Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 86

Dawn was approaching.

 

Qin Ling looked at the princess kneeling on the ground and asked again, “Changning, what… what exactly is happening?”

 

Xiao Lianyu’s hands trembled faintly, a mournful smile crossing her lips as tears rose in her eyes.

 

What’s going on…

 

Today, she wouldn’t be able to escape the words that the Duke of Zhen’s heir, Su Huai’an, was destined to be her misfortune.

 

In the 38th year of the Yongchang era, early spring.

Emperor Jiaxuan led a hundred officials to Mount Li for a hunt, and it was there that Xiao Lianyu first saw Su Huai’an.

Before this moment, she had resisted believing in the idea of love at first sight.

 

However, upon returning to the capital, her ears involuntarily perked up whenever she heard the name Su Huai’an.

From the street stretching a li long, the princess’ residence was to the east, the Zhen mansion to the west—but she “coincidentally” encountered Su Huai’an countless times. Each time they locked eyes, he would bow to her and say the words that stirred her heart—”This official greets the princess.”

When she heard it, her face would flush, and she couldn’t help but want to hear it again.

 

She even dreamed about him once. But upon waking, she could only sigh deeply on her bed. It was for no other reason than this—she knew Su Huai’an would be engaged to the Third Miss Xia from Langzhou.

She had seen a portrait of Miss Xia—delicate and graceful like a beautiful flower, and she’d heard she was also virtuous.

All the virtues that men liked were possessed by that Miss Xia.

 

He’s already engaged, and Xiao Lianyu could only cut off those thoughts that shouldn’t have existed.

 

Apart from going to the palace to pay respects during that period, she didn’t go anywhere else. She feared the capital was too small, afraid that by chance, she might still encounter him.

 

Zhaoyi Sun looked at her despondent appearance, couldn’t help but touch her head, and asked, “What’s been bothering you lately, Ah Yu?”

Xiao Lianyu lowered her brows, languidly resting her head in her mother’s embrace, saying nothing.

 

Nothing much.

Just that she couldn’t help thinking about that person who was about to marry someone else.

 

Days passed swiftly like a fleeting horse; before she knew it, it was the fifth month.

Early one morning, Xiao Lianyu leaned against her couch, casually flipping through a book of writings. Before she could look at the source, Qing Yu suddenly entered, bowing low and whispering, “Your Highness, this servant heard that the marriage between the Zhen mansion and the Xia family has fallen through.”

 

Xiao Lianyu was stunned.

Being fifteen this year, all her emotions were written in her eyes. Initially dull, they suddenly brightened like stars. She immediately set aside the book of writings and asked, “What did you say?”

 

Qing Yu couldn’t help but suppress a smile and repeated, “The engagement between Lord Su and Miss Xia hasn’t happened.”

 

The princess blinked and asked earnestly, “Why didn’t it happen? Did he abandon the plan after starting something, or does Miss Xia have affection for someone else?”

 

That statement exited her lips after reading the pages of storybooks for many years.

Qing Yu shook her head and chuckled, “Neither. Miss Xia’s mother passed away, and she wishes to observe a three-year mourning period for her. But the Zhen’s heir has reached the age, and the Zhen mansion couldn’t wait for three years.”

 

According to ancient customs, upon the death of a close relative, one should observe a three-year mourning period. However, during the early years of the founding of the Zhou Dynasty, there was a disturbance where remnants of the former regime formed an insurgent cult and indiscriminately harmed the people, causing casualties in various regions. At that time, the court was unstable, and if they adhered to the traditional system, many officials would have to resign and return home to observe the mourning for three years. Hence, the founder himself personally revised the mourning period.

 

Since then, for nearly three hundred years, the Zhou Dynasty had observed a mourning period of one hundred days.

 

Xiao Lianyu’s smile froze at the corner of her mouth, and she suppressed her amusement, saying, “Ah… nearly forgot. The Xia family has a long-standing heritage, venerating Confucianism and ancient traditions. Qing Yu, if anything were done now, wouldn’t it seem like taking advantage of their misfortune?”

 

Qing Yu chuckled, “Your Highness, what are you saying? Things change unpredictably, circumstances are unpredictable. If the fate between Miss Xia and Lord Su isn’t meant to be, how can we blame you?”

 

Xiao Lianyu nodded thoughtfully.

 

That night, the princess stayed awake through the night.

After tossing and turning for a few days and unable to withstand it, she got up and made her way to the Prince Jin’s residence.

 

Prince Jin’s residence was adorned with verdant leaves and chirping birds, the garden in full bloom.

Xiao Lianyu followed the steward into Chang’en Hall.

Upon seeing Princess Changning, Su Ling put down his needlework with a smile and asked, “What brings you here today?”

 

“The other day, I went to Princess Consort Cheng’s flower-viewing banquet and didn’t see Third Sister-in-law. When I asked Second Sister-in-law, I found out that you were ill.” Xiao Lianyu looked at Su Ling and asked, “Are you doing better now?”

 

Su Ling lightly chuckled, “Just a slight cold. I’ve been fine for a while. Come, have a seat.”

 

Xiao Lianyu glanced at the embroidery by Su Ling’s side and couldn’t help but sigh, “Is all this for Third Brother?”

 

Su Ling nodded, “Isn’t summer approaching?”

 

Xiao Liányu said, “Third Brother is really fortunate.”

 

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Su Ling squinted slightly and said to her, “You’ve come today for something else, haven’t you?”

 

Being exposed by a single sentence, Changning’s cheeks reddened slightly, and she murmured softly, “Third Sister-in-law…”

 

Su Ling sighed and nodded, “I see.”

 

Xiao Lianyu said, “I’ll be direct then.”

 

Su Ling nodded.

As the only princess favored in the palace, despite reminders from the Consort Dowager daily about maintaining proper behavior, Xiao Lianyu couldn’t control her outspokenness. She continued unabated, “If… if Imperial Father were to ask Lord Su to become an imperial son-in-law, would you mind?”

 

As soon as the words fell, Su Ling couldn’t help but clear her throat in surprise, asking, “When you mention ‘Lord Su,’ do you mean my elder brother?”

 

Xiao Lianyu nodded and gave a firm “Mm-hmm.”

 

Taking a deep breath, Su Ling spoke with seriousness, “Changning, do you understand what you’re involving yourself in?”

 

Leaning closer to Su Ling’s ear, Xiao Lianyu whispered for quite some time about her inner journey, finally saying, “Changning came today just to inquire about Third Sister-in-law’s opinion, not to alarm others, and definitely not to do something as direct as kneeling before the emperor like Third Brother.”

 

Su Ling looked at this noble princess and found herself at a loss for words for a moment. After a considerable silence, she said, “Though marriages often involve parental commands and matchmakers’ words, within them, personal feelings weigh heavier than anything.”

 

“Don’t worry, Third Sister-in-law. Changning knows her limits.” Hearing this, Xiao Lianyu couldn’t help but embrace Su Ling, but in doing so, she noticed various bruises on Su Ling’s neck. The princess who had read countless volumes of storybooks deliberately blinked and teased, “Sister-in-law, what happened to you?”

 

Su Ling quickly covered it with her hand, casually rubbing it as if nothing had happened. “The weather has been getting warmer lately, bug bites,” she explained.

 

“Can bug bites cause this?”

 

Su Ling asserted firmly, “The real big ones.”

 

Xiao Lianyu nodded knowingly, indicating that such implications, when understood, were more embarrassing than outright disclosure.

 

Just then, footsteps echoed from outside. Both turned to look, sharing a silent understanding.

 

Changning whispered, “Sister-in-law, about what happened earlier, only the heaven, the earth, and you know.”

 

Su Ling nodded.

 

Xiao Yu strolled in. Observing the unusual atmosphere, he asked, “What brings you to the mansion?”

 

Instead of answering, Xiao Lianyu grinned and said, “Oh, the real big bugs are back?”

 

“What bugs?” Xiao Yu furrowed his brows.

 

“Third Brother, Changning still has something to attend to, so she’s leaving first.” Xiao Lianyu swiftly slipped away from his side.

 

The door creaked shut, leaving Xiao Yu and Su Ling facing each other. “What’s wrong with her? Did she take the wrong medicine?” Xiao Yu wondered.

 

Unable to hold back, Su Ling burst into laughter.

 

Her laughter instantly smoothed the furrowed brows of the man. Xiao Yu walked over, scanning her from top to bottom, his gaze locking onto her neck as he contemplated, “So… where are the bugs?”

 

Su Ling raised her eyebrows slightly. “They’re not there.”

 

The man pressed her onto the couch in frustration, gripping her, and nibbled her cheek, saying, “Was my consort talking about me behind my back, hmm?”

 

Su Ling couldn’t stop laughing.

 

Coincidentally, the princess outside the window witnessed this scene.

 

Hearing the commotion inside, Qing Yu hastily tugged at the princess’ sleeve, whispering, “Your Highness, please leave quickly! You shouldn’t hear such things as an unmarried girl…”

 

Princess Changning, lost in thought, remarked, “Qing Yu, do you know? Third Brother has always been rule-abiding. He doesn’t talk like Eldest or Second Brother. He’s always so cold, I’ve never seen him laugh like that before. It’s the first time.”

 

But Qing Yu had no interest in joining her in contemplation. “Don’t you still have to consult the divination? It’s getting late, and you might miss the right timing.”

 

Xiao Lianyu nodded, smiling, and walked out of Prince Jin’s residence.

 

***

 

An hour later, Xiao Lianyu, wearing her veil, walked to the end of Yunli Street to a Taoist temple. Seated inside, she carefully requested, “Master, I seek a divination.”

 

The Taoist priest stroked his beard and asked, “What does the patron seek?”

 

“For a marriage fate,” Xiao Lianyu replied.

 

The Taoist priest gestured towards a container of divination sticks nearby. “Meditate silently on your request, shake the divination sticks, and seek your answer.”

 

The princess closed her eyes, earnestly shaking the divination sticks, the only sound left in her ears was the rustling noise.

 

“Click.”

The wooden stick fell onto the table. The Taoist priest picked it up and said slowly, “Let’s see, it says, ‘One part brings joy, one part brings fear.’ Hmm… Miss, please pick a stick.”

 

“What does this mean?” the princess inquired.

 

“The text indicates that nothing is perfect. One must know how to choose and balance, avoiding excessive desires. For someone seeking a marriage fate, there might be obstacles ahead,” explained the Taoist priest.

 

Obstacles.

 

For a girl just beginning to understand love, this was a word she couldn’t easily accept. Unwilling to concede, she continued shaking several more sticks, but the meanings were similar.

 

The road ahead held obstacles, trials through storms, and perhaps separation.

 

Xiao Lianyu slammed her palm on the table, determinedly selecting an auspicious stick, and pressured the old Taoist to recite it, “Flowers bloom, the moon is full, and longevity.” Only then did she pay the fee and leave.

 

When they left the temple, Qing Yu advised, “Your Highness, don’t sigh. Those divination texts are as unreliable as tossing dice.”

 

Xiao Lianyu pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, “He’s the heir to Zhen mansion, and I’m a princess. If we were meant to be, how could the road ahead be full of obstacles?”

 

Qing Yu nodded in agreement.

 

Xiao Lianyu then visited rouge and jewelry shops. She reapplied her makeup, changed her accessories, and turned to Qing Yu, asking, “Does it look good?”

 

Qing Yu nodded, “Ravishingly beautiful, captivating as a hidden gem among the flowers.”

 

Her mood was instantly lifted.

 

She adjusted her veil and headed towards the eastern side of Yunli Street. In an inconspicuous spot, she removed a jade ornament from her waist and discreetly discarded it, concealing it carefully.

 

Then, she entered the Dali Temple.

 

Although the guards didn’t recognize the princess’ face as it had been concealed, they recognized her entourage and quickly bowed. “This official greets Your Highness. May I inquire why you have come to the Dali Temple?”

 

Xiao Lianyu whispered, “Is Vice-minister Su present?”

 

The guard nodded hastily, “Lord Su just returned from the Procuratorate and is currently in the office.”

 

Xiao Lianyu gestured, “Lead the way.”

 

With the soft rustling of her garments, she gracefully walked into the office. The officials present raised their gaze, momentarily stunned, before quickly bowing and greeting her, “We pay respects to Your Highness.”

 

“You may all rise,” she responded calmly.

 

Xiao Lianyu found a chair. After calming her pounding heart, she locked eyes with Su Huai’an.

 

An official cautiously inquired, “Your Highness, what brings you here?”

 

Xiao Lianyu didn’t answer his question, her gaze fixed on Su Huai’an as she uttered, “Vice-minister Su.”

 

“Yes.” Su Huai’an raised an eyebrow slightly.

 

Xiao Lianyu said, “While I was out on the street earlier, I accidentally lost the jade ornament bestowed by His Majesty. Could you help me find it?”

 

Finding a jade ornament?

 

The officials at the Dali Temple collectively furrowed their brows, puzzled. This noble princess had numerous attendants and guards with her when she went out. If something was lost, did she really need the help of the government officials? Even if she did, the Temple seemed an odd choice.

 

Su Huai’an, dressed in his official attire, glanced at her, his tone subdued, “Your Highness, if you lost something, shouldn’t you seek the Ministry of Justice?”

 

Leaning forward, supporting her chin with her hand, Xiao Lianyu softly spoke, “Does Minister Su mean this matter is too insignificant for your attention?” Her tone was delicate, carrying a hint of coquettishness, gentle yet demanding, causing the officials present to feel a bit disoriented.