A Precious Pearl in the Imperial City

At dawn the next day, Qi Wang and Qi Wangfei arrived outside the Taiyang Palace to pay their respect to the Emperor.

 

“Your Highness, Wangfei, this old slave congratulates you two on your marriage. Please forgive this old slave for not drinking a cup of your wedding wine as he cannot leave the Palace.” Liu Zhongbao walked out of the Palace Hall’s door and greeted the two: “His Majesty permitted you two to enter.”

 

“Many thanks, gonggong.” Sun Caiyao thanked him, and took out a red envelope from her sleeve: “Gonggong has worked hard in serving Father Emperor. This is a wedding gift specially prepared by His Highness for gonggong.”

 

The characters of ‘double happiness1T/N: The double happiness symbol, “囍” (pronounced shuāngxǐ 双喜 where shuāng means double) in Chinese, is comprised of 喜喜 – two copies of the Chinese character 喜 (xǐ), which means joy and happiness. It is commonly used as a Chinese wedding symbol to represent double the joy and happiness for the newlyweds as they begin their married life. ‘ were embroidered on the red envelope. Liu Zhongbao took it with both hands and expressed his gratitude: “This old servant will then shamelessly accept the benefit of Your Highness and Wangfei’s wedding. Please follow this old slave inside.”

 

Liu Zhongbao did not put away the red envelope. Until he entered the Palace Hall and went forward to Emperor Longfeng, the red envelope remained in his hands.

 

“Your Majesty, His Highness and the Wangfei have come to greet and serve you tea.”

 

Emperor Longfeng smiled gently at Qi Wang and Sun Caiyao: “Why are you here so early?”

 

“Today is the first day for erchen to enter the Palace and pay respects to Father Emperor with his new bride. Erchen dare not to be negligent.” Qi Wang picked up a cup of tea from the tray held by a palace maid and knelt down: “Please drink tea, Father Emperor.”

 

Sun Caiyao took another tea cup and knelt down beside Qi Wang: “Please drink tea, Father Emperor.”

 

Liu Zhongbao was about to bring the tea cups to Emperor Longfeng but the latter waved his hand, took the cups personally and emptied them in two mouthfuls: “You have already become husband and wife. From now on, cherish, support and strive to understand each other till your hair turns white.”

 

“Erchen will sincerely obey Father Emperor’s instructions.”

 

Looking at his respectful son, Emperor Longfeng turned and took the two carved boxes inlaid with gemstones brought by a court eunuch and put them in their hands respectively: “You can leave.”

 

Qi Wang held the box above his head, thanked him again, and left the Taiyang Palace with Qi Wangfei.

 

Walking out of the entrance, he looked at Sun Caiyao tenderly. He was very satisfied with Sun Caiyao’s thoughtful actions: “There seems to be a faint fragrance of orchid on Wangfei?”

 

Sun Caiyao nodded shyly.

 

“Mother Consort is fond of this fragrance as well. It’s good that you like this.” As soon as Qi Wang finished speaking, he saw Su Guifei sitting on a palanquin which moved toward their direction. Holding a few red plums in her hand, she called out to them.

 

“Ben Gong was wondering who it was on the path. It turns out to be His Highness Qi Wang.” Su Guifei sat on the palanquin languidly and looked down at the bowing Qi Wang and Qi Wangfei: “Ben Gong heard what happened in the Qi Wang residence last night. After marrying the Sun family’s guniang, your confidence has surpassed those of the other princes. You even dare to plot against Ben Gong’s daughter-in-law.”

 

“Please investigate carefully, Guifei niangniang. This matter…”

 

“Did Ben Gong ask you to explain?” Su Guifei glanced at them lightly and said with a little sarcasm in her flirtatious voice: “Have Your Highness forgotten the basic palace etiquette taught in primary school?”

 

Qi Wang cupped his hands and quit talking.

 

But Su Guifei didn’t let him off: “Since you have already got married, you should know the rules and etiquette very well. The Zheng family doesn’t know the rules, so Ben Gong will teach them. If His Highness Qi Wang doesn’t know it either, Ben Gong doesn’t mind teaching you on behalf of Ning Fei.”

 

“This junior had a slip of tongue. Requesting Guifei niangniang to forgive this junior.” Qi Wang cupped his hands and bowed once again.

 

“Today is the first day of your marriage with the Sun family’s guniang. Ben Gong won’t bicker with you for Qi Wangfei’s sake.” Su Guifei snorted lightly, “However, bear this in mind: there will be no next time.”

 

“Thank you, Guifei niangniang.”

 

Qi Wang raised his head. He watched Su Guifei and her party head toward the Taiyang Palace before lowering his head and smiling bitterly at Sun Caiyao: “Wangfei, I am wronged by letting you accompany me.”

 

Sun Caiyao shook her head: “It is not Your Highness’ fault.”

 

It was only… only Su Guifei’s fault for acting so arrogantly.

 

After Qi Wang and Qi Wangfei finished serving tea to Ning Fei, they heard the news from the Taiyang Palace that the Zheng family had been relegated to the lowest rank of Baron. This decision was taken completely without any qualms about today being the first day of Qi Wang’s married life.

 

Hearing this news, Sun Caiyao immediately realized that Su Guifei went to Taiyang Palace holding the few red plums early in the morning to complain to the Emperor.

 

She turned her head and looked at Lanxu Palace. Over the span of a handful of days, the Zheng family had been demoted again and again. Mother Consort… perhaps won’t be too happy.

 

The Zheng family had almost become a laughingstock in the entire capital. But even so, they had to stare at the odd gazes of people in the capital and personally visit Assistant Minister Ming’s residence to beg forgiveness.

 

The head of the Zheng family was still seriously ill, so it was Madam Zheng and the eldest son Zheng Wangnan, who came to apologize.

 

When they learned that it was the Zheng family who came to their residence, not only did the Ming family not make things difficult for them, but they also opened the gates wide and greeted them with a smile. Anyone who saw this scene would be full of praise for the Ming family for their magnanimity.

 

However, for those of the Zheng family, the more polite the Ming family was, the more apprehensive they became. Sitting in the main hall of the Ming family, the mother-son pair felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles.

 

“Ming guniang, it is my fault for not educating my son strictly. I request guniang to accept these gifts.” Madam Zheng handed over the list of gifts with both hands.

 

“It is alright, Madam.” Jiuzhu got up and curtsied, “Since the matter has passed, please don’t worry about it.”

 

Madam Zheng felt a sharp pain in her heart: “……”

 

Their Zheng family’s title was relegated and they also lost face. Was this something she didn’t need to worry about?

 

She was indignant and upset. Yet, she had to maintain her smile. What kind of life was this?

 

“Master, Madam, Young Miss!” A young male servant happily ran into the main hall: “The eldest Master has returned to the capital!”

 

“Really?!”

 

Ming Jingzhou was overjoyed: “Eldest brother has been away for many days so the servants might not be able to serve him properly. I will go and welcome eldest brother into the residence.”

 

“Master.” Shen-shi called out after him: “It’s cold outside. Don’t forget to put on your cloak.”

 

After she finished speaking, she looked at Jiuzhu: “Jiuzhu, go with your father.”

 

Jiuzhu, who had long been curious about her eldest uncle, jumped off her chair and ran out after Ming Jingzhou when she heard her mother’s words.

 

“Ai, father and daughter have the same problem. Both forget to wear a cloak when going out.” With a smile on her face, she turned her head and noticed that Madam Zheng and Zheng Wangnan seemed to be trembling. Shen-shi asked with a smile: “Madam Zheng, eldest Zheng gongzi, is it cold inside the hall?”

 

“No, it’s not cold.” Zheng Wangnan’s complexion was pale, “Many thanks for your concern though, Madam.”

 

They were not feeling cold at all. In fact, they were just frightened when they heard the news of Ming Jinghai’s return.

 

No one in the court was unaware that Ming Jinghai was not only a zhuangyuan with profound knowledge, but also an exceptional swordsman. When he was on his way to the capital for participating in the imperial examination, he had single-handedly overthrown more than ten mountain bandits and dragged them over to the yamen and collected the rewards.

 

After Emperor Longfeng ascended the throne, he wielded the imperial sword2Imperial sword [尚方宝剑] – Here, it means that he was granted the authority to do something that is otherwise prohibited. Kinda like James Bond’s license to kill. and beheaded countless corrupt officials. The commoners named him Lord Qingtian3Lord Qingtian [青天大老爷] – It means just and incorruptible., but the officials and nobles in the capital were rather afraid of him. They called him the Black-faced Fiend in private.

 

They merely came to apologize; they didn’t want to be hacked to death by Ming Jinghai’s sword.

 

The first time Jiuzhu saw her uncle, she felt that he was quite different from the regular scholarly officials. He had tanned dark skin, a pair of thick eyebrows and big eyes, a thick beard on his chin, and a sword hanging on his waist. Every step he took was filled with vigor.

 

“This is…” Seeing Jiuzhu’s white and tender face, Ming Jinghai’s lowered his high voice stiffly: “This is my niece?”

 

“Eldest Uncle.” Jiuzhu greeted Ming Jinghai, looking at him without blinking.

 

“My niece looks really good.” Ming Jinghai touched his bosom, and discovered that he didn’t have anything suitable to be gifted to a little guniang. Finally, he tore off the pouch from his waist: “Eldest Uncle doesn’t know what you little guniangs like. Take this money and spend it as you wish.”

 

“Father.” Ming Cunfu looked enviously at the pouch in Jiuzhu’s hand; his father had never been so generous to him.

 

The smile on Ming Jinghai’s face instantly stiffened when he saw his son: “Did you read books during the time I was away from the capital? Can you write them? Did you take good care of your meimei?”

 

Ming Cunfu: “……”

 

“Eldest Brother, Cunfu has been studying very hard during this time. He had never slacked off.” Ming Jingzhou took Ming Jinghai by the arm and said, “Let’s go, let’s go. Come with me and freshen up quickly. It’s noon, we can reminisce about the old days while having lunch.”

 

“Then I’ll do as third brother says. Thank you for the trouble.” Ming Jinghai was not at all polite with his younger brother and followed Ming Jingzhou back to the residence. Along the way, he looked at Jiuzhu many times. Noticing his gaze, she turned toward him and gave him a big smile.

 

Ming Jinghai’s heart softened seeing his niece’s smile. He tore off the yupei from his waist: “Zhuzhu, this yupei is of a pretty good quality, you can keep it.” 

 

“Eldest brother must not; His Majesty bestowed this yupei upon you. How can you give it to an ignorant little guniang who knows nothing…”

 

“Zhuzhu is His Majesty’s future daughter-in-law. So why does it matter if I give her this yupei or not?” Ming Jinghai shot Ming Jingzhou down with an attitude that declared that he wouldn’t take no for an answer: “I am giving it to my niece. You are in no position to speak here.”

 

Jiuzhu looked up at Ming Jinghai with shining eyes. Eldest Uncle is so domineering oh.

 

As time passed, Zheng Wangnan’s legs trembled as if he had suffered a stroke and sweat kept rolling down from his forehead.

 

“Madam, it’s getting late. It’s time for us to take our leave.” Madam Zheng stood up with a pale face, “I don’t want to disturb your family reunion. Farewell, farewell.”

 

“Madam, this junior bids you farewell.” With unsteady steps, Zheng Wangnan reached out to support Madam Zheng, who was barely able to stand still: “Farewell.”

 

“Madam and gongzi rarely come to pay a visit. Why don’t you stay for a light meal?” Shen-shi got up to persuade the two: “Why must you leave in such a hurry?”

 

“No thanks, no thanks.”

 

Madam Zheng looked at Shen-shi bitterly: I don’t think you want to keep us mother and son for a meal, but for us to die.

 

With a smile, Shen-shi watched the mother and son of the Zheng family leave in a hurry. She then turned and looked at the maid beside her: “Are Master and the eldest Master coming in through the main entrance?”

 

“That is correct, Madam.”

 

Shen-shi’s smile became gentler.

 

As soon as the Zheng mother and son walked out of the main hall, they ran into the bearded Ming Jinghai head-on.

 

“Which family’s stinky brat dares to mount a sneak attack on you from behind?” Hearing that someone was trying to harm his niece, Ming Jinghai’s thick brows furrowed: “Truly does not know the immensity of heaven and earth4Not know the immensity of heaven and earth [不知天高地厚] – This is an exaggerated reference to one’s own abilities. He is saying that the Zheng family’s brat pushed Jiuzhu without thinking what her uncle can do to him for it.!”

 

A loud sound of someone falling to the ground was heard at this time.

 

Ming Jinghai followed the direction of that sound and discovered the fallen Zheng Wangnan.

 

“Zheng Shizi5Shizi [世子] – Heir of a noble family., why can’t you even walk well?” He walked up to Zheng Wangnan and picked him up from the ground.

 

“Eldest Uncle.” Jiuzhu pointed to the person he was holding: “It’s his younger brother who pushed me from behind.”

 

Ming Jinghai loosened his grip and threw Zheng Wangnan back to the ground. He glowered: “Your Zheng family actually bullied my niece?”

 

“No, no, no, no, Lord Ming. This is all a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding.” Zheng Wangnan’s voice shook: “Please listen to this junior’s justification… no, explanation. Explanation.”

 

“Explain what? Could it be that it was my niece who deceived me?” The first time he saw his niece, he knew that this little guniang was from their Ming family. She was the only girl among all the children of the three Ming brothers. Would their Ming family’s only little guniang lie?

 

“I won’t listen to explanations.” Ming Jinghai waved his big palm in the air, causing Zheng Wangnan and his mother to shrink back: “You two get out of my Ming residence right now! I will settle accounts with you tomorrow.”

 

Zheng Wangnan got up and tried to escape frantically but suddenly remembered that his mother had been left behind. So he quickly turned around to help Madam Zheng and ‘fled’ the Ming residence.

 

“Niece, don’t be afraid.” Eldest Uncle Ming wanted to stretch out his hand and pat Jiuzhu’s head, but was afraid that he wouldn’t be able to control his strength and break her. Therefore, he withdrew his hand again: “With your eldest Uncle here, the Zheng family won’t be able to take advantage of you.”

 

“Thank you, eldest Uncle.” Jiuzhu smiled sweetly: “But Guifei niangniang and His Highness have already vented in my stead. You just returned home, you need not worry about these trivial things and harm your health.”

 

“You mean Su Guifei and Chen Wang?” Eldest Uncle Ming turned to look at Ming Jingzhou: “Is this really true?”

 

Ming Jingzhou nodded: “Jiuzhu is right. Su Guifei and Chen Wang did indeed help her out.”

 

He still hadn’t told his eldest brother how Su Guifei and Chen Wang sent things to their residence every few days.

 

Eldest Uncle Ming thought for a while and nodded in understanding: “In any case, she does have some usefulness. If she allowed her to be bullied by others despite being a favored concubine, why should she remain so?”

 

Ming Cunfu turned his head silently when he heard this. Father, what you said sounded too much like that of a treacherous court official.

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1T/N: The double happiness symbol, “囍” (pronounced shuāngxǐ 双喜 where shuāng means double) in Chinese, is comprised of 喜喜 – two copies of the Chinese character 喜 (xǐ), which means joy and happiness. It is commonly used as a Chinese wedding symbol to represent double the joy and happiness for the newlyweds as they begin their married life. 2Imperial sword [尚方宝剑] – Here, it means that he was granted the authority to do something that is otherwise prohibited. Kinda like James Bond’s license to kill.3Lord Qingtian [青天大老爷] – It means just and incorruptible.4Not know the immensity of heaven and earth [不知天高地厚] – This is an exaggerated reference to one’s own abilities. He is saying that the Zheng family’s brat pushed Jiuzhu without thinking what her uncle can do to him for it.5Shizi [世子] – Heir of a noble family.