Yan Xiaoying pretended not to notice Nanny Song’s look. Lifting her chin, she shot back sarcastically: “A shrew like you? If we were outside the palace, I’d knock down two of your kind every time I saw one. Do you think I’d let you flap around like some long-tongued bird, running everywhere to tattle with that sharp beak of yours?”
Tang Ru had been pampered in luxury since childhood. Never had she heard such vicious mockery. She was so angry that her eyes widened, yet for a moment she could not think of a retort.
“Enough! Crown Prince, Her Majesty is waiting for you,” Nanny Song interjected at once, seeing that the two showed no sign of stopping.
Too annoyed to waste any more words on the effeminate Crown Prince, Tang Ru huffed and stormed off first.
When Yan Xiaoying arrived at the reception hall, a faint fragrance drifted through the air and jeweled hairpins glittered beneath the lights. Rows upon rows of noble young ladies bowed in unison, offering greetings to the Empress and the Crown Prince.
Seated at the head of the hall, the Empress smiled and granted them leave to rise. But when she glanced up and saw that the “Crown Prince” had once again adopted the roguish manner of a frequenter of pleasure houses, openly ogling the women with narrowed eyes, she could not help letting out a cold snort, silently warning the wild girl not to get carried away.
The real Crown Prince was timid and reserved. Perhaps because he had little interest in women, he never looked directly at noble ladies. How could this impostor behave so shamelessly?
As for Yan Xiaoying, she had long since studied the portraits of the noble daughters participating in the selection and committed their names to memory. Yet now that she saw them in person, it was obvious that the various households had paid the artists generously. Every single portrait had been beautified, making it difficult for her to match many of them to their names.
The young woman standing in the center of the first row, dressed in red, was none other than Tang Ru, with whom she had just exchanged insults.
The girl’s clothing and jewelry were noticeably more lavish than the others’. Unfortunately, despite her striking beauty, her large eyes carried an air of arrogant disdain. Rolling her eyes, she refused to meet the “Crown Prince’s” gaze and displayed none of the shyness expected of a young woman participating in the selection.
As for the others, very few showed any signs of delight or bashful anticipation. They had long heard rumors that the Crown Prince was overly feminine, and upon seeing him today, they found the youth indeed delicate and handsome, almost like a pretty young lady.
Though he was good-looking, a man ought to have a bold, commanding presence. Someone like the young master of the Mu family, for example: peerlessly elegant, extraordinary in bearing, and unmatched in charm. What a pity. Such an outstanding young man had been ruined by the Crown Prince, who had broken his leg.
As for the rumors that the Crown Prince favored men, most noble sons in the capital had heard them to some extent. The thought of obeying her uncle’s orders and marrying such an effeminate man brought a faint sheen of grievance-filled tears to Tang Ru’s eyes. Still, like her aunt before her, she would one day become the mother of a nation. With that as compensation, she supposed she could barely tolerate it.
Tang Ru was not the only one glaring daggers. Another young woman stood in the very last row of the line, so far back she was nearly outside the hall. Unlike the other noble ladies, who wore dazzling finery, she wore only a plain-colored gown. Even her bow lacked the elegance expected of a noble maiden. She was glaring fiercely at the Crown Prince. She looked less like a candidate in a bride selection and more like an assassin poised to strike.
Yan Xiaoying noticed that this young woman’s appearance differed somewhat from the portrait she had seen. Not because the painting had flattered her, but because it had deliberately made her look less attractive. Clearly, her family did not want her to be chosen. They had even gone to some lengths to place her at the very end of the selection line.
If Yan Xiaoying remembered correctly, this was Mu Yanyan, Duke Ding’s daughter and Mu Hanjiang’s biological younger sister.
At that moment, Nanny Song jabbed her from behind. “Your Highness, have you found anyone you fancy yet? Hurry up and present the hairpin!”
Grinning, Yan Xiaoying rose. Following Nanny Song’s instructions, she strolled through the line of young women, commenting one by one on their appearance and bearing. Her words were so sweet it was as though she had just eaten sugared pastries.
After being showered with such extravagant praise, the young ladies’ cheeks flushed red. They began to feel that although this effeminate Crown Prince appeared delicate, his manners were charming, his behavior graceful, and he was far less irritating than the rumors had suggested.
Tang Ru sneered inwardly, thinking the Crown Prince was wasting everyone’s time. Since the decision had already been made, why didn’t he simply give her the golden hairpin? What was the point of currying favor with everyone else?
At last, the Crown Prince stopped in front of her.
Tang Ru looked at him haughtily, only to find the young man smiling faintly. His phoenix eyes lifted slightly, and his long fingers skillfully spun the golden hairpin. An indescribable rakish charm clung to him as he asked, “Cousin A-Ru, do you want this hairpin?”
Unwillingly, Tang Ru performed a polite bow, closed her eyes, and lowered her head, waiting for the Crown Prince to place the hairpin in her hair. But after waiting and waiting, she felt no movement. Instead, faint gasps of surprise arose around her. When she opened her eyes and looked up, she found the Crown Prince no longer standing before her. Instead, he had run to the end of the line and, before everyone’s eyes, placed the hairpin atop Mu Yanyan’s head.
The young ladies around Tang Ru were even snickering, seemingly mocking the daughter of the Tang family for her shameless confidence. She had lowered her head expecting to receive the hairpin, only to be left empty-handed.
The bride selection ended in a commotion no one could have imagined.
True to her upbringing as the daughter of a military family, the Mu family girl recovered from her shock, yanked the hairpin from her hair, and hurled it at the Crown Prince with the force of a crossbow bolt. Without the slightest courtesy, she demanded to know whether he had mistaken her for someone else.
The Empress was so furious that her face turned ashen. In a low voice, she berated the Crown Prince for his absurd behavior. “Choosing a Crown Princess is not a child’s game. How can a golden hairpin be handed out to just anyone?”
Although Tang Ru had never wanted to marry him in the first place, the Crown Prince’s feint had completely fooled her. Misreading his intentions, she had bowed her head of her own accord and ended up humiliating herself before everyone present. Unable to bear the embarrassment, the young lady fled the hall in tears, overcome with shame and anger.
Whether it was because he had been rejected by the Mu family’s daughter, the Crown Prince himself suddenly covered his face with his sleeve and burst into tears. Like Tang Ru, he left the hall, weeping dramatically.
The news quickly reached Emperor Chunde’s ears. Somewhat puzzled, he asked an attendant, “The Crown Prince… truly did not choose the Tang family’s daughter?”
Li Quan, the eunuch who had served the Emperor for many years, promptly replied: “His Highness chose the Mu family’s daughter. However, she refused to accept the choice and caused quite a scene. As for the Tang family’s daughter, perhaps because she admired His Highness too deeply, she was heartbroken when she was not selected. She collapsed from crying before even leaving the palace grounds. Her Majesty found herself in a difficult position, so she dismissed the selection, saying the Crown Prince was unwell and, in his confused state, had presented the hairpin to the wrong person. It was announced that a new selection would be held on another day.”
The Emperor chuckled. “The Crown Prince has finally grown some courage. He actually dared to defy his mother? Still, his taste… If he had chosen anyone else, I would certainly have supported him. But that Mu girl? I’m afraid she’s one bride he won’t be able to marry.”
Li Quan sighed as well.
Everyone in court knew that Princess Anqing doted on her daughter beyond measure. Her daughter’s appearance at the selection today had merely been to satisfy public expectations and follow protocol. Since she was of eligible age, her name had to be entered into the selection roster, and she had to go through the motions.
Previously, Mu Yanyan’s elder brother, Mu Hanjiang, had personally entered the palace to petition the Emperor. He explained that Princess Anqing’s health was poor and that Duke Ding wished to keep his daughter by his side for a few more years. The Emperor had granted permission.
As for Mu Hanjiang’s crippled leg, many believed it resulted from the Crown Prince’s own misconduct. Under those circumstances, it was only natural that he would not wish to become related to the Crown Prince by marriage.
At the side, Ge Danian, who had been keeping Emperor Chunde company in a game of chess, suddenly smiled and requested leave from court. His excuse was entirely respectable: “The Crown Prince’s recklessness has caused such a disturbance that he will surely be punished. I doubt he’ll even be able to sit comfortably in the study tomorrow. As his old teacher, I ought to show my student some consideration. I might as well take the opportunity to steal half a day’s leisure and accompany my wife to the temple to fulfill a vow.”
The Emperor looked up at his old mentor. After a moment’s thought, he laughed. “Elder Ge, your predictions are uncannily accurate. That brat may very well be receiving his punishment as we speak…”
Then Emperor Chunde sighed. “The boy rarely finds the courage to stand up for himself. Very well. I’ll help him out of this predicament. Li Quan, summon the Crown Prince.”
Having skillfully guided the conversation and successfully helped his student out of trouble, Ge Danian considered his mission accomplished. He respectfully declined the Emperor’s gracious invitation to stay for a meal, clasped his hands behind his back, left the palace, and headed home to dine with his wife.
Just as the Emperor had predicted, Crown Prince Feng Qiyuan was indeed being scolded so thoroughly by the Empress that he was left utterly miserable. By the time Li Quan arrived with the imperial summons, the Empress was still not satisfied. Disregarding the dignity due to the heir apparent, she had attendants pin the Crown Prince down and was administering palace paddling.
As Yan Xiaoying rubbed her sore backside and followed Li Quan out, she did not forget to express her gratitude. “Eunuch Li, you’re like life-saving rain after a drought. Luckily you arrived in time. My backside was this close to blooming into a flower.”
Li Quan dared not take credit and hurriedly replied that it was all due to His Majesty’s favor toward the Crown Prince.
As they spoke, they arrived before the Emperor’s residence. Just then, they saw eunuchs pushing a wheeled chair out of the hall. Seated in it was none other than Mu Hanjiang, the gentleman they had encountered the other day. Dressed in plain robes of understated elegance, with sword-like brows and star-bright eyes, he retained the refined bearing of a cultivated young nobleman despite his impaired mobility. Evidently, he had already heard about the farce at the bride selection. Though lame in one leg, he had arrived with remarkable speed. It seemed he had already finished presenting his case before the Emperor.
Upon seeing the Crown Prince, Mu Hanjiang raised a hand in greeting. “During the selection, my younger sister was ignorant of proper etiquette. Her thoughtless words offended Your Highness. I have already ordered her to remain at home and reflect on her conduct. I ask only that Your Highness not hold a young lady’s indiscretions against her and show her some leniency.”
Yan Xiaoying gave him a sideways glance. “Not only does your sister resemble you, but her temperament is also every bit your match. She leaves me both captivated and thoroughly intimidated. My palace is much easier to reach than my royal father’s. Yet instead of coming to apologize to me, you took the longer road and came all the way here to plead your case before him. That’s quite the display of influence. Tell me, under those circumstances, how could I possibly dare not be lenient toward you siblings?”
The implication was unmistakably suggestive.
Even the eunuchs standing nearby felt awkward hearing it, suspecting that the Crown Prince was publicly humiliating Mu Hanjiang. Hadn’t His Highness chosen Mu Hanjiang’s sister precisely because she resembled her elder brother, and was he now openly admitting that his affection for the sister stemmed from his feelings toward the brother?
Yet Mu Hanjiang appeared not to understand the insinuation at all. His gaze remained steady, his expression calm and composed. He thanked the Crown Prince for his magnanimity and let his attendants wheel him out of the palace.
Yan Xiaoying noticed that, unlike many other palace buildings, Emperor Chunde’s residence had gently sloping ramps built on either side. For those with difficulty walking, it eliminated the need to be carried up and down staircases, making movement far more convenient.
No wonder, four years earlier, when Mu Hanjiang’s leg had been crippled, Emperor Chunde had flown into a rage and confined the Crown Prince.
This Mu Hanjiang… Though he ostensibly held the relatively unimportant sinecure of Jijiu (Court Academician/Director), he seemed to enter the palace frequently and receive private audiences with the Emperor. His Majesty clearly favored him greatly.
When they finally entered the Emperor’s chambers, Emperor Chunde was in the middle of a meal. No extravagant delicacies fit for dragons and phoenixes. Instead, the meal consisted simply of coarse millet rice and three ordinary side dishes.
The Emperor had risen from humble rural roots, and even now his eating habits remained much as they had been in his youth.
The Emperor waved for the Crown Prince to join him at the table. Then, casually, he asked, “Before this selection, did your mother not already choose someone for you?”
The young man replied respectfully: “I would not dare deceive Father Emperor. Mother did indeed designate Lady A-Ru of the Tang family for your son.”
The Emperor took a sip of soup and continued as if merely making conversation: “Tang A-Ru is quite beautiful. Her looks are no less pleasing than the Mu girl’s. Why are you unwilling?”
Yan Xiaoying chewed the millet slowly, buying herself time to think of an answer. She certainly could not say that she intended to rescue her brother from the palace sooner or later, nor that it would be unfair to drag some young woman into the palace only to become a widow in all but name. Besides, her brother had often said that Tang Ru bullied him, and that merely seeing members of the Tang family gave him a headache.
If the Empress rushed the marriage through, wouldn’t her brother be forced into sharing a bed with that sharp-tongued, overbearing young woman? On the other hand, if she chose the Mu family’s daughter, she’d have room to maneuver.
Yan Xiaoying had once overheard the Empress and Nanny Song chatting about how Mu Hanjiang had entered the palace on his father’s behalf to petition the Emperor for permission to keep his sister at home a few more years. From that moment, she had formed a plan.
If Mu Yanyan were chosen, the Mu family would certainly object. Neither the Empress nor the Tang family would approve, either. But for now, the real challenge was getting past the Emperor’s questioning.
Swallowing the millet, Yan Xiaoying decided to tell part of the truth. “Your son does not like A-Ru. She is too domineering.”
The Emperor had already heard about the quarrel between the Crown Prince and Tang Ru before the selection ceremony. Pretending ignorance, he deliberately sharpened his tone and rebuked him: “Nonsense! The Tang family is a distinguished clan of meritorious nobles. They supported both the late Emperor and myself in ascending the throne, and their contributions to the empire have been immense. Generation after generation, talented members of their family have served in official posts throughout the government. How could such a family possibly raise a domineering daughter like the one you describe?”