Chapter 131: Deliberation

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“Yu Yuan went to knock and deliver the food,” Xu Nuo said, shaking his head. “But Her Highness did not answer. It seems she has no appetite.”

“Mother must be unable to eat.” Chen Qing gazed into the distance. A brilliant river of stars illuminated the night sky, while the Purple Star, rising slowly, shone ever more brightly.

“Tomorrow, do as Mother instructed.”

Xu Nuo thought for a moment before answering, “Yes.”

“How are things with Cousin? The Grandmaster’s curse does not appear to be a deception. Tomorrow, have someone clever ask him when he is escorted back whether there is any way to undo it.”

“This…” Xu Nuo hesitated. “Her Highness sent Yu Yuan out earlier precisely for that reason. According to a secret report, the Heir has gone to the post house.”

A trace of darkness crossed Chen Qing’s eyes. “Mother has indeed thought everything through.”

Xu Nuo could not bear it and said, “The Heir is the orphaned son of the Duke’s younger brother. He lost both his parents while still in swaddling clothes. His father treated Her Highness extremely well. When the late Emperor was in danger and the Emperor was born amid a fire, his father was always the first to rush forward. As for the Duke, he rarely even left his courtyard. Her Highness pitied the Heir and so showed him extra affection.”

“There is no need to explain. I understand.”

Chen Qing stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the towering walls.

In this lonely city, everyone kept his heart tightly shut. What was he yearning for?

~~

In another magnificent residence adjoining the imperial city, maids came and went, carrying delicacies to the tables. After nearly half a month, the welcoming banquet for the maternal uncle was finally drawing to a close.

Princess Consort Anping frowned as she looked at her elder brother, then immediately glanced at the maid standing beside him. The maid promptly filled his cup.

“Brother, it is getting late. Why don’t we end the banquet here? Ziyu and Sui’an have both had quite a lot to drink. Sui’an should be fine, but Ziyu still has official duties tomorrow and cannot afford to delay them. I had the guest room prepared long ago—it is the same one you always use whenever you visit.”

Pang Tong stopped her. He had put down his chopsticks early and continued chatting without leaving only because the host of the evening had yet to appear.

“Where is my brother-in-law? I am waiting for him.”

“Brother, you know he has been terribly busy. There are so many matters to attend to, and the affairs of court have him run off his feet. As for tomorrow, I will certainly urge him to apologize to you and punish himself with three cups of wine.”

Pang Tong looked at his guileless, foolish little sister. Women from outside were practically storming the gates, yet she remained completely unguarded. Her family had protected her far too well in the past. He had thought marriage would make her more worldly, but she had only become even more innocent.

She had given birth to two sons, and they both treasured her as dearly as their own eyes.

Judging by her expression, she likely had no idea what that heartless bastard had been doing outside.

“I do not need the mighty Regent to apologize to a mere fourth-rank official like me. I only want to know what he is actually doing!”

“Uncle, I recently acquired a jar of fifty-year-old Daughter Red. Why don’t we go taste it?” Chen Yu hurriedly seized Pang Tong’s arm and cut him off.

“Ziyu, your uncle has something important to discuss with your mother. You still have official duties tomorrow, so go downstairs and rest early.”

Chen Yu glanced at Chen Shou, who was sitting quietly to one side.

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With a sigh, Chen Shou rose and took hold of their uncle’s other arm. Together, the two brothers escorted Pang Tong out.

“Be careful! Don’t drop your uncle!” Princess Consort Anping called after them.

“Don’t worry, Mother. Sui’an and I will be careful. We will take Uncle back to his room later.”

“Very well. Don’t drink too much. You have work tomorrow.”

“I know, Mother.”

Watching the two brothers carry their uncle away, Princess Consort Anping shook her head, a smile touching her brows and eyes.

“Not one of them is ever easy to manage.”

“What are you saying, Madam? The Heir is the most filial of all. Those candied fruits he bought yesterday were delicious, and you praised him for them yourself.”

Princess Consort Anping tapped the maid lightly on the forehead, then glanced at the others nearby.

“You girls always like to say nice things about him.”

“The Heir is your son, Madam. Naturally, everything about him is the best.”

“Hm? Sui’an is my son too, and the brothers are twins. How come I have never heard you praise him?”

The maid trembled the moment she heard the Second Young Master mentioned. Recovering quickly, she concealed her lapse and said, “The Second Young Master is excellent as well.”

Her voice quivered slightly, and none of the other maids dared speak.

Princess Consort Anping patted her hand. “Sui’an’s temperament is somewhat peculiar, but he is still a very good person.”

“Yes, the Second Young Master is very good.”

~~

When Jiang Lan left the post house, he happened to encounter the Princess of Liang returning from outside.

Jin Tong’er had not expected to see Jiang Lan either. Her surprise lasted only an instant before she recovered and inclined her head toward him.

Since one did not strike a smiling face, Jiang Lan returned the courtesy. His gaze, however, was drawn to the carriage waiting outside.

“The Anping Prince’s residence?”

The moment Jiang Lan finished speaking, the curtain of the carriage window was lifted.

“Heir of the Duke of Weiguo, what a coincidence!”

Jiang Lan shook his head. “It is not a coincidence. Rather, I am sorry to have stumbled upon the prince’s good fortune. That was inconsiderate of me.”

Hearing the words “good fortune” emphasized so heavily, a flicker of anger passed through Prince Anping’s eyes.

“Heir of the Duke of Weiguo, what brings you here so late at night? Have you come to steal another beauty?”

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Jiang Lan raised a hand. “Enough, enough! I value my virtue and never meddle with wildflowers or weeds.”

The two traded barbs for dozens of exchanges, yet neither gained the upper hand.

“The moonlight is enchanting. I shall not disturb Your Highness any longer.” Jiang Lan cupped his hands, turned, and walked away without giving the other man the slightest chance to object.

Xichi followed behind him. After a long silence, he suddenly blurted out, “Young Master, there is no need to be sad. That Princess of Liang is utterly unworthy of you.”

Jiang Lan turned around and asked in bewilderment, “How did you come to think I was sad?”

“Then why were you fighting with the Anping Prince for her favor?”

Jiang Lan felt as though his throat had closed up. “How did you see that? And when exactly was I fighting with him for her favor?”

“You traded barbs with the Anping Prince right at the entrance of the post house. If that was not jealousy, what was it?”

“Xichi, if you have nothing kind to say, then do not say anything. I am used to it, anyway.”

“…Yes.”

When Jiang Lan returned to his residence and had just prepared to retire, Qing Li hurried in.

“Master, there is a lead in that matter!”

Jiang Lan wrapped his outer robe around himself again. “Tell me.”

“We did not know who was behind Haicen, so I questioned him about every detail of Haicen’s life. I have just finished compiling everything. Please review it and correct anything that is wrong.”

Jiang Lan examined the notes. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes, already forming a plan. It seemed this matter was indeed far from simple.

“Go tell Sanmu to rise early tomorrow. Have him accompany Grandmaster Kongkong’s carriage to White Horse Temple and bring Chifeng back for me. I have an important task for him.”

“Yes, Young Master. There is one more thing I would like to ask. Qing Li promised that eunuch earlier that, if he confessed honestly, we would arrange a religious service to help his soul pass on. What do you think of asking Sanmu…”

“Ahem. That is an excellent idea, but discuss it with Sanmu yourself.”

“Young Master…”

“I am going to sleep.”