“You are indeed quite distinguished in appearance…”
Jiang Congyan blinked slowly, then said with sincerity, “You are indeed quite distinguished in appearance.”
She meant it truthfully—not as flattery, but as genuine approval. Tuoba Xiao could hear the sincerity in her tone, and the gloom he had felt moments earlier vanished at once. His mood brightened, and he let out a proud little snort through his nose.
When he was young, his mother had praised his looks too.
She used to say, “Our Xiao’er has such fine features—when he grows up, he’ll surely be a handsome young man.”
After lingering a while longer, Jiang Congyan once again took her leave. Tuoba Xiao still wanted to keep her, but learning from before, she quickly stepped back two paces to avoid his reach and said with a smile, “King of Mobei, it’s getting late. I should return to my residence.”
As she moved, the hem of her skirt swirled, and the tassels by her temples swayed and chimed softly against one another. The red-gold chains caught the sunlight, scattering dazzling glimmers that made her seem radiant—brightening the entire hall.
In the end, Tuoba Xiao did not force her to stay.
No rush, he thought. Soon enough, she’ll be mine.
The moment Jiang Congyan stepped out of Fanglin Garden, the smile on her face disappeared.
The next day, she went out again in a carriage with Ruolan and Sizi, this time without a coachman—Sizi drove.
They first went to the palace gates to pick up the Sixth Princess. The moment the princess saw her, she burst into tears.
“Elder Sister, I heard you’re being sent for a political marriage—how could this happen? Why you of all people?”
Inside the carriage, Jiang Congyan used a silk handkerchief to wipe her tears, but the girl’s eyes were like twin springs, endlessly flowing. Clutching Jiang Congyan’s hands, she sobbed uncontrollably, as if she herself were the one being sent away.
“Elder Sister, what will I do after you’re gone?”
“I brought you out today precisely for your future,” Jiang Congyan said.
The Sixth Princess froze, letting out a hiccup mid-sob as she stared at her in confusion.
Jiang Congyan gently wiped her tear-streaked face. The girl, only sixteen, looked helpless and lost.
“Have you ever thought about marriage?” she asked.
“Marriage?”
“Yes.”
“I… I’ve never thought about it. It’s not something I can decide,” the princess said timidly. After a pause, she added, “Well… not exactly. When I heard I might be sent away for a political marriage, I did think—marrying anyone would be fine. I just don’t want to leave Liang.”
“Since that’s how you feel, I’ll arrange a marriage for you. You can agree or refuse after hearing me out.”
“Elder Sister, if it’s something you arrange, I’m willing!”
Jiang Congyan held her hand. “Don’t rush—listen carefully first.”
She then explained Huan Jun’s situation—that he needed a wife in name.
Originally, she had planned to cooperate with Huan Jun, but now she could no longer do so, and thus thought of the Sixth Princess instead. Given the Liang Emperor’s nature, he did not truly cherish his daughters. If political needs arose, he would not hesitate to trade them for advantage. As Liang’s situation worsened day by day, no one could predict when he might do so again.
Better to plan ahead—marry early and at least secure temporary stability.
She herself had been too passive about marriage before, which led to her current predicament.
Though the Sixth Princess had a gentle temperament, she was not foolish. Once Jiang Congyan explained, she understood immediately. Thinking of how the Emperor treated the King of Mobei, she realized she too could be easily discarded—and readily agreed.
Yet Jiang Congyan’s expression did not relax. Instead, she grew more serious, tightening her grip as she warned in a low voice:
“If you marry Huan Jun, remember this—never fall in love with him. Otherwise, you’ll be the one who suffers.”
The princess nodded firmly. “Elder Sister, I understand.”
“Good.”
With Huan Jun’s character, she would at least live comfortably. As long as she guarded her heart, her days would not be too difficult.
By then, the carriage had reached the teahouse they had visited before.
They stepped down and entered. Huan Jun was already there, waiting, with freshly brewed tea.
To be honest, Jiang Congyan was not used to tea of this era.
At the time, tea was often medicinal—mixed with scallions, ginger, or herbs, giving it a very peculiar taste. One sip was enough to deter a second, though it was excellent for sobering up. Even the clearer teas were made from wild tea leaves, often bitter and astringent, sometimes even prickly on the tongue. Truly pleasant varieties were rare.
Alcohol, on the other hand, was the most popular drink. Countless poets composed verses in its praise. There was even a story of Bi Zhuo, an official who, smelling wine brewing next door, sneaked in at night to drink straight from the vat—only to be caught as a thief. When released the next day, he refused to leave and drank again with the owner until he was thoroughly drunk.
Winemaking at the time was still underdeveloped and controlled by noble families. Jiang Congyan herself had opened a distillery in Chang’an. Her wine, rich in flavor and stronger than most, had become quite popular, earning her a good income—enough to secretly support Liangzhou’s grain shortages, repaying her grandparents in her own way.
Pulling her thoughts back, Jiang Congyan entered the teahouse with the Sixth Princess, while Ruolan remained outside to guard the door.
Huan Jun first glanced at Jiang Congyan, then shifted his gaze to the princess beside her.
The Sixth Princess felt uneasy under his scrutiny, but remembering Jiang Congyan’s advice, she forced herself to remain composed.
After exchanging greetings, the three sat down again.
Huan Jun’s expression was slightly dark. He had only recently agreed to cooperate with Jiang Congyan, but circumstances had changed. Their fake marriage was off—and yet she had called him again, bringing a new candidate.
An unexpected one—but a feasible one.
The Huan family had long been trusted by the Emperor. As the seventh son, Huan Jun’s marriage had always been a family concern. If he agreed, his family would certainly petition the Emperor. An unfavored princess was not someone the Emperor would hesitate to give away—but this person before him…
“To be honest,” Jiang Congyan said, “I brought the Sixth Princess not only because I regret failing our agreement and hope to be of some help to you—but more because I hope you can take care of her, give her a place to belong. For that, I would be deeply grateful.”
Her tone and expression were utterly sincere. Even such direct words did not provoke annoyance—instead, her honesty earned a bit of goodwill.
Huan Jun took in both their reactions, then straightened and said seriously to the princess, “If Your Highness can meet my conditions, I am willing to cooperate.”
The same arrangement could yield very different results depending on the person. He had agreed with Jiang Congyan because he saw her clarity and steadiness. But the Sixth Princess… he needed assurance.
“Please speak,” she said carefully.
His conditions were much the same as Jiang Congyan had told her. Suppressing her nerves, the princess agreed solemnly.
Jiang Congyan also watched closely. Huan Jun was handsome and accomplished—an ideal match in many eyes. She had worried the princess might fall for him, which would be disastrous. Fortunately, that did not happen.
With that, Huan Jun agreed to inform his family that he would marry the Sixth Princess.
He needed a wife to appease his family; she needed security. Each would get what they needed—so long as both honored the agreement.
Once the matter was settled, Jiang Congyan escorted the princess outside.
“I’ll have Sizi buy you some sesame flatbread and pastries. Wait here for a while—I still have a few words to say to Seventh Young Master Huan.”
The princess nodded obediently.
Jiang Congyan returned to the teahouse, now alone with Huan Jun.
Looking at the man who would one day support half of Southern Liang’s power, she spoke softly in the dim light:
“Have you ever considered—if one day Chang’an falls, what will you do?”