I Am This Type of Woman

74

Someone who once wielded power but lost it, would treasure it much when it was back in his hand, he would become extremely careful, how would he senselessly lose sight of it?

Yan Zhen recuperated for a long time at home. When he almost couldn't make it, his eldest brother slapped his senses back to him, made him wake up from the muddled state. He thought of Fule Junzhu everyday, but under the family's watch he couldn't say what's in his mind.

He was thinking since his father had regained His Majesty's trust, he should also prepare himself to serve in Court. He would rely on his own abilities to show Junzhu he was capable and sincere, to let Junzhu be willing to marry down to him.

With this in mind, he had climbed up from the bed and started a diligent daily physical exercise. Most of his strength and vitality has returned, and he was even sturdier than the time he first met Fule Junzhu. But no matter how perfect his plan was, he never imagined that when he was recovering these few months, Ban Hua had become engaged to someone else.

He accidently learned the news from a servant, his whole body felt like being struck hard again. He walked out in a daze and without knowing how, he had arrived at Ban family gates. He dared not knock, he had no courage to ask Ban Hua: do you really want to marry Count Rong?

He knew himself was a coward.

"Second Brother." When Yan Ming arrived, his younger brother was still standing like a fool in front of Ban family gates. Yan Ming was both angry and helpless, he suppressed the anger as his younger brother had only just recovered, "It is getting late, let's go back."

He thought his younger brother would refuse but Yan Zhen just nodded obediently so half the anger in his heart disappeared.

"Big Brother, I don't want to ride, let's walk." Yan Zhen turned to look at the tightly closed Ban family gates, then turned back to walk to the direction of Minister Yan residence.

Yan Ming was stunned for a while then followed.

"Big Brother," Yan Zhen's eyes were somewhat vacant as he asked Yan Ming, "Fule Junzhu, when..... when did she become engaged to Count Cheng'an?"

"I am not sure. I heard it was when the Grand Princess was assassinated, the two became betrothed." Yan Ming had very mixed feelings towards Ban family, there was guilt mixed with resentment, so usually he didn't keep up with the news about them. Whatever he knew was from the rumours.

"During the assassination of Her Highness the Grand Princess." Yan Zhen dazedly thought for a long time, "Has Count Cheng'an set his heart on her?"

Count Cheng'an was a refined man but Fule Junzhu didn't seem to like books and paintings that much. He worried that they were not harmonious, that Fule Junzhu would be left in the cold.

"This......" Yan Ming sighed, seeing his second brother's addled look, he couldn't continue.

He had to marry because it was the Grand Princess's last words, but how much Count Cheng'an could like her? Noone knew. Rong Xia was so young and yet he had become the Minister of Personnel, the first reason was the Emperor trusted him, and the second reason was a compensation.

Who could make the Emperor compensate anyone? Naturally it was the Ban family.

The Grand Princess had given her life for His Majesty. His Majesty would definitely try to fulfil her last wish, but it would be at a cost to Count Cheng'an. However Yan Ming couldn't tell this to his younger brother, so he nodded, "I heard Count Cheng'an often takes Fule Junzhu outside to play and the two of them seem to be close. He should like her for real."

"It's good if he likes her, it's good." Yan Zhen forced a smile, "Big Brother, didn't you say there is a vacancy in the Ministry of Revenue, I want to try."

Yan Ming saw his younger brother had finally thought it through. A joyful smile appeared on his face. "Good. I'll arrange it when we get back."

"Young Master Yan, Yan Second Gongzi."

Some people always appeared when you least expected them. Rong Xia was not someone Yan Ming wished to see. That time if it was not due to Rong Xia 'dropping stones into the well', their family wouldn't have fallen that deep.

* 落井下石 (lit.  dropping stones into the well) = to hit a person who is down.

"Count Rong," Yan Ming cupped his fist towards Rong Xia who was on a horseback, "Zaixia congratulates Count Rong on the promotion."

"Young Master Yan is too polite. It was all due to His Majesty's grace that zaixia is able to have this honour." Rong Xia's eyes fell on Yan Zhen.

"Haven't seen Yan Second Gongzi for some time, Gongzi is much refreshed than when we last met." Rong Xia's smile did not look real. "Apparently you have recovered well."

Yan Zhen lifted his shoulders in an attempt to make himself a bit more imposing. He saluted Rong Xia, "Many thanks for Count Rong's concerns, zaixia is well."

He suddenly remembered the last time they met at Shi family estate. He had intended to propose to Fule Junzhu, but when he was about to confess, this Count Rong appeared, dressed to the nines. Rong Xia's existence made all men including himself, paled away in dullness.

Looking at this smiling man, Yan Zhen once again realised that he was not his match.

In looks, in presence, and in talents.

This was the greatest blow for a man, the woman in his heart was getting married to another man who was superior to himself in every way.

"It's good that Second Gongzi is fine." Rong Xia smiled lightly. There was no malice in his tone, but Yan Zhen could feel it was a look down on him, or to say, a loathing.

Yan Zhen's face turned somewhat cold, he didn't speak anymore.

Rong Xia seemed to not notice Yan Zhen's slightly ugly face, his clear and fine fingers were playing with horse whip as he asked with a smile, "Heard that Minister Yan is currently interested at a vacancy at the Ministry of Revenue?"

Hearing that, Yan Ming's face instantly turned cautious, "What does Count Cheng'an mean?" He dared not underestimate Rong Xia, this person was still young but he was well-known. He had also recently started to gain power at Court, and being engaged to Fule Junzhu meant the support of noble wastrels on good terms with Ban family was on his disposal. It was not good to offend such person, or more precisely, they could not afford to.

"Young Master Yan thinks too far. Rong-mou asks just in passing." Rong Xia sat up straight, switched the horse whip from his right hand to the left, "As Second Gongzi has recovered completely, it is quite suitable to fill up the vacancy at the Ministry of Revenue."

Yan Ming forced himself to laugh along with Rong Xia but didn't say anything else.

Rong Xia saw the face of the brothers, his own smile grew gentler and humbler, "The two Gongzi's are busy, I shouldn't bother too long. Zaixia has some matters to visit Duke Jingting, so I'll take my leave."

Yan Zhen's face became dark.

Yan Ming gritted his teeth and offered Rong Xia a salute, "Master Count, take care."

"Farewell!" Rong Xia patted his horse, it slowly moved past the brothers while idly swinging it's tail.

Yan Ming stared at Rong Xia's departing back. His face kept changing, and in the end he couldn't hold back his anger. He turned to Yan Zhen, "Second Brother, let's go."

Yan Zhen was still in a haze, he slowly moved to follow.

He might have overthought, but the current Rong Xia felt different from the past. But he couldn't tell what was different.

Or maybe it was all in his own heart, and it came from jealousy, the jealousy towards this person.

"Master Count, are we really going to the Royal Duke residence?" Du Jiu asked.

Rong Xia indifferently said, "I forgot to bring the visitation card, so we are not going."

Du Jiu: As long as you are happy.

Rong Xia was about to turn to go back when a small palanquin covered in gauze was seen heading their way. The gauze was heavy, the good figure of the woman inside the palanquin was only faintly visible.

The small palanquin stopped in front of him.