Chapter 128: Crushing One’s Foot with a Rock (1)

Author: White Pear Flower

Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/

Translated Gumihou

Proofread by Pill Bug

 

Madam Jiang and Jiang Wanying were both taken aback. They had not expected such a thing to exist!

Jiang Wanying was gaping at Fu Qiuning in shock. However, as soon as their eyes met, Fu Qiuning quickly looked away. A clear sign of guilt! She recalled that day she tried to probe Fu’shi’s maidenhood status at Clear Soft Pavilion. If that person truly was in a relationship with her cousin back then, she would not have acted like this. Jiang Wanying was sure of it. Somehow, she must have spooked this woman and the other side had been prepared for their arrival. As for the blood on the sheets, who knew whether it was duck, chicken or pig’s blood split across it? Who could tell the difference? It was all red.

Thus, bolstered by her reasoning, she looked towards Madam Jiang. Seeing the caution in her aunt’s eyes, she knew that Madam Jiang was on the verge of retreating. Looks like she was still carrying the shadows of ‘Losing the rice when trying to steal chicken’ from the last time they had confronted Fu’shi. However, they cannot retreat at this point.

With her mind made up, she was about to speak out when the Old Madam said indifferently, “The sheets have been seen, surely you should give it up? Once we return, find out which servant had been spreading these unsound rumours, drag them out and have them beaten with sticks.” In the end, the Old Madam was the one with sharper eyes. Now that Fu Qiuning had stayed silent instead of pressing her advantage, she knew that she was giving Madam Jiang and Jiang Wanying an opportunity to save face and retreat with some dignity. The matter should have been let go at this point.

But, how could Jiang Wanying allow such a good opportunity to drive Fu’shi out so easily? She had been planning for this moment for so long, there was no way she was going to give up halfway. Therefore, she stood straight to say, “Old Ancestor, forgive this granddaughter-in-law for my impertinence, but blood on the bedsheets could be faked. However, there is one thing that could not be faked. If Elder Sister and Lord Husband had truly shared a room, I wonder, do you dare to try this thing?”

Fu Qiuning also stood up, her reply was hot and curt as she said, “You have already seen the sheets, why are you still being so suspicious? When Little Sister entered Lord Husband’s chamber back then, did you also face this kind of questioning? Aside from the bedsheet, how else do you expect me to prove it? No matter what, I am still the Young Marquis’ official wife. Do you, as a Secondary Wife, have the qualifications to inspect my person?”

By then, Jiang Wanying was more and more convinced that Fu Qiuning was hiding a guilty conscience. She stiffened her neck and said harshly, “This little sister has no such qualification, but Mother-in-law does not lack this qualification. My dear Elder Sister should not compare yourself with this little sister. When this little sister married in, all proper ceremonies had been performed with my Lord Husband, and it is the same for the concubines that came afterwards.

Elder Sister is the only exception. You have been alone for six years. Now, the Young Marquis loves and spoils Elder Sister, but Elder Sister remains stubborn and dared to remain indifferent, to the point of refusing to complete the marriage ceremony with him. Such an arrogant and contemptible person like Elder Sister, our dukedom could never keep you.”

The Old Madam sighed, thinking: From ancient times, there were numerous examples of people trying to be too clever and ending up harming themselves with their own cleverness while trying to cause harm to others. Often, such harm happened due to vicious and selfish human nature. Judging from Jiang Wanying’s words, it was clear that she would not stop until Fu Qiuning was forced out of the family. Indeed, she could not blame Fu’shi for setting a trap for her rival.

It was almost funny to see Wan girl already with one foot in the trap, but still not knowing how to stop. Indeed, she seemed almost eager to put her other foot in, anxious to go after Fu’shi even as the woman deliberately retreated. Well, such a jealous and vicious woman ought to be taught a lesson.

As she enjoyed the show before her, the Old Madam swallowed the words that came to her lips and continued to drink her tea slowly. Her eyelids barely flickered as Fu Qiuning sneered, “I see, so the warm and affectionate Young Sister I see most times is all an affectation? So, this is how you truly think of me. To you, I am a thorn in your eyes. Something so hateful that you cannot wait for the day I am driven out of this estate, isn’t it so?”

Jiang Wanying sneered back, “There is no need for such remarks, Elder Sister. After all, we share the responsibility of serving one husband. If Elder Sister had remained principled, this little sister would have naturally adored and respected you. However, Elder Sister insists on using the six years of neglect to embarrass Lord Husband when she ought to be grateful, therefore, this little sister naturally cannot remain still.”

With a wave of her hand, Qiu Xia immediately stepped forward to hand something that looked like a rouge box to Jiang Wanying. Jiang Wanying smiled and said, “When this little sister learned of this matter, I had tossed and turned, thinking of ways for dear Elder Sister to prove her innocence. In a happy coincidence, I happened to receive this. Have you heard how hundreds of years ago, women of the past used Gecko Sand to prove their maidenhood?

If dear Elder Sister has no guilty conscience, just take a fingernail’s worth and put it on your arm. On an undefiled girl, the colour of this Gecko Sand will remain on the skin. On one who has lost her virginity, the colour will fade away. Well? How about it? It’s not like this will hurt Elder Sister’s face, surely Elder Sister will not refuse?”

Fu Qiuning [1] immediately said, “A few hundreds year old method? There must be a reason why this method had not been continued. Now you want me to put this dubious thing on my body, insult on my person aside, how should I know whether it works or not? I refuse. Why not just have a doctor put her hands on my body before everyone’s eyes?”

Jiang Wanying sneered, “It’s just dabbing a little rouge on your arm, how is this insulting your person? If you refuse, it is proof that you are as guilty as a thief. Otherwise, why would you refuse an opportunity to prove your innocence? When the time comes, whatever Mother-in-law wishes to do with you, even I cannot help you.”

Fu Qiuning [1c] stared at the box, curiosity nearly overwhelming her as she thought: Woah, so this is the infamous lizard dust thing. No, it’s still too unscientific, ah. The dust itself is one thing, but what makes it so red? Cinnabar? But cinnabar tends to stain, how could lizard dust make it fade away per the lack of virginity? These ancient people certainly have skills…

[1d] “Well? Are you going to use it or not?” came Jiang Wanying’s impatient question.

Fu Qiuning started. [1c] In truth, she was really curious about trying it, but, who knew whether or not it contained poison?! Therefore, the only answer she could give was, “If you wish me to smear this Gecko Dust on myself, I shall. However, only if Little Sister smears it on yourself first.”

Jiang Wanying was taken aback. She pulled a face and said, “Is Elder Sister trying to be amusing? Why would I use this thing on myself? It is not I who had to prove my innocence. Six years ago, I have already proven myself before Mother-in-law and Lord Husband. There is no need for you to bring up this matter to try and escape this test, unless you have a guilty conscience.”

[1e] [1f] Fu Qiuning tilted her head, “You say that the dust will fade away on a person who had lost their virginity. How do I know the thing in your hand is true Gecko Sand and not just ordinary rouge that would not disappear on anyone?” she asked reasonably. “Surely you should at least smear some on yourself, and on one of the virgin maids to prove that it works as you say it would?”

[1g] The rest of the ladies were taken aback by this reasonable request. However, since the only non-virgins were the mistresses of the house and none of them wanted to put the Gecko Dust on themselves, the argument continued. Fu Qiuning was really on the verge of rolling her eyes out of her head.

Unbeknown to them, while they were quarrelling over the validity of the Gecko Dust, Ling Long, who was supposed to guard the place, turned a blind eye as random women began to sneak closer for a listen. Ling Long knew that she had been placed on guard to protect the privacy of the ladies’ talk. However, she was also equally aware that this was an important opportunity for her mistress to drive Fu Qiuning out of the estate. She thought: Let these women listen and know how my mistress drives out this thorn in the eye. Then, you shall know the might of the Jiang family.

The quarrel went round and round, repeating itself to the point where [2a] Jiang Wanying was getting frustrated. [2a] Finally, she swiped the Gecko Dust with her finger, grabbed hold of Qiu Xia and smeared it on the maid’s arm. Then, she smeared the rest on her own arm. Before everyone’s eyes, the brilliant, cinnabar red of the Gecko Dust on her arm eventually turned white while the red on Qiu Xia remained. [2b] Even the Old Madam appeared fascinated by the process.

[1c] Fu Qiuning stared at the fading dust, thinking: Woah, ancient people are incredible. Is this some kind of alchemy? Moreover, this method is hundreds of years old?

[2a] “There now!” Jiang Wanying said triumphantly. “It works as it should. You have absolutely no reason not to do it.”

[2b] “Indeed,” said Fu Qiuning, “However, I do not want to.”

[2b] “WHAT?!”

[2b] “I refused to be forced into proving my innocence, or lack thereof. Little Sister has indeed proven that the Gecko Dust works as it should, but there is no reason why I should be forced into putting it on myself.”

This, naturally, set off another round of quarrels with the Jiangs pressuring Fu Qiuning to put the dust on herself. By then, everyone was even more sure that Fu Qiuning was guilty. Finally, after having dragged the matter long enough, Fu Qiuning decided to throw herself into her final act. This shall be the climax of her performance.

“Very well, since Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law insist, there is nothing I could do but comply. However…” with a sudden sob, Fu Qiuning wailed dramatically, “However, this is too intolerable! Why should I, [3] the granddaughter of a feudal king be treated like this? I, who had been abandoned for six years, having almost died in this hidden place, am supposed to be grateful? Indeed, I am grateful, grateful for everyone’s attention today. All who had come to witness my innocence, my shame, how am I to show myself before others from now on?”

Fu Qiuning was wailing and crying so tragically that even Xu’shi and Huo’shi, who were listening from outside were stunned. They could not help but felt a little sad for her. As sad as a fox when it heard that the rabbit has died. As for Old Madam Jin, she was smirking inwardly to herself, thinking: Goodness me, this Fu’shi is very good at acting. Not at all inferior to me.

[3] Suddenly, Fu Qiuning paused. She turned wild eyes at Madam Jiang, “Mother-in-law, you wish me to smear this Gecko Sand on myself? Yes, very well, this humble woman shall do it. However, this humble woman has one wish… only one…”

A bad premonition crept up Old Madam’s spine, but before she could say anything, Fu Qiuning rushed forward with her dramatic lines.

[3] “Indeed, seeing how all the mistresses of the house are here to witness this humble woman’s shame, there is no way for this humble woman to hold up her head in this estate anymore. Therefore, should this Gecko Sand proves this humble woman’s innocence, allow this humble woman to stay hidden within Night Breeze Pavilion. This humble woman shall never leave this place and be an eyesore to anyone within the estate anymore!”

[3a] Noo!! Old Madam Jin cried out in her heart.

However, it was too late. Fu Qiuning flashed a glance at the old vixen of the Jin Marquisate, no, the Jing Dukedom, and declared, “As Old Madam is my witness, this humble woman shall proceed!” Then, she decisively grabbed Jiang Wanying’s finger, still stained with the Gecko Sand (why did this bit of sand not turn white?) and smeared a long line on her arm, nearly scratching herself with Jiang Wanying’s nails.

[3a] As they all stared, Old Madam privately howled: Oh no, not only did I not able to assist my good grandson, but I had allowed Qiuning to turn the tables on us. With this move, the day she would enter the inner court grows ever more distant. What terrible luck, it was just too bad. If I had known that these two had already consummated their relationship, I would not have dragged my old bones over to muddy the water.

While Old Madam Jin was crying out ‘bad luck’ in her heart, Fu Qiuning stared at the red smear on her arm. It had already begun to fade, eventually turning snow white.

“No, this… this is impossible… how can this be possible?” Jiang Wanying covered her mouth, her heart in her throat. She looked at the white smear on Fu Qiuning’s arm then bared her teeth at Fu Qiuning, “This- you did this on purpose!”

Fu Qiuning dabbed her eyes. [3b] “On purpose? Didn’t Little Sister come to prove my innocence? This elder sister is sorry that this is not the innocence you were looking for.”

[3b] “You tricked me!”

“Just how did I trick you? Did this humble woman ask for you to come to my Night Breeze Pavilion? Did this humble woman provide the Gecko Sand? Tell me, Second Madam Wan, how did I trick you?”

 

 

Pill Bug: YEEEEESSSS!!! Take that, you old vixen!

Gumihou: Indeed, that bit was very gratifying.

Pill Bug: Also, that plot hole smear on the fingers.

Gumihou: We double-checked, it was really on her fingers.

Pill Bug: Maybe she has a lot of oil or cream on her hands

Gumihou: Eww…

 

Gumihou: Also, there were a lot more words from FQN in the final bits, which were mostly there for face-slapping purposes. It was quite draggy, so, cut it down. The initial build-up for the deleted wailing was lacking, only interesting if you skim it.

 

The Old Madam, as expected, is filled with self-righteous indignation on Fu Qiuning’s behalf, kind of like a rich madam giving her pet cat a funeral procession on a street where poor children lay dying on the pavement. She called JWY a ‘vicious and jealous’ woman, at the same time trying to push Fu Qiuning into JFJ’s bed.

Old Madam Jin had put herself so far above the pedestal that she judges JWY’s actions pitying condescension without giving thought to how she had brought more harm to Fu Qiuning. In Gumi’s professional opinion, this Old Madam is just a privileged old bag who plays favourites and was mostly in it for some cheap entertainment.

Gumi is more disgusted by the Old Madam than by Jiang Wanying.

 

[1] Pull back from overly dramatic to dramatic. Also, use ‘dubious method’ as the reason for refusal rather than plain ‘outrage’.

[1a] Replace ‘wait until Young Marquis is here, humph, humph’ with ‘why don’t you just ask a doctor to stick her hand into my v?’

Because this is just baiting JWY to dramatically reiterate how much JFJ favours FQN.

[1b] Delete Jiang Wanying’s reply per [1a]. No more ‘humph, humph, you just want hubby here to show his luurrrvee!!’

[1c] Replace ‘death glare’ with ‘curious stare’. Add ‘woah, so that’s the infamous lizard dust, to think I’d have an opportunity to experience it…’

[1d] Jiang Wanying’s reaction to FQN’s suspiciously long stare.

[1e] Deleted ‘Fu Qiuning’s body trembled violently, as if extremely angry but helpless. Mrs. Jiang and Jiang Wanying only thought that she was guilty and afraid. The Old Matriarch shook her head and smiled inwardly, secretly thinking that Qiu Ning is also good at acting, she is not inferior to me, the granddaughter-in-law.’

It’s just overly dramatic action, coupled with reader spoon-feeding and Ass Polishing for the Old Madam.

Nope.

[1f] Replaced [1e] with reasonable reasons on why not to try their lizard dust.

[1g] Reaction to reasonable [1f] which was more ‘huff huff huff’ as per canon

[2] Add detail:

[2a] Have Jiang Wanying try on the dust

[2b] Create a scenario as per [2a]

[3] Okay, let’s go completely overboard since this is a special limited edition performance.

[3a] Delete: Madam Jiang and Jiang Wanying merely said she was just looking for a way out for herself and trying to stay within the estate.

The narration contributes nothing and merely slows down the drama.

[3b] Instead of sneering at JWY, which is such bad taste, really. Just calmly ask what she meant.

 

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