Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 296 - 294. Third Young Master Xu’s Confession
294. Third Young Master Xu’s Marriage
"How... How could this be?" Xu Qingfeng stuttered. That was clearly his cousin, Miss Hua from State Duke Hua’s Mansion, who was also a good friend of his second sister-in-law! Why had she turned into some Miss Yang? Most importantly! Why did she happen to be there and just happened to overhear his conversation!
Looking at Xu Qingfeng’s upset expression, Ye Li and Qin Zheng quietly exchanged glances. Qin Zheng smiled and said, "Third Brother, do you know her?"
"Well..." Xu Qingfeng was somewhat embarrassed. "I happened to see her a few times in the Capital City before."
Ye Li smiled and said, "I see, it’s not a big deal. Tianxiang isn’t so petty. I can apologize to her on Third Brother’s behalf later. However... Second Aunt, since Third Brother isn’t interested, let’s just forget it. Although Miss Yang is now residing in Prince Ding’s Mansion, her family and Xiuyao are still old acquaintances. We mustn’t offend her."
Being his own mother, Second Madam Xu could clearly see Xu Qingfeng’s oddity. She smiled at Ye Li and said, "Li’er, I acted rashly on this matter. I saw your Third Brother leaving for a long journey and was anxious, so I lost my composure. Please explain this to Miss Yang. I will personally apologize tomorrow. As for this unfilial son of mine... forget it, I can’t be bothered with him anymore."
"Mother..." Xu Qingfeng anxiously looked at the doorway, where the visitor had already disappeared. Then he looked at his mother, who was leisurely wiping her sweat with a handkerchief, and his face turned red. Second Madam Xu, calmly dabbing the sweat from her forehead with her handkerchief, turned to First Madam Xu and said, "Sister-in-law, seeing this unfilial son makes me angry. Let’s go back."
First Madam Xu looked at Xu Qingfeng, smiled behind her hand, and agreed, "That sounds good. Later, let’s go out of the city to visit Great Grandfather, Yuchen, and Rui’er. It’s more refreshing outside the city than stifling here at home."
Second Madam Xu agreed with a smile, "Sister-in-law is right. Let’s go back first. Zheng’er, you can return later if you like. On your way, please apologize to Miss Yang on my behalf."
Qin Zheng smiled lightly, curtsied slightly, and said, "Zheng’er understands. First Aunt, Mother, please take your time."
Watching the two Madams leave, Qin Zheng and Ye Li shared a smile and turned to Xu Qingfeng, who was still looking downcast. Ye Li blinked, smiling, and walked up to Xu Qingfeng. "Third Brother, tell me, how do you know Ruohua?"
"Ruohua?" Xu Qingfeng was puzzled.
Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Xu Qingfeng finally realized what she was referring to. His normally candid face showed unprecedented embarrassment and shyness, which made Ye Li and Qin Zheng inwardly chuckle.
"Uh... It’s true that I’ve seen her twice in the Capital City. Moreover, didn’t I visit Prince Ding’s Mansion a few days ago? Third Feng asked me to help deliver something to Mr. Shen. Then I saw her... together with Wu You at Mr. Shen’s place..." Miserably, Xu Qingfeng looked at Ye Li and said, "Li’er, I really didn’t mean to. I... I didn’t know she was Miss Yang. If I had known..."
Ye Li smiled and teased him, "What would Third Brother have done if he had known?"
Xu Qingfeng bowed his head and pondered for a moment, then shook his head despairingly and said, "Forget it, it’s nothing. Well... you two, apologize to Hua... Miss Yang for me. I really didn’t mean it."
Qin Zheng looked at Ye Li in confusion, not understanding the sudden change in Xu Qingfeng’s attitude. Ye Li smiled and said, "Isn’t it more sincere to apologize in person?"
Xu Qingfeng shook his head. "Let’s forget it. Miss Yang is an unmarried lady. My sudden visit would affect her reputation. I’ll leave first, Li’er, Second Sister-in-law."
Watching Xu Qingfeng turn to leave, Ye Li squinted, reached out, and pulled him back, whispering, "Third Brother, are you afraid that if something happens to you during your expedition, it would hold the young lady back? Or are you afraid that if you come back alive, she’ll already be a married woman?"
Xu Qingfeng looked at Ye Li in surprise. Ye Li smiled and said, "There’s always a solution. Go and clear things up with Tianxiang. People in Prince Ding’s Mansion aren’t gossips. Be good now..."
Xu Qingfeng’s handsome face turned crimson. He stepped back a few paces, staring at Ye Li. "Li’er..."
Ye Li grabbed Qin Zheng’s hand and waved at him. "Go on! Zheng’er and I still have things to discuss; we don’t have time to clean up your mess. If no one apologizes to her today, a young lady might get heartbroken and perhaps..."
Xu Qingfeng turned pale and hastily walked away.
Behind him, the two women looked at each other and then burst into laughter.
"Li’er, you’re teasing Third Brother so much..." After laughing her fill, Qin Zheng wiped her tears while shaking her head.
Ye Li shrugged helplessly. "I’m not teasing him. Although Third Brother appears easygoing, his temperament is probably even more straightforward than Second Brother’s. If I hadn’t said that, he might have left with those feelings unspoken. If he comes back and finds Tianxiang already with someone else, wouldn’t he cry his eyes out?"
"Caught in the moment, Third Brother is just flustered. When he snaps out of it..."
What would he dare to do to me? Ye Li looked up and laughed. Third Brother couldn’t defeat her! Besides, if it really worked out, wouldn’t Third Brother be grateful to her?
In the guest courtyard of Prince Ding’s Mansion, Hua Tianxiang was sitting alone by a flowerbed in the spacious and quiet garden, sulking. She wasn’t obsessing over Xu Qingfeng’s words or misinterpreting them. After all, she knew a fair bit about the character of the young masters of the Xu family. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed when her aunt mentioned Second Madam Xu’s intentions. Judging from the situation at that time, Xu Qingfeng had clearly been pushed by Second Madam Xu into saying things he didn’t mean.
Although she knew Xu Qingfeng didn’t hold any personal grudge against her, it was impossible for a young lady not to be angry when rejected in such a manner. At the very least, at that moment, she had unhesitatingly thrown the thick book in her hand at him. Unfortunately, it hadn’t hit Xu Qingfeng squarely in the face!
You, Xu! You better not fall into my hands!
As Xu Qingfeng stealthily dropped into the garden from over the wall, he saw the beautiful, slender woman viciously pinching a flower. He couldn’t help but shrink back. He wasn’t truly foolish. He had no doubt that the young lady was imagining wringing his neck at that very moment.
"AHEM..." Clearing his throat lightly, Xu Qingfeng watched somewhat awkwardly as Hua Tianxiang turned her head, saw him, and froze for a moment. Then, her pretty face fell, and she turned to leave.
"Uh... Miss Hua, Miss Yang!" Xu Qingfeng hastily called out.
Hua Tianxiang turned back, looking at him coolly. "Third Young Master Xu, what can I do for you?"
Xu Qingfeng awkwardly stepped forward. "About what I said earlier, I didn’t mean it that way. I hope you can forgive me."
A cold, beautiful smile touched Hua Tianxiang’s lips. "Young Master Xu, you exaggerate. How could a vulgar, nouveau riche nobody like myself dare to blame Third Young Master Xu?"
"Miss Yang..." Faced with the girl’s icy expression, Xu Qingfeng felt utterly helpless, more nervous than if he were actually going into battle. He deeply regretted not possessing the eloquence of his eldest, fourth, or fifth brothers. At the very least, he wished he had his second brother’s unflappable, stoic face. He didn’t even know if he was blushing.
Hua Tianxiang coldly watched the flustered man before her, the corners of her mouth twitching. She rolled her eyes heavenward. Does it look like I’m the one bullying him?
"Young Master Xu, if there’s nothing else, please leave." After waiting a while for Xu Qingfeng to say something, Hua Tianxiang couldn’t be bothered to waste any more time with him. They could spend the whole afternoon there, and he might not utter a single word.
Seeing Hua Tianxiang about to turn and leave, Xu Qingfeng panicked and reached out to grab her hand.
"You..."
"Ah?!" Realizing he had been impolite to the young lady, Xu Qingfeng grew even more flustered, almost wanting to flee in panic. But then, his cousin Ye Li’s earlier warning echoed in his mind: What if she’s already married... already married... An image of the woman before him being led by a man with an obscured face in a wedding ceremony flashed in his mind. Xu Qingfeng quickly shook his head to dispel the vision. He had indeed met Hua Tianxiang twice in the Capital of Great Chu, but he hadn’t paid her much mind. That changed a few days ago upon his return to the city. To avoid his mother, he had used the excuse of helping Feng Zhiyao deliver something to Prince Ding’s Mansion. There, he happened to encounter Hua Tianxiang chatting with Princess Changle at Shen Yang’s place. The sight of her had left him utterly stunned.
At the time, Xu Qingfeng hadn’t thought much of it. It was only when he returned home and his mother started nagging him about marriage that the beautiful face kept flashing in his mind, even as her words, which usually just gave him a headache, droned on. Xu Qingfeng was no fool; he naturally understood he had developed feelings for the young lady. However, because he was about to leave for an expedition, he hadn’t dared to think too much about it. He hadn’t expected to offend her before anything could even begin.
Hua Tianxiang stared at the man before her, speechless and finding the situation bizarre.
"Miss Hua... Miss Yang... I truly didn’t mean it. I didn’t know it was you. My mother keeps mentioning this matter to me, and I was pushed to my wit’s end, so I blurted out those words. Actually, I wanted to tell my mother that I... I already have someone I’m interested in." As he said this, Xu Qingfeng lowered his head, his ears turning red.
Hua Tianxiang couldn’t help the look of exasperation that crossed her face. She said coolly, "Since it was just a misunderstanding, it’s cleared up now. I don’t blame you, Young Master Xu. Please go back. Farewell."
Watching Hua Tianxiang turn and leave, Xu Qingfeng was stunned. Did I... say something wrong?
Not far behind him, outside the moon-shaped gate, Ye Li and Qin Zheng both couldn’t help but roll their eyes. Third Brother isn’t usually this dense. Ye Li gritted her teeth, took a pearl hairpin from her hair, and threw it, hitting Xu Qingfeng on the head with a soft THUD.
Rubbing his head, Xu Qingfeng turned to see their two heads poking out. He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Li’er, Second Sister-in-law, what are you doing here?"
"Idiot... Confess your feelings!" Ye Li whispered urgently.
"Huh?" Third Young Master Xu blushed. He glanced back furtively at Hua Tianxiang, who had just disappeared around a thicket of flowers, catching only a fleeting glimpse of her dress hem.
Ye Li said reproachfully, "If you don’t say it clearly, how will she know what you mean?"
Qin Zheng covered her mouth and giggled. "Third Brother, Tianxiang probably thinks you like some other girl."
"I... I don’t..."
"Then hurry up and go after her!"
Finally realizing what was wrong, Xu Qingfeng quickly turned and chased after her. Ye Li and Qin Zheng exchanged a look and quietly followed. They had only taken a few steps when they heard Xu Qingfeng’s voice from not far away, "Miss Yang, what I mean is, the person I’m interested in is you!"
Xu Qingfeng’s voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it certainly wasn’t soft either. At least, Ye Li and Qin Zheng, still standing at the courtyard entrance, heard it loud and clear. They both covered their faces, almost unable to watch, and sighed.
Behind the flower bushes, Hua Tianxiang was startled by his sudden confession. Before she could say anything, a figure fell from the branches of a tree on the nearby wall with a THUMP! Xu Qingfeng quickly pulled Hua Tianxiang behind him, glaring at the unfamiliar hidden guard. "What are you doing here?"
"On guard duty. Sorry for the interruption, please continue," the guard said, expressionless and calm, before leaping back onto the tree branch. After a moment’s thought, he turned back and added, "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Xu Qingfeng said with a silly grin.
THUMP! The guard who had just climbed back onto the tree fell down again, this time on the other side of the wall. Third Young Master Xu couldn’t possibly be that foolish! It must be my guarding posture that’s wrong!
When Third Young Master Xu collected himself and turned around, he saw Hua Tianxiang glare at him before turning and running off. Third Young Master Xu was instantly bewildered. This... Did I say something wrong again?
"You didn’t say anything wrong, but you chose the wrong place," Ye Li and Qin Zheng said, emerging from behind the flower bushes, glaring at him with exasperation.
"What do you mean?"
Ye Li smiled. "It wasn’t just us. There were at least ten other people, both inside and outside the courtyard, who heard your heartfelt confession, Third Brother."
So what? He knew, of course, that Prince Ding’s Mansion had many hidden guards. Their composure was just too poor; that one had fallen out of the tree twice in a matter of moments.
Qin Zheng shot him an annoyed look. "Third Brother, Ruohua is an unmarried young lady. For you to do this... what will people think of her..."
Xu Qingfeng suddenly understood. "Li’er, Second Sister-in-law, thank you for the reminder. I’m off!" With that, Third Young Master Xu turned and dashed out of the courtyard.
"Where are you going?!"
"To ask my mother to come and propose marriage..." Third Young Master Xu’s voice trailed off in the distance, leaving Ye Li and Qin Zheng staring at each other in dismay.
"Princess Consort, Young Madam Xu." Behind the rockery, the Empress emerged, leading Hua Tianxiang by the hand. Seeing Ye Li and Qin Zheng, Hua Tianxiang uncharacteristically lowered her head in shyness.
Ye Li stepped forward and said apologetically, "Madam, my third brother is straightforward and doesn’t fuss over details. Please forgive him if he has been discourteous to you or Ruohua. However, please believe that the Xu family has absolutely no intention of slighting you."
The Empress smiled. "I naturally believe your words, Princess Consort. Third Young Master Xu... AHEM, is indeed a man of deep feelings."
Seeing that Ye Li and the Empress had things to discuss, Qin Zheng also wanted to gauge her friend’s thoughts. She gently pulled Hua Tianxiang aside and whispered with a smile, "Let’s go chat."
The Empress smiled at her niece. "Go on. I also wish to speak with the Princess Consort."
Only then did Qin Zheng lead Hua Tianxiang away. The Empress turned to Ye Li and said, "I believe in the sincerity of the Princess Consort and the Xu family. Today’s incident was likely just a misunderstanding. However, even though Third Young Master Xu has expressed his feelings to Ruohua..."
Ye Li smiled. "Matters of marriage cannot be forced, of course. Even if Ruohua and Third Brother are not fated to be, I guarantee that today’s events will not affect her reputation. The hidden guards of Prince Ding’s Mansion do not spread idle gossip."
"I’ve troubled the Princess Consort," the Empress said apologetically.
"Madam, what are you saying? One is my cousin, and the other is a dear friend. How could it be any trouble?" Ye Li replied with a gentle smile.
By the time Ye Li and the Empress finished speaking, Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang returned, hand in hand. Seeing the smile on Qin Zheng’s face and the faint blush on Hua Tianxiang’s pretty cheeks, Ye Li knew the answer. She said nothing more to make Hua Tianxiang uncomfortable, merely offering her a slight smile. Hua Tianxiang’s charming face flushed slightly as she said softly, "Li’er, thank you."
"Silly girl."
The Xu family acted quickly. The very next morning, Second Madam Xu came to formally propose marriage. Since both young people were willing, the Empress naturally did not create any difficulties and agreed. Finally, because Xu Qingfeng was about to depart for the expedition, the two families decided that the wedding would take place the following year. Although somewhat disappointed that she couldn’t welcome her daughter-in-law immediately, Second Madam Xu was greatly relieved that the matter was settled and beamed with joy all day. Seeing this, First Madam Xu was both envious and helpless. Unfortunately, her own sons were each more difficult to manage than the last, and she probably wouldn’t be able to get them to settle down anytime soon.
With Xu Qingfeng’s marriage settled, the day for the army’s departure arrived in the blink of an eye.
On this day, the twenty-sixth of June, the morning was clear and calm with a light breeze. Licheng, usually bustling with activity, was uncharacteristically quiet. Outside the city, however, throngs of people had gathered, and the sound of drums was deafening.
Dressed in black uniforms, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army stood in neat formations at the city gate, grasping their gleaming weapons, awaiting orders. The surrounding crowd of well-wishers looked out to see what seemed like a boundless black tide. Amidst the black, countless glints of silver shimmered in the sunlight, adding an unexpected chill and sharpness to the hot summer day.
Behind these soldiers, powerful and sturdy warhorses stood quietly. Even the earth-shaking sound of the war drums could not startle them. Beside each warhorse stood a tall, upright figure cloaked in a black robe. This combination of man and horse conjured images of their heroic charges on the battlefield.
"This... this is the Black Cloud Cavalry," someone in the farewell crowd whispered curiously. People are always instinctively drawn to heroes. All the men regarded them with increased awe, and all the young women’s eyes shone with greater admiration.
"Truly worthy of being called the Black Cloud Cavalry. In all the world, only Prince Ding’s Mansion possesses such elite troops," people discussed among themselves, their gazes towards the city gate filled with even more reverence.
At the city gate, all the civil and military officials of Licheng had come to bid farewell to the army. Even Mr. Qingyun and Su Zhe, who usually kept out of worldly affairs, had come with students from Lishan Academy. Perhaps because of the military service system in the Northwest, scholars there, unless under special circumstances, were required to serve at least one year in the army after reaching a certain age before they could take examinations and become officials. Consequently, in the Northwest, the tendency for literati to look down on martial officers, and the general disdain between the civil and military classes, was far less pronounced than elsewhere. There had even been some scholars who, after completing their military service, simply gave up their studies and joined the army.
"Mr. Qingyun, we will have to rely on you to oversee Licheng in our absence," Mo Xiuyao said, bowing respectfully to Mr. Qingyun.
Mr. Qingyun quickly reached out to support him, nodding with a smile. "Your Highness, please rest assured. As you depart, I wish you a triumphant campaign."
Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Thank you for your auspicious words, Grandfather."
"Mommy, Mommy... don’t you want Xiaobao anymore?" Mo Xiaobao pitifully tugged at Ye Li’s sleeve, tilting his small head up to look at her with his large, tear-filled eyes.
Ye Li sighed softly, bent down, and stroked his little head. "Mommy is going on a long journey with your father. Xiaobao must be good at home and listen to Great Grandfather and Grand-uncle, understand?"
"Mommy, you’re fibbing! Mommy is clearly going to war with Father, not on a long journey!" Mo Xiaobao pouted.
Ye Li said helplessly, "Alright, Mommy is going to war. Xiaobao, be good at home."
"Xiaobao wants to help Mommy fight too!" Mo Xiaobao exclaimed excitedly.
Ye Li felt lines of exasperation form on her face. Just as I thought... I knew it...
"No, you’re too little. You can go when you’re older," Ye Li said, shaking her head.
Mo Xiaobao looked regretfully at the soldiers standing at attention in the distance, his large eyes shining brightly. "Really? When Xiaobao grows up, I can lead so many soldiers into battle?"
Ye Li nodded wordlessly. Though she wouldn’t call herself inherently benevolent, she considered herself a peace lover, more or less. Why did her son get so excited at the mere mention of war?
Mo Xiuyao, having finished speaking with Mr. Qingyun, turned and lifted Mo Xiaobao up to his eye level. Mo Xiaobao, his little face stern and expressionless, met his father’s gaze. He was still angry that his father hadn’t let him sleep with his mother last night.
"At home, be obedient?" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, his tone light.
Mo Xiaobao stared back coldly, his voice even more nonchalant. "Protect Mommy, win a great victory?"
Mo Xiuyao reached out and ruffled his son’s small head. "Is there nothing else you want to say?"
Mo Xiaobao hesitated for a moment, then said with some difficulty, "Take care of yourself." Clearly, expressing concern for his father, who was usually his adversary, was something Mo Xiaobao was not accustomed to.
The others, watching Mo Xiaobao’s conflicted yet determinedly calm expression, couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. However, no one dared to cause Heir Mo Junior to lose face. Xu Qingchen cleared his throat and said to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, "Take care of yourselves. With me in Licheng, you have nothing to worry about."
Mo Xiuyao nodded. "I naturally trust you, Young Master Qingchen. I entrust everything to you."
Ye Li said softly, "Big Brother, take care."
"You be careful too." Xu Qingchen looked at the woman before him—dressed in a white martial attire, without makeup or elaborate hair ornaments, yet appearing even more striking and valiant—and gently admonished her.
The women of the Xu family also came forward to bid Ye Li farewell. First Madam Xu looked at Ye Li seriously and said, "Don’t worry about Yuchen and Junhan. First Aunt and Second Aunt will take good care of them. You must be extremely careful when you’re out there."
"Li’er, take care," Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang whispered, holding Ye Li’s hands. Although they had long known that Li’er was different from them, it was only now, seeing her standing so calmly beside Prince Ding in martial attire, that they truly, deeply perceived how different their friend was. For them, tales of women going to battle had always been legends confined to plays. Now, they not only admired her ability and courage but also envied her fortitude to stand shoulder to shoulder with her husband, advancing and retreating together.
"I know. You both take care as well," Ye Li replied with a smile.
"Your Highness, Princess Consort, the time is almost upon us," Zhuo Jing, clad in armor, stepped forward and reported in a low voice.
Mo Xiuyao nodded and said to Ye Li, "Ah-Li, we should depart."
"Alright," Ye Li nodded and answered with a smile.
