Chapter 100: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 100: 

 

After Li Mama’s reminder, Liu Mian Tang realized her demeanor had slipped. She quickly composed herself, adopting a more demure and shy expression befitting a new bride.

Prince Huaiyang handed her a red silk ribbon adorned with golden threads. Each of them held one end, walking across a stone bridge together. 

The onlookers gasped in awe when they saw that the bridge was covered with a sand model of the entire city of Zhenzhou. It was a local wedding custom to walk around the city, but since Liu Mian Tang was pregnant, Prince Huaiyang had ordered a sand model to be made, allowing them to symbolically traverse the city in a few steps.

The sand model, crafted by an expert from the Zhenzhou military, was an exact replica of the city, complete with lakes, small bridges, and streets. Children bent down to find their homes, laughing with delight, while the noblewomen marveled at the Prince’s indulgence towards his bride.

Rumor had it that the new bride had recently suffered from ill-fitting shoes, leading Prince Huaiyang to instruct the guests to avoid the bridal chamber after the ceremony. Instead, he requested everyone to enjoy the feast and drinks, while the newlyweds would retire early to their chambers, with no further festivities.

In reality, very few in Zhenzhou would dare to cause a commotion at the Prince’s wedding chamber, so there was little concern about rowdy behavior.

However, Zhao Quan felt a pang of regret as he watched his friend leading the radiant bride across the matrimonial bridge, surrounded by congratulations from their guests, and proceeding to the grand hall for the formal ceremonies.

Due to the rushed wedding arrangements, Liu Mian Tang’s maternal uncle from the Lu family in Xizhou was unable to attend, leaving no relatives to accompany her. Fortunately, Prince Huaiyang had made many refined acquaintances in Zhenzhou, and a few elderly scholars and artists were enlisted to stand in as Liu Mian Tang’s family representatives. This arrangement was deemed acceptable, as no one would be petty enough to question the authenticity of these esteemed figures on such a joyous occasion.

Among Liu Mian Tang’s friends, there was indeed someone she had connections with—He Zhen from the He family. To be honest, if He Zhen hadn’t inadvertently mentioned the unusual activities at the Huizhou dock, Liu Mian Tang might not have been alerted in time to the threat from Prince Sui and his plans to attack Zhenzhou.

Liu Mian Tang believed that relationships between people are a matter of fate—some are formed out of karmic ties, while others are blessings.

Since her memory loss, she had genuinely formed close friendships, and the queen of the Northwestern barbarians was one such friend, as was Miss He from the He family.

Moreover, Miss He had a practical interest in aligning herself with the new princess to expand her business connections.

Thus, maintaining this friendship was quite effortless.

Liu Mian Tang had always been generous and open-hearted with her friends, so it was natural for her to invite He Zhen to share in her joyous occasion on this special day.

Miss He stood among the crowd, her eyes blinking rapidly, and did not appear to be moved to tears. Liu Mian Tang glanced at her and noticed her urgent gestures. Taking advantage of the moment when Fang Xie was assisting her with kneeling to pay respects to the Old Princess Consort, Liu Mian Tang whispered, “Go and find Miss He later, and ask her if there’s anything she wants to discuss with me.”

Fang Xie nodded promptly. After Liu Mian Tang and the prince had completed their formalities, a servant brought a gourd with the words “A Hundred Years of Harmony” written in gold. The prince and princess were to jointly hold a golden knife to cut the gourd in half. Each held one half, poured wine into it, and drank together as a symbol of their union.

Liu Mian Tang took a sip of the water, knowing it was likely that the prince had ordered the wine to be replaced with plain water. She smiled up at Cui Xingzhou.

Cui Xingzhou, gazing at her with a tender look, thought about how, from now on, this woman would be his wife, and if she wanted to leave, she would need his approval.

Unaware of her husband's thoughts, Liu Mian Tang turned her face, smiling and accepting the congratulations from everyone. She noticed Miss He pulling Fang Xie aside for a whispered conversation.

Cui Xingzhou did not want Liu Mian Tang to be overexerted, so after performing the wedding ceremony, he led her to the bridal chamber.

However, while the bride could take it easy, the groom could not avoid the company of his guests. Many of his soldiers had come today, intending to get him drunk. Given their shared experiences on the battlefield, Cui Xingzhou couldn’t refuse, so he advised Liu Mian Tang to have something to eat and rest while he went to the main hall to entertain the guests.

Before long, Fang Xie hurried in. Liu Mian Tang asked her to have Huan Xue and Yan Rong fetch some food for her before inquiring, “What did Miss He say to you?”

Fang Xie quickly responded, “Miss He said that while waiting in line outside the Zhenzhou city gate today, she overheard a rough-looking man boasting to others waiting to enter the city, claiming to be the biological brother of the princess Prince Huaiyang is marrying.”

Liu Mian Tang frowned upon hearing this. “What did you say?”

Fang Xie continued, “Miss He was startled and took a closer look at the man. She noticed that while the man was dressed in ragged clothes and looked quite dirty, the people around him were dressed in fine clothing, which didn’t seem to match. It seemed odd and suspicious, as if this man was a distant relative trying to cause trouble. Miss He thought it might be some poor distant relative trying to make a fuss. The prince's residence cannot tolerate such people who suddenly appear and disrupt things. The shop assistant Lu Yi, who came with Miss He to deliver the wedding gift, noticed her concern and had his brother Lu Quan pretend to lose his money pouch to detain the beggar. They alerted the officials, and the man was taken away for questioning. Miss He wanted to inform you just in case, so you would be prepared.”

Liu Mian Tang frowned upon hearing this. Indeed, she had a real brother who was sent to the frontier. After reconciling with Cui Xingzhou, he had expressed his intention to bring her brother back. However, Liu Mian Tang had politely declined the prince's offer after reviewing her brother's case files.

Her brother, Liu Zhanpeng, had committed numerous crimes, including embezzlement that ruined the futures of many talented students. There were even cases of his corrupt practices driving a proud scholar to suicide. How could such serious matters be easily resolved?

Because of this case, her father bore most of the blame and was executed, while her brother Liu Zhanpeng was exiled to the frontier.

Liu Mian Tang felt that her brother had always been spoiled by their father, who was even willing to die for him. But she was not her father and had no obligation to coddle an irresponsible brother. Since the law was just, it was only right for him to serve his sentence, repent for his past, and start anew. There was no need to open convenient doors for someone who refused to change.

However, the exile was far from over. If the beggar was indeed Liu Zhanpeng, how could he be in the distant town of Zhenzhou, claiming to be her kin?

Liu Mian Tang frowned as she thought about it and then instructed Bi Cao, “Get me a set of men’s clothing. I’m going to the Zhenzhou government office to take a look.”

Both Fang Xie and Bi Cao were stunned by this. Fang Xie tried to dissuade her, saying, “Princess, today is your wedding day with the Prince. How can the bride leave the bridal chamber to visit a prison? If the Prince finds out, he will surely punish us severely. Please reconsider!”

Liu Mian Tang was always bold and followed her own inclinations. However, reminded by the two maidservants, she did begin to consider her own situation.

At this moment, Li Mama, who had been silently listening from the side, spoke up: “Princess, there’s no need for you to go personally. Whether that person is Young Master Liu or not, today is not suitable for him to enter the residence. We can wait another night; I can send someone to the county office to speak on our behalf and have them treat that young master to fine food and drink.”

Liu Mian Tang raised an eyebrow and asked, “Li Mama, do you have connections at the county office?”

Li Mama smiled somewhat sheepishly and replied, “My son passed the exam today and was promoted by the Prince to be the County Magistrate of the outer city of Zhao County in Zhenzhou. Since those people were captured outside the city, they are probably in my son’s official residence.”

In this dynasty, the society was more open compared to previous ones, not prohibiting household slaves from taking the imperial examinations. Besides “commerce” and criminals, there were few restrictions. Many children of slaves of high families who had true talent and learning had more opportunities for advancement compared to those from unblemished backgrounds. It seems Li Mama’s son was one of these.

Liu Mian Tang was taken aback. “So you’re already the mother of a County Magistrate, and yet I’ve been having you serve tea and water every day…”

Li Mama waved her hand and said, “Princess, please don’t jest about this. How could I, a mere servant, compare to someone of higher status? Even if my son becomes a high-ranking official in the future, he will always be a servant in the Prince’s household! As for me, being able to serve you tea and water is a blessing I’ve earned through many lifetimes of good fortune!”

Liu Mian Tang hadn’t seen Li Mama’s stern face for a long time; today, the old mama was as amiable as a spring breeze, with her eyes and brows all smiling. It was no wonder she had managed to navigate the palace for so many years. She truly was a seasoned expert, with a knack for managing people and a natural talent for flattery—skills that her two naive maids would take a lifetime to master!

Given that the County Magistrate of Zhao County was one of her own, everything would be handled smoothly. With Liu Mian Tang’s instructions, Li Mama turned to leave, confident that she would manage this situation appropriately.

However, Liu Mian Tang’s mind could not relax. She feared that the guests might learn about her background, but if it truly was her brother appearing here, he would certainly be acting on the instigation of someone with ulterior motives, aiming to embarrass Prince Huaiyang.

She could imagine the uproar that would ensue if someone just back from exile, still infested with lice, boldly stood at the gates of the prince’s residence shouting for "Brother-in-law to open the door." It would be a scandalous scene.

Thankfully, it was fortunate that He Zhen had the foresight to notice, and the loyal brothers accompanying her were also entering the city at the same time.

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