Chapter 53: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 53: 

 

Li Mama had felt quite awkward in the courtyard these past few days.

Spies and undercover agents rarely end well throughout history. Li Mama, who had been a top-ranking Mama in the Prince's family, had always been so respectable!

Yet here she was, reduced to a deceitful role, having tricked a young lady. No wonder Liu Mian Tang had been cold towards her.

However, despite knowing Liu Mian Tang's humble origins, Li Mama had grown fond of her. The sudden rift between them was deeply unsettling for someone as seasoned in human affairs as Li Mama.

To her surprise, Liu Mian Tang had come to her with a sincere apology, which was quite humbling for the old mama.

Li Mama hurriedly assured her she couldn’t accept such words.

Liu Mian Tang smiled, saying, “Don’t call me ‘Madam’—I haven’t married him. Just call me Miss Liu from now on.”

Although Li Mama understood the reason, she found it difficult to change her way of addressing Liu Mian Tang. With a sigh, she silently helped prepare the ingredients, washing and cutting vegetables and slicing meat thinly.

With help, Liu Mian Tang quickly prepared the dishes, seasoning and plating them. Li Mama also set out other side dishes, which she placed on the table.

By the time Liu Mian Tang brought the dishes to the room, Cui Xingzhou was already seated at the heated table with her uncle, Lu Xian, beginning to drink.

However, due to his injury, Lu Xian could only have hot water instead of wine.

Initially, Lu Xian hadn’t expected Cui Xingzhou to join him for the meal. He was wary, suspecting that Cui Xingzhou might be trying to extract information.

Liu Mian Tang’s activities under the alias "Lu Wen" on Yangshan Mountain were known only to Lu Xian and her cousin, Lu Mu. Even her grandfather had been kept in the dark.

Therefore, Lu Xian wasn’t concerned about his guards spilling secrets under interrogation. However, if Cui Xingzhou was constantly probing and setting traps with his questions, it would put them at a disadvantage.

At the table, Cui Xingzhou didn't bring up Yangshan Mountain. Instead, he asked Lu Xian about the local customs and food in the Northwest, and various interesting anecdotes.

Lu Xian, being well-acquainted with the region, answered with ease. As they continued talking, the conversation became more relaxed and casual, like a friendly chat about everyday life.

Seeing that Cui Xingzhou wasn't mentioning the rebellion, Lu Xian gradually felt at ease. Although it was difficult at first to match Cui Xingzhou's easygoing demeanor, the lord's approachable tone and insightful conversation made for engaging dialogue.

As a person from the martial world, Lu Xian enjoyed conversation and making connections. In such interactions, the bond between men could quickly warm up with just a few well-chosen words.

By the time a dish was nearly empty, Lu Xian couldn’t help but think how well-suited Cui Jiu and his niece would be as a married couple if circumstances had been different.

When Mian Tang saw how enthusiastically Cui Xingzhou and her uncle were conversing, she was a bit surprised.

Cui Xingzhou had lived on Lingquan North Street for a long time but had never talked to any neighbors for more than a few sentences. It was unexpected that he was now being so warm and attentive to a smuggler like her uncle.

After serving the dishes, Mian Tang was about to leave, but Cui Xingzhou took the initiative to move closer to the fire pit and said, “Your uncle isn’t an outsider. You should come and join us at the table. The servants can bring the dishes.”

Previously, when Zhao Quan and others came to the house for meals, Mian Tang would always retreat to the side rooms to avoid any discomfort. So, Cui Xingzhou's offer for her to stay and eat was unusual.

Mian Tang considered it for a moment and replied, “No, I’ll eat in the adjoining room…”

Although her uncle wasn’t an outsider, since Cui Xingzhou wasn’t her husband, dining together might seem inappropriate. Mian Tang felt that while she didn’t need to be cold towards Cui Jiu, she should still maintain some distance and avoid any misunderstandings.

However, Cui Xingzhou didn’t want her to remain distant, so he gently pulled her onto the heated bed and instructed the maid to bring clean dishes and chopsticks for her. He then served her a portion of her favorite sweet and sour braised shrimp.

Shrimp were not native to the barren land of Jin Jia Pass in the northwest. Cui Xingzhou had ordered them to be purchased at a high price from a distant village.

At the time, his intention was simply to make Mian Tang happy, but by the time the shrimp arrived, their pretense of marital affection had already reached its end.

Mian Tang recognized the golden shrimp as something Cui Xingzhou had specially arranged for her. Although he had used her and his motives were not pure, he had indeed put thought into caring for her. Her mother had passed away early, and her father and brother were indifferent, never showing much concern for her.

This background had made Mian Tang the kind of person who feels compelled to repay any kindness she receives. Although Cui Xingzhou’s care was minimal in the first year, once they moved to Lingquan Town, those past gestures were unforgettable for her.

So, as Cui Xingzhou served the dishes, Mian Tang ate them quietly.

For a moment, Lu Xian saw the pair before him as a perfect match. Although his niece seemed ready to move on and leave the past behind, as her uncle, he couldn’t help but feel that their separation was a waste. Before he had exposed the deception, his niece had been devoted to her husband, refusing to tolerate any criticism of him.

It seemed such a pity to let it all end like this!

So, when the atmosphere at the table had warmed, Lu Xian took the initiative to address Cui Xingzhou’s intentions.

“Mian Tang was saved from danger by the Lord’s intervention, preserving her life. This life-saving grace is something our Lu family will never forget. Allow me to offer this cup of water in place of wine as a token of our gratitude.”

Cui Xingzhou, who naturally accepted such kindness, raised his cup in return, and he and Lu Xian drank together.

Lu Xian set down his cup and said, “However, Mian Tang has been living with you for two years without formal engagement or betrothal. This situation does attract gossip... May I ask, Lord, what are your plans?”

Cui Xingzhou had anticipated this question and was relieved to find that Lu Xian, as an informed and courteous elder, was easier to communicate with than the headstrong Mian Tang.

Since Lu Xian had raised the issue, Cui Xingzhou took the opportunity to address it. “Naturally, this matter must be rectified. However, due to the ongoing turmoil in the northwest, I am unable to marry during wartime. Mian Tang has lost her parents, and her family lacks any prominent figures. Once we return to Zhenzhou, I would ask you, Uncle, to handle the arrangements. As for the bride price, I will ensure that everything is properly managed, so that Mian Tang will not be shamed.”

Upon hearing Cui Xingzhou’s sincere response, Lu Xian let out a sigh of relief.

During their conversation, Nian Tang kept her head down, clearly listening to their exchange.

Seeing that Cui Xingzhou intended to marry Mian Tang, Lu Xian felt reassured and continued, “Do you have any senior family members?”

Cui Xingzhou nodded. “My father passed away early, but my mother is still alive and in good health.”

Lu Xian, still concerned, asked, “In such an important matter as marriage, can you make the decision on your own? Shouldn't you inform your mother?”

Cui Xingzhou, unconcerned, replied, “I can handle this matter on my own.”

Once Mian Tang receives the bride price and the marriage documents, she will become a valued concubine. Given her charm, he believe she would win his mother’s favor.

Seeing Cui Xingzhou’s firm stance, Lu Xian felt somewhat relieved. However, there was one more matter to clarify.

“If you are willing to marry my niece, may I ask your full name?”

Cui Xingzhou, recognizing that his identity could no longer be concealed, decided to reveal it. “My name is Cui Xingzhou, courtesy name Qian.”

Lu Xian nodded, finding “Cui Xingzhou” to be a very refined name.

When Mian Tang suddenly lifted her head, her eyes widened with disbelief as she asked, “You... are... Prince Huaiyang, Cui Xingzhou from Zhenzhou?”

Hearing her question, Lu Xian also realized the gravity of the situation. Of course, Prince Huaiyang from Zhenzhou, who had nearly wiped out the elite forces of Yangshan and forced Mian Tang to flee—was indeed named Cui Xingzhou.

Lu Xian glanced at Cui Xingzhou, hoping he would clarify that he was merely sharing a name with the Prince. However, Cui Xingzhou remained composed and confirmed, “...That is indeed me.”

In that moment, Lu Xian understood everything. It was no wonder despite being accused of illegal dealings with barbarian minerals and facing severe punishment, had been effortlessly released from the camp and sent to Wuning Pass without needing further authorization.

He was the commander of the entire Northern Yan military camp—releasing a prisoner was nothing that required anyone's permission.

Lu Xian was stunned into silence. He could not believe that the man who had deceived his niece was none other than her arch-enemy, Cui Xingzhou, Prince Huaiyang!

When Mian Tang was leading the resistance and engaging in guerrilla warfare, she had repeatedly ambushed and severely beaten Cui Xingzhou's troops. Later, after several defeats of Zhenzhou's soldiers—which might have enraged Cui Xingzhou—he personally led his forces, setting traps and meticulously planning to draw Mian Tang into a deadly ambush.

That catastrophic defeat had cost Mian Tang many soldiers, causing dissatisfaction among the Eastern Palace's former officials, who began to turn against her. Meanwhile, despite his victory, Cui Xingzhou remained unsatisfied and continued to offer a high bounty for Mian Tang's capture, dead or alive.

Oh, heavens!

Lu Xian finally realized that the two bitter enemies, who had once fought each other fiercely, had been living as husband and wife for nearly two years!

At that moment, Lu Xian no longer saw the pair as a matching couple but rather wished fervently that Mian Tang would distance herself from Cui Xingzhou, hoping he wouldn’t uncover her true identity.

Mian Tang’s concern was different from her guardian's. She had been waiting for Cui Xingzhou’s answer about whether he intended to marry her as a legitimate wife or take her as a concubine. 

It was a straightforward question, but Cui Xingzhou remained silent, looking down.

As a hereditary prince with a prestigious title, Cui Xingzhou was expected to marry a woman from a noble family with a reputable background. Even if he didn’t want to marry into a powerful family, he would still be inclined to choose a wife of impeccable standing to uphold his family’s honor.

This was why he initially agreed to his cousin’s marriage—it was a strategic match, considering her background and status were well-suited for his needs. However, due to her indecision and hesitation during his troubles in the Northwest, he had chosen to break off their engagement.

However, Mian Tang’s father had been executed, her brother was exiled, her maternal grandfather’s family were merely traveling bodyguards, and her uncle had recently been involved in smuggling.

Even if Cui Xingzhou were truly infatuated and wished to marry the daughter of a convicted criminal as his legitimate wife, the elders of the Cui family and his mother would never tolerate Mian Tang. If she faced resentment from others while he was away, who would protect her?

Unworthiness would lead to tragedy no matter where one went.

Therefore, it would be better for Mian Tang to enter the Cui family as a concubine. This way, she could avoid the rejection from his mother and other relatives. If he treated her with genuine affection and care, it would be no worse than being a legitimate wife.

His willingness to offer a betrothal and marry her as a concubine would prove his feelings and respect for her. Yet, why did she seem unable to see his concession and continued to demand the impossible?

Before Cui Xingzhou could respond, Mian Tang decisively provided her own answer: “Since you said you could make decisions on your own without consulting your mother, then a prince like you should not disregard propriety and act against filial piety. If it’s just a matter of taking a concubine, there’s no need to trouble the Old Princess Consort with such minor issues. Mian Tang’s previous ignorance and any offenses caused to you, please forgive.”

Saying this, she neatly got off the heated bed, knelt on the floor, and performed a solemn kowtow to Prince Huaiyang.

Seeing this, Lu Xian also belatedly came to his senses, quickly joining his niece in kneeling before Prince Huaiyang.

As Cui Xingzhou was about to rise to help them up, he heard Mian Tang continue, “However, I am aware that my own talents and abilities are inadequate to be favored by you, Prince. My late mother left a family precept for me, stating that ‘one should not become another’s concubine despite poverty, nor a secondary wife despite misfortune.’ With such a family precept, I truly feel unworthy of your esteemed attention. Please, Your Highness, do not take my uncle’s words to heart. He was unaware of your esteemed status and spoke thoughtlessly, causing you unnecessary trouble…”

Mian Tang spoke with conviction, reflecting her mother’s painful lessons. Her mother had been a secondary wife, constantly rejected and criticized by her father, making her mother’s dying instructions a profound lesson in her life.

At this moment, Lu Xian was mentally berating himself, wishing he had never spoken of making this Prince responsible if he had known the true identity of Cui Xingzhou.

Fortunately, Mian Tang had a proud nature and was unwilling to become a concubine. He immediately followed suit, saying, “I did not know of Your Highness’s esteemed status. Please pardon my ignorance and disregard my previous comments. Consider that I said nothing…”

Cui Xingzhou’s previous amiability was rapidly fading, leaving behind a stormy expression. His face darkened like a gathering storm.

Mian Tang, you truly are something!

What mother’s dying instructions? What sense of unworthiness? All excuses for not being satisfied!

Does she think the Prince Regent residence is like the North Street mansion in Lingquan Town, where she can just assume the role of the main wife? He had gone to great lengths, making concessions time and time again for her, yet she seemed entirely ungrateful, acting as if he had wronged her in some way.

Cui Xingzhou, who was accustomed to being self-assured and setting boundaries, found himself at the end of his patience. No matter how much he had compromised for Mian Tang, she had shown no appreciation. He would not continue to put up with such disregard. So, he allowed them to remain kneeling and, after a long pause, finally addressed Mian Tang in a cold tone, “Have you truly thought this through? You won’t regret it later?”

Mian Tang did not lift her head, but her voice was firm and resolute as she said, “Please rest assured, Your Highness. I will never regret it!”

Cui Xingzhou clenched his fist tightly and said, “Very well… I had long since transferred the properties in Lingquan Town to your name. The deeds for the apothecary shop in Wuning Pass are also in your name. Tomorrow, I will have Li Mama bring you all those deeds. Additionally, there are some other lands and properties. With these assets, you will have more freedom in the future…”

With that, Cui Xingzhou stretched out his long legs, left the kang, and strode out of the room with his robes flaring behind him.

When Mian Tang saw him leave, she helped her uncle up. At that moment, she heard the sound of horses neighing outside the courtyard, indicating that Cui Xingzhou was leaving on horseback.

Lu Xian, still shaken, asked, “Is he… is he really Prince Huaiyang? Is he speaking the truth?”

Mian Tang’s heart was even more troubled than her uncle’s. She finally understood why Cui Xingzhou had been so angered and abruptly left during their casual chat in Lingquan Town.

It turns out she had spoken ill of him in front of the real master. He had not had her thrown out, showing a measure of tolerance.

Although their marriage was false, Liu Mian Tang believed she understood Cui Xingzhou’s nature well enough. He was a proud man through and through, and with her clear rejection, he likely had no intention of reconciling.

From now on, they would go their separate ways, and she would accept that their paths would no longer cross.

The next day, Li Mama arrived with a box filled with land deeds and a substantial amount of silver notes. Mian Tang did not accept them but simply instructed that they be placed aside.

She wondered if the Prince Huaiyang had ever kept a concubine before. His handling of their parting seemed meticulously considered, reflecting his thoroughness in managing even the end of a relationship.

Recalling her time in Lingquan Town, it was clear why Miss He had been so attached to him. Beyond his notable appearance, his generosity had added to his allure. Even a fleeting relationship with such a person would leave one feeling satisfied and without grievances.

After that incident, Prince Huaiyang never returned. He left word that once Lu Xian’s injury had healed, the Jin Jia Battalion would send guards to escort Liu Mian Tang and her uncle back to the Lu family in Western Province.

During the day, Liu Mian Tang went about her preparations for leaving Wuning Pass as usual.

Li Mama and other prominent servants of the Prince residence were not a concern for her, but whether she could take her maidservants, Bi Cao and Fang Xie, out of the Wang residence was still up in the air.

Li Mama informed her that Prince Huaiyang's intention was to leave the two maids behind because they were considered too coarse and unsuitable for the Prince's residence. However, since they were skilled at hard work, their contracts would be given to Liu Mian Tang.

Liu Mian Tang hesitated slightly. Bi Cao and Fang Xie were kneeling before her, crying and pleading for her mercy, begging her to take them with her. They feared that if they were left behind, they would face the harsh rule of many mamas like Li Mama and find no comfort in the Prince’s residence, unlike the small, more manageable home they had known.

Seeing Bi Cao with tears almost reaching her mouth, Liu Mian Tang slowly said, “If you come with me, life may not be as comfortable as before. It will be quite a struggle. Are you still willing?”

The two maids quickly nodded in agreement. Liu Mian Tang then said, “Alright, but there is one thing: don’t call me ‘Madam.’ Just call me Miss Liu.”

The two maids, having been taught for half a year by Li Mama, eventually adjusted and addressed Liu Mian Tang as “Miss.”

Although Lu Xian’s injury was severe, he received timely medical attention.

During this period, there were attempts by unidentified individuals to infiltrate Wuning Pass and harm Lu Xian. However, the area was heavily guarded, and any intruders were promptly captured.

Perhaps to reassure the ever-suspicious Prince Sui, in April, Prince Huaiyang submitted a memorial to the court reporting that certain officials were colluding with A'Guoshan to illegally sell iron ore. This report was delivered to the heavenly court.

The Dowager Wu, who was behind the curtain, was enraged upon hearing this. She ordered a thorough investigation. However, the memorial submitted by Prince Huaiyang provided limited clues. Although many local officials were implicated, the ultimate mastermind remained elusive.

In the meantime, countless officials from various regions in the northwest were executed as a deterrent. The smuggling case involving the iron ore seemed to fade into obscurity.

Soon after, it was time for the annual allocation and accounting of military supplies. Surprisingly, the northwest army, which was usually at the back of the line and received only meager provisions, this year received substantial support from the Ministry of Revenue. Additionally, Prince Sui and other local princes generously donated.

The court and the public were puzzled, wondering when Prince Sui and Huaiyang had become so amicable.

The grain and supplies from Huizhou were transported directly to the northwest, and this year, due to the absence of layers of bureaucratic corruption, the northwest's military provisions were secure.

However, along the trade routes between the northwest and the Great Yan, there were constant reports of local officials being beheaded. The residents of Wuning Pass heard about these events and, in their idle moments, discussed the sensational iron ore smuggling case.

When the case first broke, Liu Mian Tang was deeply worried for her uncle, and even Lu Xian himself was restless, unable to sleep or eat in peace.

Given the circumstances, the smuggling case was indeed a complex matter, with many interconnected elements. As a key player in the trade routes, how could he avoid responsibility? If even one official exposed him, the entire Lu family could face consequences.

Reflecting on the worst-case scenario, Lu Xian regretted not heeding Mian Tang's advice to avoid the dangerous waters of this affair. He also resented his injury, which prevented him from fleeing the clutches of Prince Huaiyang with his niece.

However, as the smuggling case gradually settled and no one mentioned Lu Xian's name associated with the Shunwei Escort, it became clear that Prince Huaiyang's assurances of protection were not mere deceit. The intricate measures taken to safeguard Lu Xian and his family were known only to Prince Huaiyang himself.

Since then, Prince Huaiyang never returned to the residence in Wuning Pass.

Although Liu Mian Tang was busy during the day, preparing for the journey home, she found herself habitually reaching out for the person beside her in the middle of the night. Each time her hand met the cold emptiness of the pillow, it would take her a while to remember that she was no longer the wife of the Cui family, and that there would be no one lying beside her.

As a result, the rest of the night was often sleepless. She forced herself not to dwell on the reasons for her insomnia. Sometimes, she would simply get up and light an oil lamp, practicing the calligraphy she had neglected for a long time. For some reason, despite her long-standing sloppy handwriting, she managed to make some progress.

After a period of upheaval and reshuffling in the administrative circles, the border stronghold in the northwest returned to calm.

Occasionally, Liu Mian Tang would hear news about Prince Huaiyang from the military families around her. It was said that the troops from Jin Jia Pass had abandoned their usual defensive stance and were now actively counterattacking to reclaim the strongholds occupied by the barbarians.

The leadership skills honed during the anti-bandit operations in Zhenzhou found a broader application in the expansive northwest.

It was reported that the soldiers trained by Prince Huaiyang were fierce and formidable, a result of his dedication. Few commanders in the Great Yan Empire could match his commitment to living and training alongside his troops through sun and rain. Despite his high status as a hereditary prince, Prince Huaiyang practiced this principle rigorously.

However, the soldiers privately complained about the Prince's seemingly unending stamina. He trained the troops with a stern demeanor and fewer words, and his relentless intensity was truly intimidating.

Did he never get tired?

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