Shen Yue threw a tantrum for a while in Qiu Shui Yuan, but this time Chen Rou Qiu seemed to have an iron heart. No matter how much she begged, she remained indifferent and even got furious saying that if she continued then she would confine her. This time, Shen Yue really panicked but Chen Rou Qiu was no longer bothered about her, so she was angry and anxious as she left Qiu Shui Yuan.
However she saw a few people coming out of Cai Yun Yuan, and the blue-clad young female who was leading was startled first before stepping forward to speak, "Èr Jiějiě."
Shen Yue glanced at that female and replied, "En." Her attitude was however somewhat cold.
This female was no other than Second Household's Shu-daughter, Shen Dong Ling. Previously, Shen Dong Ling was pressed down by Ren Wan Yun, and would not leave the courtyard for the entire year, thus some servants did not even recognise her. But after Ren Wan Yun's death, Shen Gui was diagnosed as unable to have any heirs, Shen Dong Ling became the only bloodline of the Second Household. But even so, Shen Yue still looked down on Shen Dong Ling's identity, even though she appeared to be amiable with her. Even if it was the same blood, it would not change the fact that Shen Dong Ling was a Shu-daughter. If one were to say that Shen Yue is jealous and resentful of Shen Miao, then towards Shen Dong Ling, there was no hesitation with the contempt for her.
However, Shen Dong Ling seemed to have not seen the cold look in her eyes and still said with a smile, "I intend to spin a few silks to make silk cloth, and a few days back when one spoke to Yīniáng about the matter, one was very excited about the patterns. Coincidently one had designed a few patterns. Does Èr Jiějiě want some?"
"No need." Shen Yue said.
Even being treated coldly, Shen Dong Ling said with a good temper, "Since it is as such then it is alright. One originally was thinking of making a few for Èr Jiějiě."
Shen Yue was somewhat impatient. At this moment, she was only worried about the matter of Chen Rou Qiu choosing a husband for her, so how would she think of other matters? Seeing Shen Dong Ling lowering her head and exposing a section of her fair neck, her heart slightly paused. She retracted her hand and carefully looked at Shen Dong Ling.
There was only a difference of half a year of age between Shen Dong Ling and Shen Yue. If one were to speak of the original daughters of the Shen family, Shen Qing was magnanimous, Shen Yue was a refined elegant beauty and Shen Miao was a delicate beauty. The three of them also had the unique temperament of a Di-daughter, thus Shen Dong Ling also had the similar unique frailness of a Shu-daughter. Wan Yīniáng was previously the lead artist of a theatre and was a bit of a beauty when one was talking about looks. Shen Dong Ling did not look like Shen Gui but was almost the exact same copy of how Wan Yīniáng looked like when she was young. Big eyes and sharp chin that were taken from Wan Yīniáng's looks. However, compared to those domineering Yīniángs, Shen Dong Ling often lowered her eyes and would not snatch or create noises, putting her Yīniáng to shame.
However, after a careful look to measure her up, she was a delicate girl who grew up and became a beautiful lady.
Suddenly Shen Yue's heart moved. She took the initiative to pull Shen Dong Ling's hand over and said with a smile, "I do not let you do it for me because I fear that it would tire you out. You are a Xiǎojiě of the residence and not an embroidery lady of a workshop. What is it with doing needlework all day long?"
Shen Dong Ling was surprised for a moment and her face slightly reddened, seemingly surprised by Shen Yue's sudden intimacy. She said favourably, "Èr Jiějiě spoke too seriously. I have nothing to do on normal days so Yīniáng told me to do some needlework, thus I did some. It does not hinder anything." Wan Yīniáng seemed to be suppressed by Ren Wan Yun too long and even though the tide has turned now, what she loved to do was just staying in the courtyard to do embroidery. Shen Dong Ling apparently also followed her character.
Seeing Shen Dong Ling this well-behaved, the smile in Shen Yue's eyes got deeper, "You should change your temperament. It is a good thing to be well-behaved and like doing needlework, but whichXiǎojiě is seen doing embroidery all day? Tomorrow I will be going to the jewellery shop to choose some jewellery. You should follow me. There are some new designs this year and perhaps there would be some that you will fancy. If you see anything you like, I will gift it to you."
"This." Shen Dong Ling waved her hands in panic, "Cannot."
"You are still being too courteous to me." Shen Yue feigned anger, "You and I are after all sisters and if even you are so distant, then what is the point of being sisters?"
Shen Dong Ling was somewhat at a loss and did not know how to continue Shen Yue's words. When Shen Yue saw this, she smiled gently and patted her shoulder, "Sān Mèimèi is still timid and has a character that makes others' hearts ache. That will do, I still have some matters so one will not continue talking to you. Tomorrow one will let the maids go to Cai Yun Yuan to look for you so that you can go to the jewellery shop with me." There was an indisputable tone in her words.
Shen Dong Ling nodded her head and accepted.
After Shen Yue and her entourage left, Wu Mei who was a maid beside Shen Dong Ling said, "What is Èr xiǎojiě trying to do? At one time cold, at another time warm. Without any rhyme or reason, why would she think about inviting Xiǎojiě to the jewellery shop?"
Shen Yue naturally treated Shen Dong Ling blandly and to be that warm, it indeed aroused suspicion.
"This is her changing her tactics to fawn me." Shen Dong Ling looked at Shen Yue's fading figure and said with a gentle smile, "Most likely she felt that I am easy to bribe and wants me to rely upon and trust her, so that in the future when she needs me to help her to do something, it would be much easier."
Wu Mei was astonished when she heard this, "What can be done? This Èr xiǎojiě clearly has ill-intentions and want to use Xiǎojiě. Since Xiǎojiě knows about it, what can be done?"
"There is no harm." Shen Dong Ling was somewhat happy, "I am happy to help in it, just like her gifting me jewellery. She wants to gift good things to others, and I am not a saint, so there is no logic in not accepting." She said, "It is just that she is short-sighted."
Shen Yue, who was walking towards Qiu Shui Yuan, was deep in thoughts as her mind was filled with the weak and obedient look of Shen Dong Ling. Both were sweet, fair and graceful ladies, both were at the prime age, both were daughters of the Shen family, but Shen Yue had an instinct that by winning Shen Dong Ling over, it would perhaps be of great use to her in the future.
At this end, Shen Yue was in total disorder and at another end, at the doors of the Western Courtyard, there was someone outside moving flowers. The bustle of activity was a bit lively and just as Shen Wan passed by the Western Courtyard's doors, he heard an old woman exclaimed, "Xiǎojiě, be careful."
Shen Wan looked over at the sound and saw a young female moving a heavy pot of flowers. Most likely the flower pot was too heavy and it almost knocked against her foot. The Māmā beside sighed in relief, and that female turned around and smiled at the Māmā with a smile like a flower.
Shen Wan's footsteps paused.
The female was wearing a greenish-blue top with a pink jaded skirt and had her hair up in a Lily style with an agate hairpin. There was a thunderstorm last night and she was out and about early in the morning. She was not devastatingly beautiful that could cause the downfall of a country, and could only be considered as a graceful beauty. But the sunlight fell onto the bits of droplets on her forehead and became dazzling like crystals. Because she was perspiring, her face was a little flushed, making her become a kind of unspoken beauty. (Zaza: Argh… Hate translating this few sentences)
Everyone had the heart for beauties. Even though Shen Wan was not lustful, it did not mean that he would be indifferent towards beauties. There was only Chen Rou Qiu in his inner courtyard and even though he was in love dearly, as the days grew longer and as time passed, one would always feel a little bored. However, today upon seeing this beauty with vivid fragrance, naturally one could not help but stop.
It was like one was appreciating a painting or a poem. At this moment Shen Wan did not have any other emotions. He had always been cold to matters between a male and a female. That female seemed to have noticed that someone was watching her and turned over. Upon seeing Shen Wan, she paused in surprise before walking over.
She walked to Shen Wan and was not at all shy or embarrassed but instead gracefully greeted, "Sān Lǎoyé."
Shen Wan swept a glance at her and suddenly realised her identity, "Chang Gūniáng."
Chang Zai Qing only saw Shen Wan once and that was when she just came to Shen residence, and that evening Chen Rou Qiu brought her to Old Shen Fūrén. At night the light was fainter and since everyone was thinking about matters during the day, Shen Wan also did not notice Chang Zai Qing. He did not expect that upon closer look she was such a beauty of a rare temperament. Thinking that Chen Rou Qiu had good relations with Chang Zai Qing, his attitude became more cordial.
"What is Chang Gūniáng doing?" Shen Wan asked while smiling.
Chang Zai Qing turned back and looked at the flower terrace, "It was raining last night so many of the flower stalks were damaged by the rain, so I am bandaging them up."
"Bandage?" Shen Wan felt it was somewhat novel and asked, "How to bandage the flowers?"
Chang Zai Qing smiled gently, "Sān Lǎoyé can just take a look."
Shen Wan walked over to the flower terrace to take a look and indeed saw that on those scattered branches, some were wrapped in fabric and some was coated in some medicine but all were placed and arranged tidily. Around them, there were some fabric and scissors, and one of the flowers was folded into half but actually became connected.
"You are considerate." Shen Wan sighed, "It is difficult to be willing to do it." With the thunderstorm last night, most of the flora and fauna would be injured and even Chen Rou Qiu, one who loved flowers, would also throw the flowers away after pitying for a bit. Destroyed flowers are not as good looking as before, and it would be annoying to keep raising it. One did not expect that Chang Zai Qing would be so attentive with these plants, and not only did she not throw them out, she still 'dressed' them up.
"Plants also have life." Chang Zai Qing smiled as she spoke, "Since one is one who loves flowers, one cannot forget one's original aspiration upon such encounters. Every living thing has a spirit, and one cannot be a person who says one thing but means another. To speak about loving flora and fauna but cannot even do this little thing." Chang Zai Qing said candidly, "Moreover, it is just doing some stuff, and this would delight ourselves so why not?"
"Such a pleasing personality." Shen Wan looked at Chang Zai Qing with eyes full of appreciation, "Chang Gūniáng is truly an elegant person. It is me who is vulgar."
"Sān Lǎoyé has praised exaggeratedly." Chang Zai Qing said jokingly, "Everyone is the same and I too have selfish motives. If I grew the flora and fauna well, one will feel more at peace staying in the residence, since one can still do some little things."
Shen Wan smiled, "Chang Gūniáng has worried too much. Even if Chang Gūniáng does not know how to grow anything, there will not be anyone in the Shen Residence that will chase you away."
Chang Zai Qing also smiled along, "Then many thanks to Sān Lǎoy��." She suddenly remembered something and looked at Shen Wan, "Speaking of which, I accidentally laid out a chess game yesterday and was unable to solve it. One initially wanted to look for Sān Fūrén to help me take a look, but Sān Fūrén seemed to be a bit busy today. One heard that Sān Lǎoyé is a chess expert. Is it possible to help give Zai Qing a pointer or two?"
After thinking again she smiled, "I can make tea for Sān Lǎoyé. Perhaps Sān Fūrén had told you that the tea I boil is very good to drink."
Her conduct was natural and unrestrained and if one rejected her, it would seem that Shen Wan was rude. At the end she also used tea as a condition, showing a little wit. Shen Wan thought for a moment and laughed, "Obedience is a better way of showing respect than outward reverence."
Both of them began to play chess upon reaching the stone table in the garden and when they were playing, they also casually chatted. Shen Wan was surprised to discover that not only Chang Zai Qing was superior in chess, when she was talking to him, she knew about astronomy, geography and there were no subjects that she did not dabble in. Moreover, she has a long term perspective and could even talk a little about matters of court. Shen Wan was one who appreciated talented people and paid less attention to the beauty of a female and only favoured Chen Rou Qiu in the inner courtyard because Chen Rou Qiu was skilled in the four scholarly arts, and was an out and out talent. But the only one thing bad about Chen Rou Qiu was that because she was from a scholarly lineage, she would occasionally put up on airs and thought herself as high and pure. It was interesting if it was once or twice but for one who lived every day, one would inevitably feel that Chen Rou Qiu was too small-minded and unduly worried over minor matters.
Chang Zai Qing was however very different. Both were very talented females but Chang Zai Qing did not have the arrogance of a big family and was candid. She was exquisite in her candidness and was very considerate. When chatting with her, it was full of humour and wit and made one's mind calm. Unconsciously, Shen Wan's gaze at Chang Zai Qing became admiration and they hung out with one another longer.
Zhao Māmā looked from afar and a trace of happiness appeared in her eyes. However, she quietly instructed the maids at the courtyard door to guard carefully, and not let others come in.
It was the case at this end and within the Imperial Palace of Ming Qi, it was also an exceptionally lively day.
In order for the Crown Prince to welcome the guests from Qin and Great Liang, he specially held a banquet. The Crown Prince of the Qin country and Princess Ming An were present, and Prince Rui of Great Liang also accepted the invitation, and the nine Princes of Ming Qi accompanied as well.
Currently, the Crown Prince's health had gotten more serious, and this was an unchanging fact. Because of that, Prince Chu and Prince Xuan, who were following the Crown Prince, had their morale shaken. For these two years, the Crown Prince's influence was gradually replaced by other Princes. Almost everyone had tacitly acquiesce to the fact that the position of the Crown Prince would not be sat for much too long. The Crown Prince himself most probably also realised this. So in the two years, he was generally less involved in government affairs, not because he did not want to participate but there were just too little supporters.
In retrospect, two other factions, the entourage of Prince Zhou and Prince Jing, along with Prince Li's, had grown more prominent. Prince Li had been a smiling tiger and fawned everyone, thus he had many supporters. Prince Zhuo and brother relied on their Consort Mother, Consort Xu Xian. These two factions were now fighting like fire and water, and there were a number of times when the map was unrolled and the dagger was revealed.
The most steady one was actually Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi. Prince Ding was also involved in the matter of the court in these two years, but the matters in which he was involved were relatively easy and seemed to deliberately show that he had no ambition at all. As it was all small matters, Emperor Wen Hui was extremely satisfied with him, and also because of his neutrality and peacefulness, he was not suppressed by the Crown Prince, Prince Zhuo or Prince Li.
On the contrary, Prince Ding was the safest one.
In the hall, the Crown Prince smiled and lifted his cup with a smile, "Everyone came here from afar so one should celebrate."
Huangfu Hao sat below the Crown Prince and raised his cup to him, "Many thanks to Tàizǐ Diànxià's hospitality."
Princess Ming An was sitting beside Huangfu Hao, and after being confined by him for a few days, Princess Ming An was finally let out. She had especially dressed up today and was making eyes at the purple-clad youth sitting across her.
Unfortunately, while the dropping flowers pined for love, the heartless brook babbled on unrequited love. Prince Rui's face was half-covered by a mask, and his eyes did not look over to her end. However, he also did not look at the Crown Prince at all, and just stared at the wine cup, no one knew what he was thinking.
The Crown Prince asked with a laugh, "Why is Rui Wáng not drinking? Is it that the wine is not of one's taste?"
Prince Rui's lips hooked up, "Not feeling well, thus not drinking."
This was slapping one's face without hiding at all. Even though Prince Rui's actions after he had come to Ming Qi were always mysterious, and no one could tell what attitude he had for Ming Qi, his etiquette was exceptional. Today, everyone present could not help but have a thought pop into their minds, that the Prince Rui of Great Liang seemed to be a little annoyed.
Everything was perfectly fine so who provoked him?
The Crown Prince looked somewhat awkward so Fu Xiu Yi said, "In this case, Rui Wáng Diànxià can drink tea as a replacement for wine. Someone come and serve tea to Rui Wáng."
Fu Xiu Yi spoke and continued the Crown Prince's conversation, thus the Crown Prince's expression was much better and was a bit grateful with Fu Xiu Yi. The rest of the Princes also agreed with Fu Xiu Yi's words. Even though Prince Rui's background was not small, no one was willing to be submissive in front of other countries. Fu Xiu Yi's words were firm yet not rude and took into consideration the reputation of Ming Qi.
Huangfu Hao looked probingly at Prince Rui, but Princess Ming An was looking somewhat worried at Prince Rui and said, "Does Rui Wáng Diànxià not feel right? Is there a need to call the Imperial Physician to take a look?"
When Huangfu Hao heard this, his expression got heavier and he fiercely glared at Princess Ming An. It was alright if Princess Ming An was too arrogant and wilful on normal days, but to be so lovesick in front of so many Princes in Ming Qi, this was letting others watch a joke. Huangfu Hao was a male, and males were the clearest at how other males think. The gaze that Prince Rui used to look at Princess Ming An was clearly of somewhat impatience. It was alright if this Prince Rui was one who was magnanimous, but if Prince Rui really had a bad temper and got fed up with Princess Ming An, he would also not have good feelings for the entire Qin country, and the person who would be in a loss was him.
Prince Rui did not heed her words at all but instead looked at the person sitting right at the back across him. Everyone noticed his gaze and looked towards the direction and saw that it was Prince Ding, Fu Xiu Yi.
Fu Xiu Yi was the Prince that knew his place and behaved himself among the nine Princes, but at the moment, Prince Rui was only looking at him, so the gaze of the few other Princes also somewhat changed. Fu Xiu Yi was calm and did not seem to panic even though Prince Rui was directly looking at him.
Prince Rui suddenly laughed and said, "Before coming to Ming Qi, one had heard that the Jiǔ Wángzǐ was a young and handsome youth and now when one sees, it is truly a deserved reputation. One does not know if there is already a marriage?"
Everyone did not expect that Prince Rui would suddenly say such things, and their expression became weird. Fu Xiu Yi was stunned for a moment before replying, "Not yet."
Prince Zhou laughed out loud. He sat beside Fu Xiu Yi and took the opportunity to pat Fu Xiu Yi's shoulder, "Our Lǎojiǔ is the only one without a consort among us xiōngdì. Why? Is Rui Wáng also interested in Lǎojiǔ's marriage?"
The lips under Prince Rui's mask hooked up as he leisurely said, "There are many age-appropriate Gōngzhǔs in Great Liang's Palace. When Běnwǎng saw the Jiǔ Wángzǐ, one felt as though one had met a kindred spirit, and is determined to promote a marriage alliance."
When the words were spoken, everyone present changed their expressions.
The meaning of Prince Rui's words was actually wishing to be in-laws with Fu Xiu Yi. If it was really as what Prince Rui said and he married a Great Liang's Princess, it would not only mean that he has the backing of a consort but also Great Liang. If one had a moderate attitude towards Fu Xiu Yi, it was because Fu Xiu Yi had never shown any interest in the Imperial throne but with Prince Rui's words, it made everyone else unable to look at Fu Xiu Yi like before. This was because once Fu Xiu Yi marries a Great Liang's Princess, he would become the most powerful contender of the Imperial throne.
Fu Xiu Yi's hands that were holding the wine cup, suddenly tightened as he quietly looked at Prince Rui.
Was it truly like what was superficially said, that he wanted a Great Liang's Princess to be married to him? Fu Xiu Yi did not think so.
Prince Rui was not helping, but harming him.
Fu Xiu Yi had always upheld the idea of keeping a low profile, and not showing his cards until the last moment. Even though Prince Rui's conditions were extremely attractive, if it was really out of good intentions, Fu Xiu Yi would not be unwilling, but this was brought up in front of all the Princes. It was just one sentence and all of the Princes' eyes were up on guard, and almost pushed him to the point where the wind and waves were the fiercest.
No matter how moved he was by it, it was impossible to agree. Fu Xiu Yi clenched his teeth. He did not know the reason but he actually felt that this Prince Rui, that he had never met before, seemed to be brimming with hostility against him, else he would not have casually said such words and put him in such a difficult position.
He started to be vigilant against Prince Rui in his heart but on the surface, he smiled, "Many thanks for Rui Wáng's generous favour. It is just that at present this one does not have any thoughts of marrying a wife."
"Oh?" A smile hooked up on Prince Rui's lips, "Does the Jiǔ Wángzǐ admire a female, thus unwilling? Běnwǎng will never break up a pair of lovebirds and if it is really so, one would not pressure."
"Diànxià is joking." Fu Xiu Yi cupped his hands together, "It is just that one does not have such intentions yet."
Seeing Fu Xiu Yi rejecting Prince Rui's offer neatly, the expression on every Prince then became better. But after the experience just now, they no longer feel as rest assured as previous with Fu Xiu Yi. Today Fu Xiu Yi had rejected but who can guarantee that he would change his mind about the Imperial throne? It was after all the biggest temptation. All nine of them wanted to gamble as such, how would a saint appear in the Imperial family?
"This is strange." Prince Rui seemed to be very interested in Fu Xiu Yi and did not let him go even after Fu Xiu Yi rejected his proposal. He smiled but was not a smile, "Jiǔ Wángzǐ has yet to marry and did not admire anyone, so why not consider the matter? Běnwǎng sees that Jiǔ Wángzǐ is an outstanding talent. Could it be that there are no young ladies that admire you?"
When those words were said, the slightly rough and boorish Prince Chen laughed out loud, "Rui Wáng Diànxià is not aware of it, but originally in our Ming Qi, there was a Gūniáng that loved our Lǎojiǔ till the entire court was aware of it."
"Is it Shen Miao?" Not waiting for Prince Chen to finish, Princess Ming An interrupted his words in a rush. Princess Ming An had heard about the rumours on Shen Miao, and initially laughed a lot about it.
"So Gōngzhǔ also knew about it." Prince Chen was somewhat surprised.
"The entire Qin knows the matter about Shen Miao loving Ding Wáng Diànxià. It is not considered to be bizarre." Princess Ming An said, rejoicing in another's misfortune. As long it was a matter that could let Shen Miao be shamed, she would always be willing to take part.
"Correct." Prince Chen laughed, "Rui Wáng Diànxià may not know, but this Shen Miao is the Di-daughter of the Formidable Great General and was the one who competed with Gōngzhǔ Diànxià during the tribute banquet." He then sighed and said, "One believed that in the beginning, Shen Miao was still young, and would keep on thinking of ways all day to look for Lǎojiǔ, and she did not know what shame was and directly spoke to Lǎojiǔ about her love for him. She even did needlework, making pastries, learning to play the Qin and write poetry for Lǎojiǔ. Gee, she really had done a lot of things." Even though Prince Chen said that but his words were actually a malicious insult as if he was watching a joke.
"However, on the day of the tribute banquet, she had some gracefulness." The one talking was Huangfu Hao. It was two different things to hear from rumours and to hear it from an insider. Huangfu Hao was inevitably somewhat surprised, as to how Shen Miao had presented herself during the tribute banquet and in the Qin's residence, was not one who would accept a compromise. Doing needlework and making pastries. Huangfu Hao thought about the time when Shen Miao was dealing coldly with Princess Ming An, he felt very bizarre. He joked, "Jiǔ Wángzǐ really have a heart of steel."
"At that time, Shen Gūniáng was young." Prince Chen continued speaking, "Who knew that after two years, she would become so beautiful. Moreover, now one is unable to see any one bit of the originally stupid and cowardly demeanour, or even her past image. Among all the young ladies in Ming Qi's Ding capital city, there are not many who are more outstanding than her." Prince Chen smiled, "If one had the foresight, Lǎojiǔ would not need to be so merciless at the beginning and let down a beauty. One has to know that it is too late for regrets now."
Princess Ming An sneered, "This Shen Gūniáng is also a marvellous person. She is a female but does not know a little shame at all, and was directly chasing like that. It is really hard on her to do needlework, making pastries and following around. Really very considerate."
Knowing that Princess Ming An was dealt with by Shen Miao during the tribute banquet, one knew that she was not happy with Shen Miao, so all the Princes only smiled and did not speak.
It was Fu Xiu Yi who lightly shook his head and said, "Shen Gūniáng is a good person. May everyone not uses her as a joke as it would be a sin to destroy her reputation, and neither anyone could afford to take responsibility."
"Lǎojiǔ, you are just too serious." Prince Chu laughed, "You do not want others, and could it be that you do not allow others to have? If we did not already have established our consorts, I am willing to marry Shen Gūniáng."
"Exactly." The Princes continuously echoed.
"Indeed is like this." Huangfu Hao laughed, "If I was the Jiǔ Wángzǐ, I will also certainly marry her."
Princess Ming An was extremely annoyed. She looked towards Prince Rui and discovered that Prince Rui was not joking around with others but was quiet and her heart became happy as she asked, "Does Rui Wáng Diànxià also think so?"
Prince Rui paused.
Everyone's eyes looked towards him.
The young man wearing a mask picked up the wine cup to play and said lightly, "Doing needlework, making pastries, learning to play the Qin and write poetry for a man."
Princess Ming An said, "Correct, practically offending social decency and exposing one to ridicule."
"Such a good gūniáng." Prince Rui smiled, "As luck would have it, Běnwǎng also wants."