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Once a Graceful Reflection
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!
The horse carriage’s……….axle broke?
There was nothing more ironic than these words.
Qi-shi was in a daze, even somewhat unable to respond, completely not knowing exactly how comical and unsightly her complexion was in this moment.
Today, disregarding her sister-in-law, Chang’de Countess’s face, causing a scene at the Qi family’s second gate, screaming and yelling, in the end, it was still because she needed to let Yu Lingxin get on the carriage with her and return to the Kou Manor. That way, she can better arrange the various matters afterwards.
But, the premise to it all was that she herself needed to have a usable carriage!
For a moment, all the yelling and quarreling seemingly all became an enormous joke slapping onto her face.
And Lu mama could only ignore the burning red handprint on her face, rushing over to repeatedly confirm with the servant boy the horse carriage’s situation, both pressing and scolding, endlessly causing a scene. In the end, she could only tremblingly return to report back to Qi-shi with a bitter face, “Madam……..how about, borrowing from the count manor—-”
‘Pah!’ Qi-shi immediately just fanned a slap, probably feeling extremely furious inside, yet it wasn’t good to go tug Yu Lingxin again in front of a relative family’s nephew.
All the anger, humiliation, and sullenness just got vented out on Lu mama’s face, “How did you handle the matter!? Do you not have a brain?! Or could it be that the carriage driver and carriage attendant all don’t have eyes, can’t even keep their eyes on a carriage! All the food normally, was it all fed to the dogs?! Each and every one all a bunch of useless slaves!”
Lu mama had grievances but nowhere to complain. This time, both sides of her face all had a handprint, actually balancing symmetrically. What veteran servant from the maiden family in charge of everything with authority and a straight back, several lifetimes worth of face has all been lost.
At this time, Chang’de Count Manor’s eldest young madam Zhu-shi finally rushed over. Reaching the courtyard entrance and seeing this scene, she was also shocked, but along the way, she’d also heard a little from the servant woman in charge. Additionally, everyone from top to bottom in Chang’de Count Manor all knew that Qi-shi, this third lady, had a fiery temper. As such, she couldn’t help but feel a bit startled and a bit contemptuous inside, yet on the surface, she still smilingly went forward, “How come paternal aunt is just this angered? It’s not worth it. I’ve already heard the siuation. In the end, it’s still the count manor’s fault for not being attentive today, on my mother-in-law’s birthday, this kind of big occasion, not looking after paternal aunt’s horse carriage properly. Please quell your anger. Seeing on this niece-in-law’s behalf, why don’t you use my carriage for now?”
Zhu-shi’s words both fully gave face in pacifying, while also vaguely warning——-this was ultimately Chang’de Countess’s birthday banquet. If Qi-shi, this shu-born lady, really know her own weight in her maiden family, then she should just follow along down the ladder.
However, on this bit, Qi-shi actually didn’t think too deeply. Hearing Zhu-shi speak courteously, she just took the opportunity to start crying again, “Niece-in-law, you are the most virtuous and well-mannered. I—-…..how is it just because of the horse carriage, it’s truly that Ling’er, this younger cousin of yours………”
When it comes to being endlessly unreasonable, Qi-shi was just very skilled to begin with. And in this moment, all the repeatedly accumulated feeling of defeat in front of Yu Lingxin, as well as the sullenness from losing face in front of Xun Che, this in-law family nephew, blended together, making her increasingly weep and complain nonstop.
Zhu-shi actually just wanted to say a few pleasantries, and then arrange a horse carriage, quickly having Qi-shi and Yu Lingxin, this mother-daughter pair, immediately sent out of Chang’de Count Manor, yet she never thought that Qi-shi’s behavior really lived up to its reputation. The sound of her cries was both loud and continuous, while the hand that was tightly pulling hers was also full of strength.
Twice, Zhu-shi wanted to softly and politely interrupt Qi-shi and insert a word, but all failed. Mainly, it was because Zhu-shi was a young lady that came from the Cheng’en Duke Manor. Regardless whether it was back when she was still in the boudoir, or after she’d married into Chang’de Count Manor, she was all used to speaking softly. When it comes to volume, how can she compare with someone like Qi-shi who can yell for half a day without drinking a drop of water.
Having no other choice, she could only let Qi-shi say a few more words.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
At the same time, Yu Lingxin was also somewhat in a daze.
She was originally just gazing at Xun Che to begin with. His elegant features under the twilight appeared exceptionally gentle. His thin lips were very faintly hooked, practically undetectable, yet his eyes and brows were like as if containing a smile, just that graceful and easy-going. Seemingly all the problems in the world, in front of him, all weren’t a problem. Regardless of what kind of awkward situation, or whatever kind of difficult circumstance, for him, it was all just a small matter.
Actually, this kind of spirited and elegant Xun Che, in the previous life, after returning to the capital, Yu Lingxin wasn’t able to see.
Tian Xu year 19 of the past life, at the time of their marriage, this elegant young master that was formerly renowned throughout the capital was already long disfigured from his illness, his two cheeks deeply concaving, his skin full of a sickly dried up yellow. His hair that could be coiled up was already very little, nearly unable to firmly hold the gold crown. And his hair, practically half was all white and silver, unknown as to whether it was because of the poison and medicine, or because of exhausting his thoughts, overly straining his mind.
But even if just skin and bones, like a dried up bark, Yu Lingxin still remembered the sharpness contained in his eyes. And that easy-going manner on the surface was still the exact same in this very moment.
The various distant memories of the past life, and the elegant and graceful young man before her eyes seemingly very naturally merged as one. Even if just slightly reminiscing, she still felt her eyes somewhat reddening, her nose also becoming a bit sour.
For the Xun Che in this very moment, his family hasn’t fallen into ruins, he wasn’t dying from poison, and he also didn’t have the cursed name known throughout the world in life and death as a treacherous official.
This way was really good.
And in this moment, Xun Che finally retreated a step, and at the same time, slightly turned his body, his gaze slowly turning towards her.
“Shenzhi, let’s go.” Ming Jincheng who was standing behind Xun Che truly was out of patience, directly mentioning.
Xun Che nodded, also not further saying anything to Qi-shi and Zhu-shi, just briefly meeting Yu Lingxin’s gaze, and shortly after left with Ming Jincheng.
His steps were both light and steady, no different from usual. Next, he went and picked up his younger sister Xun Ying, before returning again to mount his own horse carriage. In between, in his random idle conversations with Ming Jincheng and Xun Ying, he was also very steady, not having any differences.
All the way until Xun Che returned to Wen’an Marquis Manor, entering his own study, unrolling a painting scroll from the corner of his bookcase, that usually easy-going and calm gaze of his finally softened.
This was an unfinished painting. The beauty stood under a silk tree, her black hair like clouds, her posture refined, wearing a lucid and elegant jade colored long dress, her figure graceful and dainty, just like a slender and elegant magnolia. The only unfinished portion was that beauty’s facial features, just having a rough outline. And this painting scroll also didn’t have an inscription or seal.
Slightly recalling for a moment, Xun Che lifted the brush. After lightly adding a few strokes, a vivid and spirited young girl’s face was finally completed.
In the inscription area, the brush moved like a winding snake. His entire heart just had one line, obtained in that brief instant when meeting her eyes. Turns out, the ancient poems didn’t lie—–
‘Meeting during the golden wind and jade dew, already surpassing countless in the world.’[1]
Less than a moment after this painting was completed, the ink having yet to dry, he just heard his attendant Chen Qiao report from the outside, “Shizi[2], Ming eldest young master has come.”
Xun Che faintly furrowed his brow. This mood ruining guy actually went and came back?
However, in an instant, he immediately understood. Lightly snorting on the spot as he instructed his attendant, “Invite Ming eldest young master to Qingyu Pavilion for tea. Then, go to the kitchen to bring over some flaky pastries, and tell him that it was personally made by the second miss. I’ll be over in a bit.”
Chen Qiao responded and went on his way, but on the inside, he couldn’t help but inwardly click his tongue, how did Ming eldest young master anger shizi?
By the time Xun Che arrived at Qingyu Pavilion, sure enough, the pastries in the tray were already gone. Ming Jincheng seemingly appeared to be still craving for more, “Ying’er’s skill is really not bad. Later, tell her to teach my younger sister too. Jinrou just likes things like horseback riding and archery all day, nothing like how a young lady should be.”
Xun Che lightly snorted, “You coming over this late, it’s just for the sake of worrying over younger cousin Jinrou’s boudoir matters? When do the girls of your Ming family ever need to enter the kitchen.”
Ming Jincheng side glanced at him, “You still didn’t tell the truth today. Exactly why did you interfere in that bit of trivial matter of the Qi family’s? Merely a shu-born aunt, and the Yu family at present also doesn’t have anyone useable. Don’t tell me that this was just you, the Xun family second young master, having a sudden sense of justice.”
“At present, in the Ministry of War, your foundation is still unstable, so what are you worrying about all this for?” Although Xun Che said this, he still took out a memorandum from his sleeve, throwing it to Ming Jincheng. “That Qi family’s son-in-law Kou Xian’s official post is indeed small, but take a look at the name on the official document for the Ministry of Revenue’s appointments outside of the capital this time, and also the date on those official seals.”
(T/N: Kou Xian is Yu Lingxin’s birth mother’s current husband.)
Ming Jincheng quickly swept a glance and immediately frowned, “This is the Zhu family’s person?”
Xun Che casually lifted the teacup and took a sip, “The Ministry of Appointments’ evaluations are the easiest to manipulate. In the end, political achievements and official reputation, this kind of thing, other than actual evidence, it just relied on ‘public praise’. Looking at this batch this year getting appointed to an outer post, the Noble Consort and the Zhu family have probably gone crazy thinking about money.”
“But, what does this have to do with the incident between the womenfolk today?” Ming Jincheng seemingly understood a little, but thinking again, it still wasn’t right, “Even if you want to investigate this matter, what clues can’t you use, must you start from these indirect relatives?”
Xun Che took another two sips of the tea before finally placing down the teacup, slowly gazing towards Ming Jincheng, “When did I say these two matters were related?”
Ming Jincheng practically wanted to facepalm, immediately having that memorandum thrown back at Xun Che, “Then why did you mention this?”
“What I mean is that this is what you should be worrying over.” Xun Che stood up, walking a few steps outward, but then suddenly thought for a moment, “Additionally, regarding the marriage arrangement with the Wen family, you should reconsider. Today, I heard Ying’er mention, this niece of the empress’s seemingly is a bit weak. You best ponder over on your own.”
“What’s the matter with a young lady being weak?” Ming Jincheng was unconcerned, “How strong does she need to be to be considered good?”
Xun Che let out a laugh, quickly having that beautiful figure that flashed across his mind pressed down before waving his hand, “When time comes, you naturally will know. Fine, go back then.” Without waiting for Ming Jincheng to respond, he just called out to Chen Qiao, “Send Ming eldest young master out, and also take along a box of the second miss’s pastries.”
“Al–alright then.” Ming Jincheng originally still wanted to ask more, but he could tell that he probably won’t be able to get any answers. In addition to obtaining pastries, while also having official matters in mind, he ultimately just left with the memorandum and desserts.
Xun Chen sent him for a few steps, and upon seeing Ming Jincheng slowly disappear in the distance, he finally couldn’t help but shake his head, walking back under the corridor, gazing out into the depths of the night sky.
A thought suddenly emerged in his heart——–did she also come back?
[1] This is a line from the poem 《鹊桥仙•纤云弄巧》 by Qin Guan, a Song dynasty poet and scholar. The title roughly translates to ‘Immortal Magpie Bridge’ from the Qixi Festival legend of Niulang (cowherd) and Zhinu (weaver girl). It’s a very famous story of two star-crossed lovers, between a mortal cowherd and an immortal fairy. If you’re unfamiliar with it you can read about it here.
In short, the magpie bridge is the bridge formed by magpies that were moved by their love to help them meet once a year on qixi (seventh of the seventh lunar month). In this particular line ‘golden wind and jade dew’ refers to the autumn scenery of qixi, so the line can roughly be interpreted as meeting on qixi already surpass countless people in the world. The poem mostly is trying to describe the love between the two leads of the qixi legend.
[2] 世子 (shizi) – The address for a heir to a noble title.
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