Mon premier mari après ma transmigration

Chapitre 31

Yu Yang greeted them with a smile.

Danmei smiled, exchanged a few polite words, and then stopped beating around the bush, saying directly, "Your Highness is of noble birth, yet you have traveled so far to come here to meet me. I suppose you must have something to say, so please speak frankly."

Yu Yang was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Sister, you are truly a straightforward person. Then I will not beat around the bush. Do you know why he left his post and where he went?"

Danmei felt a slight tightness in her heart and looked at her without saying a word.

Yu Yang reached for his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said, “Someone sent a secret letter to the capital, accusing Lord Xu of lax household management, where a dispute in the backyard led to a fire. This is his misconduct, making him unfit to serve in the court—that’s one point. His own misconduct is bad enough, but he also caused damage to neighboring houses, burning them down and causing widespread resentment, which harms the court’s reputation—that’s another point. But that’s not all. The most difficult thing is…” He glanced at Danmei and sighed, “Since the founding emperor, our dynasty has strictly forbidden officials from competing with the people for profit in business. Yet this secret letter not only accuses Lord Xu of secretly engaging in this business, but also includes a list of his dozen or so properties, complete with their names and addresses, claiming that only a tenth or a twelfth of them are actually owned. Although they are all registered under other people’s names, they are all under his name, which can be easily verified. Sister, imagine if such a secret letter falls into the hands of the censor…” He then sighed.

Danmei grew increasingly alarmed as she listened. No wonder Steward Xu had rushed in so early that morning, and even Xu Jinrong had risked being accused of desertion to disappear without a trace. It turned out that such a thing had happened, yet he had kept it a secret from her. So, his previous departure must have been to make way for something?

Chunniang caused a fire that affected the surrounding neighborhoods. Although the victims were quickly appeased and the servants in the mansion were ordered to keep quiet, it was still a huge fire that alarmed the entire city, and it happened in the prefectural government office. It was normal for someone with malicious intentions to try every means to find out.

For a fourth-rank prefect's private quarters to be embroiled in a fire caused by his wives and concubines, resulting in death and disturbing the people, if such a matter were to be used by someone with ulterior motives to impeach him, even if he didn't ultimately face a serious crime, he would certainly lose face in front of the emperor and his officials, and would be unable to continue in officialdom. As for the third matter, what Yu Yang said was not just empty threats; there is indeed such a law.

Nowadays, business is all the rage. From imperial relatives to local officials, all officials, though aware of the prohibition, seven or eight out of ten secretly seek other avenues for wealth. Danmei knows that even her mother, Qin, used to secretly own several shops without her father's knowledge. Although the emperor is fully aware, he turns a blind eye as long as nothing serious happens, as long as the law doesn't punish everyone.

I remember the year I first arrived here, my father came home one day and mentioned a Grand Master of Ceremonies named Li in the imperial court. He said that the Grand Master of Ceremonies had offended an imperial censor, who found out that he owned dozens of shops and was in business. The evidence was conclusive, and in the end, he was not only dismissed from his post, but his shops were also confiscated by the government.

Although Father brought up that matter merely to admonish Qin Shi and his son and daughter-in-law not to follow in his footsteps, it also shows that when necessary, it could indeed be a crime. For an official like Xu Jinrong, who was not originally from the orthodox civil service examination system, if he were implicated and even had some of his properties listed in such detail, and if the censor were to impeach him relentlessly, the consequences could be severe or minor.

Xu Jinrong was a cautious man who never showed his true colors in public. Having entered officialdom, he should have been prepared for such matters in the past. Where exactly did things go wrong to lead to this passive situation today? And judging from Yu Yang's tone, it's as if this secret letter is still being suppressed.

Danmei was in a state of turmoil. She lowered her head and pondered for a moment before finally managing to suppress the chaos in her heart. She looked up at Yu Yang opposite her and said, "I suppose the princess didn't come here just to talk to me about this. If there's anything else, please say it all at once."

Seeing her composure, Yu Yang felt a sense of admiration. He put away his smile and said seriously, "What you say is quite right. He is quite lucky. That secret letter is currently in my father's hands and has not yet reached the emperor's ears. If it were anyone else, they would not need to go through all this trouble and would simply present it directly. However, my father has always valued him highly and cherished his talent. He does not want to cut off his future, so he specifically informed him. It all depends on his own decision now."

Having said that, Danmei understood perfectly. That old prince was notoriously greedy and avaricious in the capital; he probably valued wealth more than talent now. If he could win Xu Jinrong over to his side, it would be like finding a treasure trove—why not? As for this Princess Yuyang…

“When you were in the capital, you must have heard some rumors about me, right?” Yu Yang smiled faintly as Danmei stared at her and said, “When I was fifteen, I married the top scholar from the Minister’s mansion. Everyone said I had found a handsome and perfect husband, but who knew that he never entered my room again after our wedding night? Do you know why?”

"He dislikes women, only enjoys mingling with men. He'd rather expose his ass to men and behave in the most shameful way than even glance at me." Yu Yang sneered, flicking away a tea leaf that had clung to the rim of her teacup with her slender, delicate fingers. "How could I be a self-pitying person? Outsiders say I had an affair with that guard, but so what? He knew how to cherish and care for me. Men can seek pleasure, but women can't act as they please? He was so depraved that he contracted chancre and died—that was his own fault, what does it have to do with me? The funniest thing is that in the end, they even blamed me, saying he was driven to his death by me, which is why he died young. It's utterly ridiculous! Most men in the world are shameless. When I first married, I was young and ignorant and obeyed my parents. But when I remarry, they have no say in the matter. I'll marry whoever I like, and if not, I'd rather cut my hair and become a nun!"

Danmei recalled the many rumors she had heard about Yu Yang before, which were nothing more than his talent and romantic nature. She never expected that he would have such a hidden story...

"Now that I'm here, I won't hide anything anymore. Two years ago, I happened to see him at the Prince's mansion, and I've admired him ever since, determined to marry no one but him. Sister, I'm not trying to criticize you, but the root of his misfortune today lies with you. A man's heart is elsewhere; he wouldn't be so focused on his own household. As his legal wife, why didn't you take measures to control these concubines? If you really couldn't stand it, you could have had them sold off. If you had even a shred of concern for him, you wouldn't have done something like this, giving others leverage to harm him. If you think I'm wrong, sister, I apologize and pretend I didn't say anything."

Yu Yang looked at Danmei with her beautiful eyes, her gaze full of confusion.

Danmei remained silent until she left Danfeng Pavilion and sat in the carriage on her way back. Yu Yang's words kept echoing in her ears.

Her feelings for Xu Jinrong were self-evident. Now that she had come here specifically, she must have felt that she had finally found a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which was why she was finally coming clean with him, right? Recalling what she had just said, Danmei sighed deeply and closed her eyes, leaning against the carriage wall.

Whether Yu Yang was suitable for Xu Jinrong, Danmei didn't know. But she knew that Xu Jinrong was not lucky to have a wife like her, which was why he and she were both so exhausted.

Author's Note: ~~~

Chapter Seventy-Three

Yu Yang disappeared quietly after their meeting at Danfeng Pavilion, as if he had never been there. But Danmei began an extremely agonizing period of anxiety and waiting.

Yu Yang's words had a profound impact on her. As Xu Jinrong's wife, she was largely to blame for the unexpected disaster that had befallen him.

She was worried about Xu Jinrong and was waiting for his return.

If it weren't for this unexpected incident that caught Xu Jinrong off guard, she might have chosen to leave him for a while, allowing both of them to truly examine their own hearts without each other, just as she had originally planned.

But now, he's encountered considerable trouble because of her, and this could very well be a major obstacle for him. She feels she has no right to simply walk away. She needs to wait for him to return, find out his thoughts, and then make a decision.

More than a month after he left, on a bleak winter night, he finally returned.

Aside from the dust and frost that had settled on him, he looked no different from before. If it weren't for that meeting with Yu Yang, and his nonchalant reply that the matter was resolved, she thought she would have believed him.

"Why do you always hide things from me? You've always been like this." Danmei looked at him and sighed. "I know you're afraid I'll worry, and I know you're doing it for my own good. But do you know how I feel being kept in the dark like this? If you truly consider me your wife, you should let me know if anything happens. Even if I can't help you much, I'll share the burden with you."

Xu Jinrong was somewhat surprised. He stared at her for a moment, then finally put his arm around her waist and gently pulled her into his embrace.

"Something did happen. Someone was secretly trying to harm me, but it's been resolved now, so don't worry about it."

Danmei sighed inwardly once again.

Even now, he still doesn't want her to know the truth. Does he think she's a delicate orchid in a greenhouse, truly immune to the slightest frost?

She looked up at him and finally nodded: "Since you say so, then I believe you. It's good that it's really resolved."

Xu Jinrong smiled and lowered his head to kiss her forehead.

***

"Steward, I know you've served the master for many years and are his confidant. He was secretly plotted against this time, and when he came back, he told me he was alright. Do you really think he's alright?"

The next day, after Xu Jinrong left, Danmei summoned Steward Xu and, after dismissing everyone else, asked him this question.

Steward Xu seemed surprised by Danmei's question, and a hint of hesitation flashed across his face.

“I know that he has been secretly reported for not managing his household properly, causing his wives and concubines to fight and bring disaster to the people, and that he is also involved in business. Just tell me the truth.”

Butler Xu's expression changed, and he stood there for a long time before suddenly kneeling down and kowtowing respectfully.

He was older than Xu Jinrong and had a certain prestige in the household. Although he had always been respectful to Danmei, such behavior was rare for him.

Danmei's heart sank.

"Since Madam already knows, and is questioning me in this way, I will boldly say some things that I shouldn't have to say. Madam is absolutely right; Your Excellency has indeed been secretly plotted against. That secret letter fell into the hands of Prince Chong in the capital, who then used it to blackmail you. Your Excellency personally went to negotiate in secret, and now everything else has been settled, except for one thing..."

Butler Xu paused, glanced at Danmei, and hesitated.

"Steward, please speak freely."

Steward Xu gritted his teeth and said, "Prince Chong wanted to win you over, and his method was to arrange a marriage between the two families, but you refused. Prince Chong did not press the matter further, but instead conceded and told you to come back and weigh the matter carefully before giving him a reply."

As he spoke, Steward Xu kowtowed to Danmei again and continued, "Madam, I have served Lord Xu for many years and have witnessed firsthand the countless difficulties he has overcome to achieve this situation. Since Prince Chong has already shown his determination and is even willing to lower himself to such an extent, he is certainly determined to succeed. Lord Xu also has leverage over him, leaving him with no way out. If we were to truly humiliate him, the consequences would be dire. I cannot bear to see Lord Xu's years of hard work destroyed in an instant. Lord Xu is only thinking of you, Madam, which is why he has not been able to speak to you. I beg you to understand Lord Xu's predicament."

A faint bitter feeling welled up in Danmei's heart.

“These words should not be spoken by a servant like me. But since Madam has summoned me today, she must be thinking of you, sir, so I will humbly say a few more words. Madam is virtuous and gentle, and I have always held her in high esteem. But the current situation is truly extraordinary. Your sir's current predicament is, in essence, related to Madam. The reason you are so unwilling to budge is simply because you do not want Madam to suffer. If Madam could persuade you with some words, perhaps you would listen. Although Madam has suffered some injustice, you will surely respect her even more in the future, and I will be extremely grateful for your understanding and righteousness.” With that, he respectfully kowtowed three more times.

That night, Danmei couldn't sleep a wink.

***

"You're getting bolder and bolder! How dare you make such decisions without my permission!"

In the study, Xu Jinrong slammed his hand on the table, causing the pen holder to bounce slightly under his force.

Steward Xu knelt down with a thud, kowtowed heavily, and then raised his head, saying, "I know I have overstepped my bounds and acted without authorization, and deserve to die. That is why I have come before you, sir, to beg for forgiveness. Whatever punishment you may give, I will gladly accept it. But sir, please forgive my bluntness, but your actions now are truly indecisive compared to before, lacking the decisiveness of your former self. I have served you for many years and know that your current situation is hard-won. If you offend the Chong Prince's Mansion today and bring disaster upon yourself, it will be fine, but even your wife, whom you are currently trying to protect, and the old lady in the capital will likely be implicated. I see that although your wife is gentle, she is not someone who is blind to the bigger picture. As for what to do, sir, you are too caught up in the situation to see clearly, but I'm afraid your wife understands it better than you do."

Xu Jinrong gripped the pen with one hand, and with a snap, the bamboo tube broke in two.

"My lord... the only course of action now is to agree to this and appease the Prince Chong's household. Only then can we proceed cautiously. Do you truly intend to jeopardize your future with this letter of denunciation?"

As Butler Xu spoke, his voice became somewhat choked with emotion.

"Get out. I know what I should do. From now on, you are not allowed to say another word to Madam without my permission."

Xu Jinrong's face darkened. He stared at him for a moment and said coldly.

Steward Xu's face darkened. He kowtowed again before getting up to leave. But when he opened the door, he froze. Standing there was Madam, who had arrived at some unknown time. She must have overheard the conversation between the two in the study.

Steward Xu bowed to Danmei, then hurriedly left.

"You can agree to the matter concerning the princess. There's no need to worry about me offending the prince and jeopardizing my future."

Danmei approached Xu Jinrong and smiled slightly at him.

Xu Jinrong's face immediately turned very ugly. He tightened his chin and remained silent.

Danmei sighed, stood behind him, straightened his collar, and then slowly said, "If it were any other matter, I wouldn't say such things to you. But this matter truly concerns your career, your future, and even your life. If you were to ruin your years of hard work because of me, I would never be able to eat or sleep properly for the rest of my life. So, Ziqing, what Steward Xu said earlier is not wrong. Even for my sake, you must not do anything inappropriate."

Xu Jinrong grasped her outstretched hand and pulled her onto his lap, his brows furrowing as he looked at her: "You really don't mind if I marry another woman and abandon you?"

Danmei looked at him for a moment, then smiled and shook her head slightly, saying, "Ziqing, I was foolish before, only pursuing the so-called 'one life, one love' relationship. Now I realize that this was truly greed. It is because of my greed that your family is in turmoil, a life has been lost in vain, and this disaster has occurred. No matter how ignorant I am, I would never dare to joke about your future again."

Xu Jinrong reached out and gently stroked her cheek, sighing, "Your behavior... makes me truly ashamed of myself, blaming myself for being useless and thus controlled by others. Don't worry, even if I agree, it's only a temporary measure. Once this matter is over, I will definitely give you an explanation."

"I know your feelings for me, and I am already very grateful. That's enough. What more do I need from you? There is just one thing I want to ask of you."

Danmei rested her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and whispered.

"Tell me. If it's within my power, I will definitely agree."

"So many things have happened these past few days, and I've been very uneasy. I haven't been able to eat or sleep, and I keep having dreams about being at my parents' home in Suzhou. When I wake up, I feel very melancholy. Now that Liang-ge's health is gradually stabilizing, with the wet nurse and maid taking good care of him, I think he should be fine. If you agree, I'd like to go to my parents' home in Suzhou for a short stay to clear my head. What do you think?"

Xu Jinrong looked down at her and saw that her face was pale and there were faint dark circles under her eyes. Thinking of the many troubles she had endured for the past six months, he realized how difficult it had been for her. His own thorny problem was not yet fully resolved, so he decided to follow her wishes and send her to her parents' home in Suzhou to recuperate for a while. Even if he agreed to the marriage with the Prince Chong's family, it would only be a temporary measure. After some time, when a solution was found that satisfied both sides, he could bring her back. It would be a win-win situation. He nodded and said, "That's fine. I'll send you there when I have some free time."

Danmei shook her head and said, "I know you're very busy right now, so there's no need to specially send me there. The road isn't very far, I can go by myself. If you're worried, you can send a few more people to take me."

Xu Jinrong pondered for a moment, then finally agreed: "Alright. I'll have Jiang Rui escort you there. You can stay with your mother for a while, and I'll come to pick you up myself."

Danmei nodded and agreed.

Having decided to go to Suzhou, she packed her things in a few days. Hui-jie, who hadn't been able to go last time, eagerly wanted to go with Danmei this time. Xiqing thought the madam would take her, but instead, she gently persuaded Hui-jie to stay. Hui-jie, helpless, had no choice but to give up. No one else seemed to notice anything amiss, except Xiqing, who sensed something was off about the madam. The day before departure, Xiqing noticed some bank notes and valuables in one of the bundles she had packed. Suspicion arose, but she dared not ask further, keeping it to herself and secretly observing her every move.

On the day of departure, Xu Jinrong personally saw Danmei off out of the city. After their farewells, the ship set sail and headed south. Danmei and Xiqing Miaoxia were on one ship, followed by the accompanying ships of Jiang Rui and others.

As dusk fell, the boat came to a stop at a ferry crossing. Xiqing brought the medicine, which had been brewed and warmed in the outer room, to Danmei's inner room and said softly, "Madam, it's time to take your medicine."

Danmei was reclining on a soft couch, reading by candlelight, and mumbled, "Just leave it there."

"It's ready to drink now. If it cools down any further, the medicine won't be ready."

He laughed joyfully.

Danmei put down her book, glanced at the medicine in the bowl, and sighed, "Xiqing, you don't need to bother brewing this anymore."

Chapter Seventy-Four

Xi Qing was stunned for a moment, then suddenly his face lit up with joy, and he asked cautiously, "Madam, are you perhaps pregnant?"

Danmei was taken aback, then shook her head slightly and said, "Do I look like I'm pregnant? I've been drinking it for almost half a year and I'm already tired of it. I'm too lazy to drink it anymore."

Xiqing looked troubled, thought for a moment, and stepped forward to persuade her: "Madam, the old doctor once said that the most important thing to avoid with this medicine is to stop taking it. It must be taken slowly and you can stop taking it once you are pregnant."

Danmei smiled and said, "It's kind of you to be so careful. But you really don't need to take this medicine."

Although she still smiled as she spoke, Xiqing's tone was very firm. Having served her for so long, she naturally knew her temper. When she got stubborn, even her own master had no choice but to give in. Helpless, she could only nod in agreement.

The ship traveled very fast and entered Suzhou City in about half a month.

When Madam Qin suddenly saw her daughter arrive again, she was overjoyed to learn that her son-in-law had been busy with official duties lately and had sent her daughter back to her parents' home for a short stay out of the way. Because Danmei had applied makeup to her face, her complexion was made even more vibrant, so nothing could be seen. She only muttered a few words about how thin she still looked.

Jiang Rui and his guards delivered the person and rested for the night before heading back to Huaichu the next day. Just before he was about to leave, Xiqing stopped him and handed him a tightly sealed envelope.

"This is……"

Jiang Rui was somewhat puzzled.