Les beautés de la dynastie Song

Chapitre 11

"What do you mean by that?" This is a custom passed down from our ancestors. What does it have to do with men?

"The saying goes, 'Women adorn themselves for those who appreciate them.' If it weren't for men's preference for 'three-inch golden lotuses,' would women need to bind their feet?" As far as she knew, women who didn't bind their feet seemed unable to get married.

"Don't you like your feet?" Judging from her tone, that seemed to be the case. Ouyang Tianyun didn't understand. Most women were very satisfied with their small feet and even considered them something to brag about.

"Of course I don't like it!" It would be a problem if she did. "What? You like your woman to have bound feet?"

"I wouldn't say I like her, it's just that all the women around me are like this, I'm used to it." When they reached the pavilion, Ouyang Tianyun carefully helped her sit down, while he sat on the other side.

"Thanks!"

"Where did you learn those things?" he suddenly asked.

"What?"

"I mean, who taught you your Korean language and business acumen? Did your father hire a tutor for you?" He was very curious about the source of her knowledge. In ordinary wealthy families, they would only hire tutors to teach their daughters the three obediences and four virtues, as well as needlework.

Oh no! She'd forgotten Tianyu's warning: the original owner of this body was illiterate, only good at embroidery and playing the zither. How could she speak Korean or do business? She'd played the wrong role again!

It's alright, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. "Um... I learned it secretly, I... Dad doesn't know." He probably won't investigate, right?

"Really?" Ouyang Tianyun looked at her suspiciously, his eyes clearly showing his disbelief.

"Yes!" To prove that what she said was true, Su Yuyin nodded vigorously, and said to Ouyang Tianyun in a serious tone, "Promise me that no one else can know about this."

"Why?" He looked at her with a smile, realizing that she was actually quite cute.

Why?! Why does he talk so much? How is she supposed to know why? Where is she supposed to find the reason behind his random, made-up excuse?

"Because...because...oh dear! I just don't want anyone else to know. So, are you going to agree or not?"

"Okay, I promise you!" He didn't want more people to know about her talent; he just wanted to keep her good qualities to himself.

"Really?" Su Yuyin's eyes widened, feigning excitement. "No taking it back! You swear it!"

A vow? Men's vows have never been very credible, not since ancient times. She wasn't foolish enough to believe a man's promise. But this matter was irrelevant; it didn't matter how many people knew she could speak Korean. Saying this now was just to cover up the lie she'd just told.

"I swear," he said firmly, a smile playing on his lips.

Upon hearing his answer, Su Yuyin gave him a big smile. Men... are actually quite easy to coax!

What a beautiful smile! Ouyang Tianyun was instantly captivated. A beautiful smile, quick wit, and a wealth of talent—such a woman was truly rare. For a moment, he almost thought he had fallen in love with her.

Good heavens! What is he thinking? Ouyang Tianyun shook his head, banishing the inappropriate thoughts. The person he loves should be Mei'er; it's impossible for him to be attracted to other women. He only admires her. Yes, that's it!

Just then, a servant came over.

"What is it?" Ouyang Tianyun asked.

"Young Master, something has happened to the Third Young Master. The Master wants you to go there immediately." The servant dared not delay and reported the truth.

What is this guy up to now? Su Yuyin wondered.

"What's wrong with the third brother again?" It's one thing for this third brother not to do anything for the family, but why is he always causing trouble outside?

"I didn't know!"

"I understand. Go tell the master I'm coming right away." He waved the servant away and turned to Su Yuyin, saying, "Let's go together. Perhaps you can help me out."

"This...this is your family matter, it's not appropriate for me, an outsider, to interfere, is it?" What business is it of hers? She couldn't care less! Besides, with Ouyang Tianyu's cautious nature, what trouble could he possibly cause!

"You're the eldest daughter-in-law of the Ouyang family, haven't you forgotten?" Ouyang Tianyun said unhappily. For some reason, he was very unhappy to hear her call him an "outsider."

She didn't know what he was angry about, but with the title of "Young Mistress" looming over her, she had no reason to refuse and had no choice but to obediently go with him. What could she do? She had "borrowed" his body.

"Let's go."

They rushed to the study and found Master Ouyang and his two other sons there. Ouyang Tianyu was kneeling on the ground with a mournful face, while Master Ouyang was angrily scolding his son.

"Father, what exactly happened?" This wasn't the first time Ouyang Tianyun had seen such a scene. He glanced at his third brother as he entered and asked.

"Let him tell me himself what good things he's done!" Master Ouyang was furious. How could he have such a good-for-nothing son?

"Big brother, save me! Save me!" Ouyang Tianyu knelt down in front of his elder brother, grabbed Ouyang Tianyun's leg, and begged bitterly. Every time he got into trouble, his elder brother would always help him get out of trouble.

Su Yuyin, on the other hand, just watched them silently. She didn't know what tricks Tian Yu was playing, and speaking rashly would only ruin his plans.

"Then tell me quickly what happened? Otherwise, how can I save you?" Ouyang Tianyun sighed. Although he and his two younger brothers were not born to the same mother, they were still blood brothers. How could he stand by and watch them die?

"I...I injured that brat Leng...Leng Yixuan." Ouyang Tianyu stammered, glancing at his older brother's face every now and then.

"Hmph! Injured? You almost beat that Young Master Leng to death, and he still hasn't woken up!" Master Ouyang's anger was out of control. Did he intend to ruin the Ouyang family? "Do you even know that Leng Yixuan is the only son of Leng Hao, the Grand Commander of the Six Doors? Leng Hao also has Prime Minister Lin behind him. They definitely won't let us off the hook."

"Then... what should I do? Big brother, you must save me!" Ouyang Tianyu's voice was trembling, and he was just short of bursting into tears.

“That Leng Yixuan is no good either, and he always likes to go against our Green Jade Manor. He often takes advantage of being drunk to run wild on our territory. Last time he even smashed up the restaurant.” The second brother, who hadn’t spoken until now, said, and this time the third brother finally got his revenge.

Ha! Tianyu injured the son of the "Six Doors" Grand Commander? That's probably just an act for show. Maybe he's in cahoots with Leng Yixuan. Only Su Yuyin, who knows the inside story, would think that way!

"But we shouldn't have beaten them half to death! We can't afford to offend either Leng Hao or Prime Minister Lin!" They were law-abiding businessmen. Even though they had some reputation in the martial arts world, they couldn't afford to offend the Prime Minister, who was second only to the Emperor.

“Third brother was too insensible this time.” Ouyang Tianyun scolded lightly. Although his brother had made a big fuss, he was still quite pleased that Leng Yixuan had learned a lesson. “Father, how about this, let third brother go out and lay low for a while, and come back when things have calmed down. As for the Six Doors, I have some connections with the Qi Prince’s Mansion, so they should give the Qi Prince face.”

"That's the only way," said Master Ouyang, rubbing his forehead. "Tianyun, I'm leaving this matter to you."

"Yes, Father!"