Chapter 13: Mundane Affairs of the Mortal World"Prince Duan, are you fond of men?"On tenterhooks at the Crown Prince's estate, Su Zheyun hadn't dared close her eyes all night. Come morning, she'd even endured a few veiled provocations from the servants. Now she leaned her head against the jolting carriage wall, drowsy and muddled.The hour was still early; only a few scattered pedestrians walked the morning streets. The cart wheels creaked over loose flagstones, the sound echoing through the air.When Yutang heard that Su Zheyun had returned, her face lit up with surprise and delight. She helped her mistress out of her outer robe, chattering away all the while."I've prepared hot water. After you bathe, you can have a light breakfast."Su Zheyun's eyelids were heavy, drooping as she couldn't help but yawn. "Yutang, I'm so sleepy. Let me bathe after I wake up." She closed her eyes and felt her way to the bedside from memory."Better to bathe first. If you're too tired, I can help wipe you down."At this, Su Zheyun snapped awake for a moment. She walked to the wardrobe. "Then I'll go bathe. When I rest afterward, don't let anyone disturb me."Yutang acknowledged the order and began tidying the room. Seeing this, Su Zheyun grabbed a set of clothes at random, took her chest binder from a nearby box and rolled it into the bundle, then slipped away to the private chamber.Steam enveloped her body as the hot water embraced her, washing away the fatigue of the previous day. Thinking of the Crown Prince and Jiang Weixu, Su Zheyun let out a turbid breath. Her mind was weary—disguising herself as a man carried too much risk. She needed to move out soon; if she were discovered, her life would be forfeit before long.She rubbed the soap carelessly over her body, then dressed in a loose robe and returned to the room where the benzoin incense had been lit. A simple meal of congee and small dishes had already been laid out on the octagonal table, and Yutang had withdrawn.The sunlight was still faint, and a hazy mist hung outside. The white congee was thick and well-cooked, with a small dish of pickled vegetables beside it—crisp and appetizing. She wolfed down a few mouthfuls, then threw herself into the familiar bed and fell into a deep sleep.In the manor, a servant swept the bright yellow osmanthus blossoms scattered on the stone steps with a broom. In the study, Jiang Weixu nodded after hearing Yutang's report. Flames licked at the letter, and the fine Xuan paper was reduced to a pile of ash in an instant.Yutang had already withdrawn. Lu Xun stepped forward, glancing at the faint dark circles under Jiang Weixu's eyes, and spoke in a gentle voice. "Since Young Master Su has returned safely, and the hour is still early, Your Highness, why not rest for a while?"Jiang Weixu shook his head, picking up another memorial. "The refugees at the capital's outskirts are piling up in great numbers. With the epidemic raging, if they lack clothing and food, they may riot. Take my seal and send word to the Governor of You Province—have him allocate a thousand dan of emergency grain and five thousand winter garments from the provincial granary, to arrive in the capital within ten days.""Yes! And regarding Yi County—should I inform Young Master Su?""…" Jiang Weixu's writing hand paused for a moment, then he quickly collected himself, his tone unchanged. "No need. I'll tell him myself."Lu Xun accepted the order and withdrew with the Prince Duan's seal in hand. Zhao Yuyan held up a lamp, its warm yellow light illuminating the corner of the desk, casting a small pool of glow."Princess Qingyue came to the manor today. This servant has already prepared her favorite tea and pastries in the kitchen. Is there anything else that needs to be arranged?""Qingyue? What is she doing here?" Jiang Weixu frowned. Thinking of his younger sister, who had always acted with reckless abandon, gave him a headache. "The epidemic hasn't cleared yet. Tell her not to wander about and to stay put in the palace.""The Princess said the Noble Consort sent her—she was worried you'd neglect your meals again because of official business…" Zhao Yuyan's lips slowly curved into a smile, his tone gentle."Then have Yutang arrange things. Once she's had her fill of fun, send her back to the palace."Stretching his stiff body, Jiang Weixu put on his outer robe, preparing to inspect the camp at the western outskirts."Since Qingyue is here, go summon Shen Bingwen.""Master Shen heard that Young Master Su had returned and went to his courtyard just a moment ago."Jiang Weixu fastened his longsword at his waist and said no more, merely leaving a curt "report to me if anything comes up" before hurrying out the door.Dappled tree shadows swayed across the stone table. The fragrance of golden osmanthus mingled with the tea's aroma, drifting subtly into the nose.A black insect on the ground hopped onto the stone table, its abdomen rising and falling gently. A jade-like hand curved into a half-circle to cover it, but as Yutang's figure drew near, the insect leaped out through the gap."Master Shen, please have some refreshments." Chestnut cakes were set on the table, and Yutang's voice was soft, her dimples clearly visible on both cheeks. "Young Master Su just woke and is still washing up. Please wait a moment."Shen Bingwen, dressed in a robe of verdant green like jade, wore a faint smile on his handsome face. "Miss Yutang's Longjing tea is rich in flavor and even in color. I don't mind waiting a while longer.""Master Shen!" From the corridor, Su Zheyun waved at the two beneath the tree. "Please, come inside."The weather was warm and clear, leaving one languid and lazy. A butterfly with golden spots and a brown tail perched on the prop rod holding the window open. Su Zheyun sat across from him as sunlight streamed in, dividing them with a blade of light."There's a two-courtyard house in Yong'an Ward. The owner originally dealt in fabrics and plans to return to his hometown this month to recuperate. I've been to see the house—it's quiet and clean, though the price is a bit steep at five hundred taels of silver. But now that you've just earned the Prince's favor, Young Master Su, that shouldn't be a problem, should it?"At this, Su Zheyun couldn't help but stomp her feet and wring her hands, her gaze beginning to dart away. "Well… I did have one, but as you know, I was 'kidnapped' by bandits yesterday…"Her voice grew softer and softer, a grinding sound coming from her back teeth. She put a smile back on her face. "Does Mr. Shen have any other properties? A smaller one is fine—I'll be living alone for now, and I'm not picky about the location.""Ah!" Shen Bingwen lowered his head in thought for a moment. Sunlight fell across his tall, straight nose, lending him a touch of gentleness."Mr. Su should live next door to me! The rent is cheap—just one tael a month—and with us living close by, we can look out for each other.""That's wonderful!" Su Zheyun broke into a smile, the fragrance of flowers in the air sweeping away most of her frustration. She walked over to the bookshelf, took a few pieces of loose silver from a box, and said, "I'll trouble Mr. Shen to rent it for me for three months to start—the sooner the better. Whatever's left over, consider it my treat for your tea."The slender hand weighed a few pieces of silver. Shen Bingwen's amber eyes brimmed with a smile, his demeanor relaxed. "This is more than enough. As for the tea, you can save that and treat me yourself another day."Like a spring breeze—that was exactly what it felt like. Su Zheyun smiled gratefully, feeling a warmth toward him she hadn't expected."Yutang!"A voice like an oriole's call came from the courtyard entrance. Yutang in the tea room hurried out to meet it. Su Zheyun leaned over to peer through the window. Amidst the throng of servants, she could only make out the young woman's goose-yellow ru skirt, its fabric smooth as water, with a lotus-hued half-sleeve jacket embroidered with sprigs of magnolia. Her figure was graceful and slender.A few snatches of conversation drifted over. Shen Bingwen naturally recognized the newcomer. He looked toward Su Zheyun, who had just withdrawn her gaze, and said with a smile, "That's His Highness's younger sister—the Emperor's Fifth Princess, Jiang Qingyue."Su Zheyun knew very little about the imperial family. She leaned forward. "Does His Highness have other siblings?""Consort Rong bore three children. Besides Princess Qingyue, Prince Duan also had a younger brother…" Shen Bingwen's gaze grew murky and complicated, his voice dropping low. "But there was infighting in the harem at the time, and the Fifth Prince, still in swaddling clothes, died soon after. After that, the former Empress was confined to her palace, and Consort Rong enjoyed unbroken favor from then on."Heavens above! She'd suddenly stumbled upon a royal secret! Su Zheyun stared at his assured expression, unable to hide the shock on her face.So this was the source of Jiang Weixu's hatred?"Shen Bingwen!" A figure in goose-yellow appeared at the doorway. Her face was like a freshly peeled water chestnut, her chin tapering to a delicate point. Her hair was styled in a double-loop bun with ribbons trailing from the ends, and her eyes were bright, limpid deer's eyes. She was like warm early-spring sunlight incarnate.Su Zheyun followed suit and lowered her head in greeting. Jiang Qingyue stepped closer to look her over. The gold-set jade bracelet on her wrist was translucent, its surface carved with a pattern of interlocking lotus vines."You're Su Zheyun?" She gestured for everyone to sit, blinking her wide eyes, her innocent face full of curiosity."Princess, if you keep staring at Mr. Su like that, you'll make him uncomfortable.""Is that so?" Jiang Qingyue obediently averted her gaze. Su Zheyun's ears tinged red, and she shot Shen Bingwen a glare—only to see his handsome profile.She was a twenty-year-old woman—why should she be shy about a young girl staring at her?!"Princess, aren't you going to see Prince Duan? Why have you come here?""I'm not going to see him. I came to find Yutang." Jiang Qingyue took Yutang's hand, smiling as she studied her face."Mother Consort told me to bring you some new fabrics. Have a few outfits made up for winter!"Palace maids on either side brought forward several bolts of brightly colored cloth. Yutang smiled and bowed, her slender fingers stroking a length of sky-blue brocade. She turned to Su Zheyun, her gaze as gentle as ever."Does Mr. Su like this color? This servant could make you a sachet to carry with you."Jiang Qingyue's curious gaze immediately landed on her. Su Zheyun inwardly groaned—why wouldn't this matter just go away?"Alright, I'd like that very much."The two of them played their parts to the end. Jiang Qingyue naturally caught the implication beneath Yutang's words, and her smile faltered slightly. She could only turn to Shen Bingwen."Shen Bingwen, the spring examination is next year. Why aren't you at home studying instead of coming here?""My talents are shallow—even if I studied, I wouldn't pass. I appreciate the Princess's concern, but I'd rather not make a fool of myself." His tone was flat, and the smile didn't reach his eyes, lending him an air of distance.Jiang Qingyue frowned, irritated by his attitude, yet she couldn't muster any real anger. Several times, words rose to her lips, only to be swallowed back down."Then don't take it at all."Her voice was muffled, and the atmosphere stiffened slightly. Su Zheyun's eyes moved between the two of them, understanding dawning. Unrequited love—it was the same in every age.Sunlight beat down overhead, heat waves rising from the ground. A steady rhythm of footsteps approached, and Jiang Weixu's robust figure appeared before them—an unexpected sight.His jaw was sharp, his expression solemn. A jade belt at his waist set his jade pendants swaying. He carried himself with an air of noble reserve and quiet authority."The epidemic is raging. Why have you come here?"Chastised by her elder brother, Jiang Qingyue murmured a soft reply, her bold temperament tucked away like a well-behaved kitten."Mother sent me!" Using that as a shield, Jiang Qingyue's confidence receded somewhat. "Father wants to find you a consort. Mother says you should take care of yourself."Perhaps because an outsider was present, Jiang Weixu didn't want to discuss such private matters. His sword-like brows furrowed, and his tone suddenly turned harsh. "Nonsense. You're an unmarried girl—is it proper for you to waltz into a man's quarters like this? Don't cause trouble anymore.""What do you mean! I came to see Yutang, not you smelly men!" The phoenix-toed shoes beneath her were adorned with pearls as Jiang Qingyue straightened up, the jade ornaments at her waist clinking crisply."I don't want to deal with you anymore! I'm going back."Tossing out that remark, Jiang Qingyue ran out the door, the crowd of palace maids outside quickly following in orderly formation.Jiang Weixu's displeasure showed slightly. Su Zheyun gauged his mood and offered gentle consolation: "The princess is young and pure-hearted. Her temper comes and goes quickly. If Your Highness goes to soothe her, it will naturally resolve itself."The man seated above remained silent. Su Zheyun looked up and was caught directly by a pair of pitch-black eyes.Seeing this, Su Zheyun mustered her courage and adopted the fawning smile her former superior used habitually."Your Highness, I'll be moving out of the manor in a few days. Yutang can stay here in the residence.""You're moving out?" His tone rose slightly. "Why not stay in the manor? Is the service from the staff unsatisfactory?""No, no," Su Zheyun quickly denied. "In a few days I'll be bringing my younger sister here. Staying in the manor might invite gossip, so I plan to move out."Jiang Weixu seemed about to speak but held back. He glanced at Shen Bingwen sitting nearby and suppressed the emotions surging within him."Have you found a place? I can arrange it.""I wouldn't dare trouble Your Highness. I've already found one." Su Zheyun met Shen Bingwen's gaze and offered a smile.Jiang Weixu took in their subtle exchange, a flicker of irritation rising within him."As you wish. But there's a riot among refugees at the city outskirts—you'll accompany me tomorrow to handle it. Shen Qing, with the spring examination approaching, you needn't bother with trivial matters. Focus on your studies."Shen Bingwen lowered his head with a smile, accepted readily, and said nothing more.With matters concluded, Jiang Weixu naturally had no reason to stay. He straightened his sleeves and made to leave."Your Highness!"He stopped abruptly in his tracks. Su Zheyun had called out to him, her eyes bright."There are some matters I wish to inquire of Your Highness."Kerosene lamps give off a faint burnt smell when lit. The white wick at the lamp head burned with an orange flame, and the oval lampshade was covered in dense dimples.After bathing, Su Zheyun had changed into a moon-white brocade robe. She sipped her tea slowly and leisurely, as composed and radiant as when they first met.She set the teacup back on the table, revealing a small stretch of fair wrist before it was covered again by the cloud-patterned sleeve."Your Highness," Su Zheyun met his gaze, her thin lips parting slightly, her features sharp."Is the Crown Prince fond of men?""Yes, and no." Jiang Weixu searched for words, pondering for a moment."He keeps dozens of concubines and male favorites in his household. Recently, Grand Tutor Wang presented him with a new male favorite, and he dotes on him greatly.""Tan Yi, right?" Su Zheyun recalled the awkward experience from last night and forced herself to forget it."This morning, a servant in the Crown Prince's residence told me something. I don't believe it, but it has raised some doubts, and I'd like to ask Your Highness to speak frankly."Su Zheyun looked at him, each word slowly leaving her mouth."Your Highness, Prince Duan—are you fond of men?"A sharp, piercing gaze suddenly shot from the main seat toward her. The air froze instantly. Her heart pounded rapidly, and the crackling of lamp sparks echoed in the room, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.Jiang Weixu glared at Su Zheyun in fury. That delicate face suddenly seemed twisted and ugly, filling him with an unprecedented sense of shame—as if he stood naked in the street, pointed at by thousands."I. Am. Not."Jiang Weixu ground his teeth, blood rushing to his head, and a sudden dizziness clouded his vision."Su Zheyun, I think being abducted by the Crown Prince has addled your wits. You actually believe everyone is as base and scheming as he is."Hasty footsteps faded into the distance as Jiang Weixu swept away in a flourish of sleeves, leaving her alone, frozen in place.The long night was desolate, the water clock silent.With the study empty, Su Zheyun felt a pang of melancholy.Jiang Chenghe's provocation had been too obvious, yet she had still walked into the trap. A pit of a few meters would only trap her temporarily, but she still needed to swiftly remove the sword hanging over her head.She only wanted to live out her life carrying the regrets of her previous existence. Power and love—she wanted no part of either.

Plotting with My Wife