Chapter 26
Yingniang got out of the sedan chair after leaving the second gate, alighting to switch to a horse-drawn carriage.
Her maid followed a few steps behind. Both of them simultaneously spotted several figures by the screen wall behind the main gate.
They were hidden in the darkness. Three of them were bowing to the person in the center. That person wore light-colored robes, their face obscured by shadows. Sensing their gaze, he turned his head slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Yingniang quickly averted her gaze and, along with her maid, hurried into the carriage.
The carriage smoothly departed from the residence, leaving the Xie estate behind.
“That scared me to death. Who on earth is the master of this residence?” the maid complained, her heart still pounding.
Since the regent took power, the court’s powerful and noble families had fallen one after another. Now, those who could afford to invite Yingniang could be counted on one hand.
And this residence was heavily guarded on the outside, yet so quiet on the inside it could be called deserted. It was definitely not a normal household.
The maid only knew that when the messenger came, her boss had bowed and scraped, acting like a sycophant, postponing all of Yingniang’s performances and clients just so she could come here.
Only Yingniang knew that the messenger was from the palace.
“Who cares who he is, as long as Madam Song likes my songs,” Yingniang said, taking out the rewards she had received tonight to count them carefully.
It was a very generous amount.
“That’s true,” the maid also pursed her lips and smiled. “I hope this Madam Song invites you often. It’s a relaxed and pleasant trip, and the reward is generous. How wonderful.”
Yingniang also smiled.
But then she heard the maid say with envy, “This residence is so big, and she lives here all by herself, with no mother-in-law or sisters-in-law. How happy she must be. To be a mistress to this extent, she must be fated for good fortune.”
But Yingniang’s smile vanished. “What good fortune? She’s just a canary in a golden cage.”
“What’s wrong with being a canary? I want to be one too. Who will come and keep me?” the maid teased.
Yingniang shot her a look. “Everyone has their own sorrows.” Didn’t you see her cry like that while listening to the song tonight?
The maid became animated. “Her clothes are even better than yours.”
“It’s just clothes. What’s there to be envious of? I can buy them too if I want.”
“You’re jealous.”
“Watch your mouth!”
The two of them walked away, talking and laughing.
The person who had been secretly watching them reappeared.
It was within Xie Yao’s plan that someone would be watching the Xie Residence. Recently, he had not been very strict about concealing his whereabouts. Someone was bound to discover this private residence of his.
However, because of the decadent music that had been heard for five consecutive days, it had been discovered a little earlier.
Just now, he had received news that someone was spying, so he had come to the gate to let them have a clearer look.
As for the songstress, it was a fortunate coincidence.
Now that the court situation had stabilized, the former powerful and noble families were no longer a threat. They had lost the support of the people and couldn’t stir up much trouble.
He would eventually have to let Yuli appear as his princess consort. It was time to start preparing.
But what he had seen tonight had made his plan less certain.
“Strengthen the defenses. The security of the residence must not be compromised,” Xie Yao ordered Song He, and then returned to Mingyue Residence.
Mingyue Residence was pitch black. Yuli was already asleep. Her maids, who had always been indulged by her to be lazy, had also extinguished the lights early.
Xie Yao stood under the hanging flower gate, like an uninvited guest.
“Should I have Jingyu wake the Mistress…”
“No need,” Xie Yao said, and turned to leave.
*
The moon set and the sun rose. After noon, Xie Yao finally had some free time and asked about Yuli.
He learned that Yuli was as usual. After getting up, she would play with her cat, inspect the flowers and trees in the residence, and then return to the study to practice calligraphy.
She would take a nap after her meal. Without asking, he knew that the afternoon would be the same. She would only go to the kitchen to cook some dishes when she knew he was coming back. And if he didn’t send a message, she wouldn’t ask a single question.
The image of Yuli’s tear-streaked face, constantly wiping her tears, reappeared in his mind. Xie Yao’s face was cold and deep, and it did not improve.
The Grand General of the Shenwu Army, Cui Chengbi, came to discuss the matter of the Rouran harassment on the northern border. Seeing the person at the head of the table flipping through memorials with an angry air, he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
The Rouran had been entrenched in the northern border of the Central Plains for many years and had been a major threat since the founding of the dynasty. In the great war a few years ago, it was the then eighteen-year-old regent who had led his troops to their royal court and personally beheaded the then Rouran Khan. Several princes had come forward to negotiate peace, which the court had accepted.
The barbarians had no faith. It was expected that they would betray the peace treaty and raise troops to harass the border. However, Cui Chengbi had also been in that battle. He had no doubt that Xie Yao could behead the Rouran Khan a second time.
It shouldn’t be something to make him angry.
“How is it? Have the Southern Garrison troops found their will to fight?”
Hearing the question, Cui Chengbi pulled his thoughts back. “Reporting to Your Highness, the lower-ranking officers and soldiers are easy to motivate. The soldiers of the Shenwu Army can be provoked to want to go to the northern border with a little goading. But the Wei clan above them is clear-headed and has not made a move.”
The Southern Garrison was composed of the sons of old noble families and was once the elite of the dynasty. However, they had not fought a war for many years and had been corrupted by wealth. They were originally no match for the Shenwu Army. However, the head of the Wei clan was slippery. Not long after Xie Yao’s troops entered the city, he had seen the situation and switched sides, abandoning the royal family and shamelessly integrating into his forces.
But Xie Yao had never treated them as his own people. He planned to take advantage of the northern border harassment to send the Southern Garrison to quell the rebellion and wear them down.
Xie Yao sneered. “The head of the Wei clan is old. It’s time for a younger one to take his place.”
Cui Chengbi immediately understood and, after a few words of discussion, had a plan.
Usually, Xie Yao would also ask about the affairs of the Shenwu Army, but after discussing this matter today, there was no follow-up.
Cui Chengbi had followed him for eight years, through life and death. He knew that he was currently hiding a dark fire in his heart.
Although he was curious about what could make him hold it in, he was also sensible enough not to touch a sore spot.
But he was familiar with the temperament of the person before him. He was not someone who could not control his emotions and would vent his anger on others for no reason.
Cui Chengbi smiled. “This subject has organized a polo match with the generals. Does Your Highness want to join? The autumn weather is dry; it’s good to let off some steam.”
Xie Yao was silent for a moment, then nodded.
Dust filled the air. Strong horses came and went, their neighs filling the ears. Shouts and cries were endless. The air was filled with the smell of dust and livestock.
The faces of the men on the field were drenched in sweat, glowing with a healthy red. Xie Yao rode at the front, followed by two teams of red and black-clad troops, their robes flying horizontally, running at the speed of a battlefield charge.
Xie Yao swung his long-armed mallet. With a crisp sound, the polo ball flew straight into the goal. The red team scored, leading by nearly five points.
Xie Yao rode his horse to the side of the field, and Cui Chengbi also followed.
“Why has Your Highness stopped playing?”
Xie Yao dismounted. A servant took the reins and the mallet. Xie Yao did not stop walking. “If I continue to play, I could stand still, and the ball would be delivered to my feet.”
Cui Chengbi smiled. “It’s rare for Your Highness to leave the palace. They are all desperate to show their faces in front of Your Highness.”
Xie Yao’s lips curled, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Xie Yao walked to the side of the field and sat down under a canopy. Someone handed him a wet cloth.
Xie Yao lowered his eyes and saw that the cloth was held by a pair of tender, white, and slender hands.
He turned his head to look. The woman’s head was bowed low, revealing half of her snow-white neck. She wore a single cinnabar-colored earring.
Originally, there was only Jingyu as a female servant in the palace. Later, Jingyu also disappeared. It was known to all the court officials that there were no women around the regent.
Yesterday, decadent music had been heard from his private residence. Today, someone was trying to please him with a beauty.
Xie Yao looked at her for a few moments, took the cloth from her hand, wiped his hands, and then his face.
The cloth was also scented, with a familiar agarwood fragrance, mixed with some warm floral and fruity notes.
Xie Yao paused. “What is your name?”
The woman trembled slightly, raised her head, and saw the true face of the person before her. The unease in her eyes turned into amazement.
The person who had sent her had only said that the regent was brutal and not interested in women, but had not told her that he was so handsome.
“This servant is Feng Chenyue,” the woman replied respectfully.
Xie Yao glanced at her face, then looked away, turning to Cui Chengbi.
“Who sent her?”
Cui Chengbi couldn’t read his joy or anger and said honestly, “That bunch of old nobles, in a desperate struggle, begging for their lives. This subject thought she might be useful.”
Xie Yao raised his eyelids. “How much benefit did you receive?”
Cui Chengbi’s smile vanished. He knelt on one knee and said, “Your Highness, please see clearly. This subject has absolutely not received any benefit.”
Xie Yao did not tell him to rise. He wiped off his sweat, threw the cloth on the table, and took a large gulp of water from the water flask that Song He handed him.
He glanced at the person on the ground. “Then you say. How should I deal with her?”
Cui Chengbi looked at Chenyue, his face wrinkled.
Xie Yao: “Tell the truth.”
Only then did Cui Chengbi say in a low voice, “The aristocratic families are now in a desperate situation. If Your Highness does not open a way for them, I’m afraid someone will fight to the death. This person is of no low birth, a noble lady of an aristocratic family. Even without a title, it would be good to have her as a maid.”
Xie Yao chuckled.
Cui Chengbi’s scalp tingled.
Chenyue knelt and prostrated herself at the right time. “Chenyue does not ask for a title, only wishes to serve Your Highness in daily life. If I am of any use, I will not hesitate to die a thousand deaths.”
Xie Yao was noncommittal and stood up.
Seeing him get up to leave, Cui Chengbi had already guessed his thoughts. He stood up and followed, saying in a low voice, “Let’s keep her for a while.”
Xie Yao: “As you wish.”
Cui Chengbi smiled again. “Where should we put her?”
“The Duke’s Residence.”
Outsiders didn’t know, but Cui Chengbi knew what kind of hellish place the Duke’s Residence was. He had already foreseen the woman’s fate and didn’t look at her again.
Xie Yao was about to leave. Cui Chengbi quickly had his personal attendant call the troops on the field to see him off.
*
Xie Yao did not give any advance notice of his return today, and he was dressed very differently from usual.
He wore a red scholar’s robe, with his sleeves tied up, and his boots made a loud sound when he walked. Yuli was already preparing to eat. Seeing him, she was stunned for a moment, then quickly had Jingyu go to the kitchen to have someone add a bowl and chopsticks.
Xuemi darted out of the room. Yuli carefully examined his face. His lips were tightly closed, and he looked a little cold.
Thinking that he had probably encountered some trouble outside, Yuli called him “Husband” and then said no more.
Xie Yao walked into the room. Yuli smelled a faint scent of sweat. She wanted to ask him what he had been doing, but she didn’t.
Xie Yao glanced at her, not in a hurry to eat, and had someone bring water for a bath.
He rarely needed help with his bath. In the past, he would always bathe after Yuli, and Yuli would wait for him in bed or fall asleep first.
“I’ll go get your clothes for you,” Yuli said. It was not good for her to eat first, so she went to the west side-room to get his clothes.
Xie Yao went into the bathroom by himself.
Yuli brought the clothes and delivered them to the bathroom. Just as she entered the door, Xie Yao held her wrist.
The clothes in Yuli’s hand fell to the ground. She wanted to pick them up but was pressed into his arms. He held the back of her neck and bent down to kiss her.
He had already taken off most of his clothes.
Yuli closed her eyes, with no intention of retreating. As their lips touched, Yuli suddenly smelled a fragrance that did not belong to him.
She opened her eyes, pressed her palm against his chest, and turned her head away.
Xie Yao froze.
Yuli looked at him, and Xie Yao also stared at her.
Yuli stared at him and said, “There’s a smell.”
He had indeed sweated, and his hair was stained with dust. It was not a pleasant smell.
Xie Yao let her go. “Go and eat first.”
Yuli paused, picked up the clothes on the ground, put them away, and then left.
Yuli went into the bedchamber, went to the pillow where Xie Yao usually slept, and sniffed it. There was only the fresh scent of soap. Her side was the same.
That fragrance was a little familiar. She went to the west side-room again, wanting to take out all the incense she had used before to look. Just as she opened the box, she remembered that Xie Yao had not come back last night.
That smell was not from Mingyue Residence.
It was very faint, and there was the woody scent of agarwood, as well as a sweet floral fragrance. It was used by a woman.
Yuli’s brow twitched, then quickly relaxed.
Perhaps she was overthinking it. Xie Yao had loved the original Song Yi in the novel his whole life and had never looked at another woman. How could he have a woman’s fragrance on him?
Yuli returned to the hall to wait for Xie Yao to come out to eat together. Recently, she had been thinking of Yingniang’s singing and had not cooked for Xie Yao for a few days. Today, he had suddenly come back without any notice. She had been practicing calligraphy and had also transcribed many lyrics, so she had not prepared any dishes to his taste.
Yuli planned to make some custard buns for him after he finished eating.
When Xie Yao came out, he saw Yuli staring at the table full of food, absent-minded. She lacked her usual gentle and calm demeanor and seemed to have a faint sadness.
Hearing Xie Yao’s movements, Yuli came back to her senses and smiled at him. “Husband must be hungry. Come and eat. I was a bit busy today and didn’t have time to make you anything delicious. I will definitely make it for you tomorrow.”
Xie Yao stared at her, his expression inscrutable. He hummed in agreement, without a smile, and could be said to be cold.
Yuli’s smile froze for a moment, but the curve of her lips remained.
Xie Yao took his seat. The two of them ate in silence.
After the meal, Xie Yao caressed his teacup and looked at Yuli. “What were you busy with today?”
Yuli replied, “Practicing calligraphy.”
With just this one sentence, the atmosphere cooled down again. Usually, Yuli might have invited him for a walk to see the autumn scenery, or Xie Yao might have pulled her to the bedchamber.
After a moment of silence, Yuli smiled. “How about I make you some custard buns?”
Xie Yao was silent for a moment before agreeing.
Yuli stood up and went out, her brow slightly furrowed.
She stayed in the kitchen for a not-so-short time. When she returned with a basket of freshly steamed custard buns, Xie Yao was not in the hall.
She saw that the light in the study was on. She went around the camellia tree and walked in to see Xie Yao at the desk, looking at what she had written.
Those were all the lyrics that she wanted to hum the melody of for Yingniang to sing when she came tomorrow.
There were theme songs from historical dramas, pop songs from divas, funny, cheesy love songs, and songs she loved to hum to encourage herself. Most of them were her favorite classical poems, both heroic and graceful.
Thinking of the cheesy song lyrics, Yuli was a little embarrassed. She walked over and saw Xie Yao staring at the poems, and was relieved.
She put down the custard buns, but Xie Yao didn’t move.
He looked up at her and asked, “Did you write these poems?”
Although the people of this time and place had never heard the classical poems of Yuli’s past life, Yuli didn’t dare to claim them as her own.
“No. I’m not that talented,” Yuli said.
“Then who wrote them?” Xie Yao pressed.
This stumped Yuli. She paused and said, “A teacher in Xihe County wrote them.”
Xie Yao looked at her for a long time, then his gaze fell back on the paper.
Yuli’s handwriting had improved a lot and could be said to have progressed rapidly. But Xie Yao had read countless poems and texts since he was a child and naturally knew that such poems could not have been written by an ordinary person.
A teacher in Xihe County could not have written them, nor could the current Grand Tutor. The most likely person to have written them was that talented and brilliant Zhuangyuan.