Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Ye Shuang lowered her eyes. "Let's go, let's go chat with Princess Junxian."

With that, she pulled Song Yun back to their seats.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Princess," Ye Shuang said, bowing slightly to Junxian in apology.

Junxian didn’t mind. "It’s no matter at all. Sister Ye Shuang, Sister Song Yun, please sit."

Ye Shuang adjusted her dress and sat down, while Song Yun took a seat to her left. Because Junxian was present, they couldn’t continue their previous conversation, so they simply exchanged a few harmless pleasantries with the princess. As they chatted, Ye Shuang could sense that despite her youth, the princess was very well-bred and didn't act entitled.

Moreover, both the princess and Her Virtuous Consort had soft-spoken natures—no wonder they found Liu Yiyi such a handful. Ye Shuang had once struggled to deal with her too, though perhaps not anymore. She felt somewhat conflicted about whether she should agree to take the teaching post, even though she had no desire to interact much with Liu Yiyi.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Song Yun jerked her chin. Ye Shuang followed her gaze and saw that Liu Yiyi had unexpectedly appeared in the garden.

"Wasn’t she not coming?" Song Yun picked a nut from a lacquer box and began cracking it open.

Ye Shuang looked away and took a sip of tea. "Pay her no mind."

Princess Junxian couldn't sit still and stood up. "I... I think I’ll go find my mother!"

It was clear she wanted to avoid Liu Yiyi.

Ye Shuang and Song Yun rose and bowed to see the princess off.

"Oh no, she’s coming over. She’s not going to test me on my lessons, is she?" The princess turned and left without hesitation.

After entering the garden, Liu Yiyi scanned the area and spotted Xiao Lin in the southeast corner. She had intended to approach him but, noticing Ye Shuang was also there, made a beeline for the pavilion where Ye Shuang was seated.

"You actually have the nerve to show your face?" Liu Yiyi looked down at Ye Shuang.

Her voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it was sharp and rising in tone, drawing sidelong glances from a few nearby guests.

Ye Shuang looked up and noticed that Liu Yiyi’s eyes were red and swollen, as if she had been crying. Though she had tried to cover it with makeup, her tired look was still visible. Ye Shuang couldn’t help but stare for a moment.

"What are you looking at?" Liu Yiyi turned her head away, avoiding Ye Shuang’s gaze, and touched her eyes.

Though puzzled, Ye Shuang pretended not to notice and let out a light laugh. "That's an odd thing to ask, sister. Why wouldn’t I dare to come back? Unless you’re implying that Lin’an City is now under your control, and I need your permission to return?"

Liu Yiyi flushed with anger. "You... how dare you spout nonsense! Weren’t you already gone? Why are you back today, and at the Spring Banquet no less? Could it be that you still have feelings for Brother Lin?"

Song Yun, enraged, slammed the nut in her hand down. It hit the stone table and bounced onto Liu Yiyi’s skirt. Liu Yiyi stepped back half a step, dusting off her skirt while glaring at Song Yun. "Song Yun, what are you doing?"

"This nut is really hard to shell. I accidentally let it slip—I didn’t mean for that to happen. If it stained your dress, I’ll have it cleaned or replaced for you later."

With the Empress and Her Virtuous Consort present, along with so many noble houses, Liu Yiyi didn’t want to make a scene over such a small matter. She brushed her skirt a few times. "Forget it, forget it."

Hearing Liu Yiyi’s earlier remark, Ye Shuang wasn’t angered but instead asked, "Miss Liu, from what you just said, does that mean you are now the new Marchioness of Yongding?"

Liu Yiyi’s expression turned sour, and she was left speechless.

"If not, then it’s hardly appropriate for an unmarried young lady like Miss Liu to meddle in the affairs of an outside man," Ye Shuang said, raising her eyelids to glance at Liu Yiyi with a mocking smile. "Unless the two of you have already gotten involved privately behind the scenes?"

Liu Yiyi’s chest heaved with rage. "You! Don’t think that just because you’re back, Brother Lin will take you back! If you know what’s good for you, stay away from him. My matters with him are none of your business!"

Ye Shuang replied immediately, "Likewise, I’ll say the same to you. Whether in the past or now, my affairs are none of Sister Liu’s business either."

Liu Yiyi swung her sleeve and turned to leave.

Ye Shuang raised her voice. "Let me give you some advice for Sister Liu: instead of always focusing on others, perhaps you should spend more time thinking about yourself."

Liu Yiyi paused, then turned back. "Don’t act so wise and lecture me like you’ve been through it all. I’m perfectly fine!"

Ye Shuang took a sip of tea and said nothing more.

Suddenly, Liu Yiyi’s aggressive demeanor shifted. Her tone turned pitiful. "Sister Ye Shuang, are you still blaming me?"

Song Yun was taken aback by this sudden change, but Ye Shuang, accustomed to it, smiled faintly, already guessing who had arrived.

Sure enough, Xiao Lin entered the pavilion the next moment.

Not one to waste an opportunity to perform, Liu Yiyi grabbed Xiao Lin’s sleeve, on the verge of tears as she spoke incoherently. "Brother Lin, you’re here! Please explain my side to Sister Ye Shuang for me. I never meant any harm that day. During the palace banquet, I was so scared—you know how afraid of blood I am, and how timid. I fainted from fright and had no idea what happened afterward. I never expected Sister Ye Shuang to write a divorce letter and leave overnight. I’ve always felt guilty about it. Seeing Sister Ye Shuang at the Spring Banquet today, I came to apologize, but she must have misunderstood me and wouldn’t listen to my explanation."

Xiao Lin’s face turned ashen, then flushed. He only wanted Liu Yiyi to finish quickly. "Enough, let’s not talk about the past anymore."

Song Yun whispered in Ye Shuang’s ear, "Who did Liu Yiyi learn this act from?"

Ye Shuang smiled without answering, sipping her tea. She had seen this behavior many times before. It had always felt familiar, and now she realized it was exactly like how Xu Shi used to act. No wonder every time Liu Yiyi behaved this way in front of Xiao Lin, it felt like she'd seen it before.

She thought sarcastically that Xiao Lin would probably defend Liu Yiyi next. Three years had passed, yet it was still the same old tricks. She was tired of it.

But this time, Xiao Lin didn’t side with Liu Yiyi.

Seeing that Liu Yiyi showed no sign of stopping, Xiao Lin scowled deeply and said sternly, "Enough. The Empress and Her Virtuous Consort are still here. Don’t make a scene."

Hearing the reproach in his tone, Liu Yiyi stared at Xiao Lin in shock, forgetting even to act pitiful. In truth, she had hardly seen hide nor hair of Xiao Lin over the past two years. Learning that he would attend the Spring Banquet, she had been determined to come despite everything. Thinking of what had happened earlier, her eyes darkened.

Seeing the silence, Song Yun seized the chance to advise Liu Yiyi. "I think Sister Liu simply hasn’t met enough people, which is why she’s still hung up on the past. There are many guests here today, and most of the marriageable bachelors from noble families are present. Why not circulate and chat a bit? You might even find someone you like!"

Xiao Lin listened without comment.

Liu Yiyi looked at him in disbelief. "Brother Lin, is that what you think too?"

Xiao Lin did not deny it.

Liu Yiyi’s eyes widened in shock, her expression gradually shifting to disappointment. Holding back tears, she nodded repeatedly, saying "Fine," and turned to leave before her tears could fall.

Witnessing this, Ye Shuang was surprised but also felt a pang of sympathy. She had thought she would feel a sense of schadenfreude seeing Liu Yiyi like this, but instead, she felt no joy—only disgust.

After Liu Yiyi left, Xiao Lin showed no intention of leaving. Ye Shuang stood up, preparing to leave with Song Yun, but Xiao Lin stopped her. "Shuang’er, wait! I have something to say to you!"

Xiao Lin then asked Song Yun if he could speak with Ye Shuang alone.

Song Yun gave Ye Shuang a questioning look.

Seeing that Xiao Lin wouldn’t give up until he had his say, Ye Shuang reluctantly told Song Yun, "You go ahead. We’re still in the garden—it's perfectly safe."

Song Yun thought it over and agreed, then left.

As soon as Xiao Lin sat down, a servant came to bring fresh tea.

Xiao Lin poured tea for Ye Shuang and gestured for her to sit.

Ye Shuang remained standing. "No need. I’ve been sitting for too long—it’s good to move around a bit. We can talk standing."

"Surely you’ve gotten over it by now, haven’t you?"

For a moment, Ye Shuang doubted her hearing: "Are you saying you were just defending me? You don’t actually think that would make me happy, do you, Xiao Lin? You’re still as presumptuous as ever."

Xiao Lin frowned at Ye Shuang: "Aren’t you angry with me precisely because I always supported Liu Yiyi before?"

"Maybe I was, but that’s all in the past now. Whatever happens between you two has nothing to do with me anymore."

Ye Shuang had no patience to waste more words on Xiao Lin and turned to leave.

"Then why did you come back this time?"

Ye Shuang paused mid-step and turned back: "My affairs are none of your concern, Marquis. You’d better focus on how to comfort your sweetheart!"

Without another word, Ye Shuang quickened her pace and left.

-

The midday banquet was held in the garden, with men and women seated separately. The Empress, the Virtuous Consort, and Princess Junxian were seated at a separate table.

Before the banquet began, the Empress briefly addressed the guests, mentioning that during the intermission, palace attendants would present flower stationery. Guests could write poems on them to express their feelings and give them to someone they fancy. She also announced that she would leave a little later, and the others were free to stroll in the garden or depart as they wished.

Ye Shuang received two pieces of flower stationery, while Liu Yiyi didn't get any. Her engagement with Xiao Lin was the talk of the town, and now no one dared to show interest in her.

Watching others exchange flower stationery with affection and tenderness, Liu Yiyi felt a bitter feeling and couldn’t help but recall what had happened that morning.

Liu Wenxuan had thrown a fit upon learning she intended to attend the Spring Banquet, questioning why Xiao Lin had still not sent the engagement papers and bringing up the past again as he had countless times before.

Back in the day, Liu Wenxuan had sensed the Prince of Pingyang’s potential to become Emperor and allowed Liu Yiyi to accompany her brother to the Pingyang Prince’s residence, hoping she would get closer to Prince Jing. But neither was interested, and before long, Prince Jing married Princess Jing. Left with no other options, Liu Wenxuan had given up pressuring Liu Yiyi over the years.

Yet now, her engagement with Xiao Lin was up in the air, and others feared Xiao Lin’s influence. Over the years, no suitors had come to the Liu residence. Watching Liu Yiyi let her youth slip away year after year, how could he not grow anxious?

"I never should have let you follow around with your brother all the time when you were young. Originally, I thought the Emperor might succeed to the throne and wanted you to develop a relationship with Prince Jing. But instead, you fell in love with someone else. Even if an adopted son is capable, can the empire ever fall into his hands when there’s a biological son?"

Liu Yiyi responded emotionally: "You’re always dreaming of becoming the emperor's father-in-law. You’ve never truly cared about my feelings or whom I love. It’s my fault for spoiled you—now you go on about love all the time. Is affection alone enough for marriage? Marrying someone powerful and influential to bring blessings to the whole family in the future is what’s best. If nothing works out, I might as well ask the Emperor to take you into the palace as a consort."

Liu Yiyi was shocked: "Become a palace consort? Father, are you trying to force your daughter to die? The Emperor is almost fifty now."

"Enough! You’re nineteen this year. If you delay any longer, it’ll be too late to enter the palace. At the latest, by the end of this year, if you still aren’t married, I will ask the Emperor to take you into the palace as an honored consort."

Seeing that Liu Wenxuan was serious, Liu Yiyi didn’t dare be willful anymore. In a humble tone, she pleaded, "Father, your daughter knows she was wrong. I don’t want to enter the palace."

Liu Wenxuan frowned slightly at her plea but did not relent. Pushing her away, he said, "You have nearly ten months left. You must decide by this winter at the latest. Make your choice quickly—whether to marry a son of a noble family or enter the palace. The decision is yours."

With that, he turned and walked away, ignoring Liu Yiyi’s desperate calls behind him.

Liu Yiyi came back to the present, feeling utterly hopeless. She never imagined her father, who had always doted on her, would treat her like this. She blamed Ye Shuang for everything—if Ye Shuang hadn’t always gotten in between her and Xiao Lin, she would have married him long ago.

Secretly, Liu Yiyi resolved to marry Xiao Lin as soon as possible. If necessary, she wouldn’t hesitate to use some tricks. If Ye Shuang dared to stand in her way, she would not go easy on her.

-

After the banquet, Ye Shuang said goodbye to Song Yun and left with the Empress.

Ye Shuang helped the Empress into her carriage.

The Empress was surprised and couldn’t help asking along the way, "Why not stay a little longer?"

Ye Shuang smiled: "Does Your Majesty not enjoy my company?"

"Having you with me is naturally wonderful, but it’s rare for you to come out today. Isn’t it a pity to leave so early?"

Ye Shuang hesitated, unsure how to respond.

"Could it be because of certain people?"

Ye Shuang forced a smile. "In front of Your Majesty, I won’t make excuses. That is indeed part of the reason. I thought I was fully prepared, but seeing him again still stirs my emotions. It seems I’m still not good at handling such situations."

"I understand. It takes time." The Empress comfortingly patted Ye Shuang’s hand, and Ye Shuang smiled gratefully.

The Empress then asked where she was living now and if she would like to stay in the Kunning Palace.

"How could I trouble Your Majesty? I’m currently staying at a bookstore in Lin’an City. They provide room and board, and I can read folk tales—it’s quite nice."

The Empress nodded slightly: "I’ve heard about it. A new bookstore has opened in Lin’an recently, different from the usual teahouses and wine houses. Not only can you borrow books, but you can also stay there. I heard they’ve even hired professional storytellers. It’s a pity I cannot visit."

"If Your Majesty is interested, next time I enter the palace, I’ll bring you some popular folk tales."

"Unfortunately, just reading folk tales can be a bit dull, and I’ve grown tired of those opera librettos."

Ye Shuang thought for a moment: "If Your Majesty doesn’t mind, next time I come to the palace, I can read the folk tales to you."

The Empress was delighted: "By the way, what are your thoughts on the tutor position?"

Ye Shuang bowed slightly: "I am very grateful for the trust of Your Majesty and the Virtuous Consort, as well as for the princess’s favor. However, I do not wish to take on the teaching role for now."

"It seems you’ve lived quite freely these past three years. I truly envy you. The palace has everything, but I rarely get to go out and see the world."

Ye Shuang hurried to comfort her: "Your Majesty, please don’t be upset. You are the mother of the nation, esteemed and noble. No one is as fortunate as you!"

"Alright, I understand. I overthink and am not content enough. You are very much like your mother. She once said something similar."

Hearing this, Ye Shuang immediately realized her mistake: "I have spoken out of turn. I should not have spoken out of line about Your Majesty."

The Empress didn’t mind: "It’s fine. What you said is true."

This was the first time Ye Shuang heard the Empress mention her mother. She couldn’t help asking: "You knew my mother?"

"Yes. Your mother’s only regret in life was never having lived freely. I hope you can make that happen for her."

Hearing this for the first time, Ye Shuang felt both new and strange, with a hint of worry: "I hope I have not disappointed her."

"You’ve done very well. She would be proud to see you like this."

"Could you tell me what kind of person my mother was?"

Then, Ye Shuang learned about her mother’s past from the Empress.

"I remember meeting her at her home in Yuzhou. She was in love with someone, but your grandfather approved of your father and arranged the marriage for her. Your mother had no choice but to marry your father. They had a few peaceful years, but later, the man your mother once loved died in battle. When she learned of it, she was heartbroken and exhausted, eventually dying of a broken heart."

Ye Shuang had heard about this before. She always knew her mother didn’t love Ye Hongyuan. Later, Ye Hongyuan, believing her mother had abandoned him after her death, grew distant from Ye Shuang. After Xu Shi entered the household, Ye Shuang had even less of a place in the Ye residence. At that time, Xiao Lin was also on bad terms with his family, and the two often ran off to play together. After school, Ye Shuang even brought Xiao Lin to the Ye residence, until Marquis Xiao dragged him away by the ear.

Her thoughts wandered, somehow drifting back to those days. Ye Shuang quickly shook her head, stopping herself from dwelling further.

After escorting the Empress back to the palace, Ye Shuang returned to the bookstore to rest. Unexpectedly, Xiao Lin had already found out where she lived and was waiting at the entrance. As soon as he saw Ye Shuang, he pulled her toward the Marquis’s residence without explanation.

Ye Shuang laughed bitterly: "Has the Marquis forgotten that we are divorced? I haven’t even returned to the Duke’s residence—why would I go back to the Marquis’s residence?"

"I know you’re still angry with me. Since you also practice archery, you should know my shot couldn’t have hurt you. And you should understand—in that moment, I had to make a quick decision. The longer it dragged on, the worse it would get. What if his grip slipped and the knife injured you?"

Ye Shuang was taken aback, then laughed: "The Marquis speaks sweet words, but you still don’t understand—this isn’t about whether your archery is accurate or not."

Xiao Lin still seemed not to comprehend.

Ye Shuang sighed, and with forced patience, added a few more words: "You've seen how accurate my archery is, but would you be willing to stand there as my target? There's no point in saying more, Marquis, please leave!"

Xiao Lin persisted: "Shuang'er, it was my fault back then—I was too preoccupied to give you proper attention. I specially hired a chef from Yuzhou to make many of your favorite dishes, and I’ve also learned to cook many of them myself. If you like, come back to the residence with me, and I’ll make them for you one by one."

"Xiao Lin, back then, you had no choice but to marry me out of necessity. Now that everything has gone your way and your power is secure, there’s no need to put on this act with me. If you’re worried that my presence might invite gossip about you, rest assured—I’ll say it was my own decision and won’t tarnish your reputation, Marquis."

Xiao Lin didn’t listen to a single word, only asking: "Have you truly decided not to return?"

"Indeed."

Xiao Lin nodded: "Since you insist on staying here, I’ll stay here with you." With that, he lifted the hem of his robe and walked into the bookshop.

Ye Shuang: "What...?"