Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 93

Today marked the third day since Chi Yan had entered the palace—and also the day he finished the policy exam and was set to return home.
Shen Tangning had just come back from meeting with Lady Chi, who was certain her son had been restless and uneasy in the palace these days, and was fussing over preparing him a lavish dinner.
But Shen Tangning didn’t think Chi Yan would starve or lose sleep. The palace wouldn’t dare mistreat him, after all.
“Master.” Yuan Zhao stood under the eaves, waiting patiently.
Shen Tangning instantly understood, nodding slightly: “Come in and speak.”
Once Yuan Zhao stepped inside and she was seated, she looked at him: “Any leads?”
He nodded, thoughtful. “I found someone—a servant woman through a side door at the Princess’s residence. From her, I learned about the person you mentioned. Her name is Hui Niang. She originally worked in the kitchen stoking fires and cooking, but her skills caught Yun’an Princess’s eye, and she was transferred to serve her personally.”
Shen Tangning’s eyes flickered with contemplation. “Do you think she’s the one we’re after?”
Yuan Zhao hesitated. “Her appearance is marred, and her gender and age match. I’m about eighty to ninety percent sure. But honestly, I’ve washed my hands of this. If I can’t complete the bounty, it’s no big deal. Why do you still persist over some unknown woman?”
She pursed her lips, silent, emotions hidden beneath calm eyes.
She simply felt that in the last life, the Third Prince leaving behind Yuan Zhao might have been more than just because he valued talent.
A disfigured face…
Her pupils suddenly contracted, shock flashing in her eyes.
Though she had no direct memory of the disfigured woman, she vaguely recalled seeing a white-veil-covered woman near the Grand Princess.
Many had speculated about that woman’s identity—some thought she was a beauty the Grand Princess prepared to offer the Emperor—but her age didn’t fit, so the idea was gradually dismissed.
If the woman in Yun’an Princess’s residence was indeed connected to the Grand Princess…
Shen Tangning’s gaze sharpened. Suddenly, she asked, “Is there any way to get her out?”
Yuan Zhao blinked, then understood her intent. His voice grew cautious: “You mean to snatch her from Yun’an Princess?”
He pondered carefully and sighed regretfully, “I caused too much stir when I visited the Princess’s residence earlier. Their defenses are much tighter now. Getting someone out would be quite difficult.”
“Forget it. A forcible grab won’t work.” Shen Tangning dismissed the idea.
Yun’an Princess wouldn’t care about a mere maid’s fate, but losing someone would cause an uproar no one could ignore.
Shen Tangning didn’t mind much herself, but if it caught the Third Prince’s attention, that would be trouble.
So she knew not to rush this matter.
She recalled that day’s scene—the Yun’an Princess’s arrogant temper and Hui Niang’s difficult days at the residence—and thought it better to first contact the Princess herself. If they could coordinate inside and out, this would become much simpler.
She whispered a few words to Yuan Zhao, who nodded and left.
——
When the time came, Chi Yan finally put down his brush, relief clear on his face.
The Emperor glanced down at the paper. Eunuch Fu stepped forward and took the exam script, presenting it to him for inspection.
Chongde Emperor quickly scanned it, his eyes flashing between curiosity and approval.
The ministers below watched carefully, knowing that Chi Yan had passed this crucial test with the Emperor.
After a long pause, the Emperor looked up at Chi Yan, who bowed respectfully, and coldly said, “Next time for the palace exam, I don’t want to see your ugly handwriting again!”
Chi Yan froze for a moment, then inspiration struck. He respectfully cupped his hands and said, “Your subject will practice calligraphy hard when he returns!”
He thought to himself: His Majesty obviously hadn’t seen his earlier handwriting—that was already rapid progress!
Shen Tangning’s foresight was true; otherwise, when the Emperor first saw his script, he might have had him thrown out with the papers!
The ministers exchanged looks, somewhat shocked.
The Emperor was confident Chi Yan could pass the spring imperial exam and take the palace test?
For a moment, everyone’s gaze toward Chi Yan changed. Talent alone wasn’t enough to gain favor in court; many capable young scholars existed, but only a few stood out.
As Chi Yan left the palace, the Chief Administrator of the National Academy approached him.
“Second Young Master Chi, please wait.”
Chi Yan, eager to head home and eat, turned with a polite smile. “Master Administrator.”
Master Chen smiled warmly. “I always thought Second Young Master Chi was very different from rumors. Give it time, and you’ll achieve great things!”
“Oh? You flatter me, Master Administrator…” Chi Yan scratched his head bashfully, eyes hesitant. “But I recall earlier this year I asked to audit classes here at the academy and was refused.”
Master Chen’s smile stiffened. “…Is that so?”
“Perhaps you were busy and forgot? It’s a small matter; I don’t hold it against you!” Chi Yan waved generously.
Master Chen broke into a sweat. “Well, this… this…”
Chi Yan grinned. “Just kidding, just trying to get close to you.”
Master Chen was speechless.
What an unconventional way to cozy up.
…
News spread fast that Chi Yan was laughing and chatting with officials as he left the palace.
When the news reached the Ningyuan Marquis residence, a storm darkened the skies.
Chi Jingyu returned from his duties and was stunned by the solemn faces. “What’s happened this time?”
The matriarch summoned him, frowning tightly: “The Emperor really let Chi Yan go without punishment?”
Chi Jingyu’s eyes flickered with unclear emotion. “I haven’t heard any word of Second Brother being punished.”
The Lady of the Marquis’s face darkened as well.
The matriarch clenched the table edge, her complexion shifting. She muttered in disbelief, “How is that possible? He defied the Emperor, yet the Emperor showed no sign of displeasure?”
Chi Jingyu furrowed his brows. “Grandmother, perhaps Second Brother didn’t cheat, relying on real talent. If you speak without proof, others will start to suspect us.”
More dangerously, they would be speculating on imperial will—a taboo!
The matriarch’s face reddened with shame. She suspected Chi Yan might really be innocent, but refused to accept that the prodigal son could actually amount to something.
Earlier, when news of the family split leaked, outsiders praised her for cutting ties without hesitation. Now, if they found out, wouldn’t they say she was blind, mistaking a pearl for a worthless stone?
Chi Jingyu’s tired gaze showed as he said, “Grandmother, Mother, I opposed the split from the start. Since you insisted, fine. Now that it’s done, let’s just live our own lives in peace and avoid causing trouble.”
Both women scowled.
Was he blaming them?
They only did it for his future!
Watching Chi Jingyu leave, the matriarch angrily clutched her chest, “Is this the good son you raised?”
The Lady of the Marquis felt equally aggrieved, “Mother, Jingyu isn’t wrong. You were the one who insisted on the split!”
“……”