Chapter 103: Dispute

Outside, Cheng’er’s voice called, “Dinner has been served.”

Meinang slightly tilted her head, giving a quick glance at Cui Xi, and then met Xu Jun Ying’s gaze, masking it with a smile. Feeling a bit awkward for smiling for no reason, she tried to make conversation. “Would you like to eat more, Lord? The food from Jinhua Hall tonight is quite rich. The braised lion’s head is something the old lady has enjoyed for several days in a row. The kitchen also prepared several new dishes hope they suit your taste? With all your brothers here and the news of Rulan’s engagement, the old lady must be overjoyed.”

Xu Jun Ying listened without a word. He watched as Cui Xi walked away, knowing that Meinang and her maids had planned to eat together. With him present, they couldn’t divide the food openly, so they had to set the meal aside. Meinang discreetly signaled Cui Xi to go outside and divide the food, bringing only her portion back inside.

Since when had these women, Meinang and her maids, become so clever? When Meinang was ill, the maids were pale and lethargic, submissive to Zhen Mei Yu’s every whim. Now, they were confident, articulate, even daring. Cui Si had spoken boldly to the mistress before, and tonight Cui Xi went as far as to talk about a dismissal. Who gave them such courage? Naturally, it was their mistress, Qin Meinang.

If he were to punish Cui Xi, Meinang would surely take the blame. But if he wanted to maintain authority, he’d have to punish her, as he’d previously warned he wouldn’t tolerate any repeated offenses. In the end, he chose to overlook it, not letting them realize he’d heard anything. Angering Meinang wasn’t his intention, although he was curious to see her temper just not tonight.

Seeing him silent, Meinang picked up her tea and took a sip, feeling slightly awkward. Thinking he was rather boring, she left him alone, moving to the round table, eager to dig in. Cui Xi was taking forever with the food, which only added to her hunger.

Cui Jian placed a bowl of soup in front of her. Just as Meinang touched it, Xu Jun Ying came over and said, “I’ll join you for a bit. I didn’t eat much earlier with all the conversations going on.”

Surprised, Meinang hesitated but offered him her bowl, watching as Cui Jian ladled her another. She sighed internally, lamenting that her delightful meal was ruined again by his presence. She couldn’t even savor the chicken drumstick or crunchy cartilage dining elegantly was her only option.

Still, her hunger made everything taste delicious. Worried the food might get cold, she sent Cui Xi, Cui Jian, and Cui Si out, and she and Xu Jun Ying quietly enjoyed the meal together. Meinang rearranged the dishes and, smiling, said, “You enjoy mild food without spice, just like cousin Rulan. But the old lady and I prefer spicy food, it’s an odd difference.”

Xu Jun Ying replied, “I eat everything, there’s no choice in the army.”

“But don’t you dislike fish?” she teased.

“Too many bones. It’s time-consuming,” he said.

Meinang chuckled to herself, not saying more, though Xu Jun Ying looked slightly frustrated. The meal concluded, and the maids returned to clear the dishes. Cui Si led Cheng’er and Ping’er in with hot water and tea to wash up. Meinang sat on the couch to knit, while Xu Jun Ying asked for tea. Cui Xi looked to Meinang, who advised, “You should wait a bit, drinking tea immediately after a meal doesn’t aid digestion, despite the common belief. It’s better to wait a while.”

“When I’m at Jinhua Hall, I always drink tea after a meal. Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked.

“It wouldn’t have mattered. Everyone has their own habits, and they like what they do, so why change it?”

Xu Jun Ying fell silent, with no intention of leaving. He looked at her, threading yarn quietly, the familiar yet unfamiliar woman he didn’t mind watching.

The peace was broken when a servant from Ning Rulan arrived, saying there was chaos in Hui Fang Courtyard, the second master had struck his wife, and now things were in turmoil, with him even threatening divorce. The old lady had already been alerted.

“I’ll go check,” said Xu Jun Ying, as Meinang rose to see him out.

“Let the servants carry a few lanterns with you,” she suggested.

“Get dressed and come along. I’ll wait,” he said.

Reluctantly, Meinang sighed, “You can go on your own, Lord. I’m a woman my presence will hardly help.”

“You manage household matters. This concerns the family, and the elders are there. You must accompany me,” he insisted.

With help from Cui Xi, Meinang reluctantly donned her coat and a pair of soft leather boots, muttering complaints about the weather. As they headed toward Hui Fang Courtyard, Xu Jun Ying walked quickly, while Meinang, comfortable in her boots, managed to keep up. But halfway there, she slowed, gradually allowing herself to fall back to walk with the maids.

Xu Jun Ying noticed her subtle action but didn’t react, waiting for her at the courtyard entrance.

Inside Hui Fang Courtyard, the elders and all the family members had gathered. The second mistress, White Jing Yu, with disheveled hair and tear-streaked face, sat in disgrace, her once-proud demeanor gone.

The old lady rebuked the second master, Xu Jun Lang, “We’re a respected family, generations of gentlemen and ladies. Your ancestors were upright, both scholars and warriors. Never would any man among them raise a hand against his wife. Even if she made a mistake, there are rules for that. But to hit her? And now, you want a divorce? Has she committed a major offense? Speak up.”

Xu Jun Lang knelt, offering a cup of tea, “Grandmother, I was foolish. Please don’t harm your health over this.”

The old lady accepted the tea and, sighing, took a sip. Spotting Xu Jun Ying and Meinang, she invited them over. Meinang, standing quietly behind the old lady, looked at White Jing Yu, who sat weeping. It was a stark reminder of how status and charm could be rendered useless in this household.

Xu Jun Ying marrying her an arranged and likely forceful match, as Lin Ru Nan had hinted might have denied her a chance to be with someone she could truly care for. She had once been a clever woman, perhaps with dreams and unspoken hopes.

Lost in thought, she only snapped back to reality when her eyes met Xu Jun Ying’s, his expression complex. She quickly turned away, grabbing Ning Rulan’s hand and intently asking about the details of the dispute between Xu Jun Lang and White Jing Yu.