The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool

The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 142

by Little Panda

Wife and Wife Bow to Each Other

When the morning court session dispersed, Qu Sheng was ultimately not granted an official post. The Emperor did, however, reward her with a great deal of gold, silver, and fine silks, and granted her the privilege of entering and leaving the palace at will.

Qu Sheng’s armor rustled with every step she took. Qu Jinian glanced back at her. Qu Sheng’s face was stern; though she wasn’t angry, her father’s lack of support left her displeased.

Qu Jinian stopped, and Qu Sheng stopped with him. She looked at her father, her expression cool.

Qu Jinian sighed. “Why this, all of a sudden?” he asked.

He was referring to Qu Sheng’s desire to become an official.

“Why does Father not support it?” Qu Sheng deflected, voicing the frustration that had been building inside her.

“Did you not understand in court? From ancient times to the present, there have never been female officials. His Majesty’s throne is not yet secure. If he were to create such a precedent now, would it not give others an opportunity to criticize his virtue?” Qu Jinian’s tone carried a hint of reprimand.

“Is that the only reason?” Qu Sheng pressed, unwilling to give up.

Seeing her displeasure and the questioning look on her face, Qu Jinian frowned slightly. “What else would you have me think?”

Qu Sheng’s expression faltered for a moment, and she immediately apologized. “This child knows she was wrong, and should not have questioned Father.”

She had suspected him of being like those old fossils, looking down on women and unwilling to let them hold office.

Qu Jinian seemed to understand her unspoken thought. He spoke earnestly, “This father had you learn martial arts and had others teach you to lead soldiers, but it was not for you to chase a moment of glory.”

The fact that Qu Jinian had allowed Qu Sheng to lead troops meant he had never believed that women were incapable of being officials. In the Qu family, men and women were equal; they simply had different responsibilities.

Men managed the outside world, women managed the home. Both spheres were crucial, with no distinction of importance.

Qu Sheng lowered her head, a look of shame on her face.

Qu Jinian took a deep breath, gave his daughter another long look, then turned and started walking out of the palace. Qu Sheng stood there for a moment, then looked up and followed closely behind him.

Word had already reached the Marquis Residence that Qu Sheng had returned in triumph. Lin Xizhao and the others were seated in the main courtyard’s hall. Though anxious, Lin Xizhao waited with patient decorum.

But when a servant came to announce Qu Sheng’s arrival, she could no longer sit still. Her gaze fell on Jin Yunfei, who smiled and nodded, her meaning perfectly clear.

Lin Xizhao rose with a faint smile, curtsied, and went out.

It was already afternoon. The early winter sun was not hot, but it was somewhat dazzling. Qu Sheng wore her armor, its scales glittering brightly.

Lin Xizhao stood there, her eyes first sweeping over Qu Sheng, noting that her posture was sound as she walked. Then she turned to the approaching Qu Jinian and curtsied. “Father.”

Qu Jinian smiled and nodded. “Sheng’er has returned victorious. Has your mother prepared some good food?” Once inside the residence, the conversation turned to domestic matters.

Lin Xizhao’s brows curved. “Mother has already had the servants prepare a banquet. We were just waiting for Father and Sheng’er to return so we could celebrate with a full belly.”

Qu Jinian chuckled and glanced back at Qu Sheng, who was staring at Lin Xizhao with a brilliant light in her eyes. He turned back to Lin Xizhao. “Sheng’er has only just returned. Take her to wash up first. There’s no hurry.”

Qu Jinian gave them a chance to be alone.

“Yes,” Lin Xizhao replied with a smile.

Qu Jinian strode forward. After he had gone, Lin Xizhao turned to Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng’s lips were pressed into a thin line. She stared at Lin Xizhao’s hair, which was styled in the manner of a married woman, and looked for a long while before finally speaking. “Jiejie, Sheng’er is home.”

Lin Xizhao was taken aback for a second, then quickly smiled in response. “Mm. Come, let’s get you to the bath.”

The hot water was already prepared.

Sitting in the bathing tub, Qu Sheng’s eyes were fixed on Lin Xizhao’s graceful and willowy figure, unable to look away. Lin Xizhao went to fetch a large bath towel. When she returned, she saw Qu Sheng’s besotted gaze, and her eyes curved into a smile. She reached out, took Qu Sheng’s hand, and helped her stand.

She wrapped the towel around Qu Sheng’s body and slowly led her out. The weather had turned cold, and though a charcoal brazier was burning in the room, they couldn’t be careless.

Lin Xizhao carefully dried Qu Sheng’s body and brought over the undergarments and middle robes. Just as she was about to help Qu Sheng dress, Qu Sheng took advantage of Lin Xizhao’s lowered head, tilted her own chin up, and kissed her.

A heavy wave of desire instantly bloomed from Qu Sheng’s lips and tongue. Lin Xizhao sensed her intent and quickly stopped her, her words muffled. “Father and Mother are still waiting.”

If this continued, it would be at least a shichen before they could finish.

The bath had already taken up a good deal of time, and Qu Sheng was still hungry from her journey.

Qu Sheng paid her no mind, her fingertips pressing into Lin Xizhao’s waist. Though she was the one who was unclothed, any sense of shame had long been suppressed by the sight of Lin Xizhao’s elegance, her figure appearing slightly more voluptuous with her hair in a married woman’s chignon.

As Qu Sheng’s fingers caressed her, Lin Xizhao could only smile helplessly and hold her hands still. Qu Sheng was naturally stronger, but if Lin Xizhao resisted, no matter the time or place, Qu Sheng would restrain herself.

Qu Sheng paused. Lin Xizhao gently pushed her away. Seeing the confusion and restrained desire on her face, she pecked her on the lips and coaxed softly, “Can we wait until after the family banquet?”

I’m married to you now, she thought. I’m not going anywhere.

Qu Sheng’s expression wavered. She seemed to realize that Lin Xizhao had something she wanted to say. She blinked, swallowing down the urge in her throat.

“Alright. Sheng’er will listen to jiejie.”

Seeing how obedient she was, Lin Xizhao rewarded her with another kiss before helping her into the new winter clothes the residence had prepared.

They walked hand in hand, their eyes filled with deep affection. As soon as they entered the hall, everyone called for them to come and sit.

They took their usual seats, but with fewer people in the family now, the room felt a little empty. However, because Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng had married the night before, and because of the great victory that day, the atmosphere in the residence was joyful and harmonious.

Qu Jinian said a few words, telling them to treat each other with the respect of guests,¹ then let everyone be at ease.

Qu Sheng no longer needed Lin Xizhao to feed her, but Lin Xizhao’s habit of caring for her remained. She remembered Qu Sheng’s tastes perfectly and would notice even the slightest change.

Qu Sheng was truly hungry today, and she ate every dish Lin Xizhao served her.

“More?” Lin Xizhao asked in a low voice.

Qu Sheng had a limited appetite. She hadn’t eaten yesterday, and she didn’t overindulge today. Lin Xizhao’s question was a sign that she had estimated Qu Sheng had reached her limit.

Qu Sheng looked up at her voice, smiled, and shook her head, replying just as softly, “That’s enough.”

Lin Xizhao’s brows curved as she handed Qu Sheng a handkerchief. Qu Sheng took it, wiped her lips, and remained seated. She sipped her tea, waiting for Lin Xizhao to slowly finish her meal.

Seeing the two of them, Jin Yunfei smiled and looked at Qu Jinian. Qu Jinian, who was eating, sensed his wife’s gaze and glanced over.

There was no smile on his face.

After the meal, as Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao were leaving, Qu Jinian called out to Qu Sheng.

“Sheng’er, come with this father for a moment.”

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao turned around and exchanged a look. Lin Xizhao said softly, “Go on. I’ll head back to our courtyard first.”

Qu Sheng nodded, let go of Lin Xizhao’s hand, and followed Qu Jinian.

The father and daughter arrived at the study. Qu Jinian sat, while Qu Sheng stood.

After a moment of silence, Qu Sheng asked, “Does Father have any instructions for this child?”

Qu Jinian looked up, his eyes filled with scrutiny.

Qu Sheng felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze but did not look away.

“How high an office do you wish to attain?”

The sudden question seemed to suppress the wild ambition that had begun to stir in Qu Sheng’s heart.

Qu Sheng lowered her eyes for a moment, then raised them again. “This child has not thought about it.”

A father knows his daughter best. Qu Jinian looked at Qu Sheng’s composed demeanor, remained silent for a few moments, then changed the subject. “Zhao’er is now married to you. A marriage between two women should not be publicized, but you two still need to make a trip to the Lin Residence.”

Qu Sheng looked up at his words, her lips pursed. “This child will need to ask for Xizhao’s opinion.”

Qu Jinian nodded. “Discuss it between yourselves. Lin Jianhai still has the right to know.”

Lin Xirui had left today. Since the wedding hadn’t been completed yesterday, he probably wouldn’t tell Lin Jianhai.

But the two of them should still go back and explain the situation. Lin Jianhai had been feigning illness and avoiding court. The Emperor had already made several remarks about wanting to downgrade his peerage, intending to weaken his influence before bringing him to justice.

Qu Jinian naturally knew the Emperor’s intentions, but Lin Jianhai was Lin Xizhao’s father. He had to protect him.

“This child understands,” Qu Sheng replied respectfully.

Qu Jinian nodded, signaling that she could leave.

Qu Sheng bowed. Just as she turned to go, she heard Qu Jinian speak again. “You are grown now. You must be a worthy pillar of support for Zhao’er.”

Hearing this, Qu Sheng turned back, a hint of confusion on her face. Then she heard Qu Jinian’s somewhat reproachful tone. “Today at the dinner table, seeing how Zhao’er doted on you, you should know how to treat her.”

Qu Sheng thought back for a moment. Lin Xizhao’s care for her seemed to cover every detail of her life, and she was…

“This child understands.”

Qu Sheng lowered her head, met Qu Jinian’s gaze for a second, and then left.

As she walked out, Qu Sheng didn’t feel that Qu Jinian was meddling in her and Lin Xizhao’s affairs. Lin Xizhao had always been this way with her, and recently even more so. She was well aware of it.

Qu Sheng stood at the study door, her head bowed. She blinked, and a smile touched the corners of her lips.

That Qu Jinian cared so deeply for Lin Xizhao was, of course, something to be happy about.

Qu Sheng’s steps quickened. Without the heavy armor, she felt much lighter. Dusk began to fall, but it did nothing to dim the springtime joy on her face.

Qu Sheng entered the courtyard and saw the lanterns were lit. She looked up at the brightly illuminated room, where a graceful silhouette was projected onto the paper of the window screen. Her heart began to pound.

Qu Sheng walked over quickly and pushed open the door. Hearing it open, Lin Xizhao turned her head. When she saw Qu Sheng, a smile bloomed in her watery eyes.

“Jiejie.” After entering, Qu Sheng placed both hands behind her back and closed the door.

Lin Xizhao watched her close the door, saw her impatient look, and let out a soft laugh.

Lin Xizhao stood up. Qu Sheng crossed the room in two or three strides and pulled her into a full embrace. The image of Lin Xizhao from last night—in her wedding dress, her beauty enhanced by heavy makeup—was already seared into her heart.

Compared to the grim, cold battlefield, this soft, warm body was what she loved most, but only when it was Lin Xizhao’s.

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao held each other, necks entwined. Qu Sheng’s hot breath fanned across Lin Xizhao’s neck. The warmth, along with the moist heat of her lips and tongue, made Lin Xizhao’s body tremble slightly.

A vibrant note escaped her throat, but just as Qu Sheng was about to press further, Lin Xizhao pushed her away.

Qu Sheng’s face showed confusion, but then she remembered that after the bath, Lin Xizhao had seemed to have something to say to her. She didn’t release the slender waist she held, waiting for Lin Xizhao’s next words.

Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s obedient expression and raised her hands to cup her cheeks. Her pale fingers carried a faint fragrance. Qu Sheng tilted her head slightly, rubbing her cheek against Lin Xizhao’s palm.

Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved as she kissed Qu Sheng’s lips.

“Let’s complete the ceremony we left unfinished yesterday,” Lin Xizhao said. It wasn’t a question, but a statement. She knew Qu Sheng would agree.

Qu Sheng hesitated for a moment. “How?”

Did they need to change clothes again, or call everyone else back?

Lin Xizhao’s eyes curved gently. She lowered her hands and took Qu Sheng’s.

Qu Sheng followed Lin Xizhao as she turned and walked a few steps toward the table, and then she understood. The room was still decorated as a nuptial chamber from the night before; the red paper-cut character for “joy” had not been taken down.

They stood apart. Though it was the simplest of ceremonies, there was no sense of playfulness or perfunctory action in either of them.

Qu Sheng’s eyes were filled with emotion, just as they had been during the wedding ceremony the night before, brimming with the satisfaction of her deep care for Lin Xizhao.

Lin Xizhao was the same.

A faint smile played on their lips. After a moment, Lin Xizhao spoke. “Wife and wife bow to each other.”²

Her gentle voice made Qu Sheng’s eyes well up. She gazed at Lin Xizhao, her bright eyes shimmering. Her lips pressed together as she slowly bent at the waist.

On the window screen outside, their two figures were projected, bowing in unison. When they straightened up, the corners of Qu Sheng’s eyes were completely wet.

Suppressing the excitement in her heart, Qu Sheng exchanged a smile with Lin Xizhao. Seeing a unique sense of fulfillment on Lin Xizhao’s beautiful face, her lips moved. “Let us enter the nuptial chamber.”

The moment she heard these words, Lin Xizhao was swept up into Qu Sheng’s arms.

Qu Sheng looked down at the beauty in her arms, whose arms were wrapped around her neck, and carried her step by step into the inner room.

The inner room was filled with objects of deep red: red bedsheets, a red quilt, and red bed curtains embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks.

The two bolster pillows had been replaced by a single one, just long enough for their two bodies to lie pressed together.

Qu Sheng placed Lin Xizhao on the edge of the bed, then leaned in. Lin Xizhao placed a hand between them and looked up at the small table, gesturing for Qu Sheng to look.

Qu Sheng raised one hand, pressed Lin Xizhao’s hands against her chest, and turned her head to see.

It was a pot of jade wine and two wine cups.

Qu Sheng understood. She slowly moved away from Lin Xizhao and helped her up from the bed.

The two sat at the table. Lin Xizhao filled the cups. Qu Sheng picked one up and handed it to Lin Xizhao, then took the other for herself.

The dim candlelight flickered. They linked arms and drank the nuptial wine,³ which symbolized their union as one.

Qu Sheng took Lin Xizhao’s cup and set it down, then lifted her into her arms again.

This time, Qu Sheng was not rushed. She slowly placed Lin Xizhao on the bed. Standing beside it, she gently removed Lin Xizhao’s shoes and set them aside. Then she knelt on the bed with one knee and slowly climbed on.

Qu Sheng untied the bed curtains and turned to look at Lin Xizhao, who was leaning against the bolster pillow.

They had been honest with each other countless times, but today, a blush of shyness still appeared on Lin Xizhao’s enchanting face.

Qu Sheng slowly knelt forward, sitting by Lin Xizhao’s legs, and placed her hands on either side of her. Although they had just drunk the nuptial wine, her mouth was now dry and her tongue parched from excitement.

Qu Sheng moistened her lips with her tongue. Before she could lean down, Lin Xizhao leaned toward her.

“Wife…” Qu Sheng finally got her wish, calling her by the name she most wanted to use.

Their breaths intertwined, their gazes searing hot. Soon, the sweet fragrance of the wine bloomed between their lips and tongues, intoxicating them, making them forget themselves in the night.

Within the warm, red curtains, soft moans were followed by intermittent whimpers. The sounds in the room only quieted down late in the night.

A maidservant came in to tidy the bed. After she had changed the linens, Qu Sheng returned from the bathing room, carrying Lin Xizhao.

Seeing Qu Sheng’s careful manner, the maids exchanged a teasing glance and left with a quiet giggle.

Lin Xizhao was placed on the bed and shot Qu Sheng a reproachful look. She had just said she didn’t need to be carried, but Qu Sheng had insisted.

Seeing Lin Xizhao’s shyness, Qu Sheng leaned over and kissed her still slightly swollen lips. “You are my wife,” she smiled. “What is there to be afraid of?”

Hearing Qu Sheng call her ‘Wife’, Lin Xizhao’s heart melted all over again. She hooked her arms around Qu Sheng’s neck and kissed her once more.

They had been through so much this year. She had never dared to imagine that she would truly marry Qu Sheng.

If she had insisted on separating back then, she would have regretted it for the rest of her life.

“Wife… it’s too late…” Qu Sheng had only been smug for a moment before the fresh nightclothes she had just put on were slowly being peeled off by Lin Xizhao.

A long while later, there was no trace of temper on Qu Sheng’s flushed face. Lin Xizhao looked down at Qu Sheng biting her lower lip, chuckled softly, and was about to get her clothes to put them on.

But she had barely moved when Qu Sheng’s slender, strong arm shot out and pulled her back.

Lin Xizhao lay on top of Qu Sheng, her cool skin touching Qu Sheng’s, which was still warm from their lovemaking. Lin Xizhao found it comfortable, and Qu Sheng even more so.

Qu Sheng rested a hand on Lin Xizhao’s slender waist, forcing Lin Xizhao to lift her head. She saw Qu Sheng’s face turned away in shyness, and with a smile in her eyes, she turned it back.

Qu Sheng’s misty eyes met Lin Xizhao’s, which were filled with tenderness. They kissed again.

They couldn’t go on tonight. Moderation was the key to making things last.

They kissed for a moment, and just as the air between them began to change, they slowly parted.

Lin Xizhao rested her cheek on Qu Sheng’s body. After a short rest, their agitated emotions gradually calmed.

“I want to see Father tomorrow,” Lin Xizhao said, her cheek rubbing against Qu Sheng’s warm skin again.

Hearing this, Qu Sheng remembered what Qu Jinian had said earlier. The hand on Lin Xizhao’s waist shifted. “Alright. I will accompany my wife tomorrow.”

Hearing Qu Sheng call her ‘Wife’, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but smile.

Qu Sheng rose at dawn and ordered the servants to prepare a great many gifts. Once everything was ready, she returned to their room. Seeing the gentle, soft figure still lost in dreams, she couldn’t bear to wake her.

They had tossed and turned for a long time last night. She also knew that Lin Xizhao certainly hadn’t slept well the night she was away, so she decided to let her sleep in.

At the end of chenshi,⁴ the shadow from the window crept onto the bed curtains. Lin Xizhao found the light a bit glaring and woke from her sleep.

She had slept very comfortably. She lifted the curtain and called for a servant.

Hearing her, a servant quickly entered the room to help her wash and dress.

“Where is Sheng’er?” Lin Xizhao asked, taking the handkerchief to gently wipe her face.

“The Young Miss is with the Marquis.”

Lin Xizhao looked up slightly. “Has something happened outside?”

The maid handed her a pot of fragrant balm and replied, “We haven’t heard anything. But this morning, the Young Miss sent people to procure many gifts. It seems she said she was going to King Wenze’s residence.”

Lin Xizhao paused, glanced down at the balm, and nodded. She took a small amount with her fingertip and smoothed it onto her skin.

“Wife.” Having heard that Lin Xizhao was awake, Qu Sheng hurried back.

She called out to Lin Xizhao the moment she returned.

Lin Xizhao looked toward the outer room. Qu Sheng walked in with a face full of joy, but the moment she saw Lin Xizhao, she immediately adopted an obedient expression.

Hearing Qu Sheng call Lin Xizhao ‘Wife’, the maids all began to laugh.

“Slow down,” Lin Xizhao cautioned from afar, seeing how rushed Qu Sheng was.

Qu Sheng came to her side, reining in her energy and suppressing the panting from her hurried walk. “Sheng’er will paint my wife’s eyebrows.”

Earlier that morning, when Qu Sheng had gone to the main courtyard to arrange things, she had heard her Third Sister-in-law, Qian Shuangying, mention that on the day after her wedding, Qu Ting had done her makeup for her.

Though he was a man, he had such a delicate side. Hearing this, and thinking of what Qu Jinian had said to her yesterday, Qu Sheng also had the idea to paint Lin Xizhao’s eyebrows.⁵

Seeing that she had rushed back just for this, Lin Xizhao’s voice was gentle as she smiled. “Alright.”

Lin Xizhao sat before the dressing mirror. Qu Sheng held the eyebrow pencil and traced gently, afraid of hurting her. Every so often, she would step back to look, continuing until she was satisfied. Only then did she notice a slight change in the way Lin Xizhao was looking at her.

Those watery eyes were filled with a tenderness that seemed about to overflow. In front of the maids, Qu Sheng couldn’t help but kiss Lin Xizhao’s brow, and then her soft lips.

It was just a light touch, devoid of passion.

The maids standing by exchanged a smile.

After finishing the eyebrows, Qu Sheng had the maids teach her how to style hair. Previously, her hair had always been done by a maid or by Lin Xizhao, so she was a bit out of practice.

Qu Sheng watched only once before she understood how to put up Lin Xizhao’s hair. But as she did so, her eyes fell on the bronze mirror, and she adapted the style to suit Lin Xizhao’s gentle face, creating a coiffure that suited her even better.

She inserted a hairpin into the chignon, added a hair clip, pinned on a flower, and chose two white jade pendants.

The result made Lin Xizhao look even more graceful, like a transcendent fairy.

“The Young Miss is so skilled,” one of the maids praised.

Another maid smiled and added, “But it takes our Eldest Young Miss’s city-toppling beauty to pull it off.”

Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao, who had been staring at their reflections, glanced over at the sound of the voices but didn’t scold the maids for their chatter. They exchanged a smile, and Qu Sheng helped Lin Xizhao to her feet.

The gifts outside had all been loaded onto the carriage. They left the residence only after they had eaten breakfast.

Lin Jianhai disliked Qu Sheng so much, he probably wouldn’t ask them to stay for a meal anyway.

When they left, the entire Qu family came out to see them off. Just before Qu Sheng boarded the carriage, Jin Yunfei repeated what she had said earlier in the residence. “You must not get into an argument with your Uncle Lin.”

“Mother, it’s Father-in-law,”⁶ Qu Sheng corrected her.

Jin Yunfei looked a little helpless but nodded. “Remember what this mother said. Zhao’er, keep an eye on her.” She then looked at Lin Xizhao.

“Don’t worry, Mother,” Lin Xizhao said, naturally at ease. Qu Sheng’s temperament, though headstrong and domineering on the outside, had always been respectful toward Lin Jianhai. Although she had retorted a few days ago, she believed Qu Sheng would not quarrel with him.

The two boarded the carriage. As the driver urged the horse away, before the family had even turned to go back inside, a soldier in a tattered uniform rode up on a fast horse and dismounted.

The man’s head was wrapped in white cloth, clearly a sign of mourning. To everyone’s surprise, he suddenly dropped to his knees and kowtowed heavily to Qu Jinian.

“Marquis, our army has suffered a disastrous defeat on the Northern Frontier! The Fourth Master died in battle, protecting the Third Young Master!” As he spoke, he pulled a blood-stained sachet from his robes. “The Fourth Master asked this lowly one to give this to the Fourth Mistress.”

The Qu family’s Fourth Aunt stared at the sachet, which was almost unrecognizable. Her chest felt as if it had been struck by a heavy, blunt object. Her vision went black, and she fainted.

Footnotes

Original: xiāngjìng-rúbīn (相敬如宾). An idiom describing the ideal spousal relationship: to treat one another with the same courtesy and respect one would show an honored guest.
Original: qī qī duì bài (妻妻对拜). This is a significant variation on the traditional wedding vow ‘fūqī duìbài’ (夫妻对拜), ‘husband and wife bow to each other’. This phrasing makes it a formal, private affirmation of their same-sex union.
Original: héqǐn jiǔ (合衾酒). Literally ‘bed-sharing wine’. This is a wedding ritual where the couple cross arms to drink from their respective cups, symbolizing their union and becoming one.
The period from 7 AM to 9 AM. The end of chenshi would be around 9 AM.
A husband painting his wife’s eyebrows is a classic, intimate gesture in Chinese literature, symbolizing deep affection and domestic bliss.
Original: yuèfù (岳父). The formal term for one’s wife’s father. Qu Sheng’s correction signifies her formal acceptance of her role as Lin Xizhao’s spouse.

Footnotes

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