Chu Wang Fei

by Ning er

  But Yun Qian Meng still had a calm and collected expression. Seeing that Wu Qin Qin's face still held a smile, Yun Qian Meng only laughed and said, "Remembering Chen wang withdrawing our betrothal, Qian Meng is afraid of being the target of ridicule."

  Wu Qin Qin's face immediately fell, her eyes were filled with regret at Yun Qian Meng, and she quickly explained, "My apologies, Yun xiaojie, that's not what I meant. I just admire Yun xiaojie for having gotten a good marriage. Of all the women of the large clans, how many are so blessed? Just based on what happened yesterday, when Chu xiang had the courage to ask to be engaged, shows Yun xiaojie's good fortune."

  With that, Wu Qin Qin twisted the silk handkerchief in her hands, not know how to keep up a good appearance.

  Yun Qian Meng saw no other motive in Wu Qin Qin's expression from the attempt at explaining herself, so Yun Qian Meng gently said, "Wu xiaojie should not be like this, Qian Meng was just kidding. Come, let me show you around the xiangfu's garden."

  But Wu Qin Qin did not even move a step, she just looked up, slightly frowning at Yun Qian Meng and carefully asked, "You're truly not angry?"

  Yun Qian Meng smiled at her caution and reassured her, "Honestly, I'm really not."

  Wu Qin Qin finally cracked a smile, her round face made it look even more adorable. She thank took Yun Qian Meng's hand and happily said, "I don't have any sisters. Since we got along today, could I come to xiangfu more often in the future?"

  Yun Qian Meng looked at where her hands were held captive and lightly smiled, "Wu xiaojie is naturally welcome to visit Yun xiangfu."

  At that reply, Wu Qin Qin suddenly jumped up like a happy bird, and proceeded to run off.

  "Xiaojie, this Wu xiaojie is really cute." Mu Chun said with a smile on her face as she made to support Yun Qian Meng, who had not yet fully recover.

  Yun Qian Meng's lips had a faint smile, but her eyes were still cautious. Seeing as Wu Qin Qin had showed very little enthusiasm when she first arrived in the xiangfu, if she was genuinely pure, then she was quite scheming.

  Could she have also mistakenly spoken?

  Western Chu had two Prime Ministers—the Left and the Right. If Yun xiangfu was a xiangfu, then naturally, Chu xiangfu was also a xiangfu.

  Although she was unwilling to start a fight, she still could not allow others to scheme over her.

  And when she had first seen Wu Qin Qin, her eyes concealed a radiance in them. Obviously, she was not just a simple lady from a wealthy family.

  Moreover, after she became engaged to Chu Fei Yang, the other officials sent over congratulatory gifts, but only Wu Guo Gongfu had come to visit in person, and people might read into that.

  "Oh!" Wu Qin Qing's exclamation could suddenly be heard. Yun Qian Meng slightly wrinkled her brows and immediately led Mu Chun forward. Yun Yi Jie had appeared out of nowhere, and seemed to have accidentally encountered Wu Qin Qin. Fortunately, Wu Qin Qin had immediately halted, or else she would have run into Yun Yi Jie's arms, and thereby ruining her life and her reputation.

  "Why is cousin here?" When Yun Qian Meng had walked over, Wu Qin Qin immediately hid behind her, appearing to be somewhat afraid. Wu Qin Qin did not dare to look at Yun Yi Jie who seemed to have tried to grab her hand just now.

  Yun Yi Jie had unexpectedly wanted to kill this Cheng Yaojin, Yun Qian Meng. Remembering what happened between them last time, his expression suddenly turned ugly. Somewhat in a bad mood, he said, "What? Just because cousin is walking here, does that mean I am not allowed anymore? I am aware that this is cousin's house, I clearly have no seniority."

  His words came out sounding as if Yun Qian Meng was abusing her cousin by going as far as not letting him, who was only lodging, walk on the same path.

  Yun Qian Meng did not get angry, and only let Mu Chun take Wu Qin Qin's hand as she spoke indifferently to Yun Yi Jie, "Cousin has misunderstood Meng'er. Meng'er was just curious as to why, even though it's not a public holiday, cousin is here in the courtyard instead of attending classes."

  Yun Qian Meng began to approach Yun Yi Jie, lowering her voice, she continued, "Is cousin dissatisfied with father's arrangements? Or did someone ask you to wait here and leave it up to chance for you to catch a big fish?"

  Yun Yi Jie was welcomed the fact that Yun Qian Meng took the initiative to walk closer to him, but when he heard what she had to say, he immediately looked embarrassed. With wide eyes and gnashing teeth, he said, "You should speak using less alarming words. I just came back to change clothes. I have to go back to school in a moment, so I don't have time to waste here with you."

  Yun Yi Jie then fiercely glared at Yun Qian Meng, before he took his manservant with him and walked back to his Qing Hui Yuan.

  Yun Qian Meng narrowed eyes stared at Yun Yi Jie's back as he left up until he truly disappeared from view. She then returned to Wu Qin Qin and comfortingly said, "I apologize for startling Wu xiaojie. My cousin has just come back from school to change clothes. It is unfortunate that the two of you met unexpectedly and that xiaojie was agitated."

  Wu Qin Qin looked at the direction where Yun Yi Jie had disappeared to, only then was she reassured. "I'm fine. But I still ask Yun xiaojie to keep what happened to day a secret, otherwise…"

  "Of course." Knowing Wu Qin Qin had been embarrassed by the whole issue, Yun Qian Meng deviated, "Wu xiaojie must be tired, let's go back."

  Afraid that a man would appear again and that she would not be able to deal with him, Wu Qin Qin was no longer in the mood to stroll around the garden. She nodded at Yun Qian Meng's words and they proceeded to go back to Bai Shun Tang.

  As Wu furen was about to stand up and say good-bye, Wu Qin Qin had returned. The two then asked to take a leave from the old madam and left the xiangfu.

  As they were departing, Yun Qian Meng said that her body was unwell and also left Bai Shun Tang.

  Yun Yi Jie then entered from a side door into the old madam's room. Face full of anger, he went to sit down and took a large gulp of tea that was served by a yatou.

  "Yi Jie, how did it go?" when the old madam saw Yun Yi Jie's expression, she had grown anxious and decided to ask.

  "What else? I hadn't even touched her, and was already humiliated by Yun Qian Meng, that loathsome girl." Slamming the empty tea cup onto the table, Yun Yi Jie then severely kicked the table's leg in his fury.

  Slam!

  When the old madam heard his words, she suddenly smacked a hand onto the table and pointed at Yun Yi Jie's face with the other as she started to curse him, "You are her older cousin, you can't even talk past a little girl? Wu Qin Qin is fragile and weak, yet you didn't even manage to hold her hands. Thanks to you, all the painstaking effort of planning for so long has been wasted!"

  Being showered down cursed from old madam, Yun Yi Jie yet again had to suppress his anger. After all, they were only permitted to live in xiangfu because uncle was giving face to zumu's reputation. If he were to offend her, he might be sent back to the small region of Su City. Yun Yi Jie was clearly aware of his situation; he knew not to talk back and only wait for the old madam's heart to soften.

  Indeed, when the old madam saw that Yun Yi Jie was obediently taking the scolding, although her heart was resentful of him for failing to meet her expectations, she was still somewhat sorry. She ended up waving her hand and said helplessly, "Since you won't study, zumu can only advise you. If only you were studious like Yi Heng, I would have to worry over you. You've already missed today's good opportunity, let's just wait for next one. I have already invited Wu furen to come again to xiangfu again, so don't make the same mistake."

  Since she put it like that, Yun Yi Jie heart was elated. He immediately got up and faced the old madam to excessively pay his respects by bowing with his hands clasped. Feeling pleased, he said, "Your grandchild is grateful for zumu's help."

  He just had to get a hold of Wu Qin Qin next time she came and the position of Wu Guo Gongfu's son-in-law would be his. There would be no need for him to pass the imperial examinations and co
uld still become someone that others curried favor with. How could Yun Yi Jie not be excited about this shortcut?

  At this time, Rui mama came into the inner room with a worried frown. Seeing the old madam's happy expression, she quickly walked to the old madam's side and whispered something in her ear.

  Slam!

  Once again, the old madam's palm hit the table. This time, the jade bracelet on her wrist cracked, but the old madam had no regard for this bracelet right now and said in a fury, "That little wretch, has she not learned anything? Doing exactly what that Su Qing did to snatch those things from me... Come, let's go to Qi Luo Yuan."

  Rui mama tried to stop the old madam and advised, "Old madam, Liu yiniang said that this was xiangye's command, that all the congratulatory gifts were under the name of xiaojie."

  At that, the old madam's body slowly sat back down, only the anger on her face would not dissipate.

  Without Mi mama's coordination, Qi Luo Yuan would be in disarray. Yatou and pozi carefully carried all kinds of precious gifts into the treasury, while Liu Han Yu once again came to Qi Luo Yuan. She held gilded red invitation card, and spoke looking a bit conflicted, "Xiaojie, Chen wangfu has sent over an invitation card."

  "chosen through a peacock screen" (雀屏中选) - the full story can be read here. Basically it means that a winner was chosen out of a number of candidates. it still sounds a bit off, even with context but my guess is that based on the story, Li Yuan being able to shoot arrows doesn't mean he is all that great or anything.

  Chapter 101: Wouldn't Let You to Easily Marry Him | Chu Wang Fei

  "Oh? Chen wangfu sent out invitations now? Is it only inviting me, or is it inviting everyone in the xiangfu?" Yun Qian Meng was browsing through a record of the gifts. But upon hearing what Liu yiniang said, she had lowered it and asked with curiosity.

  Chen wangfu had always been impenetrable. If it neither Chen wang or Yuan de taifei allowed it, nobody could enter.

  Ordinarily, Chen wang and Yuan de taifei only attended gatherings that other fu organized. Chen wangfu had never invited anyone before, so this was rather unusual for them.

  Liu Han Yu shook her head as she handed the invitation over to Yun Qian Meng. "The mama who brought the invitation only said to give it to the eldest xiaojie of the fu. She didn't say anything else."

  Liu Han Yu would not open and take a look at anything that was addressed to Yun Qian Meng without permission, because she understood her own status and position. Especially now when Yun Qian Meng had the backing of Chu wang and Chu xiangfu, Liu Han Yu could only treat Yun Qian Meng more and more polite, being careful to not neglect or disobey her even the slightest bit.

  Yun Qian Meng put down the records and took the gilded invitation. She saw that only her name was written on it. It invited her to join the party in Chen wangfu at lunch time in three days time.

  "Is xiaojie going to attend?" seeing than Yun Qian Meng had given the invitation to Mu Chun after a short glance, Liu yiniang was puzzled.

  After all, although Yun Qian Meng was now granted a new marriage by Emperor Yu Qian, it could not wash away the fact that she had been previously engaged to Chen wang. Now that Chen wangfu had sent Yun Qian Meng an invitation for unknown reasons, it would be awkward if both parties were to meet in this situation.

  Especially since on the day Chen wang broke the engagement, Yun Qian Meng had attempted suicide and rammed her head against the pillar in the throne room. Although it was an act of chastity, people would inevitably look down on her because of that. Liu yiniang was very worried that others might laugh at Yun Qian Meng if she went to the party.

  Seeing Liu yiniang's concern for her, Yun Qian Meng's lips curled into a smiled as she replied, "Could I trouble yiniang to prepare a carriage for me?"

  Since Chen wang dared to send the invitation to xiangfu, why should she not go?

  If she did not go, people would still make up rumors. It would be better to just go there and see what secrets the mysterious Chen wangfu hid.

  Seeing that there was neither embarrassment nor worry in Yun Qian Meng's expression, Liu yiniang's worry slowly faded. She could not help but blame herself for being so foolish. She was already able to see that Yun Qian Meng's behavior and way of handling matters in the past half year. If xiaojie had not been able to put the engagement with Chen wang behind her, how could xiaojie still be so at ease right now? She was really worrying too much!

  Liu Han Yu then immediately nodded. Seeing that Yun Qian Meng did not have any more orders, she made to leave the room.

  But Yun Qian Meng suddenly called out, "Please wait, yiniang! I need to trouble yiniang about something."

  Yun Qian Meng calculated the dates in her mind then slowly said, "It will almost be time for Su yiniang to give birth. I suppose, at that time, her family will send someone over to watch over her. When that happens, Liu yiniang need only to give way to them."

  Liu Han Yu's steps paused for a while. She did not expect that Yun Qian Meng would suddenly be concerned about Su Qing. She did not understand the reason behind it, but she knew that Yun Qian Meng's plans were always reliable. Thus, she nodded and left the room without questioning it any further.

  "Mu Chun, put the invitation away." Now that there was no one else in the room, Yun Qian Meng reminded Mu Chun to keep the invitation from Chen wangfu well while she examined the records on the table.

  Mu Chun held the delicately-made invitation and had the same worry as Liu Han Yu. Moreover, she did not understand Yun Qian Meng's decision; thus, she asked, "Chen wang harmed xiaojie so much before. Why does xiaojie need to accept the invitation? It makes it seem as if we are afraid of them."

  Although Yun Qian Meng was looking at the records, she still listened carefully to Mu Chun's murmurings. It was somewhat funny to her that this yatou bore even more grudges than she did. She looked away from the record and smiled, "If we didn't go, people will say that we're so chickenhearted for not even daring to attend a small party. When that happens, how will we explain it? Why do we need to care about what others think? Isn't it too tiring to live that way? Moreover, Chen wang and Yuan de taifei are still people of high status and position. Even if they wanted to do something bad to me, they naturally will not choose to do it at their own place when they even publicly sent over an invitation."

  "Does xiaojie already know why Chen wangfu invited us?" Mu Chun was still somewhat worried, especially because she was currently the only yatou beside Yun Qian Meng. If those unreasonable xiaojie used violence, then xiaojie would be at a disadvantage.

  Yun Qian Meng just smiled and shook her head. It was precisely because she did not know the reason, that she wanted to go and see. Otherwise, if others were already plotting against her, and she kept herself in the dark, then would that not be too impolite?

  With Wu Guo Gongfu as the precedent, in the following two days, all the women of different fu started to personally came over to greet and congratulate her. Yun Qian Meng was rather annoyed by them, but the old madam was very eager to associate with them, so Yun Qian Meng left all these boring meetings to the old madam. Anyway, Yun Xuan Zhi had left some of his people to guard outside Bai Shun Tang so the old madam would not be able to do anything bad.

  But the furen and xiaojie had intentionally come to tighten their relationship with Yun Qian Meng, so when they saw that it was always only the old madam of Yun xiangfu who entertained them, they felt quite disappointed.

  With Emperor Yu Qian's imperial decree, all the necessary processes of marriage went reasonably smoothly. Chu wang personally met with Yun Xuan Zhi to discuss the wedding date, which was finalized to be on 26th day of the third month next year.

  Joyous events happened one after another between these two familes. Meanwhile, the aura surrounding Hai wangfu was gloomy and unhappy. Ever since she had been chosen by Emperor Yu Qian to marry to Northern Qi, Hai Tian had not taken a single step out of her room. She locked herself in the room for the whole day and did not even agree to see Hai wangfei.


  This forced Hai wangfei, who loved her daughter wholeheartedly, to go to Hai wang's study and beg Hai wang to think of a way to let Emperor Yu Qian take back his order.

  Looking at Hai wangfei who was crying so hard, Hai Chen Xi smiled coldly and said, "Why should wangfei do that? If you let father go and decline the marriage given by the Emperor, aren't you making father defy an imperial decree and be impolite to the Emperor? At that time, not only would you be unable to save sister, I'm afraid that the whole Hai wangfu would be buried along with her. Think clearly, wangfei. One person in exchange for the life of the whole family, isn't that a fair the deal?"

  The hand Hai wangfei was using to wipe away her tears froze. She looked at Hai Chen Xi in disbelief. Her eyes reflected great anger as she was unable to believe what she had just heard. The flames in her eyes seemed as if they were going to burn Hai Chen Xi. Seeing him smile amidst the misfortune and even delight in it made Hai wangfei burn with anger, so she screamed at him, "You were already granted the title of junwang by the Emperor. After already gaining this position, I thought that you would restrain your words and actions, but I didn't expect you to still be so arrogant in front of your father! Although You and Tian'er don't share a mother, she is still your blood-related sister. I wouldn't have minded if you just kept quiet, but you even throw stones at someone who is already down. Wangye, this is the junwang you've chosen! Even when his sister is about to be married off to a far away place as a tribute, he still laughs so happily! If this kind of thing were to spread, what would people say about Hai wangfu? Wangye's reputation might also suffer damage because of this!"

  While speaking, Hai wangfei had moved forward, wanting to pull at Hai wang's sleeves to gain his pity, but Hai wang changed the direction of his wheelchair, ignoring her actions and left her hand to awkwardly hang in midair. Witnessing all that, Hai Chen Xi laughed at Hai wangfei.

  "What has made fifth brother so happy?" at this moment, a young men entered. The man was wearing a pearl white house robe with a faint design of bamboo leaf pattern, smooth and shiny surface of the satin. His outfit fitted him very well because he was relatively thin.