Chu Wang Fei

“Oh, did he mention any concerns?” Chu Wang’s face remained calm, didn’t contain any signs of ripples, He fixed his gaze a little, his eyes contained the profound mystery that no one would have been able to guess. After a long moment, he slowly spoke, seemingly asking this question indifferently.

“He only mentioned that he wanted to see wangye, didn’t mention any other things. Wangye, would you like to meet him?”

Honestly speaking, even though Chu Wang had not expressed his kind regards towards Yun Xuan Zhi, but Yun Qian Meng was still his daughter after all. They were already relatives by marriage, if Chu Wang was to decline his request to have an audience with Yun Xuan Zhi in front of Yun Qian Meng, perhaps Yun Qian Meng would not have a good feeling about it.

“Oh, he only mentioned to see me?” Hearing Jiao Da’s words, Chu Nan Shan slightly raised up his silver brows, his eyes flickered with interest. After which he lifted up his right hand and caressed the long beard on his chin, then he smiled and instructed, “Since that is the case, then invite Yun xiangto our guest reception hall to sit for a while, I shall go there in a while.”

Looking at how Chu Nan Shan seemed to have no intention of letting Yun Xuan Zhi meet his own daughter, Jiao Da immediately responded. Upon receiving the task, he then left the garden.

“Judging the situation, I shall now proceed there!” While speaking, Chu Wang stood up. those perspicacious eyes glanced towards Chu Fei Yang’s face. Chu Fei Yang also stood up following after him, facing Yun Qian Meng he nodded his head, preparing to leave the pavilion together with Chu Wang.

Unexpectedly, Qu Ling Ao also stood up. While facing Chu Wang, he cupped his hand and said, “Wangye, I’ll go together with you.”

Seeing Qu Ling Ao behaving like this, at first Yun Qian Meng was puzzled, then she immediately realized his intention. Her heart could not help but feel apologetic towards Yun Xuan Zhi who came all by himself. Now She was brimming with gratefulness for all these people who were currently protecting her.

Had the previous Yun Qian Meng ever realized that, she would one day become all the people’s favorite person? Her heart could not help but feel remorseful for the woman whose youthful time had already elapsed, yet she also knew that this was just merely the natural way of life. If her performance was too weak, sooner or later, this oppressive society might devour her entirely without leaving anything.

Her heart felt somehow heavy. Her right hand was gently stirring the bird’s nest soup inside the bowl, Yun Qian Meng’s eyes seemed tough and durable.

“Is it too hot?” Seeing Yun Qian Meng only eat a few mouthfuls without proceeding further, Ji Shu Yu asked full of concern while looking at Yun Qian Meng’s thin body.

Putting down the spoon on her hand, Yun Qian Meng lifted her head and smiled, “Not hot, the temperature is just right! But before I came here, my husband had already ordered someone to prepare me some porridge, this time I really cannot eat anymore. Mu Chun, set aside this bowl of bird’s nest soup, I’ll eat it when I’m hungry again.”

But Qu Fei Qing having heard of her words only curved up her lips in a smile, after which she stroke Yun Qian Meng’s bright and clean forehead, making fun of her as she joked, “You stingy person, now that you have been married into the wangfu, you still keep your unfinished food. Be careful, you might become a joke for those upper-class ladies outside!”

Yet Yun Qian Meng simply stuck out her tongue and smiled naughtily.

The bird’s nest soup was commonly seen as the healthy food of the noble people during the ancient times. However, during ordinary days those upper-class women just regarded it as their usual drink. Even some of the yiniang consumed it the same way like they ate rice.

But in the modern times, this bird’s nest soup was still the high class luxurious food. Yun Qian Meng did not consider it to be ruining her family’s reputation, besides, she had only taken a few sips, it was really wasteful if it was to be thrown away.

Besides, Mu Chun had already known her xiaojie’s character, thus she immediately smiled and responded, “Yes, xiaojie!”

After speaking, she efficiently set aside the bowl and spoon on the table.

“You silly girl, your xiaojie is now the wife of Chu Xiang. How could you still address her like that?” This time, Gu laotaijun’s finger pointed at Mu Chun as she smiled and said.

Being reprimanded for her mistake, Mu Chun only smiled and facing Gu laotaijun she bowed down and apologized, “You are right, Gu Lao Tai Jun. It is nubi’s mistake. Shall take note of it from now on.”

If it had not been for Gu Lao Tai Jun’s reminder, Yun Qian Meng also would not have noticed it herself. In addition, being quickly married with Chu Fei Yang, even herself was still adjusting little by little to the abrupt change of the living arrangement, not to mention Mu Chun and the others.

“Since Yun xiaojie is already married, later on, perhaps Qu xiaojie’s big day isn’t too far away now, right? I’m still waiting for your invitation in order to go to Fu Guo Gongfu to attend the wedding feast!” This time, Chen Lao Tai Jun remarked with a face full of smile.

However, although Chen Lao Tai Jun was accurately handling all the things inside the Imperial Palace, yet she still could not be able to grasp Qu Fei Qing’s way of thoughts. It was a funny gesture of words, yet it made the smiling expression on Qu Fei Qing’s face to become sluggish, her both hands could not help but clenched into fists.

And when Gu Lao Tai Jun and Ji Shu Yu heard Chen Lao Tai Jun’s words, they slightly looked troubled. Then, during the short moment of distraction, Gu Lao Tai Jun smiled and looked at Chen Lao Tai Jun, diverting the topic leaving no trace, “You must be joking, Lao Tai Jun! Fei’er has always been hot-tempered ever since she was small, I was somehow having a headache, worrying if she will still continue to be like that after marriage. Perhaps the family of the man will have headaches too! But on the contrary my Meng’er is careful and cool-headed, although I am reluctant to give her up, yet I still feel happy for this child. But, I think Yun He is also not young anymore, does he have any woman he likes?”

Chen Lao Tai Jun was a strong woman in the merchant world, how could she not notice the slight changes in other person’s face, particularly after the da xiaojie of Fu Guo Gongfu heard her remarks, that distracted look on her face, coupled with hearing the response of Gu Lao Tai Jun with the intention to divert the topic, she knew very well that the opposing side evidently refused to discuss this matter. She also realized that she was being rude, then following Gu Lao Tai Jun’s words she glanced at Rong Yun He beside her and smiled as she said, “Yun He is just fifteen years old, his marriage is still nothing to be worried about, even if we discuss about this matter in his twenties, there will still be enough time.”

Yun Qian Meng looked at Qu Fei Qing with her peripheral vision, seeing her utterly unnatural expression, she sighed inwardly. Then acting coquettishly, she pulled Gu Lao Tai Jun’s arm and said with a smile, “Grandma, Meng’er just recently received a piece of cotton brocade, I was thinking about what design should I embroider on it, since cousin is here today, Meng’er wants to invite cousin over to show me how to do it. Will you permit us, grandma?”

Gu Lao Tai Jun seeing the current Yun Qian Meng still imitating the conduct of a small girl, and also judging by Yun Qian Meng’s smiling face, it made her to dearly recall of her own little girl who had passed away in an early age, her heart loved this granddaughter so dearly, how could she not permit them?

Smiling as she stretched out her hand and patted Yun Qian Meng’s small face and frankly said “Go ahead! But, you must be careful on your feet, right now you are very precious, don’t stumble and fall!”

The word “precious”’, reminded Yun Qian Meng of another layer of its meaning. Suddenly her cheeks slightly blushed, also seeing Ji Shu Yu and Chen Lao Tai Jun both were openly staring at her, Yun Qian Meng immediately hung down both her eyes. She responded in a low voice, and stood up together with Qu Fei Qing, facing the few person she bowed down, then left the pavilion.

Following the path she had taken when she arrived, Yun Qian Meng returned through the same path, leading Qu Fei Qing with her as they went back to the room of the newlyweds. After which she sent out all the servant girls who waited for her, with her thoughts all over the place, she gestured Qu Fei Qing to sit down. Watching Qu Fei Qing dazed expression, she sighed, afterwards she stretched out her hands holding Qu Fei Qing’s hands that were set on the table, then she exclaimed, “Cousin!”

Qu Fei Qing was in the middle of her train of thoughts, being suddenly held by another person, she was actually pretty startled. But, when she lifted her eyes, they caught Yun Qian Meng’s concerned gaze, the nervousness in her heart gradually vanished. In the presence of Yun Qian Meng, she always been able to put her guards down, as if this cousin of hers was the one who was always able to handle all sorts of complicated matters, having an indescribable sense of faith.

“Are you worried about Physician Xiao Nie, cousin?” Seeing Qu Fei Qing’s eyes harboring countless of thoughts, Yun Qian Meng spoke in an indifferent manner. Even her both hands exerting some pressure on Qu Fei Qing’s hands, silently giving her support and strength.

Having heard what was said, Qu Fei Qing just simply smiled, her eyes bearing a mournful look, with a sigh she confessed, “As you can see, my marriage, has already a great catastrophe! Although grandma doesn’t seem to agree with the Empress Dowager’s arrangement, but, I’m afraid they wouldn’t let me marry him! Besides, up until now, this matter is just merely a part of my wishful thinking.”

Being unable to express her own feelings towards the person involved, that was truly the saddest thing.

Yun Qian Meng slightly knitted up her brows, watching Qu Fei Qing behaving like this, she could not help but feel glad that she was more fortunate.

Even though the first time she arrived in these ancient times she was surrounded by enemies and had to fend for herself, there was Chu Fei Yang who took the first step in showing affection, even going so far as to wait for her to slowly come around to him. Such kind of consideration was truly rare during their time, and also it was the factor that made Yun Qian Meng feel emotionally touched.

Nevertheless, Physician Xiao Nie was not Chu Fei Yang. He was not as keen as Chu Fei Yang in detecting the other person’s feelings. Perhaps it was also the case that Chu Fei Yang could anticipate the other person’s thoughts before they thought about it themselves.

Inside Physician Xiao Nie’s mind, the most important things were his patients and his medical knowledge. Perhaps getting married and having children were not the priority in his life.

“I’ve already asked Fei Yang, Physician Xiao Nie is totally safe in Luo City. Currently the plague is already under control, I believe after a certain period of time, Physician Xiao Nie will be able to return to the capital, please do not worry much about his safety!” Pouring a cup of tea for Qu Fei Qing, so she could be able to calm herself down.

Both cold holds were holding the slightly hot teacup, the corner of Qu Fei Qing’s beautiful lips hooked up a simple smile, both of her clear eyes were looking at the rising heat of the tea water in front of her eyes, with a bit of sadness she said, “Meng’er, me and him, perhaps we are not destined to be together. Being raised in this kind of family, there are some things I have come to understand very well. No matter how much grandpa and grandma dote on me, they would still choose the appropriate match for me, how could I be able to choose for my own? It’s the same with you, if Chu Xiang didn’t have his current status and power, no matter how sincere he was to you, perhaps grandma would never allow it too!”

After hearing Qu Fei Qing’s words, Yun Qian Meng slightly nodded her head.

This was the truth. But, in this era wherein the weak became prey to the strong, power was naturally the most effective protection. The only thing that made her feel glad was, she and Chu Fei Yang shared mutual affection for each other, and it’s truly different from other husbands and wives who had to become unhappy couples all their lives.

“Don’t tell me you want to give up, cousin!” It required enough courage to give something up it was even more effortful than persevering.

Before Yun Qian Meng could finish talking, Qu Fei Qing grabbed her both hands. Even though on the surface she appeared quite warm, her hands were ice old right now as they tightly clasped Yun Qian Meng’s hands. Her pure but unfoolish eyes showed a rare resolve, she looked unwarveringly at Yun Qian Meng as she said in a low voice, “Megn’er, I am going to see him, just once!”

Yun Qian Meng understood that Qu Fei Qing was very determined. Seeing the usually warm and gentle Qu Fei Qing behaving this way, Yun Qian Meng realized that this resolute decision of Qu Fei Qing must have cost her a lot of courage. Feeling pitiful for Qu Fei Qing’s persistence, yet also agreeing to her way of handling things, if she did not even have the courage to try, then she did not truly deserve that kind of love!

In Qu Fei Qing’s eyes which were full of hope, Yun Qian Meng sincerely and prudently nodded her head.

And during this time at the guest hall, Yun Xuan Zhi watched as Chu Wang’s people stepped inside in order. He immediately stood up from his seat, he waited until all three of them had taken their seats, then cupped his hand and said “During the misfortune of the Yun family, I thank wangye and Chu Xiang for saving us. Yun Xuan Zhi is exptremely grateful!”

Looking at Yun Xuan Zhi’s meager face, Chu Wang indifferently said “Yun Xiang, there’s no need to be courteous, the reason why we’ve done it, was purely because of Meng’er!”

Hearing Chu Wang calling his own daughter by her nickname, those seemingly flat brows slightly wrinkled up.

Yesterday after returning to Xiang Fu, he had instructed Housekeeper Zhao to check on the number of people in each courtyard. And as a result, he discovered that only Yun Qian Meng’s Qi Luo Yuan had six people missing!

Liu Han Yu had informed him of every detail of things that occurred inside the female prison. this made Yun Xuan Zhi being able to guess that, if his own eldest daughter wasn’t found in Chen Wang Fu, then she will certainly be in Chu Xiang Fu!

But, moments ago when he had entered the Palace to give his thanks, he found out that Chu Fei Yang had already married Yun Qian Meng. Thus it slightly eased down Yun Xuan Zhi’s worried heart.

After all, Emperor Yu Qian had already issued an Imperial Decree to bestow the marriage. If Yun Qian Meng had really showed up in Chen Wang Fu, in the future when news spread out, perhaps not only would it ruin Yun Qian Meng’s reputation, it will also involve Yun Xiang Fu, but the situation now not only saved Yun Qian Meng, but it had also preserved Yun Xiang Fu’s reputation.

However Yun Xuan Zhi shifted his gaze and thought, he himself was Yun Qian Meng’s very own father, why did Chu Wang Fu not assign any people to notify him during his own daughter’s wedding, yesterday? Was it not too disrespectful towards him?

Continuing to ponder on this matter, faint anger rushed forth in Yun Xuan Zhi’s heart. But in front of Chu Nan Shan, he was still showing his gentle expression, and before he could speak out to interrogate them, Qu Ling Ao who was standing beside was the one who took the initiative to speak.

“Yun Xiang, you’ve arrived just in time! I have something to discuss with you!” Qu Ling Ao’s bright eyes were looking at Yun Xuan Zhi, afterward he plainly spoke “Yesterday, mother and I had made the decision for Meng’er, allowing her to fulfill her marriage with Chu Xiang, this was really compelled by the current situation. After all, during that kind of circumstance, we naturally wanted to protect the one who we could ! But, now that Yun Xiang Fu is safe and sound, Meng’er was already married, those dowries that we have prepared for Meng’er during that time, should we hand over everything to Meng’er now?”

Yun Xuan Zhi actually came preparing to interrogate them, yet unexpectedly Qu Ling Ao had questioned him in return, his face immediately turned ugly, both eyes were fiercely looking back at Qu Ling Ao, as he slowly spoke “When did I say I will not hand them over to Meng’er? Hou Ye, aren’t you being overly impatient?”

Hearing him speaking like that, Qu Ling Ao just laughed, afterwhich he reminded him, “I just wanted to remind Yun Xiang, don’t forget Meng’er’s dowries! Meng’er had already lost her mother since she was very young, as her uncle, I would naturally be more concerned. But, not to know if Yun Xiang was able to explain this to me, since Meng’er had Ruo Li’s dowries which were left behind in the courtyard, why does she still seem to be frail? Her body seemed to be utterly not good. How did she live her life inside Yun Xiang Fu, why is her body and health seemed to be completely different from Yun Ruo Xue who was a child born of a concubine!”

Naturally, the situation that Qu Ling Ao had mentioned was the situation at time when the original Yun Qian Meng died. However, ever since the new soul of Yun Qian Meng had established its presence inside her body, more efforts were put into her diet. Though it was not likely to be exotic delicacies, yet it still had balanced nutrition, her body was already very healthy and well toned.

But, when Yun Xuan Zhi heard Qu Ling Ao’s words, it really turned out to be reprimanding words, obviously criticizing Yun Xuan Zhi bad treatment of his di daughter, resulting in Yun Qian Meng’s malnutrition and bad health.

Seeing Qu Ling Ao’s capricious mule-headedness, even if they were currently in Chu wangfu, Yun Xuan Zhi got really riled-up, In addition, this time Chu Fei Yang was also sitting here. If he was to learn that he had mistreated Yun Qian Meng, it would not only ruin his image as the father-in-law, but also cause harm to his official career, with this analysis, Yun Xuan Zhi’s face turned bright red, suddenly he beated the table and stood up, pointing at Qu Ling Ao as he said angrily, “Houye, I respected you as Ruo Li’s elder brother that’s why I had restrained myself, yet now you had accused falsely of me in front of wangye and Chu Xiang, what are your real intentions? Don’t tell me that you are insisting on seeing us both father and daughter turning into enemies, then feel happy about it?”

But his anger didn’t cause much reaction from any of them, Chu Wang didn’t even crease his brows. After seeing Yun Xuan Zhi’s actions that was done on purpose, he just solemnly said, “Yung Xiang, this is my Chu wangfu, if Yun Xiang wanted to display your might, please return to Yun Xiang Fu, we will not easily fall into your tricks! As for the dowries that Hou Ye had mentioned a while ago, since Yun Xiang wanted to prove your love as a compassionate father, then might as well select a lucky day to deliver all of them here, so as to avoid causing any misunderstandings due to gossip. I am old, sitting here in a drafty place really makes me feel uncomfortable, I will not bother myself to see you out now.”

Finished speaking, Chu Wang stood up. Without even a glance, back at Yun Xuan Zhi, then he proceeded towards the backyard.

Chu Fei Yang also stood up wearing a smile at the corner of his mouth, looking at Yun Xuan Zhi with an ashen face as he slowly spoke, “It was nice to see you, father-in-law! After three days, I shall bring Meng’er along to Yun Xiang Fu, may I request Yun Xiang to deliver all Meng’er’s dowries to Chu Xiang Fu before this. I really don’t want to see Meng’er have a sad face.”

Having said that much, Chu Fei Yang also left the guest hall following behind Chu Wang.

Qu Ling Ao just looked at the shriveled Yun Xuan Zhi, he sneered at him. Not saying anything further, then he turned around walking towards the direction of the pavilion in the garden, leaving the gloomy Yun Xuan Zhi standing in the same spot.