The Times Spent in Pretense

Every year as the seasons changed, the Department of the Palace would send clothes and jewelry suitable for that season to the imperial concubines. However, there was a fixed quota for each. As long as an imperial concubine had some position and rank, they did not rely on these allotments for their everyday lives.

Emperor Changlong wasn’t an emperor who treated his imperial harem severely. Each year during this time, he would bestow jewelry to every imperial concubine. The Great State of Jin was vast and spacious, its land fertile. There were many surrounding small countries that, in order to depend on Great Jin, would send tributes annually. And among such tributes were precious stones and jewelry.

Among the jewelry sent as tribute this year, there were a few that Consort Xian had her eyes on. Every day, she hoped that the emperor would bestow them to her. But no matter how long she waited, that never happened. She endured it for many days, and in the end, could not keep her cool anymore and sent people to find and ask the head eunuch, Zhao Sancai, about it.

“Oh, those pieces of jewelry?” Zhao Sancai laughed as he faced the female official from Lincui Palace. “Two days ago, His Highness the crown prince said he was fond of them, so His Majesty let him take them away. Why did Her Highness suddenly inquire about such an insignificant matter?”

The smile on the female official’s face stiffened. Those pieces of jewelry had been stored in the emperor’s personal storeroom. It was nobody’s business besides the emperor’s who he wanted to give them to. As such, she hurried to shake her head. “So that’s how it is. Her Highness was originally concerned that if such good things were placed in storage for too long, they would lose color. It’s great that His Highness the crown prince is fond of the jewelry.”

When the female official returned to Lincui Palace, she informed Consort Xian of the situation.

“The crown prince is a man. What does he need those pieces of jewelry for?”

“This slave heard that the crown prince wanted… to save up money and property for his future wife.”

“He’s the crown prince. His Majesty has always been biased toward him. Why does he need to save up money and property for his future wife?” Consort Xian was so angry that her face turned green. Among the surrounding small countries, there was one that was the best at crafting jewelry for women; she liked their product the most. Yet the crown prince had snatched all of those good things. It was obvious that he was making things difficult for her on purpose.

“Your Highness, although the crown prince has taken the jewelry your honored self likes, there is no need to get angry. The crown prince has taken the jewelry all the other imperial concubines took a fancy to as well,” the female official rushed to add.

“Then does this palace need to thank him for being fair?” said Noble Consort Xian flatly.

“T-this slave did not have that meaning in mind.”

Consort Xian sneered. The search for a crown princess had not even started; despite this, His Majesty wanted to help the crown prince accumulate wealth and property for his future wife? Her Hao’er was the eldest prince, and was already betrothed to the Lin family’s daughter. So why didn’t His Majesty help him a bit in that regard?

Unhappiness filled Consort Xian’s heart. She had a court eunuch summon Prince Ying to her palace. “How are things going with you and that young lady from the Lin family?”

“How else?” Prince Ying picked up a tea cup and drank a sip. Said with indifference, “She wants to be a princess consort. Son-Official needs to marry a princess consort. That’s all there is to it.”

“Stop talking nonsense,” said Consort Xian at her son’s careless manner of speaking. She could not help but add, “Lin Wan is Lin Zhou’s daughter. Lin Zhou has always been an honest person, so how could his daughter be someone who covets riches and honor?”

Prince Ying did not argue with Consort Xian. He nodded. “Consort-Mother is right.”

Seeing his half-hearted attitude, Consort Xian said, “Lin Wan is beautiful and learned. The most important thing is that she is Fourth Prince’s cousin from the maternal line. If you marry her, you will pull Fourth Prince’s power and influence to our side. This will only bring you benefits.”

Head lowered, Prince Ying stayed silent.

Consort Xian wanted to tell him not to be hung over that girl from the Hua family who could be blown away by a gust of wind. But she knew such words should not be spoken, belly full of anger as she swallowed them.

“Consort-Mother, Son-Official needs to head for the stables and the riding fields in the afternoon. If there’s nothing else, Son-Official will take my leave.” Rising to his feet, Prince Ying saluted Consort Xian before preparing to depart.

“Wait.” From her room, she brought out a light cloak. “These past two days, the weather has started to warm. Those thick cloaks and clothes are uncomfortable. I made a light one for you. Try it on.”

“Thank you, Consort-Mother.” Prince Ying’s gaze gradually grew gentle. He put on the cloak. “Just let someone else do the needlework. Consort-Mother need not tire yourself.”

“I know.” Consort Xian helped him adjust his clothes. “My son is handsome in a manly and valiant way, worthy of being His Majesty’s child.”

His mother’s compliments suddenly gave him the confidence that he was a hundred times better than his brothers.

As a mother, she would always see her child through rose-tinted glasses.

Not even two days after Hua Liuli had stored away a full box of jewelry and precious stones, she received a chest from the Eastern Palace as a gift.

She opened the lid. Looked at the various types of jewels packed closely together. A deep inhale. Then she said to the servants of the Eastern Palace, “Has His Highness been well recently?”

“Many thanks, Commandery Princess, for the concern. His Highness has been well as of late.”

If everything was normal, then why did he give her so many good things? Back then, when she had carried off precious stones, gold, and silver from Prince A’Wa’s personal army tent, such treasures weren’t as brilliant.

“One doesn’t get a reward if it’s not deserved. This official’s daughter understands His Highness’ kindness. But such things…”

“May Commandery Princess be at ease and accept them,” said the servant. “Before this slave arrived here, His Highness said that these things are merely useless items to him. If Commandery Princess does not accept them, they’ll just collect dust. The Birthday of the Flowers is approaching. Commandery Princess is an outstanding beauty. How could you participate in the festivities without worthy jewelry?”

“Many thanks to His Highness.” Hua Liuli thought some more about it. A’Wa was even able to bring so much gold, silver, and precious gems with him to the battlefield. The crown prince was Great Jin’s second most noble man. Perhaps these sets of jewelry truly were nothing to him?

“It’s great that Commandery Princess is fond of them.” After delivering the items, the servants did not even stay for some tea, leaving at once.

After Hua Yingting and Wei Mingyue heard what had happened, they did not give any opinions. They simply stored away the jewelry for Hua Liuli. If she married someone in the future, the jewelry would be used as her dowry. If she did not marry, then she could wear the jewelry herself.

Hua Liuli, who had gained a pile of jewelry and precious gems, woke up very early the next day, a rare occurrence. She boarded a carriage and rushed to the god of literature’s temple at the suburbs of the capital.

Translated by Sleepchaser. If you read this anywhere except sleepchaser’s wordpress, you’re reading from a thief.

When she arrived there, she discovered a long, long line outside. In order to secure a good position in the line, some scholars even brought books and leather water pouches. It seemed they had camped there the whole night.

Hua Liuli started to question herself. Compared to these devout scholars, she did not appear sincere enough.

The moment she disembarked from the carriage, she caught sight of someone lifting a sign. The sign read “250 grams of silver to skip the line.” Hua Liuli could not help but whisper to Yuanwei, who was supporting her, “There’s such a thing?”

“In the capital, things can be very flexible,” whispered Yuanwei. “But many scholars feel that lining up shows more sincerity. Moreover, 250 grams of silver is too expensive. Very few would spend money to skip the line.”

Hua Liuli observed the long line. Glanced at the sign again. Without the slightest hesitation, she said, “Give them the money.”

When the people at the god of literature’s temple saw Hua Liuli come out from the horse-drawn carriage, they knew a wealthy person of high position had arrived. After Yuanwei fished out some money and gave it to the sign holder, one of the workers  guided the master and servant pair toward the temple, full of enthusiasm.

Within, the acolyte in charge of incense in the temple personally greeted them, beckoning Hua Liuli to advance and light some incense. To make a wish.

“Noble Person, the spring exam will begin the day after tomorrow. On that day, there will be people chanting sutras here, praying for exam candidates to succeed and capture the god of literature’s favor. To increase their level and potential.”

“Oh?”

“However, in order to seek the god of literature’s blessing, an offering is nevertheless required. If Noble Person is interested, you simply need to offer 900 grams of silver as tribute. This temple is moved by Noble Person’s sincerity, and is willing to pray for Noble Person’s friends and relatives on the day of the exam.”

Hua Liuli fished out 900 grams of silver. Following that, she purchased a Light of Blessing, a Writing Brush of Blessing, and so on. As she turned around to prepare to leave, she came face-to face with a young lady in a lake-green skirt and top.

Hua Liuli had a faint impression of this girl. Typically, she would follow behind Jiamin. A young maiden of the Yao family. What was she called again?

“Commandery Princess.” The young lady of the Yao family approached and curtsied toward Hua Liuli. Swept her gaze through the Zhuangyuan Light in her hand. Her smile grew a hint strange. “Is Commandery Princess seeking blessings for Third Young Master Hua?”

Hua Liuli flashed her a delicate smile. “Young Miss is here to pray for your family members?”

“My elder brother was juren in the capital during the autumn exam. He will definitely pass.” A pause. “Word had it that the living conditions at Qinghan Prefecture are difficult to bear. Few people become scholars. Third Young Master Hua is the first-ranked juren there. It may be assumed that he will also pass and bring honor to your family.

“But studying isn’t something that can be accomplished in a day. Clasping the Buddha’s feet when danger arises is just deceiving oneself.” A sweet-tempered smile bloomed across Young Miss Yao’s face. “It’s better if Commandery Princess doesn’t believe too much in these superstitions.”

“Young Miss Yao is right. However, I’m not clasping the Buddha’s feet. I’m clasping the feet of the god of literature. What if by some chance, the god of literature sees the Hua family’s devotion and is willing to bless and protect my elder brother?” Hua Liuli covered the corners of her mouth as a light smile took over. “If Young Miss Yao doesn’t believe in such things, then why are you here?”

“You…” She glared at Hua Liuli, so angry that she turned around and left.

“Acolyte, Young Miss Yao is in poor spirits. I’ll pay for her Light of Blessing,” said Hua Liuli, beaming. “To bless Young Master Yao with immediate success on the spring exam.”

“Noble Person is truly a good person.”

Young Miss Yao was so angry, she almost threw up blood. She turned her head. Discovered Hua Liuli still smiling at her, such a smile gentle and soft and kindhearted.

The other party clearly did not say anything unpleasant, but at this moment, Young Miss Yao felt like had lost. Lost at what, she still did not know.

“The young ladies in the capital are all so pretty. Even when they’re angry, they’re pretty,” said Hua Liuli, all smiles after she had boarded her carriage. “Commandery Princess Jiamin’s little friends are truly amusing.”

“Commandery Princess, don’t be too excessive. This slave fears that people will surround you and scold you if you keep this up.” Left with no other option, Yuanwei laughed bitterly.

“If they dare to scold me, then I’d dare to faint.” In a lazy manner, Hua Liuli leaned against a wall of the carriage. “I have a very delicate constitution and cannot be angered.”

Such words rendered Yuanwei speechless.

Commandery Princess, whose nightmare the capital will be proves a mystery in the future.