Chapter 15: Brother Yang

Chapter 15: Cousin Yang

But those who bet on Wen Yuzhu argued that the Wen family, having been favored by Empress Wen's grace, were in the emperor's good graces.

Moreover, Wen Yuzhu, having lost her mother early in life, was raised in the palace by her father, Duke Wen, from a young age and only returned home at thirteen.

In the eyes of the world, Wen Yuzhu and the Crown Prince were not only cousins but also had a much closer relationship than ordinary young ladies.

Whether for public or private reasons, marrying into one's maternal family was all gain and no loss.

Who wouldn't be in favor of such a match that brings families even closer?

Before long, the buzz around Lady Wen the Fifth grew louder and louder.

But in the end, who would become the Crown Princess was something Liu Yun couldn't care less about; what she had to worry about was her own situation.

Seeing Wen Yuzhu arrive, Liu Yun quietly retreated to the side, trying to make herself invisible.

This Lady Wen the Fifth was cut from the same cloth as County Princess Rong'an, but the difference was that Wen Yuzhu's family had more clout—her father and brothers all held real, influential posts at court, and with her family ties to Empress Wen, her odds of becoming Crown Princess were through the roof.

She was in a completely different league from County Princess Rong'an.

Someone like that was hard to get close to, even for someone as well-liked as Liu Yun.

After all, everyone has their own clique.

That sneaky little retreat didn't go unnoticed—someone's brow furrowed without them even realizing it.

Wen Yuzhu just gave Liu Yun a quick, dismissive glance, and seeing she was just some unfamiliar girl with a passable face, didn't give her a second thought. She bobbed a curtsy to the Crown Prince and Princess Changyang, saying in a playful, cheeky tone, "Greetings, Cousin Crown Prince, Cousin Changyang."

"Sorry I'm late—hope you don't mind."

Given the rules of propriety between men and women, Wen Yuzhu couldn't get too close to her cousin the Crown Prince, so she just linked arms with Princess Changyang in a familiar, affectionate way, chattering away in her sweet, lively manner.

Wen Yuzhu had a face that was both alluring and cute, and a personality that was adorably sweet and sharp—even Liu Yun couldn't help but soften a little at the sight of her.

She looked at the brother and sister. The Crown Prince didn't react at all—he just stayed aloof and dignified, lounging on the daybed without a word.

So it was up to Princess Changyang to answer.

"No worries. I thought you might not show up this year either, Yuzhu?"

Princess Changyang smiled, being warm and indulgent with her little cousin.

Wen Yuzhu's bright eyes darted around, landing on Crown Prince Xiao Hang in a way that seemed casual but wasn't, her eyes lighting up as she said, "How could I not come? I heard this year's peony banquet was supposed to be a big deal, so I figured I'd check it out."

Princess Changyang knew perfectly well that the little girl hadn't come for her flower banquet—she'd clearly found out her brother was coming and had tagged along after him.

Too bad, really.

Princess Changyang snuck a glance at the Liu girl, who was huddled off to the side like a scared quail, and said pointedly, "Well, that's great. I've got plenty of fine young men in my household today. Yuzhu, take a look and see if any catch your fancy—if you like one, your cousin will make it happen for you."

Her brother had never had any interest in their little cousin, and now that he'd set his heart on someone else, she figured it was best to talk the girl into giving up that hope sooner rather than later.

But clearly, her cousin got the wrong idea. Her cheeks suddenly turned bright red, and she said, looking all shy and flustered, "...Cousin always loves to tease me."

As she spoke, she snuck a cautious glance at her cousin next to her, her whole face full of girlish shyness.

She looked at her brother again—impatience was already creeping into his eyes.

Right—her cousin's arrival had scared off the Liu girl.

No wonder her brother was annoyed.

Princess Changyang couldn't bear to watch anymore, so she turned and said to Liu Yun, who was shrinking anxiously to the side, "Lady Liu, go enjoy yourself for now. We'll speak later."

Liu Yun felt as if she had been granted a reprieve. She immediately bowed and hurried away, her small steps carrying her swiftly.

But she still overheard Wen Yuzhu's curiosity about her.

"Cousin, who is that?"

Princess Changyang replied, "That is Lady Liu, daughter of the Vice Minister of Works."

"Oh, just the daughter of a fourth-rank official."

The words were light and airy, laced with a hint of contempt and disdain.

Whether anyone spoke after that, Liu Yun could not hear, but she couldn't help muttering inwardly.

What did she mean by "just a fourth-rank official"?

Her father achieving fourth rank at his age was already quite impressive!

How many officials toiled until their hair turned white, only to stop at fifth rank, eventually retiring and returning to their hometowns.

Though her father's recent promotion had a bit of luck involved, it was those others who were improper!

Her father was diligent, hardworking, and fortunate—he was the best!

But then she reconsidered. Wen Yuzhu came from a first-rank duke's household, her aunt was the late Empress Wen, Princess Changyang was her cousin, and the Crown Prince was her cousin as well—of course she wouldn't think much of a fourth-rank official.

With a sigh, Liu Yun steadied her composure, made her way through the crowd, and found Zhen Zhen, who was waiting for her with a worried expression.

"Shanshan..."

Thinking that the distance and the crowd between her and Princess Changyang would prevent any notice, Liu Yun stopped hiding her emotions and threw herself into Zhen Zhen's arms, whimpering, "I was so scared just now—I thought I'd done something wrong~"

Zhen Zhen was considerably taller and fuller in figure, and Liu Yun found a deep sense of security in her embrace, unable to resist nuzzling against her.

Chen Wei, tickled by the nuzzling, giggled while pushing her away.

"Alright, alright, it's all over now. Let's keep eating chestnuts!"

From across the way, Xiao Hang seemed to hear the young lady's sweet, coquettish voice. His eyes drifted, seemingly by chance, toward the girl nestled in someone's arms, and his fingertips trembled slightly, his throat going dry.

So distracted, Xiao Hang's mind wandered, and he paid no attention to anyone.

Wen Yuzhu was bold and lively by nature, but she would restrain herself considerably around her beloved cousin, who carried the dignity of a Crown Prince.

But just moments ago, her cousin had scolded her. Wen Yuzhu guessed that his mood today was indeed poor, so she dared not act rashly.

Just now, after muttering about that Liu girl, before she could think of something to say to strike up a conversation with her cousin, she saw him look over with a cold gaze and ask flatly, "What's wrong with a fourth-rank official?"

Wen Yuzhu was caught off guard by the question and didn't understand its meaning. She could only stare blankly at her cousin the Crown Prince, her heart filled with unease.

"Cousin..."

She was about to ask her cousin what he meant when she heard him continue: "Any official who is diligent, steadfast, and devoted to the country and the sovereign, regardless of rank, is a worthy minister of our Great Yan. They must not be looked down upon or belittled. Do you remember this?"

Wen Yuzhu was left dazed by the scolding, hit by the growing weight of his imperial authority. She dared not raise any objection and muttered in a low voice: "I remember. I spoke out of turn just now, and I hope my cousin will be lenient."

Xiao Hang just hummed softly and said no more.

Princess Changyang quietly took in the scene, worried that her brother's cold, stiff manner might hurt their sweet young cousin, so she offered a few words of comfort.

"Yuzhu, don't mind him. Aheng's gotten more high-and-mighty as he's grown up, and his speech is just so formal and stern. That's how he keeps those old court ministers in line!"

With her cousin giving her an easy out, Wen Yuzhu took it smoothly and said with a smile: "Right, my cousin's the Crown Prince, so it's only right."

Even as she felt a twinge of unease, Wen Yuzhu marveled at how her cousin was increasingly taking on the air of an emperor.

This was the Crown Prince cousin she looked up to!

...

After a short sulk, Liu Yun pulled Zhen Zhen along to explore the princess's residence and admire the other peonies.

Unexpectedly, but not surprisingly, she ran into Yang Sanlang.

Because their families were close, Yang Sanlang smiled and walked over the moment he saw Liu Yun.

"Sister Yun."

The young man gave a warm, refined smile, greeting her with a cupped-fist salute.

Liu Yun, remembering what her mother had said, was flustered for a second before forcing herself to calm down and return the greeting.

"Brother Xiuyuan."

When she was nine, her father took her to visit the Yang family, and that was the first time Liu Yun met Yang Sanlang.

He was already sixteen then, looking like a proper young man.

Liu Yun didn't have an older brother, and seeing him so warm and kind, treating her with thoughtful care, she figured that's what a brother should be like.

But who'd have thought her parents would now want them to become husband and wife!

Liu Yun found it hard to get used to, and now every time she saw Brother Yang, she felt awkward and flustered.

But what Liu Yun didn't notice was that Yang Sanlang was also a bit different today.

For instance, the way he looked at her.

There was a hint more warmth in it than usual, making it seem gentler.

Before the palace exam, his parents had told him something.

They said that if he could pass and earn the title of jinshi, they would go to the Liu family to propose marriage on his behalf, and asked if he was willing.

Yang Xiuyuan was surprised at the time, but recalling the gentleness, purity, and delicate beauty of the Liu family's younger sister, he smiled and nodded in agreement.

"I'll follow my parents' arrangements."

After that night, Yang Xiuyuan prayed that the palace exam would go smoothly, allowing him to earn a good rank and a respectable official position, and then bring honor to his future wife.

Perhaps with a bit of self-confidence, Yang Xiuyuan had already made up his mind, so when he saw the Liu family's younger sister again, he unconsciously grew closer.

It was no longer the closeness of treating her like a sister.

Willows brushed the embankment, and across the stretch of clear water, Xiao Hang's eyes, over the shimmering lake, fixed on the pair of man and woman.

Author's note:

None.