hard in your studies, so let's take a rest with a cup of tea."

Gu Cheng Yao slowly turned his head to look at Yun Hui, who was smiling more gently and generously with the tea in her hand. But she was kept like this for a while, the smile on her face became hesitant.

What's wrong with Shizi? Why look at her like this?

Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help thinking in his heart, was it because he was too idle, so he couldn’t forget this woman he wasn’t supposed to have delusion about? If there was another woman at his side, could all this be stopped?

Chapter 68 : Taking a Concubine

Yun Hui was frightened by Gu Cheng Yao's gaze. Her hand holding the tea gradually began to tremble. Just when she was about to kneel down to plead for crime, Gu Cheng Yao suddenly took the tea cup from her hand. Instead of drinking, he held the teacup in his hand and slowly turned around: "Yun Hui, how many years have you been with me?"

Yun Hui didn't know what Gu Cheng Yao want by asking this, she had to answer carefully: "This slave came to serve Shizi at the age of nine, and it has been eleven years now."

"Eleven years." Gu Cheng Yao slowly repeated the number, with no emotion in his tone, "In other words, you are already twenty this year."

Yun Hui carefully agreed, feeling nervous, why Shizi suddenly asked this? Could it be that he didn’t like that she was too old and want to send her out?

Gu Cheng Yao had to think carefully about what happened at that time. He was only seven years old when Yun Hui was assigned to him. At that time, his mother, Shen shi, was still alive. Because his grandmother died of illness at the beginning of the year, and Shen shi was not good at management, Yan Wang Mansion’s servants were in chaos. Shen shi didn't have time to look after Gu Cheng Yao all the time, so she could only allocated him a few maids. At that time it was only an expedient measure, because Shen shi didn't feel reassured about anyone approaching her son. But this kind of serving already happened for eleven years.

Shen shi passed away the next year. The mistress position of Yan Wang Mansion was completely empty. His grandmother and Shen shi died one after another, Yan Wang was out all year round, and Gu Cheng Yao grew up under the care of Yun Hui and the others. For him, Yun Hui and Bu Mama were not just servants, to a large extent, they also carried familial trust.

Therefore, Gu Cheng Yao did not have a great affection between men and women for Yun Hui. In his heart, this was totally different. But Yun Hui stayed by his side from nine to twenty years old. A woman’s most beautiful years were almost all left to him, and because Yun Hui was a close maid, in a large household, this kind of maid tacitly agreed as tong fang* . Even father seems to have acquiesced on this matter now.

*tongfang, if you read historical Chinese novel a lot you must be familiar with this title, it’s the lowest ranking concubine, it literary means connecting room because they usually a close maid who reside in the room connecting to the master’s bedroom.

Gu Cheng Yao thought for a while, and finally decided to give it a try. He was certain because there was no one around him, so he couldn't forget Lin Wei Xi. As long as a new woman appeared next to him, this kind of thought would never happen again.

Gu Cheng Yao put down the tea cup, turned his gaze back to the book in front of him, and didn’t look at Yun Hui: "Do you have relatives outside?"

Why Shizi suddenly ask about her relatives outside... Yun Hui thought one of the possibilities, and her heart jumped: "There is no one. This slave’s parents had left long ago, and the elder sister-in-law sold this slave when this slave was six years old, haven't seen it since then."

Gu Cheng Yao did not speak, but Yun Hui bit her lip and knelt on the ground with a thump, her upper body pressed tightly on the ground: "Please Shizi take pity, this slave is willing to stay by Shizi’s side for the rest of her life and serving you forever."

Gu Cheng Yao found that saying this sentence was a little more difficult than he thought. He suddenly thought of Gao Xi. Gao Xi was very uncomfortable with Yun Hui when she was alive. If she knew about this, she would definitely be angry.

But Gao Xi wouldn’t know anymore, even if she knew, she was no longer his wife.

Gu Cheng Yao wondered why the first thing he thought at such time was the dead person who had passed away, instead of his current wife Gao Ran. However, taking a concubine was a matter of course, and Gao Ran was gentler and more rational than Gao Xi, so she would understand.

Gu Cheng Yao in the end said this sentence: "Alright. But after all, this matter will require Shizi Consort’s approval, you go to Shizi Consort."

Yun Hui was overjoyed, kowtowed three times to Gu Cheng Yao, and got up in surprise: "Shizi, this slave will leave first."

"Alright."

Gao Ran was sitting in the room slowly drinking ginger tea. She had Kuishui (menstruation) these few days, so she took a leave of absence from Lin Wei Xi, so she didn't have to go to pay respect in the morning. However, didn’t know what happened today, she felt that the ginger tea was astringent and bitter. After Gao Ran took two sips, the originally sour mood became more irritable. She was about to call the people in the small kitchen to come and punish them. Suddenly Tao Mama came from outside, her face gloomy.

When Gao Ran saw this, she became curious and didn’t bother to question the small kitchen anymore. She threw the spoon back into the cup and asked, "Tao Mama, what's wrong?"

Tao Mama's expression was subtle, but when looked closely she was still gnashing her teeth: "Shizi Consort, Yun Hui that little wench just came back, she act provocative and crazy, saying that she is going to be a concubine."

Gao Ran was obviously stunned: "Concubine? Where did she dare to say such words, don’t you think her life is too long?" There was only one young master in the mansion, and this concubine could only be Gu Cheng Yao's concubine, is Yun Hui mad?

Tao Mama slapped her hand and leaned closer to Gao Ran to elaborate. As Gao Ran listened, her eyes gradually widened, and the expression on her face became unbelievable.

"It turned out to be... Shizi’s words?"

"Exactly, otherwise how could let this slut be rampant." Tao Mama wrung her own hands. "Last time this unrestrained wench deliberately dressed like that to seduce Shizi, but Shizi didn't accept her. Obviously, Shizi didn’t like her. But this time didn’t know what tricks she used, she actually deceived Shizi to agree. This must be because Yun Hui is cheap, perhaps also deliberately exposed her flesh, how can this kind of sluts compared to Shizi Consort? Even if she becomes a concubine, she is not as good Shizi Consort’s finger."

Gao Ran couldn’t say what she was thinking. In her previous life, she had seen many pampered son of wealthy family. It would be a strange sight if they had the red flag at home but not falling for the colored flag fluttering outside. She was even one of those colored flag. So Gao Ran had always felt that as long as she was the most important in a man's heart, then if he occasionally went out to steal a meat, that was nothing.

But it wasn’t until this moment that Gao Ran realize how much impact such behavior would have on the main wife. Gao Ran stayed in her seat for a while, then slowly came to her senses: "Where is she now?"

It was clear that this ‘she’ was referred to Yun Hui. Tao Mama also sighed and said: "Shizi should have sent her back to kowtow to Shizi Consort, but this slut relies on her seniority and has now gone to Wangfei’s courtyard with Bu Mama to give thanks."

Even if the husband agreed, taking a concubine also must have the primary wife’s approval. If to save face the primary wife was not allowed it, then even if the man spoiled this woman, she could only be a tongfang. Yun Hui brashly went to Lin Wei Xi's place to give thanks without going through Gao Ran this one big mountain. It was too rampant.

Gao Ran passed the initial shock, and now slowly came around. It was commonplace in modern times, not to mention the ancient times when the concubine was legal. What she had to do was not to quarrel with her husband about this matter, but to always win over Gu Cheng Yao's heart. Even if there were other women in the inner courtyard, Gao Ran had to become the most important, the most beloved in his heart.

As long as she got the man's heart, weren’t those women at her disposal.

Gao Ran's eyes immediately ignited, and she couldn't care about some insignificant days. She held the hand of the maid to stand up: "Come here, accompany me to Jingcheng Courtyard."

In Jingcheng Courtyard, Yun Hui was kowtowing to Lin Wei Xi. When Gao Ran arrived, she happened to come face-to-face with Bu Mama. The eyes of the two once made contact promptly separate, one only relied on her old age, and the other was virtuous on the surface and enduring in heart. The atmosphere was really not good.

Lin Wei Xi in the inside could heard the voices and she asked: "Shizi Consort has come?"

Gao Ran quickly walked inside the bead curtain when she heard this, and bowed to Lin Wei Xi: "Greetings to Mother."

Lin Wei Xi waved her hand and motioned to her to get up. Why was Gao Ran’s room matter came around kowtowing to Lin Wei Xi? Lin Wei Xi said: "I heard that Shizi wants to take Yun Hui as concubine?"

When this sentence came out from Lin Wei Xi's mouth, Gao Ran's heart tighten again. Even if Gao Ran didn't mind, she didn't want it to be known by another woman, and even said it to her face. Gao Ran lowered her eyes and said, "I haven't received a word from Shizi, this matter this daughter-in-law also doesn't know."

Yun Hui, who was kneeling on the ground, immediately became anxious, but Lin Wei Xi let out an ‘Oops’ in her heart, were they want to use her as the fighting ring? Lin Wei Xi did not want to get involved in this muddy water.

Yun Hui became impatient at once took two steps, and falsely pulled Lin Wei Xi’s delicate skirt corners: "Wangfei, this is what Shizi said, and it is absolutely true. This slave have served Shizi for more than ten years, and the loyalty to the mansion can be seen day and night. Please, Wangfei must believe this slave and act as the masters of this slave."

Yun Hui was afraid that Gao Ran would refuse to lift her position, and now risked being hated by Gao Ran to ask Lin Wei Xi. As long as Lin Wei Xi opened her mouth, Gao Ran had to admit it. Gao Ran was also afraid that Lin Wei Xi would be dragged by Yun Hui, and hurriedly fight for it: "This is just your own words, just some nonsense, who knows what is really going on. You are now relying on Mother who knows nothing, so you want to swindle Mother to give you a position, it is really damnable."

"That’s enough." Lin Wei Xi frowned slightly, and her eyes swept across the hall coldly, and the whole room immediately became quiet. Both Gao Ran and Yun Hui couldn’t accept it, but they still closed their mouths patiently. Seeing these people finally stopped, Lin Wei Xi said, "Whether or not Shizi really said the matter of taking a concubine, this is all Qingsong Garden's affairs, and there is no reason for me as the stepmother to get involved. Whether Yun Hui become a concubine or a tongfang it doesn’t matter. Shizi Consort should return and discuss it with Shizi, I don't care."

Yun Hui suddenly fell to the ground, but Gao Ran was the exact opposite, beaming with joy. Anyway, at this moment, Gao Ran was still grateful to Lin Wei Xi.

After the two groups of people pulled away, Lin Wei Xi's ears finally became quiet. Wan Yue supported Lin Wei Xi and asked: "Wangfei, did Shizi really want to take Yun Hui as a concubine?"

"Who knows." Lin Wei Xi replied carelessly, not even bother to move one eyebrow, "It’s their own affairs, they can do whatever they want, I don't want to listen to their dispute."

This was something that Lin Wei Xi could decide with a single sentence. Yun Hui took a chance coming here to win Lin Wei Xi's support, but Gao Ran hurried over as soon as she heard the news, also to know where Lin Wei Xi stand. For them it was a matter of life and death, but in Lin Wei Xi's heart, it was just a nosy matter that she was too lazy to listen to.

Wan Yue couldn't help but sigh. She thought that Shizi took a concubine so soon, it seemed that her day-to-day thoughts were all nonsense. But for some reason, Gu Cheng Yao decide this matters somewhat hastily, made Wan Yue feel uncomfortable.

After Gao Ran returned to the house, Yun Hui wanted to offer tea to Gao Ran, but Gao Ran refused on the grounds that she was uncomfortable with her body. If the mistress didn’t accept this cup of tea from the concubine, Yun Hui would be illegitimately conferred and didn’t have a status. Yun Hui was so angry, those two people one was the primary wife and the other was the chief maid, so each had their own unique tricks and had their own ability.

After this dragged on for half a month, in the end Yun Hui’s hair was pulled up (sign of married woman), but it was still unclear whether she become a tongfang or a concubine. Gao Ran pointed at the orchid in front of the window, snapped the scissor, and without expression cut off the best branch.

Gao Ran had never lost a fight with women for so many years. Even if Gu Cheng Yao has other women, but big is big, and small is small, no one could compete with her.

A ruthless light flashed in Gao Ran's eyes. Since Yun Hui was so ignorant, then don’t blame her for disregarding affection.

If you want to be Gu Cheng Yao's concubine, you should survive first.

Chapter 69 : Adultery

Willow branches sprout with furry green fine buds. The mansion’s garden paid attention to flowers in all seasons. When the spring comes, magnolia, Chinese rose, peaches and plums would compete with each other to bloom, and the garden would become more vibrant. When walking on the corridor of Yan Wang Mansion, bright and gentle flowers and green leaves were scattered around, as far as eyes could see were the deep blossoms and nothing more beautiful could be imagined.

As usual, Gao Ran packed up early in the morning and took the maid to Lin Wei Xi's courtyard. The scenery on the way to the main courtyard was particularly good. Jingcheng Courtyard was full of busy and orderly vitality. The maidservants in the corridor were busy but not chaotic. The girl sweeping in the garden saw Gao Ran, and quickly put down the broom to salute: "Shizi Consort."

Gao Ran gave a faint "um" and continued walking inside. Wan Xing saw Gao Ran outside, opened the curtain on the door, increased her voice and shouted inside: "Shizi Consort is here."

When winter returns to spring, the door curtain of the main house was also replaced with light and bright colored glass beads. Gao Ran bowed her head slightly and entered the room, behind her came a clanging sound. The colorful glass beads collided together, and the sound was clear and pleasant.

"Mother."

Lin Wei Xi was standing in front of the window cutting flowers. Hearing the sound, she glanced back casually: "Shizi Consort is here."

Gao Ran answered, and then squatted down to greet Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi clipped the scissors a few more times and looked around, finally satisfied. Wan Yue, who was standing at the side, immediately took the vase and placed it in front of the screen between the central room and the west room. Lin Wei Xi put down the scissors, handed the knives and remaining branches to the maid to clean up, and walked toward the hall by herself: "You don't have to be polite, Shizi Consort should get up."

Gao Ran stood up and slowly followed Lin Wei Xi's back. Lin Wei Xi sat on the armchair in the hall, the maid brought warm water, half kneeling in front of Lin Wei Xi so Lin Wei Xi could wash her hands. Lin Wei Xi carefully soaked the mud-stained fingers in the water. She was about to take out her hand from the water, and Gao Ran had already taken the maid's job and handed the white kerchief to Lin Wei Xi's hand.

Gao Ran's vision for serving people was as good as ever. Lin Wei Xi wiped her hands dry and said, "There are also a lot of things in Qingsong Garden. If Shizi Consort is too busy, you don't have to come to pay respect to me every day, just send someone over to say the words to me."

"I don’t dare." Gao Ran said with her eyes down, "It is an honor for daughter-in-law to serve her mother-in-law. How can this daughter-in-law be absent?

Lin Wei Xi gently ticked her lower lip, and said nothing about it. In fact, Lin Wei Xi had mentioned this a few times, but Gao Ran still had to come over and acted out a filial child. Since she was willing to find trouble for herself, then let her be.

Anyway, the person who stood all day was not Lin Wei Xi.

Gao Ran followed Lin Wei Xi as usual. What Lin Wei Xi needed, she sometimes took it before the maid. After a while, Lin Wei Xi talked about making new clothes for the servants of the palace. Ning Fu took advantage of the gap and said: "Speaking of cutting new clothes, actually it will be Shizi Consort’s birthday in a few days."

"Oh?" Wan Xing answered in surprise, "Shizi Consort’s birthday is coming?"

"Yes, it's on the 30th of the third month."

After Ning Fu finished speaking, Gao Ran glanced at her reproachfully: "Ning Fu, don’t talk nonsense."

Lin Wei Xi actually knew Gao Ran's birthday, but she should say something courteously: "It turned out to be on the thirtieth, so it's very close to today, and there are not many days left."

The maids had to ask how Gao Ran would celebrate, after all, with Lin Wei Xi this outstanding person at the front, they should also said something about Gao Ran's birthday. Gao Ran said: "No need to cause trouble for everyone. Anyway, it's not a big birthday. If a lot of people make a big fuss, it will make me feel bad."

"How can this work?" Lin Wei Xi said, "Birthdays are only once a year. Even if everything is simple, there must be a degree to the simplicity. You juniors have fun, I won't mix things up. Also I will get Shizi Consort one hundred taels of silver from the public fund, and another hundred taels from my private fund. How Shizi Consort plans to set up the banquet, you can arrange it yourself."

Lin Wei Xi was not interested with how Gao Ran spend her birthday, and now she has a higher status than Gao Ran, she even didn’t have to care about face, if she said she won't go then she won’t. Gao Ran declined a few times before bowing to comply.

The public fund was only responsible for three meals a day for everyone in the mansion. The masters, half masters, and even the maids of each courtyard had their own rules, and what kind of status corresponds to what kind of food they got. If they want to add extra dishes, or set up a banquet, they had to pay for it themselves and send it to the big kitchen to ask the kitchen mama to make it. Shizi Consort’s birthday was a big event in Qingsong Garden. Gao Ran had always cared about her image. At this time, of course she excused everyone's duties, so that people had the opportunity to sit and have a good meal. On the 30th of the third month, everyone in Qingsong Garden was joyful and praised Shizi Consort for her kindness and compassion.

Yun Hui brought in the teapot from outside, and as soon as she entered the door she slammed the thing on the table. The sound of pouring cold tea and washing tea stains was very loud. The other maid in the room saw it and smiled awkwardly: "What's the matter with you, why are you so angry?"

"What's the matter, is it not because of that one. Mouth said virtuous and kind words, in fact, her method was disgusting."

Yun Hui was talking about Shizi Consort... After the maid realized this, her wording became more careful: "Today is Shizi Consort’s birthday, a great day, why did you say that?"

"I don't want to make trouble, but you can see what she did." Yun Hui got angry when she talked about this. She slammed down the tea set and complained bitterly. "Before, Shizi already said that he want to lift me to become a concubine, let me go back to offer tea to Shizi Consort. But you see how she did it, she said that she treats me as a sister, so in the future I can serve Shizi well, but when it comes to serving tea, she made all kind of excuses, either with a headache today or a cough tomorrow. Anyway, she doesn't have time to drink my cup of tea."

The maid helplessly forced a smile when she heard this. Yun Hui had become Shizi’s woman. During this period of time, she was spreading it around and walked with her chin up, but Yun Hui's status was hard to determine. There were two types of women around a master, one was a formal concubine who had a marriage certificate, and the other was a tongfang maidservant. Although Shizi’s concubine could not be compare with Shizi Consort, but she still had a status and grade, but if it was a tongfang, she had no status at all. A tongfang girl served people on normal days like usual, and was sent to the master at night. It was clear that she was just a tool for the men to vent their desires. This kind of identity was faintly despised by many maids in the inner house.

The world of women was only this one square inch of the inner house, so women in the world would struggle and struggle, it was all for their status. The official family’s young ladies cared about wives and concubines, the slave girls cared about being respectable. This was related to the survival plan for the future, how could Yun Hui not worry.

But Yun Hui had already earned a head start. She had become Shizi’s woman, so she could complain here, but this maid could not. After hearing Yun Hui’s words, the maid didn’t answer the question, she just smiled and comforted: “Perhaps Shizi Consort just forget. During this period of time Shizi Consort was busy, and for a moment can’t remember it. Maybe after Shizi Consort’s birthday is over she will remember it."

Yun Hui sneered and said, "I think it's difficult." When she said that, she suddenly lowered her voice, leaned closer and said to the maid: "People, one may know for a long time without understand their true nature. When she first came in last year, she treated everyone with warm voice and soft words, as soon as she came in, many punishment practices were avoided. The mansion’s people from top to bottom will praise her goodness. But who knows, she hid dagger with a smile, words of a Buddha but heart of a snake. Not as good as the previous Shizi Consort, although the rules were strict, but she was fair and just. Even if she doesn’t like you, but also unlikely to wronged people. A few days ago, Shizi mentioned my affair. At that time, in front of Shizi, she promised me kindly and virtuously, but once she turn around, again acted like she hasn’t said anything. She is doing insidious things, but still wants a virtuous and generous reputation. To put it bluntly, she is a whore but want set up a memorial archway."

This was too much. It was far from what they as slaves could say. The maid dare not listen anymore, and pushed Yun Hui out with a dry smile: "Sister Yun Hui, you have been tired all morning, quickly rest on the seat outside. Just now Bu Mama and the others had a table of wine and they were looking for you."

Today was Gao Ran's birthday, and Gao Ran presented wine and food, inside and out had arranged many tables. The servants were not the same as the masters, it was rare for them to eat such good stuffs. Who didn’t want to put aside their work and hurry up to eat something good at the table. Yun Hui's heart loosened, but she hesitated, "How can this be? I haven't finished my work yet."

The maid grabbed the tea set in her hand and pushed her out: "You leave these to me, I'll wash it for you. I was about to go outside, on the way just help you take the new tea."

Yun Hui declined a few times, and then half-willingly went out. Sure enough, Bu Mama had occupied a very rich wine and food table, and when she saw Yun Hui, she hurriedly called out Yun Hui to take a seat. Yun Hui's identity was different now. Many servants in Qingsong Garden were flattering her. Seeing Yun Hui coming, someone immediately pours wine for Yun Hui.

Yun Hui didn’t declined, immediately drank two cups. Today, under Gao Ran’s light, the maids and the grannies did not have to be busy doing things, they could also sit down drinking and chatting with good wine and food, and after several rounds of toasting, everyone's mood was high. Yun Hui's cheeks were red, and her body was getting hotter and hotter. She thought she was drinking too fast and quickly took two mouthfuls of food to press down the wine. But after a while her head was still dizzy, Yun Hui could only admit defeat to everyone, and went back to the room to fall asleep.

Yun Hui slept very deep this time. Didn’t know why, it was obviously April's weather but somehow it felt so hot. The inexplicable dryness in Yun Hui's body became more and more intense, and finally awakened the person. As soon as she woke up, she found her lips were dry and there was a strange surging in her body.

Yun Hui secretly muttered, when she was drinking before she had never been this thirsty. She was about to get up to pour tea on the small table when she suddenly found a man sleeping next to her. Yun Hui was shocked, and then she thought that she was Shizi’s woman now, of course different from a young girl. But she looked intently, and suddenly realized that this person was not Shizi.

Yun Hui was taken aback for a moment, and screamed "Ah".

She only shouted halfway, and hurriedly covered her mouth. Yun Hui pressed her mouth tightly, shaking uncontrollably all over. She stayed at the mansion, this high gate household, for more than half her lifetime, and of course she knew how serious it was for a woman to lose her chastity. Once this kind of thing discovered, whether you done it out your own will or not, no matter what the reason, how respectable you were normally, you would definitely die.

Tears poured out of Yun Hui's eyes. She carefully moved under the bed without making any noise. It was unclear how this man appeared on her bed, but in any case, she couldn’t be seen in the same room with an outside man who was wearing no clothes.

But before Yun Hui could move half an inch, loud footsteps came from outside, and a woman’s voice came through the window with a loud noise: "Yun yiniang* is in the house? Shizi Consort needs a new tea set, and the key is still with Yun yiniang here, everyone outside were extremely worried because we couldn't find you anywhere."

*Yiniang, how people calling a concubine, even their children will call her yiniang instead of mother.

Yun Hui's heart became cold when she heard the name "Shizi Consort", and before she had time to react, the door that was supposed to be chained was slammed open.

Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the inner room, holding scissors and slowly cutting the flowers, the wind outside the window slowly blowing into the house, her loose hair swayed slowly and gently with the wind.

Through the half-open window, there was a rush of footsteps that’s getting nearer. Wan Yue frowned, without disturbing Lin Wei Xi quickly walked outside, and stopped the maid with a low shout: "In front of Wangfei, why are you so frivolous?"

In the high-ranking family, everything you done must be meticulous and graceful. Not only the ladies and young miss that should be slow and elegant, even the servants cannot run, let alone shout. This maid had such a big movement, it was obviously a taboo.

The maid looked anxiously about to cry. She hurriedly bowed to Wan Yue and said, "Sister Wan Yue please forgive me. It is really urgent and this slave cannot help it."

Wan Yue frowned, and a gentle voice came from inside: "Wan Yue."

Wan Yue lowered her hand and retreated to the side. Lin Wei Xi put down the scissors and said, "Let her come first."

The little maid walked into the hall and kowtowed to Lin Wei Xi through the middle screen: "Wangfei, please forgive me."

Lin Wei Xi didn't care about the little maid's rudeness. She swept down the fine gold leaf on the table and asked, "Go ahead, what's wrong."

Even though Lin Wei Xi asked her to get up, the little maid still pressed her forehead to the ground. Her voice was shaking, and it came tremblingly from the ground: "Wangfei, Yun yiniang was discovered to have a private meeting with an outside man, and she is now kneeling in the courtyard of Shizi Consort."

Lin Wei Xi's hand paused, and then suddenly raised her head: "Yun Hui met an outside man in private?"

"Yes, the maids on duty couldn't find the keys. They finally looked to Yun yiniang's room and found that Yun yiniang had drunk and was lying together with an errand manservant..."

An inner house woman had a private meeting with outside man, this certainly was not Yun Hui’s matters alone. If any maid in the mansion dared to wantonly have an affair with the young manservant, then what about the womenfolk in the mansion?

Lin Wei Xi's face was cold, she dropped the scissors and stood up with a loud voice: "Where are they now? Take me over to see."

Lin Wei Xi's face was not good, and her heart was also frosty. If this matter was true, Yun Hui naturally would not survive, and she this Wangfei would not escape the accusation of ineffective discipline. How could it be so coincidental, just on the day of Gao Ran's birthday, Qingsong Garden loosened the rules and their servants, and Yun Hui was also found to have an affair on the same day. The crime of adultery was more serious than witchcraft, Gao Ran wouldn’t be this insidious, to use this kind of thing to frame people, right?

Chapter 70 : Red Apricot

When Lin Wei Xi rushed to Qingsong Garden, there were already a lot of people in there, craning their necks and looked around inside. Seeing Lin Wei Xi approaching, they hurriedly bumped each other, gave Lin Wei Xi a deep bow, then dropped their heads and shrank their shoulders and spread out.

The idlers who watched the show from the outside finally dispersed, only then Lin Wei Xi saw the situation inside. Yun Hui's attire were disheveled, her hair bun were loose, and her clothes were torn apart. Her face was deathly pale, only on the neck and the base of her ears could still see the unique red mark. With such big thing happened, Bu Mama also rushed over. She stood aside while looking anxious and angry. The news that Lin Wei Xi heard just now was sent by her.

Lin Wei Xi took a glance and then took her gaze back. Gao Ran was standing with a sullen face, and when she saw Lin Wei Xi, she lifted her skirt and walked down the steps quickly, folded her hands and saluted Lin Wei Xi: "Mother."

Lin Wei Xi didn't speak, her expression was still as cold as ice and frost, and many of the crowd, including Gao Ran, could only follow behind her with their heads down, as she walked through the porch and stood on the courtyard steps. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's arrival, Yun Hui lowered her head.

Lin Wei Xi asked slowly: "What's the matter?"

Gao Ran glanced at Yun Hui, and whispered to Lin Wei Xi: "Answering mother, today this daughter-in-law is celebrating her birthday, and there were many people coming and going in the courtyard. It is inevitable that many people will be mixed up. Yun Hui and the others were drinking alcohol and midway she said that she couldn’t drink anymore. After that went back to her room. Later, the maid went to her room to find a key, and saw that... it was this daughter-in-law who had oversight. This kind of scandal happened, and it even alarmed mother."

Gao Ran's omission was very clever. With this kind of sentence, Yun Hui seemed to be caught doing something.

Yun Hui's crying eyes were swollen, the whole person seemed like a sorry figure. When she heard Gao Ran's words, she was afraid in her heart. She humbled and walked a few steps to Lin Wei Xi's direction, and mournfully grabbed the corners of Lin Wei Xi's skirt: "Wangfei please investigate, this slave would never dare to do such things. This slave has served Shizi for more than ten years, the sun and moon can be the witness for my loyalty, and now I have just been promoted, how can this slave do such a thing?"

Lin Wei Xi also felt that Yun Hui would not betray Gu Cheng Yao, at least not now. Lin Wei Xi had dealt with Yun Hui for a year in her previous life, but aside from anything else, Yun Hui's infatuation for Gu Cheng Yao was beyond doubt.

In the previous life, Yun Hui always wanted to challenge her, throwing nails openly and secretly, how ostentatious. But today, she could only kneel at Lin Wei Xi's feet in embarrassment, relying on Lin Wei Xi's sympathy to survive.

Lin Wei Xi sighed, but what does this have to do with her now? Lin Wei Xi did not show sympathy or intolerance, but still asked coldly, "Who first discovered it?"

A maid behind Gao Ran responded, "It's this slave."

Lin Wei Xi's tone was light: "Tell me the situation at that time again."

The maid hesitated and glanced at Gao Ran in secret. Gao Ran nodded slightly, and receiving the affirmation the maid then said, "At that time this slave were going to open the box to look for the cloisonne tea set, but the key to the tea set was kept by Yun yiniang. This slave searched many places, but she still didn't see Yun yiniang’s figure. Later someone said that she saw Yun yiniang walked into her room, so this slave went to try her luck in Yun yiniang’s room, who knows..."

In the early afternoon, why suddenly need the tea set? And it also coincidence, just went to a place to try her luck, but happened to call a lot of people to go together. Lin Wei Xi was noncommittal about these words, she looked at Yun Hui: "Listen to both sides is clear, partial belief is dark. What about you, what do you say?"

Gao Ran really couldn't tell what Lin Wei Xi wanted to do. Lin Wei Xi didn't seem to be moved by Yun Hui's pathetic expression. Since she didn't sympathize with Yun Hui, why bother to ask so much. Merely a servant, a bowl of medicine was enough to finish her off, why took so much effort to ask the truth from a servant who she was not even close to.

Gao Ran said, "Mother, these things are dirty, this daughter-in-law dare not smear your ears."

"It's nothing, let her say." Lin Wei Xi glanced at Yun Hui and said, "What did you do at that time?"

"This slave servant didn't do anything." Yun Hui's hair knot were undone, and she looked loose and embarrassed. "This slave, Bu Mama and a few others drank together and accidentally got drunk, so I took my leave and went back to the house to rest. When I walked in, I obviously lock the door and went to bed alone. I have never invited any outside man, let alone do anything like that behind Shizi’s back."

Gao Ran indifferently stabbed a few sentence: "This is strange. That outside man appeared on your bed, but you said that you didn't know anything. Even if Yun yiniang is quibbling, you should make up excuses that makes sense."

"It's all true, I didn't lie." Yun Hui was almost shout herself hoarse. At the moment of life and death, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration and remembered one thing, "No, it's the wine! There must be a problem with the wine!"

Gao Ran sighed, with a deep disappointment in her tone: "You also said that you have only had a few glasses of wine with everyone at the banquet, and no one has ever forced you to drink anything. Eating together at the banquet, everyone else was alright, but there is a problem with your wine? I originally expected you to correct it if you knew it was wrong, but didn’t expect you to be so shameless. Now that it happened, still want to argue for yourself."

"I didn't!" Yun Hui cried, "I was just promoted to become a concubine by Shizi, why would I have a private meeting with other man, and breaking up my future? What's more, that man can't compare with Shizi, emotionally and rationally, I will not betray Shizi." Yun Hui turned to Lin Wei Xi, raised her head, and looked at Lin Wei Xi desperately: "Wangfei, you must believe in this slave. This slave has no reason to betray Shizi. This slave must have blocked other people’s way. I was accused wrongly."

Lin Wei Xi actually agreed with this sentence in her heart, Yun Hui would not do such a thing. Lin Wei Xi also died as Shizi Consort in her previous life, she knew Yun Hui too well.

Gao Ran secretly looked at Lin Wei Xi, but still couldn't see Lin Wei Xi's attitude, Gao Ran was a little uncertain, what exactly did Lin Wei Xi mean? Yun Hui and Bu Mama were from the same group. Bu Mama gave Lin Wei Xi troubles some time ago. Lin Wei Xi should be happy to push the boat along and send this group of people. Gao Ran’s heart turned, looked at Bu Mama: "Bu Mama, you were there at the time. Has Yun Hui's drinks or food been touched by anyone?"

Bu Mama of course wanted to speak for Yun Hui, but she moved her mouth and found that she had nothing to say. Bu Mama and Yun Hui were sitting at a table to have a meal. When Yun Hui came, half the food had been eaten. Even the wine was poured out from the same pot. If there was a problem, everyone would suffer together. Why the bad thing only happened to Yun Hui? Bu Mama drank wine and ate the dish herself. Because of this, Bu Mama became more and more convinced that Yun Hui's statement was untenable, even Bu Mama did not believe her.

Bu Mama whispered: "Everyone touched the dishes, and the wine is poured out in front of everyone. This old slave also doesn't know what happened... But Yun Hui has been infatuated with Shizi since she was a child, so she unlikely to have an affair with other people..."

This words Bu Mama herself didn't sound very confidence. Gao Ran clearly showed an angry look. Lin Wei Xi was still calm. She interrupted Gao Ran, who looked very stir up, and said, "Isn't there another person? Bring him here."

To capture the adulterous need to catch the pair, the young manservant had been locked up in the wood shed the moment he was discovered, and now he was pushed out and knelt on the hard bluestone slab with a plop. This push was so violent that blood leaked from the young man’s knees, but when he saw Yun Hui with tear-stained on her beautiful face not far away, he ignored the pain in his knees, couldn’t help asking: "Sister Yun Hui, are you alright?"

When these words came out in the courtyard, many people gasped, Gao Ran's voice had the right amount of cold: "Still say you didn’t know him? I think you are very familiar with each other."

Yun Hui was so ashamed she covered her face since long ago, but she didn't expect that the young man would dare to ask her if she was alright. Yun Hui was angry and disgusted, and almost lost her anger. The young manservant also saw the disgust on Yun Hui's face. He sighed and banged his head three times at Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort, forgive me, this matter has nothing to do with sister Yun Hui... Yun yiniang. It's the fault of this slave. The slave has long admired Yun yiniang, at Shizi Consort’s birthday came to Qingsong Garden to deliver something, and wanted to take a look at Yun yiniang from a distance."

All the maids in the courtyard covered their mouths in surprise, it actually really an affair? This young manservant usually run errands to buy stuff, and often had access to new playthings outside. He was sweet-talking and good-tempered, so many maids in the inner house liked to ask him to buy some small things, but who knew that this young manservant actually liked Shizi’s side first-grade honorable person Yun Hui, and still made a big mistake today.

When the young manservant said this, he slapped his mouth fiercely: "This slave deserves to die, what kind of person are you, how dare you wish Yun yiniang? To give birth of such a dirty mind really deserves to be beaten to death."

This manservant specifically came to Qingsong Garden today just to take a look at the woman he liked for many years from a distance. He also knew that Yun Hui had become Shizi’s woman, and his thoughts could only be a curse to her. So after today, the young man intended to bury this feeling in his heart forever. But who knew, he came to Qingsong Garden to deliver something, then was called to drink two glasses, and then he didn't know anything. When he woke up, before he understood what had happened, he was taken to the woodshed.

The young man himself also became suspicious. Could it be that he was really drunk and bold enough to do this to Yun Hui?

By now, Yun Hui’s affair with an outside man was basically nailed down. Gao Ran inadvertently showed a somewhat satisfied look. She walked to Lin Wei Xi’s side and asked in a low voice, “Mother, this kind of ugly thing happened at home. This daughter-in-law is not well in disciplining. Look, how should we deal with this adulterous couple?"

But after Lin Wei Xi listened for a long time, she basically understood.

Yun Hui was undoubtedly being tricked, but the person who set the trap was meticulous and vicious enough. Of course without reason accused woman to have an illicit affair naturally would be spurned, but if one party was interested, then such a thing, it was not clear.

This young man really liked Yun Hui, and Yun Hui also strangely retired early. The two things combined, even if Yun Hui had no reason for the red apricot tree to leans over the garden wall*, Gao Ran could still nail her to that shameful wall.

*The red apricot tree to leans over the garden wall, it’s a metaphor for a wife who was having an illicit lover.

Even though Lin Wei Xi thought she knew Gao Ran well, what happened today really refreshed her impression of Gao Ran. She still underestimated the viciousness of Gao Ran's heart. Which primary wife would like the tongfang and concubine, but if Gao Ran didn’t like it, then say it clearly, why she agreed on the surface, but turned around and set up such a poisonous scheme. As a woman, didn’t Gao Ran understand what a disaster it is for a woman to be falsely accused of adultery?

In the previous life Yun Hui deliberately targeted Lin Wei Xi. Of course, Lin Wei Xi did not like Yun Hui, but one thing was different from another. To accused innocent people falsely and used stained reputation to force another woman to die. Lin Wei Xi didn’t think this kind of skill was superb, she just thought it was framing people unjustly for their own interest.

Gao Ran however tenaciously put adultery crime on Yun Hui, and the words were like nails: "Yun Hui have an illicit affair with an outside man is an embarrassment to Yan Wang Mansion and extremely shameless. However, the family ugliness cannot be publicized, not to mention Yun Hui has many contributions and working hard over the years. According to this consort this matter should not become too big."

For example, quietly let her "suddenly die".

Lin Wei Xi was about to say something when footsteps could be heard from the outside, and then another person's voice sounded: "What's wrong?"

"Shizi!" Yun Hui was held by the sturdy woman servant. Seeing the person coming, she suddenly exploded with great strength, broke free from the woman servant's bind, and threw herself at Gu Cheng Yao’s feet, "Shizi save me."

Gu Cheng Yao lowered his eyes to look at Yun Hui, who was messy and like a sorry figure at his feet, and then looked at the messy courtyard. When he saw Lin Wei Xi in the middle of the courtyard, his face unknowingly cooled down: "What's the matter? Why is mother also here?"

Gao Ran quickly walked down the steps, headed to Gu Cheng Yao, and whispered the ins and outs of the matter. After speaking, Gao Ran thought about comforting him, and reached out to cover Gu Cheng Yao's arm. But Gu Cheng Yao stepped back calmly, not only avoiding Gao Ran's hand, but also throwing away Yun Hui under his feet.

Gu Cheng Yao's voice was veiled with anger: "Because of these trivial things you made trouble in front of mother?"

It was Gu Cheng Yao's own decision to accept concubine, so when he heard Yun Hui was suspected of going out of the wall, apart from shock he was not much embarrassed. But for some reason, once he learned that Lin Wei Xi was also there and that she had heard everything right now, he felt unspeakably embarrassed.

Out of a mentality that he himself didn't understand, Gu Cheng Yao didn't want Lin Wei Xi to know about these things, and let Lin Wei Xi saw how a concubine put a green hat on him.

Chapter 71 : Out of The Wall

Gu Cheng Yao made up his mind to get everything back on track. He accepted Yun Hui in order to distract him from another woman. Lin Wei Xi was his father's wife, his stepmother, how could he be distracted by such woman, giving in to the illusion that she was actually Gao Xi.

But Gu Cheng Yao did these things, also didn't want Lin Wei Xi to know. Three wives and four concubines were originally a common thing. It was natural he reported this matter to his father that day, but for some reason, facing Lin Wei Xi, he suddenly became unable to speak.

For an adult man, father and young stepmother were still different.

Gu Cheng Yao's face was cold like iron. Gao Ran thought that Gu Cheng Yao was offended because of Yun Hui’s affair. She stretched out her hand and gently shook Gu Cheng Yao's arm. There was also unabashed concern in her eyes: "Shizi."

Gu Cheng Yao was not moved by Gao Ran's tenderness and consideration. He seemed to suppress his anger, and asked coldly: "Just a small matter, you can handle it in your own courtyard. Why did you make trouble in front of mother?"

Gao Ran was choked. She didn't understand why Gu Cheng Yao's focus was so strange, but Gu Cheng Yao really said it in front of so many people, which accused her this primary wife and mistress for being inefficient. Gao Ran was embarrassed, lowered her head and said in a low voice: "It's this consort's oversight, Shizi please calm down your anger."

"Shizi, in front of so many people, if you have something to say, let’s say it privately." Lin Wei Xi reminded him lukewarmly. She didn't care about the personal affairs of Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran, but if they wanted to fight just fight in the back. Lin Wei Xi didn't want the two of them to quarrel in front of her.

Lin Wei Xi was the Wangfei, her words were very heavy, Gu Cheng Yao could only bow his head when he heard it: "Yes, this son lost his manners."

Gao Ran breathed a sigh of relief. Gu Cheng Yao accused her for managing things badly in front of everyone. Gao Ran was very uncomfortable. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi scolded Gu Cheng Yao to save Gao Ran some faces. Gao Ran didn't expect that one day she would have to rely on Lin Wei Xi to support her, her heart was really mixed. However, now was not the time to care about these things, Gao Ran hold on to the embarrassment in her heart, and gently raises her eyebrows, her expression was worried and awkward: "Mother, Shizi, Yun Hui was not observant of women's virtue, having an affair with outside man, this is daughter-in-law who was not strong enough in her discipline, please mother and Shizi punish me."

Gao Ran's words seemed begging for forgiveness, but they actually nailed Yun Hui to death. Illicit affairs in the inner courtyard was of course very disgraceful, and all the womenfolk would be implicated. However, for the mistress, it was only two sentences of punishment and a ban for a few days, but for the concubine itself, she would definitely die.

Yun Hui panicked, and quickly knelt on the ground and moved a few steps towards Gu Cheng Yao's knees, with tears in her eyes and looking miserable: "Shizi, you have to believe in this slave, this slave have been waiting for you for ten years. Since young has always wholeheartedly admired Shizi. Now this slave’s wish finally comes true, I feel like I was in cloud nine. How can I betray Shizi? And also this man is less than one-tenth of Shizi. Even if this slave is really covered by lard and deserves to be immersed in a pig cage. I would not choose him."

Having a woman lowered herself to dust, and said this in front of everyone, it would somewhat satisfy the self-esteem of some men. However, Gu Cheng Yao felt embarrassed when he heard it. He glanced at Lin Wei Xi slightly and quickly, and found that Lin Wei Xi was still cold and indifference. According to reason this was exactly the scene that he should expected, but for some reason, Gu Cheng Yao was disappointed.

Gao Ran’s face was blue with anger by Yun Hui's shameless confession. Her eyes were furious and sternly reprimanded: "Immoral! As a woman actually said this kind of word, truly depraved. It’s no wonder you can do things like having an affair. Looking at your usual style, really not a woman of etiquette."

Which woman could bear being scolded so contemptibly, Yun Hui also gritted her teeth with hatred for Gao Ran. Yun Hui was not stupid. Even if at the beginning she couldn’t react, but now she clearly understood. Today's episode was a trap that Gao Ran carefully designed. Yun Hui was so hateful that she could carelessly set into a trap, Gao Ran, this poisonous woman, actually falsely accused her innocence! New hatred and old hatred came up together, and Yun Hui glared at Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort should save your virtuous face. On the surface is a gentle and gracious wife, but her heart is thinking dirty thought that worse than pigs and dogs. You obviously promised Shizi to give me a position, but as soon as you turned around, you pretend to never say anything, only blamed me for being stupid. And I actually believed in you and stupidly waited. As a result, I didn’t get the concubine’s status, but instead wait for the crime of adultery! You are also a woman, how can you bear to do this kind of thing?"

Yun Hui was also in a hurry, and she was very rude when she scolded. Gao Ran turned white and red with anger. She took a quick look at Gu Cheng Yao and shouted: "Poisonous woman, you were caught by someone for adultery, but now you are climbling to bite others. I have always treated you as a close sister. I didn't expect you to be this kind of person!"

After Gao Ran finished speaking, she looked at Gu Cheng Yao and said, "Shizi, don't believe what this madwoman said. She did something wrong and was caught red-handed. She herself know that it’s a crime of death, so she bit someone else like a mad dog. This past year, I have done my best and treated people sincerely, but being mocked like this, this consort’s body and mind is really uncomfortable..."

Gao Ran picked up a kerchief and wept, her posture was extremely sad. On one side was Yun Hui, who grew up together and was like an elder sister, and on the other side was a mournful wife. Gu Cheng Yao frowned, not knowing who to believe.

Lin Wei Xi stood and watched, silently admiring, brilliant, really brilliant!

Yun Hui was also very good at observing words and expressions, and understood Gu Cheng Yao's subtle expressions very well. Seeing Gu Cheng Yao's expression, she knew that Shizi was wavering. Yun Hui was so angry and furious, she almost cried from being wronged. Why was everyone deceived by this snake bitch instead of believing in a real good person? Yun Hui knew that if she didn’t vindicate herself now while Wangfei and Shizi were both present, she wouldn’t have other opportunities. Yun Hui fixed her heart, staggered to get up from the ground, and gritted her teeth and said: "Shizi Consort surely can act. All this time do not know how many have been deceived. But you only get the advantage for yourself, for what reason still harm others? Don’t you feel guilty when you step on the bones of your sister?"

Lin Wei Xi's expression changed sharply: "What did you say?"

Yun Hui knew that what she said was rebellious, but if she couldn't bring down Gao Ran, she would be the one who died. Yun Hui also gritted her teeth and said: "Wangfei and Shizi must be unaware. Shizi Consort said that she respected her di older sister, but in fact she saw the former Shizi Consort as her enemy. That time Shizi Consort and Tao Mama were gossiping. They thought there was no one around, so they talked about the previous Shizi Consort. Shizi Consort said that she did not make mistake back then. She deliberately gave away the jade pendant of her older sister. In this way, if the rescued person was a poor Scholar, the one who would be entangled is her elder sister. But if its influential young master, with her jade pendant and memory, she can also make the other person recognize her. Therefore, the former Shizi Consort has been wronged for so many years!"

Lin Wei Xi's face was pale, her eyes seemed sad but also happy, couldn't tell the strangeness. Fortunately, everyone's attention was drawn away by the explosive news from Yun Hui's words, and no one noticed Lin Wei Xi's strangeness. Gu Cheng Yao never expected that he would hear these words. His heart was shaken and he could hardly speak: "What did you say?"

Yun Hui knelt down to Gu Cheng Yao, and banged her head three times: "Shizi, what this slave said is true. At that time this slave accidentally fell asleep. When Shizi consort and Tao Mama came over, they saw there was no movement, so they thought there was no people, therefore talked their private matter with confidence but unexpectedly listened to by me. Even if Shizi do not believe me, you should also believe in the former Shizi Consort! This poisonous woman has always been pretending. She initially intended to ruin her sister’s reputation. Later, it was discovered that the person who was saved is Shizi. Instead, the marriage between Shizi and the previous Shizi Consort was established. She was not reconciled, so she took advantage when the previous Shizi Consort returned to her family to talk to Shizi the details of that day. Also put the blame of misplacing the jade pendant thing on her older sister, saying that her di older sister and Grand Princess were not reconciled for her, a shu daughter, to married well, so they forcibly took her jade pendant and let the di older sister replace the marriage."

Gu Cheng Yao was stunned and screamed in his head, not knowing how to react. Gao Ran knew it was going to be bad when Yun Hui mentioned Gao Xi, but Gao Ran never expect that when she talked about the past with Tao Mama that day, Yun Hui overheard it. Her heart jumped fiercely, she could not care about her gentle character, and immediately directed her dowry servant to plug Yun Hui's mouth: "Nonsense, I have never said such things, you bitch, in order to escape your crime, actually make up kind of nonsense on my head. Someone come, drag her out and beat her with 30 plank."

Gao Ran's dowry granny immediately stepped forward, they were all used to doing rough work, and their hands were as powerful as pliers. Yun Hui couldn't dodge and was caught, she was afraid that if she was dragged like this, then she would definitely unable to survive. Yun Hui struggled, she couldn't help screaming: "Shizi, save me!"

Gu Cheng Yao looked very strange, and slowly turned his head to look at Gao Ran: "Shizi Consort, is what she said true?"

"How is it possible? Of course it was all made up by Yun Hui in order to get rid of her crime." Gao Ran wanted to walk over to hold Gu Cheng Yao's hand, but was frightened by his expression, and dared not move for a while. "Shizi, it was a matter from a long time ago, how can you be led astray by a lunatic's words? I really respect sister Gao Xi, but she took away the jade pendant and forced me to conceal it, which is also true." Gao Ran said with sorrow. She lowered her head and wept in tears: "She is the di eldest daughter, and always domineering at home, I am a small shu daughter, how can I compete with her."

Yun Hui’s mouth was covered by the servant woman, hearing this she screamed. Didn’t know where Yun Hui’s strength came from, but she suddenly broke free from the servant woman’s restraint, and rushed to Gao Ran with red eyes: "Getting the dead people’s benefit, only you can say that! You in your maiden house plotted to grab your di older sister’s things, after finally took your sister’s marriage, you began to harm the sincere people around Shizi! I don’t have an affair with outside man at all, but you used the wine to knock me and deliberately framed me. You snake woman, why don’t you go to hell!"

Yun Hui suddenly pounced on Gao Ran, and Gao Ran was pushed hard and staggered. Gao Ran's maids were all shocked, hurriedly screamed and rushed to pull people, some of them caught Yun Hui's hands, some of them helped Gao Ran, and others pulled Yun Hui's clothes. Gao Ran took advantage of the crowded hands and slashed Yun Hui's face with her nails.

Seeing Yun Hui suffered a lot of dark losses, Bu Mama of course hurried over to help her out. The courtyard suddenly became chaotic, Gu Cheng Yao stood under the porch, watching everything in front of him, and couldn't help but wonder if he was dreaming. His wife, his close maid and his wet nurse, how could they do such a thing?

Lin Wei Xi's face was pale, and her fingers were cold. She looked at the farce in front of her, her eyes sparkling with anger: "Stop it! In the dignified Yan Wang Mansion, what kind of behavior is this?"

The falling dumplings of womenfolk still pretended not to hear. Lin Wei Xi was very angry, and immediately said to the people behind her coldly: "Go and pull them away, whether they are the master or the maid, you don't have to be merciful. If anyone play the fool, then there is no need for them to calm down, directly ask the granny to sell them out."

The people around Lin Wei Xi were specifically reserved for her by Gu Hui Yan, and many of them had real skills, which was completely different from that women like Yun Hui. Seeing that Lin Wei Xi was really angry, everyone didn't dare to make any more noises, and quickly stopped and got up. After the incident just now, the maids all had messy hair and disheveled clothes. Someone even scratch five or six blood marks on Yun Hui's face. Yun Hui was beaten the worst, and she didn't realize that she had injuries on her face until she stood up. She stretched out her hand to wipe her face. When she saw the blood on her hand, she was taken aback for a moment, and then burst into tears.

"You..." Lin Wei Xi was also furious when she saw Yun Hui's face. She pointed her finger at the people in front of her. Just as she spoke, in front everyone she suddenly faint and couldn't stand up.

"Wangfei!"

Gu Hui Yan was dressed in court clothes and strode into the bedroom. As he entered, the whole room fell silent.

Gu Hui Yan's face looked calm and scary, it was the kind of calmness that came before the storm. He swept across the crowd slowly, and asked in a deep voice, "What happened to Wangfei?"

Chapter 72 : Wrath

"Wangfei’s body originally is weak, and anxious air attacked her heart, which caused a temporary lack of blood and qi therefore she fainted."

Imperial Physician Zhao took Lin Wei Xi's pulse, and stood outside the screen, slowly talking about Lin Wei Xi's illness.

It wasn't a serious illness. Imperial Physician Zhao left Lin Wei Xi with a prescription for recuperation, and it should be all right. But when he looked at Yan Wang's face, he didn't dare to take his leave, and talked to Lin Wei Xi's maid about a lot of precautions for diet and other things.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue wrote it down one by one. Until the Imperial Physician Zhao really didn’t know what to say anymore, Gu Hui Yan said, "Troubling Imperial Physician Zhao to go on this trip. I will send the Imperial Physician out."

"I can't do that..." Of course, Imperial Physician Zhao refused immediately, but no one could change Gu Hui Yan’s decision. In the end, Imperial Physician Zhao was sent away tremblingly by Wangye himself.

After Gu Hui Yan and the imperial doctor left, the room was silent. Gu Cheng Yao stood with his head slightly lowered, it was unknown what he was thinking.

After a while, the sound of footsteps outside the house slowly getting near, the sound of boots on the ground was regular and even. Just by the sound of the footsteps alone, one could tell what kind of person the owner was.

Gu Hui Yan stepped over the curtain to enter the house, the maid at the door bowed her head and said, "Greetings, Wangye."

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran also turned around and saluted: "Father."

Gu Hui Yan walked to the top seat, and after taking his seat, he asked steadily and calmly: "Anxious air attacked heart, what did she hear and why is she so anxious?"

Both Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran looked down at the corners of their clothes. In such a big room, no one dared to look at Gu Hui Yan. A moment ago Gao Ran was fighting with Yun Hui, her clothes and hair were all loose by the pulling, how could she dare to leave the courtyard like that. But Lin Wei Xi had fainted. If daughter-in-law was not waiting on her mother-in-law’s sick bed, when Yan Wang returned he would conclude she don’t have any regulation. So Gao Ran hastily changed her clothes, only tidy up to the point that she could see other people and hurriedly followed. But unexpectedly, they still angered Yan Wang.

Gao Ran had never seen Yan Wang get so angry. This was not an anger and shouting she had seen before, but calm and oppressive, made people breathless from the sense of terror. Still waters run deep, and sometime the calmer, the more terrifying.

Gao Ran was so frightened by such imposing air that she couldn't say anything. In her previous life she lived in modern times, and later she was transmigrating into extravagance life of a grand noble family, Gao Ran though she had seen many big scenes and big people. But at this moment, she still didn't dare to breathe or even raise her head.

The people in the room were both scared and frighten. At this time, only Gu Cheng Yao could reply: "It is the private matter of this son. This son’s concubine and Shizi Consort had something to say that was unclear. Request mother to go and make a judgment. Finally the conflict break out and mother admonish everyone and then fainted."

"Wife and concubine's private affairs." Gu Hui Yan said slowly, "Cultivate one’s moral character, regulate the family, rule the country, and level the world, you have been married for so long, and you can't even handle the matter of taking concubine yourself? Involving her to handle it, even make her angry till she fainted?"

Gu Cheng Yao bowed his head and said nothing, Gao Ran was obviously scared, but when she heard this, she couldn't help but speak for Gu Cheng Yao: "Wangye, it's not Shizi’s fault, it's that cheap maid..."

"There is nothing for you here." Gu Hui Yan's voice was light, but his tone was not tolerating, "Get out."

Gao Ran opened her mouth in astonishment. She wanted to argue, but when she looked at Yan Wang's expression she didn't dare to. She looked at Gu Hui Yan, and then at Gu Cheng Yao, with anxious expression on her face: "Shizi..."

"You go out." Gu Cheng Yao didn't turn his head, but just replied flatly. Gao Ran couldn't help but reluctantly bend her knees and withdraw.

As Gao Ran left, the maids in the room did not need to wait for Gu Hui Yan’s order, all consciously retreated outside with Shizi Consort. When only the father and son were left in the house, Gu Hui Yan slowly said, "Say it, what the hell is going on?"

Gu Cheng Yao paused, found it’s really hard to speak. He admired his father since he was a child, he studied books and practiced martial arts all this time was to get his father's approval. But now, how could he tell his father that his primary wife found out that his small concubine had an illicit affair with an outside man, but neither of them would admit it, and finally got into a fight?

Gu Cheng Yao was silent, but Gu Hui Yan also not in a hurry, so he waited slowly. Gu Cheng Yao thought about it, suddenly felt relieved. His father had a lot of eyes and ears in the mansion, and he must have already know these things. Asking him now was just asking him to recognize his mistake.

Now that his father already knew about these disgraceful things, Gu Cheng Yao didn’t care anymore, so he said it all. However, when narrating Gao Xi's part, Gu Cheng Yao invisibly paused for a moment, and then changed his speech, deliberately omitting the past that was clearly the fuse and passing it away.

Gu Hui Yan looked calm, but the invisible air pressure in the room was getting lower and lower. Who was Gu Hui Yan? When he heard the story he immediately knew there was something fishy. Shizi Consort catch a couple in the act, and the concubine bit back by calling Shizi Consort a hypocrite. Then the two even started to fight. No wonder Lin Wei Xi was dizzy with anger.

However, for some reason Gu Hui Yan had a sense of ill feeling. He had always understood Lin Wei Xi's attitude towards Gao Ran. With such scandals, she should be very happy to watching the excitement. What was mixed in between that it actually affect Lin Wei Xi's emotions, even let anxious air attacked her heart.

Gu Hui Yan was in a hurry to come back. On the way, he only listened to Gu Mingda's general description of what happened. It seemed he still need to carefully inquire about the details.

Lin Wei Xi’s matters was suspicious, but Gu Cheng Yao didn’t really say it. Gu Hui Yan said: "You took the maid to the study a few days ago, and even left her in the study for the night. The study is a land of pure sages. I thought you understood it yourself, so I leave you alone. Later you wanted to take her as a concubine, I also won’t bother with your private affairs. However, since it is your woman, everything that happened to them is your responsibilities. These two people dare to make so much troubles. It’s not that they have bad virtues, it’s because you gave them such courage."

Gu Hui Yan's voice was flat, but Gu Cheng Yao knew that his father had a high position and strict self-discipline, the angrier he was, the calmer he became. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but sink. This tone of his father was very rare. He must be very disappointed in him today.

"Father..." Gu Cheng Yao wanted to argue for himself, but he raised his head to see Gu Hui Yan's eyes, his lips moved, in the end he still bowed his head. "What father taught is that this matter was the fault of this son."

Since Gu Cheng Yao was a child he had always been spoiled by Bu Mama, Yun Hui, even Shen shi and the old Wangfei. He was used to taking whatever he want and doing whatever he want, and he rarely considered the feelings of people around him. This includes marrying Gao Ran and receiving Yun Hui.

However, it was precisely because of Gu Cheng Yao was self-indulgence that Gao Ran and Yun Hui's courage became bigger and bigger. Because they knew that as long as they had Shizi's favor, no matter what they did, Shizi would not punish them. His attitude was the root of everything. The dignified Shizi Consort and the concubine had a big fight in front of numerous people, and in the confusion still scratch the concubine’s face till her face swelled bit by bit.

Gu Cheng Yao realized for the first time that he might be too self-righteous, he was still blaming Gao Ran and Yun Hui, but his father gave him a blow. If Gu Cheng Yao was clear about rewards and punishments, arrange things methodically, where would Gao Ran or Yun Hui have the courage to cause such ruckus?

Gu Cheng Yao was already confused, but now hearing Gu Hui Yan's words, he become more and more at a loss. He couldn't help thinking of what Yun Hui had accidentally revealed about Gao Xi. He always thought that Gao Xi could not tolerate people and refused to see her shu sister marrying well, so she collude with Grand Princess Shou Kang to graft flowers onto a tree* and take the life-saving grace and the jade pendant for herself. Gu Cheng Yao had always felt that Gao Xi deliberately concealed it from him, but now Yun Hui's words gave him a shocking thunderbolt. Could it be that Gao Xi was the one who knew nothing? The person who lied to him was actually Gao Ran?

*Graft flowers onto a tree, it means surreptitiously substitute one thing with another.

Standing in the living room of his father and young stepmother, surrounded by pile of brocades, sweet fragrant assailed the nose, everywhere revealing the presence of its mistress. But at this moment, Gu Cheng Yao felt light-headed and could hardly breathe.

Gu Hui Yan sat at the top seat, and Gu Cheng Yao stood at the hall below, the father and son faced each other quietly. In the silence, a small, rustling sound of the clothes suddenly came from behind the screen.

Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao both returned to their senses at the same time. Without waiting for Gu Cheng Yao's reaction, Gu Hui Yan got up and went inside.

Lin Wei Xi felt embarrassed from the bottom of her heart. At the time she was so angry that the blood supply to her brain was insufficient, which made her faint. In fact, she slowly got better after a short rest. When she woke up, Yan Wang was reprimanding his son outside. Lin Wei Xi was lying on the bed, not knowing whether she should continue pretending to sleep, or cover her ears to avoid the voices.

Who knew that she hasn't finish thinking about it, and accidentally moved her sleeves. She herself felt that this was just a small movement, but who knew that Gu Hui Yan would come in immediately.

It was embarrassing. Lin Wei Xi in response could only get up on her own. When Gu Hui Yan saw this he hurriedly came to support her, as if he was treating some fragile porcelain, he placed her carefully on a soft pillow.

Right after Lin Wei Xi sat down, she didn't even bother to adjust the position of the pillow behind her waist, quickly said: "Wangye, I just wake up, I didn't mean to eavesdrop on you."

"I know." Gu Hui Yan sighed helplessly after he said this, "What are you thinking about every day?"

"Upright people do not speak secret words, this kind of things better be said in advance, to save you and me from turning over the old account in the future."

Gu Hui Yan looked at her quietly, mindful that she had just woken up, in the end still restrain himself. The Yan Wang with oppressing air and strong atmosphere from a moment ago, suddenly became tolerant and patient.

Gu Cheng Yao stood outside the screen, wondering if he should go in. The stepmother was about the same age as him. Of course it was not good for him to go to his stepmother's inner room, especially when Lin Wei Xi was still lying on the bed, in front of his father, afraid he didn’t want to live anymore.

But Lin Wei Xi was awake, Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but walked two steps forward. Just now Lin Wei Xi fainted, it was actually him who sent her back. At that time Lin Wei Xi's face was pale and she was motionless. Gu Cheng Yao was so scared. He also wanted to know how Lin Wei Xi was now.

Gu Cheng Yao stood outside the screen, separated by five fan double-sided brocade screens, only a vague shadow could be seen. His father sat opposite Lin Wei Xi, carefully and slowly tested the temperature of her forehead, holding her hand and softly comforting.

Just because Lin Wei Xi waken up, his father seems like a completely different person. The harsh coldness on his body was swept away, and his flexible self and character also returned.

Gu Cheng Yao couldn't tell what he felt in his heart, but he knew he had no reason to go behind the screen.

Lin Wei Xi was inquired about her body carefully by Gu Hui Yan. It was meticulous and cumbersome, and even Lin Wei Xi thought he made a big fuss over nothing. She glanced outside, and across the muslin screen and brocade she could only see a vague figure. Lin Wei Xi pursed her lips unconsciously, and asked, "Wangye, just now you were instructing Shizi? You already finish?"

Gu Hui Yan helped pull up the quilt for her, and responded indifferently: "Yes." He looked up at Lin Wei Xi, and after a while, he chuckled, "What do you want to say?"

Lin Wei Xi's eyes rolled slightly, and she smiled flatteringly at Gu Hui Yan: "According to reason, Wangye is educating the children then I shouldn't interrupt. But I have something to say to Shizi."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi for a while, with a calm expression: "Alright."

Lin Wei Xi's hair had already let down, and it was troublesome to ask the maid to come in and comb her hair. She put on a coat casually, used tooth comb to gather her hair neatly herself, and followed Gu Hui Yan outside.

Lin Wei Xi specifically came to Gu Cheng Yao, she was actually had a purpose.

Today, Yun Hui’s affair reminded Lin Wei Xi of an old thing.

Before Han shi became the Duke Yingguo Shizi’s, the father in her previous life, beloved woman, there was another favored yiniang in the inner house but she seemed to pass away silently. Lin Wei Xi, as a young lady, of course would not have any contact with her father’s concubine. It was a long time later as she was getting older and began to discuss marriage, when she accidentally heard from the old servant women’s chattering that the favored concubine seemed to be caught having an affair, and she was punish by Shizi.

If it weren't for Yun Hui, Lin Wei Xi wouldn't have remember it. But once she noticed, she found that the two things looked unrelated, but they were similar.

Lin Wei Xi called, Wan Yue came in from the outside carrying a plate, put the things on the small square table, saluted to everyone, and quietly stepped back.

Lin Wei Xi took two pink porcelain cups from one side, picked up the wine pot on the plate, and poured tea in front of Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao. "Shizi, Yun Hui and Shizi Consort are all your women. I as an outsider shouldn't get involve with your room’s matters. But a woman’s reputation is a matter of life and death. I think it's better to make it clear when this kind of thing happens. Hope Shizi don’t think I’m nosy."

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, she put down the wine pot while holding her wide sleeves and let it out for Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao to see.

The tea that was poured from the same pot turned out to be two colors.

Lin Wei Xi ignored Gu Cheng Yao's face and continued: "This kind of pot is called Yin Yang pot, it looks normal, but as long as the small hole at the handle of the pot is blocked, the wine in the hidden pot will be poured out." Lin Wei Xi picked up the wine pot, and pointed it out to Gu Cheng Yao the tiny invisible hole under the handle. This air hole existed at such a place, then the person who poured the wine by holding the handle of the pot only needs to move their little finger lightly to change the wine unknowingly into the cup.

Lin Wei Xi poured both cups of tea into the flowerpot at the side, calling the maid to come in and throw away the tea set. After the things were removed, Lin Wei Xi covered her lips and coughed, and said to Gu Cheng Yao: "This Yin Yang pot should have been thrown away. I asked the maid to get it back secretly. I will only say this. Return the wine pot to the original owner. What Shizi plan to do with it, I won't get involved anymore."

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, she returned to the inner room, and in a blink of an eye, only Gu Cheng Yao was left. He stared at the delicate wine pot in front of him, and suddenly felt into a huge trance.

Are the people around him, the things that he thought, all true?

Chapter 73 : The Ending

With the sun shining on the west window, Lin Wei Xi leaned on the huge pillow and opened a booklet. Wan Xing stood at the side while holding a plate, and whispered to Lin Wei Xi to report the news: "Wangfei, today Shizi has sent Yun Hui away."

"Oh, where to?"

"It's a farm in a small town, the surrounding folks are simple and honest. Shizi let Yun Hui go there to restore her body and manage the rouge shop in the town."

Yun Hui was scratched badly on her face. It was said that she had been washing her face with tears these past couple of days. Of course, she didn't want to leave. But any woman couldn’t easily get rid the things like adultery. Yun Hui was indeed wronged, but could the truth be told?

It couldn’t. Therefore, Yun Hui could only be sent out of the capital in the name of recuperating.

In fact, Lin Wei Xi felt that this was actually a profit. Gu Cheng Yao sent Yun Hui to take care a rouge shop, then this shop and the farm where she settled in virtually would go to Yun Hui. She didn’t have to do anything like serving people, and get a farm and a shop, it's truly a bargain.

However, Yun Hui tied herself to Gu Cheng Yao with all of her heart, and wanted to be Gu Cheng Yao's yiniang, such arrangement undoubtedly felt like heaven falls and earth rends, like her whole life was ruined.

"Only Yun Hui?"

Wan Xing looked around, lowered her voice, and leaned close to Lin Wei Xi and said, "There is also Bu Mama. I heard that she was sent to temporarily take care of Yun Hui. When Yun Hui's face injury is better, she will return."

However, everyone knew that this was nothing but empty words. When would she return? Who would pick her up?

Wan Xing obviously understands this. She thought of the scene when Yun Hui and Bu Mama were out of the mansion today, and she sighed: "Yun yiniang and Bu Mama were very unhappy when they got into the carriage today. Yun yiniang has been crying, begging to say goodbye to Shizi, really pitiful..."

"Shizi didn't show up at all, did he?"

"He didn’t."

Lin Wei Xi chuckled lightly, not surprised by this result. What a familiar scene. When Yun Hui stood in front of the carriage and looked at the inner gate eagerly, was she thinking of something from a year ago. At that time, Gao Xi was seriously ill. She sent people to the front yard several times to ask for Gu Cheng Yao, but Yun Hui came to refuse.

For Wan Xing, these things were nothing but fun. She talked enthusiastically for a while, and exclaimed: "Shizi is really cruel. Yun Hui obviously said that she was wronged, but she was still sent away. That kind of gentle request is useless. Also Bu Mama, it can be said that Yun Hui’s reputation was damaged, but Bu Mama, who has been taking care of Shizi for nearly 20 years, also gone so silently."

Wan Yue came out from the main house’s backyard, she looked a little deeper than Wan Xing. Wan Yue had always been standing aside quietly, listening but not talking, but when she heard what Wan Xing said, she paused and asked in a soft voice: "Wangfei, is Shizi doing this to protect Shizi Consort?"

Yes, even if a woman's name was damaged, her face was scratched, but as long as the master wants to, it was not uncommon to lie low in the suburbs of the capital, half a year later pick her up again. As for Bu Mama, although she joined the fighting and disrespected her mistress, it was not serious enough to send her away. After all, Bu Mama was the steward in charge of the mansion, no matter what she handles or her status, it was not comparable to the job in a small farm.

But Gu Cheng Yao didn't. The reason he gave to send Yun Hui and Bu Mama away were all excuses. The real reason was because they knew the truth about the Yin Yang pot and what Yun Hui overheard.

That day, in order to get rid of the crime of adultery, Yun Hui told everyone the truth about the replacement of the jade pendant. When Lin Wei Xi came in, she cleared away the idle servants. The concubine's illicit affair was not a pleasant thing to hear, of course she had to close the door. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi drove the people out ahead of time. Otherwise, when Yun Hui yell those things out, things would not end like today.

Regardless of whether Gu Cheng Yao believe it or not, Yun Hui and Bu Mama who heard these words couldn’t stay. Even the maids who stayed with Gao Ran that day, with the people who caught the affair, who interrogated, who bite back and fighting together, within a few days, they would definitely be sent out under various reasons one after another.

What was the truth about Gao Ran and Gao Xi, and what actually happened in that year could only be buried in the dust.

Hearing what Wan Yue said, Wan Xing slowly realized why Yun Hui and Bu Mama were sent away. Wan Xing opened her mouth for a moment, and said in astonishment: "Could it be Shizi partial with Shizi Consort this much, even not distinguishing between right and wrong? Shizi Consort was scheming her di older sister, and falsely accused the concubine for having an adultery. After being discovered she didn’t have to pay?"

"Wan Xing." Wan Yue glared at Wan Xing sternly, "Speak carefully. Shizi Consort’s matters is not something you can say."

Wan Xing still had an unbelievable look. Lin Wei Xi leaned on the soft pillows and turned a page of the account book lazily: "Marriage matters are not trivial things. Gao Ran is not only a Shizi Consort, but also the third miss of Duke Yingguo Mansion. Yan Wang Mansion and Duke Yingguo Mansion is related by marriage, how can a simple thing like right and wrong be said clearly."

Wan Xing thought about it too, this kind of aristocratic marriage valued interest, and the people involve’ wishes or even life and death were not important, let alone some small moral taints. But Wan Xing still feel dissatisfied: "If do something wrong without being punished, Wangfei won’t you let Shizi Consort’s poisonous plan succeed and win a big victory?"

"A big victory?" Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but smile when she heard it. She closed the account book and moved the wrist joint that had become stiff from holding one position for a long time. The smile on her face was somewhat indifferent. "How can it be a big victory. Self-destructing the Great Wall, she’s already finished"

Wan Xing didn't understand, but Wan Yue suddenly enlightened. Yes, that day Wangfei left the yin yang pot to Shizi, where the wine pot came from and what it was loaded in, it was all for Shizi to investigated. Yun Hui and Bu Mama were hurriedly sent away. It was not that Gao Ran won. On the contrary, it proved that Gu Cheng Yao found something and believed it.

Even Yun Hui anxiously revealed some words that day, such as Gao Ran deliberately changed the jade pendant, regretting it when she saw her di older sister got married, and deliberately planning to destroy her sister's marriage, even if Gu Cheng Yao didn't say it, afraid he would start to doubt in his heart. If not, why did Bu Mama, who heard these words, had to be sent far away.

Wan Xing saw Wangfei smile, Wan Yue also looked like this, her mind was muddy, and she muttered suspiciously, "Really?"

Lin Wei Xi just smiled and ended the topic. Even if there were no outsiders in the room, this kind of information that could be used against people shouldn’t be said too much. Her eyes had enough rested and planned to continue what she had done before, but she turned her head to looked at the thick stack of land deeds on Wan Xing’s tray, and felt extreme hatred for the rich.

The scrolls that were held in Wan Xing's tray, on Lin Wei Xi's hands, and also piled up on one side of the desk, were all businesses belonged to Gu Hui Yan's name. When Lin Wei Xi managed the property of the mansion as Shizi Consort in the previous life, she felt that Yan Wang's family had a lot of money. She was also moved by the mansion's refusal to treat her as an outsider, letting her looked after the mansion’s family property so soon. However, she knew now that she was so silly and naive.

The mountains, forests, fields, ponds, and even the shops in the capital, Yan fief and other towns, under Gu Hui Yan's name were scary. She got married in November last year. After that, she was busy establishing her power and managing the New Year. Actually this spring she was a little bit idle. Two days ago, Gu Hui Yan suddenly gave her many wooden box keys to let her pass the time. Lin Wei Xi only then genuinely had the insight of Yan Wang Mansion’s family property.

Suddenly seeing so many things, even Lin Wei Xi, who grew up in prosperous country, was mentally out of balance. But after thinking about it she also understood, Gu Hui Yan had been a Qinwang since he was seventeen. The Qinwang feed by 10,000 households, it means 10,000 households did not have to pay taxes to the Ministry of Revenue, but directly handed it over to Yan Wang. Coupled with the fact that Gu Hui Yan spent many years fighting on all sides, wielding the army for 20 years and he had never been defeated, the spoils of war and the court rewards add up to a considerable sum. And Gu Hui Yan looked like he was a very economically savvy person. He used his wealth to invest in dividends, opened shops everywhere, and made more and more money. This had become today’s situation.

When Wan Xing heard Lin Wei Xi's words that day she was a bit skeptical, but after a few days, Qingsong Garden faintly revealed the wind, it was said that Shizi and Shizi Consort were quarreling. Wan Xing was shocked to find that Lin Wei Xi's expectations were all coming true. The people around Shizi Consort had always been proud that Gao Ran was in favor. In the past year, Shizi had never even raised his voice. After half a year, who would believe that Shizi would quarrel with Shizi Consort.

No one was there when Shizi and Shizi Consort were arguing, but the people standing outside the door faintly heard Shizi said very harsh words, later Shizi came out with a cold face and that very night he asked people to move his luggage to the study. Shizi Consort cried loudly in the house, and no one saw except for Ning Fu, Tao Mama and a few dowry servants.

Wan Xing's gossip heart was burning. She secretly told Lin Wei Xi, but Lin Wei Xi just gave an indifferent "Oh". Wangfei looked uninterested, and Wan Yue never participated in such topics. Wan Xing's gossipy heart couldn’t be shared, so she could only entertain herself, secretly stared at the movement of Qingsong Garden. At first, Shizi Consort was not anxious. She ate and slept as usual, and seemed like she was not affected by Shizi’s moved, rather had ‘who cares?’ attitude. But as time went by, ten days passed, Shizi still showed no signs of softening. Gao Ran panicked waiting for Gu Cheng Yao to come back to apologize and say soft words. She sent someone to faintly hint a few times, but Gu Cheng Yao still didn't follow up. Gao Ran, who used to being praised by men, was also unwilling. She recalled the wisdom of marriage from her previous life that man shouldn’t be spoiled, immediately became cold, and directly asked people to pack up, she wanted to go back to her parent’s house.

The servant passed the news to Lin Wei Xi that Shizi Consort ordered the carriage to be set up, with an embarrassed expression on his face. Lin Wei Xi raised her eyebrows and shook her head with interest and chuckles: "Since Shizi Consort misses her family and wants to temporarily return to her parent’s home, then just do as she said."

The steward in charge of the stables looked incredulous: "Wangfei? This..."

"Follow the instructions of Shizi Consort. If she wants to go back, let her go back."

The stable steward left with a look of constipation. Duke Yinguo Mansion suddenly saw the third miss who had the best marriage came back, they were surprised and delighted. Gao Ran's biological mother Han yiniang finally saw her daughter, and she was really happy. However, after Gao Ran stayed in the Duke Mansion for several days, there was no movement from Yan Wang Mansion, and Han shi gradually realized that something was wrong.

A married woman had no reason to stay in her maiden family for a long time. Unless her husband’s family was outside the city, she could stay at most for one night. Only an abandoned woman would stay in her maiden family. Han shi got impatient. One day after dinner, she deliberately send the maids out, closed the door and asked Gao Ran seriously: "Third girl, tell the truth to yiniang, you come home this time, is it because Shizi did something to let you down, and you return to your maiden home as a protest?"

Chapter 74 : The Past

Gao Ran was originally smiling, but when she heard Han shi's words, the smile on her face slowly faded: "Why yiniang suddenly ask like this?"

"Was it not because of you." Seeing Gao Ran's expression, Han shi’s heart had nothing to understand. No one know a daughter like her mother. These few days Gao Ran lived in the Duke Yingguo Mansion and was treated as their young lady everywhere, she often went to Han shi’s place to see Gao Chen’s study. Gao Ran looked to be happy, but the smile on her face seemed forced, Han shi knew at a glance that Gao Ran had something on her mind. It seemed there was ulterior motive when she came back to her parent’s house.

Her mind was exposed by Han shi, Gao Ran suddenly felt jittery. Her marriage was the pride of her family. All the sisters admire her for her good marriage. How could Gao Ran admit that there was a problem with it. Han shi looked at Gao Ran's complexion, sighed, moved an embroidered stool and sat next to Gao Ran, held her hand and asked carefully: "What is really going on, there is no one now, you talk to mother."

Han shi was only a concubine, even if Gao Ran was her own flesh, she was not qualified to be Gao Ran's mother. Gao Ran's mother was only Wei shi. Now that Han shi called herself "mother", it was undoubtedly arrogant, but Gao Ran heard such words suddenly felt like she was returning to the time she had just transmigrated. At that time, Han shi was still not favored, and Gao Chen was still not born, only the two of them depended on each other.

Gao Ran's depression, grievances, even anxiety and worries about her marriage suddenly burst out. Her eyes uncontrollably went sour, and tears fell: "Mother."

Han shi felt more and more distressed, coaxed Gao Ran to speak slowly. Once started, the rest was easy to say. Gao Ran slowly poured out how Gu Cheng Yao wanted to accept concubines, how arrogant Yun Hui, and how Bu Mama as the old servant was disrespectful to her. Among them, one of the highlight was of course Gao Ran's difficult evil mother-in-law.

Han shi listened to the whole story, and when she heard Yun Hui ran to Lin Wei Xi to ask for grace and forced Gao Ran to lift her position, she was unusually angry: "So shameless. She is already twenty years old and still hasn’t been received, it can clearly be seen that she is ugly. Actually used her body to make Shizi receive her as a concubine, totally a slut. She completely deserve to be sent out of the capital."

Gao Ran lowered her head and said, "Three wives and four concubines are normal, and I am also a virtuous and generous person. If Yun Hui is respectful, I will not be intolerant. But she is too slutty."

Han shi scolded Yun Hui for a long time, used words such as slut, immoral and other things. People were really strange. Han shi herself was also a concubine. She also relied on her body to keep a man and was proud of it. But for her daughter, she required all the maids in her in-law’s family to be strict and respectful, and those who dare to show their colors were all bitches.

After Han shi let out her resentment, she lowered her voice and asked Gao Ran, "Then how did she get sent away by son-in-law? Is it because of this incident that you have a rift with son-in-law?"

Gao Ran paused for a moment, vaguely passed the question, and implicitly agreed: "I don't know what Shizi thinks. I’m doing this for his own good, but loyal advice jars on the ears, and he refuses to get close to people who are really good to him."

Han shi sighed. She really believe that Gao Ran was trying to deal with that fox woman, so she had a conflict with Gu Cheng Yao: "Men are like this. After a few days, his freshness towards this fox woman will pass, and he will understand you. After all, you are the primary wife. Those tongfang and concubine are all playthings. You just need to put them as objects on the line. Don’t force the son-in-law. After a while, son-in-law will return to your side when he gets tired of those people. Don’t hurt the son-in-law’s face because of a moment’s temper, then the mutual affection between husband and wife will not return. That big sister of yours is the best example."

If it’s the words from primary wife to her di daughter then it wouldn’t be weird, but coming from Han shi who was also a concubine, this was really strange. Han shi mentioned Gao Xi to make Gao Ran feel relieved. Gao Xi and Shizi end up like that, Gao Ran was already much better than Gao Xi. As long as you compare with Gao Xi, Gao Ran should feel relieved.

However, unexpectedly, when Gao Ran heard Gao Xi's name, her face became gloomier. Han shi was astonished: "What's the matter, did Shizi mentioned the eldest miss to you?"

"No." Gao Ran denied it quickly, it unknown who she was trying to convinced. Han shi was very confident in her daughter’s methods. Seeing Gao Ran denied it, she really thought that Gu Cheng Yao was still deeply infatuated with Gao Ran. He would rather divorce Gao Xi, would rather risk angering Yan Wang, all in order to marry her daughter. As for the small conflict now, of course, it was only the quarrel between husband and wife, as long as the teeth were still knocked on the lips, which couple would not make a few cold faces.

Han shi relaxed, she thought of the grand occasion when Gu Cheng Yao asked to marry Gao Ran, her eyes could not help but carry something meaningful: "Ran'er, don't forget how Shizi asked to marry you. You have a life-saving grace to him, and also it’s very difficult to cultivate a positive result. You treat him like a cinnabar mole in the heart, the white moonlight in front of the window. He satisfy himself with other women, that’s it. What really matter is that you are the most important. My child is beautiful, more beautiful than her mother, and taller than her mother. If you go back, be soft, cry and be aggrieved, and then between the sheets be a little submissive, son-in-law will definitely be reluctant to ignore you."

If its native well-bred ladies, they would definitely get angry when they heard these words. What did Han shi think of them? Only the prostitutes, actress and singer would work hard on the bed, and they were inferior compare to a concubine. But Gao Ran was not a pure ancient woman, she did not reject these, but she felt very sad when she heard it.

Especially when Gao Ran heard Han shi praised her beautiful appearance, Lin Wei Xi's face immediately appeared before her eyes. No matter how beautiful the noble young lady, how could it match the face favored by Heaven, even Yan Wang was reluctant to say harsh words to that face. Gu Cheng Yao and Lin Wei Xi were called mother and son, but they were about the same age, and Gu Cheng Yao was very protective of Lin Wei Xi. In contrast, she this wife was thankless.

Han shi saw Gao Ran's expression was lifeless, there was no exuberance and confidence from a year ago. Han shi felt distressed and whispered: "Don't worry, everything has to be lost to know how to cherish. You have been living in your maiden house these few days, and son-in-law didn’t have you at his side, definitely already not used to it. You give him the way out, he will understand to come and pick you up."

Gao Ran smiled bitterly and replied in her heart, No.

If Yun Hui's affairs were not discovered, Gao Ran would still be confident. But somehow the Yin Yang pot got into Gu Cheng Yao's hands, Gao Ran had always portrayed herself as true, benevolent and good, but now that persona collapsed, it unknown how disappointed Gu Cheng Yao was. And what Yun Hui yelling out before leaving about the pair of fishes jade pendants made Gao Ran panic.

Gao Ran convinced herself that Gu Cheng Yao was very disgusted with Gao Xi, he would not believe such words. But, what if? What if Gu Cheng Yao really believed it, and from this he realized that she was not what she seemed, no longer trusted her, what should she do?

When Gao Ran thought of this, she couldn’t wait to break Yun Hui's body into pieces.

Gao Ran couldn't help but wanted to ask Han shi: "Yiniang, that year when you were pregnant with Gao Chen you almost had a miscarriage in the ancestral hall. Later, father had a big fight with Wei shi for you, but no one thought that Wei shi would become ill. After Wei shi's death, did father get angry at you for this? Is he still treat you the same like before?"

When Han shi heard these past events, she also became cold. She stared at the candlelight and paused for a while before saying: "What's the importance of this? It didn't take long for me to give birth to Chen boy, and I have a son to depend on. These love and affection have also become vain. Anyway, the new people around him have come and go, but I stayed for a long time because of Chen boy, that's enough."

Both mother and daughter fell silent, looking at the beating fire core with a heavy mind. Outsider all said that they were both winners, Han shi and Gao Ran also tried their best to build this image. But behind closed door who would have known, whether it was Han shi or Gao Ran, there was a dead person in front of them. And you couldn’t fight or calculate a dead person.

Han shi quickly recovered. She clasped Gao Ran's hand and said: "Child, for the sake of this plan, you need to give birth to an heir as soon as possible. As long as you have a son by your side, even if son-in-law have many orioles and swallows, you will not be afraid. Tomorrow, I will take you to find the old madam, and let the old madam talk to your mother-in-law. You this primary wife returned to her maiden house, but son-in-law did not move at all. He treated you so lightly. You should let your mother-in-law support you to vent your anger."

Gao Ran's expression was obviously awkward: "Go and beg her?"

"Don't be stubborn, she is the Wangfei. Her son and daughter-in-law are in conflict, isn’t she as the mother-in-law should be in charge? Tomorrow you are going to follow mother to find the old madam. You will be gentle in front of her and admit your mistakes. Let your grandmother invite Yan Wangfei to come and ask for favor. When Yan Wangfei is a guest, you will serve at her side, and in the evening you will be able to follow her back to Yan Wang Mansion. You can't just waste your time at your maiden house, you will be laughed at."

Even if Gao Ran was reluctant, she knew that this was the only way to go. However, when she thought that she had to smilingly plead to Lin Wei Xi, she still felt uncomfortable all over.

The next day, Han shi got up early and went to pay respect to the Duke Yingguo old madam. The old madam reclined on the Arhat bed. Han shi served the old madam to rinse her mouth and eat. Later, she personally took the beauty hammer from the maid’s hand and massage the old madam’s leg in a familiar manner: "Old ancestor, you see the third girl have stayed at home for several days. She, this young daughter-in-law has a thin-skin and has a conflict with son-in-law. She is not sure what to do. You see, what could you teach her?"

Gao Ran stood up when she heard the words, and stood in front of the Duke Yingguo old madam with her hands down: "Thanking grandmother for the teachings."

In fact, the old madam was also anxious and angry these few days, but she was holding her old ancestor's air, and refused to take the initiative to talk about this matter. It should be others who asked first, then she could condescendingly point out one or two: "What's the matter with you and Shizi, actually make you come back to your maiden house?"

"Shizi wants to take a personal maid as a concubine. That maid has served Shizi for more than ten years and is very popular in the mansion. Because of her age, she doesn't put me in her eyes, and repeatedly picks things up. I couldn’t put up with it any longer and said a few sentence. Although Shizi sent the person away, he still have a grudge with me."

How could Duke Yingguo old madam know that in Gao Ran's mouth, the truth of the matter had completely changed. She was surprised when she heard these words. She thought that Yan Wang Mansion’s Shizi had a deep affection for Gao Ran, and now he seemed like an ordinary man. In this way, Gao Ran couldn't stay in the duke mansion even more. Otherwise, if she stayed in her maiden house for ten days to half a month then the orioles and swallows on Shizi’s side over there was left unattended, and the opportunity to get pregnant would be in jeopardy.

Duke Yingguo old madam said: "Well, since you are asking me sincerely, then I will come forward for you once. The most important thing for a woman is to be chaste and submissive. You shouldn’t be narrow-minded and jealous. In the future you are not allowed to drive away the concubines. Understand?"

"Yes."

Seeing Gao Ran's docile appearance, the old madam couldn't help but soften, and said: "It happens that the Duke Mansion has set up a stage play these past few days. This old body will write a post and invite Yan Wangfei to come to our mansion to see the play. I know that you and Shizi are young couple with deep feelings, and in your eyes there are no room for another woman. But every woman are like this. If those tongfang and small concubines are really too much, you go ask Yan Wangfei to give you justice."

Everyone instructed her to ask Lin Wei Xi, as if she pleased Lin Wei Xi, all her problems would be easily solved. But Gao Ran and Lin Wei Xi were obviously the same age, and even half a year ago, Lin Wei Xi was the one who took shelter in Yan Wang Mansion. Gao Ran was indignant at this gap, but no matter how dissatisfied she was, she had to admit that it was a fact.

After Wan Yue entered the door, she saw the gold invitation at the table. She glanced at it from a distance and was surprised: "It turned out to be sent by the Duke Yingguo Mansion? What did their family invite Wangfei for?"

"What else, Shizi Consort went back to her family home to find someone to support her, and now she must find a reason to come back." Wan Xing said.

Yes, Gao Ran overbearingly returned to her maiden house, but after a few days, Yan Wang Mansion didn't care about her at all. This was very embarrassing. Even if Gao Ran was embarrassed and lost face, she still had to set herself up to please Lin Wei Xi and let Lin Wei Xi bring her back.

Wan Yue understood, and asked: "Wangfei, are you going then?"

Lin Wei Xi sighed. She actually didn't want to go, but Duke Yingguo old madam who was forty or fifty years older than her personally handed over the invitation, at least she need to give this much face. Lin Wei Xi said: "Push back the arrangements for that day. I will personally make a trip to the Duke Yingguo Mansion."

Wan Xing and Wan Yue got the order, after answering they went out to make the arrangements. On the day of the invitation, Lin Wei Xi's carriage drove slowly and steadily to the Duke Yingguo Mansion under the guard of many attendants.

This was the first time since Lin Wei Xi's rebirth she was visiting, or should it said, returning to the Duke Yingguo Mansion. She sat upright in the carriage, her thoughts drifting away.

In the original ending of the Book of Heaven, the vicious sister and ex-wife lost everything, the hero and heroine lived happily together, and the heroine's younger brother became the glorious Duke Yingguo. Gao Ran and Gao Chen this brother and sister had completely changed their shu backgrounds, no matter where all stars cup themselves around the moon, Han shi thus became the official relatives of the duke mansion.

The primary wife Wei shi, di daughter Gao Xi, and the genuine relative of Duke Yingguo’s Shizi Grand Princess Shou Kang, were all annihilated in the torrent. When people talked about the ancient times, they would be joked and belittled by storytellers.

Lin Wei Xi even knew that Gao Chen would place the tablet of Han shi in the center of the ancestral hall in the future, standing side by side with Wei shi. Later, Wei shi's memorial tablet would be unmanned without worship for a long time, in the end it was lost. Han shi’ grandeur replaced the real Shizi Consort Wei shi’s position.

Lin Wei Xi told herself are those who was called prince and general more noble than others? People rise and fall. This was the Heaven’s law cycle. But thinking that Han shi would replace her mother's status, she still clenched her fists tightly.

Lin Wei Xi, are you really willing?

Chapter 75 : Young Man

Lin Wei Xi was so immersed in the memories of the past that she could hardly extricate herself. Suddenly the carriage bumped into something and stopped.

Everyone in the carriage were shaken for a moment. Wan Yue reacted quickly and immediately supported Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei, are you alright?"

Lin Wei Xi recovered from this accident. She withdrew her thoughts and calmly shook her head: "I'm fine."

After Wan Yue confirmed Lin Wei Xi's safety, she immediately became angry with the driver. She lifted the curtains, her eyebrows frowned tightly, her face serious: "You are so brave, that's how you drive the carriage? If Wangfei have an accident, can you afford it?"

Of course the coachman couldn't afford it, he himself was in a cold sweat till his back was wet. If Wangfei was hit even a slightest bit, then Yan Wang would never spare him.

The coachman smiled dryly and apologized to Wan Yue. With great difficulty letting the maid beside Wangfei to calm down. The coachman turned his head and immediately changed his face. Shouted with a fierce look: "You don't want your life? Your life is worthless, if you disturbed the nobles of Yan Wang Mansion, even ten of you still can't afford to pay."

Lin Wei Xi frowned, the coachman was too domineering. Lin Wei Xi was planning to let Wan Yue go out to stop him, when suddenly she heard a polite, neither servile nor overbearing voice from outside the carriage: "It is this little one who was wrong, the student Gao Ke, the clan’s grandson of the Duke Yingguo, shall apologize to Yan Wangfei. Hope that Wangfei will forgive my presumptuous sin."

The surname was Gao, but if he lives outside, then he was from the side branch of the Duke Mansion, and looking at his family situation, afraid it’s still a bit far off side branch. When Lin Wei Xi heard this voice she felt it was interesting. She saw a young man in a green shirt standing in front of the carriage through the gently swaying curtain. Looking at the age it seems to be fourteen or fifteen, the clothes on his body was a little worn-out, but even if his clothes were old, his demeanor was still eye-catching.

If it was just because of this, it was not worthy to catch Lin Wei Xi's attention. Now she didn’t know how many young generations with outstanding demeanor she saw every day. This young man stood on the street with a strong personality, but if he was placed in the world of nobles it was nothing more than that.

What's really interesting was that this young man said to apologize, but his body was still firmly stood in front of Lin Wei Xi's carriage. Although he was a good distance away, but he virtually blocked all of Lin Wei Xi's road. Lin Wei Xi found it interesting. This young man just said "forgive his presumptuous sin", in the end it refers to what?

Lin Wei Xi sat steadily in the carriage, without the slightest intention of talking, very calm. The coachman originally thought to have someone teach this boy, then their carriage could leave. But Wangfei did not speak, so the coachman did not dare to make suggestions, without better option he had to rein the horse in place.

This young man named Gao Ke didn’t let Lin Wei Xi wait long before he continued: "Today’s collision with Yan Wangfei is really disrespectful, but there is only this chicken in my family. The widow’s sister-in-law and young nephew are still counting on this hen’s eggs to nourish their bodies. This little one really can’t just sit idly by."

Just now, the carriage stopped abruptly because Gao Ke rushed to the front of the carriage. He throw himself ruthlessly enough, if the coachman in the mansion was not well-trained and reacted quickly, afraid the boy would have been caught under the horse's hooves. After Gao Ke finished speaking, the hen that he said very important, no matter what couldn’t have any mishap, poked its head out from his hand and clucking.

Lin Wei Xi was a little speechless. When she saw the books scattered on the roadside, she suddenly became interested: "Zhoubi Suanjing*? You looks like a scholar, but you are still interested in Zhoubi?"

*Zhoubi Suanjing, is one of the oldest Chinese texts on astronomy and mathematics.

Gao Ke glanced in that direction and said, "Do not dare. Just take a look one or two in some spare time."

Lin Wei Xi smiled and said casually: "You actually have plenty of time."

"If a person don't have to manage your livelihood, then he will have plenty of time. Unfortunately, the widow sister-in-law is not in a good health, the nephew is also young, and the family business is too difficult to make a living. If it’s not for this little one have a good memory, afraid that this year's Autumn Exam will not be able to participate."

At the age of fourteen or fifteen, shall participate in the country examination, it was already very young. Lin Wei Xi faintly felt that this was the purpose of this young man, and she asked, "Good memory? Could it be that you never forget?"

"Cannot be said to never forget. If read twice, can remember the general idea."

Lin Wei Xi was astonished when she heard this, Gao Ke said that he could only remember a general outline, but if he dared to say it, it would be more than that. Lin Wei Xi suddenly wanted to test it, so she let people opened the carriage’s compartment, took "Six Secret Teachings" from Gu Hui Yan Bookshelf and handed it to Gao Ke. The art of war was a monopoly resource. Looking at Gao Ke's clothing and family background, he would never have access to such books.

After Gao Ke took it, he saluted to Lin Wei Xi. He slowly turned the page over and read a dozen pages. He closed the book and said, "Showed one’s ugliness." As soon as the voice drooped, Gao Ke recited the "Six Secret Teachings" from the beginning. From time to time he paused naturally, spoke not too fast not too slow, and there was no lag nor difficulty. In a blink of an eye, he recited three pages of the book.

At first, Wan Xing was very hostile to this uninvited guest, but when she heard this, Wan Xing exclaimed: "Oh my God, only read it once, actually remember it all."

Lin Wei Xi was also amazed. It seemed that Gao Ke not only a genius in mathematics, he even had a surprisingly good memory. No matter which family such a genius was placed in, it was bound to be the trump card cultivated by the clan. Lin Wei Xi thought of the family situation that Gao Ke had deliberately disclosed to her just now. There were only widow sister-in-law and young brother's son in his family. The nephew had to be supported by his little uncle. Obviously Gao Ke's parents were no longer there. And the eldest brother had a son, and the inheritance would fall on the nephew in the future.

Lin Wei Xi's heart suddenly moved. Such a background was simply the best candidate for adoption, not to mention that Gao Ke had good memory and extremely talented. If possible, he would be fight over by the adoptive family.

These thoughts were only a flash, Lin Wei Xi said lightly: "Alright."

Gao Ke's voice stopped, he retuned the book of war with both hands, and said: "Yan Wang’s God of War name had shook the four seas, this little one is fortunate to read the handwritten comments of His Highness Yan Wang. This little one is ignorant of the art of war and does not understand its meaning. Make Yan Wangfei laugh."

Lin Wei Xi was a little embarrassed. She just casually took a book, and the handwriting on it was obviously not from a woman. However, it was handed out from Yan Wangfei’s hand. Think about it also aware whose handwriting it should be.

Gao Ke also sighed in his heart that book with Yan Wang's handwriting were precious and he actually saw them so easily. It seems the words that Yan Wang was very indulging to the new Yan Wangfei was not groundless.

Because of this, Gao Ke added "Let Yan Wangfei laugh" at the end. Yan Wangfei conveniently picked up Yan Wang’s book of war, presumably she was also taught by Yan Wang in private. Gao Ke really didn't dare to evaluate the military skills of the young Wangfei in front of him.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue took the book back and put it away, looking at Lin Wei Xi with a smile. Lin Wei Xi didn’t want to talk about her private affairs with Gu Hui Yan with a teenager who she met for the first time on the street, so she coughed lightly and said, “Your intelligence is indeed surprising. But the Autumn Examination is near. Even if you have ability, you can't relax because of this. Wan Yue, go and get three months payment for private tutor."

It would be exactly three months from now to Autumn Examination. Gao Ke must have been dragged down by his family. He was worried about delaying his Autumn Examination, so he took the risk and recommended himself in front of Lin Wei Xi. Fullness for the bold famine for the timid, his talent was indeed outstanding. To hang his name in front of Yan Wang was far better than depressingly study for ten years. But meeting Yan Wang was not easy, Gao Ke could only find another way, starting from the very favored Yan Wangfei. It just so happened that Yan Wangfei was a guest at the Duke Yingguo Mansion today, and the carriage would pass through the Gao family’s settlement. If he missed this opportunity, he wouldn’t have it again.

Gao Ke declined: "If you have no merit, you don’t deserve the reward, this little one and Wangfei have never met before, how can this little one take Wangfei's things."

"This is not for you. Your teacher teaches well, this is the payment for the revered master." In the carriage, the young female voice slowly came out, and this voice was so beautiful. The same meaning, but it was that someone spoken it so beautifully, Gao Ke settled down his heart and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Wangfei. Gao Ke will remember the grace of Wangfei today, and he will never forget it."

Lin Wei Xi didn't feel much about it, she had listened this kind of repaying gratitude sentence too many times. Gao Ke stepped aside and stood with his hands down. He watched Lin Wei Xi's carriage started slowly and headed towards the main residence of Duke Yingguo Mansion. Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the steady and warm carriage, and her thoughts could not help but drift over to the adopting matter.

It would be great if Gao Ke could be adopted under Wei shi’s name, in the future took over Duke Yingguo Shizi’s position and become the head of the Duke Mansion. It would be a wonderful idea both for Gao Ke himself and for the whole Gao’s family.

The importance of heirs to a family clan was unquestionable. It was not easy for ancestors to establishing the business. It often requires three generations of hard work, but it only need one generation to squander it all. Cleverness was a scarce resource even compared to beauty. If a young man who had a good memory, excellent in arithmetic, bold in thinking and daring in action could become the heir of the family, the clan elder must be waking up from his dreams smiling. Lin Wei Xi abandoned any selfishness and sincerely felt this was the best choice for the Duke Yingguo Mansion.

It was a pity that Duke Yingguo Shizi already had a precious son Gao Chen, and Han shi and Gao Ran would never allow the adoption. Lin Wei Xi thought for a while, but regretfully gave up.

When she met Gao Ke, she had already arrived at the Duke Yingguo’s territory. It didn't take long before arriving at the main residence. Lin Wei Xi was greeted graciously all the way to the seat. Duke Yingguo old madam and Lin Wei Xi sat on the same level, she asked politely: "Wangfei arrived later than the time in your message. Was your journey smooth?"

Lin Wei Xi smiled and concealed it, she said, "Everything is well. Something happened, so I was delayed." As for what it was, Lin Wei Xi didn't mean to tell.

Duke Yingguo old madam was also very tactful. She knew from Lin Wei Xi's expression that these things shouldn't be asked, so she changed the subject wittily: "I haven't seen Wangfei for a long time, is Wangfei in a good health?"

"Recently because of anxious air I fainted, except for that I’m fine."

The people in the warm pavilion were silent for a moment. Wasn’t this just a polite question? Logically, Lin Wei Xi should reply "My body is in good health, thank you for your concern", and then the guest and the host had a good time, after that the old madam could move to the topic she wanted to talk about. The people of Duke Yingguo Mansion politely asked about Wangfei's health, but Yan Wangfei really replied that it was not good. What should they do?

Duke Yingguo old madam have long heard people say that because Gao Ran was arguing with Shizi, Yan Wangfei went to deal with it, but she was so angry that she fainted. Yan Wang was furious because of this incident, the inside of Yan Wang Mansion they didn't know, but the people outside walked on their toes for three days.

Duke Yingguo old madam was embarrassed. She coughed and said, “It’s the Duke Mansion who did not teach their daughters well and makes Wangfei tired. As long as this old body thinks about this, it’s hard to sleep at night, always feel restless. This old body planned to personally go to Yan Wang Mansion to beg for forgiveness, but unfortunately one’s health is unsatisfactory, and the ailment has relapsed. Fortunately, saw Yan Wangfei today, this old body apologize for my unsatisfactory granddaughter."

The old madam of Duke Yingguo really wanted to stand up and salute, Lin Wei Xi smiled and stopped her arm: "The old madam is too polite. After all, Shizi Consort is my junior. If she make mistakes, I will slowly teach her, how can I blame it on the old madam."

Duke Yingguo old madam said that, but she was the most senior, and Lin Wei Xi couldn't really make her grandmother's generation apologize to her. She stopped Duke Yingguo old madam’s movements and asked the old madam to sit down. The old lady falsely declined a few times, and slowly sat back on her seat: "A woman who was not virtuous or filial, of course, it was because the poor upbringing of her parent’s family. This old body cannot escape the blame. Fortunately, Wangfei is forgiving, this old body is very grateful.

Gao Ran had been serving on one side. Upon hearing these words, she could only step forward and kowtowed to both Duke Yingguo old madam and Lin Wei Xi to apologize. The old lady devalued Gao Ran into nothing, but she was careful and careful with Lin Wei Xi. Gao Ran who knelt on the ground felt very complicated.

Lin Wei Xi glanced to the ground and neither too warm nor too cold called Gao Ran to get up. Duke Yingguo old madam were a little flustered with Lin Wei Xi's attitude. She tentatively asked: "This past few days the third girl stayed in the duke mansion and cannot take care of Shizi. I wonder if Shizi alright?"

Lin Wei Xi really didn't know. Gu Hui Yan was angry that day when Lin Wei Xi fainted. When she woke up, she heard Gu Hui Yan scolding Gu Cheng Yao. Later, Gu Hui Yan gave Gu Cheng Yao a few days to deal with Yun Hui and Gao Ran's matters, and then called Gu Cheng Yao away. As for how he was punished in private, Lin Wei Xi didn't know.

This happened in the past few days, Gao Ran went back to her family in anger, so of course she didn't know. Lin Wei Xi folded her hands on her lap and said, "Wangye gives guidance to Shizi. I don't know the details."

When the people in Duke Yingguo Mansion heard this, they secretly gasped. It turned out that Yan Wang himself who dealt with it. This was very serious. Their expressions were a bit complicated, and even Duke Yingguo old madam’s complexion was embarrassed and did not know what to say.

Of course they didn't dare to talk about how Yan Wang educate his son, but it was their own son-in-law who was punished, if they didn’t even ask it seemed like they didn’t even worried. Han shi walked to the main seat with a smile, and graciously poured a cup of tea for Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei, Shizi is still young after all. You are his mother, and you always has a face in front of Yan Wang. If Yan Wang is very angry, asking you to please do more for Shizi."

Han shi's posture was very low, but Lin Wei Xi's appearance was noble and unsullied, she glanced at Han shi lightly and coldly: "Who is this and why she appear here? Could it be this is the way in Duke Yingguo Mansion?"

Chapter 76 : Han Shi

Lin Wei Xi's expression was faint, her voice was clear and cold, colder than frost colder than snow, high above difficult to reach. At the end of the sentence, when she said "This is the way in Duke Yingguo Mansion", her intonation gently moved upwards. It was definitely a reproach, but for some reason it made people feel comfortable. It seemed that as long as it could attract her attention, it's okay to let her scold a few more words.

Han shi's hand paused, and the earnest smile on her face instantly froze, looking strange and embarrassed. The other people in the Duke Yingguo Mansion looked at each other, with rich expressions on their faces.

The difference between the primary wife and the concubine was very obvious. Concubines couldn’t wear true red and could only wear pink. This also resulted in no legal wife would wear pink, even if they could. After Lin Wei Xi reborn, she shouldn't have met Han shi before, but she could easily tell her identity from her hair bun and clothes.

Han shi personally serving tea and water was originally intended to please Lin Wei Xi. She was born from a concubine, and she was the best at acting small. But in large household a concubine was not considered a proper master. At best, it was a semi-slave. Even when they saw their own son or daughter, they still have to bow. Such a humble status had always been despised by the mainstream. If a young lady from official family became a concubine for someone, even if that woman family's official position was much higher than the husband, she would be shun by her close friends and sisters, and they would sever their contact with her. Even a commoner woman, if she was sent to become a concubine of rich family, it was still considered an insult.

The commoner were like this, one could imagine how contemptuous the noble families were toward a concubines. As long as the primary wife exist, even if she has not given birth to an heir, was not favored by her husband, or so sick she had one breath left, she was still the wife. The offering to the ancestors, dealing with the guests, weddings and funerals could only be performed by the primary wife, and the concubine couldn’t go out of the inner courtyard and welcomed visitors outside no matter how spoiled. Even if the primary wife died of illness, there was no place for the concubine to come forward. If the visiting madam found that the one receiving them was a concubine, if they had a big temper it wouldn’t be surprising for them to turn around and leave.

The reception from a concubine was regarded as an insult by many primary wife madams, let alone the one that sit here was Yan Wangfei. People in Duke Yingguo Mansion certainly knew that the concubine couldn’t come out to meet guests, but Duke Yingguo Shizi’s wife, Wei shi, had been dead for seven or eight years. Han shi gave birth to the only son of Shizi. Duke Yingguo old madam treated this grandson like a treasure, she was also amiable to Han shi. The above declared their stands, and the people below followed suit. Therefore, Han shi often wandered outside. Many ladies and grannies of Duke Yingguo Mansion tacitly avoid mentioning it, and Han shi’s transgression was let go.

In the past, other madam who came to the Duke Yingguo Mansion as guests turned a blind eye when they saw Han shi. The other womenfolk of Duke Yingguo Mansion were also there, Han shi was just mixed in with the crowd. Which madam would be so bold, pointing out the rudeness of Duke Yingguo Mansion. In addition to etiquette, there were also human sentiments. They wanted something from Duke Yingguo Mansion, so of course they would not offend the favored concubine of Duke Mansion Shizi’s and the birth mother of Yan Wang Mansion’s Shizi Consort.

No one expected Lin Wei Xi would directly and bluntly bring Han shi up in front of everyone. The room suddenly went silent, and the ladies of the Gao family looked at each other, their faces were wonderful. Usually the other madams who came to the Duke Mansion was polite, and everyone in the Gao family was used to such fawning. Although the object of the politeness was not Duke Yingguo Mansion, rather the Duke Mansion’s in-laws, Yan Wang Mansion, but anyway, Gao Ran's surname was Gao, there was no difference between the two.

Duke Yingguo old madam was the first to react. She thought she was really getting old and more confused, even committing such an oversight. What kind of person was Yan Wangfei? Even if she entered the palace to meet the Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager would want to win her over. Nowadays the circumstances of their Duke Mansion was all dependent on Yan Wang. How dare the Gao family make Yan Wangfei unhappy. Duke Yingguo old madam glared at Han shi and said, "Who asked you to come to this place? I gave you three points of respect because of Chen boy, so you really become arrogant and couldn’t figure out your identity?"

Han shi had served Shizi for half her life and had two children with him. She had long not taken herself as a slave servant, but now in front of all the maids and daughter-in-laws, she was ruthlessly scolded by the old madam. Han shi’s cheek immediately became red, her mouth faltered: "This servant..."

"A distinguished guest is visiting, is there any room for you concubine to say here?" Duke Yingguo old madam scowled and cursed badly, "Still not get out!"

Han shi's face blushed to the neck, she didn't even dare to lift her head, covered her face and hurriedly run out. When Han shi went out of the house, Duke Yingguo old madam restrained her disgust, turned her head and smiled at Lin Wei Xi nicely: "The concubine doesn't understand the rules, let Wangfei laughed."

Lin Wei Xi faintly glanced, there was still no smile on her face. The other womenfolk of the Gao family also reacted, they all smiled and talked to Lin Wei Xi. A bunch of people talked to each other, deliberately laughed, and immediately let this incident passed by.

The di daughter of the second branch of Duke Yingguo Mansion gave Gao Ran a vague glance, turned her head and whispered to her playing sister, and said something with a smile. In fact, they might not be talking about Gao Ran, but Gao Ran felt that they were laughing at her. Gao Ran was the one with the best marriage among the sisters. Gao Ran had always been proud of this, and she had a sense of superiority towards her sisters. But now in the presence of many relatives and sisters, her biological mother was treated coldly by her mother-in-law, and her grandmother almost anxiously throw her out.

Gao Ran felt that others were watching her, so she became more sullen and refused to let people watch the jokes.

Duke Yingguo old madam was afraid that Lin Wei Xi thought they were negligent, hurriedly said: "Chen boy, come here. Didn't yesterday you learn a new article? Come and recite it to Wangfei."

Gao Chen was held by the wet nurse, and the wet nurse kept pushing him from behind: "Boy, this is Yan Wangfei, you should tell Wangfei the words you memorized that you told me yesterday."

Gao Chen was deeply impressed by this amazingly beautiful young Wangfei. In his heart, this was a god from above that could not be touched. Gao Chen felt timid when he saw Lin Wei Xi, but his grandmother, wet nurse and all aunts stared at him closely, Gao Chen could only stammeringly say: "Confucius said, today's filial piety means being able to raise them, as for dogs and horses, they can all be raised... Look at the reason, watch the cause, observe what is safe, how are people.*"

*From The Analects of Confucius

It's not a long chapter, and Gao Chen still stumbled. In contrast to his age it could be regard as pretty good, but Lin Wei Xi just met a genius who could recite after one reading on the road just now. The comparison between the two made Gao Chen even fell short.

Diligence could make up for one’s weakness was meant for ordinary people, and the gap in real ability was irreparable. What especially staggering was that Gao Ke was more talented and hardworking than Gao Chen.

It’s hopeless.

Even Wan Xing and Wan Yue felt that the difference was too far, could not be compared at all. After Gao Chen's stammering recitation, the old madam was obviously relieved and looked at Lin Wei Xi expectantly.

Lin Wei Xi could only pursed her lips, smiled and said, "Virtuous grandson is intelligent, let people expand one’s horizon."

Duke Yingguo old madam smiled with satisfaction. She had only one son the Duke Yingguo Shizi, who had been spoiled since childhood. Now that the son had descendant, even if he was a shu son, the Duke Yingguo old madam was very proud. Aware that her own grandson was intelligent and sweet-mouth, everything all good.

It's a pity that Lin Wei Xi had little interest. Yan Wang's evaluation of Gao Chen was very accurate. Gao Chen very adept in the inner house’s skill and had a very conscientious personality. He often unconsciously ingratiated himself to others' preferences. He put his mind on this kind of area, how could he be useful in the future. Lin Wei Xi thought of Gao Ke she met on the road, recalling Gao Ke's mentality and circumstances, and she sighed even more.

Lin Wei Xi thought about these things, and didn't really pay attention to the stage play before her. Duke Yingguo old madam however were fascinated by it. She was holding her grandson in her arms, leaning on the soft padded couch, one play was exactly two hours. Gao Chen also followed the old madam’s side to please her, with this kind of stage play most of the afternoon quickly passed by.

After another play ended, the old madam still wanted to continue. The Gao second lady quietly called the old madam from behind. The old madam came to her sense, and remembered the next step: "Wangfei, the Duke Mansion’s stage is crude and simple, not as good as the Yan Wang Mansion, afraid slighting Wangfei today."

"How come." Although Lin Wei Xi smiled, the smile did not enter her eyes. "The troupe of the Duke Mansion is well prepared."

"Indeed." Duke Yingguo old madam was very proud. The elderly like her loved to watch these kind a thing to pass the time. The grandchildren below of course would listen together in order to get on her good side. The ancestors like it, wouldn’t the troupes that was invited to the Duke Mansion all first class? Duke Yingguo old madam used herself to measure others, she thought with her pushing her grandson to show off in front of Wangfei, and invited Lin Wei Xi to watch a very wonderful play today, Lin Wei Xi should be very happy now. The old madam saw that the preparations was enough, and said: "However, no matter how good the Duke Mansion is, it is not as exquisite as the imperial household. A few days ago I cough a little, and the third girl that stupid child thought that I was seriously ill, so she hurried back. Now that I am fine, she should return to Yan Wang Mansion and continue serving Wangfei."

Hearing these words, Gao Ran stepped forward and bowed her head to salute to Lin Wei Xi: "Pay respect to mother. These few days this daughter-in-law can't serve by mother's side, and she blames herself very much. I wonder how mother’s health these days?"

Lin Wei Xi said in her heart ‘it finally come’, she knew that the Duke Mansion specially held a banquet for Gao Ran's matters. Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gao Ran, and said in a light tone: "Shizi Consort get up. That day Shizi Consort left in a hurry, presumably the old madam was in serious condition. Since Shizi Consort want to serve her sick grandmother, then there’s no harm to stay a few more days. Anyway, the mansion is no lack the serving people, and I also don't need you to follow me morning and night, so Shizi Consort can stay with ease."

Gao Ran maintained the posture of saluting, with her head lowered. Before Gao Ran could say anything, the Duke Yingguo old madam was already anxious: "This old body’s health is already good, and there is no hindrance at all. The daughter-in-law cannot be absent from serving her mother-in-law for a day. She already wasting time here with me for so long. How can she continue to delay, and leaving Wangfei with no one around."

The Gao second lady also said: "Yes, the old ancestor has us. It is better for the third girl to stay with Wangfei."

If Gao second lady could be honest, if her daughter-in-law throw a cold face because her son took a concubine, directly set up a carriage and leave without asking her elders, and stayed in her parent’s house for ten days, she would not show her daughter-in-law a good face. And Gao Ran's husband's family was still Yan Wang Mansion.

Lin Wei Xi smiled and let it go for a while, and said: "Since the old madam and the second lady said so, then I will take Shizi Consort to return home. The old madam’s illness will leave it to the second lady to take care."

The Duke Yingguo old madam and Gao second lady both laughed. What illness, it was just an excuse to wipe Gao Ran's ass. But fortunately, Lin Wei Xi was relenting. This was already a great fortune, so the old madam didn't take those unlucky words to heart.

Lin Wei Xi inquired about the old madam's "illness" and then looked at Gao Ran. There was no change in her expression, but everyone in the room became serious, unknowingly straightened up, and nervously looked the scene before them.

"Shizi Consort."

Gao Ran quickly crouched down deeper: "Daughter-in-law is here."

"Since this time it was because the old madam was seriously ill, so you ran out of the mansion privately, I won't hold you accountable. But if you still want to live a good life with Shizi, then put aside your thoughts and don’t be so impulsive."

Lin Wei Xi's words contain other meanings. Gao Ran understood that Lin Wei Xi gave her a warning, but the people in Duke Yingguo Mansion could not hear it. Seeing Lin Wei Xi relenting, the Gao second lady hurriedly smiled and said something nice, both consoling Shizi Consort and praising Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi sat for a while, her eyes rolled towards Gao Ran, "Get up."

Gao Ran only then get up. The half-crouching posture was the most tiring. She stood up and felt that her legs were all numb, as if there were ten thousand ants biting it. Gao Ran endured it, and walked as naturally as possible behind Lin Wei Xi, and made an attitude of serving her mother-in-law.

The young lady were always especially respected in her maiden family, and the woman's posture was always higher. Even if her maiden family ignored her, they would still be very unyielding when facing their in-laws. However, Lin Wei Xi sat on Duke Yingguo Mansion’s grounds and reprimanded Gao Ran in front of everyone, Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people did not dare to have any dissatisfaction. Duke Yingguo old madam were really scared by Gao Ran's previous convictions. In any case, they should sent her back to Yan Wang Mansion.

The purpose was achieved and the day was not early anymore. Lin Wei Xi stood up and said goodbye. Everyone in Duke Yingguo Mansion graciously sent Lin Wei Xi out from the second gate, watching Lin Wei Xi and Gao Ran board the carriage one after another, and then returned contentedly. After returning to Yan Wang Mansion, Gao Ran followed Lin Wei Xi back to Jingcheng Courtyard. Lin Wei Xi sat on the heated brick bed and finally heaved a sigh of relief.

Lin Wei Xi could rest, but Gao Ran couldn’t. Gao Ran still stood beside Lin Wei Xi serving tea and water, fulfilling her duties as a daughter-in-law. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to make herself look like a wicked mother-in-law, as if she deliberately made things difficult for her daughter-in-law after a tiring day. Lin Wei Xi said: "Shizi Consort has been standing for a whole day, go back to your own courtyard and rest for a while. You just come back, I am afraid there are many things to be settled."

"How can this be done?" Gao Ran still wanted to decline, but Lin Wei Xi already too impatient to listen: "You should go back to Qingsong Garden first before talking. This past few days, Shizi seems to be injured and still recuperating."

The rest of Gao Ran's words suddenly couldn't be said. There was only one person in the world who could punish Gu Cheng Yao to this extent.

Gao Ran no longer insisted on her hypocritical "filial piety", and after thanking Lin Wei Xi, she quickly walked towards Qingsong Garden. In Qingsong Garden, Gu Cheng Yao had heard the news outside: "Shizi Consort is back?"

"Yes. Wangfei came back with Shizi Consort. As soon as she entered the mansion, she went directly to Wangfei's house. Presumably Wangfei will let Shizi Consort come back soon."

Gu Cheng Yao nodded coldly, there was an inexplicable urge to sigh in his heart. The injury on his back was very serious, a slight movement almost tear him down. Lin Wei Xi sent the person back, presumably in order to let Gao Ran take care of him.

But Gu Cheng Yao didn't look forward to it. He was really disappointed with Gao Ran, and he even suspicious with Gao Ran’s story that said Gao Xi relied on her di daughter identity to push her around and deliberately seizing her life-saving grace. He thought Gao Xi took advantage of her position to bully people and unreasonable, he thought Gao Ran was smart, gentle and tenacious.

But was what he thought true?

Gu Cheng Yao let the doubts grew in his heart to cover up a thread irritability in his innermost heart. Obviously it was his business, but others would always go to Lin Wei Xi to intercede. Gao Ran was like that and Yun Hui was like that.

This gave him a subtle embarrassment and rejection. He didn't want Lin Wei Xi to know about this kind of private matters.

Chapter 77 : Heir

Gu Hui Yan only came back when the night curfew was approaching. Lin Wei Xi helped him unfastened the hidden buttons on his court dress. She couldn’t help but complained: "Wangye, what’s bothering you today that made you only come back now?"

These Lin Wei Xi’s word if looked carefully was very disrespectful to the Emperor and the First Assistant, but Gu Hui Yan couldn't help laughing when he heard them: "It's them that are not good, and Wangfei should not be angry."

Lin Wei Xi was patted on the head, suddenly thought it was not a good idea to continue to make trouble. She had already taken off the outside ornament, then she embraced Gu Hui Yan's waist, her fingers nimbly untied the leather belt around his waist. Now Lin Wei Xi was very accustomed in taking off men's court dress, and she was no longer unfamiliar with these leather belts. She placed the leather belt on the maid’s tray, stood on her toes slightly, and unfastened the hidden buckle on his shoulder and neck.

Gu Hui Yan was very familiar with Lin Wei Xi's movements, and the two have a tacit understanding, like moving clouds and flowing water, it was indescribably harmonious and beautiful. Gu Hui Yan changed into homewear robes, the maids held the replaced court dress and withdrew. After the court dress was washed and put on incense, they could be sent in again. When changing clothes, the maids just stood on the side to receive the clothes. Only Lin Wei Xi who really did the work. Now that Yan Wang’s clothes have been changed, the maids very tactfully retired and left the space for Wangye and Wangfei.

Lin Wei Xi sat on the Arhat bed, picked a few cherries from the colored glaze cup, and casually offered them to Gu Hui Yan's mouth. Gu Hui Yan lowered his eyes to see, Lin Wei Xi's delicate fingers pinched the red cherries, couldn't tell which one looks better.

Lin Wei Xi thought that Gu Hui Yan didn’t want to eat it, softly snorted and took it back to eat herself. Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi pick out cherries from the gorgeous glass bowl across the short table. The delicate fingers against the cherries, made people particularly have appetite.

His throat moved, and he reached out to wipe the red stains from the corners of Lin Wei Xi’s lips: "Why are you look like a cat."

Lin Wei Xi didn't care, instead, she dislike that Gu Hui Yan wiped her mouth for too long, it delayed her from eating cherries. Lin Wei Xi held his hand and pushed it away. Gu Hui Yan's fingertips still had the lingering of that delicate and soft touch. He put his hand under the table and rubbed his fingertips, feeling a little regretful.

Lin Wei Xi leisurely picked up the cherries and said to Gu Hui Yan: "Wangye, Shizi Consort is back."

Gu Hui Yan just nodded, he heard about it on the way back. These people were actually perceptive and knew how to follow Lin Wei Xi's way. Since Lin Wei Xi brought the people back, Gu Hui Yan didn't bother to care about them.

Lin Wei Xi always told Gu Hui Yan about the big and small things in the mansion every day. Although Gu Hui Yan might already know it, this was what she as a wife should do. Gu Hui Yan also secretly supported this move. These things although trivial but true, especially when it was spoken from Lin Wei Xi's mouth, it gave him a strong sense of home.

Of course, he had this feeling, it might also because it came from Lin Wei Xi's mouth, not because of these trivial matters. Since meeting Lin Wei Xi, Gu Hui Yan had developed a new hobby. He liked listening to Lin Wei Xi, especially when she was scolding people. Lin Wei Xi chattered about her achievement today, Gu Hui Yan's eyes were smiling, just watching her quietly.

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, with a deliberate thought of provoking things, she asked: "That Yin Yang pot’s matter, Wangye do you know everything?"

Gu Hui Yan was also there when Lin Wei Xi demonstrated the Yin Yang pot that day. Later, Lin Wei Xi didn't take care the rest, but Gu Hui Yan must have grasped the whole matter. Gu Hui Yan did not answer, but asked: "What are you asking this for?"

"I'm just curious."

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi with a clear smile in his eyes. Lin Wei Xi refused to admit defeat, and tenaciously said, "I just felt weird at the time, so I asked Wan Yue to take the wine pot to look at it. After that I don't know anything. Wangye, if you only heard half of something, aren’t you curious about the rest of it?"

Gu Hui Yan laughed, as if he didn't see through Lin Wei Xi's wickedness, if she was really only curious then just asked Gao Ran. Gu Hui Yan said: "The following things are meaningless, you don't need to know. Just know that similar things won't happen again."

Of course Lin Wei Xi didn't want to just listen tp the follow-up. What she really wanted to know was that Gu Cheng Yao received punishment, but Gao Ran's wrongdoing was more serious, didn’t she need it too?

"Then... this thing just passed like that?"

In fact, Gu Hui Yan was very displeased with the current Shizi Consort, her mind was malicious, and also used very insidious means. If she was vicious but courageous and strategic, Gu Hui Yan would rather look up at her. Unfortunately no, just insidious tricks to falsely accused woman of adultery and frame someone up. Gu Hui Yan could accept crafty plot and machinations, or not caring about one’s family, but he was disgusted with evil schemes.

But Gu Cheng Yao married her, what could he do? What Gao Ran did, just double the punishment on Gu Cheng Yao. People should always responsible for their own decisions. Gu Hui Yan said: "I only settle everything with the person in power. I don't care how they handle it internally."

In other words, he would not care about Gao Ran anymore.

Hearing this Lin Wei Xi was not surprised. This was the way Yan Wang acted. She had seen it before when she was in Shunde prefecture. At that time, Lin Yong’s reward was detained so badly that even the Jin Shu Iron Deed were swallowed by that dog county official. However, Gu Hui Yan didn’t say anything when he learned about it. He didn’t give a slightest punishment to the county officials who were so scared to death. He just wrote directly to First Assistant Zhang.

It's the same this time. Gu Hui Yan would not punish Gao Ran, he would only accumulate the account on Gu Cheng Yao. As for how Gu Cheng Yao treated Gao Ran after he return, what does this have to do with Gu Hui Yan?

Lin Wei Xi was suddenly a little curious, she coughed, and pretended to ask casually: "Wangye, how exactly did you punished Shizi? I don't know what to say when asked about it today."

Gu Hui Yan replied indifferently: "It's nothing, a small punishment is not a big deal."

This was just a small punishment... Lin Wei Xi was speechless, she half-jokingly said: "Then I should really thank Wangye, I was so foolish, but Wangye did not punish me."

Gu Hui Yan laughed: "How can you be the same."

This was not the first time Lin Wei Xi had heard from Gu Hui Yan that she was special. Lin Wei Xi unknowingly smile arrogantly and self-confidently, then said: "Wangye, Shizi Consort stayed at her maiden house for several days. But there was no movement from Shizi. He didn't even show up when Shizi Consort came back today. Today in Duke Yingguo Mansion, I don’t have the nerve to say, but isn’t Shizi too cold toward Shizi Consort?"

"The matter of their husband and wife, let them handle it by themselves. If there is a conflict, they come to look for you, when the husband and wife have a cold war also come to look for you. Why you have to put so much effort."

Although saying this, but if the son and daughter-in-law had an ugly quarrel, which family’s mother-in-law did not step forward to mediate and coax the daughter-in-law after scolding the son? Lin Wei Xi also didn't want to take care of these things, but she was still a little hesitant: "If I really don't care about anything, is that okay?"

"That as it should be." Although Gu Hui Yan was still smiling, his eyes suddenly revealed something meaningful, "Why do you care so much about their husband and wife?"

Lin Wei Xi was pardoned by Yan Wang himself, and was so happy. Suddenly she heard the next question, her radiant eyes paused, and then like she didn’t care, continued to pick up the cherries: "After all, I am their elder. The younger couple are at odds, how can the elders not care?"

Gu Hui Yan just smiled, did not say whether he believed it or not. Lin Wei Xi was afraid that Gu Hui Yan would turn over the old account, quickly changed the subject: "Wangye, I met a fourteen or fifteen years old boy on the way to Duke Yingguo Mansion. He has a particularly good memory, is sensitive to mathematics, and has great courage. I think as long as there is a suitable opportunity, his future’s achievements will not be low."

Gu Hui Yan also heard this matter from his subordinates. Someone dared to run into Lin Wei Xi's carriage, how could it be hidden from him. It's just that Gu Hui Yan didn't expect Lin Wei Xi's evaluation of this person was so high.

Gu Hui Yan suppressed his original words and asked, "Do you admire him very much?"

"Yes, who doesn't like smart and hardworking people."

Since Lin Wei Xi liked it, Gu Hui Yan instead didn’t know where to start. There was a vague feeling in Gu Hui Yan's heart, Lin Wei Xi was too concerned about the affairs of Duke Yingguo Mansion. He asked: "There are so many talented people in the world, the diligent and tenacious humble scholar are as vast as stars. Why do you care about this Gao Ke?"

Of course it was because his surname was also Gao. Lin Wei Xi didn't say the specific reason, so she could only smile, and said vaguely: "It's just fate. Hey, Wangye, how do you know his name is Gao Ke?"

"Answer my question."

Lin Wei Xi snorted in her heart, her behavior remained the same, but the expression on her face quickly became fierce: "You mean to me?!"

"No."

Lin Wei Xi snorted, turned away and said nothing, leaving Gu Hui Yan with the view of her back. Gu Hui Yan was helpless and could only coax her: "Since you don't like it, then forget it. There are many talented children from the subordinate family of Yan fief. If you like it, I will let their madam bring them in to relieve your boredom. "

Lin Wei Xi smoothly passed this ordeal. She took advantage of the situation to relax her expression and said, "It doesn't have to be so troublesome. I just saw an intelligent child and like it very much."

Gu Hui Yan's heart moved, faintly testing with a sentence, "The mansion is indeed a little dull now. It's okay to let their madam walk around with their children more, and make the mansion more lively."

The topic suddenly turned to children, Lin Wei Xi’s heart became cold, and the smile on her face immediately faded. This was not a pretense anger like before, but sincere from the heart, inside and outside was cold and lonely.

Lin Wei Xi finally realized that Yan Wang was testing her. But test her for what? Whether or not she covet Shizi’s position? Lin Wei Xi didn't want to talk about this topic, she instinctively resisted the possible results. And when Gu Hui Yan saw Lin Wei Xi's cold expression, he thought she was unwilling.

The atmosphere that was still harmonious just now became stiff. After only a moment of silence, Gu Hui Yan spoke: "If you feel bored, you can summon people to come in anytime, and doesn’t have to limit it to the subordinates inside. Before I return to the mansion. I was talking to the Emperor about the summer vacation. If there is no accident, this year can go to the outside palace to escape the summer heat, so I came home late."

Lin Wei Xi also cooperatively responded: "It turns out that Wangye and His Majesty was talking about going out of the palace, it's no wonder coming home so late. Then these few days, I should pack up and prepare to go to the outside palace?"

Gu Hui Yan responded with a low tone and said, "You can arrange it."

Chapter 78 : Summer Escape

Soon after Gu Hui Yan finished speaking, as expected, within a few days, in the morning court the Emperor proposed to go to the outside palace to escape the heat this summer, instead of staying in the Forbidden City.

In the Forbidden City, the hierarchy was strict and the palace walls were heavy. Courtiers must be cautious when they go to court every day, this was a constraint on both the Emperor and the court. If they get out the palace, not only was it much easier to discuss things, but also not far away from the Royal Hunting Grounds, which offered the best of both worlds, political affairs and entertainment.

But it’s a pity that the Emperor’s kindness was not recognized by his courtiers, especially the official group headed by First Assistant Zhang, strongly opposed to the Emperor leaving the imperial palace and going outside the capital. Zhang Xiao Lian had been the First Assistant and the Emperor’s teacher for many years. Everyone was used to Zhang Xiao Lian making decisions for the Emperor, everyone thought that this time will be the same as before. Even if the Emperor this young man was anxious to have fun, as long as First Assistant Zhang disagree and the Emperor being stubborn, in the end could only listen to First Assistant’s opinion.

But the matter of going to the outside palace was particularly troublesome. The Emperor showed a cold face during morning court, and the noon meeting afterward were canceled off. For many years, in order to assist and teach the young Emperor, the cabinet also double as instructor for the Emperor. Every day after the morning court finished, they would be summoned by the Emperor to Qianqing Palace to give lecture for His Majesty. This practice was constructed by Zhang Xiao Lian, and now the Emperor has cancelled the cabinet lecture for the first time, which was undoubtedly a clear statement to everyone in the capital that he was dissatisfied with Zhang Xiao Lian's practice.

Very childish behavior, but the meaning behind it was huge and terrifying.

Later, Yan Wang came forward to deal with it and agreed for the Emperor to go to the outside palace to escape the heat, but the following army must be strict. In front of everyone’s eyes he also went to Zhang's Mansion, and personally acted as a lobbyist for the First Assistant and the Emperor. Zhang Xiao Lian really didn’t have plan to usurp the throne. He just had a clear and independent set of ideas about what the Emperor should do and how the court should function. He drew a perfect template for the Emperor, and asked the Emperor to follow this model and grow into the image of wise monarch in his mind.

But how was it possible. The Emperor was asked to be a virtuous and upright monarch since he was a child, and he himself was prepared, but if he said a few words to the little palace maids around him, he would be reprimanded by the First Assistant for not acting like Shang Zhou and Zhou You*, and to get closer to a certain palace eunuch. He would be told that he should be close to the virtuous minister. Even when the Emperor indulged in calligraphy and after copied a few characters, he would be sternly lectured by Zhang Xiao Lian, shouldn’t let trifling destroy the will.

*Wise emperor of the past

In particular, everyone felt that the Emperor was still a child, and in the end would always listen to First Assistant Zhang's words, which made the Emperor's rebellious heart became even more serious. Among the civil and military forces of the dynasty, probably only Yan Wang who did not regard the Emperor as a child. The Emperor said it several times, but Gu Hui Yan often used honorific words such as "Your Majesty" to him. Although felt a bit estranged, Gu Hui Yan always kept his duty as a minister and satisfied the Emperor's self-esteem.

When Gu Hui Yan personally came forward, Zhang Xiao Lian still need to give the Emperor some face. However, even if he relented, he refused to show that he agreed with this matter, rather said he was ill and declined to accompany to the outside palace.

And the Emperor knew that he was being uncharacteristic, he didn’t even show a caring attitude for his teacher's health and directly ordered the entourage to set out towards the outside palace. As for the unhealthy First Assistant, then stay in the capital to recuperate.

The officials in the capital all smelled a strong gunpowder smoke. Although there was a sign before, as long as the last layer of window paper was not broken, everyone could pretend to be ignorant. But now, the Emperor was not even willing to maintain this superficial effort.

A big change was coming, right under everyone’s nose.

The outside palace was built in the southwest of the capital, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with lush vegetation. Many wild animals were bred on the pasture just for the imperial family and nobles to hunt and play. Because the front was surrounded by water and backed by the mountain, even if the outside palace was more south than the capital, the temperature was appropriate throughout the year, especially suitable for summer escape, so it was also called the Summer Palace. The architectural style of the Summer Palace was very different from that of the capital. Flowers and trees were planted everywhere, and the courtyard was no longer strictly in accordance with the hierarchy and symmetry like in the capital, it was much more lively and graceful.

After three or four days of rest, Lin Wei Xi was slowly recovered, and her face didn't look as pale as when she had just arrived. Her body was weak, even after rebirth Lin Wei Xi meticulously maintained it, the sickness that came from mother's womb, no matter how you raised it, still couldn’t be as good as ordinary people.

Lin Wei Xi was recuperating, and the entire Yan Wang Mansion moving around her quietly. Now that Lin Wei Xi got better, everyone in the mansion had light steps. The condition of the mistress of a mansion directly affected the appearance of the entire mansion.

"Wangfei, this is an invitation from Marquis Chengde Mansion inviting you to enjoy the flowers."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at it and said, "Put it down."

A few days ago, she declined to meet visitors, and took leave from the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Visiting the sick and well-wishes cards were accumulating into a small piles. Now that her health was better, the endless invitations from each mansion were becoming more and more diligent.

Lin Wei Xi leaned on the soft pillow, Wan Xing held a thick pile of cards and read them one by one for Lin Wei Xi. Wan Yue stood by the side, changing the water and fanning Lin Wei Xi from time to time, taking care of Lin Wei Xi's body carefully.

Gao Ran also stood not too far away, but she looked absent-minded and seemed incompatible with Lin Wei Xi’s master and servant this three people. Even the maid need to call her three times before Gao Ran woke up and covered her cough.

Lin Wei Xi glanced at her and asked, "What's wrong with Shizi Consort, are you unwell?"

"Not at all." Gao Ran bowed her head. "It's just that the windows were not closed tightly last night, and felt a little cold."

Lin Wei Xi nodded lightly and said, "Shizi Consort should pay attention to your body. If you feel unwell, you should go back and rest first."

"How can this work? It's not a major problem." Gao Ran lowered her eyes to decline. Lin Wei Xi glanced at her, and said nothing.

As soon as Gao Ran went out later, Wan Xing get close to Lin Wei Xi's ear, and whispered: "Wangfei, Shizi and Shizi Consort was arguing again just now."

"What happened?"

"It seems that Shizi of Duke Yingguo Mansion came here not long ago. I don't know what he said to Shizi, but Shizi looked unhappy. Shizi Consort saw it, and after a few words of persuasion, the two separated again.

It turned out that the father-in-law came, no wonder the two people were so cold to the naked eye. Fathers often think differently from female elders such as grandmothers and biological mothers. Female elders understand that it was not easy to be a daughter-in-law, so they always persuade their daughters to be gentle and tolerant, but the fathers were always confident with their own convictions. No matter how he treats his wives and concubines, in short, his daughter cannot be wronged at all. The Duke Yingguo Shizi made this special trip, presumably to support his daughter to vent her anger, but with Gu Cheng Yao's character, was he a person who could reflect on compromise? It's impossible, so it's no wonder that Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran once again had a cold war.

In fact, Gao Ran felt angry too. Seeing her and Gu Cheng Yao's relationship eased a little, Duke Yingguo Shizi had to come over and inserted his foot in. This inferior father came to support her and teach her husband. Gao Ran didn't feel touched. She only felt that Duke Yingguo Shizi's extra effort and self-righteousness were disturbing the relationship between their husband and wife.

For Lin Wei Xi, these things were just a gossip to past the time. After finished listening she continued to lower her head to deal with her own business. After a while Gao Ran came back from outside and continued to wait on Lin Wei Xi's side. At this time, a young manservant ran in from the outside. He cleverly gave Lin Wei Xi a salute and probed the room: "Wangfei, is Shizi here with you?"

"No, I haven't seen him." Lin Wei Xi looked at the young boy’s expression and asked, "Why are you looking for him?"

"It's nothing big, but Wangye has instruction for Shizi, to let Shizi go over as soon as possible."

"What's the matter?"

"This little one also doesn't know, it seems that Wangye want to ride the horse to the hunting ground."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes became rounder: "Wangye is going to the hunting ground?"

The young manservant scratched his head. Actually, he was not sure, but Wangfei was so excited that he was unwilling to say no. Although Lin Wei Xi was in poor health, she still had a passion for dangerous sports. Especially with the boudoir strict training, she had never been to an eye-catching place like hunting grounds, as for riding horses don’t even think about it. In this sense, after marriage as long as the husband and mother-in-law allowed it, the woman's autonomy would become greater. Riding horses for a young lady was considered improper, but after marrying, as long as the mother-in-law allowed it, and the husband accompanied the woman to ride a horse, then what could other people say?

Since Gu Hui Yan sent someone to call Gu Cheng Yao, it must be Gu Hui Yan's personal plan, not an invitation from his colleague. In this case, Lin Wei Xi could follow along and develop it into a family gathering.

Lin Wei Xi immediately went back to the house to change into her riding outfit enthusiastically. Gao Ran also heard these words, of course she had to follow along. Gao Ran was sent back by Lin Wei Xi to change clothes. Both of them changed their clothes abnormally fast. After a while, Gao Ran changed neatly into her clothes and returned to Lin Wei Xi’s room. Lin Wei Xi took Gao Ran and went outside to find Yan Wang.

After Duke Yingguo Shizi came out from Yan Wang's residence in the Summer Palace, he walked for a long time in trance.

He also knew that Gao Ran had returned to his family some time ago, but he was not clear why. It was not until a few days that Gao Chen spill the beans. He carefully asked Han shi, only to realize that Gao Ran returned to her maiden family because her husband was taking a concubine. Duke Yingguo Shizi was furious when he learned about it. In fact, he also had a lot of concubines, but his son-in-law accepted a concubine, and even wronged his daughter for the concubine, how could he bear this kind of thing?

Just now in the Summer Palace it was convenient to get in and out. Duke Yingguo Shizi with a black face came to Yan Wang Mansion to settle accounts with Gu Cheng Yao. However, Gu Cheng Yao grew up in a good environment, his life always smooth sailing, where would he concede to lowering himself in front of his father-in-law. Duke Yingguo Shizi had a bad tone, after he said a few words, Gu Cheng Yao was also annoyed. With a cold face he threw the yin yang pot to Duke Yingguo Shizi, so that he could see what his precious daughter did. Don't think that his daughter was all great, as if suffered a grievance, then everything was the fault of others.

At the start Duke Yingguo Shizi was completely in disbelief when Gu Cheng Yao said that Gao Ran plot against the concubine’s reputation. It was not until Gu Cheng Yao put things in front of him that Duke Yingguo Shizi was shocked to find that it was not Gu Cheng Yao who was slanderous. He had no idea that there was such an inside story, or it could be said, he had never thought that his kind and gentle daughter would do such a thing.

The son-in-law wanted to accept his personal maid who had served him for ten years as a concubine. Gao Ran was unwilling, so she used medicated wine to frame the concubine with the crime of adultery. Had it not been for Wangfei who found out that there was something wrong with the wine pot, Gao Ran would have succeeded.

When Duke Yingguo Shizi walked out of Yan Wang Mansion, his steps were weak. He didn't care that he lost his face in front of his son-in-law, now his whole mind was on another matter.

Duke Yingguo Shizi faintly remembered that many years ago, one of his favorite concubines was also found to have an affair. At that time, the favorite concubine cried very badly. She kept crying that she fell into other people’s trap, didn’t know who put medicine on the wine, that she lost consciousness after drinking it. At that time, Duke Yingguo Shizi disdained her. He was furious for being cuckold, and only felt that this woman was quibbling. Later, the concubine was hurriedly dealt with a bowl of medicine, and in the deep courtyard, the dead was silent.

In fact, she was a concubine that Duke Yingguo Shizi liked very much. She was unbelievably lively, smart, and considerate. What a pity.

However, now that Duke Yingguo Shizi got the Yin Yang pot from his son-in-law, he suddenly remembered this past event. After so many years, Duke Yingguo Shizi’s anger from wearing a green hat had been appeased, and he could finally sort out the cause and effect of this matter rationally. Were the signs of the favored concubine during that time really like having an affair with another man? Not necessarily.

Suddenly, Duke Yingguo Shizi did not dare to think about it anymore. Gao Ran used a yin yang pot to her concubine's room. Then in Duke Yingguo Mansion, who would attack his concubine? Where did Gao Ran inherit this yin yang pot, and even the medicine in the wine?

Duke Yingguo Shizi stood under the June’s bright sunshine, stared blankly for a while before he finally felt himself standing on the ground. Suddenly a torrent of anger from being deceived burst out. He immediately ordered his right-hand man to go down and investigate the matter of his favorite concubine's adultery that year. A cold light appeared in Duke Yingguo Shizi’s eyes. If he really found that someone was deceiving him, coax him into running around in circles for many years and let her be the biological mother of his only son. He would not spare her lightly.

Gu Hui Yan, Zhou Mao Cheng and others were walking on the winding corridor, Gu Hui Yan asked, "His Majesty going out to hunt again today?"

"Yes."

Gu Hui Yan sighed in a low voice, "Let the guards next to him follow him closely. Go down and remind Xia Lin in private that although His Majesty’ wish is hard to disobey, once anything goes wrong, he will be the one who take the blame."

When the Emperor was out of the palace, of course the guards around him could not be careless. In addition to the Yulin Army, Gu Hui Yan also transferred a lot of personnel, among which Xia Lin who are his people. The Emperor had great trust in Yan Wang's army. In the past few days, he ran farther and farther. Even when the Empress Dowager heard that Yan Wang’s people was following, she was relieved to let the Emperor go out.

The Emperor and courtiers were relieved, but Gu Hui Yan in here had a lot of trouble. It was him who vouched for the Emperor to go out. Don't look at First Assistant Zhang and other officials saying nothing now, but if something goes wrong, he couldn’t escape the blame.

After Gu Hui Yan beaten down his subordinates, he asked the arrangement of the guards around the Emperor. They were detailed and clear, not one drop of water could leak out, but in the blink of an eye there were several loopholes. Zhou Mao Cheng hurriedly wrote it down one by one, and he secretly admired. The bunch of them had been scrutinizing the patrol list for a long time, and thought there was no leak. Who knew that Yan Wang just listened to it once and noticed the personnel conflict. Amazing, Zhou Mao Cheng was sincerely convinced.

Gu Hui Yan walked along the winding corridor, seemingly slow and leisurely, but the steps were almost equidistant, which immediately distinguished him from ordinary nobles. No matter how much those young master paid attention to demeanor and appearance, still could not take such upright and solemn steps.

"Gu Cheng Yao."

Gu Cheng Yao took a step forward: "The son is here."

"If the Emperor summons you to go hunting these few days, you can find any reason to refuse. Mandate of Heaven is hard to disobey, but also cannot indulge him to much, lest he really thinks he is omnipotent, and we will grant whatever he asked for."

In private, Gu Hui Yan's attitude towards the little Emperor did not like the respect and restraint he had shown. After hearing this, Gu Cheng Yao fell in awe, bowed his head and replied solemnly, "Yes."

"Since you can't accompany the Emperor to go hunting, it will be no good to accept the invitations from other families. You should not go hunting in the hunting ground these few days, if you want to ride a horse wait until we return to the capital."

"This son understand."

They were still talking when they suddenly saw a group of people walking across the winding corridor. When Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Hui Yan her eyes clearly brighten, and quickly greeted him: "Wangye."

This call was sweet and crisp, Gu Hui Yan's expression unconsciously became more relaxed. He caught Lin Wei Xi who was leaping over, looked at her and smiled: "Why are you here?"

Lin Wei Xi looked at him in surprise: "Is it not you that said you want to ride a horse in the hunting ground, I'll follow you."

Gu Hui Yan’s smile unchanged, turning his head without saying a word to look at the people behind. Gu Mingda retreated to the back and asked a few people, and soon returned. Lin Wei Xi looked at these people curiously. It was rare to see the embarrassment on Gu Mingda’s iceberg face. Gu Mingda clasped his fists and whispered: "Wangye, it’s a small servant in the outer courtyard who was the problem. Wangye asked someone to find Shizi, to ask Shizi not to go to the hunting ground. He listened the wrong way, so he passed the wrong words to Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi was immediately unwilling to hear this: "I have changed my clothes, you suddenly say not going?"

Upon seeing this, Gao Ran whispered to Lin Wei Xi, "Mother, since the servant passed the wrong word, let's go back."

It was alright if there was no expectation, but Lin Wei Xi excitedly get ready to go out to play, and suddenly it was canceled, the gap in her heart especially uncomfortable. She was fuming, looked up with round eyes and gave Gu Hui Yan a ferocious look.

Gu Hui Yan could only relent: "Since you want to go, let them enclose another place for you to play. Can you ride a horse?"

Lin Wei Xi was overjoyed and pleasantly surprise, "Really?"

"Really."

Lin Wei Xi's eyes lighted up, and if it weren't for so many people around, she would have pounced on Gu Hui Yan: "Thank you, Wangye! I can't ride a horse. Wangye, please teach me!"

Zhou Mao Cheng and Gu Mingda looked at each other in amazement, even Gu Cheng Yao found it incredible. What? A few seconds ago, didn't Gu Hui Yan just said not to go to the hunting ground during this time? Did Gu Hui Yan think all of them are deaf? Don't go back on your words so quickly!

The men tacitly kept silent, and followed behind silently, watching Yan Wangfei happily pulling Yan Wang to the stable.

Chapter 79 : Riding Together

Lin Wei Xi was a complete novice in riding, Gu Hui Yan personally picked a docile little mare for her in the stable. Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gu Hui Yan's majestic horse Zhao Xue, and accepted her fate.

In fact, Gao Ran also did not know how to ride a horse, but was it Gu Hui Yan problem? He did not pick a horse for Gao Ran. The hunting ground had been cleared up, the lawn in this area was smooth and soft, and the idlers nearby had been cleared away, ensuring that no one would come to disturb Yan Wangfei's mood. Lin Wei Xi watched her little mare eagerly, Gu Hui Yan said helplessly: "You have no foundation at all, so don't rush to get on the horse. It's more important to protect yourself."

"There is Wangye." Lin Wei Xi said confidently. Gu Hui Yan looked at her for a long time, and finally couldn't help laughing.

Lin Wei Xi made a lot of sense, Gu Hui Yan was there, that was the best protection.

Gu Hui Yan told Lin Wei Xi the tricks of getting on the horse in detail. Lin Wei Xi memorized it one by one, nodded like chicken pecking at the rice. In the end, she just felt her eyes sway, Gu Hui Yan turned over and sat on the horse. His movements were confident and nimble, without unnecessary moves.

Lin Wei Xi marveled. She imagined the movement several times in her mind, and realized that she had fully understand it, so she pushed away the servant’s support, and stepped on the horse by herself. However, the body may not know what the brain knows. Lin Wei Xi had successfully imagine it, but when she stepped on the stirrup to get on the horse, her body swayed and no matter what, she couldn't turn her body over.

"Wangye..."

Gu Hui Yan got off from his horse and supported her behind him: "I'm here. Don't worry, I won't let you fall."

There were several maids supporting her, but Lin Wei Xi still felt that she was going to fall, but now Gu Hui Yan just said one thing, and Lin Wei Xi felt more at ease. Gu Hui Yan supported Lin Wei Xi's waist with one hand from behind, and the servants tactfully retreated, leaving space for these two people. The unrelated people were dispersed, the space was larger, so it was more conducive for Lin Wei Xi's movements. Lin Wei Xi completely forgot the trick Gu Hui Yan taught her just now. She hugged the horse’s neck and used her hands and feet together, and climbed onto the horse's back indecently.

This horse was really gentle, and even after tossed around by Lin Wei Xi, it still stayed in place. Lin Wei Xi used to think that a novice was particularly terrified when leaning on the horse. She thought that she must straighten her waist to mount the horse, absolutely could not scream, clenching her mane and refusing to let go. But when Lin Wei Xi really sat on the horse, she realized that there was a huge difference between imagination and reality. Her center of gravity suddenly rose, and her feet could not touch the ground. Lin Wei Xi, a person who was not afraid of heights, felt scared.

"Let go and straighten up your waist slowly."

Lin Wei Xi clenched her mane tightly, delicately and pitifully exclaimed: "No, I will fall."

"No, be good, let go." Gu Hui Yan coaxed her patiently, "Give me your hand, hold my hand, and slowly straighten up."

Lin Wei Xi tentatively released a hand, and Gu Hui Yan's warm and powerful palm immediately caught her. Half of Lin Wei Xi's weight was put on Gu Hui Yan's hands, but his arm was still very stable, and it didn't even shake. Such a powerful arm gave people a strong sense of security, Lin Wei Xi borrowed Gu Hui Yan's strength to slowly sit upright on her horse.

After adapting for a while, Lin Wei Xi got used to this height, and her expression became more and more like flying. Gu Hui Yan handed the reins to the servant who raised the horse, let the servant lead along the horse and take her to walk slowly, while riding on Zhao Xue, he followed her on the other side.

Lin Wei Xi was learning to ride a horse, Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao stood not far away watching. It was inappropriate for them to step forward to help, and to have fun by themselves even more so. They had to wait in place and watch Lin Wei Xi being supported by Yan Wang to mount the horse. After slowly walked a distance, she could pick up the horse herself.

Seeing that there was no one around, Gao Ran took the opportunity to whisper to Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi, my father is impatient and straightforward. If he offended Shizi with improper words today, please don't take it seriously."

Gu Cheng Yao gave a low "um" and said, "It's alright, I talk to father-in-law properly. You go ride a horse."

Gao Ran said ’Oh’, she still wanted to say something, but seeing Gu Cheng Yao's calm and cold expression, in the end didn't say anything. She got on the horse under the guidance of the stables’ servant, her maids loudly cheering on her from behind. Gao Ran was the Shizi Consort, the stables’ people certainly couldn’t touch her, but Gao Ran's maid was also the inner house’s womenfolk, where they understands this kind of thing, it was impossible to compare with Yan Wang's professionalism. Gao Ran took a lot of effort and wanted to give up several times before sitting on the horse.

However, after this experience, Gao Ran showed little interest in riding, not to mention she didn’t have the mood of riding a horse slowly like Lin Wei Xi. She couldn't help but look up, sitting on the horse she had a wider sight. Gao Ran saw that Lin Wei Xi held the reins by herself, riding the horse to slowly walk, the groom was trotting behind, and Gu Hui Yan was always following her by the side.

Gao Ran let the servant to pull the horse a few steps. She was really uninterested in this kind of smelly and unattractive sport. She just walked two steps then let the maid half supported half carried her to dismount.

On the other side, Lin Wei Xi held the reins and slowly urge the horse to move forward. This feeling was very novel, and it gave Lin Wei Xi an unprecedented sense of accomplishment. This sense of accomplishment was far more enjoyable than writing a good calligraphy or make a fine embroidery. Lin Wei Xi rarely done such intense exercise. In fact, not only Lin Wei Xi, for the womenfolk walking two steps in the courtyard was all the amount of activity in a day.

A thin layer of sweat came out on Lin Wei Xi's back. After exercising, her cheeks were rosy, her eyes were bright, and she looked very energetic. Lin Wei Xi even controlled the horse to trot two steps forward. Lin Wei Xi was surprised and subconsciously turned around to share with others. When she turned around, she saw Gu Hui Yan not far away, looking at her with a smile.

When riding a horse, you should not go too close, otherwise it would interfere with both of the horses. In order not to disturb Lin Wei Xi, Gu Hui Yan had been moving around not far away, but always kept the distance in case unexpected accident happened, he could rush over immediately. Lin Wei Xi bumped into Gu Hui Yan's line of sight, and her mind suddenly thought, he had been looking at her like this for a long time?

Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell what kind of feeling in her heart. She turned her head around like she was frightened, her chest throbbing, and there was a sense of uncontrollable confusion in her heart. She became a little distracted, and for a moment didn't pay attention to the strength of her hands. The horse thought it was the master's instruction, and ran forward a few steps quickly.

Lin Wei Xi's center of gravity slammed back and she was startled, couldn't help but scream. Gu Hui Yan quickly caught up from behind and grabbed Lin Wei Xi's rein from the side.

"Don't be afraid, you have to trust your horse, it won't hurt you."

Lin Wei Xi lowered her head and gave an ‘um’. Gu Hui Yan turned around to look at her and asked, "What's wrong, you were fine just now. What did you think about?"

"I didn't think about anything." Lin Wei Xi didn't want to say, she felt that she had fallen into a very dangerous situation. In the deep inner courtyard, women who had their heart moved would inevitably become battered and bruised. Men always have a way out, but women don’t.

Gu Hui Yan didn't insisted, but he had already thinking, what he said or did that accidently affect Lin Wei Xi? Lin Wei Xi walked side by side with Gu Hui Yan for a while, and gradually no longer satisfied with such a slow pace, she said, "Wangye, I want to run faster."

"No, you still can't control this speed. Although this place has been cleaned up as a imperial hunting ground, the surrounding terrain is complicated and many places are still very dangerous."

Lin Wei Xi refused to admit defeat: "I can."

Gu Hui Yan sighed and stretched out his hand to her: "Come here, I will take you for a run."

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a moment before realizing that Gu Hui Yan wanted to carry her on his Zhao Xue. That's Zhao Xue, Yan Wang was famous for his love of horses, and he would never allow anyone touch his warhorse. Lin Wei Xi's eyes were shining, she was both excited and uneasy: "Can I?"

"Of course."

Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but want to jump immediately, but she looked around: "How do I get down... Ahh!"

Before Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, she felt her waist tighten, and she was picked by Gu Hui Yan, and placed sideway in front of him. Zhao Xue was much taller than her little mare, Lin Wei Xi suddenly lost her strength, and subconsciously climbed to the only support: "Wangye..."

"It's okay, relax, Zhao Xue won't let you fall."

Lin Wei Xi still tightly encircled Gu Hui Yan's arms and shoulders. Gu Hui Yan let Zhao Xue take two steps. When Lin Wei Xi got used to this speed, he suddenly accelerated and galloped across the endless grassland.

The speed suddenly increased, and the wind rushed towards her. Lin Wei Xi pressed her face tightly on Gu Hui Yan's chest, too scared to look up. Only the whistling wind could be heard in her ears, as if the whole world was far away from them, only Gu Hui Yan's heartbeat, firm and clear, resounded strongly in her world.

The wind speed was extremely high, one could imagine how fast they were running. Lin Wei Xi had never seen this kind of speed. She was instinctively afraid of falling down, but Gu Hui Yan's arms were always firmly surrounded her, warm and powerful, as indestructible as iron.

Lin Wei Xi gradually calmed down. She raised her head from Gu Hui Yan’s body, holding his shoulder with one hand while looking out to the outside world.

The wind on the grassland rushed toward her face, with the unique fragrance of the evening's warmth and the green grass, unspeakably comfortable. Lin Wei Xi became more and more adapted to this state, and the smile on her face bloomed.

"Wangye, is Zhao Xue a Maxima*? It runs really fast."

*Horse that can run thousands-miles a day

"Traveling a thousand of miles during the day, and eight hundred miles at night." After Gu Hui Yan finished speaking, he tightened his reins abruptly, Zhao Xue’s front hoofs shot to the sky, hissed in the air, turned sharply and ran back without slowing down.

Lin Wei Xi's body rose into the air and she couldn't help screaming. After she calmed down, Lin Wei Xi clutched her heart and angrily pinched Gu Hui Yan's arm: "What are you doing, scared me to death!"

Gu Hui Yan gave a low laugh, his chest trembling, even if ones couldn't see his expression, ones could guess that he was extremely happy now: "Zhao Xue run fast, and if we go further, the place is not cleared. There are too many idlers, being bothered by them is too troublesome."

Lin Wei Xi also didn't want to be disturbed when she was riding with Gu Hui Yan, but don't think that Lin Wei Xi could forgive him by saying this. Lin Wei Xi snorted softly, "You just make excuse for yourself. I also know you did it on purpose."

Gu Hui Yan smiled. He freed one hand and steered the horse with one hand. while the other hand rubbed Lin Wei Xi's head: "The temper still quiet big. I was wrong. Don't be angry."

Lin Wei Xi curled her lips and didn't want to pay attention to him. After a while they could gradually see the other figures, Gu Hui Yan slowed down and let Zhao Xue slowly paced back.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue saw Lin Wei Xi subconsciously want to welcome her, but when they saw Wangfei was sitting on Yan Wang’s horse, they didn't know whether they should disturb or not. While they were still hesitating, Gu Hui Yan had already reined his horse, nimbly got off the horse, and hugged Lin Wei Xi to come down.

Lin Wei Xi blushed and her eyes were washed with excitement, astonishingly gorgeous. Everyone who saw her gave a chuckle in their hearts. Wan Xing and Wan Yue surrounded Lin Wei Xi and asked after her, the entire lawn instantly became lively. Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran also walked over slowly. Gu Hui Yan stood on one side, and when he saw Gu Cheng Yao and his wife pay respect, he just nodded as the answer.

Wan Xing and Wan Yue roughly swept away the dust on Lin Wei Xi's body, and then the maids dispersed. Lin Wei Xi then saw Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran. Gao Ran stepped forward to greet Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi nodded and said, "You are considerate, I am not uncomfortable. It's not early, go back to the house."

Everyone got Lin Wei Xi's words, simultaneously agreed, and then turned like spinning top. The people gradually dispersed. Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Cheng Yao move his left shoulder. Her years of education made her notice the small movements of others at all times, and promptly deliver the most appropriate words of concern. Lin Wei Xi said casually: "Shizi takes care of your body and pay attention to the wound."

Gu Cheng Yao was taken aback for a moment, and said, "Thanking mother for the reminder."

The people ahead was ready, Lin Wei Xi walked past Gu Cheng Yao to find Gu Hui Yan. Gu Cheng Yao watched Lin Wei Xi walk away, his expression still calm, but his fingers already cold since long ago.

He accidentally fell from a rock when he was a child and left an injury on his left shoulder. Because he sneaked out by himself, he never told the adults. He never took the initiative to talk about this wound, Gu Hui Yan didn't know, even the servants and the maids in Gu Cheng Yao’s courtyard also didn’t know the truth.

Except for Gao Xi and Gao Ran, it was inevitable for those two people to see. If Gao Ran knew it was not strange, but Gao Ran wouldn’t tell her mother-in-law these details. Then, how did Lin Wei Xi know that he had an old wound on his left shoulder?

Of course, in fact, this matter was more likely to be Gu Cheng Yao's own thinking. He was punished by Yan Wang a few days ago with a wound on his back. Lin Wei Xi was actually talking about this. But Gu Cheng Yao was bewitched and fell into a crazy thought. Lin Wei Xi's words and actions were nothing like a person who had been sick since she was little and grew up in the village. She fit perfectly with the rich and honorable Yan Wang Mansion, as if she originally belongs there. Remarks could be falsify, but the person’ natural temperament and demeanor could not deceive.

Could a woman whose mother died prematurely, who had been sick for many years and was raised by an eccentric aunt, really cultivate such a calm and noble temperament?

Chapter 80 : Di Daugther

On a silent summer night, Han shi was sitting under the window sewing clothes. It was strange, even though there was no wind, but the candlestick at the corner of the table suddenly jumped. When Han shi shaken by the candle, she accidentally stabbed her hand.

Han shi screamed and put her fingertips in her mouth. She complained secretly in her heart, seeing blood at night was really unlucky.

Han shi was carefully looking at the wound on her fingertips, suddenly heard the call from the little maid outside. Han shi was pleasantly surprised: "Shizi is here?"

Duke Yingguo Mansion went to the Summer Palace. As the invisible mistress of Shizi’s courtyard, Han shi also honorably followed. But in these years she had gotten older, and the number of days Duke Yingguo Shizi spent the night with her were very few. Sudden visits like tonight even rarer.

Han shi threw down the half-finish needlework, and welcomed at the door happily. The smile was all over her face, but seeing the look of Duke Yingguo Shizi, Han shi was taken aback: "Shizi?"

Who made Shizi angry? He seems so upset.

Han shi muttered to herself, but did not take it to heart. She eagerly waited on Duke Yingguo Shizi to take a seat, and then went to make tea for him, the whole person was busy like a spinning top.

Duke Yingguo Shizi looked at her back coldly, Han shi turned around and talked to Shizi without any clue, suddenly startled by his eyes. Han shi gradually felt scared, and with great difficulty she smiled and said, "Shizi, what's the matter with you? Why do you look at this concubine with such a look?"

Duke Yingguo Shizi looked at her for a moment then said indifferently: "It's nothing. You don't need to be busy, sit down, I have something to tell you."

Han shi was flattered, and the expression on her face was shy and joyful like sixteen years old girl: "Shizi, you are the master and this slave is just a concubine. It’s not good to sit next to you..."

Duke Yingguo Shizi didn't have the patience to listen anymore. If in the past he used to like Han shi’s gentle girl attitude, but now when he looked he only felt sick. Since she didn't want to sit, it was also rare for Duke Yingguo Shizi to take care of her. He asked directly: "How much do you know about Yun Niang’s matters back then?"

The smile on Han shi's face froze. After a while, she reacted and quickly covered her mouth with a kerchief, pretending to cough: "Cough, this concubine caught a cold last night, let Shizi laugh... Why did you suddenly ask about Yun Niang? The events of long time ago, this concubine already forget."

"Forget?" Duke Yingguo Shizi furiously smiled. He threw out the thing in his sleeves with a bang. The wine pot was slender and exquisite, and its main body was carved with intricate and gorgeous patterns from Western Regions, it looked very beautiful. "If you really forget, then I will help you remember it, didn’t Yun Niang happen to be drinking with you before the accident?"

When Han shi saw the special wine pot, she panicked. Her superficial skills were far worse than her daughter, and it showed on her face. Duke Yingguo Shizi understood when he saw Han shi's expression. Han shi knelt on the ground in panic, her eyes turned quickly: "Shizi, what are you talking about, why don't this concubine understand at all."

"Until now, you still pretend not to understand me?" Duke Yingguo Shizi was very angry. He was so angry not because Yun Niang was framed, but because he had been deceived for so many years. A concubine died, that was nothing, but he was deceived by someone like a fool for ten years. He also treated them the mother and son sincerely, which made Duke Yingguo Shizi really unable to accept. When he thought that he totally devoted to these people, maybe Han shi was still laughing with her children behind his back.

Duke Yingguo Shizi’s face was like black iron. He poured two cups of wine out of the pot, pointed to the two cups in front of him and said to Han shi: "If you really innocent, then choose one of the two cups. As long as you drink it, I will believe you."

Han shi looked at the two cups of wine in front of her that looked exactly the same, her face turned pale little by little. Of course she understood the specialty of this wine pot. The outside of the wine pot looks ordinary, but there was a hidden container inside. As long as you worked on the handle a little bit, you could change the wine that came out without anyone knowing. Where did Han shi know this kind of thing in the first place, nevertheless Gao Ran said that it was called the Yin Yang pot, and Han shi realized there was such a sophisticated mechanism in this world.

Han shi couldn't help thinking about Shizi’s movements. He moved very quickly when he poured the wine. Which cup was normal and which one was poisonous? In front of Duke Yingguo Shizi, Han shi tremblingly raised one of the cup, but she couldn't drink it when it reached her lips. She couldn't help wondering, did she make a mistake just now? What if Shizi put the poisoned wine in the other wine container?

Cold sweat formed on Han shi's forehead. She suddenly slammed the cup and looked at Duke Yingguo Shizi with a terrified expression: "Shizi, this slave gave birth to a son and a daughter for you. Chen boy is still young. How can you treat your concubine like this?"

Duke Yingguo Shizi closed his eyes in despair, and his last thread of hope was shattered. All this was true. Han shi really had a heart of snakes and scorpions. In order to win his love she killed Yun Niang, and afterwards she came to comfort him. This woman had cheated him until now, truly abominable!

"Both cups are ordinary fruit wine." Duke Yingguo Shizi looked at her, in his eyes didn’t know whether it was pity or sorrow. In front of Han shi, Duke Yingguo Shizi drank both cups of wine at the same time.

Han shi's face turned white, and then slowly turned red. She crawled to Duke Yingguo Shizi, in attempt to beg: "Shizi, this slave doesn't know anything. This slave thought you were going to poison me, so I didn't dare to drink it."

"If you don't know the mystery of this wine pot, why did you hesitate when choosing the wine? After you choose it, you still didn’t dare to drink it." Duke Yingguo Shizi’s voice contained unspeakable disappointment, "Up to now, you still want to lie to me."

"Shizi..."

"I always thought you are kind and weak, and I always worry that you will be bullied in the house. Oh, now thinking about I’m really an idiot. You can silently put people to death, how could you be bullied? How many times have you deceived me with your hypocritical face all these years?"

"No, this slave didn’t." Han shi's tears were streaming down, she knelt on the ground and kept shaking her head. "This slave doesn't know anything, this slave is wronged."

Duke Yingguo Shizi looked at the tear-stained beauty at his feet, somehow felt hate and disgust bubble up. He felt deeply tired. Over the years, he always spoiled Han shi, and even favored Han shi's children, but what did he actually favor? He originally had some hope, although Han shi’s schemes was not right, but the children was always innocent. However, Gao Ran followed the footsteps and used the same method to frame his son-in-law's concubine, which made Duke Yingguo Shizi couldn’t deceive himself. Gao Ran knew this, then those mother and daughter joined forces to lie to him.

For all these years, he had always gave Gao Ran the best care, and he even snubbed his di daughter for her. As long as Gao Xi had it, Duke Yingguo Shizi would have someone prepare the same thing for Gao Ran. If it was the thing given by the Grand Princess, Duke Yingguo Shizi made a lot of effort and always personally compensate Gao Ran. He almost blatantly favored Gao Ran, was it not because he felt that Han shi and Gao Ran this mother and daughter were weak. Gao Ran was not like Gao Xi, who was independent and capable, and she was a shu daughter. If he as the father didn’t protect her, Gao Ran would be bullied to death by people in the Duke Mansion.

Duke Yingguo Shizi couldn't help but think back to what he had done over the years. The concubine that he thought quiet and modest was actually the cruelest, and the daughter that he thought was weak and sensible, in fact, could send another woman to death without blinking. For them he treated his wife coldly, snubbed his di daughter, had a reputation for favoring the concubines and neglecting the wife, and even killed his wife by accident.

"Well, you mother and daughter are very good." Duke Yingguo Shizi stood up and sneered again and again. "That Chen boy, has been instigated by you since childhood to scheme me his father and scheme his half di sister!"

"No." Han shi painfully cried out, without manners, tears and snots, hand and feet crawled towards Duke Yingguo Shizi, "Chen boy, he doesn't know anything, he really admires you as a father. Shizi, these thousand mistakes are this slave's fault, don't be angry with Chen boy for this."

Han shi kept talking about Gao Chen. Duke Yingguo Shizi sneered, really feeling sad: "You are pleading for Gao Chen, are you afraid that I will have opinions on him and will not leave him Shizi’s position? Oh, no wonder, it turns out you have been aiming for this all these years." Duke Yingguo Shizi laughed sarcastically. He suddenly changed his voice, and his words were as sharp as a knife: "The year Gao Chen was born, you fainted in the ancestral hall, at that time was you really not know that Wei shi was pregnant?"

Han shi suddenly paused: "This concubine..."

"You know." Duke Yingguo Shizi looked at Han shi's expression, his tone was calm. After speaking, he suddenly became furious: "You really know! You know that she is pregnant, but you still push me to find her. Later, she miscarriage our di son. Are you happy that I finally gave the position to your son?"

Han shi shook her head desperately and her lips kept saying "I don't", but everyone knew that this sentence had no credibility at all. Duke Yingguo Shizi felt a burst of pain coming from his four limbs and his bones, first blunt, and then almost gouging his heart and devour his bones. In that conflict, he personally killed his and Wei shi's child, and then Wei shi also died. His wife was born noble, beautiful and dignified, and she always dismissed him, cold and indifferent, but he killed her.

Duke Yingguo Shizi was trembling all over, gradually couldn't control himself. All these years he had shown that he didn’t care, and he wanted to tell everyone that he did not regret or feel guilty. He had pretended for more than ten years, and gradually everyone believe that he had no affection for Wei Shi, and had forgotten about this wife, but he could not lie to himself.

He didn’t remarry after Wei shi's death, and let his direct di line be severed. The Duke Yingguo reminded him many times that only his di son could inherit the equal rank, and if it was a shu son, he would be demoted one or two ranks. In other words, if he passed the position of Shizi to Gao Chen, then the Duke position of the Gao family would be lowered to the rank of Marquis, or even lower.

But his wife was dead, and he unlikely to have any more sons. Even the year before last, Wei Shi and his only blood line, Gao Xi, died. There was no way to recover his mistake.

Duke Yingguo Shizi had dull pain in his chest and could hardly stand. He didn't want to let others see him like this. He suddenly lifted his foot, kicked Han shi who was holding his leg, and walked over with large strides: "You murdered a concubine, harmed the di bloodline, and deliberately framed your mistress. When I report to my mother tomorrow, I will let the servant sell you."

"Shizi!" Han shi fell on the ground, ignoring the wound on her stomach, and hurriedly chased after Duke Yingguo Shizi. But how could she catch up, in a blink of an eye Duke Yingguo Shizi went out.

The maid hiding outside the room called out "Yiniang" timidly, and Han shi felt the pain in her lower abdomen. She couldn't straighten her belly and waist, but at this time, she had no time to think about her injury. She was full of thoughts. If Shizi told Duke Yingguo old madam tomorrow, would she really be sold? Could the Duke Yinnguo’s title still fall to Gao Chen’s hands?

Duke Yingguo Shizi’s face was pale, he scolded his attendant away, and led his horse to gallop in the night breeze. He couldn't distinguish the direction in the dark, and he didn't want to recognize it clearly. He kept pumping his horse, and gradually his horse’s speed soared to an uncontrollable level. The night breeze was already a little painful on his face, and Duke Yingguo Shizi let his thoughts wander. He was only seventeen when he married Wei shi. It was when the young man had high spirit. At that time, he thought his newly married wife looks very good, but he didn't like her temper. Later, their daughter Gao Xi was born. During the time when Gao Xi was born, their husband and wife reached an unprecedented harmony, but the good times did not last long. Later, Duke Yingguo old madam disliked that Wei shi was arrogant and said that she would raise Gao Xi. How could Wei shi not refuse, it seems that since then, the husband and wife relationship between him and Wei shi became irretrievably worsened until it slipped into the abyss.

Gao Xi and Gao Ran were very different. Gao Xi had always been headstrong since she was a child, and her character was stronger than her mother. Gao Xi was close to Wei shi and had a strong temper. He always feels very boring when facing this di daughter and had no authority as the father, so gradually, he preferred to talk to Gao Ran. After Wei shi died, he actually thought about making up with Gao Xi, but Gao Xi always showed disappointment and resentment when she saw him, constantly reminding him how Wei shi died.

As a result, Duke Yingguo Shizi avoided Gao Xi more and more. In the end, even when father and daughter stood face to face they had nothing to say. On the contrary, Gao Ran often showed a young daughter's delicateness to him, as if Gao Ran was his di daughter.

After Gao Xi married into Yan Wang Mansion, Duke Yingguo Shizi was undoubtedly relieved. That's good. She married well and didn’t have to see her father again in the future. It's a joy for everyone. Later, he heard that Gao Xi and the only son of Yan Wang didn’t get along. Duke Yingguo Shizi subconsciously felt that it was Gao Xi's problem. Gao Xi's character was too tough. As for going to Yan Wang Mansion to support Gao Xi? There was Grand Princess Shou Kang.

Duke Yingguo Shizi felt pain again when he thought of this, and felt very shameful. When Gao Xi was dying in Yan Wang Mansion, he felt that Gao Xi's maternal family was high and always had someone to help her out, so he let himself be immersed in his own affairs. But half a month ago, he heard that Gao Ran was coldly treated by his son-in-law, and he went to settle accounts almost immediately. Now thinking about it, he as a father couldn’t distinguish between true or false, couldn’t recognize people clearly, and regards fish eyes as treasures, but neglected his true treasure, which was simply sad and funny.

Duke Yingguo Shizi closed his eyes, and let the almost crazy horse lead him into the dark night.

Early the next morning, Duke Yingguo old madam got up and found that her son had not come to pay respect. She didn't take it seriously. Sons and daughter-in-laws were different. If the son slept in and didn’t come to give morning greeting, the old madam wouldn’t blame him, instead felt sorry for her tired son. At noon, the young manservant in Shizi’s courtyard came to report that Shizi had not returned, and the old madam felt that the matter was a bit serious.

"Shizi didn't return last night?"

"Yes."

The old madam frowned. She thought that her son had a lot of friends, and it was common for him to stay away from home for a few days. Maybe he stayed at a friend's house last night. Duke Yingguo old madam said: "Maybe he drank wine last night, and still haven't woken up yet. When Shizi comes back, you should report to me immediately."

"Yes."

Something like this happened before, but somehow this time Duke Yingguo old madam’s heart was restless, and gradually she couldn't sit still. The old madam called the servants in her son’s courtyard three times, and every time there was no news. Duke Yingguo old madam finally lost her temper and said: "You go to the houses of the families whom Shizi have good relationship with. Whatever the case get Shizi to come home. If still want to have fun, let’s talk about it tomorrow, now go home first. How can he not go home for two days in a row."

The servants ran out in response. Gradually, the sun went down and the stars moved eastward, but the news from the returning servants became more and more unfavorable: "Old madam, this one has gone ask to several families, and several young masters have said that they have not seen Shizi."

Han shi brought Gao Chen to greet the old madam, and when she heard the words inside, her fingers curled up lightly. Duke Yingguo old madam saw Han shi and asked, "Did you see Shizi yesterday?"

Han shi's face was tense, and she said carefully: "This slave saw Shizi last night, and then Shizi went out again, hasn't Shizi returned yet?"

"People hasn’t seen his shadow all day and night." Duke Yingguo old madam looked anxious and angry. "He is really, where he went, why he didn't send the words to his family. Do you know where he went?"

Han shi opened her mouth, but suddenly stopped. Duke Yingguo old madam just asked casually, and did not really expect Han shi to know the answer, so she also missed the hesitation on Han shi’s face. In the end, Han shi closed her mouth and bowed her head and said, "This concubine doesn't know. Perhaps Shizi went drinking somewhere, old madam doesn’t need to worry, wait for Shizi to come back."

Duke Yingguo old madam sighed like she was grumbling.

Chapter 81 : People’s Heart

Lin Wei Xi was wearing a light white jacket, underneath it was a blue eight-fold muslin long skirt, standing by the window carefully trimming the flower branches. The maid stood behind Lin Wei Xi with a pair of scissors, big and small, and Gao Ran waited on the side. Lin Wei Xi was very patient while pruning. She bent over to hold the gorgeous and thriving flowers, and took a long time before she trimmed down with a knife. This process was undoubtedly a long one. Gao Ran could understand putting flowers in the house as a sentiment, but how long you need to stand for a bunch of flowers? What for?

The cool wind blew after the rain, lifting the corner of Lin Wei Xi's light blue skirt. A stunning woman dressed in refreshing colors, leaning in front of the long window, engrossed in tending the dew-dropped flowers. Lin Wei Xi looked at the blossom, but she also the scenery in other people’s eyes. Beautiful scenery, elegant atmosphere, just like inside a painting.

Even Gao Ran felt it was extremely pleasing to the eye, let alone a man. In this area no matter if it was men or women, all watched attentively at Lin Wei Xi, and the little maids who followed Lin Wei Xi almost looks stunned. The beautiful and fair Wangfei was the pride of everyone in Yan Wang Mansion. As long as there was Lin Wei Xi in the place, the servants would unconsciously hold their breath.

Gao Ran was impatient and while standing her mind couldn't help but wandering. It rained a lot last night, from the evening until midnight, the wind was chilly this morning, all the trees, flowers and plants were washed clean and glistening, and on the roadside could be seen a lot of blown branches.

It's natural to leisurely listen to the night rain in the room, but if someone couldn't make it home last night and stayed outside all the time, then that would be a great suffering.

Gao Ran was in a trance, suddenly saw a person at the corner of the corridor waving at Gao Ran, motioning her to come out. Gao Ran recognized that this was her dowry maid. She looked anxious, as if there was something urgent.

Lin Wei Xi also saw it. She glanced outside, her hands kept moving, and said lightly: "It looks like an urgent matter, Shizi Consort go out and take a look."

Gao Ran thanked her, and then saluted to retire. Gao Ran didn’t come back after going there for a long time, Lin Wei Xi instinctively felt that something was wrong, and soon Lin Wei Xi also knew what happened.

Duke Yingguo Shizi went out on horseback the night before and accidentally fell into the mountain stream. He was trapped in a rock and couldn't move. He lasted for a day and a night, but in the end he didn't survive the heavy rain last night, and died because he lost too much blood.

Lin Wei Xi was about to repair a flower, instead she snapped it in the middle.

Lin Wei Xi's face turned pale when she rushed to Duke Yingguo Mansion, but fortunately everyone’s face was dejected, and no one noticed her strangeness. The mama who came to meet Lin Wei Xi wiped her tears and said: "Wangfei came here early, even the relatives in the family was not as fast as you. Your heart we have written down, the old madam is crying inside, Wangfei, you go inside to persuade."

The crying eyes of Duke Yingguo old madam were very red. Seeing Lin Wei Xi, she still forced herself to stand up: "This old body greet Wangfei."

At this time, Lin Wei Xi couldn't be in the mood to pay attention to these empty courtesy. She almost impatiently asked: "How could Shizi get injured and fall outside, dying of blood loss? Where is the guard by his side?"

When it mentioned, Duke Yingguo old madam cry again: "I only found out yesterday morning that he was out at night. I thought he went to someone else’s house for a drink, so I didn’t take it seriously. Who knows that he never come back. In the evening I let someone ask other families, who knew that there was a heavy rain in the sky before there was results. After the rain stopped, the servants finally searched for some traces, who would have thought when we found him, he already become a corpse."

The old madam burst into tears. She had only one son, but now the white-haired person sending off the black-haired person, the grief could be imagined. Lin Wei Xi stood there, startled for a long time.

Even if Gao Ran didn't really regard Duke Yingguo Shizi as her father, but after all these years of getting along, she still felt a little sad when she heard these words. Gao Ran sighed and held Duke Yingguo old madam’s hand, and said: "Grandma, the dead are gone, the living should take care. Please restrain your grieve."

Lin Wei Xi somehow raised her head, her eyes widened, her pupils were full of emotions: "He is your father, and now the father who loved you the most since childhood is dead, and you actually said restrain your grieve?"

When Lin Wei Xi said this, the people at the side were stunned. Although the listener sighed, it didn’t hurt if the knife didn’t cut them. Those who came to mourn, which one didn't wipe one or two tears, and then said some condolences, a polite phrase. How could Yan Wangfei be so emotional?

Gao Ran was stunned by Lin Wei Xi's questioning, and she also realized that she was too cold, even not as good as Lin Wei Xi, not like a daughter who was experiencing the pain of losing her father. Gao Ran shuddered in her heart, bowed her head and blinked, her eyes immediately burst into tears: "I am also very sad in my heart, and I wish I could follow my father like this. But grandmother is still here, so how can I leave my elders behind? I'm afraid grandmother is grieving too much then injured her body, so tried to persuade her to stop crying."

As soon as Gao Ran said these words, the people in the room were drawn into tears again, some of them wiped their tears, and some of them advised Gao Ran not to be sad and excessively damage her body. Gao Ran always excelled at superficial skills like this. Lin Wei Xi raised her eyes, there was dazzling white everywhere. She was standing in a strange and familiar Duke Yingguo Mansion. She couldn't cry or laugh.

Her mother was dead, and now, her father had left early. Lin Wei Xi thought countless times that Duke Yingguo Shizi was stupid and arrogant. He deserved to be cleaned up one day. But in any case, he shouldn't be lying alone in the mountain stream, shout and shout but no one respond, so lonely and desperate till he die from blood lose.

Gao Ran held Duke Yingguo old madam while soothing her in a low voice, and after a while, the grandmother and grandchildren cried together. Lin Wei Xi looked coldly at those two people cried on each other shoulder, as if the most important thing in the world was crying. Lin Wei Xi's eyes were sore, but she couldn't shed a single tear.

Lin Wei Xi had never heard her own voice this cold, which could almost freeze a person’s muscles and bones: "Why there was no one following Shizi that night? When finding out that Shizi is gone, why didn’t you try to find him? Even if Shizi wouldn’t let you follow, could it be you don't you even know where he went?"

This series of questions made everyone hesitate that no one could lift their head up. Lin Wei Xi's gaze swept across the "loyal servants" in front of her, and everyone who was looked at all bowed their heads and almost couldn't bear to kneel down.

No one had time to think about why Yan Wangfei was so emotional and how it was Yan Wangfei who gave orders in Duke Yingguo’s territory. Everyone subconsciously obeyed Lin Wei Xi's orders, staring while holding their breath, not daring to make trouble.

"Who was the last person who saw Shizi the day before yesterday?"

Han shi changed into white clothes. She lowered her head and said softly: "It's this concubine."

"What did Shizi say to you? Why is he going out?"

"Shizi didn't say anything." Han shi kept her head down, and her voice was as thin as a mosquito. "He just asked some ordinary questions, asked about Chen boy's study, and then went out. This concubine didn't know where Shizi go after he went out, Shizi was obviously fine when he left this concubine."

The more Lin Wei Xi asked, the more she found it fishy, in the majestic Duke Mansion how could this thing happen? Duke Yingguo Shizi couldn’t move until it rained last night. During this day and two nights, if anyone found any clues and followed them, he would not have lost his life. A full fifteen hours, with a little bit of information, it’s unlikely to end like this.

Lin Wei Xi walked over and offered incense to Duke Yingguo Shizi. She stayed in front of the coffin for a long time, but still didn't have the courage to take a look. Today's obituary has just been issued, and the official condolences have not yet come. Those who came at this time were only close relatives. People in the Duke Yingguo Mansion all thought that Lin Wei Xi came so quickly because of Gao Ran, who could think of the real reason.

Gao Ran cried for a while, acted like a filial daughter, and then she was supported to go down to clean her face. Han shi also took the opportunity to follow, Gao Ran sent everyone out, and took Han shi's hand and asked in a low voice: "Yiniang, what is really going on with my father?"

Gao Ran knew a lot about Han shi, and Han shi's excuse could fooled the people of Duke Yingguo Mansion, but it couldn’t fool Gao Ran. Now that there was no one, Han shi paused for a moment, lowered her head and said, "He came to me the night before because he found out about the Yin Yang pot."

"What?" Gao Ran couldn't believe it, "How could he have that?"

"I don't know where he learned about it. In short, our Yin Yang pot fell into his hands. He found out about Yun Niang back then and came over to question me late at night. Later, he was very angry and spoke cruelly that the next day he would tell the old madam early in the morning to sell me, and even your siblings would be implicated. I was frightened all night, and when I went to pay respect the next day, I realized that he has not returned all night."

Gao Ran gradually heard that something was wrong, and she opened her mouth in surprise: "In other words, do you actually know where he went?"

"How could I know that he was there? How could I know that he had an accident?" Han shi couldn't help but raise her head to argue, but her voice became quieter as she said, "When the old madam asked me, I was too scared… Just say I don’t know anything and everything was normal. This should have no relations."

How could this not have any relation, if Han shi said that Duke Yingguo Shizi had a dispute with her earlier, Duke Yingguo old madam would not regard Shizi’s missing as gone out drinking, but would immediately realize that her son had an accident. At that time, Duke Yingguo Mansion’s manpower would all search, could they still not find the injured Shizi? But Han shi didn't say anything, it delayed the time and also delayed the chance to save Duke Yingguo Shizi.

Of course, Han shi knew that she had killed Shizi, by letting him suffer from blood loss in the wild. She was very scared in her heart, but at the same time a crazy and cruel idea came up. Duke Yingguo Shizi already died, then the Yin Yang pot’ matter, she killed two lives’ matter, and even Gao Ran and Gao Chen’ matter, no one knew. She would not be sold, and Gao Chen could be the only descendant of Shizi, and smoothly become the heir of Duke Yingguo Mansion.

Han shi were frightened by her own rebellious thought that her hands got cold, but she couldn't restrain herself and gave birth to infinite desire. If Shizi was dead, then this Shizi’s position was her son's.

Gao Ran was also shocked by the explosive news. She and Han shi sat in a relative silence for a while before suddenly reacting. Gao Ran held Han shi's hand tightly, and her strength almost crushed Han shi's bones: "Yiniang, you are doing the right thing, don't say anything, so no one know what happened, Shizi’s position is on younger brother. Now the title is on the grandfather. When grandfather dies, it will be passed on to father, and it will be passed on to younger brother after number of years. But now that he’s dead, and grandfather already has half his foot on the grave, don’t know how much times he has left. Very soon we will achieve the success, and when younger brother became the Duke, wouldn’t all of the Duke Yingguo Mansion become our world!

Han shi bit her lip and nodded. The mother and daughter looked at each other for a moment, and turned their eyes away in silence, not wanting to see themselves in each other's eyes. They were all accomplices in Duke Yingguo Shizi’s death.

However, huge benefits were waiting for them.

The Duke Yingguo’s hair turned white overnight, and he seemed to be ten years older. But the pain of losing a child was not the only crisis, and now a more realistic problem lied in front of Duke Yingguo Mansion. What’s to be done with Shizi’s candidate?

Duke Yingguo Shizi died unexpectedly, and it should be his son who assumed his position. But here was the problem. Duke Yingguo Shizi did not have a di son. But if it was the shu line, then why Shizi’s younger brothers wouldn’t work?

The worst case scenario was to let the shu son inherit. In order to limit the nobility family, the founding emperor set extremely strict rules on the succession of the titles. A Marquis position that was conferred because outstanding military service was only honorary Marquis, it couldn’t be passed on. And Duke Yingguo Mansion this kind of nobility, a noble beheaded after three generations, whether you could retain the ancestral name depended on the mood of the emperor. However, within these three generations, if ones want to inherit the nobility at the same level, the heir must be a di son, otherwise it would be downgraded one or two levels. In contrast, a Qinwang and Junwang could be passed on endlessly from generation to generation.

Their founding emperor always established double standard on his courtiers. Several highly respected elders of the Gao family have all received the news and rushed over. They sat in the same room, and the one with the oldest seniority came up with a new idea: "Shizi only leave one shu son, and there is no di son. If let the shu son inherits, according to regulation the title would be lowered. Although we can entrust it to Yan Wang, but after all it still risky. I and several other clan elders discussed a compromise on the road. If not pick a child from the clan and adopt him under the deceased Shizi Madam Wei’s name. In this way, he will be a proper heir. It’s easier to support an adopted successor than a shu son."

Chapter 82 : Adoption

"Adopt?"

The few people in the hall looked at each other, and many of them were surprised: "A family with no heirs and no children will needs to adopt. Shizi obviously has a son. Although he is a shu son, but he is the true descendant of Shizi. What is the ground for adoption?"

"If Gao Chen is a di son, why do we need to do all this fuss." The elder who proposed the adoption had long expected that there would be opposition, so he explained calmly, "Gao Chen is shu eldest son, if we report to the imperial clan court to ask him to be conferred, it’s inevitable that some people will use his identity as a shu son to make trouble. In recent years, although the mansion is extravagant, the momentum of current younger generations is mediocre. We have today's situation all relying on Yan Wang. But the third girl is just a daughter-in-law and not really has the right to speak in Yan Wang Mansion. Even if we use this matter to ask Yan Wang, she may not be able to talk to Yan Wang. I think left and right, and after discussing with the second elder, I thought it would be better to pick a child from the clan to be adopted under Shizi. Then Shizi will have a di son, and it will be logical to inherit the title. Secondly, it will be able to mend the relationship with Grand Princess Shou Kang."

It was rare for the Gao family to know that their house was just an empty shell, looked good on the outside, but in fact, there were no promising juniors. Although there were still people who oppose it, but more people were contemplating it. Adoption originally was to pass on the incense, and it was not limited to a family without a son, so according to etiquette adopting a child under Duke Yingguo Shizi was justified.

The real reason, however, if Gao Chen inherited the duke mansion, they would not get any benefits. Instead, they would have to bear the risk of Duke Yingguo Mansion falling into a marquis. On the contrary, if one child from the clan was adopted... Duke Yingguo Shizi didn’t have a di son, but they have.

The word benefit was the priority, and any rules could be made flexible.

The minds of the people who could sit here wouldn’t be bad. People from the Gao family were mediocre in officialdom, but they were very shrewd when calculating their own interests. They pretended to discuss the thing again, and looked at the Duke Yingguo who had not spoken: "Duke Yingguo, what do you think?"

Duke Yingguo was silent. He was not stupid. How could he leave his grandsons with no other choices, and leave the family inheritance to other people's son. Although once adopted, the child had nothing to do with the original family, and Duke Yingguo Shizi and Wei shi became his parents, but the blood relationship constantly set them apart, there was a close and far relative, Duke Yingguo could still distinguish it.

But he was not only a grandfather, he was also the head the Duke Mansion and the patriarch of the Gao family. He took the title of Duke Yingguo from his elders. How could he let the Dukedom be reduced to a marquis or even to a count in his hands? How could he meet his ancestors in the future?

In the end, the interests of Duke Yingguo Mansion overwhelmed the feelings between grandparents and grandchildren. Duke Yingguo did not oppose the idea of adopting a succession. Instead he said: "Let’s set aside these things. In the next few days I will go to Yan Wang Mansion, let’s sounding out Yan Wang’s attitude. If Yan Wang can help, there will be no problem with our duke mansion getting the equal rank. But just in case, it’s best to prepare for the adoption. In this few days, first pick a smart and diligent child from each branch, let them come to the mansion to study with Gao Chen. Anyway, they are still young and the succession matters are not urgent."

This action would have taken care of the opinions of both parties, and everyone could accept it without any objections. It didn't take long for the news of the adoption to reach the backyard, and Duke Yingguo old madam was very surprised when she heard this: "Adoption? There is obviously Chen boy, why do you want to adopt from outside?"

Even if the adoption was to continue the blood lines, how could it be other people’s children and grandchildren be the same. After spending so many years with Gao Chen, Duke Yingguo old madam was very fond of this grandson, and suddenly heard that Duke Yingguo was planning to adopt other children and let an outsider grab his grandson's things, how could Duke Yingguo old madam be willing.

Gao Ran went to the back to wash her face, but Lin Wei Xi accompanied Duke Yingguo old madam to sit. Hearing this, Lin Wei Xi's eyebrows moved slightly.

Adopt? Lin Wei Xi calmly asked, "How is the adoption method?"

"Heard from the people in the front yard that the elders advocated picking a few smart children from the side branches to enter the mansion, and let them stay together to study in the mansion. If really want to adopt in the future, then can choose one of them to be adopted under Shizi Consort Wei."

Sure enough, he would be adopted under her mother's name. When Lin Wei Xi heard this her heart moved. Although Gao Chen wanted to respect her mother as his di mother, but his biological mother was still alive. When Gao Chen became the Duke, he would of course be more filial to Han shi, letting Han shi became Duke Yingguo Mansion’ incomparable elder who could order people around. Han shi was also small-minded, it’s guaranteed that in the future the incense worship of Wei shi would definitely accidentally "forgotten".

But if adopted, it was completely different. The adopted son would inherited Wei's favor, and of course he would properly worship Wei shi's tablet in the future. During the New Year and other festivities, even from secular perspective, he dare not neglect to give Wei shi's incense. As for Han shi, what is she?

That was the first, and the second was that the entire Gao family would benefited. Their own children were limited in talent, and that include Gao Chen's virtues and conduct, but if they adopt, it was equivalent to picking the brightest and most outstanding child from the Gao family. Which one was better, it goes without saying.

Duke Yingguo old madam was filled with indignation. Due to selfishness of course she preferred her grandson. Lin Wei Xi didn't say anything. After the old madam’s mood stabilized, she slowly said: "The clan member of Gao family are discussing the matters in the front yard. Since the adoption news has been heard, it must be the meaning of Duke Yingguo and the elders."

Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly choked. She actually understood that the matter of the clan was far from their family's control alone, even if they were the Duke Yingguo and Duke Yingguo old madam. After all, Duke Yingguo had to consider for the entire Gao family, so that the adoption matters could be passed on to the back yard, that was to say, Duke Yingguo also agreed.

The Duke Yingguo agreed, and the Gao family elders also agreed. Even if she was partial to her grandson, what was the use of opposing it? Duke Yingguo old madam said this, nothing more than trying to find approval from others, but didn’t expect the facade was destroyed by Lin Wei Xi.

Duke Yingguo old madam somehow put herself in an awkward position, Lin Wei Xi ignored the old madam’s face, continued to say: "This is Duke Yingguo Mansion’s family affair. It is really not my turn as an outsider to point fingers, but since I happened to hear it, I’m not afraid for the old madam to see a joke, will overstep by recommend someone to you."

Even if Duke Yingguo old madam did not approve the adoption, she was still curious when she heard this: "Who can actually enter Yan Wangfei’s eyes?"

Lin Wei Xi pressed the corner of her lips and smiled softly: "Old madam is polite. It's also a coincidence, I met this child by chance on the road. His name is Gao Ke and he lives in Jin'an Lane."

"Gao Ke." The old madam said the name silently. She had been the lady of the Duke Mansion for more than 30 years, and she didn’t lack an overall outlook. To be recommended by Yan Wangfei herself, this alone was already extraordinary. Duke Yingguo old madam said the name several times in her heart to make sure she had remembered it. After a while, she had to let people find out who Gao Ke was.

Duke Yingguo old madam nodded and said: "This old body have note it down, Thanking Wangfei for the care."

"What did the old madam say?" Lin Wei Xi paused, glancing to the side. How could the Duke Yingguo old madam fail to understand what this meant, she was surprised, what did Yan Wangfei want to say that it couldn’t be said in front of anyone?

Duke Yingguo old madam felt strange, her face unconsciously became serious, and she waved the servants out, leaving only close servants in the room. Lin Wei Xi actually had nothing to say, she just wanted to avoid the eyes and ears of Han shi and Gao Ran. Seeing that the coast was clear, Lin Wei Xi approached Duke Yingguo old madam slightly, and whispered: "Old madam, I dare to mention, I hope you don't think I'm nosy. I'm afraid there is something wrong with Shizi."

Duke Yingguo old madam’s face suddenly changed: "What does Wangfei mean by this?"

"It doesn't mean anything, but it feels weird." Lin Wei Xi said, "If there is no reason and in a stable mood, who would go out for a horse racing in the middle of the night? Shizi’s behavior on that night is really abnormal. Maybe the old madam can check who he has been in contact with during this time, or maybe deal with what."

Duke Yingguo old madam had never thought in this direction. After Lin Wei Xi said this, the old madam suddenly became clear. Yes, Han shi said that everything was normal when Shizi left her, but if he was really relaxed and calm, why did he go out late at night without letting the servant follow him? Could it be that after coming out from Han shi’s place Shizi met someone else?

Duke Yingguo old madam secretly noted this down, determined to investigate immediately after Lin Wei Xi left. She called the people around Shizi and asked them one by one, she didn't believe that the truth could not be found. She only had this one son, but he was inexplicably die outside. How could Duke Yingguo old madam accept this? As long as there was a little doubt, she must investigate it.

Gao Ran went tidying herself for a long time, and after a while Duke Yingguo old madam found it unreasonable. It's just washing face and tidying up your appearance, was it need this long? When Gao Ran and Han shi finally came back, Duke Yingguo old madam gave Gao Ran a displeased look, but she restrained herself because of the occasion.

Gao Ran finally returned. Lin Wei Xi sat down for a while then got up and returned to Yan Wang Mansion. Gao Ran looked absent-minded in the whole journey, and her mind was completely occupied by Duke Yingguo Shizi’s selection.

Her brother was going to be the Duke, how could this not made Gao Ran happy. When she heard the news she was still shocked, but now she only thought it’s good that Duke Yingguo Shizi had died. If the father has not die, how could the son be promoted?

Gao Ran resisted her joy and returned home. Now that she lost her nominal father, nevertheless she should look sad. The news of Duke Yingguo Shizi’s death gradually spread, and the news about Duke Yingguo Mansion’s desire to adopt did not know how also spread.

It took Gao Ran several days to hear the news, and she was taken aback for a moment: "Adopting? Why they want to adopt? Isn't there my brother."

"Young Master Chen is a shu son. I heard that Duke Yingguo did not want to downgrade the title, so he want to adopt a boy under Wei shi. But these are just rumors, still don't know how it will ended up." Tao Mama comforted Gao Ran, she paused and couldn’t help adding, “But I heard from the people at the old house that in recent years there is a young man who has become very popular. I heard that his name is Gao Ke. He is said to never forget. It seems that several clan elders likes him, and even the Duke Yingguo sent someone to pick him up. After meeting him, he let him live in the duke mansion’s guest courtyard, and given the same treatment as the young masters in the mansion."

Undoubtedly, if they really want to adopt, this boy named Gao Ke was Gao Chen's greatest threat.

"How old is he?"

"He is fifteen years old."

Gao Ran let out an exasperated sigh. Gao Ke’s background was very suitable for adoption. Their own incense fell on the nephew, and parents and brothers were dead. In other words, the relationship between Gao Ke and his family was very weak. After he was adopted could concentrate on serving Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi, without worrying about the adopted son’s closeness to his biological parents. And Gao Ke had really good memory, and could remember just by reading. His talent was far more than Gao Chen, and what was worse was that he was older than Gao Chen.

In other words, as long as Gao Ke was adopted and trained for one or two years, Duke Yingguo Mansion would soon get a return, but how about Gao Chen? He was only seven years old now.

Even Gao Ran panicked. She was full of plans to let her younger brother be Duke Yingguo Shizi. If she was intercepted, what could she do? Moreover, if the future Duke Yingguo was not Gao Chen, then Han shi’s matters couldn’t be hidden anymore.

Gao Ran stared blankly for a long time, and when she recovered, she couldn't help but gritted her teeth: "Who proposed the adoption? Who recommended Gao Ke?"

Tao Mama looked around, bent over to Gao Ran's ears, and whispered: "I heard it was Wangfei who raised the idea to the old madam, and then later the old madam inquired about Gao Ke.

Otherwise, buried under numerous side branches of the Gao family, Gao Ke would have nowhere to go with both his parents died, who would actually know who he is.

Gao Ran was surprised, and gritted her teeth again: "Why is she being nosy?"

Tao Mama spread her hands, who knows. Gao Ran gritted her teeth and sat for a while, still unable to swallow this breath. Lin Wei Xi already relied on her identity as mother-in-law to treat others harshly, and now she wanted to touch her brother's things, simply crazy. Lin Wei Xi stretched her hand too far, she probably think that there was no one in this world who could give her a lesson.

Gao Ran's eyes were gloomy, and she motioned Tao Mama to come over: "Tao Mama, go and use Wangfei Shen's things, let people reveal it to Lin Wei Xi. Cannot spoil her by letting her think herself as the tip of Yan Wang’s heart, little did she know, she is the unnecessary one."

Chapter 83 : Shen Shi

The summer days were long, even in the Summer Palace the weather gets hot day by day. Because of the hot weather, the womenfolk were not too happy to go out and walk around, so when Lin Wei Xi stayed behind closed doors it didn’t look abrupt.

Lin Wei Xi put away all the bright and light summer clothes in one day and changed all of her clothes to plain colors. Originally she felt that she was calm enough to deal with the stories of her past life rationally, and she would not acknowledge her relatives from the past life. But when the news of the death of Duke Yingguo Shizi came that day, she still felt that the world was falling apart and could not believe it.

The father-daughter’ feeling between her and Duke Yingguo Shizi was very faint, often had nothing to say even when they were face-to-face. Lin Wei Xi had a mixture of love and hate towards him, but in the end only indifference remained. But he was her father after all, and the pain of losing one’s father, no one could feel the same.

Even though it was actually unnecessary, Lin Wei Xi still asked the maid to remove the red bed curtain and put on plain clothes. During the period of filial piety, banquets and drinking were forbidden, so Lin Wei Xi declined all social invitation from outside. Fortunately, the heat was roaring in the past few days, everyone stayed behind closed doors, so her behavior didn’t appear abrupt and strange.

Lin Wei Xi stayed in the house. To pass the time, she went to Gu Hui Yan's study to find a book. Gu Hui Yan's study was a forbidden area in the mansion, guarded by soldiers all year round, but for Lin Wei Xi, it seems like an unmanned territory, she come and go as she pleases.

Because the rules in the outside palace were much relax than in the capital, Gu Hui Yan's study also was not as strict as before. Lin Wei Xi took the maid to look for a book in the study. Didn’t know which maid bumped into the wooden shelf, the vase on a decorative box swayed and fell straight down from the shelf.

With a "crash", there was a harsh shattering sound, and everyone in the room screamed in fright. Lin Wei Xi was also taken aback. She hurriedly turned around and found that the vase was broken, then let out a long breath.

Wan Xing reproached: "Who dropped the vase? You’re all thumbs, what if you scared Wangfei?"

The shattering vase was not a small movement, the people outside were also alarmed and ran in one after another: "Wangfei, what happened?"

"It's alright, a vase is broken." Lin Wei Xi didn’t take it seriously, "People come, sweep the broken porcelain pieces."

The maids all lowered their heads, and no one would admit who knocked down the vase. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi also didn't pursue it. They lowered their heads and quickly came up to clean up the mess.

There were still fresh bouquets in the vase, and the vase fell from such a high place, the water also spilled on the floor. A bunch of people gathered around to clean up. A granny hurried to rescue the books on the shelf. She suddenly shrieked and shouted: "Is this box also wet?"

Everyone's eyes were drawn to this. Wan Xing craned her neck and looked at it, and saw that it was just a plain mahogany box, and asked strangely: "It's just a box. If there is water, you can wipe it clean. What's the fuss?"

"Oh, how can this be the same." The granny was so anxious that she didn't care about the water stains, quickly held the wooden box in her arms and wiped the water on the box with her cuffs. "This is Wangfei Shen and Wangye’s love tokens. Normally this is Wangye’s precious treasure, and he carry this wherever he go. How can it be like ordinary wooden box."

After wiping the water, the granny lifted it up and looked at it, and said distressedly: "Oh no! The water still seeps in. There are letters inside, how can it be!"

Wan Xing didn't expect this to be something from Shen shi, not to mention that Yan Wang would bring it with him when he came to the outside palace. She looked dazed, and gave Lin Wei Xi a careful look.

Lin Wei Xi's expression had already cooled down. A large group of people gathered around to look at the wooden box, while Lin Wei Xi took Wan Xing and Wan Yue to stand by the side, invisibly draw a line.

Gu Cheng Yao heard loud noises in this area from a distance. He walked in and saw that the maids and grannies were gathered in the middle, not knowing what they were doing. He frowned and asked, "What are you doing?"

Everyone turned their heads and saw Shizi standing behind the doorstep, looked at them with a frown. They hurriedly stood up and saluted together: "Greetings Shizi."

Gu Cheng Yao swept across the servants, even though he tried to control his line of sight, he couldn't help but glance at the furthest Lin Wei Xi. He realized his behavior and his expression unconsciously became irritable: "What's wrong?"

The granny secretly glanced at Lin Wei Xi. Seeing Lin Wei Xi's cold expression, the woman became more frightened. She smiled awkwardly and said, "It was the maid who accidentally broke a vase and wet Wangfei Shen's letters."

"Mother's letter?" Gu Cheng Yao's expression immediately became solemn. Obviously he also knew that Shen shi's letters were kept together and carefully placed in Gu Hui Yan's study. Now they were actually wet? Gu Cheng Yao frowned and said, "Give it to me."

The granny handed it to Gu Cheng Yao carefully. The wooden box was locked, Gu Cheng Yao held it in his hand and looked at it, his eyebrows frowned more and more tightly: "The water has entered quite seriously, I am afraid the letters inside are difficult to preserve. Who did this?"

Gu Cheng Yao's tone was not good. Wan Xing was about to reply, but was interrupted by Lin Wei Xi: "I brought people to the study to pass the time. It was my maid who broke the vase and spilled water on the ground."

It turned out to be Lin Wei Xi's maid... Gu Cheng Yao thought it was a clumsy maid from the study, but he didn't expect it was because of Lin Wei Xi. He realized that his tone was not very good, and tried to restrain his emotions: "This is mother's most important relics. It has been kept by father very carefully. This son was worried and spoke a little bit urgently. Ask mother to please forgive."

The room was in a mess, and suddenly a voice came from outside the door: "What's wrong?"

Gao Ran walked in. She looked at the flower branches and broken porcelain on the ground, then looked around the crowd curiously, and asked: "I heard voices here from a long distance. What's wrong? Why are you all gathered here?"

The granny told the story again. Gao Ran covered her mouth in astonishment as soon as she heard it, and her expression became worried: "It turned out mother's personal letter got wet. How did you do it? How important mother's relics are. This is father’s treasure collection for almost 20 years, but it was ruined by you today. When father come back and learn about it, how do you explain it?"

The study’ granny that was reprimanded kept nodding. She looked indignant, lowered her head and whispered: "It wasn't me who broke it..."

Although her voice was very small, most of the people heard it. Wan Xing opened her eyes angrily, clenched her teeth and glared at her. Lin Wei Xi watched for a while, and finally spoke. Her tone was indifferent, and lightly glanced at the wooden box which corners had been worn off: "It's just a box. Taking advantage of the short time now, take out the paper inside and let it dry, later can still see."

Gu Cheng Yao said nothing, still lowered his head to fiddle with the wooden box. Gao Ran secretly looked at Gu Cheng Yao's expression, covered her mouth with a kerchief, and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei, this box was left by mother, and it's extraordinary. Father especially let people made the lock for this, and there is only one key in the world, which is with father."

Mentioning another woman in front of her, and being shown by everyone how precious the things left behind by her predecessor, afraid no woman would be happy. Lin Wei Xi's heart surged with an unknown fire, and for a moment she couldn't control her emotions, and her tone carried an intense coldness: "Since it locked, then pry it open. Are there still a lock that cannot be pry open in this world?"

The granny and the others all shouted: "Oh, Wangfei, this can’t be done. Wangye has a deep affection for Wangfei Shen, and this wooden box was carried personally by Wangye, he often open it to recall the past. Don’t say pry it open, even if there’s a small scratch on the box, when Wangye come back later he would be angry."

Lin Wei Xi's face thoroughly cooled down, and she said coldly, "It said the contents inside are important, and yet the box cannot be destroyed. What do you want to do? Either force the lock, or wait for all the letters inside become congee. You choose."

Lin Wei Xi made no secret of her malice towards Shen shi's relics. The servants secretly looked at Gu Cheng Yao, all wisely kept their mouths shut. Gao Ran almost couldn't held back her laugh when she saw this scene.

Since Lin Wei Xi married into the mansion, Gao Ran had never been so happy. She had always been nitpicked and suppressed by Lin Wei Xi. When did she have such pleasure. In fact, Gao Ran was not allowed to enter Gu Hui Yan's study, but she couldn't help but want to see Lin Wei Xi's face, so she ran to the study at the risk of being discovered. After being shown to her face Yan Wang’s deep love and kept memories for his white moonlight previous wife, didn’t know how Lin Wei Xi feels?

There was a strange stalemate in the study. After a while, Gu Cheng Yao broke the silence: "Go and get my dagger. Mother's letter is important. If father blame after he comes back, I will bear it alone."

Gao Ran heard this and went to look at Lin Wei Xi, sure enough she saw that her face became colder. Gao Ran was pleased, she stood beside Gu Cheng Yao, graciously put up her hands, and watched Gu Cheng Yao carefully pry open the keyhole and lift the lid of the wooden box.

Sure enough, water had entered inside, and half of the letters were soaked in the water. Gu Cheng Yao took out the letter one by one with a calm face, Gao Ran quickly let her maid step forward to receive it, and whispered to them to dry the letter with a fan. Be careful not to break the paper.

Lin Wei Xi wasn't interested in seeing what's inside, but in the same room, she still inevitably looked at the large stack of letters between Shen shi and Gu Hui Yan, a pair of jade bracelets, and Gu Cheng Yao's new birth hair. Letters, jade bracelets, and the two people’ first child new birth hair, people could feel the warmth of them from far away. Lin Wei Xi suddenly realized that this was the memory of Gu Hui Yan, Gu Cheng Yao and Shen shi. They are a family, so what is she?

Lin Wei Xi had long known that Gu Hui Yan and Shen shi's first meeting was legendary, and they loved each other with great vigor, but previously she didn't listen, didn’t watch, didn’t think, so she just continue deceiving herself like this. But this was the first time the impact of Shen shi gave her was especially direct and violent, making her no longer able to avoid it.

Gu Cheng Yao was bowing his head to wipe the water stains on the jade bracelet, treating it like his own treasure, also never seen him this meticulous. Lin Wei Xi suddenly thought that although the pair of jade bracelets were old, they looked very smooth and round. Did it mean that Gu Hui Yan would often take them out when there was no one in the middle of the night and wipe the bracelets like Gu Cheng Yao did?

Lin Wei Xi didn't want to look anymore, she walked out with a cold face, everyone was carefully drying the letter paper, but Lin Wei Xi passed through the crowd and walked outside without stopping. Everyone faintly paid attention to Lin Wei Xi, and when Lin Wei Xi was about to go out, they all silently stepped aside. Although Yan Wang indulged the Wangfei very much, in the end still couldn't compare to Wangfei Shen. Everyone looked at Lin Wei Xi's back with sympathy.

Lin Wei Xi kept her waist straight. She came to the study to find a book for herself to pass the time, but instead she was ridiculed by reality. When she stepped across the doorstep, she suddenly felt dizzy and couldn't help but reach out to the door frame for support.

"Wangfei?" Wan Xing and Wan Yue shouted anxiously. It was clearly close to her ears, but their voices seemed to be coming from the horizon. Lin Wei Xi thought that the dizziness would pass soon, but she stood while supporting her forehead for a long time, but her mind became more and more confused.

"Wangfei? Wangfei!"

Gu Cheng Yao heard the sound and hurriedly threw the things and ran out: "What happened?"

Separated by brocade kerchief the imperial physician pressed for a long time, and finally withdrew his hand and gently stood up from the stool.

After the imperial physician finished checking the pulse, Gu Hui Yan quickly came over: "Imperial physician, what happened to her?"

"Wangfei is weak, originally lacks qi and blood. These few days have been receiving big shock, this can cause dizziness." Lin Wei Xi was already asleep, both the imperial physician and Gu Hui Yan deliberately made light movements and walked slowly outside. The doctor was benevolent, in terms of identity he was far less than Yan Wang, but when he saw a sick patient, no matter how powerful the master was, the imperial physician dare to complain: "You are really! Knowing that she is pregnant, why let her listen to some fierce words. The most taboo things for pregnant women are emotional ups and downs, and when they get so angry, they will faint like today."

Gu Cheng Yao was also standing outside, and he was stunned on the spot when he heard this. Gu Hui Yan was also visibly taken aback. After all these years his orderly footsteps finally stumbled. He stopped at the same place and immediately there was a distance between him and the imperial doctor.

The imperial doctor turned around and looked at Gu Hui Yan strangely: "What's the matter?" Seeing Gu Hui Yan's expression, the imperial doctor paused for a moment, and asked incredulously: "Yan Wang didn't know that Wangfei is pregnant?"

Chapter 84 : Pregnant

"Yan Wang didn't know that Wangfei is pregnant?" The imperial physician was very surprised. When he checked Lin Wei Xi’s pulse just now the pregnancy was more than a month, and everyone in the room was calm, he thought the mansion already knew about this. The primary wife’s pregnancy was a huge matter, especially for imperial family like this. A di blood line was difficult to get, and now Wangfei was pregnant, of course, the whole family had already made offering since earlier time.

The imperial physician really did not expect that Yan Wang didn't even know.

Gu Hui Yan stopped in place and stood still, and with great difficulty slowly recovered from the news. He skipped the imperial physician’s question and asked directly: "How long has she been... pregnant?"

Although Gu Hui Yan didn't say whether he knew or not, his expression answered everything. The imperial physician tactfully did not ask, but replied: "Wangfei have been pregnant for more than a month, roughly one and a half months."

One and a half months, that was when they were still in the capital. Gu Hui Yan couldn't tell how he felt in his heart. He and Lin Wei Xi get along well on normal days, but when it touch the topic of children, she would become cold. Gu Hui Yan thought Lin Wei Xi was unwilling, so he never mentioned it. He thought that he already had an heir, it didn't really matter whether he had other children or not. Gu Hui Yan thought he didn't care, but when he really heard the news, Gu Hui Yan realized that deep down he was looking forward to it.

In fact, he really wanted Lin Wei Xi to give birth to children that belong to them. If it’s a boy, he would teach him to study and read, teach him the art of war and strategies. If it’s a girl, then she definitely would have round face and round eye, just like Lin Wei Xi. How could he not look forward to such delicate baby?

For the first time in so many years, Gu Hui Yan almost lost him composure. He stood there for a long time, waiting for the violent energy in his mind to pass before daring to speak. But barely asking a few words, his heart suddenly fell.

He liked this godsend’s surprise very much, but what about Lin Wei Xi? She didn't like to hear him mention the topic of children. She should be unwilling to have children, or maybe she didn't want to have children with him. If after she woke up she heard that she was unexpectedly pregnant, how would she react?

Gu Hui Yan didn't know, nor did he want to know.

Gu Hui Yan suddenly was not in the mood to listen to the imperial physician’s explanation about the taboos during pregnancy. He just moved his hands and his personal attendant understood, immediately led the imperial physician out. Outside there was a special person who keep track of what Wangfei should pay attention to during pregnancy.

The imperial physician gave Gu Hui Yan a salute, and slowly retreated to the outside room. When he left, he couldn't help muttering in his heart, Wangfei pregnant was a huge matter, but Yan Wang didn't know. Why did his expression brighten up when he heard the news, then in a blink of an eye his face sank? The imperial physician shook his head, ordinary people like him didn't really understand the mind of this kind of family.

Wangfei's pregnancy was like a thunderstorm hitting everyone's heads. Until now, many people's minds were dumbfounded. Gu Cheng Yao was stunned when he heard the news. Lin Wei Xi was pregnant?

Gu Cheng Yao had never realized so strongly that she was his stepmother. Now she was pregnant with his father's child.

Gao Ran came with the maids leisurely. She anticipated that Lin Wei Xi would have a big trouble today, so she especially went back to her house to changed clothes and watched Lin Wei Xi's jokes with respect. Of course, Gao Ran's excuse was to personally cook porridge for her mother-in-law.

Gao Ran smiled faintly from the corner of her mouth. When she walked to the gate, she took the food box from Ning Fu and walked into the main room with the porridge. The atmosphere in the room was really solemn, and Gao Ran's heart became more and more joyful. She pretended not to notice, opened her eyes innocently, and asked softly: "Shizi, has the doctor gone? I just went to cook the porridge, even didn’t hear the result of pulse diagnosis by the imperial physician. Actually what happened to mother?"

Gao Ran faintly looked forward to it. The best thing to hear was Lin Wei Xi's frustration, arguing with Yan Wang, and finally being reproached by Yan Wang. No woman could calm down after learning about her husband and his white moonlight first love. Lin Wei Xi had better quarrel with Yan Wang, annoyed Yan Wang and offended Gu Cheng Yao at the same time. How important was Shen shi's position in Yan Wang Mansion, Gao Ran wanted Lin Wei Xi to always remember that she was just a substitute, she could never replace Shen shi's position in Yan Wang's heart.

This was the retribution for how Lin Wei Xi arbitrarily meddled with Duke Yingguo’s adoption matters, ruining her brother's good future. Gao Ran in any case was still the person Gu Cheng Yao wanted to marry from the very beginning, but Lin Wei Xi was just a dispensable stand-in. Yan Wang married her only because he liked her face.

When Gao Ran thought that Lin Wei Xi would live in the shadow of Shen shi forever, she was so happy that she laughed. If she could see Lin Wei Xi’s frustration, then it was not a waste for Gao Ran to painstakingly plan for several days, and put all her thoughts to use Shen shi’s matter to stab Lin Wei Xi.

Gao Ran tenderly smiled and looked at Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Cheng Yao didn’t know why he couldn't tell. He turned his face and didn't want to say the words. Gao Ran was embarrassed by Gu Cheng Yao's obvious ignorance, embarrassment mixed with resentment. The servant on the side saw that Shizi Consort was carrying a food box, stood unattended in the center and was put on the spot, she hurriedly step forward to mediate, "Shizi Consort, the imperial physician said that Wangfei has a slippery pulse. These few days needs to pay attention to warmth, the rest also not serious."

Gao Ran subconsciously smiled and responded, she was about to continue talking, suddenly her mind got stuck, and slowly reacted: "Slippery pulse?"

The granny thought Shizi Consort had not given birth yet, so she didn't know what slippery pulse means, so she could only say more bluntly: "Slippery pulse means happy pulse. Wangfei is pregnant."

Gao Ran was really dumbfounded on the spot, Lin Wei Xi was pregnant? How could it be possible, she entered the door half a year earlier than Lin Wei Xi, but she has not pregnant. How could Lin Wei Xi be so fast?

The granny thought that Gao Ran's unbelievable expression was because of surprise and embarrassment. Gao Ran had been married for more than a year, but in the end, there was no news of her stomach. Instead, the mother-in-law who entered the door later got pregnant first. This kind of thing was very embarrassing to any daughter-in-law.

The granny was amazed at the similarly-aged mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, she also felt that this incident was simply an impressive sight. In ordinary household which mother-in-law didn’t live like half-widow, stare at their son and daughter-in-law impatiently every day, the whole family expected the young couple deliver the good news soon. Unexpectedly, in Yan Wang Mansion it was the opposite. The daughter-in-law came to congratulate her mother-in-law, it was really strange.

The granny’ eyes secretly glanced at Yan Wang, then turned to Gu Cheng Yao, her heart couldn’t stop gossiping. Your father is indeed your father, in every respect Yan Wang was a model for Shizi.

Gao Ran faintly expected Lin Wei Xi to have a fall out with Yan Wang, but instead she heard such a result. The gap was so great that she could not stand firmly. Gao Ran's face immediately sank, almost unable to control it. Gao Ran hurriedly lowered her head to cover it up. She looked at the food container in her hand, feeling extremely ironic in her heart.

The mistress was expecting, this was such a great thing, but the three masters of the mansion had different thoughts, and the atmosphere in the room was also strangely silent. The servants looked at each other, even if they wanted to congratulate the master to get the red envelope, they dare not mention it now.

There was a faint movement in the inner room, Gu Hui Yan recovered from his thoughts, and walked in almost without thinking. Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were stuck on the ground like the stone sculpture. The two had their own thoughts, but now they made the same movements, looking at Gu Hui Yan's back in tacit understanding and silent manner, listening to the sound of the inner room.

Lin Wei Xi slept very uncomfortably this time, she didn't want to move after she woke up, staring at the bed curtain blankly. When Gu Hui Yan came in to see her, his mood sank again.

For the first time, Gu Hui Yan entertained the idea of avoidance and procrastination, which was completely unimaginable in his life. But he only hesitated for a split second and then calmed down. This problem would eventually need to be faced, even if what he was about to hear was something he didn’t want to know at all.

Gu Hui Yan sat by the bedside, his mood was not good, but even at this time, he still carefully folded Lin Wei Xi's quilt, and gently put her exposed hand back inside the quilt. Lin Wei Xi saw Gu Hui Yan's expression and smiled self-deprecatingly: "Wangye, do you already know?"

"Yes." Gu Hui Yan said softly, "I want to know what you think."

Look, even at this time, he was still so careful and patient. Lin Wei Xi knew that this was meaningless, but she still couldn't help thinking, if the person who married him was not her, but changed to another woman, would Gu Hui Yan still spoil her, indulge her, teach her to read, take her on horseback.

Lin Wei Xi even wondered, when Yan Wang met Shen shi, what was he like? Was the reason why he was so caring and considerate because he treated Shen shi like this? After Shen shi left, these habits of his stayed.

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were uncontrollably sour. She didn't know what was wrong with her today, her feelings get agitated so easily. It was obviously something she knew when she just got married, but her heart felt sour now. Of course Lin Wei Xi knew that this was Gao Ran's trap. Gao Ran waited for Lin Wei Xi to be jealous about Shen shi's affairs, and went to quarrel with Yan Wang without self-control, and finally provoked Gu Hui Yan's hates. Her heart was clear, but she just let herself step into the trap like this: "What do I think? How what do I think is important? Around you are the real family. At that time Wangye married me because of kindness. What Wangye thought and consider, what does it have to do with me?"

Gu Hui Yan felt pained when he saw Lin Wei Xi crying, and almost couldn’t help but promise her anything, but he still felt baffled: "What family?"

"You're still coaxing me." Lin Wei Xi's tears streamed down. Her skin was white, the blood vessels in her neck could be clearly seen when she leaned on the bed like this, and the whole person was fragile as if it could be crushed with a slight force. Her eyes were wide, tears fluttered at the rim of her eye, slid over to her eyelashes, quickly ran across her cheeks, and into the collar. Tears were still in her eyes, but she gently pulled a smile, frail and desolate: "Yes, I was a burden to Wangye from the beginning. It was I who hang on to you not to leave and let you take me away from Shunde, and then it was I who shamelessly asked you to marry me. How can such a woman compare with Wangfei Shen who made you fall in love at first sight?"

Gu Hui Yan didn't think it was right at the beginning, but now he was finally sure that they were not talking about the same thing. Gu Hui Yan pressed Lin Wei Xi's hand, trying to calm her down. Lin Wei Xi was angry, at once impatiently threw it away, but Gu Hui Yan didn't let her go this time. He exerted slight pressure on his hand to stabilize Lin Wei Xi: "Be obedient."

Lin Wei Xi was sobbing, her tears flew down, and she looked at Gu Hui Yan with a pair of tearful eyes. Gu Hui Yan sighed, sat close to hug Lin Wei Xi, and gently placed her head on his shoulders: "Don't cry, things are not what you think."

Lin Wei Xi didn't believe it. She hated Gu Hui Yan's attitude now. What did he mean? Obviously still remembering his ex-wife, but behaved intimately with her, what did Gu Hui Yan take her for? Lin Wei Xi tried to push Gu Hui Yan away, both her hands were immediately clasped: "Don't move around, you can't stand the tossing now."

Lin Wei Xi didn't pay attention to Gu Hui Yan's overly careful behavior. She didn’t care anymore, leaning on Gu Hui Yan's shoulder and wept to her heart’s content. Gu Hui Yan felt the person in his arms sobbing softly, her shoulders quivered slightly. This weakness almost made people suspicious that he could crush her with a little force. Gu Hui Yan was so distressed, he thought, no matter what Lin Wei Xi proposes now, even if she didn’t want the child and wanted to kill him silently, afraid he would agree.

Lin Wei Xi didn't know how long she had been crying, until the clothes on Gu Hui Yan's shoulder were darkened. Lin Wei Xi's emotions stabilized, she wiped her tears and immediately pushed him away forcefully.

... Gu Hui Yan was really helpless, just now she still obedient and pitiful, but turned her face back when she finished crying. He was unwilling to embarrass her, followed her wish to let go her hands and carefully placed her on the pillow.

"Finish crying?"

Lin Wei Xi was relieved now, her mind was full of anger. She glared at him irritably, said with a bad tone: "What do you care?"

This amazing temper ah! Obviously her body was weak, but her temper unexpectedly big. Gu Hui Yan just thought it was funny. He said, "You cried and cried, venting also vented, can you listen to me now?"

Lin Wei Xi casted her face away and didn't want to listen, but Gu Hui Yan refused to let go her shoulders. His strength was very gentle, but she couldn’t get rid of it at all: "Xi'er, look at me."

Lin Wei Xi didn't want to pay attention to him, but Gu Hui Yan's eyes locked on her face side. After a while, Lin Wei Xi turned her head slowly, her voice still carried frailness after crying: "What?"

"You are pregnant."

Lin Wei Xi was taken aback for a moment: "Who?"

Gu Hui Yan could only look into her eyes, and repeat each word: "Xi'er, you are pregnant."

She was pregnant?

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a long time before realizing what Gu Hui Yan was saying. She opened her mouth slightly and unconsciously put her hand on her abdomen: "I'm pregnant? When did it happen?"

"Just now the imperial physician diagnosed it, it's already a month and a half."

Lin Wei Xi placed her palm on her flat lower abdomen, feeling deeply unbelievable. There was actually a little life here, and it has been a month and a half. The only child of her past and present, unexpectedly came to her silently without knowing it.

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a while, and then suddenly reacted: "Then I went riding a horse a few days ago? I ate iced cherries yesterday... Is the doctor still here?"

Gu Hui Yan had been staring at Lin Wei Xi's expression since he said the news, until this moment, he was finally relieved. Great, Lin Wei Xi didn't know that she was pregnant. Since she was worried about horse riding and iced fruit, it was obvious that she had never thought about not having this child.

Gu Hui Yan put aside his thoughts, his mood quickly turned from cloudy to sunny, unimaginably rise up. Gu Hui Yan never knew that he had such intense joy, nor did he know that just because of one sentence, his emotions could turn so quickly.

Gu Hui Yan's mood turned clear, and at this time he finally remembered that the imperial physician had been sent away by him. Lin Wei Xi had not heard what she should pay attention to when she was pregnant. Then called the doctor back and let him say it again.

Gu Hui Yan thought about getting up, but Lin Wei Xi suddenly grasped Gu Hui Yan’s wrist, and the expression on her face didn’t know since when became serious: “Wangye, I didn’t intend to mention this, but since I start it, then let’s explain it together to make it clear. I want to talk to you about Wangfei Shen."

Chapter 85 : Dead Person

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's eyes, her apricot eyes were round and round, her hands’ strength was not too big for him, but it clearly reflected its owner's stubbornness.

Sometimes, she was really stubborn.

Shen shi, he hadn’t thought of this name for many years. This was not pleasant memory. Gu Hui Yan didn’t want to mention it, especially to Lin Wei Xi. She was also pregnant, and the imperial physician told him that she need to rest. Gu Hui Yan didn't want to disturb their lives with these old things.

Gu Hui Yan was silent for a moment, probably it was the first time he rejected Lin Wei Xi's wish: "The imperial physician has ordered you to rest. You should take a good rest first, let’s talk about it later."

Lin Wei Xi's hand refused to let go. She looked at Gu Hui Yan stubbornly. Just like borrowing wine to pretend to be crazy, Lin Wei Xi also used her pregnancy to ask something that always in her mind: "Why do you carry that wooden box with you? Why on earth did you agree to marry me?"

Gu Hui Yan sighed silently. He sat on the edge of the bed and glanced at the maid beside the bed. Wan Xing and Wan Yue immediately understood, they hurriedly lowered their heads, signaled to other servants with their hands, and withdraw from the inner room.

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran were also standing outside, separated by an arched partition, only a general view of the situation inside could be seen. When Wan Yue came out and saw Gu Cheng Yao's eyes looking inside, she secretly frowned, and recklessly walked to Gu Cheng Yao’s front, and crouched down to give salutation: "Shizi. Shizi Consort."

Although Wan Yue looked respectful, her body blocked Gu Cheng Yao's sight. Gu Cheng Yao retracted his eyes and coughed unnaturally, "What's the matter?"

"Wangye and Wangfei has matters to say, let us all retreat. Shizi, Shizi Consort, Wangfei is fine. You two should come back tomorrow to greet Wangfei."

Gu Cheng Yao also didn't know what he wanted to do by staying here, but after Wan Yue said this, he was bound to be unable to continue standing. Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran could only take their leave. When they went out, the two were silent, didn't know what they were thinking.

Gu Cheng Yao was walking back to his study, and couldn't help but recall the scene he had only vaguely see. Lin Wei Xi seemed to be crying, she leaned on her father's shoulder and kept crying for a long time.

Why would she cry? Was she not happy to be pregnant with his father's heirs?

These thoughts were so complicated that, in the end, only a sentence endlessly lingering in his ears. Lin Wei Xi asked his father stubbornly while crying: "It was I who hang on to you not to leave and let you take me away from Shunde, and then it was I who shamelessly asked you to marry me.... Why on earth did you agree to marry me?"

Gu Cheng Yao smiled lightly, with an inexplicable sadness in his smile. It turned out she was the one who took the initiative to marry his father.

At that time the matter of Gu Hui Yan wanted to marry Lin Wei Xi was a taboo in the mansion, everyone wanted to know why. For more than ten years Gu Hui Yan had adhere to his own viewpoint, and there was no warning a few days before he made this decision. What happened that day, why did Gu Hui Yan suddenly decide to remarry? And he was going to marry the daughter of his subordinates, which couldn’t be said as an upright thing.

Of course Gu Cheng Yao was also curious, but everyone in the mansion knew that this matter could not be asked, no one dared to challenge the authority of Yan Wang. Until now, Gu Cheng Yao finally knew that it was Lin Wei Xi who took the initiative to run over and said she was going to marry Yan Wang. It's no wonder that father kept secret about this matter and didn't even allow them to mention it.

Gu Cheng Yao wanted to tell himself that she was crying because her pregnancy was not what she wanted, and she might have had to suffer. But now he couldn’t lie to himself anymore. Lin Wei Xi liked his father very much. She cried so badly today that she didn't even care that he and Gao Ran were outside. It was all because she saw Shen shi's relics and misunderstood his father. This what was called deeply care.

Gu Cheng Yao stood up and stared at the white peony outside the window in a daze.

When Gao Xi was alive, she also liked to play with these flowers and plants. Such light and elegant peony was what she liked. She had such an irritable personality, but actually had such a delicate and patient hobby. Gu Cheng Yao laughed at himself at the thought of this. Perhaps, he had never known Gao Xi before. Gao Xi was not impatient, just as she was not without a coquettish side.

In the sweet fragrance bedroom, the maids had retreated, and even Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao were sent away. With no outsiders in the room, Lin Wei Xi finally felt reassured asking these words: "Wangye, what on earth am I in your heart?"

Gu Hui Yan also paused. He couldn’t stand seeing her cry, couldn’t stand seeing her be wronged, or even seeing her smiled at others. Many things had changed invisibly, Lin Wei Xi was the only "exception" in his boring and harsh life for many years. What was Lin Wei Xi to him?

Lin Wei Xi didn't wait for Gu Hui Yan's answer, and went straight on: "I found Wangfei Shen's relics in the study today. My maid accidentally broke the vase and wet the letters inside."

Gu Hui Yan had heard people talk about this matter before, at that time Lin Wei Xi was still unconscious. He didn't care about it. Even when he heard it now, Gu Hui Yan only said: "If it gets wet, it gets wet. Just let it dry."

Lin Wei Xi finally felt better when she heard this answer. She continued to ask: "That box is not small, it’s still a bit cumbersome to carry it around on the journey. Why did you bring it with you?"

In fact, if Lin Wei Xi didn’t say it Gu Hui Yan would forget about it. Gu Hui Yan sighed. It seemed that Lin Wei Xi would not be satisfied if he doesn't say it clearly today.

Gu Hui Yan put a soft pillow behind Lin Wei Xi, and said in a very casual tone: "It’s true that this was left behind by Shen shi. The letters inside are the letters that have been exchanged many years ago, and probably something from Gu Cheng Yao. She always carefully collected things, no one is allowed to move or see. Later, she died of illness. I was not in the mansion at the time, and my mother already gone at the beginning of the year. No one in the mansion could keep it, so this wooden box was put in my study. After all, on the inside it was a dead person’s personal items, plus the hair and skin of Gu Cheng Yao when he was born, it was not appropriate to leave it to other people’ hands, so I kept them away."

Gu Hui Yan said casually, but in fact he was thinking, which servants made their own decisions and brought this box to the outside palace? Moreover, he kept the wooden box really for safekeeping, and would never put it in a place where it would be hit by something. Who was it that deliberately fiddled with these in front of Lin Wei Xi?

"The edge of the box has wear down, and the jade bracelet inside has been rubbed very smoothly. Do you usually take it out to see it?"

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi and said nonchalantly, "I shouldn't be so idle."

Lin Wei Xi was a little satisfied, she coughed and stretched her face, still looking serious and indifferent. In fact, after calming down and thinking about it again, Lin Wei Xi also felt that she walked into a dead end. This past six months Gu Hui Yan had been away from home most of the time, whenever he returned home, Lin Wei Xi always knew where and what he was doing. Gu Hui Yan was really busy, and the only free time was also spent with her. Things like remembering his dead wife, frequently seeing her things and thinking about its owner, was unlikely.

Lin Wei Xi's heart in knot, but now she had Yan Wang’s child in her belly, making her bolder and bolder. She raised the edge of her delicate chin, and questioned what happened in the past: "Wangye, I heard that you and Wangfei Shen fell in love at first sight. The first encounter must be very beautiful right? Unlike with me, you quietly took people to stand outside my house. My conversations with my aunt, didn’t know how much you heard. With this contrast, I’m afraid I’m more disgusting."

Gu Hui Yan sighed in his heart, women were really terrifying, how many old accounts did she have to turn over? Gu Hui Yan said: "In fact, it can't be said like that. I was busy dismissing the rebels and didn't pay attention to other things. On the contrary you, just one look leave a very deep impression."

Gu Hui Yan seemed to think of the scene at that time, and smiled slightly. Lin Wei Xi glared at him displeasedly: "Are you still smiling? You must despise me in your heart."

"No." Gu Hui Yan said these words very sincerely, from the bottom of his heart, "When you scold someone your speech was very fast and delicate, in fact it pleasant to hear."

Lin Wei Xi gritted her teeth. This was an insult to Lin Wei Xi's personal dignity. How dare you say that her curse is pleasant to hear? Seeing Lin Wei Xi a little annoyed, Gu Hui Yan suppressed his smile and stopped teasing her: "Alright, don't be angry anymore. You are carrying another body nowadays, cannot be too excited or angry. I also won’t care about what happened in the study today, you can do whatever you want." Gu Hui Yan paused, and seemed like inadvertently said: "The past is over. I won't do this inefficient thing."

This sentence was very vague, but Lin Wei Xi still understood what Gu Hui Yan meant. What he said was that the matter of Shen shi had passed, and he didn't want to be like everyone in the mansion thought, obsessed with his previous wife and often saw her things and thinking about her. In the eyes of Yan Wang, who emphasizes efficiency and regulation in everything, it was a pure waste of time.

Lin Wei Xi knew that she should be satisfied. When a wife found the relics of her predecessors, made a big fuss and entangled it endlessly, for the husband to speak in a good voice was already not easy. People like Yan Wang who explained patiently and soothed carefully were almost extinct. Everything shouldn’t be dig up to the roots and inquire at the base, this was the principle that Lin Wei Xi understood since she was young.

She pursed her lips, and softly said "Alright". After she finished speaking, she was still not convinced, and asked: "Wangye pays attention to everything that is useful. Then when I die in the future, do you think it is a waste of time to think of me?"

"Lin Wei Xi." Gu Hui Yan's expression immediately sank, and his imposing manner came out, immediately revealing a different Yan Wang, "Don't talk like that."

This was Gu Hui Yan’s true appearance. He was like that when facing outsiders. Lin Wei Xi reluctantly said "Oh", after a while, she secretly glanced at Gu Hui Yan, and then harshly said, "I cursed myself, you are mean because of this?"

Lin Wei Xi had this kind of ability, which could aroused people’s anger in one second and made people dumbfounded in the next. Gu Hui Yan glanced at her and slowly reduced his pressure: "Know your mistake? Don't do this again next time."

"Hmm." After Lin Wei Xi answered, she muttered very quietly, "I'm right again."

Gu Hui Yan heard it, but he pretend not to hear it, otherwise he didn't know what to do with this ancestor. Gu Hui Yan tucked Lin Wei Xi’s feet properly and helped her to lie down: "You have been crying for a long time, so lie down and rest for a while. You sleep at ease, I am here to watch you."

When Lin Wei Xi found that Gu Hui Yan would have been watching here, she felt much calmer. Crying was actually very exhausting. It didn't take long after Lin Wei Xi lied down that she fell asleep. Gu Hui Yan sat there and watched her sleeping face quietly. It unknown how long he watched, the sky outside had dimmed and the outline of the room slowly became unclear. Gu Hui Yan stood up and said to the maid who had been waiting outside the room: "Prepares hot dishes for Wangfei, as soon as she wakes up must let her eat. Forget it, at that time you come to the front yard to find me."

Wan Xing and Wan Yue dare to be cheeky with Lin Wei Xi, but in front of Yan Wang, they were as obedient as a quail. The two of them answered "Yes" in a low voice and respectfully watched Gu Hui Yan's figure disappear into the vermilion winding corridor. When they could no longer hear the neat and powerful footsteps they finally breathed a long sigh of relief.

Gu Hui Yan returned to the study, all the way calm and fast. These two words seem to be contradictory, but they were perfectly combined with Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan didn't let anyone light the lamp, he sat quietly in the dark and remained silent for a long time.

Gu Mingda stood at the door and knocked three times: "Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan did not call, but Gu Mingda came over, which violated military regulations. Gu Hui Yan glanced at him lightly, instead of pursuing his rudeness, he asked: "What do you want to say?"

The two of them have known each other for more than 20 years, they went through fire and water together, the tacit understanding between them no longer needs words. Just as Gu Hui Yan didn't say a word, Gu Mingda knew what he was thinking. Just as Gu Mingda didn't ask, Gu Hui Yan guessed what he was going to say before he spoke.

"Wangye, why you didn’t tell Wangfei about Wangfei Shen's matter?"

Gu Hui Yan was silent for a moment, and said: "Respect the dead. What’s the point of saying it."

"But you didn't marry Wangfei Shen voluntarily." Gu Mingda was expressionless, but what he said was frightening. "When the old Wangfei wrote to ask you before, you didn’t even know this young lady of Shen family."

Chapter 86 : The Truth

"Gu Mingda." Gu Hui Yan's voice contained a warning, but Gu Mingda didn't care, even if he was going to get military punishment when he returned, he had to finish these words. He had been with Gu Hui Yan for more than 20 years and had been by his side since Gu Hui Yan was a half young man. It was precisely because he understood him that Gu Mingda knew how difficult it was for Yan Wang to meet a person he likes. Wangfei was very good, and the most important thing there was affection between Yan Wang and Wangfei. Gu Mingda couldn’t sit back and watch this hard-won marriage ruined by those inexplicable past events.

"Wangye, in life, gold and riches is easy to get, a confidant is hard to find, and a caring partner is one in a million fate. Wangfei cares very much about these matters. Why do you want to destroy her expectations? Women jealous because they care, don’t wait for Wangfei to be hurt and become cold, then you will make up for it. Feelings and trust are very fragile things. This point Wangye should know better than this subordinate."

Gu Hui Yan had the army in the palm of his hand, and nowadays he was in power. He had seen so many cross-sections alliance, and he certainly understood how precious and fragile trust was. He could coax Lin Wei Xi to sleep, and he could prove to Lin Wei Xi with double patience that there was no one else in his heart, and Lin Wei Xi did accept his arrangement just now. But even if she didn't say it, it didn't mean that she was really willing to be distracted.

If these obstructions were not removed, then his and Lin Wei Xi’s lives would be built on a shaky foundation. Lin Wei Xi's temperament was particularly clear-cut, hating bad people and things like enemies. If it's someone she likes, she could act coquettishly and shamelessly, but if she didn’t like, she didn’t even bother to pretend to smile, spoke coldly, and showed no mercy. In fact, she was the most arbitrary person. She preferred to rely solely on her own judgment and did not give the other party a chance to explain.

This could be seen in Lin Wei Xi's attitude towards him and Gu Cheng Yao.

When Gu Hui Yan imagined in his mind Lin Wei Xi lost her trust in him, he found it really unbearable. He didn't dare to imagine what he would do if that day come.

Gu Hui Yan sat quietly, not moving for a long time. Gu Mingda didn't want to disturb, slowly withdrew, and closed the door for Gu Hui Yan.

The moonlight was shut out, and the darkness returned to the study. Gu Hui Yan sat alone in the dark, slowly returning to nineteen years ago. At that time, he was fifteen years old, young and inexperienced, and still liked to show-off.

In the twenty-fourth year of Chu Yuan, Beidi disturbed the border, and the Yan fief was the first to be hit by the war. The old Yan Wang sighed at the palace report every day, but he had achieved mediocre achievements over the years, and his talents and wisdom were not really good. Except for hoping that a military prodigy would be born in the border, or the Gods and Buddhas suddenly showed mercy to protect Yan fief, he actually had no strategy left to try.

In this situation, Gu Hui Yan asked for himself to join the war. He was only fifteen years old, at the hot-blooded age. The old Wangfei certainly disagreed. Whoever took pains to raise their son until the age of fifteen, and the son had a heroic and upright appearance, soon could get married and start a family, they definitely would not be willing to send their son to the battlefield. However since he was little, once Gu Hui Yan made decision, he would resolutely fight for it. Before the old Wangfei relented, he took the people and left the house.

At that time, the front line really needed a leader to appear to boost morale. Who else better than Yan fief's heir, the young Shizi Gu Hui Yan?

Gu Hui Yan at the beginning could only deal with trivial matters. Obviously, other people didn't believe that this Yan Wang Mansion’s son could handle military affairs properly. But the fact was the war were critical, and commanders were especially scarce. Gu Hui Yan gradually began to participate in large and small battles. While leading the army on the road, he encountered a riot of refugees. This was a small matter. Gu Hui Yan led the people to suppress the rebel, and he even manage the subsequent resettlement of the refugees, after that he took the manpower to continue on the road.

Later when he was replenishing the supplies in the next town, he heard a message from his subordinates that a woman was standing in front of the gate and wanted to thank him in person. This woman went out from home some time ago and was swept away by the riots. Thanks to his timely action, she was able to get out. The woman was grateful, so she came to thank Gu Hui Yan.

Gu Hui Yan heard it once and ignore it, naturally did not go see this woman. There were many things that require his attention, and people who wanted repay the gratitude because they were conveniently saved count as nothing. But the other party was a girl after all. Although Gu Hui Yan didn't come forward, he still let people settled down the girl, and tomorrow he would asked his personal guards to send the girl home. However, the next day turmoil broke out in the neighboring city, and the road was really unsafe. Gu Hui Yan could only let the woman live in his courtyard and wait for the road conditions to improve before going back on the road.

Although the woman lived in his courtyard, Gu Hui Yan almost never met her. He only stayed in that courtyard for a few days and then left. He left another manpower with the intention to send the woman back safely. After the arduous military affairs, Gu Hui Yan quickly forgot about this matter, until three months later, the old Yan Wangfei sent a letter.

The old Yan Wangfei strongly disagreed with Gu Hui Yan leaving home to go to the battlefield, but the woods had turned into a boat, and she could only sigh. Later, Gu Hui Yan’s news was sent back one by one. Her son had performed well on the battlefield, which was remarkable. In the past few months, there had been frequent victories, and old Yan Wangfei’s anger quickly turned into pride.

The old Yan Wangfei was born from an ancient noble family in the capital, and later married the much-suspected old Yan Wang. After that, she went to the border with her husband and never returned to the capital. Her live before and after married were like two different worlds, but the old Yan Wangfei was most proud of her son. Even when she exchanged New Year’s gift or communicated with the sisters who remained in the capital, she did not hesitate to brag about her son. Gu Hui Yan had good looks, from childhood his temperament was cold and full of planning, far better than the sons of her maiden sisters. Old Yan Wangfei never said it in front of Gu Hui Yan, but in her heart, she was deeply proud.

Now that her son had grown to fifteen, and in his prime, he was quickly showing off his amazing military talent on the battlefield. Old Yan Wangfei felt very proud and elated. Of course, she must carefully choose a perfect marriage for her son. Her son deserves the best woman in the world.

Gu Hui Yan's personal conditions were indeed superior, even the top aristocratic madams in the capital also willing to tie the knot with the old Yan Wangfei. Old Yan Wangfei was simply beaming, but suddenly heard news from her servants that Shizi himself had set a marriage outside.

This shock was not small, and the old Yan Wangfei hurriedly asked the servant to go out to investigate, and finally figured out the source of the rumors. It turned out that Gu Hui Yan rescued a woman on a riot, and then he had been keeping her in his own courtyard ever since. This woman was also very resolute, in this kind of world, she dared to seek husband for thousands of miles, following the trail of Gu Hui Yan all the way. Gu Hui Yan was very famous these days. People were just curious about this young Shizi. Now there was a live saving grace, chasing husband for thousand miles and so on story that usually written as romance scandals, the rumors among people naturally became more and more intense. Until now, everyone said that Gu Hui Yan and this beautiful woman fell in love at first sight, but because of the chaos of the war, the time they were together were short but the separation was long. After the war settled down, Gu Hui Yan would marry this beautiful woman as Wangfei.

When the old Yan Wangfei heard this, she was stunned. What was this? However, the common people were most enthusiastic about such love stories. When Old Yan Wangfei heard about it, the rumors among people had already evolved out of control. When the old Yan Wangfei heard the rumor outside that was so detail, she really thought this was someone Gu Hui Yan really fancy, and kept her outside to privately set livelong events. She was so angry that she wrote a letter to question him immediately.

Only then did Gu Hui Yan know what was going on, and he finally realize that time he rescued a woman in passing, whom he had not even asked the name of, actually turned into a scene where a hero saved the beauty and the beautiful woman gave her heart.

The people's enthusiasm for love stories was unreasonable. Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai* were not people of the same dynasty, and they were still passed down as eternal stories.

*Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the protagonist from Chinese legend The Butterfly Lovers, it’s a famous story so some of you must know, if you don’t it’s basically a Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet.

Gu Hui Yan took the time to return to the mansion. The old Yan Wangfei learned that Gu Hui Yan didn't know about this matter at all, and there was nothing like falling in love at first sight or would not marry without love this kind of thing. Old Yan Wangfei was relieved, and didn't plan to pay attention to this woman. Anyway, this kind of thing had no effect on man. At most, he would be said to be romantic. But for the woman, her reputation would be destroyed. If she couldn’t marry Gu Hui Yan, then the only way to prove her innocence was to hang herself from the roof beam.

But what does this have to do with old Yan Wangfei? She didn’t care whether this woman was dead or alive. Her son should be matched with a brocade garment jade meals noble girl from the capital. Why should an ordinary girl bind her son? Old Yan Wangfei intended to continue to seek candidates for Shizi Consort in the capital, but Gu Hui Yan stopped her.

No need, marrying any wife was the same to him, however he couldn’t do harm to this woman. Gu Hui Yan had been honed in the army these days, and what he saw was life and death, blood and war have made Gu Hui Yan grew up quickly. He had become more and more responsible, and more and more like the master of a vassal state. It was his responsibility to protect this land and protect the people here. It was impossible for Gu Hui Yan to be like an ordinary young master, solely engrossed in their own comfort, regardless other people’s life and death.

Anyway, he was going to marry a wife after all. In that case, he might as well marry Shen shi. By the way, it wasn't until this time that Gu Hui Yan knew the woman's surname was Shen, and she was a county deputy’s daughter in Linhe County.

It could be imagined how reluctant old Yan Wangfei was. But she couldn’t persuade Gu Hui Yan. Such a thing was simply an unexpected calamities for Gu Hui Yan, it was baffling from beginning to end. He could completely ignore it, no matter whether Shen shi was dead or alive. However, he still married Shen shi in accordance with public opinion, which was equivalent to saving Shen shi again. Old Yan Wangfei was unbearably angry, but she also understood, this was her son, strict with himself, self-disciplined and full of sense of responsibility.

This was the truth about the so-called hero saving beauty, falling in love at first sight, and lovers breaking through the social status and finally getting married.

After marrying Shen shi, Gu Hui Yan certainly wanted to have mutual respect with his wife and manage their lives well. But Shen shi's mother had died since she was a child, and there were three older brothers above her. Her father and older brothers simply spoiled her to the bones. The Shen family was extremely defensive towards the stepmother, for fear that the stepmother would treat Shen shi harshly. Later the stepmother also put up her hands and didn’t care. She wanted to see if these men raised Shen shi like a pet, what kind of virtue they raised in the end.

Sure enough, as her stepmother expected, she was... childishly unrealistic. She always spoke with a coquettish tone, and always felt that everyone in the world was pampering her. Her father and elder brothers always gave her whatever she want, that Shen shi really grew up in isolated atmosphere. Fifteen years old’ Shen shi never washed her face herself, to washed her hands, she only need to spread her fingers and let her older brother come, even walking still let her older brother carried her. The stepmother looked at all this coldly, without speaking or reminding.

Every woman hopes to be spoiled by her father and brother like a princess. Actually this was a very tragic thing. People are human because they have independent personality and ability to support themselves.

Later, Shen shi married Gu Hui Yan in the eyes of ten thousand people, and the Shen family's father and brother couldn't help crying on the spot and eagerly sent Shen shi to get married. Only the Shen family’s stepmother stood at one side, looking at Gu Hui Yan with sympathy.

Gu Hui Yan only felt strange that day. After returning to the mansion, he understood what the Shen family stepmother's eyes meant. However, spilt water was difficult to retrieve. Gu Hui Yan really tried to get along with Shen shi, but Shen shi was completely immersed in her own world. She chased people for a thousand miles because Gu Hui Yan’s appearance was too dazzling, she rightly felt that this was a hero who saved the beauty, and Gu Hui Yan must like her when he saved her. Later, when the guards of the mansion wanted to send her home, she refused, and stubbornly waited for her ‘husband’ to return. When asked, she was not hesitant to tell her "beautiful encounter" with Gu Hui Yan. In this way one pass ten, ten pass a hundred. One person was immersed in the fantasy and couldn't extricate herself, and the other didn’t know anything because of leading the army to fight, and the news was delayed. When Yan Wang Mansion and Gu Hui Yan knew about it, everything was too late.

What's frightening was that Shen shi was still dreaming after marrying. She still thought that Gu Hui Yan had deep love for her, and that old Yan Wangfei was cold to her because she was a bad mother-in-law. She thought that Gu Hui Yan liked her, that Gu Hui Yan liked to eat freshwater fish, and that the old Wangfei wanted to separate them, but she never actually opened her eyes to see what kind of person Gu Hui Yan was.

After Gu Hui Yan just got married, he stayed for only seven days before returning to the army to continue fighting. Later, every time he went home he wanted to get along properly with Shen shi, but Shen shi as always did not listen or look, and Gu Hui Yan really had no way to stay at home. In his short marriage, Gu Hui Yan never felt any family warmth, Shen shi also never cared about his food and clothes, his well-being, or asked about his injuries. As time passed, Gu Hui Yan spent most of his time in the army, even if he was free, he never return to his home.

This was why Bu Mama and others boasted about Shen shi's good destiny, but never dare to be presumptuous in front of Gu Hui Yan. This was a very interesting thing in the mansion. It was rumored that Yan Wang liked to eat freshwater fish. It was rumored that Yan Wang and Shen shi’s first encounter was legendary, their love could touch other people’s heart. But when Gu Mingda and Zhou Mao Cheng, the true confidants of Yan Wang, talked about Shen shi, they didn’t have a good face. Zhou Mao Cheng had always persuading Gu Hui Yan to remarry, and Gu Mingda would risk the world to come to persuade Gu Hui Yan because of Lin Wei Xi's fainting.

Some things only outsiders could clearly see. From the time Lin Wei Xi appeared, Gu Hui Yan constantly made exceptions, and now he had no principles and bottom lines. Gu Mingda was happy from his heart for Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan was the god in the hearts of everyone in Yan fief. As long as Yan Wangfei treated Gu Hui Yan sincerely, Wangfei was their loyal mistress.

Gu Mingda understood Gu Hui Yan's scruples. You should respect the dead, and moreover the dead was his wife. How could a man of character tell other about the bad things of Shen shi many years after her death? Due to Gu Cheng Yao's face, Gu Mingda couldn’t say much about Shen shi, but it didn’t mean that Gu Mingda could sit back and watch others use this "legend" and "love" to destroy the relationship between Wangfei and Yan Wang.

Speaking of Gu Cheng Yao, Gu Mingda also had complicated feeling. Gu Cheng Yao was born when they were busy marching the armies. Shizi grew up next to Shen shi. The old Wangfei tried to take Gu Cheng Yao several times to raise him, but she was blocked by the wailing Shen shi. After these few years, Gu Cheng Yao was raised to be extremely conceited. To say something rebellious, Gu Mingda felt that Shizi was very small-minded, didn’t have overall view at all. Shizi kept saying filial piety, but Shen shi told him that Yan Wang liked to eat fish, shrimps, crabs and other river fish, which Gu Cheng Yao noted down. In the eighteen years of father and son, didn’t know how many meals have been eaten at the same table together, but Gu Cheng Yao had never noticed what Gu Hui Yan liked to eat.

Of course these words were not something that he could say as a subject. Gu Mingda closed the door gently, leaving all the space in the room to Gu Hui Yan. It was useless to say more, what Yan Wang really needs now was silence.

Gu Hui Yan was sitting in the dark room. He didn't know how long he had been sitting. When he came back to his senses, he was already standing in front of the storage box, holding a delicate white cloth in his hand.

There was a heavy rain that day when Lin Wei Xi rushed into his study, and he took this to Lin Wei Xi to wipe her hair. What did Lin Wei Xi say at that time, she didn't like the silk cloth because it’s not absorbent, and asked him to prepare a cotton cloth.

Gu Hui Yan was amused and helpless at the time, saying "Yes" half-heartedly. But who knows, after that, he really kept clean cotton cloth in the study.

The night didn’t affect Gu Hui Yan's sight. He slowly ran his fingers across the fine silk. That day, in the heavy rain, Lin Wei Xi's dribbling wet hair seemed to also pass to the palm of his hand. When Lin Wei Xi asked him today, Gu Hui Yan also really wanted to know, why he agreed to Lin Wei Xi's, acted in a pique, marriage proposal?

He stood quietly for a while, and slowly put the silk back in the wooden box, restoring everything to its original state. In fact, this was the wooden box that Gu Hui Yan really carefully kept. Fortunately, it was not this one that got wet today.

He thought he might have something to say to Lin Wei Xi.

Chapter 87 : Intention

Lin Wei Xi slept fretfully. During this time, she woke up several times, only opened her eyes and took a vague look before falling asleep again.

When she finally woke up, the night had completely come.

"Wangfei, the small kitchen keeps warming the food for you, do you want to set the meal now?"

Lin Wei Xi woke up and subconsciously looked at the side of the bed, but it was empty. Lin Wei Xi was supported by the maid, slowly sat up, "Where is Wangye?"

"Wangye watched over you for a long time. After you fell asleep, he went to the front yard."

"Went to the front yard." Lin Wei Xi looked down at the coiled branch and flowers on the brocade and sighed inexplicably, "I see."

Seeing that Lin Wei Xi was not in high spirits, Wan Yue said more cautiously: "Wangfei, do you want to set the meal?"

"I have no appetite, I don't want to eat." Lin Wei Xi said, "Let them withdraw."

Wan Yue looked awkward: "But, Wangye said to make sure to look after you and let you eat."

"You just listen to what he says? Why I didn't see you this diligent when I order you." Lin Wei Xi leaned on the bedpost and said casually, "Besides, if you don't say it, how will he know."

"Why don't I know?"

Wan Yue was shocked, and quickly turned her head, indeed she saw Wan Xing following like a quail at the back, her face almost pulled into a bitter melon. Wan Yue tried to compose herself, submissively bowing down: "Greetings Wangye."

Gu Hui Yan responded casually, and pointed to the outside lightly: "Go out and set the meal."

Wan Yue immediately lowered her head and left, didn’t dare to make eye contact with Lin Wei Xi at all. When the people left, Gu Hui Yan sat down by the bed and calmly pulled the corner of Lin Wei Xi's quilt: "Your courage is really big, letting the maid become your accomplice..."

Lin Wei Xi was very surprised when she saw Gu Hui Yan, but looking at Wan Xing and Wan Yue in front of Gu Hui Yan did not dare to speak out, completely treating his words as imperial decree, she felt uncomfortable for some reason. Her mood was not very good, and her tone was lazy: "Not as powerful as Wangye’s control over the mansion."

Gu Hui Yan certainly heard Lin Wei Xi's subtle moodiness. He asked, "Are you angry?"

"Why would I be angry, and what am I angry about?"

It seemed that the anger was not light, Gu Hui Yan didn't say much, carefully wrapped her in a quilt, and carried her to the Luohan bed outside to eat: "Even if you want to blame me, you should eat the food first. Your health is not good, and now you are carrying another life, cannot skip the meals."

Lin Wei Xi thought of the child in her stomach, became very alert, forcing herself to move her chopsticks. Gu Hui Yan was sitting opposite her, watching Lin Wei Xi only pick two bites of each dish and didn’t eat anymore. He sighed silently and gave Lin Wei Xi the milk soup with his own hands: "Try this, milk is good for you and the child."

Lin Wei Xi had no appetite looking at the bowl of soup. She shook her head and didn't want to eat any more. Gu Hui Yan sat next to her, slowly stirred the soup with a spoon, tried the temperature with his hand, and then scooped a spoon to put on Lin Wei Xi's lips: "Even if you have no appetite, eat a little more."

The spoon was on her lips, and once Lin Wei Xi opened her mouth she could eat it. Gu Hui Yan fed the soup very meticulously, and often just as soon as she swallowed, the other spoon was already at her lips. Before she knew it, Lin Wei Xi already drank half bowl down.

Gu Hui Yan estimated that Lin Wei Xi's normal appetite was almost reached, so he put down the spoon and bowl. He left the small table to the maids to clean, and returned to the room with Lin Wei Xi in his arms.

Lin Wei Xi felt that this was a bit too much, she was just pregnant, not unable to walk. She struggled for a little while thinking about going down, but as soon as her arms moved, Gu Hui Yan clasped it again: "Be good."

Lin Wei Xi could only lie back, at ease leaned on Gu Hui Yan's shoulder, it’s actually very comfortable being taken care of by Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan put the person on the bed, pulled up the quilt, and carefully wrapped Lin Wei Xi. However, his meticulous action did not mean that he was willing to spare this bold little wild cat: "You wanted to hide from me just now? You threatened the maid to cover you?"

Lin Wei Xi was not afraid of this kind of battle, and even vowed to bite back: "You obviously promised me to watch me sleep, but when I woke up I didn't see your shadow anywhere. Now you are still fierce with me!"

"Threaten the east, hit the west*, look at the people on both sides and say something else**, you learn well."

*Threaten the east, hit the west, it means making a diversion.

**Look at the people on both sides and say something else, it means deliberately avoiding the question, prevarication with other words.

Lin Wei Xi snorted coldly, turned her face to the side, looked at the bed curtain, and refused to look at Gu Hui Yan again.

Gu Hui Yan was helpless. He pauses, and could only say: "Alright, don't be angry. Let me tell you a story."

"Coaxing this woman? Not listening."

"Really not listening?" Gu Hui Yan kept smiling, calmly looking at her, "This is something I have encountered before. Since you don't want to listen, then forget it."

Lin Wei Xi's ears moved, what happened to Yan Wang in the past? Lin Wei Xi turned her head slowly, coughing solemnly, "Then I will reluctantly listen."

When Lin Wei Xi played her temper, it could make people’s teeth itchy, but when she gave in, it was an adorable mess that made people almost could do nothing to her. Gu Hui Yan's eyes unknowingly filled with a smile, he sighed slightly, and said, "This is the matter in Chu Yuan years."

"Chu Yuan years?" Lin Wei Xi thought for a while before blurting out the words directly, "This reigning era is a bit old."

Gu Hui Yan looked at her silently without talking or laughing. Lin Wei Xi chuckled, but hurriedly held back: "I didn't mean that. I only state the facts. Chu Yuan is an era three generations ago. It is indeed a bit old..."

The more Lin Wei Xi talked about it, the more she felt that she couldn't return. She didn't really mean that Yan Wang was old. Now the reigning era was Yuan Jia, before that it was Jian Zhao, and before Jian Zhao was Chu Yuan. This reigning era was really old.

Lin Wei Xi said this and laughed, Gu Hui Yan looked at her helplessly. After Lin Wei Xi laughed enough, Gu Hui Yan could continue: "Twenty-fourth Year of Chu Yuan..."

Gu Hui Yan watched Lin Wei Xi roll her eyes upwards, obviously counting his age, and then she was about to laugh again. Gu Hui Yan said helplessly, "Don't laugh."

Lin Wei Xi smiled with her shoulders shaking. She held the quilt with her fingers, trying her best to hold back her smile: "I’m not born yet in the Twenty-fourth Year of Chu Yuan."

Gu Hui Yan seemed to have been mercilessly ridiculed by the years. Lin Wei Xi was only seventeen now. At the time when he revealed an outstanding talent in the army, Lin Wei Xi was indeed not born yet.

Gu Hui Yan came back today with a lot of determination, and decided to confess everything to Lin Wei Xi. However, when Lin Wei Xi interrupted like this, Gu Hui Yan's rigorous plan was messed up. He looked at Lin Wei Xi who so happy that she almost fell into his arms laughing. Gu Hui Yan was helpless, unconsciously his originally serious mood also loosen up a lot: "Don't laugh, sit down."

His words sounded harsh, but there was no deterrent in his tone. Lin Wei Xi laughed enough, leaning crookedly on the soft pillow, her eyes were full of smiles: "I'm not laughing anymore, Wangye, you continue to say."

The serious atmosphere was wiped out. During the play just now, Lin Wei Xi rolled into Gu Hui Yan's arms and crumpled Gu Hui Yan's seamless clothes. Lin Wei Xi's hair was even more tangled, her hair was loosely draped among the soft and bright brocade quilt, which was indescribably alluring.

Gu Hui Yan looked at the scene in front of him and had to think about it before he remember what he was going to say: "In the twenty-fourth year of Chu Yuan, it was my first year in contact with military affairs. At that time I was full of youthful vigor, and always felt that there was nothing I could not do. When encountering war, I always took the lead and wanted to seize the top merit. Once I heard that there was another war ahead, I hurriedly led people there. On the road I encountered a small mutiny, but didn’t take it seriously, let the people rode a horse back and forth in the crowd a few times, and then high-spiritedly left."

Lin Wei Xi looked solemnly, and she unconsciously straightened up from the pillow. She probably guessed what Gu Hui Yan was going to say.

"Later, when I was in the town to replenish the supplies, I met someone... Actually, I didn't think properly. The other party was a woman. Woman’s reputation is very important. I should send this woman back to her family immediately instead of thinking it’s too troublesome. I rushed to participate in another battle and threw the woman to my subordinates. Afterwards, the surroundings were unstable and she couldn't get on the road at all, so the girl could only continue to stay where I was staying, which caused rumors to spread and interfered with the woman’s reputation."

In fact, it was not like what Gu Hui Yan said. The road was really not peaceful at the time, but with the personal escort of Yan Wang Mansion’s guards, which bandits dared to hit Shen shi's carriage? Shen shi just sink into her own fanatical love story, that’s why she didn't want to go home. What's more, even if Gu Hui Yan really sent Shen shi back to the Shen family at that time, wouldn’t Shen shi continue to imagine that Gu Hui Yan fell in love with her at first sight, that’s why he would send her home in person?

After Shen shi returned home, she could still tell her neighbors about her adventures. For example, Yan Wang Mansion’s Shizi met her in the military chaos, from then on he couldn’t forget her, and personally escorted her home. It's just the surrounding was just Shen family's neighbors, and similar rumors would not spread as quickly as in the big town. These two were just the issue of big and small impact. And then the love story between Gu Hui Yan and Shen shi's unnecessarily spread like that, the roots actually lied in Shen shi, not what Gu Hui Yan did.

Lin Wei Xi listened quietly. This was completely different from the mansion’s love fairy tale that she had heard before. Life was not a storybook, where to find so many lingering life and death’ feelings. Gu Hui Yan paused for a while. He seemed to feel that it was very inappropriate to say that the deceased was right or wrong, so he skipped all the strange things of Shen shi, and only stated the result: "Later, after I married her, because the war many things adds up. The longest time I stayed at home was the first few days of marriage, which was seven days in total. Ten months later, Gu Cheng Yao was born. I was a very incompetent father to Gu Cheng Yao. I was rebuilding Dingxiang City when he was born. When he was growing up, I also fought north and south, rarely stayed in the mansion. In the 6th year of Jian Zhao, when Gu Cheng Yao was 7 years old, my mother died at the beginning of the year. Not long after, Shen shi also passed away."

At that time, the storm was precarious, in the capital Bu Guifei and Empress Qian were fighting fiercely for the crown prince’s position. Gu Hui Yan really didn't have much energy to take care of the mansion.

"I was very negligent about my family in those years. My mother and Shen shi died one after another. Gu Cheng Yao grew up alone in the mansion. I feel guilty, so I haven't remarried these years."

Guilt was only one aspect. In fact, anyone who had a wife like Shen shi and completely gave up on husband and wife’s relationship, would never want to remarry.

Lin Wei Xi unconsciously held her breath, and asked in a low voice, "Then you, why did you respond to my willful act?"

Why? Gu Hui Yan seemed to sink into memories too. He slowly recalled the scene when he first saw Lin Wei Xi: "When I first saw you, I felt that you, this little girl was really lively, not only have a sharp mouth, but your courage also big. In so many years, only you who dare to look at me straight in the eyes, and stared at me for so long without any shy. Later, you deliberately pretended to cry and asked me to take you away. I have made such a mistake before, and I really don’t want to hurt your reputation. But your aunt and cousin are too much, if I don't take you away, it will only harm you."

When Gu Hui Yan said that he remembered what the Li family's son had done to Lin Wei Xi, his eyes could not help but became cold. Lin Wei Xi now understood why Gu Hui Yan paused for so long under the old locust tree at the entrance of the village before agreeing to take her away. She leaned on the soft brocade pillow, the corner of her eyes carried a teasing light, deliberately glanced at Gu Hui Yan: "No wonder Wangye always wanted to get a good husband for me, even until reaching the capital this idea did not fade. Sure enough, Wangye thought I was a trouble."

Gu Hui Yan had nothing to say. Now thinking about it, fortunately he didn't seriously married off Lin Wei Xi. If he did, it’s unknown with whose child Lin Wei Xi would be pregnant now. As soon as he thought about this scenario, he couldn't bear it.

He knew that he was in the wrong. Facing his petite wife’s ridicules he couldn’t retaliate, Gu Hui Yan sighed and said, "It's me who was wrong. Thank you, Wangfei for refusing to marry at that time."

Lin Wei Xi gave a soft "hum", and after a while, she still felt like a cat's paw scratching her heart, and couldn't help asking: "In the beginning you despised me. Then afterwards I forced you to marry me. Did you feel vexed to death by me?" Lin Wei Xi suddenly felt disheartened: "It's me who didn’t keep my boudoir reputation, and was so shameless. In fact, you didn't want to marry me."

"How can that be?" Gu Hui Yan looked at the tender and beautiful, delicate like fine porcelain woman in front of him, and stretched out his hand to slowly stroke her face, "I have long been different from the past, if I don’t want to do it, who could force me?"

Chapter 88 : Confession

There were fine calluses on Gu Hui Yan's fingers. This was the mark left by many years of martial arts and military service. The rubbing felt itchy on her face. Lin Wei Xi knew that when Gu Hui Yan was relaxed or in a good mood he liked to touch with his thumb. It used to be a porcelain teacup, but now it gradually became her face.

Lin Wei Xi originally hung her head and let Gu Hui Yan's hand linger on her face. For some reason, she suddenly turned her face away quickly, her voice faintly like crying: "You lie to me."

"I didn’t." Gu Hui Yan knew that Lin Wei Xi was crying, and he also knew that she didn't want to be seen, even though there were only the two of them in the room now. He lowered his voice and slowly coaxed: "In fact, before you went to see me that day, I just received a letter from Aunt Shou Kang. She wanted to take you to the princess mansion. You were an unmarried girl and lived without reason or any relations in Yan Wang Mansion, it’s not good for your reputation. I know you will never come back if you go. And I’m busy with government affairs and never participate in the world of women of the inner house. If I really let you go, I basically won’t see you again."

Lin Wei Xi was crying and sobbing, but still forced herself to say, "Weren’t you reading First Assistant Zhang's letter at that time?"

"Yes, I heard someone coming and deliberately covered it up." Gu Hui Yan had a soft smile in his eyes. "If you go further, you will see under Zhang Jiang Ling's letter there was Princess Shou Kang Mansion’s letter."

Lin Wei Xi couldn't help it anymore and cried with her hands over her eyes. Gu Hui Yan encircled Lin Wei Xi's shoulders and slowly put her in his arms: "It's not what you think. At that time agreeing to your proposal is like pushing the boat along the river*, but actually it’s me who receive benefit from your action."

*Pushing the boat along the river, taking advantage of the situation for one’s own benefit.

"You are coaxing me again."

"When did I lie to you, you can go to the study to see if you don't believe me."

Lin Wei Xi couldn't restrain herself from crying. She had heard the story of Gu Hui Yan and Shen shi since a long time ago. During the first few days of married, Shen shi's dowry servant proudly ran over to warn her. She knew that she went out of the convention by recommending herself as bedfellow, then Yan Wang agreed to marry her. If a beautiful young woman took the initiative, could that man refuse? Every time she heard about the past events between Yan Wang and Wangfei Shen, she became short-temper. One was love at first sight and the other took the initiative to seek marriage herself. How could she dare? How could she compared herself with her predecessor?

But Gu Hui Yan's patience and meticulousness was a huge trap. She couldn't help but wonder why he did this, and if it was another person, would he still treat another woman with such tenderness?

In both previous and present lives Lin Wei Xi had become the victim of her husband's sweetheart, the defeated opponent of other women, with Gao Ran was like this, and with Shen shi was also like this. Her natural disposition was strong, but emotionally she was as cautious and cowardly as an escaping soldier. She was afraid that the tragedy of the previous life would happen to her again. She could walk out of Gu Cheng Yao's shadow, but this time she couldn’t.

She never thought that she would hear such words.

Gu Hui Yan allowed Lin Wei Xi to cry in his arms, he was also very regretful. He recalled the first time he saw Lin Wei Xi’s appearance, she because Zhao Wangfei insulted him, specifically brought back this appearance. And that day, ten thousand miles red makeup (wedding day) when he lifted her veil, Lin Wei Xi glanced at him quickly. At that time, the red curtain were hanging high, and the candlelight swayed gently, Lin Wei Xi was sitting in the room full of people, radiating brilliant light and amazing beauty.

Until now, she was pregnant with his child, uncontrollably crying in his arms, trembling weakly like a lamb. Gu Hui Yan paused for a while, his voice gentle, but it seemed to be coming from a distance: "Xi'er, I marry you because I don't want you to leave my sight, and I don't want another man to possess you. I am also very selfish. Selfish enough to obey the heart’s matter, but reluctant to admit it for a long time, so let you always under tremendous pressure. Marriage is men’ feeling and women’ wishes, this marriage can happen, not because you took the initiative, and I am not good at refusing. Xi'er, any man who says this to you is lying to you."

Lin Wei Xi was crying and could hardly speak, Gu Hui Yan picked her up and carefully wiped the tears on her face: "Don't cry, I feel distressed when you cry. I will promise you whatever you want, and we will have a long life to do these things together in the future. Oh that’s right, there’s also our children."

Gu Hui Yan’s words seemed to be a bit rueful: "I have vaguely testing you several times before, and when you heard about children you were not happy. I thought you were unwilling to have children. I actually thought to just leave it to fate, as long as you are still here, that's enough. But when you were told that you are pregnant today, and you were worried that riding a horse might hurt your fetus, I'm really happy."

Lin Wei Xi with great difficulty stopped her tears and asked between her sob, "I thought you still missed Wangfei Shen and unwilling to let me give birth to children, so as not to touch the interests of Shizi... No, when did you testing me?"

Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but laugh, he hugged Lin Wei Xi in his arms, his voice was low and inaudible: "Several times. You didn't notice it once."

Lin Wei Xi thought about it carefully, only then vaguely remembered that there were indeed a few times, Gu Hui Yan spoke ambiguously, and his eyes were very strange. It turned out he was testing her at that time. This was just what she remembered. More often than not, she would be trapped away, but she didn't know anything. Lin Wei Xi got more and more angry, couldn't help but clenched her fist, and bitterly punched Gu Hui Yan a few times on his chest.

This little strength was really not painful or itchy, when her soft hands punched him, on the contrary, it brought out a wonderful numbness. Gu Hui Yan hurriedly stopped, straightened up and looked at Lin Wei Xi in a serious and honest manner: "Blame me for making you cry twice today. You are still pregnant, so lie down and rest quickly."

Lin Wei Xi was indeed tired. She was lying on the cloud-like soft and warm bedding, her fingers still holding Gu Hui Yan's sleeve reluctantly: "You are not allowed to go, you have to accompany me."

"Alright, I will stay here, I won't leave."

Lin Wei Xi, still felt uneasy, hooked Gu Hui Yan's clothes with her fingers. In a daze, it seemed that someone had been watching her gently and intently. Then, she fell asleep completely.

This time Gu Hui Yan really didn't break his promise. When she woke up the next day, Gu Hui Yan was still with her. Lin Wei Xi was very embarrassed when she thought about what happened yesterday. She actually cried like that in front of Yan Wang, really disgraceful. She asked while unnaturally avoided his sight, "Why is Wangye still in the mansion today, you don't need to go to His Majesty’s side?"

"I took leave from the court." Gu Hui Yan said confidently and calmly. "Wangfei is pregnant. I have to look after Wangfei in the mansion."

Lin Wei Xi smiled and glanced at Gu Hui Yan. Gradually, she realized that Gu Hui Yan looked serious and didn't seem to be joking: "You really said that?"

"Yup."

Lin Wei Xi couldn’t close her mouth for quite a while, a moment later, she collapsed and covered her face with her hands: "God, you... how do I go out and meet people later?"

Gu Hui Yan really did what he said. Starting from the day when Lin Wei Xi was diagnosed with pregnancy, he stayed in the mansion to accompany Lin Wei Xi for several days. The eunuch next to the Emperor personally invited him to hunt but he refused. Just like this, Gu Hui Yan openly released the pigeons* to the Emperor, important ministers, and everyone.

*Released the pigeons, in here means not keeping promises or breach of contract.

Thanks to Gu Hui Yan's blessing, the news of Yan Wangfei's pregnancy spread like it has wings all over the palace inside and outside.

Gao Ran had been mentally and physically exhausted these few days. On one side she was bother by Han shi and the adoption matter, and on the other side she heard that Lin Wei Xi was pregnant, and Yan Wang also made a special leave to accompany his furen. Between these two things, Gao Ran became more and more irritable, and there were always lingering anxiety and gloom between her eyebrows, unlike the calm and smooth appearance before marriage.

The Emperor came to the outside palace full of enthusiasm to hunt, he finally got away from the shackles of First Assistant Zhang, at once crazily had fun for a few days. However, the things that should have come couldn’t be avoided, letters from the capital came frequently, and Zhang Xiao Lian urged the Emperor to return to the palace every day, shouldn’t play around till he was saddled with incapable ruler’ reputation. The Emperor was bored by the lecture, and during his stay in the outside palace, there was also the accident of Duke Yingguo Shizi who died because of blood loss. Many people found it unlucky. Due to external forces and internal factors, the return to the palace was quickly put on the agenda.

Lin Wei Xi was relaxed when she came out, but when she returned, everyone was like facing an enemy. The carriage was paddled and cushioned, and the carriage wheel were also carefully wrapped, for fear that it would jolt Wangfei too much.

In the capital, Grand Princess Shou Kang had received the letter. When His Majesty returned to the capital, the long entourage also followed along. Grand Princess Shou Kang, regardless of her body, immediately ran to Yan Wang Mansion to see Lin Wei Xi and the little life in Lin Wei Xi's belly. Grand Princess Shou Kang was already old, and naturally did not fit for this kind of tiring thing like going to the outside palace to escape the summer heat, but who would have thought that after only a few months, she who stayed in the capital received a letter from Gu Hui Yan saying that Lin Wei Xi was pregnant.

Oh! Grand Princess Shou Kang was so happy that she couldn't sleep for several days. When Lin Wei Xi came back, she hurried over to visit. Lin Wei Xi leaned on the big pillow and her waist was also cushioned with a brocade pillow. Her complexion was rosy, and her smile was peaceful, she had the soft light of someone who was about to become a mother. At first glance, people could see that the marriage was very good.

When Grand Princess Shou Kang saw Lin Wei Xi's face, she put down half of the weight in her heart. She took Lin Wei Xi's hand and asked carefully, from the basics of daily necessities to sitting and sleeping everyday patterns, all kind of details very patiently. After asking, Grand Princess Shou Kang put down the other half of the weight in her heart back in her stomach: "You and Yan Wang get along very well, now I can rest assured. The time is so fast. I obviously feel that you have just been married not long ago. How come even the children already have?"

Lin Wei Xi was very embarrassed when she heard the words, Wan Xing covered her mouth and smiled next to her, and said, "Grand Princess, it's not your illusion, it is indeed the young master who come quickly. Today, on the tenth day of September, is less than ten months since Wangfei got married, now Wangfei already three months pregnant."

"Wan Xing." Lin Wei Xi glared at her warningly, and Wan Xing stuck out her tongue, not really afraid. Grand Princess Shou Kang laughed: "Very good, it's a good thing that the child comes quickly. You husband and wife have a good relationship, which means that this matchmaker has done a good job. In another day I have to let Yan Wang invite me for a drink. To marry such a good Wangfei, this aunt’s contributions is not small."

Lin Wei Xi’s cheeks blushed hearing this, the whole person became more gorgeous. Grand Princess Shou Kang looked happily, and patted Lin Wei Xi's hand with relief, meaning something: "Sister Xi, Yan Wang is always worried about you. You should take care and wait for next year to give birth to a big fat baby. Let those who can't get on the stage get angry."

Lin Wei Xi understood what Grand Princess Shou Kang meant. She once didn't want to have a baby because she was not sure about Gu Hui Yan’s opinion, but now Gu Hui Yan looked forward to this unborn baby more than her. What should Lin Wei Xi be afraid of? If Gao Ran wanted to harm her, it depends on her ability.

Lin Wei Xi return the grip on Grand Princess Shou Kang’s hands and smiled: "I understand, thank you for remembering me."

In Qingsong Garden, the atmosphere in the main courtyard was not easy. Gao Ran became very anxious, and spoke aggressively: "Shizi, should we find father to talk in private these few days?"

Gu Cheng Yao looked at her bafflingly: "What are you finding father for?"

Gao Ran clicked her tongue, hate for iron not becoming steel, leaned two steps closer, and whispered: "Wangfei is pregnant, if she gives birth to a boy, wouldn't it be..."

Gu Cheng Yao was stunned for a moment before realizing what Gao Ran meant. He looked at Gao Ran incredulously: "What are you talking about? She is pregnant with father's heir. If it is a boy, then it is my brother, we are born from the same parent’s brothers. How could you think in this direction?"

Gu Cheng Yao couldn't believe it, since when did Gao Ran become such a person? Or, has she always been like this?

Full of schemes and keen to fight in the nest (internal strife).

Chapter : Moonlight

"Brother?" Gao Ran almost found it laughable, and she really laughed, "You treat him as a brother, but the other side may not be. In this world how many conflicts happened because of the stepmother and the previous wife’s di son. The succession of Qinwang’s title, who can resist this temptation?"

Gu Cheng Yao subconsciously felt unhappy after hearing these words. He did not like to hear someone talked like this about Lin Wei Xi: "Others are short-sighted and blinded by greed, but she is not such a person."

Gao Ran originally just wanted to give a reminder, but hearing Gu Cheng Yao's words, the rage in her heart burst out, and her tone became extremely bad: "What does Shizi mean? Do you think she is not such a person? Huh, what a joke. She is selfish and cold. Now because of her pregnancy, father is even more confused by her, and will give her anything she want. Do you really think she doesn’t care like she showed? Okay, even if she doesn’t care about the title now, but once she gives birth to a son, will she have no crooked mind at all?"

Gu Cheng Yao felt that this conversation could not go on, how could Gao Ran become so unreasonable. Gu Cheng Yao said: "The succession of title is a ritual law. That kind of fight hand and foot for the title will not happen in our family. My father is not such a person, nor is she. I don't know where you heard such words, it’s an insult to father and her. Besides, where did you put me? I'm eighteen years old. Do I still need to rely on very low inner house tricks to keep my position?"

Gao Ran, as if her tail being stepped on, was unusually stirred up: "Very low? Who is Shizi talking about?"

"I just stated the facts and didn't point to anyone." Gu Cheng Yao said coldly, "Why do you think this is a personal attack?"

Although he said so, but both of them well aware that what Gu Cheng Yao talked about was Gao Ran's attack to Yun Hui. This matter had been covered up, and Yun Hui had also sent out for almost half a year. But feelings were like a mirror, once there was a crack, it would not be able to return to the original form no matter how much it repaired. Yun Hui's affair was the crack that lies between Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran. Gao Ran's conspiracy was revealed, her public persona collapsed, and Gu Cheng Yao refused to trust Gao Ran anymore.

Gao Ran’s eyes felt sore at the thought of this, and couldn't bear her tears. It's because of Yun Hui, and also because of that Yin Yang pot. If it wasn’t for that wine pot that was not handled cleanly, how could she be suspected by Gu Cheng Yao, and how could Duke Yingguo Shizi be angry at Han shi because of the matter of spoiled concubine years ago.

The wrong step was because of her small mistake here, the Yin Yang pot was discovered by Gu Cheng Yao, and her image for many years had also ruined. Later, Duke Yingguo Shizi being meddlesome and annoyed Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Cheng Yao threw the yin yang pot to Duke Yingguo Shizi, causing Han shi and Gao Chen to fall into crisis. Han shi was afraid of exposing what she had done, when Duke Yingguo old madam asked about Shizi's whereabouts, she concealed her conscience and shook her head, said didn’t know, which led to the death of Duke Yingguo Shizi. Now Han shi was living in panic every day. The old madam seemed to be suspicious. She had been checking who Shizi had met before his death. What if the old madam traced along the vine and found out about Han shi?

During this time, Gao Ran's inside and outside matters were not going well. In Duke Yingguo Mansion, Gao Ke had a strong momentum, and the adoption’s matter became very noisy. Han shi was also in desperate situation because of Duke Yingguo Shizi’s death. Gao Ran was exhausted by these things, but her husband and wife relationship with Gu Cheng Yao was also getting worse.

Gao Ran felt unspeakably at a loss. Wasn’t her current situation the same as before Gao Xi's death? The husband and wife were indifferent, and they were fed up of seeing each other. Gao Ran always laughed at Gao Xi when she married Gu Cheng Yao. She felt that Gao Xi had no EQ and no brains to lead her life like that, and actually destroyed such a good hand. Then what about her? She obviously married as a live-saving benefactor who lost and regained her identity, but what was she doing now?

Gao Ran was so scared to think about it. She was different from Gao Xi, at any rate Gao Xi had a princess grandmother, but she had nothing. Once she lost Gu Cheng Yao, her situation would be much worse than Gao Xi. Gao Ran was sobbing and choking. She had been good at calculating all of her life, if she cried she must cry perfectly, lovely pitiful. But only then did Gao Ran realize that when she was really sad, she couldn't care about her appearance.

This was probably the first time Gao Ran really cried in years, but Gu Cheng Yao still looked at her coldly. He didn't believe Gao Ran was really crying, he just felt that Gao Ran was acting again.

"Shizi, it was so beautiful when we met, why is it like this now?"

Gao Ran really couldn't figure out the answer. She always felt that she was different from others. What's more, she and Gu Cheng Yao met before marriage and had such an unforgettable love. They had been going around for several years, during which they almost married other people, with great difficulty they were together again. To reach here was not easy, and the emotional foundation was so deep. Why it become like this?

Gu Cheng Yao seemed to think of what happened back then. Gao Ran saw Gu Cheng Yao standing quietly in place, seemingly recall the past, she slowly leaned over, wanting to hug Gu Cheng Yao.

Gao Ran approached step by step. When her hand was barely encircle Gu Cheng Yao’s body, he grabbed her wrist. Gu Cheng Yao slowly but unhesitatingly pulled her away.

"I'm in love with the kind and charming girl who is willing to save a life even if she never know him, not you."

Gao Ran's face was drained of the blood: "Why is it not me? Shizi, it’s indeed I who rescue you at the back of the mountain that year. The time, place, and details of your clothes at that time, I can match them all."

"But you said that the jade pendant was originally yours, and you also said that Gao Xi learned that I was looking for a lifesaver, so she forcibly snatched half of your jade pendant, and even collude with Grand Princess Shou Kang to send the jade pendant to father to replace your credit. You also said that you did not have a good life in Duke Yingguo Mansion. Because you are a shu daughter, you always suffer in silence. You were bullied by Gao Xi but you didn't dare to say anything, even when she snatched your predestined marriage you were helpless. "

"Shizi, this is a misunderstanding." Gao Ran sadly clutched Gu Cheng Yao's sleeve, raised her face and said to him, "How can you think of me like that just because Yun Hui's one side words?"

"Misunderstanding?" Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help but laugh. Although he was laughing, there was a sadness that could not be concealed in his laughter. "Then do you know that Gao Xi is dead because of these misunderstandings? Do you think she is already dead anyway and won’t be able defend herself, so you pour dirty water on her, saying that she bullied you, pushing you around, and took your life-saving grace. Even after we got married, you still stopped me in the Duke mansion’s garden in order to destroy your sister's marriage."

Gao Ran's face was pale and scary: "You blame me for ruining your relationship with Gao Xi? But this is originally mine. I told you the real person who saved you is me, so you blamed me for telling you the truth?"

Gu Cheng Yao closed his eyes in pain. If there wasn’t Gao Ran or if he didn't accompany Gao Xi back to Duke Yingguo Mansion back then, what would happen? He still thought that Gao Xi was the girl who saved him. The sweetness of the first month of their marriage could continue. Gao Xi would slowly let go of her defense and spikes, becoming coquettish and clingy, perhaps very soon, they would have their first child...

But that would never be possible, and he would never have the chance to know if he hadn't treat Gao Xi coldly, would they have become a couple. Gao Xi was dead, and his father got out of his mother's influence and married Lin Wei Xi.

Gu Cheng Yao's obsession with life-saving grace was all influenced by Shen shi. The impact of childhood on a person was ineradicable. When he was a child, Shen shi told him every day about Yan Wang’s life-saving grace to her, in the end the two broke through the secular barriers and became husband and wife. Gu Cheng Yao was not interested in these heroes rescued damsel in distress’ story who was full of female fantasy, but when the same thing happened to him, he still couldn’t help but fall into Shen shi's reasoning. He fell madly in love with a girl without seeing the other person's face, and even traveled far to find his savior, which was similar to what happened to Shen shi back then.

At first Gu Cheng Yao thought that the person was Gao Xi, the two get along well in the first month, but then Gu Cheng Yao found out that he had been deceived. The person who saved him was not Gao Xi, but Gao Ran. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't bear such deception, more so couldn’t prevent the faint condemnation in his heart. Shen shi had great admiration for life-saving grace, if he continued to treat the false benefactor Gao Xi well, it would be like betraying his mother.

Therefore, the following things was out of control. He married Gao Ran, his real benefactor, but he couldn't find his original feelings. Before he could develop a relationship with Gao Ran, he learned that Gao Ran used despicable means to frame Yun Hui and always slander her sister Gao Xi.

Yun Hui had been with Gu Cheng Yao for eleven years, and in his heart she was like an older sister. Gao Ran even used the crime of adultery to slaughter Yun Hui. Gu Cheng Yao couldn't bear it. In particular, what Gu Cheng Yao couldn't accept was the truth about the sisters Gao Xi and Gao Ran that Yun Hui revealed.

What was true and what was false?

With so many things happened, why Gao Ran thought they could go back to the beginning? Gu Cheng Yao felt more and more that it was too arbitrary for him to fall in love with someone just for life-saving grace, but when he finally understand his heart, it was too late.

Gu Cheng Yao pushed Gao Ran away, disregarding her pale, paper-like face, and said coldly: "I have something to do outside, so I won't be back at night. You are after all Shizi Consort, as long as you know your place, I will give you the primary wife’s face. Let me remind you again, Wangfei’s pregnancy is a happy occasion for the mansion. Whether she gives birth to a boy or a girl, it is my sibling. If you dare to have a crooked mind, not only me, but my father will not spare you lightly..."

Gao Ran's tears slipped uncontrollably from her eye, her knuckles turned white, and she exhausted all her strength to grab the corner of Gu Cheng Yao's clothes: "Shizi..."

However, Gu Cheng Yao pried her hand bit by bit, and then left without looking back.

Gao Ran was so close but sadly unable to hold Gu Cheng Yao. Gu Cheng Yao took his clothes away from her hand, she suddenly lost the strength in her hand and fell to the ground. Gao Ran sat on the ground, and stared at the beautiful decorations around her, for a long time lost her senses.

She always knew that she was different. She had more knowledge, a more open mind, and a richer experience in wooing men than these feudal women. So she had always been confident that she could put everyone under her feet and lead a life that everyone envied. The first half of her life was just like the novels she had read in the previous life. Although she was a shu daughter, but in all aspect her life went smoothly. Her noble di older sister was not as good as her, her cute cousin was not as good as her, all women were not as good as her, and all men secretly in love with her. Gao Ran married grandly as she wished for, she married a first-rate aristocrat, and she deserves to live a life where everyone was inferior to her. But why was her situation like this?

Gao Ran sat on the ground for a long time. The maid outside heard Shizi and Shizi Consort quarreled and did not dare to approach, even until a long time they did not hear Shizi Consort’s movement. They were afraid that something happened, gathered their courage and lightly knocked on the door: "Shizi Consort..."

Gao Ran came to her senses, and quickly wiped her face, wiping away the tears that were not dry on her face: "What's the matter?"

"There are people from Duke Yingguo Mansion here, Han yiniang send someone to give you something."

"Send it in." Gao Ran ordered coldly. She got up from the ground and sorted her clothes with a gloomy face. After a while, she suddenly remembered something, "How can Duke Yingguo Mansion suddenly come Yan Wang Mansion? Who brought it?"

"It's Master Gao Ke. The young master is grateful to Wangfei for her grace, so he made a special trip to thank Wangfei."

Hearing this name, Gao Ran's face quickly sank. She sneered, and cursed in an angry voice: "Birds of a feather flock together."

The maid outside vaguely heard what Gao Ran said, but she didn't hear clearly, so asked carefully: "Shizi Consort, what did you say?"

"Nothing." Gao Ran replied lightly. She held the table and slowly sat on the embroidered stool.

The words from the previous life were true, men are unreliable. Only money, power, and brother from the same parent would not betray you.

A fierce light flashed in Gao Ran's eyes. How could she catch a tiger if she didn't enter the tiger's lair. She must let her younger brother become the heir of Duke Yingguo Mansion. All those who stand in the way must die.

Chapter 90 : Doubt

At the end of September, without warning, the conflict between the Emperor and First Assistant Zhang broke out.

It started with a scholar who had just entered officialdom and was full of the righteousness of the world. He actually gave memorial to impeach Zhang Xiao Lian for dominating the court, wantonly embezzled and formed parties for personal gain. Zhang Xiao Lian was dominating alone for ten years, and never thought that someone would dare to impeach him. Zhang Xiao Lian snorted and naturally pressed down this memorial. He didn't think it was a big deal.

It was unprecedented to dare to impeach First Assistant Zhang. This scholar was beaten twenty times with the crime of slandering First Assistant. His superior was afraid of getting involve, no one would protect him, and the scholar soon lost his post. The scholar was only a bookworm all of his life, and his physical condition was not good. Now he was injured and lost his official position. In grief and anger, he even developed a high fever, and died within a few days.

After his death, the matter finally became big. After the incident reached the imperial censor’s table, more and more talkative officials were impeached in the morning court, only then the Emperor aware about this matters.

Now half the court was Zhang Xiao Lian’s people, Zhang’s party naturally tried their best to refute, and then the impeacher was demoted or lost their job within a few days. This increasingly confirmed Zhang Xiao Lian’s dictatorial and forming a clique reputation. The scholars in this dynasty paid attention to moral integrity, if they you were beaten or even went to jail because of these impeachment, it was not a disaster, it was a good reputation. The court was completely in shambles arguing about this, and Zhang Xiao Lian suppressed it strongly, while other literary officials continued to impeach him with enthusiasm.

In the carnage of morning court, Zhang Xiao Lian's power was still strong. After a period of time of troubles, the incident was finally suppressed. Instead, it was the people who impeached Zhang Xiao Lian who lost their post or suspended. In short, none of them had a good end. After this incident, Zhang Xiao Lian showed his power and might to the whole world. Although his title was First Assistant, but in reality he was the real power regent in this world.

The Emperor supported First Assistant Zhang in the morning court, and according to the teacher's wishes, sent off all officials who dared to say that First Assistant had embezzled, accepted bribes and manipulated power. However, there was a faint rumbling in the inner palace. It was heard that the Emperor said to the eunuch close to him that First Assistant Zhang was too powerful, and the Emperor seemed to be unhappy.

The wind rises at the end of Qingping*. Although this incident was finally suppressed, everyone could tell that the Emperor and the First Assistant had a conflict, and the outbreak of a political crisis was only a matter of time.

*The wind rises at the end of Qingping, the original meaning is that the wind is generated from the ground. At the beginning it whirls gently on the grass and it will eventually become a strong and sturdy gale, and that gale develop into a small wind. This metaphor indicates that the big influence and big thought originated from subtle and difficult to detect things.

Duke Yingguo Mansion was also terrified by this incident. A junior from the Gao family wanted to enter the six departments, but in terms of qualifications he was insufficient. According to the unspoken rules in the officialdom, the Gao family gave the First Assistant some filial piety, and the junior of Gao family also had his wish fulfilled by squeezing out his colleagues, and got the lucrative post in the six departments.

Such things were not uncommon in officialdom. Which nobility had never done this kind of thing in the overcrowded imperial court? Only Duke Yingguo Mansion slammed into the wind, and when the imperial censor wantonly impeached First Assistant Zhang, the Gao family was also found out, and they were labeled as Zhang’s party. Although in the end it was only a false alarm, First Assistant Zhang used his iron fist to settle all this, and naturally Duke Yingguo Mansion also cleared from impeachment, but this incident scared the Gao family.

They were used to easy life and had not experienced such big battle for a long time. And because Yan Wang wanted to accompany the pregnant Wangfei, he frequently took leave from the court in the past few days, and perfectly missed the impeachment storm. Without Yan Wang in the front, the Duke Yingguo Mansion could only endured the entire political storm head-on.

Duke Yingguo was so frightened that he trapped himself in the study for several days and kept calling his advisors to discuss matters. Although Duke Yingguo Mansion was unscathed in the end, the Duke well aware that they were lucky this time. But what about next time? Seeing the Emperor was about to be in power, even if Zhang Xiao Lian was powerful, could his energy compared to the young Emperor? Duke Yingguo Mansion was labelled as a Zhang’s party in this turmoil. If they didn't do anything, afraid they would suffer in the future.

The Emperor was fifteen this year, some people in the morning court had already mentioned the election for the empress. The Emperor's big wedding was followed by the young Emperor personally govern the court. If there was no accident, this matter would be officially handled next year.

Duke Yingguo Shizi had unexpectedly passed away, and the shu eldest son Gao Chen was only nine years old this year. Duke Yingguo could wait, but could the current political situation wait for Gao Chen to grow up?

Duke Yingguo sat in the study all night, boiling almost half his remaining hair white. The next day, he summoned the Gao family’s elders to come in to discuss the matter of Gao Ke’s adoption under Shizi Consort Wei.

In the face of the entire family’s survival, even the blood line would have to make way. Although Gao Chen was the grandson of Duke Yingguo, the difference between Gao Chen and Gao Ke was like heaven and earth, no matter in age or intelligence, the difference was too large. The second-generation pillar of Duke Yingguo Mansion had unexpectedly died. Duke Yingguo Mansion urgently needs an heir who could support the entire family as soon as possible.

Gao Ran had been paying attention to the news of her maiden family. When she heard that her grandfather was going ahead with the adoption, she was so angry that she threw a tea set.

"Is grandfather stupid? Chen boy is his real grandson. We have a huge family business, why he want a cheap outsider?"

Tao Mama hurriedly stepped forward and covered Gao Ran's mouth: "Oh miss, you can't say such things, it’s a taboo word. Duke Yingguo is your grandfather, you can't speak like this about Duke Yingguo."

Gao Ran was still very angry. Once Gao Ke adopted under Wei shi, Gao Ke was the son of Wei shi and Gao Xi’s younger brother, and he was the di son of Duke Yingguo Shizi. Moreover, he was older than Gao Chen, so wouldn't Gao Ke become the eldest brother? With the di eldest son, how could the title of the Duke fall to Gao Chen?

What's more, in this case, Gao Ke would inevitably enshrine Wei shi’s incense. Han shi cautiously accept a compromise her whole lifetime, did she still have to look at Gao Ke's attitude in the second half of her life?

Why was Gao Ke, a different branch’s child whose parents had both died, stole the things from their family?

Gao Ran couldn't sit still, and immediately set up the carriage and took people to return to the Duke Yingguo Mansion.

Duke Yingguo Mansion was also not peaceful, Gao Ran first went to see Duke Yingguo old madam. Duke Yingguo old madam didn’t look good, but she was still calm. After Gao Ran greeted her, she hurriedly said: "Grandmother, grandfather want to adopt Gao Ke under father?"

"Yes." After a few days, the old madam had accepted this fact. She was indeed partial to her grandson, but these days Gao Ke paid respect every morning and evening. Even if the old madam wore the halo of the matriarch, she had to admit that Gao Ke was much better than her grandson. If their husband and wife were selfish and forced to let Gao Chen became Shizi, then after two years, or maybe not even a year, when the Emperor gets married next year, the catastrophe of their mansion would come.

The heir was too young and couldn’t be put in power, coupled with Gao Chen's shu background, quite possibly make their political opponents argue about their rank, and would reduce Duke Yingguo Mansion’s duke title to a marquis or even a count. The situation could even worse, if then someone in the court attacked the Duke Mansion as Zhang's party, only relied on Duke Yingguo alone, could they withstand it?

After hearing these things, Duke Yingguo old madam could only resign to their fate. Who made her son die early? If Duke Yingguo Shizi was still alive, why would they need to worry about this? Her son’ children blessing were thin, he only had two daughters and a son under his knees, and Gao Xi passed away early. Duke Yingguo old madam knew that her son had always feel guilty to Wei shi all of these years. Maybe if they adopt an intelligent son for the two of them, let the husband and wife’ incense to continue, let Gao Xi has a younger brother to rely on, her son in the underworld would be happy.

The old madam accepted this fact, and she focused more on investigating the night Duke Yingguo Shizi had an accident. The manservant next to her son said that Shizi had been investigating Yun yiniang's affairs for the past few days. Perhaps, he galloped on a moonlit night and caused the horse to fall, was also related to this matter?

Seeing the old madam's calm expression, Gao Ran was almost furious. She hated iron for not becoming steel, looked at the old madam like an idiot: "Grandmother, are you confuse? Chen boy is father's biological son. Apart from his surname Gao, what does Gao Ke have to do with our family? Why don't you care about your own blood, but give the family property to an outsider?"

"He is adopted under your di mother, he is your brother from the same parent." The old madam reminded Gao Ran coldly, "He will become Wei shi's di son, you and Gao Xi's younger brother. If you are wronged by your in-laws, in the future you have to count on Gao Ke to support you. An outsider, why is it so unpleasant to hear."

The old madam was an authentic ancient woman who grew up in a patriarchal society and had a high degree of acceptance for such things like adoption. The ancient clan paid attention to the family, not the blood relationship. As long as he was adopted under Shizi and Wei shi, Gao Ke would worship the incense of these two people. He would have nothing to do with his own family, even if he met his biological mother, he would call her "Auntie". Of course, the human’s heart made out of flesh, the grace of giving birth, the grace of raising up your children, it could never be severed. But Gao Ke was a bit fortunate in this aspect, his parents had passed away for many years, and his family only had the widow sister-in-law and nephew. Gao Ke's blood relationship with his original family was very weak. In the future, there was no need to worry about getting close to his biological mother and not to Duke Yingguo Mansion. Adding his own talent, he could make up for the fact that he was not the biological son of Shizi.

The inheritance of children, wasn’t it for incense offerings? The old madam really didn't understand how Gao Ran had such selfish and strange thoughts.

Gao Ran became angry and couldn't help but used Yan Wang Mansion to pressure people: "Grandmother, after all, Chen boy is my younger brother from the same mother. If the mansion is handed over to someone else in the future, then how about the in-law relationship between the Gao family and Yan Wang Mansion?"

Duke Yingguo old madam’s eyes became even more baffle: "After the adoption, Gao Ke will personally come Yan Wang Mansion. Adoption after all an orthodox ceremonial rite, how can Yan Wang only care about a mere blood line and not recognize the proper heir? And not only that, Yan Wangfei also have the grace of recognizing Gao Ke’s worth. This name is very useful, so we can go to Yan Wang Mansion often to please Yan Wangfei."

Whose attitude was the most important in Yan Wang Mansion now? Of course it was Yan Wang. However it was not easy to please Yan Wang, but if you pleased Yan Wangfei, it was far more useful than to please Yan Wang.

When it was over, Gao Ran found out that she and the old madam didn’t have the same wavelength. The old madam really thought that after adopting, it would become their own son. Gao Ran, who grew up in a small modern family, couldn't understand it. Both the old madam and Gao Ran felt that the other party was unreasonable and stupid, so the conversation broke up on bad terms.

Gao Ran came out from the old madam's courtyard and went directly to see Han shi. Han shi looked panic, when she saw Gao Ran she immediately pulled her and cried: "Ran’er, Lord Guo will adopt Gao Ke under Wei shi. At that time Gao Ke will become Wei shi's son. Of course he will stand on Wei shi’s side, and towards us, the people who compete with him for the title, how can he have a good face?"

Gao Ran sighed, of course she thought of this too. In case the adoption was successful, they would not only lose tens thousands wealth of the Duke Yingguo Mansion, but also bear the risk of being snubbed by Gao Ke, which made matters worse. Han shi cried without manners, and tightly clutched Gao Ran's hand: "Ran’er, I heard people say that your grandmother investigate Yun Niang’s matter these past few days. If she finds out the truth about Yun Niang, she will knows that I lied to her, fully aware where Shizi was but didn't save him, will she kill me?"

Gao Ran was silent. If Gao Chen became the Shizi, then of course the future Duke Yingguo's biological mother would not be sold, but if it was Gao Ke who inherit the title... then Han shi would just an ordinary concubine. With the old madam’s character who always doted on her son, it was hard to say what would happen.

Han shi kept crying in Gao Ran's ear, and her cry made Gao Ran feel agitated. Gao Ran cursed unhappily: "Don't cry, these things originally is your fault, what’s the use of crying now?"

Han shi was stunned, tears hung on her cheeks, looking very ridiculous. Obviously she hadn't expected Gao Ran to say this.

Gao Ran took a deep breath, she had no way back, she could only give her all into this fight. It seemed that since Lin Wei Xi appeared in the capital, Gao Ran had continuously been unlucky, everything went wrong. Now Lin Wei Xi was pregnant, threatening Gu Cheng Yao's Shizi position, even Gao Chen also messed up by Lin Wei Xi and missed the Dukedom.

Gao Ran suddenly felt a strange feeling, why did Lin Wei Xi target her like this? Why did Lin Wei Xi get involved in the battle over the successor of Duke Yingguo Mansion? What kind of relationship did she have with Duke Yingguo Mansion?

Gao Ran curled her fingers lightly. In the end, she need to know whether they had relationship.

Chapter 91 : Worship Buddha

Since Lin Wei Xi became pregnant, many information were blocked. The news of Duke Yingguo Mansion’s decision to adopt Gao Ke as di grandson did not reach her until several days later.

Lin Wei Xi carried around a hand stove, she sank onto the soft cushion. Hearing this news, her slender fingertips moved, and then she lowered her head to conceal the look in her eyes, silently staring at the birds and flowers’ engraving on the hand stove in her hands.

Although there had not official ceremony yet, Gao Ke's adoption had already been confirmed. When the ancestral hall opened in the future, Gao Ke's name would be written under Wei shi's name. From then on, Gao Ke would be Wei shi's son. Perhaps many years later, when future descendants opened the genealogical record again, only one girl named Gao Xi and another son named Gao Ke found under Wei shi. No one would know about the matter of this adoption, the unclear entanglement between Wei shi and Duke Yingguo Shizi, and the ten-year confrontation between the di wife and the concubine.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her eyes and after a long time she lightly sighed.

After this Duke Yingguo Mansion really became her past, and her entanglement as Gao Xi would be completely over. Afterwards, the Gao family and her were only nodding acquaintance in-laws.

At the end of Lin Wei Xi's previous life, she did not complain about her family, nor did she hate Gu Cheng Yao. She just felt regret that the last trace of her mother left in the world would also die. When she died, who else would remember Duke Yingguo Shizi Consort Wei Shi, who would burn incense for Wei shi every year on the anniversary of her death? Lin Wei Xi felt that she might be born with ungenerous personality and could not learn to be magnanimous, people already dead, why still clinging to false reputation of glory and splendor? But she was just unwilling, she would rather the title of Duke Yingguo Shizi be extinct, or leave it to an outsider, rather than had the child who killed her mother to take over the duke mansion for the rest of her life.

Who Gao Chen think he is?

But these things would have nothing to do with her in the future. She had already secretly push Gao Ke forward. It was Gao Ke's own business, whether he could defeat Gao Chen to get Shizi position, whether he could handle the relationship between the Gao Mansion and his original family, and whether he could carry forward the Gao family. Help the starving not the poor, Lin Wei Xi only carried him till here. No matter whether Gao Ke could live well in the future, Lin Wei Xi would not care anymore.

Wan Xing original intention was to amuse Lin Wei Xi and told the news like gossiping, but after she brought up these things, Lin Wei Xi was uncharacteristically peaceful. Wan Yue felt strange, she watched Lin Wei Xi carefully. Lin Wei Xi lowered her head, stared at the silver hand stove in silence for a while, and sighed a moment later. Although the sigh was low and inaudible, but the mental knot on Lin Wei Xi's brows seemed to disperse, and the whole person became transparent and light, as if the shackles on Lin Wei Xi's body had finally shattered.

Wan Yue felt a bit touched in her heart. Although she didn't understand why Lin Wei Xi was like this, when she saw Wangfei thoroughly came out from the past she was still very happy for Lin Wei Xi. Now that Yan Wang and Lin Wei Xi had a strong relationship, Wangfei Shen's barrier had been resolved, and the future little master also quietly reside in Lin Wei Xi's belly, everything was developing in a good direction. Wan Yue truly hoped that Wangye and Wangfei would be well.

Wan Xing didn't notice this. Seeing that Lin Wei Xi hadn't spoken for a long time, she felt nervous, and her chatter gradually stopped. Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses and raised her head to look at Wan Xing, with a smile in her eyes: "Why you don’t speak anymore?"

Wan Xing breathed a sigh of relief, and her tone immediately rise up: "Wangfei, Grand Princess Ru Ning invites you to go to Huangjue Temple to offer incense."

Huangjue Temple was a monastery dedicated to the imperial family. It was the most popular place for imperial princesses and concubines. Lin Wei Xi thought for a while, and asked, "When?"

"The twentieth."

Lin Wei Xi had now passed the most dangerous first three months, and her pregnancy had gradually stabilized. She also wanted to go out and walk around to get some fresh air. Moreover, this period of times was really eventful. Duke Yingguo Shizi unexpectedly died, and the court also quite uneasy. Lin Wei Xi wanted to take this opportunity to offer incense to Lin Yong, Wei Shi and others, and also to pray for Grand Princess Shou Kang and the baby in her belly, wishing in the coming year everyone would be happy and healthy. Now that there were not many people around her, she sincerely wanted them all to be well.

Lin Wei Xi said: "Since it is the Grand Princess's invitation, we have no reason to refuse. You send someone to answer the princess."

Wan Xing responded, turned around and went out to give orders, her set of movements were sharp and nimble.

Now who would think that Wan Xing and Wan Yue were both bought from the outside. Although Wan Yue was a servant of an official family, but in the eyes of people in the capital, what was the difference between a maid of a magistrate in a small remote county and a rural people?

However, step by step, Wan Xing and Wan Yue also metamorphosed into another appearance, and now they were both maidservants in the famous Yan Wang Mansion in the capital.

Lin Wei Xi set up the itinerary to leave the mansion, and didn’t care about the rest. On the twentieth, Lin Wei Xi boarded the carriage with many escorts.

When Wangfei went out, Gao Ran also had to accompany her. She was sitting in another carriage, listening to the rhythm of the wheels, slowly drove away from Yan Wang Mansion.

When Lin Wei Xi arrived, Grand Princess Ru Ning's carriage also happened to stop. When Grand Princess Ru Ning saw Lin Wei Xi she immediately greet her with a smile, enthusiastically shook Lin Wei Xi's hand: "It is not easy to see Yan Wangfei, how can Yan Wang willing to let you out today?" As Grand Princess Ru Ning said this she looked back, and then cried out in surprise: "Huh, Yan Wang didn't come along? He actually feel at ease his jade figurine Wangfei went out alone? It seems the sun has come out from the west."

Lin Wei Xi smiled, ignoring Grand Princess Ru Ning’s joke, but explained: "Wangye has an urgent matter today and was called away early in the morning. I’m not without hands and feet, how can I unable to walk without him?"

"It's not the same." Grand Princess Ru Ning smiled. "He doesn't say anything, but he must remember it in his heart. Who doesn't know that Yan Wang has been working hard in the past 20 years. But in these few days, he has been absent from training and taking leave from the court early, is it not for the newly pregnant Wangfei. Actually, I can’t blame Yan Wang, if I have a beautiful and charming Wangfei like you, I’m also unwilling to let you out of the gate, wishing to be together with you all day.

Everyone who heard this all laughed. Lin Wei Xi was often teased after she got married. At first she was too shy to say anything. Now she was used to it, and she could respond with a few words to this kind of marriage dialogue without changing her face. It was precisely because people felt secure to say this and Lin Wei Xi knew they always joke like this because she had a good relationship with Yan Wang, otherwise why in the previous life, no one ever teased her and Gu Cheng Yao.

Lin Wei Xi and Princess Ru Ning walked inside while talking and laughing. Huangjue Temple knew that today the Princess and Yan Wangfei were coming, already at earlier time cleared the hall. Inside the hall with Buddha smoke spirally rising, Lin Wei Xi held the incense and slowly knocked her head three times. Silently said in her heart: "Mother, you have adopted a son under your name. That child is very smart and ambitious. If you see him in the future, I think you will like him."

"Mother, father has also passed away. It is ridiculous to say that you lost blood and ruined your body because of a miscarriage. He had been overbearing for so many years, and finally died also because of blood loss. You two will meet under the nine springs. If you are willing, continue being husband and wife with him, if you’re not, then you two should separate, each to be safe and sound. This unfilial daughter hopes that mother and father will have spirits in the sky and when you are reborn to have peaceful and healthy life."

Lin Wei Xi knocked her head, and when she straightened up, she closed her eyes and whispered again: "Daddy Lin Yong, Lin family’s mother, I am very grateful for the kindness of you two. In this life, I will always give the offerings for you two. May you two will live smoothly in the afterlife. This time, your whole family must be together for a long time."

For the last wish, Lin Wei Xi said it to her unborn child. "Mother doesn't know if you are a boy or a girl, but you are the treasure of your mother's two lifetimes. Mother hopes that you will come early, but mother also afraid that you will come too soon. Your mother has not yet learn how to be a mother. But as long as this Lin Wei Xi is alive for one day, I will certainly exhaust all of my strength to be good to you."

Lin Wei Xi worshiped three times, with a very pious posture. She looked solemn and slowly inserted the incense into the incense burner.

Although Ru Ning was a princess, but she was also extremely believe in Gods and Buddhas. After the incense offering was over, Grand Princess Ru Ning wanted to follow immediately with listening to the scriptures. Lin Wei Xi was pregnant now and unwilling to sit for a long time, so she politely declined Grand Princess Ru Ning’s invitation.

The novice monk in Huangjue Temple carefully led Lin Wei Xi. After walking out of the main hall’ gate, the novice monk asked: "Benefactor can go ask for a fortune stick."

Lin Wei Xi came to the Buddhist temple just to seek a peace of mind. She didn't believe thing like that, but for some reason, her refusal had reached the tip of her tongue, but she took it back again.

"Very well, thank you for your trouble master."

It suddenly occurred to Lin Wei Xi that Gu Hui Yan had been fighting for so many years, it was unknown how many large and small wounds on his body, as well as the obvious and hidden injuries. The current political situation also was not peaceful. As the auxiliary Qinwang, Gu Hui Yan was the one standing at the center of the vortex. Even if she could use the excuse of being pregnant to shield him one or two times, the most important part still need Gu Hui Yan to come out personally. She wanted to ask a safety talisman for Gu Hui Yan.

With this, Lin Wei Xi's thoughts seemed to suddenly open. Grand Princess Shou Kang, the friend and relatives she had good relationship with... She wanted to ask for a safety talisman for each of these people, even if it was just for peace of mind.

Lin Wei Xi went to pray for the safety of her relatives and friends. After it was over, a long time had passed. Lin Wei Xi held a thick pile of peach talismans, standing in the bright and cold October’ sunshine, feeling unprecedentedly sad.

It turned out before she knew it, she had so much concern after rebirth.

Wan Yue had been following Lin Wei Xi closely. Seeing Lin Wei Xi standing still in the autumn wind for a long time, she stepped forward to support Lin Wei Xi's arm, and whispered softly: "Wangfei, it’s cold in the late autumn, let this slave help you sit in the guest room for a while."

Now no one in the mansion dared to let Lin Wei Xi stand for a long time. Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses, nodded gently and agreed.

As an imperial monastery, Huangjue Temple had long prepared clean and quiet rooms for the womenfolk of various mansion. Lin Wei Xi sat in the guest room while waiting for Grand Princess Ru Ning. After sitting for a while, she suddenly frowned, "Where is Shizi Consort?"

When praying to the Buddha, they had to be meditative, so all of them were separately offering incense. After that, she was busy asking for safety talisman, so she didn't notice where Gao Ran went.

Wan Xing ran outside and asked a few words, then came back and said: "Today the ladies of the Duke Yingguo Mansion are also here, Shizi Consort perhaps went to talk to her family."

By such a coincidence, Duke Yingguo Mansion also came. Although Huangjue Temple had been closed to normal visitor, but Duke Yingguo Mansion and Yan Wang Mansion were in-law, and they had to at least give this much face. Lin Wei Xi didn't think much, just listened to it. When Grand Princess Ru Ning finally came back from listening the scriptures, the two of them sat down for a while and then walked out together. Lin Wei Xi sent someone to call Gao Ran back while she slowly accompanied Princess Ru Ning out. On the way out of the temple, coincidently Lin Wei Xi met the Duke Yingguo Mansion head-on.

"Greetings Yan Wangfei, Grand Princess Ru Ning." The Gao second lady greeted them from a long distance away, with a smile on her face. "We just said we are going to visit Yan Wangfei, but we met halfway on the way. Wangfei and Grand Princess are leaving now?"

Gao Ran quickly stepped forward to salute Lin Wei Xi: "Mother."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gao Ran, and nodded slightly to Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people and smiled faintly: "I can't sit outside for too long, so I want to go back quickly. If the Guo Mansion is interested, you can walk slowly in the temple. It's just Shizi Consort, if you have something to say to your maiden family, telling it slowly later won’t be too late, but now we have to go back."

Gao Ran lowered her head and apologize humbly: "It is this daughter-in-law who forget her manner, talking to her maiden sisters, and forgot the time. Please mother give punishment."

Lin Wei Xi glanced at her, too lazy to take care Gao Ran’s little tricks. In front of everyone, could she really punish her? Lin Wei Xi said indifferently: "Let's not repeat it, get up."

Gao Ran complied, and submissively followed after Lin Wei Xi. Everyone from Duke Yingguo Mansion was embarrassed to see this scene. Gao Ran was the best married daughter in their family. Which sisters and aunts who weren’t carefully flatter Gao Ran, but in front of Lin Wei Xi, Gao Ran didn't even dare to speak loudly.

Gao second lady muttered in her heart, strange, usually she never saw Gao Ran being sticky to her maiden family, but today she pulled them away to talk for a long time, but she didn't say anything important. They had long said they would come to pay respect to Yan Wangfei, but they were interrupted by Gao Ran, until Wangfei's people came to find her, only then Gao brought them out together.

Gao second lady mumbled to herself, then throw these thoughts to the back of her mind. Gao Ke was now regarded as half people of the mansion. The sisters and aunts come out to worship Buddha. As the younger generation man, of course he must accompany them. Now everyone was walking outside the temple together, Gao Ke found an opportunity and stepped forward to salute Lin Wei Xi: "Yan Wangfei."

Gao Ke in all aspects was very suitable to be an heir. Since the last time Lin Wei Xi gave him three months payment of private tutor, Gao Ke had been very meticulously befriending Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi also didn't care one way or the other. She glanced back, and the waves flow in her eyes were unspeakably beautiful: "Gao Juren*."

*Juren, successful candidate in the imperial provincial examination.

Gao Ke had already been promoted in the Autumn Examination two months ago, and because he hadn’t reach adulthood yet, he became the youngest Juren in the capital.

"Wangfei's words this one doesn’t deserve it. This junior reached today all because relying on Wangfei to give charcoal in the snow, Wangfei's grace this junior will not forget, how dare to be called like this by Wangfei."

"How can you not dare? Although I gave you three months of tutor tuitions, but to pass the provincial imperial examination, ultimately rely on your talent and learning. You are only sixteen years old but already a Juren, you can afford the name of a genius."

Gao Ke was still humble. Although he was respectful to Lin Wei Xi, his words and deeds reveal a sense of closeness, not the kind of cold and alienated respect. Such a good attitude was also a test of the person’s ability.

Lin Wei Xi smiled gently in her heart, and walked outside the mountain gate surrounded by everyone. Outside there was a person standing with his back facing them, with the sun shone on him, pulling his body to a very clear and slender silhouette. Hearing the sound, he turned around, his eyes seemed to carelessly fell on Lin Wei Xi, but quickly moved away: "Mother."

"Shizi?" Gao second lady wondered, "Why are you here?"

Chapter 92 : Accident

Seeing Gu Cheng Yao, Lin Wei Xi was also surprised. Gu Cheng Yao was gentle and polite, and nodded to everyone. But his eyes scanned everyone, just not looking at Lin Wei Xi.

Simply deliberate.

Gu Cheng Yao said: "My father get delayed with something and cannot come in time, so he ordered me to pick mother back to the house."

Hearing this reason everyone suddenly realized, Grand Princess Ru Ning smiled and said to Lin Wei Xi: "Look, what did I say, Yan Wang really doesn't feel reassured to let you out by yourself. Even if he himself cannot come, still let his son to pick you up."

Lin Wei Xi was accustomed to such jokes, all the womenfolk looked at her and laughed. Faced with such a scene, Gu Cheng Yao was uncomfortable for some reason.

Lin Wei Xi stood in the bright sunshine, and the wind blew from behind her, rolling up the yellow leaves on the ground. Because of her pregnancy, she had a soft expression. Now she was standing with a slight smile, as if covered with golden light.

Gu Cheng Yao realized that he was looking at Lin Wei Xi again, his palms curled up, and looked away calmly.

It was especially troublesome for the womenfolk to bid farewell. The carriages were on standby, and there were no other people around but everyone was still talking and laughing, not in a hurry at all. Of course, the young people were not interested in these women's topics. Gao Ke quietly withdrew from the circle of the womenfolk and went outside to lead his horse.

Gao Ke turned his back, so he didn't notice. Although Gao Ran wore a smile on her face, she cast a secret glance at him from the corner of her eyes.

Gao Ke familiarly pulled his horse, which specially given to him by Duke Yingguo after he moved to the mansion. Gao Ke loved this horse very much, but the time they get along was not long after all, and the horse hasn't familiar with Gao Ke yet, let alone having the master and servant’ tacit understanding.

Gao Ke grasped the reins in a familiar manner, but today, for some reason, this horse was extremely irritable, and it got worse as he approached. Gao Ke was surprised in his heart, pulling the reins carefully and comb its mane, trying to understand what happened to his horse.

The horse became more and more restless, until Gao Ke had to pull the reins hard to stabilize it. Gao Ke secretly frowned, he vaguely felt that something was wrong, but before he could figure out what was wrong, the horse suddenly snorted. It seems that because of the inhalation of more air, the horse suddenly became mad.

Gao Ke was caught off guard, he threw the reins and quickly ran. Most good horses had fierce temper, and it’s common to be disobedience. Gao Ke was planning to let the young manservant took the horse back, but his eyes suddenly condensed.

The horse, as if it had long eyes, ran directly in the direction of the womenfolk.

Gao Ke's face suddenly changed.

Lin Wei Xi was smiling and listening to the small talk, suddenly there was a cry of alarm in her ears, she quickly turned her head, and saw a horse rushing towards them. Wan Xing and Wan Yue was taken aback, and quickly helped Lin Wei Xi to escape, but everyone was panicked. Wan Xing and Wan Yue wanted to retreat, but the path behind was blocked, it was too late for them to hide, and the horse was about to rush into Lin Wei Xi.

Lin Wei Xi was pregnant, if she was startled by this, it would not be a trivial matter.

The womenfolk screamed one after another, Lin Wei Xi subconsciously closed her eyes, but her hands firmly protected her lower abdomen. Before she could react, suddenly there was a strong force on her arm, and her whole body was pulled by this force.

"It’s dangerous, what are you doing with your eyes closed?"

Gu Cheng Yao unknowingly rushed over and pulled her. Lin Wei Xi's arm was so painful by the pulling, once she stood firm she threw Gu Cheng Yao's hand: "Let go, it hurts."

Only then did Gu Cheng Yao realize that in a hurry he didn’t pay attention to his strength. He felt apologetic in his heart, but before he could adjust his strength, Lin Wei Xi had already throw his hand away.

The delicate and gentle feeling in his hand was instantly gone, Gu Cheng Yao soon felt the dry and cold wind blowing on the palm of his hand. Gu Cheng Yao felt inexplicable as if he had lost something, he and Lin Wei Xi were very close now, and he could almost smell her faint fragrance. Lin Wei Xi lowered her head and moved her wrists. Gu Cheng Yao was even suspicious, as long as Lin Wei Xi raised her head, her hair would even touch his chin.

The crazy horse was extremely fast, and the change happened in an instant. Before everyone saw what was going on, Gu Cheng Yao hurried to this side and pulled Lin Wei Xi away from under the horse’ hoof.

The horse forced its way through the middle of the womenfolk. The womenfolk screamed unceasingly, many of them fell to the ground, and struggling to get up. Before they could stand, the crazy horse dig its hooves violently under the tree and ran back.

Many people hadn't stood up yet, the woman's screams almost broke through the eardrums, Lin Wei Xi also hurriedly backed away. But somehow, the people behind her seemed very confused, always blocked the path. Lin Wei Xi only took two steps and was blocked again. At this time she was still exposed on the outside, and when the crowd swayed, Gu Cheng Yao was also separated from Lin Wei Xi.

Gu Cheng Yao saw that Lin Wei Xi was still exposed on the outside, his pupils almost stretched to the maximum. At that moment, all his blood was cold, as if returning to that snowy night, when he saw Gao Xi lying in front of him, silent.

Gu Cheng Yao almost couldn't help calling out her name. As soon as the word "xi" was uttered, a feather arrow shot from behind, bringing a fierce wind along the way. The arrow shot into the horse's neck with a piercing sound, right in the middle artery.

The crazy horse hissed, pounced on the ground, stomped a few times and then stopped moving.

Gu Cheng Yao's heart was beating fast, and he was extremely glad that he hasn’t really shout. He slowly turned his head and saw that not far away, Gu Hui Yan was sitting on a horse, the bowstring in his hand was still trembling.

The horse was shot to the ground, Wan Xing and Wan Yue finally could push away the crowd, with their face pale rushed towards Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei, how are you?"

Lin Wei Xi put her hand on her lower abdomen, her eyebrows frowned, waved her hand did not speak. She moved fiercely a moment ago, and didn’t know if it was an illusion, but now she felt a throbbing pain in her stomach.

"Wangfei." Wan Xing and Wan Yue were terrified, they surrounded Lin Wei Xi but couldn't say a second word. They wanted to reach out to support Lin Wei Xi but didn't dare, almost crying out.

Lin Wei Xi tried to raise her head, trying to smile at them, saying that she was all right. But before she could speak, her arm was buckled by a very strong force.

"What's going on?"

Lin Wei Xi originally was fine, but when she heard this voice, tears fell from her eyes: "Wangye, my stomach hurts."

Gu Hui Yan's face was tense, and people could feel his amazing anger three meters away. Gu Hui Yan held Lin Wei Xi's arm, his pair of eyes quickly scanned Lin Wei Xi's body, and hugged her without saying a word.

Gu Mingda and others have quickly caught up to deal with the aftermath. Gu Hui Yan's face was heavy, and said the second sentence after his appearance: "Call the imperial physician."

Imperial physician Zhao checked the pulse for a long time, with the shocking sight of the pressure behind him, he almost felt that he will never find the pulse. When he finally found it, he listened carefully for a while until he felt completely sure, then tremblingly let go his hand and slowly straightened up.

"Yan Wang, Wangfei was too frightened, and this caused her fetus to be a bit unstable. Fortunately, it did not hurt the foundation. This humble one prescribes Wangfei two pieces of medicine to strengthen the foundation and cultivate the constituent, take one each morning and evening, raise it for one month then the fetus will be stable."

In fact it didn’t need a month, but imperial physician Zhao didn't dare to take the risk. If Yan Wangfei still felt uncomfortable when the time comes, he would have to take the consequences.

From Huangjue Temple to Yan Wang Mansion, Gu Hui Yan's face gradually returned to normal during the journey, but this calm anger was far more terrifying than if he show it. Everyone in the room didn't dare to breathe, Gao Ran and Gu Cheng Yao stood guard outside the room. The two stood one at the front one at the back, both lowered their eyes, unknown what they were thinking.

Lin Wei Xi struggled to sit up, but when she tried to move she was stopped: "Don't move, lie down."

Gu Hui Yan sat on the bed side and reached out to support Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi wanted to sit up but to no avail, so she could only lean in Gu Hui Yan's arms. Lin Wei Xi anxiously pulled Gu Hui Yan's sleeve: "Wangye, did Grand Princess Ru Ning and the others follow along?"

This was natural. Yan Wangfei almost had an accident, and felt a stomachache after being frightened by the horse. This matter was not trivial, anyone present did not dare to go home. Now they were all outside waiting for the news.

Gu Hui Yan did not speak. Lin Wei Xi already knew the answer. She leaned on Gu Hui Yan and unrelentingly tugged the hem of his clothes: "I'm fine, how can I keep people dry in the air. You go out for me and say it to Grand Princess Ru Ning, let her not take today’s accident to her heart. When I get better, I will host a banquet and invite the princess."

Gu Hui Yan still didn't say anything. Lin Wei Xi said these words to him so that he would not take his anger on Duke Yingguo Mansion and Grand Princess Ru Ning. Lin Wei Xi looked at Gu Hui Yan anxiously, and saw that he didn’t respond, she gritted her teeth and tried to get up: "If you don't go, then I will go and say it myself.

"Wangfei..." The people watched Lin Wei Xi's movements with horror and held their breaths. Gu Hui Yan held Lin Wei Xi, steadily supported her, and put her back on the bed: "Alright, stop making trouble. I promise you."

Lin Wei Xi was visibly relieved. The horse that ran into her today was Gao Ke’s. She obviously knew that Gao Ke would never let the horse harm her. Clearly, some people thought about killing two birds with one stone. Could cause her to have a miscarriage was the best, but if not, also could let Gao Ke failed to get Shizi’s position.

When Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's relaxed expression he didn’t comment anything, he only said ‘I promise you’, but did not say what he promised her. Although Lin Wei Xi was invited by Princess Ru Ning, it was his fault for not picking her up in time, and it was unreasonable to take his anger on Princess Ru Ning. But Duke Yingguo Mansion couldn’t get away with just a few words.

"Wangye..."

"You can lie down with peace of mind." Gu Hui Yan tucked Lin Wei Xi's quilt. Although his movements were gentle, he invisibly trapped Lin Wei Xi in the quilt, "Rest assured. The outside matters have me."

Lin Wei Xi was indeed tired. She was trapped in the soft quilt, only exposing a pair of eyes: "Wangye, you remember that you promised me."

"I know."

Lin Wei Xi was finally relieved that she couldn't hold her consciousness anymore, and soon passed out. After Lin Wei Xi fell asleep, Gu Hui Yan's expression remained as usual, but his eyes became cold. He stood up, no joy or anger was visible on his face.

The closed door finally opened. Gu Cheng Yao’s lips started to move, but in the end just bowed his head and called respectfully: "Father."

Gu Cheng Yao actually wanted to ask how Lin Wei Xi was. As the son, it was common to be concerned about his mother's health, but for some reason Gu Cheng Yao couldn't ask. Gu Hui Yan didn't want to talk in detail either. He kept walking, and left a sentence as he walked out: "Come out and talk."

Many people had been waiting in the main hall, some sitting some standing, all of them pale. Hearing the sound of footsteps, they all stood up: "Yan Wang."

Gu Hui Yan's expression faintly swept across everyone, and finally stayed on one person: "The horse that get out of control is yours?"

Gao Ke felt the invisible pressure squeezing him from all directions. He smiled bitterly in his heart, even if he had expected it a long time ago, no amount of preparation would help when he really faced the legendary Yan Wang. Gao Ke settled his mind, knowing that today's battle was extremely difficult. His future and life, and even the entire Duke Yingguo Mansion, depended on the word of the man in front of him.

Some people wanted to harm him, especially didn’t want his adoption to go smoothly. This was very obvious.

Gao Ke composed himself, and said a sentence that he had thought countless times on the journey, and had already thought over deeply: "Answering Yan Wang, there is something strange about today's matters, I want to say something to you in private."

Chapter 93 : It’s You

As soon as Gao Ke's words came out, everyone in the courtyard was quiet.

Grand Princess Ru Ning had been sent away by Yan Wang. The people of Duke Yingguo Mansion felt bad when they were left behind. Now to hear Gao Ke's words, they couldn't breathe.

Gao second lady felt that today was simply unlucky, went to the temple to offer incense, but unexpectedly startled by the horse, she couldn’t say how frighten she was. Yan Wangfei even almost hit by the horse. This kind of thing just listening to it made her trembling in fear. Unfortunately the horse that ran into Yan Wangfei was from Duke Yingguo Mansion. Come on, this simply a disaster, who could think properly.

Gao second lady hurriedly followed people to Yan Wang Mansion. The mansion was busy with Wangfei's matters, so no one entertained her, but Gao second lady didn't care. She just kept praying to Buddha in her heart, praying for Yan Wangfei to not have any mishap. If not, they Duke Yingguo Mansion would have to take the consequences.

Gao second lady subconsciously stood up when she saw Yan Wang. She stood aside and wanted to say a few words for herself, but she really didn't dare. Before she thought about what to do, she heard Gao Ke flatly say that he had something to say to Yan Wang in private.

This implied that this was not an accident.

Gao second lady gasped. Frightened already not enough to describe her current mood.

Gao Ran should stay in the house to serve her mother-in-law, but when she saw Gu Hui Yan coming out, her heart moved and secretly followed him out. Now Gao Ran stood outside by the flower shelf at the moon gate in the courtyard. The vines on the flower shelf have long since withered, and the withered branch were entangled with each other, so the person standing behind it was very inconspicuous.

Gao Ran of course didn't intend to end the game, said too much would lead to mistake, not saying anything was good. She came here just to watch the changes, there was no need to expose herself. But when she heard Gao Ke's words, Gao Ran's heart jumped fiercely and couldn't help but look at Gao Ke.

Since Gao Ran heard the adoption news, she looked down on this poor boy from the side branch very much. This was the first time that Gao Ran had seriously looked at Gao Ke. When Gao Ran really looked at him, she realized that Gao Ke seemed to be taller than she had imagined, and his temperament seems clearer.

Gao Ran silently clenched her palms. Gu Cheng Yao also followed, hearing these words, he almost blurted out: "What do you mean by this?"

After speaking, Gu Cheng Yao realized that it was improper. Gu Hui Yan was also here. How could he dare to snatch his father's words? Moreover, Lin Wei Xi was his father's proper wife, and he as the son was very rude to be the first one to ask.

Gu Cheng Yao immediately looked at Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan looked straight ahead, his face was calm and solemn, couldn’t make out his expression, but he did not make any eye contact with Gu Cheng Yao. Gao Ke had expected this scene a long time ago. How could Yan Wang be so easy to deal with? He stepped forward and said respectfully again: "Wangfei accidently injured, and this junior know that this one’s crime was inexcusable, wait for Yan Wang give the punishment. But before that, this junior want Yan Wang to be the judge."

Gao Ke swept his eyes around, still standing steadily without moving. Gao Ke's meaning was very obvious. Gu Hui Yan's eyes were deep, and he looked at him for a long time before he stood up and said, "You follow me."

Although Gao Ke looked calm, he let out a sigh of relief. The rest of the people watched as Gu Hui Yan took Gao Ke away. Until the two of people’s back could not be seen anymore, the rest of them stared with big eyes, all were astonish and also hesitant.

Gao Ke went to the study alone, what did he want to say to Yan Wang?

Gao Ke came back unexpectedly fast, and Gao second lady rushed over to see him: "What did you say to Yan Wang?"

"Nothing, only some discoveries on the journey."

It turned out to vindicated himself, and Gao second lady’s tightly stretched heart that still not loosen, at once became stretched again: "What did Yan Wang say?"

"Do one’ best, and leave the rest to Heaven’s will. I have done what I can do. Believe it or not is Yan Wang's business, I’m also powerless."

Gao second lady was really anxious that she jumped to her feet: "How could this happen? The horses that our mansion left for the young masters have always been docile, how can they suddenly be frightened? I think this matter has a mastermind, who has such a dark heart, even doing this killing with a thousand knives thing."

Gao Ke didn't say anything when he heard Gao second lady’s suspicion, but he turned his head and silently looked at the withered vine and wooden frame hidden by the courtyard wall. Gao Ke looked indifferent and casually said a sentence, not knowing who he said it to: "Who knows? But with Yan Wang, any filth cannot be hidden."

Duke Yingguo old madam was also restless after receiving the news. The horses from their home ran into Yan Wangfei. She heard that Wangfei's stomach hurt. Good gracious, just thinking about it Duke Yingguo old madam could feel cold sweats on her forehead.

If there was something wrong with Yan Wangfei's pregnancy, based on the degree to which Yan Wang regards Lin Wei Xi and this child... Duke Yingguo old madam didn’t even dare thinking about it. It had been an eventful period for Duke Yingguo Mansion, when it involved the court’s party disputes there was still a chance to breathe, but if they offend Yan Wang, then they don’t need to live.

So when Gao Ke and Gao second lady and others return to the mansion, the old madam called Gao Ke immediately: "Yan Wang called you alone, what did you say to him?"

Now there were no outsiders, in front Guo Mansion’s family Gao Ke sighed, and finally able to express his suspicion: "Old madam, I suspect that someone has conspired against Guo Mansion."

To be precise, it was a plot against him. The person had no intention to drag the entire Gao family to the ground. But this was not important. Gao Ke changed the words a little bit and replaced the target with the entire Duke Yingguo Mansion.

Gao Ke has not formally adopted yet, and has not changed his address to grandmother yet, but Duke Yingguo old madam did not notice this at all. All her mind was on the shocking news that Gao Ke revealed: "Is someone really try to harm us?"

"Yes, and I suspect that the trick is on the incense sachet." Gao Ke said, "My incense sachet must have been filled with something by some people. The horse will go crazy when smelling this." And it was very likely that the other person also wearing a special incense, the crazy horse rushed in one direction under the guidance of that smell.

Gao Ke didn't say the last sentence. The reason was simple. The horse went straight to Yan Wangfei, and who would be able to follow Yan Wangfei all the time?

Gao Ke sneered in his heart. It was a tactic of killing two birds with one stone. In order to get rid of him, that person also took great pains and were willing to take such a big risk and personally worked as the bait.

Duke Yingguo old madam was taken aback for a moment, and her expressions gradually became cold: "That is to say, there is a rat in our house?"

Being able to access Gao Ke's belongings and found the opportunity to put the stuff in, obviously this was a person from Duke Yingguo Mansion, and looking at this, his status was not low. Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly felt a fire rushed to the top of her head, she didn't know what to think, and her face was very cold. She smashed her cane heavily, her eyes were frosty, her tone was fierce, and she immediately showed the style of Duke Yingguo’ madam, who had been through ups and downs for fifty years: "Where is that sachet?"

"Already given to Yan Wang." Gao Ke paused then added, "But the geese will leave a mark, no matter how secretly it was done, they will leave traces. If old madam look for it from inside the mansion, should be able to find some clues."

Duke Yingguo old madam smiled coldly and said: "If I find this person, whatever their status or face, dare to use the entire Duke Yingguo Mansion as a raft, I will not spare them."

Gao Ke's eyebrows moved, the corners of his mouth twitched extremely lightly, bowed his head and kept silent.

A few days later, in the name of visiting Lin Wei Xi, Duke Yingguo old madam came to Yan Wang Mansion to plead for the junior herself. The old madam thought, women should be easier to talk to, also Lin Wei Xi was pregnant, and her heart should be softer. It was much easier to find Lin Wei Xi to plead than to find Yan Wang.

It was a pity that the old madam could not see Lin Wei Xi. Gu Hui Yan asked people to stop Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people and said: "She has been raising her fetus these few days. She cannot be disturbed and will not see outsiders."

The stone in Duke Yingguo old madam’s heart get heavier. She heard that the female officials that Empress Dowager Qian ordered to visit were also stopped by Yan Wang. Their family was no more than a dukedom, how could they expected to be the exception? Duke Yingguo old madam was deeply distressed. She put up a smile and asked in a good voice, "This old body was negligent to disturb Wangfei, wonder if Wangfei is getting better these past few days? This old body has brought some secret prescriptions for fetal care. This old body heard it from someone who has search for it all over the world for many years, and bring it to Wangfei to seek peace of mind."

An old family like this always had such a treasure. After all, Duke Yingguo old madam had lived for so many years, and the secret recipes accumulated over the years couldn’t be underestimated. Gu Hui Yan did not refuse, his eyes lightly clicked on the cloth presented by the old madam, and the attendant on the side lowered his head to take the cloth. Gu Hui Yan took the cloth and unfolded it to look at it, and then slowly rolled it up, his voice was not hurried: "People come, call Shizi and Shizi Consort here."

Duke Yingguo old madam failed to understand. For some reason there was an ominous premonition in her heart: "Yan Wang, you this..."

"The old madam paid a special visit. This intention I receive it on behalf of Wangfei, but the old madam doesn't have to rush to see Wangfei. If you want to say something, it’s enough to tell me." Gu Hui Yan even smiled slightly when he said this, "It’s just, I also want to ask the old madam about something face to face."

Duke Yingguo old madam’s heart jumped, she had a premonition that something seemed to be beyond her control, and once it gets started there’s no stopping it.

Gu Cheng Yao and Gao Ran rushed over quickly. Gu Cheng Yao's eyes swept across the hall. His eyes flitted across Gao Ke, Duke Yingguo old madam and others, but it didn't stop there. His eyes immediately looked to Gu Hui Yan and saluted: "Father."

Gao Ran also followed to salute. The corner of her eyes swept to Yan Wang’s people that closed the door to the house, the inside of the hall inevitably became dimmer. Gao Ran's heart jumped, and her limbs suddenly felt heavier than ever.

What does Yan Wang mean?

"A few days ago, Gao Ke handed me a sachet, suspecting that there is a problem with the spices in it. The past few days I asked people to ask at Longxi Racecourse, and indeed inside it was added a unique fodder."

Duke Yingguo old madam’s heart thumped, her throat became dry, and she could hardly speak: "Dare to ask Yan Wang, what is the result?"

"This kind of fodder is unique to Langxi. It looks very similar to ordinary forage, so it’s easy to mistakenly eaten by horses. Later people will give horses this kind of hay before the horse race in order to stimulate the mount, so that the horse will be more powerful in the short term. The sachet that Gao Ke gave me was stuffed with this kind of hay."

Gu Hui Yan's voice was faint, but the old madam was almost scared to death when she listened. Gao Ke was assassinated by someone, there was no doubt, but would Yan Wang believe it? What if Yan Wang thought that Gao Ke or Duke Yingguo Mansion deliberately added this to the sachet?

Duke Yingguo old madam was very agitate that she stood up directly to her cane: "Yan Wang, Gao Ke has just been admitted to Juren, at such a young age he has a good future. Yan Wangfei has the kindness of recognizing his worth and he has no reason to harm Wangfei. It must be someone who want to frame him, deliberately adding stuff to Gao Ke's sachet on the day Wangfei went out to worship the Buddha."

Gao Ke glanced backwards, and said coldly, "If the horse is only agitated, it may not run in the direction of the womenfolk. Yan Wangfei was frightened, in fact, because someone used another spice, and the horse followed this scent to go over, then will injure the people at Yan Wangfei’s side."

The old madam turned her head in surprise: "Gao Ke, what are you talking about?"

Obviously the old madam also connected the dot. Who could stand upright behind Lin Wei Xi and always lead the direction of the scent, besides daughter-in-law Gao Ran, who was the better candidate?

However, Gao Ke never said these words in their house. The old madam felt cold in her heart. She only thought that someone wanted to harm Gao Ke, and Gao Ke handed over all the evidence to Yan Wang for investigation. Only then she felt relieve to let Yan Wang collect the evidence, and brought the juniors personally to visit. But she didn't know about this leading scent thing. If the old madam knew, how could she let Yan Wang continue to investigate?

Gao Ke nodded to the old madam. Although he lowered his eyes, his voice did not have much apology: "These things presumably Yan Wang already found out. This junior admire Yan Wang and trust Yan Wang's decision, so no matter what Yan Wang does, this juniors will bear the order."

Gao Ke didn't say these words in their mansion, of course to guard against Duke Yingguo old madam. When the family and heir have different perspectives, Duke Yingguo’s husband and wife would want to preserve the whole family, especially if it the third miss Gao Ran who married into Yan Wang Mansion, and might gave birth to Yan Wang Mansion’ di grandson. If they learn about this, it was hard to guarantee that they will not try to hide it for the sake of Gao Ran. But what Gao Ke must do was to never suffer.

Duke Yingguo old madam did not expect Gao Ke to give her such a hand. Over here the Duke Yingguo Mansion’s people was not peaceful, and on the other side of the hall, Gu Cheng Yao turned his head extremely slowly, looking at Gao Ran in disbelief: "It's you?"

Chapter 94 : Sentencing

Gao Ran's face was completely pale.

She didn't expect Gao Ke to guess that there was a problem with the scent, and she didn't expect that Yan Wang knew about this fodder. This was what she found out when she especially crammed the horse racing knowledge in order to integrate into the circle in her previous life. Before the start of the horse racing, the racer deliberately fed them some special fodder in order to stimulate the horses, and by coincidence, she knew that horses in a manic state were particularly sensitive to certain scent. Gao Ran combined the two to design this accident. She asked Han shi to secretly mix the fodder into Gao Ke's sachet, and then she herself wore the guiding spice and led the horse towards her. As a daughter-in-law, of course she had to be with her mother-in-law at all times. Lin Wei Xi was right in front of her.

When Gao Ran learned that Lin Wei Xi want to go out, she sent a message to her family and asked Duke Yingguo Mansion to go worship Buddha together. And when she was at Huangjue Temple, Gao Ran deliberately ran to talk to the Gao family. She did this to control the two groups of people to leave at the same time, so that they could meet at the entrance of the Buddhist temple. In this way, Gao Ke’s horse would "accidently" run to Lin Wei Xi.

It would be great if Lin Wei Xi could have a miscarriage because of this. Gao Ran deliberately blocked Lin Wei Xi's way that day, but she didn't expect Gu Cheng Yao to rescue Lin Wei Xi, and she didn't expect that Yan Wang would suddenly appear and shot the crazy horse to death in front of everybody. Gao Ran felt it was a pity, but for the time being she left Lin Wei Xi alone, it was more important to solve her brother's crisis first.

With this matter Gao Ke would inevitably angered Yan Wang. It wouldn’t be easy to save his life, let alone his future? For the sake of safety, Duke Yingguo Mansion would not dare to let Gao Ke become the Shizi.

Gao Ran felt that her strategy was seamless. Afterwards, she burned the sachet on her body, and then let people secretly replaced Gao Ke's sachet, everything should left no trace. However, Gao Ran didn't expect Gao Ke would guess right away that there was a problem with the sachet. He handed the sachet to Yan Wang in private, Gao Ran who waited outside knew nothing. Gao Ran didn't even think that Yan Wang also knew that there was a unique fodder that could make horses go crazy, and horses that go crazy may be sensitive to certain scent.

Gu Cheng Yao stared at Gao Ran with a good look. Although she didn’t say anything, Gu Cheng Yao understood Gao Ran's face. For a while Gu Cheng Yao couldn't understand the feeling in his heart, maybe he was too shocked, he could only feel a slight confusion.

Gu Cheng Yao still couldn't believe that his wife, his second wife that he had to marry regardless his reputation, would do such a thing. Just because she was afraid that the stepmother would give birth to a son, she would use all means to cause her mother-in-law to have a miscarriage.

She didn't even know the sex of the fetus in Lin Wei Xi's belly, just an illusory hint, how could Gao Ran did such a thing?

Gu Cheng Yao's eyes were fixed on Gao Ran, his eyes darkened, seemed unbelievable, but also hiddenly angry: "Why do you do this kind of thing? I clearly warned you before."

"I..." Gao Ran's lips moved, her heart was too confuse, her survival instinct told her to argue, but her brain was in such a mess that she couldn't get her head around it!

She could not be charged with this crime, whether it was to harm Lin Wei Xi or designing Gao Ke, once the name was confirmed, she would offend both Yan Wang Mansion and Duke Yingguo Mansion. Convicted by her maiden’s family and her husband’s family, how could a woman survive?

"I don't, I don't know anything, what spices and fodder? I don't know what you are talking about." Gao Ran said incoherently, she also aware that such a defense had no strength. Her brains turned so fast, what she need to say, what she need say to wash her crime?

Gao Ran's eyes gradually filled with mist, and sobbingly looked at Gu Cheng Yao: "Shizi, it's not me, you have to believe me."

Gao Ran could also be regarded as a noble beauty in the capital. Usually she moved gently and softly, and now she looked at people with the mist in her eyes, became more and more pitiful and weak. But the person she was looking at was not moved. Gu Cheng Yao's face was cold. He stared at Gao Ran for a long time, suddenly stepped back, pressed his lips and turned his face away, and refused to look at Gao Ran again.

Gao Ran felt cold, suddenly lost the strength in her legs, and fell to the ground.

Duke Yingguo old madam had already stood up in shock, her eyes widened, she looked at Gu Cheng Yao in amazement, then turned woodenly to Gao Ran, who was sitting on the ground, and had long lost the ability to react.

"Third girl, you..." Duke Yingguo old madam’s mouth was half-opened, her lips moved for a long time before she said a complete sentence, "Is this really what you did?"

Gao Ke stood by the side, and answered indifferently: "The old madam can disbelieve others, but can still not believe in Yan Wang? The magnificent Yan Wang, is it possible to accuse wrongly an inner house woman?"

Gu Hui Yan sat at the center of red sandalwood chairs in the hall, high above, without saying a word, watching the scene coldly. Perhaps he heard Gao Ke's words, Gu Hui Yan tapped his fingers of the wooden handle, and the attendant who stood by the side understood, and in a flash brought two sachets.

Duke Yingguo old madam recognized that one of them was Gao Ke’s, and the other was a soft silk brocade with a strangely proportioned but inexplicably cute cat embroidery with multicolored threads. The corners of the sachet had been scorched, and the other half of the cat’s face couldn’t be seen clearly, and could only guess its original appearance from the remaining parts.

Of course, the old madam knew such a unique embroidery style. Gao Ran had always has some whimsical ideas since she was six years old. These pattern that had big head and small body, which she called cartoon, were very popular with children in the family. Gao Ran also sent many similar embroidery to the old madam, some of which were still displayed in her main hall.

Duke Yingguo old madam could no longer deceive herself. She looked at Gao Ran and pointed her cane at her in disbelief: "It's really you! Are you crazy? For your own self-interest, you don't hesitate to frame Guo Mansion’s chosen successor. How many times have I told you before, no matter if it di or shu, as long as it is our own child, Guo Mansion will not slight them. As long as he is adopted, Gao Ke is your brother from the same clan, even if Gao Chen is not the Shizi, but he is also my grandson, the young master of our Duke Yingguo Mansion! Why are you so obsessed!"

As Duke Yingguo old madam said this her blood was rushing forth. She always felt that this granddaughter was soft on the outside and ruthless on the inside, both had its own benefits, the kind of material that could overcome major event. But the old madam didn't expect that when Gao Ran calculated for her own interests, she could even start with her maiden relatives. That's the Guo Mansion where she was born and raised! The Guo Mansion where she grew up with the most exquisite meals and the most gorgeous jewelry, and raised her all the way with pile of gold and jade. Without Guo Mansion, did Gao Ran really think that she could marry into Yan Wang Mansion? But in the end, how did Gao Ran repay her family?

It was true that the one she calculated was Gao Ke, but Gao Ke was the heir that Duke Yingguo Mansion had carefully selected and placed unlimited expectations to. If it like this where did she put Duke Yingguo Mansion? Moreover, Gao Ke's horse ran into Yan Wangfei, if Wangfei had a miscarriage, how could Duke Yingguo Mansion left unscathed!

Just to make her own younger brother the Shizi, Gao Ran actually made such a move of ignoring the overall situation and disregarding the family, Duke Yingguo old madam couldn’t tell how disappointed and angry she was. The old madam's chest moved up and down, and at this time, Gao Ran was still crying, still pitifully saying that it was not her.

Over the years, didn’t know how many times the old madam had seen Gao Ran like this. Often this was because Gao Ran was wronged and refused to say it, so she sobbed so softly but she couldn't hide it. In the past, Duke Yingguo old madam felt her heart break when she saw her crying like this. As a result the old madam did not know how many times she had stood up for her. But now, in front of so many people, Gao Ran could still make this kind of attitude like she suffered the biggest grievance!

How could this not make Duke Yingguo old madam angry. She could no longer restrain herself, and even didn’t even care that she was in Yan Wang Mansion. The deity Yan Wang was still sitting at the top. The old madam raised her heavy cane and resolutely slammed it on Gao Ran’s back three times.

"You're such ingrate! I always feel that although you are a shu daughter, but the character are righteous, didn't expect you to be as lowly as that your slut birth mother, only learn some tricks to seduce people. Where is Duke Yingguo Mansion ever let you down? You actually want to plot your grandmother and brother like this?"

Gao Ke had been standing on the side indifferently, until the old madam hit Gao Ran three times on the back. He glanced at Yan Wang at the top, and then stepped forward to hold Duke Yingguo old madam: "Grandma, please quell your anger, don’t let anger break your body. Yan Wang is still here."

The first sentence was persuasion, the latter was a warning. The old madam also knew that it was very bad for her to do this, she simply lost the dignity of century-old distinguish family Guo Mansion. She retracted her cane, gasping for air, and leaned almost her whole body weight on the cane: "Sinful, truly sinful! I've been totally devoted all these years, I really pity you so always good to you, even more so than towards Sister Xi. At that time you secretly went to talk to Shizi while Sister Xi went back to her maiden house. Did I say anything to you? Later, Shizi proposed to marry you regardless Sister Xi’s mourning period. Did I complain on Sister Xi’s place? Hate myself for having blurry eyes, considerate for many years, unexpectedly raised a poisonous snake."

Duke Yingguo old madam’s tears was unstoppable, leaning on the ebony cane, looking up and shouted mournfully: "Sister Xi, it's grandmother that let you down..."

Hearing this name, the few people left in the room were silent.

Gu Cheng Yao's face was pale, he was angry at Gao Ran’s method, even if his father didn't punish, he would not keep Gao Ran as his wife. But abruptly hearing this long-lost name, Sister Xi, he suddenly fell silent, his eyes were uncontrollably sorrowful.

Gu Hui Yan was very calm after he asked people to come in. He lead the conversation, but always disassociating himself from the outside, not participating in their quarrels. Until he heard the old madam cry out for Sister Xi, Gu Hui Yan tapped his finger on the armchair, and suddenly couldn't calm down: "Don't call this name."

The old madam was taken aback hearing Gu Hui Yan's words, and she stared blankly without responding for a while: "What?"

"Call her Gao Xi. Don't call this name in the future."

Duke Yingguo old madam was simply baffled. Sister Xi was Gao Xi’s pet name. The Gao family had called it this way for so many years. Yan Wang could control heaven and earth, even could change other people’s pet name?

But then the old madam remembered with hindsight, Yan Wangfei’s name was Lin Wei Xi, she was also called "Sister Xi".

The old madam felt an unspeakable embarrassment, and besides that, there was also a strange feeling that lingered.

Gu Cheng Yao also quickly figured it out. With Duke Yingguo old madam called "Sister Xi", it’s as if talking about some taboo topic, the main hall inevitably fell silent. In the middle hall with the plaque hanging high and the pillar deep red, only Gao Ran’s soft sobbing could be heard.

Gu Hui Yan just sat for a moment, and quickly stood up, breaking the silence of the room, and drawing an end to all this: "Shizi Consort is a daughter-in-law but intend to murder the mother. I don't need such a woman in Yan Wang Mansion. But marriage is to bind two surnames together. Since Guo Mansion’s madam is here, then I will ask this. The third miss of Guo Mansion, does the Guo Mansion’ madam want to take her back for resettlement or let her remain in Yan Wang Mansion?"

Duke Yingguo old madam fell silent like she couldn’t speak. She had seen so many shameful secret’ events, and of course she understood what it means. Bringing back to Duke Yingguo Mansion referred to divorce. Remaining in Yan Wang Mansion was probably ancient Buddha with Blue Lantern, or even "died of illness".

Although no one in the room had spoken yet, the silence was like a tiger with its sharp teeth and claws, gradually grabbed everyone's mind. Gao Ran knelt on the ground and crying out of her mind, but at this moment, she couldn't help but held her breath.

Although divorcing a wife was shameful, but the woman could still survive the rest of her life, but if she remained in her husband's house? Keeping a life was the best plan, but it was so, just the remaining years could only accompanied by loneliness and suffering, this was not necessarily better than death.

Duke Yingguo old madam was silent for a moment, and slowly said: "Getting married means follow the husband, the third girl now takes the surname Gu, and the Gao family has no right for resettlement."

When the old madam's words came out, half of the people were startled, but Gu Hui Yan just nodded calmly and said one word: "Alright."

Gao Ran suddenly exploded with great strength, rushed to Duke Yingguo old madam’s feet, and dragged the corners of the old madam's skirt: "Grandmother! Grandmother, you can't leave me alone. Don't you love me the most? You love Ran’er first right..."

But Duke Yingguo old madam only took two steps back like avoiding a plague, stay out of Gao Ran's touch, and the maids and servants she had brought rushed forward, blocking Gao Ran from the old madam.

"This is the matter of Yan Wang Mansion. This old body can't control it. It's up to Yan Wang and Shizi to decide."

Gao Ran’s heart couldn't help sinking, and her whole body was like falling into a cold cave. When Gao Xi died, Gu Cheng Yao was going to remarry in less than three months. Duke Yingguo Mansion agreed without saying a word. At that time, Gao Ran was secretly delighted and laughed that Gao Xi was unpopular, even her maiden’s family not willing to support her.

But now Gao Ran realize that actually the heartless and ruthless attitude, they treat everyone equally. That day Duke Yingguo Mansion was able to abandon Gao Xi for benefits, and today they treated Gao Ran with the same attitude.

Gao Ran couldn't kneel anymore, the whole person laid down on the ground like losing strength. There were footsteps coming and going in her ears, and afterwards there were fewer and fewer, clearly everyone has gone out, the only remains was her.

"Shizi Consort has lost her virtue. From now on, move to the Buddhist hall and copy the scriptures to pray for Wangfei.

Chapter 95 : Thunder

The conversation that day did not leak out, but Gu Hui Yan personally ordered Gao Ran to move to the Buddhist hall to pray for Lin Wei Xi.

This kind of inner residence’s matters, which one was not wearing a high-sounding name. Gao Ran was said to be praying, but everyone knew that this praying would be endless. Gao Ran had no children and would never come out in the latter half of her life.

It’s called to reflect on one’s errors, but actually imprisonment.

Duke Yingguo old madam fell ill when she returned home that day. This disease came fiercely, in Duke Yingguo Mansion the decoctions were continuously be made. The whole mansion seemed to be soaked in the bitterness of the medicine, impossible to get rid of.

Han shi had tried to let people make inquiries. When she finally found out that Gao Ran had fallen, her face became pale immediately, the cup in her hand fell to the ground with a crash and broke into two.

Gao Ran was obviously the Shizi Consort, how could she be imprisoned in the Buddhist hall? That kind of place was damp and cold, throughout the year unlikely to meet outsiders, and one could imagine the food would also not be too good. Gao Ran had been noble and dignified all her life, how could she stand this kind of punishment?

Han shi seemed to have lost her soul, burst into tears while rushing into the old madam’s recuperation courtyard, even didn’t care about her disheveled hair: "Old ancestor, you have to save the third miss! She is a young lady from Guo Mansion, with honorable identity, how can she spend the rest of her life in the Buddhist hall?"

Right now Duke Yingguo old madam shouldn’t be disturbed. The personal maid beside the old madam was annoyed when she heard someone shouting loudly. She threw the curtain with unkind expression, her eyes were sharp like knives: "The old ancestor is recuperating inside. Which mouth with tongue not pull out cleanly dares to make a big fuss here?"

Han shi rushed through the gate, but was dragged out by someone before reaching the door frame. Han shi waved her withered hands around, with her scattered hair, and she looked like a madwoman: "I want to see the old ancestor, you let me go to see the old ancestor. She can't leave the third miss alone. If she do this, is she not afraid of retribution in the future?"

The head maid originally just hated Han shi's noisiness. Now that she heard those words, she immediately straightened her eyebrows and stared like a King Kong: "Are you insane? What kind of identity are you, how dare you curse the old ancestors. What are you all still doing? Lack hands or feet huh! Still not pull her away!"

Han shi still screamed and made noises. The head maid heard a dull, weak sentence from inside: "Let her come in."

"Old ancestor..."

"Let her in, I have something to ask her."

Han shi finally stopped, she roughly wiped her face with the back of her hand, smooth out her hair quickly, and walked into the inner room with quite steps.

There were three charcoal basins in the room, coupled with medicine smells that was not dissipate all day long, when the curtain was opened, a wave of heat assaulted the face, that smell definitely was not a good smell. Han shi resisted the urge to cough, and submissively knelt down to Duke Yingguo old madam: "Old ancestor."

She took the beauty hammer from the maid's hand as usual, but was stopped by the old madam. Duke Yingguo old madam wore a forehead guard on her head and her face was sallow. The whole ill person was leaning on the Babu bed crookedly. It could only described as unsightly. Illness would not discriminated anyone. Now Duke Yingguo old madam was like this, nowhere near the picture of noble madam.

Han shi only took one glance and didn't dare to look again. For some reason, she always felt that the old madam's eyes were strange and made people flustered.

"Han shi, let me ask you, where did my son go after he came out from your place the day he met the accident?"

Han shi was alarmed, and quietly looked up: "It's been a long time, why do you think of this?"

"I’m asking you!"

Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly yelled, and Han shi was frightened by such a dry and angry voice. She bowed her head tightly, her voice as thin as a mosquito: "This concubine doesn't know. When Shizi went out he was well, this concubine also doesn't know where he went."

The old madam leaned against the bed, staring at Han shi with her muddy eyes. After a while, she somehow laughed and said loudly, "Good, good, good!"

The old madam even said ‘good’ three times, no one expected that she would suddenly get excited. She stretched her hands from the Babu bed and grab Han shi's hair, slammed her on the bed fiercely: "You don't know, you still say you don't know? My son went to see you that day, obviously because of Yun yiniang! You used yin yang pot to poison Yun yiniang, and now you still want to deceive me. My son was killed by you!"

The head maid came in from outside and was shocked to see this scene. She threw away the medicine bowl with a bang, and hurriedly threw herself on Duke Yingguo old madam: "Old ancestor!"

With great difficulty people lifted up Duke Yingguo old madam, but even though she was held by the maids and grannies, she still stared at Han shi firmly, her eyes looks like she want to devour her bones and drink her blood: "You clearly know my son had an accident, but didn’t say anything, letting him died slowly! How could you, how could you! I want to kill you, I want to sell you to a filthy brothel, and slowly slice you to death!"

"Old ancestor!"

The young voices of the maids in the room went up and down, finally there was a long scream, and the sound of footsteps became more flustered. The maids pushed each other to run out, even bumped into each other: "The old ancestor fell ill, go and call the doctor!"

Duke Yingguo old madam laid on her back in the thick, damp bedding, felt the maids stuffing ginseng slices into her mouth. She thought that it was not easy to give birth to her son, so she had spoiled him for many years, and always gave whatever he wanted. Later, Wei shi had a strong temper and refused to act humble. She also always suppressed Wei shi and protected her son.

But the son she treasured for a lifetime, in such a desperate and painful way, alone at desolate mountain stream, he lost blood and died.

Duke Yingguo old madam suddenly looked back to a certain time, to a sunny day when young girls that were still green leisurely walked towards her. The leading girl lowered her head and walked through the curtain, her features were bright and beautiful, but her expression was cold. She squatted halfway, her voice neither too fast nor too slow: "Grandmother, Sister Xi pay respect to you."

It took several days for Lin Wei Xi to finally hear the news about Gao Ran.

"Shizi Consort went to the Buddhist hall?"

The maid buried her head deeply, her voice was soft: "Yes."

Lin Wei Xi was stunned, after a long time could only ask incredulously, "When this happened?"

"A few days ago. Duke Yingguo old madam brought the juniors to visit you, but was stopped by Wangye. After that day, Shizi Consort went to the Buddhist hall."

Lin Wei Xi only knew that Duke Yingguo old madam had come, so it seemed the old madam and Gu Hui Yan had said something that caused this. Lin Wei Xi quickly thought about the matter of startled horse a few days ago.

Sure enough, Gao Ran had been found out.

Lin Wei Xi couldn't pity Gao Ran, she only felt slightly unhappy. She didn't even know such a big thing happened. Moreover, if it hadn't been for Gu Hui Yan's instructions, afraid even today this matter would not have been revealed to her.

"Did Wangye say when Shizi Consort will come out?"

"No."

Lin Wei Xi lightly smiled, she felt unspeakable emotion. When she was ill in her previous life, the little maids in front of the bed also complained about Duke Yingguo old madam’s callous heart. The girl who had been raised for seventeen years actually said was not her concerns. For the sake of Yan Wang Mansion’ power, the old madam's attitude was cruel and made people look down upon. At that time Lin Wei Xi only felt that it doesn’t matter, she had long understood what kind of person her grandmother was. Moreover, when she was still not married, she was not the old madam’s favorite.

Lin Wei Xi thought to herself, Goa Ran who always had the most face, always got the old madam’s favor, when she fell into the same situation, she also couldn't escape. Shouldn’t depend on fickle man, and the elders who were cruel to their other children would probably do the same to you. It's a pity, Gao Ran understands this truth too late.

After Lin Wei Xi heard this, she didn't bother to care about it anymore. She put more thoughts on Gu Hui Yan.

"Where is Wangye?"

The maid obviously hesitated, and said: "Wangye has court’s matters today, and still not free yet."

But such words were useless to Lin Wei Xi. She lifted her eyelids lightly, and said indifferently, "Wangye actually so busy. If he is not free, then don't come."

The maid smiled, dare not say a word. After a while, Gu Hui Yan returned.

On the outside there were unceasing greetings. Lin Wei Xi's ears moved, but she still sat steadily. When Gu Hui Yan walked in, he saw Lin Wei Xi sitting in front of the window, looking intently at the things in her hands. Gu Hui Yan glanced down. It was a finely cut red fabric, which should be used to make small clothes for children.

Gu Hui Yan's heart suddenly softened, as if those ambiguous guesses and those lingering dark clouds were not important anymore. Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi for a long time, walked over slowly, and took the fabric in her hand.

He flipped it around and couldn't help being surprised: "So small? Is it enough to wear?"

"It’s enough, how big does Wangye think the newborn child is?" Lin Wei Xi glanced at him, took Gu Hui Yan's hand, and gestured to the palm of his hand, "He probably as big as Wangye’s palm."

"Really?"

Lin Wei Xi, who was questioned, was very unhappy. She glanced up and refused to answer. Gu Hui Yan also felt a little embarrassed. He coughed and said, "I haven't seen a newborn baby. I was in Dingxiang when Gu Cheng Yao was born. When I came back, he can already crawl."

Speaking of Gu Cheng Yao, the atmosphere between the two of them could not help but stagnate. Lin Wei Xi continued to take care the fabric in her hands, appeared to casually ask: "Shizi Consort is in the Buddhist hall, Shizi didn't say anything?"

Gu Hui Yan's smile slowly cooled a little. He looked at Lin Wei Xi, smiled, and slowly asked, "What do you think he will do?"

It's hard to say, Lin Wei Xi smiled, and pretended to cheerfully skip the topic: "Shizi’s matter, how do I know? These few days Wangye always leaves early and returns late. I can hardly see your face. What happened outside, to actually bother people like this?

"It's just court’s matters." Gu Hui Yan just mentioned lightly without saying much. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but have a little doubt, she also vaguely heard that the Emperor and First Assistant Zhang were not at peace these days. But as long as Gu Hui Yan want it, how even people’s shadow couldn’t be seen all day. Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but wonder whether Gu Hui Yan had deliberately avoided her.

Lin Wei Xi was accustomed to being followed, let her took the initiative to ask ‘Why didn't you come to see me, do you have someone else?’ she absolutely couldn't say it. She could only say in the form of tantrums, half acting coquettishly and half yieldingly: "Wangye is busy with court’s affairs, but you should also pay attention to your body. If you don't come again, when this baby is born, probably won't be able recognize you."

Gu Hui Yan smiled and stroked Lin Wei Xi's hair, but uncharacteristically did not say anything. If it was usual, he would definitely say something to make Lin Wei Xi feel at ease.

Now even if Lin Wei Xi didn't want to open her eyes, she had to admit that there seemed to be a problem between Gu Hui Yan and her. She always felt that Gu Hui Yan took the initiative to avoid her.

Why this happened? After Gu Hui Yan left, Lin Wei Xi sat on the soft chair and stared at the cloisonne vase on the small table for a long time, before slowly thinking that Gu Hui Yan's abnormal behavior seemed to have started after the startled horse’s accident that day.

When Gu Hui Yan returned to the study, he did not rush to take a seat to deal with government affairs. Instead, he walked to the window and under the cold wind of early winter looked at the locust tree outside the study for a long time.

Under the cold wind, Gu Hui Yan hasn't moved for a long time. In the past his thought rarely got confused. He liked such state very much, so some matters it was not necessary to explore too deeply. Perhaps he also faintly sensed that once some things were found out, there was no way to continue.

But now, the truth, this seemingly insignificant thorn, had gradually become indispensable, making him unable to even pretend that it was invisible.

The wind passed by, blowing the dead branches rustling, and fine snow particles gradually fell from the sky.

Snowing. It's another year when it snows.

Gu Hui Yan's voice was hidden by the sound of the wind, almost going with the wind, but the strength in it was so clear: "Gu Mingda, you personally investigate one thing."

Chapter 96 : The Wind Blows

From the end of the sixth year of Yuanjia, the political turmoil that later generations called the Wenzhong Change had already revealed signs.

Countless people wrung their wrists when reading through this history. Zhang Xiao Lian had been in the cabinet for half his life, in those ten years he had been the First Assistant. How many people praised him was how many people slandered him. The later generation also half criticized half praised this powerful First Assistant. However, no matter how later generations evaluated, at this time, Zhang Xiao Lian still did what he thought was right with a clear conscience.

For example, choosing the Empress candidate for the Emperor.

After the New Year, the Emperor would be sixteen years old, not to mention imperial family, even the children from ordinary officials should consider starting a family at this age. As the head of a country, the Emperor naturally had many ministers worrying about his marriage.

The ministers carefully selected from the official households of the fifth grade in the capital, the third grade and above in other provinces, and carefully drafted a list of young lady with innocent backgrounds, good morals, and ages between thirteen and sixteen. The Empress Dowager Qian and the cabinet soon got a copy. As soon as the Empress Dowager held the list, she immediately circled the Qian family's young lady.

The Empress Dowager Qian’s thoughts were well understood. Three thousand were pampering one person, not hoping to give birth to children only long to become the woman. She herself could stand up because of her family, of course, she understood that the Emperor’s family womenfolk have so many benefits. Now because of her the Qian family had become one of the most honorable family in the capital. It didn’t make sense for them to have so much influence but didn’t send their daughter to the palace.

The Empress Dowager wanted to let the Qian family continued to be the empress, but how could First Assistant Zhang agree.

First Assistant Zhang had made plans for the Emperor for the next ten years. This year the Emperor would choose a candidate who has both ability and political integrity, has warm and virtuous personality to become the empress. According to the legacy of the founding emperor, the concubines of the harem shall not be selected from the houses of important officials, and to select the best from ordinary families, this was to prevent the monopoly of the maternal relatives. Although the legacy of the founding emperor was not very realistic, but the main idea was not wrong. That was, the Empress’s family should not be too prominent, so as not to threaten the Emperor’s power in the future.

And since she was the empress, her appearance must be dignified and generous, too seductive or too outstanding was not acceptable. The sage of the ancient times valued morality and literary talent, because those who were famous for their beauty all without exception became the calamity for the country.

In this way, one could imagine what kind of women First Assistant Zhang singled out.

When the list that had been instructed by the First Assistant passed on to the Emperor, the Emperor only looked at the first few names and his face turned dark.

The Empress Dowager also eagerly lobbied the Emperor and highly recommended her perfect nieces. However, the Emperor had the heart to set up a little palace maid by his side. The little palace maid had accompanied the Emperor for five years. The two thoughts were very much in line. Whether commenting on the ancient history or poetry, the Emperor and this palace maid had endless topics to talk about, endless jokes to tell. The Emperor ascended the throne at the age of eight. Before ascending to the throne, because Bu Guifei was especially pampered in the harem, he did not receive any attention from his father emperor, let alone favor. After he ascended the throne, although he lived in luxury, but outside there was teacher First Assistant Zhang and inside there was adoptive mother Empress Dowager Qian. Before the Emperor could enjoy his childhood, he had to learn to be an ideal sage king. For ten years in the quite Forbidden City, he could only comfortably talk with this little palace. The Emperor pulled this little palace maid as confidant, and naturally wanted to give his sweetheart a good name.

The First Assistant and the Empress Dowager had their own ideas, but the Emperor seemed to have a favorite candidate. After the election, the disagreement was on the verge of breaking out and gradually became uncontrollable. Afterwards, who became the empress was no longer important. The Emperor, the First Assistant, and the Empress Dowager all felt that their kindness was not reciprocated. The empress’s selection was actually just a fuse, the crux of the matter was these three people’s estrangement and grievances they accumulated over the years.

It was also an eventful period. When the court was rocked by the storm, at the end of the year there was a continuous snow for a month in the northwest. The farmers’ houses collapsed, cattle and sheep were frozen to death, and a large number of starvation even appeared in some places. In order to pass the year decently, the cabinet suppressed the matter, but Zhang Xiao Lian personally wrote a letter, instructing the Governors of Shanxi and Shaanxi to open the warehouse to help people.

Zhang Xiao Lian's heart was good, but the final result was quite different. No one dared to neglect the letter from the First Assistant, but without official court orders, many procedures could not be followed. In addition, the local officials also wanted to have a good New Year. When the news from Shanxi and Shaanxi could not be press down anymore and passed on to the Emperor’s ears, in Xi'an Prefecture alone thousands of people had died from freezing and starvation.

Because of this incident, the capital once again set off an uproar.

This time, the impeachment against Zhang Xiao Lian was vicious and fierce, far surpassing the one in early summer last year. The confusion in the court turned into a complete mess, everyone was busy writing impeachment memorials, or busy protecting themselves. Almost no one remembered that in Guanzhong every second someone died.

Yan Wang really couldn't stand by and watch, so he requested himself to be sent out of the capital and went to Qin and Shaanxi for disaster relief.

"The snow was heavy last night and the wind blew all night, but it’s sunny this morning, which is really weird."

"Isn't it?" Lin Wei Xi's stomach had already bulging. With the support of the maid, she slowly walked in the deep winding corridor of Yan Wang Mansion. There was heavy snow last night, and all trees in the vicinity were covered with white snow, only the snow on the roof were melted by the sun, revealing the green glazed tiles underneath.

Liu Su Niang carried her skirt while walking down the steps, she turned around and hurriedly said to Lin Wei Xi: "There are steps here, Wangfei be careful with your steps."

Lin Wei Xi cautiously stepped on the ground and said, "I am not as fragile as you think, I still able to walk, why would I be so delicate? I was kept in the house for three months to take care of my fetus, cannot come out to stretch my legs. My bones are about to rust."

Yan Wang went out of the capital just after the New Year to fix up the disaster situation, didn’t even celebrate the Lantern Festival. Lin Wei Xi stayed alone in the mansion, with great difficulty the imperial physician’ orders, because of the startled horse’ incident, had finally passed. As long as Lin Wei Xi did not move around too much, daily activities should be safe. Liu Su Niang felt sorry that Lin Wei Xi lived by herself with her first pregnancy, so she dared to run over to accompany Lin Wei Xi. Unexpectedly, the famous Yan Wangfei was very friendly. In the past few days, Liu Su Niang often came to Yan Wang Mansion, and she gradually became familiar with Lin Wei Xi.

The two of them came out of the main courtyard and walked around in the garden for half a circle, both of them were sweating thinly. There was a pavilion right in the front, Lin Wei Xi asked the maid to put down the windshield curtain, leaving only one side open, and she sat down opposite Liu Su Niang.

The maids filed in with charcoal fire, hot tea and pastries. In just a short time, the pavilion became fragrant and pleasant, warm and harmonious. Sitting in the pavilion, you could see the vast snow scene outside, holding hot tea and a pleasantly warm stove to enjoy the snow, the breeze was gusting, the sky was high and the air was refreshing, the depression in the chest had unknowingly disappeared.

Liu Su Niang took a sip of hot tea, put her fingers on the green porcelain cup and asked Lin Wei Xi: "Wangfei, your due is in early April this year?"

"Yes." Lin Wei Xi nodded, placing her palm on her stomach, her expression unconsciously softened, "He’s already seven months old, I didn’t even realize."

"When the child is born, every day is like that, it’s called not knowing the years." When talking about the child, Liu Su Niang couldn't help but smile. "I don't know if this baby is a boy or a girl. But from what I see he know how to love his mother. He specifically chose to be born in April, when the spring is in full bloom, isn’t it just to make Wangfei suffer less. When the child is born, the weather will be just right, and confinement will not be like the summer, and at that time, Yan Wang must have already returned."

The more Liu Su-niang talked, the more she felt that it was like Heaven’s will. When Lin Wei Xi heard Gu Hui Yan's name, the smile on her face couldn't help but constricted: "I hope."

"Yan Wang will definitely come back." Liu Su Niang didn't expect that her casual words would cause Lin Wei Xi's grief. She hurriedly comforted Lin Wei Xi: "Yan Wang’s trip this time is to provide disaster relief. If it was not because there is no one else in the court, why would Yan Wang leave you this mother and child and go out for disaster relief out of the capital by himself? Guanzhong’s matters are really messy. A few days ago, my lord was very worried every day in the court. It was not until Yan Wang asked for his order that he finally put down his heart and said to me, 'Guanzhong is the land of Longxing (the origin) of Three Qin and Two Han Dynasties. Now starving people are everywhere, if the delay continues, afraid there will be riot. Now that Yan Wang has gone, then there’s no need to worry.'"

Lin Wei Xi did not expect that the future First Assistant Shen’s evaluation of Yan Wang would be this high. Shen Changzhou was right to worry. If Guanzhong’s snow disaster was not dealt quickly, it might be not long before everyone revolted. The Qin, Han, Sui and Tang dynasties were nurtured from there. Perhaps Guanzhong this piece of land had some mysterious power. If there was revolt in Guanzhong it was not a small matter.

Seeing that Zhang Xiao Lian and the Emperor were now started to get dirty, Lin Wei Xi could basically conclude that the heavenly book was correct, and soon Zhang Xiao Lian would pass away. The mainstay would fall, and Zhang’s party, like abandoning a sinking ship, would scatters. In the next ten years the court would still settling accounts with Zhang Xiao Lian, rejecting Zhang Xiao Lian, and then vindicated Zhang Xiao Lian again. The First Assistant after Zhang Xiao Lian was Shen Changzhou, the husband of Liu Su Niang in front of her.

First Assistant Shen's ancestral hometown was in Changzhou. Nowadays, factions in the court were prevalent, and because factions that naturally formed by ancestral hometown were also very strong, so in the officialdom many used hometown to called others. Lin Wei Xi also followed the officialdom’s method of calling Shen shi as Shen Changzhou.

Speaking of natural disasters, Liu Su Niang also sighed: "Who knows that this year's snow will be so fierce. I heard that there are thousands of people freezing to death in Xi'an every day. Sometimes a whole family freezes to death, even there are no people to collect their bodies. Alas, not only my lord, but many people are actually worried about the situation in the northwest. The northwestern people are sturdy, and not too far away there are foreign tribes glaring like tiger watching its prey. If there is chaos in Guanzhong, the northern tribes will take advantage of the situation to go south, then it will be troublesome. Of course these barbarians can’t compete with our imperial court, but these people fight back and forth, and the one that suffer stills common people. Fortunately, there is Yan Wang, because if there’s Yan Wang, there is no need to worry about outside and internal wars."

Lin Wei Xi laughed: "Wangye has only been away for more than ten days. I am afraid that he has just entered Xi'an. It is too early to say these words now."

"How can this be called early?" Liu Su Niang unexpectedly stern, and said solemnly, "Ten years ago, the northern tribes invade the border, the northern part of Yan, Zhao, Qi and other places were fighting, to be able to gradually calmed down the wars in various places was it not relied on Yan Wang alone. In the past few years, there was a great chaos in the capital, and if there was no Yan Wang who entered the capital in times to save the country, it’s uncertain what the scene is now. Yan Wang’s achievements have been remembered throughout the Great Zhou. Although I and my lord are unknown people, but also sincerely admire Yan Wang. Now the northwest met natural disasters, in spite of the severe cold at the end of the year, even heartlessly left his pregnant Wangfei, Yan Wang still personally went to the northwest for disaster relief. With this act of his, it’s unknown how many people will be saved. Yan Wang is highly loyal and admired by many people. I don’t say this to be flattering or fawn over. This is really my sincere word."

Liu Su Niang's words were solemn, and Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but straighten up. She looked at Liu Su Niang for a while, and slowly smiled: "Su Niang's words are too heavy, on behalf of Wangye I thanked Su Niang and Shen Changzhou for their trust. You usually look gentle and weak, and you don’t like to go out to socialize, didn’t expect to have such insights on political affairs."

Liu Su Niang was suddenly praised, her cheeks flushed, and she smiled shyly: "I just listened to the words my lord said. I just learned it randomly, not worthy of Wangfei’s praise."

"How can it be not worthy. Although Su Niang is a woman, but also a woman who can match any men, seeing this sharpness let people feel ashamed of one’s inferior." Lin Wei Xi said this sincerely. No wonder in the previous life Liu Su Niang had died for many years but Shen Changzhou did not remarry, and he still have a deep affection for Liu Su Niang. Presumably this couple often discuss political affairs, each other's hearts and minds were mutually interlink and became confidants, this kind of affection could be discovered but not be sought.

Even if it was their own backyard and there were no other people around, they couldn’t talk too much about current affairs. Lin Wei Xi and Liu Su Niang had tacit understanding and quickly changed the subject: "You came out today and left all the children with Shen Changzhou, is that okay?"

"What can be the problem." Liu Su Niang was very relieved. "Those little devils like to pester their fathers very much, and do not think who gave birth to them. I also don't want to stay at home all the time, as if besides home, I have nowhere else to go. Don’t mind them, we can talk freely. On the contrary, you are the only one in the mansion these days. Even if there are servants, it’s still too hard."

"What hard can I have?" Lin Wei Xi laughed. If according to the trajectory in the heavenly book, Liu Su Niang was pushed into the pool by Zhao Wang during the Dragon Boat Festival the year before last and died early. In this life, because Lin Wei Xi pulled Liu Su Niang in time, she didn't fall into the pool and gave birth to her baby safely. Naturally, Shen Changzhou's madam had nothing to do with the daughter of Han’s family. Now Lin Wei Xi watched their family was very harmonious and happy, her heart silently said ‘it’s really nice’.

Liu Su Niang saw Lin Wei Xi although smiling, but the smile seemed to be a bit lonely. Liu Su-niang knew it in her heart, Yan Wangfei didn't say anything, but she still missed Yan Wang who was away from the capital. That said, which woman didn't want her husband to be with her when she was pregnant, not to mention this was Lin Wei Xi’s first child, and the relationship between their husband and wife had always been very good.

Liu Su Niang didn't know how to console her. Although she unhesitatingly said that Yan Wang would be able to come back before Lin Wei Xi gave birth, but after the snowstorm, there was a risk of plague. Yan Wang must guard against the plagues and rebellions in various places. Who dared to guarantee that Yan Wang could be back in April. Liu Su-niang felt sorry for her, Lin Wei Xi had a life-saving grace for her, on top of that she was the wife of Yan Wang, Liu Su Niang and her husband both respected Lin Wei Xi. Now seeing this exquisite and beautiful like immortal Yan Wangfei showed her loneliness, Liu Su Niang as a woman couldn’t stand it.

Liu Su-niang led Lin Wei Xi to talk about children instead. Liu Su-niang already had a son and a daughter, if it’s about parenting she could talk endlessly, and Lin Wei Xi unknowingly was also taken in.

When mentioning children, Lin Wei Xi's expression was indeed energetic. Liu Su Niang gradually felt relieve. They were still talking when suddenly saw a figure walking on the other side of the path. In such snowy day, eyes were full of white, just this person wore pink all over, wrapped in silvery snow it was unspeakably striking to the eyes.

Lin Wei Xi was also surprised to see this person. She asked the maid next to her: "Who is this?"

"Answering Wangfei, this is the new lady that Shizi brought back to the mansion."

Gu Cheng Yao's concubine? Lin Wei Xi was surprised. When this happened? How could she as the mansion’s mistress and also the stepmother didn’t know? As the people walked in, her face appeared in front of everyone. When Lin Wei Xi saw the other's face, her face suddenly sank.

This concubine looked very much like her in the previous life.

Chapter 97 : Giving Birth

Lin Wei Xi's face sank when she saw the woman walking down the path.

Although it was only a vague shadow, this woman had big eyes and a high nose, just looking at the upper half of her face, she did look like Gao Xi. Lin Wei Xi thus thought that this was the woman Gu Cheng Yao had brought back, but covered it up so not letting her know, how could she not get angry.

Wan Yue felt bad when she saw this Lu Niang. When she caught sight of Lin Wei Xi’s uncomfortable expression her chest tighten, she hurriedly walked down the steps and waved to the little maids who was attending outside: "Wangfei is receiving a visitor, who permit you to let miscellaneous people to come in?"

The maids hurriedly went to pull Lu Niang out, but Lu Niang refused to cooperate. She wore a pink jacket and skirt, her hair pulled into a very high bun, with white snow on the ground simply, it simply pierced the eyes: "Mother Wangfei, this slave is brought back by Shizi, and still hasn’t come to pay respect to you."

Lin Wei Xi's face was cold, and Liu Su Niang also felt awkward. She had long heard that Shizi Consort of Yan Wang Mansion suddenly reject the world for monastic life and moved into the Buddhist Hall to pray for her mother-in-law. Which family's womenfolk did not enjoy the rich and honorable days, and insisted to enter the quiet place of Six Roots to serve Buddha? This looks like an excuse. But this topic had become taboo in the capital, and even the gossipy madam dare not gossip about it. Yan Wang Mansion’s Shizi Consort entered the Buddhist Hall after Wangfei received the shock that caused her fetus to be a bit unstable, in addition it was said at that time the old madam of Duke Yingguo Mansion came to Yan Wang Mansion, but when she returned she fell ill. All the signs were connected together, afraid the reason for the Shizi Consort's imprisonment was probably related to Wangfei. Maybe it have something to do with the startled horse matters.

Thinking of this who was not sweating all over, where still dare to continue to investigate. During the New Year, the womenfolk would gather together, celebrated with song and dance, all smiled and paid a New Year's greetings, not at all mention a word of Yan Wang Shizi Consort Gao Ran, who was once in the limelight.

It seems that there had never been such a person in the capital.

Now Liu Su Niang directly ran into the newly bought concubine of Shizi Gu Cheng Yao, which seemed to confirm the silent speculation in the capital. One could imagine how awkward Liu Su Niang was. On the other side, the maids, half persuading and half coercing, hurriedly took Lu Niang by the arms. When the people could not be seen anymore, Wan Yue lowered her head and pleaded with Lin Wei Xi: "This slave neglected her duties, and letting unrelated person to come in and offend Wangfei and Lady Liu, asked Wangfei to give punishment."

No decent family would let the concubine come out to welcome the guests, when entertaining the guest suddenly ran into a woman with peach powder from head to toe with unclear identity, this was considered rude to the madam who came as the guest. Liu Su Niang hurriedly smiled and broke the awkwardness: "It's no bother, the other side deliberately did it, and you can't stop it no matter how carefully you arranged it. Just sitting for a long time, I'm a little tired, and Wangfei can't stand the cold, let's go back."

In front of Liu Su Niang, Lin Wei Xi didn't say much, smiled and took Liu Su Niang back to the main courtyard. As soon as Liu Su Niang left, Lin Wei Xi's face immediately cooled down: "What's going on today?"

Wan Yue stepped forward and knelt on the ground, bowed her head and said, "Reporting for Wangfei. This slave have arranged manpower on the trail, but the garden was big, and it was snowing. The granny that guard the road didn’t see Lu Niang, at once let her break in. It was this slave neglecting her duty. Ask Wangfei to give punishment."

Yan Wang Mansion’s garden covered a vast area, and now in winter, the trees looks bleak, made it more and more spacious and empty. The road in the garden extended in all directions. If someone looked at it and want to get in, how could a few grannies at the entrance stop them? What's more, in their own mansion, Wan Yue's focus was not to guard the checkpoint. She arranged more manpower by Wangfei’s side, and carefully looked after Lin Wei Xi.

No one thought that this nameless woman would be so bold, dared to wear pink in public, and ran to Lin Wei Xi with a big heart. Lin Wei Xi also knew that Wan Yue couldn't be blamed for today's matters. She fined Wan Yue three months' salary and let Wan Yue get up.

"Her name is Lu Niang?"

Wan Yue was embarrassed and tried to respond as cautiously as possible: "Yes. When Shizi brought her back didn't say what her status is. The people below didn't dare to make claims, so she is called Lu Niang for the time being."

Gu Cheng Yao brought the people back, but didn't say whether this was a concubine or a tongfang or just an ordinary singer plaything. The maids in Qingsong Garden had just experienced the catastrophe of Shizi Consort, and now they all felt anxious, how they still dare to casually agree. They were afraid calling her too high will make the master unhappy, but they couldn't call her miss either, without better option they took one word from the woman's name and vaguely call her Lu Niang.

"Who is she? When did she enter the mansion?" Mentioning this Lin Wei Xi became more and more angry, what did Gu Cheng Yao mean? Without saying a word, he brought back a woman who looked like Gao Xi back, but he sneakily kept Lin Wei Xi from knowing. Who he was trying to disgust?

Wan Yue became more cautious, holding her breath and shook her head, then she lowered her eyes and refused to say anything. Lin Wei Xi knew that she couldn't ask Wan Yue anything. If really want to ask about this matter, still need to ask the person involve.

At a quick glance today, this Lu Niang was covered in pink, with hair pulled in a high bun, and a golden hairpin on top. Only a primary wife could wear red and crimson, and Lu Niang wore a bright and gorgeous pink that was only a hue lower than red. It could be seen that she was very arrogant and very ambitious. Lu Niang was just a woman who was bought back without a name. Where did she get the confidence to be this flamboyant that she almost blatantly provoked the face of the primary wife?

The reason could only come from the male master. It must be the illusion that a noble master gave her, let her thought that she was very favored. It happened that Shizi’s primary wife was beaten into the cold palace. Perhaps she thought she could fight hard and get herself a future of a side concubine (cefei) or even a primary concubine (zhengfei). Therefore Lu Niang ostentatiously came to find Lin Wei Xi, and tried to kowtow to Lin Wei Xi and from Lin Wei Xi she could publicly acknowledged.

What a courage.

"Outrageous." Lin Wei Xi’s anger was not light, she slapped her hand on the table, and everyone in the room was holding their breath, didn’t dare to speak. Of course Lin Wei Xi was angry, but she also knew that she was not angry because Gu Cheng Yao willfully took a woman back, nor was it because Gu Cheng Yao spoiled concubine unprincipledly and broke dignity rules. She was angry because the woman looks like Gao Xi.

This was not Lin Wei Xi's own narcissism, but because she had looked at that face in the mirror for seventeen years, how could she not recognize her previous life’s appearance. Although the overall feeling was completely different, but if the mouth and chin were covered and only looked at the upper half of the face, at first glance it could easily create an illusion.

This made Lin Wei Xi feel offended.

But it was exactly because she knew that she couldn't say anything. When did she meet Gao Xi? Even if she knew it was Gao Xi, but Shizi missed his deceased wife and found a woman with a similar face to spoil her, how could it concerned Lin Wei Xi as the stepmother?

Lin Wei Xi was angry for a while, still feeling extremely annoyed. In the end she could only drop her face and said to Wan Yue impatiently: "Pass on a message to Shizi. It doesn't matter if he want to receive and spoil her. But let him remember that once out of his courtyard, just take care of his women. If dare to rush in front of me like today, don't blame me for destroying the flowers and being rude to his sweetheart."

Wan Yue lowered her head to take her orders. When she heard this, her eyes drooped and agreed in a low voice.

Wan Xing did not have as much thought as Wan Yue. Seeing that Lin Wei Xi was in a bad mood, she tried to please her by bringing the oranges and peel them: "Wangfei, this is the new tribute oranges, do you want to try?"

Lin Wei Xi had no appetite, she glanced at it and said, "Just put down first."

Wan Xing peeled the oranges for Lin Wei Xi silently. She placed the clean orange segments on the blue porcelain plate, while muttering unconsciously: "They just see that Wangye is not here. If Wangye is in the mansion, who dare to make you angry? "

Speaking of Gu Hui Yan, Lin Wei Xi's anger really weakened, and turned into melancholy. Gu Hui Yan had already left for half a month, and she was expecting labor in less than three months. Could Gu Hui Yan really rushed back?

Gu Hui Yan left very anxiously at that time, hurriedly passed the word that he was going to go faraway. When Lin Wei Xi packed his clothes, she couldn’t speak privately, even until he took people to depart. And in front of so many people, Lin Wei Xi couldn't talk to him the matter of giving birth and the like.

So did Gu Hui Yan know that she would have a baby in April? Lin Wei Xi's heart was gloomy, of course she could write to him and tell him, but before Gu Hui Yan left, he was still a bit indifferent with her. What's more, Gu Hui Yan was really occupied by the trip this time, and Lin Wei Xi rashly sent a letter urging him to return early. What was this called?

"Wangfei?"

Lin Wei Xi returned to her senses and saw Wan Xing looked at her with concern. Lin Wei Xi realized that she had been in a daze for a long time.

Lin Wei Xi’s anger suddenly burst out, and whispered: "Love return not return. Anyway, the birth of the eldest son also not caught up. It’s not unusual to miss another one. If you don't come back, I will name him myself."

Wan Xing didn't hear what Lin Wei Xi said, but looking at Wangfei’s face, it’s good if they didn’t know. Wan Xing smiled and didn't dare to interrupt.

The days without the head of the household passed by very slowly but also very quickly. Very slowly because Lin Wei Xi was frustrated every day, it seemed that there was no difference every single day. Very quickly because before she noticed it, it’s already March.

Lin Wei Xi's movement was already very inconvenient, she needed people to support her when going out. However, her belly was huge, but her waist was still slender. Today Gu Cheng Yao came to pay respect to her as usual. When he came in, he saw Lin Wei Xi walking around the garden supported by the maid. Her belly was already high and bulging, but her waist was surprisingly thin. Gu Cheng Yao almost squeezed a cold sweat. He was afraid the servants by the side would break Lin Wei Xi's waist if they were not careful.

Gu Cheng Yao's eyes followed Lin Wei Xi's body, and he couldn't help but a bit impatient. Wan Yue accompanied Lin Wei Xi, she became alert when she heard Shizi's arrival. When she saw Gu Cheng Yao's expression at this time, her heart sank. She immediately walked over and crisply yelled, "Greetings, Shizi."

The clear female voice immediately pulled Gu Cheng Yao's thoughts back, and he saw the maid in front of him watching him warily. Gu Cheng Yao only shoot her a glance, and then walked by Wan Yue silently, stopped five steps away, and steadily saluted Lin Wei Xi: "This son pay respect to mother."

The parent was here, Gu Cheng Yao was also in good health, so there was no reason to miss the daily paid respect in the morning and evening. In the past, Lin Wei Xi deliberately avoided him. When Gu Cheng Yao came to pay respect, they talked across the window, even if the paid respect was over. But today’ schedule was a bit unfortunate, unexpectedly bump into each other head-on.

Lin Wei Xi's face was indifferent, casually nodded without turning her face away. After this accident, she was not in the mood to walk in the garden as exercise to ensure a smooth delivery. She let Wan Xing helped her walk into the house.

Usually at this point Gu Cheng Yao would turn around and leave. But today didn’t know why, Gu Cheng Yao wanted to stay a little longer. He followed Lin Wei Xi into the main room with his face as usual. Behind, Wan Yue's gaze almost burned a hole in his back.

"How's mother lately? Did younger brother or sister troubled you?"

Lin Wei Xi looked up at Gu Cheng Yao strangely, and said, "It's alright, Shizi is considerate."

Gu Cheng Yao paused, and then asked: "I heard that mother’s appetite is not good recently and hardly eats much anymore?"

Lin Wei Xi’s morning sickness period was no long, but didn't expect when she was near delivery time she would be very nauseous instead, and had no appetite for anything. But everyone knew that Lin Wei Xi could not lack strength during this period of times.

Lin Wei Xi still looked unconcerned, said with a cold tone: "Who is so meddlesome and talked about this in front of you?"

Gu Cheng Yao was a little helpless. Lin Wei Xi had always been willful like this. Her health was not good, and everyone was caring for her, but she herself seemed to ignore it. Gu Cheng Yao didn't dare to irritate her, so he could only say: "No one talks too much. Your delivery is the most important matter in our mansion, and everyone in the mansion dare not to relax. Why still need someone else to remind you? Your body is weak, I heard that when women giving birth it consumes life’ qi and blood. If you don't eat properly right now, how can you have any strength then?"

Lin Wei Xi had heard these words many times, and casually let out an "hmm", without even lifting her head. Gu Cheng Yao was full of concern, but it seemed to only hit the air.

Gu Cheng Yao couldn't help laughing at himself. This was different from the past. No matter how much he said words of concern, Lin Wei Xi didn’t even bother to listen, let alone took it to heart. Perhaps only if these words come from his father's mouth, then Lin Wei Xi would more or less listen to them.

He knew that his feelings were inappropriate and useless, and instead could put Lin Wei Xi in crisis. Gu Cheng Yao was also determined to bury all this, they all should have a new life. However, no matter how many times he made up his mind, when he heard the people inadvertently say that Wangfei had no appetite, and barely touch her dinner these few days, he still couldn't hold back his heart and wanted to come and personally have a look.

He made an excuse for himself, he only came to take a look at Lin Wei Xi. But when he really saw the person, he wanted to stay with her for a while, persuading her to eat well and take care of her body.

Lin Wei Xi's intention to send off the guests was very obvious, but Gu Cheng Yao remained silent in front of her for a long time, and after a long while he was still not leaving. Lin Wei Xi's eyes fell on Gu Cheng Yao's body, and lightly glance at him: "Shizi, you still have something?"

Gu Cheng Yao stood in his original place for a while, and suddenly showed a helpless smile, or it should be said a forced smile: "You are right, you really saw this day."

What? Lin Wei Xi turned her head suspiciously, but she did not see Gu Cheng Yao's expression. Gu Cheng Yao turned his face away and deliberately looked at the vibrant spring scene outside the window: "Father sent a letter the day before yesterday, Shanxi and Shaanxi’ arrangements has been properly made. He should be back soon."

When his father return, she could really feel at ease.

This time Gu Cheng Yao didn't wait for Lin Wei Xi's reply, and walked out quickly before she could respond.

Of course Lin Wei Xi found it baffling. She only regarded Gu Cheng Yao as going crazy, and did not take the previous sentence to heart. It was now the end of March, and the capital was full of flowers and the spring breeze was cool and soft. According to the letter sent back by Yan Wang a few days ago, he should arrived in the capital in early April, just in time for when Lin Wei Xi giving birth.

But things in this world could have coincidences. On the evening of the conversation with Gu Cheng Yao, Lin Wei Xi suddenly felt her stomach hurts, and then the pain gradually became stronger, until she couldn't even stand steadily. The midwife that already arranged at earlier time came over to take a look, and said solemnly: "I'm afraid Wangfei is going to start."

Wan Xing was shocked: "But the due date is still half a month away!"

"Each woman's childbirth has its own circumstances. It's not uncommon to start half a month early." The midwife hurried out as she said, "Go and call people over, I'm afraid Wangfei will be tonight."

Chapter 98 : Pearl

After the midwife said this, the maids in the courtyard was obviously panicked: "Wangye is not in the mansion, who should be invited over?"

Wan Yue came back to her senses, and hurriedly said, "Hurry up and call someone at Grand Princess Shou Kang Mansion. The grand princess has a lot of knowledge and must have an idea. There is also Lady Liu of Shen Mansion. She already gave birth to two children, should also know what to do."

"But night curfew is soon, we may not have time to go out now..."

"That’s enough!" Lin Wei Xi experienced another labor pain, and now her face was white. There were fine beads of sweat on her forehead, her face was bloodless, and one look everyone knew the pain was severe. Lin Wei Xi almost used all her willpower to say: "It's late, don't bother grand princess and Liu Su Niang. In the mansion the stuffs for giving birth have been prepared since a long time ago. All the stuffs that should be there are readily available, the two midwife are also experienced old-timer. You all will listen to the midwife’s words, just deliver the baby like this."

"Wangfei……"

Gao Ran was imprisoned in the Buddhist hall, and Yan Wang was not in the mansion. Now Lin Wei Xi was about to give birth. All at once the people who could make decision in the mansion were gone, it’s understandable for the maids to be panic. Fortunately, Lin Wei Xi was very strict with them. Even on this occasion, the maids ran around to bring scissors and to boil hot water, they were nervous but orderly, and none of them appeared chaotic.

Gu Cheng Yao was studying in the study as usual. Today, for some unknown reason, he couldn’t calm down for a long time. He heard the maids running around outside with loud footsteps. Gu Cheng Yao opened the door and asked, "What's the matter?"

"Wangfei is suddenly in pain and now is about to enter the delivery room."

Gu Cheng Yao was taken aback. Why no one told him about such a big thing? Did Lin Wei Xi plan to do it by herself?

Gu Cheng Yao hurried to the main courtyard. He and Lin Wei Xi were about the same age. When the stepmother gave birth, it was strange for him as the stepson to come over, but human life is beyond value. How many women went back and forth to the gates of hell during childbirth, and then did not get through. Compared to Lin Wei Xi's safety, avoiding suspicion was nothing.

When Gu Cheng Yao arrived, he happened to see Lin Wei Xi walked into the specially prepared delivery room supported by people. Even at this time, Lin Wei Xi insisted on walking by herself and refused to lie down easily. Gu Cheng Yao's lips moved, his hand lifted a little, and then put it down again. Lin Wei Xi was his stepmother, and his younger brother or sister would be born soon. What qualifications did he have, and what position did he have to tell Lin Wei Xi not to be afraid.

Since Gu Cheng Yao appeared, the maids who were running around in the courtyard obviously became more confident. Although Gu Cheng Yao could not decide anything about Lin Wei Xi’s matters, but with a master standing in the main hall, the people felt a little bit reassured. Standing in the courtyard of the early spring, for the first time Gu Cheng Yao felt that times flies so slowly.

He was only eighteen or nineteen years old. Although he had two marriages, they had not lasted long. He never experienced the battle of childbirth. He only heard that women giving birth were very dangerous, if the baby's fetus was not good, it could cause dystocia, hemorrhage, etc. However, these few words he heard before further aggravated Gu Cheng Yao's panic.

The sky gradually turned into a dark blue color, and the blush color in the west could not be seen anymore. The evening in March was particularly comfortable, the wind was moist and cool, with the faint fragrance of magnolia. In the eyes of the scholars, this was probably a poetic leisurely spring night that makes people feel prosperous. But Gu Cheng Yao didn’t notice the outside world at all, his mind was all ahead. The movement in the delivery room was really not optimistic. The shouts and running footsteps were endless. Just listening to it, Gu Cheng Yao thought that she must be in pain.

She was actually very afraid of pain.

Gu Cheng Yao's thoughts galloped wildly, suddenly heard the sound of orderly and powerful footsteps from behind, and the whole mansion seemed to get excited by this. Gu Cheng Yao felt an imposing air, quickly turned around. As expected, Yan Wang was back.

"Father."

The people in the courtyard were surprised and delighted. The maid that was holding the water basin immediately put the things in her hands, knelt on the ground and deeply pressed her forehead on the ground: "Wangye!"

Gu Hui Yan nodded casually, without looking at the people, but fell straight on the closed door of the delivery room: "She has gone in?"

"Answering Wangye, Wangfei has been in the delivery room for half an hour."

Gu Hui Yan's eyes fell on the door, the expression on his face condensed. He was still wearing an inky black court dress, the sun and moon and beasts on his body were magnificent and rich. Perhaps it was because he hasten his return, Gu Hui Yan's aura still carried the majestic he showed in Shanxi and Shaanxi: "Isn't it supposed to be mid-April? How can it be so much earlier?"

The maid shook her head and said that she didn't know, Gu Hui Yan waved his hand with a calm face and motioned them to do their own thing.

Gu Hui Yan came back early. Although he didn't say a word, the atmosphere in the entire courtyard suddenly changed. This invisible change was far beyond Gu Cheng Yao's ability.

Gu Cheng Yao lowered his head silently, clenching the hand that was about to extend a while ago. During this period of time when his father was not in the mansion, he paid respect morning and evening every day. Although most of the time Lin Wei Xi could not be seen, but it gave him an illusion, perhaps it would be good to live such peaceful and regular days. Lin Wei Xi suddenly gave birth prematurely, and Gu Cheng Yao rushed to the scene immediately. Separated by thin walls, Lin Wei Xi was inside, and he waited anxiously outside. This was also easy to create a sense of confusion.

But now, all falsehoods and delusions had been shattered by force. Gu Hui Yan had return.

With him just stood there and didn't to say anything, he became the backbone for everyone. Presumably, the maids had already passed the news to the delivery room, the midwife’s voice obviously became more rhythmic, and it was clear that the mother's mood had stabilized.

The dark blue sky turned into a deep black, and then gradually turned into ink black. The stars filled up the whole sky, and it was already three hours since Lin Wei Xi entered the delivery room.

Looking at the basin full of watery blood from the delivery room, Gu Hui Yan who led the troops to fight battle for many years, felt dizzy and palpitated for the first time.

"Is that her blood?"

The maid with the blood basin stopped and hurriedly saluted in this position: "Answering Wangye, not entirely, there is already hot water in the basin."

But even this was scary enough. The little maid who replied hurriedly ran away and returned with a new basin of hot water. Gu Hui Yan watched these people around him come and go, in his half lifetime that although was not that long but could be said to experienced strong wind and big waves, he felt scared for the first time.

He hurriedly left the capital that day. It was true that the situation in Guanzhong was not optimistic, he was anxious to deal with the disaster. But there was also a small factor that he did not know how to face Lin Wei Xi. Simply avoiding in the name of disaster relief, he thought, he needs to calm down for a while.

When he was in Xi'an, he helped victims of the disaster, mobilized provisions, rebuilt houses, as well as sprayed medicines to guard against the plague after a natural disaster. There were endless tasks waiting for him every day, and Gu Hui Yan had absolutely no time to let his imagination run wild. But in the dead of night, when he sat in the Governor's Mansion, his thoughts would always uncontrollably float to Lin Wei Xi. Lin Wei Xi was experiencing morning sickness when he left, didn’t know if it’s better now. He heard that women would have cramps in the later stages of pregnancy, sometimes could not sleep all night, and yet he irresponsibly abandoned her and left...

Lin Wei Xi had never written to him, but Gu Hui Yan knew everything about Lin Wei Xi's movement. Later, the letter that were sent by his trusted aide said that Wangfei's appetite had plummeted as the month gets bigger, she couldn’t even eat for a few days.

Gu Hui Yan didn't know how angry he was when he received the letter. He only been away for a few days, but Lin Wei Xi was not eating well again. She even dared to blatantly not have dinner. If he didn’t specifically leave someone to watch over her, afraid Lin Wei Xi would threaten the maids again, and flip this incident lightly, and then when he returned, he would never know what Lin Wei Xi had done.

Gu Hui Yan finally couldn't sit still. His daily official duties were already heavy, and those days became more and more stressful. The governor's mansion top to bottom were used as support around the clock. Gu Hui Yan quickly took care of the snow disaster. The remaining things like rebuilding houses and so on would be time-consuming laborious work. Gu Hui Yan left these to the local officials. He arranged for some trusted aide to provide assistance, or to be more accurate to supervise. He himself quickly returned to the capital.

However, even though he returned to the capital half a month earlier, he almost missed Lin Wei Xi's birth.

Looking at this basin of watery blood and the heart stopping cry from the delivery room, Gu Hui Yan felt a wave of fear. He had long heard about how dangerous childbirth for women. There were dystocia and hemorrhage, postnatal illness, and there were also those who have completely injured their body because of childbirth... there were numerous, Gu Hui Yan couldn’t even think about it. If Lin Wei Xi also had any mishap, she would disappear forever, then what should he do.

In comparison, the anger and shock Gu Hui Yan had before leaving the capital were nothing. He even left Lin Wei Xi because of these things, left her alone in this dangerous situation. If he did not rush back tonight, if Lin Wei Xi had any mishap, he would not be able to forgive himself for the rest of his life.

Suddenly there was commotion in the delivery room, the midwife’s voice clearly became much urgent: "Wangfei push, I have already seen the head... quickly give Wangfei ginseng slice! Come on push... it’s come out, it’s come out!"

Both Gu Hui Yan and Gu Cheng Yao were shocked, and immediately locked their eyes on the door of the delivery room.

Very soon, the midwife opened the door and came out. She held a tightly wrapped baby in her arms, smiled and said: "Congratulations Yan Wang, it’s a precious daughter."

It’s a precious daughter?

The midwife put the little baby in front of Gu Hui Yan. Gu Hui Yan almost cautiously stretched out his hand, and very carefully touched her face.

In fact, Gu Hui Yan wasn't sure what to expect, but when he felt her heat and humidity, and how she still carried her mother's body temperature, Gu Hui Yan’s heart suddenly softened.

This was their daughter, the daughter of him and Lin Wei Xi. He spent half his life as a military horse, but in his thirties, he received such a precious gift.

The midwife originally worried that Wangfei gave birth to a daughter, would this kind of great mansion be unhappy. But when she saw Yan Wang took special care and gazed at this little life, wanted to touch but didn’t dare to, her heart was at ease. How could heavenly descendants be the same as ordinary people's house? Yan Wang's child, even a daughter, was also an honorable Junzhu*, glistening like pearls, what should she worried about.

*Junzhu, the title of a princess, the daughter of a prince (wang).

Seeing that Yan Wang liked the child very much, the midwife immediately put down her heart, the smile on her face became brighter. Isn't it brilliant? Yan Wang Mansion had gave birth, the attitude of the family to the child directly related to her reward. The midwife grinning from ear to ear and said: "Wangye, after seeing it the child has to be taken inside. Although it is March, and she’s tightly wrapped, but I dare not let her get blown by the wind for too long."

Only then did Gu Hui Yan react, yes, she was just born, how could she get blown by the wind? Even if the room was surrounded by screens, Gu Hui Yan always feels that the outside environment was not safe, and every place threatened his fragile daughter. The midwife held the baby again to show Gu Cheng Yao, and at this time, Gu Hui Yan suddenly realized that something was amiss: "Where is Wangfei? Why cannot hear her voice?"

Gu Cheng Yao was still immersed in the wonder of this little life, but when Gu Hui Yan said this, he was also startled.

The midwife was taken aback by Yan Wang's voice. She said in her heart it was indeed a person who had been on the battlefield and walked through the Hall of Supreme Harmony*. He was so friendly just now, but when he revealed his true color still could scare people endlessly. The midwife covered her heart, waiting for the palpitations to pass, before she could speak: "Wangfei is too tired and has gone to sleep." Seeing that Gu Hui Yan's expression was wrong, she added another sentence: "Wangye please don't worry, Wangfei do not have a sign of postnatal bleeding, just exhausted."

*Hall of Supreme Harmony, one of three major halls of the Forbidden City, it’s the place where the emperor enthroned and held important ceremonies.

Gu Hui Yan looked into the room, still feeling uneasy. He bypassed the crowd and wanted to go in, but was hurriedly stopped by the servants: "Wangye you cannot. The delivery room is full of blood and will destruct the official career."

"I have led dozens of battles from south to north, the number of lives on my hands is uncountable. Even if it will destruct, it’s the blood fiend on my body that will destruct other people. What, delivery room is ominous, how can I care about such absurd words?"

After Gu Hui Yan finished speaking, he strode in without looking back. The mixture of humidity and blood’ smells in the delivery room rushed towards his face. Gu Hui Yan saw Lin Wei Xi on the bed, and his heart suddenly clenched.

She had always loved beauty, but now she was lying weakly and helplessly on the wet bedding, strands of wet hair sticking to her forehead, her complexion was pale, and her lips were chapped, only her chest moved ups and downs weakly.

Gu Hui Yan carefully took Lin Wei Xi's hand, placed it to his lips, and kissed it lightly.

"Xi'er, I'm back."

Chapter 99 : Reborn

The news that Yan Wangfei gave birth to a daughter, and that the mother and daughter were safe spread quickly. Now already entered night curfew, perhaps when the sun comes out tomorrow, everyone in the capital would know that Yan Wang Mansion had a new Junzhu.

Yan Wang spent half his life as military horse, fighting in the north and the south, and Shizi also had grown up alone. It was conceivable how the two of them love this newly-born, incredibly soft little Junzhu.

Gu Hui Yan came out of the delivery room and gave the space to the womenfolk. Lin Wei Xi had just finished giving birth, there were many places that need to be tidied up by the maids, if he continued staying in the room it would only inconvenienced them. When Gu Hui Yan came out, he happened to see Gu Cheng Yao holding the little Junzhu behind the screen, teasing her carefully. Perhaps the little girl hungry, she held Gu Cheng Yao's fingers and started to cry. Gu Cheng Yao's expression immediately became painful and loving. Perhaps he didn't hear the sound, subconsciously looked up in the direction of the delivery room.

Gu Hui Yan record everything with his eyes, his expression was still, and after the wet nurse took his daughter away, he walked out slowly and silently.

"As soon as she entered the delivery room, you came over?"

Only then did Gu Cheng Yao realize that Gu Hui Yan had come out. Gu Cheng Yao's heart shook. When did his father come out? How much did he see just now? Gu Cheng Yao's face stretched taut, probably he didn't even realize that his voice was tense and defensive: "Heard the maid passed on the message, this son thought that there was no master in charge here, so took the liberty to come over."

Gu Hui Yan smiled indistinctly. Although his voice was moderate, but there seemed to be a whirlpool in his eyes, which instinctively let people feel danger: "You did the right thing today. Her safety is the most important thing. For her safety, everything else must be compromised."

Gu Cheng Yao lowered his head, wondering whether or not he should reply this sentence. He always felt that his father’s words seemed to have other meaning.

Gu Hui Yan was not in the mood. He stared at the sky, his deep voice neither happy nor angry: "It's getting late. You also have stayed up for half a night. Go back."

"Yes."

Gu Cheng Yao asked to be excuse to Gu Hui Yan, and then slowly withdrew. After walking out of the courtyard, Gu Cheng Yao realized that his hands were sweating.

There was a heavy weight in his heart, and this weight gradually tightened, almost making him unable to breath.

Lin Wei Xi slept so hard that she could not lie down anymore, and only when her limbs became drowsy from sleeping too long, did she slowly wake up.

As soon as she moved her fingers, her palm was immediately held. She heard someone ask softly in her ear: "Wake up? Would you like some water?"

Lin Wei Xi laboriously opened her eyes and stared to the bedside for a long time before recognizing the person in front of her: "Wangye?"

"It's me, I'm back." Gu Hui Yan lightly and gently supported her back to get up, and carefully placed her on the soft pillow, "You have been sleeping for a long time, so drink some water to moisten your throat first."

Lin Wei Xi nodded, Gu Hui Yan soon brought fresh water. Didn’t know whether it had always been warm, but the water temperature was just right.

Fresh water ran down the throat into the esophagus, and the dryness felt much better. After Lin Wei Xi's lips were moisten with water, it regained its vitality like a rose. She only drank one cup then hurriedly took Gu Hui Yan's wrist and asked, "Where is the child?"

"Here." Gu Hui Yan put down the water, carefully picked up the baby from the wooden bed, and handed it to Lin Wei Xi. "She is a little Junzhu, really look like you."

Lin Wei Xi finally saw the baby she carried in her womb for ten months. She hugged her daughter in her arms, looked carefully and looked again, for some reason she felt like crying: "She is really small."

"Hmm." Gu Hui Yan stretched out his hand and pressed warm fingers to her eyes, "Don't cry, crying during confinement is not good for your eyes."

Lin Wei Xi blinked and withdrew her tears. The slender eyelashes ran across Gu Hui Yan's fingertips, felt soft and itchy, almost could tickle people’s heart.

Gu Hui Yan put down his hands, continued to focus and carefully gazed at Lin Wei Xi. However, Lin Wei Xi didn't have time to pay attention to this now. She held her daughter and kept watching. After a while, the corners of her mouth curled slightly: "Where is it look like me, in your eyes do I look like this?"

Gu Hui Yan glanced at her amusedly. He turned his head and coughed, still couldn't help but smile: "Naughty, how can you talk about your daughter like that."

Lin Wei Xi suddenly became a little jealous. She was just this old but already guarding me from scolding her. However, even though Lin Wei Xi said so, in her heart she regarded this little girl as a treasure. She took a small breath, looked carefully for a while, and said, "Cannot see with her eyes closed, but nose and chin looks like me. She still so small but her chin is pointed. It can be seen that in the future she surely be a beauty like me."

Gu Hui Yan smiled and looked at her: "Yes, thank you Wangfei."

Lin Wei Xi finally held the child to her heart content, and then she reluctantly handed her to Wan Yue, and let the wet nurse to hold her to breastfeed. Gu Hui Yan sighed softly in his heart. It was rare, he sat here and talked to her for a quarter of an hour, but it’s the first time her eyes looked at him.

However, even if Lin Wei Xi and Gu Hui Yan were leaning face-to-face, her gaze frequently slipped to the door, only perfunctory conversed with him. After a long time, Lin Wei Xi remembered that Gu Hui Yan had official duties, and she still didn't know what happened with the disaster situation in Guanzhong.

"Wangye, why did you come back so soon?"

Just remember to ask now, Gu Hui Yan's face was calm, really unable to see that his heart already sullen for a long time: "Qin Shan's matter more or less has been handled, and the rest is not difficult, so I just return in advance."

Lin Wei Xi let it passed, and asked, "You came back half a month earlier than the letter said. Will it be hard to explain it to the emperor and First Assistant?"

Gu Hui Yan didn't care about this, and said indifferently: "Why would it be hard to explain, it was originally the troubles they caused. I personally went to clean up their mess, what else do they want?"

Lin Wei Xi did not answer, she looked at Gu Hui Yan carefully for a long time, and then suddenly laughed, "What’s wrong with you today, why are you so angry?"

Gu Hui Yan smiled gently at her, and helped Lin Wei Xi lie down: "It's nothing." He nearly sighed and said, "Don't worry, you should rest and recuperate. This time let you suffer a hardship. I am wrong. Leaving you alone and left."

Lin Wei Xi was put back on the bed and muttered in a low voice: "I don't want to sleep anymore."

"You didn’t eat well before, but now still want to lose temper?" After Gu Hui Yan finished speaking, his tone became soft again, "Be obedient, confinement is the most tiring, so sleep a little longer."

Lin Wei Xi could only fall asleep, the woman who just gave birth really lacked energy. Not long after she tilted her cheek slightly she fell asleep again.

Gu Hui Yan watched quietly for a while, got up and walked outside. Those knots of estrangement before the trip seemed to sink under the deliberate ignorance of the two.

Gao Ran sat in the Buddhist hall, staring hollowly at the wooden fish in front of her. She faintly heard some music, and after a few beats, she barely reacted as she raised her head: "What's wrong outside, why is it so lively?"

The maid who did not know whether she should serve or guard Gao Ran lowered her head and said briefly: "Today is the third day washing* banquet of the little Junzhu."

*Third day washing, a very important ceremony for a baby in ancient China. On the third day after a baby is born, a bathing ceremony will be held with relatives and friends to wish the baby good luck, the bath is to wash to filth, eliminate disasters and avoid difficulties.

"Third day washing?" Gao Ran paused and asked, "She gave birth to a daughter?"

The maid lowered her head and said nothing, and seemed unwilling to talk too much to Gao Ran. Gao Ran also didn't insist on the answer. She returned her eyes to the wooden fish in front of her. After a while, she suddenly laughed gently and slowly. The laughter was so soft and ethereal, it made people get goose bumps all over.

"She actually gave birth to a daughter, she actually gave birth to a daughter." Gao Ran smiled and tears fell from her eyes. She took such a big risk and did not hesitate to calculate her family in order to keep Gu Cheng Yao's Shizi position. But in the end, Lin Wei Xi gave birth to a daughter.

So what was she doing all this for?

Gao Ran thought she was ridiculous. She made a desperate move, thinking that she was doing something brave, but the final result told her that all this was in vain. Lin Wei Xi was pregnant with a daughter, in the future apart from dowry, it would not affect Gu Cheng Yao at all. But all this was too late, Gao Ran had already implicated and imprisoned, and at the same time offended her family and husband.

Although this Buddhist hall was still part of Yan Wang Mansion, in Gao Ran's eyes, it was no different from a prison.

Gao Ran listened to the faint movement outside and said in a daze, "It seems very lively today."

The maid did not answer, but Gao Ran’s sentence was also not a question. The sound of the salute she heard just now was the etiquette performed to welcome the Holy One. The emperor could not leave the palace, but the close eunuch by his side represented him. The emperor in the deep palace actually sent people to attend the third day washing, the rest of nobilities and court officials no need to be said.

Gao Ran couldn't help muttering: "Going this far just for one lousy girl?"

The maid had her own orders, she didn't have to acknowledge Gao Ran. But despite that, the maid couldn't help but criticize: "Even if it's a girl, that's still our mansion’s Junzhu, the pearl in Yan Wang’s palm. In the world if there are men, there are also women. The harmony of yin and yang is the norm. Shizi Consort yourself is a woman, and your sisters, mothers, relatives and friends are also woman. Why do you look down on daughters like this?"

Gao Ran coldly said, "What do you know." This maid was born to serve people. How could she understand that men conquer the world, women conquer men. If women wanted to climb up, when young rely on men, later on rely on sons. What's the use of having a daughter?

Not only Gao Ran, but the maid also felt that this abandoned Shizi Consort was simply unreasonable. The two were tired of seeing each other, and it didn't take long before the maid go out to take care of the daily matters. Only Gao Ran was left in the empty Buddhist hall.

Gao Ran knelt down on the pad, tapped the wooden fish one after another. Boom, boom, boom sound echoed in the high and cold Buddhist hall, the Buddha on the altar table stood high, looking down on the seven sufferings of the world with compassion.

Gao Ran's thoughts seemed becoming clear with the sound of the wooden fish.

In the past, there were blooming flowers in front of the eyes, and the clouds of smoke came and went, and her eyes seemed to be blinded by the splendor and wealth. Until she came to the Buddhist hall, she only read scriptures and heard the sound of the wind every day. She had a lot of time and one day could only think about one thing. If still couldn’t figure out in one day, then two or three days, until she figure it out.

After tossing and turning over and over again, Gao Ran finally found some problems that she hadn't paid attention to before.

For example, Lin Wei Xi was clearly growing up in a remote country, why was she not unfamiliar with the four arts, and even the first time she played gomoku, she defeated Gao Ran, who has the advantage of time and place? For example, why was she so familiar with Yan Wang Mansion, walking in the mansion with green tiles and red walls, everywhere had an imperial atmosphere, the young ladies from third grade official would be panicked, but why for Lin Wei Xi it was as natural as breathing?

Another example, Lin Wei Xi's face was so pale on the day of Duke Yingguo Shizi’s death. Even when she was diagnosed with pregnancy, such a big happy event, why was she still wear plain colors. Also, why was she contemptuous and nearly hostile to Han shi, why she meddled with Duke Yingguo Shizi’s matter, why did she recommend Gao Ke. You know, this kind of other family’s affairs, no one would want to get involved, to avoid the problems that could arise in the future, and also to provoke troubles for oneself.

Why did Lin Wei Xi do this?

One point alone might be difficult to explain it, but when all the things were combined, there was only one answer.

Lin Wei Xi was Gao Xi. Gao Ran herself was a transmigrator, how could she forget that being reborn after death could also happened to other people.

Gao Ran slowly laughed, the laughter was hoarse and low, resounding in the empty and desolate Buddhist hall, it unspeakably horrifying. That's it, that's how it is, she said why she always had a sense of deja vu when facing Lin Wei Xi, she said why Gu Cheng Yao always couldn't control himself to look at Lin Wei Xi, she said why Lin Wei Xi always targeted her like that!

The wooden fish in Gao Ran's hand suddenly fell and hit the ground with a loud sound. The guard maid was taken aback, and ran inside in panic: "Shizi Consort, what's the matter with you?"

Gao Ran's eyes fixedly looked at the wooden fish mallet that was rumbling on the ground. Her eyes dark, but if looked closely it didn't seems to focus. Her voice rise and fall seemed like suppressing a huge emotion, as if there was strong black ink in it: "I want to see Lin Wei Xi."

The maid paused, you still want to see Wangfei? What are you dreaming about?

"You tell her that if she doesn't come to see me, she will regret it."

Chapter 100 : Sisters

"Wangfei, the Jingsi Hall over there said she want to see you."

Lin Wei Xi carefully wiped Rui Yang's mouth. She always liked to spit bubbles after drinking milk. Lin Wei Xi paused when she heard what Wan Yue said, "Did she say it herself?"

"Yes." Wan Yue bowed her head in response. In fact, these words should not be passed on to Lin Wei Xi. At first Gao Ran frantically said that she wanted to see Lin Wei Xi. The guard maid just treated her as being fanciful and ignored her. However, after ten days passed, Gao Ran still unyieldingly shouted to see Lin Wei Xi, and her appearance became more and more crazy. The guard maid was frightened, so without better option she had to send the message to Jingcheng Courtyard. Of course Wan Yue was not happy when she heard this, but the guard maid who couldn’t bear it came again once more and said that Shizi Consort's condition was very scary. It was best for Wangfei to know these matters. Wan Yue ponder over it, fearing that there was something serious, so she passed the words to Lin Wei Xi.

At this time, almost a month had passed. Gao Ran was stimulated on the day Rui Yang had third day washing ceremony. When her words finally handed over to Lin Wei Xi, Lin Wei Xi's confinement was over.

According to reason Lin Wei Xi would not pay attention to such crazy talk, but today Lin Wei Xi didn’t know what happened. She held her daughter and walked slowly in the room, then gently put Rui Yang on the small bed, her voice was casual and light: "When this happened?"

"On the day Junzhu had the third day washing banquet. Perhaps that one heard the salute when the palace came to give Junzhu Longevity Lock, and this make her crazy."

Wan Yue felt that Gao Ran was just pretending to be mad. The womenfolk who were detained for a long time all become sick. Gao Ran must have been stimulated by the third day washing, and then she madly wanted to see Wangfei. If Wan Yue could say, she did that, Wan Yue didn’t think Gao Ran really had anything to say to Wangfei.

"Look after Junzhu carefully. Before going to bed she just had milk, so she should be able to rest for a while. But be careful not to let her eat her hands. These are small problems but you can't let her get used to it."

Wan Yue was surprised when she heard this: "Wangfei, you..."

"Since the guard maid passed on the words, she must have been harassed by her. She was confined in the Buddhist Hall for half a year, pondering over her mistakes behind closed doors every day, I'm not sure if she really has anything to say."

Wan Yue didn't think their Shizi Consort was a person who could repent. But since Lin Wei Xi said so, Wan Yue could only comply: "Yes."

Wan Yue brought Lin Wei Xi's cloak over, and when she left the house she opened the umbrella. It was May now, but Lin Wei Xi had just been out of confinement, the maids still dare not let Lin Wei Xi get blown by the wind.

In the southwest corner of the mansion, a high wall separated the two worlds. Lin Wei Xi immediately felt a gloomy cold as she walked into the Buddhist Hall. It was already May, outside there were grasses everywhere and birds were flying full of vitality, but this place seemed to have been forgotten by the spring. The guard maid walked to the door and respectfully pushed open the door of Jingsi Hall: "Reporting to Wangfei, Shizi Consort is inside."

"Well, go on then."

Lin Wei Xi waved to the maid, and the guard maid retreated behind the door with her hands down. Wan Yue took the umbrella and was about to enter the door with Lin Wei Xi, but was stopped by Lin Wei Xi: "You all wait outside."

Wan Yue was really taken aback: "Wangfei?"

"It's alright, I'll just go in by myself. It’s just across the door, if there’s anything you can immediately push the door, nothing will happen."

Wan Yue was still uneasy, but Lin Wei Xi already decided. Before Wan Yue could persuade her, she had crossed the doorstep, turned and closed the door.

The door was closed, and the Jingsi Hall became gray again, and fine dust was flying in the beam of light. After a while, Lin Wei Xi adjusted to the light inside.

She saw Gao Ran kneeling behind the partition with her back to her. Even such a big matter happened outside, Gao Ran still tap the wooden fish as if she hadn't heard anything.

Lin Wei Xi didn't think she really didn't hear it. The structure of Jingsi Hall was similar to the structure of other courtyards in the mansion. The front row of the house were divided into main hall, side room, and small side room. Except for the main hall, each room was divided into many small spaces by partitions. Gao Ran was now sitting behind the carved wooden partition door in the side room to worship the Buddha.

Lin Wei Xi slowly walked to the door of the side room, but she didn't mean to go in, separated the carved wooden partition and a low couch, she asked, "What do you want to say?"

The sound of the wooden fish finally stopped, Gao Ran’s straight back was to Lin Wei Xi: "It's really not easy to see Yan Wangfei, three and five requests, it's been almost a month before seeing Wangfei’s face."

Lin Wei Xi didn't bother to answer Gao Ran. She ignored Gao Ran's sarcasm, her voice was clear and cold: "What do you want? Nowadays I have no patience to listen to your suspense."

"Nowadays have no patience, then what about before?"

There were ripples in Lin Wei Xi's eyes, and she finally looked at Gao Ran seriously. Gao Ran also straightened her back, even if Gao Ran refused to show her timidity, but half a year praying to the Buddha, she had lost a lot of weight, and her shoulder blades were high and bulging. More importantly, she had lost her anger, and she looks like ten years old.

Lin Wei Xi knew what Gao Ran wanted to say to her. She knew, with her understanding of Gao Ran, if Gao Ran didn't think she could turn the tables, how could Gao Ran let others see her in such an indecent and unglamorous state. Lin Wei Xi smiled gently and said, "How I used to be and how am I now, what does it matter? You just need to know that now you are in the Buddhist Hall, I am afraid you will not go out in the second half of your life."

Gao Ran was pretty sure that Lin Wei Xi understood, and yet she didn't deny it, unexpectedly tacitly agreed like this. Gao Ran was surprisingly angry. She suddenly stood up and looked at Lin Wei Xi with fire-breathing eyes: "Why did you do this? What do I owe you? Why are you plotting to harm me!"

"Think clearly, who is plotting who." Lin Wei Xi's tone also suddenly tense, "Before at Huangjue Temple who plot the startled horse incident to frame Gao Ke and to hurt me, is that not you? Slandered Yun Hui for adultery, used the Yin Yang pot to harm others, didn’t you arrange it with your own hands? You lost your conscience and did all the bad things. Now that you have received retribution, you blame others for harming you?"

Gao Ran's face was as white as a ghost, but because of the excitement, her protruding cheekbones were flushed, looking really strange: "But do you dare to say that you haven't secretly moved your hands? From serving tea, to Yun Hui, and the adoption matters, this piled up piece by piece, on the surface it appeared to be from the hands of Yan Wang or Shizi, but wasn’t it you who hint and push until it developed according to your wishes?"

"So what, you deserve it." Lin Wei Xi fleetingly laughed, without concealing her contempt. "If you dare to do it, if you do something bad, you must bear the consequences of being discovered. At most, it's just that the consequences are more serious."

"Why you cannot see other people well, don't you have enough?" Gao Ran was very emotional and almost screamed. But her voice was already hoarse, even if roaring, her voice was still low and fuzzy: "It was like this when I was in the Guo Mansion. You can't see me being liked by grandmother and father, so you try to destroy it. Cousins liked to come and talk to me, you put a cold face on the spot. It's you who are not likable, but you are hostile to me because of this. Don't you think you are pathetic?"

"Shizi Consort, you may think too much." Lin Wei Xi said coldly, "I have never been to Guo Mansion before getting married, nor have I disturbed your limelight. Although I don't know what you are talking about, I still want to remind you, don’t take yourself too seriously. You feel that other people are targeting you, in fact, cannot say that other people are so absorbed in learning the Four Arts that they have no time to talk to you."

"Already like this, you still refuse to admit it?"

"What should I admit? I am now Yan Wangfei, previously Marquis Zhongyong’s daughter. Everything is already clear, what needs to be covered up?"

"You..." Gao Ran was angry, but now she recalled that although Lin Wei Xi's words were fierce, she did not reveal any information about being reborn. Gao Ran understood the inside story and knew what Lin Wei Xi was talking about, but in the ears of others, this was just a mother-in-law teaching her former daughter-in-law.

Gao Ran's eyes fell on Lin Wei Xi's plain white shirt and skirt, and smiled ironically: "Since you are Marquis Zhongyong's daughter, why do wears plain clothes? Marquis Zhongyong's three-year filial piety is already over long ago. "

Lin Wei Xi said lightly: "Everyone has their own preferences. I like to wear lighter color clothes in summer. What is it to you?"

Gao Ran was dumbfounded. When a person wanted to defend herself, she could find many logical reasons. She didn’t want to admit it. What’s to be done if other people could catch her? However, what the facts were, this pair of former sisters and the current mother-in-law and daughter-in-law knew very well.

The two of them had been deeply opposed since childhood. As Gao Xi and Gao Ran grew up, they had to compete for more and more resources, father's favor, grandmother's reliance, family, reputation, marriage... When Gao Xi was young she was squeezed out of breath by her precocious shu younger sister, but why Gao Ran still blamed her like this? No matter how Gao Ran relied on adult intelligence and self-control to release her brilliance, Gao Xi could catch up immediately.

The two of them were completely at odds because of Wei shi's death, and no one thought of the other as sisters. When they were young, they were fighting for their father's attention. When they grew up, they were entangled by the same man. If it hadn't been for that unexpected event, Gao Xi would be married high, and Gao Ran might not be able to manage her husband's family properly just by relying on her own tenderness. Both of them would have a new life of their own.

But there were so many ifs in the world, one step wrong, the other steps followed, and now, no one could go back.

Speaking of the death of Duke Yingguo Shizi, Lin Wei Xi felt depressed. The death of her previous life’s father was brought up by her biological sister, and even used this matter to attack her, no one would feel good. The two were silent for a moment, and by chance agreed to change the subject.

"Why are you back? You know that you are related to Yan Wang, how can you still dare to marry him? You do this... don't you feel guilty?"

In fact, Gao Ran was just bluffing. She herself didn’t think there was anything wrong with it, they didn’t have a real blood relationship. If you divorce, can you still control who your ex-wife marry? However, Lin Wei Xi was an ancient woman. In ancient times, the ethics of chastity was extremely important. Gao Ran deliberately asked this in order to bury a thorn in Lin Wei Xi's heart, so in the future she would feel guilty, would feel ashamed, and then gradually turned away from Yan Wang.

Gao Ran herself had a bad life, so she tried to make Lin Wei Xi's relationship cold, and unable to get her husband's love.

Who knows, Lin Wei Xi was very calm: "Although Yan Wang and I are separated by a generation, but first, an unmarried man and woman getting married does not violate the court order. Second, although I am the daughter of his subordinates, and on the surface a little bit awkward, it’s not really a big deal."

Even if Lin Wei Xi bit to death her surname was still Lin. After all, her identity was impeccable. Whoever checks could only find out that she was Lin Yong's daughter.

Gao Ran was very angry, she almost found it laughable: "Then why are you entangled with Shizi again?"

"Watch your mouth." Lin Wei Xi glanced at her displeasedly, her skin was as white as snow, such a glance made her looks even more like a goddess high above, far unattainable. Lin Wei Xi said: "Shizi and I always abide by the etiquette. Since I passed through the door, I have never cared even a strand of his hair. What does it matter to me if you husband and wife are estranged?"

Gao Ran stared at Lin Wei Xi in a daze. After a while, she suddenly lowered her head and laughed, gradually turned her head up to the sky and laugh out of control. Gao Ran almost laughed out of her tears. Her laughter was sharp and piercing, but she didn't know who she was laughing at: "Pitiful ah pitiful, you are worried, you can't sleep at night, and you can hardly let yourself go, but she doesn't even know. Maybe she still hates you for your fickleness and will never forgive you for the rest of her life."

Gao Ran said these words without head or tail, Lin Wei Xi frowned subconsciously when she heard this. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to know what exactly this sentence mean, and who Gao Ran was referring to. After seeing this Gao Ran's side today, the relationship for half a lifetime between the two of them had been broken, and she would never come to see Gao Ran again in the future. Lin Wei Xi didn't want to stay any longer, turned around and left.

Lin Wei Xi walked through the main hall, already put her hand on the door, and could still hear Gao Ran crying and laughing, talked like crazy: "To seek and yet cannot get the white moonlight, to get and also lose the cinnabar mole. Men, only what you can’t get is the best..."

Lin Wei Xi had already pushed the door open, and Wan Yue appeared in front of her with a slightly worried face. Lin Wei Xi didn't hear the latter words.

On the way back, Lin Wei Xi couldn't help feeling depressed. When she was young, she regarded Gao Ran as an imaginary enemy. After rebirth, she learned that she was only Gao Ran's foil and stepping stone, which was even more disappointing. When she finally came out of the quagmire of self-doubt, and met the person she wanted to stay together, Gao Ran was no longer enough to be her opponent. Was Gao Ran's current situation pitiful? Of course pitiful. But this was Gao Ran's self-inflicted punishment. When she harmed others, she should have thought that if she failed, she might be miserable for the rest of her life.

There was a strong contrast between the present and the past, and the old person from her past and present life has stepped into a semi-crazy state. All these ups and downs of life let people sighed, and Lin Wei Xi couldn't help but feel depress.

When she returned to Jingcheng Courtyard, as soon as she entered the door Lin Wei Xi saw someone standing with his back to her. The maids around wanted to say but did not dare to say and signaled to her that it had been a while since Yan Wang came.

Gu Hui Yan asked slowly: "Where have you been?"

Chapter 101 : Gao Ran

Although Gu Hui Yan didn't speak, the maids were very perceptive, one by one withdrew from the inner room, and quietly closed the door.

After everyone was gone, Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi and asked slowly, "Where have you been?"

Although he asked, Lin Wei Xi knew that he must have already know. The maid guarding Gao Ran was originally his person.

Lin Wei Xi’s mood originally was not good, but now she was questioned like a criminal, she became more and more angry. She passed through Gu Hui Yan sullenly and went to see her daughter in the bedroom. When passing by Gu Hui Yan, she gave him an angry look, "None of your business!"

Gu Hui Yan actually speechless, he was the one that should asking for the crime, why Lin Wei Xi look angrier than him.

The sound of Lin Wei Xi hugging Rui Yang could be heard from the inside. Rui Yang was babbling, listening to the sound, it was very lively. Didn’t know what the mother and daughter were muttering about. Gu Hui Yan stood outside for a while, in the end decided to go in and take a look.

He looked at Rui Yang.

The little girl was loved as soon as she was born. On her third day washing, the whole city was dispatched. Grand princess Shou Kang was overjoyed and gave the little girl a longevity lock. Not only that, the palace also delivered many rewards. The emperor gave her a golden lock, Empress Dowager Qian also followed up by adding a Ruyi jade. Yan Wang called the clan people to discuss for a long time in the study, and finally named the much-anticipated little Junzhu Rui Yang.

Rui (auspicious) was from xiangrui (auspicious sign), Yang (sun) was from chaoyang (rising sun).

It could only be said that things in the world were very strange. If Lin Wei Xi gave birth to a boy, when people came to visit, even if they didn't say anything, they would be wondering about it. However, Lin Wei Xi gave birth to a daughter. Not only did Yan Wang spoil this daughter, but Gu Cheng Yao also regarded this sister who was 19 years younger as a treasure. When Yan Wang’s many subordinates came over to congratulated, they couldn't help but look at this little Yan land’s Junzhu, who was extremely rare.

Rui Yang was only one month old. It was pure nonsense to say that people could see her beauty that could overturn the country, but everyone who saw her was very affectionate, even Grand Princess Shou Kang said that she had seen so many children, but never seen the kind like Rui Yang that so was lovable and delightful.

When Gu Hui Yan walked into the inner room, he saw Lin Wei Xi holding Rui Yang, the mother and daughter were playing with their heads close. Rui Yang was lying on the goose yellow brocade, watching Lin Wei Xi intently with wet eyes. Didn't know what she saw, she suddenly grinned, her legs kept kicking, and wanted to grab Lin Wei Xi's earring.

"You can't play with this yet." Lin Wei Xi smiled and ducked away, but she didn't expect that the child was so strong that she still able to grab it. Lin Wei Xi cried out, trying to pull away but afraid of hurting her fingers, and from this angle she couldn't see the place, for a while it was extremely difficult.

Gu Hui Yan stepped forward, gently held Rui Yang's hand, and slowly separated her fingers. Lin Wei Xi's earring could be considered rescued, but Rui Yang's grabbing just now severely pulled her earlobes.

Lin Wei Xi's earlobe turned red in a blink of an eye. She lightly flicked Rui Yang's forehead with her hand, and said, "How old are you, what do you want an earring for?"

But Gu Hui Yan's eyes fell on Lin Wei Xi's ears. Her skin was whiter than snow, her neck was long and graceful, and even her ears were delicate and exquisite, with colored jade earrings hanging on it, swaying in between it was indescribably beautiful. But now one of the earlobe was red. Although Rui Yang was a child, but a child didn’t know how to control her strength. Her earlobe must be hurt.

Lin Wei Xi leaned over to tease Rui Yang. She felt there was a shadow by her side, and then she saw Gu Hui Yan's arm came around her, vainly embracing her from behind. Lin Wei Xi subconsciously wanted to dodge, but was held by Gu Hui Yan: "Don't move."

Lin Wei Xi soon felt Gu Hui Yan rubbing her earlobe, the movements were gentle, but with a great strength.

Lin Wei Xi bent down to hold Rui Yang, and now Gu Hui Yan also embraced her from behind, as if holding them both with one hand. Lin Wei Xi went a little stiff, but Rui Yang thought that her parents were playing with her, she was kicking and waving with joy, laughing.

Lin Wei Xi saw Rui Yang put her fist in her mouth again, and quickly stopped her: "Don't eat your hands."

Gu Hui Yan leisurely glanced down and said, "If she likes it, let her do it. Anyway, her hands is already wiped clean."

Lin Wei Xi looked behind at Gu Hui Yan in disbelief. She still remember the first two days of her wedding. Because of her poor sleeping posture, she was forcefully twisted back by Gu Hui Yan in the middle of the night. But what did he say now?

Lin Wei Xi thought in her heart really couldn’t judge a book by its cover, sure enough, a man treated his daughter and his wife differently. Lin Wei Xi angrily hugged Rui Yang, twisted her waist irritably, and freed her waist from Gu Hui Yan's hands: "I can't control what you like, but don't teach my daughter bad things."

Hearing this, Gu Hui Yan’s expression immediately sank, stretched out his hand and took control of the person again: "Your daughter?"

"Originally it was I who gave birth. Didn't know where you were when she was able to kick people."

Gu Hui Yan was speechless, this matter was his Achilles heel, but even if he felt guilty about this, it doesn’t mean that Lin Wei Xi could use the word "her daughter alone" to get angry.

While Gu Hui Yan was still stunned, Lin Wei Xi broke free of his hand and walked out. She barely walked halfway, and in only two steps Gu Hui Yan already stopped her: "You secretly ran out and get blown by the wind today. What if you get a headache later? Give me Rui Yang, you go drink the medicine."

"I don't need you to take care. Not drinking."

Gu Hui Yan also solemnly raised his face, his voice suddenly appeared imposing and stern: "Go or not?"

"Not going!" Lin Wei Xi stared with her round eyes, and gave Gu Hui Yan a vicious look. The maid holding the medicine bowl outside was almost scared to death, but soon Wangfei turned around, stuffed Junzhu to the wet nurse next to her, picked up the medicine bowl herself and drink a mouthful. Later, because she drank too quickly, she was choked by the medicine soup. She covered her lips and coughed twice, there were tears in her eyes from the bitterness.

The maid wanted to laugh but didn't dare to, the companion behind her tugged her sleeve, and the maid tactfully received the tray and withdrew.

Standing there, Gu Hui Yan couldn't help but raise his hand to press his brow. Lin Wei Xi must be specially exist to subdue him, she could easily make him angry, but in a flash, made him unable to tell whether to laugh or cry.

This is definitely an ancestor.

However Lin Wei Xi was coughing hard, and tears came from her eyes. He didn't order people to add licorice to the medicine. Thinking about it, he knew how bitter it was. This angry spirit actually raised her head and directly drank a mouthful, the style was actually straightforward. In the end Gu Hui Yan caved in and walked to her with a calm face, put a candied fruit in her mouth, and then patted her back with a cold face: "Isn't it arrogant to drink medicine like this? Now know how to suffer?"

Lin Wei Xi's eyes were red like rabbits, and her face wrinkled by bitterness, but even so, she refused to soften her mouth: "This is a medicine prescribed by the imperial physician, and it’s actually so bitter. It's because his lack of thought."

"I don't think this can be blamed on the imperial physician." Gu Hui Yan said quietly, "after all, no imperial physician prescribes medicine for the patient to drink grandly like drinking wine."

Lin Wei Xi raised her head and glared at him angrily. Even at a distance, Gu Hui Yan could feel that intense glare. He originally had a displeased look, but the corners of his mouth curled slightly.

After this episode, the atmosphere between the two changed a lot, as if they had returned to those noisy and indulgence times. Gu Hui Yan naturally knew what Gao Ran had said to Lin Wei Xi today. He was furious when he first heard it, but he didn't know whether he was angry at Gao Ran or angry at Lin Wei Xi's action that had gone to look for Gao Ran. Gao Ran just passed the words vaguely, but Lin Wei Xi seriously came looking for her. Did it mean that Lin Wei Xi couldn’t be relieved of her previous life?

Otherwise, why did she care so much.

Gu Hui Yan personally fed Lin Wei Xi a cup of water. When he put down the cup, he said nonchalantly: "Later you must not go there anymore."

Lin Wei Xi paused, lowly said "um".

Gu Hui Yan lowered his eyes to look at Lin Wei Xi, his heart also very surprised. When admitting defeat it was obviously so adorable, but why this mouth so annoying when it speaks?

Gu Hui Yan combed her hair that had been messed up by Rui Yang, and said, "There is still something I need to deal with. I will come back to accompany you later."

Lin Wei Xi nodded again. After Gu Hui Yan left, Lin Wei Xi hugged Rui Yang and lightly teased her. She looked at her daughter's delicate cheeks, couldn't help but lost in thought.

He already knows it. But even so, he just said later must not go there anymore.

Lin Wei Xi couldn't tell how she felt. Just as she was in a daze, someone knocked on the door.

Gu Mingda stood at the door, his eyes stared politely at the ground, but his tone was very solemn: "Wangfei, the matters about Wangye and Wangfei Shen, this subordinate have something else to tell you."

In Jingsi Hall, since Lin Wei Xi left, Gao Ran had been sitting on the ground in a daze.

Gao Ran had always have a sense of superiority when facing people around her. She knew that she was different from these ancient women. She was smarter, more sensible, and more charming. Therefore, Gao Ran always condescendingly looked down on sisters from the same house and other young ladies she befriend with. She was pitying them, because she knew that these people would not be as good as her in the future. Either their husbands would take concubines or they would not be able to give birth to sons. In short, Gao Ran was the only winner among all of them.

And the life in Duke Yingguo Mansion had deepened her self-confidence. She was more and more doing as she pleased, more and more unscrupulous. She still felt that no matter what she does, she would not be seen through. She was a transmigrator woman, how could her schemes fail and be loathed by others.

But what did she get in the end? Her husband was at odds with her, and her father-in-law personally ordered her to be imprisoned in the Buddhist hall. Her grandmother was so angry at her that she fell seriously ill, heard that these few days she was already dying. And her younger brother’s position as the head of Guo Mansion was hopeless, and she instead offended the true heir, Gao Ke.

With a sister like her, Gao Ran couldn't think about what life Gao Chen would have in the future. As for her biological mother, her yiniang, Han shi, life and death had long been unclear. The specific whereabouts, afraid only Duke Yingguo old madam who knows.

The father of this body was really good to her, but when learned the real cause of his death, Gao Ran chose to hide it. Gao Ran thought that she herself had difficulties, she had no choice, she was forced by Han shi.

Gao Ran in a muddy state vaguely saw Duke Yingguo Shizi standing inside the Buddhist Hall with disheveled hair, his face was gray, and he pointed at her blankly: "I sincerely think of you as my daughter. Others have let you down, but what do I do, you don't even want to save me?"

"I didn't..." Gao Ran's eyes gradually turned into horror, and shouted at the empty Buddhist hall, "You don't come over, I was also forced, I haven’t let you down!"

The guard maid outside the door moved her eyebrows when she heard this, but she still stood still and ignored it.

But after a while, Gao Ran ran out frantically, clasping the maid’s hand tightly: "There is a ghost inside, there is a ghost inside that want to kill me!"

The maid glanced inside, and said politely and nonchalantly: "Shizi Consort, there is no one inside, you are just hysteric."

"No, I'm not crazy, I'm not crazy! You take me to Yan Wang, I have something to tell him. The Wangfei he always thinking in his heart actually..."

Gao Ran's eyes widened and her mouth opened in vain, but she could no longer speak. She stared blankly at the guard maid, this unremarkable girl, the last person she saw in her life.

The maid gently put down her hands and Gao Ran hit the ground with a bang, but she no longer felt the pain. Her throat moved ups and downs, still trying to say the biggest trump card in her hand: "Lin Wei Xi, she actually is, is..."

Before Gao Ran could finish her words, her eyes widened and lost her breath.

The guard maid let out a sigh of relief. No matter what Gao Ran wanted to say, since Yan Wang didn't want it to be known, no people in the world could listen to it. Fortunately, Gao Ran didn't finish, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to survive.

The guard maid gently closed the door, walked lightly to the outside of the Buddhist Hall, and half-kneeled respectfully at the man in the wood: "Wangye, it's done."

There is still something I need to deal with.

This is what he has to deal with.

Letting the tiger return to the mountain and allowing the hidden dangers to grow was a major taboo of military strategists.

Chapter 102 : The Grand Finale

"... Before, Wangye with Wangfei Shen is only one-sided fate. After marriage, Wangfei Shen often talked to herself and felt sorry for herself. She always lived in her own fantasy, and Wangye could not stay at home, so he stayed with the army for many years, in the end, it became a habit." Gu Mingda still kept his eyes down, but the strength of his words was not vague. He said, "Wangye these years has been fighting war in all sides. His achievement can shake all the land under heaven. He is someone we, the whole army, revered to, and also the god in the hearts of Yan land’s people. When we saw Wangye suffered from such frivolous attitude in those years, us as his subordinates are very dissatisfied."

Lin Wei Xi sat there, almost frozen. Even though Yan Wang told her about Shen shi that day, he only briefly introduced the cause and effect. He talked more about what happened after encountering Lin Wei Xi. Therefore, Lin Wei Xi had always felt that the feelings between Yan Wang and Shen shi were naturally true. Those rumors might be exaggerated, but it didn’t affect the beauty of their small family.

But now Gu Mingda's words showed Lin Wei Xi a completely different image of Shen shi. How could she think that the reason Gu Hui Yan married Shen shi was largely because it was difficult to get off once you ride a tiger*. Shen shi was immersed in her own little girl's dream, and didn't care how much trouble it caused another person.

*It was difficult to get off once you ride a tiger, it means impossible to stop halfway.

Although Gu Mingda couldn't see Lin Wei Xi's expression, but from the atmosphere in the room he could judge that Yan Wang really chopped off the head and the tail, omitting the most critical part. Yan Wang thought that talking about a deceased woman’s right and wrong was too low, so he only talked about himself and refused to talk about Shen shi's problems. It didn't matter. Anyway, Gu Mingda was not a gentleman, so let him talk about it. Gu Mingda knew that if this problem was not communicated, there would always be a knot between Yan Wang and Wangfei. Lin Wei Xi has the right to know the truth of this matters.

"This subordinate don't know how Wangye said it to Wangfei, but it will certainly not involve the details of Wangfei Shen's personality. People should respect the dead, and it may be low for this subordinate to say the right and wrong of the deceased. However, if Wangfei doesn’t know about this, afraid that she will always misunderstand Wangye. Wangye is very caring to you. This subordinate has been with him for more than 20 years and have never seen him treat any woman like this. To put it bluntly, Wangye was a victim of the previous marriage. The victim of satisfying a woman’s fantasy. He marries you, is the beginning of the true heart."

"This subordinate don't know what misunderstandings there are between Wangfei and Wangye, but this subordinate is insolent, still want to say a few more words on behalf of Wangye. Wangye is very sincere to you. This subordinate do not want to see Wangye's hard-won happiness to prematurely die because of some groundless reasons. Wangye is admired by thousands of people, but it was not easy for him to walk this step. His childhood was harsh, and he joined the army as a young man. After that, every day he was accompanied by war deaths. The family warmth he received can’t be said to be much, as for his wife… don’t even say it. This subordinate in place of 100,000 soldiers and millions of people of Yan land ask Wangfei sincerely to take care of Yan Wang and have a good life with Wangye. This subject wait to burn the incense of eternal life every day, hoping that Wangfei and Junzhu will live long for a hundred years, in good health for a lifetime."

Gu Mingda had left for a long time, but Lin Wei Xi still sat in a daze, unable to recover for a long time. Rui Yang was dissatisfied with being ignored by her mother, pulled Lin Wei Xi’s collar while babbling.

Lin Wei Xi lowered her head to look after Rui Yang. She barely called "baby", her eyes suddenly blinked, and a tear fell directly on Rui Yang's cheek.

Gu Hui Yan had finished dealing with those miscellaneous matters, when he was about to enter Jingcheng Courtyard, he suddenly stopped.

In Jingcheng Courtyard there was those two mother and daughter. He had just finished seeing the blood, it seemed not good to go see them like this.

Gu Hui Yan stayed in place for a few moments, and finally decided to see them from a safe distance. After all, he promised Lin Wei Xi to go back to see her. If he didn't go, once there was another mistake she would take it out on him again.

But today, when Gu Hui Yan walked into Jingcheng Courtyard, he felt something was amiss. Gu Hui Yan's heart was cold and immediately strode inside. There was no lamp left in the inner room, for a while Gu Hui Yan felt panic, until he opened the curtain with force and saw the silhouette in front of the window, only then he invisibly let out a sigh of relief.

Gu Hui Yan’s heart get calmer, and then felt angry again: "Why you didn’t light the lamp?"

Lin Wei Xi sat on her side and didn't move for a long time. Gu Hui Yan gradually felt something was wrong. He stepped forward and looked startled when he saw Lin Wei Xi's face: "Are you crying?"

Lin Wei Xi wiped her face in a daze, "No."

Gu Hui Yan had long forgotten what he had come in for. He walked to Lin Wei Xi and sat down, carefully holding her face up: "What's the matter?"

"Gu Mingda came just now and told me something."

Gu Hui Yan's eyes moved, vaguely let out an "Oh".

Gu Hui Yan's qi training was really good, even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, his expression remained unchanged. But Lin Wei Xi already could recognize Gu Hui Yan's true feelings from his subtle expression. For example, even now, although Gu Hui Yan's expression was plain, Lin Wei Xi knew that he must have written down this matter, and he would find Gu Mingda to settle the account when he left.

Of course Lin Wei Xi didn't want Gu Mingda to get into trouble, so she immediately spoke for the other person: "You can't be angry at him, he is right about some things."

After Lin Wei Xi finished speaking, looking at Gu Hui Yan's face, she faintly felt that she was not able to help much. As soon as the chatterbox opened, the rest of the words of course were out: "Wangye, I have been indulged by people around me since I was a child, and my temperament has been nurtured to be somewhat not know the immensity of heaven and earth (arrogant and ignorant). In addition, I am competitive, what other people have I also need to have, what other people good at I will think every possible method to do better than them. I am very ambitious but also have high eyes but low hands. I also know that my personality is not very pleasing. When I first met Wangye, I was arrogant and offended Wangye a lot. After getting married I also always act willfully, letting you follow me in everything."

Gu Hui Yan wiped away the tears on her face little by little. Lin Wei Xi just an only daughter, and her family conditions in her childhood were not good, so when growing up she could not be indulged. The two of them knew exactly who Lin Wei Xi was talking about.

However, it was one thing to understand, but there was no intention to point it out. Gu Hui Yan looked calm, and the movements of his hands were also very patient: "You have never offend me. After meeting you I become happy very easily. I don't think you are spoiled. Why are you suddenly talking about this?"

Lin Wei Xi glanced at Gu Hui Yan with a sobbing expression: "Why you didn’t say that I am very pleasing, do you really think that I have high eyes and low hands?"

Gu Hui Yan paused for a while, only to realize that her previous words also had several important points. Gu Hui Yan could only say: "It’s not that you don’t know the immensity of heaven and earth, and your personality also quite... lively. Everything is just right, and those who say you are not very pleasing must be intentional."

Lin Wei Xi burst into laughter. She laughed for a while, and suddenly took the initiative to embrace Gu Hui Yan's neck: "My own worth, I myself understand. I am not as good as you said. If I didn't meet you, I definitely would often quarrel with my husband, and perhaps I would not become a good daughter-in-law in everyone’s eyes. All my luck is because I met you."

Gu Hui Yan's hand paused. For the first time in his life, his thought could not keep up with his external reaction.

"Do you remember the first time I saw you? You stood under the old tree in our house. There were so many people standing there, but no one could get past your graceful bearing. When I turned back, at first glance I saw you."

"Oh?" Gu Hui Yan slowly relaxed, with a smile in his voice, "Then how do you feel?"

"I thought you are not as old as the stories said. You are younger and better-looking than I thought."

Gu Hui Yan pinched her waist neither too light nor too heavy. Lin Wei Xi giggled, more and more calmly embraced him, and buried the bridge of her nose deeply on his collar: "Later, due to unexpected turn of events I married you. I'm afraid you will scold me, compare to my teacher when I was a child you are more fierce, but you did not. I thought you will give me cold-shoulder after marriage, but also no. You are the best person I have ever met. Just a while ago Gu Mingda told me everything about Wangfei Shen. I didn’t expect your past to be like this. In fact, I’m just jealous that she was able to participate in your youth and growth. I appeared too late. If possible, I wish I could born ten years, or twenty years earlier, so that I can meet you at the right age."

"There’s no need." Gu Hui Yan wrapped her waist with one hand, with a little bit of force, almost embedded her to his body, "Really not necessary, Xi'er, you are fine like this."

Lin Wei Xi heard the familiar pronunciation, "Xi'er," and tears suddenly couldn’t help but fell: "I’ve been through some forks in the road before, when I first said I want to marry you, there was indeed some anger, but later on no more. I have already paid the price, let's start over and live a good life with Rui Yang, okay?"

In his 30 years of life, Gu Hui Yan had never experienced such a touching emotion, and never had his heart this soft and painful like sinking into a big cave. She was right, anyone has a chance to start over, not to mention that she had already paid the price of her life. She was an unmarried woman, she was free.

The hidden barrier in Gu Hui Yan's heart also unconsciously melted. What he cared about was not her identity, but her attitude. Lin Wei Xi wished to start over, this couldn't be better.

"Good."

In the seventh year of Yuanjia, the impeachment of First Assistant Zhang was still sweeping the court, and the situation was getting bigger and bigger, those who tried to protect themselves and watch the fire across the river were dragged into the water. No one could stay out of this political carnival. Everyone was waiting for the fire to hit Yan Wang. The day Yan Wang declared his position was the day the boulder fall.

At the end of May, Yan land vaguely heard the news of enemy attack. Why was it vague? Because it was a very small disturbance, people in the court were not sure whether it could be defined as disciplined or planned enemy attack. However, Yan Wang took the initiative to present the memorial to the Emperor and said frankly that His Majesty had grown up and that he, this auxiliary minister, no longer needed, so he asked himself to retire and return to Yan land to defend the border.

The emperor was naturally urge to stay three times, but Gu Hui Yan was determined to leave. The three battalions had 100,000 troops and the six departments had half the power. Gu Hui Yan said release then at once released. The young Emperor was at the age when he wanted to roll up his sleeves to do great causes. Gu Hui Yan handed over such large power, which was exactly what the emperor wanted.

By June, it was a foregone conclusion that Yan Wang would return to his vassal state. When he came, he was entrusted with Mu Zong's secret imperial edict to enter the capital quickly. When he left he was only accompanied by Yan land’s close follower, and the reputation of retiring with meritorious deed. The only difference was probably an extra Wangfei and a beautiful and lovely little Junzhu.

"This vase is Wangfei's favorite, be careful to wrap it in cotton, don't knock it on the road. Don't move those paintings and calligraphy, this is Wangye and Wangfei’s own handwriting, Wangfei said she want to take it herself.... Wan Xing, where have you been? The courtyard is busy, and yet you are running away again!"

Wan Xing came back leisurely from the outside, and was caught by Wan Yue. The always dependable Wan Yue, couldn't help but crackle. When Lin Wei Xi heard it from the inner room she shook her head amusedly.

When Gu Hui Yan walked over he saw Lin Wei Xi smiling. He glanced out of the window, and also understood: "The two of them have followed you for three years, and now they are fully experienced."

"Yeah, at first I couldn't bear to control them when they were being noisy, didn't expect to be this soft-hearted, even until now."

Gu Hui Yan smiled lightly, obviously feeling the same. Lin Wei Xi looked around at this familiar mansion, full of memories from the previous life and this life. She couldn't help being curious, and asked, "Wangye, what does Yan land look like?"

"The mansion in Yan land is larger than here, and also not as finely crafted as in the capital. But the place is enough, there is a special pasture behind the mansion. If you want to go horse riding in the future, you can take a look."

Lin Wei Xi wowed. Since she was a child she grew up in the capital. Of course, she couldn't imagine what it was like to have a grassland in the mansion. Surely it was very grand and majestic.

Yan Wang Mansion was Yan Wang Mansion, Yan land was the real foundation of Gu Hui Yan. The entire Yan land belonged to Gu Hui Yan. He had military power in his hands, and economically, there were also the offering from the people of Yan land. The emperor was far away, at this slice of land he was no different from the real power regent

Lin Wei Xi was overjoyed. When she was a girl, the boudoir teaching was very strict. Afterwards, when she became a married woman, also couldn’t be said to be relaxing. Later when she come to Yan land, in family hierarchy she had no mother-in-law or other elders, in status had no Empress Dowager and other ancestors. Gu Hui Yan couldn't control her at all. Wouldn’t it mean that the sky is so high that the birds can fly, and the sea is so wide that the fishes can jump.

Lin Wei Xi sincerely looked forward to the life in Yan land. She walked around the house to see if there were anything she missed. She flipped through the books on the shelf, and asked casually: "Wangye, there are no mistress in Shizi’s courtyard to manage things, has his things packed up?"

"He won't go."

"What?"

Gu Hui Yan looked at Lin Wei Xi's eyes, there seemed to be something in his smile: "He already told me, our whole family return to Yan land, although the emperor doesn’t say anything now, but the monarch is mistrustful, after a few years, he will inevitably have doubts in his heart. Therefore Gu Cheng Yao will not return to Yan land with us. He will stay in the capital and continue to take a post in the sixth department, which also let him learned through experience."

Lin Wei Xi was stunned for a while, and then lightly respond, "It turns out that Shizi will not leave. That's fine, Shizi Consort has just died, and Shizi now has no intention to remarry. After a few years, Shizi will slowly come over, also conveniently marry a new consort."

Gu Hui Yan looked at her and smiled lightly.

Going out from Yongdingmen1, all the way towards the north, gradually, the hustle and bustle of the capital was gone, and the wind brought the uniqueness of the north. Rui Yang was full of milk, it’s time to make a fuss. She was holding the curtain of the carriage and refused to let go, eyes whirling around to watched the plain outside.

Lin Wei Xi pointed out the direction, told her young daughter one by one: "South is the capital city, where you were born, and further south is Shunde prefecture, where father and mother met for the first time. Now we are going to Yan land, your father's fief. In the future there will be a small area that become your territory."

While Lin Wei Xi said this, she squeezed Rui Yang's delicate cheeks: "Born as a Junzhu who will be conferred thousand household land, are you happy or not?"

Rui Yang giggled, although she still doesn't understand what it means, but saw her mother smile, she also instinctively followed. Lin Wei Xi hugged Rui Yang, quietly opened a slit from the carriage window, pointed at the figure in the front, and said, "Look, the man in the front is your father."

Gu Hui Yan seemed to feel something, from the ten thousands army preceding at the front he turned his head and saw Lin Wei Xi's small movement, smiled helplessly at her.

The setting sun behind was like a wheel, the wind blowing the grass below. Yan Wang Mansion’s winding fleet divided the vast grassland into two, Gu Hui Yan stood alone in front of everyone, holding the reins loosely in his hands, his body tall and straight, the grandeur was like a rainbow.

When they first met that day, a small county magistrate in Shunde prefecture was sweating on his head, and pointed to the outside, "He wants to give it to you, you should accept it."

Lin Wei Xi turned her head in that direction and saw many horses tied under the old tree in front of her aunt's house, there were so many people, but no one dared to make a sound, standing silently behind one person.

—"Who is that?"

—"Yan Wang."

Only when I look back at you, I think about the future and the evening of you. In the misty rain curtain, the emotional girl used three-point impulse and three-point hope, and asked tentatively: "Your Highness, aren’t you lack a wife?"

Look, how about me?

The End.

Author’s note:

The full text is over.

The story of Lin Wei Xi and Yan Wang is over. The article was opened on November 24 last year, unconsciously, three months have passed.

At the beginning of the conception, the male protagonist’s appearance was always fuzzy, but I came up with his appearance all at once. When he appeared in my mind, there was no fancy external description, no scene setting, only these words:

—Who is that?

—Yan Wang.

Using this as an inspiration to write the first three chapters, the structure of the whole story is also clear.

So, I’m a superficial author who has strong love for ten thousand years (classic line from Stephen Chow’s movie) for appearance description and simply itching to pile up 10,000 idioms to describe the appearance of male and female protagonists. But this whole article is nearly 400,000 characters, and I rarely describe the appearance of Yan Wang. Even if there is, I will put more emphasis on his movements and imposing manner, it’s because there is no longer need to describe his appearance. Not in my mind, not in the article.

Lin Wei Xi is my first attempt at contrast personality...Well, the lively (?) heroine, laughs and scolds, if she scolds you, at once scolds you. Yan Wang said that he likes to listen to her scolding people. In fact, when I write about her quite important scolding battle, my heart is very comfortable.

I really like this kind of slick girl.

The interactions between her and Yan Wang was unexpectedly smooth. I had to set a strict transition on the plot line and the previous life line to ensure that there is no block sentence, but for the emotional drama between the two of them, it was always "what outlines, open word just do it", it seems that they both have their own personalities. When they are together, they will naturally collide with each other.

After the previous life, plot, and emotions these three lines winding up together, many readers said that they did not want Yan Wang to know the truth, but I knew that he would know. It has nothing to do with my arrangement, his character and style have already determined this. If forcefully stop him from knowing it, it would be unfair to him and to Lin Wei Xi.

I have always thought that the greatest threat to the relationship between the two of them is not Shen shi, not Gu Cheng Yao, but themselves. After they passed this hurdle by themselves and calmly accept everything about each other, then is the time when the virtuous achievements come to their successful conclusion.

The story begins outside that remote and exclusive village. Lin Wei Xi turned around and saw Yan Wang in front of the crowd. The story also ends here.

—Who is that?

The text of "I Became The Stepmother of My Ex-husband" is over, and there will probably be a few extras. I am honored to meet many readers in this story. I am very honored. Thank you very much for your love of the story of IBTSOME. Thanks to every reader who has collected, commented, and subscribed. Thank you for enduring me for such a long time. Love you guys.

See you in the next book~

Extra Story 1 : Yan Land’s Record

"Heaven is dark, earth golden. The cosmos is vast and diffuse. Sun and moon wax and wane. The stars are fixed in their constellations...."*

*The first four sentence of Thousand Character Classic by Qian Zi Wen, texts for teaching Chinese characters and calligraphy to little children. I do not translate it myself but use this source

The girl with a double bun sits on a high seat, solemnly held the book, reading clearly. Because her legs could not reach the ground, her lotus root-like legs were still dangling in the air, the red soft shoes embroidered with delicate lotus flowers was peeking from between the clothes, and a pearl the size of a pigeon egg could be faintly seen on the toe of the shoe.

This girl who wore all red read aloud for a while, her eyes secretly looked at the door. Seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she lean forward on the armrest of the chair, reached out her arm to take the agate ornaments on the Treasure Cabinet. The agate has a fine texture, bright and clear color, and the thing that rarer than the material was its carving. The color of this agate changed from red to green, and didn’t know which craftsman was so ingenious, he carved the red part into two lotus flowers, one in bud and the other in full bloom, and the base along the green part carved into lotus leaf.

This piece of agate was perfectly integrated and ingenious, and its value was immeasurable. The girl was at the age when she loves to play and loves freshness, naturally loved bright things. One of her small chubby hand grabbing the handrail, and the other arm with much difficulty stretched out to reach the red lotus agate. Wan Yue came in with people carrying the hot tea, and as soon as she went around the curtain, she was shocked.

"Junzhu!" Seeing that half of Rui Yang's body was outside the chair, Wan Yue quickly stepped forward to catch her and hugged her back to her seat. Wan Yue was shocked, she patted her chest and let out a long sigh: "Junzhu, if you want to take stuffs just call people, how can you do it yourself? If you fall, even if this servant die ten thousand times still not enough to ask forgiveness to Wangfei."

Rui Yang was held by Wan Yue so she couldn’t see anything outside. She pointed at Treasure Cabinet and said childishly, "I want that red flower!"

Wan Yue put Rui Yang away, and the little maid by her side brought the red jade agate over. Wan Yue took it from the maid, wiped it back and forth with the kerchief, and then handed it to Rui Yang: "Junzhu, this jade piece is not light, you be careful not to smash your hand."

Rui Yang played with the lotus agate, touched it here tapped it there, had a great time playing. Wan Yue watched for a while and said softly: "Junzhu, it's time to study."

Rui Yang's round cheeks suddenly wrinkled, it could be seen that reading was not as attractive as the agate. Wan Yue looked amused at such childish look. She bent down and said more patiently: "Junzhu, this servants also know that you are tired today, but Wangfei asked you to read the first ten lines of Thousand Character Classic, in a moment she will return to check. If you cannot recite, how will you explain it to Wangfei later?"

Rui Yang's delicate fingers clasped the petals of the agate lotus, and after a long time, she said gruffly, "But I want to go out to see Da Huang (big yellow)."

Da Huang was the name she gave to her little pony. Yan Wang Mansion enclosed a piece of meadow in the back mountain. The horse farm has everything, and Rui Yang liked to play on the grass field. When Yan Wang saw that she liked it, he specially selected a docile little yellow horse for her. Although she could not ride it yet, it was still possible for Rui Yang to feed it the grass and play with it.

Wan Yue squatted in front of her, asked while imitating her tone: "If Junzhu goes to play with Da Huang, then what to do when Wangfei asks about Thousand Character Classic?"

Rui Yang pouted for a long time, and discontentedly said, "Well, I'll go after I finish reading. But the Thousand Character Classic is too difficult..."

The little girl who was as delicate as polished jade said with a grieved expression "too difficult", Wan Yue’s heart was full of cuteness. Although Rui Yang was the only Junzhu of Yan Wang Mansion, she was still the jewel that Yan Wang obtained in his middle age. She had been pampered and spoiled since childhood, but her temper was not arrogant. On the contrary, when meeting people she was full of smiles, simply soft sticky rice adorable.

In the whole mansion top to bottom, no one dislikes this little Junzhu.

Wan Yue said to Rui Yang in a low voice, "It's not difficult. Junzhu is naturally intelligent. If you read it a few times, you will definitely remember it."

"Why mother want me to recite this?"

"Because Junzhu is already three years old, it is time for enlightenment (start of school). When you grow up, Wangfei will invite the female master to come to the mansion to teach Junzhu the four arts."

Oh no, Rui Yang heard Wan Yue's words like this, her little face immediately collapsed: "After I finish studying this book, I still have to study?"

Wan Yue couldn't help laughing. She smiled and touched Rui Yang's soft hair bun, and said: "Junzhu is the jewel of our Yan Wang Mansion. Of course, have to dabble in zither, chess, calligraphy and painting. In the future, will intimidate those people in the capital."

Although Rui Yang was born in the capital, but her impression started in Yan Wang Mansion. In her world, Yan Wang Mansion was the whole world. Now suddenly she heard aunt Wan Yue, who she was familiar with since childhood, mentioned another place name, Rui Yang was very curious: "Where is the capital?"

"The capital..." Mentioning this long-lost name, Wan Yue’s words contained a sigh, "The capital is to the south of Yan land, it’s not too far away, the carriage can go there in three or four days. There are red walls and green tiles, and everywhere has imperial atmosphere, it’s very different from Yan land."

Rui Yang let out a soft "Ah" and asked curiously, "Is there also Da Huang's favorite grass?"

Wan Yue smiled: "The capital is expensive. Where can spare a place to grow grass, this is too extravagant. Our Yan Wang Mansion in the capital is also one of the best mansions, but the back garden is half occupied by the lake, and the rest of the place is not enough for Junzhu to ride a horse."

Rui Yang sighed disappointedly: "The capital is not good at all, I don't want to go to the capital."

"Junzhu should not say that." Wan Yue's face was slightly serious. Even in Yan land, it was not a safe thing to rashly say the home was not good. Wan Yue said, "Junzhu is still young, still can speak children’s words. But what is right and wrong in the capital is not something we can say. What's more in recent years, the wind of impeachment has prevailed in the capital. Even First Assistant Zhang not able to die well, let alone other people? Moreover, Junzhu's elder brother is also in the capital."

"Elder brother?"

The smile on Wan Yue's face faded, but she nodded and said, "Yes, Junzhu's elder brother, our mansion’s Shizi, Gu Cheng Yao."

Rui Yang was only four years old now, and naturally there was no memory of her birth, unlikely remember that when she was born, an elder brother who was nineteen years old extremely cherished her. In recent years, Rui Yang had also sometimes heard people mention this elder brother, but in the world of children, if you can't see it with your eyes, then naturally there is no such person.

Rui Yang, who had just been enlightened, became infinitely interested in this unfamiliar elder brother, and pestered Wan Yue to tell her about Gu Cheng Yao. Wan Yue unable to resist, had no choice but to pick out a few fairly satisfactory things and tell them to the little Junzhu one by one.

Although things were not pleasant back then, the late Shizi Consort repeatedly wanted to harm Wangfei, and Shizi seemed to have some hidden thoughts about Wangfei, but the entanglement of the previous generation did not necessarily spread to the child. When Wan Yue told Rui Yang about Gu Cheng Yao, she only talked about the good aspects of Gu Cheng Yao.

It had been three years since Yan Wang returned to the vassal state.

In the past three years, after the emperor married, First Assistant Zhang died of illness, and then the vigorous liquidation of Zhang Xiao Lian rose. People in the court come and go, and there were countless officials who have lost their job or their lives due to unwarranted charges, and there were also many upstarts who have soared because of stepping on First Assistant Zhang. Within the capital here were many factions charging violently, but separated by a distance Yan land was as calm as paradise.

Yan Wang with his wife and daughter stationed at the northern gate of the dynasty, and also intimidated the Jurchen, Rong Di and other tribes who were itching to move beyond the border. Gu Cheng Yao stayed in Beijing, firstly, to secure the Emperor’s heart, and secondly, it also meant to not leave the power center.

Wan Yue in Yan land didn't know much, only vaguely heard that Gu Cheng Yao lived simply deep in the capital, did not participate in political party’ gatherings, and had few banquets with friends. Gu Cheng Yao had no trouble on his own, and there was Gu Hui Yan’s accumulate power to intimidate. No one dared to hit Yan Wang Mansion. Only Yan Wang Mansion could watch the fire from the vortex torrent, high and mightily stand still.

It's really embarrassing to say that the three auxiliary ministers back then were all top-notch figures under the sun. They were well-known in their respective fields, but in the end, only Gu Hui Yan alone who get through unscathed.

Until today, the First Assistant was Shen Changzhou, and as before he extremely respects Yan Wang.

Before she knew it, her thoughts ran away. Wan Yue retracted her mind and said to Rui Yang, "Junzhu, you should read the book."

Rui Yang didn't care. She slid off the chair while Wan Yue was not paying attention, and ran out: "I'm tired, I'm going to find my mother."

In the main courtyard, Lin Wei Xi was replying to Liu Su Niang.

Since she left the capital, it had been inconvenient to communicate with each other, and the intersection between her and the people in the capital had inevitably weakened, but the contact with Liu Su Niang had never been interrupted. Later, Shen Changzhou entered the cabinet and became the First Assistant. The Shen family husband and wife's attitude towards her had not changed.

In Su Niang's letter, she mentioned the current situation not without worry. Although Shen Changzhou was accommodating and cautious, the disagreement between the emperor and the court officials was intensifying day by day, and gradually he couldn't compromise between the two parties. When First Assistant Zhang still there, everyone felt that Zhang Xiao Lian was monopolizing the power, until replaced with themselves, only realize First Assistant Zhang's ability.

Lin Wei Xi sighed quietly after reading this.

After staying in the peaceful Yan land for a long time, she almost forget the changeable nature of political situation. In the past few years, the capital suffered unceasing wind and rain, it was unknown how the people could still be alright.

Lin Wei Xi had just finished writing a page, and in the middle of freshening her brush she suddenly heard the sound of footsteps outside. There was no need to guess the identity of the person, because from a distance, her voice already loud: "Mother, I am back!"

Lin Wei Xi's face couldn't help but change into a smile. As soon as she stood up, Rui Yang slammed into Lin Wei Xi's arms, and then acted coquettishly to make Lin Wei Xi hug her. Lin Wei Xi picked up the chubby daughter and sat on the Luohan bed: "Why did you come back so soon? Has the Thousand Character Classic finished?"

Rui Yang blinked and said nothing, Lin Wei Xi already understood: "You ah, you are lazy again."

Rui Yang put her arms around Lin Wei Xi's neck, almost hung the whole person on Lin Wei Xi's body: "I don't understand a few words, mother teach me."

When Gu Hui Yan came back, he saw Lin Wei Xi and Rui Yang sitting in front of the bookcase, bowing their heads and talking. There were two sets of writing equipment, one large and one small, on the wooden table, even the ink stones were placed side by side.

Gu Hui Yan's eyes became soft all of a sudden, the maids inside and outside greeted "Yan Wang" one after another. Gu Hui Yan walked in slowly and asked with a smile, "What are you looking at?"

When Rui Yang heard the sound, she immediately shouted "Father", then opened her hand, wanted Gu Hui Yan to hug her. Gu Hui Yan held his daughter in his arms and looked at Rui Yang's round cheeks carefully: "Rui Yang is still so light. Eat more."

"Eat more." Lin Wei Xi stood up and went around Gu Hui Yan to pick up Rui Yang from his hands. "If you eating more, I won't be able to hold you anymore. You haven't finished your task today, come here."

Rui Yang hid in Gu Hui Yan's arms, giggling and avoiding Lin Wei Xi's hand. Lin Wei Xi was still strict and was about to forcibly grab her back, but another person held her hand.

"She is only three years old, and it's not too late for her enlightenment to be delayed for two days."

Lin Wei Xi raised her head and stared at Gu Hui Yan: "You are proudly spoiling her, is there a father like you?"

Seeing his father stopped her mother, Rui Yang cleverly slid from Gu Hui Yan's arms to the couch, then turned around and climbed out of the couch, and ran away without wearing her shoes. Lin Wei Xi was so angry that she wanted to chase her, but Gu Hui Yan laughingly hugged her from behind: "It's already late today. You can give her a day off."

Wan Xing and Wan Yue had already taken the maid out to put the shoes for Junzhu, and the wet nurse also waiting outside, Rui Yang would not have any mishap. Lin Wei Xi was relieved with Rui Yang's whereabouts, so she devoted herself to educating this classic example of the benevolent father in front of her: "Which three years old child is not start the enlightenment period. Last year I said that I wanted to teach her to read, you can't bear it. Now you are more a hindrance than a help."

Yan Wang, who could scare off foreign enemies by his name alone, was now powerless when criticized. Gu Hui Yan let Lin Wei Xi scold him and admit the charges one by one: "It's me who is not good, don't be angry."

"How can I not be angry." Lin Wei Xi struggled to free her waist, and when she found that she couldn't escape, she bitterly beat Gu Hui Yan's chest, "Let go, I have to write back to Liu Su Niang."

Lin Wei Xi originally had a slender and exquisite body, since giving birth to her daughter the waist was still slender, but the area that supposed to be plump was much more plump. Now the two of them were very close, Lin Wei Xi made a strong struggle, and twisted her waist to break free from Gu Hui Yan's arm. Gu Hui Yan only felt that the waist on his palm was too full to grasp, incredibly soft, it felt warmth and smooth like jade on his hands. Slowly, he thought about something else.

Gu Hui Yan controlled Lin Wei Xi's two hands that always making troubles with one palm, and the other arm was wrapped around her waist, earnestly fumbling up and down: "Your waist is really flexible."

This man's hand movements were so unruly, on the contrary his expression was serious and calm, as if he was discussing something serious. Lin Wei Xi was so angry, unfortunately her wrists were controlled by him, wanted to resist was impossible: "Frivolous, let me go."

Listening to Lin Wei Xi's curse was an enjoyment, and in this kind of situation, there was even more unspeakable taste. Gu Hui Yan smiled and held her up: "Okay, let's go inside and say."

"What time is it now, I still haven’t finish writing my letter."

Gu Hui Yan put her on the bed. Lin Wei Xi half propped up her body and wanted to get up, but just halfway up Gu Hui Yan had already leaned down, Lin Wei Xi was blocked by his chest and could only retreat. However, this posture tested her waist strength, and it didn't take long before she fell back on the bed again.

The world in front of her suddenly fell into ambiguous dimness. With her breathing in confusion, Lin Wei Xi heard him whispered in her ear softly: "Xi'er."

Because the pronunciation of these two words is the same, when he was clear-headed Gu Hui Yan didn’t call her this very often, but changed into other scenes, such as between the sheets, he liked to call her like that.

Oh, man.

"Rui Yang is three years old, and it is time for us to add a younger brother and sister for her."

Lin Wei Xi fell into the soft silk quilt, didn’t know whether from hot weather or something else but her cheeks were already blushing. Lin Wei Xi was always restrained on bed matters, most of the time it was Gu Hui Yan who took the initiative. Just when Gu Hui Yan thought that today was the same as usual, Lin Wei Xi suddenly stretched out her arms around his neck and exhaled gently on his ears: "I heard that it seems women are more likely to conceive if she is on top."

As for if it’s true or false, they could only investigate it by themselves.

Extra Story 2 : Cannot Get What One Ask For

The winter in the capital was always dry and dark, later than youshi (5-7pm), even couldn’t see figure in the courtyard clearly.

Gu Cheng Yao sealed the letter with the sealing wax and set it aside. He stared at the majestic and solemn Yan Wang Mansion emblem above, and suddenly fell into a deep sense of melancholy.

It had been three years since his father returned to the fief, and he had been wandering alone for three years.

On that day of departure, he followed the crowd to send off Yan Wang Mansion’s carriages from far away. The banners were flapping around, after Gu Hui Yan said farewell to the palace envoy, he mounted Zhao Xue and lead great number of retinue from the imperial court to the north. There were so many eyes, Gu Cheng Yao certainly didn’t have the opportunity to talk to Lin Wei Xi, he didn't even see her. He saw her carriage slowly started, and then merged into Yan Army torrent, and could no longer be recognized.

The carriage had moved for a long time, but Gu Cheng Yao seemed to still able to see the tassels on the carriage curtain swinging from side to side, lingering in front of his eyes.

He had this kind of thought about his stepmother, the righteousness and propriety of the past two decades had become a joke. Gu Cheng Yao struggled painfully for a long time, and he even thought about receiving other women to divert his attention. He took Yun Hui first. Later in half-awake and half-drunk state he saw a person who looked like Gao Xi, from then on, he seemed to be possessed and disregarding anything asked her from someone else's house.

But all the efforts he made in the end pushed the situation in a worse direction. He accepted Yun Hui, aroused Gao Ran’s jealousy, and planted the root that cause a series of family disasters. He took Lu Niang, but Lu Niang’s impetuous and foolish character made the house restless, even made disturbance in front of Lin Wei Xi

Lin Wei Xi, he chewed over these three words, slowly called another name in his heart.

Gao Xi.

He discovered that this matter purely by accident. In fact, he had never verified the authenticity of this idea. Perhaps everything was his wishful thinking. But Gao Ran's death gave him an unspeakable feeling.

This is real.

The two of them are really one person.

After the news of Gao Ran's death came out, the entire Yan Wang Mansion remained silent. Gu Cheng Yao didn't say anything. The servant asked him if he wanted to see Shizi Consort’s body, but Gu Cheng Yao said no. He didn't know what he should do if he went and saw some traces that were too late to cover up, and not belong to the signs of a serious illness.

Although he knew that his father would not leave such a handle, he still did not want to face this scene. In the fourth year of Yuanjia, he watched Gao Xi leave, and now Gao Ran was also dead.

His feelings for Gao Ran were very complicated. When he first searched for her with the jade pendant, he was really caught up in the fanaticism and love at first sight idea. He felt that he had fallen in love deeply with this woman. This was their destined marriage, so no one could stop them from being together.

Many years later, Gu Cheng Yao thought, maybe at the time he was not in love, he was just moved by himself.

He found this woman and got married with enthusiasm and expectation. However, Heaven's Will was just like that. If Heaven didn’t want him to find her, then don't give him hope from the beginning, he wouldn’t receive the jade pendant, and he wouldn’t send the jade pendant to his father. Why after he found his wife, he was told ruthlessly that he found the wrong person.

This truth was undoubtedly a big deal for him at the time. Although Gao Ran was standing in front of him, Gu Cheng Yao couldn't hear anything anymore. He didn't even know how he left Duke Yingguo Mansion and how he returned to Yan Wang Mansion.

That night, he went to find his new wife. He asked her, why are you lying to me?

Gu Cheng Yao didn't know what kind of answer he wanted to hear. At that time, Yan Wang’s Shizi was young and his life was always smooth sailing, could not bear any sand in his eyes. How could he tolerate his new wife deceived him like this? At that time, he thought, maybe Gao Xi also had difficulties, maybe she would cry and admit her mistake. What if she cried? Women’s cry was always troublesome. If at that time Gao Xi could not be coax, maybe he also could forgive her...

However, he didn't see any scenes he imagined. Gao Xi just looked at him strangely, with unspeakably calm and confident expression: "What are you talking about?"

She deceived him, but didn’t have any remorse.

Gu Cheng Yao was furious, and since then he deliberately ignored Gao Xi. In the beginning, Gao Xi often sent people to invite him, the maid, the young manservant, the cook...all kinds of names were there. But didn’t know since when, this kind of things disappeared.

Gao Xi began to erect thorns all over her body. She rectified the rules of the mansion, aggressively replaced the old slaves, and repeatedly targeted Yun Hui and Bu Mama, deliberately confronting Yun Hui. If such words were passed on to Gu Cheng Yao's ears, naturally it could only add more dislike. Indifference and misunderstanding had the tendency to remain unchanged. Once the gap was opened, then it would be more and more impossible to return, and the two could only become more and more unfamiliar.

Sometimes in the dead of night, Gu Cheng Yao asked himself, just because of one sentence, why did their husband and wife get into such a situation? Since he asked that question, he never said a complete sentence to Gao Xi again.

However, when the sun shines in the east the next day, Gu Cheng Yao still couldn’t pull down his face to find Gao Xi. Indifference was the best mask. Gradually, the mask and the flesh become one, and even its owner couldn’t take it off.

Countless times Gu Cheng Yao wanted to return to that time, to tell himself at that time, because you have never experienced loss, therefore so ignorant and fearless. Cherish the present and never squander other people’s love. Because it’s very likely that after such delay, you will never see it again.

When Gu Cheng Yao saw Gao Xi again, it was the day she was buried.

He thought he didn't care, he thought he loathed and hated her, but when he saw Gao Xi's face, his heart was caught off guard, violently pulled out into a lump.

Gao Xi has died, she has died. But how could she die?

She had let him down, she occupied the position of his destined wife, so she should make up for him for the rest of her life. What’s the point of her passing away early like this?

Later at the funeral, his father-in-law, Duke Yingguo Shizi, made a cryptic apology to him. Perhaps everyone thought that Gao Xi was competitive, her woman’s virtue was lacking, so she could not invite her husband’s love. Even Gao Xi's father was able to apologize to his son-in-law with a sad expression at his only di daughter’s funeral, and then offered to marry another daughter.

Gu Cheng Yao didn't know who he should be angry to, who he should blamed. At that time, he really thought it didn't matter who become his wife. Gao Xi was dead, so what was the difference if it changed to someone else? Perhaps getting everything fixed was the best solution.

In the first few days Gao Ran married him, her gentle and considerate nature, her agreeable and cautiousness were indeed very suitable for Gu Cheng Yao. No one would dislike this kind of woman who was in line with the scholar’s ideals, and Gu Cheng Yao gradually got used to it. He deliberately treated Gao Ran very well, and his patience was far higher than the previous marriage. Everyone said that the new Shizi Consort was very favored by Shizi, but Gu Cheng Yao knew it was not.

His kindness to Gao Ran was a kind of deliberate kindness. He was like a clown on the stage, he pampered his wife, and accompanied his wife for a chat or a walk according to the arrangement of the playbook. But when he did all this, his heart was calm without any ripples, and no longer tried find the happiness, anger, sorrow and joy like when he married Gao Xi. His anxiety and excitement as he waited for the wedding, the nervousness when he lifted Gao Xi's veil, and all his enthusiasm for marriage had been exhausted at the end of his first marriage.

Although he could not ignite the enthusiasm for Gao Ran, he always told himself that Gao Ran’s heart was kind and pure. She saved people in the moonlit night and stand aloof from worldly affairs, so it was his blessing to have Gao Ran as a companion for the rest of his life. But when Gao Ran and Yun Hui rushed to beat each other that day, Gu Cheng Yao stood at one side and couldn't even react.

In his mind, the gentle and virtuous older sister, the kind and indisputable wife, would actually do such a shrew-like thing. Later, Lin Wei Xi put the yin yang pot in front of him and told him that Gao Ran had planned to kill Yun Hui with this pot of wine.

When impressions turned from good to bad, the consequences were far more serious than always bad. If originally he didn’t like a person, even if that person done a heinous thing, he would just say "oh". But if a person who had always have a good image suddenly burst into a scandal, the backlash in people’s heart could swallow them alive.

Gu Cheng Yao's evaluation of Gao Ran plummeted because of this, and he also doubted Gao Ran’s previous words.

When Gao Ran was alone with him, she always faintly discredited Gao Xi. Although she always said that Gao Xi’s status was high, and the brothers and sisters in the family respect the eldest sister very much, but Gao Ran’s words meant that everything about Gao Xi was just because of her identity. She, Gao Ran, was the one that everyone really loves.

Some matters, the person involved were always the one that confused, Gu Cheng Yao could easily hear, Gao Ran very much cared about Gao Xi. She kept saying that she was free and at ease, but Gu Cheng Yao, as a bystander, knew that Gao Ran should felt very inferior to Gao Xi. Not only her, the other member of Gao family talked about the eldest sister Gao Xi with awe, not dare to rushed, even more in front of this eldest sister not dare laughing freely.

Gao Xi thought her temperament was unpleasant, actually it was not. Love revealed a man’s male instinct. Gao Xi was well-versed in all Four Arts, excellent in poetry, and her identity was also unapproachable. Her aura would unmasked the true image of most men. Even if many cousins admired in their hearts, they unlikely had any thoughts about Gao Xi, they more likely wanted to find a woman who was not as good as them and could satisfy their male self-esteem.

Father was right, Gao Xi, or Lin Wei Xi had a high spirit and strong ability. If it’s not a powerful man, he would not be able to subdue her.

Perhaps because he was afraid that people would not believe it, later father really practiced this sentence himself.

The more Gu Cheng Yao wavered, the more he could hear Gao Xi's news from all directions and corners. For example, Duke Yingguo Shizi actually felt guilty towards his di daughter. For example, even if Duke Yingguo old madam liked Gao Ran because of her strong desire for control, but subconsciously her evaluation of Gao Xi was the highest. For another example, Gao Xi did not bully others or snatched Gao Ran's marriage, and Gao Ran was not a weak and harmless little white flower.

Gu Cheng Yao finally understood his heart. He had always loved Gao Xi, but when he was young he didn't know how to cherish it, he had already lost her. When she appeared before him again, the person she depend on, trusted, and admired had changed from him to his father.

The maid beside her, Wan Yue, thought that he had some bad intentions, because he was overwhelmed by Lin Wei Xi’s outstanding beauty and could not extricate himself, but Gu Cheng Yao always knew that he loved Gao Xi. When he looked at Lin Wei Xi’s charming face, he also thought of Gao Xi’s face.

The Buddha said that there are seven sufferings in the world, birth, old age, sickness, death, resentment, separated from the loves one, and not able to get what one asked for.

Perhaps, could add one more suffering, able to get it but lost it.

He knew clearly that he had lost Gao Xi forever, that she had married his father, and that when she looked at his father, there was obvious adoration and happiness in her eyes. During the few years when Yan Wang and Lin Wei Xi were still in the capital, he felt pain every time he saw Lin Wei Xi, like his heart has been cut, trembling pain to the bone marrow. But he couldn't control himself from seeing her, so that one pain was not over, and yet he went to see Lin Wei Xi again, and was bloodied again by the interaction between her and his father.

He knew that he was sinking deeper and deeper on a road of no return. Such thoughts were not only against the norm, but would also consigned her to eternal damnation. He couldn't face his father's gaze. When Rui Yang was born, when his father looked at him with a deep gaze, Gu Cheng Yao almost knelt down to beg for forgiveness.

How could he have such thoughts, but how could he not have such thoughts.

Of course because of her.

Later, when the whole Yan Wang Mansion returned to the country, he stayed alone in the capital. Political reasons accounted for only one reason. But more than that because he could not face Lin Wei Xi, let alone face his father.

Probably after he made such a decision, his father was also relieved.

In recent years, the capital had been turbulent. He has experienced many thrilling moments. Political training had allowed him to grow rapidly, but it was precisely because of his maturity that he knew what he missed. People always understand the value of barriers only after they met and smashed their head. He was so, and the little emperor was also so. How vigorous the emperor when he settling accounts of Zhang Xiao Lian, but after First Assistant Zhang completely collapsed, the emperor was forced with nowhere to go by the deformed group of court officials he previously indulged. Managing a country had never been easy, only after he was severely beaten with two hammers that he finally understand First Assistant Zhang’s toughness. Back then, he was ambitious to be like Emperor Qin and Han Wu, but now he had become passive and evasive, ignoring government affairs.

Every time he retreats from a dangerous situation, his desire to talk was particularly strong. He wanted to share his thrills and tensions with his wife, and later when she worried, he would lightly say "It's actually nothing." But looking back around, where is his wife?

On the Dragon Boat Festival in Yuanjia's fifth year, he and Lin Wei Xi took shelter from the rain in the water pavilion. The sky was dark and there was no light in the room, only the rain reflected on her face. At the sound of rain, Lin Wei Xi's outline was vague, but her black hair, snow-colored skin, and red lips became more vivid. Gu Cheng Yao almost thought he was looking at a painting. Her voice was accompanied by the vastness of rushing rain from the sky, fresh and mocking, but mysteriously carried a prophetic rhythm in it. She said: "You always take it for granted. When you made this decision, did you talk to her frankly? Did you really know the truth? Sooner or later, you will pay for your idealization."

What did he say at that time? He just shook his head amused and helplessly, his tone could not hide his carelessness: "Then I wish Miss Lin all the best."

A prophecy.

He really paid the price for his self-righteousness, and he paid for the rest of his life.

Birth, old age, sickness, death, resentment, separated from the loves one, not able to get what ones asked for, able to get it but lost it.

He knew that she would live a very good life, with both children and husband-to dote on her. He also often heard from Yan land’s people the news about Wangfei and Junzhu, his father really cherished her, and she and Rui Yang were also happy and peaceful.

But after all, these things have nothing to do with him.

He couldn’t get what he asked for, his had lost it.

Extra Story 3 : Gu Hui Yan

"Wangye."

Gu Mingda stopped three steps away, as his habit for many years, bowing his head respectfully and abide by the rules. He said many times that when there was no one around, there was no need for them to be so restrained. But Gu Mingda agreed on the surface, and yet it would be the same the next time.

Gu Hui Yan knew that he could not change this stubborn confidant, so he let Gu Mingda do as he please. But today, Gu Mingda was standing three steps away, Gu Hui Yan paused for a long time before saying to Gu Mingda: "Come here."

Gu Mingda still looked inflexible and cold. Like a machine without feelings, he put a thick stack of envelopes on Gu Hui Yan's desk, then stepped back into the darkness without saying a word, turned and closed the door.

It seems that Wangye’s unusual silence, suddenly let him personally check the life of Wangfei, all were extraordinary things.

After Gu Mingda went out for a long time, Gu Hui Yan still sat on the red sandalwood seat surrounded by fragrance smoke curling up, unable to open the envelope for a long time.

He turned a blind eye to this matter for nearly a year, and now the truth was at his hand, and he was unwilling to open it.

But some things were already so obvious that he couldn't ignore it. Finally, Gu Hui Yan reached out his hand and slowly tore the letter open.

Here was Lin Wei Xi's life in Shunde Prefecture, including her birth date, her life experience, also her personality and hobbies... Gu Hui Yan read very rapidly, almost cruelly reading all the investigations from the beginning. He put down the last page, and the candlelight jumped in his eyes, dark and frightening.

At this time, the night was already very deep, and he suddenly returned, shocking the maids at Jingcheng Courtyard. The two maids beside her looked at him cautiously: "Wangye, Wangfei has been waiting for a long time, cannot help but fell asleep."

"I see, go on."

Wan Xing and Wan Yue filed out with the other maids. Following his actions, the lights of Jingcheng Courtyard were brightened, and now they fell into silence again.

Gu Hui Yan walked slowly to the inner room where they were living, opened the bed curtain, and from some distance stared deeply at her profile.

She slept unsteadily, seemed to feel the wind from outside, and her eyebrows frowned uneasily. Lin Wei Xi’s sleep was not always peaceful, this matter he knew on the first day, but actually when he was away, Lin Wei Xi would curl up into a ball and shrank in a corner like a baby. He subconsciously wanted to pull her away, even if the quilt was spread, she might still catch a cold leaning against the wall like this. But his hand had just reached out halfway, his fingers suddenly curled up, and finally took it back restrainedly.

How he wished he didn't know about it, so that he could still pretend that everything was good and continue to keep her by his side. When she was in the right she could be unforgiving to people, slept very insecurely, liked to eat sweets and spicy foods, and especially afraid of cold in winter... He knew a lot of her cute little movements, and many of his habits gradually merged with hers. He once thought they had the rest of their lives to enrich these details.

This joke-like marriage began with his momentary selfishness. He was always harsh and rational at himself, but at that moment, when Lin Wei Xi made this request to him, his long-lost heart actually moved. But soon, he woke up.

Lin Wei Xi was just confused. She could be confused, but he could not. However he obviously underestimated Lin Wei Xi’s stubbornness. That very night she had a high fever, even if her cheeks were red, but she had to forcibly climb up from the bed, with hoarse voices said to him: "Your Highness, what I said yesterday was not just nonsense."

Gu Hui Yan looked at her for a long time: "Do you know what you are talking about?"

She paused and said, "I know."

But Gu Hui Yan knew very well that she didn't know, she was just a little girl who hadn't been out in the world. Because she was compared by a woman she didn't like, so she willfully wanted to win back. What did she say yesterday? She actually came to him and said, aren’t you lack a wife. Look, how about me?

Gu Hui Yan suddenly felt an extremely despicable mood. This was what she said. Pushing the boat with the current, also not impossible.

Gu Hui Yan couldn't tell who he was angry with. He took people out and walked through the winding corridor. He suddenly saw a wisteria tree on the flower stand swaying by the wind. Normally, he would never notice these flowers and plants. He stayed on the corridor for a long time, until the gardener who looked after the courtyard almost fell to his knees in fright.

"Wangye, perhaps it’s the wind."

It's not the wind. It was not the wind that move, it’s his heart.

Gu Hui Yan finally decided to obey his own heart for once. He was harsh on himself since he was a child, not allowed himself to indulge in things, and not allowed himself to waste time with hobbies. He had always been restraining himself, constantly taking care of the mansion, Yan land, mother, father, and later on Shen shi.

But this time, Gu Hui Yan thought, maybe he could indulge himself this once. Yan Wang Mansion always need a Wangfei, many social necessities and ceremonial façades couldn’t be brought forward by Shizi Consort.

From that indulgence, he step by step surrender and never came back.

Up until now, Lin Wei Xi already pregnant with their children. Gu Hui Yan had thought many times, what if it’s a boy, what if it’s a girl. He was indeed an excellent military commander, he had already deduced many arrangements in his mind like a formation. He had been in the army for ten years and has yet to fail. An old friend said that he has a natural talent. Gu Hui Yan didn't care about it before, but now he hopes that this was true. Perhaps in this way, he could also become a good father.

But at this critical juncture, when he was almost dizzy by the sudden happiness, God put another bloody fact before him.

As if someone poured a basin of ice water, his floating mind suddenly cooled down.

He didn't care about Lin Wei Xi's former identity, she was not his daughter-in-law now. What's more, Gu Hui Yan's attitude towards remarriage was very tolerant. It might be because he was used to seeing life and death, used to see a mother loses her son, and a bride loses her husband. Therefore, Gu Hui Yan had always felt that it was very baffling thing to let widows observe festivals (cannot remarry). Disharmony leads to separation, and the widowed husband married another, which was really nothing.

Lin Wei Xi was even more so, she had paid the price of life, and she had no reason to be trapped for a lifetime. But Gu Hui Yan wanted to know why Lin Wei Xi said she want to marry him.

He originally thought it was a little girl’s pique, but now he thought it might be more than that.

Gu Hui Yan watched her for a long time under the dim light that day, and finally left silently. A few days later, he took the initiative to ask for orders to go to Guanzhong for disaster relief.

He was actually going to run away, but he really didn't want to know the most probable reason.

Lin Wei Xi returned to Yan Wang Mansion again, was it because she couldn't let go of her former husband? Couldn’t get what one ask for, love and hate mixed together, but even so, still want to stand in the nearest place to look at the other person.

After all, Gu Cheng Yao and Lin Wei Xi were about the same age and in their prime times.

His mood during the disaster relief in Guanzhong could be said to hit the rock bottom, those days even Gu Mingda did not dare to get in front of him. Gu Hui Yan almost self-abuse arranged a lot of official business for himself, so that he would not have the energy to think about another thing.

Who knows with such busy schedule he missed the most important letters. After Gu Hui Yan got his hands free, he realized that Lin Wei Xi didn’t have an appetite and had a serious pregnancy reaction, actually dared to hold her stomach without eating.

Gu Hui Yan was angry and distressed. He struggled inwardly for a while, but still couldn't win against this little girl.

No matter what, her body was the most important thing. Let's talk about these things later.

For many years afterwards, Gu Hui Yan was extremely grateful for this decision. He rushed back to Yan Wang Mansion day and night. Originally he was only seeking peace of mind, but actually he happened to catch up with Rui Yang’s birth. He looked at the basin of blood coming out of the delivery room and felt dizzy. Was the blood flowing out of her? How much pain she should have.

At that moment, Gu Hui Yan regretted it very much. He actually left her alone for something inexplicable. What if he didn’t come back tonight? What if she had difficult birth and met an accident? When Gu Hui Yan thought that he might lose Lin Wei Xi forever, he couldn’t accept it.

When Rui Yang was wrapped in a swaddle and was carefully held in front of him, Gu Hui Yan suddenly felt soft-heartedly become a mess. At least she was still by his side now, that's enough. No matter what she thought, she would remain Yan Wangfei for the rest of her life until death separate them. She had no right to take it back.

Life seems to be back on track, but Gu Hui Yan knew what lies between them. Until Lin Wei Xi went to see Gao Ran, the bomb hidden between the two finally detonated.

"Go drink the medicine first."

"Not going."

Gu Hui Yan lowered his face and unconsciously released his powerful aura, "Go or not?"

"Not going!"

Lin Wei Xi glared viciously at him with her round eyes, Gu Hui Yan was angry, but he felt funny in his heart.

This reminded him of the first time he saw Lin Wei Xi, when she was single-handedly fighting against a group of Confucian. Gu Hui Yan stood outside the door and felt that this little girl was really...lively, and when she cursed her voice was very pleasant to hear.

Who knows that there was a price behind any enjoyment. At the time he listened with appreciation attitude, and then he would need a lifetime to slowly repay the tickets for that time. The lively little girl glared at him, disliked him, and could always come up with endless tricks to provoked his anger in one second, and made him didn’t know whether to laugh or cry in the next second.

She didn't decide to stay with him because of Gu Cheng Yao. She also could worry about gains and losses, joy and disappointment. When she married him, she really felt that she was pretty good and suitable for him to be the Wangfei.

Gu Hui Yan broke into laughter, the knot that had troubled him for a long time, it turned out from the beginning he went into a fork in the road.

It was now the thirteenth year of Yuanjia, Rui Yang was six years old, and their son was three years old. Rui Yang gradually became like her, loved to make trouble, his son also wanted his sister to take him to play, but Rui Yang always rejected him.

Lin Wei Xi was holding her son to wipe the mud spots on his hands. She seemed to sense something, turned around and smiled, "Wangye?"

Knowing each other for eight years and married for seven years, his wife's immature features faded away, becoming gentle, beautiful and peaceful. Time flies, but she was still like a young girl, with a slender figure and bright eyes.

Gu Hui Yan greeted her with a smile, held her hand, and took her and his son over together: "What he was up to again? How he end up like this?"

Little Lang Jun, who was decked out beautifully, hurriedly cast a look at his mother for help, but Lin Wei Xi glanced at his son with a smile, between looks her eyes flowed: "I don't know, you ask him yourself."

The End.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 : Rebirth

Chapter 2 : Forced Marriage

Chapter 3 : Yan Wang

Chapter 4 : Take Away

Chapter 5 : Overlord

Chapter 6 : Marriage

Chapter 7 : Anti-Marriage

Chapter 8 : The Capital

Chapter 9 : Return

Chapter 10 : Shu Younger Sister

Chapter 11 : Shizi

Chapter 12 : Bow Down

Chapter 13 : Justice

Chapter 14 : Grudge

Chapter 15 : Against

Chapter 16 : War

Chapter 17 : Dowry

Chapter 18 : Net Worth

Chapter 19 : Family

Chapter 20 : Stunning

Chapter 21 : First Assistant

Chapter 22 : Chili Pepper

Chapter 23 : Evil Mind

Chapter 24 : Wife

Chapter 25 : Pique

Chapter 26 : Matchmaker

Chapter 27 : Wangfei

Chapter 28 : Maiden

Chapter 29 : Red Makeup

Chapter 30 : Grand Wedding

Chapter 31 : Wedding Candles

Chapter 32 : Tea

Chapter 33 : Framed

Chapter 34 : Payback

Chapter 35 : Old Slave

Chapter 36 : Couple

Chapter 37 : Reading

Chapter 38 : Preferences

Chapter 39 : Second Qian

Chapter 40 : Promising Marriage

Chapter 41 : Emperor’s Grace

Chapter 42 : Demonstration

Chapter 43 : Served

Chapter 44 : Extorting Money

Chapter 45 : Mother-in-law

Chapter 46 : Mobilized Forces

Chapter 47 : Condemn

Chapter 48 : Punishment

Chapter 49 : Disagreement

Chapter 50 : Copying Punishment

Chapter 51 : Goddess

Chapter 52 : Shu Younger Brother

Chapter 53 : Disciplined

Chapter 54 : Avoid Suspicion

Chapter 55 : Pride

Chapter 56 : Transparent

Chapter 57 : Red Sleeves

Chapter 58 : Dead Wife

Chapter 59 : Coquetry

Chapter 60 : New Year’s Eve

Chapter 61 : New Year

Chapter 62 : Rebirth

Chapter 63 : Congratulated the Emperor

Chapter 64 : Maternal Relatives

Chapter 65 : Birthday

Chapter 66 : Lantern Festival

Chapter 67 : Pair of Fishes

Chapter 68 : Taking a Concubine

Chapter 69 : Adultery

Chapter 70 : Red Apricot

Chapter 71 : Out of The Wall

Chapter 72 : Wrath

Chapter 73 : The Ending

Chapter 74 : The Past

Chapter 75 : Young Man

Chapter 76 : Han Shi

Chapter 77 : Heir

Chapter 78 : Summer Escape

Chapter 79 : Riding Together

Chapter 80 : Di Daugther

Chapter 81 : People’s Heart

Chapter 82 : Adoption

Chapter 83 : Shen Shi

Chapter 84 : Pregnant

Chapter 85 : Dead Person

Chapter 86 : The Truth

Chapter 87 : Intention

Chapter 88 : Confession

Chapter : Moonlight

Chapter 90 : Doubt

Chapter 91 : Worship Buddha

Chapter 92 : Accident

Chapter 93 : It’s You

Chapter 94 : Sentencing

Chapter 95 : Thunder

Chapter 96 : The Wind Blows

Chapter 97 : Giving Birth

Chapter 98 : Pearl

Chapter 99 : Reborn

Chapter 100 : Sisters

Chapter 101 : Gao Ran

Chapter 102 : The Grand Finale

Extra Story 1 : Yan Land’s Record

Extra Story 2 : Cannot Get What One Ask For

Extra Story 3 : Gu Hui Yan