MCUS Chapter 78

After the snow melted, it became dry and cold, but the road was much easier to walk on. Before Yan Ge headed south, he took the time to return to the Yan Mansion. When he entered the main hall, he saw Yan Su sitting there with a grim face, while Madam Yan was trying to persuade him. Yan Xiaojing sat at the head seat, his expression equally serious.

“Father, Mother, Elder Brother.”

“You’re back.”

“What’s going on?” Yan Ge patted Yan Su’s shoulder.

Yan Su’s complexion eased a bit. “It’s nothing. Second Brother, since you’re back, stay for lunch. Let’s have a family meal together.”

Yan Ge cast a suspicious glance at the three of them. “We’re family. Is there something difficult that you can’t tell me?”

“Well…” Madam Yan spoke, “Su’er, it’s not a big deal to tell Ge’er about it.”

Yan Su nodded reluctantly.

Lady Yan pulled Yan Ge to sit down. “Since you’re the identity as the boss of the First Company boss was revealed and you were promoted to an honored position, the threshold has almost been trampled by matchmakers…”

Yan Ge was dumbfounded. “Our family… isn’t Elder Brother already married?”

Madam Yan said, “Silly child, our family doesn’t allow concubines. Do you think other families feel the same? Your status has risen, so your Elder Brother has become a coveted treasure. Almost every famous matchmaker in the capital has visited our house but we’ve sent them away. You’re busy enough on normal days, and your father and Elder Brother didn’t want you to worry about these trivial matters, so they didn’t tell you.”

“If they’ve been sent away, what’s the problem?” Yan Ge was still confused.

Madam Yan’s expression turned grave. “It’s still because of your sister-in-law. Before she entered our family, I was afraid she would worry that Su’er would take concubines in the future, so I specifically told her that our family doesn’t allow concubines, even if Su’er wants to bring in another woman, your father and I would never agree. At that time, she was still very happy. Who knew that today she would come to me and say that she wants to marry her cousin to your Elder Brother as a secondary wife. You can imagine how hurt Su’er is!”

A wave of anger surged in Yan Ge’s heart. Whether it was in the modern world or in this world, it was the first time he had heard of a wife actively requesting her husband to remarry. Back then, at the Hundred Flowers Festival, although he hadn’t spoken to the girl who was not yet his sister-in-law at the time, he could tell from the atmosphere between her and Yan Su that they were truly attracted to each other. In the subsequent visits home, he had witnessed Yan Su’s blissful appearance, indicating that they were deeply in love after marriage. How could things have changed so drastically in just a few months?

“Elder Brother, what exactly happened? Did something occur between you and sister-in-law that led her to do such a foolish thing?”

Yan Su sighed, feeling a chill in his heart. “Second Brother, it’s partly my fault. Your father and mother have had a harmonious marriage for decades, and I’ve always taken them as a role model. I thought that honesty is crucial between husband and wife, so I told her about the 10% bonus from Liuxian Pavilion that you secretly sent me as a congratulatory gift. I didn’t expect that a few days later, she would come and tell me that she has a cousin who has been infatuated with me and suggested that I marry her as a secondary wife. Without my consent, that matchmaker came to our door today! Second Brother, do you know how I feel?”

Yan Ge fell silent, unable to comprehend the woman’s thought process. If your husband is wealthy, you should find ways to treat him better and keep him firmly by your side. Why would you invite someone to share your husband with you?

Madam Yan snorted softly. “Isn’t it because our Su’er has a considerable wealth and Ge’er is greatly favored? She fears that others might successfully squeeze a woman in, so she’d rather use her own cousin to cut off other people’s paths. It’s like the saying ‘Fertile water should not flow into someone else’s field’.”

Yan Ge gave his mother a thumbs up. She was sharp. After hearing her explanation, he immediately understood. If this were in the modern world, he would definitely advise Yan Su to get a divorce. But this was ancient times.

“Elder Brother, you have to make a decision about this matter. However, please be cautious. Our family has always lived harmoniously, so we shouldn’t let this issue disturb our household.”

Yan Su stood up. “Second Brother…”

——

Outside the Yan Mansion, Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi waited by the carriage, rubbing their hands to keep warm. Xiao Shuanzi stood with his hands Inserted into the sleeves of his padded jacket, stomping his feet for warmth. “Miss Xiang and Master Chunazi, why don’t you go into the carriage and warm yourselves by the brazzier? I’ll call for you when I see Young Master coming out.” Nowadays, his monthly allowance had increased to two taels, and his status had changed. Many people addressed him as “Brother Shuan.” But despite that, he remained as honest and reliable as before, gaining the trust of the Yan family.

“No need, let’s wait a little longer,” Wan Xiang said.

Before long, the three of them saw Yan Ge and Yan Su coming out one after the other., both of them with unpleasant expressions. Yan Ge said something with a cold face and angrily threw the hand stove, smashing it near Yan Su’s feet.

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were startled and hurried over. “Young Master! What happened? Please calm down.”

“From now on, I don’t have an elder brother,” Yan Ge said in a low voice.

“And I also don’t have you as my younger brother!” Yan Su’s anger was no less than his.

“You dare!” Xiao Chuanzi was furious.

“Let’s go!” Yan Ge coldly ordered, flicking his sleeve and turning to get into the carriage.

Yan Su also turned around and left.

“This—” Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi looked at each other in blank dismay.

Xiao Chuanzi stamped his foot. “Ah, the Young Master is really angry. Don’t let him harm himself. No, something big must have happened this time. I think I should go find Guard Feng and have him quickly inform the ‘Boss’.”

“Alright, you go find Guard Feng, and I’ll try to persuade the Young Master,” Wan Xiang said.

Wan Xiang entered the carriage but before she could say anything, Yan Ge coldly said, “No need to say anything.”

Wan Xiang knew the Young Master’s decisive personality and kept silent, sighing inwardly. She hoped the Emperor would persuade him when they returned to the palace.

On this day, Yan Ge showed no abnormalities at the company, but Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi knew he was forcing a smile.

In the evening, when they returned to Tenglong Palace, Yan Ge looked at the dining table set with his favorite dish—a steaming hot pot. After a moment’s daze, he burst into laughter, almost unable to catch his breath.

“Did you go crazy?” Huangfu Yuchen originally wanted to cheer him up, but seeing him laughing, he immediately understood that the person who gave him the news must have misunderstood something. “Was there a situation in the Yan Mansion today?”

Suppressing his laughter, Yan Ge walked over and hugged him. They sat down side by side. “It’s all because of that eccentric sister-in-law of mine! So, my elder brother and I put on a show. I’ll be away for a few months this time, not going to the Yan Mansion for months. Those scheming people will think my elder brother and I have really fallen out, and they won’t see my elder brother as a piece of fat meat anymore. Isn’tit brilliant! Manager Deng, quickly serve us rice. Hot pot is even more delicious when eaten with rice!”

“Yes!” Deng Mande saw that both masters were happy, so he was happy too. He promptly went to serve the rice.

By early March, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen had finally dealt with all their affairs.

It was still dim outside when the people on the travel list gathered outside the palace gates, waiting in the cold wind, rubbing their hands silently, patiently awaiting the arrival of the emperor. The horses stood quietly, occasionally flicking their tails.

Minister Jiang Gan held the sleeping Yan Jin in his arms. Yan Jin was too young, and Jiang Gan worried about him falling ill due to the long journey. However, both masters liked Yan Jin, and he couldn’t do anything about it.

*Yan Ge originally named the system “Yan Jin” but after it took on human form, it was named “Jiang Yanjin” after Prime Minister Wen( Jiang Gan), so he can still be called “Yan Jin”.

Song Ruhao and Du Zhengfeng arrived together. Song Ruhao’s complexion was somewhat pale, but he was in good spirits. He occasionally glanced at the palace gate, and his thoughts were not hard to guess.

After a while, Huangfu Yuchen finally arrived, holding someone in his arms. Winter was the best time for sleep, and Yan Ge was soundly asleep. Huangfu Yuchen didn’t wake him up but directly wrapped him in a blanket and carried him.

Song Ruhao looked at Yan Ge with envy.

Gao Feng opened the curtain of the first carriage, and Huangfu Yuchen carried Yan Ge into the carriage. Deng Mande and palace maid Du Juan followed.

Song Ruhao and Du Zhengfeng sat in the second carriage, while Yan Jin, Jiang Gan, Song Chaobang, and Physician Zhang were in the third carriage. Yang Zhuo, Gao Feng, Gao Yun, and Yang Zhuo’s two subordinates, A Fei and Jun Xiang, rode on horses. The last carriage carried their luggage. The four coachmen were all skilled members of the Guard Escort. In total, the group consisted of nineteen people, which was quiet big. Not to mention that there were also several shadow guards in hiding.

The first carriage was specially built for this inspection tour. It was not only fortified with walls of copper and iron but also had ample space. Divided into two compartments, both were adorned with soft carpets, separated by a curtain.

The inner compartment had a long couch that served as a bed at night and a lounging area during the day. The outer compartment featured a small table and a charcoal stove, both securely fixed to the floor. There were also hanging cupboards on the walls, with small compartments to hold trinkets. Beneath the floor, there was a hidden compartment to store valuable and frequently used items. Although small, it possessed all necessary amenities. The other three carriages were also specially crafted, albeit not as lavish as the first one. They were simply sturdier and slightly larger than regular carriages.

Once they left the capital city, the state road proved to be less smooth than the city streets, causing some swaying of the carriages. Yan Ge woke up in a daze, realized he was on the carriage, and closed his eyes again, snuggling deeper into the Huangfu Yuchen’s warm embrace, drifting back into a deep sleep.

Huangfu Yuchen pulled the blanket down slightly, allowing Yan Ge to breathe fresh air, and kissed his lips before closing his eyes.

It wasn’t until the sun rose that the convoy stopped by the side of the road. Deng Mande and palace maid Du Juan led two coachmen to prepare breakfast. Yang Zhuo, A Fei, and Jun Xiang scouted the nearby area, ensuring there were no potential dangers. Jiang Gan, Song Chaobang, and Physician Zhang alighted from the carriage, stretching their bodies to loosen up.

Song Ruhao, still pretending to be ill, leaned towards the window and glanced around. Not seeing Huangfu Yuchen, he had no choice but to lie back down. Recovering so quickly after leaving the palace would raise suspicions.

Yan Ge woke up, and sprawled over Huangfu Yuchen lazily. He finally got up after having enough and pulled Huangfu Yuchen outside to breathe in the fresh air.

During the meal, Huangfu Yuchen spoke, “From this day forward, I am Young Master Fang Zhiyuan, a wealthy merchant from the north. Our journey south is to seek new business opportunities.”

He looked at Yan Ge. “You are Madam Fang.”

Yan Ge widened his eyes, “I…”

Huangfu Yuchen acted as if he hadn’t heard and continued, “Yan Jin is our son Fang Shijie. Deng Mande is the steward Fang Sanfu. Grand Tutor Song and Minister Jiang are managers of the Fang family business, Master Song and Master Jiang: you can choose suitable pseudonyms for yourselves. Physician Zhang, you are Dr. Zhang. Yang Zhuo, Gao Feng, Gao Yun, A Fei, and Jun Xiang are the guards. Du Juan, the maid. Song Guiren, you are Master Song’s son, Young Master Song. Du Changzai, you are Young Master Song’s personal servant. Remember your roles and names well, and don’t make any mistakes.”

Everyone acknowledged, but Song Ruhao felt a bitter ache in his heart.

Yan Ge’s protests were in vain, and he resigned himself to his fate. He asked, “Does someone called Fang Zhiyuan exist?”

Huangfu Yuchen nodded. “The identities of Fang Zhiyuan, Madam Fang, Fang Shijie, and Fang Sanfu are all genuine. We will be away for a considerable amount of time this time, and there may be significant developments. It’s better to be cautious.”