When Yun Qian Meng stepped inside the inner room of Ting Yu Xuan Qu Fei Qing seemed to be preoccupied with thoughts as she sat in front of the chessboard fiddling with the black and white chess pieces which scattered on the surface. Having heard the sound of footsteps she immediately turned her head around,just to see Yun Qian Meng walk in together with a bit of coldness. Qu Fei Qing instantly stood up and welcomed her and personally took off her coat. Pulling her hand she carefully inspected her a few times on the spot, then she exposed a smile on her face and while nodding her head she said "Meng'er, you're becoming more attractive. Such kind of bearing, it could be assumed that you are badly spoiled by Chu Xiang!"
Seeing that upon meeting Qu Fei Qing had started making fun of he, Yun Qian Meng annoyingly brushed off her hands as she complained "I have personally came to see you, biaojie, yet you are making fun of me!"
While speaking Yun Qian Meng slightly shifted her body to the other side,completely ignoring Qu Fei Qing. However, from Yun Qian Meng's side view face Qu Fei Qing was able to see her blooming face which she had never seen before. And it was truly eye catching. After which she personally poured a cup of tea mixed with honey for her and spoke "Since you are living very well, then I am truly happy for you! How can I make fun of you? You silly girl, when had you learn to feel shy?"
With such tone of voice and eye expression Yun Qian Meng thought that she was doing it on purpose, as even a few servant girls who were standing inside the inner room were covering their mouths as they were secretly laughing due of Qu Fei Qing's words.
"Alright, alright, I won't argue with you anymore, biaojie! This is your territory, Meng'er wouldn't be able to easily win this argument!" Taking a sip of slightly sweet honey tea Yun Qian Meng said in a serious face "Not to know, what will be the reason that had to invite me here?"
Hearing Yun Qiang Meng's interrogation the smile on Qu Fei Qing's face instantly faded. She lifted her head and glanced at Le Yao. Le Yao understood the meaning and brought Mu Chun and Yuan Dong out of the room, leaving only Qu Fei Qing and Yun Qian Meng in the inner room.
At this moment Qu Fei Qing slightly knitted her delicate brows as her fine and delicate finger were twirling around and fiddling with a black chess piece made from cornelian. After a while a sigh was produced from her red lips and then she slowly spoke "Yesterday, gege came to have a heart-to-heart talk with me. Yet, surprisingly, he had already knew about my feelings towards Nie Huai Yuan!"
Mentioning this Qu Fei Qing's eyes looked a bit sad as her expression became somewhat sorrowful and the black chess piece was already clenched inside of her palm. It appeared as if she wanted to crush it as she kept exerting more strength into it.
"Has biaoge come here to reprimand you? But, biaoge had loved you dearly, even if he reprimands you, it must be because he cared about you!" Looking at Qu Fei Qing's facial expression Yun Qian Meng's smile had vanished, leaving behind a serious and sincere face.
Her spoken words caused Qu Fei Qing to shake her head as she forced a bitter smile at the corner of her mouth. She then somewhat regretfully said "Gege said as long as I am able to attain a good marriage, he will not have any objections. But, it will be difficult to explain it to the Empress Dowager, gege intends to tell the Empress Dowager before the palace feast takes place to grant a marriage to him. He will also request the Empress Dowager not to take part in my marriage."
Even though Yun Qian Meng usually remained calm having heard what was said as astonished expression could be seen on her face.
She knew all along that the sibling love between Qu Zhang Qing and his sister was usually strong. However, in order for Qu Fei Qing to obtain her happiness Qu Zhang Qing was willing to go as far as to sacrifice his own happiness. This was indeed a very foolish decision.
Not to mention if he really did that, Qu Fei Qing would feel guilty for the rest of her life. And judging by the Empress Dowager way of thinking, she would absolutely never let Qu Fei Qing easily get away with it.
Perhaps after settling down the matter concerning his marriage, the next Empress Dowager's target would be Nie Huai Yuan. This way manipulating Qu Fei Qing's marriage.
Her biaoge who seemed to be cold-hearted, was truly an affectionate and honest person. However, if he was use his affection on Empress Dowager, perhaps he would be just focusing on the wrong person and wasting away his feelings.
Slightly regaining the astonished look in her eyes, Yun Qian Meng slowly asked "What is your opinion, biaojie?"
If they were to handle things the way Qu Zhang Qing's wanted, then perhaps both Qu Zhang Qing and Qu Fei Qing would never be able to find happiness and in the end the people who would get hurt would not be just the two of them.
Being asked by Yun Qian Meng, Qu Fei Qing's eyes turned misty, yet it was unexpectedly condensed into drops of liquid, lightly floating and drifting around the eyes. After somewhat giggling foolishly she shook her head and in an extremely slow-moving and steady tone she said "If we are to take gege's happiness in exchange for my lifetime happiness, then I would rather not marry!"
Noticing her tightly clenched hands Yun Qian Meng pulled Qu Fei Qing's hands which were laid in between the chessboard. She then took the black chess piece from her hand and placed it on the Tian Yuan spot. Afterwards she gave a simple smile and gently said "Since you had chosen to play chess, then you must place the chess piece, or else with the absence of black and white pieces, how could we engage in a hand-to-hand fight? Besides, before you set the last piece, you must not easily admit defeat! And as for your brother, I think he worried too much about you, and also the Empress Dowager's actions towards you seemed to be so strange recently, that was why it gave rise to his worried heart. I believe with the presence of my maternal grandmother and uncle, the Empress Dowager will not make her own conclusions that easily, so please just relax, meditate your mind in order to win this chess game!"
Qu Fei Qing heard the powerful and resonating sound of the black piece dropping onto the chessboard loud and clear, and listened to Yun Qian Meng's heartening words. The anxious expression in her eyes had suddenly dispersed, as if the sky had cleared up after the rain. Her face suddenly spread out a smile that was full of hope "I am being too anxious! Because of gege's words yesterday, I had actually argued opinionatedly with him! In a little while I shall discuss this matter with my gege!"
Seeing that Qu Fei Qing was able to accept this, Yun Qian Meng's tensed heart gradually loosened up a bit. she was still afraid that these two persons who were close to each other might go to the Empress Dowager's Feng Xiang Gong one after the other to request the granting of marriage and during that time, not to mention the two of them not obtaining happiness, perhaps the other two families that would be related to them through marriage might also get involved.
"Coming here today I still have one more thing to inform you, biaojie. Would you like to hear about it?" Thinking about how Qu Fei Qing had made fun of her earlier Yun Qian Meng's heart was feeling mischievous as she also wanted to tease her a bit and deliberately changed the subject.
"What is that?" Seeing Yun Qian Meng's face full of mystery, it hooked up Qu Fei Qing's curiosity. Both of her pure and virtuous eyes immediately issued out an intense doubt and directly stared back at Yun Qian Meng, waiting for her to respond.
"Make a guess, biaojie!" Judging by Qu Fei Qing's childish and naive look Yun Qian Meng secretly laughed. Yet she still refused to speak out.
Yun Qian Meng insisted for her to make a guess and seeing her rosy and bright face, Qu Fei Qing casted a glance at Yun Qian Meng, seemingly understanding her thoughts. Finally her gaze focused on Yun Qian Meng's flat abdomen and with a bit of teasing she leaned closer to Yun Qian Meng and spoke in a lowered voice "Is it possible that, you are pregnant?"
Yun Qian Meng had not expected that Qu Fei Qing would answer her riddle by mentioning her abdomen and for a moment remained expressionless and quiet. However, she shook her head "What I wanted to say, is naturally related to you, biaojie! Don't tell me that you've already forgotten the thing that you have requested from me before?"
Hearing Yun Qian Meng's explanation both of Qu Fei Qing's eyes immediately exposed brilliant radiance of happiness. She excitedly grabbed Yun Qian Meng's arm which was fiddling with the chessboard and said excitedly "Is he coming back?"
Watching Qu Fei Qing's expression and also sensing the gentle tremble in her voice that was not very easy to detect, Yun Qian Meng smiled as she nodded her head and informed her of everything "Within the a few days. Perhaps during the upcoming New Year banquet in the palace, he would also participate to claim his rewards."
Qu Fei Qing's eyes were filled with unspeakable happiness as she questioned. "Was he hurt? Was he tired? Was he infected by the disease?" Qu Fei Qing asked these questions repeatedly as they have been bothering her for a very long time.
Being infected by her happiness, Yun Qian Meng also laughed and said "All were safe and sound! Don't you forget, biaojie, that he is also a famous physician, how can there be any disease that he wouldn't be able to treat?"
Hearing Yun Qian Meng's explanation, Qu Fei Qing calmed down. However, soon after, she was reminded that the date of New Year's banquet was the day after tomorrow. She did not know if she would be able to see Nie Huai Yuan even for a bit before that time. Maybe,this meeting would be postponed.
"Just stay inside the house during these two days. If I am able to arrange things appropriately I will most certainly have my people to invite you over to our residence for a gathering." Being able to see though Qu Fei Qing's current thoughts, Yun Qian Meng remarked "But, your reputation as a fine young lady is definitely the most important thing. Please write a letter and Meng's will notify my people to give it to him. Once I got any knews from him I will certainly notify you, biaojie. With this arrangement, does biaojie have any other suggestions?"
Qu Fei Qing noticed that Yun Qian Meng was deeply concerned with her and had considered everything on her behalf. She even took her reputation as a fine young lady into consideration. Qu Fei Qing's heart was filled with warmth and her eyes were filled with gratitude as she nodded her head.
Seeing Qu Fei Qing agreed to her request, Yun Qian Meng laughed and stood up "The time is getting late, I shall return back."
"I'll see you off!" Soon after Yun Qian Meng stood up, Qu Fei Qing took the overcoat from the clothes rack and carefully draped it over Yun Qian Meng's shoulder. She was about to go out with her, when Yun Qian Meng stopped her "It's cold outside and you are just wearing a long coat, it would be better not to go out! It will be fine if you just allow Le Yao to see me out."
While speaking, Yun Qian Meng pushed Qu Fei Qing back inside the inner room and turned around to leave the house.
Yet,she had never expected that, the moment she hopped onto the horseback, by chance she would meet Qu Zhang Qing. Qu Zhang Qing was riding the horse as he was returned back to the residence.
Yun Qian Meng took back her foot which was already lifted up earlier, standing on the spot she watched Qu Zhang Qing jumped down from the horseback and stride with big steps as he approached her. Yun Qian Meng immediately saluted "Greetings, biaoge!"
"Meng'er, why don't you stay for a while longer? Grandma and Mother had missed you very much during these days." Similar to Qu Fei Qing, after seeing Yun Qian Meng, he also inspected her current complexion. Seeing it was somewhat better than the time when she was staying at Yun Xiang Fu, he laughed as he spoke.
Yun Qian Meng just replied with a simple smile "Today, I've especially came to see your meimei. But she was in a gloomy mood, Meng'er is a bit worried at heart."
Seeing Yun Qian Meng suddenly mentioned about his own meimei, Qu Zhang Qing looked slightly startled. After hearing that Fei Qing was in a gloomy mood Qu Zhang Qing realized that Yun Qian Meng most likely already knows something about his decision and for a moment went silent.
Seeing him like that Yun Qian Meng knew that in Qu Zhang Qing's heart, he had already considered the Empress Dowager as part of his family and he valued her just as much as he valued his meimei. , This decision must have been very difficult for him.
While lightly sighing, Yun Qian Meng spoke calmly "Your meimei truly is lucky for having an older brother who loves her like that. However, you are also very lucky, as she worries sick about your decision all day long. Perhaps, in your heart, you're doing this because of her, but, did you ever think that once you've done that, she will never feel at ease? Perhaps in the end, all you meticulous care and sacrifice will just be wasted. Rather than doing this, why should you throw away your lifelong happiness?"
Hearing these words from Yun Qian Meng, Qu Zhang Qing suddenly turned around to look at her. He knew all along that ever since his biaomei had been forced out of her marriage with Chen Wang, she had became exceptionally quick-witted and intelligent. However, he had not expected for her to say these words to him with absolute confidence. He began to have doubts about his plan for Qu Fei Qing.
Seeing Qu Zhang Qing being somewhat convinced by her words, Yun Qian Meng continued "Furthermore, what will you use as guarantee that, after that person bestowed marriage to you and she would not move on to your meimei as the next target? Grandma, uncle and aunt refused to mention anything about you and your meimei's marriages, aren't you able to understand why? So long as your marriages had been scheduled, perhaps they would never consider your thoughts anymore."
Having heard what was said, Qu Zhang Qing's gaze suddenly turned serious and the words that were produced from his mouth somehow lacking confidence "But after all, she is still our relative……"
"Then how do you consider my previous experience?" But before he could finish speaking, Yun Qian Meng asked in a stern voice.
For a moment Qu Zhang Qing's tightly knitted up his brows and from the bottom of his heart he seemed to have already realized something from Yun Qian Meng was saying.
And during this time the serene expression on Yun Qian Meng's face seemed to have somewhat faded away and she sighed while saying "Besides, the matter concerning your meimei still hasn't reached the final conclusion, why should you get confused because of something you like that?"
Remembering the question that she had asked Chu Fei Yang last night, she remembered that Chu Fei Yang only mentioned that Nie Huai Yuan had a brilliant medical expertise. However, he was uninterested in the official career. During normal day he only immersed himself in researching about medical prescriptions and pills with no regards to the social interaction between people. Since he was not all that active, he seemed to be particularly antisocial.
And during this time, Yun Qian Meng wanted to remind Qu Zhang Qing, not conclude anything too early. If Qu Fei Qing would not be able to marry Nie Huai Yuan, would he not be just sacrificing his own happiness for nothing?
After saying what she ought to say, Yun Qian Meng bent her knees facing Qu Zhang Qing once again and in a low voice said "Meng'er shall take her leave first."
After speaking, she turned around and hopped onto the horse carriage which proceeded back to Chu Xiang Fu.
During that day's afternoon, Yun Qian Meng was busy calculating all the monthly wages of the servant girls and manservants as well as corresponding red pocket which would be given to them after the celebrations. She then saw Ying Xia walk in and say "Xiaojie, earlier the loud sound of firecrackers came through from the main gate of the residence and nubi went there to look., Would you like to guess what happened there?"
At this time the other three servant girls were busy assisting with the checking of the silvers, but Ying Xia was unexpectedly lively as she strolled around the place, which immediately made the other three feel dissatisfied.
"Xiaojie, please take a look at Ying Xia, only she alone is so relaxed! She had actually ran out to see the excitement! Xiaojie, we might want to penalize her against her monthly wage, then distribute them equally among the wages of us three." While speaking, Mu Chun picked up an embroidered pouch with Ying Xia's name marked on it took out an ingot of silver and beamingly held it up high and exerted her strength to sway it in front of Ying Xia.
"Xiaojie, Mu Chun is bullying me! That is my money, return it to me!" Ying Xie spread out her both arms preparing to throw herself at Mu Chun after seeing her own embroidered pouch being emptied. But as she was halfway through she was obstructed by Yuan Dong, who firmly held her back from getting closer to Mu Chun.
"Mu Chun, quickly divide the amount properly!" Yuan Dong who was usually serious, started to crack her jokes towards Ying Xia, as her hands gently obstructed in front of Ying Xia. No matter how hard that yatou jumped, she was unable to get through, which caused her to become anxious as if she was ant inside a hot pan running around in circles.
"Don't worry!" Obtaining the support from her companion, Mu Chun immediately put the entire ingot of silvers inside a box and picked up some silver bits of equal value and made gesture of putting them into her own, Ying Qiu, and Yuan Dong's embroidered pouches.
"Xiaojie…… please look… They are bullying me……" For a moment Ying Xia was anxious and was stamping her feet as she was throwing her tantrums in front of Yun Qian Meng.
Yun Qian Meng allowed them to get noisy as her mood had brightened up a bit. She then put down the account books that she had been reading for a long time and looked at Ying Xia's small face which was full of grievances. Then she laughingly asked "Then you must tell me what you had seen a while ago. If I'm satisfied with your answer, then I might reward you with a silver ingot."
Having heard what was said Ying Xia immediately rushed beside Yun Qian Meng, fawning her as she massaged her shoulders. Then in a lowered voice she said "Nubi saw all the imperial physicians and the imperial guards who had went to Luo Cheng, they have all returned to the capital! In order to welcome them, every household had lighted up the firecrackers in order to welcome them home."
Hearing what she said Yun Qian Meng slowly closed the account book in her hand. She had not expect Nie Huai Yuan to return home this early.
"The four of you come here!" Carefully considered the plan in her mind once again, Yun Qian Meng gestured the four servant girls to approach her. She then whisped the instructions into their ears.
Early morning next day, Qu Fei Qing was striding her anxious footsteps as she quickly arrived at Chu Xiang Fu. She immediately rushed inside Meng Xin Xiao Zhu to visit Yun Qian Meng who fell ill. However, when she saw Yun Qian Meng was leisurely leaning on the bedside reading a book, her face looked surprised.
"Meng'er, are you alright?" Seeing her rosy complexion, she was unable to tell what was going on with her.
"Of course I'm fine, have you written the letter already?" Laying down the scroll in her hand, Yun Qian Meng exposed an extremely innocent smile.
Seeing that she was alright Qu Fei Qing covered her chest and heaved a sigh of relief. Afterwhich she gently reprimanded "If you want to see me, just allow Mu Chun to tell me, there's no need to go further and pretend to be sick. Really! You are also making grandma feel anxious too, as she immediately send me over here to check on you."
Seeing Qu Fei Qing's looking worried, Yun Qian Meng was somewhat apologetic as she said "Please don't be mad, it's all Meng'er's fault. But, if I were to tell the truth to you, perhaps you wouldn't have behaved sincerely, and you would have also made other people suspicious. Besides, if I weren't sick, how will I be able to invite Physician Xiao Nie inside Xiang Fu?"
If it was for her own affair she would be able ask Chu Fei Yang to handle it for her. However, after all Qu Fei Qing was still an unmarried woman, even if Chu Fei Yang knew about the matter, in her mind, it would still be better to keep it away from him.
Hearing Yun Qian Meng faking her illness because of her, Qu Fei Qing's mind which was filled with reprimanding words immediately vanished. Her face slightly blushed as she said "You, you really scared me! But, what time will he arrive here?"
While speaking, those vivid big eyes involuntarily glanced at the doorway.
Yun Qian Meng secretly shook her head feeling that her biaojie was forgetting her loyalty due to being in love. She then pulled her hand allowing her to sit on the bedside and said "Biaojie, give the letter to me now. After a while, you need to hide inside the dressing room, so as to avoid the embarrassment during the meeting."
Seeing Yun Qian Meng had already made necessary arrangements, Qu Fei Qing naturally felt reassured. She immediately took out the letter that was kept close to her chest and earnest placed it in Yun Qian Meng's hand.
"Xiaojie, Xiang Ye has brought Physician Xiao Nie over here!" This time the Ying Xia who was keeping watch outside the doorway immediately spoke to remind the people inside.
Mu Chun immediately pulled Qu Fei Qing's hand as they hid inside a room. Yuan Dong and Ying Qiu were sharp-sighted and deft as they quickly let down the curtains in order to avoid other people from seeing Yun Qian Meng's healthy complexion.
Everything had been prepared appropriately and Physician Xiao Nie set foot inside the inner room under Chu Fei Yang's guidance.
"How did Furen suddenly catch a cold? Having a wind chill during this kind of weather, would indeed be hard to recover." After getting to know Chu Fei Yang in Luo Cheng for a period of time, Nie Huai Yuan had utterly admiration towards Chu Fei Yang's way of handling things. Chu Fei Yang also greatly admired Nie Huai Yuan's sentiments. The two men became good friends and could say anything to each other without any restraint as Physician Xiao Nie had already corrected his habit of silent behavior. And while he was interacting with Chu Fei Yang he was able to speak frankly and with assurance.
"It's because of my carelessness!" Chu Fei Yang just plainly replied but when Yun Qian Meng heard this, she thought that these words seemed to contain a deeper meaning.
Translated by: cristina Edited by: Paula