Chapter 30 "Your Highness, have you seen enough?"...

Jiang Fushi's fingers tightened slightly as she held the wine glass, a distant smile spreading across her face.

"I appreciate your concern, Your Majesty," she said in a clear, neither humble nor arrogant voice. "However, the situation was critical at the time. If we had adhered to formalities, I would probably be dead by now. Guard Zhan was so concerned for his master that he took this expedient measure. If he were to be punished for this, wouldn't that discourage all the loyal and brave men in the world? Does Your Majesty perhaps value my reputation more than my life?"

These words cleverly elevated the issue from "reputation" to the level of "life" and "loyalty," turning the tables on Yu Yao.

Yu Yao's expression immediately changed slightly, a hint of anger flashing in her eyes. She was momentarily at a loss for words. Unexpectedly, Li Wanru spoke up, appearing to be deeply concerned for Jiang Fushi:

“Your Highness Yuyao is too kind. Princess Yuhe acted out of desperation. However… Your Highness, not everyone understands you as we do. For the sake of your reputation, it would be better to petition His Majesty to transfer that Guard Zhan away from your side once and for all.”

On the way here, the eldest princess had warned her about the treacherous nature of people, but she did not expect the criticism to be so severe, with everyone wanting to attack her from this point of view.

If Yu Yao's words were merely an attempt to smear her reputation and ruin her image, then Li Wanru's words were an attempt to take advantage of the occasion, pretending to be a good person while actually eliminating her capable assistant.

That's really vicious.

The scene had quieted down, and everyone's attention was focused on Jiang Fushi. Unexpectedly, a soft chuckle rang out, and the Princess lazily fiddled with her nail guards: "Look, just a guard, yet you all make such a fuss. If you want such a loyal servant, just go find one yourself. Why be envious of others?"

The princess's words, though seemingly casual, were like a slap in the face to those with ulterior motives.

The Empress frowned slightly and replied gently, "Your Majesty is joking. The children are just confused because they are concerned."

On the throne, the emperor's gaze calmly swept across the crowd below, lingering for a moment on the face of the eldest princess before finally settling on Jiang Fushi.

"Yuhe," he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion yet carrying a natural air of authority, "where is the guard who saved you today?"

Jiang Fushi felt a chill run down her spine, stood up, bowed her head, and replied, "Father, Guard Zhan is waiting outside the palace according to palace rules."

"Today's events were truly an unexpected accident. A stray cat startled the horses pulling the carriage, causing them to suddenly lose control and nearly overturn the carriage. Guard Zhan protected me at the critical moment. Although this was slightly improper, his loyalty and courage are evident. I hope Your Majesty will investigate this matter thoroughly, understand his eagerness to protect his master, and not punish a loyal and virtuous person for this."

The emperor pondered for a moment, his gaze deep and thoughtful. The entire hall was eerily quiet, though a hint of smugness flickered in the eyes of Yu Yao and Li Wanru.

At this tense moment, the emperor's deep voice broke the silence once more:

That's enough.

"Guard Zhan has rendered meritorious service in protecting the emperor and deserves a reward." The emperor's voice left no room for doubt. "By my decree, he shall be rewarded with ten taels of gold and ten bolts of brocade to commend his loyalty and bravery."

Upon hearing this, Yu Yao's smug expression froze instantly, and Li Wanru stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

The emperor said calmly, "Palace rules are rigid, but people are flexible. In times of crisis, if we insist on empty formalities while disregarding lives, that is truly putting the cart before the horse."

He paused briefly, ending all the controversy: "This matter need not be mentioned again."

"yes."

Everyone bowed their heads in response.

The banquet drew to a close in a subtle calm.

The emperor was the first to depart for the palace, and after everyone saw him off, they dispersed.

Jiang Fushi returned to her seat, feeling both tired and relieved.

Unlike the strong liquor served to the male guests in previous dynasties, tonight's banquet for the women consisted of sweet fruit wines, mellow and refreshing. Her emotions stirred, and she unknowingly drank a few more cups than intended. When the banquet ended, only a few people remained in the hall, but the Princess still leaned lazily against her seat, seemingly waiting for her.

She stood up, carrying the wine jug, and went to stand in front of Jiang Yu.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for helping my niece out of that predicament."

Jiang Fushi respectfully offered three cups, which Jiang Yu accepted without hesitation and drank one by one.

"Tonight, they'll probably be so jealous they'll drive you crazy." Jiang Yu put down his wine glass, a slight smile playing on his lips. "With a handsome and loyal guard at your service, they're naturally envious and eager, yet they can't have him."

Jiang Fushi shook her head helplessly: "Your Majesty is wise, but I think there is more to it than that. They are just used to bullying me, and now that they see me getting something good, they have lost their temper."

Jiang Yu gave her a deep look.

Then, changing the subject abruptly, she asked, "Of all the young masters from prominent families who have come tonight, is there one that catches your eye?"

Jiang Fushi was stunned.

She was completely focused on herself and paid no attention to the talented young men present.

Jiang Yu added, "Although the marriages of royal children are not their own choice, you still have the opportunity to choose someone you like. Don't miss it, or... end up like your aunt, with nothing to show for it."

“I think it’s wonderful for you to be like this, Aunt,” Jiang Fushi said sincerely. “Being carefree and unrestrained is a life that many people would rather die for.”

This time, it was Jiang Yu's turn to be stunned.

Even after her divorce, despite being a princess, the gossip and rumors never stopped. She never expected that Yuhe would say such insightful and unbiased words.

"You," Jiang Yu said, extending his index finger and affectionately poking Yu He's temple, "you're such a silly child, always saying such silly things."

"I think the son of Prime Minister Xie, Xie Zhiyao, is quite good. He is handsome and talented. I heard that his essay 'On Governing the Country' made him famous throughout the capital some time ago, and even His Majesty praised it highly. If you can find such a husband to rely on, you will be able to hold your head high in the palace in the future."

Jiang Fushi chuckled, wondering whether she should admit that she hadn't paid any attention to who was there, when a night breeze blew by, the effects of the alcohol hit her, and she swayed slightly.

I'm drunk...

She rubbed her forehead and mumbled, "Your Highness need not trouble yourself."

As she spoke, she stood up and staggered towards the door: "Yuhe can't hold her liquor, she'll have to go home first..."

As soon as she stepped out of the banquet hall, Qingdai, who had been waiting, immediately came forward and took her arm, saying, "Your Highness, please be careful."

"Let's go back." Jiang Fushi leaned half of her body against Qingdai, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw Zhan Xiao silently following three steps behind.

The banquet was held in the Liuyun Hall, deep within the imperial palace. The place was secluded and winding, and since it was not possible to board a sedan chair, one had to walk a short distance.

She was whispering to a man under a magnolia tree. The man beside her was tall and elegant, and the two seemed to be deeply in love.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Fushi sobered up somewhat and subconsciously stopped in her tracks. After a moment, the man said goodbye to Lou Bingling and left. Only then did she pretend to have just come over and approach, only to bump into her unexpectedly. Lou Bingling was also quite surprised to see her coming from the shadows.

"Who is that?" Jiang Fushi gestured towards the man's back.

Lou Bingling blushed and whispered a name.

Oh... Xie Zhiyao.

Hmm? Xie Zhiyao?

Isn't he the son of Prime Minister Xie that the Princess just mentioned?

Seeing Lou Bingling's expression, Jiang Fushi already understood most of what was going on. The two boarded a sedan chair together, and amidst the rumbling of the carriage, Lou Bingling finally couldn't hold back any longer and shyly recounted her affair with Xie Zhiyao in detail. It turned out that the two of them had known each other for a long time and were of mutual affection.

Jiang Fushi knew nothing about Xie Zhiyao, only that the Princess had mentioned him briefly, but knowing that her friend had someone she loved, she was genuinely happy for her.

Back at Lanyue Pavilion.

Jiang Fushi, still tipsy, took off her shoes and lay down on the soft couch by the window. Zisu brought over a cup of warm hangover tea, carefully supporting the back of her head and gently feeding her a few sips.

She was feeling drowsy when she suddenly saw figures moving outside the window. Looking through her hazy eyes, she saw several unfamiliar palace maids peeking out from outside the moon gate of the courtyard wall. Their gazes were not directed at the main house, but rather shyly towards one side of the courtyard, as if they were all looking at someone.

She was taken aback, then immediately understood.

It must be because Zhan Xiao received a personal reward from his father at tonight's banquet, and his fame spread throughout the hunting grounds in an instant. These young palace maids, full of romantic feelings, all came to secretly admire this newly popular guard.

Jiang Fushi propped herself up with one hand and just then saw Zhan Xiao holding his sword, turning around from the shadows under the corridor with a blank expression. He glanced slightly at the palace maids, who immediately scattered like startled sparrows, their faces flushed.

Throughout history, there have been many instances of palace maids and guards exchanging glances and even forming marriages.

Judging from their clothes, those palace maids were of low rank, but they were quite pretty and charming... How dare they come to Lanyue Pavilion to peek around like that?

She was lost in thought when the man walked to the window without her noticing.

In the darkness, through an open, carved wooden window, his gaze was deep and his tone was flat as he calmly asked, "Your Highness, have you seen enough?"

Caught red-handed, Jiang Fushi, still slightly drunk, was not embarrassed at all. Instead, she asked with a hint of mockery, "What, can't I see this?"

Zhan Xiao glanced at her.

The princess's cheeks were flushed, her dark hair was slightly disheveled and spread out on the soft pillow, and her eyes were particularly watery and hazy with intoxication, yet she stubbornly stared at him. Her posture was just like that of a lazy yet cunning cat.

Zhan Xiao moved his gaze from her flushed cheeks to her overly bright eyes, then lowered his eyes.

"Your Highness is drunk, please rest early."

He turned to leave, but Jiang Fushi's voice was nasal and muffled: "Father said he would reward you, are you happy?"

Zhan Xiao stopped in his tracks, but did not turn around. He replied in a deep voice, "It is my duty. Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Jiang Fushi gave a soft "humph".

This person... is really cold.

If anyone else had received a reward from the Emperor, they would have been overjoyed and grateful. But he acted as if it had nothing to do with him.

It is as steady as an ancient well, where even a huge rock thrown in cannot stir up the slightest ripple.

The effects of the alcohol surged up like a tide, and Jiang Fushi felt her eyelids droop heavily. Before she could say anything more, her consciousness became hazy. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly a few times, and finally she closed them quietly, her hair slightly disheveled as she leaned against the soft couch and fell into a deep sleep.

...

The following day was a free day to stroll through the garden. According to etiquette, the activity areas for male and female guests were naturally separated, with each having their own arrangements. In the afternoon, there was a variety of performances. I heard that a group of performers had been specially recruited from Miao territory, and the program was quite novel.

Jiang Fushi had originally arranged to go to the greenhouse with Lou Bingling today to admire the rare camellias cultivated out of season, but then a message came from the Princess, inviting her to a chat.

Therefore, he had to postpone his appointment and prepare to meet the eldest princess first.

The location was a waterside pavilion in the northwest corner of the palace, a serene and tranquil spot. The eldest princess was sitting in the pavilion, leisurely brewing tea. Upon seeing her arrive, she smiled and waved for her to come closer.

"What business does the Imperial Aunt have with her niece?"

Jiang Yu pushed a cup of fragrant tea in front of her and said bluntly, "I just invited Xie Zhiyao to have tea here."

Jiang Fushi was startled and instantly understood the meaning behind Jiang Yu's words. She felt that the tea in her hand no longer smelled good.

“He will be back soon. Yuhe, you are a smart child. Your aunt will be frank with you. If you can get to know such a talented person, it will be of great benefit to you.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Fushi immediately stood up, her voice even more urgent than usual: "I appreciate Your Majesty's kind intentions. However, this is absolutely unacceptable."

The eldest princess raised an eyebrow, seemingly displeased, and was about to speak.

Little did they know, Li Wanru overheard their entire conversation.

It was a coincidence that Li Wanru had heard the red plum blossoms beside the pavilion were in excellent bloom, so she brought her maids to pick a few branches for a vase. Just as she rounded the artificial hill, she saw the Princess there, and soon after, even Yuhe arrived. Of course, she wanted to see what was going on.

As a result, she overheard the eldest princess trying to set up Yuhe and Xie Zhiyao.

However, Lou Bingling and Xie Zhiyao were deeply in love, and Yuhe was Lou Bingling's close friend.

The two were as close as sisters. If Lou Bingling knew that Yuhe had secretly gone to meet the person she loved... would they still be able to remain friends?

This side.

Just as Jiang Fushi was about to make an excuse to leave, Xie Zhiyao arrived.

Clearly, he was unaware that the eldest princess had also invited her, creating an awkward and delicate atmosphere.

Jiang Yu seemed oblivious, and smiled as he smoothed things over, saying, "Yuhe was just about to leave when you arrived. It seems you two are destined to meet today."

Xie Zhiyao bowed gracefully and respectfully: "Your subject Xie Zhiyao greets Your Highness Princess Yuhe."

"Thank you, young master." Jiang Fushi nodded in return, intending to force a polite smile, but found herself expressionless. Feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles, she just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Bingling and Xie Zhiyao were in love, but she was currently in the same room with Xie Zhiyao, arranged by the Imperial Aunt. How could she feel at ease staying there?

Her mind was in turmoil. Her gaze swept across the outside of the pavilion, and she was about to find an excuse to get up and take her leave.

However, Jiang Yu took a sip of tea and said, "I remember that Young Master Xie's essay on governing the country was highly appreciated by His Majesty the other day. Yuhe, you have always been concerned about border trade, and Young Master Xie's essay has some insights on this matter. Why don't you two have a chat?"

Xie Zhiyao immediately understood the Princess's intention. He replied respectfully but distantly, "Your Highness flatters me. Your Highness Yuhe is very learned. I dare not presume to offer my humble opinion in front of Your Highness. As for border trade, I am merely echoing the words of my father and the generals, engaging in theoretical discussions."

Jiang Fushi also stood up and said, "Thank you for being so modest, young master."

Then she turned to Jiang Yu and said, “Aunt, I suddenly remembered that the scriptures that Father asked me to copy have not yet been completed. I need to go back immediately and I’m afraid I can’t stay with you any longer.”

With one avoiding the issue and the other making excuses, how could Jiang Yu not see their refusal? She was displeased, but she couldn't force them to stay. She could only place the teacup lightly on the table and say calmly, "Since it's your father's business, then go quickly."

Jiang Fushi felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She bowed to the Princess and nodded slightly to Xie Zhiyao before hurriedly leaving with her palace servants.

Throughout the entire process, he did not exchange any extra eye contact with Xie Zhiyao.

This scene was witnessed by Li Wanru.

Jiang Fushi was in a state of agitation, and her steps became hurried and rapid.

She didn't go to find Lou Bingling, but returned to Lanyue Pavilion. The mixed feelings of guilt and helplessness in her heart made her unsure how to face her friend, so she could only avoid her for the time being.

The princess's sudden matchmaking was a complete surprise to her.

She knew that her aunt did have some genuine affection for her, but in the deep palace, favor and exploitation were always two sides of the same coin.

The princess's eagerness to pave the way for her may have stemmed from goodwill, but more likely it was an attempt to firmly bind her to the same side, to mold her into a sharp sword against the empress, and thereby consolidate her own power.

If this attempt fails, I fear the Princess will not give up easily and will surely seek another opportunity in the future.

She raised her hand and rubbed her throbbing temples, a feeling of helplessness washing over her.

...

Because Jiang Fushi stood her up, Lou Bingling decided to go to the greenhouse by herself and was walking along the path with her head down.

Beside the artificial hill ahead, the daughters of two somewhat familiar low-ranking officials were leaning against the railing, talking quietly.

Lou Bingling didn't want to disturb them, but the scattered words carried on the wind made her stop in her tracks.

"...Isn't that right? I saw it too. Princess Yuhe and Young Master Xie were talking for quite a while in Linshui Pavilion. Her Highness the Eldest Princess was watching from the side, and they seemed to be getting along very well."

"Isn't this a match made in heaven? But... I seem to remember that Sister Lou and Young Master Xie also know each other?"

"..."

The voice clearly entered her ears, and Lou Bingling felt a "buzz" in her mind, as if struck by lightning, and her blood ran cold.

So, Princess Yuhe broke her promise today because she went to see Xie Lang?

Yes, otherwise, what else could have made her so hastily abandon her promise to him?

Besides, what kind of person is Xie Lang? His talent is unparalleled in the capital, and his family background is exceptionally noble. Of course, only someone of the noble status of Princess Yuhe is worthy of him.

But...but...

Lou Bingling couldn't help but burst into tears. Her heart felt like it was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand, and the pain made it almost impossible for her to breathe.

What could she do? Should she question the princess or beg Xie Lang?

Yuhe is a princess, a golden branch and jade leaf, and the Xie family is the head of the righteous stream. Their marriage is what everyone expects. What can she use to compete? What qualifications does she have to compete? Thinking like this, Lou Bingling felt utterly hopeless and had no strength left in her body.

Before we knew it, it was early afternoon.

The variety show is about to begin. Since it is a relatively relaxed garden party activity, the emperor and empress will not be present. Instead, the eldest princess will preside over the event, which is in accordance with etiquette.

Jiang Fushi took her seat in the front row, but couldn't find Lou Bingling anywhere. Just as she was wondering, she saw Lou Bingling walking silently from the side, head down, supported by a maid. She deliberately avoided the view of those in the front row and sat down in an inconspicuous corner at the back. Lou Bingling was thin and her expression couldn't hide her loneliness. She looked unwell and seemed very depressed.

What's wrong?

Before the event started, she planned to approach and ask, but as soon as she reached Lou Bingling, before she could even speak, Lou Bingling suddenly stood up, lowered her eyes and gave a hasty curtsy, her voice barely audible: "Your Highness, please forgive me, I am feeling unwell and fear that I may have caught a chill, so I will take my leave now."

After saying that, he turned and walked away quickly without waiting for her response, leaving behind only a distant figure.

Jiang Fushi stood there, stunned.

Just now, Bingling referred to herself as a commoner to her?

What's wrong? Bingling was never this distant before. Today, she not only addressed him as "commoner," but her eyes were also darting around, showing not a trace of the usual intimacy.

But now that the show is about to begin, as a royal princess, she couldn't just leave her seat to ask questions under the watchful eyes of everyone, so she had to suppress her doubts and worries for the time being.

Soon after, the performance began.

The preceding acts were rather ordinary acrobatics and illusions, entertaining but not particularly exciting. The real highlight, however, was the appearance of several performers dressed in colorful Miao costumes adorned with jingling silver ornaments.

Unlike the noisy performers from the Central Plains, they formed a peculiar formation, chanting ancient and melodious tunes.

As the rhythm quickened, one of them took out a strangely carved wooden box. As soon as it was opened, a swarm of swallowtail butterflies with wings shimmering with a ghostly blue phosphorescence flew out. They gathered and scattered as if under command to the music, eliciting gasps from the audience.

Jiang Fushi watched, mesmerized. The Miao performer's fingertips were entwined with colorful threads; with a gentle twist, dozens of butterflies with phosphorescent blue tails began to swirl and dance. Unexpectedly, perhaps due to nervousness, the performer's fingers tangled the threads incorrectly, and her hand faltered. The once orderly swarm of butterflies instantly lost its direction, transforming into a streak of blue light that hurtled towards her, who sat before the royal family!

In the blink of an eye, a tall and imposing figure swiftly appeared in front of her!

All that could be seen was a pair of black boots placed steadily on the table. Then, a longsword was drawn, its cold light flashing. A fierce sword aura condensed out of thin air, forcing the pale blue phosphorescent light to fly back and fall to the ground.

A collective gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd, and some people even instinctively shrank back.

Still shaken, Jiang Fushi clenched her sleeves and leaned back in her chair, watching Zhan Xiao deftly sheathe his sword, a wave of fear washing over her.

That eerie blue light had just rushed towards him, carrying an unpleasant, foul stench. Had he not acted in time, he might be...

Zhan Xiao moved slightly, nimbly leaping down from the table, and said in a deep voice with his head bowed, "I'm sorry to have startled Your Highness."

Jiang Fushi gently shook her head.

Realizing they had offended a noble person, the Miao people immediately turned pale and knelt down with a thud, their foreheads pressed tightly to the ground, repeatedly saying, "We deserve to die! We accidentally disturbed Your Highness! We beg Your Highness to spare our lives! We beg the Princess to spare our lives!"

The princess's face was ashen. Her concerned gaze first fell on Jiang Fushi, and only after seeing that she was unharmed did she turn to the group of Miao people, her eyes now filled with coldness.

"Guards! Drag these reckless fools away, give them twenty strokes of the cane, and throw them out of the hunting grounds!"

"Your Highness, please wait!"

Yu Yao suddenly interjected, “Your Majesty, please calm down. Although they were reckless, their butterfly-controlling skills are truly remarkable. Wouldn’t it be a pity to kill them like this? Why not hand them over to your niece for disposal? My palace is in dire need of entertainers who can perform such novelties.”