Fate Trading System – Chapter 203.2

Plan A

Guiding Stars 19

Minran

As a super-intelligent AI, Fourteen’s statistical and data processing abilities were unquestionable. By consolidating the complex information from the documents and categorizing them, many things became clear at a glance.

A super search engine allowed Fourteen to gather a lot of information about this world, organize it, and then relay it to Su Xin. The tangled relationships were sorted out and memorized by Su Xin.

Su Xin had a secret meeting with Pei Yu. Six years had passed, and Pei Yu had transformed from that naive young girl into the cunning Pei Daren [大人 | dàrén | respectful title for officials] of today. Her official rank had steadily risen, not all at once.

Pei Yu had changed from an idealistic youth into an old fox, the two personalities completely merging, adapting to external influences and changing her attitude towards many people and things. The only thing that hadn’t changed was her attitude towards Su Xin.

They hadn’t stopped exchanging letters during these six years. After all, while Su Xin knew the general events that had unfolded here, she needed letters to convey her own knowledge and strategies.

Su Xin told Pei Yu her plan, then picked up the cup on the table and took a small sip of tea.

Pei Yu nodded, indicating she understood.

“Your Highness, is it truly decided that it will be him? But this official has heard…”

Pei Yu had always been sharp-eared and keen-eyed. Because she needed to gather information, she had planted many hidden stakes [眼线暗桩 | yǎnxiàn ànzhuāng | informants and spies]. Naturally, she knew more unsavory gossip than others.

“I know everything you’re talking about, but this is the effect I want.”

Pei Yu’s expression was complex. She couldn’t understand why Su Xin would do this.

“I naturally have my reasons. Just do as I say. By the way, how have you been recently?”

Although Pei Yu was seven years older than Su Xin, and now in her twenties or thirties, she couldn’t help but tremble inwardly when facing her young mistress.

It had been alright before. At that time, Su Xin still treated her with respect. But six years had passed, and many people and things had changed drastically. Pei Yu was no longer the passionate youth who wanted to constantly push forward and change everything she disliked. She had become more profound and cautious, practically walking on thin ice. Because the higher her position, the more enemies she made. She didn’t know how many people wanted to pull her down. For her family and Su Xin, she had to be extremely careful.

“Things are pretty good. If the age difference wasn’t so large, and if it were possible to form a marriage alliance with you, this official would truly have other ideas.”

Pei Yu had already married four years ago. Now she had one husband and one concubine at home, as well as one son and one daughter.

“Be careful not to have a fire in the backyard [后院起火 | hòuyuàn qǐhuǒ | idiom referring to domestic troubles]. It can be very troublesome.”

Pei Yu’s expression became even stranger, but she still held back a smile and nodded.

There was a special flower in the capital. This flower bloomed only in autumn.

Because its blooming period was unusual, it attracted more attention.

In this fruitful season, when other flowers and plants had begun to wither, the blooming period of the Zhiyu Flower [枝语话 | zhī yǔ huà] was just arriving.

The fragrance of the Zhiyu Flower was very pleasant, giving people a comfortable experience. Autumn was a windy season, but not with a cold, biting wind. Instead, a gentle, slow breeze carried the fragrance of the flowers, enough to refresh the mind.

Although spring was still some distance away, this was indeed a budding period distinct from spring.

Beneath the profusion of blossoms, a handsome young woman’s curving eyes were enough to capture the hearts of several young men in the women’s quarters [闺中少男 | guīzhōng shàonán | unmarried young men of marriageable age].

Su Xin needed to act this way now, dressing herself very attractively, as handsome as possible, a 360-degree captivating presence that could stir the heart.

Lord Fourteen, honestly, I think my current image is a bit… emmm, it’s especially like a courting peacock.

【This one [literally “one who is below”] thinks… it’s alright, not quite to that extent yet.】

Su Xin had been flaunting this appearance for several days. Wherever that person appeared, she would definitely appear as well. But she didn’t go forward to chat, just did her own thing. Actually, there was nothing else to do, just sit there drinking tea, eating pastries, silently showing off.

Qin Minran [秦敏然 | Qín Mǐnrán] sat there blushing, secretly looking at the woman sitting not far from him, a veil covering his face, displaying the demeanor of a refined young man.

“Xi’er [喜儿 | Xǐ’er], I saw her again. Do you think this is fate?”

“Young Master… perhaps it’s just a coincidence. Do you plan to shift your target? Are you still angry with the Second Princess?”

Xi’er spoke carefully and with some difficulty. His master’s change had begun a few days ago. While passing by, he had caught a glimpse of the First Princess beneath the blooming flowers, and his heart was immediately captivated.

People were visual creatures. An attractive appearance could undoubtedly add many points to a person. Xi’er felt that the First Princess was truly elegant and refined, possessing a temperament unlike any other woman. But it was precisely because she was so outstanding that Xi’er worried.

Because his young master had some other feelings with the Second Princess and had done some indescribable things [做出了一些不可描述的事情 | zuòchū le yīxiē bùkě miáoshù de shìqíng | euphemism for sexual activity]. The Second Princess had originally intended to discuss marriage, but it seemed that Virtuous Noble Consort didn’t agree, and the master of the house also seemed unhappy that the young master was too close to the Second Princess.

“Why should I be angry with her? Why should I be angry with her? She doesn’t care about me anyway, doesn’t like me. Isn’t it just greed for… Hmph… If she doesn’t marry me, so be it. Plenty of people want to marry me.”

Qin Minran’s expression under the veil changed instantly. Although his mouth said so, his eyes couldn’t help but redden.

They clearly already had that kind of intimate relationship, but the Second Princess still hadn’t made a move. He didn’t know how many times he had told her to marry him, but there was still no news.

Coupled with his loving mother’s stern opposition, Qin Minran didn’t understand why. He just wanted to marry his sweetheart willingly, but the external resistance wasn’t that great.

“I need to stimulate her a bit, give her a sense of crisis. She shouldn’t always ignore me. She needs to know that I’m actually very sought after. What does it mean to leave me hanging like this? Mother still doesn’t know about the further development between us. I must force her to act quickly. Otherwise, if Mother makes a decision for me, things will be even more troublesome.”

“This servant understands.”

Xi’er nodded, his eyes filled with worry.

Su Xin was interested not only in the complex relationship between Qin Minran and Yue Xinglan, but also in the power behind him.

A few days later, Su Xin began to make her actions more overt.

Qin Minran was wearing a veil, looking down from the upstairs of the teahouse. The teahouse hosted a poetry gathering, but he didn’t plan to participate, merely sitting aside and observing.

A flower with water droplets clinging to it was presented before him, looking delicate and extremely beautiful.

Qin Minran was startled. He looked up and saw Su Xin standing there, looking at him.

The First Princess possessed something that other women in the capital did not have, something very attractive. Her face was handsome, her eyes like a deep pool, drawing people in and captivating them. Yet, the aura around her wasn’t frivolous, but rather possessed a settled charm.

Although Qin Minran’s heart belonged to someone else, he couldn’t help but be slightly swayed. His heart filled with confusion.

“Would you care to join me for tea?”

Su Xin came gracefully, appearing very calm, her eyes meeting Qin Minran’s, clear and bright. Inwardly, however, she was frantically criticizing her current appearance.

“O-okay.”

Qin Minran couldn’t help but stammer a little. He realized his current state was a bit embarrassing and immediately blushed, grateful that his face was covered by a veil, so the woman opposite couldn’t see.

“Thank you.”

They sat like this for the whole afternoon, not talking much, just exchanging views on a few poems, drinking tea, and eating some pastries. Qin Minran felt very comfortable. This way of interacting didn’t make him feel anxious or awkward but gave him a sense of calmness. The troubles brought about by his sweetheart had mostly dissipated.

They both clearly knew each other’s true identities but didn’t expose them.

This was Su Xin’s first attempt at courting a man [流汗 | liúhàn | literally: to sweat; slang for courting]. Although this sturdy fellow was no different from a younger sister, Su Xin still didn’t really like being together with this kind of sensitive creature. Although she thought girls were cute, it depended on what kind of girl.

Su Xin was a very straightforward person and wasn’t very good with feelings. Although she cared about her partner’s feelings, she didn’t quite understand sensitivity and fragility.

“It’s getting late. You should go back early.”

Su Xin glanced outside. It was nearing dusk. They had been sitting there for four hours.

“Alright.”

Qin Minran nodded.

“You seem to have a lot on your mind. If we can meet again tomorrow, you can tell me everything.”

“Oh? How can you tell I have a lot on my mind?”

“There’s a Zhiyu Flower hidden between your eyebrows.”

Beautiful yet melancholic.

“I’ll pay for the tea. You may leave now.”

Su Xin said with a smile.

Qin Minran left with slightly trembling legs. Su Xin stroked her chin, inwardly clicking her tongue.

“Young Master, why does this servant feel like your stance has wavered…”

As Xi’er listened to him speak, his heart couldn’t help but tremble. He worried whether his young master could resist this kind of pursuit. But clearly, he couldn’t hold on.

“Xi’er, what should I do now? Does the First Princess’ behavior mean she’s interested in me? Does it?”

In the carriage on the way home, Qin Minran grabbed Xi’er’s sleeve, anxiously asking, hoping for an affirmative answer.

“In this servant’s opinion… yes.”

“Then what should I do? Which one should I choose?”

“Young Master… have you forgotten what you’ve done? If you want to be with the First Princess again, and she discovers… we’re finished.”

Xi’er widened his eyes and nudged Qin Minran’s arm.

Every man had a gecko cinnabar [守宫砂 | shǒugōngshā | virginity mark], applied when they were young as a proof of their chastity.

When they grew up and married, their qizhu [妻主 | qīzhǔ | Wife Master] would break their body [破身 | pòshēn | to deflower], and the gecko cinnabar would naturally disappear. Before that happened, the gecko cinnabar would always remain on the arm.

But Qin Minran’s gecko cinnabar was gone. It had disappeared the first time he was intimate with the Second Princess.

Xi’er was furious with his own negligence. Qin Minran wasn’t exactly young, but his mentality was truly childlike, very willful. He did whatever he liked, without regard for feudal etiquette, spoiled by the master of the house.

It was inevitable for two people who liked each other to become passionate. Both were at a vigorous age. So, the Second Princess and the Young Master… did that, and it happened without Xi’er’s knowledge.

When Xi’er found out, he almost went crazy. He hadn’t looked after his master well. But the mistake had already been made. Xi’er could only try to cover it up, to prevent others from finding out.

If the master of the house found out, given how much she doted on the young master, she would definitely quickly arrange a future for him. And he, a lowly servant, having learned such a big secret and being so negligent in his duties, would definitely be put to death. Xi’er didn’t want to die.

Xi’er immediately used cinnabar to draw an identical mark and repeatedly warned him not to let anyone see it.

Fortunately, the gecko cinnabar was usually on the arm, usually completely covered by clothing. He was a young master from a respectable family, so no one would suspect his impurity.

According to the rules, someone like Qin Minran should be drowned in a cage [沉笼 | chénlóng | a form of capital punishment, often associated with sexual misconduct]. But what worried Xi’er was that his young master didn’t think there was anything wrong with his behavior and even felt he had done the right thing, because it was for love.

To hell with love.

“But… I don’t want to hurt her feelings. She seems like a very, very good person, and she’s so beautiful…”

A blush crept onto Qin Minran’s face. The veil had been removed, and Xi’er could clearly see his expression.

Xi’er felt internally injured and wished he could shake his young master awake.

Please, open your eyes and see what kind of person you are! Do you know what you are now? Damaged goods! Damaged goods, understand? Which woman would marry a man who had an affair with someone else before marriage? Not only an affair, but the most unforgivable kind! Who would marry such a person? Even the poorest woman wouldn’t marry such damaged goods! And that person wasn’t just anyone, but the most noble First Princess! The one who might inherit the throne! Inherit the throne! And you weren’t just involved with anyone! It was with her sister! The Second Princess!

Xi’er roared internally, to the point of vomiting blood. But he couldn’t do anything. He still remembered his place, he couldn’t offend his superior. He was worried sick about his own life.

“Young Master, you have been intimate with the Second Princess more than once. This servant has tried to dissuade you, but to no avail. You already belong to the Second Princess, right? So, you shouldn’t do anything to betray her. Otherwise, how heartbroken she would be.”

Tears welled up in Qin Minran’s eyes, making his already beautiful face even more stunning.

“I don’t belong to her. There’s no official title, no formal engagement. If she doesn’t marry me, I’ll marry someone else and make her regret it for the rest of her life.”

Qin Minran bit his lip, looking as if he was about to cry.

Xi’er wanted to bang his head against the carriage and die, or maybe take Qin Minran with him.

The master of the house loved the young master’s father very much. After the young master’s father passed away when he was young, the master poured all her love for her partner and child onto the young master, giving him double the love and care, being both father and mother to him. That’s why the young master was so spoiled.

The young master didn’t want to learn complicated embroidery, so the master didn’t make him. The young master didn’t want to read the male precepts [男戒 | nánjiè | rules of conduct for men], so the master didn’t make him. She let the young master do whatever he liked, such as playing the qin [琴 | qín | a seven-stringed zither], painting, and writing poetry. That’s how things got to this point, how he developed this kind of temperament.

“If both imperial princesses proposed to you, which one would you choose?”

Xi’er was truly worried that Qin Minran’s brain would break. He couldn’t say his young master was bad. Qin Minran was indeed a good person, in a certain sense. Very kind, a little naive, exceptionally talented in playing the qin, painting, and writing poetry. Coupled with his breathtaking beauty, he could easily marry into a good family and enjoy endless pampering.

But the young master had no discerning eye, no mind for scheming against others, and even more terrifyingly, no deep sense of propriety. He didn’t think it was shameful to have been intimate with another woman before marriage and even thought he was noble for doing so, because it was for love.

And now, he might even transfer his affections to someone else.

“I…”

Qin Minran appeared very hesitant.

Xi’er almost cried. He had originally thought the young master would firmly state his answer, but he hesitated.

Of course, he should marry the Second Princess. They had already been intimate. If he married the First Princess, wouldn’t that completely enrage the Second Princess? And if the First Princess found out about what happened between the young master and the Second Princess, would the young master still have good days ahead?

No woman, no matter how good-tempered, could tolerate her man doing such a thing.

Such a simple multiple-choice question, and the young master actually hesitated. Xi’er felt he had seen a dark future.

“Young Master, you mustn’t hesitate. You must marry the Second Princess, understand?”

“Why? This is a major event in my life. Xi’er, you’re overstepping your bounds.”

Qin Minran said with dissatisfaction.

Xi’er pinched his palm, maintaining a respectful appearance, enduring it all.

“Because, Young Master, you have already been intimate with the Second Princess so many times, maybe you’re already…”

“Didn’t you make me take medicine every time? I drank medicine before every… encounter, and afterward as well. It’s absolutely impossible for me to be pregnant.”

Qin Minran said with a little smugness.

Good heavens, just kill me.

Xi’er was speechless and sat quietly to the side.

Why did he have to get involved with the First and Second Princesses of all people?

There was simply no possibility of a friendly relationship between them. Even sisters with good relationships might become enemies because of this. There were already no feelings between the First and Second Princesses.

A few days later, the Emperor summoned Su Xin to the palace.

Su Xin’s actions, although not exactly high-profile, weren’t low-profile either. The Emperor naturally heard some rumors.

“Chen Er is already eighteen, isn’t she? It’s time she had a companion.”

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