Chapter 100: A Daughter's Feelings, The Prince's Tenderness

Chapter 100: A Daughter’s Thoughts, The Crown Prince’s Tenderness

Time is the most merciless force in the world. Unnoticed, June is about to arrive.

In the south of the Yangtze River, perhaps it is raining, and amidst the damp, oppressive rain, the plums have ripened to a deep red.

Yet in Luoyang, the weather is clear, with only the occasional storm that quickly disappears without a trace.

Pei Yuhe and Xu Li sat quietly beneath a blooming rose bush, silent for a long while. Suddenly, the sharp sound of cicadas startled them. Xu Li finally spoke: “Little Sister He, has the Empress summoned you to the palace?”

“Yes.”

“For what purpose?”

“Nothing much, just a brief talk. Then she asked me to embroider a handkerchief, and after finishing that, she had me write some characters.”

“Did she say anything else?”

“No.”

Yet Xu Li sensed it was not so simple; otherwise, rumors wouldn’t have reached her aunt’s ears in Luoyang. Embroidering red, writing characters—what could the Empress mean?

She recalled what the Crown Prince had said: whether anything else, approval was needed from both the Emperor and Empress. A flicker of caution crossed her eyes.

Pei Yuhe noticed Xu Li’s gaze was different, and felt uneasy. How could she not understand at all? After leaving the palace, her father immediately questioned her and then taught her court etiquette. She had learned many rituals since childhood, but this time, her father was more meticulous.

After the lessons, he had her read the "Rules for Women" written by Empress Zhangsun, not only reading but explaining every word and phrase. The "Rules for Women" recounted the successes and failures of imperial consorts throughout history, teaching how to be a good empress. Moreover, her father had issued a strict order forbidding her from stepping outside the gate.

Though her nature was gentle and composed, she was not without wit. Changing the subject, she said, “Sister Li, I heard you went to Shaolin Temple and met the Crown Prince?”

They, along with Yang Min, were all pampered but each different. Yang Min’s nature was largely shaped by her mother, though her mother was not merely mercenary. Parents always hope for the best for their children. Even if the Crown Prince was noble, he was a consumptive, and who would willingly marry their daughter to him? So Yang Min was indulged, especially with the instigation of Helan Minzhi, leading to various consequences. She was an innocent victim.

Xu Li was the eldest daughter, but Xu Qipin was a late-born daughter, followed by a son, Xu Jian. She was talented, good-looking, and held lofty views, even higher than Yang Min’s. Most handsome young men did not impress her; maybe if Wang Bo had been born a few years later, he might have.

That day at Zhongnan Mountain, she was scared half to death, half wanting to be close to the Crown Prince, half disdainful of other men, so she rashly let Li Wei carry her to escape.

This habit led to the guards catching her that day.

She revealed her identity, shouted loudly, causing the guards great trouble. Of course, they had to arrest her; they did not recognize her and had to bring her to the Crown Prince for identification. But she resisted any touch; on horseback, she would immediately fall off. If touched, she yelled. Finally, they grabbed her waist as if their lives depended on it.

It was precisely because she disliked being touched by ordinary men that she reacted so.

Without Pei Yuhe, even if Li Zhi and his wife dismissed Yang Min, they wouldn’t likely appoint her as Crown Princess. Her outgoing nature frightened Li Zhi.

As for Pei Yuhe, she had four older brothers—Pei Wang, Pei Jian, Pei Run, and Pei Rong—and was their only precious daughter, the youngest. Could she not be pampered? Yet her temperament was calm and quiet, unlike Xu Li or Yang Min. This was the essence of a great family. In terms of upbringing, even the royal family did not compare to these noble clans.

Xu Li’s jealousy was pointless. When Xu Jingzong was selecting candidates, she wasn’t even considered! Let alone chasing a man all the way to Shaolin Temple.

Speaking of the Crown Prince, Xu Li said, “I met him; he even wrote a poem for me.”

It became a poem written for her.

“What poem?”

“A new tune, a cup of wine, last year’s weather, the old pavilion. When will the setting sun return? Helplessly, the flowers fall, as if familiar swallows come back. Alone, I wander the fragrant little garden path.”

“Helplessly, the flowers fall, as if familiar swallows come back,” Pei Yuhe murmured. Such a beautifully melancholic line. She recalled other poems and verses by the Crown Prince—sometimes grand, sometimes magnificent, sometimes profound—but each a masterpiece. Her heart fluttered; even without becoming Crown Princess, just like Bi’er, serving him daily would be enough.

At this thought, a flush of rosy pink spread across her cheeks.

Xu Li had intended to flaunt the poem, boasting that although the Empress had only just noticed Pei Yuhe, the Crown Prince and she were already pledged for life. But seeing Pei Yuhe’s blush and spring-like expression, her own spirits sank.

Was she truly betrothed to the Crown Prince?

The benevolent Crown Prince was kind to everyone, but if the Emperor and Empress truly favored Pei Yuhe, marriage was inevitable.

At this thought, she snorted quietly and stood abruptly. Pei Yuhe remained oblivious. Xu Li was already angry, now even more so. Without a word, she turned and left the Pei residence.

Because of the Crown Prince, first Yang Min and the Xu-Pei duo fell out, then Xu and Pei seemed on the verge of enmity.

Since ancient times, beauties have been calamities, but now it seemed it was the poets who brought trouble—not poets, but tender men.

The Yao Yuanchong household, presumably near Kongtong Mountain, was a small mountain village. The hills were modest, covered with lush trees, with a gentle river flowing at the foot. The village was nestled quietly below, not bustling, but the scenery was elegant and serene.

Yet the Crown Prince’s arrival caused a stir in this small village.

Ximen Chong looked at Yao Yuanchong with envy. Few joys compare to timely rain after drought, meeting old friends in a foreign land, passing imperial exams, or returning home in glory. Though young and not yet officially appointed, Yao Yuanchong was already somewhat distinguished. Still, no matter how esteemed, could he invite the Crown Prince to accompany him home?

In his past life, an ordinary man, Ximen Chong scratched his head anxiously as Li Wei approached, teasing quietly, “Ximen, if convenient, I shall visit your residence someday.”

“Not worthy, not worthy,” Ximen Chong replied.

If he truly did, it would be a great honor. Yao Yuanchong was from an official family, while Ximen Chong was merely a tenant farmer. The Crown Prince’s visit would cause nationwide sensation. But just imagining it seemed unlikely here. Guangchengze was frequented by the Emperor; the Crown Prince’s visit was plausible. But Ximen Chong’s home was in mountainous Shangzhou; the chance was even slimmer than going to Wei Yuanzhong’s hometown.

Moreover, his home had only two dilapidated thatched huts. The Crown Prince’s entourage numbered nearly a hundred. Packing them in would collapse the huts, even the Crown Prince could be trapped beneath.

As for hosting? Impossible.

Yao Yuanchong’s mother, younger brother, little sister, and all the villagers came out to greet them.

Li Wei noticed Yao Yuanchong’s mother did not resemble him much, probably taking after his father. The younger brother resembled their mother but was thinner than Yao Yuanchong. The little sister was about Bi’er’s age, delicate in appearance but sun-darkened from rural life.

Li Wei walked over and bowed respectfully to Yao Yuanchong’s mother.

Unlike his own mother, to whom he could feel awe, fear, admiration, or reverence, respect was a different matter. A man undertaking great deeds must be decisive and ruthless, even if it burdens his family. Meanwhile, Yao Yuanchong’s mother was the epitome of a Chinese woman: hardworking, virtuous, devoted to her husband and children.

She quickly returned the bow, calm and composed, accustomed to meeting important people.

She ushered Li Wei and his party into the Yao household.

Though the compound was spacious for the countryside, accommodating nearly a hundred people meant standing room only. Fortunately, Xue Ne and others were unbothered. Some guards, seeing the village’s simplicity, rode ahead to explore Guangchengze.

After more than thirty days of abstaining from meat and hunting, in this land filled with birds and beasts, they could no longer bear it.

Yao’s mother calmly instructed her daughter to brew tea.

In truth, her heart was uneasy. Her son had written that he was now a companion to the Crown Prince, which, though lacking official rank, was a role for scholars or disciples of status. Her son had traveled to the capital for study and paid respects to her late husband’s old friend Wei Yuanzhong; how had he become the Crown Prince’s companion? She was no mere village woman and understood the significance: today a companion, tomorrow, when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, her son might surpass her late husband’s achievements.

Moreover, the Crown Prince had deceived their family.

She wished to ask her son but restrained herself out of propriety.

She was a remarkable woman; otherwise, she could not have journeyed from Yunnan-Guizhou with three children, following her husband’s coffin back to the Central Plains.

Though filled with questions, she showed no trace on her face, conversing with Li Wei with dignity and respect.

Di Renjie and Wei Yuanzhong exchanged a glance filled with respect. Without such a mother, one could not raise such sons.

However, Yao Yuanchong’s younger brother, Yao Yuanjing, and little sister were less composed, scrutinizing Li Wei. They thought, so this was the Crown Prince—no extra eyes or noses, and rather slender, unlike their burly elder brother.

Yet the Crown Prince was indeed the Crown Prince: his voice and manners were pleasant and comfortable.

His talent was evident; even in the countryside, they heard the poems and verses attributed to him, far beyond what their eldest brother could compose.

Yao Yuanjing was indifferent, but the little sister was suspicious of Yao Yuanchong.

The Crown Prince had suffered a grave illness, awakening his spirit. His innate talent was exceptional; as he recovered, his speech became elegant and amusing, his demeanor warm and noble. To a young girl, he was irresistible—a concept not named “instant kill” yet effectively the same, in Yao Yuanchong’s mind.

Otherwise, the young lady from the Xu household would not have chased him from Chang’an to Luoyang, then to Shaolin Temple. Not to mention her, even Shangguan Wan’er was willing to follow him through life and death. Even his own sister clung to him, unwilling to part. Alas, such thoughts were improper.

The possibility of him enchanting his little sister was not small.

This worried him greatly.

Though his little sister was good, in terms of family background, talent, or appearance, she was inferior to the Crown Princess or the Xu family’s young ladies. The Crown Prince would surely not favor her, causing her needless yearning.

A banquet was held in their honor, sumptuous and hearty. When the meal was nearly finished, someone whispered into Li Wei’s ear, “It grows late, Your Highness. Should you retire to the temporary palace?”

Li Wei had no other plan. With so many attendants, staying here disturbed the Yao family. He nodded.

In truth, Yao Yuanchong feared for his little sister…

Yet walking along the path, he schemed. The temporary palace was not ideal, but not far from home either. Despite all his calculations, he had overlooked this detail!

—End of Chapter 100—