Chapter 77

Chapter 77

After Zhang Su departed, Qingyang summoned Fu An. Her gaze swept over her third brother, who was soundly asleep, then settled on a peony. She reached out, cupping an outer layer of its petals, and remarked, "On the way out of the palace, I noticed some friction between the Eldest Princess and the Imperial Son-in-law. Have you heard anything about it?"

Fu An’s eyelid twitched. He had indeed caught wind of rumors, but could he really discuss such matters with a twelve-year-old princess?

A thought quickly formed in his mind. Fu An sighed, looking at the peony in the princess’s hand. “Before the New Year, the Second Prince hosted a banquet. This servant accompanied the Third Prince there. While the masters feasted, a few of us servants were fortunate enough to share a table. During the meal, a page attending the Imperial Son-in-law let slip that the Eldest Princess seemed to have discovered he was keeping an outside mistress…”

Upon hearing this, Qingyang’s anger flared. How audacious of Fu Kui to keep a mistress behind her eldest sister’s back!

Fu An feared the young princess, in her protective loyalty to the Eldest Princess, might report Fu Kui to the Emperor. If this were to inadvertently expose the Eldest Princess’s own male companions, the Emperor might not necessarily punish Fu Kui, and the young princess would only incur the Eldest Princess’s displeasure.

Fu An continued, “Your Highness, please temper your anger. From what this servant knows of the Eldest Princess, she values her reputation immensely. She would rather quarrel with the Imperial Son-in-law herself than ask the Emperor to punish him, fearing the matter would become public scandal in the capital. So, it’s best if Your Highness simply knows the truth privately and pretends ignorance publicly, to spare the Eldest Princess any embarrassment.”

Qingyang knew her eldest sister cherished her reputation, but she was even less inclined to suffer injustice. Her sister was the type to directly petition their father for a divorce from Fu Kui. Could it be that she was reluctant to leave her children without a father, or perhaps she was mindful of her father-in-law, the Marquis of Zhennan, who had distinguished himself in the southern campaigns, and feared her father might not grant her request?

Over the past two years, Qingyang had frequently visited the Capital Prefecture, observing numerous civil cases, many of which stemmed from marital discord. These included husbands being beaten by their fathers-in-law or brothers-in-law for philandering, and wives seeking divorce with their children only to be refused by the husband’s family. Some cases merely escalated into verbal disputes, while others tragically resulted in fatalities.

Qingyang had come to understand the adage, “Even an honest official finds it hard to settle a family quarrel.” Thus, as Fu An suggested, whether to divorce Fu Kui was a decision her eldest sister had to make herself. It was not appropriate for Qingyang to interfere rashly, unless her eldest sister actively sought her advice.

Reflecting on her eldest sister’s reluctance to invite her for a stay, Qingyang realized it was likely a deliberate attempt to conceal the discord between her and her husband.

.

On the second day of the New Year, Qingyang, accustomed to early rising, awoke around 6 a.m., while it was still dark.

Not wanting to disturb her third brother, who was undoubtedly still sleeping in, Qingyang ate breakfast alone before heading to the training ground at his residence.

Her father had recently assigned two martial arts instructors to her third brother, but they had gone home for the holidays, leaving the training ground deserted.

Qingyang instructed the steward to summon her third brother’s thirty-six personal guards and the sixteen Imperial Guards she had brought. From the personal guards, she randomly selected sixteen to spar with Cheng Zhixu and the other Imperial Guards. To her knowledge, both her eldest sister and second brother had also been assigned thirty-six personal guards, chosen from the Four Capital Garrisons—all tall, skilled, and elite soldiers.

After sixteen rounds of sparring, three of the Imperial Guards had lost to her third brother’s personal guards. Even the thirteen wins were not easily achieved in just a few moves, indicating that either her third brother’s personal guards were inherently strong and had not grown complacent since leaving the capital garrisons, or Zhang Su had managed them exceptionally well for her third brother.

Qingyang first offered words of encouragement to her third brother’s personal guards, who had collectively lost. After they departed, she addressed the three defeated Imperial Guards: “The Third Prince’s personal guards are also elites chosen from the capital garrisons. Losing to them is no disgrace. However, from what I observed, you harbored a sense of disdain from the outset. As the saying goes, ‘A proud army is bound to lose.’ You must correct this flaw. In the future, whether sparring with others or fighting enemies on the battlefield, you must give your absolute all.”

The three Imperial Guards, somewhat regaining their composure, breathed a sigh of relief. They humbly promised to remember the princess’s teachings and continue to diligently practice their martial arts.

Qingyang dismissed the others, keeping only Cheng Zhixu.

For every Imperial Guard she selected, Qingyang would meticulously inquire with Fan Zhong about their ancestral origins and family backgrounds. Most were from commoner families, though some were descendants of local military officials. Cheng Zhixu, however, was unique. At just twenty years old, his ancestors were scholars. After his father and brother died in the chaos of war, Cheng Zhixu abandoned his studies for military service, pursuing a path through the martial arts examinations. The year Jia Fangping failed, eighteen-year-old Cheng Zhixu placed third (Tanhua) in the military exams. It was likely that after a few years of training in the Imperial Guard, he would be appointed as a general.

Qingyang had initially been drawn to Cheng Zhixu’s appearance when selecting guards, but after reviewing his resume, she admired his talent even more. Certain tasks were simply better suited for him.

“Over the next few days, subtly investigate whether any of the Third Prince’s personal guards are prone to gossiping and revealing their master’s private affairs.”

If Fu Kui had properly disciplined his page, how would his family matters with her eldest sister have become known to outsiders like Fu An?

There was a clear distinction between those close to her and those not. Qingyang could not dictate to her second brother, eldest sister, or brother-in-law, but she was willing to invest effort in her third brother’s affairs, and he, in turn, was willing to listen to her.

Cheng Zhixu cupped his hands and replied, “Your humble servant accepts the command.”

.

At the Duke of Wei’s residence, around 10 a.m., Zhang Su came to bid his mother farewell.

Duchess Xu looked at her son, dressed in a dark blue fine cloth robe. At eighteen, he stood over eight chi tall, his physique beginning to resemble that of his two older, married brothers. Especially his face, with its increasingly defined features, growing more handsome the colder it appeared. In his youth, he simply charmed young girls, who would look once and wish to look again. Now, there was a fear that a single glance from him would cause a young girl to secretly lose her heart.

Given her sons’ appearances, Duchess Xu had no concern about them failing to find good wives. What required careful consideration was the family background of the prospective brides. Her husband was already a Duke, so it was best that their in-laws not hold high positions—simplicity was key, with emphasis on the family’s character.

This was how she had chosen her eldest and second daughters-in-law, and both couples had enjoyed harmonious marriages. Now it was her third son’s turn…

Thinking of the young princess in the palace, who grew more like a celestial maiden with each passing day, Duchess Xu worried, “Are you going to escort the two Highnesses again?”

Zhang Su silently assented.

With only mother and son in the room, Duchess Xu motioned for her son to come closer and whispered, “It’s the New Year, and the Third Prince has his personal guards. Can’t you just say you have family matters to attend to? Would the Third Prince really make things difficult for you?”

It was fine for her son to be the Third Prince’s study companion, but Duchess Xu feared her son had developed feelings for the young princess. If he repeatedly went out of his way to please her and actually won her favor, leading to an imperial marriage, her son, as an Imperial Son-in-law, might find it difficult to lead troops in the future. If the young princess showed no interest, her son would suffer the pain of unrequited love.

With an ordinary young lady from a good family, Duchess Xu believed her son stood a good chance. But the young princess had been doted on by the Emperor since childhood—what talented young man had she not seen? No matter how handsome her son was, the young princess would have long grown tired of his face. His good looks would grant him no advantage.

Unaware of the actual dynamics between her son and the two Highnesses, Duchess Xu interpreted her son’s unwavering attendance to escort the young princess every rest day since leaving the palace as efforts to approach and please her. What else could it be? The Third Prince was so easygoing—her son could easily refuse with any excuse. If he refused once, the Third Prince wouldn’t bring it up again. As for the young princess, the Emperor always assigned a team of Imperial Guards for her outings—there was never a shortage of escorts.

Zhang Su faintly guessed his mother’s concerns, but rather than explaining and having her misunderstand that the young princess was interested in him, it was better to let her misunderstand him.

He simply replied, “The Third Prince treats me as a close friend. Since I truly have nothing else to do, why should I disappoint his kindness?”

Duchess Xu, well-versed in her husband’s ways of saying one thing and meaning another, played along: “Fine, you have nothing to do today. But tomorrow, the Marquis of Jining’s residence is hosting a banquet. You will accompany us.”

Her husband avoided privately socializing with officials, but when it came to banquets hosted by noble military families with whom they had shared battlefield experiences, the couple would attend when free and reciprocate during the New Year—it was basic courtesy.

Zhang Su: “Alright, I will inform the Third Prince.”

Duchess Xu: “The day after tomorrow, I plan to visit Baiyun Temple to offer incense. Will you escort me?”

Zhang Su glanced at his teasingly smiling mother and still agreed.

Duchess Xu then felt a pang of sympathy for her son. If he truly wanted to approach the young princess, and she were to forcefully prevent him, how miserable would he be?

“Never mind, you should go escort the Third Prince. If I take you to the banquet, there will be a crowd of noblewomen clamoring to matchmake for you…”

“Before I come of age, I have no intention of considering marriage. Please decline on my behalf, Mother.”

Duchess Xu probed: “Is there a girl you like? Do you want to win her heart yourself?”

Zhang Su shook his head, solemnly saying, “Mother, please be cautious with your words. If this gets out, others might suspect every young lady I come into contact with.”

Duchess Xu: “…Go, go! Since when do you lecture me!”

Zhang Su took his leave. Once outside, he mounted his imperial steed and headed toward Shanhe Fang, south of the Imperial City. Arriving at the Third Prince’s residence, he saw the two Highnesses’ carriages already prepared, with sixteen plain-clothed Imperial Guards standing solemnly in groups of four around the carriages.

Though the sixteen Imperial Guards appeared to be of the same rank, they followed an unspoken order in their positioning. Since the young princess would board from the side facing the residence gate, the four Imperial Guards she favored most would stand on that side. Those positioned closer to the front, with more opportunities to serve or speak to the princess, held distinct status.

Zhang Su dismounted about three zhang (about 10 meters) away and approached on foot, leading his horse.

Fu Gui greeted him with a smile: “Third Young Master, you’re here. The two Highnesses will be out shortly. Would you like to wait inside?”

Zhang Su: “No need to trouble yourself to announce me. I can wait here.”

Fu Gui didn’t insist.

Zhang Su naturally glanced at the two Imperial Guards opposite.

Qin Ren regarded Zhang Su as a brother, so the prince’s personal guards also respected Zhang Su. However, Cheng Zhixu and the other sixteen Imperial Guards were the Emperor’s soldiers. They were tasked with protecting the young princess, so these days, even the Third Prince could only expect ceremonial respect from them and couldn’t order them around. As for outsiders, not even the Duke of Wei’s son—if the Duke of Wei himself came, they wouldn’t need to bow.

When Zhang Su’s gaze fell on Cheng Zhixu’s face, Cheng Zhixu also looked over. It was impossible not to notice the only person approaching.

The two young men, both praised or teased for their looks, briefly made eye contact before silently looking away.

Footsteps sounded from inside. Cheng Zhixu and the three Imperial Guards beside him turned simultaneously and bowed as the two Highnesses stepped out of the residence.

Qingyang smilingly told them to rise. Her gaze then fell on Zhang Su, standing aside with his horse, and she glared at him.

She had grown up—it was no longer appropriate for her to call him over to help her into the carriage. Couldn’t he take the initiative?

Then again, if an outsider were so obsequious, it wouldn’t be Zhang Su.