Chapter 81: The Old Look Re-emerges

  Mrs. Dai took action to deal with Fu Xueyang's concubine, who had been framed by her mother, and devised a plan to separate Fu Mu from Fu Xueyang, severing the bond between them.

  However, what Mrs. Dai did not expect was that Fu Xueyang could mix to such an extent, angrily venting his anger for the sake of a beauty, casting a shadow over the already delicate mother-son relationship and brotherly relationship.

  It's too late for regrets now, trying to mend the cracks, but unfortunately it's a bit too late.

  "Is Wenyu ill?" Su Ying furrowed her brow, "How did she suddenly fall ill? What did the doctor say?"

  Wen Yu rarely got sick since she moved to Zheng Yuan, how could she get sick all of a sudden?

  The doctor said it was a common cold, and prescribed medicine. The eldest young lady took the medicine, broke out in a sweat, and fell asleep after being coaxed by the wet nurse. Usually, the eldest young lady often gets sick, and the doctors who come to take her pulse also have a record on file.

  Those specialized terms Su Ying still understands, after all, the big girl is still weak in resistance, and it's easy to get repeated colds at this time. Wen Yu's body may not be strong, but she has never been sick when following Su Ying.

  "Let Sun Auntie go and help out for now, and we'll let her come back after Wen Yu recovers." Su Ying instructed Lu Xi, Fu Ye Yang stepped in and took a look, adding: "It's just a common cold, she'll be fine."

  Su Ying smiled slightly and didn't say a word. She didn't have much affection for Wen Yu, so she really didn't need these comforting words. She tidied up the loose hair on her forehead and said, "Earlier, Wei Shi was ill and wanted to see Wen Yu. I was afraid that if she saw Wen Yu, it would trigger another bout of illness, so I allowed Wen Yu to come. After Wei Shi recovered, I planned to have Wen Yu visit her in the South Wing, after all, she is her own aunt. Now that Wen Yu is also ill, Wei Shi will have to wait again. She misses Big Sister and has been sending little maidservants to me every day to ask about her."

  Fu Yiyang's eyebrows furrowed, remembering when she went to see Wen Yu, she was muttering about her aunt, thinking that it was a mother-daughter nature, but as soon as she thought of the crazy Wei Yiniang, Fu Yiyang subconsciously felt disgusted.

  Su Ying's words also gave Wei Niang a taste of her own medicine. Wei Niang wasn't trying to play the role of a kind mother, was she? This pit has been dug for her, and who knows when she'll fall into it herself.

  Perhaps Su Ying's idea came true, the eldest girl's condition had been fluctuating for several days without getting better. Fu Yeyang was also worried, although he now has a pair of legitimate sons, after all, the eldest girl is still his first child, and his feelings towards her are not ordinary. He took out an invitation card and invited a famous doctor to come and diagnose her.

  The imperial physician dropped a pile of medical bags, and what he said was similar to the doctor who came earlier. It's just ordinary wind and cold. It's just that the eldest daughter has been insufficient since birth, her qi and blood are not prosperous, and her resistance is weak, so she can't recover easily.

  Before, when the eldest girl was in the south courtyard, she would often get sick from time to time, leaving Fu Yiyang with a subconscious impression that "the eldest girl is frail and weak by nature". When they moved to Su Ying's house, she gradually stopped getting sick, her body getting better day by day. The contrast between the two houses further solidified Fu Yiyang's impression that "Wei Shi is not capable of being a kind mother", and he did not suspect the eldest girl's repeated illnesses, only instructing his subordinates to take good care of her.

  Nanchō

  Wei Yiniang looked at her pale, bloodless face in the mirror and fiercely applied layer after layer of powder until she was satisfied. Then she took out a moon-white embroidered orchid long jacket from the cabinet and paired it with a light green bottom embroidered with red plum blossoms and a hundred-pleated cotton skirt.

  After putting it on, I feel empty and hollow. Wei Niang has lost a lot of weight, the clothes that used to be tight-fitting are now loose on her body. Moreover, these two pieces of clothing are not from this season, the new ones sent over were made according to Wei Niang's current measurements, all following the usual rules, without any deduction for her. But Wei Niang looked down on those bright-colored clothes, especially the peach-red one which she found dazzling.

  In the past, Wei Yiniang used to wear crimson clothes that were almost red, but after Houzhai Suying took over the household, the seamstresses in the needlework room didn't dare make those colors of clothing for Wei Yiniang, who had fallen out of favor and was under house arrest.

  The little maid who served Wei Yiniang was lazy and hiding in the west wing to warm up, which just saved Wei Yiniang. She took out her needle and thread and decided to alter the loose-fitting long gown to fit closely, but time was tight and she couldn't make major changes, so she only nipped in the waist, and when she put it on, you could still see the waistline.

  She rummaged through the boxes and cabinets to find the gold hairpin with silk and pearls that Fu Yiyang had given her, gritting her teeth and muttering: "Those hypocritical people who flatter and fawn, just wait until I gain the old master's favor, they'll be in for a surprise."

  Although Wei Niang's allowance was not deducted, without Fu Yeyang's favor, she was just an empty shell. The usual rewards were gone, and Wei Niang had to spend money to spread the word outside. Although she had been favored for many years and had some savings, she couldn't stop the outflow of money without income. Moreover, to make her own life better, she needed to bribe people with money.

  Although the people below did not dare to be openly cruel to Wei Niang, they often made excuses and obstructed her orders. Wei Niang could only swallow her anger and resentment, and would remember even small grievances against others.

  Wei Yiniang gritted her teeth and took out another pair of gold-inlaid silver bracelets, which were the best things she had been keeping in reserve. These weren't for her own use.

  Wei Yiniang poured some tea and smoothed out her somewhat disheveled hair, not that she was particularly fond of cleanliness, but rather because the weather was cold again and she didn't dare take a bath for fear of catching another chill. She had already scolded the little maid who helped her with her hair earlier in the day, and now her hair looked messy and unkempt. Wei Yiniang thought to herself that this would only make her appear more pitiful, allowing Madame to find fault with her and evoke Fu Ye Yang's sympathy. If she could also take advantage of the situation to frame Su Ying and gain an upper hand, that would be even better.

  Wei Yiniang smoothed out the wrinkles on her moon-white embroidered long gown with a gentle hand, this garment was somewhat old-fashioned, looking neither new nor old. She looked up and gazed at the commotion outside, waiting for Fu Ye Yang to come from the study to the main courtyard, which had to pass through the south wing, she just had to wait patiently for her master.

  Auditing the national treasury deficit is a must for His Majesty, and Fu Yeyang was busy day and night. During this time, Yongping walked in with a food box and smiled at Fu Yeyang: "It's from Zhengyuan."

  Fu Yiyang put down his pen, and Yongping quickly arranged the food inside, a wave of fragrance wafted out with the hot air, in addition to a bowl of chicken soup, there were also two plates of dim sum.

  The chicken soup had ginseng added to it, and Fu Yeyang had just taken a sip when Yongping interrupted: "This chicken soup was simmered for a sufficient amount of time, Madam knew you weren't used to drinking these kinds of things, so she only used some ginseng whiskers and didn't add any sliced ginseng."

  Fu Yiyang gave him a sideways glance, and Yongping hastily lowered his head. This didn't scold him, it was tacit approval for him to interrupt like this. Fu Yiyang drank a small bowl of soup and felt warm all over. When he put down the lid, Yongping handed him a handkerchief and said: "The madam also had someone bring a message——"

  "Say."

  Yongping sighed inwardly, wondering if it was necessary to be so evasive, but his mouth quickly said: "Miss Wen's condition has stabilized, Master, you can rest assured."

  "Got it." Yongping lowered his head and didn't back away, looking like this Master Pei was going to go to the main courtyard. Sure enough, he then heard Fu Yeyang say: "Tell him I'll be heading to the main courtyard a bit later."

  "Yes."

  It was almost half a time later than usual when Fu Yeyang went to the main courtyard, and it got dark early in winter. By the time he arrived at the main courtyard, it was already pitch black. The south courtyard was under lockdown, and even at night, only lanterns were hung on the trees outside the gate.

  Wei Yiniang waited and waited, almost to the point of exhaustion. Just then, she heard a noise outside. The gatekeeper's wife had accepted Wei Yiniang's bribe and knew what was on her mind. She thought that if Wei Yiniang were to rise again in the future, she would certainly not forget her kindness, but if Wei Yiniang didn't have the ability, then it would be she who would suffer the consequences.

  As she thought of this, the gatekeeper's wife pretended to block Wei Niang and tried to close the door, but Wei Niang pushed her away and rushed out. The gatekeeper's wife cried out in surprise and fell to the ground, while Wei Niang ran out crying.

  Think about it, late at night, although it can't be said to be pitch black, the road is not very bright either. Coincidentally, a dark cloud came and blocked the moon that was still shining on the road. The two little girls who were carrying lanterns were originally timid, and suddenly a white figure with disheveled hair and crying appeared in front of them, scaring them out of their wits. They couldn't help but let out a sharp cry: "Ghost! There's a ghost!"

  The shrill voice also startled Fu Yiyang, who let out a low growl with a cold tone: "Shut up!"

  Marquis Hou's mighty roar made the two maidservants instantly tremble like cicadas in winter, their legs going soft as they knelt on the ground and shook like sieves.

  Wei Yiniang was also frightened, and she couldn't care about so much anymore. She took two steps forward, just arriving at a place where the light shone on her. She rushed towards Fu Ye Yang, lifted up her face, with tears rolling in her eyes: "Master, it's me..."

  The sound of nine bends and eighteen turns, filled with infinite grievances, yet full of emotions and thoughts. It's as if the small chin is raised to just the right angle, like before. Tears flow down the pale cheeks, gathering into pearls, carrying the powder on her face, drawing two lines, revealing the waxen yellow beneath the layers of powder. Coupled with the lamplight, the howling north wind, how terrifying.

  Even Fu Yiyang was startled by Wei's appearance and took a step back, his throat moving as he spoke in a deep, dark tone: "Wei, what kind of face is this!"

  Wei Yiniang's body shook violently, her eyes wide with incredulity as she stared at Fu Yeyang. She cried even more pitifully, but unfortunately, the Wei Yiniang of today was no longer the same person who could entice Fu Yeyang into her courtyard with just a curtsy and a bow under the tree. Unaware of this, she had messy hair and a dirty face, with thick layers of powder on her cheeks, and the days when she could cry without smudging her makeup were long gone.

  No need to use other words to describe Wei Yiniang's current appearance, just look at the two little maids who opened the way earlier and are still trembling with fear, almost hugging each other for comfort.

  Wei Yiniang's self-deception had reached an unprecedented level, and Fu Yeyang's disgust was rising rapidly. She didn't notice at all, but instead poured out her emotions to Fu Yeyang: "Master, I finally see you! You are my sky, my everything. Alas, someone has been blocking me from seeing you, Master. I couldn't forget about you even for a single day!"

  Fu Yiyang's heart was on fire when he heard her words, how could she say such straightforward and shameless things? That 'someone' was clearly hinting at Su Ying, and as for why Wei Niang was being confined, Fu Yiyang knew the reason all too well. Yet instead of reflecting on herself, Wei was slandering his wife - what kind of logic was this?!

  Fu Yiyang narrowed his eyes and slanted a glance at Wei Niang, who was completely unaware: "Shut up!"

  Wei Yiniang felt a chill run down her spine as the cold wind howled through her thin clothes and into the empty space inside. She couldn't help but shiver, and with a sudden movement, she knelt down on the ground and began to cry out to Fu Ye Yang: "I've been serving Master since I was 15 years old, for over a decade, my heart and eyes have only been for Master, everything I do is for Master's sake. I gave birth to our daughter for Master, but when Master said he wanted to abandon me, he abandoned me. I know Master has his reasons, that he was misled by those who love to stir up trouble. I understand it all, I don't blame Master for locking me in the South Wing, I don't feel wronged. The South Wing once held so many beautiful memories of me and Master, back when our daughter was still young, we were a happy family of three... every time I think about it, my heart aches, I cry uncontrollably. I just can't understand why things have become like this now..."

  Wei Yiniang cried so hard that her liver and intestines were torn apart, she cried from the bottom of her heart. Fu Yeyang felt angry, but Wei Yiniang's words pierced his ears like a fishbone stuck in his throat, with fine thorns on it, making him unable to utter a sound.

  Wei Yiniang thought Fu Yeyang had remembered their past good times. She continued to cry out: "And our eldest daughter, she is my child, the first child of me and Master. Since Madam has already taken our eldest daughter away, why won't you let me go, why won't you treat our eldest daughter well? She is your first child, your own flesh and blood, how can Madam be so heartless?"

  Wei's aunt's crying voice was both mournful and cold, "I know that the madam doesn't like me, she has been keeping me under house arrest, not allowing me to see the old master or big sister. I really have nothing to say, but big sister... Big sister is only four years old, such a young child, how can her heart be so hard and ruthless, unable to tolerate her!"

  Wei's aunt wailed, with a handful of snot and tears. "Now that the mistress has given birth to a pair of sons, she is also a mother, how can she, how can she! The eldest daughter is just a concubine's child, what does it have to do with the mistress's son? Mistress... Ah!"

  Fu Yiyang's face was gloomy as he kicked Wei Niang's shoulder with a loud shout, causing her to fall to the cold ground. To everyone's surprise, Wei Niang couldn't get up after being kicked like that, her eyes wide with terror and incredulity.

  "What a ruthless and cruel heart!" Fu Yeyang gazed coldly at Wei Niang, who was lying on the ground, before turning away, as if even looking at her again would be too nauseating. He sneered, "You keep saying it's for the sake of Big Miss, that Madam can't tolerate Big Miss, but I think you're the one with a wicked heart, unfit to be a mother! Let me tell you, Wei Niang, Big Miss is doing very well now, and she won't be affected by your curses as her aunt!"

  "No—" Wei's aunt wanted to say it was impossible, the big girl's condition had clearly worsened and wasn't getting any better, but now that the mistress had her own son, she wanted to harm her own daughter, how could this be?

  The old woman guarding the door and the maids who should have been by Wei's side were all trembling, biting their teeth as they rolled out from inside the door. The old woman's hair was disheveled, her forehead still red, kneeling on the ground begging for mercy: "This old slave couldn't stop the mistress, this old slave is at fault, please forgive this old slave!"

  That little girl still held a pink large sweater in her hand, also kneeling on the ground: "The aunt said that the house was stuffy and went out for a walk. I only turned around to get the big sweater for my aunt to wear and keep warm. I didn't know that Aunt would...I couldn't take care of Aunt, I'm derelict in my duty, please forgive me, master!"

  This pink thick sweater is newly made, and compared to the half-new white long gown worn by Wei Yiniang, and what Xiaoyu said, in the cold night saying something about going out for a walk, it's clearly premeditated. Moreover, the gatekeeper's sloppy appearance adds to the suspicion.

  Fu Yiyang was already furious, and now he wanted to add the crime of not reflecting well and being unrepentant to Wei Niang's punishment. Wei Niang, with a sudden burst of energy, rushed forward like a madwoman, her eyes red with rage, and started beating that little maid: "You vicious girl, rotten to the core, you won't die a good death!"

  Fu Yiyang's eyebrows furrowed even tighter, his face growing increasingly dark. He sternly shouted: "Enough, Wei Shi! Quickly pull her away!" The little maid beside him also trembled with fear and hastily stepped forward to forcefully drag Wei Niang out. Wei Niang stumbled and fell to the ground, wailing loudly in a shrill voice that could be heard throughout the entire Hou Manor: "Master, I am innocent!"

  "Stop bothering me, I'm tired of looking at your face!" Fu Yeyang's voice and eyes were icy cold, but Wei Niang still wouldn't give up: "Is it because the mistress bit back at me? I knew she was plotting against me all along. She resents me for getting Master's favor, resents me for secretly giving birth to Big Sister, and losing face as the legitimate wife. I know everything!"

  "You can't be deceived by her appearance of being kind and generous, I'm innocent!"

  Fu Yiyang's face turned iron-gray, and that feeling of being tortured by a thin needle stuck in his throat came back. He took a swift step forward, and before Wei Niang could react, he grabbed her neck with a fierce grip. The words that came out were light as a feather: "You're simply crazy." His tone was so light it made people shiver, and a chill ran up their spine.

  Wei Yiniang was choked with a mouthful of air, her eyes shrinking in shock, and she reached out to grab Fu Yeyang's arm. Before she could exert any strength, Fu Yeyang had already let go of her.

  Wei Yiniang fell to the ground, panting heavily, her light-colored clothes were already dirty, and she had almost rolled around on the ground earlier. Her hair was disheveled, and her makeup was smudged with snot and tears. She no longer looked like the proud woman who wore a crimson skirt with embroidered peonies, pearl hairpins, and jade ornaments when she met Su Ying, and couldn't even be bothered to curtsy properly.

  The surroundings were extremely quiet, and even the sound of a needle falling to the ground could be heard. The slaves kneeling on the ground were all sweating profusely, only hearing Fu Yeyang's light words: "No, he has been mad for a long time."

  Wei's aunt sat on the ground with a pale face, her tears flowing more and more violently.

  All the servants who were involved in Wei Yiniang's madness incident were silenced, and the specific reason was not mentioned. But now that Fu Yeyang says Wei Yiniang is mad, then she must be truly mad. Wei Yiniang has thoroughly fallen out of favor with Fu Yeyang.

  Can't even get up no matter how hard I try.

  The southern courtyard and Madame Liu's courtyard were not far apart, and with such a big commotion, Madame Liu put on her clothes and came out of the house door. Listening to the sound, it didn't seem like something joyful was happening, so she frowned and told Cuiping to go take a look at what was going on.

  The gate-keeping woman had already locked the door, and they also heard the noise outside. They were not even able to hide as servants, how could they still be rushing up? Cui Ping just listened for a moment and then went back to tell Liu Niang: "It seems that Wei Niangniang has stopped Master and is complaining about her grievances."

  "Wronged?" laughed Liu Niang. "What does she have to complain about?"

  Cuiping thought about the shrill cry she had just heard, and couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine: "I heard a servant girl say that she was wronged, I wonder what else she did to displease Master?"

  "Hmph! I think this time she not only angered the old master, but also offended the mistress. I don't believe it, she can just easily leave the yard? If that's really the case, wouldn't she have run out to complain a long time ago?" Madam Liu suddenly thought of the key point, pursed her lips, and pulled at her clothes. "This matter isn't something we should worry about, let's go back to sleep."

  What Liu Yiniang could think of, how could Su Ying not think of it? When the South Courtyard started making a commotion, Su Ying received the news and had a layer of gloom and mockery in her eyes. She wanted to see how Fu Yeyang would deal with this situation.

  Actually, Yuwen's illness is quite suspicious. Even if she has a weak body and poor resistance compared to healthy children, it shouldn't be so repetitive with just ordinary colds. The medicinal materials for warming and nourishing her are not being spared either.

  Moreover, Su Ying also arranged for Sun Nian to be sent over, who was knowledgeable about medicine. Compared to the doctor, Su Ying could understand the condition of the eldest daughter through Sun Nian at any time. Since learning that Wen Yu's condition had been fluctuating, Su Ying felt that there was something fishy going on. With Zhang Nian also being present, she paid extra attention and caught the 'culprit'.

  The big girl's condition stabilized, and she was held back from sending out a report. Su Ying only sent someone to inform Fu Yeyang, trying not to startle the snake in the grass. Unexpectedly, someone jumped out and leaped into the pit that Su Ying had dug, jumping with such abandon.

  Unexpected yet expected.

  Su Ying thought for a moment and knew who was behind Wei Yiniang, originally thinking that it would calm down for two days, but unexpectedly it would happen again so soon, even regardless of the life of the eldest girl, and it seems that this Zhengyuan is not as solid as she thought, this time it's the eldest girl, what about next time?

  Su Ying couldn't help but take a deep breath, got out of bed and stood guard in front of the cradle where Fu Lu's twins were sleeping, looking at their peaceful faces, clenched her fists tightly, thinking to herself, one hand came in to chop one, two hands came in to chop a pair, this matter is not over!

  ps：