MFURCC -Chapter 79 The Stolen Cloud-Pattern Hairpin

Madam Yuan hated Madam Deng—but she hated herself even more.

“I truly misjudged her. These eyes of mine have been wasted!”

Liuzheng disagreed.

“Sister Yuan, you were simply too unguarded with people. Being sincere is never a fault. The one in the wrong isn’t you—it’s her.”

“Besides, it’s not just you. I’ve misjudged people too.”

Madam Yuan looked surprised. “You? As perceptive as you are, you’ve had such moments?”

Liuzheng wanted to say yes—not only yes, but that she had been even worse at judging people than Madam Yuan.

And the outcome had been tragic.

It was only because Heaven had given her a chance to start over.

“I’m not perceptive,” she said lightly. “I just learned my lesson the hard way.”

Then she reminded Madam Yuan, “Sister Yuan, before your sister-in-law, you mustn’t show the slightest sign. And even before you’re truly with child, you mustn’t tell Brother-in-law.”

She remembered Madam Yuan saying that Lord Zheng respected his elder sister-in-law greatly.

“Other than you, I won’t tell anyone. But I don’t know if I can truly hide it…”

“Think about the child you’ll have in the future. For the sake of that child, you must try.”

At the mention of a child, Madam Yuan seemed suddenly filled with strength.

“I can do it! It’s just… how long must I endure such days? I wish I could kill her this instant!”

After a brief silence, Liuzheng said, “Sister Yuan, if you truly wish to remove her, I can help.”

Madam Yuan froze.

She had spoken in anger; she hadn’t truly meant it.

“I—I… forget it. I’ll find another way. I’ll make her split the household and live separately.”

“That would be good as well. If you live apart, she’ll have far fewer chances to scheme.”

For Liuzheng, people like Madam Deng and Zheng Changsheng would only bring endless trouble while alive. Only when dead—when their names were carved upon memorial tablets—could one truly rest easy.

But Madam Yuan was a woman of the inner chambers, not like her. Liuzheng had killed countless enemies on the battlefield and could speak of life and death lightly.

So whether to kill or not, she respected Madam Yuan’s choice.

Since Madam Yuan had decided so, Liuzheng said no more.

Still, something might happen shortly that could change Madam Yuan’s mind.

“If Physician Chen makes progress, I’ll inform you immediately.”

“Good. I’ll quietly search for capable physicians as well. I’ve heard of a miraculous doctor named Wang Pei—very skilled—but there’s been no news of him for years. I don’t know if he’s still alive.”

Liuzheng nodded.

After chatting a little longer, a maid came to report that the master had returned.

A smile appeared on Liuzheng’s face. “Brother-in-law is back.”

“Sit for a moment. I’ll call him over to see you.”

“Alright.”

Madam Yuan soon left, giving Liuzheng a chance to speak privately with Nanny Jiang.

“Was it done?”

“It was. The silver you gave has been spent. Money makes even ghosts turn the millstone. To that person, it’s no great matter—it won’t bring him harm.”

“Good.” Liuzheng nodded lightly.

Once this matter was concluded, she would set off for Changlong Temple.

Meanwhile, in the front courtyard, Madam Yuan helped her husband change out of his court robes and mentioned that Liuzheng was visiting.

“She came as a guest today and wanted to greet you. In future, please look after her more in court. She’s a woman—there are bound to be inconveniences.”

Zheng Ding had noticed that his wife had been much happier lately because of Liuzheng. He also genuinely admired Liuzheng, so he readily agreed.

“If she needs anything, I’ll certainly help.”

But he cautioned his wife, “Her family situation is complicated. If you see her in future, meet outside or have her come here. Don’t often go to their residence.”

Though he didn’t know the details of the Ruan household, he had heard that Liuzheng was not favored by her birth mother. He feared his wife might become entangled.

Yet, mindful of Madam Yuan’s feelings, he did not ask her to sever ties—only to avoid frequent visits to the Zhaoyong General’s Residence.

“I understand. Alright, you’re changed. Let’s go—don’t keep her waiting.”

He nodded—and then noticed the bracelet on Madam Yuan’s wrist.

“Didn’t you give that to her? Why is it…”

“She said she saw how much I cherished it and felt embarrassed to accept it, so she returned it.”

Zheng Ding nodded, thinking Liuzheng truly considerate.

They entered the courtyard where Liuzheng was having tea.

Zheng Ding had seen her once at court in armor. Now, dressed in feminine robes, he almost failed to recognize her.

This graceful and beautiful woman—was she truly the war god known as the Zhaoyong General?

It was astonishing.

Liuzheng also appraised him briefly.

An ordinary-looking man, but with excellent bearing. For a man, character and temperament mattered more than appearance.

“Lord Zheng,” Liuzheng rose and bowed.

“General Ruan, please rise.”

Madam Yuan interjected, “Just call him Brother-in-law. At home, there’s no need for formal titles. Save those for court.”

Liuzheng smiled and complied.

Zheng Ding addressed her as Eldest Miss Ruan, no longer using her official title. After all, as a man, it would be inappropriate to call her by her childhood name as Madam Yuan did.

After some casual conversation, Zheng Ding mentioned Feng Lunian.

“They say his injuries are too severe. His family has already prepared a coffin.”

Madam Yuan’s eyelid twitched slightly.

She feared her husband might connect the matter to Feng Lunian.

Yet she dared not show it, lest it seem suspicious.

Fortunately, Zheng Ding never imagined Liuzheng had anything to do with it.

“Originally, His Majesty intended to entrust him with the Chang Sui Army. Now that he’s in such a state, perhaps this is an opportunity for you. Perhaps you could strive for it during the Qixi Festival. I’ll help as well.”

Zheng Ding did not know that the Empress had already “taken” her under her wing.

Liuzheng could not explain without revealing her source.

“Thank you, Brother-in-law. The Chang Sui Army was built by my own hands, like my own child. If there’s truly an opportunity… I will certainly fight for it.”

“If you need anything, speak at any time.”

After thanking him again, Liuzheng rose to take her leave.

Zheng Ding invited her to stay for lunch, but she declined.

“My grandmother has gone to Changlong Temple to burn incense today. I must head there shortly as well. So I must thank Brother-in-law for his kindness this time.”

Madam Yuan had originally wanted her to stay and try the wild game prepared at the residence.

But after Madam Deng’s earlier interruption, she dared not keep her—lest Madam Deng come again to stir trouble.

“Another day, when… you’re free, come again.”

In truth, she meant: when Madam Deng is not home.

Liuzheng understood.

“I’ll come next time.”

The couple escorted her toward the door.

But before they left the hall, Madam Deng hurried in.

“Sister-in-law, General Ruan—have you seen my cloud-pattern hairpin?”

Madam Yuan instinctively wanted to frown at the sight of her.

But remembering Liuzheng’s repeated warnings, she suppressed her disgust.

“Elder Sister,” she greeted. “Do you mean the cloud-pattern hairpins that Eldest Brother gave you for your birthday?”

Madam Deng treasured that pair dearly and often spoke of how her late husband had surprised her with them.

“Yes! One of them is missing!”

“Didn’t you always keep them yourself? How could one disappear?”

Madam Deng rarely wore them except for palace visits or important festivals.

“One of them was slightly damaged. I meant to take it to the goldsmith for repair today. When I heard we had a guest, I left it in the hall. After you left, I remembered—but I can’t find it.”

She looked anxious, brows tightly knit, lips pale.

Zheng Ding said, “Sister-in-law, don’t panic. Have the servants search carefully. Perhaps it fell into a corner.”

“I’ve already had them turn the hall upside down. The entire courtyard too. It’s nowhere.”

Madam Yuan felt irritated. Making such a fuss over a single ornament.

But she said calmly, “Don’t worry. After we see our guest off, we’ll help you search.”

Madam Deng suddenly said, “General Ruan cannot leave!”

Liuzheng raised her eyes. “Why?”

“Because… the damaged hairpin was placed exactly where General Ruan was sitting.”

Madam Yuan immediately understood her implication and could not suppress her anger.

“Sister-in-law, what do you mean? Do you think Yao Yao would take your hairpin?”

Liuzheng said evenly, “Sister-in-law Deng, when I sat down, I saw no hairpin, nor did I take one. You’ve misunderstood me.”

Zheng Ding’s expression darkened.

How could she say such things to a guest?

But this was the household, not the Court of Judicial Review. As a man, it was awkward for him to intervene in women’s disputes lest it escalate matters further.

Madam Deng hurriedly said, “You misunderstand me. How could I suspect General Ruan?”

“Then what did you mean just now?” Madam Yuan demanded.

“I meant that General Ruan surely wouldn’t intentionally take my trinket. It’s just that the hairpin is smaller and more delicate than ordinary ones. Perhaps it accidentally snagged on a loose thread of her clothing… so I came to ask.”

Liuzheng turned in a circle.

“Do you see anything?”

Madam Yuan shook her head. “No. Sister-in-law, it’s not with Liuzheng. Let me accompany you to search elsewhere. Yao Yao, I won’t see you out.”

Her eyes urged Liuzheng to leave quickly.

Who knew if Madam Deng meant to frame her?

And this time, Madam Yuan’s suspicion was correct.

Madam Deng stepped forward and grabbed Liuzheng’s hand.

“A quick glance may not suffice. Why not go inside? I’ll search carefully.”

Liuzheng’s expression darkened.

“Sister-in-law Deng, are you suggesting a body search?”

Zheng Ding could endure no more.

“Sister-in-law, you must be mistaken! Let A-Yuan see Miss Ruan out. I’ll help you search.”

Madam Deng’s face turned stern.

“No!”