Translated by : Irisu
Edited by : Anks & Ely
**********
For the first time since the beginning of spring, it had rained. As the rain ran down the eaves of the roof onto the slabs in the courtyard, the gloominess of the weather seemed to be slowly descending to the earth as well.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Xia Yan had held up a spoonful of sweetened steam-curdled yoghurt[1] pudding and was bringing it closer to the young girl before her.
[1] Táng zhēng sūlào ( 糖蒸酥酪 ) - There is no proper name for this commonly seen snack in Beijing. This local street snack, that is distinctive of the flavours in Beijing, is commonly made with fresh milk, sweet fermented rice wine, sugar and almond slices. The steps to making this sweet dessert are similar to pudding, using methods of straining and steaming. This is made to mitigate the summer heat.
"I don't want to eat." Jiang Su Su cast her head aside. That pair of movingly beautiful eyes were filled with anger. Although medicine had been applied on the right cheek of that spotlessly white as a jade face, the long cut of flesh that had begun just from her right eye downwards had gruesomely flipped over. By sheer coincidence, her skin had been slashed open right at the blood-coloured tear-shaped birthmark of hers. With one look, it made her seem similar to Asura.
"Su'er, be good. Only when you eat something will the wound heal quickly." Xia Yan gently persuaded her.
With one swipe, Jiang Su Su flipped the porcelain bowl in Xia Yan's hands as she spoke in an agitated voice, "What good will it be now, with these looks of mine that make me look like a ghost. In what way is it possible to become better? It's better for me to be dead." As she spoke to a point that made her emotionally upset, she could not help but cough twice, causing the right side of her face that had initially looked warped to appear even more frightening.
Distressed, Xia Yan gently patted her back, "If you say this, can it be that you are trying to make mother pained to death over you? Su'er, be at ease, mother will definitely find the best physician who will not leave the slightest scar behind."
"Do you believe that I will be convinced by your words?" Jiang Su Su looked at her with a face filled with disappointment, "If not for your idea of having Shu Xiang lure in that Li Yang into Su Xin Yuan, then how would have matters developed to such a degree. It's all you! It's all your fault!" Having spoken this last point, her gaze had become wild and her emotions were so intense that they were almost out of control.
"Enough!" All of a sudden Xia Yan shouted in a low voice and swiftly spoke in a whisper, "Are you trying to have everyone hear about this matter?"
Jiang Su Su's voice, which had become hoarse was now mute, but still she continued to glare at her.
Xia Yan's voice was unexpectedly severe, "Put away that terrible look of yours, do you believe that you can change anything by staying in such a state, if Jiang Ruan were to see you in such a manner, she might even be thrilled. If your Father saw you in such a state, he would only be disappointed. If you want revenge, then restrain those tears of yours for me and listen to my words."
Her strict tone startled Jiang Su Su for a moment but she slowly calmed down and asked, "Then what should I do?"
Once Xia Yan saw that she was now behaving , she knew that Jiang Su Su had digested her words and spoke with a sigh of relief, "Now that your Second Brother has lost a finger, this matter has become extremely suspicious. I do not know how this has happened to your Second Brother but this matter between you and Li Yang, Jiang Ruan is unable to shed off responsibility for it. She has actually played tricks on both you and me."
"I hate that I cannot peel off her skin and drink her blood." Jiang Su Su clenched her fists as her gaze became gloomy, "She has harmed me till such a state, I cannot accept it!"
"The Li family's power is too strong, however, no matter what I will not send you to them. I have already written a letter to your maternal grandfather[2]. If your maternal grandfather knew how you and your Second Brother were right now, Jiang Ruan's peaceful days would be numbered."
[2] Waizufu ( 外祖父 ) - maternal grandfather.
Jiang Su Su's eyes were alit, "Maternal grandfather will avenge me."
"So now, you need to recuperate from your injuries properly." Xia Yan looked at her as she mildly continued, "Later, when your wound is better, I will then arrange for you to take a trip to the Xia fu."
Xia Yan was born from the second wife of the Marquis of Yongding, Xia Cheng. At that time, Xia Cheng was unknown, only a meagre county lord. Thus, with Xia Yan's status, she could not marry Jiang Quan as his main wife. Who would have known that Xia Cheng's elder di brother would die suddenly due to an illness a few years later and thus, the Marquis title landed on him, the shu son's shoulders. As the tide rises, the boat floats; with this change in station and in addition, with Zhao Mei severing relations with General Zhao, Xia Yan's status became more fitting to the position of being Jiang Quan's legitimate wife.
Xia Cheng and Xia Yan, in general, were the kind of people who would defend their own despite knowing that they were in the wrong. If he knew that this pair of maternal grandchildren of his had such unforeseen events happen to them, who knew what sort of methods he would use to deal with Jiang Ruan.
After speaking with Jiang Su Su for a while, Xia Yan then stood up and left. After she walked to the door, Xia Yan rubbed her forehead and asked, "Chao'er, has he awoken?"
Lin Lang lowered her head in reply, "Second Young Master woke up at noon. Only, he threw a huge tantrum once he woke up and had all of the maidservants in the residence expelled from his room. He is unwilling to see anyone."
Xia Yan took a deep breath, "Let's go, I will go see him."
The weather continued to be cloudy and rainy, yet the atmosphere in Ruan Ju remained similar to how it was in the past; leisurely and relaxed. It seemed completely unaffected by this gloomy weather. Jiang Ruan stood before the desk practicing some writing as Bai Zhi was at her side, helping her to grind some ink. "Miss, this character is developing well."
"You are illiterate, who are you to say that it's good." From her side, Lian Qiao remarked.
Bai Zhi's face flushed, after all, her mouth was not as ferocious as Lian Qiao's and so could only mumble with a lowered head, "It's because I see that it looks good."
Jiang Ruan placed the brush aside, "Do you want to learn how to write?"
As the two of them heard that, without exception, they were both surprised and delighted as they looked at her. Lian Qiao replied, "Naturally, we would wish to."
"Then in a few days, I will pick some simple books and you two will begin to learn how to recognise some words." Following her, being able to read would definitely be good. Generally, Lu Zhu was outside handling matters, therefore Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi ought to be able to help her with some matters in the fu as well.
"This servant thanks Miss." The two maidservants were naturally unable to contain their joy. For servant girls, being able to learn to read were things that only people of the upper echelons could do. For Jiang Ruan to allow them to learn to read, it was truly something they could not thank her enough for.
"Young Miss, to have Lu Zhu go out today and retrieve the banknotes that were deposited at the Si Hai money shop[3], why was this done?" Lian Qiao asked.
[3] Qiánzhuāng ( 钱庄 ) - The first of such an establishment was started in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE). It was in essence, a private local bank where one could change money, make deposits, make loans to traders, care for remittances, and in some cases issue their own scrip.
Jiang Ruan glanced at her, these two maids, although they were loyal, their thoughts were overly proper. On the contrary, Lu Zhu had travelled extensively in the past and had seen enough unpleasant matters in the streets, therefore, when deploying her in such matters, she(JR) would not have any qualms nor worries. However, as far as these two maids, she still did not dare to put them to much use yet.
"Look at this rain." Jiang Ruan gazed outside the window, "For a while now, it has rained and rained. Yet, no one knows when it will stop."
"Miss is cracking a joke," Bai Zhi spoke in astonishment, "it is merely a shower at the beginning of spring. It might even stop tomorrow morning."
"Yet I feel, it won't stop." Jiang Ruan shook her head.
In her past life, it had also happened in this very year. This shower of rain had pitter-pattered down and as it poured, it had gone on continuously for three months. The grains at the beginning of spring were unable to be sewn into the soil and the flood wreaked havoc and devastation everywhere. Many people's houses and fields had been broken through and drowned by the large flood of rainwater and at once, the capital was filled with refugees.
She had remembered this matter very clearly because, at the time, the rural residence had also been met with devastation by the flood. Due to the scarcity of food grains, Zhang Lan's family had then had her expenses severely reduced until it was almost to a cruel state. Although her house had not been as bad as to have been flooded and destroyed, still it was always damp and moist. Yet every day, she had dragged her body that rumbled with hunger to do some heavy manual work and weary labour until one day, she had nearly been washed away by the flood. Fortunately, a rough labour servant had seen this and had saved her. She would never forget how Zhang Lan's family had looked at her. At the time, their gazes had been filled with disappointment; as if it would have been a wonderful wish for her to have just drowned in the water. At that time, Jiang Ruan had thought that Zhang Lan's family had disliked her for taking up a part of the food grains for herself in the residence and therefore, could not help but wish for her to drop dead. However, now that she thought about it, if she had died in that flood back then, Zhang Lan's family would probably have received a large sum as reward from Xia Yan.
At the time, large numbers of refugees descended on the capital and every family, naturally, was unable to be taken care of. The refugees had scattered all over the city and when they were unable to obtain food, they then resorted to stealing everywhere. Naturally, the poor families did not have much food surplus and so, these refugees aimed their sights at the noble and rich families in the capital. At the time, as part of the city garrison, her cousin Zhao Yi had led troops in suppression of these crimes. However, he was hacked to death by the refugees. Yet, as for that venerated Emperor, at this time, he gave an order to the Zhao family to fund the disaster relief. The Zhao family had put forth a sum of ten thousand and two hundred in silver, and in the process, emptied out all of their savings. From that moment, the Zhao family seemed to have begun its decline.
When Jiang Ruan finally learned of this matter, it was only after she had entered the palace. During idle conversation, Zhao Yi had inadvertently remarked that the one who had made the suggestion to the Emperor had been Xuan Li, saying that General Zhao's family was prosperous and plentiful, and perhaps they would have the money to aid in disaster relief. Jiang Ruan had already asked Xuan Li about this matter and yet, Xuan Li's reply was: the people were of importance and money was merely a worldly possession. To be able to protect the lives of those refugees, this was a good deed.
Now that she thought some more , after that matter had ended, Xuan Li's reputation and credit with the people had increased greatly while the Zhao family had weakened immensely. Or perhaps, this too was in his plans. As for Zhao Yi's death, it was likely not as simple as it seemed. A grand and stately garrison guard from the capital, how could he have possibly been hacked down by an unarmed and defenceless rebel.
Abruptly, her gaze became deeper. In this life, she had no thoughts of becoming estranged from the Zhao family - they were her backing and support that she needed to keep a close watch over- thus, there was no way she would allow them to suffer such humiliation.
"Even if this rain does not stop, why does Miss have to take out some silver?" Bai Zhi questioned, "Miss, while it is good to have some on hand at your side, presently, is there something that you would like to do?"
"I have had Lu Zhu buy all of the grain in the capital," Jiang Ruan answered evenly.
"Miss," Lian Qiao looked at her wide-eyed, "what is Miss going to do with so much grain?"
Right now, it was just at the beginning of spring and the new crop had yet to be delivered to the capital. All that was available was the old crop from the past year and if it were measured by value, it should not be too expensive. It would be sufficient to buy more than half of these crops with just two or three thousand pieces of silver. Just as the grain farmers were worried about being unable to sell all of their grain, seeing such a happenstance, they would definitely sell all of it to her.
"I am thinking that if this rain continues on continuously, then it will begin to flood. All of this grain would then become precious and valuable." Jiang Ruan smiled faintly.
"Miss." Bai Zhi's lips twitched but in the end, did not say anything. In Jiang Ruan's words, there was never any room for rebuttal and she had a staunch will; once she had decided upon a matter, she would not be swayed. Thus, even if Bai Zhi had thought that this move of Jiang Ruan's was truly too inconceivable, she could only follow suit with her wishes.
Just at this moment, Lu Zhu pushed open the door and came in. Upon seeing Jiang Ruan, she smiled, "Miss, the people that I have used have already bought all of the grain and delivered it all into a storehouse in the west of the city. The key is in this servant's hands."
She handed over the key to Jiang Ruan and continued, "Since there was no one else buying all of the old grain over the past few days, most of the rice and noodles have also been bought by this servant."
"You have done well." Jiang Ruan fiddled with the delicate and exquisite silver key in her hands.
"However, Miss," as she suddenly recalled, Lu Zhu remarked, "when this servant was close to the courtyard's entrance, this servant saw Fifth Yiniang. She seemed like she wanted to enter but when this servant asked her, she left."
"Understood." Jiang Ruan muttered to herself irresolutely, "Since this is the case, then we should go to Fifth Yiniang'scourtyard for a visit."
* * *
Hong Ying had been embroidering in her courtyard while the weather was not exactly good so the visibility from the sunlight was not very clear. After embroidering for a short time, she felt that she was not very satisfied with what she had been embroidering. She was truly annoyed about it as she saw a servant girl step forward and speak, "Yiniang, Eldest Young Miss has arrived."
"Eldest Young Miss?" She frowned lightly as she had not thought that Jiang Ruan would come to her courtyard. Apart from Jiang Quan, no one had ever tread into this courtyard. As she stood up, Jiang Ruan happened to step into her room and smiled upon seeing her, "So Yiniang had been embroidering, it truly has been done well."
Following her gaze, Hong Ying glanced at the embroidery on the table. It was a pouch that she had been embroidering for Jiang Quan; what she had been stitching was a noble Siberian crane in the clear skies, the crane looking vivid and lifelike. In contrast against that lofty and artistic conceptualisation, the colours used had also been extremely appealing.
"It is merely embroidered for fun," Hong Ying smiled, "if Eldest Young Miss likes, on another occasion, qieshen will embroider one for Eldest Young Miss."
"Many thanks to Fifth Yiniang then." Jiang Ruan smiled in agreement as her eyes made a sweep around the entire yard, "Truthfully, everyone has said that Father dotes on Fifth Yiniang the most and I did not believe this to be true. Now that I have seen it, however, it truly is as others have said."
The room had been arranged and decorated elaborately. When one saw the shelf of things placed before the table, not one object was not exquisite and precious. Presumably, Jiang Quan had put quite a bit of thought and effort into Hong Ying.
Hong Ying was startled and smiled, "Laoye naturally dotes on Furen the most, Eldest Young Miss truly is jesting."
"I never joke." Jiang Ruan chuckled, "Today, I've come to pay a visit to Fifth Yiniang, though truly, it is not for anything of importance." With gentle countenance she continued, "Over these days in the fu, it certainly has not been very peaceful or secure. Moreover, Second Sister and Second Brother have similarly met with misfortune in succession. Thinking about this, I have been pondering if the next would not be Ruan niang."
Upon hearing this, Hong Ying's heart made a leap as she looked at Jiang Ruan and replied, "Eldest Young Miss, where do these words stem from?"
"Intuition." Jiang Ruan laughed, "I have no person that I am close to in the fu and my mother[4] passed away in my early years. Although Mother[5] treats me pretty well, she already has both Second Sister and Second Brother ..." Her voice lowered slightly, "These words, I can only speak them with Fifth Yiniang. If Fifth Yiniang were the mistress of the fu, how good would it be. With a kind-hearted person like Fifth Yiniang around, one would surely protect Ruan niang in all aspects. Ruan niang would definitely repay Fifth Yiniang's kindness and the Jiang fu would surely be harmonious, becoming more prosperous with each passing day."
[4] Niáng ( 娘 ) - an informal term for mother. JR uses it for Zhao Mei.
[5] Mǔqīn ( 母亲 ) - a formal term for mother. JR uses it for her official mother, Xia Yan.
Pursing her lips, Fifth Yiniang was not sure why but her heart was racing furiously. As she closely looked at Jiang Ruan, that pair of charming and clear eyes that seemed to contain a smile looked back at her. Clearly, they seemed gentle like lukewarm running water, yet it was as if one was seeking flowers in the mist, that is, one could not clearly see the emotions within. With her lowly origins from a brothel, she had seen innumerable number of people of every description. As such, she was even more capable of understanding others' motives and intentions. Yet, she could not fathom this young girl before her that was merely little more than a teenager.
"Eldest Young Miss truly thinks that qieshen has that right to be the mistress of the Jiang fu?" Hong Ying could hear the faint tremor in her voice.
Smiling as she took a sip from the teacup before her, Jiang Ruan pursed her lips shallowly, "Why not?"
Hong Ying stared at her and suddenly revealed a smile, "With Eldest Young Miss speaking this highly of qieshen, qieshendoes not know what to do. Truthfully, even if Eldest Young Miss had not come to find qieshen today, qieshen would have definitely gone to meet Eldest Young Miss before too long."
Jiang Ruan smiled lightly as she looked at her and Hong Ying continued, "Qieshen was casually chatting with Laoyeyesterday. Laoye had brought up the matter about the Li family's father and son. Eldest Young Miss is also all too aware of the matter between Eldest Young Master of the Li family and Second Young Miss. With Eldest Young Master Li like this now, Grand Councillor Li will probably not be able to tolerate Second Young Miss; yet Laoye does not want to shed all pretence of cordiality with Grand Councillor Li and thus, was then thinking of having Eldest Young Miss take the place of Second Young Miss to marry into the Li family." After saying this, she cautiously observed Jiang Ruan's expression. Yet all she saw was that bright and gorgeous countenance, the expression remained unchanged; the smile on the edge of her lips stayed the same as if one had put on an absolutely perfect mask.
Jiang Ruan lightly sighed, "With Father loving Second Sister this dearly, it really makes me feel envious."
Upon seeing this, Hong Ying remarked, "Qieshen's heart is anxious as well, this was clearly a matter stirred up by Second Young Miss, so how could one have Eldest Young Miss compensate for their loss instead? Moreover, that Eldest Young Master of the Li family presently could be considered a useless person. If Eldest Young Miss was truly to marry over, then Miss might not be able to bear the inevitable suffering."
Jiang Ruan muttered to herself for a short moment before she shot a smile towards Hong Ying, "Thank you Fifth Yiniangfor your counsel, only, this is Father's decision. I too am unable to interfere with it if he truly has decided upon such intentions, therefore, Ruan niang too can only accept as the daughter of the Jiang family."
Hong Ying was flabbergasted for a moment, "Eldest Young Miss is willing to be married over?"
"I may consent, Father may consent, however, who knows if Li daren would?" Jiang Ruan smiled lightly as she stood up, "It has already been a while, I ought to return." Pausing for a second, her gaze fell on the embroidered thing on the table with a light laugh, "Father loves Fifth Yiniang dearly, it is good for Fifth Yiniang to show such care for Father as well. However, Ruan niang would still like to remind Fifth Yiniang of a phrase: if there is no heir, then Fifth Yiniang would, in fact, be the same as Eldest and Second Yiniang." With a smile, she continued to finish up on her statement, "Even if there were heirs, without any status or position, the fate of all the yiniangs and their children would be the same."
After Jiang Ruan had been gone for a long time, Hong Ying still remained rooted to that same spot, lost in thought. Seeing this, the maidservant standing beside her questioned gently and cautiously, "Yiniang?"
Waving her hand, Hong Ying's expression was filled with weariness as she replied in a low voice, "After all is said and done, what does Eldest Young Miss plan on doing?"
* * *
In the capital, at Jinying Wang fu, Ye Feng stood before the desk as he spoke, "We have received news from General Guan, they will be withdrawing troops from the front lines next month and return to the capital." Pausing, he then continued, "Today, this subordinate was on duty and heard others discuss that someone has been unconstrained in buying up all of the remaining grain in the capital. One feared that this had something to do with his Eighth Highness and took note to ask around a little; apparently, this was the doings of the maidservant of Eldest Young Miss of the Jiang family." He frowned, "However, one does not know what is the purpose of doing this."
Turning around, Xiao Shao's heroically spirited eyebrows[1] were slightly raised as they augmented that elegantly handsome face of his, making it seem several degrees more stern and austere. He spoke, "Continue to make some inquiries. Pay attention to the movements of Li Dong's fu."
[1] Yīngqì de méi ( 英气的眉 ) - This is a phrase that gets lost in translation; a commonly used phrase to describe both men and women's eyebrows, it refers to angular shaped eyebrows that are basically in the shape of a sword's blade. Here is a visual illustration of 'heroically spirited eyebrows'.
"Grand Councillor Li?" Ye Feng was startled, "Master is planning to deal with him ahead of time?"
Xiao Shao shook his head, "The Li family's eldest son is already at death's door, and while this matter has something to do with the Jiang family, they do not want to incur the wrath of the Li family. If my assumption is not wrong, Jiang Quan will definitely take some action."
Ye Feng pondered, "Behind the Jiang family is the Xia family and the Xia family is also part of Eighth Prince's faction, so perhaps, Eighth Prince will personally step in." After all, both the Xia and Li family were rare resources, thus Xuan Li would definitely not let this slip by him in vain.
He suddenly chuckled, "One is truly unaware; once Eighth Prince is aware of the nest of internal conflict between his subordinates under his control, what kind of mood would he be in. In short, it is truly great that the Li family's eldest son has met with misfortune. Second Young Lady of the Jiang family has done such a great deed too; in any event for her to have neutered Li Yang like this, the Li and Jiang family would definitely have enmity between them."
Xiao Shao did not correct Ye Feng's words and recalled that very night, how Jiang Ruan had unflinchingly used the porcelain fragment to cut that plaything of Li Yang's so nimbly. She was clearly a young lady in the boudoir, yet did not have the slightest bit of shyness or embarrassment from seeing a man's genitals. In her gaze, there was only the cold stare of indifference. The gaze she had used to look at Li Yang was as if she had seen a damned pig waiting to be slaughtered.
Ever since he was ten years old, he had accepted a role in the Jin Yi Guards[2], and had taken bloody steps to move up in strength. Were it not for the fact that he had seen this in person, he really would not believe that a young lady from the boudoir could possess a gaze similar to a murderer.
[2] Jin yi wei (锦衣卫) - Also known as another title 锦衣卫指挥使司 or literally brocade-clad guards, it is the appellation of the imperial secret police that served Emperors of the Ming dynasty in China. It was founded to serve as personal bodyguards in the past for the Hongwu Emperor in 1368 but eventually became an imperial military body. These guards don a distinctive golden-yellow uniform with a tablet worn on his torso and carry a special blade weapon as a form of recognition.
This eldest daughter of Jiang Quan's, how exactly was she raised?
A moment later, Xiao Shao moved on from his stray thoughts and remarked, "I will take a trip to enter the palace."
* * *
In the northern side of the capital, there was an incessant sound of firecrackers at the gate of a large three-entrance courtyard residence[3]. In front of its vermillion gate pillars, there were two lions that were baring fangs and brandishing claws[4], and on the top there was a shining gold plaque, bound with some red flowers and etched with two large words: Liu fu.
[3] Sān jìn dà zhái (三进大宅) - A three-entrance courtyard residence, this phrase refers to a 'Siheyuan', a quadrangle compound that conforms with the symmetry of the north and south axis; the main house is on the central north-south axis, and the less-important structures are positioned on the west and east sides. These structures date from the 1045 -770 BC and have over 2000 years of history. They are a cultural symbol of Chinese traditional architecture. Based on the structural arrangement, every residence varies based on the size of the area that it is built-in and is often built based on the owner's status. Depending on the arrangements, a courtyard may vary from two to five entrances. In general, a standard four-section rectangular compound leans to the north and faces south with an alleyway running from the east to west beside it.
A residence of a wealthy merchant can span up to 6 major courtyards, 20 smaller courtyards and 313 rooms. Here is an illustration of what a siheyuan looks like and is often a reflection of how the women in the boudoir live an extremely sheltered and restrained life, often not being able to even leave for the outer courtyard. It is also a reflection of how the wealthy aristocratic society lived in comparison to the commoners in the past.
[4] Zhāng yá wǔ zhǎo (张牙舞爪) - This means to make threatening gestures.
This was the official residence that the Emperor had conferred to the top-scoring youth in the palace examination.
Liu furen was only a few years more than thirty, yet her face carried the pallor of one who had experienced the hardships of life. The hair at her temples was already full of spots of white, as if she was fifty. Even so, she still wore a plain cyan straight qipao that had been embroidered with lotuses. Her hair was combed without even the slightest hair out of place and with a wide smile on her face, she gave out a little reward money to everyone.
The four servant girls conferred by the Emperor were all full of smiles as they stood at the side. Many people had expressed their congratulations while receiving a monetary reward. Among them, there was no lack of their former neighbours. With this, Liu Min had become the carp who had leapt and transformed at the mystical dragon gate into a dragon. Henceforth, the Liu family had thus brought honour to their ancestors.
After giving away all of the monetary reward, Liu furen asked the servant girl beside her, "Why has Min'er not come out yet?"
The servant girl smiled in reply, "Perhaps he is in the room tidying, this servant will go to urge him." After saying this, she turned around and left.
In the study, Liu Min was spellbound while looking at a painting hung on the wall.
The residence that had been bestowed by the Emperor was spacious, abundant and beautiful, the study being at least twice the size of the previous one he had. Henceforth, he would certainly have ample space to stack up all those books of his. Yet to have arrived at this point, in the depth of his heart, he was somewhat dazzled. All of this, was this what he trulywanted?
A few days ago, while he was at the Imperial Academy's student residences, he had had something pilfered; what he had lost was the very letter that that mysterious person had sent him. Those letters of his had all disappeared without trace; as if they had never existed in the first place. Liu Min had asked the study attendant[5], and he had stated being unaware of it. However, as it happened, none of his other belongings were missing. He could not help but suspect that these letters had been taken away by that mysterious person themselves.
[5] Shū tóng (书童) - this refers to the male servant (who was a minor) from the family that attended school with his master and his other younger siblings.
If it were not for this painting of the light of the fireflies in the moonlight before him, Liu Min would have almost thought that these days had been merely an illusion and that mysterious person was simply a character that his subconsciousness had made up.
He closely scrutinized the painting before him, the lines in the drawing were elegant, confident and free; it truly showed off one's ability. Liu Min could not help but speculate, what kind of person could they be? After getting used to having another person to discuss with him some lines to debate about from a book, now that this very person had suddenly vanished, it made him feel somewhat lonely.
"Young master, furen urges you to hasten over." The cheeks on the newly-arrived servant girl were slightly flushed upon seeing the delicate, honest and scholarly young man.
Taking another glance at the painting before him, Liu Min remarked, "Let us go then."
* * *
There were two blooming flowers on one plant, each branch showed its own model[6].
[6] Huā kāi liǎng duǒ, gè biǎo yī zhī (花开两朵，各表一枝) - A method to narrate a story or information in a long novel (one that had many chapters) during the olden times, especially from the Ming dynasty onwards, these novels would have a summary couplet heading each chapter. What it means is that in the story's progress, it has branched into two parts. Of these two parts (it can mean many as well), one by one, one would be related/narrated about first and then the other would be explained. Basically, it is a way to talk about two sides of a coin.
In the Eighth Prince's fu in the capital, Xuan Li had placed the letter in his hand down with a slight knit of his brows.
Seeing this, the advisor who had been standing behind him, asked, "Your Highness, has something indeed happened?"
Xuan Li took a quick look at the letter on the table, "Marquis Xia's fu has sent a letter; an issue has been raised with Grand Councillor Li." In his heart, it was difficult to suppress astonishment. If what had been described in Xia Cheng's letter could be believed, it stated that Li Yang had been castrated by someone in the Jiang fu and now, Li Dong was seeking revenge on Li Yang's behalf. Thus, he would not let Xia Cheng's granddaughter[7], Jiang Su Su, off the hook. Xia Cheng had written in this letter that Jiang Su Su had been framed by someone but also, did not mention who the perpetrator was.
[7] Wài sūn nǚ (外孙女) - The relation here is the daughter's daughter, or rather this is describing Jiang Su Su who is Xia Cheng's granddaughter through his daughter, Xia Yan; a granddaughter of a different surname.
Xuan Li had briefly told Advisor Yu about this matter and the advisor crinkled his brows in deep thought for a while, "Your Highness, I'm afraid this matter was the doing of a person with aspirations. With something bad that has happened to Eldest Young Master of the Li family, Grand Councillor Li would bear some animosity towards the Jiang family and would similarly bear some enmity with the Xia family as well. This must be an extremely vicious motive of theirs to create a nest of internal conflict among the subordinates of Your Highness."
"Naturally, I am aware of this." Xuan Li continued, "Li Dong is also personally aware that I am inevitably linked with him, however, I am unwilling to lose the Xia family either. In addition, Minster Jiang now has some considerable strength in the imperial court as well. If both sides were to raise a dispute, then this would only do more harm than good for me."
"Could it have been from Fifth Prince's side?" The advisor asked, "Lately, Fifth Prince's approval and opinion from the imperial court has been gradually rising; moreover, His Majesty has placed quite a bit of trust in him as well."
"I am clear of Father Emperor's temperament." Xuan Li lightly snorted, "With how Fifth Brother has rapidly leapt up now, then in the future, he will fall even more miserably. I actually do not believe that Fifth Brother could be this brilliant to pacify the people in the Jiang fu."
"Then, Fourth Prince?" The advisor asked.
"On the surface, Fourth Brother does not seem to be in contention for the throne, however, one has no choice but to guard against him. I dread that it may be the Crown Prince."
The advisor was startled for a while, "The Crown Prince has flaws in both speech and virtue, even in government affairs, he does not seem to have any achievements either. Moreover, he seems rather stupid and naive, why would Your Highness be worried?"
"If this was solely the Crown Prince, then indeed, it would be nothing to fear about." Xuan Li squinted, "One can only fear that this was the intent of Father Emperor."
"In his earlier years, His Majesty had wanted to change the conferred Crown Prince, perhaps he has already grown a mind to spurn him now. But why would he handle this so?" The advisor asked.
Xuan Li commented, "I fear that this may merely be a smokescreen. If not, you can see how after these many years, while the Crown Prince has made enemies of innumerable people in the capital, he is still towering over them without a fall. If this was not incited by Father Emperor on the sly, then I'm afraid that he would have long been devoured without even having the remains of his bones left behind."
"This..." The advisor cup his hands in obeisance, "This subordinate is truly unable to grasp His Majesty's intentions clearly."
With a disgusted glimpse at the advisor who had been kneeling beneath him, Xuan Li maintained his mild tone, "I do not blame you, even after getting along with Father Emperor for these many years, I too have not been able to ascertain what he has been thinking in his heart either."
The advisor thought for a while and then remarked, "In fact, if Your Highness wants to consolidate power, there is still a method: it would be better to connect by marriage with the Jiang family."
Xuan Li arched an eyebrow, "The Jiang family?"
The advisor cupped his hands in salute, "Now, what Your Highness needs the most is nothing else but the power and influence of the Xia and the Li family. Your Highness' having a connection with the Xia family is too evident, but if it is a connection with the Jiang family, then that would be tantamount to roping the Xia family in as well." He paused for a while before he continued, "Moreover, now with the Young Miss of the Jiang family still being quite young, it may be good to first fix a marriage. Someday in the future, if there are any changes in the variables, even then it won't be too late to change your mind."
Xuan Li frowned, thinking of the rumours in the capital a few days ago that the Jiang furen had hired an assassin to frame Eldest Young Lady but instead through hearsay, had entrapped Second Young Lady instead. In addition to that, there was the matter at Bai Hua Lou where Jiang Chao had staked a thousand pieces of gold on one throw[8] yet had no money to settle the account and finally, had one little finger chopped off.
[8] Yī zhì qiān jīn (一掷千金) - It means to throw away money recklessly or to be extravagant.
Unhappily, he remarked, "The Jiang fu is in a turmoil. Besides, that Second Young Lady of the Jiang fu now has a bad reputation, how could I possibly marry her? Wouldn't this be inviting everyone under the heavens to make a mockery of it?"
"Your Highness," the advisor replied, "isn't there still an eldest young lady in the Jiang fu? This eldest young lady's biological mother is indeed a member of General Zhao's fu. Although it may only be in name, if Your Highness were to marry Eldest Young Lady of the Jiang family, not only with the Jiang fu, there would be a relation with the Xia fu and perhaps, Your Highness could even build up a connection with General Zhao's fu."
"Zhao Guang, that coarse fellow," Xuan Li answered, "has always been a part of the Crown Prince's faction, he would not easily defect." As for Jiang Ruan, a memory of that night at the Lantern Festival had surfaced in his mind- on that large boat, the indifferent smile on that red-clad young lady's face. Unexpectedly, there was a tight grip in his heart, resembling a feeling of caring a great deal about this.
"Now, it seems that the best solution is to connect via marriage." The advisor still suggested this, "if Your Highness was to agree to a marriage with the young lady of the Jiang family, then at Grand Councillor Li's end, even if in some way he is discontented, he would not act blindly without thinking either. If Your Highness spared no effort like this to show grace and favour to the Jiang family, then the Jiang and the Xia family would strive their hardest to assist Your Highness too."
"What you have said is not wrong either." Once more, Xuan Li picked up the letter on the desk, "Perhaps I should solemnly consider your words." In the letter, it was an invitation to Xuan Li to go to Marquis Xia's fu to attend a gathering. He thought for a while and continued, "Someone, come over. Reply on my behalf to the old gentleman, Marquis Xia, and send a message that I have received the old Marquis gentleman's invitation. In three days' time, I will pay a visit and call on his home."
* * *
When Old Marquis Xia received the communicated message from the attendant at Xuan Li's side, he heaved a sigh of relief. Xia Furen looked at him and urged, "What is the matter? Has Eighth Prince responded positively?"
"He has," Old Marquis Xia answered her, "go send a letter to the Jiang fu and ask Yan'er to get ready and prepare Su'erand Chao'er, then bring them over." Pausing, he then continued, "Tell her to bring that Jiang Ruan along as well."
Xia Furen nodded, "Naturally, since she caused Su Su to ruin her looks, then this Jiang Ruan indeed has some ability."
The eyes of Old Marquis Xia were completely clouded, "I have yet to tell this matter to his Eighth Highness, however, Eighth Highness must have assumed that this matter was the doing of Fifth Prince and so would have some misgivings. Therefore, he has decided to involve my Xia fu and rope in some relation with my fu. Although it is so, nevertheless, it would be disastrous to keep Jiang Ruan around. Yan'er has repeatedly met losses and miscalculations in her hands; rather, I would truly like to see what kind of demon this person is, to be this ruthless at such a young age!"