After leaving Jinxiu Garden, Zhao Sui had no reason to continue traveling with Yao Lin and the other two, so he could only cup his hands in farewell.
Before turning around, he glanced at the painting in Miss Yao's hands.
Yao Huang understood the meaning behind his glance, Li Tingwang made his own guesses, and Yao Lin watched Lord Zhao's tall, straight figure depart with a sense of lingering admiration.
Now that the outsider was gone, Li Tingwang tried to snatch the painting from Yao Huang's hands. Yao Huang immediately hid the painting behind her back while calling out for her brother to help stop Li Tingwang.
Yao Lin shielded his sister, looking at Li Tingwang in incomprehension. She doesn't want to show it to you. Why are you trying to snatch it?
Li Tingwang often made his sister angry. Yao Lin knew the reasons for some of these incidents, while others were kept secret from him by both of them. However, they mostly had a good time together. Furthermore, every time Li Tingwang annoyed her, he would end up getting hit by her, and since he always had a way of coaxing her back into a good mood, Yao Lin rarely interfered in their little squabbles.
But since his sister had explicitly refused this time, Yao Lin would not let Li Tingwang bully her right in front of him.
Unable to grab the painting, Li Tingwang gave up in frustration.
When they returned to the carriage, Li Tingwang told Yao Lin to drive.
Yao Lin didn't think much of it, but Yao Huang did. So, she sat right next to her brother, protecting the painting in her arms with both hands. Looking at Li Tingwang, who was sitting at the carriage door staring intently at her, she warned, If you dare try to snatch it again, I will get off the carriage with my brother, and you can go home by yourself. Also, don't ever come looking for us to play again.
Li Tingwang said, ...Is the drawing that ugly? Otherwise, why are you so afraid to show it to me?
Coming from Li Tingwang's filthy mouth, this was actually considered one of his more normal remarks. Yao Huang wasn't angry at all and admitted, Yes, but no matter how ugly it is, it's still Lord Zhao's good intention. It's also the first portrait gift I've received in my entire life, and I am willing to treasure it as a precious item.
Li Tingwang retorted, The painting might be ugly, but Lord Zhao's looks are top-notch. Don't tell me you've taken a fancy to him?
Yao Huang replied, Whether I have or not has nothing to do with you.
Li Tingwang said, ...It has nothing to do with me, but you are the sister of my best brother. So I have to remind you that Lord Zhao definitely comes from a prestigious family. These noble scions are the best at sweet-talking girls like you, who have a bit of beauty and are easily blinded by wealth and good looks. I'm just afraid that while you're dreaming of marrying him as a wife, he only wants to take you as a concubine, or perhaps he isn't even willing to give you the title of a concubine.
Yao Huang laughed. Young Master Li truly overestimates me. I'm fat and ugly, where would I get any beauty? Lord Zhao simply pitied me for wanting a painting but not being able to afford one, so he kindly gifted it to me. On the other hand, Young Master Li was respectful and polite to Lord Zhao's face, yet criticizes him for having ulterior motives behind his back. Is this the behavior of a gentleman?
Li Tingwang's expression changed. Just as he was about to clarify that he didn't think Yao Huang was fat and ugly at all, he saw Yao Huang jump off the moving carriage without hesitation.
Yao Lin hastily stopped the carriage.
Yao Huang stood a few steps away, looking straight at Li Tingwang, and said, I never want to see you again.
A chill ran through Li Tingwang's entire body.
Yao Lin also jumped down. What is going on? It's just a painting, where are you two taking this?
Yao Huang looked at her brother again. I don't care how you call each other brothers outside, but if you ever bring him one step into our house again, I will no longer recognize you as my brother.
Still feeling angry, Yao Huang pulled the silk peony flower from her hair, threw it on the ground, and viciously stomped on it a few times. This is a silk flower I earned myself, but unfortunately, it was touched by the person I hate the most. So I don't want it anymore. Fortunately, because time was rushed, Lord Zhao didn't draw this silk flower into the portrait, otherwise I would tear up this painting right now too!
After saying that, Yao Huang walked briskly forward.
Yao Lin glared at Li Tingwang and hurried to chase after his sister.
Li Tingwang drove the carriage to catch up with the siblings, apologizing to Yao Huang repeatedly. He didn't dare mention another word about Lord Zhao or the painting. Because Yao Huang refused to even look at him, Li Tingwang jumped off the carriage, blocked her path, and pointed at his own face, saying, Blame my rotten mouth. Yao Yao, hit me a couple of times. Once you hit me, you won't be angry anymore, okay?
Yao Huang said, Unless you can convince your father to make things difficult for my father in the military camp, I will never speak to you again.
Standing so close, Li Tingwang felt as if he were about to be frozen by the coldness in Yao Huang's eyes.
His father wasn't that kind of person, and he certainly wasn't either. How could Yao Huang think of him that way...
.
It was a distance of seven or eight li from Jinxiu Garden to Longevity Alley, and Yao Huang walked all the way back, step by step, following her brother.
This distance was nothing to Yao Lin. Yao Huang usually ran and jumped around a lot, so she didn't feel tired walking either. Besides, walking more was good; it gave her enough time to calm the anger provoked by Li Tingwang. As for Li Tingwang, who still wanted to follow the siblings, he had long been scolded away by Yao Lin.
Yao Lin originally thought his sister's anger was just a temporary flare-up like before and wanted to plead on Li Tingwang's behalf. However, when his sister said with red eyes, He always humiliates me, Yao Lin completely tossed Li Tingwang to the back of his mind.
Unable to mention Li Tingwang, Yao Lin thought of Lord Zhao. Could it be that he really has taken a fancy to you?
Yao Huang said, So what if he has? Am I not beautiful enough to be worthy of his attention? Or do you also think that because our father's official rank is low, I can only marry an ordinary man?
Yao Lin replied, Of course not! Our Yao Yao is the best in the world. Even if you married a duke or marquis, it would be their good fortune!
Yao Huang was coaxed into a smile by her brother. Seeing that there was no one around, she carefully unfolded the drawing paper to show him.
Yao Lin's eyes widened. It's drawn this well? The trashy paintings by those two artists were worth one tael of silver. With Lord Zhao's skills, if he set up a stall, he could sell a painting for ten taels!
Yao Huang said, Exactly. Just based on this painting alone, I will be grateful to Lord Zhao for the rest of my life.
Yao Lin recalled that today, aside from giving his sister the painting, Lord Zhao hadn't said another word to her. He agreed with what his sister had said earlier—that Lord Zhao gifted the painting out of sympathy for their poverty. He also felt some dissatisfaction towards Li Tingwang. It was rare for Lord Zhao to be so kind, and rare for his sister to be so happy, yet Li Tingwang just had to ruin the mood.
It was almost time for lunch when they returned to Longevity Alley. Luo Jinhua said in surprise, I thought you two would eat out at a restaurant.
Yao Lin glanced at his sister and, following her lead, didn't mention those mood-ruining matters.
Luo Jinhua then looked at what was in her daughter's hands. This is...
Yao Huang smiled and said, There were artists drawing for visitors at Jinxiu Garden. I helped a silk flower stall owner attract business and earned one tael of silver, which I used to exchange for this painting.
Yao Lin followed his sister's lead and absolutely did not expose her lie, lest their mother also misunderstand and think Lord Zhao had ulterior motives.
Luo Jinhua hadn't read as many books as her daughter. Upon seeing her daughter's painting, she just kept praising how good it was, feeling that although one tael of silver was a bit expensive, it was well worth the price!
Having officially introduced the painting to the family, Yao Huang went to a calligraphy and painting shop in the afternoon to ask the master there to help her frame it.
The shop owner looked at the painting and expressed his willingness to buy it for ten taels of silver. Yao Huang refused. The shop owner kept increasing the price, going all the way up to a hundred taels.
Hearing this, Yao Huang's heart pounded wildly. She stopped the shop owner, who still wanted to raise the price. Don't rush. Just help me frame it well. If I ever truly lack silver in the future, I will definitely sell the painting to you.
The shop owner glanced at the fine cotton clothes the little girl was wearing and felt that there was still hope for this matter.
.
Zhao Sui did not know what Miss Yao had experienced after leaving the Jinxiu Garden, because he had promised not to send anyone or personally follow her.
After working for two consecutive days, on the morning of the thirteenth of the third month, Imperial Consort Du sent someone with a message, asking him to visit the Yikun Palace.
Zhao Sui finished handling his official duties at hand and went over.
Imperial Consort Du looked at Prince Hui standing before her, her feelings quite complex.
Since his youth, Prince Hui had increasingly gained Emperor Yongchang's favor. After making contributions in the southern frontier, his prominence immediately overshadowed the unremarkable Prince Kang and his two younger brothers who were still studying. Although Imperial Consort Du was unhappy about this, she was not at all surprised that Princess Fucheng would set her sights on Prince Hui as a son-in-law.
Imperial Consort Du was still hoping for her own fourth son to become the crown prince, so naturally, she did not want Prince Hui to gain Princess Fucheng's support. However, Princess Fucheng had already discussed it with Emperor Yongchang first, and then hypocritically asked her, his adoptive mother, to inquire about Prince Hui's intentions. Imperial Consort Du could only comply.
"What are your thoughts on this marriage?" Imperial Consort Du asked indifferently, not believing that Prince Hui would be foolish enough to refuse.
Zhao Sui asked in return, "May I ask if this is the idea of you, Imperial Mother, and Aunt, or does Imperial Father also share this intention?"
Imperial Consort Du mocked, "Would the Eldest Princess do something she wasn't sure of? The Emperor naturally approves, so you can rest assured and accept it."
Zhao Sui said, "Then I shall go see Imperial Father now."
Imperial Consort Du was at odds with the Eldest Princess. If he asked Imperial Consort Du to reject the Eldest Princess's proposal, even if he only said the words "no intention," Imperial Consort Du would embellish it and spout a bunch of slanderous remarks that would simultaneously damage him and the Eldest Princess and her daughter.
Imperial Consort Du was stunned. What did he mean by going to see his Imperial Father?
However, the young Prince Hui had already turned and left, paying no heed to her attempts to make him stay.
The Imperial Study.
Emperor Yongchang had just finished meeting with a minister. He left his seat to walk around a bit and was just preparing to continue reviewing memorials when he heard Eunuch Wang say that Prince Hui requested an audience.
Emperor Yongchang immediately thought that his second son had come for the marriage matter and smiled, "Summon him."
Zhao Sui came before the emperor and first bowed, saying, "Your son pays his respects to Imperial Father."
Emperor Yongchang waved his hand, sitting in his chair and looking at his exceptionally graceful second son opposite him, "Has the Noble Consort told you everything?"
Zhao Sui glanced at his imperial father and said, "Yes, but your son has no romantic feelings whatsoever for my cousin. I must trouble Imperial Father to decline on my behalf to Aunt."
Emperor Yongchang truly hadn't expected his second son to refuse. His niece's character, appearance, and family background were all top-notch among the noble ladies of the capital. His second son usually didn't dabble in women or go out to seek romantic encounters; he looked like someone willing to follow the orders of his parents, so how...
"But you are already twenty, at the age to start a family. If you don't like Yuanzhen, then tell me, what kind of princess consort do you want to marry?"
Marriage is a major life event. Emperor Yongchang wanted to make the decision for his son, but he wouldn't force his son to marry someone he didn't want to.
Zhao Sui lowered his eyes and said, "Your son wishes to marry a princess consort who brings joy to my heart just by looking at her. Cousin is very good, but to me, she is merely a cousin."
Emperor Yongchang nodded. He understood. It was just like the many imperial selections in the past; a room full of beautiful candidates, some he liked at first sight, while others, no matter how beautiful, left his heart completely still.
"Then shall I arrange a selection for you? We can just pick from the daughters of officials in the capital, which will be faster," Emperor Yongchang said understandingly. His son's marriage and his son's thoughts came first; if the Eldest Princess was unhappy, then let her be unhappy.
Hearing this, Zhao Sui knelt down, "To be honest with Imperial Father, your son has already met a desired candidate for his princess consort, but I have not yet won her consent to marry me, therefore I have not reported it to Imperial Father."
A selection would waste manpower and money, and it was unnecessary. He also didn't want Miss Yao to suffer any extra grievances, worrying about whether she would be selected or not.
Emperor Yongchang became interested. Looking at his second son, whom he had always considered a bookworm, he asked, "Which family's daughter? How did you meet?"
These were all things his imperial father could easily find out if he wanted to investigate. Zhao Sui could not hide anything, so he simply explained, including how he specially went to the martial arts academy to see her, how he painted for her at Jinxiu Garden, and how Miss Yao, not coveting the status of a princess consort, did not immediately agree to him but proposed they interact more to see how things went.
Emperor Yongchang pondered and said, "Her family background is too low. At most, she can be a secondary consort."
Zhao Sui, "Your son has already promised her the position of a primary wife and princess consort, and that I will not take concubines."
Emperor Yongchang said displeased, "A dignified prince making such a heavy promise to a woman he has only met a few times. When did you learn to be so easily bewitched by beauty like your third brother?"
Regardless of whether an emperor's anger was light or heavy, courtiers would tremble in fear, but Zhao Sui's expression remained unchanged. He looked back at his imperial father and explained, "Your son is not lustful. From childhood to adulthood, countless palace maids have passed before me, yet I have never felt any joy upon seeing a single one of them. Because I do not like them, I do not provoke them. Born as Imperial Father's son, I have lived a life of luxury since childhood. Imperial Father frequently asks if there are any rewards I desire, but your son lacks nothing, thus I ask for nothing."
"The year before last, when war broke out in the southern frontier, Imperial Father could not bear for your son to personally go to the battlefield and take risks. But your son wanted to go, so I persistently begged for Imperial Father's permission."
"Imperial Father, your son is indeed still young, but I am very clear about my own mind. When I have no desires or requests, I would rather refuse Imperial Father than humor you. If your son does open his mouth to ask Imperial Father for something, then what I seek must be what my heart truly yearns for. I beg Imperial Father to grant my wish."
He bowed and kowtowed.
Emperor Yongchang was momentarily transported back to the scene two years ago when his second son pleaded in the great hall to personally go to the battlefield.
The son he had raised to eighteen, a son who for eighteen years had never even actively asked him for a piece of cake or a hug, suddenly became dead set on going to the battlefield to temper himself.
How could Emperor Yongchang not be clear about his second son's temperament? How could he truly think he was lustful and made promises easily?
In the end, he was simply dissatisfied with that Miss Yao's family background, feeling that a centurion's daughter was not worthy of his flawless second son.
But this was the second time his son had ever begged him for something in his entire life. Emperor Yongchang couldn't find it in his heart to flatly refuse.
"Rise. Didn't you say that the girl might not even be willing to marry you? Perhaps after interacting more, she still won't be willing. Why bother begging so early?"
Emperor Yongchang said, feigning a tone of gloating.
The young Prince Hui straightened his posture as he knelt. When he looked at Emperor Yongchang, the firmness in his eyes from earlier was gone, "Does Imperial Father also think your son's chances of winning her over are not great?"
Emperor Yongchang, "..."
If any girl truly looked down on his Sui'er, then that girl must be blind!
