My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 25: Favored concubine. 

　　Inside the Imperial Palace.

　　The sky was dark.

　　Yun Ling stood below and reported, “Miss Shen and Miss Li had a big argument. I heard that the two Ministers, Shen and Li, also had a disagreement over this matter. Miss Li was slapped, and Master Li went to General Shen to seek justice, but was instead beaten out by General Shen's men.”

　　A bitter schism has fractured the conservative faction in the Imperial Court, rendering any reconciliation impossible.

　　Even in recent days, General Shen, having listened to his daughter's words, has shown subtle signs of wavering in his opposition to the political reforms.

　　Xie Jue stood up and walked down, coming to Yun Ling's side. He said without much inflection, “I never would have guessed that Shen Chunxiang would be so completely captivated by you in such a short time. You really are—”

　　He said, word for word, “—quite something.”

　　Regardless of gender, Xiong Ying, Xie Jinjia, and even Shen Chunxiang—any of them could easily be charmed by her.

　　Yun Ling squeezed the hand she was holding. “It's Miss Shen's kindness that has treated me so well.”

　　“She is an exceedingly kind girl, sincere and pure of heart. It is I who am unworthy.”

　　Approaching Miss Shen was done on his orders.

　　She schemed and plotted to get close to Shen Chunxiang; even the praise of Shen Chunxiang by Xiao Qibai was something she orchestrated.

　　The fuse between Li Xintang and Shen Chunxiang was lit.

　　Therefore, compared to Shen Chunxiang's openhearted generosity towards her, she felt deeply unworthy and couldn't accept Miss Shen's kindness.

　　But she also genuinely hoped that Miss Shen would one day have her own space of freedom. Such a kind and beautiful girl shouldn't be confined by worldly constraints.

　　“Your Highness, Miss Shen has been confined to her room by General Shen because of the events in the inner courtyard, not even allowed to leave her room. She'll miss the hunt,” Yun Ling said, “She enjoys it very much, and I'm afraid she'll be cooped up and upset.”

　　The goal has been achieved; the relationship between the Shen and Li families is broken.

　　She wants to ask the Crown Prince for a favor: Shen Chunxiang's release.

　　Those things were not the fault of a girl like her.

　　Yun Ling mentioned these things, her worry and concern plainly visible on her face.

　　“You're actually feeling sorry for her,” Xie Jue looked at her, suddenly frowning and snorting, “Are you being too arrogant? She's the daughter of a high-ranking official, a second-rank official, does she need your pity and sympathy?”

　　“And she doesn't need your guilt.”

　　Yun Ling felt his tone was unreasonably harsh, but didn't know how to respond.

　　She only wanted to plead for Shen Chunxiang, why was he being so sarcastic and mocking?

　　Her lips moved, as if she wanted to say something, but she swallowed it back. She was about to ask to leave when, suddenly, Xie Jue beside her narrowed his eyes, gripped her wrist tightly, and pulled them both back quickly. The world spun, and Yun Ling, unable to keep her balance, stumbled and fell into his hard embrace, her chin bumping against his shoulder bone. 

　　At that moment, a sharp arrow shot in from the doorway, narrowly missing Xie Jue's arm and embedding itself straight into the central red chair.

　　“Your Highness!” Yun Ling cried out softly, looking at his arm, “Are you alright?”

　　Xie Jue released her, looking down at his arrow-slit sleeve with an ambiguous expression. “Announce that I am seriously wounded and resting here. No officials or ministers are to be seen.”

　　Throughout the latter half of the night, the imperial palace was brightly lit. The attending physicians nervously entered and exited the Crown Prince's chambers, carrying out one basin of bloody water after another.

　　News of the Crown Prince's serious wounding and unconsciousness spread rapidly through the imperial palace.

　　Heavy layers of imperial guards sealed off the Crown Prince's chambers, making it impenetrable, not even a fly could get in.

　　A hush fell over the entire palace staff, with an air of impending storm.

　　……

　　Meanwhile…

　　Yun Ling was nearly thrown up from the jolting carriage ride.

　　Nauseous and queasy, her face was pale.

　　For three whole days and nights, they rushed day and night, finally arriving in Qingzhou.

　　Qingzhou, a vital transportation hub, was a prosperous and wealthy land of fish and rice.

　　As soon as she stepped off the carriage, Yun Ling couldn't hold it back and vomited, her brow furrowed, her small face as white as snow. She looked like a little cabbage frosted by the cold.

　　She couldn't utter a single word, looking pitifully frail. Her already slender waist seemed even thinner.

　　She had been sold into the imperial palace since childhood, never having traveled far, much less ridden in such a violently jolting carriage. She was completely overwhelmed.

　　Xie Jue watched Yun Ling, who had been vomiting for quite some time, with a deep, unreadable gaze.

　　Even a few days' journey by carriage was too much for her; she was truly delicate beyond measure.

　　Xi Que, who was traveling with them, took out a pill and fed it to Yun Ling. After swallowing it, the nausea gradually subsided.

　　After a while, when Yun Ling's vomiting subsided and she began to recover, Xie Jue entered the gate. Yun Ling tidied herself up and immediately followed him, looking up at the sign above the door which read: Jingyuan (Mirror Garden).

　　Upon entering, they discovered that the residence was enormous. With artificial hills and courtyards, gently flowing water, and winding corridors, it covered an area of over eighty acres. The largest house in Qingzhou, originally the courtyard of a royal relative from the previous dynasty, was bought by Xie Jue, causing a sensation in most of Qingzhou.

　　Yun Ling rinsed her mouth and ate some candied fruit she had with her, finally suppressing the lingering nausea.

　　Looking at the vast garden, she asked in bewilderment, “Your Highness, when did you buy such a large courtyard?”

　　Xie Jue didn't turn his head. “Sixth Master.”

　　Yun Ling paused, momentarily confused, but obediently corrected herself, “Yes, Sixth Master.”

　　Sixth Master... What does that mean?

　　After the assassination attempt, he had been rumored to be seriously injured and recuperating, with the entire palace on high alert. However, no one could have imagined that the supposedly gravely wounded Crown Prince had already left the palace. He traveled for three days on horseback to reach Qingzhou and had even arranged for the purchase of such a large residence in advance.

　　Though she didn't know what he was up to, it was undoubtedly related to the assassination attempt.

　　Although the court was currently in an uproar over the proposed political reforms, divided into two factions—with a group of conservative officials vehemently opposing the changes—that was at most a squabble among stubborn ministers. It was highly unlikely they would resort to assassination.

　　The only ones capable of such an act, if you think about it, would be someone like the King of Dingyang.

　　And the Prince's sudden proposal for a hunting expedition came after he received a report.

　　If he hadn't been injured, King Dingyang's ambition wouldn't have been so apparent.

　　With Young Master Chen and Lord Xiao overseeing the palace, there shouldn't be any trouble.

　　She just didn't understand why he brought her. What possible use could she be in Qingzhou?

　　After walking through the winding corridors and seeing most of the garden, Yun Ling asked, “Sixth Master, what would you have me do?”

　　Xie Jue stopped, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the artificial hill in the distance. “I am Lu Mian, the only son of Lu Zongyuan, a wealthy merchant from Yangzhou. My courtesy name is Jingxing. I came to Qingzhou to do business, boasting to my father that I would make a name for myself. And you, you are my—beloved concubine.”

　　“Have you memorized it?”

　　After processing his words, Yun Ling guessed he was using the merchant's identity as a cover to investigate the true situation in Qingzhou.

　　“I've memorized it,” she replied.

　　Yun Ling lowered her eyes, opened her mouth slightly, and finally asked, “But why... a concubine?”

　　It's a made-up identity, so why a concubine?

　　A concubine, a lowly being, merely a plaything for high-ranking officials and noblemen.

　　Compared to that, she'd rather be a maid.

　　He immediately called her a concubine.

　　Xie Jue turned around, looking down at her. “What? Do you have a problem with that?”

　　“I wouldn't dare,” Yun Ling shook her head. “It's just a little puzzling.”

　　Xie Jue's gaze swept coldly across her face, a light sneer playing on his lips. “Do you think you look like a wife?”

　　Three days of travel had taken their toll on Yun Ling's body. Her small face was still pale, and the usually crimson lips had lost their color.

　　A moment passed.

　　Yun Ling lowered her eyes, and for the first time, didn't bother to try and please him. Her tone was flat. “Your Highness is judging by appearances.”

　　She was truly unwell and wanted to rest as soon as possible, so she asked to be excused and return to her room to rest.

　　The stream water, cascading from the heights, flowed ceaselessly, fallen leaves creating faint ripples on its surface.

　　Watching her retreating back, Xie Jue felt a sudden surge of irritation. His lips were pressed together tightly as he gripped the railing in his hand.

　　——

　　Such a vast garden requires many servants and maids to clean and attend to it. So, Yun Ling, after only half a day of rest, began to deal with the matter of buying servants.

　　Accompanying them was a man around thirty years old, who was introduced as the steward, but in reality, he was Pei Yuan, a commander of the Jinyiwei (锦衣卫). Two maidservants, Xi Que and Hua Mei, were both secret guards with strong martial art.

　　Acquiring servants proved easy. The Crown Prince's current identity was that of a wealthy and extravagant merchant; his purchase of servants was therefore a grand affair. He offered wages twenty percent higher than even the wealthiest man in Qingzhou, making a huge splash throughout the entire prefecture.

　　As his favored concubine, Yun Ling fully utilized her privileged position, indulging in her entitlement. She went to various shops to purchase many expensive and beautiful clothes, as well as gold and silver jewelry.

　　She bought whatever was most expensive, spending lavishly.

　　Her attire, naturally, reflected the image of a pampered and alluring concubine. Adorned with golden hairpins and jade rings, her face delicately painted with rouge and powder, she wore a light, sheer peach-colored spring dress—truly captivating and charming.

　　Several days passed, and most of the wealthy gentry and merchants of Qingzhou came to visit.

　　But none of them were the people Xie Jue was waiting for.

　　“Let's wait a little longer.”

　　Two days later, a housewarming banquet was held at Jingyuan Garden, inviting the Qingzhou magistrate and prominent gentry to attend.

　　First, with a grand gesture, he struck a business deal with a congenial cloth merchant at the banquet, forming a partnership with a cloth shop in Qingzhou.

　　The first order was for several thousand taels, causing other merchants to be incredibly envious.

　　Then, he purchased an inn, again spending several thousand taels with extravagant generosity.

　　And then, he acquired restaurants and other similar establishments.

　　Before long, the merchants of Qingzhou all knew that this Young Master Lu from Yangzhou was immensely wealthy, but also a thoroughgoing playboy and wastrel, lacking any business acumen yet spending money like water. Such a person—who wouldn't want to do business with him?

　　Countless people came to seek him out.

　　One day, a middle-aged man of about forty years old, with a beard and dark skin, came to the garden.

　　This man was Zhang Huanglin, the richest man in Qingzhou.

　　His life story was also quite remarkable. He was originally a poor scholar in Bingzhou. His family was too poor to afford his education, so he never took the imperial examinations. One year, his hometown suffered a flood, and he ended up in Qingzhou. Within a few years, he'd made a name for himself, and in over a decade in Qingzhou, he'd become the wealthiest man in the city. He was also a hedonist with countless concubines and dancers at home.

　　Unexpectedly, he would make a surprise visit.

　　In the main hall, a maid respectfully served tea.

　　Xie Jue, wearing a moon-white long robe, with clear brows and handsome features, took a sip of tea and sighed, “This is top-grade Huangshan Maofeng, fifty gold taels for a single ounce—tea that's a tribute to the imperial palace. Brewed with rare Tian Shan snow water, it's fragrant and leaves an endless aftertaste. Brother Zhang, please try it.”

　　“Brother Lu is indeed generous. Such fine tea—I rarely get to drink it even once in my life,” Zhang Huanglin said with a laugh, then picked up his teacup and took a sip.

　　“Naturally,” Xie Jue leaned lazily against the chair back, his phoenix eyes narrowed, his whole demeanor exuding the air of a carefree playboy. “There's nothing I don't excel at when it comes to eating, drinking, and enjoying life.”

　　Leaning lazily in his chair, he casually asked, “Brother Zhang, you're being modest. As the wealthiest man in Qingzhou, surely this tea is nothing special to you.”

　　Zhang Huanglin, using the act of drinking tea to hide his expression, said, “It's not the same as you, Brother Lu, who was born into wealth. I, in my early years, was accustomed to poverty, and I've developed a slight habit of being frugal.”

　　“By the way, Brother Lu, how many people are in your family?”

　　Xie Jue replied, “My mother passed away early, and I have five older sisters.”

　　Zhang Huanglin said, “So you're the only son. Yangzhou and Qingzhou are so far apart—why did you decide to do business in Qingzhou, Brother Lu? Did your father agree?”

　　“He wouldn't disagree; in fact, he wishes for me to go out, calling it a form of training.”

　　“How so?” Zhang Huanglin asked.

　　“Let's not talk about it,” Xie Jue said nonchalantly. “If you ask me, my family has mountains of gold and silver; why would I need to earn money? Beautiful women and fine wine are all I need. It's just that my old man doesn't like me very much.”

　　“I'll show him how easy it is to make money. It's a piece of cake for someone like me.”

　　Zhang Huanglin flattered him, saying, “I see great things in store for you, Brother Lu. You're young and promising and destined for success.”

　　Xie Jue said, “My three greatest loves in life are fine wine, beautiful scenery, and…” he trailed off, “...beautiful women—”

　　Zhang Huanglin laughed heartily. “A man of refined taste! Brother Lu, we truly share kindred spirits!”

　　Their hearty laughter filled the room.

　　Zhang Huanglin took a sip of tea, his expression turning thoughtful and questioning.

　　“Where's the beautiful woman who's always with you, Brother Lu? I heard you have a stunningly beautiful woman living with you.”

　　As soon as he finished speaking, a rich scent of perfume wafted in, accompanied by the tinkling of ornaments. Before anyone could see her, a charming and alluring voice called out, “Sixth Master, you've been out on business for so long. Aren't you coming to keep me company?”

　　Immediately afterward, a young woman with a graceful figure entered the room. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows delicately arched, and her face heavily made up with rouge and powder.

　　“Sixth Master~” she greeted him, her voice soft and delicate, as she performed a graceful curtsy.

　　It was clear she was greatly favored. Her hair was adorned with golden hairpins and jade ornaments, sparkling with jewels. She wore a light, flamboyant peach-colored robe embroidered with flowers and birds. Even Zhang Huanglin couldn't help but steal several glances, his eyes lingering on her.

　　Xie Jue's face darkened, and he slammed his teacup down heavily on the table. “Uncouth! This young master is meeting an honored guest today. Who allowed you to come out?”

　　Yun Ling pouted her lips. “Sixth Master, I missed you~”

　　Xie Jue's eyes darkened, but his expression remained stern. “You have no manners. Go back.”

　　Yun Ling stomped her feet coquettishly, and said reluctantly, “Yes, I'll return to my room and wait for Sixth Master.”

　　After Yun Ling left, Xie Jue said,

　　“She's a new concubine I recently took in. I've been spoiling her a bit too much, and she's become quite unruly and disrespectful, lacking proper etiquette. I apologize if her lack of decorum has offended you, Brother Zhang.”

　　“Hahaha, not at all, Brother Lu. Your concubine is truly captivating; no wonder you spoil her so much!”

　　Xie Jue merely grunted in response, unwilling to discuss the matter further. He changed the subject, asking, “Brother Zhang, what brings you here today?”

　　Zhang Huanglin's laughter ceased, and his smile faded. “I hear you've come to Qingzhou on business, Brother Lu. I have a rather large deal myself. I wonder if you might be interested?”

　　“A large deal?” Xie Jue responded vaguely, seemingly without much interest.

　　Following his gaze, it was clear he was looking at the place where the concubine had just passed. His stare was unwavering, as if completely captivated by her.

　　Zhang Huanglin thought to himself, “He's certainly a playboy, a man of pleasure.”

　　The young master Lu, completely captivated, had lost interest in business. “How about this, Brother Zhang, you go back first, and we will talk about business tomorrow.”

　　Zhang Huanglin said with a smile, “No hurry, no hurry.”

　　Xie Jue smiled as well. “Excellent.”

　　——

　　The moon hung high in the sky.

　　Zhang Huanglin paced back and forth in the room. “That Lu Mian is, as expected, a playboy, a frivolous man of pleasure and debauchery. He can't even focus on business when a beautiful woman is around.”

　　“Has the person I sent to Yangzhou returned yet?”

　　The steward replied, “It's a long journey; they won't be back for some time. However, the wealthiest man in Yangzhou is indeed surnamed Lu, and he only has one son, so it should be accurate.”

　　“I just find it too coincidental,” Zhang Huanglin stopped, looking at the steward. “Just when I need a large sum of money, this spoiled young master appears before me. Don't you find it a little suspicious?”

　　“It is rather coincidental,” the steward said again. “But from what I saw of Young Master Lu, he didn't seem at all anxious, not like someone who came prepared...moreover, aside from the one who gave the order, no one would know that you, a prominent merchant of Qingzhou, require a large sum of money.”

　　Zhang Huanglin pondered for a moment, then beckoned the steward closer and whispered a few words in his ear.

　　……

　　Meanwhile, at Jingyuan.

　　The Jinyiwei Commander Pei Yuan arrived with a report, “Zhang Huanglin and his trusted steward haven't lowered their guard yet. They'll likely send someone to investigate.”

　　“Also, news of His Highness's serious injury and recuperation in the imperial summer palace has spread. The King of Dingyang has received the news and is already on his way to the capital.”

　　Xie Jue turned his back.

　　“The King of Dingyang, knowing that I was seriously injured, would not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He urgently needed a large sum of money to recruit soldiers and buy horses, so he gave Zhang Huanglin a strict order.”

　　“The private army he secretly trained is stationed in Qingzhou. Waiting for his command, his troops will march to the capital.”

　　“Go and give Zhang Huanglin another dose of strong medicine.”

　　Pei Yuan: “Yes.”

　　After taking his leave, Pei Yuan went to the back garden and found Yun Ling. He clasped his hands in a fist before him, bowing slightly. “Yun Gugu, the situation is special tonight. We need you and His Highness to put on another act.”

　　Then he informed Yun Ling of the situation.

　　After listening, Yun Ling furrowed her brows slightly, hesitating for a long time.

　　……

　　There was a knock at the door.

　　Xie Jue said, “Enter,” without turning around.

　　Yun Ling walked in, turned to close the door, and bowed to Xie Jue's back, saying, “Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue, with his back to her, burned the letter in the candle flame and said coldly, “What are you doing here so late?”

　　Yun Ling paused before hesitantly saying, “Commander Pei said that tonight, Zhang Huanglin, might send people to investigate. Commander Pei said that I should be with Your Highness tonight to avoid revealing any flaws.”

　　She is currently his favored concubine, favored to the point that he even brought her to Qingzhou. It wouldn't make sense for them not to share a room.

　　To act convincingly, Yun Ling had spent the last two days learning various ‘favored concubine’ skills. She was always a quick learner, and even the seductive charm came naturally to her, so she showed no weakness in public.

　　But in truth, she was also apprehensive about sharing a room with him. If it weren't for Zhang Huanglin sending people to investigate tonight…

　　She knew how much he loathed being near a palace maid. The recent coldness and mockery clearly showed his disdain for her and his hatred of that faint affection.

　　Yun Ling was indifferent and unconcerned. She was only here to do her duty as a subordinate.

　　She was merely worried about displeasing him.

　　Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating half of his profile. The other half was shrouded in shadow, creating a play of light and darkness.

　　Xie Jue remained silent for a while before replying emotionlessly, “Fine.”

________________

Glossary:

Jinyiwei (锦衣卫) and Shadow Guards are not the same, although they share some similarities.

- Jinyiwei was a powerful secret police force in the Ming dynasty of China. They were known for their authority to investigate crimes, enforce laws, and even act as the emperor's personal bodyguard.

- Shadow Guards are a more general term and can refer to any group of elite warriors or spies who operate in secrecy. They can be found in various historical periods and cultures, often serving as protectors or assassins for powerful figures. 

While both groups are known for their secrecy and specialized skills, they differ in their historical context and specific roles. The Jinyiwei was a specific organization with a defined purpose and structure, while Shadow Guards can encompass various groups with different functions and motivations.

………..

T/N: Awesome! We have our first review for this novel at Novelupdates! I'm so excited! Seriously, thank you to all the readers who voted – you guys rock! I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

“Do you think you look like a wife?”

-Lol, someone will regret it so much after saying that! 😂 I particularly enjoy stories in the ‘wife crematorium’ genre where the male lead suffers retribution for his cruelty. I prefer female leads who are mentally strong.

Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter