Chapter 253

The moment she stepped down from the carriage, she froze.

She knew Fu Tingjun's temperament well—if you had reason on your side, she was gentler than anyone; if you did not, no matter who you were, she would stand straight-backed and unbending. Fifth Uncle was, after all, an elder. If he scolded her a few words, Fu Tingjun would be disrespectful if she answered back, and if she stayed silent, wouldn't she be suffering injustice for nothing?

So it turned out that Sanyuan Lane and Sixi Lane were right next to each other.

"If you don't indulge them, they won't come to see you anymore?" Third Cousin said dismissively. "Children raised like that won't amount to anything when they grow up."

Madam Wu's heart settled considerably.

Fu Tingjun couldn't help feeling a bit apologetic, saying, "Why don't you go in and take a look after all, Third Sister? You can't just avoid the Fu family entirely because of me! That matter is between me and the Fu family—it has nothing to do with you."

Third Cousin couldn't help furrowing her brows.

The contempt in her tone, impossible to conceal, immediately turned Fifth Master Fu's face green.

Fu Tingjun was utterly astonished.

Fu Tingjun thought it was Third Cousin returning and paid it no mind, but who would have expected that when the curtain was lifted, in walked Fifth Master Fu instead.

Fu Tingjun laughed so hard tears came to her eyes: "So it's just that Eldest Uncle wants to move somewhere else? You have no plans of your own?"

Fifth Cousin cast her a grateful look.

But Fu Tingjun pondered for a moment, then turned and stood still, smiling at Fifth Master Fu who had chased after her: "May I ask what advice Lord Fu has to offer?"

The two chatted as they quickly arrived at the place Third Cousin had rented.

On that side, Third Brother-in-law had gone to the yamen, and Third Cousin's heart had settled along with it.

What kind of performance was this?

Fu Tingjun and Fifth Cousin couldn't help exchanging a glance.

If she truly cared about him, how could she not even remember the names of his children properly?

Truly, a leopard cannot change its spots.

"No!" Third Cousin's attitude was resolute. "Please, just find us another place!" She insisted on leaving.

The broker thought this deal was all but sealed and would never have thought to take them elsewhere to look.

Fu Tingjun nodded, chatting with Chunbing and Yuanxiao.

Fu Tingjun knew that Third Cousin was being considerate of her feelings, and was very grateful, saying, "It's not that I'm afraid to see Fifth Master Fu, but rather that I'm worried the two of us will stir up trouble in your household. If Third Brother-in-law and Chunbing and Yuanxiao see it, they might come to think lightly of the rest of the Fu family."

Fu Tingjun's expression darkened slightly, and just as she stood up, Fifth Master Fu spoke in a gentle tone: "Quanhui is here too! What a coincidence. Why didn't you bring the children? Your eldest son should be three this year, shouldn't he? I haven't seen him yet. I heard you've had another son? Very good, very good." He exchanged pleasantries with Fu Tingjun with the reserve of an elder.

"Don't go chasing after every rumor, will you?" Lord Wu shot Madam Wu a glare. "The Yu family has deep roots—if the two families clash, the Yu family might not necessarily lose. But no matter how powerful they are, they can't be more powerful than reason. Let's first find out what grievances exist between them before we make any plans."

Fu Tingjun sneered inwardly, gave a faint smile as a greeting, then said to Third Cousin: "It's getting late, and the children are still at home, so I'll be going now. I'll come visit you another time, Third Sister."

Third Cousin nodded, made an appointment with the broker, then returned to the carriage and sat down, saying to Fu Tingjun: "Since we're already out, why not come to my place for a cup of tea?"

Third Cousin then said: "If you keep spending money like this, I won't dare invite you to my home anymore."

She broke into a radiant smile, blossoming like a flower: "Lord Fu, your words are mistaken! If Third Brother obtained a position at the Ministry of Personnel, it's because he is both virtuous and talented, and has the seniority to match—what does it have to do with me?"

The sisters looked at each other in bewilderment.

And Fu Tingjun inexplicably only wanted to laugh.

A young maidservant came in to report: "Madam, Fifth Elder Master Fu has arrived, saying he wishes to see our master."

Fu Tingjun thought about how she hadn't seen Chunbing and Yuanxiao in some time, smiled and nodded, instructing Yuwei to hurry ahead and buy a few boxes of pastries to bring to the place Third Cousin had rented.

Fu Tingjun was momentarily taken aback, then smiled: "If I'd known, I would have brought her along. Do you miss her very much?"

The broker had no choice but to follow them out of Sanyuan Lane.

She only hoped Fu Tingjun would quickly leave this place of trouble.

Fu Tingjun nodded slightly, saying: "I know... after all, he is an elder."

But this way, Ninth Sister wouldn't be able to visit their home often anymore.

Third Cousin let out a sigh of relief.

Third Cousin wanted to go take a look and pulled Fu Tingjun along for company: "With such a big matter, your brother-in-law is busy from dawn to dusk every day, and I don't even have anyone to discuss it with. Come help me think it through."

She went to Shijia Hutong to discuss with Fu Tingjun: "...These good things—people with talent all flock to the capital. Not to mention the children, even I have gained much insight. Your brother-in-law and I have discussed it: we'll entrust the household affairs to a loyal steward, and we'll take up residence in the capital for a few years. If the children can make progress in their studies because of this, that would be ideal. But in that case, it would be best to purchase a house and settle down. Ninth Sister, if you know any reliable brokers, do introduce them to me."

Being apart from one's spouse is never good.

Fu Tingjun wholeheartedly agreed with Third Cousin's decision. She asked Lady Chen Shi, Madam Mo, Madam Wang, and others to help inquire about suitable residences.

"Lord Fu," Fu Tingjun said with a smile, interrupting Fifth Master Fu's words, "what exactly are you trying to say? I am quite dull-witted—you might as well speak plainly with me."

"This is a gift for your nephews—Third Sister, don't be so formal." Fu Tingjun joked, "If I treat them well now, I'm counting on them to remember my kindness and come visit me often when I'm old!"

Third Cousin pondered, then smiled: "That's true, but if I were to live here, I'd feel uneasy just thinking about it. Besides, this place is indeed a bit remote—your brother-in-law would probably have to walk nearly an hour to reach the yamen. Summer would be fine, but in winter, it would be miserable. Better to find a place closer to Bima Hutong."

Third Cousin then said to the broker, "This hutong is too narrow—carriages can't pass through easily. I think we'll pass on this one. Please find us another suitable place."

Chunbing and Yuanxiao happily stepped forward to greet her, and in unison asked Youyou: "...Why didn't you come with Ninth Aunt?" They both looked behind her.

Fifth Cousin gently shook her head at her, signaling her to leave quickly.

Behind him followed Fifth Cousin, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Madam Wu agreed, and the next day arranged for someone to relay the message to Concubine Wu.

Fifth Master Fu's expression froze, and his torrent of words came to an abrupt halt. Somewhat awkwardly, he said: "Nothing in particular... The past matters were all a misunderstanding... Now your eldest uncle has been in Jinhua for four or five years, and he's thinking of moving to a new post..."

Chunbing blushed and said nothing, but Yuanxiao nodded repeatedly, saying, "Cousin can sing songs and play cat's cradle."

Father?

Fu Tingjun smiled and agreed, riding with Third Cousin to Sanyuan Hutong.

Fifth Master Fu felt somewhat displeased and said, "Are you still holding a grudge against me for not acknowledging you? You must understand, I had no choice back then! Your eldest uncle and I were both deceived by Yu Jingxiu, which is why we announced that you had died of illness. Our Fu family is large and prestigious, with a reputation to uphold—your eldest uncle and I couldn't very well go back on our word, could we?"

"If I said I never resented you for not acknowledging me, that would be insincere." Fu Tingjun calmed herself and smiled at Fifth Master Fu. "But ever since I learned why you refused to acknowledge me, that little bit of resentment I had faded away. Still, I couldn't help but feel some regret. But today, standing here and hearing your words, I am truly glad you didn't acknowledge me." She said, revealing a look of disgust. "For the sake of power and influence, you would do anything, wouldn't you? Not only do I feel fortunate for myself, but I also feel fortunate for my mother—it's good that she passed away early. If she were to see you like this now, she would likely feel the same shame I do." Her expression turned solemn. "Fifth Master Fu, I don't know you. My father died long ago. In my heart, he was a learned and kind man who would teach me calligraphy, explain the classics to me, and show me how to conduct myself—not someone like you, who only schemes and scrapes for a bit of power, disregarding all decency and honor!" With that, she turned and strode out.

Concubine Wu was stunned into silence.

A few days later, Madam Mo sent word: "It's on Sanyuan Hutong. The location of the hutong isn't the best, but the house is about seventy percent new—three sections with three inner courtyards. The owner is in urgent need of money, so it's thirty percent cheaper than the market rate."

He wanted to say something, his lips trembling, but he swallowed his words several times.

What was he here for?

Lord Wu instructed Madam Wu: "You should also let Concubine Wu know—if anything happens over there, remember to send someone to report."

Yuwei had already arrived, handing the gift box of eight delicacies to Third Brother-in-law's personal maid, then helped Fu Tingjun out of the carriage.

In less than half an incense stick's time, footsteps sounded from outside.

The only thing that could make Fifth Master Fu bow his head was power and influence.

"Wait!" A somewhat hesitant voice came from behind them—Fifth Master Fu's. "Quanhui, I have something to ask you!"

"How dare they!" Third Cousin laughed. "If it weren't for the help of my two Fu family brothers-in-law, would he be where he is today? If he dares to look down on our Fu family's sons-in-law, I'll have words with your brother-in-law." Though she spoke thus, she knew in her heart that if Fu Tingjun and Fifth Master Fu ever came into conflict, it would ultimately be the Fu family's face that suffered. She decided to change the subject and stop discussing such troubling matters. Leaning forward, she lifted the curtain and asked the broker riding a mule beside the carriage, "Are there any more residences to see?"

He pondered for a moment, then said, "There are a few more residences that are quite nice, but they're a bit far from here. We'll have to wait until tomorrow morning to go see them."

"Don't say that, don't say that," the broker said hurriedly, eager to close the deal since the seller was anxious to unload the property and offering a high commission. "At least go inside and take a look, ladies... The row of blue bricks, the pillars freshly repainted, and a few fine antique pieces—I guarantee you'll fall in love with them at first sight..." With that, he walked over and measured the alley with his steps. "You see, not to mention one carriage passing through, even two carriages would have plenty of room! If you don't believe me, drive the carriage in and see for yourselves..."

"So it really is like that!" she murmured to herself, not even noticing when Xinlian brought in the tea.

Third Cousin was equally surprised and said to Fu Tingjun, "I'll go take a look and be right back." She showed no intention of inviting her along.

Fu Tingjun and Third Cousin couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Without a single word of persuasion to stay, he rose and escorted Fu Tingjun to the door, explaining in a low voice, "He saw your carriage and insisted on coming in. I couldn't stop him..."