Union

Chapter 19 The Drum Sounds

Aunt Ding also had a headache dealing with such a stubborn and strong-willed master.

She desperately wanted to keep these girls, but unfortunately, the Second Master wouldn't accept them. Not only did he not accept the girls, but he also disliked her, this old woman, and sent them back to the capital.

Aunt Ding sighed and told the girls about it.

The girls were stunned when they heard about this.

They had been staying in Yungui County for over a month. They thought that Second Master had already accepted their decision to stay, but then he suddenly suggested sending them away.

Although Qiu Ning and Mu Jin were coldly rejected by the Second Master last night, they didn't think it matter. As long as their feelings were sincere and they were patient, they firmly believed that the Second Master would be softened by them sooner or later.

They had even secretly fantasized about winning the Second Master's favor and living a life of tender affection and companionship with him, only to have this happen so suddenly.

Back to Beijing?

The Second Master still wants them to return to the capital?
The blow that Qiu Ning and Mu Jin suffered last night after being rejected by the Second Master was not as great as the blow they felt today when they heard this news.

Ruizhu broke her silence and asked Aunt Ding anxiously, "Didn't Second Master agree that we could stay? Why are you sending us back now? Is it because..."

Ruizhu didn't speak, but her gaze swept over Qiu Ning and Mu Jin. The meaning was clear: did the Second Master feel that sending these two women to serve him was an insult to him, and that she was being implicated and sent back to the capital by the Second Master?

Qiu Ning had been putting up with Rui Zhu for quite some time.

Previously, Aunt Ding treated Ruizhu differently, and Ruizhu became arrogant in front of them.

Her appearance and demeanor made her look like the legal wife.

He held himself in such a haughty manner, speaking to Qiu Ning and the others with an arrogant tone, which really made Qiu Ning quite angry.

Previously, Qiu Ning was wary of Rui Zhu having Aunt Ding backing her up, also because she was worried that if Aunt Ding exerted her influence in front of the Second Master, and Rui Zhu really wanted to manage the household, they would all have to make a living under her. Therefore, Qiu Ning did not dare to really offend her, so she swallowed her anger and did not lower herself to her level.

But now... what kind of look is that from Ruizhu?
They even looked down on them as if they were inferior. So who is she? How much more noble is she than them?
Qiu Ning retorted directly, "What do you mean by looking at us like that? Do you think we've implicated you, that we've ruined your future? Ha, that's laughable. You really don't know your own worth. We're not favored by our master, but do you think you can get ahead just by stepping forward? With your looks, the Second Master must be blind to let you serve him."

Upon hearing this, Ruizhu's face flushed red, her eyes blazing with anger as she glared at Qiu Ning. "If you dare to spout nonsense again, I'll tear your mouth apart."

"Come on, I'm standing right here. If you've got the guts, then come at me." Qiu Ning wasn't afraid of trouble at all. She glared at Ruizhu aggressively. "We haven't even done anything yet, and you're already putting on airs. Do you really think you're the first wife? Heh, at best you're just a maidservant by the Second Madam's side. I don't know what you flattered the Second Madam to get her to let you serve the Second Master. It's laughable. The Second Madam isn't around, and you think you're the Second Madam now?"

"Shut up, all of you shut up!" Aunt Ding looked at Qiu Ning, whose mouth seemed to be coated with venom, and was truly amazed.

Aunt Ding couldn't help but recall their first meeting. Back then, Qiu Ning's smile was so sweet that Aunt Ding had assumed she was a gentle and virtuous sweetheart. Later, after getting to know her better, Aunt Ding realized that while the girl appeared cheerful on the outside, she was actually fiercely competitive and wouldn't let herself be taken advantage of. Now, Aunt Ding's impression of Qiu Ning was completely refreshed; this girl was vengeful and had a sharp tongue.

Aunt Ding had a terrible headache. She scolded Ruizhu, who was about to slap Qiu Ning, and stopped Qiu Ning, who was about to pull off Ruizhu's hair ornament. "You two, shut up. If anyone dares to cause trouble again, you can go back to the capital."

Ruizhu looked aggrieved, and Qiuning looked pitiful. The two put on an acting show face to face, instantly transforming into pitiful figures, accusing each other of being arrogant, domineering, and unreasonable.

Aunt Ding: "Heh, no wonder the Second Master doesn't let you serve him. Even I, an old woman, wouldn't dare to use you. You're all so arrogant. You're not even as proper as your masters."

"aunt……"

"aunt……"

Ruizhu and Qiuning both begged for mercy.

Aunt Ding waved her hand dismissively, "I'll think about returning to the capital some more. Maybe Second Master is right. Leaving you here won't help him; you might just cause him a headache every day..."

Upon hearing Aunt Ding's words, Ruizhu, Qiuning, and Mujin all panicked. They wanted to say that they were just joking and that they would never do it again, but before they could utter a word, the ancestral drum outside was suddenly sounded.

"Oh my goodness, someone's beating the drum to appeal for justice!" The group immediately stopped in their tracks. After regaining their senses, Aunt Ding hurriedly said, "Did Second Master go out early this morning? Quickly send someone out to look for him!"

It's no wonder Aunt Ding was so excited; after a month in Yun Gui County, this was the first time the drum had been sounded. To be precise, it was even the first time the drum had been sounded in the two months Chen Yanzhou had been in Yun Gui County.

Aunt Ding was extremely troubled by this matter.

This is because without someone to beat the drum, the county magistrate cannot establish his authority, let alone make his fairness and integrity widely known.

This has many chain reactions. The most obvious one is that the county magistrate, yamen runners, and clerks cannot be effectively commanded, which greatly delays the speed and depth of the implementation of government orders. Without the cooperation of these people, it becomes much more difficult for Chen Yanzhou to have a thorough understanding of the situation in Yun Gui County.

Leaving aside these digressions, let's just say that when Mo Xue went out to look for Chen Yanzhou, Aunt Ding paced restlessly in the flower hall.

Her face was full of worry, and she kept muttering, "I hope that Magistrate Fan doesn't persuade them to go back again."

Magistrate Fan was an eighth-rank official, and by all accounts, he should never have appeared in the mouths of Aunt Ding, a woman confined to her home.

But who could blame him when this Magistrate Fan was no ordinary man?

How exactly is it unusual?
Firstly, this Magistrate Fan rose through the ranks from an insignificant clerk, and he successfully outlived five different local officials. He was truly a steadfast magistrate while the county magistrates came and went.

As for Magistrate Fan's superiors, only one was promoted; the other four either went to prison, retired, or died tragically. But regardless of their circumstances, it didn't affect Magistrate Fan's future in the slightest; his position in Yun Gui County remained as stable as Mount Tai. Ostensibly second only to the magistrate, he actually wielded more authority and power than the county magistrate.

Thirdly, it is said—and this is something Aunt Ding heard from Steward Wang—that Magistrate Fan appears outwardly impressive, and after the Second Master took office, he was always attentive and flattering, seemingly the most loyal person imaginable. However, in reality, he was inextricably linked to the earlier massacre of the powerful Shang family in Yun Gui County.

This man is undoubtedly a seasoned veteran, capable of both yielding and asserting himself. Aunt Ding worries that the upright and honest Second Master is no match for this old fox.

Aunt Ding looked worried, but the girls' expressions were gentle. Upon closer inspection, one could even see a hint of joy in their eyes.

Of course they're happy!

If someone knocks on the drum, it must mean there's been a case. For the next few days, the Second Master will be busy with official duties and will definitely not remember these people, nor will he have time to urge them to return to the capital.

Qiu Ning breathed a sigh of relief. With that relief, her rationality returned, and she realized that it was inappropriate to have a falling out with Ruizhu in front of Aunt Ding.

She felt a pang of regret, so she nudged Yunying with her hand, wanting to ask Yunying why she hadn't stopped her when she was acting impulsively.

After poking her twice, Yunying didn't react. Qiu Ning turned her head and saw that Yunying was lost in thought.

She couldn't help but ask, "What are you thinking about? I'm using so much force and you didn't even react."

Yunying said softly, "It's nothing, I was just lost in thought. What did you want to see me about? Is there something you wanted to say?"

Despite asking the question, Yunying's thoughts didn't return to the present.

At this moment, she could only feel regret in her heart. What a good man the Second Master was! He had said he would take back their indentures and find them good husbands to marry. Why couldn't Aunt Ding agree to it?

Yunying didn't want to get married; she just wanted to get her indenture back and regain her freedom.

Unfortunately, her indenture was given to Lin Shuqing by the Lady of Chang'an Marquis, and it is now firmly held in Lin Shuqing's hands.

With this indenture in place, she was like Sun Wukong with the golden headband on, completely controlled by others.

What method could she possibly use to get that piece of paper back from Lin Shuqing?

...I wonder if it would be alright to tentatively ask Aunt Ding if she wanted to get married locally?
(End of this chapter)