111
At nightfall, the family banquet.
The crown prince and Zhong Zheng Lin took seats of the host and guest of honor respectively; one being the honored guest and the other the lord of the house. On the outside, the two got along well. Yet, who didn't know that this scene of affectionate brotherhood was merely an act which served to make the memorial that would be sent to the table of Yuancheng Emperor look better?
The crown prince was dressed in a bright yellow court robe, enveloped by the air of superiority. Most of his talks were linked to admonishment. He seemed to be looking after the present brothers and giving them guidance.
Zhong Zheng Lin was attired in an informal court dress. He carried an indifferent appearance while drinking the wine. The crown prince didn't forget to remind them that the heir apparent position wasn't something others could covet for. The crown prince was clearly worrying too much. What will he do with heir apparent position? The phoenix eyes of the sixth Highness swept over the thumb ring on his left hand. The prince's seal will change its name one day.
Zhong Zheng Ming leaned against the back of the chair, rose the gold wine mug and emptied the cup in one gulp.
The message sent by Mu Xi Yao was extremely important. In a few days, Yuancheng Emperor will issue the third imperial decree. How should he thank her for such a help? Does Zhong Zheng Lin know of this?
Zhong Zheng Ming looked at a wide four-panel screen containing a silk tapestry in the middle of the hall. The corners of his lips raised slightly.
At the women's banquet over there, she was probably enjoying the meal while finding pleasure in it. When the fifth Highness thought of her furrowing her brows in a finicky manner and pouting in displeasure, he inwardly shook his head. Sixth brother spoiled her too much. How can he let her eat only what she was fond of? Such picky-eating habit was not good for a child.
—
Mu Xi Yao pulled Mu Xi Ting to sit next to her. Since there was no Zhong Zheng Lin to keep an eye on her, she stopped restraining herself from consuming certain foods. It was not only that she has set herself free with eating. Mu Xi Ting over there also did not stay unoccupied. Mu Xi Yao frequently picked dishes and delivered them to her bowl. Mu Xi Ting was so embarrassed she dropped her head to use meal, unwilling to raise her head. In the whole women's banquet, only Mu Xi Yao ate with relish.
The fourth princess consort had fun watching her. Seeing that Mu Xi Yao liked scallop balls, she quickly ordered people to serve it on a small plate and put it in front of her.
"Thank you, fourth sister-in-law. Qie knew that fourth sister-in-law doted on qie the most. Having a big belly is so annoying. He's insatiable." Mu Xi Yao smiled and blinked at the fourth princess consort, being particularly vivacious.
The fourth princess consort was amused by her. She took the handkerchief and used it to cover her mouth. She coughed twice to fix her manners. Whenever she sat with Mu cefei, she needed to constantly remind herself to keep a tight watch over her principal wife's haughty airs. Otherwise, she'll be easily affected by her and lose her dignified manners.
Mu Xi Yao ate with a content. Once banquet finished, like everyone else, she held teacup and listened to trivial household affairs, looking on. After a cup of tea, she felt uncomfortable from a full stomach hence she excused herself and went to the garden to take a walk and aid digestion.
When she came out from the lavatory, she leisurely held Mo Lan's hand and went for a walk along the walkway behind the rock garden. After a few steps, a sound came from the front. Mu Xi Yao's eyebrow raised.《Floating goblet1》?
Zhong Zheng Ming curled the willow leaf in his hands and nonchalantly blew it. He stood facing the water with an expression of gaiety.
Mu Xi Yao, along with Mo Lan, stood under the stone steps while watching his tranquil back which seemed merge with twilight. She chose a low block of stone and sat down quietly. Mu Xi Yao closed her eyes and listened, gradually becoming intoxicated by the tune.
The ancient song《Floating goblet》was better suited for a refined scholar like Zhong Zheng Ming. Back then during selection, she played the same tune on the zither. Yet, she fell short to Zhong Zheng Ming whose level was far superior and ethereal. She lacked enlightenment and hence both her hands and feet became bound2.
Mu Xi Yao was still living in the aftertaste of the song's charm when she was interrupted by Zhong Zheng Ming's gentle laughter.
"What does cefei think? Is it pleasant to the ear?
Mu Xi Yao did not get up. She rocked her head from side to side, playing an over-exacting "old pedant".
"Ethereally fresh and graceful. A magnificent tune, a magnificent person. Your Highness's tonality is exquisite. Able to grasp three tastes3, qie is already content."
Zhong Zheng Ming listened to her high praises while grasping the stem of the willow leaf and twirling it. He heard about Mu Xi Yao's zither skills from shufei. It was said the zither teacher himself sighed for being inferior to her. Yet, she still commended his clumsy skills. She was too modest.
Zhong Zheng Ming looked at the surrounding which was fairly open-spaced. If someone came, everything would be clear at a glance. Zhong Zheng Ming sighed inwardly. No wonder that she sat there in such a frank and open manner without the slightest scruple.
"Bendian needs to, yet again, properly thank cefei for your aid. It has saved bendian much of trouble."
Watching him speak cautiously, Mu Xi Yao generously admitted, "Qie did not send benefit for nothing. As a matter of fact, qie wishes to borrow your Highness's hand to vent qie's grievance. Qie is not worthwhile of your Highness's personal thanks. It's nothing more than a mutual benefit."
Zhong Zheng Ming didn't expect her to actually talk so bluntly about her taking advantage of him. He was stumped for words for a moment. Subsequently, he felt at ease. Since she's being open and honest, there was no need for him to act pretentiously and lose his grace.
"Of course. Then it's mutual consensus. It's much better this way."
"How about your Highness playing another tune? Qie's ears tickle. They clamor for more." Mu Xi Yao sat comfortably, not willing to move. Besides, she had music to accompany her. Her days were truly cheerful. To her surprise, she has found a rare delight of the countryside within the walls of the solemn prince's residence.
"Mountains and rivers, the croaking of frogs. Cold breeze and chirps of birds. Doesn't your Highness feel that the only thing lacking at such fine time and beautiful scenery is a music?"
Zhong Zheng Ming looked at her face full of longing, as if it would be a great regret if there was no music today. With a smile on his face, he turned around and a light and quick 《Picking lotus seed》reverberated in the air. Mu Xi Yao clapped her palms in rhythm and softly sung the song.
While Mo Lan was completely absorbed in the music, she saw across them his sixth Highness along with third miss coming their way. She wanted to notify her mistress. However, she saw her immersed in singing. She was sitting on the block of stone, both of her heels tapping to the beat of the music and her hands clapped soundly.
They were doomed! His Highness would fail to see such scene only if his eyes were blind from being drunk.
Zhong Zheng Lin looked for the person by following the sound of the melody. Unexpectedly, he has caught Mu Xi Yao without any decorous manners and displaying an intoxicated appearance. He watched her little gleaming face, so radiant and enchanting. She finished the song but was still immersed in it.
One could tell who did the man's figure in the octagonal pavilion belonged to by one glance.
The sixth Highness stopped Mu Xi Ting who was about to step forward and call out to them. He rested his body against a rugged rockery, folded his arms and quietly watched her rare wilfulness.
Mu Xi Yao has acted flamboyantly on many occasions. However, it was always when confronting others, being forced by circumstances. This present joy of hers was different. It came from her nature. It was authentic and innate.
As Zhong Zheng Lin watched that simple and happy singing maiden, his eyes darkened. If it was not for selection, Mu Xi Yao would probably extremely loathe the scheming, treachery, and lifetime of harem life. It would be immensely difficult to make her willingly enter the residence. Based on her current appearance, this woman's longing for a leisure life was as plain as day.
So what? Since he chose to go against the current, the woman beside him naturally had to expedite the boat alongside him. She was firmly grasped in his hands. There was no whatsoever reason to let her go. Even if he had to kill her very nature, Zhong Zheng Lin would not hesitate to do so.
After finishing the song, Zhong Zheng Ming slowly ended the last tune. As soon as he turned around, he saw Zhong Zheng Lin who was attired in a dark green robe standing behind Mu Xi Yao with a gaze locked on her.
He then looked at a clueless Mu Xi Yao who was clasping her palms, still cheering on him. A desire to tease her surged inside him.
"Is it pleasing to the ear?"
"The song has stopped, but the melody lingers."
Zhong Zheng Ming walked down the steps and stopped in front of her. The maiden was sitting on a stone block. Her height only reached his chest.
He raised his hand and brushed her shoulder, taking away the crepe myrtle petal that has fallen on it.
Mu Xi Yao was startled by his sudden intimate gestures. Only after taking a closer look did she discovered the pink petal grasped in the hand of the other person. She slightly raised her head. As expected. Above them, a crape myrtle tree sprouted flowers, blooming magnificently.
Mu Xi Yao sighed ruefully, "Your Highness has spoilt qie's refined activities4."
"Oh? Why?" Zhong Zheng Ming glimpsed from the corner of his eyes Zhong Zheng Lin's complexion. He was inwardly amused. This maiden, who put up quite a decent act, would probably be in a trouble very soon.
"How is this said? Right. 'Crape myrtle gifts people an affection, spoiling their clothes with its lingering fragrance.'"
Zhong Zheng Ming was exhilarated. He watched her with a meaningful smile.
"Bendian doesn't know whether a lingering fragrance will be left on clothes if it is spoilt by crape myrtle. What bendian knows is that his sixth Highness has followed the scent of fragrance and is right now standing behind cefei."
Upon hearing this, Mu Xi Yao immediately choked. She bowed her head to cough. Once she saw clearly the man's black boots that have stopped in front of her, Mu Xi Yao quickly quietened. She lifted her head and smiled sweetly, "Your Highness ~"
Zhong Zheng Ming, you black-belly! He knew that Zhong Zheng Lin was present, yet let her "being flirted". As she recalled the sixth Highness's domineering temper, she was prepared to abandon her face and exert all her might to gloss it over.
When Zhong Zheng Lin saw her eyes turning and working out ideas, he knocked her forehead.
"Still not going?" He stretched his big hand in front of her, waiting for her fair jade-like little hand grasping it.
Seeing that boss was actually in a good mood and didn't pursue the matter, she quickly presented her hand and firmly gripped his.
Zhong Zheng Lin bowed his head and saw her tiny soft hand tenaciously clutching onto his big palm. He turned his hand to wrap hers. A smile entertained the corners of his mouth. Whenever this woman got herself into trouble, she would certainly show this kind of good behavior. Can this be counted as sweet-talking? Polishing the apple?
"Your Highness, hug~" Demoness Mu hasn't stood up yet and already started to cry out in a coy manner.
Uh-oh! It was a close call. Without any delay, she began to wheedle charmingly and endear herself, not sticking to only one scheme. She arrested the boss in a blaze of her affections. He had better to lose his head over lust and forget to settle accounts with her.
The sixth Highness leaned over and picked the person up as per her words. A small head then casually rubbed against his strong and muscular chest.
"Your Highness is even more handsome and mighty compared to the past." Mu Xi Yao shamelessly praised.
Zhong Zheng Lin's chest raised and fell from chuckle. He lowered his voice to whisper in her ear.
"Jiao Jiao needn't to rack mind. Troubles you've caused recently still remain fresh in bendian's memory. They will be all settled together once you give birth."
Mu Xi Yao bit his ear and said with a grudge, "Stingy!"
"One more matter to settle."
Mu Xi Yao instantly surrendered and spiritlessly buried herself against his collarbone, preoccupied with silent criticisms in her mind. What settling account after childbirth? Boss, which time did you not settle accounts without pulling one to roll in the bed? When it was said settling them together, for how many days will they have to roll in the bed?
When Zhong Zheng Lin took Mu Xi Yao and they've once again made appearance at the banquet, the screen in the main hall was already removed. In the centre a musician was giving a performance. All the princes and womenfolk were sitting in a proper order. Their tables were filled with fine liquor and fresh fruits, accompanied by a zealous atmosphere.
"Oh, sixth. Your elder brother, me, was just talking about why did you suddenly abandon your brothers and disappeared. It turns out that you've sought a beauty to enjoy some intimate moments." The first prince gloomily looked at Mu Xi Yao beside Zhong Zheng Lin, wishing to slice her to pieces. This woman has made him vomit blood over and over again. She caused the prince's residence to fall into a destitute. He didn't turn thirty yet, but at his most daring and enthusiastic time, the whole court was of the belief that the road in front of him was ruined. He had no more subordinates to follow him anymore.
"Brother is having a drunken talk. Don't take it to heart, sixth." Although the crown prince has suffered a crushing defeat in consort Liu's cased due to Mu Xi Yao and had no other option but to withdraw before it was too late, but compared to destroying Zhong Zheng Lin's foundation, he was clearly more happy to see Zhong Zheng Chun's defeat.
This Mu'shi didn't only possess a unique grace that made him covet after her for a long time, she even fixed his most formidable opponent on his behalf. Perhaps, after he ascends the throne, he can let her live, as long as she's willing to act like a dog that wagged its tail pitifully5 and serve him comfortably. Looking at how the sixth treasures her, this woman's bed techniques must be exceptional. That feeling…..The more the crown prince thought the harder it was for him to suppress his lecherous thoughts. His gaze boldly watched Mu Xi Yao.
A murderous glint seethed in the depths of Zhong Zheng Lin's phoenix eyes. If it wasn't for the current situation not allowing an excessive unrest, the crown prince would have become a wastrel a long time ago.
"Your Highness mustn't get angry. It will scare the child." Mu Xi Yao avoided the crown prince's gaze in revulsion and smiled brightly. After the war in Mobei and once Zhong Zheng Lin was being bestowed with a title, the crown prince of the Great Wei will be like chrysanthemums after the Double Ninth festival6.
Translation notes:
[1] Floating goblet is an ancient drinking game played during Spring Purification Festival in which a cup of wine is floated down a stream with people seated on both side (the person sitting in front of the cup when it stops has to drink). People curious about the song can listen to it here
[2] Having ones hands and feet bound is a Chinese idiom meaning to excise undue caution in doing something, overcautious, trying to play safe
[3] Three tastes is a Chinese phrase used to compare poems to a delicious and fine spiritual food
[4] Refined activities are often associated with zither, books, chess and paintings
[5] To be like a dog wagging its tail pitifully is a Chinese idiom meaning to fawn or to miserably beg for mercy
[6] Chrysanthemums after the Double Ninth Festival is a Chinese idiom that means a thing of the past
112
The banquet went on until the hour of Xu1. Mu Xi Yao could hardly sit still. She gave Zhong Zheng Lin notice and retreated first along with her people.
"Elder sister." Mu Xi Ting, taking along Rui Zhu, caught up with Mu Xi Yao. She said a few words at her ear. Her expression seemed a bit awkward.
A surprise flashed in Mu Xi Yao's eyes. She had Zhao momo take others back and only called Mo Lan to attend to her. She brought Mu Xi Ting and made a detour halfway.
Wine flowed freely in the main hall and people feasted until they were intoxicated. The crown prince hugged his favorite concubine behind him. His words and actions exhibited wantonness. Zhong Zheng Chun was accompanied by beauties. He gulped down one strong spirit after another, seemingly want to drown his sorrows in alcohol.
Zhong Zheng Lin watched the two's behavior with a frown and planned to send the two back to their residences. However, he was unexpectedly stopped by their wine talking and clamoring about staying overnight at his residence.
"Sixth brother, the wine has got a bit to the little brother's head. Your little brother will take leave." Zhong Zheng Han was the first to depart.
"Be careful on your way back." Zhong Zheng Lin called Tian Fu Shan and had him personally send Zhong Zheng Han off. When he looked back, he saw Zhong Zheng Ming who was always earliest to leave the banquet having no intention to leave.
"Sixth brother doesn't need to be curious. Your fifth brother is waiting for shufei."
Zhong Zheng Lin subsequently realized that Mu Xi Ting was not among the womenfolk.
The two engaged in chat while drinking wine. Zhong Zheng Lin ordered people to take the crown prince and Zhong Zheng Chun to the front courtyard to take a rest. Then, he had He Lian Min Min arrange accommodation in the side room for the womenfolk.
Seeing Zhong Zheng Ming showing signs of tipsiness, Zhong Zheng Lin sent him to the side hall to take a nap. He can go back once he finds the person.
Zhong Zheng Lin stroked his aching temple. He left behind Wei Zheng to keep watch at the side gate and then walked into Danruo Courtyard.
The main house was brightly lit, yet Mu Xi Yao was missing.
"Where is cefei?" Zhong Zheng Lin's brows furrowed.
How come the two sisters' chat not only tarried till now but they were also nowhere to be seen?
Zhao momo quickly entered the room and answered, "Your Highness, mistress has just returned. However, not long after, she went to take a bath in the back."
"Third miss of Mu House is also there?"
"No. Third miss did not accompany mistress. She must have gone back to the main hall."
"Take people to the side hall to take a look. On your way, deliver the message to the fifth prince."
After giving the instructions, Zhong Zheng Lin waved his hand and ordered people to retreat. He undressed his outer robe and left himself in only a pale blue inner garment. He passed by the veranda and went back to look for the person.
"Jiao Jiao?" As soon as Zhong Zheng Lin entered Shuangyan pool, he saw that the room was being dimly lit by only one candlelight which dyed the air with warm colors. Zhong Zheng Lin was already tipsy. Once he entered the room, he completely chilled his mind up. He had a bit of hard time to suppress his tipsiness.
Mu Xi Yao stood with a back facing him. Her pitch-black hair that was soaked in the water lied clung damply against her bare back.
"Your Highness." Mu Xi Yao turned sideways and pouted coquettishly. Her little face was flushed with color. The mist made her face appear even more charming.
Untying the belt, Zhong Zheng Lin took off the garments, leaving himself only in underpants.
The man slowly entered the water from the jade steps. Just as he was going to take the person into his arms and hug her, he heard her bashfully volunteering her services.
"Your Highness, lean over the poolside. Qie will rub your back for you."
Seeing her rare initiative, Zhong Zheng Lin complied with her words and moved toward the edge of the pool.
"How come you've again used "ting zhi"?" Zhong Zheng Lin smelled the fragrance that was lingering in the air. He appeared to be clearly displeased. The scent overshadowed Mu Xi Yao's pure and sweet body scent that he was so fond of.
"Your Highness's body reeks of alcohol. Stinks." Mu Xi Yao turned up her nose at him. She lifted her beautiful hair with those little hands of hers and put them in front of her chest. She then turned and walked over to him.
Zhong Zheng Lin was leaning over the edge. His arms were propped against the jade-stoned surface. From shoulders downward, his body was entirely immersed in the pool water which relaxed his muscles and relieving the tiredness.
"Still not coming?" The little woman was taking her time. Which part of her body did he not see yet?
Mu Xi Yao brushed away the water with her hands and slowly approached Zhong Zheng Lin.
"Is your Highness tired? Have you used hangover soup?" Little hands climbed onto the man's strong arms and slowly kneaded them.
Mu Xi Yao's soft and snow-white hands pressed and kneaded Zhong Zheng Lin's bronze-colored back. Her massaging was skillful, to the point.
The sixth Highness closed his phoenix eyes and relaxed his expression. He pulled at her little hand and went to softly caress and play with it.
He did not answer her question and instead raised another subject. "Since there was no one to keep an eye on you today, did you use properly the meal?"
Mu Xi Yao hit his back hard, seeming to be dissatisfied.
"Qie has naturally followed your Highness's instructions. Zhao momo was keeping a watch over qie."
Mu Xi Yao's small hands gradually drifted downwards, reaching Zhong Zheng Lin's waist.
"Your Highness, change clothes~" The maiden's voice was soft, sweet, and mellow.
Zhong Zheng Lin took her little hands and made the way to the front, little by little, untying the belt. Since taking off the underpants in the water was inconvenient, Mu Xi Yao extended her fair little foot and helped him to slowly push it down.
"Why, can it be that Jiao Jiao wants to closely appreciate bendian's personal garments?"
Mu Xi Yao's face flushed with color. With tremble, she picked up the undergarment floating on the water and threw it to the poolside, talking no more.
Zhong Zheng Lin lazily stretched out his hands and pulled over the underpants that she had thrown away and teased her.
"Didn't Jiao Jiao have a fragrance lingering on the hands? Bendian will check whether the clothes have any."
The maiden became angry. Her little hand moved to his front. It caressed the man's sturdy chest and abdomen, stroking the flesh repeatedly and gradually shifting downward.
—-
"So?" Mu Xi Yao looked at the unexpected guest in front of her with eyes covered in frost.
"Cefei remains calm even in the face of calamity. You're unexpectedly coolheaded and collected." The middle-aged man had the appearance of a simple and honest person. He turned his head to look at Mu Xi Ting's panic-stricken face. His eyes could not hide the contempt.
Mu Xi Yao certainly was not unafraid. Although the jade pendant emitted heat, it wasn't the scaling hot heat that indicated a great danger.
"Who….Who are you?" Mu Xi Ting broke in tremor out of fear.
Just as she was talking to Mu Xi Yao, she suddenly saw two men clad in a black attire lift the screen and burst in. As soon as they entered in, they've unveiled their identities.
"Does third miss of Mu House know not of our origin? It seems that when Yin Ji contacted you, she didn't reveal our lord's identity."
Lord? Mu Xi Yao was alarmed. Zhong Zheng Lin has once mentioned that the chieftain of rebels in the kingdom of Shu called himself "the honored lord" and his followers addressed him as the "lord".
The two people in front of them were actually the remaining rebels of the kingdom of Shu? What's more, they were connected to Mu Xi Ting?
Mu Xi Yao's brows furrowed tightly. Her complexion was extremely ugly. This time, Mu Xi Ting has caught herself in an enormous maelstrom. If they were not careful, dozens of lives in Mu House would face execution.
"What's going on?!" Mu Xi Yao turned to look at Mu Xi Ting beside her whose face turned deadly pale and angrily called out to her.
"I-I don't know…..they wanted me to drug you. I have torn the note. It's in Rui Zhu's pouch." Mu Xi Ting was so scared her words came out incoherently and one could hardly find any useful clues from them.
Mu Xi Yao took a deep breath and looked at her with a complicated expression.
Just now, this shu sister has caught up with her and for the first time took the initiative to inquire her about a matter. Mu Xi Yao originally wanted to take her back to Danruo Courtyard but was turned down by her tactfully for not wanting to inconvenience her. She said that it was only a few words. As soon as she works things out, she would return as the fifth Highness was waiting in the hall.
As a result, Mu Xi Yao took her to the water pavilion and ordered Rui Zhu and Mo Lan to keep watch outside.
Mu Xi Yao naturally knew whether she's been drugged or not. The jade pendant didn't send a warning. She was also safe and unscathed.
Though Mu Xi Ting was beguiled by the other person, fortunately she didn't completely lose her mind. This fact gave Mu Xi Yao some comfort. After all, she's been taking care of her for so many years. If she ended up helping outsiders and turned up against her, she would certainly have a hard time getting over it.
"Sit obediently." She took her hand and pinned her down. Mu Xi Yao then coldly looked at the two people opposite her. Her eyes were calm.
"Without the cooperation of the third miss of Mu House, I've initially thought this operation won't be able to carry on. What a surprise." The middle-aged man laughed out loud, "The Heaven must be on my master's side. Third miss of Mu House has actually led cefei to this place. Our plan cannot be even smoother."
The rim of Mu Xi Ting's eyes reddened. Tears seemed to have welled inside them. She bit her lips and stared at the coming person. She grabbed firmly Mu Xi Yao's right hand. Although she was trembling with fright, she clung tightly and kept close to her.
Mu Xi Yao patted the back of her hand and sighed inwardly. Women. Their eyes were blinded by love. Mu Xi Ting went to so much trouble just to ask her whether she has met the fifth Highness during the selection. She's stammered for quite a while before Mu Xi Yao finally understood what she meant.
This silly woman. How could she be interested in his fifth Highness? Yuancheng Emperor was still in good health. If she dared to scourge two Highnesses, death would be waiting at her doorstep. Even if there wasn't Yuancheng Emperor to hold her in check, based on Zhong Zheng Lin's temper, if she dared to have an affair…the sixth Highness's means were extraordinarily ruthless.
Although Mu Xi Yao was angry at Mu Xi Ting for failing to distinguish right from wrong and bringing in disaster, it was now too late for reprimand. What mattered was to deal with the situation at hand.
"The two of you stayed here for too long. Aren't you afraid that his Highness would look for qie and hold you accountable?" Mu Xi Yao had a bad feeling hence she spoked to sound them out. On the surface, she appeared to be calm, but her brain quickly contemplated on how to defend herself.
—-
"Jiao Jiao." Zhong Zheng Lin took her small hand and softly rubbed and massaged it.
"Your Highness, don't you want to…." The maiden leaned her chest against him and sweetly suggested.
Zhong Zheng Lin slightly opened his eyes. His words were gentle, "If bendian wants, Jiao Jiao will give?"
Mu Xi Yao chuckled and pouted. She lightly brushed against his back. Her hands passed under the man's armpits and embraced his arms, slowly moving toward his neck.
"Since it's your Highness's wish, qie will naturally give it to your Highness."
A cold light burst from those phoenix eyes of his. He spoke with a deep voice.
"In that case, bendian shall take your lowly life."
He gathered inner force into his right hand and flung the clothes that have twisted into spiral backward. It has instantly winded around the woman's slim neck, tightly strangling it.
Breathing out the foul air, Zhong Zheng Lin waved his hand and blew out the incense at the poolside. His body still felt weary and somehow weak.
Zhong Zheng Lin regulated his breathing for a while. His mind gradually cleared up. He once again looked at the woman behind him. An unfamiliar face. Her complexion was purplish. She has already stopped breathing. He lifted her fingertip. As expected, it had a hidden poison.
A hallucinatory incense indeed! A rare knockout drug from the kingdom of Shu has been, unexpectedly, used at this place.
Zhong Zheng Lin's face was covered with cold frost. Slapping the surface of the water with his palm, he leaped to his feet. He draped over the shoulders the inner garments and walked out barefoot.
Where was Mu Xi Yao? The sixth Highness's heart was torn with anxiety.
This assassination plan was devised with an extraordinary carefulness. To be able to avoid secret guards, they must have a contact inside the prince's residence.
—
" His Highness has a beauty to serve him. Cefei better not worry much about him."
Sure enough! What a sophisticated plan. To be able to approach Zhong Zheng Lin, they must have taken advantage of her and resorted to some sinister scheme! No wonder they wanted Mu Xi Ting to drug her. Presumably, it was to take her away. Unawares, Mu Xi Ting's abrupt change of plan has, inadvertently, brought convenience to their arrangements.
Could this be regarded as a destined disaster? It might be better to be drugged. She was most unafraid of being drugged. But right now she lost the advantage and could only wait and see what happens.
"Could it be that apart from trapping me and my sister, the two of you would also like to accompany qie and enjoy the scenery?" Mu Xi Yao leaned against the back of the chair, exhibiting no sign of distress.
If they wanted to commit an assassination, they would have already done so. Since they had time to entangle with her, there was clearly another purpose. Besides using dirty tricks to approach Zhong Zheng Lin, what kind of use did she have to them?
The middle-aged man laughed. Yin Ji has sent a message. Zhong Zheng Ming had a hidden feeling toward Mu'shi. Their lord's plan was not merely to eliminate the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin.
"I will need cefei to go on a trip with me."
Only go on a trip? She was afraid that once she went with him, it wouldn't be so easy to come back.
Mu Xi Yao never worried about Zhong Zheng not being able to get out of the tight spot. That man's vigilance was sometimes so keen it scared her. At the moment, she could only delay time to protect their life.
"Elder sister!" Mu Xi Ting cried out in alarm. She was so frightened she grabbed Mu Xi Yao's arm tightly, unwilling to let go. As the coming person approached them step by step, Mu Xi Ting was too scared and went to hide behind Mu Xi Yao.
"As to go where, qie is too lazy to ask. Qie presumes, the two of you also won't tell. Since qie's sister is of no use anymore and won't hinder your work, wouldn't it be better to leave her here and have one less burden?"
Since Mu Xi Ting was useless to them now, she was in more dangerous circumstances than her. The best way for her to get away was to let her know very little. The more she heard the faster she would die.
"Qie is carrying a child. If qie saw a bloody scene, qie's legs would be too weak to walk." Mu Xi Yao's tone was soft but unyielding.
The two men looked at each other. In a blink of an eye, one of them hit Mu Xi Ting's nape, making her lose consciousness and fall to the ground.
Mu Xi Yao finally turned around and left.
Zhong Zheng Lin, if you don't hurry up, little bun would be in danger….
Translation notes:
[1] Hour of Xu – 7-9PM
113
"Your Highness, Mu shufei has been found. She was knocked out in the water pavilion by the lotus pond." Yan Cheng Zhou has mobilized the guards. On the grounds of arresting the rebellious faction, he searched every inch of the prince's residence again and again. Yet, he found no trace of cefei.
Now that they've found the third miss, at least they finally had some clues. Under his Highness's increasingly cold and grim gaze, Yan Cheng Zhou didn't dare to utter any more words as he was afraid to stir this person's temper which would bring about another bloody purge.
Zhong Zheng Lin recalled that just now a manservant has come to report that Zhong Zheng Ming, to one's surprise, was not in the front yard. A person who was supposed to be resting in the side hall has strangely disappeared without any sound.
"Bring her in." Zhong Zheng Lin had some vague speculations in his mind. If it could be confirmed by Mu Xi Ting, then Mu Xi Yao should not be in danger at the moment. However, he was afraid that some hardship was unavoidable.
When he thought of her current circumstances, Zhong Zheng was ridden with guilt.
Blast it! Mu Xi Yao was in her eighth month of pregnancy. She should have been resting but was instead targeted by the rebels. His carelessness was to be blamed, for implicating her.
Zhong Zheng Lin rubbed the space between his eyebrows and forced himself to calm down. He mustn't panic. With her wittiness, she should be able to protect herself for the time being. She was waiting for him to rescue her.
"Wei Zhen, quickly go and ask for mister."
Having received the orders, Wei Zhen hurried to Di Wu Yi Zhao's residence. He was inwardly worried. If something were to happen to cefei…just by looking at how his Highness usually protected her one could know that the inner yard was doomed. He could only hope that mistress Yao would be safe and sound and quickly return to the residence. Otherwise, another disaster would be awaiting them.
Zhong Zheng Lin closed his eyes to contemplate. He stroke the thumb ring on his hand and slowly turned it around.
The rebels decided to take action on the day of the residence establishment. They infiltrated themselves among the guests. Additionally, they took advantage of a large number of people during the day when it was inconvenient for shadow guards to deploy people to organize a defense and hence have exploited this loophole. As for the person on the inside helping them, Zhong Zheng Lin's face darkened. Having a spy in the residence was inevitable. Perhaps, some woman of the inner yard was the key. Who was it?
To be able to grasp Mu Xi Yao's temperament and imitate 70% of her. Evidently, they have received reliable information. This woman who could get into contact with Mu Xi Yao as well as sent out information about her must be one of those few people. How brave of her, daring to get involved behind his back. Did she collude with rebels in an attempt to eliminate Mu Xi Yao for the sake of favor or was she the spy from the kingdom of Shu?
Just as Zhong Zheng Lin was ruling out the suspicious people one by one, he saw Mu Xi Ting being brought in while weeping. She has obviously suffered too much fright.
"Shut up." The sixth Highness spoke coldly. Mu Xi Ting quietened a bit after being reprimanded.
Watching the disheveled woman in front of him, anger stirred within Zhong Zheng Lin. His impression of Mu Xi Ting got so bad it couldn't be any worse. If it was not for this foolish woman being meddlesome, how could have been Mu Xi Yao taken away?
Right now, Zhong Zheng Lin had to force himself to hold his rage in check. He looked at Mu Xi Ting as irritably as much he was impatient. If it was not for worrying Mu Xi Yao being sad, Zhong Zheng Lin would have killed her!
"Speak clearly about what has happened from head to tail. Don't think that since you're her shu sister, bendian won't touch you. Although bendian cannot harm Mu House, bendian is still able to do something with that birth mother of yours."
Mu Xi Ting was scared out of her wits by his cold and gloomy threat. This was the first time she faced Zhong Zheng Lin's anger. She originally thought his sixth Highness was cold in the face but warm inside. However, at this moment, he was wrapped in a menacing air. Mu Xi Ting trembled all over. She thought about her and her mother's outcome if Mu Xi Yao couldn't be saved.
This woman already had a timid nature. Furthermore, there was Zhong Zheng Ming who was tenderly protecting her in the residence. Now that she's been scared by Zhong Zheng Lin, her mind was in utter chaos. Not only didn't she clearly explain the matter, she even fell into disarray and her brain turned into mush.
Zhong Zheng Lin's face darkened when he saw her open mouth several times but uttering no words. His anger bubbled up.
This woman was useless. How could Mu Xi Yao have such an unbearable shu sister? In a critical situation, she could not even make a reply. Wanting to find out Mu Xi Yao's circumstance from her was unexpectedly difficult.
The sixth Highness and Mu Xi Yao have lived with each other for a long time. He completely forgot about how did a sheltered maiden look like. Today, when he saw Mu Xi Ting's way of handling things, it was simply hard for him to tolerate it.
"Say!" Zhong Zheng Lin's patience has exhausted. He slapped the long narrow table with the palm of his hand, making a loud clatter sound.
"Ah!" Mu Xi Ting shrieked in fear and kept moving backward.
Zhong Zheng Lin's phoenix eyes were filled with frost. Just as he was about to call people to drag her down and extort a confession from her, he was stopped by quickly arrived Di Wu Yi Zhao.
"Your Highness, please let your subject handle this matter."
When Di Wu Yi Zhao saw Zhong Zheng Lin's expression, he secretly shook his head. His Highness was too concerned about cefei. His mind wasn't thinking clearly. Coming upon this third miss only aggravated the situation.
Ah, these two sisters of Mu House were too different. While one was so astounding that she dared to publicly challenge the house of a duke, the other one was so timid and cowardly it exasperated people.
Di Wu Yi Zhao took Mu Xi Ting whose expression blanked from the fright elsewhere for questioning, leaving behind Zhong Zheng Lin in deep contemplation.
"Wei Zhen, suppress the information. Only tell the outside world that his fifth Highness had an urgent matter and has left the capital. Cefei has suffered a great fright which caused her fetus to be unstable. She's been sent to her parental house to nurse back her health. The disappearance of cefei requires Mu House's cooperation for covering up. Ask sir Mu to be very cautious and mindful. Seal off the inner yard and put everyone under house arrest."
Zhong Zheng Lin sorted out his thoughts and started to work out, one by one, the most important matters at the moment.
Half an hour later, Di Wu Yi Zhao followed Zhong Zheng Lin into the study. The two had a private discussion for a whole night until the sky turned slightly bright.
Early in the morning, the guards of the prince's residence could be seen searching all over the place on the streets of Shengjing. The patrolling division of the capital and its surrounding area was also frequently mobilized, conducting extensive investigations in the capital. Afterward, news that set off a violent storm has spread across Shengjing.
On the same evening of establishing the residence, the rebel faction from the kingdom of Shu has attempted to assassinate the sixth Highness. His left shoulder was seriously injured. As a result, he was currently recuperating in his residence.
When Yuancheng Emperor who was still at the temporary palace in the city of Jin received the news, under the rage, he issued a decree to lock the city gate and carry out a strict investigation. No rebel was allowed to get away. He then immediately sent two groups of imperial physicians to the prince's residence and ordered the chief eunuch in the palace to open the private treasury and bestow the century-old medicinal ingredient to Zhong Zheng Lin for his injuries.
At the same time, rumors started to spread through Shengjing.
The reason why the sixth Highness recuperated behind the closed doors and conducted searching all over the city was due to a runaway woman. What's more, this woman was cefei of Mu House who had previously provoked much discussion. The fact is that this lady Mu fled from the residence because she had an affair with the fifth Highness. The two's love was as deep as the sea. They went as far as to commit adultery behind the sixth Highness's back and conceive a child. Nowadays, it has come to the point of elopement. The city gate was locked by Yuancheng Emperor because he wanted to catch the two of them. The kingdom of Shu's rebel faction was merely an excuse to cover up the scandal, the imperial household's final fig leaf.
When Zhong Zheng Lin heard the rumors, his guesses were finally confirmed.
The rebels intended to kill two birds with one stone. Not only did they wanted to assassinate him but also destroy the good reputation of Zhong Zheng Ming. Mu Xi Yao was nothing more than a pawn that was ruthlessly used by them.
The mastermind behind this plot had a crafty mind. It could be seen through his overall arrangements which were cleverly planned.
Zhong Zheng Ming was well-reputed among the imperial censors and scholars. Once the elopement scandal comes out, it would be enough to completely ruin his reputation and leave him with a foul name for thousands of years to come.
The rebels wanted to destroy the foundation of Yuancheng Emperor's two most capable princes. Even if he, Zhong Zheng Lin, escaped the assassination, as long as he was involved in the falling-out with a brother or nefarious affairs, he would, too, have a hard time to protect his reputation.
Nevertheless, Mu Xi Yao as a pawn used by others was in an extremely dangerous position.
Even if she could escape from the tiger's mouth by a stroke of luck and preserve her life for the time being, she would have to face the whole Shengjing's condemnation later on. If he could prove that the elopement was pure nonsense, then he and Zhong Zheng Ming would be naturally proven to be innocent.
However, it was an indisputable fact that Mu Xi Yao was abducted. Usually, when a woman's reputation suffered damage, it was not tolerated by aristocratic families. Let alone the imperial family of the Great Wei. Zhong Zheng Lin was well aware of what sort of decisions Yuancheng Emperor would make if he learnt about the truth. As an emperor, he won't hesitate to sacrifice one woman to preserve his two sons.
This time, he and Di Wu Yi Zhao have gained the initiative by striking first. They have released the false news before the rebels and have vigorously searched the whole city only to seize the winning advantage and do their utmost to exonerate the two. However, it was impossible to eliminate the influence of the rumors. Especially when Yuancheng Emperor will return to the capital in three days. If the two of them were not brought back by the time, the truth will be hard to hide.
Zhong Zheng Lin stood in the inner room of Danruo Courtyard all by himself. Pain could not be concealed from his phoenix eyes as he watched the cold beddings. He clenched tightly the ring on his chest that Mu Xi Yao has gifted him and closed his eyes for a good while.
Jiao Jiao, where are you?
114
"Hey, take the meal." A tall man threw a bowl of cooked rice in front of Mu Xi Yao. Under his toss, the shabby pottery bowl bounced two circles before finally stopping. Mu Xi Yao narrowed her eyes and sized up the food on the table. Subsequently, she looked up at the coming person while sitting motionlessly.
Did they take her for a beggar? Even the beggar carried a few pieces of rotten vegetable leaves with himself. When it was her turn, she was left with a yellowed congee made from old rice? Did they think that since she was not far away from death it was alright to let her hang on one breath?
Up to now, Mu Xi Yao was calm and composed, steady as a rock. She had already made proper plans about what she could do. Zhong Zheng Lin should be able to find here tonight. Once the boss arrives, what was there to be afraid of?
When she thought that soon there will be someone to get her back, Mu Xi Yao's courage quickly swelled.
As the proverb said: Heaven rewards the diligent. Once in a while when she uses her brain and works hard, to one's surprise, such an enormous surprise waited for her. She could easily turn the situation this time because she has cleverly bound around with silk before it rained1.
As for that woman in the prince's residence, when she gets away, there will be plenty of ways to properly fix her.
Thinking that she hasn't seen the sixth Highness for one night, Mu Xi Yao made up her mind to complain tearfully to the boss and let him see how much of grievance she has endured in order to be with him. Is this something anyone can bear? Besides, she was pregnant with a child.
Mu Xi Yao kept grumbling about not sleeping well last night while being imprisoned in the mud-brick room. There were no soft pillows. The hard brick bed pressed painfully against her lower back, making it sore. Yet, she didn't know that the sixth Highness on the other end has stayed up all night. Her silhouette filled his mind. Not only was he afraid that her body won't be able to bear it, but he also worried that once she got into temper she will have no care for anything and be bullied.
"Laddie, qie is used to have hibiscus egg custard, steamed stuffed bun, sauteed meat shreds, and coral napa cabbage for breakfast. Qie will have to trouble you to visit Ju Xian House and have cook Yang personally cook them for qie."
Want to use her? They will have to serve her well first. She was unhappy!
If she let Zhong Zheng Lin know that once she left his side she could only pitifully eat the rice congee, people would laugh their heads off. Boss was already very tsundere. She mustn't encourage his bad temper.
The brawny man cast a glance at her as if looking at a madwoman. He was about to leave without any words.
"Laddie, the alley in the west of the city is only four streets away from Ju Xian House. Speak to the steward there. Qie will wait for you."
A surprise flickered through the eyes of the brawny man. He coldly snorted in disdain, "Even if it was right across here, you will have only this one bowl of rice today." As soon as his words fell, he shut the door with a thud and locked it.
Was this woman's brain alright? She was abducted for a night. Yet, not only did she slept soundly but she also could not see that she was being a prisoner. Did she think that this place was a prince's residence where she could order anyone around?
Mu Xi Yao was confined in a dimly lit run-down house. Those beautiful eyes of hers shone vividly.
Her feelings inside the carriage last night were right. It was indeed the west of the city. The old-fashioned houses in front of her should be dwelling in one of two alleys – Qianxi or Shunlong. Upon taking a look at the style of the courtyard, she was certain it was Qianxi. They indeed knew how to pick a place, that downtown was but a temporal retreat.
What a pity that she was here to nitpick on them. Making her unhappy? Let's see who would be the first to lose calm.
"Have you sent the meal?" The middle-aged man was practicing his fists in the courtyard. His strikes were as dynamic as a tiger.
"It was sent just now."
"Did she make a scene?" According to the intelligence, Mu'shi certainly was not a well-behaved person.
"That woman…." The man repeated Mu Xi Yao's words.
The middle-aged man stopped the movements of his hands. Their lord has specifically ordered them to keep a careful watch over that woman. No mistakes were allowed.
While he was still speculating whether she was making difficulties for them to vent her anger or had other objectives, he suddenly heard Qinqiang2 coming out from her room. The tearful tone that she produced was authentic and so sorrowful it was beyond words.
The middle-aged man frowned. This woman had the leisure to perform an opera early in the morning? He looked at the locked door and simply ignored her.
Apart from the first and the fifteenth day of the month when it was bustling, Qianxi alley was otherwise quiet and deserted. The place was surrounded by poor families who have already left their homes to work for a living. The left and right residences were both bought by their lord. Even if she yelled at the top of her lungs, nobody would pay her attention. Once she had enough she will naturally be obedient and use her meal.
Mu Xi Yao had only those seven-eight lines. She repeated them again and again while singing tragically with endless patience.
After a while, the sound of random footsteps could be heard from outside the tiny courtyard.
"Open the door! Who is inside? My mistress heard someone singing Qinqiang. She would like to invite the person to her residence to sing some songs." The knocking on the door to the courtyard produced thud sounds. The corners of Mu Xi Yao's lips curled up as she listened inside the house.
The middle-aged man's face took on a ghastly expression. How was it possible that someone sought them?
When he heard the other party mention singing a song, he immediately understood Mu Xi Yao's scheme. He quickly ordered someone to unlock the door and make her cease causing troubles.
When he entered the room, he saw Mu Xi Yao in a decent posture of an opera singer, singing in a spirited manner.
With a gloomy face, the middle-aged man spoke viciously, "Does cefei want to attract people's attention and seek for help? It'll depend on whether the other person has such capabilities." At first, he didn't want to heed her. He thought that once she tired herself from making all the commotion, she would naturally calm down. Unexpectedly, she was lucky enough to draw people to this nook. Fortunately, this place was far from influential officials. They will only have to drive away the people outside.
"Did your lord not inform you that qie is used to being pampered and cannot suffer any hardship? For instance, qie is hungry now. Hence, qie is not willing to be wronged. If it wasn't for not having even a decent meal, qie would not have warmed the vocals and sang like a minstrel." Mu Xi Yao put down the gesticulating hands. She walked to the table and knocked the broken bowl with the chopsticks.
"Could it be that sir thinks that qie is a fool, that qie has caused so many troubles just to attract someone who can be casually sent away?" Mu Xi Yao laughed out loud while patting the table.
"On the first day of each month, the dowager from marquis of Xiangyang's House will go to Cheng Huang temple to offer incense to Buddha and make a prayer. Afterward, she will head to the close by Jing Hui nunnery and listen to abbess Ci An's sutra lectures and then use the Buddhist food there. On the second day of the month, the marquess of Xiangyang will go to Jing Hui nunnery to pick the person early in the morning. Qianxi alley is the one road they must pass through. Yet, in this quiet place, qie sings in such a stuttering manner that prompts people to tears. Say, sir, will it pique the marquess's interest?"
This 《Wei River》was a song consort Shu was fond of. She has listened to it several times with her thus she remembered its beginning.
The middle-aged man looked at her fiercely. His face had a very ghastly expression.
If they were caught by the house of marquis right now, their whole operation might be spoilt. The assassination already failed. No mistakes must occur on this side with Mu'shi.
This woman's shrewdness was so unfathomable it was hard for them to guard against her. His carelessness was to be blamed as he didn't see through her tricks from the beginning. Now, they have fallen into a risky circumstance.
Mu Xi Yao turned her nose at the pottery bowl and pushed it far away. She asked him good-naturedly, "Has sir decided? If you entertain qie with delicious food, qie won't mind staying for a bit longer. After all, it won't be glorious to go out like this, right?"
Zhong Zheng Ming was imprisoned next door. Up till now, she didn't hear any sounds coming from his place. The one who drugged him might have overdosed so he didn't wake up yet. If she recklessly attracted people here to rescue her, her reputation was bound to suffer damage. Mu Xi Yao had no intention of being kicked out by the imperial clan.
She had a more dignified way to return grandly to the residence. She was in no hurry at the moment.
The person outside the door was still waiting. If they kept not going out, it will raise suspicions.
Over the past few days, the whole city was experiencing sinning wind and calling cranes3. Every bush and tree looked like an enemy4.
"Cefei is indeed crafty." The middle-aged man sighed. No wonder their lord said that this woman mustn't be overlooked. She made him suffer a setback early in the morning.
Mu Xi Yao acted as if she did not hear his words. She waited in silence.
These rebels' biggest objective was to destroy the imperial family's foundation and damage Yuancheng Emperor's prestige.
If they were exposed at this time, first of all, these rebels wouldn't be able to escape. Zhong Zheng Ming's innocence also would be proved. The only one ruined would be her the insignificant chess piece. As long as she didn't push them too hard, the middle-aged man won't dare to act on his own and spoil the big plans.
The reason she dared to draw people here was only to make a bargain with him, negotiate about conditions, and seek benefits. They shouldn't think that since she was locked they could simply dismiss her. As for whether she would push them too far and cause them to jump over the wall like a cornered dog5, Mu Xi Yao believed she would be tactful in dealing with them.
She got hold of the fact that the person in front of her did not dare to act on his own and made full use of it.
These rebels possessed exceptional martial arts and were extraordinary valiant. However, when it came to schemes and deceit, Mu Xi Yao was streets ahead of them.
"Sir needn't worry about qie going back on qie's word. Qie is merely thinking of the child in qie's womb. Even if qie can eat this food, qie cannot treat the child in such way. Besides, qie is truly not willing to go out and ruin qie's innocence. If sir complies, qie can help you sent that person away." Mu Xi Yao spoke with confidence.
This woman has resorted to such a dangerous trick just for the sake of a tasty meal? The middle-aged man was so infuriated the veins popped on his forehead. If he spoilt the big plans due to this meal, how was he going to justify himself in front of his lord and brethren?
"To save a good reputation, cefei doesn't have even care about your own life?" Mu'shi was as crafty as a fox. The middle-aged man did not dare to lower his guard.
"Qie cannot bring shame to his Highness." Mu Xi Yao's face showed infatuation. Her eyes were filled with deep affection.
The middle-aged man looked at her and sneered inwardly. No matter how smart a woman was, she would still become a prisoner of love. The sixth Highness pampered and cherished her. It seems like it was worth it. At least he had a chaste woman.
"If cefei keeps the promise, there's no reason why this humble one cannot comply with your request. This humble one hopes cefei will be extremely careful and not treat your life irresponsibly."
"Open the door!" The middle-aged man ordered while clutching her neck. If things change he will take her life. As for failing their plans, he will naturally go back to the Shu to take his punishment.
The third housekeeper of the marquis of Xiangyang's residence brought people and entered the small courtyard. He saw a little girl sweeping the ground. Her age did not match the person who was singing the song.
"Who was singing just now?" The third housekeeper was fawned on by people in the marquis of Xiangyang's residence. Hence, when he arrived at the house of the poor, he acted arrogantly and was not polite with the servant girl. His demeanor frightened the little girl and made her back away while waving her hands with all of her might.
"Lord housekeeper, my man has gone to work to his master's house. It was this commoner's casual humming just now."
Mu Xi Yao deepened her voice, making her sound like a woman in her twenties.
"I am the chief steward of the marquis' residence. Could it be that madam is afraid that I'm a lecher and not a decent person since madam refuses to see me?"
The voice came from the house, but the person was nowhere to be seen.
Mu Xi Yao raised her eyebrow. Rabble? He surely scolded to his heart's content. It was much easier to get rid of this sort of a small-minded person.
"Sir, this commoner has just given birth and has not yet finished the postpartum confinement6. Therefore, this commoner cannot be exposed to the wind. Furthermore, this commoner is filthy. This commoner fears my appearance will sully sir's eyes."
When the third housekeeper heard that she was a woman recuperating after childbirth, he immediately felt like being cast by bad luck.
"Was it you who sang just now?"
"Yes. This commoner was previously a maidservant of the third rank in the palace and has learned few lines from a master there."
"You are a maidservant? How come you're in such a destitute state?" The third housekeeper was surprised. Normally, the palace maids would save their monthly salaries. It was not difficult for them to marry into a bit better family.
"This commoner's father is fond of gambling, so…."
Once the third housekeeper heard her words, he understood. It seemed that this person was a dabbler. He has rejoiced too soon. The third housekeeper flung his sleeve and brushed the dust off in disdain. Afterward, he turned and left.
Mu Xi Yao turned her head, indicating the person gripping her neck: I'm done with my work. Can you pull back your hand?
The middle-aged man looked at her composed face and slowly retracted his hand. When this woman answered back just now her pulse showed no irregularity. It was too steady. If he was to oppose her, he will be no match for her.
"As long as we provided cefei with delicious food and drinks, cefei won't be making any troubles again?"
It was a pity that he couldn't tie her. Her belly was so big. If something happened to her, it would be detrimental to their lord's big plans.
"Although qie is a woman, qie still knows that commitments need to be kept."
She will pass the time with enjoyable foods and drinks for now. When the sixth Highness finds her, she will slowly settle accounts with them.
Translation notes:
[1] Before it rains, bind around with silk is a Chinese idiom that means to plan ahead
[2] Qinqiang is a folk Chinese opera (learn more here)
[3] Wind sighing and crane calling is a Chinese idiom that means to panic at the slightest move
[4] Every tree or bush looks like an enemy soldier is a Chinese idiom that means to panic and treat everyone as an enemy
[5] A cornered dog will jump over the wall is a Chinese idiom that means to be driven to desperate action
[6] Postpartum confinement also referred as "Sitting the month" is a Chinese traditional practise following the childbirth where woman need to recuperate indoors for at least 30 days (see more here)
115
"Your Highness, the gatekeeper has received a secret letter sent by a little girl. She specifically asked it to be delivered to the hands of Danruo Courtyard's steward, claiming that she had an urgent matter to report."
Tian Fu Shan rushed to the study as soon as he heard the news. Right now, as long as it was a news related to that one in Danruo Courtyard, his Highness was bound to go over them in person. His master hasn't taken any rest since the accident with mistress Yao.
Yesterday, it was already exhausting enough to entertain guests at the banquet. As for now, his Highness has stayed up all night. His Highness's eyes were covered densely with small blood vessels, yet he held on firmly and waited for the various sides to bring in the news.
"Your Highness, He Lian principal consort has sent a message just now. She would like to pay you a visit. Su cefei wishes the same."
Zhong Zheng Lin took the paper note. He was fully focused on searching for Mu Xi Yao's traces. All the other things were ignored by him. He didn't even bother to lift his eyelids. All of his thoughts were put on quickly finding Mu Xi Yao and bring her back to the residence. Yuancheng Emperor will return the day after tomorrow. If he was even one step late, it would lead to a fatal event.
Tian Fu Shan gave a little laugh, daring not to mention it again. The aura around his Highness was already so cold one could see ice crystals falling.
"Tian Fu Shan!" Zhong Zheng Lin suddenly shouted. His fist punched the writing desk. He carried an unusually excited expression.
"Prepare gold-crowned hummingbird!"
Jiao Jiao, for once, you've spared bendian worries.
If Mu Xi Yao was present, she would be probably very pleased with herself. When Zhong Zheng Lin recalled her radiant smile, his eyes deepened. This woman made him love and hate her at the same time. Yet, right now, he missed her with madness.
What is a gold-crowned hummingbird? Tian Fu Shan, who was frightened by Zhong Zheng Lin's sudden outburst, did not dare to ask more questions. He hurriedly sent people to ask around. Looking at the master's appearance, could it be that there was news about cefei?
—
Mu Xi Yao was sitting in the house. All cheerful, she ate her meal with relish. That content appearance of hers made the lips of the brawny man who was keeping watch over her at the side twitch.
This woman went to so much trouble and it was truly just for this table of dishes! Was this how the sixth prince usually spoilt his woman? Indulging oneself in pursue of enjoyment and having no regard for life?
Sir feared that there was a catch with the cook Mu Xi Yao spoke of hence he specifically instructed him to order more food and mix them with the ones Mu Xi Yao asked for. On the way back, the food changed hands several times. To one's surprise, the breeze was still and waves were quiet, nothing out of usual occurred.
As the brawny man watched her sitting there upright and fully focused on using the meal, he was unable to figure out this woman's thoughts.
The thing that condemned prisoners in death row were most afraid of was a feast. Yet, look at her. Not only did she look down her nose at the food, she even went into a confrontation with others. How did this woman's brain grow? Was it truly for the sake of her unborn child like she claimed? But it didn't seem to be the case…..
When the middle-aged man received the report, he fell into deep contemplation.
Mu'shi was an oddball. Every smart man had an eccentricity. It was not in his power to manage such an oddball woman. Zhong Zheng Lin himself was too profound to be understood, yet the woman he kept was also crafty and eccentric.
"Sir, this is the new menu that woman wrote."
The movements of the middle-aged man halted. It was more difficult to abduct a woman than to commit the assassination.
Since Mu Xi Yao had nothing to do, she got up and started to walk around the room.
"Who is here?" Zhong Zheng Ming slowly woke up. He stroke his forehead and spoke with a hoarse voice.
When Mu Xi Yao heard him call for people, she finally felt at ease. If Zhong Zheng Ming doesn't wake up, she would start to suspect that his mute point1 was sealed.
This place was too boring. It was better to have a person to speak to than just to stare into space all by herself.
"Your Highness." Mu Xi Yao approached the wall.
"Mu cefei?" Zhong Zheng Ming was surprised.
When he woke up, his body felt weak and his internal force was sealed off. As soon as he called out for people, he heard Mu Xi Yao's reply coming from the next door.
"Your Highness, listen to qie." Mu Xi Yao informed Zhong Zheng Ming about the accident last night as well as her suspicions in a detail. Her explanation was clear and organized and the analysis she made showed perspicacity.
"Therefore, we're trapped in this prison cell at the moment, at their mercy?" Zhong Zheng Ming was not upset. His tone was calm. Clearly, he was not a person who waited helplessly for death. These imperial princes all grew up in a foul wind and a rain of blood. Not to mention the captivity, even if left with only one breath, they still won't give up on the will to survive.
"Is your Highness hungry? Qie has ordered dishes from Ju Xian House and specially left you half of them."
Zhong Zheng Ming was surprised. The rebels from Shu have abducted them, yet they were given this sort of special privileges? Why did it appear like rebels persuading them to surrender?
The fifth Highness has missed the good show this morning hence he was unaware of the situation.
"Big brother over there!" Mu Xi Yao shouted at the top of her lungs toward the outside, calling for people to come. Making herself at home, she told the man to send food to Zhong Zheng Ming next door.
The brawny man was ordered around by Mu Xi Yao with a displeased expression. Yet, he said nothing.
Sir was tormented by her severely so he kept himself far away from her. He was made to stay behind with "bear for a few days and put the interests of the whole above everything else" and had to stand this woman's crap all by himself.
Zhong Zheng Ming looked at his expression and immediately understood that this person was most probably fixed ruthlessly by Mu Xi Yao. Otherwise, how could he be so mild-tempered?
The rebels going as far as to act as a servant girl, Mu Xi Yao was indeed capable.
Zhong Zheng Ming moved the dining table close to the wall and engaged with Mu Xi Yao in a casual conversation while elegantly using the meal.
"The lunch is also from Ju Xian House?"
"Of course not. Qie has ordered for lunch a crispy duck from Cheng Ji."
Zhong Zheng Ming let out a muffled chuckle. The person abducted was a fine choice. They've abducted a little devil.
"Isn't cefei afraid?" Was she not worried at all?
"Your Highness's life is far more valuable than qie's. Even if qie has to be afraid, it should be after your Highness." Mu Xi Yao teased him. She didn't believe that Zhong Zheng Ming had no ace in the hole.
"In that case, bendian will have to wrong cefei for few days. Bendian will take you out the day after tomorrow."
"The day after tomorrow is too late. His Majesty would have already returned to the capital."
Zhong Zheng Ming frowned. Detoxifying the secret drug and unsealing the pressure points need at least two days. Will it be too late?
"Your Highness needn't worry. Qie's fortune was always good." Mu Xi Yao chuckled. Zhong Zheng Ming will have to ride on her coattails when the time comes.
If she waited until the day after tomorrow, everything would be too late. She better count on Zhong Zheng Lin as it was, comparatively, more reliable.
Then again, boss, you're not that "something2" like a teammate, are you? When will he come? Mu Xi Yao pouted.
—
"Your Highness, there are only two pairs of the gold-crowned hummingbird. One pair is located in Empress Dowager's palace and the other pair is in the fourth princess's residence." Tian Fu Shan wiped his sweat. He was unable to accomplish this task. He did not dare to disturb Empress Dowager. As for the fourth princess….her birth mother was consort De who was imprisoned in the Cold Palace.
Was it founded? Zhong Zheng Lin's heart was filled with excitement over finding a hummingbird. As for the fourth princess that Tian Fu Shan mentioned with emphasis, the sixth Highness's reaction was indifferent.
"What are you doing?!" Zhong Zheng Ying angrily rebuked. Zhong Zheng Lin's guard turned up uninvited and even dared to trespass the princess's residence.
The woman he doted on has already caused mother-consort to be sent to the Cold Palace, and now even mere servants dared to bully her? Did they think that she could be humiliated however they pleased since she lost backing?
"Replying to your Highness, your hummingbird, his sixth Highness wants it. Please name a price." Wei Zhen braced himself and did as his Highness instructed him to.
"Simply presumptuous! It was bestowed by the imperial father. On what basis is he asking for it?!"
Was Zhong Zheng Lin crazy? He went so far as to indulge his subordinates in entering forcibly into the princess's residence and robing her of an item bestowed by the emperor.
While being subjected to the fourth princess's red eyes that were the result of her fury, he repeated his HIghness's ordinal words.
"His Highness asks the princess to hand over the hummingbird if the princess doesn't wish the matter of you keeping male lovers be known to Empress Dowager."
Zhong Zheng Ying's face was a mix of stark white and livid colors. She was so infuriated she smashed the glazed eight treasure vase at hand.
"Scram along with the hummingbird!"
Zhong Zheng Lin, you went too far!
While carrying the birdcage, Wei Zhen swiftly returned to the residence by the horse. Indeed, nothing good came from bumping into mistress's Yao's matters. This time, he even became a bandit and bullied a woman. It was not manly at all.
"You needn't accompany. Have the shadow guards to follow bendian. It will suffice. Also, nobody is allowed to step into the study. Those who disobey are to be killed!"
Zhong Zheng Lin was attired in a black-colored brocade robe. He gathered his qinggong3. Within a few ups and downs, the person has disappeared.
Zhong Zheng Lin left behind only a vicious command which scared Wei Zhen into a tremor.
No one knew that the sixth Highness, who was rumored to be attacked by assassins and sustained serious injuries, pursued closely the hummingbird and led the shadow guards to the west of the city.
Translation notes:
[1] Mute point is a pressure point that if sealed would make one unable to speak in the world of Wuxia
[2] Something in this context is referred to as the pig from the idiom "I'm not afraid of an opponent like a God, I'm only afraid of a teammate like a pig"
[3] Qinggong is a wuxia fiction move that enables the martial artist to move swiftly and lightly at superhuman speed, and perform gravity-defying moves such as gliding on water surfaces, scaling high walls and mounting trees