The Times Spent in Pretense

“Your Highness the prince has misunderstood this humble official. Today is the Birthday of the Flowers, a very lively holiday for our Great Jin. This official feared that Your Highness the prince would be bored, so came here specifically to accompany you.” Pei Jihuai took a seat in a chair, removing the sword by his waist and placing it on the table by his side. “It’s still early. How about we first chat about some interesting hobbies from your Jinpo Country’s royal family?”

Bold and confident, A’Wa said, “I am my royal father’s most favored son. There’s only people who remember my hobbies, not the other way around.”

“Oh?” Pei Jihuai arched a brow.  He placed a hand on the scabbard, tapping his index finger again and again on it, giving off an oppressive sound.

Such a sound caused A’Wa’s heart to fall into a mess. “How about we change the topic to something I know about?”

“Alright.” Taking his time to do so, Pei Jihuai withdrew his hand. He said in an unhurried pace, “Let’s discuss why you wish to meet Commandery Princess Fushou.”

A’Wa’s expression grew unsightly to an immense degree. Fuming with rage between gritted teeth, he said, “The women of your Great Jin are all poisonous and full of schemes!”

Swish!

One of the guards of the Imperial Court of Judicial Review drew out his superior’s dazzling bright sword, and within the dim prison, the light it reflected appeared cold as frost. Pei Jihuai gripped the sword’s handle tight, gaze tranquil as he looked at A’Wa. “Your Highness the prince, this humble official seemed to not have caught what you said just now. Please repeat it.”

“I said that the women of your Great Jin are all intelligent and beautiful, like moon goddesses who have descended to the mortal realm.”

“Many thanks to Your Highness for praising the women of our humble country. Regarding this topic, Your Highness and this humble official have similar opinions.” Pei Jihuai sheathed his sword once more. “May Your Highness resume speaking.”

A’Wa’s complexion changed over and over. He, who cherished his life, ultimately chose to continue on the topic.

“I and your distinguished country’s Commandery Princess Fushou met one year ago…”

One year ago, after Jinpo Country’s Great General Tu Ka had perished in battle, the royal family grew anxious. A’Wa volunteered to infiltrate General Hua’s base camp in Qinghan Prefecture, and make inquiries on the real situation there.　　　　‌

After he snuck into Qinghan Prefecture, A’Wa learned that Hua Yingting had a young daughter whom he loved like a pearl. And who was named Liuli. This young girl had an innocent nature and kind heart; the locals adored her.

As a handsome man of Jinpo Country, A’Wa grew certain thoughts: He wanted to approach Hua Liuli. Even if he couldn’t obtain any military intelligence from her, he could deceive her and bring her out of the city. Use her as a hostage.

Before he acted out his plan, A’Wa had prepared extensively. He made up a story where “Jinpo Country’s people snatched away my mother and made her a slave. After leaving me all alone, she died from torture. Then I stayed in Qinghan Prefecture to become a merchant.”

In order to obtain Hua Liuli’s trust and make her believe he was a kindhearted person, he gave out many medicinal ingredients to the common people for free.　　‌

A’Wa did not wish to inform Pei Jihuai of the trivial matters that had happened in between. In any case, his plan had succeeded in the end: He deceived Hua Liuli into following him outside the city with a few of her servant girls.

On the night of the day he had brought her to his base camp, its granary suddenly caught on fire and the Hua clan’s army launched a surprise attack. Just when he returned to his tent to change into combat attire, the maids by Hua Liuli’s side restrained him with rope.

Those women covered his mouth and threw him into a trunk meant for clothes. And Hua Liuli hid in another trunk, feigning his and her disappearance.

“Second Prince and the little beauty he just brought over have fled!”

While it was unknown who had shouted this, the hearts of the soldiers grew chaotic.

Someone entered A’Wa’s tent. What greeted him were jewels scattered on the ground. However, the other soldiers caught sight of them as well, and in the end, they all fought over the jewels in a pile.

Eyes wide, A’Wa watched as the Hua family’s army attacked his soldiers until they could not retaliate. All while he himself became a captive.

“I never imagined you would deceive me. It turns out you’re Jinpo Country’s second prince.” Covering her face, Hua Liuli wept. “Were you the one who launched a sneak attack at the border and massacred over ten thousand innocent civilians?!”

As she sobbed, she smacked him in the face with a stinky shoe someone had dropped on the ground.

“Why are you this bad? Boohoo.

“Are you even human? Boohoo.”

Who knew what was going on with that girl; she was obviously sickly to the max, needing to cough even after walking two steps, yet she had so much strength when smacking his face. Just a few smacks and he already felt dizzy; he even lost two teeth.

“County Princess, your honored self has a weak constitution and mustn’t grow upset. We slaves will put away all the gold, silver, and jewels in this tent and bring it to an abbey’s disaster relief center, alright?”

“That’s right, that’s right, that’s right. Although this A’Wa should be made into mincemeat, word has it that the old king of Jinpo Country values him a lot. We can take him as hostage. When we make Jinpo Country sign their surrender on paper, we can squeeze out more compensation. This could be considered helping the common people accumulate good luck.”

As these maidservants chatted, they plundered the tent. They even used daggers to dig out the jewels embedded onto his bed, leaving behind not even a single valuable thing.

In the end, under the eyes of tens of thousands of the Hua clan’s soldiers, he was tied up tightly by a few women, and dragged out of his tent like a dead dog without a shred of dignity a prince ought to have.

That moment had already become A’Wa’s source of disgrace and nightmare. Up until now, he still dreamt of Hua Liuli smacking his face with a stinky shoe, and each time he awoke, his body would be drenched in cold sweat.

A’Wa hummed and hawed as he described the past events, keeping to himself much of the humiliating details. However, Pei Jihuai was able to put together a rough sketch.

“So what you’re saying is, you hid in Qinghan Prefecture for no less than half a year in order to gain Commandery Princess Fushou’s trust?” Pei Jihuai glanced at A’Wa’s chubby face, the original outline of which was no longer discernible. What kind of misunderstanding did this prince have over Commandery Princess Fushou’s eyes to rely on his face for a honey trap?

Let’s not talk about other people; just look at the handsome third young master of the Hua family. Every day, Commandery Princess Fushou would look at his good-looking face. Would she really grow fascinated by someone who claimed they had a mournful life?

Now let’s take ten thousand steps back. Even if problems suddenly arose in Commandery Princess Fushou’s eyes, and she truly fell for his graceful words and flowery speech, she wouldn’t just follow him outside the city so casually.

She’s a kindhearted and pure person, not stupid.　

Just what kind of confidence was this to think a daughter of a great general would drop everything and leave with him?

While he believed he had everything calculated and thought out, in reality he had long since become someone’s pawn. This Prince A’Wa was stupid to the point of sending himself to another person’s door on a silver platter. If the other party didn’t eat him, they’d feel embarrassed.

“There’s something Your Highness is probably unaware of. But you’re not to blame. After all, it occurred fifteen years ago.” A sliver of a smile appeared on Pei Jihuai’s face. “Fifteen years ago, spies from your distinguished country infiltrated Qinghan Prefecture. Before three days had passed, General Wei discovered them and killed them on the spot.”

Caught in a daze, A’Wa asked, “What do you mean?”

“In barely three days, General Wei was able to sniff out that spies from your distinguished country had snuck into Qinghan Prefecture. What kind of ability do you think you have that you could stay in Qinghan Prefecture for half a year? And to even bring the two generals’ most treasured daughter outside the city?” Pei Jihuai snickered. “Your stupidity?”

“She deceived me! She really did deceive me!” A’Wa was the picture of fury. “She knew my identity from the beginning, didn’t she?!”

Pei Jihuai paid no heed to A’Wa’s wrath; in an unhurried pace, he rose to his feet. “Our conversation today has been extremely delightful. Let’s do this again when the opportunity strikes.”

“Scram! Just get lost!” A’Wa refused to believe any of it, that he had fallen into Hua Liuli’s trap from the start. Everything must have been a coincidence.

When he had first gotten to know her, she would wrap a little white rabbit in a handkerchief after seeing it hurt; during high tide as it rained, she would place the fish who had accidentally leapt onto land back into the water. How could a woman like that be smart?

Impossible. Impossible!　

“There’s a river in Qinghan Prefecture that’s full of fish. Sometimes after a heavy rain, the weather would become more stuffy, and the fish would leap out of the river themselves,” said Hua Liuli to the crown prince. “The cooking staff in the army would catch all of those fish and bring them back to the army camp. Then they would simmer the fish in a cauldron. And sometimes, when there was too much fish, we would give some to the civilians.

“Once winter arrived, the surface of the river would freeze over. Fearing that hungry ferocious beasts would cross the river and harm the civilians, the soldiers would search the mountains periodically, and at times would hunt rabbits, roe deer, and the like. They’re especially savory when roasted.” Hua Liuli swallowed her saliva. “What a pity that this official’s daughter is of poor health and could only take in the scents most of the time. On the other hand, Third Brother frequently got together with the soldiers and ate a lot of game.”

“Although Commandery Princess is frail, you can eat a bit of rabbit and roe deer meat. It’s just that you can’t eat too much,” said the crown prince. “It just so happens that these meats have been sent to my residence recently. I’ll send some people tomorrow to invite you over for a taste.”

To which Hua Liuli said, “This would be too much of an inconvenience for Your Highness.”

“Actually, I’m also doing this for myself,” said the crown prince with a smile. “Grandmother has been mentioning you almost every day. Fortunately, the first month of the lunar new year has passed. She wishes to have you stay in the palace for a few days, so treat me as a messenger and make her happy.”

Translated by Sleepchaser at https://sleepchaser.wordpress.com/ If you read it anywhere else besides Sleepchaser’s wordpress, that copy was stolen.　

“Then this official’s daughter will disturb Your Highness,” said Hua Liuli, the crown prince’s words coaxing a smile from her lips. “The way this official’s daughter sees it, Her Majesty the empress dowager adores Crown Prince. Even if you did not act the role of a messenger, you will still be the apple of her eye.”

While they were in the middle of their conversation, a ripple burst from the surface of the lake all of a sudden. And a large fish leapt onto the boat.

A court eunuch who always followed the crown prince stooped to pick up the fish. “Because Your Highness is the son of a dragon, this fish jumped onto the boat by its own volition. It’s a lucky omen. How about—”

“How about we roast it? Simmer-frying this kind of fish is the most delicious.”

The court eunuch was struck speechless.

“Commandery Princess has a point. A delicacy has fallen from the skies. If we don’t eat it, then wouldn’t we be squandering the Heavens’ good intention?” Then the crown prince instructed his servants, “I remember that there was a cook with us. Have him simmer-fry this fish and pair it with a few appetizers, before bringing them all over here.”

“Yes.” The court eunuch carried the fish that did not even struggle. And he withdrew from the pleasure boat.

If this fish encountered another prince, perhaps he would treat it as one of those auspicious fish that leapt through the Dragon Gate. Unfortunately, who told it to meet their crown prince?

“It’s your good fortune to be eaten by His Highness.” The court eunuch hopped onto a small boat and rode it to shore. He handed the fish over to the cook.

“His Highness doesn’t like the taste of fish. Make more of the dishes His Highness likes to eat and be quick about it. Don’t make His Highness and Commandery Princess wait too long.” The court eunuch washed away the fishy smell on his hands. Following that, he went to the carriage and changed into a new set of clean clothes, before rushing back to the decorated pleasure boat.

He could not allow other eunuchs to curry favor with the crown prince.

The cooks of the Eastern Palace not only had impeccable cooking skills, but they were quick with their actions as well. Although the simmer-fried fish wasn’t finished cooking yet, the other dishes were.

As Hua Liuli ate the tasty delicacies, she sighed with emotion. “Today is such a good day.”

“That’s why I feel sincerely grateful toward the two generals.” The crown prince tapped his cup to hers, and they drank the flower dew. “Because the two generals are around, the surrounding countries dare not offend our Great Jin. And I, as the crown prince, can go boating leisurely with Commandery Princess and admire the scenery while having gourmet food.”

“Your Highness’ words are wrong.” Hua Liuli shook her head. “Father and Mother only go to battle. The one who genuinely allows the common people to live in peace without worry is His Majesty.”

“Whether it’s the Hua family or the common people, it is our good fortune to meet a wise and virtuous ruler who loves the people as his own children.” She looked at the crown prince for a moment. “This official’s daughter believes that Great Jin’s future will be just as great.”

That’s why, Your Highness, even though you miss that person so much that your heart hurts, please persevere for the common people.

The crown prince’s heart trembled. He could see trust in Hua Liuli’s eyes.

“Commandery Princess believes in me?”

“This official’s daughter trusts His Majesty’s foresight, and Your Highness as well.” The Hua family would forever be loyal to the emperor, and the crown prince was his favorite heir. As such, the Hua family would never stand opposite of him.

“I will remember this.”

Within Chenyang Palace, Emperor Changlong shut the last memorial. Glanced at the gradually darkening sky. “Sancai, what time is it?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, it is fifteen minutes into the Period of You. Shall we light the lights?” said Zhao Sancai. Noticing the emperor nod, he promptly had the palace servants light up the candles within the palace.

Massaging his eyes, Emperor Changlong asked, “Has the crown prince returned yet?”

“Your Majesty, no one from the Eastern Palace has come to report yet,” replied Zhao Sancai, tactful to the max.

Since no one had come to report, that meant the crown prince had not returned. The exhausted father, Emperor Changlong, sighed. “When We were his age, we were never this relaxed.”

With both hands, Zhao Sancai smiled as he offered Emperor Changlong a cup of body-nourishing tea.

Emperor Changlong took a sip. Frowned. “This tea has a truly unpleasant taste.”

“Your Majesty, His Highness specially had the yuyis configure this body-nourishing tea for you. On account of His Highness’ filial intentions, drink more of this tea,” said Zhao Sancai in a soft voice and consoling manner. “Otherwise, when His Highness asks about this later, this old slave will have trouble forming a reply.”

“You old thing,” said Emperor Changlong, mocking him good naturedly. He picked up the tea cup and drank a few more sips. “As a crown prince, he’s always so lazy beyond recognition when it comes to studying politics and governance. But when he goes out to play, he’s so excited that he doesn’t want to come home.”

“Your Majesty, this old slave has some words that may overstep one’s authority. May Your Majesty forgive this old slave in advance.”

“Speak.”

“Although this old slave has no children, this old slave feels that every child who is close to their father acts this way. Your Majesty is young and vigorous. It’s only natural that the crown prince wants to go out to play occasionally. What’s more, His Highness has been a master of the pen and sword since young. When other people take three days to learn something, His Highness only needs one to two days.” Zhao Sancai smiled. “This old slave has a foolish mouth and is not sure how to word it appropriately.”

Laughter spilled from Emperor Changlong’s mouth. “You old thing. The way you say it, it seems like it’s fine if the crown prince goofs off, but We must suffer hardships.”

“Your Majesty, this wasn’t what this old slave meant.” Again, Zhao Sancai smiled. “Shouldn’t Your Majesty be clear what kind of temperament His Highness has?”

Although Emperor Changlong said things that pointed to him disdaining the crown prince, if anyone said anything even half-bad about the crown prince, he would definitely grow hostile on the spot. As Emperor Changlong listened to Zhao Sancai praise the crown prince as filial and capable, the smile on his face never disappeared.

“Speaking about father-and-son relationships, this old slave heard an interesting story a few days ago. During the spring exam period, when Third Young Master Hua was in the exam center, General Hua kept watch outside every day. He even caught two thieves for the office of the capital governor.”

“Pity the parents of the world. Yingting has never in his whole life been afraid when attacking our enemies on the battlefield. But now that his son was participating in the imperial exam, he’d actually keep watch outside every day.” Emperor Changlong imagined the large Hua Yingting’s pitiful appearance at the exam center’s front doors. Smiling and sighing with emotion, he said, “It’s not easy being a dad.”

When the son went out to play, the father had to slave through reading and evaluating memorials.

When the son went to take an exam, the father had to squat outside the exam center to accompany him.

At this moment, unilateral sympathy toward Hua Yingting grew inside Emperor Changlong’s heart.

But once the crown prince returned and said he had spent his day playing with the Hua family’s daughter, this sentiment transformed into a guilty conscience.

After all, once Hua Yingting had returned to the capital, they had talked the whole night. And he said he did not intend to have his frail daughter marry, only wishing for her to spend her days safely and soundly.

At that time, Emperor Changlong had patted his chest and expressed that he would absolutely take care of his daughter well. That he would not let her suffer grievances.

Not long after, the son whom he doted on the most cheerfully told this exhausted father the following: that he played to his heart’s delight with Hua Yingting’s daughter all day.

Oh son, with the way you do things, do you even consider your old man’s feelings?　　

As an emperor whose words hold a lot of weight, I need a lot of face, understand?