My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 24: Indifferent 

　　Yun Ling left the East Palace and was intercepted halfway by Princess Chang Le and her entourage. The princess had someone stop Yun Ling, a bright smile blooming on her face as she asked happily, “Yun Ling, did you see Xiao Qibai when you went to Sixth Brother's study?”

　　Lord Xiao……

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Yes.”

　　“I'm so envious of you,” Princess Chang Le said dejectedly, “you always get to see him, unlike me, stuck in this palace where I can't go anywhere.”

　　“By the way, did you mention my coming-of-age ceremony to Sixth... Brother? Do you think he'll come?”

　　After a moment's hesitation, Yun Ling slowly shook her head and said gently, “His Highness is busy with state affairs, I'm afraid…”

　　“I know, you don't need to comfort me,” Xie Jinjia interrupted, “My consort mother is just daydreaming. Sixth Brother and I have always had a poor relationship. There's no way he—”

　　Yun Ling quickly stopped her, “Princess, please be careful what you say.”

　　The princess, spoiled since childhood, though not malicious, was accustomed to speaking without restraint, daring to say such things casually.

　　Xie Jinjia also angrily tapped her head. Her mother had repeatedly warned her not to talk nonsense, yet she couldn't seem to remember. The person in front of her was a trusted lady-in-waiting close to the Crown Prince, and yet she had dared to speak so presumptuously.

　　Fortunately, Xie Jinjia wasn't one to refuse to admit her mistakes. “This princess was just momentarily muddle-headed.”

　　She then shifted the conversation back to Xiao Qibai. “Mother always says I'm unrefined, no wonder Lord Xiao dislikes me. Whenever he sees me, he either frowns or keeps a stern face.”

　　A hint of disappointment could be detected in her words.

　　Yun Ling spoke to comfort her: “Princess, you are noble and elegant. Why should you feel inferior?”

　　“What good is being noble? Xiao Qibai still won't spare a glance at this princess,” Xie Jinjia shook her head. “You've met Xiao Qi Bai, haven't you? He's unlike anyone else I've met; he never flatters or fawns. Don't you think so?”

　　“This servant dares not comment.”

　　Xiao Qibai, grandson of Grand Tutor Xiao, a distinguished and handsome young man, bright and pure like the moon in the sky, naturally possesses an unyielding integrity, unlike those who struggle for survival in the depths of the palace.

　　“You're also very capable,” Xie Jinjia said, “From a low-ranking cleaning lady to a fifth-rank Palace Attendant managing the inner court.”

　　Yun Ling responded humbly, “It's simply good fortune.”

　　“No way,” Xie Jinjia disagreed. “Some people, even with good fortune, are useless without ability.”

　　Actually, although the Fifth Princess is spoiled, she's not inherently bad-hearted. It can be seen from her willingness to arrange a proper burial for a small palace maid.

　　Indeed, Yun Ling found this vibrant and bright personality rather endearing.

　　“Thank you for the praise, Princess. It's getting late; this servant has other matters to attend to and will take her leave.”

　　Xie Jinjia waved her hand with a smile, “Go, go.”

　　……

　　The time for the imperial hunt arrived. Yun Ling and the Crown Prince traveled together in a carriage. After a long day's journey, they finally reached Beilin Garden and settled into the imperial hunting lodge.

　　After a day of rest…

　　Besides the princes, ministers, and officials, many noble young ladies also accompanied them on this trip. It was said that quite a few of them were skilled in horsemanship and archery.

　　Thwack! Another arrow found its mark in the bullseye, and cheers erupted from the onlookers.

　　Several people ran to a girl in a red dress, showering her with praise, “Sister Shen, you're amazing! You hit the bullseye every time!”

　　“Of course! Sister Shen is the legitimate daughter of General Shen. She was pulling a bow at five and riding a horse at seven! She's incredibly skilled!”

　　At that moment, someone nearby scoffed, “No wonder she's so big and strong, the calluses on her hands are terrifying! What man wouldn't have nightmares seeing those?”

　　Shen Chunxiang's face flushed with anger. “Who are you talking about?!”

　　The woman in the pale yellow dress held her handkerchief to her mouth, smiling faintly. “Why are you so angry all of a sudden, Miss Shen? I was merely speaking of a servant girl who empties chamber pots!”

　　Shen Chunxiang: “You—”

　　Li Xintang gave a delicate curtsy. “Excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. I won't keep you any longer.”

　　From a distance, Xie Jue's eyes took in the figures of several of the ministers' daughters.

　　Xiao Qibai stood beside him.

　　The spring sun was warm, and a gentle breeze blew.

　　Xie Jue withdrew his gaze and suddenly said, “Shen Youjun and Li Zhaorong... they're stubborn and old-fashioned, like stubborn stones in a cesspool. They're difficult to move, and you risk getting dirty trying.” Xie Jue was pushing for political reforms, and these two old men were the strongest opponents in the court, clinging to the idea that tradition and the status quo were the only right way.

　　“Their daughters, however, are in the prime of their youth.”

　　One of the ways a new emperor wins over old officials is through marriage between their families, uniting the old and new generations.

　　As the crown prince's close confidant and someone highly valued by him, Xiao Qibai was the only suitable candidate for this marriage alliance.

　　Xiao Qibai didn't care much for romance; his acceptance of the arranged marriage was purely for political reasons. “I will give it careful consideration,” he replied.

　　Xie Jue had been sitting outside for quite some time, catching a chill. He leaned on the table, massaging his temples, and said nothing more.

　　Xiao Qibai was intelligent; with intelligent people, it was best to be concise.

　　This hunting trip orchestrated by the Crown Prince was far from simple.

　　Any action taken by those in power never has a single motive.

　　Although both General Shen and Minister Li were conservatives in the court, they were not on good terms. Arranging for their families to be together, despite this knowledge, was a calculated move to widen the rift between them and divide their power.

　　“All they need is a spark,” Xie Jue said suddenly, rising to his feet. His expression was impassive as he addressed Yun Ling. “Go and take care of it.”

　　Yun Ling paused briefly, then replied, “Yes.”

　　She knew that while he didn't look favorably upon her, he kept her and used her extensively because she was simply a convenient tool.

　　Yun Ling understood her position clearly. As his subordinate, fulfilling her duties with loyalty was her responsibility.

　　……

　　There will be a banquet hosted by the Crown Prince this evening.

　　Yun Ling had reviewed the list of women accompanying them on this trip, familiarizing herself with their dietary restrictions and preferences. The arrangements for their meals were thoughtful and meticulous, without a single flaw.

　　Despite the careful preparations, some disputes still arose after the banquet.

　　The reason was that, somehow, they heard that Lord Xiao Qibai had praised Shen Chunxiang, causing Li Xintang to be displeased.

　　After the uneventful banquet, the daughters of several ministers began playing some small games. Li Xintang, daughter of Minister Li, led the way, suggesting they play a game of ‘Fei Hua Ling’ (a game using poetic verses). She deliberately instigated the others to include Shen Chunxiang.

　　Everyone in the capital knows that Shen Chunxiang is the daughter of a military officer. Her father is a rough, uneducated man who doesn't pay much attention to the education of the women in his family, teaching them horsemanship and martial arts but neglecting their literary studies.

　　That's why she has such a name - Chunxiang (Spring Fragrance). It reflects her upbringing and lack of refined education.

　　However, it's not to say he doesn't cherish his daughter. In fact, Shen Chunxiang is the apple of his eye, doted on like a precious jewel. He even taught her martial arts himself.

　　The noble ladies urged Shen Chunxiang to join in, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.

　　Li Xintang then said pointedly, “Oh dear, how forgetful I am! I completely forgot that Sister Chunxiang probably hasn't even studied the Thousand Character Classic. How could she possibly know how to play Fei Hua Ling?”

　　Several of the young ladies immediately echoed her with mocking laughter.

　　“Chunxiang,” Li Xintang clicked her tongue twice, “I remember my stablehand has a daughter, also named Chunxiang.”

　　Shen Chunxiang's face flushed with anger. “You're doing this on purpose, aren't you!”

　　Li Xintang said, “Sister Shen, you're wronging me. I was just making a lighthearted comment. Sister, you shouldn't be so angry about something so trivial. I wouldn't dare play with you again in the future.”

　　“Making fun of someone using their name, and you say it wasn't intentional?” Shen Chunxiang, lacking in quick wit and unable to think of clever retorts, was both angry and speechless.

　　Xie Jinjia, who had come to the courtyard to take a leisurely stroll after a meal, unexpectedly witnessed this scene and immediately spoke up in protest, “That's clearly an insult!”

　　Seeing Xie Jinjia, everyone quickly greeted her.

　　Li Xintang reluctantly curtsied, but inwardly she scoffed. With the crown prince in power, this Princess Chang Le was nothing more than a fallen princess, a simpleton chasing after Xiao Qibai. Her father, however, was the powerful Minister of Rites, a high-ranking official of the second rank.

　　“Your Highness, you're exaggerating. How dare I insult anyone? It was just a joke between sisters. Your Highness shouldn't make false accusations.”

　　Xie Jinjia, spoiled since childhood, couldn't tolerate this. Learning that Li Xintang harbored feelings for Xiao Qibai only fueled her anger, and she started shoving Li Xintang.

　　The entire courtyard immediately erupted in a noisy commotion as they grappled with each other.

　　Although no one dared to hurt the princess, Li Xintang and her group of young ladies all went after Shen Chunxiang. After having her hands roughly grabbed several times, Shen Chunxiang finally couldn't hold back and with a forceful slap, landed a resounding blow on Li Xintang's face.

　　A resounding ‘slap!’ echoed throughout the entire courtyard.

　　Everyone stopped.

　　Li Xintang, her face burning with pain, covered her cheek in disbelief. “You... you dare hit me?”

　　Shen Chunxiang, having already struck the blow, wasn't fazed. “I hit you, so I hit you. I've disliked you for a long time!”

　　Li Xintang: “You wait! I'll tell my father when I get back!”

　　Xie Jinjia, gleefully, “Tsk tsk tsk, that was satisfying!”

　　Li Xintang glared at Shen Chunxiang, her face contorted with a mixture of anger and malice. “Do you know how your father has been groveling and begging for your marriage, and yet no one in the entire capital is willing to marry you? If I were you—”

　　“—I would have killed myself already.”

　　Shen Chunxiang's face turned pale.

　　The commotion in the courtyard attracted attention. Yun Ling, having just come out of the kitchen, was informed and hurried over.

　　Upon arriving at the courtyard, Li Xintang was still relentlessly harassing Shen Chunxiang.

　　Hearing someone approach, Li Xintang and her group of young ladies turned around and saw a young woman standing before them.

　　Her figure was graceful, her dark hair like ink, her round almond eyes gentle and soft as water, her lips naturally red.

　　At first glance, she appeared gentle and meek, seemingly without a trace of temper.

　　Li Xintang secretly wondered what palace maid this was and dared to interfere in her business. “Oh, what stray cat or dog dares to point fingers and make comments?”

　　Xie Jinjia's eyes lit up when she saw Yun Ling. She immediately stepped forward and hugged Yun Ling's arm. “Yun Ling, you're finally here! Quickly, help us get justice!”

　　Turning to Li Xintang, “A stray cat or dog? Yun Ling is the Shanggong personally appointed by His Highness the Crown Prince, a top favorite. Offending her is offending the current Crown Prince!”　　

        A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

　　So it was Yun Ling Shanggong, Yun Gugu (Madam Yun).

　　Most present had heard tales of this Yun Shanggong, but none expected such stunning beauty.

　　Li Xintang reluctantly said, “So it's Yun Gugu.”

　　Although Yun Ling felt a little embarrassed—the Fifth Princess was quite good at exaggerating—this wasn't the time to refute her.

　　Li Xintang composed herself, “Yun Gugu, you've come at the right time. Tell me, what crime is it to slap the daughter of a minister?”

　　Yun Ling had already heard what happened in the courtyard upon her arrival. She had someone bring a cool compress, which she handed over personally. “Miss Li, you jest. On my way here, I heard that several young ladies were playfully teasing each other in the courtyard. It's common for hands to be a little heavy unintentionally; there's no need to talk about crimes.”

　　Xie Jinjia laughed unrestrainedly.

　　Li Xintang, her breath caught in her throat, looked extremely unpleasant. She immediately threw the compress to the ground and stomped on it hard.

　　Yun Ling, ever so patient, had another compress respectfully presented. After Li Xintang took it with a smug look, Yun Ling's expression suddenly turned serious. “While it may have been playful, the dignity of the royal family cannot be challenged.”

　　“Openly confronting a princess and showing her no respect, Miss Li. Is this how your father teaches you to behave at home?”

　　She couldn't possibly bear the weight of the crime of slighting the royal family.

　　Li Xintang's face turned pale. Her hand trembled, and she couldn't even bother to cover her face. She quickly explained, “No, my father is utterly loyal to the court. Yun Gugu, you've misunderstood. Xintang absolutely had no intention of disrespect.”

　　Then, she hurriedly turned and bowed deeply to Xie Jinjia. “My words were rash today, Princess. It was unintentional. Please forgive me, Princess.”

　　Xie Jinjia felt immensely satisfied seeing Li Xintang so humble and submissive towards her. She playfully raised an eyebrow at Yun Ling.

　　Having vented her anger, she didn't want to stay any longer. “Forget it. This princess isn't that petty, unlike a certain someone.”

　　That was a veiled insult aimed at Li Xintang before she left.

　　Li Xintang also wanted to leave, but she looked at Yun Ling anxiously, afraid that she would pursue the matter further.

　　Yun Ling smiled. “The night wind is picking up, and it's getting chilly. Please, ladies, go back and rest well.”

　　Li Xintang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded gratefully at her before quickly leaving.

　　After the commotion, the young ladies in the courtyard left one by one. The backyard was empty, except for Shen Chunxiang, who remained, lost in thought and looking dejected.

　　Yun Ling watched for a while, then walked over and, taking out a bottle of medicinal ointment, applied it to the scraped skin on Shen Chunxiang's hand.

　　A slight sting came, and Shen Chunxiang quickly said, “It's just a minor scratch, nothing to worry about. Thank you for helping me out earlier.”

　　“I didn't just help you out,” Yun Ling continued applying the ointment, “I did it for myself as well. If something had happened in the backyard, I would have been held responsible for poor management.”

　　Shen Chunxiang waved her hand. “That's not quite right. Regardless of your intentions, you helped me, and that benefited me, so I should thank you.”

　　“Is there anything you like? I'll have someone send it to you another day.”

　　Yun Ling put away the ointment, paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed. “Miss Shen, you truly are generous, just as everyone said.”

　　Speaking of which, Shen Chunxiang's gaze dimmed again. “They're all laughing at me behind my back, I know it.”

　　She was illiterate and lacked the gentle manners of typical young ladies; she was rough and strong, skilled in swordsmanship and martial arts—the laughingstock of the entire capital. As a result, at over twenty years old, no respectable family dared to propose marriage, causing her father sleepless nights of worry.

　　Li Xintang's words just now struck a painful chord in her heart.

　　Yun Ling looked at her directly. “Then, Miss Shen, do you also think of yourself as a laughingstock?”

　　Shen Chunxiang fell silent.

　　She had never thought there was anything wrong with herself, nor did she consider herself a laughingstock. It's just that she didn't fit in with the daughters of this capital city.

　　Looking at the bright and beautiful Yun Ling, Shen Chunxiang said, “No. It's just that sometimes I think... they laugh at me, saying behind my back that I'm not like a woman. If I were more delicate and pretty, my parents wouldn't have to suffer this worry and shame.”

　　A faint sadness clouded the eyes of the usually carefree girl.

　　But Yun Ling asked, “Are they necessarily right?”

　　“What?” Shen Chunxiang lifted her eyes.

　　Yun Ling said each word earnestly, “A woman can be gentle, she can be bright and beautiful, or she can be as valiant and unrestrained as Miss Shen. A woman doesn't have to be just one way.”

　　“Actually, I envy Miss Shen. You're free and unrestrained, not confined to a small courtyard. The sky is vast, and birds can fly far away, beyond the reach of those worldly gossips.”

　　This was the first time Shen Chunxiang had heard anyone say these things to her, and the person saying them was a lady-in-waiting from the depths of the palace.

　　Slightly stunned,

　　“Do you really think so?”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “What's wrong with a woman being strong? She can protect herself and others.”

　　Hearing this, Shen Chunxiang perked up. “That's right! My brother is frail, and I've always fiercely defended him against anyone who bullies him.”

　　“Yes, that's wonderful. You can protect your family, and no one can bully you.”

　　Shen Chunxiang stared at her intently. “No one has ever praised me like that before. They all say that a woman should always follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, that being knowledgeable and polite is the right way. Because all women before have been like that, women should follow such teachings.”

　　Yun Ling: “Let me tell you a story, Miss Shen.”

　　“I read a book once, about a child who buried a string of cash under a tree, measuring five paces away with their feet. When they grew up and wanted to retrieve the money, they walked five paces again. Miss Shen, do you think that's right?”

　　“Of course not,” Shen Chunxiang replied readily. “How could the steps of a grown-up be the same as a child's?”

　　“But it was five paces to begin with, shouldn't it still be five paces?”

　　Shen Chunxiang, tongue-tied, didn't know how to express it. “It was five paces before, but things change! It doesn't mean it has to be five paces later.”

　　“Exactly,” Yun Ling said, looking at her face slowly. “Is it right to always follow the old rules and teachings of the previous dynasty? Even the current crown prince intends to reform the decrees of the previous dynasty. No set of rules is eternally applicable, so no one can dictate that women can only have one appearance or follow one set of teachings.”

　　“The Crown Prince is reforming things?” Shen Chunxiang asked, puzzled.

　　“Yes. After the reforms, more people with ambition and talent will be able to serve the court.”

　　“That's truly excellent news.”

　　Yun Ling: “All change starts with small steps. Today we change a little, perhaps one day we women will also be able to fight on the battlefield.”

　　“Yes, you're right!” Tears welled up in Shen Chunxiang's eyes as she finally began to reconcile with herself. “Yun Gugu—no, Yun Ling, thank you. If it weren't for you, I would probably still be stuck in a rut, blaming myself. Your words have helped me understand so much.”

　　Yun Ling: “You don't need to thank me. I admire you, Miss Shen. I felt an instant connection with you, and I hope you find freedom and happiness.”

　　Shen Chunxiang was stunned, scratching her head. “You... you like me?”

　　Yun Ling was taken aback, blinking. “Ah?”

　　Did she mean it that way?

　　Then Shen Chunxiang continued, talking to herself, “Actually, the first time I saw you, I thought you were beautiful. I really like you too.”

　　“When you're free, feel free to come find me. I'll take you sightseeing all over the capital.”

　　“From now on, we're friends.

　　Shen Chunxiang, in her unrestrained and talkative way, continued chattering away.

　　Yun Ling's lips curved into a smile. “Good.”

　　“Or how about today? You've been so busy you haven't seen the sights outside,” Shen Chunxiang said. “I'll take you out for a stroll.”

　　She seems carefree and boisterous, but she's actually very thoughtful.

　　Just as she was about to pull Yun Ling, she heard Yun Ling say, “Thank you, Miss Shen, but I still have some things to take care of. I won't be able to go.”

　　“It's so late, and you still have to work?” Shen Chunxiang said, looking at the darkening sky. “You female officials are always so busy, but the banquet's already over.”

　　Yun Ling shook her head. “It's not official business. The prince drank too much wine at the banquet, and I'm worried he'll have a headache, so I'm going to send him some hangover soup.”

　　“I see,” Shen Chunxiang nodded, her words quick and carefree. “You really care about His Highness the Crown Prince, thinking of him every moment.”

　　Yun Ling choked slightly.“I……”

　　Actually, it was just her duty; she wasn't particularly concerned.

　　……

　　Chen Zhan, feeling the effects of the alcohol, avoided the enthusiastic noblewomen at the front and, bored, decided to come to the back garden to sober up. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he saw this scene.

　　The garden was full of flowers, vying for beauty. But they couldn't compare to the woman standing in the courtyard, her soft beauty and stunning appearance surpassing them all. She was lightly laughing and talking to Shen Chunxiang opposite her.

　　“Tsk tsk tsk,” Chen Zhan leaned against the vermillion railing, couldn't help but speak to the person beside him, “Look, this little palace maid following you, with her cherry lips and jade skin, is incredibly beautiful. She looks delicate and weak, yet so capable. It seems you gave her a good task, even the blunt and straightforward Miss Shen is easily won over by her.”

　　“What are they talking about? Oh, it seems your little official is preparing hangover soup for you. She really is very attentive to you.”

　　Xie Jue's face showed no sign of intoxication. After Chen Zhan finished speaking, he didn't react much, his expressionless face fixed on the graceful figure ahead. Hearing their conversation, his pupils flickered slightly.

　　After a moment, he let out a light sneer. “Delicate…”

　　“...but also quite scheming.”

　　Chen Zhan turned his head to look at him in surprise.

　　Xie Jue had already withdrawn his gaze and turned to leave.

　　……

　　Yun Ling had just said goodbye to Miss Shen when she looked up and saw a regal figure in a dark brocade robe embroidered with gold. She hurried over, but before she could even speak, the Crown Prince had already turned and left, without even glancing at her.

　　Yun Ling stood there for a long time, letting out a soft sigh.

　　His recent coldness towards her seemed to indicate that he still hadn't calmed down.

 

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