First Phoenix Lady - Chapter 28

In Concubine Wen’s opinion, the Hanlin Academy was certainly not as good as the Ministry of Revenue.

The Ministry of Revenue was the emperor’s purse-who wouldn’t value those who managed the money?

Take herself as an example: when she held the Household Management Authority, how glorious she was, how much respect she received. Now, with that authority taken away, even the most clueless servants dared to sneer at her.

In the past, Concubine Wen’s words might have worked on Shi Chengxuan. But now, having just tasted the sweet promises painted by his beloved daughter, he had no appetite for anything else.

His expression was icy. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the Hanlin Academy.” He paused, then looked up. “You have connections with Minister Yuan’s wife? Are you sure it’s not with his concubine?”

He used to refrain from such barbed remarks, but this time, with his promotion ruined and Concubine Wen as the culprit, there was no need for tender words.

Concubine Wen flushed red, yet could not refute him.

Minister Yuan’s legitimate wife, though not as noble as Madam Tang, still came from a scholarly family and would never befriend a mere concubine like her.

It was Minister Yuan’s concubine, Liang Shi, who, being from the same hometown, was very close to her.

The two often arranged to meet. In short, Concubine Wen had given plenty of bad advice to stir up trouble in the Yuan household.

She had thought that, holding leverage over Liang Shi, she could have her whisper in Minister Yuan’s ear.

As long as she could get things done for her husband, her previous misdeeds could be wiped clean, and she could reclaim the Household Management Authority-then there’d be no need to settle old scores.

But now, her husband’s face was indifferent; he didn’t want to hear a word from her.

Shi Anxia also ignored Concubine Wen, treating her as air. “Father, now that you’ve taken up a new post, Mother said she’d like to host a banquet for your colleagues.”

Shi Chengxuan liked the sound of that, visibly pleased. “Really?”

Shi Anxia nodded. “But Mother said, since it’s a lateral transfer, it’s not appropriate to make it grand. Just invite the few scholars you supervise for a small gathering at home.”

Shi Chengxuan looked puzzled. “Oh, not the higher-ups?”

“Of course not. The Hanlin Academy is different from other places, Father. You mustn’t invite people carelessly, or you might offend someone and leave a bad impression.” Seeing Shi Chengxuan’s enthusiasm fade, Shi Anxia gently added, “Mother will select appropriate gifts for each of them according to their preferences. You needn’t worry.”

“Not worried!” Shi Chengxuan knew when to appreciate kindness, and replied smoothly, “If Madam has thought of everything, I have no worries.”

Seeing this harmonious scene between father and daughter, Concubine Wen recalled Shi Chengxuan’s previous words about Madam Tang: “She doesn’t like me, and I don’t like her! If Mother hadn’t forced me to marry her, would I have brought home such a wooden person?”

Now, Madam Tang didn’t even need to show her face, yet in her husband’s eyes, she had become the thoughtful one who took care of everything for him.

Concubine Wen seethed with resentment.

Shi Anxia watched coldly, but her voice was gentle and soft. “Actually, Mother’s banquet for your colleagues isn’t just for you, Father. She also wants Yun Qi to meet them and broaden his horizons.”

Old Madam Shi suddenly understood, clapping her hand on the armrest, excited. “Chujun is so thoughtful!”

Only then did Shi Chengxuan realize that those colleagues were all on the Jinshi List, some even ranked quite high.

If his son could receive guidance from these people, wouldn’t it be twice the result for half the effort!

He couldn’t help but admire his wife’s foresight and vision. “Madam truly has an eye for things!”

Old Madam Shi began to reassess Madam Tang and her daughter, seeing that her legitimate granddaughter was wholeheartedly devising strategies for her father, with no sign of collusion with the Eldest Branch.

Thus, her heart softened a little more, feeling that the Household Management Authority should indeed be given to Madam Tang and her daughter.
After everyone dispersed, Old Madam Shi sent someone to summon Nanny Yan from Begonia Courtyard for questioning.

Nanny Yan reported, “Madam does seem to have softened her heart, always concerned about Young Master Qi’s injuries. But, this old servant went to see Young Master Qi up close-oh, those wounds! You haven’t seen them; in some places, the bone is exposed. Even Doctor Shen said, ‘No one beats their servants like this.'”

“That Wen Huiyi!” Old Madam Shi felt her heart clench. “Nanny Li, go call her here!”

Concubine Wen, who had been eavesdropping outside, was startled when she heard this. She quickly gestured to Chen Mama, who was guarding the door, and dashed away.

Chen Mama had been punished that day, forced to kneel in the snow for five hours; her legs were nearly ruined.

If Miss Anxia hadn’t later pleaded for her before Old Madam Shi, allowing her to finish her punishment in Mingsong Hall, she might have lost her life.

Now, she guarded the door half-dead, silent, unwilling to say anything. Let them do as they please.

She had seen through it: neither Concubine Wen nor Old Madam Shi cared for her, such a crucial and capable servant. If they ever wanted her to risk her life again-hmph, that would never happen.

While Nanny Li went to fetch Concubine Wen, Nanny Yan continued her report, her tone tinged with joy. “There is good news, Old Madam, sure to please you.”

But Old Madam Shi was thinking that Young Master Qi must recover soon, lest he miss the chance to befriend those scholars.

Madam Tang had gone to great lengths to plan for him; he must seize the opportunity.

Now, Madam Tang surely cared for Young Master Qi because he saved her daughter. Once this fervor passed, her affection might fade.

Nanny Yan leaned in and whispered, “It is said that those poems and essays, once praised as Young Master Xing’s work, were actually written by Young Master Qi.”

“What?” Old Madam Shi perked up. “Is this true?”

Nanny Yan beamed. “Everyone in Begonia Courtyard says so. I can’t tell if it’s true, but I reckon Young Master Qi, fearing he wouldn’t become the legitimate son, confessed to Madam and Miss Anxia. Think about it: if Young Master Qi is capable, Madam has someone to rely on. Why bother adopting a young child like Young Master Shu? What if he grows up to be a wastrel… Ah, this old servant speaks too much.”

Realizing her mistake, she lightly slapped her own mouth.

Old Madam Shi, however, slapped the table, her face alight with joy. “That’s it!”

She belatedly recalled why she once believed so firmly that Xing would make a name for himself-it was because, at eight, he showed extraordinary talent. Even the teachers at Songshan Academy praised him endlessly, saying he would soon be famous in the Capital.

Yet, before he could make a name for himself, news came that every academy had rejected him.

Now, she finally understood: the truly gifted one was Qi!

Old Madam Shi’s desire to make Qi the legitimate son grew even stronger.

Suddenly, Nanny Li rushed in, flustered. “Old Madam, something’s wrong! Concubine Wen has run to Begonia Courtyard to snatch Young Master Qi!”

Old Madam Shi’s eyelids twitched heavily, anger surging to her crown. “Go, to Begonia Courtyard!”

Whoever sabotaged her Fate Restoration plan was her enemy!

It seemed Wen Huiyi needed to be dealt with!

When she arrived at Begonia Courtyard, she heard Concubine Wen wailing at the top of her lungs, “Son! My son! You’re my only son! You can’t abandon your own mother just to become the legitimate son! Though I’m just a lowly concubine, I’m still your birth mother. You can’t just cast me aside…”