Chapter 91 Sweet Words "Didn't Your Highness notice that I'm acting unusually today..."
In Chang'an, where the sky was still dark and the lanterns hanging on the street corners were still lit, and the pavilions and towers were still shrouded in a hazy gray mist, the Cui residence was already bustling with activity.
The entire mansion was enveloped in a festive crimson hue, and the servants could not hide their joy. The breeze stirred up by their movements caused the large red silk flowers hanging under the eaves to flutter.
Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), familiar and close guests arrived one by one to offer their congratulations. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Cui Shi, they went to the bride's boudoir to add to her makeup. At three-quarters of Chen Shi (3:45 AM), as more and more guests arrived, the sound of gongs and drums resounded throughout Chang'an, drawing ever closer.
The groom, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, smiled broadly and looked dignified. He rode a tall horse ahead, followed by a wedding procession that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"As expected, the Xue family girl has not arrived."
"What is she doing here? She's just making herself a laughingstock."
"But no matter what, Madam Cui is her biological mother. How can she not even show her face on such a joyous occasion?"
"What's so special about that? I heard that after Madam Cui returned to Chang'an, she didn't even visit her once. It's as if she doesn't know Madam Cui at all. She's really heartless."
"It seems that Princess Yong'an no longer wants to acknowledge her birth mother."
Cui stopped abruptly, her made-up face unable to conceal the sudden pallor and helplessness she felt.
The old nanny who had served her since childhood quickly stepped forward, supported her frail body, and called out in a low, worried voice, "Madam."
Madam Cui closed her eyes, forcing back the sorrow surging in her heart. She straightened up, took a deep breath, and put on a smile again. She walked out of the corridor and calmly greeted the guests.
The Cui and Wang families were indeed prominent clans, and a great many guests came to offer their congratulations. The Cui family carefully watched the gate of the mansion, but the figure who was both expectant and apprehensive never appeared until the night fell, the banquet ended, and the guests left the mansion.
For a moment, Cui didn't know whether she should feel fortunate or not. A heavy feeling welled up in her heart, a mix of emotions that made even her smile seem forced.
When they returned to the courtyard after seeing off the guests, they found that one person was still there.
Madam Cui was taken aback, then stepped forward, nodded and smiled, "It is my daughter's good fortune that the young master has graced us with his presence at the banquet today."
Since there are still members of the Cui family serving as officials in the court, they are naturally aware of the trends in the court. Qin Jin's official appointment is just around the corner, and he will soon become a highly sought-after person. At this critical juncture, Qin Jin's willingness to attend the banquet is a great honor.
"You're too kind, Madam." Qin Jin bowed and performed a junior's greeting.
Looking at Qin Jin, who had grown into a tall and upright man, Cui couldn't help but think of her deceased son, and a trace of sadness appeared on her face: "If Huaijin were still here, he would probably be as tall as you."
Qin Jin did not intend to stir up Cui's sadness. Upon hearing this, he was at a loss for words and fell silent. Cui, however, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and smiled, "It's all over now."
Seeing that Qin Jin was still standing there, Cui asked with slight surprise, "Does the young master have something to say?"
Qin Jin said sincerely, "There is indeed something I would like to discuss with you, Madam. I wonder if you have the time?"
Cui guessed what was going on and led Qin Jin to the pavilion in the courtyard. After they sat down and were served tea, she dismissed the servants.
Recalling the imperial decree bestowing the marriage, Madam Cui sighed, "An imperial marriage is a joyous occasion, but although I am not in Chang'an, I have heard some rumors. While I do not know the reasons for the discord between the young master and Yue'er... and between the young master and Lady Xue, they share a childhood bond. I hope the young master will not resent her and will treat her well; she is not inherently bad, just somewhat spoiled..."
“Madam Cui.” Qin Jin lowered his head and smiled slightly, interrupting Madam Cui’s unfinished words, “The rumors are not credible. Over the years, my feelings for Lady Xue have never changed. I am deeply grateful for His Majesty’s bestowal of marriage upon me and Lady Xue, and I will certainly treat her well in the future. There is no exaggeration in this.”
Cui was slightly taken aback, then looked up at the dashing young man sitting opposite her. Her probing gaze fell on the smile that unconsciously appeared on his face when he mentioned Xue Rongyue. She suddenly felt relieved and slowly smiled: "...Yes, rumors are not to be believed. I am at ease now."
She opened her mouth, her face showing unease, but she still forced herself to say, "I shouldn't be saying this, but I think if I don't say it, no one else will."
Qin Jin said, "Please speak, Madam."
Picking up the steaming teacup, the rising steam spread before her eyes. Cui Shi ran her fingertips along the slightly warm cup, trying to smile but her expression became stiff: "In married life, there will always be friction and arguments, but husband and wife are one. We don't need to be overly affectionate, but we must trust each other to make it last."
"With the Crown Prince's words today, I am much more at ease. However... I still have some worries. If one day we reach a dead end and can no longer continue, I only hope that the Crown Prince will not mistreat or hurt her because of this."
Cui raised her eyes, tears welling up in them. She gripped her teacup tightly, her eyes fixed on Qin Jin, yearning for an answer: "Your Highness, just write to me, and I will come and take her away. I will never bother Your Highness again."
Upon hearing this, Qin Jin's brow twitched slightly. Seeing Cui's helpless expression with tears in her eyes, he stood up, bowed to Cui again, and solemnly said, "This junior swears to the gods and Buddhas that there will never be such a day, and I will never mistreat or harm Lady Xue. Otherwise, may I be struck by lightning and punished by both gods and men."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "If things really come to a point where it's impossible to continue, I will amicably divorce Madam Xue and write a letter to you, my wife."
Qin Jin's first words were a promise, and his second words were meant to soothe the anxious and bewildered heart of a mother who was like a frightened bird.
Tears streamed down her face instantly. Madam Cui quickly lowered her head and wiped them away with her handkerchief. Qin Jin lowered his eyes and turned slightly to the side. When Madam Cui stopped crying and saw that he was still bowing, she immediately smiled and said, "You silly child, sit down quickly. It's been a long time since we last met."
Qin Jin sat down, just then a servant came to report that several more families from farther away had sent their gifts. Cui picked up the gift list and looked at it one by one, feeling somewhat disappointed—Xue Rongyue was still nowhere to be seen.
Qin Jin saw through her thoughts and didn't beat around the bush any longer: "Madam Xue is not here today. What do you think is the reason?"
Madam Cui gave a bitter laugh, handed the gift list to a servant, waved her hand, and after the servant had walked away, she sighed, "She's probably blaming me for abandoning her back then..."
Qin Jin shook his head upon hearing this: "This junior dares to speak frankly, but if Madam thinks this way, then she has misunderstood Madam Xue."
Cui was taken aback.
Qin Jin said, "If Madam Xue really harbors resentment about what happened back then, she will definitely come today. Not only will she come, but she will also come in a grand and arrogant manner."
Cui Shi clearly took it to heart, and unconsciously gripped the handkerchief in her hand even tighter.
Qin Jin continued, "It is precisely because she never held a grudge against Madam for what happened back then that she did not come to offer her congratulations today. Although a long time has passed, if Madam Xue were to come today, the banquet would surely be filled with discussions about what happened back then. Madam Xue does not want to disrupt the banquet because of her."
"I think Madam Xue must have already sent the congratulatory gift. Madam, you might want to check if there are any items in the congratulatory gift sent by Princess Yu'an that are not on the gift list."
The tears she had just stopped flowing surged again, and Cui sobbed uncontrollably, "I thought she resented me. Back then, she was so little, chasing after the carriage. My heart was breaking, but I never dared to ask the driver to stop, or even look back. I was... I was afraid, afraid that once we stopped, I wouldn't be able to bear to leave again. I was wrong..."
Qin Jin lowered his eyes and took out a slightly worn cloth doll.
It is evident that this doll has been carefully preserved, with not even a single thread broken. However, there are some mud stains on the back of the doll, indicating that it has been carefully cleaned. But some of these stains cannot be easily removed by washing.
Qin Jin handed the doll to Madam Cui: "Regarding what happened back then, we each had our own difficulties, and there is no right or wrong. I am taking the liberty of staying here today to talk with you, Madam, firstly because I don't want you to misunderstand Madam Xue, and secondly because of this doll."
Cui had clearly recognized the doll. Her fingertips trembled and her throat tightened: "This is...this is the doll I sewed for Xiaoyue back then."
Moreover, the one in front of us represents her from the family of four back then.
"That's right," Qin Jin said. "Back then, Madam Xue chased after the carriage not to stop you, but to give you this doll as a keepsake."
With trembling fingertips touching the embroidered hairpin on the doll, Cui covered her mouth, trying to suppress her sobs, but her shoulders kept shaking.
She closed her eyes in anguish, as if she were seeing that scene from years ago again—
The rain was pouring down. The frail child clutched something tightly in her hand and stubbornly chased after the carriage. The rain almost submerged her figure. She ran and called out to her mother, seemingly tireless. She fell and got up again, continuing to chase after the carriage.
She glanced at her and felt a pang of heartache that made her want to faint. She wanted to tell the driver to stop, but she was afraid and timid. She was afraid that if she stopped the carriage, her daughter would beg her to stay, and she was afraid to face her daughter's innocent and pitiful eyes.
So she could only tell the driver to go faster so that she could shake off the child who was chasing after her.
Perhaps sensing her intention, this time, the frail figure fell into the mud and never got up again.
"I did not mean to upset you, Madam, but I have a favor to ask you."
Lost in her memories, Cui gripped the doll tightly with her pale fingertips. She seemed to hear the urgent, childish cries of "Mother" echoing in her ears again, and for a moment she couldn't hear what Qin Jin was saying until he repeated it again.
"...Help?" Cui raised her eyes in a daze, overwhelmed by a heart-wrenching pain. After a moment of slow reaction, she asked, "I wonder what kind of help the young master needs?"
Qin Jin said, "I would like to ask you, Madam, to return this doll to Lady Xue in your name."
***
The next morning, the copper bell hanging high under the eaves was gently struck by the long wind, the morning mist gradually faded, and the crystal dew lingered on the branches, only to be shaken off by the birds that lingered there.
He then landed beside Guang Sheng's hurried footsteps, panting as he entered to announce, "My lord, Lady Xue has arrived."
As soon as he finished speaking, footsteps approached from afar in the corridor.
Qin Jin looked up and saw Xue Rongyue at the end of the corridor. She wore a light green embroidered butterfly and beaded blouse and a peach-pink cloud-like skirt. Although she was not wearing any makeup, her delicate eyebrows and eyes were more beautiful and charming than the summer flowers blooming on both sides of the corridor.
She ran over, lifting her skirt, and the long wind scattered summer flowers onto her high-combed hair. Xue Rongyue's fair and delicate forehead was covered with a fine layer of sweat, but she couldn't hide the smile on her face.
Qin Jin leaned against the door frame, quietly watching her figure get closer and closer. Seeing the smile on her lips, he unconsciously smiled back.
Even before Xue Rongyue arrived, there was her faint fragrance.
Xue Rongyue ran so fast that her bangs were a little messy. She didn't have time to fix them. Her round almond eyes curved up as she looked at Qin Jin with a smile. Then, afraid that it would be too obvious, she turned to look at the breakfast laid out in the room and cleared her throat: "Has the young master not had breakfast yet?"
Qin Jin stepped back to let her in, taking in her pretentious act. A hint of a smile appeared in his deep eyes. He said in a casual tone, "I think Madam Xue must not have had breakfast either."
"Who said that?"
Xue Rongyue didn't want to admit it, but her gaze fell on the plates of pastries she loved on the table.
Qin Jin didn't expose her anymore, but instead went along with her: "Then, would Madam Xue be willing to go through the trouble of having another breakfast with me?"
Xue Rongyue's lips curled up even higher, and she sat down mercifully: "Since the young master has said so, then very well."
Qin Jin lowered his head and chuckled.
Guang Sheng, with great tact, presented the bowls and chopsticks, then dismissed the servants from the room, while he personally stood guard under the eaves.
Xue Rongyue had clearly not eaten breakfast. She ate a few pieces of cake and a bowl of sweet porridge, then put down her chopsticks and looked at Qin Jin with bright eyes, pretending to be mysterious, "Hasn't Your Highness noticed that I look unusually different today?"
"What's different?"
Qin Jin feigned ignorance, raising his eyebrows slightly as he made a wild guess: "Even more beautiful?"
"No, that's not true!" Xue Rongyue frowned, paused, and then corrected, "Well, you could say that, I get prettier every day."
She then commanded, "Guess again."
Qin Jin's gaze swept over her dark, cloud-like hair, and he casually remarked, "Got a pair of new hairpins?"
“It’s true that it’s a new hairpin, but… it’s not this one!” Xue Rongyue glared at him and snorted heavily. “Fine, fine, I won’t let you guess anymore.”
She slightly raised her chin, deliberately curving her lips into a smile, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Hasn't Your Highness noticed how unusually happy I am today?"
Qin Jin honestly replied, "I've discovered it."
"Aren't you going to ask me why I'm happy?"
Qin Jin calmly replied, "If Madam Xue wants to tell me, she will naturally do so. If she doesn't want to, there's no point in me asking."
Xue Rongyue pursed her lips, but then she couldn't help but feel happy when she thought about what she was going to say. She forced a smile and said, "Today... I received something from the Cui family. Can you guess what it is?"
Before Qin Jin could speak, she couldn't wait to reveal the answer. She took out the doll, held it up to Qin Jin's eyes, and waved it from side to side: "Look, what is this?!"
Qin Jin narrowed his eyes, looking up and down at the rag doll swaying in front of him, as if trying to recall something. Xue Rongyue didn't have the patience to wait for him to think slowly. She first rolled her eyes at him, disdainfully calling him stupid, and then excitedly said, "This is Mother... this is the rag doll that Madam Cui once sewed for me. It wasn't lost after all!"
"At the time, I thought it had been abandoned in the wilderness and had long since rotted in the soil. I never imagined that Madam Cui had ordered the coachman to turn around. However, I had already been taken away by the servants of the Xue family. Madam Cui did not see me, but she picked up this doll."
The pent-up frustration of the past few days vanished, and Xue Rongyue's eyes were filled with indescribable joy and satisfaction. She boasted to Qin Jin, "Look how well it's been taken care of. Not a single fuzzy edge has appeared."
Xue Rongyue's voice held a hidden expectation that she herself was unaware of: "...So, does this mean that Mother has never forgotten me all these years, and has always been thinking of me?"
Qin Jin wanted to tuck the stray hairs that were falling in front of her eyes behind her ear, but as soon as he raised his hand, he restrained himself and withdrew it. His voice was unusually gentle: "Of course, Madam Cui must be thinking of you all the time."
Xue Rongyue lowered her eyes and smiled slowly: "That's enough."
She gently stroked the stitches on the doll with her fingertips, and murmured again, "This is enough."
Xue Rongyue let out a long breath, as if exhaling the unknown emotions that had been suppressed in her heart. Then she raised her head, patted the doll's head, and handed the doll to Qin Jin.
Qin Jin was taken aback.
Xue Rongyue explained, "Time has passed, and the profound meaning that this doll once represented has been worn away by the years. I don't want to be attached to it anymore. However, it is something I cherish, and I don't want to keep it at the bottom of a box. Before giving it to someone else, I want to give it to the young master to keep for me."
"There aren't many people I can trust in this world these days, but the Crown Prince is one of them. I believe the Crown Prince will take good care of it for me, right?"
Looking down at the rag doll that had finally ended up in his hands, Qin Jin couldn't help but smile slightly. He took the doll, snorted, and said, "I knew it! Lady Xue always says sweet words before asking for favors. It's true, isn't it?"
Her ear tips turned slightly red, and Xue Rongyue rolled her eyes at him: "What sweet talk? This is called flattery. Do you understand flattery?"
Qin Jin lowered his head and laughed.
-----------------------
Author's note: The source of evil—Xue Xiude.
Even before I had the male protagonist defined, I had already conceived of this plot point. The reason is simple: I kept thinking, if a general who has been kind to many people, such as protecting the country, but has flawed personal character, what kind of person is he? Can those he has hurt resent him? This was also one of the unspeakable pains Xiaoyue experienced in the previous chapter. A general with illustrious military achievements, who protected countless people, was hardly a good father, yet she dared not resent him because he possessed "great love."
Taking advantage of the current high user base, let's promote the new pre-order!
I married the Imperial Guard who was chasing me.
Relying on her delicate and helpless persona, Jiang Weiyao always managed to escape after committing murder, until she discovered she was being watched—
Pei Yunheng, the infamous commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
This man is arrogant and ruthless, with tough methods, a vicious heart, and no fear of power. Anyone who is targeted by him will inevitably meet a bad end.
Fortunately, fate smiled upon her; Pei Yunheng fell off a cliff and lost her memory!
Looking at Pei Yunheng's clear and innocent eyes, Jiang Weiyao came up with a plan—
"I am a noble lady, you are a down-on-his-luck scholar. I am deeply in love with you, but our elders forbid it, so we eloped for love. Who knew you would accidentally bump your head and forget about me too..."
Amidst Pei Yunheng's horrified and shocked expression, Jiang Weiyao burst into uncontrollable sobs.
*
Pei Yunheng truly didn't know why he, before losing his memory, would have fallen for such a woman.
Weak, delicate, greedy, and vain.
Despite the hardships at home, she always insists on the best of everything—clothes, jewelry, food, and daily necessities. Last night, she even specifically asked for a silver hairpin.
Pei Yunheng was wearing a cold expression when Jiang Weiyao brought in a bowl of porridge and said gently, "Husband, please have some."
Looking at the thick rice porridge in the bowl, Pei Yunheng was stunned before he could even say "no need"—there wasn't much food left in the house, and it was probably all used to cook porridge for him.
Meeting those affectionate almond-shaped eyes, Pei Yunheng's heart softened instantly.
"Husband, that hairpin?"
"...I'll think of a way."
*
A minor official arrived at the yamen. On his fifth day on duty, he used torture to pry open the mouth of a condemned prisoner.
After serving for a month, he captured the notorious thief with exceptional martial arts skills.
After six months in office, there wasn't even a petty thief left in the city.
Seeing his colleague rise through the ranks, he begged on his knees not to submit to the case.
Pei Yunheng sighed—
He didn't want to either, but his wife's expenses were too high, so he could only catch more bad guys to earn more reward money.
Later, Pei Yunheng, having regained her memories, dug three feet into the ground and found the person who had feigned death. Her hands, with bulging veins, gripped her neck, her eyes bloodshot: "We promised to be deeply in love, why did you leave first, Madam?"
*
Pei Yunheng once thought he was a demon without emotions or desires, until he met someone who made him willingly rebuild his flesh and blood.
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