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The Heavens Not Blessing
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!
“Yes.” Xun Che responded with a bow. His entire person was like as if lightening up altogether, his heart also heavily beating twice. Shortly after, he finally lifted his head a little to go look at Yu Lingxin who was still sitting by Ming Huayue’s side.
Yu Lingxin didn’t lift her head at all. In fact, it was pressed even lower than before. But, even so, he still could see that on her beautiful face, there was already a faint blush.
“Alright, go then.” Seeing the delight practically about to fly out from the corner of his eyes and tip of his brow, Ming Huayue very disdainfully snorted again, “Go and check the canopies and oil-paper umbrellas in the storerooms again. Looking at the clouds outside these days, perhaps there will be rain tomorrow. If there really is heavy rain on the old madam’s birthday, don’t know how chaotic it will be.”
“Yes.” Xun Che bowed again, and then led Xun Cong out to continue handling matters.
And Ming Huayue’s last two lines, it was probably the best explanation for the saying ‘to casually tell a prophecy’.
On the twentieth of the tenth month, the capital sure enough was covered densely in black clouds.
Since early in the morning, the clouds above the capital were just thick and heavy, making one apprehensive. It seems an urgent shower was unavoidable. When the people of the Xun family got up, respectively gazing out the window, each and every one were inevitably worried.
Xun old madam’s complexion was further dark like iron.
As an eldest di daughter of the Liu province Jiang clan, she had both talent and beauty. When in the boudoir, it was truly having everything to her satisfaction. And when reaching marriageable age, she just directly married the young marquis who was versed in both literature and military tactics, practically becoming a legend among the Liu province young ladies of the land-owning class.
However, entering a noble house, it was deep like the sea. To this day, Xun old madam still remember how out of place she felt among the noble daughters and noble madams of the capital. Even if she was still considered loving and harmonious with her husband, it was still very difficult for her to obtain her mother-in-law, Ningyi Xianzhu’s favor.
Afterwards, after giving birth to her eldest son, Xun Nanheng, he just got taken away by her mother-in-law to raise. From learning to read and write, practicing martial arts, getting conferred into the heir, to later getting engaged to the Jin Duke Manor’s eldest di daughter Ming Huayue, Xun old madam actually didn’t have the slightest opportunity to insert a hand.
Especially given the fact that Ningyi Xianzhu lived particularly long, living all the way until Xun Che was three years old before passing away. That’s why, the actual power over the entire Wen’an Marquis Manor’s household affairs, she never once wielded for a single day. When Ningyi Xianzhu was present, it was her mother-in-law in charge, and once her mother-in-law passed away, Ming Huayue’s eldest son was already three years old, her foundation stable. Moreover, the old Wen’an Marquis had also retired from his post due to illness, directly requesting a decree to pass on his noble title. As such, the management of the household affairs at home directly just got handed over to Ming Huayue.
That’s why, although Xun old madam has been a first rank titled madam for several decades, she both never once held true power at home, and also never once obtained glory outside. This time, the empress had finally bestowed honor, even having three princes personally coming to congratulate, yet on this limitlessly glorious day, there’s going to be heavy rain!
Big banquets and celebrations have always feared the frost and rain the most, especially when there will be several hundred guests this time, the imperial princes and imperial relatives all arriving. When welcoming and sending off guests, it will more or less be difficult and messy.
If it was some other celebration or banquet, then there was still leeway to postpone, but the old madam’s birthday can’t just be pushed back two days because of the rain?
As the main wife in charge of the household, Ming Huayue, because of having already prepared, actually wasn’t that frenetic, just quickly letting someone go pick up Yu Lingxin early, while also having Xun Che, Xun Cong, Xun Ying, as well as Ming Jincheng and Ming Jinrou called to her side, respectively going to prepare according to what was planned in advance
As for Xun second madam, Xun Xiang, and Qi Pei, in this kind of busy hour, they were increasingly unable to insert a hand, and could only stay by the old madam’s side, consoling the old madam, saying a few more good words to coax her.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Very soon, the time had passed noon, the wind rising. Raindrops began to gracefully sprinkle down. What was worth rejoicing was that the rain seemingly wasn’t too heavy. At least, it wasn’t intense to the degree of where it would strike down the leaves and petals, thus not making the trees and flowers in the courtyard appear even sadder.
Just, that rain was fine and dense, also completely not like it will stop anytime soon, making one rather annoyed.
Another hour passed by. The people outside came to report that the guests have started to arrive. At this time, Ming Huayue, along with Xun Che, Xun Ying, and the others have already finished changing and tidying up, thus beginning to go welcome the guests.
This batch of guests that had came early were all those that were relatively close with the Xun family. Among them, there were also a few families where their daughters were frequent guests of the Linglong Literature Club. That why, during the greetings, seeing Yu Lingxin also following by Ming Huayue’s side together with Xun Ying and Ming Jinrou, although surprised, they were still familiar with her.
There were also a few families’ children, who were either already married, or still too young, that haven’t met Yu Lingxin before, so still needed to be introduced. In fact, because of Yu Lingxin’s refined attire and accessories, beautiful appearance, and also following by Ming Huayue’s side, there were even those that mistakenly thought that this was the rumored Wen clan daughter that will be engaged to Ming Jincheng.
However, once it was explained that Yu Lingxin was old Head Minister Yu’s granddaughter and Chang’de Count’s niece, everyone’s gaze that was sizing her up openly and secretly was just not the same anymore.
Especially after some made out those few pieces of Tianshui Jade on her, everyone practically just produced the same question that Xun Xiang and Qi Pei had previously———The Xun family was looking over her as a future daughter-in-law? Moreover, keeping by the side in this kind of setting, that was just more or less done looking over?
But considering for the heir, Xun Che, her status seemingly wasn’t enough, more like for the fourth young master, Xun Cong.
Thus, in the exchanges afterwards, Yu eldest madam, Su-shi, who’d similarly arrived early at the Xun manor, just received for the first time this many people’s attention and greetings.
Su-shi at first was somewhat dumbstruck. The eldest miss being close with the Xun family and Ming family young miss, her future prospects certainly pretty good, this, she had already thought of. And after the incidents and clashes at home, also getting warned multiple times by her mother-in-law and husband, she was just particularly well-behaved lately, not asking too much, also not saying too much, just completely focused on making preparations for her daughter Yu Yunxin to go to Wenhua Academy to study.
The once hot and popular Wenhua Academy has already given out its invitation, formally enrolling Yu Yunxin. Su aunt-in-law’s daughter Su Hanwei had also received an acceptance letter. Just, starting from don’t know when, Wenhua Academy seemingly was just no longer enthusiastically discussed by many. The Wenhua poetry gathering that was once eagerly anticipated by the young ladies of the capital was also no longer as tempting as the Linglong Literature Club’s gatherings.
As such, when Yu Yunxin received Wenhua Academy’s invitation, taking it to the old madam to report the good news, also mentioning wanting to arrange a banquet at home to celebrate, Yu old madam’s agreement was also indifferent, instead reminding several times to go early to the Xun manor today, and must be cautious all around, and talk less, and when seeing something, just listen along.
Su-shi at this time finally understood a little. Turns out, the eldest miss’s future prospects were far greater than what she’d originally thought or even dared to imagine. She and her daughter sat among the guests exchanging pleasantries, watching Yu Lingxin going around with the Wen’an Marchioness from afar, distant like they were unfamiliar.
As for the other madams, seeing Su-shi single-mindedly being polite and vague in her words, unlike intentionally evading, instead seemingly genuinely unaware of the Xun family’s intention, also completely not having the pride or even intimacy of soon becoming in-laws with the marquis manor, they just successively recalled Su-shi’s identity as a stepmother. Then, recalling the horse carriage rumors that they’d vaguely heard a few months ago, the ones that were astute just smiled and didn’t continue saying anything.
Yu Lingxin could see clearly on this side. During the busyness these days, her time at home truly wasn’t a lot. But, when occasionally going to pay respect to her grandmother, she could sense her grandmother’s attitude. Yu old madam should have a bit of understanding inside. At least, she should be able to sense that Ming Huayue was quite fond of her. As such, she just happily let go, not interfering in this matter. After all, at present, Wen’an Marquis was still in the Chen province. When it actually comes to discussing marriage, they still needed to wait, so when having dealings, they can only keep it vague. And under the current state of affairs, weighing the pros and cons, what Yu Lingxin further cared about was also not letting any mishap occur during the birthday banquet, and for Xun Che’s plans to all be able to be smooth.
Around the shen[1] hour, the guests more or less have all arrived, and the wind and rain outside was also becoming increasingly dense, crashing onto the roof tiles and corridor eaves of the pavilions and buildings. The wind was also becoming increasingly cold. All the reception halls although were brightly decorated, the colored lanterns and banners seemingly full of jubilation, between the idle chatters and smiles, the guests would still occasionally glance outside a few times, each and every one all more or less sighing a little inside.
And at this time, the sounds of the processions finally sounded outside. Qin Wang, Wu Wang, and Wei Wang, the three imperial princes, finally arrived.
Actually, prior to the three princes’ arrival, the guests were also vaguely guessing, with this kind of weather, will the three princes not come, or perhaps, it will be like what was said before, with all three arriving. Exactly how big of a face did the Wen’an Marquis Manor have?
Clearly, at this time, seeing the processions split apart outside, the eunuchs and servants announcing the rites, it was already enough to tell Wen’an Marquis Manor’s weight in the battle between Empress Wen and Noble Consort Zhu currently. All three princes still braved the wind and rain, arriving one by one.
The great majority of the guests naturally stayed in the reception hall waiting. And the Xun family, aside from the elderly birthday star, Xun old madam, everyone including the Ming siblings, the people of the Chang’de Count Manor, as well as a few distant relatives of the Xun family, all followed out to welcome.
Yu Lingxin originally didn’t want to follow along at this time, but Ming Jinrou directly coiled around her arm, softly whispering, “Why don’t older sister come with me, I’m afraid that later……..”
Yu Lingxin finally remembered that the first one to arrive today was precisely Qin Wang. Speaking of which, Ming Jinrou probably haven’t seen Qin Wang in several months. And previously, Xun Che had also once carefully reminded that Ming Jinrou must appear as if still somewhat angry at Qin Wang.
After all, on the surface, the Xun Che at this time still haven’t reconciled with Qin Wang yet. That was also the main reason why the empress specially bestowed honor to win over the Xun family and Ming family.
Thus, based on Ming Jincheng and Ming Jinrou’s close relationship with Xun Che, they should also appear very displeased with Qin Wang.
Thinking to here, Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but pat Ming Jinrou’s hand, “It’s tough for you.”
Ming Jinrou bit her lip and shook her head, “I’m a daughter of the Ming family. Some things can’t be helped. Just, if older sister is by my side, then if by chance I……….”
Yu Lingxin understood her meaning, either reminding or helping cover up, all in all, having her provide assistance. After all, Yu Lingxin and Qin Wang didn’t have any relations, so her thoughts will be more clear and composed.
Everyone immediately rushed to the main gate to welcome. As they all bowed amidst the eunuch’s announcement, Qin Wang just set foot through the main gate first. Behind him, there was the eunuch holding up a large vermilion umbrella for him. According to Great Sheng’s rites, if a prince were to visit a noble household for a banquet, when entering, although there were the ceremonial weaponry, it wasn’t necessary when traveling inside the manor. Just, it was raining today, so this ceremonial umbrella was still held up.
Yu Lingxin clearly took in Qin Wang’s appearance. Just as she was about to turn to glance at Wu Wang and Wei Wang who she’d never seen before, her gaze swept over the decorative designs atop the large vermillion umbrella. For a moment, she still hadn’t come to realization, but in the next moment, her entire body just completely froze.
[1] 3-5 pm in the 2-hour subdivision system used in ancient times.
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nooooo not the dreaded cliff hanger!!!!