Chapter 297: The Plan
Author: White Pear Flower
Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/
Translated by Gumihou
Proofread by Pill Bug
Gumihou: Deleted a new character. A Teen!Qiuning
The maid smiled and said, “Do not worry, Madam. The Crown Prince was the one keeping the Young Marquis busy at court these days to keep him in check. So long as Madam only needs to find out when he plans to go out and where. Once the Emperor returns to the Capital, the Young Marquis is sure to go out and meet with him. Right now, the people the Emperor trusts the most are the people under Prince Rong’s faction, which includes the Young Marquis, right?”
[1] Jiang Wanying’s eyebrow twitched. Surely even a village idiot could understand this much, given the circumstances? Why is this spy maid telling her all of this? Did she think Jiang Wanying is an idiot who can’t even understand basic concepts? [1] However, since appearances had to be kept up, especially with the Crown Prince’s person, Jiang Wanying nodded after a long moment, “Indeed, after Prince Rong, my cousin is the person most trusted by the Emperor. The Emperor would most likely be cautious the closer he gets to the Capital. [2] There was an odd look on the maid’s face even as the smile on her face remained pleasant, “Madam must not waver. The Crown Prince expects great things from everyone around him. Should Madam waver due to family ties, all your efforts will be in vain.”A cold feeling swept over Jiang Wanying as her eyes flashed with displeasure, “What family ties? [3] I have cut off all ties with everyone within the family. You have your roll as a spy, leave me to mine.”
[3] The maid bowed her head and said with a smile, “Madam truly understands gratitude and resentment, as it should be.”Privately, the maid thought: Cut off all ties? Who in this world doesn’t know of the pathetic story of you marrying below your status for the sake of ‘love’? Naturally, you may argue that it was to spy on Jin Fengju, but if that man had not favoured that woman, would you really have continued to work on our side?
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Half a month passed by in a flash, and it was the day of Han Qixue’s wedding. On the days leading up to the wedding, Fu Qiuning found herself very busy. On the day of the wedding, the Duke’s estate was filled with joy and liveliness, as though they were really marrying off a daughter of their estate. Fortunately, there was no need for Fu Qiuning to do anything after seeing off the bridal sedan.
Thus, she returned to Elegant Mansion to rest.
As she laid on the couch, a young maid, Quang Hua, came up and started massaging her legs. At first, [4] Fu Qiuning was a little uncomfortable receiving this kind of treatment, but her legs were sore enough that she could not muster the will to protest.
After a while, she said, “You are good at giving massages, where did you learn it from?” [4] [4] Chuang Hua smiled and said, “I learned from my aunt at the age of six. She said that it is a good skill to have if I am ever sold to a wealthy household in the future. I have no other skills besides this little trick. Madam is always busy but never allowed anyone to massage your legs. This lowly one finally have the opportunity to show off my skills, so please allow it. I promise that your legs will not feel sore after this.”
Fu Qiuning popped open her eyes to see a pretty little face smiling at her. She chuckled and said, “Well, it looked like you certainly have a talent for it-”
“Madam is absolutely right! Is she talented? Just look at the way she babbles. She’s only thirteen years old now, in another two years Jian Feng and I will have to give way and make her the head maid!”
The person who interrupted them was Qiu Yu.
Quang Hua stuck out her tongue, “Elder sister’s words are really touching. There is no need to worry, I shan’t take over your place. In another two years, won’t you and Elder Sister Jian Feng be promoted to better position? When the time comes, won’t I become the head maid?”
Qiu Yu rushed over to poke the little girl on the forehead before flouncing dramatically at Fu Qiuning to say, “Just listen to that arrogant little girl, Madam. Rest assure, I shall stay here for the rest of my life just to prevent this little brat from becoming the head made.”
In response, Quang Hua pulled a face with her tongue stuck out, [5] causing Fu Qiuning to roll her eyes at the maids’ bratty actions. Still, considering that these girls’ were in their teenage years, it was not surprising to see them display these random acts of immaturity.
Just then, footsteps were heard and the curtain was suddenly thrust open. It was Jin Zhenyi along with the other children. The boy rushed over like an excited monkey to latch at Fu Qiuning’s arm and beamed at her, “Mother, since it is Aunt Han’s wedding day, will we have big pot dishes again? I really can’t wait to taste it again.”
Fu Qiuning petted the excited child with a smile, “You greedy little cat, your aunt married a noble young man, so the wedding feast would be a noble-style grand banquet. If you want big pot dishes, we can invite the cook to make some for us. What do you think?”
Jin Zhenyi, who had started to pout, clapped his hands and twirled around a few times. “Just now, when I saw Aunt Han off, I saw a rabbit and started chasing it. I happen to see Father sneaking into the Imperial Garden. Is he hunting too? Can I hunt rabbits at the Imperial Garden?”
[6] Fu Qiuning let the boy’s chatter washed over her. She had no idea what Jin Fengju was doing and had no real interest in whatever complicated plans he was hatching with the emperor. Still, it would not be good for the boy to keep shooting his mouth like that when there are all kinds of ‘secret dealings’ going on. [6] “I don’t think you can enter the Imperial Garden, Zhen’er,” she said gently.Jin Zhenyi pouted, “Humph, I supposed not. Anyway, the rabbit was too cunning and slipped through some rocks and escaped. That stupid rabbit could have had a good life with me since I wanted to keep it as a pet and spoil it, but nooo, it just wants to run away. Since Second Sister took my kitten from me, I thought I could keep a rabbit, but-”
Jin Zhenyi could have gone on talking, but Jin [7] Changjiao interrupted him to say, “If you want a pet, you can pick something out from the yearly tributary gifts from our estates. There will be peasants, rabbits, cranes and other animals you can choose from.”
[7] That remark distracted everyone and soon the talks turned to what bird or animal would make the best pets for the children.
Later that evening, Jin Fengju returned to the room and was feeling particularly amorous. After Fu Qiuning had [8] paid her rent and was about to fall asleep, Jin Fengju turned to her and said, [9] “Where did you think I was today?”
Fu Qiuning had no interest in the topic, but obligingly said, “Where were you?”
“I was, ahem, strolling the gardens.”
[9] “Hmm.” [9] “I noticed Yi’ge earlier, darting among the rocks. Knowing that child, surely he must have said something? Goodness, I must be getting careless. That child has quite the mouth on him.” [9] “Is that so?” Fu Qiuning said vaguely. [9] A period of silence later, Jin Fengju continued as though the pause never happened and said, “It had been quite some time since I had been to the Garden.” [9] Fu Qiuning noted that he said the word ‘Garden’ with special emphasis. [9] “I happened to visit once yesterday after receiving a secret signal, but if someone sees me there, they may start to suspect something. At such a critical moment, we cannot afford any mistakes.” [9] Fu Qiuning kneaded her forehead, thinking: And no one thinks much of the army you have just outside the city border? [9] “…and therefore we should go for a stroll in the garden tomorrow to cover our tracks.” [9] The silence this time was expectant. This time, it lasted long enough that Fu Qiuning obligingly played her role and said, “Would it not arouse more suspicion? Surely there is no reason to draw more attention to that place-”Jin Fengju’s eager rebuttal came as expected, “No, no, you have stayed indoors too long, what with your shoulder injury and arranging Miss Han’s marriage. Naturally, it is only right that I, as a loving husband, take you out for a little garden excursion. If someone had seen me yesterday, they would conclude that I have only gone there to inspect the place and prepare something that would please you.”
[10] The logic was convulated, but Fu Qiuning had no energy to say anything except, “What shoulder injury-” [11] “Speaking of which, the old man must be bored being stuck in the garden for so long. Still, it’s the safest place for him. Come to think of it, Mother’s birthday is in another month. The Elder Madam enjoys charity work doing good deeds. Therefore, aside from a small family celebration, Mother would visit the temple and donate money to the beggars. You and the children will accompany Mother. I shall use the excuse of escorting you to the temple and…” [9] Again, there was that expectant pause. [9] Fu Qiuning reluctantly said, “Are you trying to lure a snake out of its hole? What if the other side used this opportunity to arrest you or something?”Arrogant pride was evident in Jin Fengju’s voice as he responded with, “If he could do that, wouldn’t he have done it long ago? Firstly, I hold an official position granted by the Emperor himself, so that fellow doesn’t have the authority to dismiss me on his own. And in terms of military strength, apart from the troops in the capital region, which have half of his influence, the rest are under the Emperor’s control, so he has to consider the consequences. Secondly, the Emperor’s use of deception and feigned uncertainty has also made the Crown Prince unsure. Although he has influence in the military, the majority of the troops are still controlled by the Emperor.
If the Emperor is safe and sound, spreading false news and actually safely returning with the Prince Rong’s army, if he were to do something to me at that point, he would leave no room for maneuver with the Emperor. It involves the supreme position and his own life and fortune, he wouldn’t dare to act so decisively. Thirdly, I hope to lure the snake out of its hole. On his side, if he receives false information, he also hopes that I can help him find the Emperor. Then, as long as he seizes the opportunity to eliminate both the Emperor and me, with Prince Rong’s army far away on the road and without the Emperor, Prince Rong’s prestige in the military is nowhere near his. At that point, he can directly ascend to the throne, and that will be a done deal.”
[Gumihou: What’s with that long ass explanation?]
[1] Instead of Jiang Wanying taking the maid’s words at face value, have her criticise the maid’s intelligence. [2] Removed elements that insults reader’s intelligence
The maid listened to Jiang Wanying still calling Jin Fengju her cousin and couldn’t help but smile. She said, “Madam, at this point, you mustn’t hesitate. The Crown Prince sees success within reach, and with all the things you have done before, if you now start considering family ties, all your efforts will be in vain.”
[3] Deleted 100 words of what is essentially a summary of what Jiang Wanying had done. Author probably just padding the chapter. [4] Deleted unnecessary ‘wow, Goddess Qiuning is so wonderfulawesomegreatbenevolent’ moment [5] Deleted weird Teehee-Kikiki-Qiuning tittering with the maids. This version of Qiuning went beyond AR Qiuning into the realm of some random romantic fever dream Teen Qiuning [6] Deleted bits about Fu Qiuning caring about the men’s fake ‘Genius ideas’ [7] Switched character for dialogue [8] Did I over do it by calling sex ‘paying rent’? [9] Jin Fengju boasting about his ‘intelligence’ instead of Tween!Ning gushing over him [10] Call back to previous correction [11] Jin Fengju talking over Fu Qiuning’s logic as an explanation for his oddly specific and excessive word vomit
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