My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 21

The birthday banquet at the princess mansion had already passed its peak, with guests gradually leaving in their carriages and palanquins, while the palace maids were busy tidying up the cups and plates.

The birthday star, Xiao Shao’an, who should have been very happy, was instead in the bedroom fuming: “What’s wrong with you all! So many people, and you can’t even find one person! Can’t even locate anyone! And you say the door was bolted? Useless! All of you are useless!”

She picked up a vase and threw it.

The eunuchs and palace maids kneeling below were all silent as a cicada in winter, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Xiao Shao’an, furious, picked up another redwood brush holder and smashed a purple clay teapot down. The sound of shattering echoed repeatedly, and no one dared to dodge even when the shards splattered onto them.

When Xiao Shao’an was about to throw a finely carved jade and gold ornament, she suddenly remembered that this item seemed to be a gift from her brother, so she stopped and reluctantly put it back in its place.

After pacing back and forth a few steps, Xiao Shao’an couldn’t help but lift her skirt and, as if venting her frustration, kicked a trembling maid with red-rimmed eyes beside her, sending her sprawling to the ground. “I told you to seduce him, but what? you were reluctant? Then just crying all the time. Useless wench, you let the person escape!” It seemed not enough, she angrily said, “Someone, take her to my brother’s residence.”

The palace maid, terrified, widened her eyes and turned pale, trying to rush over to beg for mercy. Unfortunately, before she could even speak, someone covered her mouth and dragged her away.

At that moment, a eunuch came in from outside and whispered to her, “They didn’t find anything over there either.”

Xiao Shao’an finally felt a bit puzzled.

Her brother Lu running away was one thing; after all, he was a man. Even if he had some health issues, he was still young and strong, and it wasn’t impossible for him to escape their search and flee the mansion. As for the medicine, it could be resolved by finding a woman in the Qin Lou Chu Pavilion (brothel) —Xiao Shao’an wasn’t very pleased with this point. But then even if her father favored her mother so much, he still went to visit other concubines.

But that frail and delicate young lady from the official’s family shouldn’t have been able to escape even from the warm chamber of the side wing. Moreover, she is so strikingly beautiful. Her brother’s people have already searched every corner of this imperial palace, including the halls, houses, pavilions, and even the ponds, fearing that this beautiful young lady might accidentally fall into the water and perish, but they found nothing.

Her brother is probably even more displeased than she is right now.

After all, as far as Xiao Shao’an knew, her brother planned to keep her up all night—

Xiao Nanxun even went so far as to create a complete set of golden chain pendants for the night, including anklets, wrist chains, neck chains, and even chest chains… Each piece was intricately carved with peony and night-blooming cereus designs, meticulously crafted with great care, specifically to match that woman.

Xiao Shao’an didn’t know exactly how many tricks Xiao Nanxun had up his sleeve. Anyway, according to their original plan, if this matter came to light, it would be because that woman had lost her mind in the warm chamber and thrown herself at the prince, seducing him. Of course, whatever happened to her afterward, she would have to accept her fate and eventually marry over to become a Cè fei for her brother… oh, if her brother wasn’t in a good mood, she might even end up as a concubine, considering she had already lost her virtue herself.¹

But now, the person seems to have vanished as if into thin air.

They had already sent people to guard the main gate of the mansion, and the side and back doors were also locked. There were people watching the comings and goings of the guests. The man was not easy to find, but a woman as recognizable as Helan Ci would not be so, especially since she had been drugged.

Since she hasn’t gone out, she must still be in the mansion.

Xiao Shao’an bit his thumbnail in frustration and said, “Go search again! Search every corner again! Do you hear me? Go search now! I can’t stand seeing you useless bunch!”

Even if we can’t find Brother Lu, capturing that woman and giving her to her brother would still be a way to vent out frustration.

***

At the same time, still in that remote hall.

It was already late at night, and outside it was eerily silent, as if even the lights had been extinguished.

Helan Ci was struggling to get up from the bed. The effects of the medicine had clearly worn off, but her body still felt weak and limp, even more so than before, especially in her waist and legs, and in some other difficult-to-mention areas.

As her cloud-like black hair slid down one side of her bare shoulder,The bare shoulder slid down, covering the mottled red marks on her body and also hiding her still flushed face.

Although this matter could be considered mutual consent, Helan Ci bit her lip, still feeling a bit of indescribable resentment. After the first time, she felt that the unfamiliar heat had somewhat subsided, but who would have thought that Lu Wuyou would actually go a next round, to the point where she now didn’t even have the strength to crawl up.

There were still wet tear stains on her cheeks—all from being made to cry by Lu Wuyou.

Helan Ci seemed delicate and weak, but she had cried so few times in her life that she could count them on her fingers. Even when Li Ting scared her to death, she didn’t cry. But just now, she had been sobbing on Lu Wuyou’s shoulder, her slender fingers clutching his back, her whole body trembling with shivers.

Just… very embarrassing.

Thinking about it, Helan Ci couldn’t help but cover her face again.

Of course, besides that, there was also a bit of confusion and helplessness. Although she was somewhat unconventional, she was still a well-bred official’s daughter raised in a boudoir. Losing her purity like this by mistake, it was impossible not to feel complicated emotions.

She could only comfort herself by thinking that it was better than falling into the hands of the Second Prince; at least this was her own choice, not something forced upon her.

Hearing the commotion over here, Lu Wuyou, who was next to her, paused his actions of burning the bed sheets and torn dress pieces that had been made a mess. He whispered, “Does it still hurt?” the voice was unusually gentle.

“……”

Helan Ci covered her face, not knowing how to respond. Actually, it wasn’t that it hurt so much; perhaps the most painful moment was when she was bewitched by the drug’s effects. Later, it was more about the soreness and confusion… and shame.

But Lu Wuyou clearly had no sense of shame: “The moment you said you couldn’t take it anymore, I was already being gentle enough.”

Helan Ci couldn’t help but hoarsely say, “……Shut up!”

For once, Lu Wuyou, who had always been sparring words with her, obediently kept his mouth shut.

Helan Ci continued to struggle to get down, but her legs trembled and she couldn’t muster any strength.

Lu Wuyou said somewhat helplessly, “I’ll carry you down in a bit, so stop squirming and save your strength.”

Helan Ci paused for a moment and said, “…Where’s my undergarment? How come even my socks are gone?”

Lu Wuyou said, “They were all dirty, so I burned them together… Don’t look at me like that, I don’t remember how they got dirty. When I woke up, everything was a mess. But the inner clothing is still relatively clean, I put it over there. If you don’t have the strength, I’ll help you put it on.”

The hall was not lit, and the light remained dim, with only Lu Wuyou’s brazier emitting a bit of warm glow.

On the nearby stool, there really was the snow-white satin robe.

Helan Ci struggled to reach for it, but her movement was limited, and her fingertips were still a bit short. A long, slender hand with distinct bones reached over, picked up the garment, and handed it to her.

“……Are you sure you don’t want me to help you put it on?” Lu Wuyou paused for a moment and said, “I won’t take advantage of you.”

…Hasn’t he already taken advantage of me inside and out? Why is he still talking about not taking advantage?

Helan Ci couldn’t help but complain, reaching out to take her clothes. Her fingertips accidentally brushed against Lu Wuyou’s fingers, a slight tremor spreading from her fingertips to her heart, making her suddenly remember what had just happened. Her hand trembled slightly, and her cheeks turned hot.

Lu Wuyou was also momentarily stunned.

An inexplicable thought flashed through his mind—though the fabric of the snow-white garment in his hand flowed like water, it still couldn’t compare to the delicate and smooth texture of her skin.

For a moment, both of them fell silent.

The air suddenly became a bit sultry and scorching.

It seemed that the effects of the medicine had not yet completely dissipated, as if they could still faintly hear the muffled, almost sob-like gasps that had accompanied the rocking of the bed in the hall not long ago.

So, the two of them went back to their respective tasks.

Helan Ci silently put on her clothes. Her waist and legs felt weak and still somewhat inconvenient. Looking down, she saw that her undergarments was already, and her two long, slender, pale legs could only tremble and expose themselves outside. Her delicate, curled toes looked quite indecent.

Although it had already become a fact, she still felt in her heart that she was still a girl.

Helan Ci awkwardly used the hem of her clothes to cover herself.

The next moment, the wide, scarlet top scholar robe was draped over her head, enveloping her entire body inside.

Lu Wuyou cleared the ashes and his voice had a hint of hoarseness: “……Because at that time my consciousness wasn’t very clear, I don’t know if I hurt you. If you’re still feeling uncomfortable, I have some… ointment for external injuries here. You can take it back and apply it.”

Helan Ci’s cheeks burned, and with his robe covering her face, she didn’t have to look at him. She mumbled in a muffled voice, “…en.”

After a while, Lu Wuyou suddenly changed his expression and said, “There’s someone outside.”

Helan Ci was startled and poked her head out, saying, “Huh?”

Lu Wuyou added, “…but it’s a bit far away, at least as far as two halls. However, Miss Helan, we need to hurry.” He quickly tidied up the other traces, gathered the scattered hairpin accessories, and re-laid the bedding, his movements as swift as when he was destroying evidence. “Where do you want to go, back to the Helan residence, or to find a place to bathe and change clothes before returning?”

He asked lightly.

Helan Ci quickly bit her lip and said, “Return to my residence.” Tonight’s banquet has already been exhausting enough; she didn’t want to go to other places and stir up more trouble, but she was still a bit worried. “How are we going to get back… won’t we be discovered?”

Lu Wuyou chuckled lightly.

“——Don’t worry, as long as I don’t want to be found, very few people in the entire capital can detect me.”

As he spoke, he bent down and carefully lifted Helan Ci, holding her close through her robe without touching her skin at all.

Helan Ci curled up in Lu Wuyou’s arms, her heart racing. She stiffened her neck awkwardly, her slender, pale fingers tightly gripping the robe that wrapped around her. The faintly sweet scent of Lu Wuyou wafted past her nose, making her inexplicably nervous.

Lu Wuyou glanced down at her, then suddenly lowered his voice and said, “If you get scared later, you can hold onto my neck.”

Helan Ci: “……?”

She hadn’t even reacted to what he had just said when she saw Lu Wuyou push open a side window, leap out with her in his arms, and then, with a gentle wave of his hand, close the window tightly without looking back. In an instant, he gracefully leaped onto the roof, and without pausing, swiftly jumped onto the next roof. Between the rises and falls, his toes barely touched the ground, yet his figure moved as fast as lightning, and in the blink of an eye, they had already left the courtyard.

If it weren’t for Helan Ci being in Lu Wuyou’s arms at this moment, she might not have been able to catch a glimpse of his figure with her eyes.

The body sometimes soared high into the air and sometimes dropped low, the wind howled past the ears, and the unfamiliar coolness met head-on, causing Helan Ci’s hair to become disheveled. The scenery before her eyes rushed past quickly, flashing like a marquee.

In the pitch-black night, she could even vaguely see the distant lights of houses and hear the voices of people below.

It’s a feeling that Helan Ci has never experienced before.

Extremely thrilling and exciting.

The young lady from official family, who had an extremely limited understanding of the term “martial arts,” was so frightened that she immediately clung to Lu Wuyou’s neck, almost screaming. She pressed her red lips tightly, buried her face into his shoulder, feeling the panic brought by the high-speed movement, her heart racing wildly, and couldn’t help but hold him even tighter.

In the howling wind, she seemed to hear Lu Wuyou chuckle, then he slightly slowed down.

The thrilling journey was quickly coming to an end.

Lu Wuyou stopped at a rooftop and asked Helan Ci, “Which one is your room?”

Helan Ci peered out from his shoulder with her pale little face, and as soon as she looked down, she saw her familiar little courtyard. Finally, she managed to catch her breath. She hurriedly withdrew her arms that were holding him, her chest heaving as she took a few deep breaths. Once she calmed down, she pointed to the west wing and said, “It’s… the one where you saw me fixing the roof.”

Lu Wuyou leaped over, glanced down at the roof that looked dilapidated, raised an eyebrow, and said, “This roof really needs some repairs.”

Helan Ci instinctively said, “No need to bother.”

Lu Wuyou glanced at her and said nothing.

Helan Ci suddenly realized something, was momentarily speechless, and said, “… You don’t even know how to repair it.”

Lu Wuyou had already landed under the tree next to the courtyard with her in his arms, his footsteps light and barely making a sound. This was entirely thanks to the sparse number of people in the Helan residence. At this moment, the night was deep, and their location was hidden, not attracting the slightest attention.

“I’ll just take you to here… or, you don’t mind if I come in?”

Helan Ci was a bit worried about being seen by Shuang Zhi, but thinking about going in like this, so disheveled and covered in marks, and then having to bathe and change clothes afterward, she feared it would be impossible to hide it.

Anyway, it’s already like this.

She simply gave up and said, “……Take me inside.”

Lu Wuyou held her and with a flash of his figure, they had already entered the west wing.

Shuang Zhi was wringing a cloth to wipe the table when she heard the noise and hurriedly came out, saying, “Miss, Miss—” The cloth in her hand suddenly fell to the ground. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she saw her young lady curled up in the arms of a young man, wrapped in a strange red robe, revealing half of her face, which was still stunningly beautiful despite the blush.

“Miss, you… he… this is…”

Helan Ci quickly spoke up, “Lower your voice! I’m fine!”

She was just speaking when the young man, who was disheveled and had a slender, tall figure, somewhere between a teenager and a young adult, directly laid Helan Ci flat on the bed and casually removed the red robe covering her. This action was even more shocking.

Shuang Zhi took a closer look and was so frightened that she almost fainted, her legs going weak and nearly giving way beneath her.

We’re doomed! Their young lady has been molested! And in such a disgraceful manner!

The master and young master will probably kill the person if they find out!

No, she herself really wants to kill him right now. What if she can’t win against him—

However, the slightly familiar, handsome young man remained calm, even slightly raising his peach blossom eyes to look over and said, “Get your young lady a set of clean clothes, including undergarments… and boil a barrel of hot water for her to bathe.”

His voice was not loud, yet it inexplicably carried a calm and self-assured authority.

Shuang Zhi had just wanted to stab him with a knife, but now she couldn’t help but obediently run off to get her clothes.

Helan Ci didn’t expect it either: “……?”

Why are you so obedient to him?

Lu Wuyou set the person down, took off the Zhuangyuan’s robe, grabbed a nearby blanket, carefully covered Helan Ci, then lowered his eyes and said, “I’ll put the medicine on the table for you later. Is there anything else you need?”

Helan Ci, at a loss for words, saw that he seemed to be leaving and instinctively reached out to grab Lu Wu You’s sleeve.

She lowered her head, her fingers turning white, her voice trembling with a nervousness she didn’t even realize she had: “…Do your words still count?”

This matter is known only to the two of them… oh no, now it’s three of them. If Lu Wuyou were to turn against her, she wouldn’t be able to spread it around. In fact, she knows that Lu Wuyou marrying her would bring a hundred harms and no benefits.

He is a prestigious Hanlin scholar who passed the highest imperial examination with top honors. He doesn’t need her father’s promotion; he already has a clear path to success ahead of him. However, if he marries her, not only will he offend the second prince and the princess, but there could also be endless troubles in the future, which would hinder his career.

Lu Wuyou is a smart person; he wouldn’t be unaware of that.

Previously, it was a stopgap measure; both of them were blinded by passion and not very rational… If he regrets it, it’s not impossible…

Helan Ci was just thinking when he heard Lu Wuyou calmly say, “What are you thinking about? I’ve already done it, and i back out?”

“—Then am I still a person?”

He paused, as if he was just starting to consider it, “Although there is indeed a bit of…”

Helan Ci nervously said, “……what is it?”

He wouldn’t really regret it, would he?

Lu Wuyou placed his hand on his lips in contemplation, then sighed deeply and said, “…the future is bleak.”

“……”

Helan Ci suppressed the sudden urge to retort and tried to speak as calmly as possible, “Oh, do you want me to comfort you?”

Lu Wuyou said, “Then there’s no need, after all, we are now grasshoppers in the same rope².”

His tone was indifferent, but for some reason, Helan Ci still sensed a feeling of woe, which in turn made her feel an inexplicable despondency herself—if it weren’t for the treacherous methods of the Second Prince and the Princess, they wouldn’t have had to suffer such mutual destruction tonight.

…She wouldn’t have to be, uh, so sore all over.

When Shuang Zhi came in holding her clothes, she saw the two of them looking at each other with sighs, and was immediately startled: “What’s wrong, Miss, this person…”

Seeing her come in, the young man’s expression returned to normal. He took out a jade bottle and placed it on the table, then took out some hairpins and ornaments, all of which were the things her lady had worn when she went out. Finally, he seemed to pause for a moment, then took out a dark, iron-like token from his bosom and placed it down carefully. On it, a character that looked like “Lu” could be faintly seen. After placing the token down, he spoke gently, “You should rest… I will, um, come back as soon as possible.”

Her lady blushed and nodded.

The young man then stood up to leave, and as he passed by Shuang Zhi, he politely said, “Please take care of your young lady.”

When everyone had left, Shuang Zhi came to her senses, quickly putting down the clothes and nervously saying, “Miss, who exactly is that? Are you… are you okay? What’s going on with your body… how did he get in, how did he just leave… is…” She guessed with immense trepidation, “Is he… your lover, Miss? I absolutely won’t speak carelessly!”

Helan Ci propped her head and thought for a moment, then said, “… yes, the kind of lover without love.”

Shuang Zhi was greatly shocked: “……!”

“However, if nothing unexpected happens, you might… see him often in the future.”

Shuang Zhi was even more shocked. Although that gentleman was indeed quite handsome, she still stammered, “Miss… this, this isn’t appropriate, what if Master finds out…”

Helan Ci said, “……? My father will know.”

Frosty Branch said fearfully, “B-but… the master will be furious!”

Helan Ci asked in confusion, “He’s coming to marry me, why would my father be angry? My father seems to quite like him.”

“By the way, don’t tell my father about tonight. If anyone asks, just say it was you who let me in.”

Don’t let her father know, or he might want to kill Lu Wuyou in advance.

“……”

Shuang Zhi felt enlightened, her cheeks flushed, and she immediately ran off with a deep sense of shame, saying, “M-Miss, I’ve already boiled water for your bath!”

The passing steward saw Shuang Zhi heading straight for the firewood room, and asked, “Hey, Shuang Zhi, what are you doing? Is the young lady back?”

Shuang Zhi carefully remembered Helan Ci’s earlier instructions and quickly nodded, saying, “Miss’s carriage came back through the back door. I just let her in, and she is now preparing to bathe and go to bed.”

“Oh, then you go ahead and be busy.”

After a little more than half an hour, Helan Ci stepped into the warm bathtub, and with the water enveloping her body, she finally felt completely relaxed.

Having sweated profusely earlier and being thoroughly exhausted, she was far from clean. She carefully scooped up water to wash every inch of her body, including…Helan Ci clung to the side of the tub with one hand, her face flushed from the steam. Her slender fingertips pressed tightly against the tub’s wall, flexing a few times, inevitably recalling what had happened not long ago.

She rested her head against it, her whole body flushed, her mind clouded at that time, only remembering that she was crying.

Now, upon closer examination, the feeling of wanting to cry doesn’t seem to be just discomfort; there seems to be some indescribable sensation, there’s a subtle pleasure.

Helan Ci vigorously shook her head, her long, lustrous black hair cascading down. She glanced again at the “Lu” token placed on the side table, sighed with a complex mix of emotions.

Coincidentally, Lu Wuyou left Helan Mansion without a trace and, while returning to the palace using lightness skills, was also lost in thought.

Scholars and literati are mostly flamboyant; although he wasn’t interested, he had seen fair share of suggestive verses and romantic songs. When people were reciting poems, he even pieced together one or two to win applause from the whole audience.

But in fact, he had never understood what the point was; he thought it was just some superficial, pretentious nonsense.

But at this moment, suddenly, those words seemed to have come to life, becoming vivid and colorful, with complete sound and imagery, moving and captivating, as if they were within reach.

For a moment, Lu Wuyou’s feelings were quite complicated.

***

Helan Ci slept very soundly.

When she woke up, she had just finished washing up and was about to tie her hair when she saw Shuang Zhi with a face full of surprise mixed with excitement, and a strange expression mixed with the excitement, saying, “Miss, that gentleman from yesterday, he came to visit!”

Helan Ci: “……?” So soon!

Helan Jin was also quite surprised. Although he had greatly admired the young scholar’s writing at first, now that the latter had become Zhuangyuan and had a promising future in the Hanlin Academy, he felt a bit hesitant to give any advice, after all the younger generation have their own thoughts.

This morning, I saw that young scholar come dressed impeccably, respectfully presenting a visiting card to the gatekeeper.

Helan Jin instructed the steward to bring him in.

This Hanlin scholar surnamed Lu, still in his early twenties, was taller than Helan Jin and showed no signs of being a long-term desk-bound scholar. He stood like a pine tree, walked with grace, and his demeanor was composed and measured. His attire and hairstyle were meticulously neat and spotless, his manners were courteous, and his demeanor was elegant. At first glance, he appeared to be a refined gentleman raised by a prestigious family. Helan Jin couldn’t help but silently praise this newly minted Zhuangyuan.

It’s a pity, really. The other party has already arranged a marriage back in their hometown. Otherwise Helan Jin would have definitely arranged marriage to him. Thinking of his daughter’s marriage made Helan Jin unable to suppress a low sigh.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Helan Jin stroked his beard and asked, “May I ask what brings Lu Xiuzhuan to my door today?”

The young man on the opposite side, with his sleeves fluttering, cupped his hands, said resolutely, word by word, “To seek to marry Miss Helan.”

Helan Jin was greatly shocked and blurted out, “How can this be! Didn’t you already have an engagement?”

Lu Wuyou did not lift his head, lowering his gaze and saying, “I dare not hide it from Lord Helan. The person I mentioned as my betrothed is indeed Miss Helan.”

Helan Jin perked up his ears: “……Huh???”

“The reasons behind this matter are quite difficult for me to speak of, but today I have no choice but to say it… When I was studying in Qingzhou, I had several encounters with Miss Helan, and I admired her greatly. However, at that time, my skills were lacking and my reputation was not established, so I felt unworthy of Miss Helan and had to suppress my feelings of admiration. But in my heart, I had already regarded Miss Helan as my one true love, and I would marry no one else but her.” The last eight words, especially resounding and powerful.

“If I cannot marry Miss Helan, I would rather live a life of solitude. After coming to the capital, to avoid disappointing others’ good intentions, I falsely claimed that I was engaged back in my hometown. Today, I have achieved success and received the elders’ approval, so I came here specially. If Lord Helan agrees, I will soon ask the elders to send a matchmaker to propose marriage, following the traditional three letters and six etiquettes³ to marry Miss Helan.”

His voice was clear, and his words was also pleasant.

Helan Jin was so taken aback by this sudden son-in-law that he felt dizzy, but he still cautiously asked, “Are you serious?”

Lu Wuyou said solemnly, “My classmate in Qingzhou can testify for this younger generation.”

Helan Jin had been an official for many years and had met countless people. He had also seen many young men interested in his daughter. He felt that this young man’s reaction in front of him was somewhat strange. His respect and courtesy were impeccable, but he just seemed… too calm, without any signs of excitement, eagerness, or the kind of youthful, uncontrollable emotions that come with first love.

He couldn’t help but remember his own youth, when he was so consumed with thoughts of marrying his beloved that he couldn’t sleep day or night.

“Do you truly wish to marry my daughter?”

Lu Wuyou restrained his peach blossom eyes, trying to appear as sincere as possible: “I really am.”

Helan Jin asked him to come back tomorrow, still determined to ask his daughter again, after all, she had repeatedly said about him, “This is absolutely impossible.”

Just as he turned back to the courtyard, he found Helan Ci standing in the corridor, as if she had just eavesdropped on their conversation. Her expression was quite strange, as if she had heard something very hard to bear.

Helan Jin had no choice but to deal with his daughter, and he helplessly said, “Did you hear everything just now?”

Helan Ci nodded.

Helan Jin coughed lightly and said, “Then you…”

Helan Ci immediately said, “I’ll marry him.”

Helan Jin: “……!”

He was still thinking about how to persuade her and never expected Helan Ci to agree so readily. Moreover, seeing her expression, which was unusually calm and showed no signs of turmoil, he even felt a bit speechless.

Helan Jin had no choice but to ask, “…Do you really want to marry that Zhuangyuan?”

“Really.”

“Why does it seem like you’re not very willing from your expression?”

“I’m very willing.”

“If you still have any concerns…”

Helan Ci forced a smile and said, “No, I’m very happy, especially happy. I can’t wait to get married tomorrow.”

It’s just that his nonsensical words gave me goosebumps all over. “In this life, my only love is her, and I won’t marry anyone else.” Doesn’t he feel ashamed saying such things himself… There’s no need to add this drama.

Helan Jin, seeing this, finally felt relieved and thought, “Well, maybe it’s just how the young people being shy.”

After all, he is already old, so he might not understand today’s young people very well.

1. cè fei, refers to a consort who is one level below the rank of princess (wang fei), but above other concubines.
2. 一条绳上的蚂蚱 (yī tiáo shéng shang de mà zha), literally translates to “grasshoppers on the same rope.” the equivalence in English would be ‘We’re all in the same boat.’
3. The “Three Letters and Six Etiquettes” (三书六礼, sān shū liù lǐ) were a set of traditional Chinese marriage customs that were considered essential for a proper and formal wedding.