Chapter 40

Hua Liuli closed her half-open mouth, taking a step back in silence.

“That’s right. Even if Young Miss Lin does not adorn herself, she is still a rare beauty. She’s unlike us, commonplace and vulgar even after meticulously decorating ourselves,” said Jiamin in a peculiar manner. “Young Miss Lin is an elegant person untouched by the mortal realm. We are unworthy of associating with her.”

Following that, Jiamin rolled her eyes at Lin Wan, brushing right past her in large strides.

Yao Wenyin, Tian Shan, and Jiamin had been good friends since young. Now that the other two saw Jiamin angry, they followed her at once.

Jiamin’s words had always lacked basic respect for others. Lin Wan had a delicate and pretty appearance, but was definitely not beautiful. Yet she just had to call Lin Wan a rare beauty. If this wasn’t a taunt, then what was it?

Lin Wan’s expression was unsightly to the max. She watched as Jiamin left, gaze cold.

Coughs spilled from Hua Liuli’s lips as she covered her mouth with a handkerchief. She stood in place, appearing as though she could not endure moving any longer.

When Yuanwei, Yurong, and the other servant girls saw this, they surrounded Hua Liuli promptly and asked her how she was. Those who were to fetch the pills fetched the pills; those who were to pour honey dew poured honey dew, serving her in a burst.

Upon seeing this, Tian Shan, who had already gone ahead, jogged back. Then she instructed the servant girls by her side to help the Hua family’s servant girls in taking care of Hua Liuli. “Commandery Princess, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. I just couldn’t get a good breath down, and my chest felt stuffy.” Hua Liuli gave Tian Shan a smile of gratitude. Nodded in an amicable manner toward Lin Wan, who was standing at the side. Following that, she continued forward, surrounded by servant girls.

Face taut, Jiamin stood in place. Once Hua Liuli had caught up with them, Jiamin sized her up, somewhat doubtful. Could I have been mistaken, and Hua Liuli actually has a weak constitution?

“Elder Sister Jiamin, why are you staring at me?” asked Hua Liuli in a bashful fashion. She even shyly blinked, adding to the image.

Disgusted by Hua Liuli’s act to the point of having cold shivers, Jiamin took two steps back. “Speak properly.”

“Oh.” Hua Liuli looked down, seeming downcast.

A dry cough escaped Yao Wenyin’s lips. “Jiamin, Second Princess is waiting for us at the top of the mountain.”

Second Princess coordinated this year’s ceremony for the Birthday of the Flowers. Although she did not share the same birth mother as Prince Ying, Her Highness Consort Xian had raised her for two years in the past. As such, she was very close to Consort Xian.

For the sake of Consort Xian and Prince Ying’s face, they could not be too late for the ceremony. But she found Hua Liuli’s pitiful appearance, that with her head lowered, hard to take.

Interrupted by Hua Liuli, Jiamin and the other young ladies turned their heads and forgot about what Lin Wan had said. Once they were up the mountain, and after they met with Second Princess, they did not deliberately make things difficult for Lin Wan after encountering her again.

At the first bloom of apricot and pear blossoms among the mountain, the spring breeze carried a hint of flowers. Although Hua Liuli was not too familiar with the noble ladies of the capital, she would occasionally hear people taking the initiative to greet her.

After nearly an hour of noise and excitement, everyone seemed aware of Hua Liuli’s frail constitution, so dared not disturb her. Everyone sat in a circle surrounding their table, starting to appreciate the posture and movement of the princess estate’s female dancers.

“Commandery Princess,” said Yuanwei to Hua Liuli’s ear with her back bent. “The Lin family’s young miss has been looking at you for a while.”

Lin Wan was the future Princess Consort Ying. As such, an immense amount of care had been used to arrange her seat. She sat in front of Hua Liuli diagonally to the latter’s right. She, who appeared simple and neat, sat sandwiched between noble young ladies bedecked with glittering jewels to her right and left. An inharmonious sight.

“Who told your master to be this beautiful? Other people cannot help but to look at me. There’s nothing that I can do about it.” Hua Liuli grabbed a few fruits from the table and handed them to Yuanwei. “It’s not like I can stop them from looking at me.”

All smiles, Yuanwei handed those same fruits to some other servant girls to share. Then, in a soft voice, she said, “The gaze of that young lady from the Lin family clearly holds ill will. Why did your honored self help her earlier?”

“Sir Lin is an honest and upright individual. He is a good official whom the common people respect and love, and Lin Wan is his beloved daughter. Today, there are countless womenfolk present. If Sir Lin heard rumors that his beloved daughter had been humiliated, he would feel sad and find it hard to bear,” said Hua Liuli, covering the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief. She continued in a whisper, “Although Young Miss Yao’s temperament isn’t bad per se, she is bad with her words. If she spoke with more tact, it wouldn’t provoke other people into lashing back harshly. Both parties don’t really have any hostility or grudges against one another, so escalating things too far would bring none of them benefits.”

What’s more, if Jiamin and her two other close friends actually argued with Lin Wan, it was uncertain who would suffer more losses. At that time, she couldn’t just stand there at the sidelines and watch them fight, right?

There was a time and place for watching a spectacle.

“The embroidery at the foot of Young Miss Lin’s dress is truly a pleasure for the eyes. They seem real and vivid-like.”

“How could that be?” said Lin Wan with a light smile. “It cannot compare even a little to that of County Princess’ colorful brocade dress.”

“What’s good-looking about what I have? Rather, it is Young Miss Lin who resembles a secluded orchid in a deserted valley…”

As she listened to the flattery from people around her, a sense of satisfaction that was difficult to put into words gradually rose in Lin Wan’s heart. She was aware why these people curried favor with her: Because she was the future Princess Consort Ying. Someone they could not offend.

Power. Status.

Faint disdain sprang in her heart. The appearance of these noble young ladies, whom had been pampered and spoiled since childhood, flattering others wasn’t any different from ordinary people’s.

She held them in contempt, yet also enjoyed their current appearances.

Taking a sip of tea, she shifted her gaze to the direction of the stage. The women who were watching the dancers were all of high status. Among them, Hua Liuli was the most unique.

Despite her poor health, and the fact that she did not participate in those poetry-reciting gatherings and the like, she would still draw people’s gazes without them realizing it.

Four servant girls waited on Hua Liuli. Lin Wan did not know what she said to them, but the servant girls smiled and fished out their embroidered pouches. And they placed a few pieces of candied fruit into Hua Liuli’s hand.

Yet, she seemed to think that it wasn’t enough, pulling back the servant girl closest to her and untying the embroidered pouch from her waist. Such an action caused the four maidservants to stop her.

The clothes on Hua Liuli’s body were extremely beautiful. Word had it that the empress dowager had, with the utmost care, arranged to have it made for her. The clothes made Hua Liuli’s skin appear peerlessly fair and tender. Among her fine and ink-dark hair, each hair ornament proved matchless in their resplendence. Her most simple hair pin was more expensive than everything on Lin Wan’s body.

What attracted the most attention was that pair of embroidered shoes, a marvelous creation excelling nature. Who knew how much work and effort had been expended to make them so beautiful?

“Young Miss,” said Lin Wan’s servant girl when she noticed her master looking at Hua Liuli. She continued in a whisper, “This slave has heard that when Commandery Princess Fushou turned one year old, His Majesty conferred her the position of county princess. Not only did she receive a fief and fertile farmland, every year she would be bestowed many things. Earlier, His Majesty conferred her the position of commandery princess, and after that, he bestowed her an estate, a villa, and more fertile farmland. Outsiders say that His Majesty’s favor is extremely great. Although Commandery Princess Fushou isn’t a legitimate daughter of a First-Ranked Prince, her status isn’t much less than one’s.”

“That’s right. His Majesty has always placed much importance on the Hua clan.” Lin Wan turned her gaze away from Hua Liuli, tone natural as she said, “If it weren’t for her sickly constitution, perhaps she could have been a princess consort.”

The servant girl jumped from fear. She rushed to warn in a soft voice, “Young Miss, such words cannot be said in this place.”

It would be bad if people with certain thoughts believed that her master was mocking Commandery Princess Fushou’s poor health.

Lin Wan pursed her lips. She did not say anything anymore.

On Wangqing Pavilion, the talented young nobles had composed poems for two hours and were feeling tired. Yet for some reason, the crown prince, who typically left each year after saying a few words, not only stayed from start to finish, but even made comments on everyone’s poems.

Some of the young nobles, whose level in composing poems wasn’t too high, sweated profusely from the crown prince’s comments. They regretted in secret why they had to pose as cultured people and participate in whatever Birthday of the Flowers poem gathering. It was simply inviting humiliation onto themselves.

What’s even worse was the following: Since the crown prince did not leave, the other imperial princes stayed as well, attracting people to the pavilion and causing overcrowding in both the interior and exterior.

“After two hours of composing poetry, perhaps everyone is feeling a bit tired now,” said Fifth Prince, seeming to have heard the shouts of complaint within those young nobles’ hearts, bravely being the nail that stood out in front of the hammer.

The eyes of those young nobles brightened. We’re saved.

However, disappointment entered the hearts of the scholars of humble origins who had participated in the imperial exams and did not receive their results yet. They wanted more opportunities to display their talents in front of the crown prince.

Sorrow and joy could not exist in the same person at the same time. As such, some laughed in happiness while others felt regret.

Never had the crown prince imagined that Fifth Prince, who had always been well-behaved in his presence, would stand out and say these words. He glanced at the trail that led to Wangqing Pavilion, absent-minded as he said, “Does Fifth Younger Brother have any good suggestions?”

“Since we’ve already composed poetry, how about we all paint now?” said Fifth Prince, eyes shining. “During the Birthday of the Flowers, countless flowers are in bloom, talented men and beautiful women aplenty. If we don’t leave behind a few rolls of paintings, wouldn’t this day be lacking in color?”

Prince Ying, Prince Ning, and Fourth Prince took in Fifth Prince’s bright-eyed appearance, their expressions growing subtle.

“Fifth Younger Brother’s suggestion is interesting.” The crown prince nodded a hint. “Then Fifth Younger Brother will be in charge of the next activity.”

Prince Ying, Prince Ning, and Fourth Prince were rendered speechless.

Following that, the crown prince took his time rising to his feet. “May everyone slowly paint. I will have a look at the scenery around.”

Hearing that the crown prince would leave, the talented scholars felt somewhat regretful. Yet, they dared not ask him to stay. They could only salute him and see him off in a deferential manner. “Respectfully sending off Your Highness the crown prince.”

When Prince Ying noticed the crown prince leaving briskly, he immediately made an excuse with no hesitation and slipped away as well. After moving forward for a while, he saw the crown prince standing at a fork in the road, motionless. Prince Ying thought that the scenery there must be unique, yet when he went for a look, he discovered there was nothing special about it.

“What is Eldest Brother looking at?” asked the crown prince, hands clasped behind his back. His brocade robe slightly swayed from the wind, no limit to his good looks.

“Nothing much. Just enjoying the scenery.” Prince Ying felt there was something off about the crown prince today. He usually disliked milling about in a crowd. But today, he seemed to have sprouted roots into the ground, refusing to leave after arriving at Mount Qing.

Now, he stood at a fork in the road, adopting the appearance of a melancholic young noble. He practically resembled a beautiful peacock who only spread its tail feathers for a peahen.

Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong.

“Is there anything else the matter, Eldest Brother?” The crown prince noticed Prince Ying standing behind him without moving, so arched a brow.

“A crown prince has a precious identity. Brother will worry if you stay here alone,” said Prince Ying, chuckling. “Brother will accompany you.”

The imperial body guards and personal attendants behind the crown prince could not utter a word.

It’s fine. As servants we have no presence. Whatever Prince Ying says is correct.

“Oh.” The crown prince raised his chin. “Then I’ll have to inconvenience Eldest Brother.”

Yuanwei, what time is it?” asked Hua Liuli.

“It’s fifteen minutes from the end of the Period of Si,” replied Yuanwei. “Is your honored self preparing to look for His Highness the crown prince?”

“We agreed that I’d go look for him before the Period of Wu. How could I break my promise?” Hua Liuli raised her head. Glanced at the sky. It was a bit overcast. Would it rain later?

She rose to her feet and made her way to Second Princess’ side. “Your Highness, it is this official’s daughter first time participating in the Birthday of the Flowers in the capital, so this official’s daughter would like to have a look around.”

“The wind is fierce on the mountain. Commandery Princess must be careful not to get cold,” said Second Princess. In Hua Liuli’s presence, she was more cautious without her knowing it. In an attentive manner, she said a few more things before having the maidservants at her side escort Hua Liuli to the exit.

“Young Miss Lin,” said Second Princess, after noticing the other party staring in the direction from which Hua Liuli departed. “If Young Miss Lin also wishes to step out and have a look around, then allow this palace’s personal servant girls to accompany you. They are more familiar than others on this path of Mount Qing.”

Although there was a massive military force guarding Mount Qing today, there were many men and women coming in and out. Lin Wan, who had only brought a single servant girl with her, found it shameful.

Thus, when Lin Wan heard Second Princess’ words, she felt too embarrassed to say that she simply wanted to look at Hua Liuli more. She accepted her offer.

Second Princess dispatched two of her maidservants to Lin Wan’s side. Following that, she said some words of concern in a gentle tone. This was Lin Wan’s future sister-in-law. Even if they couldn’t share a good relationship, she must not offend her.

After leaving the area of the gathering, Lin Wan stood at a loss. Where can I go?

“Young Miss Lin, there is a place called Wangqing Pavilion on the mountain, where many talented scholars and beautiful women like to compose poetry and admire paintings. If Young Miss is unsure of where to go, Young Miss can go there.” The people who served by Second Princess’ side were experts in discerning what one thought from one’s body language. One glance at Lin Wan’s expression and they knew what she felt embarrassed about, and so they had rushed to offer this suggestion.

“Then let’s go there for a look.” Lin Wan’s father had been the top scorer of a past imperial exam. Therefore, she held some interest toward poetry, curiosity piqued from the servant girl’s words.

Once they had traveled for a period, they caught sight of Hua Liuli and her entourage ahead. One of the maidservants, whom Second Princess had sent to Lin Wan’s side, then said, “What a coincidence. It turns out Commandery Princess Fushou is also headed for Wangqing Pavilion.”

A faint smile on her lips, Lin Wan said, “I did not expect Commandery Princess Fushou to be someone who liked poetry.”

“This slave has heard that the third young master of the Hua clan participated in the spring examination this year. Perhaps the commandery princess is looking for Third Young Master Hua,” said Lin Wan’s servant girl. “Maybe our young master is there as well.”

The two maidservants of Second Princess kept quiet after hearing those words. Young nobles from many influential families participated in the spring exam this year. They did not know who was more outstanding in his talents, and dared not offend anyone with their speech, so as to not attract disaster for their master.

Lin Wan smiled. “Big Brother was shut up at home studying all day. It’s good if he comes out more often.”

She shifted her gaze to the sweet, fair, and graceful figure of Hua Liuli, the look in her eyes changing at once.

Is that the crown prince and Prince Ying standing at the fork in the road ahead? Did Hua Liuli come here on purpose to look for them?

Hua Liuli had already noticed that Lin Wan was behind her. But she didn’t particularly care. When she caught sight of the crown prince waiting for her ahead, she quickened her pace forward and saluted him and Prince Ying. “This official’s daughter greets Your Highness the crown prince and Your Highness Prince Ying.”

Feigning casualness as he glanced at Hua Liuli’s shoes, the crown prince smiled before he replied, “Commandery Princess need not act with such courtesy.”

“This official’s daughter was late and made Your Highness wait for a long time,” said Hua Liuli before smiling. “It’s the fault of the pear blossoms on the mountain for being so beautiful, causing me to linger and forget the time.”

“We agreed to meet at the Period of Wu. It is still the Period of Si, so you are actually early.”

A drizzle of rain started to fall. A court eunuch opened an umbrella and held it for his master.

The crown prince received it, then waved for said court eunuch to withdraw. He held the umbrella over Hua Liuli’s head. “Admiring pear blossoms among the drizzling rain sounds fun. Is Commandery Princess interested?”

Hua Liuli gazed at the crown prince’s handsome face. Nodded and said yes.

Beauty always made people give in.

“Hold on,” said the crown prince when he noticed that Hua Liuli had not worn a cloak. He had a court eunuch bring over a cloak meant for females with peach blossoms embroidered onto it. “Commandery Princess, help me hold up this umbrella.”

As she did so, Hua Liuli lowered her head. And she saw the crown prince attentively tying the cloak for her. She could not help but stare at his fair and white fingers in a daze.

“Commandery Princess?” asked the crown prince as he tried to take the umbrella from her hand. But to his surprise, her grip was vice-like. He laughed in spite of himself. Received another umbrella from a court eunuch’s hands. He stood next to Hua Liuli. “Let’s go.”

It was truly regretful. With their current relationship, they could not share an umbrella even if it rained.

“Alright.” Hua Liuli nodded.

As the crown prince was passing by Prince Ying, he paused and said, “Eldest Brother, I will accompany Commandery Princess in having a look around. You can do as you please.”

Prince Ying was speechless.

It’s just a crappy pear forest. What’s so interesting about that?

Prince Ying waved off his personal attendant who was holding his umbrella. Stared at the Hua Liuli who was leaving with the crown prince. He grabbed the umbrella and held it up himself, preparing to catch up with them and join in on the fun.

“Your Highness.”

Annoyed, Prince Ying turned his head. Who’s calling me?

She looks a bit familiar?

Oh, isn’t that my fiancée?

Furrowing his brows a shade, Prince Ying stopped in his tracks. “What is it?”

“Your Highness, this official’s daughter forgot to bring an umbrella when coming here.” Lin Wan softly wiped the raindrops on her face, afraid of ruining her makeup if she used too much force.

“Oh.” Prince Ying glanced at the umbrella in his hand. “This prince only has one.”

The smile on Lin Wan’s face stiffened a bit.

“You,” said Prince Ying, looking at his personal attendant. “Go and find an umbrella for Young Miss Lin.”

“Where is Your Highness going?” After noticing the indifference Prince Ying held toward her, Lin Wan felt embarrassed, and it slightly showed on her face. When she thought of the fact that there were two servant girls of Second Princess behind her, she was even less willing to allow other people to witness the stiff relationship between her and Prince Ying. “If it’s convenient, may this official’s daughter accompany your honored self?”

Just as Prince Ying was about to refuse her, he had second thoughts. It didn’t look good for a grown man to rush to look at some pear blossoms. Indeed, it was more appropriate to bring his fiancée along.

He nodded. “Alright, catch up.”

If he didn’t catch up, then the crown prince and Hua Liuli’s figure would no longer be in sight.

“Does Your Highness come to Mount Qing every year?” asked Hua Liuli, holding an apricot flower in her hand. When she reached the green stone path, the crown prince held up the umbrella with one hand as he extended the other in front of her. “Moss has grown on the slabs. Be careful, Commandery Princess.”

Hua Liuli gave her hand to the crown prince, then stepped on the steps that were covered in petals. “Many thanks, Your Highness.”

“I already had people prepare the pavilion ahead. Once it’s time for the noon meal, we’ll head there for it.” The crown prince held Hua Liuli’s hand. “Normally, I don’t have many opportunities to leave the palace. For the previous Birthdays of the Flowers, I only showed my face to the scholars before leaving.

“But this year is different.” He gave Hua Liuli a gentle smile. “Since I’ve already promised to accompany Commandery Princess this Birthday of the Flowers, I cannot go back on my word.”

Hua Liuli smiled, eyes becoming crescents. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“If you truly want to thank me, then eat more when we’re having our noon meal.” As the crown prince walked, he would look back at Hua Liuli, whose hand he held. “I don’t wish for Third Young Master Hua to scold you because you were too picky with your food.”

Smiling once more due to the crown prince, Hua Liuli said, “Being picky with food is just an insignificant bad habit. Your Highness mustn’t care about it too much.”

“I’ll tell you a secret.” The crown prince stopped in his tracks. A mysterious expression slid across his features.

Hua Liuli hurried to look around. And she discovered that there would be people passing by every now and then. Thus, she wanted to lower her voice and tell him not to say it. “Your Highness…”

“Actually, I’m a picky eater too,” he said, deadpan.

“Oh?”

According to rules of etiquette, should she advise him not to be picky with food, or should she open her mouth to say, “Oh buddy, we’re actually the same?”

“That’s why, what Commandery Princess said was correct. Being a picky eater is just an insignificant bad habit.” The crown prince tried to hold back from laughing, but it still came out. “Since we have the same shortcoming, we shouldn’t disdain one another, right?”

Hua Liuli nodded in a thoughtful manner. “That makes a lot of sense. Then that makes us… each other’s people?”

The sound of chatter and laughter would occur in front of Prince Ying and Lin Wan every now and then. On the other hand, the mood around them proved ice-cold. Lin Wan took the initiative to start a conversation with Prince Ying several times, but he only responded in monosyllabic grunts. And she did not want to court a rebuff.

Who knew what she stepped on, but her foot slipped all of a sudden, causing her to fall forward.

The moment Prince Ying, who was up ahead, had heard the sound of her movement, he rushed to the side to dodge her, staring blankly as Lin Wan fell forward. Fortunately, the court eunuch serving at his side reacted quicker, supporting Lin Wan with the help of her servant girl.

Prince Ying sent a complicated glance Lin Wan’s way. “Watch your step, Young Miss Lin.”

Ever since he was fifteen years old, every year there would be around two palace maids who would pretend to slip and fall in front of him. As such, as long as he witnessed women slipping and falling, he’d want to dodge far away.

Never had he expected that the daughter raised and educated by the upright and honorable Lin Wan would use such a tactic. If he married such a person as his princess consort, would his children be stupid?

Never had Lin Wan expected that after she almost fell, Prince Ying not only failed to reach out and support her but dodged out of the way. Was she that unlikeable?

Face pale, she forced a smile. “Many thanks, Your Highness, for the reminder. I will pay more attention to walking.”

She shifted her gaze ahead to the Hua Liuli who was chatting and laughing freely with the crown prince. At that moment a preposterous thought entered her mind: If it were Hua Liuli standing here instead, would Prince Ying also treat her like this?

She knew she shouldn’t be thinking like this. Yet, Lin Wan couldn’t control herself. She had reminded herself over and over not to reveal her discontent in front of Prince Ying. Even more so, to allow her father to discover how cold Prince Ying treated her.

With her father’s personality, he might find the emperor and try to break up the engagement should he learn of her treatment.

But she wanted to be a princess consort who lived a cozy life and received the flattery of others.

She wanted to be like those noble young ladies born from families influential for many generations, in possession of countless pieces of jewelry, precious silks, and a throng of servant girls waiting upon her.

“With so many apricot and pear blossoms, I wonder how many fruits there will be?” said Hua Liui. “I heard from Young Miss Tian that there is a peach forest at the northern part of the mountain. What a pity they’re not yet in bloom.”

“Then when they are, I will bring you there to look at them.” The crown prince handed the umbrella to a court eunuch. He reached out and pointed to a pavilion ahead. “In a little while, we will have our noon meal there. How does Commandery Princess feel about that?”

All around were flowers and trees. Such a sight as beautiful as that of a fairyland.

“Eating in a place like this will better our appetite.” Hua Liuli made her way to the last step on the stairs. Just as she was about to let go of the crown prince’s hand, an old married couple with servants came over. She pulled the crown prince to the side, yielding the way.

“Your shoes are very pretty, Young Girl,” said the old lady. She saw that Hua Liuli took the initiative to yield the way, so was all smiles as she looked at her. Then she shifted her gaze to the crown prince. An ambiguous smile slid across her lips. “Truly great.”

To which the crown prince smiled. Also smiling, Hua Liuli said, “Thank you Grandmother for the compliment.”

Fuming, the old man said, “You old lady, I specially had people make new shoes for you. Don’t tell me they’re not beautiful?”

“They are, they are,” said the old lady, trying to coax him to a better mood. “Why are you comparing yourself to youngsters?”

At those words, the old man looked at the crown prince. Stroked his beard. “He has the elegance of my youthful self.”

The crown prince smiled good naturedly. He did not tell the old man that what he had said was offensive.

The elderly couple bounced back and forth in conversation as they slowly left. It was clear that they shared a good relationship.

Lifting a foot for a look, Hua Liuli said, “Your Highness, many people have complimented these shoes as beautiful today.”

“It’s good that you like them.” The crown prince smiled at Hua Liuli, gentle and soft. He reached out and plucked a pear blossom petal that had fallen on her temple. Threw it far away.

Pear blossoms hold an unlucky meaning. They cannot remain on Liuli.