The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 112

Accidentally Bumped Into Something and Scraped It

The three of them returned to Marquis Qu’s Residence. The moment Zhao Jiayu stepped out of the carriage, she clamored that she was hungry and went straight back to her courtyard. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, however, went to see Jin Yunfei.

At that moment, Jin Yunfei was busy making dresses for the two of them. Seeing them return, she greeted them and had them sit for a while.

            

“Your father came back once during breakfast. He should be in the palace now, waiting for your Uncle Xiao to report to His Majesty. You went to the Xiao Residence—are Bingying and Miss Xi all right?”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao exchanged a glance and told her the truth. Lin Xizhao said, “For now, everything is peaceful, but we don’t know what will happen in a few days.”

Right now, they were all worried about Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi was a good young woman and Qu Sheng’s savior, and Jin Yunfei treated her just as she did Xiao Bingying and the others.

            

Jin Yunfei sighed. “Your father should bring it up today. But whether they agree or not will depend on whether your Uncle Xiao is willing to let her go.”

Qu Sheng looked up at Jin Yunfei. “As long as Xiao Yaocai doesn’t stand in the way, Uncle Xiao will agree.”

From what she had overheard of Xiao Yaocai and Xiao Bingying’s conversation today, it shouldn’t be a problem.

            

Xiao Tong himself was returning to the capital that afternoon, and the entire Xiao family was waiting for him outside the city gates. Xiao Bingying stood behind Mother Xiao and saw Xiao Tong’s carriage from a distance. The moment Xiao Yaocai saw Xiao Tong, he rushed forward with a smile and bowed. “I respectfully welcome Father’s return to the capital.”

“My lord.” Madam Xiao took a few steps forward. When she saw Xiao Tong, her expression was kind and her eyes were filled with joy.

Xiao Tong smiled faintly and nodded, patting Xiao Yaocai on the shoulder. “My son has certainly grown more dashing.”

            

Hearing his father’s praise, Xiao Yaocai grinned. “Mother says I look like you. Father is so valiant; I must have inherited it from you.” As Xiao Yaocai was patting the horse’s rump​¹, Xiao Tong, looking quite pleased, smiled and let his gaze drift past his wife to Xiao Bingying.

“Father, your daughter respectfully welcomes your return to the capital.” Only when Xiao Tong looked at her did Xiao Bingying dare to step past Mother Xiao and curtsy.

Xiao Tong stared blankly at Xiao Bingying for a moment, then smiled. “My daughter is becoming more and more beautiful.” As he spoke, he looked her up and down.

            

Xiao Bingying stood respectfully in place, her head lowered, not daring to meet Xiao Tong’s gaze.

Seeing this, Madam Xiao hurried forward a few steps and said with a smile, “My lord, are you returning to the residence now, or will you first go to the palace to see His Majesty?”

At her words, Xiao Tong withdrew his gaze from Xiao Bingying. “I must first go to the palace to report for duty. I will return to the residence in the evening.”

            

As they were speaking, a sedan chair emerged from the city.

The newcomer’s retinue was grand, and even the guards by the city gate knelt in salute.

“General Xiao, you’ve certainly made this one wait.”

            

Hearing the voice, everyone turned to look at the person dismounting from the sedan chair. When Xiao Tong saw who it was, he immediately walked over with a smile, bowed his head, and saluted. “I was unaware of Lord Huang’s arrival. This subordinate official has failed to welcome you from afar​²; I hope you will forgive me.”

The man was the Emperor’s chief eunuch. He let out a laugh. “It’s no matter. Since General Xiao has arrived in the Capital City, please accompany this one into the palace to see His Majesty.”

Xiao Tong immediately replied, “This subordinate official will accompany Lord Huang into the palace at once.” He glanced back at his wife and children, gave them a look of instruction, and then followed Eunuch Huang onto the sedan chair.

            

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Qu Jinian had already been waiting in the palace for a long time. Xiao Tong’s return did not require his company; he had been summoned by the Emperor for questioning about another matter.

“I hear that some days ago, Beloved Minister Qu’s daughter nearly lost her life while attending a birthday celebration at Lord Yan’s home. Is little Sheng’er all right now?” the Emperor asked, his words filled with concern for Qu Jinian.

Qu Jinian stepped forward, clasped his hands, and replied, “Many thanks for Your Majesty’s concern. My humble daughter is fine now.”

            

The Emperor nodded and glanced at Lin Jianhai, who was standing nearby. Lin Jianhai, head bowed, met the Emperor’s gaze for a moment before looking back at Qu Jinian.

The Emperor followed Lin Jianhai’s gaze and asked Qu Jinian again, “I hear the Crown Prince also participated that day. Does my beloved minister know of this?”

Qu Jinian’s eyes flickered slightly. “Replying to Your Majesty, that is indeed true. However, instead of asking this humble minister, it would be better to ask Prime Minister Lin. At the time, Lord Yan sent the invitation to Prime Minister Lin.”

            

“Ahem, I am aware of this matter. I merely wish to verify whether the Crown Prince truly attended that day.”

Qu Jinian blinked, pondering for a moment. “That day, my humble daughter suffered minor injuries, and the Crown Prince came to visit the next day, so it should be correct.”

This was something that could be confirmed by questioning any high-ranking official. For the Emperor to be asking only Qu Jinian now, he must have other matters in mind.

            

“May I ask why Your Majesty is inquiring whether the Crown Prince went to Lord Yan’s home? What is it that you wish to know?”

“I have recently heard that many merchants from the Capital City also went to Lord Yan’s home. Is Beloved Minister Qu aware of this?”

Hearing this, Qu Jinian’s eyes blinked again. “Replying to Your Majesty, this humble minister is unaware of this matter.”

            

Qu Jinian was, in fact, aware of the matter with the merchants, but at this moment, he had to feign ignorance.

The Emperor heard his reply and glanced once more at Lin Jianhai. Last night, Lin Xirui had suddenly approached Lin Jianhai with some questions about the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace​³ growing close to his ministers.

If the Crown Prince intended to recruit talented individuals, how should a minister respond? Lin Xirui also recounted the events of the Crown Prince’s attendance at Yan Fengwu’s birthday celebration, naturally adding oil and vinegar​⁴ to his tale.

            

The Crown Prince had someone deliver fine wine to the banquet, where he entertained high officials and sought to merge with and become a part of their group​⁵. After hearing this, Lin Jianhai had someone investigate Yan Fengwu​⁶ that very night.

Yan Fengwu was the Emperor’s confidant, but this confidant was also the Crown Prince’s Revered Teacher​⁷. There was nothing inappropriate about the Crown Prince attending his birthday celebration. The strange part was that Yan Fengwu had invited too many high-ranking officials, and he had not invited every single one.

Lin Jianhai also found that many wealthy merchants had visited Yan Fengwu’s residence, saying they had gone on their own initiative to prepare gifts for the 100-day celebration​⁸ of the Emperor’s newborn prince.

            

Most of the cloth, embroidery, porcelain, and other goods used in the Capital City were supplied as tribute by designated merchants. These people just wanted to find a knocking-door stone​⁹, but somehow they had all set their sights on Yan Fengwu.

As His Majesty’s confidant, Yan Fengwu naturally dared not hide dirt and conceal grime​¹⁰, and he had presented all the items to the throne. But not long after, he held his birthday banquet. While the two events seemed unrelated, if a suspicious person were to find out and have their attention drawn to it by suggestion, they would inevitably harbor doubts.

Lin Xizhao had seized upon this point. Whether the plan would succeed depended on whether her own father and the current Emperor were paranoid enough. The only thing Qu Jinian could do was confuse their sight and hearing​¹¹.

            

“I want you to investigate this matter. What does my beloved minister think?”

Qu Jinian was stunned for a moment. “May I ask what Your Majesty wants this humble minister to investigate?”

“Investigate whether the Crown Prince is colluding with officials to plot a rebellion,” the Emperor said, rising to his feet.

            

Hearing this, Qu Jinian knelt directly on the floor. “Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is the future Heir Apparent. If Your Majesty has this humble minister investigate him, it will surely damage the Crown Prince’s reputation. If the Crown Prince inherits the imperial succession in the future, I fear it will harm the prestige of our Tiansheng kingdom.”

The Emperor walked over to Qu Jinian, bent down, and helped him up. “I have considered what you’ve said, my beloved minister. However, I am still on the throne, and I will not tolerate anyone else coveting my imperial throne. Minister, do you understand?”

Qu Jinian rose to his feet. Head bowed, he thought for a long while until he understood the Emperor’s meaning. In a low voice, he said, “This humble minister is willing to relieve Your Majesty of his worries.”

            

When Qu Jinian exited the Imperial Study, he came face to face with Xiao Tong. Eunuch Huang and Xiao Tong hurriedly bowed to him. “Marquis Qu.”

Qu Jinian nodded, his gaze sweeping over Xiao Tong as he smiled. “General Xiao returned to the capital today; I should have gone to welcome you, but…” Qu Jinian gestured sideways toward the door of the Imperial Study.

Xiao Tong was flattered and quickly said, “Marquis Qu is relieving His Majesty of his worries. How would this subordinate official dare to trouble you?”

            

“Is that Xiao Tong outside?”

The Emperor’s voice drifted out from within the Imperial Study.

Hearing the voice, Xiao Tong quickly looked over, then back at Qu Jinian, and bowed. “His Majesty is summoning this subordinate official. Marquis Qu…”

            

Qu Jinian followed his gaze to the door of the Imperial Study and made a gesture of invitation.

Xiao Tong lowered his head and followed Eunuch Huang into the Imperial Study.

Qu Jinian stood outside, waiting. A long time later, about two hours, Xiao Tong came out. Seeing Qu Jinian in the corridor not far away, Xiao Tong glanced around before hurrying over.

            

“Marquis Qu, who are you waiting for?”

Qu Jinian turned to look at Xiao Tong and smiled. “I am waiting for General Xiao, of course.”

Qu Jinian gestured for him to walk, and the two headed out of the palace together.

            

“May I ask why the Marquis has waited here for this subordinate official?” Xiao Tong asked in a low voice as they walked.

Qu Jinian didn’t beat around the bush. “Some time ago, my daughter went out in search of our family’s Second Son and had her eyes injured in an explosion. Fortunately, a benefactor helped cure them. Recently, her health was so poor that she nearly stepped through the gates of hell​¹², and it was this same benefactor who saved her.”

Qu Jinian paused for a moment. Xiao Tong glanced at him and asked, “May I ask who this benefactor is?”

            

Qu Jinian looked at Xiao Tong and smiled. “I have an unreasonable request, and I hope General Xiao will grant it.”

Xiao Tong lowered his eyes, thinking for a moment, then forced a smile. “This subordinate official will naturally grant what the Marquis asks. But I wonder what it is you seek?”

“I want the person in your residence who was gifted by His Majesty—the Haichao Princess, Cheng Xi.”

            

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The moment Qu Jinian returned to the residence, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao sought him out. Seeing how anxious they were, Qu Jinian didn’t keep them in suspense​¹³. “When I go to the palace tomorrow to explain it to His Majesty, you can go and bring Cheng Xi to our residence,” he said with a smile.

Hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Lin Xizhao’s face. She curtsied and said, “Many thanks for your help, Adoptive Father.”

Qu Jinian smiled and nodded, then glanced at the silent Qu Sheng beside her.

            

He lowered his gaze for a moment, then looked back at Lin Xizhao. “Today, your father did indeed speak to His Majesty about the Crown Prince.”

At Qu Jinian’s words, the light in Qu Sheng’s eyes instantly brightened. “What else did His Majesty say?” she asked eagerly.

Qu Jinian looked up at Qu Sheng. “As you expected, His Majesty is indeed a very suspicious person. He has already ordered me to investigate whether the Crown Prince is plotting a rebellion.”

            

Whether the Crown Prince was plotting a rebellion or not, on the surface, he was not. But it didn’t matter either way.

The Xiao Residence.

A welcome banquet​¹⁴ was held at the residence. When Xiao Tong returned, his wife and children were all at the gate to greet him, and the family could finally be said to be having a reunion dinner.

            

Xiao Tong sat at the dining table and looked at Xiao Bingying, who kept her head down while eating. “Bingying, why aren’t you eating the other dishes?” He picked up a piece with his chopsticks and placed it in her bowl.

Xiao Bingying looked up and quickly pushed her bowl forward. “Thank you, Father.”

Seeing Xiao Tong’s concern for Xiao Bingying, Mother Xiao shot her a glare and muttered under her breath, “She’s just putting on an act.”

            

Hearing this, Xiao Bingying glanced quickly at her mother before lowering her head again. It had been many years since she had eaten with her mother.

Seeing his father looking at Xiao Bingying, Xiao Yaocai smiled. “Father, do you still remember Cheng Xi?”

Qu Jinian had just spoken to him about it today, and besides, Cheng Xi was a princess of the Haichao Kingdom. Of course he remembered.

            

Xiao Tong nodded. “I remember. Why?”

Xiao Yaocai laughed and looked at Xiao Bingying, who had tensed up. “A few days ago, my older sister took her to the Zhao Residence, and later even took her out of the Capital City. When they came back, she wouldn’t let me see her again.”

Xiao Bingying’s hand holding her chopsticks had frozen, and she didn’t dare look up at Xiao Tong or Xiao Yaocai.

            

“They just came back yesterday. And guess what my sister did to keep me from seeing her? She had all the retainers I brought with me beaten.”

“Oh? Such a thing happened?” Xiao Tong turned to look at Xiao Bingying.

Xiao Bingying looked up, about to explain, when Xiao Yaocai continued, “At first, I thought my sister just hated me and was doing it on purpose. But then I thought about it and realized my sister likes women. She’s taken a fancy to Cheng Xi.”

            

“Father, I—” Just as Xiao Bingying was about to speak, Xiao Yaocai cut her off. “Older Sister, don’t be so anxious. Didn’t I already say I’d give Cheng Xi to you? Besides, we’re family. I won’t tell anyone that you like women.”

Xiao Yaocai had just aired her hidden secret right in front of the family. She wanted to explain, but she couldn’t. It was true that she’d taken a fancy to Cheng Xi, and it was true that she liked her. And they were already together.

Madam Xiao seemed to have known about this for a long time. She shot Xiao Bingying another glare. “I don’t know how our family raised such a jinx​¹⁵.”

            

At this point, Xiao Bingying’s fingers were trembling slightly, but she neither explained herself nor left the table.

Xiao Tong didn’t say a word of blame, but he didn’t speak up for her either. The rest of the Xiao family continued to chat about other things, a picture of domestic harmony, but Xiao Bingying could never be a part of it.

After what felt like an eternity, the welcome banquet finally ended. Xiao Bingying bowed to Xiao Tong and her mother and was about to return to her courtyard.

            

Walking on the small path connecting the courtyards, Xiao Bingying’s expression was grim, but she did not regret starting things with Cheng Xi.

Xiao Tong knew, yet he hadn’t said a single word of blame. She was grateful in her heart, and the thought that Cheng Xi was waiting for her in her room slowly lifted her spirits again.

“Bingying.” Hearing the familiar voice, Xiao Bingying thought she was mistaken. She turned around to see Xiao Tong walking briskly toward her.

            

“Father.” Seeing Xiao Tong approach, Xiao Bingying quickly curtsied.

The lamplight on the stone pillar illuminated their surroundings. Xiao Tong looked at the tall and graceful​¹⁶ Xiao Bingying, who seemed even more radiant and supple than when he had left, and smiled. “Don’t take what your brother and mother said to heart. If you have any grievances, just tell me. I will stand up for you.”

“Father…” Xiao Bingying was moved as she looked at Xiao Tong’s benevolent expression.

            

“Liking women is no matter. As long as you both…” Xiao Tong took Xiao Bingying’s hand and began to caress it in his palm.

“Father.” Xiao Bingying quickly pulled her hand back.

Xiao Tong observed her nervous expression for a moment, then looked up at the dim moonlight. “I’ve had a bit too much to drink tonight. I thought I’d go to your place for a cup of tea.”

            

At his words, Xiao Bingying’s head shot up. “It’s too late tonight,” she said hurriedly. “Mother must be worried. Father should go back and rest early.”

At her urgent refusal, Xiao Tong looked at her bowed head, glanced around, and chuckled. “Very well. I’ll head back now. You should also get some rest.”

“Your daughter respectfully sees Father off.” Xiao Bingying bowed her head.

            

Hearing the footsteps recede, Xiao Bingying lifted her head.

When she returned to her courtyard, Cheng Xi saw her weary state and smelled the alcohol on her. “Did you drink too much?”

Hearing her voice, Xiao Bingying looked up, the troubled look on her face instantly vanishing, replaced by a warm smile. “No, just two cups.”

            

Cheng Xi nodded, rose, and handed her a cup of sobering soup. “The hot water is ready in the washroom. Drink this and go quickly.”

Xiao Bingying took it, her eyes filled with a smile as she nodded.

After entering the washroom, Xiao Bingying first had someone bring a basin of water. She placed her hands in the basin and scrubbed them relentlessly, as if trying to peel off a layer of skin.

            

Ever since she was a child, Xiao Bingying had only heard that Xiao Tong liked young girls, and she had even seen the girls he kept locked up. As for her mother calling her a fox charmer​¹⁷ who lured men, she never admitted it.

When she was little, Xiao Tong had been very good to her and had protected her. She hadn’t thought anything was wrong. But now she was grown up, especially after she’d become involved with Cheng Xi. Thinking back on it, she couldn’t count the number of times Xiao Tong had caressed her fingers…

Now, she just felt… disgusted!

            

Xiao Bingying was taking too long in the washroom. Cheng Xi sat on the bed for a while before growing worried and going to find her.

The room was filled with swirling mist. Cheng Xi took small steps, slowly making her way behind the screen.

Inside, Xiao Bingying had a clean, white towel draped over her eyes, her head resting on the edge of the bathing tub as if she had fallen asleep.

            

Cheng Xi walked over to her. But before she could get a closer look, Xiao Bingying’s head shot up, her bloodshot eyes staring at Cheng Xi with a defensive glare.

Startled by the sudden movement, Cheng Xi asked softly, “What’s wrong with you?”

Only then did Xiao Bingying realize it was Cheng Xi. The violence in her eyes slowly receded, replaced by exhaustion. “It’s nothing.”

            

Her voice didn’t sound like nothing was wrong, especially not with her chest heaving so violently.

Cheng Xi observed Xiao Bingying’s reaction, and her gaze fell upon the hand draped over the side of the tub. “What happened to your hand?”

It was bleeding.

            

At her question, Xiao Bingying quickly pulled her hand back, intending to hide it in the water, but Cheng Xi intercepted it, clasping it in her own. “Don’t let it touch the water. If you’re done bathing, come out.”

“Ah? O-Okay.” Hearing that Cheng Xi seemed angry, Xiao Bingying stammered and stood up.

Cheng Xi took a deep breath, went to get a towel, and helped her dry off before dressing her in an outer robe.

            

Back in their room, Cheng Xi applied an ointment to her hand. The wound…

“I accidentally bumped into something and scraped it,” Xiao Bingying explained.

Cheng Xi looked up at her but didn’t call her out on the lie. She was a doctor; how could she not know what caused such a wound? It was clearly from scrubbing, and a piece of skin had even come off.

            

After Cheng Xi finished bandaging Xiao Bingying’s hand, the two of them got into bed.

Tonight, Xiao Bingying was unusually docile. She buried her head in Cheng Xi’s embrace, her heart feeling much more at ease.

Holding Xiao Bingying, Cheng Xi grew worried. Xiao Bingying’s behavior tonight was too abnormal; she didn’t know what the Xiao family had done to her.

            

Two days later, the Emperor approved Qu Jinian’s request for Cheng Xi. Qu Jinian then had Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao go to the Xiao Residence to pick her up.

When Zhao Jiayu heard the news, she was so happy she nearly jumped up and down, insisting on going with them to get Cheng Xi.

The three of them rode in the same carriage to the Xiao Residence and brought Cheng Xi away.

            

A small, quiet courtyard had been prepared for Cheng Xi in Marquis Qu’s Residence, where no one would disturb her. They also brought over Chi Li​¹⁸, the maidservant who had been staying at the Zhao Residence.

Xiao Bingying also came along to see Cheng Xi settled. The two had always been on edge in the Xiao Residence, but today, upon arriving at Marquis Qu’s Residence, they finally relaxed and began to kiss passionately.

“Do you have to go back today?” Cheng Xi asked between breaths.

            

At her words, Xiao Bingying stopped kissing her ear. She thought for a moment, and the passion visibly drained from her. “I have to,” she said in a low voice.

When she had asked for leave to come out, Mother Xiao had already cursed at her. If she didn’t go back, she might even get beaten.

Cheng Xi placed a hand over Xiao Bingying’s on her waist and slowly turned to face her. “Then you should go back early, to avoid any more punishment.”

            

Over the past two days, Cheng Xi had come to understand that the Xiao family was relentlessly tormenting Xiao Bingying. But that wasn’t the biggest problem. It wasn’t uncommon for a great house to have a vicious matriarch, but what was rare was a father with ill intentions.

These last two days, Xiao Tong had frequently come to sit with them. At first, she thought he was just a very concerned father, but as his visits became more frequent, she increasingly felt that the way he looked at Xiao Bingying was not how a loving father should.

That gaze, which saw Xiao Bingying as prey; those constant appraisals when she wasn’t looking; and those seemingly incidental touches…

            

Cheng Xi told Xiao Bingying to leave early, which only made her more dejected. Seeing Xiao Bingying look so soft and easy to bully, Cheng Xi’s heart softened again.

“Why don’t you stay tonight?” Cheng Xi cupped Xiao Bingying’s cheeks, desire flaring in her eyes.

She didn’t want Xiao Bingying to leave. The Xiao Residence was a tiger and wolf den​¹⁹, and she was worried about her. What she had just said was merely out of anger.

            

She was angry that Xiao Bingying didn’t know how to fight back, that she just let these people trample all over her. Even if she had to live under someone else’s fence​²⁰, she shouldn’t have to endure being beaten and scolded at will.

Xiao Bingying’s eyes glazed over for a moment. Before she could make a decision, Cheng Xi’s lips found hers again. Her frustration, that feeling of hating that iron can’t become steel​²¹, was channeled into the kiss.

Five days later, Mother Jin arrived in the Capital City.

            

Jin Yunfei, along with Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, accompanied her on a tour of the city. While looking at various items, Mother Jin would always ask for Lin Xizhao’s opinion, sometimes even holding her hand and refusing to let go.

Qu Sheng endured it as best she could. Jin Yunfei had to shoot her several looks before she managed to keep her in check.

The group arrived at a clothier’s shop. Mother Jin felt the texture of the fabric and smiled. “Although the cloth in the Capital City is a bit more expensive, the quality is indeed much better.” As she spoke, she glanced over at Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, who had wandered off to the side, hand in hand. She smiled and called out to Lin Xizhao, “Zhao’er, ah, come and see. What do you think of the color of this bolt? Is it suitable for this year’s autumn clothes?”

            

Lin Xizhao turned with a faint smile, about to walk over, but Qu Sheng tightened her grip, refusing to let her go.

This Aunt Jin was clearly not treating Lin Xizhao like an outsider; it was as if Lin Xizhao were already her daughter-in-law.

Seeing that Lin Xizhao had turned but wasn’t coming over, Mother Jin’s gaze fell upon Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao’s tightly clasped hands.

            

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng, gritting her teeth: “I wish I could smash her teeth so she can’t speak!”

Lin Xizhao: “…”

            

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