The Times Spent in Pretense

On the day of the spring exam, all four members of the Hua family roused early.

Hua Yingting helped Hua Changkong put on his outer robe. “Father has fought in close quarters on the battlefield multiple times. Evil spirits and misfortunes dared not approach me. I’ll help you put on this outer robe so those things won’t get too close to you as well.”

“That’s right.” Wei Mingyue helped him bind his hair. She said,  “Mother is Great Jin’s most impressive female general. With me combing your hair, the gods and Buddha will bless you.”

Hua Changkong could not say a thing.

His mother’s narcissism was too impressive.

“Third Brother, don’t pressure yourself,” said Hua Liuli, placing a backpack full of exam-taking utensils into Hua Changkong’s hands. “In any case, we have two marquesses and a commandery princess in our family. Even if you can’t get a good placement in the rankings, we can still take care of you well.”

If he couldn’t get a good placement, then he’d have to return home to live off his family?!

For a moment, Hua Changkong was unsure whether he should relax or grow nervous.

The four of them stepped foot outside the main entrance of the estate. After Hua Changkong had boarded the carriage, Hua Liuli retrieved a small flag the size of a palm from her sleeve. She stuck it on the carriage.

“Daughter, when did you make a small flag with the insignia of the Hua clan’s army?” Puzzled, Hua Yingting looked at said little flag, which swayed gently in the morning wind. “What’s the use of sticking this thing there?”

“It represents ‘winning a victory on raising the flag.’” Hua Liuli patted the horse hooked up to the carriage. “Horsey, oh horsey. You must bless my third brother with instant success.”

“That’s right. Our daughter is truly intelligent.”

Sitting in the carriage, Hua Changkong could not utter a word.

At the last moment, a family that usually didn’t burn incense and prayed actually did these things. He felt both helpless and moved.

No matter who the person was, they could not bear to destroy this type of familial affection where one was willing to abandon one’s principles for one’s family.

The whole family escorted Hua Changkong to the exam center. Then Hua Changkong looked at his family members, saying, “Father, Mother, and Little Sis, I’ll be going.”

“Mm, mm.” Hua Liuli nodded. “No matter what, Third Brother is the best Third Brother.”

At the sound of those words, he laughed. Patted the top of Hua Liuli’s head. “Little Sis is the best little sister.”

He saluted and cupped his hands toward his family. Turned around and made for the main doors.

The guards confirmed that Hua Changkong did not have any cheating materials with him, letting him through. After that, the three Hua family members stopped smiling.　　‌

“Daddy, Mother, I’m a little nervous,” whispered Hua Liuli. “I heard that some exam candidates went insane halfway through the test.”

“Your third brother has practiced martial arts since young. And we don’t pressure him to succeed. So this probably won’t happen to him.” But after Hua Yingting had said this, he didn’t feel too confident in his words. He turned toward Wei Mingyue. “Wife, what do you think?”

“Mm.” She nodded, expressionless. She appeared the calmest out of the three of them, but her unconsciously clenched fist betrayed her.

The office of the capital governor feared that there would be many quarrels, and so dispatched many of their yamen bailiffs outside the exam center. Still, the capital governor worried such a measure was insufficient. Thus he borrowed some men from the Imperial Court of Judicial Review.

In order to do this, he squatted at the gates of Zhang Shuo’s residence for a full three days. Originally, Zhang Shuo had been unwilling to yield to his request. But then, a few days ago, the capital governor dropped his hat by accident. After Zhang Shuo had caught sight of the other party’s head, he took pity on him and agreed to the surprise of other people.

The spring exam occurred every three years. The exam candidates, who had rushed here from all parts of the country, were all famous from their local area. The capital governor dared not be careless; before the sky brightened, he had the yamen bailiffs guard the exam center.

For the sake of this exam, the office of the capital governor, Ministry of War, Imperial Court of Judicial Review, Imperial Academy, and Ministry of Revenue rushed about, afraid that something bad would occur.

On their first day of patrol, they saw Hua Yingting standing by the exterior of the exam center.　　　　‌

On their second day of patrol, they saw Hua Yingting bring over a little wooden stool, sitting outside the exam center.　　‌

On their third day of patrol, Hua Yingting came again. And he even brought snacks.

After the Minister of Revenue, Cao Jinba, encountered Hua Yingting a good many times by coincidence, he could not help wonder this: Why was Hua Yingting so idle, coming to guard the exam center’s entrance every day?

Following that, he thought, Although Hua Yingting kept his “great general” title, he does not have the military power to guard the capital and regions around it. The position of Crown Prince’s Tutor is merely an honorable title with no true power. Unless the emperor specially summoned him to court, he does not usually attend it.

As his thoughts traveled to this point, Cao Jinba’s mood grew complicated at once. Could a general who accumulated outstanding military service have no other choice now but to idle away his time like those wealthy and hedonistic nobles?

Just as he was about to go and chat with Hua Yingting, Cao Jinba caught sight of the curtain to a carriage next to said person moving a little. A fair and tender hand lifted said curtain.

A young lady appeared from the carriage: Commandery Princess Fushou. Cao Jinba recalled what his good friend, Lin Huizhi, had recently written in his letters. He had mentioned the Hua clan’s little lady several times. That she had a harsh way of speaking but a soft heart. That she was kindhearted and honest, a good young lady.

After a moment of hesitation, he approached them and said, “Greetings to Great General and Commandery Princess.”

“What ‘great general?’ This old man has already returned to civilian life. Minister Cao, just address me as Old Hua.” Hua Yingting stood from his stool. He gave the things in his hands to his little servant. Then he said to Hua Liuli, “Liuli, this is the Minister of Revenue. Cao Jinba, Sir Cao.”

Cao Jinba looked at Hua Yingting’s handsome face. He was his senior by a few years; his emotions grew complicated. If Hua Yingting addressed himself as “this old man,” then what did that make him?

“Sir Cao,” said Hua Liuli, curtsying.

“I dare not accept Commandery Princess’ salute.” Cao Jinba rushed to return a salute to her. Although Hua Liuli was of a younger generation, the emperor had personally conferred her a noble title. Despite the fact that his rank of minister and the rank of commandery princess were equal in theory, the meaning was different.

“What’s unable to accept about the salute from a little girl?” Following that, Hua Yingting pointed at the tightly shut main doors of the exam site. “Minister Cao, why are you here?”

And Cao Jinba broke out into laughter. He had come here everyday for the past three days, yet, in spite of everything, Hua Yingting had not been aware of him at all? Once he understood why, Cao Jinba could not help but look at Hua Liuli a bit more.

This little girl did not speak much and was well-versed in etiquette. She was not one bit as arrogant and willful as a commandery princess would be. How could Huizhi describe her as having a harsh mouth but a soft heart? She was clearly a charming and shy young lady.

Translated by Sleepchaser at sleepchaser’s wordpress. If you’re reading it anywhere else, you’re reading from a thief.

After he had exchanged pleasantries with Hua Yingting, just as Cao Jinba was a short distance away from him, a good friend of his pulled him to a corner and whispered, “Why were you at the entrance? What were you discussing with Hua Yingting?”

“What’s wrong with talking to him?”

“Naturally, it’s improper,” replied his friend. “Did you know that His Majesty originally wanted to betrothe the Hua clan’s daughter to Prince Ying, then betrothed Prince Ying to the Lin family’s daughter instead?”

Cao Jinba frowned.

“His Majesty has long since felt suspicious and jealous of the Hua family. You talked to Hua Yingting at the entrance of the exam site where everyone can see you. What if someone uses this against you?” said his friend, worried. “When His Majesty settles accounts with the Hua family, someone would frame you using what they saw today.”

At these words, sorrow entered Cao Jinba’s heart. For the sake of defending Great Jin, the Hua clan had displayed utter loyalty to the throne and were diligent in their duties for many years. During that time, General Wei had been pregnant yet still led troops to the frontier. Nowadays, the country was at peace and no one dared to go against Great Jin. Yet, the Hua family’s position grew awkward instead.

The life of a hero shouldn’t be like this.

He turned and looked at Hua Yingting, who was still by the exam site’s entrance. Then Cao Jinba shifted his gaze to Hua Yingting’s daughter. She was right in the middle of holding a plate of peeled fruit and handing it over to her father. At this tender and ordinary scene, forlorn sentiments filled his heart.

“But… I have a clear conscience,” said Cao Jinba. “Thank you, Brother Wang, for the warning. I know what to do.”

“As long as you do, then that’s good.” His friend sighed. “The Hua family… perhaps only has a couple more years of glory.”

Before the exams had concluded, there had already been a few people who fainted and were supported outside the exam building. The imperial physician and yamen bailiffs who stood watch at the side rushed to lift those people and treat them. As Hua Liuli watched this scene, her heart was a mess. She left her carriage for a breath of fresh air.

Outside were many stalls selling food, all sorts of aromas blending together, producing the smell of lively smoke and fire. A few fake Daoist priests sat at the street corner, telling the fortunes of those paranoid people who had accompanied the test takers.

Passing through an alley that was bustling with noise and excitement, Hua Liuli encountered that young lady from the Yao family again. The other party was still holding the talisman she had just received from a Daoist priest.

From her own lips, she did not believe in praying to the gods and Buddha, yet she was so proactive in secret in requesting a talisman.

Their gazes met. The aromas of the snack stalls flowed through the air, nurturing an awkward atmosphere that made it difficult to speak.

At this moment, Young Miss Yao was blind to the sky, was blind to the earth, was blind to the people passing by. She could only see the nearly imperceivable smile on Hua Liuli’s face.

She’s mocking me.

Young Miss Yao flushed red. She felt embarrassed to the extreme.

“Are you alright?” said someone behind her.

When Young Miss Yao had heard her voice, her expression grew better by many degrees.

“Yes, Young Miss Lin.” She smiled at Lin Wan. Sneaked the talisman into her sleeve. Then she raised her head and curtsied toward Hua Liuli. “Greetings, Commandery Princess Fushou.”

It was at this moment that Lin Wan noticed Hua Liuli, who stood across from them. She slightly bent her knees in a curtsy. “Greetings, Commandery Princess.”

“The two young misses need not be so polite.” Hua Liuli pretended not to notice Young Miss Yao’s embarrassment. “Are the two young misses getting talismans for your elder brothers?”

“Yes,” said Lin Wan. She was unaware of what had occurred between Young Miss Yao and Hua Liuli. “Someone said that the talismans from Daoist devotees in the capital are very effective. I went with Young Miss Yao to get some together.”

“Oh…” Following that, Hua Liuli flashed Young Miss Yao a smile. Taking time with each word, she said, “Then I hope the two elder brothers can acquire a good position in the exam rankings.”

“Many thanks, Commandery Princess.” The smile on Lin Wan’s lips dimmed. When she looked at Hua Liuli, she remembered that night during the Lantern Festival. The awkwardness she felt while standing at the viewing platform.

She could not blame Hua Liuli. Yet, she was very clear on the fact that despite how things were, she was unable to lessen her humiliation.

Some people were just unlikeable.

“Hua family’s girl.” From not too far away, a sedan stood. The window curtain rose, giving view of the crown prince’s handsome face. “There are many types of people here, so why are you here as well?”

When Hua Liuli caught sight of the crown prince, the corners of her lips rose. “Your Highness. My father is waiting at the exam building for my brother. This official’s daughter witnessed a few exam candidates being carried outside, and felt nervous and upset. So this official’s daughter went for a stroll.”

Noticing that she only had two servant girls accompanying her, he stepped out of the sedan. “The spring exam won’t conclude in several days. There’s no reason for you to come here every day. How about I take you out for a walk in the city and pass some time with you?”

He had his personal attendant lead two horses over. Then he handed over to Hua Liuli the reins to the white horse he had always ridden. “It’s getting warm as of late. Is it fine if Commandery Princess rides a horse for a little while?”

Hua Liuli looked at the beautiful white horse; her fondness for it in her eyes was almost unconcealable. “It’ll be fine.”

Yuanwei, who was following behind Hua Liuli, looked up. And she saw her master grinning from ear to ear as she stroked the white horse’s head. Yuanwei looked back down.

As Hua Liuli mounted the horse, Yuanwei reached out to support her. “Commandery Princess, please be more careful.”

To which Hua Liuli pressed a hand to her chest and coughed twice. “Don’t worry. One cannot race on a horse in the capital. I’ll be fine riding slowly for a little while.”

Thus, Yuanwei retreated. “Understood.”

Young Miss Yao watched as the crown prince rode off with Hua Liuli; he had not even spared the rest of them a glance. And she could not help but say in a low voice, “Jiamin was right. Delicate women like her are usually fox spirits.”

Lin Wan faked a smile.

The crown prince obviously knew she was the future Princess Consort Ying, his eldest sister-in-law. Yet, he slighted her like so. Wasn’t he just relying on the emperor’s favoritism and not respecting Prince Ying?

She clenched her fists. Looked down to hide the ambitions in her gaze.

Just as Young Miss Yao had said the words, “Young Miss Lin, quickly look. It’s His Highness Prince Ying,” she saw said person on horseback, rushing toward where the crown prince and Hua Liuli were.

He zipped right past them, the horse kicking up clouds of dust everywhere.

Young Miss Yao looked at Prince Ying’s long-gone figure, then shifted her gaze to the Young Miss Lan next to her. Not a word escaping her lips, she covered her mouth.

Why didn’t I get rid of this bad habit? Of having such a despicable mouth?!