Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 353 The Troublesome Woman (12,000 words)

Fang Lingyu is a very bold woman.

If she weren't bold enough, she wouldn't have frequently attended poetry gatherings, tea parties, and flower appreciation parties hosted by young masters she didn't know well, much less gotten drunk at a flower appreciation party and had that kind of thing with Fan Jiu'en.

Their boldness stemmed from the Fang family.

The Fang family was weaker than the Yang family, but it was still definitely the top-tier aristocratic family in the entire Ning Kingdom.

This fostered Fang Lingyu's arrogant and haughty attitude. Although she was only a concubine's daughter, she didn't really care about the legitimate daughters of many powerful families in Dongling City.

In fact, Fang Lingyu initially looked down on Fan Jiuen. After all, in the social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, merchants were ranked last and were looked down upon. However, after what happened, and after Fan Jiuen's extremely generous gesture of giving away tens of thousands of silver notes without batting an eye, Fang Lingyu gradually began to think that Fan Jiuen was actually quite nice.

Especially after discussing it with his mother at home, he learned that although the Eight Great Families of Jin were merchants, a large number of civil officials in the court had the influence of the Eight Great Families of Jin behind them. Those officials treated the eldest sons and managers of the Eight Great Families of Jin with utmost respect and dared not show the slightest negligence.

Fang Lingyu felt that marrying Fan Jiuen was also unacceptable.

Unfortunately, Fan Jiu'en didn't have that good fortune; he died.

To make matters worse, she became pregnant. Although safflower can cause abortion, it is harmful to the body and could potentially lead to lifelong infertility. Under these circumstances, Fang Lingyu had no choice but to find a new partner.

Someone always has to take care of the placenta.

Initially, Fang Lingyu looked down on Song Yan.

After all, although Song Yan was born into the Duke's family, he was an illegitimate son, and although he had a title, he was only a minor earl. In Fang Lingyu's eyes, this was already considered a marriage of convenience.

Moreover, Song Yan is the son-in-law of the Princess's household. If she were to marry Song Yan, she would become a concubine. How could she, a daughter of the prestigious Fang family, become someone else's concubine? Her pride would not allow her to do so.

However, she no longer has the right to be picky.

The baby in her belly was getting bigger and bigger. Ten months of pregnancy is common knowledge; a birth at nine or eight months could be considered premature, but if the baby was born at seven or six months, even a fool would know she'd been cuckolded. Therefore, she had to complete her plan as soon as possible, and even give herself to Song Yan as quickly as possible.

With that in mind, Fang Lingyu went out. She first went to her mother to give some instructions, and then headed towards the garden. She knew that her mother would take care of the rest.

The night is deep.

The moonlight was cold and frosty, and the Milky Way hung low as if about to fall!
The night, untouched by any pollution, exudes a unique beauty.

The silence of night buries the daytime's hustle and bustle.

Nakhtoya was already fast asleep, clutching her newly bought clothes; the entire day had exhausted her.

Song Yan wasn't very sleepy. He pulled up a chair and sat in the courtyard, gazing at the sky above. The twinkling starlight, unlike the harsh sunlight, was soft and bright. Unconsciously, sixteen years had passed since he came to this world. Time always flies. He suddenly remembered a saying: "Life is a labyrinth of hesitation, and we are those who keep drifting away within it."

Ancient sages, within this labyrinth, used lamplight as pens and the Milky Way as paper, to write magnificent poems that have never faded over the millennia. Thinking of the ever-growing popularity of "Green Jade Table: Lantern Festival," Song Yan's lips curled into a faint smile. Could this be considered as him adorning the night sky of this world with the brightest star from another world?

There was a large tree in the courtyard, and a person was sitting on its branches—it was Luo Tianyi.

A cool breeze stirred the pure white skirt, causing it to sway gently, occasionally revealing white cotton socks and calves encased in thick trousers beneath the skirt.

The little feet wobbled back and forth.

Maintaining a steady, unhurried pace.

The wind rustled through the branches, and occasionally one or two dry, yellow leaves would drift and sway, landing in front of Luo Tianyi.

At this time, Luo Tianyi would stretch out her small hand, her slender white fingers pinching the already dehydrated leaves, and then silently watch them, her thoughts unknown.

Song Yan then suspected that his sister-in-law might be comprehending some unparalleled martial arts.

A single falling leaf heralds the arrival of autumn.

Isn't that how it's always written in novels? Seeing the desolation of autumn and the deathly stillness of winter, one might suddenly have an epiphany, or even comprehend an extremely powerful supernatural ability. Song Yan's mind was racing with random thoughts, while Zi Yu stood quietly behind her, gently massaging Song Yan's shoulders with her small hands, temporarily assuming the role of a maid.

Her eyes were still red.

It's obvious she's been crying.

Because Song Yan had just told her some terrible news.

Her poison cannot be cured for the time being, so her master sold her to Luo Tianxuan.

Upon hearing this news, Ziyu burst into tears, just like a pitiful little girl who had been abandoned.

Song Yan knew a little about the Hehuan Sect. Some of the disciples of the Hehuan Sect were like Yang Siyao, illegitimate daughters of powerful families with no one to support them and little status. After learning some skills, they would become tools of their families and would often be given to certain men for the benefit of the family.

The rest are mostly purple jade, bright moon, and the like.

They were all orphans who grew up in the Hehuan Sect.

They had no parents, and in Ziyu Mingyue's heart, their master was probably their mother. Ziyu's master was also the sect leader of the Hehuan Sect, a martial artist at the ninth rank, only one step away from becoming a grandmaster, but that one step was an insurmountable chasm.

Now, Ziyu has been sold by her own mother.

Seeing Ziyu's shoulders trembling as she cried, Song Yan felt a pang of heartache; she was just too pitiful.

But he didn't know how to coax girls. After trying a couple of times, Ziyu cried even louder, so he could only lie on the chair and watch silently.

After crying for about half an hour, Ziyu finally calmed down. She was a girl with a strong ability to accept things. While still sobbing, she got up from the ground and massaged Song Yan's shoulders to relieve the day's fatigue. She roughly understood that from now on, if she wanted to have a better life, she would have to please Song Yan.

Song Yan then comfortably squinted his eyes. Zi Yu's fingers were very soft, and the massage felt very comfortable.

Whether it was from scented powder or her natural body odor, I could smell a very pleasant scent on her body, somewhat like violets, fresh and elegant, with a slight sweetness.

Song Yan understood Luo Tianxuan's thoughts. The reason she didn't show herself was probably to give herself, Luo Tianyi, Ziyu, and even Bu Yu a chance to be alone and see if any sparks could be ignited. Perhaps, only when he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren would the sense of guilt in Luo Tianxuan's heart dissipate.

Speaking of which, I wonder where Bu Yu has gone.

The agreed time had long passed, but Bu Yu still hadn't returned.

Did he encounter some trouble? Or is Bu Yu taking this opportunity to leave his side, return to the martial world, and continue her unrestrained life?
Song Yan hoped it would be the latter.

After all, Bu Yu had been by his side for some time and had done a lot of things, so Song Yan was somewhat grateful. Even if Bu Yu left, Song Yan hoped that Bu Yu would have a smooth life ahead of him.

Bah, bah, bah...

Light footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

Luo Tianyi finally shifted her gaze from the withered leaves and, along with Ziyu and Song Yan, looked towards the courtyard gate. The footsteps stopped shortly afterward, followed by a light knock on the door.
"Mr. Song?"

"Mr. Song?"

A maid's voice came from outside.

Song Yan's eyelids twitched: "Who?"

"Replying to Young Master Song, this servant is a maidservant by your side."

The old man is Fang Hai.

"The master has something to discuss with Young Master Song. Would you please go to the garden?"

Song Yan narrowed his eyes into slits, rubbing his forehead in annoyance. To be honest, he had a pretty good impression of the Fang family. Apart from those few brainless idiots, Song Yan felt that Fang Hai, Fang De, and Fang Shan were people he could get to know better.

If possible, he didn't want to cause the Fang family to lose face.

In the past few days, Fang Lingyu has been unusually well-behaved and hasn't done anything outrageous. He thought Fang Lingyu had given up on her flawed plan, but who would have thought that the stupid woman was still up to no good and was still lusting after him.

You want to find someone to take over your mess? Of all people, why did you have to come to me? Do you really think I'm Song Hongtao?
Since you've set your sights on him, don't blame him for being ruthless.

Song Yan pursed his lips and sighed helplessly. He straightened up, waved his hand, and his sister-in-law's body slowly fell from mid-air like a snowflake: "Go find Fang Hai and Fang De, and tell them that I'm waiting in the garden. I have something to discuss with them."

If there were other options, Song Yan did not intend to do this.

However, Fang Lingyu's matter must be resolved.

This woman, aside from a little bit of cleverness, is a fool, and a persistent one at that.

He could avoid seeing her tonight, but what about tomorrow, or the day after? Song Yan couldn't possibly keep an eye on this stupid woman all the time. He didn't have that much energy to waste on her. If he let her keep causing trouble, not only would they not be able to maintain their current relationship, but they might even become enemies.

Since that's the case, then we can only resolve it once and for all.

Fang Hai and Fang De are the best witnesses.

After speaking, Song Yan walked towards the courtyard gate. When the gate opened, a maid of about sixteen or seventeen years old was standing outside.

"Who are you? I've never seen you around Fang Hai before?" Song Yan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm new here, it's normal that Young Master Song doesn't recognize me."

Her mental fortitude was truly appalling; the panic that flashed across her face was impossible to conceal, and she dared not meet her own gaze, instead glancing away elsewhere… If Fang Lingyu was going to do something like this, couldn't she have arranged for a more capable maid?

Moreover, what about the newcomers?
That excuse is too lame.

Fang Hai is the heir of the Fang family. The beauty and figure of the maids around him are secondary. What is important is their loyalty. Almost all of them are old maids who have been carefully selected. A newcomer is not qualified to get close to Fang Hai.

Song Yan smiled and said, "I see. Then let's go."

The maid visibly breathed a sigh of relief and hurried ahead to lead the way. Song Yan followed behind at a leisurely pace, a cold smile playing on her lips from an angle the maid couldn't see. The Fang family's mansion was enormous, covering countless acres. Although Song Yan had been staying at the Fang family's residence for several days, she could easily get lost without a maid's guidance.

The night wind was blowing fiercely.

Some lanterns were hanging under the eaves.

As the lights flickered, even the figures of Song Yan and her maid swayed, giving off an eerie feeling.

About fifteen minutes later, they finally arrived at the garden. The maid stopped before the arched gate: "Young Master Song, Master is waiting for you inside. Please go quickly, lest you keep him waiting." Song Yan nodded and started walking towards the garden, but just as he was about to cross the arch, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and looked at the maid behind him with a slightly strange expression. For some reason, Song Yan's gaze made the maid feel inexplicably guilty. Song Yan smiled: "You know, there are some things that you, Young Master, can do, and Miss, but you can't do. If you do, you might get into trouble."

The maid was somewhat suspicious; she couldn't immediately understand what Song Yan meant by those words.

Unfortunately, Song Yan had no intention of explaining to him. After speaking, Song Yan stepped into the garden.

He walked very slowly.

She seemed to be leisurely enjoying the scenery in the garden... Although it was winter and everything was withered, the garden really wasn't much to see. Seeing Song Yan enter, the maid didn't have time to think about what Song Yan meant and hurriedly walked towards Aunt Xie Qingqing's residence.

a long time.

Song Yan finally stopped.

Looking up, there is a pavilion not far ahead.

There was a pebble path under his feet. To the left was a flowerbed, but the flowers that bloomed in spring and summer had long been removed, leaving only some yellowish-black soil. To the right was an artificial hill. Song Yan now had some strength, and he could clearly sense several breaths behind the artificial hill.

They must have been brought by Luo Tianyi.

There was another figure in the pavilion directly in front of them.

In the hazy moonlight, the figure appeared slender and tall. The night breeze blew, lifting the hem of her purple skirt, revealing her delicate calves below. Under the moonlight, her calves shone with a porcelain-like luster.

It seems that Fang Lingyu has invested a lot in this.

Although Dongling is not as cold as Liaodong, it can still get chilly at night. It must have been tough for her to be dressed so lightly in such weather.

Song Yan smiled, took two steps forward, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards the figure: "Uncle Fang Hai, I wonder what you have called me here to discuss so late?" At this distance, Song Yan could clearly see that the person in the pavilion was a woman, but for now, he was playing the role of being blind to her.

He peeked up and, perhaps because it was too cold, he could clearly see Fang Lingyu in the pavilion, her body trembling. A breath rushed into his nostrils, and Song Yan quickly bit his lip to stop himself from laughing out loud, but he still couldn't help but make a humming sound in his throat.

At this very moment, behind the artificial hill, Luo Tianyi, with a cold expression, held a long sword and coldly watched the movements in the pavilion. Beside Luo Tianyi were Fang Hai, Fang Shan, and Fang De. The three of them were originally discussing the marriage between Song Yan and Fang De's youngest daughter in the study when Luo Tianyi suddenly appeared and, without saying a word, brought the three of them behind the artificial hill, not allowing them to make a sound.

Upon hearing Song Yan's voice, they were filled with even more confusion. Even through the gaps in the artificial hill, they could clearly see a woman in the pavilion, yet Song Yan immediately identified her as Uncle Fang Hai… His ability to blatantly lie was truly first-rate. Fang Hai's expression was even more strange. He hadn't sought Song Yan's advice, and even if he were, wouldn't it be more pleasant to sit warmly by the charcoal stove in the main hall? Why would he come here in the middle of the night to suffer?
Fang Shan couldn't figure it out for a moment, but Fang De's face instantly darkened.

This old fox seemed to have figured out what had happened the moment Song Yan spoke, and his wrinkled face looked extremely ugly.

He instinctively stood up, as if trying to stop this farce.

After a brief hesitation, he gave up. He roughly understood Song Yan's thoughts, knowing that Song Yan wanted to resolve the trouble completely and reasonably. If today's matter was also casually brushed aside, who knew what other tricks that stupid woman might use in the future. For a moment, Fang De stood quietly, his eyes fixed on the figure in the pavilion. How could he, Fang De, who had been so wise all his life, have such a foolish granddaughter?
In the pavilion.

Fang Lingyu's body trembled uncontrollably. Whether it was due to the moonlight or the extremely low temperature, her lips were pale, and her teeth chattered violently, making a cracking sound. Tonight, in order to make the performance more convincing, Fang Lingyu had taken off her thick cotton-padded coat and put on a thin dress, both to add a touch of allure and to ensure that the fading reality was more perfect. After all, even pulling open the collar of the thick cotton-padded coat wouldn't be easy.

But... it's really too cold.

Fang Lingyu felt like she was about to freeze.

Looking down, my arms and the backs of my hands were covered in goosebumps.

Upon finally hearing Song Yan's voice, Fang Lingyu breathed a sigh of relief, managing a weak smile as her lips, stiff from the cold, managed to curve into a slight arc. That damned Song Yan, he's finally here.

The plan is half successful once he arrives.

Fang Lingyu was secretly delighted. Although she had initially looked down on Song Yan, considering him just a commoner, Song Yan was different now. He had risen from earl to marquis, and had left behind masterpieces like "Linjiang Xian" and "Qingyu An," which would be passed down through the ages. He was also hailed as the greatest talent in Ningguo. Therefore, Fang Lingyu's opinion of Song Yan had changed somewhat. In her view, Song Yan was now barely worthy of her... Although she would suffer some grievances, she could endure them.

Girls, when they get married, they're bound to suffer some hardships.

The only troublesome one is Luo Tianxuan.

However, it's simple. Luo Tianxuan is just a sickly person, and with the methods she learned from her mother, killing Luo Tianxuan is more than enough.

Once Luo Tianxuan dies, and with the Fang family backing her up, who else but her will be the rightful wife?

Thinking this way, Fang Lingyu couldn't help but get excited. As for the matter of giving birth in August, she could just make up a story. Besides, even if Song Yan knew the truth, what could he do?

With the Fang family backing them up, why worry about a mere champion?
Thinking this, Fang Lingyu couldn't help but feel smug. Hearing the footsteps behind her getting closer, she quickly tugged at her collar, revealing a patch of white skin in the moonlight.

The two semicircles, shimmering with a delicate luster, are quite alluring.

However, the tiny goosebumps on the semicircle were somewhat of a spoilsport.

When the footsteps drew near enough, Fang Lingyu suddenly turned around. The moonlight shone on Song Yan's face, and she could clearly see the mocking curve of Song Yan's lips.

Is he mocking himself?

why?
A hint of suspicion arose in Fang Lingyu's heart, but since the plan had already begun, she had no time to think about such things. With a sudden burst of strength, she lunged at Song Yan's chest like a moth to a flame. As Song Yan's chest drew closer, the smile on Fang Lingyu's face deepened. The next instant, she opened her mouth and screamed, "Song Yan, what are you doing…!"

Just then, Song Yan suddenly shifted his feet and moved backward a step out of thin air.

Unfortunately, Fang Lingyu lunged forward.

It looks like an ugly toad, face down.

Bah.

He'll bang his head on the ground!
His forehead slammed into the cobblestone road, and blood immediately seeped out.

His nose hit a pebble he had spat out, breaking his nasal bone and causing blood to gush out.

Even his chin slammed down hard, and you could almost hear a cracking sound. His jawbone probably wasn't feeling too good either.

It hurts.

She's a daughter of the Fang family; when has she ever suffered such injustice?

Unable to control himself, he let out a piercing scream that tore through the night sky.

Behind the artificial hill, watching Fang Lingyu's clown-like performance, I couldn't hold back any longer and slapped myself on the forehead. Such a clumsy performance was truly unbearable to watch.

That's so damn embarrassing.

Fang Hai and Fang Shan also had gloomy expressions. At this point, how could the two of them still not understand what was going on?
This is a common tactic used by young women in the inner quarters of the house.

Even Fang Hai himself has experienced it.

However, while this method is somewhat shameless, couldn't you at least have done it more elegantly?

Now I've fallen to the ground like a toad, what's going on?
This stupid woman has completely disgraced the Fang family.

It's unbearable to look at, truly unbearable to look at.

Even Luo Tianyi was so embarrassed that his toes were curled up, but a slight smile involuntarily appeared on his face... Hmph, my brother-in-law's performance tonight was not bad. At least he was not bewitched by that vixen Fang Lingyu. I will forgive him for those messy things between him and Ziyu.

At the same time, Xie Qingqing and Fang Hu, who were about to enjoy the night view not far away, also heard the scream. Xie Qingqing's expression changed slightly: "Was that Ling Yu's voice?"

"Master, hurry, hurry and see what has happened."

After saying that, she hurriedly pulled Fang Hu towards the pavilion. Although she said worried words, she couldn't stop smiling. She thought to herself that she was indeed her daughter. Next, as long as she and Fang Hu witnessed Song Yan holding Ling Yu with Ling Yu's clothes in disarray, then this matter would be completely settled.

She ran all the way there, and as soon as she saw Song Yan, the lines that Xie Qingqing had already prepared in her mind burst out: "You, Song Yan, when you arrived in Dongling, my Fang family treated you with courtesy, provided you with food and lodging, how could you do such a beastly thing and humiliate my... my... my... my... oh?"

"Where is my daughter?"

There was nothing she could do; it was dark. Although the bright moon hung high, it wasn't very clear. It wasn't until Song Yan was almost finished speaking that Xie Qingqing was surprised to find that Fang Lingyu was not in his arms.

The words of reprimand he had intended to utter ultimately failed him, and his face flushed red.

As for Fang Hu, who was dragged over, his face was also gloomy. He wasn't stupid, so how could he not see what Xie Qingqing's clumsy performance was all about?
The most common way for a concubine's daughter to rise in status is through a marriage to a higher social class.

Even if questioned, she would simply say: "How could I, a girl, use my innocence to frame someone else?"
That would silence all dissenting voices.

However, it is clear that their plan did not succeed.

Song Yan also had a strange expression. He took two steps back to create some distance before pointing to the ground in front of him: "Your daughter? Miss Lingyu?"

"Here it is."

Following Song Yan's finger, Fang Hu and Xie Qingqing then noticed Fang Lingyu, who was still struggling on the ground. Fang Lingyu had just gotten up from the ground, her face covered in scarlet smears, making her look even worse than a beggar on the street. Her mouth was open, but she couldn't speak properly because two of her front teeth had been broken. Blood gushed out from her nostrils, mouth, chin, and rolled down her chest.

Perhaps because of the fall, her clothes were completely torn off at the chest, exposing her breasts to the moonlight.

Her once fair and smooth skin was now stained with clusters of scarlet.

Fang Hu immediately shifted his gaze to the side, a sense of resentment rising in his heart towards Song Yan: His daughter did indeed scheme against him, but what was a grown man like him doing arguing with a woman? Even if he was schemed against, he wouldn't lose a piece of flesh. Besides, his daughter is beautiful and has a great figure; she's not good enough for him. Why did he have to make Ling Yu look so pathetic?

Xie Qingqing's face turned pale and then red, clearly not expecting things to develop to this point. She looked at her daughter's belly, then at Song Yan. Things had already come to this point; her daughter's reputation was completely ruined. She would most likely be arranged to marry just anyone, and her life would be ruined.

Thinking of this, Xie Qingqing steeled her heart and screamed sharply, "Song Yan, what...what did you do to my daughter?"

How could you do such a beastly thing to my daughter?

"Oh... my poor daughter, you've ruined her like this, she's lost her virginity, how am I supposed to get married in the future?"

Song Yan raised an eyebrow, a slight coldness appearing on her face. "We haven't even touched your daughter. Are you determined to cling to me?"
Tsk.

Song Yan smiled, raised her eyes to look at Fang Hu, as if wanting to see what Fang Hu's opinion was on this matter.
This was the last shred of dignity and opportunity he left for Fang Hu and Fang Lingyu.

Behind the artificial hill, Fang De's eyes were also fixed on Fang Lake with a gloomy look. This was also the last chance he was leaving for his second son.

If the second son is just as stupid as that woman, then this son... is better off not having.

(End of this chapter)