Chapter 2
Murong Shu Qing
The warm wind was blowing on the surface of the lake, creating a burst of ripples. The lotus leaves were incessantly swaying gently and beautifully, several peach blossoms that started to bloom early were weaving in and out as if they were playing hide and seek with the lotus leaves. The faint fragrant was seeping through the heart. By the side of the lake, there was a woman who was laying half-down, her hair did not appear to be rolled up in a bun, but it was only plaited and braided casually, several strains of hair were flowing loosely in tune and dancing with the wind. The woman was not concerned either, her eyes were watching attentively at the book that was on her hand. She was wearing a white dress, the front jacket and the cuffs only had bamboo leaves embroideries, and no other decorations.
There was another woman who was wearing a green dress sitting next to the woman, her appearance was lucid and elegant. She was holding a satin peony tree fan on her hand and fanning the woman in white dress with it. She did not appear to enjoy the beautiful scenery during this early summer, her bright and large eyes were only watching attentively at the woman with a white dress.
Lu Yi was looking at the other young lady whom she had been serving for five years, her heart was filled with a lot of questions that were still not answered, about what happened when the young lady fell into the lake three years ago and was being rescued, everything was very different?! The character of the previous young lady was unreasonable, and ruthless, a whip had never left her hand. She would wave the whip to whomever displeased her, whether they were from within the family, or the common people within the city, they were all afraid of the eldest daughter from the Murong’s family. She also did not know how many times she was scolded or beaten up. But after Miss fell into the lake and woke up, she did not remember anything, her temper also changed, she became very intelligent, and very gentle. In short, she did not know how to describe it, Miss just changed into a different person. In the past, she would be afraid to serve Miss, was always trembling in fear, but she really like being next to Miss now. She would frequently look at Miss foolishly, and would always be puzzled if she saw a light smile on Miss’ lips, she felt that was like a spring breeze.
“Miss, Miss ~~ Miss, he, he came!” A woman voice that came through from a distant, interrupted Lu Yi’s thoughts, when she recovered, she saw that Miss unhurriedly laid down the book that was on her hand. The corner of her mouth helplessly smiled, and looked at the red figure who was coming hurriedly.
Murong Shu Qing gave a cup of tea to the young servant girl whose brows were beaded with sweat, then she smiled and said: “Say it slowly, do not be anxious.”
Hong Xiu poured down a cup of tea in a big gulp, with her glittering eyes, she said excitedly: “Miss, Xuanyuan Gongzi came!”
“Xuanyuan Gongzi? Who is it?!” Murong Shu Qing still did not understand who was this divine person, who could make this young servant girl to be excited like this? But she was afraid that cup of top notch long dan xin’s tea (tea brand) would be a waste (the way she was gulping it).
“He is your sweetheart ah, your future husband!” Miss did not even remember Xuanyuan Gongzi?!
Oh! As it turned out, it was that man who was engaged to her before she was even born, but who kept on delaying their wedding day again and again ah.
“What is he doing coming here?” Murong Shu Qing was holding a cup of green tea, and looking at the pond that was filled with swaying lotus leaves, she asked carelessly.
“Eh~~ he came, he came to cancel the wedding!” Hong Xiu lowered her head, and summoned up a courage to answer it with a low voice. She secretly looked at Miss’ complexion. Even though Miss changed by a lot now, but if she was provoked again, she might just return back to the previous person, and that would be bad.
“Cancel the wedding?!” Murong Shu Qing’s smiling face did not change, her eyes flashed through a radiant light, then her smiling mouth changed into a ridicule.
“En, Xuanyuan Gongzi and Master are at the reception pavilion, Master is very angry!” Hong Xiu had a worry face. Her eyebrows were quickly knitted together.
“It seems that I have to go and look!” She was the leading role after all, how could she not show up when there was a show?!
“Oh! Then, I will immediately prepare a dress for you to change into, what color of dress do you want to wear now? Red color or purple color that you like the most? Maybe white color? I will comb and roll your hair up in a bun, it will look noble and stylish, it will surely suit Miss~~”
“Stop!” This young sparrow could really be vexed!
“Have I said that I want to change my dress?”
“But~~ but when Xuanyuan Gongzi came in the past, Miss wanted to make yourselves presentable with your dress and hairstyle ah!” Hong Xiu’s voice was lower and lower. Even though Miss did not whip and beat people anymore now, but as long as Miss’ voice was lowered, she would be flustered unconsciously, it was worst than when Miss still beat people up in the past as one did not know what she was thinking.
“That was in the past.” Murong Shu Qing helplessly sighed when she spoke, if she wanted to go see a man, and the man who wanted to cancel their wedding, why would she need to make herself presentable by dressing up and doing a hairstyle?! And she still needed to take a long bath! Women ah, sometimes they liked to complicate themselves, and made themselves to be embarrassed.
“I remember that there is an engagement token?”
“Right ah, it is a South China Sea’s pearl, it is almost as big as a clenched fist!” Hong Xiu had seen it twice, it was very beautiful ah, dazzling.
“Lu Yi, go and bring it here. Then we will go to the reception pavilion.” Finished speaking, she started to walk out, and go to the reception pavilion.
Miss really wanted to cancel the wedding ah? Both of the young servant girls were looking at each other, but they did not dare to open their mouths either, and promptly followed to go.
Murong Shu Qing, nope, it should be Bai Yi Fan. It had been three years, she almost forgot that she was Bai Yi Fan. Three years had gone by indescribably, it also made her not knowing what to do because of it, but she always had a ready to adapt character so her heart was quickly settled after a period of time. At first, she would just continue to read her books as her companion every day, that would not be bad. But when she saw that the old Murong family’s Master had three wives and four concubines, the Murong family’s eldest daughter was married off to a stranger because of the matchmaker’s words, and this Murong Shu Qing was unexpectedly already engaged before she was even born. She knew that the freedom that she wanted while she was in this era, was only a delusion. In order for her to live the life that she wanted, she knew what she was required to do, she needed powers and wealths. For three years, she exhausted all of her intelligent and capabilities to make the Murong’s family who had been declining gradually, to be the first influential family in Dong Yu country again. She became the real Murong’s family master. Since she was already Murong Shu Qing, then she would control her own life. And this fiancé actually came at the right time. It should be the right time to settle this matter.
“Kuang dang~” A crisp sound of a teacup that was being thrown down broke Murong Shu Qing’s train of thoughts. “I will never agree to this, I have said it three years ago that the wedding has been set up by the two families, you cannot cancel it just because you say so!” Full of anger, it appeared that this old Murong’s father was really angry ah!
“I simply came to inform you that I wanted to cancel the marriage.”
En, very magnetic voice, it was deep, low and hoarse, moreover, it was also domineering. The voice was not loud but it gave people the oppressed feelings. He was really worthy of being the most powerful General in the Imperial court. Murong Shu Qing was suddenly looking forward to see this accomplished youngster, her world famous ‘fiancé.’ It would definitely be interesting, with a light smile, she stepped into the door of the reception pavilion.
“Father.” Her voice was not loud, but it made the three men who were inside the reception pavilion to stare blankly, the hostility within the inside atmosphere dissipated by a lot.
“Qing-er, you come just in time, this youngster has unexpectedly said that he wants to cancel the wedding! You can be at ease, father will never agree to it.” Murong Xiang looked at her darling daughter who just came, and he clearly stated his approach promptly.
Murong Shu Qing looked towards the two men who were in the reception pavilion, they all looked very outstanding, with impressive appearances. Meeting two completely different personalities, it was not difficult to guess that the person who was wearing a greenish jacket, with an expressionless face, a completely ruthless and strong man, he should be her legend ‘fiancé.’ He was really a handsome man, with eyebrows that looked like a double-edged sword, arrogant nose and thin lips, knife-like stone face that showed his unruly characters. Not only his appearances, but this man also had a sense for his absolute existence. But this man had a strong violence attitude, while his eyes did not have any desires? Bai Yi Fan had never met with this type of man in all of her 29 years of age. She could not help to want to admire this person, what was more for a 17-18 years old young girl who was awakening in her first love?! No wonder, one would not agree to cancel the wedding even in death. And the other man who was wearing a gray dress had a smiling expression on his good-natured’s face, his manner had a proper sense of propriety, it made people to feel cultured and refined. But that pair of eyes with interest eyes made Bai Yi Fan’s intuition to think that he was not a simple person either. The common saying was like a smiling fox (sly and treacherous person).
“Father, since Xuanyuan Gongzi is determined to cancel the wedding, and he has a fix reason for it, it is not good for us to force him to follow through with the wedding.” A clear and moist voice echoed gently, as if the early summer’s dry and warm heat were changed into a trace of fresh and cool airs.
“This was your deceased mother and Madam Xuanyuan’s marriage agreements, so he did not have a final say on it.” Murong Xiang was curious secretly, was his daughter not extremely liking this youngster, she tried to kill herself in the past because of him, how could she agree to cancel the wedding today?
“Since the two families older generations’ decision for this marriage, it was also to wish for our happiness. Since Xuanyuan Gongzi is not willing now, if we have to force him to fulfill the wedding agreement, how can we have any happiness? I believe that my deceased mother will understand this, and will also be understanding on my decision.” Murong Shu Qing smiled even deeper, her eyes were looking straight at Murong Xiang to let him see that she was determined on this.
“But how can we tell your maternal grandfather ~~”
“Father does not need to worry about maternal grandfather, I will explain to him on my own.”
Murong Xiang knew that talking too many words would not be beneficial either, this last three years, she insisted on wanting to do her own matters, she was always successful. But as her parents, he still wanted to say: “You are already 19 years old, if the wedding is cancelled ~~”
“Father, this daughter still wants to look after you for a few more years, also with this daughter by your side, I believe that you will be even happier in your life.” Although her words were warmth, but her eyes were carelessly looking at the scenery outside the window.
These words made Murong Xiang’s complexion got panicky, yeah ah, he did not have to work so hard for the family’s business for the last three years, and it was still bigger and bigger. If his daughter got married, then, would he be responsible for the business again?! Since she wanted to cancel the wedding, then they would just cancel it, it seemed that she already had some arrangements, he did not have to be anxious about it. “I will comply with you all, we will cancel the wedding.” Finished speaking, he stormed out in a huff.
Murong Shu Qing had known that there were two sets of eyes that were looking at her since she entered the room and they had not been moved away from her body. But she did not mind it, turning around to face the eyes that were like the deep ocean, she smiled gently: “Since the wedding has already been cancelled, then I will also return this engagement token. Lu Yi, give it to Gongzi.”
“Yes.” Lu Yi gave that precious South China Sea’s pearl to Xuanyuan Yi. Xuanyuan Yi did not even look at it, his eyes were still staring at Murong Shu Qing and would not let them go.
The smile on Murong Shu Qing’s face did not change at all, she just let him to look at her, and did not avoid him either. She already returned this thing, it was his business if he did not want it. She was a business woman now, so she could not fail to show any etiquettes: “Since these two Gongzi have already in Huadu (district), it will be better if you stay for a few days to enjoy the beautiful scenery here, and let me be the host.”
“Then, we will be troubling you.” The man who was wearing a gray dress, was the one who gave the answer.
Murong Shu Qing looked at Xuanyuan Yi who clearly wrinkled his eyebrows, but the man who was wearing the gray dress was just holding a fan on his hand, with a gentle smile on his face, and ignored Xuanyuan Yi’s frowning eyes.
It seemed that this man was very interested in her! It did not matter to her, having two more guests would not harm her either, she also wanted to take a look to see what kind of a person was that youngster’s general. How could he have those kind of eyes. “Lu Yi, bring the two Gongzi to Ting Feng pavilion. Do not neglect these noble guests. I will bid goodbye.” Finished speaking, she nodded a little bit, then her white figure went away quickly.
Sian’s notes:
Gongzi is an appellation for sons who are from the wealthy families or higher government officials during the ancient period. There’s really no English words for this so I’m keeping the pinyin words.
As you can see, I’m also keeping the pinyin words for the names of courtyards or buildings or the names of teas or wines, as it really doesn’t make any sense to translate those words. But I’ll usually put the translation words at least once in the chapter where those words are found.
Chapter 2
Murong Shu Qing
The warm wind was blowing on the surface of the lake, creating a burst of ripples. The lotus leaves were incessantly swaying gently and beautifully, several peach blossoms that started to bloom early were weaving in and out as if they were playing hide and seek with the lotus leaves. The faint fragrant was seeping through the heart. By the side of the lake, there was a woman who was laying half-down, her hair did not appear to be rolled up in a bun, but it was only plaited and braided casually, several strains of hair were flowing loosely in tune and dancing with the wind. The woman was not concerned either, her eyes were watching attentively at the book that was on her hand. She was wearing a white dress, the front jacket and the cuffs only had bamboo leaves embroideries, and no other decorations.
There was another woman who was wearing a green dress sitting next to the woman, her appearance was lucid and elegant. She was holding a satin peony tree fan on her hand and fanning the woman in white dress with it. She did not appear to enjoy the beautiful scenery during this early summer, her bright and large eyes were only watching attentively at the woman with a white dress.
Lu Yi was looking at the other young lady whom she had been serving for five years, her heart was filled with a lot of questions that were still not answered, about what happened when the young lady fell into the lake three years ago and was being rescued, everything was very different?! The character of the previous young lady was unreasonable, and ruthless, a whip had never left her hand. She would wave the whip to whomever displeased her, whether they were from within the family, or the common people within the city, they were all afraid of the eldest daughter from the Murong’s family. She also did not know how many times she was scolded or beaten up. But after Miss fell into the lake and woke up, she did not remember anything, her temper also changed, she became very intelligent, and very gentle. In short, she did not know how to describe it, Miss just changed into a different person. In the past, she would be afraid to serve Miss, was always trembling in fear, but she really like being next to Miss now. She would frequently look at Miss foolishly, and would always be puzzled if she saw a light smile on Miss’ lips, she felt that was like a spring breeze.
“Miss, Miss ~~ Miss, he, he came!” A woman voice that came through from a distant, interrupted Lu Yi’s thoughts, when she recovered, she saw that Miss unhurriedly laid down the book that was on her hand. The corner of her mouth helplessly smiled, and looked at the red figure who was coming hurriedly.
Murong Shu Qing gave a cup of tea to the young servant girl whose brows were beaded with sweat, then she smiled and said: “Say it slowly, do not be anxious.”
Hong Xiu poured down a cup of tea in a big gulp, with her glittering eyes, she said excitedly: “Miss, Xuanyuan Gongzi came!”
“Xuanyuan Gongzi? Who is it?!” Murong Shu Qing still did not understand who was this divine person, who could make this young servant girl to be excited like this? But she was afraid that cup of top notch long dan xin’s tea (tea brand) would be a waste (the way she was gulping it).
“He is your sweetheart ah, your future husband!” Miss did not even remember Xuanyuan Gongzi?!
Oh! As it turned out, it was that man who was engaged to her before she was even born, but who kept on delaying their wedding day again and again ah.
“What is he doing coming here?” Murong Shu Qing was holding a cup of green tea, and looking at the pond that was filled with swaying lotus leaves, she asked carelessly.
“Eh~~ he came, he came to cancel the wedding!” Hong Xiu lowered her head, and summoned up a courage to answer it with a low voice. She secretly looked at Miss’ complexion. Even though Miss changed by a lot now, but if she was provoked again, she might just return back to the previous person, and that would be bad.
“Cancel the wedding?!” Murong Shu Qing’s smiling face did not change, her eyes flashed through a radiant light, then her smiling mouth changed into a ridicule.
“En, Xuanyuan Gongzi and Master are at the reception pavilion, Master is very angry!” Hong Xiu had a worry face. Her eyebrows were quickly knitted together.
“It seems that I have to go and look!” She was the leading role after all, how could she not show up when there was a show?!
“Oh! Then, I will immediately prepare a dress for you to change into, what color of dress do you want to wear now? Red color or purple color that you like the most? Maybe white color? I will comb and roll your hair up in a bun, it will look noble and stylish, it will surely suit Miss~~”
“Stop!” This young sparrow could really be vexed!
“Have I said that I want to change my dress?”
“But~~ but when Xuanyuan Gongzi came in the past, Miss wanted to make yourselves presentable with your dress and hairstyle ah!” Hong Xiu’s voice was lower and lower. Even though Miss did not whip and beat people anymore now, but as long as Miss’ voice was lowered, she would be flustered unconsciously, it was worst than when Miss still beat people up in the past as one did not know what she was thinking.
“That was in the past.” Murong Shu Qing helplessly sighed when she spoke, if she wanted to go see a man, and the man who wanted to cancel their wedding, why would she need to make herself presentable by dressing up and doing a hairstyle?! And she still needed to take a long bath! Women ah, sometimes they liked to complicate themselves, and made themselves to be embarrassed.
“I remember that there is an engagement token?”
“Right ah, it is a South China Sea’s pearl, it is almost as big as a clenched fist!” Hong Xiu had seen it twice, it was very beautiful ah, dazzling.
“Lu Yi, go and bring it here. Then we will go to the reception pavilion.” Finished speaking, she started to walk out, and go to the reception pavilion.
Miss really wanted to cancel the wedding ah? Both of the young servant girls were looking at each other, but they did not dare to open their mouths either, and promptly followed to go.
Murong Shu Qing, nope, it should be Bai Yi Fan. It had been three years, she almost forgot that she was Bai Yi Fan. Three years had gone by indescribably, it also made her not knowing what to do because of it, but she always had a ready to adapt character so her heart was quickly settled after a period of time. At first, she would just continue to read her books as her companion every day, that would not be bad. But when she saw that the old Murong family’s Master had three wives and four concubines, the Murong family’s eldest daughter was married off to a stranger because of the matchmaker’s words, and this Murong Shu Qing was unexpectedly already engaged before she was even born. She knew that the freedom that she wanted while she was in this era, was only a delusion. In order for her to live the life that she wanted, she knew what she was required to do, she needed powers and wealths. For three years, she exhausted all of her intelligent and capabilities to make the Murong’s family who had been declining gradually, to be the first influential family in Dong Yu country again. She became the real Murong’s family master. Since she was already Murong Shu Qing, then she would control her own life. And this fiancé actually came at the right time. It should be the right time to settle this matter.
“Kuang dang~” A crisp sound of a teacup that was being thrown down broke Murong Shu Qing’s train of thoughts. “I will never agree to this, I have said it three years ago that the wedding has been set up by the two families, you cannot cancel it just because you say so!” Full of anger, it appeared that this old Murong’s father was really angry ah!
“I simply came to inform you that I wanted to cancel the marriage.”
En, very magnetic voice, it was deep, low and hoarse, moreover, it was also domineering. The voice was not loud but it gave people the oppressed feelings. He was really worthy of being the most powerful General in the Imperial court. Murong Shu Qing was suddenly looking forward to see this accomplished youngster, her world famous ‘fiancé.’ It would definitely be interesting, with a light smile, she stepped into the door of the reception pavilion.
“Father.” Her voice was not loud, but it made the three men who were inside the reception pavilion to stare blankly, the hostility within the inside atmosphere dissipated by a lot.
“Qing-er, you come just in time, this youngster has unexpectedly said that he wants to cancel the wedding! You can be at ease, father will never agree to it.” Murong Xiang looked at her darling daughter who just came, and he clearly stated his approach promptly.
Murong Shu Qing looked towards the two men who were in the reception pavilion, they all looked very outstanding, with impressive appearances. Meeting two completely different personalities, it was not difficult to guess that the person who was wearing a greenish jacket, with an expressionless face, a completely ruthless and strong man, he should be her legend ‘fiancé.’ He was really a handsome man, with eyebrows that looked like a double-edged sword, arrogant nose and thin lips, knife-like stone face that showed his unruly characters. Not only his appearances, but this man also had a sense for his absolute existence. But this man had a strong violence attitude, while his eyes did not have any desires? Bai Yi Fan had never met with this type of man in all of her 29 years of age. She could not help to want to admire this person, what was more for a 17-18 years old young girl who was awakening in her first love?! No wonder, one would not agree to cancel the wedding even in death. And the other man who was wearing a gray dress had a smiling expression on his good-natured’s face, his manner had a proper sense of propriety, it made people to feel cultured and refined. But that pair of eyes with interest eyes made Bai Yi Fan’s intuition to think that he was not a simple person either. The common saying was like a smiling fox (sly and treacherous person).
“Father, since Xuanyuan Gongzi is determined to cancel the wedding, and he has a fix reason for it, it is not good for us to force him to follow through with the wedding.” A clear and moist voice echoed gently, as if the early summer’s dry and warm heat were changed into a trace of fresh and cool airs.
“This was your deceased mother and Madam Xuanyuan’s marriage agreements, so he did not have a final say on it.” Murong Xiang was curious secretly, was his daughter not extremely liking this youngster, she tried to kill herself in the past because of him, how could she agree to cancel the wedding today?
“Since the two families older generations’ decision for this marriage, it was also to wish for our happiness. Since Xuanyuan Gongzi is not willing now, if we have to force him to fulfill the wedding agreement, how can we have any happiness? I believe that my deceased mother will understand this, and will also be understanding on my decision.” Murong Shu Qing smiled even deeper, her eyes were looking straight at Murong Xiang to let him see that she was determined on this.
“But how can we tell your maternal grandfather ~~”
“Father does not need to worry about maternal grandfather, I will explain to him on my own.”
Murong Xiang knew that talking too many words would not be beneficial either, this last three years, she insisted on wanting to do her own matters, she was always successful. But as her parents, he still wanted to say: “You are already 19 years old, if the wedding is cancelled ~~”
“Father, this daughter still wants to look after you for a few more years, also with this daughter by your side, I believe that you will be even happier in your life.” Although her words were warmth, but her eyes were carelessly looking at the scenery outside the window.
These words made Murong Xiang’s complexion got panicky, yeah ah, he did not have to work so hard for the family’s business for the last three years, and it was still bigger and bigger. If his daughter got married, then, would he be responsible for the business again?! Since she wanted to cancel the wedding, then they would just cancel it, it seemed that she already had some arrangements, he did not have to be anxious about it. “I will comply with you all, we will cancel the wedding.” Finished speaking, he stormed out in a huff.
Murong Shu Qing had known that there were two sets of eyes that were looking at her since she entered the room and they had not been moved away from her body. But she did not mind it, turning around to face the eyes that were like the deep ocean, she smiled gently: “Since the wedding has already been cancelled, then I will also return this engagement token. Lu Yi, give it to Gongzi.”
“Yes.” Lu Yi gave that precious South China Sea’s pearl to Xuanyuan Yi. Xuanyuan Yi did not even look at it, his eyes were still staring at Murong Shu Qing and would not let them go.
The smile on Murong Shu Qing’s face did not change at all, she just let him to look at her, and did not avoid him either. She already returned this thing, it was his business if he did not want it. She was a business woman now, so she could not fail to show any etiquettes: “Since these two Gongzi have already in Huadu (district), it will be better if you stay for a few days to enjoy the beautiful scenery here, and let me be the host.”
“Then, we will be troubling you.” The man who was wearing a gray dress, was the one who gave the answer.
Murong Shu Qing looked at Xuanyuan Yi who clearly wrinkled his eyebrows, but the man who was wearing the gray dress was just holding a fan on his hand, with a gentle smile on his face, and ignored Xuanyuan Yi’s frowning eyes.
It seemed that this man was very interested in her! It did not matter to her, having two more guests would not harm her either, she also wanted to take a look to see what kind of a person was that youngster’s general. How could he have those kind of eyes. “Lu Yi, bring the two Gongzi to Ting Feng pavilion. Do not neglect these noble guests. I will bid goodbye.” Finished speaking, she nodded a little bit, then her white figure went away quickly.
Sian’s notes:
Gongzi is an appellation for sons who are from the wealthy families or higher government officials during the ancient period. There’s really no English words for this so I’m keeping the pinyin words.
As you can see, I’m also keeping the pinyin words for the names of courtyards or buildings or the names of teas or wines, as it really doesn’t make any sense to translate those words. But I’ll usually put the translation words at least once in the chapter where those words are found.
