Spring Message in the Snow – CH 051

Chapter 51

Surou glanced at him, unmoved. Her skills honed in the palace had long since made her unlike ordinary girls. However, being too sophisticated also diminished her charm; for example, she did not know how to use situations to her advantage, nor how to act like a clingy little bird.

Thunder rumbled incessantly. She remained still, but Helian Song moved closer to her, his face pale, muttering, “So much rain this year. It just rained a few days ago, and now it’s happening again…” He was barely finished speaking when a deafening thunderclap rang in her ears. He flinched, covering his ears, and said, “Will this lightning not strike through the roof of the carriage?”

Surou, at this moment, seemed more like a man than him. She sat dignified and composed, her expression calm. “You have not done anything wrong. Are you afraid of being struck by lightning?”

He hesitated. “I am afraid the lightning will strike in the wrong direction. A slight mistake could lead to a huge disaster. What if it hits our carriage by mistake?”

She had never seen a man afraid of thunder before. Back in the Forbidden City, whenever there was thunder, a large group of eunuchs would cower under the eaves in fear. That was because they were young and not really men. She truly could not understand how a military general could be like this.

Surou glanced at him with disdain. He seemed to be trying hard to project a masculine image; when there was no thunder, he sat upright with his hands on his knees, but as soon as thunder rumbled, his face showed panic. Surou was puzzled. “Do they not have thunder in Longyou?”

He was silent for a moment before saying, “We were being chased and ambushed in Langzhou, and it was in weather like this. It was a rainy night, the thunder was loud, and the rain was heavy. A bolt of lightning struck, and the face of the man holding the knife could be seen.”

So, the shadows of the past were something he could not escape, and Surou could understand him. Another clap of thunder, and somehow, the man snuggled into her arms. His tall frame made it difficult for him to wrap his arms around her small arms, but she still dutifully patted his back, reassuring him that a clear conscience fears no accusation and that the Thunder God would not make a mistake.

Leaning against the beauty’s embrace, Helian Song was now truly shameless. If the mountain would not come to him, he would go to the mountain; when would this layer of ice ever melt? His affection for her began as a playful act of repaying a debt of gratitude, but as time progressed, this affection grew increasingly pure, even to the point of breaking his original plans. Whether it was love at first sight or lust at first sight, he had always known of her existence. Mere observation was no longer enough; a growing sense of intimacy over time was a normal man’s desire, and there was nothing wrong with that.

She was enveloped in a faint scent of gardenia. The fragrance was not strong, nor did it have an overpowering edge. It became richer and mellow with her body heat. Unlike the dampness outside, her skin was clean and dry, possessing a unique gentleness, like a gentle breeze rippling on water. He was immersed in this small, beautiful moment, and a small hope arose within him. If it could last forever, it would be a happy thing.

“Actually, I saw you in the Forbidden City,” he suddenly said.

Surou hesitated for a moment. “Have you seen me before? When?”

“This year on the Lantern Festival, the Emperor ascended Xuande Gate to admire the lanterns. At that time, Consort Zheng had just gained favor and was granted special permission to accompany the Emperor up the city tower. You were standing quite a distance away, but I spotted you immediately in the crowd.”

So, that day at the temple ceremony was not their first meeting after their childhood bump. He had seen her back during the Lantern Festival, but at that time, she did not know who the accompanying officials were, let alone that this person she considered her enemy was by the Emperor’s side.

The thunder outside gradually subsided, and the rain seemed to have lessened. She realized that her embrace was inappropriate, quickly pushed him away, straightened her clothes, and sat up straight. Not knowing what to say, she simply uttered a soft “Oh.”

Having started this conversation, he had no intention of ending it. Turning around and leaning against the carriage wall, he said slowly, “I rarely had any dealings with the Zhang family. I only knew at the time that you were taken in as an adopted daughter by the Empress Dowager after entering the Forbidden City. I thought that after the Empress Dowager’s passing, another imperial concubine would take you in, but that did not happen. It’s all my fault. I discovered it too late, causing you to suffer for ten more years in the Forbidden City. If I had known earlier, I would not have wasted so much time. It was just a little bit more…” He raised his hand, gesturing with two fingers, “Just a little bit more, and you might never have been able to leave the Forbidden City again.”

Surou was astonished. His words were loaded with meaning; he seemed to know everything about her time in the Forbidden City, even that he knew beforehand about her leaving the palace.

She shifted slightly, tentatively asking, “Was my leaving the palace arranged by the Heir Apparent?”

He turned his gaze, glancing at her lazily. “Zheng Xiuyuan is spoiled, jealous, and brainless. If someone whispers a few words in her ear, she naturally will not tolerate you. I’ve also inquired; for a first-class female official of the Imperial Household Department to leave the palace through proper channels, she must go through the Emperor and the Empress, and also involve the Inner Palace Secretariat. It takes too long, has too many variables, and no one can guarantee the final outcome. Instead, it’s better to directly utilize Zheng Xiuyuan, using her established connections within the Forbidden City. Besides, you serve in her chambers; as long as she gives the word, this matter can be easily accomplished.”

As he spoke, his eyes crinkled with a smile, radiating the joy of a resounding victory. Surou had never understood why Zheng Xiuyuan had released her so readily; it turned out there was a hidden reason behind it all.

A complex mix of emotions welled up within her, leaving her speechless. Without his support behind the scenes, she would still be trapped in the palace; freedom and everything outside the palace would exist only in her dreams.

“How did you manage that?” she asked hesitantly. “Is there anyone in the Forbidden City who can speak on your behalf?”

He replied casually, “My lady, have you forgotten? I am a hostage. If I did not have a few capable people in the Forbidden City, all these years of effort would have been for nothing. Zheng Xiuyuan is quite easy to befriend. A few kind words and some flattery, and she will confide in you. So, by reminding her not to let those around her steal her favor, she will naturally be more vigilant and act decisively at the slightest sign of trouble.”

Surou suddenly understood. She remembered how closely Zheng Xiuyuan and Consort Sun had interacted. Consort Sun must be one of his people! But the fact that he had orchestrated her departure from the palace was something she had not expected. No wonder he had stepped in to help her when the palace tried to recall her. Now, thinking back, this man beside her was like a treasure chest that kept giving her new and interesting things that night; if she dug deeper, she would gradually discover many secrets. This was also related to his circumstances over the years. Take his connections within the Forbidden City, for example. Even though he and the Emperor were close friends, it did not prevent him from planting spies around his friend, just as the Emperor never lowered his guard against him.

Regardless, he still had to thank him. “I remember everything Your Highness has done for me.”

He waved his hand. “This was also for myself. Without that planning back then, I would not have such a beautiful woman in my life today.”

Snatching food from a tiger’s mouth was, in a way, an interesting affair. Before he pleaded with the Emperor for his blessing, he did not know the Emperor truly had feelings for her. After all, the Emperor’s heart was unpredictable. He thought the Emperor had not cared about her, but later events showed that the Emperor’s confusion at that time was entirely due to the unexpectedness of his plea.

Which was more important, the woman or Longyou? The Emperor’s behavior was in line with imperial standards, but he was still young, which was why he resented Zheng Xiuyuan and made that unnecessary visit the other day. His plans, of course, had to adapt to the changing circumstances. From a broader perspective, if the Emperor truly had feelings for her, it would not be a bad thing. At least there would be a personal bond, and if anything happened to him in the future, the Emperor would at least show her leniency.

However, now was not the time to ponder these things. He had just received the marriage approval from his father-in-law, and this was a time for celebration.

He gazed at her longingly. His fiancée was truly a beauty rarely seen, whether up close or from afar. The former Minister Zhang had possessed a handsome appearance, and like her father, she was a woman of perfect harmony between strength and gentleness—a beauty that was not glaring but left a lasting impression.

Surou, on the other hand, had made up her mind and would not change it. In truth, fate had been kind to her. Before she was forced into marriage with no other options, one knot after another was untied. Looking back, everything was not so unbearable, and she could face the new chapter of her life with equanimity.

He extended his hand, palm up, and said to her with fervent enthusiasm, “Second Young Lady, from this day forward, let us be like any ordinary engaged couple. Do not keep your distance; if anything is on your mind, you can tell me, and I will take care of everything for you.”

Surou hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand in his palm. “I hope Your Highness will not deceive me or hide anything from me, that your heart is true to your word, and that you are open and honest.”

He nodded, his gaze flickering slightly before relaxing, and said gently, “I can arrange the wedding invitations and such, but the decorations for the bridal chamber will inevitably require your attention, Young Lady.”

Surou replied, “Grandmother said before that she would send an experienced nanny to handle it. Besides, there’s Governess Wu, who’s in charge of things in your household. With both of us helping out, there will not be any difficulties.”

Helian Song said, “Good,” and then laughed, “I heard a joke the other day. Many people in the capital have set up a betting pool about our marriage. One side advocates breaking off the engagement, and the other advocates going through with it. Your brother-in-law strongly advocated for the marriage, and now he’s become the boss, reportedly making a fortune. This has really helped him a lot. If the engagement were to be broken off, he’d probably have to sell his land and property to cover that huge loss.”

Speaking of Chen Ang, Surou shook her head. “My elder sister was sought after by many families when she was still young, but in the end, she chose such a family and met such a troublesome man. It’s truly disheartening.”

Helian Song had heard of the young master of the Marquis of Xingyang. He had previously served in the Imperial Guard but later resigned due to illness. Now he had no official rank, but in the entertainment world, he’s considered a top scholar. But it was a family matter, and he did not want to judge too much. He only said, “I heard he has several concubines at home. I imagine your sister is having a hard time! But do not worry, I will never take another concubine. You are my only one, and I have no other intentions.”

Surou blushed. “Your Highness, it’s too early to say this. In officialdom, there are always times when you cannot refuse favors.”

He laughed heartily. “Do you think I have not received women in the past? Especially someone of my status, having more ties is helping the court. So for a while, those princes and generals entertained me daily, arranging for me to have courtesans and dancers. If I were so easily swayed, my mansion would have been overflowing long ago.”

Surou, upon hearing this, felt a different kind of emotion. “You originally did not plan to marry in the capital, was it.… What? Actually, accepting all comers would put the court and the Emperor at ease. Why do you want to become a paragon of virtue like Liu Xiahui?”

The smile in his eyes faded, and he said seriously, “Young Lady, you are intelligent and quick-witted, but you do not know that if one accepts those women, the next step will be to bear children. I have never intended to leave offspring in the capital, so if I do not start that, there will be no trouble.”

Seeing her hesitate, he knew her question and preemptively said, “If I meet a girl I truly like and cherish, those who are unsuitable will naturally not be a problem. Young Lady, you are the beloved daughter of my benefactor, and to me, you are not comparable to those common beauties. The day I saw you on the city wall, I knew I would marry you. I cannot protect all the concubines in the courtyard, but I can protect you.”

Was this sweet talk? Perhaps it was; at least Surou found it quite pleasing. A woman’s greatest fear after marriage was that her husband would take one concubine after another. Helian Song, bound by his status, had to remain chaste, so for his soon-to-be wife, this was a blessing in disguise.

Having received his promise, whether true or false, she was happy for the time being. However, many problems remained. She asked him, “You will return to Longyou in the future, right? What about me?”

This was a matter of great importance concerning her future, and she naturally had her concerns. He gazed at her intently. “I respect your decision. If you cherish the prosperity of the capital, then stay. Your loved ones are here, and I believe they will take care of you. But if you cannot bear to leave me and want to come with me to Longyou to see the frontier scenery, then I will do everything in my power to take you away. Then, the world will be yours to roam freely.”

What did he mean by “cannot bear to leave him”? Surou rolled her eyes at him resentfully. This man always loved to pat himself on the back, but whether to stay in the capital or go to Longyou was indeed something that needed careful consideration.

He eagerly awaited her response, but Surou avoided his gaze. “I grew up in the capital, always confined to the palace and home. I’ve never been to such a far place before…”

He was somewhat disappointed, his eyes gleaming. He forced a smile and said, “That’s true. The people of Longyou are rugged, unlike the gentle people of the capital. It’s understandable that you cannot leave.”

Ultimately, it was because she did not love him. If she truly loved him, she would go anywhere in the world. He could not force her, but he hoped that after their marriage, they would spend more time together and she would gradually change her mind.

He had previously used all sorts of smooth talk and flattery when interacting with her, but Surou could see that it was not his true nature. Sometimes his flirtatious behavior might have been a way to lull the Emperor into a false sense of security. She sighed softly. Since she had chosen a difficult path, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and continue. After all, the outside world was vast, better than being imprisoned in the palace.

“Let me think about it some more,” she said softly. “Times have changed, and I am still unsure.”

He nodded. “It’s good news for me that you are willing to think it over.” He took her hand and gently squeezed it. “Let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart. Before, I did not care whether you were willing to come with me, but now, I hope that we can be together as husband and wife, never to be separated for the rest of our lives.”

Surou was taken aback. She thought to herself, “When this man speaks seriously, he can really touch one’s heartstrings.” She remembered seeing him outside Pan Tower. A refined and noble young man, he seemed to illuminate the night. That was probably how she first imagined him. But later, when he helped her out of trouble, it was probably also part of his power struggle with the officials. People in officialdom who could be seen through at a glance would not have made it this far.

However, she quite liked their current interaction. It was gentle, not as intense as strong liquor. They could sincerely speak their hearts, accompanied by the soft sound of rain outside, like stepping into another clear and bright world.

She smiled, pursing her lips. “I understand what you mean. If our love deepens someday, and we can leave smoothly, then I will go with you to Longyou.”

His heart suddenly burned. “My dear wife…”

She did not say anything more, turning to open the window and look out. The treetops were a vibrant green, washed clean. The rain had stopped, and pedestrians were gradually returning to Imperial Street. The water stains on the brick walls reflected off the street, making it look clean and shiny. Occasionally, children would run by, leaving behind a string of clear laughter.

Continuing north, they reached Old Caomen Street. The carriage stopped in front of the house. He got out first and turned back to assist her. This time, she did not send him back. She gave him a meaningful look towards the gate. “Go in and tell Grandmother!”

He agreed. Stepping into the Zhang family again, he felt a different kind of kinship. This time, he was rightfully considered half a member of the family.

Knowing they had consulted the oracle while visiting the grave and unsure of the outcome, Grand Madam Zhang had been anxious all morning, frequently going to the door to ask, “Has Second Young Lady not returned yet?”

Nanny Feng also peered into the door. “She should be back soon!”

Grand Madam Zhang returned to her inner room with a sigh. She had just sat down when Xianchun came in to report, “Second Young Lady and the Heir Apparent have come to the garden together.”

Since they had come in together, Grand Madam Zhang immediately understood. She rose to greet them at the door. Seeing the Heir Apparent looking radiant from afar, she greeted him warmly even before he reached her.

Grand Madam Zhang smiled and nodded. “Come in quickly; the sun is out again. It’s so hot!” She then instructed Xianchun, “Go fetch some cool water for Second Young Lady and the young master to quench their thirst.”

The two entered through the door and stood together; they were truly a beautiful couple. The Grand Madam was not the kind of stubborn old woman who held onto outdated ideas. She only cared about her child’s well-being. Surou’s previous dilemma had pained her deeply, and now, having consulted her father, she believed the divination had yielded a good result. Although one should not completely believe in ghosts and spirits, if it could put Surou’s mind at ease, then the divination was worthwhile.

Grand Madam Zhang invited them to sit, smiling as she asked, “Did your father agree?”

Surou nodded. “Both of the divinations I performed were yin, but the last one was performed by the Heir Apparent, and it came out positive.”

Grand Madam Zhang sighed deeply. “Your father, if he has a spirit in the afterlife, could see our current difficulties. He agreed to this marriage because he cares about you and wants to spare you from hardship.” She then called to Nanny Feng, “Have the kitchen prepare some of their specialties at noon.” Turning to Helian Song, she said, “Is the Heir Apparent not busy today? Please stay for a simple meal!”

Helian Song quickly replied, “Grandmother, just call me Jie Ran. Please do not call me Heir Apparent anymore. We’ve finally become close; do not let this form of address cause us to drift apart again.”

Grand Madam Zhang smiled and agreed. Just as they were about to speak, they suddenly heard a woman’s voice coming from the corridor outside, but they could not make out what she was saying.

A moment later, Nanny Feng entered, glancing with a troubled expression at Helian Song, who was sitting beside her. She whispered to the Grand Madam, “Young Master Jin got into a wrestling match and reportedly broke his leg. The Second Young Master sent someone in to inform you, Grand Madam.”