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Chang’de Count
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Once this stance was put out, the Chang’de Count practically rushed back home immediately upon hearing the news. The Qi family, after going through a few dynasties of unrest, didn’t decline too severely. Their key ability wasn’t political and military achievements, but rather, being smooth in the ways of the world.
That’s why, when the Chang’de Count heard that the Wen’an Marquis and his heir personally brought two carriages of presents to the door to add to the soon to marry Qi Pei’s dowry, yet he simply didn’t receive a message in advance, he immediately just realized that this so called excuse of visiting to add to the dowry as relatives was merely just a cover on the surface, displaying for outsiders to see.
Because outsiders won’t know whether or not the Xun family had agreed on a day to add to the dowry beforehand with the Qi family. And exactly how much the Wen’an Marquis, this maternal uncle, cared for Qi Pei, and what kind of attitude he had towards her becoming Wu Wangfei, the Chang’de Count wasn’t completely unaware inside.
He even already worryingly heard from his eldest son, Qi Jue, the night before about the dispute between the womenfolk, as well as how his madam and daughter offended Qi Ke.
Actually, towards this distantly related nephew, the Chang’de Count didn’t really care about all that much. Although scoring first place in the autumn exam at eighteen was indeed rare, but the path of officialdom didn’t just rely on knowing how to study. The autumn exam and spring exam were all held once every three years, which dynasty didn’t have a few first places and a few top scorers? However, how many top scorers, flower snatchers, and such candidates[1] were really able to enter the inner cabinet and become a high minister?
As for that bit of dispute with Yu Lingxin and Xun Ying, Qi Jue didn’t explain too in detail, because for the Xun family, after having the Chang’de Countess and Qi Pei angered to the point of rolling their eyes, that pair of sister-in-laws just took their leave, so this matter can be considered to have ended there.
But, afterwards, for the Qi family, the Chang’de Countess and Qi Pei both vented out their anger very much. And soon after, when continuing to discuss the marriage rites that day, they were also very stifled and irritable, even somewhat annoyed when talking to the Xun family second branch. In the end, Xun second madam had the most unperceptive Xun Tan kicked out before things finally settled down a little.
That’s why, the Chang’de Count listened to his wife and children’s explanation, not having those disagreements previously taken too seriously.
However, when hastily rushing all the way back to his own manor, he just faintly had a bad feeling inside. Although thinking back and forth, he all felt that yesterday’s matter shouldn’t be considered too serious, but based on the current state of affairs, if the Xun family were to use this as an excuse to make a fuss……….
When the Chang’de Count finally arrived before his own manor, he just happened to also see at the same time, a carriage carrying the Grand Elder Princess Manor’s personal character arrive.
Accompanying along next to the carriage was Ming Jincheng dressed in light armor. The horse carriage steadily stopped, the carriage door opening. A valiant and formidable looking Duanyi Xianzhu very naturally supported against Ming Jincheng’s hand and steadily climbed down the carriage.
Glancing to the side and seeing the Chang’de Count, whose complexion was increasingly peculiar, the two of them simply greeted, “Count, we came to ‘add to the dowry’ for your beloved daughter.”
“Ah, hehe, alright, many thanks, many thanks, please, come in.” Chang’de Count just felt that old heart of his becoming increasingly heavy. Even the back of his tongue was all somewhat numb. At the same time not being able to figure out their approach, he also thought of those rumors back then when the Xun family and the Zhu family had a falling out. When entering his own home, he felt as if his entire body was somewhat floating.
As for that stuffy sound of a bang when the servants shut the manor gates behind them unexpectedly scaring the Chang’de Count, he finally discovered at this time that he’d already unknowingly started sweating in this early winter period of the tenth month.
Very soon, they entered the reception pavilion. The pleasant temperature brought about by the earth dragon[2] and the refreshing fragrance spiraling out of the incense burner in the corner of the pavilion still weren’t able to let the Chang’de Count relax, instead he increasingly felt that the dense beads of fine sweat on his back were very itchy, yet in front of the Wen’an Marquis couple, the Wen’an Marquis heir, Qin Wang couple, Ming Jincheng, and Duanyi Xianzhu, this large group of people, it wasn’t good to tidy his clothes. He could only clench his teeth and endure as he politely greeted the guests.
“Since your noble manor will soon have a grand occasion, this prince figured, since both one’s future younger sister-in-law, and also one’s wife’s relative, one should come with one’s wife to add to the dowry. This visit was presumptuous, so hoping that Chang’de Count won’t take offense.”
Among the people present, the one with the highest status was still Qin Wang, so he opened his mouth first. His clear and steady words were very brief, also not revealing any unclear indications, just very much displaying his doting towards Qin Wangfei.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
However, Ming Jinrou’s way of doing things was much more direct. As soon as the Chang’de Count couple awkwardly nodded and expressed that they didn’t mind and so on, she just hooked the corner of her mouth, “Also came over to ask, exactly what happened yesterday? Second cousin-in-law’s maiden family although don’t have a noble title, one still shouldn’t bully her.”
Qi Pei at this time was actually already angered to the point of tears. What she was the most pleased about towards becoming Wu Wangfei was precisely being able to marry the prince with the best future prospects, and from there, be able to suppress Xun Che and Yu Lingxin with her status and position, whether it’d be for herself, or for her mother, or more specifically, for the sake of finding an outlet for that stuffy breath in her heart that’s still unable to be dispelled.
Just for the sake of this glory and grandeur, towards the embarrassment and awkwardness during the formation process of this marriage arrangement, as well as the five liangyuans that will soon enter Wu Wang Manor to serve, and so on, she can all disregard.
Especially after personally witnessing how majestic and grand Ming Jinrou, this Qin Wangfei’s, wedding ceremony was, and how loving and harmonious Qin Wang and Ming Jinrou were after the wedding, towards her own marriage, Qi Pei also had a bit more expectations.
But, that most glorious and wonderful moment still hasn’t come.
How come everything before her eyes was like a mass of black clouds looming over the head, bringing along such an interrogation?
In the dispute and conflict yesterday, Qi Pei already felt that she was the losing side that suffered and got bullied. What’s wrong with her mother saying a few words to Qi Ke? It was ultimately the domestic affairs between them as people of the same clan and same surname. Clearly it was Xun Ying, that little bookworm, being pretentious and ‘speaking out for justice’, so why should Yu Lingxin jump up and be protective?
Clearly, in terms of bloodline, she was Xun Ying’s older cousin. What did Yu Lingxin count as? She barely even said anything, yet Xun Ying just got up to defend Yu Lingxin, even leaving in tears.
And now, great. There was still three days left until her wedding ceremony, yet the Xun family, as well as Qin Wang, and even Duanyi Xianzhu all came!
On the surface, each of them all brought a carriage of gifts, seemingly showing outsiders that they were happily coming to add to the dowry, but in reality, wasn’t it just coming to question?!
Good heavens, exactly who bullied that Yu girl!?
The Chang’de Countess dryly coughed, “Wangfei must be joking. When chatting as family, word after word, there will inevitably be times where one’s impatient, how can it be considered as bullying? If really said to be that serious, then our Pei’er is also quite upset inside. Speaking of which, Pei’er and niece-in-law are also cousins. Back then, prior to niece-in-law marrying, she’d also eagerly wanted to be her hairpin bearer but got rejected. At the time, our Pei’er also didn’t say anything.”
“Countess saying it like this actually makes it my fault.” Ming Jinrou smilingly said, “Previously, I’d long told second cousin-in-law that I wanted to go help, yet didn’t expect that I would cause your beloved daughter’s wishes to fall through. However——-”
“However, first things first.” Ming Huayue also lightly coughed, glancing at Ming Jinrou. Shortly after, she turned towards the Chang’de Countess, “When talking between relatives, being impatient or being slow, it’s all unavoidable. To insist on saying how serious it is, it’s also not likely to go that far. Just, we came over today to add to Pei’er’s dowry, while also asking in passing, does Pei’er genuinely feel that our Huijun’s maiden family and birth aren’t high?”
These words were asked this bluntly. Qi Pei increasingly felt her face burning, her stomach full of anger nearly about to burst through her throat, practically wanting to boldly and loudly reply, “YES!”
But, the Chang’de Count at this time already made out the situation, hurriedly replying with a respectful look, “Sister-in-law’s words are too serious. Your noble manor’s daughter-in-law’s grandfather’s talented name was known throughout the capital, so her family background naturally is good. Between the children, when getting impatient, talking irresponsibility is inevitable. It was I, this father, that didn’t teach well, asking to not take offense.”
He paused for a moment, glancing again at Qi Pei, “Pei’er, is there someone by your side that randomly instigated you? How can you listen to such nonsense, you have always been the most sensible. In the future, be a bit more careful, don’t just randomly blurt out everything you hear!”
Even if knowing that her father was merely putting on an act, for Qi Pei who has never heard a single heavy word from her father before in her life, her eyes still immediately turned red, standing up all of a sudden, “Sorry, I will excuse myself first. Everyone’s kind intentions of ‘adding to the dowry’, I appreciate!”
As soon as she finished, she just stamped her feet and directly ran out. The Chang’de Countess quickly got up and followed out as well. At the same time, she also didn’t want to face these people anymore.
“Is brother-in-law’s official work still well lately?” Ever since greeting, the Wen’an Marquis Xun Nanheng didn’t say a single word. At this time, seeing the Chang’de Count swiftly take over the conversation about the disputes between the womenfolk, he just knew that he still had a bit of cleverness inside.
Then, during this trip, aside from the family affairs, they can also talk about other things.
The Chang’de Count also deeply exhaled a breath, “Still well.” His eyes slightly looked around the room, deliberating for a moment before saying, “Today, for everyone to come to add to my daughter’s dowry, I’m very grateful. My daughter is young, still having the delicateness of a young girl. Since all relatives, I will just shamelessly ask everyone to excuse her a little more, many thanks, many thanks.”
“Count, heard that you recently obtained a few good calligraphy paintings, don’t know whether or not we can have our eyes enlightened?” Xun Che suddenly spoke, slightly smiling, “In the past, coming and going as relatives all these years, this nephew never knew that you actually liked the previous dynasty’s Yan-style works. If not for hearing about the Zhu family eldest young master seeking several ones to offer up to his Highness the second prince, and then later, getting passed on into your hands, our family would’ve never known that the paintings gifted to you all these years were actually of the wrong style.”
That breath of the Chang’de Count that had just relaxed suddenly got held again. Prior to receiving the news and returning to the manor, he’d just received a few paintings in Puwei Brand’s restaurant. He’d only rolled open the first painting. It was indeed his favorite Yan-style work. But, the other scrolls, before he could have a closer look, he just heard the report and quickly rushed back. The meaning in Xun Che’s words……….
[1] Top scorer and flower snatcher refers to the first place and third place of the spring exam, also known as the metropolitan civil service exam. Passing the autumn exam just qualify the candidate for the spring exam.
[2] This refers to the underground heating system used in ancient times, basically an underground furnace system built underneath a building.
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no, what do you mean Qi Pei can disregard everything in the future for that bit of prestige??? she’s going to give herself a boxed lunch bc she didn’t get to marry the man who was absolutely never looking at her? she’s going to throw herself out of the plot because nothing else matters??? I’m starting to feel like my expectations are too many! what about her exquisite counterattack!!
Right now, for Qi Pei, there’s nothing more important than being able to step on the man that rejected her and the girl that ‘stole’ her man, although it’s still a work in progress for her.
So basically their family only redeeming quality, that made them manage to keep the title, was not being too stupid to live.
Now imagine, in that family, having a wife and daughter like that…
almost as good as Yu Lingxin with a sharp true. I give chef kiss on your insight and thank you for sharing!