Han Ze was pestered by the two children until he had no choice but to agree to take them to the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion. As they sat in the carriage, Xiaozhu’s little face was serious. “Dad, is it inappropriate for us to just show up like this?”
Han Ze was delighted and hurriedly said, “Then shall we not go?”
“Dad promised to take us to see Miss Qian. How can you go back on your word? It’s untrustworthy,” Xiaozhu criticized him sternly.
The joy vanished from Han Ze’s face. He sat up straight and looked at her innocently, promising, “Dad is trustworthy; I won’t go back on my word.”
“Humph!” Xiaozhu thought for a moment and said seriously, “If Miss Qian is to marry Dad, the Duke’s Mansion will be Dad’s in-laws. Should we bring some gifts for such a sudden visit? It’s not good to go empty-handed the first time, right?”
Xiaoxing also instinctively felt they should bring something. “Sister is right. If we go empty-handed, people might look down on us and think we don’t know proper etiquette.”
Han Ze: “…”
Xiaozhu’s face wrinkled up. “Then what should we give them?”
Xiaoxing tilted his head and thought for a long time but had no ideas. Both siblings turned their heads to look at Han Ze.
Han Ze snorted. “Since you two are so capable, decide for yourselves. Why look at me?”
The siblings gave awkward smiles. Xiaoxing said, “Dad, you have to make the decision. We can’t really just show up empty-handed, can we? It wouldn’t look good.”
Han Ze glanced at him. “We shouldn’t be going to the Duke’s Mansion at all.”
“Dad is breaking his promise,” Xiaozhu said, looking at him accusingly.
Xiaoxing said, “Since Dad won’t choose a gift, let’s just go. If people look down on us, let them. Dad is Prince Chun; what is there to fear?”
Han Ze glared at him. “Fine, we’ll go buy a gift.”
Xiaozhu cheered up and asked excitedly, “What are we buying?”
Han Ze frowned, scratching his ear as he looked at the children. “I don’t know either.”
Xiaoxing peered out of the carriage at the street and pointed to a shop ahead. “There’s a pastry shop up there. Their pastries are delicious. How about we just buy some pastries?”
Xiaozhu hesitated. “Is that too little?”
Xiaoxing shook his head. “It’s the thought that counts.”
Han Ze agreed. “Xiaoxing is right. It’s just a gesture.”
So, the three of them got out of the carriage, bought several boxes of pastries, and headed to the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion.
…
The Old Madame of the Duke’s Mansion was stunned. She looked at the servant and asked for confirmation, “What did you say?”
The servant repeated, “Prince Chun has arrived with the Little Prince and the Little County Princess.”
The Old Madame stood up immediately. “Hurry and invite them in!” She then instructed a maid, “Tell the Duchess and the eldest Miss to come here.”
When Qian Xiangxiang heard from a maid that Prince Chun had brought the children to her home, she jumped up in shock. The Emperor hadn’t even issued the decree yet—why were they here?
The Duchess walked over, looked at her daughter’s attire, and said with a smile, “Quickly, change your clothes. Prince Chun and the others are currently with your grandmother.”
Qian Xiangxiang’s cheeks were flushed. “Why would the Prince come?”
The Duchess gave her a reproachful look. “Never mind why they came. The Empress said the Emperor will decree the marriage tomorrow. They’ve likely come specifically for you.”
Qian Xiangxiang was a bit nervous. “Mom, do you think the Little Prince and County Princess will like me?”
The Duchess looked at her nervous daughter and said gently, “Don’t worry. My daughter is so good; if you treat them with sincerity, they will like you.”
Qian Xiangxiang nodded. After she changed into a brand-new outfit, she followed her mother to the Old Madame’s courtyard. When they arrived, they saw the three from the Prince’s Mansion sitting on stools, leisurely eating fruit, while the Old Madame watched them with a beaming smile.
The Duchess: “…” They certainly are making themselves at home. If she didn’t know better, she’d think this was the Prince Chun Mansion.
Qian Xiangxiang tugged at her mother’s sleeve. The Duchess returned to her senses and was about to curtsy when Han Ze said hurriedly, “Madame, no need for formalities. Please, sit.”
The Duchess didn’t stand on ceremony and sat below the Old Madame. Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu were eating grapes, but their large eyes never stopped observing Qian Xiangxiang.
Being stared at made Qian Xiangxiang feel awkward. She shied away, taking tiny steps to hide behind the Duchess.
The Duchess: “…” Her face turned red with embarrassment. She never knew her daughter was so timid.
Xiaozhu blinked her eyes and suddenly asked in a crisp voice, “Auntie, are you afraid of us?”
Qian Xiangxiang twisted her fingers, her face turning bright red. Her voice was as low as a mosquito’s buzz: “No… no.”
Xiaozhu looked at her red cheeks with curiosity and pointed. “Your face is red?”
“It’s not!” Qian Xiangxiang retorted, then instinctively touched her face. Realizing the action only made it more obvious, she looked at Xiaozhu with awkward embarrassment.
The Duchess covered her face, not wanting to admit this was her daughter.
Xiaozhu, however, burst into giggles. “Auntie, you’re so funny.” Although she hadn’t spoken much to Miss Qian yet, she could feel that Miss Qian was much better than Miss Shen.
Xiaoxing barked, “Xiaozhu, don’t be rude.” Xiaozhu stuck out her tongue and gave a mopey “Eh.”
The Old Madame laughed and said, “It’s fine. Your Auntie just has that kind of personality.” She then looked at Prince Chun and asked, “Many new flowers have arrived in the garden. Would you like to see them?”
Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu were eager to spend some time alone with Qian Xiangxiang and looked at their father with expectant eyes.
Han Ze gave a cough. “Then let’s go have a look.”
…
The Old Madame smiled and said, “Xiangxiang, take the Prince and the children for a stroll in the garden.”
Accompanied by maids and nannies, the group headed to the back garden. The Old Madame watched them leave with a smile, then turned to her daughter-in-law. “This grandson-in-law is not bad.”
The Duchess said with a dark face, “He is fine, but our Xiangxiang is far too useless.” She didn’t add that her daughter was less composed than a child.
The Old Madame reproached her, “When a family is together, comfort is what matters. Why care so much? Our Xiangxiang isn’t naturally a rigid person.” This daughter-in-law was good in every way, but she was just too serious.
The Duchess sighed, feeling she was worrying for nothing. “Children have their own fortunes. Here I am worrying for her, yet look at her—she’s perfectly happy.”
The Old Madame laughed. “It’s good that you understand. Our family is already a Duke’s house; our status is prominent enough. we don’t seek great wealth or power for Xiangxiang, only that she lives a peaceful and happy life. Prince Chun is a wealthy, idle Prince favored by the Emperor, and the Crown Prince is his full brother. Xiangxiang won’t suffer any grievances in the future.”
The Duchess considered this and laughed. “It must be fate that these two both love gold. Otherwise, the Emperor wouldn’t have thought to pair them together!”
…
In the back garden, Xiaoxing dismissed the maids and nannies, then stared fixedly at Qian Xiangxiang. She grew nervous. Does the Little Prince not like me? She felt a bit sad.
Xiaoxing asked sternly, “When you marry my Dad in the future, will you bully him?”
Qian Xiangxiang was caught off guard by the question and was stunned for a moment, unable to reply. Xiaoxing frowned, misunderstanding her silence. “You are going to bully my Dad?”
“No, no!” she waved her hands hurriedly. Bully Prince Chun? She didn’t have the audacity.
Xiaoxing was somewhat satisfied but added, still worried, “Why do you want to marry my Dad?”
Qian Xiangxiang’s cheeks turned red. She stole a glance at Prince Chun, only to meet his bright, curious eyes. Her face burned even hotter as she quickly lowered her head to look at her toes.
Xiaoxing looked at her, bewildered. I just asked why you want to marry him; why is your face turning red?
Xiaozhu’s eyes went wide as she leaned in and asked, “Do you like my Dad?”
Suddenly, Qian Xiangxiang felt like her whole body was on fire. She wished she could hide. Xiaoxing tugged at his sister’s arm. “Do you even know what ‘liking’ is?”
Xiaozhu pursed her lips. “The daughter of our village chief liked the young scholar. Every time she saw him, her face turned as red as a monkey’s bottom.”
A monkey’s bottom? Qian Xiangxiang instinctively touched her face again. Was her face like a monkey’s bottom? How ugly that would be! Would the Prince dislike it? She began to slap her cheeks, trying to make the redness fade.
Xiaoxing asked his sister, “How do you know turning red means someone ‘likes’ another?”
Xiaozhu blinked. “I heard the auntie next door say it.”
“Oh!” Xiaoxing turned slowly to look at Qian Xiangxiang. Seeing her slapping her face, he paused, then leaned in to look closely, confirming her cheeks were indeed red. He was satisfied. He nodded and said, “Since you like Dad, you probably won’t bully him.”
Qian Xiangxiang froze and stopped slapping her face. She looked at him awkwardly. Why did the Little Prince suspect she’d bully the Prince? That was Prince Chun—the man even Prince Yong feared! She wouldn’t dare.
“Why aren’t you talking?” Xiaoxing frowned. Why is this Miss Qian so silly, just like my Dad? Dad is silly, and she is silly too. Is it really a good idea for them to marry?
Xiaozhu chimed in, “She’s just shy.”
Qian Xiangxiang was utterly embarrassed, twisting her fingers as she stood there, lost. Han Ze truly pitied her; these two children really dared to ask anything. He said, “I told you Miss Qian wouldn’t bully me, but you wouldn’t believe it.”
Xiaozhu said unhappily, “Isn’t it because you’re too stupid? You were tricked by Miss Shen before; we’re worried you’ll be cheated again.”
Xiaoxing added, “It’s because you’re too stupid that we can’t rest easy!”
Qian Xiangxiang forgot her shyness and asked curiously, “Someone actually dared to trick Prince Chun?” How bold; weren’t they afraid he’d tattle?
Xiaoxing saw her reaction and realized she hadn’t heard the story. “Yes, quite bold indeed.” He then looked at her threateningly. “Since you like my Dad so much, I’ll be merciful and agree to you being our stepmother. But you can’t lie to my Dad, and you can’t bully Xiaozhu and me, understood?”
Qian Xiangxiang nodded vigorously. “I definitely won’t bully you!” They were so cute; how could she?
Xiaoxing put his small hands behind his back and nodded with satisfaction, his face serious. “If you’re good to us, we’ll be good to you. If someone bullies you, I’ll help you too.” Miss Qian is just like Dad—silly. She looks easy to bully. I have to protect them both so they don’t get cheated.
Qian Xiangxiang was moved. “I will protect you too.”
Xiaoxing suddenly thought of something and asked solemnly, “Before, Dad said Xiaozhu and I are the ones in charge of our house. If you marry my Dad, who will be in charge?”
She stared at him blankly. Shouldn’t it be the elders?
Xiaoxing arched an eyebrow. “Do you want to be in charge?”
Qian Xiangxiang looked at Han Ze for help. Han Ze said, “In our house, those two really are the ones in charge.”
Xiaozhu added, “If you want to marry my Dad, you have to let us be in charge too.”
Qian Xiangxiang was dazed. “Since… since the Prince lets you be in charge, then you can be in charge.”
Xiaoxing smiled. “Then it’s a deal.”
Qian Xiangxiang: “…Alright then!”
Han Ze: “…” Does no one want to ask me?
…
In the palace, Emperor Mingzheng finished reviewing memorials and went to the Kunning Palace. He said with a laugh, “That boy Aze took the two children to the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion!”
The Empress laughed. “That child… how impulsive. Is he so eager to see his wife?”
“Didn’t he just see the girl this morning?” The Emperor’s tone was sharp as he gave a snort. “Yesterday he was unwilling to marry; today he meets her and runs to her house before the decree is even out.”
“Aze has met the girl,” the Empress explained with a smile. “Perhaps the children wanted to see her, and he just took Xiaoxing and Xiaozhu?”
“That’s possible.” The Emperor’s tone softened. “It’s not quite right for them to just show up there. Why don’t I just draft the marriage decree now?”
“Aze likes her, and we’ve seen her; no one has objections. Let’s decree it.” The Empress felt lighthearted. The sooner the decree, the sooner the wedding, and the sooner her mind would be at peace.
…
Back at the Duke’s Mansion, the children were resting in a pavilion. A servant brought tea and snacks. Qian Xiangxiang asked with a smile, “Our chef makes good pastries. Would you like to try some?”
After spending some time together, she truly liked these children. They were about the same age as her nephews but seemed much more sensible and knew how to look after others. Their initial awkwardness had faded.
Xiaozhu leaned on the table and downed some tea. “I’m thirsty; I want tea.”
Xiaoxing said, “I like sweet things. Is this sweet?”
Qian Xiangxiang nodded. “There are sweet and savory ones. Try them all; the taste is good.”
Xiaoxing nodded, washed his hands, and picked up a sweet-scented osmanthus cake. He squinted as he ate. “Delicious.”
Qian Xiangxiang was happy. “Eat more if you like it.” Xiaoxing picked up a jujube yam cake and handed it to Han Ze. “Dad, try this yam cake. It’s really good, better than the ones at our mansion.”
Han Ze took it with a smile and a simple “Thanks, Xiaoxing.”
As they spoke, Qian Jingjing and Qian Jiajia arrived with their maids. Qian Xiangxiang’s expression shifted; she felt irritable. What were they doing here?
The two sisters entered gracefully, each holding a folding fan. Qian Jingjing wore a gentle smile and said in a charming voice, “Big Sister, you’re playing here; why didn’t you invite us?”
Qian Xiangxiang really wanted to roll her eyes. But with Prince Chun there, she felt she had to be reserved and couldn’t let him think she was too fierce. She suppressed the urge and said, “Grandmother asked me to entertain the Prince and the children.” She didn’t ask you; how can you just show up uninvited?
Qian Jingjing smiled. Prince Chun was the Crown Prince’s brother; he must know about the Crown Prince’s situation. She curtsied. “Greetings, Prince.” Jiajia followed suit.
Han Ze said loudly, “Rise.”
The sisters stood. Jingjing looked at Han Ze and asked, “I hope we haven’t neglected the Prince.”
Han Ze frowned. “No neglect; we’ve been having a great time.”
Xiaoxing noticed Miss Qian’s expression darkened when these sisters arrived and knew they weren’t on good terms. He said, “Right, we were having a great time. You only disturbed us by coming here.”
Jingjing’s face stiffened. Xiangxiang saw it and laughed. “Children speak without filter; Second Sister won’t mind, will she?”
Xiaoxing blinked. “Without filter? But I’m telling the truth. They did disturb us.”
Xiaozhu set her teacup down and said bluntly, “The Old Madame only asked you to entertain us. They came uninvited; of course they disturbed us!”
Jingjing and Jiajia were mortified, but Xiaozhu was just a child. They couldn’t bicker with a “filter-less” child. Jiajia said softly, “We heard the Prince was here and were afraid Big Sister might be a poor host, so we came to help. We didn’t mean to disturb you; it’s our mistake.”
Xiaozhu was displeased and looked at them. “Since you know you disturbed us, why haven’t you left?”
Jingjing’s smile was hard to maintain. “Prince Chun is a man. Is it not inappropriate for Big Sister to entertain him alone?”
Jiajia added, “Please forgive us, Prince. For the sake of Big Sister’s reputation, we cannot leave. Big Sister’s marriage prospects are difficult; she may not care, but we must look out for her.”
Han Ze said, “No need.”
Jiajia curtsied. “Please forgive us, Prince.”
Jingjing also curtsied. “Please forgive us; we must cherish Big Sister’s reputation.”
Han Ze said unhappily, “What I mean by ‘no need’ is that Qian Xiangxiang will be marrying into the Prince Chun Mansion. Her marriage prospects will not be difficult.”
The sisters froze, looking at Qian Xiangxiang in disbelief. Marrying into the Prince Chun Mansion? How could that be?
Jingjing thought of the recent rumors—Prince Chun was obsessed with Shen Mingya, but she had tried to trick him. Since the Prince was so obsessed with her, how could he be marrying their sister so soon? Furthermore, even if he wanted to, the Emperor and Empress had to agree. It wasn’t some childish game. Besides, Prince Chun was a fool; would their father really marry his eldest daughter to him?
Jiajia looked at her sister with envy. Unlike Jingjing, she thought marrying Prince Chun was a good outcome. They likely couldn’t reach the Crown Prince, but Prince Chun was different. He was simple-minded but not a true fool; such a husband was easy to handle. As a Princess Consort, she could do whatever she wanted, and only the Emperor and Empress could wrong her.
She asked, “Is the Prince truly marrying Big Sister as his Consort?”
Han Ze said unhappily, “Of course. A gentleman’s word is like a team of eight horses—hard to pull back. I never lie.”
Xiaozhu snorted at the doubt. “We’ve already agreed to Auntie marrying Dad. Imperial Grandfather will decree it soon.”
Xiaoxing nodded. “Right. We’re very satisfied with Auntie; we agree to her being our stepmother.”
Qian Xiangxiang’s cheeks were red. “Second Sister, Third Sister… this is likely true.”
“How come I didn’t know about this?” Jingjing’s voice was sharp.
Xiangxiang frowned. “Why should you know?”
Jingjing asked darkly, “When you went to the palace today, did the Empress tell you about the decree?”
Xiangxiang nodded shyly.
Jingjing’s face turned grim. she questioned, “I asked you why the Empress summoned you, and you told me you didn’t know! Were you playing with me?” If Qian Xiangxiang becomes a Princess Consort, I can never marry the Crown Prince. I never imagined the Empress would choose this gold-obsessed, eighteen-year-old ‘old maid.’ Why did the Empress like her? Just because her father is the Duke of Zhen? I am talented in the arts and well-mannered; every noble lady praises me. Why can’t the Empress see me?
“The marriage wasn’t certain then; how could I spread it around?” Xiangxiang said. “I couldn’t exactly tell everyone I was marrying the Prince before the decree arrived, could I?”
Jingjing said sharply, “The decree still hasn’t arrived! Why are you speaking with such certainty now? If you aren’t playing with me, what is this?”
Xiangxiang was choked. The decree wasn’t here yet, but she had already settled things with the Prince and the children…
Han Ze said, “Regardless of the decree, Qian Xiangxiang will be the Princess Consort. There’s no need for the second and third Misses to worry.”
Xiaozhu added with a smile, “Dad is right. She will marry him anyway. You don’t need to worry for her.”
Xiaoxing nodded. “Imperial Grandfather dotes on us. As long as we accept Auntie, he will accept her.”
Jingjing wanted to say she wasn’t worried for her; she was worried about her. She wanted the marriage to fail so she could have a chance at the Crown Prince. But she couldn’t say that. She grew frantic; if the Emperor decreed it, she would truly lose her chance. She had to stop this.
She said hurriedly, “The Prince may not know, but Big Sister is obsessed with gold and silver. Look at her—she’s covered in gold ornaments, all shiny…”
Han Ze looked at Qian Xiangxiang with envy. “Covered in gold… so shiny and pretty.”
Jingjing: “…” She forgot the rumors—Prince Chun loves gold too.
Xiaozhu also looked at Xiangxiang with envy. “I want to be covered in gold too, but my Nanny won’t let me.”
Han Ze looked at Jingjing with a smile. “You don’t like gold?”
How could she not like gold? No one doesn’t like gold; they just don’t show it so openly. She didn’t want to be like her sister, whom everyone looked down on for her “copper smell.”
Han Ze added, “I can tell by your face that you like gold too. Since you like it, why are you mocking Qian Xiangxiang?”
“I am not mocking her,” Jingjing argued. “Why would I? The Prince must have heard incorrectly.”
Han Ze asked unhappily, “Are you saying something is wrong with my ears?”
“I didn’t say that.” She wasn’t stupid enough to say that.
“You just said I heard incorrectly. Isn’t that saying my ears have a problem and I can’t understand words?” Han Ze said. “Don’t think just because I’m ‘slow’ I don’t know what you mean.”
Jingjing: “…” Is he really a fool? Does a fool call himself ‘slow’?
Qian Xiangxiang spoke up. “Second Sister, you can say what you want about me, but you can’t say that about the Prince. Besides, what is wrong with liking gold? We didn’t steal it or rob anyone; what does it matter to others?”
Jingjing laughed in anger. “You haven’t even married him yet and you’re already protecting him? The Emperor hasn’t issued the decree; how do you know for sure you’ll marry him?”
Xiangxiang started to explain, but Jingjing interrupted, “The command of parents and the words of matchmakers! Without the Emperor and Empress’s consent, how can you marry him?”
Xiangxiang was truly annoyed now. Every other word was “you can’t marry him.” She knew exactly what Jingjing was thinking. She said angrily, “Aren’t you just afraid that if I marry him, you won’t be able to marry the Crown Prince? Even if I don’t marry Prince Chun, you will never be the Crown Princess! Give up on that dream!”
Jingjing’s face changed. “Big Sister, what nonsense are you talking?”
“Whether it’s nonsense or not, you know best,” Xiangxiang sneered.
Han Ze added, “Big Brother won’t be choosing a Crown Princess at all. He’s only taking side-consorts.”
What? Jingjing’s face turned white as she snapped her head toward Han Ze. He glared at her. “Even if Big Brother wanted a wife, he wouldn’t marry you. You’re too mean.”
Jingjing’s face was dark. Xiangxiang said, “Second Sister, Third Sister, please leave. You aren’t welcome here.”
Jingjing wanted to argue more, but Jiajia pulled her away. “Since Big Sister doesn’t welcome us, let’s go. Why stay where we’re hated?”
Once they were out of the pavilion, Jingjing said, “I never thought it was possible she’d marry him.”
Jiajia looked at her helplessly. “Second Sister, it’s a certainty. Prince Chun showed up at our house; doesn’t that prove it?” she sighed. “The Crown Prince has a legitimate son. If he wanted a Princess, he’d have married one long ago. He’s only taking side-consorts for the sake of his son. Big Sister is right; regardless of whether she marries Prince Chun, you will never be the Crown Princess.”
Jingjing gave a tragic laugh. Everyone thought she just wanted the title, but she truly loved the Crown Prince. But a girl of the Qian family could not be a concubine, not even a royal one. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have minded being a side-consort.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152