Chapter five

Kim Qing looked at her mother in confusion. Although she was reluctant, she still obediently kept her mouth shut.

Even though Kim Yue did not understand what was wrong with Taehyung’s words, when she saw Chen Rou Qiu’s nervous expression, she realized something and obediently stayed in place, no longer speaking.

Old Kim Furen frowned. Even though she had served the Kim family for many years, she did not understand the twists and turns of court politics. Her vision was limited to the courtyard, so how could she comprehend the meaning behind Taehyung’s words? She only felt that he had spoken out of turn today, repeatedly contradicted her, and had already offended her dignity as the head of the family. She was about to explode in anger.

“Little Five’s words are not wrong.” Ren Wan Yun smiled, interrupting Old Kim Furen’s reprimand. “It was originally a misunderstanding. How could matters of the front hall spread to the inner courtyard? It was just a coincidence that they ran into each other. His Highness Taehyung is broad-minded and would not care for childish matters. Everything is a misunderstanding. Poor Xiaowu—he fell into the water and suffered a shock. He truly feels wronged.”

Old Kim Furen opened her mouth, somewhat dissatisfied that the Second Daughter-in-law had suddenly interrupted her. But Ren Wan Yun came from a famous merchant family in Ming Qi, and most of the family’s expenses were subsidized by her. Even though she was dissatisfied, she did not dare offend her. She snorted coldly and fell silent.

Chen Rou Qiu also realized something and quickly followed Ren Wan Yun’s words. “That’s right. Yue-er, Qing-er, in the future do not mention what was said just now. It was Little Five who accidentally fell into the water and by coincidence was seen by His Highness Taehyung. How can there not be coincidences in this world?” She smiled at Taehyung. “Little Five, Old Furen feels sorry for you too. She is not truly angry with you.”

Taehyung looked at the woman in front of him. Kim Yue resembled Chen Rou Qiu in temperament. Chen Rou Qiu was born into a scholarly family; her brows were graceful, her movements and speech gentle yet composed. Such a woman, radiating intelligence and refinement, seemed easy to get along with. Yet who knew what might happen next…

Later, when the Xiong Nu emissary requested a marriage alliance, there was only one princess of suitable age in the palace: Wan Yu. Chen Rou Qiu said that Kim Yue was already old enough, and marriage was her final destination, so she was willing to marry the Xiong Nu. However, Kim Yue was not a princess, so Taehyung conferred the title of Princess Yue Ru to her.

But in the end, it was Wan Yu who married first.

Wan Yu died on the way to the wedding, and her Princess Palace was then given to Princess Yue Ru. Princess Yue Ru naturally accepted everything that had belonged to Wan Yu. Wan Yu had not even been sixteen years old.

Taehyung closed his eyes. If anyone were to say that Chen Rou Qiu had no credit for this, he feared that even Chen Rou Qiu herself would not believe it. Perhaps Chen Rou Qiu and Mei Furen had already reached an agreement, wanting to see him cling to hope only to crush it.

Chen Rou Qiu’s smile stiffened.

The omega on the other side looked at him. He had a round face, round eyes, and a soft expression. This appearance, combined with a timid demeanor, could easily give the impression that he was weak.

But now, it wasn’t so. One could not tell when the timid expression had vanished, replaced by a solemn look. It was not sudden, but something that came from the heart, radiating a faint sense of distance. In that moment, Chen Rou Qiu realized that the person before her was no longer the naive child of the First Household, but a masterful omega of high standing. That sharpness, that authority, made her tremble.

In the next second, Taehyung’s eyes curved slightly. “I understand. Now, even Third Kim feels that Little Five is not wrong.”

Chen Rou Qiu was momentarily surprised and looked at the clearly displeased Old Furen on the high seat before reluctantly speaking. “Even so, Little Five falling into the pond was really too careless. How could the maids around him be so negligent? Eldest Brother and Eldest Sao are not around, so the servants dare bully the Master? From ZhengSheng’s perspective, it would be better to replace these few maids.”

Ren Wan Yun laughed lightly. Chen Rou Qiu glanced at her with some anger, and a trace of a sneer lingered on Ren Wan Yun’s lips.

This Mei Furen of hers appeared educated and reasonable, but her mind was cunning. Most likely, she intended to change the people surrounding Taehyung. Now that Kim Yue had reached the age to be observed carefully, in the capital, no matter how much Taehyung’s foolish and timid reputation spread, in terms of status, Kim Yue was still not as strong as Taehyung. After all, Kim Xin still held the military power.

The Third Household was finally ready to make a move.

Taehyung lowered his head. “Why would Third Kim want to replace Gu Yu and the others? They are the people Father and Mother left for Fifth Master. Now, with so many changes in the Western Courtyard, Fifth Master doesn’t know any of the second-ranked maids. If Gu Yu and the others are replaced, Fifth Master won’t know who to turn to in the Western Courtyard.”

Ren Wan Yun’s smile froze.

In the Western Courtyard, Kim Xin and his wife were seldom in the capital, and most of the maids and servants had already been changed. The staff belonged to Old Furen, the Second Household, and the Third Household. But because the Second Household managed the house, naturally there were more of their people. It would have been fine if this hadn’t been said, but if outsiders heard that the daughter of the First Household didn’t know a single servant in her own courtyard… what good intentions could the Second and Third Households possibly have? There was no reason for a Sister-in-law to intervene in the Eldest Brother’s courtyard.

Her mind worked quickly. She smiled at Chen Rou Qiu and said to Taehyung, “Third Kim is joking with you. Gu Yu and the other maids are merely careless. Our Kim family is benevolent and would not do anything inhumane. Little Five need not worry.”

Yet, her words still made Chen Rou Qiu choke.

Kim Yuan Bo glanced at his mother and then at Chen Rou Qiu before yawning. Old Kim Furen was slightly impatient with the verbal battle between her Second and Third Daughters-in-law. Seeing this, she said, “Enough. It’s just trivial matters. Number Two’s family, bring Seventh Son over and disperse. There are too many people; it makes my head spin.”

Ren Wan Yun quickly carried Kim Yuan Bo to Old Kim Furen’s couch. “Mother, this daughter-in-law will leave first. Seventh Brother, be obedient while playing with Old Madame.”

Chen Rou Qiu glanced at Kim Yuan Bo before placing her hands on her lower abdomen and slowly walked out of Rong Jing Tang. The Second Household had a son and was highly regarded by Old Kim Furen. No matter how capable a daughter might be… Kim Yue was after all a daughter. It would be better if there were a son. In the Kim residence, sooner or later, matters of the First Household would have to be contested. If there were a son, at least they could share equally, unlike now, where the Second Household benefited for no reason. Moreover… the First Household still had a Di son. Even though he was stationed at the border with Kim Xin, who knew if he would return to claim his share of the inheritance.

Thinking of this, Chen Rou Qiu raised her head and fixed her gaze on the people heading toward the Western Courtyard.

The young omega wore a crimson embroidered long robe. He had always loved bright colors, but without parents by his side, he hadn’t known how to dress properly and usually appeared rustic.

But now, the crimson made his complexion look even fairer. His appearance was still the same, but there was a new solemnity to it. Even somewhat… dignified.

Gu Yu whispered softly, “Young Master’s health is not well. Why rush to Guang Wen Guan? Since the illness has been explained, there is no need to hurry. Or…”

“No.” Taehyung interrupted firmly. “Prepare the carriage immediately.”

His words were calm, without harshness, yet Gu Yu shuddered and did not dare speak further.

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