Chapter 133: This Prince Wants Her Too

Shen Yue made a great fuss in Autumn Water Court—but Chen Ruoqiu was iron this time—pleas useless—even threatened confinement if she made more noise—Yue truly afraid—Chen ignored her—leaving the court angry and urgent.
From Colorful Cloud Court several figures emerged—the blue-clad girl leading saw her—paused—stepped forward. "Second Sister."
Shen Yue glanced—"Mm"—tone cold.
Not another—Shen Dongling, second branch's illegitimate daughter. Once Ren Wanyun crushed her—barely left the yard—some servants did not know her. After Ren died—Shen Gui diagnosed unable to sire—Dongling became second branch's only blood. Yet Yue was warm on the surface—inside she despised such birth. Blood could not change illegitimate fact. If Shen Miao drew jealousy and hate—Dongling drew open contempt.
Dongling seemed not to see the cold eye—still smiled. "I plan to spin silk for gauze—Aunt spoke of new patterns lately. I drew several designs—Second Sister want some?"—flattering tone.
"No need." Shen Yue said.
So snubbed—Dongling still mild. "Then never mind—I meant to make some for Second Sister."
Yue was impatient—mind full of Chen choosing matches—no room for this. Dongling bowed head—a strip of white neck showed—Yue paused—withdrew her hand—studied Dongling carefully.
Half a year apart in age—among Shen daughters—Shen Qing generous, Shen Yue elegant, Shen Miao clear—each had legitimate air—Dongling had illegitimate charm. Wan had been opera dan—flower role had looks—Dongling did not resemble Shen Gui—was mold of young Wan—big eyes, sharp chin—some standout concubine look. Yet unlike flamboyant concubines—Dongling daily modest, quiet—not fighting—pressed that concubine air down.
Careful look—still a budding beauty at home.
Yue's heart stirred—she took Dongling's hand, smiled. "I refused not to tire you—you're a proper young lady of the house—not a workshop girl—needlework all day—what sense is that."
Dongling blinked—surprised at sudden warmth—face reddened—grateful. "Second Sister flatters—usually I have little else—Aunt has me sew—I sew. No matter." Wan had been crushed by Ren Wanyun—even risen, loved only yard embroidery—Dongling followed.
Seeing her meek—Yue's smile in her eyes deepened. "Your temper should change—too honest—sewing is fine—but no lady sews all day. Tomorrow I go to the jeweler—come with me—new styles this year—perhaps you'll like—pick anything—I'll gift you."
"This—" Dongling waved panicked. "No—"
"Still polite with me?" Yue feigned anger. "We are closest sisters—if even you are distant—what is sisterhood for?"
Dongling lost—did not know how to answer. Yue smiled gently—patted her shoulder. "Third Sister still so timid—heart-tugging. Done—I have business—won't chat more. Tomorrow my maid will fetch you from Colorful Cloud Court—to the jeweler."—tone brooked no refusal.
Dongling nodded acceptance.
As Yue's party faded—Dongling's maid Wumei said. "What does Second Miss mean—cold then hot—why suddenly invite to jewelry?"
Yue was always cool to Dongling—this warmth was suspicious.
"She's courting me in another way." Dongling watched the vanishing back, smiled. "Thinks me easy to buy—depend on her, trust her—later ask a favor—simple." Wumei alarmed. "Then what? She means harm—uses Miss—if Miss falls in?"
"No matter." Dongling smiled pleased. "I'll help gladly—as she gifts jewelry. Hand over good things—I'm no saint—why refuse?" She said. "She's just short-sighted."
Walking toward Autumn Water Court—Yue's gaze was heavy—mind full of Dongling's soft obedient image. Same age of grace—same bloom—same Shen daughters—for no reason Yue felt—win Dongling—might serve greatly later.
……
While Yue stormed—at West Court gate of Shen mansion someone moved flowers out—bustle lively—Shen Wan passed—heard an old woman cry. "Miss careful!"
He looked—a young woman lifting a heavy pot to the terrace—pot almost crushed her foot—the nurse exhaled—the woman turned—smiled at the nurse—blossom face.
Shen Wan's step halted.
She wore blue-green facing feather gauze—emerald scattered-flower skirt—lily bun—agate pin in hair—thunder last night—sun this morning—face not nation-toppling—only pretty—yet sun made sweat pearls bright—flushed cheeks—unspeakable beauty.
Love of beauty is human—Shen Wan was not lustful—yet unmoved by beauty he was not. His rear court had only Chen Ruoqiu—devoted years could feel dull—now this living color between heaven and earth—he could not help stopping.
As one admires a painting or poem—Shen Wan had no other thought yet—he was never ardent in men and women. She noticed a watcher—turned—saw Shen Wan—paused—walked over.
Before him—no awkwardness, no shyness—bowed open. "Third Master."
He glanced—understood—said. "Miss Chang."
Zaiqing had seen Shen Wan once—when she came—Chen took her evening to Glory Hall for Old Madam—dim lamps—each mind on daytime affairs—Shen Wan had not noted her. Near view—a rare temperamental beauty—Chen and Zaiqing close—his manner grew kinder.
"What is Miss Chang doing?" Shen Wan smiled.
Zaiqing looked at the flower terrace. "Last night's rain—many branches wet and wind-broken—I'm 'binding' them."
"Binding?" Shen Wan curious. "How bind flowers?"
Zaiqing smiled. "Third Master will see."
At the terrace—broken branches wrapped in cloth—some smeared salve—careful neat rows—scissors and strips—one stem half snapped—grafted back.
"You have heart." Shen Wan sighed. "Rare to spend effort." Last night's storm—flowers must suffer—even flower-loving Chen—once ruined—threw them away—damaged plants displease—who thought Zaiqing would tend—not discard—but heal.
"Plants have life too." Zaiqing smiled. "Call yourself flower-lover—cannot forget purpose at first trouble. All things have spirit—cannot be heart-mouth split. Mouth loves plants—yet won't do this small thing." Frank. "Besides—only moving hands—please self and others—why not?"
"Well said—please self and others." Shen Wan's gaze full of praise. "Miss Chang is true elegance—I am vulgar."
"Third Master flatters." Zaiqing teased. "All vulgar—I have selfish heart too—if plants thrive—living here I feel at ease—can still do something."
Shen Wan laughed open. "Miss Chang worries—even if you plant nothing—Shen house won't drive you away."
Zaiqing smiled too. "Then thanks Third Master." She remembered—looked at him. "Yesterday I set a chess problem—could not solve—meant to ask Third Madam—today she's busy—I hear Third Master is skilled—could you guide me?"
Again—smiled. "I can brew tea for Third Master—Third Madam may have said—I brew very well."
Open manner—refusal would be Shen Wan's rudeness—tea as sweetener at end—playful. Shen Wan thought—laughed. "Respectfully accept!"
They sat at garden stone table and played—chatting as they went. Shen Wan found Zaiqing's chess outstanding—talk ranged heaven and earth—far sight—even court affairs she could comment. Shen Wan always admired talent—in women beauty less—rear court favored Chen because zither, chess, calligraphy, painting—all refined. Yet Chen—literary house daughter—sometimes held frame—self-important—once charming—daily together—petty, small-minded.
Zaiqing was different—same talent—no great-house pride or aloofness—quite frank—frank yet fine—very understanding—talk seemed endless delight—heart soothed—before he knew it his gaze on Zaiqing grew longer, lingered more.
Nurse Zhao watched from afar—pleased—quietly told maids guard the gate—let no outsider in.
……
Meanwhile Ming Qi palace was lively today.
Crown Prince hosted Qin and Liang guests—a banquet. Qin crown prince and princess present—Prince Rui had accepted—nine Ming princes attended.
Crown Prince's illness worsened—fact undisputed—Chu King and Xuan King following him wavered in loyalty—two years—prince faction slowly replaced—almost all assumed—the seat would not last long—the prince himself knew—two years—little court involvement—not unwilling—too few followers.
By contrast—Prince Zhou, Prince Jing, brothers, and Prince Li faction grew bright. Prince Li was smiling tiger—many followers. Zhou brothers relied on Consort Xu Xian—two camps fought fire and water—endgame near.
Steadiest—Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi. Two years in court affairs—mostly clever small matters—seemed to show no ambition—harmless trifles—Wenhui very pleased—neutral calm—whether crown prince, Zhou, or Li—none pressed him hard.
Prince Ding was safest.
In the hall crown prince raised cup. "Guests from afar—must celebrate."
Huangfu Hao sat below crown prince—lifted cup as if to clink—smiled. "Thanks Crown Prince for full honor."
Beside him Ming'an—after days confined—released today—dressed grand—eyes sentimental on the purple-robed youth opposite.
Petal willing—water cold—Rui's half mask—eyes never toward her—nor crown prince—staring at wine cup—thought unknown.
Crown prince smiled. "Prince Rui won't drink—is the wine not to taste?"
Rui curved his lip. "Unwell—should not drink."
Almost open slap. Since coming to Ming Qi Rui had been mysterious—attitude toward Ming Qi unclear—yet etiquette had been complete. Today all thought—Liang's prince seemed in poor mood.
Who had angered him?
Crown prince awkward—Fu Xiuyi spoke. "Then Prince Rui take tea instead. Someone—tea for Prince Rui."
Fu Xiuyi took the thread—crown prince's face eased—grateful to Fu. Other princes agreed—none wished to bow before foreigners—Fu's firm yet polite words saved Ming face.
Huangfu Hao studied Rui—Ming'an worried. "Prince Rui—all right? Uncomfortable? Shall I call the imperial physician?"
Huangfu Hao's face darkened—fierce glance at Ming'an—usually proud was one thing—before so many Ming princes showing fixation on Rui—inviting mockery—he was a man—men read men—Rui's look at Ming'an was impatience—if Rui was broad, fine—if ill-tempered and hated Ming'an—Liang's goodwill to Qin gone—he would lose.
Rui ignored her—looked instead at the last man in the row—all followed—Prince Ding Fu Xiuyi.
Among nine princes Fu was always most restrained—now Rui alone stared—princes' looks at Fu changed. Fu was calm—met Rui's eyes.
Rui suddenly laughed. "Before coming to Ming Qi I heard the Ninth Prince was young talent—true—may I ask—is he betrothed?"
No one expected this—faces turned strange—Fu paused. "Not yet."
Prince Zhou laughed loud—beside Fu—slapped his shoulder. "Our ninth is the only brother unwed—what—Prince Rui interested in ninth's marriage?"
Rui's lip under mask curved—easy. "Liang palace has many marriage-age princesses—seeing Ninth Prince—I feel kin—wish to join families."
The hall's mood shifted violently.
Rui meant to be in-laws with Fu. If a Liang princess wed him—not merely a consort—but Liang backing. Before princes were mild because Fu showed no throne interest—now one sentence—Fu could not be seen as before—Liang princess—strongest contender for the throne!
Fu's hand on the cup tightened—invisible glance at Rui.
Really only marry a Liang princess as surface said? Fu did not think so.
Rui was not helping—he was harming him!
Fu always hid light—until the last moment—no showing cards. Rui's terms tempted—if true goodwill—Fu would not want it now before all princes. One line—eyes guarded—almost pushed to the storm front.
However tempted—impossible to agree. Fu gritted teeth—why did this barely acquainted Rui seem hostile—one light sentence—such hard ground.
Alert rose—face shy smile. "Thanks Prince Rui's favor—but I have no thought of marriage yet."
"Oh?" Rui's lip curved. "Perhaps Ninth Prince already has a beloved—so unwilling? This prince never splits lovers—if so—I won't force."
"Highness jests." Fu bowed. "Truly no such thought now."
Fu refused cleanly—princes' faces eased—but after this—no old ease toward Fu. Today refused—who guarantees tomorrow change of mind? Throne is greatest lure—nine brothers all fight—why expect a royal saint of pure heart?
"Strange." Rui seemed fixated on Fu—did not release after refusal. Half-smiling. "Ninth unwed—no beloved—why not consider. I see Ninth is graceful talent—surely no lack of girls who adore you?"
Prince Cheng laughed coarse. "Prince Rui may not know—in Ming Qi once a girl adored our ninth—known to the whole court."
"Is it Shen Miao!" Ming'an cut in before Cheng finished—she had heard the tales—mocked once.
"Princess knows too?" Cheng surprised.
"Shen Miao's obsession with Prince Ding—even Qin knows—nothing rare." Ming'an gloated—anything to shame Shen Miao she would join.
"Right." Cheng smiled. "Prince Rui may not know—Shen Miao is Great General Shen Xin's legitimate daughter—the one who competed with Princess at tribute—you've seen her." He sighed. "Young then—daily sought ninth—shameless—told him her love—embroidered, made cakes, learned zither, poetry—so many things." Words carried malice insult—as joke.
"At tribute she had bearing." Huangfu Hao said. Rumor versus insider differed—he was surprised—at Qin house, at tribute—Shen Miao did not seem submissive. Embroidery, cakes—thinking her cold brow at Ming'an—strange. He jested. "Ninth Prince has a heart of stone."
"She was young then." Cheng went on. "Who knew two years later—so beautiful—and the old stupid timid girl—no shadow left—among Ding misses—few better." He chuckled. "If ninth had not been so heartless—wasted beauty's grace—regret too late now."
Ming'an sneered. "That Miss Shen is odd—for a maiden—no shame—chasing so direct. Hard on her—embroidery, cakes—daily following—how 'thoughtful.'"
Knowing Ming'an suffered at tribute—all disliked Shen Miao—princes only smiled silent.
Fu Xiuyi shook his head lightly. "Miss Shen is a good person—please don't jest—ruin her name—none can bear that sin."
"Ninth—you're too serious." Chu King laughed. "You don't want her—can't others? If we weren't already wed—I'd take Miss Shen!"
"Right!" princes chorused.
"Indeed," Huangfu Hao smiled. "If I were Ninth—I would marry her too."
Ming'an's heart sank—she looked at Rui—Rui did not join the jest—eyes quiet—her heart lifted—asked. "Does Prince Rui think so too?"
Rui paused.
All eyes on him.
Masked young man toyed with his cup—flat. "For a man—embroidery, cakes, zither, poetry…"
Ming'an: "Yes—scandalous—laughingstock!"
"Such a fine girl—" Rui smiled—"unluckily—this prince wants her too."