The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 259
by Little PandaExtra 34
Might as Well Settle It in the Cell — This Humble One Will Clean It Up for You Shortly
The atmosphere in the Heavenly Prison suddenly grew suffocating. Qu Yu looked down at his daughter before him without speaking. Seeing her usually gentle husband clashing with their well-behaved daughter, Zhao Jiayu hurried forward and said, “Oh, what’s going on? This was supposed to be a joyous occasion—how did it turn into such a mess? Ah Yu, why don’t we let bygones be bygones and just drop the matter?”
Qu Yu listened to Zhao Jiayu’s words, gritted his teeth, and exhaled through his nose. “They defied the imperial edict—that’s an unforgivable crime. How do you propose we ‘let it go’?”
“Well, we can think of something.” Zhao Jiayu glanced at the crowd, then turned to look at Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi lowered her gaze for a moment, then spoke: “Does Your Highness mean you no longer wish to ally with the Qiao family through marriage?”
Qu Yu looked at Cheng Xi. “The crime of defying an edict can be judged severely or leniently. The Qiao family openly defied the edict together—that is already disrespect to Her Majesty, and it will surely implicate Qiao Jin. Stripping her of office is the least of it. This king’s daughter, a noble imperial princess—how could she marry a mere commoner? And since they look down on this king and this king’s daughter so, why should this king show them any mercy?”
Cheng Xi analyzed Qu Yu’s words, then glanced back at Qiao Ze and Qiao Peishan still seated in their chairs. The two had narrowly escaped death and hadn’t yet caught their breath, but they had heard Qu Yu’s words clearly enough. Things had escalated to this point—clearly a few words wouldn’t be enough to resolve it.
Cheng Xi stepped forward to Qu Zhimu’s side and asked, “What does Your Highness plan to do with them? And what of Commandery Princess Rong’an’s marriage?”
“Handle it according to the law. As for Mu’er’s marriage… let it be dropped.” Qu Yu folded his hands behind his back.
“Father!” Qu Zhimu had finally gotten together with Qiao Jin—she couldn’t give up. “Didn’t you already agree?”
At the time, Zhao Jiayu had worried that Qu Yu wouldn’t agree and had gone to Qu Sheng to act as a persuader. Qu Yu had readily agreed with a smile. Now he was saying to drop the whole thing.
“This father did agree, but the Qiao family would rather defy an edict than give their daughter to you. Should our royal mansion abandon all dignity for the sake of one woman?” Qu Yu tried to talk Qu Zhimu into letting go.
“Fine. Since Father won’t let them go, I’ll go beg Little Aunt.” Qu Zhimu turned to Cheng Xi. “Maternal Aunt, please watch over them and keep them safe for a while.”
Cheng Xi scrutinized the two of them for a moment, then nodded.
No matter how domineering Qu Yu might be, he wouldn’t refuse Cheng Xi a courtesy. Cheng Xi was not only a court official but also a princess of the Haichao Kingdom, and Qu Yu’s health was personally managed by her.
Hearing Cheng Xi agree, Qu Zhimu turned to Qiao Jin beside her and said, “Wait for me. I’m going to beg Your Majesty.”
Qiao Jin watched Qu Zhimu and Qu Yu at daggers drawn, her heart aching. But if she didn’t let Qu Zhimu do this, her family’s lives would be forfeit.
Qiao Jin said nothing. Qu Zhimu gripped her hands, squeezed them, then gathered her skirts and ran out.
Qu Zhimu left the Heavenly Prison and headed straight for the Empress’s quarters. Qu Sheng had already woken and was sitting on the heated couch, drinking soup that Lin Xizhao had brought her. Seeing Qu Zhimu kneel there, Qu Sheng glanced sideways and said, “We’ve already had the pardon edict drafted. Take it and read it out.”
Qu Sheng handed her empty bowl to Lin Xizhao, who took it and ladled another small half-bowl for her.
Hearing that Qu Sheng had drafted a pardon edict for her, Qu Zhimu hurriedly kowtowed and said with a smile, “Thank you, Little Aunt. Thank you, Aunt.”
Qu Sheng waved her hand. “Go on, quickly.”
Qu Zhimu rose, nodded, and went out. Outside, a eunuch was waiting with the edict. Seeing Qu Zhimu emerge, he hastened forward with a smile and followed behind her.
Qu Zhimu rushed back from the palace quarters. The moment she entered, she said to her father, “Little Aunt’s pardon edict has been issued! Father, please release them!”
Qu Yu frowned. The eunuch behind her smiled and stepped forward, unrolling the edict in his hands, and announced, “Her Majesty has issued a decree.”
At those words, everyone knelt. Qu Yu watched everyone kneel, hesitated a moment, then strode forward and knelt as well.
“By Grace of Heaven, the Empress Decrees1: The Qiao family, in its entirety, has defied the imperial edict and shown disrespect. Qiao Ze, knowing the law, violated it—he is hereby stripped of his position as Director in the Ministry of Revenue, his academic degree revoked, and he shall never be employed again. All others are handed over to King Long for full disposition. Respect this.”
After the eunuch finished reading, Qu Zhimu, still kneeling, raised her head in disbelief and asked, “Eunuch Wei, is there a mistake?”
“In reply to Commandery Princess Rong’an: this bears Her Majesty’s Jade Seal. This servant went personally to fetch it. There is no mistake.” The eunuch smiled and bowed his head as he replied.
Qu Yu gave a cold snort, straightened his kneeling posture, and said, “This subject, Qu Yu, receives the edict. Long live my emperor, long live, long live.”
The eunuch carefully refolded the edict and respectfully placed it in Qu Yu’s hands. Qu Yu rose, turned, and glanced at his daughter.
Qu Zhimu couldn’t believe this was real. She knelt there, staring blankly at the edict in Qu Yu’s hands.
Qu Yu swept his gaze over everyone. “Her Majesty has decreed. Qiao Ze disgraced the imperial grace, openly led his entire family to defy the edict, and showed contempt for heavenly favor. The evidence is conclusive—he is sentenced to death. The rest shall be exiled to the Northern Frontier to guard the border, according to law. The Qiao family’s assets are confiscated. Their servants are to be imprisoned and sold. Someone—have them sign their confessions!”
Qu Yu was fully in charge of this case, which meant the severity was his to determine. Now that he had rendered his verdict, all that remained was for them to sign, and the matter would be settled.
The jailers produced their confession documents, and red ink pads were brought before everyone. Qiao Ze and Qiao Peishan had been untied, but they refused to sign.
Qiao Peishan, having just heard his son sentenced to death, hurried forward and knelt, weeping: “Your Highness, I beg your mercy! It was all this lowly one’s fault. My son knew nothing.”
Qu Yu gave him a cold glance, turned his back, and paid him no further attention.
When Qiao Peishan saw that he couldn’t move Qu Yu, he turned to Qu Zhimu and Qiao Jin.
“Jin’er, beg the Commandery Princess—ask her to think of something!” Qiao Peishan urgently signaled Qiao Jin with his eyes.
Qiao Jin’s heart was in chaos. Last night she had known full well that her father intended to defy the edict, yet she hadn’t tried hard enough to stop him. Now things had come to this, and she was partly to blame. But Qu Zhimu had already gone to beg Her Majesty, and the answer had been that King Long was in full charge.
She hadn’t known before that King Long resented her so deeply. Now, if she begged Qu Zhimu, she would be setting Qu Zhimu against her own father.
The marriage was her request; the annulment was her family’s doing. Did they really think imperial kin could be toyed with so easily? Qiao Jin only glanced at Qu Zhimu before lowering her head.
Qu Yu turned and looked down at Qiao Peishan. “Qiao Peishan, stop inciting your daughter. She’s complicit in this affair as well. Her official career is also over.”
Qu Yu delivered this coldly, his meaning perfectly clear—he had no intention of sparing Qiao Jin.
“Father, why are you doing this?” Qu Zhimu, who had been silent for a long while, finally spoke. Qu Yu’s sentences were excessively harsh, forcing her to think more deeply.
“We are imperial kin. Her family are all criminals now—they’re no longer fit to marry you.” Qu Yu stated this firmly.
“And if your daughter insists on marrying her?” Qu Zhimu’s gaze was resolute, stubbornness setting in.
Qu Yu looked at his daughter and coaxed, “There are many noble young ladies in the Capital City. Whichever one catches your eye, this father will seek her hand for you. Let Qiao Jin go.”
“If that’s how Father thinks, then forgive your daughter for not obeying. I will marry Qiao Jin. As for what you wish to do, I can’t control that—but if you insist on convicting the Qiao family today, then your daughter will no longer be your daughter.”
Qu Yu’s expression froze, his breathing catching for an instant.
Qu Zhimu reached out and took Qiao Jin’s hand, looking at her. “No matter where, I’ll stay by your side.”
Qiao Jin looked at this young girl before her. She had once thought her pampered and sheltered, but now found her resolve deeply moving. Yet she didn’t want Qu Zhimu to sacrifice herself like this.
Qiao Jin shook her head. “Commandery Princess, there’s no need. Qiao Jin is indeed guilty. From now on, Qiao Jin won’t be able to stay by your side.” She looked at Qu Yu and made her final plea: “Your Highness, Qiao Jin is willing to submit to the law. The Northern Frontier is harsh and cold. My father and mother have lived in the south their whole lives—they couldn’t withstand the battering of wind and snow. Qiao Jin is willing to trade her life for a path to survival for her elderly parents. I beg your mercy.”
Qiao Jin knelt and kowtowed. Qu Yu stared at her for a moment, then said, “Very well. This king will grant you this.”
“Qiao Jin thanks Your Highness for this great mercy.” Qiao Jin kowtowed again, but Qu Zhimu stood to the side without a word. She had already made up her mind: if Qu Yu dared lay a hand on her, she would follow her.
“And your elder brother—your brother…” Qiao Peishan hadn’t even registered that his daughter was trading her life to spare the two elders from the Northern Frontier. All he cared about was his son.
“Father, your daughter did her best.” Qiao Jin turned to look at him, her expression full of pity. She couldn’t save Qiao Ze. She only had one life.
“Oh!” Seeing that his daughter wouldn’t plead further, Qiao Peishan knelt facing Qu Yu and said, “Your Highness, my son was young and ignorant. He is the eldest son of my Qiao family—the main root of our line. This old man can die in his stead. I beg Your Highness’s mercy and consideration.”
Qiao Peishan began kowtowing, and Qiao Ze beside him also dropped to the ground.
The jailer, seeing this, approached Qu Yu and whispered, “Your Highness, today is the second day of the New Year. If we carry out the execution outside and the common folk see it, it’ll be ill-omened. Might as well settle it right here in the cell—this humble one will clean it up for you shortly.”
Qu Yu looked down, nodded, and said, “Make it quick.”
“Yes, rest assured.” The jailer turned, waved to his subordinates, then walked to Qiao Ze and Qiao Jin’s side, preparing to drag them off.
But when the jailer reached Qiao Jin’s side, Qu Zhimu suddenly reached out and pulled the blade from the jailer’s waist, pressing it against her own neck.
“Mu’er!” Qu Yu’s eyes went wide as he stared at his daughter.
The atmosphere in the Heavenly Prison abruptly turned taut. Everyone was startled.
Zhao Jiayu was so shaken she stood helpless, not daring to speak.
“Father, your daughter said it before: wherever Qiao Jin is, there your daughter will be. If you execute her, your daughter will follow her.” Qu Zhimu’s action had startled even Qiao Jin.
Qiao Jin, held by the jailers, stared blankly at the scene before her, heart stunned. They had known each other for only a few days. She said in a panic, “Commandery Princess, don’t do anything foolish!”
Qu Zhimu glanced at Qiao Jin, smiled bitterly, and said, “If I can’t save you today, then I’d be failing the marriage you begged Her Majesty for last night. No matter the outcome, you are this Qu Zhimu’s wife-to-be.”
“Mu’er, put the blade down first. Let’s talk this over properly.” Qu Yu held one hand out in front, edging forward slowly.
“Don’t come any closer. If Father won’t spare the Qiao family today, I’ll die right here before your eyes.” Qu Zhimu retreated half a step.
She knew Qu Yu could no longer practice martial arts and was no match for her, but she feared accidentally injuring him.
“The Qiao family doesn’t take us seriously at all. To keep their daughter from marrying you, they’d defy even an imperial edict. Even if you forced her into marriage, with people of such stubborn pride, wouldn’t they end up despising us?”
Qiao Peishan broke free from the guards’ grip and hastily knelt. “Your Highness, we agree to the marriage—willingly and wholeheartedly! Just spare my son, and the Qiao family will follow your lead from now on.”
Seeing his father kneel and beg, Qiao Ze also dropped to the ground and said, “Your Highness, if you spare my life—not just Qiao Jin, but every woman in the Qiao family, whoever the Commandery Princess fancies, Qiao Ze will offer up. I beg you, spare this worthless life!”
“Shut your mouth!” Qu Yu snapped, glaring at him in a suppressed voice.
The Qiao family all realized that only Qu Zhimu could save them—and this was their only chance.
Qu Yu looked at Qu Zhimu, his gaze sharp, then glanced at the nearest jailer, signaling him to snatch the blade from her neck.
“Your Highness.” Cheng Xi gripped the silver needles in her hand and stepped forward, stopping a short distance from Qu Zhimu. “May I say a few words?”
Everyone turned to look at this composed, cool-featured foreign princess. Cheng Xi stood with her back to Qu Zhimu, blocking the eye contact between father and daughter.
Qu Yu looked at her, his expression softening somewhat. “Dean Cheng Xi, pray speak.”
Cheng Xi dipped her gaze and nodded, then turned to face Qu Zhimu. Qu Zhimu looked at her maternal aunt, unsure what she intended, but she didn’t loosen her grip on the blade.
Cheng Xi glanced at the crowd and said, “Today’s affair arose entirely because the Qiao family refused to give their daughter in marriage. For a family of the Qiao household’s standing, there are only two reasons to refuse: face, and rank.”
“King Long’s Mansion is imperial kin—rank is not in question. So the Qiao family’s reason for defying the edict is face. I’d like to ask the Qiao family: what face exactly would Qiao Jin lose by marrying Commandery Princess Rong’an?”
When Cheng Xi finished, the Qiao family concubine and the concubine-born siblings exchanged glances, but no one dared speak up at this juncture.
“It’s because the Commandery Princess is a woman.” Madam Qiao raised her head and addressed Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi looked at her, saw that she had more to say, and gestured for her to continue.
Having spoken those words, Madam Qiao seemed freed from a constraint. “Although Her Majesty has established laws permitting women to marry one another and granting women inheritance rights, it has never been accepted among the common people. The gentlemen of respectable families are even more deeply opposed—they consider it shameful. Whenever common folk enter same-sex unions, they are ostracized by their neighbors. Some, unable to bear the humiliation, have taken their own lives together. Yet hearts remain unchanged. My husband feared that the Qiao family would be criticized and reviled, and that’s why he defied the edict and refused the marriage.”
Cheng Xi listened without showing much surprise—she had heard all this long ago. But public sentiment couldn’t be changed overnight; it required gradual guidance. Even though Qu Sheng had repeatedly issued decrees elevating women’s status, there remained a stubborn faction clinging to the old and rejecting the new.
Cheng Xi nodded, then turned to Qu Yu and asked, “Your Highness, might I have a word in private?”
Qu Yu had always been courteous to Cheng Xi. He looked first at Qu Zhimu with concern.
Cheng Xi glanced back, then turned again and said, “Rest assured, Your Highness. As long as Qiao Jin and her family come to no harm, neither will Mu’er.”
Qu Zhimu trained in martial arts—she knew her limits.
Hearing this, Qu Yu pressed his lips together for a moment, gave a slight nod, and said, “Please.”
Qu Yu and Cheng Xi went outside the interrogation hall and spoke for a long while. When they returned, only Cheng Xi came back.
Cheng Xi looked at all the people on the ground, then at Qu Zhimu’s hopeful gaze fixed upon her. The corner of her lips curved slightly, and she addressed the Qiao family: “I have persuaded King Long. He is willing to take a step back for Commandery Princess Rong’an’s sake and agree to the marriage alliance with your Qiao family after all. And as for today’s events—for the sake of both families’ face, I trust I needn’t say more?”
Qiao Ze, seasoned in officialdom, naturally understood the implication. Hearing that Qu Yu was willing to let them go, he immediately said, “Rest assured, Dean Cheng Xi. The Qiao family wholeheartedly agrees to the marriage and will certainly not mistreat my younger sister. Today’s events were nothing but a misunderstanding. We swear on our lives that we will breathe not a word of it. Please put in a good word for us with King Long. Qiao Ze thanks you for your great kindness—I will repay it with my life if need be.” Qiao Ze knelt and kowtowed to Cheng Xi, and the rest of the Qiao family hastily followed suit.
Cheng Xi accepted their obeisance without stopping them. As the Qiao family kowtowed, she looked at Qu Zhimu, still holding the blade to her neck and weeping with relief, and smiled faintly. “Why don’t you put down that blade and go apologize to your father?”
“Maternal Aunt, I…” Qu Zhimu lowered the blade, but her heart still ached.
Zhao Jiayu hurried over, took the blade from her hands, tossed it aside, and scolded, “You reckless child—how could you use your own life to threaten your father!”
“Mother.” That single word from Qu Zhimu, and her tears could no longer be stopped.
The Qiao family was sent back to the Qiao Residence. Qu Zhimu also returned to King Long’s Mansion. Qu Yu sat in the room holding a cup of tea, but he hadn’t taken a single sip. He stared straight ahead in a daze, his palms slick with sweat, his heart full of lingering shock and dread.
Qu Zhimu was led into the room by Zhao Jiayu, her head lowered, not daring to look up at Qu Yu.
“Go apologize to your father.” Zhao Jiayu gave her a gentle push.
Qu Zhimu shuffled forward a few steps, then stopped where she stood, not daring to go closer.
Zhao Jiayu walked over and took the cold cup of tea from Qu Yu’s hands. “You shouldn’t drink cold tea.”
Qu Yu raised his eyes, his gaze softening. “I didn’t.” He had been holding the tea the whole time without drinking it.
Zhao Jiayu didn’t argue with him. She poured him a fresh cup.
“Father, your daughter knows she was wrong.” Qu Zhimu kept her head down, her hands hanging at her sides, unsure where to put them.
She had already heard from Cheng Xi on the way back: her father had never intended to put the Qiao family to death. And what he’d done was known to Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao as well.
Cheng Xi had only confirmed this after speaking with Qu Yu outside.
The Qiao family still clung to their old ways, believing women were born to assist their husbands and educate their children2, and that a woman marrying another woman was intolerable. But Qiao Ze’s motives regarding his sister weren’t purely about this.
Last night, it was he who had stirred up Qiao Peishan to lock Qiao Jin in the firewood shed. Today’s defiance of the edict was mostly his doing—to prevent his sister from continuing to show her face in officialdom.
Qiao Jin’s talents were plain for all to see. As the eldest son, being outshone by a woman left him bitter. He had persuaded again and again until Qiao Peishan led the entire family to defy the edict.
What he hadn’t anticipated was that Qu Yu would slap them with such an enormous charge—nearly resulting in confiscation of their property and exile, and himself nearly losing his head.
Qiao Ze’s official post had been removed at Lin Xizhao’s instruction. The man lacked great talent yet couldn’t tolerate others—least of all his own sister, to say nothing of outsiders.
After this ordeal, the Qiao family would never again behave as arrogantly as before, and their attitude toward Qiao Jin would surely change. Though the trouble had started because of her, it was also Qiao Jin who had saved the entire family.
Given how harshly Qu Yu had treated Qiao Jin, they also understood that they were sending her into a den of tigers and wolves, and would inevitably feel some guilt.
At the time, to prevent Qiao Jin from being blamed by her family afterward, Qu Yu had even charged her along with the rest—yet who could have predicted it would drive his daughter to nearly slit her own throat before his eyes.
Qu Yu looked up, smiled gently, and said, “The Qiao family has already sent over Qiao Jin’s gengtie3. The wedding is set for the sixth of next month.”
“Father…” Qu Zhimu’s nose stung and tears flowed unstoppably again. She rushed to Qu Yu and embraced him. “Your daughter will never again gamble with her own life.”
Qu Yu had survived because of Qu Zhimu’s birth, yet the Qu Yu who lived on because of her had nearly witnessed the end of that very life.
Such a blow struck Qu Yu to the core.
Qu Yu raised his arm and held his daughter, smiling. “You’re about to be married—how are you still acting like a child?” He reached up and gently wiped the tears from Qu Zhimu’s face. “No more crying.” How could he truly blame his daughter?
One month later.
A few days remained before Qu Zhimu’s wedding. King Long’s Mansion had already hung red lanterns. These past few days Zhao Jiayu had been busy sending out invitations and purchasing wedding supplies. Though tired, she enjoyed every moment.
Qu Yu’s health didn’t permit overexertion. He had fallen ill for a few days because of the Qiao family affair. Though recovered, his body was still somewhat depleted. He would have to wait until the warmth of spring returned before having Cheng Xi properly nurse his health back.
Xiao Bingying had already begun her palace guard shifts. On her days off every few days, she would sit in at the Medicine Hall.
To keep Xiao Bingying from overtaxing herself, Cheng Xi no longer had her escort her in the mornings—she only asked that she come pick her up in the evenings if she was free.
Xiao Bingying didn’t insist on pushing herself. During the day she no longer went to the National Medical Academy; only in the evenings, when the palace didn’t require her guard duty, would she go to fetch Cheng Xi.
Today was Cheng Xi’s last day of compiling the medical text. Before Xiao Bingying could come pick her up, she had already returned to the residence on her own.
With Qu Zhimu’s wedding coming up in a few days—their own wedding had required quite a bit of Qu Yu’s help, so it was their turn to pitch in now—they fetched Zhao Ningying, and the wife and wife headed to King Long’s Mansion.
They had expected the mansion to be swamped with preparations, but upon arrival they found Zhao Jiayu drinking with Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi.
Seeing the two of them arrive, Zhao Jiayu hurriedly waved them to sit down and had the servants set out extra bowls and chopsticks.
“I thought you two weren’t coming.” Zhao Jiayu poured wine while looking at Xiao Bingying.
Xiao Bingying watched her cup fill and smiled. “How could we not? We said we’d come—how could we break our word?”
“I’ve already sent out most of Mu’er’s wedding invitations. Our Zhao Residence’s side—you’ll need to check back later for any oversights.” Zhao Jiayu moved on to pour wine for Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi glanced around the room and asked, “Where’s Jie’er?”
Zhu Ming’an, picking up food for Jin Mingyi, replied, “She went with Mu’er to the Qiao Residence.”
“Qianjie-meimei went to the Qiao Residence? Then I want to go too.” Zhao Ningying couldn’t sit still.
Qu Yu smiled and called a servant, ordering a carriage prepared to take Zhao Ningying to the Qiao Residence.
Once Qu Yu spoke, Zhao Jiayu said, “Cheng Xi, after the meal, check on Ah Yu again. He tossed and turned until late into the night last night.”
Cheng Xi looked at Qu Yu, studied him for a moment, and seeing his complexion was decent, smiled. “All right. I’ll see if I can add a few more herbs to his prescription.”
Qiao Residence.
Though the wedding was imminent, Qiao Jin hadn’t forgotten the writing she still needed to do. Qu Zhimu stood at her side, grinding ink and moistening her brush. Qiao Jin, her sleeves bound back with sleeve bands4, brushed elegant characters onto the paper stroke by stroke. When she paused, Qu Zhimu leaned over to look.
Lost in thought, Qiao Jin noticed Qu Zhimu’s head leaning close and smiled without stopping her.
“Mu-jiejie, these water chestnuts taste even better dipped in sugar. Try some.” The moment Zhu Qianjie arrived, she went straight for the food. She popped a peeled water chestnut into her mouth, crunching one after another without pause.
Qu Zhimu looked over and saw her cheeks puffed full. She walked over and picked up a piece, dipped it in sugar, and ate it. It was indeed delicious—though still not quite up to Lin Xizhao’s water chestnut cake.
“Qiao Jin, have one too.” Qu Zhimu picked up a piece, cupped it in her hand, and walked to Qiao Jin’s side.
Qiao Jin set down her brush, and when Qu Zhimu brought the water chestnut over, she opened her small mouth and accepted it.
“How’s the taste?” Qu Zhimu asked eagerly.
Qiao Jin nodded, chewing carefully. “Refreshing, and not too sweet.”
Qu Zhimu listened to her answer, watching her soft, glossy lips move. She glanced back at Zhu Qianjie, who was entirely absorbed in her water chestnuts, then turned back and quickly kissed Qiao Jin on the lips.
Qiao Jin froze. She looked at Qu Zhimu, somewhat at a loss—but she felt no aversion.
A brief silence passed between them. Zhu Qianjie looked over from the side, saw the two of them just staring at each other without moving, and asked, “What’s wrong with you two?”
The thick, intimate atmosphere between them was broken. Qu Zhimu turned and said, “Ah—I just remembered I needed Qiao Jin to prepare something for me. Qianjie-meimei, you stay here and eat. We’ll be right back.”
Before Zhu Qianjie could respond, Qu Zhimu pulled Qiao Jin toward the door. Zhu Qianjie watched them leave, then simply lowered her head and resumed eating.
The two skirted past the pavilion outside the study and went to the corridor opposite. Qu Zhimu, with eyes that could see as clearly in the darkness of night as in daylight, gazed at Qiao Jin, who would in a few short days become her wife. Her throat bobbed. Breathing slightly fast, she said, “Qiao Jin, I want to—may I?”
What she meant was self-evident.
Qiao Jin lowered her gaze for a moment, a faint blush coloring her face, and gave a soft “Mm.”
Hearing Qiao Jin’s answer, Qu Zhimu pressed her lips together, her heart racing. She slowly leaned in. After their breaths mingled for a moment in the space between them, their lips touched.
At first Qu Zhimu was clumsy, unsure how to kiss. Then she recalled how she’d seen adults kiss before and, imitating their movements, began to caress gently, her lips pressing and sucking.
Qiao Jin followed her lead, and they melded into the kiss. Qu Zhimu grew bolder, raising both arms to wrap Qiao Jin’s slender waist in her embrace.
Just as the two were deepening into the kiss, a familiar voice rang out from afar.
Zhao Ningying stood staring at the two figures under the distant corridor. She squinted, discerning, drawing closer, closer still—until she could make out who they were, and what they were doing.
Zhao Ningying muttered under her breath, “Oh my heaven—I didn’t see anything.” She turned to leave but bumped into the maid who had been following behind her.
Zhao Ningying’s martial-trained body, turning sharply, knocked the Qiao Residence maid clean to the ground. The maid cried out in pain. Zhao Ningying hurried to help her up, and when the maid rose and turned, she saw Qu Zhimu looking their way.
The author has something to say:
Zhao Ningying: “Oh my god, Ning-jiejie, come quick!”
Qu Ning: “Coming, coming!”
Qu Zhimu: “…”
Leave a comment for a red packet! Today’s an extra-long chapter. The story will wrap up soon. I’ll add some bonus chapters after completion.
Footnotes
- The traditional opening formula of Chinese imperial edicts, invoking the Mandate of Heaven. 'Empress' here denotes the female emperor.
- A traditional Confucian ideal prescribing that a woman's proper role is to support her husband and raise children.
- A traditional document exchanged between families during betrothal, containing the prospective couple's birth dates and times for astrological compatibility assessment.
- Cloth bands tied around the forearms to hold back loose sleeves during calligraphy or other manual work.
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