Zhen Yi Yun was born gifted and has always been a quick-witted child since she was younger. She was the cherished pearl raised in the palms of Pei-Shi and Father Zhen, and she had never been reprimanded or beaten before. Even harsh words were rarely spoken to her.
Hence, the slap Pei-Shi delivered completely stunned Zhen Yi Yun silly. She felt her ears ringing and her mind going blank. After standing there in a daze for quite some time, she finally looked at Pei-Shi with tears in her eyes and cried in disbelief, “Mother… Mother, why?”
For the sake of her eldest daughter’s reputation, Pei-Shi endured when they were still in the courtyard in front of others, she also held back when the maidservants were still in the room. She waited until there were only the two of them left in the room before she exploded.
Perhaps due to enduring it for so long, Pei-Shi only felt a sharp pain throbbing in her forehead. Her words were also naturally chilly, “Do you still not know why I slapped you?”
Zhen Yi Yun’s face was covered in tears. She looked bewildered and innocent.
Pei-Shi could not help but get angry, gritting her teeth, she asked, “Have you forgotten all the things I wholeheartedly told you last night?”
With those words, Zhen Yi Yun finally came to her senses. Yet, she continued to bite her lip while trying to defend herself, “Regarding Nanny Wei’s actions, this daughter really was not privy to them -”
“Enough!” Pei-Shi decisively interrupted Zhen Yi Yun’s words. She took a deep breath, and stated in a cold tone, “What’s the point of telling me such deluding words now? While it’s possible that Nanny Wei acted on her own accord to search through your sister’s belongings, she had led a group of servants and created such a commotion in the courtyard. As the mistress, you claim to know nothing about it? You simply wanted to take advantage of Ting Yun’s absence, allowing Nanny Wei to openly create such a ruckus and show your status as the eldest Miss in front of everyone and to show that you are one head above Ting Yun. It’s your indulgence that emboldened Nanny Wei, making her even more audacious and completely lacking in propriety in her actions.”
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Mbkdjkdt sq Hbld Mkdt Zwd’p pjkzzqwz yde vynvknyz yrrasynb kd bydezkdt vbkp xyvvla, yde vbld zssjkdt yv Hbld Zk Zwd’p nzwlzlpp yrrlyaydnl, Vlk-Fbk talo kdnalypkdtzu qawpvayvle. Tsolhla, pbl nswze dsv cakdt blaplzq vs yexkv vbyv pbl oyp kdqlaksa vs vbl oknjle Xze Yyeyxl Hbld obld kv nyxl vs aykpkdt nbkzeald. Rv oyp ralnkplzu clnywpl sq vbkp vbyv Vlk-Fbk‘p tygl yv Hbld Zk Zwd oyp qkzzle okvb ekpyrrskdvxldv yde ekprzlypwal.
“Xhla vbl rypv elnyel, uswa qyvbla yde R byhl vywtbv usw bso vs alye, oakvl, yde byhl dlhla dltzlnvle uswa lewnyvksd. El’hl dlhla vyjld kv zktbvzu yde dwavwale usw obkzl valyvkdt usw yp swa xspv ralnkswp valypwal. Ysalshla, vblal’p Mlynbla Tl, yd lmnlzzldv vlynbla cu uswa pkel, rashkekdt eleknyvle twkeydnl… Tso nyd usw pvkzz cl ps qsszkpb yde pbyzzso? Zswa rlvvu pnblxlp yal yrryaldv vs xl, yde uswa uswdtla pkpvla nyd pll vbaswtb vblx vss. Ps usw vbkdj svblap nyd’v vlzz? Rq vbkp tlvp swv, bso es usw vbkdj svblap oswze rlanlkhl usw?”
Fllkdt Vlk-Fbk‘p pvlad lmralppksd yde bla osaep clnsxkdt pbyarla okvb lynb pldvldnl, lhld Hbld Zk Zwd cltyd vs qllz qzwpvlale yde rydknjle.
Xhla vbl ulyap, Wyvbla Hbld yde Vlk-Fbk bye sdzu sdl eywtbvla yde sdl psd cu vblka pkelp. Vlsrzl sqvld pyu vbyv sdl oswze ralqla bszekdt sdl’p taydepsdp vs sdl’p psdp. Tldnl, obld kv nyxl vs vblka psd, obs oyp lmrlnvle vs kdblakv vbl qyxkzu zkdlytl, Wyvbla Hbld yde Vlk-Fbk dyvwayzzu bye pvaknvla lmrlnvyvksdp. Xd vbl svbla byde, vblu pbsolale vblka eywtbvla okvb zshl yde yqqlnvksd. Hbld Zk Zwd pbsole lyazu pktdp sq tkqvledlpp qasx y uswdt ytl. Fbl zyvla bye vbl rakhkzltl sq pvweukdt wdela Mlynbla Tl yde lhldvwyzzu tykdle yexkppksd vs Zwbwy Esxld’p Gnyelxu. Jsvb Wyvbla Hbld yde Vlk-Fbk olal pyvkpqkle okvb vblka eywtbvla, hklokdt bla vs cl vblka rakel yde byhkdt bktb bsrlp qsa bla. Mblu dlhla alpsavle vs pnszekdt sa rwdkpbkdt bla clqsal.
Mblalqsal, vbkp oyp vbl qkapv vkxl Hbld Zk Zwd bye plld Vlk-Fbk ps ydtau.
Gv vbyv xsxldv, Hbld Zk Zwd nswze dsv nyal ycswv yduvbkdt lzpl. Fbl nzwvnble vbl blx sq bla ygwal pjkav, jdlzv, yde bwaaklezu nayozle qsaoyae vs lxcaynl Vlk-Fbk‘p zltp. Tla vlyap qzsole kdnlppydvzu yp pbl rzlyele okvb y psaasoqwz hsknl, “Pywtbvla jdsop pbl’p oasdt. Ysvbla, rzlypl vyjl nyal sq uswaplzq, yde esd’v zlv xu ynvksdp byax uswa blyzvb.”
Vlk-Fbk zsolale bla blye yde tygle yv bla eywtbvla’p clywvkqwz yde uswvbqwz vlya-pvykdle qynl. Mbl ydtla kd bla blyav cltyd vs lypl y zkvvzl, yde pbl qlzv y rydt sq vldeladlpp. Gqvla yzz, pbl pvkzz nyale ellrzu qsa bla lzelpv eywtbvla. Fbl nszzlnvle bla vbswtbvp, zlv swv y pktb, yde prsjl kd y pzktbvzu psqvla vsdl, “Fkzzu nbkze, yzvbswtb usw yde uswa pkpvla eked’v taso wr vstlvbla, usw’al pvkzz ckszstknyz pkpvlap, yde pbswze cl nzspla vs lynb svbla vbyd vs ydusdl lzpl. Ebu xwpv vbl pkvwyvksd clvolld usw vos lpnyzyvl vs vbkp lmvldv?”
“Pywtbvla vawzu eked’v lmrlnv vbkdtp vs lpnyzyvl zkjl vbkp…” Rv’p fwpv y nswrzl sq xykeplahydvp, bso oyp pbl vs jdso vbyv Hbld Mkdt Zwd oswze xyjl pwnb y pnldl clnywpl sq vblx?
Pei-Shi‘s tone turned stern once more, “It’s not a matter of whether you expected it or not! Why did you, as an elder sister, need to compete with her over such matters? How many times have I told you, that you and your sister are different! She could never surpass you!”
“This is why you need to demonstrate the magnanimity and grace befitting an elder sister!” Every word Pei-Shi enunciated was crucial and heavy.
At this moment, Zhen Yi Yun felt truly remorseful. She wiped her tears and hurriedly said, “Mother, your daughter has taken your words to heart, and will not do it again in the future.”
Upon hearing her daughter’s response, Pei-Shi‘s heart softened. She reached out and gently wiped away the tears from her daughter’s smooth and delicate cheeks. In a warmer tone, she gently said, “You, my child, have had a smooth life since childhood and haven’t experienced many hardships. That’s why you’ve developed this competitive and uncompromising temperament. How could you understand the pains I’ve gone through as a mother for your sake?”
With wide eyes and eyelashes darkened with tears, ZHen Yi Yun stared in a daze at Pei-Shi.
Yet, Pei-Shi gave a bitter smile, and she continued in a low voice, “Regarding your maternal grandfather’s situation, you might’ve known about it but it’s probably not much. However, I remembered it very clearly. Back then, your maternal grandfather submitted a memorial to the Emperor remonstrating Princess Ningguo’s matters. This greatly angered Emperor Xiaozong which resulted in his immediate dismissal from his official position. At that time, your eldest uncle and his wife had just been betrothed. Your eldest maternal uncle’s wife was the legitimate daughter of Marquis Zhongshun so she was already marrying below her station. This incident caused the Marquis’s family to have second thoughts and wanted to withdraw the betrothal. Thankfully, your eldest aunt was virtuous and righteous. She said that the engagement shouldn’t be broken arbitrarily and married into our family as promised initially. Your maternal grandfather knew that he couldn’t stay in the capital any longer and brought our whole family back to our hometown in the countryside… I also grew up in the capital, and when I was younger, I used to daydream about whether I would be attending Jingdu Women’s Academy or Yuhua Women’s Academy. Little did I know that once we left, that dream was dashed, and I had to settle for Xidu Women’s Academy.
“But naturally, Xidu Women’s Academy is good as well. After I enrolled in the school, there were some families interested in arranging a marriage with me, but what kind of families were they?” Pei-Shi sighed at this point, gently stroking her daughter’s smooth and delicate cheek. She continued in a soft voice, “Your eldest uncle married the legitimate daughter of Marquis Zhongshun’s residence, while your second uncle married the youngest daughter of a common imperial academy secretary family. Even then, your maternal grandfather had to use his old friendship ties with a fellow student from back in the day to persuade them to be willing to marry their daughter to your second uncle. What a stark contrast it was! When it was my turn, even if I graduated from the women’s academy, what kind of reputable family could I marry into?”
Pei-Shi‘s words were gentle, yet Zhen Yi Yun could grasp the difficulties that the Pei family had faced back in those days. Back then, Old Master Pei had truly angered Emperor Xiaozong, it was to the extent that the Emperor wrote Old Master Pei’s name on a screen, as a reminder to himself that this person must be used again. Those respectable families were undoubtedly only trying to protect themselves and to avoid incurring the Emperor’s wrath on account of the Pei family.
“So, back then, after discussing with your maternal grandfather, I married your father.” As if reminiscing, Pei-Shi’s voice grew even softer with each gradual word. “I had many suitors back then; some better looking than your father, some with higher social status, and others wealthier than him… But I still chose your father. It was because he was genuinely talented. Otherwise, your maternal grandfather also wouldn’t have made an exception to take in a commoner’s child as his tutee. I knew that all I had to do was endure a few years with him. Once he passed the imperial examinations and obtained an official position, coupled with a few more years of endurance, he would surely receive an imperial decree to be an official, and naturally, my good days would follow.”
Listening to her mother’s story, Zhen Yi Yun was practically stunned.
Pei-Shi smiled, “But of course, there’s also the fact that your father and I have known each other since childhood and share mutual affection.”
“Your father spent many years in an external position, and he had gained many outstanding achievements, consistently receiving excellent evaluations from the Ministry of Personnel. Now that he’s been transferred back to the Imperial City and has entered the Ministry of Works. Your maternal grandfather had kept me informed about the internal work there. The Deputy Minister of Works, Minister Chen, isn’t getting any younger, and in a few more years, he’ll retire. Perhaps your father will be able to advance further then, filling the Deputy Minister of Works position… Although there have been hardships over these years, I’ve managed to pass each hurdle. In the future, things will only get better.”
As she spoke, Pei-Shi looked down at her daughter and asked, “Do you know why I’m sharing all this with you?”
A trace of uncertainty appeared on Zhen Yi Yun’s beautiful face.
Holding a handkerchief, Pei-Shi gently wiped away the tears on her daughter’s soft, tender cheeks. Looking at the red and swollen palm print she had left on her daughter’s cheek earlier, she could not help but feel distressed. Slowly wiping away the tears from her daughter’s face, she spoke softly, “I no longer have to worry about myself, my concerns are only about you children. Your brother is doing well; he still has many years ahead, and when the time comes, he will have his career achievements. By then, with his success and your father’s rising position, there will be plenty of suitable girls from reputable families to choose from for him. Besides, his wife will be marrying into our family, so I don’t need to worry too much about it. It’s just you and your younger sister; both of you will be married into other people’s families. This is a major event that would affect the rest of your lives, so I need to put more consideration into that.”
“I’ve told you before; there are three things noble families consider when it comes to choosing a marriage prospect. First, they look at the girl’s family status, second, her appearance and talent, and third, her temperament and character. Compared to when I was young, your current situation is already much better than mine. You have a supportive maternal grandfather and two uncles who can be of assistance. Furthermore, you’re also the only… one of the two granddaughters of the Pei family. Your maternal grandmother and your eldest aunt all love you so much. Naturally, you’ll be able to bask in their favor. Moreover, your father is competent and upright, and anyone with discernment knows that his future prospects are not limited to this hence our family status is also relatively honorable. As for your appearance and talent, you’re just as attractive as I was in my youth, if not even more so. In addition, you’ve been brilliant since childhood, you’re also currently studying under Teacher He, and attending Yuhua Women’s Academy. Your talents and reputation have already spread throughout the Capital, so your appearance and talent may well surpass those talented and beautiful young ladies in the Imperial City. As for your temperament…”
Pei-Shi sighed once more, “We are new to the capital and haven’t established many connections yet. We lack acquaintances, and for now, we don’t measure up to those from noble and prestigious families. Those high-ranking families have always been reserved, and have always placed importance in the women’s character. Hence, they are particularly selective and cautious when choosing a daughter-in-law. They will observe and investigate prospective candidates meticulously. Currently, even though there are quite a few suitors who came seeking your hand in marriage, none of them are from truly eminent households. I believe that those households are also assessing and observing. So, at this critical juncture, how can you afford to tarnish your reputation?”
Zhen Yi Yun finally understood. She could not help but bite her lip, feeling ashamed of herself, “Daughter is dull-witted, I thank Mother for reminding me.”
“I’m glad you understand.” Pei-Shi smiled warmly and gently said, “Your father and I have worked hard all our lives, all for the sake of you and your siblings. As our eldest daughter, I only hope for the best for you. When the day comes for you to marry into a prestigious family and, if you have daughters of your own, you’ll understand my heartfelt intentions.”
Pausing momentarily, Pei-Shi arched her elegant eyebrows, and her chin lifted playfully as she teased her daughter, “Haven’t you often spoken to me about the wealth and splendor of Princess Yan’s residence? Who knows, in the future, you might experience such wealth and status yourself?”
From Pei-Shi‘s point of view, she and her husband had strived for half of their lives. And if they were lucky, her husband might even become the Minister of the Ministry of Works, but that would be the pinnacle of his career. If their son also worked hard and advanced in his career, he could then uphold the prestige of the Zhen family. It was their eldest daughter, though, that Pei-Shi had high hopes for. If she could marry into a high-ranking official or aristocratic family, it would not only mean wealth and honor but also the possibility of raising descendants in a splendid palace in the future. While her daughter might not achieve this herself, laying the groundwork in this way could eventually lead to potentially having her future granddaughter marry into the imperial family…
Zhen Yi Yun felt a pang in her heart when she heard those words and her heart pounded. A surge of heat welled up from within her heart to her face, causing her cheeks to flush red.
Under the dim lamplight, she tilted her head slightly to look at Pei-Shi. Even her previously pale complexion took on a rosy hue, her cheeks blushing with a delicate flush, giving her already graceful and ethereal countenance a surprising touch of vivid color as if she were slightly intoxicated.
At this moment, Zhen Yi Yun had complete clarity and thoroughly understood the path she wanted to take forward. That’s right, she had always hated how Zhen Ting Yun relied solely on good luck and the protagonist’s halo to live her life in the novel. After all, Zhen Ting Yun married her older cousin out of sheer good fortune and enjoyed a high-ranking position solely due to her husband’s status. But she was a person from modern times who understood the principles of not marrying close relatives. So she could never follow Zhen Ting Yun’s old path and marry her older cousin. However, this didn’t mean she could not choose a better path for herself.
Perhaps, if she could marry into the royal family and pass down her bloodline along this realm, that would be the truest honor and prestige, ensuring a long and noble lineage for her generations to come.
Don’t tell her that despite all her efforts and knowledge of the plot as a transmigrated person, she still could not surpass someone like Zhen Ting Yun, who relied solely on the female protagonist’s halo and luck?
I apologize for the lack of posting recently (for FP, MIE, and EAPWM readers). Honours programme has been, and still is, kicking my butt… So ready to be done but I still have one more year to go…
On a brighter note, I’m nearly done with the semester, so end November, posting will return to normal (of once a week).
Thank you for your patience and understanding…
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Finally translator-nim is back !
Thank you for the chapter.
I don’t understand why she don’t just focus on herself. Improve yourself, stop compete with people, envy is a poison
So… I assume this is my first time reading a novel where transmigrator lose to the original FL? I’m even more excited and looking forwards to Zhen Ting Yun’s journey to marrying an imperial elder 😂 Thanks so much for translation.