Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 71

At the Marquis of Chunnan’s Residence. 

 

Dim morning light seeped into the study, and the candles on the desk were almost extinguished. Su Huai’an was still grinding ink and vermilion. Lu Ze furrowed his brow and yawned, saying, “Su Jingming, you said you would enter the Ministry of Justice within three days, yet a day has passed. Could you be planning to bribe Xue Xiangyang with a painting?”

 

Su Huai’an smiled, “Why, lord marquis, are you reluctant to part with these pigments?”

 

Lu Ze massaged his shoulders and leaned back. He looked at the precious pigments like cinnabar, silver vermilion, yellow ochre, empty green, white lead, sand blue, copper green, and black stone resin he had diligently collected on the desk, feeling hypocritical. What hurt him most was that he had to give them to a vulgar person like Xue Xiangyang. He patted his knees and stood up, “Alright, I’ll leave you to your painting. I’ll head to the guardhouse first.”

 

Su Huai’an didn’t even lift his head. “Be careful on the road, my lord.”

 

When Lu Ze returned to the residence, it was already dark. Seeing Su Huai’an still standing like a pine tree painting, he suppressed the urge to peek, “Let me see, what have you painted?”

 

Once he saw it, Lu Ze was dumbfounded.

 

The scroll was over a meter and a half long. Starting from the left, the central axis was the long street of Yunli in the capital. The painting could be divided into three sections. In the first section, a woman played the pipa in front of Chunxi Pavilion, and the people around her were smiling. In the second section, an old monk was chanting scriptures in front of the Yongchang Temple, with a mother holding a child bowing beside him. In the third section, a man in white stood with his hands behind his back by a high wall, gazing up at the lanterns on the eaves.

 

Su Huai’an put down his brush and asked, “What do you think?”

 

Lu Ze, in awe, said, “The brushwork is powerful, and the colors are appropriate. Although it’s not so meticulous, the authenticity lies in the clever conception. We see the depiction of various facets of life from small to big, especially that man at the end… Wait a moment. This Yunli Street! The position of this grand gate… isn’t it the grand princess’ mansion!?” Lu Ze picked up the painting in astonishment, looked again, and exclaimed, “The man in this painting, is it you?'”

 

“Alright, it’s done if you can guess it.”

 

Lu Ze immediately understood and asked, “Are you trying to lure Xue Xiangyang to the grand princess’ mansion?”

 

Su Huai’an replied, “Although Xue Xiangyang is fierce in his official duties, he is good to his family. If his younger brother is involved in arms smuggling, it’s like a hanging blade over Xue Xiangyang. He would surely try his best to investigate and not overlook any information.”

 

Lu Ze patted his shoulder and said, “Don’t beat around the bush. I’m asking you, what’s your plan for going to the grand princess’ residence? Do you want to see someone?”

 

Su Huai’an remained silent, picked up the painting, and eventually left from the back door of Marquis of Chunnan’s residence.

 

Lu Ze scoffed, “You’re burning bridges after crossing the river.”

 

***

 

The next evening, Su Huai’an took the painting and visited the Ministry of Justice.

 

Xue Xiangyang weighed the painting in his hand and squinted, asking, “Where is this painting from?”

 

Su Huai’an pursed his lips and replied, “This painting was created by Master Chengyun three days ago.”

 

Xue Xiangyang inquired, “Why did Lord Huai come to me with this painting? What’s your intention?”

 

Su Huai’an explained, “The ambitions of the rebel are clear to all in the capital. Once this official has obtained the clues, they naturally have to be handed over to the Ministry of Justice.”

 

Xue Xiangyang thought about his position as prospective prince consort and a smile formed in his heart. The imperial decree hasn’t arrived yet, the wedding date hasn’t been set, and this man’s already considering confronting the grand princess’ former lover?

 

In the realm of officialdom, the term “benefit” had its uses. Despite Huai Jing’s intentions, this report of “the rebel” comforted Xue Xiangyang.

 

Xue Xiangyang stood abruptly and said, “In that case, Lord Huai, accompany me.” He had gained nothing during the grand princess’ return to the capital this time, and he wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away.

 

Su Huai’an made a half-hearted attempt to dissuade, “Lord Xue, it might be prudent to proceed cautiously. If this turns out to be unfounded, the princess might hold grudges…”

 

Xue Xiangyang sneered, “How could the minister of the Ministry of Justice be concerned about feelings in handling a case?”

 

Xue Xiangyang and his officials surrounded the grand princess’ mansion an hour later. The gates of the residence were pulled open. They entered in a formidable procession.

 

The grand princess’ mansion remained as it always had. After nightfall, the halls, side chambers, walls, and pillars were all lit up with lanterns, and the connected flames revealed the stone structure with remarkable clarity.

 

The sound of shattering cups and dishes could be heard from the courtyard. Moments later, the grand princess, adorned in a dark-colored long skirt, walked out leisurely from the inner chamber. Seeing Xue Xiangyang, she chuckled. “It’s been a while, Lord Xue.”

 

After speaking, she turned to Su Huai’an, raising an eyebrow in slight surprise, her gaze affectionate, “This is… Lord Huai?”

 

“I pay my respects,” Su Huai’an replied, a subtle tremor in his left hand, barely noticeable.

 

“No need for formalities,” the grand princess shifted her gaze back to Xue Xiangyang and asked, “Why has Lord Xue suddenly come here? What brings you?”

 

Xue Xiangyang wasted no time and instructed his subordinates to unfurl the scroll before her.

 

“This painting is called ‘Spring Night in Chunxi,’ created three days ago,” Xue Xiangyang pointed to the figure of the man in the painting. “If I’m not mistaken, this estate belongs to the grand princess.”

 

The scenery in the painting and the person depicted were all too familiar to Xiao Lianyu.

 

“You want to search my estate based solely on a painting?” Xiao Lianyu’s eyes showed a hint of panic, and she raised her voice, “If Lord Xue wants to investigate, then turn tea houses and taverns in the capital upside down! Why did you come here!?”

 

Xue Xiangyang took a search warrant from his sleeve and presented it to the public, saying, “The situation is urgent, and this is a search warrant.”

 

As the Minister of Justice, he naturally had the authority to issue an urgent search warrant.

 

Xiao Lianyu glanced at the three characters “Xue Xiangyang” carved on the search warrant and smiled with pursed lips, “If you don’t find anyone, will Lord Xue take responsibility?”

 

“When citizens report official misconduct, officials must act in accordance with regulations,” Xue Xiangyang paused and changed his tone, “Furthermore, with a rebel lurking in the capital, officials are concerned about the safety of the palace. I hope Your Highness will cooperate.”

 

Xiao Lianyu couldn’t be bothered to argue further with this seasoned official. She stepped back and smiled faintly, “Fine, go ahead. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

 

“Hall, chambers, study room, search in order!” Xue Xiangyang waved his hand, and ten subordinates instantly scattered throughout the residence.

 

Footsteps echoed in disarray, and every corner was searched. Seated in the cool pavilion stone bench of the courtyard, Grand Princess Changning hurriedly instructed a maid to pour tea, “Lord Xue, care for a cup?”

 

Xue Xiangyang respectfully declined, “I have official matters to attend to today and can’t indulge in the hospitality, Your Highness.”

 

Xiao Lianyu raised the teapot, slightly tilting it, and the sound of pouring water filled the air. She poured the tea and handed it to Su Huai’an, “Here, Lord Huai is not a Ministry of Justice official, but since you’re here on official business, you can always have a cup.”

 

Su Huai’an didn’t move. Xiao Lianyu playfully shook her delicate wrist, “I poured it myself. Will you really not drink it?”

 

Su Huai’an stepped forward, took the cup, and immediately drank it, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

 

Xiao Lianyu chuckled softly. You two are cut from the same cloth.

 

After a while, the subordinates came in succession, all reporting the same thing: “Sir, there’s no one.”

 

Xue Xiangyang squinted at the room behind the princess. He was about to speak when Xiao Lianyu let go of the cup in her hand and said solemnly, “Lord Xue, please refrain from entering the inner room.”

 

Xue Xiangyang bowed respectfully, “In the course of the search, I will adhere to the regulations. My apologies, Your Highness.”

 

Xue Xiangyang hurriedly strode towards the inner room, raising his hand. With a loud “bang,” he pushed the door open.

Immediately, he unsheathed his sword, pointing it directly at a man on the bed, “Who goes there?”

 

The man adjusted his robe cautiously, carefully standing up and respectfully nodding, “I am a guard from the princess’ residence… Greetings, Lord Xue.”

 

Xue Xiangyang couldn’t believe what he was seeing, his voice stern, “Get up!” Finding a man hidden in the grand princess’ residence was an unexpected surprise.

 

At the same time, Su Huai’an looked up and coincidentally met the eyes of the man before him.

 

The man had a tall and straight figure, his facial features were cold and refined, deserving of the name “exquisite as jade.” There were even two nail marks on his neck.

Where these nail marks came from was clear to even a fool.

 

Su Huai’an was genuinely taken aback for a moment, and then his grip on the note he had written tightened.

 

At this moment, Xiao Lianyu turned back and asked, “Has Lord Xue finished the search?”

Xue Xiangyang muttered, “This, this…”

 

Xiao Lianyu said, “My private matters are not under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.”

 

Before Xue Xiangyang could respond, Su Huai’an walked up to her, his Adam’s apple moved, and he whispered, “Your Highness, put an end to this.”

 

Xiao Lianyu supported her chin with her hand, her eyes curved, smiling toward Su Huai’an. “What’s this? You’re not even my husband yet, and you want to control me?”

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew, causing the pearls on her hairpin to sway gently.

 

Su Huai’an looked at her quietly, seemingly questioning her with his gaze.

Xiao Lianyu added, “Lord Huai, rest assured. Changning knows her boundaries. When we are married, our residence will naturally be peaceful.”

 

This remark, this attitude, showed no understanding of boundaries at all.

 

The residence may be peaceful, but what about beyond its walls?

 

Xue Xiangyang rubbed his nose.

He never expected such an incident to occur today.

 

He looked at the prospective prince consort with some sympathy. As fellow men, anyone could imagine how it felt to be put in such a predicament. Usually, if a woman did such a thing, it might lead to a divorce. However, considering the grand princess’ deep relationship with the emperor, causing a huge scene would not benefit the imperial son-in-law.

 

“I have offended Your Highness today. I will apologize to His Majesty upon my return,” Xue Xiangyang said to Su Huai’an, “Lord Huai, let’s go.”

 

Su Huai’an followed Xue Xiangyang with a stiff posture.

 

As they were about to leave, Xiao Lianyu suddenly stood up, “Lord Xue, please wait!”

 

Xue Xiangyang turned back.

 

“There were some things I intended to say, but since Lord Xue has concluded the search, and to avoid causing trouble for the Ministry of Justice in the future, I’ll make things clear with you today,” Xiao Lianyu pointed at the painting in his hand, “Why does Lord Xue always think that I would assist him?”

 

Xue Xiangyang frowned. “Your Highness, have you forgotten how you visited the Ministry of Justice before the New Year?”

 

“You, too, understand the passing of time,” Xiao Lianyu chuckled softly, her voice light, “Lord Xue, it has been four years. As an imperial princess, do you think I would be bothered by that rebel of the Su family for four years?”

 

Her question took Xue Xiangyang aback.

It was widely known in the capital that Grand Princess Changning had been smitten at first sight with the eldest son of House Zhen. Four years ago, the evidence of the Duke of Zhen’s involvement in treason was irrefutable. Yet, she disregarded the norms of decency and caused a scene at the Ministry of Justice, which was also widely known.

 

Xue Xiangyang’s expression seemed to say, “Are you really not fixated on a traitorous rebel for four years?”

 

Xiao Lianyu stepped closer to them, lifted her chin, and said earnestly, “I was just over fifteen when I first met Su Huai’an. I caused a joke by stirring up commotion; Lord Xue doesn’t need to hold on to it so tightly.”

 

Xue Xiangyang scrutinized her, seemingly considering the truth in her words.

 

“I admit, four years ago, when I went to Mount Li, I had some thoughts of waiting for him,” Xiao Lianyu took a deep breath, “But because I waited for these years, I haven’t been able to serve my mother well in her final years. As for him, I haven’t seen his body alive or dead. I find it utterly laughable looking back now.”

 

With each word Xiao Lianyu uttered, Su Huai’an’s eyes darkened a bit, his eyelashes trembled, not daring to meet her gaze head-on.

 

Thinking of the passing of Consort Dowager Sun, Xue Xiangyang’s complexion softened a bit, “If Your Highness really thinks so, I apologize to you.”

 

“No need for apologies,” Xiao Lianyu smiled, “After all, four years ago, Changning also caused trouble for the Ministry of Justice. Rest assured, Lord Xue, if Su Huai’an ever appears at the grand princess’ mansion one day, Changning guarantees you’ll be the first to know.”

 

Xue Xiangyang clasped his hands in a salute, “I take my leave.”

 

“Lord Xue, Lord Huai, be careful on your way.”

 

As the mansion’s gates closed, Xue Xiangyang paused and turned to Su Huai’an, speaking sincerely, “Lord Huai, rest assured. Regarding today’s events, I will keep it to myself.”

 

Su Huai’an looked him in the eye, “Lord Xue, you misunderstand. I don’t care.”

 

Xue Xiangyang looked at the man who had etched the word “ambition” into his pupils and suddenly laughed, “Ah, I made a mistake.”

 

This top scorer of the imperial examination had no romantic inclinations. He essentially viewed the grand princess’ mansion as a stepping stone to success.

 

Xue Xiangyang admired him more, “Does Lord Huai intend to join the Ministry of Justice?”

 

Su Huai’an paused and clasped his hands together. The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice had fallen ill some days ago and resigned, returning home. This vacated position in the Ministry of Justice came precisely at the right moment.

 

“I am interested,” Su Huai’an replied.

 

Xue Xiangyang patted his shoulder.

 

Over the night, as dawn broke, Su Huai’an received a transfer order from the Ministry of Personnel. He was to leave the Hanlin Academy and become the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, effective immediately.

 

At the same time, the Bureau of Astronomy calculated the Eight Characters of him and the grand princess, and the result was—an excellent marital match.

 

Su Huai’an repeatedly rubbed the wedding date written in the imperial decree with his fingertips.

In the sixth year of the Yanxi era, on the seventh day of the third month.