Pampered Consort's Acting Awards - Chapter 87

The gaze exchanged between the imperial princess and the country duke’s heir instantly infused an air of romance into this old, worn office.

 

An official cleared his throat lightly, breaking the silence. He turned to his colleague beside him, asking, “Hey, where’s the case file the Ministry of Justice forwarded earlier about the wives conspiring to kill their husband?”

 

One official also turned around, stuttering, “Th-this, this is it!”

 

The official turned another way, inquiring, “What about the case of the inn robbery?”

 

Another official immediately understood, saying, “Please wait, sir. I’ll go fetch it right away.”

 

In the blink of an eye, everyone had left.

 

Su Huai’an let out a soft sigh, tapping his fingers on the table and then turned to a few attendants, saying, “You guys, come with me for a moment.”

 

A faint smile curved at the corner of Xiao Lianyu’s lips.

 

With the attendants behind, Su Huai’an followed the princess, searching in succession the rouge shop and the perfumery she had visited but couldn’t find the missing jade pendant. 

 

At the door, Su Huai’an paused, turning once again to ask her, “Your Highness, where else did you visit today?”

 

Xiao Lianyu looked into his eyes, pretending to ponder, “I also went to Shengji’s jewelry shop.”

 

Su Huai’an sighed and rubbed his forehead slightly, telling the attendants behind him, “Let’s go to Shengji.”

 

Of course, they couldn’t find it at Shengji either.

 

The dignified Vice-minister of the Dali Temple ended up being directed by the princess as an attendant for four hours. He sighed helplessly with his back turned to her before turning around, speaking softly, “The item bestowed by His Majesty must be extraordinary. Your Highness, are you certain that what you’ve lost today is the peacock-patterned jade pendant?”

 

Xiao Lianyu nodded.

 

While they were conversing, the first attendant suddenly came in with a report, “Sir, the jade pendant has been found.”

 

This time, Xiao Lianyu was taken aback, her almond-shaped eyes widening. She had hidden the jade pendant in a stone crevice along Yunli Street. How could it have been found?

 

Su Huai’an instructed, “Bring it here.”

 

Immediately, the attendants brought in a young boy dressed in rough clothing. The boy had dark skin, a slender frame, large bright eyes, and fear evident in his pupils.

 

The attendant presented the jade pendant to Su Huai’an, saying, “Sir, please have a look.”

 

Su Huai’an felt the peacock-patterned jade pendant and glanced at the engraved characters at the bottom, confirming it was indeed of royal origin. Looking at the young boy, his voice suddenly grew stern, “Where did you get this?”

 

The common folk often cower when questioned, let alone a child. With a cry, he started to sob and explained, “S-sir, I didn’t steal this. I found it on the ground.”

 

Su Huai’an didn’t sense deception and relaxed his tone slightly. “Explain clearly. Where did you find it?”

 

The boy pointed back and said, “East side,” his shoulders shrugging.

 

An attendant furrowed his brow. “Sir, the princess just said she didn’t go east. Most likely, this little thief stole it.”

 

The boy protested, “No!”

 

Su Huai’an turned, returning the pendant to the princess. “Your Highness, check if it’s damaged. I’ll take this child to the office if there isn’t anything else.”

 

Feeling embarrassed under the scrutinizing gaze, Xiao Lianyu held the pendant tightly. “Wait!”

 

Su Huai’an raised an eyebrow. “Anything else, Your Highness?”

 

The princess motioned for the attendants to leave. “You all go ahead. I need to speak to Lord Su.”

 

“Understood.”

 

As everyone left and the shop door closed, she approached Su Huai’an. “The boy wasn’t lying. Please release him.”

 

Su Huai’an inquired, “How did you know?”

 

The princess rubbed her flushed ear, speaking softly. “I threw away that pendant myself.”

 

Su Huai’an looked at her in silence, his furrowed brow indicating his desire for an explanation. It seemed he was asking: What made you cause such a fuss today?

 

Xiao Lianyu fell silent. Despite her resilient demeanor, her fair skin turned rosy within moments under intense scrutiny.

 

The more guilt-ridden a member of the Xiao family was, the more resolute their speech turned. Clenching her teeth, she coldly said, “What? Is Lord Su planning to interrogate me?”

 

“I dare not.” Su Huai’an paused, speaking softly, “This official still has official matters today. If Your Highness has no other matters, I’ll return to the Dali Temple.”

 

His tone was neither warm nor cold, making her appear more unreasonable. Xiao Lianyu looked down at her newly painted nails, freshly tailored dress, and embroidered shoes adorned with pearls… Her heart sank.

 

She sniffed, pretending as if nothing had happened. “Apologies for delaying your work today, Lord Su. It won’t happen again in the future.”

 

Su Huai’an looked at the gently swaying pearls atop her head and her slightly reddened nose. He respectfully said, “Your Highness is the ruler, while I am a humble servant. Your Highness’ words have been heard.”

 

Listening to one scripted line after another, Xiao Lianyu turned and began to walk away. But after a few steps, she returned to face him once more. The princess looked up and asked, “If I truly lose something next time, can I still seek your help?”

 

Su Huai’an observed the uniquely frank expression in her eyes, and a faint smile curved his lips. “Naturally,” he replied.

 

Although it was termed “losing something,” using an excuse once might be plausible, but employing it a second time would prove difficult. Even she would find it awkward.

 

Shining in her righteous and conspicuous deeds, Xiao Lianyu put in much effort. Who would have thought that the young princess, usually occupied with tea and opera in the capital, would uncover a miscarriage of justice and send it to the Dali Temple?

 

While Su Huai’an was surprised, he still smiled and acknowledged her efforts.

 

Afterward, Xiao Lianyu paid no attention to whether the Dali Temple was busy or not; whenever she encountered an injustice, she would send it over. And whatever she delivered was handled according to the due process. As time passed, the office of the Dali Temple, initially filled with surprise, gradually transformed into whispers of gossip and the light laughter of men.

 

The seasons cycled, and another summer arrived with a new emperor ascending the throne, transforming the princess into the grand princess.

 

Xiao Lianyu entered the palace to pay respects and inadvertently overheard a conversation between Empress Dowager Chu and Madam Qi from the Qi family.

 

The Qi family was negotiating a marriage alliance with the House of Zhen.

 

Despite Xiao Lianyu’s avoidance of politics as a princess, she understood the intricate ties between the Qi and Chu families. She was well aware of the additional kinship between the Su family and the Chu family.

 

Political unions compounded familial relationships. Who would have known they would not consent?

 

Upon leaving the palace, she felt restless, and her thoughts turned to the divination she had drawn earlier: “Rough paths ahead, with partings.” She didn’t want the rough paths, nor did she desire partings.

 

Xiao Lianyu spoke softly, “Qing Yu, go and inform them, say that the grand princess’ residence has encountered assassins.”

 

Qing Yu hesitated, “This…”

 

Xiao Lianyu insisted, “Go, now!”

 

The curtains draped, the vermilion railing delicately guarded, Xiao Lianyu sat silently in the anteroom, lost in thought.

 

***

 

In the twilight hours, Su Huai’an, clad in a dark crimson peacock-patterned official robe and holding a folded fan, stood in the deep recesses of the painting hall, watching her. He softly spoke, “Didn’t Your Highness mention there were assassins in the residence? Where are they?”

 

Xiao Lianyu turned her head, locking eyes with him. Within those shimmering, watery pupils, there was nothing but a sense of grievance.

 

Seeing her troubled expression, Su Huai’an walked over and asked, “What’s wrong?”

 

She looked at him and inquired, “Has Lord Su recently been discussing a marriage with Miss Qi?”

 

Listening to the angry questioning, Su Huai’an chuckled, as if amused by how well-informed she seemed to be.

 

“Is it true?”

 

Su Huai’an replied, “My father is away on a campaign. Whom would I discuss marriage with?”

 

“Does Lord Su intend to wait for the duke to return victorious before pursuing a marriage?” Xiao Lianyu frowned. “Could it be that you genuinely fancy Miss Qi?”

 

Su Huai’an sat beside her and said earnestly, “We’ve never met. How could there be any feelings involved?”

 

Xiao Lianyu increasingly felt deceived by this person’s facade. She snorted lightly through her nose and murmured, “You’re always like this.”

 

Su Huai’an gently nudged her fingertip with the folded fan, trying to appease her.

 

She dodged, and he nudged again.

 

Amidst the oppressive, humid heat of midsummer, a sudden gust of wind swept through, followed by a gentle patter of rain.

 

As the heavy rain fell, forming a mist on the ground, obscuring everything, Su Huai’an stood up and asked, “Your Highness, may I borrow an umbrella?”

 

Xiao Lianyu shot him a sideways glance, her tone heavy, “It’s pouring outside. Lord Su, how about playing a game of go with me before leaving?”

 

Seeing she was still upset, Su Huai’an amiably nodded, “Alright.”

 

The two sat facing each other at the table. While he concentrated on the game, she occasionally glanced at Qing Yu. After a while, Qing Yu slowly approached with a teapot.

 

The sound of the teapot lid clinking and the flowing water echoed in the room. With trembling hands, Qing Yu placed two cups of tea in front of them.

 

Xiao Lianyu clenched her teeth and swiftly downed her cup in one gulp.

 

Words like ‘monarch and minister,’ ‘honor and lightness of the subject,’ were ones she constantly used herself. What was she afraid of?

 

The curtains in the painting hall fluttered in the wind, the evening bells rang faintly, and Su Huai’an glanced at the green-glazed teacup she had just emptied before drinking from his own.

 

The sound of raindrops hitting the window’s plantain leaves echoed, akin to the heartbeat of two individuals. The temperature seemed to rise abruptly around them, as if under the scorching sun. Su Huai’an set down his white piece, his throat trembling slightly, “Your Highness, have you calmed down?”

 

Once those words were spoken, Xiao Lianyu guessed he had noticed something.

 

“What do you want to say now?” Xiao Lianyu moved closer, grasping his sleeve. “Su Jingming, if you think I’m someone who wants a foot after winning an inch, then… I must win an inch first before wanting a foot. Don’t think too high of yourself.”

 

“I don’t think that way,” Su Huai’an replied. “If you’ve had enough, I’ll call the physician.”

 

Sensing he was about to stand, Xiao Lianyu threw herself into his embrace. Her voice was low, and she was choked with tears. She uttered, “Don’t go! Do you really not care about me in your heart?”

 

“What else do you want from me…” he started.

 

“Why do you have to marry someone else?” Her teary eyes completely stunned him.

 

Su Huai’an, who had strictly adhered to principles and self-restraint for twenty-three years, completely fell apart when she sought solace in his embrace.

 

Ultimately, he ended up in the princess’ chamber.

 

Looking at the sweat on his forehead and the veins on his hand, Xiao Lianyu suddenly felt unsure. She remembered she hadn’t given him too much medicine. Tentatively, she asked, “Should I call the physician?”

 

“It’s too late, Ah Yu,” Su Huai’an murmured, closing his eyes, his hand resting on the back of her neck, leaning in to kiss her.

 

Layer by layer, light veils fell to the ankles.

 

Two slender white arms wrapped around his shoulders. With every sob, she kissed him, crying for pain one moment and begging for embrace the next.

 

The melodious nightingale sang, drunken words slurred, and the candle flames burned high amidst the draped curtains.

 

In the dead of night, Xiao Lianyu woke up from their embrace, locking eyes with him. Her heart skipped a beat. Hastily tidied her garments, she limped to the floor, searching her makeup box for a divination slip.

 

Written on it were the words—”Flourishing flowers, full moon, longevity.”

 

Xiao Lianyu poked Su Huai’an’s arm, tears still fresh in her eyes, and cautiously spoke, “This is what I wished for.” She had been seeking this for a year.

 

Su Huai’an sat up, his voice hoarse, “Your Highness wants to marry me with a divination slip?”

 

Xiao Lianyu lowered her head, kissing his chin softly, her voice hoarse too, “Then I should go seek permission. All right?”

 

Su Huai’an pulled her into his embrace, returned her kiss, and whispered, “As soon as possible.”

 

The heavy rain persisted throughout the night, and amidst whispered exchanges of lovers, neither anticipated that what would arrive faster than a royal marriage decree was a report sent by the Governor of Langzhou.