Chapter 334: Extra: The Rebellious Neighbor's Song Fifty-Three

Extra: The Rebellious Neighbor's Song Fifty-Three

Logically speaking, given what happened last night, Jin Jingwen should be even angrier at Yin Fengxuan's sudden rash act, but in fact, even Jin Jingwen herself finds it strange—why does she instead hold a grudge against Yin Fengxuan's later escape?!

Jin Jingwen couldn't figure it out, so she stopped thinking about it, feeling uneasy, and decided to just ask directly. But upon hearing her, Yin Fengxuan froze, then blinked, and his handsome face instantly turned red!

"Um…… that…… that……"

What he just said smoothly was because he was in a hurry. Now, being questioned like this by Jin Jingwen, Yin Fengxuan belatedly felt a bit embarrassed.

Holy shit!

How am I supposed to say this?

Are you wanting me to say that I didn't run because I was afraid of getting beaten?

Or should I say that I panicked and just fled?

Although Yin Fengxuan sometimes fails IQ tests, his sense of danger is beast-level. Knowing that saying the first thing would definitely get him beaten, but if he really had to say the latter… frankly, even with his thick skin, he still feels quite embarrassed.

After all, as a veteran of love affairs, to be embarrassed just because he kissed his own wife once… saying that anywhere would be utterly shameful, wouldn't it?

So Yin Fengxuan hesitated, his whole face flushing red. Seeing him mumble and refuse to speak, his eyes darting left and right, Jin Jingwen couldn't help but glare and then poked his forehead with her finger.

"I'm asking you a question—are you going to answer or not?"

"Um…… no, actually I wanted to say……"

"Say it!"

"Um……"

The more Jin Jingwen pressed, the more embarrassed Yin Fengxuan felt, but seeing her expression darken and about to explode, he involuntarily shuddered, and then, regardless, he steeled himself and spilled the truth like pouring beans from a bamboo tube.

He said everything that should and shouldn't be said. After finishing, he felt utterly humiliated, as if the shame had reached his grandmother's house; this made Yin Fengxuan lower his head, shut his eyes tightly, feeling embarrassed while silently bracing for Jin Jingwen's harsh beating.

For a moment, the room fell silent. Yin Fengxuan lowered his head, quietly awaiting the beating, but Jin Jingwen was left stunned!

Huh? Just for that?

You ran away just for that? Do you really think I'm some flood-beast?

But then again, with this good-for-nothing, that's probably all the ambition he's got!

Really……

In her heart, Jin Jingwen cursed Yin Fengxuan bloody, but for some reason her face couldn't help flushing red; she then glanced up at Yin Fengxuan, still leaning his head against hers, and with a fierce expression pushed him away, stepping out of his embrace.

At this moment, Jin Jingwen would never admit that her mood had instantly improved because of Yin Fengxuan's words just now. Meanwhile, the head-down Yin Fengxuan waited a while, heard nothing, and timidly lifted his head… only to see Jin Jingwen now a few steps away, her back turned to him.

"Wife..."

Yin Fengxuan was a bit puzzled. Upon hearing that, Jin Jingwen acted as if she hadn't heard, still standing where she was with no reaction. Seeing this, Yin Fengxuan felt a little odd, blinked, and tried again.

This time, Jin Jingwen finally came to her senses, her pretty face instantly flushing red again, and, as if to cover up, she snapped angrily.

"What are you calling for? I'm busy with this! Are you eating? If you want to eat, hurry up; if not, get lost!"

……

After all that commotion, the earlier tangled matter was finally resolved, no matter what.

Yin Fengxuan, too used to being scolded by Jin Jingwen, didn't get angry at this sudden shout; he just gave a foolish hehe laugh, then actually obeyed and started eating.

After Yin Fengxuan finished his meal, Jin Jingwen had the servants clear the bowls and plates, then paid no attention to what he wanted to do, and simply turned and walked to the couch to sit down alone.

Jin Jingwen came from an official family, but in fact she wasn't like typical talented women who love poetry and songs; she only took interest in travelogues and strange tales. Coincidentally, Nie Jinxuan also liked such books, and Yin Fengzhan, for his wife's sake, naturally collected many. Jin Jingwen then followed Nie Jinxuan's lead, sneaking into the palace to borrow two volumes.

So once seated, Jin Jingwen picked up one of those books and began reading. At that moment, seeing Jin Jingwen reading on her own and ignoring him, Yin Fengxuan glanced at his mouth, but dared not protest; he looked around… then, after a moment, his eyes widened.

Huh? Where did the long bench go?

You know, the long bench is where he sleeps. He remembered seeing it last night—how could it disappear in just a day?

Yin Fengxuan was completely bewildered; since it concerned whether he could sleep indoors that night, he didn't dare delay and hurriedly began searching everywhere.

No matter how Yin Fengxuan searched, he even checked the inner chamber where Jin Jingwen slept, yet still found nothing!

Now Yin Fengxuan was a bit dazed. Left with no choice, he turned his gaze to Jin Jingwen.

"Wife, where did the long bench go?"

"Thrown away!"

"Huh?"

Yin Fengxuan never expected such an answer; his already muddled mind turned into paste. At this moment, Jin Jingwen took the chance to glance at him, then returned her eyes to the book.

"Split it!"

"……"

Yin Fengxuan could no longer speak. He opened his mouth to ask why, but the words died in his throat. Then his eyes shifted, he gave a hehe laugh, and edged closer to Jin Jingwen.

"Wife, could it be that you……"

"Hmm?"

Jin Jingwen didn't look up, merely tossing off a casual reply. But hearing her respond, Yin Fengxuan instantly grew more eager.

"Hehe~, could it be that you've seen the light, agreed to share a pillow with your husband, and therefore got rid of that long bench……"

He didn't continue the words, merely fixing his glowing, wolf-like eyes on the nearby Jin Jingwen.

Upon hearing this, Jin Jingwen stayed silent for a while, then slowly lifted her gaze to meet Yin Fengxuan's eyes, instantly curled her lips into a smile, and said, word by word:

"Share a pillow?! Fine…… wait until you become a corpse!"

The idea of sharing a pillow is obviously just a daydream; still, if she said that, she probably wouldn't even let him dream of it.

Regardless, Yin Fengxuan used to sleep on the long bench. Jin Jingwen, in a fit of anger, split the bench, leaving him truly with nowhere to stay.

Of course, according to Jin Jingwen's thinking, since the bench is gone, Yin Fengxuan should just sleep in the study! That would settle everything perfectly—but Yin Fengxuan wouldn't dare, so in the end the agitated Jin Jingwen had to agree to his request.

Thus, Yin Fengxuan still sleeps on the long bench. But tonight he can only make do with a floor mat. Since it's already dark outside, tossing and turning at this hour wouldn't be terrible, so he'll have Old Hu remake a long bench and bring it in tomorrow daytime.

……

Jin Jingwen and Yin Fengxuan first had a misunderstanding, then a cold war, then a melodramatic kissing incident, and now it has finally settled down.

Days continue to pass one by one like flowing water. I don't know whether it was because Yin Fengxuan gave Jin Jingwen that feathered dress that truly suited her taste, or something else, but ever since that night, the relationship between Jin Jingwen and Yin Fengxuan has indeed improved a lot compared to before!

Of course, the two still caused a ruckus today, and there's no helping it—Yin Fengxuan is the troublemaker; anyone else would be unbearable. As for this change, everyone in the Wangfu is delighted. After all, this commotion is better than the previous cold war, right!

These days, watching Jin Jingwen and Yin Fengxuan's uproar, at first the few women of Houyuaner were a bit depressed. But as time passed, they eventually let it go.

It should be known that as the principal Princess Consort, Jin Jingwen wields great authority. At least in the entire Gong Wangfu, she calls the shots! In theory, as concubines, they should have daily morning and evening inspections. But from the day Jin Jingwen entered, that very first day, they were served tea, and after that the matter never arose again; establishing rules never happened even once. In short, you come if you want, you don't if you don't, and they'll never trouble you over it!

Moreover, it's the same with food, clothing, and expenses—nothing is ever lacking for them. Eat what should be eaten, drink what should be drunk, and the attire and accessories are exactly as needed. Even when the palace occasionally bestows gifts, someone will bring some over to them. And if they ever feel cooped up and want to go out for a walk, that's never an issue!

So, thinking that way, it truly matches what Jin Jingwen once told them: as long as you don't overstep or cause trouble, the benefits will never be lacking.

The few women of Houyuaner now come from poor backgrounds; otherwise they wouldn't be anyone's concubines! When Gong Wangfu was in chaos, everyone fought and schemed—why? In plain terms, it was just to secure a peaceful life with food and clothing. Otherwise, how many people are born as fighting roosters, always looking to pick a fight for no reason?!

In the end, people are driven out by necessity. Now everything is worry‑free; as long as life is stable, they'll have maids all their lives, ride in sedan chairs—what more could they want from this little life?! As for having a son or not… haha, having a son is just for old‑age security, right? Now that's already guaranteed, whether they have a son or not isn't a big deal!

The women are all clever schemers, open‑minded types. Moreover, they're just women, not men, so there's no need to keep a queen or anything. Thinking that way, their minds instantly opened up!

Who is the one they rely on for such days? It's Jin Jingwen! After all, if someone else were the Princess Consort, could they have days like these? Dreaming would be easier!

Because of that, the few women of Houyuaner were even happier than the servants in the Wangfu about Jin Jingwen reconciling with Yin Fengxuan!

Consequently, later the few women of Houyuaner stopped scheming and stopped fighting*! They finally understood that fighting* and scheming is pointless! Even if they had the stamina for*, it would only be temporary. After all, Jin Jingwen was right back then; with their status, even if they brag, they're still concubines, even if they get*, Yin Fengxuan wants to support them, but the Dongling royal family cannot agree! And no one enjoys good fortune forever, no flower stays red for a hundred days; when you grow old and your pearls turn yellow, a little imp will immediately take your place—so what will the consequences be?!

So, by that logic, instead of fighting* and scheming, it's better to cling tightly to the thigh of the principal consort, Jin Jingwen. As long as she remains standing, good days will continue; but if Jin Jingwen is pushed out and someone else takes the Princess Consort's seat, do you expect everyone to be as magnanimous as Jin Jingwen? Haha, stop laughing! If you're not tossed around eight times a day, that's already a discount for you!

The women's minds cleared, and even their demeanor and speech changed; for a moment the entire Gong Wangfu became harmonious, a stark contrast to the chaotic uproar before—truly a heaven versus a hell!

……

The Wangfu is no longer so chaotic, and Jin Jingwen is happy to have her little nephew Jin Liangyu come over to play when she has free time; after all, it's close by, just a turn away, and Jin Jingwen has no worries about her nephew's safety.

Of course, while the entire Gong Wangfu was peaceful, the court, which had been relatively calm, suddenly roiled with a sizable storm! The one capable of stirring such a commotion in all of Dongling was only one person: the number‑one lunatic of Dongling, Pei Yaoguang, Pei Daya!

It turns out, ever since the day he captured Lu Duming, Pei Yaoguang anticipated that his father Lu Shuang would definitely come looking for him. So Pei Yaoguang struck first, outright duping Lu Shuang, and by the time Lu Shuang came to his senses it was already midnight, making any further scheme too late.

Whether Lu Shuang has great ability is another matter, but as a Grand Secretary of the current court, his face still matters. After taking a silent loss at Pei Yaoguang's hands, Lu Shuang didn't give up; that very night he went around looking for people, trying to find a way to get his troublesome son out!

Lu Duming's case is neither huge nor trivial. He's already been seized by the Jingzhao Prefecture, and Pei Yaoguang isn't someone ordinary can provoke. So several ministers familiar with Lu Shuang advised him: since Pei Yaoguang won't speak and Gong Wangfu won't open its doors, they should adopt a retreat‑then‑advance strategy, waiting for tomorrow's morning court to first plead guilt before the Emperor, clarify the matter, and seek leniency.

Upon hearing this, Lu Shuang thought it over and found it reasonable. After all, the current Emperor, though severe, decisive, and quick to kill, is still reasonable as long as the Empress's affairs aren't touched. And Pei Yaoguang is a hard‑hearted, eccentric man; if he gets tangled up, he could do anything!

Lu Shuang is quite self‑aware; even after becoming a Grand Secretary, he knows his limits. So, thinking this way, he indeed acted accordingly, and thereafter stopped the fuss, returned home directly, and waited for tomorrow's morning court to explain everything to the Emperor.

With something on his mind, he went home, and Lu Shuang didn't sleep much. Soon after, before the appointed hour, he got up, dressed neatly, and seeing the time was about right, he headed straight to the palace for the morning court.

Lu Shuang had prepared. He never imagined, even in his dreams, that he would still be a step behind Pei Yaoguang, so that before he could speak, Pei Yaoguang had already stepped forward and impeached him!

Pei Yaoguang usually speaks a bit slowly, sounding like an old master. But when he actually acts, his speed is unstoppable. So before Lu Shuang could recover, Pei Yaoguang was already pouring a heap of filth onto his head!

And that wasn't all; as soon as Pei Yaoguang finished speaking, Lu Shuang, just regaining his senses and about to retort, found Pei Yaoguang suddenly pull out a stack of documents proving Lu Duming's past crimes and hand them directly to Yin Fengzhan.

At that point, Lu Shuang was completely stunned. He had thought he was fully prepared, but little did he know Pei Yaoguang, right after capturing Lu Duming, had already begun releasing people from the Jingzhao Prefecture, collecting Lu Duming's past misdeeds from each household, and writing them down in black and white!

Thus the outcome was predictable: when that stack of Lu Duming's incriminating records was presented, each sheet bearing a victim's name, Yin Fengzhan's previously composed expression instantly darkened, he scanned them one by one, set the stack aside, and without waiting for Lu Shuang to speak, immediately announced the findings.

Lu Duming abused his power, wreaking havoc in the capital; although he didn't kill anyone directly, his actions indirectly caused three families to be ruined and five people maimed—an unforgivable crime, warranting immediate execution without hesitation!

As for Grand Secretary Lu Shuang, although he didn't personally partake, his negligence and lack of discipline entail joint responsibility. Considering his advanced age and his service across three reigns, despite lacking merit, he has endured hardship; thus no punishment was imposed, and he was given a respectable exit, allowing him to voluntarily retire!