Chapter 63: Repeated Calculations

  Chen Wanqiu secretly felt satisfied with Su Ying's hospitality, and after sitting at Su Ying's place for a short while, she left under the pretext of "not wanting to trouble Su Ying".

  Su Ying thought for a moment about what was making Chen Wanqiu uncomfortable, and following her train of thought, she realized that it was only the friction between her and Fu Mu. Suddenly, she felt speechless. If Chen Wanqiu had come on her own initiative, then she should leave on her own initiative too, why speak in such an ambiguous way?

  Su Ying pushed the bowl away, and Mint came forward to take over the covered bowl. Su Ying took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, while Lu Hui walked over with a frown on his face, holding up one of the objects Chen Wanqiu had sent over - a piece of cloth doll. From Su Ying's modern perspective, the cloth doll was quite vivid and cute, but in this era, it was completely different. "Making voodoo dolls" was absolutely taboo, and it was really unlucky.

  Su Ying's eyes were filled with ridicule: "Perhaps no one around her has pointed it out to her, just look at how she sings." This talent show is about looking for talent, good looks alone won't do.

  It was not Chen Wanqiu but the guest who did not show any disdain, and said tactfully: "After all, it's the preciousness of a young lady's family, let alone a noble family like the Chen's, which excels in festive splendor."

  Mint touched the fabric in front of her and pursed her lips: "The thread hasn't even been cut, it's a bit too rough, baby's skin is delicate, even slightly coarse will rub against it. If madam likes this pattern, I'll embroider one for you."

  Su Ying smiled, she hadn't touched a needle and thread since she got pregnant. If it wasn't for the foundation laid by the original owner, her embroidery skills would be unbearable to look at. She said to Lü Huī: "That thing looks like it'll make people feel sick, take it out and burn it, don't let anyone see it. As for those clothes and stuff, find a box to store them in."

  The gift from the Chen family has just been sent over, so how did Chen Wanqiu manage to come along with it? Logically speaking, Mrs. Dai doesn't like Chen Wanqiu, this illegitimate daughter. Otherwise, as Chen Wanqiu hinted earlier that she was being held down by Mrs. Dai at home to do needlework, with her skills, Mrs. Dai should have discovered that something was amiss and not said anything about inviting a master to teach her.

  She specially made a small dress and that new fabric doll. But still, she specifically mentioned the things from the beginning, no matter what kind of intention, Su Ying didn't like Chen Wanqiu - she could only see what she wanted, and everything that went against her was wrong. Hehe, really want to see what else Chen Wanqiu can come up with next.

  Today, Su Ying didn't need to say anything, Fu Yeyang came over from the outer study and went straight to the main courtyard. The little maid who was peeking out of the door at Madame Liu's place quickly retreated, and the gatekeeper scolded: "Miss is new here, in the future don't be so unseemly."

  Xiao Yatou's face turned red. She turned around and walked towards Liu Niang's house. Originally, these women were very polite. In the past when Liu Niang had some power in managing the household, the gatekeeper would even flatter her, and Liu Niang would often reward them with things because she was richer than usual and wanted to live a good life. But for so many days, Master hadn't come over. As someone like Liu Niang who didn't have children to rely on, it was natural that she relied on the favor of men. Even if Madame had become pregnant, Master wouldn't say anything about coming over. These gatekeepers saw that their days of relying on others were gone, and in order to secure their own livelihoods, they didn't dare to be negligent or make mistakes, but they couldn't help but have a bad attitude.

  The original maid of Liu Niang, Pomegranate, who was driven out earlier, is now staying in the outer courtyard. Without a job, there's no monthly allowance. Looking at Liu Niang now, it's likely that she won't be able to call Pomegranate back again. When she gets older, she might not have a good marriage prospect.

  No one is stupid, helping a disfavored aunt is not as good as flattering the main house. Otherwise, use connections to get yourself to the main house to do errands, if it weren't for Aunt Liu having some power in managing the household, her current situation would be even worse.

  So the gatekeeper said that the curious little girl was new here, and that's why.

  Liu Yiniang received Xiaoyutou's reply and knew that Fu Yeyang had gone to the main house on his own. Her mouth felt like she had drunk bitter Chinese angelica, both bitter and astringent. She was pregnant and it was time to take care of the fetus, but he still wouldn't let go of the old master, what kind of reason is that!

  Liu Yiniang's heart was secretly resentful, but her face didn't show it. Since the pomegranate incident made a scene in front of Fu Yeyang and Pomegranate was sent to the outer courtyard, Liu Yiniang restrained some of her small actions, afraid of provoking Su Ying's attention again, even the little power she had in managing the household was taken back.

  Just as I was sighing inwardly, Lihua came over.

  "Bring out the tea that the original mistress gave us and brew it." She said, sighing to herself: "This weather is getting hotter and hotter. The mistress's place isn't afraid of the heat, they've already started using ice early on. Fortunately, our estate has its own ice cellar, but I don't know if it will be enough if this continues."

  Ling Yue's mouth curled up into a smile as she remained silent. When the tea arrived, she took a sip and said, "Sister Liu, your tea is indeed better."

  "If you like, I'll get someone to pack some for you to take away," said Mrs. Liu with a smile. "Originally, they were meant to be served to guests, and my sister is also a rare guest to me. My sister stays in the house all day, I don't know what she's doing."

  Liu Yue sat on the stool with only half of her body, feeling a bit uneasy after hearing what Madam Liu had said. She shifted her position slightly and replied, "Thank you for not looking down on me, Madam. I don't have anything else to offer, so I'll just do some needlework and present it to you. It's nothing new, as I used to do the same when I was with my previous mistress."

  Liu Yiniang let out a snort, someone said that the more foolish a person looks on the surface, who knows how cunning they are inside, it seems there is some truth to this. She raised an eyebrow and asked casually: "Sister, since you used to work in the main house, you naturally know better what the mistress likes. Those flower patterns were still drawn by someone asking for Bohe."

  Ling Yue raised her eyes and glanced at Liu Niang, then lowered her head and rubbed the tea cup lid.

  Fu Yiyang arrived at the main house and found only Bai Zhi inside. He asked: "Where is Madam?"

  "Madam is a bit afraid of the heat, it's cooler over by the water pavilion, Madam has gone that way." Bai Zhi said as she led Fu Ye Yang to the water pavilion. From afar, they saw Su Ying holding a pink handkerchief and leaning against the outer corridor feeding the goldfish in the pond.

  Fu Yiyang's footsteps paused for a moment, he had never seen her dressed so brightly and beautifully before, but it didn't dazzle people, instead it complemented her good complexion.

  Pomegranate red and golden sprinkled flower hundred pleat skirt, outer wear big red agate pomegranate patterned silk velvet long garment, pink inner wear, simple head ornament, elegant white pearl necklace, scattered yet harmonious, bright and beautiful. Compared to the usual gentle and subtle attire, it can be said that there is another kind of charm.

  Fu Yiyang cleared his throat, lifted his foot and came in to look elsewhere, and casually praised the glass window on the waterside pavilion: "This glass window is indeed exquisite, even if you don't open it, you can still see the scenery outside." He had said this before, and now he said it again, showing that he really liked this glass window.

  Chen Wanqiu probably made a lot of money just from the glass business, and it's said that he even did business with the Zhongyi Wangfu. It seems that he has connections with another fellow townsman, and the Zhongyi King appears to be very fond of that talented concubine who can write tear-jerking plays like "The Frown".

  Su Ying had already seen Fu Yiyang coming this way. Of course, she also saw that he was slightly uncomfortable. She adjusted her clothes and walked over: "The goldfish just swam into the glass fish tank. From the outside, you can see the water plants floating inside. I think it's better to put your study room in there, when you're tired of working, you can play with it, labor and rest are combined, isn't that good?"

  He asked Fu Yiyang where he came from. Seeing Bai Zhi, she knew that he had come from the main courtyard and glared at him: "Don't even know to ask Master to wipe his face."

  She turned around and took over the wet towel handed it to Fu Yeyang, "Let the small kitchen prepare a bowl of iced noodles."

  Fu Yiyang furrowed his brow: "You can't even eat ice cream," and not wanting to scold Su Qing, he turned around to scold the following aloe vera instead. Su Qing couldn't help but laugh and cry as she pulled on his sleeve, "Look at what you're saying, pregnant women's taboos they mention them in front of me seven or eight times a day, I remember them all."

  Fu Yiyang put the ice bowl on the blacklist, and he didn't eat it himself. He only let the maid brew some tea and gave Su Ying a bowl of sugar-steamed cream with walnuts and pine nuts added inside. As Su Ying ate, Fu Yiyang scolded her with a dark face about some taboos for pregnant women's diet: "Let the purchases be carefully selected, all must be fresh. Foods that are cold in nature cannot be eaten, especially crabs and turtles." Thinking of the crab that would be on the table next month, Fu Yiyang deliberately glanced at Su Ying, "Don't be greedy, and also no wine."

  Su Ying coughed, her face slightly flushed. She thought to herself, "Just because I had a drink or two, does he have to keep harping on it? Doesn't this man ever get any pleasure himself?" But she still maintained a humble and obedient expression, almost as if she was about to take an oath. Only then did Fu Yeyang seem somewhat satisfied and let her off the hook, lowering his head to take a sip of tea.

  When he raised his head again, his gaze swept across the bright red velvet long dress with stone embroidery that she was wearing: "I've never seen you wear this before."

  Su Ying's face still had a lingering warmth, and she slightly pursed her lips: "Last time, Elder Sister came to see me off with the new fabric that just arrived." Such fabrics were naturally meant to bring good luck. In the past, Su's family wasn't without such luxurious clothes like pomegranate red silk with golden threads, but because of her lack of pregnancy, she felt inferior and didn't dare wear such showy clothes. Now that Su Ying had gained confidence, she personally liked brighter colors, and at her age, why should she dress herself up to look older?

  Fu Yiyang's thoughts were gradually figured out by Su Ying, and she was sure he liked her dressing like this. With that hint, he hooked up the corner of his mouth, leaned over to pull her hand, and whispered in her ear: "This style is really to my liking, it's clever and didn't mess with you."

  Just as he was about to say something, Fu Yiyang's emotions became somewhat subtle, and Su Ying didn't miss the expression on his face. She retreated a bit, hoping it would be a son. It wasn't that she preferred boys over girls, but in this era, people thought that no matter how good a daughter was, she couldn't compare to the importance of a son. Fu Yiyang's age wasn't considered young anymore, and at Su Ying's older brother's age, his eldest son would already be able to make soy sauce.

  But that doesn't mean her daughter won't be likable, she can't decide whether to give birth to a boy or girl herself. "Such an obedient and considerate child will definitely grow up to be filial, I really like it."

  Fu Yiyang naturally thought that his son was better, but Su Ying didn't say whether it was a boy or girl, and she kept praising this little guy who hadn't taken shape yet. Fu Yiyang had high hopes for him, and when he heard Su Ying's praise, he naturally agreed with her wholeheartedly - no matter what, his child was good.

  She looked up at Su Ying, saw the white pearl necklace hanging from her neck, and suddenly thought of that time when they were exploring the beauty of the white pearls in bed, which made her heart move with the white pearls. She still remembered that touch of pink color. Sitting down beside her, her voice was somewhat absent-minded: "Was the ivory pillow sent over last time used well?"

  Su Ying glanced outside with her eyes, and the maids were all standing outside the water pavilion. She gently pushed him, and this time it was really bad. Originally, Fu Yi Yang hadn't come over to see that Su Ying's thin summer clothes had a hole in them - because she didn't go out. And she was also afraid of the heat, so the clothes on her body were thinner than others, with the red long dress unbuttoned lower than spring clothes, and you could vaguely see the pink inner lining inside.

  When Fu Yiyang sat down beside her, a glance downwards could see the undulating edges and the middle ravine, but most of it was covered up, yet this attempt to cover up only tantalized people, what a beautiful scenery.

  Fu Yiyang leaned in close to Su Ying's ear and said, "It's not even the hottest season yet and you're already this intolerant of heat, what will you do when it really gets hot?"

  Su Yingfei gave him a glance, turned around and came over to the clothes that had been pressed down on one side, which was now slightly open. The pink color inside matched the pink handkerchief in his hand. Fu Yeyang took her hand and pulled the pink handkerchief out of it. "How many more handkerchiefs do you have?"

  It was just a few days ago that he wrapped the thing in a handkerchief and destroyed it, but occasionally Luhui would say something like "Where did the handkerchief with the red plum embroidery go?" which made Su Ying follow along awkwardly. This man even brought it up loudly, and Su Ying glared at him fiercely. Pretending to be overwhelmed with shame, she twisted her body and was about to stand up, but this only stimulated Fu Yeyang who had not intended to do anything in the first place.

  Two people in the gazebo looked at each other for a long time, gazing through the glass window at the scenery on the surface of the pool outside. The little girl outside leaned her ear to listen to the movements inside and was glared at by the aloe vera plant, turning around and standing still.

  Su Ying caught his increasingly presumptuous hand, turned sideways and panted at him, "Will you come over tonight?"

  Fu Yiyang finally came to his senses, looked up and glanced at the sky outside. The glass window was shining brightly, showing the scenery outside, although he knew no one could see what they had done inside, Fu Yiyang still felt a bit embarrassed, stood up, coughed twice, picked up the tea that had been drunk earlier and had become lukewarm by now, and took another sip.

  Su Ying's eyes sparkled as she looked at him. He put his hand to his lips and whispered: "You're coming."

  Su Ying covered her face with a handkerchief, half covering her cheek, and reached out to touch her temples. Without looking in the mirror, she knew what she looked like now, so she got up to find a mirror.

  Fu Yiyang and others calmed down over there, turned around to see Su Ying's face slightly red as she tidied up, proactively came over to help her put on the pearl necklace that he had taken off earlier, and reinserted the hairpin on her temple. Seeing her face was like it had been applied with rouge, he couldn't help but feel moved, used his finger to gently scratch it, when Su Ying looked over in confusion, this guy acted as if nothing was wrong, looking away elsewhere.

  This was the first time something like this had happened outside, and the two of them, having gained experience, pretended to be more serious than ever before. Fu Yeyang was called over by a maid sent by Madam Fu.

  Su Ying looked at his back and pursed her lips, Fu Mu's control was too loose. Everything in the son's room had to be mixed together. Now Fu Yiyang was not like before. Although Fu Yiyang still visited Fu Mu every morning and evening as usual, this became a routine that made it impossible for anyone to find fault with him as a son.

  Fu Yiyang has a strong sense of self-respect. Although the last time his mother drugged him was already over, Su Ying felt that Fu Yiyang should have known something by now. If he really didn't feel any resentment in his heart, Su Ying wouldn't believe it even if she died. Sometimes this person's mind is small.

  Fu's mother will only push Fu Yiyang further away if she continues to be stubborn, and she will regret it later.

  Su Ying could imagine what Fu Mu was going to do by calling Fu Yiyang over, and she couldn't help but curl up the corners of her mouth, revealing a playful smile. This time, Fu Mu would not get her way after all.

  Fu's mother understood that since she had already received the imperial edict for being unfilial, even if she didn't like Su Ying in her heart, after the last time when she scolded Su Ying as a poisonous woman without any evidence, no matter what, Fu's mother would not directly speak ill of Su Ying in front of Fu Yaoyang. After all, Su Ying was now pregnant and the whole manor had to be careful.

  Furthermore, Madam Fu might think that even if Su Ying is uncomfortable in her heart, she won't deliberately mention the matter of taking a concubine for Fu Yeyang in front of him. So until now, there has been no movement from Su Ying's side, and Madam Fu has found an excuse to bully Su Ying. The more this happens, the more it makes Fu Yeyang feel disgusted. People always tend to favor the weak, let alone Su Ying didn't even hide this matter but instead let Fu Yeyang know about it through someone else's mouth.

  So when Fu Yiyang arrived at the upper house, Mrs. Fu first put on a kind mother's appearance, and was no longer as cold and distant to Fu Yiyang as before. However, the more she did this, the more awkward it became. How could Fu Yiyang not notice? Although his face still had its usual expression, his voice sank down when he spoke.

  Fu's mother still didn't realize, and took out another completely different kind of maternal image, vaguely saying: "Your wife is pregnant, some things shouldn't be bothering her."

  Next, Fu Mu was going to bring up the matter of her son taking a concubine and subtly hint that Su Ying was not filial or magnanimous enough.

  Unexpectedly, Fu Yiyang picked up her words: "No need for the mother to worry about her son, the son doesn't lack people serving him. The son heard from the people below that his mother has been in poor spirits recently, it's better to rest and recover."

  Almost didn't make Fu's mother furious, heaven and earth conscience Fu Yiyang was really concerned about her, no matter what to say Fu's mother is his biological mother, but in Fu's mother's ears it became Fu Yiyang was taking away her rights. The smile that had just been piled up suddenly disappeared, and the tone also became somewhat severe: "What do you mean, can't I take care of you anymore?"

  She took a deep breath and said: "You've always been a filial child, but who is it that's been stirring up trouble between us mother and son?"

  Fu Yiyang's face tensed up: "Mother misunderstood, now that the son has started a family and established a career, there is no need for mother to worry about those trivial matters, after all, mother's health is the most important."

  Fu's mother was able to distort the meaning of Fu Yiyang's words, and even Su Ying hated her for it. The previous sentence almost directly pointed out that Su Ying was the one who was stirring up trouble inside. Ever since Fu Xueyang and Chen Wanqing fell into the trap last time, Fu's mother had been using the greatest malice to speculate about Su Ying, and whenever something related to the main house came up, she would easily become violent.

  Fu's mother wanted to say something else, but the white heron behind her suddenly stepped forward and interrupted: "Old lady, you really misunderstood the old master. Earlier, the old master heard that your spirit was not good, so he specially sent someone to find a hundred-year-old wild ginseng for you to take. This filial piety is truly commendable."

  It was cut off by Bai Yu, and Fu Mu's anger was suppressed. It's strange to say that Fu Mu clearly understood in her heart that she had the current honor and dignity thanks to Fu Yeyang, but she didn't take Fu Yeyang seriously at all, and instead wanted to support the second room to take over, which is really contradictory.

  Now, Fu Mu saw clearly, so she took advantage of Bai Yu's words to let her off the hook, "Forget it, I was overthinking, I'm tired too, you don't have to stay here for dinner, go back."

  As soon as Fu Yiyang left, Bai Lu suddenly knelt down on the ground: "The slave has spoken too much, please punish me, old lady."

  Fu's mother slammed the teacup onto the table, her eyes half-closed. Fu Yiyang's previous words had given her a strong sense of crisis. She didn't care about Bai He kneeling on the ground and asked Du Juan: "Has Second Master returned to the mansion?"

  A thread in Du Juan's mind tightened, and she replied obediently: "Not yet, I think it might be that something happened on the way and delayed him. Second Master has always been very filial to you, and every morning and evening he would definitely pay his respects without fail. Whenever Second Master goes out, he thinks of you. Yesterday, someone sent over a grandfather clock, but I haven't seen it yet."

  A conversation made Mrs. Fu smile, "You're the only one who knows how to talk," she thought for a moment and said, "Send those new silk fabrics from the south to the second and third madams, I'm too old to wear such bright colors, and that newly acquired wild ginseng is also useless to me, send it over as well." After finishing speaking, Mrs. Fu closed her eyes and meditated, completely ignoring White Crane who was still kneeling beside her.

  Duan Juan glanced at Fu Mu, gritted her teeth secretly, pulled Bai Yu's arm and dragged her out of the house to the corridor below, asking in a low voice: "What are you doing this for?"

  The white heron's eyes were dim, but its mouth said: "Can't just watch the old lady and the big old master mother and son two people leave with a broken heart, the old lady can be angry with me, I don't care."