Union

Chapter 91 Ulterior motives
On the first day of Yunying's trip with Second Master, they didn't return to the county town until evening.

It was completely dark outside, and a light drizzle had started to fall. A cold wind blew, making everything damp and chilly, and people shivered.

The group did not dine outside; after finishing their business, they went straight back to their residence.

Yunying was only wearing a single layer of clothing today. A gust of cold wind made her sneeze twice in a row. She was naturally happy not to eat out. After returning to the mansion, she took Sui'er and went straight to the backyard.

First, she took a bath to ward off the cold, and then drank a large bowl of ginger soup. After Yunying caught her breath, she finally felt more comfortable.

Sui'er went downstairs to tidy herself up, and now Liu'er was serving her.

Liu'er asked Yunying, "Would you like to have a meal, Miss?"

Yunying nodded. "Just have the kitchen prepare some noodle soup and bring it over; nothing else is fine. Also, Second Master, could you send someone to deliver some ginger soup?"

Upon hearing this, Liu'er first said, "You've been running around with Second Master all day. How can you only have some soup noodles? I'll have the kitchen prepare two more side dishes for you. Please eat more." She added, "I've already sent some to the front. It's not just for Second Master; everyone who went out with Second Master today received ginger soup."

Yunying hummed in agreement. "Tell the servants to be alert and watch out for any disturbances in the front yard tonight. Also, keep ginger soup on hand in the kitchen these days, and have the servants drink a bowl before bed."

Liu'er gratefully agreed and then went to instruct the maids to serve the meal.

Liu'er had just stepped out when Sui'er arrived.

She stood behind Yunying, combing her hair, and asked curiously, "Miss, what did Second Master want to do with you today?"

Sui'er was extremely curious about this.

I thought that the Second Master must have something important to say to the young lady, but he didn't say a word to her all day.

The young woman followed behind the second master the whole time, occasionally scribbling something with a pen and paper. But judging from her expression, she seemed indifferent, so it was clear that what she was writing wasn't very important.

So, what exactly did the Second Master want the young lady to do outside?

Sui'er guessed, "Could it be that you and Second Master had a really bad falling out, and Second Master wanted to give you a way out, which is why he took you out?"

Yun Ying's eyes flickered, but she remained silent.

She couldn't actually figure out the Second Master's intentions either.

Although she felt that it didn't matter whether she was there or not today, and that going out with her would be a wasted trip, the Second Master gave her a way out... How could she be so shameless?

Yunying said, "Don't make wild guesses. We shouldn't try to guess what our master is thinking."

Sui'er hesitated, then could only give a muffled reply and stop gossiping.

For the next few days, it rained incessantly, and the weather was damp and sticky. Such weather made people feel down, and nothing seemed quite right.

Yunying was experiencing the humid, rainy weather of the South for the first time, and she really couldn't stand the dampness and continuous rain.

The bedding in the room was damp, and she didn't even want to cover herself with it; what's more, there were wet water stains on the walls and floor, which was truly unbearable.

The weather remained stubbornly overcast, clothes were starting to get moldy, and people's moods were extremely depressed.

Qiu Ning complained to Yun Ying, "I can stand Second Master's neglect, but I can't stand this awful weather. If I had known that Yun Gui County had such weather, I would have cried and begged to let Aunt Ding take me back to the capital."

"Ugh, this is so frustrating. Look, my clothes are all stuck to my body, my hair is all wet, my makeup is all messed up, I just want to scream and let it all out."

Qiu Ning tore at her hair, and after chatting with Yun Ying, she returned to her courtyard dejectedly.

Yunying was also a bit annoyed and irritable, so she went to her room to practice calligraphy. After practicing for a while, she seemed to really calm down.

Finally, the continuous rain stopped, and the weather cleared up for two days.

Yunying was eager to go out for a walk, and coincidentally, before she could call Qiuning to go out, the old woman guarding the second gate came looking for her again.

When Yunying saw the person who came, her heart skipped a beat, and she already had a premonition of what was going to happen.

Sure enough, the old woman said with a smile, "Miss, you should hurry up and get ready to go out. Second Master is waiting for you outside and invites you to come with him."

Sui'er paused for a moment, then looked at Yun Ying. Last time they went, they had nothing to do; were they going to go out again this time?
Yunying chuckled and agreed. The gatekeeper, holding the pastries Liu'er had given her, walked out with a wide grin.

Today, Sui'er got her period and wasn't feeling well, so Yunying asked Liu'er to go out with her.

It was the first time Liu'er had gone out with Yunying, and she was overjoyed.

She wanted to ask about everything, but considering that she was now a head maid in the county government office and had to maintain a certain demeanor, she tried her best to remain calm despite her intense curiosity, without revealing any of it.

Coincidentally, just as Yunying reached the gate of the Second Hospital, she heard someone call her from behind.

Yunying stopped and turned around. She saw Mujin with her maid Ruzhu and quickly walked up to her.

Mu Jin had clearly dressed up specially today. She wore a brand-new light pink silk blouse with auspicious cloud patterns, paired with a pink skirt with daffodil flowers and green leaves.

The fresh, vibrant color made her lightly powdered face appear even whiter and more radiant. Combined with the shimmering luster of her pearl headdress, her bright eyes seemed even clearer, and her already gentle and considerate appearance became even sweeter and more charming.

Mu Jin looked at Yun Ying happily, "I went to your courtyard to look for you. Sui'er said you were going out. Luckily I was quick, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to find you."

Yun Ying raised her eyebrows slightly. "What do you want with me?"

Mu Jin touched her long, black hair that hung down to her chest, and smiled brightly. "It's been raining for so many days, and I was getting restless staying in the manor. I just wanted to tell you that I wanted to go out for a walk today. You're in charge of the affairs of this manor now, so it wouldn't be proper for me not to tell you."

These words were laced with sarcasm and resentment, which Yunying found very unpleasant.

She didn't intend to continue chatting with Mu Jin, after all, Mu Jin gave her a feeling that she wasn't simple. However, she always appeared gentle and harmless, which made Yun Ying want to stay far away from her even more.

I always feel like Hibiscus might unleash a powerful attack if I'm not careful.

Yunying said, "Go out if you want, just be back in the manor before evening."

"I'll definitely be back before evening, otherwise where will I stay?"

The two talked as they walked out side by side.

During this time, Mu Jin couldn't help but ask what Yun Ying was going to do. Yun Ying had nothing to hide, but she was unwilling to explain in detail, so she said, "I'm going out with Second Master to take care of some business."

Mu Jin's mournful tone became increasingly pronounced, and her eyes were filled with a deep, unspoken envy.

"You're so lucky. You've won the Second Master's favor. He thinks about you in everything he does, and even when he goes out, he only wants to take you with him. As for me and Qiu Ning, sigh..."

Mu Jin wallowed in self-pity, but Yun Ying acted as if she hadn't heard a word she said, not responding at all.

This prevented Mu Jin's performance from continuing.

But Mu Jin was never one to give up easily. If Yun Ying didn't say anything, she would just keep testing her. She was getting annoyed, and Yun Ying would eventually give her an answer.

Mu Jin then asked Yun Ying, "Did you have a falling out with Second Master the other day?"

Yunying replied indifferently, "Who told you this?"

Mu Jin chuckled, "I haven't heard anyone say that, but... everyone in the courtyard is talking about it. They say they saw you running out of the front yard crying, your eyes were all swollen from crying. Oh dear, speaking of which, Yun Ying, you haven't been looking for Second Master in the front yard much lately. Did you really have a fight with Second Master? Tell me about it in detail, I'm two months older than you, maybe I can give you some advice."

"What kind of idea are you suggesting? That you take my position as manager and replace me?"

"Oh dear, Yunying, what nonsense are you spouting?" Mu Jin blushed deeply when Yunying exposed her. She did indeed want to take advantage of Yunying's loss of favor to rise in status, and she did take action, openly and secretly bribing many maids and servants.

However, those people are all opportunists.

They were all fawning over her before, saying that Yunying had angered the Second Master and was disliked by him, and that Qiuning was someone who couldn't be brought up in public. They said that she was the only one who could fill the harem.

She was so flattered that she almost lost her bearings.

As a result, the last time Second Master let Yunying go out with him, things took a complete turn for the worse.

The maids and servants who used to fawn over her have all disappeared. They even pretend not to see her when they meet her.

She was furious and wanted them to spit out the gifts they had eaten, but she thought that would be too shameful and would make Yunying and Qiuning laugh at her. So, even though she was heartbroken, she could only pretend that nothing had happened.

But now that Yunying brought up this matter, Mujin panicked.

If she succeeds, she won't be afraid of Yunying's revenge; but if she fails, she worries that Yunying will make things difficult for her.

Mu Jin repeatedly pledged her loyalty, saying that those words were definitely just gossipy old women spouting nonsense. She would investigate thoroughly later to find out who was stirring up trouble, and once she found them, she would deal with Yun Ying.

Mu Jin kept nagging along the way, while Yun Ying remained outwardly calm, though she was actually quite annoyed.

She desperately wanted to shake off Mu Jin, but Mu Jin was fast when she was fast and slow when she was slow, which left Yun Ying speechless.

Yunying could also see that Mujin was deliberately pestering her, and as for her purpose... she would find out soon enough.

The two quickly arrived at the gate of the mansion. Looking around, they saw the familiar carriage, with three handsome horses in front of it. The Second Master, Suiyun, and Leiting were already waiting for her.

Yunying gave a slight bow from afar, then stepped onto the small stool to get into the carriage.

At this moment, however, Mu Jin revealed her true purpose.

She ran up to the Second Master in a few steps, bowed to him with a shy expression, and then said in a soft, coquettish voice, "Second Master, where are you taking Yunying? I've been cooped up in the manor for so many days and I'm so bored. Would you please take me out with you?"

The Second Master looked at Mu Jin, who was standing nearby, then at Yun Ying, who had stopped and was now standing on the carriage shaft watching her. Mu Jin noticed the Second Master's movements, and her heart jumped.

She clenched her handkerchief, gave a stiff laugh, and then leaned closer in a sweet and charming manner. "Second Master, are you worried that Sister Yunying won't be happy? Of course not. It's just that Sister Yunying asked me to come along. Second Master, Sister Yunying is very bored by herself. Please just think of it as me keeping Sister Yunying company, and let me go out with her, okay?"

Mu Jin wanted to get even closer, ideally to lie directly on Second Master's chest.

Her eyes were full of tenderness, and her gaze was captivatingly watery. She had even prepared a shy expression, extending her fair hands as if to make a bashful tugging motion, but the Second Master simply took two steps to the side.

Caught off guard, Mu Jin lost her balance and stumbled forward two steps, nearly crashing into the agile, flowing-haired black horse.

The black horse was slightly startled, and unable to bear it any longer, it neighed and took two steps in place.

Seeing this, the second master gently patted the horse's head twice, and the horse affectionately rubbed against his palm before settling down.

A soft laugh came from the side, and if you listened carefully, there seemed to be some other noises as well.

Mu Jin blushed instantly, realizing she had embarrassed herself, and couldn't help but look at the Second Master with teary eyes.

She didn't say anything, but called out "Second Master" with a mix of longing and grievance. This cry was so poignant that it conveyed all her emotions in one moment.

Sui Yu clicked his tongue twice more.

When the second master looked over, Sui Yu quickly hid next to Sui Yun.

He had come to see the Second Master off and was about to leave when he unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a grand spectacle.

So, there's actually someone in this backyard who's good at playing along? Ugh, what playing along? She should be called gentle and considerate! He never saw her abilities before; he was so blind.

Looking at Mu Jin, and then at Yun Ying standing on the carriage shaft with a calm expression, unable to tell what she was thinking, Sui Yu felt depressed for a while.

If it were Yunying with such cunning and resourcefulness, and so willing to go all out, Second Master would definitely be coaxed into giving her all the good things.

Second Master is definitely not the same Second Master who always has a cold face now. He must be all smiles every day, and he might even forget about important matters.

Unfortunately, Yunying didn't appreciate the gesture...

This is truly something. Second Master can't get what he wants, and people are eagerly chasing after what he doesn't want. Just imagine how much psychological trauma he must be suffering now.

No one knows what the Second Master is thinking, but at this moment he looks at Yun Ying.

He called out, "Yun Ying".

His voice was clear and melodious, and under the clear blue sky, it became even more magnetic.

Yunying's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but tremble. But she quickly regained her composure. "What orders does Second Master have for me?"

The second master said, "This person, is this the one you wanted to bring along?"

The Second Master didn't say who he was referring to, but everyone present knew it was Mu Jin.

All eyes were on Mu Jin, whose face grew even redder. She lowered her head shyly, but then, remembering something, she immediately looked up at Yun Ying.

Her eyes were filled with pleading, as if she wanted Yunying to keep the matter a secret for her. She wore a pleading expression, and her hand placed in front of her lower abdomen made a "please" gesture.

But Yunying disliked being deceived or schemed against, and she disliked being treated like a fool even more.

Yunying said, "Second Master, I didn't bring the hibiscus with me."

Yunying looked at Mujin, whose face immediately fell. She glared at Yunying with resentment, her lips twitching as she revealed a gritted-teeth expression.

Seeing this, Yunying felt even more compelled to hold down Mujin.

This person has a bad character and might do something outrageous in the future. She needs to have someone keep an eye on her and prevent a second Ruizhu from appearing in her backyard.

The carriage set off, and Yunying sat back in the carriage, heading out of the city with the Second Master.

The group passed by Mu Jin, who stared blankly as they walked away, so angry that she almost tore the handkerchief in her hand to shreds.

The maid Ruzhu felt quite embarrassed, especially with so many people watching. She blushed deeply and couldn't lift her head.

Ruzhu asked softly, "Miss, shall we go back to the manor now, or go for a walk in the streets?"

"Let's go to the street, let's go to the street. What rare things could there be on the street? Am I dressed up so carefully just to impoverished beggars who can't even afford to eat? Let's go, let's go back to the manor! Hurry up and follow me, what are you standing there for? Don't you want to be laughed at enough?"

With a cold face, Mu Jin ignored everyone, stepped across the threshold, and returned to the county government office.

Ruzhu was terrified of the girl's sudden change of expression, so she hurriedly followed. Inwardly, however, she was filled with dread; the next few days would be tough for her.

The carriage left the city and soon arrived in the fields.

Yunying lifted the curtain of the carriage window and looked out. She saw that the fields were much greener than the last time she came out.

Besides, every so often you could see people clearing land. They used oxen, iron plows, or even just wood or stones. Some families, others worked together, to cultivate the land.

The people have more hope on their faces and are more willing to put in more effort in their work.

Liu'er opened the car window and saw the scene. She couldn't help but ask Yunying, "Miss, we saw a lot of oxen and plows this morning. These things were all issued by the county, right?"

"probably."

Yunying was also unclear about the specifics.

After all, when she came here last time, she didn't see any farm tools or cattle in the fields.

But she remembered that the Second Master had said that if he obtained the tax silver hidden by Registrar Li, he would exchange it for seeds, oxen, and farm tools, and distribute them to various towns and villages for the people to use. He would also encourage the people to reclaim wasteland.

Could it be that during the days when she was away from home in Nantian, the Second Master did this?
Yunying thought it must be true.

During her stay in the south these past few days, the incessant rain had annoyed her so much that she couldn't be bothered with anything. In contrast, the Second Master, a favored son of the emperor, never complained about these tedious matters. Instead, he actively addressed them, striving to help the people cultivate the land and become wealthy. Compared to the Second Master, she was utterly listless and useless.

The carriage stopped. The place looked familiar, but upon closer inspection, it was not Qiantang Village.

That's not quite accurate. It's more accurate to say that they've now reached the border between Qiantang Village and Houtang Village—that is, the pond.

Qiantang Village and Houtang Village are named after this pond, which also has a name: Crescent Moon Pond.

The pond is crescent-shaped, hence its name. It's not small, but it's not large either; a careful estimate puts it at about the size of two villages.

When Yunying saw the pond, she belatedly remembered that when the banquet for the 100 elderly people was held, the Second Master seemed to have mentioned that the village head of Houtang Village wanted to use this pond to raise freshwater pearls.
Pearl farming—regardless of whether it's feasible in this era—just the fact that they came up with the concept of artificially cultivating pearls shows they're no ordinary people.

As expected, Second Master came here today specifically for this pond and the pearl farming business, right?

Just as Yunying was wondering, the Second Master spoke up, "Yunying, come here for a moment."

Yunying calmed herself down and quickly walked to the Second Master's side. "Second Master, what is it you wanted to call me for?"

“I told you before that Houtang Village wanted to use this pond for artificial pearl farming.”

Yunying nodded. "You did say that right after the Hundred Elders Banquet? I still remember that."

The Second Master didn't mind that Yunying sometimes referred to herself as "I" in front of him and sometimes as "this servant."

She seemed to have no concept of being a slave or servant, nor did she show the respect that people at the time expected of a master. It was unclear whether this was because no one had taught her these things since childhood, or because she actually despised such a system, so she simply couldn't internalize it.

Second Master didn't care about these trivial matters; he only cared that Yunying still remembered what he had said.

His eyes flickered with emotion, but quickly returned to silence.

The second master asked her, "Do you think it's feasible to use this pond to raise pearls?"

Yunying pursed her lips and glanced at the Second Master.

Is Second Master deliberately making things difficult for her?
She was just a maid; what did she know about artificial breeding?
In modern times, she could easily find the answer on Baidu, but now there's no data available, and she has no experience in this field. So, the question is, is Second Master deliberately making things difficult for her?

Yunying shrugged. "Second Master, there are no cultured pearls on the market right now. Aren't all pearls these days harvested by pearl divers from the deep sea? Whether cultured pearls can be successful, what kind of waters are needed, what kind of mussels are required, and what external conditions are needed for cultivation—these are questions that no one has left behind. If you ask me, Second Master, I can't give you a clear answer."

Yunying looked at the Second Master with surprise, her voice somewhat muffled, "Second Master asked me this question intentionally..."

Second Master chimed in, "What did I deliberately mean?"

Are you deliberately making things difficult for me?

Yunying finally spoke, but as she spoke, she worried that the topic was too heavy and would make the atmosphere between her and the Second Master, which had just eased up, tense again. Therefore, she added a hint of laughter to the end of her sentence and lengthened the tone, so that her words did not sound stiff and sounded like a joke between acquaintances.

But when the Second Master heard Yun Ying's words, a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.

He moved his lips twice, but in the end he could only utter a dry sentence, "I didn't mean to make things difficult for you."

"I know, Second Master is very busy and would never hold a grudge against a woman like me. Second Master is a magnanimous man, please don't take my words to heart. I was just joking."

I've combined two updates today. It's a bit cold, no heating, I'm freezing. I'll correct the typos tomorrow; I stayed up too late last night, and the words are blurry today. Sigh, since giving birth, I've clearly felt exhausted, weak and anemic. I can't sleep well at night either, dreaming all night long, it feels like I haven't slept at all. I'm so tired, I really can't stay up any longer.

(End of this chapter)