Under the surging waves
Sima An stormed back to his tent, "Mother! I have something to say to you..."
She abruptly stopped speaking, exclaiming in surprise, "Cousin?"
With a baby face, round almond-shaped eyes, and a light purple dress, one couldn't guess the woman's age.
The unexpected reunion interrupted Sima An's thoughts. All his worries were swept away by joy, and he exclaimed in surprise, "How did you get back?"
Ye Taoyao stood up from her seat and hugged Sima An tightly. "Hehe, that's exactly what I wanted—to catch you off guard! Surprised?"
"Mmm!" Sima An nestled into Ye Taoyao's arms, while the Princess Consort watched them with a smile.
"Young lady, you've really grown up. You're as tall as me now. Last time I came back, you were still a little kid."
"How dare you say that? It's been so long since last time. I don't care, you're staying this time, okay?" Sima An hugged Ye Taoyao and acted coquettishly.
"Don't be ridiculous." Before Ye Taoyao could speak, the Princess Consort above scolded Sima An, "Your aunt has her own things to do. How old are you that you still need your aunt to accompany you? You are already sixteen years old, and your mother is worrying about your marriage every day."
After speaking, the Princess Consort felt her temples throbbing, and she placed her hand on her forehead, trying to ease the troublesome situation that was difficult to resolve.
Sima An hurriedly ran to the Princess Consort and knelt on her lap. "Mother, I was wrong! Oh dear, I didn't mean to! Please forgive me. I was just too excited because I hadn't seen my aunt for so long. From now on, I'll do whatever you ask me to do, okay? Mother, please forgive me..."
Ye Taoyao chimed in, "Why bother arguing with a child?"
Princess Consort tapped Sima An's forehead and looked at Ye Taoyao with a worried expression, "You know the situation. She's already sixteen. If she keeps dragging this on, which young man in Chang'an will she be able to choose from?"
"What's wrong with sixteen? Even Xu Du is eighteen now. Cui Wan is also sixteen, and they aren't engaged."
Before Ye Taoyao could even begin, Sima An spoke first.
"You! How can you be compared to them?"
"How is it different? Is it because I am my father's daughter, a descendant of the previous dynasty?"
"Shut up!" The Princess Consort slapped Sima An across the face, lowering her voice, "Is this something you can say right now?"
"Mother!" Sima An exclaimed in disbelief, "You hit me? You've never called me that since I was little, and now you're hitting me for such a trivial thing?"
The princess stared blankly at her hands, her ears felt like they were plugged, unable to hear a word, and watched helplessly as her lady left.
Seeing this, Ye Taoyao talked to her, "She's still a child. Soon after Wang Chenggong, she'll have plenty of men in Chang'an to choose from. Why get so worked up over this?"
“I’m worried about the king…” The princess was also reluctant to part with him, watching Sima An’s departing figure with lingering affection.
Ye Taoyao came up behind her and patted her shoulder. "Huaiyu, we can only succeed, we can't fail. I understand your concerns as A'an's mother, but you have to think about it. The king will definitely take the final step. If we fail, even if you marry her off early, will she have a good outcome? No, you know in your heart that the king will not stop, and we cannot fail. You have to hold on, even for A'an's sake."
Shen Huaiyu nodded slightly, appearing somewhat more energetic, but still harboring resentment. "You don't know her. She argues with Madam Gu all day long in the Prince's mansion. According to the maids, they just had another argument. She's grown up, and I just can't understand her. After sneaking out during the A-Ling memorial days, she kept clamoring to come out. Even after the Prince let her out, she was still dissatisfied. He asked her to take Madam Xi with her, but instead, she left that child alone in the bamboo grove, where she ran into the young lady from the Sui family."
"So what if we bumped into her? What's there to be afraid of? You mean that young lady I saw when I came in? She looks so much like her, I mistook her at first glance." Ye Taoyao said lightly, as if it were no big deal. She clapped her hands, sat down next to Shen Huaiyu, and started eating melon seeds, completely at ease.
Shen Huaiyu gave her a deep look, and Ye Taoyao raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you being too cautious in the Prince's mansion? What great things can a little lady like you achieve?"
"No, you don't know that before Xi Yuzhen and Xi Yushao entered the Prince's Mansion, they encountered bandits and even stole Lady Sui's carriage, causing her to fall off a cliff. This alarmed the Emperor, who dispatched all the physicians from the Imperial Hospital to watch over her day and night. Sui He and Cong Lan will not let them get away with this."
Shen Huaiyu stopped Ye Taoyao from speaking, and sighed, "I know what you're going to say. The two of them can better tie themselves to the Prince's Mansion, but if His Majesty finds out, Xi Yushao's move will be..."
"Don't worry about it. Do you think the king wouldn't think of what you can think of?" Ye Taoyao slapped Shen Huaiyu's hand away and continued cracking melon seeds.
"Don't worry. Don't overthink it. You should go out more. Staying cooped up in your little corner of the world will drive you crazy."
"What am I responsible for? What are you responsible for? Can I leave?" Shen Huaiyu asked with a mournful expression, not wanting to pay any attention to Ye Taoyao.
"Hehe, let's settle the accounts. I brought some people back from the Thirteen Territories and arranged for the Hu women from the Western Regions to work in the West Market. I sent the Miao women out to do something else. You'll find out soon enough, hahaha."
Ye Taoyao laughed heartily and couldn't stop talking once she started, "I went to Miao territory and met Jiang Li's nephew. He's quite good-looking and could be a husband to A'an. Don't worry, A'an won't be left unmarried."
Shen Huaiyu looked away in disgust, "I don't want what you're talking about."
"You don't even want the next Holy Son?"
“Jiang Li doesn’t want to abdicate, even his own nephew is useless. Besides, I don’t like their Gu worms. Every time I see Jiang Li’s worms, I’m scared.” Shen Huaiyu touched his arm, and a rustling sound came to his ears. Shen Huaiyu felt his whole body go numb.
"Let's settle the accounts. Fan Lang is a real business whiz. If you hadn't withdrawn in time, he could have gone bankrupt. He's just too sentimental. When A Ling died, he was half-dead too."
"What, you're starting to feel sorry for her now?"
Shen Huaiyu asked in confusion, "Why would I feel sorry for that child, A-Ling, just because I'm thinking about him?"
“Everyone has their own destiny. She should have known better than to leave back then. She can’t blame anyone else. Let’s check the accounts. We’ve lost a lot, but the taverns in the West Market are making money.” Ye Taoyao and Shen Huaiyu calmly looked through the ledgers, while Shen Huaiyu sent someone to keep an eye on Sima An.
—
As dusk fell, everyone packed up and went home. Pei Qinglian and Cui Wan were still sulking, and Sui Zhixu and Ning Yan had no choice but to say that they would even have to reschedule Sui Zhixu's coming-of-age ceremony in a few days. The two of them had already arranged their schedules accordingly.
Xu Zhixu helplessly shrugged, and Ning Yan did the same.
The group returned to Chang'an in a daze.
The Prime Minister's residence was preparing for the coming-of-age ceremony. The entire residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations. Maids and servants were busy arranging Sui Zhixu's clothes for the day and the items on the offering table. Cong Lan and Sui He were also writing invitations in the study and handing them over to the people of Chang'an.
Following Cheng Yu's instructions in various places, he strived for perfection in everything.
With everyone's help, Sui Zhixu's coming-of-age ceremony arrived in just a few days.
On the day of her coming-of-age ceremony, the sky was cloudless and clear, and the vibrant pomegranate blossoms swayed in the wind, as if cheering for Sui Zhixu's coming-of-age ceremony.
Sui He and Cong Lan greeted the guests at the gate early in the morning. After exchanging greetings, they sent servants to guide the guests into the venue.
Dan Hong reported that Cui Wan and Pei Qinglian had indeed arrived at different times. Xu Zhixu closed his eyes and said, "They're both such a worry."
After tidying up, Sui Zhixu walked out of the room and into the hall.
Sui He stood at the front, facing the visiting guests, and said, “My daughter has reached the age of marriage. Today, on this auspicious day, following ancient rites, she will undergo the coming-of-age ceremony. It is said that ‘a girl is married at fifteen,’ a significant event in her life and a grand occasion for the family. My daughter has lived in a Taoist temple for eighteen years due to her destiny, and today she returns home to complete the ceremony. I am fortunate to have the Princess herself as a guest, and I am also grateful to all our relatives and friends for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us in this grand occasion. May you, from this day forward, be virtuous, eloquent, beautiful, and capable, bringing glory to our family, enjoying good health and happiness, and living up to the expectations of our family.”
Applause erupted, and guests offered their blessings one after another. As Xu went on stage, he glanced at the people below out of the corner of his eye.
There are quite a lot of people.
After washing her hands, the princess took the black cloth crown from the tray and walked towards the kneeling young lady, muttering incantations. Sui Zhixu listened patiently to the princess's blessing, occasionally meeting the gentle gazes of Sui He and Cong Lan.
Three additions in total.
He then bowed to the princess three times.
After the hairpin ceremony, she followed Zhixu's custom and went to the east room to change her clothes, emerging a moment later.
The one who offered the wine was Sui Zhixu. Sui Zhixu took the wine cup, first symbolically sprinkled the wine on the ground, and then took a small sip.
The wine dripped onto the ground, leaving water stains on the bluestone slabs, creating a dark patch as the drops seeped into the ground.
As the teacher of Sui Zhixu, Yueling took the initiative to undertake the important task of choosing a name for him. She stepped forward and said in a divine tone, "You have chosen a name because of your wish. Now I give you a name, and I wish that your wish will be fulfilled in the future."
A single wish?
Su Zhixu glanced at Yueling and received a gentle look in return.
Sui Zhixu was stunned. She thought that, given Yueling's recent behavior, he would give her a name to encourage her. Sui Zhixu lowered her head. Had he gotten what he wanted?
She smiled faintly for a few moments, then quickly covered it up when she saw the baby's age; she liked the meaning very much.
Sui Zhixu kept a straight face and pretended to be dignified and generous, bowing to the elders and guests present in turn to express her gratitude.
In the back and forth, many gifts were received. Sui Zhixu received a rare book on mechanical arts from Pei Qinglian, Cui Wan, who was in a wheelchair, gave Sui Zhixu a white jade Kongming ball, and Ning Yan generously bought a year's supply of fine wine for Sui Zhixu.
Sui Zhixu cast grateful glances at them.
Cui Wan looked back defiantly, as spoiled as ever.
However, they accidentally bumped into Pei Qinglian. With a soft snort, the two turned their heads away. Sui Zhixu frowned helplessly, while Ning Yan stood to the side and tried to persuade her. The two knew their limits and wouldn't argue on Sui Zhixu's big day. They deliberately spoke only to Ning Yan in front of each other, referring to her as "that person".
Ning Yan: "..."
An unexpected surprise—no, a bit of a shock—was received by Sui Zhixu from Fan Lingzhang. Sui Zhixu bowed and thanked him, accepted the gift, and left quickly. Fan Lingzhang smiled, a bright smile on his beautiful face, and Sui Zhixu couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.
Sui Zhixu's shawl fluttered to Fan Lingzhang's fingertips. Fan Lingzhang smiled faintly, and Sui Zhixu, seeing this, turned away.
The shawl brushed against his fingertips, carrying with it the delicate scent of jasmine.
She would never admit that for a moment she was captivated by his good looks.
The gifts she received were from people she deceived and exploited.
Sui Zhixu opened it and took a look. It was a jade pendant of excellent quality. The relief carving technique made the dragon and phoenix patterns on the pendant lifelike, gorgeous, grand and exquisite. It looked very valuable.
As Xu weighed it in his hand, Dan Hong looked worried and whispered, "My lady, please be careful, this looks very expensive."
Sui Zhixu teased her, "Money-grubber!"
Dan Hong remained noncommittal, carefully putting away Fan Lingzhang's jade pendant. She hadn't seen such fine jade since she was a child at the Sui family home.
The people who came to beg for mercy brought their family heirloom jade and begged Sui He to let them go.
Dan Hong marveled, saying she had truly broadened her horizons today.
Sui Zhixu soon saw Chaoyang. She was still wearing a black and red ruqun, exuding royal majesty and solemnity. She raised her phoenix eyes slightly and said, "I brought you a different kind of gift for your coming-of-age ceremony."
Standing beside her was Chu Shize, who held a long box in his hands. It was made of fine sandalwood and carved with exquisite patterns, including various precious flowers and the auspicious beast Bai Ze.
After Dan Hong took it, she touched it with her hand and found that the surface was as smooth as a mirror and had a delicate feel.
Xu Yin vaguely guessed what it was. It was not appropriate to open it in public, but it must be a good sword, otherwise Lu Zhuqiao would not have specially asked the prince consort Chu Shize to hold it.
Sui Zhixu smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Chaoyang waved her hand, "It's not a big deal. I listened to the Imperial Advisor's advice and also felt that these two swords would suit you. However, they haven't been sharpened yet, so you'll have to sharpen them yourself."
Lu's words had a double meaning; the prince consort Chu Shize stood to her side and behind her, as if always protecting her, smiling without saying a word.
Sui Zhixu nodded, "Your subject understands."
Sui Zhixu also received many gifts, such as those from Sui He's friends and subordinates, Chu Shiguan, and even some of Cong Lan's students. That was all.
The gifts from Sima An and the Xi siblings were also sent along with those from the Xuanping Prince's Mansion.
Sui He and Cong Lan gave each other forced smiles. Cong Lan didn't even want to see what it was. If it weren't for etiquette and the situation, Cong Lan would have thrown it out.
Sui He's smile didn't reach his eyes. He gripped his sleeve tightly, cursing a bunch of shameless bastards under his breath. Cong Lan looked at the clothes, then at Sui He, letting Sui He crumple the clothes until they were almost torn.
Knowing Xu's attitude was indifferent, he put on a fake smile and said, "Greetings, Prince Xuanping."
She stood before him, looking into his eyes, and their gazes met.
The undercurrents of tension were unspoken between the two.
In a typical coming-of-age ceremony, the host family gives another speech, thanking the guests for their presence and witnessing the occasion, and then declares the ceremony a complete success.
The lady then returned to her room to chat with her close friends. Meanwhile, the host led the guests to the banquet hall, where a feast was held and the host was cheering.
Sui Zhixu was chosen by Sui He as the next head of the family. The latter half of the ceremony was conducted in the same manner as a man's coming-of-age ceremony, allowing Sui Zhixu to talk with the guests present and expand his interpersonal relationships.
The couple exchanged glances and silently approached Sui Zhixu. Fan Lingzhang hid in the crowd, silently concerned about Sui Zhixu's condition, fearing that something was wrong with him.
“I didn’t expect the king to come.” Cong Lan’s charming face appeared in front of Prince Xuanping. He was tall and completely blocked Sui Zhixu’s view.
"The young lady of the Cong family has come of age, and I insisted on coming. It hasn't been easy for her to stay in the temple alone for eighteen years, so you must treat her well from now on."
He spoke as if he were an elder of Zhixu, instructing Conglan with every word.
"That's natural. I only have one girl, so I will naturally treat her well. Your Majesty need not worry."
You're worrying about things that don't concern you; it's none of your business.
Cong Lan and he chatted and laughed, a gentle and refined prince and a high-ranking prime minister, getting along very well.
You and your partner engage in back-and-forth conversations to draw the other person into the banquet.
The backyard is not at peace at this moment.
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