Chapter 195: Insistence
Author: White Pear Flower
Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/
Translated by Pill Bug
Edited by Gumihou
Gumihou: There is no doubt that JFJ is indeed very insistent
After stepping out of the rooms to allow Concubine Luo to continue packing and fussing over Concubine Yu, Jin Fengju [a] deliberately raised his voice to say, “You there, all of you, come here. Do any of you know when Concubine Yu takes her medicine? Also, what sort of medicine does she take? Does she have any tonics she is currently taking? How do you take care of her supplements?”
The maids [a1] flinched at the rapid-fire questions. They could only blink at him and each other for a moment, before one of them ventured forward to say, “Concubine Luo is the one who handles such things. We are only responsible for cleaning and general maintenance of the house…”
Fu Qinghe’s eyebrows rose so high that they nearly disappeared into his hairline. [a2] Even as he glared at the maids, Jin Fengju gasped dramatically and said in a particularly loud voice, “Goodness me! In that case, isn’t it better to have Concubine Luo come with my mother-in-law so that proper care is given? I believe that Zhenjiang Heir does not require her service every day, yes? Isn’t it better to grant this son-in-law a little favour than to keep Concubine Luo here?”
Fu Qinghe [a2] was naturally shocked by Jin Fengju’s behaviour. Since there was no point quarrelling with the crazy people, he sneered, “Is Fengju saying that this is also the Emperor’s will?”
Jin Fengju laughed and said, “Of course, naturally this cannot be! Who does the Zhenjiang Heir think the emperor is? These are minor concubinage matters, how could they be important enough to bother the emperor? It is only because Mother-in-law is Qiuning’s mother that the emperor even deigned to say anything. As for myself, I am only concerned about my mother-in-law’s poor health. If the Zhenjiang Heir finds this request troublesome, should I send someone to plead the matter with the King?”
Fu Qiunghe was speechless. [a2] This person… was openly threatening him, right? Just to take away his concubine? Was this fellow crazy? To the point of threatening to go and complain to his father like a little child? If this fellow made a fuss with Feudal King Zhenjiang, with how the current situation was with Prince Hong, there was no doubt that the King would acquiesce in hopes of forming a relationship with the Duke of Jing’s estate despite past conflicts.
[a2] While it was a little humiliating to have to let go of a woman or two from his own harem, it cost him very little to accommodate this annoying son-in-law. Although neither party were sincere in their actions, at least the actions would remain and he could redeem that favour in the future. Therefore, he pretended to sigh and said, “Indeed, it makes sense to have someone familiar with her routine around to look after her.” He turned to Concubine Luo and said, “Pack your things as well, you shall go and look after your sister on my daughter’s behalf.”
[a2] Naturally, he emphasised the points where Fu Qiuning was ‘his daughter’ and that both women were ‘sisters’ from his harem.
Concubine Luo, who [a3] had been keeping herself busy and trying to not think of the future where she would be left alone once again once Concubine Yu left, was pleasantly surprised. So surprised, in fact, that she did not know what to do with herself.
It was Concubine Yu who said with a smile, “My dear sister, you must have packed even your own good clothes and things for me on top of all the supplements and medicines in the house. There is no need to pack more, we can leave just as we are.”
Fu Qinghe [a2] gave a benevolent smile, and with a wave of his hand, had the servants bring another sedan chair in. “Indeed, that is so. Fear not, I shall send someone with more supplements to your side soon. Although the Duke of Jing’s estate is rich and lacks nothing, I fear I ought to send some provisions over. If only as a courtesy…”
Jin Fengju chuckled, “There is no need, as you said, the Duke of Jing is rich with resources and precious medicines.”
[b] Of course, it was unlikely that someone from the Duke of Jing’s household would welcome regular visits from their former enemy. Since the decoy had been refused, he smiled and said, “In that case, I trust you will allow my Concubines to bring their maids with them? I shall admit, I was once neglectful of Qiuning, and she brought only one maid with her. Alas, because of this, we heard nothing from her for over six years. Although it is late, I wish to not repeat the same mistakes.”
[b] Jin Fengju flinched from the reminder that he had neglected Fu Qiuning in those first six years of her married life. However, he still managed to force a smile and said, “Alright, the Zhenjiang Heir is right. Well then, this son-in-law will take his leave.” After speaking, he cupped his fist.
After the sedan chair left through the Inner Ritual Gate [1], he made his way towards the outer court. Once he exited the side gate, he saw that a carriage was already waiting there.
[c] He opened the door to find the two concubines already sitting together. He thought: No matter, that was all in the past. Qiuning and I are in a very loving relationship now. How much more loving and intimate will we be after I present her very own mother to her? Surely she would be very happy with this? That’s right, no matter what, I should get along well with Mother-in-law and show her my best side so that she can persuade Qiuning to be on my side as well.
Thus with a winsome smile, he said, “Qiuning went to the palace early this morning. I think that she should be back by evening. I will bring Mother-in-law and Madam Concubine to greet the Old Madam and my mother first. We are all relatives; there’s no need to be formal.”
[c] That’s right, the first thing he should do is to ensure that Qiuning’s mother was welcome at the Duke of Jing’s estate. He had to show her that no matter what, his side of the family would always treat her better than the other side.
After that, he closed the carriage door and mounted his horse. They travelled like that to the Duke of Jing’s estate. After entering from the front gate (look, he was already treating them better by letting them enter through the front gate instead of the side gate), he personally escorted Concubine Luo and Concubine Yu to Health & Longevity Court. Since the two ladies still looked anxious, he proceeded to beam and explain things about the estate to them on the way to Old Madam’s place.
Both Concubine Luo and Concubine Yu had low status in Zhenjiang Palace, their status was even lower than the dowry maids and matrons brought in by newer concubines. Yet, at that moment, it was as though they had been pulled from the abyss and placed on clouds. The person who personally came to escort them was even the Young Marquis who was the Emperor’s most favoured man. Though Jin Fengju was, in name, Concubine Yu’s son-in-law, and referred to Concubine Yu as his mother-in-law, who would dare to treat this Young Marquis as a son-in-law? Weren’t they very clear on how their daughter was wedded into the Duke of Jing’s estate?
Therefore, these two women were at once incredibly flattered, but still floating in shock. Even as they looked at the flowers and trees of the Duke of Jing’s estate, they could not help but wonder if they were still dreaming. They arrived at Health & Longevity Court to hear the cheerful chatter of maids and immediately stiffened up. It was time to meet the elder ladies of the Jin household!
[d] The two concubines properly gave their salute and kept their behaviour modest and deferential. The Old Madam spared a few pleasant words for them before ordering the maids to escort them to Elegant Mansion. As for the Elder Madam, she kept a look of complete indifference throughout the entire exchange.
[d] It was only after they had been seated in Elegant Mansion’s flower hall and sipped a mouthful of hot, fragrant and obviously expensive tea that they finally believed that they had left that place of oppression behind. This was where Fu Qiuning resided, and from the charming, almost fawning treatment from Jin Fengju and Old Madam Jin’s deliberately well-meaning words, it was clear that Fu Qiuning had their favour.
However, both women had experienced life in noble residences before, so they also understood that despite how well Jin Fengju had been treating their daughter and how kindly the Old Madam spoke to them, it could all disappear with a turn of the head. What’s more, though the other madams and concubines looked happy, and kept talking about how lovely it was to have more relatives around the old women in the family, those people were probably smiling on the surface and secretly looking down on them with anger and envy.
Yu Jie and Jian Feng brought tea and snacks for the two concubines, mindful of their master’s behaviour of just how well they should treat those two ladies. Especially more so, due to the gold pieces that had been stuffed into their hands just before he left. As the nominally trusted maids, Fu Qiuning had left them back at Elegant Mansion, knowing that if nothing else, they would not mistreat her mother too much. Instead, she brought Qiu Shuang and Qiu Yu to the palace with her.
Concubine Yu recognized Yu Jie but didn’t recognize Jian Feng. Seeing a familiar face, she anxiously inquired about Fu Qiuning’s current situation. As she listened, her face lit up. When she heard that her daughter had received a Fifth-ranked title and that the edict would likely be issued soon, her happiness grew. Beside her, Concubine Luo was also all smiles. At the very least, she would still have this Fifth-rank title to protect her should she need it in the future.
After chatting for a while, the concubines exchanged glances. Concubine Luo cautiously asked, “Such a vast courtyard, is Qiuning the only one here? Are there no other masters? Since we have come, we should meet them all.”
Before the words fully left her lips, Jian Feng tittered and said, “Who else could be the master? This is where the Madam, the Young Masters and the Young Misses reside. Ah yes, you two probably don’t know. Our Madam has gained another pair of children under her name. After Concubine Xu had some trouble earlier and was sent to the village, Young Master Yi and Third Young Miss were left under Madam’s care.”
Seeing the unease in Concubine Yu’s and Concubine Luo’s expressions, Jian Feng continued with a smile, “Madam Concubines, you need not worry. Young Master Yi’s and Third Young Miss’ characters are not considered bad. Now, they get along well with Madam and are not really causing any trouble. Madam Concubines must be tired now. How about joining us servants to take a look at the rooms? They have been cleaned up yesterday. Originally, Madam planned to squeeze some time out to pick you up yesterday, but she ended up being fully occupied and was unable to draw out even a bit of time, and would only return when the sky darkens.”
Led by Jian Feng, Concubine Yu and Concubine Luo arrived at their respective rooms. The rooms were very spacious, and the decor was not plain either. The rooms were in fact, several times better than their rooms at the palace. Both women were touched and anxious at the same time. Touched by Fu Qiuning’s consideration and filial piety, but anxious about how their presence would influence Fu Qiuning’s position in a treacherous place like the Duke of Jing’s estate. After all, who is to say that the Young Marquis would not one day turn his back on her on some imagined slight and lock her away once again? [e]
Yu Jie was quick with her flattery as she said, “Madam mentioned that Madam Concubine’s health is not good and that Madam Concubine needs to take medicine daily. This maid has been instructed to inquire after necessary medication and tonics. Were the supplements Madam Concubine have been taking sufficient? If not, she wishes to invite two renowned physicians to come without delay.”
Concubine Luo quickly reported the medications and tonics that Concubine Yu took daily. While Concubine Yu did not pay much attention to her daily needs, Concubine Luo was especially attentive. The long years of loneliness at the palace had brought the two women closer, to the point that they could be considered inseparable best female friends.
Yu Jie and Jian Feng noted down all the information given to them. The maids also stayed behind to chat with the ladies a little while longer. It was not until noon was approaching that they left to allow the ladies to rest. After leaving the ladies, the maids instructed someone to prepare the necessary medicinal ingredients and supplements.
After a nap following their lunch. Yu’shi and Luo’shi woke up in the late afternoon feeling more refreshed than they had ever been. However, they were soon brought back to reality at a single glance of the maids who had accompanied them from the palace.
Dusk came, but Fu Qiuning had yet to return. Instead, Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao were the ones who came back from school. [f] When introduced to their maternal grandmother, both paid their respects despite knowing her much lower status. After all, they were all too aware of whose womb they were born from and had suffered close to half their lives for it. While they respected Old Madam Jin, the old lady was too remote and far away for them to depend on. The next closest female person they recognised as a parental figure was Aunt Yu, who had married out. Therefore, they were happy to have a maternal grandmother and her ‘friend’ around.
[f] As for Jin Zhenyi and Jin Xiunan, Jin Xiunan had already pre-emptively stopped him from saying anything stupid by warning him just whose blood mother he would be insulting and to remember who the twins’ blood mother was. After all, if Jin Fengju was willing to recognise a pair of ‘cheap seedlings’ just because of their talent, the fact that he had decided to bring that woman into the Duke of Jing’s estate meant that he regarded her with some importance. In short, it was difficult for Jin Zhenyi to act out, and when he did, the other children worked together to make it look like he was just making stupid jokes to break the ice.
The sun had settled behind the mountains when Fu Qiuning finally returned, escorted by none other than Jin Fengju himself. [c] Naturally, he had to be there to remind his beloved Qiuning just who was the one who had gone through all the trouble to bring a beloved mother and her bonus companion into the estate in a great demonstration of incredible love.
[g] Fu Qiuning herself was a little apprehensive about meeting Concubine Yu again. After all, she was not really this woman’s daughter. She had merely occupied her body after this poor woman committed suicide after being neglected by her husband for over a year. She held the alternatively sobbing and smiling woman in her arms with complicated feelings, unsure how to properly react.
Still, she was happy to know that this poor woman had gotten out of the Zhenjiang Palace. Concubine Luo being brought out as well was a pleasant surprise. If she ever had to make a run or was banished once more, they would have more company. While she thanked Concubine Luo for looking after her ‘mother’, the maids had already seen the writing on the wall and prepared a feast for dinner.
After the evening meal, Jin Fengju noticed Fu Qiuning holding Yu’shi’s and Luo’shi’s hands, seemingly having much to discuss. Realising that he wouldn’t have his wife’s company that night, he discreetly left and went towards Concubine Huo’s residence to visit his daughter. [c] After all, it was his duty as a parent to care for his children, and had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he could not spend time with Qiuning at all.
Once the children were all asleep, Yu’shi’s excitement still hadn’t waned. Holding Fu Qiuning’s hand, she said, “My child, a few days ago, your father came home angrily and asked me about that… what’s it called… Huang… something opera…”
Fu Qiuning quickly chimed in, “Huangmei opera.”
Concubine Yu nodded eagerly, “Yes, yes, yes, that’s the one, Huangmei opera. Your father kept asking me why I didn’t tell him anything about it… But how would I know anything? You… when did you learn all this?”
[Gumihou: Have you forgotten all the instances where JFJ neglected Fu Qiuning? That’s okay, Gumi is happy to remind you.]
[a] Author’s not even trying to pretend how she just hijacked her original character’s character anymore. Gumi will replace this fake ‘sensitivity’ with more drama.
As they stepped out of the room, Jin Fengju suddenly called a few maids over and whispered, “Do any of you know when the Concubine takes her medicine? What kind of medicine does she take? What tonics does she usually have? How should she be taken care of?”
The maids exchanged glances, and one of them timidly said, “Usually, it is Concubine Luo who handles these things. We are only responsible for cleaning the house…” Her voice grew smaller and smaller until it died off at the end.
[a1] Have the maids react realistically to the absolute drama
[a2] Have Father-in-law react realistically to the absolute drama. As well as a cunning person befitting the son of a politician rather than an absolute buffoon who exists to make JFJ look good.
Some of the lines we deleted:
Not waiting for the sentence to finish, Fu Qinghe’s heart sank with a “thud” and he hurriedly said, “What nonsense is this? Are you saying that when one of my people leaves the palace, not even a single person would accompany them? Wouldn’t this be inviting ridicule? Fengju, you don’t need to say anymore. Either leave all of them behind, or if you want to bring them to your estate, bring all of them.”
Naturally, Jin Fengju understood the intentions running through that foolish old man’s head. Realising that taking Concubine Luo was already a matter of great face, he didn’t need to provoke that old thing further into a rage from shame.
Just in case you didn’t catch it, the author actually wrote ‘this foolish old man’s head’.
Subtlety, thy name is certainly not White Pear Flower
[a3] Have Concubine Luo react normally instead of ‘aww’ ML~~
Also, deleted bits that were just a repeat of JFJ’s thoughts that were only there to make him look good.
[b] Change Fu Qinghe from a blithering idiot into someone with a measure of cunning. Enough to make logical conclusions and have JFJ react like a man with a guilty conscience instead of ‘of course our JFJ is the most brilliant, lol’ reaction that the author favoured.
[c] JFJ’s true insidious thoughts
[d] Not enough details for the concubine’s meeting, I guess Author is just not interested since mom is probably brought in to improve the relationship with JFJ and create drama with JWY’s mom. Sigh.
[e] Actual logical concerns for the Madam Concubines instead of ‘yay, yay, wow, yay~’
[f] Magic ‘uwu’ from the twins and the siblings. Rewrite text to reflect a more realistic situation. We nope this.
By evening, Fu Qiuning still hadn’t returned, but Jin Changfeng Jin Changjiao, the siblings, had come back. Recognizing her as their nominal grandmother, despite her humble status, they respectfully greeted and paid their respects. Even Jin Zhenyi and Jin Xiunan were no exception. Since coming to Fu Qiuning’s residence, perhaps due to Jin Fengju’s imposing authority or gradually adapting to their new environment, they had become much more well-behaved and courteous compared to their past.
[g] I think Author forgot that Concubine Yu is not actually transmigrated Fu Qiuning’s mother. Anyway, rewrite the text to reflect this little snippet. I guess, if we talk about her transmigration, we would also have to talk about orginal!Qiuning’s suicide, which was driven by JFJ’s neglect.
Oh, boo hoo.
Pill Bug TL Notes:
[1] 内仪门 The doors/gates connecting the inner and outer courts.
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