lady, please calm down

October 11th happens to be the day of the ten-day bath.

It's rare for the family to have breakfast together, but the atmosphere at the table was a bit awkward.

Cai Wei, the fourth grandson of Prime Minister Cai and the second son of the second wife, seemed to have no appetite. However, his cousin You Yunwei, who was sitting at the same table, occasionally helped him pick up food and occasionally asked in a low voice, "Fourth brother looks listless, are you feeling unwell?"

Seeing her son's cold response, You Shi couldn't help but put down her chopsticks, made a soft "tsk" sound, and said with a smile: "This child, now that he has grown up, he is not as good at talking as when he was a child. When I took you and your elder brother to Tangzhou to visit your grandfather's house, you always shouted that you wanted to play with Yun Wei. How come you don't know how to get close to your cousin now that you have grown up?"

These meaningful words made You Yunwei lower her head in shame.

Cai Wei was very troubled. Although he had not fully understood his mother's intentions before, his mother returned to the palace angrily yesterday, and his mother's attitude was very obvious.

Even though he was very unhappy with his mother's behavior of making trouble out of nothing and destroying the relationship between them, Cai Wei did not talk back to her out of filial piety. He just suddenly stood up, bowed to each of his parents, said, "Son, I'm full," and walked out.

The eldest son was an official away from home, and the second son was married. This was the first time that Cai Kun and his wife left the table before finishing their meal.

Cai Kun knew that his second son was expressing his dissatisfaction, but matters in the rear house were decided by his wife, so he lowered his head and ate without saying a word.

On the contrary, Mrs. You, seeing her son getting angry, could not help but scold him, "Today is a day off, why don't you stay at home and have a good rest? Where are you going?"

"I am going to the palace to take my wife home."

Cai Wei, who had just walked to the door, replied and walked out.

Ouch!

My son has become so arrogant that he dares to give me a hard time!

Yu Shi was angry and anxious for a moment, thinking: I became a mother for you.
But just ten breaths later, his son reappeared outside the dining room, with a maid beside him.

Yu thought her son had figured it out and turned back halfway. Although she was very proud of herself, she still asked with a stern face, "Why did you come back again?"

Cai Wei glanced at his father and said, "The front yard has sent a message that the imperial concubine is here."

Cai Kun, who was eating, wiped his mouth immediately after hearing this, stood up and walked out quickly while saying, "Quick, ask the front yard manager to open the middle door and welcome the imperial concubine into the main hall for tea."

Seeing her husband's anxious look, Youshi wiped the corners of her mouth gracefully and said with a slow smile, "Why are you so anxious just because your sister is back?"

In the past, when father and mother were at home, everything was fine when Huan'er went home to visit them.

But now that my parents have returned to Tongshan, how can things be the same as before!
Cai Kun was too lazy to explain to Youshi the principles of rulership and subjectivity, and hurriedly took his son out to meet him.

You Shi made herself look awkward, but then she took her niece's hand and smiled calmly, "Come on, Yun Wei, follow me to see the Imperial Concubine."

"My niece should not interrupt the conversation with my aunt and her family."

You Yunwei was obviously a little nervous.

The Great Chu had been a country for fifteen years, but ever since the night of Xuande Gate more than twenty years ago, Concubine Cai's reputation among scholars had been irreversible.

In short, the titles of "a vicious and cruel concubine", "a meddling concubine", "a murderous and vicious woman" and so on followed her for half her life.

You Yunwei was naturally a little afraid of such people.

Seeing this, Youshi probably guessed something and smiled confidently, "Don't be afraid, Aunt and Huan'er are like sisters. She is my Cai family's daughter and is very close to me."

The prime minister's residence has three main halls.

Before Cai Yuan left the capital, he rarely received guests here except when the emperor himself or a handful of important officials in the court came to visit.

Cai Huan was clearly a married daughter, but after Cai Kun and his son led his sister into the main hall, the latter naturally sat at the head of the seat.

It was natural for her to sit there, and Cai Kun seemed to think it was reasonable as well.

Although some things were not stated explicitly, the family understood that when Cai Yuan was around, Cai Huan still had to abide by the father-daughter ethics when she returned home; now that Cai Yuan has returned and Cai Huan comes again, they will be the ruler and his subject.

Cai Huan had just sat down at the top when she heard a burst of laughter outside the hall. "Sister-in-law heard the magpie calling this morning and thought there was some happy event in our family. It turned out that Huan'er is back."

Before the people arrive, the sound comes first.

Two breaths later, Youshi and her niece walked into the main hall.

To show her closeness, Youshi sat down next to Cai Huan, took her hand, and began to express her longing for her.
Speaking of which, when Cai Yuan left Beijing more than half a month ago, Cai Huan went home to see him off and had just met Youshi.

But now, Youshi acted as if she hadn't seen Cai Huan for a year and had endless things to say.

Cai Huan had a smile on her face, and there was nothing unusual about her. After You Yunwei followed her aunt into the main hall, she stood inside the hall, standing out.

After more than a hundred breaths, Cai Hua asked with a smile, as if she had just seen the other person, "Whose daughter did the second sister-in-law bring this girl with her?"

"Yun Wei, come and see the Imperial Concubine."

Yu Shi smiled and waved to her niece, then continued, "This is the Imperial Concubine, Wei Ge'er's aunt."

"Yun Wei greets the Imperial Concubine."

You Yunwei took the ladder handed to her by You and stepped forward to greet her.

Her head was slightly lowered, her voice was soft, and the skin on her neck showed just the right amount of redness due to shyness.

Anyone who sees her would think that this is a girl from the same clan who never leaves the house and rarely sees people.

But, who is Cai Huan?

That is the ancestor of fox spirits!
With a pair of narrow and charming eyes, he has seen countless people and will not be deceived by appearances.

Seeing that Cai Huan didn't say anything, Youshi hurriedly said, "Calling you Imperial Concubine is too distant, just follow Wei Er's example and call her Aunt."

Although she looked shy, You Yunwei was also a person who was good at taking advantage of others. She quickly called out in a low voice, "Yunwei greets aunt."

There was some deep meaning in Cai Wei calling her aunt.

This time, Cai Huan finally said "hmm" casually, without any emotion. She didn't pretend to be affectionate like ordinary noble ladies, nor did she follow the convention of taking off her jewelry to reward the younger generation.

After a few words, Cai Hua suddenly turned to look at her nephew Cai Wei and asked casually, "Brother Wei, today is a day off. Where are you going to play?"

Cai Wei looked a little embarrassed, but still told the truth: "Aunt, yesterday my nephew upset Shu Guo and caused her to return to the palace. My nephew is preparing to go to the palace to take her home."

Upon hearing this, Cai Huan nodded in satisfaction and taught: "You two are husband and wife, so you need to discuss things together. Although Shuguo has been favored by His Majesty since she was young, she has never been an arrogant person. She married you, and you are her confidence. Don't let Shuguo down. Go, His Majesty learned about this yesterday evening and didn't sleep well all night. You take Shuguo and go to meet His Majesty and Concubine Yi."

Knowing that this matter had alarmed the emperor, Cai Wei hurriedly said, "My nephew will go right away."

After Cai Wei left, Cai Kun asked carefully, "Does your majesty know?"

Cai Huan's charming eyes lingered on her second brother for a long time, until Cai Kun felt uncomfortable being stared at. Then she suddenly sighed and asked, "Second brother, do you think you can become a minister with your talent?"

"."

Cai Kun didn't expect the girl to suddenly ask such a question and was speechless for a moment.

His position as Minister of Commerce was a new department established after the founding of the Great Chu State, in charge of state-owned and public-private joint ventures.

For example, the shares of Zhongyuan Agricultural Reclamation, Liaodong Agricultural Reclamation, Nanyang Development and other commercial companies belonged to the imperial court. These commercial companies, from their inception to their gradual growth into giants, were mostly handled by Cai Hua.
With Cai Huan's help, he was naturally able to do his job well as the Minister of Commerce. To put it another way, without Concubine Cai's approval, the business houses below might not cooperate as they do now, and no one would be able to hold the position of Minister of Commerce.

Although admitting this made Cai Kun lose face, he still answered honestly: "I am not very knowledgeable. If it weren't for Huan'er paving the way for me, I would never have been able to sit in the high position I am today in my life."

Cai Huan nodded and continued, "Second brother and eldest brother are limited in their abilities. Even if they rely on the help of father and His Majesty to rise to the top, their foundation is still unstable."

Although she is the youngest daughter among Cai Yuan's children, when Cai Huan comments on her two brothers, she acts like the head of the family.

But she continued, "Fortunately, in the next generation of my family, there are talented people like Cai Si, Cai Long, and Cai Wei. If they are given a few more years, even if their achievements in the future cannot reach that of their father, they will be better than their elder and second brothers."

Cai Si is the cousin, Cai Long is the eldest son of Cai Yun, and Cai Wei is the second son of the second wife. Although Cai Huan bluntly said that the two elder brothers are not as good as the younger generations, she also meant that the Cai family has successors, so it is not so difficult for Cai Kun to accept.

Cai Kun's face briefly showed an embarrassed look, which then quickly disappeared. He only said, "It's all thanks to the Imperial Concubine's teaching them in recent years."

Today, although Cai Huan acted like a royal concubine, they were family after all, and everything she said was from her heart that was all for the family’s benefit.

However, the next moment Cai Hua said: "Since Second Brother can think clearly, then make way for Wei Ge'er and the others."

"."

Cai Kun didn't understand for a moment and was a little confused.

But Cai Huan suddenly said in a shocking tone: "The position of patrol inspector of the four southeastern provinces is vacant. Last night I asked Your Majesty to ask my second brother to transfer this position."

"."

"."

Cai Kun and his wife looked up at the same time and looked at their sister, each with a look of surprise.

Although the Inspector of the Maritime Customs in the Four Southeastern Provinces was of the same rank as the Minister of Commerce, there was absolutely no question of promotion from the central government to the local departments.

Although there are many large cities in the four coastal provinces that are prosperous due to maritime trade, they are still not as prosperous as Tokyo, which gathers the world's elite.

Yu Shi had just escaped from the control of her mother-in-law, and the mistress of this family hasn’t had enough yet!
I can't bear to go to the southeast to enjoy the sea breeze.
In a hurry, Youshi blurted out: "Huan'er! How could you betray your second brother! If he goes to the southeast, he will never be able to become a prime minister again!"

Indeed, above the Shangshu are the three prime ministers.
Although Cai Kun has little experience now, if he can persevere for a few years, he may have a chance to fight for it.

But once you get there, it’s hard to say.

Cai Hua frowned and said in a low voice, "Youshi, this dynasty does not allow women to interfere in government affairs. You have no right to interfere in such an important matter!"

"."

Listen to me, is this shameless?
When it comes to women interfering in politics, who in the world can compare to you, Concubine Cai!

Today, you even dare to say that to me.
Although Youshi was not convinced, she did not dare to speak out her true feelings. She sat there crying in anger, muttering from time to time, "Your second brother has loved you since you were a child. You are a girl and you are outgoing. As soon as your father left, you started to attack your own family."

Cai Kun also sensed something at this time and vaguely guessed that today's changes might be related to the Princess of Shu.

After thinking for a few moments, Cai Kun asked in a low voice: "My Lady, is there any room for maneuver in this matter?"

Cai Huan looked up at Youshi who was sobbing non-stop, and said, "There is a way to make Second Brother stay in Tokyo."

Hearing that there was still room for remedy, Youshi, who had just been scolded, instantly regained her spirits and quickly wiped her tears and said, "Huan'er, don't scare me and your second brother. If you have a way, tell me now."

Cai Huan did not look at Youshi again. She took a sip of tea slowly and said to Cai Kun, "If you still want to stay in Tokyo, there is only one way. Divorce your wife."

Cai Kun was stunned, and Youshi forgot to cry and looked at Cai Huan in disbelief.

After a few breaths, Youshi suddenly collapsed in her chair, slapped her thighs and cried, "Okay, okay, your Cai family is rich now, I am not worthy of your second brother!"

After saying that, You suddenly stood up and shouted, "You brothers and sisters, please don't humiliate my family. I will die here so that Cai Erlang can remarry me."

Before she finished her words, You had already rushed towards the main pillar in the hall.

Cai Kun was prepared and moved ahead to hug Youshi. He turned his head and looked up, but saw that Cai Hua's face was still calm, as if her mind would never change.
Among the children of the Cai family, the eldest brother is conservative and serious. Cai Kun has been close to his rebellious sister since childhood. Seeing Cai Huan's expression, he suddenly felt a pain in his heart and shed tears. He knelt down and hugged Youshi and said, "Your servant Cai Kun is willing to go to the southeast to perform his duties. Although my wife Youshi has flaws in her nature, she has worked hard for me and my family for many years. I will never give up on you!"

"Wow~"

After crying heart-wrenchingly, Youshi hugged Cai Kun tightly and choked up, "Sir, I can't delay your future!"

"It doesn't matter if there is no future for us, as long as we can grow old together, I will be very satisfied."

The couple hugged each other and cried for a while. Cai Huan, who was at the head of the group, gradually softened her expression when she saw that her second brother agreed to go to the southeast.

About a quarter of an hour later, the hall became quiet again.

Youshi sat in the chair, her eyes red and swollen, staring blankly at the ground, refusing to look at Cai Huan again.

With Cai Huan's temper, she would probably be too lazy to explain any further, but the person in front of her was her second brother after all.

After a while, Cai Hua finally couldn't help herself and asked, "Second sister-in-law, do you hate me so much?"

Youshi remained silent, so Cai Kun quickly said, "I dare not."

Cai Hua sighed and said suddenly, "Second brother, His Majesty has saved face for my family by letting me handle this. Do you really think that I asked you and Second Sister-in-law to go to the southeast just to vent my anger on Rao'er?"

Cai Kun did think so, but he did not say it out loud, and just remained silent.

Seeing this, Cai Huan said slowly: "My family's foundation is too shallow. My second brother can't manage the family well, and my second sister-in-law doesn't know how to be the head of the Prime Minister's Mansion. The noble ladies in the capital flattered her a few words, and she didn't know who she was. If this continues, it will cause trouble sooner or later. Now that I am in the palace, Your Majesty will think of the relationship between the two families and will not do anything. But what about the future?
The Crown Prince treats Shu like my second brother treated me when the Crown Prince returned from the army. If this matter cannot be properly resolved, I will definitely feel resentful. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, how will you let Wei Ge'er and the younger generations of the Cai family deal with it?"

These words had some effect. You finally looked up at Cai Huan and wanted to say something, but Cai Huan waved her hand and continued, "When you go to the southeast, the Prime Minister's Mansion will be handed over to Shu. Wei Ge'er just needs to concentrate on his duties. Sooner or later, he will be a capable official of the two dynasties. As for the issue of offspring, I have invited Taixu to the capital. This old Taoist is quite proficient in men's conditioning and nourishing medicine."

"Brother Wei is in good health~"

With red eyes, Mrs. You refuted weakly and still refused to admit that there was something wrong with her son's health.

"After three years of marriage, my second sister-in-law has already stuffed two women into his room, but there is still no progress. Could it be that it is all someone else's fault? You can't hide your illness and avoid seeing a doctor!"

Cai Hua was firm and unequivocal.

At noon that day, Cai Huan did not stay in the prime minister's residence for dinner, but left the residence and returned to the palace.

On the way, the maid who followed beside him couldn't help but say: "Now, Shu Kingdom can legitimately manage the affairs of the harem."

The current dynasty emphasizes not dividing the family while the parents are still alive, and the old man of the Cai family is still alive, so it is even more impossible for Rao'er and Cai Wei to live separately from their parents.

As long as Youshi is around, Rao'er will never be able to truly take charge of the family.
But this time, Cai Huan directly sent her second brother and his wife to the southeast, thousands of miles away, so naturally there were no more troubles in the prime minister's mansion.

When the maid saw that the imperial concubine did not respond and had no expression of joy on her face, she immediately understood. The imperial concubine had indeed seized the power to be the head of the family for the Kingdom of Shu, but she might not be without reluctance in her heart.
The old prime minister has returned to his hometown to live out his days in glory, the eldest brother is serving as an official in the local area, and now the second brother is also about to go to the southeast, two thousand miles away.

From then on, only the younger generation of the Cai family was left in the capital, and there was no longer an elder brother with whom Concubine Cai could confide in.

"My Lady, I think Minister Cai and his wife will understand your painstaking efforts."

Cai Huan nodded subconsciously to the maid's comfort, but then shook her head and smiled bitterly as if she was uncertain, saying, "I did this for Rao'er and for His Majesty, but not entirely for His Majesty and Rao'er. Second sister-in-law is snobbish but not smart enough. Now she has suddenly risen to a high position. If I don't give her a warning, she might cause trouble in the future."
Now that my father is not in Beijing, someone needs to play the villain in the family. If my second sister-in-law is resentful, then let her be resentful. After all, I am the daughter of the Cai family and I need to protect the younger generation." (End of this chapter)