Chapter 72: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 72: 

 

Minister Li, hurrying in his journey, was drenched with sweat. Upon arriving at the estate, he didn't rush to see the prince but first changed into a neatly folded white robe from the donkey’s saddlebag. After freshening up, he proceeded to the hall to wait for the prince and Miss Liu to sign the marriage contract.

Given his role as the witness, it was important for him to present himself properly.

Liu Mian Tang was initially shocked to find that Cui Xingzhou had actually sent Minister Li with the marriage contract. Frantically getting ready to meet the minister, she grumbled, "Did I agree to sign the marriage contract? Bringing people here like this is just pushing me into a corner!"

Cui Xingzhou, while helping her adjust her hairpins, drawled, "Didn’t you agree last night?"

Confused, Liu Mian Tang blinked, not recalling agreeing to anything. Cui Xingzhou leaned in close to her ear and whispered a few words.

Her cheeks flushed with a deep red, as if heated by a flame. Indeed, during their intimate moments the previous night, Cui Xingzhou had cunningly persuaded her to agree to the marriage contract while she was overwhelmed with emotions.

"Well... how does what was said last night count?" Liu Mian Tang turned away, stubbornly refusing to admit it. But Cui Xingzhou tightened his hold around her and said, "If you don’t think about all the other concerns, and I were to choose not to marry you, would you still choose not to marry me?"

Liu Mian Tang was silent. Yes, if she only considered the present, she would indeed prefer to be with him...

At that moment, Bi Cao’s voice came from outside the room, “Minister Li is waiting for you and the prince!”

Cui Xingzhou took Liu Mian Tang’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze, and led her out of the room towards the hall.

At the door, Liu Mian Tang hesitated, reluctant to enter the hall.

Seeing her hesitation, Cui Xingzhou said, “What’s wrong? Do you want to make Minister Li wait out here all day?”

Taking a deep breath, Liu Mian Tang pulled her hand away from him and entered the hall. She greeted Minister Li, performed the customary formalities, and had Fang Xie serve tea to him.

Minister Li, who had been traveling and was quite thirsty, took the cup of tea from Fang Xie and drank it in one go. He said, “Miss Liu, this is the official document issued by the government. If the prince ever denies it, you can come find me!”

Liu Mian Tang smiled slightly, handing Minister Li a plate of pastries and said, “There’s no need for that... But if I were to annul the marriage one day, would it also need to go through you?”

Li Guangcai almost spat out the tea he had just drunk. He had initially thought that Miss Liu was concerned that the marriage proposal to Prince Huaiyang was being handled carelessly, without the presence of elders from the prince's family to oversee it, which might lead to a situation where the prince changes his mind and damages the girl's reputation.

However, he was completely taken aback by Liu Mian Tang's immediate consideration of annulling the marriage before even signing the contract. Did she even realize what she was saying?

Thinking this over, Li Guangcai couldn't help but glance at the prince with suspicion. Prince Huaiyang, now at the prime of his age, had matured from his youthful days and exuded a refined yet unmistakable martial charisma, his charm surpassing even before.

In their youth, when they were both in the capital, they had met through the imperial examinations. Although Cui Xingzhou’s examination papers were later removed by the late emperor, it did not affect their friendship. Even during their younger days, when they would occasionally drink and enjoy performances with courtesans, Cui Xingzhou had always remained aloof and composed, never engaging with the women in a frivolous manner. The noble ladies of the capital, despite their admiration for the prince, would discreetly send him notes, but he remained distant and untouchable.

The reputation of "Sai Xia Hui" was not without reason. In the capital, where many fine ladies were enamored with him, Prince Huaiyang was known for his cold demeanor, never showing any signs of being smitten by any woman, maintaining a high and aloof presence.

It was a pity that while many admired and had affections for the young prince, he remained indifferent, like a stream flowing past fallen flowers.

Unexpectedly, the once-envied and handsome prince was infatuated with a girl from a humble background. Even more surprising to Li Guangcai was that this young lady seemed to have reservations about Prince Huaiyang, displaying reluctance.

Noticing Li Guangcai's astonishment, Liu Mian Tang realized she had embarrassed Cui Xingzhou in front of others. Regardless of their private disputes, she did not want to let anyone underestimate him. She quickly said, “Please don’t misunderstand, Sir. It's just that the old princess consort of the prince's family might not be aware of this marriage. If she disapproves, the marriage contract would be invalid, and the prince would be blamed for being unfilial.”

Cui Xingzhou cast a deep look at Liu Mian Tang before turning to Li Guangcai. His eyebrows remained unruffled as he calmly stated, “Lord Li, why are you still hesitating? Please inform Miss Liu that the laws of the Great Yan are clear. Unless it’s a marriage bestowed by the Emperor himself, there is no reason why a marriage contract cannot be annulled.”

Li Guangcai was astonished that Prince Huaiyang seemed unbothered by Liu Mian Tang’s reluctance. Nonetheless, he was tasked with completing the formalities, so he promptly added, “If Miss Liu has any second thoughts, you can certainly discuss it with the prince, and the marriage contract can be annulled.”

Liu Mian Tang bit her lip, her mind still unsettled. However, under Cui Xingzhou’s unwavering gaze, she hesitated, then slowly picked up a brush. After dipping it in ink, she carefully wrote her name on the marriage contract.

Li Guangcai, observing the process, let out a sigh of relief as he handed over the seal paste for her to affix her handprint next to her name.

Without hesitation, Cui Xingzhou wrote his name in a bold, flowing script on the contract, added his handprint, and sealed it with his personal stamp.

Li Guangcai also signed and stamped the document as the guarantor.

Although the elders of both families were not present, the marriage contract was considered valid according to the procedures.

After completing the paperwork, Li Guangcai prepared to head back to his residence. However, since he had traveled a long way on a mule and was serving as the witness, Cui Xingzhou insisted on hosting a meal in his honor. He instructed Li Mama to prepare a feast, ensuring that Li Guangcai could enjoy some food and drink before departing.

Li Mama and Mo Ru were standing aside, watching the signing of the marriage contract between Prince Huaiyang and Liu Mian Tang.

Both of them were visibly stunned, exchanging looks of disbelief. They couldn't quite grasp that the prince had actually committed to a marriage with Liu Mian Tang.

Mo Ru, in particular, was on the verge of tears. He worried about the consequences of not reporting this development. Given the prince's authority, he feared that if the Empress Dowager found out, he might face severe punishment.

Li Mama, on the other hand, was thinking more about the practical implications. She regretted not providing more guidance to Liu Mian Tang earlier. With the wedding preparations ahead, there was much for Liu Mian Tang to learn. Li Mama was concerned about whether she would be able to teach everything needed before the ceremony.

Liu Mian Tang, half coaxed and half persuaded by Cui Xingzhou, had signed the marriage contract. As she looked at her fingers, marked with the red seal, she felt as though she was in a dream, uncertain whether to feel regret or relief. Her name was now on the document, and all that remained was to move forward step by step.

Even though she had established herself as a woman of independent status, she felt it necessary to inform her grandfather. Taking advantage of Cui Xingzhou’s time with Li Guangcai for drinks, she returned to her room to write a letter, letting her grandfather know the news. She intended to have him be informed first and then choose an auspicious day for Cui Xingzhou to visit and pay respects to her grandfather.

Meanwhile, Cui Xingzhou enjoyed his time drinking with Li Guangcai. With the marriage contract in hand, he appeared much more relaxed and cheerful. Sharing the moment with a close friend, he wore a sincere smile throughout their time together.

After a few cups of wine, Li Guangcai remembered an important matter and spoke to Prince Huaiyang: "Your Highness, you've likely heard of the current state of affairs in the capital, right? If you ask for my opinion, it might be best to delay your return for a while…"

Cui Xingzhou understood that by "current state," Li Guangcai was referring to the palace.

The young emperor had always been frail, and recently, he hadn’t attended court for an entire month. The Empress Dowager Wu had taken control of state affairs from behind the curtain.

With the emperor still childless, rumors among the officials had run wild. They speculated on which prince might ascend to the throne if the worst were to happen.

Cui Xingzhou nodded thoughtfully but responded calmly, "I've heard the same. But there's something else on my mind. Given the situation, why would Prince Sui be in such a hurry to leave the capital? What do you think his intentions are?"

Li Guangcai nodded thoughtfully. He had known Prince Huaiyang for a long time, so he was well aware that despite Prince Sui's outward appearance of indifference, he had long harbored ambitions for the throne.

Now, with the young emperor's health in question and the other princes maneuvering behind the scenes, Prince Sui's sudden departure from the capital didn't align with his known ambition.

Realizing this, Li Guangcai's expression tightened, and he asked, "Should I send someone to gather more information on Prince Sui’s movements?"

Cui Xingzhou took a sip of wine and replied, "No need. Whatever he plans, we must keep ourselves out of it. That’s why I made the effort to transfer you to Xizhou. The waters are deep in Zhenzhou’s three counties now."

Li Guangcai, hearing this, let out a hearty laugh, "I thought you had forgotten all the serious matters and just sent me here to be a guardian for the lady."

Cui Xingzhou smiled slightly. "You know that my trip to the northwest delayed too much. Time doesn't wait for anyone; it's about time I settle down."

Li Guangcai raised his cup and toasted, "Then let me drink to Your Highness finding the one you truly desire!"

Though outwardly he celebrated, in his heart, Li Guangcai couldn't shake the thought that, whether for political or personal reasons, Prince Huaiyang and Prince Sui were now on a collision course. After all, Prince Sui had also set his sights on Miss Liu, even going so far as to try to forcefully take her.

Meanwhile, Prince Huaiyang had managed to turn the tables, marrying the very woman Prince Sui had set his sights on.

Who knew how Prince Sui would react when he learned of it?

While the two former classmates clinked glasses, exchanging toasts, in the adjacent room, Liu Mian Tang was biting the end of her brush absentmindedly.

Since there was a man present, Li Mama had prepared a small table for Mian Tang, setting out her meal and delicately placing it before her.

Noticing Mian Tang still lost in thought, Li Mama sighed inwardly.

While others might not know, she understood clearly that Mian Tang wasn’t the type of girl eager to marry into wealth or power, especially not to Prince Huaiyang. It was only because of the prince’s persistence, honed after being chilled to the bone during his campaigns in the northwest, that he had finally softened his stance and pursued Mian Tang in earnest.

And Liu Mian Tang, unable to resist the relentless pursuit of the prince, had finally relented, especially after the harrowing pressure from Prince Sui. Compared to the overbearing Prince Sui, her own prince seemed kind and indulgent, even doting.

Thus, after this long, simmering courtship, the pot of fragrant stew was finally done. The only problem was that the "meat" in the pot—Liu Mian Tang herself—hadn’t quite realized what was happening, still staring off into space, biting her brush.

Li Mama, knowing all too well how decisive her prince could be, was fully aware that if he had made up his mind to marry Liu Mian Tang, then this young lady was as good as married and destined to be in his bed soon enough.

That’s why Li Mama quietly reminded herself that from this moment on, she must treat Liu Mian Tang as the future Princess Consort Huaiyang, the inevitable mistress of the prince's household!

Thinking this, she spoke softly, "Miss, hurry and eat while the food is still hot. Today, we made your favorite—slow-cooked pork bone broth. The white soup has been simmered to a rich consistency, and it’s best enjoyed while warm."

Lifting her head, Mian Tang was greeted by Li Mama’s gentle smile.

Though she knew Li Mama had always treated her well, in the past, her manner of speaking often carried the air of a servant from a prestigious household—dignified, with a hidden sense of superiority.

In all the time she had known her, Mian Tang had never seen Li Mama smile with such warmth, a gentleness mixed with humility, and yet, within that humility, there was a familiar tenderness. It even seemed as if Li Mama’s face appeared a little fairer than usual today!

Taking the small bowl of soup Li Mama handed her, Mian Tang took a sip. The broth, carefully simmered by Li Mama, was indeed rich and flavorful...

As Li Mama attended to her meal, Mian Tang decided to inquire about the current household at Prince Huaiyang’s estate.

She hadn’t asked before, as it hadn’t concerned her. But now, having been coaxed by Cui Xingzhou into signing the marriage contract, it wouldn’t do to back out immediately. She would have to take things one step at a time, and the first step was to understand the household she would soon be marrying into.

Li Mama, in turn, was forthcoming with the details, explaining that aside from the Old Princess Consort, the old prince’s remaining concubines had either entered a convent or retired to estates in the countryside.

Thus, in the prince’s estate, there were only two concubines of the late prince who remained—Madam Li and Madam Qin, both of whom still had living children.

And as for these two concubines, they had been allowed to remain in the estate because the Old Princess Consort feared that if she dismissed them too harshly, people would gossip. They would say that as soon as the old prince passed, she had become cruel to the concubines. So, to save face, she had her son show leniency and allowed them to stay.

Among these concubines, the younger Madam Li had a daughter, Cui Wanglan, born of a lesser status, who was only thirteen this year and had not yet been engaged.

Madam Qin, on the other hand, had a son who, at fifteen, developed a debilitating condition and was ranked fifth among the brothers. But because he had been paralyzed since childhood, unable to walk, he had, in a twist of fate, survived the bloody power struggles within the prince's estate and now lived quietly in a secluded corner.

Though Li Mama wouldn’t speak openly about the prince’s actions, Mian Tang, listening to her words, could piece together much of the story.

She had once thought that Cui Xingzhou was a prince born into wealth and ease, with everything going smoothly for him. But hearing Li Mama mention that there had originally been twelve or more concubines in the prince’s estate—not even counting the maidservants who had risen to a similar status—she couldn’t help but frown.

As the legitimate son, yet ranked ninth, which of his elder brothers would have shown him any favor? It was easy to imagine how fierce the infighting and rivalry among the brothers must have been.

However... out of all those brothers, only his paralyzed elder brother remained in the estate. Cui Xingzhou’s methods must have been extremely ruthless...

This version of Cui Xingzhou, the one who had survived such trials, was a side of him that Mian Tang had never fully understood.

Li Mama, seeing Mian Tang eating while jotting down notes, nodded approvingly and said, "Miss, you're naturally bright. People say that princely estates are as deep as the sea, and it's the foolish ones who don't know how to swim who drown. Our prince's estate, compared to others, is much more peaceful. The Old Princess Consort is a kind person. As long as you win her favor, you won't have to worry about anyone else..."

Mian Tang, however, smiled slightly and said, "No matter how I try, I can't compare to the Old Princess Consort's own niece... Oh, by the way, after Miss Lian called off the engagement, she no longer lives in the prince's estate, right?"

Li Mama didn't dare to speak with certainty, so she cautiously replied, "After all, they are relatives, so there will be visits, especially during festivals. But once Miss Lian is engaged and married off, she probably won't visit as frequently."

Mian Tang remained silent. Currently, Cui Xingzhou still held the commander's post, and only after entering the capital to report would he be able to take her to Zhenzhou for the wedding. By that time, Miss Lian would likely be discussing her own marriage, which would avoid any awkward encounters.

For now, the most pressing matter was visiting her grandfather with Cui Xingzhou. This time was different from before. Although Mian Tang had established her own household, the Lu family was still considered her maternal family. Since she and Cui Xingzhou had privately signed the marriage contract, it was only proper to formally inform her family.

Thus, on the second day after the engagement, under a favorable sun and an auspicious date, Cui Xingzhou arranged for their visit to the Lu residence.

As for the betrothal gifts, Cui Xingzhou had prepared them long before his return from the northwest, instructing people to ship them from Zhenzhou. Over the past few days, they had been arriving in Xizhou by boat, just in time to be loaded onto carts and decorated for the occasion.

Li Mama was the one handling all the preparations, directing Cui Xingzhou's personal guards as they checked the gift lists, loaded the carts, and adorned them with red flowers. The carriages were arranged in an orderly fashion, and the procession set out.

The dozen large carriages, uniformly covered in red cloth and decorated with red flowers, were truly eye-catching.

The people of Xizhou, who had recently been seeing these luxurious betrothal carriages, grew increasingly curious about which noble was proposing this time.

When they saw that the carriages were once again heading toward the Lu residence, the whole city was buzzing with speculation. They couldn’t believe it—was someone else proposing to the Lu family's young lady again?

The last betrothal procession had only just passed a few days ago! How could there be another proposal so soon?

And this time, the scale was even grander—dozens of carriages drawn by white horses, their red adornments stretching as far as the eye could see.

By the time the carriages reached the entrance of the Lu residence, the Lu family members had already gathered in a crowd.

When Cui Xingzhou helped Liu Mian Tang down from the carriage, the women of the Lu family gasped in shock.

They had never expected that Mian Tang would get engaged to Cui Jiu so suddenly, and without even informing the family before signing the marriage contract.

It was only the previous evening that the old master had received word. This morning, he casually announced to the family, "Liu girl has gotten engaged. She'll be coming over today, so have the kitchen prepare more dishes."

Before everyone had fully grasped the situation, the dowry procession had arrived. The grandeur of it all even surpassed that of Prince Sui’s previous display.

Madam Quan's face grew tense, and Lu Qingying’s resentment was practically palpable. She could only think bitterly how, once her engagement was settled, the dowry from the Su family would be swept away as if by the wind!

Was Liu Mian Tang deliberately trying to embarrass her, to make her look bad?

Lu Mu’s expression also darkened. He hadn't expected Mian Tang to be so thoughtless, going so far as to insult Prince Sui by rejecting his proposal and turning around to accept this so-called Young Master Cui’s marriage offer instead.

Cui Jiu may be wealthy, but does he have the immense power of Prince Sui? That man is the son of the Empress Dowager, the Emperor’s uncle!

Thinking this through, Lu Mu made up his mind. Since Mian Tang had already set up her own household, let her live her life independently! But bringing these carriages of dowry to the Lu family—what was the meaning of this? If Cui Jiu’s dowry entered their gates, wouldn’t that imply that the Lu family was openly offending Prince Sui?

With these thoughts in mind, as Cui Xingzhou led Mian Tang toward the entrance, Lu Mu swiftly stepped forward to block their path. He didn’t acknowledge Cui Xingzhou but instead, with a stern expression, adopted the posture of an elder and addressed her directly: “You’ve already established your own household and moved out from the Lu family. You claimed you wouldn’t burden us any longer. When you said that, I, as your uncle, felt relieved—you seemed stronger than your father, who brought nothing but trouble. But now you’ve gotten engaged, and here you are, sending dowries to the Lu family. What is the meaning of this? People might think your private engagement was arranged by the Lu family elders!”

Lu Mu typically played the role of a mediator, rarely speaking with such severity. But now, in his urgency to sever ties with Mian Tang, his tone had become sharp and harsh.

Lu Xian, standing beside him, watched as his younger brother suddenly erupted in this fit of unreasonable anger. Desperate to stop him, he grabbed Lu Mu’s arm and hissed, “Are you mad? What are you talking about?”

Thinking his older brother was once again trying to smooth things over, Lu Mu impatiently shook him off. “Brother, stay out of this! You brought this trouble upon us! Just look at him—does he seem like any decent man? If he really wanted to propose, why didn’t he consult the elders of the Lu family? What, does he have no mother or father to guide him? To act so presumptuously…”

Lu Mu’s voice was loud, deliberately so, to ensure that everyone in the street could hear. He figured that Prince Sui had not yet given up on Mian Tang, and if any of his men were nearby listening, they would know that Liu Mian Tang had entered this engagement in private. The Lu family, he intended to make clear, had not agreed to it!

Actually, today’s grand procession was not Mian Tang’s fault. It was Prince Huaiyang who insisted on the elaborate ceremony in Western State to avoid any potential tarnishing of the Lu family’s reputation as if he had forcibly taken Mian Tang.

The ten or so carts of betrothal gifts were intended solely for the Lu family, acknowledging the years they had cared for Mian Tang. As for the wedding gifts, Prince Huaiyang would prepare another set to be added to Mian Tang’s dowry.

However, at the entrance, Mian Tang had been met with a harsh scolding from Lu Mu.

As soon as she heard her second uncle’s angry rebuke, Mian Tang immediately understood his ulterior motives.

But… had her grandfather not informed the family of Prince Huaiyang’s identity? How else could her second uncle be so brazen in his reprimand?

At this moment, Madam Quan also stepped forward to support her husband, saying, “Mian Tang, don’t blame your second uncle for being angry. One must not be so shortsighted! You chose to reject a prince of the stature of Prince Sui for someone with impaired legs. No matter how much wealth he has, can he compare to the esteemed and noble Prince Sui?”

On the side, Mo Ru could no longer tolerate the situation. As Madam Quan continued to add fuel to the fire, Mo Ru raised his voice in accordance with the formalities of the betrothal ceremony and declared, “From the Lu family, the esteemed and talented Miss Liu Mian Tang, renowned for her beauty and grace, has been sought in marriage by Prince Huaiyang of Zhenzhou, who comes with a grand betrothal gift. The list of gifts is presented for the esteemed head of the household to review and set a date for the wedding!”

Lu Mu still had a stomachful of grievances to vent, but upon hearing this, he was momentarily stunned, thinking he must have misheard.

"The Prince Huaiyang of Zhenzhou? Is he really the Northwestern Marshal Cui Xingzhou, who quelled the northwest’s turmoil and swept away the seven tribes of the barbarians? Where did such a high-ranking prince come from?"

Even if he were truly Cui Xingzhou, it would be believable if he were here to take a concubine. But he was adamant about marrying a princess, and he specifically chose Liu Mian Tang, the daughter of a condemned criminal. It was unbelievable!

What kind of scammer is this? He actually dares to impersonate the illustrious Northwestern Marshal to deceive a young lady!

© 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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