The Princess Wei Yang Chapter 81 part1

Chapter 81 Part 1: Swarm of Scorpions

九死一生  Jiǔsǐyīshēng - lit: Nine dead one life, there is a high possibility of death and slim chances of survival, but it also implies that if one does survive, they are as good as dead

“If it was me, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to eat nor sleep peacefully if the person I murdered reappeared before me everyday. It seems Da Furen must have a heart of steel to be able to stomach that.” Li Wei Yang said this with a slight smile.

“Xiaojie, you should not believe Da Furen’s words, Nubi feels they were not well-intentioned.”

This Yatou knows how to be cautious now, it seems she has made some progress. Li Wei Yang looked at Bai Zhi.

On the surface, Da Furen had declined Er Furen’s housekeeper’s request, but Li Wei Yang took note of her expressions. She heard the words ‘family matters’, and the corner of her mouth lifted, with not a trace of panic, as if it were a long-awaited thing and it had finally happened.

However, Er Furen’s suggestion that shu nu should accompany and take care of Da Furen was rather timely.

In fact, whether it was Da Furen or Er Furen, Li Wei Yang understood them well enough.

Er Furen was clever and ambitious. She stayed by Lao Furen’s side all day and visited her birth family from time to time, and went on pilgrimages… It was typical for a Furen in the Capital to take participate in such social events. Although she was considerate towards Lao Furen, it was a pity that Er Laoye was a shu zi, so Lao Furen did not favor him.

Er Furen always opposed Da Furen, but sometimes, for the sake of personal gain, they would conspire with one another. Er Furen’s attitude towards her was sincere at first, especially in supporting her efforts against Da Furen, but once Li Wei Yang became Xianzhu, Er Furen’s intentions became clear, she sometimes treated her indifferently and even stood in Li Wei Yang’s way. And Da Furen was a gentle person on the surface, but her character was akin to needles, strong and stubborn, if she was gravely ill, she would not run to Lao Furen to lament. Her expressions today were strangely those of weakness and vulnerability, as if she were begging Lao Furen, but she also agreed to allow shu nu to go to Fu Rui Courtyard look after her, but why?

Da Furen’s expressions flashed in her mind, and Li Wei Yang smiled softly.

That afternoon, Du mama led other servants to Li Wei Yang’s place: “San Xiaojie has decided to look after Furen but going back and forth will not be convenient, Da Furen’s idea was… Why not move to the De Dong wing of the Fu Rui Courtyard.” She looked over to Li Wei Yang, smiling as she said: “Aside from Xiaojie, Si Xiaojie and Wu Xiaojie have already moved over. In the future, Xiaojie will not need to do anything at all aside from coming to offer well-wishes, bringing medicine and meals to Da Furen will be enough. Moreover, the responsibilities can be divided between three Xiaojies, so it will not be as tiring.”

Bai Zhi and Mo Zhu glanced at each other and saw the flash of unease in the other’s eyes.

Everything was going well, and now they were unexpectedly moving to Fu Rui Courtyard, where everything will be under Da Furen’s control. It was certainly not a good thing.

Li Wei Yang closed the book in her hand and looked to Du mama, surprisingly Du mama, who smiled and said: “Nubi has already asked Laoye, and Laoye has agreed.”

In other words, she had no choice but to move. Li Wei Yang smiled, since Da Furen did not mind going through such trouble, she must not mind if Li Wei Yang adding to her troubles, then? Although they must have something in store for her this time, if they had that much time on their hands and were looking to die, she should grant them their wish, “I have to trouble mama then.” She looked to Bai Zhi, and Bai Zhi said: “All of you, quickly follow me. Be mindful of Xiaojie’s valuable possessions or you may lose your heads!”

Du mama coldly looked on, wondering when San Xiaojie began to show off like this, but when she saw that each chest was overflowing with gold, silver, jade, and pearls, her eyes widened.

Mo Zhu laughed: “This time, Xiaojie will not be away for too long, no need to bring the bigger ones, the everyday accessories Xiaojie likes will be enough, aiya, Yatou there, be careful! Gently, gently! This is made of white jade!”

Du mama stared intently at the jewelry inside the chests along with the exquisite rolls of silk and treasures, secretly shaking her head. How many shu nu er of a household could possess these treasures? One could not blame others for saying the one with the most treasures in the Capital is San Xiaojie of the Prime Minister’s residence. The Emperor had given her so many treasures, enough to last a lifetime.

Li Wei Yang saw Du mama’s expressions, smiled and said: “ Du mama, which type of medicine does Mother use these days?

Du mama was startled, then she carefully answered: “The kind to nurture her health.” Da Furen had said her heart conditions could not be revealed to San Xiaojie in any way.

Li Wei Yang smiled and waved at Du mama: “Mama, sit down and talk.”

Du mama cautious sat down in a small, round chair nearby.

“I did not grow up in this house, so I’m not aware of the affairs in the courtyard, from Mother’s interests and temperament, I don’t know any of it, so I will need to rely on mama’s advice to avoid making any mistakes.” Li Wei Yang signaled to Bai Zhi, who immediately presented a red envelope to Du mama. Du mama felt the envelope, noticed how heavy it was and immediately smiled: “San Xiaojie, how can you say that, it is Nubi’s blessing to serve Xiaojie.”

Li Wei Yang said it as if it suddenly occurred to her: “Lin mama used to be by Mother’s side, why have I not seen her recently?”

Du mama’s face darkened, blood rushing to her ears.

“She--!” Du mama reluctantly smiled, “Her illness kept coming back, she told Furen and retired to her hometown.”

Lying without batting an eye, Li Wei Yang actually had Lin mama thrown out to the wolves, Li Wei Yang only smiled faintly: “So that is why, Mother must rely on Du mama then.”

Then, she pretended to have just remembered: “On our way back from the temple, San di told me something. A woman was found, torn apart by wolves behind the mountain, beyond recognition, I don’t know who though. Has Du mama heard of this?”

San Xiaojie’s voice was gentle like a meandering stream, clear as the chiming of a silver bell, pleasant to the ear, but after hearing it, Du mama was trembling, how could she not understand the meaning behind Li Wei Yang’s words.

Back then, Lin mama was sent to meet with Jiu Yiniang but did not return. Da Furen thought she was afraid of being implicated and ran away, but hearing what Li Wei Yang said, it seems she was devoured by the wolves! Although the temple was at the top of the mountain, there were wolves behind the mountain. Perhaps San Xiaojie had disposed of Lin mama!

Du mama felt herself shaking and brought her hand up to her forehead, only to find herself sweating profusely.

“Xianzhu…” She unconsciously changed her manner of address.

It was like a nail was growing out of the chair, Du mama could no longer sit still and stood up.

A peaceful silence filled the room again.

Li Wei Yang smiled: “Du mama feels that it’s hot and stuffy here? Bai Zhi, quickly bring a handkerchief here!”

Bai Zhi immediately brought a handkerchief, Du mama accepted it, not daring to say a word. She was terrified of San Xiaojie, in fact, she had always been afraid. Since she entered the residence, she had seen many things, a shu nu that no one paid any mind to had become Lao Furen’s confidant and could even approach the Imperial family. Da Furen had put in so much effort into her schemes, yet they were hardly effective! She brought the handkerchief up to wipe away her sweat when she suddenly felt something damp. The smell of blood was there too, she looked up and was horrified to see the bloodstained handkerchief.

Li Wei Yang smiled: “Bai Zhi, what is this, daring to bring a dirty handkerchief to Du mama.”

Bai Zhi gently said: “Du mama, please forgive this, this is the handkerchief that Lin mama had left behind, Du mama, please take this with you.”

Du mama’s entire body seemed to be shaking, racked with fear, and she cried out.

San Xiaojie knows everything!

She took in deep breaths and tried to recollect herself, but her voice was still trembling.

“Xianzhu, Nubi understands Xianzhu’s intentions!” She raised her head and looked at Li Wei Yang, earnestly saying: “Furen, it’s true Furen has wronged Xianzhu in the past, but recently, Furen’s health has not been good, Da Xiaojie is not by her side, she is all alone and truly pitiful, Nubi dares to ask for Xianzhu’s grace to not continue to resent Da Furen…”

“Du mama is rather loyal to Da Furen.” Li Wei Yang’s voice was gentle. She was still smiling, “I heard that year, the person who took me out of the residence, was you!”

Hearing this, Du mama suddenly felt a chill rising from the soles of her feet to her chest, making her freeze up. It was springtime and warm, but every one of Li Wei Yang’s words made her involuntarily stiffen as if frozen.

She had helped Da Furen harm many people these years and had soon forgotten about what happened that year, but every time she saw San Xiaojie, she still felt uneasy. She thought Li Wei Yang was too young to know the truth behind everything…

She looked up at Li Wei Yang.

Li Wei Yang had a neutral smile. Her eyes dark as the water at the bottom of the well, her dimples showing, as if she was only talking to Du mama, there was not a trace of anger or frustration. If Li Wei Yang was furious, Du mama had a way to pacify her, but she was calm, which made the situation more difficult to understand.

Should she say something or not?

Du mama hesitated for a while. Li Wei Yang was still waiting. The footsteps of the Yatous in the courtyard were more evident because of the silence that had settled over them. Li Wei Yang was to move to Furen’s courtyard immediately! Du mama clenched her teeth and said: “If Nubi speaks, then what will Xianzhu give in return?”

Li Wei Yang smiled faintly, having lived here for many years, one knows how to choose the most beneficial path for themselves.

“500 liang.” She slowly proposed.

Du mama thought for a moment, five hundred liang, she could find a bride for her son, chase away the hens that could no longer lay eggs, renovate their home… Of course, she could also use the Li family’s name to buy a small piece of farmland in the countryside.

Except… She was still hesitant.

“Gold.” Li Wei Yang continued.

Du mama trembled, this time, not out of fear but excitement, she had devoted half a lifetime to Da Furen, and she had yet to see even a liang of gold.

Her voice quivered slightly: “Nubi understands.”

Li Wei Yang told her: “Sit down.”

Du mama slowly began: “That year when Qi Yiniang entered the residence, she was gentle and lovely, Laoye quickly took a liking to her, but this yiniang happened to be Furen’s Yatou. If Furen did not agree, then Laoye could not take her. Furen realized this and was not furious, she continued to keep Qi Yiniang by her side. Some time later, Furen’s meimei, ah, Xiaojie knows this person, Wei Guo Furen, there was a confrontation while she was traveling by horse carriage. An old scholar was killed in the process, and it was brought to Bixia’s attention. Wei Guo Furen looked to Laoye, asking Laoye to intervene, but Laoye declined, saying that the Li family would not be involved in such matters. For that reason, Da Furen prepared wine for Laoye and allowed him to take Qi Yiniang to his chambers.”

Du mama looked up at Li Wei Yang, her voice growing quieter: “Drunk, Laoye accepted Qi Yiniang and even dirtied Furen’s chambers, leaving Furen no face. Laoye felt ashamed, so he agreed to help. However, in truth, Furen was worried, San Yiniang was favored the moment she arrived and opposed Furen, Furen was nearly injured once, it was Qi Yiniang who selflessly rushed to save Furen. It was then that Furen promised her that she would let her go and find a household for her to marry into, but shortly after, she had given Yiniang to Laoye. Qi Yiniang not consenting was nothing out of the ordinary…”

Li Wei Yang sneered, turning away. It was not something Da Furen did once or twice, it was because Tan shi was too trusting of others.

“Back then, Liu Yiniang was rather haughty, so Furen brought Qi Yiniang in to control her. Qi Yiniang did not fall short, she quickly became pregnant with child. Laoye respected Qi Yiniang, and Qi Yiniang had a high status, moreover, a fortune teller had said that Qi Yiniang’s child would stand above others. This made Furen uneasy. She feared that she would lose control over Qi Yiniang and prepared drugs… so Qi Yiniang would give birth early in February…”

“Laoye originally wanted to have Xiaojie suffocated, but it was Qi Yiniang who knelt in the cold, in the ice and snow, begging Laoye to let Xiaojie live…”

Du mama cautiously glanced over at Li Wei Yang as she spoke.

Li Wei Yang’s face did not have a trace of emotion, even after hearing this. Du mama felt a bit uneasy, and in hopes of pleasing her, continued to say: “With Laoye’s grace, Xiaojie was sent to Pingcheng to be raised, Da Furen was not at ease yet, so she often sent someone to check, after that, it seems they told that household something, and Xiaojie was taken to a rural household. Because Da furen held the word of life or death…”

Li Wei Yang lightly said: “Du mama, do not speak carelessly, if Mother had ill intentions, she would have left me in the countryside for the rest of my life.”

Du mama frowned: “Xianzhu, let Nubi finish, at first, this was Furen’s intention, but later on, she heard that Xiaojie’s appearance was not bad, and Xiaojie had a weak personality, Furen thought perhaps San Xiaojie will be useful in the future, since there was only Da Xiaojie of Dafeng, so she had brought Xiaojie back - ” Who would have thought Furen brought back a feral wolf, Du mama thought to herself, continuing to smile kindly.

Li Wei Yang stood up, “Alright, Du mama has finished, I should go to Mother’s courtyard to pay my respects.”

Not a word of resentment? Not even a hint of indignance, Du mama could not understand Li Wei Yang’s thoughts. She stepped forward and said: “Xianzhu, what you agreed to…”

Li Wei Yang paused and glanced at Du mama before telling Bai Zhi: “Bring the banknote here.”

Du mama smiled widely: “Thank you, Xianzhu.”

Once Li Wei Yang had left, Du mama breathed a sigh of relief, gripped the banknote in her hand, hidden under her sleeve, and wiped away the sweat on her forehead.

Outside, Bai Zhi quietly said: “Xiaojie, Xiaojie really believes that lao dongxi? She has helped Furen carry out quite a few schemes!”

Li Wei Yang smiled faintly as if she saw Du mama through the window: “I do, why wouldn’t I?”

“But Nubi still feels she is not truly helping Xiaojie.” Bai Zhi frowned. “Nubi could follow Du mama for Xiaojie, if Da Furen makes a move, we will be able to guard against it in time.”

Li Wei Yang shook her head, “No need, do your job well and that will be enough.”

Bai Zhi felt that Li Wei Yang was underestimating her opponent, “Xiaojie, Nubi is not overthinking this, Nubi only fears …”

Li Wei Yang chuckled: “You, you are still young yet worrying until your hair is all white.”

“Xiaojie! Nubi is only worried for Xiaojie!” Bai Zhi cried out indignantly.

Li Wei Yang sighed, looking off into the distance: “Don’t worry, everything is still in our hands.”

A while later, Li Wei Yang saw Qi Yiniang running over with ragged breaths, who was frightened to see Du mama there. Du mama smiled: “Qi Yiniang has arrived.” Qi Yiniang was now Shuren of the Third Rank, she was no longer the Yiniang the Yatous once looked down on.

Du mama’s greeting left Qi Yiniang somewhat stunned.

Li Wei Yang glanced at Du mama and said: “You should return to Mother’s courtyard, tell her I am preparing my belongings and that I will come over soon.”

“Yes.” Du mama respectfully replied, then she quickly left.

Only when Du mama had left through the great doors did Qi Yiniang approach her: “You absolutely must not go to Da Furen’s courtyard!”

Seeing her worry-stricken expression, Li Wei Yang smiled and asked: “Why?”

“This matter—” Qi Yiniang wanted to say something but decided against it.

Bai Zhi smiled as she took her leave: “Nubi must prepare tea for Yiniang.”

Seeing the others leave, Qi Yiniang hurriedly said: “No one can guess what is on Da Furen’s mind, you must know that!”

Qi Yiniang was a simple person, but she wasn’t naive. Li Wei Yang could not help but smile.

Qi Yiniang saw her smile and indignantly continued: “Foolish Yatou, you must be more careful!” Her eyes became glassy, brimming with tears.

Li Wei Yang smiled and offered a handkerchief: “Niang, rest assured, I won’t fall for her schemes.”

“You don’t know how she schemed against me, I had just stepped foot into the courtyard, yet I was already terrified!” Qi Yiniang said, growing pale. Li Wei Yang reassured her: “No, food and arrangements will be left to trusted Yatous, no one will be able to slip anything in.”

Hearing this made Qi Yiniang feel more at ease, Li Wei Yang added a couple more words of consolation, then had her escorted back. 

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Translator: Chau

Editor: Panisa (In Progress)
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Chapter end