HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 88

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 88

After the situation had temporarily stabilized, when the Shen Che couple returned home, Shen Run asked Qing Yuan, “What do you plan to do about this?”

He asked with a tone of admiration, knowing his wife was capable of handling anything, especially when it came to managing household affairs with her skilled methods.

Qing Yuan didn’t tell him directly, sitting at her dressing table removing her earrings as she smiled, “You just focus on your official duties. Don’t worry about household matters. I just spoke with Fang Chun, and I could tell she still can’t let go of Second Uncle. This talk of divorce might not be what she truly wants in her heart. Sometimes people just get stuck in their minds. Once this phase passes, things will naturally get better.” She paused before asking, “What about Second Uncle’s side? After you spoke with him, did he notice anything unusual?”

Shen Run could say nothing about his brother’s slowness. He sighed, “He’s only known Fang Chun his whole life and hasn’t had much interaction with other women. When I asked him, he finally realized belatedly that the Yao family’s daughter did seem to have those intentions. He had advised Fang Chun to see less of her, but unfortunately, Fang Chun wouldn’t listen and insisted on defending her family members. These past few days she’s been too angry to speak with him. That muddle-headed Fang Chun – she may not be good at much else, but she’s certainly skilled at bedroom quarrels.”

Qing Yuan laughed, “How can you speak of her that way? Her becoming like this today isn’t entirely her fault.” After speaking, she suddenly fell silent, staring directly at him, making him fidget uncomfortably and leaving him unsure whether to laugh or cry.

“My lady…” he wrung his hands, and before she could ask, he confessed, “After returning to the capital and getting promotions step by step, there were many times others tried to build connections through entertainment. In the early years, I did join them for drinks at pleasure houses but later found it increasingly meaningless. By now, I’ve completely reformed. My lady, you are a wise person – surely you won’t hold my past actions against me? In dealing with others in official circles, it was a mere social obligation. I’ve kept myself clean and never had improper relations with women.”

Qing Yuan sighed, not bothering to judge whether his words were true or false. In the sea of officialdom, no one could maintain their integrity forever. Sometimes one had to go along with the crowd – at his rank, how many could remain completely untainted! Fixating one issue would make her no different from Fang Chun, and that was no way to live. Before her marriage, her grandmother had repeatedly advised her that no matter how good a person is, they cannot withstand being picked apart and examined in detail. Know when to understand and when to remain willfully ignorant – master this, and one can live peacefully for a lifetime, saving the household from much turmoil.

She turned around on her stool, placing her hands properly on her knees, “Rest assured, I’m not one to dwell on small accounts. Whatever you did before, as long as you’re sincere about our life together from now on, that’s what matters.”

Hearing this, he looked very relieved and happily embraced her, “My lady, let me taste the rouge on your lips.” Then came endless kisses, overwhelming her until she could barely breathe.

Qing Yuan finally managed to rescue her mouth from the tiger’s grasp, whispering, “Don’t be reckless, see how you’ve bitten me – I still need to enter the palace tomorrow to give thanks.”

So he changed his target, focusing on places that could be covered by clothing, kissing until she felt a vast numbness until she lost all sense of direction.

This man claimed to have kept himself clean – just based on these skills, he was contradicting himself. Of course, perhaps he was naturally clever, and clever people are good at studying, often able to learn without a teacher. Qing Yuan felt she wasn’t bad herself – when she wanted to learn something, her ability to grasp it exceeded his imagination. He would surely marvel again, “Ah, what a wonderful wife I’ve married!” “Ah, what a treasure I’ve found!” The little pleasures between husband and wife, exercise their marvelous effects to the fullest extent – just catching sight of each other’s silhouette would make their whole bodies grow warm.

Another night passed without proper rest, and early the next morning they had to head to the capital. On their wedding day, the Emperor had acted as a stabilizing force – without that imperial edict, though the matter might not have been impossible to resolve, it would have been difficult to maintain both appearances and reality.

Sitting in the carriage together, Qing Yuan felt somewhat nervous, constantly adjusting the golden hairpin in her elaborate hairstyle. Shen Run rarely saw her like this and said softly, “Don’t be afraid. The Empress is very kind, and she knows our family’s situation. She won’t deliberately make things difficult for you.”

Qing Yuan responded with a gentle “mm,” then said, “The Empress is the mother figure of the empire, surely she must be the most gracious person in the world. I’m just a bit nervous, after all, it’s my first time meeting such an important person.”

Shen Run teased her, “I’m an important person too, yet you sleep in my arms every night! Sharing a bed with an important person like me hasn’t made you any braver?”

“That’s different!” she protested, turning to show him her face, “How’s my rouge? Should I add more? And my lip color…” Then she caught herself and quickly covered her mouth, “Never mind, don’t look.”

But she couldn’t escape – before finally leaving the carriage, she had to reapply everything once more.

The newly promoted official was naturally full of vigor. In the icy snow, he descended in his vermillion robes to assist her. When Qing Yuan pushed open the carved flower-patterned door, she saw his deep, intense gaze as he extended his hand to her with a smile. Her heart warmed as she placed her hand in his palm, and with a gentle pull, she landed beside him.

Squinting at the great palace gates, she could only see the tall gate towers and golden-armored imperial guards through the wind and snow. Qing Yuan turned to ask him, “Won’t you accompany me to Changqiu Palace?”

He raised his hand to wipe excess rouge from the corner of her lips, saying gently, “His Majesty is in the temporary palace, I must go pay my respects to him. Only women can enter the inner palace – you’ll have to go alone to bow before the Empress.” Looking up, he saw palace servants with dusters coming to receive them. When they approached and cupped their hands in greeting, he smiled and said, “My lady, just go ahead. The Chief Eunuch is on good terms with me – he’ll guide you on what to do once you enter the palace.”

The young eunuch beside them agreed, asking the official’s wife to put her mind at ease. Qing Yuan took a light breath, said no more, and turned to follow them up to the palace gates.

She had been to the Court of Imperial Entertainments before, which lay outside Gongchen Gate. Though it was within the imperial city, it was different from the true forbidden area. She walked slowly along the straight corridor, looking up to see roof after roof extending into the distance – without a guide, one would surely get lost in these palace chambers. The division between the outer court and the inner palace was a wide imperial street. After passing through the Left Silver Terrace Gate, they reached Changqiu Gate.

In the distance, she could see someone waiting at the palace gate – that must be the Chief Eunuch. The Chief Eunuch was the Empress’s official, responsible for her administrative office, and usually a trusted eunuch in the Empress’s service. Since Shen Run had long been in charge of palace security, he had connections with most palace officials, so the Chief Eunuch treated her with particular courtesy. Seeing her arrive, he eagerly came forward, clasping his hands in greeting: “Congratulations on your joy, madam. During your wedding celebration with the Commander the other day, I was unable to offer my congratulations due to official duties – I hope madam will forgive me.”

Qing Yuan quickly returned the greeting, “Many thanks, honored sir. My husband just mentioned that due to the many demands that day, we were unable to properly host everyone. We must certainly hold another banquet in the capital for our close friends, and we hope you will grace us with your presence then.”

The Chief Eunuch nodded with a smile, “Certainly, certainly.” He stepped aside and gestured, “Her Majesty the Empress is waiting for madam. Please, this way.”

Qing Yuan gazed at the majestic palace, steadying her heart. Shen Run had taught her some audience etiquette at home, so now that she had entered the forbidden city, she didn’t feel completely at a loss. However, the person inside the hall was the noblest in the world – she feared making any mistake that would embarrass Shen Run, so she took each step with utmost care.

The Changqiu Palace was decorated magnificently. Though she dared not look around directly, everything was reflected in the mirror-like floor beneath her. The Empress sat with dignity at the front, with court ladies standing on both sides. Qing Yuan held her breath and approached with focused concentration, kneeling on the brocade cushion, “This humble one, Lady Shen of the Chen family, pays respects and wishes ten thousand blessings and golden peace to Her Majesty the Empress.”

The Empress had a lovely voice, soft and gentle like a spring breeze, telling the lady not to be too formal, and instructing a court lady to help her up.

A gold-lacquered round chair was brought forth, and the Empress granted her permission to sit, saying pleasantly, “You and the Commander just celebrated your wedding. There was no need to hurry to the palace so soon. It’s been snowing these past few days, making travel difficult. You’ve endured such a long journey through the ice and snow.”

Qing Yuan rose and said, “His Majesty and Your Majesty’s great kindness fills me with endless gratitude. Though I am a humble person, His Majesty and Your Majesty have shown such concern. It is only right that I come immediately to express my thanks.”

Seeing her respectful manner and youthful charm, the Empress took a liking to her. When the Empress received officials’ wives, there were initially many protocols to follow, but after the three kneelings and nine kowtows were complete, they could speak more casually. She ordered court ladies to bring a hand warmer for her, dismissed the attendants leaving only two senior court ladies to serve, and smiled, “I often say to His Majesty, ‘How is it that Shou Ya hasn’t married at his age?’ His Majesty tried several times to arrange marriages for him, but he always declined politely. Now I see he had someone in his heart. Meeting you today, I feel we have a natural affinity. You should visit the inner palace more often in the future. Though we are sovereign and subject, His Majesty and Shou Ya are close friends, so there’s no need for such formality.”

Only then did Qing Yuan feel somewhat relaxed. Despite the Empress’s noble status, she spoke with such gentle warmth – perhaps those who reached the highest positions became all the more composed and unassuming.

She smiled slightly, bowing forward in her chair, “This is His Majesty and Your Majesty’s grace, nurturing him repeatedly, allowing us to have today’s honor.”

This honor wasn’t gained easily – how much blood and tears lay within, but there was no need to speak of that now. The Empress was very beautiful and had followed His Majesty since he was still a prince, enduring many hardships before achieving her current position. Because of Shen Run’s extraordinary friendship with His Majesty, the Empress treated Qing Yuan with unusual warmth, speaking at length, and the more they talked, the more they felt a connection.

“His Majesty came to discuss with me the other day about how to write this edict. Originally, official appointments were one document, and noble titles for inner palace members were another, but after careful consideration, we decided it was better to put them in one scroll. Now that you’ve cut ties with the Xie family, can they still come to harass you?”

Qing Yuan shook her head, “With the palace having issued such a clear edict, what more could they contest?”

The Empress sighed deeply, “The Xie family used to be a prestigious clan, their ancestors earned great military merit during the founding of the dynasty. It’s a pity that this generation has come to such a state. This family is clearly in decline – it’s good that you’ve separated yourself from them.”

Qing Yuan responded with a gentle “ah,” then said, “These unseemly family matters have sullied Your Majesty’s ears – I’m truly ashamed.”

The Empress smiled and added, “The Xie family has a daughter who became a Talented Lady, currently serving in my palace. Which of your sisters is she?”

Qing Yuan replied, “She is my third sister.” She understood internally that with the Xie family’s fall from favor, Qing Rong had completely lost her chance to be selected for the Divine Dragon Palace. Being only a Talented Lady in Changqiu Palace, without receiving His Majesty’s favor, she would spend her life like the other court ladies, merely as a female official.

She felt somewhat melancholic. Due to the entanglement between their mothers, Qing Rong had always despised her, and her feelings toward Qing Rong were complicated – half disgust, half guilt. Now that Qing Rong was in Changqiu Palace, and she had come to give thanks, it wasn’t appropriate to say much. After a brief pause, she changed the subject to discuss other matters with the Empress.

However, she had come prepared today. Once she felt more familiar with the Empress, she carefully said, “Your Majesty, I have two matters on which I’d like to seek your guidance.”

The Empress nodded, “Speak.”

She straightened herself and chose her words carefully, “My husband served in Shu and Yunzhong in his early years, and the military supplies shortage in both regions has always weighed on his mind. With the New Year approaching, we’ve discussed using our funds, in Your Majesty’s name, to reward the soldiers – perhaps providing clothes and quilts, or adding some silver to help them support their families, allowing these soldiers to have a good New Year. Furthermore, there are many orphans and elderly without families in the capital who struggle greatly during the harsh winter. I wish to donate to an orphanage, providing food and clothing, and giving these orphans and elderly a home. This would not only be a charitable act from us as husband and wife but also demonstrate His Majesty’s benevolent governance. I wonder what Your Majesty thinks of this?”

Hearing this, the Empress grew increasingly impressed with this young noble lady.

In fact, during Shen Run’s years in office, reports of his abuse of power for personal gain had already reached the palace, but His Majesty’s regard for old friendship prevented investigation, allowing the Shen brothers to continue receiving promotions and titles until today. However, even the deepest friendship would be difficult to maintain in the face of court-wide impeachment. Without giving His Majesty a reason to refute his officials, the Shen family might ultimately be unable to avoid punishment. Fortunately, Shen Run had married such a wife who, despite her youth, understood the importance of preparing for danger in times of peace. This was not merely about pleasing the emperor but also a method of self-preservation.

The Empress held Qing Yuan’s hand and sighed with emotion: “How fortunate Shou Ya is to have such a wise wife! Everything you’ve just proposed is excellent, and neither His Majesty nor I would refuse. Since you want to do this, start early, but keep it modest to avoid malicious misinterpretation.”

Qing Yuan was overjoyed, standing to give thanks, “I accept Your Majesty’s gracious instruction and thank you for your support.” The pressure that had been lingering in her heart finally found relief. Before marrying Shen Run, she knew that a high position was as precarious as standing at the edge of an abyss. All she could do was try her best to compensate, like filling ditches in the road ahead one shovelful at a time with bricks and tiles, so that when the time came to pass, the journey would be smooth and safe.

The Empress was an excellent person and offered her more advice, which she carefully noted before finally leaving Changqiu Palace. Now eager to see Shen Run and tell him this news, she walked quickly, and by chance, just as she stepped out of the palace gates, she encountered Qing Rong.

Qing Rong’s face had grown even more pallid now, and she was stunned by the sudden meeting. Only when Qing Yuan called out “Third Sister” did she come to her senses.

A person’s long-established temperament is not easily changed, and deep-rooted prejudices are hard to uproot. Her response was still sarcastic in tone as she sneered, “Fourth Sister… oh, I should call you Lady Shen now.”

Qing Yuan didn’t take offense, only asking, “How are you getting along, Third Sister?”

Qing Rong’s brows furrowed, “You’re doing well enough yourself, why bother asking about me!”

Qing Yuan was taken aback by her retort, and even the nearby eunuch felt Talented Lady Xie’s behavior was inappropriate. As he was about to smooth things over, Qing Yuan turned to him with a smile, “Honored Sir, I have a few words to say to my sister. Please wait for me a moment.”

The eunuch understood her meaning and smiled, “Then I’ll wait for my lady ahead.” With that, he went on ahead.

Only then did Qing Yuan turn to Qing Rong, speaking calmly, “Third Sister, this palace is not a place for casual conversation, so I’ll be brief. Earlier in the Xie household, I never had the chance to tell you, but now that we’ve both left, I think you might be able to hear my words. Regarding your mother’s death, I know you harbor resentment, convinced that my mother was the poisoner, and by extension, you hate me to the bone. But have you ever considered that the real culprit might be someone else? I’ve investigated this secretly and tested some theories. I dare not say definitively that the Madam is the real culprit, but this matter must be related to her. You were raised by her side since childhood – you know her character better than I do. Haven’t you had any suspicions all these years? Or do you prefer to believe my mother harmed you both, so you’d have someone to hate, allowing you to continue living contentedly under the Madam’s authority?”

Qing Rong’s face suddenly turned pale, “What nonsense are you talking…”

“Whether it’s nonsense or not, you know in your heart.” Seeing her reaction, Qing Yuan felt more assured and smiled again, “Take care of yourself in the palace, sister. If you need anything, send word to me, and I’ll bring it when I next enter the palace.” With that, she left without lingering, heading toward the corridor.

Shen Run had been waiting for her at the Left Silver Terrace Gate, and seeing her approach, he smiled from afar.

“Did everything go smoothly?” he asked while warming her hands in his palms.

Qing Yuan smiled and said all was well, “How long have you been waiting here?”

Shen Run replied, “About a quarter of an hour.”

Men don’t talk like women – there’s so much to discuss about household matters. He had paid his respects to His Majesty and was dismissed after just a few words, told to go accompany his new wife. His Majesty was very considerate in this regard. He had indeed been concerned about her, beginning to miss her shortly after they parted, and only felt at ease upon seeing her again.

Originally thinking that if it continued snowing, they wouldn’t return to Youzhou tonight, but tomorrow was the third day when the bride returned home, so they had no choice but to hurry back immediately. As soon as Qing Yuan entered the door, her first question to Mama Zhou was, “Were there any visitors today?”

Mama Zhou glanced toward the western residence, “Miss Yao came.”

Qing Yuan removed her warm sleeves and handed them to Hong Mian, “Where is the Second Master?”

Mama Zhou replied, “Second Master accepted General Xu’s invitation and went to a banquet.”

Qing Yuan made a soft sound of acknowledgment, calmly sitting at her dressing table to remove her hairpins. She smiled at Bao Xian in the mirror, “Perhaps we’ll have distinguished guests tomorrow too. Let’s wait and see.”

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