The Times Spent in Pretense

The current location, which was supposed to be full of luxury and pleasures, became a place offering repose. Where one enjoyed zither music and drank tea.

Jiamin sat in a corner without a sound. Meanwhile, Hua Liuli leaned against the back of a soft couch, beautiful maidservants waiting on her. Noticing that the two commandery princess kept quiet, the other young ladies did not speak as well, holding their teacups as they admired the sound of the zither.

 

In a peculiar manner, Young Miss Yao said, “They say for a man to die because of a woman would prove a happy death. Commandery Princess Fushou is of poor health. It’s better if you don’t go outside too often.”

Hua Liuli, who had been relaxing with her eyes closed, opened them.

“Actually, those in poor health need to stroll about more. Because if they’re in a good mood, their health will naturally improve,” said Jiamin, heart leaping when she had noticed Hua Liuli opening her eyes. She grabbed her cousin’s wrist, hinting for her not to say anything else. “As the saying goes, a feast for the eyes. Commandery Princess, you have a poor appetite. If you see good-looking people more often, it will be beneficial for your body.”

Never had Young Miss Yao imagined that Jiamin would back Hua Liuli up to this degree. Just who is the one who’s actually Jiamin’s cousin? Why is she helping outsiders instead?　　

Hua Liuli noticed Jiamin was nervous. Slowly, she rose to her feet. Smiled. “Elder Sister Jiamin is worthy of being the daughter of an imperial princess. Is indeed experienced and knowledgeable.”

Dry laughter left Jiamin’s lips. Who could understand the pain of lying with your eyes open?

“I suddenly remember that I have something to do at home. Goodbye,” said Young Miss Yao, glancing at Jiamin. She got up to leave.

She was already angry, so Jiamin should coax her into a better mood, right?

“Then, careful on the road.” Jiamin sighed in relief. It’s good that she was leaving. Because if she left, then she wouldn’t provoke Hua Liuli’s anger.

“You…” At this moment, Young Miss Yao became genuinely angry. So angry that she turned and left.

“Young Miss Yao, take care!” said Hua Liuli, waving at her.

“Hua Liuli, don’t be so proud of yourself!” said Young Miss Yao as pointed at the other girl. “In a few days, the exam results will be out. I want to see just what rank your brother will receive.”

After saying these words in a ruthless manner, Young Miss Yao stepped out, leaving behind Jiamin and the other young ladies who all wore awkward expressions.

“Commandery Princess Fushou, my elder cousin sister has a bit of a crafty and unruly personality. But…” Jiamin was truly too embarrassed to speak. But my cousin doesn’t have any ill intentions. However, because Young Miss Yao had already mocked Hua Liuli’s elder brother, it would hardly be a good thing if Jiamin tried speaking well about her.

She looked at Hua Liuli, and she pressed a hand to her forehead without a word. It had always been other people cleaning up after Jiamin’s messes. When had she ever said such placating words before? But Hua Liuli was someone who held grudges. And the type where one smiled as they stabbed you. Who knew when she would suddenly take revenge?

“It’s alright. Young Miss Yao has a straightforward personality. I trust that she bore no ill will,” said Hua Liuli, all smiles. “Let’s all appreciate the zither music together.”

Silent, Jiamin cast her a glance. Not a single one of this woman’s words can be trusted.

Now that these noble young ladies finally intended to listen to his music properly, the zither musician grew more energetic and played an extremely difficult song.

As Jinling Center’s most famous zither musician, he was most proud of not only his face but the zither-playing skill of his hands, which caused countless women to grow infatuated with him.

“This tea isn’t as good as the ones we have in the other tea house we frequent more.”

“In the end, this isn’t a proper teahouse.”

The hands of the zither musician trembled a hint. He played the wrong note. The most famous zither musician performed in this place, yet these ladies were more concerned about whether the tea was good?

“I don’t drink tea. Nor am I aware of which types are good and which are not,” said Hua Liuli. “How about we have the wait staff serve you all some new tea?”

“Even if the tea in this sort of place is decent, there is still a limit to how good it can be. Commandery Princess need not trouble yourself,” said a young lady sitting next to Jiamin, appearance sweet and cute to the max. According to Hua Liuli’s memory, she was a legitimate daughter of the Tian family. Tian Ruidong’s full-blooded younger sister.

Young Miss Tian placed her teacup onto the table. In a curious manner, she looked at Hua Liuli. “Commandery Princess grew up in the border station. May you describe the scenery there to us? Does it resemble this verse from a poem: ‘Among the desert stands a lonely fire beacon, smoke rising straight to the skies?’”

Hua Liuli shook his head. “Qinghan Prefecture’s terrain is  arduous to traverse, the mountains high and the roads steep. Every summer, there are many snakes, insects, and mice. Come night, there would be countless mosquitos biting.”

“That terrifying?” The young ladies present had all grown up in the lap of luxury. They could not imagine such nasty living conditions.

“But there are benefits to a place like that. It’s easily guarded and hard to attack. The locals are tough as nails. When the enemy attacks, the men of age will patrol the city spontaneously. They lend us a hand quite a few times in capturing spies from Jinpo Country.” A sigh escaped Hua Liuli’s lips. “However, transportation there is inconvenient. The situation there is nasty as well, battles happening again and again. Great Jin’s merchants don’t like doing business with the locals. That’s why, for a very long period, the livelihood of the locals was poor.”

After that, one of the young ladies held her breath as she listened intensively to Hua Liuli. They waited for Hua Liuli to continue.

“Afterward, my father led troops to eliminate the bandits that lurked in the surroundings blocking the roads. Gradually, the merchants arrived to Qinghan Prefecture to conduct business. In recent years, life has greatly improved there.” Hua Liuli noticed that musician playing the wrong note quite a few times. She turned her head and smiled in an insincere manner toward him. “Are you interested in these stories about the frontier?”

“This humble one grew too engrossed in the stories. May the honored customers forgive me.” The musician rose to his feet and walked in front of Hua Liuli. Following that, he saluted her.

He wore a loose, white robe. When he stooped to perform the salute, it gave a peek of his collarbones.

“I heard that eleven years ago, a natural disaster occurred in Qinghan Prefecture, several roads leading to it blocked by debris from collapsed mountains.” Jiamin remembered this because her father, Prince Consort Yao, had personally served as the official  who escorted army provisions there. On an ordinary day, he idled about all day. But after returning from Qinghan Prefecture, he was depressed for almost half a month, and even curbed most of his spendthrift habits.

Translated by Sleepchaser at https://sleepchaser.wordpress.com/ If you read it anywhere else besides Sleepchaser’s wordpress, that copy was stolen.

“Back then, I was four years old. There are many things I don’t quite recall clearly anymore,” said Hua Liuli. She shook her head. “Today, we’re here to listen to music. Why are we talking about this kind of topic?”

Then she turned her head and noticed the musician still standing before her. She waved. “Musician, continue to play.”

Said musician glanced at her. Silent, he returned to his seat.

The group of girls ate fruits and light refreshments, staring at the musician for a bit less than one hour. And they were all bored at this point. But the two commandery princesses had not said they wanted to leave, so the other young ladies could only hang in there and listen to the music.

“Musician, what is your name?”

“This humble one’s predecessors committed a crime. For three generations, we are to stay in the untouchable caste. Furthermore, we no longer have a surname,” said the musician, seizing an opportunity to stop playing the zither. When he began to play again, his fingers couldn’t endure it. “The people here all call me Yunhan.”

“Yunhan…” muttered Hua Liuli, staring at the musician deep in thought.

The musician slowly raised his head, a pair of beautiful eyes in Hua Liuli’s view.

“This name sounds a bit cold,” said Hua Liuli after quite a while, airing out her inner thoughts.

The smile on the musician’s face stiffened a hint. “Honored Guest is correct. This humble one does not find the ‘han’ character good as well.”

Jiamin was immensely skeptical whether Hua Liuli would tease the beauty into happiness. Why were the words she had spoken so prone to choking up people? Hua Liuli actually tried to steal a beauty from her like this. What a joke.

“No, what I meant was that this name is just like you. Like the spotless white clouds rising high into the heavens. While it is lonely at the top, there is a great lofty and unsullied feeling.” Hua Liuli rose to her feet. Made her way before the musician. She extended her hand and fiddled a bit with the strings of the zither. Her actions were rather at will, carrying a free and at ease flavor. “Your skill in the zither is exceptional, and you are this remarkably beautiful. There’s no need to undervalue yourself.”

She faintly approached the musician. Just as the other young ladies thought she would do something to him, Hua Liuli stood up straight in a flash. She fished out a handkerchief. Covered her mouth as a few coughs slipped from her lips. “Sorry, I’m in poor health and cannot stay outside for too long. Musician should return to rest.”

Yurong went forward and supported Hua Liuli’s arm. Meanwhile, Yuanwei placed a bag of pearls into the musician’s hands. “Our master does not have a definite schedule for going outside. Young Master should not see any customers in the next few days, so as to not make things inconvenient when Master wishes to see you.”

The musician accepted the pearls and placed the bag on the table in passing. He cupped his hands obeisance. “This humble one shall wait for Honored Guest’s return.”

His salute proved cultured to an immense degree. It resembled that of an immortal who had fallen to the mortal realm out of nowhere. It made people want him to remain in the mortal realm, yet also want him to become an aloof and remote immortal.

If these noble young ladies were like other girls, they would have been convinced by his graceful bearing.

But they were different from other people. They had, earlier on, met Fifth Prince, the pinnacle of graceful bearing, words, and actions. A man like Yunhan, who was from a music and dance establishment, would only garner a few looks from them. In these young ladies’ eyes, he would never be seen as breathtaking.

Hearing Hua Liuli voice her intention on leaving, Jiamin also stood, rushing as she did. “There are still matters to attend to in my estate. I should return as well.”

If I don’t leave now, don’t tell me I’m supposed to stay here and fight over a man with Hua Liuli?　

Once the group of girls had left from Jinling Center, before Jiamin could even breathe out a breath of air, her gaze met with that of Du Xiuying from across the street.

 

Although Du Xiuying’s expression seemed very serene, Jiamin was certain that underneath that serene face lay a red-hot rage.

“Young Miss Du,” said Hua Liuli when she noticed her, smiling as she waved. “What a pleasant coincidence.”

Smiling, Young Miss Du nodded at her. She crossed the street, and once she was before them, she curtsied. “Greetings, Commandery Princess Fushou.”　　

“Young Miss Du need not be so courteous.” Hua Liuli reached out to support Du Xiuying. The other party’s body gave off a faint scent of books and ink. A very nice smell.

“Manners must not be ignored.” Du Xiuying turned and exchanged salutes with the other young ladies. Yet, her gaze remained on Jiamin.

Behind them, Jinling Center stood. Every so often, the sound of music and loud talking could be heard. It made the air between them all seem even more quiet.

“Did you have fun inside?” asked Du Xiuying as she looked at Jiamin, expressionless.

To which Jiamin shook her head. “It wasn’t very interesting.”

“If you like going there, I won’t stop you.” Following that, Du Xiuying turned her head to glance at Hua Liuli. “Commandery Princess Fushou is sickly and younger than you. From now on, do not pull her to such a place.”

“What’s that got to do with me?” Jiamin scoffed. “It’s her legs that brought her here. How could I control that?” It’s not like she hated the fact that her own life was too long!

“Young Miss Du, this matter has nothing to do with Commandery Princess Jiamin. I was the one who wanted to come here,” said Hua Liuli in a soft voice.

Du Xiuying said, “I know.” Yet, she did not believe her. Jiamin, this child, had a bad temperament. Commandery Princess Fushou only said this to protect her.

If Jiamin hadn’t brought Commandery Princess Fushou to such a place that catered to the pleasures of life, how could the latter have found it?

Right now, Du Xiuying looked at Jiamin in an admonishing manner, indicating for her not to provoke any more trouble.

Jiamin was speechless.

Indeed, her actions and words in the past had been somewhat shameful. But that didn’t mean she was the one starting every misdeed, right? Was anyone going to be reasonable when it came to this matter right now?

But she was too lazy to argue with Du Xiuying, this cousin of hers. Because since childhood, whenever this cousin opened her mouth, archaic expressions would spill from it. Hearing them gave Jiamin a headache.

Young Miss Tian and another young lady noticed something amiss, and each found an excuse to board their own carriages to slip away. Because they also feared Du Xiuying a lot.

Jiamin watched as those two girls  rushed off, and once again, she suspected that their friendship was weak.

Each uttered they were good friends until the end, but when adversity strikes, they’re nowhere to be found?

“Let’s return,” said Du Xiuying. On the main street, people came and went. She did not say anything else, pulling Jiamin into her horse-drawn carriage, so that Jiamin wouldn’t be running all over the place.

Before Du Xiuying boarded her carriage, she said to Hua Liuli, “Commandery Princess should return home early. Night is soon approaching.”

“Alright, Young Miss Du.” Hua Liuli was the picture of lovableness.

So lovable that when Du Xiuying looked at her own younger cousin, for some reason she felt that the saying “other people’s younger sisters are better” rang true.

“Cousin, I really didn’t bring her here. When I arrived at this place, she was already present.”

“Explain, just keep explaining. Why don’t you also say she fought over a man with you?”

“That’s right, she tried to fight over a person with me.”

Du Xiuying breathed out deeply, furious. “Jiamin, I don’t use profanities. Don’t cause me to make an exception.”

Again, Jiamin was speechless.

Her greatest regret in this life was provoking Hua Liuli. Ever since she had, she did not have any good days.

Her eight characters and Hua Liuli’s truly conflicted.

Watching as Du Xiuying’s carriage grew farther and farther, Hua Liuli smiled. “The young ladies in the capital are all amusing.”

“Commandery Princess, what do you think about that musician?” whispered Yuanwei.

“His deportment falls to that of Fifth Prince, and his appearance cannot compare with the crown prince’s.” Hua Liuli shook her head and sighed. “After growing accustomed to remarkable beauties, I find other people vulgar.”

“Your honored self must be a bit more calm about this. These imperial princes cannot become your handsome male pets,” Yuanwei reminded her master in an honest manner.

“You’re right. But as people, we all have faults. It’s easy for a frugal person to grow accustomed to a luxurious environment, but it is harder the other way around.” Hua Liuli wasn’t that interested in the musician. “If the crown prince wasn’t that good-looking, I wouldn’t be this picky.”

“Commandery Princess Fushou?”

Hua Liuli frowned. She simply admired him—that’s all. So why was she now hearing his voice in her fantasies?

The crown prince noticed Hua Liuli standing at the door to Jinling Center, and said, “Why are you here?” He dismounted from his horse. Looked at the sign board hanging from the entrance. And he came to the conclusion that she had just passed through the area.

“Word had it that there’s an outstanding zither musician here, so this official’s daughter came for a look.” In front of the crown prince, Hua Liuli did not conceal her intention.

“Zither musician?” The crown prince caught a whiff of incense from her body, something unusual to her. A trace of pungent face powder as well. It was probably because of other people being too close around her, their scents getting it on her by accident.

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“Commandery Princess… could it be that you have that kind of interest?” The crown prince was aware that some noble ladies in the capital raised handsome male companions. But Hua Liuli truly did not seem the type.

Could someone have led her astray?

“This official’s daughter was just curious.” Hua Liuli didn’t take it to heart. “It’s so late. Why is Your Highness here?”

“On behalf of Imperial Father, I brought people from the Ministry of Rites with me to announce an imperial decree,” said the crown prince. “In a place like this, the men and women aren’t clean. The smell of incense is strong, not good for Commandery Princess’ health. Commandery Princess should not frequent such a place often in the future.”

Hua Liuli fell into her thoughts. So what the crown prince means is that I should find men from good, clean families?

She raised her head. Looked at him. Slowly, she nodded. “Your Highness, this official’s daughter understands.”

As the crown prince took in Hua Liuli’s face of contemplation, he felt that she absolutely did not understand whatsoever. For some reason, he felt uncomfortable, and after he had escorted her back to her estate, his heart still felt stifled.

“Your Majesty, which palace mistress’ residence will your honored self stay at tonight?” asked Zhao Sancai. The emperor had not visited the imperial harem in five days. As such, the imperial concubines all asked Zhao Sancai for any information. But he was merely a court eunuch without his male parts. How could he know what the emperor was thinking?

“We recall that Consort Lin’s brother seemed to have arrived at the capital?”

“Is Your Majesty talking about Yongzhou Prefecture’s governor, Lin Zhou?”

“Precisely.”

“Your Majesty, Sir Lin, Lin Zhou, has indeed already arrived at the capital city. However, due to the fact that there are no vacancies available in the government, he could only stay idle at home.”

“Then We will head for Consort Lin’s tonight. We can discuss Lin Zhou’s matters with her.”

Just as Emperor Changlong was preparing to leave for Consort Lin’s, he heard a court eunuch announce that the crown prince wished for an audience. Emperor Changlong stopped in his tracks. Allowed the palace servant to invite the crown prince in.

“Since you’ve come so late, something must have happened, right?” Emperor Changlong noticed how quick the crown prince’s pace was, and feeling so much love and affection for him, he had the crown prince sit down before speaking.

“Imperial Father, when Son-Official left the palace today, Son-Official noticed a performance center that was brightly lit, the music never ending. Son-Official felt uncomfortable,” said the crown prince, worry painting his features. “Under your honored self’s governing, Great Jin has become more and more glorious and flourishing. The people live in peace and work happily, livelihoods well-to-do. But along with the standards of living improving, the civilians grow ever more engrossed in the pleasures of life. Every night, music and songs can be heard from the red-light districts. This is unfavorable for our Great Jin’s long-term peace and stability, of having each generation better than the next.”

“Naturally, appropriate entertainment centers are a must,” said the crown prince when he noticed Emperor Changlong deep in thought. “Soon, diplomats from every surrounding country will arrive at Great Jin. If these officials misunderstand our civilians as people who are only engrossed in the pleasures of life, wouldn’t our country lose face? It would be better to take the opportunity at this time to inspect each of these entertainment centers. We will find out whether they have women and children whom were forcibly sold, whether officials often loiter near brothels, whether the owners hit or kill the servants, and whether there are unlicensed prostitutes. If the answer is no to all of these, then the entertainment center can continue its existence.”

“What you’ve said makes sense.” A short while after Emperor Changlong had muttered this, he nodded. “Arrange to dispatch people to handle this matter tomorrow.” The Great State of Jin had good weather for crops these past years. It was a good thing that the civilians lived in peace and worked happily. However, excessive indulgent in pleasures served as a hidden misfortune.

One must not throw away crisis awareness at any time. Nor should one stop striving upward toward a goal.

Countless pearls fell to the ground, a crisp and melodious sound ringing upon impact.

Ignoring those pearls that bounced and rolled on the floor, Yunhan made his way to a wide copper mirror. Stood right before it. He reached out and lightly caressed his cheeks, before asking the little servant by his side, “Is this young master not handsome?”

“Young Master’s appearance is peerless in the world.” The little servant raised the tray, too afraid to lift their head and look at Yunhan.

Upon the tray lay an empty silk brocade bag, pearls scattered all around it.

Translated by Sleepchaser at https://sleepchaser.wordpress.com/ If you read it anywhere else besides Sleepchaser’s wordpress, that copy was stolen.

Yunhan overturned the tray, expression unsightly to the max. Ever since he had appeared in Jinling Center, he caused innumerable women to go crazily infatuated with him. A few days earlier, two county princesses had even fallen out with each other due to him.

Yet, when that woman had laid eyes on him today, her reaction caused him extraordinary shame and humiliation.

“Send people to ask around what Hua Liuli and Yao Jiamin typically take pleasure in.” Gradually, the anger on Yunhan’s face dissipated. He picked up the silk brocade bag from the tray. Played with it in passing. “All women like sweet talk and oaths of undying love. I want them to regret their actions today.”

“Young Master, Master’s desire is for you to get close to Commandery Princess Jiamin. Why are you—”

“What do you know?” said Yunhan, ice-cold. “Human nature is despicable. If a woman discovers that a man who had originally pursued them suddenly took a fancy to another woman, her emotions toward him would grow ever more strong.”

“This slave does not understand.” The little servant’s shoulders trembled a hint. They were afraid.

“Of course you wouldn’t.” Yunhan’s expression proved as frigid as December snow. “Women…”

“Heh.” Derision dyed his ice-cold expression. “For the sake of love, they can give up everything.”

“Young Master, before leaving, Hua Liuli requested that you not take any other customers. This illustrates that she already finds you somewhat special. Perhaps it’s because there were other people present at the time, so she acted indifferent,” said the servant. “This slave believes in your honored self.”

“Good slave.” Yunhan patted the top of the little servant’s head. The little servant raised their head to look at him, exposing their neck that lacked an Adam’s apple.

 

That night, the crown prince had a dream. In it, he raised a white cat, and said cat was exceedingly easy on the eyes. Even its meows sounded sweeter than those of other kittens.

However, that cat was rather naughty. Today, it would go pick flowers; tomorrow, it would go pick fruits. And someone even almost abducted it.

In a ruthless manner, the crown prince scolded the person who tried to steal his cat. But he was still angry, and so once they had arrived at the palace, he had an exquisite cage made for the kitten.

Lying on its stomach in the cage, the kitten looked at him with wide eyes as it meowed, an extremely pitiful sight.

In a flash, the crown prince’s heart softened. He held the kitten to his chest, brushing its fur.

“Who told you to fondle the flowers and trample the grass?”

But the kitten only looked at him with big, innocent eyes.

“Are you going to follow other people?”

The kitten tilted its fluffy head, pawing at the cage.

A sigh left the crown prince’s lips. Despite the fact that the kitten didn’t promise anything, he nevertheless, in a way that was without principles, opened the cage’s door, allowing the cat to come out.

Watching the kitten strut around back and forth in front of him, the crown prince picked it up and kissed its ear. “You are indeed my cat.”

“Your Highness, Your Highness.”

The crown prince opened his eyes, catching sight of a court eunuch kneeling by the bed with an expression of deep concern. “Was your honored self having a nightmare?”

“I’m fine.” The crown prince sat up. “I merely dreamed that someone tried snatching away my cat.”

The little eunuch stood at a loss. Cat?

What cat?

The Eastern Palace did not raise any cats.　

“Help me change clothes.”

“Your Highness, it’s still early. You should sleep some more.”

“No, I have important matters to attend to today.”

Just as the sun rose, the steward of Jinling Center heard a racket downstairs. Unhappy, she pulled open the door and walked into the corridor. “What’s with all the ruckus? We’re not open yet.”

When she realized that the people standing downstairs were for the most part officials from the Imperial Court of Judicial Review and yamen bailiffs from the capital governor’s office, she was so frightened that she jumped. In a rush, she descended the stairs. “What’s the matter, Sirs?”

“Let’s make a wonderful capital city, where everyone has their own duties.” A yamen bailiff held a notice to the manager’s face. “Recently, the yamen has received many anonymous reports stating that some performance centers were purchasing and selling people in secret, and mistreating their servants. In response to these incidents, the office of the capital governor and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review are conducting strict investigations. As soon as we have the evidence, we will punish those involved severely.”

“Sir, we are a proper performance center. The musicians and dancers are decent people who only sell their skills and not their bodies. How could we dare to break the law?” The steward swept her gaze through the entire notice, the contents causing her heart to grow alarmed, her body to leap. “May the Sirs investigate properly.”

At once, she fished out a pile of folded bank notes from her sleeve, stuffing them into the yamen bailiff’s hands. “Sirs have yet to have breakfast. May the Sirs have that first…”

“You don’t have to worry. We will simply investigate thoroughly according to Great Jin’s laws and decrees. If this performance center has done nothing to break the law, we won’t make things difficult for you,” said the yamen bailiff, not sparing those bank notes a glance, expression solemn.

“Search.”

As such a deep and beautiful male voice had entered the steward’s ears, she followed the direction of said voice. And she caught sight of a stunningly handsome man with a tall and slender body standing at the door.

Never had she expected to see a man even more handsome than Yunhan in the world!

She, who had witnessed and grown used to all sorts of beauties, could not help but give him a few more looks.

The current location, which was supposed to be full of luxury and pleasures, became a place offering repose. Where one enjoyed zither music and drank tea.

Jiamin sat in a corner without a sound. Meanwhile, Hua Liuli leaned against the back of a soft couch, beautiful maidservants waiting on her. Noticing that the two commandery princess kept quiet, the other young ladies did not speak as well, holding their teacups as they admired the sound of the zither.

 

In a peculiar manner, Young Miss Yao said, “They say for a man to die because of a woman would prove a happy death. Commandery Princess Fushou is of poor health. It’s better if you don’t go outside too often.”

Hua Liuli, who had been relaxing with her eyes closed, opened them.

“Actually, those in poor health need to stroll about more. Because if they’re in a good mood, their health will naturally improve,” said Jiamin, heart leaping when she had noticed Hua Liuli opening her eyes. She grabbed her cousin’s wrist, hinting for her not to say anything else. “As the saying goes, a feast for the eyes. Commandery Princess, you have a poor appetite. If you see good-looking people more often, it will be beneficial for your body.”

Never had Young Miss Yao imagined that Jiamin would back Hua Liuli up to this degree. Just who is the one who’s actually Jiamin’s cousin? Why is she helping outsiders instead?　　

Hua Liuli noticed Jiamin was nervous. Slowly, she rose to her feet. Smiled. “Elder Sister Jiamin is worthy of being the daughter of an imperial princess. Is indeed experienced and knowledgeable.”

Dry laughter left Jiamin’s lips. Who could understand the pain of lying with your eyes open?

“I suddenly remember that I have something to do at home. Goodbye,” said Young Miss Yao, glancing at Jiamin. She got up to leave.

She was already angry, so Jiamin should coax her into a better mood, right?

“Then, careful on the road.” Jiamin sighed in relief. It’s good that she was leaving. Because if she left, then she wouldn’t provoke Hua Liuli’s anger.

“You…” At this moment, Young Miss Yao became genuinely angry. So angry that she turned and left.

“Young Miss Yao, take care!” said Hua Liuli, waving at her.

“Hua Liuli, don’t be so proud of yourself!” said Young Miss Yao as pointed at the other girl. “In a few days, the exam results will be out. I want to see just what rank your brother will receive.”

After saying these words in a ruthless manner, Young Miss Yao stepped out, leaving behind Jiamin and the other young ladies who all wore awkward expressions.

“Commandery Princess Fushou, my elder cousin sister has a bit of a crafty and unruly personality. But…” Jiamin was truly too embarrassed to speak. But my cousin doesn’t have any ill intentions. However, because Young Miss Yao had already mocked Hua Liuli’s elder brother, it would hardly be a good thing if Jiamin tried speaking well about her.

She looked at Hua Liuli, and she pressed a hand to her forehead without a word. It had always been other people cleaning up after Jiamin’s messes. When had she ever said such placating words before? But Hua Liuli was someone who held grudges. And the type where one smiled as they stabbed you. Who knew when she would suddenly take revenge?

“It’s alright. Young Miss Yao has a straightforward personality. I trust that she bore no ill will,” said Hua Liuli, all smiles. “Let’s all appreciate the zither music together.”

Silent, Jiamin cast her a glance. Not a single one of this woman’s words can be trusted.

Now that these noble young ladies finally intended to listen to his music properly, the zither musician grew more energetic and played an extremely difficult song.

As Jinling Center’s most famous zither musician, he was most proud of not only his face but the zither-playing skill of his hands, which caused countless women to grow infatuated with him.

“This tea isn’t as good as the ones we have in the other tea house we frequent more.”

“In the end, this isn’t a proper teahouse.”

The hands of the zither musician trembled a hint. He played the wrong note. The most famous zither musician performed in this place, yet these ladies were more concerned about whether the tea was good?

“I don’t drink tea. Nor am I aware of which types are good and which are not,” said Hua Liuli. “How about we have the wait staff serve you all some new tea?”

“Even if the tea in this sort of place is decent, there is still a limit to how good it can be. Commandery Princess need not trouble yourself,” said a young lady sitting next to Jiamin, appearance sweet and cute to the max. According to Hua Liuli’s memory, she was a legitimate daughter of the Tian family. Tian Ruidong’s full-blooded younger sister.

Young Miss Tian placed her teacup onto the table. In a curious manner, she looked at Hua Liuli. “Commandery Princess grew up in the border station. May you describe the scenery there to us? Does it resemble this verse from a poem: ‘Among the desert stands a lonely fire beacon, smoke rising straight to the skies?’”

Hua Liuli shook his head. “Qinghan Prefecture’s terrain is  arduous to traverse, the mountains high and the roads steep. Every summer, there are many snakes, insects, and mice. Come night, there would be countless mosquitos biting.”

“That terrifying?” The young ladies present had all grown up in the lap of luxury. They could not imagine such nasty living conditions.

“But there are benefits to a place like that. It’s easily guarded and hard to attack. The locals are tough as nails. When the enemy attacks, the men of age will patrol the city spontaneously. They lend us a hand quite a few times in capturing spies from Jinpo Country.” A sigh escaped Hua Liuli’s lips. “However, transportation there is inconvenient. The situation there is nasty as well, battles happening again and again. Great Jin’s merchants don’t like doing business with the locals. That’s why, for a very long period, the livelihood of the locals was poor.”

After that, one of the young ladies held her breath as she listened intensively to Hua Liuli. They waited for Hua Liuli to continue.

“Afterward, my father led troops to eliminate the bandits that lurked in the surroundings blocking the roads. Gradually, the merchants arrived to Qinghan Prefecture to conduct business. In recent years, life has greatly improved there.” Hua Liuli noticed that musician playing the wrong note quite a few times. She turned her head and smiled in an insincere manner toward him. “Are you interested in these stories about the frontier?”

“This humble one grew too engrossed in the stories. May the honored customers forgive me.” The musician rose to his feet and walked in front of Hua Liuli. Following that, he saluted her.

He wore a loose, white robe. When he stooped to perform the salute, it gave a peek of his collarbones.

“I heard that eleven years ago, a natural disaster occurred in Qinghan Prefecture, several roads leading to it blocked by debris from collapsed mountains.” Jiamin remembered this because her father, Prince Consort Yao, had personally served as the official  who escorted army provisions there. On an ordinary day, he idled about all day. But after returning from Qinghan Prefecture, he was depressed for almost half a month, and even curbed most of his spendthrift habits.

Translated by Sleepchaser at https://sleepchaser.wordpress.com/ If you read it anywhere else besides Sleepchaser’s wordpress, that copy was stolen.

“Back then, I was four years old. There are many things I don’t quite recall clearly anymore,” said Hua Liuli. She shook her head. “Today, we’re here to listen to music. Why are we talking about this kind of topic?”

Then she turned her head and noticed the musician still standing before her. She waved. “Musician, continue to play.”

Said musician glanced at her. Silent, he returned to his seat.

The group of girls ate fruits and light refreshments, staring at the musician for a bit less than one hour. And they were all bored at this point. But the two commandery princesses had not said they wanted to leave, so the other young ladies could only hang in there and listen to the music.

“Musician, what is your name?”

“This humble one’s predecessors committed a crime. For three generations, we are to stay in the untouchable caste. Furthermore, we no longer have a surname,” said the musician, seizing an opportunity to stop playing the zither. When he began to play again, his fingers couldn’t endure it. “The people here all call me Yunhan.”

“Yunhan…” muttered Hua Liuli, staring at the musician deep in thought.

The musician slowly raised his head, a pair of beautiful eyes in Hua Liuli’s view.

“This name sounds a bit cold,” said Hua Liuli after quite a while, airing out her inner thoughts.

The smile on the musician’s face stiffened a hint. “Honored Guest is correct. This humble one does not find the ‘han’ character good as well.”

Jiamin was immensely skeptical whether Hua Liuli would tease the beauty into happiness. Why were the words she had spoken so prone to choking up people? Hua Liuli actually tried to steal a beauty from her like this. What a joke.

“No, what I meant was that this name is just like you. Like the spotless white clouds rising high into the heavens. While it is lonely at the top, there is a great lofty and unsullied feeling.” Hua Liuli rose to her feet. Made her way before the musician. She extended her hand and fiddled a bit with the strings of the zither. Her actions were rather at will, carrying a free and at ease flavor. “Your skill in the zither is exceptional, and you are this remarkably beautiful. There’s no need to undervalue yourself.”

She faintly approached the musician. Just as the other young ladies thought she would do something to him, Hua Liuli stood up straight in a flash. She fished out a handkerchief. Covered her mouth as a few coughs slipped from her lips. “Sorry, I’m in poor health and cannot stay outside for too long. Musician should return to rest.”

Yurong went forward and supported Hua Liuli’s arm. Meanwhile, Yuanwei placed a bag of pearls into the musician’s hands. “Our master does not have a definite schedule for going outside. Young Master should not see any customers in the next few days, so as to not make things inconvenient when Master wishes to see you.”

The musician accepted the pearls and placed the bag on the table in passing. He cupped his hands obeisance. “This humble one shall wait for Honored Guest’s return.”

His salute proved cultured to an immense degree. It resembled that of an immortal who had fallen to the mortal realm out of nowhere. It made people want him to remain in the mortal realm, yet also want him to become an aloof and remote immortal.

If these noble young ladies were like other girls, they would have been convinced by his graceful bearing.

But they were different from other people. They had, earlier on, met Fifth Prince, the pinnacle of graceful bearing, words, and actions. A man like Yunhan, who was from a music and dance establishment, would only garner a few looks from them. In these young ladies’ eyes, he would never be seen as breathtaking.

Hearing Hua Liuli voice her intention on leaving, Jiamin also stood, rushing as she did. “There are still matters to attend to in my estate. I should return as well.”

If I don’t leave now, don’t tell me I’m supposed to stay here and fight over a man with Hua Liuli?　

Once the group of girls had left from Jinling Center, before Jiamin could even breathe out a breath of air, her gaze met with that of Du Xiuying from across the street.

 

Although Du Xiuying’s expression seemed very serene, Jiamin was certain that underneath that serene face lay a red-hot rage.

“Young Miss Du,” said Hua Liuli when she noticed her, smiling as she waved. “What a pleasant coincidence.”

Smiling, Young Miss Du nodded at her. She crossed the street, and once she was before them, she curtsied. “Greetings, Commandery Princess Fushou.”　　

“Young Miss Du need not be so courteous.” Hua Liuli reached out to support Du Xiuying. The other party’s body gave off a faint scent of books and ink. A very nice smell.

“Manners must not be ignored.” Du Xiuying turned and exchanged salutes with the other young ladies. Yet, her gaze remained on Jiamin.

Behind them, Jinling Center stood. Every so often, the sound of music and loud talking could be heard. It made the air between them all seem even more quiet.

“Did you have fun inside?” asked Du Xiuying as she looked at Jiamin, expressionless.

To which Jiamin shook her head. “It wasn’t very interesting.”

“If you like going there, I won’t stop you.” Following that, Du Xiuying turned her head to glance at Hua Liuli. “Commandery Princess Fushou is sickly and younger than you. From now on, do not pull her to such a place.”

“What’s that got to do with me?” Jiamin scoffed. “It’s her legs that brought her here. How could I control that?” It’s not like she hated the fact that her own life was too long!

“Young Miss Du, this matter has nothing to do with Commandery Princess Jiamin. I was the one who wanted to come here,” said Hua Liuli in a soft voice.

Du Xiuying said, “I know.” Yet, she did not believe her. Jiamin, this child, had a bad temperament. Commandery Princess Fushou only said this to protect her.

If Jiamin hadn’t brought Commandery Princess Fushou to such a place that catered to the pleasures of life, how could the latter have found it?

Right now, Du Xiuying looked at Jiamin in an admonishing manner, indicating for her not to provoke any more trouble.

Jiamin was speechless.

Indeed, her actions and words in the past had been somewhat shameful. But that didn’t mean she was the one starting every misdeed, right? Was anyone going to be reasonable when it came to this matter right now?

But she was too lazy to argue with Du Xiuying, this cousin of hers. Because since childhood, whenever this cousin opened her mouth, archaic expressions would spill from it. Hearing them gave Jiamin a headache.

Young Miss Tian and another young lady noticed something amiss, and each found an excuse to board their own carriages to slip away. Because they also feared Du Xiuying a lot.

Jiamin watched as those two girls  rushed off, and once again, she suspected that their friendship was weak.

Each uttered they were good friends until the end, but when adversity strikes, they’re nowhere to be found?

“Let’s return,” said Du Xiuying. On the main street, people came and went. She did not say anything else, pulling Jiamin into her horse-drawn carriage, so that Jiamin wouldn’t be running all over the place.

Before Du Xiuying boarded her carriage, she said to Hua Liuli, “Commandery Princess should return home early. Night is soon approaching.”

“Alright, Young Miss Du.” Hua Liuli was the picture of lovableness.

So lovable that when Du Xiuying looked at her own younger cousin, for some reason she felt that the saying “other people’s younger sisters are better” rang true.

“Cousin, I really didn’t bring her here. When I arrived at this place, she was already present.”

“Explain, just keep explaining. Why don’t you also say she fought over a man with you?”

“That’s right, she tried to fight over a person with me.”

Du Xiuying breathed out deeply, furious. “Jiamin, I don’t use profanities. Don’t cause me to make an exception.”

Again, Jiamin was speechless.

Her greatest regret in this life was provoking Hua Liuli. Ever since she had, she did not have any good days.

Her eight characters and Hua Liuli’s truly conflicted.

Watching as Du Xiuying’s carriage grew farther and farther, Hua Liuli smiled. “The young ladies in the capital are all amusing.”

“Commandery Princess, what do you think about that musician?” whispered Yuanwei.

“His deportment falls to that of Fifth Prince, and his appearance cannot compare with the crown prince’s.” Hua Liuli shook her head and sighed. “After growing accustomed to remarkable beauties, I find other people vulgar.”

“Your honored self must be a bit more calm about this. These imperial princes cannot become your handsome male pets,” Yuanwei reminded her master in an honest manner.

“You’re right. But as people, we all have faults. It’s easy for a frugal person to grow accustomed to a luxurious environment, but it is harder the other way around.” Hua Liuli wasn’t that interested in the musician. “If the crown prince wasn’t that good-looking, I wouldn’t be this picky.”

“Commandery Princess Fushou?”

Hua Liuli frowned. She simply admired him—that’s all. So why was she now hearing his voice in her fantasies?

The crown prince noticed Hua Liuli standing at the door to Jinling Center, and said, “Why are you here?” He dismounted from his horse. Looked at the sign board hanging from the entrance. And he came to the conclusion that she had just passed through the area.

“Word had it that there’s an outstanding zither musician here, so this official’s daughter came for a look.” In front of the crown prince, Hua Liuli did not conceal her intention.

“Zither musician?” The crown prince caught a whiff of incense from her body, something unusual to her. A trace of pungent face powder as well. It was probably because of other people being too close around her, their scents getting it on her by accident.

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“Commandery Princess… could it be that you have that kind of interest?” The crown prince was aware that some noble ladies in the capital raised handsome male companions. But Hua Liuli truly did not seem the type.

Could someone have led her astray?

“This official’s daughter was just curious.” Hua Liuli didn’t take it to heart. “It’s so late. Why is Your Highness here?”

“On behalf of Imperial Father, I brought people from the Ministry of Rites with me to announce an imperial decree,” said the crown prince. “In a place like this, the men and women aren’t clean. The smell of incense is strong, not good for Commandery Princess’ health. Commandery Princess should not frequent such a place often in the future.”

Hua Liuli fell into her thoughts. So what the crown prince means is that I should find men from good, clean families?

She raised her head. Looked at him. Slowly, she nodded. “Your Highness, this official’s daughter understands.”

As the crown prince took in Hua Liuli’s face of contemplation, he felt that she absolutely did not understand whatsoever. For some reason, he felt uncomfortable, and after he had escorted her back to her estate, his heart still felt stifled.

“Your Majesty, which palace mistress’ residence will your honored self stay at tonight?” asked Zhao Sancai. The emperor had not visited the imperial harem in five days. As such, the imperial concubines all asked Zhao Sancai for any information. But he was merely a court eunuch without his male parts. How could he know what the emperor was thinking?

“We recall that Consort Lin’s brother seemed to have arrived at the capital?”

“Is Your Majesty talking about Yongzhou Prefecture’s governor, Lin Zhou?”

“Precisely.”

“Your Majesty, Sir Lin, Lin Zhou, has indeed already arrived at the capital city. However, due to the fact that there are no vacancies available in the government, he could only stay idle at home.”

“Then We will head for Consort Lin’s tonight. We can discuss Lin Zhou’s matters with her.”

Just as Emperor Changlong was preparing to leave for Consort Lin’s, he heard a court eunuch announce that the crown prince wished for an audience. Emperor Changlong stopped in his tracks. Allowed the palace servant to invite the crown prince in.

“Since you’ve come so late, something must have happened, right?” Emperor Changlong noticed how quick the crown prince’s pace was, and feeling so much love and affection for him, he had the crown prince sit down before speaking.

“Imperial Father, when Son-Official left the palace today, Son-Official noticed a performance center that was brightly lit, the music never ending. Son-Official felt uncomfortable,” said the crown prince, worry painting his features. “Under your honored self’s governing, Great Jin has become more and more glorious and flourishing. The people live in peace and work happily, livelihoods well-to-do. But along with the standards of living improving, the civilians grow ever more engrossed in the pleasures of life. Every night, music and songs can be heard from the red-light districts. This is unfavorable for our Great Jin’s long-term peace and stability, of having each generation better than the next.”

“Naturally, appropriate entertainment centers are a must,” said the crown prince when he noticed Emperor Changlong deep in thought. “Soon, diplomats from every surrounding country will arrive at Great Jin. If these officials misunderstand our civilians as people who are only engrossed in the pleasures of life, wouldn’t our country lose face? It would be better to take the opportunity at this time to inspect each of these entertainment centers. We will find out whether they have women and children whom were forcibly sold, whether officials often loiter near brothels, whether the owners hit or kill the servants, and whether there are unlicensed prostitutes. If the answer is no to all of these, then the entertainment center can continue its existence.”

“What you’ve said makes sense.” A short while after Emperor Changlong had muttered this, he nodded. “Arrange to dispatch people to handle this matter tomorrow.” The Great State of Jin had good weather for crops these past years. It was a good thing that the civilians lived in peace and worked happily. However, excessive indulgent in pleasures served as a hidden misfortune.

One must not throw away crisis awareness at any time. Nor should one stop striving upward toward a goal.

Countless pearls fell to the ground, a crisp and melodious sound ringing upon impact.

Ignoring those pearls that bounced and rolled on the floor, Yunhan made his way to a wide copper mirror. Stood right before it. He reached out and lightly caressed his cheeks, before asking the little servant by his side, “Is this young master not handsome?”

“Young Master’s appearance is peerless in the world.” The little servant raised the tray, too afraid to lift their head and look at Yunhan.

Upon the tray lay an empty silk brocade bag, pearls scattered all around it.

Translated by Sleepchaser at https://sleepchaser.wordpress.com/ If you read it anywhere else besides Sleepchaser’s wordpress, that copy was stolen.

Yunhan overturned the tray, expression unsightly to the max. Ever since he had appeared in Jinling Center, he caused innumerable women to go crazily infatuated with him. A few days earlier, two county princesses had even fallen out with each other due to him.

Yet, when that woman had laid eyes on him today, her reaction caused him extraordinary shame and humiliation.

“Send people to ask around what Hua Liuli and Yao Jiamin typically take pleasure in.” Gradually, the anger on Yunhan’s face dissipated. He picked up the silk brocade bag from the tray. Played with it in passing. “All women like sweet talk and oaths of undying love. I want them to regret their actions today.”

“Young Master, Master’s desire is for you to get close to Commandery Princess Jiamin. Why are you—”

“What do you know?” said Yunhan, ice-cold. “Human nature is despicable. If a woman discovers that a man who had originally pursued them suddenly took a fancy to another woman, her emotions toward him would grow ever more strong.”

“This slave does not understand.” The little servant’s shoulders trembled a hint. They were afraid.

“Of course you wouldn’t.” Yunhan’s expression proved as frigid as December snow. “Women…”

“Heh.” Derision dyed his ice-cold expression. “For the sake of love, they can give up everything.”

“Young Master, before leaving, Hua Liuli requested that you not take any other customers. This illustrates that she already finds you somewhat special. Perhaps it’s because there were other people present at the time, so she acted indifferent,” said the servant. “This slave believes in your honored self.”

“Good slave.” Yunhan patted the top of the little servant’s head. The little servant raised their head to look at him, exposing their neck that lacked an Adam’s apple.

 

That night, the crown prince had a dream. In it, he raised a white cat, and said cat was exceedingly easy on the eyes. Even its meows sounded sweeter than those of other kittens.

However, that cat was rather naughty. Today, it would go pick flowers; tomorrow, it would go pick fruits. And someone even almost abducted it.

In a ruthless manner, the crown prince scolded the person who tried to steal his cat. But he was still angry, and so once they had arrived at the palace, he had an exquisite cage made for the kitten.

Lying on its stomach in the cage, the kitten looked at him with wide eyes as it meowed, an extremely pitiful sight.

In a flash, the crown prince’s heart softened. He held the kitten to his chest, brushing its fur.

“Who told you to fondle the flowers and trample the grass?”

But the kitten only looked at him with big, innocent eyes.

“Are you going to follow other people?”

The kitten tilted its fluffy head, pawing at the cage.

A sigh left the crown prince’s lips. Despite the fact that the kitten didn’t promise anything, he nevertheless, in a way that was without principles, opened the cage’s door, allowing the cat to come out.

Watching the kitten strut around back and forth in front of him, the crown prince picked it up and kissed its ear. “You are indeed my cat.”

“Your Highness, Your Highness.”

The crown prince opened his eyes, catching sight of a court eunuch kneeling by the bed with an expression of deep concern. “Was your honored self having a nightmare?”

“I’m fine.” The crown prince sat up. “I merely dreamed that someone tried snatching away my cat.”

The little eunuch stood at a loss. Cat?

What cat?

The Eastern Palace did not raise any cats.　

“Help me change clothes.”

“Your Highness, it’s still early. You should sleep some more.”

“No, I have important matters to attend to today.”

Just as the sun rose, the steward of Jinling Center heard a racket downstairs. Unhappy, she pulled open the door and walked into the corridor. “What’s with all the ruckus? We’re not open yet.”

When she realized that the people standing downstairs were for the most part officials from the Imperial Court of Judicial Review and yamen bailiffs from the capital governor’s office, she was so frightened that she jumped. In a rush, she descended the stairs. “What’s the matter, Sirs?”

“Let’s make a wonderful capital city, where everyone has their own duties.” A yamen bailiff held a notice to the manager’s face. “Recently, the yamen has received many anonymous reports stating that some performance centers were purchasing and selling people in secret, and mistreating their servants. In response to these incidents, the office of the capital governor and the Imperial Court of Judicial Review are conducting strict investigations. As soon as we have the evidence, we will punish those involved severely.”

“Sir, we are a proper performance center. The musicians and dancers are decent people who only sell their skills and not their bodies. How could we dare to break the law?” The steward swept her gaze through the entire notice, the contents causing her heart to grow alarmed, her body to leap. “May the Sirs investigate properly.”

At once, she fished out a pile of folded bank notes from her sleeve, stuffing them into the yamen bailiff’s hands. “Sirs have yet to have breakfast. May the Sirs have that first…”

“You don’t have to worry. We will simply investigate thoroughly according to Great Jin’s laws and decrees. If this performance center has done nothing to break the law, we won’t make things difficult for you,” said the yamen bailiff, not sparing those bank notes a glance, expression solemn.

“Search.”

As such a deep and beautiful male voice had entered the steward’s ears, she followed the direction of said voice. And she caught sight of a stunningly handsome man with a tall and slender body standing at the door.

Never had she expected to see a man even more handsome than Yunhan in the world!

She, who had witnessed and grown used to all sorts of beauties, could not help but give him a few more looks.