“Now why would I need to wear these?” Lips upturned from her daughter’s compliments, Née Sun placed the hairpin back into the box. “I want to take advantage of this time to choose a good set for your dowry. All of our valuables went missing on the trip here, and it’s not like I prepared anything good for you before.
“Your father says that he wants to hold your coming-of-age ceremony this year. We’ll be entertaining offers for your hand after that, so it’s a good idea to pick out this part of your dowry first.”
Qin Yining blushed furiously from these words. For some reason, the sight of Pang Xiao wearing scarlet robes embossed with python patterns rose in her mind. [1]
But when she thought of ‘entertaining offers for her hand’, some trepidation came to mind.
As a girl, she naturally had to obey the wishes of her parents and matchmaker when it came to her marriage.
She was already so close to Pang Xiao, but their relationship had yet to be approved by the old dowager and her mother. In fact, those two knew nothing at all.
Regret would fill her every day if she couldn’t marry Pang Xiao in the end.
After entertaining these thoughts for a bit, Qin Yining set her worries aside. Her father approved of their relationship! If anyone came asking for her hand in marriage, the old dowager and her mother would have to seek Qin Huaiyuan’s approval, no matter what they thought.
Thank goodness father is so open-minded!
Née Sun was in a loving mood and bought the jewelry set with her own savings. The sum was enough to marry off a regular well-off family’s daughter.
“Hide this when you get back, don’t let the old dowager or your other sisters see it. Things are tight at home right now, so they’ll criticize me for spending money like this, even if it was my own.”
“I understand, mother.” Qin Yining couldn’t help grinning.
Née Sun grabbed a finger full of her daughter’s cheeks. “Don’t you laugh at me. I’m just worried about drama. We’ll choose one of these for your coming-of-age, then wear the entire set for your wedding. It’s perfectly festive and majestic.”
The Qin fourth miss giggled upon seeing her mother in rare, merry spirit.
“You’re planning too far ahead, mom. There’s nothing on the horizon at all.”
“Pfft. Is that something we need to worry about? My daughter is so beautiful and has full support from your father. Do we fear not being able to settle on a good match?
“It’s always been a hundred houses clamoring for the hand of one girl. We’re newly arrived and can’t make a big deal of things because of what’s happened. But do you believe that if we spread the word that you’re of marriageable age, suitors will trample our doorstep flat?”
“That’s way too outrageous!” Qin Yining giggled.
Mother and daughter laughed and chatted, lifting the moods of Jin-mama, Jiyun, and Xianyun by their sides.
After picking out jewelry, the group headed to a teahouse for a room to rest in. Née Sun ordered a pot of specialty tea and a few snacks, conversing idly with her daughter all the while.
Ever since née Sun learned that Cao Yuqing was no longer Qin Huaiyuan’s concubine, it seemed to Qin Yining that her mother glowed with health. She seemed ten years younger and was much more amiable when dealing with others.
As for née Sun, she was liking her daughter increasingly so. Not only for the girl resembling a youthful Qin Huaiyuan, but also for her smarts and maturity. Though the madame was the mother, she could always find a sense of security from her daughter, like the girl could handle anything.
Mother and daughter were much closer these days.
In the midst of the affable atmosphere, Qin Yining vaguely heard strains of loud conversation from downstairs. The ‘Faithful Prince of the First Rank’ seemed to be the topic of discussion.
Also curious, née Sun looked at her daughter, who looked to Jiyun.
The guard immediately pushed open the partition window facing the hall, allowing the racket from the general area to filter in. The man who’d been speaking sounded clearly in their room.
“…that’s why I ask just how many girls is the Faithful Prince of the First Rank gonna seduce, huh? Even the eldest princess can’t forget him. What woman in the world can turn down such an outstanding man like him!”
The joke sent everyone in the hall braying with laughter, and laughing meaningfully at that.
Qin Yining arched a brow. What has Pang Zhixi and Li Helan gotten into now?
Though she was curious, she didn’t doubt Pang Xiao’s feelings for her. They’d been through so much together; she was well aware of the sincerity of his feelings for her.
However, Bingtang, Jiyun, and Xianyun grew apprehensive when they heard this. Née Sun’s face sank as well. She looked carefully at Qin Yining, deathly afraid that her daughter would recall sad affairs.
“My daughter, we’ve had a long day shopping.” The madame rose. “Let’s go back.”
“Alright.” Qin Yining smiled her assent and left in née Sun’s carriage.
Before she climbed into the vehicle, she glanced at Jingzhe by her side. The former Silver Mask quickly approached. She whispered a few words into his ear, sending him off with her orders.
After returning home, the Qin fourth miss carefully put away the jewelry they had just bought.
Bingtang observed her mistress’ face closely, whispering softly when she saw that the fourth miss wasn’t angry, “Don’t think too much, miss. His Highness isn’t someone like that.”
“That’s right.” Jiyun and Xianyun agreed when they saw that Bingtang had brought the subject up. Only Qiulu was completely befuddled, since she hadn’t gone out with them today.
Jingzhe returned at this time.
“Miss, I took a listen around outside. There’s a lot of rumors, but the main summary is that the Princess of Anyang chased after the prince, wanting to express her affections. She threw a tantrum when the prince rejected her.” He took out an envelope and offered it with both hands. “Grand Steward Zhong’s pageboy came to me with this before I returned to the manor.”
Qin Yining took it and pulled out the letter with curiosity when she saw that the envelope wasn’t addressed.
The contents were simple: four words written with the grace of soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes. The strength behind the writer bled through the paper.
‘Nothing of the sort!’
Pang Xiao had specially sent word, because he was worried that she’d think wild thoughts!
Qin Yining burst out laughing.
* * *
1. Only the emperor is allowed to use the dragon motif, so the python is the next step down. Remember, the Chinese dragon looks much like a python.
Chapter 370: Widespread Tittle-Tattle (II)
Honestly speaking, Qin Yining wouldn’t have doubted Pang Xiao even if he hadn’t explained himself. Since she knew what Li Qitian was after, how could she not see the oddities of this situation from beginning to end?
It was just mystifying what exactly Li Helan had been thinking this time, to do all this. Did she really not care what her husband thought anymore?
Or was she already tired of her marriage?
It was mind-boggling for Qin Yining to fathom a woman who would go hunting for an affair so quickly after the wedding. She clung to one man while having another hang off her arm. Doesn’t that woman get tired from pursuing two at once?
“Miss?” Bingtang started fretting again when she saw Qin Yining fall into deep thought while clenching the note.
Coming back to herself, the fourth miss smiled. “No worries, it’s nothing.” She turned to Jingzhe. “Thank you for your troubles.”
The guard quickly raised a cupped fist salute. “This is just what this subordinate should be doing. If you have no further orders, miss, I will take my leave.”
When the former Silver Mask left, Bingtang pressed on, “Is it a letter from His Highness?”
“Mmhmm. With how t
he rumors are outside, he purposefully wrote a note to explain.”
Qin Yining put the letter back into the envelope and was about to burn it, but then thought of how her father had already tacitly approved of their relationship. It’d be a pity to not keep such a funny letter as a souvenir.
So instead, she handed the letter to Bingtang. “Put it away for me. Let’s keep it with the jewelry we just stored.”
The maid found it funny. “Miss, aren’t you afraid of people saying that you have scandalous, secret relations with the prince if they found out?”
The Qin fourth miss arched an innocent brow. “There are even uglier whispers outside. Perhaps someone’s even written a book out of what happened when I was carried off. What do I care about secret relations?”
“The miss is saying to heck with it all.”
“No, the miss is being dashingly carefree.” Some of the other maids piped in, their jokes teasing laughter out of their mistress.
Seeing that Qin Yining thought nothing of the happenings, both Jiyun and Xianyun relaxed inwardly. Their thoughts veered to distaste when they thought of Li Helan.
That one was a right and proper princess, the purest of royalty and peak of nobility. Married to such an outstanding character, she still didn’t know to be satisfied! She spent her days making eyes at others and now coveted even the prince! She was just looking to make trouble!
Having been cultivated by Pang Xiao, Jiyun and Xianyun naturally hoped for a happy ending between their miss and former master. Both of them were equally irate at the appearance of someone like Li Helan.
Jiyun even fantasized several ways of teaching Li Helan a good lesson.
……
Currently in front of Prince Consort Ji’s manor, Li Helan was locked in a staring contest with the doorkeeper who stood in her way. Outfitted in a magenta, padded jacket with flaring sleeves and buttons down the front, she’d paired it with a downy-yellow eight panel skirt. A scarlet brocade cape with a white fur collar rounded out the look.
“Open your eyes and see who this seat is! This seat is the eldest princess! How dare you block my way! Do you want to keep on living?!”
“Please quell your anger, Your Highness.” The doorkeeper was a tall and burly man. Standing ramrod straight, his short robes didn’t give off the air of someone keeping an eye on the door. He rather looked like a soldier, and his words were equally blunt. “The marquis gave orders for no visitors today. Why don’t you go back first, Your Highness. His Grace will naturally come find you when he’s free.”
Li Helan’s eyes reddened with fury. The hell is this?! What the hell is this??
“This seat is THE ELDEST PRINCESS. Am I to be refused entrance to my own prince consort’s manor and need to wait until he’s free?! Have your brains been stomped by a donkey?! HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RULE LIKE THIS!?”
Li Helan reached out a hand to push open the door.
The man deftly skipped backwards and remained firmly in her way. He looked down. “Please don’t fault us, Your Highness. This humble one is the marquis’ servant and naturally needs to listen to his orders. His Grace said that he’s not seeing anyone, so he won't be seeing anyone. Please go home, Your Highness.”
Li Helan finally heard things properly at this junction.
The servant called Ji Zeyu ‘marquis’ and not ‘prince consort’, which meant that he really was Ji Zeyu’s trusted subordinate. He might even be from the barracks!
Ji Zeyu had set a soldier at the door just to refuse her entry?
Tears welled in the princess’ eyes and she burst out sobbing.
The doorkeeper kept his head down, oblivious to the crying woman in front of him. He was a wooden dummy, motionless where he stood.
The doors to the manor flung open at this time.
Adorned in a white, tightly-cuffed sleeve brocade robe, Ji Zeyu looked back over the gray, squirrel-fur collar of his cloak with a faint smile. He was responding to something with upturned lips.
Behind him followed a flawless Pang Xiao, sporting a purple python-patterned robe and a small jade crown in this hair.
Not anticipating that Li Helan would be lying in wait for them, the prince’s steps paused before he walked up to make his bow.
“Greetings to the eldest princess.”
Ji Zeyu’s faint smile from moments ago had vanished. Twin pools wholly without emotion looked at the princess. His exquisite face was likewise scrubbed of all emotion and he made the same bow as Pang Xiao.
“Greetings to the eldest princess.”
Li Helan had hastened here to explain herself to her husband, concerned as she was that Ji Zeyu would think wild thoughts because the flurry of rumors outside. But Pang Xiao had been faster than her!
Chapter 370.2: Widespread Tittle-Tattle (II)
She was barred from the prince consort manor, but Pang Xiao had come sauntering out of it!
Flames of fury leapt, even though the princess knew that the two men had a steadfast brotherhood. She was a right and proper princess! How was she any less than a common-born prince??
“What does the prince consort mean by this?” Li Helan demanded lowly.
Ji Zeyu rose and responded in a neither servile nor overbearing manner. “What is Your Highness asking?”
“The doorkeeper says no visitors allowed. Why is this princess, the one most intimate to you, refused entry, but the Faithful Prince of the First Rank allowed inside? Or is the real story that the prince consort gave orders only to bar this seat, while everyone else has free entry??”
The prince consort looked expressionlessly at Li Helan when he heard this. He asked calmly, “Why does Your Highness think so? Does Your Highness think that there’s a reason why I do not let you in?”
A hot retort caught in Li Helan’s throat. Previously obscured by fury, she’d finally remembered what she was here for.
Then catching sight of Pang Xiao standing behind Ji Zeyu and sweeping a disdainful look over her, the princess’ ears burned and her eyes darted away.
The prince consort frowned. “Can it be that the rumors outside are true?”
“No, this seat…” interjected a hasty Li Helan.
Ji Zeyu turned back to his sworn brother. “Zhixi?”
The common-born prince’s forehead was knit tightly in a frown. “Ah Lan, you should know what kind of person I am.”
However, his sworn brother looked back at him with a glowering expression. “I know what kind of person you are, but similar occurrences keep happening one after another. How can I trust you then?”
“Ah Lan!” Outrage colored Pang Xiao’s frown as a light flashed through his phoenix eyes. “You and I have been brothers for so many years! Am I the sort to poach my brother’s people?”
“If you aren’t, why do such rumors run rampant outside? Is it the princess’ fault?”
Ji Zeyu suddenly drew the soft sword coiled around his waist. The sword sprang firmly straight with a flourish. “Pang Zhixi, don’t you understand that thou shalt not covet thy brother’s wife!”
“You know best what kind of person I am. How would I do anything like that??”
“If it wasn’t for you being forward, then was it the princess who seduced you? Be a man and own up to your faults! What kind of man are you to hide from what you’ve done!?” Ji Zeyu seemed to be in the throes of a towering rage as he stabbed towards the prince.
Startled by the lack of warning, Pang Xiao quickly jumped to the side.
With that, the two started fighting in front of the prince consort manor!
Openmouthed with shock, it’d never occurred to Li Helan that Ji Zeyu would fight someone else for her!
He was normally the picture of indifference towards her. Such cool remoteness made her long since lose confidence.
But seeing how angry he was now, he obviously care about her! Otherwise, with their ties of brotherhood, how would they be erupting in an all-out fight like this?
Sweetness, contentment, and a bit of pride flooded Li
Helan’s heart. Her vanity was fulfilled as it’d never been before.
However, a cold chill travelled down her back when her thoughts turned to Li Qitian’s instructions. Watching the two locked together in battle, she had to admit that her royal brother’s scheme was working.
At this moment, Ji Zeyu’s sword flicked open a slash on Pang Xiao’s arm. Blood spurted out from the action.
“Ji Lan, you bastard! You’re fighting for real! Are we brothers or not?!”
“What kind of brother are you to toy with my wife!”
“Bullshit!” Infuriated by the accusation, Pang Xiao kicked Ji Zeyu in the shoulder.
Sent reeling back from the blow, the prince consort furiously threw down his soft sword and resorted to brawling with his fists and feet.
Both of them possessed exceedingly high levels of martial arts but were now kicking and punching randomly, like two kids fighting over a piece of candy!
The doorkeeper and Huzi ran up to pull the two apart. Servants in the prince consort’s manor also came out to diffuse the situation.
With such a chaotic situation, anyone passing by also stopped to watch the show. The prince consort’s manor was located in a wealthy and noble neighborhood. Those out on the streets were all the servants of the neighbors.
The gathering crowd was shocked by the sight of the eldest princess trying to calm down Prince Consort Ji and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank tussling with their bare hands and feet. Hands and feet flailed wildly. It would seem that all of the tumors outside were true.
Li Helan circled around them anxiously, shrieking all the while. “Stop! This seat orders you to stop!”
Both of them heartily ignored her.
Only when both of them were bruised and battered, one bleeding from the corner of the lips and another with a reddened forehead, did they both stop. Their servants pulled them away as they continued to huff and glare from each other.
Ji Zeyu rubbed his battered forehead and with a tight expression, stared a hole into Pang Xiao climbing onto his horse and leaving with his men. The prince consort turned to re-enter his manor.
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