After every Imperial Examination, the candidates who passed would be very busy, especially those who achieved good rankings. They would receive a pile of invitations and gather together to discuss the questions of the upcoming Palace Examination.
The Palace Examination questions in Great Jin were always a blend of elegance and practicality. Sometimes, at the Emperor's whims, there would even be complex arithmetic questions. Candidates who were not good at calculations and lacked a stable mindset would often end up collapsing and crying after completing the examination and leaving the palace.
As Hua Changkong returned to the capital only a few months ago, his friends were concerned that he might not be aware of what to pay attention to during the Palace Examination. They specifically invited him to join the group of successful candidates from prominent families in the capital. They would gather in a beautiful villa surrounded by mountains and rivers, pondering how to perform perfectly in the Palace Examination.
Yao Songbai and Hua Changkong were the top-ranked scholars among these candidates. So, whenever there were differences in understanding during their review of the books, they would seek the opinions of these two individuals.
However, within a few days, Hua Changkong had become close enough to these people to be considered brothers. Their relationship was so good that they could tease and play around with each other.
"I consider it a blessing from my ancestors that I was able to pass this examination," said a young noble from a duke's household, lazily lying on a reclining chair and yawning while listening to the discussions of his friends, "A few days ago, I sent an invitation to the young master of the Lin family, inviting him to study together with us, but he refused."
"He is the son of the top scholar. He could recite poems at the age of two, write characters at three, and compose verses at five. Naturally, he is different from us," another young noble remarked, "It would be a burden on his studies to spend time with us idle young masters."
"Changkong is also a top-ranked candidate in this examination. He is not inferior in arrogance," the young noble from the duke's household sat up and placed his book to the side, "Look at his appearance, he carries himself with great aloofness."
As fellow candidates, even if they were to enter the officialdom in the future, they would have an extra bond compared to others. The people who could study together in this villa were the descendants of influential and prominent families in the capital. Coming together was not only for reviewing books but also for maintaining the relationships among these prestigious families.
Lin Sen's rejection of his invitation was almost equivalent to his disdain for associating with them.
How could the person who sent the invitation save face?
"You two are hiding here to slack off again," Yao Songbai waved to the two of them, "Come and play the pot-throwing game. Whoever misses will have to recite a passage from a book or compose a poem."
"Come, come," Hua Changkong also waved to the two of them, "I won't participate in the pot-throwing game, so you won't accuse me of bullying."
Upon hearing this, the young nobles all retorted against Hua Changkong. However, after witnessing Hua Changkong's perfect throws, they fell silent.
"Brother Hua, you can easily secure a meal with your martial arts skills. Why do you have to compete with us literary scholars for the spots?" Yao Songbai playfully patted Hua Changkong's shoulder with a pretend sorrowful expression, "Can't you leave us a way out?"
"That's not possible," Hua Changkong sighed regretfully with a face full of sorrow, "If I don't do well in the examination, I'll have to rely on my younger sister to support me at home."
Everyone burst into laughter. The Hua family had two marquises, two heirs, and one Junzhu. Only poor Hua Changkong, with no title or noble rank, had the possibility of returning home and relying on his sister for support if he failed the examination.
After the laughter subsided, a blushing young noble took Hua Changkong to a corner and asked, "Brother Hua, may I know if your sister is already engaged?"
Hua Changkong looked at the bashful and handsome young noble before him, and a hint of pity rose in his eyes, "My younger sister is still young. Our parents want to keep her at home for a few more years."
Why did he have to set his sights on his sister when there were so many other options available?
Men; they never understand that the more beautiful a woman is, the more formidable she becomes when provoked.
"I see," the young noble looked somewhat disappointed. He had caught a glimpse of Hua Liuli from afar, and in that instant, he had lost his heart. He finally mustered up the courage to ask Hua Changkong, but he didn't expect that the Hua family had no intentions of marrying off their daughter.
It wasn't surprising. In Great Jin, they always valued freedom. Many men remained unmarried until the age of twenty, while women remained unmarried until the age of eighteen. Fushou Junzhu was only fifteen, so it was only natural that the two generals were reluctant to see her married off at such a young age.
Hua Changkong sighed and patted the young noble's shoulder. With his small build, if Liuli were to marry him, it would be a great disservice to him.
The young noble was left bewildered by Hua Changkong's gesture. Was he sympathizing with him for the unrequited love that withered before it had a chance to bloom?
Princess Shunan's residence.
"Jiamin, Lin Wan is no longer the future Ying Wangfei. What do you think?" Yao Wenyin nudged Yao Jiamin's arm.
"What can I think? I can't possibly bring Lin Wan home," Yao Jiamin sat cross-legged on a fox fur carpet, carving a piece of wood with a knife. Ever since she had been frequently troubled by Hua Liuli, she had developed a new hobby: wood carving.
As long as she imagined the wood as Hua Liuli's face, every stroke she made brought her immense satisfaction.
"You had your eyes on Ying Wang. How about..."
"Forget it," Yao Jiamin fiercely stabbed the wood carving twice, "Men, they can only provide temporary entertainment in a woman's life."
Her greatest goal in life was to trample Hua Liuli under her feet. As long as Hua Liuli, her archenemy, existed, all men were insignificant.
"Be careful not to stab your hand," Yao Wenyin warned as she watched Yao Jiamin's fierce expression, "Are you carving the wood or killing it?"
"Don't you feel that if you carve this piece of wood as if it were Hua Liuli, it brings an extra sense of relief?" Yao Jiamin pressed the wood forcefully against the ground, it was as if she were pressing Hua Liuli.
Yao Wenyin stared at the messy wooden block for a while before speaking, "Give me a piece of wood and a carving knife too."
The two of them started poking and carving the wood together. Yao Wenyin said, "Jiamin, can't you directly deal with Hua Liuli?"
As the notorious female tyrants of the capital, they were losing face every time Hua Liuli slapped them.
Yao Jiamin glanced at her cousin and thought, if she had the guts to make a move against Hua Liuli, she would have done it a long time ago. Why would there be a need for her to vent her anger on a piece of wood like this?
"Jiamin," Princess Shunan's voice echoed from outside the door. Yao Jiamin and Yao Wenyin quickly hid the wood and carving knife and then tucked the wood shavings under the carpet.
"Princess," Yao Wenyin greeted with a bow.
"You're our own family, there's no need for so much formality," Princess Shunan had a gentle attitude towards the younger generation of the Yao family. She waved her hand to dismiss Yao Wenyin's greeting and turned to Yao Jiamin, "One of the palace attendants by the side of the Empress Dowager mentioned that the Empress Dowager wants you to stay in the palace for a few days."
Yao Jiamin was puzzled, "The Empress Dowager wants me to enter the palace?"
According to the palace hierarchy, she should address the Empress Dowager as her maternal grandmother, but since her mother was not born of the Empress Dowager, their relationship was not particularly close. Over the years, they only exchanged greetings during major holidays, otherwise, they generally didn't bother each other.
"Perhaps the Empress Dowager heard that you get along well with Fushou Junzhu, so she wants you young people to have a good time together," Princess Shunan said with a serious tone, "My daughter, please coax the Empress Dowager well after entering the palace. Your mother's bestowal of the title of Royal Princess will depend on you."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Back then, if you didn’t run your mouth too much, you would have already been the Royal Princess. What need would there be for your daughter to step in now?
Besides, she didn't get along well with Hua Liuli!
Not at all!
Yao Jiamin's inner roar went unheard as she was packed into the carriage by Princess Shunan.
Princess Shunan admonished her daughter, "Jiamin, Fushou Junzhu is weak in health and has a timid temperament. Please take care of her in the palace and don't let her suffer."
After all, no one could afford to provoke her mother.
Yao Jiamin felt like crying but had no tears. Whenever she was with Hua Liuli, she was the one who always felt mistreated. How could anyone say that Hua Liuli was the one who was suffering?
Sitting in the carriage and watching the palace gates getting closer, Yao Jiamin seemed to see her dim and gloomy future.
Hua Liuli lived happily in the palace. She had beautiful clothes prepared by the Empress Dowager every day. She could also accompany the Empress Dowager to listen to the flattery from the noble ladies. She even got to enjoy the food and drinks in the Eastern Palace from time to time, living a blissful life like a fairy.
The Empress Dowager was also pleased. She felt that she was particularly skilled in raising children. Since Hua Liuli started living with her, her frail body had become less prone to illness.
What did that mean? It meant that she and Hua Liuli were destined to be together, perfectly matched.
The Empress Dowager was worried that Hua Liuli would be bored staying alone in the palace, so she sent palace maids to inquire and learned that Hua Liuli often went to Princess Shanan's residence to invite Jiamin Junzhu to play with her. Thus, she invited Yao Jiamin to the palace as well.
When young girls play together, their moods improve, and their health becomes better.
When Yao Jiamin arrived, she saw Hua Liuli dressed in beautiful palace attire, sitting on a newly built swing. When she saw Yao Jiamin, Hua Liuli enthusiastically waved at her, "Sister Jiamin, come, let's swing together."
Silently staring at the swing next to her, Yao Jiamin walked over and sat down, "Did you request the Empress Dowager to invite me to the palace?"
Although she didn't like Hua Liuli, as the Empress Dowager's nominal granddaughter, being invited to stay in the palace by the Empress Dowager was giving a lot of face to her.
"The Empress Dowager misses you, that's why she invited you to the palace," Hua Liuli said, "It has nothing to do with me."
"You don't need to defend my dignity," Yao Jiamin leaned back on the swing chair. There weren't many princesses of the imperial family in the capital. In recent years, her mother had become more and more picky about the younger generation, just to cover up the disappointment of their family not being valued by the imperial family.
If it weren't for the broad-mindedness of the Emperor and his care for the princesses of the imperial family, their family would have long lost their current glory. The outside world didn't know, but she was very clear that once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, their family would become marginalized in the imperial family.
Ever since her mother lashed out at the Crown Prince, the imperial palace had become indifferent to their family. Many sisters who were once close to her had gradually become distant. The ones who truly got along with her were just a few.
In this capital city, there was never a shortage of people who would elevate those on top or belittle those at the bottom.
This time, being invited to stay in the palace by the Empress Dowager would be seen by others as a sign that the imperial family was once again valuing Princess Shanan's residence. Perhaps those sisters who kept their distance from her would become more friendly now.
She glanced at Hua Liuli, wanting to say something but hesitating.
The current Hua family was enjoying boundless glory, but what about the future?
Could Hua Liuli, with her cunning mind, really be unaware of the rumors and schemes in the capital?
"It's good that you're here. There are many interesting places in the palace, but it's not convenient for me to go alone," Hua Liuli said as if she couldn't perceive Yao Jiamin's complex emotions. She swung back and forth on the swing, "We can be together starting from today."
"Hmph," Yao Jiamin said awkwardly, "The palace is not a place for leisure. Don't get into trouble."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Hua Liuli waved her hand, signaling the attending palace maids to step back. She whispered to Yao Jiamin, "There's something I want to ask you."
"No, don't involve me in any palace conflicts. I won't participate," Yao Jiamin hurriedly said.
"What conflicts?" Hua Liuli doubted whether she had scared Yao Jiamin last time, causing her to speak incoherently.
"Then what do you want to talk to me about?" Yao Jiamin leaned her head back and moved away from Hua Liuli.
"You grew up in the capital city and you are also a relative of the imperial family. Do you know which girls the Crown Prince is close to?" Hua Liuli asked.
"Who else could it be, if not you?" Yao Jiamin suddenly sat up straight and looked around. She lowered her voice and said to Hua Liuli, "Hua Liuli, are you trying to get yourself killed? You dare to run to the pleasure quarter and find a male musician even though you've set your sights on the Crown Prince?"
"Nonsense, the Crown Prince and I have a pure and beautiful friendship," Hua Liuli shook her head, "Can't you have something pure in your mind?"
Yao Jiamin had nothing to say. She really couldn't see anything pure between Hua Liuli and the Crown Prince.
"Between men and women, there is nothing pure," Yao Jiamin sneered, "Until a man is married and a woman is wedded, what's pure about it?"
"Our hearts are pure," Hua Liuli said confidently, "Doesn't the Crown Prince have someone he likes?"
"What?" Yao Jiamin thought her ears were playing tricks on her. With the Crown Prince's narcissistic and picky nature, who could he possibly like?
Seeing Yao Jiamin's shocked expression, Hua Liuli suddenly realized that Yao Jiamin was also unaware of this matter.
"In recent years, have there been any young girls in the capital who were beautiful and delicate like me, but died young due to illness?" Hua Liuli phrased it differently. She had no intention of exposing the Crown Prince's scar, but one couldn't keep dwelling on past emotions and had to find a way out.
"Delicate like you?" Yao Jiamin's expression became subtle, but under Hua Liuli's gaze, she compromised, "There have indeed been young girls in the capital who died young in the past few years, but in terms of appearance and delicacy, they are not on par with you."
Once the bottom line of a person drops, it will keep plummeting, never stopping. Yao Jiamin now freely used the word "delicate" to describe Hua Liuli.
"There is someone who meets your criteria, but she is not from the capital," Yao Jiamin continued when she saw that Hua Liuli seemed interested, "The eldest daughter of Royal Princess Leyang, her beauty is like the bright moon in the sky. Unfortunately, she was born with a weak body and relied on medicine jars all day long. She fell seriously ill and passed away in the capital last spring."
Hua Liuli knew about Royal Princess Leyang. It was said that this princess, with her outstanding beauty, married into the prestigious Xie family in the south. She had two daughters and a son with her husband, living a harmonious life.
"Has she ever visited the capital?" Hua Liuli asked.
"Of course she has. Royal Princess Leyang brings her husband and children to the capital to stay for two or three months every year. If it weren't for the eldest daughter's death in the capital last year, she would have arrived earlier this year," Yao Jiamin spoke of Royal Princess Leyang's family with a tone that indicated the relationship between Princess Shunan and Royal Princess Leyang was not great.
"But she won't miss the Hundred Nations Banquet that's being held this year. It's an important occasion," Yao Jiamin sneered. "At the latest, by the end of this month, she will arrive in the capital."
"It seems like... you don't like this princess?" Hua Liuli opened a sachet and shared some snacks with Yao Jiamin.
When gossiping, it's not suitable to do so without some snacks.
"Princess Leyang and my mother have never gotten along since childhood. I don't get along well with her daughter, Xie Yao, either," Yao Jiamin replied without being polite to Hua Liuli. As she ate the snacks, she continued, "That Xie Yao... cries at the drop of a hat, apologizes for every little thing, as if she's a pitiful girl being bullied by everyone in the world. And she's also gentle and kind, like a little fairy who scolds us for being cruel whenever she sees us hunting rabbits."
As she said that, Yao Jiamin glanced at Hua Liuli, "Just like you."
"Nonsense, I am indeed a gentle and kind little fairy, but I like eating rabbits," Hua Liuli raised her eyebrows, "Rabbits are so cute and their meat is delicious. How can I let them go?"
"I forgot, you two are indeed different. You are fake weak, while she is truly weak..."
"Sister Jiamin, I think you can rephrase your words. What do you think?" Hua Liuli smiled at Yao Jiamin.
"What I meant to say is that you are incredibly beautiful in your weakness, while she is pretentiously weak and can't compare to you," Yao Jiamin quickly changed her statement.
Hua Liuli nodded in satisfaction, "I knew Sister Jiamin is the best at speaking."
"Jiamin, why are you here?" the Crown Prince heard that Hua Liuli was swinging here, and when he arrived, he heard Hua Liuli praising Yao Jiamin. He remembered that not long ago, Yao Jiamin had taken Hua Liuli to the pleasure quarter, so he was worried that Yao Jiamin would corrupt her.
"Your Royal Highness," Yao Jiamin became flustered upon seeing the Crown Prince and quickly jumped off the swing, bowing to him.
The Crown Prince waved his hand. Seeing Hua Liuli move her body a bit and sit back down, he couldn't help but smile, "Benwang has fresh river prawns at my place today. Would you like to taste them?"
"It's not good for me to always eat at Your Royal Highness's place, right?" Hua Liuli pretended to be polite.
"Benwang often dines alone. Having you accompany me makes me very happy," the Crown Prince lowered his eyelids slightly, trying to hide the loneliness and sadness in his eyes, "If it troubles you, then forget it. Over the years, Benwang has already gotten used to it."
"Then I will trouble Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli quickly said, no longer maintaining her pretense of politeness, "Shall we go now?"
After the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli left, Yao Jiamin collapsed onto the swing. Was it her eyes playing tricks on her, or was the Crown Prince going crazy?!
With the Crown Prince's temper, how could he show such a pitiful and miserable expression?!
No, it couldn't be true!
The Crown Prince would make others feel miserable, but he would never be miserable himself!
She weakly held onto her maidservant's sleeve, "Say, do you think... the Crown Prince... has feelings for Hua Liuli?"
The maidservant shook her head in panic, "Junzhu, you can't spread such words casually."
Yao Jiamin looked up at the sky in confusion.
She was genuinely worried. If the Crown Prince really got married to Hua Liuli, and if he ever took a concubine, what if Hua Liuli drew her sword without hesitation and killed both the Crown Prince and the concubine?
Just imagining that scene sent a shiver down Yao Jiamin's spine.
There were so many beautiful women in the world, why did the Crown Prince, of all people, inexplicably fall for Hua Liuli?
Was it because life was too dull, or because the days were too good?
What surprised her, even more, was that even she could see the Crown Prince's feelings, but why didn't the palace attendants in Shoukang Palace show any reaction? And why did Hua Liuli think that the Crown Prince liked someone else? Was there some misunderstanding in all of this?
Could it be...
Yao Jiamin suddenly thought of a possibility. Perhaps the Crown Prince had genuinely fallen in love with a woman who resembled Hua Liuli, but that person had already passed away, so Hua Liuli was being used as a substitute?
Don't stories often depict this scenario? The living can never compare to the dead, and in the end, the living always suffers.
With that thought, Yao Jiamin started to feel uncomfortable on behalf of Hua Liuli.
She was the daughter of General Wei. Although she fakes her illness and is somewhat inconsistent in her character, she was still the apple of General Wei's eye. Why should she become a substitute for someone else?
Even if she hated Hua Liuli, she couldn't bear to see her being humiliated like this.
When Hua Liuli returned from the Eastern Palace, she received several volumes of storybooks that Yao Jiamin had prepared for her. She didn't know how Yao Jiamin managed to bring these books into the palace.
"What is 'Record of Twin Jades' about?" Hua Liuli flipped through the first book.
"It's about a scholar whose beloved woman passed away. Soon, he coincidentally encounters a peasant girl who resembles his lover. After marrying her, he wants the peasant girl to imitate every word and action of his lover," Yao Jiamin replied expressionlessly.
"And what about 'Blossoms in Pairs'?"
"It's about a prince who remarries his deceased wife's sister, simply because the sister bears some resemblance to the deceased wife."
"And 'Flowers Blooming in the Shadows'?"
"It's a story about a scholar who asks a flower demon to transform into the appearance of his deceased wife and marry him as a way to repay a debt."
Hua Liuli tossed the pile of books onto the table and stood up. She rummaged through the cabinet and pulled out a few books to give to Yao Jiamin, "Stop reading these storybooks. They'll make you stupid. Come, read these instead. They're more interesting."
"What are these?" Yao Jiamin flipped through them and noticed that most of the titles had a hint of a martial world atmosphere.
"Stories of scum getting beaten and their heads smashed like a dog," Hua Liuli smiled mischievously, "Specifically targeting the male protagonists in those scripts of yours."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
She wasn't worried about Hua Liuli anymore. Now, she was starting to worry about the Crown Prince.
If Hua Liuli found out about the Crown Prince's intentions, would she smash his head?
"Violence is never a good solution," Yao Jiamin collected all the scripts and laughed awkwardly, "It can't solve all problems."
"Sometimes, it can solve a part of the problem," Hua Liuli looked at Yao Jiamin with a serious gaze, "Although you often speak without thinking, I still like you. Love and affection are precious, but sacrificing oneself so much for a man who doesn't love you is not only disrespectful to oneself but also to one's family. From the moment we're born until we grow up, it's to see more beauty in the world, not to let another person ruin us, understand?"
Yao Jiamin: "Huh?"
She understood what Hua Liuli was saying, but what did it have to do with her? Wasn't she the one trying to persuade Hua Liuli?
And what did she mean by speaking without thinking?
If Yao Jiamin could defeat Hua Liuli, she would have already confronted her.
Hua Liuli sighed. She didn't expect Yao Jiamin to say that she no longer liked Ying Wang, yet deep down, she still held such deep affection for him.
How could a good young girl be so stubborn and unable to see the truth in matters of the heart?
Hua Liuli and Yao Jiamin silently looked at each other, their eyes filled with unspoken sympathy and helplessness for the other.
After every Imperial Examination, the candidates who passed would be very busy, especially those who achieved good rankings. They would receive a pile of invitations and gather together to discuss the questions of the upcoming Palace Examination.
The Palace Examination questions in Great Jin were always a blend of elegance and practicality. Sometimes, at the Emperor's whims, there would even be complex arithmetic questions. Candidates who were not good at calculations and lacked a stable mindset would often end up collapsing and crying after completing the examination and leaving the palace.
As Hua Changkong returned to the capital only a few months ago, his friends were concerned that he might not be aware of what to pay attention to during the Palace Examination. They specifically invited him to join the group of successful candidates from prominent families in the capital. They would gather in a beautiful villa surrounded by mountains and rivers, pondering how to perform perfectly in the Palace Examination.
Yao Songbai and Hua Changkong were the top-ranked scholars among these candidates. So, whenever there were differences in understanding during their review of the books, they would seek the opinions of these two individuals.
However, within a few days, Hua Changkong had become close enough to these people to be considered brothers. Their relationship was so good that they could tease and play around with each other.
"I consider it a blessing from my ancestors that I was able to pass this examination," said a young noble from a duke's household, lazily lying on a reclining chair and yawning while listening to the discussions of his friends, "A few days ago, I sent an invitation to the young master of the Lin family, inviting him to study together with us, but he refused."
"He is the son of the top scholar. He could recite poems at the age of two, write characters at three, and compose verses at five. Naturally, he is different from us," another young noble remarked, "It would be a burden on his studies to spend time with us idle young masters."
"Changkong is also a top-ranked candidate in this examination. He is not inferior in arrogance," the young noble from the duke's household sat up and placed his book to the side, "Look at his appearance, he carries himself with great aloofness."
As fellow candidates, even if they were to enter the officialdom in the future, they would have an extra bond compared to others. The people who could study together in this villa were the descendants of influential and prominent families in the capital. Coming together was not only for reviewing books but also for maintaining the relationships among these prestigious families.
Lin Sen's rejection of his invitation was almost equivalent to his disdain for associating with them.
How could the person who sent the invitation save face?
"You two are hiding here to slack off again," Yao Songbai waved to the two of them, "Come and play the pot-throwing game. Whoever misses will have to recite a passage from a book or compose a poem."
"Come, come," Hua Changkong also waved to the two of them, "I won't participate in the pot-throwing game, so you won't accuse me of bullying."
Upon hearing this, the young nobles all retorted against Hua Changkong. However, after witnessing Hua Changkong's perfect throws, they fell silent.
"Brother Hua, you can easily secure a meal with your martial arts skills. Why do you have to compete with us literary scholars for the spots?" Yao Songbai playfully patted Hua Changkong's shoulder with a pretend sorrowful expression, "Can't you leave us a way out?"
"That's not possible," Hua Changkong sighed regretfully with a face full of sorrow, "If I don't do well in the examination, I'll have to rely on my younger sister to support me at home."
Everyone burst into laughter. The Hua family had two marquises, two heirs, and one Junzhu. Only poor Hua Changkong, with no title or noble rank, had the possibility of returning home and relying on his sister for support if he failed the examination.
After the laughter subsided, a blushing young noble took Hua Changkong to a corner and asked, "Brother Hua, may I know if your sister is already engaged?"
Hua Changkong looked at the bashful and handsome young noble before him, and a hint of pity rose in his eyes, "My younger sister is still young. Our parents want to keep her at home for a few more years."
Why did he have to set his sights on his sister when there were so many other options available?
Men; they never understand that the more beautiful a woman is, the more formidable she becomes when provoked.
"I see," the young noble looked somewhat disappointed. He had caught a glimpse of Hua Liuli from afar, and in that instant, he had lost his heart. He finally mustered up the courage to ask Hua Changkong, but he didn't expect that the Hua family had no intentions of marrying off their daughter.
It wasn't surprising. In Great Jin, they always valued freedom. Many men remained unmarried until the age of twenty, while women remained unmarried until the age of eighteen. Fushou Junzhu was only fifteen, so it was only natural that the two generals were reluctant to see her married off at such a young age.
Hua Changkong sighed and patted the young noble's shoulder. With his small build, if Liuli were to marry him, it would be a great disservice to him.
The young noble was left bewildered by Hua Changkong's gesture. Was he sympathizing with him for the unrequited love that withered before it had a chance to bloom?
Princess Shunan's residence.
"Jiamin, Lin Wan is no longer the future Ying Wangfei. What do you think?" Yao Wenyin nudged Yao Jiamin's arm.
"What can I think? I can't possibly bring Lin Wan home," Yao Jiamin sat cross-legged on a fox fur carpet, carving a piece of wood with a knife. Ever since she had been frequently troubled by Hua Liuli, she had developed a new hobby: wood carving.
As long as she imagined the wood as Hua Liuli's face, every stroke she made brought her immense satisfaction.
"You had your eyes on Ying Wang. How about..."
"Forget it," Yao Jiamin fiercely stabbed the wood carving twice, "Men, they can only provide temporary entertainment in a woman's life."
Her greatest goal in life was to trample Hua Liuli under her feet. As long as Hua Liuli, her archenemy, existed, all men were insignificant.
"Be careful not to stab your hand," Yao Wenyin warned as she watched Yao Jiamin's fierce expression, "Are you carving the wood or killing it?"
"Don't you feel that if you carve this piece of wood as if it were Hua Liuli, it brings an extra sense of relief?" Yao Jiamin pressed the wood forcefully against the ground, it was as if she were pressing Hua Liuli.
Yao Wenyin stared at the messy wooden block for a while before speaking, "Give me a piece of wood and a carving knife too."
The two of them started poking and carving the wood together. Yao Wenyin said, "Jiamin, can't you directly deal with Hua Liuli?"
As the notorious female tyrants of the capital, they were losing face every time Hua Liuli slapped them.
Yao Jiamin glanced at her cousin and thought, if she had the guts to make a move against Hua Liuli, she would have done it a long time ago. Why would there be a need for her to vent her anger on a piece of wood like this?
"Jiamin," Princess Shunan's voice echoed from outside the door. Yao Jiamin and Yao Wenyin quickly hid the wood and carving knife and then tucked the wood shavings under the carpet.
"Princess," Yao Wenyin greeted with a bow.
"You're our own family, there's no need for so much formality," Princess Shunan had a gentle attitude towards the younger generation of the Yao family. She waved her hand to dismiss Yao Wenyin's greeting and turned to Yao Jiamin, "One of the palace attendants by the side of the Empress Dowager mentioned that the Empress Dowager wants you to stay in the palace for a few days."
Yao Jiamin was puzzled, "The Empress Dowager wants me to enter the palace?"
According to the palace hierarchy, she should address the Empress Dowager as her maternal grandmother, but since her mother was not born of the Empress Dowager, their relationship was not particularly close. Over the years, they only exchanged greetings during major holidays, otherwise, they generally didn't bother each other.
"Perhaps the Empress Dowager heard that you get along well with Fushou Junzhu, so she wants you young people to have a good time together," Princess Shunan said with a serious tone, "My daughter, please coax the Empress Dowager well after entering the palace. Your mother's bestowal of the title of Royal Princess will depend on you."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
Back then, if you didn’t run your mouth too much, you would have already been the Royal Princess. What need would there be for your daughter to step in now?
Besides, she didn't get along well with Hua Liuli!
Not at all!
Yao Jiamin's inner roar went unheard as she was packed into the carriage by Princess Shunan.
Princess Shunan admonished her daughter, "Jiamin, Fushou Junzhu is weak in health and has a timid temperament. Please take care of her in the palace and don't let her suffer."
After all, no one could afford to provoke her mother.
Yao Jiamin felt like crying but had no tears. Whenever she was with Hua Liuli, she was the one who always felt mistreated. How could anyone say that Hua Liuli was the one who was suffering?
Sitting in the carriage and watching the palace gates getting closer, Yao Jiamin seemed to see her dim and gloomy future.
Hua Liuli lived happily in the palace. She had beautiful clothes prepared by the Empress Dowager every day. She could also accompany the Empress Dowager to listen to the flattery from the noble ladies. She even got to enjoy the food and drinks in the Eastern Palace from time to time, living a blissful life like a fairy.
The Empress Dowager was also pleased. She felt that she was particularly skilled in raising children. Since Hua Liuli started living with her, her frail body had become less prone to illness.
What did that mean? It meant that she and Hua Liuli were destined to be together, perfectly matched.
The Empress Dowager was worried that Hua Liuli would be bored staying alone in the palace, so she sent palace maids to inquire and learned that Hua Liuli often went to Princess Shanan's residence to invite Jiamin Junzhu to play with her. Thus, she invited Yao Jiamin to the palace as well.
When young girls play together, their moods improve, and their health becomes better.
When Yao Jiamin arrived, she saw Hua Liuli dressed in beautiful palace attire, sitting on a newly built swing. When she saw Yao Jiamin, Hua Liuli enthusiastically waved at her, "Sister Jiamin, come, let's swing together."
Silently staring at the swing next to her, Yao Jiamin walked over and sat down, "Did you request the Empress Dowager to invite me to the palace?"
Although she didn't like Hua Liuli, as the Empress Dowager's nominal granddaughter, being invited to stay in the palace by the Empress Dowager was giving a lot of face to her.
"The Empress Dowager misses you, that's why she invited you to the palace," Hua Liuli said, "It has nothing to do with me."
"You don't need to defend my dignity," Yao Jiamin leaned back on the swing chair. There weren't many princesses of the imperial family in the capital. In recent years, her mother had become more and more picky about the younger generation, just to cover up the disappointment of their family not being valued by the imperial family.
If it weren't for the broad-mindedness of the Emperor and his care for the princesses of the imperial family, their family would have long lost their current glory. The outside world didn't know, but she was very clear that once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, their family would become marginalized in the imperial family.
Ever since her mother lashed out at the Crown Prince, the imperial palace had become indifferent to their family. Many sisters who were once close to her had gradually become distant. The ones who truly got along with her were just a few.
In this capital city, there was never a shortage of people who would elevate those on top or belittle those at the bottom.
This time, being invited to stay in the palace by the Empress Dowager would be seen by others as a sign that the imperial family was once again valuing Princess Shanan's residence. Perhaps those sisters who kept their distance from her would become more friendly now.
She glanced at Hua Liuli, wanting to say something but hesitating.
The current Hua family was enjoying boundless glory, but what about the future?
Could Hua Liuli, with her cunning mind, really be unaware of the rumors and schemes in the capital?
"It's good that you're here. There are many interesting places in the palace, but it's not convenient for me to go alone," Hua Liuli said as if she couldn't perceive Yao Jiamin's complex emotions. She swung back and forth on the swing, "We can be together starting from today."
"Hmph," Yao Jiamin said awkwardly, "The palace is not a place for leisure. Don't get into trouble."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Hua Liuli waved her hand, signaling the attending palace maids to step back. She whispered to Yao Jiamin, "There's something I want to ask you."
"No, don't involve me in any palace conflicts. I won't participate," Yao Jiamin hurriedly said.
"What conflicts?" Hua Liuli doubted whether she had scared Yao Jiamin last time, causing her to speak incoherently.
"Then what do you want to talk to me about?" Yao Jiamin leaned her head back and moved away from Hua Liuli.
"You grew up in the capital city and you are also a relative of the imperial family. Do you know which girls the Crown Prince is close to?" Hua Liuli asked.
"Who else could it be, if not you?" Yao Jiamin suddenly sat up straight and looked around. She lowered her voice and said to Hua Liuli, "Hua Liuli, are you trying to get yourself killed? You dare to run to the pleasure quarter and find a male musician even though you've set your sights on the Crown Prince?"
"Nonsense, the Crown Prince and I have a pure and beautiful friendship," Hua Liuli shook her head, "Can't you have something pure in your mind?"
Yao Jiamin had nothing to say. She really couldn't see anything pure between Hua Liuli and the Crown Prince.
"Between men and women, there is nothing pure," Yao Jiamin sneered, "Until a man is married and a woman is wedded, what's pure about it?"
"Our hearts are pure," Hua Liuli said confidently, "Doesn't the Crown Prince have someone he likes?"
"What?" Yao Jiamin thought her ears were playing tricks on her. With the Crown Prince's narcissistic and picky nature, who could he possibly like?
Seeing Yao Jiamin's shocked expression, Hua Liuli suddenly realized that Yao Jiamin was also unaware of this matter.
"In recent years, have there been any young girls in the capital who were beautiful and delicate like me, but died young due to illness?" Hua Liuli phrased it differently. She had no intention of exposing the Crown Prince's scar, but one couldn't keep dwelling on past emotions and had to find a way out.
"Delicate like you?" Yao Jiamin's expression became subtle, but under Hua Liuli's gaze, she compromised, "There have indeed been young girls in the capital who died young in the past few years, but in terms of appearance and delicacy, they are not on par with you."
Once the bottom line of a person drops, it will keep plummeting, never stopping. Yao Jiamin now freely used the word "delicate" to describe Hua Liuli.
"There is someone who meets your criteria, but she is not from the capital," Yao Jiamin continued when she saw that Hua Liuli seemed interested, "The eldest daughter of Royal Princess Leyang, her beauty is like the bright moon in the sky. Unfortunately, she was born with a weak body and relied on medicine jars all day long. She fell seriously ill and passed away in the capital last spring."
Hua Liuli knew about Royal Princess Leyang. It was said that this princess, with her outstanding beauty, married into the prestigious Xie family in the south. She had two daughters and a son with her husband, living a harmonious life.
"Has she ever visited the capital?" Hua Liuli asked.
"Of course she has. Royal Princess Leyang brings her husband and children to the capital to stay for two or three months every year. If it weren't for the eldest daughter's death in the capital last year, she would have arrived earlier this year," Yao Jiamin spoke of Royal Princess Leyang's family with a tone that indicated the relationship between Princess Shunan and Royal Princess Leyang was not great.
"But she won't miss the Hundred Nations Banquet that's being held this year. It's an important occasion," Yao Jiamin sneered. "At the latest, by the end of this month, she will arrive in the capital."
"It seems like... you don't like this princess?" Hua Liuli opened a sachet and shared some snacks with Yao Jiamin.
When gossiping, it's not suitable to do so without some snacks.
"Princess Leyang and my mother have never gotten along since childhood. I don't get along well with her daughter, Xie Yao, either," Yao Jiamin replied without being polite to Hua Liuli. As she ate the snacks, she continued, "That Xie Yao... cries at the drop of a hat, apologizes for every little thing, as if she's a pitiful girl being bullied by everyone in the world. And she's also gentle and kind, like a little fairy who scolds us for being cruel whenever she sees us hunting rabbits."
As she said that, Yao Jiamin glanced at Hua Liuli, "Just like you."
"Nonsense, I am indeed a gentle and kind little fairy, but I like eating rabbits," Hua Liuli raised her eyebrows, "Rabbits are so cute and their meat is delicious. How can I let them go?"
"I forgot, you two are indeed different. You are fake weak, while she is truly weak..."
"Sister Jiamin, I think you can rephrase your words. What do you think?" Hua Liuli smiled at Yao Jiamin.
"What I meant to say is that you are incredibly beautiful in your weakness, while she is pretentiously weak and can't compare to you," Yao Jiamin quickly changed her statement.
Hua Liuli nodded in satisfaction, "I knew Sister Jiamin is the best at speaking."
"Jiamin, why are you here?" the Crown Prince heard that Hua Liuli was swinging here, and when he arrived, he heard Hua Liuli praising Yao Jiamin. He remembered that not long ago, Yao Jiamin had taken Hua Liuli to the pleasure quarter, so he was worried that Yao Jiamin would corrupt her.
"Your Royal Highness," Yao Jiamin became flustered upon seeing the Crown Prince and quickly jumped off the swing, bowing to him.
The Crown Prince waved his hand. Seeing Hua Liuli move her body a bit and sit back down, he couldn't help but smile, "Benwang has fresh river prawns at my place today. Would you like to taste them?"
"It's not good for me to always eat at Your Royal Highness's place, right?" Hua Liuli pretended to be polite.
"Benwang often dines alone. Having you accompany me makes me very happy," the Crown Prince lowered his eyelids slightly, trying to hide the loneliness and sadness in his eyes, "If it troubles you, then forget it. Over the years, Benwang has already gotten used to it."
"Then I will trouble Your Royal Highness," Hua Liuli quickly said, no longer maintaining her pretense of politeness, "Shall we go now?"
After the Crown Prince and Hua Liuli left, Yao Jiamin collapsed onto the swing. Was it her eyes playing tricks on her, or was the Crown Prince going crazy?!
With the Crown Prince's temper, how could he show such a pitiful and miserable expression?!
No, it couldn't be true!
The Crown Prince would make others feel miserable, but he would never be miserable himself!
She weakly held onto her maidservant's sleeve, "Say, do you think... the Crown Prince... has feelings for Hua Liuli?"
The maidservant shook her head in panic, "Junzhu, you can't spread such words casually."
Yao Jiamin looked up at the sky in confusion.
She was genuinely worried. If the Crown Prince really got married to Hua Liuli, and if he ever took a concubine, what if Hua Liuli drew her sword without hesitation and killed both the Crown Prince and the concubine?
Just imagining that scene sent a shiver down Yao Jiamin's spine.
There were so many beautiful women in the world, why did the Crown Prince, of all people, inexplicably fall for Hua Liuli?
Was it because life was too dull, or because the days were too good?
What surprised her, even more, was that even she could see the Crown Prince's feelings, but why didn't the palace attendants in Shoukang Palace show any reaction? And why did Hua Liuli think that the Crown Prince liked someone else? Was there some misunderstanding in all of this?
Could it be...
Yao Jiamin suddenly thought of a possibility. Perhaps the Crown Prince had genuinely fallen in love with a woman who resembled Hua Liuli, but that person had already passed away, so Hua Liuli was being used as a substitute?
Don't stories often depict this scenario? The living can never compare to the dead, and in the end, the living always suffers.
With that thought, Yao Jiamin started to feel uncomfortable on behalf of Hua Liuli.
She was the daughter of General Wei. Although she fakes her illness and is somewhat inconsistent in her character, she was still the apple of General Wei's eye. Why should she become a substitute for someone else?
Even if she hated Hua Liuli, she couldn't bear to see her being humiliated like this.
When Hua Liuli returned from the Eastern Palace, she received several volumes of storybooks that Yao Jiamin had prepared for her. She didn't know how Yao Jiamin managed to bring these books into the palace.
"What is 'Record of Twin Jades' about?" Hua Liuli flipped through the first book.
"It's about a scholar whose beloved woman passed away. Soon, he coincidentally encounters a peasant girl who resembles his lover. After marrying her, he wants the peasant girl to imitate every word and action of his lover," Yao Jiamin replied expressionlessly.
"And what about 'Blossoms in Pairs'?"
"It's about a prince who remarries his deceased wife's sister, simply because the sister bears some resemblance to the deceased wife."
"And 'Flowers Blooming in the Shadows'?"
"It's a story about a scholar who asks a flower demon to transform into the appearance of his deceased wife and marry him as a way to repay a debt."
Hua Liuli tossed the pile of books onto the table and stood up. She rummaged through the cabinet and pulled out a few books to give to Yao Jiamin, "Stop reading these storybooks. They'll make you stupid. Come, read these instead. They're more interesting."
"What are these?" Yao Jiamin flipped through them and noticed that most of the titles had a hint of a martial world atmosphere.
"Stories of scum getting beaten and their heads smashed like a dog," Hua Liuli smiled mischievously, "Specifically targeting the male protagonists in those scripts of yours."
Yao Jiamin: "..."
She wasn't worried about Hua Liuli anymore. Now, she was starting to worry about the Crown Prince.
If Hua Liuli found out about the Crown Prince's intentions, would she smash his head?
"Violence is never a good solution," Yao Jiamin collected all the scripts and laughed awkwardly, "It can't solve all problems."
"Sometimes, it can solve a part of the problem," Hua Liuli looked at Yao Jiamin with a serious gaze, "Although you often speak without thinking, I still like you. Love and affection are precious, but sacrificing oneself so much for a man who doesn't love you is not only disrespectful to oneself but also to one's family. From the moment we're born until we grow up, it's to see more beauty in the world, not to let another person ruin us, understand?"
Yao Jiamin: "Huh?"
She understood what Hua Liuli was saying, but what did it have to do with her? Wasn't she the one trying to persuade Hua Liuli?
And what did she mean by speaking without thinking?
If Yao Jiamin could defeat Hua Liuli, she would have already confronted her.
Hua Liuli sighed. She didn't expect Yao Jiamin to say that she no longer liked Ying Wang, yet deep down, she still held such deep affection for him.
How could a good young girl be so stubborn and unable to see the truth in matters of the heart?
Hua Liuli and Yao Jiamin silently looked at each other, their eyes filled with unspoken sympathy and helplessness for the other.
