Fan Yilin sat in the Marquis Dingxi’s reception hall feeling very depressed, not even in the mood to maintain respect for his father-in-law, openly displaying his displeasure with a sour expression.
How annoying – why did they make him come too!
What was this about apologizing? What was there to apologize for! He was the victim, wasn’t he!
Being inexplicably kissed by a man, and then it was somehow his fault!
He should have been back at his own home by now, enjoying the comfort of his mother and several beautiful concubines, not sitting stupidly in this reception hall of some Marquis Dingxi’s household. Even more terrifying was that he would soon have to be examined by that ugly and fierce woman.
Thinking of this, Fan Yilin couldn’t help but cover his robes with his hands. Wei Jie had been “killed by examination” back then – would he meet the same fate?
“Yilin,” Wang Tongye called.
Fan Yilin sat dumbly in his chair, not hearing.
Seeing his son-in-law’s dull appearance, Wang Tongye was very displeased.
“Look, he’s definitely unwell,” he said to the Marquis Dingxi instead of calling again. “The family is all worried. He was making a fuss about leaving, but we thought it best to have the Young Madam examine him for peace of mind.”
Seeing other families’ children being disappointing was what the Marquis Dingxi enjoyed most.
“What a small matter – you came personally for this,” he laughed heartily with satisfaction. “This child does look a bit frail.”
Wang Tongye rolled his eyes. If I didn’t come personally, would you old fellow really let your daughter-in-law examine him willingly?
Besides, where was his Yilin frail? That was refined handsomeness! You’re just jealous because you can’t produce such a handsome son!
Look at your own crude, stupid Prince…
“The Prince and Young Madam have arrived,” a young servant announced from outside.
Wang Tongye composed himself. He couldn’t stoop to the level of a simpleton like the Marquis Dingxi. He must praise other people’s stupid, crude children, even if only superficially.
Fan Yilin stared dumbly toward the door. Thinking of what was about to happen made his heart fill with sorrow. Then suddenly his eyes brightened as two people approached side by side. The man was automatically ignored by Fan Yilin, his gaze falling on the woman.
In the winter, the woman wore a powder-azure brocade jacket and moon-white embroidered plum blossom pleated skirt, her hair in a simple chignon with a jade hairpin, walking with a smile, graceful and elegant.
Like a startled swan, graceful as a swimming dragon!
Fan Yilin suddenly sat up straight, his eyes bright as he stared at this woman approaching, and seeing her face clearly, became even more excited. What a beauty!
This was what the legendary Marquis Dingxi’s household should be like – beauties everywhere. That ugly woman must have been an accident!
Then he heard the servant’s announcement.
“The Prince and Young Madam have arrived.”
The beauty smiled as she entered the hall.
“Father, Lord Wang,” she said with a smile, curtsying.
What… what?
Fan Yilin jumped up in shock.
Wang Tongye also paused upon seeing the woman before him, then realized.
Of course – a woman whom the Old Marchioness of Marquis Dingxi’s household was willing to marry into the family despite shame and disregard for status must have exceptional qualities.
That night it was dark, she had been beaten, gone through a brawl, her face was injured and her appearance disheveled – comparing that to now, it wasn’t surprising they seemed like two different people.
“Yueniang, Lord Wang is still worried, so he wants you to examine Young Master Fan to see if there’s anything wrong with his health,” the Marquis Dingxi said.
Qi Yue looked toward Wang Tongye.
“Actually, you’d be better off finding a physician,” she said with a smile. “For example, Dr. Liu from Qianjin Hall is more capable than I am.”
Wang Tongye paused, then smiled.
“Good, no problem. Naturally we’ll go there after the Young Madam has examined him,” he said meaningfully.
Qi Yue was puzzled by his meaningful tone, then realized and laughed heartily.
“Lord Wang, there’s no need for that. You misunderstood. Dr. Liu and I each have our strengths – it’s not that I need you to give me face,” she said with a smile, then bowed to Wang Tongye. “However, I must still thank you for giving me such great face!”
These two mentions of “face” referred to different matters. The Marquis Dingxi didn’t understand, but Wang Tongye did.
His refusal to give face to those who came to apologize, while giving face to those families who didn’t come to apologize, was ultimately all to enhance Qi Yue’s reputation.
Wang Tongye also smiled and nodded at Qi Yue.
“This child is just honest, very straightforward, saying whatever comes to mind,” the Marquis Dingxi said. Though he didn’t understand what they were discussing, he knew to promptly praise his own child.
Honest? Would an honest child lead servants to besiege someone’s gates?
Wang Tongye laughed heartily.
“Let me examine him first then. Father, may I borrow your side room?” Qi Yue said, calling for A’Ru to fetch her medical bag.
The Marquis Dingxi nodded.
Only then did Qi Yue look at the young gentleman standing in the hall.
“Young Master Fan, this way please,” she said with a smile.
But she saw the young gentleman just staring at her dumbly.
Was he really ill?