Chapter 4: Something Even More Disgusting
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This tone—she was far too familiar with it.
Whenever the Daoist Yu posed the question, “If you continue down this path, what will happen?” it always meant she had discerned the trajectory of her life.
And that trajectory was never a good one.
“But… I’m just seeking justice for my son. How could this possibly invite disaster?”
Yu Zhi Yi took a slow sip of her tea. “It’s true. You’ve already invited disaster.”
“That You Bing Yue knows quite a few high-ranking officials. Among them is one whom not even the Marquis of Wu’an’s Mansion nor the Chancellor’s Mansion can afford to offend. If you insist on pursuing this matter, that person will intervene. Worse, your household will earn their lasting enmity.”
“While the late Marquis of Wu’an was alive, they might have exercised some restraint, settling for minor hindrances. But after his passing, they will relentlessly target the Marquis’ household. Within three years, the new Marquis will commit a grave mistake and lose his title.”
The Marquis of Wu’an’s Wife went pale.
Yu Zhi Yi sighed lightly. “And that… isn’t even the most disgusting part.”
The marquis’ wife trembled. “There’s something worse?”
Yu Zhi Yi turned her teacup slowly. “The most revolting part is this: when that powerful figure brings You Bing Yue to the Marquis of Wu’an’s Mansion to flaunt their authority, your youngest son will inexplicably fall in love with her. For her sake, he will repeatedly quarrel with you.”
“He’ll even vow to stand against the world for her. He’ll use the resources of the Marquis’ household to solve her troubles—more than once.”
“A few years later, you will literally be angered to death by him.”
The marquis’ wife felt as though she’d been plunged into icy waters. “That’s horrifying!”
Yu Zhi Yi placed her teacup down. “The Marquis’ household only seeks justice. There’s no need to go so far as to throw someone in prison, is there? Your second son was injured; you can demand compensation for his recovery from the Chancellor’s Mansion. Perhaps even request a favor from the chancellor himself. Wouldn’t that be a more amicable resolution?”
The marquis’ wife didn’t doubt Yu Zhi Yi’s predictions. After a moment of deliberation, she nodded. “I will follow the Daoist’s advice.”
But she hesitated. “If I let this go, will my son avoid falling for that woman?”
After calculating carefully, Yu Zhi Yi replied, “Indeed, not only will he avoid falling for her, but he will also marry his destined partner. The two will enjoy a lifelong bond of love and harmony.”
She added a word of guidance: “The Chancellor’s Mansion values Du Zi Heng’s reputation above all else. Leverage that concern to secure proper compensation.”
…
Later, after the marquis’ wife had departed, Zi Yuan, unable to suppress her curiosity, asked, “Miss, did the marquis’ youngest son truly fall for that woman? To the point of angering his mother to death?”
The absurdity of it astounded her.
Yu Zhi Yi found it absurd as well.
But it was what she had seen in the marquis’ wife’s face.
Still, she wasn’t too bothered. After all, in her previous life, she’d witnessed countless bizarre events.
Unlike the logic required in plays or storybooks, real life was often bereft of rhyme or reason.
For instance, both she and Yu Jiao Jiao had been reborn. Yet Yu Jiao Jiao had been reborn earlier, successfully stealing her destined marriage. Where was the logic in that?
…
Upon the marquis’ wife’s return, Chancellor Du promptly invited the Marquis of Wu’an to his mansion. What was said behind the study’s closed doors was unclear, but the marquis departed visibly displeased, while the chancellor wore a pleased smile.
And why wouldn’t he?
The marquis had previously refused his apologies, vowing there would be no negotiation, and that all culprits would face imprisonment.
But now, the marquis had relented, agreeing to drop the matter—provided the chancellor arranged for his eldest son to become the Deputy Commander of the Capital Halberd Guards.
A lofty position coveted by many.
Though difficult, it was not impossible. Years ago, Commander Fei owed his life to the chancellor. With his recommendation, the appointment would be a done deal.
The favor would be used up, but compared to his son’s future, it was a small price.
…
When the marquis informed his wife of the arrangement, Madam Yao made her way to the Breeze Pavilion, bringing news to Yu Zhi Yi.
It was close to dinnertime. Smiling, she said, “Your father-in-law won’t be home tonight. Let’s dine here together instead.”
Yu Zhi Yi nodded obediently.
The meal was lavish, and Madam Yao was warm and attentive, filling her plate with dishes using shared chopsticks. Her smile brimmed with maternal care. “You’re too thin, Yi’er. Eat more.”
Yu Zhi Yi understood Madam Yao’s intent—to test the waters regarding her relationship with the marquis’ wife. But as long as Madam Yao didn’t broach the topic directly, she would feign ignorance.
Declining a few dishes she disliked, she finished the ones Madam Yao offered and set down her bowl. “I’m full.”
After rinsing her mouth, Madam Yao finally asked with a smile, “Yi’er, do you have a good relationship with the Marquis of Wu’an’s wife?”
Setting down her rinsing cup, Yu Zhi Yi replied, “Not particularly. She often seeks my help, so she’s willing to show me courtesy.”
Intrigued, Madam Yao pressed, “She often seeks your help?”
“I apprenticed under a master in my youth and learned some divination. Since I met her at age ten, I’ve assisted her occasionally, and her wishes have generally been fulfilled.”
Startled, Madam Yao exclaimed, “Yi’er, you possess such skills? Why have I never heard of this before?”