Daily Life of a Powerful Official Supporting His Wife

Chapter 55

It was two days later that Yan brought Cheng Linghe to visit the Xie family.

Yan's sedan chair landed at the gate of Xie's house. The servants asked for Yan's invitation, but Yan couldn't give it to them. She only handed over a visiting card and asked the gatekeeper to find Lu Baoer and say that her third aunt from the Cheng family came to see her.

When the servants heard it was the lady's family, they didn't dare to delay and hurriedly handed the visiting card to the old nanny. Lu Baoer had been a little upset by Xie Junling last night, and she had asked for water twice in a row. She was also listless when she woke up in the morning. Since there was nothing to do, the old nanny felt sorry for her and let Lu Baoer go back to sleep.

It was noon, and the old nanny wanted to wake Lu Baoer up for lunch, so she planned to go into the inner room to call her. But before the old nanny could enter the room, a servant came to tell her that Yan Shi had come to visit.

Normally, if you're meeting a guest, you should first hand over a visiting card to the host. That way, the host can schedule a time to meet the guest, making it convenient for both parties. How could someone just take advantage of being the Third Aunt of the Cheng family and visit without even saying anything beforehand? The Xie Mansion is, after all, an official residence, not a vegetable garden where you can just come and go as you please.

The old nanny had a stern face, thinking that the Yan family was unruly. She also knew the Cheng family's plans and had no good feelings towards them.

She said this in her heart, but she would not say it on the surface. At this moment, it was as if the servants led Yan to the flower hall, treated her to good tea and cakes, and asked Liu Xiang to go to the front to serve, so as not to neglect Yan.

The old nanny went to wake Lu Baoer up, helped her dress up, and then took her to the flower hall to meet the guests.

Over in the flower hall, Yan Shi saw Lu Bao'er being so slow and unwilling to go out to meet the guests, and she felt unhappy. Which mistress would sleep until noon? It was possible that Lu Bao'er was deliberately neglecting her! What a pity, the families Yan Shi was talking about had parents-in-law at home, so as a daughter-in-law, she naturally didn't dare to sleep in. The Xie family was quiet and had no elders, so the mistress was naturally the one in charge. There was no need for her to get up so early, and who would dare to criticize her?
Yan cursed inwardly, "As expected of someone who grew up in the countryside, he has no manners at all. Even when meeting his elders, he still drags his feet."

Cheng Linghe, with her brows lowered and her eyes closed, curled her lips inwardly. She could naturally see the expression of Yan's forbearance and laughed inwardly. This Yan was the most confused! Lu Bao'er was at least the wife of a bachelor of imperial studies. What kind of official position was she, the Third Wife of the Cheng family? She was just an elder from her natal family, yet she dared to take advantage of her seniority and give Lu Bao'er a hard time.

Cheng Linghe couldn't help but survey the Xie Mansion. She'd long heard it was an official residence granted by the Emperor, the closest to the Imperial City. As expected of a residence once patronized by the royal family, the floral arrangements were meticulously executed, and the lacquer on the carved beams and painted pillars was freshly applied year after year, showing no trace of decay.

Her heart skipped a beat as she looked around the Xie family's courtyards. She had actually already decided where she would live in the future.

Xie Junling had an appointment with his colleagues to go out in the morning and came back in the evening, so Cheng Linghe did not run into his cousin-in-law. Cheng Linghe was not interested, and thought that the male master usually would not come to see the female guests rashly, so it was reasonable that he could not see her this time.

A quarter of an hour later, Lu Baoer was helped out by the old nanny.

When Lu Baoer saw Yan, she smiled guiltily: "I made Third Aunt wait for a while! I was really tired today, so I slept a little longer."

Yan smiled and said, "Women always have colds and headaches. Auntie San knows everything. I hope you are fine."

After saying this, Yan called over Cheng Linghe and introduced her to Lu Baoer: "Sister He, come and pay your respects to your cousin. This is Linghe, the daughter of the third wife. I brought her to Kyoto to see the world."

Yan's words were quite graceful. When she introduced Cheng Linghe, she referred to her as the daughter of the third wife, but she didn't mention whether she was born of a legitimate wife or a concubine. If she were her biological daughter, then she would be a legitimate daughter. Unfortunately, Yan's words were quite distant, indicating that she was not her biological daughter. Therefore, it was clear that she must be a concubine's daughter.

Why would he bring a concubine's daughter with him to Kyoto to visit his relatives? She was at an awkward age, not even suitable for marriage, and she was still living in Yan's family home.

Is the relationship between this illegitimate daughter and the Yan family so good? If a wealthy family can't distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate children, they will be laughed at.

It can be seen that Cheng Linghe came to Kyoto for another purpose.

Lu Bao'er's thoughts raced, but the old nanny, seeing Cheng Linghe's extravagant attire, had already noticed. Cheng Linghe's headgear and clothing were all new. It was clear she'd put a lot of effort into her appearance before visiting the Xie residence today. Dressing like this for a concubine's daughter? That wouldn't be possible!

The old nanny narrowed her eyes and guessed what was going on. It turned out that they were targeting Xie Junling!
The Cheng family is really calculating. Knowing that Lu Baoer is unwilling to go back, they force one on her. They really think that the Cheng family is her mother's family and are controlling their granddaughter!

Lu Baoer exchanged a few pleasantries with Yan, who then asked with a smile, "Why isn't Master Xie here?"

Lu Baoer said with a smile: "My husband went out for an outing with his colleagues today. He may be back later."

"So that's how it is." Yan couldn't help feeling disappointed. She had been thinking about letting Cheng Linghe meet Xie Junling.

Speak of the devil, and he will appear. After a while, a maid came to report to Lu Baoer: "Madam, the master is back."

Lu Baoer knew that Xie Junling saw her meeting guests in the flower hall and didn't want to disturb her, so he sent a maid to ask about the situation.

Lu Baoer whispered, "Tell the master that I'm meeting Third Auntie in the flower hall. Ask the kitchen to make a bowl of chicken and cucumber cold noodles for the master first."

Lu Baoer didn't know whether Xie Junling had eaten outside, so she asked someone to cook a bowl of noodles for him first. If he could eat some, he could eat some; if not, he could eat less.

When Cheng Linghe heard there were cucumbers in winter, she was surprised. They were a rare vegetable. Winter fruits and vegetables were much more expensive than usual. Being the daughter of the third wife wasn't a rarity, but she rarely ate anything fresh in winter, preferring mostly milk. She had assumed that despite the glitz and glamour of the Xie Mansion, the family lacked status and background, and must have lived in poverty. But now, she realized she'd been overthinking it. Could the Xie Mansion actually have some wealth?
In fact, the cucumbers were the work of Aunt Ye, who was well versed in the art of growing vegetables under sheds. Even in winter, she could still grow some fresh fruits and vegetables. Lu Baoer had also given some fruits and vegetables to Old Madam Su, who rewarded her in return, giving her several boxes of cloth and treasures as a return gift.

They say it's a matter of returning a favor, but the plum given by Old Lady Su is too big.

Thinking of this, Cheng Linghe felt a little more hopeful and wanted to step into Xie's house even more.

Not long after the maid left, she came back and said to Lu Baoer, "Madam, the master said he had finished his meal and was going to the study to read some books."

Lu Baoer knew that Xie Junling was using the maid to talk to her. How could he be so childish at such a grown-up? Why did he have to talk to her in this way?
She was helpless, but she had to reply that she understood.

Seeing this back and forth, Yan guessed that Lu Baoer and Xie Junling were deeply in love. She was a little surprised, but she also knew that Lu Baoer was lucky. Today, she wanted to go to the other courtyard and send Cheng Linghe to the Xie family to accompany Lu Baoer's cousin, whom she had never met, and stay for two days. I'm afraid it won't be so easy.

How could the sensitive Cheng Linghe not know what Yan knew?
After much thought, she decided to use some despicable means. Cheng Linghe took advantage of the little maid serving her tea when she accidentally tripped and spilled the tea on her clothes.

Lu Baoer was startled and quickly called Liu Xiang to take Cheng Linghe to the inner room to change clothes.

Yan despised Cheng Linghe's tactics, but she wanted to cooperate. So, she held Lu Baoer back and continued talking to her, while Cheng Linghe followed the maid into the inner courtyard. Cheng Linghe, having changed into fresh clothes, specifically said she needed to use the restroom. Liu Xiang, wanting to lead the way, pointed her in the direction. Cheng Linghe lied, saying he knew the location and asked Liu Xiang to wait there.

Liu Xiang didn't understand how Cheng Linghe knew the way to the backyard, but she was a guest after all, and Liu Xiang was a servant, so she didn't dare to refute him.

Cheng Linghe walked around the corridor and avoided Liu Xiang, then pretended to be lost and asked his way to the courtyard of Xie Junling's study.

She heard that Xie Junling was here and became interested.

If she could meet her cousin's husband by chance and see him, with her beauty that is so stunning that it shames the moon and flowers, it is hard to guarantee that Xie Junling would not be attracted to her.

Men are all fickle, so how can they refuse many women?

Cheng Linghe spotted a graceful man dancing with a sword not far away and thought it must be Xie Junling. Who knew he wasn't just a brilliant writer, but also a skilled swordsman? Judging by his posture, he looked like a skilled martial artist.

Cheng Linghe's heart fluttered slightly, and he stepped forward to greet Yingying. "Sir, I accidentally got lost here. Could you please lead me to the flower hall where Madam Xie meets guests?"

The man put away his sharp sword, glanced at Cheng Linghe coldly, and said, "Well, come with me."

Cheng Linghe suspected he was Xie Junling, but he refused to say so. If he revealed his identity, wouldn't it be impossible to get close to him? Naturally, he had to keep it a secret.

Although the Xie Mansion wasn't large, its layout was remarkable. Walking down the several corridors took a quarter of an hour. Cheng Linghe was in such a hurry that she didn't notice the snow on the steps and nearly slipped. She leaned forward, bumping into the man's broad shoulders and narrow waist. The impact wasn't a big deal, but what he said was startling. She didn't know where she got the courage from, but she actually hugged him like that, calling out delicately, "Sir, I think I sprained my ankle."

Hearing this, the man snorted coldly and said, "Sprained your ankle? Since you can't walk, then chop it off."

"Ah?!" Cheng Linghe was surprised. He didn't expect him to speak so heartlessly.

At this time, Lu Baoer and Yan Shi also rushed to the nearby area. They had seen Cheng Linghe not return for a long time, and Liu Xiang said she couldn't find him, so they followed him to look for him. However, as soon as they arrived, they saw Cheng Linghe hugging a man.

The man came forward as soon as he saw Lu Baoer. Cheng Linghe realized that things were not going well and cried out, "Brother-in-law, why are you being so rude to me?"

The man turned around and asked with interest, "Flirtatious? Are you blind in that eye? Did you see me flirting with you?"

When Lu Baoer saw Zhu Sheng, who was like a cold-faced devil, and Cheng Linghe arguing, she felt a little overwhelmed.

It seems that Cheng Linghe recognized the wrong person and mistook Zhu Sheng for Xie Junling.

At this time, Xie Junling also heard the noise and was called over by the old nanny.

Cheng Linghe knew that he had caused a big disaster. He was so affectionate with a man outside his family that his face suddenly became red.

Several people were meeting guests in the flower hall. Yan glared at Cheng Linghe with frustration, and she was so embarrassed that she wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Seeing this farce, Lu Baoer could only turn a blind eye and said, "It turned out to be a farce. Ling He just sprained his ankle. How can there be any talk of frivolity or not?"

Cheng Linghe naturally didn't dare to say something like "frivolous". Was she really going to marry a guard? How shameful!
Seeing Cheng Linghe's timid and submissive attitude, Yan said a few words and then left the Xie family with his men, looking very dejected.

She had thought Cheng Linghe would have some tricks up his sleeve, but he was a fool, even trying to frame Xie Junling. Not to mention whether she could even get into the Xie family's backyard, even if she did, would Xie Junling even look at her if she used such despicable means to get in?

It can be seen that her father and mother are stupid and her daughter is also confused.

Yan was completely embarrassed by her today, and she slapped someone as soon as she got on the carriage.

Cheng Linghe feigned obedience, letting Yan vent her anger. When she calmed down, Cheng Linghe knelt before Yan and said, "Mother, it's all my fault. I thought if I could marry into the Xie family, I'd be able to help you more in the future, but I didn't expect it to backfire."

She spoke very skillfully, and her words were all about planning for the Yan family.

Yan watched coldly. She naturally knew that Cheng Linghe was not that simple. He could say such words and bend and stretch so easily, so he must have something to ask for.

Cheng Linghe bit her lip and said, "It's all my fault for what happened today. Please don't tell anyone about this. If Grandmother knew, she would definitely marry me off without permission. If you agree to this, I will definitely make plans for you and follow your lead."

It turned out that she was afraid that such an indecent thing would be known by Old Lady Cheng. Old Lady Cheng did not contact a young lady born out of wedlock, naturally for the sake of her family's integrity, so she married her off far away so that she would be out of sight and out of mind.

Only Yan and Lu Baoer knew about this. As long as Yan kept silent, no one in the Cheng family would know. She could still rely on her good looks to seek wealth and status. So what was the point of kneeling to Yan? Even if he had to kowtow to her, Cheng Linghe could do it.

Yan smiled coldly and said sarcastically, "You are so patient. If you could crawl out of my belly, you would be lucky. Since you said so, I will agree to it. But remember, from now on, you must do whatever I ask you to do. Otherwise, I will expose this shameful thing of yours to the world sooner or later!"

Cheng Linghe was overjoyed and said repeatedly, "Yes, yes, I will definitely listen to mother."

As for Cheng Linghe, after he married into a wealthy family, he always held a grudge against Yan in his heart and deliberately found trouble to retaliate against her, making Yan complain bitterly and unable to complain.

But those grudges are all later stories, and there is no point in talking about them now.

　Wenwen will probably be finished this month, and the full text will be at most 200,000 yuan, so it's really worth it to read a sweet novel for just a few yuan! ! Love you guys!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)