Chapter 57
On the twenty-first day of the fifth month, Prince Jing's Grand Dowager Consort celebrated her birthday. The Prince Jing’s residence was thronged with guests.
Though Emperor Xuanning was ill, he had issued an order on the nineteenth moving the day of rest scheduled for the twenty-second up to the twenty-first.
Compared with this, it was clear that no day of rest had been granted for Prince Duan’s wedding on the eighteenth—not because the ailing Emperor had overlooked it, but because he simply had no desire to do Prince Duan that honor.
Who could have imagined that, barely more than a month ago, Prince Duan had been the undisputed favorite for the position of Crown Prince? Now he found himself in such circumstances. It truly gave one cause for sighing.
Seeing him again today, perhaps because he had been confined to his residence for so long, Prince Duan appeared far older than before. Though only eighteen, he looked nearly the same age as twenty-four-year-old Prince An. His high spirits were gone, replaced by composure and humility.
Imperial princes were not permitted to associate with officials, and could only socialize among members of the imperial clan. At banquets like this, Prince An and his consort were generally the first to arrive. Whenever the hosts were too busy, the pair would even lend a hand.
Thus, although Prince An was not particularly conspicuous among the imperial princes, he enjoyed an excellent reputation within the imperial clan.
Unexpectedly, today Prince Duan and Li Yijin had stolen the limelight. They had arrived even earlier than Prince An and his wife, and behaved as though they were members of the household. Together with Prince Jing’s many sons and daughters-in-law, they welcomed guests at the main gate and the inner gate, greeting everyone with radiant smiles.
Everyone in Prince Jing’s large household was on edge. First came Chief Minister Li’s reply that he would attend in person. Then arrived confirmation that Prince Wei and Second Miss Cui would be coming. After that, Grand Secretary Shen, Grand Secretary Ji, Grand Secretary Wang... nearly every prominent figure at court had accepted the invitation.
It had never been like this in previous years. Chief Minister Li never attended anyone’s banquets, and neither did Grand Secretary Shen and the others. Other than events held by close relatives, they were seldom seen anywhere else. Yet now, all of them had come at once.
And then there was Prince Wei. Since returning to Yingcheng, even when attending banquets hosted by the Yao family—his maternal relatives—he had always sat by himself, without even allowing the Yaos to accompany him. When Prince Jing received Prince Wei’s reply, he was even more astonished than when he learned that Chief Minister Li would be attending.
At first, thinking of the Grand Dowager Consort, Prince Jing assumed Prince Wei had come because of the friendship between Empress Dowager Chen and the Grand Dowager Consort.
Princess Consort Jing did not see it that way. Since Empress Dowager Chen’s return, she had spoken with the Grand Dowager Consort only on the day of Princess Consort Jing’s own birthday celebration. Afterwards, she had sent palace pastries over several times, but had never invited the Grand Dowager Consort to Funning Palace.
If even Empress Dowager Chen had acted thus, how could Prince Wei have bypassed the Yao family to show Prince Jing’s residence such particular favor?
Princess Consort Jing identified the crucial point. “I never expected Prince Wei to come. The invitation I sent was for Second Miss Cui alone.”
Only then did Prince Jing realize that Princess Consort Jing had not asked the Heir of Prince Jing to send Prince Wei an invitation.
Prince Wei had not been invited, yet he had come anyway. The only explanation was that Second Miss Cui had persuaded him.
At first, Prince Jing had thought the rumors that Second Miss Cui could make decisions for Prince Wei were complete nonsense. It was true that Prince Wei doted on his niece, supported her in public, and let her charge about as she pleased. But to say that she ran Prince Wei’s household and could even influence his decisions—that was surely an exaggeration. At any rate, Prince Jing had found it implausible.
Yet after hearing Princess Consort Jing’s words, Prince Jing began to believe it.
Prince Jing knew that when Second Miss Cui’s shop had opened, Princess Consort Jing had sent someone to buy a great many pastries there to give away as gifts. He had strongly disapproved of her lending Second Miss Cui such support, feeling that she had lowered herself too much. But now, he had nothing to say.
After some thought, Prince Jing said to Princess Consort Jing and Heir Princess Jing, “When the time comes, you must show Second Miss Cui the utmost respect. Above all, do not let Princess Consort Duan offend her.”
The mother- and daughter-in-law both answered solemnly.
Prince Jing added, “Send invitations to the Cui and Tan families as well.”
Princess Consort Jing chided him lightly. “I had them sent long ago. If we waited until now, why would Second Miss Cui think well of us?”
Now that Prince Duan and his wife had come and were helping receive the guests, Prince Jing’s family truly had grievances they could not voice.
As the guests gradually arrived—even Chief Minister Li had come—there was still no sign of Prince Wei’s carriage. The Heir of Prince Jing and his brothers began to wonder whether Prince Wei would not be coming after all.
Given Prince Wei’s habit of doing as he pleased, it was entirely possible. Though they felt somewhat disappointed, they were even more relieved.
Just as the Heir of Prince Jing and his brothers were yielding the way to Prince Duan and preparing to enter the manor, the sound of horses neighing rang out from beyond the lane, carrying an imposing force.
Then they saw one of the stewards who had gone out to greet the arrival running back in a panic. At once, they knew it must be Prince Wei’s carriage.
Without pausing to consider what Prince Duan might think, the brothers hurried forward to welcome him, guiding Prince Wei’s carriage to a stop before the gates of Prince Jing’s residence.
Prince Wei was still the same Prince Wei. Becoming the official in charge of the regency had not changed him in the least. He remained aloof and sparing with words. Facing the Heir of Prince Jing and his brothers, he merely raised his chin slightly in acknowledgment.
After stepping down from the carriage, he did not move forward at once. Instead, he turned toward the carriage and said, “No drinking.”
“Fine,” came the reply from behind the curtain, bright and gentle as pear blossoms opening in early spring—unconsciously beguiling, enough to stir one’s thoughts.
Only then did everyone realize that Second Miss Cui was in the carriage as well. The two of them had actually arrived together in the same carriage.
How many people had never heard Prince Wei speak? So he did speak when it came to keeping Second Miss Cui in line.
The Heir of Prince Jing quickly turned to look at Prince Duan. Seeing that his expression remained composed and showed no hint of displeasure, he felt somewhat reassured.
After welcoming Prince Wei from the carriage, he hurriedly called over a steward. “Quickly, inform the Heir Princess that Second Miss Cui has arrived.”
The steward acknowledged the order and ran hastily toward the inner quarters. Another steward came over to lead the carriages from Prince Wei’s residence toward the second gate of Prince Jing’s manor.
They had assumed Prince Duan would avoid him, but unexpectedly, he stepped forward openly. “Second Brother did not attend my wedding banquet, which I deeply regret. I was muddle-headed over what happened before, and I never had the chance to explain myself to you. I know Second Brother is not one for vulgar crowds. There is a quiet and elegant spot at my residence that no one ever visits. Why not choose a day to come over? I will prepare wine there, and we brothers can drink and talk together, putting our former grievances behind us.”
To the Heir of Prince Jing, Prince Duan had already humbled himself greatly. No matter what one truly thought, an ordinary person would at least soften their manner in response.
Yet Prince Wei was the exception. “Cui Ermeng dislikes it,” he said, leaving not the slightest room for compromise.
Everyone was stunned. Not only did Prince Wei know Second Miss Cui’s nickname outside the household, but he wore the very attitude of: however wildly my girl behaves out there, I will cover for her. This indulgence had gone far beyond all reason.
Even more astonishing was that he openly admitted before everyone that if Prince Duan had offended Second Miss Cui, then there could be no reconciliation with him.
Prince Duan could scarcely believe it. “Second Brother, are you truly willing to cast aside your own brother for the sake of a niece from some distant branch of the family? You make no distinction between kin and outsiders—when Father Emperor hears of this…”
Prince Wei could not even spare him another glance. He simply walked on ahead.
The Heir of Prince Jing hurriedly signaled to several of his brothers. Two of them lagged behind to keep Prince Duan company, while the Heir of Prince Jing led the others briskly forward to catch up with Prince Wei, surrounding him as they ushered him into Prince Jing’s residence.
At the second gate, having learned that Second Miss Cui had arrived in the same carriage as Prince Wei, Heir Princess Jing and her sisters-in-law became even more alert. Two of them took up positions, one on either side of Li Yijin.
Of course, Li Yijin knew they were guarding against her doing anything to Cui Lanyin. She was furious. What did they take her for?
Cui Lanyin, the second miss whose judgment had been clouded by Prince Duan’s attentions, had never been a thorn in Li Yijin’s side. Unlike Li Yixin, who regarded Prince Duan as the man she hoped to spend her life with, Li Yijin cared little for him.
Thinking of her present circumstances, she suppressed her displeasure and pretended not to notice the thoughts behind Heir Princess Jing and the others’ actions, naturally stepping back a few paces.
It was all the better that she could behave so sensibly. Since she had engaged in an improper affair with Prince Duan before marriage, Heir Princess Jing and the others had held her in considerable contempt. Yet now, they found her somewhat better than they had expected.
When Prince Wei’s carriage arrived, they saw that Cui Lanyin was accompanied not only by a palace eunuch, but also by two neatly dressed female guards. Even Princess Tong'an, the cherished late-born daughter of Prince Jing and his wife, did not travel with such an impressive retinue.
Surrounded by Heir Princess Jing and her party, Cui Lanyin was ushered past the many female guests still waiting in line and into the main hall, where she first offered birthday greetings to the old Princess Dowager.
Watching one high-born noblewoman after another—women who in the past would not even have allowed Lady Jiang the chance to greet them—come forward to speak with her, their tones so warm as though their families had been close to the Cuis for years, Lady Chang felt her horizons broaden. Whenever Lady Jiang failed to respond smoothly enough, these noblewomen would even tactfully help her along.
So this was what power could do: even someone as awkward as Lady Jiang could navigate social exchanges with ease.
The last time they had visited the Yao family, being courteously seated in the western side room of the open pavilion had already been treatment the Cui family could scarcely have imagined.
But this time, at Prince Jing’s residence, they had actually been welcomed to the front. Seeing Lady Xiang—normally so eloquent and socially adept—unable even to speak with ease, and more intimidated than Lady Jiang had ever been, Lady Chang could not help feeling a certain sympathy. She thought that if she were Lady Xiang, she would surely be regretting things bitterly now.
The Yao family, and Miss Seven of the Yao Family, were indeed admirable. They belonged to the highest circle in Great Ying, far beyond what the Cui family’s former main branch and Cui Lanyin could ever have compared with.
Yet who could have imagined that Cui Lanyin would catch Prince Wei’s eye? In a single stroke, she had surpassed all the young ladies of the Yao family, becoming the only niece Prince Wei openly acknowledged. He had even had her reside in Prince Wei’s residence and raised her with the indulgence due a princess of the household.
Lady Chang and Cui Mian had both been stunned by the spectacle surrounding the opening of Cui Lanyin’s shop some time ago. So many prominent officials’ families from Yingcheng had rushed to show their support, eager to curry favor with Second Miss Cui.
After that, Cui Mian no longer allowed Lady Chang to contact Cui Chang in private. Once Cui Fu and Cui Ran’s results in the prefectural examination were released, he further instructed her to visit Lady Jiang more often whenever she had time. He also told her to send Nanny Song, the experienced midwife in her household, to the main branch to help care for the pregnant Cui Lanzhi.
Lady Xiang tugged lightly at her sleeve, pulling Lady Chang out of her thoughts. “What is it?”
Lady Xiang glanced around. Seeing that no one was paying attention, she leaned closer and whispered, “What do you think of matching my Tan Lian with Brother Su? Our two families know each other inside and out, and the children get along well too…”
“Oh, give it up.” Lady Chang did not spare her any dignity. “Do you take them for some impoverished, fallen household? The elder brother can’t marry in, so you want the younger sister to marry into the family instead? Wouldn’t that make a laughingstock of them?”
Lady Xiang looked somewhat embarrassed. “There was never anything between Zixun and Yin, and no one outside knows about it. Shixian has always wanted to make a marriage alliance with Jingyan. Ever since it fell through, he’s blamed me more times than I can count in private. I was only thinking of making it up somehow.”
Just then, it was their turn to go in and offer birthday felicitations. Lady Xiang could say no more, and she entered the main hall with Lady Chang, seeking out Lady Jiang.
Whether people came to patronize her shop or sent invitations to Prince Wei’s residence, none of it had felt quite real. Only upon arriving at Prince Jing’s residence today did Cui Lanyin truly understand what it was like to stand at the center of power.
Everyone was eager to please her. Whatever she said, someone was ready to respond. Princess Tong'an, who had barely had a chance to speak at the Yao family banquet, had now bypassed Li Yijin to attend exclusively to her.
The awkwardness Cui Lanyin had imagined for Li Yijin never appeared. On the contrary, Li Yijin kept looking for chances to smile at her in greeting. That was what puzzled Cui Lanyin most.
Others might enjoy being the center of attention, but once Cui Lanyin saw through its true nature, she found it rather dull. She felt that sitting in Prince Wei’s study and keeping him company while he meditated was more pleasant than this.
As though he knew exactly what she was thinking, Buyan came to find her before the first course had even been cleared away. “Second Miss, His Highness wishes to go home. He asked whether it would be convenient for you to leave.”
“Oh, then let’s go.” Cui Lanyin went to bid a respectful farewell to the Dowager Princess and the others, then said goodbye to Lady Jiang, Lady Chang, and the rest. Accompanied by Heir Princess Jing, Princess Tong'an, and their party, she made her way out.
Halfway through the carriage ride, Cui Lanyin suddenly realized she was hungry. She took a box of pastries from the compartment, opened it, and popped one into her mouth. Then she offered one to Prince Wei, but he did not reach out to take it.
“I know you didn’t eat much either, Uncle. We still have a while before we get home—have something to tide you over.” Cui Lanyin insistently held it to his lips, and Prince Wei opened his mouth and ate it.
Cui Lanyin could not manage to eat an entire pastry in one bite as he had. She swallowed hers in three bites, and was just about to pour herself a cup of tea when Prince Wei’s long-fingered hand reached across her field of vision. His index finger touched her lips.
Again?
Things like this had happened often these past few days. Although they had always turned out to be false alarms afterward, Cui Lanyin still could not control the pounding of her heart. She sat perfectly still, hardly daring to move.
Prince Wei lifted his finger and waved it before her eyes. On his fingertip was a small crumb of pastry. Cui Lanyin suddenly went limp with relief, as if she had narrowly escaped disaster once more.
But her face betrayed her. Heat spread from the tips of her ears, making her wish she could bury herself somewhere.
Yet Prince Wei did not pretend not to notice as he usually did. Looking at her, he asked, “With wealth and leisure—where should one place that leisure?”
Waiting for it, haha. [kiss]
