Chapter 94: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 94: 

 

However, as she listened, the Marchioness' mood shifted. Despite the Old Princess Consort’s words not explicitly complaining about her sister, the Marchioness, being perceptive, immediately grasped the underlying issue. She grew agitated and said, “The Old Princess Consort is too kind-hearted, but your sister... she doesn’t seem to care about you at all!”

The Old Princess Consort sighed and replied, “I only have this one sister, and she’s been spoiled by our father. As her older sister, I can’t just ignore her. Otherwise, when I meet our parents in the afterlife, how will I explain my negligence? And Prince Huaiyang is also to blame, dragging his feet and failing to inform me about my sister’s current situation. My heart can’t rest, and my health is suffering because of it.”

As she spoke, the Old Princess Consort cast a meaningful glance at Liu Mian Tang, clearly hoping that Mian Tang would convey something to her son.

Liu Mian Tang, however, chose to ignore the Old Princess Consort’s hint and focused on eating the pastry in her hand. Recently, her appetite had been unusually good, and she found herself eating two large bowls of food in a single meal.

As for the Princess Consort’s implied message, Liu Mian Tang pretended not to notice. She had once thought that her maternal uncle was troublesome enough, but this Aunt Lian proved to be even worse. Not only did she spread malicious gossip behind her back, but she also sabotaged her at critical moments.

However, since she was the Old Princess Consort’s own sister, Liu Mian Tang, as the future daughter-in-law, couldn’t say much if the Old Princess Consort didn’t mind. Still, she wasn’t inclined to be overly enthusiastic about helping the Lian family.

After a casual chat with the Hou lady, Liu Mian Tang went to deliver lunch to Prince Huaiyang. Recently, he had been staying at the government office. While everything else was fine, his meals were untimely. So, Liu Mian Tang made it a point to bring him lunch every day, and also included dinner.

Although Li Mama was not present, Liu Mian Tang had picked up some skills from her. With some free time, she personally prepared the meals, making a few of her specialties and slicing fresh melons for dessert.

While preparing the food and changing her clothes, the Old Princess Consort called for her again. In a direct and earnest manner, she urged Liu Mian Tang to speak to her son and expedite the rescue of her sister’s family.

“I can see that Prince Huaiyang listens to you. You should talk to him about this. How can it be that a relative is in trouble, and he remains indifferent?”

Liu Mian Tang smiled and handed a piece of melon to the Old Princess Consort, then spoke slowly, “Your Majesty’s kindness is truly something we younger ones should strive to learn. However, you know Prince Huaiyang’s temperament. If someone does him two favors, he might return three; but if someone slighted him, he could remember it for a lifetime. I have tried to persuade him these days, but he only responds with a cold face, saying that Aunt Lian always disregards advice and has repeatedly caused trouble for you. While this might seem like a small matter, if Aunt Lian were to be captured by bandits and used as leverage against him, he would be in a very precarious position.”

Liu Mian Tang’s deliberate words finally pierced through the Old Princess Consort’s preoccupation with her sister’s plight.

The The Old Princess Consort had initially thought her son was merely angry with her sister for being careless and causing trouble. She had not considered how serious the situation would be if her son were to be compromised.

“Well... but I am unharmed now. Once I see my sister, I will speak to her about it…”

Liu Mian Tang smiled slightly and said, “The Prince mentioned that while having a title might sound good, it is a hereditary position, and the grace that comes with it could be withdrawn at any time. If mistakes are made, it could lead to severe consequences, such as the complete destruction of a family. In esteemed families like Prince Huaiyang’s, children are taught from a young age to be humble and proper, to avoid bringing disgrace upon the family. Yet, when relatives, relying on their connections, engage in criminal activities and cause trouble, it ends up reflecting poorly on the entire family, leading to undeserved criticism.”

The Old Princess Consort did not take kindly to this remark. “Are these the Prince’s words or your own? My sister, though sharp-tongued, is not a criminal. How can she be blamed for the Prince family’s disgrace?”

Liu Mian Tang noticed that the Old Princess Consort was upset but remained calm, smiling as she continued, “I might have spoken out of turn today. These are matters that should have been discussed directly with the Prince. The Lian family had previously recommended numerous of their own relatives to the Prince. How they performed their duties, I cannot say. During the recent repairs of the Prince Regent residence, several members of the Lian family volunteered for the work. Out of courtesy, I agreed to their participation. Since the funds for these repairs are from my dowry, I took extra care in monitoring the expenses. I discovered discrepancies and, upon investigation, it turned out that Lord Lian's nephew had embezzled the funds. He was in charge of the county's grain reserves, and the Prince's auditors found that he had been selling military grain on the side. The Prince was quite displeased when he learned of this, which is why I mentioned those matters earlier.”

The Old Princess Consort, who had lived her life in a somewhat naïve manner, was taken aback by Liu Mian Tang’s revelation. “But this is not my sister’s fault… Why should the Prince blame her?”

Liu Mian Tang’s smile gradually faded. “I’ve heard that this nephew is not a first-time offender. He has a history of corruption and favoritism, but each time, Auntie managed to persuade you to intercede, and the issues were downplayed. This habitual offender previously managed the water and timber projects in the state, which had even more opportunities for embezzlement. The Prince had no choice but to reassign him as a grain official, but he still failed to perform well. If Auntie were in good health now, she would be sitting in the hall, lamenting her nephew’s difficult past after losing his mother. The Prince is very filial and often prefers to spend some money to appease you rather than confront you with these issues. After all, you are his mother, and in major matters, he would never let outsiders mistreat his own mother. But if Auntie continues to be oblivious and burdens the Prince, while you may tolerate it, I cannot! My husband will not be bullied by unrelated people!”

As Liu Mian Tang spoke, her eyebrows were arched, and her eyes were filled with fierce determination.

Old Princess Consort Chu, having witnessed Liu Mian Tang's fierce temper before, instinctively recoiled and awkwardly said, “You speak as if I would let outsiders bully my son.”

Liu Mian Tang's anger dissipated quickly, and she turned to smile again. “That’s good to hear. Therefore, the Lian family does need to be dealt with. I’m sure the Prince knows what needs to be done. There’s no need for Old Princess Consort to keep urging him. If Auntie stops sending unreliable people to the Prince, he can handle matters smoothly, and our family’s situation will improve, won’t it?”

Old Princess Consort Chu was taken aback by Liu Mian Tang’s words and realized that bringing up the Lian family issues again might only lead to more trouble. She sighed and said, “You young people think things through better than us old folks. Just don’t make it so I can’t face our parents in the afterlife.”

After dealing with Old Princess Consort Chu, Liu Mian Tang went outside to deliver the meal to Cui Xingzhou. To her surprise, Cui Xingzhou was already waiting for her in the corridor.

Cui Xingzhou had heard every word of Liu Mian Tang’s earlier conversation. As she emerged, he raised a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture and then pulled her aside.

Liu Mian Tang looked at him with a hint of embarrassment and said, “I’m afraid I’ve wasted what Li Mama taught me. I wasn’t very polite when talking to Old Princess Consort Chu just now. Are you upset?”

Cui Xingzhou lowered his head, his dark eyes shimmering faintly as his lips curved into a slight smile. “Where did that fierce spirit go? How did the lioness become a kitten so quickly?” 

Liu Mian Tang bit her lip and remained silent, her large eyes glistening as she looked up at him.

Cui Xingzhou couldn't stand seeing Liu Mian Tang looking so pitiful. Despite knowing she could be quite domineering with outsiders, he couldn't help but feel tenderly toward her. He gently embraced her and whispered, “Remember what you said. Don’t let anyone bully your man…”

As for the task of repairing the mess left by the Lian family, Cui Xingzhou had grown numb to it over time. His mother’s bias toward her own sister had left him feeling increasingly frustrated, but he had become accustomed to soothing himself and bearing it. After all, he was not an unfilial son and did not make a habit of angering his mother unless absolutely necessary.

However, Liu Mian Tang could see through his discomfort and spoke out the grievances he couldn't voice himself. This feeling of having someone who genuinely care and stand up for him was something he had never experienced before.

Now, he understood why Liu Mian Tang had initially insisted on letting those incompetent people handle the repairs of the manor. She was clearly waiting for them to make a mistake so she could use it to counter his mother’s relentless favoritism.

Given that Aunt Lian might indeed return unchanged and continue to pursue benefits for the Lian family, Liu Mian Tang was ready to hold detailed discussions with his mother. This was a clear lesson from past experiences.

Cui Xingzhou felt relieved and grateful for his cousin Lian Binglan’s previous rejection of the marriage proposal. He even had a lingering fear—if he had missed his chance with Liu Mian Tang, would he ever have fallen in love with someone else in this lifetime?

“Having missed you for just half a day, I find myself yearning for your sweet words as if I were starving for them. Why not grant me a bit of your affection to ease my longing?” With that, he couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss Liu Mian Tang’s soft, red lips.

However, before the kiss could deepen, a loud, deliberate cough broke the moment.

Cui Xingzhou looked up in displeasure to find his friend Zhao Quan glaring at him, clearly irritated by the interruption.

“Damn it,” Zhao Quan cursed inwardly. “Who would’ve thought that the usually reserved Prince Huaiyang would turn out to be such a smooth-talking charmer? He spoke those shameless sweet nothings so effortlessly, without even a tremor in his voice!”

No wonder Liu Mian Tang, a young woman inexperienced in the ways of the world, was so utterly captivated by Cui Xingzhou.

At that moment, Zhao Quan reflected on his own past courtship efforts. Had he been too gentlemanly and honest all along?

After being interrupted by Zhao Quan’s cough, Cui Xingzhou immediately resumed his usual calm and distant demeanor. Holding Liu Mian Tang’s hand, he asked, “Did you come here with something in mind, Jia Yu?”

The Marquis clearly irritated, responded, “No, nothing in particular. I was just taking a walk around my own courtyard! But aren’t we supposed to attend Lord Dingrong’s banquet soon? Yet here you are, wasting time.”

Only then did Cui Xingzhou remember that he had originally come to tell Mian Tang not to bring him food today, as he had a social engagement and would be attending the banquet with Zhao Quan.

However, at this moment, he was reluctant to be apart from Mian Tang for even a brief moment. He lowered his head and asked her softly, "Would you like to come along with us?"

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