The Wastrel and The Pearl Chapter 6

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Reception Banquet

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 Shen family second branch.

Shen Tong Ying looked at herself in the mirror, taking out a silver filigree^[1] hairpin inlaid with gemstones and holding it up to her hair bun, as she turned to ask her servant girl by her side, Hong Xiu, “Which hairpin further suits your family’s young miss?”

Hong Xiu promptly said, “This one looks better, more noble and wealthy-looking. Didn’t Young Master Ting Zhu say, the ruby on this hairpin is extremely hard to come by? It’s hard to find a second one in the entire capital. If you wear this hairpin, his Highness the Crown Prince certainly will be unable to take his eyes off of you.”

Shen Tong Ying was elated by Hong Xiu’s flattering words and couldn’t help but hook the corner of her lips, soundlessly smiling for a while. Seeing how it was getting late, she tidied the corners of her clothes, taking the servant girls to go see her mother, Shen second madam, Xiao-shi.

Xiao-shi had a round face and slender eyes and has appropriately maintained herself, dressing up radiantly. Like her daughter, the accessories and head ornaments on her, not a single one wasn’t priceless. Just a glance was enough to make people unable to turn their eyes away. In the entire capital, only the Shen family had this kind of family wealth.

Seeing her daughter slowly walk in, Xiao-shi revealed a delighted look. She gently touched Shen Tong Ying’s hairpin, saying in satisfaction, “Today’s Tong’er truly is extremely pretty. Let’s see how Lan girl can still compete with you.”

The Lan girl she spoke of naturally was the first branch’s Shen Lan Chi.

After saying this, the mother and daughter pair walked to An Duke Manor’s entrance.

Today, his Majesty had set up a banquet in the palace, to welcome the second prince back from his trip. An Duke Manor’s first branch and second branch were going out together for once, heading to the palace.

Shen Tong Ying stood still by the An Duke Manor entrance, her eyes immediately starting to search for Shen Lan Chi’s figure, wanting to see how she dressed up today.

Since childhood, the person Shen Tong Ying was the most dissatisfied with was precisely Shen Lan Chi. Similarly di daughters of the Shen family, yet others all say that Shen Lan Chi was better than her in every way. Regardless whether it was beauty, learning, or bearing, in other people’s mouth, Shen Tong Ying seemingly was forever inferior to Shen Lan Chi. And what made Shen Tong Ying indignant the most was that even the Shen family all say that the future crown princess will be Shen Lan Chi and not her, Shen Tong Ying.

Why?

Shen Tong Ying found Shen Lan Chi with her eyes, discovering that today’s Shen Lan Chi just wore a simple jade lotus root colored dress, and in her hair, there was just a gold blue hairpin^[2], her appearance very dull, the complete opposite of her dazzling and extravagant appearance in the past that was usually covered in jade and gold. She couldn’t help but feel a bit strange inside.

Shen Tong Ying couldn’t stop herself from mocking, “Little sister Lan, dressing up this plainly today, are you not afraid of embarrassing the An Duke Manor?”

Shen Lan Chi slightly paused in her steps, casting her eyes towards Shen Tong Ying. One could tell that Shen Lan Chi originally wanted to say something, just as soon as Shen Lan Chi’s gaze landed on Shen Tong Ying’s face, her mind just somewhat drifted. A good while later, Shen Lan Chi just said something completely irrelevant, “Today’s older sister Tong really is extremely beautiful, extremely beautiful.”

“Lan’er, we’re leaving. If you don’t get on the carriage now, we will miss the time to enter the palace.” Shen first madam was already sitting in the carriage. At this time, she lifted the curtains to rush Shen Lan Chi. She rushed her twice, but Shen Lan Chi was like as if there was glue under her feet, completely motionless, her line of sight fixedly glued on Shen Tong Ying’s face.

Shen first madam knew, this was Shen Lan Chi’s old habits acting up again. Whenever she saw a pretty beauty, she was just unable to walk.

TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!

In the end, it was still Shen Tong Ying that got creeped out by her stare, turning to get on Shen second madam Xiao-shi’s horse carriage, like as if fleeing. Only then did Shen Lan Chi finally reluctantly set out.

Sitting in the rocking carriage, Shen first madam suspiciously asked, “Lan Chi, why are you dressed like this today? Did that accessory set mother gave you a few days ago not suit your liking?”

“The things mother give to this daughter, this daughter naturally likes.” Shen Lan Chi said, “Just, those accessories, although pretty, they are nevertheless too conspicuous. This daughter believes that even without those accessories and jewelry, others still won’t be able to look down on me.”

Hearing Shen Lan Chi’s words, Shen first madam started smiling, saying, “You’re right, our An Duke Manor’s young miss indeed don’t need these excessive things.”

Shen Lan Chi nodded and gazed out the window.

Recalling Shen Tong Ying’s eye-catching attire just now, she could only inwardly sigh. If she were to charge out now and demand Shen Tong Ying to dress more plainly, afraid the whole family will think she’s crazy. Things that everyone was used to in the past, how can it be changed in a short time? She can only first start changing from herself, and then slowly change things.

Fortunately, Lu Zhao Ye’s attack on the Shen family happened at the end of Yongjia year 3. Presently, there was still some time, still not too late.

The horse carriage passed through the Vermillion Bird Gate^[3], entering the imperial palace. In the imperial gardens, a banquet had long been set up. The palace maids weaved through like fish, the silk draped over the shoulder floating in the wind like the immortal fairies beyond the clouds. A few verdant leaves were floating upon the imperial canal, the running water clear to the point where the bottom was visible. The madams and young ladies were gathered around in groups everywhere, like the flowers blooming on the branches, the reds and purples, a lively scene.

Unknown as to who said, ‘the An Duke Manor has come’, the tables just somewhat quieted down. Only the young ladies of the Liu family were still chatting and laughing as usual. Not long after, they just saw Shen first madam leading along her sister-in-law and the young ladies to take their seats. Those who were clever immediately went forward to start chatting with Shen first madam and Xiao-shi.

“This Shen family is full of wealth and honor, even producing an empress. Afraid, the crown princess position will also belong to the Shen family’s young miss.”

“Such overwhelming wealth and honor, are they not afraid of the water overflowing when full……..”

“Shh, don’t say nonsense.”

Among the crowd, there were occasionally still some whispers. These words also entered into the Liu family young lady, Liu Ru Yan’s ears.

The Liu family was the second prince, Lu Zi Xiang’s maternal family. Regardless whether it was in court or outside of the court, they were all at odds with the Shen family. These young ladies of the Liu family and Shen family also frequently caused trouble during banquets.

This Liu Ru Yan ranked third in her family, her appearance thin and fair, yet she was someone that won’t tolerate a thorn in her eye. The Shen family was ostentatious and domineering, their two young ladies further condescending, considering everyone else beneath them. This made Liu Ru Yan greatly displeased inside. Shen Lan Chi was still okay, just too lazy to acknowledge others. But, that Shen Tong Ying was someone that frequently bullied others, making her increasingly unable to enter Liu Ru Yan’s eyes. And it just so happens that Shen Tong Ying was also someone that refused to admit defeat. As such, Liu Ru Yan and Shen Tong Ying had some minor grudges.

“Yo, this hairpin on Miss Shen today sure is exquisite.” Liu Ru Yan walked before Shen Tong Ying, saying with a smile, “Like, a ruby this big, only her Highness the Noble Consort had obtained one last year, really making one envious.”

Hearing Liu Ru Yan who she has always been at odds with envy her, Shen Tong Ying’s eyes contained a trace of smugness. Pretending to be indifferent, she said, “Oh? Is that so? Tong Ying just thought it’s an ordinary stone. Little things like this, Tong Ying still has a lot of in the bottom of the trunks at home. Could it be that Liu third miss doesn’t have any at home, never once playing with before?”

Liu Ru Yan smiled, slowly saying, “Naturally don’t have the fate of playing with one. Don’t know how much is Sir Shen’s monthly salary in order to accumulate such a thick family fortune? To actually make even the noble consort be unable to compare with a young miss of the second branch.”

After saying this, Liu Ru Yan just left on her own, leaving behind Shen Tong Ying with a slightly pale complexion.

Shen Tong Ying normally just dressed like this, never feeling there was anything wrong with wearing a hairpin. Now, after getting said by Liu Ru Yan, she suddenly realized that she was a bit too ostentatious today.

But, why did Liu Ru Yan just give her trouble? Didn’t that Shen Lan Chi normally also drip with gold and silver?

In this moment, Shen Tong Ying suddenly recalled Shen Lan Chi’s plain attire today, instantly angrily cursing inside ‘so scheming’. She originally wanted to take down the hairpin on her head, but she was also somewhat reluctant. Recalling how normally, the imperial consorts and princesses never cared about what the Shen family young ladies wore, and she has always dressed like this, never once seeing his Majesty, or the empress criticizing, she thus just boldly continued wearing this hairpin that overstepped the rules.

Besides, if someone really does try to give her trouble, wasn’t there still her empress paternal aunt?

What’s there to be scared of.

Suddenly, a wave of disturbance came from the crowd. Turns out, the imperial consorts of the imperial harem and the two princes have arrived.

Although separated by a distance, Shen Tong Ying still saw Lu Zhao Ye’s cold and desolate back at a glance, immediately feeling a bit reserved and bashful. Just, unfortunately, Lu Zhao Ye never spared her a glance, only gazing up at a branch of dark green leaves upon the trees, as if there was some treasure hidden among those leaves.

Everyone was all aware that the Crown Prince Lu Zhao Ye was cold and indifferent, disliking others chatting with him. As such, no one voluntarily went forward to annoy him. And everyone all knew that this crown princess position was most likely Shen Lan Chi’s. Therefore, most of the people had their admiring gaze turned towards the Second Prince Lu Zi Xiang.

The second prince was handsome and gentle, modest and approachable, also very favored. If able to marry the second prince, then it would certainly be a pretty good path.

Empress Shen knew, the star of this banquet today was Noble Consort Liu and the second prince, so she didn’t speak, just smilingly sitting down on her own. Waving her hand, she beckoned in Shen Lan Chi’s direction, also saying to the palace maid, “Go invite the Shen family first branch’s young miss over.”

Shen Lan Chi was currently chatting with her mother. Hearing the palace maid’s words, she was somewhat unwilling inside, but on the surface, she was still smiling. After agreeing in response, she followed the palace maid, slowly walking to Empress Shen’s side.

“Having not seen in several days, paternal aunt look all the more young.” Shen Lan Chi said with a smile as she bowed to the empress.

Seeing her dressed this plainly, the empress was somewhat displeased, pulling out a flower made of pearls from her hair and placing it into Shen Lan Chi’s hair that was like a nest of crows, saying, “Why are you dressed this plainly today? Young girls still need to dress up nicely.” As she said this, the empress turned to look at Lu Zhao Ye, “Crown prince, take a look, isn’t this empress right?”

Lu Zhao Ye was like as if not hearing the empress’s words. A good while later, he finally slowly turned around. As soon as that cold face of his that was like covered in frost fell into Shen Lan Chi’s eyes, a complicated feeling just started bubbling up inside her.

The man before her was like the faint moonlight reflected in the water, near within one’s reach, yet unable to touch, also like the ice and snow of that tall summit, forever unable to be melted. No matter how warm of a heart, it was all unable to dissolve the frozen winter on his face.

Don’t know whether or not Shen Lan Chi’s death in the past life was enough to warm the coldness in his heart?

“Greetings to your Highness the Crown Prince.” Shen Lan Chi lowered her eyes, pressing down the resentment and anger inside.

She didn’t turn to hatred because of love. She never really loved Lu Zhao Ye before, so where would there be hate? She just dislike the fact that after using the Shen family to stabilize his position as the crown prince, Lu Zhao Ye immediately just turned around and pushed the Shen family into the abyss.

“………You may rise.” Lu Zhao Ye gazed at that flower of pearls in her hair, his voice indifferent.

The girl in front had light make-up, entirely dressed in plain clothes, yet she was still as beautiful as a sleeping crabapple in spring. As her eyes turned, there was just endless charm, as if she was born to be a beauty that made men lose their soul and linger in their dreams.

Actually, Lu Zhao Ye had a trace of astonishment inside. This younger cousin in name from the Shen family has liked clinging to him since childhood, always shouting ‘Big Brother Zhao Ye’, ‘Big Brother Zhao Ye’, so as to let others understand, she was the future crown princess. But the her today, not calling out ‘Big Brother Zhao Ye’, just calling him ‘crown prince’, more or less made Lu Zhao Ye………….

……..somewhat not used to it.

“Crown prince, is this empress right?” Empress Shen looked to the two of them, her eyes and brows carrying a trace of satisfaction, feeling that these two before her that were of matching status truly were extremely well-matched, so she was naturally happy, “Lan Chi should still dress up more.”

Lu Zhao Ye shallowly nodded his head, and then turned his eyes away.

He naturally felt that it was better for Shen Lan Chi to dress up more. This jade lotus root color was too plain, not matching her radiant good looks

Precisely at this time, Lu Zhao Ye heard a lazy voice.

“Your Highness, Qi Yang actually doesn’t feel this is the case.” Lu Qi Yang’s grinning face suddenly leaned over. He brought along a few descendants of the Lu family that held noble titles but were idle all day long, the lot of them joking around and talking nonsense.

“Beauties, no matter what they wear, will all look good. For instance, that Miss Ruan, even if wearing straw woven clothes^[4], there will still be people saying that she’s an immortal fairy who’s not in touch with the mortal world.”

“Isn’t that right? Liu third miss who was dressed in men’s clothes that day was also uniquely charming.”

“Precisely.” Lu Qi Yang followed-up with a smile, “With Miss Shen like this, she’s good-looking in whatever she wears, especially good in the jade lotus root color.”

[1] Filigree is a form of intricate metalwork, kind of like lacework in metal for small accessories, usually using gold or silver.

[2] The term used here is rather a specific type of hairpin and this is what came up.

[3] The Zhuque (vermilion bird) Gate was originally the southern entrance to the imperial city of the Sui and Tang dynasties. The gate itself is still up to this day as a tourist attraction, although it’s been turned into a public road. Also, imperial city = imperial palace = where the imperial family lives.