Chapter 199: Telling a Story
On the twenty-eighth of February, the Grand Princess invited Wen Mingqian to Bowang Mountain to enjoy the spring.
Wen Mingqian brought Sang Er along. The spring breeze was pleasant along the way, and the mountain scenery was picturesque.
“Mother, look at the peach blossoms all over the mountain! It’s like we’ve arrived at the Jade Pool!” Sang Er said as she walked, praising the beautiful scenery before her.
“Indeed! We haven’t specifically gone out to admire the scenery this spring. Thanks to the Grand Princess, we can consider it a spring outing.” Wen Mingqian was also in a good mood.
“Mother, do you think the Grand Princess invited just us today, or are there other guests?” Sang Er asked softly.
“How would I know that? It’s been quite some time since I last saw Your Highness.” Wen Mingqian smiled.
They ascended the mountain and met the Grand Princess.
The Grand Princess said with a smile, “Mingqian always arrives on time. Some people, however, always keep others waiting.”
“Who else has Your Highness invited today?” Wen Mingqian asked with a smile.
“Who else could it be? Wuchou is about to leave the capital, and I wanted to bid him farewell,” the Grand Princess said. “Has he been bothering you these days?”
“How could he?” Wen Mingqian shook her head with a smile. “A Prince would not stoop to arguing with a mere woman like myself.”
“That’s good. Although I am on the mountain, I do hear about things happening down below,” the Grand Princess said leisurely. “You haven’t been idle lately.”
“Does Your Highness think I am entangled in trouble?” Wen Mingqian lowered her head slightly and said, “Actually, I am quite fearful myself. Coming to see Your Highness today, I feel I have failed your expectations. Please take back this Spring Water Jade Pendant.”
“Do you know what my expectations for you are?” The Grand Princess looked at the jade pendant, then at Wen Mingqian.
“Although I don’t know entirely, I still feel ashamed,” Wen Mingqian said. “Everyone outside says I have Your Highness’s favor, and it’s inevitable that some will think I’m a fox borrowing a tiger’s might. Your Highness lives far from the mortal world, seeking purity. How could I, for my own sake, implicate you?”
“You speak too harshly. It’s true I have some expectations for you. But ultimately, you are you. You should have your own choices, your own friends, and these are not things I should interfere with.
Moreover, you haven’t disappointed me, nor have you disturbed my Pure Cultivation. The world is tumultuous, but what does it matter to me? I am confident in my judgment of people, so you need not be afraid,” the Grand Princess said, taking a sip of tea.
“The more Your Highness says this, the more fearful I become. In truth, I have indeed intentionally displayed this jade pendant in front of people. You know my situation is somewhat difficult, and to avoid some trouble, I couldn’t help but borrow Your Highness’s name,” Wen Mingqian said truthfully. “I never expected it to lead to greater trouble.”
As they were speaking, Ying Wuchou arrived. He glanced at the Spring Water Jade on the table, his eyes darkening slightly.
“You are late again today. I shall have to punish you,” the Grand Princess said to him. “When are you leaving the capital?”
“I leave the day after tomorrow,” Ying Wuchou said. “I have already bid farewell to Your Majesty.”
The Grand Princess said she would punish Ying Wuchou, but she didn’t actually punish him.
She had a table of plain dishes and plain wine prepared, and the three of them drank together.
It wasn’t until the afternoon that the Grand Princess, feeling a bit tipsy, said, “I’m drunk. You two go down the mountain! Wuchou, I’ll punish you by escorting Mingqian back properly.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt. I will obey your command.” Ying Wuchou showed no reluctance this time.
Emerging from the Grand Princess’s room, Ying Wuchou said to Wen Mingqian, “Madam Wen, the weather is bright and spring-like. Why don’t we take our time walking down the mountain?”
“Doesn’t Your Highness need to avoid suspicion?” Wen Mingqian asked him.
“What is there to avoid in broad daylight?” Ying Wuchou smiled, revealing his gleaming white teeth.
Wen Mingqian also smiled, accepting his suggestion.
Ying Wuchou winked at the Deputy Generals beside him. The two of them stopped Sang Er, saying, “Miss, let’s lag behind so our masters can talk.”
Sang Er was naturally unwilling, but seeing Wen Mingqian’s gaze, she remained silent.
The spring afternoon was exceptionally warm and pleasant.
Birds sang among the trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
“I’m a straightforward person and don’t beat around the bush. What did those two lines of poetry you recited at the entrance of Wu Qiu Nunnery mean that day?” Ying Wuchou asked.
“The meaning of those two lines of poetry, Your Highness should understand better than I do. Why do you need me to explain?” Wen Mingqian said as she walked down the steps.
“Alright, let’s say I asked the wrong question. Now I’ll ask again: why did you recite those two lines of poetry to me? What exactly do you know?” Ying Wuchou asked, taking a deep breath.
“What can two lines of poetry represent?” Wen Mingqian countered, still not answering directly. “Even if I told you, would Your Highness truly believe me?”
Ying Wuchou was stumped by her question. He couldn’t guarantee he would fully believe Wen Mingqian’s words, as he firmly believed her intentions were significant and not to be revealed.
“How about this: I’ll tell Your Highness a story. The mountain path is rugged, and it will take a long time to walk,” Wen Mingqian said, looking ahead. From her current position, she could only see halfway up the mountain; the latter half was still unclear.
Ying Wuchou followed behind her, about two or three paces apart.
“Once upon a time, there was a girl who was the most beautiful, gentle, and kind girl in the world. Everyone who met her liked her, and the more they got to know her, the deeper their feelings became.
When this girl grew up, she naturally got married and moved into a very, very large house, but she was not happy there.
Because she was trapped like a bird in a cage, her wings clipped. Even more terrifyingly, no matter how she tried to lay low, there were still people who wanted to harm her.
One day, the master of the house went out on business, leaving her and that villain there.
She knew the villain intended to harm her, so she escaped with a loyal guard.
They ran a long distance, but they still couldn’t shake off the guard. Their fate was tragic; not only did they lose their lives, but they were also framed for eloping.
Later, the world spread rumors that this woman had eloped disgracefully and was utterly wicked.
And the villain who harmed her lived well in that big house, respected and admired.” Wen Mingqian’s voice was calm and low, like a mournful dongxiao flute.
“How do you know… her story?” Ying Wuchou’s voice trembled slightly.
“Does Your Highness also know this story?” Wen Mingqian continued walking without stopping.
“I… I know, but I was too far from her…” Ying Wuchou said with deep sadness.
“Is the reason Your Highness has remained unmarried all these years because of her?” This time, Wen Mingqian stopped and turned to look at Ying Wuchou.
“Yes…” Ying Wuchou gritted his teeth. “I can’t forget her… I had someone make that Spring Water Jade originally, intending to give it to her through Aunt’s hands… but I was too late…”
A long silence followed, broken only by the rustling wind…
“Your Highness, actually, she escaped intending to find you, but she didn’t make it in time…” Wen Mingqian’s eyes welled up with tears, about to fall.
