novelraw Chapter 336 - 305: Let’s Join Forces! (1st Update)
Chapter 336 - 305: Let’s Join Forces! (1st Update)
It seems that every time Su Yu brought up leaving the Su Family, Aunt Qiu’s answers were always somewhat ambiguous, as if she had decided to take root in the Su Family for a lifetime.
Thinking about how she was frightened to her core by two severed fingers and how her mother didn’t even show a hint of concern, Su Yu couldn’t help but release her anger, letting go of Aunt Qiu, her eyes filled with resentment, "I don’t understand why you would willingly debase yourself like this, why you’re forcing yourself to stay in such a place despite your heart’s unwillingness. If it’s for reputation, what can you do other than be a humble concubine? As for profit, the Lord has never even had the intent to look at you squarely; what can you gain from him? If not for reputation and profit, could it be that you’re truly deeply in love with the Lord?"
Aunt Qiu was not angered by Su Yu’s words, only looked at her kindly, "Leaving is easy, but have you thought about it? Without the protection of the Su Family, you might not survive even a day outside.
In these years at the Su Family, you’ve done quite a few things behind the scenes, offending more and more people.
Today, they only sent two severed fingers to scare you, instead of cutting you directly, because you are still a young lady of the Su Family, and the other party has concerns.
If you were not a member of the Su Family? Do you think you can stand against those you’ve offended single-handedly?"
Hearing this, an additional layer of paleness spread across Su Yu’s already ashen face.
In her ears, Aunt Qiu’s voice came again, "What you perceive as a cage today might become your refuge in the future, allowing you to retreat unscathed even after offending others. Yuyu, you should cherish your current days."
Su Yu stared blankly at Aunt Qiu.
In her impression, her biological mother was weak and easily bullied.
Because there were no men in the family, the mother and daughter often received contempt and bullying during her childhood. At those times, her mother would always cry.
Her mother’s helplessness shaped Su Yu’s violent temperament, preferring to use fists to solve problems.
But at some point, her mother stopped crying so easily or grabbing her sleeve in terror to stop her from hitting others?
Su Yu had done many things while at the Su Family, more cruel than simply hitting people, yet her mother didn’t stop her like she once would have, treating her with continuous gentleness that felt... unreal.
"Mother..." unconsciously, Su Yu called out softly.
Aunt Qiu reached out to pull her up from the ground, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress, her voice gentle, "You always complain about living poorly in the Su Family, yet you’ve never thought about living well. Whether as a wife or daughter, you’ve never fulfilled your duties."
Su Yu gritted her teeth, "That scumbag Hao Yun did such a thing to me, how could I live well with him?"
"But in this life, you cannot be with any other man except him." Aunt Qiu said calmly, "You two, as a couple, one wants a position in this family, the other seeks to be valued, since you’re both so smart, why not join forces?"
"I..." Su Yu couldn’t overcome the hurdle in her heart.
Aunt Qiu had already tidied her clothes, her hands naturally grasping her slender wrists, "Hao Yun forced himself on you, and your father agreed to his marriage into the family, brushing that matter aside, which means Hao Yun is useful to him. Why not cater to your father’s preferences and assist your husband? As long as Hao Yun gains your father’s favor, your status will naturally rise along with it."
In the end, she didn’t forget to encourage her, "Not all the favored legitimate sons and daughters in the Su Family Mansion have Yuyu’s wit; you’re no less than them."
Su Yu was dazed, "Mother, can I really do this?"
Aunt Qiu nodded with a smile, "As long as you’re willing."
...
Returning to her own courtyard, the food box had already been cleared by the servants. Hao Yun was sitting at the table, holding a piece of paper in his hand. Upon seeing Su Yu, he looked at her with a half-smile, "I thought you had some noble methods, but it turns out we’re just about equal."
Before today, Su Yu had often scolded him for being lowly, saying that a lowly person only deserved to use lowly methods.
Su Yu’s gaze was locked on the piece of paper in his hand, "What is that?"
Hao Yun raised an eyebrow, "It was sent along with the fingers."
Su Yu stepped forward, snatching it from Hao Yun’s hand to read it herself. On it was a message, indicating that if she dared to touch Song Wei’s people again, it would be her fingers that would be cut off next time.
The confidence she painstakingly gained from Aunt Qiu was instantly shattered; recalling those two fingers, she was nauseated, with fear spreading in her heart.
She had only intended to retaliate against those around Song Wei, not expecting to kick an iron plate and be bounced back.
From the moment she came in, Hao Yun hadn’t moved from his position, nor even changed posture, leisurely watching Su Yu, wanting to relish the sight of this woman breaking down, waiting for the usual quarrel to ensue.
But he waited for a long time, and Su Yu didn’t vent her anger on him, her voice carrying an unprecedented calm, "Hao Yun, let’s join forces!"
Su Yu’s abrupt change in attitude left the man surprised, "What did you say?"
"I said, let’s stop fighting. It’s meaningless to fight at home; if we fight, let’s align and face outward."
Hao Yun didn’t believe her, "What do I gain by joining forces with you?"
"You’ve always wanted the Duke’s favor, to make a name for yourself, haven’t you?" Su Yu crumpled the note and tossed it on the ground, her lips curling up, "If we join forces, you help me gain status in this house, and I help you climb higher, neither of us loses out."
"Sounds interesting." Hao Yun crossed his arms, half leaning against the round table behind him, his eyes filled with skepticism, "But your father-in-law has already been stripped of his power. The Su Family is now just an empty shell without its core. What do you think I can gain?"
Su Yu replied coldly, "Don’t forget, the Su Family has an Empress in the palace and Mr. Qi, who is favored by the Emperor at the border area. Aren’t they impressive enough for you to help me?"
Hao Yun: "...They are."
——
Because of Ning Juanjuan, Xie Zheng didn’t sleep a wink all night and ran into Song Wei when he went out the next day.
Seeing him looking haggard, Song Wei asked, "Didn’t sleep well?"
Xie Zheng said, "Drank too much tea before bed last night, had some insomnia."
Song Wei hummed in response, not exposing him, "What’s past is past, don’t think too much about it. Focus on preparing for your exams."
Xie Zheng nodded in agreement, but felt uneasy inside.
Yesterday, when Ning Juanjuan caused a scene, his two colleagues saw it. Today, the Hanlin Academy would surely be filled with gossip.
The blow Xie Zheng received due to Ning Juanjuan was considerable, even leaving a shadow. Now, facing so many colleagues’ curious gazes again, he couldn’t manage to handle it calmly.
Thus, after taking a few steps, Xie Zheng stopped.
Song Wei noticed and turned to ask him, "Did you forget something at home?"
"I’m not feeling well and want to take a leave."
"Do you want me to inform the Dean for you?"
Just as Xie Zheng was about to nod, he saw Xie Tao and his wife leaving for their stall. He pressed his lips together, greeted them, then turned back to Song Wei, "Never mind, let’s go!"
When he became a scholar, he was insulted by the people of Qingshui Bay. Even cruder, sharper words he had endured. What’s today but a few disdainful looks from the scholars in Hanlin Academy, not enough to break his composure completely.
All the way, Xie Zheng was building up his mental readiness, prepared for the coming storm.
However, when he entered Hanlin Academy, his colleagues merely greeted him ordinarily, none showing any peculiar or mocking expressions.
Xie Zheng was puzzled; could it be that those two hadn’t come yet, and the news hadn’t spread?
Just as he thought this, those two came in, smiled, and asked, "Didn’t get scared yesterday, did you?"
Xie Zheng was taken aback, "You saw it all?"
The colleagues nodded, confirming they saw.
Xie Zheng hesitated with his breath, "Then would you mind..." Not spreading it around.
But before he could finish, a colleague patted his shoulder, comforting him, "Be cautious when you go out later. Although Hanlin Academy is a ’pure water’ government office, which office is truly clean? Even the smallest fry can have a day when the big fish takes notice. Brother Xie, this time you’re just really unlucky."
Xie Zheng tugged at the corner of his mouth.
After the colleagues left, his initially uneasy heart settled slightly, and he quickly focused on studying.
...
Song Wei inquired about Xie Zheng’s situation at Shuchang Hall and, upon learning he was fine, breathed a silent sigh of relief.
Good that nothing happened. It justified his personal visit to those two colleagues of Xie Zheng’s.
Last night, when Song Wei approached them, he didn’t mention that Xie Zheng’s reputation was nearly ruined. He merely said he was passing by and decided to visit, casually mentioning that Xie Zheng was his cousin, and asked them to look after him at Shuchang Hall in the future.
Now, in the entire Hanlin Academy, who doesn’t know that Song Wei is a favored figure before Emperor Guangxi? Those two, seeing such a major figure visit in person, were eager to curry favor, not even daring to mock Xie Zheng.
——
On Wen Wan’s birthday, Song Wei indeed took leave as promised.
They had a wonderful spread at home for lunch, but unfortunately, Yuanbao had examination rounds and couldn’t make it back.
Wen Wan didn’t want a grand celebration, fearing the Xie Family might come with gifts, so she didn’t invite them. With Song Fang being heavily pregnant, it was inconvenient for her to travel back and forth, so the General Mansion wasn’t invited either. The lunch was just the family gathered together.