MFURCC -Chapter 18 Disguised and Out the Door

The First Madam’s hatred for Liuzheng deepened yet another notch.

She grabbed Ruan Yunzheng’s sleeve. “Yun’er, do you have any other way to deal with her?”

Ruan Yunzheng shook her head helplessly. “Yun’er isn’t skilled in such matters. None of the previous methods worked, and I can’t think of anything else for now.”

Then she added, “But I heard Mother say earlier that Elder Sister will marry sooner or later… She has indeed reached the age for marriage.”

The First Madam’s eyes lit up.

“She should indeed be married off!”

Because of the incident at the Top Scholar’s residence, Ruan Hanmo now trusted Liuzheng greatly and had even made it clear that his earlier promise—asking Liuzheng to relinquish her official post—no longer counted.

Once Liuzheng married, Ruan Hanmo naturally wouldn’t let the benefits slip away. He would surely recall her proposal from today.

“Let her marry as soon as possible! Once your father’s anger subsides and we’re allowed out again, we’ll find her a suitable match.”

Ruan Yunzheng nodded in agreement. “Mother is truly wise. This should finally ease your mood.”

“As for myself, I don’t mind. It’s all for this family. Liuzheng is too disobedient—one day she will surely commit a grave mistake.”

“Mother is right. You’ve worked too hard for this household. Why not lie down and rest? I’ll massage you. Take a short nap, and I’ll wake you when the meal is served.”

Ruan Yunzheng knew some medical techniques, and her massage skills were especially adept.

She removed the First Madam’s shoes and carefully pressed her acupoints.

The First Madam quickly relaxed and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Thus, she failed to see the satisfaction—and the deeply hidden hatred—in Ruan Yunzheng’s eyes.

Back when Liuzheng had arranged for her to live in the outer servants’ quarters, she had been angry but not truly resentful.

After all, she had never intended to remain in the General’s Manor forever.

But this time, the Top Scholar’s household incident had infuriated her.

Ruan Changzheng had failed to obtain Ruan Liuzheng’s military merits. The only connection she could use to reach the Crown Prince had been the Top Scholar’s residence.

Now that the Top Scholar’s family was about to be confiscated, she had no idea when she might next have the chance to meet the Crown Prince.

Only if Liuzheng relinquished her official position could she borrow Ruan Changzheng’s influence to make the Crown Prince’s acquaintance.

Master Huifan had once read her fate in her youth, saying she would one day become Crown Princess.

She believed in Master Huifan—but she believed even more that man could triumph over fate.

Since childhood, she had followed his guidance, coming to the Ruan household and doing everything possible to please everyone there, waiting for the arrival of her “Purple Star.”

But now she no longer wished to simply wait. She had to carve out her own future.

Yet inexplicably, she recalled the glance Prince Su had given her at the gates of his residence.

If she truly could not become Crown Princess, becoming Prince Su’s consort would not be bad either.

But the thought lasted only an instant before she suppressed it.

Though a woman, she was ambitious.

Master Huifan had said her destiny was one of incomparable nobility. Matters of romantic affection were trivial—if she were to aim, she would aim to become the most exalted woman in the world.

Ruan Yunzheng’s beautiful eyes shone brightly. Her hands pressed down a little harder.

The First Madam murmured. Ruan Yunzheng snapped back to herself and quickly softened her touch. Soon, the First Madam drifted back to sleep.

…

Tinglan Courtyard.

Liuzheng’s confinement had been lifted, yet no one felt any joy.

They all feared that Master Ruan might suddenly punish her again for not helping Madam Xin.

Only when Pan Hong returned with news did the tension ease.

The Top Scholar’s residence had been confiscated.

“The Top Scholar is to be exiled to Ningguta on an appointed day. His family members are all demoted to commoners.”

Nanny Jiang and the others were stunned, then let out a collective sigh of relief.

“Miss truly has foresight. It was right not to help Madam Xin.”

Yet Liuzheng showed no trace of happiness. She frowned. “Is that all?”

“Yes,” Pan Hong replied, also surprised. “For such a grave crime, the entire clan should have been executed.”

Liuzheng quickly understood.

The Crown Prince currently oversaw the Ministry of Revenue, and the Top Scholar served there as Vice Minister.

Emperor Jingyuan’s action was not an act of benevolence, but rather to protect the Crown Prince’s reputation—making a show of severity while ultimately handling it lightly, avoiding too much public uproar in the capital.

She could not help but think: if the Emperor shielded the Crown Prince so openly, then even if the Crown Prince suffered a setback, he would soon recover.

Then what of Prince Su… Would he truly succeed in the end?

Should she really stand on Prince Su’s side?

But Liuzheng quickly steeled herself again.

Man determines fate.

Rain began to fall outside. She set aside these thoughts and, taking Nanny Jiang and four servant women with oil-paper umbrellas, went to the Old Madam’s main courtyard.

Grandmother would arrive home this evening. She wanted to prepare in advance.

All the furniture in the main courtyard was new, but it lacked vitality.

Liuzheng had them purchase flowers.

“These pots have a strong fragrance—place them outside. These go in the flower hall… Change the bed curtains; Grandmother prefers warm colors.”

She also instructed the kitchen to buy the fruits and vegetables her grandmother liked.

No matter how small the matter, Liuzheng handled it personally.

She ate only half a bowl of noodles for lunch and worked nonstop until mid-afternoon. Without resting a moment, she then went to wait at the General’s Manor gate.

The rain never stopped.

Fearing she would catch cold standing in the wind, Nanny Jiang brought a cloak and draped it over her.

But after waiting and waiting, the Old Madam’s carriage never appeared.

Liuzheng finally called Pan Hong. “Go check at the city gate.”

Pan Hong glanced at the sky. “It’s getting late. By the time I arrive, the city gates may already be locked.”

Liuzheng frowned.

“The gate-locking time is fixed. Pan Zhan would certainly arrive before then. If not… they likely won’t make it back today.”

“General, what should we do now?”

“Return first. The heavy rain has probably delayed them. They should arrive tomorrow.”

It was only a day’s difference.

The mudslide would not occur for another three days. There was ample time.

She returned to Tinglan Courtyard.

This scene happened to be seen by Su Luo, who immediately reported it to Ruan Yunzheng.

Ruan Yunzheng sneered. “With Nanny Qian taking action, the Old Madam surely won’t make it back. She waited in vain—how pitiful.”

“Indeed, truly pitiful,” Su Luo echoed with a smile as she gently massaged Ruan Yunzheng’s wrist.

After massaging the First Madam for so long, Ruan Yunzheng’s wrist ached. Su Luo’s kneading finally eased it.

Meanwhile, no sooner had Liuzheng returned to Tinglan Courtyard than Steward Qu arrived.

He had come to deliver game—two live wild ducks.

“Master sent these for Eldest Miss to try something fresh.”

Liuzheng knew: Master Ruan had learned about the Top Scholar’s case and felt too embarrassed to apologize, so he sent the ducks instead.

“Thank you, Uncle Qu. Nanny Jiang, please see him out.”

Nanny Jiang personally escorted him out and slipped him two gold leaves.

Steward Qu waved his hands repeatedly. “It’s part of my duty—I dare not accept.”

“Please take it. It’s Eldest Miss’s token of appreciation,” Nanny Jiang insisted, pressing them into his hand.

He ultimately accepted.

When reporting back to Master Ruan, he spoke a few good words about Liuzheng.

Master Ruan’s expression softened. “I knew she wouldn’t hold a grudge.”

“How could she? Eldest Miss is most filial. Otherwise, why would she have joined the army for Eldest Young Master at your word?”

Master Ruan looked even more satisfied.

“Come to think of it, she hasn’t made any mistakes since returning.”

“Eldest Miss understands reason well—thanks to Master’s fine teaching.”

“Indeed. I’ve taught so many students; how could I fail to teach my own daughter?”

“Exactly so.”

In high spirits, Master Ruan drank several extra cups.

That night, accompanied by the sound of rain, soft moans drifted from Concubine Su’s chambers. Water was called for twice.

When the news reached the First Madam’s courtyard, Nanny Qi couldn’t help asking, “Madam, shall this servant—”

“No need!”

Before she could finish, the First Madam waved her off.

“A hen that can’t lay eggs—why bother with her?”

In her youth, she had once sought Master Ruan’s affection. Now, with her son grown, she no longer desired it.

Sometimes she even found attending him bothersome.

As long as Concubine Su bore no children and dared not offend her, she could spare her life.

“Rest now. No need to keep watch over the concubine anymore. In a couple of days we’ll have to go out and find Liuzheng a match.”

Liuzheng was headache enough; she had no energy left to bother with that wretched concubine.

The lamps were extinguished.

The next day, the rain still poured.

Liuzheng was awakened early by the sound.

Nine years at the frontier had left her a light sleeper.

She had just finished dressing her hair when Nanny Jiang entered.

“The gatekeeper gave these to me—invitation cards received these past two days.”

There were two full stacks.

Liuzheng had not yet officially taken up her post and did not wish to attract too much attention.

Unfortunately, that was not entirely her choice.

After sorting through them, her gaze fell upon one from the Rongxi Marquis Manor.

It was handwritten by the heir, Shen He’an, bearing his personal seal, urging her to attend.

Shen He’an was Prince Su’s man.

After a moment’s thought, she kept the Rongxi invitation and selected a few others she could not refuse, handing them to Nanny Jiang.

“Make preparations.”

“Yes.”

The rain continued.

Liuzheng sent Pan Hong twice to check the manor gate, but the Old Madam had still not arrived.

An uneasy feeling rose in her heart.

By lunchtime, she could wait no longer.

“Nanny Jiang, find me a set of clothes I used to wear. I’ll change and go meet them at the city gate myself.”

Nanny Jiang hurried off and soon brought a celadon-colored set of men’s attire.

Baoqin styled her hair. With deft hands, she quickly transformed Liuzheng into a handsome young gentleman.

Feeling it too conspicuous, Liuzheng darkened her face with powder and thickened her brows before taking up her sword.

“Should we inform Master?” Nanny Jiang asked.

“No. If he asks, say I went out to purchase summer garments for the upcoming banquet at the Marquis Manor.”

“Yes.”

She had Yuliu disguise herself as Liuzheng, wearing a veiled hat, while she lowered her head and exited the front gate alongside her.

The advantage of retaining her military merits was freedom of movement—no one dared stop her.

Once outside Wuyi Lane, they parted ways.

Yuliu followed instructions to a teahouse near the city gate, took a private room, and waited.

Meanwhile, Liuzheng went to the horse market, bought a horse, and rode out through the city gate into the wind and rain, heading toward the Summer Retreat Villa.

Yuliu waited in the private room, refilling her tea again and again.

As dusk fell and the city gates were about to be locked, she could sit still no longer. Leaving two bits of silver on the table, she hurried out—making straight for Wuyi Lane.