Chapter 89 "You're the one who sticks your neck out; you're a woman living in this world too." ...
"I heard that after the curfew last night, Lord Ji escorted the prisoners into Chang'an. The governor of Shangzhou should now be imprisoned in the Guard Bureau and being closely guarded and interrogated. With the Guard Bureau's swift and decisive measures, I believe everything will be settled soon."
Just past the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), the battle between night and day was clearly decided, the situation gradually settled, the gloomy deep blue completely faded, the sky turned a pale white, and a red sun, hidden behind the green mountains, was about to emerge. The majestic city towers were already tinged with the orange glow of the sunset.
The golden bells under the eaves were shaken by the long wind, and the rosy clouds flowed down along the green bricks and white tiles. On the green branches that peeked in through the window, there were crystal dewdrops, which bent the green leaves and were about to fall.
A gentle morning breeze wafted in through the open window, bringing a pleasant and refreshing coolness. Jingnu knelt down to fasten the last button for Xue Rongyue, then helped her towards the dressing table: "Her Majesty the Empress is indeed blessed. Two heavy rains fell in Chang'an, but the rain stopped just in time for Her Majesty's birthday banquet today."
After a pause, Jingnu lowered her voice and said, "I heard that among the prisoners being escorted to the capital is a man surnamed Gao, who was brought from Liangzhou."
Xue Rongyue's brow twitched slightly, and her drowsy expression immediately disappeared: "Is it confirmed?"
The sandalwood comb slowly passed through Xue Rongyue's dark and lustrous hair. Jingnu replied in a low voice, "I asked around and found out that it is indeed Gao Hongxi, the judicial officer of Liangzhou, as identified in Lin Lao Er's confession."
She couldn't help but feel relieved: "Luckily we didn't interfere rashly, otherwise we would not only have made things worse, but we might have also gotten ourselves into trouble. Now that this person has been imprisoned in the Guard Bureau's dungeon, he will definitely be severely punished, if not killed."
Xue Rongyue breathed a sigh of relief: "With my brother here, we will definitely be able to find out who is behind this, and I can finally feel a little more at ease."
“Exactly.” Jingnu skillfully styled Xue Rongyue’s smooth black hair into a delicate yet dignified Jinghu bun. “What my lady should be most concerned about right now is how to dress up brightly and beautifully, so that those petty people who kick her when she’s down and spread rumors can see it at the Thousand Autumns Banquet.”
Xue Rongyue sneered, her slender white fingers tracing rows of exquisite and expensive hairpins and ornaments. Finally, she picked up the most gorgeous one and handed it to Jingnu: "During the time I was away from Chang'an, these rabble found an opportunity to ridicule me and got a taste of the sweetness. Today, there must be many people who want to see me make a fool of myself. I will not let them have their way."
Having served Xue Rongyue for so many years, Jingnu naturally knew her temperament very well. Especially at times like these, the lady would never show the slightest sign of weakness. She would be like a brightly colored peacock, walking proudly and noblely through the many gazes with different expressions, without the slightest fear.
Xue Rongyue's appearance was already exceptionally beautiful, like a beauty meticulously drawn by a skilled painter who worked day and night, with every stroke perfectly rendered. After makeup and embellishment with exquisite jewelry, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
After dressing up, when she arrived at the gate of the Princess's residence, Princess Yu'an, who was walking over, was relieved to see her attire. She no longer needed to say the words of comfort she had been trying to say on the way there. She gently nodded and smiled, "Get in the carriage."
Today was indeed a grand banquet in the palace. Princess Yu'an and Xue Rongyue traveled to the palace in separate carriages. The carriages stopped at the palace gate. Princess Yu'an went to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay her respects in a sedan chair, while Xue Rongyue, not being summoned by the Empress Dowager, was led to the Imperial Garden by palace servants.
Although it is summer, the flowers carefully cultivated by the palace artisans are still numerous and as plentiful as those in spring. The flowers are in full bloom, vying for attention, dazzling the eyes, and attracting many noble ladies and gentlemen to stop and admire them.
Xue Rongyue's guess was correct. As soon as she stepped into the Imperial Garden under the guidance of the palace servants, the once cheerful and lively garden suddenly fell silent. Gazes were cast from all directions, some mocking, some disdainful, some amazed, some curious, some admiring, some regretful... all landing directly on Xue Rongyue.
Xue Rongyue didn't even pause for a moment. She raised her chin slightly, walked straight through the crowd without looking to the side, and deliberately sat down in a pavilion in the middle of the crowd. Her slender fingers tapped the white jade tabletop casually, and she rested her chin on one hand, waiting leisurely for the first bird to stick its head out.
Sure enough, soon some people couldn't hold back any longer.
Not far below the pavilion, a simply dressed noblewoman held a pinkish-purple hydrangea in her hands, admiring it. Her soft sneer, neither too loud nor too soft, reached Xue Rongyue's ears: "...She actually has the nerve to show off like that. She really has no shame."
Xue Rongyue raised her eyebrows slightly and looked over, only to find that it was someone she had crossed paths with before.
That's good, it'll save her from waiting around bored.
Xue Rongyue stood up and walked over at a leisurely pace.
Many eyes followed her, knowing that something interesting was about to happen.
It was at this moment that Liu San Niang sensed something was wrong, especially when she heard the approaching footsteps behind her. Her disdainful expression froze, and regret immediately welled up in her heart. However, she could not show any fear in the face of several pairs of eyes looking at her.
"Third Sister Liu?" Xue Rongyue's smiling voice stopped beside her.
Liu San Niang turned around, her face tense, her eyes lowered but her head not. After performing the curtsy, she coldly said, "Greetings, County Princess."
Xue Rongyue smiled slightly: "So it really is you. If I hadn't recognized the hairpin in your hair that I gave you, I really wouldn't have recognized you. You look so much more haggard."
Liu San Niang's face immediately turned bright red.
She and Liu Ruyu were siblings. When their families were about to arrange their marriage, she often went around asking Xue Rongyue for jewelry and ornaments. Xue Rongyue was never stingy when it came to material things. As long as she flattered her and made her happy, she could get whatever she wanted.
Since Liu Ruyu was imprisoned, the Liu family has fallen into decline and split up as a result. As the culprit, the eldest branch of the family received the least and suffered the most ridicule.
In order to make ends meet, her family was already living beyond their means. Today, she came to the banquet without any fashionable jewelry to show off, and could only use the ones she had asked Xue Rongyue for to make an appearance.
Liu San Niang's gaze unconsciously swept to the exquisite ruby headdress adorning Xue Rongyue's hair. She bit her lower lip in grievance, feeling both ashamed and envious. Why was Xue Rongyue so lucky?
She said bitterly, "My family's current state of decline is all thanks to you. Are you pleased with yourself, Madam Xue?"
Xue Rongyue laughed: "Thanks to me? Did I force Liu Ruyu to gouge out people's eyes and commit evil deeds? Or did I force Liu Ruyu to cheat and plagiarize?"
"I thought that Madam Liu was also educated and could distinguish right from wrong. I thought that Liu Ruyu's bad character was due to his own cruel and immoral nature. But today I can't help but admire the Liu family's family tradition. It turns out that everything has a reason."
"The Liu family truly produces many talented individuals."
Xue Rongyue emphasized the phrase "a great number of talented people" with great emphasis, making no attempt to hide the sarcasm in her words.
Hearing Xue Rongyue bluntly expose her shortcomings, Liu San Niang's face flushed red and then turned pale, and feeling the gazes sweeping over her, her eyes also reddened.
"Madam Xue is really being aggressive. Even if my brother has a hundred faults, he was still engaged to you. Your actions of kicking him when he's down are truly chilling!"
"Lady Liu's words are truly righteous and eloquent." Xue Rongyue's fingertips casually traced the hairpin tucked into her hair. "She looks so pitiful that I almost forgot that you were the one who provoked me first."
"you!"
Liu San Niang glared angrily, about to retort, but then seemed to remember something and suddenly sneered twice: "Madam Xue's words are quite puzzling. When have I ever provoked you? Aren't I just telling the truth?"
"Then I would very much like to hear the details. Why does Madam Liu think I am ashamed to go out and see people?"
Seeing that Xue Rongyue remained unmoved and fearless, Liu Sanniang felt a surge of anger. She mustered her courage and bluntly stated, "The news that you bribed villains to murder the Xue family's adopted daughter has spread throughout Chang'an. What excuse do you have? Such a vicious heart is simply unworthy of being associated with! Fortunately, our Liu family's marriage to you has not yet come to fruition!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Rongyue immediately covered her mouth and laughed. Even Jingnu behind her couldn't help but curl her lips and look at Liu Sanniang with a mocking expression.
Liu San Niang was so uncomfortable with the laughter that she snapped, "What are you laughing at?"
Xue Rongyue's smile remained unchanged. She lifted her eyelids and said sarcastically, "Laughing at your stupidity."
Liu San Niang's eyes widened even more, her face burning with pain. Before she could speak, Xue Rongyue took another step forward, her tall figure exuding an oppressive aura. Under Xue Rongyue's ambiguous gaze, Liu San Niang felt a chill run down her spine and took another step back.
"I laugh at your stupidity without realizing it, believing everything you hear, and being a scapegoat without even knowing it," Xue Rongyue sneered. "You yourself said that this matter has become common knowledge throughout Chang'an, and there are more people who dislike me than flowers in spring. Why is it that only a nobody like you has come to me to show off?"
Xue Rongyue said slowly and deliberately, “Because they all know that this matter is completely fabricated. They just want to take the opportunity to smear me and make fun of me in private. But if they really make a fuss about it in front of me, they will become the fools who have been fooled.”
"Only you are so eager to show off your stupidity." Xue Rongyue looked down at Liu Sanniang, her eyes filled with a blatant pity for a fool. "Look, do you even have anyone behind you now?"
With her hands clenched into fists, Liu San Niang trembled all over. Upon hearing this, she instinctively stiffened her neck and twisted it backward.
The ladies and gentlemen who had just been cursing and scorning Xue Rongyue with her had already blended into the crowd, now burying their heads and trying their best to avoid her gaze, wishing they could immediately sever ties with her.
As her fingertips dug into her palm, Liu San Niang understood everything, and her trembling body swayed even more precariously.
"This matter has caused a great uproar in the city. His Majesty has ordered a thorough investigation. If I were truly involved in the slightest way, the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the Imperial Guard would have already sent people to arrest and interrogate me. How could I still be able to live freely until now?"
Xue Rongyue raised her eyebrows: "Or does Lady Liu think His Majesty is protecting me? Or is it that the Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the Imperial Guard are disobeying the imperial decree and protecting me?"
Xue Rongyue dared to say these words, but Liu San Niang dared not listen. Not only her, but also the other wives, ladies, and gentlemen of the Liu family, who had been indifferent to the matter, all changed their expressions.
Liu San Niang was so frightened that she fell backward, staggering and grabbing onto a stone pillar to steady herself. No matter what she thought in her heart, if she dared to answer those words today, she would probably not live to see the end.
After realizing what was happening, Liu Sanniang quickly shook her head and said urgently, "Stop making baseless accusations! I had no such intention!"
"But you, who are so unforgiving and unwilling to suffer even the slightest loss, if you were truly wronged, why haven't you said a word in your defense all this time? That's why... that's why I made this guess."
Why bother to defend yourself?
Xue Rongyue raised her eyebrows slightly, looking at her with a smile, and said slowly, "If you had explained earlier, how would you have discovered that there are so many fools in Chang'an? Wouldn't that have meant missing out on a lot of fun? And you wouldn't have been able to see how outstanding your Liu family's traditions are?"
Being humiliated in front of everyone like this, Liu San Niang, who was not exactly thick-skinned to begin with, was now blushing and so flustered that she could hardly stay still.
The reason she said that was simply because she resented Xue Rongyue's actions towards her brother and the old grudge that had caused such a huge upheaval in the family. In addition, she was certain that Xue Rongyue was in the wrong, so even if she heard it, she didn't dare to argue with her and could only swallow her anger.
Who would have thought that Xue Rongyue would be so undignified, completely disregarding that this was the Empress's birthday banquet, and actually started arguing with her in the Imperial Garden.
Her frail body trembled even more violently. Liu San Niang felt utterly humiliated, yet she was speechless and stung by Xue Rongyue's words of "stupidity." Her isolated and helpless situation filled her with fear and embarrassment.
She could no longer bear the scornful stares around her, as if she were being slowly gnawed away by ants. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she covered her face with her hands, crying as she ran away.
Xue Rongyue did not reach out to stop her again, letting her brush past her, but she did not intend to let it go so easily. She raised her gaze and looked directly at the other members of the Liu family present.
Under this unseen gaze, the Liu family members felt even more uneasy, their faces showing obvious panic, a far cry from their earlier nonchalant and amused demeanor. They knew that if they didn't step forward and apologize in person, Xue Rongyue would definitely not let it go. They were all people who cared about their reputation and didn't want to be scolded by Xue Rongyue. How could they face each other in the future, or walk around in Chang'an City?
In the end, the eldest son of the second branch of the Liu family was the first to step forward.
He walked quickly to Xue Rongyue, bowed deeply to her, and said respectfully, "Princess Yong'an, my cousin has been outspoken and rude. It is because my Liu family has failed to discipline her properly. After the banquet today, I will definitely inform my elders and personally come to apologize. I hope that Princess Yong'an will consider that today is a grand banquet and that it is not easy to cause trouble, so please do not hold it against her for the time being."
"Is this the only excuse you Liu family members know?" Xue Rongyue sneered.
Liu Rubai's refined and gentle face froze.
Xue Rongyue looked him up and down: "Knowing that today is the Empress's birthday banquet, you didn't properly teach your wife and husband beforehand. Even if they don't understand right and wrong, they should at least remember the rules of the palace so as not to be ridiculed."
"You lot are all here. When Liu San Niang spoke rudely, you watched the show. When Liu San Niang argued with me, you pretended to be deaf and dumb. Now that you've lost all face, you're pretending to be reasonable and standing up. You can talk now, but where were you all before?"
Liu Rubai could no longer maintain his composure, and his face began to burn. He closed his eyes, a bad premonition creeping into his heart: Who says there's no true empathy in this world? He could now truly understand the despair and regret his cousin had just felt.
He finally understood that no matter who jumped out today, regardless of their status, age, or gender, as long as they dared to show their face in front of Madam Xue, they would be scolded until they lost all face.
He was filled with regret. If he had known this would happen, why did he step forward? The eldest son of the family who had been switched at birth and was now considered a member of the Liu family, Liu San Niang's nominal brother, hadn't even spoken up yet. What was he doing showing off?
Not only did they not get any credit, they also lost all face.
Xue Rongyue knew that if she continued to be aggressive, her already domineering reputation would be further damaged. However, she didn't care about such empty reputations. She preferred to be unforgiving and to kick someone when they were down.
How hypocritical are the Liu family?
Before the palace servants even announced it, she could hear with her own ears that both men and women in the Liu family were gossiping about her. Now she wants to stand up and pretend to be a virtuous gentleman? How ridiculous!
Her gaze was discerning as she circled around Liu Rubai, scrutinizing him from head to toe: "Young Master Liu, have you read the Four Books and Five Classics? Have you listened to the teachings of a master? Can you read?"
The Liu family prides itself on being a family of scholars. Liu Rubai began his studies at the age of three and started reciting poetry at the age of five. Although he has become more and more mediocre as he grows older and his reputation is not as good as that of Liu Ruyu in the past, he is still a person who has participated in the imperial examination. When Xue Rongyue asked him in such a sincere tone, his face turned red.
He gritted his teeth, feeling utterly humiliated, and said through gritted teeth, "Of course, I, Liu, have been studying and reading since childhood, and I have memorized the Four Books and Five Classics."
"In that case, does Young Master Liu know what a villain is?"
Such blunt words left Liu Rubai breathless and his body began to sway precariously.
But to his surprise, Xue Rongyue had even more impolite words waiting for him.
Seeing that Liu Rubai did not answer, Xue Rongyue did not care. Her cherry lips slowly curved up. Although she was smiling, it made Liu Rubai shiver and his bad premonition grew stronger.
Xue Rongyue did not disappoint him in the slightest: "I think Young Master Liu must not be good at studying, otherwise why would he follow in the footsteps of such a villain even though he knows what kind of behavior he is?"
Xue Rongyue's voice was full of mockery: "A grown man of eight feet tall, you only dare to gossip behind people's backs. You didn't dare to utter a single word to my face. In my opinion, you are not even as good as your cousin. At least she dares to speak and act, and I can praise her for being clear about her likes and dislikes. As for you, you really have no redeeming qualities at all."
Seeing the palace maids beside the Empress Dowager walking towards her, Xue Rongyue stepped forward to greet them.
Even though she had left, she didn't stop talking. She kept talking as she walked, her voice always clear enough for Liu Rubai to hear: "Speaking of which, Young Master Liu is the eldest son of the second branch of the Liu family, yet his character is so flawed. It's clear that your Liu family's family values are corrupt, otherwise how could everyone be so despicable?"
Liu Rubai's face flushed red, then turned white, then purple, and finally flushed again. His blood surged, and he felt a persistent metallic taste in his throat. His vision blurred, and he nearly collapsed to the ground amidst the exclamations of the servant behind him.
At this moment, he was filled with the same thought: If only I had known... If only I had known!
The palace maid beside the Empress Dowager curtsied slightly to Xue Rongyue, as if she hadn't heard what Xue Rongyue said, nor noticed the deathly silent Imperial Garden behind her: "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager requests that Princess Yong'an come to Cining Palace for a talk."
With the imperial decree of marriage bestowed, regardless of the Xue family's circumstances, Xue Rongyue undoubtedly became a thorn in the side of the Empress Dowager's faction. Today, entering the palace, it was inevitable that the Empress Dowager would summon her. Xue Rongyue was not surprised. She smiled slightly, exchanged a few polite words, and then followed the palace servants to Cining Palace.
After Xue Rongyue's figure completely disappeared from sight, the Imperial Garden, which seemed frozen in place, was no better off.
Liu Rubai was pale and was helped by a servant to sit down in the pavilion. Many noble ladies and gentlemen looked at each other and couldn't help but sigh inwardly that it was fortunate that Madam Xue's sharp words were not directed at them, otherwise they would have been powerless to resist.
The gazes directed at the Liu family were complex, a mixture of disdain and pity, a blend of relief and trepidation.
Even long after Xue Rongyue left, no one dared to mention the name "Xue Rongyue" again, or even the character "Xue".
Following the palace servants to Cining Palace, on the way, they saw Liu San Niang running out crying. She stood with her back to Xue Rongyue, her body trembling, her shoulders slightly hunched, crying as she spoke to Princess Chang Le sitting in front of her.
Although Xue Rongyue couldn't hear the voice from a distance, she knew without a doubt that it wasn't anything good. Liu San Niang was most likely inciting the Princess of Chang Le to challenge her.
Jingnu had obviously thought of this as well. He pulled Xue Rongyue's sleeve and slowed down, deliberately avoiding the palace servants leading the way. He lowered his voice and whispered in Xue Rongyue's ear, "Madam, Princess Changle may cause trouble. We must be careful and take precautions."
Meeting the complex gaze of Princess Chang Le, who had bypassed Liu San Niang and was now looking directly at her, Xue Rongyue suddenly recalled a dream she had in the neighboring county. When everyone had turned against her and she was in dire straits, the only person who had offered her a helping hand was this Princess Chang Le, whom she had once despised...
To be honest, there was no deep-seated hatred or life-or-death feud between them. Their years of confrontation were nothing more than minor squabbles. Today I would take the cosmetics you wanted, and tomorrow I would take the clothes and jewelry you wanted in revenge.
Xue Rongyue smiled and curled her lips, then looked away and shook her head, saying, "No, don't worry."
Jingnu was taken aback and looked at Xue Rongyue in surprise, but after thinking about it carefully, she couldn't find any basis to refute it.
A slightly hot breeze ruffled the hairpin tucked in the young girl's hair. Princess Chang Le withdrew her gaze and looked again at Liu San Niang, who was crying in front of her. She asked in a low voice, "How do you want me to teach Xue Rongyue a lesson?"
If Liu San Niang had looked up, she would have noticed that Princess Chang Le's expression remained completely unmoved, and perhaps she would not have continued speaking. Unfortunately, at this moment, she was wiping away tears, single-mindedly wanting Princess Chang Le to help her regain face, and she didn't care about any of that.
Biting her lower lip, Liu Sanniang choked back tears and tentatively said, "If only Xue Rongyue could also lose face. Today is a grand banquet in the palace. If she embarrasses herself, let's see how arrogant she'll be then..."
Princess Chang Le laughed, but the smile didn't reach her eyes: "How about I send someone to tear her clothes, leaving her disheveled in the main hall?"
Liu Sanniang was overjoyed, but then heard Princess Chang Le continue, "Or perhaps we could drug her wine and have a man humiliate her, causing her to lose all her reputation?"
"Your Highness is so wise! Even ten of me couldn't compare to you..." Upon hearing this, Liu San Niang felt a surge of joy, her tears immediately stopped falling, and she raised her head with undisguised excitement, only to be met with the expressionless face of the Princess of Chang Le.
She finally realized something was wrong, her excitement froze, and under the cold gaze of the Princess of Chang Le, her lips trembled for a long time before she could only timidly squeeze out two words: "Princess..."
Princess Chang Le stood up, looked her up and down, then scoffed, "I underestimated you before. You're too modest. It's not that you're inferior to me; clearly, ten of me wouldn't be as ruthless as you. I originally thought..."
“Your brother has committed countless evil deeds, and although I despise him, I still thought you were innocent and never distanced myself from you because of it. But I never expected that you would do the same… You are really no better. It is clearly your Liu family’s fault, but you do not hate your wicked brother, nor do you hate your doting and biased parents, but you hate Xue Rongyue instead.”
"If we're talking about it, ever since the Xue and Liu families started discussing the engagement, even if she didn't like the elders of the Liu family, how could she have ever wronged you in any way? It's you who first fawned over her and flattered her, and then belittled and scorned me, being two-faced."
"I thought you were timid and worried that I would dislike you if you got close to Xue Rongyue, which is why you acted this way. Now it seems that it is simply your true nature. Liu San Niang, have you ever thought that besides being a member of the Liu family, you are also a woman living in this world?"
After saying this, Princess Chang Le could not hide her disappointment. She no longer looked at Liu San Niang's stiff expression, brushed past her shoulder and walked away: "Don't come looking for me again. You and I have never been on the same path."
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Author's note: Goodnight everyone, see you tomorrow! [Sprinkling flowers]
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