Chapter 86 FCADW? IRTBTMOTMM

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 Favoring Concubines and Destroying Wives? I Refuse to be the Mistress of this Marquis' Mansion

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Chi Xiang Si

Qi Lingheng rarely intervened in women's affairs. Even when he unexpectedly learned the secret of Old Madam Lu's background, he had no intention of meddling casually. However, with the widespread awareness of the Marquis of Wuding's residence affairs, he couldn't avoid hearing about it everywhere.

"Lingheng, what are you thinking?"

Zhao Susu summoned her family members into the palace to talk with them. Just as Qi Lingheng came by to pay his respects, she invited him to stay for a while.

He usually didn't enjoy chatting with women in the inner palace. Typically, he would sit for a short while, listen, have a cup of tea, and then leave. However, at this moment, he seemed a bit distracted.

Qi Lingheng reported to his mother, "It's snowing."

Zhao Susu and several women from the Zhao family looked out the window and indeed saw snow falling.

Zhao Susu often summoned her family members into the palace to talk with them. Coincidentally, Qi Lingheng came to pay his respects and was invited to stay for a while.

He generally disliked casual conversations with women in the inner palace. Usually, he would sit, listen for a while, have a cup of tea, and then leave. However, this time, he seemed somewhat absent-minded.

Qi Lingheng reported to his mother, "It's snowing."

Zhao Susu and several women from the Zhao family looked out the window and indeed saw snow falling.

After some joyful moments, they continued talking about the eldest aunt in the Zhao family, Zhao Susu's older sister, and Qi Lingheng's maternal aunt.

Zhao Susu expressed deep sorrow, "After my eldest sister married and moved far away, both the palace and I haven't seen her for many years."

Communication was maintained through letters each year.

She looked melancholic, "I don't even know what my sister looks like now."

Zhao Sanfu's wife, her younger sister, tried to console her, "If Your Highness wants to see how Eldest Aunt looks, after the New Year, I'll have Third Brother visit her and bring back a portrait."

"Alright!"

Zhao Susu was truly longing for her sister, her eyes reddening.

Zhao Sanfu's wife was a skillful speaker. She quickly smiled and said, "Eldest Aunt is pregnant again, not even three months yet. She had a dream, and in the dream, a deity said this child would be a daughter. Initially, Eldest Aunt didn't want to announce it, but all the youngsters behind us are a bunch of rascals! Eldest Aunt was truly happy and wrote a family letter back to Madam."

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Upon hearing this, Zhao Susu was genuinely delighted, "Really?"

Zhao Sanfu's wife affirmed, "Absolutely true!"

Everyone then discussed how Zhao Susu's elder sister had risked everything to divorce, disclosing the family's disgrace to Emperor Jingshun. It was indeed worth it for the life they had now.

"A woman who divorces endures great hardships. Our Eldest Aunt is also a pitiable soul."

Zhao Sanfu's wife sighed. 

Who wouldn't?

Speaking of divorce, there's currently a scandalous divorce case in the capital. Zhao Susu thought of Minister Lin and couldn't help but mention, "Minister Lin's daughter is also unfortunate."

Qi Lingheng's eyes subtly flickered, and he took a sip of tea.

Zhao Sanfu's wife continued, "I heard the Lin family is also doing everything to arrange a divorce for their daughter, especially because of the Marquis of Wuding's residence..."

Zhao Susu lamented, "When women reach the point of seeking a divorce, it must be unbearable."

As women, who wouldn't sympathize with Lin Yunwan?

Zhao Sanfu's wife sensed the tense atmosphere and quickly added, "Perhaps with all the commotion in the Lin family, Minister Lin's daughter will have a better life in the future. Haven't we heard nothing about her lately? The Lu family even dismissed their concubine."

Zhao Susu tried to look at the positive side, "Maybe the Lu family is treating her well now, and she has come to terms with everything." That would be the best outcome.

Qi Lingheng didn't want to listen anymore.

"Mother, I take my leave."

He bid farewell to his maternal relatives.

"It's snowing outside. Take care on the road, Your Highness."

Qi Lingheng nodded slightly and left the imperial palace.

The first snowfall in the capital wasn't heavy. A'Fu held an umbrella for him, and by the time they reached the outside of the palace, the snow had stopped.

~

Back at Prince Huan's residence, the sky was already clear, and there was no more snow.

A'Fu handed over the umbrella to a servant and brought in a tray of snacks, saying, "Your Highness, this is the winter cake just sent by the abbot of the Chi Xiang Si[1]. Would you like to try it? It has been tested for poison."

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He lifted the cover, revealing several exquisite treats that could be described as "crystal clear." Some were snowy white, while others were translucent, resembling fruits hanging from tree branches, adorned with silver, in the midst of an icy winter landscape.

Qi Lingheng glanced at it and said, "Take it away."

He wasn't particularly interested in sweets, despite their exquisite appearance. Qi Lingheng picked up a book and started reading.

As A'Fu was about to leave with the tray, Qi Lingheng called him back, "Does Chi Xiang Si only send these to the mansion?"

After giving it some thought, A'Fu replied, "Certainly not. Normally, the wealthy patrons who befriend the temple would receive such gifts at their homes."

Qi Lingheng pondered for a moment and said, "Go and give them some extra money. Tell them to choose an auspicious day, and I will personally go to the temple to offer incense."

Ah!

Why did he change his mind so suddenly?

A'Fu asked, "What about these pastries, Your Highness?"

Qi Lingheng said he wanted to taste them but only took a bite before setting it aside, commenting, "They taste better than those made in the palace."

However, that was about it. After eating delicious things too often, one doesn't find them particularly fresh anymore.

A'Fu packed up and left, giving instructions to the temple's envoy who dealt specifically with distinguished patrons. After receiving the reward, the acolyte said, "The humble monk will ensure everything is arranged properly upon returning."

~

The Marquis of Wu Ding's residence also received the pastries.

"Chang Gong, try them."

Lin Yunwan had no appetite, so she let Lu Chang Gong eat. 

When it came to what his mother wanted him to eat, he would find a way to take a bite, even if it were a stone. 

Lu Chang Gong ate a piece and smiled faintly, "It tastes good."

There was a slight surprise in his eyes, but his innate composure masked it well. Unless observed closely, one wouldn't notice the hint of surprise.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

Feeling that he was too reserved, Lin Yunwan said, "Have a little more."

Lu Chang Gong nodded obediently.

Lin Yunwan talked more with him, saying, "It's the pastry from the Temple where we stayed last time when I took you to worship your grandfather."

Thinking of her father, she became somewhat absent-minded.

Lu Chang Gong said, "I remember the murals inside. They are beautifully done. If Mother isn't busy, I'll accompany you to take another look."

"Chi Xiang Si has murals?" 

Lin Yunwan had never seriously explored temples and didn't know about the murals, but she did feel a desire to go and worship her father.

She instructed Ping Ye, "Go inform the people at the Chi Xiang Si. We'll go there the day after tomorrow to offer incense."

Lin Yunwan still adhered to the rules of a woman and informed the elders at home.

Both Old Madam Lu and Madam Wei didn't want her to go out, but they didn't dare to stop her.

The doctor who examined Zhuqing's pulse came three times and each time concluded that it was a joyful pulse. Delighted, Lin Yunwan instructed her maid, Ping Ye, to pick some items from the storage room for Zhuqing and inform her that there was no need to pay further respects; everything should be based on her comfort.

Ping Ye went with a smiling face and returned saying, "Xiliu wants to serve Lady Zhuqing as well." 

Lin Yunwan responded, "I'm not managing such matters now, but Madam will certainly not object." 

Instructing Zhuqing to talk to Madam Wei, and indeed Madam Wei did not object.

When Lu Chang Gong heard that he might have a younger sibling, he kept looking at Lin Yunwan's face.

Noticing this, Lin Yunwan felt that Longbow seemed worried, so she smiled and asked, "Don't you like having a little sister?"

Lu Chang Gong countered with a question, "Mother, how did you know it's a sister?"

Lin Yunwan was momentarily stunned and said, "I just feel that way."

In any case, in the previous life, Zhuqing had given birth to a very clever daughter, just like her. In this life, it remains to be seen. People often say that a person's relationship with their children is predetermined; perhaps it will still be a lovely little girl.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

•••

[1] Chi Xiang Si: Red Elephant Temple

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