Chapter 278: People’s Heart
Author: White Pear Flower
Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/
Translated by Gumihou
Proofread by Pill Bug
Gumihou: Sigh.
“Lord Husband has suffered calamity for no reason,” said Jiang Wanying. “Still, to think that after only half a year, Lord Husband would be so loved and respected by the people.”
Fu Qiuning turned to look at her.
“Does Elder Sister know? To these commoners, Lord Husband’s existence must be heaven-sent. Tsk, tsk, only when a man reaches this level of respectability would he deserve Heaven’s favour.”
Fu Qiuning hummed and said, “I suppose.”
[1] “Indeed, at this moment, Lord Husband is like the pillar of light to the people. As his wife and children, do we not also bask in his reflected glory? Perhaps the heavens have created you and me as women to allow us the grand benefit of marrying such a towering and upright seven-foot-tall man like the Lord Husband. We have not been born in vain, do you not think so, Elder Sister?” [1] Fu Qiuning coughed. She looked at Jiang Wanying, who was standing by the side with a serene look on her face. It was a great contrast to Jin Fengju’s twisted face whenever he talked about Jiang Wanying being a ‘traitor’ and how she had ‘betrayed’ him.The two women stood next to each other, both wearing veils to ‘protect’ their faces from the unworthy gazes of the commoners, their positions a complete reverse of what they had been a few years ago. The one who was once reviled was now adored, and the one who was once favoured was now scorned. Truly, was it right for a woman’s standing to be so dependent on a man’s favour?
While the two women were lost in their thoughts, Jin Fengju came up the gangway on the ship. He paused a few steps just before he reached the ship to whirl around, and his magnetic voice resounded to the people below.
“My dear villagers, I am humbled by your deep affection. It is only through the unwavering support of the soldiers that we have achieved today’s success in driving away the Japanese pirates. This victory is not solely my own, but a result of the combined efforts of the coastal defence forces, officials, soldiers, and the people of Quanzhou working together. Many brave souls sacrificed their lives for this cause, and their spirits remain close. How could I dare to boast arrogantly? When I assumed the role of Official Governor of Quanzhou, my time in office was all too brief, and I regret not being able to do more for you all. Now, as I must return to the capital, I feel deeply touched by your affection. Please, go back now. Perhaps in the future, I will have the opportunity to return to Quanzhou. When that time comes, let us gather, share a drink, and talk until we are merry and content.”
The crowd erupted into cheers. Fu Qiuning even saw a few people wiping their tears. [2] Well, it looked like all those times Jin Fengju spent making dramatic speeches at her were not in vain. He certainly has what it takes to become a great politician.
[2a] When Jin Fengju arrived, he successfully resolved a longstanding issue for the coastal soldiers by completely eliminating the Japanese pirates who had been causing trouble for over a decade. Naturally, the people were filled with gratitude. The reputation of this young Marquis had preceded him, and many believed that his appointment as Governor of Quanzhou would be met with respect and joy from the locals. However, when word got out that he was soon departing for the capital, it came as a shock to the community.Although Jin Fengju’s words were brief, in order for everyone to hear them, this young Marquis exerted all the internal strength he had. Now that he had finished speaking, he felt his blood boiling in his chest. After catching his breath, he saw two local gentry also boarding the ship, earnestly urging him to accept something. From where she stood, it looked like a banner of some sort.
It turned out that, after hearing that their new governor was to leave soon, a group of prominent individuals in Quanzhou swiftly came together to create a banner for the people. [4] Within just three days, over 30,000 signatures adorned the banner, setting the stage for the heartfelt farewell ceremony that was being shown today.
Jiang Wanying, “Oh look, just look at how the common folk adore our dear husband.”
Fu Qiuning, “… …”
At first, Jin Fengju adamantly refused, but in the end, he could not resist the overwhelming public sentiment and had no choice but to accept the gift. After bidding farewell to the people, when Fu Qiuning and the others had all boarded the ship, he stood at the bow, watching as the dock gradually receded. The thousands of people stood motionless, and even the usually self-proclaimed steadfast Young Marquis couldn’t help but feel his eyes moisten.
Fu Qiuning had had enough and was about to leave when her hand was caught by Jin Fengju.
“Qiuning, do you see how simple the people’s desires are? All they want is safety, warmth, and sustenance. They may seem insignificant, even humble, but when they come together, there’s a light, a unity that’s truly inspiring. How can someone like me, a young Marquis with imperial favour, even begin to compare to them? What have I done to deserve their genuine gratitude and admiration?”
Obviously, this was a ploy for her to recite all the good things that he had done during his short term as the governor of this land. Sensing that she would not be able to leave unless she lavished some praises upon his person, she said, “The people here are simple-hearted. You merely led soldiers to eliminate pirates, and that was enough to earn their gratitude.”
When he still stared soulfully at her, she sighed inwardly, flexed her artistic soul and dramatically declared, “Although the will of the people is vast, their fate ultimately lies in the hands of the emperor, in the hands of high officials like you. There is a saying that in times of chaos, a dog is better off than a peaceful person. If you feel unworthy of their kindness, in the future, standing by the emperor’s side, you should strive to secure benefits for them and speak up for the people more often.”
Jin Fengju stared hard at Fu Qiuning, then smiled slightly, embracing her shoulders and softly said, “Could it be that Qiuning’s own experiences of hardship and mistreatment have given her such empathy for the struggles of common people? If it were Wanying, she would never speak as you do. Let’s not dwell on her. It’s possible that, except for my mother, even the wives, second wives, and Yanfang sister in our household hold a condescending view of these humble individuals. I should truly make them witness today’s events. Perhaps then they’ll be moved to consider who truly supports their creature comforts and luxuries.”
Fu Qiuning considered.
One’s creature comforts and luxuries in this world were dependent on the people who supported them. To children, it was their father; to a wife, her husband; to old parents, their children. Was this his way of telling her that she must show more consideration to him as the one who provided all her creature comforts and luxuries?
The thought made her harden her heart, and she said, “Indeed, one should know how to be grateful. Do not worry, Lord Husband. This unworthy woman knows exactly who supports my creature comforts and luxuries.”
“What, wait, no, no, that is not what I meant-”
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Due to the urgency of their journey, they did not rest when they entered the canal from the sea this time. Fortunately, Jiang Wanying seemed to have developed some immunity against seasickness and was able to stay on her feet. The children were still full of energy, but thanks to the watchful eye of Mister Cat, Fu Qiuning was less worried than usual as they played with their kittens.
They finally disembarked [3] several days later, which was quite a contrast to the several weeks before. Had Jin Fengju arranged for the trip to take five times longer because he was too reluctant to go and become the governor of a tiny port town overrun with pirates?
[3] Considering how tiny the ship had been, it was probably a military issue junk, or, some kind of experiment (those stupid 9 sails!! She still could not get over those) that he was given leave to use as he pleased.Whatever the reason, they reached the dock nearest to the Capital much sooner than she had thought. The Jin Estate’s stewards, manservants and matrons were already waiting, and as soon as the ship docked, they swarmed up to gather their belongings.
A group of maids surrounded Fu Qiuning and Jiang Wanying, chattering excitedly, “Ever since we received the news a few days ago, the mansion has been in a frenzy preparing for your arrival. The Old Madam and the Elder Madam nearly wore out their eyes watching for your ship. When word came yesterday that the ship would arrive today, they were up early waiting at the door. They may not have even gone inside yet.”
Hearing this, Fu Qiuning frowned, and Jiang Wanying said, “This won’t do. The Old Madam and the Elder Madam are getting older, and with this weather, any illness could be serious.” Thus, apart from placing some valuables in the carriage, the rest of their belongings were packed up by the servants under Jin Ming’s supervision. Jin Fengju, Fu Qiuning, Jiang Wanying, and the children then mounted horses or entered carriages, heading straight for the Ducal Estate.
Upon arriving at the Ducal Estate, they did not wait for sedan chairs, knowing that the Old Madam and others might be waiting. Instead, they hurried to the inner courtyard, heading straight for Health & Longevity Court, where they found a sizeable group of people already standing and waiting. Jin Fengju quickly walked forward and knelt down about ten steps away from the Old Madam and Madam Jiang.
He loudly declared, “Grandmother, your grandson dares not receive you at the entrance like this. Please, Grandmother and Mother, step inside, and allow Fengju to pay his respects.”
The Old Madam, with tears already streaming down her face upon the sight of her beloved grandson, was gently urged by Madam Jiang, who was struggling to hold back her own tears, “Old Madam, let us go inside. Seeing them all return safely, our hearts may finally be at ease. As Fengju said, there is no reason for elders to greet the younger generations at the door. Let us not trouble him further.”
The Old Madam nodded. She cast a proud look at her most favoured grandson before her eyes lingered on Fu Qiuning, Jiang Wanying and the children kneeling behind him. The Old Madam felt a mixture of relief and other emotions before allowing Luo Cui to escort her into the house.
After their elders had entered the room, Jin Fengju stood up, helping Fu Qiuning and Jiang Wanying to their feet. He sighed, “It’s a pity how parents always worry. Seeing the way the Old Ancestor and Mother care for me, I… I truly feel unfilial. At my age, they still have to worry about me.”
He was looking at Fu Qiuning with piteous eyes when he said this.
Before Fu Qiuning could muster up the energy for something appropriately simpering, Jiang Wanying said, “It’s not like Lord Husband is causing trouble out of recklessness and making your family worry. Everything that Lord Husband did was for the Jin family. This trip to Quanzhou was also a result of unavoidable circumstances. Do not blame yourself.”
They were all the right words. Unfortunately, aside from a twitch at the corner of his mouth, Jin Fengju did not react. Fu Qiuning waited for a beat before saying, “As Little Sister said.”
It was only then that they were allowed to enter the house with the children to properly greet the elder ladies.
[Gumihou: Since it was all so absurd, just highlight how absurd everything was.] [1] Gumihou: If you want to see the ‘evil side’ of Jiang Wanying
Jiang Wanying’s heart skipped a beat, her hand clenched tightly into a fist inside her sleeve. Fu Qiuning’s words hit her heart like a heavy hammer. Thinking that she had already completely betrayed that man, whatever glory he had no longer belonged to her. She felt a sense of sorrow in her heart, even a hint of regret.
But this hint of regret did not make her sober. Her gaze turned to Fu Qiuning, and underneath the veil of her hat, Jiang Wanying’s eyes were full of resentment and bitterness: it was all because of this woman. If it weren’t for her… if she hadn’t intruded into her cousin’s life, even if she cared for her father, she would never have let things escalate to this point. She also did not think about what it would be like to live in such circumstances. Could she also handle it calmly like Qiuning and eventually capture Jin Fengju’s entire attention and affection?
This stinks of ‘whateverIdon’tcareanymore’ on White Pear Flower’s side, so here is Gumi again, trying to fix things…
[2] AR Qiuning’s deleted Dumb Moments:The crowd erupted in noise, and Fu Qiuning saw many people wiping tears silently. While her emotions were stirred, she also felt puzzled. She thought to herself that Jin Fengju was not returning to the capital to face punishment but to be promoted. He was a young Marquis, so why such a reaction from everyone? The local officials here were also good, not inferior to that guy in terms of serving the people. So why were the people so emotional about a good official leaving after suffering exploitation for so long?
[2a] Wow, like, wow. Gumi has no words. Directly after AR Qiuning going ‘eh?’ was an entire paragraph explaining why he was so admired. It was also unclear whose thought it was, so let’s give it to JFJ [3] Originally, it was ‘a day’. They reached the place ‘a day’ after several weeks of travelling from before. Mitigated it to ‘several days’, and explained the situation as ‘leisurely vs hurrying’
Pill Bug Edit notes:
[4] 万民伞 “Ten Thousand People’s Umbrella”, “Wanmin Umbrella”, “Umbrella of the people”In the Qing Dynasty, when a local official left office, the local gentry and merchants had to show their intention to retain him. The more popular way was to send him an “umbrella of the people”, which meant that the official was like an umbrella that covered the people. The more umbrellas were sent, the more prestigious the official was. If there were still people sending umbrellas or even stopping the sedan chair when the official was dismissed or demoted, it meant that the official was definitely an honest or good official, and the local people were also loyal and righteous. It looks more like a rolled-up banner
Picture from https://www.huitu.com/photo/show/20190822/225153740070.html
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