Chapter 24Condolences
In Hua Liuli’s view, Emperor Changlong was truly a good person.
The straightforward nature of the Eldest Prince made him a suitable match for the daughter of a prestigious military family. Not only would it pave the way for his future military endeavors, but it would also demonstrate his deep respect for the military officials.
The Emperor trusted the Hua family, at least for now. That’s why he wanted her to marry the simple-minded Eldest Prince, which would give her a noble status without subjecting her to a troubleso married life.
Unfortunately, hopes can be beautiful, but people’s hearts can change. The Eldest Prince, Ying Wang, might not be content with being an ordinary prince. On the other side, the Emperor might beco suspicious of the Hua family one day. Thus, it was in her best interest to refrain from marrying any of the princes.
Before coming to the capital, the Emperor had ntioned the betrothal between the Eldest Prince and her. But after arriving in the capital, he never ntioned it again, indicating that the Emperor had abandoned that plan.
The bestownt of the title of Junzhu probably served as compensation after the Emperor changed his mind.
In any case, not marrying Ying Wang and gaining the title of Junzhu seed like a good exchange to Hua Liuli.
However, Emperor Changlong did not share the sa sentint.
As he read the morials from the Ministry of Justice, he sighed upon learning that Fushou Junzhu was targeted by assassins as retaliation for her involvent in thwarting the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince.
“Father Emperor, which imperial family mber is begging for rcy, or which two spoiled sons caused trouble again?” The Crown Prince, who was learning governance from Emperor Changlong, raised his head upon hearing his father’s sigh. Emperor Changlong leaned back in his chair and didn’t want to look at the morials on the table anymore.
“It’s about the case of the Fushou Junzhu‘s attempted abduction,” Emperor Changlong handed the morial from the Ministry of Justice to the Crown Prince, “Zhen owes an apology to the Hua family.”
He had promised to make the Hua girl his Eldest Son’s Wangfei, but then he changed his mind. Now, because of the girl’s unintentional actions in saving the Crown Prince, she had beco the target of the assassins and was almost abducted.
The Crown Prince took the morial and read it silently. After he was finished reading it, he remained silent for a long ti.
“Yuansu?” Emperor Changlong turned to the Crown Prince when he didn’t speak for a long ti.
“Erchen was thinking that such unlawful organizations as the assassins should be vigorously suppressed,” the Crown Prince placed the morial on the table, “If they dare to lay hands on the Hua girl, who is a Junzhu of Great Jin, it is a blatant provocation against the imperial court.”
Emperor Changlong asked, “What are your thoughts?”
“The registration of households in all provinces and strict supervision of anyone with unknown origins,” the Crown Prince turned to look at Emperor Changlong, “The slaves secretly kept by the major noble families should also be registered.”
Emperor Changlong’s expression slightly changed, “Yuansu, this matter should not be rushed.”
“Erchen understands, Father Emperor,” the Crown Prince looked at the characters “Fushou Junzhu” on the morial, “If it can’t be done in one year, then ten years. If it can’t be done in ten years, then twenty years.”
Emperor Changlong nodded slightly. The father and son didn’t discuss the matter further, but they both understood that there were so things they couldn’t compromise on for the sake of the people.
That afternoon, Hua Liuli received more gifts from the palace, including imperial edicts praising her various qualities. Words like “a tiger’s daughter” and “clever and outstanding” were lavishly bestowed upon her, as though they were free and all about her.
Those who didn’t know her would surely think she possessed great martial skills, just like her father.
Hua Liuli: “…”
No, she was delicate, helpless, and had no combat ability. She was just a delicate girl among the tigers.
The Emperor’s generosity knew no bounds. Not only did he lavish her with complints, but he also gifted her an estate on the outskirts of the capital, complete with the surrounding land that now belonged to her.
The Emperor’s magnanimity instantly made Hua Liuli forget about the excessive flattery. After bidding farewell to the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, she cheerfully exclaid to Yuan Yi, “The Emperor is truly thoughtful. He even considered the future residence of my male pets.”
In the capital, it was not uncommon for noble ladies to raise male pets, but it was a private matter typically carried out in their own country estates.
“Unfortunately, having seen n like the Crown Prince and my three brothers, my standards have been raised, making it challenging to find interest in other n,” Hua Liuli sighed, “Where can I find a male pet that ets my high standards?”
“How about Junzhu spend more ti observing Ying Wang? Perhaps, when Junzhu looks at other n again, Junzhu might find them tolerable,” Yuan Yi teased with a mischievous smile.
“Although Ying Wang may not possess a handso appearance like the Crown Prince and my brothers, he still exudes the aura of royalty. At the very least, he surpasses ordinary n,” Hua Liuli coughed dryly, “Besides, do I appear to be a shallow person who solely focuses on looks?”
“I value both appearance and substance,” Hua Liuli waved her finger, “Even if I have no intention of marrying, I cannot settle for less.”
“Indeed, it’s better to avoid rumors circulating in the capital about Fushou Junzhu, the delicate and breathtaking young lady who indulges in romantic affairs and disregards her own life,” Hua Changkong entered the room and sat beside Hua Liuli, “That would certainly create quite a stir.”
“As the saying goes, ‘Even if I were to die beneath the peony flowers, I’d still be a romantic spirit’,” Hua Liuli chuckled, covering her face with feigned shyness.
“You’re such a cheeky girl,” Hua Changkong playfully tapped her head, “Despite your bold words, I haven’t seen you genuinely interested in any man.”
“Third Brother, how can you say such things to an innocent and shy young lady like ? I’m feeling embarrassed,” Hua Liuli covered her face, casually taking Hua Changkong’s money pouch, “Consider this a small contribution to the grand endeavor of supporting your adorable sister’s male pets.”
The two siblings laughed and teased each other for a while. Hua Changkong looked at his exceptionally beautiful sister and felt a bitter and indescribable pain in his heart, “Little sister, I have burdened you.”
“Third Brother, what are you saying?” Hua Liuli widened her eyes and smiled, “As a delicate and sickly young girl, I lead a carefree life of indulgence in food, drink, and entertainnt. What burden could I possibly have?”
She hid the money pouch away, “Anyway, no matter what you say, I won’t return the money pouch to you. Give up already.”
Hua Changkong: “…”
He knew that all his sentintal words ant nothing in front of his little sister.
As the ti for the spring examination drew closer, Hua Changkong rarely left the house, spending his days in the study, solving problems, and studying. Hua Liuli worried about his academic pressure and found ways to have delicious food prepared for him in the kitchen.
Towards the end of the first month of the Lunar Year, news arrived that the patriarch of the Tian family had passed away.
When the news of his death reached the various noble households, a collective sigh echoed through the halls. Old Master Tian was an insightful person, and with his passing, Ying Wang‘s path to the Crown Prince position had grown even more distant.
As a junior, Hua Liuli also had to go pay her respects.
She changed out of her gorgeous silk dress and donned a plain cotton dress while adorning her hair with a few modest silver hairpins. Boarding the carriage, she made her way to the Tian family estate.
At the entrance, Tian Ruidong, dressed in mourning attire, received the guests. His eyes were red and swollen, devoid of the vigor he once possessed.
As Hua Liuli walked past Tian Ruidong, she heard him sobbing softly, “Second Young Master Tian, please accept my condolences.”
“Thank you, Junzhu,” Tian Ruidong bowed to Hua Liuli.
Uncertain of how to console him, Hua Liuli half-knelt, returned a partial bow and proceeded into the mourning hall.
Fire danced around the altar as the morial tablet bearing the na of Old Master Tian was placed in the center. Descendants of the Tian family knelt on the ground, sobbing and wailing, filling the entire room with an atmosphere of grief and of death.
Ying Wang stood by the side of the mourning hall, his face marked with traces of mourning. As a prince, according to the rules, he didn’t have to wear mourning clothes for his maternal grandfather. However, today his hair was tied with hemp rope and his clothes were a simple white cotton robe.
The person who arrived before her was Jiamin Junzhu. The two locked eyes for a mont, an unusual occurrence where neither spoke nor taunted each other.
She and Jiamin Junzhu stepped forward together, bowing in reverence.
“Pay your respects and offer incense.”
As soon as Hua Liuli received the incense, she bowed three tis before taking a slight step back. She waited until Jiamin Junzhu had placed the incense in the censer before following suit.
There were other female relatives who ca to mourn the deceased. Hua Liuli retreated through a side door when she glanced back at Jiamin Junzhu, who was walking towards Ying Wang.
Before long, Jiamin Junzhu also erged, her mood appearing extrely low. Seeing Hua Liuli standing under a tree in the courtyard, she couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you supposed to have poor health? Why did you also co?”
Could it be that she still harbored feelings for Ying Wang?
Among the female mbers of the Hua family, she was the only one present in the capital. If she didn’t co, who else would? However, Hua Liuli couldn’t be bothered with Jiamin Junzhu at this mont, so she simply covered her chest, coughed a few tis, and remained silent.
Seeing Hua Liuli in such a state, Jiamin Junzhu was reminded of that ti when she hadn’t done anything but others had mistakenly blad her for bullying Hua Liuli. She could only suppress her anger and turn away, leaving the courtyard.
“Junzhu,” Yuan Yi tidied Hua Liuli’s cloak, “It’s windy here, let’s go to the front hall.”
“Alright,” Hua Liuli glanced at the other female relatives standing in the courtyard before lightly coughing into her handkerchief.
As she turned to leave, she saw the weary-looking Ying Wang walking out of the mourning hall towards her. She thought of pretending not to see him and continue walking outside.
“Fushou Junzhu.”
Hua Liuli knew Jiamin Junzhu was about to give her a hostile look.
“Greetings to Your Highness, Ying Wang,” Hua Liuli smiled and turned around, giving a courtesy to Ying Wang.
“Thank you, Junzhu, for coming to offer condolences,” Ying Wang noticed Hua Liuli’s pale complexion and worried that she couldn’t withstand the cold, “There’s a warm room nearby, let Benwang accompany you there.”
“It’s fine, this humble servant will have a maid show the way,” Hua Liuli saw bloodshot eyes in Ying Wang‘s gaze, “Please take care, Your Highness.”
Ying Wang forced a smile, “Thank you.”
He didn’t insist on accompanying Hua Liuli but called for a maid to escort her.
Upon reaching the warm room, Hua Liuli locked eyes with Jiamin Junzhu once again.
“Junzhu, it seems we have quite the fate,” Hua Liuli pretended not to notice the animosity in Jiamin Junzhu‘s eyes as she sat down on a cushioned chair.
Jiamin Junzhu looked at her, her lips twitching. Hua Liuli thought she would say sothing sarcastic, but unexpectedly, this usually hot-tempered Junzhu didn’t say a word.
In this warm room, the two sat face to face without uttering a single word.
After a while, Jiamin Junzhu looked at Hua Liuli, her eyes reddening, “Do you know? Ying Wang‘s future Wangfei has been decided.”
Hua Liuli scread inwardly: I have no idea!
“Not you,” Jiamin Junzhu‘s voice trembled, “And not either.”
Hua Liuli remained silent for a mont, “Condolences, then?”
Jiamin Junzhu: “…”
The room was filled with the scent of incense. As Hua Liuli’s gaze swept past the censer, she suddenly stood up, “Let’s go, this room doesn’t feel right.”
Jiamin Junzhu: “…”
Even if she didn’t want to stay in the sa room with her, there was no need to put on such an exaggerated act.
Just as she was about to speak, thinking that Hua Liuli couldn’t see through her secretly mocking her, she began to feel dizzy and disoriented.
“You…” Jiamin Junzhu widened her eyes, staring at Hua Liuli.
What bad luck had she been having lately? The man she liked was marrying soone else. Now, the woman she disliked was trying to poison her.
It was often written in the stories that if the protagonist was poisoned by her rival, terrible things would surely follow.
Hua Liuli, this treacherous woman!
Author’s Note:
Hua Liuli: It’s not , I didn’t do anything. Please don’t make unfounded accusations.
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