Ch 137

Chapter 137

The people watching the piece treaty marriage heaved a deep sigh of relief when they saw the procession leave the capital.Yu Gong Gong led all the ladies as they walked back to the imperial palace according to custom. After this back and forth, it was already late afternoon when everybody arrived inside the inner palace.

After waiting in the cold for half the day and then walking for three to four hours, the pampered noblewomen felt that it was even harder to bear than dying. Fortunately there were no other important events coming up. The people had just stepped inside the inner palace, when all their yatou and pozi supported them. One by one, they weakly stepped into their own horse carriages as they left the imperial palace.

Yun Qian Meng and Ji Shu Yu walked towards Gu Lao Tai Jun. The two of them carefully assisted Gu Lao Tai Jun up onto the horse carriage of Fu Guo Gong Fu.

“Meng’er, Chu Xiang will not be around in the capital for next few days, this time we are still celebrating the new year, during these days you might feel bored inside Chu Xiang Fu, you may frequent your visits to Hou Fu, we will be able to accompany you.Tthe time will seem to pass by a bit quicker!” Gu Lao Tai Jun did npt immediately step inside when the servant girls placed a stool in front of the horse carriage. Instead she turned around to discuss the matter with Yun Qian Meng.

Yun Qian Meng just laughed, then she spoke “Yes, Meng’er will take note of that! Grandma, please get inside the horse carriage at once, the wild is cold outside!”

Gu Lao Tai Jun said this perhaps because she was worried that she might not be able to handle her father-in-law and Er Niang who had recently returned home from Youzhou.

Seeing Yun Qian Meng agreed to her words, Gu Lao Tai Jun simply smiled and sat inside the horse carriage.

After Gu Lao Tai Jun sat inside the horse carriage, Ji Shu Yu followed closely behind her as she stepped onto the stool, but she also slightly leaned sideways as she told Yun Qian Meng “Go home early to take a rest, you must be exhausted today!”

“Meng’er understands, please go inside the carriage now” Yun Qian Meng personally provided support for Ji Shu Yu. Seeing the both of them already sat down, she instructed the driver to drive safely She watched as the horse carriage of Fu Guo Gong Fu headed towards the gates of the palace, then under the assistance of Mu Chun and Ying Xia she approached the horse carriage of Chu Xiang Fu.

“Xiaojie, you must be exhausted already” This time seeing Yun Qian Meng’s usual smile on her face had also disappeared, Mu Chun felt worried as she spoke.

“It is the Crown Prince of Northern Qi’s fault, choosing any other dates for his return will do, yet he had chosen today, and it happened that yesterday there was a snowfall, it was really cold outside, even my xiaojie has to suffer hardships following him!” Seeing faint green color appeared under Yun Qian Meng’s eyes, Ying Xia also complained in her low voice.

“Ying Xia!” Hearing these two servant girls engaged in a heated debate concerning Qi Jing Yuan’s faults, Yun Qian Meng immediately scolded them in a lowered voice “This is the imperial palace, be careful as you might bring disasters out from your mouth!”

Being snapped at by Yun Qian Meng, Ying Xia immediately shut her both lips. Two flexible big eyes immediately glanced around all directions. After seeing that the majority of the noblewomen had already left and no one had noticed her earlier, her face slightly blushed as she stuck her tongue out, and remarked in a low voice “Nubi apologize for the mistake, my lady!”

Seeing her admit to her mistakes, Yun Qian Meng did not say anything further, after all, if she was to angrily reprimand her own yatou inside the imperial palace, she would become a joke to the noblewomen. Moreover if these things reached the ears of the people in the imperial harem, perhaps they would pursue on investigating the reason why the servant girl was being reprimanded, if one was not careful on her response, perhaps it could cause herself to get killed!

The three of them did not speak further as they quickly approached the horse carriage of Chu Xiang Fu. Yuan Dong who was standing beside the horse carriage had already prepared a stepping stool in a corner, waiting for Yun Qian Meng.

“Meng’er!” This time, Madam Xie approached wearing a smile on her face.

Yun Qian Meng and the others had no choice but to halt their footsteps. Seeing Xie approach, Yun Qian Meng released her hold on the yatou’s  arm, using her usual expression as she naturally smiled and looked at Madam Xie, slightly bending down her knees “Er Niang!”

Madam Xie walked in front of Yun Qian Meng, then she smile as she spoke “Earlier I saw you and Gu Lao Tai Jun talking to each other, that’s why I didn't interrupt, and I didn't come here to disturb you.”

Yun Qian Meng smiled naturally at her extension of courtes, “How could you say these words, Er Niang, how can it be disturbing me. But my maternal grandmother is already in her old age after all, then she should leave in advance. But why are you looking for me, Er Niang?”

But Madam Xie carefully observed Yun Qian Meng’s cheek, aftewards she got a bit concerned as she said “Last night you probably didn't sleep well! Your small face looked haggard! These few days Fei Yang must be too busy with official businesses, you must be lonely, you may come over to have some meal, Jie’er and the others were also there, you will not get bored if you have someone to accompany you! Moreover, Wang Ye was also very fond of you, seeing you there he will be very likely to feel happier, wouldn't you be getting the best of all outcomes?”

Seeing her speaking like this, Yun Qian Meng couldn't attempt to decline the offer, then she nodded her head as a response “Yes, Er Niang! After I have settled all the things inside Xiang Fu appropriately, I will certainly go to Wang Fu, thanks for your concern, Er Niang.”

With Yun Qian Meng’s polite response, Xie pulled her hands and gently patted them, feeling a bit sentimental as she said “We are one family, there’s no trouble with that! You must hurry home now, don’t exhaust your body!”

After speaking, Madam Xie did not speak further, with the assistance of the servant girls she stepped inside the horse carriage of Chu Wang Fu.

But, after sending off Madam Xie, before Yun Qian Meng could further move, she saw Qu Gong Gong who had been serving the Empress Dowager appear out of nowhere. His face smiled as he saluted Yun Qian Meng, aftewards he spoke “Madame, the Empress Dowager is inviting you to visit her Feng Xiang Gong.”

Looking at this person who suddenly appeared, Yun Qian Meng’s heart felt a bit unhappy. She felt that the Empress Dowager truly had good timing, it was obvious that today she got really exhausted, yet she had chosen this specific time to summon her. Perhaps she is planning to play her tricks on her during the this time when she was mentally weak.

Moreover Chu Fei Yang was also not around in the capital at this time. Even if she had planned to make her suffer, perhaps she had foreseen that during this time she would not dare to fight back.

“Mu Chun and Ying Xia, allow Xi Lin to return back to Xiang Fu, send the gifts that I had prepared early this morning over to Chu Wang Fu, and inform grandpa on the way. When I return, I will proceed directly to Chu Wang Fu to have dinner together with grandpa!” Yun Qian Meng slightly cast a sidelong glance as she provided her instructions to Mu Chun and Ying Xia.

Although these two servant girls were naughty, but they were also vigilant. This time seeing Yun Qian Meng hinting at them, the two of them immediately responded. aftewards they quickly walked towards the direction of the Chu Xiang Fu horse carriage. They switched places with Yuan Dong and Ying Qiu, who would accompany Yun Qian Meng instead.

“Qu Gong Gong, please lead the way!” After settling down all the things, Yun Qian Meng smiled as she said to Qu Gong Gong.

Qu Gong Gong was also not an uneducated person, seeing Yun Qian Meng handled things this way, he could see that Yun Qian Meng was a meticulous and cautious. Although this Chu Xiang Furen in front of him looked very young, but she was well-behaved, her impeccable smile also told Qu Gong Gong that, she was someone powerful. Even for a man like him who had fought through all the things inside the palace all these years, would never be able to penetrate inside Yun Qian Meng’s thoughts.

“Please, furen!” Along with Yun Qian Meng’s smiling face, Qu Gong Gong’s face filled up with a smile, making an inviting gesture, he supported Yun Qian Meng inside the soft palanquin, then leading all the people as they proceed towards Feng Xiang Gong.

And taking advantage of the rare idle time, Yun Qian Meng sat inside the soft palanquin as she closed her eyes to take a nap, in order for her to have sufficient strength to deal with the Empress Dowager later on.

During this time because the people of the palace had just sent off Hai Tian, they were still busy tidying up things all around, producing some subtle sounds, but when the palanquin was carried inside Feng Xiang Gong, it was strangely quiet inside, apparently the Empress Dowager managed her people strictly, even the people there handled things faster than the people in other palace halls.

“Greetings to furen!” When Yun Qian Meng just stepped out of the soft palanquin, Lan Gu Gu smiled as she went ahead and saluted. Looking at the quick-witted face of Lan Gu Gu, Yun Qian Meng could not help but be reminded of the things that had happened previously in Feng Xiang Gong. If Chu Fei Yang did not show up at the right time, perhaps she had already fallen into one of Ruan Yu Xiao’s tricks.

But, she didn't know whether this Lan Gu Gu who led her inside the side palace hall was involved in that incident, and if this Lan Gu Gu was just like what she had seen on the surface, was she really being extremely loyal to the Empress Dowager, this made Yun Qian Meng feel a bit curious about it!

“Gu Gu, you are being too courteous!” Now that Yun Qian Meng was no longer an unranked unmarried daughter of a nobility, this time facing the person who was closely associated with the Empress Dowager, she was not required to greet her back, but just politely smiled at her.

And Lan Gu Gu also did not mind, she just respectfully spoke “The Empress Dowager had already ordered the imperial kitchen to prepare the dinner, she is now waiting for you, furen, at the side palace hall.”

“Please take the lead, Gu Gu!” Hearing the word dinner, Yun Qian Meng slightly loosened up a bit. Fortunately she had brought along Ying Qiu who knew the art of healing and Yuan Dong who had martial skills, if a bad situation broke out, she would not let other people get away with it!

The few of them followed behind Lan Gu Gu as they passed through the silver wrapped garden. They set foot inside the side palace hall of the northern side of Feng Xiang Gong, even if it was just a side palace hall, it was still as warm as springtime, it could not help but make people feel relaxed.

“Meng’er, you have come!” The Empress Dowager was holding a book and was carefully flipping through it. When she heard the soft sound outside of the door, her light gaze shifted away from the pages of the book, seeing Yun Qian Meng had already walked in led by Lan Gu Gu, she then handed over the book to the palace maid serving beside her, as she plainly spoke.

“Qian Meng is here to see the Empress Dowager, long live the honorable Empress Dowager!” Yun Qian Meng brought along Yuan Dong and Ying Qiu as they quickly walked towards the center of the side palace hall, facing the Empress Dowager they directly knelt down, their voice seemed clearly loud and pleasant like the twinkling sound of the beads and jades.

“We are family, quickly stand up! Don’t hurt yourself kneeling down, or else Chu Xiang will definitely blame me for that!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng became even more courteous, the Empress Dowager’s normally cold face had exposed a smiling expression.

“Thank you, Empress Dowager!” But Yun Qian Meng was trying to fulfill all the necessary etiquette in the palace, she did not utter anything further in response to the Empress Dowager’s joking. The hearts of the people in the palace were unpredictable, the more people it had, the faster the rumors will spread. If she intend to make additional remarks then she might risk getting killed for that, Yun Qian Meng preferred to be a person who will cherish her own words like gold.

“Initially I was planning to let you go home to take your rest because you were already tired the whole day, but I really have something to ask you, in order for you not to come back and forth around the palace, I had permitted young Qiu to summon you here. Let us have our meal now, you must be hungry already!” The Empress Dowager approached with the assistance of Lan Gu Gu, she slowly came closer to Yun Qian Meng, watching her cold expression, her eyes were bright and piercing, but her facial complexion looked somewhat haggard, then she slowly remarked.

But Yun Qian Meng exposed a slight expression of fear, then she bent her waist and replied “Empress Dowager, Wang Ye is now waiting for me to return back to Chu Wang Fu to have dinner, I’m afraid……”

She only finished half of the statement, if she was to say the remaining words, it will be considered as contradicting to the Empress Dowager’s command, these words, she would naturally leave them for the Empress Dowager to figure them out, Yun Qian Meng only had to show her own position and express the right attitude.

Indeed, after the Empress Dowager heard Yun Qian Meng’s words, her face went deep, a bit of displeased expression flash through her face in an instant, aftewards she regained her usual look, in a faint voice she said “Seems like Chu Wang was quite fond of Meng’er, it was already late, yet he is still waiting for his granddaughter-in-law to have a meal together. Meng’er you are really lucky, being able to marry into Chu Wang Fu, other people wouldn't be able to have such kind of luck!”

Yun Qian Meng just quietly listened to the Empress Dowager’s sour words, she knew very well that if the Empress Dowager really had no reason to summon her over, perhaps she might not even want to see her!

But, Grandpa Chu Wang’s name was still quite effective, at least after the Empress Dowager heard about Chu Wang’s name, whether the surrounding atmosphere had turned a little bit gloomy, yet she was not stuck in a difficult situation.

Turning over the words that she was supposed to say in her mind for a few times, after she was certain that they contained no mistake, Yun Qian Meng then slowly spoke “The luck of Meng’er was actually bestowed by His Majesty and Empress Dowager!”

“Humph, you are quite clever with your mouth! Alright, if you insist to return home to have your meal, then I will not force you anymore. Lan’er, leave some of my usual dishes here, as for the other dishes you may take them out now! I shall eat my meal after discussing things with Meng’er!” Yet the Empress Dowager was not feeling elated because of Yun Qian Meng’s compliment, but only plainly instructed Lan Gu Gu to take away a major number of dishes, aftewards she returned to her original spot, pointing at the lower seat she gestured Yun Qian Men to sit down, then she spoke once more “Meng’er, you are close to Fei’er. Now that your married life is going very well, have you ever think about your cousin?”

Yun Qian Meng positioned herself on the stool then slowly sat down, lowering her brows and followed as she listened to the Empress Dowager’s words, aftewards in a plain voice she remarked “Empress Dowager, cousin has my maternal grandmother, uncle and aunt, as well as her brother, such kind of life event, when will it become my turn to decide for her? And besides, ever since the ancient times marriage will be decided by the parents, or the words of the matchmaker! I am only her younger cousin, I’m not qualified to make any changes on her life event. Currently, Empress Dowager inside the palace can also make decisions for her, it will be enough for me to prepare my congratulatory gifts for her.”

Not being soft nor being rude as she responded to the Empress Dowager’s words, needless to lift up her eyes to look she already knew that the Empress Dowager was feeling quite dissatisfied, but it was really never her turn to decide for Qu Fei Qing’s life event, perhaps the Empress Dowager was not able to obtain any information from Gu Lao Tai Jun and the others, which was why she approached her, but too bad, her wishful thinking was still wrong!

“Your words were not definitely right! Since you are already married to Chu Xiang, your status is clearly different! Even if it is your cousin’s marriage, you still have the right to give your suggestions. Or maybe, Meng’er didn't wish to see Fei’er achieve a great marriage!” The Empress Dowager’s heart was already quite dissatisfied with Yun Qian Meng’s repeated rejection, but now that Yun Qian Meng has two persons like Chu Fei Yang and Chu Nan Shan as her backers, indeed it was a bit tricky. She could not go too hard or soft on her. If too soft it might seem that the royal family was not strong, if too hard perhaps it might cause them to oppose the royalty. Particularly Qu Fei Qing’s matter should only be worried by herself alone, if it was to reach Emperor Yu Qian, perhaps it will affect their relationship as mother and son.

Hearing the Empress Dowager’s threatening words, Yun Qian Meng slightly wrinkled her brows, her face seemed fairly confused and worried, then she softly spoke “Empress Dowager, you have mentioned earlier that me and my cousin’s relationship is quite good, naturally I would want her to marry a great man! How can I not wish her to have a beautiful marriage? But, in this world, there is only a few who would want to wholeheartedly devote himself, my maternal grandmother and uncle are also exceptionally anxious, they were still looking for a good man for my cousin, please give them some more time, Empress Dowager!”

Yun Qian Meng emphasized on the word ‘wholeheartedly’, which indirectly pointed out that Emperor Yu Qian had possessed three thousand beauties in the harem, how could he able to do it wholeheartedly?

The Empress Dowager just laughed upon hearing these, then she mocked “Wholeheartedly? In this world, finding a whole-hearted or devoted woodman, one day he would complete his tasks, the other days not, is such kind of person be able to make Fei’er feel happy? Meng’er, when did you become so naive? Don’t tell me that with less devoted persons, the women in this world will not be able to live anymore? I think you are overly spoiled by Chu Xiang, causing you to forget the way of things in this world, even if you yourself had committed one of the seven sins, which is ‘jealousy’, you are still unaware of it!”

Seeing the Empress Dowager was already angered, Yun Qian Meng suddenly got scared as her face exposed the expression of fear. She immediately slipped down from her stool, kneeling down before the Empress Dowager in a trembling voice she said “I apologize. I shouldn't have boasted. But, since I am a newly married woman, and being treated very well by my husband, it was my negligence that I have overlooked these things. Today, with the teachings of the Empress Dowager, I shall certainly bear it in mind! Empress Dowager, since still at my young age, many things I still have yet to learn about them, naturally I wouldn't make useless suggestions on my cousin's marriage, please be compassionate, Empress Dowager!”

It was not easy to find fault with Yun Qian Meng, also seeing her personally admitted her own mistakes, the Empress Dowager was a bit pleased, yet unexpectedly Yun Qian Meng was actually using her mistakes as a reason to push away Qu Fei Qing’s matter, the Empress Dowager was unable to say anything further for a moment, her both eyes were only staring at Yun Qian Meng who was kneeling in the center of the hall, her hands which were holding on the railings slightly tightened, her angry eyes gradually squinted. After a long while she then spoke “Alright, get up now! To think you are actually a year younger than Fei’er, it is inevitable that you will commit mistakes. In the future you must be more cautious, do not make Fu Guo Gong Fu lose its reputation!”

“Thank you, Empress Dowager!” Yun Qian Meng was still in her respectful behavior, after all she didn't sleep the whole night last night, in addition to walking in the midst of cold wind for half day today, it was even considered to be too much even for the strongest person, and moreover, aside from the meal she had taken this morning, she did not have any other food or water since then. If it wasn’t for her meeting with the Empress Dowager in which she had to lift up her spirit to handle it, she really wanted to get back to Chu Xiang Fu to rest properly.

And this time Qu Gong Gong walked inside the side palace hall taking quicksteps, facing the Empress Dowager he knelt down, in a sad voice he reported “Empress Dowager, the old man of Wen family is gone!”

“What? When did you receive the information about this matter?” The Empress Dowager was shocked, immediately she straightened up her body and asked Qu Gong Gong standing below in a stern voice.

“We received the information just now! Just one or two hours ago he breathed his last breath! The housekeeper of Wen family had entered the palace earlier to report, the Wen family has already started to prepare for the funeral! Qu Gong Gong told everything in details, and the Empress Dowager’s face transformed from the shock earlier into her currently calm expression. fFnally it was back to her usual calmness, she simply instructed “Go to the front hall and ask Young Yu, how will His Majesty respond to this, aftewards come again to report it to me!”

“Yes!” Qu Gong Gong left carrying the order, similarly as eager as the time he came in, he also left very quickly.

“You may return home! Since Imperial Tutor Wen is gone, you should also go home to prepare for the condolences!” The Empress Dowager waved her hands facing Yun Qian Meng, allowing her retreat.

“I shall take my leave!” Even if Yun Qian Meng was greatly surprised, her face was still as calm as before, she stood up and bent her knees towards the Empress Dowager, then leading Ying Qiu and Yuan Dong as they retreated out of Feng Xiang Gong.

Translated by:

cristina

Edited by:

korezmi

This time, the mournful sound of bell resounded inside the palace, presumably Emperor Yu Qian had already issued the decree, all the people of every palace hall have all run out from their own halls and go to the front hall, probably they were all inquiring about the information.

“Your Highness, be careful!” Although there were palace lamps leading the way, but some of the dark corners still appeared to be hazy, Yun Qian Meng was about to sit inside the soft palanquin, yet by the time she passed through the side palace hall, she heard a low reminding voice.

“Stop!” In a soft voice informing to stop, Yun Qian Meng lifted up the curtain as she looked outside towards the center of a side palace hall, yet she saw two figures walking slowly inside the courtyard of the side palace hall, that location was evidently the place where Qu Fei Qing almost fell down yesterday.

“Who's there?” That person ahead evidently did not expect anyone to show up in the side palace hall during this time, the palace maid who produced a sound earlier called out again, facing Yun Qian Meng’s direction while she interrogated in a strict voice.

Yun Qian Meng looked ahead following the light of the palace lamp that Ying Qiu was holding in her hand, when she was able to see the person in front of her clearly, she immediately walked down from the soft palanquin, facing that person she saluted “Yun is pleased to meet Gui Fei Niang Niang!”

Hearing Yun Qian Meng uttered, the figure ahead slightly paused, aftewards a slightly cold voice echoed “It is actually Chu furen, please stand up!”

“Thanks, Niang Niang!” Yun Qian Meng stood up straight, this time Rong Gui Fei was already in front of her.

“Chu furen, are you going out of the palace?” Looking at the direction where the soft palanquin was headed to, Rong Gui Fei inquired in a plain voice, with coldness in between her brows, but her tone of voice was not offensive.

A simple smile exposed on Yun Qian Meng’s face, aftewards she answered respectfully “Niang Niang, I am going out of the palace. But why is Niang Niang here, it’s already late, Niang Niang only had one palace maid, it would be better to be more careful.”

Hearing Yun Qian Meng’s reminder, yet nothing changed in Rong Gui Fei’s facial expression, but the expression in her eyes was unlike the coldness she had earlier “Thanks Chu furen for your concern, I just wanted to see the winter plum flower which bloomed very well in this area, which was why I came to pluck some branches of it to put them inside my palace hall.

Following Rong Gui Fei’s words, Yun Qian Meng had actually saw a few branches of twisted and curved branches in her hands, the winter plum blossoms were producing bursts of fragrance, which exactly similar to the cold feeling that Rong Gui Fei had given the others, blooming all by themselves.

The lamp in Ying Qiu’s hands was originally used to lead their way, its height almost reached the ground, Yun Qian Meng’s both eyes slightly dropped down, looking at the spot where the lamp shone enabled her to catch a glimpse of Rong Gui Fei’s edge of her skirt, then she smiled and reminded “Such kind of things, Niang Niang you should instruct the palace maids to do it! Look at your skirt it was already messed up by the snow, after a while when you’ve reached the inner hall with burning charcoals, the snow will melt on your skirt, Niang Niang you must be careful that you might catch a cold! Fortunately it is already night time now, if someone sees you like that in the broad daylight, would it not let them secretly laugh at you?”

Yun Qian Meng’s words contained a deeper meaning, although the sky was already dark, the masters in each of the palace halls will be improbably to come out from their palace hall, but strange things usually happened inside the palace, the walls usually had numerous ears, Yun Qian Meng had naturally had chosen words that would not easily make other people misunderstand yet also being able to make Rong Gui Fei fully comprehend while she talked.

Indeed, having heard of Yun Qian Meng’s words, Rong Gui Fei immediately lowered down her eyes and looked at her own edge of skirt. Her face suddenly turned slightly pale, aftewards she lifted up her head and looked at Yun Qian Meng. Seeing her smiling warmly and respectfully at her without any malicious scheming intention, her heart could not help but feel confused.

“I shall take my leave now” And Yun Qian Meng bent her knees to bid her farewell this time, aftewards she sat inside the soft palanquin, proceeding towards the direction of gates of the inner palace.

“Xiaojie, you have been gone a long time!” By the time when Yun Qian Meng and the other two sat inside the horse carriage, the sky was already completely dark, Mu Chun immediately handed over the small warmer in Yun Qian Meng’s hand, Ying Xia took out the hot tea and the pastries that were prepared earlier and laid them down in front of Yun Qian Meng, permitting her to temporarily focus her attention to the food.

“We came across Rong Gui Fei. It’s strange, she was actually out at night picking winter plum blossoms! Within the palace not only place like the imperial garden had winter plum trees, but she had actually went around the entire palace to go to that place, that truly confused me!” Yuan Dong really was notmuch of a talker, but she was the one being very keen in observation, in addition to staying beside Yun Qian Meng for a long time, she obviously knew that her xiaojie would not say anything useless, but she truly could not understand why Rong Gui Fei would do that, and why her own xioajie would remind Rong Gui Fei those words.

Yun Qian Meng took a sip of the hot tea, feeling a bit hungry she ate one or two pieces of pastries and fruits, yet she did not clarify anything for this servant girl, although Mu Chun and three others were all close to her, but some things she just needed to keep them in her own mind.

“Xiajoie, nubi heard from the imperial guards in the palace that the old master of Wen family had already passed away. Who is that Old Master Wen?” Seeing Yun Qian Meng did not eat anything more, Mu Chun kept all the remaining pastries in the small desk inside the food box, aftewards she asked this question feeling puzzled.

Yun Qian Meng pondered, thinking about Wen family slowly in her mind, hearing the mourning sound of bells in the palace becoming farther and farther away, she then spoke “The Wen family old master was Guan Ju Imperial Tutor! He was the late Emperor Xi Jing’s teacher. He was also Emperor Xi Jing Empress Cheng Xian Wen’s father! Yet unexpectedly, he had actually passed away today!”

“But xiaojie, why do us servants rarely heard about the things concerning Wen family?” There’s no incident inside the capital that would ever escape from the people’s eyes, and as the servants of the huge influential family, they were more likely to know about these things that the common people wouldn't be able to know, but Mu Chun and the three others actually had never even heard of Wen family, that was truly strange!

“There's nothing strange about it! Since the late Empress had passed away, Wen family had gradually turned silent. Although Imperial Tutor Wen was Emperor Xi Jing’s teacher, but after the late emperor ascended to the throne he no longer needed his teacher, Imperial Tutor Wen’s position as the Imperial Tutor became just merely a title, but didn't have a real authority. All these years Imperial Tutor Wen had aged, moreover he never went out of his home, we naturally wouldn't hear anything about the Wen family!” But, in order for Emperor Xi Jing to prevent Yuan De Fei to seize the power, he had tried to win over Qu family and Ruan family. But after the Empress Dowager adopted Emperor Yu Qian, he had never bestowed the title of Empress to Empress Dowager, that was a little strange. Could it be because Emperor Xi Jing had loved Empress Cheng Xian Wen so much that he had especially reserved that position to Empress Wen? But soon after the Wen family’s silence made people unable to figure out whether Emperor Xi Jing had treated the Wen clan favorably. Truly as the saying goes that the heart of a monarch is like a needle at the bottom of the ocean, truly unpredictable!

“Xiaojie, all the officials have white lamps lighted outside their residences!” This time the horse carriage was slowly driving through the long road, Ying Xia gently lifted up the carriage curtains and looked outside, then she reported.

Having heard what was said, Yun Qian Meng nodded her head.

Imperial Tutor Wen as the teacher of the late emperor, was the role model of every scholar, his source of wisdom as well as his rigorous family background and character, were highly respected by all the scholars, every residential place lighting up the white lamps during the new year, had also proven their respect towards this Imperial Tutor.

With this it could be clearly seen that, although the Wen family had already lost its fame for so many years, but it still had a very strong influence on the imperial court.

“Let’s head back to prepare the dresses, tomorrow we shall visit Wen family to give our condolences!” Yun Qian Meng was a bit tired as she leaned on to the soft cushion behind her, then gently instructed the servant girls, seeing Yun Qian Meng was truly tired, Yuan Dong took out a blanket from the short cabinet then put it on top of Yun Qian Meng’s legs, the four of them sat inside the horse carriage in silence, never to disturb Yun Qian Meng ever again.

“Today we shall end our journey here, I presume the Crown Prince as well as the First Prince and Tenth Prince were already tired, let's just stay in the relay station for one night, tomorrow we shall continue on to our journey!” Already hurrying along the journey for the entire day, they had finally reached the next relay station that was assigned to them, Chu Fei Yang started to speak to Qi Jing Yuan.

“Then we have to trouble Chu Xiang once again!” Qi Jing Yuan looked at the relay station which had already been prepared for them, his eyes did not seem to have any movements, but he just quickly flew down from the horseback, only taking along with him his personal bodyguard as they walked inside the inn, and had completely ignored Hai Tian.

And following closely behind them the two women respectively walked out from their own separate phoenix palanquins, Qi Ling’er being covered by a veil in her face and Hai Tian wearing a wedding dress, the two of them were both supported by the palace maids as they walked inside the inn to take their rests.

Chu Fei Yang, Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi were assigning work to their staff. They had to make sure everything was absolutely safe, so as to avoid causing incidents.

“Xiang Ye!” Inside the horse stable, Chu Fei Yang was feeding grass to his own horse, a guard quietly approached beside Chu Fei Yang, whispered a few words beside his ears. Chu Fei Yang’s hands which were caressing the horse head slightly paused, his expression became a bit serious, his voice sounded idly lazy “Got it, you may leave now”

And during the same time, Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi also received the same news, both of them were similar to Chu Fei Yang, all of them had calmly sent away the guards who came to report, after the three of them were done with their business, they met each other once again at the lobby of the inn.

Watching the domineering Qi Jing Yuan occupied all the rooms in the first level, even Hai Tian who was supposed to be his imperial wife was being driven out of his way as she stayed inside the room of the next level, the corner of Chu Fei Yang’s lips slightly pursed up, looking at Hai Chen Xi he smiled and said “Hai Jun Wang, do you need to go and comfort Princess He Shun?”

How could Hai Chen Xi not being able to hear Chu Fei Yang’s mocking voice, yet he did not get angry even in the slightest bit, but instead he smiled calmly “The person who lives inside the princess’ heart, I presume Xiang Ye knew who he was better than anybody else! If I were to go over there, it will only make the princess feel even more annoyed, it would be better for Xiang Ye to go over there, we might be able to see some positive results!”

Jiang Mu Chen watched the conversation between the two of them, afterwards he sneered as he lifted his feet and climbed up the stairs, planning to get back to his room to rest. But how could Chu Fei Yang just let him slip away. His lazy voice immediately echoed behind the back of Jiang Mu Chen “Speaking about the person who had most of his heart on the princess, it was actually Wang Ye! During that time the princess rarely visited Chen Wang Fu, but too bad a lot of things had become different, Tai Fei’s beautiful dream was already shattered!”

Jiang Mu Chen’s movement climbing up the stairs slightly paused, aftewards he moved his body sideways, looking at Chu Fei Yang below who laughed more evil, he coldly said “Chu Xiang and Hai Jun Wang, if you have no other things to do, might as well return to your room to rest, if you were not sleepy, then you may patrol outside!”

“Imperial Tutor Wen had passed away, I presume if His Majesty is compassionate towards the Wen family, he would allow the children of Wen family to join the court as officials!” This time, Hai Chen Xi plainly spoke.

Having heard what was said Chu Fei Yang just laughed without speaking, and Jiang Mu Chen’s facial expression became even more ice-cold.

Imperial Tutor Wen could be considered as the big Confucius of the literature, when he was still living his disciples were thousands, although during these few decades the Wen family was already out of the imperial court, but the majority of the current literary officials of the court were previously Imperial Tutor Wen’s disciples. Such kind of family, if they were being used properly, then all the scholars in the world might be owned by him. If one was to go against him, perhaps he will be drowned by the saliva produced by all the scholars in the whole world.

Yet unexpectedly Imperial Tutor Wen had actually passed away during this time, which was truly beyond all the people's expectations. Perhaps each and every official residence was waiting to see Emperor Yu Qian’s attitude.

Jiang Mu Chen’s eyes could not help but turn towards Hai Chen Xi who had mentioned this matter, his heart was wondering about Hai Chen Xi’s intention, aftewards he sneered and said “Hai Jun Wang if you have too much time, it will be better for you to show your care for Princess He Shun, don’t make the Crown Prince lose his affection for her even before becoming his wife, it will only cause the war to break out again between Xi Chu and Bei Qi, wouldn't it become Hai Wang Fu’s fault?”

Hai Chen Xi superficially shrugged her shoulders, before he could speak again, the expression of the three of them suddenly tensed up. One by one took out the long swords which were carried in their waists holding their breaths as they focused their attention to the surrounding area.

‘Boom……’ The wooden windows inside a guest room in the second level were being kicked open by someone……

“Ah……” The screaming sound of a palace maid suddenly echoed from within the room, but before she could finish screaming, her voice suddenly stopped just like the string of a kite being cut, without guessing everyone knew that she already got herself killed.

“It’s the room of the princess!” The guards on the second floor had already taken their quick actions, the three of them together with Chu Fei Yang had also planned to run up to the second floor, yet unexpectedly numerous warriors wearing black surrounded the entire area of the inn, these men were holding long swords in their hands, when they intruded inside the inn they initially killed three men, and during this time the imperial bodyguards who were patrolling outside the inn came rushing in after they heard the movement, both sides engaged in the midst of battle.

Regardless of the number of guards, the men in black were all highly trained in martial skills, for a moment both sides were equally matched.

“Wang Ye, Jun Wang, the princess will be your responsibility, I will soon follow!” Chu Fei Yang rushed to the stairway, blocking off the men in black’s path, at the same time he spoke to Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi.

But, having heard what was said their face turned serious, even though they were unwilling yet they needed to go, having no choice they turned around and rushed to the second floor, this time the imperial guards on the second floor were gradually being defeated, seeing the long sword in the hand of a man in black was about to pierce into Hai Tian’s chest, Ning Feng suddenly threw out the long sword, instantly stabbing the man in black on his chest, after which he dodged and positioned himself in front of Hai Tian to protect her, allowing no man in black to come near her.

Because Jiang Mu Chen and Hai Chen Xi had joined the fight, the men in black retreated back to the place where they came from after a few rounds of fight.

“From now on all of you should stay awake to guard the area at night, the incident today should never ever happen again!” Chu Fei Yang lifted up his eyes to observe the third floor without any sound of movement, then he commanded the imperial guards who were cleaning up the site.

“Xiang Ye, those men in black!” This time, the deputy commander of the city defense troops who was assigned to protect Hai Tian asked.

“Don’t chase after the cornered enemy, wait and lure them out of their hiding place!” Chu Fei Yang left as he uttered this statement, then he turned around then proceeded to the third floor.

“The Crown Prince is truly bold and cautious!” In the midst of the huge commotion outside, Qi Jing Yuan who was inside the room was surprisingly meditating himself while reading a military book in his hands, causing Chu Fei Yang to laugh more brilliantly upon seeing this situation.

“What is your intention, Chu Xiang? I really don’t understand!” Slowly putting down the military book, Qi Jing Yuan lifted up his gloomy both eyes and glanced at Chu Fei Yang who directly intruded inside his own guest room, his eyes contained a strong murderous spirit.

“With your actions, Crown Prince, perhaps you were trying to figure out how many persons we had brought, and how good their skills are!” Chu Fei Yang’s face as clear as the spring breeze, not being in the slightest bit of being frightened by the ferocious expression of the person in front of him.

“Oh? Why did you make such kind of judgement, Chu Xiang?” Seeing Chu Fei Yang was able to make such kind of statement, Qi Jing Yuan’s eyes had shown a bit of interest, her both eyes closely glared at Chu Fei Yang, observing how he will explain.

Without consulting anyone Chu Fei Yang approached the table, then sat down in front of Qi Jing Yuan, speaking with foresight he said “I’m afraid that the presence of generals was just a pretense for Crown Prince to enter the capital openly! The one that truly controlling the Crown Prince, is probably another person!”

Having heard what was said, Qi Jing Yuan just laughed, after laughing the murderous spirit in his eyes overwhelmingly rushed towards him, without hiding it charged directly towards Chu Fei Yang.

Chu Fei Yang just lifted up the teapot on the table, pouring a cup full of hot tea for himself, he slightly took a sip, then slowly spoke “It seems like my analysis is completely correct!”

Yun Qian Meng slept for a long time until late morning, when she opened her both eyes, the sky outside was already in its brightest.

“Mu Chun!” Feeling her throat a bit dry, Yun Qian Meng gently called out for Mu Chun, then the servant girl immediately carried in a teacup then sat down beside the bed, supporting Yun Qian Meng to sit up straight, when Yun Qian Meng was drinking the water she draped a long coat over her shoulders.

“Is the dress used for mourning already prepared? Why did I sleep that long?” Giving the teacup to Mu Chun, Yun Qian Meng immediately stepped down from the bed, washing herself in the copper basin in front of her.

“Xiaojie, you were very tired yesterday, that's why we didn't wake you up. My lady, do you want to immediately go to Wen Fu?” Putting down the teacup, Mu Chun laid down the dress used for mourning on the table, then she helped Yun Qian Meng wash up, assisted her to put on layer by layer of the mourning dress, her mouth continuously said “I heard the other servant girls talked about last night, there were a lot of people who had gone to the Wen Fu to send their condolences.”

Hearing these words Yun Qian Meng did not say anything further. A person like him would naturally earn a lot of people's respect, this was not really something rare!

Wearing the mourning dress, Mu Chun fixed Yun Qian Meng’s in simple bun, picked up a few simple silver hairpins then inserted them in the hair bun, putting on a pair of beaded dangling earrings, the dress up was completed.

“My lady, you must have your breakfast before you go over there! Now that there might be a lot of people, once you've gone there you will not be certain as to when you will be able to get back, don’t allow yourself to get hungry again!” Seeing Yun Qian Meng’s face still slightly looked pale, Ying Xia brought a few light food inside the inner room, then assisted Yun Qian Meng to sit down.

“Is there any activity at Wang Fu?” Lifting up the porcelain bowl in front of her, Yun Qian Meng ate a mouthful of hot porridge, then slowly asked, she was thinking if she needed to go to Wang Fu for a while prior to anything else, then go together with Madam Xie. Although Chu Fei Yang had already separated from them, but in the eyes of the outsiders, they were still as one family!

“Early in the morning Guard Jiao had already came here to inform Guard Xi that Wang Ye will allow xiaojie to go to Wen Fu on behalf of Xiang Ye, there’s no need to go to Wang Fu anymore!” Mu Chun beated her own head, if her lady master did not ask about it, she might have already forgotten all about this matter!

Yun Qian Meng finished the breakfast meal in front of her, retouched her make-up once again, then sat inside the horse carriage of Xiang Fu, proceeding towards the direction of Wen Fu.

With still half a road distance before they reached Wen Fu, they were able to hear faint sorrowful music playing and some crying sounds, and driving again for a longer period of time, she heard Xi Lin reminded her in a low voice “Madame, there are a lot of scholars kneeling down in front of the gates of Wen Fu, our horse carriage will not be able to pass through it!”

Translated by:

cristina

Edited by:

korezmi

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