Hua Xianle

Chapter 17:

Somehow, Yu Ziyuan learned about Hua Ying’s birthday celebration. In truth, that revelation was inevitable given that the Sect Leaders and Heirs of three of the five Great Sects had been invited. The Wens had been left out simply because Hua Ying didn’t know anyone in the Wen Clan to invite. The Jiangs… well, their exclusion was a given. Not that it mattered to Yu-Furen.

The Violet Spider was utterly outraged at the insult. How dare this nobody Hua exclude her family like that?! She had never heard of this Hua family, so they were likely some lowly merchants. Well, she would teach them not to disrespect the Jiang family. She would go to that party and put those lowly peasants in their place. It would be poetic, to bring this haughty family down during the celebration of their pathetic heir.

“A-CHENG! A-LI! PUT ON YOUR BEST CLOTHES! WE ARE GOING TO QINGHE!”

She felt a flicker of pride when her children immediately did as they were told, dressing in their finest robes. That flicker died pretty quickly when she realized that even their best clothes weren't the best quality. They were worn and showed signs of multiple repairs, a result of a lack of merchants who were willing to trade with Yunmeng Jiang.

It was all Fengmian's fault. It had to be. No matter what that fortune teller said, she knew who was truly at fault. Her husband spent more time searching for that damn Wei brat than he did running the sect! He should have just left the brat on the streets the first time and focused more on his own children! Then Lord Black Water wouldn’t have cursed them! Yes, it was Fengmian’s lack of filial loyalty that brought this misfortune upon them!

“Mother, what’s in Qinghe?” Yanli questioned curiously as they prepared to leave.

“Some insignificant merchant family had the audacity to not invite us to the birthday celebration of their Young Master.” Yu-Furen leveled a cold, disappointed glare. “All of the other sect heirs were invited, except for Yunmeng Jiang! Even that useless second Young Master of Qinghe Nie got invited, but not my son?! What were you doing during that Discussion Conference, boy?! HOW HAVE WE NOT EVEN HEARD OF THIS FAMILY UNTIL NOW?!”

Jiang Wanyin shrank in on himself, upset that he’d disappointed his mother. “I- I don’t know, mother. I mean… he’s most likely just some noble brat-”

“ALL THE MORE REASON TO BEFRIEND HIM!” Yu-Furen shrieked. “YOU ARE THE HEIR TO YUNMENG JIANG!! AN ALLIANCE WITH OUR SECT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO ANY NOBLE FAMILY, AND YET YOU ALLOWED THOSE DAMN NIES TO SNAP THEM UP FIRST!”

“There’s still a chance, Mother,” Yanli piped up, eager to get her mother to calm down. “If we show this Hua family the pride of the Jiang, then they will surely seek an alliance.”

“EXACTLY! WE WILL PUT THESE HUAS IN THEIR PLACE AND MAKE THEM BEG FOR FORGIVENESS FOR SNUBBING US. THEN WE WILL SHOW THOSE NIES WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO CROSS YUNMENG JIANG!!” She turned to her two servants, Yinzhu and Jinzhu, both of whom bowed to her immediately. “YOU TWO, ATTEND TO ANY SECT BUSINESS WHILE WE ARE AWAY!! MY USELESS HUSBAND IS OFF ON ANOTHER FRUITLESS SEARCH AND SOMEONE HAS TO MAKE SURE LOTUS PIER DOESN’T FALL TO RUIN!”

The two bowed once more and went to do as they were told, leaving Yu-furen to gather some disciples. Her already foul mood worsened when she found she had to carry her daughter on her sword thanks to her weak core.

…

The whole ride was silent and tense, no one was brave enough to say a word in the presence of the Sect Madame for fear of being screamed at. Not even Jiang Wanyin or Yanli made so much as a sound.

When they arrived in Qinghe, they immediately spotted the newly built manor. The way Yu-Furen eyed the building was akin to a fox watching a hen house. She looked downright predatory, ready to take the Hua family for everything they were worth and then some. They all landed in front of the massive gates as Yu Ziyuan held her head high, preparing to walk right inside without a word.