Heirate einen Beamten der Nördlichen Song-Dynastie

Kapitel 29

After listening to Wanqing's advice, Cangran's phoenix eyes flashed with admiration. He suddenly understood why Xiaoze had entrusted Wan'er's "Chao Dan" to this person. Jiu'er's encounter with such a woman was both a blessing and a curse!

"You...you're willing to let go?!"

Wan Qing's eyes flashed with a hint of sarcasm, "Compared to Your Majesty's sacrifice back then, mine is but a light wisp of smoke! I beg Your Majesty to grant my request!"

The Emperor smiled without any concern, "As you say, I have to attend the morning court session. You may return to your residence and await further instructions!"

Wan Qing smiled and bowed, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty!"

"No need! I'll need you to keep me company for the next few months!"

According to the emperor's decree, Wan Qing immediately packed her things and was expelled from the palace!

On this day in the imperial court, the Emperor issued an edict establishing Prince Qing, Sima Jiuru, as Crown Prince and bestowing upon him a marriage, appointing Jiang Fu, daughter of Minister Jiang, as Crown Princess. The wedding was to take place three months later. He also summoned Ye Xing from the Crown Prince's residence to the palace to serve as Shanggong (a female official in the inner palace, responsible for the inner palace's education, music, etiquette, and ceremonial duties)...

The palace has been undergoing tremendous changes in recent days. The officials were prepared for the crown prince to be chosen and a marriage arranged. However, rumors in the capital say that Ye Xing, the favored advisor of the Prince of Qing's mansion, is actually a woman! And she has been summoned to the palace to serve as a female official, which makes people think all sorts of things.

After the morning court session, Jiu Ru finally managed to shake off the congratulatory officials and headed straight back to his residence, where Xing Ge was already waiting for him in his study.

"Your Highness, congratulations!" Xingge ignored Jiu Ru's gloomy expression and bowed with a smile.

"What did you conspire with Father Emperor?!" Jiu Ru grabbed Xing Ge's shoulders, her eyes burning with fury that seemed to scorch him!

"Your Highness, we have all worked hard for many years, and Aunt Wan risked her life to help us today. How can you hesitate!"

"Don't you understand why I'm hesitating! What are you avoiding!"

Xingge turned her head to avoid the burning gaze and said softly, "Without the Jiang family's help, Your Highness's position as Crown Prince will not be secure! His Majesty intends to abdicate in favor of you. A small act of impatience could cost you the throne! If you anger His Majesty, you might not just be made a female official, but directly promoted to the rank of Imperial Concubine!"

Although Jiu Ru still had doubts, her heart ached as if it were being torn apart. A thousand words stuck in her throat as she gently pulled Xing Ge into her arms. "I can't let you suffer!"

Xingge felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. She leaned her forehead against Jiuru's shoulder, still smiling as she comforted her, "Aunt Wan is not the Crown Princess, but she is still the Empress."

Jiu Ru's grip tightened suddenly, and she said in a deep voice, "If you dare to act like Mother, I..."

"No, no, I'm extremely afraid of death!"

...

The imperial edict had reached the Qing King's residence, and a lady-in-waiting's palace attire had been sent along, requesting that she enter the palace immediately. Xingge, dressed in the palace attire, sat before the mirror, with Jiuru standing behind her, determined to comb her hair.

"You came here specifically to make me look ugly, didn't you?" Xingge chuckled lightly, teasingly.

For a long time, she gently combed her hair, remaining silent.

...

"I've practiced for a long time, are you satisfied?" Jiu Ru asked, holding a mirror to reflect Xing Ge's image.

Xingge felt a surge of emotions, and nodded with a light laugh. Jiuru leaned down and embraced the person in front of the mirror, saying in a deep voice...

"Let's survey the world together! You stay in the palace and wait for me, don't have any other thoughts!"

Xingge felt a slight chill run down his spine; in the mirror, two reflections leaned against each other, a scene both real and illusory!

45. Trial Step

The inner palace was divided into six departments, with the Department of Imperial Clothing and Costumes (Shangfuju) in charge of education, music, etiquette, and ceremony. The head of the department, the Shanggong, was usually a senior, experienced palace maid. The palace staff were astonished to discover that the newly appointed Shanggong was not only young but had also mastered the department's affairs in less than ten days. Adding to the speculation was the rumor that she had previously been a favored advisor in the Prince of Qing's household and was now a favorite of the Emperor, sparking a flurry of envy and jealousy…

This grand wedding of the Crown Prince involved six rites: betrothal, name inquiry, auspicious date selection, gift presentation, and announcement of the wedding date. The wedding ceremony was scheduled for the tenth day of the following month. The Emperor decreed that the ceremony be held in the main hall of the palace, with all specifications matching those of the Emperor's wedding. The palace had not held a formal marriage ceremony for many years, and all six departments were busy preparing. Xingge, in particular, had been working tirelessly for days, training the ceremonial guard, choreographing music, and overseeing the production of ceremonial robes… his heart was filled with mixed emotions amidst the busyness!

The royal welcoming ceremony was elaborate, including a procession of the newlyweds walking hand in hand with the musicians from the Ganhe Gate to the Ganhe Hall, a distance of nearly a hundred zhang (approximately 300 meters). To ensure that their steps matched the music, after the midday rest, the front hall was cleaned, and Vice Minister Jiang, at the request of the palace, brought his sister into the palace to practice their steps.

Xingge stood at the Ganhe Gate, smiling to welcome her. Jiang Fu carefully tidied up the legendary woman before her, who had fought alongside the Crown Prince in Xicang, spent nearly a month in the Dark Palace, and was now highly valued by the Emperor, a woman her elder brother praised highly.

Seeing the curiosity in her eyes, Xingge smiled leisurely and spread her hands, "Good Your Majesty, this time do you want to see my hands, or somewhere else?"

Upon hearing this address, Jiang Fu blushed instantly.

"Hey! You're bullying Fu'er like this, aren't you afraid that Fu'er will become the queen of the harem someday..." Hua Lian teased from the side.

"I'm afraid, I'm afraid. When you become the emperor's brother-in-law, your salary will probably increase, right? Otherwise, I don't know when I'll be able to save up 50,000 taels!"

"Now that you're in such a lucrative position, you've really hit the jackpot with the Crown Prince's wedding!"

"Don't worry, when Lord Jiang gets married and asks me to give him a gift, I'll definitely get a huge discount!"

"Why don't I ask the Emperor for you? That way I can have both you and the money!" Hua Lian teased, turning his head slightly.

"Alright, once I've made enough money and the truth comes out, Lord Jiang will definitely rescue me from the palace!"

...

Jiang Fu, who had been blushing with embarrassment, had never seen her usually mild-mannered older brother so lively and even a little rascal! She couldn't help but have some ambiguous thoughts and began to look at this Lady Ye with even greater admiration.

Hua Lian went to pay his respects to Consort Xian in her palace, while Xing Ge, smiling, led Jiang Fu by the hand and walked slowly forward.

"Your Majesty, although I am not as valiant as the Crown Prince, I am slightly better than your elder brother. Please treat me as the Crown Prince for now and follow my steps. It would be best if we could keep in step with the music!" Xingge raised his hand to signal the musicians to begin playing.

"Miss Ye, please stop teasing me. I have no younger sister since I was a child. If you don't mind, I will recognize you as my elder sister. You can call me Fu'er, just like my elder brother does!"

Xingge's heart stirred, and looking at his clever and innocent little cousin in front of him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness.

"I am flattered by Miss Jiang's kindness, but as she will be under the public eye, there will inevitably be those with ulterior motives. I am still a servant, and if we become friends, there may be rumors that could be detrimental to her!"

Hearing this, Jiang Fu understood that Lady Ye was thinking of her, and felt a warmth in her heart. She leaned closer and whispered, "Then let's call each other sisters in private, as long as outsiders don't know."

"Hehe, alright, but Fu'er, you're walking like this today. When the day comes and you put on your veil, I think only the Crown Prince will be able to carry you to the palace!"

"Sister's teasing me again!" Jiang Fu pouted.

"Haha," Xingge tilted her head and thought for a moment, "The Crown Prince's steps are slightly longer than mine, but his pace is slightly slower and more steady! I'll try to make some markings along the way, which you can see from under the veil. Come, let's practice some more!" Saying this, she took out an embroidered handkerchief and covered Fu'er's head, then stretched out her fair hand, "Please, my lady!"

Fu'er chuckled and took his hand, pacing back and forth a few times until her steps became steady.

"Sister Ye, you used to work at the Prince Qing's residence, right? What is the Crown Prince like?" Jiang Fu asked softly through her embroidered handkerchief.

Xingge paused for a moment, but her steps remained steady. "I know the Crown Prince to some extent. What would you like to ask, Fu'er? For example, does he like Fu'er?"

"Sister!" Fu'er cried out!

"Haha, is Fu'er blushing? Don't worry, your older sister can't see anything!"

After a brief pause, Xingge asked softly, "Is Fu'er afraid?"

Xingge felt the hand in her palm tremble slightly, and a sorrowful whisper came from behind the embroidered handkerchief, "Sister, do you know that the women of the Jiang family are born to marry into the royal family! Their greatest goal is to become the empress! Since I was little, Father has always praised Prince Qing in front of me. Now that I have such a husband, I am naturally blessed! But my aunt is so virtuous and beautiful, yet she still lives like this! I, I..."

Hearing the embroidered handkerchief, Xingge seemed to be sobbing. She squeezed the soft hand in her palm tightly. "Fu'er, don't worry. The Crown Prince is well-educated and polite, and Fu'er is so beautiful and lovely. You will surely live in harmony with him and grow old together!"

Xingge removed the embroidered handkerchief and gently wiped Fu'er's tearful eyes. "Fu'er, don't be afraid! With Consort Xian, your father, and your elder brother here, who would dare to betray you! Or, when you enter the palace in the future, I'll only give you the nicest clothes, and all the other beauties will wear rags, okay?"

"Hehe, sister is just teasing me!" Fu'er laughed through her tears.

The two were strolling and chatting when they saw a figure in black robes approaching from outside the gate. Fu'er cried out in surprise, "The newlyweds are not allowed to meet before the grand ceremony! Why is the Crown Prince heading this way!"

Xingge chuckled as she looked at her flushed face. "I'll let you off the hook today. That's enough for now. Go and pay your respects to Consort Xian!"

Fu'er's face burned even hotter. She turned back to look at the approaching figure in the robe, then hurried away amidst the singing and laughter.

Xingge turned around and met the figure in robes at the Ganhe Gate. "Ye Xing from the Imperial Clothing Bureau greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

As Jiu Ru watched the person bowing in greeting, her heart was in turmoil. Since entering the palace, she had not uttered a single word. Every time she went to the palace to pay her respects, she would intentionally or unintentionally avoid seeing them. If she hadn't just happened to hear the sound of the commotion in the front hall, humph!

The musicians nearby knew that Lady Ye was originally a staff member of the Crown Prince, and that the Crown Prince must have something to discuss with her, so they wisely withdrew.

Xingge waited for a long time but still didn't hear the words "no need for formalities," so he simply stood up straight and waited for a reprimand.

"You're doing well!" Jiu Ru said sarcastically, carefully examining the radiant Xing Ge before her.

Xingge noticed that Xingge's face looked melancholy, and he appeared more haggard than before. Being the Crown Prince was truly no easy task! She could only offer a faint smile, "Thanks to Your Highness's blessing!"

Are you testing the waters here?

"We invited Miss Jiang to try her walk today, but the beauty has already been scared away by the Crown Prince!"

"Please, Lady Ye, show me how to walk!"

Upon seeing that the musicians had already retreated to a distance, Xingge said, "Yes, Your Highness, I will recite the rites and music. Please follow the rhythm and proceed."

“Actions speak louder than words! Lady Ye, please!” Jiu Ru handed her palm to Xing Ge.

Xingge stared at the palm and said in a deep voice, "I am now an inner court official, and this action is beyond my bounds!"

Without a word, Jiu Ru stepped forward, grasped Xing Ge's hand, and strode forward. Xing Ge was dragged along for a few steps before she had no choice but to follow.

As the sun sets, their long shadows stretch across the blue bricks as they walk hand in hand, the surroundings silent except for the soft sound of their footsteps…

Xingge suddenly recalled their first meeting in the dark tunnel, where they walked hand in hand, the same warm and gentle hand. Back then, walking through the dark tunnel, he felt peaceful and serene. Now, bathed in the warm sun, a chill gradually crept into his heart, as if he were being led into an endless abyss...

Xingge's palm trembled uncontrollably! It was immediately gripped even tighter, a sharp pain shooting through his hand! Even more painful was the feeling of constraint welling up in his heart! Xingge channeled his inner energy, flipped his palm, and leaped several feet away, lowering his eyes as he said...

"The Crown Princess is delicate, so please slow your pace and be gentle when you personally greet her!"

"What I want is someone capable of walking alongside me!" Jiu Ru drew closer step by step.

Xingge quickly stepped back a few feet, raising his eyes to meet the piercing gaze directed at him. "Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will definitely train the Crown Princess to keep up with Your Highness's pace!"

Jiu Ru narrowed her phoenix eyes, staring at Xing Ge for a long while, before a smile suddenly appeared on her face. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Lady Ye!" With that, she turned and left...

On the occasion of the Crown Prince's wedding, bells and drums resounded in the main hall, and ceremonial music echoed throughout. Apart from those in official positions, everyone in the inner palace crowded to the palace gates to watch the spectacle.

After arranging for his four subordinates to look after him, Xingge sat alone in his room sketching an unknown design... until the sun set in the west.

On the day the grand wedding took place, the emperor suddenly announced that he would abdicate in three months and pass the throne to the crown prince!

At the Crown Prince's wedding banquet, officials and dignitaries gathered, and the Crown Prince seemed to be in exceptionally good mood. He drank until he was unconscious and was carried into the bridal chamber, leaving the Crown Princess alone to face the candlelight and weep all night!

Meanwhile, in the Cloud Pavilion of the inner palace, Xingge sat quietly, holding a zither and singing.

"Your Majesty has summoned your minister; what music do you wish to hear?"

The Emperor gazed at the brightly lit Crown Prince's residence and said quietly, "Xiao Ze once composed 'Wandering the World,' and Wan'er considered him a confidant. I heard that you also inspired 'Li Sao' with this piece, so please play a tune for me!"

As the music began, for some reason, a strange thought slowly welled up in his chest, causing his fingertips to tremble slightly... Xingge stared at his hands, too shocked to utter a single sound.

A complex smile appeared in the Emperor's deep eyes. "The young lady has impure thoughts! What should we do?"

Xingge suddenly snapped back to his senses and said fiercely, "Your Majesty need not trouble yourself. Please do not forget what Your Majesty promised me!"

A glint flashed in his dark eyes, and he nodded without hesitation. "Does the young lady know why I granted Wan'er's wish back then?"

Xingge gazed at the distant lights and sighed softly, "You must have made this decision for a long time!"

"Wan'er is giving me a choice: either grant her wish or let her go!"