Chapter 30

Chapter 30

"Big Sister, what did you just go do? Why were you gone for so long?" Yao Niang was talking to someone else when she saw Yan Ningxin approaching.

In fact, it was just a casual question, and Yan Ningxin laughed nervously to cover up her guilt.

This only made Yao Niang more suspicious. Back in Jin Ling, she had noticed that this sister didn't pay much attention to propriety between men and women. She had heard Ying Niang complain about how the youngest son of Minister Wu could get along well with Big Sister. Yao Niang guessed that perhaps Big Sister had gone out to meet him.

But whether she met him or not, they were all the Yan family's daughters in public, so Yao Niang didn't expose her.

After two rounds of the flying flower game, Miss Gong invited them to watch a play. Yao Niang joined the other girls, while Ying Niang and Miss Gong sat nearby, chatting animatedly.

Lady Zhen apologized slightly to Lady Gong, "My youngest daughter is quite noisy and doesn't know any better."

Lady Gong waved her hand. "Ying Niang is the youngest; everyone should let her be."

Yao Niang, who was listening nearby, felt differently. Although Lady Jie also spoiled her, she was very strict with her in public. The fourth girl always took advantage of her youth, getting away with any mistakes. Yao Niang wondered if it was good or bad.

She thought about it for a moment before continuing to watch the play. Ying Niang, however, was doing it on purpose. She found it delightful that Yao Niang was isolated today. At home, Father always visited the third wife, and she used to think Mother didn't care. But once, she saw Mother crying and realized that Mother actually cared deeply.

After the play, one of the ladies invited the Yan family's girls to a polo match or to play chuiwan.

Lady Zhen smiled and agreed, as Yan Yingqi had told her that Yan Ningxin and the younger sisters were of marriageable age and should be taken out more often to find suitable matches.

On the way back, Ying Niang complained to Yao Niang, "We've never learned to ride horses, how can we play polo?"

"If you don't know how to play, you can just watch. Besides, there's always chuiwan," Yao Niang replied calmly.

Seeing her so nonchalant, Ying Niang couldn't help but challenge her, "Third Sister, why didn't you make any friends today?"

Making close friends was indeed difficult, and Yao Niang hadn't made any close friends. She only socialized with the other girls to fit in, but she wouldn't show weakness to Ying Niang. She had never lost an argument: "Fourth Sister, you always say you've made friends, but in Jin Ling, when we left, my close friend gave me some pastries and perfumed ointment. Your friends didn't give anything. So stop saying those ridiculous things."

Hearing this, Ying Niang turned red with anger. She had been bragging about her friends every day, and seeing Yao Niang silent, she became even more arrogant. Now, she was immediately shut down.

Yao Niang continued, "This is my first time out in the capital. Why do you always compare yourself to me? Why not compare yourself to others? I think Big Sister and Second Sister are both better than you and have more friends than you do."

Ying Niang, who usually couldn't argue with Yao Niang, pouted angrily and refused to talk to her anymore.

The sisters parted ways unhappily after getting off the carriage.

The next day, the Prince Qi's heir visited, bringing a stream of gifts for Yan Ningxin. Yan Yingqi was not at home; he was now the Vice Minister of Appointments, a high-ranking official, and it would be inappropriate for him to associate with a prince's heir. Therefore, he asked his eldest son, Yan Jingzhao, to entertain the guest.

This was the moment Lady Zhen hated the most, as her husband truly treated Yan Jingzhao as the legitimate eldest son.

Yan Jingzhao was preparing for the provincial exams. He wasn't a bookworm, so he didn't appear stiff. Instead, he seemed graceful and elegant. The Prince Qi's heir couldn't help but admire him.

After some small talk, Yan Jingzhao asked, "May I ask why His Highness came to the capital? If there's anything you need, please feel free to say."

The Prince Qi's heir smiled, "The Emperor has granted our Qi Palace a perpetual title, so my father sent me to express gratitude."

"That's excellent. We have prepared a simple feast; please don't refuse," Yan Jingzhao said.

Unexpectedly, the Prince Qi's heir replied, "I have something else to attend to today, so I won't stay. To be honest, I grew up with Ningxin, and I came here to see her, as per the late Grand Empress Dowager's wishes."

Yan Jingzhao understood and called for Yan Ningxin. When she arrived, he left them alone to talk.

"Brother," Yan Ningxin was excited to see the Prince Qi's heir, Wei Chi.

The Prince Qi's heir, usually calm, looked genuinely happy. "Ningxin, it's great to see you."

Yan Ningxin smiled, "I heard from Yan Jingzhao that your palace received a perpetual title. Is that true?"

The Prince Qi's heir nodded but added, "That's why I barely survived. If it weren't for Commander Liu, those people would still be chasing me."

"Commander Liu?" Yan Ningxin had attended many banquets but wasn't familiar with the complex relationships in the capital.

The Prince Qi's heir explained, "Commander Liu Ji of the Jinyiwei."

Yan Ningxin relaxed, "That's good, that's good." Then she asked, "But isn't Liu Ji the Emperor's childhood friend? He usually protects the Emperor in the capital. How could he protect you?"

The Prince Qi's heir smiled, "The Emperor would love to see us princes destroyed. This time, he rewarded my father for his contribution during the Ning Wang rebellion."

He had used his influence, but it wasn't a long-term solution.

Yan Ningxin sighed, "Why don't I talk to my father? He's the Vice Minister of Appointments."

"If Lord Yan wanted to help me, he wouldn't have sent only the eldest son to receive me. It's clear he wants to avoid suspicion. So, I'll have to seek help from another official. Do you know the Left Censor General Shen family?" the Prince Qi's heir asked.

Yan Ningxin shook her head, "Even if I've met them, I might have forgotten. Why are you seeking their help?"

The Prince Qi's heir explained, "Originally, my father was supposed to come to the capital to express gratitude, but it was this Censor General Shen who suggested I come instead. For this reason, I must establish a connection. You may not know Grand Censor Shen, but you must know the Shen family of Wu Xing, right?"

Yan Ningxin nodded, "Of course, I've heard from my third sister that they're a powerful clan in Jiangnan."

"Exactly. The Shen family's current positions may not be as high as yours, but they have many descendants. During the Southern Dynasties, especially the Chen Dynasty, they produced two empresses and five imperial sons-in-law, making them extremely influential. Your second mother's family, the Jie family, is a famous clan in Wuzhong, but they can't compare to such a wealthy family. If the Shen family could protect me, I'd be safe," the Prince Qi's heir said.

Clearly, Yan Ningxin wasn't stupid, "Brother, what can you offer the Shen family?"

The Prince Qi's heir smiled, "The position of future princess. Our Qi Palace now has a perpetual title, and I've met a Shen family girl. From now on, every Qi Prince will have Shen blood. Moreover, the current Emperor is unwell and lacks heirs. As close relatives, we have a chance to advance further. Isn't that worth a try?"

He whispered the last part.

Yan Ningxin remembered how her brother had relied on her and didn't probe further. She simply asked, "What can I do to help you?"

The Prince Qi's heir replied, "Nothing. In a few days, there's a polo match I arranged. Shen girl and I will be there. Just enjoy yourself."

Seeing that her brother had everything planned, Yan Ningxin felt relieved.

The Prince Qi's heir looked at Yan Ningxin deeply, feeling immense pain inside.

But he still said in a joking tone, "When you meet Miss Shen at the polo match, don't be too intimate with her, and don't reveal anything beforehand. Act as if you don't know each other."

We need to let Miss Shen take the initiative; that's how we achieve our goal.

...

Since the Crown Prince of Prince Qi left after speaking, Yan Jingzhao ended up using the table and having the meal with the Guan couple. Guan served a few dishes with her chopsticks while standing, but Yan Jingzhao asked her to sit down and eat.

"Did you show your painting to Yao Niang a few days ago?" Yan Jingzhao hoped his wife would change.

Guan smiled and said, "It's not a big deal."

"Hmm, Prince Qi's Mansion is about to become a hereditary one. I noticed that the Crown Prince of Prince Qi seems very attentive to Elder Sister Ningxin. I wonder if there's something more to it?" As a man himself, Yan Jingzhao could see through the Crown Prince's efforts to hide his feelings for Yan Ningxin.

"Really? I thought you'd mention Yao Niang," Guan said.

Hearing Guan mention Yao Niang, Yan Jingzhao frowned, "Shandong is far away, and if a prince doesn't receive an imperial decree, they can never return to the capital. What's so good about it? My sister should marry someone within Jiangnan at most."

Guan thought to herself that this family truly showed favoritism. If it were Yan Ningxin, Yan Jingzhao wouldn't consider these things. But when it came to his own sister, he was so thorough.

During dinner, Jie accompanied Yan Yingqi. Jie wore a milky white casual robe, with only a pearl headband adorning her hair, making her glow like a pearl under the lamp.

Yan Yingqi's eyes were fixed on her, and Jie turned her face away, "Eat quickly."

"Lan You, are you feeling better today?" Yan Yingqi had been holding back since Jie's menstrual period started, and he hadn't gone to the study, staying with her every day.

Calculating the time, he felt it was about right, so he made a move.

Jie was speechless, "Aren't you very busy?"

"Being busy doesn't mean we can't have relations. I'm just a bit tired from being busy, not incapable," Yan Yingqi said irritably.

Jie took a bite of the food, grateful that the servants had been dismissed. She then said, "You should find a younger woman to bother. I'm getting old—"

"Jie Lan You, you're getting bolder. Are you indirectly saying I'm old?" Yan Yingqi pointed at her.

Jie laughed and looked at her husband quietly, "Sometimes I feel like you're sitting across from me, and sometimes I feel like you're about to disappear."

This sentence probably only made sense to them. Yan Yingqi had always treated her like a newlywed bride, always fascinated by her, yet he didn't belong to her completely.

Yan Yingqi couldn't help but hold her hand, "No matter what, as long as I'm here, I'll protect you. I will never disappear."

Seeing his sincere expression, Jie changed the topic, "Yao Niang is going to the polo match soon. It reminds me of when you taught me to ride horses. Why were you so impatient? Not only did you fail to teach me, but now even the mention of riding makes my head hurt."

"Ha ha." Yan Yingqi found the memory amusing.

The couple then talked about their daughter's birthday on June 28th. Jie sighed, "In the blink of an eye, Yao Niang is twelve years old. In a few more years, I can't even think about it."

Yan Yingqi comforted her, "Don't worry, I'll definitely find the best husband for our daughter, ensuring she lives a life of honor and never knows hardship."

"I hope so too." Jie didn't believe hardship was a good thing; she wanted her daughter to live a sweet and happy life.

However, Jie also took the opportunity to ask, "When the Princess Consort mentioned having a daughter, she said the Prince's Mansion wanted to strengthen ties. Is that still the plan? I heard from Jingzhao that the Crown Prince of Prince Qi sent many gifts to Elder Sister Ningxin. It didn't seem like the Prince's Mansion prepared them; it seemed like he did it himself."

Yan Yingqi hadn't told anyone else, not even Zhen, but he told Jie the truth, "Dealing with such royal families isn't necessarily a good thing. Our family is already prominent and shouldn't seek everything. Besides, the position of the Crown Prince of Prince Qi isn't stable. Why should I risk it for him?"

Indeed, if Yan Ningxin married the Crown Prince of Prince Qi, she might become a princess, and her children might become princes...

But it wouldn't affect Yan Yingqi much.

Yan Ningxin would come of age next year, and the Crown Prince of Prince Qi wouldn't ascend the throne in the next two years. However, Yan Yingqi had just become a Minister of Appointments. Regardless of whether he became a prince or not, Yan Yingqi would still be a high-ranking official.

Moreover, the people of Prince Qi's Mansion weren't particularly kind to the eldest daughter.

**

On the day of the polo match, Yao Niang put on a new narrow-sleeved riding outfit. Once dressed, she exuded a heroic and spirited aura. Ying Niang had been in a disagreement with Yao Niang for a few days, so she went to share a carriage with Qian Niang, leaving Yao Niang to share with Yan Ningxin.

"You've been angry for quite some time," Yan Ningxin said as she got into the carriage.

Yao Niang remained indifferent. Sometimes, she didn't want to hear the same old nonsense about being the older sister who must yield to the younger one. She was only a year older than Ying Niang; why should she always give in? Aren't they both human?

Seeing Yao Niang silent, Yan Ningxin shrugged and didn't speak either. But remembering what her cousin said about Miss Shen from Wu Xing, she had to ask Yao Niang, knowing Yao Niang had reliable information.

"Third Sister, I heard Miss Shen is coming. Is this the Wu Xing Shen clan you mentioned?" Yan Ningxin tried to sound casual.

Yao Niang nodded, "Yes, she's from the Wu Xing Shen clan. Nowadays, with the imperial examinations, so-called noble clans aren't as prestigious as before. If no one has passed the imperial exams in three generations, they're just ordinary gentry."

"Are there many officials from the Shen clan in the capital now?" Yan Ningxin pretended to be curious.

Yao Niang thought for a moment, "I heard the current Left Censor-in-Chief Shen is from the Wu Xing Shen clan, and he shares a hometown connection with us. But in terms of rank, my father is higher. Among the six ministries, only the Ministry of Appointments is called the 'Heavenly Office.'"

Yan Ningxin thought her Third Sister really acted like a proud and haughty daughter of the Yan family.

Even Second Sister Qian Niang had this attitude. Despite appearing friendly, they always held themselves aloof, believing they were daughters of a Minister of Appointments and deserved to be the center of attention.

They arrived at the residence of the Duke of Zhen Guo. The polo match was held there, and the grounds were vast. As soon as they stepped out of the carriage, they could feel the breeze.

The Duchess of Zhen Guo greeted them, talking to Zhen for a while. Zhen then had the sisters bow, and after the greetings, they followed Zhen to the viewing stand.

The servants of the Duke of Zhen Guo brought out various snacks, tea, and fruits. Yao Niang glanced at the snacks, which seemed to be Beijing-style jujube walnut pastries. She tasted one and found it overly sweet, so she silently put it down.

"Third Sister, the tea tastes good," Qian Niang reminded her.

Yao Niang smiled and agreed, thinking that Second Sister's attitude was always pleasant, unlike Ying Niang. She took a sip of tea and saw a straightforward-looking young man approach. He was quite handsome and first bowed to Zhen before turning to Yan Ningxin, "Madam Yan, our team is short of one person, so we'd like to invite Elder Sister Ningxin to join us."

Zhen didn't know Yan Ningxin played polo, but she looked at Yan Ningxin, "Have you learned it before?"

Yan Ningxin smiled and nodded, "I often played polo at Prince Qi's Mansion."

But Zhen was still worried. Although she treated Yan Ningxin politely, if something happened to her, Zhen would be responsible. The young man mentioned that everyone was waiting and that the Crown Prince of Prince Qi was there, so Zhen finally allowed it.

It turned out that the young man who had called out to Yan Ningxin was Wu Xian, the youngest son of the Minister of Appointments. It was said that he and Elder Sister were friends.

Ying Niang, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke to Yao Niang: "Third Sister, didn't Father always say that men and women should keep their distance? Why does Elder Sister always play with boys?"

"I don't know either," Yao Niang replied, not wanting to say anything that might offend others; she wasn't foolish.

Qian Niang glanced at Lady Zhen and then stepped in as the good elder sister to mediate: "Third Sister, Fourth Sister, people are watching us outside. You two can't keep causing a scene like this."

Qian Niang was trying to discipline both of them equally. In the past, she wouldn't have dared to speak like this, especially to Ying Niang. Despite Lady Zhen being kind, Ying Niang, as the eldest daughter of the main branch, was very proud and treated like a princess. Qian Niang now did this because she feared that if her sisters started quarreling, Lady Zhen would not vent her anger on them but on herself instead.

If it had been during the time when Yao Niang was residing in Jin Ling and enjoyed a harmonious relationship with Qian Niang, she might have settled for a compromise out of a desire to maintain peace. However, in the present circumstances, such a concession was no longer feasible.

Ying Niang was even less likely to admit any fault. They all watched the ongoing polo match.

A streak of red broke the tension on the field. Ying Niang exclaimed, "Elder Sister, that's Elder Sister!"

The red team consisted of Yan Ningxin and Wu Xian, along with several other unfamiliar faces, both male and female. The blue team was led by a graceful woman, and beside her stood another woman, looking heroic and spirited.

Despite Elder Sister's usual lack of skill in reading, writing, or composing poetry, she was fast, accurate, and fierce in polo, making Yao Niang's heart race. Even Qian Niang covered her mouth with a handkerchief: "The dust is blowing over here."

Lady Zhen, however, seemed thoughtful: "Look closely. Most noble ladies in the capital know how to play polo. Your father said you should learn horseback riding too."

"Mother, do we have to learn?" Ying Niang asked, somewhat afraid.

Lady Zhen nodded: "We can't just sit here every time, can we?"

Yao Niang asked: "But Mother, we don't have such a large space at home. How can we learn?"

Lady Zhen smiled: "That's something for the adults to worry about. You girls just need to focus on learning. You all have brothers; let your brothers teach you."

Physical contact between men and women was taboo, so having their own brothers teach them was ideal. Fortunately, these three sisters all had brothers.

Soon, someone called Lady Zhen away to talk, and Yao Niang returned her attention to the match. She noticed that although the red team was strong, the blue team was no less formidable. The slender girl leading the blue team had already scored two goals.

However, Yan Ningxin played aggressively, and the red team won the first round.

Yao Niang couldn't help but applaud: "Elder Sister is amazing."

"Unfortunately, Shen Mo will definitely ask her brother to play next."

Suddenly, a voice came from nearby. Yao Niang looked up and saw a round-faced girl. She quickly rose to greet her. The girl smiled: "Miss Yan San, we met once in Jin Ling. Your konghou playing was beautiful."

It was an old acquaintance. This girl was the daughter of the Prefect of Shun Tian Prefecture, named Ruan Li. Her maternal family was in Jin Ling, and she had attended a wedding at the Yan residence last year.

Yao Niang chatted with her briefly. When the blue team reappeared, a young man joined them, causing a stir among the surrounding women.

Ruan Li smiled: "There, that's Shen Mo's older brother, Shen Linfeng."

Looking closely, the man was indeed handsome, with a smile like the bright moon. Even sitting alone on his horse, he resembled a snow leopard ready to pounce.

Sure enough, the blue team won this round.

Ying Niang, who usually loved to mock others, now had a flushed face and stared intently at Shen Linfeng on the field. Yao Niang thought that Shen Linfeng must be a real heartthrob.

Both teams had won one round each, and the final round would decide the winner.

Even Shen Mo felt confident of victory, looking provocatively at Yan Ningxin. Although Yan Ningxin knew that Shen Mo might become her future sister-in-law, the aggressive moves from her future sister-in-law only fueled her competitive spirit. However, with Shen Linfeng joining the game, her team began to falter.

"Everyone, let's regroup..." Yan Ningxin said to Wu Xian.

Wu Xian hesitated: "Ningxin, why don't we just give up?"

"How can we give up?" She might not excel in reading or writing, but she was top-notch at polo and couldn't afford to lose in this aspect.

At that moment, the Prince Qi's heir approached, smiling: "Cousin, I'll take over."

Yan Ningxin finally breathed a sigh of relief. She knew her cousin's skills were exceptional. Looking at Shen Mo, she understood the heir's intention.

Girls like Shen Mo, who were very proud, needed to be defeated to gain their admiration.

The polo match became intense. Yao Niang could see clearly that the Prince Qi's heir seemed to be supporting Elder Sister, intercepting several balls from Shen Mo, who became furious. Fortunately, Shen Linfeng constantly protected his sister, and the third round ended in a tie.

Ruan Li explained: "The Prince Qi's heir is truly remarkable. Few can match Shen Linfeng in a tie."

"Will they continue?" Yao Niang asked.

Ruan Li shook her head, saying simply: "The Prince Qi's heir is royalty."

Yao Niang thought that Shen Linfeng must be without principles, not daring to win against the Prince Qi's heir.

On the polo field, Shen Linfeng bowed gracefully: "I apologize, Your Highness."

The Prince Qi's heir smiled warmly: "As they say, no harm done!" He then glanced at Shen Mo, noticing her flushed cheeks, and finally relaxed.