Chapter 70: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 70: 

 

Except for her eldest uncle, it was the first time Cui Xingzhou was meeting the rest of the Lu family. He wanted to make a good impression on Liu Mian Tang's grandfather, so he had her return to her carriage and sent his own carriage ahead to the Lu family home.

Liu Mian Tang couldn't stop him, so she instructed her carriage driver to hurry, though it was slower compared to Cui Xingzhou's larger, more luxurious carriage.

When she arrived at the Lu residence, she saw Cui Xingzhou standing with her eldest uncle and several cousins, engaged in "small talk."

Since today's event was just a betrothal and had not been announced widely, only close family members of the Lu family were present to witness the signing of the marriage contract and discuss the details of the upcoming ceremonies.

Seeing a very luxurious carriage pull up in front of the gate, the Lu family members were quite surprised. 

The second master of the Lu family, who was acting as the prospective father-in-law today, was waiting in the hall with Old Master Lu. So, only Eldest Master Lu, the head of the Lu family, was at the gate to welcome guests and oversee the ceremonial matters.

While they waited for the Su family's elder to arrive, they were instead greeted by this unexpected and impressive carriage. When Cui Xingzhou stepped out, Lu Xian was left stunned.

Ignoring the formalities, Lu Xian quickly approached Cui Xingzhou and whispered, "Your Highness, we have important matters today. If you are here to make any demands or accusations, could you please delay them?"

Lu Xian, feeling guilty and anxious, worried that Cui Xingzhou might disrupt the much-anticipated marriage arrangements due to suspicions about his niece.

Cui Xingzhou had remembered Liu Mian Tang's advice. She had mentioned that today was her cousin’s wedding and requested that he avoid overshadowing the event. 

Although he definitely wanted to come, he agreed that proposing marriage today was not ideal. He intended to make a good impression and gradually bring up the proposal later.

So, he decided to follow Liu Mian Tang’s suggestion and said quietly, "Liu Mian Tang told me that you have a joyous occasion today. Please, Master Lu, don’t make a fuss about my visit. Just let others know I am an old acquaintance of yours."

Lu Xian was taken aback and confused about what Cui Xingzhou was up to, leaving him at a loss for words as he stared at the prince, unable to respond immediately.

At this moment, a few younger members of the family approached, curiously sizing up the princely guest. They were unsure who this distinguished young man was.

Cui Xingzhou, unfazed, took the initiative and said, "Master Lu, could you please introduce these young gentlemen? Are they esteemed members of your household?"

Lu Xian, still stunned, counted the younger generation and introduced them one by one to the Prince.

By the time Liu Mian Tang arrived, Cui Xingzhou had already mingled comfortably with her cousins and was engaging in friendly conversation.

Realizing that Cui Xingzhou had adopted the role of an old friend of her uncle, Liu Mian Tang subtly signaled him with her eyes to leave. However, Cui Xingzhou pretended not to notice and instructed his servants to unload and deliver the gifts he had brought into the house.

When Cui Xingzhou followed Lu Xian into the main hall, he first paid his respects to the Old Master of the family, who was seated in the prominent position.

Given that Cui Xingzhou was now presenting himself as the esteemed Cui Jiu, Liu Mian Tang couldn't openly ask him to leave. She could only watch helplessly as he engaged in polite conversation with her grandfather and was even offered a seat of honor.

Lu Xian, like his father, was a person who valued connections with people from all walks of life. Having an old friend visit was quite normal for him.

However, this young man was quite intriguing. While he had the air of a privileged youth, far more impressive than the previously seen General of the South, he seemed more refined than the rough-and-tumble characters of the martial world.

Lu Wu studied Cui Xingzhou carefully. Although he couldn't immediately discern the young man's full background, he had to admit that Cui Jiu was an exceptionally handsome man.

Nearby, Lu Qingying, who was about to be betrothed, couldn't help but be mesmerized by the prince's striking looks—though she noted with a hint of disappointment that he had a limp.

Yet, this small flaw quickly became a minor detail in the face of Cui Xingzhou's charm and the gifts he brought.

After exchanging pleasantries with the Old Master, Cui Xingzhou presented his gifts. Among them was a pair of exquisitely crafted jade walnuts, carved from top-quality Hetian yellow jade. This kind of jade was highly prized and traditionally reserved for the imperial family. Though not forbidden in the present day, such fine quality jade was extremely rare among common folk. Most jade items in circulation were smaller pieces like pendants, not something as substantial as these walnuts.

The men of the Lu family, being experienced in transporting valuable goods, had seen their fair share of treasures. However, jade of this rich, yellow color, with its warm and smooth texture, was in a league of its own. While its value might not be quite immeasurable, it was certainly close.

Lu Qingying, after overhearing her father quietly explain to her mother the immense worth of the yellow jade walnuts, found herself gazing at Cui Xingzhou with even more admiration. This "old friend" of her uncle had suddenly become even more handsome in her eyes. She couldn't help but lament that she had already been betrothed to the Su family. Was this enigmatic Cui Xingzhou married?

Meanwhile, the entire Lu household was abuzz with curiosity: Who exactly was this Cui Jiu, who could casually present such a valuable gift?

Liu Mian Tang, seated with her cousins, was still nursing a headache and resisted the urge to massage her temples in public. However, she desperately wanted to pull Cui Xingzhou aside and ask: This is what you call a modest gift?

Lu Wu, feeling that it was inappropriate to accept such an extravagant present, quickly spoke up, "Young Master Cui, it's just a visit. Our Lu family will naturally treat you well with good food and drink—there's no need for such lavish gifts. I must insist that you take them back, for I cannot, in good conscience, accept them."

Cui Xingzhou smiled faintly and said, "My mother enjoys collecting such things, and our household has plenty of them. This was just something casually picked out. I only hope the old master doesn't find it too trivial. I once benefited greatly from Master Lu's kindness and received a treasure from the Lu family. Even if I had mountains of gold and silver, I would still be willing to part with them."

Hearing this, Lu Mu couldn't resist asking, "Big Brother, what kind of treasure did you give him?"

Lu Xian, however, knew what the prince was implying and quickly interjected, "Nonsense! I never gave such a thing..."

After all, his niece, Liu Mian Tang, and the prince had exchanged things privately, without his approval as a senior. He wasn’t about to take the blame for that!

Just then, the party from the Su family, who had come for the betrothal ceremony, finally arrived. The doorman rushed in to announce their presence, and with that, the Lu family members had no time to further inquire about what exactly Cui Jiu had received from them. They went to greet the Su family.

Cui Xingzhou, having little interest in the betrothal proceedings, made his excuses to Lu Xian and decided to stroll around the Lu family's garden. Lu Mu, busy with the Su family’s arrival and knowing he'd have to entertain them with drinks, had no choice but to let him be. He could only watch as Cui Xingzhou wandered off with his attendants before his younger brother dragged him away.

Mian Tang now regarded Prince Huaiyang as a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment. Naturally, she couldn’t feel at ease with him roaming around her grandfather's home unattended.

Being a relative from her mother’s side, she only needed to make an appearance and exchange a few pleasantries with the Su family at the door. Once her role in the ceremony was complete, she could withdraw gracefully, without needing to join the banquet.

However, before the Lu family members had time to notice, her top priority was to get Cui Xingzhou out of there!

Cui Xingzhou watched as Mian Tang glanced around furtively before approaching him to shoo him away, and he couldn’t help but sigh, "I came here to propose, yet somehow it feels like I'm sneaking off with someone's daughter..."

Mian Tang had no interest in entertaining his ramblings and whispered, "It's getting late; Your Highness, you should head back."

Cui Xingzhou, however, grabbed her hand in return and said, "I do need to leave, but once your grandfather is free, I’ll speak with him and then we’ll head back together... Since we're 'stealing away the daughter,' we might as well go all the way. You stay with me so I don’t wander around the garden aimlessly."

But just then, the sound of coughing cut through the air. Mian Tang turned to see her grandfather standing there with a stormy expression, glaring at Cui Xingzhou, who was still holding her hand.

In a panic, Mian Tang quickly shook off Cui Xingzhou’s hand and said to her grandfather, "… Young Master Cui got lost. I was just showing him the way..."

Lu Wu had spent a lifetime observing people, and judging by the way Cui Xingzhou looked at Mian Tang, it was obvious they weren’t strangers.

Adding to that, this young man's surname was Cui… Lu Wu’s face grew even darker as he said, "Young Master Cui, please join me in my study for a chat."

Cui Xingzhou simply nodded in agreement and followed Lu Wu to the study. Meanwhile, Mian Tang was desperately wishing for an earthquake to strike, anything to prevent Cui Xingzhou from enraging her grandfather further.

She turned to Li Mama and asked, "Is there really no one in your palace who can rein in the prince? With the way he's so reckless and free-spirited, doesn’t he worry about angering his mother to death?" Mian Tang figured she needed to find out who Cui Xingzhou was afraid of in order to rein in this mad prince.

Li Mama responded honestly, "There used to be someone… but the old prince passed away a few years ago..."

Mian Tang was skeptical and asked, "And what about the old princess consort? Oh, right, didn’t he have a cousin fiancée? His aunt just let him break off the engagement so easily? Doesn’t anyone try to control him?"

Li Mama sighed, starting to understand why Mian Tang was so anxious, but she also spoke the truth. "The prince usually listens to the Old Princess Consort, but he's the type who makes his own decisions. Once his mind is set, even the Old Princess Consort can’t easily change it… As for Miss Lian… well, that seems to have been resolved… The prince isn’t one to easily turn back once he’s made a decision."

Mian Tang didn’t believe a word Li Mama said. After all, when they were at Wuning Pass, he had made all sorts of promises, and hadn’t he broken them all? He had certainly gone back on his word when it suited him!

A man like that, who didn’t keep his promises, how could he be trusted? Sure, he might want to marry her now, but once he came to his senses later, he could easily change his mind.

But he just had to go and trouble her family. What if he angered her grandfather...?

The more Mian Tang thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. In the end, she couldn't stand it any longer and ran to her grandfather's study. She had expected to hear the sounds of her grandfather shouting or reprimanding someone, but instead, it was eerily quiet inside.

When she was little, Mian Tang used to sneak around her grandfather's study, so she knew the best spots for eavesdropping.

She found the window near the rock garden, carefully poked a hole in the paper with her finger, and peeked inside.

What she saw left her startled. Cui Xingzhou was sitting cross-legged with her grandfather, casually drinking tea.

He seemed skilled in the art of tea-making, preparing a pot of fragrant tea with fluid movements. Once the tea leaves had properly steeped, he respectfully offered a cup to Grandfather Lu.

However, Grandfather Lu did not take the cup. Instead, he scrutinized Cui Xingzhou closely before suddenly speaking, "My granddaughter once met an old acquaintance in the northwest. From what my eldest son tells me, that man also had the surname Cui..."

Grandfather Lu was a shrewd old man. Judging by the way his eldest son didn’t seem to share a deep friendship with this young master Cui and instead showed signs of cautious respect, Grandfather Lu had his suspicions.

Originally, he hadn’t considered any other possibilities, but earlier, when he saw Cui Jiu holding Mian Tang's hand, and Mian Tang didn’t immediately push him away, his thoughts became crystal clear.

However, Mian Tang was a young woman, and her grandfather wanted to spare her some embarrassment. So he called the boy into the study to question him.

Cui Xingzhou, on the other hand, was fully aware that Prince Sui had mischievously written a letter, revealing the matter of Liu Mian Tang's pretend marriage during their time together in the northwest.

Even though Cui Xingzhou had not intended to bring it up today, since Lu Wu had asked, he admitted it openly.

"The one who spent two years by Mian Tang's side was indeed me..."

As soon as Cui Jiu confessed, the old man, Lu Wu, suddenly seemed revitalized. He sprang up and turned to grab the longsword hanging on the wall.

Mian Tang knew this was bad. She quickly pushed open the window, lifted her skirt, and clambered through. But even so, she couldn't stop her grandfather in time—the sword had already swung towards Cui Xingzhou.

Cui Xingzhou, still seated, deftly dodged the strike and caught the blade between two long fingers. Seeing that he couldn’t stab him, Lu Wu shifted tactics, aiming a kick at Cui Xingzhou's crippled leg.

This time, Cui Xingzhou didn't dodge. He grunted in pain, taking two kicks from the old man.

Mian Tang knelt on the ground, tugging at her grandfather’s arm and urgently cried out, "Grandfather, you mustn’t do this!"

But Lu Wu, indulging his temper, kicked several more times. Cui Xingzhou didn’t avoid the blows, allowing his injured leg to take the brunt of the attack. Perhaps the wound had torn open again, as the white pants quickly became stained with blood.

Liu Mian Tang, seeing no other choice, blurted out Cui Xingzhou’s true identity, calling out to her grandfather in distress, "He... he’s Prince Huaiyang... Grandfather, please stop!"

Lu Wu continued to kick a few more times before Mian Tang’s words finally registered. He slowly began to comprehend what his granddaughter was saying.

The Prince Huaiyang—renowned for his military achievements—was now a household name across the Great Yan dynasty, from the elderly to young children, known for his victories in driving out the barbarian invaders in the northwest.

Lu Wu was utterly stunned. He never would have imagined that such a celebrated and accomplished prince would turn out to be the scoundrel deceiving his granddaughter. For a moment, he was at a loss, staring wide-eyed at Mian Tang. "He told you that? And you believe him?"

Cui Xingzhou, exasperated, stood up, ignoring the blood soaking his pants, and said to Lu Wu, "Sir, I am indeed Cui Xingzhou."

Cui Xingzhou then called out loudly to the door, “Mo Ru, bring the imperial decree of the eternal title here for the elder to see.”

Moments later, Mo Ru entered, respectfully presenting a yellow scroll from a brocade box. He unfurled it for Lu Wu to view.

The glaring jade seal stamp was not something an ordinary person would dare to forge. If it were a mere deception, it would be an extravagant one!

Lu Wu, upon seeing the decree, began to realize the gravity of the situation. The young man had displayed a grand manner, with a casual gift of imperial yellow jade—something only seen among the elite. His manner of serving tea was also not that of an ordinary commoner.

More importantly, during their scuffle, Cui Xingzhou had managed his moves with remarkable skill, even without standing up. It was clear that his abilities were far from ordinary.

If he were merely a deceiver, he wouldn’t possess such capabilities. Lu Wu’s eldest son had previously mentioned this man, always hesitant and unwilling to reveal his identity. Lu Wu now understood why.

Mian Tang was increasingly anxious, realizing that the normally frail old man had just violently beaten Cui Xingzhou. Although it was deserved for anyone else, for a man of Cui Xingzhou’s stature—the Northwestern General and Prince Huaiyang—this was a grave mistake. If Cui Xingzhou chose to retaliate, her grandfather could face severe consequences, including imprisonment and heavy punishment.

Hearing this, Mian Tang felt a surge of anger but quickly turned her gaze back to Cui Xingzhou. To her surprise, he showed no sign of embarrassment or resentment. Instead, he stood properly and, with a respectful bow, addressed Lu Wu, saying, “Mian Tang has mentioned that you are the person who cares for her most in the world. We had a misunderstanding before, and she left with her uncle in a fit of temper. At that time, I was held up by the Northwestern campaign and could not pursue her. Now that the Northwest is pacified and I have returned to court, I specially stopped by Xizhou to propose to her. I hope you are willing to entrust her to me. I will treat her with the utmost care and respect.”

Lu Wu, who had just expended his strength, was now overwhelmed by the revelation of Cui Xingzhou’s true identity. He felt drained and had to be supported by Mian Tang as he sat down in a nearby chair.

He coughed slightly and weakly said, “Do you also plan to take concubines?”

Cui Xingzhou quickly replied, “I have not yet married. Why would I take concubines? I intend to marry Mian Tang as my only wife!”

Lu Wu, however, remained skeptical. His face darkened as he said, “Your Highness, while our family comes from a background of bodyguards and is not comparable to nobility, we are not to be trampled upon. You hold a high and mighty position, but that does not mean you can deceive our family’s daughter without proper ceremony. If you intend to marry her, have you not considered the formalities? What about the presence of your family elders and the traditional rites of courtship?”

Mian Tang, hearing this, grew anxious and tried to speak up, “Grandfather, I don’t…”

But before she could finish, Cui Xingzhou smoothly continued, “Rest assured, Old Master Lu, I have already considered these matters. According to the laws of the Great Yan Dynasty, if the parents are not present, the local magistrate can act as the witness. The county magistrate of Xizhou, Li Guangcai, has already prepared the marriage documents. When we sign, he will bring prominent officials and gentry from Xizhou as witnesses. The traditional customs, including the three mediators and six invitations, will also be thoroughly observed. When I return to Zhenzhou with Mian Tang, I will ensure that the wedding ceremony at the Prince Regent residence is grand and proper, so that Mian Tang will not lose face.”

Lu Wu, hearing this, was quite satisfied and nodded in agreement, saying, “Although it is a bit far, I will make sure that my two sons are present, and that Mian Tang’s family is well represented.”

Mian Tang could hardly believe that the tension between the old man and the young prince had turned into a detailed discussion about wedding arrangements, and they were discussing it with such enthusiasm.

She was so exasperated that she loudly interrupted them, “I am now an independent woman and in charge of my own life! Who says I have to marry him?”

Lu Wu was taken aback and asked, “You don’t want to marry him… Is it because he has some flaw?”

Cui Xingzhou immediately responded, “I have always been disciplined and have no bad habits. During the time I was with Mian Tang, we got along very well. If not for the misunderstandings and my forced deceit, we would have long since been happily married and enjoying life in front of you, Old Master Lu.”

Lu Wu glanced at Mian Tang, who was glaring at Cui Xingzhou with an angry, speechless expression, and then said, “Please excuse us, Your Highness, for now. There are some things I need to discuss with my granddaughter.”

Cui Xingzhou bowed slightly and, despite his severe leg injury, was helped out by Mo Ru.

Once the prince had left, Lu Wu asked, “Is it true that you don’t want to marry him?”

Mian Tang nodded silently and began to share her concerns with her grandfather.

Listening to her, Lu Wu thought it was mostly the typical stubbornness of a young girl. To him, Cui Xingzhou seemed very well-matched with Mian Tang, judging by his appearance and demeanor. However, the prince's elevated status was indeed a significant issue.

If Mian Tang had no prior connection with him, Lu Wu might have thought that marrying into such a high family was not necessarily a good thing. Since Mian Tang had chosen to live independently, having a suitor move into her home would be more practical. In this way, Mian Tang could control the household finances and enjoy a respectable and comfortable life.

However, Mian Tang had already given herself to the prince and had lived as his wife for two years, sharing both meals and a home. How could she possibly marry someone else as a maiden? Fortunately, the prince was willing to marry Mian Tang as his legitimate wife. If she accepted, it would restore her reputation and allow her to hold her head high.

Yet, Lu Wu felt it was not his place to force her into the marriage if she did not agree. With a sigh, he said, “Indeed, marrying into a high family isn’t ideal. I don’t know what the temperament of the Old Princess Consort is like, and you might face difficulties after marrying into such a family. When I married your mother off to the Liu family, it was an upward marriage, which led to your mother being despised by your father for the rest of her life. She lived in constant unhappiness. I cannot force you into such a marriage and make you suffer. If you do not agree, I will decline the prince’s proposal.”

Mian Tang frowned and, after a long silence, said, “Grandfather, I established myself as an independent woman to avoid burdening the Lu family. So don’t worry about this marriage; I will handle it myself. Although he can be arrogant at times, he is not like those oppressive rulers who mistreat others.”

Lu Wu pondered her words and then asked, “If he were not a prince but an ordinary soldier, would you be willing to marry him?”

Mian Tang did not respond. She quietly put the sword back in its place and, after paying her respects, left the room.

Lu Wu watched her retreating figure and sighed. He felt that the complexities of young love and disputes were beyond his ability to meddle in.

Since Prince Huaiyang had come to the Lu residence pretending to seek punishment and endured kicks from the elderly man, he surely knew that Mian Tang’s grandfather was not easily appeased and needed to experience some suffering.

Mian Tang’s decision was clear; her marriage was her own matter, and Lu Wu would not interfere any further. It was up to her to handle it.

When Mian Tang left the Lu residence, she found that Prince Huaiyang had not departed but was waiting for her inside the carriage.

As Mo Ru invited her to get in, Mian Tang climbed into the carriage and saw his unbandaged leg. Fuming, she said, “Now that Grandfather is gone, who are you still putting on a show for? My grandfather is so frail, and you couldn’t avoid taking those kicks? You had to endure them and make my grandfather bear the blame for assaulting a great hero of the Yan Dynasty!”

Prince Huaiyang raised an eyebrow and replied, “If I hadn’t taken those kicks, your grandfather wouldn’t have cooled down so quickly. Among everyone in the Lu residence, he is the most reasonable. When you have the chance, learn from him. Don’t always keep that bad temper of yours, like a stubborn rock in a latrine.”

As Mian Tang was examining Cui Xingzhou's wound and bandaging it with supplies from the carriage's first aid kit, she heard his teasing remarks and replied with a cold smile, “Even if I’m stubborn and disagreeable, it hasn’t stopped you from holding and kissing me.”

Cui Xingzhou found her words quite reasonable and hugged Mian Tang again, giving her another kiss, saying, “It’s strange! Even though you’re stubborn, how come kissing you still feels so sweet?”

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

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