Chapter 175

Fu Tingjun narrowed her eyes slightly.

Being glib-tongued, twisting black into white, and still able to say it with such righteous indignation—that was truly not something an ordinary person could pull off.

"Whether the engagement is called off is indeed not something Young Master Yu alone can decide," she said unhurriedly. "However, matters of the elders have their own reasoning. I will naturally go and ask. What I want to know right now is Young Master Yu's reason." As she spoke, she raised an eyebrow, a flicker of contempt passing through her eyes. "Or perhaps Young Master Yu has some difficulty of his own? How is it that I hear from Zuo Junjie that the elders of the Yu family do not agree to the annulment?"

A trace of chagrin flashed through Young Master Yu's eyes before vanishing.

Fu Tingjun saw it clearly and gained a bit more faith in Zuo Junjie's words. She continued, "Every time I think of this matter, I find it strange. Our Fu family has an unblemished reputation—how could anyone come up with such an ill-conceived scheme? Anyone with half a brain would immediately see that something was amiss. Moreover, your esteemed father is a man who has entered the cabinet as a prime minister—how could his methods be so petty? His vision so shallow? His perspective so narrow? Where is the slightest hint of a man who bears the world in his heart! Now that I've heard Zuo Junjie's account, I feel suddenly enlightened. It just goes to show that people are divided into grades. The highest sort conduct themselves with righteousness and honor, the middle sort uphold loyalty and integrity, and only the lowest sort, for their own selfish gain, cast aside propriety, righteousness, honor, and shame, and commit such jaw-dropping foolishness—while still believing themselves clever. In the end, they lift a rock only to drop it on their own feet, and can't even cry out in pain..."

As Young Master Yu listened, his smile gradually faded, a glint of irritation flickering in his eyes. Gone was the spring-breeze demeanor he had worn just moments before.

Fu Tingjun sneered inwardly at the sight, yet her expression remained serene and composed: "Why does Young Master Yu's face look so grim? I had observed that Young Master Yu carried himself with elegance, quite like a modest gentleman—how is it that a few words have transformed him into a different person? Surely Young Master Yu only enjoys reading annotated examination essays and never delves deeply into poetry and song, or else he would know that the saying 'a gentleman is like jade' refers on the surface to one's bearing and appearance, but in truth speaks to one's character and cultivation. Otherwise, how could there be the saying, 'one who is filled with learning radiates brilliance'? It seems Young Master Yu still needs to put more effort into cultivating his conduct and virtue..."

This speech turned Young Master Yu's face ashen.

A cold sternness crossed his features, and he said, "Mrs. Zhao, do you think this display of verbal sparring is meaningful? There's no need for veiled words between sensible people..."

"Young Master Yu is mistaken!" Fu Tingjun coldly cut off Yu Jingxiu's words. "Without understanding the facts, one cannot discuss right and wrong. If we cannot establish the reasoning between us before discussing anything else, then that would indeed be mere verbal sparring!" With that, she shifted her tone and said, "However, I also feel that you and I walk different paths and cannot work together—there is no point in continuing this conversation." Her expression turned serious, and she said solemnly, "I only wish to know this: marriage is meant to unite two families in goodwill. Since Young Master Yu wishes to annul the engagement, which already goes against the original purpose of the union, why not state your reasons openly and honestly to the elders? From what I understand, your esteemed father has always been known for his integrity..." Her gaze toward Yu Jingxiu grew increasingly sharp. "Could it be that the reason Young Master Yu wishes to annul the engagement... does not hold water?" By the end, her eyes blazed like torches.

Her aggressive demeanor startled Yu Jingxiu considerably.

Thank heavens he hadn't married this Madam Fu—otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to endure a single day of such a life!

A woman as fierce as her—probably only that rough-and-tumble Zhao Ling could stomach her.

He silently mocked both Zhao Ling and Fu Tingjun with some malice, then said, "If my reason did not hold water, how could your esteemed father have agreed to the annulment? It's just that a son does not speak of his father's faults. Although our two families failed to form a marital alliance, your esteemed father is still an elder, and I have always regarded him as such. There are some things that should not be spoken by me. The reason I rushed over today is precisely to clarify matters with Mrs. Zhao, lest certain things remain bottled up in everyone's hearts and, over time, grow into an unresolvable misunderstanding. After all, you are now married and I am now wed—if for no other reason, for the sake of avoiding suspicion, we must both give this careful thought." As he spoke, he glanced at Jin Yuanbao, who had been sitting silently with eyes downcast, nose aligned with heart, drinking tea without a word. "Although Lord Zhao is broad-minded, even he cannot withstand Mrs. Zhao repeatedly dredging up matters of the past! I offer these words from the bottom of my heart—I ask that Mrs. Zhao consider them carefully."

Jin Yuanbao had long been seething with indignation as he listened. Seeing the spearhead now pointed at his side, he could no longer hold back. With a laugh, he said, "It's clear that Lord Yu knows nothing about my elder brother's character. To be honest, my elder brother has also been very curious about what exactly happened back then that caused the Fu family to misunderstand my sister-in-law so deeply that they forced her to take her own life. That's why, ever since we caught sight of Zuo Junjie, my elder brother went out of his way to use Teacher Yao's connections to have me transferred to the capital and even let me stay at his home. First, he was worried that Zuo Junjie, cornered like a desperate dog, might do something to harm lives, so he had me protect my sister-in-law's safety. Second, he wanted me to urge the Five Cities Military Patrol to find Zuo Junjie as soon as possible, so as to fulfill my sister-in-law's wish. There are some things Lord Yu may not know—when my sister-in-law was fleeing the famine, she encountered bandits. To preserve her chastity, she was about to slit her own throat with a blade. Had the Emperor not arrived in time to save her, she would have lost her life. And before the Grand Empress Dowager bestowed the marriage upon my elder brother and sister-in-law, she summoned my sister-in-law to the palace and questioned her about those very events. The reason my sister-in-law is so eager to get to the bottom of this matter is also for the sake of the Fu and Yu families—lest the Emperor one day think to ask about it and my sister-in-law not know how to respond, causing the Emperor to misunderstand the Fu and Yu families. That would be most unfortunate. This is also why, when my sister-in-law heard Zuo Junjie say this was Young Master Yu's idea, she was so anxious to find Young Master Yu and ask him directly!"

Using Teacher Yao and the Emperor to intimidate him—how could Yu Jingxiu not see through that?

A flicker of darkness passed through his eyes, adding a hint of sinister gloom to his otherwise bright features.

If it weren't for that very reason, why would he have come personally the moment he got word, wasting so many words on that Madam Fu!

Over the past two years, the Emperor had been frequently rotating military posts. At the latest by the end of this year, the reassignment of all regional military commissions would be complete. If nothing unexpected happened, by next spring the Emperor would begin rectifying civil officials... His father had entered the Grand Secretariat last among his peers, and since the Emperor favored a steady approach to governance, his father would be the most likely candidate to succeed Shen Shichong as Grand Secretary. Thus, this autumn and next spring were critical—absolutely nothing could leak out that might give the censors grounds for impeachment...

This Madam Fu was utterly impervious to reason. It seemed he would have to use other means!

With that thought, Yu Jingxiu smiled slightly, once again regaining the elegant bearing of a refined gentleman. "The Yu family is a household of farming and scholarship, with poetry and classics passed down through generations. Though I cannot claim to be bursting with learning, I have read the works of the sages and consider myself to walk upright and stand straight, with nothing I cannot say before others. I came with good intentions, yet Madam Zhao regards me with such wariness. It seems nothing I say will be heard. Very well then, I shall say no more. Since that Zuo Junjie claims I orchestrated this matter, let Madam Zhao hand him over to the authorities. When we confront each other in court, the two lords of the Fu family will surely have their explanations to give." With that, he rose and clasped his hands toward Fu Tingjun. "I shall take my leave now. If I receive a summons from the Shuntian Prefecture, I will certainly come to clarify matters." Then, with a posture as straight as a pine, he turned and walked toward the door.

Threatening me?

Fu Tingjun watched his retreating figure and curled her lips in contempt.

If your father were just an ordinary capital official, I might hesitate for Zhao Ling's sake. But your father is now a Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat. If we go to court, aren't you afraid your father will be drowned in the censors' spittle?

"Then we shall see each other in court," she said, her voice clear and bright as she answered Yu Jingxiu. "However, one of our families is a third-rank military official with merit of following the dragon, and the other is a renowned Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat. I wonder if the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, upon receiving our petition, might not refer it to the Court of Judicial Review!"

Yu Jingxiu's elegantly poised figure faltered for a moment.

Thinking you can bluff me because I'm a woman of the inner chambers? Not a chance.

Fu Tingjun watched with a disdainful snort and loudly instructed Yanqing: "See our guest out!"

Yu Jingxiu barely restrained himself from turning back, his face dark as he walked out of the Zhao residence.

His attendant Songyan, who had served him since childhood and had accompanied him here, was shocked to see his young master's expression so grim.

After all, their young master always appeared gentle and refined no matter the circumstances!

He hurried forward, asking in a worried whisper: "Young Master, what's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Yu Jingxiu let out a long breath and looked up at the cloudless azure sky of mid-spring.

The war in Guizhou was going smoothly. Zhao Ling would be returning to the capital in triumph around May, and there would surely be another round of commendations.

He needed to move quickly!

"Let's go to Sixi Lane," Yu Jingxiu instructed Songyan. "It's been a long time since I've tasted the Longjing tea that Lord Fu brews. Let's go today and see whether his Longjing is still as fragrant and crisp as it once was."

Songyan's eyes flickered subtly, and his expression toward Yu Jingxiu showed a hint of proud admiration.

He quickly bowed in acknowledgment and helped Yu Jingxiu into the carriage.

In the southern hall of the Zhao residence, Fu Tingjun asked A Sen, "Has that man surnamed Yu left?"

A Sen nodded, looking at her with some concern. "It seems he went to Sixi Hutong."

Fu Tingjun showed no surprise upon hearing this, only nodding with a hint of melancholy.

Seeing this, Jin Yuanbao quickly said, "Sister-in-law, how about we also pay a visit to Sixi Hutong? If Lord Fu knows that we are not afraid of the Yu family, perhaps he might tell you the truth about what happened back then..."

Fu Tingjun shook her head. "Even a woman and child like me can think of that—how could my husband not have thought of it as well? There's no point in bringing that up now. All you need to do is keep a close watch on Zuo Junjie. As long as he remains in our hands, we hold the advantage, and they will have no choice but to negotiate with us!" After a pause, she added, "Uncle Jin, I'd like to write a letter to my eldest uncle. Please deliver it to him as quickly as possible."

Jin Yuanbao was momentarily taken aback.

"Since they're all unwilling to speak, we'll just have to stir the waters ourselves," Fu Tingjun said with a faint smile upon seeing his reaction. "I believe my eldest uncle must have his own thoughts on the matter as well!"

Jin Yuanbao's expression relaxed, and he nodded with a smile. "I will follow your instructions, sister-in-law."