Chapter 126: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 FlamingoBees 

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 

 Chapter 126: 

 

The news that Prince Huaiyang hadn't returned to the manor for seven days had reached the ears of Prince Sui.

Back when Cui Xingzhou entered the capital, his residence in the city was filled with a chaotic mix of people. Besides those planted by the imperial palace, Prince Sui had also placed quite a few spies.

Unfortunately, not long ago, Princess Consort Huaiyang, under the pretext of needing to prepare for childbirth and recalculate the feng shui, dismissed many servants and maids who were incompatible with her fortune. Among them were quite a few spies from various places in the capital, and even a number of informants from the outer courtyard were removed.

For a time, getting wind of any developments from Prince Huaiyang's manor had become far less convenient than it used to be.

The Prince of Sui was well aware of the capabilities of Princess Consort Huaiyang. Carrying out something like the cleansing of the manor was naturally a task she could handle with ease.

However, the remark Prince Sui made at the palace gates to stir up trouble for Prince Huaiyang wasn’t something that could be extinguished with a mere wave of her hand.

First, the fact that Prince Huaiyang had not returned to the manor for seven days clearly indicated something unusual. Then, the fact that he frequently sent people to inquire about the remnants of Yangshan made his intentions obvious.

On the day Prince Huaiyang returned to the manor, one of the spies in the outer courtyard finally managed to gather news that the prince had beaten the princess.

It was said that the beating was quite severe, to the point that even the prince's older sister had stepped in to mediate. However, the specifics of the argument were difficult to uncover.

But Prince Sui, after a bit of calculation, figured out most of what had transpired. He knew that Liu Mian Tang had finally shown her true colors in front of Prince Huaiyang.

The model couple of the capital had gotten into a fight!

That evening, Prince Sui drank two extra pots of fine wine during dinner, releasing much of the frustration he had been harboring since entering the capital.

Following that, Prince Huaiyang’s manor seemed to return to a calm and peaceful state. However, it was noted that Princess Consort Huaiyang frequently visited the military office, either bringing food or clothes, her humble attempts to please becoming more and more obvious. Meanwhile, it was said that the Prince of Huaiyang's attitude toward his princess had grown noticeably colder.

Prince Sui could understand Prince Huaiyang’s feelings. For people of their rank and power, how could they truly trust a spouse who had once been a bandit?

Furthermore, Prince Huaiyang held himself in high regard, yet had been deceived into marrying a former bandit leader. His pride was not only wounded, but he also had to maintain the reputation of his manor, preventing any public scandal. Truly, he was like a rag in a medicine shop—soaked in bitterness.

Prince Sui mused that when the princess consort went into labor, she would likely experience a “convenient” difficult childbirth, leading to a fatal hemorrhage. There was a good chance she would end up dying on the birthing bed.

In that case, the child would remain, but the mother would be gone—a fittingly dignified exit for the princess. This would allow Prince Huaiyang to recover his lost honor.

Thinking of Liu Mian Tang’s delicate beauty, it would indeed be a pity if she were to die like that. But, at the same time, it would feel as though Prince Huaiyang had lost half his strength, and while Prince Sui pitied the flower’s demise, his spirits were lifted.

Regardless, with Prince Huaiyang's household in turmoil, it was the perfect opportunity for Prince Sui to regain some ground in the political arena. He even considered having a few people spread rumors and whispers.

When the inevitable “accident” occurred with Princess Consort Huaiyang, people would be inclined to believe that Prince Huaiyang, seeking to protect his reputation, had been responsible for his wife’s death.

However, despite being destined for a short life, it seemed the princess was not content with her husband’s cold treatment. Recently, she had taken an interest in forming a poetry society and had even sent invitations to some of the capital’s well-known elites.

Could this be her final desperate struggle before death?

Indeed, Mian Tang had started a poetry society. Empress Shi had recently given birth to a second child, a princess, which now gave her the perfect “good fortune” symbol with a son and daughter. To celebrate, the emperor issued a royal amnesty, and the four brothers were released from prison as part of the decree.

With this, Mian Tang felt a sense of relief, and her care and attention towards her husband grew even more meticulous.

However, Cui Xingzhou forbade the four loyal brothers from remaining in the inner courtyard of the manor.

Left with no other choice, Mian Tang sent them back to their escort agency. Business at her shop had been flourishing recently, so she decided to emulate the behavior of the capital’s noble ladies by purchasing an estate in the outskirts of the city. After some renovations, it was just the right venue for her poetry gatherings.

Cui Xingzhou found it surprising that she had suddenly taken an interest in such refined pursuits. When he returned home for some rest, he asked, “What made you think of starting a poetry society?”

Mian Tang was gently combing her husband’s hair at that moment. Cui Xingzhou’s thick, long hair always needed careful attention after washing, and although Mian Tang was somewhat impatient with her own hair, she loved tending to her husband’s. With an ivory comb in hand, she lightly smoothed out his hair.

When Cui Xingzhou asked about it, Mian Tang replied honestly, "You’re the one who said it—I was too young before, didn’t learn well, and had a rough, uncultured air about me, mixed with the mannerisms of a merchant. Now that you don’t let me go to the escort agency or visit the shop, I had no choice but to start a poetry society and make connections with refined people, hoping that by being around good influences, I might better myself."

Cui Xingzhou wasn’t fond of hearing the tales of the former bandit leader, so he tapped the guest list with his long fingers and said, "This is the first time I’ve seen a wife start a poetry society and invite so many unmarried refined gentlemen."

Mian Tang tilted her head to look at the list and, with some regret, said, "Elder Sister has recovered well recently—she’s a talented woman, and she could truly shine at the poetry society. But it’s a shame there aren’t many eligible bachelors to match her. The few I’ve managed to gather after racking my brain include some widowers. I wonder if she would mind that."

Cui Xingzhou, hearing that she was organizing this for her sister, nodded and said, "Even though she might not remarry so soon, getting out and socializing can do her good. But you should stay out of it for now. Your belly’s already so big—be careful not to overexert yourself."

Mian Tang touched her belly and smiled sweetly, "Listening to them recite poetry will be good for the baby! That way, our child will learn to compose poetry from the womb. By the way, how many poems have you copied out for me? I need short ones that are easy to memorize."

Cui Xingzhou, with a cool expression, replied, "I’m so busy with official duties; where would I find the time to help you cheat by copying poems? I had Mo Ru find a book of poems I wrote when I was seven, covering all seasons and landscapes. Pick some from there to use for your poetry gathering."

Mian Tang, whose knowledge of poetry could barely fill the palm of her hand, found herself the founder of a poetry society. With the event approaching, she couldn’t help but feel nervous and needed someone to prepare in advance for her.

Cui Xingzhou, a man of immense talent, nearly became the top scholar in the imperial exam back in the day, making him the perfect candidate for help. At first, when he mentioned using poems he wrote at age seven, Mian Tang felt insulted. But when she opened the book, the graceful flow and strength of the verses were far beyond what she could manage even with all the effort in the world.

Moreover, as she looked at the neat handwriting, she couldn’t help but imagine a seven-year-old Cui Xingzhou, with chubby cheeks, earnestly composing poetry. The thought made her heart itch, and she mischievously turned her husband’s handsome face toward her, planting a big kiss on his cheek.

Prince Huaiyang couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he looked at the woman who had just confidently declared her intent to seriously memorize poetry.

Mian Tang realized she might have been a bit too forward.

Ever since her true identity was revealed, the prince, likely feeling deceived, had been nursing his wounded pride, making it difficult for him to heal completely. As a result, he often treated her with a distant, cold demeanor in front of the servants.

Of course, when they were alone at night under the covers, the prince—usually as cold as ice—turned into boiling hot water.

Mian Tang understood that a heart that had been betrayed needed time to heal its wounds. After all, when she had first learned of Cui Xingzhou’s deception in their marriage, she had been deeply upset as well.

Naturally, the prince's pride was far more valuable than that of a commoner like her, so his occasional sour mood was something she could comprehend.

But whenever she saw the prince's grumpy face, Mian Tang couldn't resist teasing him, just like now. After giving him that playful kiss, she returned to reading the poems in earnest, paying him no further attention.

Prince Huaiyang waited, but no follow-up came, and his face grew a bit darker. Pulling the little fox pretending to memorize poems into his arms, he said, "You're kissing the wrong place. If you're going to kiss, kiss here."

With that, he leaned in, capturing her lips gently, personally guiding her in a more intimate lesson.

Mian Tang, holding onto his neck, whispered, "Lately, you've been ignoring me. People outside the manor are all saying that you're displeased with me because of my low birth."

Cui Xingzhou laid her down on the soft couch, his tone indifferent as he said, "Displeased with you? Who would dare? A simple wave of my hand and it's a divorce letter. The weight of our marriage, worth a thousand pounds of affection, could turn into just a couple of ounces in no time."

Mian Tang pulled him down to lie beside her. "You're still upset? Didn’t I tell you, I can’t bear to leave you either? But you were so harsh—I thought you didn't want me anymore, so I figured I'd be smart and leave on my own."

As Mian Tang spoke, her eyes began to well up with tears again. Cui Xingzhou, who had little patience for dealing with emotional outbursts, softened his tone quickly when he saw the impending flood. "Alright, alright. Tomorrow at the poetry gathering, I’ll come with you. I’ll be there by your side, grinding ink and playing the role of a humble assistant. That way, I can help you regain face in front of everyone, how about that?"

Cui Xingzhou had already heard the rumors circulating about Princess Consort Huaiyang being despised. There was no need to guess who was behind the manipulation, spreading gossip about the Huaiyang Mansion.

Prince Sui was scheming to make moves in the political arena, but to make it easier, he first sought to tarnish Cui Xingzhou's reputation. Unfortunately for him, the story of Mian Tang's bandit past was tied to some murky imperial history—too sensitive for anyone to publicly expose. This made it difficult for Prince Sui to stir up much trouble. Besides, Mian Tang wasn’t the kind of woman who cared about her reputation.

And, Cui Xingzhou did not take kindly to others mocking his princess. The small quarrels between the two of them had now been exaggerated into outrageous gossip, which was enough already. He had to restore some of Mian Tang's dignity in front of others.

But Mian Tang smiled faintly and replied, "Isn't Your Highness busy inspecting the military camps outside the city? Go tend to your own matters. The waters need to stay murky for the ghosts to surface. If he’s intent on spreading rumors, let’s see what he plans to do next."

Cui Xingzhou understood her meaning but didn't agree. "You married me, not to live a life on the edge of a blade. Court politics are not your concern. Just focus on being my princess, drinking tea, and enjoying yourself."

His words were filled with a domineering arrogance typical of a powerful man, yet Mian Tang felt a warmth in her heart.

She couldn't remember much of her past with the bandit group Yangshan, perhaps because that time had been too exhausting and heavy for her, leaving her unwilling to revisit those memories.

Cui Xingzhou wasn’t the perfect husband she had once imagined while living on North Street. Their entire relationship had begun with deception.

In the beginning, he had indeed used her in various ways, showing no sympathy. However, as they fell in love, he genuinely saw her as a delicate woman in need of care, unlike Liu Yu, who viewed her merely as a tool for expanding territory and gaining power.

For Mian Tang, who had grown up without any father or brother to rely on, this was more than enough.

Mian Tang nestled into Cui Xingzhou's embrace, nuzzling against him before popping her head out and saying, "By the way, I heard someone say that I might not survive childbirth and there's a great possibility I could die from excessive bleeding!"

Before she could finish, the color drained from Prince Huaiyang’s face. He tightly covered Mian Tang's mouth, spat on the ground in frustration, and angrily said, "Liu Mian Tang! Do you think I can’t stand a single day without being angry at you? What nonsense are you talking about? You’ve been either practicing martial arts or training with weapons every day, you’re as strong as a cow! You’d better give birth smoothly—try bleeding out, and see what I’ll do!"

© 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.

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