Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 152

Chapter 152: Madam Jin Takes an Adopted Daughter

Madam Jin took the New Year’s tribute away and immediately had Cao Yunnian deliver it to Governor Zhang’s Residence.

When Governor Zhang saw the tribute, his face flushed with excitement. He clapped Cao Yunnian on the shoulder and repeatedly ordered people to invite the finest master craftsman. No matter what, this embroidery had to be mounted with the utmost meticulousness. “Brother Cao, rest assured. I will clearly explain the origin of this embroidery. The credit that belongs to you and Madam Jin will certainly not be omitted.”

Cao Yunnian said nothing, yet there was a lightness in his step when he returned to his residence. Supporting Madam Jin as they strolled through the garden, he told her all that had happened that day.

Previously, Concubine Wang’s provocation had indeed stirred a knot of displeasure in his heart. But one fit of anger from him had made Madam Jin grieve for several days, even to the point of saying she would sever ties with the Jin family in Xiling. Later, when he personally heard how arrogant Concubine Wang had been behind their backs, he realized he had strayed into a blind alley of his own making. It had taken him many days of careful coaxing before Madam Jin finally softened.

Afterward, seeing how difficult it was for her to carry two lives in one body, his earlier conduct weighed on him all the more. These days, whenever official affairs allowed, he returned to keep Madam Jin company. The affection between husband and wife had quietly deepened.

Hearing Cao Yunnian praise the New Year’s tribute, Madam Jin could not help mentioning Mu Yunyao. “That girl is not only intelligent and refined, but also steady and methodical in all she does. You do not know this, but over these days, every time I went to see her, she seemed thinner than before. It truly made one’s heart ache to look at her.”

“Considering how much effort she put into completing this New Year’s tribute, she must have labored day and night. Strictly speaking, most of the good fortune we have had these past six months has come thanks to her. I was thinking that, with the New Year approaching, we ought to prepare a generous gift and properly thank her.”

“This gift naturally must be sent. But look at Niyun Pavilion and Buxian Tower now. Which one is not earning money hand over fist? How much would we need to send for it to count as generous?”

“Then what does Madam think we should do?”

“Su Qing and I are of similar age, and I have always liked Yunyao very much. In my heart, I have long regarded her as a close junior. Over this past half year, we have benefited from her more than once. I was thinking that I might as well recognize her as my God Daughter. From now on, we sisters can look after each other as family. That way, if anything happens to her in Jingling City, it will be more proper and justified for us to take care of her.”

Cao Yunnian thought for a moment. “Madam’s idea is excellent. However, Mu Yunyao has only just received imperial rewards. Niyun Pavilion and Buxian Tower both hang golden signboards personally bestowed by the Emperor, and even the governor’s wife treats her with great regard. If we rashly recognize her as our God Daughter, might she think we have ulterior motives?”

“If it were anyone else, I truly would not dare say this. But with Mu Yunyao, I can be certain she absolutely will not think that way. That child has a mind as clear and delicate as carved jade. She handles matters thoroughly and thoughtfully, and she has treated me with genuine sincerity. Just take the child in my womb. Without her, I fear I would not have been able to keep him.”

Seeing Madam Jin’s expression dim with the thought, Cao Yunnian hurried to comfort her. “Since Madam is so certain, I naturally have no objections. A few days ago, when we invited a physician to check your pulse, it was roughly confirmed that the child in your womb is male. Now, if we recognize Mu Yunyao as our God Daughter, we may be considered to have both son and daughter.”

Madam Jin smiled. “Then tomorrow I shall go to the Su Residence and discuss this properly with Su Qing, then ask Yunyao’s opinion as well. Although she will be a God Daughter, I still want to treat her like my own daughter. When she reaches coming of age and marries, we must help her choose a good family and prepare a generous dowry.”

“Very well. Everything shall be as Madam says.”

That day, Mu Yunyao was still lazily curled up on the soft couch when Si Qin came in quickly. “Greetings, Miss. Madam Jin has arrived. She is speaking with Madam now. Madam sent this servant to invite Miss over.”

“It is snowing lightly today. The weather is cold and the roads are slippery. Why has Madam Jin come over?” Mu Yunyao rose. Jin Lan had already brought over a cloak edged with rabbit fur. After putting it on, she carried an umbrella and made her way to the warm room in the front courtyard.

Madam Jin was speaking with Su Qing, her face full of smiles. Hearing Si Qi announce Yunyao’s arrival, she immediately looked toward the doorway.

The curtain was lifted, and Mu Yunyao stepped inside with light, graceful steps. She wore a cloak embroidered with immortal crane patterns and edged with rabbit fur. As she walked, the red pomegranate blossoms embroidered on the skirt beneath could be faintly glimpsed. The moment she entered, she carried with her a brilliant smile, making those who saw her unconsciously lift the corners of their lips as well.

Mu Yunyao handed her cloak to Si Qi, then stepped forward and curtsied. “Greetings, Madam Jin. Greetings, Mother.”

“Quickly, rise.” Madam Jin gestured for Mu Yunyao to come forward. Feeling that her fingers were somewhat cold, she quickly placed the hand warmer she held into Yunyao’s hands before finally relaxing. “Seeing that you look much more lively these past two days, I can finally be at ease.”

“Madam has been sending supplements over for me, and Mother stews them for me every day. I am worried that in a few more days, I shall become as round as a ball.”

Round as a ball?

Madam Jin was amused by Mu Yunyao and laughed for quite a while before finally stopping. “I came today because there is an important matter I wish to discuss with Younger Sister Su and you.”

“Has something gone wrong with the New Year’s tribute?” Mu Yunyao’s heart immediately tightened.

“That New Year’s tribute is so good that even the pickiest person would likely be unable to find the slightest flaw. How could there be a problem with it?” Madam Jin said, then looked toward Su Qing. “Younger Sister Su, we have known each other for half a year now. After spending so much time together, you should also understand my temperament. I will speak plainly.”

Su Qing could not help feeling somewhat nervous. “Madam, please speak.”

“During this period, Yunyao has helped me again and again. Whether it was the butterfly-attracting dress at the beginning, the rose fragrance dew recipe that later helped me earn a great deal of silver, diagnosing the hidden problem with my health and helping untie a knot in my heart that had lasted for years, or the recent credit from spreading the embroidery techniques and working day and night to complete the New Year’s tribute… I am endlessly grateful to Yunyao.”

Seeing that Su Qing was anxious and about to decline, Madam Jin held her hand and gently soothed her before continuing. “And with you, Younger Sister, I also feel a natural affinity. These past few months, if not for your wholehearted care, I do not know how my child and I would have fared. I remember all of these kindnesses. If I were to send gifts, no matter how generous they were, they could never express even a fraction of my gratitude. So I was thinking, why not recognize Yunyao as my God Daughter? From now on, we can look after each other like true sisters, and you will have someone to rely on here in Jingling City.”

“You… Madam wishes to recognize Yao’er as your God Daughter?” Su Qing was rather surprised.

“Yes. That is precisely why I came today—to discuss it with you. I only wonder whether you can bear to part with her.”

Joy rose in Su Qing’s heart. “If there is one more person to love Yao’er, how could I be unwilling?”

Madam Jin immediately smiled. “That is good. Such an obedient daughter—honestly, I was afraid you would be reluctant to share her. Yao’er, what do you think?”

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