Chapter 73: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 73: 

 

Lu Mu was about to glare at someone, but Lu Xian managed to cover his younger brother’s mouth just in time. “Lu Mu, were you muddled by the morning wine? Why are you making a scene on Liu Girls’s joyous day?”

He then awkwardly added, “Your Highness, please don’t take offense. My father and I haven’t mentioned your identity to the family, and my younger brother had a bit too much to drink this morning and is acting out…”

Who drinks in the morning? The argument didn't hold up upon closer inspection. However, Cui Xingzhou smiled slightly and, following Lu Xian's words, said, "Since it was just drunken talk, this prince is not surprised. As we will be family in the future, there is no need for excessive formality. Let's go into the hall to talk."

At that moment, a group of soldiers in iron armor and helmets arrived to dismantle the decorative carriage and transport items into the Lu residence.

According to the customary etiquette, Mo Ru stood at the door and loudly recited the list of gifts.

Many items were not packed in boxes but were displayed directly for viewing. Whether it was jade-carved lions, gold bracelets, or fabrics, these were all styles that the common folk had never even seen.

However, Lu Mu, being knowledgeable, could tell that some of these items were even imperial tributes. If it weren’t for the honored prince’s reward, where would such rare items come from?

As for the required seafood gifts, they included specially-supplied shark fins and abalone. In addition, there were reportedly also land and shop properties.

In summary, if this were truly a scam to deceive a young lady, these gifts alone would be enough to sell the entire Lu family to procure them.

Moreover, the Prince Huaiyang’s troops were camped not far from Xizhou City, and with the constant presence of soldiers in the city these days, who would dare to impersonate Prince Huaiyang with such audacity?

As the wedding gifts were being brought in, Lu Mu noticed that his father and elder brother seemed to have no doubts about the identity of Prince Huaiyang. Moreover, seeing that Cui Xingzhou’s attendants were all fully armed soldiers, Lu Mu finally realized that this distinguished young man was indeed the Northwestern Marshal Cui Xingzhou!

In an instant, the entire family was shocked.

What kind of circumstances had Liu Girl experienced in recent years? How had she continuously met with princes and high-ranking officials? And had the esteemed Prince Huaiyang truly married her as his legitimate wife?

Amidst the stunned silence of the onlookers, Cui Xingzhou had already led Mian Tang to present tea and greetings to Old Master Lu.

Old Master Lu, being a seasoned veteran, had grown indifferent to worldly grandeur over the years. Moreover, he was already aware of Cui Xingzhou’s identity and was able to respond with composure.

After the greetings, Old Master Lu looked at the young couple. If not for their social standing, the pair seemed truly well-matched.

He wondered what method the young man had used to win his granddaughter’s consent. Looking at Mian Tang’s meticulously styled hair and lightly painted eyebrows, she didn’t appear unwilling at all.

If she truly wishes for it, then everything will be fine. Old Master Lu began speaking slowly, “Mian Tang has been without her mother since she was young, and she has inherited my stubbornness. I’m grateful that Your Highness does not disdain her and has taken a liking to her. I ask that you be patient with her in the future. If she proves to be truly unruly and unteachable, you may send her back to the Lu family, and I will handle her myself…”

The words caused the women present to think that their elders were out of touch. Who discusses sending a daughter back to her family on the engagement day?

However, upon reflection, the more perceptive ones understood the elderly man's meaning—“Even if my granddaughter is not perfect, please be generous and don’t punish her. If you need to, just send her back to the Lu family. I’ll handle it!”

Cui Xingzhou also understood that the old man was concerned about him treating Mian Tang poorly.

Nevertheless, both grandfather and granddaughter seemed to be thinking along the same lines, preparing for a possible separation before the marriage even took place, as if the prince’s residence were a den of tigers and dragons. If it had been someone else, Cui Xingzhou might have been enraged.

But now that he was seeking the young lady’s hand, he could only respond sincerely and solemnly, “Since I have decided to marry her, I will certainly respect and cherish her. Why would I send her back? Please rest assured.”

Old Master Lu nodded and said no more. The discussion then turned to various matters concerning the wedding preparations.

Since Cui Xingzhou had not yet retired from military duties and his return date was uncertain, no specific wedding date was set. It was agreed that the Lu family would send representatives to Zhenzhou to participate in the wedding ceremony once the grand event was arranged.

As for Mian Tang’s dowry, Cui Xingzhou didn’t even inquire about it. Since he was marrying the person, it didn’t matter to him if she brought a dowry or not. This way, the customary steps for the wedding were reduced by one.

Lu Mu took the opportunity to pull his elder brother aside, fuming with anger. “Big Brother, are you and Father treating me as if I’m not part of the Lu family? With the esteemed status of Prince Huaiyang, why didn’t you inform me earlier? You left me making such a fool of myself in front of His Highness. How will I ever establish family connections again? I’m afraid His Highness might even harbor resentment towards me as an uncle!”

Since Lu Xian learned that two former adversaries had become engaged, his mind had been in turmoil. He regretted not explaining the situation to Mian Tang and debated whether to keep it hidden and bury the matter entirely. While his thoughts were in disarray, he heard his younger brother’s complaints and couldn’t be bothered with such trivial matters. He gave Lu Mu a harsh glare and said, “What family connections? Mian Tang is marrying far away, and we won’t be able to look after her. You’ll need to find a chance to apologize to Prince Huaiyang later.”

With that, he turned and walked away. Lu Mu called out, but his elder brother didn’t look back. Frustrated, Lu Mu sulkily returned to his own courtyard.

When he got back, he saw that Lu Qingying’s eyes were red from crying. He asked Madam Quan and learned that even if his daughter hadn’t cried, her eyes would still be red.

Liu Mian Tang’s engagement was so lofty and unattainable that Lu Qingying had no comparison. She mumbled quietly, “Even my great-uncle, who knows such distinguished people, didn’t inform the family or think about his niece. If he had brought him back earlier and discussed it with me…”

Lu Mu, being self-aware, shot a glare at his daughter and said, “Do you think the prince will marry anyone just because they’re female? Look at Liu Mian Tang! Only someone with such exceptional beauty can attract the attention of princes and nobles. You should just accept your fate and wait to become a wife in the Su family!”

Lu Qingying retorted, “Isn’t it said that my cousin was previously involved with someone? If the prince knew, would he still want her?”

Lu Mu almost pulled his daughter by the ear and said, “Little brat, isn’t it enough that we’ve caused a commotion today? Now that Mian Tang has such a good marriage, the Lu family benefits too. I still have matters to discuss with the prince. As for your cousin’s past, keep it to yourself and don’t mention a word!”

As for Mian Tang’s life in Yangshan, Lu Mu actually knew less about it than Lu Xian. Mian Tang had become less close to him and confided more in her eldest uncle, sharing everything with him but not with Lu Mu.

Originally, Lu Mu had first met Young Master Zi Yu and vaguely knew of his distinguished background. However, after his family encountered trouble, he rushed back home to secure his inheritance, worried that his father might end up giving everything to the Liu family, and thus cut off contact with Yangshan.

Because Lu Mu didn’t know much about the past grievances between Mian Tang and Prince Huaiyang, he lacked the same caution as his elder brother Lu Xian. Instead, he was solely focused on firmly establishing this noble connection.

Although Cui Xingzhou wasn’t of royal lineage, he was far more powerful than that Prince Sui. A prince with such remarkable military achievements had a promising future ahead!

According to Lu Mu’s plan, after today’s gift-giving ceremony, he would find an opportunity to apologize to the prince, mend the familial relationship, and then gradually discuss his own shipping business with him.

Because of Mian Tang’s interference, his recent profitable ventures had dried up. However, with her soon to become a princess, even just a small amount of what she would bring could feed his entire family for a year. It would be unreasonable to continue holding onto the shipping business under such circumstances.

What Lu Mu didn’t expect was that Prince Huaiyang had come specifically to seek a wife. Now that the marriage contract was in hand, there was no need for him to stay any longer. Thus, the day after the gift-giving ceremony, the Northwestern army stationed outside the city began to march on again.

Liu Mian Tang was also taken away by Cui Xingzhou from Xizhou. However, before leaving, she transferred the shipping business to the Lu family, specifically to Lu Xian, and repeatedly instructed her eldest uncle not to let her second uncle get involved.

Given the recent upheavals in the family, Lu Xian had already seen through his younger brother’s greed. He knew how to handle things without Mian Tang’s instructions. Now, apart from supporting a few orphans and widows, the Lu family had no other major expenses, and their spending was significantly reduced.

As for the bride price given by the prince, under the Old Master’s instructions, it was all kept intact for Mian Tang after the formalities were done. When the grandfather and granddaughter parted, tears flowed abundantly.

Old Master Lu repeatedly cautioned his granddaughter, knowing that no amount of advice could truly change anything. He only hoped that her life would be better than her mother’s and that she would not encounter another heartless person.

As the procession moved forward, Mian Tang kept gazing at the forked road and the long pavilion in the distance—her grandfather was still standing there, unwilling to leave.

Cui Xingzhou, who was in the same carriage with her, reached out and pulled her back, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and saying, “The wind outside is strong. After you’ve cried, be careful not to let it hurt your face.”

Mian Tang whispered, “Didn’t we agree that you would go to the capital and I would stay in Xizhou and wait for you? Why are you taking me with you now?”

Cui Xingzhou held her hand and gently tilted her chin up, saying, “Are you really willing to part with me after we’ve just reunited? If I leave you behind, you might come up with some scheme. It’s better if you come with me so I can keep an eye on you and be at ease.”

Mian Tang leaned into his embrace and said, “Aren’t we already engaged? What else is there to worry about?”

Cui Xingzhou smiled slightly, kissed her gently, and said, “I’ll only be at ease once you’ve given me a child.”

It was only then that Mian Tang realized that he had been staying in her room these days without any restrictions. If she happened to become pregnant, what would she do?

However, Cui Xingzhou reassured her that she was overthinking. Their journey to the capital was merely a routine affair. After reporting in, he would return to Zhenzhou. The journey would take a month or so, and even if she were to become pregnant, there was no need to worry; she could give birth after the formal ceremonies.

Moreover, after lifting the restrictions, it would be hard to return to a life of asceticism. With such a beautiful companion, even a sage would find it difficult to resist!

The main convoy moved at a leisurely pace, setting up camp early each day and departing late in the evening. They would linger a few more days if they encountered famous mountains or ancient temples. Although they were traveling, it was not exhausting.

Soon, Mian Tang noticed that the convoy seemed to be delaying their progress and asked Cui Xingzhou about it. He avoided the question, merely saying, “Since I haven’t had a chance to show you around, we’ll travel slowly and enjoy the scenery along the way.”

If he wasn’t willing to say, Mian Tang wisely chose not to press the issue. She also understood that Cui Xingzhou had been sent to the northwest to handle tasks others were unwilling to do, which likely meant he had an unpleasant relationship with the court. The Empress Dowager’s attempt to mend relations by marrying her daughter to him was met with his subtle refusal by feigning an injury.

Now that Cui Xingzhou held military power, he was bound to be a source of concern for the court. If the court intended to weaken his military influence, it would lead to a political struggle behind the scenes.

With this realization, Mian Tang chose to remain discreet and simply enjoyed traveling with Cui Xingzhou, relaxing and taking in the sights.

Previously, she had known Cui Jiu, who had concealed his identity and thus spoke with more caution, avoiding certain topics. But now, as Cui Xingzhou, he could relax and share stories of his past with her.

Especially as they traveled, there were many places he had visited during his youth while studying, and each location brought back memories and stories. Mian Tang had always found Cui Jiu eloquent, but now she discovered that despite being a prince, he had a rich life experience. He had once hidden his identity and mingled with commoners, understanding their hardships. In short, he knew far more than she had initially realized.

Liu Mian Tang had always admired capable people, and she had respected her fiancé Cui Xingzhou for his scholarly achievements. Unfortunately, her admiration had diminished when she later discovered he had deceived a young woman, which affected her regard for him.

When she looked at him, she often weighed the truth of his words carefully.

Now that they were betrothed, she no longer had to fret over irrelevant concerns. As they spent time alone together, Mian Tang discovered that her future husband’s talents in both military and literary fields were indeed impressive. Her admiration for him began to rekindle, and she was even eager to learn from him about the teachings of sages from the books.

Cui Xingzhou was quite pleased with the adoring look in her eyes and told her that learning was important, but she might as well start with the pleasures of the marriage bed, as even the sages had much to say on the subject.

He spoke with such seriousness and authority that Mian Tang initially took him seriously, only to realize he was teasing her with his flirtatious remarks.

It was striking how this seemingly aloof and noble man could be so brazen in his flirtation. Mian Tang, both embarrassed and amused, playfully pounded his solid chest while her face turned red and her heart raced from his teasing.

It seemed that Mian Tang wasn’t as knowledgeable about matters of intimacy as he was.

However, these days of concern did not last long. Suddenly, there was a noticeable increase in the number of courier horses on the official roads. Some of the horse stables at the relay stations were empty, forcing the temporary requisition of local horses to make up the numbers.

Such a situation usually indicated either a border conflict or a major upheaval in the capital.

Cui Xingzhou received reliable information from spies in the capital that the political situation in the capital had changed dramatically!

The Emperor had fallen ill with a mysterious disease that showed no signs of improvement. Originally, the situation was being held together by Empress Dowager Wu, but she too fell ill. It started with spots on her hands and feet and some blackening around her nails.

Experienced court doctors quickly determined that she had been poisoned. They began an investigation into the Empress Dowager's personal items, and after thorough checks, they found that the tobacco leaves she frequently used had been poisoned.

The Empress Dowager’s habitual items had been soaked in poison, and since she constantly smoked, the poison had also permeated her clothing.

This poison, while relatively slow-acting on most people, was particularly dangerous because it counteracted the tonic medicines frequently used by the Emperor. Consequently, Empress Dowager Wu’s visits and care, which were meant to support the Emperor, instead exacerbated his condition, leading to his critical illness and imminent demise.

Now that the poison affecting the Empress Dowager had also begun to manifest, the situation was revealed.

Enraged upon discovering the truth, Empress Dowager Wu ordered an immediate investigation into General Shi’s family, who had supplied the poisoned tobacco leaves.

However, the Shi family had already been prepared. Shi Yikuan and several of his commanders had secured the palace gates, preventing even a single bird from escaping.

By the time the Wu family realized something was amiss, the palace had already broadcasted the news of the deaths of both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Mother and son had both passed away.

At this juncture, the senior officials of the court began to reveal the truth behind the death of the former Crown Prince, pointing out that the true heir of the former Crown Prince was Liu Dan, the son-in-law of General Shi, who had been operating under the alias Zi Yu.

The Wu family refused to accept this and mobilized troops, determined to fight to the bitter end against the usurper Shi family.

During those days, the capital was in a state of alarm, with soldiers patrolling the streets and ordinary people staying indoors, afraid to step out.

In this critical moment, the Empress Dowager, along with a group of senior officials, stepped forward to restore order and address the injustices done to the former Crown Prince. They confirmed Zi Yu's true identity as Liu Dan.

Thus, seven days after the Emperor's death, Liu Dan, now revealed in his true identity, declared himself Emperor with the reign title of Kaixuan. He posthumously honored the former Crown Prince as the Zhaohua Holy Emperor, announced to the world the crimes of the malevolent Empress Wu, who had caused national disaster and turmoil in the harem, and condemned her for poisoning the realm.

As the saying goes, the victor is the king, while the defeated are bandits. The Wu family, once enjoying prosperity and power, fell victim to a sudden palace coup due to their lack of vigilance. They were left powerless, their reputation tarnished, with Empress Wu being depicted as a debauched woman surrounded by countless lovers.

Such a dramatic upheaval in the capital naturally led to the constant dispatch of messengers to inform regional princes of the latest news from the capital.

Upon hearing this, Cui Xingzhou understood the situation clearly. Although Liu Dan had claimed the title of Emperor as the successor of the former Crown Prince, his forces were insufficient to cause significant upheaval.

The real power behind the scenes was the scheming of the Empress Dowager and Prince Sui. Palace coups throughout history have always been marked by dirt and blood. Prince Sui had long removed himself from the capital, staying out of the conflict. If Liu Dan failed, it would not affect him.

Liu Dan was merely a pawn of Prince Sui. Despite ascending to the throne, he was just another puppet, much like the previous Emperor. Behind the curtain, there was still a formidable Empress Dowager waiting. Moreover, Liu Dan's health was frail, weaker than the deceased Emperor. Once Liu Dan had done the dirty work, Prince Sui would likely step into the spotlight gradually.

Cui Xingzhou deliberately delayed his journey, waiting for the situation in the capital to stabilize. Given the upheaval in the capital, if he arrived there now, he would have to choose sides and address the turmoil.

If he supported the Wu family, he would face condemnation from loyal ministers. If he did not, he would be seen as failing his duty as a minister. Therefore, Cui Xingzhou chose to remain neutral, waiting for the situation in the capital to settle before he arrived.

In truth, he did not wish for Liu Dan to ascend the throne, even as a temporary puppet. The thought that Liu Dan had once harbored feelings for Mian Tang was unsettling.

However, Liu Dan was now married with children. Cui Xingzhou had initially thought that Mian Tang marrying a merchant would not affect him much, possibly because he had completely forgotten her.

At this point, Cui Xingzhou was secretly relieved that he and Mian Tang had settled their marriage early, preventing any unwanted attention from the new Emperor.

As the Northwest Army moved slowly, a few swift horses galloped past the official road, heading urgently towards Zhenzhou.

Meanwhile, the Lu family had just seen off Prince Huaiyang. Before they could settle down, they heard a knocking at their gate.

When the gatekeeper opened the door, they saw several palace eunuchs, accompanied by local officials from Zhenzhou, standing outside the gate.

Seeing the Lu family open the door, the eunuchs immediately shouted, “Quick, call out your master to receive the imperial decree!”

The gatekeeper of the Lu family had become quite seasoned over the past few days and was much more composed. When the palace eunuch arrived with the bright yellow imperial edict, the gatekeeper managed to remain calm and ran swiftly to deliver the news to the old master.

When the Lu family hurried to assist the old master, the eunuch unfurled the edict and read aloud: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The daughter of the Lu family, Liu Mian Tang, is wise and talented. Therefore, she is to be appointed as a female official in the palace to attend to the Empress. You are to receive this decree and proceed to the palace without delay!"

This edict, much like the unexpected marriage proposal from Prince Huaiyang, left everyone baffled and confused.

Although female officials in the palace were not concubines, they were typically unmarried young women. The old master of the Lu family gathered his courage and said, "Your Majesty, there seems to be a misunderstanding. My daughter is already betrothed..."

The eunuch who delivered the edict was already informed that Liu Mian Tang was married. Liu Dan, unaware of the details of Liu Mian Tang's marriage being a scam, only saw her as a part of the official's family. Despite this, he had sent someone to keep an eye on Liu Mian Tang, noting that she had had conflicts with her husband and had returned to the Lu family in Zhenzhou.

So, after ascending to the throne, Liu Dan's first order was to issue a decree for Liu Mian Tang to enter the capital as a female official. Given that she was a married woman, appointing her directly as a concubine could cause controversy. Instead, it was more prudent to have her enter the palace under the guise of a female official and then make further decisions.

When the eunuch heard the old master of the Lu family mention that Liu Mian Tang was betrothed, he was well-prepared and responded, "The Empress values Miss Liu’s virtue. Her being married is no obstacle. She is still to serve the Empress. Her husband should release her promptly, so she does not delay her duties."

Old Master Lu’s eyes widened in disbelief. Even though it was an imperial edict, the absurdity of forcing a married woman into the palace as a female official was unparalleled. It was unprecedented for an emperor to demand such a thing.

Old Master Lu, suppressing his anger, knelt and said, "Your Excellency, my granddaughter has already left with the troops and is not in the Lu residence. She has established herself as an independent household under the Liu surname. Therefore, the Lu family cannot accept the decree on her behalf."

County magistrate Li Guangcai, who had only learned of the decree's content upon hearing it read, was also overwhelmed. He just wanted to quickly dismiss the eunuchs and report to Prince Huaiyang.

He promptly said, "What Old Master Lu said is true. Miss Liu has already left with the troops."

The eunuch hadn’t anticipated that the task would be so troublesome. Since Liu Mian Tang had left, he would have to pursue her and bring the wife of the thousand-man commander back to the capital.

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