Jing Xingzhi’s Daily Life in Ancient Times - Chapter 68
The Marquis Zhenyuan’s Mansion was brimming with scenes of opulence. Qu Weiping casted a casual glance and noticed numerous precious flowers, remnants of a failed attempt of transplantation to the capital.
Sighing inwardly, Qu Weiping was ushered into Ning Yongyuan’s courtyard by the mansion’s servants.
Peering into the main room, he spotted Ning Yongyuan donned in a vibrant red ensemble resembling birds and fish. His lips were crimson, teeth immaculate, giving him the air of a wealthy young man.
Qu Weiping grinned, strolling three steps away from Ning Yongyuan. He playfully pinched his fan, clasping his fists: “Little Marquis, it’s been a while! You seem even more handsome. I fear princesses might vie for your hand!”
Ning Yongyuan, perturbed, suddenly turned, his expression chilly upon hearing Qu Weiping’s jest about the royal family.
He sneered, retorting coldly: “You’re audacious, mocking the princess! I won’t forget to inform the Holy Emperor when I see him later.”
Ning Yong’s audience with the emperor rivaled Qu Weiping’s father’s frequency.
Qu Weiping, stung by the power play, grimaced. He reluctantly said, “Young master, it was just a jest. After all, I’ve endured much during my confinement. Is this treatment truly necessary?”
Indeed, Qu Weiping, astutely knew Ning Yongyuan’s actions, understanding his temperament well.
Ning Yongyuan, at only sixteen years old, appeared mature beyond his age. His demeanor might deceive ordinary individuals, but Qu Weiping discerning eye found it challenging to be misled. He had witnessed numerous “mischievous acts.”
Moreover, anyone deemed as the “baby” of the family and was indulged and spoiled, in the long run would fostering a rebellious temperament.
Upon hearing the term “necessary,” Ning Yongyuan regarded Qu Weiping with an even more piercing gaze.
Disdain filled his heart—was this fool attempting to intimidate him?
.
Ning Yongyuan picked up the tea on his right, taking a sip. The teacup’s lid struck its body, emitting a crisp sound. A chuckle accompanied his tone as he expressed complete disdain: “Tsk—what have you accomplished? Why am I not aware?” Ning Yongyuan’s smile unnerved Qu Weiping, causing his right eyelid to twitch twice.
Qu Weiping hastily responded, “Little Marquis, I admit, things haven’t been handled well, but there has been an effort, hasn’t there?”
Ning Yongyuan lifted an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to a bookshelf. He then motioned with his chin for Qu Weiping to look.
Following Ning Yongyuan’s gaze, Qu Weiping observed the bookshelf—a rich purple with a subtle hint of gold. The arrangement alone hinted at its exceptional quality.
On a shelf like this, the items displayed naturally possessed greater value. Qu Weiping scrutinized each piece, sensing that Ning Yongyuan might be attempting to leverage these possessions as a threat.
Yet, the Qu family wasn’t lacking in wealth or valuables, evident in Qu Weiping’s cultivated discernment.
“Little Marquis, these antiques on the shelf are all exceptional. I’ve seen similar ones at home,” Qu Weiping asserted confidently. “They look familiar.”
“But…” Ning Yongyuan set down his teacup. “These were bestowed upon me by the emperor.”
“Even if your father were here, he couldn’t afford any of it,” Ning Yongyuan asserted, locking eyes with Qu Weiping. He found amusement in the sudden change of expression, secretly relishing the power dynamics—having favors others didn’t have.
Qu Weiping hesitated briefly, then gritted his teeth, admitting, “I’ve needlessly troubled the Little Marquis.”
The use of “needlessly” indicated Qu Weiping’s concession, acknowledging Ning Yongyuan’s assertion. What Qu Weiping did, had no connection to Ning Yongyuan. Ning Yongyuan remained untainted, avoiding any responsibility of the scandal from Qu family.
Qu Weiping hadn’t anticipated Ning Yongyuan’s cunning nature. Reflecting on the conversation, he realized he had fallen into a trap. They spoke in private, within Ning Yongyuan’s domain, strategically avoiding unwanted revelations.
Ning Yongyuan had insisted on secrecy to spare embarrassment, and Qu Weiping complied, keeping the matter confidential. However, Qu Yongzhi was implicated, resulting in a scandal that led to the imprisonment of nearly all the Qu family’s children.
The more Qu Weiping dwelled on it, the more injustice he felt, yet he found himself ensnared with no retort. Ning Yongyuan, a young man, held the power to own an imperial gift blessed by the emperor himself, asserting dominance of Marquis Zhenyuan’s Mansion.
“Bravo! The Little Marquis is astute, akin to Marquis Zhenyuan!” Qu Weiping forced a smile, though his discontent seeped through.
Ning Yongyuan, seeing Qu Weiping’s surrender, refrained from provoking him. He merely resumed sipping his tea, gesturing for Qu Weiping to depart.
Unwilling to linger, Qu Weiping left without uttering a word, wearing a sullen expression.
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As Qu Weiping retreated, Ning Yongyuan had just placed down his teacup when he heard his mother’s voice.
“What are you up to in secret? Intimidating people with gifts from the Holy Emperor?”
Wu Shuangxi approached Ning Yongyuan with a smile, donned in a purple dress akin to Qu Weiping’s but of a lighter hue. Paired with her graceful makeup, she resembled a cluster of wisteria emitting a warm fragrance.
Ning Yongyuan, startled by Wu Shuangxi’s sudden presence, briefly recollected his recent exchange with Qu Weiping, feeling relieved upon reassessment.
He dismissed it as playacting, a performance outsiders wouldn’t comprehend.
Pursing his lips like a child, Ning Yongyuan said, “Mom, why are you eavesdropping again?”
As Wu Shuangxi settled beside him, she patted Ning Yongyuan’s head, remarking, “Nonsense!”
“How can your mother’s eavesdropping be called eavesdropping?” Wu Shuangxi glanced at Ning Yongyuan with a pair of smiling eyes. “Besides, ask your wet nurse whether I came here on purpose or by accident?”
“You have such a bad temper these days. It was only when I saw you finally made friends that I wanted to come over and say hello. Unexpectedly, the young man was bullied by you!”
Ning Yongyuan felt unhappy after hearing this. He knew that what he just did was not a good thing. Threatening other people wasn’t something a young child should have done.
But his mother had always been like this, as long as it showed that he was smart, using all meant to achieve his goals were tolerated. Other people’s parents didn’t treat their children like this…