The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 254
by Little PandaExtra 29
Rong’an Asks for Nothing Better
Lin Xizhao held Qu Zhimu and accepted the warm towel Cheng Xi handed her, gently wiping the tearstains from Qu Zhimu’s face.
The girl was in the bloom of youth, her heart newly awakened to romance, and she had yearned for a full year. She could have asked them, yet she hadn’t used her status to claim Qiao Jin as her own.
Hearing the sobbing gradually subside, Lin Xizhao glanced up at Cheng Xi standing before her. Cheng Xi nodded and said softly, “Set her down. She’ll feel better after a nap.”
Lin Xizhao nodded and slowly laid down the sleeping Qu Zhimu, who was nestled in her arms, tucking the quilt around her. She stood at the edge of the bed and studied the girl for a moment.
The two of them stepped outside. Lin Xizhao asked, “Did you put something in the medicine?”
“I added a sleeping aid. Letting her cry like that would only harm her body—better to let her sleep it off,” Cheng Xi replied.
Lin Xizhao nodded. “That’s fine.”
They walked together toward the front courtyard. Lin Xizhao recalled what Cheng Xi had discussed with Qu Sheng about Prime Minister Yun’s daughter and asked, “Have you and Bingying been all right these past few days?”
Cheng Xi glanced over, a smile tugging at her lips. “We’re both doing well.”
“Prime Minister Yun’s daughter hasn’t been giving Bingying any more trouble?”
“No, after Her Majesty’s warning, she’s backed off. She doesn’t say much to me anymore when we cross paths.”
Lin Xizhao chuckled. “Miss Yun is still young. It’s only natural to lose her head and lose control of herself.”
Cheng Xi laughed at the phrase “lose control of herself.” If anything, she’d prefer it if people didn’t fall for her at all—romantic attention from others was nothing but trouble as far as she was concerned.
The two made their way to the front hall. Qu Sheng had issued an edict inviting relatives to the palace, and Qu Yu and Zhao Jiayu were already making preparations.
Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying took Zhao Ningying back to the Zhao Residence to change into official robes before heading to the palace.
Lin Xizhao stayed at King Long’s Mansion for a short while. Before leaving, Zhao Jiayu—unwilling to leave her daughter alone at the mansion—decided to wait until Qu Zhimu woke up before entering the palace herself.
Tonight’s palace banquet was for family only. Lin Xikuan, Lin Xirui, and his wife had all been invited as well.
When Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi entered the palace, they ran into Jin Mingyi and Zhu Ming’an, and the two families went in together.
The adults were all assembled, but a few children were missing.
Even Zhao Ningying had been picked up by Qu Ning shortly after returning to the residence.
The Retired Emperor’s health had declined with age, making it inconvenient for him to attend. Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao occupied the seats of honor, chatting with everyone.
Before long, the children filed into the palace together.
Among the half-grown children, aside from Qu Zhimu, Qu Ning was the oldest. Now that Qu Zhimu had sadly “fallen asleep,” Qu Ning took the little ones to King Long’s Mansion.
When Qu Zhimu woke, the sky had already gone dark.
Zhao Jiayu had planned to wait for her to wake and go to the palace together, but a whole crew of little ones descended on her, and she had to entertain them all. Fortunately, Qu Ning and Zhao Ningying were sensible enough to help keep the chaos in check.
“Imperial Fourth Aunt, you go on to the palace first. We’ll come along once Mu-jiejie wakes up,” Qu Ning said, shelling sunflower seeds in her hand.
Zhao Jiayu wasn’t quite comfortable with the idea. There were seven or eight children of all ages, and the youngest—Qu Ting’s daughter—was only a little over five. She couldn’t help but worry.
Zhao Ningying saw Zhao Jiayu staring at them and said with a smile, “Maternal Aunt, just go. I’ll bring them all to the palace with Ning-jiejie later.”
Zhao Jiayu didn’t want to leave, but she couldn’t withstand the children taking turns urging her on.
She had the servants bring out more food for the children, hesitated a long while, and then departed.
When Qu Zhimu woke to find a roomful of younger brothers and sisters keeping watch over her, the warmth she felt eased her sadness considerably.
After washing and changing clothes, she followed Qu Ning and the others into the palace.
The group of little ones entered the main hall led by Qu Zhimu. Qu Ning and Zhao Ningying exchanged glances, smiled at each other, and together bowed to the adults in greeting.
Everyone took their seats, and the family banquet began. Qu Sheng, having heard about Qu Zhimu’s situation, couldn’t help stealing an extra glance at her. Though Qu Zhimu resembled Zhao Jiayu in appearance, her inner nature took after Lin Xizhao.
She never competed or fought for things, but processed everything inwardly. If not for the fact that she had once been inseparable from Lin Xizhao, her clever, guileless exterior charming Lin Xizhao, perhaps she would never have seen Lin Xizhao’s vulnerable side either.
Watching the young girl laughing with her cousins, Qu Sheng formed a plan in her mind.
The next day was New Year. Qu Sheng hosted a banquet for the court officials and specially issued an edict allowing Qiao Jin, whose rank did not yet qualify her, to attend the palace banquet.
At that time, Qiao Jin was still at home refining the policy proposal she had previously submitted to Qu Sheng for the people’s welfare. When she heard that the Empress had issued an edict summoning her to the palace banquet, she felt a flutter of unease.
After the Qiao family received the imperial decree, everyone came to question Qiao Jin, but she had a hunch that the Empress had done this on account of Qu Zhimu.
“What did you and the Commandery Princess do yesterday?” Qiao Ze came to interrogate Qiao Jin.
Whenever Qiao Jin looked at her older brother, she couldn’t help frowning. Their household had more than just the two of them as siblings, but they were the only two born of the same mother.
Qiao Jin’s performance in the provincial and metropolitan examinations had not been exceptional, yet she had burst into prominence during the palace examination. The Emperor had read her essay, and both Lin Xirui and others agreed that Top Scholar was hers and hers alone. Qiao Ze, in the previous examination cycle, had only been a Third Rank Scholar.
An older brother surpassed by his younger sister—ten years of bitter study, yet outshone in a fraction of the time. Whenever anyone brought it up, Qiao Ze felt the shame burn his face.
“What I do doesn’t require me to report to you.” Qiao Jin turned to leave, but Qiao Ze seized her wrist and yanked her back.
The grip hurt. The gaze Qiao Jin turned on Qiao Ze was no longer as gentle as before. She frowned at his furious face and said, “Have you lost your mind?”
“What do you mean, lost my mind? Her Majesty didn’t summon me to the palace for no reason, yet she summoned you. I’m warning you—don’t do anything that disgraces this family! Her Majesty may be licentious, but our family will not produce such a person!”
“Qiao Ze, that’s enough! Is the Emperor someone you and I can speak of so casually?” Qiao Jin’s attitude shifted abruptly; she would no longer submit meekly.
Qiao Ze, hearing Qiao Jin rebuke him, didn’t recognize his own fault. Instead, he erupted over her addressing him by name. “I am your Elder Brother! Is this how you read the sages’ books?”
Qiao Jin’s brow furrowed again, and she chose not to argue further. “Her Majesty has sent envoys outside. I need to go change my clothes. Elder Brother, if you’ve nothing else, go and enjoy the banquet with Father and Mother.”
Though Qiao Jin held an official post, she didn’t put herself forward in public; she rarely attended family banquets at home.
But Qiao Ze wasn’t about to let her go so easily. “You and the Commandery Princess had better not have caused any trouble. The Xuan family came today. I’ve already discussed it with Father—the Xuan family is here today to settle the betrothal. Once you and Young Master Xuan are engaged, you’ll resign your post. Don’t involve yourself in outside affairs anymore.”
“Betrothal?” Astonishment flashed in Qiao Jin’s eyes. How had she never heard of this?
“The Xuan family may not measure up to ours, but it’s because your brilliance has been too dazzling—no other family’s son dares to seek your hand. Young Master Xuan failed the exams this time, but he can try again next year. Once you marry into their household, you must assist him properly. Don’t go harboring other ambitions!”
“Eldest Miss, Eunuch Wei has come to urge you. He says to hurry so you don’t miss the time to enter the palace,” a maid came rushing in to report.
Qiao Jin was still reeling in bewilderment. She looked up at the sound—and heard Qiao Ze say, “You go and decline Eunuch Wei. Tell him the Eldest Miss has caught a chill today and won’t be going to the palace. She’ll present herself to Her Majesty to beg forgiveness once she’s recovered.”
“What?” The maid froze, casting a helpless look at Qiao Jin. This was an imperial decree—Her Majesty herself had sent someone to fetch her. It was the highest honor. Who would dare refuse?
“Go!” Qiao Ze barked at the maid, making her flinch.
The maid didn’t dare disobey, but neither did she dare follow the order.
“That won’t work. Her Majesty has summoned me to the palace—this must be about matters of the people’s livelihood. To defy an imperial decree is imprisonment at best, execution of the entire family at worst. Surely Elder Brother doesn’t wish to spend the start of the new year in prison?” Qiao Jin reasoned, blocking the order.
The maid breathed a sigh of relief at Qiao Jin’s words. Qiao Ze scowled, his face dark. “Then give me your policy proposal. I’ll submit it on your behalf.”
“I haven’t finished writing it yet. If Her Majesty asks about it and you can answer the questions, then by all means, go in my place.”
“You—”
Qiao Ze had no idea what Qiao Jin had written in detail. She had only added his name to the document out of consideration for the Qiao family. Qiao Ze had lived in comfort and knew little about the lives of common people at the bottom.
He glared at Qiao Jin in humiliated frustration, but she no longer looked at him. She raised her eyes to the maid and said, “I’ll be there shortly. Go tell Eunuch Wei I beg his indulgence for just a moment longer.”
With that, Qiao Jin cast one glance at Qiao Ze, who was still glowering at her, then turned and left.
Qiao Jin changed into her official robes and, walking at a brisk clip, followed Eunuch Wei into the imperial palace.
The New Year’s banquet at the palace was a grand affair. Officials of third rank and above could bring family members into the palace for the feast, yet Qiao Jin entered alone.
Though Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying held ranks that weren’t particularly high, they were among the invited. By now, nearly all the ministers had arrived. Prime Minister Yun held a high position, attending with his wife and daughter, seated below Qu Ting and Qian Shuangying.
Yun Ming held an official post but didn’t on her own have the right to attend the palace banquet. Her father, however, could bring her. She had never entered the palace before—today was her first time.
Fresh fruit and pastries had already been set before each minister. Cheng Xi had finally found a moment of leisure, and Xiao Bingying wasn’t on duty. The two sat together, chatting while Qu Sheng had yet to appear.
From the moment Yun Ming entered the hall, she had been searching for Cheng Xi. She spotted them seated below Qu Yu and Zhao Jiayu’s places.
Her gaze hadn’t left Cheng Xi since she entered, but Cheng Xi paid no attention to her stares.
Xiao Bingying and Cheng Xi were talking. Cheng Xi laughed at something, and Xiao Bingying’s eyes curved in a matching smile. Zhao Jiayu, listening in, leaned over, caught a few words, and then asked the two of them, “Do you know Prime Minister Yun’s daughter?”
Xiao Bingying leaned in to listen. Cheng Xi had already glanced involuntarily toward Yun Ming’s direction.
Seeing Cheng Xi look her way, Yun Ming’s face brightened with a small smile, and she nodded. Cheng Xi lowered her eyes and returned the nod. Xiao Bingying and Zhao Jiayu had already noticed the exchange between them.
Xiao Bingying didn’t think much of it, but Zhao Jiayu found it a little odd. “You’re that close?”
Cheng Xi glanced over and replied, “She and I are both at the National Medical Academy.”
“Oh, no wonder,” Zhao Jiayu said, understanding.
“This way, please, Lord Qiao.”
Several people heard the voice at the entrance of the main hall and all looked over.
“Why is Qiao Jin here?” Zhao Jiayu was quite surprised when she saw Qiao Jin.
Xiao Bingying held her teacup and guessed, “Her Majesty must have specially invited her.”
Zhao Jiayu was in a sour mood. Her own daughter had been so heartbroken over her, and here she was today, beaming as she attended the banquet.
But grumble as she might inwardly, Zhao Jiayu had no intention of actually doing anything to her.
When Qiao Jin entered the hall, many people looked her way. Qiao Jin was a female Top Scholar; though there were other female officials in the hall, her appearance and talent drew every eye.
Qiao Jin was seated at the far end of the banquet, in the third row on the right. After she sat down and raised her head, she saw the ministers all looking at her. She nodded to the assembly in acknowledgment, then her eyes involuntarily darted toward Qu Yu and Zhao Jiayu’s seats.
Seeing that Zhao Jiayu and the others were all watching her, she composedly raised her hands in a courtesy.
Zhao Jiayu looked at Qiao Jin’s polite, respectful demeanor and found she couldn’t stay angry. She returned a smile.
At this moment, Qu Zhimu wasn’t in the hall. Qu Ning had taken the children to her bedchamber, where they were having a banquet of their own.
However, they would need to return before the main banquet officially began.
A short while later, Qu Sheng emerged from the inner hall with Lin Xizhao. The ministers rose and knelt in homage. Qu Sheng smiled and raised a hand. “Rise.”
The ministers rose and took their seats. Qu Sheng, one hand resting on Lin Xizhao’s arm, sat down as well.
The Emperor and Empress appearing together was nothing unusual. Lin Xizhao had recently begun attending court at the Court Assembly Hall, sitting alongside Qu Sheng to observe governance. She rarely spoke, but she had always been involved in many of Qu Sheng’s decisions.
Once seated, Qu Sheng swept her gaze over the assembled ministers and spotted Qiao Jin at the far end.
She exchanged a few words with the imperial attendant, who then looked toward Qiao Jin and made his way over to her.
This was Qiao Jin’s first time at such an event. Seeing the imperial attendant approaching and all the ministers staring at her, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of nervousness.
“Lord Qiao, Her Majesty summons you,” the imperial attendant said with a cordial smile as he reached her.
Qiao Jin rose hastily, bowed with her head lowered, and followed the imperial attendant from her seat through the rows of banquet tables toward the front.
“This humble subject, Hanlin Academy1 Doctorate of Five Classics Qiao Jin, bows before Your Majesty, bows before Her Majesty the Empress. Long live my Emperor, long live Your Highness.” Though nervous, Qiao Jin’s words came at an unhurried pace, and her bow was elegant and methodical.
Qu Sheng looked down at her. Lin Xizhao was also studying Qiao Jin.
“Do you know why we’ve called you here?” Qu Sheng regarded Qiao Jin, her expression not stern.
“This humble subject is apprehensive and begs Your Majesty to make it clear,” Qiao Jin replied, head bowed.
Seeing that Qiao Jin kept her head down, a smile tugged at the corner of Qu Sheng’s lips. “Raise your head.”
Qiao Jin slowly lifted her head but did not meet Qu Sheng’s or Lin Xizhao’s eyes directly.
Lin Xizhao’s expression was gentle, but she did not interject.
Seeing Qiao Jin’s composed demeanor, Qu Sheng chose not to press her further. “Rise.”
“Many thanks, Your Majesty. Many thanks, Her Majesty the Empress.”
Qiao Jin stood and waited at the side for Qu Sheng to continue.
“We had you come today to ask—has the policy proposal on the people’s livelihood that we assigned you been completed?”
Hearing this, Qiao Jin quickly lowered her head and replied, “In reply to Your Majesty, the proposal is not yet fully complete. However, this humble subject has brought the finished portion with her today.”
Qu Sheng straightened in her seat. The imperial attendant stepped forward and took the document Qiao Jin produced from her sleeve, presenting it to the Emperor.
Qu Sheng received it and cast her eyes over the pages. After a moment, she smiled.
“A scholar away for three days2—we should indeed look at you in a new light.”
“This humble subject is without talent and deeply overwhelmed by the honor,” Qiao Jin said, unable to read the meaning behind Qu Sheng’s words. She immediately clasped her hands and bowed.
Qu Sheng smiled. “No need to be nervous. The proposal you’ve written—we are very impressed by it.”
She handed it to the imperial attendant beside her and said, “Read it aloud.”
The imperial attendant took the document, scanned the contents, and began to read.
“All things depend on heaven; grain depends on the seasons. Grain is born of the earth and sustained by wind and rain. Yet even when winds are fair and rains timely, as the people’s desires grow, even the most vast and fertile lands may face exhaustion, and wind and rain will not always be obliging…”
As the imperial attendant read Qiao Jin’s proposal, the hall fell silent. The last time Qu Sheng had asked for her suggestions, Qiao Jin had offered unique insights on encouraging commerce and folk handicrafts. Now the ministers couldn’t help but steal another glance at her.
Qiao Jin stood in the hall, neither proud nor flustered, listening to the recitation alongside everyone else, her mind turning over whether anything still needed revision.
“Your subject ventures to submit this and beseeches Your Majesty to lend ear.”
The imperial attendant finished reading and respectfully placed the memorial back on the table before Qu Sheng.
“The policy proposal from our favored subject Qiao has been heard by you all. At the start of the new year, we ought not to raise matters of state again, but Qiao’s proposal addresses what we foresee and worry about for the future. We will not wait for disaster to strike before taking action. We hope all of you will take this matter seriously. When court reopens, we expect to see similar proposals from each of you.”
“This humble subject respectfully obeys the imperial command.” The ministers rose and knelt once more.
Qu Sheng was very satisfied with Qiao Jin. The matter of her making Qu Zhimu cry seemed a lesser thing now. She smiled and said, “Subject Qiao possesses such insight, yet is confined to an eighth-rank Doctorate of Five Classics—truly fine jade covered in dust3. We shall this day promote and transfer you to the Ministry of Revenue, to fill the vacancy of Director. Are you willing?”
“This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your profound grace. Long live my Emperor, long live, long live.” Qiao Jin immediately knelt in gratitude. To be promoted two ranks on the strength of a few pages of a proposal was dizzying, but entering the Ministry of Revenue would allow her to realize her ambitions on a grand scale.
Qu Sheng looked at Qiao Jin with growing admiration and smiled. “Good. Return to your seat.”
“Your Majesty.” Just as the imperial attendant was about to lead her back to her original seat, Qiao Jin suddenly addressed Qu Sheng.
“What else does Subject Qiao require?”
Qiao Jin raised her head, a hint of stubborn resolve on her face, and said with downcast eyes, “This humble subject wishes to request an imperial marriage decree from Your Majesty.”
Zhu Ming’an, who had once requested a marriage at a banquet herself, was still present in the hall. The moment Qiao Jin asked for the decree, the ministers below erupted into a buzz of whispers.
Qu Zhimu was playing with Qu Ning and the others in Qu Ning’s bedchamber. When she heard what had happened in the front hall, she stood frozen in place for a long time.
Qiao Jin had asked Qu Sheng for an imperial marriage decree—she wanted Qu Zhimu to marry her.
Qu Zhimu entered the hall in splendid attire, and because she trained in martial arts, her every step was brisk and airy. She walked into the hall and saw Qiao Jin’s back facing her. Seeing that all the banquet officials were watching Qiao Jin, she confirmed this was not a dream.
Qu Zhimu hadn’t forgotten her manners upon entering. She walked forward and bowed first to Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao. “Rong’an greets Your Majesty, and greets Her Majesty the Empress.”
“Rise.” Qu Sheng looked at Qu Zhimu, then glanced at Qiao Jin, who stood to the side, not daring to look at Qu Zhimu.
Qu Zhimu rose and turned to look at Qiao Jin. Her cheeks were flushed crimson, her head bowed, her fingers tightly gripping the hem of her robe.
Qu Zhimu had confirmed repeatedly before coming that Qiao Jin was not being coerced.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng were now smiling at her. After a moment, Lin Xizhao said, “An imperial marriage decree is not a trifling matter. This palace and Her Majesty have always maintained that marriage should be founded on mutual affection. Therefore, Lord Qiao Jin’s request still requires your consent. Lord Qiao has just now asked Her Majesty for an imperial decree to marry you—we wonder, is Commandery Princess Rong’an willing to take her as a wife?”
Qu Zhimu heard Lin Xizhao’s words and turned to look at Qiao Jin. Seeing Qiao Jin raise her eyes with a shy, demure glance, Qu Zhimu felt as though she had lost something and found it again. After a moment, she looked at Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao and smiled. “Rong’an asks for nothing better.”
An imperial marriage decree from the Emperor and Empress—supreme honor. Qiao Jin returned to her earlier seat, while Qu Zhimu sat with her father and mother in the seats just below the Emperor and Empress.
Song and dance filled the hall with celebration, but Qiao Jin raised her cup and drank alone.
Qu Zhimu glanced back from time to time. Seeing Qiao Jin drinking steadily, she rose and went over.
Qu Zhimu walked to Qiao Jin’s side, but Qiao Jin was completely unaware, as if her eyes held nothing but wine.
“Qiao Jin.”
Qiao Jin heard the voice and looked up. Seeing Qu Zhimu, she quickly rose and bowed. “Your Highness.”
“Didn’t we agree you’d call me by my name?” Qu Zhimu feigned displeasure.
Qiao Jin smiled and corrected herself. “Zhimu.”
Hearing her name fall from Qiao Jin’s lips, Qu Zhimu felt sweetness spread through her heart and reached out to clasp Qiao Jin’s hand.
“Where are we going?” Qiao Jin asked urgently as she was pulled along.
Qu Zhimu looked back with a smile and whispered, “Just come with me.”
Qiao Jin glanced back at the hall. Qu Sheng and the others weren’t watching them. On her own, she would never have dared to wander about, but with Qu Zhimu leading her, she wasn’t so afraid—and since they had just been granted an imperial marriage decree, being seen together wouldn’t raise any talk.
Qu Zhimu led Qiao Jin outside the hall. It was cold out, but after walking through the corridor for a while, the chill faded.
When they stopped, Qu Zhimu looked back at Qiao Jin, who wore only her winter official robes. She took off the cloak she had brought out and draped it over Qiao Jin’s shoulders.
“Zhimu…” Qiao Jin looked up at Qu Zhimu, astonished.
Seeing that Qiao Jin was about to shrug off the cloak, Qu Zhimu pressed a hand against her slender shoulder and said, “I practice martial arts—I’m not afraid of the cold. You’re different.” Looking at Qiao Jin’s frail frame, Qu Zhimu asked, “Have you been taking all the medicine your Maternal Aunt prescribed?”
“Yes, I’ve taken it,” Qiao Jin replied softly.
Qu Zhimu gazed at Qiao Jin’s powdered cheeks and vermilion lips. The thought that Qiao Jin was going to marry her made her heart leap with joy, but there was one thing she wanted to clear up.
“Why did you suddenly change your mind and decide to marry me?” Qu Zhimu asked gently.
If nothing had happened, Qiao Jin wouldn’t have acted so impulsively.
“I—my family is trying to arrange a betrothal for me.” Qiao Jin had no intention of hiding it from her.
“A betrothal? To whom?” Qu Zhimu’s agitation flared at once.
“A family that’s on good terms with ours. Zhimu, I…”
“I know what you want to say. But I only want to ask you one thing.” Qu Zhimu looked at Qiao Jin, her gaze searching. She didn’t want Qiao Jin to lie to her. “You have to tell me the truth. Whatever the answer, I can accept it—but I want only your honesty.”
“Ask.” Qiao Jin’s eyes were earnest.
Qu Zhimu lowered her gaze for a moment, then met Qiao Jin’s eyes again. She pressed her lips together and asked, “Do you like me?”
“Yes.” Qiao Jin answered almost without thinking. She was certain that she liked Qu Zhimu, but she wasn’t quite sure how to handle that feeling.
Hearing Qiao Jin’s answer, Qu Zhimu’s gaze fixed on Qiao Jin’s lovely face. After a moment, her eyes dropped to Qiao Jin’s soft lips.
Qiao Jin noticed, lowered her eyes, and didn’t dare look at Qu Zhimu anymore. But a moment later, she looked back on her own.
The soft lips gleamed with a moist sheen. Qu Zhimu very much wanted to taste them. Growing up, she had seen many such moments—probably because she was small and the adults hadn’t guarded against her. She had seen Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao, and Cheng Xi and Xiao Bingying, but the one she’d witnessed most was her own mother, eagerly going to kiss her father. Yet until this day, she had never known what that felt like.
And she wanted to prove something on those soft lips as well.
Their bodies drew slowly closer. Beneath the tall palace corridor with its red-and-green lattice, their dark shadows overlapped first. They felt each other’s light breath warm on their faces, and then their soft lips met…
“Mu-jiejie, what are you doing?” Qu Ning’s voice rang out suddenly in the corridor.
Their lips had barely touched—Qu Zhimu hadn’t even had time to register the sensation—when she was shoved away.
Qiao Jin’s face was flushed crimson. Qu Zhimu, pushed back, took in Qiao Jin’s flustered state, then looked down toward where the voice had come from.
Qu Ning saw Qu Zhimu look over, while Qiao Jin turned her face away to the other side. Qu Ning instantly understood what she had just done. Her expression went blank for a moment, then she grabbed Zhao Ningying and ran, calling over her shoulder, “I didn’t mean to…”
Watching her two younger sisters flee, Qu Zhimu felt a twinge of frustration but bore no grudge. At least she now knew that Qiao Jin truly liked her.
If she hadn’t liked her, she couldn’t have accepted her kiss.
Qu Zhimu pressed down the smile tugging at the corners of her lips and turned back to Qiao Jin. “Ning-meimei and Ying-meimei can keep a secret. They won’t tell anyone.”
Qiao Jin turned slightly away, gave a soft “Mm,” but didn’t dare look at Qu Zhimu again.
As the banquet drew to a close, Qu Zhimu took Qiao Jin’s hand and led her back to the hall. Qu Zhimu didn’t return to Qu Yu and Zhao Jiayu’s side—she sat down at Qiao Jin’s seat instead.
When Zhao Jiayu looked over, she felt a mix of exasperation and warmth. Her daughter was, after all, the considerate one.
Xiao Bingying had drunk quite a bit today; Zhao Jiayu had insisted, using the occasion of Qu Sheng’s marriage decree as an excuse to make her drink.
Zhao Jiayu had also had a fair amount, but to avoid losing face in front of Qiao Jin, she’d cleverly switched her wine for tea. That was how she’d managed to outdrink Xiao Bingying.
Cheng Xi saw through it but didn’t expose the trick, because she too wanted to see what a drunk Xiao Bingying was like.
A drunken Xiao Bingying, in her eyes, was so soft and endearing that she rather wanted to tease her.
The Emperor and Empress departed, and the ministers at the banquet gradually dispersed. Xiao Bingying sat with her head down, not speaking, clinging to her last shred of sobriety.
Zhao Jiayu, seeing Xiao Bingying’s drunken state, hatched a mischievous idea. She narrowed her eyes with a grin. “Ajie, how about we go back to the Zhao Residence and drink some more?”
Xiao Bingying heard this and slowly raised her head. She looked at Zhao Jiayu’s approaching face, slowly raised both hands, and suddenly cupped her cheeks, saying with a silly smile, “Jiayu-meimei…”
Cheng Xi heard Xiao Bingying’s slowed, drawling words and blinked in surprise, but she didn’t stop her.
Zhao Jiayu’s face was caught in Xiao Bingying’s grip, and with Xiao Bingying’s strength, her cheeks were being squished out of shape.
The author has something to say:
Qu Sheng: “The more we look at our subject, the more we like her. Letting our little niece cry a while longer does no harm.”
Qu Zhimu: “…Little Aunt!”
What kind of author writes romances for the second generation too? What a pervert. Go to the author’s column and bookmark her.
Leave a comment for a red packet!
Footnotes
- The Hanlin Academy was a prestigious scholarly institution in imperial China, serving as the emperor's literary and academic advisory body.
- A Chinese saying meaning that a person can grow and change so quickly that one should reassess them after even a short absence. The full phrase is 'a scholar away for three days must be viewed in a new light.'
- A Chinese metaphor for a person of great talent relegated to an obscure or lowly position, like fine jade concealed beneath dust.
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