Chapter 102: In A Great Mess
Notes:
Yang Guan Road -- referring to a
broad, convenient road. A single-plank bridge is clearly not convenient.
Meaning is: You can act conveniently, but I also have my ways.
Hand warmer - small, handheld
containers with openings on top and coal or charcoal inside
Ginseng Lily soup - usually consisting
of ginseng, lilies, figs, pork, and dried tangerine peel; good for the lungs
In Li Wei Yang’s courtyard, Zhao Nan was
reporting back on Li Min Zhi’s current situation.
“Si Shaoye’s caretakers are very meticulous.
Everything is well-prepared, and they always hold him and do not leave him on
his own in the crib. Furen comes to check three times a day and in the middle
of the night, she gets up and checks twice more. Laoye said she may not even do
this for her own children.” Zhao Nan reported back emotionlessly but was
clearly unhappy because Li Wei Yang had him watch over a child.
Li Wei Yang smiled and said: “Overindulging a
child will only harm him.”
Zhao Nan noticed something off in her words
but did not understand it. Suddenly, a voice rang out behind him: “You still
don’t understand? At first, Si Di was very quick and clever, able to turn in
bed and sit steadily with a bit of help. He is usually looking for Qi Yiniang
everywhere, which is enough to show that he is clever and able to recognize
others. Now the wet nurse holds him and does not let him stay in the crib; she
has an ulterior motive!”
Zhao Nan saw Li Min De come in and quickly
greeted him. Li Min De waved his hand and said: “You really are blockheaded.
You were told to watch and listen closely and think carefully, but you are
still dense!”
For the past two years, Li Min De rarely came
to Li Wei Yang’s courtyard to avoid suspicion, but this time, it was definitely
essential to discuss Min Zhi’s predicament. Li Wei Yang looked at him. Li Min
De wore garments with golden cloud embroidery and a cloak with silver fur
lining. The color was elegant and refined, making seem even more outstanding.
He smiled and said: “Zhao Nan is not well versed in these things, so it’s not
surprising.”
Li Min De slightly smiled: “Still has much to
learn.” Having said this, he looked to Zhao Nan, “It can be said that Jiang Yue
Lan is a crafty person. You must know that there is a way to give someone the
best foods to eat and best clothes to wear without teaching them well. With
something like this, there is no need to resort to beating, scolding and
mistreatment, especially when she will also be praised by the whole family.”
Jiang Yue Lan’s actions did not go unnoticed
by Li Xiao Ran, who felt very grateful towards her. Even if Min Zhi became
ignorant and incompetent and acted arrogantly in the future, it would only be
because he had an ill fate and could not be educated differently. After all, he
had been given the best of the best and had been carefully looked after and
protected, why did he turn out this way?
Even if someone discovered this in the
future, at most, they would only say that where there is a kind mother, there
is a useless son, in regards to Jiang Yue Lan. She just spoiled the child too
much. It is hard to think of an ulterior motive. However, Li Wei Yang and Li
Min De were individuals who were fond of thinking of things in a vicious
manner. It was clear that both had reached the same conclusion.
Zhao Nan still could not believe it. The new
fragile Furen was gentle and sensitive and seemed to genuinely love Min Zhi,
worry for him, and held him in her arms afraid that he would fall. She did not
seem like someone with hidden motives in mind.
Li Wei Yang smiled and said: “I used to put a
lot of toys in Si Di’s crib. I also put up many drawings in front of him every
day and gave him more opportunities to listen, see, and interact. Si Di latched
onto things he was interested in to examine and play with, does Furen do that
for him too?”
Zhao Nan thought for a moment, then shook his
head.
Li Wei Yang indifferently said: “That’s
precisely why. Holding a child this old and spoiling him like this, even if
he’s healthy and strong, he will grow up to be useless! I used to say that Da
Furen was despicable, but I feel that Jiang Yue Lan is much more capable than
Da Furen!”
Li Min De smiled as he normally would: “Of
course, Jiang Rou was the eldest daughter and had the entire Jiang Guogong
family supporting her. She had nothing to worry about. If she despised someone,
she would find a way to eliminate the thorn in her eye. The Jiang family
strictly disciplines their sons yet spoils their daughters indeed, but Jiang
Yue Lan is different. Although she was born the daughter of the official wife,
her father was not as capable as Jiang Xu. With a stepmother and many brothers
and sisters, if she did not fight to climb over others, how could she get
through a day peacefully? So she is good with underhanded methods that are not
in the open and obvious. This is what she is better than Jiang Rou at.”
“Jiang Yue Lan is not only trying to deal
with me. She saw how Fuqin cherished and doted on Min Zhi and was afraid that
in the future, her own son will be disadvantaged.” Li Wei Yang blankly said.
Indeed, Li Xiao Ran’s love for Li Min Zhi had far exceeded what it should have
been for a concubine-born son. No wonder Jiang Yue Lan was worried.
Li Wei Yang was a bit worried. Da Furen’s
despicable actions could be easily dealt with, but Jiang Yue Lan was different.
She knew how to use her status as the rightful Furen to act and act openly.
Even if others found out, she would use their difference in status to crush
resistance, making them helpless. In any case, the right to raise and
discipline children was still hers. It is also true that she was carefully
raising the child, so what was there to say? There was no way to express such
grievances! On the other hand, you would still have to thank her and run after
her. It was a powerful advantage indeed! Had Da Furen used a similar method
back then, Li Wei Yang would not have disposed of her so quickly.
Li Min De looked to Li Wei Yang: “What should
we do?”
Li Wei Yang smiled thinly: “She owns the Yang
Guan Road, so I will have to cross the single-plank bridge. Just wait and see.”
After the snowfall, the sun was rarely out,
but it seemed brighter out because the sunlight reflected against the snow. Lao
Furen stood in the hallway with her hand warmer, looking at the red plum
blossoms and snow outside. She only felt the fragrance waft by, the fragrant
chill seeping into her bones. She could not help but smile: “This snowfall has
ended up on the red blossoms. A truly beautiful sight.”
Luo Mama smiled. “It is also because of Da
Furen’s filial piety, planting red plum blossoms in the courtyard and also
often inviting you here.”
Lao Furen smiled and nodded, watching the
falling snow and admiring the red plum blossoms. She said: “She is also a
sensible person.”
Luo Mama chuckled but did not say anything.
Lao Furen glanced over the snow, as if
thinking to herself: “With this much snow, Min Zhi will probably be very happy
to see a snowman made.”
Luo Mama smiled: “Lao Furen, Si Shaoye is
still young. How can he run and play in this weather? However, with your love
and care, he can run around in a few more years.”
“The child smiles at whoever he sees. It’s
truly lovable.” Lao Furen smiled, “Pity he was born from an Yiniang. If he was
Jiang Yue Lan’s child, everything would be different.”
Luo Mama chuckled: “Si Shaoye is blessed to
be brought up under Da Furen now. I heard that Furen lovingly holds him in her
arms all day long. One can see that she genuinely loves Shaoye, and in the long
run, he will be no different from the children of the official wife.”
Lao Furen nodded: “I agree. I only fear that
once Jiang Yue Lan has a child of her own, she will no longer care for our Min
Zhi like before.”
She said “our Min Zhi.” This had never
happened before. In the past, because of Da Furen, Lao Furen always felt
distanced from Li Min Feng. She did love him, there was a feeling, like an
itch, that left her uncomfortable. She was afraid Da Furen would be even more
difficult to control because she had this son. However, Lao Furen was not as
cautious around Li Min Zhi, a chubby child that was always smiling at others.
Luo Mama could not help but sigh. In the end,
Lao Furen still cared for her grandchildren at old age. In any case, an
innocent child like Si Shaoye was certainly lovable. She said: “This matter… I
fear will not happen. I heard Si Shaoye was frightened last night. Da Furen
heard the yatous report back and rushed over, fearing the child caught a cold.
When they returned, Furen was still busy. It goes to show how sincerely Da
Furen loves Si Shaoye. Besides, Furen is a clever person. The child still has a
wet nurse looking after him. When he grows up, he can go out and study. Furen
does not need to overthink it. In the future, Si Shaoye’s accomplishments will
also be a result of Furen’s efforts.”
Lao Furen thought for a moment, her frown
easing away: “That is also true.”
Luo Mama smiled and said: “Indeed, Da Furen
truly has her ways. You see, Da Xiaojie has become more sensible now. Furen has
taught her well. Our household is also managed well with not a single thing out
of place! Lao Furen need not worry too much. Look after your wellbeing.”
Lao Furen nodded: “Li Chang Le is liked by
others nowadays. She occasionally accompanies Jiang Yue Lan to come and greet
me, not falling short of etiquette. I originally wanted to use this opportunity
to warn her, but she has improved, so I cannot say anything. In such a big
matter, only a bit is enough. In any case, in three years, she will immediately
be married off. Whether it’s a good or bad thing will depend on her fate.”
Luo Mama only smiled: “Lao Furen is wise.” As
she was speaking, she saw a young girl who had everyone’s attention walk in
through the doors. Lao Furen gestured at her, smiling: “Look, that yatou Wei
Yang is growing lovelier these days!”
Li Wei Yang reached the age of fifteen this
year. She was taller than before, slender and graceful. Although her face was
not up to par with Li Chang Le’s heavenly beauty, she was still a young,
compelling beauty.
Li Wei Yang walked over with a smile. Lao
Furen took her hand and said: “Why didn’t you bring a hand warmer, you were
never fond of the cold.”
Li Wei Yang only smiled: “A hand warmer grows
cold when on a long road, so I chose not to bring one and came to Lao Furen’s
place for warmth instead. Won’t that be better?”
Lao Furen smiled and said: “This child,
you’re just trying to take advantage of me.” Turning away, she said: “Come
inside and talk.”
When Li Wei Yang came near the room, she felt
the warmth like a spring breeze, making her entire body relax. There were six
pots of burning charcoal in the room. From time to time, a slight crackling
sound was made. The warmth of the burning charcoal rose up to her face,
bringing with it the fragrance of candles in the room. She sat down beside Lao
Furen.
Lao Furen took a look. Li Wei Yang had her
hair done in an exquisite manner. There were no gold accessories in her hair,
only some crystal flowers. Her garments were adorned with small plum blossoms
and silver embroidery of snowfall, simple and gentle yet lively. Lao Furen
nodded to herself. Although Li Wei Yang predominantly wore white, what she wore
would not make anyone look down on her.
At that moment, there were several crackling
bursts from the charcoal pots as if it wanted to frighten others.
Lao Furen waved her hand and a yatou brought
a bowl of thick brown sugar ginger soup over on a tray. Li Wei Yang drank it,
and the yatou helped her take off her heavy, fur-trimmed outer robe.
Lao Furen saw Li Wei Yang’s face had
significantly improved and smiled: “Why did you come over here when it’s this
cold outside?”
Li Wei Yang smiled: “It was because of this
cold weather that I wanted to send hot soup over.” She had Bai Zhi bring out a
food box wrapped in thick fur. The soup inside was still hot, partly because Li
Wei Yang also added a charcoal warmer on the bottom of the box.
Lao Furen nodded. Since the beginning of
winter, Li Wei Yang never failed to send Ginseng Lily soup over. She smiled and
said: “I can go a day without drinking it, no need for you to suffer like
this!”
Li Wei Yang smiled: “When winter arrives, Lao
Furen’s throat will be sore from always coughing at night. The lily is good for
the lungs and the carefully chosen ginseng is not dry, both are very suitable.
There are not many things Wei Yang can do for Lao Furen, so why not little
things like this?”
Seeing she insisted on it, Lao Furen nodded
in satisfaction: “I heard Min Zhi was frightened last night. I was preparing to
go and visit. You should come with me.”
Something flashed across Li Wei Yang’s eyes,
but in the end, she only revealed a gentle smile: “Yes.”
Arriving at Fu Rui Courtyard, they had yet to
enter when they heard a child’s cry. Li Wei Yang felt her heart tighten. She
glanced at Lao Furen to see her frowning too and quickening her pace.
When they came into the room, they saw Jiang
Yue Lan holding Min Zhi and restlessly pacing around the room. Dark red jade
beads were dangling over her forehead. She wore a thick, silk outer robe as
well. Min Zhi laid in her arms, still crying very loudly.
“What happened?” Lao Furen quickly came in.
Jiang Yue Lan was startled for a moment and
rushed to greet her while still holding the child. Lao Furen held up a hand to
stop her.
Jiang Yue Lan was rather anxious. She only
held the child who kept crying the entire time. No matter what she thought of,
the child continued to cry, ignoring everything else.
The child often laughed until it came to her
place and became the god of crying. How was she to explain this?!
Lao Furen’s face darkened.
Li Wei Yang quickly said: “Lao furen, Min Zhi
has just arrived in a new place and probably is not used to it yet!”
“It’s been ten days. What is there that he’s
not used to! What exactly is the problem here! Is it because of your caretakers
are lacking?!” Lao Furen’s face became serious. She was truly distressed for
her little grandson.
Jiang Yue Lan paled, her eyes suddenly
reddening: “Lao Furen, I genuinely love Min Zhi. After all, I am still young
and may not take good care of him, so Laoye brought in an experienced wet
nurse, but even she can’t do anything.”
Li Wei Yang smiled. The art of speaking was
very important. If Lao Furen was to blame someone, she should blame her own
son.
Lao Furen was still not satisfied: “With Min
Zhi crying like that, it will become a bad habit sooner or later. Look, the
child’s voice has grown hoarse.”
Jiang Yue Lan was speechless. Whenever this
rotten child got bored of crying, he would sleep. In the past, he would not
delay things when it came to eating. Once he finished eating, he will continue
to scream and cry pitifully. She had looked after seven or eight siblings and
never encountered such a thing. She also could not explain why the child would
cry even more fiercely when he came in contact with her. Even though her scheme
was successful, this crying child made her head hurt.
Lao Furen looked at the child from head to
toe. She grew distressed and said, “Let me, let me, give the child to me!”
Of course, Jiang Yue Lan did not dare to
hesitate and immediately gave the child to Lao Furen. Min Zhi curiously looked
up, wide-eyed at Lao Furen, almost unblinkingly. He stopped crying. Lao Furen
said, “You see, it’s because you don’t know how to hold a child!” Who would
have thought little Min Zhi would cry harder with an even deadlier effect.
Li Wei Yang quickly said: “Is something
making him uncomfortable?”
“Physicians have been invited several times,
but they did not find anything.” Jiang Yue Lan was conflicted. She was truly
innocent this time. Even Li Xiao Ran had misunderstood her, thinking she had
done something bad to Min Zhi behind his back, so everytime the child was in
her arms, he would either cry or writhe and struggle.
“Or maybe something unclean has been
harassing him!” Lao Furen thought for a moment, rubbing Min Zhi’s head. Min Zhi
stirred and as if responding to these words, he continued to cry.
“Harassing..?” Jiang Yue Lan was stunned and
immediately said: “This… can’t be it.”
Lao Furen frowned: “Who says it can’t be,
this courtyard has not been clean!”
When those words came out, not only Jiang Yue
Lan, but everyone’s faces became unpleasant. They all remembered the previous
Furen had been cursed here. Later, she moved back with the Jiang family to
recuperate and soon passed away. Could it be that this courtyard truly had something
tainted? One could not blame everyone for being superstitious. This kind of
thing could not be easily explained. Jiang Yue Lan forced a smile and said:
“Lao Furen, why not invite a Taoist to examine Min Zhi?”
Lao Furen thought for a moment and said: “I
only fear it will have no effect. Who knows how many Taoists were invited in
the past, but they still could not get rid of those tainted things!”
Jiang Yue Lan was silent. At this time,
anything she said would be seen as wrong. She glanced at Li Min Zhi, still
crying without end, and sighed. She thought she had this child in her hands,
but it seems he was also a terrifying hot potato. If he continued to cry like
that, her hard work will go to waste. It would even make Lao Furen suspect her
of abusing the child! Never had she seen such a difficult child to take care
of. It is best to send him back and avoid problems in the future, otherwise Lao
Furen would hold her responsible. She thought for a moment, hesitation in her
eyes as she was preparing to say something——
Li Wei Yang smiled thinly, seeing through
Jiang Yue Lan’s intentions.
At that moment, Luo Mama suddenly exclaimed:
“Lao Furen, look! Si Shaoye seems to have a rash!”
Li Wei Yang panicked and took a subconscious
step forward. She grasped Min Zhi’s lotus root-like arm and closely examined
it. She discovered several red dots on Min Zhi’s hand joints that were vaguely
black in the center. Her heart grew cold: “What is this?!”
When Lao Furen saw it, her tone immediately
changed: “Jiang Yue Lan, see for yourself, look at how you’ve taken care of
this child!”
Jiang Yue Lan was taken aback and hurriedly
came over to see, appearing to be extremely horrified: “Lao Furen… This… I
don’t know what happened?!”
Li Wei Yang involuntarily frowned. Jiang Yue
Lan managed to secure the child in her hands with much difficulty. She would
not harm Min Zhi for no reason, but could the little marks on Min Zhi’s body be
from venomous insects? “Lao Furen, quickly invite a physician to examine him.
Min Zhi’s body is weak, who knows what will happen if something bit him!”
From Lao Furen’s arms, Min Zhi weakly cried
out in response. Lao Furen’s heart tightened, and she hurriedly said: “Quickly
invite an Imperial physician! Go!” She furiously glared at Jiang Yue Lan: “I
left the child in your care, and this is how you take care of him! You truly
disappointed me!” She placed Min Zhi in Li Wei Yang’s arms and coldly stated:
“Let us return!”
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Translator: Chau
Editor: Jaslynn
Previous: Chapter 101 Part 2
Next: Chapter 102 Part 2
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