The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 124

One Must Not Look Directly at Her Majesty the Empress

Back then, the reason they hadn’t continued investigating wasn’t because they didn’t know the problem lay with Lin Jianhai. It was precisely because they knew that they stopped.

They had originally thought he harbored resentment toward Yu shi, but they never imagined he was actually helping the Noble Consort.

            

Lin Jianhai was a loyal subject, but he was not a good father.

In Qu Sheng’s eyes, the kindness he had shown Lin Xizhao over the years seemed like a form of compensation. When it came to loyalty to the sovereign, Lin Xizhao still had to take a backseat.

On the day Qu Sheng came to deliver the betrothal gifts, Lin Jianhai knew the Qu family was aware of his actions. He had expected to be threatened into immediate agreement, but instead, he had sneered and said, “It is but death.”

            

In truth, Qu Sheng also knew that even if this matter were made public, the Emperor would favor Lin Jianhai. At most, he would lose his official post; it was unlikely he would be imprisoned.

However, at the time, the Emperor wanted to use Lin Jianhai’s status to sideline several other officials who held significant power in the capital. Lin Jianhai had to be the first example.

If something happened to Lin Jianhai before the Emperor could implement his plan, it would complicate matters. That was why Lin Jianhai had wavered only when Qu Sheng mentioned his ennoblement as a king, forcing him to accept the Qu family’s marriage proposal.

            

Having considered the Emperor’s interests so thoroughly, Lin Jianhai, after the matter was concluded, had second thoughts and began to regret his decision.

This was also why Qu Sheng had been so worried when she returned and heard that Lin Jianhai had been made a king.

Lin Xizhao now had her own doubts. “How did you get Father to agree to accept the betrothal gifts back then?”

            

At her words, Qu Sheng lowered her gaze. She looked at Lin Xizhao, seemingly unable to bear telling her. Lin Xizhao was so intelligent; she would surely figure out the real reason Lin Jianhai killed Yu shi.

“Was it because of Yu shi?” Lin Xizhao asked, blinking softly.

She already knew. The moment she heard the news after Lin Jianhai was released from prison, she had her suspicions. She had just been deceiving herself, unwilling to admit it.

            

Lin Jianhai was not a greedy man, but he cared immensely about his reputation. His choice back then was likely not what he truly wanted; otherwise, he wouldn’t have agreed to let Qu Jinian help with the investigation in the first place.

But if Lin Jianhai didn’t do it, the Emperor had plenty of ways to make him regret it later. Loss of office and title, disaster befalling his children—any of these would have ruined Lin Jianhai’s reputation.

Qu Sheng looked at Lin Xizhao without speaking, and Lin Xizhao saw the answer in her eyes.

            

Lin Xizhao lowered her head. She also saw Qu Sheng’s worry. After a moment, she comforted her, “In extraordinary times, one must take extraordinary measures. Sheng’er did nothing wrong.” They had already reached that point. If Lin Jianhai hadn’t agreed that day, getting him to agree later would have been as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Qu Sheng had been worried that Lin Xizhao would blame her for using such a matter to force Lin Jianhai’s consent.

“But this isn’t a method that can settle things once and for all. It only resolves the immediate crisis. If we want to eradicate future troubles, we must devise another strategy,” Lin Xizhao said, seemingly still thinking about how to persuade Lin Jianhai.

            

Being with Qu Sheng was certainly not good for a woman’s reputation. But her bond with Qu Sheng had reached a point where they could not be separated. If she had to leave Qu Sheng and live in endless melancholy, she would rather end her wretched life.

But Lin Xizhao only entertained such a flippant thought about life for a moment. They had not yet reached that desperate a stage.

Qu Sheng held the person in her arms tighter. It was her own selfish desire that had put Lin Xizhao in such a difficult position. It was also she who had made the filial Lin Xizhao act in defiance of Lin Jianhai. She felt guilty, but she did not regret it.

            

“Father just said that His Majesty will issue a decree for Fifth Uncle to go to Gaozhou to suppress the bandits. His Majesty should also know about Yan Fengwu accepting a share of Yehu Zhi’s business profits. I believe Yan Fengwu will be escorted back to the capital soon.”

Qu Sheng nodded at her words. Although Yan Fengwu was a new participant and unaware of the full situation, if left unchecked, he would sooner or later cause a great disaster.

Moreover, since the Emperor now had leverage, he would not let him off easily. The officials connected to him would especially be thoroughly investigated. When the time came, the Qu family just needed to arrange for someone to submit evidence of these people’s crimes, and the Emperor would surely deal with them all at once.

            

Only then could they truly eradicate future troubles.

Lin Xizhao snuggled into Qu Sheng’s embrace, rubbing against her affectionately. Perhaps she still needed to have a proper, direct conversation with Lin Jianhai and explain the feelings between her and Qu Sheng more clearly.

Even if Lin Jianhai didn’t care about Qu Sheng, surely he had to care about her feelings.

            

The next morning, Qu Sheng left Feng Qi behind to protect Lin Xizhao and returned to the Qu Marquis Residence herself.

During breakfast, Lin Xizhao saw Lin Jianhai. Lin Xirui kept his head down, eating his food without a word. Lin Jianhai noticed that Lin Xizhao had something to say, but just as she decided to speak, he stood up and said, “This father has finished eating. There are still many trivial matters at court. You two, sister and brother, look after the residence well.”

“Rest assured, Father,” Lin Xirui said, looking up with a smile.

            

His status was no longer just the legitimate son of the residence, but the little prince of this royal residence, the Heir Apparent of King Wenze.

Lin Xizhao, about to speak, was cut off. She glanced at Lin Jianhai, who didn’t look at her, and lowered her head as well. “Yes, Father.”

After Lin Jianhai left, Lin Xizhao went to the Accounts Room. She quickly finished the remaining account books from yesterday. Not a single guest visited the residence all day, and Qu Sheng did not come either.

            

Lin Xizhao sat in her room, feeling a little uneasy, until the steward entered her courtyard to report. Only then did she rise with a smile.

“Has Sheng’er returned?” Lin Xizhao asked, smiling.

The steward was stunned for a moment, then quickly smiled. “No, it’s Lord Li from the Ministry of Rites.”

            

Receiving gifts in the evening was often done for discretion or due to a busy political schedule, and usually in person.

The smile on Lin Xizhao’s face visibly faded. She nodded. “Have the Third Young Master go over first.”

The steward asked with a smiling expression, “The Heir Apparent has already gone. He asked this old slave to summon the Commandery Princess.”​¹

            

Hearing the change in address, Lin Xizhao was stunned for a second before quickly replying, “I’ll be right there.”

Lin Xizhao went to the courtyard of the Reception Hall. Lin Xirui had only just arrived. Although he had attended officials’ banquets before, he was still somewhat inexperienced in dealing with them.

Not many officials had visited these past few days, but a few had left with very unpleasant expressions.

            

Lin Jianhai would accept gifts, but never anything of great value. However, if these officials presented ordinary items, they worried it would be seen as an insult, so they sometimes prepared an extra, more valuable gift.

When Lin Xirui discovered this, he would have the items taken away but wouldn’t know what to say to smooth things over.

At this moment, Lord Li was seated inside. Lin Xizhao glanced up and knew instantly that the item in the hands of the page boy beside him was valuable.

            

“Father King went to the palace this morning and has not yet returned. Please forgive us for any lack of courtesy in receiving Lord Li,” Lin Xizhao said, curtsying.

Hearing this, Lord Li, who was sitting in a chair in the Reception Hall, hurriedly stood up and returned the courtesy. “The Commandery Princess jests. This subordinate official had the good fortune to witness your graceful bearing at Lord Yan’s residence last time. To see you again today is truly my honor.”

Lin Xizhao listened to the flattery with a calm expression and smiled. “Lord Li overpraises me.”

            

“Your Highness, the Heir Apparent,”​² Lord Li said, greeting Lin Xirui to the side after exchanging pleasantries with Lin Xizhao.

Everyone knew that in the former Lin Prime Minister Residence, Lin Xizhao was the one who called the shots. But now their statuses had changed. Lin Jianhai had been ennobled as a king of a different surname, and his children had gone from having no rank or stipend to having both.

Commoners had to bow to them.

            

Lin Xirui was still not quite used to it. He nodded and looked at Lin Xizhao.

After sitting down, Lin Xizhao had someone serve tea and offered a compliment. “I hear the Ministry of Rites was busy with the little prince’s 100-day feast recently. It was a great deal of hard work, and His Majesty was very satisfied. Lord Li’s contribution was indispensable.”

“Not at all, not at all. I have recently heard that His Lordship the King has been sharing many of His Majesty’s burdens, taking full charge of affairs within the palace. We merely follow orders and gain a bit of a reputation. It is His Lordship the King who works the hardest.”

            

Lin Xizhao exchanged pleasantries with him for a while before he stood up and said, “This subordinate official has come today with a humble gift. I hope the Commandery Princess and the Heir Apparent will accept it on behalf of His Lordship the King.”

Lin Xirui glanced over and saw the page boy behind him present the item, craning his neck for a look.

Seeing this, Lin Xizhao set her teacup aside and smiled. “Lord Li is too kind.” She gestured for a nearby servant to accept it.

            

The servant took the box, held it between Lin Xizhao and Lin Xirui, and as they opened it, Lord Li said, “Knowing that His Lordship the King dislikes extravagant items, this subordinate official has only prepared a few small trinkets. I hope you will accept them.”

Lin Xizhao glanced inside. It was an inkstone.​³ Although the item itself wasn’t expensive, Lin Xizhao noticed something about the inner layer of the box the servant was holding.

The box, carved from white marble,​⁴ was exceedingly precious. The inkstone inside was merely a diversion.

            

Lin Xizhao smiled. “Xizhao will convey Lord Li’s kind intentions. I will accept the inkstone on my father’s behalf.”

Lin Xizhao lifted her chin slightly, and the servant took out the inkstone and had the box returned. After pretending to examine it, Lin Xizhao smiled. “As it happens, the inkstone in Father’s study was chipped by a clumsy servant. Lord Li’s inkstone is truly timely rain.”

Hearing this, Lord Li, who had been thinking of what to say when he saw Lin Xizhao didn’t have the white marble box accepted, felt he now understood. For all these years, Lin Jianhai had managed to refuse gifts without offending officials because he had such a well-spoken daughter at home.

            

Lord Li didn’t insist further. They were all intelligent people. She hadn’t made her refusal too unsightly and had even given him a way to save face. He knew when to quit while he was ahead.

“It is this subordinate official’s honor that His Lordship the King will use an inkstone of my choosing.”

After seeing Lord Li off, Lin Xizhao remained seated in the Reception Hall, not leaving. Seeing her laden with worries, Lin Xirui asked, “A-jie, what’s wrong?”

            

Lin Xizhao looked at Lin Xirui and smiled. “It’s nothing. How are your studies lately?”

At the mention of his studies, Lin Xirui grinned. “A-jie, ask about something else.” His schoolwork was just so-so, but with a teacher’s guidance, it naturally wouldn’t be bad.

Lin Xizhao smiled, then suddenly thought of Lin Xikuan. Her smile faded slightly as she asked, “Has Xikuan been well recently?”

            

“Yes, he’s fine. He came back for a visit a few days ago. Father doesn’t speak to Second Brother so harshly anymore.”

Lin Xizhao nodded. Lin Xikuan was, after all, related to her by blood. “Did you ask if he wanted to come back and live here?”

Lin Xirui lowered his head. “Father didn’t say anything, so Second Brother doesn’t dare to return.”

            

A few days ago, the Yu Residence had sent him over, but Lin Jianhai, citing his busy schedule with court affairs, told him to continue recuperating at the Yu Residence. He did, however, send over a good deal of money and gifts.

Lin Xizhao nodded. Lin Xikuan had a crooked mind. Now that Lin Xirui had become the Heir Apparent as the legitimate son, it was hard for people’s hearts to change. It was necessary to be on guard.

But Lin Xizhao didn’t say this to Lin Xirui. Lin Xirui had a simple mind; telling him these things now would be useless. When he truly witnessed the cruelty of competition between people, his heart would naturally build its own defenses.

            

However, as his elder sister, she would still protect him while he grew up.

“How are you and Sheng-meimei doing?” He had heard they went to Changzhou to relax, and it seemed their relationship was even better when they returned.

Lin Xizhao looked up at Lin Xirui, her eyes filled with unspoken words. She had always hidden the matter between her and Qu Sheng from him. Although he had noticed, she had never given him an explanation.

            

Seeing that Lin Xizhao seemed to have something to say, Lin Xirui quickly said, “A-jie, you don’t have to apologize. You two haven’t wronged me. It was me who didn’t understand and insisted on getting involved. Sheng-meimei is so wonderful, and I was indeed not worthy of her. It was just my own wishful thinking.”

Lin Xizhao was stunned for a moment, then quickly said, “Xirui is wonderful too. There’s no such thing as being worthy or not.” Hearing Lin Xirui belittle himself, she felt a pang of sadness. Seeing him waiting for her to speak, she explained what had happened before. “Sheng’er and I weren’t together back then, so I couldn’t tell you plainly. Sheng’er has a rather stubborn personality. It was my fault, too, for not realizing my feelings for her had changed in time.”

“Did A-jie fall for Sheng-meimei first?” Lin Xirui asked.

            

Lin Xizhao lowered her eyes for a moment, then nodded. “Yes.” At the time, she hadn’t understood her own heart and thought it was just sisterly affection. If Qu Sheng hadn’t broken through that barrier, she might never have realized it in her entire life.

“Then how did you confess your feelings to each other?” The sadness on Lin Xirui’s face suddenly vanished, replaced by a look of curiosity.

Lin Xizhao was taken aback at first, then let out a helpless, soft laugh.

            

The siblings stayed in the Reception Hall for a long time. Lin Xizhao gave him a simplified version of how her relationship with Qu Sheng had changed.

Of course, she didn’t mention anything about their physical intimacy.

Lin Xirui listened with great interest, even praising Qu Sheng for her courage. He had once asked his teacher about the matter of men and women. The teacher had only said that all things that exist in the world, whether good or bad, are shaped by the judgment of later generations, and all have their own necessity for existing. Perhaps in a hundred years, such things would be commonplace. This had suddenly opened up his old-fashioned, conservative mind.

            

“Has Father recently asked you again whether Sheng’er is foolish?”

Lin Xirui nodded. “He has.”

“And how did you answer?” Lin Xizhao grew a little nervous.

            

Lin Xirui thought for a moment. “I just said that Sheng-meimei is just a little clever, doesn’t like to talk much, and has a bad temper.”

Lin Xizhao was stunned for a second, then quickly burst out laughing.

Lin Xizhao returned to her courtyard, and not long after, Qu Sheng arrived. Not seeing her for a whole day, with no one sent to give her a message, had left her on edge.

            

Now that she saw her, she studied her carefully for a long moment before pulling her into a hug.

“What’s wrong with jiejie today?” Qu Sheng sensed Lin Xizhao’s worry.

Lin Xizhao pulled back slightly, shook her head, and said, “It’s nothing. What were you doing today?”

            

When Qu Sheng left, she had only said she was going back to her residence for a look. Lin Xizhao thought she would be back in a little while.

“Does jiejie remember that mountain bandit?” The one they had dragged into the inn through the crack in the door.

Lin Xizhao nodded. “What about him?”

            

“I had someone bring him back before. He happened to enter the city today, so I asked him some things,” Qu Sheng explained.

“Is it about the bandits’ hideout?”

Qu Sheng nodded. “Yes. When Father went to court this morning, His Majesty already issued a decree for Fifth Uncle to lead troops there. I drew a more detailed topographical map of the mountain forest, hoping it will be of some help to him.”

            

Suppressing bandits was an extremely dangerous task. That day in the Gaozhou inn, they had witnessed the cruelty of this group of bandits. Moreover, these bandits were colluding with a foreign tribe, so there was a fear of unexpected incidents. Therefore, Qu Sheng helped Liang Lianhui analyze the bandits’ current situation and the potential problems they might encounter after engaging in battle.

Listening to Qu Sheng’s explanation, the worry and the trace of resentment she had felt all day because Qu Sheng hadn’t come to see her vanished. Lin Xizhao raised her slender fingers and caressed Qu Sheng’s cheek.

She could feel Qu Sheng’s love, which extended to those she cared for.​⁵

            

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Half a month later, Yan Fengwu was escorted back to the capital from the distant Gaozhou. Yehu Zhi of the Chemu Tribe, who had been preparing to flee Gaozhou, was also apprehended and brought back to the capital.

Yan Fengwu did not deny accepting bribes, but he refused to admit to the crime of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country. The Emperor stripped him of his official post, but in consideration of his many years of hard work and great merit, he was temporarily detained in the Heavenly Prison to await future judgment.

At the same time, the Emperor also investigated and dealt with those who had close contact with Yan Fengwu, one by one. Whether their crimes were major or minor, they were all dismissed from office. The vacancies were filled with scholars selected from last year’s imperial examination, which was also a way of replacing them with his own people.

            

The war on the Northern Frontier remained deadlocked. Not long after the fighting began, the Chemu Tribe suddenly increased their troops, nearly surrounding the army led by Qu Ting and the others. But because the Emperor had decreed for General Yu, stationed inland, to join forces with them, the army’s morale was greatly boosted, and they managed to control a situation that was on the brink of defeat.

Liang Lianhui’s task of suppressing the bandits in Gaozhou was also underway. Although he was brave, he lacked strategy. The mountain terrain was varied, but fortunately, with Qu Sheng’s topographical map, he was able to alertly withdraw from the forest when he walked into an ambush, avoiding a battle that would have only resulted in losses.

Currently unable to find the bandits’ true lair, Liang Lianhui had his troops stationed at the foot of the mountain and sent a request for help to the Qu family.

            

Qu Sheng had been staying at the residence of King Wenze, Lin Jianhai, recently. In the presence of others, her interactions with Lin Xizhao had returned to how they were before, but the intelligence she had previously revealed still made Lin Jianhai very suspicious.

This morning, while Lin Xizhao was still wiping Qu Sheng’s face, a messenger arrived from the palace. The Empress missed her and wanted her to enter the palace, and to bring Qu Sheng from the Qu Marquis Residence with her.

Lin Xizhao hurried to the Reception Hall. Listening to the palace eunuch official’s words, she said worriedly, “Sheng’er doesn’t understand etiquette very well. I’m afraid she might offend Her Majesty the Empress—”

            

“She won’t. Everyone knows that this daughter of Marquis Qu is most obedient to the Commandery Princess. Her Majesty the Empress knows you will restrain her,” the Empress’s personal eunuch official interrupted.

Lin Xizhao lowered her gaze, pondering for a few moments before saying, “Xizhao and Sheng’er will come to the palace with you, my lord, after we have changed our clothes.”

The eunuch official nodded in satisfaction and sat down to drink his tea.

            

Lin Xizhao went back and informed Qu Sheng of the matter. Qu Sheng didn’t have much of a reaction, saying, “Since Her Majesty the Empress wants to see me, then let her.”

Qu Sheng sent someone back to the Qu Marquis Residence to notify Jin Yunfei.

After changing into more magnificent clothes than usual, the two followed the eunuch official to the palace.

            

The Empress’s Bedchamber.

The eunuch official entered the hall and saw the Empress resting with her eyes closed, one hand on her forehead. He whispered, “Your Majesty, the Commandery Princess Xizhao and the daughter of Marquis Qu have arrived.”

The Empress opened her eyes, glanced at the eunuch official, then removed her hand and sat up straight. “Let them in.”

            

The eunuch official bowed his head and withdrew.

Soon, Lin Xizhao entered the Empress’s bedchamber, leading Qu Sheng by the hand. The Empress was sitting on a chaise lounge, looking somewhat weary.

Lin Xizhao led Qu Sheng to kneel and kowtow, but Qu Sheng was merely pulled to her knees by Lin Xizhao, her small body held straight as she looked around.

            

“Xizhao and Sheng’er pay our respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years, a thousand thousand years.”

“Rise,” the Empress’s voice was gentle enough.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Lin Xizhao raised her head. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Qu Sheng staring at the Empress. She tugged her lightly and whispered, “One must not look directly at Her Majesty the Empress.”

            

Hearing her voice, Qu Sheng glanced at Lin Xizhao and lowered her head.

The Empress watched this, seemingly lost in thought. After a moment, she looked sideways and gave a signal to a maid beside her, who then left.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng stood up, and the Empress smiled. “It has been some days since I last saw you. You look more and more like your mother.”

            

A faint smile touched Lin Xizhao’s lips as she replied softly, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

“Mm. I called you here today for no particular reason. It’s just that as I get older, I find myself wanting someone to talk to, to accompany this palace​⁶ for breakfast.” As she spoke, the Empress rose. Seeing this, Lin Xizhao quickly went over to support her arm.

“If Your Majesty is ever feeling bored, you need only send someone to let Xizhao know,” Lin Xizhao said obediently.

            

The Empress chuckled. “I can’t have you coming all the time, can I? A girl grows up and must have her own affairs. I hear many have come to your residence to propose marriage. Have you taken a liking to any?”

Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved as she replied, “To trouble the Empress with such a small matter, Xizhao is truly at fault.”

The Empress laughed. “How can marriage be a small matter? If there is no one you fancy, this palace will make the decision for you and find a few of this year’s… no, the military examination candidates are too rough. It would be better to choose one of the top three scholars from this year, from a family with good standing.”

            

“Your Majesty dotes on Xizhao, and Xizhao is deeply grateful in her heart, but Xizhao wishes to stay by Father’s side for a few more years. He has been alone all these years; Xizhao truly cannot rest easy.” Lin Xizhao shifted the topic to Lin Jianhai.

Hearing Lin Jianhai’s name, the Empress sighed softly. “Your father is also stubborn. This palace has spoken to him before about finding him a new wife, but he is unwilling no matter what.”

Lin Xizhao’s thoughts grew heavy. Since Yu shi’s death, she had never heard Lin Jianhai express any intention of remarrying.

            

As they walked, they arrived at the dining table, and Lin Xizhao helped the Empress sit down. While talking with Lin Xizhao, the Empress turned her head and noticed that Qu Sheng was still standing in the same spot.

Lin Xizhao noticed it too and showed a trace of embarrassment. “On our way here today, Xizhao instructed Sheng’er not to wander about.”

The Empress understood and nodded. “Have her come over as well.”

            

Lin Xizhao curtsied, walked over to Qu Sheng, took her hand, and led her over.

Qu Sheng stood there, head down, not looking at the Empress. The Empress sized her up for a few moments. The last time she had seen Qu Sheng, she was still a child. In the blink of an eye, she was all grown up.

Though she was small then, one could already see she was a little beauty. Now that she had blossomed, her features were even more striking.

            

“Sit,” the Empress said to Qu Sheng.

Qu Sheng stood there, merely staring at the table without moving.

“Why don’t you sit?” the Empress asked, puzzled. She had just heard Lin Xizhao speak to her, so she could clearly understand. Besides, someone had told her a few days ago that Qu Sheng was not a fool.

            

“Jiejie didn’t tell Sheng’er to sit,” Qu Sheng’s slow voice boomed, full of vigor.

Qu Sheng’s voice was so loud that it made the Empress frown.

Lin Xizhao glanced at the Empress, then quickly pulled Qu Sheng down to her knees. “Sheng’er is insensible and has offended Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty will show mercy on account of Sheng’er’s youth and not blame her.”

            

“What are you so nervous about? Quickly, get up.” The Empress looked at Lin Xizhao, her expression softening slightly.

With a look of terror, Lin Xizhao raised her head and saw the Empress’s gentle face. She felt a little relieved. After a few moments of hesitation, she pulled Qu Sheng to her feet.

“Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived,” a eunuch official hurriedly entered the room to announce.

            

The words had barely fallen when the Crown Prince’s voice called from outside, “Mother Empress, I heard that younger sister Xizhao came. Why didn’t you send for this son and subject?”​⁷

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “I only listen to my wife.”

            

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