The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 203
by Little PandaHave You and Cheng Xi Married Yet?
“This unfilial daughter, Bingying, has returned to seek her father and mother’s punishment.”
Zhao Dian and Mother Zhao stood in the main hall. Seeing Xiao Bingying kneeling on the floor, their hearts ached with sharp pain. Mother Zhao’s eyes welled with tears even more. Looking down at the daughter before her, she felt the joy of Xiao Bingying’s survival after her ordeal, as well as the emotion of seeing the daughter she had missed so deeply.
“Hurry, get up, get up,” Mother Zhao urged, quickly going over to help Xiao Bingying up.
At the sound of her voice, Xiao Bingying raised her head, tears already streaming down her face. She had felt too ashamed to face Mother Zhao. She had killed Mother Zhao’s own younger brother and sister-in-law, yet far from blaming her, Mother Zhao had actively cooperated with Qu Sheng and the others to smuggle her out of the city. While her heart swelled with gratitude, her guilt was like surging waves, torturing her to the point of sleeplessness during those first few months. Now, seeing them once more, that guilt from back then rushed over her again.
“Mother, I am sorry,” Xiao Bingying whispered in a trembling voice, thick with remorse.
When the Zhao family had used a coffin to smuggle her out of the city, they had already reclaimed her as their own and added her name to the Zhao family genealogy1. Thus, Mother Zhao was truly her mother now.
And many years ago, Xiao Bingying had called Mother Zhao by this very title. Now, she was simply reverting to what it had once been.
Mother Zhao shook her head, tears slipping down her cheeks. “It is all in the past,” she said. “It is all in the past. Hurry and stand up.”
“Listen to your mother and get up. None of us have ever blamed you,” Zhao Dian said, his heart aching for Xiao Bingying as he looked at her.
She had been brought to their side to be raised when she was so small, and back then they had also raised her as their own daughter. If it had been Zhao Jiayu who suffered that kind of treatment and torment, he would definitely have gone even further than Xiao Bingying did.
While supporting Xiao Bingying, Mother Zhao reached out her other hand to help Cheng Xi up. Cheng Xi looked up at the two Zhao elders, remaining quiet.
As a princess of a kingdom, she naturally had no need to kneel, even if Xiao Bingying did. Yet she considered herself Xiao Bingying’s wife, and thus the two of them were one. Furthermore, she could not escape responsibility for the day Xiao Bingying killed Xiao Tong and Madam Xiao.
Once the two of them were helped to their feet, Mother Zhao took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from Xiao Bingying’s face. Her eyes, though crinkled with a warm smile, were still wet with tears of pure joy.
“It is good that you are back. It is good that you are back,” Mother Zhao murmured, pulling Xiao Bingying into her arms.
When she had first heard the news of Xiao Bingying’s “death,” she was incredibly grieved, not a single bit less than if something had happened to Zhao Jiayu. All of this had happened because of her own constant compromises back then. If she had simply not handed Xiao Bingying over back then, none of this would have ever occurred.
Standing to the side, Cheng Xi watched Xiao Bingying’s adoptive parents, her expression softening slightly.
After they had parted ways with Qu Sheng, Xiao Bingying had yearned to return but had lacked the courage. She feared facing her adoptive parents, and Cheng Xi knew how deeply Xiao Bingying cherished her bonds of affection. Their return this time was only because her master, Liu Wuxiang, had sent a letter; Cheng Xi had used the excuse of wanting to come take a look to coax Xiao Bingying into accompanying her back.
Otherwise, for another half a year or a year, Xiao Bingying likely would not have been able to overcome the hurdle in her heart.
Seeing how the Zhao parents treated Xiao Bingying now, Cheng Xi felt relieved, but a quiet anxiety simultaneously bloomed in her heart.
She feared that Xiao Bingying would not want to go back with her.
“Ajie!”
Zhao Jiayu stood at the doorway. Seeing the scene inside, her tears fell as if they were worthless, rustling down her cheeks just as they had when she felt aggrieved as a little girl.
“Jiayu,” Xiao Bingying said, a natural smile instantly gracing her face at the sight of her younger sister.
During their last encounter in the capital city of Jin, the situation had been far too perilous for them to speak properly. Holding onto the door frame, Zhao Jiayu crossed the threshold and ran to Xiao Bingying in a few quick strides. She raised her hand and gave her a light thump on the shoulder. “You didn’t even wait for me to come out before you left!”
Zhao Jiayu was still cross that Xiao Bingying had led her troops away outside the Jin capital without waiting for her. After returning, Zhao Jiayu had wanted to visit Xiao Bingying several times, but Qu Yu’s health had remained fragile after traveling in the dead of winter, so she had not dared to leave his side.
The weather had grown increasingly warm over the past few days. Just two days prior, she had told Qu Yu that she wanted to go look for Xiao Bingying. She had barely finished speaking of it when Xiao Bingying had arrived on her own.
Thumped by her sister, the curve of Xiao Bingying’s smile widened. She raised her hand to gently brush away the tear tracks on her younger sister’s cheeks, explaining, “Shoulin was under siege back then. I had no other choice.”
At the time, she already knew Qu Sheng was going to agree to the peace negotiations to secure their release, so she had departed without any lingering reservations.
But Zhao Jiayu was still not buying her explanation. Pouting, she threw her arms around Xiao Bingying, deliberately complaining through her tears, “You just don’t care about me at all!”
Xiao Bingying hugged her back, smiling without offering further explanation. She knew Zhao Jiayu did not truly blame her; it was enough to let her vent her grievances.
“Since you’ve come this time, you aren’t leaving again, are you?”
After holding each other for a moment, Zhao Jiayu asked this as she stepped back from Xiao Bingying’s embrace.
Xiao Bingying hesitated for a brief second upon hearing this. She instinctively glanced at Cheng Xi, who was standing nearby, looking up at her.
Cheng Xi met her gaze, a trace of quiet worry lingering in her eyes. Xiao Bingying’s lips tightened for a fleeting moment before she curled them into a reassuring smile and turned back to Zhao Jiayu. “I will be staying for some time during this visit.”
Hearing that Xiao Bingying still intended to leave, Zhao Jiayu pouted, her heart feeling rather sour. But when she turned her head to look at Cheng Xi, she felt that Xiao Bingying was not in the wrong after all.
“The Haichao Kingdom isn’t even that far from our Quzhao. How could you stay away for so long without coming back to see me? You didn’t even send a single letter,” Zhao Jiayu grumbled, resuming her complaints.
“That is enough. Your sister has only just returned; let her have a cup of tea and rest for a bit,” Zhao Dian interjected, telling Zhao Jiayu to stop talking.
He and his wife could well understand the silent hardships and worries Xiao Bingying carried in her heart.
Xiao Bingying offered an apologetic smile just as the servants came in from outside carrying fresh tea.
As everyone took their seats, Zhao Jiayu sat to the side, gently blowing on the tea leaves floating in her cup. Her gaze casually drifted over and caught Xiao Bingying holding hands with Cheng Xi, who was sitting right next to her.
Xiao Bingying looked as though she had something to say to Zhao Dian and his wife, yet she seemed to lack the courage to speak.
Zhao Jiayu set her teacup down, holding back a mischievous grin as she deliberately asked, “Ajie, have you and Cheng Xi married yet?”
With those single words, Zhao Jiayu brought the unspoken matter everyone already knew to the surface. Xiao Bingying tensed up slightly, but Cheng Xi remained entirely composed.
“We have not married yet. We came this time precisely because we wished to inform both elders,” Cheng Xi spoke without the slightest hint of shyness, her cool voice carrying a deliberate, gentle warmth.
Zhao Dian and his wife were both taken aback, exchanging a silent glance. They had only ever heard a brief mention of this from Xiao Yaocai before and had not seen the couple since. Though they had harbored countless reservations about Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi sharing such a relationship, seeing them arrive together today gave them their definitive answer.
In the past, they certainly would never have agreed to such a union. But ever since Qu Sheng had ascended the throne and issued the imperial decree permitting same-sex marriages between women, they no longer viewed it as a particularly shocking matter. Even so, hearing it so suddenly, they still had some lingering concerns in their hearts.
Xiao Bingying watched Cheng Xi finish speaking, then stood up herself. She performed a formal bow, pursed her lips for a brief moment, and said, “This child has kept the matter of her relationship with Xi’er from her father and mother all this time, and only hopes Father and Mother will not blame us.”
Zhao Dian rested his hands on his knees, his eyes downcast for a second. Mother Zhao looked first at Xiao Bingying, then turned her gaze to Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi was, after all, a princess of the Haichao Kingdom. Although she had once been sent to the Xiao estate under the guise of a mere dancing girl, she had never resigned herself to degradation because of it. Her appearance was unmatched, and had Cheng Xi never suffered such misfortune, Xiao Bingying would have been utterly beneath her station—even if Bingying had been born a man.
Moreover, when Xiao Bingying had knelt earlier, Cheng Xi, despite being a princess of a nation, had actually bowed along with her. With such an explicit show of respect, the elders knew they should not throw cold water on their path.
The first half of Xiao Bingying’s life had already been bitter enough; having such a person by her side now could well be considered a blessing from Heaven.
“How could we? As long as you are well, this mother and your father will have no worries left in this lifetime.” Mother Zhao’s temples were touched with a streak of white hair; as she looked at Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi, it added a touch of gentle kindness to her face.
Upon hearing Mother Zhao’s consent, Xiao Bingying’s eyes shone with irrepressible joy. She quickly dropped to her knees again, saying, “This child thanks Father and Mother for granting their blessing!” With that, she prostrated herself and kowtowed.
Seeing this, Mother Zhao quickly went over to help her up once more. “The floor is cold. Stand up quickly.”
Once Xiao Bingying was standing upright, Cheng Xi also rose and offered a curtsy to them.
Zhao Dian sat in his seat, wanting to speak but ultimately only sighing in silent resignation. Mother Zhao, having helped Xiao Bingying up, reached out and took Cheng Xi’s hand, her eyes shining with growing affection.
Cheng Xi bowed her head with a smile, displaying a rare, delicate shyness that befitted a new bride entering the Zhao household.
Zhao Jiayu sat watching them, looking back and forth. It was no wonder Xiao Bingying was so utterly infatuated with Cheng Xi. When Jiayu had first seen Cheng Xi, she too had been stunned by her beauty, finding her a worthy rival to Lin Xizhao. Yet, the temperament of the two women was entirely different.
One was gentle, the other cool and aloof, but they shared a singular trait: they were both breathtakingly, timelessly beautiful.
At this moment, Zhao Jiayu felt that Xiao Bingying had secured an absolute bargain, while she herself had gained an exceptionally beautiful ‘brother-in-law.’
“Master, Madam, the Eldest Miss’s room has been thoroughly cleaned,” a servant reported from outside, having just finished tidying the room set aside for Xiao Bingying in the Zhao Residence.
“Very well, you may go,” Mother Zhao told the maid who had come to report.
As the maid curtsied and departed, Mother Zhao turned back to Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi with a warm smile. “You must be exhausted after your long journey. Go and rest for a while, and see if there is anything missing from your room. If you need anything at all, just let the servants know. Your father and I will go prepare some food for you.”
Ever since Zhao Dian had cooked for Zhao Jiayu and seen how happy it made her, he had begun studying the culinary arts, with Mother Zhao joining in to learn a few dishes herself. Now that Xiao Bingying was back, they naturally had to show off their skills.
Hearing her parents’ plan, Zhao Jiayu stood up with a grin. “Mother, I will take Ajie and Cheng Xi there myself. You and Father go get busy—I want to eat clear-stewed fatty duck!”
“Alright, we will make it for you shortly,” Mother Zhao replied dotingly.
The moment the elder couple left, a playful, slightly teasing glint returned to Zhao Jiayu’s eyes as she looked at Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi. “Let us go,” she said with a laugh.
Zhao Jiayu led them toward the small courtyard, talking as they walked. “This residence was gifted to us by Xiao Sheng’er—oh, that is right, I should call her Her Majesty now. She said this place is close to Nanting Courtyard, making it convenient for me to visit.” Zhao Jiayu turned to smile at Xiao Bingying. “Mother had already ordered a courtyard to be set aside for you beforehand. It is right next to mine.”
Hearing that the Zhao family had kept a courtyard reserved specifically for her even after moving to this new estate, Xiao Bingying felt a sudden sting in her nose. Cheng Xi, ever observant, glanced sideways at her upon hearing Zhao Jiayu’s words, their clasped hands squeezing together gently.
Xiao Bingying blinked back her tears as she met Cheng Xi’s eyes, a wave of profound warmth settling into her long-turbulent heart.
The three of them soon arrived at the courtyard. Zhao Jiayu sat down inside the room while Xiao Bingying looked around at her surroundings. The furnishings here actually bore a striking resemblance to those of her former estate in the Jin capital.
“Do you like it?” Zhao Jiayu asked, sweeping her gaze over the room as well.
Xiao Bingying turned around and smiled. “I love it. Father and Mother went to so much trouble.”
Between her and Zhao Jiayu, there was no need for formal words of thanks.
“Mother!” Zhimu called out. She had been led over by Qu Yu at some point. Standing outside the door beside her father—one tall and one very small—the little girl looked at her mother with a radiant smile.
Zhao Jiayu looked over at the sound of her voice. Seeing Qu Yu holding their daughter’s hand, she quickly stood up, walked over, and gathered Zhimu into her arms. Sharing a warm smile with Qu Yu, she carried their daughter back into the room.
“Come, greet your two aunts,” Zhao Jiayu coaxed, prompting Zhimu to greet Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi.
The moment Zhimu entered, she caught sight of Cheng Xi, her large, round eyes staring at her unblinkingly.
“Mu’er greets her two aunts,” Zhimu chimed in her tender little voice, offering her respects. Yet, after casting a single glance at Xiao Bingying, her gaze drifted right back to Cheng Xi.
“Mother, isn’t she that pretty jiejie from last time?” Zhimu whispered, pressing her tiny mouth close to Zhao Jiayu’s ear.
Hearing her daughter’s whisper, Zhao Jiayu sighed in helpless amusement. “Yes, but you must call her Auntie now.” Zhao Jiayu had originally intended to let her spend more time around Lin Xizhao, hoping she would absorb some of Lin Xizhao’s gentle elegance. She had not expected her own lineage to be so potent; the child had fully inherited her knack for being completely transfixed by beautiful women.
Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi smiled and nodded in response, their attention shifting to Qu Yu, who stood by the door.
They exchanged greetings and sat in the room to chat.
A short while later, however, Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao arrived as well.
Zhao Dian and his wife hurried out to greet them before they could even dry their hands. “This humble subject failed to welcome Your Majesty properly. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
Qu Sheng reached out with both hands to support them, preventing them from kneeling. “Uncle, Aunt, there is no need for such formality. Has Bingying returned?”
Helped to their feet by Qu Sheng, the elder Zhaos were about to explain they were in the backyard when Xiao Bingying and the others walked over.
“Bingying!” Lin Xizhao called out. The moment she saw Xiao Bingying, her heart flooded with joy, and a warm smile lit up her eyes.
As Xiao Bingying and the others approached and prepared to offer their formal bows, Qu Sheng raised her hand to stop them. “We are all one family. There is no need for such empty protocol.”
Still cradling her daughter, Zhao Jiayu stood beside Qu Yu, watching the scene with a smile. Except when they were in front of outsiders and had to observe proper court etiquette, they behaved as casually as they always had when gathered in private.
“Xizhao,” Xiao Bingying said, the corners of her mouth curving upward as she faced Lin Xizhao.
The two of them smiled at each other. Before they could say a word, Zhimu caught sight of Lin Xizhao and reached out her arms with a bright laugh. “Auntie!”
Lin Xizhao looked up and smiled, gently taking her from Zhao Jiayu’s arms. The little girl wrapped her arms around Lin Xizhao’s neck, nuzzling her little head against her, laughing very happily. Lin Xizhao clearly enjoyed the affection, stroking Zhimu’s small head as though the child were her very own.
Lin Xizhao’s movements as she held Zhimu were remarkably practiced and natural. Watching this, Cheng Xi paused for a brief moment before turning her gaze to Qu Sheng, who was quietly watching Lin Xizhao from the side.
After all, was a child not the very reason they had come?
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