Chapter 30: Gaining Face

Chapter 30: Gaining Face

However, the content of this small gathering truly had Liu Yun racking her brain for quite a while.

She was not skilled at composing poetry or painting, and besides, her banquets never involved such prim and proper activities.

She wanted the ladies coming to the banquet to feel relaxed and have fun instead.

After going back and forth, Liu Yun settled on one of her usual pastimes.

She chose making rose water.

Rose water, also called flower dew, is made by distilling fresh flower petals to collect the condensed floral dew.

It was called rose water simply because when this distillation technique first came from the Western Regions, roses were used. Even though many more flowers suitable for distillation were later introduced, people still stuck with the old name of rose water.

Before the gathering began, Liu Yun put in the effort to prepare everything needed for distilling the flower dew.

There were porcelain steamers and large-mouthed earthenware steamers with a double layer—the lower layer held clear water, and the upper layer was spread with fresh flowers.

There were also deep-bellied porcelain jars to collect the flower dew.

Ice basins to help the fragrance condense faster.

Of course, the key ingredient was the fresh flower petals for distillation.

Liu Yun had the servants purchase over a dozen types of flowers, preparing five catties of each type of petal for use.

Then there was rice wine to preserve them, and glass bottles to store the rose water.

Everything was ready, and three days later, the Liu residence welcomed many lovely guests, with carriages and horses crowding the entrance.

Zhen Zhen arrived first.

To be precise, she had come the night before, sharing a bed with Liu Yun and grilling her thoroughly.

"Tell me, what's going on between you and the Crown Prince?!"

Late at night, as soon as the oil lamp was extinguished and Jin He had just left, Zhen Zhen grabbed Liu Yun and started grilling her.

Helpless, since the deed was done and the marriage was set in stone, Liu Yun couldn't hide anything from her friend anymore. She recounted the ridiculous run-ins between her and the Crown Prince one by one.

When she heard about the incident at Fahua Temple, Zhen Zhen grabbed her and squealed with excitement for a long while, completely over the moon. The commotion was so loud that it even brought Jin He running.

"I never would have guessed! The Crown Prince is actually like that!"

"Shanshan, come on, tell me, what did you feel at that moment? Did your heart race like in the romance novels?"

Zhen Zhen hugged her arm, her excited eyes practically glowing green in the dark, which creeped Liu Yun out a little.

"My heart was definitely racing, but that was from being scared! Don't get any ideas!"

"If I had a choice, I wouldn't marry him at all."

Liu Yun couldn't help but mutter.

Zhen Zhen sighed along with her, but as her friend, she had to say something to comfort her.

Leaning closer, Zhen Zhen paused to think for a moment before starting to enumerate the benefits of this marriage for Liu Yun.

"At least—at least the Crown Prince is handsome, no one else comes close."

"And he's generous. Look at all the fine things he's sent over these days—ten bolts of gossamer brocade! He's probably cleaned out his treasury!"

"Once you marry him, you'll be the Crown Princess, and when he takes the throne, you'll be the Empress. Someone like Rong'an won't dare mess with you anymore!"

...

Liu Yun listened to those passionate words, her expression shifting back and forth.

One moment she agreed, finding them totally reasonable, but the next she felt these couldn't compensate for the downsides that came with it.

The Crown Prince's temperament was not gentle or lenient—one could even say it was moody. Facing such a husband, wouldn't she be walking on eggshells every day?

Ordinary men were already unfaithful, taking concubines and frequenting brothels, let alone the Crown Prince.

When the time came, with a vast harem of three thousand beauties, each more beautiful, talented, and from better families than her—how could she possibly win the Crown Prince's favor?

She would be a pathetic, pathetic Crown Princess.

She might even get bullied.

Thinking of the future where her Crown Prince husband might take in troublesome concubines of lower ranks like Liangdi or Liangyuan, Liu Yun began to panic.

Also, she was not the sharpest tool in the shed, not as clever as many other ladies. She feared she couldn't manage the huge royal household and would exhaust herself.

The more she thought about it, the worse this marriage seemed, and she couldn't help but complain to Zhen Zhen.

After listening to her friend's long rant, Zhen Zhen fell silent too.

"You make a good point."

After a long pause, Zhen Zhen agreed with a sigh.

Liu Yun gazed at the pitch-black night, then perked herself up and said, "Let's not complain so quickly. These are all future matters. At least they won't happen now. Let's take things as they come."

And just as Zhen Zhen said, she had gotten a bunch of nice things she never had before—she should be happier.

Speaking of treasures, Liu Yun nudged Zhen Zhen and said excitedly, "The Crown Prince gave me ten bolts of gossamer brocade. Take one bolt with you tomorrow—you can make two dresses out of it."

At the mention of gossamer brocade, Zhen Zhen stopped sighing and perked right up, happily clinging to her and gushing.

"Ohh Shanshan, you're so good to me! I will follow you forever, follow the Crown Princess!"

Liu Yun's face turned red at that, and she immediately swatted her arm twice, scolding, "You're not allowed to say that!"

Zhen Zhen wasn't afraid at all, and the two of them started giggling and roughhousing under the covers.

The next day, Liu Yun got up early. Since she had to host guests, she put on some light makeup and changed into a pink top with a green skirt, looking especially fresh and elegant in the summer heat.

Among the ladies who came today were close friends and those she was less familiar with. Liu Yun treated everyone the same, greeting each with a warm smile.

But she hadn't counted on an uninvited guest showing up.

Wen Yuzhu, the fifth daughter of Duke Wen's household, niece of the late Empress, and cousin of the Crown Prince—one of the strongest former rivals for the position of Crown Princess.

There was no need to guess; even someone as dense as Liu Yun could see that Wen Yuzhu was up to no good.

After all, Wen Yuzhu hadn't sent an invitation, and Liu Yun hadn't invited her.

Wen Yuzhu, flanked by two maidservants with haughty looks, stormed toward her, radiating menace.

At the sight, the ladies present all fell silent, and the atmosphere grew frosty.

In truth, Liu Yun's heart was racing too.

Though Wen Yuzhu was not of the same stripe as County Princess Rong'an, the pressure she put on Liu Yun was just as heavy, if not heavier.

That was likely because County Princess Rong'an held only an empty title, her family's status propped up entirely by Empress Dowager He, with her father and brothers living off their idle ease.

But the Wen family was different. Wen Yuzhu's father was the Crown Prince's own maternal uncle, serving as Minister of State, practically a chief counselor—a family so eminent and prestigious that few could rival it.

As Wen Yuzhu drew nearer, Liu Yun, naturally gentle and timid, began to falter, fearing she'd be humiliated and embarrassed.

"Shanshan, remember this: now that the imperial edict has been issued, you are the future Crown Princess. From now on, when you encounter people and situations, you must be firm and brave. Know that the one behind you now is the Crown Prince, the future emperor. Apart from His Majesty, you need fear no one."

But her mother's warning from the day before echoed in her ears, and Liu Yun steeled herself, meeting Wen Yuzhu's approach with a steady gaze.

She looked angry, and it was clear she disliked her.

No wonder—she'd once had a strong shot at becoming Crown Princess, and now she had none at all.

And the one who had taken that place was a lady of lesser family standing and lesser looks than herself.

Finally, Wen Yuzhu stopped before her, looking Liu Yun up and down.

Liu Yun felt a wave of unease wash over her. She was about to speak, at least to offer some kind of greeting, when Wen Yuzhu spoke first.

"Feeling pretty pleased with yourself, huh?"

Liu Yun was taken aback, not quite grasping the meaning at first, and just stared blankly at the other woman.

Wen Yuzhu continued on her own: "With a family of no standing and looks and talents that are utterly mediocre, you've trampled the rest of us to become Crown Princess—are you pleased?"

Now Liu Yun got it—this was mockery and ridicule aimed at her.

She actually agreed with the first half, but the second half...

Liu Yun shook her head very seriously and said gravely, "Madam Wen misunderstands. I'm not pleased."

These words couldn't have been more sincere. Liu Yun even wanted to say she wasn't all that eager for it, but even as slow as she was, she knew how hateful that would sound right now.

Yet even this honest reply was enough to make Wen Yuzhu's face change.

"Why should you be Crown Princess? How do you measure up to me?"

"Did you pull some shady trick? Otherwise, why would my cousin have picked you?"

In Wuchun Courtyard, the assembled ladies watched Wen Yuzhu rant so wildly, not daring to breathe a word, casting sympathetic looks at Liu Yun.

In everyone's memory, Liu Jiayunniang was the gentlest, most mild-mannered soul, no match for Wen Yuzhu whatsoever.

Surely she'd be in tears soon.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Yunniang isn't the kind of person you describe—this is pure slander!"

Chen Wei was the first to lose her cool, ignoring that her own family held only a minor sixth-rank post, and rushed forward to defend her friend.

Wen Yuzhu didn't even bother to glance at her, fixing her icy gaze solely on Liu Yun, her heart full of resentment.

If the position of Crown Princess hadn't fallen to the Liu family, she'd never have given such a person a second look in her life.

At last, under everyone's watchful eyes, Liu Yun made her move.

She first pulled back the furious Zhen Zhen, shaking her head and saying, "Calm down. Let me handle this."

If those present hadn't known Liu Jiayunniang's temperament, they might have thought her a formidable figure.

Even Wen Yuzhu seemed taken aback, frowning at Liu Yun.

"As for why I was chosen as Crown Princess, you should ask His Majesty and the Crown Prince, not spout baseless accusations here."

"Madam Wen, you're being truly rude."

From childhood to now, Liu Yun had always acted with respect and goodwill toward others. She'd never encountered someone like Wen Yuzhu.

To come at her with such humiliation, so cutting and rude, was an eye-opener.

"You..."

Clearly not expecting such a reaction from Liu Yun, Wen Yuzhu's eyes widened, her chest heaving with barely contained fury.

Liu Yun suppressed the cowardice and retreat rising in her chest, steeled herself, and continued with a stern face: "What do you intend to do, Madam Wen? Have you forgotten that I'm the Crown Princess appointed by imperial decree? The Crown Prince is my future husband. To bully me is to show disrespect to the imperial house—aren't you afraid of the Crown Prince calling you to account later?"

Liu Yun's reasoning was clear: since this mess was the Crown Prince's doing, borrowing his authority to resolve it was only fitting.

And as it turned out, the Crown Prince's authority worked remarkably well.

Even the arrogant Wen Yuzhu's expression visibly shifted at those words.

"You—you dare complain to my cousin?"

As if unable to believe that this meek Liu woman could show such a side, Wen Yuzhu said in disbelief.

Liu Yun raised her eyes and replied with utter seriousness, "When you bully me like this, why wouldn't I dare?"

To intimidate her further, Liu Yun put on a convincing act and continued, "I'll write to His Highness tonight and see if he punishes you."

In truth, Liu Yun had no idea whether the Crown Prince would trouble his maternal family on her behalf, but she couldn't afford to lose this standoff.

Fortunately, her feigned bravado cowed Wen Yuzhu, who gritted her teeth for a long while without managing a proper retort.

"Very well, very well!"

"I misjudged you—Madam Liu is quite formidable after all!"

After a long pause, that was all Wen Yuzhu managed to say. Liu Yun felt weary at heart and, thinking to secure some peace for herself in the future, spoke again: "I am still a daughter of the Liu family for now, so your offense against me is no great matter. But I hope that once I enter the Eastern Palace, Madam Wen will be prudent in her words and deeds, and not overstep her bounds."

She had no desire to clash with Wen Yuzhu again—it was too nerve-wracking and exhausting.

Her words were meant as a kindly warning for Wen Yuzhu to avoid future mistakes, but to Wen Yuzhu's ears, they grated harshly.

"Don't you get too..."

"Is the lady present? A gift from His Highness has arrived~"

Just as Wen Yuzhu, red-faced and furious, was about to say more, a clear call rang out from outside Wuchun Courtyard.

Everyone turned to look, and many recognized the newcomer—it was Su Dianling, the Crown Prince's close attendant.

Wen Yuzhu clearly recognized him too, her expression stiffening as she quieted down.

Liu Yun also came to her senses, abandoning the insufferable Wen Yuzhu as she stepped forward to respond to Su Lin.

"Why has Su Neishi (Palace Attendant) come?"

Liu Yun caught a glimpse of the two large jars and a lacquered wooden box behind him, and she had a suspicion.

Probably here to deliver gifts again. Though the Crown Prince was not easy to get along with, he was certainly generous—though she couldn't help wondering what fine things he had sent this time.

Su Lin clasped his hands in salute to his future mistress, his eyes flicking over Wen Yuzhu's ashen face before he said with a calm, knowing smile: "His Highness heard that you were hosting a banquet for friends today, so he sent me to bring some wine and treats for your feast."

Liu Yun almost said it wasn't necessary—her family wasn't as rich, but they weren't short on anything either—but when Su Lin went on, she shut her mouth.

"His Highness said these are just some tasty bites, perfect for entertaining your guests."

"There are fresh lychees just arrived from Lingnan today, along with five jars of Amber Wine. Hope your banquet today is a happy one."

With those simple words, every lady present looked stunned.

Fresh lychees just arrived from Lingnan!

Amber Wine!

These two items—unless gifted by the Emperor himself—were priceless treasures money couldn't buy.

The lychees went without saying; every year, tons of manpower and resources went into shipping just a tiny amount, and any minister lucky enough to receive such a favor was seen as highly honored.

As for the Amber Wine, it was no ordinary product either—it was the finest, rarest wine in the entire Great Yan, never sold publicly, reserved only for the imperial family and the highest nobility.

For that wine was made under the Emperor's personal watch, using Western Regions grapes and their brewing techniques, yielding eight shades of wine, amber-colored and extremely strong.

It was a rare wine, only drinkable when gifted by the emperor, and the nobles of Yanjing saw getting it as the highest honor.

And now the Crown Prince had casually sent over five jars, paired with the fresh lychees rushed from Lingnan—many ladies couldn't take their eyes off them.

Even Liu Yun stood there stunned for a good while.

Wen Yuzhu, by contrast, had completely darkened, the hate and envy in her eyes almost becoming visible.

"So Lady Wen's here too—did you know His Highness was sending Amber Wine and want a few cups yourself?"

Noticing Wen Yuzhu's reaction, Su Lin's eyes glinted, but he teased with a perfectly timed smile.

Wen Yuzhu couldn't take the humiliation anymore, forcing a smile, she said: "Su Dianling (Palace Secretary) jests. I merely passed by to see my cousin's future wife. There are matters at home, so I shall take my leave now."

Everyone could see Wen Yuzhu's smile was painfully forced, but no one spoke up, just watching the little scene play out before turning back to the lychees and Amber Wine.

Gifts delivered, Su Lin respectfully excused himself, and the banquet returned to its original state.

Though now with a few precious additions.

Liu Yun was not a stingy person, using one jar of fresh lychees and three jars of Amber Wine entirely for the banquet.

The remaining jar of lychees and Amber Wine she planned to let her parents and younger brother taste.

With the interlude over, the banquet grew lively once more. Relieved of pressure, Liu Yun cheerfully arranged the next proceedings.

Preparing various rose waters.

One thing had changed, though: with the fresh lychees stealing the spotlight, her original perfume banquet had turned into a lychee banquet.

Liu Yun couldn't tell if she was grateful or annoyed at the Crown Prince.

She also thought that when she next saw him, she would speak to him about his cousin.

At the very least, he should rein her in a little, so she would stop coming to frighten her.

Liu Yun only entertained the thought briefly, never expecting the day to come so soon—just one day after the banquet ended, Su Lin arrived at her door again.

"Lady, His Highness invites you to Tianqin Tower, hoping you will come."

Author's note:

Update complete.

Next chapter, a big kiss.