Chu Wang Fei

by Ning er

  Rong Yun He saw that he had gained his sister’s support. He nodded and replied, “I will behave respectfully. Please don’t worry about it, jiejie.”

  Rong Rong thought that they had already talked for too long. Fearing that at this moment their grandmother was already on her way to Xian Rong taifei’s palace, she said, “I will have Xiao Li Zi bring you to the small lane. Remember that you have to accompany zumu and enter gugu’s palace together, or else gugu will be suspicious!”

  When he heard Rong Rong’s sincerely giving him help, Rong Yun He’s eyes were filled with gratitude. But time was running out so he did not say more. He quickly followed the where young eunuch who had just entered from the back door and left Rong Rong’s palace.

  “Yun xiaojie waited too long.” Rong Rong had returned. Behind her the maid was holding an object covered in red silk. It must be the present for Rong Xian taifei.

  “Not at all Rong zhuzi!” Yun Qian Meng rose and replied respectfully.

  Rong Rong did not say more. Together they departed for the taifei’s palace.

  At this moment Rong Xian taifei’s palace was in the midst of receiving Chen laotaijun and Rong Yun He. When a servant came in to announce their arrival she was in the middle of reciting Buddhist scriptures. She put down the text and allowed the maid to support her as she entered the hall to welcome her guests. Smiling, said, “Mother and He’r, what brings you here today?”

  Her eunuch Cao gong gong had reported to her a moment ago that Rong Rong was bringing Yun Qian Meng with her. Rong Xian taifei anticipated that her own mother and nephew would also come. But she did not expect them to arrive this early when she hadn’t even seen Yun Qian Meng yet.

  “Chenfu brings su’r, greets taifei!” Chen laotaijun said when Rong Xian taifei entered. She brought Rong Yun He forward and they both knelt before Rong Xian taifie!

  How could Rong Xian taifei let her own mother kneel for her? She quickly stepped forward and helped Chen laotaijun up, “Mother please get up. Don’t bend to daughter!”

  Chen laotaijun was made to rise while Rong Yun He remained kneeling. He kowtowed before Rong Xian taifei three times, his clear voice echoed, “Zhi’r greets taifei!”

  Rong Xian taifei saw that today Rong Yun He was being earnest, and smiled to Chen laotaijun. Then said, “Rise! You are hurting your legs kneeling like that. We are all family here.”

  Rong Yun He was moved by Rong Xian taifei’s concern. Then his face returned to its usual unreadable expression.

  Rong Xian taifei understood his character well and was used to his ways so she did not take offense. She still cared deeply for this once small boy who was now a sensible and smart young man.

  The three people took their seats in the order of their ranks. Tea was then brought out. Then Rong Xian taifei said, “Why did mother and He’r come here today?”

  Chen laotaijun was a straightforward person and did not like to beat around the bush. When Rong Xian taifei asked, she promptly replied, “Taifei knows the current situation in the Rong family. Because of He’r’s hair, no lady consents to an engagement with him. Now He’r is already a fifteen year old young man, after three years he will have the ruoguan ceremony. Chenfu thinks that if an appropriate lady comes our way, it would be best to show her to taifei for approval. Asking taifei to please agree to this so that nobody will have regrets in the future.”

  When Rong Xian taifei heard this she did not immediately make a reply. She only gracefully held the teacup in her hand, a white hand lifted the lid, hooded eyes looked at the liquid thoroughly infused with the essence of the tea leaves. She lightly blew on it to cool it, took a small sip, pondered over the taste, then returned the lid. With coldness in her eyes she replied to Chen laotaijun, “It looks like mother has already taken a liking to someone? Coincidentally, daughter wanted to invite mother over to the palace today to discuss a certain matter.”

  Even though Chen laotaijun was Rong Xian taifei’s mother, her status was much higher than Chen laotaijun’s. Both of them had things they wanted to bring up. Chen laotaijun naturally waited for Rong Xian taifei to speak first.

  But when Chen laotaijun saw the silent Rong Yun He from the corner of her eye she said with a smile, “Wondering what taifei has to say?”

  Rong Xian taifei’s eyes calmly looked over Rong Yun He, then she turned to Chen laotaijun as she articulated her words, “Mother must know the hardships I endure in the palace! The Rong family is a merchant family and lacks noble blood. All these years daughter did not bare any children, but the new king has been kind and has allowed to daughter to continue to live in the palace and live a comfortable life. But the real reason behind this, daughter need not explain. Mother must understand all of it very well! Daughter has been prudent and cautious all these years. I also only seek the well-being of the family. My wish is for the Rong family to have peace forever for all generations! However, just depending on daughter to live in the palace and live a simple life is far from enough. The assistance of the entire family is needed to stay away from disputes in the imperial court and to put the emperor’s suspicions away. Rong’r has also entered the palace and on the ninth day of the night month will be conferred the title of imperial consort. Now only Rong Yun He remains of the first wife’s children. His marriage is not just his own business, but is a matter of life and death for the whole Rong family! If you choose wrong, then the Rong family will be dragged into a war. It would be the end of our peaceful days! This, mother, did you think about it?”

  Chen laotaijun expected Rong Xian taifei to say words of reprimand to her and Rong Yun He. She did not expect these sincere dredging up of the Rong family’s position.

  It was correct that these days the Rong family could establish themselves among the four great families. It was because from the beginning the Rong family persisted to remain neutral that Rong Xian taifei was forced to drink the sterilization drug.

  Otherwise, with the influence the other three families had, how could they allow the Rong family to have a place in the capital?

  Rong Xian taifei used these words to make Chen laotaifei understand Yun Qian Meng’s status.

  Yun Qian Meng was the current Empress Dowager’s waishennu, a sun xiaojie of Fu Guo Gongfu. Even though she was outwardly cool-headed, she was sharp and clever and had gained Rong Yun He’s eyes. But because of her status they were fore-ordained to never be together. To marry Yun Qian Meng would make it appear that they were siding with the Empress Dowager, sooner or later it would cause war between the great families and make her the sacrificial victim.

  But, Chen laotaijun had already considered this in her plans. She looked at Rong Xian taifei who could not be more than a little over 30 years old living out her days as if she were old and past her prime. She had sent her own daughter away for the good of the family and allowed the former emperor to force her to drink the sterilization drug, Chen laotaijun’s heart was bleeding!

  She had already sacrificed one daughter and now she had sent away the granddaughter she had raised herself into the palace. If the peace and reputation of the Rong family relied on these skirts in order to be maintained, she would rather not have it this way.

  Rong Yun He, who was beside her this whole time, heard Rong Xian taifei’s words rejection of towards Yun Qian Meng. The hands that were neatly placed on his lap could not help but tighten into fists. He was about to say something but was interrupted by Chen laotaijun.

  “Chenfu knows that these years have been difficult for niangniang. As a result, Chenfu earnestly taught He’r herself. Hoping that one day he would be able to stand out among his peers. Taifei must understand chenfu’s intentions?” Words can only express so much. So many people were listening in the palace, add to that the fact that everybody present was smart people, Chen laotaijun’s words were clear. When these words reached Rong Xian taifei’s ears, it meant that Chen laotaijun did not accept her words.

  Rong Xian taifei’s cast her eyes on her mother and her nephew and saw that their mind
s were alike on this matter. Rong Xian taifei lamentably sighed in her head. This Yun He deserved to be called a person taught by her mother, he had a stubborn spirit. Indeed he was not one to bend his waist to influential bigwigs.

  However, this palace was not the place for people to do as they wished!

  At this point, Rong Xian taifei rose from her seat, shaking her head at a maid on the side. Slowly, she walked forward until she reached Chen laotaijun, in an extremely low voice she whispered in her ear, “Mother must think about this carefully. Why did the Empress Dowager arrange a marriage for Yun xiaojie the moment she was born into this world? Xi Chu is a large and vast country, there are a lot of young, talented and handsome noble gongzi, but unexpectedly the Empress Dowager’s enemy was chosen, Yuan De taifei’s son.”

  She ended her speech here. Rong Xian taifei knew that Chen laotaijun was aware of this matter herself. She added, “We cannot guess what the Empress Dowager’s motives are. In any case, Yun Qian Meng is an abandoned child. The Rong family would gain and enemy. Daughter also knows that He’r is a talented young man, but now his wings have yet to fly. The enemy is very strong, we would not be able to withstand them. If mother really favors Yun xiaojie, take her in as an adopted daughter. This way it would not provoke suspicion from the Empress dowager. This is daughter’s most generous offer, please consider it mother!”

  When Chen laotaijun heard her words she became silent.

  Rong Yun He who was sitting on the side did not speak. His face could not help but betray some anxiety. He then stood up and turned to Rong Xian taifei, “Taifei, this is zhi’r’s only wish, please taifei help make it true!”

  At this, Rong Yun He knelt down before Rong Xian taifei!

  But now Rong Xian taifei did not indulge him. Her face showed a severe expression and she said in a stern voice, “You know your status, do not gamble with the lives of your entire clan!”

  Saying this, Rong Xian taifei no longer spared Rong Yun He a look. She returned to her seat and sat with her back straight. Chen laotaijun’s mind was also in a turmoil from Rong Xian taifei’s speech just now. Her face showed her opposing opinion.

  “Reporting to taifei, Rong zhuzi and Yun xiaojie are waiting outside the hall.” At this moment, Cao gonggong entered the hall with some urgency. He stopped a few steps away from Rong Xian taifei and made his announcement.

  When Cao gong gong had entered the hall, Rong Xian taifei restrained herself from continuing the confrontation with Chen laotaijun. Her expression returned to indifference. When she heard Cao gongong’s announcement, she nodded her head to signal to let them enter.

  Chapter 76: Part 2: Forced to adopt a daughter | Chu Wang Fei

  Cao gong gong turned around and left. In no time, Rong Rong and Yun Qian Meng were brought into the hall. Rong Xian taifei and Chen laotaijun carefully observed Yun Qian Meng. They saw that her face was calm like a lake, her expression tranquil. Chan laotoijun repeatedly nodded her head in satisfaction. Because of Rong Xian taifei, she could only keep her satisfaction in her heart.

  Rong Xian taifei’s eyes narrowed slightly. Now that she was finally meeting Yun Qian Meng face-to-face, she could not help but feel some admiration towards her. But then she remembered Jiu Xuan shitai’s words and it made her heart harden. She couldn’t let this girl make a joke of her whole family’s fate. She also could not let the nephew she doted on and loved as her own son be ensnared in confusion over this girl!

  As long as she could, she would preserve the current state of peace. Because in case it were to be broken, there w in court there was no other foundation for Rong family to bear the brunt and they would be gobbled up by the other houses. This was Rong Xian taifei’s most dreaded nightmare!

  Ron Yung He would not return to his seat and still remained kneeling in the center of the main hall. His straight back made people recount his unyielding perseverance. But at this time Rong Xian taifei was also very determined. She would not even look at him!

  Rong Rong brought Yun Qian Meng into the main hall, saw her own younger brother kneeling before Rong Xian taifei, and realized that the situation was not good. Else, considering how Rong Xian taifei doted on Rong Yun He, how could she not acknowledge him?

  She exclaimed in her heart, Rong Rong saw her younger brother’s resolute appearance, and thought to herself, if one is too tough they would be brittle. Unexpectedly, Yun He was in a bad temper. Now she was afraid that this matter would not be able resolve properly.

  “Rong Rong, Yun Qian Meng pays respects to Rong Xian taifei, greets laotaijun!” Both girls greeted. Rong Xian taifei warmly told them to rise and beckoned them to take seat.

  At this moment, Yun Qian Meng finally looked at the kneeling Rong Yun He. Both his knees were touching the floor, his body stiff, his eyes steadfastly looking ahead, making people unable to guess what he was thinking. Even though he still looked like the young man from the previous day, today he seemed very calm and steady!

  Despite not knowing why Rong Yun He was kneeling presently, Yun Qian Meng had a vague understanding that it was because of her. After all, when she had stepped into the main hall, she had felt the unusual atmosphere in the room. Her heart was churning with raging waves, but, as before, she could maintain a calm expression on her face, so that people could not guess her feelings and exploit them.

  “Yun xiaojie has been to the palace many times, bengong is always attending to prayer so we have never met. Today, Yun xiaojie was invited over, merely because bengong’s mother has talked about xiaojie many times. It made bengong curious. Please do not let Yun xiaojie take offense.” Rong Xian taifei articulated slowly, her tone of voice was ordinary. It could not be discerned what sort of impressions she had of Yun Qian Meng on their first meeting. But the green prayer beads had retreated back into her hand, the green jade Buddha beads in lightly pinched between her fingers.

  It didn’t matter what Rong Xian taifei’s motives were, since she had spoken, Yun Qian Meng could not just stay seated. She promptly rose and lowered her head and replied, “Taifei’s attentions to chennu is a blessing to chennu!”

  Rong Xian taifei, seeing her modest, and appropriate response, nodded her head and lifted her hand to indicate to her to sit. Then she no longer spoke. The main hall returned to quietness.

  But Rong Rong was very concerned that Rong Yun He kneeling for too long, it was bad on his legs. When she saw that Rong Xian taifei’s expression was still mild, she smiled and said “Don’t know what didi did to offend taifei! Asking taifei to please consider that didi is still young so please forgive him just this time.”

  Only at her words did Rong Xian taifei finally spare another look on Rong Yun He. But then she saw that he still would not yield, anger flared in her heart. Now that she was looking at him she spoke “If he wants to kneel let him kneel!”

  Ever since she was a little girl Rong Rong had never seen Rong Xian taifei angry. And today, not only was she angry, she was angry at, Rong Yun He, whom she had pampered and doted on for so many years. Her brows furrowed discreetly but she quickly recovered and said with a smile, “What did didi do to make make taifei so displeased? Taifei has the heart of a Bodhisattva, if didi owns up to his wrongs, taifei will surely forgive you. Why must you keep hurting your knees and bothering taifei?”

  Rong Rong’s words had a deeper meaning. As expected, when Rong Xian taifei heard this her expression became more easy. But then Rong Yun He knocked his head once before Rong Xian taifei and said in a clear voice, “Asking taifei to please take back what she said to zumu. Yun He knows in his heart that taifei is not wrong regarding this matter, but Yun He’s wish remains the same. Asking taifei to not mind zhi’r too much. Zhi’r will not let the personal relationships between boys and girls harm the family.”

  Hearing his words, Rong Xian taifei turned the prayer beads in her hands. Then she launched a look through her narrowed eyes at Rong Yun He. She saw that he was still fifteen years old, but his face had the appearance of a grown man with reservedness and de
termination. She sighed in her heart and there was anger in her mind. She pointed a finger at him and said in a stern voice, “Since you are aware that on your back you carry the fate of the Rong family, how can you be so rash and act this way? I can grant your request. But you must listen well to my plans! How can gugu wish to harm you?”

  After these words, Rong Yun He raised his head. He saw that Rong Xian taifei’s stern eyes were already turned towards Yun Qian Meng. His heart shook. He was about to speak, but then the voice of Cao gong gong called out from outside the hall, announcing the entrance of the Empress Dowager and Chu Wang!

  “You must rise now! Drop this issue. I will pretend I’ve never heard it and you, don’t even dream of it!” Rong Xian taifei left her seat and rose as she said this to Rong Yun He in a cold voice. Then she immediately turned to look at Yun Qian Meng, saw that she had already risen with the others, her face calmly awaiting the Empress Dowager and Chu Wang.

  “Rong meimei you have quite the gathering here! Did not expect Meng’r to be present too.” The Empress Dowager said with a smile as she passed the group and took a seat beside Rong Xian taifei.

  “Chenqie heard mother talk about Yun xiaojie often, so in a moment of curiosity invited Yun xiaojie over. We had not yet said much but Empress Dowager already arrived.” She said these words simply. Rong Xian taifei was making the situation clear to prevent any misunderstanding.

  As everybody was taking their seats, Chu wang slowed down as he passed by Yun Qian Meng. Those smiling eyes inadvertently swept a glance towards her. He saw that her expression was normal, and continued to walk forward. He then took the seat of honor of Chen laotaijun!

  Yun Qian Meng was a little curious about what brought Chu wang over to this place so suddenly. His deep violet robes answered her thoughts earlier, the rider that had rushed past them at the palace gates was Chu wang. But at that time he seemed to be very anxious. Could it be just for the reason that the Empress Dowager was going to enter Rong Xian taifei’s palace?