Chapter 21 Huiyin's former fiancé
On the third day of the third lunar month, the Shangsi Spring Banquet is held.
The Qujiang River flows eastward, its surface shrouded in a thin veil of mist, while the banks of the Ba River to the east of the city are enveloped in a lush green. On the shallows, palace maids in colorful robes have already set up layers of green canopies, and a gentle breeze reveals the rush mats and lacquered tables laid out inside.
On the right bank, a long line of green canopies stretched out, with an elite armored soldier with a sword standing every ten steps. At the very front, heavily guarded, behind a crimson gauze curtain, sat the most honored emperor and empress of the Southern Dynasty.
The nobles' carriages were stopped at Qujiangkou and subjected to inspection and search by soldiers. Madam Pei had improved considerably but was still unable to get out of bed. He Jiaying volunteered to take care of her in the mansion. Only Huiyin and Pei Yu sat in the carriage.
Huiyin lifted the carriage curtain, and the numerous ornate carriages at Qujiangkou were all arranged by the palace officials to be parked on the empty grass behind them. There were the Crown Prince's entourage, the carriages of the Prince of Wu and the Prince of Lu, the carriages of Princess Fuyang's residence, as well as the carriages of the Ping family, the Zheng family, the Langya Wang family, and the Su family.
The carriage came to a stop, and the noise outside suddenly became loud. Someone respectfully invited Pei Yu to get out of the carriage. The two exchanged a glance, and Pei Yu straightened his clothes and got out of the carriage first, with Huiyin following behind him.
She gripped the footrest, preparing to step out, when Pei Yu, who had already alighted from the carriage, suddenly turned back to look at her and extended his arm towards her. Huiyin hesitated for a moment, then raised her hand to his wrist, lifting her inconvenient skirt as she stepped down from the carriage.
Immediately, people swarmed around her, showering Pei Yu with compliments. She stood quietly behind Pei Yu, her head slightly lowered. Someone recognized her and pointed at Huiyin, saying, "Isn't this Miss Song?"
The chattering crowd instantly fell silent, and all eyes turned to Huiyin, who clenched her fists, trying to calm herself.
Pei Yu stood calmly in front of Huiyin, raised an eyebrow at the person who had revealed Huiyin's identity, and said with a raised eyebrow, "Prince Lu has good eyesight."
The Prince of Lu smiled knowingly: "General Pei is indeed formidable. I was wondering why this great beauty had suddenly disappeared. So she asked you to hide her away."
The implication in his words disgusted Huiyin. Pei Yu ignored the King of Wu, raised his hand to summon a waiting palace maid, and ordered, "Take her to see the Empress."
Huiyin glanced at him, then turned and left with her maid. Even after they had gone quite a distance, they could still hear their banter, which consisted mainly of discussing how Pei Yu had won her over and some lewd remarks.
The palace maid led her to the bright yellow gauze curtain and handed her over to Ah Qiao, a maidservant of the Empress. Ah Qiao greeted her with a smile. The two had met a few times at palace banquets before and were quite familiar with each other.
Aqiao led Huiyin into the tent, which was furnished with luxurious furnishings. On the jade table sat a Boshan incense burner, burning styrax incense with a light and elegant fragrance.
Two palace maids knelt on a brocade mat, holding a vermilion lacquer tray in their hands. The crabapple blossoms on the tray were delicate and glistening with morning dew.
Empress Pei wore a dark blue blouse with gold embroidered phoenix patterns, her hair styled in a high bun, her makeup elegant and dignified. Her face was radiant, the corners of her mouth slightly upturned, as she gazed at Huiyin.
A beautifully dressed young girl, pure and lively with lovely eyes and brows, was kneeling beside her.
Huiyin raised her hand and knelt down: "This concubine wishes Your Majesty the Empress and Princess Suiyang good health."
Empress Pei gestured for A-Qiao to help Huiyin up, and gently asked her to sit down, "It's been a long time since I've seen you. How have you been?"
"I am well."
"Sit closer so I can see."
Huiyin stood up, and Aqiao behind her moved the brocade mat to the green jade table. Huiyin took small steps to sit down, getting very close to Empress Pei, so close that she could see the fine lines at the corners of Empress Pei's eyes.
Princess Zhao Yang of Suiyang leaned affectionately on Huiyin's shoulder, her amber eyes wide with a cat-like gaze as she sniffed Huiyin's delicate fragrance and gently shook her arm, saying, "Sister Huiyin, I missed you so much."
Huiyin reached out and touched Suiyang's face. Before the Song family was destroyed, she often went in and out of the palace and became acquainted with Suiyang. The little princess was the emperor and empress's youngest daughter. She was pampered and spoiled since childhood, but she had a very good temperament. She was cute and friendly and not spoiled at all.
When her father was in trouble, Empress Pei repeatedly wrote to plead his case and offered her help. When her mother was seriously ill, Empress Pei also ordered the imperial physician to treat her. Huiyin was very grateful for her kindness.
Empress Pei held Huiyin's hand, carefully examining her face, and asked, "Life in the Pei household must be difficult, right?"
Huiyin replied, "The people in the Pei household treat me very well."
Empress Pei raised her hand to cover her mouth and chuckled, her laughter as clear and crisp as that of a young girl of sixteen. She shook her head and pointed at Huiyin, saying, "Even you can lie now."
Huiyin lowered her head awkwardly. What could she say? If she said that there wasn't a single good person in the Pei family, Empress Pei would immediately have her thrown out.
Someone was hooking her little finger in her sleeve. Huiyin looked down and saw Suiyang looking at her with bright eyes, her eyes filled with comfort. Her heart warmed and a smile appeared on her face.
Empress Pei: "I don't care about anything else, I just want to know how things are between you and Yu'er?" Actually, what she really wanted to ask was when Lin'er would be born, so she could experience the feeling of holding her grandchild.
Huiyin stammered, "General Pei... has treated me very well..."
Empress Pei pressed on, her face full of interest: "How did he treat you?"
Huiyin racked her brains.
"He treated me with utmost care." He never gave her a second glance, treating her as if she were nothing.
"He treated me extremely gently." He took over the bed and made her sleep on the floor.
"He always stood up for me." Not taking sides is a form of standing up for me.
Empress Pei seemed to find the conversation extremely interesting. She had originally intended to marry Huiyin to Pei Yu, and had privately asked Pei Yu for his opinion. However, that boy Pei Yu flatly refused the marriage, saying that he did not like it.
She had no choice but to settle for second best and try to match Huiyin with the Crown Prince. Unexpectedly, by a twist of fate, the two actually became a couple.
Empress Pei pulled Huiyin aside to recount the details. Fortunately, Grand Chamberlain Yao Lan appeared in time. The auspicious hour was approaching, and she was going to help the Empress tidy her appearance before joining His Majesty in the sacrificial ceremony.
Yao Lan assigned a palace maid to deliver Huiyin to the women's table. The two had only walked a short distance from the Empress's golden tent when they bumped into an uninvited guest.
It was none other than the Prince of Lu who had spoken so rudely earlier. His Majesty has four sons and two daughters. The Crown Prince and Princess Suiyang are the sons of Empress Pei, the Prince of Wu and Princess Guangling are the sons of the favored Consort Zheng, the Prince of Lu's mother, Consort Wang, has passed away, and there is also a young son born to Consort Xiao.
The Crown Prince is the eldest, and the Prince of Wu is favored, leaving the Prince of Lu in an awkward position. He has no maternal family to support him, and his character is low; he is fond of romance and has not won His Majesty's favor. In the past, Huiyin would be teased by him whenever she encountered him, let alone now.
The palace maid knew things were going badly and hurriedly led Huiyin away by another route. But it was no use; Prince Lu had already spotted the two of them and, with two eunuchs in blue robes, blocked their way.
Beside the weeping willow pond, near the Empress's tent and far from the guest seating area, only the figures of people gathered together could be vaguely seen. The guards noticed the commotion, but only glanced at it briefly before lowering their heads and pretending not to see anything.
King Lu was actually only seventeen years old, but he was a seasoned womanizer and a heavy drinker. Despite his young age, he was already bloated and had pimples on his face. Coupled with his lecherous appearance, hunched shoulders, drooping eyebrows, and hand-rubbing posture, he was truly disgusting.
Huiyin pulled the palace maid leading the way back two steps in disgust, and before Prince Lu and the others could surround her, she quickly ran towards the Empress's tent. Unexpectedly, Prince Lu already knew her plan and grabbed Huiyin's arm first.
King Lu said smugly, "Go ahead and run, try again."
Huiyin struggled to break free but could not, so she could only threaten him verbally: "Your Highness Prince Lu, this place is close to the Empress's tent, don't do anything rash."
Prince Lu wouldn't listen to anything. He had been eyeing Song Huiyin for a long time; she was as beautiful as a fairy, with a cool and aloof demeanor, and even her frowning and angry expression was extremely beautiful. Every time he saw her, he felt an irresistible itch. Now that this beauty had finally fallen into his hands, he was determined not to let this opportunity slip by.
"If Pei Yu can give it to me, I can give it to you too. Just let me kiss you, and I'll let you go." Prince Lu pouted and leaned close to Huiyin, a strong smell of alcohol hitting her face. Huiyin looked at his approaching face and wondered whether she should slap him.
"Third brother, stop right now!" came an angry voice.
Huiyin and Prince Lu looked over at the same time and saw the Crown Prince rushing towards them, looking furious and as if he had been cuckolded. He pointed at Prince Lu, then pulled his hand away from Huiyin's and shielded her behind him.
The crown prince roared, pointing at Prince Lu: "How dare you!"
Prince Lu wasn't afraid of the Crown Prince at all. His elder brother, to put it nicely, was kind and gentle; to put it bluntly, he was a pushover, easily offended by anyone. He curled his lip, looking bored: "Crown Prince, what's your hurry? What does Song Huiyin have to do with you?"
"You..." The Crown Prince paused, "She is now Pei Yu's woman. If you dare to touch my cousin's people, it will be related to me!"
When Prince Lu heard Pei Yu's name, he became serious. He wasn't afraid of the Crown Prince, but he was afraid of Empress Pei and the Pei family behind the Crown Prince. Five years ago, Pei Qing died in battle, and everyone thought that the Pei family would fall. Unexpectedly, Pei Yu took up the banner of the Pei family army and made great achievements in battle.
Five years ago, before Pei Yu joined the army, his martial arts skills were unparalleled. He could overpower even the most powerful men. Every time the Prince of Lu offended the Crown Prince, Pei Yu would secretly beat him up in the dark, targeting places where no one could see him, leaving him with a clean slate and unable to get out of bed for days.
Moreover, Pei Yu is currently enjoying great favor, and he dares not offend him. With that thought, Prince Lu snorted coldly and turned away.
The Crown Prince breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Huiyin. He felt quite embarrassed. Song Huiyin was his former fiancée, and now she had become his cousin's concubine. He really didn't know what to say.
Huiyin broke the silence and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your help, Your Highness."
The prince replied, "It was nothing, just a small favor."
Huiyin looked up at the Crown Prince and noticed that his complexion was much better than before. She had met the Crown Prince before because of Empress Pei, and their relationship was neither close nor distant, just a little better than that of strangers.
She tried to find a topic to talk about: "Your Highness looks much better lately, is there some good news?"
The Crown Prince cautiously said, "I am engaged. I am very satisfied with the Su family's daughter."
Huiyin was genuinely happy for Su Jinghao. She took a step back and respectfully bowed deeply to the Crown Prince: "Jinghao is intelligent and virtuous, gentle and refined. I hope Your Highness will treat her well in the future. I wish Your Highness and Jinghao a happy marriage, a harmonious union like that of phoenixes."
The Crown Prince asked in surprise, "You don't mind?"
Huiyin chuckled: "Why would I mind? Jinghao is my best friend. I only wish her a peaceful life and that she finds someone who truly cares for her."
Pei Yu followed the palace maid's guidance all the way to the weeping willow lake. On the green ground, with blue gauze hanging down, the young man and woman faced each other with gentle smiles. The breeze fluttered the hem of their clothes, creating a beautiful and tender spring outing scene.
It turns out that Song Huiyin still harbored feelings for the Crown Prince and used him as a stepping stone to deliberately get close to him.
She was truly a devoted and affectionate woman.
——
When Huiyin arrived at the women's section, quite a few people were already there, chatting idly around Consort Zheng. Huiyin recognized many of them. Not wanting to cause a commotion, she chose a seat towards the back.
A continuous canopy of green gauze curtains provided shade, with the seat of honor set to the east, flanked by seats for guests on either side, along with low red-lacquered tables and brocade mats.
As soon as Huiyin sat down, the round-faced lady at the next table stared at her. Suspecting that the lady knew her, she turned and smiled at her.
The next moment, the round-faced lady came forward, touched the fabric of Huiyin's clothes and said with envy, "Is your fabric brocade?"
Huiyin breathed a sigh of relief. She had never seen this lady before. She must be a new bride from the imperial family. She quietly pulled her sleeve back and whispered, "No, it's spun."
The round-faced lady revealed an expression of "I knew it," and looked Huiyin up and down, saying sourly, "You've just arrived in Chang'an, haven't you? You're so beautiful, your skin is so fair and tender. How do you take care of yourself? Tell me."
"I usually use rice water to cleanse my face, along with magnolia oil and angelica powder."
Just as the round-faced lady was about to pull Huiyin aside for more details, a voice suddenly came from the doorway announcing: "The daughter of Minister Su, Miss Su, has arrived."
Everyone inside the tent looked out. The first thing they saw was a pair of brocade shoes inlaid with pearls, followed by a silk robe embroidered with tassels, and then a face adorned with heavy makeup and gold and jade hair.
Su Jinghao walked slowly to the front, her hairpins unmoved, and gracefully greeted Consort Zheng and the ladies.
Consort Zheng picked up her wine cup and took a sip. Without making a sound, she exchanged a glance with Lady Pingyang, who immediately smiled and said, "Jinghao, you've finally arrived. Everyone has been waiting for you."
Su Jinghao remained calm and followed the palace maid's guidance to take her seat: "Madam is joking. The Empress has not yet arrived, and the banquet is not yet open. How can you say that you are waiting for me?"
The crowd fell silent for a moment. Su Jinghao had been betrothed to the Crown Prince, and the Pingyang Marquis's family was the maternal family of the Prince of Wu. The Prince of Wu was ambitious, and a battle between him and the Crown Prince was inevitable. It was common knowledge that the two sides were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds.
Lady Pingyang's smile faded, she put down her wine cup and remained silent. What could she say when the Empress was mentioned?
The clashes above were naturally inaudible. The round-faced lady looked at Su Jinghao with envy: "This Su girl is really lucky. She has a good father and married a good husband, unlike my good-for-nothing son."
After she finished speaking, she raised her wine glass in frustration and drank it all in one gulp. Then she saw Huiyin's calm expression and couldn't help but feel jealous: "You looked pretty good just now, but you were overshadowed as soon as Miss Su came."
Huiyin agreed, "She is indeed very beautiful."
Round-faced lady: "..."
"Do you know who she is? Her future husband is the Crown Prince!"
Seeing her anxious expression, Huiyin reassured her with a few words: "Your Highness, that's really good."
The round-faced lady smiled contentedly, "I've heard that this Miss Su is fond of collecting rare stones. If I had known, I would have brought those few broken stones from home with me."
Huiyin looked up at Su Jinghao, who was sitting below Consort Zheng. Since the Empress had not yet arrived, Consort Zheng was the most honored person at the banquet. She was surrounded by a crowd of people, who were raising their lacquered wine cups and exchanging pleasantries with each other.
She glanced at the round-faced lady beside her, an idea forming in her mind. Huiyin quietly took off the amber stone she wore at her waist and placed it discreetly on the round-faced lady's desk.
As she expected, the round-faced lady saw the jade but did not make a sound. Instead, she secretly hid it in her sleeve, her face flushed with embarrassment, and she lowered her head guiltily.
Huiyin rose and left her seat. A palace maid who was serving outside the green gauze curtain stepped forward and asked, "Where does Madam wish to go?"
"It's a bit stuffy, is there a place with some ventilation?"
"Madam, the lakeside is just a short walk along the covered bridge."
The maid heard a reply from above, and the purple figure in front of her turned and left. Her skirt trailed on the ground, and her figure was graceful. She was more beautiful than the other ladies.
In the women's section, the round-faced lady squeezed to the front of the table when no one was paying attention. With a fawning expression, she took out the jade she had just picked up and presented it to Su Jinghao with both hands. "I heard that Miss Su likes jade. I came across this by chance. I hope Miss Su will accept it."
Su Jinghao's expression was gentle. She did not reach for the jade, but smiled and thanked her, saying, "I appreciate your kindness, Madam, but I will not take what belongs to you."
The round-faced lady's smile froze. Her husband was just an insignificant member of the royal family. He had finally gotten a chance to show his face in front of the nobles, so how could she give it up so easily?
Thinking of this, she shamelessly stepped forward and shoved the jade she was holding right in front of Su Jinghao's eyes.
“Miss Su, this jade was originally found for you. It’s not like you’re parting with it, so please accept it.”
Her actions were truly offensive. Dai Qing, who was kneeling behind her, was about to reprimand her when she saw her young lady's expression change drastically after touching the jade. She even rudely snatched the jade and examined it closely.
Dai Qing stared intently; the jade was entirely pink and smooth, its shape resembling flower petals, and the tassel pendant at the end looked strangely familiar.
This thing was clearly a gift from her daughter to Miss Song! It should have gone to Jingzhou with Miss Song, so how could it be here?
Su Jinghao examined the jade carefully, turning it over and over, and confirmed that it was the one she had given to Huiyin. The lady in front of her was looking at her expectantly. She was sure that she had never seen this face before, nor had she ever heard Huiyin mention such a person.
A sense of unease crept into her heart, but her face remained impassive as she asked, "Where did you obtain this jade, Madam?"
The round-faced lady was so engrossed in the pleasure of currying favor with the nobleman that she didn't notice anything amiss. She lied and said, "I picked it up on the road."
Su Jinghao suppressed her smile, gave Dai Qing behind her a look, and then smiled at the round-faced lady, saying, "There are too many people here, Madam, please come with me behind the screen for a chat."
Dai Qing helped Su Jinghao up, bent down to straighten her wrinkled skirt and hair, and whispered in Su Jinghao's ear: "Don't worry, young lady, I'll take care of things here."
Su Jinghao nodded, signaling the round-faced lady behind her to follow. The two of them went behind the wide screen one after the other. Someone noticed Su Jinghao's whereabouts and was about to go forward to check, but was stopped by Daiqing, who said, "My lady is going to the back to tidy up her appearance."
After entering behind the screen, Su Jinghao's expression suddenly changed. Holding up the jade pendant, she approached the round-faced lady. "You're lying! This pendant is perfectly intact, not even the tassel is dirty or messy. It's clearly been carefully cared for. Where did you get it from!"
The round-faced lady didn't understand why Su Jinghao suddenly changed her expression. After hearing Su Jinghao expose her lie, she panicked for a moment, then forced herself to calm down and argued, "Miss Su, you've misunderstood. I strung the pendant on afterward..."
"Still lying! I personally made this pendant as a gift for a friend. Where did you get it from? Did you steal it?"
Su Jinghao stepped forward to interrupt her explanation, holding up the jade pendant and saying coldly, "If you don't tell the truth, I will immediately hand you over to the Court of Justice!"
The round-faced lady panicked instantly and stammered, "I...I didn't steal it...I really found it."
As soon as she finished speaking, a cold smile appeared on Su Jinghao's face, a stark contrast to her gentle and elegant demeanor just moments before.
Her legs went weak, and she pointed to the seat in the back corner with a mournful face: "I found it there. This thing must have been left behind by the lady who was sitting there just now. I really didn't steal it."
Su Jinghao looked in the direction she was pointing, but there was no one there, only the hanging curtains swaying gently. She asked, "What does she look like?"
"She was extremely beautiful, and one could never forget her at first sight."
Su Jinghao stared at her for a moment, and after confirming that she was no longer lying, she walked away, leaving the lady standing there clutching her chest, still feeling lingering fear.
She went straight out of the women's section and asked the palace maid waiting there, "Have you seen a lady of exceptional beauty? Where did she go?"
The maid raised her hand and pointed to the distant lakeside, respectfully replying, "Miss Su, that lady has gone to the lakeside."
Su Jinghao walked eastward along the gravel path. As the time for the banquet approached, only a few scattered female guests came up to greet her. She was worried about Huiyin, so she only nodded hastily and kept walking.
The further she went, the fewer people she saw, and the shadows flickered. A light sweat had already broken out on her back. She stopped at the edge of a lake, where the rushing waters of the Qujiang River flowed beneath her feet, bringing a cool breeze.
Su Jinghao looked around but didn't see any familiar faces, and couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
Just as I was about to step back to the banquet, a voice called out from behind, "Jinghao."
She turned around with delight and saw Huiyin standing not far away, quietly watching her. Su Jinghao could no longer care about anything else. She lifted her elaborate skirt and ran to Huiyin. Her hairpins jingled, but she no longer cared about etiquette. Her heart was only for Huiyin.
She stopped in front of Huiyin, panting, and reached out to grasp her arm, her face full of anxiety: "Huiyin, are you alright? I thought you were in danger."
Huiyin took out a handkerchief to wipe the fine sweat from her forehead and gently shook her head: "I'm fine, I deliberately lured you out."
She took out a white jade hairpin carved with a blue bird from her sleeve, handed it to Su Jinghao, and said with a smile, "I'm here today to repay a debt, take it."
This was one of the pieces of jewelry that Madam Pei had given her. She had taken a liking to it at first sight and thought it suited Su Jinghao perfectly.
Su Jinghao took the hairpin, a look of doubt in her eyes: "How did you end up here? Didn't you send someone to tell me you were going back to Jingzhou?"
Huiyin lowered her eyes and said bitterly, "I took Jingchuan away from Chang'an, but we were blocked on the way. Jingchuan fell off a cliff while trying to save me, and we don't know if he is alive or dead."
"What?" Su Jinghao looked astonished, gripping Huiyin's arm. "Who is it?"
Huiyin recalled that day, and a dense, throbbing pain rose in her chest. It took her a long time to find her voice, "It was Su Xin."
Su Xin? Su Jinghao took two steps back, her eyes filled with tears. She wanted to reach out and hug Huiyin, but didn't know how to comfort her. She sobbed, "I'm sorry, Huiyin. I didn't know he would come looking for you. I failed to keep him in check."
“What does this have to do with you? He’s not from the same mother as you, and you’ve always been at odds. You’re already struggling to make ends meet at home, how can you possibly control him?” Huiyin shook her head and comforted Su Jinghao instead.
Su Jinghao could no longer hold back and stepped forward to hug Huiyin, gently stroking her back to comfort her.
Huiyin nestled quietly in her arms, the fragrance wafting from Su Jinghao's body wafting into her nose, just like when the two of them used to snuggle together for warmth in their childhood, making her feel incredibly at ease. She gently leaned on her shoulder, savoring a moment of tranquility.
After a while, Su Jinghao released Huiyin and asked with concern, "Where are you staying now? Are you safe?"
Huiyin replied awkwardly, "I... live in the Pei residence, and am now Pei Yu's... concubine."
Not wanting to see the same disdainful look on Su Jinghao's face, she turned her back to Su Jinghao and stopped speaking.
The next moment, a soft, fragrant body pressed against her back, and she heard Su Jinghao's pitying voice, "Was it Pei Yu who forced you? I'll go and beg the Crown Prince to release you."
Huiyin didn't know how to describe her feelings. Her heart, which had been frozen in the past, was quietly cracking open. The bitterness in her heart spread to every part of her body, stuck in her chest and she couldn't make a sound.
Her eyes were red-rimmed, and she pressed her lips tightly together.
"Huiyin, don't be afraid, I will help you." Su Jinghao cupped Huiyin's cheeks, her heartache evident in her words.
Huiyin shook her head, holding back her tears, "Pei Yu didn't force me. It was my own choice. I want to stay in Chang'an."
"Alright, alright, don't cry anymore. Whatever you want to do, just come to me. I'll always be there for you."
Light footsteps approached, and the two women straightened their clothes and looked at the newcomers. The maid stopped not far from the corridor, watching the two beauties with tear stains, not understanding what had happened.
Su Jinghao asked first, "What is it?"
"Miss Su, the banquet is about to begin. The Grand Chamberlain has instructed me to summon you."
Su Jinghao nodded, "I understand, you can go now."
——
At 9:00 AM, the Empress arrived.
The phoenix carriage, with its canopy as white as clouds, slowly came to a stop outside the green gauze curtain. Palace maids stood on both sides holding tail fans. The empress wore a dark blue curved robe with gold-embroidered phoenix patterns, her high bun adorned with twelve hairpins, and a jade belt around her waist, exuding elegance and grace.
Everyone rose and stood in the center, forming a line and kneeling to pay their respects: "May Your Majesty the Empress be well."
Empress Pei's expression was calm, her lips were vibrant, and her demeanor was dignified. She raised her hand and softly murmured, "Rise."
Behind her, the chief steward Yao Lan, dressed in a dark blouse embroidered with phoenix patterns, solemnly announced in a loud voice: "Play the music, begin the banquet."
Music began to play. Maids in flowing green jade skirts moved silently between the lacquered tables on either side, their heads bowed. The maid at the front carried a lacquered table with both hands, walked to the guests, knelt down, and gently placed the wine vessels on the table, her movements perfectly synchronized.
The dancers all wore colorful, narrow-sleeved ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with ribbons tied around their arms. They danced to the music, their long sleeves crisscrossing and fluttering endlessly. The sounds of bells and drums gradually rose, accompanied by the use of string and wind instruments. The melodies had the characteristics of the Chu region, favoring the Yu mode, and were melodious and winding.
The table was already laden with delicious food, and the aroma wafted into Huiyin's nostrils. She had only eaten some baked flatbread to fill her stomach in her haste to leave the mansion that morning.
Huiyin picked up her chopsticks and began to eat the fish and bamboo shoot soup with chestnut rice.
Amidst the clinking of glasses, someone whispered something in Lady Pingyang's ear. Lady Pingyang smiled and glanced slightly at Su Jinghao, who was sipping her drink to her right, a smug look in her eyes.
She glanced around, her gaze settling on an inconspicuous corner. She gave a few instructions to the maids behind her, sat up straight, and addressed the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty, I have heard an interesting story and would like to ask you to verify it."
The first seat below the Empress was occupied by Consort Zheng. Consort Zheng looked a few years younger than the Empress, with fair skin, a plump figure, and beautiful lips. She lightly placed her wine cup down, looked past the Empress, and said, "Tell me about it."
"I've heard that Song Huiyin, who was once famous in Chang'an, is now a concubine of General Pei Yu. Is it true or false?"
These words immediately sparked a heated discussion among the audience, with a barrage of questions coming one after another.
"Is what you say true, Madam? Did Song Huiyin really willingly degenerate into becoming Pei Yu's concubine?"
"That can't be right. Although the Song family has declined, they are still a local clan. How could they become someone's concubine?"
"Madam Zhang, that's not necessarily true. Having seen the splendor of Chang'an, who would want to leave?"
The Empress's smile faded slightly, but she did not speak to stop them, letting everyone discuss it.
Lady Pingyang smiled and turned the conversation to the silent Su Jinghao, "Jinghao, you are on good terms with Song Huiyin, why don't you tell us whether this matter is true or false?"
Su Jinghao gripped her wine cup tightly, her lips pressed together, her eyes fixed on Lady Pingyang with icy coldness, without uttering a word.
Meanwhile, because of the distance, Huiyin did not hear the words spoken above, but only heard noises and commotion, not knowing what they were saying.
A cold snort came from beside her. She looked up and saw the round-faced lady looking at her with displeasure. "Did you deliberately leave that jade behind to get me scolded?"
Huiyin kept eating, picked up a piece of roasted meat, put it in her mouth, swallowed it, and then said casually, "If you didn't want to take what belongs to others for yourself, why would you give me this scolding?"
The round-faced lady slammed her hand on the table and gritted her teeth, saying, "You did this on purpose! How dare you, the wife of a minor official, offend me? Do you know who I am?"
Her movements were too loud, drawing disapproving glances from the ladies around her. She quickly sat up straight and apologized to them with a forced smile.
This sight made Huiyin laugh and cry without saying a word. The round-faced lady heard Huiyin's mockery and glared back fiercely. She lowered her voice and said, "My husband is a member of the imperial family!"
Huiyin chuckled. This spring banquet was essentially a private banquet for the emperor and empress, and naturally, all those invited were imperial relatives and nobles. What was so special about the imperial clan?
Just as she was about to retort with a few teasing words, the curtain in front of her was suddenly lifted by the wind, and two palace maids stood in front of her table, bowing their heads and looking down respectfully. "Miss Song, the Empress requests that you come forward for a chat."
The area inside the curtains had fallen silent at some point, and even the music outside had stopped. All the women's eyes were now fixed on her face, leaving her nowhere to hide.
Huiyin wiped the corners of her mouth clean, stood up and followed the maid to the very center. As her skirts fluttered, whispers of discussion drifted over.
She stopped three feet away from the Empress and curtsied slightly to Empress Pei above her, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
The Empress nodded slightly, a smile on her face: "The ladies and consorts have not seen you for a long time, so they have specially invited you to come forward for a chat."
She looked around, preparing to place Huiyin in front of Su Jinghao's desk, when Princess Suiyang spoke first: "Mother, let Sister Huiyin come and sit here with me."
The Empress chuckled, her tone affectionate: "You're so affectionate with Huiyin, anyone who didn't know better would think she's your older sister."
The whispers that had been going on just moments before immediately disappeared. The Empress and Princess Suiyang were so close to Song Huiyin that it was clear they treated her like family and protected her. Even if these people were ashamed in their hearts, they would never show it on their faces. They were all shrewd people and would naturally not leave any room for gossip.
Lady Pingyang picked up the wine cup on the table and took a small sip. She spoke softly to the lady in front of her, as if no one else was there, as if she hadn't been the one who had brought up the topic.
In the silence, Consort Zheng suddenly asked Huiyin, "I heard that you became Pei Yu's concubine. Is this true or false?"
Consort Zheng held a highly esteemed position, enjoying the Emperor's favor since entering the palace, her status rivaling that of the Empress. The Zheng and Pei families had been rivals for years, neither gaining any significant advantage. With the Emperor's favor, her son, the Prince of Wu, proving himself capable, and her family's power, she naturally had no fear of the Empress.
Huiyin lowered her head, seeing Consort Zheng's disdainful expression and the look of amusement on the faces of the crowd below.
Su Jinghao wanted to speak up to defuse the situation, but Lady Pingyang glared at her and said, "Jinghao, you didn't answer when I asked you earlier. What, you have something to say now?"
She was blocked and could only watch helplessly as those hurtful words shot towards Huiyin.
Lady Pingyang went even further, saying sarcastically, "A young lady from a distinguished family, raised in luxury and privilege, is willing to become a concubine. She is truly disgracing her family!"
Looking at the malicious face in front of her, Huiyin suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. So what if she was a concubine? So what if she suffered humiliation? As long as she could clear her father's name and avenge the Song family, what did it matter if others gossiped?
She always subconsciously tried to avoid her status as a concubine, but the more she tried to avoid it, the more unbearable it became, and the more others would use this status to ridicule and humiliate her.
Instead of hiding, it's better to face it openly and honestly.
“That’s right, I am now Pei Yu’s concubine.” Huiyin said, word by word, in front of the mocking gazes of the crowd.
The women in the audience fell silent again, seemingly surprised that she would admit it so readily.
Lady Pingyang raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, "You really have no shame, not even trying to conceal your status as a concubine."
Huiyin slowly raised her eyes and said with a smile, "Madam has committed a grave offense, daring to insult a concubine."
Lady Pingyang looked displeased: "What nonsense are you spouting? When did I ever insult the ladies?"
"The Empress is the only legal wife. No matter how high the rank or title of a concubine, she is the mother of the nation. Were you just insulting any of the ladies?"
Lady Pingyang's face changed drastically in an instant. Realizing she had said the wrong thing, she dared not look up at the expressions of the ladies above her. She knelt on the ground, feeling wronged, and explained, "That's not what I meant. I was wrong. Please punish me, Your Highnesses."
Consort Zheng's face darkened. The Lady of Pingyang Marquis was her sister-in-law, but she was an extremely foolish person who easily gave others ammunition to criticize her.
What bothered her most was when others mentioned her status as a concubine, constantly reminding her that no matter how much the Emperor favored her, as long as the Empress was around, she would always be inferior.
She slammed her hand on the table, pointed at Huiyin, and ordered, "Sharp-tongued, always ripping the truth off, guards..."
The Empress said slowly, "Consort Zheng, it was just a few words of quarrel, why make such a big fuss?"
She glanced back, and the Grand Chamberlain Yao Lan understood, stepping forward to announce: "It is almost noon. Ladies and gentlemen, please move to the lakeside to participate in the purification ritual."
After all the women had left, only Huiyin and Jinghao remained in the blue tent. She walked forward, raised her hand and touched the tip of Huiyin's nose, saying helplessly, "You are really bold, stabbing her in the heart like you would Consort Zheng."
Huiyin wrinkled her nose: "I won't offend others unless they offend me; it's just a matter of giving them a taste of their own medicine."
With a look of reminiscence, Su Jinghao smiled faintly, "You're still the same as before, not allowing anyone to bully you. That's good."
The two walked hand in hand toward the lakeside, their long skirts trailing on the ground, intertwining.
Is he good to you?
Huiyin clasped her hands in front of her abdomen and repeated exactly what she had told the Empress to Su Jinghao, not wanting Jinghao to worry about her.
Su Jinghao's expression was serene and gentle. "Then are you still going back to Jingzhou?"
"I'll go back another time."
——
The spring sun shines warmly, and the winding stream flows gently.
Beside the lake, in a green-draped pavilion, figures thronged, dressed in splendid robes, the air filled with the fragrance of orchids. The emperor and empress stood hand in hand on the upper reaches of the Qujiang River, tossing fragrant herbs into the water.
Downstream, the locals followed suit, with young girls tying colorful silk threads around their wrists and children wading into the water to collect orchids.
At noon, the chief priest led ten shamans, bare-chested and carrying peach wood swords and bundles of orchids, to the altar erected by the water. They lightly struck bells and performed a sacrificial dance.
Huiyin felt uneasy upon hearing the bell ringing and took a step back to hide behind Su Jinghao.
Emperor Xuan dipped a willow branch in water and gently brushed it across the heads of the high-ranking officials, nobles, and relatives of the emperor. The women knelt on a brocade carpet, and the empress performed the rites.
After the ceremony, the Emperor and Empress led their entourage to the Lanying Villa. The villa was already furnished with brocade mats and lacquered tables, surrounded by plain silk curtains that swayed gently in the breeze, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.
Emperor Xuan, accompanied by the Empress, Consort Zheng, and close ministers, held a banquet in the waterside pavilion. Su Jinghao went to find the Crown Prince to give her a sachet to ward off evil spirits. Huiyin sat alone in the villa pavilion, watching the fish leap.
Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned around and saw an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time, Wang Huan, the son of the Langya Wang clan.
The newcomer stood like a green bamboo, with gentle eyebrows and eyes, fair skin, and a blue straight-hemmed robe that accentuated his jade-like appearance. His hair was tied with a white jade crown, with the rest falling over his shoulders and back, as smooth as ink. He had a humble demeanor.
"Huiyin." The voice was clear and crisp.
Huiyin did not get up. She sat there with a smile and gently patted the brocade mat beside her. "Young Master Wang, please sit."
There are very few people in this world who can make her completely relax and reveal her true feelings, and Wang Huan in front of her is one of them. She and Wang Huan can be considered childhood sweethearts, but to be more precise, they should be considered soulmates.
Wang Huan knelt beside Huiyin, his long eyelashes drooping slightly. "Are you alright?"
Huiyin turned to ask, "Did you come to comfort me after hearing that I became Pei Yu's concubine?"
Wang Huan lowered his head and smiled gently. When he smiled, the curve of his lips was gentle and restrained, not so flamboyant as to lose his sense of proportion, but it made people clearly feel the kindness from the bottom of his heart.
That was the original plan, but seeing that you were going to say something, I decided not to.
Huiyin nodded gently and continued to look at the swimming fish. Wang Huan came to the capital with his uncle Wang Heng when he was twelve years old. He was a young master from a noble family, with outstanding talent and handsome appearance. He was humble and easy-going in dealing with people, which made him a popular figure among the noble ladies in the capital.
She and Wang Huan became acquainted through music. Wang Huan was skilled in playing the seven-stringed zither, while Huiyin was skilled in playing the twenty-five-stringed se. At a banquet, the musician invited by the host accidentally injured his hand. Hearing that Huiyin and Wang Huan were both skilled in music, he asked the two to play a duet on the zither and se.
The lingering melody was captivating and became a celebrated story. Other nobles in the capital would often invite the two to play together at their banquets, and she and Wang Huan became acquainted and kindred spirits.
Seeing that she didn't want to talk, Wang Huan stopped speaking and quietly accompanied Huiyin to watch the lake.
Emperor Xuan, caught up in the drinking, insisted on pulling Pei Yu to his feet to have a sword duel. Empress Pei tried to dissuade him, but Emperor Xuan was displeased and about to say something when he caught a glimpse of two people sitting in the pavilion on the opposite bank.
The young man is gentle and refined, dignified and composed; the young woman has fair skin and a beautiful face, pure and elegant. They are a match made in heaven, like a perfect couple.
Emperor Wu immediately became interested and summoned Wang Changshi, who was standing beside him. He pointed to the two people in the pavilion and ordered, "Wang Tuo, go and bring those two people to me."
The others sitting there also looked over. Pei Yu paused, staring at the purple and blue brocade robe on the woman in the pavilion. If he remembered correctly, Song Huiyin was wearing the same robe today. Martial artists have better eyesight than others. He didn't see the woman's face clearly, but he could make out the man's features. It was Wang Huan.
Pei Yu knew Wang Huan, a scion of the Langya Wang clan, who was exceptionally learned. Three years ago, he had stood out from the crowd in the Imperial Academy debate and caught Emperor Xuan's eye, becoming a close advisor to the emperor. If nothing unexpected happened, he would eventually succeed his uncle as Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
He was not familiar with Wang Huan, only having a nodding acquaintance. However, Pei Yu often heard of Wang Huan's good reputation. When people mentioned Wang Huan of Langya, they would always mention Song Huiyin, who was equally famous as him, saying that the two were a talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match.
Even though Pei Yu was ignorant, he had heard many rumors about the two of them. Two years ago, rumors circulated in the capital that the Wang and Song families were to be united in marriage. It was said that a small betrothal had already been held in private, but for some reason, it came to nothing. After that, the Empress chose a wife for the Crown Prince and took a liking to Song Huiyin.
As the two approached, their features became clearer. Pei Yu stared at the purple-blue figure for a few moments, then gripped the cup in his hand tightly.
Besides the Crown Prince and Wang Huan, who else could she be?
Huiyin and Wang Huan stopped outside the waterside pavilion and knelt down to pay their respects. She had only glanced at it briefly. The waterside pavilion had pine wood frames and green tile roofs, with wooden walkways connecting the sides. In the center were three seats of honor, with Emperor Xuan, the Empress, and Consort Zheng sitting at the head.
This was not the first time Huiyin had met Emperor Xuan. She had seen him many times before when she entered and left the palace. He was undoubtedly a wise ruler, though not particularly lenient in character. He was decisive in dealing with corrupt officials and was not fond of extravagance or empty achievements. He valued stability, and beneath his calm nature lay an unquestionable authority.
Dozens of seats were set up for guests at the lower end. Pei Yu was closest to the Emperor and Empress. Today, he wore a plain silk undergarment over a dark red brocade robe. His brows were high and straight, and his pupils were very deep, with the unique brightness of a young man, yet also a calmness honed on the battlefield.
Opposite him was Consort Zheng's elder brother, the Marquis of Pingyang, followed by several princes of the imperial clan, and Wang Huan's uncle, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Wang Heng.
Emperor Xuan put down his wine cup with amusement. "Wang Huan, it's you! I was wondering why you looked so familiar. Is the woman beside you someone you love?"
Wang Huan had no choice but to bow and say, "Your Majesty, he is just a friend."
Emperor Xuan looked mischievous. "Really? This is the first time I've seen you with a young lady."
Consort Zheng stared at the girl with her head down for a moment, then suddenly covered her mouth and giggled, "Your Majesty, you know this girl too."
"I know her too?" Emperor Xuan looked puzzled and ordered, "Young lady, raise your head."
Huiyin knew she couldn't avoid it. If she had known it would turn out this way, she would have found a corner to hide far away. She raised her head and said, "This concubine, Song Huiyin, respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health."
Emperor Xuan paused, then beckoned: "Come forward."
Huiyin stood up, lifted her skirt, and walked into the waterside pavilion. She saw Pei Yu sitting below Emperor Xuan and wanted to give him a look for help, but the man was busy playing with his wine cup and didn't even glance in her direction.
She knelt before the Emperor and Empress's desk, with Pei Yu on her left and Marquis Pingyang on her right. Huiyin looked straight ahead, letting everyone scrutinize her.
Emperor Xuan looked at Huiyin's familiar features and recalled the famous scholar with the feather fan. His eyes were filled with longing as he said, "It's you. What are you doing at my spring banquet?"
Huiyin tilted her head slightly, staring at Pei Yu, praying that he would come to her rescue. Her eyes met Pei Yu's, and she was overjoyed. The next moment, Pei Yu looked away and tilted his head back to drink.
Huiyin: "..."
Emperor Xuan was still waiting for her reply when she whispered, "Your Majesty, I came with General Pei."
"General Pei, which General Pei?"
The Empress, unable to bear it any longer, spoke up to defuse the situation, "Your Majesty, you mentioned another General Pei? She was brought by Yuan Xi."
She gave Pei Yu a reproachful look and gestured for Yao Lan behind her to step forward and help Huiyin sit down next to Pei Yu.
Emperor Xuan glanced at Pei Yu and Huiyin, then at Wang Huan outside the waterside pavilion, stroked his beard, shook his head, and laughed, “A beautiful and virtuous woman is the object of a gentleman’s affections.”
He waved to the outside, "Wang Huan, come in and sit down too."
A palace maid placed a brocade mat next to Wang Heng, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. After Wang Huan sat down, he looked at Huiyin and Pei Yu, who were sitting diagonally opposite him.
They were very close, and Huiyin knelt beside Pei Yu, pouring him wine. Wang Huan suppressed his discomfort and turned to talk to his uncle, Wang Heng.
Huiyin was angry and deliberately avoided looking at Pei Yu beside her. Her skirt touched Pei Yu's body. Huiyin lowered her head and neatly arranged her scattered skirt, making her clearly distinct from Pei Yu.
Knock knock—
Someone tapped on the table in front of him. He had been drinking and his voice was hoarse. "Pour some wine."
Huiyin stopped what she was doing, picked up the wine ladle, and resignedly poured wine for Pei Yu. She leaned closer to Pei Yu and whispered, "I haven't offended the young general, have I?"
Pei Yu turned his head slightly, noticing her changed form of address. Her makeup today was different from usual; her eyebrows and eyes were striking, and her lips were brightly colored. He looked away. "Why do you ask that?"
Huiyin said angrily, "We're one family when we're out in the world, why didn't you help me out just now?"
Pei Yu keenly noticed that someone was watching them. He looked up in the direction of the gaze and saw Wang Huan talking to Wang Heng beside him. When he saw Pei Yu looking over, Wang Huan smiled and raised his wine cup to toast him.
Pei Yu raised his wine cup in return, and seeing that Huiyin was about to look in his direction, he interrupted, "Then why are you with Wang Huan?"
"When old friends meet, they only exchange a few words."
Pei Yu raised an eyebrow slightly: "Then you really have a lot of old friends."
Huiyin was confused; she felt that these words sounded rather sarcastic.
Consort Zheng's eyes sparkled with captivating beauty. She leaned closer to Emperor Xuan and said in a sweet voice, "I've heard that Young Master Wang and Miss Song are renowned musicians in the capital. Nobles and relatives vie to invite them to play music together at banquets. I wonder if I'll have the pleasure of hearing them today?"
Emperor Wu was also intrigued: "I haven't heard it in a long time. Would you two be willing to play a duet?"
Huiyin and Wang Huan exchanged a glance, then rose together to bow: "Your Majesty, it is my great honor."
The palace maids quickly set up a green pavilion outside the waterside pavilion, arranged brocade mats and low tables, lit incense burners, and brought in a twenty-five-stringed zither and a seven-stringed lute to place inside.
Huiyin knelt before the zither, her wide sleeves drooping, and gently stroked the strings. She had not played music for a long time. Her mother was a famous talented woman in Jingzhou and a master of the zither. Huiyin had been taught and studied the zither since childhood and had gained considerable experience in it.
Wang Huan sat quietly before the zither, his slender fingers lightly pressing the strings, awaiting the beginning of the beautiful music. The two of them did not discuss the piece; with just a glance, they knew what the other was about to play.
The rest of the people in the garden, seeing this commotion, also gathered outside the waterside pavilion, waiting for good news.
Zheng—
The melody is melodious, with the strings plucked in harmony. Though there are only seven strings, the sound is like the sound of pine trees rustling in a ravine, subtly echoing the lingering resonance. The sound of the zither is like rain pattering on banana leaves, the seven strings are relaxed, clear and bright, sometimes dense, sometimes sparse, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
As the song "Deer's Cry" ended, everyone was captivated. Someone started clapping, and in an instant, thunderous applause and cheers filled the air.
Consort Zheng smiled and said, "The music of the zither and lute is so harmonious, it's like celestial music. What a pity."
Emperor Xuan asked, "How is it a pity?"
Consort Zheng glanced sideways at Empress Pei and Pei Yu, then covered her mouth and chuckled, "I once heard that the Wang and Song families intended to become in-laws, but I don't know what caused the delay, which is why it didn't happen."
Emperor Xuan's smile faded, and he did not respond.
Minister Wang Heng bowed respectfully, saying, "These are just rumors circulating in the marketplace; they shouldn't be taken seriously."
Before Consort Zheng could speak again, Marquis Pingyang stopped her with a look and gently shook his head, saying that given His Majesty's current high regard for Pei Yu, it was best not to act excessively.
As expected, Emperor Xuan instructed the attendant Wang behind him, "When we return, go to my private treasury and pick out a few trinkets to send to the Pei residence as my congratulatory gift."
Pei Yu rose to express his gratitude, "Your Majesty, I thank you."
Emperor Wu waved his hand, speaking in a friendly tone: "You must also be mindful of your conduct. Although Lady Song is good, her social status is not suitable. You should choose your wife carefully."
Empress Pei replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I am already examining Yuan Xi."
Pei Yu rested his head on one hand on the low table, watching the two exceptionally well-matched figures in the green pavilion, while the endless praise from the crowd filled his ears.
He couldn't understand the music, so he couldn't appreciate it either. He only found Wang Huan's gentle smile unusually irritating.
-----------------------
Author's Note: I forgot to divide this chapter into separate chapters while writing it. Since it was split, I had to move each chapter one by one. I'm too lazy, so I had to combine two chapters into one update. It's a bit long, please forgive me, my darlings! [Please!]
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