MFURCC -Chapter 49 Carriage Blocking the Road

Liuzheng listened but didn’t find it funny.

The Madam had repeatedly been humiliated in front of the Old Madam—there was no telling what she might do that could harm her.

Still, Liuzheng couldn’t bring herself to spoil the mood and let out two soft laughs.

“Did you place a bet?”

Yuliu rubbed her hands. “I was going to… but that wouldn’t be proper.”

Liuzheng said, “You did the right thing. We’ll just watch the fun, not get involved. Otherwise, if the Madam hears about it, she’ll find a way to bring us bad luck.”

Yuliu quickly nodded in agreement.

Thankfully, she restrained herself; otherwise, she might have caused trouble for the Young Mistress.

“How is Pan Zhan’s health?” Liuzheng called Pan Hong to ask.

Pan Hong said, “He’s fully recovered. If you don’t ask today, he’ll come tomorrow to see if he can return to duty.”

Liuzheng said, “Then let him come. I have a task for him.”

“Yes!”

Pan Zhan arrived shortly after.

Liuzheng first inquired about his health, then called for Doctor Chen to check his pulse to ensure he was completely well before addressing the main task.

“I need you to keep an eye on the Old Madam.”

Whenever the Old Madam returned, the Madam would act cautiously, unable to openly oppose Liuzheng.

So, sooner or later, the Madam would make a move against the Old Madam.

“I need you to ensure her safety.”

Pan Zhan clasped his fists and knelt. “Your orders, sir! I will obey!”

After letting him rise, Liuzheng explained seriously, “Guarding an old lady may seem tedious to you. But with internal and external troubles looming, my grandmother is the one I care for most. If you protect her well, you stabilize the household, allowing me to act outside without constantly worrying about home.”

She explained carefully, knowing Pan Zhan might want more significant responsibilities.

Pan Zhan said, “General, you needn’t explain. I understand completely.”

He clearly knew how much Liuzheng cared for the Old Madam.

Over the years at the frontier, she often mentioned her.

Pan Zhan added, “My brother and I are where we are today because of your guidance. Even if you asked me to guard a cat or a dog, I would do it without hesitation!”

Without Liuzheng, the two brothers would still be going astray, stealing and scheming, never making a name for themselves.

Liuzheng felt fully at ease.

“Pan Zhan, thank you… I’ll entrust the Old Madam to you with confidence.”

Pan Zhan was even more reliable than Pan Hong.

With him protecting her, no danger near the Old Madam could go unnoticed.

“Rest assured, General. Should anything happen, I will protect the Old Madam with my life. Not a single hair on her head will be harmed.”

“Good!”

Liuzheng patted his shoulder, just as she had the first time he proved himself at the frontier.

“Well done, Pan Zhan! You and your brother are remarkable! With you two here, I can rest easy!”

They clasped fists respectfully.

Soon, Pan Zhan went to the Old Madam—not openly by her side, but to protect her secretly.

This way, he wouldn’t alert the Madam, but could immediately sense any danger.

Meanwhile, the Madam, having not finished breakfast, was scolded away by the Old Madam in a fit of anger. Returning home, she slammed her tea set to pieces.

“You wretch! Born to owe me debts!”

The servants dared not speak, quietly cleaning up the broken pieces and fetching replacements from the storeroom.

Yet in their hearts, they still grumbled.

“These are fine celadon teaware. If the Madam keeps breaking them, even a wealthy household could go bankrupt.”

And the ones who suffered the most were the servants.

Every time they picked up shards, one careless moment could cut their hands.

But they dared not complain openly.

No matter what, the Madam, despite her disgrace, remained the head matron of the Ruan family.

Elsewhere, Baoqin picked out two outfits for Liuzheng.

One was deep blue with straight embroidery—stately and elegant.

The other was a soft pink robe, embroidered with cherry blossoms—very pretty.

Baoqin personally preferred the pink one.

The Young Mistress was exceptionally beautiful; in that dress, she would be truly radiant.

But Liuzheng chose the more restrained set.

After years of not wearing women’s clothes, she had grown accustomed to heavy armor. Wearing something light and pink felt unnatural.

She needed a gradual adjustment—first to lighter clothing, then to colors, and finally to embracing her female body.

Soon the outfits were ready. Under the deep blue attire, she wore a light lotus-white long skirt—luxurious yet understated.

Baoqin styled her hair, inserting two golden tassel hairpins into her bun, elegant and graceful.

“You’re beautiful, Young Mistress. Anything you wear looks good,” Baoqin said.

She had been quiet in the past, but now that she had grown familiar with Liuzheng, she spoke more.

Liuzheng smiled. “You flatter me. You always say I look good in everything.”

She then called Yuliu over.

“Today, you’ll accompany me to the banquet.”

“Yes,” Yuliu replied.

Soon, Ruan Xuezhen arrived, half an hour early, bringing both the original painting and the copy Liuzheng had asked her to replicate.

Liuzheng compared the two and could see no difference—even the seals were identical.

Overjoyed, she said, “Xue sister, your skill is almost divine.”

Ruan Xuezhen blushed slightly.

“I didn’t want to delay your work, Elder Sister. Now I can rest easy.”

“You didn’t delay me—you’ve been a great help.”

Ruan Xuezhen left promptly, feeling relieved.

Not long after, Ruan Mingzheng’s page, Xiaofuzi, arrived.

“Young Mistress, Fifth Young Master asked me to ask when we depart.”

Liuzheng said, “Tell Ming’er I’m not going with him. Lady of the Court of Justice is also attending the banquet today. She invited me to ride with her carriage. Prepare the carriage to go ahead without waiting for me.”

“This…”

“What? Does Ming’er want to wait for me? With Madam Yuan present, he can’t sit in the same carriage with me.”

Xiaofuzi had no choice but to respond, “Yes, I’ll inform him immediately.”

He bowed and stepped back a few paces before leaving.

Back at Ruan Mingzheng’s quarters, he relayed Liuzheng’s words.

Mingzheng frowned. “When did she become so close to the Lady of the Court of Justice?”

“I don’t know… maybe at the Princess Huishu residence? But sir, you can rest assured—the map of the rivers and mountains is safely with her.”

Mingzheng relaxed. Liuzheng just needed to bring the items; it didn’t matter that she didn’t travel with him.

“Have the coachman prepare the carriage. We’ll depart first.”

They could also arrive early to check for any issues.

“Yes.”

News of their departure reached Liuzheng.

“Then let’s go too.”

She took Yuliu and Pan Hong with her.

The carriage didn’t go directly to Wuyi Lane but first to the Court of Justice’s residence.

Liuzheng had already sent word to Madam Yuan that her carriage would be used.

At the gate of the Court of Justice, Madam Yuan soon appeared.

Liuzheng personally got out to greet her.

“Just wait in the carriage. Why get down?” Madam Yuan said with a smile.

She was eight years older than Liuzheng, over thirty, yet showed no signs of aging and still carried herself like a young lady.

She had a heart condition and could not bear children; her son and daughter were adopted from relatives.

But she and the Court of Justice were very affectionate, and with no in-laws to burden her, she lived happily every day.

Liuzheng said, “I came to fetch you, sister. I couldn’t ask you to do it.”

Calling her “sister” instantly brought them closer.

“Let’s go inside and talk.”

Liuzheng nodded, first helping Madam Yuan into the carriage, then stepping up herself.

Once seated, Yuliu lifted the curtain: “Let’s go.”

The carriage slowly left Wuyi Lane toward Wenyu Lane.

Along the way, Madam Yuan mentioned past incidents.

“The day your mother sent a return gift, I almost misunderstood you… Luckily, your deputy clarified everything.”

She also mentioned the birthday banquet of the Princess.

“Your mother… I don’t even want to talk about it. If I didn’t know she was your biological mother, I’d think she was your stepmother.”

Madam Yuan was direct and didn’t beat around the bush, so Liuzheng spoke plainly too.

“I was raised by my grandmother and later away from home for nine years. The bond with my mother was always weak.”

“Even so, that doesn’t excuse how she treated you. You’re the Ruan family’s hope now.”

Liuzheng said, “Sister Yuan, you’re kindhearted and fair. Naturally, you wouldn’t understand my mother’s ways. In her heart, only my brother mattered. As for me, the one who blocked my brother’s path, I became a sinner in her eyes.”

Madam Yuan had heard some rumors from her husband and, hearing Liuzheng’s explanation, understood roughly.

“Even now, your mother wants your brother to serve as an official?”

“Yes.”

“But you are already the Zhaoyong General.”

“As long as I willingly step down, my brother could still take over the general’s household.”

“This… this is absurd! Is a daughter not your child?”

“A daughter must eventually marry out.”

Madam Yuan’s eyes showed a trace of sympathy.

She held Liuzheng’s hand: “Sister, you must carve out a great future—for yourself, and for women everywhere.”

Liuzheng smiled wryly, about to reply, when the carriage suddenly jolted.

Madam Yuan almost hit her head on the side.

Liuzheng reacted instantly, steadying her.

“Sister Yuan, are you alright?”

Madam Yuan shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Liuzheng, reassured, lifted the curtain. “What happened?”

Pan Hong’s voice came from outside:

“There’s a melon vendor at the front. His cart jolted, spilling fruit everywhere. The carriage ahead stopped suddenly, and ours couldn’t halt in time, hitting them.”

Liuzheng turned to Madam Yuan. “It’s nothing serious. I’ll go check. If we can’t proceed, we’ll take a detour.”

Madam Yuan wanted to say a servant could handle it, but Liuzheng had already jumped down from the carriage.

Her movements were so swift and efficient that Madam Yuan had no chance to stop her and could only let her go.