The Times Spent in Pretense

Prince Consort, this child Jiamin seems to dislike going outside these days,” said Princess Shunan, somewhat worried. “Could the abduction have traumatized her?”　　

Playing with a cricket, the prince consort said, “there have recently been many people at the capital to participate in the imperial examinations. So it’s good that she’s staying home so well-behavedly.”　　

Princess Shunan sent a glare his way. Slammed her teacup onto the table. “You only know how to play with crickets. Do you think this palace won’t take the ‘great general’ you raised and—”　　

“Shhh.” Prince Consort Yao rushed to sit up straight, nervous. “Don’t spout nonsense. I already renamed this cricket.”　　

The gazes of husband and wife met in the air. The couple appeared to recall something, and at the same time, no longer mentioned the two words “great general” again.　　

“Princess, Prince Consort, Commandery Princess Fushou of the Hua estate sent over an invitation card, asking our commandery princess out to chat,” said a servant, entering the room with said invitation card.　　　　

Princess Shunan received it and gave it a glance. Without thinking matters through, she said, “Summon Commandery Princess over. Tell her that Commandery Princess Fushou wants to see her.”　　

“Who did you say wanted to meet me?” Jiamin took the invitation card and gave it a look. Her hands shook as she tossed it to the side. “Tell her I don’t have the time and won’t go.”　　　　

“Commandery Princess, this is Princess’ intention,” said the servant girl who had passed on the message. From the servant girl’s expression, it was clear that Jiamin had made things difficult for her.

Jiamin grabbed the invitation card and sped to the anteroom in large strides. “Mother, didn’t you tell me to keep a distance from Hua Liuli?”　　　　

“I told you not to be too close to her, but right now, she is the one who took the initiative to send you an invitation.” Princess Shunan avoided her daughter’s indignant gaze. “So you should go meet with her.”　　

“I won’t.” Jiamin was too embarrassed to tell her parents that every time she laid eyes on Hua Liuli, she would grow frightened out of reflex. Thus, she simply did not want to see her. That way, she wouldn’t be scared.　　

“Daughter, things aren’t the same as in the past. General Wei has returned to the capital city, so you should obediently accept the invitation.” Princess Shunan rose to her feet. “Besides, Commandery Princess Fushou is different from her mother. She’s a delicate and gentle person. So what if you play with her?”

“It’s great that General Wei is back, but that doesn’t mean I have to go and amuse her daughter.” Jiamin shook her head in a fierce manner. “I’m not going.”　　

“Do as you’re told.” Princess Shunan grabbed a pile of bank notes and stuffed them into her daughter’s hands. After which, she turned and made for the door. “The kitchens won’t be preparing any of the dishes you like for the noon meal. So go and have a good time playing with Commandery Princess Fushou.” 　　

“Mother…”　　

Certain that her mother would not change her decision, Jiamin turned her head and asked Prince Consort Yao, “Father, what is Mother trying to do? I really don’t want to go outside.”　　

“The young don’t know how precious life is. And once they’re old, they’re full of regrets.” A sigh escaped Prince Consort Yao’s lips. “My good daughter, listen to your mother. Go and have a fun time playing with Commandery Princess Fushou. If there isn’t enough money, I have more to give you.”　　

Following that, he also stuffed some banknotes into Jiamin’s hands. And then, picked up his cricket cage and slipped away.　　

As she grasped the pile of banknotes, Jiamin’s expression changed again and again. In the end, she clenched her teeth and made her way to the main entrance.　　　　

Just as she was about to arrive there, Jiamin caught sight of Hua Liuli wearing a light-colored dress with a girdle. Her slender waist was as soft as a willow’s branch. All of a sudden, a poem entered Jiamin’s mind: A grasp of a seemingly boneless waist; a gust of wind, and the foot of the dress took flight, playing with the butterflies.

However, when she recalled that delicate and boneless woman capable of slaughtering more than ten men with a sword, and letting wild animals drag away their corpses, the saying “dogs that bite don’t bark” kept echoing throughout her mind.　　

“Elder Sister Jiamin,” said Hua Liuli, a sweet smile aimed her way once Jiamin appeared. Her tone was soft, like water or mist. Hearing it would cause even one’s bones to soften.　　　　

In large strides, Jiamin made her way to Hua Liuli’s side. Said in a low voice, “Why did you look for me?”　　

“Elder Sister Jiamin, I only came here to ask you out to play. You don’t have to be so tense.” Hua Liuli blinked. “Don’t tell me Elder Sister doesn’t want to see me?”　　

Translated by Sleepchaser. If you read this anywhere except sleepchaser’s wordpress, you’re reading from a thief.

At Hua Liuli’s tearful expression, Jiamin deeply sighed. “You don’t need to come here and feel me out. I haven’t told anyone about your circumstances.”　　　　

“I know that Commandery Princess is someone who keeps her promises.” Hua Liuli reached out to softly draw in Jiamin’s wrist. “But you and I are sisters who have gone through life and death together. So we won’t talk about such emotional things. We’ll just go out and have fun.”　　

Despairing, Jiamin looked back at the main entrance of the princess estate. After leaving through the doors this time, could she return home with all her arms and legs still intact?　　

“Young Lady, it appears that Commandery Princess Jiamin and Commandery Princess Fushou just passed by our carriage.” 　　　　

Hearing these words of her servant girl, Du Xiuying raised the window curtain for a look. From far away, she could see Jiamin pulling Hua Liuli by the arm toward a teahouse. Their two servant girls followed behind them, expressions out of sight.　　

Releasing the curtain, Du Xiuying flipped a page of her book, yet did not process a single word of it.　　

Many people in the capital knew that General Hua’s daughter was prone to illness. Unable to be frightened. Jiamin had practiced martial arts since young, temperament arrogant and willful and incompatible with Hua Liuli’s. So what was she trying to do by bringing Hua Liuli to a teahouse?　　

“Gentlemen value righteousness and avoid profit…” Du Xiuying put down her book. “Driver, turn and make for the teahouse we just passed.”

If she hadn’t seen it, then fine. But if she caught sight of something unjust and was unwilling to step forward bravely, how different would she be from a vile person?　　

Hua Liuli brought Jiamin to a teahouse that was the most welcoming to women of influential families. She reached out and poked the crook of Jiamin’s arm. “Elder Sister Jiamin, which private booth do you normally prefer?”　　　　

To which Jiamin slapped away her hand. She said to the waitress in clean clothes, “Give me my regular room.”　　

“Commandery Princess, after you.” The waitress smiled and gestured for them to head to the second floor. “Recently, this little shop received some new spring sprout tea. Would the noble personages like to try some?”　　

After Jiamin nodded, the waitress promptly had people prepare said tea. Then she bowed and invited them to their private room before retreating in silence. 　　

“Commandery Princess, have you forgotten? I can’t drink tea.” Hua Liuli had the waiter change out the pot for plain boiled water.  Then she selected some fruits to eat. “We haven’t met in a few days. Has Commandery Princess been well lately?”　　　　

“Just what are you up to?” asked Jiamin with a suspicious gaze as she looked at Hua Liuli. She did not believe that Hua Liuli was truly concerned about her.　　

“I don’t have any friends in the capital, so I wanted to play with you. Pass some time.” Hua Liuli picked up two peanuts and placed them in front of Jiamin. “There’s no other reason.”

Hua Liuli glanced out the window. And she realized she was sitting in a very interesting spot. First of all, she was able to see the people walking in the streets. Second of all, something seemed familiar about the opposite street: It appeared to be where Tian Ruidong had quarreled with Young Master Chen and was almost stabbed to death by a servant.　　

She even thought, Had the real mastermind been sitting in this teahouse during that time, watching the scene with a cold eye?　　

Because she had appeared out of the blue there, not only did she ruin that person’s plans, she had adversely affected his mood in watching the scene play out. 　　　　

For this reason, the mastermind hated her, this outsider to the plan. And he wanted to abduct her alive and slowly torture her to death. Unfortunately, after the near assassination of Tian Ruidong, the court began to thoroughly investigate every suspicious person. As a result, he had no choice but to depart from the capital earlier than planned, leaving behind those assassins to carry out his schemes.　　

Now, things were exactly as she had imagined. The mastermind was an extremely conceited person; he found his own plans flawless, impossible for mistakes to occur. As if everything were in the palm of his hand. 　　　　

Cold shivers ran through Hua Liuli’s body; her imagination made her nauseous. She turned toward the well-behaved and seated Jiamin. “Commandery Princess Jiamin, word has it that the Birthday of the Flowers in the capital is especially exciting. What should I pay attention to?”　　

When Jiamin heard the words “Birthday of the Flowers,” her scalp could not help but become numb. In secret, she grew anxious. Don’t tell me that Hua Liuli already knows I planned to embarrass her during that festival before? And now, she’s purposely mentioning this topic to test me?

But she had already given up on this idea. If she told Hua Liuli now, would she even believe her? 　　

“There’s… not much to pay attention to. On that day, there will be many young noblemen strolling around the capital. Some would even recite poetry and paint. Just dress up prettitly.” Jiamin raised her teacup and took a sip, concealing her guilty conscience. “Why do you ask?” 　　　　

“No reason.” Hua Liuli stood. Made her way to Jiamin’s side and sat down. “Actually, there’s something else I want to ask you. Something small.”　　

“If you want to ask, then just do it. Why are you leaning so close to me?” Jiamin’s whole body froze as Hua Liuli had done so. Then Jiamin shifted to the side. “Hua Liuli, let me tell you this: Don’t go too far. In the end, I am a member of the imperial clan.”　　

“I know, I know. If you weren’t a member of the imperial clan, then I wouldn’t be asking you this,” said Hua Liuli. After that, she grabbed the Jiamin who was shifting to the side, dragging her back toward her. “I’m just bored. I want to hear the capital’s gossip from you.”　　

“What gossip?” Jiamin turned to face her. “I am a proper commandery princess. How could I gossip like those women in the marketplace?”　　

“Is that so?” Hua Liuli released Jiamin. “Originally, I heard some rumors about Prince Ying and wanted to let you know. Since you don’t like talking about these things, then nevermind.”　　　　

“How could you know any news about Prince Ying?” said Jiamin, gaze full of doubt when looking at Hua Liuli.　　

“Aiyah, nevermind, nevermind.” Hua Liuli waved in a dismissive fashion. “In any case, you’re not interested, so it doesn’t matter.”　　

“If you insist on telling me, I’ll force myself to listen.” Jiamin pulled her back. “So tell me.”　　　　

“I don’t want to.”　　

“You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Hua Liuli, you—”　　

“Jiamin, don’t make a scene.” The door to the private room opened. Standing at the doorway was a woman gasping for breath, staring at Jiamin.　

“Cousin?” Although Jiamin did not quite like this elder cousin of hers, she hardly wanted Hua Liuli to see a lively show. She waved to dismiss her estate’s guards. “Why did you suddenly show up?”　　

Du Xiuying paid no attention to her and made her way to Hua Liuli’s side. Made Jiamin release Hua Liuli’s arm. “Jiamin, don’t make a scene.”　　　　

“How am I making a scene?” Jiamin watched as Du Xiuying hid Hua Liuli behind her. And she said in disbelief, “Between me and her, just who is yelling at who?!”　　

Let’s not talk about how she had been sitting obediently at home when Hua Liuli dragged her outside. Now her own cousin thought of her as a bad guy.

She was this grown up, yet never had she experienced such grievances.　　

“Commandery Princess, are you alright?” Du Xiuying paid no attention to the indignant Jiamin. Since childhood, Jiamin bullied countless people. After growing up, she became even more blunt, no filter as she shot her mouth off. In no way did she care about other people’s feelings. Therefore, Du Xiuying had long since learned not to believe that she would change.　　　　

“I’m fine,” said Hua Liuli, shaking her head in a well-behaved manner.　　

“Then that’s good.” Du Xiuying supported her arm. “It’s getting late. I’ll escort you back.”　　

Hua Liuli shifted her gaze to Du Xiuying, then Jiamin. She did not refuse Du Xiuying’s good will.　　

“Commandery Princess is probably not too familiar with me.” Noticing that Hua Liuli did not travel by carriage, Du Xiuying supported her into her own. “My surname is Du. Boudoir name, Xiuying. I’m Jiamin’s elder cousin sister. You can call me by my boudoir name.”　　　

“Nice to meet you, Elder Sister Xiuying.”　　

“I dare not accept that address.” Du Xiuying saluted her. “Commandery Princess has a precious identity. I dare not accept being called your elder sister.”　　

As Hua Liuli looked at the solemn and conscientious Du Xiuying, she recalled the female teacher who had taught her etiquette in her childhood.　　

“Jiamin is impetuous, but she’s not a bad person by nature. If she offended you, may Commandery Princess forgive her.” Then Du Xiuying performed a grand salute toward Hua Liuli.　　　　

“Young Miss Du need not be this way.” Hua Liuli hurried to extend a hand toward her and support her up. “Commandery Princess Jiamin and I only came out today because I wanted to ask her about the Birthday of the Flowers. There’s no other reason.”　　

Du Xiuying cast Hua Liuli a profound glance. She dropped her head faintly. “So that’s the case.”　　

The daughter of the Hua clan was quite kindhearted. When Du Xiuying had just stepped through the doorway, she had clearly seen Jiamin grabbing her arm, had clearly seen the expression on Jiamin’s face as she tried forcing Hua Lilu to say something. Yet, Hua Liuli was still unwilling to talk poorly about Jiamin in front of her.　　

With a personality like that, wouldn’t she suffer when together with Jiamin?

“If there’s anything Commandery Princess wants to know, you can ask me.” Du Xiuying sighed in her heart. She accepted the cloak a servant girl presented to her. Draped it over Hua Liuli’s shoulders.

When such a thin and weak girl merely sat, it caused others to worry.　　

“Thank you, Young Miss Du.” The way Hua Liuli saw it, the gaze in which Du Xiuying looked at her resembled that of a kindly elder sister. She stroked her own face. Could not help but fall into a bout of deep introspection. It wasn’t good to deceive the trust of such a pretty young lady.　　　　

“Every year on the Birthday of the Flowers, the capital would offer sacrifices to the flower deity. People would insert flowers into their hair and take a stroll. Since the palace lacks an empress and the empress dowager is in on her years, the palace will not specially hold a ceremony to offer sacrifices. In recent years, it was the imperial princesses who sent out invitations to the young maidens of the capital, so that they could dress up splendidly and offer sacrifices to the flower deity,” said Du Xiuying. “This year, Second Princess will be organizing the event. She has always been good-natured. When you attend the event, you do not need to wrong yourself and do something you don’t wish to do.”  　　　　

Then Du Xiuying glanced at Hua Liuli, worried. “I will be there during the Birthday of the Flowers. If Commandery Princess ever has any questions regarding it, feel free to find me.”　　

“Thank you Young Miss Du.” Hua Liuli flashed her an appreciative smile.　　

“No need to be so polite, Commandery Princess.” When Du Xiuying laid eyes on her fair and clear face, she itched to drape some more clothes over her.　　

This was probably… the same feeling a grandmother would experience when raising her granddaughter. As if no matter how much she wore, one would still feel like she did not wear enough?　　

Du Xiuying found this mentality of hers to be somewhat strange. Was it because her siblings and cousins weren’t as good-looking as Hua Liuli?　　　　

She escorted Hua Liuli back to her estate, then returned home, where her parents and elder brother were all present. Following that, she saluted them in order.　　

“Xiuying, you don’t need to be so polite toward your own family,” said Father Du, feeling extremely helpless.　　

“Father, as people, we must not be without manners. This was something Daughter ought to have done.” Du Xiuying finished her salute.　　　　

In a helpless manner, her father slapped his forehead. There was clearly nothing he could do about this old-fashioned daughter.

Du Xiuying’s elder brother had long since gotten used to his sister’s personality, paying this matter no mind. On the contrary, he said, “Father, Mother, I heard something very interesting today.”　　

“What is it?” asked Father Du, intrigued. Then he turned to look at his daughter and saw her still there. He sat upright again.　　

As sons and daughters, they could not talk back to their parents. Du Xiuying could only stand up and prepare to return to the study.　　　　

“Yesterday, the crown prince, General Wei, and her daughter appeared at a Daoist temple in the suburbs of the capital.”　　　　

Du Xiuying stopped in her tracks on her way out.

Once Father Du heard this news, he was no longer in an excited mood. Ever since the crown prince was young, there had been many rumors about him. So Father Du felt as though the entire capital had become uninteresting. “Every year, the crown prince would go to that Daoist temple on the sixteenth day of the first month and light a Flame of Paradise for Empress Gonghui. When General Wei first returned to the capital, she did not know about the crown prince’s tradition. That they encountered each other by accident is only natural.”　　

In any case, everyone thought that with how the crown prince conducted himself, sooner or later the emperor would depose him.　　

If he didn’t get deposed today, then perhaps tomorrow. Perhaps a day further into the future.　　

Du Xiuying’s elder brother said, “Perhaps the crown prince wants to take Commandery Princess Fushou as his wife, inheriting a great bargaining chip?”

“As long as he has some brains, he’d stay away from the Hua family.” Father Du sighed. “General Hua and Wei Mingyue have accumulated a great amount of outstanding military service. They not only have towering-high prestige in the military; even the common people revere them. If you were His Majesty, what would you think?”　　

“I’d admire my good eyesight in selecting two capable generals?” replied Du Xiuying’s elder brother, somewhat uncertain. “Don’t the common people call His Majesty the ‘Supreme Purple Star that descended to the mortal realm,’ and Hua Yingting the ‘god of war?’”　　

“That’s too shallow of an analysis,” said Father Du, disappointed in his son. “If your ability and knowledge were half as good as your sister’s, I’d be able to relax.”　　　　

Du Xiuying’s brother thought, He disdains the fact that his daughter studied too much and became old fashioned, yet also dislikes that I study too little and lack knowledge. Nowadays, it’s hard to win his favor as his children.　　

“At the beginning, the emperor might not have been of this line of thought. But as more time passes, he would grow suspicious over whether the Hua clan would revolt. He would grow suspicious over whether the Hua clan would threaten him, the emperor. If the crown prince gets close to the Hua clan, then that would add insult to injury. His Majesty would suspect that the crown prince was itching for the throne and wanted to remove and replace the current emperor.　　　　

“As long as the crown prince has a bit of rationality, he would not get too close to the Hua family. He can marry any woman in this world as his wife except the Hua family’s commandery princess,” said Father Du assuredly. “What’s more, Commandery Princess Fushou is of fragile health. One fears she cannot fall pregnant and give birth easily. How could such a young lady marry into the imperial clan?”

Translated by Sleepchaser. If you read this anywhere except sleepchaser’s wordpress, you’re reading from a thief.

“So that’s the case,” said Du Xiuying’s elder brother, realization striking him then and there. “Don’t tell me someone is slandering them?”　　　　

“The other imperial princes are all grown up, so it’s hard to say.” Father Du stroked his beard. Turned his head to face Du Xiuying, who was standing at the doorway and had yet to leave. “Thus, it’s considered a good thing that Xiuying did not marry the crown prince.”　　

“Father, yesterday when I went to pay respects to Grandfather, he seemed to admire Fourth Prince greatly,” said Du Xiuying’s elder brother in a soft voice. “Do you think he…”　　

“He better not think about it.” Father Du frowned. He was aware that his father disliked the crown prince, but he did not want his father to treat the marriages of his children like bargaining chips.　　

Fourth Prince?　　　　

Expressionless, Du Xiuying turned to leave. In her opinion, if one was diligent in one’s studies, success and glory would follow. Whether it was the crown prince or the other imperial princes, they were not as interesting as books.　

“Little Sis, you’re truly amazing,” said Hua Changkong. “In the early morning, you left the house to find Commandery Princess Jiamin to play; in the afternoon, you returned home with the Du family’s young miss. Which of the capital’s young ladies have you not provoked yet?”　　　　　　

“Now you’re going too far,” said Hua Liuli. “I heard from Young Miss Du today that there’s a temple for the god of literature nearby. And it’s extremely effective. I will go and pray for you tomorrow.”

“Don’t be superstitious.”　　

“There’s no harm in believing it a little.” Hua Liuli patted his shoulder. “Third Brother, don’t give yourself too much pressure. There are only three days until the spring exam. You won’t be able to review too much in such a short period, so why don’t you relax a bit? I’m certain you’ll pass. Even if you don’t, it doesn’t matter. What’s most important is if you’re happy.” 　　　　

She didn’t tell Hua Changkong that she had heard some things regarding the imperial exams from Du Xiuying: Some exam takers would go insane in the exam room. Would fall ill. As such, she was very worried that her third brother would also go insane there.　　

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to pay attention to my health,” said Hua Changkong. He could tell from Hua Liuli’s roundabout way of speaking that she was concerned his health would suffer from too much pressure. Smiling, he stroked her hair. “Children shouldn’t worry about these insignificant matters.”　　　　

“Then you should rest earlier today.” Hua Liuli shut the books on the desk. “You can continue reading these tomorrow.”　

“Alright, alright, alright.” He could feel Hua Liuli’s gaze on his back as he made his way back to his room. 

When Hua Liuli was returning to her courtyard, she noticed her father and mother drinking wine and admiring the moon together. Afraid she would disturb them, her footsteps grew lighter. She stuck to the wall as she returned to her courtyard.　　

“Your Highness, should this remain under the pillow?” asked the palace maid who had changed the bed sheets, after finding a lump of grass beneath said pillow. She dared not make the decision herself whether or not to keep it; without any better option, she presented the lump of grass to the crown prince with both hands.　　　　

Rising to his feet, the crown prince personally returned the grass-woven butterfly under his pillow. He said to the palace maid, “Keep it there.”　　

“Understood.” After the palace maids finished tidying up the bed, they retreated with barely a sound.　　

“Your Highness, it was Consort Xian who had people spread news of you encountering Commandery Princess Fushou at the Daoist temple,” whispered a little eunuch in blue clothes after hurrying into the room. “Her Highness Consort Xian doesn’t seem like she wants you to marry the Du family’s young miss.”　　　　

A sigh escaped the crown prince’s lips. He was not at all surprised. This kind of scheme where both sides sent out rumors was something the imperial concubines hardly grew tired of employing. 

Although Consort Xian had lived in the imperial palace for so many years, her schemes hadn’t made any progress.　　

A court eunuch who had served the crown prince for many years couldn’t help but say, “Your Highness, how about… how about your honored self keeps some distance from Commandery Princess Fushou?”　　　　

“Do I seem like a person who would wrong myself because of some rumors?” The crown prince flicked a golden bead off his desk. Watched as it fell to the ground and rolled to the base of a  cabinet. He did not so much as wrinkle his brows. “The Birthday of the Flowers is approaching soon. I recall having a box with a pearl hairpin in my personal storeroom. Have someone send it to Commandery Princess Fushou tomorrow.” 　　

“Your Highness, that pearl hairpin is a rare treasure. It’s not being set aside for the future crown princess…?”　　

“I find that this treasure quite suits Commandery Princess Fushou,” said the crown prince, getting up in a lazy manner. “I’m tired. You can all withdraw.”　　

“Yes.”　　

The next day, after Emperor Changlong concluded morning court, the crown prince made for Chenyang Palace’s imperial study.　　　　

Since his son came here so proactively, Emperor Changlong set down the memorial that was in his hands. “Speak. What do you want your imperial father to do?”　　

Since his son was suddenly diligent and well-behaved, it was very likely that he had a request.　　

“It’s nothing. Son-Official just wants to report that there are certain imperial concubines gossiping about Son-Official and a young lady.” The crown prince cut a dejected figure as he sat. “Son-Official feels unhappy and can only complain to you.”　　　　

“Who’s spreading these rumors?” Emperor Changlong felt a headache coming on. The reason why he lifted the crown prince’s position so high was to let everyone know this: The Great State of Jin’s next emperor could only be Yuansu. Not any other person.　　

Unfortunately, those women in the imperial harem did not seem to understand this.　　　　　　

“That’s not important. What’s important is that in order to compensate that young lady, Son-Official will send the jewelry that was prepared for the crown princess consort to her. Thus, let Son-Official have first-picks of the jewelry that will be sent as tribute this year, so that Son-Official can accumulate some wealth.”

“What are you even lacking?”　　

“Imperial Father, as a father, aren’t you supposed to save up wealth for my future wife? This is a tradition that has gone on for many, many years. If Son-Official can’t come to you for this, who can Son-Official go to?” As the most noble male still relying on his parents even as an adult, the crown prince had no qualms in doing so.　　 

“Nevermind, nevermind. Who told all the fathers in the world to make sure their sons never lacked money? Go and pick the jewelry. Take whatever you like.”

When the crown prince was around, Emperor Changlong’s bad habit of being biased would flare up from time to time.　　　　

“Son-Official thanks Imperial Father for the grace received.”　　

The crown prince turned and headed for the emperor’s personal storeroom. He asked Zhao Sancai, the head eunuch that accompanied him, “Zhao-gongong, which pieces of jewelry has Consort Xian taken a fancy to lately?”　　　　

Zhao Sancai was speechless.　　

Your Highness, can we not be so obvious?