Chapter 76
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Xing who was staying in the Zhong Manor for the next few days, spent time eating and resting as much as she felt like a caged bird whose feathers are clipped.
But Lady Zhong spent time with her and gave her books she hadn't read before and Xing read those books to pass the time. Xing was a fast reader and she read many book in a day and most of these books with romance as the main theme had a very normal girl suddenly taken by the Emperor or a Lord to be their women and their life in the palaces and big Manors with many women around who try to bring them down but they survive by the love and caring of the man.
Xing could not relate herself to those women who depend on their men that much and the only thing she could relate was the erratic heart beats they get when the man comes closer and also the fact that all the women hate them.
Xing got enlightened by those books that those 'thumping of the heart' was because the female lead has fallen in love with the male lead. So I fell in love with my Prince only now? Xing was confused, didn't I love him before? And none of these books talked about what happens after they profess their love which made Xing more confused.
But one thing she got from those books was those women act cute and complain to the male lead and he'll do everything for them. Xing tried to imagine herself whining about another person to Shengli and she felt goosebumps all over her. This does not suit me at all!
But since all women hate me if I am dressed as a girl, am I a lead too? Would Shengli only like me if I act like them?
She also learned that being a Lady in a big Manor is not all banquets and selecting dresses but they have a lot of work to do and there were servants always asking Lady Zhong for various things making her unable to even rest sometimes.
While she was deeply contemplating about this uncharted territory of the life of women, Shengli came and sat beside her in Lady Zhong's study.
"Shengli", she looked at him placing her hand on her cheek, "Do you prefer women who are weak and ask for your help for everything?"
Shengli looked at her curious eyes that hid a bit sadness too and looked at the many books around her. This silly girl got on to read some stupid stories again right? How could she speak about other women to me and doesn't she know that those kind of women are the ones I hate to the bones?
" Yes, I like women who kneel, whine and beg before me and act cute. I'm going to gather such women and make a harem so big even the emperor would be jealous of my harem. Don't worry, you'll be my official wife and I will treat you well too", he said sarcastically and he unconsciously swirled his tongue inside his mouth as he felt a dirty taste in his mouth to even speak about him having other women.
Shengli expected an immediate punch to his face or like usual she'll pinch his nose and closed his eyes beforehand. But he didn't feel any pain but only heard muffled sobbing.
Shengli opened his eyes to see Xing actually crying and teardrops were falling from her eyes like rainfall and her face was red and she looked so petite and helpless like a small bird sitting near him, hugging her knees.
His heart fell and he immediately picked her up and placed her on his lap and hugged her close.
"Xing... Xing... I'm sorry.... I didn't mean what I said... You know me.... Don't you..?.. I would never...Xing... Forgive me... ", his heart felt heavy and his voice trembled and he took a deep breath to keep his emotions in check. He realised he had broken out in cold sweat to see her still crying and swayed a little hugging her to coax her.
He wanted to slap himself hard for even saying those words. His girl was always rational but these days she is acting different. He should have known better and assured her properly than saying those mean things that he didn't even mean.
Shengli remembered Lady Zhong's words that she is 'still a girl' and sighed, how could I hurt her myself? She always showed her weak side only to me and here I am hurting her more!
"Xing..! Xing...!", he propped her chin up and his eyes became misty seeing her red eyes, "Kill me... No... Make me an eunuch and make it public if I even look at another woman, okay? I won't even hold it against you.... You can... Okay..? Even if I look at another woman.. Or even if you think I looked at another woman... Okay?", he placed her hand on his heart and his eyes were wide and looking at her with expectations.
Xing who had no idea why she cried even though she knew he didn't mean what he said started to laugh hearing his punishment for himself. She knew the worst punishment that would be given to a royal is making him a Eunuch as they are considered descendants of God and making them unable to continue their bloodline is the worst punishment they can receive. But if he becomes an eunuch, won't I suffer too?
" Are you trying to punish yourself or me, idiot Prince?", she laughed harder making Shengli relieved a bit. She got down from him and washed her face and saw him looking at the books that were scattered on the table.
"Those books say that to be virtuous I'll have to follow the three obeys and four virtues and support my husband in everything he does and...", Xing started but was stopped by the loud bang on the table,
"Xing! You don't have to follow these stupid.... virtues or whatever. Just be yourself. You are more attractive that way", he declared. Aren't those 'virtuous' women dime a dozen everywhere pretending to be virtuous but are actually snakes? How can they be compared to his moon who is pure and is the best? His moon cannot be contaminated by those stinky rules.
"These stupid books say that I am in love with you", Xing looked deeply at Shengli with her lips curled up to a smile.
"Well, I love you too", he said immediately and after realising what he said, Xing noticed his cheeks then his face and then his ears and neck gradually getting redder and Xing felt her face burning too looking at him.
Both of them cleared their throats as they got flustered by their sudden profession of Love and silently started to drink tea.
Xing looked at her man sipping tea with his face still a bit red. Who cares what those books say, right? Her Prince is much better than those men in those books. Who will ask to make them a eunuch if they look at another woman in those books? They all had many women in their Manor itself, right? And all those gentlemanly and composed men won't act flustered before their women too, right? As such, her man is the best and no one can beat him inside those books or out in the world!
"By the way, why are you here?", Xing asked him. This guy has become more loose and shows up wherever and whenever.
"Here", he gave her a sealed letter. One look and Xing realised it was from one of her people from the East. She had already informed her people that her business in the East will be handled by Li ChengNuo's Dark Moon organisation and not by the Heavenly Flowers Palace anymore and everyone was surprised how she get that big shot to handle this simple business. Well! Kissing up the owner does help, doesn't it? Xing was proud.
"You didn't read it?", she asked him opening the seal.
" Isn't it for you?", he answered. He himself was surprised when her people approached his people for business dealing. This girl didn't even bother to inform him of her plans to take her business out of the Heavenly Flowers Palace and give it to him. But he should have expected it considering her temperament. He never handles such straight-laced businesses but he had agreed surprising his subordinates. Well! You should not lose the favour of your woman, right?
Xing lazily read the letter, "What kind of business are you doing?", she poked his arms, "You are even making me read letters".
"You lazybones! Do you know my services does not include reading letters and only transportation and security?"
Xing raised her eyebrows, "There are men who leave everything to help his sick woman and there is you not even reading a letter for me..", she muttered and while muttering she realised how unfair she is to him and quit her whining. No one would have done as much as he had done for me!
" So, Lord Chu is still not keen on snitching his comrades and handing over the military token, it seems", she told Shengli.
"So? ", he questioned.
" We have no other choice but to spread the fact that Shihong tries to work with him", Xing smirked and started writing the reply.
Shengli admired the beautiful woman in front of him holding the brush like she was painting and she looked as if she was a painting herself with the flickering lanterns casting beautiful shadows that accentuated her features , inside the study.
Shengli knew what her plan would bring forth. After the Spring Banquet, Shihong has been exposed as the enemy of the throne and anyone associated with him will be deemed traitors. If those rumours about Lord Chu and Shihong spreads more, the justice department will definitely launch an investigation on the Chu family. If that happens the fact that Lord Chu owns nothing will be exposed and also the fact that he had been skimming the military finds would be exposed too leading to the extermination of the entire Chu family and anyone related to him.
So by spreading this news Xing is forcing Lord Chu to immediately prove his loyalty to the throne by exposing the corrupt officials and handing over his military to the Emperor as Xing asked. If he does, he will lose all his friends and his status in the East and if not he will lose his family's and his life. If he changes his mind now and tries to get the help of Shihong, Xing has the definite proof of his misdeeds which she'll hand over to the Justice Department and Shihong is no fool to get involved with someone useless as him too.
So Xing not only left Lord Chu on a hanging bridge by getting all his properties, now she has set fire on both sides of the bridge too. For now his only hope is the thread Xing is offering him. Shengli's lips curved up to a proud smile.
Xing finished the letter and sealed it. "Shihong won't get to his daughters would he?", Xing asked Shengli as she remembered she had promised she'll protect them.
"Probably won't. He is useless for him so he won't bother with him", Shengli answered. 'And since his focus is entirely on you, he won't bother with others', Shengli's eyes became dark, not noticed by Xing who was in deep thoughts herself.
"I heard the elder daughter will be sixteen the beginning of next year and she is elegant and graceful with Heavenly beauty. Won't your brother need women for his harem?", she asked surprising Shengli. Now what is she planning?
"Xing, if she catches the eyes of the Emperor and becomes the Empress, won't your revenge be spoiled and that scum's grandson might become the next Monarch? Won't that make that Chu arrogant?", Shengli asked.
Xing looked at Shengli her eyes dark and dangerous," On other hand won't that be perfect? His precious daughter caught in a gilded cage vying for the attention of one man with hundreds of others like her, amongst all those scheming and planning of other women and their families, while he is helpless to even give her a thousand silver coins. And won't he become much pitiful if she becomes Empress? He would have to be more alert to keep his secret and he has to bear the shame of asking me for his daughter's dowry. By the contract I have, even the Emperor cannot simply take back the properties from me to give it back to him. And his grandson? Isn't everyone inside the palace gates belongs to the Emperor? And get this.. If Chu Weiye becomes Empress, the Emperor will have to depend on the Zhong and Huang families for long and it will be good since both families don't have daughters to offer and Chu family is just an empty shell. On another note, isn't it better for him to have someone powerless by his side so he can be more relaxed unlike your father who had to depend too much on the Empress's family and so he had to put up with her antics and even get on the wrong side of the Zhong family?", Xing added on.
" Still, a scoundrel like him to have his daughter on the phoenix throne is too much", Shengli was not convinced even though all her reasoning seemed plausible.
"What good is the phoenix throne, Shengli? I'd say being a courtesan would be more more beneficial and profitable than being stuck to a place with million rules and a thousand women fighting for the attention of a single man. At least there will be more options of men to choose in a brothel especially if you are talented enough to become an empress, you can definitely become a top courtesan and you have no idea how much they earn without losing their chastity", she said honestly making Shengli laugh hard.
"You know what, Xing? You'll be the only person who'd say a brothel is better than the inner palace in this whole kingdom. Heavens! How right you are!", he could not control his laughter. Seems like he did make a good decision not deciding to take the throne!
" Careful not to speak like this to others, Xing. Those people will be offended and it is a crime to speak ill of the inner palace in this kingdom even though you are right", he added and Xing nodded and gave him the letter.
Shengli got the letter, "Come on you are making this great businessman into a messenger. So where is my payment?", he asked raising his eyebrows.
Xing crawled to his side and kissed his right cheek, "This is for delivering the letter to me", then she kissed his left cheek, "This is for delivering my reply", she got back and she noticed the playful glint in his eyes and regretted what she did.
"That's it?", he asked biting his lower lip making Xing purse her lips.
"What more do you want? Didn't you say everything yours and mine are all mine? Or was that just lip service, you rascal Prince?", she asked with her eyes bright.
"Oh! That was not lip service. But now this Prince wants to serve you with his lips....", he tried to get close to her bit she sprung up and ran out. "
Wait... Xing.... Don't run...", he laughed and ran after Xing who had already made her way out of the room.
...
On the day she was allowed to go back to her home, Rijun was the one who came to pick her up and he seemed.. Weird..! Well..!He acts weird sometimes but this time he looked like he was too caring towards her that spooked Xing a lot and all her instincts told her to run away from him. He even called her 'adorable little sister' and that was like a whole new level of weirdness for Xing. Even though he was scared that she got sick, calling her adorable out of no where seemed too much.
Rijun said that he'll take her to the best restaurant to help her 'celebrate' her good health and her return that made Xing all the more skeptical but the thought of good wine made her lose her doubts against her brother.
The restaurant he took her was the restaurant Shengli previously took her so she bravely entered. The elegant looking restaurant that was particularly designed to be suitable for the upper echelons of the society to dine. But Xing was surprised to see everything normal.. Just too normal as if it was scripted..? She observed closely to see all the diners in the restaurant are soldiers in plain clothes. They can wear silk but they cannot hide their posture and their well calloused hands.
What is this stupid brother of mine planning?
Rijun took her to the second floor of the restaurant and Xing could see as she walked through the expensive red carpet spread on the floor that the entire second floor was closed off.
They took a turn to a more private room and Rijun opened the door and signalled Xing to enter. Xing gave a glare to Rijun and he looked down in guilt that made Xing more curious.
Xing entered to see the spacious room with exquisite furnitures and elegant gold embroidered curtains and the entire room was filled with the fragrance of spring with the flowers and a mild incense burning.
But what caught her eyes more was the dark looking person she for some reason never wishes to see again.
What kind of sin have I committed in my past life to end up meeting this person again? Xing frowned and immediately tried to dart out of the door, only it was closed by her brother.
"I'm sorry", he said but Xing only gave him a death glare and tried to open to door to find it was locked from the outside.
"Tell them to open the door, Rijun!", she gritted her teeth.
"I'm sorry! Please forgive me! It was him!", Rijun pleaded.
Xing didn't care about it, "LET ME OUT", she shouted at her brother making him shudder. She was really pissed to be cornered like this and that too by the same person again and again. Just as she was about to find a way to break the door, the deep, mellow voice of the seated person was heard.
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Xing who was staying in the Zhong Manor for the next few days, spent time eating and resting as much as she felt like a caged bird whose feathers are clipped.
But Lady Zhong spent time with her and gave her books she hadn't read before and Xing read those books to pass the time. Xing was a fast reader and she read many book in a day and most of these books with romance as the main theme had a very normal girl suddenly taken by the Emperor or a Lord to be their women and their life in the palaces and big Manors with many women around who try to bring them down but they survive by the love and caring of the man.
Xing could not relate herself to those women who depend on their men that much and the only thing she could relate was the erratic heart beats they get when the man comes closer and also the fact that all the women hate them.
Xing got enlightened by those books that those 'thumping of the heart' was because the female lead has fallen in love with the male lead. So I fell in love with my Prince only now? Xing was confused, didn't I love him before? And none of these books talked about what happens after they profess their love which made Xing more confused.
But one thing she got from those books was those women act cute and complain to the male lead and he'll do everything for them. Xing tried to imagine herself whining about another person to Shengli and she felt goosebumps all over her. This does not suit me at all!
But since all women hate me if I am dressed as a girl, am I a lead too? Would Shengli only like me if I act like them?
She also learned that being a Lady in a big Manor is not all banquets and selecting dresses but they have a lot of work to do and there were servants always asking Lady Zhong for various things making her unable to even rest sometimes.
While she was deeply contemplating about this uncharted territory of the life of women, Shengli came and sat beside her in Lady Zhong's study.
"Shengli", she looked at him placing her hand on her cheek, "Do you prefer women who are weak and ask for your help for everything?"
Shengli looked at her curious eyes that hid a bit sadness too and looked at the many books around her. This silly girl got on to read some stupid stories again right? How could she speak about other women to me and doesn't she know that those kind of women are the ones I hate to the bones?
" Yes, I like women who kneel, whine and beg before me and act cute. I'm going to gather such women and make a harem so big even the emperor would be jealous of my harem. Don't worry, you'll be my official wife and I will treat you well too", he said sarcastically and he unconsciously swirled his tongue inside his mouth as he felt a dirty taste in his mouth to even speak about him having other women.
Shengli expected an immediate punch to his face or like usual she'll pinch his nose and closed his eyes beforehand. But he didn't feel any pain but only heard muffled sobbing.
Shengli opened his eyes to see Xing actually crying and teardrops were falling from her eyes like rainfall and her face was red and she looked so petite and helpless like a small bird sitting near him, hugging her knees.
His heart fell and he immediately picked her up and placed her on his lap and hugged her close.
"Xing... Xing... I'm sorry.... I didn't mean what I said... You know me.... Don't you..?.. I would never...Xing... Forgive me... ", his heart felt heavy and his voice trembled and he took a deep breath to keep his emotions in check. He realised he had broken out in cold sweat to see her still crying and swayed a little hugging her to coax her.
He wanted to slap himself hard for even saying those words. His girl was always rational but these days she is acting different. He should have known better and assured her properly than saying those mean things that he didn't even mean.
Shengli remembered Lady Zhong's words that she is 'still a girl' and sighed, how could I hurt her myself? She always showed her weak side only to me and here I am hurting her more!
"Xing..! Xing...!", he propped her chin up and his eyes became misty seeing her red eyes, "Kill me... No... Make me an eunuch and make it public if I even look at another woman, okay? I won't even hold it against you.... You can... Okay..? Even if I look at another woman.. Or even if you think I looked at another woman... Okay?", he placed her hand on his heart and his eyes were wide and looking at her with expectations.
Xing who had no idea why she cried even though she knew he didn't mean what he said started to laugh hearing his punishment for himself. She knew the worst punishment that would be given to a royal is making him a Eunuch as they are considered descendants of God and making them unable to continue their bloodline is the worst punishment they can receive. But if he becomes an eunuch, won't I suffer too?
" Are you trying to punish yourself or me, idiot Prince?", she laughed harder making Shengli relieved a bit. She got down from him and washed her face and saw him looking at the books that were scattered on the table.
"Those books say that to be virtuous I'll have to follow the three obeys and four virtues and support my husband in everything he does and...", Xing started but was stopped by the loud bang on the table,
"Xing! You don't have to follow these stupid.... virtues or whatever. Just be yourself. You are more attractive that way", he declared. Aren't those 'virtuous' women dime a dozen everywhere pretending to be virtuous but are actually snakes? How can they be compared to his moon who is pure and is the best? His moon cannot be contaminated by those stinky rules.
"These stupid books say that I am in love with you", Xing looked deeply at Shengli with her lips curled up to a smile.
"Well, I love you too", he said immediately and after realising what he said, Xing noticed his cheeks then his face and then his ears and neck gradually getting redder and Xing felt her face burning too looking at him.
Both of them cleared their throats as they got flustered by their sudden profession of Love and silently started to drink tea.
Xing looked at her man sipping tea with his face still a bit red. Who cares what those books say, right? Her Prince is much better than those men in those books. Who will ask to make them a eunuch if they look at another woman in those books? They all had many women in their Manor itself, right? And all those gentlemanly and composed men won't act flustered before their women too, right? As such, her man is the best and no one can beat him inside those books or out in the world!
"By the way, why are you here?", Xing asked him. This guy has become more loose and shows up wherever and whenever.
"Here", he gave her a sealed letter. One look and Xing realised it was from one of her people from the East. She had already informed her people that her business in the East will be handled by Li ChengNuo's Dark Moon organisation and not by the Heavenly Flowers Palace anymore and everyone was surprised how she get that big shot to handle this simple business. Well! Kissing up the owner does help, doesn't it? Xing was proud.
"You didn't read it?", she asked him opening the seal.
" Isn't it for you?", he answered. He himself was surprised when her people approached his people for business dealing. This girl didn't even bother to inform him of her plans to take her business out of the Heavenly Flowers Palace and give it to him. But he should have expected it considering her temperament. He never handles such straight-laced businesses but he had agreed surprising his subordinates. Well! You should not lose the favour of your woman, right?
Xing lazily read the letter, "What kind of business are you doing?", she poked his arms, "You are even making me read letters".
"You lazybones! Do you know my services does not include reading letters and only transportation and security?"
Xing raised her eyebrows, "There are men who leave everything to help his sick woman and there is you not even reading a letter for me..", she muttered and while muttering she realised how unfair she is to him and quit her whining. No one would have done as much as he had done for me!
" So, Lord Chu is still not keen on snitching his comrades and handing over the military token, it seems", she told Shengli.
"So? ", he questioned.
" We have no other choice but to spread the fact that Shihong tries to work with him", Xing smirked and started writing the reply.
Shengli admired the beautiful woman in front of him holding the brush like she was painting and she looked as if she was a painting herself with the flickering lanterns casting beautiful shadows that accentuated her features , inside the study.
Shengli knew what her plan would bring forth. After the Spring Banquet, Shihong has been exposed as the enemy of the throne and anyone associated with him will be deemed traitors. If those rumours about Lord Chu and Shihong spreads more, the justice department will definitely launch an investigation on the Chu family. If that happens the fact that Lord Chu owns nothing will be exposed and also the fact that he had been skimming the military finds would be exposed too leading to the extermination of the entire Chu family and anyone related to him.
So by spreading this news Xing is forcing Lord Chu to immediately prove his loyalty to the throne by exposing the corrupt officials and handing over his military to the Emperor as Xing asked. If he does, he will lose all his friends and his status in the East and if not he will lose his family's and his life. If he changes his mind now and tries to get the help of Shihong, Xing has the definite proof of his misdeeds which she'll hand over to the Justice Department and Shihong is no fool to get involved with someone useless as him too.
So Xing not only left Lord Chu on a hanging bridge by getting all his properties, now she has set fire on both sides of the bridge too. For now his only hope is the thread Xing is offering him. Shengli's lips curved up to a proud smile.
Xing finished the letter and sealed it. "Shihong won't get to his daughters would he?", Xing asked Shengli as she remembered she had promised she'll protect them.
"Probably won't. He is useless for him so he won't bother with him", Shengli answered. 'And since his focus is entirely on you, he won't bother with others', Shengli's eyes became dark, not noticed by Xing who was in deep thoughts herself.
"I heard the elder daughter will be sixteen the beginning of next year and she is elegant and graceful with Heavenly beauty. Won't your brother need women for his harem?", she asked surprising Shengli. Now what is she planning?
"Xing, if she catches the eyes of the Emperor and becomes the Empress, won't your revenge be spoiled and that scum's grandson might become the next Monarch? Won't that make that Chu arrogant?", Shengli asked.
Xing looked at Shengli her eyes dark and dangerous," On other hand won't that be perfect? His precious daughter caught in a gilded cage vying for the attention of one man with hundreds of others like her, amongst all those scheming and planning of other women and their families, while he is helpless to even give her a thousand silver coins. And won't he become much pitiful if she becomes Empress? He would have to be more alert to keep his secret and he has to bear the shame of asking me for his daughter's dowry. By the contract I have, even the Emperor cannot simply take back the properties from me to give it back to him. And his grandson? Isn't everyone inside the palace gates belongs to the Emperor? And get this.. If Chu Weiye becomes Empress, the Emperor will have to depend on the Zhong and Huang families for long and it will be good since both families don't have daughters to offer and Chu family is just an empty shell. On another note, isn't it better for him to have someone powerless by his side so he can be more relaxed unlike your father who had to depend too much on the Empress's family and so he had to put up with her antics and even get on the wrong side of the Zhong family?", Xing added on.
" Still, a scoundrel like him to have his daughter on the phoenix throne is too much", Shengli was not convinced even though all her reasoning seemed plausible.
"What good is the phoenix throne, Shengli? I'd say being a courtesan would be more more beneficial and profitable than being stuck to a place with million rules and a thousand women fighting for the attention of a single man. At least there will be more options of men to choose in a brothel especially if you are talented enough to become an empress, you can definitely become a top courtesan and you have no idea how much they earn without losing their chastity", she said honestly making Shengli laugh hard.
"You know what, Xing? You'll be the only person who'd say a brothel is better than the inner palace in this whole kingdom. Heavens! How right you are!", he could not control his laughter. Seems like he did make a good decision not deciding to take the throne!
" Careful not to speak like this to others, Xing. Those people will be offended and it is a crime to speak ill of the inner palace in this kingdom even though you are right", he added and Xing nodded and gave him the letter.
Shengli got the letter, "Come on you are making this great businessman into a messenger. So where is my payment?", he asked raising his eyebrows.
Xing crawled to his side and kissed his right cheek, "This is for delivering the letter to me", then she kissed his left cheek, "This is for delivering my reply", she got back and she noticed the playful glint in his eyes and regretted what she did.
"That's it?", he asked biting his lower lip making Xing purse her lips.
"What more do you want? Didn't you say everything yours and mine are all mine? Or was that just lip service, you rascal Prince?", she asked with her eyes bright.
"Oh! That was not lip service. But now this Prince wants to serve you with his lips....", he tried to get close to her bit she sprung up and ran out. "
Wait... Xing.... Don't run...", he laughed and ran after Xing who had already made her way out of the room.
...
On the day she was allowed to go back to her home, Rijun was the one who came to pick her up and he seemed.. Weird..! Well..!He acts weird sometimes but this time he looked like he was too caring towards her that spooked Xing a lot and all her instincts told her to run away from him. He even called her 'adorable little sister' and that was like a whole new level of weirdness for Xing. Even though he was scared that she got sick, calling her adorable out of no where seemed too much.
Rijun said that he'll take her to the best restaurant to help her 'celebrate' her good health and her return that made Xing all the more skeptical but the thought of good wine made her lose her doubts against her brother.
The restaurant he took her was the restaurant Shengli previously took her so she bravely entered. The elegant looking restaurant that was particularly designed to be suitable for the upper echelons of the society to dine. But Xing was surprised to see everything normal.. Just too normal as if it was scripted..? She observed closely to see all the diners in the restaurant are soldiers in plain clothes. They can wear silk but they cannot hide their posture and their well calloused hands.
What is this stupid brother of mine planning?
Rijun took her to the second floor of the restaurant and Xing could see as she walked through the expensive red carpet spread on the floor that the entire second floor was closed off.
They took a turn to a more private room and Rijun opened the door and signalled Xing to enter. Xing gave a glare to Rijun and he looked down in guilt that made Xing more curious.
Xing entered to see the spacious room with exquisite furnitures and elegant gold embroidered curtains and the entire room was filled with the fragrance of spring with the flowers and a mild incense burning.
But what caught her eyes more was the dark looking person she for some reason never wishes to see again.
What kind of sin have I committed in my past life to end up meeting this person again? Xing frowned and immediately tried to dart out of the door, only it was closed by her brother.
"I'm sorry", he said but Xing only gave him a death glare and tried to open to door to find it was locked from the outside.
"Tell them to open the door, Rijun!", she gritted her teeth.
"I'm sorry! Please forgive me! It was him!", Rijun pleaded.
Xing didn't care about it, "LET ME OUT", she shouted at her brother making him shudder. She was really pissed to be cornered like this and that too by the same person again and again. Just as she was about to find a way to break the door, the deep, mellow voice of the seated person was heard.
Xing who was staying in the Zhong Manor for the next few days, spent time eating and resting as much as she felt like a caged bird whose feathers are clipped. But Lady Zhong spent time with her and gave her books she hadn't read before and Xing read those books to pass the time. Xing was a fast reader and she read many book in a day and most of these books with romance as the main theme had a very normal girl suddenly taken by the Emperor or a Lord to be their women and their life in the palaces and big Manors with many women around who try to bring them down but they survive by the love and caring of the man. Xing could not relate herself to those women who depend on their men that much and the only thing she could relate was the erratic heart beats they get when the man comes closer and also the fact that all the women hate them. Xing got enlightened by those books that those 'thumping of the heart' was because the female lead has fallen in love with the male lead. So I fell in love with my Prince only now? Xing was confused, didn't I love him before? And none of these books talked about what happens after they profess their love which made Xing more confused. But one thing she got from those books was those women act cute and complain to the male lead and he'll do everything for them. Xing tried to imagine herself whining about another person to Shengli and she felt goosebumps all over her. This does not suit me at all! But since all women hate me if I am dressed as a girl, am I a lead too? Would Shengli only like me if I act like them? She also learned that being a Lady in a big Manor is not all banquets and selecting dresses but they have a lot of work to do and there were servants always asking Lady Zhong for various things making her unable to even rest sometimes. While she was deeply contemplating about this uncharted territory of the life of women, Shengli came and sat beside her in Lady Zhong's study. "Shengli", she looked at him placing her hand on her cheek, "Do you prefer women who are weak and ask for your help for everything?" Shengli looked at her curious eyes that hid a bit sadness too and looked at the many books around her. This silly girl got on to read some stupid stories again right? How could she speak about other women to me and doesn't she know that those kind of women are the ones I hate to the bones? " Yes, I like women who kneel, whine and beg before me and act cute. I'm going to gather such women and make a harem so big even the emperor would be jealous of my harem. Don't worry, you'll be my official wife and I will treat you well too", he said sarcastically and he unconsciously swirled his tongue inside his mouth as he felt a dirty taste in his mouth to even speak about him having other women. Shengli expected an immediate punch to his face or like usual she'll pinch his nose and closed his eyes beforehand. But he didn't feel any pain but only heard muffled sobbing. Shengli opened his eyes to see Xing actually crying and teardrops were falling from her eyes like rainfall and her face was red and she looked so petite and helpless like a small bird sitting near him, hugging her knees. His heart fell and he immediately picked her up and placed her on his lap and hugged her close. "Xing... Xing... I'm sorry.... I didn't mean what I said... You know me.... Don't you..?.. I would never...Xing... Forgive me... ", his heart felt heavy and his voice trembled and he took a deep breath to keep his emotions in check. He realised he had broken out in cold sweat to see her still crying and swayed a little hugging her to coax her. He wanted to slap himself hard for even saying those words. His girl was always rational but these days she is acting different. He should have known better and assured her properly than saying those mean things that he didn't even mean. Shengli remembered Lady Zhong's words that she is 'still a girl' and sighed, how could I hurt her myself? She always showed her weak side only to me and here I am hurting her more! "Xing..! Xing...!", he propped her chin up and his eyes became misty seeing her red eyes, "Kill me... No... Make me an eunuch and make it public if I even look at another woman, okay? I won't even hold it against you.... You can... Okay..? Even if I look at another woman.. Or even if you think I looked at another woman... Okay?", he placed her hand on his heart and his eyes were wide and looking at her with expectations. Xing who had no idea why she cried even though she knew he didn't mean what he said started to laugh hearing his punishment for himself. She knew the worst punishment that would be given to a royal is making him a Eunuch as they are considered descendants of God and making them unable to continue their bloodline is the worst punishment they can receive. But if he becomes an eunuch, won't I suffer too? " Are you trying to punish yourself or me, idiot Prince?", she laughed harder making Shengli relieved a bit. She got down from him and washed her face and saw him looking at the books that were scattered on the table. "Those books say that to be virtuous I'll have to follow the three obeys and four virtues and support my husband in everything he does and...", Xing started but was stopped by the loud bang on the table, "Xing! You don't have to follow these stupid.... virtues or whatever. Just be yourself. You are more attractive that way", he declared. Aren't those 'virtuous' women dime a dozen everywhere pretending to be virtuous but are actually snakes? How can they be compared to his moon who is pure and is the best? His moon cannot be contaminated by those stinky rules. "These stupid books say that I am in love with you", Xing looked deeply at Shengli with her lips curled up to a smile. "Well, I love you too", he said immediately and after realising what he said, Xing noticed his cheeks then his face and then his ears and neck gradually getting redder and Xing felt her face burning too looking at him. Both of them cleared their throats as they got flustered by their sudden profession of Love and silently started to drink tea. Xing looked at her man sipping tea with his face still a bit red. Who cares what those books say, right? Her Prince is much better than those men in those books. Who will ask to make them a eunuch if they look at another woman in those books? They all had many women in their Manor itself, right? And all those gentlemanly and composed men won't act flustered before their women too, right? As such, her man is the best and no one can beat him inside those books or out in the world! "By the way, why are you here?", Xing asked him. This guy has become more loose and shows up wherever and whenever. "Here", he gave her a sealed letter. One look and Xing realised it was from one of her people from the East. She had already informed her people that her business in the East will be handled by Li ChengNuo's Dark Moon organisation and not by the Heavenly Flowers Palace anymore and everyone was surprised how she get that big shot to handle this simple business. Well! Kissing up the owner does help, doesn't it? Xing was proud. "You didn't read it?", she asked him opening the seal. " Isn't it for you?", he answered. He himself was surprised when her people approached his people for business dealing. This girl didn't even bother to inform him of her plans to take her business out of the Heavenly Flowers Palace and give it to him. But he should have expected it considering her temperament. He never handles such straight-laced businesses but he had agreed surprising his subordinates. Well! You should not lose the favour of your woman, right? Xing lazily read the letter, "What kind of business are you doing?", she poked his arms, "You are even making me read letters". "You lazybones! Do you know my services does not include reading letters and only transportation and security?" Xing raised her eyebrows, "There are men who leave everything to help his sick woman and there is you not even reading a letter for me..", she muttered and while muttering she realised how unfair she is to him and quit her whining. No one would have done as much as he had done for me! " So, Lord Chu is still not keen on snitching his comrades and handing over the military token, it seems", she told Shengli. "So? ", he questioned. " We have no other choice but to spread the fact that Shihong tries to work with him", Xing smirked and started writing the reply. Shengli admired the beautiful woman in front of him holding the brush like she was painting and she looked as if she was a painting herself with the flickering lanterns casting beautiful shadows that accentuated her features , inside the study. Shengli knew what her plan would bring forth. After the Spring Banquet, Shihong has been exposed as the enemy of the throne and anyone associated with him will be deemed traitors. If those rumours about Lord Chu and Shihong spreads more, the justice department will definitely launch an investigation on the Chu family. If that happens the fact that Lord Chu owns nothing will be exposed and also the fact that he had been skimming the military finds would be exposed too leading to the extermination of the entire Chu family and anyone related to him. So by spreading this news Xing is forcing Lord Chu to immediately prove his loyalty to the throne by exposing the corrupt officials and handing over his military to the Emperor as Xing asked. If he does, he will lose all his friends and his status in the East and if not he will lose his family's and his life. If he changes his mind now and tries to get the help of Shihong, Xing has the definite proof of his misdeeds which she'll hand over to the Justice Department and Shihong is no fool to get involved with someone useless as him too. So Xing not only left Lord Chu on a hanging bridge by getting all his properties, now she has set fire on both sides of the bridge too. For now his only hope is the thread Xing is offering him. Shengli's lips curved up to a proud smile. Xing finished the letter and sealed it. "Shihong won't get to his daughters would he?", Xing asked Shengli as she remembered she had promised she'll protect them. "Probably won't. He is useless for him so he won't bother with him", Shengli answered. 'And since his focus is entirely on you, he won't bother with others', Shengli's eyes became dark, not noticed by Xing who was in deep thoughts herself. "I heard the elder daughter will be sixteen the beginning of next year and she is elegant and graceful with Heavenly beauty. Won't your brother need women for his harem?", she asked surprising Shengli. Now what is she planning? "Xing, if she catches the eyes of the Emperor and becomes the Empress, won't your revenge be spoiled and that scum's grandson might become the next Monarch? Won't that make that Chu arrogant?", Shengli asked. Xing looked at Shengli her eyes dark and dangerous," On other hand won't that be perfect? His precious daughter caught in a gilded cage vying for the attention of one man with hundreds of others like her, amongst all those scheming and planning of other women and their families, while he is helpless to even give her a thousand silver coins. And won't he become much pitiful if she becomes Empress? He would have to be more alert to keep his secret and he has to bear the shame of asking me for his daughter's dowry. By the contract I have, even the Emperor cannot simply take back the properties from me to give it back to him. And his grandson? Isn't everyone inside the palace gates belongs to the Emperor? And get this.. If Chu Weiye becomes Empress, the Emperor will have to depend on the Zhong and Huang families for long and it will be good since both families don't have daughters to offer and Chu family is just an empty shell. On another note, isn't it better for him to have someone powerless by his side so he can be more relaxed unlike your father who had to depend too much on the Empress's family and so he had to put up with her antics and even get on the wrong side of the Zhong family?", Xing added on. " Still, a scoundrel like him to have his daughter on the phoenix throne is too much", Shengli was not convinced even though all her reasoning seemed plausible. "What good is the phoenix throne, Shengli? I'd say being a courtesan would be more more beneficial and profitable than being stuck to a place with million rules and a thousand women fighting for the attention of a single man. At least there will be more options of men to choose in a brothel especially if you are talented enough to become an empress, you can definitely become a top courtesan and you have no idea how much they earn without losing their chastity", she said honestly making Shengli laugh hard. "You know what, Xing? You'll be the only person who'd say a brothel is better than the inner palace in this whole kingdom. Heavens! How right you are!", he could not control his laughter. Seems like he did make a good decision not deciding to take the throne! " Careful not to speak like this to others, Xing. Those people will be offended and it is a crime to speak ill of the inner palace in this kingdom even though you are right", he added and Xing nodded and gave him the letter. Shengli got the letter, "Come on you are making this great businessman into a messenger. So where is my payment?", he asked raising his eyebrows. Xing crawled to his side and kissed his right cheek, "This is for delivering the letter to me", then she kissed his left cheek, "This is for delivering my reply", she got back and she noticed the playful glint in his eyes and regretted what she did. "That's it?", he asked biting his lower lip making Xing purse her lips. "What more do you want? Didn't you say everything yours and mine are all mine? Or was that just lip service, you rascal Prince?", she asked with her eyes bright. "Oh! That was not lip service. But now this Prince wants to serve you with his lips....", he tried to get close to her bit she sprung up and ran out. " Wait... Xing.... Don't run...", he laughed and ran after Xing who had already made her way out of the room. ... On the day she was allowed to go back to her home, Rijun was the one who came to pick her up and he seemed.. Weird..! Well..!He acts weird sometimes but this time he looked like he was too caring towards her that spooked Xing a lot and all her instincts told her to run away from him. He even called her 'adorable little sister' and that was like a whole new level of weirdness for Xing. Even though he was scared that she got sick, calling her adorable out of no where seemed too much. Rijun said that he'll take her to the best restaurant to help her 'celebrate' her good health and her return that made Xing all the more skeptical but the thought of good wine made her lose her doubts against her brother. The restaurant he took her was the restaurant Shengli previously took her so she bravely entered. The elegant looking restaurant that was particularly designed to be suitable for the upper echelons of the society to dine. But Xing was surprised to see everything normal.. Just too normal as if it was scripted..? She observed closely to see all the diners in the restaurant are soldiers in plain clothes. They can wear silk but they cannot hide their posture and their well calloused hands. What is this stupid brother of mine planning? Rijun took her to the second floor of the restaurant and Xing could see as she walked through the expensive red carpet spread on the floor that the entire second floor was closed off. They took a turn to a more private room and Rijun opened the door and signalled Xing to enter. Xing gave a glare to Rijun and he looked down in guilt that made Xing more curious. Xing entered to see the spacious room with exquisite furnitures and elegant gold embroidered curtains and the entire room was filled with the fragrance of spring with the flowers and a mild incense burning. But what caught her eyes more was the dark looking person she for some reason never wishes to see again. What kind of sin have I committed in my past life to end up meeting this person again? Xing frowned and immediately tried to dart out of the door, only it was closed by her brother. "I'm sorry", he said but Xing only gave him a death glare and tried to open to door to find it was locked from the outside. "Tell them to open the door, Rijun!", she gritted her teeth. "I'm sorry! Please forgive me! It was him!", Rijun pleaded. Xing didn't care about it, "LET ME OUT", she shouted at her brother making him shudder. She was really pissed to be cornered like this and that too by the same person again and again. Just as she was about to find a way to break the door, the deep, mellow voice of the seated person was heard.
