Chapter 50: Four-way Pincer Attack

  As they spoke, both of their mouths were filled with the sweet flavor of rose petal jelly.

  Su Ying's face was flushed, and her soft hands pushed him away, turning her head to glance at him sideways: "Just had dinner." Fu Ye Yang pinched her pink earlobe, finding this coy refusal quite enjoyable. Since they were alone in the house, the couple drew closer, and Fu Ye Yang finally found an outlet for his pent-up frustration, pulling Su Ying's hand and complaining a few words.

  For someone who would rather keep it all to himself, even if he were to drown in his own bitter water, than appear weak and pour out his troubles to outsiders, this behavior is truly a huge step forward. And what's more, she is his wife, only gradually coming to understand the meaning of "husband and wife sharing one heart".

  Su Ying listened quietly, her hands still exerting a moderate force to massage the shoulders of this person, trying to be a qualified masseuse. However, just as Su Ying was trying to do her job properly, the other person's mind began to wander, and they started to fondle her small hand, touch her wrist, put their arm around her shoulder, and even tried to sneak their hand into her neckline.

  Su Ying slapped him and was about to dodge, but unfortunately, Fu Yeyang caught her hand: "If you don't want me to be like this, why did you let someone send bird's nest to my study? Is the lady abusing power for personal gain?"

  Fu Yiyang heard that the swallow's nest was sent by Su Ying, and he felt pleased in his heart. He even scolded the young servant with a straight face: "Didn't I say not to disturb me?"

  That little guy estimated that he was a newcomer and didn't quite understand Fu Yeyang's insincere behavior, and was startled by Fu Yeyang's fierce face. He was about to put down the tray with a bitter face when Fu Yeyang, who had been pretending to be self-closed behind his desk, suddenly hummed: "What are you still dawdling for, bring it in."

  The young servant hastily sent the tray up, and Fu Yeyang finished drinking the bird's nest soup. With an unreadable expression, he casually dropped a sentence: "Tell Madam that I'll go over for dinner tonight."

  The little servant seemed to understand and went to report the message, got the reward of aloe, suddenly understood, after all, the thickest thigh in the backyard is still the wife!

  Su Ying felt uncomfortable as soon as she heard Fu Yeyang's words. In the past, it was beneath Su Shi to stoop to the same level as Wei Niang and Liu Niang. The rule that was established later was precisely to guard against these concubines. How did it end up in Fu Yeyang's mouth, where his legitimate wife had fallen to the same level as a concubine?

  Su Ying batted her eyelashes, exuding an ambiguous and languid charm. She hooked her finger around Fu Ye Yang's pouch and gazed at him with the tip of her eye, causing his anger to rise rapidly from bottom to top. Without saying another word, he picked up Su Ying and put her on the bed, pulled down the curtains, and covered them both before starting their intimate activities.

  Su Ying carefully wrote down this note, which would eventually lead to the long and arduous journey of pursuing his wife for the old master.

  Fu Yiyang, the great official, came with a refreshed spirit and gave Su Ying a gentle touch on her temples. His large hand then rested on her still flat abdomen. He whispered in her ear, "How come there's no movement yet? Is it because I'm not trying hard enough?" As he nibbled on her soft earlobe, his hand continued to caress her belly, his tone filled with anticipation. At 25 years old, he only had one child, a big girl, and seeing peers doting on their kids made him feel envious. He couldn't help but regret the loss of the previous child, and not wanting to see Su Shi was no longer an option, as it would be unbearable for his heart.

  Fu Yiyang's hand was still rubbing Su Ying's belly, but suddenly he didn't know what to do next. The half-raised head of Guo Wei also went out, and he just hugged Su Ying and lay down, pulling the quilt over the two people.

  Su Ying's eyelashes moved slightly, and the man's words just now made her heart move slightly. This body was good under her careful care, but she had never thought of getting pregnant so quickly. She was not sure, especially in this environment, let alone having not figured out the thoughts of the man behind her back, more importantly, she felt that she was not ready to take on the responsibility of nurturing new life.

  What Su Ying could have done originally. As long as she took the initiative, she would be able to lead this man on. During this time, she also gradually figured out his preferences in this regard. When flirting, she had to be subtle and coy, not saying anything but actually being very pleased in her heart. The flavors and aromas had to be complete, and she had to cooperate without making a sound, occasionally putting in some thought. As she practiced the "Soft Body Technique", her body became soft and flowing, and she knew that this man liked it, as well as the fragrance emitted from her body... In this way, she gradually cultivated this man's taste.

  Yesterday, he went to Liu Yiniang's place and poured a basin of cold water on Su Ying's heart that was so relaxed, and those small thoughts were extinguished. However, now she has an abnormal heartbeat because of his words, but it doesn't seem like the kind of pain that would make her scream in agony when she was previously hurt. It seems that she and this body have gradually merged during this period of time, and there hasn't been another episode since then.

  Fu Yiyang didn't say a word, and Su Ying didn't take the initiative to do anything either. The two people just remained silent like this, until finally it was Su Ying who let out a sigh in her heart and broke the sudden awkwardness by stretching out her hand to slowly place her own hand over Fu Yiyang's large hand that was covering her belly. She tilted her head up and kissed his chin: "We'll have kids."

  Fu Yiyang pursed his lips, grasped Su Ying's hand, and pulled her into a tight hug against his chest. He rested his chin on the top of her head, let out a solemn "hmm", and felt the warmth of her breath on his chest. As he held her quietly, it seemed as though something had changed within him.

  The courtyard on this side was harmonious and peaceful, while Liu Niang, who had originally thought she would wait for Fu Yiyang, sat dry-eyed until midnight. Shi Liuli tried to comfort her again and again, but Liu Niang only wiped away the tears from her face and muttered to herself: "Madam is not giving us any way out at all."

  Pomegranate didn't hear clearly and called out: "Auntie?"

  Liu Yiniang bit her lip, her eyebrows furrowed, "Our lady is now quite skilled." Originally, they could still have meat soup to drink, but now they can't even see bones. When did the lady become so capable? "I won't sleep yet, I must finish embroidering the Buddhist scriptures as soon as possible, otherwise..." The last few words were vague and unclear, only Liu Yiniang herself understood them.

  Fu's mother sent a letter to her brother in her hometown yesterday, and today the three unmarried daughters of the Chen family came to the Yongwu Marquis' residence in a sedan chair to pay their respects to Fu's mother.

  Madam Chen arrived first, and the discord between her and Madam Fu that had been suppressed by Madam Fu's gift of two maidservants and sweet dates was again smoothed over by Madam Fu's gentle coaxing. Moreover, since Fu Xieyang had spent the previous night in her quarters, her mood had brightened, so she leaned affectionately against Madam Fu once more.

  It is unknown whether Fu's mother did it intentionally or unintentionally, but when guests came to the house, they didn't even notify Su Ying, who was supposed to be the mistress of the house.

  "The Chen family's girls have arrived!" Only then did three nannies and five or six maidservants surround the three sisters as they came, Mrs. Chen, with a dignified air, welcomed her husband's sisters over, exchanging pleasantries with Madam Fu before suddenly remembering: "Why isn't the elder lady here?"

  Madam Chen pinched her handkerchief: "It's okay, elder sister-in-law doesn't have to be so polite. We're all family sisters here, no need to be so formal."

  Chen Wanqiu, who had been keeping her head down all along, flashed a hint of sarcasm in her eyes when she heard this. This legitimate sister was still as stupid as before, but she didn't know what kind of idea this good aunt had brought them together for.

  "Come here, let Auntie take a look at you." Fu Mu called Chen Wanqiu over and examined her carefully. Her face was as beautiful as a lotus flower, with red lips and snowy skin. Among the three sisters, she was the most beautiful, but her personality was soft and weak. On the other hand, Chen Wanniang next to her was more outgoing and charming. But this was also good. After all, she was just a concubine's daughter, and having a soft personality made her easier to control.

  Fu Mu smiled with extra kindness, and gave Chen Wanqiu a pair of golden hairpins inlaid with crimson agate: "You're really a lovely child, you truly brighten up the room. Wear this hairpin every day."

  Chen Wanqiu hastily expressed her gratitude and apologized, but in her heart she became even more vigilant. No one offers kindness without a motive; either they are deceitful or have ulterior motives.

  As the eldest daughter, Chen Wancong stepped forward and blocked Chen Wanjun in front of her, holding onto Fu Mu's arm and coquettishly saying: "Auntie only loves Autumn Sister, not Wancong anymore, it's not fair." Her voice was sweet and lovely, she was Chen Furen's biological younger sister, half a year younger than Chen Wanjun who was born as a concubine. Her raven-black hair was styled in an elegant updo adorned with jade pins and gold ornaments, her ears dangling with emerald earrings, her wrist wearing a white jade bangle that caught the eye, exuding a radiant aura of pearls and treasures. Her eyebrows and eyes were full of arrogance, suppressing all the other girls in the room, including Chen Wanjun, the eldest daughter of the second household.

  Chen Wanqiu of course knew that Chen Wannian was dissatisfied with her being the first to win Fu Mu's favor, and although she seemed fine in public, who knows how she would secretly squeeze her? Don't think she didn't see Chen Wannian's vicious gaze just now, it seems she still hasn't learned her lesson.

  They were laughing and chatting, mainly Chen Wanqing and the others teasing Fu Mu to amuse her, while Chen Wanjun was ignored as background - only to hear the little maid outside reporting: "The first wife has arrived!"

  Chen Wanqiu couldn't help but glance at Fu Mu's obviously displeased face and Chen Furen's jealous expression, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain in her heart. This lady was indeed very narrow-minded. She involuntarily raised her head to look towards the entrance, and saw that the newcomer was wearing a rose-purple jacket with a crimson border and knee-length sleeves, a jade-colored stand-up collar with a bamboo leaf pattern, a lake-blue skirt, and had her hair styled in a high bun, with a pearl curtain and a gold forehead ornament. A string of pomegranate stones surrounded a central oval-shaped emerald, giving off an aura of majesty, elegance, and refinement. She was indeed the lady of the Hou household, and no matter how hard Chen Furen tried to put on airs, she couldn't compare to this genuine article's demeanor.

  Chen Wanqiu vaguely felt that she had seen him somewhere before, but for a moment, she couldn't think of it. Noticing Su Ying's gaze coming over, she quickly lowered her head to pretend to be honest.

  Su Ying first came over to apologize to Fu Mu, and then brought a gift to give to the three sisters of the Chen family. When she saw Chen Wanqiu with her head bowed and eyes downcast, her smile deepened: "The old lady's nieces are all elegant and refined, it seems that no one can find such a beautiful person again, the old lady is really blessed." Ah, isn't this the handsome young man who was seen at that high-end cosmetics store with Madame Liu when they went shopping? How did he suddenly transform into a beautiful woman? It's really unbelievable.

  Su Ying couldn't help but take another look at Chen Wanqiu, and Fu Mu, who was sitting above, naturally noticed it. She smiled and said: "My upper house is quiet, with only a young granddaughter under my knees, I often feel empty, fortunately, they came to accompany me, staying in our mansion for a few days, which makes me feel very comforted."

  Su Ying knew that Fu Mu was hinting that she had no children, and she really had the nerve to say it. Why couldn't Su's family have children? Shouldn't this old woman be the clearest about it? She coldly sneered in her heart and didn't respond.

  "Madam Chen said to the Chen sisters: 'Don't think about home here, whatever you want to eat or play with, just tell me. If the servants below are not doing well, also come and tell me.' At the same time, she asked the servant women: 'Can the dowry of several younger sisters be moved in? Hurry up and sweep the two lower rooms, let them go and rest.'"

  It's none of her business, but since they are close sisters, it's understandable that she's so concerned. Su Ying just thought she saved herself from speaking up, but when she heard that Madam Fu didn't arrange for the three Chen sisters to stay in the upper house's wing rooms, but instead arranged for them to stay in Meixiangyuan, which is farther away from the main house, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. What does Madam Fu mean by this?

  After Mrs. Deng had arranged everything properly, she said to Su Ying with some embarrassment: "I'm really sorry, elder sister. I was afraid that the younger sisters wouldn't be used to it. That's why I couldn't help but instruct them a few more sentences. I didn't mean to compete with you in arranging the guest's affairs."

  Chen Wanqiu's mouth twitched, Fu Mu's face stiffened, but Su Ying was calm and smiling: "I understand, brother and sister are worrying too much."

  "That's good, I also see that my sister-in-law is busy with household chores and wants to help you share some of the burden. Just look at how late my sister-in-law was in receiving guests earlier, it shows just how busy she is." Madame Chen said to herself, while Madam Fu's smile was about to disappear. Su Ying hadn't had a chance to say anything yet when she heard Madam Fu say: "You're busy, then go ahead and leave, anyway there aren't any lack of people here serving me."

  It's really getting annoying. Su Ying stood up, as if she didn't take Pei Mu's words to heart, which seemed to belittle her to a servant girl, and said with a hint of sarcasm: "Old lady, you've really forgotten about me now that you have new people around. No wonder, even I think the current batch of daughters-in-law are more impressive than me. I won't stay here to be disliked, daughter-in-law is leaving."

  Chen Wanqiu's eyes flashed, and this big madam was not someone to be trifled with.

  The three Chen sisters settled in at the Hou residence, trying to curry favor with Madam Fu. When Fu Yeyang returned from the front hall in the afternoon, Madam Fu heard the announcement and nodded for him to enter. The Chen sisters hastily rose to withdraw, but were stopped by Madam Fu, who said: "He's your cousin, not an outsider, a real close relative. No need to stand on ceremony, our family doesn't bother with such formalities."

  Chen Wanqiu furrowed her brow, and she felt strange in her heart. In this era, wasn't it all about being strict with rules and etiquette, emphasizing the importance of male-female separation, and not allowing children under seven to sit together? Even if they didn't follow these rules strictly, considering the status of the Hou household as a noble family, shouldn't they have been more careful about letting an unmarried young lady meet an outsider? What kind of idea was this?

  Chen Wanqiu saw that Chen Wannian and Chen Wanhua were both acting as if nothing was wrong, and she became seriously suspicious - really, didn't they have any relationship?

  Fu Yiyang came in and saw the several unmarried girls standing in front of his mother, he couldn't help but frown, and stopped right there. His mother pointed at him with a smile: "This is my eldest son, the Marquis of Yongwu, just call him Big Brother."

  The three Chen sisters all curtsied and wished him good fortune, while Fu Ye didn't panic and returned the courtesy. Afterwards, he stood there with his eyes cast down, no longer looking at these few female cousins. However, Madame Fu pointed out each of the girls for him to recognize: "This is your eldest uncle's second sister, third sister, this is your second uncle's fourth sister."

  Unlike usual, after saying a few cold words to Fu Yiyang, she let him retreat. She spoke kindly to him and Fu Yiyang responded with a serious expression. Just as they were talking, Xiao Yatou announced that Fu Xueyang had arrived. Madam Fu couldn't ask the Chen sisters to withdraw at this time, so she had to let Fu Xueyang enter.

  Fu Yiyang, a cold-faced man, is not the popular weak and delicate scholar type nowadays. Moreover, he rarely speaks or smiles, with an awe-inspiring appearance, making the Chen family's young girls, who are only 13 or 14 years old, dare not look him straight in the eye under his intimidating aura.

  Fu Xueyang was different now, although he was still heartbroken over the loss of Hu Po, but with the comfort of the two water-spirited maidservants given by Fu Mu, he wasn't as heartbroken. He wore a long white embroidered gold silk willow leaf lake green purple flower patterned changpao, lake blue cuff sleeves, gold embroidered paper flower patterns, crimson three-edged white jade waistband, cyan-faced white-based satin small court boots, although his footsteps were somewhat floating, but overall it didn't affect Fu Er Laoye's little white face image.

  As soon as they came in, they saw the three Chen sisters and were immediately dazzled. Chen Wanqing and Chen Wanhua both had some blush on their faces. They had been raised in a deep house for many years and had never seen any men except those from their own family, let alone young servants like Fu Xueyang, so naturally they felt a little embarrassed when they saw him.

  Chen Wanqiu quietly shifted backwards, relying on Chen Wanjing to block her. The room wasn't cold, but she felt a chill run up from the base of her spine. Thinking carefully about Mrs. Fu's unusually affectionate attitude towards her, and then looking at how they had been brought here to meet an outsider, the intention behind this was really too obvious!

  It's really too vicious, Chen Wanqiu remained calm and collected, but her heart became increasingly vigilant.

  Fu Yiyang had been feeling uneasy for some time and took advantage of still having official business to attend to leave.

  Fu's mother saw this and was not very pleased. She also noticed that Fu He's gaze would occasionally shift to the several young ladies, so she said: "Look at me, you young ladies must be getting impatient being cooped up in the house. I'll have someone take you to the garden for a stroll. You can also go find your two sisters-in-law and chat with them. Go ahead."

  Chen Wanqiu walked at the end, and she didn't open up the chill that Fu Mu had left on her body. She coldly sneered in her heart, thinking that if she wanted to scheme against her, she would have to see if she was willing or not. Her thoughts turned quickly, and Fu Mu's summons to the Hou Mansion should be a temporary idea. Her father shouldn't know about this lady's schemes, and it's likely that this seemingly kind and loving aunt would think that Chen Wanqiu is just a humble concubine-born daughter, and being able to help her become the noble concubine of the Marquis of Yongwu is already looking down on her. She should be grateful and obedient, where could she have any complaints!

  As for why Lady Fu did this, I'm afraid it's because she was dissatisfied with the previous Mrs. and also seemed to be dissatisfied with the eldest son, Marquis Yongwu. However, by doing so, she is digging her own grave, and it seems that her brain is not clear.

  Chen Wanqiu guessed Fu Mu's thoughts *not off by ten*, since she had already seen it, when Su Ying knew that Fu Mu didn't let the Chen sisters avoid suspicion, she was suddenly enlightened, indeed this old woman's style.

  Su Ying decided to observe for the time being, wanting to see what Chen Wanqiu, who was as cunning as a fox and as fierce as a tiger, would do. At the same time, she sighed in her heart, this task was really heavy, in order to protect the chastity of the old master, previously guarding against the concubine who was like a wolf was enough, now she also had to prevent the old master's pure and chaste daughter from being calculated by Fu Mu.

  Fu Houye, who still didn't know that his big cucumber was being coveted by a group of people, complained to Su Ying in private about the lack of etiquette from his maternal cousins. Su Ying paused for a moment, looked up at Fu Ye with a serious expression, and let out a soft sigh. Poor child, ignorance is bliss.

  At night, Fu Houye's second son was pampered twice, and Xiao Houye expressed great satisfaction.

  "If two people are meant to be together for a long time, they won't be apart even in the morning and evening."

  Chen Wanqiu's teacup slipped from her hand and fell to the ground. Chen Wanying raised an eyebrow, she had always been displeased with Chen Wanqiu who was more beautiful than her. She spoke bluntly, "Second sister, how could you be so careless? Did you get scalded? A young lady's appearance is the most important thing after all."

  Chen Wanqiu didn't bother to argue with her, suppressing the shock in her heart, and said: "It's nothing serious, I just heard you reciting some poetry earlier, it sounds pretty good, did you write it?" Of course, she knew it was impossible. The Chen family emphasized that a woman without talent is virtuous, although they had hired a female teacher to teach lessons for the upcoming selection of talents, but it was only to recognize a few characters.

  Chen Wan Ning raised her head proudly: "You can understand what you can, don't pretend to be knowledgeable if you don't." Seeing Chen Wan Qiu still not daring to speak up, shrinking back and forth, Chen Wan Ning's mouth curled into a sneer, really petty. "What's the point of talking to you, you won't understand anyway. By the way, have you finished making shoes and socks for Madam? Who doesn't know that Second Sister, your needlework is the best?"

  After finishing, she turned around to find Chen Wanxiang, who was also a legitimate daughter. Chen Wanqiu drove the maid out and released her divine consciousness to follow Chen Wanxiang, eavesdropping on her conversation with Chen Wanxiang.

  "But a lowly born daughter of a concubine, I really don't understand why Father is so doting on her?"

  "Shut up for a bit. But I heard that your aunt is matchmaking for your second sister? Why isn't your second sister participating in next year's pageant?"

  "Our family only has two spots, where does she, a concubine's daughter, even come in? Anyway, her marriage is up to my mother to decide, and when the time comes, even if she's married off to someone with a bad character, she won't dare say anything."

  "Never mind about that depressing thing, I've just gotten a new poem, take a look."

  "...This, this word, is really shameful. Come on, confess, where did you get it from?"

  "Hmm, I'm telling you, don't go telling others," Chen Wancong hesitated for a moment before saying to Chen Wanhua, "I found it in a book borrowed from Second Brother, and I thought it was well-written, so I brought it out to discuss."

  Chen Wanqiu heard this and withdrew her divine consciousness, having made up her mind.

  ps：

  Looking for pink powder