Chapter 42 They were truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven…
Q: How can two people quickly get closer?
The answer, of course, is to enjoy the gossip together!
Shen Lingyue suspected that she possessed some kind of divine constitution; could this be her cheat code?
She led Yan Yi and Zheng Chunyun around aimlessly, seemingly without any pattern, but in reality, she caught them every time.
"Cousin, I was diagnosed with pregnancy a few days ago. The doctor said I'm more than two months along."
"More than two months? That's about the time we last..."
"What should I do? What if this child isn't my husband's..."
Three heads crouched behind the bushes, their faces filled with shock.
It's you again, the youngest daughter-in-law of the Minister of Personnel and her cousin.
How long has it been? How did they already have a child?
Zheng Chunyun was amazed and whispered the information: "The youngest son of the current Minister of Personnel was said to have had a difficult birth and choked on water because he was in the womb for too long. He's a little... not very bright."
The Minister's wife was eager to find a gentle and virtuous girl to take care of him. In the end, she chose the daughter of a minor official from a humble background, gave her a generous dowry, and even helped the girl's father get promoted.
Who would have thought? This girl is quite bold; she's married and still dares to have a secret rendezvous with her cousin...
Meanwhile, the cousins over there are still all lovey-dovey.
Cousin: "Don't be afraid. As long as we're careful, no one will find out. Just focus on your pregnancy and give birth to the baby. No matter who the father is, the child will be their precious grandson."
My cousin said, "It's all my father's fault for being a snob. He didn't care about my life or death for the sake of his own career, and he even married me off to a fool. I hate him so much!"
Cousin: "Don't say anymore, I understand your suffering! It's my fault for being useless and unable to give you the happiness you want..."
Seeing that the scene was about to enter an indescribable phase, the three silently retreated and left.
It's so spicy it hurts my eyes.
It took Zheng Chunyun a long time to finally manage to say, "You really can't judge a book by its cover."
"This is nothing. Last time, my sister-in-law and I even ran into the Princess Consort of Prince Chun and her brother-in-law..."
Shen Lingyue muttered to herself, while Zheng Chunyun's eyes widened even more.
Could it be that she hasn't been out socializing for so long that she's fallen behind the latest gossip trends in the capital?
Fortunately, she listened to Gu Lin's advice and went out today; the outside world is truly wonderful.
But gossip is a two-way street, and Zheng Chunyun couldn't just listen without saying anything. After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Do you know how Gu Yuan and Qin Zhengzheng are doing lately?"
Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi immediately perked up and urged her to explain in detail.
"Although my husband kicked them out of the house and removed them from the family genealogy, my mother-in-law couldn't bear to let her precious son suffer. She took out her dowry and gave it all to him to buy a house and people."
Shen Lingyue frowned. "He got off too easily."
Zheng Chunyun wasn't that angry. She said calmly, "She is, after all, my husband's biological mother. She may not be kind, but my husband cannot be unfilial."
Ever since Feng Chun was escorted to the capital and sentenced to immediate execution, the current Madam Feng Tang of the Duke of Lingguo seems to have been completely deprived of her backbone. Every day, she curses Gu Lin in her courtyard, accusing him of being ruthless and disregarding familial ties.
Gu Lin's father was fed up with her. Anyway, he was no longer the Duke of Lingguo and had no official duties. He was free from official responsibilities and simply went to a manor outside the city. He sat by the river fishing every day and became addicted to it. He would fish all day long without moving. In just one month, he became as tanned as a Kunlun slave.
Feng Tang insisted on using her dowry to subsidize Gu Yuan, and Zheng Chunyun couldn't stop her, since it was her dowry and she was free to spend it however she wanted.
Seeing that Shen Lingyue was still indignant on her behalf, Zheng Chunyun felt a warmth in her heart and comforted her: "Don't be fooled by Gu Yuan's seemingly comfortable life now. These things are not important to him at all, and they cannot make up for the disappointment in his heart."
This time, Zheng Chunyun was more careful. When Feng Tang sent people out to buy servants for Gu Yuan and Qin Zhengzheng, she planted several spies inside.
Now, Gu Yuan and Qin Zhengzheng's every move at home is under her control.
She wasn't doing this to scheme against them, but simply to protect herself, so that she could prepare in advance should they come up with any harmful schemes.
"Gu Yuan has lost his status as the second young master of the Duke of Lingguo's mansion, and he colluded with Feng Chun to frame his own brother. He was expelled from the family and is now a discarded pawn. His former drinking buddies who were on good terms with him and fawned over him have scattered like birds and beasts. He can no longer return to the top circle in the capital. Even his former enemies can now easily deal with him."
Perhaps for Gu Yuan, this feeling of falling from grace was worse than death.
Zheng Chunyun calmly recounted Gu Yuan's ordeal, implying that even if she didn't intervene, someone else would take care of him.
She hated him, but she didn't want to dirty her hands and ruin her beautiful and peaceful life.
Zheng Chunyun's tone was slightly sarcastic, "The funniest thing is that he now argues with Qin Zhengzheng at home every day, completely unlike the loving and sweet couple they used to be. He even said, 'If I hadn't broken off the engagement, I would have married me instead.'"
Gu Yuan now drinks heavily all day long. When he's drunk, he complains and blames everyone, cursing this person and that person. He says that Zheng Chunyun was clearly his grandfather's betrothed, but he was bewitched by Qin Zhengzheng and became a treacherous villain, ending up in this state. He blames her for taking advantage of his kindness and for seducing him.
Even Yan Yi couldn't help but show a look of disgust and disdain.
Shen Lingyue was speechless. "He and Qin Zhengzheng are two of a kind, neither of them are good people. Who can be blamed? It would be better if they were locked up together for life."
"Qin Zhengzheng... is quite interesting." Zheng Chunyun's tone was subtle. "She complained to the maids I had put into the manor, saying that if she had known this would happen, she shouldn't have been greedy for wealth and followed Gu Yuan back to the capital. What's more, she also complained about her bad luck, saying that if the person she picked up back then was my husband, that would have been better."
Shen Lingyue aptly remarked, "These two are a perfect match; everyone's got their eyes on you two."
Seeing the two men standing up for her, Zheng Chunyun covered her mouth and chuckled, waving her hand and saying, "Alright, why bother with the nonsense of these people? Even if we do nothing, they'll make their lives worse on their own."
The saying "When poverty knocks at the door, love flies out the window" has survived for good reason.
They continued walking and talking, when suddenly they saw a small courtyard ahead with wisps of smoke rising from it. It looked like the kitchen of the Prince Heng's mansion, but it was surrounded by layers of guards, as if they were watching over something.
Shen Lingyue stepped forward curiously to inquire, "Are there any valuables inside?"
The head guard replied matter-of-factly, "No, it's just a storeroom for storing alcohol. The princess is worried that someone might drug the drinks, so she specifically ordered us to guard it closely and not allow any outsiders to approach."
Shen Lingyue: ...
No, who are you guarding against?
She returned sheepishly, meeting Yan Yi's slightly teasing gaze. She cleared her throat and tried to save face: "Princess Heng is so thoughtful, now I don't have to worry about eating poisonous mushrooms."
*
"I've already deployed heavy guards to the kitchen and wine cellar; this time, everything will be absolutely foolproof."
Princess Heng ultimately couldn't resist her daughter's wishes and tacitly approved of her "pursuit" of Qi Xiuyuan.
Others may not know, but does the person involved, the Princess of Rongcheng, not know? The last blind date banquet was not about mushroom poisoning at all.
Who knows which damned bastard could have drugged someone so badly and ended up ruining all the drinks!
But this time it's different. This banquet is being held in the family's own palace, and all the people they can appoint are their own people.
Princess Rongcheng was full of confidence. She was sure she could successfully drug Qi Xiuyuan and then have her mother bring people to catch him red-handed. She didn't believe he would dare not marry her.
She instructed the maid, "This wine pot has been marked on the bottom. Make sure it's delivered to Qi Xiuyuan in a moment. If you make a mistake, I'll skin you alive, you hear me!"
The maidservant turned pale with fright and repeatedly agreed.
After arranging everything, the county magistrate of Rongcheng happily went out to find Qi Xiuyuan.
As a result, from a distance, they saw Qi Xiuyuan talking face to face with a woman. Upon closer inspection, they realized that the person was actually her aunt, Princess Lekang.
Princess Rongcheng stormed forward, shoved Princess Lekang hard, and screamed, "Who gave you permission to speak to him!"
Princess Lekang was caught off guard and was suddenly pushed to the ground. Her clothes got dirty, and her palms were cut by the pebbles on the ground, causing a burning pain.
Princess Rongcheng dared to lay a hand on her in front of so many outsiders, showing no respect for her, a princess and her aunt's elder.
Princess Lekang was filled with hatred, but when she raised her head, she appeared timid and innocent. "No, you misunderstood. I accidentally lost an earring and was just asking Editor Qi if he had seen it..."
"That's all an excuse. What's so great about a broken earring? You're clearly after him and deliberately seducing him!"
The county magistrate of Rongcheng glared at her fiercely from his high position.
Qi Xiuyuan couldn't stand it anymore and stepped forward to mediate: "Princess, Princess Lekang is your elder, how could you speak to her like that and even push her down?"
He then walked past her and helped Princess Lekang up, asking, "Princess, are you alright?"
Princess Lekang stumbled as she stood up, seemingly having twisted her ankle. She frowned, but shook her head at him, saying she was fine.
"Qi Xiuyuan, let her go!" Princess Rongcheng was burning with jealousy. "Take your hand away! I won't allow you to touch another woman!"
Qi Xiuyuan's face was tense, and his voice was cold and deep: "May I ask what status the county magistrate has to order me around? My hands are my own; can't I help whomever I want?"
"Stop arguing, it's all my fault. I lost my balance and fell down."
Princess Lekang endured the pain and took a few steps to the side, distancing herself from Qi Xiuyuan. Biting her lip, she said to Princess Rongcheng, "Qi Xiuyuan and I really have nothing going on. Don't misunderstand."
Princess Rongcheng watched her limping figure as she left, her gaze filled with malice.
How dare they covet the man she's set her sights on... then don't blame her for taking drastic measures.
It's just wine with added ingredients; we can just prepare another pot.
Princess Rongcheng gave Qi Xiuyuan one last look, her eyes filled with determination, and walked away arrogantly, humming a little tune.
Qi Xiuyuan felt a chill run down his spine from her gaze, and a cold sweat broke out on his back.
Princess Lekang just came to see him, warning him to be careful, as the Princess of Rongcheng plans to drug him and force him into marriage. If you don't believe me, the two of you can put on a show.
Sure enough, Qi Xiuyuan's simple concern for Princess Lekang ignited the jealousy of the Princess of Rongcheng.
Qi Xiuyuan covered his face in despair.
What did the Princess of Rongcheng see in him? Can't he just change?
Why are they focusing on him when there are so many talented young people in the capital?
Qi Xiuyuan touched the bulging water pouch at his waist and made up his mind that even if he died of thirst and hunger today, he would never leave his seat.
*
Since it was a banquet with flowing wine cups on a winding stream, it was naturally to be held by the mountain spring water brought from the Prince Heng's residence.
Exquisite dishes and drinks floated slowly down from upstream, available for guests to take as they pleased. Some of the snacks contained fortune slips, and the guests who drew the slips could either recite poems, perform talents, or punish themselves by drinking three cups.
For a time, the atmosphere was lively with toasts and laughter.
Shen Lingyue and her friends found a safe spot to eat, drink, and watch the show. The unmarried men and women put in their best efforts to show off, with the top scholar Jiang Ping being the most outstanding. He composed a palindrome poem in just seven steps, displaying remarkable literary talent.
While clapping and cheering, Shen Lingyue sighed to Yan Yi, "It's a pity he lost because of that face."
Didn't you see that the most distinguished young ladies sitting in front were all cold and distant, even using round fans to cover their faces and avoid his gaze?
Soon, the pastries with fortune slips floated to Qi Xiuyuan's feet.
He didn't want to eat, and he certainly didn't want to punish himself with three cups of wine, so he got up and played a tune on the xiao (vertical bamboo flute).
The music was melancholic, like weeping and lamenting, sorrowful and lingering, with its lingering notes never ceasing.
"Wow!" Shen Lingyue admired the handsome man playing the flute with delight. This was truly a display of talent, a feast for the eyes!
Those young ladies who had been so dismissive of Jiang Ping just moments before were now looking at him with bright, admiring eyes.
Then they were all glared back at by the Princess of Rongcheng.
Jiang Ping sat there seemingly calmly, but his jealousy and resentment were about to overflow.
These shallow women...
The guy surnamed Qi only ranked tenth in the second class, while he was the top scholar, the top scholar!
After passing the imperial examination with flying colors, Jiang Ping did dream of marrying a noblewoman and reaching the pinnacle of life.
But he waited and waited, until all the second-class graduates were chosen by the court officials to marry their sons-in-law, while he, the top scholar, remained untouched.
—Actually, it wasn't that no one valued him, but Jiang Ping thought their family backgrounds were too poor and couldn't provide him with more help in his career.
He was the top scholar in the imperial examination; he could marry even a princess. Why would he be interested in the daughters of minor officials?
Speaking of which, there is indeed a princess among the women present today.
Jiang Ping's gaze fell on Princess Lekang, who was sitting in the corner with her head down and shoulders hunched, seemingly having no presence at all, and he couldn't help but curl his lip.
I heard that she was Prince Heng's younger sister, born of the same mother, but she was not favored from a young age and was a nobody in the palace.
Such a useless princess would be of no use to him. She is timid and cowardly, not at all like a princess of noble birth, and is not worthy of him at all.
Princess Rongcheng, the daughter of Prince Heng, was radiant and dazzling...
Recently, there has been a strong call in the court to support Prince Heng. If Prince Heng is made crown prince, then if he marries Princess Rongcheng, wouldn't he be the future imperial son-in-law?
However, it is said that Princess Rongcheng is deeply in love with Qi Xiuyuan and has persisted despite being rejected several times.
It's Qi Xiuyuan again.
Jiang Ping glared at him resentfully, then angrily took a big gulp of wine in her throat.
Qi Xiuyuan sensed Jiang Ping's hostility, which was somewhat inexplicable.
They both worked at the Hanlin Academy, but he had no contact with Jiang Ping. Instead, he hit it off immediately with Jiang Yunlin and they got along very well.
"Brother Jiang, I'm going to change my clothes. Could you keep an eye on things for me?"
Qi Xiuyuan suddenly felt a slight bloating in his lower abdomen. He handed the water bag to Jiang Yunlin, got up somewhat awkwardly, and before leaving, he reminded him, "Don't wander off or get separated from others."
Jiang Yunlin readily agreed, holding the water bag tightly, not daring to relax for a moment.
Little did they know that no sooner had Qi Xiuyuan left than the Princess of Rongcheng noticed him. With a quick glance, she immediately sent her maid to follow him.
At the same time, Jiang Ping also quietly left his seat and went to the changing room one after the other with Qi Xiuyuan.
...
"Alas, the Princess of Rongcheng is missing, and Qi Xiuyuan is also missing."
Shen Lingyue was engrossed in watching their performance when she turned around and realized that the two "key figures" were not there, and she immediately became nervous.
She nudged Yan Yi, "Do you think you haven't finished having that dream you had last time?"
What if the Princess of Rongcheng tries to administer the drug again after the first attempt fails?
Yan Yi glanced across the street and her expression changed slightly. "Really? Is she that persistent?"
"Anyway, if I were her, I would do the same," Shen Lingyue said confidently. "This time, the timing, location, and people are all on Princess Rongcheng's side. How could she miss such a good opportunity?"
The two were whispering to each other about whether they should go out and look for someone.
Princess Heng suddenly tapped her cup and raised her voice slightly: "It's almost time. I've arranged a song and dance performance on the other side of the garden. Would you all like to come with me to enjoy it?"
Naturally, everyone followed the host's lead and got up with Princess Heng, walking in a grand procession to the other side.
"Oh no, this means Princess Heng has received a signal from her daughter and is going to take us to be witnesses."
Shen Lingyue nervously grabbed Yan Yi's arm, "Could she have really succeeded in her scheme?"
Yan Yi looked behind her with a strange expression, "Look, isn't that Qi Xiuyuan?"
"Um?"
Shen Lingyue quickly turned her head to look and saw Qi Xiuyuan running over in a panic from the flower garden in the distance. He met up with Jiang Yunlin, who was walking at the back of the crowd. The two whispered something to each other and then breathed a sigh of relief.
"Qi Xiuyuan didn't fall for it?" Shen Lingyue was confused. "Could it be that Princess Rongcheng has fallen for someone else and this time it's someone else?"
...
"Brother Jiang, you have no idea how dangerous it was just now. I almost got hit."
Qi Xiuyuan was still shaken, patting his chest repeatedly. "Thanks to Princess Lekang's timely reminder, otherwise I would already be..." His innocence was in jeopardy.
He had been very careful not to touch the drinks or food at the banquet, but someone still managed to sneak up on him while he was changing clothes, trying to knock him unconscious and take him away!
"Fortunately, Brother Jiang also came to change his clothes, which helped me escape from the clutches of evil in time."
Qi Xiuyuan sighed, "He usually ignores me, I never expected him to have such a chivalrous heart."
...
Princess Heng, following her daughter's plan, was on her way to see the show with the entourage when she "accidentally" passed by a side room and heard screams coming from inside.
"I think I heard a sound. Could it be a thief who broke in?"
Princess Heng pushed open the door and entered, then screamed, "What are you doing? Let go of my daughter!"
Shen Lingyue leaped over the crowd and rushed to the front line of the gossip.
When she saw the scene inside the room, she was completely shocked.
The Princess of Rongcheng was disheveled, her face flushed, and she was being held tightly by a man, unable to move.
The person who embraced her was none other than Jiang Ping, the top scholar who had been ignored at the banquet.
Princess Rongcheng was nearly driven mad; this was completely different from her plan!
She was plotting against Qi Xiuyuan, so how did she end up with this ugly, one-eyed scholar?
"Mother, save me! He took liberties with me!"
Princess Rongcheng cried out to Princess Heng for help.
Jiang Ping didn't let go; instead, he hugged her even tighter. "Princess, you were the one who had long admired me, sending me letters and wine, and arranging a secret meeting here. Why are you denying it now?"
"No, who would want to date an ugly monster like you? You should look in the mirror and see if you're even good enough for me!"
The county magistrate of Rongcheng, unable to bear it any longer, kicked Jiang Ping hard in his most vulnerable spot.
Jiang Ping crouched on the ground in pain, his face contorted.
Princess Rongcheng threw herself into Princess Heng's arms, crying, and quickly re-tied her torn clothes. She then pointed at the group of dumbfounded onlookers behind Princess Heng and threatened, "What are you looking at? If you look again, I'll gouge your eyes out!"
"Rongcheng, what nonsense are you spouting now?"
Another group of people arrived outside, led by Prince Heng.
The county magistrate of Rongcheng stepped forward, pointing at Jiang Ping, "Father, this scoundrel has made a lewd advance on me! You must go to the palace immediately and report to the Emperor, have him stripped of his title of top scholar, and have his head chopped off!"
No, beheading alone is not enough to vent our anger; the entire family should be executed!
The county magistrate of Rongcheng wished he could tear Jiang Ping to pieces to vent his anger.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Jiang Ping is clearly the husband chosen for you by your father. How can you say he's being disrespectful?"
Upon hearing Prince Heng's words, Princess Rongcheng was completely dumbfounded. "What husband?"
Prince Heng ignored his daughter and turned to the group of officials behind him, smiling as he said, "Jiang Ping is the top scholar of this year's imperial examination, personally selected by my father. I have always admired his talent and have long intended to marry Rongcheng to him. Your presence today is just in time, so please be my witnesses. I will go to the palace later to inform my father and ask him to grant the marriage."
"Congratulations to Prince Heng on finding a good son-in-law."
"His Highness Prince Heng has a discerning eye for talent; this is a blessing for the nation of Da Ye."
"Scholar Jiang and the county princess are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven..."
Standing in the bright sunlight, the Princess of Rongcheng felt dizzy.
What are they saying?
Did they even hear what she said? She said she wouldn't get married!
"Father—"
Princess Rongcheng tried to act coquettishly towards Prince Heng as she used to, but as soon as she started, Prince Heng gave her a cold look, his eyes full of threat.
The county magistrate of Rongcheng shuddered, his mind went blank, and he forgot what he was going to say.
She turned around and walked back, looking lost and dejected.
As I reached the doorway, I was confronted by Jiang Ping's ugly face, a face etched with calculation.
Suddenly, the Princess of Rongcheng screamed and rushed forward, grabbing his neck, "I'm going to kill you!"
Princess Heng was startled. "What's going on? Quick, someone, pull them apart!"
Prince Heng's guards rushed in and pulled the two apart, while Princess Rongcheng continued to kick and thrash Jiang Ping.
Prince Heng walked over with a sullen face and slapped Rongcheng across the face.
"It's all my fault for spoiling you too much. How could you hit and scold your husband like that?"
Turning to Jiang Ping, she asked with concern, "Are you hurt anywhere? I've spoiled Rongcheng, you'll have to be more tolerant of him in the future..."
Jiang Ping coughed violently. The county magistrate of Rongcheng had really gone all out just now, and he almost lost his life.
But upon hearing Heng Wang's words, he knew he had made the right bet.
He and Princess Rongcheng embraced each other in public, their clothes disheveled. Even for the sake of his reputation, Prince Heng would surely marry his daughter to him.
Jiang Ping composed himself and gave Prince Heng a harmless smile.
"Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will definitely treat the County Princess well in the future, and respect and love her."
-----------------------
Author's Note: I originally wanted to pay off my debts, but today I'm hit with a full stack of debuffs: inflamed and swollen face + diarrhea from taking anti-inflammatory medication + my period [crying][crying]
I'll take a short rest for a day, and I will definitely pay back what I owe you!
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