Chapter 57 Impossible. My heart belongs to the moon before the courtyard; my body is entangled in my cousin's affections. ...
Life must go on, don't look back.
Early in the morning, Su Jinxiu was still working on the painting "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" in Huayun Pavilion.
The outline of the peony petals is carefully outlined with a straight needle, and then different shades of pink are mixed with light and dark needlework to create layers of color, giving the petals a full and three-dimensional feel. When embroidering the phoenix tail, gold thread is used to create the gorgeous patterns of the feathers stitch by stitch, with fine and dense stitches that look as if they were made by nature.
Lan Shexiang was helping her organize the threads, categorizing and winding the various colored silk threads onto the spool. Seeing her focused, Su Jinxiu joked, "Now that you're troubling Miss Lan to do this yourself, my little pavilion can't afford to pay a young lady like you."
Lan Shexiang didn't raise her head, but a smile played on her lips: "You're just putting on an act. How many times have you ordered me around?"
Su Jinxiu reached out and gently tugged at her sleeve: "That's different. Serving our Sister Lan is a sure way to be rewarded. The one I made for you..." She leaned closer to Lan Shexiang's ear, lowering her voice, "is that the kind of undergarment we talked about last time? Wouldn't that be considered the best reward?"
Lan Shexiang blushed and glared at her reproachfully: "You always have so many tricks up your sleeve."
After laughing, Lan Shexiang sighed softly again. Her hands, which were still tidying the thread, continued to ramble on: "I've already mentioned it to Father. The Ye family wants to break off the engagement, but they're concerned about appearances and want us to speak first. Father reluctantly agreed, but he hasn't gone yet. These past two days he's been overwhelmed with official matters, and with war looming on the border and taxes looming, he's been so worried about these things that he's completely forgotten about breaking off the engagement."
Su Jinxiu's hands abruptly stopped moving. This was the first time she had heard of such a matter of national importance since arriving here. Her needle hovered in mid-air as she asked, "Isn't the country peaceful and prosperous now? Why the sudden need for war?"
Before they could finish speaking, two clusters of vibrant pink roses and snow-white peonies suddenly appeared before them, startling them both into a soft gasp.
Turning his head, he saw none other than Yi Ruxu, whose features were handsome and refined. Today, he was not wearing his official robes, but a dark blue straight-cut robe, which made him appear even more gentle and refined, a true gentleman.
"Brother Ruxu, you scared us to death! The needle almost flew out!" Su Jinxiu patted her chest and scolded playfully.
Yi Ruxu apologized with a smile: "I'm so sorry, Qiaoniang. I was thinking that giving flowers to a beautiful lady would add a bit of surprise, but I didn't expect to scare you."
Upon seeing the flowers, Su Jinxiu and Lan Shexiang's initial annoyance vanished instantly. The pink roses were vibrant and full, while the snow-blue peonies were elegant and refined, truly captivating. As they accepted the flowers, Yi Ruxu asked, "I overheard you talking about upcoming battles on the border?"
As Su Jinxiu was still caressing the tender rose petals, Lan Shexiang raised her eyes and asked, "Indeed. Now that you are in officialdom and well-informed, do you know the reason behind this? How long will this war last?"
Yi Ruxu sighed softly: "This matter is both simple and complex. The Northern Shuomo tribe has recently refused to pay tribute and has repeatedly provoked trouble on the border, plundering the border people. However, Your Majesty is currently unsure of their strength and is wary of the Shuomo tribe's hidden large army, so you dare not rashly launch a campaign to punish them. Although the Shuomo tribe has not explicitly declared war, they are pressing forward step by step, clearly testing the bottom line of our dynasty."
"The emperor wanted to send eight hundred elite cavalry to investigate the situation, but there were at least several thousand or even tens of thousands of troops there. These eight hundred men... were just sacrifices to make a trip."
Upon hearing this, Lan Shexiang couldn't help but sigh softly. Yi Ruxu glanced at Su Jinxiu and continued, "Now the elite cavalry has been almost fully assembled, but no one is willing to lead the army. This is because it is a mission with a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. Even though the emperor has promised an immediate title of marquis, those sons of military families, even those who boast about their bravery and skill in battle, are unwilling to send their own sons, let alone lead the troops themselves."
Su Jinxiu lowered her eyelids and sighed softly, "Alas, what parents could bear to send their loved ones to such a perilous place where they are on the verge of death? Let's go to Xiangguo Temple together another day to pray for peace in the world and for the war to end."
Lan Shexiang felt a pang of sadness and nodded vigorously: "Okay."
Yi Ruxu was silent for a moment, then changed the subject and looked at the two of them: "Do you two have any plans for today?"
Su Jinxiu and Lan Shexiang exchanged a glance and both shook their heads: "No."
Yi Ruxu felt relieved, but her face still showed bitterness: "To tell you the truth, my uncle has hosted a family banquet today. He had hinted that I am now of age and have entered officialdom, so I should settle down and start a family as soon as possible. This banquet is called a family banquet, but in reality, it is for me to find a woman in the clan. He also said that he will definitely finalize my marriage tonight, so that I will not be lazy and carefree outside."
He looked earnestly at the two men: "So, is there either of you who can come with me to see my uncle and help me get through this? I will remember this kindness and will do my best to help you in the future."
This question was actually unnecessary. Lan Shexiang was from a prestigious family; if she really went, Uncle Yi would definitely investigate her family background thoroughly. If she gave even a slight answer, and someone was sent to verify it, she would be exposed in no time. At that time, not only would she lose face, but the Lan family's reputation would also be damaged.
In the end, Su Jinxiu naturally agreed.
However, once she arrived at her destination, Su Jinxiu regretted her decision.
It was only because Yi Ruxu's uncle, Yi Bojian, exuded such an imposing aura that it inspired awe.
He sat upright in the grand chair in the library, exuding the air of a high-ranking official. His gaze was sharp as he scrutinized Su Jinxiu from head to toe, lingering particularly on their intertwined hands. He coldly asked, "Where is your family from, young lady? What is your family background?"
Before Su Jinxiu could speak, Yi Ruxu preemptively said, "Uncle, there's no need to ask any more questions. Although she is not the kind of noble lady you envision, she is a thousand times better than them, and she is the one I have chosen for this lifetime."
Upon hearing this, Yi Bojian chuckled, "Oh? So you mean... you don't have any family background?"
The uncle and nephew then got into a huge argument.
Feeling bored and left standing to the side, Su Jinxiu quietly walked to the antique shelf, leaned against a pile of ancient books, and watched them argue.
Yi Bojian paused, his teacup sloshing: "The Book of Rites says, 'The wedding ceremony is the foundation of all rites! Marriage is a major event that should be between equals.' How can you do this? What about the reputation of your family?"
Yi Ruxu retorted sharply, "Uncle, you are mistaken! Zhuo Wenjun's elopement with Sima Xiangru is a timeless tale. It shows that when love is deep, social status is of no importance."
Both were learned men; one emphasized etiquette and the other praised true feelings. They argued fiercely, quoting classical texts, and neither was willing to back down.
Su Jinxiu huddled in the corner, exhausted from watching. They hadn't finished arguing yet when she suddenly realized she hadn't eaten enough for lunch. So she quietly took out a piece of steamed sugar cheese wrapped in oil paper from her pocket.
"Outrageous!" Yi Bojian slammed his hand on the armrest in anger. "Sima Xiangru possessed the talent of a phoenix seeking its mate, and was destined for greatness. What virtue or ability does this woman have to compare to Zhuo Wenjun?"
Su Jinxiu had just taken a bite when she was suddenly startled by this finger and almost choked.
"Qiaoniang is kind-hearted, intelligent, and insightful, far surpassing those pretentious young ladies from wealthy families!"
"Wu Hui! You were born to defy me and oppose all the smooth paths I've paved for you, aren't you!" Yi Bojian said angrily.
“No, Uncle.” Yi Ruxu’s voice trembled slightly with anger. “I only oppose falsehoods!”
Seeing Yi Bojian's face turn deathly pale with anger, Su Jinxiu was startled and quickly tried to step forward to comfort him, but Yi Ruxu pulled her behind him to protect her. She peeked out from behind Yi Ruxu, genuinely worried that if her uncle were to get seriously injured from anger, they would be unable to bear the responsibility.
Yi Bojian slumped in his chair, his hands covering his face, and remained motionless for a long time. She whispered, "Ruxu, please speak more gently."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Yi Bojian abruptly stood up and strode towards them, startling Su Jinxiu. But he bypassed the two of them and knelt down abruptly before his elder brother's memorial tablet opposite the study, crying out in grief, "Elder brother, I'm so sorry, I didn't take good care of Wuhui!"
This usually imposing and stern court official was now choked with emotion, tears streaming down his face. Yi Ruxu, seeing this, felt a pang of pity. He had never seen his uncle so distraught and was momentarily at a loss for words to offer comfort.
Su Jinxiu gently pushed his arm and said softly, "Go on, he's doing this for your own good, with good intentions."
Just as Yi Ruxu was about to speak, a girl dressed in a seven-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) suddenly rushed in from outside the door.
The vibrant colors were perfectly matched, far from being gaudy; on the contrary, they were dazzling. The girl's almond-shaped eyes were clear as a stream, sparkling with life. She wore her hair in a flying phoenix bun, adorned with a jade hairpin, and was draped in a light yellow silk shawl, with colorful tassels embellishing the hem of her skirt. She was charming and lively, like a fairy from the moon, without any sense of fussiness.
"Cousin!" The girl rushed into Yi Ruxu's arms as soon as she entered the door, looked up at him with sparkling eyes, and asked in a sweet voice, "Cousin, have you come to marry me?"
Su Jinxiu was stunned and stood there, not knowing how to react. Yi Ruxu was also caught off guard by this sudden act of intimacy. She subconsciously raised her hand and looked at Su Jinxiu with an innocent expression, as if she were silently making a defense.
Yi Bojian turned his head and saw it, and immediately scolded, "Lingling! Get out! What kind of behavior is this!"
When Lingling was scolded by her father, her little mouth twitched, her eyes instantly reddened, and tears welled up in them, about to roll down her cheeks.
Seeing this, Su Jinxiu quickly took out a handkerchief from her sleeve and stuffed it into Yi Ruxu's hand, gesturing for him to comfort her. Yi Ruxu took the handkerchief and awkwardly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes.
Lingling, touched by his gentle treatment, stopped crying and smiled again. She turned around, looked up at Yi Bojian, and asked with a wronged expression, "Why did Father ask me to step down? Didn't Father say that I've come of age and should be engaged? I won't marry anyone but Brother Wuhui!"
Yi Bojian looked at the scene before him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. On one side was his beloved daughter, whom he cherished dearly; on the other was his nephew, whom he treated like his own son. Logically speaking, marriage between cousins should be a wonderful thing, a perfect match for both families. Knowing Yi Ruxu's character as he did, this should have been the best possible union.
But when his elder brother died saving him, he vowed to teach Wu Hui with utmost care and never let his daughter, whose mind was damaged by a high fever, jeopardize his bright future. In his heart, Yi Ruxu, though his nephew, already held a place in his heart that surpassed even that of his own flesh and blood.
The women who came from the clan today were all carefully selected by him. They were all of pure character, outstanding appearance, and impeccable family background.
He had thought that since he had failed to teach Wu Hui to be ambitious enough, he should at least find him a virtuous and capable wife so that his life would be less turbulent and more smooth. But the woman that Yi Ruxu brought today, although she did not seem to be a wicked person, was certainly not the kind of good match he had in mind for Wu Hui.
But the most important thing right now is to make this naive and foolish daughter understand that there is absolutely no possibility between her and her cousin. So he frowned, first calling Lingling out, and then said to Yi Ruxu, "You can put today's matter aside for now. But you must let Lingling know the truth. Since this girl is here, you two can put on a play to make Lingling completely understand that she cannot marry you, and that you already have a good match, understand?"
Yi Ruxu was taken aback upon hearing this, never expecting his uncle to compromise so readily. He quickly bowed deeply and replied, "Yes, nephew understands."
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