Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C4 – Blame

“I’ve been preoccupied with your mother’s funeral lately, and I may have unintentionally overlooked you. I’ll have the housekeeper arrange for a doctor to examine the injury on your forehead. We don’t want any scars.”

This was the first time Zuo Shaoqing had heard such tenderness in Zuo Yunwen’s voice. The gentleness startled him, but that initial surprise quickly turned into a chilling sensation in his heart.

“What do you mean by ‘busy with her funeral’? In this mansion, apart from the servants my mother brought, who else genuinely mourned for her? They even placed her first seven rites in a secluded yard to the west.”

And yet, once the funeral rites were completed, Mrs. Xue promptly renamed that yard as “The Cursed Courtyard of the Departed”. She didn’t even allow Zuo Shaoqing to have any of Lady Ruan’s possessions.

He needed to seize an opportunity to reclaim his mother’s belongings.

Oblivious to his son’s inner thoughts, Zuo Yunwen gently touched Zuo Shaoqing’s frail shoulder, suggesting, “Let’s head inside. It’s chilly out here.”

Guided by Zuo Yunwen, Zuo Shaoqing entered the main residence with grace. Observing his surroundings, he noticed the maids in the room, enveloped by a delightful fragrance. Mrs. Xue sat in the primary position, her face stoic and aloof.

Indeed, Mrs. Xue hailed from the lineage of a second rank imperial educator. She was a noblewoman, once celebrated throughout the capital.

Following the demise of the former emperor, the crown prince whom Tutor Zuo endorsed did not assume the throne. Instead, the notorious third prince took power, leading the Zuo Family to lose their esteemed status among the imperial court’s elite.

The new sovereign refrained from executing Tutor Zuo and Li Man out of prudence, instead opting to level unfounded charges against them, expelling them from the capital.

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Left with no alternative, Tutor Zuo retreated to his native place with his family. Regrettably, the journey weighed heavily on his already aging heart, leading to his demise en route.

Thankfully, the old mistress was quite resourceful, and the Zuo Family held significant influence, being the predominant lineage in the entire vicinity.

The drastic transformation in his Zuo Family’s fortune was most unacceptable to his foreign wife, Mrs. Xue, who initially believed she had allied with a prosperous family, only to find herself relegated to a life of obscurity in Youuxi Town, akin to a commoner, following Master Zuo.

Had there been mutual affection, the circumstances might have been tolerable. However, Master Zuo, harboring a preference for gentle, humble women, showed little interest in the noble-born Mrs. Xue and kept multiple concubines.

Zuo Yunwen, accustomed to Mrs. Xue’s austere demeanor, settled at the table’s head, dismissing the tea offered by the maidservant with a scornful toss, inquiring, “Immediately following Yu Xiang’s departure, you resort to subjecting Shao Qing to similar tribulations. Is there no trace of a woman’s expected compassion and largesse within you?”

The room’s occupants, Zuo Shaoqing included, were stunned. It marked the inaugural instance of Zuo Yunwen confronting Mrs. Xue and her progeny; a prospect hitherto unentertained due to his habitual reluctance to affront Mrs. Xue.

Mrs. Xue’s father maintained his stature as the Prefect of the State of Yue; hence, despite her diminished rank, she continued to wield considerable influence, far surpassing any member of the Zuo Family.

A potential restoration of his Zuo Family’s prominence would inevitably necessitate the support of the Xue Clan at various junctures.

Clutching her handkerchief, she rose, levying an accusing finger at Zuo Yunwen, her voice shaking with indignation, “Years of strenuous devotion to your Zuo Family, overseeing domestic responsibilities, even acquiescing to your concubine preferences without protest, and now, you reproach me over a mere child!”

Zuo Shaoqing sensed impending tumult. Mrs. Xue’s steadfast dominance within the family was incontrovertible; any conflict would undoubtedly culminate unfavorably for them, especially since they lacked justifiable grounds.

He arose and bowed deeply, fervently counseling, “Father, rebuking Mother is misplaced. I, as your son, already admitted my lapse in judgment and sought forgiveness. To persist in condemning Mother would only amplify my embarrassment, wouldn’t it?”

“Don’t be overly considerate; he doesn’t anticipate any changes from his father. It would be preferable if he refrained from taking Mrs. Xue’s side and causing complications.”

Zuo Yunwen, after expressing himself, felt a pang of remorse. Upon hearing Zuo Shaoqing admit his error, he softened his stance and remarked, “Ahem, I also witnessed this child kneeling before the door in such a chilly manner, his forehead injured. It’s just unfortunate that his mother recently passed away.”

“Hmph!” Mrs. Xue, feeling like her heart had been pierced by countless needles, retorted, “Master, are you sympathizing with his deceased mother?” She harbored deep resentment toward the late Mrs. Ruan, who couldn’t even rest in peace.

Realizing he had no further business there, Zuo Shaoqing requested permission to depart. Staying longer might subject him to further heated exchanges.

As he took a couple of steps away from the courtyard, a voice from behind called out to him: “Third Brother, please pause!”

Zuo Shaoqing staggered, his gaze turning icy, as if he could freeze everything in his surroundings. Only when a hand touched his shoulder did he turn around, wearing an innocuous expression.

Suppressing the profound hatred within him, Zuo Shaoqing inquired calmly, “Is Brother preoccupied?”

Zuo Shaoyan produced a porcelain bottle and tossed it towards Zuo Shaoqing, saying, “This is the finest remedy. Apply it when you return. No need to attend the academy today; I’ll arrange for someone to secure your leave of absence.”

Zuo Shaoqing’s breath trembled slightly, and his eyes blazed with determination. Zuo Shaoyan, his elder brother, always had a way of making you believe he was genuinely kind. Sadly, it was merely a facade. Whenever the opportunity arose, he would exploit it.

In his previous life, it had been the same story—foolishly brought into Jiang’s Mansion by Yun Che. Zuo Shaoqing had believed Yun Che was looking out for his younger brother, taking him out for an outing, but little did he know…

Suppressing his boiling anger, Zuo Shaoqing respectfully clasped his hands and said, “Thank you, Big Brother.”

Upon reaching his courtyard, Zuo Shaoqing forcefully kicked open the door and collapsed onto the bed. His chest heaved violently, and his face flushed purple.

Clutching the pristine white porcelain bottle, he whispered to himself, “Patience is key. Gradually, I will make all those who have wronged me face the consequences.”

In his previous life, he had taken lives, a path he would never tread again. Instead, he would chip away at their resolve, snatch away what they cherished most, and subject them to the humiliation they once caused him.