Wishing You Eternal Happiness WYEH - 64

Chapter - 64

By Tea Time Translations

--- 

If there are any mistakes in translation, please feel free to comment! Please support for faster updates @TeaTime.

---

Second Madam Mrs. Meng had also been invited by Liu Mama. When she came in and saw Jiafu standing in the room, but not Mrs. Xin, she assumed it was Lady Xin who had called both of them and smiled, "What is your mother-in-law up to, calling me here as well? Is it about the family meeting?"

Jiafu greeted her, "Auntie, please don't mind. It was I who took the liberty of inviting you."

Second Madam was slightly taken aback and glanced at her. At this moment, Lady Xin also came in. Seeing Mrs. Meng in the room, she cast a couple of glances and then looked at Jiafu, saying indifferently, "The maid said you were looking for me? What's the matter?"

Jiafu asked the two of them to first dismiss their accompanying maids and servants. Second Madam immediately complied, smiling as she sent her people out. Lady Xin showed a trace of displeasure but eventually dismissed her people as well. Jiafu thanked them both and then moved in front of Lady Xin. Without a word, she knelt down and performed a formal kowtow, her expression solemn.

Lady Xin was momentarily stunned.

Such a grand gesture was last performed on the morning after their wedding, when paying respects to their elders. Normally, such formality was not observed.

"What is the meaning of this?" 

Lady Xin finally sensed that something was amiss with Jiafu and frowned slightly.

Jiafu lifted her head and said, "There are no outsiders present here, and Auntie is a member of the family. So, this daughter-in-law will speak plainly. I have come here for one reason only: to ask Mother-in-law how she views the matter of when my husband, at the age of sixteen, was accused of lacking filial piety towards his late grandfather."

Lady Xin's face froze, and she stood still, her demeanor suddenly rigid. Second Madam also slowly withdrew the smile from her face, staring at Jiafu without saying a word.

Jiafu continued, "I know that matter caused quite a stir back then, and since it was made public, everyone knew about it. Now, it shouldn't be something too taboo to discuss. I'm not trying to defend my husband blindly, but I have never believed that a person of his character could commit such a disgraceful act. I've always had doubts in my heart, and as they say, 'No one knows a son better than his mother.' I really couldn't hold back anymore. Even if it means being reprimanded, I want to seek confirmation from you, Mother-in-law."

Having said this, Jiafu raised her eyes to look at Lady Xin in front of her.

At first, Lady Xin looked down at her and met her gaze for a moment. Seeing that Jiafu did not flinch at all, Lady Xin's eyes began to flicker and shifted sideways uneasily. She said with displeasure, "It's been so long. Why bring it up again?"

"To outsiders, it may be a thing of the past, but to me, it is a matter of shared fortune and misfortune. My husband's honor is my honor; my husband's disgrace is my disgrace. Not just for me, but for you, Mother-in-law, and the entire Duke's household, it is the same. Therefore, I beg you, Mother-in-law, to understand and make it clear."

Lady Xin murmured vaguely, "Of course, I don't believe You'an would be such a person..."

She coughed lightly and stopped speaking.

"With those words from you, Mother-in-law, I am reassured!"

Jiafu kowtowed to her once more.

"As for why that concubine ended up hanging herself in my husband's quarters back then, causing him to bear such infamy, that is not my concern today. What I seek is simply this assurance from you. I also ask Mother-in-law to find out and deal with anyone who still dares to privately discuss this matter according to family law."

Mrs. Xin reluctantly asked, "What are you implying?"

Jiafu's eyes reddened slightly. "My husband has been gone for only a few days, yet recently there have been rumors at home. They say that cries can be heard at midnight from the room where the concubine lived, and that a ghost of a hanged woman has been seen wandering outside my husband's former quarters. Mother-in-law, you experienced the events of those years and must hate these rumors even more than I do. My husband was entrusted with an important task by the emperor at a critical time. If we become lax and allow the servants to spread such nonsense, and if these rumors spread again like they did back then, it will not only damage my husband's reputation but also make it difficult for the emperor, who has relied on him!"

Lady Xin paused for a moment.

"Outrageous! Such a thing must be thoroughly investigated!" Her tone was angry as she walked over to Jiafu and comforted her. "Your grandmother has been unwell, and I have been busy taking care of her and dealing with other matters, so I didn't realize things had gotten so out of hand. Don't worry, now that I know, I will certainly get to the bottom of this and find the one spreading these rumors!" She then loudly called for the steward, ordering that all the maids and servants in the household, along with the head servants, be summoned immediately.

Jiafu turned to Mrs. Meng. "I invited Aunt here as well to ask for your help. If no one on your side is spreading rumors, that would be best. But if there are any, please help me address them to prevent any further trouble."

Second Madam said sternly, "Afu, why didn't you say something earlier? It's my fault for not noticing sooner. Don't worry, I will call everyone over right now and question them one by one! Like grasshoppers on a string, none of them will escape!" She then also ordered her servants to gather everyone.

Jiafu wiped away her tears and thanked Lady Xin and Second Madam again. "Regardless of whether we find the culprit, I will inform my husband of everything when he returns home. Then we will thank you both together."

Lady Xin's expression turned slightly awkward. "You'an is my son, and I won't tolerate such insolence from the servants. Get up now."

Only then did Jiafu rise from the ground.

The inner courtyard of the Pei household was filled with over a hundred maids, matrons, and stewards from various quarters, all summoned to Lady Xin's courtyard. They stood shoulder to shoulder, packed tightly into the large courtyard. Initially, the crowd whispered among themselves, unaware of the reason for their gathering. Once Lady Xin, with a stern face, explained the situation and demanded the culprit responsible for spreading the rumors to be identified, the courtyard fell silent.

The rumors had passed from one person to another, and no one was willing to admit their role. Those who were accused pointed fingers at others, hoping to shift the blame. Some, eager to show their loyalty and earn favor, accused specific individuals. Others, taking advantage of old grudges, named names out of spite. Those accused naturally protested their innocence, implicating yet more people in the process. The courtyard became a chaotic scene of crying, pleas for justice, and denials. Lady Xin ordered the punishment of slapping the guilty, and the interrogation continued into the night. By midnight, only a dozen people remained. Exhausted, Lady Xin and Second Madam Meng ordered the stewards to continue the interrogation overnight and ensure a resolution by morning.

Jiafu had left earlier than Lady Xin and Second Madam. The next morning, news came that the original rumor-spreader had been identified: Xiangmei, a maid from Zhou Jiao'e's quarters.

It was said that Xiangmei had been quietly summoned that night, without Zhou Jiao'e’s knowledge. When Xiangmei learned she had been accused, she vehemently defended herself. However, the stewards, relentless in their questioning, eventually extracted a confession from her. Xiangmei admitted and signed a statement under duress, claiming she had spread the rumors under Zhou Jiao'e's instructions. Upon hearing this, Lady Xin rose during the night and called Zhou Jiao'e for confrontation. Zhou Jiao'e naturally denied the accusation. Lady Xin didn't press further at that moment, offering a few words of comfort before departing.

The next morning, Lady Xin gathered all the household servants again. She publicly ordered Xiangmei to be dragged out and beaten with a paddle. The charges were twofold: spreading rumors and disturbing the peace, and falsely accusing her mistress, which warranted a harsher punishment.

Seeing Xiangmei's fate, the other servants, some still nursing their swollen faces from the previous night's ordeal, were terrified into silence. Zhou Jiao'e, shamed, went into hiding, saying it would be better if Xiangmei were beaten to death.

When Liu Mama heard the news, she was filled with righteous indignation and wished she could personally go and give Xiangmei a few lashes. However, Jiafu merely smiled.

Yesterday, she had confronted Lady Xin, involving Second Madam Meng as well, and had forced the investigation, without really intending to identify the original rumor-spreader. 

The origin of the rumor was ambiguous; in reality, it was a matter of internal disputes within the Pei family. Outsiders were unaware, but those involved knew the situation well, much like the incident that had defamed Pei You'an years ago.

What Jiafu wanted was to promptly stop this wave of rumors, cutting off any potential hidden dangers before more gossip could spread. She also wanted to show her stance, making it clear to the other party that while the matter from years ago was known and not pursued since Pei You'an had accepted it back then, they would not tolerate anyone stirring up trouble now in his absence.

Her goal was achieved. 

Yesterday, the servants were still vividly describing the ghost rumors, but overnight, no maid or matron dared to mention it again. The entire Duke's household fell completely silent.

The next day, while attending to the sick, Lady Xin recounted the incident to the old matriarch, Madam Pei. Madam Pei was silent for a moment before nodding and saying, "You handled it well. A household head should deal with matters like this, preventing issues before they arise. As the saying goes, 'Three men make a tiger, and many mouths can melt gold.' With You'an handling affairs for the emperor, countless eyes are watching us from outside. We cannot afford to have such chaos at home."

Lady Xin agreed.

Madam Pei never mentioned the matter again, and Jiafu continued to serve her diligently, staying by her bedside every day.

The weather grew increasingly colder. In the blink of an eye, deep autumn passed and winter set in. Apart from that incident, there were no more disturbances in the Duke's mansion, but the atmosphere in each household became increasingly oppressive.

The old madam's health worsened, and she often slept through entire days. The imperial physician visited recently, and his tone suggested that her life was nearing its end, like an oil lamp running out of fuel, with no hope of recovery. It seemed likely that she would pass away this winter. Pei Quan took leave to stay by her bedside and attend to her.

Jiafu moved her bedding to Madam Pei's quarters, attending to her day and night without changing clothes. That night, she sent Yuzhu, who had kept vigil the previous night, to sleep and took over the night watch.

After Yuzhu left, Jiafu instructed the remaining maidservants to rest, each retiring to their own quarters. She stayed by the old madam's bedside herself.

The room was tranquil and silent. After a while, the old madam slowly opened her eyes. Seeing this, Jiafu hurriedly got up, fetched a warm bowl of water, and helped her drink a few sips.

In the past few days, the old madam had been in a daze, but now her spirits seemed to be gradually improving. She asked Jiafu to help her sit up against the pillows, gently patting her hand, and sighed, "It's only been a few days since You'an left, and you've grown thinner from caring for me. When he returns, he'll surely be distressed to see you like this."

Jiafu looked at the old, frail hand holding hers, suppressing her sadness, and replied, "As long as grandmother is well, I am not tired."

The old madam smiled faintly, "How has You'an been recently? Any news?"

It had been four or five months since Pei You'an left the capital. After arriving at his destination, he first subdued the leader of the rebellious refugees. Following this, he delved into local investigations, proposed to the court to cease forcibly relocating settled refugees, suggested establishing new counties as necessary, registering the refugees, acknowledging their cultivated lands, and requiring them to pay taxes, thus granting them the status of lawful citizens. Xiao Lie approved his petition, and now he should be busy with post-rebellion matters.

Jiafu briefed her on the situation.

The old madam nodded, "I knew You'an would handle things well..."

She paused, gazing at Jiafu with a thoughtful expression, as if pondering something, but she didn't speak further.

Jiafu began to feel uneasy under the old madam's gaze and asked softly, "Does grandmother have something on her mind?"

As if snapping out of her thoughts, the old madam slowly said, "I've heard about what you did to force your mother-in-law to act. You did well. I remember during the last birthday celebration, you encountered two gossipy maids outside You'an's residence, and you were upset, defending You'an. I don't understand—back then, you and You'an had little interaction, yet you believed in his innocence and spoke up for him."

Jiafu said, "Afu met my eldest cousin when she was a child. Although we didn't have any contact later, I was sure that my eldest cousin was an upright gentleman and would never do such a thing. Now that Afu is lucky enough to be his wife, even if she is incompetent, she will not allow others to slander him after encountering such a thing."

The old madam gazed at her, remaining silent and tightening her grip on Jiafu's hand.

"Madam, His Majesty, along with the imperial physician, has come to visit personally. The royal carriage is waiting outside," 

Suddenly, there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside, and Yuzhu's voice came in.

Jiafu was taken aback, about to rise, but felt the old madam's hand tighten once more, firmly gripping hers and not letting go.

Perplexed, Jiafu looked at the old madam, who seemed to be making a decision. After a moment, she said, "You need not leave. Behind my bed in the azure chiffon cabinet, do not show yourself."

Jiafu was puzzled.

"Go now," the old madam's expression had turned calm.

"Remember, whatever you hear, keep it in your heart. This is grandmother's instruction."

The old madam looked at her, speaking each word deliberately.