Chapter 35: Finally Meeting Yun Ji (Part I)

Chapter 35: Finally Meeting Yun Ji (Part I)

The golden sun descends, casting a lingering glow that melts the snow upon the bamboo grove.

A faint winter sunbeam filters through the bamboo lattice of the window, carrying a subtle chill in its glow.

Amidst the bamboo residence, the fire in the hearth burned vigorously, casting a warm ambiance. Yet, Prince Jì Yuè was still wrapped in Yue Hua's cloak, covered with a plush woolen blanket.

Surrounded by a gentle warmth, his complexion, however, took on a subtle pallor once more, as if his ailment had resurfaced, leaving him frail and delicate. Even the slightest chill would cause him discomfort for a prolonged period.

A soft cough echoed now and then.

Yun Feng approached and, upon seeing Prince Jì Yuè's condition, held back the words on the tip of his tongue.

"What is it?"

With a cool and slightly hoarse voice, Prince Jì Yuè turned his head. Though his eyes were concealed by a silk veil, Yun Feng knew he was asking for an explanation.

Pressing his lips slightly, Yun Feng took a breath and, after a moment's hesitation, recounted the events of the morning court.

"Princeling, the incident at the morning court was secretly carried out by Secretary Zhao and Concubine Shu without Duke Zhao's knowledge. He was previously unaware of it."

Jì Yuè, the princeling, tucked the fur collar of his cloak around his neck and let out another soft cough.

Yue Hua covered his fair lips with a handkerchief.

Yun Ling quickly patted Jì Yuè's back, while Yun Feng brought over a cup of hot tea.

"This is a good thing."

After sipping the tea and finding some relief in his throat, Jì Yuè spoke with a subtle tone, a hint of Yue Hua's gentle smile gracing his lips.

Confusion appeared on Yun Feng's face.

"A good thing? Princeling, how can this be a good thing? It's clear that Secretary Zhao was overjoyed by Concubine Shu's pregnancy..."

Yun Ling also turned to look at Jì Yuè, curiosity rarely seen in his eyes.

He too was eager to know.

Jì Yuè's prince, however, fell silent, leaving Yun Feng and Yun Ling eagerly anticipating his next words.

He picked up the folding fan again, gently caressing the image of the red-robed nobleman on its surface.

A hint of a smile deepened at the corners of his lips.

"Speaking of which, Prince..."

Knowing that Jì Yuè's silence typically forebodes nothing good, Yun Feng didn't press further and instead changed the subject.

"Master Huishan has sent a message, requesting an audience with the prince at Bamboo Grove Cottage tomorrow."

...

The following morning, Su Er arrived punctually to find Su Rao, expecting her to be absent.

To his surprise, she was already prepared, waiting for him to escort her.

Though Su Rao had consented to Emperor Yu's arranged marriage, Su Er could tell that she was inwardly resistant to becoming a royal consort.

Su Er was well aware of her temperament. Although she had been disguising herself all these years, her dislike for being constrained was genuine. That's why he had chosen Yun Ji for her – because he wouldn't restrict her and would allow her to live freely according to her heart.

Today, Su Rao was as resplendent as ever, donning a scarlet robe with embroidered peony flowers on the hem. The red peonies stood out vividly against the intense scarlet fabric, blooming in harmony with the dress.

Her entire head of black hair was exposed, revealing her full forehead, where the scar was particularly noticeable. Her face was still fair, and everything seemed the same, but Su Er couldn't quite put his finger on what felt different.

"Second Brother..."

Looking at Su Rao's face, a rare crease formed between Su Er's brows. Unbeknownst to him, Su Rao waved her hand in front of his eyes.

"Second Brother, what's wrong? Have I done something amiss today?"

With this question, confusion graced Su Rao's face while joy blossomed in her heart.

She had intended to slip away early, but remembering Fifth Brother's words from yesterday, she decided not to provoke her second uncle's temper. Thus, she resorted to altering herself to make Prince Jì Yuè dislike her; one glance would be enough to deter him from marrying her.

She deliberately changed her gaze to eliminate any hint of coquettishness. She accentuated the ugliness of the scar on her forehead slightly, just enough to make a difference. Her facial features were subtly refined without undergoing significant alteration.

After all, Su Er was astute.

Her subtle alteration was imperceptible to those unfamiliar with cosmetics. Upon first glance, she seemed to have the same face, yet it appeared less appealing.

This kind of makeup created a visual effect akin to the difference between a two-dimensional sketch and a three-dimensional model. Both were drawings on paper, but they yielded entirely distinct impressions when viewed.

Since her plan with Su Er wasn't feasible, she decided to accompany him to meet Prince Jì Yuè. Men were generally fond of beauty; she doubted that Yun Ji would accept her disfigured appearance, let alone agree to Su Er's request.

"There's nothing to it. Let's go!"

Su Er failed to notice any difference and shook his head. They exited the Róu Xiāng Courtyard, one preceding the other.

In the winter month, even with the sun shining bright, the cold winds still howled relentlessly.

These few days had been clear, and the snow on the eaves and tree branches had mostly melted, leaving dripping water from the rock formations that created small puddles on the ground.

Su Rao wore a vivid red fur cloak, its hood covering most of her palm-sized face, revealing only her eyes and forehead. This made her appear even more unappealing.

Su Er donned his usual black robe, topped with a large cloak. His jet-black hair, tied up in a jade hairpin, accentuated his straight back. Each step he took was steady, and though the biting wind chilled his complexion, he remained indifferent.

Su Han, following closely behind, wore an equally expressionless face. Truly, they were master and servant.

A carriage adorned with green wood made its way directly to the Clear Breeze Pavilion. Su Rao had gone over her plan countless times in her mind: if she were to encounter Prince Jì Yuè, she would feign the role of a frivolous and lascivious woman, Su Rao. Someone as illustrious and god-like as Prince Jì Yuè would surely disdain women who swooned over him. Ideally, he would despise her at first sight.

But her cunning plans never had the chance to be put into action; Prince Jì Yuè was not in residence, and it was Yun Feng who conveyed the message.

Despite her plans being unneeded, Su Rao felt secretly pleased.

Prince Jì Yuè seemed to be deliberately avoiding her Second Brother.

Sure enough, she couldn't even enter the mansion gates.

Pressing down the corners of her lips, she picked up a cup to conceal her smile, fearing that Su Er might catch a glimpse of the curve on her face. Her eyes also lowered to avoid detection.

Unbeknownst to her, a hint of a smile flickered across Su Er's face, a rather mischievous one. It was unclear whether he was amused by Prince Jì Yuè's evasion or Su Rao's naivety. Regardless, this was the extent of his wit.

"Su Han, we're going to the Wang Lu Temple."

With a casual tone, Su Rao abruptly lifted her gaze, a look of surprise crossing her face.

"Wanglu Temple? Second Brother..."

Su Er sipped his tea, not looking at Su Rao, and picked up another military strategy book to read.

Su Rao felt like she was going to lose her mind. Could it be that Yun Ji had gone to Wanglu Temple?

Wanglu Temple was situated on a mountainside thirty miles south of Langjing, beyond the city's boundaries. If she were to leave today and encounter any delays, there would be no chance of returning before nightfall.

She hadn't brought any makeup tools with her when she left. Without them for a whole night, her disguise might be exposed. Was Second Brother doing this on purpose?

Suspicion clouded her gaze, but Su Er seemed engrossed in his book, oblivious to her stare.

Her doubts only deepened.

"Second Brother, are you really that eager to push your own sister into someone else's arms? As if I'm unwanted unless it's Yun Ji! Second Brother, I have my pride too! My reputation is already tarnished enough. If I keep chasing after him like this, how will I ever show my face again...?"

"Then which prince do you want to marry?" Su Er put down his book, fixing his gaze directly on Su Rao's face. His eyes and expression alike were indifferent.

Su Rao fell silent, casting a brief glance at Su Er before lowering her gaze once more.

She twined the ribbons of her dress in her hands, lost in thought.

Silent as a mouse.

She wouldn't marry anyone from the Yun family.

Su Er suddenly let out a sigh. "Sis, if you truly don't wish to, Second Brother can send you away. Away from Langjing, to wherever your heart desires."

What...

Su Rao's head shot up, her eyes wide with astonishment. Su Er's gaze was unwavering and sincere; he would have Su Han turn the carriage around immediately if she just spoke up, and tonight, arrangements would be made to send her away from Langjing.

A tremor ran through her heart, resonating deeply and continuously, until a glimmer of moisture shone in her eyes.

Her eyelids fluttered with emotion.

"What about Grandfather? What about Father and Mother?"

"That's not your concern."

Su Er shifted his gaze away from Su Rao, prompting Su Han to halt the carriage.

"Second Brother has given you a moment to think. Decide whether to proceed or return. A daughter of the Su family..."

"There's no need to deliberate. Isn't it just Yun Ji? A daughter of the Su family never knows fear, and Su Rao even less so understands the meaning of cowardice and evasion."

The shimmering autumnal hue in her peach blossom eyes had faded; Su Rao was anything but timid.

She was Su Rao, and she had vowed to be nothing more than herself from now on.

"Su Han, keep moving forward."

Su Er resumed reading his military texts, and the carriage fell silent once more.