As the New Year approached, even though tensions were high across various regions, everyone temporarily paused and closed their doors to celebrate the festival. Jiang Xuanjin brought Li Huaiyu and others back to the frontline city. As Li Huaiyu sat in the carriage passing through the streets, she heard the lively sounds of firecrackers and vendors selling New Year’s goods, making it seem as though nothing had happened in the city.
The air, filled with the scent of cured meat and firecrackers, gave a sense of stability. However, the number of people following Jiang Xuanjin was quite large. Lord Ziyang had just returned to Ziyang, and the county magistrates and governors from various places had rushed to offer their New Year greetings. They thought they only needed to go to the main city of Ziyang. But Lord Ziyang insisted on staying in the frontline city due to the tense situation, so they had no choice but to follow him.
Everyone had long heard of His Highness, but they were not familiar with him and found it hard to flatter him. Some brought large sums of silver to bribe Cheng Xu and Yu Feng, hoping to learn about His Highness’s preferences. However, these two gentlemen were impervious to bribes, remaining unmoved even with mountains of gold and silver before them. Frustrated, they had to figure things out on their own.
“Master,” Cheng Xu handed over two invitations, “the governors of Jiu Zhen and Cang Wu have both set up banquets at the restaurant to welcome you.”
Jiang Xuanjin took them and glanced at them briefly.
The person in his arms moved restlessly, and he whispered, “Stay still.”
“Let me see,” resting her chin on his shoulder, Huaiyu said, “Didn’t I often help you read things before?”
In the main room of Mo Residence, she used to lean on him like this and read memorials to him.
Slightly dazed, Jiang Xuanjin pursed his lips and placed the two invitations in her hand, “Pick one.”
Tomorrow was the New Year, so they could only choose one place for lunch today.
Looking at the invitations, Huaiyu said, “I’ve heard of Jiu Zhen County; it has a lot of iron mines and produces many weapons each year. Cang Wu County is also good, with prosperous trade… Just pick one, Jiu Zhen?”
Jiang Xuanjin’s gaze lingered quietly on the two invitations before him, catching a few lines. He pursed his lips and said, “Let’s go to Cang Wu County.”
“Huh? Didn’t you tell me to choose?” Huaiyu glared, “I chose and you don’t listen?”
Returning the invitations to Cheng Xu, Jiang Xuanjin adjusted her waist and gently brushed his chin against the top of her head, “You did say to choose casually.”
Huaiyu pouted and grumbled but didn’t argue further.
Cheng Xu took a peek at the invitations and raised an eyebrow.
The people from Jiu Zhen County had assumed they would surely win His Highness’s favor, but who would have thought he would accept the invitation from Cang Wu County instead?
“Why is this?” Everyone was puzzled. The governor of Jiu Zhen County was also unwilling to accept it and secretly asked Cheng Xu.
Cheng Xu subtly replied, “The governor of Cang Wu County is more considerate.”
The governor of Jiu Zhen County thought he was considerate enough, even preparing the chariot and ceremonial guards!
Cheng Xu said no more and showed him the two invitations.
Both invitations were for the same grand restaurant with the same extravagant arrangements. His invitation was written much more beautifully, but the invitation from the governor of Cang Wu County had a few additional lines.
“We respectfully invite His Highness and Her Highness. Knowing that Her Highness is unwell, we have prepared a warm room with a soft couch and nourishing meals to ease Her Highness’s discomfort.”
The governor of Jiu Zhen County was speechless.
Cunning! What a cunning old fox, that governor of Cang Wu County, writing such a shameless invitation!
But it was clear that His Highness fell for it.
Shivering in the cold wind, the governor of Jiu Zhen County asked, “Is it too late to add that now?”
Cheng Xu smiled and courteously asked him to leave.
Li Huaiyu felt something was off. She had followed Jiang Xuanjin out to get a free meal, planning to act as a decorative vase. But from the moment they sat down, the governor’s concubines were overly enthusiastic towards her, and the governor himself respectfully offered her tea and even downed a cup of strong liquor himself.
“Did your subordinates also study etiquette at the Jiang residence?” Huaiyu couldn’t help but whisper, tugging on Jiang Xuanjin’s sleeve, “This is too thorough, isn’t it?”
Jiang Xuanjin glanced coldly at the people at the table and replied in a low voice, “Perhaps they fear the reputation of you, the Eldest Princess of Danyang.”
“Is that so? That makes sense.” Huaiyu nodded, deciding to accept this explanation.
However, after that banquet, the gifts started pouring into the princess’s residence, all congratulating her on her pregnancy, sent by the various county governors of Ziyang.
Standing next to the pile of gifts, Huaiyu asked Lu Jingxing, “Are the people of Ziyang so wealthy?”
Lu Jingxing, who hadn’t shown his face in a long time but still looked as charming as ever, looked at her with a ‘Are you an idiot’ expression. “Can’t you see what’s happening?”
“What?” Huaiyu was puzzled.
“These people are acting according to Lord Ziyang’s wishes,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Lord Ziyang’s actions nowadays are quite different from his usual style.”
What does Lord Ziyang favor? His consort, of course! If it’s hard to curry favor with His Highness, then curry favor with his consort instead—it will work! This was the conclusion that all the county governors and magistrates had reached three days after arriving in the frontline city.
Huaiyu was stunned for a moment, then scratched her head, feeling a bit embarrassed. “So I’m benefiting from this.”
“Indeed, at this rate, the relations between Danyang and Ziyang will be very smooth in the future.” Lu Jingxing chuckled. “Thanks to Your Highness, I now have the local government escorting my goods from Ziyang’s border city.”
“Then you should thank me,” Huaiyu grinned. “Not much, just give me that jade Guanyin statue you recently acquired.”
“In your dreams!” Lu Jingxing rolled his eyes at her. “That top-quality Tianshan cold jade, made into a Guanyin statue, is a treasure even in the palace. Do you think you can just take it from me?”
“Cheapskate.” Huaiyu pouted, placing her hands on her hips. “The money I helped you earn is enough to buy two of those statues!”
Lu Jingxing chuckled, twirling his fan absentmindedly and giving her a sidelong glance. “Feeling satisfied now?”
Back when she was imprisoned while pregnant, she had harbored a lot of grievances. Now, it seemed Lord Ziyang was making amends, showering her with benefits openly and secretly.
“Very satisfied.” Huaiyu exhaled, smiling. “I never thought I would have this day.”
In her previous life, she had prepared to live a lonely existence. In this new life, she had also expected a grim outcome. Unexpectedly, things had taken a turn for the better, leading to the peaceful days she now enjoyed.
It was as if the heavens were compensating her.
Seeing more people bringing in gifts, Lu Jingxing raised his eyebrows. “You are valuable.”
“What kind of talk is that?” Huaiyu glared at him, then proudly pointed to her nose. “I’m priceless!”
The Eldest Princess of Danyang was always shameless when saying such things. Lu Jingxing shook his head, looking at the red ribbons on the gifts. “Take good care of Jiang Xuanjin. It’s probably his first time not spending New Year at the Jiang residence.”
Speaking of the Jiang family, Huaiyu paused.
That’s right, Jiang Xuanjin preferred to stay in the frontline city with her rather than return to Ziyang’s main city for the reunion. Old Master Jiang was surely hitting the ground with his cane, cursing her for bewitching people’s hearts again.
After a moment’s thought, she said, “I’ll go to the main courtyard to see him.”
Lu Jingxing turned away, casually waving his fan at her. “Go ahead. I’ll go find a place to spend the New Year myself.”
“Hmm?” Huaiyu raised her eyebrows, calling out to him. “Aren’t you having dinner here tonight?”
“What’s the fun in being with a bunch of men?” Lu Jingxing replied without looking back, his tone light and carefree. “I have better places to be.”
Li Huaiyu knew exactly where Lu Jingxing was going without needing to ask. Pouting at his retreating figure, she cradled her pregnant belly and hurried to the main courtyard.
As Lu Jingxing stepped through the moon gate, the smile vanished from his face.
New Year’s Eve was the most festive time, with every household lighting firecrackers and enjoying reunion dinners. He headed to the Fengchun Pavilion, an establishment he owned, ordered a jar of wine, and slowly sat down to drink.
“Master,” Zhaocai stood behind him, eyes red, “why not spend the New Year at the princess’s residence? At least there are more people there.”
Lu Jingxing smirked, lifting his embroidered boot onto the bench, propping his face on his elbow, and looking at Zhaocai. “What good are more people?”
No matter how many people there were, this year she wouldn’t be getting drunk with him. Jiang Xuanjin’s domineering nature meant that even if he looked at her for too long, Jiang would shield her from his gaze, both amusing and infuriating.
Out of sight, out of mind.
Jar after jar of wine was consumed, and Zhaocai continued to nag, “You really should have someone by your side. The Eldest Princess recently showed you several portraits of beautiful women. Why not choose one? Give it a try, at least.”
“I heard that Lord Baihua from Eastern Jin has entered Northern Wei territory, possibly to present gifts in the capital. He brought many beauties from Eastern Jin. You could take a look too.”
“The Eldest Princess is expecting, but you aren’t even married yet…” Zhaocai’s voice grew sorrowful. “If you still care for her, at least try to fight for her. But you let her go yourself. How can you let her go but not let go of your feelings?”
Tired of the nagging, Lu Jingxing set the wine jar on the table and chuckled bitterly. “How have I not let go? I have.”
He just couldn’t move on.
His phoenix eyes dimmed, and he lay back on the bench, staring at the red silk hanging from the high beams of Fengchun Pavilion. He murmured, “The long pavilion road, green willows and fragrant grasses. It’s easy to leave someone behind when young. At the tower, remnants of dreams at the fifth watch, under the flowers, parting feelings in the March rain.”
Zhaocai had never read books, but having followed his master for a long time, he was familiar with these verses. Though his master didn’t recite the rest, Zhaocai remembered:
“The heartache of being deeply in love is unlike any other. An inch of longing turns into thousands of threads. There may be an end to the world, but there is no end to this longing.”
There is no end to this longing…
The pavilion was filled with many girls. Normally, when Manager Lu arrived, they would flock to him. But today, they stayed upstairs, watching from a distance, not daring to approach.
The cold wind blew through the carved windows, filling the air with the scent of wine.
Back at the princess’s residence, everyone was there, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. Xu Chunian, urged on by Qingxian and others, drank two cups of wine, her cheeks flushing red, her eyes becoming hazy—it seemed she was drunk. Chi Jin, watching nearby, had a slightly cold expression.
“Qingxian, want to play a drinking game?” he asked.
Qingxian caught up in the excitement and oblivious to Chi Jin’s expression, responded cheerfully, “Sure, let’s do it!”
Thus, Huaiyu and Jiang Xuanjin sat together in the main seats, watching as Chi Jin calmly won ten rounds in a row, placing ten cups of wine in front of Qingxian.
“Drink up,” he smiled.
Qingxian turned pale and then cried out, “Your Highness, he’s bullying me!”
Huaiyu sighed and whispered to Jiang Xuanjin, “He’s not thinking straight. Why try to outdrink Chunian of all people?”
Then, wiping her face, she laughed and said loudly, “A bet is a bet. How is this bullying? Drink, drink, drink!”
Qingxian looked disheartened. “Your Highness, you used to spoil me!”
The usually composed Lord Ziyang paused at this, lifting his gaze to seriously look at Qingxian.
Jiu Wu, who had just managed to return after being away for over half a month, saw this and felt a chill down his spine, instinctively moving further away from Qingxian.
Unaware, Qingxian, emboldened by the wine, began counting on his fingers, “When I got injured, Your Highness bandaged me three times and made my medicine. When Bai Ai argued with me, Your Highness always took my side. In the entire Feiyun Palace, I was the most favored! Your Highness promised to protect me!”
Bai Ai, glancing at Jiang Xuanjin, quietly moved his seat next to Chi Jin.
Holding a porcelain cup to his lips, Jiang Xuanjin said with a faint smile, “Making someone drink ten cups of wine is indeed a bit much.”
Feeling a rare moment of support from Jiang Xuanjin, Qingxian was deeply moved, “Your Highness, save me!”
“Alright,” Jiang Xuanjin nodded, his tone gentle. “Let’s play dice. Best of three. If you win, I’ll drink these ten cups for you.”
“Great!” Qingxian immediately rolled up his sleeves. “I’ve spent time in gambling dens! Bring on the dice!”
Huaiyu felt something was off and wanted to intervene, but as soon as she opened her mouth, Jiang Xuanjin looked over.
Help him?
No, no, help you, help you!
Then keep quiet.
…Alright.
In a few exchanged glances, Li Huaiyu stayed silent, biting her lips and watching them roll the dice.
The outcome was swift: Qingxian lost two consecutive rounds.
“How is this possible?” Qingxian, dazed, patted his head and pointed at Jiang Xuanjin’s dice. “How do you keep rolling three sixes?”
Jiang Xuanjin personally placed ten more cups of wine in front of Qingxian. “Heaven’s favor.”
“Wait a minute!” Qingxian protested, “You said if I won, you’d drink ten cups for me. You didn’t say if I lost, I’d have to drink ten more!”
With an innocent look, Jiang Xuanjin asked the others, “Isn’t it standard for the stakes to be the same?”
“Yes, yes, yes!” Jiu Wu, Bai Ai, and the others nodded without hesitation. Jiu Wu even patted Qingxian’s shoulder. “If you win, His Highness drinks ten cups. If you lose, you drink ten cups. Very fair!”
“…It sounds fair, but why does something feel off?”
Looking at the additional ten cups of wine, Qingxian trembled and turned to Huaiyu, “Your Highness…”
Huaiyu gave him a solemn look and clasped her hands in a salute. “You’re a warrior! I can’t protect you, so you’re on your own!”
Halfway through the feast, everyone was more relaxed. Jiu Wu held down Qingxian while Chi Jin poured the wine down his throat. Jiang Xuanjin sat nearby, clapping as Chi Jin managed to spill not a drop.
Li Huaiyu laughed so hard her stomach hurt, slapping the table. Just as she was whispering to Jiang Xuanjin, Qingsi entered with a large gift box.
“Your Highness, a New Year’s gift from Manager Lu.”
Every year Lu Jingxing sent her something, so Huaiyu wasn’t surprised. She gestured for Qingsi to put it aside and started unwrapping it.
Inside was a jade Guanyin carved from Tianshan cold jade, of exceptional quality and priceless value.