by N/A
T/N: ML officially returns next chapter. I'm ready to be abused by all the dog food and vomit blood at all the cheesy lines.
Ch. 063.1 – Reunion (1)
Reunion (1)
T/N: Chapter sponsored by Ami! Thank you for sponsoring!
"Miss, the one wearing the black armor is Ding Wang, next to him is Great General Ji, and the one in white armor is Young General Ji." Qiao Zhu quietly whispered behind Du Xiao Li.
Du Xiao Li paid her respects to the army and said, "Du Manor third daughter, Xiao Li, greets Ding Wang, Great General, Young General. Congratulation everyone, returning in victory, bringing the people of Ming Feng peace."
Han Ming Yi looked to the person bowing below, his cold gaze slightly flickering, as he said, "You're excused."
"Xiao Li? You?" Before the others spoke, Ji Liu Feng somewhat excitedly said.
Du Xiao Li got up and somewhat skeptically looked to Ji Liu Feng. Afterwards, she finally said in slight surprise, "You are big brother Liu Feng?"
"Haha, looks like you still haven't forgotten me!" Ji Liu Feng got down from his horse and came to Du Xiao Li's side. Looking to the already grown up Du Xiao Li, he laughed out loud, "We learned that you'd came to the capital, but didn't expect that the first person we'd meet coming back would be you, hahaha!"
"You all?"
"Yes." Ji Liu Feng nodded.
"Liu Feng, you two know each other?" Ji Lun looked to Ji Liu Feng's smiling face and asked.
"Father, this is that girl I told you about, the one Ming Yi and I met at Du village." Ji Liu Feng said.
"What Ming Yi, that's Ding Wang! Right now, we're back in the capital, you can't be disrespectful like this!" Ji Lun berated.
"Ding Wang?" Du Xiao Li's surprised gaze landed on the slender figure on the black horse. He's Han Ming Yi?
One separation, six years, Han Ming Yi's change was very big too. In the beginning, she'd just felt he was a bit like a ice cold little shota*. Now, he's already grown into a country corrupting devilish beauty. In addition to that body of icy chill and killing intent, and his mouth and lower jaw being covered by the helmet, Du Xiao Li truly didn't recognize him.
(*T/N: It means cute young boy; the original chinese term used 'zheng tai' is literally the chinese reading of the japanese word shota, tho the actual word itself doesn't have much meaning in chinese.)
If Han Ming Yi really is Ding Wang, then back then, she'd kicked a prince?
Han Ming Yi, seeing Du Xiao Li's shocked appearance, took down his helmet and faintly said, "Long time no see."
Du Xiao Li dazedly stared at Han Ming Yi, carefully studying him, dimly trying to find some shadow of the past. She curtsied and said, "That year, I didn't know it was your highness, Ding Wang. Xiao Li have much offended, asking Ding Wang to please forgive."
"No matter." He still faintly replied.
"Hehe, the wild little girl from before has also grown up now! Are you living in the Du Manor now? Later, when there's time, we'll go look for you. Right now, we have to go report to his Majesty." Ji Liu Feng finished saying and returned to his horse. White horse matched with white armor made him appear distinguished and elegant. Right now, there's definitely going to be a lot of people waiting to watch. This appearance of his, she believed will definitely steal quite a few young maiden's hearts.
"Respectfully seeing off Ding Wang and Generals!" Du Xiao Li curtsied and retreated far away with Xia Yuan and Qiao Zhu. Their horse carriage also was driven further away, giving way to the army.
"Aiyaa, why did we run into this girl here." Niu Jing was in the horse carriage in the back, and seeing Du Xiao Li's figure, he quickly had the curtains put down, patting his own chest. All the way until the horse carriage passed by Du Xiao Li's side did he finally relax. But before he could cheer for joy, he heard a voice reach his ears.
"Senior brother, wait until I come find you to settle the score later!"
Niu Jing pulled open the window curtains for a look. The surrounding people seemingly all didn't react, inwardly thinking to himself, could it be that he'd imagined it?
Du Xiao Li watched Han Ming Yi and them leave. She didn't expect that she would encounter them this soon, and she further didn't expect that they, who'd once played with her in the countryside, would actually have such prominent statuses.
However, thinking about it, it was about right. Niu Jing was an imperial physician. To be able to let him go to Du village, such a far away place, keep watch there for that many years, and wholeheartedly treat him, he naturally wouldn't be just an ordinary wealthy person. But unfortunately, she didn't expect that she would come to the capital this early, so towards the imperial household, she still wasn't very familiar with.
"Miss, you're even familiar with Ding Wang and them?" Qiao Zhu said, "Heard this Ding Wang isn't someone easy to get along with, however Young General Ji's character is very good."
"Qiao Zhu, later, tell me about the affairs and people of the capital." Du Xiao Li said. She actually didn't know Han Ming Yi was Ding Wang!? Could it be that she's really ignored these matters for too long and became an ignorant village girl for real?
"Alright miss." Qiao Zhu replied.
The current emperor, Han Ming Ze succeeded the throne six years ago, currently 26 years old. He was the oldest of the six princes at the time and was also the crown prince. However, the previous second prince also had the power to steal the throne, and at the time, started a coup. Moreover, when he was nearly about to kill the emperor, who'd just succeeded the throne for a few hours, in moment of life and death, the fifth prince blocked that arrow for his eldest brother, and almost 'returned to the western paradise*' himself. After several days of the imperial physicians' emergency rescue, he finally lived.
(*T/N: Euphemism for death)
The third and second caused the coup together, and after failing, were ordered to commit suicide by their eldest brother. Everyone all say, he sat on the throne bathed in blood.
The fourth, Han Ming Hong, was older than Han Ming Yi by two years, and was granted the title Ren Wang. Although he was twenty, he only has two side consorts, and doesn't have a main consort.
(T/N: ML is the fifth prince in case you forgot)
The sixth, Han Ming Yuan was the same age as Han Ming Yi, also 18 this year, and was granted the title Xian Wang. Heard this title was requested by him, because he felt he was precisely an idle person. Towards the affairs of the court, he didn't have the slightest interest. He further yearned for a life in the pugilistic world, so he was often away from the capital.
(T/N: Xian means idle or carefree)
The previous emperor, aside from having six princes, also had seven daughters. However, right now, they've all already married. Three married in the capital, two married outside the capital, and one was politically married to another country. Right now, only Princess Changle remain unmarried, and at present, she was already 16 years of age.
As for the massive pile of imperial relatives, Qiao Zhu momentarily couldn't finish explaining them all, so Du Xiao Li just let her continue when they return.
"Ah!" Qiao Zhu suddenly called out.
"What's wrong?" Du Xiao Li, seeing Qiao Zhu's flustered appearance, asked.
"Miss, this Ren Wang has an engagement with the Du family. In the beginning, it said that it was with the Du family's di daughter, and once Du Ke Xin reached marriageable age, she'll marry over as the main consort. Now that miss has returned, then won't this engagement land on miss's head?" Qiao Zhu said.
"What?! Engagement?"
Qiao Zhu nodded and said, "Heard this engagement was the Empress Dowager's intention. The decree was passed a year ago."
"Eh, in other words, our miss's future husband?" Xia Yuan said.
"But this Ren Wang actually isn't some good bird. Although his reputation on the surface is good, I have a friend that was beaten to death by him, just because that friend of mine accidentally ran into him." Qiao Zhu angrily said.
"Even has two side consorts at home,
I suppose his concubines and whatnot are definitely numerous. This isn't my type!" Du Xiao Li said.
"Miss, you might not fancy him, but he probably doesn't even fancy you either!" Qiao Zhu said, "Right now, in the capital, all say you're talentless and without virtue, merely just a countryside girl. That Ren Wang is very prideful."
"Is that so? Then it can't get better. If we can have this engagement broken, that would be great!" Du Xiao Li said, "However, thinking about this now is still early."
T/N: First meeting a bit anti-climatic but wait until ML comes visit MC in private ohoohhoooo
Ch. 063.2 – Reunion (2)
Reunion (2)
T/N: Chapter sponsored by Azurixa and Anon! Thank you for sponsoring!
Although Du Xiao Li felt it was still early, there was someone that couldn't sit still anymore. Thus, the morning of the day after the army returned to the city, he performed for the entire capital an engagement breaking play.
Du Xiao Li had just returned from walking Silver and them, when outside sent someone to come look for her, saying to let her go to the front courtyard and that someone was looking for her.
Because she wasn't going out, Du Xiao Li dressed rather causally. Judging from that servant girl's appearance, Du Yun Han seemingly was looking for her in a hurry. Thus, she took Xia Yuan and Qiao Zhu with her and followed the servant girl to the front courtyard reception hall.
"Father, you were looking for me?" After entering, Du Xiao Li saw Du Yun Han sitting at the main seat, and next to him was a handsome looking man dressed in a luxurious blue brocade gown.
"Xiao Li, this is Ren Wang." Du Yun Han introduced.
"Greetings Ren Wang." Du Xiao Li performed a bow, and seeing Han Ming Hong wave his hand, she stood up. She looked to Du Yun Han and asked, "Is father looking for me for something?"
"It's like this, last year, the Empress Dowager passed a decree, letting the Prime Minister Manor's di daughter marry Ren Wang after reaching marriageable age. Previously, we didn't know you were still alive, so it was said to be your second sister Ke Xin. But now that you've returned, this di daughter's position thus is yours. Wangye came to see you." Du Yun Han, seeing the discontent in Du Xiao Li's eyes, was somewhat unable to continue speaking.
"Prime Minister Du, you've misunderstood." Han Ming Hong, seeing Du Xiao Li dressed so plainly, let out an unconcealable disgust in his eyes, saying: "This prince came to day to break the engagement!"
He'd already heard previously that this Du family third miss grew up in a farming village, unlearned, and didn't have any talents either, completely incomparable to her older sister, Du Ke Xin. Originally, he still didn't believe, but he'd already learned what happened at Feng Xue Lou yesterday, proving that the rumors were all true. Moreover, seeing Du Xiao Li dress so plainly today, without the slightest bit of image, he was further determined to break off this engagement.
"What?" Du Yun Han stared at Han Ming Hong and said, "Ren Wang, this can't be used as a joke!"
"It isn't a joke, this prince is serious!" Ren Wang took out a piece of paper from his chest and placed it on the table, saying, "This is this prince's engagement breaking letter. From today onwards, this prince and the Du family's di miss's engagement will thus be cancelled."
Du Yun Han picked up the engagement breaking letter and read it. Afterwards, he angrily slammed it on the table, saying: "Ren Wang, what is the meaning of this? This was a marriage bestowed by the Empress Dowager, with you as such, how will Xiao Li continue living in the capital from now on."
"This matter is this prince's fault. This prince will enter the palace later to ask for imperial mother's forgiveness. But this marriage, this prince is determine to break off today." Han Ming Hong said, "The position of this prince's main consort can only belong to a woman like Du Ke Xin that's overflowing with talent. Besides, Ke Xin and I truly love each other. Although I broke my engagement with third miss, I will still ask imperial mother to pass a decree to let me marry Ke Xin as my side consort. I will still become connected to the Du family by marriage. This to the Prime Minister Manor isn't that damaging."
Because Han Ming Hong and the emperor, Han Ming Ze, were both born from the Empress Dowager, they both called the Empress Dowager, imperial mother. In the beginning, only for the sake of becoming even more connected with her younger sister, the Empress Dowager bestowed this marriage. Who knew that halfway came a Du Xiao Li, this di daughter.
"Ren Wang, you are taking it too far! I absolutely won't agree." Du Yun Han directly stood up and said with a heavy expression, "You...."
"Father." Du Xiao Li suddenly spoke, drawing over Du Yun Han and Han Ming Hong's attention. "Father, since Ren Wang wants to break off the engagement, why don't you just agree to it."
"Xiao Li, do you know what you're saying?"
Du Xiao Li smiled and said, "Father, I know what I'm saying. I agree to breaking off the engagement with Ren Wang. When the time comes, whether Ren Wang marries second sister, or marries some other lady, it'll all have nothing to do with me."
"Xiao Li you...." Du Yun Han looked to Du Xiao Li, thinking that she didn't know the harm in having this engagement broken. He wanted to continue to say something, but Du Xiao Li was no longer paying attention to him, and had turned to Han Ming Hong, "This marriage originally was bestowed by the Empress Dowager. Now that you've brought it up, you will have to resolve this matter. If the Empress Dowager were to blame, it has nothing to do with our Du family."
"Alright, deal! I'll enter the palace right away to tell imperial mother. Prime Minister Du, farewell." Han Ming Hong said, and then walked out. He originally even thought that Du Xiao Li would cling on and not let go. He'd even thought of a way to deal with that kind of scene. However, he didn't expect that she'd agree that easily. Unexpectedly, just as he exited, he ran into Du Ke Xin.
"Greetings Ren Wang." Du Ke Xin greeted Han Ming Hong with a bow.
Han Ming Hong went forward to help Du Ke Xin up and said, "Ke Xin, you didn't go to the academy today?"
"Replying to Wangye, because the army returned from victory, the academy cancelled class for yesterday and today." Du Ke Xin said. "Wangye came today to find father?"
"More or less. I've already broken my engagement with Du third miss. Right now, she and I already have no relations. I'll enter the palace right away and ask imperial mother to bestow a marriage for us." Han Ming Hong looked to Du Ke Xin's bashful appearance and recalled Du Xiao Li's uncouth appearance just now, increasingly feeling that his decision to break the engagement today was correct.
"Wangye broke the engagement with third sister?" Du Ke Xin said in surprise.
"The person I like is you, how could I marry a wild girl from the countryside. Don't worry, I will go find imperial mother right away for a decree. Wait for my news." Han Ming Hong softly said.
Du Ke Xin happily looked to Han Ming Hong and nodded, "I'll wait for you!"
Seeing that there was no one in the courtyard, Han Ming Hong reached out and lightly pinched Du Ke Xin's face, saying: "Then I'll be leaving first."
In the room, Du Xiao Li had Han Ming Hong and Du Ke Xin's conversation heard clearly, and very soon, Du Ke Xin came to the reception hall.
"Father."
"Ke Xin, do you need something?" Du Yun Han was still angry. Du Xiao Li, because she'd been listening to what Du Ke Xin and Han Ming Hong were saying, still hadn't told him her intentions yet.
"Father, Ren Wang said he came to break off the engagement?" Du Ke Xin asked.
"Yes, hmph! Don't think just because he's the emperor's younger brother he can just act like this." Du Yun Han slammed his hand down on the engagement breaking letter and almost had the letter damaged.
"Aiyaa, father, be careful!" Du Xiao Li quickly went forward and snatched the letter over, carefully storing it away.
"Xiao Li, what are you doing? That Ren Wang insulted you, how can you still treasure this paper?" Du Yun Han angrily said.
"Of course I need to treasure it, with this, Ren Wang and I
won't have an engagement between us anymore." Du Xiao Li said.
"You don't want to marry Ren Wang?" Du Yun Han asked.
"Don't want to. I've never met him before in the past, why would I want to marry him?" Du Xiao Li said, "I was just hoping for him to break the engagement. Never thought that he would understand my intentions this much, and have this engagement breaking letter offered up right away."
"Third sister, this Ren Wang is the emperor's full blooded younger brother. Moreover, his appearance is good, and his talent is also top notch. How many can't even imagine marrying him." Du Ke Xin said, somewhat regrettably.
"Really?" Du Xiao Li looked to Du Ke Xin's pretentious curtsey and said, "Since that many people want to marry him, then just let them go marry him instead. That kind of stud horse, I'm not interested in."
"Stud, stud horse?"
"Keke, didn't Ren Wang say just now that he was going to ask the empress dowager for a decree to marry second sister? Then I'll be congratulating second sister! Father, if there's nothing else, I'll be returning to my courtyard first." Du Xiao Li said.
"Sigh, really don't know what to do with you. Why don't you go back first then." Du Yun Han waved his hand and said.
Du Xiao Li walked two steps, stopped and said, "That's right, father, the thing I let you handle, don't forget!"
"I know. I'll go take care of it in a bit."
Du Xiao Li finally left the reception hall contently, taking Xia Yuan and Qiao Zhu back to Jade Bamboo Courtyard.
Ch. 063.3 – Reunion (3)
Reunion (3)
T/N: Chapter sponsored by Anons and egosumqt! Thank you for supporting!
As soon as Du Xiao Li returned, Silver and Gold ran up. Ying Ge came out, and upon seeing Du Xiao Li, said, "Seeing Silver and them hastily run out, I just knew miss has returned. What was master looking for miss for?"
"Ha, a good thing!" Du Xiao Li's mood was quite good. She leaned over and patted Silver, saying, "Come, I'll take you all to stroll around in the back."