Enterrement fantôme

Chapitre 1

Energetic

Synopsis

From a maidservant to the most powerful princess in the court, from a newlywed to a widow, Ling'er seemed to have endured all kinds of hardships.

Is it a joke, or a twist of fate? Destiny has played a cruel trick on us, bringing us to this point!

But she was still intelligent, kind, and radiant. How could God not favor such a woman?

How could her husband truly bear to abandon her?

wedge

"Master, they've come out!" A servant from the Prince of Suning's residence was reporting to Zhu Chengyu.

"How many of them are there? Where are they going?" Zhu Chengyu's cousin, Shang Minglun, asked eagerly.

"Besides Nan Bin, there's only Miss and a few maids. I heard they're going to Jicui Villa!"

"Cousin" Shang Minglun was poised to act. "What do we do?"

"What?" Zhu Chengyu raised an eyebrow and replied, "Naturally, I'll follow."

"We'd better be careful, Nanbin recognizes us."

"Don't worry!" Zhu Chengyu said confidently. "Nan Bin will only stay at Jicui Villa for one night at most. I've already checked. He has to go back to the palace to work tomorrow, and then I'll have my chance."

"Hehe!" Shang Minglun chuckled twice.

"What are you laughing at?" Zhu Cheng asked unhappily.

"It's nothing, I'm just waiting to see how you manage to trick her!"

“What do you mean by lying?” he retorted. “You’re using such harsh language. If you can’t speak properly, then shut up. I’m determined to marry her.”

"What if she absolutely refuses to be with you?" Shang Minglun always had many questions.

"That's none of your concern," Zhu Cheng said confidently, squinting his eyes. "I'll always find a way to make her submit!"

one

Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty

As the year draws to a close, the area outside Longxiang Inn is bustling with activity and a constant stream of people coming and going for meals and lodging.

In the Tianzi room on the second floor of the Longxiang Inn, Ling'er was putting on her makeup in front of the mirror. After tying up the last strand of hair, she carefully examined herself in the mirror: her fair face was framed by two delicate, willow-leaf eyebrows, and a pair of bright, clear eyes. Below her small, upturned nose, her cherry-red lips shone with a watery hue. While not breathtakingly beautiful, she was nonetheless charming and captivating. Yet, at this moment, a hint of melancholy flickered across her exquisite face.

Her life has been full of misfortune since childhood. Nineteen years ago, she was abandoned at the gate of the Nan Mansion while still an infant. At that time, the third young lady, Ningyue, had just been born. When the madam saw that Ling'er was beautiful and lovely, she decided to keep her to keep Ningyue company.

As the two girls grew up, they developed a very close bond, like sisters, having eaten and lived together since childhood. Later, Ningyue taught Ling'er to read and write, and the lady of the house treated Ling'er as her own daughter, showering her with love and affection. When Ling'er just turned 18, the lady of the house allowed her to learn how to manage the accounts of the Southern Mansion from Steward Xu, and she was also allowed to go out of the mansion to do business.

The Nan family is full of talented people, with the eldest young master Nan Bin and the second young master Nan Shan. Why would they need a little girl like her to manage the accounts and finances? Ling'er didn't understand, nor did she want to understand. In her heart, all she wanted was to be with Ning Yue for the rest of her life. But since the madam had given the order, she dared not disobey. Besides, it was always good to go out and broaden her horizons. Even Ning Yue was envious whenever this was mentioned.

Once outside the Southern Mansion, Ling'er was treated like a young lady of high birth. Not only did all the servants treat her with utmost respect, but even Steward Xu consulted her on everything.

Time flies, and four years have passed in the blink of an eye. Ling'er dared not slack off on any of the tasks assigned by the madam. She studied all the relevant knowledge diligently, for fear of failing the madam's good intentions.

During this time, Ling'er indeed gained a lot of experience. Under the guidance of Steward Xu, she not only managed the business of the Nan Mansion very well, but also made a lot of money for the Nan Mansion. She became shrewd, experienced, steady, and worldly-wise, and the Madam was very satisfied with her performance. But the more she did this, the more anxious Ling'er became, because she finally understood the Madam's intentions and gradually saw where her future lay.

Nan Bin has taken a liking to Ling'er and intends to take her as a concubine!

Master Nan Hongtian is a high-ranking official in the court. He made great contributions during the reign of the late emperor and is therefore highly regarded by the court. Nan Bin is an even more outstanding individual. At only twenty-five years old, he is already working in the palace. In addition, he is engaged to Miss Chen Miaowen, the daughter of Grand Secretary Chen. He can be described as a young man who has achieved great success and has a bright future.

When Ling'er first realized that Nan Bin liked her, she could hardly believe it. Because of him, Ling'er's peaceful life was completely shattered. Ever since the day Madam learned of Nan Bin's feelings, she began to intentionally cultivate Ling'er, sending her out of the manor to do business, so that she could support the Nan family in the future.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [4]: He is the young master, the master, while I am just a maid, a servant. Isn't it good to have such a husband? Ling'er asked herself. No! It's very good, really very good, but Ling'er just doesn't like it, and there's no trace of Nan Bin in her heart at all.

In no more than a year, the young lady of the Chen family will be married into the family. Then, won't it be my turn? The lady has been incredibly kind to me. If she were to propose to Nan Bin, could I possibly say no?

No! I can't! I absolutely cannot let my wife be sad or disappointed! But not being sad or disappointed means sacrificing my own happiness. One cannot be too selfish, cannot only think of oneself. But Nan Bin… how should I treat him? I only respect him, like I respect an older brother, without any romantic feelings involved. What should I do?

Shaking off her chaotic thoughts, Ling'er refused to think at all and went to the window to get some fresh air. A gust of cold wind blew by, blowing aside the bangs that covered her forehead, but it couldn't dispel the worry between her brows.

"Sister Ling!" Xi Mei called from outside the door.

"Come in!"

Entering through the door was a charming young girl of about fourteen or fifteen years old. She had a round face with dimples and carried a teapot. Placing the tea on the octagonal table, Ximei said, "Sister Ling, please have some tea."

"You've worked hard!" Ling'er walked over, smiled slightly at Ximei, picked up the cup and drank.

"Sister Ling, Steward Xu asked me to pass on a message to you."

"What's up?"

"Steward Xu said there seems to be some problem with the accounts at Zhao Family Fort, and he has to go there in person. Now there's something he needs Sister Ling to handle! When we left this time, Madam instructed Steward Xu to buy a few more decent leather goods for the Master, the Eldest Young Master, and the Second Young Master. Steward Xu has already arranged to meet with Boss Sun of Jinxiu Leather Goods Shop this afternoon, but Steward Xu is out checking accounts and we don't know when he'll be back, so we'd appreciate it if Sister Ling could meet with Boss Sun then." What a clever-tongued maid.

"You want me to talk?" Ling'er asked doubtfully. "It's not that it's impossible, but I know absolutely nothing about the leather trade. Why is Uncle Xu entrusting me with this kind of thing? What if I get cheated?"

"That's what I thought too, but Steward Xu said that Jinxiu Fur Shop has always had a good reputation, so it shouldn't be fake. Besides, Steward Xu didn't say that they definitely wouldn't be able to come back, right? If they really do come, we can't just keep them waiting, can we?"

Listening to Ximei's insightful analysis, Ling'er agreed, "That makes sense. Although I don't know much about furs, I can't be rude to my guests. I can't just leave them waiting. I have to go even if I'm being forced into it!"

At noon, Ling'er sat at the octagonal table, lost in thought. Sunlight streamed in from the east window, casting a silvery sheen on the already yellowed beaded necklace. For years, she had been constantly on the go, rarely having any free time. She wondered if she would ever have the chance to come out again after returning home. The thought of going back filled her with a mixture of joy and anxiety.

"Sister Ling!" Ximei nudged Ling'er. "Thinking about something again?"

Ling'er stopped her reverie and said, "Little girl, don't talk nonsense. What could possibly be on my mind?"

Xi Mei sighed, speaking in a mature tone: "Sister Ling, why do you have to hide it from me? If I don't know what's on your mind, then no one else in the world will!"

"What do you know?" Ling'er tried her best to hide her displeasure.

“I’m going to say it even if you don’t want to hear it!” Xi Mei said defiantly, “Sister Ling, why are you making things difficult for yourself? It hurts me to see you like this. You don’t have to be like this. Once the Madam has spoken, no one can change her mind. So why are you so upset and saddened?”

Ling'er understood Ximei's meaning deeply. Even if she was unwilling a thousand times over, what could she do? Sigh! What else could she do? So be it. Since she couldn't change it, she would learn to accept it! From this moment on, she would learn to accept 'him'!

Xi Mei knew she had hit the nail on the head regarding Ling'er's concerns. Wanting to cheer her up, she said in a serious tone, "My mother used to tell me, 'A woman follows her husband wherever he goes, whether he's a chicken or a dog.' Besides, the eldest young master is neither a chicken nor a dog, and..." She paused, observing Ling'er's expression, "and he's a genuine golden turtle. Do you know how many sisters in our household envy you?" After saying that, she ran off and smiled at Ling'er from a distance.

Ling'er's face suddenly changed color.

"Ximei, you're getting more and more unruly. I'll teach you a lesson with family discipline!" He grabbed Ximei and pinned her to the bed, tickling her with his hands.

Xi Mei knew that Ling'er was only pretending to be angry, so she begged for mercy repeatedly: "Sister Ling, please forgive me! I won't dare to do it again, I won't dare to do it again!" She said she wouldn't dare to do it again, but her hands didn't stop. She started to fight back against Ling'er, and the two girls laughed together on the bed.

After laughing and making a ruckus, Ling'er sat down to rest on the edge of the bed. Xi Mei lay on her lap, playing with her braids. In truth, Ling'er knew that Xi Mei dared to speak so rudely because she had spoiled her. If she thought Xi Mei was just a child, she wasn't a child anymore, and if she continued to speak so recklessly, she would cause trouble sooner or later.

"Ximei, you can't talk like that anymore," Ling'er advised gently. "What would happen if the people in the manor heard you!"

"Okay! I won't say it again!" Xi Mei added nonchalantly, "If I'm going to say it, I'll only say it in front of you."

"You're not allowed to tell anyone!" Ling'er exclaimed urgently, "Including me!" I really didn't know what to do with her!

Just after noon, a servant from the South Mansion came to deliver a message that Mr. Sun, the owner of Jinxiu Fur Shop, had arrived!

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [5]: After Ximei helped Ling'er get dressed, they went downstairs together. There were many small side halls in Longxiang Inn, which were specially set up for merchants to rest and meet guests. The servants of Nanfu were waiting at the door of the side hall. When they saw Ling'er arrive, they hurriedly went to greet her.

"Miss Ling, Boss Sun is already waiting in the side hall."

Ling'er simply gave a soft "hmm," and Ximei lifted the beaded curtain and followed Ling'er inside.

The side hall was simply furnished, but it was bright and sunny. Boss Sun cupped his hands and said, "Miss Ling!" Ling'er only bowed slightly in return.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Sun!"

"Please, Miss Ling!"

The man before her, Mr. Sun, was only twenty-five or twenty-six years old. He was tall and slender, dressed smartly, and possessed a refined and scholarly air, with a pleasant, melodious voice. Ling'er felt that Mr. Sun looked somewhat familiar, as if she had seen him somewhere before.

Over the past few years, Ling'er had met some businessmen, but they were either shrewd and greedy or bloated and gluttonous. This Mr. Sun was quite different from them. The more Ling'er looked at him, the more familiar he seemed, but she couldn't remember where she had seen him before. Just then, a servant brought tea.

"Miss Ling," said Mr. Sun politely, "please have some tea!"

"Ah? Okay! Mr. Sun, please!" Ling'er quickly composed herself and stopped her wild thoughts. For a young lady to stare at someone like that was far too impolite.

Ling'er picked up her teacup and made a gesture, saying politely, "My steward, Mr. Xu, had to leave temporarily, so I am here to discuss business with you. I hope Mr. Sun will not mind!"

Mr. Sun also took a sip of tea. "Miss Ling, you're too kind! It's my honor to do business with you!"

Like a lightning bolt flashing through Ling'er's mind, her brows furrowed and then relaxed, her eyes sparkling with surprise.

"Brother Sun!" Ling'er blurted out, and at the same time, Boss Sun also called out Ling'er's name. For a moment, the two looked at each other, their faces beaming with joy.

"Ximei, get out. Don't come back in without my permission!" Ling'er said. "Close the door!" Ximei was slightly surprised, wondering what Ling'er meant by this, but she dared not disobey Ling'er and had no choice but to obediently leave.

After leaving the side hall and closing the door, Ximei waited in the outer room, but she had many questions in her mind.

What's wrong with Sister Ling? Why does she want to discuss business without me serving her? She must be deliberately keeping it from me. What is it?

I've gone out with Ling'er three or four times now, and I've never seen her like this before. Xi Mei knows what kind of person Ling'er is. Whether inside or outside the manor, Ling'er is always silent, never uttering a word of idle chatter. Even when negotiating business, she is always proper and poised, never overstepping her bounds. With Steward Xu watching over her, she's never had any mishaps in the past few years.

Nearly an hour had passed, and Ling'er and Boss Sun still hadn't come out. Xi Mei was getting worried, but she didn't want to disturb them rashly. She had no other choice but to wait.

What kind of business deal could take so long to discuss? Xi Mei's curiosity was piqued, and she decided to secretly listen to what they were talking about.

She pressed her ear tightly against the crack in the door, held her breath, and listened intently. Waves of low sounds came through; Ximei could only hear their voices, but not the content of their conversation. What were they saying? Ximei was truly anxious, and in the end, she couldn't hear anything more!

Suddenly, the door opened. Xi Mei didn't even notice when Ling'er had come in; she was still bent over, as if listening intently, when Ling'er bumped right into her.

"Ximei, what are you doing?"

Xi Mei blushed, pouted, and stammered, "No, nothing!"

Ling'er ignored her and stepped aside to let Boss Sun pass. Boss Sun left the side hall and turned back to say, "Miss Ling, thank you!" His face was full of joy, his tone was sincere, and his eyes shone brightly, indicating that the business deal had been very successful.

Ling'er nodded and smiled: "Mr. Sun, you're too kind!"

"Okay! I'll have Lao Jin settle the bill later. Please wait, we'll meet again!"

"Please forgive Ling'er for not seeing you off further!"

Watching Boss Sun walk away, Ling'er sighed softly, standing there lost in thought, as if she had endless regrets in her heart.

"Sister Ling, do you know that person?" Xi Mei seemed to have forgotten the embarrassing incident that had just occurred, and asked her with her big, clear eyes.

Ling'er came to her senses and looked at Ximei's innocent and carefree face. She was in a dilemma, not knowing whether to be angry or not.

"Don't ask so many questions, you little brat!" Ling'er scolded lightly. "If you do this again, I won't take you out anymore!"

Xi Mei stuck out her tongue and dared not say another word, thinking to herself, "How many more times can you come out? If you don't tell me now, I'll definitely find a way to get it out of you later!"

Ling'er knew that Ximei was a clever little devil, and she couldn't be dismissed with just a few words. Although she didn't dare to ask, she was definitely not convinced in her heart. Ningyue was right: "Like master, like servant!"

On a small road outside Heyimen (now Xizhimen) in Beijing, a caravan from the Southern Prefecture moved slowly.