Chapter 281: Seeking Death
Author: White Pear Flower
Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/
Translated by Gumihou
Proofread by Pill Bug
Gumihou: Deleted many instances of Qiuning being far-thinking and lovely and benevolent and saintly, not to mention super intelligent, like totally…
Aunt Yu smiled and said, “I understand Madam’s concern, but it’s not a bad thing to be a servant to the young lords and young mistresses. Just look at Steward Jin Ming. Although he is a servant, many high-ranking officials still have to give him face whenever he goes out. As the saying goes, ‘Better to be a rooster’s head than a phoenix’s tail’. Being able to call oneself the servant of a powerful Lord Husband is better than becoming an ordinary official with no presence.”
[1] “… I do believe you have misused the idiom. If you think that being a servant to a powerful Lord Husband is better, surely that means it’s better to be a phoenix tail?” said Fu Qiuning dryly.
[1] Aunt Yu coughed, a little embarrassed. “Ahem, er, where is that Yu Jie? I thought I could see that wench today.”
Still, Fu Qiuning allowed her to change the subject, “When we got off the ship, she did not look well, so I told her to go rest.”
The rest of the talk centred around what happened at the coastal town, the children, as well as other miscellaneous small talk. It was only after lunch that Aunt Yu returned home. Even then, it was due to her worry over her child.
Having nothing better to do, Fu Qiuning went to the performer’s hall. Naturally, Lin Shile and the performers were overjoyed to see her. After asking about her health and her experience at the coastal city (Fu Qiuning made sure to complain a little about the cramped ship), the talk turned to a discussion of a new play. The chat lasted until dusk
Three or five days went by this way.
After the discussion with Lin Shile and the performers, Fu Qiuning settled on the Huangmei opera <<Six-Foot Lane>> [2]. She had just finished working out the final details of the play when she noticed that dusk had fallen. She was just about to order dinner to be served when the maids announced Jin Fengju. They greeted the head of the family and had dinner. After checking the children’s homework, it was time to rest.
In bed, Fu Qiuning had just closed her eyes in exhaustion when Jin Fengju suddenly spoke up.
“Today, Xiangmian came to the study, insisting on cleaning the bookshelf. I allowed her, and sure enough, she found the coral earrings. I believe when you drove that Shui’er girl, you did not expect her to have succeeded, right?”
[3] Fu Qiuning blinked her eyes, thinking: What now?
[3] “What about it?” she said when the expectant silence went on for too long.
Jin Fengju sighed gustily and said, “I have no idea why she is so impatient. Perhaps Wanying is still too eager about wanting to get rid of you. Perhaps, when she found out that Shui’er had gotten her hands on what she was looking for, she pressured the girl to act. Well, I was tired of watching their little performances anyway. If she is so eager to jump out and make a fool of herself, let her.”
[3] In fact, Fu Qiuning was still unclear about what was so significant about this. Who was the one playing games with his women and disturbing her sleep now? If he really wants to give a dramatic performance, she could always write a part for him in the opera.
Oblivious to her disdainful thoughts, Jin Fengju continued, “I put the earring back just in case they become suspicious if they cannot find it. I also had not been expecting to allow them this ‘opportunity’ today. Qiuning, ah, when Xiangmian came to my study today, I truly had no intention of allowing her to clean the bookcase, but she gave such a great performance that I gave in. Aih, Qiuning, I am really tired and weary of their schemes. If she wants to leave, let her.
Out of sight, out of mind, I say. Now that His Majesty’s heart has more or less settled, there is no need for us to worry too much. As for Wanying, I planned to wait until His Majesty returned from his expedition before speaking with her. I shall allow her to return. Old Madam and Elder Madam still did not know of her true character. Therefore, my only worry is that they would not be able to handle the shock. However, no matter how worried I am, they must find out eventually. As for this incident with Xiangmian, we can use it as a test for their reaction.”
Fu Qiuning was silent for a while. She thought: This Jin Fengju is too cunning. Not to mention heartless, considering how he had so coldly planned to rid himself of two of his women, just because he no longer had ‘feelings’ for them. She sighed and turned her back to him and went to sleep. [3a]
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The next morning, Fu Qiuning made her way to the practice hall as usual. Whatever Jin Fengju’s other women do, it really has nothing to do with her. However, just as she was about to leave Elegant Mansion, Jin Fengju entered the courtyard with Concubine Huo, Jiang Wanying and Madam Jiang behind him. At the sight of Fu Qiuning, the young marquis blinked and cleared his throat before saying in a deep, serious voice, “Qiuning, send the maids out. Xiangmian said she had something important to discuss and insisted on coming here. She had also invited Elder Madam and Wanying over. I believe it must be something very important and urgent. Thus, do allow her to use your space.”
Fu Qiuning considered.
At this moment, Jin Zhenyi and his sister happened to be with Concubine Xu, thus leaving only Jin Changfeng and Jin Changjiao at Elegant Mansion. The two siblings took one look at the troupe of women and stepped forward to stand just behind her.
Fu Qiuning turned her eyes to Concubine Huo and noticed that, instead of joy, there was only a trace of bitterness in her eyes. Fu Qiuning understood her in a way that Jin Fengju would never understand. They were but pawns to their fathers, brothers and husbands. To be used and thrown away. How bitter, ah.
Since Jin Fengju had led this group of performers here, he must have been expecting a good show from them. Therefore, she played her part and said, “Oh? Since you put it that way, let us hear what Sister Huo has to say.”
Feeling the intense stare from Jin Fengju, Madam Jiang, Jiang Wanying and Fu Qiuning, Concubine Huo felt her throat close up, and her scalp tighten. Nevertheless, she still stepped forward and, forcing herself to stay calm, looked at Jin Fengju and said, “Yesterday, when this humble woman went to Lord Husband’s study, this humble woman found a coral earring under the bookshelf. Does Lord Husband remember this?”
Fu Qiuning was already bored by the shenanigans, but Jin Fengju was nodding seriously on the side, saying, “I remember. There was no need for you to clean the bookshelf, but I let you do it anyway because you were so enthusiastic about it. Who knew that you would find something like that there? Well? Is this the important matter you wish to speak about?”
Concubine Huo said, “Indeed, it is. Take a look at this, there are not many coral earrings like this one. When this humble woman found it, this humble woman thought, since neither Cai Lian nor Bi Yu were allowed in Lord Husband’s study, what does this item indicate? Surely Lord Husband understands?”
Jin Fengju raised his eyebrows. Then, he nodded pretentiously, saying, “Indeed, this means that someone has entered my study without my expressed permission. The question is, just who could it be? Everyone, think hard. Who wears coral earrings within this residence?”
[4] Fu Qiuning nearly rolled her eyes. The man was obviously enjoying the drama and leading Concubine Huo by the nose.
The silly woman excitedly said, “There’s no need to think about it!” She whirled around dramatically to stare at Fu Qiuning. “If my memory serves me right, I gifted Second Madam Ning a pair of coral earrings!”
[4] Fu Qiuning felt embarrassed for her. Still, she said, “Yes, you have indeed gifted me a pair of coral earrings.” [5]
“Although red coral stones are not precious jewels, they are still rare. My father gave me a pair back then. At that time, I thought Madam was kind-hearted, and, and I shall admit it. I wish to enjoy the shade of a large tree, but little did I expect… No wonder the Crown Prince’s person came so often to see her. It’s not out of sisterly affection, but to convey messages in secret, isn’t it?”
Fu Qiuning thought: Wow, to think that you would also bring Fu Qiulan in…
However, she could not keep enjoying the drama as it was. The silence in the room was palpable as everyone looked at her, waiting for her response. Therefore, Fu Qiuning smiled and said, “Sister, it is very kind of you to gift me the earrings, but I fear that I have not worn them. Only kept them in a box.”
At this point, Concubine Huo squirmed in place. However, she had no choice but to push forward, “Is that so? I personally saw Madam wearing them for two days, but later, for some reason, I didn’t see her wear them again.”
Fu Qiuning lowered her eyes. She thought: In this world, as it was in the future. Sometimes, it is not the truth that is important, but how well one makes the argument. She had already lost interest in the whole drama and let Jin Fengju perform on his own.
Sure enough, Jin Fengju stood up to walk slowly to the table and dramatically picked up the coral earring. “Xiangmian claims that Qiuning has worn this earring. Have you truly witnessed this with your own eyes? This is a very crucial point. Do not attempt any baseless accusations. If I find out, the punishment won’t be as simple as being sent away to the countryside.”
Concubine Huo felt her scalp tingle under Jin Fengju’s gaze. She thought: No matter what I say or what evidence I give, the young marquis had already long since made up his mind. However, since I have come this far, I can only give it my all.
Therefore, she stiffened her nape and said, “This humble woman understands that Lord Husband regards Second Madam Ning as a being that is higher than the heavens with affections deeper than the oceans. Therefore, there is no way that Lord Husband would ever believe me. If that is the case, have Second Madam Ning bring out her pair of red coral earrings and show them to everyone.
“If you want to accuse me of something, just go ahead and accuse me. I no longer have any interest in your games,” said [4] Fu Qiuning with a roll of her eyes. She thought: These ancient people really have too much free time on their hands. No wonder there is a saying that goes ‘idle hands are the devil’s workshop’. These women with their full stomachs and idle hands really have nothing better to do than make trouble for each other.
[6] Jiang Wanying swept her gaze over the situation and concluded that something was definitely afoot here, and decided to hold her tongue. Lord Husband was toying with someone else for a change; there was no need to call his attention to herself.
Concubine Huo lifted her head and said, “Perhaps Second Madam Ning is unable to bring them out? The other day, you drove a junior maid Shui’er out of the house, claiming that she had stolen from you. However, does theft warrant death as punishment? Perhaps Madam did not know that before she died, she had already revealed a great secret to me. She had seen in your jewellery box a single coral earring. What happened to the other one?”
[Gumihou: It was difficult to pretend that this was some great scheme. I’m glad actual Fu Qiuning never took this foolishness seriously. More ‘drama’ is happening in the next chapter, but will maintain this ‘whatever dude’ attitude for Fu Qiuning.]
[1] Address the idiom, which had been mistakenly used by Aunt Yu
[2] Six-Foot Lane
http://xinhuanet.com/english/china/2016-12/15/c_135908370.htm
[3] FQN being unimpressed. Because the following line was dumb as a box of rocks.
The sleepiness vanished as Fu Qiuning turned around in confusion and said, “The Shui girl actually succeeded? Hmm, I didn’t check back then because I thought the box was locked. Right, Aunt Yu said the lock on the box seemed a bit loose. It looks like this little girl opened the lock and damaged it a bit. But sir, why did Concubine Huo do this? She also has suspicions about these coral earrings. If she wants to accuse me now, isn’t she afraid that you will also suspect her?”
[3a] Yeah, no way am I keeping the following:
Fu Qiuning was silent for a while, feeling that Jin Fengju’s words made sense. She sighed and comforted her husband before finally falling asleep after tossing and turning half the night.
[4] Real reaction instead of playing along with the unnecessary drama
[5] Deleted unnecessary words about exactly how extra brilliant FQN was.
[6] Realistic Jian Wanying reaction that is not all ‘I EBIL!! Loook at MEEE!!’
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