71
Tang Yi Ru helplessly watched the imperial physician leave. She was so infuriated she threw away the porcelain pillow from the bed.
Charlatan. They were all charlatans! Looking at the bloody stain on the handkerchief, Tang Yi Ru's heart was swallowed by terror.
Half a month ago, she has suddenly fainted in the courtyard. After waking up, she used the medicine. However, not only she didn't get well, on the contrary, she became weak and feeble. Her whole body was covered by cold sweat and during the night she coughed incessantly. Now, she even started to cough up blood!
Two imperial physicians have diagnosed her. She drank medicine every day. Yet, there was no improvement in her illness.
The one who has just checked her pulse was already the third imperial physician. He, too, kept saying that her heart was distressed and that she has put too much tax on her mind. He only told her to properly use the medicine and recuperate with peace of mind.
Distressed heart and too much tax on her mind? She, Tang Yi Ru, was like a transparent person in this estate. What was there for her to be concerned about and exhaust her thoughts? It was clearly a severe illness! A blood-coughing illness. How many people could pull through that? The hateful fact was there was actually no one who was able to diagnose it!
Tang Yi Ru had speculation. This inexplicable illness was, most likely, a poison! Unfortunately, she couldn't count on the imperial physicians. The only one in this estate who was able to detect any clues was lady Qi.
Tang Hui Ru wanted to secretly harm her last time. She was able to escape only thanks to lady Qi's wittiness. She didn't know whether this time she will be also able to avoid her doom.
Tang Yi Ru hastily ordered people to go and ask for lady Qi. Yet, she waited and waited, but nobody came. In the end, a servant girl came to report that lady Qi has inadvertently caught a cold. She was currently on the bed rest and recuperating.
Tang Yi Ru looked coldly at lady Qi's personal maidservant, wishing to throttle her. Very well. The pair of master and servant were actually treating her like a fool.
The previous few times it was a headache and a mild fever. This time, she has caught a cold. She didn't know lady Qi was so sickly.
"Little sister is bed-ridden twice every three days1. Should big sister ask for the imperial physician to take a look at her?" Tang Yi Ru lifted the hanging screen and entered inside along with Shu Mei while looking at the woman on the bed whose expression has abruptly changed. She sneered.
Lady Qi didn't expect Tang shufei would disregard her face and burst in. She immediately knew it was no good, that things were going to turn bad.
She has repeatedly rejected her visits and alienated her, making her angry. She now came to look for her trouble.
Lady Qi pulled out a stiff smile. She coughed weakly for few times, "This servant thanks for shufei's concern. These are all small ailments. Nothing a recuperation won't make better. There's no need for the imperial physician."
"We can't drag the small ailments, can we?" Tang Yi Ru took lady Qi's hand and looked straight into her eyes, "Or perhaps, little sister is not worried about touching a filthy thing?"
Lady Qi shook inside. She instantly understood that Tang Yi Ru became suspecting something.
No wonder she burst in so hastily and anxiously. Her life was at stake. She naturally won't be able to sit still.
"That's very kind of you to say so. This servant has been merely chilled by the wind. A little sweating will make this servant better."
Regardless of whether Tang Yi Ru could ultimately obtain the clues, the information absolutely mustn't come from her, otherwise, a disaster will befall her.
Lady Qi clenched her teeth and coped with Tang Yi Ru, playing it so well that not one drop of water could leak out2. However, her heart squeezed tightly.
Not understanding the facts, the terror of never knowing the truth. Just like the present Tang Yi Ru. She still suspected some woman wanted to hurt her. Lady Qi looked at Tang Yi Ru's panicked heart that was forcefully suppressed under her cool facade. All of a sudden, she felt a desolateness of a fox who grieved fort rabbit's death3.
Although she understood that the reason why Tang Yi Ru would incur upon herself such a calamity was certainly because she has violated his Highness's taboo, however, she was still terrified inside the heart. His sixth Highness had turned a blind eye to women in the inner yard. He did not pity them at all. Now, he has even hardened his heart. Perhaps, in the entire inner yard, only that one from Danruo Courtyard was able to make his heart soften and carry her in his mind.
The more lady Qi thought the more saddened she became. Suddenly, she felt that none of her previous wishful thinkings could compare to living well. Contentedly living in her courtyard was always better than to end up dead like the woman in front of her.
Tang Yi Ru exerted all the possible tricks, yet she was unable to get any information from lady Qi. Seeing her play the fool even when she hinted at her, she could only go back with a cold face.
Since then, Tang Yi Ru's condition has become worse and worse. In the end, she coughed up blood each day, unable to get out of bed.
In Danruo Courtyard, Mu Xi Yao has heard that Tang Yi Ru has again punished servant girls. She inwardly shook her head. That woman behaved more and more foolish as time went.
Tang Yi Ru naturally knew that it was bad this time. After venting restlessly her emotions these days, she was occasionally able to cool down and think deeply after which she would faintly detect some clues.
This strange illness was, she was afraid, to some extent related to that night that has made her disturbed for a long time.
In the end, she didn't manage to break herself away from Tang Hui Ru's calculation? Whose hand did she borrow to hurt her?
Lying on the bed, Tang Yi Ru gazed at the flickering candle outside the veil. Her expression gradually became dazed.
If she hasn't let go of her older di sister's hand at the bank of Wei Shui pond that year, how would things look now?
Inside Danruo Courtyard, Zhong Zheng Lin took Mu Xi Yao's hand and was about to settle down. However, he saw Zhao momo hastily come to report that shufei from Shuhui Courtyard was in poor health. She forcibly hung in there, seeking to see his Highness and cefei.
Zhong Zheng Lin's expression was cold. He took the cloak passed by Mo Lan and draped it over Mu Xi Yao's shoulders. Afterward, he gave her the hand stove so that she could cover her hands with it. Only then did he go over with her.
The woman lying flatly on the bed had a wretched appearance. Her expression was haggard.
"Your Highness." It was already difficult for Tang Yi Ru to speak out. She has only called the man, yet her breathing was already disarrayed.
"Qie…is able to see your Highness in the end." As soon as the words were said, tears rolled down from Tang Yi Ru's eyes. The man standing in front of her was the only person she ever loved. Yet, she was never able to get close to him.
"Why is your Highness not willing to take a bit more pity on qie? The way your Highness treats qie cannot compare to one in a thousandth of how your Highness treats cefei." The woman with short-breath looked mournful. Her face was a mask of pain. She looked straight at Zhong Zheng Lin. Her eyes never shifted.
Seeing her want to get the answer at all costs, Mu Xi Yao only felt there was nothing more foolish in this world than this.
Mu Xi Yao from the previous life was like this. Tang Yi Ru of this lifetime was also like this.
From start to finish, Zhong Zheng Lin didn't give Tang Yi Ru a glance. He stood there with his hand held behind the back, his eyes were placed on the bauhinia inside the room.
"Bendian's shufei is the first miss of Tang House. What does it have to do with you?" Zhong Zheng Lin's voice was neither too fast nor too slow. But to Tang Yi Ru, it was as if she has been, in a split second, struck by lightning, making her collapse on the bed.
The imperial physician waiting outside quickly went in to apply needles. Chaos erupted inside the room.
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't wait for the imperial physician's report. He directly took Mu Xi Yao's hand and went back.
Holding the little woman's soft body, Zhong Zheng Lin finally felt more comfortable.
Tang House taught their daughters well. Both of them were ridiculous. Fortunately, there was Mu Xi Yao who was all he wished for. Otherwise, just these women of inner yard, they were simply all unbearable.
Mu Xi Yao's little face rubbed against Zhong Zheng Lin's chest. She found a cozy position and fell asleep on her own.
On the afternoon of the following day, news about Tang shufei passing away spread out from Shuhui Courtyard.
Since shufei passed away, the imperial prince's estate has dispatched people to send the message to Tang House.
When sir Tang received the news, he immediately rushed to the prince's estate from the Ministry of Revenue. However, a quarter an hour later, he came out with a pale complexion and swayingly exited the entrance.
Earlier on, madam Tang has learned that her daughter was gone. Her eyes were already red and swollen from crying. Seeing him return to the estate, she threw herself on him and wailed till her heart was going to tear and lungs were going to split.
"Yu Zhi, this matter cannot be mentioned anymore. Otherwise, a great calamity will befall upon us." Sir Tang, looking at his wife's crazed appearance and soundly questioning, could only endure the great pain in his heart and comfort her over and over again.
He had two sons and three daughters. Now, two of his three daughters were gone and the whereabouts of the remaining one was unknown. When people reached their middle age, how can they not be pained to see their daughters successively pass away before them?
If it wasn't for Qin Ru's obsession, risking her life to assume other's name and place, there won't be today's tragedy.
Recalling how has his Highness thrown before him the letter personally written by Tang Hui Ru with a cold face, sir Tang felt remorse and shame. Tears coursed down from his aged eyes. It was all him. He didn't educate his daughters well. He didn't educate his daughters well!
Translation notes:
[1] Twice every three days is a Chinese idiom meaning practically every day, frequently
[2] Not one drop of water can leak out is a Chinese idiom meaning foolproof
[3] If the rabbit dies, the fox grieves is a Chinese idiom meaning to have sympathy with a like-minded person in distress
72
At the side, Mu Xi Yao was watching consort Shu playing with Cheng Qing, but then she heard a palace maid report that miss Zeng has come.
Once "miss Zeng" these two words came out, Mu Xi Yao has immediately guessed the identity of the coming person. When she calculated the time, it was almost the time. Only, she didn't know what was currently circumstance of imperial concubine Zeng from the previous lifetime.
"Aunty, Yu'er came to pay you respect." The coming person was a young maiden of age thirteen-fourteen. Two dimples adorned her round face. Her smile was very sweet. She was attired in a light pink dress which made her skin appear as fair as snow.
"Yu'er doesn't need to be so formal. Quickly come and greet your little sixth sister-in-law." Consort Shu smiled amiably when she saw her niece.
However, miss Zeng didn't come to greet Mu Xi Yao like how consort Shu has said. Instead, the pair of her eyes intensely stared at Cheng Qing who was in consort Shu's arms without batting her eyelids.
"Aunty, is this elder cousin's firstborn son? He's so interesting!" She said while leaning over. Relying on the fact that she was one year younger than Mu Xi Yao, she pushed her a little toward the outside. Afterward, she held consort Shu's arm and went to gaily tease Cheng Qing.
"This child. You're still so unruly. You don't even know to greet and pay respect to you little sister-in-law." Consort Shu was already accustomed to her free-spirited temper – engrossed in what she enjoyed and disregarding the propriety. This was due to the early demise of consort Shu's younger sister caused by difficult childbirth. She left only this one daughter. Hence, at home, she was inevitably spoilt rotten. Even in the palace, consort Shu rarely restrained her. Whenever she thought of sisterly affections, she would show more concern toward her niece and indulge her more.
"Aunty, you've also said she's my little sister-in-law. We're family. There's no need to be mindful of me." After she said that, she turned to look at Mu Xi Yao. She smiled sweetly, "Little sister-in-law, am I right?" She put up an innocent facade.
A tiny smile curled up on Mu Xi Yao's face. Playing a well-behaved child to get what she desired in front of her? She has, indeed, found the right person.
She straightened her expression, "It naturally doesn't conform to etiquette."
Once her words came out, the whole palace quietened.
Consort Shu looked at upright sitting Mu Xi Yao with a shocked expression. Cefei's oppressive air was all out. She has evidently taken it to heart.
Inwardly, consort Shu was baffled as why did this child suddenly took it seriously. Moreover, the target was her niece. It shouldn't be. Normally, she was clever and quick-witted. Even if she wasn't fond of Yu'er, she ought to consider her feelings and fake the fondness.
Zeng Yu was, on the other hand, elated inside. It seems that this lady Mu was favored for too long and couldn't bear a provocation. She has just sounded her out and she was already so stimulated she lost her proper behavior. Thereupon, she turned up her nose at Mu Xi Yao. How can be such a woman worthy of her brilliant and far-sighted cousin? She had merely taken the preemptive opportunity and relying on the fact that she was a year older than her, she has snatched her cousin's attention. Once she officially enters the estate and marries cousin, these people will have no opportunity to climb out of their holes.
Watching the smug glint inside Zeng Yu's eyes, Mu Xi Yao snickered inside. She was only a not yet fledged young bird1, yet she mimicked others to rival with others for a man's affection, even daring to go to provocate her. They were indeed like two enemies who met on a narrow road2.
She wanted to enter the estate with the method she used in the previous life? Dream on!
Her eyes turned. She immediately shed her momentum of aloof cefei who rode a high horse. Those pair of pitch black and watery eyes blinked. Leaning aside her head, she laughed gleefully.
"Since there's no greeting, qie will omit the meeting gift. That being the case, qie can leave that new jewelry from Fine Craft Workshop to myself to wear. Your Ladyship saw it yourself. It's not that qie is being petty." After her words fell, she extended her hand and raised highly her wrist to show off the amethyst bracelet on it. Clicking her tongue, she praised it incessantly.
Seeing her making eyes at Zeng Yu like teasing a child, consort Shu kept scolding her laughingly for not acting like a mother. She was already a grown-up, yet she had no steadiness of an adult.
Zeng Yu's expression stiffened. She immediate realized that she had been made fun of.
Damned lady Mu. Originally, she wanted to lend her aunt's influence to intimidate her. However, she didn't expect her to be such a formidable foe. The usual methods she used to deal with the concubines at home were actually easily resolved by her. It seems that the woman who was able to be solely favored in the imperial estate for two years wasn't a doormat.
Seeing it was already late, Mu Xi Yao took Cheng Qing, bowed to consort Shu and retired. Bringing Mo Lan and Zhao momo, she went to look for Zhong Zheng Lin to go back to the estate together.
Just as she walked to the alley in the garden, she was halted by a sweet female voice behind her.
"Little sister-in-law." Zeng Yu leisurely approached Mu Xi Yao along with her servant girls. "If little sister-in-law won't mind, how about going together?"
Mu Xi Yao looked at the disdain reflected in her eyes. She wasn't polite with her, "Since miss cousin isn't fond of qie, why forcing yourself to join qie?"
Playing a youthful and adorable girl before her? She was happy to be a vicious woman with a heart as malicious as snakes and scorpions.
"Farewell, miss cousin." After saying that, she took her people and directly left while swaying her hips enchantingly.
Zeng Yu's face instantly sunk. As expected, the banter in the palace was all to curry favor with aunty. She's been out for just how long? She didn't leave her with a tiny bit of leeway and immediately became hostile with her.
When Zhao momo and Mo Lan who were at back saw cefei's behavior, they instantly knew that peaceful days have come to an end and someone was going to have ill luck. However, they also won't have a good time. Once their master's impulse flares out and she gets a good time giving people a hard time, wouldn't it also mean that they will have to keep a watch at the side, being scared witless by her?
Just like a moment ago. Who would brazenly give consort Shu's niece an attitude? Wasn't this offending people? Only their master was able to do such feat so confidently. Looks like this matter wasn't over yet. Based on the master's usual style, since she had "suffered such a great grievance", how can she not go to complain?
As for complaining to whom? Is there a need to ask? It was naturally the sixth Highness who indulged her more and more. That lord-master was also someone with a maverick approach. Yet, he still willingly doted on her.
Sure enough. As soon as Mu Xi Yao saw Zhong Zheng Lin, she immediately threw herself at him like a little wife3 and looked at him with moist eyes, delicately complaining her grievances.
"Your Highness, that dear cousin of yours dislikes qie. Not only she's unwilling to curtsy qie, she's also antagonistic toward qie. The disdain-filled eyes of hers are so hateful."
Toward someone whom she disliked, as long as that person was within her power range, she would have the dislike of that person all written clearly onto her face.
Watching her pout her mouth, Zhong Zheng Lin knew this woman certainly didn't suffer any loss. If she had truly suffered losses, would she be still here nagging him? She would have long ago thought of a way to go and fix that person.
"Jiao Jiao, how can you distract yourself when you're putting on a play? It's alright to dislike her, but why are you so vigorously pinching bendian?"
Zhong Zheng Lin looked down at the little woman's little hand that was busy at his waist. A smile engaged on his lips. No matter what was Mu Xi Yao's thoughts, she was always so open and straightforward. Even when she spurned someone she had to drag him in to support her.
However, when he recalled Zeng Yu's personality, he wasn't fond of her. If it was not for mother-consort taking pity of her for losing a mother at a young age and had him to watch over her, he wouldn't have to patiently endure her pester. Moreover, what was that "dear cousin"? It sounded uncomfortable to Zhong Zheng Lin's ears. When he thought of Zeng Yu's endless pester, the sixth prince was displeased.
The quickest way to get rid of trouble was nothing else than to expatriate miss Zeng. It seems that this year's evaluation of court officials was managed by Chen Shou Zheng.
Zhong Zheng Lin, too, didn't have time for civilities. His dear cousin has returned to the capital for less than three days, yet not only she was disliked by him but she has also incurred a disdain in him, making him want to immediately drive her out.
"Your Highness, qie knows that most of the cousins are childhood sweethearts and playmates who have mutual affection since childhood. The feeling they have toward each other goes quite deep."
When Zhong Zheng Lin heard it, his face instantly turned black.
Mu Xi Yao seems to have three elder cousins. Whom of them did she mean by "the feeling they have toward each other goes quite deep"?
How could Mu Xi Yao know that her teasing words made the sixth Highness think of those irrelevant people? Moreover, her real intention was to give Zhong Zheng Lin a wake-up call so that he would know about Zeng Yu this woman's thoughts. However, she didn't know that this man has completely disregarded her original intention. Instead, he got it all wrong.
"Cousins, mutual affection since childhood?" Zhong Zheng Lin seized Mu Xi Yao's waist and firmly pressed her against his chest. His eyes fixed on her eyes.
Mu Xi Yao's heart jumped. She immediately understood that things were not good. Listening to Zhong Zheng Lin's tone, it seemed that things were anything but reassuring.
Translation notes:
[1] Not yet fledged young bird is a phrase used to describe someone immature and insensible
[2] Enemies on a narrow road is fig. an inevitable clash between opposing factions
[3] Little wife is a phrase used to describe someone who doesn't have the capability but is still serious/weak woman/one who always gets blamed
73
Mu Xi Yao's "fault" was caught by Zhong Zheng Lin and she has been fixed by him. Thus, this day she has risen up at the hour of Wu1. Mu Xi Yao got angry as soon as she recalled how she was half carried on his arms and shoulders to the room yesterday when they returned to the estate.
She has kindly reminded him of Zeng Yu's "deep affections" for him so that he would keep guard against her and won't fall for her scheme like in the previous lifetime. In the end, that man not only didn't appreciate her kindness, but he also framed her for having "other concerns in her minds".
However, when she remembered how she called him "elder cousin" in retaliation last night and how both love and hate appeared on his handsome face when he heard it, Mu Xi Yao felt she must have overachieved her goal.
As expected. When they've once again gone to consort Shu's palace to pay respect, the sixth prince's after-effect flared up.
"Elder cousin!" With an overly sweet smile, Zeng Yu strode over and curtsied to Zhong Zheng Lin.
Zhong Zheng Lin's expression paused for a moment. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the little woman curl her lips up. Sure enough, this little woman deliberately made him feel uneasy. Nowadays, whenever he heard "elder cousin" his whole body would feel uncomfortable. His mind was filled up with Mu Xi Yao's provocative touches of a seductress. His ears resonated with two words "elder cousin" which were spoken by her soft and mischievous voice that was so sultry it made man's heart itch. Recalling how the woman alluringly blossomed under his body like a flower bud opening its stamens, his heart stirred restlessly, unable to sit still.
"If your etiquette is not good then go back and learn it anew." Zhong Zheng Lin began to admonish her in the presence of everyone in the palace.
In the whole palace, no one called his Highness elder cousin upon seeing him.
Consort Shu first looked at her son's solemn expression and then at an aggrieved niece whose eyes were slightly red. For a moment, she felt extremely helpless. She didn't know what was going on with this son of hers. He wasn't fond of Yu'er since childhood. Many times, she told him to show tolerance and accommodate her. Yet, it would always end up like this.
"Yu'er is only a bit young. What she needs is only a proper education. Don't scare her."
"Mother-consort, would they be lenient toward you inside the palace just because you're young?" Zhong Zheng Lin's words secretly pointed to/hinted something.
Consort Shu was alarmed. She instantly recalled how noble consort has made things difficult for her both in public and private. Also, there was consort Chende2 who secretly put spokes on her wheel. Now that Pin xiuyi was gone, only she and noble consort had adult princes and were in high positions in the palace. They were currently standing on the spot where the wind and the waves were the fiercest3. One careless move from her and probably even her son would be implicated.
Compared to her son, the weight of her niece was simply not worth mentioning. In a blink of eyes, consort Shu has understood merits and drawbacks. She might as well have her stay at home instead of letting a bad-mannered niece in the palace. In the future, she will appoint her an honorable marriage and give her more dowry. Her sister's entrust will be then justified.
Seeing that she was going to be sent out of the palace, Zeng Yu immediately became anxious.
It was easy to leave the palace, but coming in was extremely difficult. It was already rare for her to see a sight of the elder cousin. If she left, how would she have the opportunities to get close to him? Moreover, nothing was wrong with her calling him an elder cousin in the past. How come today it became such a serious matter that she even had to be driven out of the palace?
Zeng Yu inadvertently glimpsed Mu Xi Yao cover her mouth with a hand and cast Zhong Zheng Lin a meaningful glance. She immediately came to a realization. It turned out to be her!
Zeng Yu was so angry that blood surged into her brain. Watching the two "throwing amorous glances at each other and making eyes", how could she endure it? She was only ten something years old girl who was being spoilt and pampered from childhood, always surrounded by people that flattered her. Now that she has encountered such a setback, she immediately angrily shout at Mu Xi Yao.
"It's you. It's all your doing, isn't it? You're afraid that I will snatch your favor after entering the estate. Thus, you purposely blew wind at elder cousin's ear4 and had him alienate me. You even publicly seduce elder cousin and have him chastise me and send me out of the palace!"
Mu Xi Yao was startled by Zeng Yu's abrupt accusations. Negligent, she flipped over the teacup on the table. Fortunately, tea was tepid and it has only dirtied her clothes.
Mu Xi Yao was secretly infuriated. She admits to blowing wind, but what was with that seducing blatantly in public? Clearly, it was Zhong Zheng Lin who was shamelessly throwing her meaningful glances!
Consort Shu looked at Zeng Yu with a flabbergasted expression. Such vulgar and uncultivated manners. It wasn't the kind of self-cultivation a noblewoman should have. Moreover, she was an unbetrothed maiden. What kind of madness did she speak of? If her words were heard by others, does she still want her reputation or not?"
Infuriated, consort Shu was about to reprimand her, but Zhong Zheng Lin was faster.
"Words containing nastiness, with absolutely no virtue nor morality. Send her back so that she can ponder over her mistakes. If you dare to utter any filthy words ever again, don't blame bendian for forgetting the past." Zhong Zheng Lin ordered Wei Zhen to come in and had him take the crying and screaming Zeng Yu down. His expression was so gloomy it was frightening.
Mu Xi Yao quickly used the excuse of changing the garments and freshening up to escape to the backroom, to avoid the mother-son feel embarrassed.
Miss Zheng, indeed, deserved to be praised for her courage. Although it was a fit of temporary anger that made her talk irresponsibly, what she didn't know was that each of the words she wanted to use to belittle Mu Xi Yao had poked into the sixth Highness's secret thoughts. It made Zhong Zheng Lin who flew into a rage out of humiliation put her into a house arrest in a disguised form.
Mu Xi Yao marveled that miss Zeng in her girlhood was truly fearless and unreasonable, even more than in the previous lifetime. Just how long has she appeared on the scene before she found the door closed by Zhong Zheng Lin. She ought to be able to rest a little, right?
Unfortunately, Mu Xi Yao had too nice thoughts. Not long after, miss Zheng's world-shaking deed will prove her "how the tenancy of a shit-stirring5 second female lead" will make her worship Zeng Yu.
Watching Zhong Zheng Lin who sat there upright with a cold and solemn expression, consort Shu sighed inwardly. It seems that the marriage of this niece of hers will be difficult. Before, she wanted to let Zhong Zheng Lin pull strings and pick a promising young man who was both talented and handsome to take a good look at. Now, it looks like Zhong Zheng Lin certainly won't be willing to do so.
Once a marriage was mentioned, consort Shu suddenly recalled Zhong Zheng Lin's grand marriage that Yuencheng Emperor mentioned to her the day before yesterday.
"His Majesty has already ordered bengong6 to submit the candidates of your principal consort as soon as possible. It seems that his Majesty wants you to immediately get married after the capping ceremony7. Moreover, his Majesty has said that taking this advantage he will also add some new members to each estate to make them livelier. Do you have a principal consort candidate who's to your liking? Mother-consort will take a look and examine that person on your behalf."
Grand wedding? Zhong Zheng Lin's brows slightly creased.
Only three months were left to capping ceremony. Selecting the principal consort now was reasonable and fair. As for the candidate who was to his liking, the sixth Highness slowly fell into deep thoughts.
Mu Xi Yao that woman was the perfect example of eating soft food, but refusing the hard food8. What's more, her eating the soft food also depended on her mood. In addition, she had a bunch of bad shortcomings. Her biggest shortcoming was that she couldn't bear to suffer any loss. If anyone dared to bully her, she will likely make the other one suffer a crushing defeat.
Yet, you just couldn't sort her out! The little woman's thoughts were hard to fathom. Till this day, she was unwilling to fully entrust herself to him and have him protect her. She was petty from head to the toe, a quick-witted one. If you were to give her an attitude, she will stay at Danruo Courtyard and ignoring you. She will hold Cheng Qing with a face filled with content, spending every day happily.
The sixth Highness was most infuriated about this fact. If he had known earlier that the birth of Cheng Qing would aggravate her win an inch, want a foot behavior9, he shouldn't have let her have a child so soon.
Zhong Zheng Lin became increasingly cautious. The future principal consort concerned the peacefulness of the inner yard and balance in the court. After a moment, the sixth Highness raised the requirement for the principal consort candidate to consort Shu.
"Someone with good family background and of an amiable character. Her temper should be mild, virtuous and generous."
Consort Shu looked oddly at Zhong Zheng Lin for a whole while before nodding in approval. The requirements of her younger son were too much in line with her own thoughts, weren't they? This kind of temperament and self-cultivation, he didn't resemble a young man at all.
At that time, what Zhong Zheng Yun has proposed was "someone with gorgeous looks and lithe build. Her bearing must be elegant and she has to stand out with her talent."
Consort Shu was very satisfied with Zhong Zheng Lin's insight in the selection of the principal consort. However, what she didn't know was the sixth Highness's thoughts were altogether a different matter.
If he didn't feel like his requirements were too harsh, Zhong Zheng Lin would have wanted to add another one: it would be for the best if his principal consort was so virtuous that she had no personality at all.
Translation notes:
[1] Hour of Wu means 11 am-1 pm
[2] Consort Chende – Chen is her clan name and De is consort rank which means virtue and goodness (see link section Tang Dynasty )
|3] Where the wind and the waves were the fiercest is a Chinese idiom meaning at the heart of the struggle
[4] Blowing wind at somebody's ear has a similar meaning to pillow talk
[5] Shit stirred is a Chinese internet slang meaning someone who makes trouble for other people, especially by making known facts that they would prefer to keep secret
[6] Bengong – "this one of the palace" is a replace of the first person pronoun "I" employed by an empress or a high-ranking consort when speaking to a person or an audience of lower rank or status
[7] Capping ceremony is a coming of age ceremony
[8] Eating soft food, but refusing the hard food is a Chinese phrase meaning one can be persuaded by reason but not be cowed by force
[9] Win an inch, want a foot is a Chinese idiom meaning not satisfied with small gains
74
"Does your Highness want to tell qie something?" Mu Xi Yao asked helplessly as she has detected that it was the third time this night Zhong Zheng Lin gazed at her. If he kept staring at her like this, she won't be able to sleep. Being placed next to the boss and constantly watched by him, she was under great pressure.
"Jiao Jiao, after the capping ceremony, bendian will have a grand wedding."
Capping ceremony? Mu Xi Yao was puzzled. When did it happen? Grand wedding? It will happen sooner or later, nothing out of ordinary.
"When?"
The hand Zhong Zheng Lin that caressed her back halted. She actually didn't know when was the capping ceremony?
Apparently, the sixth Highness strayed from the main course due to Mu Xi Yao. Originally, he wanted to discuss with her about the issue of the grand wedding. However, that woman's blunt question has attracted his attention.
"Jiao Jiao doesn't know bendian's birthday?" The man's intonation slightly rose. Danger was approaching.
The woman who just now had the whole body relaxed and mind on a mental journey instantly came back to herself.
The custom of Great Wei was to officially celebrate birthday after one reached adulthood. The elders in the family didn't specifically celebrate the younger generation's birthday. For instance, in the past few years that Mu Xi Yao has been here, it has always been only Mu Jin Zhi who continually sent her gifts every year. Sir Mu and lady Yu merely kept her company during the meal, admonishing her few words that she was a year older and ought to be even more thoughtful.
Hence, Mu Xi Yao naturally wouldn't know when being asked by him. Nobody has celebrated before. What's more, nobody has even mentioned it. How can she know?
Besides, was the birth chart of the Great Wei's imperial princes something one could inquire as one pleased? Moreover, she didn't even remember her own birthday. It was all thanks to Mu Jin Zhi's congratulatory gifts to remind her. As a result, this matter was truly too tough for her.
"Your Highness, qie cannot inquiry about your birthday in the private, right? Qie has been in the estate for less than two years, yet have heard no one mentioned it, isn't it so?" This time, Mu Xi Yao didn't pretend to be muddle-headed. Rather, she was truly perplexed.
Her predecessor failed to live up expectations. Whenever it came to a crucial point, she became dispirited. From the loss of children to passing away, her mind was chaotic. There was just a very few useful information. As her successor, it wasn't easy for her to succeed by relying on her bits and pieces of memories. As for such a trivial matter as a birthday, your Highness, can you not be so aojiao?
Zhong Zheng Lin looked at her "earnestly asking for guidance". His phoenix eyes slightly narrowed. Did Mu Xi Yao bear in mind "husband comes before everything else" or not?
"The fourth day of the sixth month."
As soon as his words fell, the person covered her body, "Bendian allows you to inquire. You're free to ask to clear your confusions. If you don't engrave it into heart, Jiao Jiao, you will not want to know the consequences."
Zhong Zheng Lin caught the person and began to infuriatingly kneading her. Mu Xi Yao repeated fiercely the fourth day of the sixth month for several times inside the heart. This unfortunate day not only produced the evildoer above her but has also caused her to be sorted out.
"Your Highness~" An idea came into Mu Xi Yao's mind. She hooked her jade-like foot and wrapped it around Zhong Zheng Lin's waist. Her toe stroked and rubbed against Zhong Zheng Lin's tailbone.
"Your Highness, if qie was bullied after your grand wedding, what should qie do?"
At the crucial time, one ought to be efficient when hugging a thick leg1. Dignity something was already nibbled away by Zhong Zheng Lin.
The sixth Highness was pleasurable rubbed by Mu Xi Yao. The land of joy ambiguously tantalized his hotness. As he was going to press the woman's waist to enter the paradise, he heard her soft and delicate words.
Zhong Zheng Lin was happy to see Mu Xi Yao's reliance on him. At the moment, the scorching heat made him burn with lust. He was so stimulated by her delicate cries that he couldn't care less about other things. He urgently pulled at her and slammed inside her.
Amidst intense thrusting, Zhong Zheng Lin's sweated profusely. He leaned over to kiss the little woman's captivating red lips. His phoenix eyes were as deep as night.
"Bendian's darling is only you, Jiao Jiao." The man's deep and hoarse hint made the corners of Mu Xi Yao's mouth curl up.
Zhong Zheng Lin watched the gorgeous woman beneath him who was like a blossoming delicate flower with a scorching gaze, gradually losing all of his reason.
Since Mu Xi Yao has received a satisfactory reply, she let out a delicate chuckle. She deliberately squeezed and then loosened her lower abdomen. The squeezes of the inner muscles made Zhong Zheng Lin's breathing chaotic, keeping drawing in the breath.
"Elder cousin~" Mu Xi Yao was enveloped by the air of demoness. She suddenly lifted her upper body to suck his earlobe into her mouth and said sweetly.
Mu Xi Yao's abrupt wantonness has almost aroused him to the point he lost it. He reprimanded her lowly and then pick the person up and began to diligently slam into her.
For a moment, there was only a scene of springtime in the room, waves after waves of delicate moans could be heard from the inside.
The news spread from the palace: a princess consort is being selected for the sixth Highness and new people will enter each estate. All the noble families in Shengjing put an effort, most of them marking the honorable position of the sixth Highness's princess consort, openly and discreetly utilizing connections and cotton up to others. Consort Shu became so busy that in a day she has received audiences of quite a few noble ladies and young misses.
Consort De's place was also busy with entertaining guests. The positions of the eighth prince's shufei and concubines were all still vacant. No matter which of the position was occupied, it would still be a gain for the clan. Moreover, in comparison to the sixth prince's consort, picking eight prince's inner yard was more adequate as there was no risk of taking a side.
The fourth month's spring of Shengjing was well. The well-bred young ladies of noble families engaged in mutual competition.
Those love-longing and starry-eyed maidens who were full of bashful expectations originally looked forward to skyrocketing good news. However, the abrupt and shocking news that came from the palace beat them to the extent that all kind of flowers fell and withered, taking sorrowfully the blow.
The sixth Highness's cefei lady Mu was again being diagnosed with a two months old pregnancy after safely giving birth to the estate's firstborn son!
This happy news made Yuancheng Emperor broke into a smile. He deeply felt that this lady Mu had quite a good fortune.
Wasn't taking a wife and concubines supposed to serve the purpose of siring more progenies? When the imperial clan accepted new members, they emphasized on continuing the lineage. It was visibly a good omen that jubilant news has spread out of the estate during the selection of the princess consort. Yuancheng Emperor was very pleased with Zhong Zheng Lin's effort in offspring's matter. He has greatly praised Mu Xi Yao and bestowed her with gifts for her "toilsome labor and distinctive merits".
This made other imperial princes turn up their noses. The old man's heart was too biased, wasn't it? Whenever they favored a concubine they've always received only a reprimand. How come when Zhong Zheng Lin favored just that lady Mu, it became him "putting his heart and soul into in the matter of progeny"? Moreover, which household didn't secretly conceal the news of pregnancy before the principal consort entered the estate? How come the sixth made it public and even showed it off in such a great fanfare manner? His action has clearly embarrassed his future wife's clan.
Did Zhong Zheng Lin need the support of his wife's clan? It was merely that the sixth Highness did well the outward impression and has spent some efforts on setting a illusion.
Privately, Zhong Zheng Lin has never thought of borrowing forces from his wife's family. What he contemplated more was how to check and balance power. Though the main point of this consort selection was the candidate of the principal consort, however, consort Shu has already passed down the information that Yuancheng Emperor wanted to fill up all the vacant high ranks in the estate of each grown-up prince.
This was the sovereign's power play. The war in Mobei was near at hand. The positions in the prince's inner yard became the most beneficial tool to win over the court and pacify people's heart.
In this way, the one with the biggest change among all the princes' inner yard was no one else than the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin. Who knew how many maidens will he alone take into the estate?
On the occasion of newcomers entering the estate, Zhong Zheng Lin had given out the news in high profile. This act differed in no way from openly declaring the stability of Mu Xi Yao's position. Naturally, he had also placed her at the spot where the wind and the waves were the fiercest2. However, the sixth Highness never worried that Mu Xi Yao won't be able to handle it. A woman who was capable to plot against Di Wu Yi Zhao and him and make them perfectly happy to be schemed against would be someone easy to bully?
Mu Xi Yao was very vexed at the fact that the sixth Highness hasn't yet ascended to the throne but has already "seized uncompromisingly the decision-making power".
What she originally planned was to temporarily keep low-profile and leisurely watch the play together with the bun in Danruo Courtyard. To her surprise, Zhong Zheng Lin had pulled the carpet from under her and obliterated cleanly her thoughts of goofing off.
Although on the surface it appeared to declare her magnificent favor, Mu Xi Yao knew better. That petty man simply disliked the fact that her life was too comfortable and insisted on her acting "conceited" before everyone and showing that she was very concerned about him the lord, better even if she rivaled others for his affections and intercept other's advances.
In this way, not only will he have the excuse to avoid those women, but he will also enjoy her attentive tendance. He sure had damned good calculations!
Mu Xi Yao suddenly realized that the main point of the principal consort marrying over has seemingly deviated off the course. Could it be that the deity of transmigration was fed up with the inner yard struggles and he wanted to see her cross swords with boss instead?
Translation notes:
[1] Hug a thick leg is a Chinese phrase meaning to find protection from someone powerful
[2] Where the wind and the waves are the fiercest is a Chinese idiom meaning at the heart of the struggle
75
"Your Highness, this is…" Mu Xi Yao looked at two-note paper Zhong Zheng Lin handed over to her. She carefully browsed the content written on it. Her eyelid slightly hung down.
"Mother consort looked over the candidates. You can pick either of the remaining two candidates for the princess consort." Zhong Zheng Lin languidly leaned against the lounge and continued skimming through the educative flashcards Mu Xi Yao has prepared for Cheng Qing.
It seems like she has put a lot of efforts. The images she drew were all to a child's taste. The little woman apparently was in good spirit.
Mu Xi Yao took a look at the densely written information about their family backgrounds and personal preferences on the two-page paper and chuckled. Did the sixth Highness want to dig out their ancestors to conduct a throughout check on them?
"Your Highness, how much can be the content written on the paper trusted?"
"Everything is just to put wool over people's eyes. The results are meaningless. As for those two people, are they pleasing to your eyes?" Zhong Zheng Lin raised his head and looked deeply into Mu Xi Yao's pitch-black eyes.
"They're not bad." Mu Xi Yao got up to sit before the dressing table. She picked a strand of hair on her temple and began to slowly comb it.
Zhong Zheng Lin put down the cards and slowly walked behind her back, watching the woman's beautiful face which became increasingly splendid in the mirror, every movement of hers contained a mellow sensuality.
"How about transferring sir Mu to Shengjing?" This year, officials will have a grand examination. The timing was just right.
Mu Xi Yao slightly creased her brows. She contemplated for a moment, "Father is already old in years. Qie doesn't want him to work too hard. Moreover, after elder sister gets married, mother will feel lonely at home. It will be better for father to hold a sinecure post."
Zhong Zheng Lin's lips curled up when he heard
Mu Xi Yao's plain honesty.
Mu Jing Zhen's "twilight years" at the age of forty were already schemed by Mu Xi Yao. He has finally found some useful information from her words. Does this woman think men's love and care for their wife is far superior to their career and future prospects?
"If sir Mu's career was smooth, he can also provide more of a protection to Jiao Jiao." Zhong Zheng Lin gently caressed her beautiful hair. His voice came out deep and slow.
Mu Xi Yao put down the fine wooden comb and rested her chin on her right hand while letting out a soft chuckle. Through the bronze mirror, she could see Zhong Zheng Lin's extraordinary handsomeness. He was currently holding onto her shoulder and meeting her eyes her in the mirror. Even inside the house, the air that surrounded him was imposing. This man's capabilities were more and more eye-catching.
"Having your Highness's protection is enough for Xi Yao of Mu clan." The woman's smile was like a flower, her watery eyes were shining with light. She spoke of "protection" but her eyes were reflecting confidence and determination, accompanied by lovable willfulness.
Zhong Zheng Lin pulled her over to hug her. He caught the back of her head and kissed her deeply.
"Are you satisfied with the post of chancellor of the Imperial College?"
Mu Xi Yao thought over the Imperial College in her mind. Can be! At least this post wasn't involved in the battle of the imperial princes. In addition, it took place in a relatively peaceful Imperial College. Above him, he had supervising ministers and below he had vice directories to assist him. Her father should be able to cope with it. Moreover, after sir Mu transfers to the capital and Zhong Zheng Lin establishes his estate outside of the palace, she can often visit lady Yu. What can she have against this?
"It could not be better."
"How should Jiao Jiao thank for bendian's thoughtfulness?" Zhong Zheng Lin seized her radiant appearance up and teased her with expectation.
Mu Xi Yao was pregnant, thus, she was fearless. "How about finding a begonia flower1 for your Highness?" Don't think that she wasn't aware that the princess consort wasn't so far the only new member of the prince's estate.
"Bendian is already busy with handling one Jiao Jiao flower. Why the need for more? It would be better if Jiao Jiao explained closely to bendian, what clever use had this begonia flower?"
On the second day, the refreshed sixth Highness took along Mu Xi Yao to give a reply with a paper note pinched between his forefinger and thumb. Zhong Zheng Lin was amused whenever he recalled the little woman's appearance of disdain.
Mu Xi Yao acted laidback and true in front of him just as he had wished for. She even blatantly showed disliked for the princess consort whom he hasn't yet married. This made him not know whether to laugh or cry. Even the princess consort wasn't to her liking. He was afraid the women following after would also be to her dislike.
Two days later, the imperial edict was issued.
The eldest di daughter, He Lian Min Min, of Shengjing's century-old clan He Lian House, was bestowed a marriage to the sixth prince as his princess consort. Her father was a standard class second rank vice minister of Ministry of Justice, He Lian Zhang. The grand wedding will be held on the seventh day after Zhong Zheng Lin's capping ceremony.
In addition, an auspicious date will be picked for cefei Lin Rou of Su clan, shufei of Wan clan and concubine of An clan who were appointed by consort Shu to enter the estate.
At the same time, the sixth Highness Zhong Zheng Lin used the reason of having a meritorious deed for producing an offspring, to promote lady Zhang to ranks of shufei.
Each prince's estate one after another were bestowed with new members. Momentarily, Shenjing was enveloped by a joyful atmosphere. There were as many as twenty-one young maidens from the noble and powerful families who have entered the imperial prince' and imperial family's household. This was the highest number of marriage bestowment Yuancheng Emperor has issued consecutively in the short term during his reign.
Since Mu Xi Yao accompanied Zhong Zheng Lin to pick up the imperial edict, her brows did not stop furrowing.
The concubines who followed behind her all thought that cefei worried the princess consort will not only divide her favor after marrying over but also oppress her, that her days will become miserable. As a result, they remained silent along the way and then each of them retreated afterward. Just, they looked at lady Zhang with complicated glances.
Mu Xi Yao's mind was bewildered as she recalled newcomers appointed by consort Shu.
Su Lin Rou has actually become Zhong Zheng Lin's woman! What kind of story plot was this? In the previous life, Su Lin Rou was the first prince's favored consort. And what's more, that shufei of Wan clan, she has never heard of her. Only concubine lady An was an acquaintance from her memories.
How come this time weird things were going on with people entering the estate? Could it be that this was the damage caused by disposing "Tang Yi Ru" in advance?
Before Mu Xi Yao could organize her thoughts，Zeng Yu that woman has introduced herself peculiarly as Zhong Zheng Lin's other concubine.
Mu Xi Yao stared at Zhong Zheng Lin's handsome black face, watching him without batting her eyes.
The sixth Highness indeed attracted troubles. Even though she had warned him in advance, Zeng Yu has still succeeded. Damned the immutable story line.
"Give her Shuhui Courtyard." When Zhong Zheng Lin recalled Zeng Yu's despicable tricks, his voice became ice cold.
There was a banquet in the palace today. Zhong Zheng Lin has consumed a bit more wine, thus he went to take a bit of rest at consort Shu's palace in the afternoon. What he didn't expect was that Zeng Yu would use the opportunity of his rest to break into the inner palace hall and attempt to climb into his bed. After kicking her out of bed, she unexpectedly cried out and, as sudden as lighting, tore her garment, making such a big scene that everyone in the palace has heard the news.
When has Zhong Zheng Lin ever been schemed in such way, right in front of his face? He has immediately broken into a rage. If consort Shu didn't stop him with all her might, he would have kicked Zeng Yu to death on the spot and be done with her. This crazy woman has even drugged the palace maid whom consort Shu has put outside the door to keep watch.
Her Ladyship Shu was so infuriated by her maternal niece that she has passed out. As she watched Zhong Zheng Lin who was engulfed by the murderous aura, she felt guilt-ridden. Under the anger, she ordered people to tie Zeng Yu and hurriedly sent her out of the palace.
"Who brought her to the palace?" Even if she had secretly escaped from the estate, how did she enter the palace?
Consort Shu's face immediately became cloudy, as if realizing something.
"The crown princess."
The murderous glint in Zhong Zheng Lin's eyes was oppressing. Veins protruded on his clenched fists. His brothers indeed constantly thought about how to put spokes in his wheel and stab him in the back. Putting such a woman into the inner yard, even a thought of it made him disgusted.
Does she want to enter the inner yard? In that case, she will have to go and make Tang sisters a company. Impudent thing!
"Your Highness, why bother yourself to get this angry?" Mu Xi Yao chuckled. Since Zeng Yu was able to sneak out even after being put under confinement and she has bumped into her, Zeng Yu might as well serve her as cannon fodder. It was hard to come by such an aggressive woman with no brains.
Zeng Yu that woman was truly an exotic flower. Not only she didn't manage to curry favor with Zhong Zheng Lin. On the contrary, she had built contact with the crown prince's side. And like this, she wanted Zhong Zheng Lin to give her a good face? Did Zeng Yu truly believe Zhong Zheng Lin and the crown prince were of the same kind?
Mu Xi Yao appeased Zhong Zheng Lin's bad mood in Danruo Courtyard while quickly calculating the circumstances that would follow.
The capital. The Su estate quivered into ripples due to Su Lin Rou's sudden fussing.
"Father, this time only three noblewomen were appointed to be imperial princes' cefei. Why the first and fourth princes' cefei's marriages were personally bestowed by his Majesty, yet, when it came to the sixth prince it became consort Shu's decision?"
Aggrieved, Su Lin Rou wept endlessly.
She was di lady of Su House. In what aspects was she worse than the other two? Why only she wasn't being bestowed marriage by imperial edict? Moreover, that cefei of the sixth prince lady Mu, not only she was promoted by the imperial edict but she has also received his Majesty's appraisal. Not only did she birthed firstborn son early on, nowadays she was even diagnosed with an auspicious pulse. Wasn't she only going to be firmly crushed by her?
Her family background couldn't be compared to He Lian Min Min. Could it be that she had to be even stepped by lady Mu who was far inferior to her now?
Su Lin Rou watched sir Su while sobbing lowly. The rim of her eyes were thoroughly red.
"During days, you've only learnt how to cry and make a scene?" Sir Su snorted coldly. "If you don't understand, you might as well shave your hair and become a Buddhist nun. Don't wait to lose your life after entering the prince's estate."
After being lectured and then seeing sir Su leave with flung of a sleeve, Su Lin Rou only sat there dazedly all by herself. Afterward, she rested her upper body on the table and burst into tears.
Translation notes:
[1] Begonia flower is a Chinese phrase used to describe a beautiful woman or that a beautiful woman was sociable and charming