Canción escarlata anti-hueso

Capítulo 2

Upon seeing this, everyone gasped in shock.

The girl, however, didn't seem to care and asked in her condescending tone, "I heard you've gone mad?"

The man looked up at her when he heard the question, but remained silent.

The girl frowned and said with displeasure, "I'm asking you a question!"

The man kept his head down and didn't answer.

The girl was filled with anger and was about to say something when she heard a gentle male voice coming from behind the crowd.

"Calm down, calm down!"

"Sir?" The girl recognized the voice, and her expression softened slightly.

A man around forty years old emerged from the crowd. He had a fair complexion, a light beard, and was handsome and refined. Dressed in a long robe and turban, with a folding fan in his hand, he was clearly a scholar.

The man stopped, dusted himself off, and smiled while holding a fan: "Greetings, heroes. I am Mei Ziqi, the tutor of the Fourth Miss. If you do not recognize me, please pay your respects today."

"Mr. Mei, what brings you here?" the girl asked.

Mei Ziqi walked up to her with a smile and said, "Fourth Miss, you are too kind. Isn't it my duty to help you solve your problems?"

"Alright!" The girl pointed at the silent man in front of her with his head down and said, "You show me whether he's really stupid or just pretending!"

Mei Ziqi nodded with a smile, "That's easy. Let me ask you a few questions."

He faced the man with a broad smile and asked, "Do you know your own name?"

The man looked up and answered earnestly, "Di Xiu."

"Oh," Mei Ziqi responded, then pointed at the girl with her folding fan, "Do you recognize her?"

Di Xiu glanced timidly at the girl, nodded, and answered earnestly, "Yuchi Mingyue."

Upon hearing this, the girl was furious. "How dare you! How dare you address me by my name..."

"Calm down, calm down," Mei Ziqi said with a smile, clearing her throat before asking Di Xiu, "Why did you go easy on her just now?"

Di Xiu was silent for a moment, then replied, "I can't bring myself to do it..."

"Oh?" Mei Ziqi asked with great interest. "Why?"

A smile gradually bloomed on Di Xiu's face, a gentle smile that dispelled his previous murderous aura and replaced it with tenderness and brightness. With that smile, he answered without hesitation, "I like her."

Upon hearing this, Mei Ziqi took a deep breath, nodded heavily, and then said to the stunned girl beside her:

"That's right, he's really stupid."

Chapter Two

The commotion eventually alerted the head of Yuchi Manor: Yuchi Siguang.

The Yuchi Manor was a powerful clan for generations, possessing hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers, and thousands of acres of fertile land. Not only were they incredibly wealthy, but they also wielded considerable influence in both the legitimate and criminal worlds, dominating the region. Rumors circulated that the founder of the Yuchi family had once kept a "Heavenly Fox." This "Heavenly Fox" was said to be a fox spirit that had cultivated for a thousand years, possessing the power to communicate with heaven and earth, and to change men and women, with boundless magical abilities. It was said that the Yuchi family owed their current power to this spirit. Legend has it that the "Heavenly Fox" was sealed within a bronze pot and enshrined in the ancestral temple of the Yuchi Manor. However, ghosts, foxes, and spirits are ultimately just supernatural tales, not to be believed.

However, within the Yuchi Manor, there truly exists a bronze pot that sealed the "Heavenly Fox," named the "Suppressing Pot." Last night, the "Suppressing Pot" was stolen, and its whereabouts are unknown. The only person who knew a clue is now mentally impaired. And this person happens to be the manor's steward, the one who usually manages all the affairs of the manor.

Given the situation, Yuchi Siguang was already overwhelmed with worry. Seeing everyone acting so recklessly, he couldn't help but feel indignant. Although he didn't show any signs of rage, his cold expression and deep tone instilled fear in everyone. He coldly reprimanded everyone, punished them one by one, and then instructed the servants to take good care of Di Xiu, thus calming the situation down.

When he saw Yuchi Mingyue, he forced a smile and said softly, "Mingyue, didn't you go back to the Nanling Prince's Mansion?"

Yu Chi Mingyue finally came to her senses and said indifferently, "I'm not going back now." She raised her eyes, glanced at Di Xiu, and said loudly to everyone, "Remember this well, his right hand is mine."

After she finished speaking, she turned around with her head held high and led her entourage away.

Despite this attitude, no one dared to speak out, for her background and birth were far beyond that of ordinary people. This fourth young lady of the Yuchi family was the daughter of the Prince of Nanling, with the title "Princess Qingyun." She married into the Yuchi family but divorced him after only six months. She later gave birth to a daughter, who, although born into the Yuchi family, was raised by her maternal family until she reached marriageable age and returned to the Yuchi family to acknowledge her lineage. Even so, she only stayed at the Yuchi Manor for a short time each year from the twelfth lunar month to the New Year, merely as a gesture of family reunion. Her servants and maids were all from the Prince of Nanling's residence, and she never touched a single penny of the manor's food, clothing, or daily necessities.

Although it is customary for a woman to leave her husband's family and return to her natal clan, and her maternal family has no right to interfere, the Prince of Nanling was a man who could manipulate events at will. This prince had spent his life on the battlefield, achieving numerous military exploits. In the past, he single-handedly suppressed a coup by the maternal relatives, protecting the young crown prince. Now, the crown prince had ascended the throne, and even the emperor himself had to address him as "Uncle Father." When peace returned to the land, he retired after his achievements, declaring to the court that he wished to guard the late emperor's tomb. The emperor graciously granted his request, bestowing upon him ten prefectures surrounding Nanling. Thus, the title "Prince of Nanling" came into being.

Although he had relinquished his military power, his domineering nature remained. When the princess divorced him, the Prince of Nanling had boasted of wiping out Yuchi Manor. If it weren't for the sake of his newborn granddaughter, he probably would have already taken action.

Therefore, everyone in the manor treated the fourth young lady with utmost respect and caution, fearing any mishap.

Only one person was incredibly audacious.

Yu Chi Mingyue returned to her room, her mind still preoccupied with this person. She sat down on the soft couch, frowning as she muttered to herself, "He's really gone mad..."

Mei Ziqi, who followed her into the house, nodded in agreement, "That's right."

“Impossible!” Yu Chi Mingyue frowned. “There’s definitely something fishy going on! He is Di…” She paused slightly, “Di Xiu… This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this name.”

Mei Ziqi sat down at the table and said with a smile, "Is that so? I heard before that there are very few people in Yuchi Manor who dare to call Chief Steward Di by his full name. No wonder so few people know his name."

"Hmph! Just as his name suggests, he exudes a sinister aura," Yu Chi Mingyue said disdainfully.

Mei Ziqi laughed happily and said, "Hey, Xiao Si, don't be so hostile towards him. He just said that he likes you, hehe."

"Sir, please don't talk nonsense." Yu Chi Mingyue glared at him. "This is your first time visiting this manor. You don't know how treacherous this person is. How can you believe what he says!"

“I’m not entirely ignorant either,” Mei Ziqi said, unfolding her fan and waving it as she spoke. “This man is exceptionally skilled in martial arts and has outstanding intelligence. At such a young age, he has already become the head steward of the manor and has also won the heart of the second young lady.”

"Hmph!" Yu Chi Mingyue became even more disdainful. "Why don't you mention his ruthlessness and unscrupulousness? You heard it yourself just now. For power, he'll kill anyone and do anything. He's despicable, shameless, heartless, and a wolf in sheep's clothing..."

Mei Ziqi quickly stopped her long-winded explanation, laughing, "Alright, alright... But, Xiao Si, you only came to Yuchi Manor when you were fourteen, so it's only been two years. You only stay in the manor for two months each year. Your activities and routines don't even leave the South Garden. What deep-seated hatred do you have for this Steward Di?"

When asked about this, Yu Chi Mingyue's face darkened, and she clenched her fist, saying, "Isn't it all because of my second sister!"

“Oh, Miss…when did this happen?” Mei Ziqi asked.

"last night."

"Last night too?" Mei Ziqi shook her head and sighed, "Of all times, when I wasn't in the manor... Oh dear, I missed so much of the show..."

“Sir,” Yu Chi Mingyue said coldly.

Mei Ziqi quickly changed the subject and asked, "What exactly happened?"

Yu Chi Mingyue still frowned, her face full of displeasure, recalling the events of last night...

Speaking of last night, it was a wonderful night.

The current head of the manor, Yuchi Siguang, has two sons and four daughters. His eldest son, Wencheng; second son, Wude; and eldest daughter, Xieying, are all born to his principal wife. His second daughter, Caiyao, and third daughter, Fengjue, are born to his concubine. He also has four other daughters, Mingyue, but we will not elaborate further.

Of his children, the eldest daughter was already married. The second daughter, Caiyao, was seventeen and also engaged, but unexpectedly, the groom's family was wiped out overnight. Yuchi Siguang then arranged for his second daughter to marry Di Xiu, the steward of the manor. They were a perfect match, both handsome and beautiful, and of similar age, so there was nothing wrong with the marriage.

On the day the snow cleared, Yuchi Siguang held a family banquet in the warm pavilion of the flower hall to announce the marriage.

When Yu Chi Mingyue arrived, everyone was chatting and laughing happily, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Upon her arrival, everyone greeted her with smiles. She, however, merely nodded slightly in response.

She stopped in front of the table, her gaze falling on one person.

This person, naturally, is the groom, none other than Di Xiu, the chief steward of Yuchi Manor, whom everyone knows.

Even though he was in a warm room, he was still wearing a mink coat. Perhaps it was the heat, or perhaps it was the alcohol, but his cheeks were slightly flushed, and his eyes were bright, giving him a gentler appearance than usual.

Yu Chi Mingyue's gaze shifted slightly, landing on the woman beside him. This woman was Yu Chi Caiyao, the second young lady of the Yu Chi family. She was beautiful, with a slender figure and a naturally charming demeanor. Now, her smile was forced, and there was a hint of bitterness between her brows. Noticing Yu Chi Mingyue's gaze, she looked away, hesitant to speak.

Seeing that Yu Chi Mingyue was not sitting down for a long time, her older siblings smiled and reminded her a few times.

Upon hearing this, Yu Chi Mingyue remained unmoved. She simply raised her eyes to look at Yu Chi Siguang, who was sitting in the main seat, and said loudly, "I do not sit at the same table as servants."

The person she was referring to was naturally Di Xiu.

Upon hearing this, Di Xiu lowered his eyelashes slightly, his smile still present, as if he didn't care at all.

Yuchi Siguang spoke up, slightly annoyed, "Mingyue, don't talk nonsense!"

Yu Chi Mingyue ignored her and looked at Di Xiu, continuing, "A person should know his own limitations."

Di Xiu picked up the wine cup, took a small sip, and remained silent.

Yu Chi Siguang was already furious. "Mingyue! How dare you speak to your brother-in-law like that?!"

"Brother-in-law?" Yu Chi Mingyue said with a look of disdain, "He hasn't even had a wedding ceremony yet, so what kind of brother-in-law is he?"

Di Xiu gently put down his wine cup before speaking, smiling as he said, "Fourth Miss's words are full of profound meaning. I am foolish and ignorant. Could you please enlighten me?"

"Fine. I won't beat around the bush," said Yu Chi Mingyue. "I don't agree to this marriage!"

Before Yuchi Siguang could speak, Di Xiu said, "Fourth Miss, marriage has always been a matter of parental arrangement. I am unfortunate, having neither father nor mother. I am fortunate to have this marriage arranged by the Master of the Manor. May I ask, Fourth Miss, why do you disagree?"

"For no reason at all. I just don't agree. You're not worthy," said Yu Chi Mingyue.

"Mingyue, you've gone too far!" Yuchi Siguang finally couldn't contain his anger and reprimanded her.

"He's the one who's being insolent!" Yu Chi Mingyue raised her hand, pointing at Di Xiu. "Everyone in the entire manor knows his character. Father, ask yourself, is it really appropriate to marry Second Sister to him?"

“You…” Yu Chi Siguang was so angry that he was speechless for a moment.

Upon hearing this, Di Xiu stood up, walked to Yu Chi Mingyue, and said, "If Miss Yu Chi has any complaints, please take them out on me. After all, the Master is your father, so please be careful with your words and don't lose your dignity."

Yu Chi Mingyue didn't take it to heart. "What I said is reasonable and aboveboard. What dignity have I lost?" She glanced at the people in the hall and said contemptuously, "It is this group of people who call themselves brothers who have lost their dignity!"

"Fourth Sister!" At this moment, Yuchi Caiyao stood up, tears welling in her eyes, and pleaded, "Don't say anymore..."

"Second sister, why did you agree to this marriage? Are you really willing to marry this ruthless guy?!" Yu Chi Mingyue retorted.

“I…” Yu Chi Caiyao looked pained, hesitant to speak.

Seeing this, Di Xiu sighed softly, "Fourth Miss, there seems to be some misunderstanding between you and me."

“I don’t know you well, so how could there be any misunderstanding?” Yu Chi Mingyue said. “However, my second sister was already betrothed to the eldest son of the Chen family, but the Chen family was wiped out overnight. Is this related to you?”

Upon hearing this, Di Xiu lowered her head and smiled, "Without any evidence, where did you hear this gossip, Fourth Miss?"

"You only had the chance to marry my second sister because the Chen family was wiped out. You benefited the most from this, didn't you?" Yu Chi Mingyue said matter-of-factly.

Di Xiu's smile faded, his brows furrowed slightly, revealing a hint of displeasure. "Fourth Miss, I'll say it again: without evidence, don't spout nonsense."

Yu Chi Mingyue stared straight at him without fear and said, "You can deny it, but I will definitely find the evidence. You're dreaming if you want to marry my second sister!"

Di Xiu looked at her and said, word by word, "Fourth Miss, please have some self-respect."

Yu Chi Mingyue raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Are you threatening me?"

"I dare not."

Is there anything you wouldn't dare to do?

“I’ll say it again, without any evidence, don’t talk nonsense.”

In the ensuing exchange, Yu Chi Mingyue's anger escalated, and she blurted out, "Who else could it be but you? Are you going to say that my second sister fell in love with you and wiped out her husband's entire family...?"