A Hundred of Beautiful Lives - Chapter 011

Among these women, only Madam Ruan, due to her noble birth, was qualified to receive a few more glances from Ji Yang, while the rest were like mere furnishings in the room, not worthy of her attention at all.

As for Qi Beiyuan’s brother, a man of humble origins who now held a minor official post, he still could not enter the eyes of Princess Anle. Even though Qi Beiyuan and Liu Sese had long been regarded as peerless beauties in the northern lands, in Ji Yang’s eyes, they were merely a bit more delicate-looking than others, nothing more.

Qi Beiyuan, whose heart was loftier than the heavens, was silently grinding her silver teeth in anger at being so thoroughly ignored by Princess Anle Ji Yang. When had she ever suffered such cold treatment? Even if others disliked her, it was always because they were jealous of her beauty. 

Yet now, in Ji Yang’s presence, the appearance she had once taken pride in appeared to seem rustic in comparison, not to mention the insurmountable difference in status between them—as far apart as cloud and mud.

He Lezhu, who shared the same courtyard with Qi Beiyuan, could not help but find it amusing in her heart. This Madam Qi usually relied on her pretty face and faintly respectable background to put on airs—so much so that one who did not know better might think she was the wife of the Marquis of Ji herself.

This morning, Qi Beiyuan had deliberately chosen a modest and elegant dress, claiming she did not want to outshine the principal wife. And look how that turned out. Even if she had piled on every ornament she owned, she still could not steal the Princess’s brilliance. Was that not just slapping herself in the face? The thought made He Lezhu want to laugh even more.

Liu Sese, on the other hand, stole a glance at Princess Anle seated above and felt herself as insignificant as a firefly before the moon. She could not even muster jealousy—only felt a sense of admiration. 

Though she had always known since childhood that she was born beautiful, it was only now that she realised that there is always a higher heaven beyond heavens. Beneath the celestial realm, there indeed existed someone whose beauty could reach such an astonishing height. 

No wonder the Gods could not bear to wear her down—not only had it allowed her to be born into the noblest household of the Son of Heaven, but now it had also let her marry the marquis as his wife.

Liu Sese could only pity herself. Her ancestors were also an eminent family but later committed a crime. The descendants of later generations had ended up in the jiao fang. Although she also had something to rely on, in front of the Princess of Anle, she was nothing at all.

However, Ji Yang paid no mind to the thoughts of these concubines. After accepting the tea they offered and rewarding them with gifts, she dismissed them all.

Only Madam Ruan refused to leave. She bowed her head and said, “This concubine shall attend the Princess during her meal.”

The name of the Ruan family was one Ji Yang was familiar with. Though they had declined somewhat in recent years, they were still a prominent and well-bred clan, strict in their observance of etiquette. Ji Yang glanced at Shen Du. As far as she knew, neither the Old Madam Qi nor Madam Xue in the Shen household had a habit of allowing concubines to serve at meals.

Ruan Yun slightly lowered her eyelids as she observed Ji Yang. As a noble lady from a distinguished family, she had long mastered the art of observing others without being seen.

The beauty of this Princess Anle exceeded Ruan Yun’s expectations—so breathtaking that one could only sigh in admiration upon seeing her without the slightest urge to compete. If Anle had been born into a different identity, perhaps every man in the world would have had no choice but to kneel at her feet in devotion. It was such a pity she ended up in the womb of Su Jiang, the demon empress.

Ruan Yun was different from Qi Beiyuan and Liu Sese. She was the legitimate daughter of the Ruan family. Although she had lost her father at a young age, the Ruan family was, after all, a hundred years of scholarly family. Raised by her paternal uncle and aunt, Ruan Yun grew up under a different kind of upbringing. While those concubines who admired and looked up to Princess Anle, Ruan Yun however, could only sigh in her heart.

Even so, Princess Anle had already enjoyed all the splendor and luxury of this mortal world, and now, to be wed to Lord Shen as his wife—hers was a life not lived in vain.

When Ruan Yun first heard that her grandfather had betrothed her as a concubine to Shen Du of Jizhou, she was also shocked too. Daughters like her were not supposed to be concubines—especially not someone like her, the most accomplished of her generation in the Ruan family. None of her sisters could compare.

But Ruan Yun understood the bigger picture. She knew that the realm would fall into chaos, and everyone feared for their safety. Even though her family was a prominent family of Chenliu, they still needed to align themselves with a powerful faction. The Ruan family was determined to rely on the Shen family, but at that time, Madam Yun was still present, and she had no choice but to become a concubine.

At that time, Ruan Yun married into the Shen family with a belly full of grievances. But the moment she laid eyes on Shen Du, all that grievance instantly vanished without a trace. Since ancient times, beautiful women have shown admiration for heroes. To be able to marry such a man—she felt she had no regrets. In her heart, she thought, Grandfather did love me, after all.

Three years had passed since Ruan Yun entered the Shen residence. Her mother-in-law treated her with warmth, and the other sisters-in-law always showed her due respect. Life was comfortable. But a few months before Princess Anle arrived, Madam Xue suddenly asked her to help manage household affairs. Ruan Yun knew that the two madams of the house intended to use her as a chess piece.

Old Madam Qi wanted to use her to check on Princess Anle, so Ruan Yun had no choice but to accept the burden. After all, this Princess was the principal wife. If she became difficult, Ruan Yun’s status would not be enough to resist her, so on the surface, she had to serve her well.

However, upon seeing Anle today, Ruan Yun’s heart could not help but loosen slightly. She observed Anle—her eyes bright and spirit clear. Though there was a slight delicacy in her manner, she was innocent and lively, not like the vicious woman that Empress Su was said to be. Such a person, as long as one could grasp her temperament and control her within the palm of one’s hand, would not be difficult to manage.

Since Ruan Yun had offered to stay behind, Ji Yang looked toward Shen Du for a decision. Shen Du met her gaze and said, “Let her stay.”

A daughter of the Ruan family needed a good reputation—and had to preserve it.

Ji Yang could only nod. She naturally disliked having Madam Ruan nearby, as it made it inconvenient for her to share private words with Shen Du. But since the wood has become a boat, she even somewhat regretted having gone to see Shen Du. She had initially thought he would share the same thoughts as herself.

In the western side room of the Chóng Guāng Táng, breakfast was already been set out on the table: wild vegetable cakes, noodle soup, and millet porridge.

Shen Du and Ji Yang took their seats while Ruan Yun knelt discreetly at a corner, serving the two of them as they ate.

Shen Du looked at the dishes on the table, then swept a glance at Ji Yang. What Princess Anle ate in the palace was certainly nothing like this, but to go so far in conforming to local customs felt a little too deliberate.

“Does Gongzhu Fu not have a kitchen? Whatever you like to eat, have someone make it.” Shen Du said as he watched Ji Yang nibble at the noodle soup, and even he felt uncomfortable on her behalf.

In truth, though Ji Yang ate in small bites, her appetite was not small. As the old saying goes, after indulging in the rare delicacies of the mountains and seas, even the simplest homestyle dishes can feel unexpectedly refreshing. 

Besides, after fleeing with Li He for those two days, her stomach had been growling with hunger. People who have gone through that kind of experience could hardly afford to be picky anymore.

Hearing Shen Du’s words, Ji Yang feared that he might might see her as someone too pampered to bear any hardship.

Ji Yang hurriedly said, “I like all of these, I just eat my meals slowly.” Chewing thoroughly is a way to nourish the body.

Ji Yang indeed ate slowly. Shen Du had already eaten four bowls by the time she finished one bowl of soup noodles. Because it was the first day the newlyweds were sharing a meal, Shen Du, no matter how impatient, had to bear it. Watching her finish the soup noodles and then eat several slices of wild vegetable cake with millet porridge, he was mildly surprised by her appetite.

At the side, Madam Ruan was also surprised by Ji Yang’s good appetite. In truth, Ji Yang was not yet sated. But, sensing Shen Du growing impatient, she put down her chopsticks after eating until she was about sixty per cent full.

Shen Du said no more. Rising, he allowed Madam Ruan to help him tidy his robes before heading to the outer courtyard.

Ji Yang also hurriedly stood up, “Liù Láng.”

Shen Du turned back to look at her. Ji Yang opened her mouth to speak but paused when she saw Madam Ruan still present. Fortunately, Madam Ruan, being sensible, excused herself with a bow and left.

Only then did Ji Yang step closer to Shen Du, red-faced and somewhat apprehensively asked, “Liù Láng, will you come back for dinner tonight?”

Shen Du did not answer immediately. His single glance back made Ji Yang’s heart tremble as if she were an unreasonable woman. What ambitious man would linger in the inner courtyard?

Ji Yang knew she was in the wrong—she merely wanted to spend a little more time growing close to Shen Du. After all, her imperial father and empress mother had grown deeply affectionate precisely because they shared so much of their daily life.

After a while, just as Shen Du stepped out of the door, Ji Yang heard his voice, “Tonight, I will try to come back for dinner.”

These words instantly lit up a smile on Ji Yang’s face, but Shen Du left without looking back.

After sending Shen Du off, Ji Yang led Lady Ruan for a walk in the garden to aid digestion. As for Ruan Yun—Ji Yang had not thought much of her. Back in the palace, female attendants were often noble-born like Ruan Yun. Ji Yang had seen many such women—stiff, dull, and humourless.

Ji Yang dismissed Lady Ruan but found herself unable to sit still in the Běi Yuàn. So, she brought Yu Sui’er with her and went to Jiǔ Rú Courtyard to see Madam Xue. However, upon arriving there, she had found out that Madam Xue had gone to Taihe Courtyard. Since Ji Yang had already come out, there was no reason for her to return the way she came. So she decided to go to Taihe Courtyard as well.

Taihe Courtyard was lively and bustling every day. Madam Qi was old and enjoyed having her grandchildren around, relishing in the vibrant atmosphere they brought. 

According to the customs of the Shen family, boys over the age of five would move to the outer courtyard, only coming to the Old Madam Qi each day before school to pay their respects. At present, those in Taihe Courtyard were all grandsons’ wives, granddaughters and even great-granddaughters. When they saw Ji Yang enter, all of them momentarily froze in place.

The lively room instantly fell silent.

Ji Yang also knew that everyone would feel restrained upon suddenly seeing her. She did not care much for such things, but rites and proper etiquette can not be could not be neglected—she had no choice in the matter either.

After Ji Yang took her seat, the room was so quiet it was awkward. Even she, usually carefree, began to feel somewhat out of place. Her eyes swept across the room—and unexpectedly caught sight of Madam Ruan, who was also present.

Madam Ruan hung her head low, clearly trying her best to diminish her presence. 

Ji Yang’s gaze merely brushed past her without lingering before she smiled and spoke, “What were you all chatting about just now? It was so lively.”

The room remained silent. The eldest young lady Shen Wei felt embarrassed for Ji Yang. She opened her mouth, intending to say something, but before the words could leave her lips, the person sitting beside her tugged lightly at her sleeve.

In the end, it was Zhu Xianyue who had to open her mouth to break the silence, “Just now, some venison just arrived from the manor, and they were clamouring for Grandmother to go roast venison with them on the back hill.”

[T/N: If you’re already familiar or prefer not to know, feel free to skip to the next chapter.

Meaning- mu yi cheng zhou (the wood has become a boat — what’s done is done)]