The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 137
by Little PandaLook How Amazing My Sheng’er Is
When Lin Xizhao saw the imperial edict scroll on the Eunuch Official’s back, she lowered her gaze for a moment before saying politely, “Then we will have to trouble you, my lord.”
The Eunuch Official acknowledged Lin Xizhao, then glanced at Qu Sheng inside the carriage and the child in her arms. He smiled. “It is no trouble. Protecting the Crown Princess is this one’s duty.”
Lin Xizhao nodded and lowered the curtain. Qu Sheng sat back down, carefully wrapping the child in her arms more snugly. The wind outside the city gate was too strong.
The grand procession traveled for some time before they came upon Qu Ming’s coffin, which had been stopped by the side of the road.
When Feng Qi saw Qu Sheng’s party arrive, he dismounted and quickly raised an arm, allowing Lin Xizhao to lean on him as she got down from her horse.
Qu Sheng and the others dismounted, handing the child to the wet nurse.
The three junior members of the Qu family stood together with Qu Sheng at the front. She glanced at Feng Qi, who nodded and placed a lit stick of incense in her hand.
Qu Sheng and the others performed the ritual of kneeling and prostrating before Qu Ming’s coffin. Aside from the Imperial Forest Army, everyone else knelt.
After the three kneelings and nine kowtows,1 Qu Sheng’s group returned to their carriages, and the coffin followed behind.
The carriages moved at a slow pace, made even slower by the accompanying coffin. Lin Xizhao leaned against Qu Sheng, her eyes lightly closed.
Qu Sheng glanced at her, then simply lifted her onto her own lap.
The sudden weightlessness startled Lin Xizhao’s eyes open. Qu Sheng held her close, lowered her head to seek out her lips for a kiss, and met her still-startled gaze. “We’ll be in the city soon,” she murmured. “Sheng’er will call jiejie when we arrive.”
Lin Xizhao gave a soft “en” of assent. She glanced to the side and saw that the wet nurse, holding the baby, was also resting with her eyes closed. Lin Xizhao turned back, wrapped her arms around Qu Sheng’s neck, and, raising herself slightly, kissed the corner of Qu Sheng’s lips.
Qu Sheng met her gaze. Just as she was about to deepen the kiss, Lin Xizhao smiled, ducked her head, and dodged away.
Seeing that Lin Xizhao was deliberately teasing her, Qu Sheng freed a hand and placed it under Lin Xizhao’s chin, tilting her head up. Forced to look directly at Qu Sheng’s sparkling, luminous eyes, Lin Xizhao lowered her own in tacit consent.
Qu Sheng’s kiss was careful and cautious, but in the end, she couldn’t control herself. She parted Lin Xizhao’s teeth and tangled with the softness within.
They suppressed their breathing, a difficult task. When it was over, Lin Xizhao buried her face in Qu Sheng’s embrace. Qu Sheng held her, smiling foolishly for a while before hugging the person in her arms even tighter.
The journey was long, and they were in no hurry to return. Although Qu Yu’s health had been damaged, Liu Wuxiang was now slowly nursing him back.
After reaching its peak, the poison was beginning to show signs of weakening. Liu Wuxiang seemed to see a glimmer of hope, but he couldn’t be certain.
Bringing Qu Yu back to Shoulin was also because the climate there was more suitable for recuperation.
The procession entered the city. With the Imperial Forest Army clearing the way, local officials came to offer greetings and pay their respects, arranging for them to stay at the posthouse.2
Qu Sheng remained as she always was, not speaking when others were present, letting Lin Xizhao handle everything. Zhao Jiayu could say a few words, but her mind was entirely focused on Qu Yu. After a brief exchange with the officials, she hurried back to her room.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng sat with the officials’ wives in the banquet hall. Because they were traveling with Qu Ming’s coffin, their hosts were tactful enough not to arrange any music or dancing.
Lin Xizhao was skilled at socializing, and she was amiable and approachable when speaking with others. Her status was also different from before; even without Qu Sheng, these officials had to show her a degree of respect.
“We will be leaving the city tomorrow morning. Lord Zhang need not go to any further expense,” Lin Xizhao said in her gentle voice, dissuading the County Magistrate who wanted to host another banquet for them the next day.
“It is a rare occasion for the Crown Princess to pass through our humble county. If this subordinate official’s hospitality is lacking, I fear His Majesty will find fault. So… so perhaps you will still have a cup of wine before leaving tomorrow,” the County Magistrate urged.
Qu Sheng, who was being fed by Lin Xizhao, suddenly spoke. “Unnecessary.”
Lin Xizhao glanced up at her. The County Magistrate was stunned for a moment by Qu Sheng’s words and looked to Lin Xizhao.
Lin Xizhao turned to explain. “The Crown Princess is anxious to return to Shoulin. If you host another banquet tomorrow, it might delay our journey. His Majesty has decreed a reward for the soldiers in Shoulin, and it would not be right to keep them waiting.”
The County Magistrate heard this and felt it made sense, so he didn’t press the matter further. He said awkwardly, “In that case, this subordinate official will not arrange a banquet for tomorrow. I only ask that the Crown Princess might put in a few good words for this subordinate official upon her return to the palace.”
Lin Xizhao turned back to him and smiled. “The Crown Princess is very satisfied with Lord Zhang’s hospitality this time. When we return to the capital, she will certainly not forget you.”
A broad smile spread across Lord Zhang’s face. “In that case, this subordinate official is most grateful,” he said hurriedly.
Lin Xizhao nodded and turned back to continue feeding Qu Sheng. After the banquet ended and the officials had left, Qu Sheng stared at Lin Xizhao’s back.
When Lin Xizhao turned around, the smile was still on her face. Seeing Qu Sheng’s tense expression, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Why does jiejie call me ‘Crown Princess’ just like they do?” Qu Sheng sounded displeased.
Lin Xizhao had thought it was something else. Hearing Qu Sheng’s complaint, she smiled. “It was just to play along. I won’t say it again, alright?”
Lin Xizhao didn’t think Qu Sheng was being unreasonable. She knew Qu Sheng couldn’t tolerate a single grain of sand in her eyes; for her to say such a thing, though it sounded a bit childish, was not something that should have come from Lin Xizhao’s mouth in the first place.
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, the frustration in Qu Sheng’s heart began to dissipate. She looked at Lin Xizhao, her lips pressed together lightly. “Let’s go see Fourth Brother.”
Qu Sheng changed the subject, and Lin Xizhao didn’t bring it up again. She nodded, her eyes curving as she took the initiative to kiss the corner of Qu Sheng’s lips. “Alright.”
Qu Sheng took Lin Xizhao’s hand, squeezing it again and again, her fingers caressing it before finally raising it to her lips for a treasured kiss.
Lin Xizhao’s gentle explanation had soothed her, and now Qu Sheng came to her senses, realizing that it was Lin Xizhao who had been wronged. She felt she was always losing control of her temper, causing Lin Xizhao so much grief while also forcing her to manage her emotions.
She knew that no matter how much of a fuss she made, Lin Xizhao would never blame her. But she had to have some self-awareness. How could she let these unchangeable, past events slowly wear away the love they had fought so hard to win?
Qu Sheng was afraid that one day, Lin Xizhao would leave her.
Lin Xizhao looked down at Qu Sheng’s reverent expression and her lips curved. When Qu Sheng looked up, she leaned in and kissed her.
They kissed in the empty banquet hall. Today, perhaps due to the wine, Lin Xizhao was unusually fiery. The fragrance of wine on her breath made one want to fall into a drunken stupor with her.
Qu Sheng’s arms were around Lin Xizhao’s slender waist, moving from a light embrace to a tight hold, until finally, she swept her up into her arms.
“Weren’t we going to see Fourth Brother?” Lin Xizhao asked, seemingly as a deliberate reminder, as she was suddenly lifted.
Qu Sheng’s heavy breathing hitched for a second. She looked at Lin Xizhao with a hint of dissatisfaction in her eyes.
Seeing this, Lin Xizhao laughed. “I already went to see him just now. Fourth Brother is already asleep. We shouldn’t disturb him.”
Hearing that Qu Yu was asleep, the spark in Qu Sheng’s heart was fanned into a flame that reached her eyes.
The next morning, after breakfast, Lin Xizhao and the others waited for Qu Yu, who was resting after his acupuncture treatment from Liu Wuxiang.
Zhao Jiayu said that Qu Yu had eaten a lot yesterday. He could also speak a few words. Though his voice was hoarse and unclear, you could understand what he was trying to express.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng were happy to hear this. They asked Liu Wuxiang if this meant the five poisons in Qu Yu’s body were slowly being cleared out, bit by bit.
Liu Wuxiang pouted. “It’s not that simple. His situation is only like this because he was strong to begin with. If it were anyone else, they’d probably be long gone.”
Liu Wuxiang threw a basin of cold water on Qu Sheng, making her worry all over again.
As the group left the city, the officials guarding the gate came to see them off, watching until they disappeared from sight.
Having rested too little the night before, Lin Xizhao leaned against Qu Sheng and fell asleep not long after. The wet nurse had apparently told Zhao Jiayu what she had inadvertently glimpsed yesterday, so today Zhao Jiayu instructed the wet nurse to sit in their carriage with her daughter.
Before they boarded, Zhao Jiayu even teased Qu Sheng, calling her a little wolf cub.
Hunger doesn’t choose the time,3 always taking advantage of Lin Xizhao.
Though Qu Sheng was thin-skinned, she pretended not to hear Zhao Jiayu’s words and helped Lin Xizhao into the carriage. But once inside, it took a long while for the heat in her face to subside.
Now that the two of them were alone in the carriage, Qu Sheng had Lin Xizhao lie down, her head pillowed on Qu Sheng’s lap.
An unknown amount of time passed before Lin Xizhao’s ears were filled with Qu Sheng’s gentle voice. “Wife, it’s snowing.”
Hearing the word “snow,” the sleeping Lin Xizhao’s dreamscape filled with images of snow, but despite the snow, she didn’t feel cold. Her ears, however, were filled with the sound of wind… and a wet, warm sensation.
When Lin Xizhao opened her eyes, the sensation in her ear became even more real. Her body shifted slightly, and the lips Qu Sheng had been using to kiss her small, porcelain-white ear curved into a smile.
By the time Lin Xizhao realized Qu Sheng was the one causing the ‘mischief’, she let out an involuntary moan before she could even think to stop her.
“Mmm… Sheng’er…”
Qu Sheng’s tongue lightly swept the shell of Lin Xizhao’s ear, and the tingling, ticklish sensation made her voice go off-key.
Realizing they were still in the carriage, Lin Xizhao turned her face, and Qu Sheng’s lips landed on the space between her brows.
“Is… is it time for lunch?” Lin Xizhao asked, feeling a little embarrassed.
Her body was too sensitive to Qu Sheng, especially the place she had just been kissing.
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s soft voice, husky with sleep, Qu Sheng’s lips held a smile. “It is, but we’ll go down in a little while.”
Feng Qi had already come to call them, but seeing how soundly Lin Xizhao was sleeping, Qu Sheng hadn’t had the heart to wake her.
Qu Sheng’s kisses traveled down from Lin Xizhao’s brow until she captured her soft lips, kissing her for a long time before reluctantly letting go.
When the two of them got out of the carriage, Zhao Jiayu, who was getting some congee, saw Lin Xizhao’s swollen red lips and gave them a knowing smile before returning to her own carriage.
The accompanying maids brought food to Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao. As the two sat eating in a simple tent, Feng Qi arrived.
Feng Qi surveyed the surroundings, had the guards stand watch outside, and then entered the tent. He reported in a low voice, “The grain and fodder will arrive in five days. They are asking if you want to mobilize the troops.”
Hearing Feng Qi’s words, Qu Sheng looked ahead, thought for a moment, and replied, “Have General Cai advance with the troops. I will be there shortly.”
“Yes.” Feng Qi clasped his fist in a salute. He took half a step, then turned back. “Prince Fucheng has not been eating or drinking these past few days. I’m afraid…” Feng Qi trailed off. The original plan was to bring him along after leaving the city, but because the Emperor had suddenly sent people to follow them, they had no choice but to let his captors go on ahead.
“Keep him alive,” Qu Sheng said curtly. She would not let him die so easily.
“Yes.” Feng Qi finished and left the tent.
Lin Xizhao had been sitting to the side without interrupting. After Feng Qi left, she said, “Keeping Prince Fucheng alive is actually useless now. His Majesty has his spy, Kang Yugong, in Shoulin. I’m worried about taking him there—”
“Jiejie need not worry. We’ve already identified those people. We aren’t moving against them now because we need them to report to the Emperor that the Qu family army is behaving itself,” Qu Sheng said, her lips curving slightly. “Once we reach Shoulin, we’ll be the ones calling the shots.”
Lin Xizhao stared at the brilliant light in Qu Sheng’s eyes, stunned for a moment. “I’m just worried something will go wrong,” she said softly. The lives of the Qu family were at stake; how could she not be cautious?
The two ate some congee. The moment they stepped out of the tent, Lin Xizhao raised her hand to catch the falling snowflakes.
“It’s snowing,” she said, her eyes full of surprise, as excited as a little girl.
Qu Sheng watched Lin Xizhao’s childish side, her gaze doting. She smiled. “It was snowing a moment ago, but it stopped for a bit.” It had been snowing while Lin Xizhao was asleep in the carriage. It had stopped after Qu Sheng had her way with her for a while.
The snowflakes were too small, and the air was too damp for them to stick.
Lin Xizhao caught a few flakes, but they melted in an instant. Qu Sheng watched with a smile, not rushing her. Only when Lin Xizhao gave up did Qu Sheng take her hand and lead her back to the carriage.
They waited in the carriage for a moment while the people outside packed up the tents and organized their belongings. Lin Xizhao lifted the curtain and looked out. The snow was a little heavier than before.
“Oh no,” Lin Xizhao said, looking at the snow that still wasn’t sticking to the ground, a note of tension in her voice.
“What is it?” Qu Sheng asked.
Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng, her eyes worried. “If this snow continues, I’m afraid it will accumulate. I’m worried…”
“Jiejie is worried the carriages will leave tracks?” Qu Sheng asked directly.
Lin Xizhao nodded. “We can only pray to the heavens that the snow doesn’t get too heavy.” Not only would it leave tracks, but it would also hinder their travel.
“It’s no matter. I observed the celestial phenomena4 last night. This snow won’t last. At most, it will just water the plants,” Qu Sheng said with certainty.
Qu Sheng was not only skilled in military campaigns; she had also studied the celestial phenomena. She didn’t understand the more profound aspects, but this rudimentary knowledge was sufficient for military use.
Hearing Qu Sheng’s decisive words, Lin Xizhao blinked, a new understanding—and a hint of admiration—for Qu Sheng dawning in her eyes.
“Why is jiejie looking at me like that?” Qu Sheng felt a little self-conscious under Lin Xizhao’s gaze.
Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved into crescents. In a tone one might use to coax a child, she said, “I’m just looking at my Sheng’er, wondering how you can be so amazing.”
Hearing this, Qu Sheng’s cheeks slowly began to grow warm.
The road back to Shoulin wasn’t long, but they took their time. They traveled in fits and starts. Qu Sheng was in no hurry, but the Eunuch Official accompanying them grew anxious.
One afternoon, as Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao were eating in their tent, the Eunuch Official had someone announce that he had something to say.
Lin Xizhao thought for a moment. “He’s probably annoyed that we’re going too slowly.”
Qu Sheng snorted. “Let him in.”
A guard went out to relay the message, and the Eunuch Official soon entered the tent. He stood to the side and bowed. “This slave greets the Crown Princess and the Commandery Princess.”
Qu Sheng sat eating, not even looking at him. Lin Xizhao offered a gentle smile. “Is there something you need, my lord?”
The Eunuch Official quickly smiled. “This one is under imperial orders to protect the Crown Princess along the way. His Majesty also instructed this slave to bring some rewards for the Qu family soldiers in Shoulin. This one calculated that the provisions would not spoil in time, but if we delay for a few more days, I’m afraid they will have gone bad by the time they arrive.”
“Are you suggesting you’d like us to hurry up?” Lin Xizhao asked.
“Yes, if it’s convenient…”
“It’s not,” Qu Sheng cut him off flatly.
Seeing the awkwardness on the Eunuch Official’s face, Lin Xizhao glanced at Qu Sheng and explained, “We understand your difficulties, my lord, but my Fourth Brother is ill and cannot endure too much jostling. That is why we must travel slowly.” Lin Xizhao lowered her gaze for a moment. “How about this: why don’t you and your men proceed ahead of us?”
“This…” The Eunuch Official was clearly tempted but didn’t dare agree.
The most important part of their mission was to inform the army in Shoulin that Qu Sheng had become the Crown Princess. Of course, the army in Shoulin probably already knew. The Emperor had already issued decrees to all the prefectures to inform the common people.
But their main purpose this time was to meet with the various generals in Shoulin to ensure they were all present.
“It’s no matter. The people we have with us are all first-rate experts from the Marquis Residence. We mustn’t let His Majesty’s kind intentions go to waste,” Lin Xizhao said, her eyes fixed on the Eunuch Official. Seeing his hesitation, she added, “I have said my piece. If you feel it is inappropriate, my lord, then there is nothing more Xizhao can do.”
The Eunuch Official looked up at Lin Xizhao and forced a smile. “Please allow this slave to think it over.”
Lin Xizhao let out a soft, deliberate laugh. “As you wish, my lord.”
After the Eunuch Official left, Qu Sheng glanced at the tent’s entrance, a faint smile on her lips. She said to Lin Xizhao, “We’re not leaving tomorrow.”
After the carriages entered the city and they had settled in, news came from Qu Yu’s room. Due to the sudden drop in temperature, Qu Yu was feeling unwell. They decided to stay and recuperate for a few days before discussing a departure time.
The next day, after morning breakfast, while Qu Sheng and the others were still in Qu Yu’s room, the Eunuch Official sent someone to request an audience.
Lin Xizhao came out of the room. Before the door was even closed, the Eunuch Official hurried over and bowed. Lin Xizhao saw him and asked, “You wished to see me, my lord?”
Over the past few days, the Eunuch Official had figured it out: Qu Sheng listened to Lin Xizhao. She was the one who made all the decisions.
“This slave has discussed the matter with the officers of the Imperial Forest Army, and we have decided to set out for Shoulin first. Once the rewards have been delivered, we will return to escort the Crown Princess. The Fourth Young Master Qu can also take this time to recuperate here in peace. What does the Commandery Princess think of this arrangement?” The Eunuch Official had it all sorted out.
Lin Xizhao thought for a moment. “It has grown cold recently, and my Fourth Brother’s constitution is already weak. We have delayed you in your imperial duty. Since you have decided, Xizhao naturally agrees.”
“And the Crown Princess?” The Eunuch Official deliberately mentioned Qu Sheng to avoid any future arguments. She might be a fool, but he still needed a word of assent from her.
“You may go with an easy mind, my lord. As for Sheng’er, Xizhao will relay the message,” Lin Xizhao said. When the Eunuch Official just stood there, not leaving or speaking, Lin Xizhao thought for a moment and smiled. “Please wait a moment, my lord.”
Lin Xizhao went into the room and quickly came out with Qu Sheng.
“Jiejie has already said it’s fine. You just do as she says. There’s no need to ask me again,” Qu Sheng said, her tone utterly impolite, even a little annoyed.
The Eunuch Official’s face stiffened in embarrassment for a second. “Yes. This slave will listen to the Commandery Princess.”
Qu Sheng didn’t even glance at him before hurrying back into the room. Lin Xizhao and the Eunuch Official stood outside. After they exchanged a look, the Eunuch Official said, “This slave would like to depart now. I hope the Commandery Princess will inform the Crown Princess later.”
“You may go, my lord. As for Sheng’er… I’m the one who calls the shots.” This time, Lin Xizhao didn’t bother to put on an act for him.
The Eunuch Official smiled. “Then this slave takes his leave of the Commandery Princess.”
Lin Xizhao’s lips curved slightly as she nodded.
The Eunuch Official went downstairs, gathered the Imperial Forest Army at the posthouse, and had all the rewards, like wine and other goods, loaded back onto the carriages.
No one went to see them off as the Eunuch Official left with the Imperial Forest Army.
At that moment, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao were sitting in their room, quietly waiting for Feng Qi, who was watching the city gate, to bring back news.
Qu Yu’s condition had been stable for the past few days, and there had been no issues last night. They had stayed behind solely to make the Eunuch Official and his men leave. Qu Sheng had important things to do next.
Around noon, Feng Qi returned from outside the city. He brought news that every last member of the Imperial Forest Army had left the city and was now approaching the next county town.
Hearing the news, Lin Xizhao’s heart fluttered. She looked at Qu Sheng and began to worry.
“Jiejie need not worry. Sheng’er will take care of herself,” Qu Sheng said, seeing how deeply Lin Xizhao was worrying about her. Her own heart ached a little.
She wanted so badly to take her along, but the place she was going was about to become a battlefield. This wouldn’t be as easy as eliminating bandits. Their target was the Emperor in the imperial palace.
The moment Prince Fucheng said he knew who killed Qu Ce, she had already guessed the mastermind.
Their enmity with the Imperial Noble Consort had only developed later.
When Qu Ce died, Qu Sheng hadn’t even been born. Though they had never met, Qu Sheng’s feelings for this brother ran deep.
Because Qu Ce had existed, she had received double the affection from her other brothers.
Qu Ce had doted on his younger brothers, and those brothers had, in turn, transferred that affection to her. She had always known.
She had once wanted to be like Qu Ce—so clever and talented. She wanted to take his place, to fill the void and regret his loss had left in her family’s hearts.
But she was a woman. There were many things a man could do that a woman could not. And because she didn’t want to marry into the palace, she had feigned foolishness for so many years, but in the end, she couldn’t escape her fate.
She later came to understand that she could never measure up to Qu Ce. Her identity as a woman was an insurmountable obstacle.
She had been angry at the gender she was born with, and she had hated the world’s injustice toward women. But her identity as a woman had also allowed her to meet Lin Xizhao, giving her the chance to be close to her. Although there had been twists and turns, they had ultimately come to love each other, and that was enough.
She had calmly accepted this fact and no longer thought about becoming Qu Ce, because she had to be Qu Sheng.
To love her family, to love her Xizhao, to protect her relatives, to protect her beloved, and to avenge her deceased kin.
No matter the cost.
Long before Qu Sheng had left the capital, they had already made contact with the Heir Apparent of Prince Zhangning. But not in their own name—they had used the identity of the wealthy Shoulin merchant, Zhu Baibing, Zhu Ming’an’s father.
The Qu family’s letters would certainly be under strict scrutiny during this time, but the Zhu family’s letters would not.
Qu Sheng had discussed this path repeatedly with Qu Jinian and the others. Even if the matter was exposed, even if they failed, the Qu family would not be easily discovered.
And even if the Emperor found out, without sufficient evidence, he wouldn’t dare to move against the Qu family right away.
Qu Sheng seized upon this point and prepared to strike first.
It didn’t matter who was emperor. Since this emperor would not tolerate their Qu family and had poisoned their kin for no reason…
Then they would simply replace him.
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “My ambitions cannot be told to others, not even my wife.”
Footnotes
- The ‘three kneelings and nine kowtows’ (sān guì jiǔ kòu) is the highest ritual of obeisance in traditional Chinese culture, reserved for expressing the utmost respect to emperors or revered ancestors. It involves three full kneelings, with the head touching the ground three times for each kneeling.
- A posthouse or courier station (yìguǎn) was a government-run inn providing lodging and fresh horses for officials, couriers, and other personnel traveling on official business.
- A playful twist on the common idiom ‘a hungry person isn’t picky about food’ (jī bù zé shí). Here, it implies someone who is driven by passion at any given moment, anytime and anywhere.
- In this context, ‘celestial phenomena’ (tiānxiàng) refers to observing the weather and stars, a practice considered essential for military strategy and governance in ancient China to predict outcomes and choose auspicious times for action.
No way the Emperor is responsible for Qu Ce’s death omg 😭😭