11
Zhong Zheng Lin's inner turmoil grew by each day as the time for selection was approaching. It was as if the urgent need that had to be settled found its solution right under its nose.
He still had no idea how to deal with that woman. He only knew that that woman had the surname of Mu and she was currently residing at her maternal grandparent's house in the capital. The shadow guards did not possess her portrait. Moreover, there were two young ladies with Mu surnames living in one courtyard. They were unable to determine which one of them was the one their master was looking for.
Could it be that the sixth prince had to give them, the outsiders, details about that maiden's graceful build in order for them to properly identify her? If not, how were they to find her? Or perhaps his Highness could personally break into the maiden's private quarters. However, that would be too disgraceful.
Zhong Zheng Lin's expression was darker by the minute. His cold aura has become more and more obvious these days.
Di Wu Yi Zhao had amused himself at Zhong Zheng Lin's expense for almost a month. Yet, he still remembered to not go too far. Feigning the nonchalance, he asked him, "Is something troubling your Highness?"
Zhong Zheng Lin was silent for a moment before speaking, "There's a matter that makes bendian1 confused. Can mister clear up this confusion?"
"Please speak, your Highness." The naughty Di Wu Yi Zhao was inwardly laughing his head off.
"If a woman, that bendian has never met before, keeps on throwing bendian's thoughts into disarray, yet bendian could do nothing about it, what could be the reason behind?"
"Does your Highness not like this woman or maybe even detest her?" The certain advisor started to fool around.
Zhong Zheng Lin's brows furrowed: "No."
"Is this woman connected to your Highness's grand scheme and plays there an important figure?" The certain advisor continued with his shamelessness.
Zhong Zheng Lin shook his head: "There's no connection between the two."
You're wrong, your Highness. This woman contributes to your grand scheme greatly.
"Then, how does your Highness see that woman?" Di Wu Yi Zhao finally began to carry out his responsibility of an advisor.
Zhong Zheng Lin did not immediately respond. Rather, he seemed to be uncomfortable. His voice carried a trace of embarrassment when he replied, "She…..often appears in bendian's mind, and even dreams. Bendian cannot suppress the desire that would emerge afterward. Bendian attempted to call for other women, but only toward her…."
Di Wu Yi Zhao did not expect Zhong Zheng Lin falling in love. His expression instantly sobered.
The sixth prince had paid no attention to fair sexes. Moreover, he kept a tight leash on his emotions. There was nothing wrong about a prince wanting to be intimate with a woman and dote on her. Every emperor had at least one concubine they favored more than others, after all. But this was clearly…..
"Does your Highness feel possessive about that maiden and cannot tolerate others looking at her?" Di Wu Yi Zhao's expression had never been so serious.
Deep down, Zhong Zheng Lin had his suspicions. It was very inappropriate to have such thoughts, but he could not deny the truth: "Yes!"
"Could your Highness disclose the identity of this maiden?"
"The miss of Mu House from Qingzhou prefect's residence. But which miss it is, bendian did not find out."
Di Wu Yi Zhao was caught by surprise. Qingzhou prefect Mu's residence? It was certainly a fate.
Indeed. If it was not the fate, why would Mu Xi Yao spend such a tremendous effort to shove you to the sixth prince's residence?
The miss of Mu House? Di Wu Yi Zhao had already made an assumption in his heart. If it was that person, then the fact that Zhong Zheng Lin's feeling for her surpassed that of the ordinary interest would not be a bad thing.
After all, that miss had a beautiful appearance, an excellent character and his wife and daughter often praised her when mentioning her. When Yu Ying learnt that she came to Shengjing, she immediately rushed to see her. Just, how come his Highness has developed feelings for her when he hadn't even met her? It was, indeed, strange.
"Your Highness, does this miss like to read?" House of Mu had only two unmarried maidens of which solely di daughter, Mu Xi Yao, was fond of books. Yu Ying had a great admiration for Mu Xi Yao due to this, often praising her broad knowledge and heart that had concerns for the state's prosperity.
"Yes."
"That's it then. This maiden is the younger di daughter of Qingzhou's prefect Mu Jin Zhen, Mu Xi Yao. She is the daughter of my old friend." Di Wu Yi Zhao started to slowly reveal to Zhong Zheng Lin how his wife and daughter had received Mu Xi Yao's help.
Zhong Zheng Lin did not expect such a coincidence. He had sought an advice from the right person. So that episode with the startled horse was already her second time acting righteously. Does this woman have no fears at all?
"Can mister disclose to bendian, why does bendian have such reaction toward this woman? Also, what measurements should be taken?" Zhong Zheng Lin still wore the expression that was saying "to not let private affairs interfere with public duty", exactly like when they were usually discussing the state affairs. He believed that one ought to have an all-round strategic plan.
Finally, Di Wu Yi Zhao couldn't help but sigh: "Your Highness, you have a symptom of a person who is falling in love."
Zhong Zheng Lin thought that he was going to solve the problem that had been plaguing him soon. Therefore, he was caught off guard when he heard such a reply.
"Falling in love?" Zhong Zheng Lin was so shocked he froze on the spot.
"Yes. You think of her, wish to get close to her. Yet, you can't tolerate others looking at her. This is clearly the case of a man developing feelings for a woman."
Zhong Zheng Lin straightened his back. He sat upright on the head seat, not speaking a word for a long while. Suddenly, he broke into a hearty laugh. All of the frustration he felt in the recent days dissipated together with this laugh.
Since he had unknowingly fallen in love, then he needn't have further thoughts. If he, Zhong Zheng Lin, wanted something, he will get it. A woman was no exception!
—–
The Zhanghe's eleventh year, the twenty third day of the sixth lunar month.
The selection has lifted its curtain.
Mu Yi Yao and the party were already prepared. Outside the estate, they bid everyone farewell, entered the sedan chair and marched toward the direction of the imperial palace. From now on, a lot of things were about to change.
—–
The Palace of Wanxiu.
As soon as supervising momos2 finished with their instructions, they started to assign each xiunu their courtyards in accordance with the order of their name syllables. The primary selection will be held tomorrow. All the girls that pass the first round will stay here for a month. The elders in the palace will subsequently teach them palace rules and etiquette. The Mu sisters and two Jinzhou xiunus were assigned to the Hall of Xihe. On the other side, Mu Xi Yao's elder cousin together with three xiunus from Shengjing were designed to the Hall of Jingfu, which was located far away from Mu Xi Yao's dwelling place. Exactly like in the previous life. The one living next door to her in the Hall of Yongfang was Pin Ting of Jiang clan!
On the following day, Mu sisters and the elder cousin all successfully passed the primary selection. What came afterward was the string of complicated palace rules and etiquettes. Mu Xi Yao didn't know how it was with other xiunus, but she had effortlessly handled those decorums and received a lot of praises from others. The previous incarnation had lived so many years in the palace. If she couldn't even cope with mere decorums, how was she going to survive in coming battles?
In the palace, Mu Xi Yao was like a fish thrown back in the water. So, most of the time she was only muddling through.
Zhong Zheng Lin also did not idle around.
Each day there would be someone to report him about Mu Xi Yao's situation in the palace. It seemed that she attracted troubles anywhere she went. In just mere ten days, even consort Shu had heard bits of gossips about her. While other xiunus diligently studied and engaged in a rivalry with each other, Mu Xi Yao, on the other hand, acted like it did not concern her at all. During the day she studied earnestly, but as soon as she went back to her quarters she directly threw herself to bed and slept.
This, of course, made her other xiunus' target. They soon started to ostracize and ridicule her. Yet, Mu Xi Yao had only turned a blind eye to them. Their actions were understandable since while they were struggling to learn the conducts Mu Xi Yao had already nailed everything. It was normal that people would feel uncomfortable with such comparison.
Besides, Mu Xi Yao herself was worried that she was not standing out enough. With her family background, if she did nothing, she would very likely end up with only a concubine position. Hence, she needed to excel in some way to be able to achieve what she wanted, right?
Today, when she approached the couch-bed in her private quarters, the long-inactive jade pendant started to issue a slight burning sensation. Was this…..a warning?
Mu Xi Yao cautiously brought herself close to the couch-bed and detected something fishy beneath the pillow. There was only her inside the room. She immediately had an idea. She shifted the pillow into her jade pendant, revealing seven-eight crawling black dots underneath. She quickly stuffed even them into her pendant and then took out the new set of pillow to restore everything into the original state.
Everything was done neatly within the blink of an eye. After she had reassured that the pendant returned back to the normal, she made another round of inspection in the room to confirm that the danger had passed. Only then did she relax and began to examine the black dots. They were indeed vicious, putting such malicious things here.
The dormant spiders were the mutated spiders from Yuzhou. Their kind was extremely rare. Despite that their bite was not fatal, it had a unique characteristic.
People stung by this bug had to wipe the wound with a mugwort. If the person didn't treat this wound within two-quarters of an hour, after two days the person's body will start to produce a foul odor so repulsive even the medicine won't be able to remove the smell. In the following month, the foul odor will gradually dissipate without endangering the victim's life. However, the whole process would be very disgusting. Due to the small size of the bug, its sting resembled the mosquito bite. The numbness and itchiness came later on. Thus, it was hard for the average person to detect them. Even if they did, it would be already too late for them.
Mu Xi Yao smiled. She did not fear the spider venom since she had the jade pendant. But, if it was not for her being well acquainted with the habits of these dormant spiders, it would be practically impossible for her to find out the culprit. What a pity for the one behind the scene. Though the dormant spiders were the mutated spiders, they were a herbivore. They fed only on java tea flower!
The java tea flower produced a scent similar to that of the clove, making them hard to distinguish. Fortunately, its aroma lingered for a long period of time; around three days. Therefore, if she used a white handkerchief stained with an extract of the medick flower when in contact with the aroma of the java tea flower, the white handkerchief will immediately dye into a beautiful light purple color.
The one who came up with such a malicious scheme was indeed clever. There will be a traditional festival held in two days – Festival of Xizhao, which commemorated the Great Wei's great poet of peerless literary talent, Meng Xi Zhao.
On the Festival of Xizhao, which started on the beginning of each year's seventh lunar month, the schools across the country held the poetry meetings. Inside the imperial palace, a poetry banquet will be hosted in the Imperial Garden. Furthermore, there will be arranged a lantern riddle program to add an additional amusement. At that time, not only the Empress Dowager and Yuancheng Emperor will attend, even the major court ministers and the members of the imperial family will appear. As for xiunus, it will be a rare opportunity to showcase their literary talent. Hence, they ought to properly grasp such a chance.
The poetry banquets had always been held in high esteem by the literati. It was even more so with Great Wei as it put a great importance on the education. The works and anecdotes presented on the banquet will be undoubtedly spread out and discussed enthusiastically by the people. If at such an occasion one embarrassed oneself, not only that person will be disgraced greatly but its family will also suffer a humiliation.
Mu Xi Yao was particularly angry about the latter part.
Yuzhou…..if her memory served her well, there were only thirteen xiunus who had passed the primary selection, from which eight resided in the West Palace. Thus, it was not possible to be them as the training between West Palace and East Palace was separated.
The rest of xiunus that resided, like Mu Xi Yao, in East Palace, there were only five of them. She had to investigate each one of them. To use such a vicious method on a total stranger, this person was clearly of a malicious character. When Mu Xi Yao dealt with this kind of people, she knew not how to go easy on them.
—–
On the other side, Zhong Zheng Lin's shadow guard sent him a report that said two xiunus had secretly sneaked into Mu sisters private quarters and came out after some period of time. He found out that the two xiunus came from Yuzhou and after he went to check the chamber, he did not spot there anything out of ordinary. The shadow guard did not know whether he should go to check Mu Xi Yao's room one more time hence he came to ask for further instructions.
Zhong Zheng Lin's face darkened. Let a man enter Mu Xi Yao's private quarters? If he accidentally were to see something…..therefore, he ordered Wei Zhen to send a female guard from Yue Lai Ge, who specialized in intelligence to investigate the matter.
Yue Lai Ge mainly runs businesses like brothels, restaurants, and armed escorts. This establishment was the major source of Zhong Zheng Lin's intelligence. The only people aware of its existence beside Zhong Zheng Lin were Wei Zhen and Di Wu Yi Zhao. Even consort Shu knew nothing. This was the first time Zhong Zheng Lin had sent a female guard from Yue Lai Ge to palace, making it obvious that he didn't take lightly things related to Mu Xi Yao.
Oddly enough, Mu Xi Yao came unscathed and no incident happened afterward. At the same time, the female guard found no clues around this case. As a result, Zhong Zheng Lin appointed his people to monitor those two women. Since nothing happened since then, this matter could only be temporary set aside.
It was only natural that Zhong Zheng Lin didn't find anything as he lacked crucial facts. Without these important information, his shadow guards were basically handicapped.
Mu Xi Yao, on the other hand, progressed smoothly. She found an excuse and dragging Mu Xi Ting with herself, they went to visit other xiunus. Soon, she found out the hall with the smell of java tea flower. The only issue was that there were two xiunus from Yuzhou living there. The question was whether the culprit was only one or both of them.
But, Mu Xi Yo was too lazy to worry about it. In her eyes, since both of them came from Yuzhou, they must be familiar with the scent of java tea flower and naturally, they could associate this flower with the dormant spider. Mu Xi Yao was certain both had something to do with this incident. Even if there were no two culprits, there must two accomplices. Mu Xi Yao would not hesitate at all to dispose both of them.
Translation notes:
[1] Bendian is the first-person pronoun employed by princes when speaking to a person or an audience of lower rank or status
[2] Momo is an elderly servant girl
12
The Festival Of Xizhao.
Today, xiunus had lectures only for half a day. They could spend the rest of time either by resting or dress themselves for the coming poetry banquet held in the Imperial Garden that starts at the hour of You1.
Mu Xi Yao put on herself simple yet elegant clothes today. The brocade upper garment had white-colored vine pattern embellishments while the long muslin skirt was of the blue-green shade. Near the edge of the skirt were dark flowers embroidered with silver threads. When she walked, the long skirt created gentle waves. As each layer of the skirt intertwined with one another, some of the thread reflected the silver light, adding a subtle extravagance to it.
She wore only one dangling hairpin which was ornamented with four butterflies that fluttered over a flower blossom. The hairpin was inlaid with cyan-colored gemstones. With its owner's every movement, the tassels glittered brightly and the butterflies there seemed to spread its wings and soar. Her beautiful jet-black hair was loosely draped over her back, a knot was combed on the side and two-three blue-green orchids were randomly attached on it, creating a beautiful picture.
The most special item on her were two delicate apricot-white ribbons that hung on her waist, each of different length. At the ends were fastened furry cherry blossom ball decorations that adorned the maiden's delicate beauty.
Mu Xi Yao has been nurtured by the spiritual pills since she transmigrated here. Nowadays it was time for her womanhood to bloom. Her body was of a tall and well-proportioned build. The body-fitting silk belt emphasized her slender waist. Combined with the dress she wore today, she appeared even more graceful and airy.
Today, she had put on her face a light make-up. Delicate and fair face, long and thick eyelashes; underneath them was a pair of black and vivid eyes that were like rippling autumn water. They seemed to hold thousand of words inside, yet too shy to speak them out. The soft pink lips of hers were moist and plump, making people generate fanciful thoughts about them. She was indeed a charming maiden!
Mu Xi Yao was waving a circular fan depicting a landscape drawing with one hand and clutching onto her elder cousin's arm with the other. Beside her was Mu Xi Ting who was dressed in the same delicate and pretty manner as her. The three of them made each other company. They marched toward the direction of the Imperial Garden. The high-spirited xiunus around them were also in the groups of threes or fours. The atmosphere was bustling with excitement.
At the hour of You, the poetry banquet started. Yuancheng Emperor and Empress Dowager accompanied by the high-ranking consorts were seated inside the Chengxiang water pavilion. The rest of the imperial harem was placed outside the water pavilion on the left side whilst the imperial princes and their family members had seats reserved on the right side. All the princes that have reached the age of seven were present. Following were the seats of courtiers and scholars of the Imperial Academy.
On the prince's side.
The crown prince was surrounded by beauties. He has actually taken along with him five female members! Since the crown princess was expecting, she did not attend the banquet. The first prince Zhong Zheng Chun was sitting aside with his princess consort and favorite concubine, enjoying their presence. The fourth prince Zhong Zheng Yun and the fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming were only accompanied by their princess consorts. Both pairs of husband and wife seemed to treat each other with respect. Zhong Zheng Lin, on the other hand, sat there upright and alone at the back, wearing a solemn expression. He was attended only by Wei Zhen who stood two steps behind him. At the rear was seated the eighth prince Zhong Zheng Han who has just turned eleven years old but was already showing manners of a royalty.
Zhong Zheng Lin was in a good mood. Today, he could perhaps "meet" Mu Xi Yao. Zhong Zheng Lin was not bothered by the fact that he has already developed feelings for her, yet she didn't even know about him.
In his plans, he never took into consideration Mu Xi Yao's feelings. As long as he fell in love, everything else should be just a matter of course. Mu Xi Yao had to just wait to enter his inner yard.
Mu Xi Yao sat down on the seat provided for xiunus which was located behind the seats of the imperial concubines. She shared the table with Mu Xi Ting. Coincidentally, next to her on the left was seated Jiang Pin Ting. Mu Xi Yao was immediately in high spirits.
Jiang Pin Ting also did deliberately dress up today. She looked truly graceful. From the day she entered the palace, Jiang Pin Ting regarded others as her rivals and strived to outshine them all as she possessed an outstanding family background and outward appearance. Toward people like Mu Xi Yao she only felt contempt. She sat there alone, fully displaying her proud personality. Among the present xiunus who were engaged in lively conversations, she was indeed very eye-catching. Anyway, Mu Xi Yao will help her later. She will make her even more eye-catching.
On the outward, Mu Xi Yao was chatting with others. Inwardly, her thoughts already went somewhere else. Zhong Zheng Lin should be seated with other princes. She was unable to see him clearly as he was too far away from her. Should she arrange an accidental encounter as her warm-up or not? Well, forget it. There were too many people and, moreover, they were also too far from each other. It would be too bothersome to arrange such a meeting. She better concentrate on how to properly mess with those particular women since it was a more enjoyable activity.
At the poetry banquet, wine flowed freely and cups went gaily around. Yuancheng Emperor was in high spirits. He gave an order that, as long as there was a good poem, one could present it to everyone during the banquet but it ought to stay nameless. The Imperial Academy, The Great Literary Society and the Shengjin Library were to choose ten most outstanding works and its authors were to be rewarded greatly.
As the result, the young scholars were burning with eagerness and the atmosphere in the banquet grew livelier as time went by. Even the imperial princes have joined the fun. The fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming and the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin both consequently received the fourth and seventh place in one swoop. Yuancheng Emperor was very pleased with them. After all, the princes' studies were not focused on poetry. To be able to accomplish such achievement with their arduous studies was not an easy feat.
Just as the group of courtiers was fawning over the two princes a woman's exclamation suddenly broke out.
A silence overshadowed the banquet in an instant. What an insolence! Everyone turned their eyes toward the direction where the commotion came from. They saw a frightened xiunu who jumped up from behind her table out of fear. She kept on checking her dress as if she got there something extremely dreadful.
The imperial guards quickly went to inspect. They found on the table seven to eight dormant spiders. Two were at their last gasps while the rest were all dead.
Yuancheng Emperor, with a gloomy face, ordered the noble consort to investigate thoroughly this incident and punish severely the culprit. Such a vicious thing shall not appear in the imperial palace. Subsequently, he ordered that xiunu to be dragged away and punished with twenty flogs for the disrespectful behavior in front of the Emperor. If she still does not learn from her misconduct she shall have her xiunu identity removed and be sent home afterward! This could be regarded as a considerably severe punishment. If a maiden was sent home by the imperial family, she was practically deemed undesirable for marriage.
Jiang Pin Ting lost all colors in her face. She was shocked and felt bitterness when imperial guards dragged her away. She had no idea who machinated against her behind her back. Just a moment ago, something had flashed before her eyes and it seemed like some object had dropped down on the table. Upon the closer inspection, she found out that the thing on the table were dormant spiders. For a short while, she forgot about her circumstances. Therefore, she made the exclamation. Unbeknownst, it actually brought upon her a disaster. Originally, if she passed the final stage of selection, with her family background and beauty, she would be able to easily obtain cefei position and marry into the imperial prince's household. But after this incident, even a concubine position would be a luxury thought. All of a sudden, every hope of her turned to dust.
Mu Xi Yao also pretended to be frightened. She stood on the side while supporting her body on Mu Xi Ting. Inwardly, she was rejoicing. She would kill two birds with one stone by using Jang Pin Ting to draw out the real culprit
After all was said and done, feeling elated, she went together with Mu Xi Ting to appreciate the lanterns and play riddle games.
Mu Xi Ting still had a heart of a young girl. She was fond of riddle games hence she stayed behind and secretly pondered about the solutions. Since Mu Xi Yao lacked the patience, she went to view the lanterns alone.
Suddenly, Mu Xi Yao's eyes brightened. She discovered a super cute rabbit lantern. She quickly walked over to stand under the lantern, appreciating the lamp. Abruptly, she recalled a certain chubby rabbit in the modern world and could not refrain herself from chuckling. In the end, she circled around the rabbit while looking fixedly at it, thinking about how impossibly cute was this chubby rabbit. She so wished to take it home…..
"Do you like it?"
Mu Xi Yao was surprised by the rich voice of a young man that has spoken out from behind her. She slowly turned around and saw the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin standing there tally, dressed in a dark blue colored prince's robe. The pair of pitch-black phoenix eyes on his handsome face was watching her.
Mu Xi Yao soon came back to her senses. She adjusted her posture and made a proper curtsy to greet him: "The xiunu from Qingzhou, Xi Yao of Mu clan, pays a greeting to your Highness."
It was truly her. The maiden under the light of the lantern possessed an outstanding appearance, ethereal aura, and lithe build. For a moment, Zhong Zheng Lin could only stare at her. But soon afterward, he regained his composure and returned to his usual expressionless self. He raised his head to sweep a glance at the lantern and then asked her with a rather dissatisfied tone: "This lantern, do you like it?"
Mu Xi Yao started to beat a petty person in her mind2. Did he have to use "your esthetic taste is quite questionable" kind of tone to inquire her? And what was with that solemn expression? That dissatisfied tone and expression were completely out of tune.
Mu Xi Yao did not dare to act impudently before the Big Boss hence she spoke softly, "I do like it." She stood there with a lowered face, pretending to be timid.
A smile flashed through Zhong Zheng Lin's eyes as he watched her well-behaved and polite manners. If he had not just seen her circling around the lantern, he wouldn't have come to know that she also had a childish side in her. He ordered Wei Zhen: "Go fetch the lantern and give it to her." Afterward, he stood on the side and uttered no more words.
Wei Zhen was stupefied, his body stiff. He clearly has not yet come to himself but his body has already mechanically acted on its own. When he took down the lantern and handed it over to Mu Xi Yao, he cast a quick glance at her and then respectfully retreated.
Mu Xi Yao held on the rabbit lantern with a silly expression on her face, feeling that her memories were somehow unreliable.
In her memory, Zhong Zheng Lin was very cold toward Mu Xi Yao at the beginning. Later on, they did grew to be a little bit closer, but it was only because he liked to stay in her yard to read his books. Perhaps, he did have a faint affection for her. However, that affection could not compare to the easiness and comfort he experienced at her place.
So what was going on now? Zhong Zheng Lin from the previous life did not bother to gift her with even a single hair of his. Moreover, the two currently were not familiar! The memory from previous life did not indicate that the sixth prince had a friendly personality…
She has not yet discerned Zhong Zheng Lin's changes, yet she already heard him saying: "Take it home if you like it. Circling around the lantern….silly."
Mu Xi Yao was dumbfounded. Fake. Absolutely fake. This fellow must have been also possessed by someone else's soul!
Zhong Zheng Lin was absolutely unaware that Mu Xi Yao was criticizing him inside her heart. He just thought that she looked amusing when distracted into silliness.
Only when Mu Xi Yao had freed herself from the chaotic thoughts did she realize that she has been looked down upon! She's had enough. She stared at the Zhong Zheng Lin with an aggrieved look, her cheeks puffed.
Zhong Zheng Lin looked at that bullied expression of hers and then at the chubby rabbit next to her. He thought….so alike. The corners of his mouth slightly curled upward. He looked at her deeply for another moment and then left together with Wei Zhen.
Mu Xi Yao composed herself after she saw that they have gone fa awayr. Carrying the cute rabbit, she went back to search for Mu Xi Ting. Ten something years old maiden ought to show her naive and mischievous side at the appropriate time to appear more enticing, right? A gleam shone in Mu Xi Yao's eyes.
Translation notes:
[1] Hour of You means 5-6 PM
[2] Beat a petty person is a folk sorcery widely spread in the area of Guangdong and Hong Kong. Its purpose is to curse one's enemies using magic.
13
On the second day of Xizhao festival, the noble consort started investigation about the dormant spiders' origin. They soon found out the connection with Yuzhou xiunus due to the uniqueness of these spiders. Together with the assistance of the Palace Punishment Department, the culprits were caught soon afterwards.
Strangely, the two xiunus confessed to carrying the dormant spiders into the palace but denied vehemently the allegation of framing xiunu Jiang Pin Ting. Since the two understood the principle "one ought to choose the lesser of two evils", they did not reveal the fact that they wanted to frame Mu Xi Yao as it would only add them more serious charges.
Ultimately, the case ended with two Yuzhou xiunus being stripped of their xiunu identities and sent back to re-educate themselves as they lacked virtue and broke palace etiquettes.
Mu Xi Yao did not ask them what was the reason behind their enmity against her, but she could guess that it was more or less induced by the despicableness of the human's nature. Some people just couldn't stand others being more outstanding than themselves. They would rather destroy such people than let them hinder them. It did not matter that these people were total strangers to them or that they held no grudges against each other.
Mu Xi Yao expressed a gratification to the outcome of this case. According to her words, those two xiunus went back to the stove to remold themselves1.
The following days went on tranquilly. Having the example of killing the chickens to warn off the monkeys set prior on, even the wildest monkeys cowered in fear and did not dare to make any further moves.
The re-selection was held in the imperial noble consort's Yaohua Palace. Xiunus were to go through an assessment which included a display of their talents and testing their knowledge of palace etiquettes.
With song《The floating goblets》played on the guqing2, Mu Xi Yao successfully passed the initial inspection and got the praise of "a beautiful maiden with an exceptionally elegant guqin skill and passion".
On the other hand, Mu Xi Yao's elder cousin's card has been turned down3 thus leaving only Mu sisters to participate in the final selection that would take place in three days. At the time, Yuancheng Emperor will grace the event with his presence and personally select mates for the imperial princes and the members of the imperial clan. Naturally, there were also some private interests he sought to gain during the process.
—–
Zhong Zheng Lin stood silently inside the Weiyang House, his eyes gazing toward the direction of Wangxiu Palace. In the morning, his shadow guards had reported to him that when the fifth princess consort went to pay respect to her Ladyship consort De4 yesterday, she voiced her wish to let Mu xiunu of Qingzhou enter the fifth prince's residence as shufei.
This was truly unexpected. That rabbit, indeed, knew how to make troubles and attract problems! Was it the fifth princess's idea? Without even meeting the actual person, how could she know that Mu'shi5 was "dutiful and well-behaved, able to bear children"?
Moreover, when did Zhong Zheng Ming notice that rabbit? Well, there were still few days. He will settle matters with her once the imperial edict passes down.
He has again recalled the two Yuzhou xiunus who were kept under surveillance on his orders. Before he could find any clues, the two were already disposed of. It was too much of a coincidence. If she truly had hands in it…..Zhong Zheng Lin remembered the saying: If you make rabbit anxious, it will bite you back6. A smile flashed in his eyes.
Mu Xi Yao did not know that she has turned into a rabbit in Zhong Zheng Lin's eyes. She was currently lamenting her failing memory. Yesterday, she has seen in the Imperial Garden Zhong Zheng Lin's "favorite consort" from the previous lifetime, the shufei Yi Ru of Tang House.
How come this woman appeared here? She was supposed to enter the prince's residence in the next selection as she had caught a cold during this one and had henceforth missed her chance. She must be living in the west palace since Mu Xi Yao has met this "love rival" of hers only now.
Mu Xi Yao decided to wait and silently observe. Moreover, that Pin Ting of Jiang House has not yet left the palace. In any case, there was no difference between fighting against one person or two people. On the contrary, if there were more people it would be more convenient for her to fish in troubled water7. Besides, mahjong game needed four players. In the future, the inner yard of the prince's residence will be a picture of flowers blooming like a piece of brocade8. There could be more than one table set for the mahjong game. What a perfect opportunity to make a straight kill!
—–
The final selection arrived. There were still seventy-three xiunus left in the palace. Dressed in identical clothes, they were led to the Empress Dowager's Fengan Palace by the supervising momos.
Yuancheng Emperor occupied the top seat while beside him was seated the Empress Dowager. The imperial consorts above the second rank were all seated according to their ranks. Once the chief-eunuch started to call their names, all the xiunus had to form a group of ten people. As soon as they entered the hall, they were to divide into two rows and stand still.
Mu Xi Yao looked at xiunus that came out – some of them were full of joy while others looked upset. There was even a xiunu who was so nervous she directly passed out. Naturally, her card has been turned down and she has been dragged away.
It's so good to pass out, Mu Xi Yao was envious. She even suspected that woman was only pretending. Alright, this woman obviously couldn't read the situation. In Great Wei, if one passed the final selection and was bestowed a marriage by the emperor, it meant an exceptional glory to the maiden and her clan. In other words, it was an honor. There was no one who would dismiss it for no apparent reason.
More than half of the xiunus had already gone inside. Even Mu Xi Ting went inside with the last group. Mu Xi Yao thought that it was very strange. Weren't xiunus' name supposed to be called out in sequence according to their family backgrounds? Even Mu Xi Ting has gone in. How come she was still waiting?
The sixth Highness, Zhong Zheng Lin, could answer this question. Zhong Zheng Lin thought that since the fifth princess consort informed consort De beforehand about Mu maiden from Qingzhou, their wish shall be fulfilled. Thus, Mu Xi Ting was the first to go inside and was subsequently bestowed to the fifth prince to be his shufei. Consort De had therefore kept her promise as she has kept Mu Xi Ting's card.
When Mu Xi Yao went inside, consort De became quite puzzled and thought, How come there are two xiunus from Mu House? When she compared Mu Xi Yao's appearance and physique to the previous maiden, sure enough, the one from the fifth princess consort's description of "dutiful and well-behaved, able to bear children" was the previous one.
This one was quite a beauty. The fifth princess consort surely wouldn't want this maiden to enter the fifth prince's residence and upset herself. Moreover, no matter how she looked at those pair of watery and quick-witted eyes, they didn't look well-behaved at all.
This was an enormous misunderstanding! Originally, when the fifth princess consort heard Zhong Zheng Ming's hint, she hasn't yet met the person. Hence, she used such a compliment only as her pretext. After all, which principal wife wouldn't wish for the concubines that will enter the inner yard to be "dutiful and well-behaved, able to bear children"? Moreover, it may also conveniently emphasize the wife's virtue. Who would have guessed that an error would occur?
Her Ladyship consort Shu was, on the contrary, in a great mood. She had already kept three cards and picked different kind of beauties for her son. There ought to be at least one he would find attractive, right? Then, she saw Mu Xi Yao who has just come in – a striking beauty with quite a good family background and a well-formed shapely figure which did not appear vulgar. She gave off to people a very neat and exquisite vibe.
It has been long known that this maiden had great manners. Consort Shu had recalled her son mentioning about lady Wu's dull and wooden personality. On the contrast, this quick-witted maiden was a better match for her son. Therefore, she had quickly asked her questions and then kept her card. Subsequently, she shot glances at Yuancheng Emperor, indicating him that this one must be kept for her son.
When Yuancheng emperor saw Mu Xi Yao entering, his eyes flashed with a light. Just as he was about to make her his concubine and grant her title of meiren, consort Shu cut him off by inquiring her with questions and eventually keeping her card. He thought that it was only a mere woman and since she happened to match well with his sixth son, he nodded his approval.
If Mu Xi Yao had learnt that her grand scheme was almost disrupted by the old cow Yuancheng Emperor, she would probably commit a regicide and then remarry. Fortunately, Yuancheng Emperor was a wise ruler and did not bring this demoness to his imperial harem.
After the final selection ended, all the xiunus left the palace and returned to their respective residence to wait for the imperial decree to pass down. Mu Xi Yao again went to live with her grandparents. She could finally take a good nap.
Zhong Zheng Lin also slept well this night. Everything will be finalized after the imperial decree passes down tomorrow.
—–
On the following day, the deputy-chief eunuch arrived at Yu House with a fanfare to announce the imperial decree.
The di daughter of Qingzhou Mu House, Mu Xi Yao, shall be bestowed the title of shufei and enter the sixth prince's estate.
The shu daughter of Qingzhou Mu House, Mu Xi Ting, shall be bestowed the title of shufei and enter the fifth prince's estate.
The whole household was shocked. Two shufeis. It was unbelievable. Moreover, these two shufeis were sisters. The Qingzhou Mu House, indeed, had a good fortune. Besides, they may be shufeis now but if they produce offsprings they could still rise to the higher ranks. Who could tell? If they were then granted the title of cefei it would be an enormous honor as their names would be listed into the imperial genealogy!
Mu Xi Yao was perplexed. In the previous life, Mu Xi Ting was bestowed to a nobleman to be his concubine. How come she had become shufei? Could these memories of hers fail her even more? She herself had been a concubine in the past life, but in this lifetime she was granted the title of shufei. It may be linked to the fact that she had maintained a high-profile in the palace.
Mu Xi Yao did not waste her time on unimportant matters. As long as Mu Xi Ting stayed like now, knew propriety and followed the conducts, she should fare well. The fifth princess consort was a generous person, after all. Moreover, she had a person planted on Mo Wan Qing's side.
Nowadays, what Mu Xi Yao truly cared about was who were going to be her colleagues. Zhao Qing, soon after, brought in the news. As expected, Yi Ru of Tang House was still bestowed the title of shufei. In addition, there were two more concubines: lady Zhang and lady Qi.
Well, they were all acquaintances. Finally, there was not too much of a deviation from her memories. She would rather slowly deal with familiar people than with complete strangers. As for lady Jiang, Mu Xi Yao could only express a remorse for she has been knocked out by Mu Xi Yao. Her whereabouts was still unknown.
According to the imperial edict, the two concubines will enter the sixth prince's inner yard in the middle third of the next month. Mu Xi Yao and Tang Yi Ru, on the other hand, were to enter the estate at the same time in the first third of the next month. Only the ones with ranks above shufei were allowed to perform a simple wedding ceremony.
Therefore, a to be married life started for Mu Xi Yao.
Translation notes:
[1] Going back to the stove to remold oneself means to acquire new education and reform oneself
[2] Guqing is a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family with over 3000 years of history
[3] If xiunu has her card turned down, it means that she has been eliminated in the selection process
[4] Consort De – De is a title meaning virtuous and morality
[5] Shi is a clan name, usually used to address a woman (similar to "Ms./Mrs.)
[6] If you make rabbit anxious, it will bite you back is a saying meaning if you corner/threaten one too much he/she will viciously fight back
[7] To fish in troubled water is an idiom meaning to take an advantage of a crisis for personal gain/ acquire profit in a time of trouble
[8] Flowers blooming like a piece of brocade is an idiom and in this context, it means that the prince estate will flourish with women
14
Zhong Zheng Lin nodded his head when he learnt that Mu Xi Yao would enter his residence as shufei. After all, Mu Jin Zhen's official rank rendered higher rank impossible. The shufei title was already the limit.
However, this matter was of no importance. As long as she had produced heirs, raising her rank to cefei would not be an issue. The woman he had fallen for ought to have some prestige in his residence. Since the di son could not be born from her, then he would give her the privilege to give birth to the firstborn son.
As for the two concubines in his inner yard and the newcomers that will arrive, as long as they behaved before the firstborn son was born, he will treat them well.
Mu Xi Yao didn't know about Zhong Zheng Lin's plans yet. If she did, she would be without doubt overjoyed.
Therefore, Mu Xi Yao was still working hard to sort out Zhong Zheng Lin's preferences in order to steadily and firmly hug this golden leg1 in one go once she enters his residence. Taking into the consideration the inaccuracy of her memories combined with Zhong Zheng Lin's transmigrating signs he displayed during the initial meeting, Mu Xi Yao was convinced that her previous presumptions needed to be changed. If she was able to have more contact with Zhong Zheng Lin before she married him, understand his temper better so she could update her database, it would be for the best.
She took the advantage of these last two months of leisure to experience for once a life of a rice weevil2. In the daytime, she would spend most of her time practicing calligraphy, zither playing and stuff like needlework. Naturally, nobody expected her to do all the needlework as there was a seamstress in the estate who was assigned with such tasks. As a result, Mu Xi Yao ended up to be quite free, to which she was very pleased. In the afternoon, she would take a stroll in the garden and engage in small talks with her sister and elder cousin and in the evening she would read folk stories and travel notes. The days could not be spent better.
The only regret she had after being bestowed with the marriage was that it wasn't convenient for her to visit Shengjing's library every few days anymore. Yet, those books and picture albums were constantly beckoning her, making her heart itch unbearably as if a cat was scratching it relentlessly with its claws.
—–
Soon, the news of the Mu sisters entering the prince's residence as shufeis spread all over Qingzhou. The prefect's residence received endless of congratulations. The Mu spouses were astonished at first. Just Mu Xi Ting. She was shu daughter of the fifth rank official! How was it possible that she was bestowed to the prince's estate as shufei? Even Mu Xi Yao as di daughter, her family background was inadequate. This….does not make sense.
The spouses felt both helpless and heartache. According to Mu Xi Yao's family background and appearance, it was not impossible for her to marry an ordinary official as his principal wife. Who would have known that the Heaven's family would actually pick her! Now, she could only be a concubine. In the future, she will have a principal wife and two cefeis above her, putting a pressure on her. It was still unknown how would such days look like. The more lady Yu thought the more she believed that the naive and clueless Mu Xi Yao would suffer. Unconsciously, her tears started to shed.
Mu Xi Yao acted too well before her parents. Hence till now, they saw her as a little white flower3.
At the moment, sir Mu was patiently comforting lady Yu, telling her that if other people learnt of her grief, they would be accused of disrespecting the imperial family. Hearing this, lady You immediately stopped sobbing and tidied herself up. However, she still couldn't let go of the worry she felt inside her heart. The imperial household had so many rules. Their daughter has been spoilt since childhood. Would she be able to handle them? Moreover, the sixth prince was sixteen years old yet he already had so many women in his harem. In the future, there would certainly be only more of them. Their daughter had never before experienced the intrigues in the inner yard. How was she to survive in such an environment?
Sir Mu sighed when he saw the worry on lady Yu's face. Right now, there were more important matters that needed to be promptly discussed. Since they could not change the fact that she was going to marry the sixth prince, at least they ought to make plans for their daughter so she would be able to establish her foothold within the inner yard.
Henceforth, the Mu spouses had discussed the whole night in the main house. After one day of rest, lady Yu hastily rushed to Shengjing while taking along with her concubine Wu.
—–
The shufei and ranks above were all allowed to take dowry maidservants with themselves once they married into the imperial family. People in Mu Xi Yao's courtyard were not bad. They were all children of household's servants who had signed contracts. She decided to take along with her the ones she was accustomed to. Also, she ought to take one of lady Yu's capable momos. They were more experienced than young girls, after all.
The dowry and bedchamber maidens she had prepared beforehand must be all changed. The dowry should be replaced by the stores they possessed in Shengjing and banknotes while the bedchamber maidens ought to be changed to capable long-serving maidservants. It has to be done as soon as possible to avoid giving some servants the wrong impression and have them deceive their mistress.
When Mu Xi Yao saw lady Yu, she was joyous. She immediately went to cuddle with her. Knowing that lady Yu was worried about her, she chatted with her only about jolly topics like when she marries the imperial prince she will at once give birth to a fat son and make her grandmother; once she's promoted to cefei ranks she will immediately buy lady Yu a large mansion in Shengjing. She will also ask his Highness to bestow her brother a good sister-in-law. These kinds of promises easily came out of Mu Xi Yao's mouth once she started to speak. She said it as if entering the imperial prince's residence was like entering treasure house and like if she did not hurry to bring benefits to her family, she would lose her face, making lady Yu and servant girls nearby lose themselves in laughter.
How would lady Yu not know about her daughter's purpose? She only secretly hoped that his sixth Highness would see Mu Xi Yao's goodness and treat her kindly.
After seeing lady Yu, Mu Xi Yao's mood became even better. She started to reckon that since there was no excuse to go to the library, she ought to at least think of ways how to go out for a bit of short walk. Otherwise, wouldn't it be mistreating herself? She hasn't yet married but she was already so idle that she almost began to sprout grasses. Not to mention, she had truly found a place to go – the most infamous "temple not to be seen upon entering but reputation carried ten miles by the sound of wind" Zhaojue Temple at the outskirt of Shengjing.
Thereupon, Mu Xi Yao picked a good day and took with her Mu Xi Ting along with Gui momo, servant girls and guards, who were given to her by lady Yu, and together they went to Zhaojue Temple. Mu Xi Yao expressed earnestly that the purpose of this journey was to thank for Heaven's grace and to pray for blessings.
Looking at the news sent by the shadow guards, Zhong Zheng Lin knew that that rabbit's bad habit of incurring troubles has again relapsed. In Shengjing, there were countless xiunus more decorous than her, yet she was the only thoughtful enough to go to the temple and thank for the favor? Let it be. There were not many days left before she entered his residence. Moreover, there was no issue in complying with her wish.
Zhong Zheng Lin just demonstrated a typical example of a biased treatment.
His two concubines did nothing, yet he saw them as the irksome existence and had sternly reprimanded them several times to "behave well". When it came to Mu Xi Yao, well, it seemed like it was Mu Xi Yao who was being wronged.
Zhong Zheng Lin did not bother himself with thinking about irrelevant people. He was currently pondering about how to arrange his assignments tomorrow so he could rush to Zhaojue Temple and see Mu Xi Yao.
—–
Inside the Zhaojue Temple.
After going through all the formalities at the front, she took everyone to the mountain at the back for sightseeing. The surrounding of the mountain was very beautiful and secluded. The millennium-old Buddhist temple made people feel at peace. The faint sound of the bells at the front that echoed in one's ears made one think that any worldly turmoil would promptly go away within a blink of an eye. Just like this ancient Buddhist temple. It saw innumerable people coming and going. In the end, it was accompanied only by the sound of bells, dwelling there peacefully for a millennium year.
Mu Xi Yao sighed. She chose a pavilion at the mountainside to take a rest. She quietly leaned against the railing, enjoying the rare peacefulness.
When Zhong Zheng Lin arrived, he just happened to come upon such a tranquil painting. The beauty inside was brimming with leisure. It was peaceful yet beautiful. The outline of her side face profile was very gentle. The corners of her mouth even carried a tiny smile. Even as he was looking from afar, he felt how soft his heart has become. He wanted to wrap his arms around that person and hug her tightly.
Wei Zhen was long accustomed to such strange sights. Since his Highness had that conversation with mister in the study, his Highness has become odd.
Apart from being cold and solemn in state affairs and keeping everything well in control as in the past, in private, he has changed altogether. Of course, this change was directed only at one person. Toward everyone else, he was his usual self.
His Highness would check the news about this woman every day. Occasionally, he would show a smile. Wei Zhen felt like he has finally found the key trick on how to serve his Highness after the previous confusions. It was truly not an easy task to accomplish.
Translation notes:
[1] Hug a golden leg means to find a protection from powerful influence or power
[2] Rice weevil means fig. lazy person, sponger
[3] Little white flower describes a beautiful woman who seems fragile and delicate
15
Zhong Zheng Lin stood there watching her for a while. In the end, he still could not help himself and went toward her. Upon seeing this, Wei Zhen had all the servant girls and guards nearby retreat and then remained outside the pavilion, as to avoid ruining his Highness's mood.
Zhong Zheng Lin's steps were very light but Mu Xi Yao's senses were keener. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that the person standing before her had his eyes fixed on her.
Before she had time to recover, Zhong Zheng Lin has already picked her up. That person had leisurely found a comfortable position. He stretched his legs and sat down, nestling her sideways on his lap so she was leaning against his chest. He silently held her in his arms, his chin was gently rubbing against Mu Xi Yao's head.
Mu Xi Yao was stunned. What kind of development was this?
Did she transmigrate again when she took a rest? Where were her people? How come no one informed her about his arrival? Moreover, was this truly the sixth Highness Zhong Zheng Lin? Mu Xi Yao was completely convinced that this man has been possessed by someone else!
Should she test him or not? Maybe he would turn out to be her kindred. After another round of contemplation, she decided not to since there was no hurry and this was a matter of a great importance. After she marries him, there will be many opportunities for her to check out this matter. She ought not to act recklessly as there were still many unclear things at the moment.
Lass, you are thinking too much ～～～
While her imagination was running wild, she heard a man's rich voice on top of her head speaking, "What's preoccupying your mind?"
Mu Xi Yao just now recalled that she hasn't yet curtsied him to pay him respect. She struggled to get up.
"Don't move. Let's just stay like this for a bit." Zhong Zheng Lin told her with his deep voice. His arms, that were encircled around her waist, did not move an inch.
Mu Xi Yao gradually relaxed. She whispered, "Your Highness."
"Mhm."
"Why is your Highness here?" In fact, what she truly wanted to ask him was Why on earth would you trouble yourself to come here?.
"Passing by." Mu Xi Yao was speechless. What place would make him pass by to the mountains?
After a moment of silence, Zhong Zheng Lin was the first one to speak: "Why is it Xi Yao?"
"Huh?"
"Your name Xi Yao. Is there any reason behind?"
"Playing on the grassland in the morning, drinking before Jade Lake on Mount Kunlun at the dusk (Zhao Xi Yu Zhi Tian, Xi Yin Hu Yao Chi)."
"Mhm." Zhong Zheng Lin used his chin to rub against the top of her head. Afterward, he bent down his head to simply rest it on her shoulder.
"What a nice scent."
This time, Mu Xi Yao was truly astonished. This was flirting, right? Right? Even her body stiffened a little bit.
Zhong Zheng Lin felt that the woman in his arms was slightly resisting. Hence, he used one hand to softly stroke her back.
Mu Xi Yao understood. He was smoothing her fur1….
"Has your Highness kept a pet before?"
"Never. However, during the childhood, mother-consort had a little Pekingese in her palace. Bendian has once teased it for a while." His voice carried a bit of regret.
Sure enough.
"Was your Highness fond of it?"
Zhong Zheng Lin raised his head a bit to gaze at her. There was a smile in his eyes: "I'm more fond of a rabbit."
Mu Xi Yao did not understand the story behind thus she only nodded and said: "Mhm. The round chubby rabbit is very adorable."
Zhong Zheng Lin actually chuckled. His shoulders were trembling softly.
Following, a silence fell upon them. They quietly sat there in each other's arms. Zhong Zheng Lin looked at the large forest outside the pavilion. A mist was lingering around the treetops. He felt that holding the woman in his arms just like this made him feel the kind of peace he had never before experienced.
Mu Xi Yao directly propped herself against Zhong Zheng Lin's body and comfortably fell asleep. Zhong Zheng Lin signaled Wei Zhen to bring him a cloak. He carefully wrapped it around Mu Xi Yao. Like this, they spent the whole afternoon quietly locked in the embrace.
When Mu Xi Yao was gently woken up by Zhong Zheng Lin, she discovered that it was already an hour of Shen2. The two tidied themselves up and then, taking their people, they returned back. At the entrance of Zhaojue Temple, Zhong Zheng Lin sent Xi Yao to her carriage. Just as she was about to bid him farewell, she saw this man raising the hem of his robe and climb into the carriage, taking her inside with him.
Mu Xi Yao, whose lifelong career goal was to become a favorite consort, naturally wouldn't foolishly refuse. Thus, she conveniently let him hold her. She softly leaned against him. Mhm. This embrace felt nice. It was sturdy and one could catch a faint scent of bamboo.
"Your Highness?"
"Mhm."
"Are there any Elephant's Gall3 plants in your Highness's residence?" Mu Xi Yao raised her head. The pair of pitch black eyes that were intently gazing at Zhong Zheng Lin were shining brightly.
Looking at the exquisite face of the woman in front of him, Zhong Zheng Lin followed his heart's desire. He raised his hand and gently caressed her cheek, "There is no such plant in the residence. If you want, it could be brought to you from the palace."
"Good." Mu Xi Yao's face flushed with a shade of pink. Her eyes were watery, making people being charmed by her.
Zhong Zheng Lin had to fight the strong urge to bend down his head and kiss her when gazing at her soft pink lips. Hence, he tightened his hold on her and closed his eyes to calm his chaotic breathing. The scent the woman's body produced was very sweet, yet not overly so. It smelled of warmth.
"Do you wear a perfume?"
"Mhm. "Ting Zhi" from Diao Xiang House." Mu Xi Yao's lowered eyelashes covered her expression. Has he found out already?
Afterward, Zhong Zheng Lin just held her. He had his eyes closed, recuperating. Occasionally, his head would rub against her hair, his movements very gentle.
When Mu Xi Yao arrived home and climbed off the carriage, she made a courteous curtsy to Zhong Zheng Lin, "Many thanks to your Highness. Please, take care on your way back."
Only when she saw Zhong Zheng Lin leaving on the horse did she return back to the inner yard along with her people. Mo Lan and Hui Lan were throwing her sidelong glances during the whole journey which eventually made Mu Xi Yao burst into a laugh. Gui momo still hasn't come back to herself. That person was his sixth Highness? How come his sixth Highness was so….um….familiar with their miss? They looked quite close. Did it mean that they got to know each other before the marriage? It was actually a good thing. She ought to tell the mistress.
—–
Zhong Zheng Lin returned back to the residence with Wei Zhen. After just a short period of rest, he called for chief steward Tian Fu Shan. Thinking that it was an urgent matter, Tian Fu Shan quickly entered the room, waiting for the orders. To his surprise, Zhong Zheng Lin told him to go to buy "Ting Zhi" from Diao Xiang House tomorrow and then go to the palace to ask for Elephant's Gall. He was to grab more of the plant and then arrange it in the inner yard's Danruo Courtyard.
"Ting Zhi". What was it? Danruo Courtyard? Was it the courtyard his Highness specially instructed prior on to tidy up, the one that had a waterside pavilion and was quite spacious? It was an extremely beautiful courtyard. There was a peach tree forest beside the main house. During the springtime, countless of fallen petals flew around like snowflakes. Even the air there carried a faint sweet fragrance. Furthermore, there was a bamboo forest behind the house that his Highness just recently ordered to shift over. The place would be presumably very cool and refreshing during the midsummer. Nowadays, even the Elephant's Gall had to be moved there.
Tian Fu Shan felt like this courtyard was likely prepared for a certain mistress who was going to enter the residence soon. Unbeknownst, which mistress had such a blessing? The person had not yet entered the residence, but his Highness has already taken great pains to arrange things for her. It meant that his Highness was willing to get close with her. The more Tian Fu Shan thought about it the merrier he turned to be. He went running his errant with a big smile on his face.
On the next day, Zhong Zheng Lin took the perfume and smelt it. It actually had a fresh, simple yet elegant scent. However, the scent was different to the one Mu Xi Yao wore. Hers was sweeter, milder and carried the warmth which made people want to pamper her. Just the mere thought caused his body to have a reaction. He quickly adjusted his sitting posture. The expression on his face stayed unchanged during the whole time.
"This is "Ting Zhi"?"
Seeing Tian Fu Shan giving an affirmative nod, he furrowed his brows.
It was not this scent. Was it possible…..desire that Zhong Zheng Lin has just now suppressed reappeared yet again to torment him. All he could do was to wave his hand and let Tian Fu Shan retreat so he could slowly calm himself down.
How come every time he thought of her, he would involuntarily want to get close to her? Especially in the evening. It was even more difficult for him to hold back. Zhong Zheng Lin has not been intimate with a woman for almost half a year. The little desire he had was all basically related to her. Even as he was getting himself off the edge, his head was filled with her beautiful images.
His sixth Highness thought that more than a month's time of waiting for her was far too long…
Translation notes:
[1] Smoothing somebody's fur is a phrase meaning adapting to someone else's temper, in short doing what one says and what will make one happy, saying what will please one
[2] Hour of Shen is 3-4 PM
[3] Elephant's Gall also known as Aloe vera.