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Birthday Present Dispute
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!
The birthday star was the old An Duke, Shen Rui, but due to Shen Rui being well-known in the capital for having an eccentric temper, the younger generation didn’t dare to approach on their own. Only a few dukes and wangyes of the same generation were able to casually chat with Shen Rui.
The manor was lively was for quite a while, when suddenly, the steward came to report, stating that his Majesty has actually graced his presence together with the crown prince and second prince.
Once these words came out, everyone was all shocked.
On Shen Rui’s birthday, his Majesty actually personally left the palace to grace the An Duke Manor with his presence, what kind of honor was this?
Once they heard the sound ‘his Majesty has arrived’, everyone in the garden all lowered their body, bowing to the esteemed emperor.
The Chu Emperor slowly entered the manor together with the two princes, his face carrying a smile, the imperial family’s imposing air circling around him, “Beloved ministers, please rise.” Lifting his hand, Chu Emperor heartily laughed, clearly in an extremely good mood, “The An Duke’s birthday celebration, this emperor also came to join in on the merriment. Everyone, no need to be reserved.”
The Crown Prince Lu Zhao Ye followed by Chu Emperor’s side, not saying a single word. As for the Second Prince Lu Zi Xiang, he went to chat with the few tang brothers that he was familiar with.
It was currently the time for the younger generation to offer up the birthday presents for Shen Rui. The few from the Shen family second branch all prepared valuable gifts. Xiao-shi’s eldest di son, Shen Ting Zhu, prepared an extremely translucent jade buddha, appearing to be exquisitely crafted, as clear as water. The second di son, Shen Ting Kang, had gathered a pink coral tree that was more than half a person tall. Pointing to the pink coral tree, Shen Ting Kang explained how difficult it was to obtain this coral tree. In between his words, he was full of smugness. Even that Shen Tong Ying all prepared a priceless fabric material, presenting it to Shen Rui as a birthday present.
Seeing this dazzling array of treasures from the second branch, everyone all endlessly praised.
“Really filial! To want to obtain such treasures, one must spend quite a bit of money.”
“The An Duke truly is blessed.”
Even Chu Emperor all stroked his bread and said with a sigh, “Beloved Minister Shen really has good fortunate.”
Seeing everyone praise the birthday presents that the second branch prepared, Shen first madam stood by Shen Lan Chi’s side, quietly letting out a cold sneer, “These people spent the money in the public funds like running water, so naturally won’t heartache in the slightest. If they were to go through their own private accounts, afraid they can only pull out the medicinal herbs in the backyard.”
Shen Lan Chi looked over, her heart skipping a beat, just feeling that this was practically courting death———To actually bring out this many treasures in front of his Majesty, this was hating that the Shen family didn’t show off their wealth enough, arousing too little suspicion?!
According to etiquette, it should be the first branch offering up the presents first, but the second branch were eager to show off their hand, thus fought to go first. Once the second branch finished, it was finally the Shen family first branch’s turn.
What Lan Chi’s older brother, Shen Ting Yuan, prepared was a painting scroll, called ‘Fishing in the Snow’, imitating the works of ancient people, having an excellent composition. Shen Ting Yuan was good at painting, particularly adept in landscapes and beautiful women, having quite a bit of fame in the Chu capital. Once this ‘Fishing in the Snow’ painting came out, it also met with a hall full of praises. In comparison, the calligraphy work that Shen Lan Chi prepared was just a bit mediocre. Although her characters were graceful and dignified, appearing rather elegant, it nevertheless didn’t have any outstanding areas.
When Shen Tong Ying saw, she couldn’t help but sneer, “Second younger sister, this is just what you meticulously prepared? It’s rare for grandfather to be celebrating his birthday for once, yet your first branch aren’t willing to put in the slightest effort?”
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Shen Tong Ying’s two older brothers have also always found the first branch unpleasant to the eyes. Hearing these words, they also revealed a mocking expression. The eldest young master, Shen Ting Zhu, further said with a laugh, “Little sister Lan, grandfather is that good to you, yet you’re unwilling to even spend a coin for him, just writing some calligraphy to pass as a present. For those who don’t know, they would even think that our Shen family is some poor and cheap family.”
The Shen family’s first branch and second branch not getting along, the people of the capital had long heard about. This scenario, they already weren’t surprised to see. There were even those busybodies that revealed a look of watching a play, just waiting to see how the first branch will respond.
Shen Lan Chi was neither flustered nor rushed as she answered, “For the sake of this calligraphy painting, Lan Chi has lit the lamp through the night, using up don’t know how many sheets of paper. Although not outstanding, it still contains Lan Chi’s sincerity. Moreover, the Shen family is merely just subjects. Mother has taught elder brother and I since childhood, ‘the Shen family should be frugal in managing the household’, thus our first branch would prepare such gifts.”
Hearing these words, the people in the garden carefully pondered for a moment, and then changed their words, all nodding in agreement.
“Being diligent and frugal is the proper way. Overly squandering truly is unacceptable. Furthermore, what’s the most important about this birthday present is still the sincere feelings.”
“To be able to use money to buy, how can it be called ‘sincere’? In my view, this ‘Fishing in the Snow’ painting is what’s considered a true work of the heart.”
“This emperor also feels that this ‘Fishing in the Snow’ painting is extremely sincere.” At this time, Chu Emperor suddenly said to Shen Rui, “This grandson of yours’ painting skill is rather high, actually making this emperor feel that the painters in the palace are all inferior.” After saying this, Chu Emperor turned towards the few Lu family descendants by his side and asked, “What do you all think?”
“Ting Yuan’s painting naturally is extremely good.” Lu Zhao Ye answered.
“What about Qi Yang?” His Majesty asked.
When Lu Qi Yang who was following behind Zhennan Wang suddenly got called on, he revealed a look as if having just woken up from a dream, like suddenly getting called on by the teacher in class. A good while later, he cupped his fist and bowed, saying, “Your Majesty, Qi Yang although doesn’t understand paintings, one has always understood that ‘money is easy to obtain, but hard work is priceless’. When it comes to buying antiques and collections, it’s also this principle. It’s easy to scatter money, but hard to obtain a treasure.”
“Oh?” Chu Emperor’s laughter sounded even more, “You say it rather beautifully. Heard Zi Xiang say, you’d bought some old coins from the previous dynasty recently, even nearly getting tricked and scammed?”
“How embarrassing.” Lu Qi Yang also casually laughed, “Qi Yang’s eyes are not good enough, so this kind of matter is common.”
Since his Majesty has spoken, no one dared to continue whispering amongst themselves, instead all starting to praise Shen Ting Yuan’s painting skill.
Shen Tong Ying’s complexion changed, angrily glaring at Shen Lan Chi, the anger inside deepening even more. Slightly turning her line of sight, she saw Lu Zhao Ye staring at Shen Lan Chi from afar and felt her chest slightly wringing again, feeling extremely unhappy.
Shen Lan Chi naturally detected her anger, but she completely ignored Shen Tong Ying’s gaze, instead approaching a Wu family young miss’s side.
This Miss Wu came from an illustrious family. In the capital, there were frequent rumors saying that she will also marry into the Eastern Palace in the future. Because of this matter, in the past life, during Shen Rui’s birthday celebration, a neither big nor small incident ended up occurring. This Miss Wu had slipped and fallen into the lake. At the same time, Shen Ting Zhu’s servant girl came out and pointed out that it was Shen Lan Chi that had her pushed down.
The Shen manor was extremely big, even having a lake dug out in the garden, named ‘Bishui[1]‘. The little pond that Shen Rui fished out of everyday was drawn over from this Bishui Lake. This Bishui Lake’s scenery although was good, it nevertheless had a neither deep nor swallow depth, also able to drown a grown woman. If this Miss Wu really didn’t get saved, then that was just a life lost.
The culprit behind this matter, aside from Shen Tong Ying this upper class noble daughter that didn’t have any brains, there weren’t any other candidates. After all, she has been like this since childhood, both inheriting Shen second madam Xiao-shi’s ambitious and competitive nature, while also inheriting Shen second master Shen Xin Shu’s nature of liking to make decisions in the spur of the moment.
This matter can let Miss Wu embarrass herself in front of Lu Zhao Ye, while also letting Lu Zhao Ye think that she, Shen Lan Chi, was a scheming and malicious person. Two birds with one stone, why wouldn’t Shen Tong Ying be unwilling to do it?
In this lifetime, Shen Lan Chi just hope for her grandfather to be able to comfortably celebrate this birthday and no longer encounter these troublesome matters. As such, she planned to let this Miss Wu leave the lakeside——If the person is no longer by the lake, she won’t be able to suddenly fly into the water, right?
Shen Lan Chi revealed a look of admiration towards Miss Wu, softly saying, “Miss Wu, this outfit on your truly is beautiful, what material is it made of?”
Upon hearing, that Miss Wu said, “Merely an ordinary material, unable to compare with the yueshan muslin on Shen second miss.”
Shen Lan Chi walked and talked with that Miss Wu, gradually distancing themselves from the crowd. After casually chatting a few words about clothing materials, hairpins, and accessories, Shen Lan Chi wanted to go look for Lu Qi Yang. But, Shen first madam had her under a tight watch. As soon as she saw her looking around, she immediately had her called back to her side, letting her properly stay still.
Chu Emperor was currently holding the play list in high spirits, wanting to pick a piece called ‘Palace Willow’ for Shen Rui. The normally dignified and solemn emperor, in this moment, appeared extremely easy-going, more than enough to show how deeply favored the Shen family was.
Shen Lan Chi stared at Chu Emperor’s sleeve in boredom, counting how many clouds were embroidered on the bright yellow sleeve, just feeling extremely stuffy inside.
It’d be great if she can go look for Lu Qi Yang.
Right at this time, a sudden cry sounded behind Shen Lan Chi. Feeling shocked inside, she turned around, yet saw five to six people gathered around that Bishui Lake. Standing on the tip of her toes, she saw the Liu family’s third miss, Liu Ru Yan, hanging by the lakeside, her hair bun half-crooked. One hand got grasped by Shen Ting Yuan, while her two legs were already hanging in the water.
Shen Ting Yuan was a skinny and weak person, exerting a great deal of strength before finally having Liu Ru Yan pulled up.
“Liu, Liu third miss!” Shen Ting Yuan heavily panted, saying, “Are you alright?”
“…….You……..” Liu Ru Yan’s dress was dripping with water. She blankly stared at Shen Ting Yuan for a while before suddenly pushing him away. Afterwards, she coldly sneered as she looked around, saying, “Someone pushed me! If not for Shen second young master saving me, afraid I would’ve already fallen in.”
Liu Ru Yan wasn’t a timid and weak girl. In the capital, she has always had the reputation of being ‘bold and daring’. She was also the only one that dared to proudly hold her head up in front of the two noble daughters of the An Duke Manor. Encountering this kind of thing, she naturally was unwilling to suffer a loss, her gaze extremely sharp as she searched around.
“Miss…….” The Liu family’s servant girl came over, timidly saying, “How about going to change first……..”
“No!” The glint in Liu Ru Yan’s eyes sharpened even more, her tone forceful and aggressive, “If I leave first, won’t I be unable to see who cares for me this much?”
When the people that were spectating heard, they all started whispering to one another.
“There’s actually such a thing?!”
“In broad daylight, someone actually dares to this blatantly harm someone!”
On Shen Lan Chi’s side, she already heavily let out a sigh inside.
She didn’t expect that with Miss Wu not falling into the water, the one that got pushed down instead turned into Liu Ru Yan.
Liu Ru Yan wasn’t someone that will become the crown prince’s concubine. Pushing her into the water won’t be able to help Shen Tong Ying’s path to the Eastern Palace in the future become smoother. Could it be that the second branch failed in killing two birds with one stone, so randomly found an unlucky person by the lake to push down?
“This servant………this servant saw……..” Suddenly, Shen Ting Zhu’s servant girl, who had her head lowered, said in a trembling voice, “Just now, it seemed that it was Miss Lan Chi that stood here……..”
This servant girl’s voice although was small, it nevertheless was like a sudden clap of thunder, making everyone all reveal an astonished look.
“You mean, it was Shen Lan Chi that tried to push me into the water?” Liu Ru Yan’s gaze fixedly stared at that servant girl, suddenly changing the subject and saying, “Today, with his Majesty here, he certainly will uphold justice for me.”
As she spoke, the womenfolk of the Liu family also gathered over.
This Liu family was also a prestigious family, their power not losing to the An Duke Manor. Seeing Liu Ru Yan suffer such a grievance, Madam Liu was instantly angered, yelling, “I originally that the younger generation having a bit of skirmish was also normal, yet didn’t expect that your Shen family would actually bully my Liu family’s daughter like this because of these minor offenses, how preposterous! Ru Yan, you go change first. Mother will definitely demand an explanation for you.”
After saying this, Madam Liu’s eye daggers directly shot towards Shen Lan Chi.
Madam Liu although didn’t have proof, but because there were grudges between the Liu and Shen family normally, at this time, she wanted to use the Shen family as a punching bag and grind down Shen Lan Chi’s arrogance. As such, her demeanor was particularly imposing.
Shen Lan Chi knew, this matter afraid won’t be able to be settled peacefully.
In the past life, the person that fell into the water was Miss Wu. The Wu family wasn’t as prestigious as the Shen family. Additionally, Shen first madam, Lu Zi Xiang, and Lu Qi Yang all firmly insisted that Shen Lan Chi didn’t push anyone, so this matter just got brushed over like this. Due to the Shen family’s power, no one dared to say a single word.
At the time, Shen Lan Chi was arrogant and haughty, even mocking Miss Wu, saying that she was a nobody that didn’t have eyes.
Perhaps because of this excessive mockery of hers, afterwards, this matter just somewhat changed in essence. The people in the capital all said that the Shen family had used power to suppress others, pushing someone yet unwilling to admit, further having the matter of ‘Shen Lan Chi pushing someone into the water’ said as if it was real, like having personally witnessed it.
In this life, she won’t be that stupid, giving people a reason to talk about her again.
“Where did Liu third miss fall?” Shen Lan Chi neither yielded nor avoided as she walked forward, “This matter wasn’t done by Lan Chi, hoping that Madam Liu can understand.”
She walked to the edge of the lake, originally wanting to take a closer look. However, she suddenly noticed that the pebbles under her feet were extremely slippery, as if coated with grease. Afterwards, her foot tilted, her entire body directly sliding towards the lake just like Liu Ru Yan earlier.
‘Pu-tong’, Shen Lan Chi fell into the water, raising a splash of water.
There was silence all around.
A moment later, cries of shock finally sounded one after another.
“Shen second miss fell into the water!”
“Someone come! Quickly save her!”
Shen Lan Chi fell into the water, everything before her eyes instantly turning dark.
Subconsciously, she reached out and randomly started grabbing. Her clothes got soaked by the water, becoming extremely heavy, pulling her downward.
She choked on the water, coughing a few times, which caused even more water to rush down her throat. As she lifted her eyes, the air bubbles rose upward.
This drowning feeling made Shen Lan Chi suddenly recall that incident when she was seven———-
On a cold winter day, she got pushed into the pond. Because of having gotten frightened and frozen, she fell severely ill, her high fever not going down, causing her mother’s eyes to become swollen from crying.
At the time, after she sank into the water, she’d also experienced this cold and heavy feeling, her heart filling with fear.
Just, at the time, someone very quickly came to save her.
But this time……..
A splashing sound came from the surface of the lake. That sound was hazy, like separated by a layer of dream. Not long after, a dark shadow descended towards her, like when the curtains of the night were about to fall, also like that shadow she saw after falling to the water when she was seven that year.
Shen Lan Chi’s hand got grasped by someone. Afterwards, she who was dripping wet got pulled out of the lake.
With a splash, Shen Lan Chi felt her body become much heavier, fresh air rushing into her nose and mouth.
She leaned in that similarly wet person’s arms, coughing as she tried to lift her eyes. Her eyelashes that were covered in water droplets caused her vision to be somewhat blurry, but she still was able to see the other corner of the lake, where her older brother Shen Ting Yuan was in a sorry state getting pulled back by a servant boy on the shore.
She coughed for quite a while before finally catching her breath.
“Lu Qi Yang.” She grabbed that person’s collar, softly whispering, “This time, if you take the blame for Shen Tong Ying again like when we were little, then I really will be angry at you for life.”
Pausing for a moment, her voice became increasingly soft, “………Regardless of whether or not you get beaten by wangye, I will all be angry at you for life.”
[1] This literally translates as blue-green water
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