Chapter 71

The two princesses had to stop in their tracks as the Grand Tutor walked closer and bowed toward Princess Shaoyang, saying,“This humble minister wishes to gift a jade-carved pan peach pendant to Princess Yong’an as a token of my regard. I hope Princess Shaoyang will allow it.”

At this moment, the Grand Tutor appeared refined and courteous, truly treating the seventeen-year-old Princess Shaoyang as an elder.

Although Shaoyang had appeared bold and commanding earlier at the Matchmaker Temple, she could not summon that same spirit before the Grand Tutor.

She stammered softly,“We… we still need to ask if younger sister is willing…”

Yet that final word got stuck in her throat the moment the Grand Tutor lifted his gaze and looked deeply at her.

Standing beside them, Nie Qinglin was stunned as she looked at the jade-carved pan peach pendant in the Grand Tutor’s large hand.

It was a beautiful gemstone from the Dian-Mian region, a delicately carved pendant in the shape of a flat peach strung on a fine chain.

However, what surprised her was not the rarity of the gem, but rather—

Did the Grand Tutor know the deeper meaning of gifting a jade-carved pan peach pendant to a lady?

And doing it openly in front of so many people? That was simply not his style.

Yet, when the Grand Tutor presented the pendant, how could she possibly embarrass him in public by refusing?

While she hesitated, the Grand Tutor calmly approached, unfastened the chain’s clasp, and without a word, bent down and placed it gently around her slender, fair neck.

At that moment, the breeze lightly lifted the air, scattering the petals of the locust blossoms.

The pair, a tall, dignified man and a petite, delicate woman, truly looked like a match made in heaven.

Such a scene drew gasps from the noble ladies present, their hearts aching beyond measure.

The Grand Tutor, who had long upheld his vow never to take a formal wife … this clearly means that he has already arranged a marriage with the princess, and only awaiting an auspicious day to welcome her into his household.

But wait! This Wei Lenghou was essentially the shadow emperor of the Great Wei, destined to become the sovereign over all.

This disgraced princess, who has already undergone the ‘face-opening’ ritual and been married, doesn’t even need to leave the palace to become the mistress of this vast land, the mother of the world, and the ruler of the Six Palaces? How can the highly reputed noble young ladies of good families bear this?

(T/N: ‘Face-opening’ ritual was a traditional Chinese ritual for women, marking their transition from girlhood to womanhood and signifying their readiness for marriage and its accompanying responsibilities. This ritual typically involved removing facial hair, often with threads, to create a smooth, clear complexion, which was seen as a way to enhance beauty and prepare for marriage. )

For a time, the shock that rippled through the hearts of the noble daughters from all the major households was enough to flood two Li Counties!

The Grand Tutor looked down at Dragon Pearl’s slightly flushed face caused by his actions, his gaze flickering as he said:

“This minister must soon inspect the waterworks repairs in the outskirts and cannot escort the princess back. If there are no other instructions, this minister shall take his leave.”

After a brief bow, he turned and left.

Only once that tall figure had departed did Nie Qinglin slowly lift her head, taking note of the astonished and scrutinizing gazes from the noble ladies who were preparing to board their carriages.

Grand Tutor, your actions today have shattered the hearts of every young lady in the capital.

How are the girls supposed to enjoy the festival now?

While seated in the carriage, Princess Shaoyang finally recovered a bit and asked quietly,“Did the Grand Tutor already speak to His Majesty about a marriage alliance with sister?”

Nie Qinglin did not answer.

She merely reached up to touch the pendant hanging from her neck.

The gemstone’s smooth and cool surface was pleasant against her skin, but to her, it felt like a shackle weighing a thousand catties.

Lord Dingguo had avoided seeing her for days, yet today he found time amidst his busy schedule to stand on that bridge and publicly imply they had a marriage agreement.

This was not the impulsive act of a lovesick youth overwhelmed by yearning.

The Grand Tutor’s intention was more likely to resolve her current predicament, silencing the gossip from all the court officials’ families about her damaged reputation.

That jade-carved pan peach pendant he presented just now was more effective than an imperial edict and it subtly avoided putting the Xiongnu prince in an awkward position after being rejected, and also publicly reaffirmed her virtue.

This gesture made it clear that their relationship was not a mere fleeting romance.

But still… though his words had been considerate and his actions deliberate, his eyes had not shown the slightest trace of tenderness.

He was clearly still angry!

Grand Tutor, are you going to keep tormenting me like this, swinging me between fire and water?

After returning to the palace, Nanny Shan helped the princess change, then brought out a long red thread.

One end was tied to the princess’s pinky finger, and the other end was carefully wrapped around a sachet filled with millet, then fastened to her wrist.

“Princess, this is the red thread from Matchmaker Temple. The millet in the sachet symbolizes ‘grain,’ meaning a prayer for a future husband who is a good man,” Nanny Shan explained as she meticulously tied the knots.

Nie Qinglin touched the sachet.

If a single pouch of millet could guarantee one’s encounter with a good man, then how many fewer resentful women would exist in this deep palace?

By nightfall, the palace moat shimmered with light like stars.

The palace maids, unable to leave the palace, lit lotus lanterns one after another, placing their heartfelt wishes onto them and sending them along the waterways that led outside the palace, hoping that someone fated for them might retrieve them.

But such vague and fragile hopes, entrusted to a small lotus lantern, little did they know, once the lanterns drifted beyond the palace gates, they would not remain afloat for long.

Soon, they would all sink to the bottom of the river…

Today truly lived up to the name of “Daughters’ Festival.”

Nie Qinglin, who had never been one to indulge in sentimentality, found herself unusually reflective.

She gave a self-deprecating smile and took the palace lantern from Nanny Shan, then slowly placed it into the river.

But her soft pink hibiscus lotus lantern didn’t drift far before a large hand fished it out of the water.

Before she could even rise to her feet, Nie Qinglin looked up and saw that it was the Grand Tutor, standing at the bridge’s edge.

He reached in with his long fingers, took out the slip of paper from inside the lantern, furrowed his brows slightly, and then read aloud:

“Have steamed pine nut rolls for breakfast tomorrow…”

After reading, he lifted his phoenix-like eyes and glanced at the slightly embarrassed, sheepish-looking princess.

“You’re eating that for breakfast? Isn’t it too greasy?”

Nie Qinglin had actually heard tomorrow’s menu from Nanny Shan earlier.

When writing her wish, she had simply wanted something realistic that could be fulfilled, at least then the lantern wouldn’t have gone to waste, and she’d have a little lucky omen for herself.

Who could’ve guessed that no sooner had the lantern entered the water, the Grand Tutor would fish it out, perfectly sealing her reputation as a foodie.

“Didn’t the Grand Tutor have official business outside the city? Why have you returned so late?”

The Grand Tutor didn’t answer.

His gaze landed on her bare, slender neck, his lips pressed into a tight line.

Nie Qinglin of course knew why he was displeased.

She cried out inwardly…how could she have known he would suddenly enter the palace? She didn’t want to upset him further, so she quickly explained:

“I sweated quite a bit when I left the palace earlier. Nanny Shan had water prepared, and I bathed just now. That’s why I took off all the jewelry and the chain.”

Still, the Grand Tutor said nothing.

With his hands behind his back, he simply started walking toward Fengchu Palace.

Nie Qinglin hurriedly lifted her skirt and followed him.

Only upon returning to the palace did she learn that Wei Lenghou hadn’t had dinner yet.

Nanny Shan instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare a few dishes but didn’t set a table indoors and they arranged the food directly under the grape trellis in front of the hall.

Nie Qinglin returned to her room first, retrieved the jade chain, and put it back on before sitting beside the Grand Tutor.

“It was only meant as a token of good luck. If the princess doesn’t like it, there’s no need to force yourself to wear it,” the Grand Tutor said coolly as he filled his cup with a fine wine called Shidongchun.

Nie Qinglin didn’t respond.

She simply picked up her chopsticks and placed a piece of flavorful marinated beef on the Grand Tutor’s plate.

He had always had a fondness for meat, especially strongly flavored dishes.

The two of them quietly finished the meal without another word.

After rinsing their mouths with green saltwater, Eunuch Ruan came over and bowed low:

“Does the Grand Tutor intend to leave the palace again later? Shall I prepare a carriage at the gate?”

The Grand Tutor waved him away, clearly indicating that he intended to spend the night in Fengchu Palace.

Nie Qinglin’s heart skipped a beat.

She snuck a glance at him, only to find him staring directly and intently at her.

“I was tired from today’s inspections. I’d like to rest on the princess’s bed for the night. Would Her Highness permit it?”

How could she possibly answer that? She blushed and lowered her head in silence.

The Grand Tutor then reached out, lifted the petite woman into his arms, and carried her straight into the inner chamber.

After gently laying her on the bed and removing her hairpin, her dark hair tumbled down like a waterfall across her back.

The inky blackness of her hair only made her look even more delicate and lovely.

The Grand Tutor slowly undid his robes and leaned against the edge of the bed.

His muscular chest was on full display, and his gaze on the princess seemed to carry an unspoken invitation.

But Qinglin dared not act rashly and whispered instead:

“Today, when the Grand Tutor gifted me the jade-carved pan peach pendant at the stone bridge, I knew it was a sign of your favor. There’s no need to test sincerity by taking off your robes…”

Before she could finish speaking, her small hand was gently but firmly pulled toward him.

She fell into his arms.

“Tonight, I only hope the princess can test how deeply this minister misses you,” he said softly.

Then, his cool lips pressed down upon hers and those cherry-soft lips he had tasted again and again in dreams these past few nights, yet never managed to savor fully.

Nie Qinglin was soon overwhelmed by the Grand Tutor’s skillful lips and tongue.

The small amount of wine she had drunk earlier seemed to ignite into a raging fire, burning through every part of her body.

It had been over ten days since she had last been intimate with the Grand Tutor.

Her already delicate body had returned to its earlier unfamiliar sensitivity.

Even though the Grand Tutor was patient and gentle, the fragile princess beneath him still cried out in pain again and again.

Back in the Ge Residence on their ‘wedding night’, she had been numbed by a drug and hadn’t felt much.

But the few times after that had already begun to strain her tolerance.

And now, after ten days of rest, she truly couldn’t withstand the Grand Tutor’s intensity.

In a haze, the sachet tied to her wrist came loose, and the grains of millet scattered across the tossed bedding beneath her fingertips…

After the storm of passion subsided, the bed slowly stilled.

The Grand Tutor adjusted his breathing, lifted himself slightly so as not to weigh down on the petite woman beneath him, and began gently massaging her trembling thighs.

He said slowly:

“I’ve already ordered craftsmen to begin construction on a new residence elsewhere. If, a year from now, I’m still unable to enter the palace to accompany the princess, then I’ll ask the princess to marry me, and we can return to the palace together someday…”

The flush on Nie Qinglin’s face had yet to fade.

She reached for the silk blanket at her side to cover her body.

She had clearly understood what the Grand Tutor meant: if the political situation didn’t ease in a year and he still couldn’t ascend the throne, then he would marry her into his household instead. But… building a new residence?

“The concubines in my household have lived there for years without fault,” he continued, “I cannot cast them out. They will remain in the old residence. The new Prince Consort’s Manor, however, they will not be allowed to enter.”

After saying that, he fell silent.

To marry a princess and then drive away all the concubines would make him look like a man ruled by his wife—something no court official wanted to be known for.

No one among the ministers could afford that kind of mockery.

Especially not someone like Wei Lenghou.

If he really did such a thing, he would become the laughingstock of the entire court.

But Nie Qinglin only let out a faint sigh:

“Grand Tutor, there’s no need to go to such trouble. Qinglin truly doesn’t envy or resent the concubines in your household. If we’re being fair, I came later—how could someone who comes after drive away those who were there first? That would put the Grand Tutor in the wrong… But why must the Grand Tutor insist on marrying me? You are a man of greatness, admired by all. There are countless women in the world who would give anything to win your heart. Qinglin is dull and ignorant of matters between men and women. I fear I would only disappoint your deep affection…”

At any other time, the Grand Tutor would have stormed off in anger at such words.

But this time, he slowly withdrew his hands, lay back on the pillow beside her, and closed his eyes.

Calmly, with a faint parting of his lips, he said two cold words:

“It doesn’t matter.”

Nie Qinglin lay with eyes wide open, staring at the soft gauze canopy above her, her heart silently pondering the cold meaning of those two words.

The warmth in the chamber faded.

Silence returned.

Meanwhile, Princess Shaoyang’s condition had gradually stabilized.

Xi Tuhong, unwilling to stay long in Great Wei’s territory, was intent on returning to the northern frontier with his runaway bride and thus requested leave from the Grand Tutor.

That day, the Grand Tutor brought Princess Yong’an with him to visit the prince’s residence and offer his formal farewell.

Upon entering the residence, they discovered that the prince was shirtless, drenched in sweat, and carving something from a large block of wood in the courtyard.

The Grand Tutor glanced, expressionless, at Xi Tuhong’s muscular figure, then turned his body slightly to block the view from the woman behind him.

He said to Nie Qinglin:

“I have official matters to discuss with the prince. Would the princess accompany Princess Shaoyang in the inner residence for a while?”

Nie Qinglin nodded and followed a maid from the prince’s estate toward the inner chambers to find her sister.

The Grand Tutor then turned back and approached the prince.

Upon closer inspection, he saw that the prince was carving a wooden horse—the kind used for a toddler to practice riding.

He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of emotion.

It seemed the prince truly doted on his child; the baby hadn’t even been born yet, and he was already preparing toys by hand.

The prince, seeing the Marquis of Dingguo arriving, didn’t seem concerned about his disheveled appearance.

He wiped the sweat from his brow with a cloth and asked:

“Has the Grand Tutor eaten lunch? I’m not accustomed to the cuisine of the Central Plains. The cook is roasting a whole lamb now. Might I invite the Grand Tutor to share a few cups of wine with me?”

The Grand Tutor smiled and nodded in agreement.

The two men entered the reception hall and sat facing each other.

On the lacquered golden pomelo wood table between them sat wine cups, a wine pot, and an elegant flask for warming the wine.

Though it was only their second proper meeting, the two men found that their personalities matched surprisingly well—they were both bold, straightforward, and not bound by petty formalities.

Without needing to say a word, they both discarded the wine-warming pot and grabbed large bowls, drinking cup after cup in turn, as if competing for dominance at the drinking table.

After another bowl, Xi Tuhong gave a look of appreciation and said,

“The Grand Tutor is renowned even in our northern frontier. Our new Chanyu often speaks of you. I had always assumed you were just a pale-faced scholar from the south, skilled in strategy and trickery. Only after meeting you today did I realize you’re a bold and hearty man, not like someone from Wei, more like one of us from the north. Though… you are a bit too pretty.”

The Grand Tutor’s “famed beauty” was well known throughout the inner palace.

Countless women wished for even a single kiss from him.

He had long grown used to hearing comments on his looks but being called “pretty” by another man? That was a first.

His thin lips curved into a dangerous arc.

He smiled faintly, though his eyes were devoid of warmth.

“Your new Chanyu truly is bold and valiant,” the Grand Tutor replied.

“I once sparred with him and only barely won by half a move. Fortunately, we made peace afterward, and the Chanyu treated me with utmost sincerity, showing no deceit at all. Truly a forthright man.”

As he recalled the scene of Xi Tulie being stripped and tossed by the roadside under his own orders, Wei Lenghou couldn’t help but smile genuinely.

The two men found mutual admiration for each other.

Yet they both knew clearly, despite the current peace between Great Wei and the Xiongnu, a war to the death would eventually come.

Thinking of a possible future battlefield encounter, Xi Tuhong drank another bowl and tested the waters:

“I get along well with the Grand Tutor, so I’ll speak plainly. After we part ways, I will do my best to persuade the Chanyu to restore trade between our borders. But the Grand Tutor surely knows that the Great Wei is like a limping lamb on the grasslands right now, troubled both inside and out. How could it not attract the talons of hawks and the jaws of wolves? I only hope that if we do meet again on the battlefield, the Grand Tutor will choose the wise path and not resist to the bitter end.”

The Grand Tutor’s face returned to its usual unreadable calm.

He replied mildly,“Heaven’s will is unfathomable. If your people dare come, I will rally all the strength of Great Wei to meet you head-on, so that you may find a road in, but no way back out.”

As the wine took hold, the men’s talk of heroes grew ever more serious.

Xi Tuhong scoffed,“The full strength of Wei? That may have been true in the past, but now the southern frontier is eyeing you like a tiger. Even if you have the will, do you have the power?”

He downed another bowl and slammed it heavily onto the table with a loud crack.

“What if we ally with the southern frontier and attack Wei together? Surely you couldn’t withstand that. At that point, there would be no more Great Wei left!”

The Grand Tutor answered,“The southerners are arrogant frogs at the bottom of a well. Even if they stir up some trouble, they can be crushed. But if you really do ally with them to attack Wei, I will use every resource available to strike the northern frontier first. If I win, I’ll turn and destroy the south next. If I lose, the Xiongnu will still suffer such losses that you’ll be in no shape to continue fighting. In that case, the ignorant and brutish southern king will become the fisherman who profits from the fight between the snipe and the clam—handed the whole land without lifting a finger.”

Though the words were earth-shaking, the Grand Tutor said them with complete serenity.

Xi Tuhong took a deep breath.

He had to admit, that if the Grand Tutor was determined to drag the Xiongnu down with him, the northern frontier might not survive.

Even if they did defeat him, they’d be too weakened to stop the opportunistic south.

The Grand Tutor’s strategy was vicious—a mutual-destruction move.

The Grand Tutor continued,“If armies fight, soldiers die and the people suffer. There’s no guarantee that the prince himself would survive. Your beloved wife might become a war trophy, dragged from your tent and taken by another man.”

At the mention of his wife being taken, Xi Tuhong burst with murderous fury.

He crushed the wine bowl in his hand to pieces.

“What makes you so sure I’ll die?”

The Grand Tutor replied,“If you lose, your life will be in danger but you might survive. But if you win… you’ll definitely die.”

Xituo Hong laughed in disbelief.“What kind of logic is that? Lose and maybe live, win and surely die? You think my brother is like your former Wei emperor, who kills his hounds once the rabbit’s caught?”

The Grand Tutor explained:

“If the northern frontier wins, you’ll take Great Wei’s vast lands. But the frontier is the Xiongnu’s foundation—the Chanyu will stay there. Wei’s lands are fertile and vast. The new king won’t feel at ease unless someone he trusts guards it. Most likely, that person is you. Even if you mean no harm, with your strength and holdings, you could easily form your own kingdom. Others will become envious. Someone will sow discord before the Chanyu. And in the Xiongnu royal family, kinship means little. With you far away, and whispers growing over time, the Chanyu will begin to doubt you. That’s when you’ll lose your life.”

After a long silence, Xi Tuhong said nothing.

The Grand Tutor went on,

“Our Great Wei has never desired the northern frontier. You ride and hunt, we farm. Even if we conquered it, we wouldn’t hold it. From what I’ve seen, you are an upright man. On the battlefield, you fight cleanly, never stooping to cruelty, and you don’t slaughter surrendered women and children… unlike your Chanyu, who is ruthless to the root. If you can persuade him to give up his ambitions to conquer the Central Plains, then why not let both sides prosper? Trade openly for generations to come. The north gains the wealth of Wei, and you, Prince Xi Tuhong, could even gain Wei’s support. It may not be impossible for you to… take a step further.”

Xituo Hong remained silent at first, but when he heard the last line, he frowned.

Wei Lenghou stopped speaking at just the right moment.

He could tell that Xi Tuhong wasn’t as cunning or power-hungry as Xi Tulie.

Much of what had been said today over drinks was, in truth, a test.

Now, he only needed to plant a seed and see whether it would sprout in the days to come.

At that moment, the two men rose to find the princesses.

In the garden, Princess Yong’an was happily showing her elder sister the baby clothes and tiny shoes she had brought along.

The delicate little garments were utterly irresistible.

Xi Tuhong gazed intently at his delicately beautiful wife, whose lower belly had begun to show the slightest curve.

He had to admit that Wei Lenghou’s earlier words did carry some truth.

Meanwhile, the Grand Tutor was also watching that smiling and radiant little Dragon Pearl closely, but his mind was elsewhere…wondering if all his recent diligent efforts had borne any fruit in the princess’s womb.