First Phoenix Lady - chapter 12

Chapter 12

Shi Chengxuan, sighing after being rebuked, could only shift the topic to his deceased son.

It would have been better not to mention it at all; bringing it up was like poking the sorest spot. Tang Chujun’s face darkened, and she was just short of pointing at his nose and shouting, “Get out!”

Shi Chengxuan glanced at his daughter, noticing that she quietly ate her meal throughout, not even raising her brows.

Only then did he realize with surprise that his daughter had truly been raised well; every gesture and movement exuded the poise and restraint befitting a noble lady.

He dared say, even the consorts in the palace might not match her bearing.

His heart grew increasingly fervent. With his daughter’s beauty and their family’s status, even marrying a prince would be more than adequate.

Who said the Marquis Mansion was destined to decline in his generation? But he didn’t dare voice these thoughts.

Just then, a servant rushed in to report, “Something’s wrong, Second Master! Something’s happened to Second Master!”

Shi Chengxuan’s hand holding the chopsticks trembled with his heartbeat. “What now?”

“Concubine Wen refused to pay the silver, and someone went to the authorities to accuse her!”

Shi Chengxuan’s heart flared with anger, and he asked urgently, “What silver? Who’s accusing her?”

“Didn’t you order me to cane the Marquis Mansion’s servants in the street, Second Master? Concubine Wen asked the onlookers to carry them back to the mansion, promising ten wen in wages to each person. But after they brought them back, Concubine Wen refused to pay…”

Shi Chengxuan’s eyelid twitched, and he even used street slang, “What is that woman up to!”

She wouldn’t even pay ten wen per person; even if she hired a hundred people, it would only be a few coins!

Fuming, Shi Chengxuan strode out of Begonia Courtyard without even saying goodbye.

Tang Chujun looked at her daughter, who seemed to be enjoying the spectacle. “Was this your arrangement too?”

Shi Anxia smiled faintly, “No, Mother’s reach doesn’t extend that far. Concubine Wen acted on her own.”

Tang Chujun burst out laughing and asked no further, lowering her head to continue eating. For some reason, she felt the food tasted better than before.

In He’an Courtyard, Concubine Wen knelt in the room, crying.

At the head of the room sat the long-absent Old Marquis, with Old Madam Shi beside him, and Shi Chengxuan seated to the side.

Old Madam Shi hurled a teacup at Concubine Wen’s head, roaring, “Who allowed you to set up a private incense altar? Didn’t I make it clear that such things are strictly forbidden throughout the mansion?”

A lump rose on Concubine Wen’s head from the blow, and she screamed in pain, collapsing to the floor.

The tea diluted the blood on her head, trickling down her hair onto her clothes, leaving a dirty stain.

The Old Marquis, having learned the details, couldn’t help but wonder, “I thought Madam Tang was the most likely to set up a private altar. What possessed you, a mere concubine, to do so?”

Old Madam Shi and Concubine Wen both felt a jolt in their hearts.

Fortunately, Shi Chengxuan burst out angrily, “You still don’t know what this wretch has done outside! My official career is likely to be ruined by her!”

Concubine Wen looked fearfully at Old Madam Shi. “Aunt, you know this matter clearly. Xing’er and that Miss Wei…”

“Wretch, you dare speak!” Shi Chengxuan, recalling how he had finally gained favor with Lord Jiang only to have it destroyed, grabbed a teacup and hurled it at her.

This time, the teacup struck Concubine Wen’s chest with such force that she was knocked backward.

But no one cared whether she was hurt; all they listened to was Shi Chengxuan recounting how Tang Chujun had schemed for him, and how it had nearly succeeded.

Some details had been told to him by Shi Anxia in the carriage. After hearing them, he added his own guesses and understanding.

He said, “Lord Jiang and Lord Wei are from the same hometown and knew each other before entering officialdom. Their wives are close friends, and both Wei sisters are Lord Jiang’s goddaughters. Chujun knew this, found out Lord Jiang had gone to Wei Mansion, so she had Sister Xia notify me while she hurried to the Wei Mansion…”
Old Madam Shi pondered for a moment and nodded, “It is best if Madam Tang can come around. From now on, you and your wife will live in harmony. With the Duke of State Protection Mansion supporting you, you need not fear lacking opportunities for promotion. Sister Xia is truly a remarkable girl-she handles matters with care and is always thinking of you, her father.

“Chujun is, after all, the wife you married with proper rites, and Sister Xia is my daughter. If they do not stand by me, who else would they stand by?” A trace of pride appeared between Shi Chengxuan’s brows. Thinking of his daughter’s dignified and noble bearing, his heart brimmed with hope for the future. “If Sister Xia hadn’t been present today, I wouldn’t have had such a pleasant conversation with Lord Jiang. He had already agreed to recommend me…”

Shi Chengxuan had held the position of Director of the Ministry of Rites for many years. His colleagues had been promoted one after another, but he remained stuck in the same place.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t tried sending gifts or seeking help, but even among Vice Directors, there were differences.

Some carried little weight; even if they recommended him, he would be rejected.

Only Lord Jiang, though merely a Vice Director in the Ministry of Rites, wielded great influence. His recommendations to the Ministry of Personnel carried significant weight and were almost always successful.

This time, Lord Jiang was likely to be promoted, becoming the youngest Chief of the Ministry of Rites.

Everyone knew this, so Lord Jiang was very cautious about interacting with outsiders, fearing accusations of favoritism.

Shi Chengxuan was deeply distressed. “Such a good opportunity, ruined by that wretch!”

Because of Old Madam Shi, he had treated Concubine Wen quite well over the years-affectionate and respectful.

He was always gentle with his concubines, easily persuaded, and never harsh. He had never called a concubine a “wretch” before.

Especially as he recounted everything that happened at the gate of Wei Mansion, his anger only grew.

The Old Marquis was naturally furious upon hearing this.

But Old Madam Shi, besides being angry, also felt guilty.

Because, in truth, she knew about this matter.

On the day Shi Yunxing’s incident occurred, she had summoned a servant to inquire. She learned that Xing’er admired Miss Wei and intended to make things irreversible, which led to the current situation.

At that time, Concubine Wen had sworn, “I will make sure Miss Wei’s reputation is ruined. Even if she dies, she will be my Xing’er’s bride in a Spirit Marriage!”

Old Madam Shi had agreed then, thinking nothing was amiss.

But she never imagined that Wei Zhongshi, a mere sixth-rank official, would have ties to the powerful Lord Jiang.

Had she known, she would have stopped it at all costs.

But now it was too late for regrets. She could only ask her son, “Xuan’er, is there any way to remedy this?”

Shi Chengxuan replied angrily, “Do you know why I punished the servants in public? Wasn’t it to show Lord Jiang? Who would have thought! Who would have thought!”

Who would have thought that wretch would cause trouble again! Why owe the commoners a few copper coins? A person only costs ten wen! Can the Marquis Mansion not afford it?

Isn’t this deliberately ruining my career and the future of the Marquis Mansion?

Old Madam Shi was furious. “Wen Huiyi, whatever means you use, you must resolve this matter by tomorrow.”

“No need. The matter has already been resolved.” Shi Anxia lifted the curtain and entered, her cloak still covered with unmelted snowflakes, her whole person exuding a chilling aura.