Perfect Match – CH 078

Chapter 78

In Xi’an, at the Yang Mansion.

Second Madam Yang wasn’t home. It was Fourth Young Lady Zhang and her wet nurse who met Old Madam Lin in the flower hall.

At this point, Old Madam Lin didn’t beat around the bush and stated her purpose in a few words.

Rather than pressuring the Chief Eunuch to release the prisoner by appealing to all the civil and military officials—which might anger him—it would be more effective to find someone close to the Chief Eunuch and have them intercede on his behalf.

Zhang Zhenhui’s uncle, the Yongchang Marquis, promoted by the Chief Eunuch, currently held a position in the Five Military Commands of the capital, overseeing the Shaanxi Military Command, and thus had considerable influence in this matter.

Her directness indicated that she wanted Zhang Zhenhui to return to the capital and plead with her uncle.

After she finished speaking, the Fourth Young Lady Zhang said, “So General Teng has encountered such a situation, but this matter is not yet settled; please don’t worry.”

The Fourth Young Lady comforted Old Madam Lin, not immediately stating what to do next, but it was her wet nurse, Nanny Dong, who spoke up.

“Oh dear, it seems General Teng has been misunderstood. But our young lady has no relationship with him whatsoever.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept over her own young lady and landed on Old Madam Lin.

“General Teng already has a wife, and he cherishes that wife from the countryside so much, even taking her with him when he returned to Ningxia to take up his post. Under these circumstances, how can our young lady possibly ask the Marquis for an explanation?”

The fact that Teng Yue forcibly took Yunniang away had been witnessed by some in the city, and it was bound to reach Zhang Zhenhui’s ears. Old Madam Lin felt troubled, unsure how to give the young lady a clear explanation. Now, Nanny Dong, the wet nurse, didn’t mince words, directly questioning her.

Old Madam Lin’s face darkened at the question. She hadn’t expected her son to change his mind like that.

But what could she say now?

She began, “Nanny Dong and Fourth Young Lady also know that Teng Yue’s marriage has never been recorded in the family genealogy, so it doesn’t count. As for Teng Yue… he just hasn’t quite come to his senses yet, but he’s not home right now. I will send that contract wife away. I will explain to her when I get home today, and tomorrow… I will send her away.”

She asked Nanny Dong, then looked at Zhang Zhenhui, “I hesitated before, but now, Nanny, do you think this is acceptable?”

Nanny Dong, hearing that she had finally made up her mind to send her contracted daughter-in-law away, felt a great weight lifted from her shoulders.

She neither said yes nor no, only glancing at her young mistress.

Zhang Zhenhui, however, didn’t mention a word about his contract wife, only serving tea to Old Madam Lin.

“Don’t be too anxious. My eldest uncle cherishes talented generals, and he happens to be in the Right Army Commander’s Office, overseeing military affairs in Shaanxi. He can probably put in a good word for General Teng.”

Old Madam Lin meant exactly that, seeing that Zhang Zhenhui understood perfectly, and now hearing her say this…

“I see that my maternal grandmother is much better and is preparing to return to the capital in the next few days, so let’s go back now.”

She didn’t beat around the bush with Old Madam Lin, directly stating the matter of returning to the capital, which made Old Madam Lin’s heart leap with joy.

With Teng Yue arrested, every day of delay increased the risk of him being harmed by Shi Zeyou. Zhang Zhenhui’s willingness to go to the capital with her immediately was the best thing possible!

The noble lady of the Yongchang Marquis’s Mansion was indeed useful!

She repeatedly said thank you, thinking that since she was going to the capital with the Zhang family’s young lady, she would also make it clear that she was seeking a marriage alliance for Teng Yue, letting the Yongchang Marquis know and putting the Zhang family’s young lady at ease.

Just then, Second Madam Yang returned from outside. Hearing that her cousin and niece were in the flower hall, she rushed over.

Upon meeting, Old Madam Lin recounted Teng Yue’s arrest and their plan to travel to the capital to rescue him. Considering her distant relationship with Zhang Zhenhui, she called to Madam Yang, “Cousin, would you like to come with us?”

Teng Yue’s arrest and journey to the capital were no small matter. Madam Yang, always proud of her nephew, readily agreed.

“Then pack your things, and we’ll depart tomorrow or the day after?”

After everyone agreed and the time was set, Old Madam Lin left the Yang family. Madam Yang, remembering something, followed closely behind, intending to escort her home.

Once the two left, only Zhang Zhenhui and her wet nurse, Nanny Dong, remained in the Yang family’s main hall.

The latter glanced at where the two had gone, then turned and softly asked her mistress, “Does the young lady really intend to return to the capital immediately to speak for General Teng? Teng Yue was arrested by the Chief Eunuch’s nephew; he must have seriously angered the Chief Eunuch.”

She frowned as she spoke. “Our Marquis is kind-hearted and once did the Chief Eunuch a favor. The Chief Eunuch remembered this and repeatedly promoted him, which is why the Marquis’s Mansion is so prosperous today. The Marquis has influence in this matter, but the Marquis’s wife has always disliked our mistress, and by extension, she dislikes you as well. If you go to the Marquis to plead for him, the Marquis’s wife will inevitably speak ill of you to him again. More importantly, what if the Chief Eunuch refuses to release him and actually kills General Teng as a warning to others? Wouldn’t that be… a loss for us?”

She sighed and frowned, looking at her young mistress. She saw that her mistress didn’t seem to find the matter troublesome at all, calmly picking up her teacup, lifting the lid, and taking a small sip.

After a while, her mistress said to her, “Nanny, there’s no need to worry about this. Things are turbulent right now; let’s return to the capital first.”

Her words made it clear that she understood the situation, so she didn’t ask any further questions. She poured the girl more tea and smiled again.

“Regardless, now that trouble has arisen, we can also give that Old Madam Lin a good talking-to. She’s usually so decisive, but I didn’t expect her to be so indecisive about this arranged marriage. That countrywoman is quite shrewd; she’s got General Teng, Master Bai, and even our Second Madam all under her thumb. This time, we’ve finally managed to get rid of her.”

Nanny Dong, the wet nurse, let out a long sigh. “This old servant can finally sleep peacefully.”

How can one tolerate another snoring beside one’s bed?

Fourth Young Lady Zhang smiled faintly.

“A lowly birth is a lowly birth. That’s the way of the world. No matter how many tricks that country girl uses, she can’t change her background.”

*

Second Madam Yang followed Old Madam Lin back to the Teng Mansion.

“You wanted to go to the capital with Hui’er to rescue people, and she agreed so readily?”

Old Madam Lin nodded, and Second Madam Yang asked again.

“Her wet nurse, Nanny Dong, is quite difficult to deal with. Did she make any demands?”

Old Madam Lin paused slightly, then whispered, “…she wants me to send Yunniang away.”

“Then…you agreed?!”

Madam Yang asked urgently, and Old Madam Lin looked at her.

“Things have come to this. Yu Chuan is in Shi Zeyou’s hands. Do you think I, as her mother, have any other choice?”

Her words caused Madam Yang to take two deep breaths.

“Is this the only way?”

While the two were talking, the carriage arrived at the Teng Mansion’s gate.

The two got out of the carriage and walked inside. Just as they reached the gate, someone quickly approached from the side.

It was Deng Ruyun.

Seeing both ladies present, Deng Ruyun couldn’t help but ask.

“…Old Madam, Second Madam Yang, how is it? Have you found a way for the General?”

She seemed to have been waiting by the door. Now that she had come forward, Second Madam Yang saw her immediately. She was covered in dust and grime, her eyes bloodshot, her face gaunt, and she hadn’t even had time to change her clothes. She rushed forward to ask if there was any way to rescue Teng Yue.

Second Madam Yang wanted to take her hand and comfort her, but remembering her conversation with her cousin in the carriage, she didn’t know what to say.

She looked at her cousin, who answered Yunniang.

“Yes, I’ve found a way for Yu Chuan. He’ll be going to the capital tomorrow. You don’t need to worry.”

She had indeed found a way, but this way had a crucial condition: Deng Ruyun had to leave.

Old Madam Lin also looked at Deng Ruyun. She recognized it too; she seemed to have been waiting by the door, still dressed, hoping for good news.

Now the good news had arrived. Indecisiveness bred chaos, and Old Madam Lin had decided to explain things to her.

Second Madam Yang also sensed that her cousin was about to send Yunniang away, and she felt flustered and at a loss.

Unexpectedly, Deng Ruyun spoke first.

The girl’s eyes lit up with surprise, and her bloodshot eyes seemed to glisten with joy.

“Finding a way out is wonderful. With a way in, the General should be able to get out soon.”

She said it was the best thing ever, but after speaking, she added with a slight smile.

“I’ve already had Xiuniang pack everything, and Aunt Juan and the others in the east of the city have almost finished packing too.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the two ladies noticed that luggage and trunks were already laid out under a tree not far away.

Deng Ruyun spoke again, “I won’t stay any longer; I’m leaving now.”

She was leaving. She had already anticipated how things would unfold. Her belongings were packed, and without needing anyone to say a word, she was about to leave.

As soon as she finished speaking, Second Madam Yang couldn’t hold back any longer and grabbed her hand.

“My little darling!”

Second Madam Yang gripped her hand tightly, looking anxiously at her, then at her cousin.

Old Madam Lin hadn’t expected that the young lady would willingly leave without her even asking.

No wonder Yu Chuan liked her so much; even after being rejected, he was so heartbroken. He left, yet still stubbornly returned, determined to take her away.

A few days ago, she had considered just accepting it; perhaps Yu Chuan wouldn’t be targeted by Shi Zeyou. But today, in this situation, she realized that petty people were indeed petty people; in this world, they only became more rampant.

Yu Chuan truly loved Yunniang, but he could only choose between his life and his love.

As his mother, she could only choose his life!

This matter should have been resolved long ago. Hearing Deng Ruyun’s words, she slowly nodded.

“Alright… Go ahead.”

She finished speaking and couldn’t help but turn away.

Green leaves, not yet fully grown in the summer heat, were swept down by the wind, rustling across the stone steps before the door.

Second Madam Yang held onto Deng Ruyun’s arm, reluctant to let go.

“Then… will you stay in Xi’an?”

Deng Ruyun smiled gently and shook her head.

“No, although Xi’an is a large city, it’s better for me to leave.”

If she stayed in Xi’an, Teng Yue would inevitably come looking for her again. If that happened, how could he live the life he was supposed to live in peace?

Amidst the starry sky and fine wine of that victory banquet in Ningxia, she felt as if it were all a grand dream, a dream in which she was intoxicated.

In fact, this bizarre dream had begun the moment she signed the contract to marry into the Teng family.

Now, it was finally time for her to wake up.

The dream was over; it was time to go back to the way things were.

She and Teng Yue were destined to be two completely unrelated people who briefly met at an inopportune time in the long course of their lives.

Perhaps everything went wrong from the moment she risked venturing into the fog on the hillside that year to see him.

She shouldn’t have gone to see him in the fog, nor should she have prayed to the tree goddess for a marriage under the acacia tree, shouldn’t have accepted this contract that brought them together again, and shouldn’t have developed feelings for him in the daily charade of a fake marriage…

Today, it was time to set things right and return to normalcy.

He would embark on the path he had steadfastly pursued for so many years: protecting his country and achieving high rank and prestige, while she would return to her identity as an ordinary citizen, earning money, supporting her family, and making their lives better.

She would no longer appear casually in Xi’an Prefecture, and Yuyun Hall will be outwardly entrusted to Shopkeeper Qin and Inspector Sun; she would only oversee it secretly.

She had left a divorce agreement in the soon-to-be-closed Liumingxuan, leaving the Teng Mansion, leaving Xi’an, disappearing completely from his life, silently vanishing into the boundless sea of ​​people…

Deng Ruyun would never appear again.

Teng Yue would never see her again.

Old Madam Lin’s nose tingled inexplicably, but she suppressed her emotions and nodded.

“Alright.”

She called to Qingxuan, “Go find the accountant and get five thousand taels of cash.”

She turned slightly to the girl. “You’re leaving in such a hurry; I have no time to look after you anymore. Take the money and use it to make arrangements outside.”

But Deng Ruyun stopped Qingxuan and shook her head.

She said that when she left last time, Old Madam Lin had already settled all the accounts.

“I’ve earned quite a bit of money this year; you don’t need to give me any more.”

This year, she had extricated herself from the quagmire of Xue Dengguan and her uncle and aunt. She went to Xi’an to make medicine and sold medicine, took over a shop, and built up the business, earning enough to support her family. Once she left Xi’an and settled down, she could even hire a private tutor for Linglang.

The girl’s back was straight; she said she no longer needed anyone else’s financial assistance.

“Thank you both for your care. Deng Ruyun is leaving today, and I fear we will never meet again. Please take care.”

She spoke clearly and decisively, without any hesitation.

Although her eyes were red, a faint, open smile played on her lips. Madam Yang wondered how she could do this.

She had already patted Madam Yang’s hand, pulled away from it, and, as a junior, bowed to the two elders, gestured to Xiuniang, and walked out of the Teng Mansion.

“Yunniang…” Madam Yang called out, following closely behind.

Deng Ruyun showed no sign of lingering, and Madam Yang couldn’t help but look at her cousin.

She saw her cousin’s hand tremble slightly, but the words of farewell remained unspoken.

Just then, someone rushed in.

“Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law!”

Deng Ruyun heard these urgent calls, and her heart clenched with a bitter pain.

She hadn’t said goodbye to Teng Xiao today, fearing she would cause trouble if she found out.

But she had come after all.

Deng Ruyun tried to leave quickly, but it was too late. Teng Xiao rushed straight in front of her, opened her arms to block her way, and grabbed her arm tightly.

“Sister-in-law, you can’t go! You can’t go!”

Deng Ruyun hadn’t shed a tear during their farewell today, but Teng Xiao’s urgent cries brought tears streaming down her face.

“Sister Xiao, don’t be like this…”

But Teng Xiao wouldn’t listen to her pleas, only clinging tightly to her, looking towards her mother.

“Why is Mother sending Sister-in-law away? Why are you making decisions for Brother?!”

She held onto Deng Ruyun, relentlessly questioning her mother.

“Mother makes decisions for me, forcing me to study and play the zither, preventing me from learning mechanical devices from my master, and now she’s making decisions for Brother, driving away the person he loves most and wanting him to marry someone else?!”

“Have you thought about what Brother will do when he returns home and can’t find Sister-in-law?!”

She roared.

“Mother, what right do you have? What right do you have? Just because you’re our mother?! You think you can treat us like this?!”

She channeled all her anger into a venomous slash, aimed at her mother.

These questions pierced Old Madam Lin’s heart like sharp arrows.

Since Shen Run’s coma, her daughter had visited her Canglang Pavilion twice, but she hadn’t opened the door. Her daughter hadn’t come again and had barely spoken to her.

Today, she finally spoke to her, but the first question was: what right did she have to treat them like this? Just because she’s their mother?

Old Madam Lin’s heart ached at her daughter’s question, but she didn’t answer, not even turning to look at her daughter.

She immediately called for help.

“Guards, seize the girl and take her back to Chengfeng Garden!”

At her command, servants swarmed forward.

Before Teng Xiao could react, she was grabbed by the arms and legs by several burly women.

She screamed and shouted in anger. Deng Ruyun, her lips tightly pressed together, looked at her and saw her face flushed and pale with rage.

She clung to Deng Ruyun’s arm, refusing to let go, crying out.

“Sister-in-law, sister-in-law!”

“Don’t go, don’t go, please! If my brother comes back and can’t find you, he’ll go crazy!”

These words struck Deng Ruyun’s heart.

Even Teng Xiao reacted this way; she couldn’t imagine what Teng Yue would do.

Deng Ruyun forced a smile, suppressing her emotions, and looked up, but tears still streamed down her face.

“Sister Xiao, don’t be like this. Go back…”

“No, sister-in-law, no!”

But there were too many people who grabbed her, forcibly pulling her away from Deng Ruyun.

As soon as she was forced to release her, she saw her sister-in-law turn away, not daring to linger, and quickly step out the door, leaving the Teng family without looking back.

Old Madam Lin had the gate closed tightly before finally letting Teng Xiao go.

The vast Teng Mansion was now empty of Deng Ruyun’s presence, and soon even the very essence of her life would be gone.

Second Madam Yang wiped away her tears.

Old Madam Lin looked at her daughter.

“Are you calm?”

Teng Xiao clenched her hands tightly.

She nodded, saying she was calm.

She wiped away her tears and looked at her mother, a look that churned with countless emotions, which she couldn’t explain.

But she spoke slowly and deliberately:

“Mother, from this day forward, I will never forgive you!”

The words were spoken, and the entire Teng Mansion fell silent.

Second Madam Yang looked at the mother and daughter in shock. Old Madam Lin looked at her daughter, wiping away the tears from the corners of her eyes. She said, “Fine.”

“Then let’s be sworn enemies.”

*

In the east of the city.

When Deng Ruyun arrived, the carriage was already waiting for her at the gate.

Aunt Juan, along with her grandmother and Linglang, got into the carriage. Deng Ruyun boarded, and Linglang’s little mouth trembled as soon as she saw her.

“Auntie…”

Deng Ruyun smiled and patted her little head, but the little girl immediately threw herself into her arms, unable to hold back her sobs.

Aunt Juan’s eyes also reddened.

Only Deng Ruyun gently smiled and asked, “Why are you crying?”

Little Linglang didn’t know why she was crying; she just saw her aunt arrive, looked at her aunt’s face, saw her smiling expression, and couldn’t help but want to hug her and cry.

The carriage creaked and groaned as it headed out of Xi’an.

Deng Ruyun hugged Linglang and said, “Don’t cry. Auntie has come home again to be with you, Great-Grandma, and Aunt Juan. We’ll live together; won’t that be nice?”

Little Linglang couldn’t tell whether she nodded or shook her head, while Aunt Juan dabbed at the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.

Grandma looked at Deng Ruyun and gently beckoned to her.

Deng Ruyun put Linglang down and sat down. She wanted to ask her grandmother what she wanted to say.

However, her grandmother just looked down at her, and for some reason, tears welled up in her old, kind eyes.

She said slowly.

“Little Ruyun, let Grandma hug you.”

The old woman reached out and hugged her granddaughter tightly.

The familiar scent of her grandmother was like a warm, thick quilt, wrapping Deng Ruyun up tightly.

In that instant, she threw herself into her grandmother’s arms, letting all the turbulent emotions in her heart flow into her eyes.

… …

After an unknown amount of time, she finally leaned against her grandmother’s chest, feeling drowsy and about to fall asleep.

But suddenly, the carriage was stopped.

Deng Ruyun sat up straight, lifted the curtain, and looked outside. She saw a man dressed in silver-white robes hurriedly riding up and appearing at her carriage window.

Deng Ruyun raised an eyebrow.

“Sixth Young Master Bai?”