Chapter 6 Audience with the Court

Whether the Prince of Xiao was really pleased with A’Shu, Que-er had to think twice now after seeing the man standing in the outer room.

Although his manner was still gentle, the smile on his face faded a little and his eyes glinted with a slight indifference. He looked the same as earlier, but in fact, the contrast was disquieting.

A’Shu felt her heart skipped a beat. Pressing down her inexplicable nervousness, she stepped forward and said in a warm voice, “The herbal bath is ready. Please undress, Your Highness.” She came closer and stretched out her hands.

She was just about to touch his clothes when he suddenly jerked away, his eyebrows rising as he instinctively stepped back as if to escape.

This subconscious display of disgust astonished all the maidservants in the room. After looking at each other, they all quietly bowed their heads. No one dared to watch any longer.

A’Shu felt embarrassed. She silently bit her lips and put down her hands. She looked at him without saying anything.

Indeed, drunk actions spoke a sober heart. It seemed that she had guessed correctly. The “happiness” was just an act to deceive others. One moment he was openly leading her to the carriage, the next he was heartless.

Liu Xun seemed to have noticed his gaffe. Recovering some clarity, he waved at others and said, “All of you retire.”

The crowd retreated as ordered. Que-er was worried and didn’t dare to leave immediately. In the end, she boldly reminded, “Your Highness, the ritual of throwing auspicious symbols hasn’t been performed.”

This ritual of throwing auspicious symbols referred to the custom of praying for more children and blessings on the wedding night. The husband and wife sat together, and a woman would scatter five-colored flowers and fruits from afar. The newlyweds would then catch them with their clothes. If they get several fruits, they would never lack of children and grandchildren.

It was just an ordinary marriage ritual, but probably because Liu Xun had already put up with too much tonight, Que-er’s words only made him cold. “Get out.”

Startled, Que-er hurriedly leave without saying another word.

With only two people left in the room, Liu Xun no longer had to maintain his facade. His face was completely cold. He silently undid his belt and took off his outer robe, exposing the hidden clothes underneath.

It was a piece of white mourning apparel.

A’Shu felt a twinge in her eyes. She shifted her gaze and dared not look again.

It was early summer, and on his wedding day, he wore a white mourning dress under the strenous wedding suit. It was obvious that he was honouring the death of his elder brother Liu Chang.

Anyone who was forced to marry the daughter of his enemy during his mourning period would not be able to stomach it.

A’Shu was frightened.

The more he kept his emotions in check, the more he wouldn’t hold back with his revenge in the future.

Remembering the slaughter in Changle Palace, her entire body stiffened and trembled. She watched him as he carefully folded his mourning clothes and strode into the bathroom.

He was gone for a long time.

A’Shu knelt down on the couch, looking straight at the candle. Her fear washed away as sleepiness crept over.

No one knew how long it took. When Liu Xun returned to the room in fresh clothes, he saw her nodding off. Her petite body was leaning on the couch, and her head was bouncing off her chest, looking like a chicken pecking at grains of rice.

He paused in his tracks and could not help but take a careful look.

This woman was indeed born with good looks, even surpassing her mother. Her fame was really well-deserved.

Only it was a pity that she married him under such circumstances.

It was said that Lady Zhao had been dwelling in Handan since birth. After the death of the Late Emperor, she and her party recently traveled westward from Handan so that she could finally meet and get acquainted with her mother.

Nevertheless, she was still the biological daughter of Empress Dowager Zhang. Just because she wasn’t acknowledged for many years did not mean that there was no affection between the two. No matter how one look at it, she was not innocent.

He didn’t want to marry her. When he was in Weiyang Palace that day, he almost rejected the marriage on the spot.

Fortunately, he was still able to retain some senses. He asked for some time to think about it at home.

His elder brother’s disciples and subordinates were indignant. They all urged him to refuse. There was only one person who advised him to agree with the marriage.

This person was Guo Qu, whose courtesy name was Junqing, a native of Nanyang. He was forty years old and had worked in farming for nearly a decade since his capping ceremony. He only joined his elder brother’s camp three years ago. Since then, he had never offered any suggestions that were of no excellent results.

When asked, he responded, “The intention of the Empress Dowager and the Grand Marshal is very clear. If my lord endures it and marry her, my lord can get out of Chang’an. Otherwise, my lord will share the same fate as the Grand Excellency.”

Hearing this, Liu Xun weighed the pros and cons, deliberated for a long time, and in the end, believed it to be true. On the next day, he went to the Palace and personally asked for marriage.

From then on, he hastily proposed marriage. Today, he was insulted in public.

Guo Qu’s words were indeed accurate. Just looking at the current situation, Empress Dowager Zhang and Geng Yun would never let him off if he refused to marry.

However, he would surely exact vengeance in the future.

With this thought, his eyes darkened. He watched the dozing little girl with a complicated look.

When a nest was overturned, wouldn’t all the eggs break?

A’Shu suddenly woke up as she sensed something. Her eyes met his unfathomable and indifferent eyes. She felt stiff and cold all over.

That look on his face was something she would never forget.

Sensing her incomprehensible fear, Liu Xun was puzzled for a moment.

When he went to receive her in person earlier, he also sensed her fright, but he did not know why. He clearly heard what the eunuch by Empress Dowager Zhang’s side said. Lady Zhao was domineering and difficult to get along with. How come she was afraid of him when he was known as “gentle and magnanimous”?

But then he was not interested in probing. He flashed a smile. He took out the quilt that had been prepared in the cupboard, and spread it on the daybed at the other end of the room. “It’s getting late. Go to sleep early.”

He took off his shoes and socks and laid flat on his back.

His tall body looked a bit cramped on the very narrow daybed. But his expression didn’t indicate any discomfort. His eyes were already closed.

A’Shu silently stared at him for a moment. Seeing the even breathing, she got up, put out the candles one by one, and climbed into the broad bed in the dark.

An elder brother was like a father. He must be mourning his elder brother and would not likely touch her.

Therefore, A’Shu was relieved.

……

The next day, at daybreak, Liu Xun was sober. He got up from the daybed and put the quilt and other things back in the cupboard. Then, he sat on the bedside.

When A’Shu woke up, she saw a broad figure beside the bed, blocking most of the glare of the morning light. In a trance, she watched him look at her sideways. The morning light shafted through his profile. His eyes radiated with gentleness, giving off a false impression of tenderness.

But in a moment, when she looked into his cold eyes, she was suddenly wide awake.

He was most probably pretending again.

After a while, the servants filed inside the room, carrying wooden cups, copper basins, towels, handkerchieves and other things. After the two finished grooming, the breakfast was just being served when suddenly someone came and reported, “His Majesty has called the Prince of Xiao into the Weiyang Palace.”

Inspite of the imperial edict, His Majesty was still very young and did not involve himself in court affairs. The summon must have come from Empress Dowager Zhang and the Grand Marshal.

Early on the second day of her wedding, he was called to the palace. A’Shu had a premonition that he would be sent to Hebei.

Usually with such a summon, Liu Xun would get out of the house and enter the palace at once, not daring to delay a second. However, he was behaving out of character today. He only said, “Got it”, then motioned the servant to leave. He started to eat the breakfast in leisure.

The food was light and simple. The barbarian pastry coupled with bean soup and the two small plates of finely chopped pickled bamboo shoots, were totally different from the sumptuous dishes served in a typical noble household. However, Liu Xun ate with relish, as if savoring rare delicacies in the world. When he was done, he still did not leave the table, and only waited patiently for A’Shu.

Born in a noble family, A’Shu was used to swallowing delicately. Today, someone was suddenly watching her eat which was very awkward. As a result, she choked in her haste to swallow two more mouthfuls.

Looking at her flushed face, watery eyes and pitiful and aggrieved appearance, Liu Xun finally showed a sincere smile and poured a cup of milk for her.

A’Shu shyly took the cup, and tried to steady her breathing with great difficulty. Bowing her head, she hurriedly finished the drink, not daring to look at him directly.

He, on the other hand, was only good-tempered and considerate. “Are you not used to these foods? My family has always been frugal. I just don’t know what you usually eat in Handan.”

The maidservants around them held their breaths and stared. They only felt that the Prince of Xiao was really a modest self-disciplined gentleman who treated his bride with meticulous care. Others couldn’t help but admire him.

A’Shu slandered him in her mind. If he really cared about her preferences, why didn’t he ask her before breakfast? However, she still smiled and said, “Everything is fine. Your Highness, the sun is climbing higher and higher. His Majesty is still waiting. It’s better to go early.”

Unable to endure anymore, she was left with no choice but to evict him from the house.

Liu Xun’s eyes glinted with ridicule. The corners of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. He slowly rose to his feet. Before he left, he still did not forget to instruct, “Since my relatives are still in Dongjun, there is no elder here that needed to be served. The house is at my lady’s disposal. Just treat it as if it’s your home in Handan.” After speaking, he put on his coat and left.

A’Shu shuddered. Even though she was already familiar with his real nature, she still could not stop lamenting today—— this man was truly tolerant! What should she do with this smiling tiger?

When people left, Que-er carefully approached. “A’Shu, the Prince of Xiao was so considerate to you just now. I think everything is all right last night?” She could not forget how the Prince of Xiao looked before she left the bridal chamber last night. But seeing her today, could it be that it was just her imagination last night?

A’Shu smiled bitterly. “You have been deceived by him again. Where is he considerate? It is clear that he’s holding back his disgust while talking to me.” Behind closed door, he was extremely indifferent to her. But when other people were present, he had to be very considerate and indulging. Wouldn’t it make him feel sick inside?

Que-er was still puzzled, but she wholeheartedly believed A’Shu’s words. “If this is really the case, I have to talk to the Young Master quickly.”

Before getting married, Zhao You instructed Que-er to immediately report to him if A’Shu suffered any grievance.

A’Shu hurriedly stopped her. “Don’t go. He didn’t do anything to me. Treating each other with respect everyday is a good thing. Don’t bother Elder Brother.”

Que-er puffed out her cheeks. On one hand, there was A’Shu’s instructions and on the other, the Young Master’s request. She hesitated again and again. In the end, she said, “Alright, I won’t tell the Young Master first. If the Prince of Xiao really treats A’Shu badly in the future, I will definitely go back and let the Young Master take A’Shu home!”

She pledge so sincerely and seriously A’Shu couldn’t help laughing at her cuteness. “Don’t think of it. In a few days, we will leave Chang’an and go to Hebei. Hurry up and pack our bags!”

……

Meantime, in the front hall of Weiyang Palace, the Empress Dowager Zhang and the Little Emperor were sitting on the high seat. Only two steps below was the right-hand seat which had been set up for a year. The man sitting on this seat was in his late thirties, with a broad face and a thick body. Wearing a warrior’s crown on his head and a court robe, his manner was imposing. It was the Grand Marshal Geng Yun, the one in charge of the state affairs on behalf of His Majesty.

When Liu Xun entered the hall and paid his respects, he kept his head bowed in complete obeisance, leaving no leeway for errors.

Empress Dowager Zhang and Geng Yun carefully observed him. Failing to catch any clues, both were discouraged. Liu Xun was asked to get up and was given a seat.

Empress Dowager Zhang affected a concern face. “Apologies to the Prince of Xiao for asking him to come here today after getting married just yesterday. My daughter was born among the folks and is the only daughter of the Zhao family. She doesn’t know the rules. If she is hot-tempered and offensive, may the Prince of Xiao magnanimous enough to tolerate her.”

Based on Peng Sheng’s report, Liu Xun was very happy with her bride. However, she still didn’t believe it. Lady Zhao could not get near the palace, so she summoned Liu Xun early in the morning to sound him out.

Liu Xun hurriedly shook his head and said with a shy smile, “Why did the Empress Dowager say this? Lady Zhao is not only beautiful, but also gentle. She is really a good wife in the heart of this minister.”

Geng Yun, disregarding etiquette, clapped his hands and laughed aloud. “Indeed. It looks like this woman fits Zhongyuan’s heart very much that she can make Zhongyuan forgets himself. The Empress Dowager has not married you to the wrong person.”

He stepped down from his seat, patted Liu Xun on the shoulder, and said meaningfully, “The Empress Dowager is the only woman who worries about her day and night. You must treat her well, so as to live up to the trust His Majesty and the Empress Dowager have given you.”

Liu Xun immediately assumed a respectful and humble expression. He left his seat and bowed. “This minister will remember the advice of the Grand Marshal.” With a blush, he added, “Even if the Grand Marshal doesn’t say anything, there’s no reason why a wife such as mine shouldn’t be cherished.”

Geng Yun couldn’t help glancing at Empress Dowager Zhang. After exchanging looks, he suddenly turned around and said, “Is this true? Why did I hear that Zhongyuan secretly wore mourning clothes for his elder brother and did not take it off on the wedding ceremony? The wedding ceremony is a matter of great joy. How can you feel a great loss? Isn’t this a great disrespect to the Empress Dowager and His Majesty?”

Liu Xun’s eyes suddenly turned cold when he heard this.

……

In the residence of the Grand Excellency, A’Shu had been directing the maidservants to work for nearly two or three hours. She had packed up most of her belongings so that on the day of the departure, she could quickly start off the trip.

She returned to the room and rested on the daybed for a while. Several maidservants were gathering up the books and other things that she had left by the door to dry when they heard the report outside. “Your Highness has returned.”

She sat up from the daybed and straightened her back. She was about to meet him but she saw Liu Xun already stepping into the room. His face was obviously devoid of any expression, but he was irritated for no reason.

There were still maidservants bustling about. He rubbed his eyebrows and waved at them, “Don’t be busy. Get back.”

The crowd retreated, and the room was quiet again.

A’Shu felt uncomfortable. She did not dare to take the initiative to change his clothes and wash his hands and face. She merely got closer to pour a cup of buttermilk.

Liu Xun sat erect and took a few drinks before abruptly saying, “I’ll be setting off for Hebei within the next few days. The road is full of hardships and dangers so it’s not suitable to take you with me. You’re the daughter of the Empress Dowager. It’s not easy to enter Chang’an to see your mother. There’s no reason for parting so soon. You can just stay here.”

A’Shu was stunned. She looked at him in disbelief. “Your Highness— I would like to go with you.”

Leaving Chang’an with her elder brother and sister-in-law was what she had been looking forward to the most in the past days. If there was a change, wouldn’t all her previous efforts be wasted?

Liu Xun sent her an indifferent look and said coldly, “This is the intention of the Grand Marshal.”