Chapter 85: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 85: 

 

The crisis in Dongzhou was indeed becoming more urgent. At first, it was just a group of refugees rioting because they had no food. If the local officials had promptly soothed and properly managed the situation, it would have been a minor disturbance.

The real trouble arose because the local officials were corrupt and accustomed to embezzling funds, even diverting the disaster relief supplies for themselves. As a result, the corrupt officials being executed by the outraged refugees was seen by the local people as a great relief.

The leader of the rebellious peasants had declared himself king, calling himself King Lu, and had risen up against the authorities. He had already occupied three states and seemed poised to continue advancing, with the momentum to take Zhenzhou and push into the capital.

When Cui Xingzhou’s army arrived, they managed to halt King Lu's fierce advance for a time. However, the bandits seemed more suited to guerilla warfare, and they lured the pursuing officials into the dense forest, where the Zhenzhou soldiers, accustomed to direct combat, suffered some setbacks from ambushes.

In truth, their tactics bore a resemblance to the methods used by Lu Wen when he had previously toyed with Zhenzhou’s troops.

This similarity reminded General Cui Xingzhou of the times he had battled wits and strength with the bandit Lu Wen. If he had time on his hands, he might have enjoyed this encounter or even captured King Lu to see what kind of person he was.

However, with Prince Huaiyang eager to marry, he was less concerned with capturing the bandit and instead focused on redeploying troops, bribing spies, and swiftly ending the conflict.

With the frontlines in turmoil, he had little opportunity to return to Zhenzhou recently.

Meanwhile, the Old Princess Consort, preoccupied with her son’s safety and the wedding preparations, as well as attending various tea parties, found that her pampered body could not handle the strain. She ended up falling ill due to the overexertion.

But the affairs of the household still needed to be managed. Thus, with the Old Princess Consort’s nod, Liu Mian Tang tried her hand at handling some matters.

One morning, when she went to pay her respects to the Old Princess Consort, she discovered that two middle-aged women had already arrived to do the same.

Listening on the side, Liu Mian Tang realized these two were the old Prince’s concubines. The slightly plump one was Madam Xiao Li, while the somewhat haggard-looking one was Madam Qin.

These two were among the old concubines of the Prince who had no significant grievances with the Old Princess Consort and had children, which was why they had been reluctantly allowed to stay.

However, both women, along with their children, had little presence in the manor. Liu Mian Tang had only just seen them for the first time despite her long stay at the manor.

Madam Xiao Li spoke more than Madam Qin, with an obvious tone of flattery as she inquired about the Old Princess Consort’s health.

When the Old Princess Consort became impatient and seemed ready to dismiss them, Madam Xiao Li finally revealed her intention. She implied that her daughter, Cui Wang Lan, was almost fourteen. Though not in a hurry to marry, it was time to consider potential suitors, and she hoped the Old Princess Consort would assist in finding a suitable match.

The Old Princess Consort, reminded by this, recalled Madam Xiao’s daughter. She then turned to ask Madam Qin if her son was also at an age to start considering marriage.

Madam Qin’s son, Cui Xing Di, was the fifth child, three years older than Cui Xingzhou. By the usual standards, he should have already been married with children. However, he had fallen seriously ill at fifteen, which left him with a limp and significantly impaired his prospects.

Madam Qin spoke softly, “Di’er’s legs are not well, and it would be unfair to burden a young woman with him. If he prefers to live alone for the rest of his life, so be it…”

The Old Princess Consort was not pleased by this response. Although Cui Xing Di was a concubine’s son and a cripple, he was still a member of the Prince’s family. Before Cui Xingzhou’s upcoming wedding, the lack of marriages for the illegitimate children could be brushed aside. However, with the wedding imminent, it would reflect poorly on her as the head of the household if the marriages of these children were unresolved.

The gossip about the Prince’s family had become the subject of conversation among neighboring households, particularly with recent rumors suggesting that Prince Huaiyang’s marriage was a case of an illicit affair being legitimized. Although no one had come to confirm this with the Old Princess Consort, she had heard enough to fuel her frustration. Her pride and sensitivity to such gossip had contributed to her illness.

The Old Princess Consort, feeling disgraced, directed much of her frustration toward Liu Mian Tang, speaking with a harshness that reflected her displeasure. Fortunately, Liu Mian Tang did not take these criticisms to heart. Instead, she spent less time in the Old Princess Consort’s presence, leading to a more peaceful coexistence.

Now, the Old Princess Consort was exceptionally concerned about preserving the remaining reputation of the Prince’s manor. She was determined not to let the label of a cruel and malicious matriarch fall upon her.

The Old Princess Consort then said to Madam Qin, “A lamed leg doesn’t hinder the passing on of the family line. It’s difficult to find a daughter from a high-ranking family, but a girl from a modest family will certainly seek to enter the Prince’s household. I’ll see about finding a match for Xing Di soon. For now, you both can leave; I’ll handle these matters.”

After expressing their gratitude for the Old Princess Consort’s consideration, the two concubines took their leave.

As they exited, they noticed Liu Mian Tang, momentarily taken aback by her striking appearance. It took a moment for them to realize that Liu Mian Tang was the new bride brought into the manor by Prince Huaiyang.

The two concubines then paid their respects to Liu Mian Tang before departing with their heads bowed.

Liu Mian Tang observed their faces. Though time had taken its toll, it was clear that they must have been quite attractive in their youth. However, as concubines in the Prince’s household, their status and well-being were dependent on the favor they received from the men of the house. Once their favor faded and they became mere remnants of the past, their lives, as well as their children’s prospects, hung precariously on the decisions of the current matriarch.

Liu Mian Tang felt a slight sense of melancholy as she entered the inner chamber to pay her respects to the Old Princess Consort.

Unexpectedly, today the Old Princess Consort appeared in good spirits, much improved from her previous cold demeanor. She even asked Liu Mian Tang about her recent meals and daily routines with a pleasant tone.

Liu Mian Tang responded with a smile, addressing each inquiry in turn.

After a while, the Old Princess Consort shifted her tone and remarked, “When the late Prince took concubines, I wasn’t very willing. What woman would enjoy sharing her husband? But now that he is gone, I realize the benefit of having those concubines. They were my companions, preventing me from feeling lonely…”

Liu Mian Tang, perceptive as ever, sensed the underlying meaning behind the Old Princess Consort's words. She smiled and responded, “It’s rare to see the Old Princess Consort speaking with the concubines…”

Taken aback by Liu Mian Tang’s unexpected comment, the Old Princess Consort’s expression changed slightly. She replied, “That’s because I’ve been busy lately! In any case, as the Princes wife, you should adopt a broad-minded approach. Beauty is fleeting, but virtue endures and commands respect. The Prince will have other wives and concubines in the future. You should learn to be a worthy matriarch.”

Liu Mian Tang wisely chose not to respond further. She realized that having a broad mind might not come naturally to her, but she was prepared to navigate her role as best as she could.

On the day that Cui Xingzhou took concubines, Liu Mian Tang knew it would be her last day at the residence. She could never learn to share her man with others.

Having laid the groundwork, the Old Princess Consort finally said what she had been leading up to: “You know that Xingzhou was previously betrothed to his cousin, Lian Binglan. However, due to some misunderstandings, the engagement was dissolved. Binglan was deeply affected by this, and at her age, finding another match is difficult. You need to understand that she was the first choice, and you came later. If it weren’t for you, Xingzhou might not have considered breaking off the engagement. Now, rumors are spreading in Zhenzhou that Xingzhou abandoned Binglan for you, which is damaging to his reputation. I’ve thought about it for a long time, and I believe the best solution would be for you and Binglan to enter the marriage together. This way, it would preserve Xingzhou’s reputation…”

Liu Mian Tang slowly raised her head, her gaze sharp as she looked at the Old Princess Consort and said, “I don’t quite understand your meaning…”

The Old Princess Consort, irritated, replied, “How can you not understand? I mean that Lian Binglan should join you as a secondary wife in the Prince's residence.”

Liu Mian Tang’s expression remained unchanged as she said, “Ancient texts say that a prince should have only one legitimate wife. If the Prince marries a secondary wife, which son will be considered the legitimate heir? The so-called secondary wives are a practice of merchants who have multiple wives in different places to avoid conflict. But if two secondary wives live together in the Prince's residence, even the most virtuous among them may become less so over time. It would only lead to more gossip and trouble for the Prince’s residence. Such an absurd idea doesn’t seem like something the Old Princess Consort would come up with. Could it be that you’ve been influenced by Auntie Chu at recent tea parties?”

The Old Princess Consort was accustomed to Liu Mian Tang’s usual submissive demeanor but was taken aback when the seemingly docile woman suddenly confronted her with sharp words.

Fuming, the Old Princess Consort slapped the bed and said, “You’re being rebellious! How dare you speak to me like that?”

Liu Mian Tang smiled, rose, and performed a formal bow. “Fortunately, I am not yet married to the Prince, so I am not officially the Old Princess Consort’s daughter-in-law. If I speak impertinently, it is merely a sign of my lack of manners and unworthiness as a guest of the Prince’s residence. I will now take my leave. I hope the Old Princess Consort rests well.”

With that, Liu Mian Tang turned and left without even taking her clothes or luggage, accompanied only by her two personal maidservants, and departed the Prince’s residence.

The Old Princess Consort was initially stunned by the sudden departure and was so enraged that she pounded her chest. By the time she realized she should stop Liu Mian Tang, the latter had already left in a carriage.

Fang Xie, who had witnessed the confrontation, was quite frightened and asked once they were in the carriage, “Miss, the Old Princess Consort was only suggesting that you and Miss Lian enter the residence together. Was it really necessary to leave like that? It doesn’t seem very appropriate…”

Liu Mian Tang was unusually relaxed as she said, “The Old Princess Consort is easily influenced by others. If I had agreed, it would have meant letting schemers succeed; if I refused, it would only upset her. Since I can't agree, I might as well make sure she is thoroughly displeased. Miss Lian’s influence will show when I leave. She’s the one spreading rumors about me, and if I leave, her true nature will be revealed.”

She mused that someone who had annulled a marriage but managed to push aside a nearly married fiancée like Miss Lian must be quite something.

“If she enjoys stirring up trouble, I’ll show her how it’s done. Tomorrow, the whole of Zhenzhou will know how the Lian family shamelessly begged the Prince’s residence to take back their words and accept Miss Lian again, only to have the once-princess consort forced out. It will save Miss Lian the pretense of being pitiful everywhere.”

Liu Mian Tang had been accommodating the Old Princess Consort in recent days, knowing that she was Cray Xingzhou’s mother and trying not to be too harsh.

However, there was a limit to everything, and the Old Princess Cosort’s suggestion that day had crossed that line. Thus, Liu Mian Tang clearly stated her stance and informed the Old Princess Cosort that this matter was not up for negotiation.

Liu Mian Tang did not return to the North Street. Instead, she had recently purchased a large house in Lingquan Town, which she originally intended to use as temporary lodging for merchants. The house was being quickly renovated and was now ready for occupancy.

Now, the ready-to-move-in large house provided a temporary refuge for her.

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