The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 248
by Little PandaExtra 23
That Wouldn’t Be Impossible Either.
The scene inside the room was somewhat awkward. Zhao Ningying, who had just reached an age to understand such things, watched as her Mother was carried in by her other Mother—and with sharp eyes caught a glimpse of bare snow-white shoulders where Mother’s clothes had slipped.
Xiao Bingying stood rooted in place, holding Cheng Xi. Cheng Xi glanced at her daughter, then at Xiao Bingying—both frozen like statues—and could only say softly, “Carry me behind the screen.”
Fortunately, there was a screen near the window. Xiao Bingying came to her senses and carried Cheng Xi behind it, setting her down.
“For Mother.” Zhao Ningying, having slipped off the bed at some point, passed Cheng Xi’s nightclothes around the edge of the screen, her words still half-garbled.
Xiao Bingying looked at Cheng Xi, who had just steadied herself, wearing nothing but the cloak Xiao Bingying had draped over her. She lowered her gaze, took the clothes, and handed them over.
The two adults exchanged a look. Cheng Xi was merely somewhat helpless about it all, whereas Xiao Bingying’s face was burning so fiercely that a flush had crept up even now.
Cheng Xi took the nightclothes, removed Xiao Bingying’s cloak, dressed quickly, and emerged from behind the screen.
Zhao Ningying stood to one side, watching her Mother finish dressing, caught between wanting to leave and wanting to stay.
Cheng Xi looked at the two of them—both cut from the same cloth, a pair of shy ones—and smiled helplessly, taking Zhao Ningying’s hand and leading her back to the bed.
Once Cheng Xi and Zhao Ningying were settled, Cheng Xi looked at Xiao Bingying, who still stood not far from them, and said, “Come here, hurry up.”
Xiao Bingying glanced at their daughter at the sound of her voice, saw that Zhao Ningying had already burrowed under the covers, and removed her outer robe before climbing into bed.
The two of them on the inside, Xiao Bingying on the outside.
Cheng Xi wrapped her arm around her daughter and asked softly, “What made you think of coming over here to sleep tonight?”
Zhao Ningying nestled against Cheng Xi’s chest, breathing in that rare, enchanting fragrance on her body, and mumbled, “This daughter missed Mother.”
Since returning from the Northern Frontier, Zhao Ningying had spent no more than one shichen1 with Cheng Xi in total. She was still young, at an age when she clung to people—and one mother alone wouldn’t do. She needed both.
Cheng Xi laughed softly, kissed her forehead, and said, “Mother missed you too. Go to sleep.”
Zhao Ningying nodded her little head and gazed at her Mother’s profile. Today, Mother looked uncommonly beautiful—as though she did every time after spending time with her other mother.
Zhao Ningying had been past her bedtime already. With Cheng Xi gently patting her back, she drifted off before long.
Xiao Bingying lay on her side with her eyes closed. Before long, she heard her wife’s even breathing. She propped herself up to look—both the big one and the little one were already fast asleep.
A faint smile on her lips, Xiao Bingying extinguished the candle lamp beside her.
Early that morning, Xiao Bingying again went to see Cheng Xi off. This time, Cheng Xi actually remembered that Xiao Bingying had come to see her off.
“You don’t have to get off. You can go back to sleep when you return to the residence.” Cheng Xi leaned down and kissed Xiao Bingying, who was just beginning to rise.
Their daughter was still asleep.
Xiao Bingying sat in the carriage with a smile. After Cheng Xi stepped down, she lifted the carriage curtain on one side.
Yun Ming, the young woman from yesterday, was waiting outside again.
“Lord Dean.” Yun Ming raised her hands in greeting.
Cheng Xi’s eyes held a smile. She nodded, then turned back to look at Xiao Bingying, the love in her eyes plain to see, and said, “Go back and look after Ying’er.”
Xiao Bingying nodded at her words, acknowledged Yun Ming with a nod as well, and had the servant drive the carriage away.
When Xiao Bingying returned to the residence, Zhao Ningying was still sleeping. She sat in the room and read through a medical text for a while. When her daughter woke, she took her to have breakfast.
Yesterday, Zhao Jiayu had mentioned asking Qu Sheng to issue an edict summoning Qiao Jin to the palace. The imperial edict likely wouldn’t come so soon today. Xiao Bingying dropped Zhao Ningying off at the gate of King Long’s Mansion, but before she could leave, Zhao Ningying came back out.
“Mother.”
Xiao Bingying heard her daughter’s call and had the carriage stopped.
She lifted the curtain and looked out. “What is it?”
Seeing the carriage stop, Zhao Ningying used the servant’s arm to hop up onto it. She ducked inside and said with a face full of smiles, “Mu-jiejie went into the palace. Can you take me there too?”
Zhao Ningying had a token for entering and leaving the palace gates, but she hadn’t brought it today. She had originally planned to go to the palace together with Qu Zhimu, but early that morning, Qu Sheng had summoned Qu Yu’s entire family to the palace for a shared meal.
Xiao Bingying nodded without asking further questions and took her through the palace gates.
Xiao Bingying had intended to drop her daughter off inside and then leave, but Qu Sheng knew she had come and had her summoned in as well.
Breakfast had already concluded. Qu Sheng had already, in the Empress’s name, summoned Qiao Jin to the palace.
Qu Zhimu sat there, her fingers nervously intertwined. Qu Ning and Zhao Ningying sat to one side, exchanging glances, their hearts equally anxious.
They had grown up together. If Qu Zhimu were heartbroken, they would be heartbroken too. Now they just had to wait for Qiao Jin to meet Qu Zhimu, and then let Lin Xizhao do the questioning.
“Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Empress, Lord Qiao has arrived,” the Chief Eunuch reported, bowing with a horsetail whisk tucked in his arms.
Qu Sheng glanced at the person beside her, then at Qu Zhimu. Seeing her nervously biting her lower lip, she blinked, looked toward the Chief Eunuch, and said, “Summon her in.”
The eunuch went out, and before long, Qiao Jin entered the hall.
Qiao Jin had assumed only the Empress was summoning her and had no idea so many people would be in the hall. She was momentarily taken aback, but as the daughter of an eminent family, she kept her composure despite her surprise—at the very least, nothing showed on her face.
“This humble subject, Qiao Jin, pays respects to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty the Empress.” Clad in a blue-green official robe, Qiao Jin was striking in appearance—her face smooth as white jade, bearing both the gentle warmth of a scholar and the delicate grace of a beauty.
She knelt on the floor. Qu Zhimu stared fixedly, her heart pounding without cease.
Qu Sheng’s tone was mild. “You may rise.”
“Many thanks to Your Majesty, many thanks to Her Majesty the Empress.” Qiao Jin rose with hands clasped, then bowed to Qu Yu’s family. “This subordinate official greets King Long, Princess Consort Long, and Commandery Princess Rong’an.”
“You know me?” Qu Zhimu was both surprised and delighted that Qiao Jin had addressed her by her formal title.
Qiao Jin lowered her gaze and replied, “I don’t. This is this subordinate official’s first time meeting Commandery Princess Rong’an.”
“Then how did you recognize me?” Qu Zhimu asked, crestfallen yet curious.
Qiao Jin answered respectfully, “Given Commandery Princess Rong’an’s age, with King Long and Princess Consort Long also present, and considering who in the palace receives such favor from Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress—it could only be Commandery Princess Rong’an.”
Qu Zhimu laughed lightly at Qiao Jin’s thoughtful reasoning. “You’re quite the guesser. I wonder if Lord Qiao—”
“Ahem.” Qu Yu cleared his throat softly, a fist raised to his lips.
Qu Zhimu looked over at the sound, caught Qu Yu’s meaningful glance, and understood. She turned to look at Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao.
The Emperor and Empress hadn’t even begun their questioning, and she had already started asking questions herself.
But it wasn’t really her fault. When the Qu family was together, they were never ones for formality. Today, apart from Qiao Jin, there were no outsiders present—and Qu Zhimu had been longing to see Qiao Jin for so long. That was why her questions had come one after another without end.
“Mu’er has overstepped.” Qu Zhimu rose and bowed to Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao.
Lin Xizhao smiled and glanced sideways at Qu Sheng. Qu Sheng lifted her teacup, took a sip, and said with a smile, “No matter. Today, dispense with formalities—consider it a family chat.”
Qu Sheng’s words sounded ordinary enough to everyone’s ears, but to Qiao Jin, they were anything but.
Qiao Jin, though a woman, was still an outside official. From Qu Sheng’s words just now, she had already deduced the Empress’s intent in summoning her today.
This was to discuss a marriage—and the prospective partner was none other than Commandery Princess Qu Zhimu, sitting right here.
Same-sex marriage was not yet commonplace in the Quzhao Dynasty, but families took pride in bearing daughters. Women’s status in Quzhao was nearly equal to men’s, and marriage was no longer restricted to pairings with men. Therefore, Qiao Jin was now certain of the purpose behind today’s summons.
“Lord Qiao, there’s no need to be nervous. We’ve summoned you today simply for a chat.” Lin Xizhao’s voice was gentle, carrying a natural, approachable authority. Qiao Jin heard it, glanced up, and then quickly lowered her head again.
“Give her a seat.” Lin Xizhao had a palace maid bring a chair for Qiao Jin.
Qiao Jin stood with her hands at her sides, her frame seeming slightly frail—clearly someone who had never trained in martial arts. She raised her hands in greeting and said warmly, “Many thanks to Her Majesty the Empress.”
After Qiao Jin sat down, Zhao Jiayu kept studying her. She had actually seen Qiao Jin a few times before—her looks were beyond reproach, with fair, delicate skin. Zhao Jiayu assessed her for a few moments, then turned to look at her own daughter.
Qu Zhimu looked ready to drape herself all over Qiao Jin.
Zhao Jiayu was somewhat exasperated at her daughter’s lack of composure. But remembering it was a girl, she didn’t mind so much.
If this marriage came to pass, their family might be imperial in-laws, but she still felt Qiao Jin would be getting the short end of the deal. After all, her daughter was broad-hearted about everything—but that was about all she was.
“I understand Lord Qiao’s family has been a scholarly household for generations. Your elder brother was the Tanhua2 of the previous examination class. Your father and mother must have poured a great deal of effort into raising the two of you,” Lin Xizhao began the conversation.
Qiao Jin inclined her head and replied respectfully, “My father placed high expectations on this humble subject and my brother. My mother managed the household and bore the greater share of the labor.”
A palace maid served tea. Qiao Jin lowered her head and said quietly, “Many thanks.”
The maid curtsied and withdrew. Qu Sheng then asked, “Your brother has completed his posting outside the capital and now serves in the Ministry of Revenue. Because you are a woman, we3 made a special exception to allow you to remain in the capital for your appointment. Do you have any suggestions regarding court affairs?”
Hearing Qu Sheng turn to official business, Qiao Jin rose promptly, clasped her hands, and said, “This humble subject is deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s grace. Regarding suggestions, this humble subject does have a matter to bring to Your Majesty’s attention.”
“Speak.” Qu Sheng held her tea and drank again.
Qiao Jin stood there with her head lowered and said, “Though this humble subject does not come from the marketplace, she has some understanding of the common people’s affairs. Your Majesty has granted land to the people for farming, and they are well-fed and well-housed. However, as our dynasty grows increasingly prosperous and the population steadily increases, there may come a day when the land is insufficient for distribution. This humble subject suggests introducing handicraft industries to Quzhao, so that the people can trade goods for money and grain. In this way, even if the land diminishes, it will not cause panic.”
Qu Sheng paused mid-sip. She looked at Qiao Jin, her words fresh and striking.
“What Lord Qiao speaks of—the Empress has also mentioned to us. However, we have never received a memorial from any official on this matter. Can you elaborate in detail?”
Seeing that Qu Sheng took the matter seriously, Qiao Jin’s face brightened with a smile. She said, “This humble subject has discussed this with her brother. If Your Majesty sees potential feasibility, this humble subject is willing to draft a detailed plan and submit it to Your Majesty.”
“Good. Then write one up.”
Qu Sheng glanced sideways, lifting her gaze to Lin Xizhao. Lin Xizhao smiled and said, “We said we wouldn’t discuss state affairs, yet you’ve gone and pulled Lord Qiao into policy talk. The reason Lord Qiao was invited here today concerns the Imperial Crown Princess’s studies. The Grand Tutor has taken leave to return home for the New Year, and Her Highness doesn’t wish to waste time. Knowing that Lord Qiao is accomplished in letters and brimming with talent, we wanted to ask—would you be willing to serve as temporary literary tutor in the Grand Tutor’s absence?”
Hearing that she was being asked to serve as literary tutor to the Imperial Crown Princess, Qiao Jin agreed at once. “This humble subject’s knowledge is shallow, but if Her Highness does not mind, this humble subject is willing to try.”
“Good, then it’s settled. Go home and prepare today. Tomorrow, this palace4 will send someone to escort you into the palace,” Lin Xizhao said gently.
Qiao Jin bowed once more. “This humble subject takes her leave.”
Qu Zhimu watched Qiao Jin withdraw from the hall. She stood up, her gaze following Qiao Jin out, and asked in bewilderment, “Aunt, why did you let her go?”
“Should we not let her go? Would you rather we betroth you to her on the spot?” Qu Sheng stood and called toward the inner hall, “You can all come out now.”
“That wouldn’t be impossible either.” Qu Zhimu muttered with her head down.
Everyone in the hall looked over. Lin Xizhao laughed and said, “Though no marriage has been decreed, given Lord Qiao’s intelligence, she has certainly figured it out. By inviting her into the palace, Mu’er, you now have the chance to interact with her more. As for whether it comes to anything—that depends on whether you and Lord Qiao take to each other.”
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s meaning, Qu Zhimu uttered an “Oh” with decidedly insufficient confidence.
“Mu-jiejie, don’t worry—Ning’er will think of ways to bring you two together.”
“And me.”
Qu Ning and Zhao Ningying, upon emerging from the inner hall, immediately began cheering Qu Zhimu on. The three girls stood together. The adults exchanged glances and all smiled helplessly.
Xiao Bingying and Zhao Jiayu left the palace together, then parted ways—Xiao Bingying heading to the Medicine Hall. Today’s clinic had been delayed by one shichen, so she pushed back her afternoon consultation hours as well.
Following yesterday’s schedule, Xiao Bingying ate dinner at the residence before going to pick up Cheng Xi. She sat alone in the National Medical Academy’s reception room reading a medical text, but felt the room was far colder than yesterday.
When Cheng Xi finished her work and came over, she asked the moment she entered, “Why didn’t you have someone light the brazier?”
The reception room was not large. Coming in from outside, Cheng Xi should have felt warmer, but right now it felt just as cold inside as out.
Xiao Bingying looked toward the brazier at the sound of her voice. Indeed, no fire had been lit today—perhaps she had come at the wrong time, and the servant responsible for the brazier had already gone to rest.
“It’s fine.” Though Xiao Bingying felt the cold, she didn’t think it was any trouble.
Seeing Xiao Bingying’s usual way of brushing everything off, Cheng Xi could only sigh helplessly, take her hands, and breathe warm air onto them, rubbing some warmth back into her fingers.
Watching her wife treasure her so, Xiao Bingying leaned in as Cheng Xi looked up and pressed a kiss to her lips.
There was no one else in the room. Xiao Bingying kissed her again and again, and Cheng Xi took the opportunity to drape her arm around Xiao Bingying’s neck.
The two of them kissed, lost in each other, entirely unaware that someone was standing outside the door.
The author has something to say:
Qiao Jin: “A matchmaking summit—and my legs are shaking.”
Footnotes
- A shichen is a traditional Chinese time unit equal to two hours.
- Tanhua is the title awarded to the third-ranking candidate in the imperial civil service palace examination, one of the highest academic honors.
- The imperial 'we' is the English equivalent of the Chinese sovereign's self-referential pronoun zhen, used exclusively by the reigning monarch.
- 'This palace' is a self-referential used by high-ranking imperial women, here by the Empress, referring to herself in her official capacity.
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