< Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >
Startled Birds
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
When everyone present heard these words, practically everyone was all somewhat awkward. Just, the reason for the awkwardness differed from person to person.
For those students that were full of excitement and enthusiasm from seeing Wu Wang and Wei Wang, Wei Wang’s attitude simply can be considered explicitly stating that he precisely came over for Qi Ke and Xun Ying. If Qi Ke were to insist on leaving, perhaps the two princes will just leave with Qi Ke.
However, for Qi Ke, he also had his own problems to headache over. No matter how pure and noble of a scholar, there was still no reason to not understand the ways of the world. Previously, at the Chang’de Count Manor, he’d already rejected the request to help send off Qi Pei, this Wu Wangfei. Although it can be considered not giving Qi Pei, and even the Chang’de Count Manor, any face, but if he were to directly reject Wei Wang now, this degree of offense towards a prince will also be different from before.
But, he really had no intention of saying more with the two princes. Among Xuan Emperor’s four sons, the only one that was slightly versed in poetry and literature was just the second prince, Wu Wang, and he has always had somewhat of a reputation of having respect for the wise. However, Qi Ke had seen the prince’s poetry works circulating around outside before. The so called literary talent of the second prince, for him, truly didn’t have any conversation value, so further don’t need to mention this crafty-looking and very frivolous third prince, Wei Wang.
To let him follow along and fawn over in front of this many people, that truly was even more unbearable than killing him.
As for the other ‘talented young lady’ Xun Ying that got picked, she didn’t even give Wei Wang a single glance. In fact, she didn’t even have any expression on her face, just following by Yu Lingxin’s side, very naturally gazing towards Qin Wang and Ming Jinrou in front.
Qin Wang at this time also halted in his steps and turned around, directly facing Wei Wang, his handsome face a bit cold, “Third brother, what kind of words are these? Since it’s coming over to make friends through literature, how is it reasonable to forcibly keep someone. If you are using your junwang status to cause trouble at the poetry gathering, then just return to the palace with me right now. Don’t disturb the scholars’ peace here.”
After saying this, he also nodded towards Qi Ke, “My younger brother is young, so careless with his words, hoping everyone don’t mind.”
“Elder brother’s words are too serious.” Wu Wang and Wei Wang were actually used to seeing Qin Wang’s serious and straightforward appearance, so weren’t really that surprised. Wu Wang even voluntarily came over to smooth things over with a smile, “Third brother is just this easy-going normally, so when speaking, he didn’t really have Gentleman Qi and Miss Xun treated as strangers. Speaking of which, they are also Pei’er’s tang brother and younger cousin, so that can also be considered being related in some way. How can it be said as ‘causing trouble’ and ‘disturbing’? It’s merely just asking with sincerity, hoping that Gentleman Qi and Miss Xun don’t disdain third brother’s shallow learning and give a few pointers.”
Wu Wang’s words although actually had the same meaning as Wei Wang’s, his phrasing was much more modest and careful. Qin Wang could’t help but frown. Just as he was about to retort, he saw Qi Ke voluntarily step forward, his expression also indifferent, “Since your Highness appreciates this much, then please come over and take part in critically examining the verses. Just, there’s no need for the female students and the other young ladies to accompany along. If too many people, it’ll be too noisy, and in a way, also too chaotic. If your Highness insist on forcibly keeping the female students, then forgive this one for being unwilling to come along.”
“Gentleman Qi must be joking.” Wei Wang was just about to speak, when Wu Wang once again rushed to cut him off, “What reason is there to ‘forcibly keep’ the young ladies? Since Gentleman Qi still has this kind of interest, then why not come to the side tearoom for a sit?”
Wei Wang glanced at his second brother with a bit of regret, but he also knew that Wu Wang’s trip this time was ultimately for the sake of roping in the sons of officials and this eighteen year-old first place ranker in the autumn exam, Qi Ke. This was of further importance.
Especially after seeing Qi Ke’s dignified appearance, as if he would just storm off if they say more. Wei Wang although inwardly snorted, on the surface, he still didn’t cause anymore trouble for Wu Wang, instead just following after them.
Just, when turning, he still couldn’t help but look in Xun Ying’s direction again——–such a tender little beauty, how come didn’t participate in the imperial selection!
Everyone all respectively relaxed a breath at this time, more or less all looking to one another. Mainly, it was because, never mind meeting the three princes at the poetry gathering, they even witnessed the tension and discord between the three princes.
Qin Wang and Ming Jinrou actually didn’t feel anything of it. In any case, from the start, greeting Wu Wang and Wei Wang was merely out of courtesy. Preparing to get into a quarrel and turn hostile at any moment was the norm.
Yu Lingxin’s feelings naturally were different from others. Actually, even if letting Xun Ying go with a crowd of people and sit together with Wei Wang, it wasn’t likely that something would just happen on the spot. Before Xun Che left for the Chen province, he’d specifically left behind people. And the ones that came out with them this time were Bai Guo and Bai Chuan, as well as the two female guards that Xun Che specially asked for from Cheng Yanling for Xun Ying. They, for the most part, can all ensure that if Wei Wang were to have the slightest intention of trying what he did in the past life, then they can directly pretend to not know his identity and break his legs.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
However, although prepared, the old tragic events of the past life still made Yu Lingxin very nervous, especially since Xun Che wasn’t in the capital right now, also not knowing when he can return, so her heartstrings just increasingly tensed up.
Carrying this kind of thought, all the way until Yu Lingxin and Xun Ying also followed Qin Wang and Ming Jinrou to another place to have tea, her expression still wasn’t too relaxed.
Ming Jinrou took two sips of tea, then suddenly looked to the two of them and laughed, “It really is as the saying goes, ‘the same people enter the same household’. What are you two this lost in thought about? Even your expression when not talking is all the same.”
Yu Lingxin blanked, turning her head to look at Xun Ying. Sure enough, the usually just quiet Xun Ying at this time seemingly was also somewhat lost in thought. Moreover, there also wasn’t much of a smile by her lips, actually carrying a bit of seriousness.
“Ying’er, did you get scared just now?” Recalling Wei Wang’s behavior earlier, Yu Lingxin thus asked.
However, unexpectedly, when Xun Ying heard, she nevertheless was confused, “Huh? Why would I be scared? Just now, I was thinking about the new rhyming scheme Gentleman Qi mentioned.”
The corner of Yu Lingxin’s lip couldn’t help but twitch, practically stifled. Ming Jinrou on the other hand uncontrollably laughed, “Hahaha, sister Huijun, you still haven’t gotten used to it? Never mind at a poetry gathering, even normally, when going out to play or doing something, this little bookworm will all fall silent for a while and start thinking about poetry and verses.”
Yu Lingxin helplessly facepalmed. Seeing that it was just their own people here, she also didn’t have any misgivings, directly stating, “Could it be that you don’t remember what your brother said previously that you absolutely must guard against Wei Wang?
Xun Ying gazed towards Yu Lingxin, obediently nodding, “Older brother and sister-in-law’s words, I all remember. That’s why, as long as I follow sister-in-law and Jinrou, it’ll be fine. I won’t talk alone with others.”
“Sister Huijun, you don’t need to be too nervous.” Ming Jinrou also glanced at Yu Lingxin’s face, “Is it because second cousin just left, you feel uncertain inside? Actually, Wei Wang won’t dare to do anything here. There’s still us. Although Ying’er is a bit absent-minded, but on important matters, she still has an understanding inside. Your complexion looks a bit pale, have you not been sleeping well lately?”
Yu Lingxin thought along Ming Jinrou’s words, feeling that it made sense. Based on the Xun family’s status and power, Xun Ying has has a strong sense of security since childhood, normally also steady in conduct. In the past life, if not for having gotten schemed against by Xun Yan, this older tang sister, Wei Wang simply wouldn’t have had any opportunity.
And in this life, starting from the Linglong Literature Club, Xun Che has already given Xun Ying many warnings and instructions. It’s not like Xun Ying didn’t have any understanding inside. Then, recalling when meeting Wei Wang earlier, Xun Ying calmly and quietly waited for Qin Wang and them to speak, which was a very appropriate attitude. If Xun Ying were to voluntarily say something first before Qin Wang and Qi Ke, then it wouldn’t be appropriate.
On the contrary, because of the various worries from the past life and this life overlapping, she was just like an easily startled bird. Perhaps, she was a bit too nervous.
“Besides,” Ming Jinrou paused for a moment before continuing, “now that Qi Ke went to chat with Wu Wang and Wei Wang, won’t those remaining people also follow along? Just now, I saw that, that Su family girl’s expression was seemingly very eager. It’s best she doesn’t cause any trouble.”
Speaking of Su Hanwei and Yu Yunxin, Yu Lingxin was also a bit concerned. Previously, every time she returned to the maiden home, she would always slightly mention Yu Yunxin’s marriage arrangement with her grandmother and father. The current state of affairs were greatly different from the past life’s. The Yu family was no longer the unlucky cannon fodder that stood on the wrong side with the Su family, thus getting implicated, instead becoming the Wen’an Marquis Manor’s in-law family.
Those that want to social climb and curry favor certainly will be much more than before, and at the same time, there will also be those that want to scheme against them. Although Yu Lingxin felt that based on Wei Wang’s style and eyesight, he probably won’t fancy Yu Yunxin, but Su aunt-in-law, Su Hanwei, and even including that seemingly very prideful Su Mao, all weren’t easy to deal with.
Thinking to here, Yu Lingxin nodded, “How about this, earlier, Ying’er said that later, she wants to go to the eastern garden to see the scholar lecturing about musical notes over there. Jinrou, you also like music——-”
“I understand.” Ming Jinrou smilingly agreed, “Later, I will accompany the little bookworm over. Don’t worry sister Huijun, certainly won’t move an inch from her. Even if losing our wangye, still can’t let go of the little bookworm!”
Qin Wang was sitting to the side the whole time. At this time, he also dryly coughed, “Madam Xun, don’t worry. Prior to going to the Chen province, Shenzhi also mentioned to this prince about the matters at home. This prince will stay together with Jinrou the entire time. You can rest assured about your younger sister’s safety. If your manor needs anything, this prince can also send some guards over.”
The times Yu Lingxin met with Qin Wang were ultimately few, so not too familiar. When interacting, she was mostly polite and deferential, slightly bowing, “Many thanks wangye. I’ll go check on my maiden family’s younger sister, should just be chatting a little. The people by my side are temporarily enough.”
Ming Jinrou originally wanted to say that Yu Lingxin was too uptight, but looking at Qin Wang by her side, he was indeed increasingly valiant and solemn these days, so the words by her mouth, she just swallowed back down. Just, that bit of contemptuous smile by her lips still couldn’t be suppressed—–didn’t she just say ‘even if losing him, still won’t lose Ying’er’? Even this insistently saying that he won’t separate from her, just know how to put on a cold face outside, stupid clingy bug!
< Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >
Discover more from Broken Jinsei
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
◈ ◈ ◈ ◈ ◈