Chapter 82 Don't tell him about this.
In reality, it only takes a few words to explain.
Zhou Zhiyu's sweetheart was named Cheng Feng. Although his family background was not prominent, he had some martial arts skills. During the chaos in Yunzhou, he took a knife for Li Shangxuan and died.
At that time, Zhou Zhiyu had naturally been married before, but her husband was short-lived. He died less than a year after they got married. Her husband's family said that Zhou Zhiyu was a jinx to her husband, so she had no choice but to return to her parents' home.
Because she was branded a jinx and found it difficult to remarry, she rekindled her old flame with Cheng Feng and became pregnant.
When the rebellion broke out in Yunzhou, Zhou Zhiyu's belly was already too big to hide. Fortunately, Zhou's mother still loved her daughter and covered for her. She made up a reason to stay in a small courtyard outside the city under the pretense of eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist prayers, planning to return after giving birth. Zhou was a very traditional woman once she left the house.
Let's keep the child secretly outside for now, and then find an opportunity to bring him back later.
Unexpectedly, not long after the child was born, Cheng Feng and Zhou's mother died one after the other while trying to save the emperor.
Li Shangxuan himself was also wounded by an arrow, which had been smeared with poison, and his days were numbered.
Out of gratitude for saving her life, he took Zhou Zhiyu, who had just given birth, and the child back to the capital, falsely claiming that the child was of royal blood and made him the crown prince.
Li Shangxuan was skeptical after hearing this, finding it somewhat absurd. Even if it was a life-saving favor, would he choose to let a strange child confuse the royal bloodline?
Yang Qing, however, believed it completely and said confidently, "It definitely will. You had no other choice at the time, so it's normal to be forced into it."
She absolutely believed Zhou Zhiyu, after all, what she said matched what she remembered. Apart from Zhou Zhiyu, no one else, including Li Shangxuan, could tell her the reign title after Li Shangxuan ascended the throne.
Zhou Zhiyu's explanation was indeed not very flawed. Although it was a favor from a past life, Zhou Zhiyu only wanted to help the lovers in the end, so it was just a small favor she could do.
Compared to Yang Qing's joy, Li Shangxuan's feelings were much more complicated. After thinking for a long time, he said, "Let me think of a way."
Yang Qing immediately beamed and took the initiative to cup his face and kiss him.
Li Shangxuan immediately sent the other side over as well, "This way."
Yang Qing readily complied and gave him a quick kiss.
*****
It sounds simple, but it's always difficult to do.
Li Shangxuan ultimately decided to resort to his old tricks, sending the Imperial Observatory to lead the way and claim that the couple's horoscopes were incompatible, potentially leading to a bitter marriage and even harming the fortunes of both families.
Zhou Zhiyu herself was even more ruthless, openly stating that she could say she was a jinx to her husbands or a cursed lone star, as long as it scared the Zhao family away, and it would be best if this was spread widely.
Yang Qing didn't quite agree, feeling that this was only treating the symptoms, not the root cause.
When the Imperial Astronomical Bureau officials went to calculate the horoscopes of Zhou Zhiyu and Young Master Zhao, they described it in a way that was incredibly mysterious and terrifying. Although they had already had their horoscopes calculated once before, Lord Zhao clearly trusted the Imperial Astronomical Bureau more and hurriedly broke off the engagement.
Lord Zhou's attempts to persuade her to stay were unsuccessful, so he could only sigh and lament his fate, determined to find a better husband for his daughter.
But the one who opposed him was his own daughter. Within a few days, rumors spread throughout the capital that Zhou Zhiyu was a jinx to both her husband and her son.
Ordinary people might not know, but families with sons of marriageable age received the news well in advance.
Therefore, despite their efforts over the course of ten days, Lord Zhou and his wife made no progress and were unable to find a suitable husband for their daughter.
They wanted to find out who spread the rumors, but no matter how hard they searched, one person would deny it, and another would deny it. They couldn't find out who started it.
Zhou Zhiyu was overjoyed. This year was the triennial imperial examination. As long as her beloved could achieve fame and success in the martial arts examination, she would then discuss it with her mother. She was confident that the two of them would have a future together.
Therefore, she made a special trip to the Eastern Palace to express her gratitude.
Although Madam Zhou did not know when her daughter and the Crown Princess had become acquainted, now that things had come to this point, having someone to help them would certainly be beneficial.
Zhou Zhiyu was overjoyed; despite her usual maturity, she was now filled with girlish thoughts.
She didn't want to walk the path of her past life again, nor did she want to taste the bitterness of her past life again.
Now that she has a chance to do it all over again, she is determined to make her own choice.
Yang Qing felt that this method would result in heavy losses for both sides, but the person involved did not think so at all.
Summer is approaching, the flowering season has passed, and vibrant green is almost the only color in the world.
Zhou Zhiyu said, "As long as we get through this year's autumn examination, everything will be fine."
Yang Qing paused for a moment, then couldn't help but remind her, "But can you really win over your sweetheart on the first try?"
Her cousins, from those who had passed the imperial examinations to those who had passed the lower-level examinations, were all major hurdles.
Which of them didn't study diligently for over ten or twenty years starting from their early education, and yet not a single one has passed the imperial examination?
She didn't know much about the martial arts exam, but she figured it was similar to the civil service exam, with talented young people from all over the country taking the test, but only about thirty people would be selected. Just thinking about it made the competition fierce.
Zhou Zhiyu was dampened by the cold water and immediately became depressed, which made Yang Qing quite regretful, feeling that she shouldn't have brought it up.
After seeing Zhou Zhiyu off, Yang Qing sat by the window in a daze. The leaves were so dense that the sunlight shone down and formed round spots of light. A gust of wind blew, and the leaves kept jumping around. The strong fragrance in the wind was gone.
Seeing that Zhou Zhiyu clearly had a lover but couldn't be together, while she and Li Shangxuan went through many twists and turns but still ended up together, I couldn't help but sigh and think that we should cherish the person in front of us.
She doesn't seem to treat Li Shangxuan very well.
In the blink of an eye, she immediately retorted that it wasn't entirely his fault; in reality, Li Shangxuan was a really annoying person at times.
She still has no idea what unbelievable thing he will say next after his sweet words, something that will make her furious.
But then I thought about it again, and it seems that he was only bad at talking, and he could never really say anything bad about her. I guess no one but him could accept many of her unreasonable demands.
Thinking this through, Yang Qing decided to mend her ways and stop giving him attitude all the time.
Now that they're married, they should cherish the relationship. Many couples go from mutual affection to mutual loathing; she can't let that happen to her.
While it can't all be done by her, she should still put in some effort.
It seems that people change once they become emperors. Li Shangxuan hasn't changed yet, but sooner or later she will become that absolute emperor, so she needs to prepare early.
Let's start today.
She would proactively serve him food during meals, and even took the initiative to wipe his wet hair in the evening.
Li Shangxuan was quite surprised: "What do you need my help with now?"
Yang Qing said, "What, can't we do this if there's nothing wrong?"
Li Shangxuan said suspiciously, "I don't quite believe it."
Yang Qing was furious. She threw the wet towel she was using to wipe her face at his face, then lay down on the bed, turning her back to him and ignoring him.
It's like a dog biting Lü Dongbin; they don't recognize a kind heart.
Caught off guard, Li Shangxuan was hit in the eye and cried out, "Ouch!" as he exclaimed, "My eye!"
Yang Qing was afraid that he had really gone blind and wanted to come and see him, but she was also worried that she was still angry, so she suppressed her worries and did nothing.
After a while, I felt him walking towards the bed, which meant he wasn't blind and could still see the way.
The moment the thought crossed Yang Qing's mind, her eyes were covered. Li Shangxuan seemed to have guessed what she was thinking, and his words sounded both indignant and teasing, "What a heartless little woman, I'm about to go blind and you still don't care."
They turned the tables on us again.
Yang Qing tried to remove his hand in a fit of pique, but now it was he who was doing the same thing. No matter how hard she tried, Li Shangxuan was determined not to let go and kept her blindfolded.
She stopped struggling, and Li Shangxuan released her. But the restoration of her sight was only momentary; the next instant, her face was covered with a handkerchief again.
She was annoyed and wanted to reveal it, but Li Shangxuan wouldn't allow it and tied a knot behind her head.
"What is this?" she became wary, thinking that this rogue had probably come up with another new trick.
As expected, Li Shangxuan did not give a direct answer, but chuckled lightly.
Yang Qing blushed as her lips were sucked and held; the feeling was truly strange.
This wasn't the first time she'd been kissed like this, but it was certainly the first time she'd been kissed like this when she couldn't see.
When the eyes are not functioning properly, the physical sensations become more pronounced.
She couldn't help but follow her body's sensations and think about what he was doing to her.
At first, he would hold her hand and not allow her to remove the handkerchief from her face. But as time went on, she seemed to forget about it and would just hug his shoulders helplessly and cry sadly.
Afterwards, Li Shangxuan untied her handkerchief. He originally wanted to kiss away a few tears from the corners of her eyes, but it was obvious that the tears had been absorbed by the handkerchief. So he changed his target and gently kneaded her small earlobe. He wanted to say a few flirtatious words, but thinking that Yang Qing was shy and petty, he didn't say anything and just kissed her lips lightly.
Spring has passed, and all the flowers have faded, but her lips remain as red as ever, especially at this time of year.
*****
It is said that a beautiful woman should be matched with a talented man, but the married life of the third sister Rongyue and Sijiamu seems to be somewhat unpleasant.
While the sisters were having private conversations, Rongyue started complaining, "What kind of number one young master is he? He's far too lazy. He never studies in the morning or practices at night. No wonder he can't do anything but read books. He's a complete mediocre person, a real mediocre person."
Yang Qing just chuckled awkwardly, not daring to say a word, for fear that if Rong Yue got upset, she would make her learn this and that as well. She was quite willing to be a mediocre person.
Playing with puppies is much more interesting than learning music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.
Unlike her previous life, Xu Pianran's marriage this time has also changed. Her father admires a scholar who is also coming to the capital to take the imperial examination.
Xu Pianran didn't have a good impression of that person and often complained to Yang Qing, "That person's face is as black as charcoal. He's okay during the day, but at night he'd probably scare someone to death."
Yang Qing asked curiously, "Why?"
Xu Pianran said in a serious tone, "What else could it be? All I can see is a body of clothing fluttering."
Yang Qing couldn't help but laugh; Xu Pianran was still as mischievous as ever.
But she didn't think this marriage was too bad; at least it was much better than in her previous life.
Although this scholar's family was poor, his dark complexion was due to his previous work in the fields.
Yang Qing thought to herself, so many people study hard day and night, and even passing the county-level exam is difficult. This person can study while doing farm work and still pass the provincial-level exam at a young age. He must be extraordinary.
It is said that, given his talent, he is certain to pass the imperial examination this time.
As for family background, Yang Qing didn't care much. Going back a few generations, whose family wasn't a farmer? There's a saying that goes, "When one person attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven." As long as a phoenix emerges, at least three generations won't have to worry.
Wasn't her grandfather, the late Prime Minister Chi, just like that?
More importantly, she had heard that the scholar whom Xu's father favored was all alone, and his parents had died early.
You should know that the young master Xu Pianran married in her previous life had a good family background, but her mother-in-law was too manipulative and used to resort to tricks.
Yang Qing had some impression of this dark-faced scholar from her previous life; even without the main force, he rose through the ranks and had a very good reputation.
With Xu's father's help, it should be easier to get ahead.
She tried to persuade Xu Pianran a few times, but Xu Pianran was still very unhappy. She just disliked that Xu Pianran was dark-skinned. Young girls all like to look pretty, so it's not unusual.
Yang Qing thought it was alright. With the previous life as a comparison, and even if it was just for her sake, whoever married Xu Pianran had to treat her well.
Xu Pianran had a sudden inspiration: "There's a literary gathering at Zhuangyuan Tower in a few days, and that dark-faced guy will definitely be attending. Why don't you come with me to take a look?"
Yang Qing: "...Haven't you already seen them all?"
Xu Pianran gritted her teeth and sneered, "I was hiding behind the screen that day, but after just one glance, my mother wouldn't let me look again. All I saw was his face, as black as the bottom of a pot; I couldn't even see his nose or eyes!"
Yang Qing laughed loudly: "You don't need to worry about that. After passing the imperial examination, he can take up an official position in the court. If he has an extra nose or is missing an eye, he will be eliminated in the metropolitan examination."
Xu Pianran said domineeringly, "I don't care, I just want you to come with me."
Seeing that Yangqing was still smiling, she said sourly, "I've heard that you've been getting quite close to Miss Zhou lately. Could it be that you've found a new love and forgotten your old flame? Chi Yangqing, do you still remember what kind of relationship we have? I've known you longer than you've known your prince! How is your behavior any different from abandoning your wife who has shared your hardships?"
Yang Qing was speechless. "What do you mean by 'wife who has shared hardship'? What nonsense are you spouting?"
Xu Pianran had no idea how difficult it was for her to leave the palace each time.
But upon closer reflection, I realized that I hadn't been out for a long time; the last time was for my third sister Rongyue's wedding.
"Alright, I'll go with you this time."
On the day of the literary gathering, Yang Qing couldn't help but regret it. It was the height of summer, and the scorching sun hung high overhead, making the world feel like a sauna. She was drenched in sweat after just a few steps.
In this awful weather, you should stay home to beat the heat, not go out to join some literary gathering.
It is said that Emperor Taizu established the imperial examination system, which gathered the best talents in the country. The first top scholar stayed in the Zhuangyuan Building when he went to the capital to take the exam. This literary gathering before each autumn examination has become a tradition that has been passed down to this day.
For candidates traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations, the Zhuangyuanlou restaurant only charges half price for food and lodging, with one exception: the room where the first Zhuangyuan (top scholar) stayed. To bring good luck, it was always a highly sought-after room among the candidates.
Yang Qing was skeptical of this. It had been almost three hundred years, and the Zhuangyuan Tower had been rebuilt three times and renovated countless times. How could that original room still exist?
These people just wanted to pay a lot of money for some consolation, but you can't blame the owner of Zhuangyuanlou for ripping them off; it's a case of one willing to give and the other willing to receive.
The literary gatherings attended by the candidates were held in the main hall. On this day, the Zhuangyuanlou Restaurant was always packed with guests. Not only would those self-proclaimed romantic princes and noblemen come to join in the fun, but many young ladies would also come to catch a glimpse of the future Jinshi gentlemen.
The appearance of Yang Qing and Xu Pianran here was not particularly abrupt.
But she was still afraid of being seen, so she wore a veil before getting off the carriage to cover her face completely, so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble.
The two stood on the second floor, peeking down furtively. Yang Qing spotted them immediately and gestured with her eyes, "Look, isn't that the one sitting in the northeast corner?"
Xu Pianran glanced at him and immediately looked down. "Among a group of pale-faced scholars, he's like a lump of coal mixed into a steamer of white steamed buns—utterly out of place!"
Yang Qing covered her lips and laughed, then looked at her carefully a few more times before saying, "She's just a little dark-skinned, but she's not bad-looking. Maybe she'll be able to get her fair skin back after a while?"
She knew her friend's personality; although she said she was dissatisfied, she didn't cause a huge scene at home and could still drag her along to see the person, so it meant it was acceptable.
Xu Pianran still looked unhappy. She and Rongyue were the two extremes. Since childhood, she would want to sleep whenever she heard these kinds of literature and poetry. Now, when ordinary pedantic scholars gathered together, nodding and swaying their heads, it was no different from monks chanting sutras to her. The only reason she didn't fall asleep on the spot was because she had finally come out of the house.
Yang Qing wasn't particularly interested in this, but since she was already there, it would be a waste not to listen carefully and take a closer look.
Therefore, unlike Xu Pianran, she didn't just glance at the pastries before focusing on eating them.
Although the second-floor view was muffled, judging from the expressions and demeanor, Xu Pianran's fiancé, the dark-faced scholar, seemed to be quite talented in literature.
Among all the candidates, only another scholar surnamed Jiang could rival him.
Xu Pianran finished the pastries on the table before standing back in front of the railing, frowning and complaining, "I really don't know what my parents were thinking. They're a bunch of poor scholars. Isn't that guy surnamed Jiang over there quite good-looking? But they insisted on finding that dark-faced monster for me. It's so annoying. I really doubt if I'm their biological child."
Whether it was because her voice was too loud or not, the man surnamed Jiang actually turned his face towards them.
Xu Pianran was quick-witted; as soon as she noticed, she immediately withdrew her head, leaving only a fleeting afterimage.
Yang Qing belatedly realized what was happening, exchanged a glance with the person, and then quickly looked away, complaining to Xu Pianran, "You're so disloyal! You hid so quickly without even reminding me!"
Xu Pianran felt guilty and didn't argue back. Just as the two were about to leave, the waiter stopped them, handed them a brocade box, and said respectfully, "This is a gift from the talented Jiang to you, young lady."
Yang Qing was suspicious. Why would someone give her something when she had only caught a glimpse of her in the crowd?
"There is a beautiful woman, graceful and charming."
Yang Qing remained silent, tossing the silk cloth back into the box. She then said to the waiter, "I don't want it. Give it back to that person."
Having said that, even though the waiter looked troubled, he didn't hesitate any longer and pulled Xu Pianran, who was still watching the commotion, away.
Yang Qing never expected that she would encounter such a thing just by going out for a short trip.
Why is it that when she was so focused on finding a better husband, there wasn't a single man who would give her a handkerchief after just one glance?
On the carriage, he didn't forget to remind Xiaoman, "You mustn't tell Li Shangxuan about what happened just now, understand?"
Xiaoman just looked at her, neither nodding nor shaking her head.
Yang Qing immediately understood what she meant and couldn't help but get angry again.
Xu Pianran tried to reason with Xiaoman: "Xiaoman, you can't be so rigid. Sometimes being a little more tactful can avoid a lot of problems. If you tell His Highness about this, he will definitely be angry again, and you won't get any good out of it. You'll also make Yangqing resent you. Don't you think so?"
Xiaoman shook her head and said, "I am paid by the emperor, so I must be loyal to him. The one who pays my monthly salary is the crown prince. He told me to tell him everything, so of course I will tell him everything."
Yang Qing immediately said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? This is easy to solve. How much is your monthly salary? I'll give you double it, how about that?"
Xiaoman flew into a rage: "Your Highness, please watch your words! What kind of person do you take me for? I can't be bought off with money!"
Yang Qing was furious. Without saying a word, she kicked Xiao Man out of the carriage. In her life, although she hadn't met many men, she had met quite a few women. Even Ming Luoqi was smarter than Xiao Man.
Xu Pianran quickly and carefully comforted her, "Oh, if she wants to talk, let her talk. Anyway, it's someone else who gave you the handkerchief, not you who gave it to someone else. His Highness probably won't make things difficult for you."
Yang Qing covered her face with a handkerchief, looking quite helpless.
Xu Pianran had no idea...
He practically wanted to find fault with her so he could make things difficult for her.
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