Higher Level Wife – 261 – Imperial Edict

Chapter 261: Imperial Edict

Author: White Pear Flower

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

Translated by Gumihou

Proofread by Pill Bug

Gumihou: Remember how Gumi had included Jiang Wanying in the meeting? Things are so, so much easier for nearly everyone when she’s not around. But why shouldn’t she be around? She is totally the type to stick around just to make things awkward for everyone.

 

Seeing that the cat had apparently fallen asleep, Jin Fengju had only just mustered enough courage to push himself into a sitting position when Jin Changfeng’s words caused him to collapse to the floor once again. He was so angry and anxious that he wanted to order the servants to round up all those [1] beastly creatures and throw them out. However, he dared not even utter those words after hearing that Fu Qiuning was the one who allowed the cats to roam freely around the residence.

On the other hand, if he did nothing, the residence would soon turn into a cat’s nest. What was he to do? Even though he intellectually knew that it was stupid of him to be afraid of cats, he could not change this part of himself. However, he also could not say anything in front of his children. Otherwise, what would happen to his authority as a father?

He gritted his teeth in frustration, trying to think of an elegant way to get out of the situation when Jin Ming’s voice came from outside, “Master, quickly change into formal clothes. Eunuch Lin has just arrived. He came bearing an imperial edict from the Northern Battlefield.”

That was enough to scare all of Jin Fengju’s extraneous thoughts out. While he rushed to change his clothes, he wondered why the Emperor would send someone to deliver an imperial edict. As Jin Ming helped him fix his clothes, he cast a resentful glare at the peacefully sleeping cat before looking around the room once more. [2] Thankfully, Jin Changfeng had tactfully made himself scarce. His Qiuning had obviously brought up that boy well.

Meanwhile, Fu Qiuning and Jiang Wanying had also received the summons. [3] They left the officials’ wives to change into their proper imperial outfits and went out into the courtyard along with the children to kneel before the eunuch holding the edict. The local officials’ wives all hid behind the door and windows to stare inquisitively at this spectacle, excited and nervous to catch a glimpse of this historical moment. All of them were deathly curious about what they were about to see. Their husbands had told them that this Young Marquis had been demoted to Quanzhou by the Crown Prince with the Emperor’s consent. This was why some of them had the gumption to make a fuss and throw tantrums to get their ‘rights’ back.

So, what was happening now?

Was this imperial edict sent because the Young Marquis had done something unforgivable? Or was it something else?

Thus, it was with bright eyes, that they all watched as the eunuch unfurled the yellow silk imperial edict and began to read it out loud.

“… Beloved Subject Jin Fengju is now appointed as the General Commander of the Fujian Military Department in concurrence to his post as the official for the Quanzhou Prefect. Subject Jin Fengju is now in charge of all Japanese resistance efforts …”

“… …”

A gleam of envy shone in the eyes of all who witnessed this statement.

Jin Fengju held out his hands to accept the edict with gratitude. While the Crown Prince had technically entrusted him with the responsibility of ‘eradicating all Japanese resistance’, it was a verbal order with no accompanying position or clear instructions, leaving him without a proper status or justification for his actions. Now that this edict had arrived from the Emperor himself, everything that had been plaguing him was resolved. Feeling reassured, a hint of joy appeared on his previously stoic face, he invited the eunuch into the main hall for tea.

The eunuch who arrived with the edict was Li Dezheng’s disciple, therefore, he was also aware of Jin Fengju’s demotion. Even so, it was clear that imperial favour had not yet left him, so there was no reason for the eunuch to decline the invitation. Fu Qiuning [3] and Jiang Wanying returned to the receiving hall to receive congratulations from the ladies. However, it was clear that the women were all impatient to leave and spread the word. Therefore, after a few more exchanges, the ladies collectively left the courtyard.

Fu Qiuning had just taken a sip from her teacup when Jian Feng and Yu Jie walked in. [3] They both glanced warily at Jiang Wanying, who ignored them. When Jiang Wanying continued to pretend they did not exist, the maids approached Fu Qiuning and said, “Madam, we just heard from two of Concubine Cui’s maidservants… they said something about everyone having to move out of the yamen. Is this true?”

[3a] Jiang Wanying snorted but said nothing. Jian Feng and Yu Jie bristled with anger, but neither of them dared to say anything. Although Jiang Wanying had fallen out of favour with Jin Fengju, she still had the house management powers in her hands. Why their beloved Madam had not yet wrested that power out of that vicious woman’s clutches was beyond their understanding.

Apparently ignorant of her maids’ concerns, Fu Qiuning said, “That all depends on the Master. If he does not wish to move, it is unlikely that any of us would move.”

As soon as she was done speaking, Jin Fengju’s voice floated in from outside, saying, “Move? What move? Who is moving?”

The maids were elated to hear their master’s voice. A great helper has arrived! In contrast, Fu Qiuning and [3a] Jiang Wanying stiffened. [3b] Jin Fengju entered the room with his usual flourish. He actually made a few steps in before stopping to stare at Jiang Wanying who continued to sip her tea in the most infuriatingly elegant way possible.

When the pause got too long, Fu Qiuning ventured to say, “We are all awaiting instruction from Lord Husband on whether to move out of the yamen or not.”

[3b] The corner of Jiang Wanying’s lip twitched. “Indeed. We, Lord Husband’s wives and concubines, are all awaiting Lord Husband’s instructions. After all, as humble women who have married Lord Husband, we can only move according to Lord Husband’s will, having no agency of our own.”

“What move? Who is moving? If any of you wish to move out, you may!” Jin Fengju barked. But then, he hurriedly continued, “Naturally, the official wife must stay with me. The rest of you may do as you like.”

Jiang Wanying rose elegantly from her chair, “In that case, it is all settled. None of us shall move. Second Madam Ning, I bid you good day.”

Fu Qiuning also got to her feet and said, “I bid Second Madam Wan good day as well.”

[3b] “On second thoughts, seeing as those families have moved in, I fear that the rest of us little sisters may have to move into Madam Ning’s courtyard. After all, as Lord Husband’s women, it is only right that we should stay with him through thin times as well as good times.”

Jin Fengju’s lips twitched, “There is no need. I know that as a pampered granddaughter of a duke, Wanying is used to a certain lifestyle, there is no need to force yourself into the hardship of sharing a cramped courtyard.”

“It is no hardship,” said Jiang Wanying serenely. “After suffering through that horrifyingly [4] cramped lodgings on that magnificently named ship, a whole room that can accommodate a large bed and a few trunks of clothes is pure luxury. I thank Lord Husband for allowing this humble woman to experience this in preparation for future sufferings.”

Fu Qiuning suddenly suffered a slight coughing fit.

Fortunately for Jin Fengju, Jiang Wanying decided to waltz off after that final little quip, saving him the need to form a clever remark against her jab.

 

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That evening, after bathing and changing into sleeping clothes, Fu Qiuning found Jin Fengju lying in bed waiting for her. He sighed a deep sigh, saying, “Finally, after so many days of restlessness and anxiety, things have settled down. I have been so busy that I could not spend time with my beloved~” He grabbed Fu Qiuning and rubbed his hand around her waist, ready to get intimate with his sweet wife, when a sudden ‘meow’ startled him. This frightened him so much that his desire was immediately extinguished.

Jin Fengju looked around wildly for the culprit, finally spotting the large tabby cat standing on unusually long legs on the dresser, staring unblinkingly at him with eyes like a pair of green lanterns in the moonlight. Cold sweat began pouring from his forehead and he actually started to shiver.

[5] Fu Qiuning clapped her hands and the cat hopped off the dresser.

[5] Then, to Jin Fengju’s horror, the cat leapt into Fu Qiuning’s arms and started up that blasted buzzing noises again.

[5a] “Qiu Yu! What are you doing letting a beast run around your mistress’s room!”

Qiu Yu stumbled in, obviously shocked by her master’s voice. “Master? A beast…?”

“There! Take that filthy creature away at once!”

Since Jin Fengju was pointing at the cat, he was also technically pointing at Fu Qiuning. Unfazed, Fu Qiuning stood up. Still with the cat in her arms, she said, “It’s fine, Qiu Yu, the master wishes to have a more restful sleep on his own.”

“No, wait-”

Now, even a maid like Qiu Yu realised that she had to ‘act smart’ for her master’s sake. Quickly, she rushed forward to snatch the cat out of Fu Qiuning’s arms, saying, “Goodness! This naughty thing! Apologies for letting it escape. Wishing Master and Madam a restful night!” [5a] [5a] Before Fu Qiuning could say anything, she turned and more or less ran off with the cat.

“Hmm,” said Fu Qiuning.

“Qiuning, ah. Just what is going on? I heard from Feng’er that you plan to raise that beast as a pet. Th-that the children all have a kitten… Y-you know that I am deathly afraid of those things. Do you want everyone in the world to know that the Young Marquis is afraid of cats?”

“Are you, really?” said Fu Qiuning curiously. She had assumed that Old Madam had randomly made up a stupid phobia to make her sympathise with the favourite grandson. Who would have thought that it was actually real? This kind of silly phobia… it was as though it had been randomly slapped onto a character just to make them look endearing to the readers.

“As embarrassing it is to admit, I really am afraid of those beasts…”

“What should I do? I had already given the children permission to keep the kittens so long as they behaved. Especially Second Young Miss, she even quarrelled with Second Madam Wan over keeping the cats…”

[6] Fu Qiuning continued speaking, but all that Jin Fengju registered was the bit about Jin Xiuzhen turning against her mother. That’s right, that pair of brother and sister were rather gloomy, but given that they were his children… In fact, to Jin Fengju, the quarrel was actually a good thing. Since Jiang Wanying could not stay in the estate in the future, it would be best if those two distanced themselves from her. As the one with the stronger personality, Jin Xiuzhen would take the lead no matter what. He would just have to accept that his estate would eventually become a cat haven.

“Fine,” he said reluctantly. “The kittens may stay, but what of that large cat? Why would you keep such an ugly beast? I heard that cats grow very quickly. In two or three months’ time, surely they would have grown enough to catch mice and rats. Why not get rid of that thing tomorrow?”

“… …”

“… that is… why not send the large cat to the kitchen? Surely there is no need to keep that old cat here? It’s not like it’s that good looking…”

“… …”

“I-if you wish to keep the cat, I have a condition!”

“… What is the condition?”

“I did not have time to inspect the cat before the imperial edict came this morning. If this old cat is a female, then fine. But if it’s a male, we absolutely cannot keep it!”

“It is a male cat.”

“… …”

“And I am keeping it,” it was the first time Fu Qiuning had expressed herself so decisively. For one thing, they were far away from the estate, which meant they were far away from the interference of the Old Madam and Elder Madam. For another, Jiang Wanying was nominally on her side. Well, not really, but Jiang Wanying was willing to defy Jin Fengju in a passive-aggressive way that sparked joy in her heart, which made her want to defy this man too.

For some reason, Jin Fengju began to whine, “Anyway… anyway, a male cat is not allowed. Hmph, I did not expect it to really be a male. As a woman, how can you keep a male cat… Aiyo!”

Fu Qiuning could not help it. Things had gotten so ridiculous that she could not stand it any more and kicked him. Then, because there was no way she could really injure him, she leapt off the bed.

“Wait! Qiuning, where are you going?!”

“To sleep with the male cat in a different room.” [7]

“No! Qiuning, you mustn’t! Do you think just because it is a cat it doesn’t have thoughts? Why do you think it decided to get between us just when I wanted to get close to you? Don’t underestimate the minds of these base animals, ah. They are much more despicable than us humans… Qiuning? Qiuning? Where are you going?!”

[7] In the end, what could Jin Fengju do but beg and coax Fu Qiuning until she returned to his bed? However, to his disappointment, when Fu Qiuning returned, she came with the wretched male cat in her arms. That night, he ended up sleeping on the couch, unable to stomach the idea of being so close to that beast.

Naturally, with Fu Qiuning’s backing, that cocky beast remained in the room. More often than not, it lay in Fu Qiuning’s arms, staring smugly at Jin Fengju with its arrogant unnatural eyes. No matter how much Jin Fengju glared at it, he did not dare to do anything to it, for fear that Fu Qiuning would really choose to sleep away from him with that wretched male cat.

The cat must have sensed his hostility, because every other morning, Jin Fengju would find his shoes filled with the remains of half-eaten rats. Once, there was even half a venomous snake…

 

[Gumihou: I like this cat. The cat and I can be friends.]

 

[1] Vulgar language in mind to demonstrate how much JFJ fears cats, merely stumbling about pointlessly is… pointless for proper comedic build-up

[2] Nothing was said about how Jin Changfeng left the room. Expand on this very interesting detail.

[3] Please note that I put them in the room together with the officials’ wives. Nothing changed, but JWY is seen as less childish and professional. Which is probably unforgivable in the eyes of JFJ’s butt polishers

[3a] Jiang Wanying raining on everyone’s parade. Why put her away, Author? Things are so much more interesting with Jiang Wanying around.

[3b] Jiang Wanying cramping JFJ’s style like a boss!

[4] At this point, I’m wondering just how many times I can throw shade on that stupid ship

Especially when Author made this point: However, everyone was accustomed to living a luxurious life in their own private residence, so suddenly living in such close quarters felt unbearable.

Gumihou: Yeah, but after that tiny, tiny ship, living in close quarters is nothing.

Jiang Wanying: For real, especially after I had been sick for most of the journey.

Fu Qiuning patting Jiang Wanying’s back sympathetically.

[5] If we consider Fu Qiuning’s true feelings for JFJ, would she really not take this opportunity to subtly restrict JFJ’s access to her bed? Seriously?

Still, it was meant to be heartwarming and funny (probably). However, since Gumi had tossed out the heartwarming bit, let’s add on to the funnies.

[5a] In the original, the maid was ‘repeatedly instructed by AR Qiuning’. Sure, ‘repeatedly’ in, what? A span of a few hours?

[6] Fu Qiuning spoke a lot, but Jin Fengju only heard one thing, which was that Jin Xiuzhen and her brother had turned against their mother because of the cat.

Gumihou: So, it is canon that JFJ has selective hearing. I mean, I had originally put this characteristic in to explain some of the stuff that’s been happening but…

Fu Qiuning: To think that you were right over 100 chapters ago…

[7] Deleted 300 words of the cute ‘sleeping male cat’ dialogue, because it’s stupid. Mostly a hohoho, hahaha moment.

 

 

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