Chapter 50
Adding in the time taken for the journey and all sorts of polite exchange of words, by the time Ran Yan exited the Zhang residence, it was already close to noon. She immediately rushed without stopping to rest to Heavenly Fragrance Tower.

Ran Yunsheng was reading in a private room upstairs. His slender fingers held a yellowing scroll. A little manservant served by his side.

Ran Yunsheng heard footsteps, thus placed down his book. He saw Ran Yan looking travel worn[1] and walking in under the guidance of the waiter. Carrying an indulgent smile, he lifted his head and said, “What are you rushing for? I don’t have anything to do, there’s no harm in waiting longer.”

“Wasting other people’s time is a disgraceful thing to do.” Ran Yan sat on the seat beside him. She would always unconsciously relax in front of Ran Yunsheng. Ran Yunsheng gave people the impression that he had the image of a friendly and gentle next-door older brother. Although this older brother looked a little devilish[2].

Ran Yunsheng saw that fine beads of sweat had seeped out onto Ran Yan’s fair forehead and the tip of her nose, thus fished out a handkerchief from his sleeves and wiped it for her.

Ran Yan’s whole body tensed up. She immediately snatched the handkerchief, buried her head and wiped herself on her own. She felt that this type of intimate actions should only appear between lovers, thus she felt uncomfortable all over. She secretly felt that she had become more and more easily frightened. This… is entirely the fault of Sang Chen that damn rabbit. As people say, he who touches ink will be blackened[3], he had definitely infected her.

Ran Yunsheng’s gaze fell on Ran Yan’s sparkling and translucent ears that were flushed red and gradually became a little dazed. When did that timid young girl that used to follow behind him grow into this devastatingly beautiful woman. After separating for two years, she already ceased to rely on him any longer. Without knowing the reason why, a faint sense of loss appeared at the bottom of Ran Yunsheng’s heart.

The private room temporarily sank into silence. The sound of the waiter knocking on the door interrupted their contemplation, “The dishes Master ordered have already been prepared. When should we serve them?”

Ran Yunsheng regained his state of mind and said, “Serve them now.”

“Not meeting for two years, I don’t know if Ah Yan’s preferences has changed or not. I just ordered a few dishes based on your previous preferences.” Ran Yunsheng leaned on the windowsill, his handsome face carrying a gentle smile. Shining through the fine bamboo curtains, the bright sunlight fell on the elegant curve of his jaw, just like pure and limpid fine jade.

The waiter that came in to serve the food was momentarily stunned.

Just based on facial features, Ran Yan was equally matched with Ran Yunsheng. However, because Ran Yan’s demeanour was overly cold[4], other people would not notice her at a glance.

Ran Yunsheng frowned faintly. The little manservant beside him wanted to open his mouth to remind the waiter, but a burst of clamour suddenly started downstairs.

The waiter abruptly regained his senses. He deferentially placed down the dishes and withdrew rapidly.

Ran Yunsheng walked towards the front windows and drew open the bamboo curtains to look down at the main hall.

Ran Yan heard the sounds of crying, scolding, porcelain breaking and furniture smashing on the ground from downstairs. There were also the sounds of the crowd discussing spiritedly, as if it were the early morning food market. How lively. Thus, she moved closer with curiosity as well.

Through the gap in the bamboo curtains that were drawn open, she saw a middle-aged woman[5] wearing a grey muslin cloak standing in the main hall with her hands on her hips and one foot stepping on a small, skinny man lying on the ground, “Tell me, where did this old woman injure you! Little bastard, you wish to swindle this old woman’s money! Has your brain been dug up by a pig or do your dog-eyes grow on the soles of your feet[6]!”

As the woman’s back was facing Ran Yan, she could only see her manner of dressing and her plump but not fat figure. That small, skinny man firmly stepped under her foot was crying with a face full of snot and tears. His whole body trembled as he accused her, “Just now at the shop entrance, you kicked me up the steps with one leg. My waist and buttocks still hurt. I merely opened my mouth to ask for some money to treat my wounds, even if you do not want to give it, there’s no need to beat someone to the verge of death, right? There are still elders and children in my family. If I died, what will happen to my son and my elderly mother!”

Saying that, he gave a heart-tearing and lung-splitting wail.

The surrounding crowd discussed spiritedly. When the woman chased the man in just now, the crowd still had lingering fears towards that hot, ruthless expression. Therefore, many people internally believed the man’s words.

The woman’s long, shapely eyebrows rose up. She bent her waist and grabbed hold of the man’s clothes. Before the spectating crowd could react, they heard a few ripping sounds. Unexpectedly, it was the small, short man’s clothes at his buttocks that were torn apart into pieces, exposing two segments of smooth buttocks devoid of any injuries.

The main hall was silent for a breath. Suddenly, the whole room roared with laughter and pointed at those bare buttocks. A few meddlesome people even whistled. At this time, the crowd also knew that this person wanted to extort money. Southern women were usually reserved and gentle. Being bothered by this type of people, they would not dare to publicise it and could only silently give up their money. Only, this person was unlucky and just had to encounter someone difficult.

The middle-aged woman said sinisterly[7], “Where else is injured? This old woman will examine closely for you!”

That small, skinny man’s complexion turned green. He struggled to escape, but was firmly stepped on by that woman’s leg and could not move an inch.

Ran Yan looked at that bold and vigorous woman and smiled slightly. Just as she was planning to withdraw, she heard a crash from the main hall. A porcelain bowl shattered in front of a middle-aged man, the wine splashing on the ground, “What are you looking at? Go back home and look at your old mother!”

That person’s gaze had been discourteously wandering about her ample chest and buttocks. The woman’s rage soared, revealing a bandit-like aura.

The middle-aged man heard these denigratory[8] words and immediately stood up with murderous anger.

Confronting a seven-foot tall large man, the middle-aged woman had no trace of fear. With a swish, she pulled out a pair of one-foot long sabres[9]and violently stabbed them into the low table in front of the large man. All the noise in the main hall fell silent in an instant. The atmosphere was tense, ready to be triggered at any moment.

The shape of sabres in the Tang Dynasty were similar to swords[10], slender and straight, the tip of the blade sharp. The Japanese katana was extremely similar to the Tang Dynasty’s sabre.

The middle-aged man looked at the sabres humming on the low table. His complexion changed drastically.

During the Zhenguan period, military force was still held in esteem, and people could carry double-edged swords. In order to demonstrate their status or reflect a graceful bearing, the land-owning class or influential nobles would sometimes carry a long sword. However, only government intermediaries[11] are allowed to use sabres.

“Miss Shu!”

Just as the atmosphere was oppressed to its peak, a grey little manservant suddenly rushed in from the entrance. Following behind him were 7-8 strong men dressed in outfits designed for nimble movements, each of them carrying a long sword at their waist, emitting a fear-inducing baleful air.

The little manservant saw the complete disarray the room was in, as well as the two sabres stuck in the table. With one hand, he fished out a handkerchief to wipe his brow drenched with sweat, with the other hand he reached forward to pull the woman, “Miss Shu, we should return!”

Miss Shu violently shook him off. Still burning in a frenzy of rage, she said, “Don’t pull me. Wait for me to castrate that person who ate the gall bladder of a leopard[12] and dared to peek at this old woman! When this old woman was playing with sabres in Wagang Fort[13], he was still drinking milk in his mother’s bosom! When this old woman was killing people, he was still playing with his balls[14]! Daring to try to take advantage of this old woman’s body, if he isn’t castrated, it will be unfair towards this old woman’s lifelong reputation!”

Wagang Fort… That middle-aged man stood blankly and did not apologise. Miss Shu thought it was a provocation, scarcely realising that the other had already been scared silly already.

“Let’s go! This little one begs you! Master is looking for you!” The little manservant shouted while using all his strength to drag Miss Shu against her will towards the outside.

Miss Shu heard “Master” this word, her expression relaxed slightly, as if she feared that “Master”. Even though she was a little unwilling, she still followed the little manservant outside, muttering, “He is now well in his twenties already, and doesn’t need feeding milk, what is he looking for me all day long for…”

The little manservant’s complexion darkened, saying nervously, “An offence, an offence, you go back and say these words in front of Master, this little one did not hear anything… not a single word!”

These words were heard by Ran Yan without missing a word, with a pffftt she burst into laughter. This Miss Shu really was too entertaining.

“Looking at her, she probably isn’t past 30 years old. From the Sui dynasty until the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, till the Zhenguan period[15], at the very least it has been 26-27 years already. Is she really from Wagang Fort?” Ran Yunsheng said.

Ran Yan did not reply. This Miss Shu’s physique was well maintained, one was unable to tell how old she was, but both her hands were equally nimble and strong, maybe because she usually used two sabres and practiced till such. In that instant she brandished the sabres, the killing intent she emitted was terrifying. Even though it was just a single instant, Ran Yan had the illusion of smelling a bloody scent.

The 7-8 strong men in the hall that came with the little manservant busied about the main hall in an orderly manner, some collected the sabres, some paid for damages. It was clear that they were used to dealing with the aftermath, their actions extremely smooth.

Ran Yunsheng saw Ran Yan’s flowery smile, his mood brightened. Just as he let the bamboo curtains drop, someone knocked on the door.

Ran Yunsheng indicated for the little manservant to open the door, before returning with Ran Yan to sit at their seats.

The door to the private room opened and a handsome male wearing light blue traditional Chinese clothing rushed before Ran Yan in one big stride, saying anxiously, “Seventeenth Miss, you really wish to break the engagement?”

Ran Yan jumped with sudden fright. Composing herself, she looked and saw that it was actually Fourth Master Qin. He appeared a lot more haggard compared to a few days ago, his whole body reeked of alcohol, no longer resembling his usual pure and handsome looks. His eyes stared at her unwaveringly, concealing a vicious intent, seeming as if once Ran Yan answered “Yes”, he would immediately end both of them in mutual destruction[16].

“Who are you?” Ran Yunsheng’s expression turned cold. He raised his hands slightly and gestured. Four strong men entered from somewhere outside, their imposing manner not losing the slightest to Miss Shu’s group from before.

Qin Musheng turned towards Ran Yunsheng and saw that handsome face. He was first startled slightly, before shortly questioning in a rage, “You want to break our engagement just because of this devilish person that looks neither male or female?”

Ran Yan was immediately displeased, and said coldly, “Please speak a little more respectfully! How is my Tenth Older Brother not male or female, how is he devilish! Fourth Master Qin, please think before you speak!”

Ran Yunsheng had a bitter taste in his mouth, but his heart swelled with both pain and warmth. In the past, there were people who said that to his face, but he would always choose to turn a deaf ear. However, today it was his younger sister whom he had always protected under his wings who stuck up for him.

“Tenth Master Ran?” Qin Musheng started slightly and sobered up from his tipsiness. He felt Ran Yan’s ill gaze and quickly said, “I am sorry, just now I, I was muddle-headed from jealousy and misspoke for a moment. Ah Yan, I really didn’t do it intentionally.”

What was Qin Musheng’s personality like, the whole Suzhou City knew. Although he had a bad temper, but towards beautiful women he always had boundless indulgence. He could fawn on beauties to win their favour without considering the price. In the past, in order to pursue Sixth Miss Qi, he could stake a thousand gold pieces at one go or place his dignity under his feet and allow the noble ladies to make fun of him as much as they liked, yet he would never get angry.

Ran Yan summed up his personal conduct to one sentence: As long as it was a beautiful woman, everything can be forgiven.

Ran Yan was initially repelled by him. Originally, because she was tied down by the engagement, she had no choice but to leave a little leeway. Whereas now, it seemed like the Ran residence had already broke off the engagement. She would be a fool not to quickly wash herself clear from their relationship.

“The marriage was set by my a’ye, I did not object. Now the marriage is also broken by him, as before, I will not object.” Ran Yan’s words were very clear. If you have any matters, go and find Ran Wen, it has absolutely nothing to do with me.

These words also let Ran Yunsheng understand the situation. He felt a sudden burst of anger in his heart. Qin Musheng had liked visiting brothels since he was 14-15 years old. There were also many girls from respectable families who he had fooled around with in adolescence. It was quite possible that right now he even has an illegitimate son being raised outside. With the Ran family’s status, Seventeenth Miss’s talents and looks, any good young man would be unworthy her, yet she was to be defiled by such a person! It need not be said, this was definitely that Madam Gao’s idea as well!

“Fourth Master Qin, since my Uncle has already broken off the engagement, don’t entangle yourself with Ah Yan anymore, otherwise others would look down on you.” Ran Yunsheng usually gentle voice appeared a little cold and hard.

Qin Musheng sneered, filled with viciousness, “Look down? In Suzhou City, who doesn’t look down on me right now? If it weren’t for a’ye still holding an official’s post, I fear that they would have trampled on my head already! It’s all because of that damned Yin residence setting me up. Yin Miao-miao hates me, it must be her doing!”

Qin Musheng completely blamed the set up as the cause for the contempt from others. On the surface, it was true that since Han Shan died, others had shunned him like he was a snake or scorpion. However, little did he imagine that the people looking down on him now, had already secretly looked down on him long before this, and it was all his own fault.

Ran Yan only cared about the last sentence, her brows wrinkled, “Miao-miao hates you, why?”

***

T/N: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
In regards to translation speed, I do try to upload one chapter a week, but sometimes I am genuinely too busy or tired to do it, and admittedly sometimes it’s just because I want to lie down and watch a movie or binge read novels that other people have translated.
I appreciate that you guys are being so patient and still reading this novel despite the slow updates. I’ll try to update more consistently >.<

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[1]风尘仆仆: covered in dust/travel worn

[2]妖孽: evildoer, sb. connected with misfortune. Probably referring to RYS’s feminine appearance – a lot of evil villains are associated with a feminine image (slyness, slanted eyes, high pitched laughter, heavy makeup, long nails..)

[3]近墨者黑: full saying is 近朱者赤,近墨者黑 He who handles vermilion will be reddened, he who touches ink will be blackened. Meaning you are influenced by the company you keep.

[4]沉冷: I’m not sure how to convey the nuances in this word. 沉means submerged/deep. 冷means cold. I think the author is trying to convey that Ran Yan’s cold beauty is the type that is contained/hidden and not outstanding at first glance.

[5]妇人: furen – married woman. But as she is later addressed as Miss Shu, one can infer that she is not actually married.

[6]脑子被猪拱了，还是狗眼长在脚底板上: basically she’s cursing him and asking if he’s stupid or blind. Pigs and dogs are lowly creatures and often used to swear at people.

[7]阴测测: couldn’t find a translation/definition for this phrase

[8]lit. face-damaging. Words that damage his reputation, causing him to lose face.

[9]刀: Dao are single-edged Chinese swords, primarily used for slashing and chopping. The most common form is also known as the Chinese sabre, although those with wider blades are sometimes referred to as Chinese broadswords. In China, the dao is considered one of the four traditional weapons, along with the gun (stick or staff), qiang (spear), and the jian (sword). It is considered “The General of All Weapons”. Dao are usually curved from the Song Dynasty onwards, but in the Tang Dynasty it is a straight single edged sword as seen in the picture below.

[10]剑: Jian is a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China. Historical one-handed versions have blades varying from 45 to 80 centimeters (18 to 31 inches) in length. There are also larger two-handed versions used for training by many styles of Chinese martial arts.

[11]公门中人: Not sure if I translated it correctly. 公门 means official institution/government office in feudal China/yamen. 中人 means go-between / mediator / intermediary.

[12]雄心豹子胆: lit ambitious leopard’s gall bladder. Used to signify that the person is overly bold/courageous.

[13]瓦岗寨: Wagangzhai. (zhai means stockade/stronghold/stockaded village). Place where the mass uprising at the end of the Sui dynasty happened. Wikipedia link about the Wagang army

[14]掏着裤裆玩儿蛋: a crude way of saying he was very young

[15]The Wagang uprising started in 611.Sui Dynasty ended 618 AD. The first emperor of the Tang Dynasty ruled from 618-626. The Zhenguan period (rule of the second emperor) is from 626-649.

[16]同归于尽一般: to die in such a way that sb (or sth) else also perishes / to take sb down with oneself / to end in mutual destruction