Chapter 280: Spy Emerges
Author: White Pear Flower
Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/
Translated by Gumihou
Proofread by Pill Bug
Gumihou: Looks heavenward
After a while, the laughter petered out, and Her Majesty started questioning her about what happened at Quanzhou. In fact, considering how impatient Her Majesty was, she had probably already gotten reports of what happened there.
Fu Qiuning was probably just here as entertainment for these women. That was fine, that was what she had been trained for most of her life after all. Thus, Fu Qiuning the opera singer turned teacher and now a supposed ‘pioneer’ of new opera styles began her tale.
She talked about scenes at the yamen, about the people and the food, the woman throwing a tantrum in the mud; she talked at length about Jin Zhenyi sneaking about, trying to feed a cat in secret, how the children ended up with kittens and more importantly, how her beloved cat had defended her and the children from the pirates
She talked about Jin Fengju’s great and incredible ‘Anti-Japanese plans’ in as much detail as she could, which was practically nothing since all she gleaned from him was the title of his great plan.
She also mentioned Madam Bai and how she had come to their rescue.
She did not mention the missing maids and servants.
Nor did she mention the strangely negligent guards.
She did, however, talk at length about how happy the children were about the kittens.
She did not mention Jin Fengju’s fear of cats.
When she finally stopped speaking, Imperial Consort Lian sighed and said, “Your Majesty, no wonder people say that travelling 10,000 li is better than reading 10,000 books. Confined as we are within the city walls, we rarely receive news from the outside world. Whenever we listen to storytellers with their embellished tales, it is as though those exciting stories were dreamed up by ordinary people. It is only after listening to Lady Fu’s stories that I realised that the world outside could be just as exciting as stories.”
The Empress Dowager nodded. She had received news that Jin Fengju received a People’s Umbrella from the citizens of Quanzhou, however, Fu Qiuning never brought it up. She could not help but secretly praise her steadiness and restraint. This Fu family’s daughter’s temperament matches well with Fengju. Although the Jiang family’s girl was good, when compared to Fu’shi, she lacked a sense of stability and humility. She was, how to say… a little too extravagant.
If Fu Qiuning could have heard the Empress Dowager’s thoughts, she would have choked at the hypocrisy of the statement. After all, there was really no one in the entire kingdom as extravagant as the royal family, right?
Because the Empress Dowager was so happy, she kept Fu Qiuning back for lunch. It was only after the meal and another bout of entertainment later that Fu Qiuning was finally allowed to leave. At the residence, she was called to visit the Old Madam. Naturally, the talk eventually turned towards cats, especially Mister Cat’s achievements. It was hard not to when the cat prowled into the courtyard after her.
Old Madam took a look at the cat, which was twice as large as any ordinary cat and said, “How about we keep this fellow as our companion?” [1]
The cat was currently tolerating the maids as they petted and stroked him, telling him what a brave cat he was. Fu Qiuning saw through the barely hidden scheme, “If Old Madam would like to keep cats, it’s best to pick out a domestic kitten. I fear that this cat is a wild one, and may not take well to other people.”
Fortunately, Old Madam Jin did not insist. She gave up helping her grandson soon enough and chatted with Fu Qiuning for a while before letting her go. The walk back to Elegant Mansion was a pleasant one. A breeze blew, and the brightly coloured autumn leaves rustled.
The pleasant atmosphere was shattered by a series of noises.
She exchanged a look with Jian Feng and made their way to the noise. A bunch of maidservants had gathered together, watching as a junior maid quarrelled with Qiu Yu. Aunt Yu was also there, her face red with tears in her eyes.
“What is going on?”
At the sound of Fu Qiuning’s voice, the servants quickly turned around. Seeing who was there, they quickly retreated and made way for her. Fu Qiuning stepped through the crowd and approached Qiu Yu and the junior maid.
[2] Fu Qiuning stood in place for a moment, “Well? What do you have to say for yourself?”
Qiu Yu’s face reddened, and she hastily said, “Madam, it is this maid’s fault.”
[2] Well, that was unexpected. She looked at the people around her and said, “Let us speak elsewhere.”
[3] Taking the hint, the servants all scattered.
Fu Qiuning led the way to Elegant Mansion and sat down at a table in the garden. Qiu Yu immediately started explaining, “Madam, this junior maid Shui’er’s behaviour is just too… too outrageous! Earlier, when Sister Yu came for a visit, this maid was busy organising the cleaning up of the gardens. However, thinking that Sister Yu had been with Madam for so long, I asked her to wait for Madam just outside Madam’s bedroom, since the visitor’s hall was also being cleaned.
After that, I arranged for someone to serve tea when I heard Sister Yu cry out. When this servant rushed over, Sister Yu informed me that this little wench was rummaging through Madam’s things in the bedroom. When I questioned her, the maid cried and ran out, screaming that I was being partial, that Madam Yu was the one rummaging through Madam’s things and that I was unfairly siding with her!”
Fu Qiuning could feel a headache rising from the base of her spine. She was sick and tired of all these pointless family intrigues. A little angry, she turned to Shui’er and said, “Well, you get to make your explanations first.”
Aunt Yu glared at the junior maid, obviously angry and wanting to quarrel, but a look at Fu Qiuning’s face made her subside. Of course, her mistress of all people would be a fair and just person and not take one person’s word over another. Moreover, Aunt Yu really did nothing wrong, so her conscience was clear!
Junior Maid Shui’er timidly stepped forward and stammered, “Th-this maid was just passing by the room when this maid heard noises inside and… feeling curious, this maid peeked through the window and saw her rummaging through Madam’s chests and boxes. This maid rushed into the room to c-catch her in the act. However, when she saw this maid, she screamed out first. Miss Qiu Yu was the first to arrive, and without even questioning anyone, she started accusing this maid and- and knowing their close relationship, which this maid could not compare, this maid ran outside and shouted for help. This maid has no other way of seeking justice…”
“You… you deceitful girl! To be so blackhearted at such a young age, you… Clearly, I was the one who entered the room when I heard the suspicious noises and caught you in the act…” Aunt Yu was practically panting as she jabbed her finger at the junior maid.
She had heard from her mother-in-law that Fu Qiuning had returned since yesterday, but could not come and visit due to her child’s illness. Even so, she made her way here the very next day after making sure her child had taken their medicine and fallen asleep. With her husband watching the child, she came to see her mistress, only to encounter this ridiculous situation.
“Calm down, Aunt Yu,” said Fu Qiuning mildly. She looked at Shui’er and said, “Tell me, [4] why did you rush into the house instead of calling for help?”
Shui’er blinked, “This maid was afraid she would run away; therefore, this maid rushed in myself…”
“Is that so? Why did you not quietly call for help or witnesses? [4] That would not take as much time to rush indoors from outside. Well? Explain yourself.”
[5] Shui’er cowered as her eyes darted around, clearly trying to think up a way to answer Fu Qiuning. However, [4] Fu Qiuning had had enough; she could not be bothered to solve the matter neatly. “Enough, your story made no sense. In the first place, this was not the first time someone had pawed through my things, and most of those times happened when Aunt Yu was not even in the courtyard. Qiu Yu, call Stewerd Lin’s wife and have her kicked out of this place.”
She had no idea what would happen to the girl once she was kicked out of the estate. Whoever her employer was, they surely would not bother to protect this 13 or 14-year-old child. Even so, she had made her decision, and Fu Qiuning resolved to stick with hers.
“Madam, this little wench committed numerous offences. We still do not know who is behind her or what she is looking for. Is it really appropriate to just kick her out like this?” [6] Qiu Yu asked in astonishment.
Fu Qiuning looked at her, then at the maid. Who could the culprit be but Concubine Huo and Jiang Wanying? It’s either one or the other; there was no need to think too hard. This maid was just an ordinary pawn, destined to be thrown away sooner or later. What could she do for her anyway?
“What do you expect me to do with her?” she asked. [6]
“Madam,” Qiu Yu’s eyes were practically glowing with fire as she said, “We must ascertain who is behind her and force a confession out of her. Since she had gone through Madam’s things, she should be flogged in public at the very least, imprisoned for her lies and-“
Qiu Yu’s voice got louder and more enthusiastic until Fu Qiuning waved a hand at her. [6] “Just do as I say.
Since the mistress had spoken, Qiu Yu dared not say anything else. Although she was still angry, she sent someone for Steward Lin’s wife and made arrangements for the maid to be taken out of Elegant Mansion.
Aunt Yu beamed as she approached Fu Qiuning and gave her greetings.
Fu Qiuning nodded at her.
Immediately, Aunt Yu smiled and said, “Madam is truly wise. That junior made was truly detestable. How terrible it is to be so falsely accused by such a person. Still, I understand that Madam is kind-hearted, but Qiu Yu’s concerns are not without reason. Why did Madam let her off so easily?”
Fu Qiuning raised an eyebrow, “Do you truly believe that I had let her off easy?” [6]
“Ah, that is…”
[6a] Jian Feng coughed from the side. Then, after looking around exaggeratedly, she scuttled over to whisper, “Have you forgotten what Madam said? Don’t worry; I’m sure Madam has her reasons…
Fu Qiuning cut her off by saying, “By the way, why didn’t you bring the child over? The little one must have grown up quite a bit by now, right? Hmm, it’s been about six months since we left. He should be walking by now, isn’t he?”
Aunt Yu laughed and said, “Yes, he can now toddle a few steps and call us ‘mama’ and ‘baba,’ though he can’t say much else yet. He’s quite mischievous. He caught a cold from playing too much the other night; otherwise, this maid would have come over yesterday. First, he wasn’t feeling well, and his grandmother could not bear to let him leave her sight. Secondly, this maid thought that since Madam had only recently returned, the house would surely be in chaos.
This morning, the boy fell asleep after taking his medicine. This maid asked his father to watch him so that I could come over. Once he is better, this maid shall bring him to see you. Perhaps, once he gets used to this place, he could even serve the young masters and misses here. Or, better yet, when Madam has a little master or miss of your own…”
Fu Qiuning let her talk on before finally saying, “Ah, I see.” After some thought, she added, “Do you not wish for your son to have some prospect aside from being a servant?”
[Gumihou: Deleted 100 words from the ending that was basically a show of how great and benevolent and far-thinking FQN is.]
[1] Insert dubious reasoning
[2] Realistic problem-solving tactic per a teacher of small children
[3] Realistic reason instead of ‘Hail, Madam Ning!’’
[4] Shorten dialogues that were made long to show just how extra Fu Qiuning was
[5] Show don’t tell
[6] There’s a long and involve blablabla about how FQN is from the modern world etc etc cannot stand the idea of lynching people blablabla what a kind person so on and so forth that lasted over 500 words if you count up the comments from the maids.
[6a] Since there’s going to be some dumb blabla about it, have Jian-conspiracy theory-Feng be the one to relay the information
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