“Princess, you may bathe now.” Yu Xiang respectfully came to invite her.
Liu Bao’er rose and walked to the adjacent room. “I’ve told you several times already, stop calling me princess. Nande has already perished—what kind of princess am I anymore?”
Yu Xiang was the head palace maid serving Liu Bao’er. Born into a southern scholarly clan, she was different from ordinary servants and maids—very intelligent and insightful, deeply valued by Liu Bao’er.
She said, “Although Nande no longer exists, the princess is deeply beloved by the people and remains noble and respectable. Besides, I’m not the only one who calls you this. Even Prime Minister Yuan addresses you as princess—who would dare to be presumptuous?”
When Liu Bao’er heard Yu Xiang mention the Prime Minister, her face flushed like peach blossoms. “He’s only… only mindful of our childhood friendship. After how the Empress Dowager and the Emperor treated him, I never imagined he would still show me such courtesy. I’m deeply grateful.”
Yu Xiang helped Liu Bao’er remove her clothes. “The fault wasn’t the princess’s. Moreover, the princess is beautiful and kind—any man would like you, especially since you were originally supposed to become husband and wife with Prime Minister Yuan. After all these years, you two will finally fulfill your destiny.”
“He’s married.” Speaking of this, a light melancholy covered her shy expression.
“Prime Minister Yuan will certainly proclaim himself emperor in the future. The empress’s position isn’t one just anyone can occupy. The princess needn’t rush. Even if you’re a concubine, endure for now. Later, once you become an imperial noble consort, you can gradually work toward your goal.” Yu Xiang was planning a way forward for Liu Bao’er as well as for herself.
Liu Bao’er nodded lightly. “I don’t mind being a concubine, as long as he… treats me well.” During the chaos of war, she had recognized a very important point: a fallen phoenix is inferior to a chicken. Now all she sought was a husband who could give her support and take care of her.
“How has Prime Minister Yuan not treated you well? These dresses, these jewelry pieces—even in the palace you never had such fine things. When a man gives a woman such precious items, if it’s not because he cherishes her, then what is it?” Yu Xiang felt she couldn’t be mistaken. “Princess, with me here, you can rest easy.”
Liu Bao’er immersed herself in the warm water. The fragrance was assailing and made her so comfortable she exhaled with relief. Tomorrow they would arrive in Yang City. She wondered whether Prime Minister Yuan’s wife was beautiful or not. Thinking about it, she felt a bit nervous.
On the day of Yuan Cheng’s return to the city, early that morning, Mo Zi was pulled by Yang Qiao to the upper floor of a tavern.
“The view is really good—directly facing the city gate, and we can also see what the Third Princess looks like.” She smiled and winked at Yang Qiao.
Yang Qiao simply admitted it. “Know yourself and know your enemy, and you’ll win every battle.”
Mo Zi called over a waiter and ordered congee. “Although I’m curious what the Third Princess is like, I’m more concerned about my husband. Whether these days of campaigning have been hard, how he’s been eating, how he’s been sleeping.”
Yang Qiao’s eyes widened. “Mo Zi, have you changed? All along, I thought you were the one who most detested men taking three or four wives.”
“I still detest it.” Mo Zi smiled lightly. “But I’ve already married Yuan Cheng. What I’m like, what shortcomings and strengths I have—he knows better than anyone and has accepted all of it. So if the Third Princess really appears, he’ll give me an explanation. And I won’t step forward—women don’t make things difficult for women, especially over the same man.” This was something the man should resolve.
Yang Qiao suddenly understood. “So it’s not that you’ve changed, but that you completely trust your husband.” She sighed. “The relationship between you and Prime Minister Yuan is truly enviable. If only I could find someone like that too.”
Wei Jia was guarding the northern border with Jin Yin and probably still didn’t know Yang Qiao was in Yang City—they hadn’t met.
Yang Qiao also hadn’t mentioned that name again.
Mo Zi poured several cups of tea and invited Zan Jin, A’Yue, and A’Hao to all sit down. “Marry a rooster, follow a rooster; marry a dog, follow a dog.” Speaking these words, she paused slightly. Was this the answer?
“The Young Master won’t take concubines.” Zan Jin thought this was what she was resigned to.
From start to finish, Mo Zi wasn’t worried about this point. She had her bottom line, and on this bottom line she would absolutely not compromise, even if questioned by everyone. If Yuan Cheng took concubines, she would leave. This didn’t mean she didn’t love him—only that she didn’t want to lose herself because of love. Beyond this, marry a rooster, follow a rooster.
Gongs and drums resounded thunderously, the city gate opened wide, the warriors returned in glory, and the people immediately cheered like thunder.
In the middle of the procession, a glossy black divine steed most caught Mo Zi’s attention. Its white tooth crown was inlaid with large pearls, its black silk mane bound high without a single strand out of place. Black brocade garments embroidered with purple peonies, bound sleeves and cloud boots, with a Qiansi knot hanging at the waist. From the second glance onward, that refined man became increasingly handsome. Now his gentle smile could warm those who saw it. People voluntarily knelt one after another, and soon a north-south street was filled with bowing figures, all respectfully wishing Prime Minister Yuan a triumphant return.
Yang Qiao watched with solemn respect. “If Prime Minister Yuan doesn’t become emperor of Song territory, who else could?”
Mo Zi held her bowl and blew on the congee, turning her head to watch that black horse draw closer and closer to her side. Drinking the hot congee, she silently wondered what he was truly thinking.
“Ah, is that woman in that carriage the Third Princess?” Yang Qiao, still harboring a glimmer of hope, pointed in shock.
A luxurious carriage with green gauze draping from all four sides. When the wind lifted it, one could see two women sitting inside. One was dressed lavishly, with cloud-like coiffure, golden hairpin ornaments swaying with her movements, pearls and jade adorning her. Her face was beautifully graceful, her lips curved in a smile, and she waved to the people from time to time.
Yang Qiao snorted. “Who does she think she is, nodding and waving at everyone? How shameless.”
“Quite a few people are calling her Third Princess. It seems she really does have popular support.” Mo Zi was about to fill her second bowl of congee when A’Yue hurriedly helped her. After the first month, her appetite had become remarkably good.
At this moment, customers outside were also discussing this matter with loud voices, so everyone could hear clearly. “Two years ago, the Third Princess came to Yang City with the deposed emperor, right during a grain famine when beggars were countless. She took out all the silver on her person to buy rice and distributed it through temples. For this she received cold mockery and sarcasm from the deposed emperor. Two years later, coming to our Yang City again, the Third Princess remains extraordinarily noble, while the deposed emperor is already a prisoner. This is truly good deeds receiving good rewards.”
Another person said, “If you ask me, it’s still our Prime Minister Yuan who has great magnanimity, distinguishes right from wrong, and judges fairly. Both bearing the surname Liu, he didn’t implicate the innocent. This is truly the bearing of a wise ruler.”
The loud-voiced person then said, “Great magnanimity is one thing, but a talented man and beautiful woman is another. Prime Minister Yuan is distinguished and handsome, the princess is beautiful—a match made in heaven.”
The person who had spoken of Yuan Cheng’s magnanimity said again, “Prime Minister Yuan is a true gentleman. Only those with narrow vision would think he’s infatuated with beauty.”
Yang Qiao raised her eyebrows at Mo Zi and loudly participated, “Well said. I’ll treat this gentleman to a drink.” She called over a waiter and gave the order.
Before long, a shadow appeared outside the curtain. “Thank you for the drink, young lady. Please allow this Fang to return the favor with a cup.”
Without waiting for Yang Qiao to speak, Mo Zi responded, “Young Master Fang need not avoid suspicion. Please enter.”
The pearl curtain swayed, and in came a young gentleman wearing patched Confucian robes yet carrying a long sword—sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, bright and upright bearing.
“This humble one is Fang Zhan, returning the favor with a cup to everyone. However, the young lady just offered the finest wine, and this Fang’s family is poor—I can only offer ordinary water wine. I hope you’ll be understanding.” Though he spoke of his poverty, his expression showed not the slightest inferiority—frank and carefree.
“It’s all wine, all a meeting of kindred spirits.” Yang Qiao accepted the wine cup the waiter handed over, covered her sleeve and drank it all. “Please.”
Fang Zhan’s starry eyes sparkled. Looking at Yang Qiao again, he felt she looked familiar. “Might the young lady be the female official of the Ministry of Rites?”
“Precisely Yang Qiao, Female Official Yang.” Mo Zi had abstained from alcohol and had Zan Jin drink on her behalf. “Your eyes are sharp, Young Master.”
“The female official is a renowned figure in Yang City—not only the sole female official among the Six Ministries but also the founder of the women’s academy. A woman who yields to no man. This Fang has seen you from afar twice and never imagined I’d have the honor of seeing you up close today—”
Mo Zi laughed softly. This fellow was quite straightforward.
Yang Qiao glared at Mo Zi, then replied to Fang Zhan, “I don’t deserve such praise. Where has Young Master Fang seen me?” Yang City appeared peaceful on the surface, but it was hard to say there weren’t people who had infiltrated with ulterior motives.
“This Fang is a supervisor at the Water Bureau. When following the bureau chief on official business, I passed by the academy twice.” A sesame-and-mung-bean-sized official position.
“Then I should address you as Official.” Mo Zi said.
“But I’ve never seen any official among the Six Ministries wearing torn clothes.” Yang Qiao wasn’t afraid of hurting his pride. “Could your official salary have been embezzled?”
“Qiao Qiao.” Mo Zi hadn’t known Yang Qiao had such a harsh side. “How much can an official salary be? Each family has its own circumstances.”
“This humble one’s position is minor and salary small, used to support my parents. Moreover, I’m not currently on official business, so my dress is somewhat casual. I didn’t expect to encounter the female official.” Still without the slightest awareness of poverty, his expression remained bright and clear. Fang Zhan smiled slightly.
Mo Zi rather appreciated him and asked, “Just now I heard Official Fang say that only those with narrow vision would think Prime Minister Yuan is infatuated with beauty. What basis do you have for this?”
“If Prime Minister Yuan truly were someone who cherished beauty, there would long ago be more than just one legitimate wife by his side. These days, how many beautiful women have been offered to him? We’ve never heard of Prime Minister Yuan keeping a single one. From the Third Princess’s status perspective, it’s even more impossible. The Third Princess is, after all, a member of the Liu family. Courtesy is acceptable, but sharing a pillow would be difficult. Although Nande’s capital has been conquered, the deposed emperor, the Empress Dowager, and Grand Tutor Wu are not popular with the people, but there are still warriors loyal to Nande at the borders. Prime Minister Yuan’s courtesy toward Nande’s princess is a move to win people’s hearts. It’s probably a strategy to subdue the enemy without battle.” Fang Zhan spoke with great confidence.
“If that’s truly the case, would Official Fang be willing to leave the Water Bureau and work for me?” She had given Ding Gou to Yuan Cheng, Wei Qing was trapped in Shenxian Bay, Min Song managed Heng City, and Zan Jin was unwilling to manage other affairs. She lacked independent management talent around her—that is, strategists.
Though Fang Zhan didn’t understand, he wasn’t stupid either. “Madam is—”
“This is Prime Minister Yuan’s wife, Song Mo Zi.” Yang Qiao revealed Mo Zi’s identity. “Working for her would mean jumping several ranks.”
Fang Zhan had only heard Mo Zi’s name but never imagined that today he would not only meet Yang Qiao, whom he admired, but also encounter the Peony Master Craftsman. He hurriedly bowed respectfully and deeply. “This official greets Madam and thanks Madam for her appreciation.”
“Official Fang need not be so polite. However, if your guess is wrong, you can only continue staying at the Water Bureau.” Mo Zi didn’t employ just anyone. Very few people gained her trust and were entrusted with important responsibilities.
“If my guess is wrong, then I have neither talent nor ability. This humble one won’t even continue as a Water Bureau official.” Such confident pride.
Mo Zi stood up. “Just for Official Fang’s words, I must personally ask my husband.” A beautiful tale or not? Strategy or not?
She left as soon as she said she would, leaving Yang Qiao to pay the bill.
Yang Qiao couldn’t stop Mo Zi’s footsteps. Meeting Fang Zhan’s pair of bright eyes, she somehow felt a bit awkward. “Thank you for returning the favor, Official Fang. I hope what you said is correct, so you can be put to important use and display your abilities.”
Fang Zhan bowed again, watching Yang Qiao descend the stairs. Only after that graceful figure disappeared did his face slowly steam red.
