Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1223 - 513: The Outbreak of War (Part 2)

Xiang Wei’s face changed dramatically: "You dreamed about it?" Yueyao’s dreams almost always come true.

Yueyao didn’t know why, but she suddenly started laughing: "Do I need to dream about it? You can guess it easily! I have to deliver the memorial to Niu Yanghui, and let him rush it to the Capital City." Only through the post station can the letter be returned to the Capital City with the fastest speed.

Niu Yanghui didn’t return to the inner courtyard; he was in the study in the front courtyard. Yueyao went directly to the front courtyard.

The young servant outside the courtyard was very surprised to see Yueyao, but didn’t hesitate to go inside to report to Niu Yanghui.

Niu Yanghui personally came out and welcomed Yueyao into the study.

This was Yueyao’s first time visiting Niu Yanghui’s study. The study was elegantly arranged, but Yueyao’s expression dimmed as she looked around.

Niu Yanghui pointed to a painting on the wall and said with a smile: "You should recognize this painting, shouldn’t you?"

Yueyao smiled and said: "How could I not recognize my teacher’s work? It’s a pity my teacher is now old and frail, and can no longer paint." A painter not being able to hold a brush is the greatest sorrow. But there’s no avoiding it; everyone ages, and she too will face that day in the future.

Niu Yanghui sighed lightly and said regretfully: "Indeed! It’s as impossible as ascending to heaven to find a painting by Mr. Yu Shan nowadays!"

Yueyao was quite generous: "I still have several of my teacher’s paintings with me. If you like, you can pick one later." Seeing Niu Yanghui shaking his head, Yueyao laughed and said: "I treat my brother-in-law as family, that’s why I’m not being formal with you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have moved my entire household here with all four kids." She’s been living in Suzhou with her four children for so long, everything from food, clothing, housing, and transportation is the best, and not to mention paying silver, Yueyao hasn’t even brought up the topic of silver.

Niu Yanghui laughed and said: "Since you put it that way, I won’t be polite then."

Yueyao handed her written memorial of apology to Niu Yanghui: "Brother-in-law, help me look over it and see if there are any aspects that need revising." Yueyao is an Imperial Decree Lady, and her memorial of apology is directly submitted to the Empress. This is the first time in two lifetimes that Yueyao has written such a memorial.

Niu Yanghui took the memorial and read it carefully. There’s no need to speak of Yueyao’s literary talent, it doesn’t need any revision, though some minor aspects need correcting, like certain words that are taboo. In this regard, Niu Yanghui is an expert.

After discussing the memorial of apology, Yueyao’s expression returned to calmness as she said: "Brother-in-law, if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk with you."

Niu Yanghui’s expression was a bit unnatural; after all, discussing family matters in the inner courtyard with his sister-in-law always felt awkward. If it were someone else, he would surely ask them to leave immediately. But with Yueyao, how should he put it, he was actually somewhat intimidated by her. Even if he’s doing well, he’s still dwarfed in front of Yueyao.

Yueyao said: "I want to talk to you about Sister Mingzhu. I think her current state of mind is quite inappropriate, have you noticed?"

Niu Yanghui was very surprised; he thought Yueyao would accuse him of being a heartless man, but Yueyao actually wanted to discuss Mingzhu’s state of mind.

Seeing Niu Yanghui’s expression, Yueyao felt a bit speechless. Does Niu Yanghui think she’s silly and foolish? She talks so frankly with Mingzhu because of their decades-long relationship, so she doesn’t hold back. But what is her relationship with Niu Yanghui, merely brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and not even blood-related? How could she possibly speak so plainly?

Yueyao’s thoughts inadvertently misunderstood Niu Yanghui. Niu Yanghui only believed that Yueyao was particularly protective of Mingzhu, and the concubine matter surely angered Yueyao, causing her to naturally be very mad at him.

Yueyao said: "When Sister Mingzhu went to Yangzhou in April, I heard her say more than once that she’s getting old, frequently mentioning wrinkles between her brows, and even envying my ability to maintain youthfulness without showing age. Brother-in-law, has Sister Mingzhu ever said anything like this to you?"

Niu Yanghui nodded and said: "Yes." It wasn’t merely yes; it had practically become Mingzhu’s catchphrase. He heard it so often he developed calluses in his ears, and during their numerous quarrels, Mingzhu always accuses him of finding her old and unattractive. Of course, these words couldn’t be said to Yueyao.

Yueyao looked at Niu Yanghui and said: "Then do you know why she keeps saying such things?"

Niu Yanghui was stunned speechless; he hadn’t really considered this question. After a long while, Niu Yanghui finally asked: "Why?"

Yueyao sighed slightly: "Because she is afraid."

Niu Yanghui exclaimed: "Afraid? Afraid of what?"

Yueyao actually felt somewhat relieved inside, seeing Niu Yanghui’s expression indicated that the situation wasn’t as bad as Mingzhu described. At least for now, Niu Yanghui’s feelings for Mingzhu are still deep: "She fears losing her looks, and thus you will seek young and beautiful women. Reality has proven her fears have already turned into reality."