The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 204
by Little PandaAuntie, Do You Know Martial Arts Too?
Everyone went inside. Seeing that the younger generation had finally reunited, Zhao Dian and his wife did not linger to disturb them, heading back to the kitchen to continue preparing food.
Lin Xizhao set Qu Zhimu down on the ground, looked at Xiao Bingying, and smiled. “Since our last parting, Sheng’er and I originally intended to visit Haichao. However, her state affairs have been far too busy, and she simply could not spare any time. I am truly delighted that you could come today.”
Whenever Xiao Bingying saw Lin Xizhao, her heart always felt warm. To her, Lin Xizhao was a close friend, and even more so, family.
In the past, aside from Zhao Jiayu, Lin Xizhao had been the only one who did not look at her with strange looks. Of course, Qu Sheng was later added to that list, but Lin Xizhao had a far greater influence on her.
Lin Xizhao’s gentle treatment—and the countless times she had guided and steered her after seeing self-doubt, shame, or bitter resentment on her face—had allowed her, during those dark and painful years, to believe that the future could still be beautiful, and that there was always hope in living.
“We will be staying a bit longer this time,” Xiao Bingying said, looking at Cheng Xi beside her. “Xi’er and Master Liu also have other matters to attend to.”
Cheng Xi glanced over, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Qu Sheng’s eyelashes fluttered as she lowered her eyes in brief contemplation, choosing not to press further.
As those in the room spoke of recent events, what Zhao Jiayu cared about most was when Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi would hold their grand wedding. However, whenever she asked, Xiao Bingying would always change the subject, and Cheng Xi offered no explanation either.
They were already together, and neither of them cared about the traditional wedding customs.
Yet it was not that they completely rejected the idea. It was only that if the union of two women were proclaimed to the world, the royal family of Haichao would likely face criticism from their subjects. If someone took that opportunity to harm Xiao Bingying, Cheng Xi did not know if she would be able to protect her.
The young people sat together, reminiscing about the past and laughing over childhood memories. Qu Sheng did not bring up state affairs with Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi, nor did she ask if Xiao Bingying wished to stay.
Qu Sheng had already asked her about it before, and Xiao Bingying’s answer had been that she would go wherever Cheng Xi went.
Before long, the midday meal prepared by Zhao Dian and his wife was served. After eating, Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi followed them to Nanting Courtyard.
They went to pay their respects to the elders in Nanting Courtyard, and then headed over to Qu Sheng’s small courtyard.
Cheng Xi went to seek out Liu Wuxiang, while Xiao Bingying played with her niece, Qu Zhimu. The little one was naturally outgoing, just like her mother, and warmed up to Xiao Bingying in no time.
Clinging to Xiao Bingying’s shoulder, she asked in a soft, babyish voice, “Auntie, do you know martial arts too?”
Xiao Bingying smiled and nodded. “I know a little.”
“Then can you teach me?”
Holding her required no effort at all for Xiao Bingying, just like for her mother. But her aunt Lin was different; the little girl was growing heavier by the day, and if Lin Xizhao held her for too long, she would find it quite exhausting.
Hearing the little girl’s question, Xiao Bingying was stunned for a moment. “Did your mother not teach you?” she asked.
Qu Zhimu shook her head, saying in a childish voice, “Mother won’t teach me.”
Zhao Jiayu had never intended to teach her. She wanted her to be a gentle young lady like Lin Xizhao. But ever since Qu Zhimu had witnessed Cheng Xi strike down an enemy with hidden weapons1 right in front of her, the seed of that desire had quietly sprouted in her heart.
Xiao Bingying’s expression softened as she whispered, “Auntie will have to discuss this with your mother first.” She did not dare make the decision to teach her on her own; besides, she would not be staying here for long.
Lin Xizhao smiled. “Mu’er is still young. There is no rush.”
The Zhao family was a family of generals, and the Qu family was the same. For Zhao Jiayu to want Qu Zhimu not to learn martial arts was clearly unrealistic.
“Once she is older, I shall teach her myself,” Qu Sheng spoke from where she sat nearby.
By now, Zhao Jiayu had returned to her courtyard with Qu Yu. Qu Yu’s body was simply too weak after the half-day’s exertion, and Zhao Jiayu had forced him to go back and rest.
Qu Zhimu listened to the adults speak. Although she was capable of holding a conversation with them, if they did not explicitly mention her name or address her directly, she would not realize they were speaking to her.
Having settled Qu Yu, Zhao Jiayu lifted her skirts and came rushing back in a flurry.
“Mu’er, you are a big girl now. Do not always make people hold you,” Zhao Jiayu scolded as soon as she arrived. Seeing Qu Zhimu clinging to Xiao Bingying, she felt her daughter was being overly spoiled, demanding to be held at every turn and refusing to let go once she was up.
“It is fine. I wanted to hold her,” Xiao Bingying said, coming to the rescue of Qu Zhimu, who was currently pouting at her mother.
She truly did want to hold her. This was Zhao Jiayu’s daughter—how could she not adore her?
Zhao Jiayu gave her a playful, reproachful look, and Qu Zhimu finally slid down from Xiao Bingying’s arms. Xiao Bingying’s embrace was just as steady as that of her pretty aunt.
Seeing that Cheng Xi was not around, Zhao Jiayu glanced out the door before quickly stepping over to Xiao Bingying. “Ajie, tell me the truth. Have you been living well in the Haichao Kingdom?”
Taken aback by Zhao Jiayu’s abrupt question, Xiao Bingying was stunned for a moment. She looked over at Lin Xizhao, who was playing with Qu Zhimu but instinctively raised her head to meet her gaze.
“Why would you ask that? Of course I am well,” Xiao Bingying replied with a gentle smile.
“You are lying.” Zhao Jiayu did not believe her at all. When Qu Sheng ascended the throne, the Haichao Kingdom had sent envoys; she had pulled one of them aside to ask, yet they had never heard of anyone named Zhao Bingying, nor even the name Xiao Bingying.
Cheng Xi was a princess, and every move she made was bound to be known. Furthermore, Xiao Bingying had led troops into battle several times. For them to not know Xiao Bingying’s name could only mean that the King of Haichao had intentionally suppressed it.
Zhao Jiayu had also heard that several neighboring small kingdoms had previously sent marriage proposals to the Haichao Kingdom. Although none had been accepted, if she were in Xiao Bingying’s position, she would have been absolutely furious.
“I am truly doing well.” Xiao Bingying did not feel aggrieved. On the contrary, she felt somewhat apologetic toward Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi was of noble status, yet she had held onto her tightly, refusing to let go, forcing Cheng Xi to bear the whispers and judgment of others alongside her.
“Then why do you not have Cheng Feng bestow a marriage upon you?”
“Jiayu,” Xiao Bingying said, rather helplessly. “Since ancient times, who has ever heard of two women marrying? If Cheng Xi and I could have married, I certainly would not have delayed it until now.”
Even more than Zhao Jiayu, she wanted to let the world know that Cheng Xi belonged to her.
“As it happens, our little Sheng’er has already promulgated a decree in Quzhao allowing marriages between women. Why don’t you two simply wed here before you leave?” Zhao Jiayu grew quite excited as she spoke.
Xiao Bingying was briefly taken aback. She had heard rumors of this earlier, and had initially assumed that Qu Sheng intended to establish Lin Xizhao as her Empress. Yet, even after all this time, there had been no news of the Emperor of Quzhao proclaiming an Empress.
“Jiayu, Cheng Xi is a princess of Haichao,” Lin Xizhao chimed in to remind her.
How could the marriage of a nation’s princess be handled so casually, let alone with another woman? Even if Cheng Feng did not object, the ministers of Haichao would never agree to it.
“Aiyoo, this will not do, and that will not do. Is my Ajie supposed to spend her whole life with Cheng Xi like this, without any official standing?” Zhao Jiayu grumbled in frustration.
Yet to Qu Sheng’s ears, those words felt like a lash striking her.
How could she allow Lin Xizhao to continue following her like this, without proper status? What did it matter if their families knew? As the sovereign of a nation, the world did not know that the person by her side was her greatest love, and she could not even rightfully have Lin Xizhao sit beside her.
At that moment, Lin Xizhao instinctively looked toward Qu Sheng as well, only to see that Qu Sheng had already lowered her head. Her fingers were gripping the armrest of her pearwood armchair, her expression dark and melancholy.
“Jiayu, not everything in life needs to be absolutely perfect. To be able to stay with the one you love is already the greatest blessing.”
Lin Xizhao spoke these words for Qu Sheng’s benefit as well. She did not want Qu Sheng to fret over this matter. As long as she could be with Qu Sheng, she had no need for empty titles; whether others knew or not was of no consequence to her.
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s words, Zhao Jiayu turned her gaze back to Qu Sheng. The furrow in her brow smoothed out slightly as a sudden thought struck her. She eagerly said to Qu Sheng, “Little Sheng’er, why don’t you issue an imperial decree to bestow a marriage upon my Ajie and Cheng Xi?”
Zhao Jiayu suddenly recalled how Zhu Ming’an had proposed at the banquet a few days ago. If Qu Sheng were the one to bestow the marriage, the Haichao Kingdom would likely agree.
“Jiayu, stop causing trouble,” Lin Xizhao said helplessly, exasperated by how Zhao Jiayu acted on every whim.
The Jin Dynasty was different from the Haichao Kingdom; the Jin had sought their aid, whereas the Haichao Kingdom had previously shown them great kindness. If Cheng Feng did not agree, forcing him to marry off his sister would only sour relations between the two nations.
“Bingying, is this what you want?” Qu Sheng asked just as Lin Xizhao finished speaking.
She could indeed issue a decree, but before doing so, she would have to obtain Cheng Feng’s consent.
In the evening, Qu Sheng had the memorials2 delivered to Nanting Courtyard, where she and Lin Xizhao remained. Qu Sheng reviewed and annotated the documents while Lin Xizhao stood beside her, grinding ink and occasionally analyzing the issues raised.
“Taxation is of paramount importance to a nation,” Lin Xizhao advised. “This matter must be thoroughly discussed with the responsible ministers before any decision is made. Do not resolve it arbitrarily.” Though Lin Xizhao was not entirely clear on the specific details of tax rates, she knew it was a matter that directly concerned the state’s coffers.
If the state demanded too much, the commoners would go hungry and breed resentment, which would inevitably spark unrest. But if too much was left with the people, the state’s finances would suffer, forcing the court to cut back on its various expenditures—especially military pay and provisions. Should those fall short when a hostile state invaded, the consequences would be too dreadful to contemplate.
Qu Sheng nodded as she set the memorial aside and opened another. After a moment’s reflection, she said, “The Ministry of Personnel has submitted a petition reporting that a local investigation has rooted out a batch of corrupt officials. Following their dismissals, there is now a severe shortage of personnel, and they wish for me to issue a decree to hold the imperial examinations this year.”
Lin Xizhao nodded upon hearing this. “That is indeed an excellent suggestion.”
Qu Sheng blinked her eyes. “Wife, who do you think would be best suited to serve as the chief examiner?”
Hearing the question, Lin Xizhao seemed to have some reservations. However, Qu Sheng quickly guessed what was on her mind. “Wife, do you wish for Xirui to do it?”
Seeing that Qu Sheng had guessed her thoughts, Lin Xizhao no longer avoided the appearance of favoritism. She analyzed, “Xirui was the zhuangyuan3 of the previous dynasty. Although he has not been an official for long, his essays were highly praised and guided by both Father and Mister Yuan. I believe Xirui would be the most suitable candidate to serve as the chief examiner.”
“And what of Xikuan?” Qu Sheng had originally been considering Lin Xikuan for the role.
Lin Xizhao shook her head. “Xikuan is not suitable.”
“Why?” Qu Sheng was somewhat puzzled.
Lin Xizhao explained, “Xikuan’s edges are too sharp. He will bring his own biased and stubborn views to the task, failing to hold the bowl level4. But Xirui is different. Xirui is of a broad-minded and open disposition; he will surely not evaluate the candidates’ essays with a narrow mind.”
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s analysis, Qu Sheng’s gaze fell back onto the memorials.
“Very well, then we shall let Xirui serve as the chief examiner.” Qu Sheng pondered for only a brief moment before making her decision.
Lin Xirui was the previous dynasty’s zhuangyuan, and his father had been a zhuangyuan as well. She would have found anyone from the Lin family suitable, but after hearing Lin Xizhao’s reasoning, she naturally felt that Lin Xirui was the safer choice.
At this very moment, Lin Xirui was carrying her imperial command to represent her on a diplomatic tour of the various vassal states that had sent aid to Quzhao. He traveled with gifts bestowed by Quzhao to express her gratitude, and it was estimated that he would return in a matter of days.
“Wife, let us rest,” Qu Sheng said, setting her vermilion brush aside.
Lin Xizhao tidied up the memorials and looked up at Qu Sheng, asking softly, “Are you tired?”
Qu Sheng stood up. “Yes, I wish to retire early tonight.”
As she spoke, a hazy warmth spread across her eyes the moment Lin Xizhao’s face came into view. Lin Xizhao had seen what lay within those eyes countless times, and she understood it perfectly.
Lin Xizhao’s soft lips curved slightly, and in the next moment, Qu Sheng swept her up into her arms.
Hot water had already been prepared in the bathing chamber, and the two remained inside for a long time. Upon the daybed within the chamber, after Lin Xizhao had repeatedly surrendered to her pleasures, Qu Sheng lifted her and placed her on top of herself.
Over the past few days, whenever Qu Sheng desired it, this was how it would go. Yet Lin Xizhao felt that her strength fell short of her desires.
How could she make her beloved feel as satisfied as she did?
Lin Xizhao pressed soft, lingering kisses across Qu Sheng’s porcelain-white skin, which felt even warmer than her own lips and tongue.
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “Aiyaya, I have to let my wife stir-fry me several times every single day. I’ve been fried into a red shrimp, so of course I’m hot!”
Lin Xizhao: “…”
The red envelope giveaway continues!
Footnotes
- An ànqì is a category of small, easily concealed projectile weapons, such as throwing darts, needles, or daggers, commonly utilized in Chinese martial arts for surprise attacks.
- A zhězi is an official administrative memorial or report presented to the emperor, written on folded paper booklets that opened like an accordion.
- The zhuàngyuán was the scholar who achieved the absolute highest score in the national palace examination, the final stage of the imperial civil service exams.
- The phrase 'yī wǎn shuǐ duān píng' literally means 'to hold a bowl of water level,' serving as a metaphor for treating all parties with absolute fairness and impartiality.
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