Chapter 9 "I accept my wife's sentiments, I am very pleased..."

After having lunch at the Prime Minister's residence, Xiao Yuzhen didn't dare to delay for a moment and rushed back to the Princess's residence.

Princess Pei Shen'ai of Wuyang was enjoying the cool air and playing chess with her husband Xiao Huanzheng in the courtyard when she saw her daughter rushing back. She quickly stopped her.

"Minmin, where are you going? Be careful your hairpin doesn't run away." Pei Shenai held up a black piece, looked at her daughter, and shook her head.

"Mother," Xiao Yuzhen took a few steps towards Pei Shen'ai, "Where is Second Brother?"

“Your second brother is in his own residence. How can you find him if you run home?” Pei Shen’ai sighed.

"Why are you in such a hurry to find your second brother? Calm down and have some water to calm down. Look at you, all sweaty." Xiao Huan teased his daughter, gesturing for a maid to pour tea.

Xiao Yuzhen took the water and drank it in big gulps.

Pei Shen'ai asked again, "Did you see Miss Xue today?"

"I saw him."

"How does he/she look?"

"She's so beautiful, like a fairy princess."

Pei Shen'ai frowned slightly and smiled, "Oh? Then, between you and your sister Jin'an, who is prettier?"

Princess Pei Shang'er of Jin'an, known as the most beautiful woman in the world, is the emperor and empress's most beloved only daughter. She is of noble birth and possesses unparalleled beauty.

"Sister Jin'an..."

Xiao Yuzhen recalled Pei Shang'er's appearance in her mind.

Emperor Gaozong was handsome and refined, Empress Wan was stunningly beautiful, and Emperor Xuan inherited his good looks. Empress Hui, the daughter of a butcher, was so beautiful that Emperor Xuan, who was still a prince at the time, fell in love with her at first sight and made her his principal wife. Their daughter, Pei Chang'er, was also exceptionally beautiful.

No amount of fine clothes and jewels could conceal her beauty. Her eyes sparkled with a captivating allure when she smiled, and even her tightly pursed lips when she frowned were breathtakingly beautiful. She was truly the most beautiful woman in the world.

But that was before the Prime Minister's daughter, Xue Yingyue, appeared.

After thinking it over, Xiao Yuzhen replied, "Miss Xue is in no way inferior to Sister Jin'an."

Hearing this, Pei Shen'ai became interested.

Throughout history, beautiful women have often caused trouble, especially in royal families.

Pei Shen'ai's mother was a beauty who became the first female emperor in history. Her fourth sister-in-law was also a beauty, and her fourth brother, the emperor, was willing to die for her. Her third sister-in-law and niece were also beauties, and now the two of them tightly held the imperial power in the hands of her third brother. She herself was also a beauty, and she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and become an emperor.

It remains to be seen what kind of trouble this beautiful crown princess will stir up in the royal family.

Xiao Yuzhen was in a hurry to find Xiao Chongheng, so she didn't say anything more and prepared to go to the Duke's Mansion.

As soon as I reached the door, I saw my elder brother, Yang Chongzheng, in a wheelchair being pushed back by a servant.

Although they were half-brothers, Xiao Yuzhen couldn't help but greet them upon seeing them. She stepped forward and asked, "How are you, elder brother? Why weren't you resting at home at noon?"

"After you went to the banquet at the Prime Minister's residence, I went to Chongheng's residence to discuss official business with him. I just got back. Where are you rushing off to?" Yang Chongzheng still loved his younger sister.

“I’m going to find my second brother too,” Xiao Yuzhen said, noticing a scratch on her brother’s neck. “Big brother, your neck is scratched and bleeding.”

After saying that, Xiao Yuzhen took out a handkerchief and wiped his face.

Yang Chongzheng then felt the stinging pain in his neck and explained, "Oh, doesn't Chongheng's residence have a cat? It scratched me."

"That cat is usually quite well-behaved," Xiao Yuzhen muttered softly, speaking well of the cat.

"This was certainly not a cat scratch," Yang Chongzheng smiled and changed the subject, "Let's go there sooner so we can come back sooner and not keep Mother waiting."

"I understand." Xiao Yuzhen nodded vigorously and turned to leave.

Upon arriving at the Duke of Yan's residence, she happened to meet Banhe, a trusted confidant of Xiao Chongheng. Banhe asked her to wait a moment while he went to call Xiao Chongheng.

"Princess, could you please persuade the Duke? The Princess had another argument with the Duke this morning, and neither of them would give in. Just an hour ago, Prince Gao'an arrived and persuaded the Princess for quite a while before she finally came to her senses. Please ask the Duke to spend more time with the Princess and stop thinking about other women."

The woman outside...

Xiao Yuzhen fell into deep thought.

Xiao Chongheng's study contains many secret keys and mechanisms, and he never allows outsiders to enter. The last time Xiao Yuzhen saw the portrait was because Xiao Chongheng was drunk and asleep and forgot to put it away.

Since marrying Pei Chanlian, Xiao Chongheng has moved into the study, claiming it's for his busy official duties and convenience. In reality, it's obvious to everyone that he's avoiding contact with Pei Chanlian.

"Second Brother."

When Xiao Yuzhen entered the study, a cat ran towards her. Xiao Yuzhen hugged the cat and stroked it.

Then Xiao Chongheng came out of the inner room, looking as if he had just woken up. On the desk was an unfinished piece of writing, which seemed to be the word "holding onto prosperity".

"Was the flower banquet at the Prime Minister's residence fun?" Xiao Chongheng asked casually, walking to his desk to put away the calligraphy he had written.

Xiao Yuzhen, holding the cat, said earnestly, "Second Brother, I have something to tell you, please don't be angry."

Xiao Chongheng chuckled upon hearing this and said, "When have I ever been angry with you?"

“Then I’ll tell you.” Xiao Yuzhen’s eyes darted around. “Do you remember that portrait you were hugging when you were drunk last time…”

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Chongheng interrupted him, his face immediately darkening. "Yongtai, didn't I tell you to forget about this?"

Seeing Xiao Chongheng's expression change and his use of her title, Xiao Yuzhen became somewhat timid and her voice became soft: "I mean, I saw her."

"What did you say?!"

She's still alive? She didn't die?

Xiao Chongheng immediately forgot about tidying up his writing and strode up to Xiao Yuzhen, his eyes filled with disbelief. "You saw her? Where did you see her?"

"Right here in the Prime Minister's residence... that Miss Xue Run from the Xue family looks exactly like the woman in your portrait."

"Xue Run?" Xiao Chongheng asked, puzzled.

Xue Run is the future empress, a fact known to everyone in the court. Her status is immeasurable. How could she possibly be involved with a woman like Ling Zhenli?

Maybe they just look alike.

"Miss Xue is as beautiful as a fairy descended from heaven, no less beautiful than Sister Jin'an."

"Oh...I see." Xiao Chongheng calmed himself down.

Ling Zhenli was indeed as beautiful as a fairy. If her father, Magistrate Ling, hadn't kept her hidden so well, suitors would have been lining up at her door long ago, and many high-ranking officials would have wanted to protect her family. Ling Zhenli would never have ended up in his hands; someone else would have gotten there first.

Seeing that Xiao Chongheng was acting strangely, Xiao Yuzhen quickly put down the cat: "Perhaps I was wrong... Second brother, you should rest. Lu Xin has invited me to Huaiming Temple."

"It's best not to mention this to anyone," Xiao Chongheng said calmly.

After Xiao Yuzhen left, Xiao Chongheng returned to his desk, exhausted. He slumped into a chair, and the cat circled around him and jumped onto him. Xiao Chongheng smiled wearily at the cat, then looked at the words written on the desk.

Maintain profits.

This name was the one he chose for his unborn child; he had already decided on it the moment he first learned of the child's existence.

If he had known he would be so distracted after breaking up with Ling Zhenli, he wouldn't have forced himself to act tough. But if he had brought Ling Zhenli back to the manor, she would have known his identity, and then they would have been separated by a blood feud...

Ultimately, he and she could not have each other.

*

When Pei Xuanlin stepped into the Prime Minister's residence, everyone in the courtyard lowered their heads and held their breath, not daring to look him in the eye, and only knew to kneel down and pay their respects.

He was not wearing a bright yellow dragon-patterned robe today, but only a black brocade robe, which was still luxurious. The lapel was embroidered with a coiled dragon pattern, and a belt was tied around his waist. His gait was steady, like a night breeze sweeping across a pool, calm and dignified.

Xue Wenmian personally greeted him at the steps, bowing respectfully: "Your Highness the Crown Prince's presence is an honor to my humble abode."

Pei Xuanlin nodded slightly, his voice clear and cold: "Since the Prime Minister has extended such a generous invitation, I have come in person. There is no need to be too polite, after all, the Prime Minister is my future father-in-law."

His tone was neither hurried nor slow, yet it carried an underlying pressure, as if every word crushed the heart.

Pei Xuanlin didn't want to come to this boring banquet, but the Prime Minister repeatedly invited him, and the Emperor hoped that he would settle down and marry the Prime Minister's daughter as soon as possible, so he came.

He disliked Xue Yingyue, the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister's family, and would feel annoyed whenever people mentioned her.

This woman has been a potential imperial concubine for countless years. During these years of royal turmoil and the changing of crown princes and grandsons, the Xue family has never broken off a marriage proposal. They are incredibly shameless, allowing their daughter's "husbands" to change back and forth, stubbornly clinging to the royal in-laws. It seems that the Xue family has a great ambition to climb the social ladder and is determined to produce an empress.

It's no wonder the Xue family had such an obsession. When Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, his first empress was Xue, but he loved Consort Yang, so he deposed Empress Xue and made Consort Yang Wan the new empress.

Empress Xue was deposed without cause and died in depression. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wan knew they owed the Xue family, so they promised that Xue's daughter would marry a prince of the right age to become the crown prince and eventually empress.

Pei Xuanlin's mind became increasingly troubled. He was going to see Xue Yingyue tonight, and he wondered if she was worthy of the honor of being the Crown Princess.

The further he went in, the lower his expectations became. He started thinking that Xue Yingyue had to be virtuous, gentle, and not clingy. He stepped inside and sighed.

He thought again that the marriage was not her fault, and as long as she was not so vicious as to try to murder her husband, he would live a good life with her.

*

A delicate curtain hangs on one side of the main hall.

Behind the curtain, Ling Zhenli knelt on the cushion, idly fiddling with the tassels of the round fan.

Through the gaps in the beaded curtain, she could clearly see everyone at the banquet.

Crown Prince Pei Xuanlin sat at the head of the table, his black robes making him appear even more aloof. When he held his cup to drink, his fingers were long and slender like jade, his Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and his demeanor was elegant and distant.

His gaze occasionally swept across the beaded curtain, but never lingered on her.

After the banquet officially began, Cui Yuerong walked to the front of the hall with a smile and curtsied: "Your Highness, my daughter has lived in seclusion for a long time and this is her first time meeting guests. If she has been impolite, please forgive her."

Pei Xuanlin raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping lightly over the beaded curtain, and replied with only a "It's alright".

Just two words, and then nothing more.

Ling Zhenli remained silent, refusing to utter a word as she challenged him.

It was against etiquette, but Pei Xuanlin didn't take it to heart.

As the banquet drew to a close, the noble ladies recited poems or performed arts, while Pei Xuanlin remained indifferent, only nodding slightly when necessary to show his respect.

His gaze swept over the beaded curtain several times.

The woman behind the curtain always held a fan to partially cover her face, revealing only her eyes, which were cold and aloof as frost. Occasionally, when their eyes met, she neither retreated nor avoided them.

She was sizing him up.

Although the beaded curtain obscured his view, the gaze was not one of tenderness or affection, but rather one of scrutiny and assessment. A hint of coldness flashed in Pei Xuanlin's eyes, yet a subtle interest also arose within him.

The two were about to get married, and as a wife, she naturally had nothing to fear from her husband. However, this Miss Xue was too bold. After all, he was the Crown Prince, yet she dared to stare at him directly.

Finally, Ling Zhenli noticed that his gaze seemed off. She took a deep breath, raised her fan slightly, changed her expression, revealing only her bright, clear eyes, and greeted him softly: "This humble woman, Xue Yingyue, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Her voice was melodious, like the first warbling of a nightingale.

Pei Xuanlin's expression remained unchanged; he merely nodded slightly and said, "Hmm."

Just one "hmm?"

Not even willing to exchange a single polite word?!

Ling Zhenli's heart sank, but she maintained her gentle demeanor and said, "Your Highness's presence tonight is an honor for our household."

Pei Xuanlin didn't even lift his eyelids upon hearing this: "I couldn't refuse the Prime Minister's kind invitation, so I had no choice but to come."

The tone was distant, and the language was rude.

That sounds like someone's holding a knife to your throat and forcing you to come.

Ling Zhenli scoffed inwardly. He had been staring at her the whole time, so what was he pretending for now? He came here just to catch a glimpse of her beauty, yet he said he was only on official business and not to see her.

A competitive spirit suddenly surged into my heart.

Ling Zhenli secretly gave a wink, and a maid immediately presented a roll of plain silk, saying respectfully, "Your Highness, my young lady heard that you were coming to visit, so she specially painted a picture for you at the flower banquet. Please appreciate it."

Pei Xuanlin nodded and had the maid present the painting. He took it, unfurled the scroll, and saw a cluster of peonies on it. Upon closer inspection, it looked more like a peony than a peony.

Although she was reluctant to marry this woman, she was willing to marry anyone as long as she became the crown princess, but now she wanted to marry him.

So Pei Xuanlin gave her face and said calmly, "Your painting skills are acceptable. I appreciate Madam Xue's kindness. I like it very much."

Who told him to become the crown prince?

Ling Zhenli's lips curled slightly behind the fan; she had finally succeeded.

Through the curtain, Pei Xuanlin saw the smile in her eyes, and his heart swelled with joy for a moment.

I had heard that she had been strictly controlled since childhood, and that she was dignified and proper at the flower banquet today. I thought she would be the rigid and dogmatic type of woman, but I didn't expect her to show such girlish mannerisms.

Was it because he praised her? She's quite easy to please.

A note from the author: