CHAPTER 40: CHAPTER 40: BIRTHDAY

Madam Fu continued, "I know about Xiao Fengxing’s matters. Once your father returns, I’ll discuss it with him. Given the circumstances, whether he has sided with the Second Prince or not, we must retreat from this betrothal."

"Entangled with another woman before marriage, what does he take Mingzhu for?" Madam Fu said coldly, "Anyone who follows the rules waits until the main wife has entered the household before taking a concubine, with the main wife’s permission. How audacious of him to secretly meet with another woman after the engagement has been set?"

"Moreover, to be flaunting about at the lantern festival, clearly showing no regard for Mingzhu." Madam Fu felt more irritated the more she thought about it, "Though our family status may not be exceedingly high, we cannot allow him to trample us in such a way."

With Madam Fu’s attitude, Fu Shinian felt reassured.

Fu Shinian had breakfast and then went to the Marquis’ residence.

Once Fu Shinian left, Madam Fu said to Nanny Yu, "Tell your son to find Cheng Da and closely follow Xiao Fengxing, ensuring he’s not discovered. I want to find out which woman is involved with Xiao Fengxing. If we can catch them in the act, it would simplify the betrothal retreat."

"Yes."

*

Fu Shinian went to the Marquis’ residence, and Xiao Yingyue remarked to Fu Shinian with slight discontent, "Why are you only here now?"

"I’m sorry, I drank too much last night, so I woke up late." Fu Shinian said softly.

Xiao Yingyue widened her eyes in surprise, "I saw you only drank two cups last night."

"Just those little two cups." Xiao Yingyue gestured with her hands, "And you managed to get drunk? Your alcohol tolerance is really too poor!"

Fu Shinian: "..."

"Indeed, my alcohol tolerance is not very good," Fu Shinian said helplessly.

"I’ve truly never seen someone with such poor alcohol tolerance." Xiao Yingyue added, "By the way, my birthday is on the 28th of this month; you must come!"

"Alright." Fu Shinian thought, "When is the Marquis’ birthday?"

"I was just about to tell you," Xiao Yingyue said, "My brother’s birthday has always been a low-key affair, just a family dinner."

"After all, the Imperial Physician predicted my brother wouldn’t live past twenty-five. Unlike others, my brother’s birthday truly counts down to his remaining days," Xiao Yingyue said somberly, "For others, it’s a day worth celebrating."

"But for my brother, it is like a death knell. Each passing birthday merely signifies he’s one step closer to departure." Xiao Yingyue expressed, "I don’t know what my brother thinks, but I feel that he’s likely come to terms with it. However, Mother is therefore quite hesitant to celebrate his birthdays."

"Every year, it’s just us celebrating for my brother; we don’t want to make it public," Xiao Yingyue said, "But I see that recently my brother’s health and spirits are much better than before. So, I think that the Imperial Physician’s words may not necessarily be accurate. They are just doctors, not deities; how can they be so certain?"

"Even if we don’t hold a grand celebration this time, we still hope to give my brother a proper and delightful birthday," Xiao Yingyue explained, "It’s the day after tomorrow, Shinian, you must come then."

"Me?" Fu Shinian hesitated, "Didn’t you say you would only have a small family gathering? Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for me to attend?"

"What’s inappropriate? I regard you as my good sister, and Mother is very fond of you. She often says that I’m as restless as a monkey and that she wishes she had a soft-hearted daughter like you," Xiao Yingyue said, "Mother just mentioned that even if we can’t have a big celebration for my brother’s birthday, it shouldn’t just be the three of us like before."

Fu Shinian was surprised by Xiao Yingyue’s words.

Previously, was it really just the old madam, Xiao Chengyu, and Xiao Yingyue celebrating Xiao Chengyu’s birthday together?

Yet, upon reflection, it made sense.

The character of the old concubine, Madam Liu, was something old madam understood well.

And Xiao Fengxing was merely waiting for Xiao Chengyu to pass away swiftly to inherit the title of Marquis.

Who would want to celebrate their son’s birthday with people who wish for his death every day?

"Marquis Changping, having such a desolate birthday celebration is too melancholic, so we’re thinking of inviting a few close friends," Xiao Yingyue explained, "But my brother is so indifferent; he’s not close to anyone. We even called in Jing Lai for questioning and still couldn’t find any friends of my brother’s."

"Thus, Mother suggested inviting you over. We have a good relationship, and you’re not a stranger to my brother," Xiao Yingyue said.

Fu Shinian nodded, "Then I’ll come."

Fu Shinian had already begun pondering what gift to give Xiao Chengyu.

However, Xiao Chengyu was not in residence today.

Before leaving, Fu Shinian went to check on Fu Changqin, who was studying with Mr. Changshan.

Fu Shinian couldn’t help but admire: Xiao Chengyu, truly reliable in his affairs.

Even in his absence, he’d left behind a strikingly mighty man, appearing stern and impartial, unyielding to authority, holding a baton, standing by Fu Changqin’s desk, watching over Fu Changqin’s diligent study.

At that moment, Fu Changqin didn’t even dare to lift his head, naturally unaware of Fu Shinian outside the window.

Witnessing this, Fu Shinian did not disturb them and left with a suppressed smile.

However, upon leaving the Marquis’ residence, she did not return home.

Instead, she directly took a carriage to the Law Temple outside the city.

"Miss, why did you suddenly decide to visit the Law Temple? Is there something you wish to ask for?" Chunmian asked in puzzlement.

"I heard there are two ways to enter the Law Temple." Fu Shinian stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing at the temple nestled amidst the hills.

The temple was partly concealed by verdant trees, and the part exposed appeared solemn and majestic, untouched by mortal concerns.

"Yes, one is the mountain trail for carriages, allowing people to reach the temple gate directly," Chunmian stated.

This mountain trail was built mainly for the ladies of wealthy households.

The ladies feared hardship and would tire easily after walking a few steps, so traveling by carriage directly to the temple gate was more convenient.

"And there is another mountain path," Chunmian said, "It’s said that those who take this path to seek a peace charm will find it exceptionally effective."

This is because climbing this mountain path is challenging.

It is tall and steep.

Not to mention the delicate ladies.

Even the robust commoners who toil daily would find themselves exhausted reaching the top.

But this effort shows sincerity, and naturally, the peace charm obtained is more valuable than those of others.

Fu Shinian exhaled a breath; her knowledge of the future in dreams, allowing her to avoid risks, was it not a sign of divine protection in the shadows?

Therefore, she came with a sincere heart to seek a peace charm for Xiao Chengyu, believing it could surely protect him too.

"Chunmian, you take the carriage to the temple gate," Fu Shinian said, "I’ll walk the path."

"Miss, the path is difficult, how will you manage to climb it?" Chunmian expressed concern.

"Precisely because of that, the peace charm obtained will be more potent, wouldn’t it?" Fu Shinian exhaled a breath, "The Marquis lacks for nothing, all I wish for him is safety."