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Yanqing Hall
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!
Xun Ying was actually very calm, “Sister-in-law, no need to worry about me too much. It’s still more important to take care of yourself during your pregnancy. After I enter the palace, I naturally won’t take a single step away from sister-in-law.”
Seeing how her pretty little face seemingly lost weight again these last few days, Yu Lingxin increasingly felt unbearable inside. But, even if wanting to console a few words, she also didn’t know where to start from. After deliberating again and again, she could only follow along the arrangements for the Duanyang palace banquet, mentioning how to be careful in conduct and not travel with others, as well as how under the current state of affairs, there might be some conflict between the various families, and so on.
Xun Ying was increasingly composed nowadays, also even more steady than before. It was indeed as Xun Che said, although probably somewhat unwell inside, she still has grown up quite a bit. Aside from having Yu Lingxin’s words taken in one by one, she even voluntarily added a few words, “During the last poetry club meeting, heard someone mention that Ruiyang Junzhu and Yongfu Junzhu recently also have some interest in composing poetry, frequently going to the second prince’s and third prince’s manor on normal days. They say that Wei Wangfei also has the intention of forming something like the Linglong Literature Club in their manor, probably using our side as reference.”
This matter, Yu Lingxin actually long knew about, but didn’t mention it to Xun Ying. Mainly, it was because the Linglong Literature Club at this time already wasn’t the same as before when competing with the Wenhua Academy. For Wei Wang Manor to start having ideas, it’s still because of Wei Wang’s intentions towards Xun Ying. As for Ruiyang and Yongfu, previously when the Zhu family repeatedly met with mishap, they also got tightly confined in the manor for more than half the year by Youjiang Wangfei, only recently hearing news about them coming out to socialize again. For them to get mixed up with Wu Wang and Wei Wang, it was also normal.
However, Yu Lingxin looked to Xun Ying again, “For Wei Wangfei to want to do this, it’s actually not that strange, but Ruiyang Junzhu doesn’t seem like the type that can quietly compose poetry.”
“Composing poetry isn’t that difficult.” Facing Yu Lingxin’s gentle and caring gaze, Xun Ying was somewhat unable to withstand. Falling silent for a moment, she still slightly turned away, “With someone giving guidance, still can very quickly learn.”
Yu Lingxin practically at once just thought of who this ‘someone’ was. At the same time, she also slightly furrowed her brows once more——–Could it be that Wu Wang and Wei Wang even have the intention of pulling the strings for Qi Ke and a daughter of the imperial clan? If Qi Ke had taken the spring exam previously, and like in the past life, ranked high in the third place, then his status would be enough.
But, the current Qi Ke didn’t participate in the spring exam, merely having the reputation as the young and talented first place scorer in the autumn exam. In terms of scholarly titles, he was just a juren[1]. Ruiyang Junzhu, as Youjiang Wang’s beloved daughter, their status was still too far apart. However, Yongfu Junzhu’s parents have already passed away, her family background also a bit weaker, so not completely unable to be considered.
Yu Lingxin carefully recalled what she knew about Yongfu Junzhu. Although frequently together with Ruiyang Junzhu, the two of them very close, her temperament wasn’t like Ruiyang’s, that arrogant and domineering, her appearance and mannerism also more elegant and refined.
But, if really following along this train of thought, could it be that Qi Ke casting himself under Wu Wang and Wei Wang really was for the sake of his own future prospects, and not like what Xun Che had presumed, because of liking Xun Ying, thus risking the dangers himself?
Thinking to here, Yu Lingxin’s back all somewhat turned cold. When looking towards Xun Ying again, there was ten times more pity and worry.
However, at this time, Bishu who was from Ming Huayue’s side just happened to come over, asking about Yu Lingxin’s body, and whether or not she should consider reporting to the palace for a leave of absence, not participating in the Duanyang palace banquet this time. In any case, Ming Huayue will also enter the palace, so even if Yu Lingxin doesn’t go, Xun Ying won’t be going alone either.
Yu Lingxin still shook her head, “It’s fine. Little Imperial Physician Chi said that it’s better for me now to move around more than stuffily sit at home all day. In any case, if anything comes up in the palace, I can ask for a leave then, letting Ying’er escort me back home.”
This can also be considered a plan of retreat that she’d discussed with Xun Che before. Just like Ming Jinrou going to Jingfu Temple while pregnant, Yu Lingxin entering the palace with a pregnant body, others will actually need to be extra careful towards her. No one can afford getting into trouble. If there’s really any bad signs during the banquet, Yu Lingxin just need to pretend to be uncomfortable, letting Xun Ying accompany her back to the manor. Even the empress can’t let Xun Ying disregard her pregnant sister-in-law, so when time comes, they will instead be able to escape together.
Bishu is the first rank servant girl by Ming Huayue’s side, her temperament also straightforward, immediately understanding at once and returning to report. Ming Huayue also didn’t have any objections. After all, the daughters of the Ming family were mostly valiant, not feeling that going out while pregnant was that big of a deal.
The next day was just the day of Duanyang Festival. The various affairs of sending and receiving gifts in the Wen’an Marquis Manor have long been arranged and taken care of. Xun Che, because Xuan Emperor had bestowed a banquet for the close ministers and imperial princes, long went out. As for Ming Huayue, Yu Lingxin, and Xun Ying, who needed to enter the palace according to the decree, the three of them also carefully changed and dressed up, going out two hours later than Xun Che.
The Wen’an Marquis Manor’s horse carriage can be considered to come and go from the palace very frequently, the entire trip to the palace all a light drive down a familiar road, extremely smooth and unhindered. And when they arrived at Yanqing Hall where the banquet was held, quite a few noble and titled madams had arrived inside already, filled with fragrant garments and glistening accessories, extremely grand.
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Yu Lingxin and Xun Ying followed behind Ming Huayue, greeting the others as they walked. There weren’t really any overly unfamiliar or unexpected people and matter. Other than somewhat recalling that absurd and chaotic imperial selection banquet from last year, everything else was all peaceful and smooth, feeling just like an extremely ordinary palace banquet.
Very soon, it was time for the banquet feast. The food and drinks were sent to each table like flowing water. Empress Wen sat upright upon the phoenix seat, her eyes and brows somewhat glossy and plump, probably because the fourth prince who’d previously been bedridden for a long time finally was able to recover, and today, Li Consort also reported in sick, thus not coming. As such, Empress Wen appeared increasingly amiable and gentle. After saying a few simple words for the occasion, she just ordered everyone to enjoy the banquet and relax as much as possible.
Yu Lingxin carried a smile on her face, even idly chatting with Xun Ying a little about the food and drinks, yet that nerve inside ultimately was unable to relax. She kept feeling that Empress Wen’s stance right now was unnatural somewhere, yet somewhat unable to describe clearly. That’s why, even though she appeared to be happily chatting, her gaze still slightly swept in the empress’s direction from time to time.
And in reality, Yu Lingxin didn’t have to hold her breath for too long. For the most part, after the dishes were all served, in less than a quarter of an hour, when the atmosphere of the banquet appeared to be the most harmonious and peaceful, Empress Wen sure enough opened her mouth. Moreover, it was directly calling out Xun Ying by name, “Having not seen in a long time, the Xun family’s little scholar girl has grown taller again, already almost fifteen?”
This kind of intimate and friendly tone was just like as if Zhaoyang Hall and the Wen’an Marquis Manor really were that close with one another.
But, the Xun family naturally can’t ignore these words. Xun Ying properly got up and bowed, “This one absolutely doesn’t dare to be called a scholar, your Highness overly praise. This subject will be fifteen in three months.”
“Sure enough a big girl now.” Empress Wen smilingly nodded, “Last year, you were sick during the imperial selection, a pity those boys don’t have the good fortune. Has your body gotten better this year?”
Once these words came out, half the people in Yanqing Hall all quietly erected their ears. Although it wasn’t good to immediately close their mouths and make the lively banquet throughly fall silent, they still somewhat quieted down. After all, the meaning in the empress’s words truly was too intriguing.
Could it be that Zhaoyang Hall wanted to matchmake for Xun Ying? Under the current state of affairs?
“Many thanks for your Highness’s concern.” Ming Huayue voluntarily responded, “My little daughter’s heart problems from last year have indeed improved this year. However, a few days ago, when inviting the imperial physician to examine again, they still say that she needs to rest more and can’t strain her mind too much, also not suitable to marry too early. Not afraid of letting your Highness laugh, this actually matches with this subject’s wish, originally just hoping to keep my daughter at home for a few more years, not wanting her to marry too early.”
“Marriage is a major affair, so naturally need to be cautious.” Empress Wen, however, was like as if completely not making out the meaning in Ming Huayue’s words, directly saying with a smile, “If this empress were to have such a good daughter like this, certainly will also be like Wen’an Marchioness, carefully selecting. Even if waiting a few years later, even if finding someone that’s a few years younger, still need to select one that can match in both status and learning.”
Yu Lingxin’s heart suddenly jumped, ‘a few years young’? Could it be that Empress Wen was having ideas towards Xun Ying for the fourth prince?
The fourth prince was almost thirteen, having a weak and sickly body, his height also not that tall. And for the imperial princes of Great Sheng, there were also many cases of marrying late, so in the hearts of the court officials and nobles, they kept feeling that Zhao Wang was still a small child.
But, when really discussing the age, the fourth prince was just two years younger than Xun Ying. Cheng Yanling was even two years older than Ming Jincheng, so this age gap wasn’t a problem for discussing marriage.
Ming Huayue clearly thought of this bit too, immediately responding with a smile, “Your Highness praises too much. My little daughter is weak and sickly, so this subject doesn’t wish for her to marry into some high class noble family in the future, just asking for her husband to have good learning and moral character, and if a few years older, able to take care of her, then even better.”
Empress Wen smiled, “Actually, when it comes to taking care of someone, how does age matter? At the end of it all, for marriage, it still depends on fate.” After saying this, she waved her hand, “Heard that Miss Xun formed a club to discuss literature and can be considered a high scholar among the young ladies of the capital, also having extremely good calligraphy. Today is a festive day, why don’t Miss Xun compose a piece?”
Speaking to here, there already weren’t anyone present that didn’t understand. Yu Lingxin was further as bright as snow inside. No wonder Wei Wang won’t rush to make a move on Xun Ying during Duanyang, turns out Empress Wen already had plans.
Then, at this time, the plan that they originally prepared can be put to use.
Pretty much the moment Xun Ying was about to respond to the empress, Yu Lingxin softly cried out ‘aiyoo’. Immediately after, her dress just faintly soaked with red. The people nearby instantly got frightened. Xun Ying’s face also changed greatly, hurriedly going to support Yu Lingxin, “Sister-in-law!”
Yu Lingxin took the opportunity to lean against Xun Ying, turning her face and lowering her head, appearing to be extremely unwell. Holding her stomach, she inhaled a cold breath. Ming Huayue naturally also quickly came over, “Huijun! How are you?!”
Afterwards, the scene quickly tensed up. Empress Wen’s originally still amiable and dignified face also thoroughly changed. If something were to happen to Xun Che’s wife at this time in Yanqing Hall, what the aftermath will be like, right now, she simply didn’t dare to imagine!
However, fortunately, after she’d just called for the imperial physician, Ming Huayue already very understandingly and tactfully got up to report, “Your Highness, this subject’s daughter-in-law’s fetus isn’t stable. This subject needs to immediately take her back to the manor to treat, asking your Highness to please allow!”
“Very good!” Empress Wen practically responded without thinking. The palace maids and eunuchs waiting outside swiftly brought over the soft sedan chair, quickly sending the Xun family’s womenfolk out of the palace.
The remaining people in Yanqing Hall were practically dumbstruck. For Yu Lingxin to suddenly see red this late into her pregnancy, afraid there’s going to be very bad news. Those that were close with the Xun family naturally were very worried, while those that weren’t on good terms with the Xun family were radiating with delight. As for the people of Zhaoyang Hall, from Empress Wen down to the palace servants below, everyone all inwardly sighed in relief. Fortunately, the people of the Xun family were tactful, not really meeting with mishap in Yanqing Hall.
However, among the eunuchs that carried the soft sedan to the palace gates, there was one that had particularly good eyesight, yet when returning to report, he kept feeling a bit puzzled inside———-that Xun family young madam that was about to meet with mishap seemingly didn’t sweat that much. Wasn’t it said that when especially uncomfortable, people will produce sweat?
Just, this thought merely just flashed by. That pregnant young madam’s dress already got dyed red, so probably quite serious……….
At the same time while the little enunch was blankly thinking left and right, upon the Xun family carriage that was returning to the manor, Yu Lingxin was currently helplessly asking Bai Guo, “How come this blood pouch is this sticky? How come you all didn’t prepare a dress for me to change into?!”
[1] Title for someone who has passed the autumn exam, aka the provincial exam
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…i honestly can’t tell whether having her forced to marry the pervert is worse than marrying the sick one with no prospects. can everyone who is scheming against XY make a little more sense? why would a family who loves their daughter like the Xun family loves XY agree to EITHER of those?
Perks of being in the imperial family, the subjects are born to serve them, and if they disagree, then it’s treason 🙃