16
Mu Xi Yao was facing the lotus pond outside the window, slowly drawing the veins of the lotus leaves and the morning dew above. Gui momo came to her with a face full of smiles and told her in a low voice: "Mistress, his sixth Highness has sent you interesting objects. He wants you to open them personally."
She saw Mo Lan carrying a basket, its top was covered with a thin purple silk fabric.
Mu Xi Yao put aside the pen and went to wash her hands. When she took the bamboo basket, she noticed that it was quite heavy. She gently pulled off the corner of the fabric only to exclaim in surprise.
Xi Yao gave both Gui momo and Mo Lan a fright. But then they saw her pulling away excitedly the silk fabric. Inside were two tiny rabbits that were nestled closely, leaning against each other. They were awfully cute.
Looking at the two chubby rabbits, Mu Xi Yao was beside herself with joy. One was grey, another white. Both were like hairy balls. Particularly those plump bottoms of theirs. Mu Xi Yao reached her hand to poke it lightly with her forefinger. That rabbit immediately stirred its ear, blinked its eyes and lazily shifted its bosom. Mu Xi Yao laughed happily while holding the basket and watching them continually.
Gui momo and Mo Lan, on the other hand, stiffened. They looked compassionately at the two very adorable rabbits. Ah, what were they to say? Any other family would be a better home for these rabbits than falling into the hands of their mistress.
There was a reason for it. Since Mu Xi Yao had consumed the spiritual pills, her body emitted a very weak scent of a spiritual energy. As soon as she approached these small creatures, they would shortly afterward gather around her, enjoying her presence.
However, this woman, Mu Xi Yao, had a very bad habit. As long as she considered animal cute, she would go to tease it endlessly, never getting tired of it. Since these animals could not feel any evil intention coming from Mu Xi Yao and they were fond of her scent, they didn't mind to be teased by her. However, as time went on, no one would be able to put up with this kind of constant harassment. As a result, even though these animals had a healthy body, they would still be low-spirited. If Gui momo and Mo Lan knew about that one word, they would realize that these animals were showing a sign of "depression".
Originally, Mu Xi Yao could raise a pet at home. But later on, even lady Yu, who doted on her greatly, prohibited people from bringing pets into Yingshui Pavilion. Including Mu Jin Zhi who had a sister-complex. Every time he saw her pleading look, he would flee away. Mu Xi Yao, indeed, caused people a great headache on this matter.
Henceforth, seeing abruptly such adorable pets affectionately nestled together, how could Mu Xi Yao not have stars in eyes, euphoric by this pleasant surprise? However, her joy was short-lived as Mo Lan hastily came forward to take the basket and went to stand in a spot quite a few steps away from her, anxiously saying: "Miss, mistress had said that if we were to let you keep a pet again, me and Hui Lan will get beaten. Besides, they are sent by his sixth Highness. You wouldn't want such adorable rabbits to end up like that again, right? How about this? This servant will raise them in your stead. You can take a look at them whenever you're free." Gui momo who stood at side vehemently nodded her head and voiced her approval.
Mu Xi Yao felt aggrieved. Is sis a hideous devil or what? She could raise rabbits, but she was only to look at them from afar and not playing with them? She glanced at the rabbits for several more time before reluctantly nodding her head, indicating that she was going to be present during their feeding time every morning. The two people beside her could now finally let out a sigh of relief, inwardly thinking that it was truly a close call.
Mu Xi Yao's mood started to fly upward since she got rabbits. Yet, she also did not forget to very politely write Zhong Zheng Lin a letter to express her thanks. The words in the letter were earnest, full of joy, even the handwriting seemed more agile. She had complained there that though she could only watch them at the moment, she still felt very satisfied. To convey her gratitude, she enclosed the letter with a self-made bookmark.
—–
A gentle smile crossed Zhong Zheng Lin's face when he read the letter. The picture of a miserable big rabbit watching two little rabbits at the side amused him greatly. He picked up the bookmark to take a closer look. The bookmark's main body was a piece of leave. Its green flesh has been removed, remaining only with a light yellow venation. The stripe openwork on it was very delicately crafted. On the top was fastened a blue-green ribbon. The craftsmanship of the bookmark was refined and elegant. Its master's diligence could be well seen. Zhong Zheng Lin gently caressed the ribbon. Afterward, he placed the bookmark on the page of the book he frequently read, quietly arranging it there.
They haven't seen each other for few days. He was already somewhat missing her. After a moment of contemplation, Zhong Zheng Lin took a pen and started to quickly write a letter. He had Ye Kai personally deliver it to Yu House and hand it to Mu Xi Yao.
These few days, the whole Yu household knew that the family's lady cousin has not married yet but had already received gifts from his sixth Highness. Obviously, once she enters his residence she would be able to gain his favor. As a result, there were many people who tried to curry favor with her. Since Mu Xi Ting was Mu Xi Yao's sister, she has naturally also reaped some benefits. See, the lady cousin's momo was currently leading a young man to the courtyard with an elated expression. Wasn't that man the attendant from the prince's residence that came to bring gifts last time? Did he come to bring another gifts?
When Ye Kai saw Mu Xi Yao, he respectfully paid her a greeting and passed her the letter. Inwardly, he was thinking that last time he didn't see her in person but this time he finally did. No wonder she had caught the eyes of his Highness. She was indeed a striking beauty. What was more exceptional were her manners. Compared to those two in his Highness's inner yard, any man knew whom to choose. Suddenly, he had realized that he was taking his Highness for a promiscuous person hence he quickly halted his thoughts and waited for the mistress's reply.
Mu Xi Yao read Zhong Zheng Lin's letter. A tiny smile appeared on her face. She nodded to Ye Kai, telling him that she agrees with this matter. Then, she ordered people to reward him and see him off.
Once Ye Kai left, Mu Xi Yao immediately resumed her usual demeanor, dumbstrucking Gui momo. Mistress was, indeed, remarkable. She changed her face without even taking a breath. Before, when she was still with lady Yu, she only saw the obedient and spoiled side of second miss. In comparison to now, well, mistress and people like her were all fooled by her. But, wasn't this a good thing? If her mistress was capable, she would be more dependable once she entered the prince's inner yard. People that followed her would also naturally gain some benefits. Thus, she gave it no more thoughts.
In the letter, Zhong Zheng Lin was inviting Mu Xi Yao on the twenty-ninth of this month at the hour of Shen1 to visit the West Lake outside Shengjing and enjoy the view of lotuses. It just so happened that they could catch up with the annual river lantern wishing of the West Lake. Shengjing's annual river lantern wishing was unusually lively and had quite a good reputation. The young maidens liked to go there in the company of other young maidens, just to wish a good marriage match for themselves.
After reading the letter, Mu Xi Yao went to lady Yu's courtyard to tell her about the trip. When she heard it was his sixth Highness's invitation, how could she not give her consent? She kept repeating over and over again to Mu Xi Yao that she ought to act steadily, be polite and must not make trouble nor act arrogantly or willfully. Also, she exhorted her to return back soon after releasing the lanterns. Mu Xi Yao almost rolled her eyes. Was lady Yu afraid that she would stay out all night?
—–
On the twenty-ninth, Mu Xi Yao chose the apricot-colored silk dress. Her hair was ornamented with just a simple pale pink crystal dangling hairpin while her wrist was adorned with a jasmine flower bracelet. Beside the self-made flower water, she hasn't applied anything else on her face. On the summer day, this person appeared unusually bright. The maiden was like a flower bud, touching people's heart with its beauty, appearing bright and dazzling.
Looking at such Mu Xi Yao, Zhong Zheng Lin's eyes could not help but be deeply fixed on her body. After a long while, he finally lifted up Xi Yao who was curtsying him. Taking her hand into his, they entered the carriage together.
"Very beautiful." This man very solemnly…praised.
Hearing his praise, Mu Xi Yao smiled unshyly. Unexpectedly, she has been softly pulled over, once again ending up in a his embrace. Her cheeks were covered with a faint blush. She was propped against Zhong Zheng Lin's body, letting him gently hold her in his arms.
"Have you decided on what to write on the lantern?" Zhong Zheng Lin watched her attentively with his phoenix eyes. He reached out his hand to neaten the hair on her temples.
"Ah? Not yet." Mu Xi Yao looked up and felt a breath fanning over her face. The masculine scent of the man assaulted her senses, making her eyes appearing even more watery.
Looking at the face that made him unable to rest at night, Zhong Zheng Lin slightly raised Mu Xi Yao's chin up and caressed her face.
"Then, take time to think about it. No need to hurry." His face slowly pressed down.
Mu Xi Yao instinctively closed her eyes. A scent of green tea engulfed her nose. The man's soft lips lightly touched hers. At first, it was just a lazy brush. Later on, she felt the tip of his tongue lightly caressing her. Mu Xi Yao's face heated up and turned into a deep red. She held her breath, not daring to move an inch.
Zhong Zheng Lin thought that her taste was unexpectedly good. It was his first time kissing a woman. Yet it, turned out to be such a sweet experience. Watching Mu Xi Yao's eyelashes trembling and her not daring to take a breath made him even more enamored with her. As a result, he parted her lips and swept his tongue in to play with her mouth.
Mu Xi Yao's mouth was seized by Zhong Zheng Lin's. She could only take his lead and intertwine her tongue with his. Between the kisses, she heard the man's breathing turning slightly ragged. She unconsciously tightened her grip on Zhong Zheng Lin's lapels, her body becoming boneless.
"Your Highness."
Mu Xi Yao's cry made Zhong Zheng Lin suppress his drumming heartbeat and burning desires. He released Xi Yao only to softly hold her in his arms.
A tiny smile appeared on his face once he has cooled down his desire for her.
Zhong Zheng Lin slightly shut his phoenix eyes and caressed Mu Xi Yao's lips gently, "Fragrant and sweet, yet light. Delicious."
Mu Xi Yao was not shy at all when she heard Zhong Zheng Lin's teasing. Instead, she raised her head to cast him cockily a provocative look, "How do I compare to your Highness's other beauties?"
When Zhong Zheng Lin watched Mu Xi Yao's expression and listened to her "improper" competitiveness, he was reminded of that maiden who loudly shouted the order to kill the horse. Suddenly, a smile broke his face: "I would know whether there's a beauty beside me only after inspection." He assumed a posture that looked like he was about to kiss her.
Mu Xi Yao chuckled, dodging his teasing. Her little face looked quite joyful.
Soon, the carriage slowly stopped. Wei Zhen informed them that they have arrived at Bibo Pavilion. Zhong Zheng Lin then gently grasped Mu Xi Yao's little hand, taking her slowly into the pavilion.
Apparently, Bibo Pavilion has been cleaned up earlier on. There were tea and snacks along with the tribute fruit from a foreign land on the stone table. The place was facing the direction of the lake and there were indigo colored muslin veils hung on the sides of the pavilion, making the space relatively independent and also sparing them from being disturbed by others.
Outside Bibo pavilion was lotus leaves haven. Layers upon layers of intervening branches and leaves created a vivid green landscape. Water droplets slid down their petals. Occasionally, a wind would pass by, refracting the dazzling light which would then fall into the lotus pond and stir up a tiny ripple that would slowly move outwards. Amid the leaves were lotus flowers in twos and threes, some tall some short, some red some white, some fully blossomed some just mere buds. The whole scenery was simply an ink wash painting that made people's heart skip a beat and enticing them into roaming amid.
"If you like, we can come again."
Mu Xi Yao's eyes noticeable gleamed with light. She looked anticipatively at Zhong Zheng Lin, nodding vehemently. Zhong Zheng Lin wrapped his arms around her. He stretched his hand to pat her head as if to soothe a pet.
With lips pouted, Mu Xi Yao resentfully raised her head to look at Zhong Zheng Lin aggrievedly. In exchange, she received from him a "don't be naughty" sentence.
Mu Xi Yao was helpless. She seriously thought that this fellow had a pet-complex. Of course, she didn't know that his sixth Highness treated this way only this one rabbit.
"Your Highness, do you have a pen and ink?"
Wei Zhen did not wait for Zhong Zheng Lin's order. He immediately went out to get the set, not forgetting to withdraw the food. Afterward, he respectfully placed them onto the table. Wei Zhen understood well that as long as he served this person properly, things would be easier with his Highness. Mu Xi Yao politely thanked Wei Zhen and then turned to look at Zhong Zheng Lin.
"Xi Yao heard that your Highness is quite versed with painting and calligraphy. With the beautiful scenery in front, unbeknownst if Xi Yao is worthy of your Highness's display of skill."
Zhong Zheng Lin raised up and placed her in his arms, one hand holding her waist while the other the pen. Before starting, he suddenly leaned over to kiss Mu Xi Yao's right eadrop, "How can I miss such chance when the beauty is just before me."
Mu Xi Yao's ears turned slightly reddish. She shifted her head to glance at the man who was solemnly painting.
What nobody knew about was that Mu Xi Yao was inwardly shouting: The one who said that this man was hard to get on and wasn't into womanly charms must have had their titanium alloy dog eyes blinded2. Such a typical epitome of an internally passionate but outwardly cold person3, it was just beyond her powers to keep him off.
Translation notes:
[1] The Hour of Shen means 3-5 PM
[2] Titanium alloy dog eyes blinded – since titanium alloy is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant metal it's used to describe the super high strength of the dog's eyes. In this context, this phrase means the person was so wrong about Zhong Zheng Lin it was shocking
[3] He was a typical epitome of an internally passionate outwardly cold person[ (Men Sao – 闷骚) – to be more precise, this word describes a person who is outwardly cold and dull but deep down he's a passionate, charismatic and sexy person
17
They have stayed at Bibo Pavilion for an hour before the whole party moved to the tavern by the West Lake. It was currently a mealtime. The five-storey building was practically packed with guests.
Zhong Zheng Lin and the party went directly to their box and ordered the tavern's specialty, the very delectable fish and shrimp balls. As Mu Xi Yao ate, her eyes squinted in delight, her lips gradually coloring into the alluring shade of red. She was absolutely unaware of her charms. Zhong Zheng Lin cast a meaningful glance at the people serving around, following which they quickly bowed their heads.
At this time, someone suddenly broke into the box. It was actually a young and handsome man. He had a very wanton appearance. Along with him were three to five guards and manservants. He was, furthermore, holding a curvaceous woman. The guard behind the man came out and told them: "We would like to trouble you to cede this box. Our young master is willing to pay one hundred silver taels as compensation."
Mu Xi Yao continued to eat the shrimp balls Zhong Zheng Lin picked for her. She paid the man no heed. His sixth Highness stuck to his usual demeanor. Irrelevant people were invisible to him.
Before Ye Kai had the guards drive them away, he heard the man say in surprised yet pleasant tone: "Unbeknownst, there would be such a beauty at this place. Very well." Afterward, he pushed away the curvaceous woman and fixed his robe. With a swish, he opened his folding fan and then winked at Mu Xi Yao: "I wonder if it would be possible for this miss to tell me your name? In the presence of such a beautiful scenery, how about we dine together and then go to see the lanterns?"
Wei Zhen's face twitched. Inwardly, he thought that things were going to be bad. Sure enough. Even though his Highness did not utter a word, his face has turned cold.
The man looked at Zhong Zheng Lin who was sitting beside Mu Xi Yao with disdain first and then he turned his glowing gaze at Mu Xi Yao, "Miss is so lovely and bright. Why condescend yourself so casually? How about committing to me? I will marry miss, taking you as my concubine."
At this time, Mu Xi Yao slowly put down the chopsticks and turned her head to take a look. Her expression was that of a bewilderment. She stared at him for five-six breaths, then she started to look him up and down. Suddenly, Zhong Zheng Lin reached out his hand to turn her head toward him so that they were facing each other.
"Is he good-looking?" The tone of his voice rose.
"Quite handsome." Mu Xi Yao seemed to be oblivious. She nodded her head and praised.
Everyone lamented inwardly. Great aunt1, you can play any other game. Why are you playing the game of red apricot tree leaning over the wall2?
Zhong Zheng Lin's phoenix eyes turned cold, "Do you like?" His eyes were pitch-black, expression chilly.
"Like." Just as her voice fell, Zhong Zheng Lin lifted her chin and abruptly kissed her, completely ignoring the surrounding people.
This time, Zhong Zheng Lin's kiss was not gentle. He did not try to hide his forcefulness at all.
"Wu, wu ～～～", Mu Xi Yao struggled with all her might. When she finally managed to push Zhong Zheng Lin away, she saw his face darkening even more. A storm was brewing in his eyes. His displeasure for being pushed away was apparent to eyes.
"Hateful, " Mu Xi Yao complained coyly, "It hurts." She then pointed to her red lips.
Mu Xi Yao exhibited no fear when she looked at Zhong Zheng Lin's face which appeared so cold it shed icicles. She extended her hands to hold his face, slowly smoothing his taut face. She charmingly rolled her eyes at him, "Beat him up! Beat him up till his mother wouldn't be able to recognize him. I would like it the best then～"
Well, this woman, indeed, liked to give people shocks.
Zhong Zheng Lin's face was held by her. Staring at the woman in front of him for a moment, he let out a hearty laugh.
"Wei Zhen." His message was apparent.
After Wei Zhen dragged down the man, Zhong Zheng Lin made everyone retreat. He hugged Mu Xi Yao, continuing with the previous interrupted kiss.
This time, Mu Xi Yao was very well-behaved. She would occasionally respond by extending her tiny tongue, teasing Zhong Zheng Lin till his body went stiff. Mu Xi Yao had a great fun. She even went to wrap her hands around Zhong Zheng Lin's neck, pressing her body ever more closely to his chest, and misbehavedly wringing her body.
Zhong Zheng Lin was at the end of his patience. He patted her small bottom. Feeling plump softness in hands, he kneaded it several more time and only then did he released the women in front of him and called people in to continue to attend them.
Wei Zhen cast a glance at Mu Xi Yao from the corner of his eyes. Seeing her throwing back the bitter vegetables Zhong Zheng Lin picked for her, and furthermore, dissatisfiedly humphing, half of his soul has been scared away.
He could not afford to offend this mistress. Before, she even dared to tease his Highness. And now, she was even more openly not polite with him. Facing usually grim-faced Highness as if it was nothing, she was simply a peculiarity among the women. His Highness had his face held by a woman, yet not only didn't his Highness take any action, but he actually let her do whatever she wanted. Wei Zhen felt that such Mu Xi Yao could soon become a demoness.
At the hour of You3, everyone left the tavern and went to the downtown street market to pick a river lantern. Mu Xi Yao's eyes were roaming around the market, looking at all sorts of lanterns with bright eyes. Most of her body was shielded by Zhong Zheng Lin. In the end, she chose a blooming bingdi lotus lantern4. She passed it to Zhong Zheng Lin with a face full of smile and then grabbed his hand, swaying it sometimes left sometimes right.
Mo Lan and Hui Lan at behind were scared witless as they watched their miss vigorously bossing around his Highness. The fright turned their faces rigid. Wei Zhen and Ye Kai, on the other hand, could not even walk properly. Their footsteps kept changing from light to heavy as they followed them. They thought that this mistress Yao was too terrifying.
Mu Xi Yao wasn't the slightest bit worried. Inwardly, she was glowing at the moment as she has finally grasped a little Zhong Zheng Lin's temper. To sum it up, it would be: You needn't be polite with him. The more polite you're with him, the more pretentious5 he would act. Hence, Mu Xi Yao did whatever her heart desired. And sure enough, Zhong Zheng Lin seemed to be quite enjoying himself.
Zhong Zheng Lin lightened the lantern. Mu Xi Yao softly put down the flower lantern. A little while later, they saw the bingdi lotus lantern steadily drift away with the ripples of the water.
"What did you write?" Zhong Zheng Lin looked down at the side profile of Mu Xi Yao's face that was watching the lantern in the distance. Threads of hair brushed her face as the wind blew over their side.
Mu Xi Yao turned her head, "Later, I will tell you. But not now." Zhong Zheng Lin revealed a tiny smile.
It was late. Mu Xi Yao voiced out that she would like to return back a bit earlier as to not make lady Yu worry. Zhong Zheng Lin assented.
As soon as she sat down inside the carriage, Zhong Zheng Lin immediately leaned over and captured her lips. When she felt that she was being suffocated by this kiss, Mu Xi Yao extended her hand to pinch the man's waist. She used a rather resentful look to glare at man, accusing him.
"You're more and more naughty." Zhong Zheng Lin took her little hand to play with it. Mu Xi Yao suddenly got up and pressed a kiss on his lips. Then, she immediately moved away, smiling triumphantly. Zhong Zheng Lin indulged her in her playfulness.
After arriving to Yu House, Zhong Zheng Lin left with his people only after seeing Mu Xi Yao's back disappearing in the distance.
Ye Kai drove the horse to the palace gate. Unexpectedly, at this time, a carriage suddenly rushed out from the alley, almost crashing into them. He quickly deviated the course of the carriage and then steadily halted. The driver opposite was not so capable. It took him a great effort to calm down the horse and settle carriage.
Zhong Zheng Lin was sitting on the couch. Having his thoughts disturbed, he was already displeased. Outside the carriage, he heard a woman's whisper.
It was the maiden from the other carriage who has climbed down. She came to personally apologize to the owner of the carriage they had almost bumped into, but was stopped by Wei Zhen who had them wait for a little.
"Your Highness, it's miss from Qi House." That woman disclosed her clan name to Wei Zhen. Hence, he knew that she could also be considered as his half-mistress and that it was necessary to report it to his Highness.
"How are the matters connected?" The man's low voice came out of the carriage.
Wei Zhen peered a glance at the miss of Qi House who stood three steps away from him. His face twitched. However, with an unchanged expression, he said, "Your Highness, miss of Qi House is the concubine his Majesty has bestowed to you. Next month, she will enter the residence." Inwardly, he was thinking that all his Highness's thoughts were occupied by mistress Yao.
"Uhm."
"Miss Qi would like to come forward to pay your Highness a respect and also apologize for the incident."
"There's no need. We are going back to the palace." Afterward, he spoke no more.
After receiving the orders, Wei Zhen indicated the mistress of Qi House that they were to take their leave.
Only when the sixth prince's carriage left did the servant girl next to miss of Qi House dare to speak, "Miss, let's go back." That maiden subsequently turned around and climbed into the carriage to return home.
—–
Miss of Qi House inside the carriage was talking to the servant girl beside her, "Is it possible to confirm that person is indeed his Highness?"
"At the time, that gentleman was standing sideways. This servant did not dare to look closer. But this servant heard the maiden next to him call him your Highness. Moreover, the two guards behind them were exactly the ones that have stopped miss earlier." Recalling that her master had specially waited for this opportunity for half an hour at the road that took directly to the palace, she did not dare to neglect this matter and started to tell the whole story in detail.
"Then it's certain. He is undoubtedly his sixth Highness. Who was the woman beside his Highness? Do you know her?"
"No. His Highness had not called that woman. Furthermore, this servant thought that woman looked very unfamiliar. She doesn't appear to be miss from Shengjing's noble family. But…" That servant girl stumbled over her words, not knowing how to tell it to her miss.
"But what?"
"But, this servant seemed to catch sight of his Highness clutching on that woman's waist." After her words fell, she bowed her head, not daring to utter more.
That miss's expression darkened. She twisted forcefully the silk handkerchief in her hands. She was perplexed. Everyone in Shengjing knew that his sixth Highness was not into women charms and that he rarely stayed in his inner yard. Yet, why was he today accompanied by a woman, releasing lanterns in West lake? Furthermore, why were they so intimate with each other? More importantly, who was that woman?
Translation notes:
[1] Great aunt may be used to express some emotion, it's used when you feel the female you are talking to is quite unreasonable
[2] Red apricot tree leaning over the garden wall is a Chinese idiom used to describe unfaithful behaviors of wives, e.k. a wife having an illicit lover
[3] The hour of You is 5 -7 PM
[4] Bindi lotus is a lotus that has twin lotus flowers on one stalk. They are considered a treasure among flowers because it has all the essential parts of both the leaves and lotus
[5] 矫情 Jiao Qing – describes someone that doesn't express his/her true feelings. I didn't find a proper translation for this word but here's a site that well describes this word in case you're curious
18
After arriving at the prince's quarters, Zhong Zheng Lin went directly to the study. There, he heard that Tian Fu Shan had a matter to report to him.
"What matter?"
"Your Highness, from the next month newcomers will start to enter the residence. The following month, it will be two shufeis appointed by his Majesty. The courtyards in the inner yard….."
"Leave Danruo Courtyard alone. The other ones are up to you to arrange." After a moment of contemplation, Zhong Zheng Lin added, "Make it so the other courtyards would be further away from Danruo Courtyard." That being said, he paid no more heed to Tian Fu Shan.
How could Tian Fu Shan not know that this Danruo Courtyard was prepared for the mistress Yao? As a result, he replied yes, bowed to Zhong Zheng Lin and withdrew.
—–
On the following day, Mu Xi Yao called Zhao Qing to discuss some matters with him.
"Once I enter the prince's estate, I won't be able to take you with me anymore. Do you have any plans?"
Zhao Qing contemplated for a while and said, "I will do as miss tells me."
Seeing that Zhao Qing had no idea, Mu Xi Yao pondered for a moment, "After I leave, go to your brother. I will let him know. The current Emperor is the man with great talents and bold visions. He won't let go of Mobei's1 repetitious provocations. Once the war outbreaks in few years, join the army and gain some military merits. Men ought to fight in the battlefield and make name for themselves. Wasting time in the inner yard is meaningless." Subsequently, she ordered Mo Lan to bring his contract2 and return it to him. She also had Zhao Qing make preparations in the private. Once she left her maiden chamber3, he was to immediately set off and join the military camp to hone himself.
Zhao Qing's hand that was holding onto the contract trembled slightly. He respectfully kowtowed to Mu Xi Yao and then left with large strides.
"Miss, will there be truly a war against Mobei?" Mo Lan carefully asked in a low voice.
"Yes. In two-three years timespan a war will definitely outbreak. Once you leave this room, speak and act cautiously. Today, you had heard nothing related to Mobei." Mu Xi Yao instructed carefully.
"Yes. Mo Lan will keep it in mind."
—–
On the thirteenth day of the eighth month, two blue and white sedan chairs entered the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin's inner yard.
Lady Kong and lady Wu were moved to Lantai Hall in the inner yard. The newcomers that had just entered the residence today were arranged to the freshly cleaned Zhuyin Hall. Since the two were just concubines, they came alone, not bringing any personal maidservants with them.
In the prince's residence, the steward took along with him four servant girls and six labor pozis4, that were assigned by the Department of Internal Affairs in the palace, to Zhuyin Hall to appoint them to newcomers. Lady Zhang very gently nodded her head and also politely thanked the steward. Following, she began to ask her servant girls about their names as well as their ages, and then gave them meeting gifts5. After that, she told them to tidy her a bit and, subsequently, she went to sit obediently on the matrimonial bed, waiting for his sixth Highness's grace.
Lady Qi, on the other side, enthusiastically gave the steward a big gift. Afterwards, she started to ask about her future personal maid, the situation in the residence and his Highness's likes. This maidservant has just been assigned to the residence hence she knew not much. She was only aware that his Highness was not fond of the previous two concubines, the rest were unknown to her. Lady Qi became annoyed. She thought that not having any people she was accustomed to by her side was very inconvenient. She had people fix her clothes and makeup and then she went to sit on the matrimonial bed, waiting slowly.
When Zhong Zheng Lin finished court affairs, he saw Tian Fu Shan coming in and reporting that the newcomers were already stationed in the inner yard, waiting. He gave Tian Fu Shan an indifferent respond and then told Wei Zhen to hand him the news brought by shadow guards. He turned down his head, turning over sheet after sheet, uttering nothing else. With no other choice, Tian Fu Shan retreated. Inwardly, he thought that her Ladyship Shu has rejoiced too soon.
Sure enough, this day Zhong Zheng Lin has rested in his study. On the next day, before lady Zhang and lady Qi could come to pay him respect, he had already gone to the palace. He left the chief steward to deal with the aftermath. When lady Kong and lady Wu received the news, they immediately felt relieved. His Highness was as aloof as usual. Therefore, they could not be regarded as losing his favor. Everyone was receiving the same treatment, after all. Since there was no comparison, nobody had higher standing than the other.
Seeing her son coming to pay her respect with his usual indifference, consort Shu's heart thudded.
"Sixth, are you satisfied with those new concubines?" One could presume that consort Shu did not care about losing her face anymore. She had it not easy as she even had to personally question about her son's inner yard affairs.
"Don't know."
Consort Shu was stupefied. "How can you not know?" The people have already entered the residence, how could he still not know if they were good or not?
"Haven't seen them." Consort Shu was furious. She anxiously asked, "Why not?"
"Busy with state affairs. Tired." Zhong Zheng Lin replied uprightly.
"Your imperial father is even busier than you, yet he still visits the inner palace!" Once these words were spoken out, she immediately realized its improperness thus she coughed and then said, "The people picked for you during this selection are all the ones I and your imperial father had personally chosen. You must not take it for nothing. If you act like this again, go to explain it to your imperial father by yourself." This time, consort Shu was truly angered. Did he want to become a monk or what? She glanced at her eldest son beside who was laughing secretly. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
"Fourth, you're the elder brother so why aren't you acting like one? Not only won't you rebuke your little brother, you actually go laughing over there. Is this how the elder brother should act?" Consort Shu pointed at Zhong Zheng Yun, so furious that even her voice become unstable.
The fourth prince has been, thus, drawn in. He cast a sidelong glance at Zhong Zheng Lin and then he hurried to say, "Yes. Yes. Son will reprimand sixth right away. Tomorrow you will hear the good news." After pacifying consort Shu's anger, he immediately pulled Zhong Zheng Lin away.
Zhong Zheng Lin followed him at the back, his steps as steady as Mount Tai. His expression remained unchanged, still keeping that "it has nothing to do with me" attitude. The fourth prince was so annoyed he actually laughed, "I say sixth, don't bring disaster upon your elder brother with your businesses or otherwise we will truly need to have a talk."
"There will be a good news tomorrow?" Zhong Zheng Lin cast a sideglance at him, "Is imperial sister-in-law pregnant?"
Zhong Zheng Yun was at his wit's end hence he started to advise him, "Not mentioning anything else, do you want imperial father to show interest in your inner yard affairs? If it happens, you won't be able to do as you like."
This time, Zhong Zheng Lin furrowed his brows, obviously impatient with this matter. However, if this matter wasn't handled properly, once imperial father intervened, it may affect Mu Xi Yao. As a result, he unwillingly complied. With a cold face, he swung his sleeves and left6.
Zhong Zheng Yun was wondering how come this person was so easy to talk to today? He received the answer so fast. From when did bringing up imperial father become so efficient? Prior to, when he made Yuancheng Emperor hopping mad, could it be just his hallucination?
Zhong Zheng Yun was too lazy to bother himself with his little brother's affairs hence he diligently went back to report to consort Shu.
—–
After Zhong Zheng Lin gloomily returned to his quarters, he immediately immersed himself into the study. He went into the inner yard when it was already the hour of Zi7. Yet, he did not go to Zhuyin Hall. Instead, he went to lady Kong's chamber. Though lady Kong was beside herself with joy, she still kept under control her emotions and went to carefully attend Zhong Zheng Lin with freshening up.
"Settle." After the words fell, lady Kong saw his sixth Highness lay down on his back and close his eyes. Suddenly, she didn't know what to do. She could only slowly fumble inside and also quietly lay down.
It took her quite a while to muster up a courage to softly lean over and touch the man's chest. Zhong Zheng Lin abruptly opened his eyes and grabbed lady Kong's hand that was placed on his chest. Lady Kong was startled by this sudden movement. Unexpectedly, her hand was brought down to the man's lower parts, tightly pressed there.
"Don't know how to?" The man beside her had a slightly accelerated breathing, his tone carried a trace of impatience.
Lady Kong slowly came to understand. Her cheeks reddened. However, she ignored the modesty and started to slowly move her hand. As the flesh in her hand began to swell, little wet fluids on its tip started to ooze out. Her body temperature gradually built up, being aroused. She unconsciously called, "Your Highness～."
Zhong Zheng Lin was just imagining in his mind that it was Mu Xi Yao's little hand. His whole body burnt. Yet, the call of the woman beside him instantly broke his fantasy. Zhong Zheng Lin's voice was laced with anger, "Stop talking." He grabbed lady Kong's hand again, speeding up the movement.
Lady Kong was frightened. She did not dare to make any more sounds. She only patiently kept attending to the man's needs.
In the mind, Zhong Zheng Lin imagined Mu Xi Yao's graceful body. As a result, he reached up to cover lady Kong's one breast with his hand and squeezed it viciously for several times. Unable to stand it anymore, his desire erupted. When his heartbeat calmed down, he stood up as usual and left, leaving there lady Kong with a dim expression on face and eyes that carried a despair in them. His Highness was turning more and more cold. Before, he had also prohibited them from conceiving. If it continued like this, it would be even harder for her to have children.
On the second day, Zhong Zheng Lin went to lady Wu's courtyard. This time, he did not even remove his clothes. He only had lady Wu massage his shoulders from behind. Lady Wu has always feared him. As a result, she complied to whatever orders he had. She massaged him till her hands felt sore. When the time came and Zhong Zheng Lin left, she finally let out a sigh of relief and went to take a rest.
On the other side, lady Zhang has already waited for three nights. Yet, his Highness did not visit her courtyard and also did not rest in her place. Thereupon, she knew that his Highness had no interest in her. She started then to contemplate how to gain his Highness's fondness. It would be good even if he only came to her courtyard to have a look as it would otherwise look like she had lost his favor upon her arrival. All the servants flattered the favored ones and trampled on the disgraced, after all. How sad her life will be.
Lady Qi was so infuriated she had almost shattered all of her teeth. First, she spent the first day in the residence all alone. Then, his Highness was snatched away by those two wenches. Did they not know any conducts? However, she still knew that this was the prince's residence thus she could not do as she liked. As a result, she began to ponder deeply how to entice his Highness into coming to her place.
Translation notes:
[1] Mobei mean Outer Mongolia
[2] This contract is a lifetime contract that makes one servant of a certain person or family. It could not be redeemed unless the servant's master gives his/her consent
[3] Leaving one's maiden chamber is a phrase meaning to marry
[4] Po zi means in Chinese an old woman, in this context, it referred that the servants are old women
[5] Meeting gift is a present given to one upon first meeting
[6] Leave with a swing of the sleeve is a phrase meaning leaving in anger
[7] Hour of Zi is 11 PM – 1 AM
19
This day, Mu Xi Yao was watching Mu Xi Ting tying knot in the courtyard. The deft movement of her hands and her fingers that seemed to fly made Mu Xi Yao repeatedly acclaim. It's so good to have a pair of skillful hands, she thought. Unfortunately, she was not competent in needlework. Otherwise, she would certainly make herself a Chinese knot. That was definitely worth to be called a fine piece of work. Compared to Great Wei's thousand something history, Huaxia1beats it in every aspect. The more Mu Xi Yao thought of it the more unwilling she became. She contemplated that she could draw a pattern. As long as she found the finest master, she wouldn't have to worry about not being able to make a knot.
Although Mu Xi Yao watched Mu Xi Ting's hands distractedly, she was reckoning in her mind that since she had a store among her dowries, she could use it to create a Jia Yi House2 that womenfolk were fond of. Once she married, it would not be so convenient for her to use money. Or could it be that when the principal wife married over, she had to go and ask her with a a thick skin for money? It would be too shameful. So shameful it would reach another time-space. It was absolutely not possible. Hence, she rushed to find lady Yu, telling her that she wanted extremely skillful seamstresses and needlework teachers.
Lady Yu was already used to her younger daughter's unpredictable personality. Since she thought that Mu Xi Yao was going to fool around, she asked her what were these people for. Mu Xi Yao greatly praised her exquisite ideas and then gazed at lady Yu with an expression that was saying, "I'm so clever, right? I request a praise", making lady Yu not know whether she should laugh or cry3. What was the "Jia Yi House", lady Yu did not understand at all. She only felt that it should be the same as the embroidery workshop. However, as this was their last few moments together, she could not bear to refuse Mu Xi Yao. Thus, she complied. Mu Xi Yao was immediately overjoyed. She hugged lady Yu and cuddled with her for a while before she contentedly went back to her quarters.
—–
On the other side, Zhong Zheng Lin also learnt that Yu House was searching for needlework teachers. He was quite perplexed. Didn't reports say Mu Xi Yao was not versed with needlework? How come she needed so many needlework teachers? Zhong Zheng Lin instinctively felt that rabbit was probably bored and she was about to start getting naughty.
Sure enough. A little while later, news that mistress Yao wanted to open something called Jia Yi House arrived. The shadow guard looked at His Highness's face, thinking that he was about to get angry. To one's surprise, his Highness cared only about whether she had found people or not. If not, they were to secretly send her some. There was no such thing as him feeling like losing face because his shufei was making a fuss outside. The shadow guard now understood that his Highness's decorum never applied on that attention drawing mistress Yao.
Since Mu Xi Yao was preoccupied with her own affairs, she had long ago forgotten about Zhong Zheng Lin. Fancy that his sixth Highness was concerned about her progress yet unexpectedly, he had raised a little white-eyed wolf4.
Of course, there were many people who were interested in prominent and powerful and also young and handsome sixth Highness. For example, the four concubines in his inner yard. Oh, strictly speaking, it should be three since lady Wu was an invisible. At this moment, they were racking their brains and thinking how to make his Highness visit their chambers.
Although lady Kong was the senior in the inner yard and not favored, she was still unwilling to resign. Besides, her current circumstances were much more tolerable than those two newcomers. However, when she recalled that his Highness would rather be like that than make love with her, she started to worry. Though she was prohibited to conceive, at least there were some prospects. Nowadays it became even more difficult. If she did not hurry up and gave birth to a child while she was still young, she will have no more opportunities as there will be only more and more people entering the inner yard in the future.
Lady Zhang understood her situation well. She knew that his Highness didn't give her a thought thus she did not even try to seduce him, making him despise her. She stayed contently in the inner yard, hoping that his Highness seeing her so well-behaved would treat her leniently. After all, although that lady Kong was not favored, his Highness still occasionally visited her chamber. As long as he did not completely ignore her, she still had hope. This lady Zhang was indeed lighthearted. Unfortunately, she did not understand lady Kong's awkwardness or else she would not be able to sit so still.
Lady Qi thought even more. Being the pampered and spoilt miss at her home, she has never received such a cold treatment. Therefore, she could not adapt to life in the residence at all. During the days, she could not even see a fly. She thought that she was going to suffocate to death. Sometimes, the women would visit each other but they couldn't find anything to converse about. After finishing chatting about those needleworks, there would be no more topics for them to talk. Or else were they to say that they have been given a cold shoulder by his Highness again?
Besides, the protocol in the inner yard was very strict. They could only stroll in nearby places. As soon as they walked a little bit further away, they would be politely sent back. However one looked at this, it appeared like a house arrest. Lady Qi was indignant for receiving such a cold treatment. Previously, her personal maid came to inform her that she had heard that there was one very beautiful courtyard in this residence. It has been sorted out already several times and things were being constantly sent inside. It seemed to be called "Danruo Courtyard" something. When lady Qi heard that there was such a good place, she became restless as she wanted to have a look at it. Who would have known that when she asked the steward about its location, he would tell her that only people appointed by his Highness could enter "Danruo Courtyard". It exasperated lady Qi into flicking her handkerchief and leaving.
Lady Qi could not help herself from complaining. Did she enter prince's residence to enjoy wealth and ranks or was she at the temple cultivating herself? She did not want things to go like this. As a result, she started to craft a devious plan in her mind.
This day Zhong Zheng Lin returned to his residence early. Therefore, he planned to go to Danruo Courtyard to sit for a while and take a look at what other things could be added there. As soon as he entered the inner yard, he met on his way a young woman who walked slowly toward him. She lowered her body to curtsy and greet him. The woman's fair neck was slightly exposed, the faint fragrance coming from her body was quite elegant. Zhong Zheng Lin told her to rise and then strode forward without giving her even a glance.
"Your Highness～" The woman behind spoke softly, yet not appearing to be boisterous." Qie5 has prepared a walnut lotus seed soup today. Is your Highness willing to give it a try?"
Walnut lotus seed soup? Zhong Zheng Lin suddenly called to mind that the dessert Mu Xi Yao picked on that day in West Lake had exactly this name. After a moment of thinking, he instructed Wei Zhen to bring it to his study later on. Afterward, he went straight to Danruo Courtyard.
It was lady Qi's first time seeing his sixth Highness close-up. She didn't expect him to be so handsome. Inwardly, she was even more determined. She looked at the sun and then turned to return back to her courtyard. She wondered if today she would be able to succeed. Originally, she wanted to personally bring him the soup to the study, but unexpectedly, his Highness has sent Wei Zhen to do the task. Hopefully, his Highness would more or less remember her and would seek her instead of those wenches.
—–
Evening.
Inside the study, Zhong Zheng Lin looked at the little blue-white porcelain bowl on the table. There were few pieces of chopped walnuts floating on the crystal clear soup. It gave him a little appetite. He scooped some with the spoon and slowly swallowed. He consumed a little bit of it and then had people withdraw it.
That day, he saw Mu Xi Yao consuming it gleefully. So it tasted like this. He wondered how sweet it would turn to be if it was tasted through Mu Xi Yao's little mouth. The more Zhong Zheng Lin thought the more his thoughts started to deviate. He felt his body getting hotter. When he suppressed the desire, he only felt that rabbit was too tormenting.
Unexpectedly, in the evening, his body started to stir restlessly again. It wasn't until then that Zhong Zheng Lin finally sensed something was wrong. As he recalled that bowl of lotus soup, a cold light flashed through his phoenix eyes. Very well, daring to mess around in the prince's residence. Although Zhong Zheng Lin's prince residence was packed densely with shadow guards, he did not keep an eye on his inner yard. After all, his inner yard was practically empty all these years, so there was no need to waste his manpower. Nowadays, it seems that he should not let off even the inner yard.
Zhong Zheng Lin intended to suppress his desire by force, but it did not turn for better. As time went by, it became more and more intense. Very good. It seemed that even the medicine they used was very carefully selected. Previously, he has already suppressed it once. Now, the medicine went out on full force. He ought to carefully check this woman's background. Zhong Zheng Lin resisted the discomfort and contemplated for a moment. After that, he rose and went to the inner yard. Want a man? Alright. He might as well fulfill her wish.
Zhong Zheng Lin kicked off the door to lady Qi's courtyard and went directly to her quarters. Before she could get up, he grabbed her and threw her on the bed. He tore her clothes without any pity. Lady Qi was still a virgin hence how could she bear such a crude treatment from Zhong Zheng Lin? She miserable shrieked an "Ah!", hurting so much that her whole body was convulsing.
"You want a man?" Listening to his icy cold tone and sensing the viciousness in his words, lady Qi knew that she has been exposed. But since her using the drug was absolutely confidential and it was difficult for someone to easily discover, she bit her teeth and refused to relent.
"Your Highness, this servant doesn't." She was really hurting down there. Zhong Zheng Lin only vented his lust. He wasn't tender with her at all. Lady Qi's eyes glistened with tears.
"Doesn't?" Zhong Zheng Lin's movement became savage. His eyes turned into a frost.
He clutched her chin, "Do you know Yu Gu of Red House?" After he asked the question, he cast her off.
Lady Qi's face immediately changed. Red House was Shengjing's most famous brothel. Yu Gu was the person in charge of Red House from behind the scene and also the descendant of Tianxian elder, making her one of few people that could see through lady Qi's trick. Ordinary people had absolutely no idea about Red House's Yu Gu and her hidden identity. In an instant, her face paled. She did not expect his Highness would know Yu Gu. Indeed, one careless move and the whole game was lost.
"Your Highness, this servant deserves death. Please spare this servant, your Highness. This servant will not dare to do such a thing ever again." For several times, lady Qi has been tormented by Zhong Zheng Lin until she has almost fainted but at the end the severe pain made her even more sober.
Zhong Zheng Lin's cruelty made lady Qi keep shivering despite that her whole body ached. Her heart felt icy-cold.
"Want a man? Your wish shall be fulfilled."
Lady Qi's miserable shrieks lasted for one night. When the sky was slightly bright, Zhong Zheng Lin cast away the woman on the bed. He draped over himself the outer robe and went out.
When lady Qi's maidservant entered the room, she saw her mistress lying on her back, half of her body dropped out of bed, seeming to have passed out. There was no blood on her face. Her hair was messy. She looked just like a ghost. Her naked body was covered with bruises and scratches, some places even had broken skin and little bits of blood seeped from those places. Her lower body was in an even more horrid state. The two deep five-finger prints on her thighs were so red it got purple, looking like a bruise.
The servant girl was so frightened she kept trembling. Afraid that words would spread out, she carefully did a cleaning and then settled lady Qi in bed. When she heard lady Qi's heart-rendering shrieks and his Highness's cold and furious chiding inside the room, she knew that her mistress had angered his Highness. Yet, she did not expect his Highness would be this enraged. Although his Highness was abnormally cold, he never had an abusing people's habit. This time, she was afraid, her mistress had brought upon herself a disaster.
"Wei Zhen, investigate!" As soon as Zhong Zheng Lin entered the front yard, he ordered for hot water and had Wei Zhen investigate this matter. He also did not forget to instruct him to dispatch shadow guards to monitor the movements of each courtyard.
Wei Zhen got so scared he did not dare to utter any more words and retreated. Today, his Highness was infuriated. Lady Qi most likely won't get her desired outcome. That year when his Highness was seven, he has also got so furious. As a result, inside the inner court, thirteen people lost their lives and seven people were dismissed and investigated. He was afraid that today it would be even worse.
In the morning of the second day, the chief steward took people into the inner yard and pulled lady Qi out of the bed. Lady Qi was pushed onto the bench and received flogging. In addition, the women inside the inner yard were all called over to "attend" this ritual. The chief steward has then announced his Highness's orders. Lady Qi lacked morals and had no conducts of the noblewoman, hence she shall be put under house arrest for three months and nobody was allowed to visit her. Afterward, people lifted up lady Qi and departed.
Everyone gritted their teeth when they received the news that his Highness rested in lady Qi's place yesterday. However, they did not expect such turn of events today. These women were now so frightened their legs turned wobbly. As they returned to their respective courtyards, they needed to be supported by their maidservants.
This time, lady Qi has been first ruthlessly abused by Zhong Zheng Lin and, following after, she received solid board strokes. As she was barely alive, she could only slowly recuperate in the inner yard. This episode has made her completely lost her face in the inner yard. In addition, when she learnt from the imperial physician who came to examine her that since she has hurt her foundation and caused herself too severe damage, in the future she will most likely have difficulty to conceive; she forgot to draw a breath due to the anger and passed out.
Translation notes:
[1] Huaxia is a historical concept representing the Chinese nation and civilization
[2]Jia Yi House has a literal translation of "fine craft store". It is a shop that sells variety of items that include clothes, jewellery and other items that femalefolk are fond of
[3] Not to know whether to laugh or cry is an idiom referring to when one find a particular thing or situation both funny and extremely embarrassing
[4] White-eyed wolf is a term used to describe ungrateful people who show no thanks to other people that help them, or refuse to pay back the kindness of others (source)
[5] Qie means this consort. It's a first person pronoun used to refer to oneself
20
Soon Wei Zhen brought news from Yu Gu. The food in the bowl did not contain aphrodisiacs, instead, a sandalwood was added in. Sandalwood flower was usually used for making incense sticks. It possessed no harm to human body. The sandalwood inside the bowl was actually the juice extracted from its petals.
According to his Highness's description, he must have been affected by the mixture of sandalwood and Du Chun scent. Du Chun was also a commonly used spice. Many incenses contained this one ingredient. Yu Gu guessed that this lady Qi was acquainted with her late elder sister.
Zhong Zheng Lin recalled for a moment and then came to a conclusion that Du Chun must has been the fragrance Qi'shi wore that day when she came to pay him respect. Later, it was confirmed that lady Qi's birth mother had studied fragrance under Yu Gu's elder sister for three years in her youth. No wonder that lady Qi was so knowledgeable about scents.
Before this, Zhong Zheng Lin was already very indifferent toward the women inside the inner yard and was naturally disinterested in the lovemaking. This time, it was the first someone had used a drug on him. Even if he disregards its harmfulness to the body, his pride as a man could not tolerate that a mere lowly servant had drugged him. As a result, he has turned completely cold toward the inner yard.
"Wei Zhen, have Yu Gu send maidservants that are well versed with scents and settle them in Danruo Courtyard." Based on that woman's temper, who knows when someone would scheme against her. It would be wiser to stay cautious.
Wei Zhen immediately went running the errand. He was long used to his master's behavior. Previously, his Highness was both inwardly and outwardly cold toward everything and everybody. He acted on his own accord and spent most of his time on the court matters. Later, he has somehow developed feelings for mistress Yao. Ever since, beside attending to the official matters, he was always revolving himself around mistress Yao. He could not let go of any rustle of leaves on her side.
But that mistress Yao…. Wei Zhen shuddered. If mistress Yao did not harbor such feeling toward his Highness like his Highness has been expecting, the consequences…. Wei Zhen quickly halted, thinking that these were all just his groundless fears.
—–
This day, Mu Xi Yao received a big news that made her very excited. She was originally feeding her cute rabbits in the courtyard when suddenly a little servant girl asked her what was "Mister Rabbit".
Mu Xi Yao immediately chuckled and asked her where she had heard it. The servant girl said that manservants have gathered in one place at the outer courtyard and have chatted that tomorrow will be Ten Gentlemen's Feast. When the time comes, many Mister Rabbits will definitely attend the event. Mu Xi Yao's eyes widened right at once and she looked at Zhao Qing behind her with those shining eyes of hers.
Zhao Qing's face darkened. If miss was to learn, there would be surely a lot of fuss around it. Moreover, there was still that person…thus he kept his lips tight. Looking at Zhao Qing's complexion, the little girl knew she had made a trouble, so she quickly took off.
"Zhao Qing, you don't have to tell me." As Zhao Qing made a sigh of relief, he heard miss say mystifyingly, "There are others who would tell me~~"
Zhao Qing's body broke in goosebumps. He frowned deeply. After a quarter hour of deadlock, Zhao Qing could only disclose her everything in detail as he could not change Mu Xi Yao's mind.
This Shengjing's Ten Gentlemen's Feast was a three-year educational institution event. Great Wei's educational institution consisted of a scholastic and militaristic academy. The scholastic academy comprised of colleges, educational establishments, libraries, folk academy clubs, etc. The militaristic academy included mainly military schools, martial arts halls, martial arts establishments, folk sects, etc. As a result, people that could rise above ten millions of other people and become one of Ten Gentlemen were all top figures among the young generation who were masters of pen and sword, possessing both talent and virtue. As long as they participated in the imperial and military examination, the court will give them priority in the enrollment. Once they have passes through the inspection, they will be then entrusted with important tasks. The most well-known of the last season was the head of Ten Gentlemen, Gong Sun Mu Yang. He now took the post of the lower second rank provincial governor of Jinzhou; currently aged twenty-one.
Due to the fact that this season's Ten Gentlemen's selection run at the same time as Mu Xi Yao's selection, she had missed the opportunity to watch the fun. Regarding the final ranking of the remaining Shengjing academy that will be held tomorrow…
Mu Xi Yao beat her chest and stamped her feet in anger1. Such an important matter, yet there was no such an information in her memory. What was with her predecessor? Her brain was stuffed only with the kind of trivial matters, like vying for the favor. So unreliable!
This lass was so upset she completely forgot that the most important things for ancient women were inner yard affairs. Not to mention, Mu Xi Yao from the previous lifetime cared not about these matters as they were too distant from her. The her at the time was still ignorantly learning decorums in the palace. Later on, she was appointed to be a concubine. There was happiness, there was also sadness. Thereupon, she had obediently waited to be married in her maiden quarters. Besides, she did not have such a help as Zhao Qing, so how would she know about Ten Gentlemen's Feast?
As soon as this lass found the opportunity, she would slip out and disregard proper duties. She then dared to grumble about her predecessor not caring about politics. The ancient women's protocol was plain and clear, "Women were forbidden to interfere with politics"!
Getting the rough idea about the feast, Mu Xi Yao set her eyes upon the Shengjing's academy. However, this academy was not like the library as women were forbidden to enter. Since she could not enter there with her true identity, she will just change it! Mu Xi Yao turned to smile at Zhao Qing. She looked at him till he could not keep his expression straight anymore. The miss's look resembled a cat that had stolen a fish2.
After hearing Mu Xi Yao's plan, Zhao Qing was so dumbstruck he was unable to speak for half a day. When he came to himself, the expression on his face could not be described as pitch black anymore. The muscle on his face was simply distorted!
"Miss, this matter is highly inappropriate."
"What is inappropriate?"
"How can one snatch someone else's name card?"
"What snatching? It's only borrowing. Once entered into the academy, it will be immediately returned." Mu Xi Yao said confidently as if the righteousness was on her side.
Zhao Qing naturally knew Mu Xi Yao's temper. When she got stubborn, she did not resemble a maiden at all.
Since Mu Xi Yao made up her mind to go there, Zhao Qing could only suffer in silence and follow her.
Mo Lan and Hui Lan at the side were scared to silliness, yet they were ordered by Mu Xi Yao to keep their lips sealed about this matter. This woman told them that whoever leaked the news could straight away forget about accompanying her to the prince's residence. Being threatened like that, the two orchid flowers could only grind their teeth and comply, bearing no thoughts of informing this thing to lady Yu. Therefore, when the master becomes crooked, as time goes even the people under her would eventually follow her example and become crooked. Mu Xi Yao was exactly the epitome of "If the upper beam was not straight"3.
What is not known was that Mu Xi Yao had other reasons for wanting to go and see Ten Gentleman's Feast tomorrow.
—–
The hands of the shadow guard that was giving Zhong Zheng Lin reports today were slightly trembling. His head was bowed more obvious than usual.
Wei Zhen cast him a baffled glance. He then took the report and passed it to Zhong Zheng Lin. Uhm, it was again that one's matter. There seemed to be plenty of reports today. It was actually divided into two pages.
Zhong Zheng Lin read it for not even quarter of an hour when he burst out loudly, "Simply impudent. Who gave her the courage!"
"*Bang*!" Zhong Zheng Lin fiercely whacked the table. He has unconsciously used the internal force!
Wei Zhen and that shadow guard were so scared they immediately kneeled down. Seeing his Highness's wrath, they knew things were bad. That mistress surely must have made a trouble. Everyone now will have a miserable time.
Zhong Zheng Lin was currently enraged. His complexion became pale with anger. This darn woman. She actually dared to pose as man and enter the academy to watch Ten Gentlemen's Feast. The main point was the reply she gave to her guard; that she went there to look at "handsome men that had both brain and brawn".
When Zhong Zheng Lin read those words, he had the urge to catch this woman and give her a beating. Originally, he thought that rabbit just loved to mischief. Who would know that she became more and more capable and actually dared to snatch name card? If he did not teach her a lesson, maybe she would even dare to run into the prince's residence to scale the roof and rip the tiles4?!
He threw away the pen in his hand. Putting his hands behind the back, he paced back and forth for a while. Afterward, he told them to raise.
Wei Zhen looked sideways at that shadow guard, fuming in the rage between gritted teeth. Bollock, knowing that it's not a good news, don't you know to pass this information to your bro in advance? Look at his Highness, his anger was not light as even his complexion has changed. When this usual iceberg face runs into mistress Yao, he was soon about to turn into a chameleon.
The shadow guard also felt aggrieved. Whom else could he not follow but had to follow this mistress? Coincidentally, that mistress and her servants didn't speak inside the room today, allowing him to hear clearly what they were conversing about. When he heard that mistress's bold words, he was so frightened he almost fell off the tree. Was this mistress Yao still a woman?
"Wei Zhen, make preparation for tomorrow's trip to Shengjing's academy." Zhong Zheng Lin then took a deep breath, "Tell Ye Kai to make preparations early. We will first go to Yu House's back alley and wait and then go to the academy." After he finished speaking, he swung his sleeve and left.
Wei Zhen at first didn't understand, but later as he saw that shadow guard's long face, his eyes suddenly widened. My mistress Yao, we haven't seen each other for few days and you are already playing yourself into the academy?
Translation notes:
[1] Beat one's chest and stamp one's feet is a phrase meaning infuriated
[2] Cat that had stolen a fish is a Chinese phrase meaning to cheat on one's spouse; to have an affair
[3] Taken from Chinese idiom If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked which actually means that subordinates imitate their superiors' vices
[4] To scale the roof and rip the tiles is a Chinese phrase meaning spare the rod, spoil the child.