52 Choosing a Concubine
◎What? You want me to carry you up?◎
"Second Miss Qi still insisted that it was her own doing and had nothing to do with anyone else."
The Crown Prince personally visited the Ministry of Justice to inquire about the progress of the Qi Baoyu poisoning case. In the inner hall, the Crown Prince sat at the head of the table, with Yan Qizheng, dressed in his personal guard uniform, standing beside him. Minister Wu and Minister Yu stood at the lower table, with Minister Yu Sugong answering the questions.
"I heard Qi Lique is trying to find out Liu Yu'er's whereabouts. I think he's planning to appease the victim, offer some benefits, and settle the matter privately."
"Settled privately?" Crown Prince Li Chengtai said coldly, "Did they use torture?"
Yu Sugong glanced aside and replied, "No."
Li Chengtai's voice sank: "Why not?"
Yesterday, Qi Baoyu was interrogated in prison, and Yan Qizheng was present. Aside from his confession, Qi Baoyu simply shook his head and silently shed tears.
She was just a woman, a pawn manipulated by her father. Even if she was indeed instigated to poison someone, and had to take such a risk, she was still a pitiful person.
"Your Highness," Yan Qizheng lowered the sword at his waist and bowed slightly. "Qi Baoyu couldn't possibly have contact with the real culprit behind this. She kept her mouth shut simply to protect her father. Torture wouldn't be very meaningful."
The Crown Prince turned to look at him and asked, "Do you think Qi Lique doesn't want to protect his daughter?"
This sentence silenced the three people present.
Minister Wu was the first to understand: "Qi Lique did come to me to plead for his daughter... Your Highness, do you want to force Qi Lique?"
"He won't cry until he sees the coffin. Only by actually witnessing his daughter's death can he be shaken."
"I understand."
Not only Minister Wu, but also Yu Sugong and Yan Qizheng had already understood the situation. The point of the torture wasn't to make Qi Baoyu speak, but to force Qi Lique to seek help from the true culprit. This way, they could remove this hidden thorn in the court.
Li Chengtai stood up and said something.
"The King of Liao is about to enter the capital, act quickly!"
Today the sky was clear, and the flowers in the courtyard bathed in the sunshine, fragrant and beautiful. Taking advantage of Yan Qizheng's absence, Wei Ziyan and Liu Yu'er tended to the flowers and plants in the courtyard, brewed some tea and chatted, and most of the day passed by.
Wei Ziyan asked Liu Yuer about Wu Guanyi, wanting to know what she thought. Liu Yuer refused to talk more and only said that there was no possibility of a relationship with the Second Young Master Wu.
But even if he refused to mention Cao Cao, he would still come. When Yan Qizheng returned in the evening, Wu Guanyi also arrived. As soon as he entered the courtyard, his eyes were glued to Liu Yuer. Without asking, he could guess why he had come.
"Yuzhen said that your flower garden is so charming that people are reluctant to leave. I came here to take a look today."
After hearing Wu Guanyi's smile, Wei Ziyan did not expose him.
"What do you think of it?"
"Well, it's really unusual."
Wei Ziyan suppressed her laughter and said, "Then don't leave. Stay and have dinner."
Just as she was about to get up and ask the kitchen to add two more dishes, Yan Qizheng held her shoulders and said, "I'll go."
As he spoke, he seemed to pinch her hand intentionally. When Wei Ziyan turned her neck, he had already withdrawn his hand and left with a smile.
“…”
Wei Ziyan was pondering his familiar little actions, while Wu Guanyi sat down and busily revealed the latest news of the day to Liu Yuer.
It is said that the greedy villain Qi Lique has already found Minister Wu and begged him to show mercy to him for the sake of their relationship and allow him to take his daughter back from the prison.
"Of course my father won't agree. Now it depends on who this old man will ask for help."
After he finished speaking, Wu Guanyi paused and continued.
"The old bastard even came to me, wanting me to withdraw my complaint. He even asked me where I was. He thought the victim would let him off the hook, but he's dreaming!"
"You can stay here for the time being. I'll take you back when this matter is settled."
Wei Ziyan watched silently. Liu Yu'er didn't respond to his last words, but said calmly, "Since someone is looking for me outside, it would be better for Master Wu to stay out of here."
Wu Guanyi's face darkened instantly. After a moment's silence, he changed the subject and chatted with her about random things. He remained silent during the meal, taking a couple of quick bites before getting up to leave.
Seeing that something was wrong with him, Yan Qizheng chased after him and sent him out.
"My sister was very open-minded when she talked about me, but why is she so depressed when it comes to me?"
Wei Ziyan also couldn't understand why Liu Yuer was so cold towards Wu Guanyi.
"I don't understand. Sister used to be afraid that revenge would implicate the Second Young Master Wu, but now the Wu family is also assisting the Crown Prince in dealing with the Fourth Prince. What is Sister still worried about?"
"While there's a difference in status, Mr. Wu is sincere to you. He doesn't mind. Why should you worry about what others say?"
"I can't do it." Liu Yuer finally told her the reason.
"Marriage is a matter that affects more than just two people. I don't mind people talking behind my back, and I don't want to cause a rift between him and his son because of me."
Wei Ziyan was slightly surprised: "Minister Wu still disagrees?"
"He made it clear to me the day I moved into the Wu family. This is just a temporary measure taken by the Crown Prince. It doesn't mean he approves of me. He hopes I can handle it on my own."
Liu Yu'er said with a hint of self-mockery: "I'm not afraid of you laughing at me. The more I have nothing, the more I care about other people's condescending contempt, or - charity."
"Even if I'm finally accepted into the Wu Mansion, this uncomfortable thorn will always be in my heart. Rather than being a servile and subservient servant in the Wu Mansion, I'd rather live a simple life by myself."
"You asked me this morning what I was thinking. I was afraid it would be too early to tell you and cause more trouble." Liu Yu'er's eyes were clear and resolute. "I've already thought about it. Once I've avenged my great hatred, I'll return home and live out the rest of my life by my brother's side, along with my parents."
Hearing this, Wei Ziyan was extremely shocked.
"Sister Liu..."
"Don't." Liu Yu'er raised her hand to stop what she was about to say, "I'm just afraid that you will ask me to stay."
"If you understand me, don't stop me from leaving."
Liu Yu'er had made up her mind, so there was no point in saying anything more. Wei Ziyan agreed to keep it a secret for her for now, not telling Wu Guanyi or even Yan Qizheng.
A few days later, it was Yan Qizhu's birthday. Aunt Hui set up three tables of wine and invited her family members to come over, and the whole family had a lively time together.
During the banquet, Aunt Hui was talking about finding a husband for Qizhu when Leng Xiang came to report that Lord Yu, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, had arrived and had something to give to the young lady.
Wei Ziyan was very surprised that Yu Sugong didn't come to see Yan Qizheng, but came to look for her instead. Confused, she and Yan Qizheng left the table and went to the front hall, where Yu Sugong was sitting and drinking tea.
Seeing Yan Qizheng, a trace of surprise flashed across his face: "I thought you went out of the city with His Majesty today."
"Today is my sister's birthday, so I've asked for leave."
"Oh... then I wish your sister a happy birthday."
Watching them go back and forth, Wei Ziyan couldn't help but ask, "Master Yu, do you have something to give me?"
"Oh." Yu Sugong then pulled out a yellow invitation from his chest, "The Crown Princess sincerely invites the young lady to attend the banquet tomorrow."
For something as trivial as distributing invitations, a eunuch could be dispatched. Yan Qizheng couldn't help but wonder, "When did you start running errands for the Crown Princess?"
"It was just a coincidence that we ran into each other." Yu Sugong spread his hands, looking quite helpless, and explained what happened in a few words.
"According to my inquiries, the Crown Princess is hosting this banquet to select a concubine for the Eighth Prince. All the invited guests are unmarried young ladies from various families, and the invitations have already been sent out. I'm a little confused as to why the Crown Princess invited the Young Madam at such a short notice. I think it would be best to inform the Young Madam in advance."
It turned out that this was the reason why he made this trip in person. Wei Ziyan immediately thanked him for his thoughtful consideration, and Yan Qizhen also invited him in to have a glass of Qizhu's birthday wine.
“No, no,” Yu Sugong waved his hands repeatedly, “I have something else to do, I’ll leave first.”
After saying goodbye and leaving the front hall, the servant led him through the corridor, where he unexpectedly ran into someone.
To be precise, Yan Qizhu was waiting here on purpose.
"Master Yu, are you leaving now?"
"Miss Yan." Yu Sugong bowed politely.
"You go down, I will take Master Yu out."
Yan Qizhu sent the servant away. Yu Sugong was about to decline when Yan Qizhu stretched out his hand from behind his back and said, "It's my birthday today, and I want to give you a red egg."
According to Huzhou custom, eating red eggs on birthdays symbolizes good fortune and blessings. Sharing eggs is a gift of blessings. Yu Sugong was caught off guard, his heart and eyelids twitching simultaneously.
"Thank you, Miss." He took it, curled his fingers together, and offered a warm blessing. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you, sir." Yan Qizhu bowed and smiled brightly. "Will you celebrate your birthday tomorrow, sir?"
Yu Sugong was slightly stunned, wondering how she knew that, but then he realized that it was probably his aunt who told it that day in Xuanyi Temple.
On the way back that day, my aunt mentioned that the young lady from the Yan family was born only one day apart from you.
Yu Sugong chuckled and shook his head: "I'm not a child anymore. I get older every year. I'm most afraid of my birthday."
Yan Qizhu curled his lips and mercilessly exposed his true colors: "Are you lying to a three-year-old? No one will give you a chance, right?"
“…”
It was rare for Yu Sugong to be choked by a word, and she was just a little girl.
The little girl had a sly smile on her face. "It's so sad to think about it. Why don't I be kind and spend some time with you, my Lord?"
Three black lines fell from Yu Sugong's forehead. These words were truly absurd and bold. He was saying them in broad daylight in his own home, and he wasn't afraid of being overheard.
She is young and naive, so he can't act as recklessly as her.
"Miss Yan, you are so thoughtful. I would like to decline your offer." After saying that, he wiped his sweat secretly and left quickly without paying attention to the shouts behind him.
"Why did the Crown Princess suddenly invite me? Could it be that she wants me to help review it?"
In the front hall, Wei Ziyan was still trying to figure out the Crown Princess' intentions. The invitation did have her name on it, with the time and place clearly stated, but it didn't mention the purpose of the banquet at all. If it weren't for Lord Yu's reminder, she would have been stunned.
Yan Qizhen had a guess in his mind.
A few days ago in the East Palace, Yan Qizheng's shoes were soiled by the fish caught by the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince thought he was still unable to control his wife and said casually: "I told you to send your wife here a long time ago so that the Crown Princess can teach her a lesson."
He hadn't taken it seriously at the time, but could it be that the Crown Prince had taken it seriously? But why choose this moment, when the Eighth Prince was selecting a concubine?
Yan Qizheng was at a loss for words, so he simply said to Wei Ziyan, "If you don't want to go, I will explain to the Crown Princess."
It's not a dangerous place, just go and take a look!
Didn't the Crown Princess mention that we should move around more often when we went to the Eastern Palace? The beauties she'd chosen for the Eighth Prince are pretty good, too. Wei Ziyan put away the invitation, thinking she'd just go for the fun.
So at noon the next day, Yan Qizhen personally escorted her to the Prince's Mansion.
Wei Ziyan had dressed carefully today, neither ostentatious nor dull. While her dress and the red hairpin on her head weren't particularly ornate, they possessed a unique, bright and elegant aura.
There is a gentleness in the elegant sense of distance, and a bit of self-conceit in the easy-going smile, making people feel that she is as far away as the bright moon in the sky, and as close to being picked as the lotus in the garden.
Such a woman can actually arouse a man's desire to conquer her.
Yan Qizhen had been imagining all the time that if she was pushed to be chosen as a concubine in this state, no prince would refuse her.
"I'll pick you up at 3:00 PM. If you leave early, don't go alone, just wait for me here." Yan Qi was helping people get off the carriage, and before leaving, he did not forget to give earnest instructions.
"You must drink less alcohol. If someone tries to persuade you, just say you're still recovering and shouldn't drink too much."
"knew."
"If you have any questions, you can find Fu Ting."
Following Yan Qizheng's direction, Wei Ziyan saw a young man in soft armor standing at the door. It seemed Yan Qizheng had secretly arranged a bodyguard for her at the Prince's residence, using his power for personal gain.
If you didn't know, you would really think she was going to the Hongmen Banquet.
Wei Ziyan couldn't help but smile: "Okay, I understand."
The two said goodbye, and Wei Ziyan was led into the Prince's residence by the Fu's personal guard. After they had walked a short distance, another maid came forward and guided her inside, with the Fu's personal guard falling behind her. She had thought he had disappeared, but later, as she sat down at the table, she spotted his face again, far away, among the other guards.
A dozen young ladies from official families had already arrived in front of the pavilion, forming small circles in groups of three or four.
Wei Ziyan had seen these faces before, many of them from prominent families, even the daughters of the Duke's Mansion had come. They were all dressed in luxurious clothes and had faces as beautiful as Shunhua.
As expected, Wei Ziyan also saw Wei Tingshuang. She was wearing a purple cape and was talking to someone. When her eyes accidentally glanced at her, her face was startled and she turned away from the person and walked towards her.
"What are you doing here?"
"Of course it was the Crown Princess who invited me."
In contrast to Wei Tingshuang's surprise, Wei Ziyan's face was calm and her answer was even more confident. Wei Tingshuang was even more incredulous and snorted angrily, "Why are you everywhere?"
Wei Ziyan said shamelessly: "Perhaps the Crown Princess is afraid that she is dazzled by what she has seen, so she asked me to help her with some advice."
"You really know how to flatter yourself." Wei Tingshuang sneered.
Wei Ziyan ignored her and asked her in a low voice, "Tell me the truth, do you want to be chosen today, or not?"
Wei Tingshuang raised her eyebrows: "What does it have to do with you?"
"If you insist on getting me, I'll give you a break because you and your brother are my saviors. I'll definitely speak well of you in front of the Empress."
Wei Tingshuang stared at her speechlessly, her eyes full of the ridiculous "you are too shameless", but Wei Ziyan remained calm.
"I mean well. Look at those young ladies. Their family backgrounds are far superior to yours, and they're all very beautiful. Although I'm well-read, I can't see it on my face! If I compare myself to them like this, I'm bound to be at a disadvantage."
"Wei Yilan!" Wei Tingshuang was so angry that she laughed, "You want to see me laugh?"
Wei Ziyan was about to continue chatting with her when she suddenly heard the maid loudly call out, "The Crown Princess invites all the young ladies into the palace."
Everyone immediately stopped chatting and laughing, and moved along the water's edge. Wei Ziyan also shut up and followed the current.
Once inside the hall, the seats were already set out, one in the center and twelve to the left and right of the center. The maids explained that there were no seating restrictions, so everyone chose their own seats with those they knew.
Wei Ziyan took the initiative to pull Wei Tingshuang's sleeve. The other party gave her a sidelong look, but did not angrily turn away. Instead, he sat next to her reluctantly.
"Wei Yilan?" The young lady from the Zhao family, who was sitting on the other side of Wei Ziyan, was surprised to find her a married woman. "Aren't you married? Why are you here to choose a concubine?"
"Yeah, why is she here?"
A mixture of high and low voices came towards her.
"I'm not—"
Wei Ziyan was waving her hands when another loud singing voice drowned her out.
"The Crown Princess has arrived—"
Everyone fell silent immediately and stood up to greet her respectfully. The empress, dressed in her finest attire, wearing a phoenix crown and a shroud of rosy clouds, emerged from the inner hall, escorted by four maids, and stepped gracefully into the empty seat at the head.
"Please take a seat, everyone. There's no need to be so reserved." The Crown Princess waved her hand, a warm smile on her face. "Wei Yilan is a guest I specially invited. There's no need to worry."
Everyone said "yes" and sat down again.
Maids carrying trays filed in, serving dishes to the various tables. Each table had a maid pouring wine. The wine cups were full and the aroma was rich; it must be good wine.
The Crown Princess raised her glass, and after some formal speeches, everyone raised their glasses and drank together, and the banquet officially began.
The musicians played at the end, taking turns playing the pipa, flute, yangqin, and panpipe. Everyone dined in silence, speaking in low voices, to the accompaniment of traditional music.
After a while, seven or eight strong actors came in to perform a dance, and the style of the music suddenly changed to a passionate and unrestrained one.
The actors who were able to perform in the Prince's palace were naturally outstanding in appearance and dancing skills. They danced with long sleeves, bare chests, and their every move was full of masculine beauty.
Like the other young ladies present, Wei Ziyan rarely saw such high-quality dancers dancing. She was so delighted that she started laughing louder.
Two elegantly dressed men who had just taken their seats in the attic on the second floor were none other than the eighth and third sons of Emperor Jingren.
The Third Prince, Prince Lin, already had many wives and concubines, yet he remained obsessed with pleasure. Upon hearing that the First Empress's wife was selecting a concubine for his Eighth Brother, he insisted on joining in, saying he wanted to help his Eighth Brother choose a concubine, but in reality, he just wanted to feast his eyes on the feast.
The two of them sat by the window and had a clear view of what was happening below.
The twelve pretty young ladies smiled sweetly, making Prince Lin dazzled. However, the eighth prince, Prince Mu, who was sitting opposite him, was not interested at all and only had a special liking for the wine in his glass.
Soon, the actors finished their performance and left the stage. Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, the Crown Princess asked if anyone was willing to perform to liven up the atmosphere. These young ladies from official families had a guess in their hearts: the Queen was about to take an exam.
However, since they were mostly trained in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, the only talent they could display at this moment was musical instruments. So, the young ladies took turns playing their favorite pieces.
It was nothing but the usual lewd music of the young ladies in the boudoir, all the same, with no novelty. The more Prince Mu Li Zaidao listened, the more impatient he became, and he missed the free and easy life in the martial arts world.
"Sister Wei, what do you want to perform?" Wei Ziyan leaned towards Wei Tingshuang and asked in a low voice.
Wei Tingshuang looked alert: "What do you want to do?"
"Of course I'm helping you."
Wei Tingshuang obviously didn't believe it, so Wei Ziyan covered her mouth and leaned close to her ear.
"You see, Her Majesty is tired of listening to music. It is said that Prince Mu likes to make friends with people from the martial arts world. Sister Wei can dance with a sword. Why not try something different and impress the Crown Princess?"
This sentence really reminded Wei Tingshuang. She was also thinking about how to be different. So Wei Tingshuang turned to look at Wei Ziyan, her eyes full of confusion, wanting to say something but not being able to.
Wei Ziyan curled her lips towards her: "You're welcome."
Wei Tingshuang curled the corners of his mouth and suddenly said, "Then you play music for me!"
"Look, look." As a wave of powerful pipa sounds emanated, King Lin grabbed Li Zaidao.
"The General Goes to War" is a song and lyrics composed by the common people to express their gratitude to Mulan for joining the army in her father's place. It describes her heroic spirit in defending her country, her battles and her numerous heroic achievements.
The music is passionate and inspiring.
As the unique prelude sounded, Li Zaidao couldn't help but look sideways at the woman holding the pipa below.
"Whose lady is this?"
Standing behind Prince Mu was one of the Crown Princess's personal maids, who was accompanying him today specifically to learn about Prince Mu's preferences.
"Reporting to the Eighth Prince, this is the daughter of the Wei family, the Grand Secretary. Her name is Wei Ziyan," the maid replied softly, "but she is already married. Today she is just an observer."
"Oh, I know!" Li Zaidao recalled, "She's the wife of the guard who was beside my eldest brother. She was the one who risked her life to save her husband when my eldest brother was in danger!"
Li Zaidao had just returned to Beijing, but he had heard about this incident and admired this young lady very much. He did not expect to meet her today.
She looks delicate and pretty on the surface, but the way she plays the song "The General Goes to War" is full of vigor and heroism. No wonder she has the courage to sacrifice herself to save her husband...
Just as he was distracted, Prince Lin shouted again, "Look!", and another woman entered Li Zaidao's sight.
Wei Tingshuang took off her cloak, held a long sword in her hand, and danced gracefully in the center with a posture of "white shirt and yellow eyebrows".
The jade belt fluttered, the sword flowers whirled, hard yet gentle, gentle yet hard. The audience cheered, and the corners of Li Zaidao's lips curled up.
"Whose young lady is this?" Prince Lin asked for him.
"She is Chao Fenglang's younger sister, her name is Wei Tingshuang."
Before they knew it, an hour had passed and the banquet was over. Wei Ziyan was called by the Crown Princess and moved to the pavilion where they had been to drink tea.
She drank two more cups while watching the actors, and then drank two more cups after Wei Tingshuang finished her sword dance. She felt a little dizzy at this time. She forced herself to stay awake and listen to what the Crown Princess said.
"After your observation today, which young lady do you think is most suitable for the Eighth Prince?"
The Crown Princess asked her a question, but how could she dare to make such a comment?
"How would a servant know what the Eighth Prince likes?"
"I don't know?" The Crown Princess smiled softly, "Then why did you help others dance with swords?"
Wei Ziyan didn't dare to lie or deceive anyone, and lowered her head silently.
"That's alright, I don't blame you." The Crown Princess said with a hint of meaning, "You've thought of catering to her needs, saving me a lot of trouble."
Wei Ziyan was puzzled.
"As wives, shouldn't we understand our husbands' preferences and consider them in everything we do?"
"Your Majesty is right." Wei Ziyan responded blankly.
"I know you're a bit spoiled, but a man's patience is limited. He might get bored after a while. Especially once he has a concubine who understands him, his heart won't be with you anymore."
Concubine...
Suddenly hearing this word, Wei Ziyan was even more confused. Why was it suddenly linked to her? She had never thought about Yan Qizheng having a concubine.
Seeing her expression of fear, the Crown Princess consoled her, "Don't be too anxious. Just be tactful and don't try to please others when it comes to taking concubines. Then those women won't be a threat to you."
“…”
The more Wei Ziyan listened, the more confused she became, her eyes becoming somewhat vacant, while the Crown Princess continued to instruct her.
"You should take a long-term view. Since you can't avoid taking a concubine, why not take the initiative to choose a woman you can control..."
Just as her thoughts were wandering, a sudden loud shout pulled Wei Ziyan back.
"Stop her—"
"Your Majesty—"
A woman dressed in gorgeous clothes but with disheveled hair ran towards the waterside pavilion, but was quickly stopped by the maid guarding the area. Then, two guards quickly stepped forward and completely restrained the woman who tried to struggle away.
The woman fell to the ground, crying and begging, "My Queen, please, Your Highness, spare my sister's life!"
The Crown Prince is reprimanding Qi Baozhu? A thought flashed through Wei Ziyan's mind, and the Crown Princess's voice rang out: "Why did you let her escape? Why didn't you take her away?"
"yes."
The guards responded and carried Qi Baozhu away, one on each side, leaving only her hoarse cries echoing in the air.
The Crown Princess, disappointed, looked unhappy and refused to keep her. Wei Ziyan just stood up to take her leave, led out by her maid. Yan Qizheng, who had been waiting at the door, saw her face flush, her steps unsteady, and her mind wandering, and quickly stepped forward to hold her hand.
"Drunk?"
Wei Ziyan was just thinking about something when she saw Yan Qizheng and was speechless. Yan Qizheng had a concubine and treated other women just as well as before, so she...
She felt uncomfortable...
The personal guard of Fu appeared from behind her unnoticed and whispered a few words to Yan Qizhen. Wei Ziyan vaguely caught the mention of Crown Prince Zhaoxun in his words.
"Qi Baozhu wanted to ask His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for mercy, but His Highness refused to see her, so she came to ask the Crown Princess for mercy." Yan Qizhen took her hand and walked out, explaining in a low voice.
"Oh, I guessed it."
"So what were you thinking about just now?"
"I……"
The carriage stopped at the door. Yan Qizheng stepped on it first, turned around and stretched out his hand to her. Wei Ziyan looked at him intently. His palm was so wide that it could fully embrace her hand.
In the future, I will also wrap other women’s hands...
"What? You want me to carry you up?" A teasing voice came from above his head.
Well, he would also carry other women into the carriage...
The feeling of melancholy and discomfort in her heart grew stronger and stronger, and Wei Ziyan felt a pain in her nose.
"Yan Qizheng...you wish!"
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