Chapter 199: Chao Chao’s Limits
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Lu Jing Huai lingered in the falling snow until his silhouette faded into the background. Hidden nearby, the shivering maid observed his departure, her teeth chattering in the icy air.
Jiang Yun Jin stood in the foyer, her complexion ghostly pale and her body trembling as if she could barely support her own weight. The revelation she uncovered was far more harrowing than she had ever anticipated.
“No wonder, no wonder… he has been distant since our wedding night,” Jiang Yun Jin whispered through her tears. “Lu Jing Huai! How could you deceive me like this?”
She felt a fool for ever believing in him, and the mere thought of Lu Yan Shu added salt to her emotional wounds.
“Madam, please, try to compose yourself. The master has returned. We mustn’t let him see you upset, especially today, it’s New Year’s Day and we are due to pay our respects,” urged the maid, swiftly touching up her mistress’s makeup to conceal her pallor.
“Remember, we’ve not caught him red-handed. We don’t know for certain…” the maid added softly, trying to offer some comfort.
Jiang Yun Jin bit her lip, drawing blood. “Have someone follow him discreetly,” she instructed, taking a deep, steadying breath to mask her inner turmoil. The marriage she had fought so hard to secure was crumbling before her eyes.
With a facade of indifference, she proceeded to the main hall where Lu Yuan Ze and Lu Jing Huai awaited. They sat with an air of expectancy.
“Father, Mother, Happy New Year,” Jiang Yun Jin greeted, deliberately avoiding Lu Jing Huai’s gaze.
Madam Pei beamed at them. “Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you prosperity and, hopefully, children.”
Jiang Yun Jin’s smile wavered at the comment.
“Jing Huai is very studious. You must take good care of him,” continued Madam Pei, though her smile faltered upon catching Jiang Yun Jin’s sour expression. “Such a grimace on New Year’s? We’ve welcomed you warmly into our family. This attitude could drive away good fortune,” she chided.
Lu Yuan Ze cut in, “That’s enough.” All he wanted was a peaceful celebration.
Madam Pei held back a retort, her eyes misting over—she likely regretted her earlier decision to let Madam Xu leave, having seen her husband chase after Madam Xu’s carriage.
Meanwhile, Lu Chao Chao was being carried in a palanquin to the palace. As Princess Sunshine, royal duties called, even on New Year’s Day.
“I don’t wanna go to da palace… But they give wed envelopes and yummy food… Yesterday, da king even sent me a meanu… Why not eat all three meals at once?” Chao Chao mumbled to herself, cuddling her dog, Chase. [It would save so much time.]
Once inside the palace, Chase darted off, with Chao Chao puffing behind him. “Chase, Chase, don’t run so fast…” she gasped, finding herself in a neglected part of the palace she hadn’t seen before. “Where is dis?” she inquired.
“This is the Cold Palace, where disgraced concubines are confined,” whispered her maid, Yuhua.
From within, desperate cries echoed. “Mother, please forgive Ning’er. I know I was wrong. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Mother. I was just scared. Please let me out! I’m the king’s only daughter!” Xie Yi Ning’s wails were heartrending. The unkempt and desolate area was tended only by a few silent maids, one notably mute from a prior punishment inflicted by Xie Yi Ning for serving tea that was too hot.
“You wretched servant, move!” Xie Yi Ning screamed upon recognizing the mute maid, horrified to encounter her under such grim circumstances.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
Consort Xiao, her appearance marred and chaotic, with a bandaged, bleeding cheek, seethed at her daughter. “Want to leave? After turning me into this monster? I loved and shielded you, and this is my thanks?”
“Xie Yi Ning, you thankless child, I should have left you to the sea when you were born! You’ve cost me my standing, confined me here, and exposed me to derision!”
“Ungrateful girl, I’m your mother! I indulged you, and look how you repay me!” Her wails mingled with the sound of her slapping Xie Yi Ning.
Chao Chao, witnessing the scene, felt no pity. [You get what you deserve. This ending fits.]
In the original story, Xie Yi Ning, spoiled by Consort Xiao, grew cruel and arrogant, delighting in torment. It was her actions that led to Lu Yuan Xiao’s horrific transformation and display as a tortured spectacle.
At Kuning Palace, the room glowed with the warmth of silver charcoal. Chao Chao shed her coat and sprinted into her grandmother’s embrace. “Gwamma…” she exclaimed, her momentum nearly toppling the elderly woman.
“Oh, Chao Chao, you’ve grown so strong!” the dowager exclaimed, laughing despite the strain.
“Because Gwamma told me to be strong and healthy.”
“And you listen so well,” the dowager chuckled, her eyes twinkling with affection. “And thank you for handling the Xiao family’s debacle. They nearly scandalized us. And for aiding your inept uncle…”
“You’re my precious treasure. The king was wise to make you his adopted daughter,” praised the dowager, fetching the prepared red envelopes. “Come, pay your respects.”
Chao Chao knelt and bowed her head, a little clumsily. “Gwamma, may your years be many and filled with health.”
The dowager’s face lit up with joy at the blessing. “And may our little Chao Chao have a year of peace and happiness,” she replied, handing Chao Chao a red envelope.
Another envelope appeared. “And may you always be safe and at peace,” she continued, pressing it into Chao Chao’s hands.
Chao Chao grinned, accepting the gifts.
“I heard Chao Chao will go to school soon after the New Year? Then I will wish Chao Chao academic success as well.” The dowager then hands another red envelope over.
But this time, Chao Chao hesitated, then shook her head vehemently, her face a picture of earnest refusal. “Gwamma, I have principles. I won’t take a penny more than I deserve.”
The dowager was left speechless.