033
In the height of summer in June, the lotus flowers in the Imperial Garden were in full bloom, and the annual lotus-viewing banquet arrived as scheduled. This was not only an elegant gathering for the royal family to escape the summer heat, but also a rare social occasion for princes and princesses of marriageable age, as well as scions of noble families. Si Mianmian wore a light blue silk dress, the hem embroidered with lotus scrolls, and a translucent jade hairpin in her hair. Simple and elegant, she already possessed the graceful bearing of a young girl. She sat below Consort Wen, her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the guests, but her heart was far from as calm as it appeared.
After her coming-of-age ceremony, "Princess Zhaochen's marriage" became a hot topic of discussion in the palace. Favored by the emperor and valued by the crown prince, and possessing outstanding looks and character, she was undoubtedly a highly valuable marriage prospect in the eyes of various factions. Si Mianmian knew that at today's banquet, she would be the focus of everyone's attention, and also an opportunity for her to observe and even guide the "situation."
Survival Handbook Rule #33: When "marriage" becomes a bargaining chip, the relationship is no longer just between two people. Only by understanding the intentions of all parties and clarifying one's own state of mind can one maintain one's integrity amidst the chaos and act only after careful consideration.
As the banquet reached its midpoint, the guests moved to a waterside pavilion to listen to music and sip tea. Si Mianmian excused herself to change, leaving her seat to stroll to a secluded, winding corridor beside the pavilion. Here, a vast lotus field stretched out, and the evening breeze carried a delicate fragrance, slightly dispelling her worries. She leaned against the railing, gazing at the lotus leaves under the moonlight, her thoughts a jumble of emotions.
The words "the one she admires" carried immense weight for her. They encompassed not only a young girl's budding feelings, but also the support she would rely on for the rest of her life and the choices she would make for her future.
"Hiding here to steal a moment of leisure? Is the wine at the banquet not to Princess Zhaochen's liking?" A voice with a lazy smile sounded from behind her. Without turning around, Si Mianmian knew it was Rong Jingyu.
Today, he wore a deep purple brocade robe with dark silver patterns, which accentuated his handsome features and dashing demeanor. He approached slowly, leaning naturally against the railing beside her, his folding fan gently waving, bringing with it a scent mixed with the aroma of wine and ambergris. His peach blossom eyes swept over her profile, filled with undisguised admiration and curiosity.
Si Mianmian turned slightly to the side, gave a curtsy, and said calmly, "Your Highness is too kind. The wine is very good, but it's a bit stuffy inside, so I came out for some fresh air."
Rong Jingyu chuckled softly, leaning closer and lowering his voice, his tone playfully intimate: "Trying to get some fresh air, huh? I saw the way those ladies looked at you at the banquet just now, like they'd spotted some rare treasure, ready to snatch you up as their wife." His tone shifted, a barely perceptible tension creeping into his voice, "So, our little Zhaochen, do you have someone in mind?"
The question was direct, even somewhat presumptuous. Si Mianmian knew he was testing her, and a blush rose on her face at the right moment. She glanced at him with girlish embarrassment and annoyance: "Young Master, you're teasing Mianmian again! Marriage is a major event, decided by parents and arranged by matchmakers. How dare Mianmian presume to speak of it?" She deftly passed the question back, her posture respectful yet impeccable.
"Parents' orders?" Rong Jingyu raised an eyebrow, snapped his folding fan shut, and lightly tapped his palm with the fan rib, his gaze fixed intently on her. "What if I said... I don't want to just obey that damn 'parents' orders'?" His voice was even lower, with a magnetic, seductive quality. "Mianmian, do you know, all these years I've watched you grow up, from a tiny little thing to the person you are today... My heart..."
He left his words unsaid, the unspoken meaning carrying a profound weight. Si Mianmian's heart skipped a beat. She had always sensed Rong Jingyu's special treatment of her. This affection was passionate, direct, and possessive, carrying his inherent domineering and untamed nature. Being with him was exciting and fun, yet also like walking on thin ice, because his mind was deep, and you could never tell which words were sincere and which were just a joke. He was the best ally, and also the most dangerous partner.
"Your Highness has had too much to drink." Si Mianmian lowered her eyelashes, concealing the emotions in her eyes. Her voice was soft but distant. "The wind is getting strong. Mianmian should go back now, lest Mother worry about me." She bowed and turned to leave.
Rong Jingyu reached out and lightly stopped her without touching her, only whispering, "Mianmian, remember, no matter what, I, Rong Jingyu, will always... stand on your side." His words sounded like a promise, yet also like a warning.
Si Mianmian didn't stop walking, but her heart skipped a beat. Rong Jingyu's "taking sides" would definitely come at a high price.
Leaving the corridor, Si Mianmian didn't return to her seat immediately, but instead went around to the Bamboo Pavilion on the other side of the lotus pond. This place was even more serene, with moonlight like water spilling onto the stone table in the pavilion. There she saw a man standing with his hands behind his back by the pavilion, gazing at the moonlit pond, his figure as upright as bamboo – it was Xuan Jing.
Hearing footsteps, Xuan Jing turned around, still with his usual aloof and refined demeanor, his moon-white robes appearing even more so in the moonlight. Upon seeing her, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded slightly: "Ninth Princess."
“Your Highness Xuanjing,” Si Mianmian returned the greeting with a curtsy. Unlike Rong Jingyu’s burning passion, Xuanjing was like a lotus flower under the moon—aloof and quiet, yet possessing a reassuring power. Over the years, their friendship as “classmates” had grown stronger. He taught her chess, discussed poetry and literature with her, and occasionally mentioned the customs and culture of the Yan Dynasty, but never crossed any lines. His care was measured by the perfect distance, a silent support, and the kind of thoughtful gesture she would send late at night. He would quietly accept the snacks she sent, and when he returned the food box the next day, it might contain a rare chess manual she had been searching for.
"Your Highness is also here to admire the moon?" Si Mianmian approached and stood beside him. The evening breeze carried his faint, cool fragrance, like that of a pine tree after a snowfall.
"Hmm." Xuan Jing responded, and after a moment of silence, said, "It's quiet here." He paused, his gaze still fixed on the lotus pond in the distance, his voice calm and even, "The banquet is noisy. If the princess feels uncomfortable, she need not force herself."
He was always like this, keenly aware of her emotions, yet never pointing them out, only giving her the most appropriate space. Si Mianmian felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. But... sometimes, there are situations that can't be avoided just because you want to." There was a hint of helplessness in her voice.
Xuan Jing turned to look at her. In the moonlight, the girl's profile was soft, yet a layer of melancholy lingered between her brows and eyes. He naturally understood what she meant. After a long while, he slowly said, "Princess, you are no longer the Ninth Princess who had to walk on eggshells in the Zhuixia Pavilion. With His Majesty's favor, the Crown Prince's reliance, and the Empress Dowager's approval, Princess... you have enough resources to choose a good husband for yourself."
His words directly revealed the current situation. Si Mianmian looked up in surprise, meeting his deep eyes. There was no burning passion like Rong Jingyu's, nor the scrutiny of a crown prince, only a clear understanding and... a very faint concern.
“A good son-in-law…” Si Mianmian murmured repeatedly, revealing a bitter smile. “What is a good son-in-law? Someone of equal social standing? Someone with immense power? Or… someone who understands and cares for you?” She seemed to be asking him, but also seemed to be asking herself.
Xuan Jing looked at her quietly, without answering directly, but said: "The Tao Te Ching says, 'He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.' Princess is intelligent, and should be able to distinguish between what is false and what is real. The way your heart leads is the way home."
"Where my heart leads..." Si Mianmian's heart trembled. Xuan Jing had never made any explicit statement to her, but his words at this moment were like a beacon, illuminating the fog in her heart. He was reminding her not to be blinded by the noise and interests of the outside world, but to see her own heart clearly.
"Your Highness's teachings will be remembered by Mianmian." She bowed solemnly.
Xuan Jing slightly turned aside to avoid her full curtsy, his tone remaining calm: "Your Highness is too kind. The night dew is chilly; Your Highness should return to your seat soon." With that, he nodded slightly and departed, his robes fluttering, untouched by dust.
Watching his departing figure, Si Mianmian felt a mix of emotions. Xuan Jing was like a profound book, requiring patient reading. His affection was subtle yet deep and reassuring, making one feel at ease and also inspiring longing.
Back at the banquet, Crown Prince Si Jingjin surprisingly left his seat and stood with his hands behind his back under an ancient cypress tree outside the hall, seemingly waiting for her. Si Mianmian hurriedly stepped forward to greet him: "Crown Prince, brother."
Si Jingjin turned around, his cold and stern face softening slightly under the palace lanterns. He glanced at her and said calmly, "You don't look well. Are you tired?"
"Thank you for your concern, brother. I'm not tired," Si Mianmian replied, bowing her head.
Si Jingjin hummed in agreement, walked over to her side, and glanced at the waterside pavilion, where Rong Jingyu could be vaguely seen chatting and laughing with others. He then looked towards the Bamboo Rhyme Pavilion, which was now deserted. He remained silent for a moment before saying, "At today's banquet, many ladies inquired about your marriage with the Empress Dowager."
Si Mianmian's heart tightened, knowing that the main topic was approaching. She replied softly, "Mianmian will leave the decision to Father, Mother, and Brother."
"Make the decision?" Si Jingjin chuckled lightly, a hint of coldness barely perceptible in his voice. "You are my own sister. Your marriage concerns the dignity of the nation and the reputation of the Crown Prince. How can it be taken lightly?" His tone turned somber. "Rong Jingyu is unruly and her father guards the northern frontier. Although he wields great power, his achievements are too great for the emperor's eyes. He is not a suitable match. Xuanjing..." He paused, his voice growing even colder, "is a hostage from the Yan Dynasty. His identity is sensitive. Even if he is talented, it is ultimately just a mirage. He will be of no benefit to you and will only add uncertainty to the nation."
His analysis was calm and ruthless, entirely driven by political interests. Si Mianmian felt a chill run down her spine, knowing this was the Crown Prince's true feeling. In his eyes, her marriage was primarily a pawn in consolidating imperial power and stabilizing the court.
"Then... what do you think, brother, is someone worthy of you?" Si Mianmian raised her head, her eyes filled with dependence and confusion.
Si Jingjin gave her a deep look and said, "There are many talented young people in the court, such as Li Wenqing, the son of the Minister of Rites, who comes from a family of upright officials and is of good character; or Yue Feng, the newly appointed martial arts champion, who comes from a clean family and has made outstanding military achievements. Both of them are good candidates." The two people he mentioned were rising stars among the Crown Prince's faction.
Survival Manual Postscript: The most skillful control is not coercion, but rather defining a "safe" range of choices for you, making you willingly walk into the track he has set.
Si Mianmian understood. Her elder brother, the Crown Prince, wasn't indifferent to her, but his concern was always tinged with calculation and scheming. He hoped her marriage would become the most secure pawn in his power structure.
"Mianmian... I understand." She said in a low voice, her tone respectful, revealing no emotion.
Si Jingjin seemed satisfied with her attitude, and his tone softened: "You have been intelligent since childhood, and you should know that I am doing this for your own good. Go back now, your mother should be looking for you."
Back at the bustling banquet, the sounds of string and wind instruments continued, but Si Mianmian felt her mind in turmoil. Rong Jingyu's burning passion and determination, Xuan Jing's aloofness and silent protection, her elder brother, the Crown Prince's calmness and political schemes... the attitudes of the three parties were clearly presented to her.
She picked up a glass of chilled plum soup, took a small sip, and the sweet and sour, icy liquid slid down her throat, calming the restlessness in her heart slightly. Her gaze swept over the guests in the room; the glances cast upon her, some open and some subtle, contained concern, some jealousy, some calculation, and some genuine admiration.
The person you admire?
Si Mianmian's lips slowly curved into a very faint smile. For her, love might be a luxury, but the power to choose must be in her own hands. She would not allow anyone to manipulate this game of lifelong commitment.
The lotus-viewing banquet finally ended under the moonlight. Si Mianmian helped Consort Wen into the sedan chair to return to the palace. The curtains fell, shutting out the outside noise. Consort Wen held her daughter's hand and sighed softly, "Mianmian, are you... troubled today?"
Si Mianmian rested her head on her mother's shoulder, feeling that familiar warmth, and whispered with her eyes closed, "Mother, I was just thinking about what kind of path I truly want to take."
Consort Wen gently patted her back, just as she had when she was a child: "No matter which path you choose, your mother will always be by your side."
Outside the sedan chair, the summer night air was filled with the chirping of insects, as if they were whispering unspoken secrets. Si Mianmian knew that the first storm after her coming-of-age ceremony had only just begun. And she was no longer the little girl who needed to completely depend on others.
The final note of the survival manual: The most profound emotion in the world is "understanding." Some love your bright and beautiful self, others understand your silent struggles. The person you admire might be the one who allows you to shed all your pretenses and be yourself. However, in the inner palace, this "understanding" often requires overcoming numerous obstacles to reach.
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