Energetic

Chapter 10

Ling'er looked up at him, meeting his solemn and sincere gaze. Their eyes locked, their gazes entangled, almost forming a knot of affection. A look of bewilderment and loss gradually rose on his face. After a moment of silence, Ling'er slowly lowered her head. Unwilling to face him, she turned away and said softly, "Go."

"No!" Zhu Chengyu rushed to her, his gaze sweeping over her face. "I don't believe it, you have no feelings for me at all!" His whole body tensed, and he felt that excruciating pain again, his heart filled with a mix of emotions.

Ling'er remained silent, gazing at that handsome and ardent face. Suddenly, a tear welled up in her eye. The tear slid swiftly down Ling'er's flawless face, landing on Zhu Chengyu's hand, once again shaking him to his core.

Ling'er had never shed a tear in front of Zhu Chengyu. Although she had cried once in Yiqing Xiaozhu, that was when Ling'er was alone, and Zhu Chengyu had secretly witnessed it. But this time, she shed tears in front of him. Zhu Chengyu suddenly grabbed Ling'er's soft hand, his anger vanishing without a trace. He seemed to understand something; his body trembled, and a surge of joy illuminated his face.

"You cried, why are you crying? You really have me in your heart!"

In Zhu Chengyu's memory, Ling'er had never been so gentle to him, nor had she ever tried to please him. Her expression remained indifferent and aloof, but she no longer seemed so unapproachable.

Ling'er hurriedly wiped away her tears with her sleeve, trying to calm herself down. She slowly raised her head and stared at Zhu Chengyu with her bright, cold eyes. Then, she spoke softly and helplessly, "Returning the pearl to its rightful owner, tears streaming down my face!"

Zhu Chengyu trembled. Enough! That was enough! He had gotten the answer he wanted. Zhu Chengyu knew in his heart that Ling'er was already with someone else, and even if she had feelings for him, he couldn't agree to it. But he still asked, unwilling to give up, "Does she really have to marry him?"

“Yes! They have been kind to me!” Ling’er said bitterly. In that instant, she thought of Nan Bin, the man who would become her husband, her everything, her man.

Ling'er pulled her hand out of his grip and prepared to go back to her room, ending this embarrassing and helpless conversation.

"Stop!" Zhu Chengyu commanded. Ling'er stopped, but didn't turn around. She heard Zhu Chengyu angrily say behind her, "Since you like me, you're not allowed to like any other man!" Ling'er waited for him to finish speaking, then continued walking without turning back. Zhu Chengyu became even more enraged, pointing at Ling'er's back and saying fiercely, "Don't let me find out you like another man. If I do, I'll ruin everything for you. Don't let me find out you marry another man, or I'll kill him! Hmph! We'll see!"

Ling'er was shocked by these words; she knew Zhu Chengyu was capable of anything. She turned around abruptly, trying to stop him, but only saw his retreating figure. What could she do? She could only sigh helplessly and watch him go.

Suddenly, the wind picked up, whipping Ling'er's hair. Before she could even tidy it up, the wind made it even more disheveled. Her tangled hair whipped against her face, making no sound, only Ling'er's heart... a dream vanished without a trace!

In her youth, Madam Nan was a typical gentlewoman from a modest family, yet she possessed a rare decisiveness and competence. With this decisiveness and competence, she managed the affairs of the Nan household impeccably, earning great merit. Master Nan, on the other hand, never interfered in any matters, leaving everything to his wife's decisions, which over time led to his reputation for being henpecked. In truth, Master Nan wasn't truly henpecked; he simply respected his wife's wishes in everything and believed that one shouldn't worry about such trivial matters. In reality, their affection for each other remained strong and undiminished to this day.

Back when Master Nan was an official in Linyi, his wife was busy taking care of their young child, working tirelessly. After Master Nan went to the capital to serve as an official, their three children gradually grew up, while she slowly aged. Now, her biggest worry—Ningyue—has successfully married Sun Chenlin. Tomorrow, after the weddings of Nan Bin and Nan Shan are held, she will truly be at ease.

In the morning, the master and mistress were admiring the flowers in the garden. Ling'er was helping Steward Xu with the accounts, while Nanbin and Nanshan were also at home. Since Ningyue left, Nanshan had rarely gone out, so it was a rare occasion for the whole family to be home together.

A servant from the Southern Palace rushed in to report that an imperial edict had arrived.

Without time to think it over, Master Nan hurriedly returned with his wife to the flower hall to prepare to receive the imperial decree.

Eunuch Tao entered, standing facing south. He read aloud, "Ministry of Personnel, Nan Hongtian, receives the imperial decree." Minister Nan immediately knelt, prostrating himself on the ground, saying, "Your subject, Nan Hongtian, receives the imperial decree!" At the same time, everyone in the Nan household knelt down as if on command, prostrating themselves. Eunuch Tao unfurled the yellow silk imperial decree and read: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Minister of Personnel Nan Hongtian of our dynasty has a daughter, surnamed Nan, who is virtuous, gentle, beautiful, and intelligent. A fortune teller says she possesses the qualities to bring good fortune to her husband. She is hereby betrothed to Prince Suning, and the marriage is to be held in the seventh month of the year of Si-You. A zirconium pearl is hereby bestowed as a betrothal gift. Drink this."

Lord Nan was stunned upon hearing this. Ningyue was already married, and now the Emperor had betrothed her to Suning. Where was he supposed to find another Ningyue? What was he to do? Thinking of this, Lord Nan couldn't help but glance at his wife. Seeing her standing with her hands at her sides, her face showing no sign of panic, only a slight frown, he couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment: If only he had agreed when Lord Shang proposed marriage, but what was the use of saying all this now?

Seeing that Lord Nan did not move, Eunuch Tao said, "Lord Nan, quickly accept the imperial decree and express your gratitude!"

Lord Nan wiped the sweat from his brow, somewhat at a loss, and said tremblingly, "Your subject Nan Hongtian accepts the decree. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Never mind all that, just accept the decree first. After bowing and kowtowing three times, everyone in the Nan family also shouted "Long live the Emperor!" three times, and then stood up one by one.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [28]: The professor stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Eunuch Tao, you must be tired from your journey!"

Eunuch Tao returned the greeting, saying, "Lord Nan, you flatter me. His Majesty's grace is as vast as a mountain, and you have received unprecedented glory. Congratulations! Congratulations!" With that, he waved his hand, and a young eunuch stepped forward, carrying a tray with gold-lacquered borders. Eunuch Tao lifted the purple silk on the tray, revealing a pearl the size of a bowl.

Ling'er was shocked upon hearing the imperial edict. Good heavens! Zhu Chengyu had gone to such lengths to marry her, using an imperial decree. If Master Nan disobeyed, the lives of over a hundred people in the Nan household would be over. But Ningyue was already married; where could Master Nan find another young lady to marry? And what would Zhu Chengyu do if he discovered he wasn't marrying her? Zhu Chengyu was truly ruthless; he still didn't understand who he was supposed to marry. It seemed the Nan household was in grave danger. Should she tell Madam? It was all her fault; she had dragged the Nan household into this mess. What should she do?

"Lord Nan, this is a betrothal gift bestowed by the Emperor himself. Prince Suning certainly has considerable influence; this is the first time since the founding of our dynasty that an imperial betrothal gift has been presented! What an honor! Countless people, both inside and outside the court, are envious! And this 'zirconium-lanthanum' pearl," Eunuch Tao pointed and continued, "This old servant had heard that the 'zirconium-lanthanum' pearl was kept in the palace, but I had never seen it in all these years. At first, this old servant thought it was a misconception, but today, thanks to the presence of your esteemed daughter, this old servant has been able to broaden his horizons. It is truly thanks to you, Lord Nan!" Eunuch Tao spoke with a smile, while Lord Nan was sweating profusely with anxiety.

Ling'er was a discerning person and had heard the story of the "Zirconium-Lanternium" pearl. The "Zirconium-Lanternium" pearl was originally a prized possession of the Zhou emperor. Years ago, Princess Ziran eloped with a military general, and the pearl disappeared along with her. After many years, no one could have imagined that this "Zirconium-Lanternium" pearl was hidden in the palace. But who had ever seen the real "Zirconium-Lanternium" pearl? Since the emperor said it was "Zirconium-Lanternium," then it was "Zirconium-Lanternium"! Even if it wasn't real "Zirconium-Lanternium," Ling'er was certain that this pearl was a priceless treasure.

Sigh! What time is it now? Who still cares whether that "zirconium-lanthanum" is real or fake?

"Master Nanjing!" said Eunuch Tao, "Hurry up and catch it!"

Nanjing University student's face flushed red and then turned pale, but he never accepted the "zirconium-lanthanum" gem.

"What's wrong, Master Nan?" Eunuch Tao couldn't help but ask.

"Ah? It's nothing! My master is probably just too happy!" Madam Nan said quickly, taking the "zirconium and lanthanum" and handing it to Ling'er. She then added, "Eunuch Tao, you must be tired from your journey. Please come to the inner room for a cup of tea!"

Eunuch Tao was a favorite of the Empress Dowager, and since he had come in person to issue the imperial decree, the Nan family naturally dared not be negligent. Eunuch Tao also knew that the Zhu and Nan families wanted to form a marriage alliance, and since the Prince of Suning could not be offended, he also had to curry favor with the Nan family.

Upon arriving at the inner hall, the servants served tea, which the lady then dismissed.

The Master of the South could wait no longer. Before Eunuch Tao could even take his first sip of tea, he said, "Eunuch Tao, now that things have come to this, I no longer need to hide it from you. My daughter is already married."

"Huh?" Eunuch Tao was taken aback and almost spat out his tea: "What, what are you saying?"

"So please, sir, think of a way to persuade the Emperor to rescind his decree. We know this is extremely difficult, but you are a favorite of the Empress Dowager. If you are willing to help and ask the Empress Dowager to put in a word, and the Emperor is so filial, this matter may not be impossible. The lives of more than a hundred people in the Nan family depend on you, sir," Master Nan said earnestly.

Eunuch Tao wasn't stupid. He knew that the Nanjing University professor was flattering him one after another, but too much flattery can be overwhelming.

"Absolutely not!" Eunuch Tao refused outright. "Lord Nan, it's not that this old servant is unwilling to help, but this edict was issued by the Empress Dowager at the Emperor's behest!"

"The Empress Dowager? How could it be the Empress Dowager?" Lord Nan was even more puzzled.

“Early yesterday morning, Prince Suning entered the palace and stayed there for the entire day. He asked the Empress Dowager to have the Emperor issue an edict, saying that he had long admired your daughter and asked the Empress Dowager and the Emperor to grant his wish.” Eunuch Tao, being a member of the inner palace, was well-informed.

“My daughter has always stayed at home and never seen outsiders. How can you say that Prince Suning has been infatuated with her for a long time?” Madam Nan questioned, a question that was also on Lord Nan’s mind.

"You make it sound so easy for the Emperor to retract his decree. I've never heard of a subject asking the Emperor to retract his decree before. And who would dare to ask the Emperor for that? I advise you to think of a solution quickly." Eunuch Tao's tone was unfriendly, but his intentions were genuine.

Master Nan and his wife were frantic, like ants on a hot pan. The more they tried, the more confused they became, and the less they could think of a solution. If they could come up with a proper plan, all would be well; otherwise, the lives of over a hundred people in the Nan household were in grave danger! Master Nan paced back and forth anxiously, muttering to himself, "What to do? What to do? What to do?"

"Master Nan," said Eunuch Tao, "is there really no way you can do anything about it?"

Madam Nan sensed the hidden meaning in Eunuch Tao's words and asked, "What insightful opinion do you have, Eunuch Tao?"

"Very well, Madam Nan!" Eunuch Tao stood up and unfolded the imperial edict again, showing it to Master Nan and his wife.

"Look, this imperial edict says 'There is a daughter named Nan in the Nan family.' Since your daughter is already married, please forgive this old servant for daring to ask, does your family have a second young lady?"

The professor shook his head dejectedly, sighed, and remained silent. The lady, however, suddenly understood and her face lit up with joy.

"Thank you for your guidance, sir. I have an adopted daughter who has been in the household since she was a child. She is literate, intelligent, and quite beautiful. The Prince of Suning has never been interested in my daughter, but he has heard that she is famous for her beauty and is a great talent, so he intends to take her as his concubine."

"Madam, you mustn't!" Master Nan exclaimed urgently, "If this is exposed, it's a capital offense of deceiving the emperor, punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!"

“How can this be considered a serious crime of deceiving the emperor?” Madam Nan retorted. “I have always treated Ling’er as my own daughter. Besides, this is only a temporary expedient. If not, I would like to ask my husband if he has any better ideas.”

Master Nan felt that what his wife said made sense, but he still felt that something was wrong. To put it bluntly, she had exploited a loophole in the imperial edict.

“This old servant thinks Madam’s idea is feasible! It’s much better than having the Emperor retract his decree!” Eunuch Tao stood up and said, “It’s getting late, this old servant should return to the palace to report. You can discuss it further. Lord Nan, if you really think it’s inappropriate, you can speak to the Emperor yourself at the morning court tomorrow. Farewell.” Eunuch Tao bowed and left.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [29]: As soon as her father-in-law left, Madam Nan called Ling'er into the inner hall.

"Ling'er, I need your help with something!" Madam Nan said earnestly.

Ling'er was somewhat absent-minded, still pondering whether to tell Madam about her affairs. Hearing Madam Nan's solemn words, she knew it must be something important, and quickly composed herself, saying, "Madam, you are too kind. I am a maid of the Nan household, and it is my duty to serve the Nan household. Madam's use of 'begging' is too much of an insult to Ling'er."

Madam Nan got straight to the point: "You know what happened today. The Emperor has decreed that Ningyue betrothed to Prince Suning, but Ningyue has already gone with Chenlin and cannot marry Suning. My idea is to take you as my goddaughter and let you marry in Ningyue's place. I wonder if you are willing?"

Ling'er was in complete disarray, never expecting things to escalate to this point. Her mind was a blank, and she was utterly astonished by the sudden question.

Seeing that Ling'er remained silent, Madam Nan assumed she was unwilling. This was understandable; having lived in the Nan household for so long, the thought of suddenly betrothing her to a stranger was incredibly painful for her, but what could she do?

"Ling'er, if you are unwilling, I will never make things difficult for you!" Madam Nan was quite adept at using retreat as a means of advancement.

"No! Madam, that's not what I meant!" Ling'er hurriedly explained. She looked up at Madam Nan and noticed that a few white hairs had appeared on her head, while the latter was looking at her with a tentative, expectant, and loving gaze.

Ling'er lowered her head, sighed softly, and then said, "I will follow Madam's instructions in everything."

Whether Ling'er is willing or not is not her place to decide. Since Madam has said so, she has already made up her mind. Ling'er has been in the Southern Mansion for many years, how could she not understand?

Madam Nan walked over, gently stroking Ling'er's hair, and said tenderly, "Good Ling'er, on behalf of the entire household, I thank you. You've been by my side since you were little, and now that you're leaving, my heart is heavy..." Madam Nan's eyes welled up with tears, and she choked out a sob.

"Madam, there's no need to grieve. This is my fate," Ling'er said softly. These words were partly to comfort her mistress, and partly to comfort herself. This was fate, something she couldn't escape or hide from. If that was the case, why try to escape? Why hide? If he was coming, who could stop him?

Madam Nan wiped away her tears and said, "Ling'er, you are such a sensible and good girl. It's a pity that you and Bin'er are not destined to be together. I originally planned to... Sigh! I won't say anymore. Go back to your room and rest well."

Ling'er walked out of the flower hall, remaining silent the whole way. She had initially planned to tell the madam about her affair, but now there was no need. This Zhu Chengyu had actually come up with the idea of getting the Emperor to issue an edict just to marry her! What would the future hold? Fate was cruel! Perhaps she truly was destined for him!

Madam Nan first instructed Ling'er to hand over all matters concerning the business to Steward Xu, and then personally arranged Ling'er's dowry. Although this was not the first time the Nan family had betrothed a girl, Ningyue's previous engagement was too rushed and she hadn't informed her relatives and friends. This time, however, it was an imperial marriage, so the Nan family naturally couldn't be careless.

Nan Shan visited Ling'er three times, but Nan Bin completely avoided seeing her. Ling'er didn't understand why, and what did it matter?

As the wedding date drew closer, Ling'er felt an overwhelming sense of confusion, panic, and a touch of secret joy that enveloped her day and night. Was this what it meant to be on the verge of marriage?

On the very night before Ling'er's wedding, Nan Bin came, looking dejected. Ling'er felt a lump in her throat upon seeing him, as they had lived together in the Nan family for many years. For a moment, the two remained silent.

"You're getting married tomorrow!" Nan Bin spoke first. "I came to see you, but I don't know when we'll see each other again. Please take good care of yourself." His words were full of reluctance to part.

"Thank you for your concern, young master. Please take good care of yourself!"

"Since there's nothing else, I won't bother you any longer." Nan Bin said and was about to leave. Ling'er couldn't, and shouldn't, stop him.

At the door, Nan Bin stopped and turned back, saying, "I've met Prince Suning a few times. He's a womanizer. How can you stand him? But men are all like that, even I am. You should rest well. Tomorrow, I will personally escort you to Prince Suning's residence!"

Upon hearing this, Ling'er was at a loss for words. Suddenly remembering something, she called out, "Young Master!" Then she quickly walked a few steps to Nan Bin, took off the jade bracelet from her wrist, and handed it to him, saying, "This, I'll return it to you."

Nan Bin looked at the bracelet and gave a wry smile, saying, "Keep it as a keepsake! Consider it your dowry from your older brother."

The third day of the seventh lunar month was Ling'er's big day of marriage. In the morning, Madam Nan came to Wangyue Residence to personally help Ling'er with her hair and makeup.

When the auspicious hour arrived, Ling'er bid farewell to Master Nan and the old lady, and was carried away in the grand sedan chair of the Prince of Suning's Mansion. Of course, wherever Ling'er went, Ximei followed.

Along the way, drums and music filled the air, firecrackers crackled, and crowds on the street craned their necks, pointing and whispering with envy. The bridal sedan chair arrived in a grand procession at the Prince of Suning's residence.

Ling'er was restless. She didn't know what she should do or think. Fortunately, she didn't need to do or think anything. She just needed to sit obediently in the sedan chair.

When did she alight from the sedan chair? When was she helped into the main hall? When did she and he bow to heaven and earth? When was she already seated in the bridal chamber?

Ling'er, her head covered by a red silk veil, couldn't see what was happening outside, but she could sense the lively scene. Outside the bridal chamber, wine cups clinked, clothes swayed, and laughter filled the air, but inside, only two matchmakers and Ximei were there to watch over Ling'er.

At this moment, a little maid walked in from outside and gave Ling'er a deep bow.

"Greetings to the Princess Consort of Suning!" What kind of address is this? Ling'er felt a little uncomfortable.

"Your Highness, my name is Xiaohe. The Prince sent me to serve you. If you need anything, just tell me." Her voice was light and melodious, and she looked to be no more than sixteen or seventeen years old.

"Little He, no need for such formalities! This is my little maid, Ximei. Please take good care of her." Ling'er introduced Ximei to Little He.

"Sister Xiaohe, I'm Ximei!" Ximei greeted Xiaohe politely.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [30]: “Oh dear, Your Highness, please don’t say that. You are the master and I am the servant. How could I dare to accept that title?”

Just then, a commotion came from outside the new house, as if four or five people had arrived.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. Xiao He will be right back." Xiao He hurriedly left these words and went to the door.

"Oh! So it's Duke Wu, Lord Zhao, General Zheng, Prince Pan, and Lord Zhu. Why aren't you drinking in the front hall? What brings you here?"

A man shouted, "Oh? It's Miss Xiaohe! We're going to make a ruckus in the bridal chamber!" The others echoed, "Yes, make a ruckus in the bridal chamber! Make a ruckus in the bridal chamber!"

"My lords, His Highness has instructed that no guest may disturb the Princess Consort. Alas! Duke Wu cannot enter! His Highness will be displeased!" Clearly, Duke Wu was already impatient to enter.

"What day is it today? He won't blame me. If he does, I'll take full responsibility!" the Duke of Wu said with great pride. "I'm really curious, what kind of stunning beauty could bewitch Su Ning? I wonder what she looks like? Is she something shameful?"

"What she looks like is none of your business," another man teased. "Anyway, she's prettier than your sister!" This remark drew laughter from the others. Everyone knew that Duke Wu was eager to marry his sister to Prince Suning in order to curry favor with him. However, hasty decisions don't always work, and Prince Suning was known for his eccentric and easily angered nature. Duke Wu was both resentful and genuinely curious to see how Princess Suning's beauty compared to his beloved sister. Therefore, he decided to take advantage of the crowd's commotion to get a first glimpse.