Chapter 12:- Identity Exposed

Ge Ruyan, half-dazed, ended up temporarily staying in the Marquis of Jing’an’s residence.

After discussion, everyone agreed to wait for their mother, Madam Shen Jing, to return before deciding whether she would be allowed to remain.

But as fate would have it, three days later their father, Jiang Yuanting, returned to the capital with Madam Shen Jing, travel-worn from the road.

He had led a small contingent to the Hechuan River to carry out disaster-relief work, which delayed them for half a month. Now that the floods were stabilized, they could finally return home with an easy mind.

The moment Marquis Jiang entered the capital, he was summoned straight into the palace.
His Majesty personally hosted a banquet to welcome him back, with all the civil and military officials in attendance.

The scale of the feast was equal to that of one given for a prince of the realm; no one else under heaven enjoyed such favor from the Emperor.

Meanwhile, the Marquis of Jing’an’s residence was likewise full of excitement. Since the Emperor himself had issued the invitation, the Marquis’s three children, brother and sisters alike naturally had to attend the celebration banquet as well.

Before they set out, Jiang Yuan earnestly selected several newly tailored gowns for Jiang Rao, each of elaborate design and dazzling color, their intricate handiwork showing off both extravagance and skill.

Jiang Rao looked at one crimson wide-sleeved dress among them; the pattern was complicated and the accessories lavish. Her heart couldn’t help but beat nervously. “Elder Sister, isn’t this one far too bright?”

Anyone who didn’t know better might think she was going to a selection for imperial consorts…she grumbled silently to herself, though she certainly didn’t dare voice such a jest aloud.

“The last time at the victory banquet in the military camp,” Jiang Yuan said, “there weren’t many ladies present, so it was fine for you to dress simply. But today, all the noblewomen of the capital will show their faces, especially Princess Chaoyang. You two never see eye to eye, and since tonight we’re celebrating Father’s triumph, we can’t afford to lose face.”

Jiang Rao couldn’t help but laugh; so that was the reason because of Chaoyang.

That grudge went all the way back to childhood. They had been only seven or eight years old then. The princess had always been proud and overbearing, and since Jiang Rao had a knack for drawing everyone’s attention, Chaoyang had naturally despised her.

At a palace banquet one time, the two quarreled over some trivial matter; in anger, the princess accidentally pushed Jiang Rao into the lake. Fortunately a palace maid nearby could swim, otherwise it might have turned into a disaster.

Because of that incident, Jiang Yuan had held resentment on her younger sister’s behalf ever since.

“Elder Sister, everyone says you’re steady and reserved, who would have thought you still hold such childish grudges?”

“So what if I do?” Jiang Yuan knew she was teasing. She reached out and tapped Jiang Rao’s nose. “If you don’t like that red one, pick another.”

Not wanting to hurt her sister’s good intentions, Jiang Rao sifted through the pile of fine fabrics and finally chose a white gauze dress with flowing sleeves. The hem shimmered faintly with light, the silver threads had been embroidered stitch by stitch by the seamstresses, delicate and exquisite.

“If you insist that I dress up properly,” she said with a smile, “then you must set the example yourself. The crimson gown you praised earlier suits you best. If you don’t wear it, I won’t let the matter rest.”

With Jiang Rao speaking to that extent, Jiang Yuan truly had no way to refuse.

Thus the two Jiang sisters attended the banquet in all their finery, a striking pair of beauties. As they entered the palace’s main hall, one walking ahead and the other following behind, they moved with graceful steps. At first, several people came forward to greet them, but soon no one dared approach.

That feeling of inferiority in comparison was hard to bear.

But such natural beauty, born with heavenly grace how could anyone compete or begrudge them?

Among the ladies present, some whispered quietly, their eyes showing admiration or disdain, but mostly thinly veiled envy.

Especially toward Jiang Rao; she was, after all, the future Crown Princess, and one day, perhaps the Empress herself.

—

In the Shengde Hall, the officials entered one after another.

Prince Chen ascended the steps slowly, with Chen Lian following at an unhurried pace.

“Brother Lian,” the prince said, “why did you decide to join the liveliness today?”

He had held back this question all the way, fearing that if he asked earlier Chen Lian might change his mind and stay away so he asked only now.

He knew Chen Lian’s temperament very well: never striving, never contending, utterly indifferent to rank or power. Such rare talent hidden away from the world truly seemed a pity.

“Too stifling,” Chen Lian replied simply.

“Strange, you usually like quiet places,” said the prince, laughing. “I heard that a young lady came to the riding ground to see you a few days ago. Who was she? To disregard all propriety for your sake!”

At these words, Chen Lian’s expression finally shifted a little. “Nothing can escape Your Highness’s ears and eyes.”

“I’m genuinely curious,” the prince teased. “What sort of woman could catch the eye of an immortal like you?”

No desires, no attachments, wasn’t that practically becoming an immortal?

Only, the prince was mistaken. Chen Lian was without desire, yes… but not without longing.

Tonight he entered as the prince’s personal guard and thus sat by his side. They chatted idly for a few moments, until the Crown Prince, resplendent in his ceremonial robes arrived and took his seat.

The two princes exchanged polite greetings, but before they could say much more, Marquis Jing’an entered the hall with his wife.

The Crown Prince immediately left Prince Chen’s side and hurried over with eagerness to greet them.

Prince Chen watched it all with faint amusement and shook his head.

“This time, the Marquis has returned in triumph, and Jiang Ming has been granted the title of Grand General of the Nation. Throughout the entire capital, there’s no family more illustrious than the Jiangs.”

Chen Lian withdrew his gaze and said quietly, “Such glory was bought with blood. The old Marquis has spent his whole life in armor; he has earned this honor.”

Prince Chen looked at him in mild surprise. “I thought you had no interest in officialdom?”

“This isn’t about the court,” Chen Lian replied. “It’s about the human heart.” He looked toward the prince. “I only study people’s hearts.”

As he said this, his peripheral vision caught a familiar figure. He turned and indeed saw her, entering with the Jiang family.

His fingers tightened slightly on his knee.

Different from their first two encounters, Tonight, Xiao Qi was dressed in splendid finery, adorned with delicate ornaments. Gone was her usual approachable warmth; in its place, a touch of noble allure. Her makeup was light, yet her features were so vivid that, set off by the snowy white gown, she looked like a goddess descending to earth.

Not only him… at the very instant she stepped into the hall, every gaze converged upon her.

He felt a flicker of irritation at the others’ excessive admiration, though he couldn’t show it.
Instead, he quietly downed a bowl of cold wine.

Prince Chen’s eyes also lingered at the doorway. “See that?” he asked lightly. “The Jiang family’s daughters live up to their reputation.”

“One missing, though?” Chen Lian asked.

If she was here, her two elder sisters should have come as well.

But Prince Chen smiled. “The Jiangs have only two daughters; the one in red is the elder, Jiang Yuan and the one in white is the youngest, Jiang Rao.”

Chen Lian’s brows creased almost imperceptibly.

Setting down his wine cup, he asked again, “You’re certain the one in white is the Marquis’s youngest daughter?”

Prince Chen nodded. “I’ve known her since she was little.”

The prince didn’t notice the turmoil flickering in his eyes. He went on, saying with a teasing smile,
“Two peerless beauties; one graceful and gentle, the other dazzlingly alluring. Which one does Brother Lian favor? Then I’ll have a standard for choosing your future bride.”

Chen Lian’s expression darkened slightly, as if lost in thought. The prince, seeing no reply, waved a hand before his eyes and repeated the question.

“And Your Highness?” Chen Lian countered softly. “Which one do you prefer?”

Prince Chen hadn’t expected to be turned upon. His expression paused for a couple of seconds before he too downed a cup of wine.

“What does liking her matter?”

He gave a faint, bitter smile. “The daughters of Marquis Jing’an’s household can only enter the Eastern Palace. It’s one of Father’s balancing tactics. He’s already stripped Duke Shen, the Crown Prince’s uncle of his military power so of course he has to give my royal brother some compensation. Thus, the future Crown Princess must bear the surname Jiang.”

Among great families, for the struggle of power, a political marriage was always the simplest, and most efficient solution.

Chen Lian’s face sank further; he said nothing. Suppressing the surge of emotion in his chest, he looked toward the woman not far away.

Her smile was radiant; her bright, fox-like eyes sparkled, so beautiful it almost dazzled him.
Those moist eyes… he had seen them, only a few nights ago, in his dreams.

What a fool’s dream.

The woman he had teased and toyed with was, in fact, the future Crown Princess.

Overreaching fool… his fingers pressed against the thin porcelain cup so hard it nearly shattered.

At that very moment, Jiang Rao’s gaze happened to sweep his way. The instant she saw him, her bright smile froze upon her face.

Chen Lian caught that fleeting look of surprise, as though she hadn’t expected him to be here.

And indeed, this glittering banquet of power and rank was never a place for someone like him.

So why had he insisted on coming tonight?

Half-lidded eyes, he stared at her flower-bright face and drew his lips into a faint, mocking curl.

Toying with him, was that so amusing?

Before long, the noise in the hall subsided. As the sharp voice of the eunuch rang out, the Son of Heaven entered the hall.

The emperor’s regal presence filled the air; the assembled officials bowed and lined up on either side, while the women all lowered their heads, none daring to meet his gaze.

“My beloved subjects, no need for formality.”

At his words, the hall’s tense air eased slightly.

All took their seats except for the Crown Prince, Mu Ling, who rose to his feet.

“Father, Marquis Jing’an has labored tirelessly for the stability of our realm. Your son wishes to offer him a personal toast.”

“As you should. He is, after all, your future father-in-law. He deserves that cup.”

At the word father-in-law, Jiang Rao’s face suddenly paled.

Her first instinct was to glance at Chen Lian, and sure enough, his eyes, cold and assessing were fixed squarely on her.

Everyone’s attention was on the Crown Prince; no one noticed the subtle clash of their gazes.
Jiang Rao seized the chance, gave a slight shake of her head, a silent signal to him.

But he didn’t respond. His eyes didn’t shift an inch. He merely looked at her and drained a bowl of cold wine.

Laughter rippled from the Crown Prince’s side, her father occasionally adding a few agreeable remarks. Soon, the talk drifted from border campaigns to affairs of love and marriage.

Jiang Rao’s fingers clenched around her sleeve. She had never felt such torment.

“Where is Jiang Rao?”

It was the Emperor calling her.

Her elder sister tugged discreetly at her sleeve, urging her to answer.

Jiang Rao gathered herself, pulled her gaze back, and hurriedly knelt to the floor. “Your servant-daughter is here.”

“No need for ceremony. A good child indeed. A few days ago, the Empress proposed that since you and Ling’er have been betrothed for half a year, and considering that Ling’er is no longer young, we should move the wedding up. What say you to that?”

A chill ran down her back. Under so many watchful eyes, she racked her mind on how could she decline gracefully enough to earn the Emperor’s understanding?

Just then, her father, Jiang Yuanting, spoke up.

“Your Majesty, this humble subject has two daughters. Rao’er is the younger. For the younger to marry before the elder would breach proper decorum.”

Her father’s tactful refusal carried weight.

“What you say is reasonable,” the Emperor agreed at last. “In that case, let us follow the original schedule.”

The Crown Prince’s face had already turned unpleasant.

The Empress, quick to react, laughed softly to smooth things over. “It’s my fault for being impatient and eager to have Rao’er as our daughter-in-law.”

Jiang Rao immediately bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious favor.”

Suppressing her pounding heart, she finally sat back down. When she looked up again, she realized that Chen Lian had already left the hall.

Her chest tightened. How much of that had he heard?

The Marquis’s youngest daughter. The Crown Princess. The Empress’s daughter-in-law…

Each title landed like a stone, one after another, upon her heart.

Her delicate face clouded with worry. Now that the betrothal had been publicly mentioned, her identity could no longer be hidden.

Chen Lian must surely think her a liar.

But if she hadn’t hidden it, how could Chen Lian ever have drawn close to a woman already promised to another?

“Elder Sister,” she whispered, “I’m feeling a bit stifled. I want to go outside for some air.”

She couldn’t wait any longer. Whatever must be done, it had to be done tonight. She couldn’t allow all her efforts of the past days to go to waste.

“Are you sure you can manage alone? You’re not familiar with the palace.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t go far.”

With that, she slipped quietly out of the main hall, while the others remained inside, laughing and drinking in celebration.

Author’s Note:

Chen Lian: “Without desire or attachment? No… I am simply without want.”