Cuddling with the Cold Female Protagonist – Chapter 74
by Little PandaVolume 3: Courtly Winds and Clouds, Each Finds Their Place
Infatuation Wrongly Bestowed1
In the capital city of Jingdu, among the noble young masters of outstanding appearance and good family background, aside from Su Tianci2, Xiao Zhengyun3 was the most prominent.
But unlike Su Tianci’s disposition, which was enthusiastic about attending all sorts of banquets, Xiao Zhengyun rarely attended them. In the past few years, for the flower-viewing banquets held by the Eldest Imperial Prince, he had only attended a total of three times.
The less he showed his face in public, the more speculation and beautiful delusions about him circulated outside. It was even rumored that he was a young master who had flown down from the Moon Palace4, one who did not partake of mortal food5.
Xiao Zhengyun knew that the more such legends spread, the more the noble ladies of Jingdu would flock to him6. Therefore, whenever he saw Su Tianci eagerly rushing off to these banquets every time, he would always curse him as a fool in his heart.
His public image was that of a noble, refined, and elegant young master. For such an ethereal beauty who “did not partake of mortal food” to actually attend the Eldest Imperial Prince’s flower-viewing banquet, the noble ladies of Jingdu were in an uproar. Many women even pushed aside official duties to attend the banquet. Thus, when Ji Qingchi7 and the others arrived at the waterside pavilion8, they were extremely surprised to see a dense crowd of people.
“What’s going on?”
The Second Imperial Princess summoned a maidservant and asked, “Is Eldest Imperial Brother afraid of losing face9 because no one would come, so he specially hired shills?”
The maidservant dared not answer. The Eldest Imperial Prince happened to be nearby and, hearing this, walked over with a smile to reply, “Listen to what Imperial Sister is saying. How could This Palace resort to such measures? These people have all come for the son of Chancellor Xiao.”
“Chancellor Xiao’s son?”
Several Imperial Princesses spoke at the same time. As their words fell, a path opened in the densely packed crowd, and from it emerged a young master dressed in white satin, his posture as graceful as a swallow’s.
Xiao Zhengyun, with a faint smile on his brows, cupped his hands in a salute towards them, “Greetings and peace to Your Highnesses.”
The Fifth Imperial Princess smiled and nodded at him, “It’s rare to see Young Master Xiao attending a banquet.”
Xiao Zhengyun smiled lightly, then recited a poem, looking out the window as he said, “The spring days are perfect right now, how can one let down the spring light?”
The noble ladies who had come with him one after another praised his excellent character and appearance, his celestial bearing.
Xiao Zhengyun was handsome, but one could tell at a glance he was not a placid person. Moreover, his mother was regarded with apprehension by the Mother Emperor. The three Imperial Princesses were well aware of this. Although they echoed the praises, they did not engage in conversation with him like the Fifth Imperial Princess did. After exchanging a few polite words, they sat down together to play chess.
Only Ji Qingchi stood in place without moving, neither greeting him nor joining in the chorus of praise, making Xiao Zhengyun feel he had lost some face.
He strode forward, “May I ask the Ninth Highness, was the poem This humble one composed just now not good?”
Ji Qingchi smiled faintly, “If Young Master Xiao himself thinks it’s good, then it is good. Why care about others’ opinions?”
The more she said this, the more Xiao Zhengyun desired a definite answer. He pressed on, unwilling to give up, “Please forgive This humble one’s dullness, I do not know what the Ninth Highness means. I implore the Ninth Highness not to begrudge her words10.”
Ji Qingchi remembered the poems Su Yi11 had recited before and shook her head, “Although Young Master Xiao’s poem is good, This Palace knows of someone whose poetry is even more brilliant than Young Master Xiao’s.”
The smile on Xiao Zhengyun’s lips was almost failing to hold. In Jingdu, he was the young master with the most outstanding talent; he had never heard of anyone more capable than him.
“Ninth Highness, may I ask…”
Before he could finish his question, Ji Qingchi smiled faintly at him, said a word of farewell, and went to find her imperial elder sisters.
This was the first time he had been given the cold shoulder12.
Xiao Zhengyun’s smile nearly froze on his face. The Fifth Imperial Princess saw this and consoled him, “Don’t mind her, she’s just like that.”
“Fifth Highness is joking. How could this servant dare to take issue with the Ninth Highness? It’s just that this servant is curious about the person the Ninth Highness mentioned, whose poetry is outstanding.”
Though he said this, among the noble ladies present, only Ji Qingchi refused to give him face. Xiao Zhengyun immediately felt a competitive spirit rise. The more she ignored him, the more he wanted to make her fall in love with him.
He also walked over to where the Imperial Princesses were playing chess and stood watching their game.
Ji Qingchi was playing against the Third Imperial Princess. The Third Imperial Princess’s chess style was conservative, while Ji Qingchi’s was bold and aggressive. In their past matches, the Third Imperial Princess would invariably be defeated within half a shichen13.
But now, Ji Qingchi and the Third Imperial Princess had only been playing for a ke14, and there were already signs that Ji Qingchi was about to lose.
The Third Imperial Princess looked up at her, her eyes asking, Little Nine, what’s wrong with you today?
As if she couldn’t see her gaze, Ji Qingchi put the chess piece in her hand back, sighed, and said, “Third Imperial Elder Sister’s skill is exquisite; younger sister truly willingly concedes defeat15.”
Having won so easily for once, the Third Imperial Princess didn’t know if she should smile. When things deviate from the norm, there’s bound to be something fishy going on16; her younger sister was acting so strangely, there had to be a reason.
She glanced sideways and saw Xiao Zhengyun standing right beside them, looking at Ji Qingchi’s side of the chessboard with a regretful expression.
A flash of inspiration struck her, and she immediately guessed Ji Qingchi’s intention, looking at Ji Qingchi with eyes that weren’t entirely approving.
Xiao Zhengyun was the man her Fifth Imperial Younger Sister wanted to marry. Ninth Imperial Younger Sister’s actions were tantamount to snatching a man from her Fifth Imperial Younger Sister. The two of them were already like fire and water, unable to stand the sight of each other. Now, with the added feud of husband-snatching, wouldn’t they directly start fighting when they met in the future?
Ji Qingchi gave her a reassuring look, then, with a slight movement of her lips, glanced at Xiao Zhengyun, signaling for her help.
Knowing that her younger sister acted with a sense of propriety, the Third Imperial Princess sighed inwardly and had no choice but to help her. “Ke17… Ninth Imperial Younger Sister truly lacks skill… I hear Young Master Xiao is proficient in this art. I wonder if he could retrieve this game for Ninth Imperial Younger Sister?”
A smile tugged at Xiao Zhengyun’s lips; this was exactly what he wanted!
But to maintain his image as a noble and refined young master, Xiao Zhengyun still demurred, “This… this servant18 merely fools around with the young servants19 when idle. I’m afraid it’s hardly presentable20.”
“What’s there to be afraid of? Today is a banquet, everyone is playing and enjoying themselves casually. What constraints are there?” Ji Qingchi smiled and rose, yielding her seat. “If Young Master Xiao wins this game for This Palace, This Palace will surely have a generous reward.”
“Very well, then.” Xiao Zhengyun no longer declined, sat down, and covered his lips with his sleeve in a light laugh. “May Your two Highnesses not find this servant lacking.”
“How could we?” Ji Qingchi smiled and took out a hairpin from her bosom. “If Young Master Xiao wins against Imperial Elder Sister for This Palace, this will belong to Young Master Xiao. And there will be other things to thank Young Master Xiao with afterwards.”
That hairpin was pitch-black, utterly unremarkable, and the carved part was even absurdly ugly. It looked like it was made of wood, and there were several scratches on it; it didn’t seem like anything valuable.
However, since it came from the Ninth Imperial Princess, it must be priceless.
Xiao Zhengyun concealed the joy in his heart and smiled, “Then this servant will make a humble show of my ineptitude21.”
This small interlude quickly attracted the attention of others. Soon, they were surrounded by people, and the remaining Imperial Princesses all gathered around with interest.
Others were chattering, discussing whether Xiao Zhengyun would win. The Fifth Imperial Princess, Ji Qingxuan22, however, stared at the chessboard table, her brows furrowing ever tighter.
The moment she saw the hairpin Ji Qingchi had placed on the table, the Fifth Imperial Princess’s brow twitched. Why did that thing look so much like the hairpin she had previously carved, intending to give it to Xiao Zhengyun?
Thinking this, she felt around on her person—sure enough, the item was missing!
She immediately glared at Ji Qingchi with furious eyes.
You wretched Old Ninth! It’s bad enough that your usual actions disgust This Palace, but you even resort to such pilfering and petty thievery!23
Ji Qingchi received her glare but pretended not to see it, lowering her head to watch the two play chess. In reality, her heart was already blooming with joy.
Something found is hers; she can use it however she wants.
Being stared at by everyone, the Third Imperial Princess felt immense pressure; it was difficult even to throw the game subtly. Fortunately, Xiao Zhengyun lived up to his reputation. Under her painstaking efforts to discreetly let him win, he finally managed to turn defeat into victory.
“Young Master Xiao is truly amazing!” Seeing him win, Ji Qingchi immediately clapped her hands in applause. “This hairpin is Young Master Xiao’s. Attendants, go and fetch that Beihai Luminous Pearl24 from This Palace’s residence to give to Young Master Xiao… Oh, and also two pairs of gold hairpins inlaid with gemstones, and some jade pendants25, bring those over too.”
When her maidservant brought the items and the boxes were opened, the Fifth Imperial Princess nearly fainted from anger again upon seeing them.
That pearl! It was the one she had previously given to Young Master Xiao! And those hairpins, those jade pendants! Those were also gifts from her!
Ji Qingchi, that dog of a thing! Where on earth did she get them?!
She was so angry she could almost spit blood, but others didn’t know these items were hers.
Instead, Ji Qingchi’s grand display made it obvious to onlookers that she probably had intentions towards Xiao Zhengyun.
The Second Imperial Princess, enjoying the drama and not minding stirring things up, nudged the Fifth Imperial Princess beside her. “Fifth Imperial Younger Sister, look how generous Ninth Imperial Younger Sister is. That’s how you pursue a man… Fifth Imperial Younger Sister, aren’t you also interested in Young Master Xiao? Where are your gifts?”
The Fifth Imperial Princess ground her teeth with a gedeng gedeng26 sound. “The things of This Palace are with Ninth Imperial Younger Sister.”
“Tsk, Fifth Imperial Elder Sister, you shouldn’t maliciously slander27 people.” Ji Qingchi heard her and said with a smile, “Everything here belongs to This Palace. Fifth Imperial Elder Sister, if you say they are yours, what proof do you have?”
“The proof is—” The Fifth Imperial Princess wanted to point out that her private markings were on those gold and jade items. However, just as the words were about to leave her mouth, she saw Ji Qingchi’s face, beaming like a flower.
Her words were instantly swallowed back down. Rationality slowly returned, and her gloomy eyes fixed on Ji Qingchi. “Ninth Imperial Younger Sister—where did you obtain these things? As far as This Palace knows, Mother Emperor has not recently bestowed anything upon Ninth Imperial Younger Sister.”
“Indeed, Mother Emperor has not bestowed them upon This Palace.” Ji Qingchi smiled faintly. “Then, Fifth Imperial Elder Sister, think about it, where did This Palace obtain these items?”
These items were clearly hers; she could even recognize the patterns of the inlaid jewels, which she had personally selected before having craftsmen make them.
She was certain that there were no identical items in the entire world, because as soon as they were made, she had eagerly given them to Xiao Zhengyun.
But where did Ji Qingchi get them from…
Recently, Ji Qingchi indeed had not received any rewards, but she had led people to search the homes of many powerful court officials and ministers. Among them, several families had even had their homes confiscated because they were found hiding contraband items.
She vaguely remembered that those few families were all protégés of Chancellor Xiao.
Ji Qingxuan’s eyes widened slowly in disbelief.
The items she had poured her affection into and gifted away were not only uncherished but were even treated as bribes and given to others.
And after those “others” had their homes confiscated, the items in their possession fell into Ji Qingchi’s hands—into the hands of her enemy.
Her fervent love had actually met such an end.
The Fifth Imperial Princess staggered, taking two steps back.
“Fifth Imperial Elder Sister is indeed a devoted and infatuated person.” Seeing her expression, Ji Qingchi knew she had figured out the cause and effect, and chuckled lightly, “However, one must also see if others appreciate the sentiment, mustn’t one?”
Footnotes
- 痴情错付 | chīqíng cuò fù | Lit. “infatuation wrongly paid/bestowed”; Meaning deep affection or love given to the wrong person or someone who doesn’t reciprocate or deserve it.
- 苏天赐 | Sū Tiāncì | Su (surname); Tian (天 – heaven/sky); Ci (赐 – bestow/grant). Name suggests a gift from heaven.
- 肖正筠 | Xiào Zhèngyún | Xiao (surname); Zheng (正 – upright/proper); Yun (筠 – bamboo skin/bamboo). Name evokes refinement and integrity.
- 月宫 | Yuègōng | Moon Palace. In Chinese mythology, the Moon Palace is the abode of Chang’e, the moon goddess, and is associated with otherworldly beauty and purity.
- 不食人间烟火 | bù shí rénjiān yānhuǒ | Lit. “does not eat the smoke and fire of the human world (i.e., cooked food)”; Fig. describes someone otherworldly, ethereal, detached from mundane affairs, often implying purity or aloofness.
- 趋之若鹜 | qūzhīruòwù | Lit. “to rush to something like ducks”; Fig. to scramble for something; to go after something in a flock.
- 姬卿迟 | Jī Qīngchí | Ji (surname, often associated with ancient royalty); Qing (卿 – high official/term of endearment); Chi (迟 – late/slow).
- 水榭 | shuǐxiè | Waterside pavilion; a type of pavilion built near or over water, common in Chinese gardens.
- 丢面子 | diū miànzi | To lose face; to be embarrassed or lose one’s reputation/prestige. “Face” (面子 | miànzi) is a crucial socio-cultural concept representing one’s reputation, social standing, and honor.
- 不吝赐言 | bù lìn cì yán | Lit. “not be stingy with bestowing words”; Fig. A polite way to ask someone to offer their valuable opinion, advice, or criticism freely.
- 苏伊 | Sū Yī | Su (surname); Yi (伊 – that person, he/she/it, often used in a classical or slightly archaic sense).
- 吃闭门羹 | chī bìnméngēng | Lit. “to eat closed-door soup”; Fig. to be refused entry; to be given the cold shoulder; to have the door slammed in one’s face.
- 时辰 | shíchén | A traditional Chinese unit of time, equivalent to two modern hours. Half a shichen is one hour.
- 刻 | kè | A traditional Chinese unit of time, typically a quarter of a shichen, making it 15 minutes. Thus, ‘才一刻’ (cái yī kè) means ‘only 15 minutes’.
- 甘拜下风 | gānbàixiàfēng | Lit. “willingly bow to the lower wind (position)”; Fig. to willingly acknowledge defeat or inferiority; to concede that someone is better.
- 事出反常必有妖 | shì chū fǎncháng bì yǒu yāo | Lit. “If a matter emerges that is abnormal, there must be a demon (or something strange/mischievous)”; Fig. When something unusual or out of character happens, there’s likely a hidden reason or trickery involved.
- 咳 | hāi/ké | An interjection indicating a sigh, or a sound made to clear the throat, often to draw attention or make a point gently. Here, it’s like a soft cough to preface a remark.
- 奴婢 | núbì | Lit. “slave servant.” A term used by servants (both male and female in some historical contexts, though often associated with female servants) to refer to themselves when speaking to masters or superiors.
- 小厮 | xiǎosī | Young male servant; page boy.
- 难登大雅之堂 | nán dēng dàyǎ zhī táng | Lit. “difficult to ascend the hall of great elegance”; Fig. not refined enough for cultured taste; unpresentable in polite society.
- 献丑 | xiànchǒu | Lit. “present ugliness”; Fig. A polite, self-deprecating phrase used when one is about to perform or display a skill, meaning “to show my poor skills” or “pardon my lack of skill.”
- 姬卿玄 | Jī Qīngxuán | Ji (surname); Qing (卿 – high official/term of endearment); Xuan (玄 – black, profound, mysterious).
- 偷鸡摸狗 | tōujīmōgǒu | Lit. “to steal chickens and grope dogs”; Fig. to engage in petty thievery or illicit affairs; to do things stealthily and improperly.
- 北海夜明珠 | Běihǎi Yèmíngzhū | Beihai (北海 – North Sea, a place name); Yemingzhu (夜明珠 – night-luminous pearl), a legendary pearl that glows in the dark, considered extremely valuable.
- 佩玉 | pèiyù | Jade pendants or ornaments worn on the person, often for decorative or symbolic purposes.
- 咯噔咯噔 | gēdēng gēdēng | Onomatopoeia for a knocking, clattering, or thumping sound; can also describe the sound of teeth grinding or a heart pounding.
- 血口喷人 | xuèkǒupēnrén | Lit. “to spurt blood from the mouth onto a person”; Fig. to make unfounded and malicious accusations; to slander vilely.
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