6 The Person of Interest
◎”Then let it be Yuanle,” she heard Prince Zhao say. “What does Your Highness the Crown Prince think?”◎
A freshly laundered set of official robes hung on a rack. Yinlan carefully ironed them with a copper flatiron.
From the Qinlan Courtyard, a newly sewn chest binder had been delivered. Gu Ningxi changed into it behind the screen, then put on a plain white inner garment.
She was to attend a banquet at the Eastern Palace at noon today, so she did not need to report to the Ministry of Works. Thus, the morning scene was still quite leisurely.
Madam Meng watched her daughter tie up her hair, then glanced at the outline beneath the inner garment. She had always personally sewn Xi’er’s chest binders, ensuring the fabric was soft and comfortable, with careful stitching and no loose threads.
With no one else in the room, Madam Meng took the opportunity to remind her again: “When you’re at home, try to wear the binder as little as possible. And in early spring and winter, when your clothes are thicker, you can bind it more loosely. After all, no one will notice from the outside.”
Madam Meng felt sorry for her daughter. Wearing the binder constantly was tolerable in winter but stiflingly hot in summer.
And… it inevitably had some effect, more or less.
After all, the identity of the Second Young Master of the Gu family could not be maintained forever. Madam Meng always felt it was not good for her daughter to be too thin. She sighed quietly, thinking she could only try to nourish her more through diet. She knew a few recipes that were perfect for nourishing and replenishing a young woman’s vitality.
Gu Ningxi put on her official robes. The attire for a sixth-rank civil official was green, paired with a silver belt.
She adjusted her official hat in front of the bronze mirror. Madam Meng looked her over repeatedly, thinking her daughter was truly good-looking.
Gu Ningxi playfully winked at her: “Mother always loves to praise her own.”
Madam Meng was amused by her. Of course, a mother always finds her daughter pleasing to the eye.
The carriage was already prepared. Madam Meng said, “His Highness the Crown Prince is hosting a banquet at noon. Go early to help out, so you can leave a better impression on His Highness.”
Over the past two years, her daughter had received much care from His Highness the Crown Prince while serving in the court.
“I understand,” Gu Ningxi replied. Originally, she had planned to finish the remaining two paintings at home to sell for some extra silver. But since her mother insisted, she slowly fastened her waist token and left the mansion under her mother’s urging.
…
The banquet hall in the Eastern Palace was already prepared. Gu Ningxi arrived early, and sitting idly in the hall now would be dull. After paying her respects to His Highness the Crown Prince, she found a secluded spot in the garden to sit.
Holding a cup of tea, she waited as several colleagues from the Eastern Palace arrived one after another. Gu Ningxi exchanged greetings with them, engaging in small talk.
Originally, there were many capable officials in the Eastern Palace, and covert struggles never ceased, each vying to stand out before the heir apparent. However, since Prince Zhao returned to the court, this undercurrent within the Eastern Palace had subsided somewhat, replaced by a sense of unity against a common enemy.
After all, if His Highness the Crown Prince could not ascend the throne smoothly, their internal strife would be in vain. In such circumstances, they had to unite against external threats.
Gu Ningxi rarely involved herself in these conflicts, barely managing to maintain a good reputation within the Eastern Palace.
She listened to the recent news from the court. The meritorious officials under Prince Zhao’s command had successively received official positions in the court. It was said that Prince Zhao also intended to petition the Emperor to establish a literary academy within his princely residence.
Many remarks were made with subtlety, requiring careful interpretation. As more guests arrived, one colleague suggested, “It’s getting late. Shall we all go to the front and wait together?”
No one objected. Gu Ningxi excused herself to enjoy the scenery, staying behind a little longer.
Ripples spread across the lake surface. Watching the fish play freely in the water, she found contentment in her solitude.
As the time for the banquet drew near, she finally rose to her feet.
All the officials waited at the foot of the steps, while the Crown Prince’s Chief Steward respectfully led Prince Zhao into the banquet hall. The Crown Prince, being of higher status and the elder brother, naturally did not need to personally greet him.
Gu Ningxi followed her colleagues from the Eastern Palace in paying respects, deliberately concealing half her figure. Even when Prince Zhao entered the hall and the officials stepped aside, she retreated an extra half-step backward.
Only after the Crown Prince and Prince Zhao had taken their seats as host and guest did Gu Ningxi and the other officials take their places.
The seating arrangement at the banquet was a matter of great importance; the official in charge had drafted it three times before finally gaining the Chief Steward’s approval.
The officials from Prince Zhao’s residence who attended the banquet were not seated in strict opposition to those from the Eastern Palace.
After all, they were all officials of the Great Jin, subjects of the future emperor.
Gu Ningxi sat quietly in her assigned seat. With few guests in attendance, every move required extra caution. Marquis Wu’an, Xie Qian, was seated near the front, but she currently knew little about him.
At the Crown Prince’s command, the Eastern Palace’s chief steward clapped his hands, signaling the start of the banquet.
Amidst the elegant strains of music, a stream of exquisite delicacies was served to the tables. Today’s banquet was a picture of fraternal harmony and joyous camaraderie. The Crown Prince and Prince Zhao reminisced about their brotherly bond and recent court affairs, occasionally joined by officials who chimed in with well-timed remarks.
Given Gu Ningxi’s rank, she naturally had no opportunity to interject. Although the banquet was filled with fine food and wine, most attendees paid little attention to the feast.
Gu Ningxi lowered her gaze, pretending to focus on her meal to avoid drawing attention.
Unable to decline a colleague’s enthusiastic offer, she took a small sip of wine. Prince Huai had not attended the Eastern Palace banquet today. As the Empress’s youngest son, he only respected his elder brother, the Crown Prince, among his siblings. Moreover, he had long been at odds with Prince Zhao. Had they met at the banquet, it might have sparked unnecessary trouble. It was likely the Crown Prince’s decision not to send Prince Huai an invitation, to avoid complications.
Following the rhythm of the music, maidservants presented two new dishes, respectfully offering them to the two princes.
Lu Heng smiled at his fifth brother and said, “This cherry biluo is your favorite. Although Father sent imperial chefs to accompany you to the army, the food outside the palace can never compare.”
The cherry filling was a vibrant red, especially against the translucent, thin pastry, making it all the more enticing.
Lu Jing smiled faintly. “Thank you for remembering, elder brother.”
Only palace chefs possessed such skill. Although Gu Ningxi had little interest in banquets, she always found herself taking a few extra bites of this particular dish.
She ate a piece of cherry biluo. Such pastries came in both savory and sweet varieties, and she recalled that Prince Zhao actually preferred the savory crab roe filling.
Lu Heng drank a cup of wine and said, “There have been many changes in the court recently. Having just returned to the capital, are you finding it difficult to adjust?”
Gu Ningxi lowered her gaze. Prince Zhao held the official position of Minister of State in the court, overseeing the six ministries—Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works—nominally serving as their highest-ranking official.
The Crown Prince’s tone was filled with concern for his younger brother: “Court affairs are complex. There’s no need to rush into handling everything; take your time to familiarize yourself.”
Gu Ningxi pondered the underlying meaning of the Crown Prince’s words, which amounted to nothing more than the idea that although Prince Zhao had achieved remarkable military feats, he still had much to learn in the court.
Lu Jing found the underlying implications rather tedious and had initially intended to simply exchange a few polite words before moving on. However, his gaze happened to fall upon the cherry pastry, suddenly reminding him of an old memory from the past. On that occasion, when the Prince of Jin’s mansion hosted a banquet, his mother, as the princess consort, oversaw the arrangements. He happened to be present when the kitchen reported the menu, so he had them add a cherry pastry. Somehow, word spread, and over time, it became known as his favorite dessert, to be included in every palace banquet.
Lu Jing never bothered to deny it, as there were indeed those who favored it. Yet, earlier in the hall, seeing him perform the formalities with such rigid unfamiliarity had left Lu Jing feeling somewhat displeased.
Lu Jing shifted the topic: “My elder brother speaks wisely. Having served in court for many years, it is only right that I seek your guidance more often.”
Lu Heng’s smile remained unchanged: “We are brothers, no need for such formality.”
Lu Jing chuckled: “However, with elder brother so occupied with court affairs, I hesitate to impose. If I am to familiarize myself with the workings of the court, perhaps elder brother could lend me one of the Eastern Palace’s officials?”
The hall appeared lively with toasts and conversation, but in truth, the guests were all closely watching the movements of the two princes.
The banquet fell into an unexpected silence. Prince Zhao’s reply had taken everyone by surprise, leaving the Crown Prince’s close confidants nearby somewhat bewildered. Gu Ningxi set down the half-piece of cherry pastry she had picked up, unsure of Prince Zhao’s intentions. Surely he wouldn’t go so far as to invite the Eastern Palace to place its own people in Prince Zhao’s mansion just to dispel the Crown Prince’s suspicions?
Lu Heng replied: “Since you’ve asked, of course it can be arranged. I’m just not sure whom you have in mind.”
Gu Ningxi slightly raised her gaze to get a clearer view of the scene at the head of the hall.
But unexpectedly, her eyes met Prince Zhao’s. In that single glance, Gu Ningxi suddenly sensed that something was amiss.
“Then let it be Yuanle,” she heard Prince Zhao say leisurely. “What does elder brother think?”
Gu Ningxi’s brow twitched, and when she looked up, her eyes held a trace of disbelief.
The hall grew even quieter. What had seemed like mere formalities between the two princes had turned into Prince Zhao actually naming someone.
Moreover, he had chosen none other than Secretary Gu—the young noble most favored by the Crown Prince among the younger generation.
Lu Heng’s smile faded slightly: “Why choose Yuanle? He has only recently entered court service and may not be suitable.”
Lu Jing’s answer was casual: “He simply caught my eye.” He raised an eyebrow. “Elder brother wouldn’t begrudge me, would he?”
With the performance of brotherly harmony reaching this point, the Eastern Palace found itself in a difficult position.
Lu Heng’s expression remained unchanged: “Why not ask Yuanle for his opinion?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Gu Ningxi could almost feel the sympathetic gazes directed at her from all sides. Caught between the Crown Prince and Prince Zhao, any answer she gave would be wrong. And she could not afford to offend her own lord, leaving her no choice but to offend Prince Zhao.
Xie Qian inwardly shook his head. Though he did not know why His Highness had suddenly asked for someone, it was clear the Crown Prince was unwilling to agree. Thus, Secretary Gu would have to step forward to decline, allowing the Eastern Palace to politely refuse in a natural manner.
Gu Ningxi pursed her lips, carefully considering her words, but before she could speak, Lu Jing interjected: “Then, elder brother agrees? If elder brother consents, how could Yuanle have any objections?”
The dilemma was temporarily thrown back, and Gu Ningxi felt a wave of relief.
Lu Heng’s grip on his wine cup tightened slightly. After a moment, he said: “As you wish.”
Lu Jing raised his cup with a smile: “Then I thank elder brother?”
Their cups clinked, and Lu Heng drained his wine.
The incident at the banquet was sudden. Just by looking at Yuanle’s expression, he knew that Yuanle had been unaware beforehand. Moreover, he understood his fifth brother’s temperament all too well—accustomed to acting on whims, with no regard for others. Over the years, aside from their father, no one could ever change his mind.
Lu Heng set down his wine cup. Was today’s incident Qi’an’s attempt to provoke the Eastern Palace, or merely revenge for Yuanle’s refusal to follow him in the past?
Or perhaps it was both.
With just a few words, her fate was decided. Gu Ningxi resignedly accepted the decree from the Eastern Palace.
She silently gazed at the cherry pastries on her plate, still needing a moment to calm her thoughts.
[Author’s Note]
My girl doesn’t want to talk.jpg
Next update tomorrow at 9:00 p.m.～