My Darling, Coax Me.

CHAPTER 38: Congratulations Gugu. 

　　The Crown Prince did not immediately agree.

　　Yun Ling knew she couldn't be hasty. The more impatient she was, the more suspicious it would seem.

　　And she had been kneeling for so long today, her legs were about to give way.

　　Xie Jue noticed her strained efforts to stay upright. He gave an order to someone outside, and shortly after, Grand Eunuch An arrived with several palace servants and a sedan chair.

　　The rain outside had stopped. Under the cover of night, Yun Ling was sent back to the Shanggong Bureau.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ had been anxiously waiting at the gate for a long time, finally seeing Yun Ling appear.

　　She quickly rushed forward, noticing Yun Ling was barely able to stand, and stepped forward to support her arm.

　　Grand Eunuch An took out a jar of medicine and placed it in Yáo Nǚshǐ's hand. “This is medicine for bruises. Apply it to Lady Yun when you get back.”

　　He paused, then looked at Yun Ling with a smile. “In a short time, you shouldn't be called ‘Gugu’ anymore. I offer my congratulations in advance, Yún ¹Gu Niang (云姑娘).”

　　An Zhong was genuinely happy for Yun Ling.

　　Lady Yun had been his mentor in the East Palace; she had personally promoted him. Seeing her achieve a better future naturally filled him with joy. Furthermore, she was kind and gentle, always considerate of the hardships of those serving below her. As their mistress, she would undoubtedly treat them better than anyone else.

　　Cèfēi, is the highest rank besides the Crown Princess.

　　His Highness cares deeply for Lady Yun. Because of the incident at the flower viewing banquet, where Lady Yun was bullied by those noble ladies, His Highness chose a high rank for her, so that in the future, besides the Crown Princess, no one will dare to bully her.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ was utterly bewildered. How could a trip to the East Palace result in Yun Shanggong being punished to such a degree, yet Grand Eunuch An was offering congratulations?

　　Today's events, and the extent of His Highness the Crown Prince's anger, are known throughout the entire East Palace.

　　His Highness the Crown Prince is known for his strict adherence to justice, rewarding the good and punishing the bad; even his most favored female officials are not spared.

　　The matter of the new consort hasn't been publicly announced, so Grand Eunuch An didn't explicitly state it. He simply said to Yun Ling,

　　“Lady Yun, please rest and recover well; there's no need to worry. Although you've lost the position of Shanggong, you've served His Highness loyally and bravely, making great contributions. Countless honors and blessings await you.”

　　Glory…

　　Perhaps the position of Cèfēi is considered glory and a blessing by others. But for Yun Ling, it is punishment, a disaster.

　　She never aspired to be a Cèfēi.

　　A Cèfēi, in essence, is nothing more than a woman at the mercy of others—a mere consort.

　　Whether a servant or a consort, both are merely lowly playthings in the eyes of the powerful.

　　A Cèfēi in the East Palace is still just a consort.

　　She did not wish to be a consort, and especially not his consort.

　　However, this thought could not be revealed to others. If anyone knew, they would likely call her ungrateful. The Crown Prince is the future emperor; his consort enjoys unparalleled honor, destined to become a Consort (Fēi), even a Noble Consort (Guì Fēi) in the future. In the eyes of everyone, it is clearly a path to high status and prestige.

　　Yun Ling's pale face forced a smile. “Thank you, Grand Eunuch An.”

　　Seeing this, An Zhong hesitated for a moment, then added, “In this land of Great Jin, the law is great, but the law is less great than His Highness. Lady Yun should remember this.”

　　Although these words came from Grand Eunuch An's mouth, they were clearly the Crown Prince's intentions.

　　A warning to her—not to harbor rebellious thoughts.

　　Crown Prince Xie Jue is exceedingly suspicious and far-sighted, with profound scheming; no one can escape his intricate net.

　　Yun Ling smiled faintly. 

　　“I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Grand Eunuch An. Please convey my message to His Highness. I only wish for His Highness's well-being; this honor is enough for this lifetime.”

　　……

　　After Grand Eunuch An and the others left, Yáo Nǚshǐ helped Yun Ling into the room. Under the bright candlelight, she lifted Yun Ling's clothes, and the bruises she saw made Yáo Nǚshǐ gasp.

　　After kneeling for more than two hours, the purplish bruises on her snow-white knees were particularly ghastly.

　　Yun Ling had been holding on, but the moment she returned, she collapsed onto the bed, weak and listless.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ sighed, “His Highness is truly ruthless.”

　　Although Yun Shanggong did ruin Lord Xiao's marriage proposal, she also rendered significant service, assisting His Highness several times. Why then is there no leniency shown?

　　A cold-blooded and merciless killer—that's what he is.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ only dared to mutter these words in her heart, not daring to speak them aloud. After all, the Crown Prince of Great Jin was not someone a minor Nǚshǐ could criticize.

　　Although Yáo Nǚshǐ didn't say it aloud, Yun Ling could tell from her expression what she was thinking. Yun Ling gently shook her head to comfort her, 

　　“Sister Yao, don't worry. The wounds only look frightening; after applying medicine, they'll heal in a few days. I knelt often when I was a palace maid; I'm used to it.”

　　Two hours is nothing. Palace servants who displease their masters often kneel for half a day or even a whole day. She wasn't immune to punishment before; this level of kneeling is nothing.

　　Besides, she chose to kneel.

　　Perhaps to ease her own conscience, or perhaps because she felt guilty for ruining his important plans.

　　It's unrelated to anything else. It's unrelated to his kindness or unkindness towards her; it's simply her own guilt.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ also recalled that Yun Ling was once just a small palace maid, one of the most humble and lowly in the palace—someone who must have suffered greatly.

　　Thinking of this, she felt a pang of sympathy.

　　What she felt even more sorry for was that Yun Ling, after much hard work assisting the Crown Prince, had finally risen to the position of Head Palace Attendant (Shanggong), no longer the easily bullied little maid she once was. Yet, because of Princess Chang Le, she had ruined her entire future.

　　Opening the medicine Grand Eunuch An had given, Yáo Nǚshǐ gently applied it to Yun Ling's wounds, and asked with concern, “What punishment did His Highness decree?”

　　Yun Ling's tone was flat, “He simply removed me from my position as Shanggong.”

　　“What?” Yáo Nǚshǐ's hand trembled in disbelief as she looked up, “How could His Highness impose such a severe punishment?”

　　He actually removed her from her position as Shanggong. She had harbored a sliver of hope, thinking that given the Crown Prince's usual fondness for Yun Gugu, the punishment would be lighter.

　　Unexpectedly, His Highness showed absolutely no mercy.

　　But then, thinking back to Grand Eunuch An's attitude at the door, she felt something was amiss. If Yun Gugu had truly lost the Crown Prince's favor, what did Grand Eunuch An's words mean? Why did he congratulate her?

　　Regarding this, Yun Ling shook her head, unwilling to elaborate. She simply said, “Sister Yao, rest assured. Although His Highness removed me from my position, he hasn't abandoned me. So you needn't worry.”

　　She didn't want to involve Yáo Nǚshǐ in this matter, so that if the Crown Prince were to mete out further punishment, it wouldn't implicate Yáo Nǚshǐ.

　　Seeing that Yun Ling didn't want to talk, and that her expression was calm and didn't seem genuinely heartbroken, Yáo Nǚshǐ figured she had a plan and stopped pressing her for answers.

　　“Alright, take some time to recover from your injuries.”

　　Yun Ling nodded. “Sister Yao, I recommended you to His Highness to temporarily take over my position as Head Palace Attendant (Shanggong), and he agreed. Before this incident, I had planned to recommend a promotion for you. Unfortunately, I didn't have time. Taking on the role of Shanggong in your current position as a Nǚshǐ will be hard work, I'm afraid.”

　　Although she's been removed from her position as Shanggong, the Six Bureaus are crucial to the entire palace, overseeing the vital affairs of all the palace maids and consorts. She doesn't trust anyone else with them.

　　Only Sister Yao, with her competence and fairness, can help her manage the Six Bureaus properly.

　　The position of Shanggong, if not held by a capable and just person, will lead to countless others suffering the same fate as Yun Ling once did—being harmed, oppressed, with nowhere to appeal for justice and nowhere to turn for help.

　　Yáo Nǚshǐ sighed, closing the medicine box after applying the ointment. “Rest assured, I will manage the Six Bureaus for you.”

　　“Thank you, Sister Yao.”

　　Yun Ling smiled faintly and asked, “By the way, how are things with the Princess and Lord Xiao Qibai today...? “

　　Especially Lord Xiao, she feels she owes him an apology.

　　“The Princess fell into the water and reportedly developed a fever. She sent people to ask about you several times, but I made excuses and deflected them. She seems to be alright. As for Lord Xiao,” Yáo Nǚshǐ said, “Since he was also framed, His Highness didn't punish him.”

　　“I heard Lord Xiao didn't blame you either, so you needn't feel guilty. It was all Yu Fei's plot to frame him.”

　　Yun Ling let out a soft sigh. Lord Xiao is a kind and upright man; now that it's happened, feeling guilty won't change anything.

　　Lord Xiao has feelings for the Princess, but he's never shown them, always restrained and courteous. Most people wouldn't notice.

　　But since he likes her, they should be together.

　　After kneeling for two hours, Yun Ling was exhausted and had no energy to think about these things anymore. Yáo Nǚshǐ applied medicine to her wounds, and seeing how tired she was, left her to rest, quietly closing the door behind her.

　　……

　　The next afternoon, sunlight streamed through the half-open window, warming her skin.

　　Motes of dust danced in the light, illuminating even the individual lashes on Yun Ling's eyes.

　　After a heavy rain, the fresh scent of rain-washed plants filled the air.

　　The door was gently pushed open, and Yun Ling turned to see Xie Jinjia entering alone, quietly closing the door behind her.

　　Standing in the doorway, looking at the part of Yun Ling's body concealed by her clothes, she nervously twisted her fingers.

　　“Yun Ling, are your...wounds alright?”

　　Yun Ling nodded slightly. “The medicine has been applied, I'm fine. Why did Your Highness come here?”

　　At this time, they shouldn't be meeting. She'd already bent the rules for the Princess, and if anyone saw them together now, it would inevitably lead to another accusation.

　　Besides, the Princess fell into the water yesterday and was frightened. She should be resting in her room.

　　Xie Jinjia said, a little flustered, “I... I just wanted to see how you were.”

　　“You suffered because of me. I, Xie Jinjia, am not someone who would be ungrateful. Rest assured, I will send you many treasures and gold and silver, and I will assign several palace maids to serve you. And then... and then…”

　　After thinking for a moment, she realized there wasn't much more she could do for Yun Ling. And whatever she did wouldn't outweigh the potential loss of Yun Ling's position as Shanggong.

　　She was, after all, originally the highest-ranking female official in the East Palace.

　　Yun Ling saw the Princess's guilt and reassured her, “Your Highness doesn't need to worry about me. None of this is your fault.”

　　Xie Jinjia said, “But it's ultimately because of me and my Imperial Mother that you lost your position as Shanggong.”

　　Although she's usually carefree, she understands how upsetting this must be for Yun Ling.

　　The Princess's face was filled with conflict and guilt.

　　Yun Ling thought for a moment, then said,

　　“I helped the Princess for my own reasons as well; I had my own self-interest in mind. Your Highness doesn't need to worry. Even though I've lost my position as Shanggong, I will have an even brighter future.”

　　There's no need to let her wallow in guilt.

　　She had her own self-interests at heart, too.

　　Xie Jinjia paused, surprised. “Really?”

　　“Really.”

　　“That's good.” Xie Jinjia finally relaxed.

　　She didn't know if Yun Ling was intentionally saying that, but she knew it was to prevent her from falling into self-reproach.

　　So her continued anxiety was pointless.

　　Yun Ling was actually even more soft-hearted than she let on.

　　Yun Ling also smiled and asked, “And what about Your Highness? Are you willing to accept this? Could my actions, driven by my own self-interest, cause you any trouble?”

　　Xie Jinjia walked over and sat beside Yun Ling. “Should I be honest?”

　　“To be honest... although it shouldn't be this way, I... I'm happy. A long-held wish has finally come true, I'm so happy I can't sleep at night. Although, it's through such unpleasant means.”

　　“You haven't caused me any trouble; this was actually my own choice. If I hadn't said those things to you, why would you have paid such a high price to not stop my Imperial Mother? And even without you, given my Imperial Mother's personality, she would still have found another way. She's always been someone who won't give up until she gets what she wants. Next time, it might not be in the East Palace, perhaps it would be outside the palace, in someone else's residence—a thousand different situations, impossible to guard against.”

　　She rambled on for quite some time.

　　Yun Ling nodded. “As long as you're happy.”

　　Xie Jinjia looked at Yun Ling, suddenly falling silent. She spoke slowly, “Ah Ling, sometimes it's like this. When I think something is impossible, suddenly hope appears. Fate is truly fickle; so much is beyond our control.”

　　She was both happy and apprehensive.

　　Marrying into the Xiao family through such a disreputable method… would Xiao Qibai forgive her?

　　Yun Ling handed her a booklet. It contained what she had written last night—a detailed account of the personalities and preferences of the Xiao family members. She had been planning to find an opportune moment to give it to her. “The Xiao family is a renowned and upright family. Xiao Qibai's grandmother is the legitimate daughter of the Pinglin Countess, known for her clear judgment, broad-mindedness, and kindness. Elder Xiao, the Grand Tutor, is upright and steadfast, with a strong character. Neither of them are the type to make things difficult for others. As for Xiao Qibai, you should know him best, so I needn't say much. Once you marry into the Xiao family, as long as you maintain your true self and they see your innocent and kind heart, they won't make things difficult for you.”

　　Xie Jinjia stared at the booklet for a long time.

　　Then she lifted her chin, her fingers brushing across her damp, reddened eyes.

　　“I'm just a spoiled princess. I've done so many wrong things in the past, everyone superficially flatters me but secretly despises me. Why… Why are you considering so much for me? I'm just a useless princess; I can't offer you anything.”

　　Easily provoked and quick to anger—that's why everyone calls her the ‘useless princess’ behind her back.

　　Yun Ling placed the booklet in her hands. 

　　“The name ‘useless’ is meant to suppress you, Princess. Don't take it to heart. If you've made mistakes in the past, please make amends for them in the future. A simple, happy, carefree, and blessed life. That is my hope and blessing for you, Princess.”

　　Xie Jinjia looked at her for a long time, then smiled. “Mm-hmm.”

　　She would.

　　……

　　The Crown Prince still hadn't replied, but Yun Ling wasn't worried; she was focusing on recovering from her injuries.

　　Haste makes waste.

　　She was very patient.

　　In the evening, after applying medicine to her knee, two days later, the bruise hadn't faded; instead, it had deepened in color, becoming even more alarming.

　　That's how wounds heal. At first glance, it doesn't seem serious, you think it's nothing, but as time goes on, the scar becomes more and more apparent, until it reaches a peak, looking the most dangerous and alarming. Paradoxically, that's when it starts to get better.

　　Just as she was about to put out the lamp, a gentle knock came on the tightly closed door.

　　So late at night, who would be coming?

　　Yun Ling got up and opened the door, only to see Grand Eunuch An standing outside. Upon seeing her, he immediately bowed happily. “Lady Yun, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.”

　　After speaking, he stepped aside, revealing a figure standing under the eaves, hands at his sides.

　　After a heavy rain, the green leaves on the branches were even more lush.

　　The night was cool, the full moon hanging high overhead. The pale moonlight, like a thin veil, spilled down, casting a silvery glow on the ground.

　　“Your Highness is busy with affairs of state, how do you have time to come here?” Yun Ling walked to his side.

　　His arrival late at night suggested he had just finished dealing with state matters.

　　Xie Jue turned around and, without a word, went straight into her room.

　　Yun Ling quickly followed, fearing someone might see them, and closed the door tightly, saying disapprovingly, “Your Highness shouldn't enter my room like this. It would be bad if someone saw us.”

　　Xie Jue sat down at the table and casually poured himself a cup of tea.

　　She's always so tense, constantly looking over her shoulder and worrying about everything. Does she really think he cares about those empty titles?

　　He poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of her. “Sit.”

　　Yun Ling remained standing, refusing to sit.

　　Maintaining a distance of two steps, she silently resisted.

　　Xie Jue looked at her for a moment, then said, “The Imperial Guards have cleared everyone along the way. Who could possibly see us?”

　　His voice deepened. “Come here, sit down.”

　　Yun Ling gently exhaled, then walked over and sat down. Lifting the teacup, she took a small sip. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

　　Xie Jue watched her, letting out a soft snort. “You're even more cautious and avoidant than I am.”

　　Yun Ling lowered her head and sipped her tea. At his words, her eyelashes fluttered.

　　Setting down her teacup, she said helplessly, “Times have changed. I'm no longer Your Highness's lady-in-waiting. If someone sees Your Highness coming here late at night, there's no longer any excuse to say it's about official business.”

　　She sighed softly. 

　　“I'm only doing this for Your Highness. Even if Your Highness doesn't value these things, I do. Your Highness knows that my whole life, I've been cautious and fearful of gossip. Going to Guanyun Temple to practice was for Your Highness, but also for myself.”

　　Xie Jue was silent for a moment, then set down his teacup. His long fingers, with prominent knuckles, tapped lightly on the table. Without raising his eyes, he said, “Going to Guanyun Temple was only for practice?”

　　Yun Ling's heart skipped a beat, but her face remained calm. “Of course. I'm foolish, and this was the best solution I could think of. Otherwise, how could I silence the court officials?”

　　A slightly ajar window creaked softly in the breeze.

　　Xie Jue raised his eyes at that moment. “Guanyun Temple is outside the palace, easily causing trouble. If you want to practice and receive penance, there are temples within the palace.”

　　Yun Ling showed no fear, calmly replying, “Then it would defeat the purpose of my penance. Practicing Buddhism and worshipping Buddha within the palace still keeps me near Your Highness. Furthermore, it would be a case of ²‘suspicion under a melon field and plum tree.’ Even if I had a hundred mouths, I couldn't explain myself. It would also damage Your Highness's reputation.”

　　Her reasoning was meticulous and flawless.

　　She met Xie Jue's scrutinizing gaze without flinching or yielding.

　　After a while, she lowered her head and took a small pouch embroidered with pomegranates from her sleeve. “Thinking that if I were to go to Guanyun Temple, I wouldn't see Your Highness for a long time. These past two days, I've been painstakingly embroidering this pouch to give to Your Highness. I pondered for a long time what to embroider, and finally settled on pomegranates.”

　　“The days in the Jingxiang Palace, the pomegranate blossoms blooming and fading... it all feels like it was just yesterday.”

　　Xie Jue looked at the carefully embroidered pouch. The pomegranate blossoms, crimson and lifelike, were exquisitely rendered. This was the first pouch she had ever embroidered for him.

　　Yun Ling's brows curved into a smile. Walking to his side, she bent down to fasten the pouch around his waist, whispering, “I've told Your Highness my feelings long ago. Don't tell me Your Highness still doesn't understand my heart?”

　　The delicate fragrance from the pouch filled the room; Yun Ling had scented it with his favorite light incense.

　　Xie Jue's eyes darkened.

　　……

　　The Crown Prince left without a word, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

　　Yun Ling let out a long sigh. She had done all she could; the rest was up to fate and the prince's heart.

　　The next day dawned, and still no news came.

　　By the third day, the bruises on Yun Ling's body were beginning to fade, and her knees were almost healed.

　　On the fourth day, as dusk settled, Yun Ling had just finished her evening meal and was embroidering a handkerchief in the courtyard when Xiao Xiangzi rushed in breathlessly. “Lady Yun, the Crown Prince sent word. He agrees.”

　　Xiao Xiangzi only delivered the message; the two words were abrupt and unexplained, and even he didn't understand their full meaning.

　　Yun Ling's hand paused, accidentally pricking her finger. A drop of blood stained the white handkerchief.

________________

Glossary

¹ ‘Gu Niang’ (姑娘) literally translates to “young lady” or “miss.” It’s a respectful way to address an unmarried woman, similar to Miss in English.

It can be used for:

• Unmarried women – the most common usage.

• Young women in general – not always strictly unmarried.

• Polite/formal respect – sometimes used even for married women, depending on the situation.

In this context, An Zhong calls her ‘Yún gūniang’ (云姑娘) → “Miss Yun” / “Lady Yun.” It’s more formal and respectful than ‘Gūgū’ (姑姑), which is often used to mean aunt, madam, or lady when speaking to or about an older female figure.

Later, he still uses ‘Gūgū’ since her true status is hidden.

From this point onward in the translation, I’ll use “Lady” for Yun Ling’s title. Even though she’s called Gūgū in pinyin, the term overlaps with aunt, madam, or lady, so “Lady” best fits her role as a future consort while also differentiating from her past as a Shanggong (尚宫).

---

² ‘Suspicion under a melon field and plum tree’ (瓜田李下, guā tián lǐ xià) is a Chinese idiom meaning: “Don’t put yourself in a position where you could easily be misunderstood, even if innocent.”

• Melon field → bending down to fix your shoes in a melon patch looks like you’re stealing.

• Plum tree → reaching up to adjust your hat under a plum tree looks like you’re picking fruit.

Basically: avoid situations that invite suspicion.

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