Seeking Marriage
Zhao Qingrou suddenly choked on her saliva and began coughing into her handkerchief, covering her mouth.
Qin Xin was startled and quickly patted her back softly. “Madam, wasn’t your illness already treated? Could it be that the night breeze has caused a relapse?”
Zhao Qingrou hastily waved her hand, indicating she was fine. She leaned on Qin Xin for support, and after a while, the flush on her face gradually faded.
Zhao Qingrou’s expression changed multiple times before she asked, “I once heard a rumor that the former Noble Conosrt in the palace, who is Miss Zhou’s aunt, once eloped with another woman, isn’t that true?”
“I even invited that woman to our residence to teach Qing’er,” Zhao Qingrou said, patting her chest.
“Yes,” Qin Xin replied, not fully understanding. She was about to say something but then suddenly widened her eyes. “Madam, are you saying that Eldest Miss and that Miss Zhou…”
“Shh…” Zhao Qingrou placed a finger on her lips to stop her from speaking. Her own steps faltered as her face showed a mix of urgency and helplessness. “This child, why does she never let me have peace of mind? When in history have two women ever gotten married? How will they live in the future?”
“Madam, don’t worry too much. After all, Eldest Miss is no ordinary girl; she should know her limits,” Qin Xin said, trying to comfort her to prevent Zhao Qingrou from becoming too distressed. “If you are really concerned, you can call Miss Zhou here tomorrow and ask her directly. If there’s nothing going on, then there’s no need to worry needlessly.”
Zhao Qingrou had no other choice but to nod in agreement, her mind filled with thoughts as she returned to the Duke’s Mansion.
Early the next morning, Zhao Qingrou opened her eyes. She had tossed and turned all night, hardly sleeping a wink. She practically stayed awake until dawn. As the light outside the window gradually became clearer, she got up to wash and dress.
Last night’s thoughts lingered in her mind, unable to be dispelled. When she was young, she had read many books and heard many stories of romantic affairs. Though she had no particular opinion on matters between women, now that it involved her own daughter, she feared she might suffer losses.
Qin Xin styled her hair into a bun commonly worn by noblewomen in the capital and put on deep-sea blue earrings. With the support of the estate left by Ye Youqing over the past two years, along with Zhao Qingrou reclaiming the treatment rightful for a legal wife, her days were now vastly different from before.
“Madam, are you still thinking about it?” Qin Xin asked cautiously upon noticing her frequent distractions.
“Yes, such a significant matter cannot be ignored,” Zhao Qingrou said worriedly. “Didn’t we say we’d call Qing’er over this morning? Did you send for her?”
“Madam, I sent someone early in the morning, but the guard at the Eldest Miss’s residence said she had already left for an important matter and didn’t know where she went,” Qin Xin replied.
“She’s truly worrisome,” Zhao Qingrou sighed heavily, placing the white jade comb on the table.
At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Qin Xin went to open it, and a maid lowered her head, saying, “Miss Qin Xin, Miss Zhou has come to visit.”
Qin Xin was a bit surprised and turned to look at Zhao Qingrou for a response. After receiving a nod, she instructed the maid, “Let her in.”
About half an incense stick’s time later, Ci Ke appeared at the door. Qin Xin stood guard outside, bowed her head, and invited her in.
Ci Ke dressed simply today, as if she had carefully considered it. Her clothes were an unobtrusive crescent white made of the finest Shu brocade. It was neither too formal nor too flashy. In her hair, she wore only a few mutton-fat jade hairpins. Her face was as delicate as a lotus, her cheeks fairer than snow, and she looked refreshingly elegant and charming.
Her hands clasped in front of her, fingertips tinged with a rosy hue.
“Miss Ci Ke,” Zhao Qingrou stood up, took her hand, and pulled her into the room, speaking softly and smiling, “Why have you come so early? Have you had breakfast?”
Ci Ke shook her head, her red lips parting slightly: “I have already eaten. I came because I noticed yesterday that you enjoy pastries, so I made some myself and brought them. Don’t worry, I only added a little cane sugar; they aren’t very sweet.”
After she finished speaking, the maid behind her brought forward a food box, placing it on the table. The room was soon filled with the fresh scent of tea and flowers. The two plates of pastries were no larger than a pinky finger, their colors fresh and appearance neat.
Zhao Qingrou was a bit surprised and then thanked her, “Thank you, Miss Zhou, for your effort. It’s just in time for breakfast. Even though you’ve already eaten, please stay and have a cup of tea with me?”
Ci Ke gladly accepted, sitting down politely. She watched as Qin Xin brought out some light porridge and small dishes to place alongside the pastries, making for a pleasing sight.
Zhao Qingrou quietly drank her porridge, her gaze suddenly falling on Ci Ke. She noticed her hands were still tightly clasped; though her expression remained unchanged, it revealed a bit of nervousness.
Silently, Zhao Qingrou put down her bowl and chopsticks and took the cloth Qin Xin handed her to wipe her mouth, “Does Miss Zhou have something to say? Feel free to speak.”
Ci Ke met her eyes for a moment, then seemed to make up her mind and slid off her chair, looking like she was about to kneel. Zhao Qingrou and Qin Xin quickly grabbed her, preventing her knees from touching the ground.
Ci Ke, however, raised her head, frowning and shaking it, signaling the two to let go.
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“This…” Zhao Qingrou, seeing her determination to kneel, finally had no choice but to let go, watching as Ci Ke’s knees touched the ground, her skirt spreading out like flowing water.
“Miss Zhou, what are you doing?” Zhao Qingrou sat down weakly.
“There is something I cannot hide from you. Although Ye Youqing is decisive in her actions, after all, we are both women, and such matters should not be borne by her alone. You are her mother, and you are always concerned about your daughter’s future. After much thought, I believe that only by speaking out can I put your mind at ease.”
Zhao Qingrou looked at the woman kneeling straight in front of her and could only sigh, unsure what to say.
“Go ahead,” she said.
Ci Ke’s nervousness was evident, but she raised her head, her voice clear: “Yesterday, I did not meet you by chance. I learned that you were at that teahouse and went there on purpose to test the waters. I thought if you could notice something yourself and prepare, you wouldn’t be too surprised later.”
“It was my scheme against you, and I dare not ask for your forgiveness,” Ci Ke said, her face flushed, bowing her head.
She usually acted with careful calculation, trying to achieve her goals through strategy, never so openly revealing her thoughts to anyone.
Seeing Zhao Qingrou remain silent, she continued with her head lowered: “My relationship with Ye Youqing is not just a simple sisterhood, but rather…”
She closed her eyes and confessed everything: “I have long harbored other feelings for her, but knowing I am unworthy of her and unsure of her feelings, I dared not confess. It wasn’t until the trip to Weizhou when she confessed her feelings to me that I was overjoyed and became even more devoted to her.”
“Madam, perhaps this is difficult to understand, but I truly love her. I know that as an ordinary person, I cannot do much for Ye Youqing. However, my sincere heart is visible to the heavens. In the years to come, I will stay by her side, protect her, and cherish her without any falsehood.”
Ci Ke’s tone was soft and firm, speaking in one breath. Her cherry lips moved, but she did not dare to raise her head.
Zhao Qingrou looked at the top of her head, her expression changed several times, and finally, she gave up and moved her gaze aside.
“What if I don’t agree? You know I can’t control Qing’er. Do you want her to force me?” Zhao Qingrou shook her head and said.
“Of course not, that’s why I came.” Ci Ke said softly, placing her hands on her knees. “I do not intend to make things difficult for you, Madam. I just wanted to express my feelings so that you know I am not hiding under Ye Youqing’s wing. If you do not agree, I will continue to seek your approval.”
“It was I who first fell in love with her. If you wish to punish me, I will accept whatever you decide.” Ci Ke suppressed her tone, speaking softly.
Zhao Qingrou’s eyes reddened. She was silent for a while before she spoke: “This is a matter between the two of you. Why would I punish you? Qing’er likes you. If I punish you, would that not cause Qing’er to come to me with grievances?”
Ci Ke wanted to explain further, but she suddenly heard Zhao Qingrou sigh. The lady’s smooth and gentle hand reached out in front of her.
Ci Ke placed her hand in Zhao Qingrou’s, being gently guided to stand up. She was somewhat surprised and lifted her eyes to look at Zhao Qingrou.
“You…”
“No matter what, as a mother, I only wish for my child to be safe and happy. Though societal norms and etiquette are important, if she does not want it, she cannot be forced.” Zhao Qingrou, with eyes brimming, patted Ci Ke’s hand. “Qing’er has gone through so much after escaping the capital. As her mother, I couldn’t help her with anything. It’s more useful for you to stay by her side. I cannot, and do not wish to, interfere in your matters.”
Upon hearing this, Ci Ke’s eyes brightened: “You mean… you agree?”
Zhao Qingrou sighed, brushed the stray hair from Ci Ke’s forehead to the back, and said, “It would only be useful if my disagreement mattered. I can see that you are a good child. Fine, sit down and have some tea. It’s a pity that Qing’er is not here. Early in the morning, who knows where she has wandered off to.”
Ci Ke, overwhelmed with joy, felt her eyes redden and moisture welling up. She sat down and accepted the tea cup handed by Qin Xin.
“Thank you.” She sipped the tea, tears falling into the cup, creating ripples.
Unaware of all that had happened earlier in the morning, Ye Youqing was closing the doors of Jinlingzhai with great interest and hanging up the closed sign. The stage and furniture that had been set up in the lobby had been removed, replaced by several clusters of fake peach blossom trees. The unlit dark corners made it seem like a dreamy floral forest with shadows and light smoke.
Stone paths were paved on the ground, with a few ponds on either side, floating with numerous lanterns that flickered like a dream.
Ye Youqing stood on a beam, which was two to three zhang high, leaning against the pillar, looking down.
“Ah Gou!” she called out loudly, and saw smoke gradually rising below her. Ah Gou, hiding behind the flower trees with others, was fanning the smoke towards the center. In no time, it was filled with rolling clouds, like a fairyland.
With everything ready except for the east wind, Ye Youqing handed a roll of red silk to Shi Li, who was also standing on the beam, watching as Shi Li tied it securely.
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“Yesterday we just met, and this morning you urgently called me. Don’t you know that Ziqiu can’t be left alone?” Shi Li complained while tugging hard on the red silk to ensure it was secure.
“She is just sitting in the elegant pavilion. What is there to worry about? Moreover, you need to try leaving her for a while. You can’t always stick by her side in the future,” Ye Youqing said while waving to signify Ah Gou to fetch someone.
Watching Ah Gou run out the door, Ye Youqing felt a layer of thin sweat on her palms and took a moment to calm herself.
“I was wondering why you gathered so much sulfur and flour the other day. It turns out to make this smoke. I must say, it’s quite realistic,” Shi Li said, looking at the sea of clouds below. “But I don’t understand. When others propose, they go to the person’s house with betrothal gifts. Why did you go to so much effort?”
“That’s where you don’t understand. This is called romance. I hope that when Ci Ke looks back on the past, she will have more joyful memories, and proposing is one of them,” Ye Youqing said earnestly. “Most women like this.”
Seeing Shi Li’s puzzled expression, Ye Youqing raised her eyebrows and asked, “You didn’t know? Then what did you give Zhou Ziqiu in the past?”
“A sword,” Shi Li said, touching her nose. “And things like axes…”
Ye Youqing’s eye twitched. She opened her mouth to say something but did not utter a sound.
After a while, she nodded, patted Shi Li on the shoulder, and sighed deeply.
At this moment, the main door opened, and a worker ran in from outside, waving at Ye Youqing. Ye Youqing’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately hid with Shi Li, holding their breath.
“Where can you see? Once Ci Ke reaches the position, remind me.” Ye Youqing instructed, and Shi Li nodded.
Ci Ke had already returned to her own residence. Hearing from Ah Gou that Ye Youqing urgently sought her, she thought something had gone wrong and hurried out, running all the way to the entrance of Jinlingzhai, pushing the door open.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered, she was enveloped in darkness. The main door suddenly closed behind her, the windows were covered with black cloth, and it was extremely dim inside. At first, Ci Ke couldn’t adapt to the light and, frightened, covered her lips and stopped.
“Ye Youqing?” she called out in fear, but there was no response. It was quiet all around, with only the sound of wind blowing from somewhere.
She hurriedly walked a few steps forward, and at this moment, a huge black curtain in front of her suddenly pulled to both sides. Faint firelight immediately spread to her eyes, flowing like water, dancing on her body.
Ci Ke was startled. She covered her pounding chest and examined the scene before her: thick fog, brightly lit river lanterns, and deep, distant flower forests.
“Ye Youqing?” she called out in a trembling voice. Seeing no one responded, she mustered the courage to step onto the pebbles, her skirt dragging on the smooth stones.
Seeing her almost reach the center, Shi Li coughed forcefully. Ye Youqing then, holding the red silk, leaped down along the silk, her long clothes and sleeves fluttering in the air, landing in the blink of an eye.
Who would have thought that at this moment, Ci Ke stumbled over a stone, losing her balance and taking a few steps forward, stopping right under Ye Youqing. Startled, Ye Youqing was afraid of bumping into Ci Ke and hurriedly twisted her body in mid-air.
With Ci Ke’s terrified scream, Ye Youqing accidentally stepped on the edge of the pond, her shoulder tilted, and she plunged headfirst into the water.
Immediately there was a splashing sound, water splashing everywhere, soaking Ci Ke’s upper body.
The people hiding around were stunned for a moment, but their hands didn’t stop, continuously releasing smoke. The choking smoke from the smoke cakes almost completely buried Ye Youqing.
“Ye? Ye Youqing?” Ci Ke, startled, recognized the person in the water. She then panicked, stumbling into the water, reaching out to pull Ye Youqing while waving her hand to disperse the choking smoke, “Are you hurt?”
In the end, her flustered attempts failed to pull Ye Youqing up, and she herself fell into the water, getting completely soaked.
Ye Youqing was both choked by water and smoked by the fumes. She coughed and shouted into the distance, “Stop now!”
Hearing this, the people in the dark quickly put away their fans and extinguished the smoke cakes. Only then did Ye Youqing manage to catch her breath, wiping water from her face, waving her hand repeatedly.
The water had thoroughly drenched the two of them. The river lanterns nearby still flickered, barely illuminating their faces. Both were in a sorry state, with hair sticking to their faces and clothes clinging tightly, their curves faintly visible.
Seeing that Ye Youqing was fine, Ci Ke breathed a sigh of relief, frowned, and pushed her chest, “Ye Youqing, what were you doing? You almost scared me to death!”
Ye Youqing, wearing her pristine white brocade clothes, looked even more delicate and refined after being soaked. She lowered her head and laughed, her shoulders shaking with laughter.
Ci Ke, annoyed by her laughter, shook her head and said, “In the future, try to come up with fewer surprises, lest they always turn into scares.”
“This is not a joy, it’s just a fright!” Ci Ke, with her hand restrained by Ye Youqing, frowned and said.
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“My fault.” Ye Youqing admitted her mistake naturally, shaking her head while reaching into the water to feel around. Finally, she retrieved a white jade ring, one part of the ring wrapped in gold with inscriptions, bearing the last characters of their names.
She soakedly placed the ring on Ci Ke’s finger: “Luckily it didn’t break, otherwise it would have all been in vain.”
Ci Ke looked at the ring, her eyes slightly lifted, surprised, “You are…”
“Proposing.” Ye Youqing said softly, “Zhou Ci Ke, with heaven, earth, and candlelight as witnesses, would you be willing to share a bed with me every night, never to part from dawn to dusk?”
Water droplets traced across her jade-white cheeks, leaving glistening trails, moistening Ci Ke’s lips, and sparkling under her chin.
Ci Ke’s eyes grew moist, as she nestled in the pond, cold underneath, hot above, almost feeling divided in half.
“Really?” Her graceful waist slightly bent, Ci Ke couldn’t help but lean closer, trying to see Ye Youqing’s expression clearly in the flickering firelight.
A soft and affectionate expression.
“Really, do you agree?” Ye Youqing asked again.
“How could I not?” Ci Ke said while laughing brightly, tears continuously sliding from her eyes, indistinguishable from the water around them. She placed her hand on Ye Youqing’s shoulder, suddenly leaning her body against her chest.
Ye Youqing took the opportunity to embrace her, the water rippling as the two hugged in the water, their wet bodies holding each other comfortably. Ye Youqing, feeling completely satisfied, was about to speak when Ci Ke unexpectedly lifted her head, found her lips in the dim light, and silenced her words with a kiss.
