Exclusively for the Marchioness – CH 009

Chapter 9

The capital city was bustling even before evening. By the morning of the next day, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the streets were filled with patrolling soldiers from the Imperial Guard and the Jinyiwei.

Someone reported to the Shuntian Prefecture that Hu Tinglan and his sister had been missing for over a month and were feared to be in grave danger, requiring an immediate search. Hu Tinglan was a Jinshi and an official in the court. Since no one had reported his disappearance in Zhengding for over a month, the Northern Garrison Commander of the Jinyiwei directly dispatched men to Zhengding to investigate.

Besides the searchers, the news spread like wildfire. It seemed every household had sent out spies to gather information. Shao Boju’s door was empty, but the nearby alleys were crowded with people peering out.

Shao Wuxing peeked through the crack in his door, his hooked nose twitching. None of his servants dared to utter a sound.

He hurried to the study door and saw a man who looked like an advisor just coming out. As he reached the door, the advisor said, “The master tells you to be careful with your words and actions and not to implicate the Shao family and His Highness Prince Yong.”

The advisor finished speaking and quickly left, glancing at Shao Wuxing out of the corner of his eye as he passed, without bowing.

Shao Wuxing kept his lips tightly pressed together and quickly went back into the study.

“Brother, what did Uncle say?”

The advisor was none other than the head of the Shao family, the uncle of Shao Boju and Shao Wuxing, Shao Zun.

Previously, Shao Boju had been awarded the third-highest rank in the imperial examinations, receiving immense favor. Master Shao Zun naturally didn’t say much, but now, sensing something amiss, he sent his advisor.

Shao Wuxing asked, and Shao Boju gave a light snort.

“He reprimanded me, telling me not to drag the Shao family and His Highness down with me and that if anything happened, the Shao family wouldn’t bail me out.”

Shao Wuxing’s face turned ashen.

The Shao family had separated when both their fathers were young. The eldest and second sons, born of the grandfather, inherited the entire family fortune, while the third and fourth sons, born of concubines, received only a meager share and were abandoned within the clan.

Only Shao Boju himself knew best what his childhood was like. But he was exceptional; none of the children of the eldest and second sons amounted to anything, while he possessed extraordinary academic talent, catching the eye of Grand Secretary Dou’s advisors and being recommended to study at the capital’s academy.

Perhaps fate always favored geniuses who faced hardship in their youth. Shao Boju’s aunt, who had only been a concubine of Prince Yin, passed away shortly after giving birth. The Shao family could no longer rely on this connection, but unexpectedly, Prince Yin ascended the throne, and the infant left behind by Shao Boju’s aunt became the new Emperor’s second son, Prince Yong.

Later, the Crown Prince died, and Prince Yong became the new heir apparent, as hoped by the court officials.

In the eighth year of Yin You’s reign, Shao Boju passed the imperial examination with top honors, and the Emperor personally selected him as the third-ranking scholar.

With this honor, the previously unfavored son finally received some respect from the eldest branch of the family.

But today, he was only embroiled in a few rumors, and the eldest branch immediately sent people to sever ties with him.

Shao Boju’s eyes were faintly bluish, and his face showed no sign of fatigue. He asked, “What’s going on outside?”

Shao Wuxing could only recount the situation outside. “The people from Shuntian Prefecture are manageable, but I didn’t expect so many from the Jinyiwei. Their actions have sparked speculation throughout the capital. Everyone’s saying the Shao family is ungrateful and that you, elder brother, personally killed Hu Tinglan and his sister.”

The man seemed to pause for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head.

“I personally killed…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but Shao Wuxing asked, “The Jinyiwei’s actions—could it be the Emperor’s doing?”

Shao Boju shook his head. “The Emperor wouldn’t act so quickly. Instead, have you forgotten who the Jinyiwei commander is on good terms with?”

Shao Wuxing’s mind sharpened. “It’s Marquis Lu!”

His face grew even more weary, and Shao Boju took a deep breath.

“How could Lu Shenru let such a good opportunity slip by?”

“Then what should we do? Did the eldest branch of the family tell us not to mention the marriage alliance with the Du family for now?”

These words elicited a snort from Shao Boju.

“If I had listened to him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the man’s weary expression vanished, and he called to his cousin.

“Go to the Gu family and see Old Lady Wan for me.”

*

At the Gu Mansion in Huanghua Lane.

Rongyu Hall was silent.

Daughter-in-law Liang had stopped the girls’ lessons for the day. The girls came to pay their respects to the old lady, standing in the hall at a loss.

Old Lady Wan had no heart to teach the girls today and waved them away.

No sooner had they left than someone strode in.

The newcomer was of medium height and unremarkable appearance, but was followed by three or four servants. He entered Rongyu Hall, and everyone bowed to him. He ignored them, heading straight for Old Lady Wan’s hall and speaking immediately.

“The Shao family has come? What did they say?” he asked Old Lady Wan, who sat at the head of the table. “Mother, are they going to halt the marriage alliance?”

The speaker was Old Lady Wan’s only son, Gu Yangsi, Du Runqing’s maternal uncle.

Old Lady Wan didn’t respond immediately, but her daughter-in-law, Lady Liang, answered.

“My Lord, the Shao family doesn’t mean that. On the contrary, they want Mother to make sure this matter is completed.”

Master Gu gasped. “Outside, the Imperial Guards have been mobilized. How is that any different from confirming that the Shao family committed murder? If we interfere in the Shao family’s affairs now, won’t we get ourselves into trouble?”

Old Lady Wan, who had been silent with one eye half-closed, slowly opened her old eyes upon hearing this.

“Even if the Jinyiwei is mobilized, they still don’t have evidence, do they? The Shao family isn’t so easily brought down; they have Prince Yong and Grand Secretary Dou backing them. But if we choose to play it safe, what do you think the consequences will be if the Shao family regains their footing later?”

Master Gu frowned deeply.

Old Lady Wan then spoke, glancing at her son.

“After your father’s death, you weren’t favored by the Emperor. It was only through my matchmaking efforts over the past few years that the Gu family has maintained its position among the high-ranking families in the capital. Everyone knows that the marriage alliance between the Shao and Du families was orchestrated by me. If I hadn’t facilitated this, not only would other families want to send their daughters to my family for my training, but even ordinary families asking me to act as a matchmaker would have to think twice. What standing would the Gu family have left among the high-ranking families then?”

“But…”

Master Gu was about to speak again when Old Lady Wan raised her hand to stop him, but gently beckoned him forward.

Master Gu stepped forward, and the old lady personally helped him sit beside her, affectionately brushing the dust from his shoulders.

“You don’t need to worry about these things. Once I’ve arranged the marriage between the Shao family and the Du family’s girl, they will find you another job. You just need to wait for the good job the Shao family finds for you. I’ll handle everything.”

Having heard this, Gu Yangsi said no more.

“Then your son will listen to Mother.”

The old lady patted his shoulder with loving eyes, nodding to reassure him, then turned to call her daughter-in-law, Lady Liang.

“Have someone go to the Du family in Chengqing District and invite the son-in-law over.”

…

When Second Master Du, Du Zhiqi, arrived, the wind in the capital was so strong it almost blew the roof tiles off the eaves.

He met the old lady and asked the same question as Master Gu.

“Mother-in-law, the Shao family is embroiled in trouble. Can this marriage still go through?”

Old Lady Wan snorted coldly.

She had lost all the patience she had shown her son earlier with Du Zhiqi and now glanced at him.

“You’re asking me? You should ask your own good niece.”

“Jing-niang?” Du Zhiqi was taken aback, then quickly realized, “How could this be Jing-niang’s doing? She’s just a girl with no connections. Where would she get the audacity to stir up trouble in the capital and even the court?”

Old Lady Wan snorted even more, “But at this critical juncture, who else could it be but her?”

She thought of the rumors circulating outside, which had fueled the flames of those with ulterior motives, and her own anger flared, making her uneasy and somewhat dazed.

She couldn’t help but glance again at her indecisive son-in-law.

“She’s far more decisive than you, her uncle, in just one day… but things have come to this,” she glared at Du Zhiqi, “The Du family has no room to back down, and you are not allowed to waver anymore. This matter must be done, whether it succeeds or fails. Go home and keep an eye on your niece!”

As she spoke, she gazed in the direction of the palace.

Tonight was the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

“I will personally go to the palace and speak to the Emperor on behalf of the Du family and the Shao family regarding their marriage.”

Personally speak on behalf of them.

Du Zhiqi, astonished, returned to Chengqing District, clutching the name of Old Lady Wan.

A sudden, powerful wind swept through the capital. Yellow leaves, clinging to branches, could no longer hold on in the swirling gale, being swept away, flung against walls, and plunged into cracks in the ground.

People on the streets scrambled for cover like blades of grass. As Du Zhiqi’s carriage rounded the corner, it nearly overturned in the wind. He dared not remain in the carriage any longer and had to alight.

But as he reached the gate of the mansion, he saw the person standing there from several dozen paces away.

She wore a sky-blue dress, the wind from the alley and the draft from the gate swirling around her feet, her dress billowing as she stood calmly in the wind.

The wind howled, yet she only looked up at the plaque above the gate, unmoving.

Du Zhiqi, remembering that the tense atmosphere in the capital today was her doing, couldn’t help but step forward and speak sharply.

“You’re just as arrogant as your father! He thought he could single-handedly turn the court upside down, abolishing old abuses and ushering in a new era. But the power in the court is deeply entrenched; how could he possibly shake it up? In the end, he left behind a mess, preventing my promotion for years, forcing me to languish outside the capital!”

“And you’re the same! Just as self-righteous as your father, you caused a huge uproar just because you were unhappy with the marriage I arranged for you! What do you have to be unhappy about? A daughter should pay for her father’s debts; you should have obeyed my arrangements, yet you caused such a mess and harmed me?!”

Du Zhiqi was about to shout, but a glance at someone passing by the alleyway startled him, and he quickly fell silent.

But the anger in his heart couldn’t be contained.

He saw his niece still standing there, unresponsive to his anger, and couldn’t help but continue.

“Don’t think that just because Shao Boju has gotten himself into trouble, you can avoid marrying him! Don’t even think about it. Old Lady Wan will personally plead with the Emperor at the banquet tonight. With her intervention, this matter is guaranteed. You can just wait to marry into the Shao family!”

As he spoke, he turned to look at the plaque above the mansion’s gate, which bore the two characters “Du Mansion,” a plaque that had been placed when Du Lingjing’s father was alive.

Du Zhiqi glanced at it only once before looking away, coldly glancing at his niece.

“After you marry into the Shao family, you’ll only be able to obey Shao Boju’s every whim. Back in your maiden home, you’ll only obey me. That’s how it’s always been for women. If you suffer hardship later, don’t come crying to me with regrets. I won’t pity you; you brought this upon yourself!”

“If you want to cry, cry to your dead parents!”

Du Zhiqi flicked his sleeves and strode inside, calling for his attendants.

“Close the door!”

The gate of the Du Mansion slammed shut.

The draft paused for a moment, but the next instant, the gust of wind swept through the alley past Du Lingjing, heading straight for the plaque above the door.

She vividly remembered the day the new plaque was first installed; a large crowd had gathered in front of the gate.

The ground was littered with broken red firecrackers; Uncle Wen wouldn’t allow it to be swept away, for a bright red carpet was essential for celebration.

The crowd, stepping on the red pavement, looked up at the two characters on the plaque beneath the red silk.

Some commented on the unique style of the characters, while others praised the strength and composure of the character “Du” and the grandeur of the character “Fu.”

“Beautiful calligraphy, all beautiful calligraphy!” the crowd exclaimed.

Her father stroked his beard and smiled. “Gentlemen, you have excellent eyesight. These two characters were indeed written by two people.”

Upon hearing her father’s words, she, quietly standing beside him, secretly glanced at him.

Just then, someone asked, “May I ask whose calligraphy this is?”

Upon hearing this, she clenched her fists.

But her father remained, stroking his beard, looking enigmatic.

Seeing this, the crowd grew even more curious. “Lord Du invited such renowned calligraphers to inscribe this; why are you keeping it a secret?”

“It’s not that they’re hiding anything; it’s just that these two don’t usually show themselves in public.”

The crowd urged him to tell them more.

Father finally spoke slowly, looking at the two characters on the plaque.

“The first character is from the Master of Dongxiang Pavilion, and the second is from Wanderer Shangfang.”

“The Master of Dongxiang Pavilion? Wanderer Shangfang?” The crowd was stunned. “Truly, reclusive masters we’ve never heard of!”

Du Lingjing was also taken aback, but then she saw her father’s smiling eyes, and her face flushed red.

What Master of Dongxiang Pavilion, Wanderer Shangfang? It was clearly her living in the east wing and her father living in the main room!

She looked at her father, who was also looking at her, over the crowd. The moment their eyes met, they both couldn’t help but chuckle…

That day, with red silk hanging high, firecrackers exploding, and guests filling the garden, along with the smile in her father’s eyes, still seemed vivid in her mind. Beneath the plaque, she recalled those events that seemed like yesterday, and a smile unconsciously welled up in her eyes. But the wind was too strong, blurring her vision and scattering everything before her.

Looking at the plaque again, the old paint was peeling, the old characters fluttering, and the space beneath it was empty. The person stroking his beard, smiling at her, was gone.

“Miss,” Qiu-Lin approached, bringing her cloak. Seeing the young lady staring only at the plaque, her nose tingled, and her voice choked with emotion, but she changed the subject.

“Miss, the Second Master just said that Old Lady Wan intends to personally request an imperial decree for the marriage at the banquet tonight. What should we do?”

She asked, seeing the young lady finally look away from the plaque.

The young lady smiled faintly.

“This capital city isn’t under my control, nor is it under the control of Old Lady Wan.”

*

The night wind, carrying the cool air from the autumn meadows, swept through the capital, making it impossible to close the doors. Palace maids were constantly being sent forward, standing guard outside the windows to hold down the latticed windows of the banquet hall.

Once the windows were secured, palace maids filed in, moving through the spacious hall laden with banquet tables, sometimes serving exquisite fruits and pastries, sometimes offering fine wines and fragrant teas.

Young noblemen laughed and joked among the guests, while adults exchanged pleasantries. The wind couldn’t penetrate the lively hall; only the aroma lingered.

At this moment, a eunuch announced.

“The Emperor has arrived!”

The previously noisy banquet instantly fell silent as everyone bowed to greet him.

A man around forty years old, dressed in a bright yellow brocade robe embroidered with dragons, emerged from behind a long screen.

He wore a kind smile and walked to the central table at the head of the table. He raised his hand. “Distinguished guests, you may rise.”

The officials thanked him in unison, and the Emperor smiled even more broadly, saying, “Please take seats.” The high-ranking officials and nobles in the hall then took their seats.

The crowd couldn’t help but look towards the head of the table, where they saw a woman of about thirty years old beside the Emperor. She had delicate eyebrows and cherry lips and exuded an air of nobility. Seeing the crowd looking at her, she nodded to the others at the table.

“It’s the Noble Consort. It seems the Empress’s health hasn’t fully recovered this year.”

While the Emperor was speaking to those around him, conversation also broke out in the hall below.

The Empress hadn’t attended the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet for three consecutive years; only the Noble Consort, Lady Lu, accompanied the Emperor.

The crowd looked at the Noble Consort and then couldn’t help but glance at the man sitting below her.

The man, dressed in a crimson brocade robe with a gold-inlaid jade belt and a ruby ​​crown, was raising a cup to drink with someone.

“The Noble Consort and the Marquis are truly siblings, born of the same mother. Not only do they resemble each other, but they are both exceptionally good-looking. No wonder Prince Hui was born into such a noble family.”

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and quickly added, “Naturally, Prince Yong is also of extraordinary bearing.”

He stopped there, which was appropriate. Although the Virtuous Consort was no longer present, the Shao family was at the banquet.

Besides the Emperor’s concubines and relatives, many close court officials were also present. Because it was a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, there were more women. High-ranking officials like Grand Secretary Dou were present, but their wives were also there.

In addition to the court officials, there were also members of the imperial family.

After the late Emperor’s passing, Empress Xiaorong followed him in death. Of the late Emperor’s concubines, only Consort Dowager Jiang held the highest rank. The Emperor’s care for Consort Dowager Jiang was akin to showing filial piety to the late Emperor and Empress. Consort Dowager Jiang was also present at the banquet tonight.

The Emperor’s health was not good. After about fifteen minutes, he spoke a few words, instructing Consort Lu to accompany him in performing the Moon Worship Ceremony, and the banquet began.

The banquet was filled with singing, dancing, music, and exquisite delicacies.

Old Lady Wan’s seat was not near the front, but she had been observing the actions of those at the head of the table.

She had no time to appreciate the delicacies. At this moment, she noticed Shao Boju looking at her from the other side of the table. Old Lady Wan nodded slightly, waiting for the elderly mother of Grand Secretary Dou, Old Madam Dou, to personally offer a toast to the Emperor. After the Emperor drank and rewarded Old Madam Dou, Old Lady Wan also picked up her wine cup, took a deep breath, and went before the Emperor.

Old Madam Dou chuckled upon seeing her, “Your Majesty has wine to drink again.”

The Emperor also smiled. “I will naturally drink the wine offered by Old Lady Wan. When I was in the palace, I was greatly favored by Consort Wan, and I have always remembered that.”

Consort Wan was one of the first consorts appointed by the late Emperor, and Old Lady Wan’s respectable position in the palace was entirely due to her being Consort Wan’s younger sister. Unfortunately, Consort Wan left without leaving any children, leaving Old Lady Wan with only herself to rely on.

She quickly bowed. “Old Lady Wan dares not trouble Your Majesty with such sentiments; Your Majesty should be at ease.”

As she spoke, she drank from her cup, and seeing the Emperor smiling and nodding, his expression amiable, she felt reassured. She spoke the words she had pondered all night.

“This cup of wine was originally for the Mid-Autumn Festival, but I would like to invite Your Majesty to drink another cup of celebratory wine.”

Her words caused a slight silence to fall over the table.

“Oh? Whose wedding is this?” The Emperor’s face lit up with interest.

Old Lady Wan straightened herself. “It’s my son-in-law’s family, the Du family of Qingzhou. The Du family wishes to ask Your Majesty to arrange a suitable marriage for their daughter.”

The Emperor paused slightly. “I haven’t seen the Du family in a long time.”

Old Lady Wan readily agreed. The Emperor looked at the old lady.

“Madam, you are a matchmaker in the capital. Do you think any family is a suitable match for the Du family?”

Old Lady Wan had been waiting for this question. She took a deep breath.

“Your Majesty flatters me, but I dare to suggest one.”

She turned and smiled at Shao Boju. “What does Your Majesty think of the third-ranked scholar, Shao Boju?”

After she finished speaking, almost no one in the hall spoke.

Although no one had mentioned Shao Boju’s matter, it didn’t mean that no one had heard a word about it.

As Old Lady Wan gestured, Shao Boju was about to rise and approach the Emperor.

Just then, someone spoke up with a smile.

“I don’t think the Du family and the Shao family are a good match.”

Everyone turned to look and saw Consort Dowager Jiang slowly rise.

Consort Dowager Jiang was also from Qingzhou, and her maternal grand-nephew was none other than the Third Young Master Jiang, the top scholar who had previously been engaged to the Du family.

Old Lady Wan was taken aback by Consort Dowager Jiang’s sudden words.

Consort Dowager Jiang didn’t mention her grand-nephew, who had died young, but simply said, “The Du family is a family of scholars and officials, of noble birth. If we’re going to arrange a marriage for them, it should be with a family of equal standing. Otherwise, dragging the Du family into messy affairs would only damage their reputation.”

Consort Dowager Jiang was usually quiet, but these words were quite blunt.

Everyone in the hall knew she was referring to the matter of Shao Boju’s alleged involvement in the deaths of the Hu siblings.

Shao Boju’s face suddenly turned ashen.

Old Lady Wan also stiffened.

The Emperor remained silent for a moment.

No one spoke in the hall. Old Lady Wan’s hand tightened, and she couldn’t help but speak again.

“The winds have been strong lately, inevitably stirring up some gossip. It shouldn’t be taken too seriously.”

She ignored Consort Dowager Jiang and looked only at the Emperor. “Your Majesty, the Du family…”

However, before she could finish, the Emperor spoke.

“Old Madam, you must be tired. Go back and rest.”

Old Lady Wan’s hand trembled involuntarily.

Shao Boju hadn’t even reached the Emperor’s side yet, and the Emperor hadn’t even glanced at him, yet Old Lady Wan was ushered back by the Emperor.

Old Lady Wan’s fingertips grew cold. She felt everyone in the hall subtly glancing at her, as if watching her shake her head.

Her old face flushed.

The marriage alliance between the Shao family and the Du family was over.

The Shao family would not be among those to be married by imperial decree tomorrow…

But she dared not say another word, barely managing to maintain her composure before returning to her seat.

More palace maids filed into the hall, refilling the wine cups of the nobles.

The atmosphere eased somewhat, and whispers gradually returned.

Marquis of Yongding, Lu Shenru, inexplicably pleased, poured himself a cup.

Meanwhile, Consort Lu, sitting above, frowned slightly and glanced at her younger brother.

*

Ruan Gong had been waiting outside the palace gates for news, almost frozen by the wind.

But now, he rushed into the west courtyard and went straight to Du Lingjing.

Qiu-Lin jumped to her feet. “What happened in the palace?!”

Du Lingjing also looked up.

Ruan Gong’s face lit up with joy.

“Miss, the Emperor has rejected the marriage proposal for our family! He hasn’t even glanced at the Shao family once!”

In other words, the marriage alliance between the Shao family and the Du family is off!

The imperial decree for the marriage will be issued tomorrow; the palace will no longer grant the Shao family any favors.

Qiu-Lin almost cried out in delight.

“Then, Miss, can we go back to Qingzhou?!”

Du Lingjing was slightly taken aback but then smiled gently.

“Yes, I think so.”

T/N:
“Jinyiwei” or you may know them as “Embroidered Uniform Guard”
“Fu” means “Residence” which we usually translate to “Mansion”