CFRSIO Chapter 46

The person winking at the dining table was Zhang Qing’an’s fourth sister, Zhang Qingyu. She was a charming young woman who had always wanted a cultivator as a husband. However, she also knew that her family was only slightly wealthier now, and in the eyes of those cultivators, they were just low-class people full of worldly ways.

Therefore, she was willing to wait, and even willing to be a concubine, just to marry a cultivator.

Today, her father told them that an elder would be visiting the Zhang manor and instructed them to pay close attention.

Zhang Qingyu naturally took this very seriously. Her dream was to marry a cultivator. This elder was one of her targets; more accurately, all cultivators were her targets. Even though Wu Jie looked seventy or eighty years old now, his age was almost enough to make him her grandfather.

Zhang Qingyu had no intention of giving up.

Before Zhang Qing’an arrived, Wu Jie’s gaze lingered among the Zhang family’s few outstandingly attractive children.

This made Zhang Qingyu feel that her opportunity had arrived, and she kept displaying her charm.

However, she did not expect that Wu Jie’s gaze would be instantly captivated by Zhang Qing’an.

Zhang Qingyu was extremely annoyed. She also felt that this Zhang Qing’an was timid and weak, someone anyone in the household could step on. How could such a person be qualified to be Elder Wu Jie’s disciple!

Zhang Qingyu saw things more clearly than they did, especially regarding her father. She understood him particularly well and knew there must be some other secrets involved.

Of course, when she saw Wu Jie appraising Zhang Qing’an, she knew what her father was plotting and immediately felt indignant. How was she inferior to Zhang Qing’an!

Why did her father have to call him over? Elder Wu Jie had clearly admired her just now!

Zhang Qingyu didn’t know that Wu Jie didn’t just admire her alone.

Wu Jie’s cultivation had not progressed much over the years, but the number of people in his back chambers and those using the title of disciple had grown. These were undoubtedly “gifts” from those who couldn’t enter the gates of cultivation.

This had only made Wu Jie’s appetite grow larger and made him increasingly arrogant and conceited.

Zhang Qingyu and the others had not truly caught his eye. His purpose in doing so was very simple. Since there was no one to his taste, why not find more?

It was only until Zhang Qing’an appeared that he truly took notice.

However, even though he took notice, a man’s character isn’t something that can be changed on a whim. Didn’t he still easily get charmed by someone?

Zhang Qing’an was settled in the back courtyard, while Zhang Qingyu followed Wu Jie to the room specially prepared by the Zhang family.

The Madam probably didn’t see it. She was about to explode with anger.

If it were just Zhang Qing’an alone, she could let it go. After all, this son, who was registered under her name, was truly not presentable. But to send Zhang Qingyu as well.

What did the master mean by this? Was he slapping her face?

“Master, Yu’er is still young. I want to keep her by my side for a couple more years,” the Madam said with a smile, trying to place her hand on the master’s arm, but he dodged it.

After gritting her teeth fiercely, she continued, “Yu’er is young and might not be able to serve Elder Wu properly. How about I choose a few more beautiful maids to send over?”

Zhang Qingyu left with others, not thinking of hiding it from anyone.

The Madam could only grit her teeth and accept it, hating it fiercely in her heart. Zhang Qingyu’s birth mother was a dowry maid who came with the Madam when she married. She had guarded against it and prevented it time and again, but in the end, the thief was from within her own home.

This slut not only climbed into the master’s bed but also bore him a son and a daughter. And these two children had good talent. If it weren’t for her position in this household, she could still say a few words and manipulate things. Otherwise, where would her son, Zhang Qingya, have a place?

As a result, now, it was one thing for the master to invite Elder Wu Jie, and another to send his children to him. But what he should not have done was let that slut’s daughter also get close to Wu Jie.

“These maids will surely be more obedient and well-behaved than Yu’er.” If the hatred in her eyes were not so obvious, she would truly look like a caring mother.

However, the master refused. “That’s enough. Don’t disturb Elder Wu’s mood.”

He paused, then continued, “Where are those maids now? Are they outside?”

This man was lecherous and flirtatious. As husband and wife for many years, the Madam was already accustomed to it. She had even learned to send women to his bed to remind him of his principal wife’s goodness and to tell him not to go to those sluts’ beds.

She couldn’t stand this.

“They are outside,” the Madam said, her white teeth almost grinding to dust.

“Then, Master, you should rest early. I won’t disturb your rest.”

With that, she left with the servants accompanying her. Immediately after, the beauties who had been waiting outside entered one after another.

While they were having a good time, the Madam was seething with anger, constantly clenching the silk handkerchief in her hand. Her powdered face also looked increasingly ferocious.

“Madam, you absolutely cannot be angry with the Master now,” the old wet nurse beside her immediately said, trying to persuade her.

Before she got married, the Madam was also a pampered daughter from a loving family. Her mother, in order to prevent her daughter from falling out of favor with her husband after marriage, arranged for her most loyal wet nurse to accompany her.

And just like her mother’s thoughts, within a few months of marriage, the Madam had argued with the Master several times and had caught him with other women in his bed numerous times.

The wet nurse saw it all and was anxious in her heart. Her repeated admonishments were of no use. It was not until the incident with the prostitute that the Madam and the Master almost completely fell out. They even had a fight.

Afterward, she returned to her maiden home and lived there for several days. It was during this period that the Madam’s dowry maid climbed into the master’s bed. And because the Master had not asked her to return for a long time, the Madam panicked. After her mother also gave her a scolding,

The Madam had no choice but to swallow her pride and return. She even proactively found beautiful women for him.

But this time, the Master’s actions were truly too much.

What she hated most was seeing the children of that slut have any success. That slut who climbed into the bed while she and the Master were arguing! And she was her former confidante. How could the Madam treat her kindly?

“Yes, a small impatience can ruin a great plan,” another wet nurse, who was supporting the Madam, also said.

“You also need to consider Young Master Ya.”

Mentioning Zhang Qingya, the Madam finally calmed down. Yes, she still had a son. Her son Zhang Qingya had considerable talent and had already entered a sect. As long as he had some opportunities and encounters, he would surely achieve great things!

“Yes, the wet nurse is right,” the Madam calmed down. “As long as my Ya can succeed, I, his mother, will be happy.”

She soon resumed her graceful and noble demeanor. “Don’t forget to give them my nourishing soup later.”

This was naturally not some nourishing soup or medicine. But sending women to the master’s bed was already the most bottom-line thing she could do.

If they were to get pregnant, the Madam would truly collapse.

The two of them had once liked each other, otherwise, the Madam would not have chosen to marry into this family. Her family’s status was also good. However, various things after marriage made her increasingly realize that this man was not a good match.

And with the situation as it was, she could only accept her fate and place all her hopes on her son.

“By the way, Ya wrote a letter a few days ago. Has the wet nurse sent the things I prepared?”

“Please rest assured,” seeing that she had calmed down, the wet nurse also smiled. “All the items have been prepared and sent.”

“That’s good, that’s good,” the Madam said. “That place is full of people who look down on others with their dog-like eyes. My son must not be underestimated.”

“Madam, please rest assured. Young Master Ya has extraordinary talent and will surely achieve something!”

This side was considered harmonious.

The back courtyard was naturally lively, which goes without saying.

Meanwhile, Zhang Qing’an and Siam were already planning their departure.

“What are your plans next?” Siam asked.

Plans. Zhang Qing’an did have them, but they were likely difficult to achieve. He wanted to find Lin Yunliang first, but given the situation in this world, finding someone was not an easy task. Moreover, he didn’t think that people who became arrogant and conceited after gaining a little ability, like Wu Jie, would be few.

Therefore, it was best to first possess his own strength.

“You said that this world allows cultivation,” Zhang Qing’an said, stroking Siam’s back. “Then this body, can it cultivate?”

Siam did not conceal anything and told him everything he knew: “The original body’s spiritual root is small and weak, unable to support cultivation.”

“However, you and Lin Yunliang have participated in missions in multiple small worlds, so your current condition is sufficient for you to cultivate.”

Zhang Qing’an nodded with satisfaction.

Siam’s mischievousness also kicked in, and he offered a suggestion: “Actually, you don’t need to do it yourself.”

“Wu Jie is arrogant, and there are plenty of people who want to make a move.”

Killing with a borrowed knife not only erased suspicion but also achieved his goal of disposing of the person. It was also the most suitable for their current situation, one who had not fully recovered his abilities, and the other who was currently just an ordinary person.

Looking at Siam’s sparkling eyes, one person and one cat already had an idea.

Wu Jie was satisfied. He thought that these Zhang family members were truly perceptive. He had been having a good time these past few days. However, such little things were just for fun. To really take them back? Wouldn’t that invite ridicule? Besides, this woman’s character was like this, she might give him a hat in the future.

He was very arrogant, allowing himself to marry women from all sorts of families, but he did not allow any impropriety from the women in his back chambers. As for Zhang Qingyu, who had thrown herself at him, he disdained her even more.

Zhang Qingyu snuggled in Wu Jie’s arms. She didn’t know Wu Jie’s thoughts yet, thinking that she had finally latched onto a big shot.

“My lord, am I serving you well?” she sat up, her eyes full of allure, a smile on her lips. She thoughtfully massaged his legs.

“Well, naturally well,” Wu Jie chuckled. He had taken advantage of the elder, and naturally felt smooth sailing.

Zhang Qingyu was only eighteen years old. Both in appearance and energy, she was in her most youthful prime. Naturally, her ability to serve was also good.

“Then, my lord, you can’t play favorites,” she said with a charming smile and a hook-like voice. “My elder brother can be your disciple.”

“Then Yu’er is naturally also good.”

Zhang Qingyu was young and impatient. After being summoned by Wu Jie a few times, she presumptuously felt that she was special. She even felt that she had the capital to make demands.

As expected, the person who was still smiling on the bed instantly changed his expression.

A pair of cold eyes stared directly at the smiling young woman before him.

He had slept with no less than a thousand, if not hundreds, of people. They all had such intentions. If he accepted everyone, his household would have been overflowing long ago. Wu Jie felt that he still had some character; he didn’t want just any woman.

After being stared at by those eyes for a long time, Zhang Qingyu felt as if she were pinned down. Cold sweat ran down her back, and her smile became increasingly forced.

Wu Jie simply raised his hand, though he had done nothing. Zhang Qingyu was already terrified.

She immediately knelt and kowtowed to him. “My lord, it was… it was Yu’er who spoke too much. Please do not blame me!”

This troublesome matter was thus raised high and lowered gently. Wu Jie did not dwell on it further, but he would essentially not seek out Zhang Qingyu for the next few days.

Zhang Qingyu was so angry in her room that she smashed several vases decorating the room before gradually calming down.

Her commotion naturally attracted others. First to arrive was her birth mother, the former dowry maid of the current Madam of the Zhang family.

“Fourth Miss, what are you doing!” The person who arrived was a beautiful woman. Although she was no longer young, she was still alluring and a beauty. Seeing the mess on the floor, she was extremely anxious.

She immediately stepped forward and pulled her to sit down.

Seeing her mother, Zhang Qingyu couldn’t help but cry. She had clearly served Wu Jie so carefully and respectfully, yet she ended up in such a predicament! How could she be reconciled! But Wu Jie had also instructed the guards at the door not to let her in.

Now, she had lost both face and dignity! How could she not be upset?

The beautiful madam looked at her child with heartache, naturally understanding why she had done this. It was naturally for her and her son, for the three of them.

In this household, although she held the title of Third Madam, as long as Miao Caiyun was around, she would be targeted by Miao Caiyun. And to call her Third Madam, while even the child born to a prostitute outside could be the Second Young Master, before her son, was it not an insult to her?

That was why she clashed with others. Zhang Qingyu’s self-recommendation this time also had her persuasion behind it. She just didn’t expect Wu Jie to be so heartless.

“Mother, you must stand up for your daughter! Are you going to let that slut Zhang Qingxue just climb over me like this?”

The beautiful madam clearly did not agree with this situation. “Don’t worry, with your mother here, I will definitely help you.”

“After all, Elder Wu is a man. As long as we use some means, we can surely achieve our goals.”

Zhang Qingyu’s eyes lit up at this, looking expectantly at the woman before her: “Mother, what do you mean…”

The beautiful madam raised her hand and patted Zhang Qingyu’s fair hand, comforting her. “Don’t worry, mother is here.”

Zhang Qingyu then showed a smile.

Miao Caiyun was also drawn by Zhang Qingyu’s commotion.

She had known about these things long ago and said with a cold smile, “As expected, it’s the daughter of that slut, equally unpresentable.”

“Wet nurse. Let’s go. Let’s go see this shameless one, where did she get the nerve to cause such a commotion.”

“Yes.” The wet nurse responded, knowing that the young lady had been angered by the Master recently.

Ever since Elder Wu Jie arrived, the household had been in a state of chaos. After Zhang Qingyu took the lead, the other young ladies in the manor also shamelessly recommended themselves. The young lady was furious and sought out the Master, asking him to discipline these ungrateful people.

Who knew that the Master would completely ignore it and even felt that Miao Caiyun had not taught these daughters well, which led to such a situation.

He even shifted the blame, telling Miao Caiyun not to bother him again. If the Master hadn’t been busy with something else, and if she and the two wet nurses hadn’t stopped her, the Master might have ordered the young lady to go into confinement to reflect.

That would have been a real blow to the young lady’s face.

Therefore, this time when the young lady said she was going to discipline Zhang Qingyu, they naturally wouldn’t stop her. In their opinion, Zhang Qingyu’s behavior was truly inappropriate.

“Madam, why are you here?” The maid standing at the door immediately said, her voice not small.

The mother and daughter, who were having a cordial conversation inside, also heard it and immediately separated.

Miao Caiyun, standing at the door, understood everything. It seemed she had arrived at an inopportune moment. She let out a cold laugh, her eyes lightly sweeping over the maid who reported the news. The maid was so scared that she quickly lowered her head, not daring to look directly at this Madam.

She had done it deliberately just now.

“Oh, it seems I’ve arrived at an inopportune moment.” Miao Caiyun walked in, and seeing their appearances, she guessed what they were up to. Her heart was filled with anger.

Although she had many complaints about Miao Yi, she felt she had done her best for these children. Now, this girl was ungrateful, and she was also so intimate with this woman.

“Mother,” Zhang Qingyu called out softly, wanting to step forward and take Miao Caiyun’s arm.

She was directly ignored. Miao Caiyun walked in, and the wet nurses behind her directly separated them. Miao Caiyun sat down.

Miao Yi, who had stood up before anyone entered, was now bowing her head in a humble and obedient manner. It was no wonder the Master liked her so much. The Master had even planned to make her a side madam, and even wanted to give her half of the management power.

If it weren’t for her family’s strong backing, she would have been snatched away by a servant, wouldn’t that be even more embarrassing?

“Sister,” Miao Yi responded to Zhang Qingyu’s pleading gaze and immediately spoke, “What are you talking about? I just came because I was worried about Yu’er.”

“It’s also Yu’er’s fault. It’s not a big deal, yet it has troubled Sister to come here late at night.”

“Yes,” Zhang Qingyu followed up with a fawning smile. “It’s Yu’er’s fault for disturbing Mother’s peaceful sleep.”

If it were other concubines and illegitimate children, Miao Caiyun would have been happy to play along for a few words, making people think their family was very harmonious.

But if it were them, the mother and daughter, then it was impossible. Miao Caiyun was not that generous. She gave a look to the wet nurse beside her.

The wet nurse immediately understood and drove out the other people in the room.

In an instant, only Miao Caiyun, who had arrived with imposing momentum, her two tall and strong wet nurses, and the mother and daughter before them remained in the room.

In terms of sheer presence, Miao Yi’s mother and daughter could not compare to Miao Caiyun.

Of course, Miao Caiyun was not willing to compare herself with this mother and son.

“Sister, what are you doing?” Miao Yi already had an idea. Her eyes darted around, and her tearful expression disgusted Miao Caiyun.

How did she not know that this Miao Yi was such a good actress before?

“Stop pretending in front of me,” Miao Caiyun picked up the tea that the wet nurse had poured for her. She took a sip and put it down because the tea was too inferior. “Especially you, Miao Yi.”

“You seem to have forgotten your identity.” Miao Caiyun hit Miao Yi’s sore spot precisely. “If it weren’t for the Miao family back then, you wouldn’t have the qualifications to be here today.”

Miao Yi’s face suddenly lost all color. Miao Caiyun was telling the truth, and she couldn’t refute it. She could only force a smile, as if to say, “What you said is so true.”

On the other hand, Zhang Qingyu, impatient, wanted to say a few words to defend her mother, but Miao Yi grabbed her hand and told her to calm down.

Zhang Qingyu’s eyes reddened, and she looked at her mother with some heartache. She knew that her mother was originally a dowry maid beside the principal wife. It was thanks to the principal wife’s help back then that her mother wasn’t in a brothel now. But after all, she was her mother, and she stood firmly by her mother’s side.

She also harbored dissatisfaction with the principal wife’s words.

Seeing their mother-daughter affection, Miao Caiyun found it extremely jarring. “Wet nurse.”

With just one word, the two wet nurses beside her understood. The two of them stepped forward and easily held them down.

“What… what are you doing?” Zhang Qingyu panicked, struggling continuously. In her haste, she spoke disrespectfully to the two wet nurses: “How can you treat me like this! I am the Fourth Miss of the manor! How can you lowly servants dare to insult me!”

Miao Yi’s face turned even paler. She looked at her disappointing daughter and thought, what stupidity are you spewing! These wet nurses are not ordinary maids!

She wanted to say a few more words, “Sister, this matter…”

Before she could finish, Miao Caiyun directly interrupted her. “Shut up. When the master of the house hasn’t spoken, is it your turn to speak?”

Miao Caiyun stood up and first went to Zhang Qingyu.

Zhang Qingyu knew the grievances between the two mothers, but she had always been educated by Miao Yi not to cause trouble for Miao Caiyun, as Miao Caiyun would not give her face. Zhang Qingyu had also witnessed the principal wife’s methods of managing the household, so she firmly believed this.

“Mo… Mother…” belatedly realizing what a foolish thing she had done, her face turned pale, and she could only show a fawning smile, speaking in a soft voice.

Little did she know that this was the very appearance Miao Caiyun detested the most. Furthermore, with her face bearing some resemblance to Miao Yi, Miao Caiyun wished she could kill them both with her own hands!

But she didn’t, as that would be too easy for them.

“Mother?” Miao Caiyun said, showing a smile. She lightly stroked Zhang Qingyu’s cheek with her slender, fair hand, but her eyes held no hint of a smile. “Alright, since Yu’er calls me Mother.”

“Then Mother will teach you today what are propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame.”

Then came a loud slap that made Zhang Qingyu see stars. It took Zhang Qingyu a while to recover. Ever since she knew how to use her appearance, she understood the advantages of a beautiful woman. Therefore, her days at home were extremely smooth. When had she ever been slapped!

Instantly, she became extremely furious, but before she could react, she almost spat at the person.

“This first slap is for your shameless self-recommendation.”

Then came the second slap. “This second slap is for you, setting a bad example and leading your younger siblings to do shameful things.”

Then came the third slap. “As for this third slap…”

Her eyes roamed and landed on Miao Yi, who was being held by a wet nurse and looked heartbroken but dared not show it. “This third slap is for having such an ungrateful mother.”

“Miao Yi, I have been kind enough to spare your life. Don’t be ungrateful.”

“Do you understand?”

Miao Yi had been suppressed for many years and knew Miao Caiyun’s character well. She had always been cautiously enduring, but she did not expect that her continuous forbearance would not bring any leniency this time. Instead, there were continuous difficulties, and this time it was even aimed at her daughter.

Her children were her soft spot. Miao Yi already had an idea in her heart, but she still maintained a respectful and humble demeanor. “Madam, you are right.”

“It is Miao Yi… it is this servant’s fault!” Miao Yi was very observant and changed her address, which made Miao Caiyun feel much more pleased.

After showing off her authority, Miao Caiyun left, fully satisfied.

The mother and daughter, released by the wet nurses, simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. They then bowed respectfully and sent Miao Caiyun away, their eyes filled with resentment.

After they left, Miao Yi finally got up to help her daughter. Zhang Qingyu had never suffered such humiliation! As soon as the person left, she couldn’t hold back anymore. Large tears rolled down.

Miao Yi’s heart ached immensely. She quickly took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from her daughter’s cheeks.

A beauty’s tears were also as beautiful as a painting.

However, what they were discussing was not something good.

“Mother! Why is Miao Caiyun like this! She’s just the daughter of a wealthy family! How can she treat people like pigs and dogs, scolding and beating them at will!”

This statement was also biased, as Zhang Qingyu was indeed the one who first acted improperly. As the legitimate wife and madam, it was normal for Miao Caiyun to discipline her.

However, Miao Yi was on the same side as her daughter at this moment, so she naturally agreed with her daughter’s statement, pitying and doting on her daughter’s face, and had made a decision in her heart.

“My child, listen to your mother.”

“Tell Zhang Qing’an about these matters.”

Zhang Qingyu was still furious when she suddenly heard Miao Yi’s words and was a little confused. “Mother, isn’t Zhang Qing’an being favored by Wu Jie? Will he believe it?”

Although Zhang Qing’an’s expression in the main hall at that time seemed unwilling, Zhang Qingyu did not think that the person was truly unwilling. After all, as long as there was even a slight possibility, no one would let go of this opportunity to enter the path of cultivation.

“Listen to me,” Miao Yi said.

Looking at her daughter, Miao Yi had some things she couldn’t tell her, but Miao Yi had plenty of opportunities to use this matter.

Zhang Qingyu didn’t understand what her mother was thinking, but if she could cause trouble for someone, she was very willing.