Chapter 113: Extermination

Proofreader : Mim

Chu Jinyao was dressed in a purple diagonal-collared top and matching horse-faced skirt. Around her knees were embroidered clouds and sun-and-moon patterns with silver thread. She was leaning on the seating platform, idly flipping through a picture book.

 

After speaking, Old Madam Chu had been secretly observing Chu Jinyao’s expression. Although there was nothing unusual on Chu Jinyao’s face, the surroundings provided enough information for her to draw some conclusions.

 

Chu Jinyao was dressed in casual clothes and hadn’t changed into her Crown Princess attire, which was a good sign. Furthermore, she was receiving the guests from Changxing Marquis Residence in a relatively simple reception room, suggesting that she didn’t intend to make a big issue out of the situation.

 

However, Chu Jinyao had donned purple clothing today. Purple had always been the color of royalty, and the sun-and-moon embellishments were not something just anyone could wear.

 

Seeing this, Old Madam Chu roughly gauged the situation. She cautiously said, “Reporting to the Crown Princess, Chengye (Second Young Master) was confused and made such a foolish mistake. Please rest assured, since this matter has come to my attention, I will certainly handle it properly and not let it slide.”

 

This one sentence from Old Madam Chu was loaded with meaning. Firstly, she subtly conveyed that the Changxing Marquis Residence had been aware of this issue; it was a personal matter between the second son and Madam Zhao. Secondly, Old Madam Chu implicitly promised to deal with the matter herself, without requiring the Crown Princess to take action, ensuring that Chu Jinmiao would be handled accordingly.

 

This was the attitude of a wise elder. While Chu Jinyao believed that Old Madam Chu was clear-headed, others might interpret this as the old lady currying favor with the Crown Princess by using her power to suppress someone, regardless of the circumstances.

 

Chu Jinyao said, “I naturally trust Grandmother. However, this matter is somewhat unique. Fourth Young Lady has lived in the Marquis Residence longer than I have, and in the eyes of many, I am the one who came later and displaced her. While it wouldn’t be difficult for Grandmother to send her away, that would only address the symptoms and not the root cause. As long as Second Brother is willing, the world is vast; there will always be a place to hide someone.”

 

“Your Highness…” Old Madam Chu was taken aback. She wanted to say something but was interrupted by Chu Jinyao.

 

“There’s no need to say more, Grandmother. I understand your intentions. But if some things aren’t made clear, I won’t feel at ease. Is Father and Second Brother here? Good. There are some things I’d like to ask Second Brother. Grandmother, Eldest Sister is in the next room; why don’t you go see her and Young Master Lu?”

 

Old Madam Chu hesitated but, unable to organize her thoughts quickly enough, was led away by a palace maid. Even though Old Madam Chu was reluctant, there was nothing more she could do.

 

In the adjacent hall, Chu Jinxian was playing with her child. Upon seeing Old Madam Chu, she nodded lightly and said, “Grandmother, you’re here.”

 

Chu Jinxian’s tone revealed no surprise. While Old Madam Chu and the other women were left outside, filled with anxiety, standing in the side hall unable to calm down, they had no mind for playing with the child. Though Old Madam Chu did harbor genuine affection for Chu Jinxian, she couldn’t suppress her own emotions as she played with Young Master Lu.

 

But ultimately, she couldn’t resist lowering her voice and asking, ” Jinxian, what does the Crown Princess mean by this? What does she plan to do with Chu Jinmiao?”

 

Old Madam Chu suspected that Chu Jinyao still harbored resentment over past events and that she hated Chu Jinmiao, hence refusing to let Chu Jinmiao off easily.

 

Chu Jinxian saw through her grandmother’s concern and casually shook her head, saying, “Grandmother, you’re underestimating her. She knows what she’s doing. Let’s just wait and see.”

 

Second Master had come along with the household to “apologize” at Changhe Garden, but unlike the women, he couldn’t see the Crown Princess directly. He sat in the outer hall, and after a while, a eunuch came in with a sharp voice, saying, “Second Master has waited long enough. Please follow me inside. The Marquis may rest easy; we’re only bringing the Second Master in for questioning.”

 

Second Master had expected this. Ignoring the warning look from the Marquis, he calmly walked to the reception hall, where he respectfully bowed to Chu Jinyao. His manners were impeccable, and his behavior showed no sign of negligence.

 

Yesterday, after Madam Zhao and the others returned home, Madam Yan, ever eager to stir trouble, immediately relayed the details about Chu Jinmiao and the Crown Princess’s words to Old Madam Chu. Upon hearing this, the old lady nearly fainted from rage. The Marquis, who had always treated Madam Zhao with respect, was also so infuriated by the situation that he loudly scolded Madam Zhao as “foolish.”

 

Madam Zhao, feeling wronged and furious, cried for half an hour before sending Second Master to visit Chu Jinmiao, fearing that someone might try to harm her.

 

However, the Marquis had ordered someone to keep an eye on Second Master, and Duan Yinghua was also on high alert, closely monitoring him. Second Master was unable to visit Chu Jinmiao directly, so he sent his servant to pass a message to her instead. After a long time, Chu Jinmiao sent back a slip of paper. Upon reading the words, Second Master felt even more sympathy for his pitiful sister.

 

On one side was his displaced and helpless younger sister, and on the other was the high-born, powerful Crown Princess who, with just a word, could force Chu Jinmiao into a corner. The contrast was stark, and Second Master felt a surge of sympathy.

 

Now, standing before Chu Jinyao, resplendent and dignified, requiring countless formalities just to see her, Second Master’s feelings became even more complicated.

 

Though Second Master remained respectful, his attitude was clearly resistant. Chu Jinyao saw this and smiled faintly. “Second Brother, are you upset with me?”

 

“You are the Crown Princess. How could I dare?”

 

“If you truly didn’t dare, you wouldn’t have done such things.”

 

Second Master’s lips twitched as if he wanted to retort, but in the end, he said nothing.

 

Chu Jinyao didn’t give him the chance to stay silent and directly said, “I’m sure before you left home today, both Grandmother and Father must have told you not to argue with me, no matter what I say. Isn’t that right? In your heart, you probably think Grandmother and Father have simply conspired with me, using power to oppress others. And that poor, innocent Chu Jinmiao is the true victim of injustice in this world.”

 

Second Master was visibly shocked, and Chu Jinyao simply continued, “Are you wondering how I know this?”

 

She sighed, “You’re two years older than me, the eldest son of the family, yet you haven’t even cultivated as much patience as I, a daughter who returned halfway through life. Second Brother, don’t you realize where the problem lies?”

 

Second Master seemed hit by her words and turned pale. Unable to hold back, he asked, “Crown Princess, what are you trying to say?”

 

“Changxing Marquis Residence is currently highly regarded in the capital. Everyone who sees members of the Chu family gives them face. But surely you don’t believe that’s because of your own abilities, do you?”

 

Chu Jinyao was ruthlessly blunt, disregarding Second Master’s discomfort, “Unfortunately, it’s not. All of this is because I am the Crown Princess. People show you respect and accommodate you because the Crown Prince is powerful, not because of anything you have done.”

 

Being told so bluntly that he was riding on his sister’s coattails, especially by his own younger sister, would be enough to make anyone uncomfortable. In another family, a prideful older brother might have already exploded with anger. But Second Master, being gentle by nature, lacked the temperament for anger.

 

Even though he felt ashamed, he managed to keep his voice steady and considerate, reasoning that although her words were harsh, Chu Jinyao wasn’t wrong.

 

His response earned him a degree of respect from Chu Jinyao, who recalled how her childhood had been spent enduring the brash, domineering tirades of her supposed father, who was a coward despite his bluster. Compared to such men, Second Master seemed calm and reasonable.

 

Because of this, Chu Jinyao softened her tone as she continued, “Second Brother, I speak plainly because I care about you. The Chu family benefits from me being the Crown Princess, but we can’t always rely on that. If the Changxing Marquis Residence brings no advantage to the Crown Prince, why would he continue to carry such a burden? Put yourself in his place, Second Brother—isn’t that the truth?”

 

Second Master was filled with turmoil. He realized now that Chu Jinyao was far different from the person he had imagined. His understanding of this younger sister was shallow at best. He was far closer to Chu Jinmiao, having grown up alongside her, and, because of her quiet criticisms, he had assumed that Chu Jinyao was a scheming, vengeful woman.

 

But after hearing Chu Jinyao speak, Second Master realized how foolish his assumptions had been. He hadn’t just misunderstood her; he had underestimated the Crown Prince as well.

 

This woman had been chosen by the Crown Prince himself. How could she possibly be the shallow person he had thought she was?

 

His regret made him feel utterly ashamed. Bowing deeply, he said, “I have been foolish, wrongly assuming the worst of you, Crown Princess. You think of everything for the sake of the Marquis Residence, yet I’ve been so narrow-minded. I once thought that your summoning me today was all because of Fourth Sister.”

 

“She’s just a small speck of dust, insignificant enough that I wouldn’t even recall her if she hadn’t shown herself. If she’s always on guard, fearing my revenge, then she’s truly overthinking things.”

 

As she shifted to a more comfortable position, Chu Jinyao asked plainly, “Tell me, how did you come to find Chu Jinmiao?”

 

The explanation wasn’t complicated—it was the typical story. Chu Jinmiao, accustomed to a life of indulgence, had returned to Su’s family with little more than a few boxes of belongings, which were soon confiscated by her parents and siblings. With nothing left, Chu Jinmiao stubbornly refused to work, insisting on maintaining the airs of a young lady.

 

Soon after, Su’s family’s deeply ingrained preference for sons over daughters resurfaced, and they arranged to marry Chu Jinmiao off to an old, overweight official in exchange for a meager ten-tael dowry.

 

But how could Chu Jinmiao accept such a fate? She had once lived in the Marquis Residence, where ten taels of silver was no more than the cost of a single meal. Besides, she couldn’t compare herself to her sisters, like Chu Jinyao, who had become the Crown Princess, or Chu Jinxian, whose husband Zhao Dage was a renowned, dashing young scholar.

 

After coaxing her maid into assisting her, Chu Jinmiao escaped under the cover of night and, out of spite, even set fire to Su’s home on her way out.

 

It was a cold and selfish act, one that mirrored the callous nature of her birth family. She was no better than her parents, who had abandoned her for personal gain.

 

Having fled, Chu Jinmiao immediately sought out the Changxing Marquis Residence in Taiyuan, believing that, though her family had wronged her, she could appeal to their shared history. Surely her second brother and Madam Zhao would feel sympathy for her plight.

 

But when she arrived at the gate of the Marquis Residence, she found it deserted, its doors closed, and its lanterns gathering dust. The gatekeeper, a kind old servant, informed her that the entire household had moved to the capital with the Crown Princess and wouldn’t be returning.

 

Stunned, Chu Jinmiao belatedly recalled someone mentioning that the family would move, but back then, she had been so consumed by her own troubles that she hadn’t paid attention.

 

With the Marquis Residence gone and Su’s home burned down, she had nowhere to turn.

 

By sheer coincidence, an old servant left behind in Taiyuan recognized her as the Fourth Young Lady of the Chu family and, out of pity, sent a message to Second Master. Upon receiving the letter, Second Master was both shocked and heartbroken at the news. When he saw Chu Jinmiao in her pitiful state, his compassion overwhelmed him.

 

Unable to let her suffer, Second Master bought her a house in Taiyuan and left her with a considerable amount of money. But Chu Jinmiao, having once grasped this lifeline, refused to let go. She frequently sought out Second Master for help, and he, still filled with pity, obliged her every request.

 

Soon enough, Duan Yinghua noticed the irregularity in the accounts, which led her to suspect that Second Master was secretly maintaining a mistress. In her anger, she confronted him, but Second Master, unwilling to admit the truth, only deepened her suspicions.

 

With no other recourse, Second Master finally confided in Madam Zhao, hoping she would handle the situation. Madam Zhao’s solution was to bring Chu Jinmiao to the capital, sparing no expense to lavish her with gifts, clothing, and servants, all while continuing to support her as if she were still a beloved daughter.

 

However, in Duan Yinghua’s eyes, this behavior only confirmed her worst fears. Unable to bear the indignity, she decided to report the matter directly to Chu Jinyao, allowing the Crown Princess to put an end to the affair.

 

As Second Master recounted these events, he felt a deep sense of embarrassment. Initially, he had no intention of bringing Chu Jinmiao to the capital, but Madam Zhao’s emotional appeals left him with no choice.

 

Internally, he convinced himself that Madam Zhao’s actions were motivated by a mother’s love and the desire to compensate her daughter for the suffering she had endured. After all, life had been incredibly harsh for Fourth Sister since her return to the Su family.

 

“A mother’s love?” Chu Jinyao thought bitterly to herself. How ironic. They saw Chu Jinmiao’s plight as pitiable, but that had once been her life—her reality.

 

If not for the Marquis’s discovery that the daughters had been switched, she would have lived out her days in that misery.

 

Where Chu Jinmiao had managed to garner sympathy through tears, Chu Jinyao refused to stoop so low. She saw it as demeaning. If Chu Jinmiao wanted to claim that she was using her power to oppress others, then Chu Jinyao would show her what true oppression looked like.

 

“You all have so much sympathy, making me look like the villian, persecuting her unjustly. But tell me, Second Brother, Chu Jinmiao now lives in your private residence. What exactly is her status there?”

 

Second Master frowned. “Naturally, she is my sister.”

 

“Sister? If she is merely your sister, why didn’t you tell your wife about her? Instead, you’ve allowed her to misunderstand and believe you’re keeping a mistress.”

 

“Your Highness!” Second Master, humiliated, raised his voice in frustration, cutting her off. “Chu Jinmiao is my sister. How could you suggest that there could be anything improper between us? I would never dishonor her or myself by using such degrading terms like ‘mistress’ or ‘concubine’ to describe her.”

 

“You don’t need to convince me,” Chu Jinyao said coolly, “Try explaining that to everyone else. Do you think anyone will believe you?”

 

Seeing his face turn pale, she didn’t hold back. “And besides, do you really think Chu Jinmiao and her maid see you as just a brother? Second Brother, how long are you going to keep lying to yourself? You think calling her your mistress would dishonor her, but that’s precisely why she’s here.”

 

Her words hit Second Master like a blow. He wanted to protest, to defend the purity of his relationship with his dear sister, but something held him back.

 

Could Jinmiao truly be that kind of person?

 

As he recalled the way she had acted around him recently, her small, intimate gestures, he couldn’t be sure if they were born of sibling affection or something else.

 

No, he didn’t want to know. But Chu Jinyao had no intention of letting him evade the truth. While Chu Jinmiao had managed to play the part of the poor victim, casting her as the ungracious villain, Chu Jinyao had no interest in being lenient.

 

Chu Jinyao pressed on relentlessly, refusing to let up, “Alright, let’s assume for a moment that you’ve both behaved properly and there’s nothing inappropriate between you. But what about your wife? Second Sister-in-law manages the household and serves the elders, while you’re out there keeping a ‘sister’ like this. How do you think that makes her feel? Even if she’s the most virtuous woman on earth, capable of believing in your innocence, how do you think this looks to outsiders?  What do you think people will say about our family, the Changxing Marquis Residence? They’ll say that the Marquis’s son is keeping the girl who was once his sister as a mistress. Nobody will care for your explanation. You and Chu Jinmiao might not be related by blood, but you were raised as siblings. If word of this got out, who wouldn’t accuse you of incestuous behavior? When that time comes, how do you expect the Marquis to handle it? How do you expect me to clean up this mess?”

 

Her words struck him deeply, shaking him to his core. His fists trembled, and his mind reeled as he grappled with the full implications of his actions.

 

Chu Jinyao had made her point. She didn’t need to say more. It was now up to him to think through everything she had said. Only if he truly understood the weight of his decisions and refused to be complicit in Chu Jinmiao’s schemes could this matter be settled for good.

 

Indeed, in situations like this, one had to deal with the root cause. Chu Jinyao couldn’t afford to let the problem reemerge in the future. The most effective strategy was to target Second Brother’s emotions, to eliminate his misguided compassion at its source.

 

Forcing him to obey her orders outright might be the easiest path, but it would damage her reputation and only solve the issue temporarily. Chu Jinyao wasn’t about to make that kind of short-sighted move.

 

What she had done was not far from how Qin Yi himself would have handled it. Without realizing it, Chu Jinyao had begun to adopt her husband’s methods—swift, sharp, and surgically precise.

 

Finally, she added, “Second Brother, I’ve said all I need to say. What happens next is up to you. As for what you do about Chu Jinmiao, I won’t interfere. But remember, you are Father’s only legitimate son. One day, the entire Changxing Marquis Residence will fall on your shoulders. Think carefully about what you should do.”

 

Second Brother closed his eyes and, after a long moment, sighed deeply. “I was wrong.”

 

“I let my compassion for her cloud my judgment. I never thought about my responsibilities, nor the risks involved. As your older brother, I should have been your protector, yet I’ve ended up bringing harm to you.”

 

Old Madam Chu had often boasted with a quiet pride about how favored Chu Jinyao was by the Crown Prince and how that favor had brought glory to the entire Marquis Residence. But for Second Master, it wasn’t a source of pride at all.

 

Instead, it was a source of shame.

 

This whole time, he had allowed his own selfishness and sentimentality to blind him to the true nature of things, and in doing so, he had misjudged his own sister. It was unforgivable.

 

He could hardly bear the weight of his own guilt. “I’ve wronged you,” he said, his voice filled with remorse.

 

He had been too caught up in his own self-righteousness, too quick to dismiss the complexities of political life. He had thought he could be a shield for his sisters but had only ended up dragging them down.

 

Hearing his apology, Chu Jinyao finally felt relieved. Second Brother’s reluctance to engage in political intrigue was a blessing in some ways. A capable family member should know when to step back, but simply drifting along without understanding the stakes was a different matter entirely.

 

Chu Jinmiao was a minor issue, but if this incident had opened Second Brother’s eyes, then it was an unexpected silver lining.

 

“My only concern is that we’re all in this together,” she said. “We share the same fate as the Crown Prince. Even if we can’t help him, we must not be a burden to him. The Crown Prince doesn’t care for his reputation, but we can’t afford to let others attack him for it. At the very least, the Changxing Marquis Residence cannot be the reason for his downfall.”

 

Second Master couldn’t remain in the inner chambers for too long, so Chu Jinyao rose to escort him out, continuing to give him some final instructions.

 

As they turned past the carved partition, Chu Jinyao suddenly stopped in her tracks, momentarily stunned by what she saw.

 

Several maids stood silently with their heads bowed, not daring to make a sound. But the real culprit, standing nonchalantly among them, left her boiling with anger.

 

“You! When did you get here? How long have you been standing there eavesdropping?”