The Han Dynasty Empress is a Ghost | Chapter 38 | Clash at the Manor | Novela.app

A’jiao’s head was still spinning when Nanny He lifted her into the carriage. She had no idea what Wei Yuan had said to Old Madam Chen and Madam Yan to make them agree to let Wei Yuan take her back to the Wei residence. Her own mother hadn’t even had a chance to speak! With her small stature and her injured leg, if anything went wrong... she certainly didn't want to end up a little cripple. Xia Zhu followed behind, carrying a bundle of belongings. While A’jiao felt like weeping but had no tears, Wei Yuan was engaged in a heated discussion with Nanny He. It seemed the two beauties bestowed by Liu Che were in for a world of trouble. When the carriage reached the main gate, Nanny He helped Wei Yuan down. A crowd of stewards and maidservants from the Wei household stood at the entrance to receive them. Wei Yuan swept her gaze over them before saying, "A’jiao cannot walk right now. Have them bring a small cot to carry her in." The steward hurried to make arrangements. Before long, they brought out a small four-wheeled cart about three feet long, equipped with long handles at the front and back. Nanny He and several older maidservants carefully placed A’jiao inside. Wei Qing was delighted to hear that his son had returned with his daughter. Wei Yuan only allowed Wei Qing a brief glimpse of A’jiao before instructing Xia Zhu to take her to her own courtyard. Xia Zhu walked through the Marquis’s manor with great excitement, feeling that this place was far more magnificent than the Chen residence. It was, after all, a residence bestowed by the Emperor himself. Sitting in her little cart, A’jiao guessed that Wei Yuan was likely having a good cry in front of Wei Qing. Wei Kang’s wife, Lady Han, had been quite surprised to see Wei Yuan bring a young girl home, wondering if she had forgotten someone. Once she clarified A’jiao’s identity, she didn't pay much more mind to it, simply sending a supervising maidservant and a few girls to attend to her. "Would the young lady like something to eat?" Granny Lin asked with a smile. "No, thank you. I’m not hungry, Granny," A’jiao replied with an air of perfect obedience. "Then would you like to rest for a while?" "Mhm, okay! When will Auntie be back? I’m a little scared by myself." It would be quite awkward if Wei Yuan threw a tantrum and ran back to the Chen residence alone, leaving her stranded here. "She’ll be back in a moment. Why don't you rest first? Your aunt will be back by the time you wake up," Granny Lin coaxed. *** Old Madam Wei felt very content today. Her youngest son was to marry a princess—a marriage personally decreed by the Emperor! Seeing Wei Yuan’s sudden return, the Old Madam was somewhat displeased. This girl didn't even know to send word ahead; staying at the Chen house for so long had clearly ruined her sense of propriety. Moreover, bringing along a child from the eldest brother's family was simply nonsensical—was she not afraid of being laughed at? A’jiao took the opportunity to observe the two beauties sent from the palace. They were delicate and charming, exactly the style Liu Che had always favored. *Tsk, tsk.* After all these years, Liu Che’s taste hadn't changed a bit! Meanwhile, Wei Yuan, who supposedly didn't fear being laughed at, was inwardly cursing: *Why do those two little vixens get to sit at the same table as us? By what right? By what right!* She nearly tore the handkerchief in her hands to shreds. "Yuan’er, see if these dishes suit your taste. They are all things you used to love." Her daughter’s return had dispelled half of the worries in Wei Qing’s heart today, even if she had started an argument with him the moment she arrived. "Thank you, Father. I think... hm? What is it?" Wei Yuan’s remark about "losing her appetite at the sight of certain people" was cut short. She looked down in confusion at A’jiao, who had just given her sleeve a hard tug. "Auntie, the food at Auntie’s house looks so delicious!" A’jiao chirped. She was a child, after all; she could say anything without consequence. "Then eat more." Wei Yuan’s eyes suddenly darted around. "Father, A’jiao is still small and can't eat well on her own. Let those two serve her!" she said, pointing at the two beauties. The two beauties, suddenly singled out, glanced at each other and then looked toward Wei Qing at the head of the table. Their eyes were shimmering and tender, as if they could melt into water. They had originally entered the palace as *jiarenzi*, hoping to be chosen by His Majesty to ascend to the heavens in a single bound. To their surprise, they were chosen, only to be sent to the Marquis’s manor. Upon arriving, they learned that the Great General’s wife had passed away and that there was only one aging, childless, and unfavored concubine in the residence—one reportedly brought in by the Old Madam years ago. Both women had breathed a sigh of relief. Princess Pingyang was also getting on in years. Did this not mean the household would belong to the two of them in the future? Though they heard the Great General was not one to indulge in feminine charms, and though the future mistress would be a Grand Princess, they were young and beautiful! Moreover, they were gifts from the Emperor! As long as they bore a son or daughter, everyone would have to treat them with respect. This was far easier than competing with so many consorts in the palace for a single Emperor. They hadn't expected to be targeted on their very first day. "Yuan’er, what kind of talk is this? How can you speak to your two aunts like that? Your two aunts were bestowed by His Majesty; you must show them respect. How could a mere nursling be worthy of their service!" Old Madam Wei was the first to speak. She knew the moment Wei Yuan came rushing back today that she was up to no good. To think her first move was to offend people gifted by the Emperor—it was detestable, just as narrow-minded and lacking in foresight as her mother. "Mother, Yuan’er has finally come back to visit. How can you say such things?" Wei Qing said, his displeasure evident. Although these two women were bestowed by the Emperor and held a higher status than ordinary concubines, Yuan’er was his only daughter. How could they possibly compare to her? "Exactly! Grandmother, how can you scold me for the sake of outsiders? Besides, A’jiao is Eldest Brother’s daughter and Father’s own grand-niece. Why wouldn't she be worthy?" Wei Yuan slammed her chopsticks down in anger. "Grand-niece? What kind of grand-niece is she? Only those from your paternal aunts' and uncles' families are true grand-nieces. You little white-eyed wolf, you’ve truly forgotten your roots since marrying into the Chen family. Your very bones have turned cheap, favoring those filthy and stinking people. You even brought this little girl back to your maiden home—aren't you afraid of gossip? Those who don't know better might say she’s a child you bore for your own brother!" the Old Madam ranted. *You think I want to be your grand-niece?* A’jiao spat inwardly. *Old hag. Go for it, Auntie, put her in her place!* Seeing the argument break out before the meal had even begun, Wei Deng and the others hurried to offer comfort to both sides. Wei Kang sat motionless, while Lady Han watched his expression, not daring to move. "Grandmother, how can you say such things about me?" Wei Yuan’s eyes turned red with fury. A’jiao shrank back slightly. "Enough. Let’s eat. No more talk," Wei Qing said, the smile completely gone from his face. The Old Madam gave a cold snort. "Eat? I’m already full of anger! This is the 'fine daughter' you’ve raised!" With that, she let her maids support her as she walked away with trembling steps. Exasperated, Wei Yuan turned and saw the two beauties still gazing longingly at her father. She snatched a wine pot from the table and hurled it at them! *Fierce!* A’jiao marveled at Wei Yuan’s combat prowess. Then, Wei Yuan covered her face and ran out crying. *** Early the next morning, the Grand Chamberlain of the Empress's Palace arrived at the Wei residence to inquire about the wedding arrangements. A Princess’s wedding should rightfully be held at the Princess’s Manor to highlight her imperial status. However, Princess Pingyang had petitioned the Emperor, stating she was willing to perform the grand ceremony at the Marquis’s Manor as a sign of respect for the Great General. Thus, Wei Zifu had sent the Grand Chamberlain to discuss the matter with Wei Qing. The Grand Chamberlain informed them that if the wedding were to be held at the Marquis of Changping’s Manor, the residence would need a thorough renovation. Old Madam Wei was overjoyed, feeling that this daughter-in-law was truly of noble birth and incredibly considerate. The more she thought about it, the more she disliked the Chen family—and Wei Yuan. Back then, Wei Yuan hadn't listened to her and had secretly run off to the Eastern Palace, choosing instead to follow her father’s wishes and marry into that impoverished family. Now she was even protecting those Chens! Simply detestable! Wei Qing listened as the Grand Chamberlain explained the purpose of his visit. After a moment of reflection, he said, "I am grateful to the Grand Chamberlain for his trouble. I intend to enter the palace to meet with His Majesty. Let the wedding ceremonies be held at the Princess’s Manor." The Grand Chamberlain was stunned for a moment before quickly nodding in agreement. *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 长平侯府 | Marquis of Changping’s Manor | The residence of Wei Qing. 家人子 | Jiarenzi | A rank for palace women/ladies-in-waiting in the Han Dynasty. 大长秋 | Grand Chamberlain | The high-ranking official/eunuch in charge of the Empress's palace (the Autumn Palace). 尚公主 | Marrying a Princess | A specific term used when a man of lower rank marries into the imperial family. 姨娘 | Aunt / Concubine | Used here by the grandmother to refer to the concubines' status relative to the children.