In times of turmoil, the most important thing is to conceal oneself. Who knows if today’s prosperity will vanish tomorrow? So, after Du Jingyi’s subtle “reminder,” the Du family began their elaborate deception, openly building one path while secretly forging another for thirteen full years.
The couple conjured the name “Yan Zhiqing” out of thin air, gradually establishing its renown in Jinling City. Furthermore, a remarkable eighty to ninety percent of their family’s wealth was subtly transferred to this name , leaving no trace behind to their involvment. Consequently, outsiders only knew of a rich and powerful “Mr. Yan” in Jinling City, never imagining a connection to it to the Du family, thousands of miles away in Sui’an City.
Du Jingyi had once impersonated Mr. Yan, making a brief appearance before vanishing. This led to whispers that Yan Zhiqing was like a dragon, rarely seen, adding layers of mystery to his accumulated wealth. Some claimed he had powerful backing, others said that his riches stemmed from vast private mines and salt holdings. Still others speculated he secretly worked for the Daxing royal family, a private agent for the emperor himself. These rumors instilled fear in jealous individuals, preventing any rash actions against him .
Thinking of this, Du Jingyi’s expression grew increasingly grim. Those idiotic relatives of the Du family craved nothing more than the “clearly visible” Du family property. If her cousin Jingxian were a capable man, she would gladly see her parents adopt him as their heir, ensuring someone would care for them in their old age and offer incense to them after their deaths. But these relatives were narrow-minded and foolish. If they truly inherited everything, the secret of Yan Zhiqing would inevitably come to light. At that point, the Du family would have no escape, a fate that terrified both her and her parents.
Her mother’s act of handing the box to her husband, Shang Ji, in front of her, served a dual purpose. Firstly, it showed that her son-in-law was not the type to covet his wife’s dowry. Secondly, it was a clear signal for her to take complete control of Yan Zhiqing’s affairs. Given the formidable standing of the Duke’s office and her husband, no one would dare challenge her without fear of death. With her at the helm, Yan Zhiqing could “live” for another day. While the Du family’s overall situation was stabilizing, the turbulent political landscape still demanded caution, making a discreet retreat essential.
After a long silence, Du Jingyi made a decision. She instructed her maid, “Yingtao, put this box away. When we return to Xitang Courtyard, lock it securely in the camphor wood box, do you understand?”
“Yes, young lady,” Yingtao replied.
Outside the room , the sun was growing warmer, as if autumn was making one last effort before Sui’an City gradually succumbed to winter’s chill. At the dinner table, the four of them, each lost in their own thoughts, feigned cheerfulness.
Madam Du placed several famous Jinling City dishes before her son-in-law, Shang Ji, smiling. “SecondSon-in-law, please try this and see if the cook’s craftsmanship is authentic.”
Shang Ji grunted in acknowledgement, politely taking his chopsticks and selecting a piece of sweet-scented osmanthus duck. After one bite, he found the meat not only tender and juicy but also delightfully non-greasy, a testament to the cook’s skill. He then tasted a few mouthfuls of crispy, refreshing liver. And a rare smile graced Shang Ji’s lips. “My father-in-law and mother-in-law have gone to great lengths for me . This meal is excellent.”
Hearing his compliments, the couple breathed a sigh of relief. “Since you like it, eat more, or you can take this cook back with you, so you can enjoy it whenever you wish.” Master Du was generous, especially with his daughter and son-in-law.
Shang Ji, seeing their sincerity, readily replied, “In a few days, once the general’s mansion is repaired, this son-in-law will return to ask for your cook.” This one sentence surprised the couple. They were unaware of the emperor’s gift of ten thousand taels of gold and the general’s mansion, and their curiosity was piqued.
“Are you moving?” Madam Du asked.
“Mm.”
” In the General’s Mansion?”
Shang Ji nodded, and Du Jingyi explained, “The general returned victorious and received a reward from His Majesty. In a few days, after the general’s mansion has been restored, this daughter will invite parents to have a look.” The prospect of moving out and living independently was indeed a good thing. The Du family couple could not hide their smiles. Beyond anything else, it would make future meetings easier, and they repeatedly expressed their approval.
After the homecoming meal ended , it was time for Shang Ji and Du Jingyi to depart. However, Du Jingyi found herself reluctant to leave. Shang Ji, observing her hesitation, felt a pang in his heart. It was strange, really. He had only been with his new wife for three days, yet he felt as if he already understood her. At first, she was dignified and graceful, then dismissive when others quarreled, and later, simply amused when it had nothing to do with her. She also showed a deep compassion for his mother . Today, she acted more captivatingly and charming like a young girl, her worried frown hearing of her departure from her natal home barely concealed. Today her each glance, each statement, resonated deeply within him.
If someone had told him before that his life would one day be tied to such a bright and lively person, he would have scoffed. Yet, at this moment, seeing the glimmer of tears in her eyes, Shang Ji felt an unbearable urge to ease her distress. So, he said to Du Jingyi and her parents, “Madam, why don’t we have dinner here and then go back? I’m going to the camp to inspect something, and I’ll pick you up on my way back from there . How about that?”
“Can I?” Du Jingyi’s eyes lit up as Shang Ji finished speaking. Her gaze, filled with delicate charm, moved captivatingly. Especially the faint appearance of dimples by her lips, making her even more adorable and touching. Anyone who saw her would surely think: this young girl of the Du family, now the young madam of the Duke’s mansion, is truly a radiant beauty.
Shang Ji swallowed slightly seeing her smile as he suddenly felt parched , but with remarkable self-control, he simply nodded. Then, with clasped fists, he bade farewell to the Du family couple.
“I am escorting the general out,” Du Jingyi said, her voice sincere, the last syllables rising slightly.
Shang Ji stepped forward,and seeing her smile again a subtle curve forming at the corners of his mouth that Du Jingyi didn’t notice. After seeing him off, Du Jingyi quickly returned to Mingse Courtyard. Madam Du now seemed much more content with everything in her home; even the unhappiness she’d felt earlier due to her relatives’ meddling had almost completely dissipated.
“Tangtang…” Madam Du called out the moment Du Jingyi entered. Without Shang Ji’s presence, they became completely uninhibited.
“Mother…” Du Jingyi rushed to Madam Du, nestling into her arms like a small kitten, rubbing back and forth. Madam Du gently patted her back.