Chapter 6: Native Accent — The Two of Them Could Never Be TogetherSu Zheyun didn't know what Jiang Weixu had instructed, but after the morning meal, Yutang was eagerly measuring and draping various garments on her.There was a sky-water blue under-robe, a crow-black outer robe, a faded red sash…Morning light streamed into the room, the faint fragrance of flowers and grass drifting through the air, the temperature having warmed somewhat.A jade crown and sachets were laid out in a row at hand. Su Zheyun picked up an orchid sachet, sniffed it, then slumped wearily back into her chair."What's wrong?" Yutang sat nearby holding a black cloak, staring at her without blinking."Yutang, do you have someone you like?" Perhaps the question was too abrupt, so Su Zheyun quickly added, "I mean… if you were to marry, what kind of husband would you choose?"Yutang's lashes trembled slightly, her fingertips gently gathering the edge of the robe in her hands."I was originally one of Noble Consort Rong's people, then I was bestowed upon His Highness. People like me don't get to choose. Wherever His Highness sends me, that's where I go."Su Zheyun let out a long sigh, her heart tangled in indecision, unsure how to broach the subject.A few kingfishers perched on the branches, and the koi in the water vat hid in the shadows, their long tails sweeping to stir ripples across the surface.Yutang smiled faintly, setting the folded clothes aside, then looked up—gentle and harmless."Has His Highness bestowed me upon you?"Su Zheyun slowly shook her head, pausing for a few seconds before speaking, still searching for the right words."It was I who asked His Highness."She looked up, stealing a glance at Yutang, and was somewhat surprised to see her expression unchanged."I was out of line… Aren't you angry? I heard… ah, perhaps I've ruined a good match for you."But Yutang gazed at her steadily, and at those words, a smile rose to her lips, the dimples at the corners of her mouth seeming deeper than before."What good match? His Highness?"Yutang spoke so candidly that Su Zheyun felt a pang of shame instead."The Noble Consort did send me here to be His Highness's concubine. But His Highness never had such intentions. Over the years, most of the maidservants in the residence have been sent away, and the few remaining ones all work in the front courtyard…"As Yutang spoke, she blinked at Su Zheyun, her eyes seeming to hold warm water—soft and unruffled."Now I'm the only senior maidservant by His Highness's side. So when you asked for a maidservant, Steward Zhou could only send me."Su Zheyun caught the reassuring undertone in Yutang's words, and clenched her fists, making a silent resolution."Is your servitude deed in His Highness's hands? If there's ever a chance, I'll be sure to beg His Highness to release you from it."Yutang answered softly, the corners of her eyes curving into a gentle arc."Alright then, I wish Young Master Su swift success in rising high."Su Zheyun was moved, and the two exchanged a smile.The women of this era—some were clever, some were resilient—yet they still struggled to break free from the shackles of feudalism. But since Su Zheyun had been fortunate enough to study and live in the modern world for twenty years, she ought to lead them toward a different way of living.When the time came, she would give Yutang a sum of money and let her live her days freely."Alright, Young Master Su, come pick out your attire for the banquet." Yutang reined in her emotions, rising once more with renewed enthusiasm to select garments and accessories.Su Zheyun stood and obediently cooperated. In the mirror, there was a world of only the two of them.—As night fell, outside the side gate of the prince's residence, two ornately styled carriages glided steadily into the main thoroughfare.This was Su Zheyun's first time leaving the residence since arriving in the capital. Noises drifted in from outside the carriage from time to time, and she curiously lifted a corner of the curtain. Towers and pavilions lined the city, the lights of shops on both sides merging into the flowing crowd, carriages and horses ceaseless on the road, drums and gongs mingling with laughter—a bustling scene like a dream.Yaoguang Hall was the most renowned elegant venue in the capital, long favored by literati and noble families. Its exterior was simple and archaic, but within lay hidden wonders: jade paving the floors, famous paintings hanging on the walls, lush plants and flowering trees, and jade rhino incense burning at the hall's corners, its blue smoke curling upward.By the time the two arrived, many young men of noble families were already gathered inside, a dazzling array of brocades and silks, their jade ornaments and pearls gleaming with brilliance.The moment Jiang Weixu stepped down from the carriage, a stir rippled through the crowd. Su Zheyun, following beside him, also received her share of attention by association."Third Brother has arrived." Crown Prince Jiang Chenghe, dressed in a deep purple robe woven with gold thread, stood tall and lean, his skin extremely fair, his features handsome and refined—a figure of dragon-like bearing and phoenix-like grace."Your Highness the Crown Prince." Jiang Weixu lowered his head in greeting, his demeanor respectful.No matter how fiercely the two fought behind the scenes, in public they still played the part of loving brothers.Jiang Chenghe's lips curved into a perfectly measured smile, his gaze drifting sideways—quite interested in Su Zheyun."And this is?"As the questioning tone emerged, Jiang Weixu subtly stepped forward, placing himself between them."A new strategist I've acquired—Su Zheyun. Young and shallow in learning, I fear he wouldn't even catch Your Highness's eye."Su Zheyun bowed with proper courtesy, her usual faint smile in place, her etiquette impeccable."What does youth matter? Heroes have come from the young since ancient times!" Jiang Chenghe smiled with amusement, patting Jiang Weixu's shoulder, yet his eyes remained fixed on Su Zheyun."Princess Hulan has arrived—"Everyone's attention was drawn to the other side. Su Zheyun turned to follow their gaze. A carriage hung with silver bells along its eaves swayed to a stop. Hulan stepped out in a bright red narrow-sleeved gown, her long hair woven with colored cords cascading naturally on both sides. A crescent-shaped forehead ornament was set with multi-colored gems, and her light-colored pupils were striking and dazzling—a temperament utterly different from the noble ladies of the capital.Crown Prince Jiang Chenghe naturally stepped forward to greet her. Jiang Weixu glanced at the lively scene over there, showed little interest, and led Su Zheyun to find a place to sit."The Crown Prince has already gone over—why haven't you, Your Highness?"Zhao Yuyan served them tea. Jiang Weixu's expression remained calm as he lifted the lid and skimmed it across the white foam on top."No rush. There will be a chance for you to shine soon enough."Su Zheyun had been worried about missing the opportunity, but upon hearing this, she immediately settled down.She felt speechless inwardly. Fine then—if the emperor isn't worried, why should the eunuch? It made it seem like she was the one eager to act.Yaoguang Hall stood by the lake, its foundation of massive stones half-suspended over the water. The surroundings were open and elegant, with the faint sound of cross-breezes whispering through. Lantern light intermingled with the glow of painted boats drifting on the river.Jiang Weixu had always been cold by nature, distant with others, and carried a fearsome reputation. Though court officials wished to curry favor, they dared not approach easily.With no one nearby, Jiang Weixu saw nothing amiss and simply savored the Luoming tea he had acquired a few days prior.Su Zheyun, on the other hand, was rather bored. She couldn't very well abandon her superior to socialize on her own, so she could only look around idly."I'm telling you," Jiang Weixu said, recalling the look in Jiang Chenghe's eyes just now, his grip on the teacup tightening slightly, "if you want to keep your life, stay out of the Crown Prince's sight.""Mhm mhm…"Two utterly perfunctory sounds came from Su Zheyun. Jiang Weixu frowned, slightly displeased, when he saw a hand land on his wrist through the fabric of his sleeve."Your Highness, look, look!"Su Zheyun's excited voice rang out. Jiang Weixu's gaze lingered on his sleeve for a few seconds before he followed Su Zheyun's direction.In the dimmer lamplight, a pear tree with bent branches was covered in buds like jade, a few petals drifting down with the wind. Beneath the tree sat two pleasing figures.The hand on his sleeve had already withdrawn. Su Zheyun's gossip-loving heart blazed to life, as if she had returned to her old days of enjoying a good story."There's a woman sitting next to Zhao Dali Temple! And he's smiling! Did you see that, Your Highness?""Cui Lingyi, the eldest granddaughter of the Left Chancellor."A calm, unruffled voice came in response. Seeing that he was already in the know, Su Zheyun raised an eyebrow. "Is she his beloved?"Jiang Weixu neither confirmed nor denied. Su Zheyun propped her chin on her hand and continued watching the two deep in pleasant conversation."Truly a pair of devoted hearts—'knowing beauty, one yearns for youth.'" She rolled her eyes, then tilted her head toward the cool, handsome Jiang Weixu, deliberately lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear."Does Miss Cui like him?""Don't even think about it. Those two can never be together."Jiang Weixu's tone was steady. He paused, then added, "The Left Chancellor does not involve himself in factional strife. He won't allow Cui Lingyi to have any connection with Zhao Jing. I've heard he's already set his sights on a poor scholar under his patronage—once he passes the spring examination next year, a marriage will likely follow."So it was about power and interest again. Su Zheyun stared at his sharp jawline, then looked back at Zhao Jing's beaming expression beneath the tree. A nameless bitterness suddenly welled up in her chest.How could she have forgotten? In feudal marriage, feelings mattered least of all. And besides, what could someone of ordinary birth like her possibly do?The hour had arrived. Drums thundered through the hall, and the sound of strings and woodwinds grew clearer—the welcome banquet for Hulan had begun.The two entered the main hall one after the other. Thanks to Jiang Weixu, as his strategist, her seat was placed right beside his, with Hulan, the princess of Shuofeng, seated diagonally across.On the carpet-covered floor, red-veiled dancers moved with light steps, spinning and leaping in palm-sized dances. The musicians were no less skilled, their jade-like fingers plucking strings, pipa melodies stirring the heart, and clear songs ringing out.Chen Nianzhou, seated beside Jiang Chenghe, clapped a few times. Servants below carried up several chests of jewels—complete sets of diancui hair ornaments of exquisite craftsmanship, clearly worth a fortune, drawing gasps of admiration from the noble ladies below.Hulan broke into a radiant smile, placed her right fist over her chest in thanks to Jiang Chenghe, then said something in the Shuofeng language to Alina beside her."Princess Hulan says these gifts are as precious as pearls—but pearls, after all, should be offered to a princess just as precious."A clear, bright voice rang out. Hulan followed the sound and found herself meeting Su Zheyun's warm, limpid gaze."You speak the Shuofeng language?" Hulan's expression lit up with delight, her eyes brightening.Su Zheyun rose to her feet, her posture straight and tall. Dressed in a simple robe of sky-water blue, she carried herself with the refined air of pine and bamboo.As gazes converged on her from all directions, Su Zheyun remained modest and courteous, greeting Hulan in the Shuofeng tongue with fluent pronunciation.It was a stroke of luck—the welfare home where Su Zheyun had grown up had a "mother" from a minority ethnic group who would occasionally slip into her native dialect when speaking with others. Having heard it often enough, Su Zheyun had picked up a few phrases. Little did she expect that by chance, Hulan's first words would be in that very familiar dialect.Hulan responded to Su Zheyun in the Shuo wind language. Having traveled a thousand miles to the capital, when she was unfamiliar with the people and the place, the warmth brought by a familiar dialect was something nothing else could replace.Su Zheyun had successfully stolen the spotlight from Crown Prince Jiang Chenghe, but Jiang Weixu was not pleased. He tilted his head to look at Su Zheyun's composed face, a hint of curiosity stirring in his heart.According to the household registry, Su Zheyun's ancestors had farmed in Fang County for generations, and there was no record of her ever leaving the county. How could she understand the Shuo wind language of the frontier?Su Zheyun, unaware of the danger that had already descended, bent down and whispered to him, "Your Highness, present the gift for the princess."Unlike Jiang Chenghe, Lu Xun presented a tray wrapped in silk. Hulan lifted the silk cloth to reveal a light bow forged from dark iron lying upon it.Hulan took it in her hands and examined it closely, then stood and placed her right hand over her chest. "Prince Duan, I like this bow very much." After speaking, she added a brief phrase in the Shuo wind language, directed at Su Zheyun.Su Zheyun smiled and sat down. Jiang Weixu nodded to Hulan, his tone as usual. "As long as the princess is pleased.""Who would have thought that Third Brother surrounds himself with such talented and extraordinary people."Though his thunder had been stolen, Jiang Chenghe's face remained amicable, but he had already silently noted it in his heart.Jiang Weixu glanced sideways at Su Zheyun, then offered a faint smile toward Jiang Chenghe in the seat of honor. "No matter how talented, all serve the nation."Jiang Chenghe made no comment.The music and dance resumed in the hall. Jiang Chenghe conversed eagerly with Hulan, while Jiang Weixu occasionally responded with a few words.Su Zheyun no longer interjected, lowering her head to eat the food on the table."…Without sinking into the sea of suffering… how can one understand love?"The songstress's plaintive voice was like the moon reflected in the sea, vanishing into bubbles in an instant.The ministers below offered flattery and toasts, the scene lively.Using the motion of drinking tea, Su Zheyun hid half her face behind her wide sleeve, while her eyes secretly searched for Zhao Jing's figure.The crowd bustled, and her eyes scanned carefully until she finally spotted Zhao Jing among the colorful throng, drinking and laughing—alongside Cui Lingyi beside him."Master Su."Su Zheyun snapped back to attention. Before her, Hulan's maidservant Anali had suddenly appeared."A jade pendant from the princess."A white jade pendant of twin fish, head and tail entwined, lay quietly on a tray lined with white fox fur.From diagonally across, Hulan was watching her with a smile. The eyes of everyone in the hall turned toward her, especially Jiang Chenghe in the seat of honor—the weight of his gaze pressed down upon her entire body.Jiang Chenghe's displeasure was plain to see. Su Zheyun looked at Jiang Weixu. He lowered his eyes, his long lashes casting a shadow beneath the light.This was a sign for her to accept it.Having received tacit approval, Su Zheyun steadied herself. As she took the jade pendant, the tassels at its end brushed against her wrist, stirring a faint tickle.The topic quickly passed, but the gazes cast upon Su Zheyun never lessened by even a fraction."In that case, tomorrow at the hunting grounds outside the capital, Third Brother should bring Master Su along as well."Speaking of tomorrow, Jiang Chenghe's lips curved into a smile, his gaze upon Su Zheyun utterly unfathomable."Yes."The two settled the matter in a few words. Su Zheyun's lips parted slightly as she looked at Jiang Weixu, only to fall straight into his ink-black eyes.She wanted to say—how is there another trial?

Plotting with My Wife