HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 80

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 80

With personal marriage matters nearly settled, it was time to attend to matters of state. However, as walls have ears when word spread that Commander Shen’s bride-to-be was Xie Shu’s daughter, colleagues with differing political views found their opportunity to mock.

“Blood is thicker than water after all. I was wondering why – the Commander and Minister Xie barely interact, and normally the Commander would have impeached him for the prolonged siege of Stone Fort. Yet this time he’s finding ways to excuse Xie Shu. Now that there’s a marriage connection, it all makes sense.” The Chief Imperial Censor chuckled while speaking, conspicuously winking at others to ensure Shen Run caught his innuendo.

On the broad imperial street before the palace, officials departing from court walked in small groups. Among the officials in their court robes with wide sleeves and heart-shaped necklines was a group of Palace Command officers in their brocade belts. Their elaborate gold and silver-threaded sleeve bands accentuated their tall statures, making them stand out like cranes among chickens.

Shen Run halted his steps, and those behind him quickly came to a stop. He twisted the solid gold ring on his finger and said with a cold smile: “For a third-rank official, Chief Censor, your perspective is remarkably narrow. We’re at war beyond the passes – regardless of who commands, driving the Tibetans from Stone Fort is our urgent priority. What bearing does my choice of bride have on my duties to the throne? Should I not marry Xie Shu’s daughter and instead watch thousands of troops perish beyond the passes?” He shifted his gaze away with an air of complete disdain, “Chief Censor, you’re full of ideas usually, but in matters of war, you’re an amateur. Even if the Emperor gave you sixty thousand troops, you couldn’t hold the commander’s seal or wave the battle flag. So listen to me – victory or defeat has nothing to do with you. The future is long – who knows when your household might need to deal with my Palace Command?”

This was an outright threat – any official who crossed the Palace Command was courting disaster. Though intimidated, the Chief Censor tried to save face with a sneer: “It was just a joke, Commander, why so serious? We officials wear our black hats changing posts every few years. True, you command the Palace Command now, but you won’t command it forever, isn’t that right?”

This was provocative, and everyone grew anxious – few dared to challenge Shen Run. The Chief Censor hadn’t meant to truly antagonize him, but as words led to words, the heat of argument made him deliberately choose the most inflammatory statements.

Someone in the crowd tried to mediate, “Both of you are of such high rank, surely destined for further promotion, not wearing the same black hat forever…”

Shen Run’s gaze focused like a hawk’s – his stare alone could make one shiver. He hadn’t heard such verbal defiance in a long time, but remained cool, saying icily: “The Palace Command won’t change commanders in three to five years, but do you know how many official cases the Palace Command can investigate in that time, Chief Censor?”

That single sentence made the Chief Censor’s face flush red.

Shen Run snorted again: “Moreover, you’re mistaken. My bride-to-be grew up in a wealthy household in Hengtang – the Xie family never treated her as their own. Deploying the imperial army at Stone Fort wasn’t for Xie Shu’s sake but for the greater situation. As a third-rank official, surely you understand my meaning?”

The Chief Censor, his pride wounded, couldn’t let it go and blurted out: “I’ve heard rumors about Commander’s bride – they say her mother, consumed by jealousy, poisoned another of Minister Xie’s concubines, which is why she was banished…”

Before he could finish, there was a sharp metallic sound as a silver flash like lightning appeared at the Chief Censor’s throat.

Everyone was shocked. Though the Palace Command was permitted to bear arms, drawing weapons on the palace grounds was still an impeachable offense. But impeachment was minor compared to the Chief Censor’s life being at stake. Yet none of Shen Run’s men tried to dissuade him – they merely looked around and said casually: “We’re already past Chengtian Gate – no longer in the forbidden grounds.” They absolved their superiors with remarkable efficiency.

Shen Run’s face was dark at first – hearing someone slander Qingyuan made him want to cut them into ten pieces. But the Chief Censor was still a third-rank official – frightening him in public was one thing, but running him through would be problematic. Seeing the dog official’s face turn ashen with fear, he suddenly smiled and flicked the blade with his finger, making it wobble an inch from the man’s neck. “Look, Chief Censor – this is my newly commissioned sword. Isn’t it bright?”

Sunlight reflecting off the blade’s spine was truly dazzling. The Chief Censor was just a civil official – good at running his mouth, but useless when real weapons came into play. As the sword tip moved, he kept swallowing nervously. Shen Run watched his Adam’s apple bob amusingly and sneered: “Don’t be afraid, Chief Censor. I’m getting married soon – I’m in a good mood and won’t go on a killing spree. But regarding rumors about my bride, you’d do well to inquire less. In this world, rumors are the deadliest weapon. You’re a scholar – don’t act like a gossiping market woman. It makes me lose respect for you.”

He sheathed his sword and strode away with his Palace Command officials, leaving the civil officials staring after them. Even those with complaints dared not voice them.

A vice commander under Shen Run spat: “This Liu Ang is living too comfortably – seems he wants to make trouble for himself.”

Shen Run appeared calm, but it was only surface-deep. He was vindictive, like Qingyuan – the Shen family had endured much oppression in the past, and he had cut down dissenters like melons and vegetables. Now that he had his beloved, he would naturally fight blood battles for her sake.

He drawled: “The Chief Censor probably thinks he’s perfect, that the Palace Command can’t find dirt on him. But hasn’t he done enough profiteering through his official position and business investments? I’ve been too busy lately to deal with him, and now he dares come provoke me…” As he strode into the office, he gave orders while walking: “First have someone watch his business dealings. Once the Stone Fort matter is settled, I’ll properly settle accounts with him.”

Those standing nearby acknowledged and withdrew to carry out the orders. In the deep, magnificent hall, only Shen Che, the Protocol Officer, and a few close vice commanders remained to assist.

Shen Che reported: “The auxiliary forces from Jiannan Circuit have received orders and begun their march. The Dragon Guard’s selected troops are also rushing to the frontier by urgent dispatch, to exercise military command on your behalf.”

Shen Run sat in his chair, head propped on one hand, somewhat listless, muttering: “Have to stay here these days to await news… can’t go anywhere…”

Shen Che listened with contempt – lately, the Commander showed signs of slacking in his official duties. That heart, dry for many years, suddenly had fresh springs flowing into it, immediately growing into a flourishing tree reaching to the sky. So he longed to return to Youzhou, daily and wished to meet with his bride-to-be, making those who thought they understood him feel quite unable to adapt.

Yan Fu stroked his full beard: “If the front-line situation worsens, will the Commander have to personally take the field? That would take a long time – three to five months before returning.”

This was unavoidable – in a real crisis, he would have to go whether he wanted to or not. In the following days, the Palace Command had major cases to handle while monitoring battlefield news, truly busy day and night. But no matter how busy, he never forgot to think of Qingyuan, sending someone every other day to the Chen household to check on her. The messenger would report very formally that the young lady was busy training her cat – both the young lady and Yanshi were well.

Yanshi was the name she gave the cat – she said it had round spots on its face, and since it was a female cat, the name was fitting. Shen Run shook his head when he heard this: “What kind of name is Yanshi? How vulgar.” He turned and took up his brush, writing three characters on peach blossom paper – “Da Yuan Zi” – and had it sent back to Youzhou by fast horse.

When Qingyuan saw those three characters, she was surprised and frowned deeply, “Da Yuan Zi? He’s giving me a nickname, does he think I won’t notice?”

Baoxian tilted her head to look at the calligraphy on the paper, “I think this is the Commander’s kind intention. Da Yuan Zi… doesn’t it sound round and lovely! Think about it, Miss – cats are round when they’re plump, and when they’re round their fur is good… when their fur is good, their appetite is good… with good appetite, they catch more mice, protecting the household…” Seeing her mistress staring at her directly, she gave an awkward smile, “Miss, I can’t continue making up excuses.”

So trying to speak well of Shen Run required quite some effort. Qingyuan sat back at her desk with the peach blossom paper, placing it properly before her, gazing lovingly at his handwriting – both annoyed and yearning.

He remembered to name the cat but forgot to write her a letter. Though the capital wasn’t too far from Youzhou, though he sent messages every two days, though he was busy…

Qingyuan sighed, “Actually, the name Da Yuan Zi… does sound quite nice.”

These days, the young lady hardly insisted on anything – whatever involved Commander Shen, she might complain a bit but would quickly compromise. Baoxian watched her with a smile, seeing her frown one moment and smile the next, she couldn’t help but marvel – love was such a wondrous thing. Two people who were originally so calm and self-disciplined, when brought together, could become so soft.

Qingyuan noticed her deep gaze and grew uncomfortable, “What are you looking at?”

Baoxian smiled, “Nothing, I’m just happy for you, Miss. You’ve had no mother since childhood, but the Old Madam has loved you like her own granddaughter. Then returning to the Xie family, you suffered for half a year – like descending to the mortal realm to endure tribulation, but that’s passed now. You met Commander Shen at fifteen, and before sixteen you’ll likely be married. From then on, with a loving husband and many children, Miss, your life will be complete in every way.”

Hearing this, Qingyuan also sighed, “So I don’t complain against heaven or blame others – this is already very complete.” Then she joked with her, “Don’t worry, when there’s a suitable match for you in the future, I’ll arrange it for you. And Spring Tai… it’s a pity the Xie family won’t return my dowry or let her and Madam Tao come.”

Just as Baoxian was sighing, Old Madam Chen entered through the door, stepping over the threshold and saying, “The Old Master says I’m sharp-tongued, but I think you’re the one with a heart as small as a needle’s eye. That box of dowry – if you can get it back, good, if not, there’s no need to dwell on it. Actually, in my opinion, you should be grateful to the Xie family. Their misfortunes gave you the chance to meet your future husband. What a fine husband he is – you couldn’t find better even with a lantern! What’s four or five thousand taels worth? You lost four or five thousand, he gives you sixty thousand – isn’t that more than enough to make up for your loss?”

Qingyuan smiled bashfully, going to help the Old Madam in, “I’m not concerned about the dowry box, I just don’t want it falling into Madam Hu’s hands, giving her an undeserved advantage.”

The Old Madam turned back, gesturing for those behind her to place a large red lacquer box on the table, while comforting her, “Loss leads to gain, like a water vat under the eaves on a rainy day – when it’s full, some must spill out. Do you find that wasteful? If you’re unhappy, there will be time to get it back in the future. Since they’ve sent people to call, clearly they haven’t given up. But for that little bit of money, there’s no need to deal with them anymore.”

They didn’t mention the Xie family again. She opened the box lid and carefully took out a ceremonial dress, “Quick, look – I had six embroiderers working day and night to make this. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Qingyuan put down her round fan to look. The emerald-colored wide-sleeved robe was embroidered all over with peonies and flying phoenixes, its exquisite magnificence far exceeding her imagination.

Old Madam Chen was quite satisfied with the embroiderers’ craftsmanship, pulling the sleeve to show her, “The thread used is real gold, so it has some weight, but it doesn’t matter – it’s just for one day, bear with it and it will pass. In the future, this ceremonial dress will be part of your dowry, kept for your daughter to wear when she marries. Your grandfather just looked at it and worried it might be too showy, but I don’t think so at all. Your husband is Youzhou’s new nobility, favored before the Emperor – there’s no shortage of wagging tongues outside, chewing over your background. I want to make them envious. What makes people most uncomfortable in this world? When someone they look down upon rises above them. I want you to have a magnificent wedding, so no one can say we’re marrying above our station. The Chen family has always been wealthy and influential – in the business world, we’re qualified to match not just second-rank officials, but even first-rank ones. Now we only have you – if we don’t give everything to you, who else?”

Qingyuan’s nose stung with emotion, “Grandmother…”

Old Madam Chen’s eyes also reddened, but fearing the atmosphere was becoming too heavy, she quickly smiled and called her over to try on the dress.

Qingyuan stood before the bronze mirror, watching layer after layer of ceremonial robes being put on her. Though heavy, her heart was joyful. The Old Madam had someone redo her hair, adding ornamental pins and jewels. After the complete dressing, she inspected everything up and down, clapping her hands, “Very good, very dignified. Done up like this, you truly look like a bride.”

Qingyuan looked in the mirror, feeling quite unfamiliar with her reflection. She touched the flower pins in her hair and joked, “Grandmother, my neck is getting shorter under all this weight.”

But the Old Madam said, “These are just a few pins and jewels – I hope you’ll be able to wear eight pins and eight jewels.” As she spoke, she kept examining her from all angles, “Still missing something…”

Qingyuan looked down at herself – the ceremonial dress was complete from the cloud collar to the knee covering, not understanding what her grandmother thought was lacking.

Seeing her confusion, the Old Madam smiled and said, “Still missing a red official cape. Hopefully, your husband can bring one back for you – then everything will truly be complete, making all those envious ghosts die of jealousy.”

Qingyuan finally understood what her grandmother was thinking. She had never particularly desired an official title, just as grandfather said, being too showy wasn’t necessarily good. Shen Run held such a position that invited hatred – though the Emperor favored him, he couldn’t withstand the erosion of many mouths. Even when he was shamelessly pursuing her, she had worried about this. Now that she was truly going to marry him, this vague anxiety hadn’t lessened – she would need to find ways to maintain his good reputation in other aspects.

But at this happy moment, there was no need to tell grandmother these things. She picked up the feather fan from the tray to play with – its face was inlaid with pearls and kingfisher feathers, with a small ingot pendant the size of a fingernail at the bottom.

Qingyuan had a childlike nature – while saying how pretty it was, she began fanning vigorously. The Old Madam saw this was no small matter, “Careful! This isn’t for cooling yourself – it’s for covering your face!”

And so, the days in the inner chambers flowed quietly by, with Qingyuan grateful for everything. Back among her closest family, she didn’t need to be on edge every day, and there was someone to think about – now in Youzhou, wondering how he was doing.

She very much wanted to go see him but feared traveling before the wedding would be considered improper, so she could only endure patiently. Counting on her fingers – five days, ten days, half a month… She could only inquire from his messenger, and as long as she heard the Commander was well, she would be at ease.

Now the summer heat was gradually retreating, with coolness in the morning and evening. During the day she followed her master learning to blend fragrances, and was quite tired by day’s end, lying down as soon as dusk fell. But tonight, before she could even begin to dream, she heard light footsteps in the corridor. She suddenly awoke, sitting up abruptly, because she recognized that gait – she knew Shen Run had come.

What to do? Her heart was both anxious and shy – rushing out to meet him now seemed a bit unseemly. After pondering, she lay back down, pulling up her small quilt to cover herself high, squinting her eyes to peek through a tiny gap toward the door.

He must have silenced the announcing maid, as he crept alone to the door, looking in to see no signs of her waking before entering. Then he quietly sat on the edge of her bed, propping himself up to carefully study her face again and again.

Not knowing if she was awake, seeing her breathing steady, he couldn’t be sure. If she wasn’t awake, he’d steal a kiss – who wouldn’t enjoy such a romantic moment!

He slowly lowered his face, getting closer and closer to her. Qingyuan watched him through that hazy gap, knowing what he intended, her heart pounding thunderously.

Some things were destined to happen, and she calmly prepared herself to welcome it. But for some reason, he paused halfway down. She waited and waited, but could not wait for him to continue.

Who knew he had been plotting all along, suddenly calling out: “Da Yuan Zi!”

Qingyuan couldn’t hold back, letting out a burst of laughter. After laughing, she grew annoyed, and decided to go all in, throwing her arms around his neck in mock threat: “If you won’t kiss me, I’ll have to kiss you!”

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