The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 148
by Little PandaIf Your Highness Commits Suicide to Atone, I Will Forgive You
The Emperor looked down at Qu Sheng in the Audience Hall, sensing an aggressive, overbearing aura from her. His gaze quickly shifted to Qu Jinian. “Pillar of the State, what is your view on this matter?”
The Emperor needed to know if Qu Sheng’s will was also Qu Jinian’s.
At the question, Qu Jinian looked up and replied respectfully, “Your Majesty, the deposition and appointment of a Crown Prince is not something this humble subject can influence. General Zhaoyong says the Crown Prince is without virtue, and this humble subject believes her claim is not baseless. I ask that Your Majesty issue a decree for the censors1 to investigate thoroughly before making a decision.”
Qu Sheng glanced sideways at her father. She knew he didn’t want to stir up trouble, but she would not rest until the Crown Prince was deposed.
Hearing that Qu Jinian had left him some room to maneuver, the Emperor glanced at the Left Censor-in-Chief below. “Xu Jianyuan, this matter is yours to investigate. If the Crown Prince’s words and actions are indeed out of line, he will be punished severely and without leniency.”
With this, the Emperor had given Qu Sheng his assurance. He then turned to her, his expression softening. “General Zhaoyong’s concern for our dynasty is truly a blessing for This Emperor and for the common people. This Emperor has read the victory reports from the past two days. For now, the war must be the priority. An army without its commander risks a collapse in morale. I hope my dear subject will return soon.”
Qu Sheng’s expression was unchanged. She bowed. “This humble subject obeys the decree.”
The morning court session lasted for half a day, and the ministers were already famished. The discussion today had been about the war in the north. Qu Sheng’s third uncle, Qu Jiqin, was leading the resistance. After several clashes, neither side was willing to yield.
Qian Shuangying had taken a contingent of soldiers, disguised themselves, and gone deep into enemy territory to search for the missing Qu Ting. After several months with no success, Qu Jiqin had ordered her to return.
After court was dismissed, Qu Sheng followed behind Qu Jinian. The father and daughter said nothing on the way. Even inside the carriage, Qu Jinian simply stared at her while Qu Sheng kept her head down in silence.
Qu Sheng had originally planned to come this morning, but her body had been utterly exhausted. To say she had slept was an understatement; it was more like she had collapsed. She had pushed herself for four days and nights to reach Lin Xizhao’s side. The gentle words and the hot water in the bathing tub had allowed her body to relax, which in turn brought on a wave of fatigue.
When they returned to the residence, Qu Jinian finally spoke. “Why must the Crown Prince be deposed?”
Qu Sheng stopped and looked up at her father, recounting all that had happened the previous night. Qu Jinian lowered his gaze, thinking for a few moments before saying, “Don’t concern yourself with this matter any longer. Leave it to this father.”
“Father, this child wants to do it herself.” Qu Sheng knew Qu Jinian would help her, but she wanted to do it herself.
Qu Jinian stared at Qu Sheng’s determined expression, then lowered his eyes. “The south still needs you to direct it. Returning as soon as possible is what matters. Don’t give people reason to gossip.”
Qu Sheng had already considered his words before she returned. She bowed her head for a moment, then said respectfully, “This child has a plan.”
Qu Jinian nodded and sighed.
The two entered the courtyard to find Lin Xizhao and Jin Yunfei talking in the hall. A heavy snow had fallen unexpectedly last night, and the weather today was much colder. A brazier had been lit inside the room.
“Master, you’ve returned.” Seeing the father and daughter, the fine lines at the corners of Jin Yunfei’s eyes crinkled.
In the months Qu Sheng had been away, aside from Lin Xizhao, Jin Yunfei had worried about her the most. One could even see a few new strands of white in her hair.
“Prepare a banquet. Our family will have a proper meal together.” Qu Jinian rarely brought matters from the outside into the residence. The moment he saw Jin Yunfei and Lin Xizhao, a gentle smile appeared on his face.
Jin Yunfei smiled and quickly agreed. “It’s already been prepared. I’ll go call their aunts over.”
Qu Jinian nodded.
Lin Xizhao said, “This daughter will go.”
“I’ll go with my wife,” Qu Sheng said, looking at Lin Xizhao.
Jin Yunfei saw the look they shared and laughed. “Good, good. You two go together. The two aunts have been talking about Sheng’er nonstop.”
Qu Sheng nodded, then reached out and took Lin Xizhao’s hand. They looked at each other, the affection in their eyes overflowing, filling a space in their hearts that had felt empty, though it still wasn’t quite whole.
At the dining table today, the Third and Fourth Aunts were no longer as silent as they had been in the past, chatting and laughing with Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao. Qu Sheng answered each of them with due respect. Though there were fewer people, the family was, for the moment, enjoying a rare and harmonious time together.
After the noon banquet, Lin Xizhao returned to her courtyard, and Qu Sheng went out with her men.
At court today, Qu Sheng had impeached the Crown Prince. For now, her words alone carried insufficient weight; the civil officials would hardly pay them any mind. Therefore, she would personally ‘assist’ the censors in investigating the Crown Prince’s ‘lack of virtue’.
Left Censor-in-Chief Xu Jianyuan had returned to his residence after court and was enjoying drinks with several of his working colleagues. When he heard that Qu Sheng had come to call, he frowned. “A yellow-haired little girl2 who doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth. Just say this official has a headache and is not seeing guests.”
“What an impressive tolerance for alcohol, Lord Xu.”
Seeing Qu Sheng enter his residence and stand in the front hall, Left Censor-in-Chief Xu Jianyuan shot up from his seat. His colleagues also stared blankly at Qu Sheng and the soldiers behind her.
“Drinking for so long, it’s no wonder you have a headache. This subordinate has an excellent remedy to offer Lord Xu. I hope you will accept it.” A half-smile played on Qu Sheng’s face.
Left Censor-in-Chief Xu Jianyuan had been personally selected by the new Emperor. The Right Censor-in-Chief and others in the Censorate all followed his orders. The Emperor had commanded him to investigate the Crown Prince, but it was surely just for show. How could Qu Sheng not know this?
Qu Sheng’s smile vanished, her expression turning cold. “It’s fortunate that all you lords are present. It saves this subordinate the trouble of visiting you one by one. Men, deliver the medicine to Lord Xu.”
At her command, several armored soldiers rushed forward. Civil officials were almost never trained in martial arts. With little effort, the soldiers swept the wine and dishes from the table and slammed the Left Censor-in-Chief down onto it.
The others looked on in horror. Xu Jianyuan’s head was forced down, the alcohol completely leaving him. “Qu Sheng! This official is a third-rank great minister of the court! For your insolence today, I will certainly impeach you!”
“Hmph.” Qu Sheng snorted, her cold gaze sweeping over the men cowering around him as she slowly walked forward.
“The Imperially Bestowed Sword3 in this general’s hand can act on behalf of the Son of Heaven. Today, Left Censor-in-Chief Xu Jianyuan has been negligent and derelict in his duties. My lords, you will bear witness.” As she spoke the last few words, her gaze swept over the other officials again.
The moment she finished speaking, Qu Sheng drew the sword from her waist and brought it down on Xu Jianyuan’s neck. The blade fell as soon as her hand rose, without a shred of hesitation. The treasured sword could slice through iron as if it were mud. It cut through the table as well, and the bloody head fell to the ground. Mixed with wine, food, and porcelain shards, it rolled with a low, hollow sound to the feet of the officials hiding in the back.
Everyone was aghast, their faces instantly turning deathly pale.
After killing the man, Qu Sheng returned to the Marquis Residence with unhurried steps. Not long after, the Emperor sent the Crown Prince to the Qu Marquis Residence to carry thorns on his back and beg for forgiveness4.
The Emperor had the Crown Prince bring a great deal of gold, silver, and jewels, as well as an imperial edict promoting Qu Sheng.
After the Palace Attendant finished reading the edict, he bowed low and smiled. “This slave congratulates the General of the Flying Cavalry.”
Not only had Qu Sheng’s rank been elevated, but she had also been granted a military honorific, Upper Protector of the Army.
Qu Sheng accepted the edict, a distant smile in her eyes. She turned to a servant behind her. “Go fetch two hundred taels of silver.”
“Aiyo, many thanks, General of the Flying Cavalry!” The Palace Attendant’s eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled.
“Congratulations, General of the Flying Cavalry.” Seeing the smile on Qu Sheng’s face after her promotion, the Crown Prince also hurried to offer his congratulations. But as soon as he spoke, the smile on Qu Sheng’s face vanished, replaced by an icy coldness.
Lin Xizhao was not present, and Qu Jinian had pretended not to be home. Only Qu Sheng was there to receive the edict.
She mocked him, “Your Highness is certainly in a good mood.”
The Crown Prince had only learned today that the relationship between Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao was anything but ordinary. He had sent people to the Lin Residence to ask Lin Jianhai what was going on, but the residence was surrounded by Qu Sheng’s soldiers. His men couldn’t get near Lin Jianhai.
At her words, the muscles on the Crown Prince’s face twitched. He gave an awkward laugh and looked at the Palace Attendant. “You may all return and report to Father Emperor.”
“Yes. This slave takes his leave.” The Palace Attendant bowed to him, then also bowed to Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng glanced at him but did not reply. After everyone had left the room, the Crown Prince dropped to his knees. “This little prince did not know of the relationship between Xizhao-meimei and the General of the Flying Cavalry. For a moment, my heart was clouded by lard5. I hope the General, in her magnanimity, will overlook this humble one’s transgression and forgive me this once.”
Qu Sheng was not at all surprised to see the Crown Prince kneeling. She stared coldly at his head, which was pressed to the floor, and said nothing for a long time.
The Crown Prince finished his apology but received no response. Puzzled, he looked up, only to see a half-smile on Qu Sheng’s face.
“I beg the General of the Flying Cavalry to forgive me this one time. In the future, I will certainly serve you loyally6.” The Crown Prince quickly lowered his head again, pledging his resolve.
“Alright. If Your Highness commits suicide to atone, I will forgive you.”
Hearing this, the Crown Prince’s head shot up. Seeing the same half-smile on Qu Sheng’s face, he forced an awkward grin. “This little prince is being sincere. As long as you forgive me, I will do anything you ask in the future.”
Qu Sheng looked down, her eyes fixed on him. “Hmph. You won’t even do what I’m asking you to do now. How can you speak of the future?”
The Crown Prince’s mind raced. He quickly said, “Anything but death! This little prince must keep his life to serve the General of the Flying Cavalry.”
Qu Sheng found his words utterly laughable. She sneered. “You want forgiveness? That’s also possible. If Your Highness cuts out his tongue, I will forgive you.” Her voice was low and soft, like a phantom’s whisper, and her words sent a chill down the spine.
The Crown Prince froze, meeting Qu Sheng’s gaze, which held no trace of a joke.
Qu Sheng raised an eyebrow, her expression inscrutable. “The Crown Prince is unwilling to do this, and unwilling to do that. Since you are unwilling to do anything, then please, take your leave.”
Qu Sheng turned and walked out of the Reception Hall. The Crown Prince collapsed onto the floor.
Before sending him, the Emperor had already told him: if Qu Sheng refused to forgive him, his position as Crown Prince would be lost.
Qu Sheng’s demand that he cut out his tongue was a clear message. How could the heir apparent of a nation be a mute?
The next morning, Qu Sheng accompanied Qu Jinian to court. The Emperor issued a decree deposing the Crown Prince and appointing his son of the primary wife7, Sheng Hongyu, as the new one. After court was dismissed, Qu Sheng withdrew the soldiers she had brought into the palace.
Qu Jinian said not a word about the matter.
Only after this incident did the ministers of the court realize that Qu Sheng was no ordinary person. While Qu Jinian sat deep within the capital, Qu Sheng had quietly taken control of the military forces of the various feudal lords and provincial prefectures.
The war in the south seemed fierce, but in reality, it had always been under the Qu family’s control. The only reason those rebel vassal kings still existed was because Qu Sheng did not want to eliminate them too soon.
The Tiansheng dynasty had been founded for several hundred years. The hereditary clans and powerful families8 were deeply entrenched, land ownership and wealth were severely concentrated, and the dynasty was showing signs of decay. Qu Sheng was deliberately driving these rebels to wield the knife for her.
If the Emperor ordered a move against these powerful clans, it would undoubtedly trigger an even greater storm. The court was a web of open and hidden struggles, with tangled roots connecting it closely to these aristocratic families. Qu Sheng was, on one hand, having the Emperor replace officials, and on the other, letting these rebels clean house for her.
That the common people would be plunged into deep suffering for a time was inevitable. To ensure the foundation of future generations was stable, they had to endure this calamity.
Only by thoroughly cleansing the realm in this way could there be long-lasting peace and stability.
At the Qu Marquis Residence.
Qu Sheng had already been in the capital for three days. At first, Qu Jinian had urged her to return quickly, but after hearing of her calculations, he was no longer in a hurry.
These past two days, Qu Sheng had been sleeping a great deal. She would work late, come back, exchange a few words with Lin Xizhao, and fall asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.
In the military camp, her heart had never known such peace. Every time she woke, Lin Xizhao was by her side. Qu Sheng was deeply content with this.
Ever since the Emperor announced the deposition of the Crown Prince, a constant stream of visitors had been calling at the Qu Marquis Residence.
Qu Sheng had killed a third-rank great minister of the court and not only had she not been reprimanded, she had been promoted in rank and title. Anyone could see which way the wind was blowing.
Lin Xirui and Lin Xikuan also came to visit, bearing gifts.
Lin Jianhai had always been the most disdainful of such things, but his sons, it seemed, knew how to adapt to the times.
After seeing off the other officials, Qu Jinian kept the two young masters from the Lin family behind and had them stay for the evening meal.
At the dinner table, Qu Jinian was amiable and pleasant, a different man from the one at court. Lin Xirui had dined with him several times and was no longer surprised. But Lin Xikuan was rather reserved.
“Just treat this as your own home. There’s no need to be so formal,” Qu Jinian said, encouraging Lin Xikuan to eat more.
Lin Xikuan was overwhelmed by the favor and nodded quickly in agreement. Lin Xizhao looked at him, placed some food in his bowl, and said in a gentle voice, “Xikuan, don’t be so reserved. This is my and Sheng’er’s home, which means it is also your home. We are one family.”
As long as Lin Xikuan didn’t cause any more trouble, she could let go of the past. They were, after all, connected by blood.
Hearing this, Lin Xikuan’s expression was a little unnatural. He managed a stiff smile and nodded.
Qu Sheng glanced at him, then placed some food in Lin Xizhao’s bowl. “Wife,” she said, her tone gentle, “eat more.”
Lin Xikuan looked up at Qu Sheng. He already knew about her marriage to Lin Xizhao. As Lin Xirui had instructed, he had not spoken of it to anyone, not even to the Yu family.
Lin Xizhao turned to look at Qu Sheng, her eyes smiling, thick with sweetness.
After the meal, Qu Jinian had the younger generation stay in the hall to talk while he and Jin Yunfei went back to rest. Lin Xikuan had not visited the Qu Marquis Residence often. Now that he held an official post, he was no longer a child.
Qu Sheng was a woman, yet she had received a military rank and a noble title. Lin Xikuan no longer dared to harbor any other thoughts.
The four of them sat in the living room. Qu Sheng sipped her tea, listening to Lin Xizhao and Lin Xirui talk. The sister and brother got along well.
“The Lin Residence will depend on you two from now on. Discuss everything and don’t act rashly.”
“Don’t worry, A-jie. Xirui will remember.”
Lin Xikuan had never been one for words, and now, like Qu Sheng, he just drank his tea and listened. Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, he also quickly stated his position. “Don’t worry, A-jie. Third Brother and I will definitely discuss things.”
Lin Xizhao smiled and nodded. Both her younger brothers had now passed the examinations and entered officialdom. They had made something of themselves, and she was happy for them.
After Lin Xikuan spoke, a moment of silence fell over the room. The sound of Qu Sheng blowing on the floating leaves in her teacup was clearly audible.
Lin Xikuan’s hands, resting on his knees, tightened. After a moment, he stood up and faced Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, his expression anxious and reserved. “In the past, Xikuan did many foolish things. A-jie, Sheng-meimei, and Third Brother have not held it against me and still treat me as family. Xikuan is ashamed beyond words. Today, I make a vow that I will never repeat my past mistakes. Xikuan is willing to serve you loyally.”
As he spoke, Lin Xikuan clasped his hands and bowed deeply.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng exchanged a look, then both looked at Lin Xirui.
Lin Xirui quickly stood and helped Lin Xikuan up. “Second Brother, what are you doing? None of us blame you anymore. It’s all in the past.”
Lin Xikuan was helped upright. He glanced at Lin Xirui, then at Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng.
Lin Xizhao, who had been pensive at first, now smiled. “Since you have such intentions, I can rest easy. Let the past be the past. From now on, let us be close and not allow any more rifts between us.”
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, Lin Xikuan was moved to tears. “Xikuan will remember.”
Lin Xikuan’s official career was not part of Qu Sheng’s calculations, but Qu Jinian had found him a good position in the Ministry of Rites. If not for Qu Jinian’s secret arrangements, for him to enter the Ministry of Rites—unless he possessed truly great talent—he might not have secured his current position even in seven or eight years.
Lin Xikuan understood this perfectly clearly9, and he also knew his mother had died at his father’s hand. Although Lin Xizhao had been a catalyst, after experiencing so much, he no longer felt any hatred.
The siblings talked in the hall for a while. The cold from the snow had only lasted a day; today, a warm wind had started to blow. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng walked the two brothers to the residence gate, giving them many words of advice as they watched them board their carriage.
As the carriage began to move, Qu Sheng turned to look at Lin Xizhao, her gaze as gentle as water. Lin Xizhao looked into Qu Sheng’s limpid eyes, which were brimming with love for her, and raised a hand to caress her smooth cheek.
“Sheng-meimei.”
Lin Xikuan’s voice suddenly rang out, interrupting the tender moment in their eyes.
They both turned their heads. Lin Xizhao asked, “Xikuan, is there something else?”
Lin Xikuan knew he had interrupted their intimate moment. He lowered his eyes and said softly, “It’s nothing important. I’ve heard these past two days that Father isn’t eating much. Third Brother and I would like to go attend to him, and we’d like to ask Sheng-meimei to make an exception.”
Qu Sheng had previously stated that without her permission, Lin Jianhai was not to leave, nor was anyone else to approach him.
Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng, who seemed to be studying Lin Xikuan.
Silence fell between the three of them. Lin Xikuan looked up and met Qu Sheng’s scrutinizing gaze. He instantly felt guilty and lowered his head again.
Qu Sheng had not heard any reports of Lin Jianhai having a poor appetite.
“Alright. You may go,” Qu Sheng agreed, her voice gentle.
Hearing her consent, Lin Xikuan’s face broke into a smile as he looked up. “In that case, Third Brother and I thank Sheng-meimei.”
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng returned to their courtyard. Hot water had been prepared in the bathing chamber.
Qu Sheng untied the sash at her waist, took off her outer robe, and tossed it onto a nearby folding screen. While untying the inner robe’s ribbons, she walked behind the screen.
Lin Xizhao was still testing the water temperature, adding some more hot water. She then turned, picked up some freshly picked flower petals, and tossed a few into the water. As she reached for more, her hand was caught…
“That’s enough.” Qu Sheng had come up behind Lin Xizhao at some point, her slender, strong arms wrapping around Lin Xizhao’s slim waist.
Lin Xizhao looked back at Qu Sheng, her eyes curving into crescents. “I didn’t pick many today,” she said softly. “Let’s put them all in.”
Qu Sheng lowered her gaze and didn’t stop her. Lin Xizhao scattered the remaining petals into the tub, and then felt a heavy breathing behind her ear, different from usual. A moment later, a moist heat touched her skin.
Lin Xizhao instinctively flinched, her head tilting to the side. Pushed away, Qu Sheng let out a low chuckle, her breath fragrant as orchid blossoms. “When did my wife become so sensitive?”
Lin Xizhao realized what Qu Sheng had just done, and her fair face flushed uncontrollably.
She looked down, not speaking, not turning around.
Qu Sheng chuckled again, pressing her scalding lips to the nape of Lin Xizhao’s neck. A cool fragrance emanated from that spot, overpowering the floral scent in the room.
As the tip of Qu Sheng’s tongue swept across her skin, Lin Xizhao’s body trembled involuntarily. Fullness and emptiness intertwined, and she couldn’t distinguish what kind of feeling it was.
Fingertips caressed and lingered over her slender waist, clearly not enough to satisfy the person behind her. Her soft breasts were gently cupped, and Qu Sheng’s kisses became more fervent.
Her long neck arched back. Like a fish returning to water, Qu Sheng followed the elegant line of her jaw and kissed Lin Xizhao’s soft lips, quickly turning her around to face her.
Qu Sheng’s kiss was like fire, a wildfire that could not be stopped. Lin Xizhao went with the flow, responding in kind.
The sweetness on their lips and tongues was swallowed whole. It seemed so long since Qu Sheng had kissed Lin Xizhao like this. It was the same feeling as before, yet filled with a new kind of anticipation.
Qu Sheng kissed her until her body leaned back over the flower petals, their legs intertwining.
“Sheng’er…” Lin Xizhao was kissed until she had no escape, yet Qu Sheng was still pressing closer. Helpless, she could only call out her name softly.
Hearing her, Qu Sheng released the mouth she had been exploring. She pressed her forehead against Lin Xizhao’s, and after a moment of catching her breath, she lifted her into her arms.
The two of them entered the water together, sending the petals in the tub scattering. Like someone opening a gift box, Qu Sheng slowly, layer by layer, unwrapped a ‘present’ as white as porcelain snow, a gift unparalleled in this world.
Lin Xizhao looked down, her eyes full of shyness, awaiting the judgment of her little lover.
“Doesn’t my wife miss Sheng’er?” Qu Sheng looked at her wife, whose face was bashful and as beautiful as a hibiscus emerging from the water, and felt the urge to tease her.
Lin Xizhao slowly looked up, meeting Qu Sheng’s sparkling eyes. Their gazes met, and in an instant, a hint of spring breeze appeared in Lin Xizhao’s eyes. She sought out Qu Sheng’s lips and kissed her, her slender fingertips beginning to undo the last piece of clothing covering Qu Sheng’s body.
Their graceful bodies embraced, the water swirling beneath them as Lin Xizhao sat on Qu Sheng’s lap. Their kisses made their body temperatures rise continuously. Just as Lin Xizhao was about to take the lead, Qu Sheng caught her hand.
Qu Sheng lifted her water-beaded fingers and slowly brought them to her own mouth. The scene was too sensual. Lin Xizhao’s mind went blank, and she stared at Qu Sheng for a long time.
Seeing Lin Xizhao’s dazed look, Qu Sheng found it truly amusing. Seizing the moment before Lin Xizhao could continue, she rose from the water, lifting Lin Xizhao, who was still pressed against her, onto the wooden steps of the tub.
Soon, a sweetness bloomed between her lips. After a few moments of effort, Lin Xizhao’s body began to convulse and tremble lightly.
Qu Sheng waited for Lin Xizhao to calm down. She lowered her glistening eyes, staring at the beauty beneath her, and chuckled. “Why was my wife so quick today?”
Lin Xizhao’s face was already flushed, but now, it turned an even deeper shade of red.
The author has something to say:
Lin Xizhao: “Who taught you that?”
Qu Sheng: “No one. I’m self-taught.”
Lin Xizhao: “Liars are little dogs.”
Qu Sheng: …Woof woof.
Footnotes
- Yánguān (言官), literally 'speaking officials,' were censors in the imperial bureaucracy tasked with monitoring the government, reporting misconduct, and impeaching corrupt or incompetent officials. They were, in theory, a check on power.
- Huángmáoyātou (黄毛丫头), literally 'yellow-haired little girl,' is a common derogatory term for a young, inexperienced girl, implying she is naive and doesn't know her place.
- An imperially bestowed sword (yùcì bǎojiàn) was a symbol of the Emperor's direct authority, granting the wielder the power to act on his behalf, including carrying out summary executions.
- Fùjīng-qǐngzuì (负荆请罪), literally 'to carry thorns on one's back and beg for forgiveness,' is a famous Chinese idiom originating from a story where the general Lian Po, ashamed of his arrogance toward the statesman Lin Xiangru, did this as a profound act of apology.
- Zhūyóu méngle xīn (猪油蒙了心), literally 'lard has covered the heart,' is an idiom meaning one's judgment has been clouded by greed, lust, or foolishness, making them unable to see clearly.
- Ānqián-mǎhòu (鞍前马后), literally 'in front of the saddle and behind the horse,' is an idiom meaning to serve someone with utmost loyalty and diligence, like a devoted attendant.
- Dízǐ (嫡子) refers to a son born to the official, primary wife, as opposed to a son from a concubine. In matters of succession and inheritance, the dí son held absolute precedence.
- Shìjiā ménfá (世家门阀) refers to the powerful, entrenched aristocratic clans that held hereditary power, land, and influence for generations, often posing a challenge to central imperial authority.
- Ménqīng (门清) is a term from the game of mahjong, meaning to have a winning hand without having claimed any discarded tiles from other players. Colloquially, it means to understand a situation perfectly clearly.
Lol I love these two lovers so much 🤧🫶