Chapter 110: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" (Are You the One)

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 Chapter 110: 

 

Liu Mian Tang was so engrossed in looking at the calligraphy that she didn’t notice Cui Xingzhou reaching over to pinch her nose until he did so, bringing her back to her senses.

“What are you writing? Notes on promotions, demotions, and even details about baby celebrations and housewarming parties?” she asked.

Cui Xingzhou, having returned home from his duties at the office, was unwilling to discuss his work or the cold reception he had received. He preferred to handle his own troubles and did not want to burden Liu Mian Tang, especially given her pregnancy.

“In a new place, it’s important to familiarize myself with the personnel and events. I make these notes to avoid forgetting,” he explained.

Seeing that he was reluctant to discuss it further, Liu Mian Tang dutifully served him sweet soup without pressing him for more details.

Despite the chilly reception he faced at the office, Cui Xingzhou felt fortunate when he returned home to a warm meal and his beloved wife by his side.

Liu Mian Tang was starting to show her pregnancy, with a slight roundness to her belly, though she still had slender limbs and could hide her condition in loose clothing.

Cui Xingzhou embraced her and couldn’t resist giving her a kiss, whispering, “The doctor says you’re doing well now. Can we have some porridge tonight?”

Liu Mian Tang giggled at his teasing and responded, “Make sure to add more meat and cook it well, with plenty of oil.”

Cui Xingzhou raised an eyebrow, thinking that if she had a more conventional husband, she might have her behavior tightly regulated. But he wasn’t a gentleman; he enjoyed her playful and mischievous nature, finding it endlessly charming.

That night, after nearly three months of abstaining from rich foods, Cui Xingzhou finally enjoyed a hearty meal. When the moon was high in the sky, he reluctantly released his embrace from the soft, delicate Liu Mian Tang.

Liu Mian Tang, now comfortably nestled in his arms, was beginning to feel drowsy. Just before falling asleep, she mumbled, “Isn’t tomorrow a rest day at court? Sister Fu mentioned that the Duke Qing's new residence has just been completed, and they are holding a grand housewarming. Will you have time to accompany me?”

Although Liu Mian Tang's sister-in-law had been married into the Duke Qing’s family for some time, Cui Xingzhou was not particularly close with Duke Qing. Their connection was primarily due to old friendships between their fathers and a prearranged engagement that led to Cui Fu’s marriage.

With both the Cui and Qing families now residing in the capital, maintaining regular contact was essential for mutual support.

Cui Xingzhou, while offering Liu Mian Tang some warm water, replied, “Of course, I’ll accompany you. Even though you’ve been in the capital before, you don’t know many people here. If you go alone and your sister is too busy to attend to you, it might be awkward.”

Liu Mian Tang was never one to worry about being neglected. She softly said, “It’s fine if no one pays me much attention. I’ll just give the gift and plaque, eat and drink a bit, and return. It’ll be quite relaxed and enjoyable.”

Cui Xingzhou, realizing Liu Mian Tang’s genuine concern and the sweetness behind her words, was momentarily silent. He then said, “Living in the capital is indeed not as comfortable as in Zhenzhou. I’ve made you endure quite a bit. Tomorrow, I’ll buy some properties here for you to enjoy.”

Liu Mian Tang was touched by his concern but found his offer somewhat presumptuous. “The tenants on our estate in Zhenzhou haven’t paid their rent, and the cattle and sheep are still in the pen. The estate is practically empty, waiting for your salary to come in. Where will we get the money for new properties? The expenses of the residence are already coming out of my pocket.”

Cui Xingzhou raised an eyebrow and teased, “So, does this mean you’re supporting me now?”

Liu Mian Tang playfully pinched his handsome face and high nose. “With looks like yours and the way you take care of me in bed, I’d be happy to support a few more like you!”

Cui Xingzhou, who was not overly concerned about being supported, found her comment amusing. After all, most of the land and properties Liu Mian Tang owned were gifts from him. Being a man of wealth who had achieved his status through his own efforts, he didn’t feel the self-consciousness that might come from being supported. 

However, the idea of her wanting to support multiple handsome men was a different matter. If she really had such audacity, he would certainly have to address it. 

So, it was inevitable that he would have to conduct a thorough examination of her daring ambitions in the privacy of their bed.

That morning, despite having been awakened early by Fang Xie’s call, Liu Mian Tang managed to rise on time, albeit still groggy.

Cui Xingzhou, still in bed, pulled her hand and said, “The Duke of Qing’s residence isn’t far. Why get up so early?”

Liu Mian Tang, gently pulling him up, explained, “Our sister is pregnant and seems to be having a tough time recently. With the new house’s housewarming and the preparations she has to manage, she must be quite exhausted. Yesterday, when she visited our residence, she even hesitated to ask me to help her check the accounts. If I go early, I can help her and see where I might be needed.”

Liu Mian Tang thought of Cui Fu as a strong-willed person. If she wasn’t truly struggling, she wouldn’t have asked for help. From Liu Mian Tang’s perspective, the Duke of Qing’s eldest son didn’t seem to be the most considerate husband. However, every couple has their dynamics, and it’s important not to meddle or provoke unnecessary conflict.

Although Liu Mian Tang didn't directly mention her concerns, she was genuinely worried about Cui Fu’s condition. She didn’t want to make a fuss with Cui Xingzhou, fearing it might affect his relationship with Duke Qing’s family.

Understanding her concern, Cui Xingzhou nodded in agreement and got up with her, ready to accompany her to the Duke’s residence.

While washing up and dressing, Cui Xingzhou advised, “You’re also with child and an outsider. Don’t take on too much at Duke Qing’s residence. Bring Mama Li along; she’s experienced with managing household affairs and was also sister’s caregiver. Having her assist will avoid any potential issues.”

Liu Mian Tang smiled, “We had the same idea. I sent Mama Li to Duke Qing’s residence yesterday, thinking it might be overdoing it. Now that you mention it, I feel reassured.”

Her smile was charming, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous allure.

Cui Xingzhou, securing his gold crown, smiled back at his little fox.

Duke Qing’s family had a long and esteemed lineage, dating back to the founding heroes of the dynasty. The previous generations had produced two prominent officials. However, the current Duke, Cui Fu's father-in-law, had only inherited his family’s position without making any notable achievements. Fortunately, Cui Fu’s husband, Guo Yi, had distinguished himself through hard work, passing exams with high honors and rising to become a prominent official in the capital.

Duke Qing’s residence had once again gained prominence, and the new house was bustling with activity.

As Liu Mian Tang descended from the carriage with Cui Xingzhou’s support, many of the capital’s noble ladies recognized her as the Princess Huaisang.

One of the ladies approached, “Princess Huaisang, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

As Liu Mian Tang settled into a seat in Duke Qing’s hall, she heard a gentle greeting from the side. Turning her head, she was surprised to see Princess Consort Sui smiling at her.

Liu Mian Tang was taken aback, not expecting to encounter Princess Consort Sui here.

During the previous competition between the two princes, Prince Huaiyang had outmaneuvered Prince Sui, resulting in a public embarrassment for Princess Consort Sui when she was forced to dismount from her carriage in the marketplace. This incident had indeed tarnished her reputation.

Despite this, Prince Sui, known for his ruthless nature, had not abandoned his wife. Instead, he continued to take her out frequently, showing even greater affection than before.

Such a ruler, who could overlook personal grievances for the sake of his beloved, was rare. As a result, the rumors of Princess Consort Sui’s moral failings had largely faded away.

Now that they were in the capital, the rumors from Huizhou had become nearly inaudible. At least in public, no one was willing to address the Princess Consort’s hidden scandals.

Though Prince Sui and Cui Xingzhou were at odds, there were still social niceties to observe within the backcourt.

Thus, when Princess Consort Sui treated Liu Mian Tang with courtesy, she naturally responded with a smile, choosing to ignore the new wrinkles at the corners of the Princess Consort’s eyes and the sorrow concealed in her gaze. Instead, she praised the Princess Consort’s radiance, which seemed even more pronounced than before.

Princess Consort Sui responded with a modest smile, “Princess Huaisang, you flatter me. Compared to your youthful glow, we older ones naturally pale in comparison. Since we are both new to the capital and not used to the social scene, I feel quite anxious. Seeing you, someone familiar, gives me some comfort.”

Liu Mian Tang smiled slightly, choosing not to engage too warmly with Princess Consort Sui. She casually remarked, “I’ve heard that Prince Sui has been in the capital much longer than us since he’s a prince of the royal family. If even Princess Consort Sui feels uneasy, then I, as an outsider, would hardly dare to speak up.”

Just then, a bold male voice interrupted, “If Princess Huaisang is unfamiliar with the capital, just speak up. My wife and I are idle these days, and we’d be happy to host tea parties to give you a warm welcome.”

Liu Mian Tang turned to see it was Prince Sui himself—now a retired monk.

She had always disliked the former monk. While he and the Princess Consort had maintained a veneer of civility, he showed no such pretense.

Suppressing a smile, Liu Mian Tang responded with a touch of sarcasm, “Prince Sui has recently been caught up in family matters and hasn’t been assigned any duties. It’s indeed a pity. Compared to my husband, who is quite occupied, you have plenty of free time. It might be a good opportunity to read classics and learn about loyalty and honor, making good use of your time. As a mere woman, I wouldn’t dare to monopolize the time for my husband’s studies.”

Prince Sui seemed unbothered by his wife’s presence and turned slightly to block others’ view, offering Liu Mian Tang a menacing smile. “The sharp tongue of the Princess Huaisang is indeed quite appealing. It would be even better if you could personally teach me about loyalty and honor!”

He was imposing and, as he bent closer, he crossed the line of politeness, conveying a clear threat.

Liu Mian Tang, maintaining her smile, suddenly reached out and grabbed Princess Consort Sui by the wrist. She shook her gently, causing the wine in the Princess Consort’s glass to spill all over the Prince Sui’s face.

Feigning surprise, Liu Mian Tang said, “Oh dear, Princess Consort, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you and make you spill wine all over Prince Sui’s face!”

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