The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 168

My Wife’s Beloved Is Me

It had been several months since their parting. Before Qu Sheng departed, she had estimated that the war would extend into the following year, and now they had reached that point. If she wanted to return to the Capital City sooner, she would need to station troops along the Mushui River within Heyi Kingdom’s borders, successfully intimidating Bei’an Kingdom on the other side of the Changhe Mountains.

The domestic war would not see much fluctuation. Qu Sheng had ordered Jin Mingjun to bring 200,000 troops precisely so he would be stationed along the Mushui River long-term, permanently garrisoned there, forbidden from entering the capital without summons. Even on the day the Qu family claimed the realm, Qu Sheng would not let Jin Mingjun return to the capital.

            

This was the greatest tolerance she could extend to Jin Mingjun. If he were not her own maternal cousin, and if he had not caused Lin Xizhao any substantial harm, she would have killed him with her own hands.

Qu Sheng took out the letter bearing the kiss and set it on her bed. After her evening meal and bath, an urgent report arrived from outside: the next city to be attacked had been abandoned by the Chemu Tribe, who had fled and sent envoys seeking peace.

Qu Sheng did not even meet the envoys; she simply dismissed them. She sent word to the Chemu Tribe envoys that she would hand supreme rule over their tribe to King Mazhang once she entered their territory.

            

She ordered him to prepare for the handover.

Half a month later, when Qu Sheng had recovered all lost territory, news came again from Chemu lands: the Chemu king had exterminated King Mazhang and his entire clan.

Qu Sheng had been concerned that leading her army into Chemu territory would meet resistance. But the Chemu civil war, a strategy of sowing discord, had proved remarkably easy.

            

Still, Qu Sheng did not let her guard down. She captured local minor tribes within Chemu territory and led the Tiansheng army cautiously into Chemu lands.

When passing the place where Qu Jian had sacrificed his life, Qu Sheng ordered her forces to halt. She had a tombstone erected for Qu Jian, marking the boundary: from now on, this would all be Tiansheng territory.

---

Capital City, daytime.

            

The New Year had passed. The Capital City received word of Qu Sheng’s great victory and the recovery of all lost territory.

The Emperor issued an edict of commendation, sending countless gifts to the Qu Residence. Officials throughout the capital also went to the Qu Residence to present gifts.

Lin Xizhao had received Qu Sheng’s second reply after sending her letter marked with the red lip print.

            

Qu Sheng asked her why there had been no kiss in this letter.

Lin Xizhao gave a helpless smile, looking at Qu Sheng’s handwriting. Though neat, it was not hard to see that Qu Sheng was suppressing her naturally spirited temperament.

Even though Qu Sheng asked, Lin Xizhao did not repeat that face-reddening gesture. Heaven knew how much courage she had mustered; she worried Qu Sheng would think her frivolous.

            

Lin Xizhao wrote her reply and had Feng Qi deliver it to the courier station.

Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi had not come these past few days. After Jin Yunfei inquired about their relationship on the day of the Yuanxiao Festival, the two had visited the residence once before departing for Shoulin.

That day, Zhu Ming’an had deliberately called Jin Yunfei “Aunt” following Jin Mingyi’s lead, precisely to reveal a flaw for Jin Yunfei to notice and ask about.

            

Just as Zhu Ming’an had predicted, Jin Yunfei learned the truth and summoned them to the residence, speaking earnestly at length.

Zhu Ming’an did not know what she said, but Jin Yunfei went from initial opposition to gradually accepting their relationship. Now that Zhu Ming’an had cleared the first hurdle, she was eager to return to Shoulin to inform her parents, preparing for a future visit to the Jin family.

Jin Mingyi was handsome, with some resemblance to Qu Sheng. Though their temperaments were entirely different, a beautiful face was always pleasing. Zhu Ming’an was confident her parents would accept her.

            

When Zhao Jiayu learned of this, she even pulled Lin Xizhao along to see them off at the city gate, sending them off with the first blessings of good fortune.

By now, Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi had been gone for several days. They should arrive in Shoulin in a few more days.

Feng Qi returned from outside and hurried to the courtyard. Lin Xizhao was holding little Zhimu, reaching for low branches in the garden. Seeing his hurried steps, she asked, “What has happened?”

            

“The Lin Residence sent word. Second Young Master has been injured and has just returned to the capital.”

Lin Xizhao’s expression flickered with shock at the news that Lin Xikuan was injured. “How is my Second Brother? How did this happen?”

Feng Qi lowered his head and replied respectfully, “He was struck by a falling tree while surveying land.”

            

Lin Xizhao’s expression froze slightly. “Has it been investigated who did this?”

How could a tree simply fall? There were few trees planted in the fields. How could it be so coincidental that he was struck by one?

“It is unknown. The Second Master has already gone there. Does the Eldest Miss wish to go as well?”

            

Lin Xizhao naturally had to go; that was her brother. But Qu Jixian had also gone, which meant this matter was not simple.

---

Northern Frontier. Qu Sheng had stationed her army within Chemu territory. But the Chemu were a nomadic people with few cities, and their king had vanished. Qu Sheng was sending people to search for him.

The Jin family’s reinforcements had also arrived, but the commander was not Jin Mingjun—it was Qu Sheng’s maternal uncle, Jin Yunyou.

            

Qu Sheng sat in the central command tent, looking at Jin Yunyou standing below. Though she did not lose her temper, his disobedience in arbitrarily changing the commanding officer made her feel she had been too lenient with the Jin family.

Almost all the feudal lords had been cut down by half, yet the Jin family had not been weakened—instead, their power had grown.

The Jin family’s territory sat at the junction of north and south, slightly to the south. Though not as wealthy as Shoulin, it was not barren. Their domain now possessed five times the military forces it had before. Qu Sheng had also stockpiled grain in Lingyi for emergencies.

            

“Uncle is advanced in years. Sheng’er did not wish to trouble you. Why have you come personally to lead the troops?” Qu Sheng’s words were courteous, but they carried restrained anger.

There was a distinction between ruler and subject. Though Qu Sheng had not become royalty, her official rank and authority now exceeded his. Jin Yunyou clasped his hands and replied, “Since returning from the capital, Mingjun has grown thinner by the day. He fell ill and cannot rise from his bed. I feared he would delay military operations and failed to report in time. That I have come personally to lead the troops was a decision made out of necessity.”

Qu Sheng did not believe Jin Yunyou’s explanation for a moment. Jin Mingjun had always been physically robust. She had heard that after returning to his territory, he had been despondent for a time, but within days he had begun helping manage territorial affairs.

            

When she had issued her orders, the war had not yet concluded. Her uncle must have been worried something would happen to his son, which was why he had come in his place.

Very well. She would deal with stationing troops at Mushui first.

Qu Sheng ordered Jin Yunyou’s forces to rest for a day before being dispatched to Mushui.

            

“Why is your father not here?” Jin Yunyou had heard that Qu Jinian’s poison had been cured and that he had commanded several battles. Now that he had arrived, he did not see the man.

Qu Sheng looked at her uncle, thinking of her father who had returned to Shoulin. “Father has returned to Shoulin to recuperate. Uncle need not ask further.”

Qu Sheng still trusted this uncle. Though they had had unpleasant moments, the blood relationship was undeniable. If she had doubted him, she would not have stationed troops in Lingyi.

            

Jin Yunyou heard this and fell into brief contemplation, quickly understanding. He said nothing more about Qu Jinian.

“On the way here, Uncle heard news of the great victory. If Mingjun had even half your decisiveness, I would not worry so.” Jin Yunyou was deeply gratified that his niece had achieved such military success.

Qu Sheng glanced at Jin Yunyou, adopting the manner of a respectful junior, and smiled. “Uncle praises me too highly. My cousin simply has not had the opportunity to prove himself. Given the chance, he would surely surpass me by several times.”

            

Jin Yunyou shook his head with a smile. “Your cousin was spoiled by me and your aunt. He cannot accomplish great things.”

Years ago, he had heard others say Qu Sheng was a fool. When he came to visit, he had felt sorrow on his sister’s behalf. Now he felt only envy.

“Please, Uncle.” Qu Sheng ordered a welcome feast prepared for Jin Yunyou.

            

Jin Yunyou entered the tent, and uncle and niece spoke casually.

“The land measurement in the south, I see, has provoked opposition from many noble families. You must prepare early,” Jin Yunyou reminded Qu Sheng at an appropriate moment.

Qu Sheng nodded. “I have already considered this. Land measurement must proceed. Though it will provoke much opposition, it will not create too great a disturbance.”

            

Qu Sheng had stationed troops in Lingyi precisely to suppress such resistance.

Jin Yunyou nodded, thinking even more highly of his niece. A woman like Qu Sheng possessed such foresight. If Qu Ce were still alive, would Tiansheng not already be within their grasp?

Jin Yunyou raised his cup and drank with Qu Sheng.

            

After three or four cups, Jin Yunyou began to probe. Before departing, Jin Mingjun had begged him repeatedly to ask Qu Sheng indirectly who Lin Xizhao’s beloved was, so he could plan accordingly.

Jin Yunyou held his wine cup, staring at the dishes on the table. “Some time ago, Uncle and Aunt spent New Year’s Eve at your residence. Did your mother tell you about this?”

Qu Sheng had been bringing her wine cup to her lips. At his words, she paused and looked up at Jin Yunyou, her eyes filled with scrutiny.

            

Seeing Qu Sheng did not answer, Jin Yunyou glanced at her. Her gaze had already returned to normal. “Mother did not mention it.”

Jin Yunfei rarely wrote to her. Whatever happened, she asked Lin Xizhao to include in her letters—perhaps to avoid distracting her.

Jin Yunyou nodded and gave a strained smile. “Those days were an imposition…”

            

Jin Yunyou hesitated, unsure how to ask Qu Sheng about Lin Xizhao’s beloved.

Qu Sheng slowly finished the wine in her cup, picked up the wine pot, and poured some for Jin Yunyou before refilling her own. Seeing his awkward hesitation, the corner of her mouth lifted slightly. “Mother always speaks of missing Uncle. That Uncle could keep her company when Sheng’er was not there—Sheng’er must thank Uncle.”

Jin Yunyou’s smile grew even more awkward when he heard Qu Sheng’s thanks.

            

They had not had a falling out. Though he had been somewhat angry with Jin Yunfei, she was still his sister. Even when Qu Sheng had embarrassed his wife at the dinner table, he had not held a grudge.

“Is there something Uncle wishes to ask Sheng’er?” Qu Sheng asked, though she knew the answer, deliberately leading Jin Yunyou to the topic.

Jin Yunyou heard this, looked up at Qu Sheng, and saw her sincere inquiry. He sighed. “It is your disappointing cousin.”

            

Qu Sheng’s expression remained calm. She nodded slowly. “What about my cousin?”

“He…” Jin Yunyou began, then grew annoyed.

Qu Sheng raised her eyebrows slightly, waiting for Jin Yunyou to lower his head and speak.

            

“I will not hide it from you. Since your cousin saw your sworn sister, he has been possessed. He begged us to propose marriage. We regret the broken engagement deeply, but what is done is done—we were wrong. We went to apologize sincerely and wanted to repair the relationship and propose again, but the two families had another falling out.”

Jin Yunyou spoke, recalling the humiliation Lin Xirui had dealt him at the Lin Residence. He did not hold grudges against juniors, but he still felt displeased.

“Uncle is telling me this—is there something you wish to ask?” Qu Sheng asked unhurriedly.

            

Jin Yunyou looked at Qu Sheng and followed her lead. “I previously asked your mother to mediate, but she would not agree. So Uncle asked Xizhao directly. She said she already has someone she loves.”

“Oh?” Qu Sheng made a sound of acknowledgment, but showed little surprise.

Jin Yunyou had drunk some wine. In the dim candlelight, he did not notice Qu Sheng’s unusual calm. He continued, “She said this person is leading troops against the enemy at the Northern Frontier. Uncle knows you have always been close to her, and you command the soldiers here. Uncle wishes to ask—do you know who this person is?”

            

Qu Sheng laughed. “Is that all?”

“You know?” Jin Yunyou’s spirits lifted at Qu Sheng’s tone.

“I know. But why does Uncle ask about this person?”

            

Jin Yunyou saw Qu Sheng’s wariness and quickly said, “Do not misunderstand. Uncle only wishes to know who could surpass your cousin. If he truly has ability, Uncle will naturally offer his blessings and a dowry.”

“And if he is not as good as my cousin?” Qu Sheng asked deliberately.

Jin Yunyou heard Qu Sheng say the man was not as good as his son, and doubt crept into his mind. He did not treat Qu Sheng as an outsider. He sighed. “Uncle is old; asking about a young woman’s affairs is indeed improper. But your cousin has been despondent ever since being humiliated by the Lin family. Uncle thought he would give up, but he swore an oath—he will marry no one but Lin Xizhao.”

            

Jin Yunyou spoke without noticing the coldness entering Qu Sheng’s eyes.

“Your cousin means to wait.”

“Wait for what?” Qu Sheng asked, her voice low.

            

Jin Yunyou still did not notice Qu Sheng’s change, but the words he was about to say would not leave his mouth. He could not very well hope for a woman to be divorced or cast out.

Jin Yunyou raised his head. Qu Sheng had already composed her expression. She met his gaze, her eyes holding a hint of amusement.

“If you know, tell Uncle. If such a person truly exists, Uncle will persuade your cousin to give up.”

            

“My sister does have someone she loves. Uncle should advise my cousin to give up.”

“Which general is it?” Jin Yunyou had asked in circles, arriving back at the same question. He would not give up.

Qu Sheng raised her wine cup, clinked it against Jin Yunyou’s from across the table, took a small sip, and said with a smile that did not reach her eyes, “It is me.”

            

“My wife’s beloved is me.” Qu Sheng repeated the words.

Jin Yunyou went from disbelief to confusion to shock. In mere moments, Qu Sheng saw doubt, bewilderment, and astonishment cross his face.

“What, Uncle does not believe me?”

            

“This is not something to joke about. Uncle knows you are close, but such matters are not child’s play.”

Qu Sheng listened to Jin Yunyou’s half-believing words, smiled, and rose to leave.

Jin Yunyou sat in the tent, looking at the wine in his cup, suddenly finding it tasteless. He was beginning to wonder if he had drunk too much and was seeing things.

            

Moments later, Qu Sheng returned from outside. She removed her outer cloak and took out a letter.

“Uncle, please look.” Qu Sheng unfolded the letter but did not hand it to Jin Yunyou. She simply held it near him and said, “This is a family letter from my wife.”

The first thing Jin Yunyou saw was the opening line: “My Wife, Qu Sheng.” Then his eyes went to the signature at the bottom: “Your Wife, Lin Xizhao.”

            

Jin Yunyou had never seen Lin Xizhao’s handwriting. Looking at the letter with its dried ink, he scanned it roughly, seeing it described household matters and longing. Suddenly the characters seemed to swim before his eyes, leaping toward him.

Jin Yunyou withdrew his gaze and did not look at Qu Sheng for a long time. Finally, he pressed one hand to his forehead. “Who else knows of this?”

“The Qu family and the Lin family all know.” Qu Sheng carefully stored the letter in her robes. Her voice was unhurried.

            

Jin Yunyou looked at Qu Sheng. He truly could not understand how his niece could love a woman.

“Your father and mother both agreed?” Jin Yunyou raised another objection.

Qu Sheng’s lips curved. “My wife and I have already bowed to Heaven and Earth. Uncle just said my wife has been living in my courtyard—did you not find that strange?”

            

Lin Xizhao was in mourning for her father. If she were unmarried, she should be staying in her own residence. Even if she were close to Qu Sheng and treated Jin Yunfei like a mother, she could not live in someone else’s home indefinitely.

Jin Yunyou suddenly understood. He recalled the hairstyle Lin Xizhao had been wearing—he had thought it was because of Lin Jianhai’s death, a special style for mourning. Now he realized it was the style of a married woman.

Jin Yunyou was stunned by Qu Sheng’s full disclosure. No wonder Jin Yunfei had not agreed. No wonder Lin Xirui had been bold enough to defy the Jin family. No wonder Lin Xizhao had said her beloved was leading troops at the Northern Frontier.

            

That person was his niece, Qu Sheng.

With such convincing evidence before him, how could Jin Yunyou pretend not to understand?

But he had not expected his sister and brother-in-law to agree to their union.

            

Jin Yunyou’s gaze at Qu Sheng was complicated. After a long while, he sighed. “You young people’s affairs—I will not interfere as your uncle.”

His sister and brother-in-law both supported it. Even if he opposed it, what could he do? He only felt sorry for his son. Qu Sheng was a woman, but she was stronger than any man. If Qu Sheng were a man, Lin Xizhao’s choice would seem perfectly matched. But for both to be women…

Jin Yunyou frowned and did not continue.

            

“Uncle can tell my cousin to stop waiting?” Qu Sheng suppressed her displeasure, her lips curving in a smile that was cold yet not cold.

Jin Yunyou was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Your cousin need not worry. Uncle will explain it to him.”

If it were another family, he could still fight for his son—through coercion or inducement. At worst, his son could truly wait. But Lin Xizhao’s beloved was Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng had grown up with Lin Xizhao; in the capital, people often remarked how the two sisters were closer than anyone. Lin Xizhao had not despised Qu Sheng when everyone thought her a fool. Qu Sheng would naturally be grateful. Since they were already married, there was naturally affection between them. He was not an unreasonable old fogey. Intimate relationships between men had occurred throughout history, frequently among officials and nobles. Between women, it was not unheard of either.

            

It was simply that two daughters of such prominent families, both outstanding, being together like this—he needed a moment to process.

Qu Sheng sat with Jin Yunyou and drank a few more cups. Then she rose, her earlier displeasure gone, and said respectfully, “Uncle must march tomorrow. Sheng’er will not disturb you further.”

Jin Yunyou nodded, looking at his niece, so easy to like, and still could not understand why she would love a woman.

            

Qu Sheng left the tent and looked up at the moon that night, frowning.

If Jin Yunyou had not said that Jin Mingjun intended to wait, she would not have revealed her relationship with Lin Xizhao.

To prevent the Jin family from crossing boundaries again and angering her to the point where she would disregard familial bonds, she had to use her position to warn Jin Mingjun.

            

Her wife—he could forget about her entirely.

---

Capital City. Lin Xikuan had been struck by suddenly falling trees. After treatment by physicians, his condition had stabilized. At the time of the incident, some powerful families had hired people disguised as refugees to try to prevent Lin Xikuan from receiving medical care, hoping he would bleed to death. Fortunately, Qu Sheng had assigned capable guards to him, who escorted him to safety.

To prevent further incidents, they sent a carrier pigeon to Qu Jixian, who ordered Lin Xikuan to return to the capital to recover.

            

Lin Xikuan had not returned for the New Year or the Yuanxiao Festival. Now he had returned because of injury. He felt he had failed Qu Sheng’s cultivation of him.

Qu Jixian watched Lin Xikuan blame himself and comforted him. “Virtuous Nephew, do not be this way. Lord Zhai is still there; matters will not be delayed. I have sent people to investigate. Justice will be done for you.”

“Thank you, Second Uncle.” Lin Xikuan heard Qu Jixian would seek justice for him and tried to rise to bow.

            

“There is no need for such formalities. What you have done, Second Uncle and Sheng’er already know. Sheng’er did not misjudge you. Once you have healed, there are more difficult tasks awaiting you.”

Lin Xikuan was surprised and gratified. “Xikuan will not fail his mission.”

“Good.” Qu Jixian smiled and nodded. Lin Xikuan possessed a certain ruthlessness. He handled these difficult matters without any difficulty. If it had been him, he might not have had such decisiveness.

            

Qu Jixian emerged from the room and saw Lin Xizhao waiting in the courtyard. When she saw him come out, she stepped forward and curtsied.

Qu Jixian nodded. He had not seen Lin Xizhao many times. The first time was at Qu Ming’s funeral. After these days of interaction, he increasingly felt it was no wonder Qu Sheng had fallen in love with Lin Xizhao.

Someone so gentle and sensible—how could anyone not like her?

            

“Xizhao greets Second Uncle.” Lin Xizhao curtsied, her voice soft and graceful.

Qu Jixian nodded. “Why did you not go inside?”

Lin Xizhao raised her head. “I just arrived.” She had come earlier, but knowing Qu Jixian had come personally, there must be official business to discuss with her brother, so she had waited outside.

            

Qu Jixian understood and nodded with a smile. “Your brother’s injuries are no longer serious. There is no need to worry too much. Go in and see him.”

“Yes, thank you, Second Uncle.”

After Qu Jixian left, Lin Xizhao hurried into the room. Lin Xikuan was shifting his body, trying to reach a water cup on the side.

            

“I will do it.” Lin Xizhao walked quickly toward Lin Xikuan’s bed.

Lin Xikuan watched his sister return and lowered his head as she poured water for him, withdrawing his hand.

“Why did you not call a servant to help?” Lin Xizhao handed the warm water to Lin Xikuan.

            

Lin Xikuan took it and smiled. “It is nothing. I can do it myself.” These months outside, he had been tempered. He was no longer the pampered young master of the household.

Lin Xizhao frowned, concerned for his health. “Winter has not yet passed. Wounds heal slowly. Do not let it scar.”

Lin Xikuan smiled. “I understand, Ajie.” He thought of the winter clothes Lin Xizhao had made for him earlier and felt a bit sad.

            

“Ajie, the winter clothes you made for Xikuan last time were ruined.” That day he had been struck by the tree and barely survived. If not for those winter clothes, he might not have lived.

Lin Xizhao had sewn small iron plates into his winter clothes, just enough to block the sharp branches. But the outer garment was ruined.

Lin Xizhao heard the clothes were ruined and saw Lin Xikuan’s self-reproach. She smiled. “If they are ruined, Ajie will make you another set.”

            

“Good. Thank you, Ajie.” Lin Xikuan’s face lit up with joy.

Lin Xizhao knew Lin Xikuan had gone into danger. She had advised him not to go, explaining the dangers. If he had been unwilling, she could have asked Qu Sheng to assign someone else. But Lin Xikuan had still chosen to go.

Since Lin Jianhai’s death, the bond between the siblings seemed to have grown stronger. Lin Xizhao not only wrote to Qu Sheng at the Northern Frontier, but also wrote to ask Lin Xikuan what he needed.

            

These days, Lin Xikuan had felt Lin Xizhao’s genuine care and understood why Lin Xirui had loved this sister so much.

But there seemed to be another layer of guilt in his heart—a guilt he did not know whether to tell Lin Xizhao.

That was Lin Jianhai’s death.

            

To be angered to death by one’s own son’s words—Lin Jianhai was likely the first in the capital.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “Let me gloat a little. My wife’s beloved is me.”

            

Lin Xizhao: “It’s you, it’s you, it’s always been you.”

Zhao Jiayu: “Ah Yu, hurry and pour me some water. I’m dying of sweetness here.”

Qu Yu: “Coming, coming, wifey~”

            

Qu Sheng: “Can you not come over and bask in my reflected glory?”

Zhao Jiayu: “None of your business.”

Qu Sheng: “!!!”

            

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