Chapter 74: 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 74: 

 

The eunuch, realizing the task was more complicated than expected, coldly dismissed the situation and, with a wave of his sleeve, led his entourage of palace guards to mount their horses and pursue the northwest army.

After the palace eunuch had been sent off, the governor of the province breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at the elder of the Lu family. "Old Master Lu, it seems your granddaughter has really hit the jackpot. With the Emperor issuing a personal edict, she might very well receive the Emperor's favor and rise to prominence!"

The local officials, seeing the governor's confusion, hurriedly interjected, "Sir, the granddaughter of the Lu family was recently engaged to Prince Huaiyang, Cui Xingzhou, who passed through our province."

The governor was immediately taken aback, realizing the implications. This meant that the Emperor's edict was aimed at bringing the fiancée of Prince Huaiyang into the palace.

Though the Emperor's word was paramount, Prince Huaiyang was no ordinary noble. It was unlikely he would quietly accept such an intrusion into his engagement. The Emperor's decree to bring the fiancée of a prominent prince into the palace was an unexpected and potentially troublesome move.

Stunned, the governor turned to find County Magistrate Li Guangcai for clarification, but he had disappeared. The governor then turned back to Old Master Lu, who seemed to be struggling with the situation. Old Master Lu, appearing feeble, coughed and said, "Since there is no immediate issue, may I ask the esteemed officials to return to your duties?"

After giving his orders, Old Master Lu instructed the servant to show the officials out and close the gate. The servant, following the master's command, promptly shut the gate firmly in front of the officials.

The servant, experienced in his duties, thought to himself that he was guarding what might be a treasure trove. Even if the Jade Emperor himself came knocking, he would handle it with composure.

The governor and the remaining officials exchanged uneasy glances, realizing it was best to remain silent about the new emperor and the court's interference in marriage matters.

Meanwhile, Li Guangcai hurried to the local post station. As a temporary official without land or carriages, he typically rented a mule for transport.

Seeing Li Guangcai approach, the station manager greeted him with a smile. "Ah, Sir, here to rent a mule again?"

Li Guangcai waved his hand and said urgently, "Quick, bring out your fastest horse. I have an urgent matter!"

The post station manager, not daring to delay, brought out the fastest horse still available. Li Guangcai then instructed his trusted guards, "Find a way to get my letter to Prince Huaiyang before the imperial envoys arrive. Spare no effort, even if it means pushing the horse to its limits!"

The guards took the order and swiftly mounted their horses, setting off at full speed. Li Guangcai watched the horses race off, sighing for the troubled fate of Prince Huaiyang's engagement.

The secret guard, having run tirelessly with the military insignia of Prince Huaiyang, had been given special treatment at every post station he visited. He barely rested and traveled day and night, managing to reach Prince Huaiyang before the imperial envoys.

When Prince Huaiyang read the letter from Li Guangcai, his brow furrowed in anger.

At that moment, Liu Mian Tang was in the military tent, sewing a new set of inner garments for him. It was said that the previous garments she had sewn had been ruined by rough washing. Since Cui Xingzhou found other garments uncomfortable, she had made a new one specifically for him. Despite her uneven stitching and lack of progress, Prince Huaiyang did not mind and even remarked that her sewing seemed to have improved.

Seeing him unexpectedly angry, Liu Mian Tang asked, "What happened?"

He thought for a moment and handed Liu Mian Tang the letter from Li Guangcai.

As she unfolded the letter and read it, her eyes widened in shock. "He... what does the new emperor mean? He wants me to serve the Empress?"

Cui Xingzhou, struggling to contain his anger, said coldly, "In past dynasties, if the emperor was interested in a married woman, he couldn’t directly declare her as a consort. Instead, he could appoint her as a female official. Once she was in the palace, after some time, she could be separated from her husband, and then he could find a chance to make her a consort."

Liu Mian Tang tossed the letter aside, saying, "You mean... the emperor wants to..."

She couldn't finish her sentence. According to her uncle, she had once been involved with Zi Yu, but that relationship had ended. Besides, he was married with children now. What could possibly be the emperor's intention to suddenly summon her to serve his wife?

Cui Xingzhou walked over and pulled her into his embrace, saying, "There's no need to worry about what he wants. He won't get the chance."

Although Liu Mian Tang felt that Cui Xingzhou's defiance toward the new emperor seemed audacious, she couldn’t help but admire his unwavering strength and confidence. No matter the past or present, the one thing that had not changed about him was his inherent arrogance. Even though he expertly concealed this rebellious streak beneath his refined exterior, Liu Mian Tang could still sense it and found his steadfastness deeply masculine.

She bit her lip and couldn’t help but snuggle into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.

Though Liu Mian Tang didn’t speak, her gentle gesture was enough to show where her heart currently lay.

Cui Xingzhou, despite his own feelings, was reluctant to see Liu Mian Tang’s memory return and remind her of her past with Liu Dan. Though her uncle had suggested that she was merely a young girl at the time, acting impulsively, there was still a chance that her feelings for Liu Dan had been real. If Liu Dan had pursued her with the same persistence as Cui Xingzhou did now, would she have softened and reconsidered her feelings?

With Liu Dan restored to his true identity and announced to the world as emperor, it was clear he was eager to reclaim what he had lost. His urgent summons for Liu Mian Tang to come to the capital before his position was even secure proved it. Cui Xingzhou worried that if Liu Mian Tang’s memory returned, she might still harbor lingering feelings for Liu Dan.

As Cui Xingzhou pondered these thoughts, he couldn’t suppress his anger at the idea of Liu Dan trying to take what was his. No matter if Liu Dan had become emperor, Cui Xingzhou would not stand idly by while another man tried to claim what he considered rightfully his. He was determined to prove that Liu Dan had no real power to challenge him.

Knowing that a decree-carrying eunuch was pursuing him, Cui Xingzhou changed his previously leisurely attitude. He ordered the troops to be reorganized and marched with the urgency of a wartime campaign, only halting for two hours a day while pushing forward relentlessly, day and night.

He managed to leave the eunuchs far behind and arrived near the capital ahead of schedule.

The triumphant return of the Northwestern army was a matter of national celebration for the Great Yan. The people, filled with joy and pride, gathered along the roads outside the city, holding flowers and water to welcome the returning heroes.

As the new emperor, Liu Dan needed to consolidate his power and manage the delicate balance of dealing with his military heroes. He had to be cautious of any potential challenges from figures like Cui Xingzhou while also making efforts to win over capable officials to strengthen his position. Thus, Liu Dan chose to set aside past grievances and extended proper courtesy and respect to the influential and well-regarded figures, including Prince Huaiyang, acknowledging their contributions and securing their loyalty.

Thus, the new emperor issued a decree to open the capital’s main gates wide and personally led the entire court, both civil and military, to welcome the returning army. Liu Dan even stood at the city gates before dawn, demonstrating the new emperor’s generous and virtuous demeanor.

However, it was not until the sun was well up that the Northwestern army finally arrived. The long procession stretched as far as the eye could see, with soldiers in shining silver helmets and armor looking both formidable and spirited. The citizens, who had gathered in increasing numbers along the route, cheered loudly and eagerly tossed their flowers at the passing troops.

At the forefront of this grand parade was the Northwestern commander, Prince Huaiyang. Clad in golden armor, with knee-high boots and a fluttering cape, he rode a white horse with an imposing presence. His fierce gaze and commanding posture made him appear as if a war god had descended upon them.

Beside him, on the same white horse, was a young lady dressed in black hunting attire. Her long hair was tied up high in a ponytail, cascading down her back like a dark waterfall. Her wide belt cinched her slender waist, and her tall, graceful figure exuded both elegance and strength. Her face was strikingly beautiful, with arched brows and bright eyes that seemed to captivate anyone who glanced her way, giving the impression that a celestial being had descended to accompany Prince Huaiyang.

The crowd erupted in astonished whispers, speculating about the identity of this enchanting woman.

Such a striking pair of beauty and grace was a rare sight, and on this celebratory day, the people could only shout "Prince Huaiyang is mighty!" in excitement.

Liu Dan, having planned a grand and warm reception for Prince Huaiyang to demonstrate his magnanimity, found his composed smile beginning to falter as the procession neared the city gates where he stood.

For Liu Dan, Prince Huaiyang had always been a name he had only heard about but never seen in person.

It was only today, standing at the city gates, that he finally laid eyes on Prince Huaiyang's true form.

To his astonishment, the grand general in golden armor riding a white horse looked remarkably familiar. It was none other than the merchant Cui Jiu he had once encountered in front of the Qingzhou Academy! At that time, Liu Dan had even lost to Cui Jiu in a game of chess.

Back then, Cui Jiu had been dressed in scholarly robes, gentle and refined. Now, however, he stood tall and commanding before thousands of soldiers, exuding an aura of stern authority and undeniable power.

And then, there was the beautiful lady riding alongside him. How could he not recognize her? Every smile and gesture was deeply etched in his dreams, a sweet image that brought a knowing smile whenever he thought of her.

But now, her smile remained, radiating a casual and charming grace that was uncommon among ordinary women. However, the person she looked at was no longer him, but the man in golden armor beside her…

For a moment, Liu Dan's mind was overwhelmed with a tumult of thoughts, trying to understand how things had come to this.

But his courtiers, unaware of his inner turmoil, continued to prompt him. His Chief Minister, Shi Yikuan, quietly reminded him, “Your Majesty, Prince Huaiyang has arrived. You should issue a decree for the civil and military officials to welcome him.”

After being reminded three times, Liu Dan finally spoke, “Have the officials go out to meet them and fire the salute!” He then slowly, with heavy steps, began to descend the steps.

Thus, led by the new emperor, the civil and military officials went out to greet Prince Huaiyang’s army, with expressions of congratulations flowing continuously.

As Prince Huaiyang reached the city gate, he dismounted with ease and helped the woman beside him down from her horse. Together, they knelt before the new emperor, loudly proclaiming long life to the emperor.

Liu Dan’s eyes remained fixed on the woman in the striking hunting attire. His fists, hidden within the wide sleeves of his dragon robe, were clenched tightly. After a long moment, he finally spoke, “Prince Huaiyang, please rise.”

However, Cui Xingzhou spoke up, “I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s favor and for leading the civil and military officials to welcome us. I am truly overwhelmed by such grace. Under these circumstances, I should have been in formal attire and displayed more propriety. However, due to the long and arduous journey, I could not attend to my appearance. Please forgive my shortcomings.”

Liu Danz responded somewhat stiffly, “It’s of no concern. This is not our first meeting. You’ve shown much more courtesy than before. Please rise quickly.”

Despite the emperor’s words, Cui Xingzhou remained kneeling and continued to bow, “My fiancée, Liu Mian Tang, upon hearing of my departure for the Northwest, vowed to sacrifice herself for the country and accompanied me throughout. Though she could not serve at the front, she worked behind the lines, preparing herbs and assisting me in our duties. She has accompanied me back, and I hope Your Majesty will understand.”

Throughout history, many virtuous women have followed their husbands into battle and served with honor, setting examples of female virtue.

By publicly acknowledging Liu Mian Tang as his fiancée in front of the assembled officials and the cheering crowd, Cui Xingzhou effectively honored her and solidified her place in society.

As the emperor, Liu Dan knew that it would be extremely inappropriate and damaging to his reputation to show anger or make a scene during such a celebratory occasion.

He understood that he should maintain a calm demeanor, pretend not to recognize Liu Mian Tang, and graciously allow the couple to rise. 

However, despite his efforts to maintain composure, Liu Dan found himself unable to mask his feelings of betrayal and jealousy. 

Previously, he believed that he could tolerate Liu Mian Tang being with an ordinary merchant because it was a matter of principle and because he thought the man was unworthy. It was like placing a flower temporarily in a forgotten garden, where it might be left to wither but would never take root.

Now, Liu Dan realized that the flower he had hoped to protect was not hidden away in an obscure place, but had been cultivated and cherished in a noble's garden, receiving daily care and admiration. The realization that Liu Mian Tang was with someone of equal or greater status and capability only intensified his sense of jealousy and frustration. The surge of emotion was like a tidal wave crashing over him, overwhelming his sense of self-control.

How dare Cui Xingzhou! He had turned Liu Mian Tang into his own possession!

Shi Yikuan, who had noticed the emperor’s strange behavior, realized that this was a critical opportunity for the new emperor to establish his authority. In front of the people, any sign of discord was unacceptable, so he quietly reminded Liu Dan once more.

Suppressing his emotions, Liu Dan finally spoke, “It is indeed a great story for Great Yan to have a noble figure such as Lady Liu accompany you, my minister. During the palace banquet, I would like to hear more about the story of how you two came to know each other…”

Thus, the formal reception at the city gate was managed with appropriate dignity.

As Cui Xingzhou and his generals entered the city with the officials, the army set up camp about five hundred meters from the city gate. The military tents stretched out, and a grand banquet was prepared to enjoy the emperor’s favor.

Meanwhile, the palace banquet began in an atmosphere filled with the elegant sounds of silk and bamboo instruments.

Liu Dan and Empress Shi sat on the high throne, with a banquet of delicacies and fine dishes being served by the palace maids.

Empress Shi, after giving birth to the dragon heir, had gained a more robust appearance. However, she remained friendly and approachable. Even in her grand phoenix crown and imperial robes, she warmly addressed Cui Xingzhou’s fiancée, saying, “Once you enter the palace, it’s like coming into your own home. Feel free to take whatever you like from the dishes. Don’t be too formal—like me when I first entered the palace, just staring at the feast and leaving with an empty stomach!”

Liu Dan, accustomed to the Empress’s straightforwardness, said nothing in response.

However, Shi Yikuan, feeling a bit embarrassed, cleared his throat loudly to remind his daughter to maintain her royal demeanor.

He regretted his decisions bitterly. If he had known Liu Dan’s true identity earlier, he would never have married his daughter off to a man of higher status. Her mother, whom he had married when he was still a lowly officer, had come from a humble background. As a result, his daughter often displayed a hint of her impoverished past, which sometimes felt out of place in such refined company.

Despite this, Liu Mian Tang found Empress Shi’s straightforwardness refreshing. She respectfully replied, “Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will certainly choose the dishes to my liking and will not disappoint the graciousness of the two sovereigns.”

Empress Shi, having long forgotten that she had once seen this woman in a porcelain shop in Lingquan Town, was pleased to see her straightforwardness and lack of the typical pretense of noblewomen. She happily picked up a piece of crystal pork skin and began to eat heartily.

Cui Xingzhou, observing this, smiled gracefully and addressed Liu Dan, “Your servant, having been stationed on the frontier, was unable to properly welcome Your Majesty’s ascension. I have been anxious about it, but today, seeing Your Majesty’s benevolence and Empress’s kindness, I feel as though I am bathed in a warm spring breeze, experiencing the boundless grace of the imperial court.”

Liu Mian Tang, following the Empress’s lead, also took some crystal pork skin. When Cui Xingzhou began to flatter Liu Dan, she tilted her head slightly, watching him.

Her charming and earnest demeanor only served to further annoy Liu Dan. 

The banquet was intended to honor and reward the meritorious officials. Liu Dan decided to first handle the formalities, and then privately interrogate Cui Xingzhou about how he managed to win Liu Mian Tang’s favor.

Liu Dan then said, “Minister, having pacified the Northwest and achieved great military feats, it is only right that I should reward you generously. However, as you are already a ruler of a different surname with vast estates and numerous troops, your status is almost comparable to mine. I am unsure what more I could possibly grant you.”

These words made the officials uneasy. The implication was clear: Liu Dan was suggesting that Cui Xingzhou already held considerable power and wealth, making it difficult for the emperor to decide on an appropriate reward.

The words were clearly a veiled threat, a subtle hint of "disarmament"—implying that the general should consider relinquishing military power now that the war was nearly over, so that the relationship between the ruler and his officials could remain harmonious. The message was: if you don't heed this hint, don't blame me for the consequences in the future!

The hall fell silent. Experienced officials in the capital, well-versed in court politics, could all hear the underlying message. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see how Cui Xingzhou would respond.

Cui Xingzhou, unfazed by the emperor's subtle warning, simply smiled and said, “I dedicate myself to the country not for personal gain or glory. The peace of the border and the well-being of the people, along with Your Majesty's health, are the greatest rewards for me. However, I do have one humble request. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to grant it?”

From the beginning of the banquet, Liu Dan had been drinking but not eating. When he heard Cui Xingzhou's request, he took another sip of wine and said lightly, “What does Your Excellency request?”

Cui Xingzhou stood up respectfully, kneeling before Liu Dan’s throne. “Before I went on this expedition, I swore that I would not return until the country was at peace. As a result, I delayed my marriage and have no children. While I have served the state with loyalty, I have fallen short in filial duty to my mother. Now that I have returned to Jingzhou, I wish to marry and start a family immediately. My fiancée, though a commoner, has suffered alongside me. She has helped me in pacifying the northwest, even aiding the barbarian queen and prince, which led to a peace agreement benefiting our people. If I cannot reward her properly, I would feel deeply ashamed. I humbly request that Your Majesty grant her a title and proper recognition, so that she may return home with honor.”

In truth, Cui Xingzhou’s request was not unreasonable. Even without his asking, the emperor, as a matter of course, should reward the families of loyal subjects. Granting a title was not an extravagant request—it involved minimal cost and was a simple matter of decree.

However, Liu Dan found himself unable to utter the words. If the timing had been right, a mere title would have been nothing—his own grand imperial regalia would have been more fitting for Liu Mian Tang's unmatched elegance!

In the past few days, Liu Dan had been in high spirits, thinking that a simple imperial decree would suffice to bring his beloved Liu Mian Tang back. Although the temporary position of lady-in-waiting was a slight to her, he was determined to make her Empress in time.

But all his hopes were shattered at the city gate this morning!

Liu Mian Tang, what are you thinking? Could it be that just because you’ve lost your memory, you are willing to marry your rival, Cui Xingzhou?

Liu Dan had fought through countless trials to ascend the throne. He would not accept that his beloved woman would be given to another man as a reward!

With these thoughts, Liu Dan’s expression grew cold. He said, “As you have mentioned, Miss Liu is of common birth and may lack certain formalities and etiquette. It would be better for her to enter the palace first and learn proper etiquette under the guidance of Her Majesty the Empress. I believe she will benefit greatly and gain much from this experience.”

As Liu Dan spoke, some courtiers couldn’t help but glance at the Empress.

Empress Shi had just finished eating the crystal pork skin, with her lips gleaming and a few oil stains on her front. The court ladies attending to her were nervously avoiding making eye contact, desperately trying to address the issue discreetly without offending the Empress.

In contrast, Liu Mian Tang handled her chopsticks and seated herself with exceptional grace, displaying an elegance that seemed beyond mere practice. She exhibited a composure and refinement that suggested she might well have been taught by someone of noble upbringing.

If Liu Mian Tang were to enter the palace, it was uncertain whether she would be the one teaching etiquette to the Empress, rather than the other way around!

© 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