Higher Level Wife

Chapter 93: Confusion

Author: White Pear Flower

Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/

Translated by Pill Bug

Edited by Gumihou

Gumihou: Here, have a piece of poop-shaped gold. What? That rainbow to our left? Oh, that wonderful sight is courtesy of JFJ’s venerable a***hole.

Fu Qiuning was also starting to feel the cold. Looking into the urn, she found that it was more than half-filled with snow and smiled, “Since that is the case, let us return. I have been collecting for half a day but only managed to gather this much. Today’s snowfall is quite light. When heavier snow arrives, I should have more.”

Even as she spoke, she made for the porch where she had left the lid of the blue and white porcelain urn. Jin Fengju accompanied her all the way, walking beside her as they made their way to the front yard and entered the house through the front as the backdoor was locked.

Still smiling, Fu Qiuning said, “Yesterday, Second Madam’s maids personally came with the monthly allocation. I received five silver taels, Aunt Yu and Yu Jie one tael each, and Feng’er and Jiao’er two taels each. Jin Zhuan and Lu Hua also received 500 copper coins each. I must thank Lord Husband for this. If you had not brought the matter up to Second Madam, we would not have these silvers in our hands. From the moment Aunt Yu and Yu Jie entered my Night Breeze Pavilion, they never received their monthly salary and were both very excited. Even Feng’er and Jiao’er are very happy.”

Jin Fengju smiled and said, “It is what you deserved, it is good that it had been sent. I am worried that Feng’er and Jiao’er would no longer have the mind to learn if they suddenly have money. Otherwise, it is no great matter for me to grant them a few hundred taels of silver. We have wronged you all these years and ought to compensate you. You may calculate the total yourself later. Have you looked at the monthly allocation list that I gave you that day? If you do not receive anything on time or are short on something, you may come directly to me about it. Ah yes, has Wanying spoken to you about Aunt Yu’s matter?”

“What about Aunt Yu?” Fu Qiuning frowned. [a]

Jin Fengju laughed, “I’m afraid after that last incident, she might be too ashamed to see you in person. No wonder you did not know. You believed that Third Brother Zhang is a reliable one and will never sell you out. Well, it turns out that Wanying had tasked someone to inquire after the relationship between him and Aunt Yu. She had promised that so long as he speak of the things he had done for you and give her leverage over you, she would matchmake Aunt Yu to him. That is why Third Brother Zhang sold you out.”

“I see.” [b] She thought back to how Third Brother Zhang had stared at them with shock when he heard that the ladies were nearly thrown out of this place. Back then, she had thought that he had been devastated because of the potential separation from Aunt Yu. However…

[b] Fu Qiuning looked straight at Jin Fengju and said, “Indeed, the word ‘love’ turns men into fools and brings nothing but calamity.” [c] Then, she looked away before he could say anything and continued. “We have not seen him for a few days. Perhaps he is regretting his actions at home. If he is feeling guilty over this, I should perhaps send Yu Jie over to speak with him. Lord Husband mentions that Second Madam might come by, is it because of this?”

Jin Fengju nodded, “Of course. Wanying is the cause of all these regretful matters [h]. Elder Madam fears that I would punish her and took the blame herself to preserve our husband and wife connection. Therefore, it would not look good if I were to overdo things. I have ordered someone to go to the landlord’s house for the letter of divorce. For everything else, I left it to Wanying to arrange. I believe that we should hear some news in a few days.”

[d] Fu Qiuning frowned and thought: Is it that easy to get a divorce letter-

Clang!

Before the thought was fully formed, it was derailed by the sound of a tea tray falling to the floor. Fu Qiuning [d] looked at Jin Fengju’s smugly smiling face for a moment before calling out, “Is that you, Aunt Yu? Why don’t you see what kind of snacks Yu Jie has made? Bring some over for Lord Husband to try.”

When the sound of footsteps hurrying away faded, Fu Qiuning [d] forced herself to smile, “Looks like Aunt Yu has heard everything. Who knows how much she is rejoicing now? This humble woman thanks you gratefully on Aunt Yu’s behalf.”

A short while later, Yu Jie came in bearing a tray of tea and some snacks. Aunt Yu must have been too embarrassed to show herself and so Fu Qiuning did not ask after her. More footsteps were heard and Jin Ming came in. He cast a glance at Fu Qiuning, but Jin Fengju said, “Qiuning is not an outsider, just say it. Is Brother-in-law refusing to see me?”

Jin Ming bowed and said carefully, “H-how did Master know? This servant personally brought the invitation to Prince Rong’s residence. However, even before stepping through the great door, a serving boy came out with a message that said His Highness was feeling unwell, and that an invitation would be sent to the Young Marquis some other day. This servant had been pondering over the matter but… it looks like Master knows?”

Jin Fengju picked up the invitation he had written from Jin Ming’s hand, weighed it in his hand, and laughed bitterly, “Really, he is clearly annoyed at me, but why? As for this honest and good-hearted person, he could not even make up a reasonable excuse. This morning, I clearly saw him all rosy-cheeked and energetic at court, but he became unwell in the afternoon. He is annoyed but cannot be bothered to come up with a decent excuse. It’s not like I have done anything that would aggravate him recently, not in days, not in years. So, what could it be?”

On the side, Fu Qiuning listened quietly, [d] not saying a word lest this was another of the Young Marquis’ little games.

Jin Fengju smiled bitterly and threw the letter to the bed, his voice flat as he continued, “Not saying a word? Well, the only thing I can think of is that one invitation I had declined on your behalf. He did not look for me after that. Was I too abrupt with him? However, it’s not like I have never declined a meal invitation from him, so what could it be?”

Fu Qiuning’s heart jumped, [d] she thought: Is this guy for real or just testing me?

[d] Having no other choice, she decided to act out her part in this play and carefully said, “Perhaps this day has to do with the matter of the embroidery and Prince Lie? Could it be related?”

Like a dreamer being woken, Jin Fengju suddenly stood up and dramatically cried, “Jin Ming, think back carefully. Do you remember what Brother-in-law said the last time he saw me? Did he say something about Prince Lie?”

“That, he has. Lord Prince said he heard that Young Marquis and Prince Lie were having a banquet together, did he force you to do something? Was there anything that bothered you? And he bid you tell him if that was the case. However, because of the family matter, Young Marquis merely gave a perfunctory excuse and His Highness left.” Jin Ming said as he hastily recalled that day’s situation.

“That must be it. Here I wondered why Prince Lie was acting so affectionately that day. No matter how reckless he might be, he should not have shown improper manners right at the palace gates. Was it possible that he deliberately put his arms over my shoulders while Brother-in-law was watching? He must know that Brother-in-law is not the type to overthink and would definitely ask me about this matter in the future. I naturally would not reveal the matters relating to the marquisate’s reputation.

Thus, as Brother-in-law was brushed off by me and sensed that I kept something from him, he would naturally grow doubts against me as time went on. So long as I am not by Brother-in-law’s side to scheme for him, with his nature, it would not be difficult to lead him to death, or at least cause him to lose out in the race for the crown prince seat.”

[f] “… …” Fu Qiuning watched as Jin Fengju dramatically laid out all his reasonings in front of her. Again, she had no idea whether he was putting on a show or had to verbally tell himself a story to work his thoughts out. He was considered a genius in his generation, right? Were the people here just stupid or did they not have the advantage of a modern person’s experience watching political historical dramas? Considering his dramatic monologue, she could only assume that he was… showing off his intellect? Was that it?

[f] Finally, Jin Fengju dramatically sighed after going through the layers of deep thought in his solo performance. He sighed again and said, “These days, my mind has been in a state of agitation, wondering how Prince Lie could resist the feelings of alienation and delay making his move over and over again. It turns out that he has already made a move, but since I did not understand his intention, I was still being kept in the dark like a fool.

However, I believe that Prince Lie never expected Brother-in-law to favour me to this extent. The moment he doubted my affection, he immediately opted for a clean break and to not associate with me at all. Otherwise, if he was the type to suppress his own feelings, we would eventually grow estranged as our relationship deteriorated over time. Once Brother-in-law and I break off, would they still need to fear Prince Rong’s faction?

Though it sounds absurd, the plan was in fact, sophisticated and meticulous, ah. For the sake of his end goal, he had planned his first step very well and had sowed this vicious seed skillfully and with a light hand. Such skill and audacity can be described as ‘Using Two Taels to Move a Thousand Catties’!”[1]

[f] On cue, Jin Ming gasped with sudden realisation.

Sudden laughter escaped Fu Qiuning’s lips. [g] When the two men looked at her, she coughed delicately, “Prince might be a talented man with deep schemes, able to maintain a smiling face to effectively scheme for the downfall of others. However, he must not have expected Lord Husband to so thoroughly see through his plan. Not only that, he did not take into consideration the sincere and genuine bond between Prince Rong and Lord Husband, to the point that His Highness did not even attempt a perfunctory invitation once a rift developed. Surely the Will of Heaven must be at hand here?”

Jin Fengju laughed and said, “You are right to call him a talented man with deep schemes. All else aside, the timing of the matter alone was incredible. He must have fashioned some reason for the emperor to ask Brother-in-law to stay awhile and made those gestures of affection where it could be clearly seen by a certain person. That kind of affected timing alone showed just what kind of person he is.

A pity that his cleverness is limited because of that cleverness itself. Being so clever, he must have overestimated his own calculations and become overly self-confident. He had been blinded by his own cleverness indeed. Otherwise, we would not have caught the flaw in his plan.”

[g] Still maintaining her smile, Fu Qiuning nodded at his every reasoning. It was all very obvious to her, but she knew that an [f] agreeable audience is always appreciated.

Deduction done, Jin Fengju stood up with a flourish and said to Fu Qiuning, “Once your family comes to pick you up, have Feng’er and Jiao’er stay with the Old Ancestor for two days. You may collect them when you have returned to Night Breeze Pavilion.”

At Fu Qiuning’s acquiescence, he continued, “I still have some matters to attend to and will not return here. When your family comes, send word to Old Ancestor.”

 Fu Qiuning acquiesced to all the orders. She also walked with him to the door and only once he left the gate did she turn around and return to her room.

Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~

“Master, with Prince Rong annoyed at you, what should be done? Should we think of a way to go and explain our side of the matter?” was Jin Ming’s careful question.

Jin Fengju sneered in return, “No need. If he wants to be angry, let him be angry. To lose his temper and suspect me after a couple of provocations, do you think he would not be trapped by someone else’s scheme in the future? Let him stew in his anger for a few more days to polish his nature. His Majesty could decline in health one day and decide to raise the matter of succession in the future. With his straightforward nature, do you think he could remain as a candidate for the crown prince position?”

“Yes.” Jin Ming said agreeably. He thought: Aiyo, mother, ah. Is Master the elder or is the Lord Prince the elder, ah? Just listen to this lecture, ah. It clearly sounds like an elder lamenting over immaturity of the future generation. If Lord Prince finds out, wouldn’t he vomit to death?

[Gumihou: Look at him mansplaining.]

[a] Gumi deleting unnecessary flourishes of emotions on Fu Qiuning’s side when Jin Fengju pulled a ‘Lol, it’s so cute you didn’t know. Teehee, it’s all that Third Brother Zhang’s fault. It’s also Wanying’s fault. I’m totally innocent of everything.’

Except, this all happened because he’s a petty ass and wanted to hold Aunt Yu’s future relationship over FQN in the first place. Gumi will never forget. NEVER.

FQN, you had better not either!!

Also, it’s the only ‘request’ she had ever made to JFJ that did not involve the kids, so, likelihood of this dropping out of her head? 0.001%

Thus, her stiff reaction is tailored to show her suspicion even as JFJ did a solo performance to show off his intelligence

[b] Because Gumi is petty too, changed glossing over [a] information via ‘FQN thinking: Wow, I missed this info because xxx, yyy leading to zzz’ to a more realistic ‘Ah, it all happened because of this asshole’

Original text is the Ass Polishing courtesy of AR Qiuning: “So that’s what happened.” At that time, AR Qiuning had a flash of insight. Since that day he sent her back to Night Breeze Pavilion, Jin Fengju sent Jin Ming with the list of monthly allowances for the residence only on the third day. Because AR Qiuning did not eat together with everyone else in the kitchen, Jin Fengju specially added more rice, flour, oil, salt, firewood, charcoal and other monthly allowances for her, and if she checked the list later on and suddenly remembered that something was short, she could just write them up, tell him about it and he would add them to the list. These past few days, no one visited, so AR Qiuning still did not know about these matters.

Basically it’s a whole lotta nonsense of ‘wow, JFJ so kind, we don’t get food from the kitchen but he keeps giving us stuff we needed to stay alive. <3<3<3~~’

[c] Connect less Ass Polishy FQN from [b] to the next sentence. Emphasis via action rather than a whole bunch of gloss over dialogues.

[d] Washing off the whitewash and showing all the flaws in JFJ’s smug mug.

[e] Deleted More Ass Polishing Moment: Trying to make our FQN stupid so that TA could show off? No. Also, create more natural dialogue. No long dramatic monologues are needed here. Or in [b] either, or [c].

[f] FQN going ‘WTF are you doing’ when JFJ was giving his long monologue of what must have happened. Like, hello? FQN is a modern person who watches drama, so there. Considering his love for opera, it is not unlikely for him to act out a play on his own to show off his intellect to a potential mate, like a peacock spreading his tail feathers.

Also, please don’t forget that FQN was a professionally trained trainer in the performing arts. She defied the norm and got into this business but went into teaching because of misogyny and bigotry. That has a lasting influence on a person’s psyche.

[g] Deleted Even More Ass Polishing Moments: FQN gushing over JFJ’s cleverness.

Nop, nop, nop

Keep the gushing, but make it more tongue in cheek. Who? Me? Disrespecting you? No, no, this is me gushing over your cleverness, you are definitely the cleverest of them all! See this? This is me nodding at every pearl of wisdom that drops from your gold plated lips.

[h] Way to go, throwing your cousin under the bus. Bravo. So manly. Ladies, who wants to marry this guy?

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] 四两拔千斤 Chinese idiom, means using small actions to create a very large effect.