CHAPTER 217

After about fifteen minutes, Ji Yunyao came out of the study.

The servant guarding the door cautiously glanced at Ji Yunyao's expression out of the corner of his eye, his mind filled with questions.

Ji Yunyao was deeply favored by the old patriarch of the family. Even the current patriarch, her own father, didn't shower him with as much favor. Ji Yunyao's rise to her current position was largely due to the support of the old patriarch.

With this sudden punishment, the more astute servants in the Ji household began to speculate. Could it be that Ji Yunyao has fallen out of favor, and there will be a change in the family's heir? After all, the current patriarch still had other children. Although they were illegitimate, did that really matter when it came down to it? In ancient times, there was even the struggle for the throne among the emperor's sons.

It's a pity that Miss Ji is a girl. If she were a boy, the Ji family would have been under her control long ago. There would be no need to worry about her position being unstable.

As the servant pondered in secret, he suddenly collided with Ji Yunyao's cold gaze.

Startled, the servant almost cried out in surprise. He took a step back, drenched in cold sweat from the scare.

Ji Yunyao returned to the ancestral hall and knelt down once again.

Her back was straight, her eyes solemn, and she stared fixedly at the dark wooden tablets.

A person quietly approached the entrance of the ancestral hall. The old patriarch, who rarely moved around, leaned on his cane and stood at the entrance, silently observing for a while before leaving.

Ji Yunyao maintained her kneeling posture, motionless.

......

Qin Yinong returned and told Tang Ruoyao about what she had heard at the banquet. Tang Ruoyao shared her astonishment and expressed concern for Qin Yinong, saying, "Will this affect your relationship with the Ji family?"

Qin Yinong thought to herself, "You're really protective to such an extent. Ji Yunyao is being held in confinement, and yet you're worried that I might be implicated."

"It shouldn't, my relationship with the Ji family was never close to begin with." Qin Yinong chuckled and continued, "Besides, even if it does involve me, will it erase my name from the family tree or stop the Ji family blood flowing in my veins?"

Apart from the day she went to the old mansion to acknowledge her ancestry, Qin Yinong only met with the Ji family during the annual family banquet. Just like every other year, the old patriarch didn't even spare her a glance.

As for Ji Yunyao's father, Ji Zhang, when Ji Shulan eloped from home, Ji Zhang was still young. Several decades had passed, and he no longer even remembered Ji Shulan, let alone her daughter, who was supposedly "accidentally deceased."

However, his expression wasn't great when he had his meal today. It's probably because of Ji Yunyao. His other sons and daughters, on the other hand, seemed to be in high spirits, with smiles on their faces. Although they tried to conceal it, they couldn't hide it from Qin Yinong's eyes.

Ji Yunyao's siblings were undoubtedly the happiest about her punishment and confinement.

The designated heir wasn't someone who had already inherited the position of Ji family patriarch and could be easily replaced. Ji Yunyao was high above, with exceptional talent. She was like a well-oiled machine, surpassing her peers. Now she had actually destroyed herself and fell into their hands. It was a wasted opportunity for them, after so many years in the Ji family.

Ji Yunyao was in trouble.

Qin Yinong frowned and said, "I owe her a big favor."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Can you repay it?"

Qin Yinong honestly replied, "Perhaps I can't." With her help regarding Li Yichuan last time, she already owed two favors. Even if she said a lot of good things in front of Ningning, it wouldn't be enough.

Tang Ruoyao shrugged helplessly and said, "Then don't repay it."

Just like having many lice doesn't make you itchy, having many debts doesn't make you worry. That's what Qin Yinong had taught her.

Qin Yinong looked at her for a moment, then smiled and said, "I also think that way, but we still need to cook a few good dishes."

.....

At exactly six o'clock in the morning, Ji Yunyao finally released the tension she had been holding. Her body swayed imperceptibly, and she slowly stood up, using one hand to support herself, biting her lower lip.

Her joints felt like rusty gears, each bite making her teeth exert a little more force.

Her ears suddenly twitched, and a pair of icy cold eyes swept towards the entrance.

A tall and upright young man stood there, a year or two older than Ji Yunyao, with a handsome and refined face.

Ji Yunyao saw that face, which bore some resemblance to her own, with a slight smile at the corner of his lips. She asked, "Big brother, why are you up so early?"

The eldest brother of the Ji family smiled warmly, genuine concern evident in his eyes. He said, "I heard that sister was punished to kneel. I was worried about you, so I came to check on you."

Ji Yunyao smiled and asked, "Did you see it?"

Ji's eldest brother became even more worried and said, "You're a delicate young lady. Kneeling for a whole day and night, who knows if it will leave any underlying health issues." He spoke with concern, but his tone showed no hint of compassion, only a sense of schadenfreude.

If there really were any health issues, he would immediately buy fireworks to celebrate.

Ji Yunyao acted as if she didn't notice and said casually, "Brother, please call a doctor for me."

Ji's eldest brother: "..."

After exchanging a few words with him, Ji Yunyao's legs were almost able to walk. She lifted her small legs and walked out of the ancestral hall without changing her expression. As she passed by the young man, she lightly said, "If big brother is so curious about whether there will be any underlying health issues, why don't you kneel and find out?"

Regardless of how wonderful the young man's expression might be, Ji Yunyao didn't even glance at him and returned to her room.

Shortly after, a servant knocked on the door and said the doctor had arrived.

Ji Yunyao put away the box and placed it in a drawer, then said in a deep voice, "Come in."

Ji Yunyao may appear pampered, but her endurance was much stronger than that of an ordinary person. As the doctor massaged and relieved the blood stasis in her knee, she didn't even bat an eyelid, continuing to flip through a book in her hand.

The doctor finished the treatment and silently left. Ji Yunyao finished reading her book and continued to gaze out the window absentmindedly, lost in her thoughts.

Leaves rustled.

The mobile phone placed on the bedside cabinet vibrated.

Ji Yunyao casually picked it up and when she saw the caller ID, a hint of unconscious warmth appeared in her eyes.

She answered and casually said, "Little aunt."

Qin Yinong immediately seized the opportunity and said, "Ningning says she misses you and asks when you'll have time to come over for a meal."

Ji Yunyao pretended to be resentful and said, "Is it only Ningning who misses me?"

Qin Yinong replied calmly, "My mom misses you too."

Ji Yunyao was taken aback and suddenly burst into laughter, unable to stop herself.

Tang Ruoyao, who was sharing a pair of earphones with Qin Yinong, heard her infectious laughter and involuntarily laughed along.

Qin Yinong glanced at her with a half-playful, half-annoyed expression.

Ji Yunyao stopped laughing, her ears perked up, and she said, "Brother-in-law is there too?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Mhm," neither confirming nor denying.

Ji Yunyao said, "Since you've invited me so warmly, I won't be impolite and decline." Her knee hasn't fully recovered, so she needs to rest at home for a day. She asked, "Is tomorrow okay?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Sure, just let me know what dishes you'd like through WeChat."

They should be about to end the call. Ji Yunyao clenched her fingers around the edge of the phone and, without any specific reason, asked, "Which relatives are you visiting today?"

Qin Yinong truthfully answered, "Today, our family is going to the Han family."

Ji Yunyao's thoughts stirred, and she said, "Going back to your in-laws?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Yes."

There was silence on Qin Yinong's end for a moment, and then Ji Yunyao said, "I'll be there at 10 a.m. tomorrow."

Qin Yinong said, "Okay."

Two seconds later, the call ended, with Ji Yunyao hanging up voluntarily.

Qin Yinong took off her earphones, and Tang Ruoyao put both Bluetooth earphones back into the box.

Tang Ruoyao sighed and said, "She seems like a little baby who lacks love. I can't help but feel sorry for her for three seconds."

Qin Yinong shook her phone and said, "The call was still connected."

Tang Ruoyao knew she was hung up on, but her eyelids couldn't help but twitch, and her heart raced nervously.

Qin Yinong laughed and said, "I was joking with you."

Tang Ruoyao gritted her teeth secretly and reached out to pinch the woman's face.

Qin Yinong hugged her waist and said, "Let's go."

Ji Shulan, Tang Fei, and Ningning had all changed their clothes and were waiting in the living room. The whole family was neatly dressed and drove to the Han family's house.

On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Ji Yunyao visited the Qin residence and brought a few gifts for everyone, including Tang Fei.

Tang Fei looked at his sister for approval, and Tang Ruoyao nodded at him, so Tang Fei took the gifts.

"Little brother has grown taller again." Ji Yunyao casually greeted.

She could address Tang Ruoyao as "little aunt," but calling Tang Fei didn't follow the hierarchy. Tang Fei, along with Ningning, called her "Sister Ji" with politeness. He was a polite and handsome young man who was underage, and Ji Yunyao didn't have the leisure to scare children. Sometimes, when she was in a good mood, she would ask about his studies.

Tang Fei replied, "I've been eating a lot."

Ji Yunyao laughed, "Hahahaha." She asked, "Did you learn from your sister-in-law?"

Tang Fei scratched the back of his head, not understanding. "Huh?"

Ji Yunyao said, "I was praising you, saying you're humorous."

Tang Fei replied, "Hahaha, really?"

Ji Yunyao said, "Hahaha, yes."

Tang Ruoyao assisted Qin Yinong in the kitchen and then turned her head to see Tang Fei and Ji Yunyao getting along well. She quickly shifted her gaze away. Ji Yunyao seemed much better than before, and she was particularly tolerant of children. Although Tang Fei had grown bigger, he was still a teenager in his early teens, so Tang Ruoyao wasn't worried about him.

If one talk about who Ji Yunyao values the most, it would be Qin Jianing.

Qin Jianing has also undergone noticeable changes. She has grown another year older, her body has stretched out, and her features have become more delicate than before. Seeing Qin Jianing's growth and comparing it to Qin Yinong's childhood photos, it's clear that they are not biological mother and daughter.

Qin Yinong had been quite round for a while before slowly losing her baby fat, a stage that Qin Jianing never went through. She resembled her biological mother, a beautiful embryo from an early age.

It's unknown whether she will resemble her mother even more as she grows up.

Ji Yunyao held Ningning on her lap and teased her. Ningning felt uneasy and fidgeted. Ji Yunyao pretended to be sad and asked, "What's wrong? Don't you like your big sister anymore?"

Ningning pursed her lips and said, "No, I'm a big kid now. I can't always let others carry me."

Ji Yunyao asked, "Am I just anyone? It's not always, is it?"

Ningning thought for a moment based on her words and shook her head, saying, "No, it's not like that." She obediently sat in Ji Yunyao's arms, looking around.

Ji Yunyao sighed inwardly.

Children grow up and eventually become distant from themselves...

Well, let's worry about that later.

Ji Yunyao said, "Weren't you going to teach me how to solve a Rubik's Cube?"

Ningning remembered and said, "Oh yeah." She turned her head and in a childish voice said, "Uncle, can you help me get two Rubik's Cubes from my room?"

Tang Fei stood up and said, "Sure."

Ji Yunyao looked at Tang Fei's figure with narrowed eyes.

After a while, Tang Fei came out with two advanced Rubik's Cubes. After confirming with Ningning that everything was correct, he gave them to her.

One learns, one teaches, and time passed unnoticed.

Tang Ruoyao opened the kitchen door and called out, "Time to eat."

Tang Fei was the first to stand up and went to the kitchen to bring the dishes. Ningning jumped down from Ji Yunyao's lap and followed closely behind. Both the older and younger ones crowded into the kitchen, and from a distance, you could hear Ningning shouting, "Mom, save one for me!"

Ji Yunyao: "..."

What's the point of fighting over food that's just being served? How childish.

One second ago, Ji Yunyao was thinking this way, but the next second, she inexplicably found herself standing at the kitchen door, saying calmly, "Do you need any help?"

In order to entertain Ji Yunyao, Qin Yinong had prepared a feast fit for a king. When the children took empty bowls and chopsticks to leave, Qin Yinong ordered them not to come in. The kitchen had enough people, but one more wouldn't hurt. Qin Yinong pondered for a moment and instructed, "You can bring that plate of green vegetables. Leave the soup for Tang Fei, he can handle it."

Tang Fei, with his thick skin, pretended to wail, "I can't handle it anymore."

A smile appeared between Ji Yunyao's eyebrows. "Okay."

Except for Qin Yinong, who was cooking, Ji Yunyao and the others sat down at the table together. Qin Yinong brought a bottle of drink and asked Ji Yunyao, "Do you want to drink alcohol?"

Ji Yunyao replied, "I'll drink the same as you all."

Tang Ruoyao poured drinks into the glasses in front of each person. Qin Yinong raised her glass first and said, "Happy New Year."

Everyone raised their glasses and said in unison, "Happy New Year."

They ate together as a family every day, so there was no need for such formalities. But whom were they saying this to? Naturally, it was Ji Yunyao.

Ji Yunyao stayed for dinner and left when it got dark.

Qin Yinong didn't ask about her punishment, and Ji Yunyao didn't bring it up either. Before leaving, Ji Yunyao received two New Year's gifts. One was from Qin Yinong.

It was a necklace with a crystal-carved pig pendant.

It wasn't particularly valuable, but Ji Yunyao cherished it and held it in her palm.

The other gift was from Ningning, a drawing she had made for her.

It seems that Qin Yinong also gave Ningning a painting for her birthday, Ji Yunyao thought. She had seen it in Qin Yinong's social media. She put both gifts back in the box, a slight smile on her lips, and closed her eyes in relaxation.

After the New Year, Tang Ruoyao took on several short film projects as a form of practice. The anxious fans felt somewhat relieved, but they still hoped that Tang Ruoyao would quickly take on a new film.

During an interview, Tang Ruoyao responded, "I've been recharging lately, and I'm almost fully charged. If there are good scripts and reliable production teams, I can start filming immediately."

As soon as her schedule opened up, offers for roles came pouring in.

Some contacted her through Mu Qingwu, while others called her directly on her phone. When her phone rang again, Qin Yinong handed it to her with a teasing smile and said, "Teacher Tang is in high demand."

Tang Ruoyao proudly shook her head and said, "Just look at whose wife I am."

She walked to the side to answer the phone.

Qin Yinong shook her head and chuckled.

Qin Yinong flipped through all the scripts Tang Ruoyao had given her but didn't find any that interested her. After reaching her level in acting, there weren't many scripts that could truly impress her. This was also one of the reasons why she chose not to take on any roles after "True Colors."

Since that was the case, the plans for filming had to be temporarily postponed until a suitable script came along. However, Qin Yinong felt somewhat anxious. Just as Han Yuping had said, if she went too long without filming, she might become rusty. Coincidentally, An Ling arranged for her to film a commercial.

The commercial had a storyline, and she was paired with a young actor. Qin Yinong poured all her accumulated acting skills from the past two years into this commercial, giving a remarkable performance. The male actor was overwhelmed by her presence and found himself exhausted after filming.

Qin Yinong felt relaxed and patted the male actor on the shoulder. "Not bad, keep it up."

The male actor wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Thank you, senior."

On the day the commercial officially aired, the male actor posted on Weibo, describing the "thrilling" experience of filming on set that day.

[Qin . Showed off acting skills in Commercial . Yinong]

[Please save the supporting actor, look at what the kids have become LOL】

[New movie, I want a new movie! Knocking on the door, waiting]

Not long after, Qin Yinong actually received a new script. The screenwriter was an acquaintance she knew—Chai Ziqiu. Chai Ziqiu claimed that it was a script he had been holding onto for many years. He had finished writing it before but didn't think it was good enough, so he kept it hidden away. Last year, he was inspired to rewrite it.

The coincidence lies in the fact that Chai Ziqiu's inspiration came from Qin Yinong. In a sense, he tailored the script specifically for Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong printed out the script at the company, tapped the cover with her finger, a slight smile forming on her lips, and put it in her bag.

That evening, Tang Ruoyao finally saw the true content of this script.

She looked at the cover first, took a sharp breath, not concealing her astonishment, and said, "Empress Wu Zetian?"

Qin Yinong smiled.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't wait to flip through the pages.

Empress Wu Zetian, there's no need for further explanation about her. There are many depictions of her character in film and television, including some classics. There are also idol dramas that have been criticized for portraying Empress Wu as a naive and sweet character with no scheming.

Chai Ziqiu's script naturally focused on portraying Empress Wu from the perspective of a female emperor, otherwise, there would be no need for it to be turned into a film. But it wasn't just about the empress. The script had a clever starting point, and Tang Ruoyao read it in one go until the last page, where it abruptly stopped.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong tapped the table lazily with her index finger and said, "Don't you know Chai Ziqiu's temperament? He didn't finish writing it."

Tang Ruoyao's blood seemed to rise to her throat as she said, "When will he finish it?"

Qin Yinong replied, "I don't know." She lifted her lips slightly and asked, "What do you think?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded vigorously, her eyes shining brightly. "It's great, I want to film it."

Qin Yinong tilted her head and said, "Then should I give you this script?"

"No," Tang Ruoyao refused, "I can't play the role."

Tang Ruoyao was self-aware. To portray the character from her youth to old age, her current experience was far from enough. Without the necessary skills, she shouldn't take on such a delicate role.

Qin Yinong smiled at her and said, "Can you play Shangguan Wan'er then?"

Tang Ruoyao's eyes suddenly lit up.

Qin Yinong patted her head and made the decision, "Then this role is yours."

Tang Ruoyao smiled for a moment and asked, "Does this count as going through the back door?"

"Forget it," Qin Yinong said with sidelong glance at her, "You don't want to do it?" She was about to suggest that Tang Ruoyao audition and fight for it, as there weren't many people who could surpass her. Qin Yinong wasn't being impulsive, Tang Ruoyao's appearance and temperament were well-suited for the role.

Tang Ruoyao said, "No, it's not that. This is my first time going through the back door, and the feeling..."

Qin Yinong asked, "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao happily exclaimed, "It feels really great."

After thoroughly reviewing the scenes between Empress Wu and Shangguan Wan'er, Tang Ruoyao suddenly remembered, "Are you going to produce it yourself again?" After all, who has that much power to decide the main actor?

Qin Yinong replied mysteriously, "Not just that."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Who are you planning to collaborate with?"

Qin Yinong sighed with a smile, "Why are you so clever?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Just guessing."

Qin Yinong shared her preliminary ideas. She loved the script and wanted it to not only circulate domestically but also go beyond the borders. She had familiar directors and producers abroad...

After listening, Tang Ruoyao said, "That would take a long time, right? And it may not necessarily be successful."

Qin Yinong said, "How would we know if we don't try? Besides, Chai Ziqiu is slow, so let's give him more time to perfect the script."

Tang Ruoyao had complete trust in her and said, "Alright, you decide."

Qin Yinong nodded, "Then it's settled."

When it came to matters related to films, it aroused Qin Yinong's enthusiasm the most. She began moving boxes of books to her study, slowly glimpsing into the extraordinary woman from over a thousand years ago through historical records. She studied everything she left behind, from her writings to her political ambitions, and became well-versed in every aspect.

In the first half of the year after the New Year, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao had a few opportunities to meet. The film "True Colors" was released in the latter half of 2020, and some award nominations had already passed, so they were included in the following year.

In April, "True Colors" was nominated in the main competition section of an international A-class film festival, and the two walked the red carpet together overseas. After the awards ceremony, instead of immediately returning home, Qin Yinong made arrangements to meet an old director.

On the day of the appointment, the two of them were having breakfast when Qin Yinong put down her knife and asked Tang Ruoyao, "Will you come with me?"

Tang Ruoyao was taken aback and asked, "Me? What's my role?"

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow and gestured towards the ring on her ring finger.

Tang Ruoyao hesitated and asked, "Is it okay?"

Qin Yinong took off the ring from around Tang Ruoyao's neck and placed it on her hand, smiling and saying, "There's no reason why it wouldn't be."

The director was a bearded man from country F named Robin.

When he saw the two of them enter and take their seats together, he understood everything. His gaze became sly, and he smiled ambiguously.

He called Qin Yinong "Qing," but his pronunciation of the nasal sounds was not accurate. He had a very straightforward personality and seemed a bit gossipy. His eyes often shifted between the two.

Qin Yinong had previously filmed in country F for a few months and had also visited frequently. She had no problem with daily French communication and could switch to English for words she couldn't express.

Tang Ruoyao was initially a bit nervous but gradually managed to exchange a few words with him.

Robin asked in French, "Is your surname Tang?"

Tang Ruoyao answered in English, showing slight confusion.

Robin's face flushed, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Qing and Tang, the two powerful dynasties of ancient China."

Qin Yinong calmly said, "That's why we are a perfect match."

Robin burst into laughter.

He asked Qin Yinong how to say "perfect match" in Chinese, and she taught him. Robin bit his tongue and said, "Perfect match." Then, he skillfully said in Chinese, "Happy New Year."

Qin Yinong smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

Tang Ruoyao blushed and lifted her cup to hide her face.

After Qin Yinong and Robin finished catching up, she explained the purpose of their visit, and Robin's expression became serious.

Tang Ruoyao didn't interrupt anymore.

The next day, Qin Yinong met another producer, and she brought Tang Ruoyao along, as usual.

"Ní háo." A middle-aged man with blond hair and blue eyes walked over briskly, delighted, and greeted them in accented Chinese. "Long time no see, Qin."

"Long time no see." Qin Yinong stood up, holding Tang Ruoyao's hand, and introduced her with a smile, "My wife."

She then repeated it in French.

Tang Ruoyao smiled gracefully and politely.

As they met more and more people together, Tang Ruoyao became more at ease, going through the routine introductions without much fuss.

Half a month later, the two returned to their home country.

The annual Golden Laurel Awards announced the list of nominees, and Tang Ruoyao was nominated for Best Actress for her role in "Xiao Hong."

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