Chapter 43: Chapter 43 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 43: Two Chapters Combined

Gaining Dowager Consort Hua’s permission was effortless. She-niang had a servant deliver the token to Tuan’er and Li Jue. After more than an hour, the beef noodles were indeed brought back.

"You’re quite sharp-eyed, girl. I hadn't even noticed. To be honest, I’m tired of the vegetarian food here," remarked Dowager Consort Hua, who couldn't go a day without meat.

Seeing a portion of beef noodles for herself, she immediately began to eat, finishing even faster than She-niang. Setting down her bowl, she reluctantly sighed, "Back at the princely manor, I can't even get such delicious beef noodles."

She-niang chuckled, "Grandmother, you’re exaggerating."

Dowager Consort Hua waved her hand. "No exaggeration. Frankly, when the old prince was still alive, things were better for us. Now, as you can see, we’re confined to a single courtyard. Going out requires a grand production and is quite difficult."

"It’s all because of my affairs, troubling you, Grandmother," She-niang said, lowering her head.

She knew Dowager Consort Hua had gone to such lengths to allow her more time with the Prince of Xiang’s heir.

Dowager Consort Hua smiled. "I said it was my idea, so naturally, I’ll find a way." Though she keenly sensed their temperaments might not be entirely compatible, she believed all couples needed to adjust to each other. Besides, even the most passionate feelings would eventually fade. Without status or money, life would be even more miserable.

For now, she wanted the people in the princely residence to see She-niang—a peerless beauty with a good family background and excellent talent.

Next would depend on the power dynamics within the Prince of Xiang’s household. The Prince of Xiang had his own ideas, the Princess Consort had hers, and the Dowager Princess had hers. She would have to navigate the interplay among these three parties.

However, man proposes, but heaven disposes. If it truly didn't work out, at least they would have tried.

After the grandmother and granddaughter finished their beef noodles, they returned to a nearby villa in the afternoon. She-niang collapsed into sleep as soon as she lay down. Regardless, she had done the Prince of Qing’s heir a great favor.

A hundred acts of adding icing on the cake might not be remembered, but even one act of providing help in need could leave a lasting impression and forge a good connection.

She didn't consider being a study companion to Princess Jiangdu a true act of goodwill, because the Prince of Qing’s household might simply view it as her honor.

Moreover, upon returning from Zhenwu Mountain, it was Dowager Consort Hua's birthday. Yu Shi brought She-niang and her siblings to kowtow to the elderly lady and presented the needlework they had completed over the past few days.

Furthermore, Lady Qin and Lady Xu also brought their children. Although related, the two sides were not very familiar. The others were noble families with titles, while their family was merely ordinary officials—the disparity was quite noticeable.

However, this couldn't be blamed on others. Their manners were impeccable. The two aunts each gave her a bolt of satin and a pair of jade pendants, which was more than sufficient.

So, after Dowager Consort Hua's birthday passed, She-niang and Yu Shi planned to return home.

But she remembered that the Prince of Qing’s heir had said he would return with them. She wondered if his affairs had gone smoothly. Otherwise, they might as well go back first. They couldn't stay at the Prince of Xiang’s residence indefinitely.

As the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt.

Just as she was lost in thought, she heard an announcement from outside: the Prince of Qing’s heir was preparing to return to Hangzhou and invited Yu Shi and She-niang to leave together the next morning. She-niang remained calm, but Yu Shi looked delighted: "Last time I heard he had left first, and I was wondering how we mother and daughter would manage. I didn't expect he was preparing a boat. This is perfect!"

Dowager Consort Hua, who was nearby, looked thoughtful. How could she have forgotten about the Prince of Qing’s heir? She-niang was a study companion to the princess in the Prince of Qing’s household, so she was naturally more familiar with them. The Prince of Qing’s heir was also unmarried. This time, they had come together, and now, even though he had already departed, he had turned back to pick up the mother and daughter.

She truly was an old sparrow from Dongting Lake for nothing (meaning, an experienced person who missed something obvious).

With such a gem right in front, who would want rubble?

She-niang said to Dowager Consort Hua, "Grandmother, the Prince of Qing’s heir is going the same way as us, so we can go together."

"Very well. You’ve had a tiring journey these past few days. Rest well so you can travel early tomorrow morning," Dowager Consort Hua said with a smile.

Yu Shi took She-niang and her siblings back to pack their luggage. After the mother and children left, Dowager Consort Hua hurried to find out where the Prince of Qing’s heir was so she could see him.

Thanks to She-niang’s help, Li Jue had managed to leave and notify the nearby commandant, who led men to capture several remnants of the White Lotus Sect and rescue the two missing Imperial Guards. This time, he had accomplished a great merit and naturally had to fulfill his promise.

After finishing his tasks, Li Jue finally informed the Prince of Xiang’s household. As he finished his meal and prepared to return to his guest room, he was indeed spotted by Dowager Consort Hua.

The young man was wearing a dark blue Hangzhou silk robe with subtle floral patterns, over which he wore a stone-blue riding coat. A purple-gold crown bound his hair, a rhinoceros horn and jade belt encircled his waist, and black boots adorned his feet—truly a handsome young man, like a precious sword in a jeweled scabbard.

She-niang knew nothing of this. She and Yu Shi were returning from the garden, where they kept cranes and fierce dogs. It was said the Prince of Xiang’s residence even had a dedicated eagle house.

Upon hearing that She-niang was leaving, Li Jue, thinking that girls liked soft things, specially had someone send a small lap dog.

The person who delivered it was his head maid, named Hongxiao, who was quite attractive. She said, "Miss Pei, this dog was specially sought out by our Prince’s heir. He put a lot of effort into it."

"Please thank your Prince’s heir for me, but I’m allergic to dogs. I start sneezing as soon as I touch them," She-niang said, then sneezed several times violently. In her previous life, she had been bitten by a dog and was very afraid of them, so she never kept dogs. It took her a long time to even start riding horses.

Hongxiao was somewhat embarrassed. "Miss Pei, this..."

"Besides, with such a tiring journey back, I’m afraid I won’t be able to take good care of it," She-niang said, spreading her hands.

Thus, Hongxiao took the dog back. Li Jue frowned upon hearing this. "Doesn't like dogs? How can anyone not like such a cute dog?"

He was truly puzzled. Hongxiao shook her head. "This servant doesn't know."

Naturally, Li Jue wasn't short of women around him. Currently, he was in a mourning period and couldn't marry. Hongxiao and Lüyao beside him were both bedmates. Although he was somewhat disappointed, wondering if the girl was unwilling to accept his good intentions, he soon returned to his room and bedded Hongxiao.

Afterward, Hongxiao conscientiously drank a large bowl of contraceptive concoction. This concoction wasn't bitter at all; it even had a sweet taste.

They had plenty of time. They would have to wait until his future wife entered the household and had children before they could have any.

Otherwise, if they acted recklessly and took chances, both the child and the person might not be safe.

The next day, the Princess of Xiang, the wife of the Duke of Fuguo, and the wife of the Fengguo General each sent parting gifts. Since Yu Shi was returning with Li Jue this time, she felt quite at ease, and her smile grew noticeably.

Dowager Consort Hua, always free-spirited, knew that this parting might be forever, so she simply didn't come out, only sending two sets of valuable hair ornaments to She-niang as gifts.

She-niang knelt and kowtowed several times toward Dowager Consort Hua's courtyard before leaving.

Outside the princely residence, Li Jue was on horseback. They saw each other but, due to the crowd, could only nod slightly in greeting.

They had brought many gifts when they came and were taking just as many back.

Once on the boat, both Yu Shi and She-niang were homesick. Yu Shi muttered, "I wonder how your father is? You know his chronic condition—if he doesn't eat on time, he easily faints. I'm really worried."

"This journey has been quite smooth. Your brother didn't get sick, and we even attended Grandmother's birthday. It's been quite good," She-niang said with a smile.

Yu Shi nodded. "You always see the good in things. That's very good."

She-niang thought that after returning, her brother's marriage would likely be arranged. After all, her brother was already eighteen this year, and she would soon have her coming-of-age ceremony.

However, shortly after leaving the Han River, they encountered stormy weather, delaying their voyage.

At first, it was only a three-day delay, but after five days, there was still no movement. Li Jue personally came to explain: "The wind and rain are too strong. We should wait until it's safe to proceed. I've already had someone send a skiff to bring supplies. Don't worry."

Yu Shi glanced at She-niang beside her. "We originally planned to return early to prepare for our Fifth Miss's coming-of-age party, but it seems it won't happen after all. Well, arriving safely is enough."

So she was about to come of age. Li Jue thought to himself that she was five months older than him.

He said, "I'll arrange things as quickly as possible. Please rest assured."

Yu Shi stood up and curtsied. "This journey has truly troubled you, Prince's heir."

"Please, don't stand on ceremony. Traveling together, we should all look out for each other," Li Jue said with a smile.

When he was about to leave, Li Jue had Fu Rong pass a message to She-niang, asking if there was any gift she wanted. She-niang shook her head: "I don't want anything. I just want to go home quickly."

Seeing that She-niang made no request, Li Jue took the opportunity to deliver some items and spoke with her in the anteroom: "Just mention something you like, and I’ll see if I can prepare it for you?"

"Really, there’s no need to trouble yourself. I’m not being coy; it’s just that I’m about to turn a year older, and I don’t really feel like celebrating. My grandmother has already sent me two sets of very expensive jewelry—one set includes a hairpiece and accessories totaling twenty or thirty pieces, and the other is made of rubies. That’s more than enough. Even if we held a coming-of-age ceremony, it would just involve inserting a hairpin."

Hearing this, Li Jue nodded: "Alright, I understand."

She-niang wasn’t sure what he understood, but fortunately, after two or three days, the ship was finally able to set sail. They traveled from the Yangtze River into the Yellow River and soon arrived in Nanjing. Li Jue still had to report back with two Jinyiwei battalion commanders, so he specifically arranged for Yu Shi and She-niang to stay at the Prince of Qing’s subsidiary residence. He said: "Once I arrive, those people will surely keep me tied up. You and your mother should stay here for now, rest and recuperate, and we’ll leave later."

It seemed like he was explaining his whereabouts to her. She-niang lowered her head slightly, then looked up at him. Li Jue appeared as he always did.

Although the Prince of Qing’s subsidiary residence was not as grand as the estate in Hangzhou, it was still magnificent, and the servants there were very attentive.

Both Fu Rong and Coral were house-born servants. Fu Rong’s aunt was in Nanjing overseeing the property, so She-niang did not stop her and even said: "Go ahead. I’ll be well taken care of here."

The cuisine in Nanjing had a different flavor compared to Hangzhou—salted duck, soup dumplings, garlic and vinegar blood curd soup, crystal lamb dumplings, and shredded goose vermicelli soup, among others.

The salted duck was particularly excellent. They had tried it in Hangzhou, but Nanjing’s version was clearly more delicious.

"Mother, look at little brother," She-niang said, noticing that even young Pang Geer was eating with great relish.

Yu Shi, seeing her son enjoying the food, remarked: "We northerners have had our fill of boat rides following your father. Next time, I’d rather take a carriage than board a ship again."

"Riding in a carriage too long can make one feel worn out too. You and little brother are fine, but I still have to go to the Prince of Qing’s estate. I really want to tell the Prince of Qing’s heir that I don’t want to be a study companion anymore," She-niang said, also wishing she could go home and rest for a few days.

Yu Shi laughed: "I don’t think the Prince’s heir has the final say in this matter. But speaking of which, the commandery princess is almost of marriageable age, so you probably won’t be doing it for much longer."

"True. Now that Yang Mo is gone, I’m the only one left. Without any scheming, I can manage well enough at the Prince of Qing’s estate," She-niang thought clearly. She had come of age, and once her brother’s marriage was settled, hers would likely be next on the agenda.

She wouldn’t be staying at that estate much longer.

As for the Prince of Xiang’s heir, their estate was still in mourning, so the matter probably wouldn’t be settled, but by then, she would likely already be engaged.

Thinking this, her mood lifted considerably.

Given that she had helped the Prince of Qing’s heir and saved the commandery princess, the Prince of Qing’s estate might even add to her dowry. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Li Jue was unaware of She-niang’s thoughts. After submitting his report at the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing and meeting with some acquaintances, he returned late at night and suddenly remembered that She-niang’s coming-of-age ceremony had been delayed during the journey. He wondered if he should send her some hairpins or jewelry.

But sending such gifts directly might lead to misunderstandings.

A private gifting would imply an inappropriate relationship between them. It would be better to ask his mother for help later, so it would be done properly.

That was his thought, but Fu Rong had a different idea. In her view, the Miss Pei she served was talented and beautiful, with a good family background. If Miss Pei were to become the Prince’s heir’s wife, she would naturally rise along with her.

Although the two had met privately, it was always for important matters, and they never exchanged a single private word.

So, when she came out from her aunt’s place and saw Li Jue, she seemed hesitant to speak. Li Jue thought She-niang might have sent her with a message and invited her in.

"Did Miss Pei send you?" Li Jue asked.

Fu Rong shook her head: "Even if Miss Pei had something to say, she would never send me to find you, Young Master. This is my own idea. Originally, I was a servant of the estate, but the princess specifically assigned me to serve her. She treats me very well. It’s just that I heard her family wants to marry her off to the Marquis of Xinan’s heir as a successor wife. She is unwilling but has been looking very worried."

Li Jue thought for a moment: "Isn’t the Marquis of Xinan’s heir in the capital? Why would he seek her as a successor wife?"

"You may not know this, but the Marquis of Xinan’s heir’s first wife was Miss Pei’s cousin. After she passed away, she left behind a son and a daughter. They’re afraid an outsider might mistreat the children, so they want our young lady," Fu Rong said, having heard this from Lan Ruo and bringing it up now.

Li Jue raised an eyebrow: "What does Miss Pei think?"

Fu Rong said: "Our young lady is naturally unwilling."

She didn’t say more. Li Jue wondered if Miss Pei had asked her to relay this message, but it didn’t seem like it. She-niang had always been very decisive, and her mother, Yu Shi, listened to her. She was probably very assertive at home as well.

So, Li Jue looked at Fu Rong and said: "This is your idea, but you’re worrying unnecessarily. I’m sure your young lady already has a plan."

Fu Rong was taken aback by Li Jue’s response, which was not what she had expected. She didn’t press further and quietly returned. She didn’t mention any of this to She-niang, as She-niang disliked it when those around her acted on their own.

But she hadn’t expected the Prince’s heir to understand her young lady so well.

Meanwhile, Pang Geer had eaten too much rich food the previous day and developed diarrhea the next day. Yu Shi anxiously asked the estate’s steward to help find a doctor, while Li Jue used his own connections to summon a royal physician.

"Madam, don’t worry. I’ve already sent for a renowned children's doctor."

Yu Shi was not ungrateful and quickly said: "Young Master, with your status, we are already in your debt. We’ve troubled you throughout the journey, and now we’re bothering you again."

Li Jue had a good impression of Yu Shi—a gentle woman with a clear mind and honest nature. He modestly brushed off her thanks.

Fortunately, the royal physician arrived, examined Pang Geer, and said it was nothing serious. He prescribed two doses of medicine to stop the diarrhea and advised careful care.

Yu Shi and She-niang both breathed a sigh of relief. Traveling required constant vigilance. She-niang had a strong stomach; even after eating large amounts of rich food, she only felt thirsty and had a bowl of iced beverage, finishing two cups without any issue.

She wondered why Pang Geer, though young, who usually had a strong stomach, had reacted this way.

With Yu Shi taking charge in the room, She-niang stepped out for some fresh air once things settled down. Unexpectedly, she ran into Li Jue and quickly went up to thank him: "We are so grateful for your help with my younger brother’s illness."

Li Jue blinked: "Why so formal? It’s only natural. By the way, I haven’t wished you a happy birthday yet. Today is the birthday girl’s special day."

She-niang laughed: "Thank you, thank you. Actually, spending my birthday in an ancient capital like Nanjing and tasting the local delicacies has made this year quite memorable."

"You really have a resilient and optimistic nature," Li Jue said sincerely.

He had seen many women who became spoiled or resentful at the slightest inconvenience, merely enduring silently. But She-niang was different—she genuinely bounced back quickly and could find joy even in hardship.

She-niang smiled without replying.

Li Jue continued: "How did you find your stay at the Prince of Xiang’s estate? I never had the chance to ask."

She-niang looked at him and said: "I was just a guest there. How could it not be good? Besides, I was very happy to reunite with my grandmother."

"Really? What did you think of the Prince of Xiang’s heir? Given the connection between your families, he must have formed a good impression of you during your visit," Li Jue said, thinking he might as well help her.

His question was quite bold, but if She-niang could become the Prince of Xiang’s heir’s wife, it would be better than being a successor wife to the Marquis of Xinan’s heir.

His words made She-niang look up at him. So even Li Jue had noticed Dowager Consort Hua’s intentions. She smiled and shook her head: "I went there for my grandmother’s sake. But what does status matter? Should every woman seek advancement through marriage just because of a man's high status?"

"That’s not what I meant—" Li Jue felt he had misspoken.

Seeing his discomfort, She-niang said: "The elders have their plans, but as long as there’s a breath of possibility for change, I will strive to change things."

"Change? How? By becoming the Marquis of Xinan’s heir’s successor wife?" Li Jue blurted out, somehow thinking of himself. He too was trying to change, but when it came to marriage, he still felt passive.

She-niang narrowed her eyes. How did he know about this? Then she remembered there were people from the Prince of Qing’s estate around her and understood. But she had to make things clear: "My father has already refused this matter. Young Master, I know you mean well, but please don’t interfere in my affairs. I have my own plans."

With that, she bowed slightly and turned to leave.

But Li Jue stepped forward and urgently grabbed her sleeve. "What do you mean? If you tell me, I’ll understand and can help."

That's just the kind of person he is—if there's any misunderstanding or confusion, he has to ask and get it clear.

She-niang turned to look at him, thinking he seemed much more upbeat now. "Why are you so eager to help me? Is it just because I helped you?"

Li Jue readily agreed: "That's right."

"Such a small matter doesn’t need your help right now. Besides, my affairs are decided by my parents. They treat me well and won’t harm me. If I ever need help, I’ll definitely come to you, alright?" Seeing his sincere attitude, She-niang thought he was still just a young man and spoke to him in this manner.

After she left, Li Jue thought a lot about it. At first, he disliked She-niang, but as he got to know her, he discovered that she wasn’t impressed by wealth, dared to fight back, stood up for what’s right, and had many other admirable qualities.

In fact, the Prince of Xiang’s heir had complained to him that She-niang didn’t accept his European hound and wasn’t very receptive to his kindness, possibly having no interest in him. Li Jue suddenly recalled the rumor from his past life about her being a substitute, but given how cold she was even to Li Jue, it was clear she wasn’t that kind of person. Perhaps she was the one who was pushed into it.

Otherwise, if she could easily become a marquis’s wife, why would she need to be a substitute? Back then, who knew the Prince of Jin would ascend the throne?

There are no secrets that can be hidden in the household. Several servants saw the two of them talking. Although they didn’t know what was said, the heir’s expression clearly showed genuine concern—it wasn’t an act.

Some people were already thinking of going to the Princess of Qing to spread rumors.

Yu Shi was no fool either. Seeing how concerned Li Jue was about them and how he often found opportunities to exchange a few words with She-niang, she roughly understood. So after Pang Geer recovered, she said to her daughter, "It seems to me that the Prince of Qing’s heir is quite concerned about you."

"He is a simple and straightforward person, saying whatever is on his mind." She-niang, who often held back her true thoughts and didn’t always speak her mind, envied people like Li Jue.

Yu Shi smiled and said, "You usually overthink things—even I, as your mother, may not always know what you’re thinking. Finding someone so direct might not be a bad thing."

She-niang chided, "Mother, what are you saying? I would never become a concubine."

"So if it were the principal wife, you would?" Yu Shi seized on her daughter’s loophole.

She-niang replied, "Mother, although your daughter has had her coming-of-age ceremony, you can’t just pair me up with every outstanding young man you meet."

Yu Shi sighed: "Along the way, I’ve subtly questioned Coral. The heir has no entanglements, is both cultured and skilled in martial arts, and though his personality is outspoken and principled, he handles matters reliably. Opportunities like this don’t come often. Besides, not all scholars are reasonable—knowledge doesn’t equate to character. You should still consider it."

She-niang thought to herself that, aside from everything else, Li Jue had mentioned during the journey that he wasn’t fond of having dogs as pets, which was something they had in common.