Chapter 143: Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

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 Jiao Cang "Delicate Concealment" / Are You the One

 

 Chapter 143: 

 

Liu Mian Tang didn’t expect her mother-in-law’s verbal skills to have improved so much, hitting her where it hurt.

She immediately felt a bit breathless and guilty, saying, “I... it’s my first marriage, after all. Naturally, I had the simple thoughts of a young girl, focusing only on appearance. But when I met you, Mother, I realized I really admire your looks. The moment I saw you, I couldn’t help but feel close to you. Later, when I looked at the Prince again, I suddenly realized he resembled you. He truly is quite charming… so even if he tricked me for a moment, I forgot about it afterward.”

Her flattery struck a chord with Old Princess Consort Chu.

For a moment, she forgot the sorrow of her son’s impending journey and smiled brightly, “People say Jiu'er looks just like his father. Although his father was handsome, he lacked a bit of elegance. It’s because he has a bit of my looks that he’s even more handsome than his father… But just focusing on appearance is indeed not enough. I think this Li Guangcai seems rather honest. Our family doesn’t lack anything, and if we find a stable and promising son-in-law, that’s more useful than just good looks.”

Liu Mian Tang tilted her head, “Isn’t that exactly the point? Mother, you’ve been through it all and see things clearly. I’ve observed your pulse, and your past symptoms of overeating have improved significantly. This shows that the digestive remedy I prepared is effective. I’ll prepare more this time, so you must remember to take it…”

Madam Chu smacked Liu Mian Tang's hand, saying, “Jiu'er said you’re a terrible doctor, claiming that drinking your medicine could cause someone to expel their entire intestines! But I think you’re not worse than Marquis Zhao in terms of medical skills.”

Liu Mian Tang replied sincerely, “That’s because you’re fortunate, Mother, to be in such good spirits. When I first started learning medicine in the Northwest, I was too embarrassed to greet the neighbors. Now that I've found my footing, I can manage some things, but I don’t dare treat any major ailments. I’ve only learned a few recipes for gut health.”

Old Princess Consort Chu couldn’t help but laugh at her, then felt tears coming, saying, “With all of you going, big and small, it makes me worry. If it comes to it, I’ll just go with you!”

Liu Mian Tang didn’t dare joke about her mother-in-law's health and reassured her, calculating that with the Prince’s capabilities, the war situation would surely stabilize within two years. 

By then, they could all reunite in Zhenzhou—wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Overall, the topic of Li Guangcai’s looks was skillfully brushed aside by Liu Mian Tang.

For a second marriage, it mostly depended on the daughter’s wishes. The Prince Huaiyang’s family didn’t expect to climb any social ladders through this union. At least Li Guangcai was a trusted ally of the Prince, and they knew him well enough; as long as Cui Fu married him, she wouldn’t be mistreated.

In the end, after some heartfelt goodbyes, Old Princess Consort Chu finally agreed.

Once this was settled, the two families signed the marriage contract, planning the wedding to take place in the North Sea later to avoid any disruptions from the Duke Qing's residence.

Although Cui Fu agreed to the marriage, she felt inexplicably angry as she watched Li Guangcai arrive with a delighted expression to sign the marriage contract, giving him a cold shoulder.

Meanwhile, Jin'er was circling around Li Guangcai, eagerly asking if he had brought him any toys.

Li Guangcai had a servant bring over a small horse, its sleek black body with white hooves snorting and shaking its mane, looking quite majestic.

Jin'er was thrilled to receive a small horse from Uncle Li and immediately squealed with excitement, calling for a maid to lift him up so he could ride.

Cui Fu stood on the embroidery balcony, watching Li Guangcai hold Jin'er while he rode the horse, and couldn’t help but smile.

Liu Mian Tang, peeking beside Cui Fu, secretly thought that Lord Li was really generous this time.

For a man like Li Guangcai, who was known for his frugality, to purchase such a valuable pony was surprising. A man who knew how to spend money wisely shouldn’t have trouble marrying into a prestigious family.

After discussions with Li Guangcai, Cui Xingzhou decided to prioritize logistics this time around. He aimed to ensure that the supply lines were secured before sending troops to the Northwest, avoiding the previous issues of food shortages.

Unlike the grand send-off he received when heading to the Northwest, where townsfolk cheered him on, Cui Xingzhou politely declined the Emperor’s offer to hold a formal send-off ceremony for him this time.

He knew that his reputation among the common people was very high, and a send-off could lead to an uncontrollable show of support, which might give the Shi and Yangshan factions leverage against him. He didn’t want to create the appearance of undermining the Emperor’s authority before even setting off for battle.

When the time came, the large group would assemble outside the capital and quietly set off, avoiding unnecessary commotion.

Although the prince had such plans, when Liu Mian Tang went to the palace to bid farewell to the Empress, her words were quite different: “The prince doesn’t want His Majesty to take drastic measures because he is genuinely concerned about the national treasury, which is not very ample. If it is His Majesty's intention to personally see him off, there should be large jars of wine and piles of beef and mutton for the send-off ceremony! Such an occasion would cost a great deal! Instead of spending that money on feasting, it would be much more practical to prepare more provisions and military supplies, wouldn’t you agree, Your Majesty?”

Hearing the implication of Mian Tang's words, the Empress smiled and said, “You and the prince are truly practical people, unlike those who seek fame and attention through extravagant displays. Very well, I will mention this to His Majesty, and the saved expenses from the send-off will be allocated to the military fund.”

Speaking with someone who understood these matters made Mian Tang feel relieved, and she thanked the two sovereigns on behalf of the prince for their generosity.

However, when the Empress learned that Mian Tang intended to accompany Prince Huaiyang to the Northern Sea, she gently tried to dissuade her: “Originally, His Majesty agreed because Minister Cui mentioned that you would return to Zhenzhou with the Old Princess Consort along with the young child. But now, you’re disregarding the long journey and insisting on accompanying the prince to such a pestilential place. I fear that… His Majesty may not approve.”

Recently, there had been rampant rumors about the Yangshan group, especially regarding Lu Wen and the young master Ziyu, and Mian Tang suspected that the Empress had heard something about it.

However, this portly and easygoing Empress was good at keeping things to herself and never revealed the slightest hint of her thoughts. Yet, her earlier words clearly suggested that there was something more beneath the surface.

Mian Tang pretended not to understand and smiled, saying, “Actually, I know that when military generals are sent away, their families are often kept in the capital as hostages. However, His Majesty knows of the prince’s unwavering loyalty, which is why he has allowed the prince’s family to return to Zhenzhou. Such trust and generosity can only come from a ruler with the heart of a sage and the virtue of a great Emperor. But I have made a vow; since I married a military general, I will follow him through thick and thin, regardless of danger. I hope the Empress will kindly ask His Majesty to fulfill this small foolish wish of mine.”

The Empress listened quietly and smiled slightly, “Prince Huaiyang is indeed fortunate to have you, a woman of deep loyalty and affection, willing to share his life through all challenges. Being loved by someone like you is a feeling that one would never forget in a lifetime…”

Mian Tang slightly raised her head, looking at the serene face of the Empress, and replied, “Who in the court doesn’t envy His Majesty for having you as a wise and virtuous Empress? The higher one rises, the colder it gets; but it is because His Majesty has you that he has weathered many storms and revitalized the Great Yan dynasty. The mutual support between a dragon and phoenix in love is something that my husband and I, as a couple of ordinary folk, cannot compare to.”

A perceptive person knows that sometimes it’s not necessary to express everything explicitly; one can convey deeper meanings without saying too much.

The Empress understood the implications of Mian Tang’s words and smiled as she stood up to help Mian Tang rise, saying, “Since the princess consort has spoken so, His Majesty would not want to separate you as a couple.”

Just as Mian Tang was about to take her leave from the palace, the Empress seemed to remember something. As she accompanied Miantang on a leisurely stroll through the Imperial Garden, she continued, “Qingzhou is not far from Zhenzhou, and since you know me well, I can speak to you more freely than I would with the wives of hereditary nobles. You know my father had another daughter late in life, and he dotes on her. Because of that, she has always harbored unrealistic dreams since she was young, wanting for nothing and getting everything she desired. Now that I am Empress, the Shi family has become part of the imperial family. Sometimes, taking advantage of His Majesty's favor, she speaks without considering her words. Although I am her elder sister, she often only half-listens to my advice. My father spoils her, and recently she may have unintentionally offended the prince… He has asked me to convey his apologies to the prince on his behalf.”

Mian Tang could tell that the Empress was hinting at something, but since the Empress didn't elaborate further, she felt it would be inappropriate to pry. 

As the departure approached, Cui Xingzhou had been busy in the military and rarely returned home. Today, however, he returned early to hold their son. When Mian Tang entered the inner courtyard, she saw him playing with little Yi'er under the peach blossom tree, shaking its branches.

Not in a rush to change her clothes, she approached Cui Xingzhou and, while teasing their son, mentioned the Empress's words from earlier.

Cui Xingzhou listened and didn’t seem surprised. He explained, “A few days ago Shi Yikuan, spoke to me and expressed his view that my assignment to the North Sea is a bit of a waste of talent. He also mentioned that there might be room for negotiation regarding this appointment. However, since this was strongly pushed by the remnants of Yangshan, he couldn't really intervene. He has a daughter who has long admired me but has been reluctant to marry. If our families were to form a bond, he could then rightfully help me navigate things… That way, we could look out for each other in court, making it easier to handle affairs.”

Upon hearing this, Mian Tang immediately understood the situation. She tugged at her cloak and glared, saying, “Does that Shi person have no shame? Knowing you are already married, he still shamelessly tries to recommend his daughter! Does he expect his daughter to be a concubine?” She paused for a moment and then exclaimed, “Wait! The Empress' sister can’t become a concubine. Is he trying to encourage you to divorce me or to demote me to a concubine?”

Cui Xingzhou placed little Yi'er, who was blowing bubbles, into Mian Tang's arms and said, "I didn’t let that old Shi finish his words before I kicked him out of the military camp. I'm not interested in what he has to say at all, so why should you care?"

Perhaps sensing his mother's unhappiness, Yi'er's chubby little hands were grabbing at her face, and his wet little mouth was nibbling at her neck.

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