VBNWDW - Chapter 116
Chapter 116
In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. Everything developed just as it had in the original plot.
The Crown Prince brought back a prince of Great Chu, intending to befriend him and then do everything in his power to help him ascend the throne. He hoped this would mend relations between their two nations and maintain a hundred years of peace.
It was unknown what the Prince of Great Chu was truly thinking, but he feigned cooperation with the Crown Prince's naive plan, playing along the entire way. Then, at a banquet, in front of all the civil and military officials, he suddenly knelt and announced his wish to ask for the Grand Princess's hand in marriage.
His words were beautifully crafted. He claimed to have long admired the Grand Princess of Great Liang, and that after getting to know the Crown Prince, his admiration and longing had only grown. He wished to marry the Grand Princess to forge a hundred years of peace between their two nations.
The moment these words were spoken, the banquet erupted. The officials broke into a flurry of discussion, and even the Emperor's expression shifted several times. He could only find a few excuses to delay the matter.
Afterward, news of the event spread throughout the capital. That night, the prince's temporary residence was pelted with rotten vegetables and smelly eggs, and people could be heard shouting curses from a great distance.
The next day, the Crown Prince finally ascended the mountain, an imperial edict in hand.
In a small courtyard within Xuanmiao Temple.
After reading the edict aloud, the Crown Prince set it aside and waved his hand, dismissing the others. Only then did he call out, "Jinyan."
His features were only about thirty percent similar to Zhong Jueyu's. His profile favored His Majesty, with a square, honest face. His features were not as refined as Zhong Jueyu's, giving him a gentle and sincere appearance, but his every move still carried an air of unusual dignity.
Zhong Jueyu stood up, patting the dust from her clothes. "Imperial Brother," she replied.
Zhong Jueren first glanced at her attire—a plain cyan Daoist robe without any embroidery, her hair tied back with a simple cloth ribbon, just like everyone else in the temple. Not a trace of her former nobility remained. He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
Then he considered the way she had addressed him. In their childhood, Zhong Jueyu had always called him Ā xiōng. It was affectionate, but far too close to how commoners spoke, unbefitting of their royal status. He had long been displeased by it. Now that Zhong Jueyu had changed her form of address, that small resentment finally faded.
His expression softened, and a hint of a smile touched his lips. "It must be hard and cold in the mountains," he said. "You've been wronged."
Zhong Jueyu shook her head and said only, "Imperial Brother worries too much. Everyone in the temple has taken good care of Jinyan. How could I have been wronged?"
If Luo Yueqing were present, or even Li Shigui and Ruan He, they would have seen that Zhong Jueyu was in an extremely foul mood. Though her expression was as calm as ever, her jaw was clenched, her eyes were fixed on the ground, and her words were carefully chosen to create distance.
The reason was not just the Crown Prince, but also the letter from before. With the peace talks concluded, the meritorious officials should have been rewarded. Yet the imperial edict had twisted and turned, ultimately granting Zhong Jueyu nothing more than a nominal title and some gold, silver, and silk.
If she was treated this way, the others had likely received rewards that were praise on the surface but slights in reality.
The thought only made Zhong Jueyu's mood darken further.
The Crown Prince, however, was completely oblivious. After a few more hollow words of concern, he began to probe Zhong Jueyu about her attitude toward the state of Chu and whether she knew about the Chu prince's marriage proposal.
Zhong Jueyu, feeling listless, gave him curt, noncommittal answers.
Meanwhile, Luo Yueqing had already reached the temple gates. According to the original plot, the Crown Prince would seek her out after his conversation with Zhong Jueyu. But Luo Yueqing had no desire to be alone with him and felt that such an approach would have a weak effect. If she was going to do it, she might as well make it more dramatic.
In her right hand, she carried a small jug of clear wine; in her left, a square paper bag containing pastries she had just bought from the foot of the mountain.
She had mentioned to the Grand Princess the day before that she needed to go down the mountain. Zhong Jueyu had misunderstood, assuming she had received news from the Luo family and was going down to avoid the situation.
So Zhong Jueyu had agreed readily, not even questioning her, for fear that the little Daoist would stammer out some strange excuse. She had even thoughtfully refrained from sending Ruan He or Li Shigui to escort Luo Yueqing, lest the little Daoist have to find a way to shake them off to meet with her family.
But she never expected that Luo Yueqing not only didn't contact the Luo family but simply bought some pastries and returned to the temple, where she would "coincidentally" knock on Zhong Jueyu's door.
—Knock, knock!
When the knock sounded, the people inside froze, surprised by the interruption.
On the Crown Prince's orders, the guards who had accompanied him were standing some distance away. Seeing Luo Yueqing in her Daoist robes, they subconsciously overlooked her, assuming she was just a young Daoist from the temple returning from an errand, and paid her no mind.
Before anyone inside could answer, the little Daoist, who had grown utterly lawless from the Grand Princess's indulgence, pushed the door right open and called out, "Jinyan, I'm back!"
She looked exuberant, her eyes crinkling with a childish smile as she held up the wine and pastries as if showing off a prize.
Then, the little Daoist's smile froze on her face.
The System in her mind sent a wave of ridicule, mocking her clumsy acting.
But for the two people in front of her, it was more than enough.
Zhong Jueyu's face turned cold in an instant.
Zhong Jueren, however, was both shocked and delighted. He shot to his feet and cried, "Yueqing!"
He crossed the room in two long strides and rushed toward her. "Do you still remember me?" he asked.
Luo Yueqing instinctively took a step back, genuinely startled this time.
Compared to Zhong Jueyu's innate, bone-deep nobility and restraint, Zhong Jueren seemed to be constantly reminding himself that he was the Crown Prince.
Realizing his loss of composure, he took a small step back, clasped one hand behind his back, and deliberately softened his voice. He forced a smile and said, "Two years ago, when you entered the palace, we met once."
Luo Yueqing didn't answer. Instead, she cast a pleading look toward Zhong Jueyu, who was standing not far away.
At this point, the little Daoist finally felt a sliver of regret.
The original plot only mentioned that the Emperor, to secure the Crown Prince's position, had chosen a marriage for him that would serve as excellent support. The Crown Prince was very satisfied with the arrangement and, to show his determination, had refused to break the engagement or marry anyone else, though he had still taken on no shortage of concubines.
Luo Yueqing had assumed he was simply reluctant to lose the Luo family's support. But now, seeing the fervor in his eyes, she feared he was far more difficult to handle than she had imagined…
Seeing her silence, Zhong Jueren spoke again, explaining on his own, "I didn't speak to you then, so it's normal that you don't remember."
The banquet he mentioned was the New Year's feast, for which His Majesty had given special permission for the female relatives of noble families and officials to enter the palace and celebrate together.
At the time, it was thought to be an ordinary banquet. The head of the Luo family, thinking of taking his wife and daughter out for a diversion, brought them along to the palace. In retrospect, it was likely that the old emperor was selecting a consort for the Crown Prince.
And because of that banquet, Zhong Jueyu, Zhong Jueren, and Luo Yueqing had all seen one another at different times.
"Imperial Brother," Zhong Jueyu's voice cut in. She had already walked over and positioned herself slightly in front of Luo Yueqing.
Zhong Jueren frowned instantly, as if only now realizing he had been somewhat improper. He took a step back to create more distance.
"This is a little Daoist from Xuanmiao Temple," Zhong Jueyu said, seemingly making an introduction but in fact deliberately emphasizing Luo Yueqing's current identity. As for the fabricated Daoist name, she chose to gloss over it.
The person behind her tugged at the corner of her sleeve, as if seeking help.
Zhong Jueyu was both annoyed and amused, but she could only press her lips together. If she had known Luo Yueqing was coming back, she would have sent Li Shigui and Ruan He to intercept her on the path and hide her somewhere else.
She reached back and patted the other's hand reassuringly. Then she continued, "The little Daoist lives next door to Jinyan. She has a pure and carefree nature and often comes over to discuss Daoist principles with me. She didn't know Imperial Brother was here today and unintentionally disturbed you. I ask that Imperial Brother not punish her."
She spoke as if she hadn't heard their previous conversation at all, distancing the two of them with just a few words and rendering Zhong Jueren's earlier efforts futile.
Luo Yueqing quickly knelt as well, pleading for forgiveness. "This humble Daoist was unaware of His Highness the Crown Prince's presence and entered the room by mistake. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."
On any other day, if someone had acted this way toward him in front of Zhong Jueyu, Zhong Jueren would have been filled with smug satisfaction, secretly feeling that he, the Crown Prince, inspired more awe than the Grand Princess.
But now…
He was trapped. He could only wave his hand for her to rise, then force a stiff smile. "It's fine."
Zhong Jueren's gaze shifted between the two of them, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes.
He thought for a moment, still unwilling to give up, and repeated, "Before the Daoist came to the mountain, we met once at a banquet."
Zhong Jueren's eyes were bright as he prompted her, "At the time, the Daoist was sitting beside Noble Consort Xian. I came to pay my respects."
Luo Yueqing's panic was not feigned this time. She tugged on Zhong Jueyu's sleeve again and just shook her head. "This humble Daoist has never seen Your Highness."
As she spoke, Zhong Jueyu arched an eyebrow slightly. She remembered quite clearly that Luo Yueqing had recognized her even when drunk. She doesn't remember my Imperial Brother, but she remembers me?
Although Zhong Jueyu was rather vexed at the moment, and even suspected Luo Yueqing was doing this on purpose, she was still a little pleased.
Zhong Jueren watched their intimate gestures, both shocked and enraged, but he could only suppress his anger. "You haven't seen me…"
He pressed on. "You and I once had—no, still have—an engagement. Did you know?"
No one had expected the Crown Prince to be so blunt. Even in the capital today, few dared to mention the matter. After all, the Luo family had shamed the imperial family by refusing the marriage, so everyone had maintained a tacit silence, pretending it had never happened. But now, the Crown Prince himself was bringing it up.
Luo Yueqing shook her head and said, "I did not know."
"After my grandmother passed away two years ago, I dreamed of her every night. I heard her crying about how lonely and difficult her life was over there, with no peace day or night. Though I am her granddaughter, there was nothing I could do for her, so I could only come to the mountain to study the Dao and pray for my grandmother and my family."
She looked at the Crown Prince, her expression full of apology. "This humble Daoist has already made a vow: as long as my grandmother knows no peace, I will not leave this mountain. The position of Crown Princess is vital to the nation. There is no need for the Crown Prince to waste his time on me."
This was the exact excuse the Luo family had used to refuse the imperial family, and Luo Yueqing repeated it verbatim.
Zhong Jueyu couldn't help but turn her head to the side to hide the smile in her eyes.
She wondered who, then, was the person causing trouble in her arms those few nights ago.
The Crown Prince's face was grim. He couldn't stop himself from saying, "I am willing, willing to wait for you. Daoist, do you have any plans today…"
"Imperial Brother."
He was cut off before he could finish his sentence. He whipped his head around to glare at his sister.
Zhong Jueyu's expression was unchanged. She said with gentle deference, "You're frightening the little Daoist."
Zhong Jueren was stunned. He watched as Zhong Jueyu turned and said, "Jinyan has matters to attend to today. Daoist, you should go back and rest."
Luo Yueqing immediately agreed. After bidding them both farewell, she hurried away.
It wasn't that she was doing it on purpose; she truly hadn't expected the Crown Prince to act this way. It didn't seem like he was after the Luo family's power, but rather that he was genuinely fond of Luo Yueqing.
The little Daoist fled as if escaping, even stumbling over the threshold as she entered her room.
Meanwhile, Zhong Jueyu watched until the other's back disappeared from view before turning to face the Crown Prince.
He stood rooted to the spot, his hands clenched into fists, his face ashen.
Zhong Jueren had been named Crown Prince at the age of three. He had been doted on by his parents and respected by all. Everyone around him treated him with the utmost care. Forget refusing him—usually, he had only to glance at something, and someone would fetch it with both hands and present it to him respectfully.
And now, he had humbled himself to this extent, only to be rejected again.
He violently kicked a potted plant. The ceramic pot overturned and shattered instantly. Still not feeling any relief, he turned to glare at Zhong Jueyu, squeezing the words out through his teeth. "Zhong Jueyu! You must be very pleased with yourself!"
He had lost face in front of Zhong Jueyu again!
He let out a humorless laugh and cursed, "I thought you would stay quietly in the temple, cultivating your spirit and reflecting on your past mistakes. I never imagined you'd try to latch onto the Luo family!"
His eyes were like a viper's, filled with hatred. "I truly underestimated you. How could you ever stay quietly in one place?"
"Jinyan does not know what Imperial Brother is talking about," Zhong Jueyu replied calmly.
Since she had begun to distinguish herself at court, arguments like this had occurred between them many times. At first, she had been willing to explain, but later, she stopped bothering.
Zhong Jueren had always been suspicious of Zhong Jueyu, and his anger only fueled it. He roared, "Zhong Jueyu! You are just a woman! So what if you're capable and have the people's hearts! I am the eldest legitimate son, destined to be the future emperor of Great Liang."
His breathing was heavy and ragged, but he managed a sneer. "Do you think befriending the Luo family's daughter is enough?"
"Let me tell you, since the previous dynasty, the Luo family has made it known that their daughters only marry emperors and can only become empresses. What can you, a woman, do?"
"What does it matter if you're close to her now? When I ascend the throne, I will marry…"
"Imperial Brother, watch your words!" Zhong Jueyu raised her voice, her sharp phoenix eyes fixed on him in a heavy stare. "Father Emperor is in good health. Is Imperial Brother cursing Father Emperor?"
Zhong Jueren just laughed. "So what if Father Emperor hears? He has always doted on me. He would never let me fall into such a state."
His eyes swept over Zhong Jueyu. "Compared to a disposable friendship and the only husband she can have, who do you think she will choose? Who will the Luo family choose?"
Having said this, his anger seemed to dissipate. A smirk played on his lips. "I should even thank Jinyan. Thank you for taking such good care of Yueqing. When your Imperial Sister-in-law and I are married, I will be sure to bring her to thank you personally."
The words "Imperial Sister-in-law" were deliberately stressed, as if to forcefully remind her of her place.
He gave a cold laugh, flicked his sleeve, and strode out.
The servants waiting nearby hurried to his side. He deliberately raised his voice. "Bring the gifts I prepared for Yueqing over. Tell Yueqing I will come up the mountain to see her again next time."
The servant naturally agreed at once. The sound of departing footsteps followed, and a moment later, people arrived carrying boxes.
Zhong Jueyu, however, remained standing in the same spot, as if frozen. The wind rustled the ends of her hair and lifted the corners of her robe, but only the hands clenched into fists at her sides betrayed any emotion.
The overturned potted plant lay shattered nearby. The verdant asparagus fern had fallen to the ground, stained with dirt, looking utterly wretched.
The door to the adjacent room opened once more. Luo Yueqing was trying to refuse, but she couldn't stop the people carrying things inside. Box after box was placed within, landing with dull thuds.
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