"It's too late," Yao Jiamin sighed, "Ying Wang has already noticed us."
Ever since she stopped liking Ying Wang, she noticed many flaws in him. For example, his walking posture was not as elegant as the Fifth Prince's, his clothes were not as tasteful as the Crown Prince's, and his appearance was not refined enough. Even the way he entered the room seemed a bit crab-like.
Seeing Ying Wang again, she didn't feel calm but rather had an indescribable, faint sense of disdain.
Ying Wang heard from the eunuch by his side that this teahouse had storytellers randomly arranging stories about the Emperor, so he rushed over immediately. The Emperor was the Son of Heaven, how could he allow these storytellers to randomly arrange stories? Do these literati have good taste and deep emotions like he does?
Only the songs arranged by him were the best!
When he entered, the storyteller happened to be telling the story of Emperor Changlong sleepwalking to the heavenly palace, and how the Jade Emperor above praised Emperor Changlong. However, the story was interrupted because Ying Wang entered.
The tea customers were about to curse the person who interrupted the story, but when they turned their heads and saw the attendants behind Ying Wang, they swallowed their curses.
As residents of the capital, they valued harmony.
Ying Wang also wanted to curse, but when he looked up and saw Hua Liuli sitting on the second floor, he swallowed his rude words. He patted his robe and walked towards the second floor.
His steps were forceful, making the wooden stairs creak.
"Your Highness," among the tea customers on the second floor, there were those who knew Ying Wang. They came forward in twos and threes to greet him.
Ying Wang nodded slightly to them and walked briskly to Hua Liuli's side, "Fushou Junzhu?"
"Greetings to Your Highness Ying Wang," Hua Liuli stood up and saluted. From the corner of her eye, she noticed that He Yuanting intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Yao Jiamin when Ying Wang walked toward her.
She lowered her eyelids. She didn't expect the Third Prince of the Diamao Kingdom to be so curious, showing his desire to watch the excitement on his face.
Ying Wang greeted Hua Liuli and took an awkward step back, then turned to Yao Jiamin, "Jiamin, you're here too."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Yes, I'm finally noticed by you, such a great accomplishment.
"Did Your Highness come here to listen to the stories as well?" Yao Jiamin asked, "A few of us sisters are here listening to the stories. The storyteller downstairs was making up some nonsense in the story, but it's still quite interesting to listen to."
Ying Wang remained silent for a moment and asked Hua Liuli, "Fushou Junzhu is here with Jiamin Junzhu?"
"Yes, that's right," Hua Liuli smiled, "If it weren't for Your Highness coming in, the storyteller would have reached the part about the Jade Emperor meeting His Majesty."
Ying Wang's cheek muscles twitched. He didn't expect that the commoners could boast about the Emperor even more shamelessly than him.
What he couldn't understand the most was that, a few months ago, whenever Yao Jiamin saw Hua Liuli, they were like enemies, clearly seeing through each other. Now they were like close sisters, listening to stories and chatting.
Wasn't it said that most women were petty and held grudges?
He looked at Hua Liuli, wanting to say many things but unable to utter a single word. One reason was the headache caused by his mother's wailing, and the other was the words the Crown Prince said to Zhang Shuo, that he, Ying Wang, wouldn't do anything lowly.
Secretly thinking about his younger brother's betrothed was considered lowly.
"Uh, uh..." The guiltier he felt, the worse Ying Wang could speak. He withdrew his gaze from Hua Liuli and said, "Then you can continue watching. Benwang will sit with the Third Prince of the Diamao Kingdom over there."
After speaking, regardless of whether He Yuanting agreed or not, Ying Wang reached out and pulled him over, "Third Prince, where do you want to sit?"
If he dared to say that he wanted to sit with these young ladies, Ying Wang might give him a cold face right then and there.
"Your Highness, Benwang will sit across from you," He Yuanting smiled gently.
Ying Wang didn't waste words with him. He turned around and sat at the tea table where He Yuanting had reserved.
"Your Highness, what tea would you like?"
Ying Wang was distracted, listening to the storyteller downstairs talking about how the Jade Emperor wanted to bestow a divine position on his father. When He Yuanting asked about the tea, Ying Wang absentmindedly replied, "Anything will do."
A cup of hot tea was placed next to Ying Wang, but even as the tea cooled, Ying Wang didn't touch it.
Being a member of the imperial family, he had developed a habit of not consuming anything not given by trusted individuals. In front of He Yuanting, it wasn't convenient for the attendants by Ying Wang's side to test for poison, so they maintained superficial courtesy.
Ying Wang traced the edge of the teacup, looking up at the opposite side. He wondered what Jiamin and the others had said to Fushou Junzhu; she looked very happy.
There was clamor downstairs, with cheers and applause at times. Ying Wang suddenly felt annoyed. He glanced at He Yuanting, who was looking at him with a pleasing smile, and stood up, "Third Prince, Benwang should be leaving."
"Safe travels, Your Highness," He Yuanting personally escorted Ying Wang downstairs.
Ying Wang turned to look at him and suddenly spoke, "There's no need to please Benwang."
He Yuanting's expression stiffened.
"Pleasing Benwang is pointless. Benwang won't help you intercede," Ying Wang was cold and ruthless, "And stay away from the young ladies of our Great Jin, especially Fushou Junzhu!"
Ying Wang glanced at He Yuanting's plain appearance. How dare he approach Fushou Junzhu?
He Yuanting's expression completely froze. He had never encountered a noble who spoke so directly, so mercilessly. He couldn't find a suitable response to such words.
Ying Wang didn't care if he could respond or not, or if he was enduring humiliation or bearing a burden. He mounted his horse arrogantly and left.
After watching Ying Wang's departing figure for a while, He Yuanting returned to the teahouse. He looked at the tea cup, which had lost its warmth, sighed, and said to the accompanying minister by his side, "Benwang wonders when we'll be able to leave the capital."
Most of the envoys from various countries had already left, except for a few who genuinely wanted to stay in Great Jin for learning. Only the envoys from Daimao and Jinpo were retained by Emperor Changlong, under the pretext of providing a "warm and hospitable" environment.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. Once Jinpo brings their Eldest Prince over, we should be able to leave," even though they were puzzled about the correlation between Jinpo's hostage situation and their prolonged stay, they dared not seek clarification.
If they asked too much, Emperor Changlong might suddenly have the idea to keep the Third Prince in the capital for learning, and their own Emperor would likely agree to it.
Most of the envoys who came to the Great Jin with He Yuanting were from the Crown Prince's faction. After the Crown Prince's untimely death, they were saddened and worried that their Emperor might choose another prince as the Crown Prince.
In their view, besides the Crown Prince's own younger brother, the Third Prince, no other prince was the most suitable candidate for the heir.
However, being retained in the capital of Great Jin, their thoughts were futile unless Emperor Changlong was willing to let them return.
Currently, apart from indulging in luxury in their guest residences, they couldn't even see Emperor Changlong. They were surrounded by Great Jin's Imperial Guards, making it impossible to take a single step.
Thinking about this, the envoys shook their heads and sighed, "What a pity."
It was a pity that Fushou Junzhu was already engaged to the Crown Prince of Great Jin. Otherwise, the Third Prince could have relied on his good looks to seek assistance from Fushou Junzhu.
Thinking about the appearance of Great Jin's Crown Prince, the envoys fell silent. Having a betrothed like that, it would indeed be difficult for Fushou Junzhu to be swayed by the Third Prince's charm.
Great Jin was a treacherous place. Not only could women become generals, but men also relied on their looks to survive.
Back in his own palace, Ying Wang had just changed out of his outer robe when a servant informed him that the Second Princess had arrived.
Ying Wang put on his robe and fastened his belt before entering the main hall. He straightforwardly asked, "Imperial Sister, why do you have time to come to Benwang's place today?"
"I heard a few days ago that you were collecting high-quality gemstones, I have many that I don't need. So I brought them over first," the Second Princess pointed to the box of gemstones on the table and casually picked up the invitation card on top, "The cherries in my garden are ripe, so I've arranged a feast. Will Imperial Brother also come tomorrow to join in the fun?"
Ying Wang accepted the invitation card, "Who else is going?"
"The other imperial brothers and sisters, as well as some noble ladies," the Second Princess smiled, "Consort Xian has been rather anxious since the Crown Prince's betrothal was decided."
Ying Wang immediately understood that his mother had asked the Second Princess to help him choose a Wangfei. He stared at the invitation card for a moment, "Alright."
"It's good that Imperial Brother agreed. I will go back to the palace and inform Consort Xian," the Second Princess didn't stay long and hurriedly left.
Ying Wang opened the box of gemstones that his sister had brought and took a look. After closing the box, he picked it up and left.
"Your Highness, where are you going?" The attending eunuch quickly followed.
Ying Wang carried the box of gemstones and proceeded to the Eastern Palace. He placed the box of gemstones in front of the Crown Prince, "Here."
The Crown Prince opened the box and glanced at it, "What is Eldest Brother doing by bringing these here?"
"Consider it a return gift for speaking up for me at the Ministry of Justice the other day," Ying Wang had no expression on his face, "I don't like owing anyone favors."
The Crown Prince waved his hand, instructing a palace attendant to take the gemstones away, without even pretending to refuse, "Eldest Brother, Gu usually don't speak up for anyone."
"What do you mean?" Ying Wang glared at him.
"What Gu means is, a single box of gemstones is not enough," the Crown Prince smiled, "Gu heard that Consort Xian has a very beautiful glass lamp that emits a dazzling light in the moonlight."
Understanding the Crown Prince's implication, Ying Wang had an incredulous expression. Could this dog of a Crown Prince have any shame left, even snatching women's belongings?
"I remember Father Emperor once bestowed upon you several priceless glass lamps..." Ying Wang looked at the Crown Prince disdainfully. If he had known the Crown Prince was so shameless, he wouldn't have given him the gemstones.
"Things... always seem better when they belong to others," the Crown Prince suddenly opened his folding fan, "Eldest Brother, don't you agree?"
Ying Wang remained silent for a moment, "You don't have to hint at me. Rest assured, I won't get close to Fushou Junzhu anymore."
The Crown Prince slowly closed his fan and chuckled softly, "Eldest Brother, where did your mind wander off to? Gu is talking about the glass lamp."
Ying Wang: "..."
"Your thoughts shouldn't be too complicated," The Crown Prince lazily smile, "Gu simply wants that glass lamp."
Ying Wang held back, endured, and finally roared, "Ji Yuansu!"
"Tsk!" The Crown Prince sighed, "You have such a bad temper. If you can't bear it, then forget it. You can owe Gu this favor, Gu doesn't mind."
Ying Wang stormed out of the Eastern Palace. If he ever took the initiative to speak to the Crown Prince again, he would be a pig.
Upon receiving the invitation from the Second Princess, Hua Liuli realized that she was someone who loved hosting banquets. Today, it was a flower-viewing feast, tomorrow it would be a cherry feast, and who knows, there might be a lotus-viewing feast in the summer?
She didn't want rumors to spread outside about the future Crown Princess's dissatisfaction with the Second Princess before she even married into the imperial family. Even if she didn't want to attend, she had to join in the fun.
As the saying goes, sisters-in-law don't get along well; it's the same in the imperial family.
Anyway, she was a delicate and sickly beauty. Apart from indulging in food and drinks, she didn't have to do anything else. What mattered was that the conditions at the border were poor, and cherries could not be easily transported, so she had never tasted such delicate fruits before.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Ying Wang to He Yuanting: Look at your own face and wake up.
Crown Prince: Gu is not targeting anyone specifically. But, as long as Gu is here, your faces... heh.
"It's too late," Yao Jiamin sighed, "Ying Wang has already noticed us."
Ever since she stopped liking Ying Wang, she noticed many flaws in him. For example, his walking posture was not as elegant as the Fifth Prince's, his clothes were not as tasteful as the Crown Prince's, and his appearance was not refined enough. Even the way he entered the room seemed a bit crab-like.
Seeing Ying Wang again, she didn't feel calm but rather had an indescribable, faint sense of disdain.
Ying Wang heard from the eunuch by his side that this teahouse had storytellers randomly arranging stories about the Emperor, so he rushed over immediately. The Emperor was the Son of Heaven, how could he allow these storytellers to randomly arrange stories? Do these literati have good taste and deep emotions like he does?
Only the songs arranged by him were the best!
When he entered, the storyteller happened to be telling the story of Emperor Changlong sleepwalking to the heavenly palace, and how the Jade Emperor above praised Emperor Changlong. However, the story was interrupted because Ying Wang entered.
The tea customers were about to curse the person who interrupted the story, but when they turned their heads and saw the attendants behind Ying Wang, they swallowed their curses.
As residents of the capital, they valued harmony.
Ying Wang also wanted to curse, but when he looked up and saw Hua Liuli sitting on the second floor, he swallowed his rude words. He patted his robe and walked towards the second floor.
His steps were forceful, making the wooden stairs creak.
"Your Highness," among the tea customers on the second floor, there were those who knew Ying Wang. They came forward in twos and threes to greet him.
Ying Wang nodded slightly to them and walked briskly to Hua Liuli's side, "Fushou Junzhu?"
"Greetings to Your Highness Ying Wang," Hua Liuli stood up and saluted. From the corner of her eye, she noticed that He Yuanting intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Yao Jiamin when Ying Wang walked toward her.
She lowered her eyelids. She didn't expect the Third Prince of the Diamao Kingdom to be so curious, showing his desire to watch the excitement on his face.
Ying Wang greeted Hua Liuli and took an awkward step back, then turned to Yao Jiamin, "Jiamin, you're here too."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Yes, I'm finally noticed by you, such a great accomplishment.
"Did Your Highness come here to listen to the stories as well?" Yao Jiamin asked, "A few of us sisters are here listening to the stories. The storyteller downstairs was making up some nonsense in the story, but it's still quite interesting to listen to."
Ying Wang remained silent for a moment and asked Hua Liuli, "Fushou Junzhu is here with Jiamin Junzhu?"
"Yes, that's right," Hua Liuli smiled, "If it weren't for Your Highness coming in, the storyteller would have reached the part about the Jade Emperor meeting His Majesty."
Ying Wang's cheek muscles twitched. He didn't expect that the commoners could boast about the Emperor even more shamelessly than him.
What he couldn't understand the most was that, a few months ago, whenever Yao Jiamin saw Hua Liuli, they were like enemies, clearly seeing through each other. Now they were like close sisters, listening to stories and chatting.
Wasn't it said that most women were petty and held grudges?
He looked at Hua Liuli, wanting to say many things but unable to utter a single word. One reason was the headache caused by his mother's wailing, and the other was the words the Crown Prince said to Zhang Shuo, that he, Ying Wang, wouldn't do anything lowly.
Secretly thinking about his younger brother's betrothed was considered lowly.
"Uh, uh..." The guiltier he felt, the worse Ying Wang could speak. He withdrew his gaze from Hua Liuli and said, "Then you can continue watching. Benwang will sit with the Third Prince of the Diamao Kingdom over there."
After speaking, regardless of whether He Yuanting agreed or not, Ying Wang reached out and pulled him over, "Third Prince, where do you want to sit?"
If he dared to say that he wanted to sit with these young ladies, Ying Wang might give him a cold face right then and there.
"Your Highness, Benwang will sit across from you," He Yuanting smiled gently.
Ying Wang didn't waste words with him. He turned around and sat at the tea table where He Yuanting had reserved.
"Your Highness, what tea would you like?"
Ying Wang was distracted, listening to the storyteller downstairs talking about how the Jade Emperor wanted to bestow a divine position on his father. When He Yuanting asked about the tea, Ying Wang absentmindedly replied, "Anything will do."
A cup of hot tea was placed next to Ying Wang, but even as the tea cooled, Ying Wang didn't touch it.
Being a member of the imperial family, he had developed a habit of not consuming anything not given by trusted individuals. In front of He Yuanting, it wasn't convenient for the attendants by Ying Wang's side to test for poison, so they maintained superficial courtesy.
Ying Wang traced the edge of the teacup, looking up at the opposite side. He wondered what Jiamin and the others had said to Fushou Junzhu; she looked very happy.
There was clamor downstairs, with cheers and applause at times. Ying Wang suddenly felt annoyed. He glanced at He Yuanting, who was looking at him with a pleasing smile, and stood up, "Third Prince, Benwang should be leaving."
"Safe travels, Your Highness," He Yuanting personally escorted Ying Wang downstairs.
Ying Wang turned to look at him and suddenly spoke, "There's no need to please Benwang."
He Yuanting's expression stiffened.
"Pleasing Benwang is pointless. Benwang won't help you intercede," Ying Wang was cold and ruthless, "And stay away from the young ladies of our Great Jin, especially Fushou Junzhu!"
Ying Wang glanced at He Yuanting's plain appearance. How dare he approach Fushou Junzhu?
He Yuanting's expression completely froze. He had never encountered a noble who spoke so directly, so mercilessly. He couldn't find a suitable response to such words.
Ying Wang didn't care if he could respond or not, or if he was enduring humiliation or bearing a burden. He mounted his horse arrogantly and left.
After watching Ying Wang's departing figure for a while, He Yuanting returned to the teahouse. He looked at the tea cup, which had lost its warmth, sighed, and said to the accompanying minister by his side, "Benwang wonders when we'll be able to leave the capital."
Most of the envoys from various countries had already left, except for a few who genuinely wanted to stay in Great Jin for learning. Only the envoys from Daimao and Jinpo were retained by Emperor Changlong, under the pretext of providing a "warm and hospitable" environment.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. Once Jinpo brings their Eldest Prince over, we should be able to leave," even though they were puzzled about the correlation between Jinpo's hostage situation and their prolonged stay, they dared not seek clarification.
If they asked too much, Emperor Changlong might suddenly have the idea to keep the Third Prince in the capital for learning, and their own Emperor would likely agree to it.
Most of the envoys who came to the Great Jin with He Yuanting were from the Crown Prince's faction. After the Crown Prince's untimely death, they were saddened and worried that their Emperor might choose another prince as the Crown Prince.
In their view, besides the Crown Prince's own younger brother, the Third Prince, no other prince was the most suitable candidate for the heir.
However, being retained in the capital of Great Jin, their thoughts were futile unless Emperor Changlong was willing to let them return.
Currently, apart from indulging in luxury in their guest residences, they couldn't even see Emperor Changlong. They were surrounded by Great Jin's Imperial Guards, making it impossible to take a single step.
Thinking about this, the envoys shook their heads and sighed, "What a pity."
It was a pity that Fushou Junzhu was already engaged to the Crown Prince of Great Jin. Otherwise, the Third Prince could have relied on his good looks to seek assistance from Fushou Junzhu.
Thinking about the appearance of Great Jin's Crown Prince, the envoys fell silent. Having a betrothed like that, it would indeed be difficult for Fushou Junzhu to be swayed by the Third Prince's charm.
Great Jin was a treacherous place. Not only could women become generals, but men also relied on their looks to survive.
Back in his own palace, Ying Wang had just changed out of his outer robe when a servant informed him that the Second Princess had arrived.
Ying Wang put on his robe and fastened his belt before entering the main hall. He straightforwardly asked, "Imperial Sister, why do you have time to come to Benwang's place today?"
"I heard a few days ago that you were collecting high-quality gemstones, I have many that I don't need. So I brought them over first," the Second Princess pointed to the box of gemstones on the table and casually picked up the invitation card on top, "The cherries in my garden are ripe, so I've arranged a feast. Will Imperial Brother also come tomorrow to join in the fun?"
Ying Wang accepted the invitation card, "Who else is going?"
"The other imperial brothers and sisters, as well as some noble ladies," the Second Princess smiled, "Consort Xian has been rather anxious since the Crown Prince's betrothal was decided."
Ying Wang immediately understood that his mother had asked the Second Princess to help him choose a Wangfei. He stared at the invitation card for a moment, "Alright."
"It's good that Imperial Brother agreed. I will go back to the palace and inform Consort Xian," the Second Princess didn't stay long and hurriedly left.
Ying Wang opened the box of gemstones that his sister had brought and took a look. After closing the box, he picked it up and left.
"Your Highness, where are you going?" The attending eunuch quickly followed.
Ying Wang carried the box of gemstones and proceeded to the Eastern Palace. He placed the box of gemstones in front of the Crown Prince, "Here."
The Crown Prince opened the box and glanced at it, "What is Eldest Brother doing by bringing these here?"
"Consider it a return gift for speaking up for me at the Ministry of Justice the other day," Ying Wang had no expression on his face, "I don't like owing anyone favors."
The Crown Prince waved his hand, instructing a palace attendant to take the gemstones away, without even pretending to refuse, "Eldest Brother, Gu usually don't speak up for anyone."
"What do you mean?" Ying Wang glared at him.
"What Gu means is, a single box of gemstones is not enough," the Crown Prince smiled, "Gu heard that Consort Xian has a very beautiful glass lamp that emits a dazzling light in the moonlight."
Understanding the Crown Prince's implication, Ying Wang had an incredulous expression. Could this dog of a Crown Prince have any shame left, even snatching women's belongings?
"I remember Father Emperor once bestowed upon you several priceless glass lamps..." Ying Wang looked at the Crown Prince disdainfully. If he had known the Crown Prince was so shameless, he wouldn't have given him the gemstones.
"Things... always seem better when they belong to others," the Crown Prince suddenly opened his folding fan, "Eldest Brother, don't you agree?"
Ying Wang remained silent for a moment, "You don't have to hint at me. Rest assured, I won't get close to Fushou Junzhu anymore."
The Crown Prince slowly closed his fan and chuckled softly, "Eldest Brother, where did your mind wander off to? Gu is talking about the glass lamp."
Ying Wang: "..."
"Your thoughts shouldn't be too complicated," The Crown Prince lazily smile, "Gu simply wants that glass lamp."
Ying Wang held back, endured, and finally roared, "Ji Yuansu!"
"Tsk!" The Crown Prince sighed, "You have such a bad temper. If you can't bear it, then forget it. You can owe Gu this favor, Gu doesn't mind."
Ying Wang stormed out of the Eastern Palace. If he ever took the initiative to speak to the Crown Prince again, he would be a pig.
Upon receiving the invitation from the Second Princess, Hua Liuli realized that she was someone who loved hosting banquets. Today, it was a flower-viewing feast, tomorrow it would be a cherry feast, and who knows, there might be a lotus-viewing feast in the summer?
She didn't want rumors to spread outside about the future Crown Princess's dissatisfaction with the Second Princess before she even married into the imperial family. Even if she didn't want to attend, she had to join in the fun.
As the saying goes, sisters-in-law don't get along well; it's the same in the imperial family.
Anyway, she was a delicate and sickly beauty. Apart from indulging in food and drinks, she didn't have to do anything else. What mattered was that the conditions at the border were poor, and cherries could not be easily transported, so she had never tasted such delicate fruits before.
Krish728
Author's Note:
Ying Wang to He Yuanting: Look at your own face and wake up.
Crown Prince: Gu is not targeting anyone specifically. But, as long as Gu is here, your faces... heh.
