Chapter 44 Jealousy Erupts: "What does Lan Yan's marriage have to do with you?!"
Outside the hall, the sun shone brightly and a gentle breeze blew. Inside, a wisp of smoke drifted through the air like a cloud. A window was open, and the breeze from outside slightly diluted the incense in the burner.
His hands had distinct knuckles, and his skin had turned an unhealthy pale white from spending so much time in the room. He held a memorial in his hands, flipping through it back and forth, and the fierceness between his brows grew increasingly intense.
Cui Xiangzhu silently ground ink on the side. He secretly glanced at the unsettled emperor, his lips twitching but he didn't say a word.
"Oh."
Choosing concubines, choosing concubines… Since the court officials dared not stuff people into the harem, they began to submit memorials to select a few from the common people and send them into the palace. Gu Huizhou, sitting in a high position, did not look good. He looked at the memorials on choosing concubines, and the solemnity between his brows could not be eased.
The image of those long, white legs from a few days ago keeps flashing before my eyes; they were so pale they were almost irritating.
On the corner of the table was the letter that stupid mushroom had sent back from Jiangzhou City. It was flipped open in a few seconds. “The men of Jiangnan have the spirit of male love…” The handwriting was neat and elegant. Even if someone crossed it out, the words could not be covered up. The writing was still clear under the gray-black ink.
When she closes her eyes, all she sees are those clear, bright eyes. She often looks at him helplessly, rarely showing fear or anger, just staring at him with a calm expression.
snort.
When he's in pain, he knows to cry out and scream.
The emperor tapped his fingers on the table, while simultaneously tapping the letter paper, repeatedly pointing to the words "dragon's male love" and tsk.
With a hint of impatience, Gu Huizhou recalled what Eleven had said in his letter: that he had a lively and charming appearance, no wonder he had caught someone's eye as soon as he arrived in Jiangzhou City. His brows furrowed even more tightly. He should stay in the palace and not be allowed to go anywhere.
"clang--"
"Your Majesty!" Cui Xiangzhu quickly straightened the teacup. The tea that Gu Huizhou had just touched almost soaked the letter on the table. Cui Xiangzhu used his sleeve to block the water and cleaned it up with a light laugh.
Gu Huizhou held the letter in his hand, turned to look at the bright sky outside the window, and asked, "Where is he?"
Without even asking, everyone knew who he was referring to. The head eunuch smiled and said, "Today is the wedding of Lady Lan Yan. Perhaps it was because the Nineteenth Prince made friends with someone in Jiangzhou City that he went to the Lan residence early."
Gu Huizhou replied in a deep voice, "Mm."
"Would Your Majesty like to go and take a look?"
Gu Huizhou closed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and said, "I'm not going."
Xu Yi was taken aback. He hadn't expected Yao Ruyi to answer so decisively. "It's fine if you don't go. In the past, the sword dance competition was just a competition organized by young masters from aristocratic families to compete for a title. Last year, Baili Wenhan won the title." The two strolled around Lan Yan's residence. "Today we can also see the second young master of the Baili family."
Xu Yi looked around to make sure no one was there. "Lord Baili's search for a doctor has been fruitless, and the Second Young Master's temper, which was already bad, has worsened now."
His expression darkened. He had heard that during their trip to Jiangzhou City, the second young master of the Baili family had taken a fancy to a girl at the market who looked remarkably like Siwen. Within two days, news spread that the second young master of the Baili family had locked the girl in his room, and that the girl had disappeared after being taken away by her family.
The Baili family sent a large sum of money, but the matter was dropped a few days later.
“Hmm, I won’t talk to him.” Yao Ruyi changed into the blue brocade robe that Thirteen had taken him to buy today. After all, it was Lan Yan’s wedding day. It would be fine if he stayed in the room with the emperor like last time, but he was going out for a banquet in the evening. It was not appropriate for him to go out dressed in white.
"Today, I will deliver the warm jade to the eldest young master on behalf of Miss Siwen."
Xu Yi nodded with a smile, "Young Master has been a great help. Although the gift was given to Miss Siwen, it has also helped us." The two stopped under a peach tree in the courtyard. The pink and white petals of the peach blossoms fell with the breeze. Xu Yi was in a good mood as she watched, "It can be considered as repaying Young Master's favor."
Why are you being so polite?
"Young Master."
The sound of the wheelchair hitting the ground grew louder and louder. A figure slowly appeared from the corridor, pushing the wheelchair himself. Xu Yi saw this and quickly stepped forward to lend a hand. Baili Qingxiao smiled at the person and said, "Thank you."
The three of them sat down together under the tree. Today was a joyous occasion for the Lan family, and red silk ribbons were hung everywhere, even the peach tree was adorned with red embroidery. Baili Qingxiao looked around. Servants were busy one after another in the mansion, many of them from the Imperial Household Department. He chuckled, "I was hoping to see if there was anything I could do to help."
He sighed deeply, "I was overthinking it."
Yao Ruyi nodded. He had thought so too. Then he met Xu Yi, who was also idle, in the mansion. He handed the warm jade that Han Siwen had asked him to take back to the capital to Baili Qingxiao. His gaze subconsciously fell on Baili Qingxiao's knees. "It was Miss Siwen who asked me to pass it on. Miss Siwen said that if I return to the capital, I will definitely come to thank her."
Yao Ruyi spoke earnestly, even mimicking Han Siwen's tone of voice perfectly. The thousand bushels of grain from Jiangzhou City not only helped Han Siwen but also them. "We must thank Young Master Baili."
Xu Yi also cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "On behalf of the people of Jiangzhou, Xu Yi thanks Young Master Baili."
Baili Qingxiao was taken aback. He held the warm jade in his hand and rubbed it. He smiled and bowed in return to the two men who thanked him, saying, "You two are too kind."
The group exchanged smiles. "The establishment of the Wanyou Chamber of Commerce wouldn't have been possible without Miss Siwen's help, and now the Chamber is doing better every day. I'll do my best to help if I have the extra strength I can."
The young man in his thirties always exuded elegance. Yao Ruyi looked at him and felt that he had some of the demeanor of the old court official Xue Qingping. "We should thank him, otherwise we wouldn't have come back so early."
Baili Qingxiao nodded hurriedly, "Then Qingxia will no longer stand on ceremony with you two. Please feel free to ask if you need anything in the future."
Yao Ruyi nodded, "Okay."
In the past month or so, Jiangzhou City has undergone a dramatic change due to the grain issue. Although the capital city is the seat of the imperial family and merchants have become much more restrained, things are still not as calm as they appear on the surface. In the past few days, Yao Ruyi has heard a lot from Cui Xiangzhu about what's happening in the capital. Many merchants are imitating the practices in Jiangnan by secretly selling other goods to raise rice prices, but before the government can discover them, the Wanyou Merchant Guild has already thoroughly cracked down on them.
The newly built refugee camps outside the city also had the participation of the Wanyou Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber of commerce was established only two months ago, but it already has a reputation similar to that of the Siyun Chamber of Commerce.
When Baili Wenhan is mentioned in the capital now, Baili Qingxiao is inevitably brought up as well. More than ten years ago, the two were known as the twins, and that remains true today. However, they are worlds apart. The eldest son is helping the people grow grain and mulberry trees, while the second son is embroiled in such a scandal.
Some people secretly said that they wished it was Baili Wenhan who broke his leg back then. If that were the case, the eldest son might be a high-ranking official of the third rank or above in the court now, and could be called one of the two great ministers of the capital, along with General Han.
One was a civil official, and the other a military general.
The group chatted about the grain issue. They were all scholars who had read extensively, so they spoke slowly. Compared to them, Yao Ruyi felt that she was several years further away from taking the imperial examination and entering officialdom.
"The fields in Jiangzhou City have improved considerably, and the situation in the capital will be similar soon." Baili Qingxiao played with the warm jade with great affection. "A month ago, the Wanyou Chamber of Commerce bought a piece of land. It was thanks to the imperial court's favor that the Wanyou Chamber of Commerce was allowed to use this name to open up new avenues. After the mulberry trees and alfalfa were planted in the fields, he often brought the people to see them. Now the fields are becoming more and more fertile, and many people have started planting in the fields as well."
“Milky clover is more suitable for the south of the Yangtze River, while alfalfa and mulberry trees are more suitable for the capital. The court is distributing these seeds, and more and more people are receiving them.”
When it comes to this kind of thing, Baili Qingxiao talks on and on. In comparison, the behavior of the others in Jiangnan is no different from that of mountain bandits. Xu Yi thought about it and laughed first.
Baili Qingxiao already knew what they had done in Jiangnan, and he laughed along, "Siwen is just like this. If this matter drags on for several months, it's not in her nature." He then looked at Yao Ruyi, who was smiling and drinking tea. He hadn't expected that this seemingly weak scholar could have such a style.
It's more like the one up there.
"Brother Baili!"
A clear, bird-like chirping sound filled the air with a young girl's joy. Liang Pingxia walked out from the corridor, her eyes crinkling with laughter, her pale yellow dress swaying as she ran and jumped.
Liang Chengfeng followed behind her, but she ignored her older brother and walked quickly toward Baili Qingxiao with a smile.
"Brother Baili, do you still remember Pingxia?"
Her crescent-shaped eyes were bright and lively. She had become much thinner, which made her look more mature. The liveliness of a young girl was gradually transforming into the charming beauty of a woman.
Just like Li Yunyun back then.
“Of course I remember,” Baili Qingxiao nodded to Liang Chengfeng behind her, then met the little girl’s eyes, “Pingxia is all grown up now, she’s not the little girl who used to pester her brother for candy with Rou’er when she was little.”
Liang Pingxia smiled when she saw that he still remembered her, but she looked embarrassed and indignant when she heard what he said. "Brother Baili, please don't bring up things from when we were little. Sister Xiaorou is getting married now. If you hear Brother Baili mentioning things from when we were little, I will definitely be angry with you."
Baili Qingxiao chuckled and turned to look at Yao Ruyi and Xu Yi, "These two are the Nineteenth Prince and Lord Xu, Pingxia."
Liang Pingxia smiled at the two men and bowed respectfully, saying, "Pingxia greets the Nineteenth Lord and Lord Xu."
Liang Chengfeng didn't come over from a distance. Liang Pingxia greeted the others and then turned back to Liang Chengfeng's side.
She smiled and walked through the corridor to another direction.
Led by a servant from the Lan family, the two rested in a secluded courtyard.
Although it was remote, it was much quieter than the noisy place. Liang Pingxia looked around, her initial joy gradually fading. "I was hoping that Sister Xiaorou would be my sister-in-law, but I never expected..."
Upon hearing this, Liang Chengfeng clenched his fists under the table and remained silent, his lips pressed tightly together.
"elder brother."
"I visited Sister Xiaorou a few days ago. Sister Xiaorou said that she had long admired Lord Lan and would be overjoyed if she could marry him."
The little girl continued talking to herself, not caring whether Liang Chengfeng would reply or not, "Since that's the case, it's best to go along with Sister Xiaorou's wishes."
She looked at Liang Chengfeng, "Brother, is there someone you love?"
Liang Chengfeng was taken aback. He looked at Liang Pingxia with a warm expression and asked, "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"
“Now even Sister Xiaorou is married, but I don’t even have a sister-in-law.” As she spoke, her teasing expression faded, and her voice suddenly became tearful, as if she had been holding back for a long time. “My second uncle just got married before the New Year, and now even my aunt has disappeared.”
Liang Chengfeng quickly stuffed the handkerchief into Liang Pingxia's hand, his tone gentle, "Didn't we agree at home that today is your Xiaorou's big day, so wipe yourself down quickly?"
She didn't want to cry, but now she couldn't even find her aunt. "But Aunt..."
Liang Chengfeng held the person in his arms, his expression fixed on the air, devoid of worry. He sneered inwardly. A while ago, Li Li would often come to them crying, begging for her daughter, but recently she had lost that composure, as if she couldn't wait to sever all ties with the Liang family.
As dusk settled and the auspicious hour approached, Liang Chengfeng patted the shoulder of the person in his arms. "Hurry up, we need to go too."
"First bow to Heaven and Earth—"
The candlelight illuminated the bright red veil, revealing Baili Rou's exquisite and beautiful wedding dress, surpassing even the one she wore at her coming-of-age ceremony. Liang Pingxia looked on with envy, sipping her fruit wine slowly, "If I were to get married, my mother would surely prepare a wedding dress like this for me."
Liang Chengfeng drank his wine cup by cup, and chuckled as he heard this, rubbing his fingers on the cup. "You are not yet of marriageable age, so marriage cannot be rushed."
Liang Pingxia blushed and said, "Of course, there's no rush. I also need to find a suitable husband." After thinking for a while, she said, "If it's rare, I'll go to Jiangnan to open a business association, just like Sister Siwen did."
Liang Chengfeng said sternly, "Stop talking nonsense, or your father will hear you."
Liang Pingxia snorted and ignored everyone, and just then someone came to talk to Liang Chengfeng, thus ending the conversation between the siblings.
On the other side, Xu Yi looked at Lan Yan, who was completely plied with alcohol, and worriedly said, "How could she drink so much? These people are..."
He sighed deeply, feeling utterly helpless.
With no powerful family behind her, all those who dared not bribe Baili Yi switched to Lan Yan's side. Even though she became Baili's son-in-law, she is still just a minor official.
Several ministers from the court were also at the banquet. Xu Yi sat beside Yao Ruyi, unwilling to go forward. He watched from afar as Xue Qingping pushed aside the wine and meat-drinking crowd and pulled Lan Yan aside to talk. Baili Qingxiao sat down next to him. Only then did Xu Yi feel at ease.
"Nineteen, what are you thinking about?"
Yao Ruyi was taken aback when he heard this. He hadn't even realized that he had been lost in thought. He quickly took a sip of fruit wine and said, "It's nothing. I was just thinking that Lan Yan and Miss Baili should be a perfect couple."
Xu Yi nodded. "I've long heard that Miss Baili is fond of Lanyan. Wouldn't it be best if they got married now?" But this Baili family…
Lan Yan has no power or influence behind him, so it's unknown how Lord Baili will treat him.
In just a few months, he witnessed three couples getting married. As Yao Ruyi watched the ministers clinking glasses at banquets and occasionally mentioning their unmarried sons and daughters, he suddenly thought of the emperor.
"Xu Yi, has His Majesty married?"
Many people had just walked towards the two of them, but Xu Yi had already chatted with them in a few words. After a while, those people stopped coming over, and the two of them started chatting. Xu Yi had just raised his wine cup to take a sip when he heard Yao Ruyi say this, so he quickly put down the fruit wine and frowned, "How can you discuss His Majesty's affairs?"
After a moment, he picked up the fruit on the table and said softly, "Not yet."
Yao Ruyi nodded, "Then does Your Majesty wish to get married?"
Seeing that no one around was looking this way, Xu Yi lowered his voice, "Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, there should always be a crown prince in the court."
"But now His Majesty is alone, and the ministers in the court are also anxious. Moreover, I heard that a few days ago, an old minister submitted a memorial to His Majesty, saying that the selection of concubines should have been held two years ago, but His Majesty was unwilling and has been delaying it."
Yao Ruyi gave a soft "Oh," which meant that there would always be a selection of concubines, and the emperor would have his concubines by his side. He would then have to move out of the Cloud Palace and return to the courtyard of the Thirteenth Prince and the others to live together.
He reached out and placed his hand on the fruit wine, feeling as if something was blocking his chest. He looked around, but hadn't eaten anything he shouldn't have.
But I just don't feel comfortable.
"What? Who mentioned this to you?" Xu Yi asked. Since the Nineteenth Prince was always by His Majesty's side, someone must have discussed this matter with him again.
He took a sip of fruit wine to smooth things down, saying, "It's nothing, I was just asking."
But it was to no avail.
Xu Yi looked at him, her expression clearly indicating that she wasn't asking a casual question.
"Rest assured, His Majesty is a wise ruler and would never allow his concubines to dictate the affairs of state." He scoffed. "These aristocratic families shouldn't even think about trying to influence His Majesty's mind by sending their daughters into the palace."
Seeing that Yao Ruyi remained silent, he continued, "Moreover, if there are people in the harem, there shouldn't be just one. There should always be several people entering the palace together to check and balance each other. Otherwise, it would really become a situation where one person holds absolute power over all six palaces."
Yao Ruyi was startled and, unusually, raised her voice, "How many more do we need to find?"
"How can we decide matters of the harem? If His Majesty likes them, it's not too much to ask for as many as he wants."
He spoke slowly, and thinking about how fewer and fewer people were taking concubines in recent years, he shook his head to himself, "If I were to get married, one person would be enough." His tone was filled with longing.
After saying this and receiving no reply, he turned to see Yao Ruyi pick up the fruit wine on the table and drink it, and couldn't help but find it amusing, "What, is there anything wrong with His Majesty taking a concubine?"
After a long while, Yao Ruyi replied, "...It's nothing."
The banquet was almost over while the two were talking. Amidst laughter, Lan Yan was pushed into the backyard. When the group tried to go forward, they were stopped by Baili Qingxiao's men.
Baili Yi chuckled, and the group quickly retreated upon seeing this. After saying goodbye to the others when it was almost time, they left.
"Farewell!"
"Farewell!"
...
"Let's go back too."
The two greeted Baili Qingxiao, but as for Lan Yan, they wouldn't see him today. One carriage after another drove away outside the mansion, and as soon as Xu Yi stepped out, he saw Cui Xiangzhu sitting in a carriage, looking up at them.
Upon seeing the two emerge, the head eunuch beamed, "This old servant greets Lord Xu." Turning his head, he exclaimed, "Oh, what's wrong with the Nineteenth Prince?"
Xu Yi was stunned. Just moments ago, he had been sober enough to bid farewell to Young Master Baili with him, how could this be...?
He quickly helped Yao Ruyi up, remembering how the other person had been drinking glass after glass of wine towards the end. He frowned, "The 19th Party Congress drank a few too many fruit wines."
Cui Xiangzhu gestured to Xiao Dezi to help the man into the carriage. "Thank you, Lord Xu. In that case, this old servant will take the Nineteenth Prince back to the palace first. His Majesty is still urging us to return."
"Eunuch Cui, farewell."
"Take care, sir." A smile remained on his face as he watched the person turn away.
Under the moonlight, Xu Yi turned and walked into the street, but there were no carriages in sight. Cui Xiangzhu thought about giving someone a ride, but then decided against it.
He turned and got into the carriage, lifting the curtain to look at Yao Ruyi, who was leaning against the carriage, looking dizzy. He hurriedly instructed Xiao Dezi, "Be careful, if you fall, the Nineteenth Prince will hold you responsible!"
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Whether it was Cui Xiangzhu's advice that worked or Yao Ruyi's composure, he remained in the same position as when he first got into the carriage when it came to a steady stop at the Cloud Palace.
Cui Xiangzhu called out softly twice, "The 19th Party Congress, the 19th Party Congress!"
Yao Ruyi tried to open her eyes, but didn't. She leaned against the carriage, humming softly, and it was unclear whether she was asleep or not.
this--
Sigh... let His Majesty come over.
The eunuchs carrying lanterns on both sides of the corridor remained silent. Cui Xiangzhu said, "You stay here and keep watch. I'll go check if His Majesty is here."
"Don't worry, Eunuch Cui."
Seeing that nothing would go wrong, Cui Xiangzhu jogged away, returning beside the emperor. Gu Huizhou frowned, took a large step forward, and swiftly pulled the person out of the carriage, holding them securely in his arms.
"Go and prepare water."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Cui Xiangzhu watched the person enter the bedchamber, then turned and ordered someone to boil water.
"His Majesty--"
"His Majesty--"
She opened her eyes slightly when someone picked her up.
Yao Ruyi was lying peacefully in Gu Huizhou's arms, but when he was about to put her on the bed, she started to squirm restlessly, grabbing his sleeve and refusing to let go, acting all clingy.
A smile unconsciously crept onto the man's lips. Yao Ruyi, drunk, had flushed cheeks and eyes that seemed to hold wine. Two strands of orange-red hair behind her ears were slightly disheveled, clinging to her neck and making her skin appear even whiter and more delicate.
With his tongue touching the roof of his mouth, Gu Huizhou reached out and grabbed the person's wrist, applying slight pressure. He chuckled as he saw a red mark left on it.
"Hmm—"
Yao Ruyi was dissatisfied and snorted in protest, but he was already unable to exert any strength while lying in bed, not to mention that he had just drunk alcohol, so his struggles were in vain.
His eyes widened in accusation, "Your Majesty—"
Upon meeting that gaze, Gu Huizhou felt a sudden burning sensation, and the force in his hand loosened, allowing the person to escape. His throat moved slightly, and his eyes were dark and unfathomable.
Yao Ruyi rolled over a few times and landed on the innermost side of the bed, hugging the blanket and shrinking into a corner, her eyes fixed on Gu Huizhou.
As he looked on, a hint of resentment appeared in his eyes.
Gu Huizhou: ?
He looked at the person on the bed with displeasure and resentment in his eyes, and found it amusing. "Lying in my palace, what more could the Nineteenth Prince possibly want?"
Yao Ruyi remained silent, simply watching him. Gu Huizhou raised an eyebrow, turned, and sat on the bed, just like Yao Ruyi had been curled up in bed reading a few days ago. He lay on his side, propping his head up with his hand, his dark hair cascading down his shoulders and onto the bed. His eyes were smiling, and for a moment, it was impossible to tell who was the spirit in human form.
"come over."
Yao Ruyi stared blankly for a while, his gaze fixed on the emperor's eyebrows and eyes, then on the corners of his lips. His previously troubled expression suddenly broke into a smile, and he obediently said "Oh" as he stepped forward, lying down on the bed to face Gu Huizhou.
Gu Huizhou reached out and grabbed the person's wrist again, pulling them closer. Seeing the other person's surprised expression, he smiled happily.
Yao Ruyi couldn't understand how he had been grabbed again. He tried to back away, but his hand was held and he couldn't pull it away. He looked angrily at their clasped hands. "My hand."
"It's in my hands."
Give it back to me.
"Take it."
The man spoke lightly, but his grip remained firm, and Yao Ruyi couldn't pull out several times, so she simply gave up. She lay on the bed with a pained expression, sometimes smiling at Gu Huizhou's beauty, sometimes frowning and looking sullen.
Gu Huizhou lay on the bed, feeling pressured by his gaze, the two facing each other. Suddenly, Yao Ruyi spoke, "Lan Yan is married."
"Um."
"Lan Yan got married."
The man frowned slightly. "It was bestowed by me."
Lan Yan is married!
Yao Ruyi was so anxious that she felt dizzy. Gu Huizhou in front of her was wearing a red robe, which seemed to be almost identical to what Lan Yan wore at the wedding banquet today. His voice was soft and sweet because of the alcohol, but every word was clear.
Do you also want to—
Staring intently at the person's side, whose lips were bitten in their haste, revealing the softness beneath.
The man said in a deep voice, "I said it was a gift from me."
"Lan Yan—"
"What does Lan Yan's marriage have to do with the Nineteenth Lord?!" Gu Huizhou said coldly in an instant. He propped himself up and looked at the stupid mushroom lying on the bed, who was staring at him anxiously.
The man squinted at him; this was how he looked ever since he returned.
Lan Yan got married, so what does that have to do with this mushroom?
A sudden chill ran through Gu Huizhou as he recalled a line from the letter: "Men of Jiangnan are of the Longyang style..."
He thought about sending someone to Jiangnan to spend nearly a month with Lan Yan.
A dangerous glint flashed in Gu Huizhou's cold eyes. He released his grip, then instead grabbed the man's chin. "Immortal Lord, tell me, what does Lan Yan's marriage have to do with you?"
"Could it be that the Immortal Lord was in love with Lan Yan, but upon seeing her get married today, his feelings for her have been severed?"
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