The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 221
by Little PandaThe Jealousy of a Sovereign
Cheng Xi had already returned to the Haichao Kingdom half a month ago.
In this rebellion, not only had Xiao Bingying charged at the forefront in Haichao to protect Qu Sheng and later led troops to apprehend all the mutinous rebels, but Feng Qi had also coordinated troop deployments several times to support her during the frequent halts of her journey to the Haichao Kingdom. Furthermore, Lin Xikuan had strictly monitored all communications and interactions among the officials.
For her actions, Xiao Bingying was rewarded with a promotion, becoming a prominent General of the Quzhao Dynasty.
Feng Qi was appointed Vice Commander of the Imperial Guards, becoming Xiao Bingying’s deputy. Meanwhile, Lin Xikuan was promoted to Minister of Revenue to continue overseeing the land-measurement initiative.
When the welcoming embassy departed, Zhao Jiayu joined the ranks, cradling her daughter in her arms.
The embassy traveled for seven days before arriving at the capital of Haichao.
Cheng Feng led his officials to welcome them, with Cheng Xi riding on horseback at his side. When Xiao Bingying’s carriage came to a halt, she stepped down and looked toward the Haichao royal family, spotting her beloved, Cheng Xi, in the crowd at first glance.
Mounted on her horse, Cheng Xi watched Xiao Bingying look her way. The inherent coldness on her face melted away, replaced by a soft, faint smile.
Xiao Bingying’s eyes were filled with the deep longing of their separation. Qu Sheng had once asked her whether she wished to live in the Haichao Kingdom or return to her family’s side. Xiao Bingying had chosen to go to the Haichao Kingdom without the slightest hesitation—yet only Cheng Xi knew just how much she missed her family and friends.
Previously, Cheng Xi had been unable to leave this place largely because of her brother. Cheng Feng had subtly probed Xiao Bingying several times, making it clear that if Xiao Bingying were to leave the Haichao Kingdom, Cheng Xi would definitely not go with her.
She had been born in darkness; having finally found a bright light willing to accompany her, how could she bear to let go? Family and friends were indeed important, but her heart had long since been placed in Cheng Xi’s keeping. If she left her, she would never truly live as her genuine self for the rest of her life.
Whether it was the good or the bad, the humiliations she had suffered, or the ignominy she had endured, Cheng Xi knew it all. Even so, Cheng Xi had accepted her without a single regret. She had found her sanctuary, and Cheng Xi was willing to mend her shattered heart. This being the case, what more could she possibly ask for?
Now, Cheng Feng had agreed to let Cheng Xi marry into Quzhao, and since the distance was not great, Cheng Xi could return to visit her family at any time.
Cheng Feng had relied on Quzhao’s military force to suppress his kingdom’s rebellion. Though he wished to keep Xiao Bingying in Haichao, he could not hope to compete with the Emperor of Quzhao.
The female Emperor of Quzhao intended to crown an Empress. The marriage between Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi was bound to create a nationwide sensation, much like the wedding between the Zhu family of Quzhao and the princess of the Jin Dynasty. In this way, the opposing voices in court regarding the crowning of the Empress would inevitably weaken.
“Commander Zhao,” Cheng Feng greeted, dismounting his horse to salute the approaching Xiao Bingying and the mother-daughter duo of Zhao Jiayu and her child.
Since Xiao Bingying was no longer a commoner and now held an official post, she naturally did not need to perform a full kowtow to Cheng Feng as she had before.
“Princess Consort Long, little Commandery Princess,” Cheng Feng greeted each of them in turn.
Xiao Bingying also clasped her hands in salute, her posture devoid of any restraint. Although she had endured a painful upbringing, she still possessed the graceful bearing of a young lady from a prestigious household.
Dismounting, Cheng Xi stood at Cheng Feng’s side, gazing gently at Xiao Bingying.
Xiao Bingying turned her head to look, a brilliant smile blossoming on her face.
The welcoming party entered the palace, where a banquet had already been prepared. Qu Zhimu had been here once before, but she still insisted on clinging to Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi fed her various delicacies, and the little girl was not a picky eater, happily consuming whatever she was given.
Seated next to Xiao Bingying, Zhao Jiayu looked at her daughter and felt completely helpless. But then, who could blame the child? Zhao Jiayu herself had been exactly the same when she was little.
“I have yet to congratulate you, Commander Zhao. From now on, we are family. This sovereign shall drink first to show respect.” Cheng Feng raised his wine cup, and Xiao Bingying lifted her own cup to drink with him.
After draining his cup, the officials of Haichao began to toast her one by one. Xiao Bingying refused almost no one; since the embassy would not depart until three days later, if she became drunk, she could simply sleep at Cheng Xi’s quarters.
Cradling Qu Zhimu, Cheng Xi looked up at Xiao Bingying from time to time. Every time she looked, Xiao Bingying was raising her cup, and it did not take long before she began to show signs of drunkenness.
Still holding Qu Zhimu, Cheng Xi whispered a few words into her ear. The little girl nodded her small head, cast her gaze toward Xiao Bingying, and then spoke to Cheng Xi in a sweet, childish voice, “Don’t worry, Auntie. Mu’er will deliver the message.”
The tiny figure wove through the dancers in the grand hall. Seeing her approach, the dancers slowed their movements to make way for her, and before long, the little girl arrived in front of Xiao Bingying’s table.
Seeing Qu Zhimu, Xiao Bingying instinctively reached out to embrace her. However, the little girl placed her hands on her hips, stood her ground, and stared at Xiao Bingying, declaring, “Auntie Cheng Xi said that if you drink any more, she won’t let you go to her quarters tonight.”
The smile on Xiao Bingying’s face froze for an instant. The official offering the toast felt a momentary wave of awkwardness, but he quickly chuckled and said, “The Princess is simply concerned for her Consort. This official shall empty his cup; please feel free to drink as you wish, General.”
Saying this, the official drained his cup. Xiao Bingying raised her own cup in acknowledgement but did not take another sip.
Having delivered her message, the little girl scrambled down from the raised platform, bypassed the dancers once more, and ran right back into Cheng Xi’s arms.
When Xiao Bingying looked over, Cheng Xi had her head lowered, watching Qu Zhimu animatedly describe what had just happened. As Cheng Xi raised her eyes, her gaze collided with Xiao Bingying’s watchful eyes. Xiao Bingying offered a tentative smile, but Cheng Xi merely spared her a single glance before bowing her head once more to tease the little girl.
The smile on Xiao Bingying’s face gradually faded after Cheng Xi looked away, realizing that Cheng Xi was not merely teasing her.
For the remaining toasts, Xiao Bingying claimed she could no longer hold her liquor and substituted tea for wine.
Given Xiao Bingying’s prominent status in Quzhao, the Haichao officials did not dare to press her. After drinking their own wine, they departed with polite smiles.
Cheng Feng had grown thoroughly drunk. As the banquet wound down, Zhao Jiayu walked over to Cheng Xi to take Qu Zhimu back into her arms. While the two women were conversing, Xiao Bingying approached.
“Xi’er,” Xiao Bingying called out softly with a smile as she drew near.
Cheng Xi looked askance at her, the smile she had shared with Zhao Jiayu instantly vanishing from her elegant, cold face.
The smile on Xiao Bingying’s face froze again. Sensing the slightly awkward tension between the two, Zhao Jiayu smiled and said, “We’ll trouble you again today; my daughter and I will still be staying at your estate.”
Cheng Xi looked over and smiled. “Of course. I have already had the servants tidy up. It is the same courtyard as before.”
Zhao Jiayu nodded. As Cheng Xi began to lead the way out of the hall, Xiao Bingying quickly fell into step behind them.
The group left the palace and headed toward Cheng Xi’s estate outside the palace walls.
It had already been dusk when they first arrived, and by now, it was late in the night. Qu Zhimu had fallen asleep on the carriage ride back. After Cheng Xi settled the mother and daughter, she turned around. Xiao Bingying, who had been trailing silently behind her like a child who had done wrong, did not even dare to strike up a conversation.
Seeing Xiao Bingying looking so thoroughly dejected and crestfallen, the last trace of Cheng Xi’s annoyance evaporated.
“Do you know what you did wrong?” Cheng Xi asked, deliberately maintaining a cold facade.
Xiao Bingying nodded. On the way back, she had already figured out why Cheng Xi was angry. Before Cheng Xi left a month ago, she had warned her not to drink in excess.
“I know. I shouldn’t have drunk so much.”
Xiao Bingying rarely made mistakes. But today, with the welcoming embassy arriving, if she had refused to drink, she would have appeared terribly petty and narrow-minded.
Furthermore, it was Cheng Feng who had initiated the drinking. Since Cheng Xi could not vent her frustration on her own brother, she could only blame Xiao Bingying for letting her warnings go in one ear and out the other.
Seeing Xiao Bingying’s earnest attitude, Cheng Xi reached out and gently caressed her cheek. Having not seen each other for several days, she had grown noticeably thinner.
Sensing that Cheng Xi’s gaze was no longer laced with anger, the tension in Xiao Bingying’s heart gradually dissolved.
Beholding such an obedient Xiao Bingying, Cheng Xi let out a helpless sigh. “Go take a bath.”
The summer heat was sweltering, and with no time to rest the entire day, the inner garments clinging to her body had already soaked with sweat, dried, and soaked again.
The two went to the washroom of the main courtyard. Cheng Xi deftly reached out to unfasten the golden sash around Xiao Bingying’s waist. Draped in her scarlet official robes, Xiao Bingying seemed to carry an even greater air of heroic elegance.
When Cheng Xi looked up, her eyes shone with a deeper affection.
Having shed her outer robe, Xiao Bingying noticed Cheng Xi staring at her. Her slightly damp lips parted, and she let out a silly, endearing laugh.
“Silly girl,” Cheng Xi chided with a warm chuckle. She quickly unfastened the other’s undergarments and nudged her to sit in the wooden bath tub.
Seated in the comfortably warm water, Xiao Bingying looked up to see Cheng Xi’s elegant face. Cheng Xi held a towel, rubbing it across Xiao Bingying’s fair shoulders and arms with just the right amount of pressure.
Xiao Bingying had indeed drunk quite a bit of wine today. Not long after stepping into the water, her body began to feel heavy and relaxed. Gazing down at the flower petals floating in the water, she actually felt a wave of drowsiness washing over her.
Yet, before long, Cheng Xi stopped. When Xiao Bingying turned her head to look, Cheng Xi was already unfastening the sash around her own waist.
Gazing at Xiao Bingying’s slightly dazed eyes, the corners of Cheng Xi’s lips curled up in a faint smile.
Even as Cheng Xi stepped into the water, Xiao Bingying continued to stare blankly, as if she could scarcely believe that Cheng Xi would join her in the bath.
Only when Cheng Xi sat across from her in the spacious tub and leaned in close did Xiao Bingying finally snap out of her stupor.
As those warm, soft lips pressed against hers, Xiao Bingying’s heart began to beat like a thunderous drum.
The welcoming embassy stayed for three days. Cheng Feng personally escorted his sister to marry into Quzhao.
By the time the embassy arrived in Quzhao, the Zhao Residence had already been adorned with red silks and lanterns, waiting for the newlyweds to cross the threshold.
Before the wedding ceremony, however, Cheng Xi still resided in the official guest residence specifically prepared for the Haichao delegation.
The residents of the Zhao Residence were bustling with activity, and Zhao Jiayu, despite having married out of the family, did not remain idle. She organized the preparations with impeccable order. Once, she had imagined she would be sending Xiao Bingying off to her wedding; now, she was busy preparing to welcome the bride.
Over the past few days, Xiao Bingying ran back and forth between the Zhao Residence and the official guest residence, asking Cheng Xi if she needed anything or if she was pleased with the arrangements.
Having watched her run back and forth so many times, Cheng Feng simply permitted Cheng Xi to go to the Zhao Residence.
In truth, any arrangement would have suited Cheng Xi perfectly. Yet, Xiao Bingying’s wholehearted devotion provided her with an absolute sense of security. She only went to have a look, completely satisfied with everything the Zhao family had prepared.
On the night before the grand wedding, Zhao Jiayu and Qu Yu stayed at the Zhao Residence. Qu Sheng also ordered numerous imperial gifts and rewards to be delivered.
Numerous invitations had been sent out for Xiao Bingying’s wedding. However, many officials, recognizing her as the rising favorite at the Emperor’s side, came to deliver wedding gifts even without receiving an official invitation.
Well-versed in the ways of the officialdom, Zhao Dian was highly accustomed to such matters. That very night, he prepared supplementary invitations and dispatched servants to deliver them to those officials’ estates.
With the wedding taking place the next day, Xiao Bingying was surrounded and kept busy by everyone. In the end, it was Zhao Jiayu who sent her off to rest, fearing that staying up too late would ruin her complexion for the ceremony.
Even after returning to her chambers, Xiao Bingying found herself unable to sleep. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that she would be able to marry Cheng Xi so openly and rightfully.
Despite spending a sleepless night, Xiao Bingying remained spirited the next morning as she mounted a tall stallion to ride to the official guest residence to receive her bride.
Standing outside the gates of the guest residence, Cheng Feng watched Xiao Bingying dismount in her crimson wedding robes. He offered a gentle expression and clasped his hands in salute.
Xiao Bingying returned the salute, both sides exchanging polite courtesies. Cheng Feng made a gesture of invitation. Xiao Bingying nodded in acknowledgement, gathering the hem of her robes with one hand as she lightly ascended the stone steps of the estate.
The Haichao bridal escort officials led the way toward the chambers where the bride awaited.
Standing outside the door adorned with red paper-cut designs of wedding double-happiness, Xiao Bingying gazed inside with eager anticipation. Only when the palace maids emerged to invite her inside did she nod politely and step across the threshold.
Clad in her bridal finery, Cheng Xi rested the fingers of one hand lightly over the back of the other. Upon hearing the approaching footsteps, she lowered her eyes, staring at the feet visible beneath her red bridal veil.
The black satin shoes, embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, did not rest completely close together when they touched the floor—a subtle habit instinctive to those trained in martial arts.
“Xi’er,” Xiao Bingying called softly.
Beneath the red veil, Cheng Xi tilted her head slightly, catching a faint, blurry silhouette of Xiao Bingying.
“Will the Consort please carry the Princess to the bridal sedan?” a Haichao maid at the side reminded them with a smile.
Hearing this, Xiao Bingying glanced at the maid, then stepped closer with a joyful smile. Her voice trembled slightly with excitement. “Xi’er, let me carry you to the sedan.”
Cheng Xi nodded. After gazing at her beloved for another brief moment, Xiao Bingying bent down and swept her securely into her arms.
Xiao Bingying’s hold was incredibly steady. Throughout their journey out of the residence, Cheng Xi kept her eyes fixed on Xiao Bingying. Though she could only discern a hazy outline, she still found the sight utterly beautiful.
As the bridal sedan entered the street of the Zhao Residence, Zhao Jiayu could be seen from afar, cradling her daughter and waving at Xiao Bingying.
When the sedan came to a halt before the main gates of the residence, the crowd outside surged forward with craned necks. They watched as Xiao Bingying leaned halfway into the sedan carriage and lifted the bride out.
As Xiao Bingying carried Cheng Xi out, the packed crowd parted automatically to clear a path. The two stepped over the brazier and went straight to the ceremonial hall.
The hall was filled with distinguished guests. Even Qu Jixian had been persuaded to attend and officiate their wedding ceremony.
Qu Jixian’s presence was not merely a privilege due to Xiao Bingying’s status as a favored official. It was also a deliberate message to those who had once opposed same-sex marriages in Quzhao, showing them that even the former patriarch of the Qu family stood in support of the union.
“First Bow to Heaven and Earth.”1 As the master of ceremonies’ voice rang out, Xiao Bingying held the red wedding ribbon2 alongside Cheng Xi. They turned toward the entrance of the ceremonial hall and bowed in unison.
As Xiao Bingying turned to face the two elders, seeing the tears pooling in Mother Zhao’s eyes, her own eyelashes began to grow damp.
Spotting the tears in Xiao Bingying’s eyes, Zhao Dian looked at his wife, who was desperately trying to hold back her own tears. He murmured softly, “On such a joyous day, do not make our daughter weep.”
Mother Zhao wiped her tears with a silk handkerchief and nodded, turning to look at Xiao Bingying with a warm smile. She had wept in a similar fashion when Zhao Jiayu married, but this time, the household was welcoming a new member rather than bidding one farewell, sparing her the bitter ache of departure.
A slight smile touched the corners of Xiao Bingying’s lips as she completed the bow alongside Cheng Xi.
“Wife and Wife Bow to Each Other.”4
At the master of ceremonies’ announcement, the two turned to face each other, a profound tenderness filling Xiao Bingying’s eyes.
“Sent to the Bridal Chamber.”5
The moment the words fell, the crowd surged forward in celebration. Cheng Xi had never witnessed such boisterous wedding antics before, but Xiao Bingying quickly shielded her within her embrace.
With a bright laugh, Xiao Bingying lifted Cheng Xi off her feet and was ushered toward the bridal chamber amid a wave of playful shoves.
Gently placing Cheng Xi onto the marriage bed, Xiao Bingying said to her, “I might be late in returning. If you’re tired, don’t feel you have to force yourself to stay awake. Everyone here is family.”
The bride was expected to sit alone in the chamber for half the day. If she spent too long offering toasts to the guests, she might return even later. Looking at the courtyard packed with guests today, she knew this wedding feast would likely stretch until deep into the night.
Cheng Xi let out a soft murmur of agreement and nodded. Gazing at her bride, Xiao Bingying felt incredibly loath to tear herself away.
Sensing Xiao Bingying’s hesitation as her silhouette remained motionless before her, Cheng Xi urged gently, “Go on, quickly.”
A warm tide rushed through Xiao Bingying’s heart upon hearing Cheng Xi’s voice. She cast her eyes down to Cheng Xi’s fingers, reaching out to lift her hand and bending down to press a soft kiss against the back of her fair hand.
Xiao Bingying stepped outside to toast the guests. Not long after, Qu Sheng arrived, accompanied by Lin Xizhao.
Even Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi made an appearance. Though Zhu Ming’an was not particularly close to Xiao Bingying and her partner, she was intricately connected to the Qu family and served as a fellow official in court. Even if Qu Sheng had not personally requested their presence, they would have attended.
Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao accepted the kneeling bows of the assembled guests. Holding Jin Mingyi’s hand, Zhu Ming’an stood to one side before taking her seat alongside Qu Sheng.
Jin Mingyi was Qu Sheng’s cousin. Even if Zhu Ming’an’s rank alone did not entitle her to such a seat, she was fully permitted to sit among them by virtue of her wife’s status.
The wedding gifts sent by Zhu Ming’an were of immense value. When it came to wealth, the Zhu family of Quzhao was second to none.
When Xiao Bingying approached to offer a toast, Lin Xizhao and the others rose to their feet. Qu Sheng remained seated to receive the gesture, though she, like Xiao Bingying, had been barred from drinking alcohol.
Xiao Bingying had a servant hand over a cup. Lifting it to her lips, Qu Sheng took a light sniff and immediately realized it was nothing but plain water.
She shot Xiao Bingying a knowing smile before draining the cup of “wedding wine.”
“Bingying, go attend to the other guests. I shall look after Her Majesty,” Lin Xizhao said with a gentle laugh.
The turnout today was simply too massive. The Zhao Residence had to add twenty more tables at the last minute, and Qu Yu had to requisition several more chefs and extra ingredients from elsewhere just to barely scrape by.
If she did not hurry with her toasts, the bride would surely grow anxious waiting in the chamber.
By the time the moon hung high in the sky, the guests had begun to disperse one by one. Seeing Xiao Bingying standing at the gates to bid them farewell, Zhao Dian could not bear it any longer. He whispered to her, “Go on back first. Your father will handle the rest here.”
Casting a grateful glance at her adoptive father, Xiao Bingying hurried off toward the bridal chamber.
Although Qu Sheng had not drunk a single drop of alcohol today, witnessing Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi’s grand wedding filled her with immense envy. She had already ordered her ministers to draft the imperial edict to crown Lin Xizhao as Empress, waiting only a few more days before having it proclaimed to the empire.
Seated inside the carriage, Qu Sheng showered Lin Xizhao with kisses, as if venting her pent-up “jealousy.” It was hard to believe that a sovereign of an empire would actually feel envious of someone else’s wedding, and no one would ever believe it if told.
Yet, this deep-seated jealousy was something only Lin Xizhao could truly understand.
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “Jealousy drives one mad.”
Footnotes
- 'Yi bai tiandi' (First Bow to Heaven and Earth) is the traditional opening rite of a Chinese wedding ceremony, paying respect to the cosmos.
- Known as 'hongqian,' this is a red silk sash with a decorative flower in the middle, held at opposite ends by the bride and groom during their wedding bows to symbolize their unbreakable bond.
- 'Er bai gaotang' (Second Bow to the High Hall) is the second rite of a traditional Chinese wedding, where the couple bows to the groom's parents or family elders as a show of filial piety and gratitude.
- A modern, same-sex adaptation of 'fuqi duibai' (husband and wife bow to each other), which is the final bow of the three traditional wedding bows, symbolizing mutual respect and lifelong devotion between spouses.
- 'Songru dongfang' is the traditional declaration concluding the public wedding rites, after which the newlyweds are ushered into the bridal chamber to share their wedding night.
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