My Darling, Coax Me.
CHAPTER 21: His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Has Returned.
Back in her own courtyard, Yun Ling sat in a daze for a long while.
The moment she thought of Dongdong's suffering and torment, all her plans and schemes vanished. All she felt was a burning desire to kill the perpetrator with her own hands.
She didn't know what it felt like for Crown Prince Xie Jue to personally kill the Empress and then have the Seventh Prince poisoned to death in prison, and what his feelings were after his revenge was complete.
But, she knew outsiders claimed he'd murdered his mother and brother, and was exceptionally cruel and merciless. Memorial after memorial denouncing him was submitted, but he paid them no mind.
If it were a year ago, even she herself wouldn't have believed that one day she would dare to kill someone with her own hands.
But she doesn't regret it.
The lights were bright, the wicks burning steadily in the oil.
She had taken revenge with her own hands, settling the heavy burden that had weighed on her heart for so long. Master and Ru Dong could finally rest in peace.
From now on, she would no longer be threatened.
The muddy road had finally reached its end; she could see the light.
But one by one, her closest loved ones had left her. Her heart felt hollow and adrift, with nowhere to belong, nowhere to go.
Looking at her own clean hands, they trembled slightly in the candlelight.
She had finally avenged herself.
After hearing the news of Ru Dong's death, the nerves that had long been stiff, numb, and taut, began to throb, as if she were finally beginning to realize that Ru Dong was truly gone.
Ru Dong's playful voice calling her “sister” echoed in her mind. Her heart, already constricted, began to ache. Yun Ling covered her face, tears uncontrollably streaming down.
……
The Shanggong Bureau was busy, and besides that, Yun Ling was also responsible for the internal affairs of the palace. She never had a moment to spare.
Wang Dade's foster father, Li Youfu, learned of his foster son's death the following day. However, he was a clever man, knowing that with the crown prince absent from the palace, he could do nothing. Therefore, he chose to remain silent.
So, for the moment, her surroundings were peaceful.
Winter arrived quickly. One snowfall after another blanketed the capital city, burying the red bricks and green tiles under a thick layer of white snow.
Unknowingly, two months had passed.
She confirmed the list of palace maids to be released from the palace next month and added Yanlan's name. This would also silence Ming Jin. Yun Ling then had to go to Yu Fei's palace to deliver newly made winter clothes.
This wasn't something she needed to do herself; Yu Fei specifically requested her personal attendance.
Outside the Liuli Palace, Yu Fei's personal maid had been waiting. Seeing Yun Ling, she immediately approached, “Yun Shanggong has arrived. ¹Niangniang is waiting for you inside.”
Yu Fei had once been a favored consort of Emperor Jingning, and her Liuli Palace was naturally exquisitely luxurious.
As soon as she entered, a girl dressed in a sapphire blue, gold-threaded, hundred-butterfly-patterned long dress and a white fox fur stole, like a joyful wild goose, happily rushed towards her, “Yun Ling, I haven't seen you in ages!”
Yun Ling bowed to the girl, “Princess Chang Le.”
She was quickly helped up. Xie Jinjia laughed, “This palace is boring and uninteresting, even the Imperial Garden is nothing to look at. But Yun Shanggong seems quite pleasing to the eye.”
Her eyes swept over Yun Ling's face again, smiling slyly.
She simply liked beautiful things, whether people or objects. The court lady before her was exceedingly beautiful to her liking; eyes as clear and gentle as spring water, soft enough to sink into with a single glance. Snow-white skin, a delicate nose, lips naturally red—a dazzling beauty.
Although she was a fifth-rank court lady, she was only two years older than the princess.
Looking at Yun Ling's rather plain court lady attire, she frowned, “This clothing is so dull and boring! Why do you still wear it every day? Since His Highness the Crown Prince isn't here, you should wear something more vibrant!”
Yu Fei then smiled and intervened, “Alright, Jia'er, don't be mischievous.”
Yun Ling also smiled, “This servant is used to it,” saying this as she presented the newly made winter clothes.
A palace servant beside Yu Fei took the clothes, and then offered a generous reward. Yu Fei took it and personally handed it to Yun Ling, “It's cold today, Yun Shanggong, you've worked hard.”
Yun Ling said it wasn't hard work, and didn't show much eagerness in accepting the reward. After a few polite words, she left with her attendants.
Inside the Liuli Palace.
The nanny beside Yu Fei watched Yun Ling's retreating back and worriedly said, “She looks young, but she's not easy to win over.”
Yu Fei sighed, “She's deeply favored and cherished by the Crown Prince. She has everything she wants, and she's also very shrewd.”
“How could she have taken charge of the inner court and managed the Six Bureaus so efficiently in such a short time if she wasn't shrewd? She's definitely not someone to underestimate.”
The nanny continued, “Recently, the Princess has been getting close to her to find out information about Lord Xiao. I worry about the Princess's reputation…”
“It doesn't matter. If my daughter can truly win over Xiao Qibai, a little trouble along the way is acceptable.”
“Niangniang, that's the Princess's reputation!”
“This Consort can't afford to care about such things anymore.”
……
As soon as she stepped outside, someone chased after her. The Fifth Princess called out in a drawn-out voice, “Wait for me! I still wanted to talk to you. Why are you leaving so quickly?”
Yun Ling stopped. “Does the Princess still have something to say?”
“Yes,” Xie Jinjia pouted, looking gloomy. “Do you know when my—sixth brother will be back?”
Xie Jue was not favored, and Xie Jinjia, being young and closer to the Third Prince, had been influenced by the palace servants and previously hadn't been very respectful towards this brother. For a moment, she almost slipped up and didn't correct herself.
Therefore, after Xie Jue became the Crown Prince, Yu Fei was also uneasy, and she showed much intention of winning over Yun Ling, the Crown Prince's confidante.
Yun Ling was well aware of Yu Fei's intentions.
Suddenly hearing the Fifth Princess ask about Xie Jue, Yun Ling was also taken aback.
Then, the Fifth Princess immediately said, “Brother Qibai has been away from the capital for more than two months. I don't know when he'll be back.”
Ah, I see.
So that's it. She was called here today to inquire about Lord Xiao Qibai. Since he went to Jiangzhou with the Crown Prince, he would naturally return with him.
It is said that the Fifth Princess is deeply in love with Lord Xiao, her heart already given to him, and that she has even done many foolish things in pursuit of him.
Yun Ling shook her head. “I don't know when His Highness will return.”
Xie Jinjia pressed further, “Sixth Brother didn't mention a return date?”
“Why would His Highness tell me that?”
“But you are his most favored Lady-in-waiting.”
Yun Ling played the sympathy card. “Although I have His Highness's trust, I am a lowly servant. How could I know of His Highness's important matters? With the Crown Prince away, if I don't manage the affairs of the palace properly, I fear I will be punished when His Highness returns. Princess, please don't make things difficult for me.”
Xie Jinjia blinked, seeming to want to say something but swallowed it back. With a disappointed expression, she said, “Alright then, make sure someone tells me immediately when he returns, okay?”
……
Although the Fifth Princess was spoiled, she never made things difficult for people without reason. After hearing Yun Ling's explanation, she even felt quite sympathetic towards her, occasionally inviting her out to play and insistently giving her various novel trinkets.
Yun Ling was at a loss whether to laugh or cry; she couldn't do anything about this naive little princess, so she could only accept the gifts one by one.
Yao Nushi had gone home for a visit and brought back many homemade sweets, which she shared with everyone.
The taste of home—it wasn't necessarily exceptionally delicious, but perhaps because it carried the care and love of her family, the feeling was different. Everyone was cheerful and chattered happily for quite a while.
Yun Ling ate and listened to their amusing stories, occasionally giggling along.
Seeing how much Yun Ling enjoyed them, Yao Nushi gave her another box.
Without having to face someone's strange, erratic, and unpredictable temper, the peaceful and leisurely days were quite pleasant and relaxed.
The days like this flew by, seeming to slip away in an instant.
As the thick, heavy snow melted away…
Water droplets dripped from the eaves.
As dusk settled, Yun Ling was reviewing accounts by the light of a lamp.
A palace servant rushed in, “Yun Gugu, His Highness the Crown Prince has returned.”
——
News had recently arrived from Jiangzhou: the Crown Prince had gone to Jiangzhou, initially concealing his identity. He ostentatiously attempted to win over the Jiangzhou prefect, employing a clever scheme to sow discord among the prefect, the Huai'an magistrate, and General Cao Rui of Pingxi. He then defeated them one by one, eliminating all three with minimal casualties in front of the Jiangzhou prefecture.
He seized military power, established his authority, and won the hearts of the people.
He returned victorious.
The most powerful rebel faction has been eliminated, and the remaining smaller groups pose no significant threat. The Jiangzhou campaign has revealed to the world the Crown Prince's cunning and strategic brilliance, hidden beneath his ruthless methods.
The long-silent East Palace was now ablaze with lights, brightly illuminated.
Palace servants bustled about within the hall.
They moved lightly and quietly, careful not to make a single unnecessary sound.
After receiving the message, Yun Ling immediately put down her accounts, changed her clothes, and hurried to the palace under the cover of night. Reaching the entrance, she paused, took a few deep breaths, and then quickly stepped inside.
The palace stood tall and imposing in the night, its interior still chilly. Palace servants stood silently on either side.
Upon the Crown Prince's return to the palace, high-ranking officials and close advisors had already arrived to pay their respects.
For example, the heir of the Duke of Chen, Chen Zhan, currently standing before the desk, had a serious expression, yet spoke continuously, briefing the Crown Prince on matters concerning the Imperial Prison.
Yun Ling glanced at the figure seated above—only catching a glimpse of his back—before quietly waiting outside.
Chen Zhan, the heir of the Duke of Chen, was the Crown Prince's cousin, and their close relationship stemmed from a childhood spent together. Previously, the Emperor had been wary of the Duke of Chen, so despite Chen Zhan's obvious talent and brilliance, he'd only been given a minor position. However, he was a master of deception, feigning a life of leisure and pleasure while secretly plotting with Xie Jue. He had led the troops into the Imperial Palace during the rebellion. Now, not only did he control the Ministries of Justice and Punishments, but the Crown Prince had also entrusted him with the regency during his absence, a testament to his trust.
As the Crown Prince's cousin, he spoke to Xie Jue with a carefree demeanor, saying, “You being away for two months has really worn me out.”
“You left those three heads on display on the city walls for three days and nights! Goodness, do you know how many of those old-fashioned, stubborn officials are accusing you of tyranny? You're in for a lot of trouble now!”
“Without ruthlessness, one cannot stand firm,” Xie Jue said calmly, flipping through a memorial. “It was necessary to show the world the fate of traitors.”
“Accuse me? Let them accuse me then.”
What can it change?
Chen Zhan didn't care either. Censors, after all, were just a bunch of annoying fellows. Having finished his report, he had nothing further to add. Catching sight of the figure standing outside the door, he smirked. “If there's nothing else, Your Highness, I'll take my leave.”
“Mm.”
As Chen Zhan exited the hall and passed her, Yun Ling respectfully bowed before entering the hall.
The hall was brightly lit on both sides, the light illuminating the tall, slender figure seated above in alternating shades of light and shadow. Clad in a dark robe embroidered with golden cloud patterns, his dark hair was simply bound with a jade hairpin, exuding an air of aloof coldness. His dark silhouette was cast upon the wall, silent and noble.
Yun Ling walked to the center of the hall and performed a bow, stopping a few steps from the Crown Prince.
The only sound in the silent hall was the gentle rustling of turning pages.
Gazing at his silhouette for a moment, Yun Ling softly spoke, “Your Highness, did your journey go well? I didn't expect your trip to take so long.”
Her words hung in the air, but the Crown Prince remained unresponsive.
The hall was silent.
Yun Ling pursed her lips, then said, “These past days, I've been very worried while in the palace.”
There was a barely audible snap.
Xie Jue closed the memorial in his hands and turned around.
His stern face showed no emotion. His exquisite, beautiful phoenix eyes looked down, his gaze settling deeply on the standing Yun Ling.
________________
Glossary:
Niangniang (娘娘)
- A respectful title used to address women of high social standing, particularly concubines within the imperial court.
Usage:
- Traditionally, Niangniang was used to address the Empress, Consorts, and other high-ranking concubines.
- It is a formal and respectful term, reflecting the speaker's deference to the woman's position and authority.
- It is still commonly used in historical dramas and novels set in imperial China.
Equivalent Terms in English:
- Your Majesty (for the Empress)
- Your Highness (for Consorts and concubines)
Pronunciation:
- Niangniang (pronounced “nyang-nyang”)
Examples:
- “Niangniang, please have a seat.”
- “Niangniang, I have a report to deliver.”
- “Niangniang, your tea.”
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Thank you for the chapter!
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