MFURCC -Chapter 75 Losing Control

A sudden chill filled Liuzheng’s eyes.

“No physician has ever said that infertility is contagious. It doesn’t matter if Mother spoke carelessly in front of me today, but if such words were spread outside, who knows whether Lord Zheng, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, might hear of it and take offense? Mother would do well to be more cautious with her words.”

The First Madam’s face darkened instantly.

“You dare tell me—your mother—to be cautious with my words? Is that something a daughter should say?”

“I was only reminding you out of goodwill.”

“Reminding me? That wasn’t a reminder—it was a threat! What, are you planning to report my words to Lord Zheng and have him send soldiers to arrest me?”

“That was not my intention.”

At this moment, the Old Madam spoke. “Enough. Eldest daughter-in-law, Yaoyao truly meant to remind you kindly. Don’t speak such words again in the future. You might let something slip outside without realizing it.”

The First Madam was indignant.

“When would I speak carelessly outside? Besides, plenty of people talk about Madam Yuan. Why is it only unacceptable when I do?”

“Enough!” the Old Madam scolded. “It seems you didn’t take in a single word I told you yesterday. Go back. Prepare what you’ll need for the temple visit, and think carefully about which words should be spoken and which should not!”

“Mother, I—”

“Go!” The Old Madam gave her no chance to explain.

Grinding her teeth in hatred, the First Madam could only bow and withdraw with Nanny Qi.

The maids outside exchanged glances when they saw her storm out with a dark expression.

—Look, driven out again before finishing breakfast.

What a pity. Ever since the First Madam discovered their little betting game and sold off several lower-ranking maids from the outer courtyard as punishment, no one dared to gamble anymore. Otherwise, they could have made quite a profit.

Regret filled the maids’ eyes.

The First Madam could guess what they were thinking. Unfortunately, these maids belonged to the Old Madam’s courtyard. Unless they committed an unforgivable offense, she had no authority to beat or punish them at will.

Clenching her fists tightly, she strode back to Tingzhu Courtyard.

With a sweep of her sleeve, she knocked over all the teaware on the table.

Even that wasn’t enough to vent her anger. She smashed several vases before her mood eased slightly.

Only then did Nanny Qi dare to step forward to persuade her.

“Madam, please calm yourself. Endure a little longer. Once today passes, everything will turn around.”

The fury in the First Madam’s reddened eyes gradually cleared.

“You’re right. Our plan will surely succeed. When that old hag sees the result, she’ll never defend that wretched creature again.”

“You’ve finally regained your clarity…”

“I’ve always been clear-headed! I just couldn’t swallow this insult! I carried her in my womb, yet because I said one unfavorable word about an outsider, she dared threaten me! Without me, she wouldn’t even have had the chance to be born into this world! I should never have let the Old Madam raise her—never have given birth to her at all!”

“Madam, though this servant has little learning, I do know one saying: ‘When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility upon a person, it first tests their resolve.’ You must steady yourself. Don’t let this momentary anger ruin our grand plan.”

“I know the reasoning…”

But for one fleeting moment just now, she had truly wanted to cast everything aside and kill Ruan Liuzheng outright.

If only Liuzheng weren’t a general—then she could have found any excuse to dispose of her without fear of questions!

If only the plan to break Liuzheng’s legs had succeeded back then!

The more she thought about it, the more she regretted that moment of softness—when, before Changzheng left, she had even instructed him not to kill her outright.

Why hadn’t that plan succeeded?

She had always felt it should have.

Too many uncontrollable variables had intervened.

But it was not too late.

“Don’t worry. I’ve calmed down. That wretched creature almost made me lose my senses.”

She had also realized she had become increasingly prone to emotional outbursts lately.

Especially when facing Liuzheng.

This could not continue.

After forcing herself into full composure, the First Madam asked Nanny Qi, “Where is the Master?”

Nanny Qi lowered her head.

“In Concubine Yue’s quarters…”

She spoke softly, fearing anger.

Unexpectedly, the First Madam showed no jealousy at all.

“Go fetch the Master. Tell him it’s time to depart and ask him to return to Tingzhu Courtyard at once.”

“Yes…” Nanny Qi was slightly surprised, assuming the First Madam had truly calmed down for the sake of their grand plan.

She did not know that the First Madam had never cared about the man himself—only about her status as the principal wife.

As long as Concubine Yue bore no child, she would never threaten that status.

The Master’s fleeting favor meant nothing.

The Master arrived only after some time.

He had no desire to visit Changlong Temple—long journey, bland vegetarian meals, and tedious Buddhist sermons.

But the night before, the First Madam had invoked Ruan Changzheng, insisting that husband and wife must offer incense together for the Bodhisattva to recognize their sincerity and bless their son.

Ruan Changzheng was his only legitimate son.

In the end, he agreed.

He arrived in good spirits, glowing from the morning’s indulgence with Concubine Yue.

The First Madam understood exactly what that glow meant.

She felt no jealousy—only disgust.

“You’ve come, Master? I’ve prepared three sets of clothing. See if you like them. If not, I’ll have others brought.”

He waved a hand. “It doesn’t matter. Just pack these.”

Then he asked, “Has Ming’er been found?”

“Not yet. The city has nearly been searched. Perhaps he has left the city. It may take more time.”

Mentioning Ruan Mingzheng made the First Madam resent Liuzheng again.

“If she had kept a closer watch on Ming’er, how could he have eloped with that wretched maid from the Fu family? In the end, she bears much of the blame.”

The Master immediately frowned.

“Second Brother failed to discipline his son. That’s why Ming’er entangled himself with a maid. How is this our daughter’s fault? Have you lost your senses, shifting blame onto Liuzheng? Never say such words again!”

The First Madam choked back her anger.

Then she quickly realized—he was not defending Liuzheng, but himself. Liuzheng was his daughter; he did not wish to be entangled in Second Branch’s scandal.

Her anger dissipated.

“My husband is right. I spoke rashly.”

Seeing her admit fault so swiftly, his expression softened.

“If Ming’er isn’t found, the matter will spread sooner or later. We must draw a clear line from them, lest Changzheng’s future marriage be tarnished.”

“Yes…”

As she had thought—he was not partial to Liuzheng, only wary of being implicated.

When preparations were complete, the First Madam sent word to the Old Madam’s courtyard.

Upon hearing, Liuzheng rose. “Grandmother, you go ahead. I’ll visit Sister Yuan first and then join you.”

“Very well. No need to hurry. And remind the Madam Yuan not to speak of Ming’er’s matter.”

“Rest assured. She and I are close.”

The Old Madam nodded.

She had known Madam Yuan since childhood; she trusted her discretion.

Liuzheng escorted the Old Madam to the gates of the General’s Manor, where she encountered the First Madam and the Master waiting by the carriage.

“Father. Mother.”

The Master nodded.

The First Madam forced a smile. “After visiting the Zheng residence, come quickly. We’ll pray for your official career to prosper. Don’t arrive too late.”

Too late—and the good show would have to be delayed.

She had no patience left.

“I will arrive before the midday meal.”

Satisfied, the First Madam boarded the carriage.

She and the Master shared one; the Old Madam rode with the Third Madam.

The Third Master was busy with estate affairs. The Second Master had left early to search for Ming’er.

Liuzheng watched the carriages depart.

Just as she prepared to walk toward the Zheng residence with Nanny Jiang, the vermilion gates of the Prince’s Manor across the street slowly opened.

She looked up—and saw Su Heng.

Behind him stood Commander He Leyi.

Dressed in maroon casual robes, his black hair tied with a pale ribbon, he looked every inch the elegant nobleman.

He likely had not attended court today; otherwise he would not still be at the manor at this hour.

Liuzheng was accustomed to his cold, commanding presence. This relaxed air was rare.

Yet seeing him like this reminded her of Xiao Hengzi.

They truly did resemble one another.

But she quickly suppressed the thought.

How could the dignified Prince Su possibly have served as a mere soldier by her side at the frontier?

She must be overthinking.

At that moment, Su Heng noticed her. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, languid and lazy.

Composing herself, and seeing no one nearby, she stepped forward.

“Your Highness.”

His right brow lifted faintly.

“Where are you going?”

“To Sister Yuan’s home.”

“Madam Yuan?”

Madam Yuan’s husband bore the surname Zheng; some called her Madam Zheng, others Madam Yuan.

Liuzheng nodded.

“Go where you like—but don’t forget tonight’s important matter.”

“I would not dare.”

She hesitated, then asked, “Where is Your Highness headed?”

His gaze settled on her, heavy with meaning.

“Must I report my movements to you?”