Chapter 23: "Here, sit down yourself."
The sun was blazing, high in the sky, its dazzling light illuminating the courtyard until it was crystal clear, revealing even the finest details of the moss growing in the cracks of the stone slabs. All around was so quiet that only the soft rustling of leaves in the wind could be heard.
The shadow behind him gradually shrank into a dark mass, then silently flowed out from the bluestone ground, leaving long, slanted faint traces.
Seeing Xiao Xu standing in front of the courtyard gate without making a move, Mu Shan's originally gloomy expression turned into a cold indifference. He neither entered the courtyard nor turned to leave, nor did he give any further instructions.
The atmosphere remained tense.
However, on their way back to the East Courtyard, Mu Shan had already stopped a few passing servants and asked them to bring lunch to the East Courtyard.
If he continues to stand there like this, a group of servants will soon appear before Xiao Xu with a sumptuous meal.
That would inevitably make his already gloomy complexion even darker.
Mu Shan moved his lips, about to bite the bullet and ask.
Xiao Xu said, "Send a few people who won't cause trouble to follow the Crown Princess, and escort her back after she's had her fun."
Mu Shan paused for a moment, then responded.
He quickly set off to carry out the order, while Xiao Xu had already turned around and headed towards the study.
When Xiao Xu returned to the study, he was met by Xiao Qingchuan.
The father and son met in front of the courtyard gate.
Xiao Qingchuan asked, "Where did you go?"
Xiao Xu glanced at him indifferently, without replying.
Xiao Qingchuan immediately realized that he had just had lunch with Shen Yuewan. At this hour, where else could Xiao Xu go but back to his room to have lunch with his wife?
He realized he had asked a pointless question, so he ignored Xiao Xu's indifferent gaze.
"You've had lunch, right? Then come inside. I have something to tell you."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qingchuan, who was striding away, didn't see the person behind him whose face immediately darkened.
Upon entering the study, the official documents that Xiao Xu had been working on before leaving were still neatly arranged on the table. A maid entered the room and served the two of them hot tea.
Xiao Qingchuan picked up his teacup: "Today, the Crown Prince publicly admitted his mistake at the court meeting. Taking advantage of this, Chief Minister Zhang took over the task of supervising the repair of the imperial mausoleum. Now, the Censorate has submitted three memorials impeaching the Crown Prince for negligence, and those old princes in the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs are also secretly working. Chief Minister Zhang's move to undermine the Crown Prince has put the Eastern Palace in a very difficult position."
Xiao Xu calmly said, "The purchase of imperial tombs requires verification by the five departments. Chief Minister Zhang is too eager to seize power, which will only expose his flaws."
"You already have a plan?"
"Since Chief Minister Zhang is willing to take on this hot potato, let him take it. Vice Minister Cheng of the Ministry of Works is Chief Minister Zhang's brother-in-law. Three years ago, the case of the forced requisition of private kilns was suppressed by Chief Minister Zhang using a trick. This procurement of imperial tombs is the perfect opportunity. Once Vice Minister Cheng takes over the procurement, there will be a chance to bring up his old case of the forced requisition of private kilns."
The court is currently in chaos, the Crown Prince's prestige has been damaged, His Majesty's attitude is unclear, and the Zhang faction is pressing closer and closer. Although Xiao Xu's move is a hidden move, it needs to wait for the right opportunity to be effective, and what is most lacking right now is time.
Xiao Qingchuan murmured to himself, "The Crown Prince has always been indecisive, why is he so eager to make a decision this time?"
Xiao Xu did not hide anything: "Yesterday I met with His Highness at Wanhe Tower. His Highness asked for advice, and I told His Highness to make the decision himself."
Li Yuan's decision then led to this huge problem.
Xiao Xu did regret it somewhat. He had intended for the Crown Prince to learn to be independent, but due to his emotions at the time, he irrationally stormed off.
Although this gave him an opportunity to strike at Zhang's faction, he could have handled it better if he had been more composed at the time.
How could he remain calm upon hearing the words "sister-in-law"?
Xiao Xu's gaze darkened slightly.
Xiao Qingchuan didn't delve into the matter further. After flipping through a few pages of documents on his desk, he asked, "Any news about Song Lan?"
Xiao Xu replied quickly: "Not yet."
Xiao Qingchuan then frowned.
Because he had no doubt about Xiao Xu's ability to handle affairs, even though there was a mistake in the Li Yuan matter, he believed that Xiao Xu must have made his own judgment.
But five days have passed since Xiao Ling's incident.
"Why haven't we heard anything after all these days?"
Xiao Xu said calmly, "Father knows that my third brother has many friends in the capital who are helping him."
"How capable could those spoiled brats be? How could they possibly stump you?"
Xiao Xu said, "It is indeed not difficult, but I am unable to be in two places at once. Or does Father think that I should leave Yun Sheng alone at the mansion at the beginning of the marriage and go to search for my third brother's whereabouts myself?"
"Don't talk nonsense, I didn't mean that!"
Xiao Qingchuan would never ask his son to treat his wife like that.
Xiao Xu wouldn't do that either; now he's the one who's been left behind, without even having lunch.
Xiao Qingchuan said, "The longer it goes on, the less likely we are to know where he has run off to. I don't want him to cause me any more trouble outside."
"In short, we still need to find Song Lan's whereabouts as soon as possible."
Xiao Xu replied without changing his expression, "Yes, I understand."
*
The carriage gently bumped along the stone-paved road of Yongjiafang, while outside, the sounds of people, horses' hooves, and vendors' cries created a bustling scene.
The bright afternoon sun poured down without reservation, casting shimmering spots of light through the carved windows into the carriage.
Today, Yun Sheng was wearing a lotus-root-colored brocade dress. The sunlight fell perfectly on her shoulders, making the gold thread butterflies on the fabric shimmer and sparkle.
She tilted her head slightly to look at the street scene, a faint smile on her lips; going out always brought her joy.
Only a slight worry lingered in her mind—that she hadn't sent anyone to inform Xiao Xu—but she quickly put it out of her mind after the carriage stopped.
The carriage had just come to a stop in front of the imposing facade of Linglong Pavilion when a petite figure peeked out before the driver could even set up the footstool.
Cuizhu quickly helped her up, saying, "Princess Consort, please take it easy."
Yun Sheng blushed and lowered her voice so that only Cui Zhu could hear her: "I already told you I'm fine, don't make a fuss."
She lifted her skirt and jumped off the car nimbly, seemingly unharmed.
When Cuizhu was still in the Yun family mansion, the matrons there had taught her countless times the rules of serving her master.
One such thing is that when a master becomes a new bride, the care and treatment in the first few days are especially important.
It is said that after the wedding night, the bride's body felt as if she had been run over by a car. Every part of her body was sore and weak, and her legs wobbled on the ground. She wished she could float away and was too lazy to move even half a step.
Before Yun Sheng got married, the nanny had repeatedly reminded Cui Zhu of this matter.
During this period, one should be extra gentle when serving the child's washing and grooming, and the meals prepared should be mild, nourishing, and easy to digest. When walking, one should be quick-witted and support the child firmly from the side.
The way they were handling it was as if they were serving a porcelain beauty who had just been glued together with glutinous rice paste, afraid that if they moved too much, they would break the exhausted person.
In the past few days, no water had been called for in the East Courtyard bedroom at night, and Cuizhu knew that the two masters had not yet consummated their marriage, but she had been preparing to serve them diligently when the time came.
Now, looking at Yun Sheng, who had already styled her hair in a married woman's bun, but whose eyes still retained the same charming and lively spirit she had before marriage, Cui Zhu couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
After spending most of the night in the bedroom, she shyly noticed the many marks on Yun Sheng's body this morning.
However, apart from that, none of the earth-shattering situations described by the nanny came true for her master.
Yun Sheng had no backache or leg weakness, was lively and in good spirits. Although she had overslept, after washing up and dressing, she was full of energy and took her out of the mansion in a carriage.
Sunlight shone on her flawless face; her skin was as white as snow, with a rosy glow, as beautiful as a piece of exquisite porcelain, yet not at all fragile.
Cuizhu hesitated for a moment, but still said with concern, "Let me help you. Let's walk slowly, there's no rush."
Yun Sheng felt embarrassed by Cui Zhu's obvious actions.
She had naturally heard about the things that happened after a bride consummated her marriage, but after experiencing it firsthand, she didn't feel that it was that serious.
She still felt a bit weak in the waist and legs, but that was nothing compared to how weak she felt when she saw Xiao Xu take off his undergarments and press his bare upper body against her.
The initial tearing sensation she felt last night made her feel as if she were being ripped apart.
But the flowing water watered the flowers.
After embracing him, all that remains is an indescribable feeling of fullness and a shameful yet coveted comfort.
When Xiao Xu whispered in her ear that they were a perfect match, she almost fainted from embarrassment, but she also had to admit that she did find it amusing.
In the middle of the night, half asleep and half awake, Xiao Xu seemed to have massaged her waist for a while. She lay in his arms and slept until noon. What could possibly be uncomfortable about that?
In short, she's doing incredibly well now and doesn't need to be protected like a porcelain doll anymore.
"It's nothing, it's nothing, I'm really fine," Yun Sheng reiterated.
At this moment, Manager Feng of Linglong Pavilion strode out from the door, his face full of eager smiles, and bowed deeply: "Greetings to the Crown Princess! It is an honor that you have the time to visit our humble shop today. The private room upstairs has been prepared and is very quiet."
Yun Sheng smiled and said, "Manager Feng, you're always so thoughtful here."
"You flatter me, it's all my duty." Manager Feng stepped aside and personally led the way.
In the past, Yun Sheng was already an honored guest who could not be neglected as the second young lady of the Yun family. Now that she is the Crown Prince's wife, he naturally has to entertain her personally and cannot afford to make any mistakes.
Upon entering the private room, a delicate fragrance of orchids wafts towards you.
After taking her seat, Yun Sheng didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "I came today to choose two gifts to give to people. Do you have any newly arrived jewelry? Bring me a few sets so I can take a look."
"Yes, please wait a moment, I will send someone to fetch it right away." Manager Feng responded and withdrew, and soon returned with several maids carrying brocade boxes.
As the brocade boxes were opened one by one, a dazzling array of precious gems instantly spilled out.
Yun Sheng approached with great interest, casually picking up a silver hairpin adorned with pearl tassels. Several strings of tiny pearls swayed gently, shimmering with a warm luster.
"Cuizhu, do you think this is pretty?" She held the hairpin up to her hair.
Cui Zhu's eyes lit up: "The pearls on this hairpin have a delicate luster, which makes the Crown Princess's eyes look bright and clear, as if they are filled with autumn water."
Yun Sheng was overjoyed by the compliment. She looked at herself in the mirror and said with a smile, "You're quite the smooth talker. But I was planning to give it to A-Xian. What do you think?"
“It couldn’t be more perfect.” Cuizhu quickly added, “The Second Young Mistress has a gentle temperament. These pearl tassels are both elegant and lively. When she walks, the beads will sway gently, making her look even more ethereal.”
Yun Sheng thought for a moment and then put the hairpin back on the brocade cushion: "A-Xian is quiet by nature. This tassel will sway gracefully when she moves. It is beautiful, but it will disturb her tranquility."
Before she could finish speaking, Manager Feng, who was standing to the side, stepped forward with a smile and said at the right moment, "Your Highness is truly perceptive. In that case, I have thought of another set of headdresses that may suit your taste better."
As he spoke, he gestured to the waiter to bring a long box. When the lid was opened, a jade hairpin lay quietly on a dark velvet cloth.
The hairpin is carved entirely from mutton-fat white jade into the shape of an orchid, with plump petals and a graceful form. It is paired with a set of white jade earrings and a hair comb.
This time, Yun Sheng took a liking to it at first sight and couldn't find any fault with it. She nodded in satisfaction and said, "Keep it. I'll take this set."
Having chosen Liu Xian's gift, Yun Sheng was in high spirits. Her gaze wandered among the remaining sets of jewelry, finally settling on a headdress made of red gold inlaid with rubies and pomegranate flowers.
The pomegranate flower is carved to lifelike detail, with petals fixed with fine gold thread and a full ruby inlaid in the center, making it both luxurious and beautiful, perfectly matching Shen Yuewan's temperament.
Yun Sheng said happily, "Manager Feng, I'll take this set of white jade and this set of pomegranate flower ones. Wrap them up carefully."
"Yes! Yes! I'll take care of it right away!" Manager Feng beamed with joy and hurriedly went to make the arrangements himself.
While waiting, Yun Sheng sat on the couch by the window, drinking tea and humming a tune, looking quite relaxed.
Cuizhu felt much more at ease after seeing this.
Not only was she relieved that Yun Sheng seemed to be truly unwell, but she was also relieved that the marriage was finally settled.
Cuizhu stepped forward and asked, "Princess Consort, shall we go to the Silk and Brocade Workshop again later?"
"Hmm... I also want to go to Wuweipu, but these two places aren't on the same route."
"Why not have the accompanying servants go to the Five Flavors Shop to buy the pastries the Crown Princess wants, and the Crown Princess can go to the Silk Shop to personally select the fabrics? That way, neither will be delayed."
Yun Sheng shook her head with difficulty: "I want to go to Wuweipu myself to choose the flavors of the pastries."
Xiao Xu didn't like sweets, and Wuweipu also had pastries with a milder flavor.
Yun Sheng really liked the pastries from Wuweipu, and she wanted to buy some to let Xiao Xu try them so that he could also like Wuweipu.
Cuizhu wondered why her master, who was usually not picky about food, insisted on going in person today.
She then suggested, "Although these two places are not on the same route, they are not far apart. It just takes more time. Would the Crown Princess be willing to go to both places?"
Yun Sheng thought for a moment and then agreed: "Then let's all go. You go and urge Manager Feng so as not to waste any time."
Cui Zhu immediately set off.
She had only been out of the private room for a short while when she hurriedly returned.
Yun Sheng looked up at the sound and saw not only Cui Zhu, who looked anxious, but also a group of servants from the Prince Zhao's mansion, whom she had not brought with her.
And Yunzhi, surrounded by them, with red and swollen eyes.
Yun Sheng was extremely surprised. He didn't care why the group of servants had come. He quickly got up and went to greet Yun Zhi.
"Azhi, what are you doing here? Why are you crying like this?"
When Yun Zhi was asked the question, tears welled up in her eyes again. She cried out, "Sheng Sheng, I don't want to live anymore."
"What?!"
Chaos erupted in the private room.
Cuizhu entered the house and whispered to Yunsheng, briefly explaining the situation.
Those servants were sent by Xiao Xu to serve her, while Yun Zhi came to Linglong Pavilion crying all the way.
Yun Sheng could only appease Yun Zhi first, and then ordered Cui Zhu to urge Manager Feng again.
After receiving the jewelry, Yun Sheng took Yun Zhi to a quieter place.
at the same time.
Xiao Xu sat quietly in the study, the book in his hand untouched for a long time.
It wasn't until the light and shadow shifted slightly that he snapped out of his reverie, calmly turning the page before pausing again for a long time.
Xiao Xu was absent-minded, his eyes scanning back and forth across the text a few times before finally closing the booklet.
"Mountain at Dusk".
Hearing the voice, Mu Shan walked in from outside: "Your Highness."
"Have the people you sent reported back? Where has the Crown Princess gone?"
"Your Highness, there is still no news, but I estimate that they should be returning soon. I will go to the gate and wait, and report to you immediately once I receive the news."
Xiao Xu waved his hand dismissively.
It was another incense stick's time before Mu Shan hurriedly returned.
"Your Highness, the Crown Princess has run into the eldest daughter of the Yun family, and they have gone to Tingfeng Pavilion together."
Xiao Xu's gaze darkened slightly, seemingly displeased.
However, he didn't show it clearly, so Mu Shan didn't dare to make a judgment and could only lower his head and wait for his clear instructions.
After a long while, Xiao Xu finally spoke: "Prepare the carriage, let's go to Tingfeng Pavilion."
*
Inside the private room of Tingfeng Pavilion.
Yun Sheng dismissed all the servants to the entrance of the corridor. There was no one in front of the private room, so she was not worried that the conversation inside would be overheard.
She poured Yunzhi a cup of tea: "Are you feeling better? Tell me, what exactly happened?"
Yunzhi had stopped crying, or rather, she had run out of tears.
She sniffled, her voice still trembling with tears, and said, "My parents are forcing me to get married."
Yun Sheng was taken aback, never expecting that Yun Zhi was crying so much because of this.
“I didn’t hear you mention this when I returned to my parents’ home a couple of days ago. Your fifth uncle wouldn’t just marry you off randomly. You should first find out who the other person is.”
Upon hearing this, Yunzhi looked like she was about to cry again.
But she managed to hold back and then explained the whole story clearly.
Just yesterday, Yunzhi and her family were invited to attend the banquet held for the newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).
During the banquet, she unexpectedly encountered the daughter of Minister Zhou, with whom she had always been at odds, and they began arguing after a few words.
During the argument, she slipped and fell straight into the lotus pond next to the banquet.
The pool water instantly submerged her head; unable to swim, she could only struggle desperately and call for help.
The newly appointed third-ranked scholar passed by this place and, upon seeing the situation, jumped into the pool without hesitation to save the man.
When she was lifted out of the water, her thin summer clothes were already soaked through, clinging to her body as if she were naked.
The scholar, focused on saving her, held her tightly in his arms and led her to the shore. Their skin was pressed together, their posture incredibly intimate.
Then, the crowd drawn by her cries for help rushed to the shore and witnessed the whole scene.
Seeing that there were many people around, the third-ranked scholar immediately took off his outer robe and wrapped it tightly around her, blocking all the probing gazes.
This action, while protecting her from being seen by outsiders for the time being, made her relationship with the third-ranked scholar even more complicated, and they had physical intimacy in public.
In full view of everyone, she was held in the arms of a strange man, completely soaked, her reputation already tarnished.
In just one night, rumors would spread throughout the capital. Even if she complained to Yun Sheng now, Yun Sheng would surely hear about it very soon.
Yun Sheng said, "So your fifth uncle arranged for you to marry this third-ranked scholar. The title of third-ranked scholar sounds quite impressive. What does he look like?"
"Yun Sheng!" Yun Zhi exclaimed angrily, "At a time like this, you're still asking such a superficial question!"
After her anger subsided, she calmed down: "It was so dark, I was terrified, and my face was covered in dirty pool water."
"...I didn't see it clearly."
Upon hearing this, Yun Sheng frowned in distress; this was indeed a difficult matter to handle.
Yunzhi continued, "Regardless of his appearance, I would never marry him. It's one thing that he comes from a humble background, but now that he has become a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations, while everyone else is vying for important positions in the capital, he has volunteered to return to his hometown to become a local official, saying that he wants to serve his hometown. If I marry him, I will have to leave the capital with him and become a village woman in that poor and remote place."
Yun Sheng: "Don't worry, don't get upset. Fifth Uncle has always doted on you. If this person wasn't a good match, he wouldn't have insisted on marrying you off. This has only just happened, and nothing is certain yet. Talk to Fifth Uncle and Fifth Aunt about this properly."
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhi sighed heavily.
She ran out crying after having a big argument with her parents about this at home today.
After a moment of silence, Yunzhi asked in a low voice, "Shengsheng, how did you convince yourself to accept a marriage you didn't want?"
Yun Sheng was stunned for a moment, suddenly at a loss for words.
Just like when she learned that she was going to marry a man who was not her original fiancé, her mind went blank.
She was also somewhat surprised. Several days had passed, and she had just consummated her marriage with Xiao Xu, yet when she thought about it, her mind was still blank.
The matter arose suddenly, and she had no time to think it through; the decision to marry or not was made in an instant.
She still didn't have a chance to think about it too much later.
Xiao Xu lifted her veil. She superficially thought that he was tall and handsome, and that he was particularly pleasing to the eye. She also saw that he treated her gently and politely, and was considerate in everything he did.
Yun Sheng thought that if she had felt even a little bit wronged at that time, she would have been filled with all sorts of thoughts of convincing herself or feeling regret and annoyance.
But no.
Later, she got along fairly well with Xiao Xu. Prince Zhao and his family treated her well, and even her parents accepted Xiao Xu as a man.
Even starting from complete unfamiliarity, she never found an opportunity to convince herself.
Her thoughts and present vision were occupied by another man whose presence was too strong, and she didn't even have time to grieve for Xiao Ling for too long for leaving her.
Yun Sheng was momentarily lost in thought, and with mixed feelings, she told Yun Zhi about it.
Yun Zhi couldn't help but ask, "What about Young Master Xiao the Third?"
"Sheng Sheng, do you still like him?"
Outside the private room, a tall figure stood silently in front of the door.
Xiao Xu's slightly raised arm stopped, his eyes lowered and his lips pursed.
The voices inside the private room were low and not clearly audible through the door. It could only be vaguely discerned that Yun Sheng was telling her sisters something.
What is it about?
She spoke of her feelings for Xiao Ling, her helplessness regarding the marriage, and how unfamiliar and disliked he was to her.
The conversation inside continued, mostly inaudible, but occasionally a few clear words could be uttered, allowing one to deduce the content of the conversation.
"What's done is done. I'm not one to dwell on the past. I may not be far from it yet, but I'm moving forward and I won't look back."
She was more rational than he had imagined, but he didn't know if it was genuine or just self-comfort.
Xiao Xu's heart was beating fast and heavy.
She had long hoped to marry the man she loved, a fact that was already out in the open. But hearing her admit to those feelings, even though she had decided to let go, still made him feel suffocated.
The fingers with distinct knuckles clenched under the cuffs, the palms clenching until they were numb, and then relaxed.
Knock knock—
Two loud knocks interrupted the conversation inside.
It seemed like they knocked on the door deliberately to interrupt.
The next moment, without waiting for a response from inside, the door was slowly pushed open from the outside.
Xiao Xu didn't move, just stood quietly in front of the door. He raised his gaze and immediately saw Yun Sheng's astonished face.
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The update time will be adjusted to 11 PM on the 14th when it goes live tomorrow, and then it will return to the normal 6 PM update time!
[Sprinkling flowers] I'll be giving out red envelopes to everyone who leaves a comment under this chapter before tomorrow's update!
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