Yunchu’s Vengeance - Chapter 225
Chapter 225 - Madam Zou's Foul Breath
The carriage traveled smoothly, soon arriving at the Hot Springs Manor.
Now that winter was gradually setting in and the weather grew colder by the day, an increasing number of wealthy and noble families came to soak in the hot springs, leaving many carriages and horses parked outside the manor entrance.
Yun Chu led the two children down from the carriage, while Chu Yi followed behind the three of them, maintaining a small distance.
Just as they were about to step through the main gates of the manor, Cheng Xu suddenly arrived at a breakneck gallop on horseback: "Your Highness, the Bandit King who escaped half a month ago has appeared in the suburban countryside of the capital..."
Chu Yi's hawkish eyes filled with icy coldness: "Just as I stand in need of him, he presents himself."
After taking over the Yun Family Army, he had handed over eight thousand elite bandit-suppression troops. Those eight thousand soldiers were coveted by countless people; it was time to reclaim them.
Since he had resolved to vie for the highest seat of power.
"This Prince shall personally go and meet this Bandit King."
Chu Yi made a gesture toward Yun Chu.
Yun Chu knew that whenever bandits appeared, the common people would suffer, meaning not even a half-minute's delay could be spared.
She gave him a reassuring look.
Chu Yi mounted his horse in one swift motion: "Where in the suburban countryside is he? Lead this Prince there at once!"
Cheng Xu was greatly shocked: "Your Highness, eighteen formidable generals accompany that Bandit King! We must return to the capital and request the Emperor's permission for Your Highness to lead troops..."
"Just you and I are enough."
Chu Yi's horse galloped off ahead at full speed.
Cheng Xu had no choice but to follow.
His heart was trembling slightly.
That was the fierce bandit Yang Hedong, whose name echoed far and wide across the north and south. Once, a thousand-strong peasant army had assembled, only to be wiped out by Yang Hedong and his eighteen formidable generals, leaving rivers of blood in their wake.
There were only two of them—he and His Highness—wasn't this simply offering their heads on a platter?
If only the Prince's Manor still had its guards! Regrettably, after His Highness moved out, he had delivered all the manor guards into the palace.
Why hadn't His Highness sent him away along with them...
Cheng Xu deeply despised himself in his heart—to think that between His Highness's life and his own, he actually chose his own life. How shameful!
"Your Highness, wait for your subordinate!"
Cheng Xu kicked his horse's belly hard, quickly giving chase.
Yun Chu watched Chu Yi seated atop the Ferghana horse. Astride the horse's back, he stood as firm and upright as a mountain, the clip-clop of hooves echoing through the sky. Like a flash of lightning, he swiftly vanished into the desolate early winter wind.
Chu Hongyu clenched his fist and said, "When I grow up, I want to be as formidable as Father!"
Yun Chu gave a gentle smile: "Then you must study well and practice martial arts diligently now, so that in the future, you can protect the common folk just like your father."
Mother and children, hand in hand, walked into the Hot Springs Manor.
Stepping up to the entrance, they were greeted by Tingfrost and Jiu'er, who had come out to receive them.
The current Tingfrost was dressed entirely in the standard attire of a married woman. Her speech and conduct had grown increasingly composed, fully capable of serving as the head housekeeper of this grand manor.
Jiu'er beside her was also vastly different from before. That once thin, frail little girl now had plumped-out cheeks, looking far more cheerful and festive.
"Greetings, Miss."
Tingfrost and Jiu'er bowed in greeting together.
"Miss, everything at the hot springs is prepared. Physician Bi has just arrived as well, so there is no rush."
Yun Chu led the two children inside.
As they walked past the entrance of a small courtyard, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Isn't this Madame Xie?"
"Why still call her Madame Xie? She became a widow long ago after losing her husband, then got kicked out the door by the Xie family. Isn't she an abandoned wife now?"
"Since she was kicked out by the Xie family, why is she still dragging around those concubine-born sons and daughters of the Xie family?"
Several women dressed in lavish, wealthy attire walked over.
Their eyes sized Yun Chu up, sweeping toward the two children at her side.
Fearing large crowds, Chu Changsheng buried herself into Yun Chu's arms.
Chu Hongyu furrowed his brows as he glared at these women who had suddenly popped up out of nowhere, his tiny face drawn tight, looking poised for action.
Yun Chu squeezed Chu Hongyu's hand gently, shielding the little fellow behind her.
Leaving home today, because they were initially accompanied by Chu Yi, she had not brought along those older female servants and guards; the two children only had Ah Mao at their side.
It was only natural that these women failed to recognize the identity of the two children.
"The Yun family is in such a state now, yet Miss Yun still has the mind to bring children to soak in the hot springs?" The leading woman used her handkerchief to cover her lips, smiling as she said, "I must say, Miss Yun truly is a good di mother. No wonder everyone calls you a model among noble ladies."
The speaker could be considered an acquaintance of Yun Chu's.
Back then, Yun Chu was the eldest daughter of the First-Rank General's Manor, while she was merely the daughter of a fourth-rank household. She had tried to curry favor with Yun Chu multiple times, only to be ignored every time.
Later, Yun Chu married into the humble Xie family, while she became the wife of the third-rank Zou family, causing her to laugh for three days and three nights at home.
Now, the Yun family was accused of collaborating with the enemy and committing treason, its grand building on the verge of collapse.
Yun Chu no longer had any backing to rely on.
At long last, she could straighten her back in front of Yun Chu.
A smile curled on Yun Chu's lips: "I nearly failed to recognize you. So it is Madam Zou. So many years have passed—has Madam Zou still not gone to see a doctor?"
Madam Zou's brows furrowed: "See what doctor?"
"Madam Zou has foul breath when speaking. Has no one informed Madam Zou?" Yun Chu sighed. "This illness cannot be delayed. Madam Zou should go see a doctor sooner rather than later."
With that said, holding a child in each hand, she stepped forward and walked away.
It took Madam Zou quite a while to react: "She... she actually said my breath stinks..."
Looking around, she discovered that several women with whom she had good relations were actually pressing their handkerchiefs lightly against their noses, wearing expressions of disgust.
Madam Zou was so enraged her lungs nearly burst.
Yun Chu brought the children to the courtyard reserved exclusively for them before giving instructions: "Tingfrost, from now on, on the first and fifteenth days of every month, do not receive any visiting guests."
Today was her oversight, allowing the two children to run into such an unpleasant scene.
Fortunately, Changsheng had already recovered. Changing into a gauze robe, she played in the hot spring pool together with Hong'er.
Yet the moment Physician Bi appeared, the little girl's face turned pale with fright, turning around to throw herself into Yun Chu's arms, trembling slightly.
Physician Bi smiled bitterly: "Little County Princess, this old man is no fierce beast. After five or six more acupuncture sessions, the County Princess's illness will be mostly cured. Do not fear..."
Yun Chu coaxed softly: "Changsheng, be good. Mother will stay by your side the entire time; do not be afraid."
Chu Hongyu held his younger sister's small hand and said, "Older brother will stay by your side too. Don't be afraid, don't be afraid..."
The little girl gradually ceased her trembling. Emerging from Yun Chu's arms, she took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Mother... Older Brother... I... myself... can do it!"
It took her a long time to say this single sentence before finally completing it.
As she spoke, she walked to a fixed spot in the pool and sat down obediently all by herself.
When Yun Chu went to step over, the little girl shook her head firmly.
Watching the tiny, soft figure sitting all alone in the center of the vast hot spring pool, Yun Chu's heart felt as though it were being squeezed by a giant hand, aching severely.
"Changsheng, you are so amazing," Chu Hongyu gave a thumbs-up. "Older brother believes you can definitely do it alone."
Yun Chu actually wanted very much to stay by her side, but it was rare for the little girl to show such strength; she did not wish to shatter the child's inner strength. Forcing a smile, she said, "Changsheng, Mother will stay right here with you; do not be afraid."
Physician Bi glanced at Yun Chu.
During the last acupuncture session, the Little Heir had addressed her as Auntie Yun.
This time, it had turned into Mother.
It appeared happy news for the Prince's Manor was fast approaching.