Chapter 54: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

 FlamingoBees 

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Home    :    Novels

 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 54: 

 

Prince Huaiyang wished he could feel more tired, but each night, as he lay alone on his military bed and began to drift into a foggy state, he would almost smell the faint fragrance of orchids and hear a soft voice asking, "Husband, would you like some water?"

When he mumbled a sleepy "yes," the sudden jolt would chase away the sleepiness, leaving him restless.

Poor sleep often led to a poor temper.

As a result, the northwest's barbarian troops faced considerable hardship, pursued relentlessly by the almost possessed Prince Huaiyang, who drove them to desperation. The court frequently received reports of victories from the northwest.

In a short time, Prince Huaiyang's name soared in popularity among the common people. He was now seen as the Yue Fei of the Great Yan Empire, with the talent of Wei Qing. The victory in the northwest became a hot topic of discussion throughout the empire.

However, those in the highest positions at the Palace had different concerns from the common folk.

As the officials from the Ministry of War reported the military situation, Empress Dowager Wu lay on a soft couch in the palace, smoking a pipe.

This was a luxury item from a vassal state, with fragrant tobacco leaves filled in an ivory-carved pipe. A palace maid, with delicate hands, held the slender pipe and Dowager Wu lightly inhaled, as if the young widow's lingering sorrow was dissipating into the rising smoke.

This valuable item, a soothing luxury, was first brought to the Empress Dowager's attention by General Shi, who discovered its calming effects among the tribute items.

As she closed her phoenix eyes and exhaled smoke, she spoke softly and slowly, “You all originally suggested having Prince Huaiyang lead the troops to the northwest, claiming it would kill two birds with one stone, eliminating the threat of the non-royal princes in Zhenzhou. But now, look how things stand. When he was in Zhenzhou, he commanded only tens of thousands of troops, and now it’s grown to over a hundred thousand! By the time he returns victorious, even the combined forces of your Ministry of War will pale in comparison to the prestige of this non-royal prince! You thought you were solving the Emperor's concerns, but instead, you’ve created a significant problem. General Shi, you had dealings with Prince Huaiyang in Qingzhou; tell me, do you have any ideas on how to ease the Emperor's worries?”

General Shi Yikuan was known for his diplomatic skills. Since being stationed in the capital, he had been promoted quickly and was now the Right Assistant Minister of War. His ability to flatter and manage relationships had earned him the favor of Empress Dowager Wu, and his future looked promising and boundless.

For a time, General Shi, as a rising star in the court, enjoyed considerable favor, and even his son-in-law became a darling of the capital.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager’s inquiry, Shi Yikuan quickly responded, “Your Majesty, your benevolence and wisdom have repeatedly safeguarded the State of Great Yan from danger. Prince Huaiyang’s success in resolving the situation in the northwest is also a testament to your great fortune.”

The Empress Dowager looked at General Shi with raised eyebrows and said, “Spare me the flattery. Otherwise, I might send you to the northwest to continue being near Prince Huaiyang!”

Shi Yikuan immediately fell to his knees and said, “What I meant to convey is that your esteemed and virtuous presence commands respect and obedience from all the princes. The whole court knows of Prince Huaiyang’s commitment to the Emperor’s will. Since he remains without a legitimate wife, why not choose a fitting princess for him? Once he becomes your son-in-law, he will surely be as loyal and respectful to you as I am.”

The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes. She had one son and one daughter, and her daughter, Princess Wuhua, was now fifteen, at the age where a suitable husband needed to be selected.

However, not everyone could be chosen as the Emperor's brother-in-law. She only had this one daughter, so she needed to select someone worthy.

In the past, Prince Huaiyang would have been considered merely a regional prince and not suitable to be a son-in-law. But now, with his strong military forces and his achievements in pacifying the northwest, he had gained significant merit, making it difficult to demote him or challenge his position.

If she were to act harshly against him, it might provoke public outrage and accusations of treason, like the historical figure Qin Hui. Since it wasn't feasible to suppress him forcefully, it was better to win him over with kindness.

In his youth, Prince Huaiyang had visited the capital and had met the late Emperor. At that time, she had seen him a few times at palace banquets as a graceful young man. Now that he was an adult, he likely still had his charms. She wondered if he would be a suitable match for her daughter.

Shi Yikuan’s suggestion was indeed a good one. Prince Huaiyang was like a fierce tiger; if she could secure his loyalty, it would benefit the entire state of Yan.

The Empress Dowager took another puff from her pipe, said nothing further, and waved her hand to dismiss everyone.

As Shi Yikuan left the palace, he intended to return to his official residence. However, halfway there, someone suddenly threw a note into his sedan chair.

Shi Yikuan frowned, unfolded the note, and, after a moment’s consideration, decided to head to a secluded teahouse in the capital instead.

Upon arriving at the teahouse with his servant, he was greeted by a young servant who led him through winding corridors to the back of the teahouse.

There, in a quiet courtyard with an elegant layout of sand and rock reminiscent of the previous dynasty’s style, Shi Yikuan was led into a room. He bowed respectfully to the person seated at the tea table and said, “I am late, and I apologize for making Prince Sui wait.”

Prince Sui had recently completed his mourning period, and was now back in the world with his hair and beard groomed, looking somewhat refreshed. He waved his sleeve casually and invited Shi Yikuan to sit, pouring him a cup of tea: “So, what did the old lady say?”

Shi Yikuan did not indulge in pleasantries and sat down directly. He said, “As per your instructions, I mentioned it to her. It seems she’s interested. However, isn’t this giving Prince Huaiyang more power? He’s already making things difficult for you, extorting and behaving like a mountain bandit. If he becomes a son-in-law, won’t he be even more arrogant?”

Prince Sui chuckled and said, “General Shi, do you think everyone is as gentle and considerate as your son-in-law? Don’t you know Prince Huaiyang’s foul temper? The old witch’s daughter has been spoiled rotten. If she were to marry, it would be quite a spectacle. Just wait and see if Prince Huaiyang doesn’t end up showering the Empress Dowager with gratitude.”

Shi Yikuan was impressed and gave a thumbs-up. “You’re truly brilliant, Prince. It’s like killing without leaving a trace. But… what about the iron ore smuggling case in the Northwest? Is it just going to end like this?”

Prince Sui finished his tea and squinted his eyes. “The ones who needed to die have mostly met their end. Prince Huaiyang got his share of benefits, and there’s no need to dig into his past. But if I don’t give him a taste of his own medicine, wouldn’t that be looking down on him too much?”

Shi Yikuan poured tea for the Prince and said, “You, Prince, have grand ambitions. Someone like Prince Huaiyang is just a nuisance, not worth your concern.”

Prince Sui looked at Shi Yikuan with a smirk. “Flattery truly goes a long way. I see that Prince Huaiyang, despite sweating blood on the battlefield, is no match for your skills in flattery. Now that you’ve aligned yourself with the Empress Dowager, it seems you’ve forgotten your old master… Even meeting with me has become a bit of a hassle.”

Shi Yikuan quickly protested, “ Prince, you’re overthinking it. How could I ever forget the kindness you’ve shown me?”

Prince Sui smiled slightly, revealing his white teeth. “General Shi, as long as you’re aligned with me, I have no fear of you turning against me… After all, you might be a future national father-in-law, and I’ll need your support.”

Shi Yikuan’s heart skipped a beat, and he looked at the Prince warily. “ Prince, you’re drinking tea, not wine. Such words shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

Prince Sui feigned surprise and widened his eyes at Shi Yikuan. “What? Your son-in-law hasn’t told you his true identity?”

Shi Yikuan, puzzled and apprehensive, asked, “What identity should he have?”

Prince Sui kindly waved his hand, signaling Shi Yikuan to come closer, and whispered something in his ear.

Shi Yikuan’s eyes grew wide in shock, his teeth chattering uncontrollably. Trembling, he said, “You… knew his identity all along? Then why did you still let me marry my daughter to him?”

Prince Sui’s smile faded, and he glared coldly at Shi Yikuan. “Such a good opportunity, of course, I’d reserve it for my own people. What, Shi Yikuan, don’t you think this is a good thing? Fortune is often found in danger. Look at the Wu family’s in-laws now, enjoying such grandeur. If your son-in-law succeeds, it will be your family’s turn to shine!”

Shi Yikuan’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Yet, as a seasoned official, he was not easily overwhelmed by such storms.

Once his emotions settled, Shi Yikuan realized that since Prince Sui had elevated him to his current position, he must also be ready to tighten the leash around his neck.

The Prince had lured him into a trap, using him as a pawn in the game. Nevertheless, Shi Yikuan understood the Prince’s point: “Fortune is indeed found in risk. The true value of Zi Yu’s identity… depends on how Shi Yikuan leverages it.”

Recently, he had indeed neglected Prince Sui, which might explain why the Prince had delivered a thunderous blow just as Shi Yikuan was basking in his success.

Thus, Shi Yikuan knelt and stepped back a few paces, respectfully addressing the Prince. “I am but a servant raised by the Prince. All honor and wealth come from your grace, my lord.”

Prince Sui smiled, pleased with his foresight in selecting such a flexible talent.

People like Shi Yikuan, who are opportunistic, often have multiple masters. However, with the leash firmly in the Prince’s hands, it was unlikely Shi Yikuan would dare to harbor any rebellious thoughts.

And that Cui Xingzhou... if he ever gets the chance to control that mad dog, the Prince Huaiyang, and make use of him as he pleases, how extravagant would that be?

Prince Huaiyang, who was thought of as a wild dog by Prince Su, was now relentlessly beating a sandbag under the blazing sun.

The simple iron fists, wrapped in cloth strips, fell like raindrops on the swaying sandbag, with sand spilling out from a place that had been beaten to pieces.

Cui Xingzhou shook his head, his triangular-shaped shoulders and back covered in glistening sweat.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and said to a nearby soldier, "Go, replace it with another one!"

Mo Ru, holding a towel and water jug, carefully attended to him. Seeing the king had stopped, Mo Ru cautiously approached and said, "Your Highness, this is the fourth sandbag you’ve burst in three days. Perhaps you should take a rest?"

Cui Xingzhou took the water jug, took a sip, and then casually asked, "Is there anything going on at Wuning Pass?"

Mo Ru, unsure of how to respond, cautiously asked, "Does Your Highness mean... what kind of events?"

Prince Huaiyang shot a fierce glance at him, remaining silent, and continued to strike the new sandbag.

Feeling rejected by his master, Mo Ru was also quite frustrated. After all, Wuning Pass really was quiet, wasn't it?

However, the master often had him return to the courtyard at Wuning Pass to fetch various items of clothing that were left there, not all at once. One day it would be a coat, the next day an inner garment, making him run back and forth repeatedly.

Thus, Mo Ru was somewhat familiar with the situation in that small courtyard: Recently, Miss Liu had stopped going to the pharmacy and spent her days walking around the courtyard with her injured uncle, who was recovering. The rest of the time, she was either in the small kitchen learning to make nourishing soups with Li Mama or practicing calligraphy in her room for half the day.

In Mo Ru's eyes, his master was always calm and composed, a wise Prince who seemed mature beyond his years. However, since getting close to Miss Liu, Prince Huaiyang had gradually begun to act out of character.

The way his master behaved now—though it might be disrespectful to say—seemed like a young man, completely captivated and infatuated by a young lady, stubbornly trying to maintain his pride while tormenting himself with sleepless nights and erratic emotions.

Mo Ru only thought this privately in his heart and dared not voice it in front of his master. He could only remain respectfully by his side, watching the king's iron fists burst one sandbag after another.

However, by noon, a guard from Wuning Pass hurried into the military tent and approached with cupped fists, saying, "Report to Your Highness, Miss Liu and her party finished loading the carriage and departed early this morning. However, Mama Li discovered that Miss Liu had left behind a box of land deeds and silver notes while packing today. She wasn't sure how to handle it, so she sent me to ask for Your Highness's instructions."

Cui Xingzhou was having his meal when he heard this. He slowly put down his chopsticks, raised his head, and gritted his teeth as he asked, "Left? When did they leave? Why didn’t anyone inform me until after they had already gone?"

The expression on Prince Huaiyang’s face was so frightening that the guard immediately fell to his knees, nervously reminding him, "Your Highness, don’t you remember? During your last visit to Wuning Pass, you instructed us that once Master Lu’s injury was healed, they would be free to leave, and we were only to escort them to Huizhou without troubling Your Highness. Therefore, we did not dare to disturb you yesterday."

The last time? Cui Xingzhou had left in anger, and naturally, he had forgotten what he had instructed the guards.

Upon hearing that Mian Tang had left the night before, Cui Xingzhou immediately leapt to his feet, rushed out of the tent, mounted his horse, and galloped straight to Wuning Pass.

When he arrived at the familiar courtyard, he dismounted and hurried inside. But the courtyard was now void of the smiling face that used to greet him with, "Husband, you're back! Are you hungry? Dinner will be ready soon..."

Seeing the prince storm into the house, then slowly emerge a short while later, Li Mama approached him. She presented a box containing the land deeds and a letter addressed to him.

Cui Xingzhou didn't take the box. Instead, he slowly reached out and accepted the letter. As he unfolded the paper, the handwriting on it—though still slightly rough—was recognizably neat and elegant. It was written in the same style as the calligraphy he had once taught her.

The letter read:

"Your humble servant does not know whether Your Highness will have time amidst your busy schedule to read this, but I still dare to leave these words of farewell. Reflecting on the past two years, I am deeply grateful for Your Highness's care, which allowed me to survive the calamities and fulfill my duties of filial piety to my grandfather. I will never forget your life-saving kindness and will find a way to repay you in the future. As for everything else, it is but the will of fate, and I hold no grievances. Enclosed are the deeds and banknotes, returned in full. I only wish Your Highness good health and a triumphant return."

A short letter on a single piece of paper, yet Cui Xingzhou stared at each word for a long time. He tried to find, hidden within the brief lines, any hint of lingering affection toward him—whether it be the pain of departure or even some lingering resentment...

But she said she held no grievances. Did that also mean there was no love?

During all this time, he had been waiting—waiting for her to calm down, remember their moments of sweetness, and then change her mind.

But what he hadn’t expected was that when she finally left, she did so without even a word of farewell. Cui Xingzhou had always been certain that Mian Tang loved him. Yet this woman, who had once sworn to follow him through life and death, when she turned to leave, did so with more decisiveness and finality than any other woman, leaving no path for return.

Li Mama, being older and more experienced, could see through to the prince’s thoughts by observing his current state.

Liu Mian Tang was undeniably beautiful and had always regarded the prince as her rightful husband. How could a man, living in close proximity to such a captivating woman, not develop feelings for her?

Yet, for all her charm, Mian Tang had a hard streak in her temperament!

In Li Mama’s eyes, Liu Mian Tang was not only capable but resilient like wild grass—able to thrive wherever she found herself.

If she were to truly enter the prince’s residence, she might not fare as well. Things were fine now while the official wife had not yet arrived, but once the rightful princess came through the gates?

Li Mama could not imagine Liu Mian Tang bowing low, humbling herself, or smilingly addressing another woman as “Madam.” 

Despite having served as a slave in the prince’s household her whole life, Li Mama was the authoritative Madam of her own family. If she had to remain a servant even at home, there truly wouldn’t be a single breath of freedom in her entire life.

If Liu Mian Tang were to grow jealous, given her intelligence and methods, even the most ruthless concubines of the old Prince wouldn't be a match for her. The prince's residence would surely never know peace again.

But these are all matters of a woman's heart. It would be foolish to expect a man of high rank to truly understand or empathize with such emotions. And while Li Mama did feel for Mian Tang, her primary concern remained from the prince's perspective. 

If Liu Mian Tang remained as an outside mistress, it might be more manageable. However, once she entered the household, she would stir up storms and unrest, leaving no chance for tranquility...

So, it was for the best that Liu Mian Tang left. With her beauty and talents, she was sure to find someone who would truly cherish her. As for the Prince, he was a man destined for great things. Even if, for a time, boredom in the northwest had led him to indulge in feelings of love and affection, such emotions would not last long. Eventually, as time passed, both would forget all about each other.

While Li Mama was reflecting on this, the Prince had already mounted his horse and headed out.

Initially, Li Mama thought he was going to chase after Liu Mian Tang and was about to remind him that they had left early yesterday and would be difficult to catch.

However, to her surprise, Prince Huaiyang turned his horse in the direction of Jin Jia Pass.

Li Mama breathed a sigh of relief, followed by another heavy sigh as she looked around the now empty courtyard. Though she tried to comfort herself, her heart couldn't help but ache at the sight.

The previous day, after traveling for a full day and night, the Lu family’s convoy finally arrived at Jintuo River. Once they crossed the water, they wouldn’t be far from the inner territories.

When they reached the riverbank and prepared to board the boat, Mian Tang slowly stepped down from the carriage. Turning to Fan Hu, the leader of the guards escorting her, she said, “Commander Fan, you can turn back now. You've done enough. The iron mine case has been closed, and all of my uncle’s associates in the government are dead, leaving no witnesses. The Prince of Sui no longer has any reason to pursue my uncle. Once we cross the river, the official roads will be busier, and there will be no further danger.”

Fan Hu tightened his expression and respectfully handed a sword to Mian Tang, speaking honestly, “Miss Liu, the Prince instructed me to ensure that you are safely delivered to the Lu family in Xizhou. If I return halfway, the Prince will have my head. So, if you’re tired of us and want to send me away, or if you’re planning to lose us somehow, you might as well use this sword to chop off my head now. That way, if I die here in front of you, perhaps the Prince will take pity on my loyalty and treat my family kindly.”

As he spoke, Fan Hu’s face was completely serious. He even stretched out his neck to help Mian Tang aim for the gap between his bones, so as not to dull the blade.

Equally serious, Mian Tang asked Fan Hu how much he earned per month. Fan Hu honestly told her the amount. Mian Tang nodded, “That's not bad, but it’s not worth dying for. You’re really risking it all!”

Fan Hu told Miss Liu that it wasn’t about the amount of money but about honor—about a man’s dignity.

During their journey escorting her to the northwest, Commander Fan’s dignity had been utterly shattered on the wooden cart, so escorting her back was his last chance to regain his pride as a man.

Hearing this, Mian Tang gave up on the idea of shaking them off, understanding that Fan Hu seemed ready to slit his own throat at any moment if they parted ways.

Now that Mian Tang had resumed her appearance from when she was still unmarried, she let her hair down from its former updo and simply tied it into a rough braid. Any loose strands were wrapped up in a blue cloth, neatly tied up. Her clothing was now the plain, rough cotton garments of an ordinary girl.

She looked just like any common village girl, but if Fan Hu and his men continued to follow her closely, it would make the convoy stand out too much. Mian Tang decided to discuss this with Fan Hu, suggesting that since they were supposed to be shadow guards, they should remain in the shadows. She proposed that they split from the Lu family's convoy and avoid traveling together.

Once she returned to Xizhou, and Commander Fan had restored enough of his pride, they could then quietly return. Each would go their own way without interfering with the other.

The reason Mian Tang made this request actually had more to do with her own considerations. When they had traveled together previously, every time they stopped to cook, the large and rough shadow guards would inevitably draw attention. They ate a lot too—always holding out their bowls for more food...

Mian Tang figured that with her current finances, she couldn’t possibly afford to feed all of them.

She hadn’t taken any of the shops, land deeds, or silver notes that the Prince of Huaiyang had given her. Otherwise, she really would have seemed like some kept mistress of his.

But the result of preserving her pride was that both she and her uncle found themselves in rather tight financial circumstances.

When her uncle was fleeing for his life, he didn’t bring much money, and the men of the Shenwei Escort Agency still needed to eat. So, before she left, Mian Tang thickened her skin and used up the rice and flour stored in the courtyard, steaming several large pots of mantou (steamed buns) and packing them to take along.

She still had the silver notes from her dowry that she had when she was rescued, but she didn’t want to use them for travel expenses just yet, so she was saving wherever she could.

After shaking off the highly paid shadow guards from the prince's estate, her travel funds and provisions would just about be enough to last until they reached Xizhou.

However, Fan Hu didn’t know that Miss Liu's request to part ways was because she thought they ate too much.

He knew she had fallen out with the Prince of Huaiyang and assumed that his presence and that of his men were simply an eyesore to her, annoying her to no end. So Commander Fan quickly agreed to her request, and in no time, the twenty or so guards had disappeared without a trace.

Lu Xian also felt more at ease with the guards gone and said to his niece, “At this pace, we’ll be back in Xizhou in less than half a month. If your grandfather sees you return, won’t he be overjoyed?”

But Mian Tang wasn’t so eager to return just yet—she still had important matters to attend to.

© 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.

•••

Prev  :  TOC :  Next

https://ko-fi.com/flamingobeestranslations

https://twitter.com/FlamingoBee2009

Thank You For Reading <3