Chapter 64: The Abacus of Good Omen

  Search;????“The little servant outside came to pass on the message that Second Master wants to have a long conversation with his friend and won't be returning to the mansion.” Jade, who was half-kneeling on the footstool, gently massaged Madame Chen's legs while carefully responding.

  "Friend? Whose friend? Can't you mention a name?" Madam Chen raised an eyebrow and glared.

  Feicui couldn't get the words out, and Madame Chen was so angry she wanted to smash the lid of the bowl in her hand. Feicui hastily stopped her: "Madame, don't be angry for now, you should focus on taking care of your body and having a son," then looked up at the doorway and advised: "Even if she gets pregnant first, who can surpass you? In the end, they'll still have to call you 'birth mother'."

  While saying that, she took the golden red five-color lotus patterned large covered bowl from Madame Chen's hands. Madame Chen was still feeling indignant and at this moment there was another commotion outside. Feicui hastily said: "I don't know which unruly person is disturbing the madam, I'll go out to take a look."

  Madam Chen blocked her way, sneering: "At first it was Wang's wife who didn't know how to behave, and now except for my own spoiled younger sister, who else could it be? I've been tolerant of her because she's my elder sister by blood and we both serve the same master. I've turned a blind eye to her behavior, not wanting to argue with her about anything. If she doesn't treat me, her elder sister, with respect, that's fine, but now she's relying on the child in her belly... Does she think she can walk all over me?"

  Mrs. Chen had a poor relationship with Chen Wanqing when she was at her natal home, and the reason was that Chen Wanqing was more favored by Mrs. Dai. Moreover, Fu Xueyang and Chen Wanqing were previously manipulated into an illicit affair, but later, the discovery of Fu Xueyang's writing materials in Chen Wanqing's room greatly humiliated Mrs. Chen. She became convinced that it was all because of Chen Wanqing's shamelessness in secretly seducing her brother-in-law behind her back.

  Later, Chen Wancong became a concubine and relied on the flesh in her belly to gain favor from Madam Fu. In the second house, she was on an equal footing with Madame Chen, subtly surpassing her. Madame Chen couldn't swallow this, and privately complained to Feicui many times.

  Although Mrs. Chen stopped her, Feicui still went out and came back with a difficult expression after a while. Mrs. Chen then asked: "What's wrong again?"

  "Again, you're dissatisfied with the color of the dishes and don't have an appetite. You're thinking of eating lychees that are past their prime." Nowadays, it's not like when the second house was in charge. Unlike Su Ying's side, where a small kitchen has been set up, all meals are taken from this small kitchen every day. Since Su Ying became pregnant, the usage of this small kitchen has all come from Fu Yeyang's share, without going through the public account.

  Things are different on the side of the second wife. Even if there is a small kitchen, it can only be used to make some snacks and soup. If you want to eat a big meal, you still have to go to the main kitchen to get it. Anything that exceeds your share has to be paid for with your own money. The third wife's share, with Madame Fu's tacit consent, is the same as Madame Chen's. But the third wife is more particular than others. She makes a fuss about something every day.

  Speaking of lychees, the ones on the market now are mostly early-maturing varieties like "March Red", which have a slightly sour taste and can't compare to the sweeter and more fragrant varieties like "Fei Zi Xiao" and "Nuomi Gan" that come out later. Not to mention that lychees were originally non-existent in the north. But this year, an estate in Beijing surprisingly cultivated lychees that are normally only found in Lingnan, and they were snatched up as soon as they hit the market. The Hou Mansion didn't even get many of them.

  Madam Chen had some lychees here, but she didn't dare eat too many. She was planning to wait for Fu Xueyang to come back and share them with him. Who would have thought that Fu Xueyang wouldn't return? And now the third madam is making a fuss about wanting to eat the lychees.

  Mrs. Chen was almost furious, this is not a matter of having no appetite, this is simply outrageous.

  Feicui glanced up at Madame Chen from under her eyelids, seeing that her face was dark and gloomy. After a moment's thought, she advised: "What if this matter reaches Old Lady?"

  Madam Chen was unhappy as soon as she heard it: "What do you mean? I, the second wife who married openly and honorably, am still afraid? You just watch, if this kind of thing happens once, it will definitely happen again. Can't your wife always yield?"

  Mrs. Chen would be more convincing if she didn't sound so breathless when speaking.

  She accompanied Chen Zhongjia into the house just as he lifted the curtain and came in, understood the situation and went to Madam Chen's side with a smile and said: "You gave that lychee to Third Lady today. Firstly, it can show your kindness and virtue, and secondly, it can make Third Lady appear even more arrogant and overbearing. Secondly, tomorrow when Old Lady asks about it, you can pretend to be weak and say that you couldn't help it, then Old Lady will have to take out something good to compensate you."

  Madam Chen's face broke into a smile, and she chided, "You're still as thoughtful as ever."

  Madam Chen personally led Jade, who was holding a crystal carved flower basin, to the third madam's room, and after inquiring about her well-being, they left, leaving the servants staring in amazement at the sight of the two women who clearly disliked each other.

  Mrs. Chen squeezed out a smile: "Sister, you can order whatever dish you want and have the servants call for it. If the kitchen can't make what you want, just say I told them to do it." Mrs. Chen was unusually clever this time, and Third Aunt couldn't refute her, losing face directly.

  The second house was bustling with activity, while in the main courtyard, aloe vera had peeled and arranged lychees on a jade plate and presented them to Su Ying. Su Ying pinched the crystal-clear fruit pulp into her mouth, perhaps having just soaked it in water, the fruit was extremely moist and refreshing, and after tasting it, she found it to be very sweet indeed.

  Su Ying ate a few and then stopped, wiping her hands as she instructed: "Send some fruit to Big Sister, it's cool and refreshing now."

  Bai Zhi responded with a sound, just about to go when Fu Yeyang came over, followed by two maids carrying a glass fish tank, inside which was planted water grass, and at the bottom were several goose egg-sized stones of varying sizes, on the surface floated a lotus leaf, inside which were raised two red and black fancy goldfish, Su Ying had chosen them to cater to Master's tastes, who would have thought he'd bring the fish tank over.

  "Didn't you say it was in your study? How did it get moved here?" Su Ying asked, puzzled. Fu Yeyang glanced around and chose a spot for the maids to move the fish tank to, saying casually, "It's all the same wherever it is."

  Su Ying was taken aback, thinking that this person must have been scolded by Fu Mu again and came to her for comfort. She smiled at him: "It's specially cleaned up for you, now it's good, after a round of twists and turns, it's back."

  "Especially" really hit Fu Yiyang's weakness, someone who has been thinking of him all the time, as long as he is not heartless, will be delighted, and the depression in his heart was also infected by Su Ying's smile on her face. "If you like it, choose another style of brocade carp to raise together."

  Fu Yiyang also paused for a moment, then sat down on the other side, pretending to be nonchalant. He picked up the lychee that Su Ying had peeled but not finished eating and stuffed it into his mouth. Su Ying's face was still slightly red, and even the maid lowered her head. Su Ying responded softly, "I know."

  Those who brought glass fish tanks were all rewarded. The two maids who carried the fish tank out of the door pinched a bulging purse, laughing with their mouths closed. After all, it was the mistress's generosity.

  It was hot in the daytime around May, but the wind at night was still cool. The next day when Fu Mu got up, she felt dizzy and uncomfortable, so she hurriedly invited a doctor to come over. The doctor said that she had caught a cold and prescribed some medicine. The whole household was busy from then on.

  The old lady is ill. The daughter-in-law has to go and serve her. But Su Ying not only takes care of the house but also carries a pregnancy, so even if Madam Fu doesn't like her, she can't openly bully her; Third Madame's belly is precious, Madam Fu values that piece of meat in her belly more than anything, naturally it won't be her turn; In short, this task of serving the illness fell on Chen Furen's head. Chen Furen originally still wanted to curry favor with Madam Fu, but now hearing that she was told to serve the illness, her face immediately fell.

  This time, Madam Fu really fell ill, unlike the last time when she had a nervous breakdown due to anger. But how coincidental is it that yesterday, Fu Yiyang disobeyed her about not taking a concubine, and today she's sick? It's hard for people not to think too much about it.

  Fu Yiyang went upstairs when Su Ying was coming out of the room. Before she could say anything, Fu Yiyang had already frowned: "What are you doing here?"

  Su Ying rolled her eyes inwardly. Can't you just not say things so bluntly? Some things we understand in our hearts, no need to say them out loud and break the harmony. She covered his hand with her sleeve and patted it gently, "You're really something, I may not be able to serve tea and medicine to the old lady due to my physical condition. But I should still come visit, even if there's nothing much I can do with the wet nurses around. Thinking that I'm just taking up space here, I might as well go back." Su Ying knew which tune Fu Yeyang was dancing to, speaking in a soft and gentle tone, without any coercion.

  Liu Yiniang, carrying a empty medicine bowl, came out of the house and saw Fu Yeyang. At first, she was delighted, and didn't let the maids take the bowl from her. As she curtsied to Fu Yeyang, she slightly shifted her slender waist, which was as thin as a willow branch, and her light yellow summer clothes didn't look too casual even in the summer heat. She still used the same old tricks, bowing her head and showing off her figure, but after all, now that Su Ying is pregnant, her figure can't compare to how slender and elegant she was before.

  "The old lady just took the medicine, and now the effect of the medicine has come, she fell asleep." Madame Liu replied softly, this was also the first time Madame Liu had seen Fu Yiyang since Su Ying's pregnancy, naturally showing her best side.

  Su Ying stood with Fu Yeyang, naturally seeing Fu Yeyang's gaze sweep across Liu Niangniang. She didn't seem to be in a hurry, although Bao Hei behind her had darkened his face and the smile on his face had faded slightly, but not noticeably: "It's hard for you to have this kind intention, you've always been meticulous and considerate of others. With you here to serve Old Lady Liu, I can rest assured."

  Madam Liu naturally didn't want to take credit, but instead turned her head towards Su Ying: "It's only natural that the concubine is willing and it's also what she should do, don't praise me like this, madam."

  "It's not like that," Su Ying withdrew her hand from Fu Yiyang's back, Fu Yiyang initially paid attention to Liu Niang for a moment, but when Su Ying spoke, he pulled his attention back. When Su Ying withdrew her hand, the old master turned his head towards her. Su Ying also glanced at him and continued, "She volunteered to serve the old lady, which made me breathe a sigh of relief, and the old lady was pleased too. Why can't a few words of praise be taken seriously?"

  Liu Yiniang actively asked to come and serve Fu Mu, Su Ying was clearer than ever, wasn't it just because she could see Fu Yiyang at Fu Mu's place? Who let the old master be a filial son, morning and evening visits were never absent, she just wanted to save the country in a roundabout way.

  However, it was because of the emotional connection she had with Lady Fu that she allowed Fu Yeyang to see her in a more favorable light. Last time, the Buddhist scripture embroidery incident almost ended in disaster, and this time, she came to curry favor with Lady Fu again, but her intentions were not pure, and she didn't understand the rift between Fu Yeyang and his mother. This was not something that would win her any favors from Fu Yeyang, who valued perfectionism.

  Su Ying saw Fu Yiyang's expressionless face and thought that Liu Niang's jade abacus had probably made another mistake this time.

  Fu Yiyang said indifferently, "You're kind-hearted, take good care of the old lady." Then he said to Su Ying, "Since you're not feeling well, you should be more careful. There are maids and servants here," He turned his back to the crowd, pinched her wrist, and moved his lips: "I'm busy with official duties for the next two days, I'll come visit you after that."

  The people around who couldn't hear clearly because of the muffled voice, aloe and peppermint had already retreated two steps ago with their heads down.

  Su Ying couldn't help but admire Fu Yeyang at this moment, even though he spoke in a subtle tone, yet still followed those people. Thinking of how his eyes were fixed on Madame Liu's slender waist earlier made her feel uncomfortable. Although she knew what Madame Liu was getting at, she didn't refuse and still let her come up to the house. Now it's just a matter of whether Fu Yeyang can withstand the test or not.

  For this man's cucumber, Su Ying really didn't spare any thoughts, but at present stage it's still better to let go than to hold on, however looking at what he said earlier, he'd rather sleep in the study room than go elsewhere, looks like new tricks are still addictive for him, men.

  Interestingly, Mrs. Chen saw Su Ying send over Liu Yiniang to attend to her illness, so she also had someone with a similar background, Wang Yiniang, come over. As a result, she ended up trapping herself, and Wang Yiniang took advantage of the situation to seduce Fu Xueyang, who spent the night in Wang Yiniang's quarters, nearly giving Mrs. Chen a fatal shock.

  Madam Liu covered up the envy in her eyes. She had been diligently serving Fu Mu with medicine and soup every day, but as the weather changed, Fu Mu's illness also fluctuated, and it wasn't until May that she finally recovered. However, Madam Liu fell ill instead, her face turning a waxy yellow, and her originally delicate features were no longer visible, making her look truly old, almost five or six years older than before, similar in age to Fu Ye Yang.

  Lingyue gritted her teeth and took the new maid, Liu Yiniang, to the main courtyard early in the morning. She was naturally aware that Fu Yeyang had stayed overnight in the main courtyard last night.

  Last night, Su Ying wore the embroidered camisole with flowers and peach blossoms that she had previously received as a system reward, letting Fu Yeyang experience what it means to be "tenderly entwined, like a small peach, soft and delicate, intoxicating and soul-stealing".

  Originally wanted to come again in the morning, but there were flowers and stars on her body, Fu Yeyang was given a sideways glance by Su Ying, who touched her nose, and when she put on her clothes, she saw her secretly taking a handkerchief to wipe with tea water. Wearing a soft smoke-colored nightgown, Fu Yeyang's eyes were hot as he approached, "Was I too reckless yesterday? Are you planning to keep this?"

  "It's just this one thing." Before she could even get the word out, he had covered her mouth and kissed her again, and the two of them were entwined for a while longer. It wasn't until Su Ying pushed him away that he finally withdrew his hands from inside her clothes, where they had been fondling her breasts. Her nightgown, which hadn't even been tied with a sash, was pulled down to reveal a patch of pale skin on her back. Fu Ye Yang leaned down and kissed the spot before finally letting her go. "You sleep for a while longer, I'll tell the maids not to disturb you."

  What he said was very serious, but Su Ying still understood that little thought of his. She didn't scold him for being a pervert, which was already good. Softly and gently, she pinched his arm, only to see him staring straight at her with his eyes, and the place where the fire had not been completely extinguished began to rise again.

  Su Ying lowered her head and looked at him, then hastily wrapped herself in the quilt, her voice muffled, "Go quickly, go quickly."

  If it weren't for the fact that time was really running out, he would have been reluctant to leave at this moment. Ever since she became pregnant, her body had become even more sensitive. With just a slight touch from him, she would turn pink and white, making him unable to bear letting go. Fu Yeyang clenched his fist and placed it over his mouth, coughing once, "Then I'll leave now."

  Lü Huo had been waiting outside for a long time, and when he saw only Fu Yeyang come out, he wanted to go in and serve Su Ying. Fu Yeyang was wearing a jade pendant tied with white silk, and he waved his hand: "Let Madam rest for a while."

  Madam Gui poked her head inside and then retreated, looking at Fu Yeyang again, thinking that these two masters didn't do anything. Madam Gui had doubts in her heart, but the bedding on the bed was all handled by her, and she didn't see anything that shouldn't be there. After secretly investigating left and right for a while, she was actually brainwashed by Su Ying instead, thinking that it was a good thing for the master to come to the main house and not go to the other courtyard for Madam.

  It can't go on like this forever.

  Guī yíng yíng was thinking about it when the reed behind her gently poked her, indicating that Lǎo Ye was asking questions over there.

  Fu Yiyang is getting more and more concerned about the child in Su Ying's belly, and it's not unusual for him to ask Gui Niangniang to ask about Su Ying's situation.

  Madam Gui straightened up and replied, "You're just feeling unwell from the heat, these past few days have been particularly unbearable. The weather's been hot and it's affected your appetite too. Our small kitchen has been trying out new dishes to tempt you. We've made a sour plum soup with dried plums and ice sugar that's been simmering for hours, which you seem to like. You even ate more than usual yesterday when Master came."

  Fu Yiyang was delighted to hear that, originally Su Ying didn't have morning sickness when she was pregnant, everyone said it might be a girl, but now that the morning sickness is severe, Fu Yiyang thinks this energetic one must be a boy. However, he also worries about Su Ying's body and says: "That sour plum soup is indeed an appetizer, but it can't be used as a main course, I'll let someone find another chef who can cook other dishes to come over, whatever she wants to eat, just follow her."

  Gui's aunt was very happy for Su Ying, and even the wrinkles on her forehead had dispersed.

  At this moment, Bai Ju came in from outside and said: "Li Yue is asking to see the madam."

  Fu Yeyang knew the real reason and felt a bit uneasy, so he thought for a moment and said to Gui Niangniang: "It's just a trivial matter, don't bother Madam with it, you can handle it yourself." Gui Niangniang was Su Ying's wet nurse and also helped with household chores. Sometimes she could represent Su Ying, let alone Li Yue who was just a nameless and unloved concubine. She didn't even have the face to appear in front of her master like Su Ying's senior maid did.

  Everyone knows the unwritten rules, but when Fu Yiyang puts it on the table and says that's enough to give Su Ying face, why would Guizhi not be willing? She knelt down: "I understand."

  Just then, Su Ying's voice came from the inner room, somewhat lazy and drowsy: "Lü Huì, bring in some water."

  Fu Yiyang put down his chopsticks and followed him in. Su Ying had already dressed and looked up at him, "I heard someone coming, who is it?"

  "Don't bother." He somewhat regretfully gazed at Su Ying's face and saw that she was wearing a lotus-colored blouse with a straight collar, her hair still uncombed and unwashed. Yet Fu Ye felt it looked good on her, the lotus color suited her, making her skin look fair and elegant.

  Su Ying felt uneasy under his gaze, smoothed out her pink skirt and stood up to adjust the jade pendant on his waistband: "How can you not care, hurry up and go out, don't be late." What a thing that doesn't require her to worry about, it's really effortless.

  Lì Yuè didn't even see Fù Yìyáng, let alone Sū Yǐng. She was directly invited to the side hall by Bái Zhī, who also brought her a footstool. The polite treatment made Lì Yuè feel even more uncomfortable, and she only sat for half a moment.

  Old Madame Gui asked her what was going on, and Liyue gave the excuse she had thought of. Without mentioning that Madam Liu's illness was not light, she took out the small clothes and shoes she had made, and also put on a very humble attitude.

  Madam Gui raised her eyelids and took a glance at the maid following closely behind her, but it wasn't just any ordinary maid who followed Liyue. One look at her tiny clothes and shoes, and Madam Gui immediately grasped Liyue's little thoughts.

  Madam Gui sneered inwardly, her tone neither soft nor hard: "You have a good heart, and it's not bad that you haven't forgotten your identity. However, our madam has been suffering from severe morning sickness lately, and Master is being considerate, not wanting to trouble Madam with trivial matters. I can also take charge of such things, so in the future, just report directly to me."

  Liu Yue still looked down, still with the same wooden expression as before. Gu Yehong sighed in her heart: "When I return to Madam, Madam will surely reward me. The other madam is generous and we don't have the rules of paying respects here, so there's no need to come over even if we're free."

  She said, still raising her eyes to glance at the maid following behind Liyue. The maid felt her gaze and secretly gritted her teeth, breaking out in a cold sweat on her back. "Thud" - she knelt down: "My aunt is seriously ill, please, madam, send someone to take a look."

  This scene is all too familiar.

  Madam Gui told Su Ying about it, and Su Ying raised an eyebrow: "Didn't we invite a doctor? Why didn't the medicine prescribed by the doctor work after drinking it? And wasn't it more than ten days before Old Lady was finally at ease?"

  "Never mind, go and ask the doctor to come and take a look at her."

  Mint flat mouth: "What's the point of Madam lifting her up like that? Earlier, Madam also sent someone to call back Willow Auntie to rest for a while. Old Madam's place is always not short of people serving her, but she didn't listen. Can't say this time it's also because of exhaustion and illness."