MFURCC -Chapter 40 Causing Trouble at the Door

In Great Jin, apart from the royal family, all children of concubines were officially registered under the primary wife to prevent mistreatment of concubine-born children.

As such, mistreating concubine-born children was not something to boast about in this dynasty.

Even if there was dissatisfaction, people would deal with it secretly, never making it public.

Moreover, Liuzheng was not even a concubine-born child.

“She’s a legitimate daughter, born to Madam Ruan herself… What kind of grudge or hatred would make them treat her like this?” the Duchess of Guo said, astonished.

Back then, the old duchess of the Guo family had insisted on pushing her own niece into the household as a concubine for Duke Wei.

On the wedding night, the old duchess personally delivered a cloth to confirm her purity, forcing Duke Wei to comply and consummate with that concubine.

Just once, and a daughter was born.

Although the Duchess of Guo wasn’t close to this concubine-born girl, she had never mistreated her.

She even feared gossip—sometimes, when there were gifts or treats, she would make sure the concubine-born daughter received them first.

The Ruan family’s shocking treatment of their legitimate daughters was unheard of to the Duchess of Guo.

“Imprisoning her was indeed the act of their primary wife, but the poisoning was carried out by the second wife of their household,” Duke Wei explained the sequence of events.

The Duchess of Guo asked, “In their inner residence, is the second wife really in charge?”

“Looks like the primary wife is in charge,” he replied.

“Then that explains it,” the Duchess of Guo said knowingly. “No favoritism—how dare that second wife act so recklessly? She probably just assumed she wouldn’t be blamed.”

Duke Wei frowned.

“When General Ruan was poisoned, the couple didn’t show much concern. Instead, the adopted daughter received a minor punishment, and Madam Ruan wept inconsolably.”

“Seems like General Ruan really isn’t valued. I can’t understand it… If our family had such a daughter, I’d cherish her in the palm of my hand.”

Duke Wei said, “Even without any contribution, we’d still cherish her in our hands.”

“Truly strange…” the Duchess of Guo shook her head, her eyes full of sympathy.

Seizing the opportunity, Duke Wei said, “I was thinking, if in the future we’re lucky enough to have her as our daughter-in-law… she won’t have to endure the Ruan family’s hardships anymore.”

He had already mentioned this back at the Changfu Inn.

The Duchess of Guo was also tempted by the idea.

Such a clever and capable daughter-in-law would be a true honor for the entire family.

But when it came to their eldest son, Wei Ranfeng, the Duchess of Guo remembered something.

“Ranfeng sent a family letter. I haven’t had time to read it yet. Since you’re back, read it aloud to me.”

She was heavily pregnant and advanced in age, making even simple tasks more tiring, her eyes often dry.

Duke Wei nodded.

He had someone bring the family letter, and at first glance, he froze.

The Duchess of Guo noticed his reaction, and her heart skipped a beat.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen to Ranfeng?”

Both her sons were stationed at the frontier.

“No,” Duke Wei quickly reassured her, realizing he had startled her. “Nothing happened—they’ll be back next month.”

The Duchess of Guo breathed a sigh of relief but remained puzzled. “Then why that expression?”

Duke Wei then read the family letter to her.

The Duchess of Guo was clearly surprised.

“General Ruan actually saved Ranfeng’s life?”

In the letter, Wei Ranfeng first reported that he and his younger brother were safe, then mentioned that the negotiations were almost over, and they would return to the capital by the end of next month.

Then he spoke of Liuzheng.

He said a comrade named Liuzheng had once saved his life and hoped Duke Wei would support her in court and help guide her.

“The letter uses the pronoun ‘he,’ with the male character. It seems Ranfeng doesn’t know that General Ruan is a woman,” Duke Wei noted.

The couple exchanged a glance, suddenly thinking that their hope of Liuzheng becoming their daughter-in-law might really be possible.

“Did you give your Buddhist amulet to Miss Ruan?” the Duchess of Guo asked, calling Liuzheng “Miss” instead of “General,” clearly excited at the idea of having her as a daughter-in-law.

They had always been impressed by Liuzheng, just worried that their son Ranfeng, a bit slow-witted, might not understand.

Now seeing the bond already forming, they felt almost certain of success.

Women always marry eventually.

If Liuzheng wanted to achieve something at court and wasn’t ready to marry, they could wait.

“I gave it,” Duke Wei said. “Following your instructions, how could I not? But looking at it now, our gift was too light.”

“No rush. Giving too much would have been disadvantageous. Her household is chaotic; we need to consider things more carefully.”

“Hmm, she said she’d come to see you. Then you can see if there’s anything you can give her without burdening her.”

The couple was now completely considering Liuzheng’s welfare.

Meanwhile, trouble was brewing at General Zhaoyong’s residence because of Liuzheng.

Though the poison in her body had been completely expelled by Chief Physician Jiang and military doctor Chen, after vomiting blood, she still felt physically weakened. Liuzheng lay down to rest.

But barely a moment had passed when commotion arose outside.

Liuzheng pressed her temples, then sat up, calling, “Nanny…”

Nanny Jiang quickly came in: “Miss.”

“Who is making a commotion outside?”

“It’s Fourth Miss,” Nanny Jiang said. “I asked Deputy General Pan to stop her, but being a man, he couldn’t get too close. She forced her way into the courtyard. Miss, rest assured, I’ll make her leave.”

Liuzheng said, “No need, I’ll see her myself.”

“But you just lay down…”

“I just have a slight headache, nothing that keeps me down.”

As she spoke, Liuzheng rose from her bed.

Nanny Jiang helped her change.

When she stepped outside, Ruan Baizheng was still there, though no longer shouting—Ruan Mingzheng had arrived and was trying to calm her.

“Big sister isn’t fully recovered. Wait until she’s well before causing any trouble,” he said firmly, noticing Liuzheng emerging from the house.

Liuzheng glanced at him.

Though only a year apart, Mingzheng was calmer than Baizheng—a smart boy.

In her previous life, they had all died at the summer resort. Liuzheng didn’t know much about this fifth brother’s personality, but from the poisoning incident, she had learned a little.

“Fourth Miss, Fifth Brother,” Nanny Jiang said, carrying a lantern as she walked over with Liuzheng.

Mingzheng quickly bowed to Liuzheng, then pulled Baizheng to bow.

Baizheng struggled free. “You can’t keep my mother! I’ll bring her home tomorrow!”

Still reckless as ever.

Mingzheng was slightly exasperated.

He bowed to Liuzheng and said, “Big sister, Fourth Sister speaks bluntly—don’t take it personally.”

Liuzheng replied, “I won’t take it to heart.”

She added, “Regarding Second Aunt going to Changlong Temple, you should ask Grandmother. She made the final decision.”

Baizheng immediately said, “Everyone knows Grandmother is biased—”

“Fourth Sister!” Mingzheng interrupted. “Sorry to disturb you, Big Sister. Please rest. I’ll take Third Sister away now.”

He ordered the servants to remove Baizheng.

Once Baizheng was gone, Mingzheng spoke again: “Big Sister, Fourth Sister is close to our mother. With her gone, she’ll be unsettled. Please don’t take her words to heart.”

Liuzheng looked deeply at Mingzheng. “Fifth Brother, you only mentioned Fourth Sister. What about you? Do you think I should bring her back?”

Mingzheng said, “Mother was wrong and must be punished. Especially for something this serious. I am upset, but I understand.”

“You’ve been studying; you understand more than Sister Bai. When you return, explain this to her. If she holds onto it, rumors may affect her future marriage.”

“Thank you, Big Sister. I will. But since the reason given for her stay at Changlong Temple was to pray for elder brother, it’s unreasonable to never let her return.”

“Grandmother said unless she dies, she won’t come back. When your brother’s leg recovers, then consider other reasons. No need to worry now.”

Mingzheng’s eyes darkened, a sharp glint flashing briefly.

He took a deep breath. “Understood, Big Sister. I’ll take my leave and won’t disturb you.”

“Go. Nanny Jiang, see Fifth Brother out.”

“No trouble, Big Sister,” he said politely, then slowly left.

Liuzheng watched until his figure disappeared before returning inside.

Nanny Jiang said, “Fortunately, Fifth Young Master understands reason.”

Liuzheng smiled. “Understanding reason and accepting it are different things.”

“You mean, he’s not as accepting as he appears?”

“He’s testing whether I’ll truly never let Second Aunt return.”

She answered directly. Mingzheng’s expression momentarily faltered—a fleeting moment she caught.

“Have Yuliu closely watch the Listening Wind Courtyard.”

Previously Yuliu had watched Ruan Yunzheng for Liuzheng. Now that Yunzheng was at Changlong Temple, Yuliu was free to watch the two siblings.

“Their second household just caused trouble, yet they dare stir things up again?”

“Don’t know. Better be cautious.”

“Yes.”

Liuzheng changed her clothes and lay down again.

She fell asleep instantly the last time, but now she found it difficult to rest.

Being confined to the inner residence all day made her feel suffocated.

She longed for the days at the frontier—though harsh, they were free and joyful.

Now, she felt like an old woman, trapped in this tiny inner courtyard.

No, she couldn’t go on like this.

Liuzheng instructed Nanny Jiang, who tended the lamps: “Tomorrow morning, send a notice to the Wang residence, saying I’ll visit after lunch.”

“Yes…”