The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 61

Before You, I Dare Not Wield an Axe at Lu Ban’s Gate¹

Upon hearing the sounds from outside, everyone in the room turned to look at the door.

Chengxi set down her pipa² and rose, walking over to the others with Lin Xizhao.

Qu Yu and Qu Ting went to the entrance first. Qu Ting opened the door and saw the household guards also blocking the yachai³ outside. His gaze fell upon Feng Qi as he asked, “What is going on?”

Hearing his voice, Feng Qi, who had been standing there blocking the yachai’s path, turned, saluted Qu Ting and Qu Yu, and replied, “The authorities say they want to arrest the Fourth Young Master.”

“Arrest?” Hearing this, Qu Ting’s face showed a warm anger. He looked at the nearby yachai and demanded, “May I ask what crime my fourth younger brother has committed? And do you have a warrant for his arrest?”

At these words, the yachai’s arrogant bluster from before deflated somewhat. He replied, “In response to the Third Young Master Qu, it’s like this. Last night, a fire broke out at the Earl Yongshan’s Residence…”

“Do you have a warrant for his arrest?” Qu Ting did not let him continue his nonsense. It was nothing more than the deaths of Earl Yongshan and his wife being pinned on Qu Yu.

“This… no, we don’t. But there is pressure from above, and my lord wishes to invite the Fourth Young Master Qu over to ask a few questions.”

“If it is merely questioning, then that means there is no evidence whatsoever. On what grounds are you using the word ‘arrest’?” Qu Ting began biting texts and chewing words⁴, seizing on the term and refusing to let it go.

The yachai, knowing he was in the wrong, fell silent, an embarrassed look on his face.

“My fourth younger brother is a court-appointed official⁵. Since you are seeking him for questioning, you can have your lord wait,” Qu Ting shot him a glance, his expression still unpleasant. A perfectly good New Year, ruined by these people.

“This…” The yachai’s face filled with distress. He said hurriedly, “Third Young Master, please don’t make things difficult for us. We are only acting on orders. Her Ladyship, the Imperial Noble Consort, has thrown a fit—”

“FUCK OFF!” Qu Ting gave him no chance to continue. Just because an imperial noble consortlost her temper, a court-appointed official was to be arrested for questioning without a shred of evidence? If word of this got out, would it not be a cause for ridicule?

Startled by Qu Ting’s ferocity, the yachai shrank back and forced a placating smile. “Third Young Master, please don’t be angry. We humble ones will get lost right now.” In this country of Tiansheng, the Marquis Qu’s family was not one to be trifled with either.

Qu Ting watched coldly as the yachai left, then looked at Qu Yu. Qu Yu gave a slight shrug, his handsome brows arching for a moment.

The two returned to the room. Everyone else had already stood up; they had heard the exchange outside.

Qu Ting and Qu Yu glanced at Qu Sheng. Lin Xizhao was lowering her eyes, lost in thought, while Zhao Jiayu looked completely baffled. Qu Ting’s wife, of the Qian clan, saw their grim expressions and spoke up. “Since the authorities have come to question him, someone must have said something. I think it would be best for Fourth Brother to make a trip, so as not to fall into people’s mouths and tongues.”⁶

Hearing this, Qu Ting pondered for a moment before looking to Qu Yu. Qu Yu felt her words were reasonable. It was one thing for them to summon someone for questioning, but it would be another matter entirely if they refused to go. Even without evidence, if someone with ill intentions wanted to make an issue of this, they would be able to handle it, but they did not want to stir up unnecessary trouble.

Qu Yu lowered his gaze for a moment and said, “Then I shall go and see what they are planning.”

On the first day of the new spring, the Capital Prefecture Yamen⁷ held a court session, an absolutely unprecedented event. Qu Yu stood in the hall being questioned, while Zhao Jiayu and the others accompanied him outside. The Capital Prefecture Magistrate’s questions were simply about what Qu Yu had been doing that night.

Qu Yu answered each one. Afterward, due to the complete lack of evidence, the Capital Prefecture Magistrate had no choice but to step down from his dais and apologize. “This official was also helpless today. Word came from above to find the culprit quickly, and because some days prior, during your wedding, Earl Yongshan and your family tied a beam between you—”⁸

“Lord Fuyin⁹, you are mistaken. It was they who felt they had offended us; we never considered it a major affair. He lost his son in middle age, and we understand his pain. Moreover, His Majesty has already reprimanded him. Fortunately, the auspicious time¹⁰ was not delayed, and my wife and my father-in-law and mother-in-law were not angry, so we paid it no mind. As for some people… hmph, to think they would try to pin the death of Earl Yongshan on us is truly disheartening.” Qu Yu showed not a trace of panic. He knew that he would be the first person suspected in Earl Yongshan’s death, which was why he had not gone out last night.

“Yes, we sent people to investigate the fire at Earl Yongshan’s Residence, and it was indeed an accident. It is just that the Imperial Noble Consort has lost two nephews and now her own brother, so she was overcome by rage…” the Capital Prefecture Magistrate said with a calm tone, explaining his predicament.

Qu Yu glanced at the Prefecture Magistrate and said, “Qu Yu understands the lord’s difficulties. However, there are some things that even the heavens cannot stomach. You and I are powerless against them.” Qu Yu attributed Earl Yongshan’s death to punishment from the heavens.

Since the investigation had already confirmed it was an accident, was that not the heavens bringing down disaster?

After the questioning was finished, the Prefecture Magistrate personally escorted Qu Yu out of the yamen’s main hall. Seeing Qu Yu emerge, Zhao Jiayu hurried forward. Qu Yu saw her worried expression, reached out to touch her cheek, and smiled. He then said to the others, “It is fine now. Let us go back.”

Back at the restaurant, they had not had their fill of wine, and because Qu Yu had been hauled off to the yamen, Zhao Jiayu suggested they go to Lin Xizhao’s small courtyard home to drink to their hearts’ content. After all this back and forth, she was hungry too.

The group went to Lin Xizhao’s small courtyard. It was the first time for Qu Ting and his wife, Qian Shuangying.¹¹ When Qian Shuangying heard that the others often came here, she smiled. “Then you cannot leave me out in the future.”

Zhao Jiayu immediately replied, “Third Sister-in-law, rest assured. From now on, you will be the first person I drag along.”

Hearing this, Qian Shuangying smiled at Qu Ting.

The people of the Qu family almost never quarreled. In all the time Qian Shuangying had been married into the family, she and Qu Ting had never even had a moment of flushed faces. But she had also never encountered a girl with as frank a personality as Zhao Jiayu. Having been accustomed to propriety and convention, the sudden addition of someone who was unruly yet harmless was a welcome change. In just a few short days, she had grown to like this younger sister-in-law.

While they chatted idly, servants from Houxiang Tower arrived with their food. Because they had failed to stop the yamen runners and had dampened everyone’s spirits, the restaurant manager sent over several extra dishes.

Zhao Jiayu raised her cup to toast everyone, spouting auspicious New Year’s phrases. But today, it was as if her mouth had no gate; she chattered on and on, seemingly trying to reclaim the face she had lost that morning when her mind went blank.

Seeing that she was about to continue, Lin Xizhao laughed. “Alright, if you say any more, the wine will get cold.”

In winter, the wine was always served warm, and with a brazier lit in the room, it was quite cozy. The wine would not actually get cold, but if Zhao Jiayu was allowed to go on like this, she would probably not stop until she ran out of words.

Zhao Jiayu’s eyes crinkled in a smile. “Fine, I will stop talking. I wish us all that our financial resources be wide and enter¹² in the new year. And I wish my Ah Jie and Xizhao find a good husband soon.”

It was originally a welcome blessing, but to the ears of Lin Xizhao and Xiao Bingying, it did not sound quite so pleasant. Still, they smiled and raised their cups with the others for a drink.

After three cups and two small glasses of warm wine, Zhao Jiayu once again wanted to hear Lin Xizhao and Chengxi play together.

Lin Xizhao did not specialize in music, but since she knew how to play, there were naturally instruments in her courtyard.

Lin Xizhao had a servant bring out a yaqin¹³ and a pipa, and together with Chengxi, she replayed the piece they had left unfinished.

The two were a rare match in their performance. Having found a soulmate in music, they naturally wanted to play a few more songs.

Zhao Jiayu held her wine cup, swaying her head as she watched them play, noticing the occasional glances they shared. The appreciation in their eyes suddenly made her feel that she had been overthinking things.

Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng had been like twin sisters since childhood. Chengxi had always been cared for by her own Ah Jie in the Xiao Residence. She loved all beautiful people, let alone her own sister. The four of them only shared the bonds of sisterhood.

After they played a few more pieces, Chengxi began to teach Lin Xizhao some of the melodies from the Haichao Kingdom. She even taught some of the court music, holding nothing back as if to empty one’s pouch to teach another.¹⁴

Qu Sheng sat to one side, watching Lin Xizhao talk constantly with Chengxi, never once looking at her. A strange sense of jealousy welled up in her heart. She sat at the banquet table and began to drink by herself.

While the others talked and chatted idly, Qu Sheng drank cup after cup. In the time it took Zhao Jiayu to exchange a few words with Xiao Bingying, Qu Sheng had already finished a whole pot of wine on her own.

Zhao Jiayu saw a nearby maidservant about to take the wine pot away to refill it. She got up, walked over, picked up the pot in front of Qu Sheng, and shook it. “No way, Xiao Sheng’er, you drank it all?” she exclaimed in surprise.

Zhao Jiayu’s astonished cry caused Lin Xizhao, who was not far away learning a new score, to turn her head and look over. Lin Xizhao said a word to Chengxi, then rose and walked to Qu Sheng’s side.

“Sheng’er.” Lin Xizhao saw that Qu Sheng’s face was slightly flushed. She raised a hand to her forehead to check her temperature.

She was not hot. Why had she drunk so much by herself?

“I did not make her drink so much,” Zhao Jiayu immediately clarified. She had been talking with Xiao Bingying and the others and had not been paying attention to Qu Sheng.

The other members of the Qu family were also somewhat bewildered. Qu Sheng was not one for words, but she had always known her limits. Drinking this much was clearly not her usual style.

Lin Xizhao did not question Qu Sheng, simply saying to the others, “I will help Sheng’er get some rest first.” She then glanced at Zhao Jiayu. “Jiayu, please look after everyone.”

Zhao Jiayu nodded. “Go on. With me here, you can rest easy.” Zhao Jiayu was the most familiar with this place. With the host gone, she had to take over the duty of looking after the guests.

Lin Xizhao supported Qu Sheng as they walked to the small courtyard where they stayed in this residence. As Lin Xizhao helped Qu Sheng take off her outer robe, she looked up and saw Qu Sheng’s hazy, deep eyes fixed tightly upon her.

“Sheng’er…”

Lin Xizhao seemed to understand Qu Sheng’s intent, because after their gazes met for a moment, Qu Sheng’s eyes drifted downwards.

Before Lin Xizhao could finish her sentence, Qu Sheng kissed her. Fueled by wine, the kiss was somewhat domineering. Lin Xizhao felt the urge to resist, not because the kiss hurt her, but because she felt she should not continue to feign ignorance when she knew better.

Her kisses for Qu Sheng were no longer as pure as they had been at the start, so even when Qu Sheng initiated it, she felt as if she were the one taking liberties with Qu Sheng.

To indulge Qu Sheng was to indulge the filth in her own heart, to defile Qu Sheng.

Lin Xizhao used some force to push Qu Sheng away. The moment she was pushed, Qu Sheng stumbled back onto the bed, pulling Lin Xizhao down with her.

Qu Sheng had drunk too much. When pushed, she had little strength left, and after falling onto the bed, she could no longer keep her eyes open.

Lin Xizhao was sprawled on top of Qu Sheng. Fearing she might crush her, she quickly rolled to the side and checked on her. “Sheng’er, did I hurt you?”

At her words, Qu Sheng opened her eyes. Looking at Lin Xizhao before her, she raised a hand to touch her cheek. She tried to sit up, but due to the drunkenness, her head fell back limply.

“I will go get you some sobering-up soup.” Lin Xizhao had already ordered someone to brew it and keep it warm during the banquet, and it had already been brought into the room.

By the time Lin Xizhao came back with a bowl of the soup, Qu Sheng had already fallen asleep.

By the time Zhao Jiayu had noticed Qu Sheng drinking, the maidservant had already refilled her pot several times, so Lin Xizhao had no idea exactly how much she had consumed.

Lin Xizhao tucked Qu Sheng in, gently stroking her cheek and gazing at her for a few more moments before leaving. There were still guests outside; she could not go to bed with Qu Sheng just yet.

Lin Xizhao returned to the main hall and heard the sound of a flute and a zither. Xiao Bingying was playing the flute, accompanying Chengxi.

Seeing Lin Xizhao return, Chengxi and Xiao Bingying stopped playing.

Third Sister-in-law Qian Shuangying asked, “How is Sister Sheng?” Just now, she had looked unsteady on her feet.

Lin Xizhao smiled faintly. “She is already asleep.”

“What got into that little one today, being so fond of her cup?” Zhao Jiayu laughed.

Lin Xizhao looked at Zhao Jiayu. She did not know either. Perhaps she was just happy today.

The group drank and talked a while longer in the room. Qu Sheng would definitely not be able to go back today, so Lin Xizhao stayed behind to accompany her.

The Qu family members left, leaving a few of their guards for Xiao Bingying and the others. Xiao Bingying helped Chengxi wrap her changyi¹⁵ snugly around her and carried her onto the carriage before bidding farewell to the others.

Zhao Jiayu watched Xiao Bingying’s carriage depart, pursing her lips before turning around. Everything had changed. It used to be her and Xiao Bingying who went home together, but now the person by Xiao Bingying’s side had been replaced by Chengxi.

But it was a good thing. At least her Ah Jie would not be lonely.

Qu Yu noticed Zhao Jiayu’s low spirits and took a step toward her. “My lady, let us go home as well.”

Qu Yu’s soft, gentle voice dispelled the trace of sadness on Zhao Jiayu’s face. Zhao Jiayu’s eyes curved into crescents as she took the hand Qu Yu offered.

The four of them boarded the two carriages they had arrived in. Lin Xizhao stood at the gate of the courtyard, waving them goodbye.

“Hurry back now! Be careful Xiao Sheng’er doesn’t wake up and start crying because she cannot find you,” Zhao Jiayu teased, poking her head out of the carriage window.

Lin Xizhao simply smiled and waved her off.

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Xiao Bingying sat upright in the carriage, while Chengxi was far more relaxed. She looked at Xiao Bingying, who seemed nervous but was pretending to be casual, and smiled. “Why did you never mention that you also know music?”

Xiao Bingying let out a slightly awkward laugh. “Before you, I dare not wield an axe at Lu Ban’s gate.” If Zhao Jiayu had not pushed her to join in today, she still would not have played with Chengxi.

Chengxi smiled faintly. “I only know the rudiments. It is merely a case of forefathers planting the trees and descendants enjoying the shade¹⁶; I have just been practicing for a long time.” To this day, she had never composed a piece of her own.

Hearing Chengxi’s modesty, Xiao Bingying smiled. “Miss Chengxi, you are being too humble. Even if one cannot compose like the masters of old, without extraordinary skill, one cannot bring out the ultimate expression of the melody on the score.”

Chengxi let out a soft laugh at Xiao Bingying’s praise. “Between you and I, must we draw such a clear line?”

Xiao Bingying froze for a moment, not understanding what Chengxi meant.

“You call me Miss Chengxi, so should I also call you Miss Bingying?” Chengxi seemed dissatisfied with Xiao Bingying constantly calling her ‘Miss,’ which sounded very distant.

Realization dawned on Xiao Bingying, and the confusion on her face vanished. She smiled. “I was afraid you would find me too forward.”

“We are both women.” As she spoke, Chengxi placed her hand on top of Xiao Bingying’s, which rested on her own lap. “Why be such a stranger? Besides, you are the one who saved my life.” If Xiao Bingying had not diagnosed her, prescribed medicine, and helped her many times since, the half-life she had left would have likely been tormented away long ago.

At first, Xiao Bingying had intended to go along with Chengxi’s words and call her by name to be more familiar. But when Chengxi’s hand touched the back of hers, she suddenly felt an unknown current rush through her body, leaving her too flustered to speak.

Chengxi seemed to notice Xiao Bingying’s stiff posture and asked with a smile, “What is it? Am I wrong?”

“No…” Xiao Bingying hesitated for a long time before speaking, her voice coming out slightly hoarse.

A faint smile touched Chengxi’s lips. She pressed, “So Bingying agrees with me?” Chengxi gently dug her fingertips into Xiao Bingying’s palm, her thumb caressing the smooth, pale skin on the back of her hand.

At this moment, Xiao Bingying did not dare to look sideways, not even letting her peripheral vision drift toward Chengxi.

“Mm,” Xiao Bingying managed, unable to part her lips.

Seeing this, a smile played in Chengxi’s eyes. She glanced down at Xiao Bingying’s hand, which was now rigid and bore the light calluses of a martial artist, and ceased her deliberate teasing.

When they returned to the Zhao Residence, Xiao Bingying escorted Chengxi back to her room and immediately turned to leave.

“I felt a little dizzy just now.” Chengxi’s unhurried words made the departing Xiao Bingying turn back.

Xiao Bingying looked at Chengxi and asked quickly, “Besides being dizzy, are you uncomfortable anywhere else?”

Seeing Xiao Bingying’s reaction to her words, Chengxi thought for a moment before adding, “My hands hurt a little too.” Having played so many pieces today after such a long hiatus from practice, a slight pain was only natural.

Xiao Bingying lowered her gaze in thought, then looked at Chengxi’s fingers. “May I take a look?”

Noticing Xiao Bingying’s concerned expression, Chengxi raised her hands. Although some time had passed on the journey back, the pads of her fingers were still a little red.

“Let me check your pulse first, then I will get you some ointment to apply.” At this moment, Xiao Bingying had clearly cast aside her earlier shyness and was focused on being Chengxi’s physician.

“Mm,” Chengxi hummed softly.

The two sat at the table. Xiao Bingying took Chengxi’s pulse, her eyes blinking gently as she seemed to reach a diagnosis. “It is nothing serious, just from the wine. A good night’s sleep will fix it.” They had already drunk sobering-up soup at Lin Xizhao’s courtyard before leaving.

“I will go get the medicine for you,” Xiao Bingying said, about to get up.

“Wait, let Chili go,” Chengxi called out again, stopping the departing Xiao Bingying.

Before Xiao Bingying could agree, Chili bowed her head. “This servant will go at once.” The medicine was in Xiao Bingying’s room, and she knew exactly where it was kept.

“Hey.” Xiao Bingying watched as Chili closed the door, feeling somewhat baffled. It was only a few steps away. If Chili was going to get it, what was she supposed to do here?

Just as Xiao Bingying frowned at the closed door, a soft warmth pressed against her from behind.

Chengxi embraced her from the back, her arms wrapping around Xiao Bingying’s slender, strong waist. In that instant, Xiao Bingying’s body froze, at a complete loss.

“Cheng… Chengxi,” Xiao Bingying called her name. There was no one else in the room; if someone was hugging her like this, it had to be Chengxi.

In response, Chengxi pressed her cheek against the nape of Xiao Bingying’s neck and hummed softly, “Mm.”

Hearing Chengxi’s reply, Xiao Bingying began to exhale the breath she had been holding, doing her best to calm her emotions.

She slowly turned to face Chengxi. Chengxi released her at just the right moment, their eyes meeting.

Xiao Bingying gazed into Chengxi’s sparkling eyes, her throat bobbing once. “Are you not feeling well?” Chengxi had just said she was dizzy. Could she be about to faint?

Hearing this, Chengxi was stunned for a moment, then let out a helpless, soft laugh. “Mm, I am a little dizzy.”

“Then… then you should lie down and rest quickly.” Xiao Bingying’s gaze shifted toward the door to Chengxi’s inner chamber.

But just as she turned her head back to look at Chengxi, Chengxi stepped forward, closing the distance and pressing a kiss to her lips.

The sudden touch of softness made Xiao Bingying’s breath hitch again. Her eyes widened in disbelief, but in the next moment, she had to accept that it was real.

Chengxi’s soft lips captured her own thin ones, sucking on them relentlessly. The sensation was so real it was impossible to ignore. And after being stunned for a few moments, she found herself, as if bewitched, responding.

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Lin Xizhao returned to her courtyard. Seeing the few withered branches and leaves, her heart sank once more. Qu Sheng did not understand the affairs between men and women, and she could not explain it to her in detail. But every one of her kisses made Lin Xizhao feel a sense of guilt.

Lin Xizhao stood in the courtyard for a long time. By the time she went back inside, her body was chilled to the bone.

When she woke the next morning, Lin Xizhao had a high fever. Qu Sheng was startled awake by the feverish heat of Lin Xizhao beside her.

Qu Sheng had originally intended to seek out those soft lips for another kiss upon waking, but the moment she touched them, she realized Lin Xizhao’s temperature was too high.

Qu Sheng had Feng Qi summon a doctor. The doctor came and prescribed medicine. Lying on the bed, Lin Xizhao looked at Qu Sheng’s worried expression, her eyes curving slightly as she said in a hoarse voice, “It is nothing serious, just a fever. It will be gone in a few days.”

Lin Xizhao spoke lightly, but if a fever was not handled properly, it could be fatal.

Qu Sheng lowered her head, saying nothing, her gaze fixed only on Lin Xizhao. When she saw Lin Xizhao frown slightly from the discomfort, her own heart twisted along with it.

Because Lin Xizhao had a high fever and could not be moved, Qu Sheng did not return to the Marquis Qu Residence. When Zhao Jiayu heard that morning that Lin Xizhao had a high fever, she ignored the fact that Qu钰 was supposed to accompany her back to the Zhao Residence that day and came straight here.

“You were fine yesterday, how did you catch a chill?” Zhao Jiayu was distressed. As she spoke, she looked over at Qu Sheng. “Did you cause a ruckus and bother Xizhao last night when you were drunk?”

Lin Xizhao’s constitution was a bit weaker than theirs, but not so weak that she would get a fever just from going out for a bit. She guessed that Qu Sheng must have made a scene last night while drunk and disturbed Lin Xizhao.

Hearing Zhao Jiayu’s resentful tone, Qu Sheng was taken aback. She had been drunk last night and only remembered being helped back by Lin Xizhao; she had no impression of anything else.

Hearing Zhao Jiayu blame Qu Sheng, Lin Xizhao quickly forced a smile. “Sheng’er was very well-behaved last night. I was just careless myself and enjoyed the cold for too long.”

Lin Xizhao did not mention that after they had left last night, she had deliberately taken off her thick clothes and stood in the courtyard in the wind.

It had already been a relentless day, and she had been drinking. Standing outside like that for half a shichen¹⁷, it would have been strange if she did not get a fever.

And with this, she now had a reason to refuse Qu Sheng’s kisses.

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The author has something to say:

Qu Sheng: “My body is built tough, I’m not afraid.”

Lin Xizhao: “…..”

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