Chapter 99: The Turbulent Times Begin to Unfold, Winds of Change Rising (II)

The matriarch seemed to be using Chu Xiu as a shield, and even Yun Xian could sense the implication in her words. Yet Chu Xiu herself showed no resistance, agreeing without hesitation. Within just half a day, Yun Xian found himself viewing Chu Xiu in a new light.

Before, he had only seen her as a stunning maidservant, the object of his second brother’s desire and the cause of strife between his elder brothers.

Later, he regarded her as a maid who had risen through bearing a posthumous son—passionate and beautiful, but nothing particularly remarkable beyond that.

But when she decided to “castrate” second brother Yun Qi after her miscarriage and voiced her resentment, Yun Xian realized he had underestimated her. Perhaps this woman possessed a certain cunning and ambition.

Yet today, Yun Xian had to admit that elder brother Yun Ci’s affection for Chu Xiu was truly discerning and not simply based on her beauty. Her foresight and insight surpassed many noble ladies and even those scholarly young men who only talked big. Even he felt somewhat inferior.

The once timid, indecisive mute maid had transformed into a decisive and resolute woman. If she continued on this path, her achievements would rival those of the matriarch herself. This was Yun Xian’s appraisal and genuine praise of Chu Xiu.

From this moment on, he genuinely changed his view of her and called her “sister-in-law” sincerely, not merely out of social convention.

If one ignored lineage and status, Chu Xiu was truly deserving of the title Lady of the Li Xin Marquess.

*****

Afterwards, the matriarch ordered Yun Xian to leave ahead, then spoke briefly with Yun Cheng, instructing Nurse Chi to see him home, leaving only Chu Xiu behind.

It was only then that the matriarch dared to show a trace of relief and sorrow, shedding her usual sharpness and authority as she sighed repeatedly: “Ci’er had good eyes. You are truly remarkable.”

Chu Xiu had waited for those two simple words for so long. With the matriarch’s recognition — coming from Yun Ci’s mother — she almost wept, feeling that even death at that moment would leave no regrets.

“Your conduct in the tribunal astounded me. Since taking charge of the household, everything has been orderly without complaint. Today, your insights on the northern and southern affairs have surprised even me,” the matriarch murmured with emotion. “Ci’er’s spirit must be comforted to see your talents. And with Yun Cheng being such a promising youth, he will be reassured too.”

Indeed! Whether in heaven or earth, in life or death, Chu Xiu had always been true to him. She could no longer hold back her tears but maintained her composure, shedding silent tears without a sob, a quiet dignity in her grief.

“Ci’er once taught you to read, write, manage accounts, and run the household, and now all those skills have truly come to use. I wonder if fate willed it so, or if he had long planned to marry you...” The matriarch sighed again, firmly believing it was the latter.

At this thought, she continued softly, “Stop crying. Once the Yun family weathers this storm, whether you choose to stay or leave, I will no longer stop you.”

“No! No! I want to stay. I have decided to stand by him! Please... don’t drive me away...” Chu Xiu was suddenly panicked and knelt down, pleading.

The matriarch’s eyes softened as she bent down to help her up. “You are only seventeen, so young. To live a lifetime as a widow is too cruel, and it was never Ci’er’s wish. I won’t make you leave, but if one day you truly meet someone you care for, don’t hide it.”

At this, the matriarch paused, then shook her head with a sigh. “It’s a pity about Shen Yu. He truly was devoted to you...”

“Matriarch! Don’t mention him. Besides being a close friend of the late marquess... now, my heart cannot hold another,” Chu Xiu’s tears fell like precious pearls, dazzling and beautiful.

The matriarch handed her a handkerchief from the table and sighed again. “It’s best not to dwell on personal feelings now. Let’s focus on getting through this crisis. If, according to your plan, all the businesses in Beixi are to be closed and the money distributed, how will the clan members survive?”

Chu Xiu quickly wiped her tears, lowered her gaze, and thought before replying, “There are at least a hundred people in Beixi’s clan, including wives and children. It’s impossible to relocate them all to Nanxi. My idea is, since the money will be distributed, let them find their own way. They hold no power, and in these chaotic times, even if they are used by others, it will be limited. As long as the heads of each branch manage things carefully, there shouldn’t be too much trouble.”

The matriarch considered carefully and nodded. “It’s a good plan, but in terms of appearances... I would inevitably be criticized for abandoning the clan.”

Again with appearances — it seemed the matriarch had lived her life for face alone! Chu Xiu felt helpless but dared not voice this thought. Instead, she said, “No matter how important appearances are, they’re not more important than life. Given the delicate status of the Li Xin Marquess’s household, too much control over the clan would be harmful. Besides...”

“Besides what?” The matriarch noticed Chu Xiu’s hesitation and urged her to continue.

“Besides, if we’ve bet on the wrong side and the Chen family wins the southern-northern struggle... at least we have left Beixi’s clan a path of retreat, so they won’t be wiped out,” Chu Xiu said frankly.

Indeed! To wholeheartedly support the Nie family would endanger the entire Yun clan if the Chen family prevailed. Sacrificing part of the clan might save the rest. But before the southern-northern struggle was resolved, this approach would be hard for the clan to accept.

“How did you come up with this idea?” the matriarch asked.

“The marquess,” Chu Xiu held back tears. “He feared someone might secretly harm me, so he distanced and even reprimanded me, feigning closeness with Lady Xia to divert attention and protect my life. Now I’ve simply borrowed his method.”

“Pampering to death— the higher you lift, the greater the harm, not love. One must treat clan members thus,” Chu Xiu said, tears flowing again but controlling her voice, which grew softer.

“Pampering to death... Could it be that Ci’er’s spirit is truly watching over us?” the matriarch murmured, then resolutely said, “You’re right. Let’s proceed accordingly! Use the Li Xin Marquess’s seal to issue the order to all Beixi branches: all their businesses must be concluded within six months, and they bear the profit and loss.”

Chu Xiu acknowledged this, and the matriarch added, “Yun Cheng’s father Yun Tan is a capable man and head of the Minzhou branch. Have him monitor Beixi’s situation and ensure no mistakes. Now that his eldest son is heir to the Li Xin Marquess, there’s no fear of disloyalty!”

The most unpredictable thing in the world is the human heart, something not mastered by talent alone but through deep, enduring experience. The matriarch truly understood the art of managing people.

Thinking of Yun Tan and Yun Cheng’s relationship, Chu Xiu perked up and agreed, “Judging by how Yun Cheng has been taught these nine years, Yun Tan has put in real effort. If the marquess hadn’t died suddenly without an heir, I might have suspected Yun Tan planned this all along, training his son to meet the heir’s expectations.”

The matriarch nodded. “Indeed! Yun Tan seems reliable. Use him well.”

Then Chu Xiu remembered something and hesitated. “Cheng is nine this year, eight years younger than me... I want him to move out alone next year, not wait until he’s thirteen.”

“I understand your concern,” the matriarch shook her head. “But the ancestor’s rules cannot be broken. The Li Xin Marquess’s descendants must not open their own estates until they are thirteen. Having him move out at ten will only give others grounds to criticize you for mistreating the heir or disregarding clan rules. A person with a clear conscience has no fear of shadows. Let him live in Zhiyan Pavilion so you can instruct him well.”

This comforted Chu Xiu somewhat. “I have already hired the most renowned tutor in Fangzhou to teach him reading. But I have yet to find a suitable martial arts master.”

The matriarch pondered carefully and replied, “Ask Shen Yu. If he’s willing to teach, that would be best.”

“The young marquis?” Chu Xiu was greatly surprised.

“Shen Yu was valued by the Nanxi Nie emperor and accepted as a sworn son because of his martial prowess and understanding of military strategy. The Wen Chang Marquis was reluctant to send him to the army to gain experience, out of fatherly affection. Besides, Shen Yu has mastered the secrets of the miraculous doctor Qu. If he can also teach Cheng medicine and healing, it would be even better,” the matriarch said, raising an eyebrow at Chu Xiu. “What, you don’t want that?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to, but...” Chu Xiu hesitated, “He is the Wen Chang Marquis’s son. Having him teach Cheng might be inappropriate.”

“What’s inappropriate? It’s not like you’re making him a servant or diminishing his status. Shen Yu was Ci’er’s closest friend, like a brother. Cheng should even call him ‘uncle.’ Since an uncle is teaching his nephew martial arts and medicine, why not?” The matriarch looked at Chu Xiu frankly. “If I’m not worried, why should you be?”

“I understand your meaning,” Chu Xiu breathed a silent sigh of relief. She was unsure whether the matriarch truly valued Shen Yu’s talents or was deliberately creating an opportunity for them. If Shen Yu were asked to teach Cheng, he surely would not refuse. Whatever the matriarch’s intentions, it was bound to succeed—another masterstroke in her skill of managing people.

For now, the priority was Cheng’s education. Since the matriarch had appointed Shen Yu, Chu Xiu could only accept and agree.

“If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave and prepare the orders for your review,” Chu Xiu said, focusing on the urgent matter of settling Beixi’s clan. She also intended to write Yun Tan a private letter, asking him to look after the branches.

The matriarch nodded. “No need to rush today. A couple of days to prepare is fine.”

“Yes, please rest early as well,” Chu Xiu bowed and prepared to leave.

After stepping back two paces and about to turn, the matriarch called out, “Wait.”

Chu Xiu looked up respectfully. “Do you have any further instructions?”

The matriarch shifted uneasily, expression neutral but somewhat uncomfortable. “From now on, don’t call me ‘matriarch’ anymore. I won’t have Cheng or the servants in the house laughing. You are Ci’er’s lawful wife; you should address me as ‘mother.’”