Chapter 13: Where Did This Cousin Come From?

It hadn’t occurred to her before, but Fuliu’s reminder made her lips curl upward involuntarily. Lowering her head, she took the mutton fat jade pendant from her waist and gently rubbed it between her fingers.

Honglang was different from her brother. Her brother doted on her excessively, always singing her praise. But when Honglang cared for her, he only showed it through silent actions without ever speaking of it. Even when she noticed, he wouldn’t admit it.

If only Honglang’s feelings for her could mirror her own – having transformed from sibling affection to romantic love that would be perfect.

“Sister-in-law, are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?” A deliberately sweet voice sounded from outside the door.

Fu Junyao frowned as she looked toward the source.

Calling her sister-in-law? Honglang didn’t have any sisters. Where did this sister come from?

Before she could refuse, the woman had already entered with a large group of maids and elderly servants, carrying several food containers in a grand procession.

The woman wore red robes only slightly paler than Fu Junyao’s wedding dress, with embroidery patterns strikingly like those on her wedding gown. Now that Fu Junyao had changed into her casual newlywed attire, their outfits clashed in color.

In her hair was a gold hairpin featuring a peacock holding a white jade bead in its beak.

This style was extremely rare, appearing as if it had been deliberately crafted as a miniature, simplified version of Fu Junyao’s phoenix coronet.

Taking in the woman’s attire, Fu Junyao’s frown deepened. Her anger began to simmer, barely contained. She stared directly at the woman and asked bluntly, “Who are you?”

“Sister-in-law doesn’t recognize me?” The woman feigned surprise. “Three years ago, when you visited the Cheng residence with the eldest young master, we met. I’ve been living at my cousin’s home these past three years. You must have seen me many times during your visits.”

Three years ago? And other times? This woman had been living in Honglang’s home for three years? Fu Junyao had no recollection whatsoever.

“I don’t remember. Who are you?”

The woman forced an awkward smile and explained reluctantly, “I’m Liu Wan’er, Honglang’s cousin.”

“Aunt was worried you might be hungry, so she sent me to bring you some food.”

Cousin? Fu Junyao frowned thoughtfully. There might indeed be such a person.

Honglang had never mentioned her, and she herself had never paid attention.

Liu Wan’er waved her hand, and the maids and servants behind her immediately stepped forward, efficiently laying out an entire table of dishes.

Pretending to be apologetic, Liu Wan’er pointed at the dishes and explained, “Sister-in-law, since I didn’t know what you like to eat, I took the liberty of selecting several dishes that I particularly enjoy. Please try them and see if they suit your taste.”

Fu Junyao glanced over the spread: squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, crab meat lion’s head, Dongpo pork, mapo tofu, salted duck… all Cheng Honglang’s favorite dishes.

The provocation was utterly blatant!

For a mere cousin to challenge her, the properly wedded wife, in such manner showed remarkable impatience.

She might wear her intentions on her sleeve, but what did it matter? She still had to respectfully address her sister-in-law.

Fu Junyao let out a cold laugh, her anger surprisingly subsiding somewhat. She leisurely took her seat, picked up her chopsticks, and began eating at a relaxed pace.

While eating, she didn’t forget to comment: “This Dongpo pork is a bit dry. I prefer it when it’s fatty but not greasy, tender but not mushy. This crab meat lion’s head is too oily… Remember to tell the kitchen later”

Liu Wan’er widened her eyes. This woman was she treating her like a serving maid?

Couldn’t she tell she was here to provoke her?

Auntie had brought her into the general’s residence three years ago, tacitly allowing her to get close to her cousin, with the intention of matchmaking them.

Who would have thought this woman, already engaged to someone else, would suddenly change her mind and seduce her cousin, using dirty tricks to marry into the family!

How dare she order her around like this?

“Sorry, sister-in-law, kitchen matters aren’t under my jurisdiction. I’m only here delivering this meal at Auntie’s request, to show the Cheng family’s consideration for you.” Liu Wan’er’s face darkened as she emphasized this, her voice no longer sweet or gentle.

The unspoken meaning in Liu Wan’er’s words was clear: Fu Junyao was getting carried away and going too far!

Fu Junyao wasn’t foolish enough to take the bait. Instead, she asked with feigned surprise, “Cousin, why has your voice become so rough?”

Liu Wan’er’s face turned green with rage, and she spun around to leave immediately. Seeing her go, Fu Junyao slammed her chopsticks down on the table.

Fuliu hurried forward, gently patting her back to comfort her: “Don’t be angry, Madam. If you harm your health, the Master will be heartbroken.”

The maids and older servants who had come with Liu Wan’er, seeing the young mistress leave in such a temper and the Madam appearing even angrier, exchanged uneasy glances before quickly excusing themselves and withdrawing.

Fu Junyao sneered, “Hah! This cousin has been in the residence for three years! She’s quite familiar with my wedding gown and phoenix coronet! And even more familiar with my husband’s preferences!”

Fuliu didn’t dare say that not only was the young mistress familiar with these things, but when she lowered her eyes demurely, she even bore a resemblance to her own lady!

“Tell me, what does Lang-gege mean by keeping such a scheming woman in the residence?” Fu Junyao turned to ask Fuliu through gritted teeth.

Fuliu continued gently patting Fu Junyao’s back to soothe her: “The young mistress is Madam Cheng’s niece. This matter is probably beyond the Master’s control. If you’re concerned, Miss, you should speak directly with the Master. See what his attitude is.”

Hearing this, Fu Junyao immediately felt somewhat deflated.

She wasn’t yet sure of Lang-gege’s feelings. If he had married her merely out of obligation, and if his true preference was for that cousin, causing trouble with his cousin on her very first day in the household would likely displease him greatly.

She couldn’t take such a risk.

That cousin’s intentions were so obvious she probably wouldn’t let this go easily. Who knew what tricks she would play after returning? And would Lang-gege even protect her?

The more Fu Junyao thought about it, the more stifled she felt.

Hah, cousin! A cousin was raised in the household for three years!

Meanwhile, Liu Wan’er, whom Fu Junyao was cursing through clenched teeth, had initially intended to go straight to Madam Cheng to complain. But halfway there, hearing boisterous noises coming from the guest courtyard, she changed her mind. She turned and headed toward an artificial hill located along the necessary path between the kitchen and the guest courtyard, hiding inside and emitting suppressed sobs just loud enough to be heard.

Soon enough, maids and matrons noticed her. Seeing that it was the young mistress from the maternal side who was crying, they took it very seriously some comforted her, while others went to report to Madam Cheng.

Liu Wan’er hurriedly stopped the matron who was about to report: “Nanny Chen, today is my cousin’s important day. Aunt is so busy she barely has time to touch the ground. It’s nothing if I suffer a little grievance don’t disturb Aunt over such a trivial matter. I’ll be fine after crying for a while.”

Upon hearing this, several matrons praised her for being so sensible but insisted that her grievance shouldn’t go unaddressed. They vowed to report the matter to Madam Cheng after the guests had departed.

Liu Wan’er naturally continued her feigned attempts to stop them.

Yet the more resolutely she tried to prevent them, the more determined the matrons became to speak up for her.

Had they not been urgently needed to attend to the guests, they would have surely engaged in a prolonged back-and-forth with Liu Wan’er.

💝 Support the Team

Zephyr Yizelle

✍️ Translator

🍵 Ko-fi