The Shadowy Princess's Husband-Slave Consort (Transmigration) - Chapter 4

While Yin Xing was still racking his brains over how to reciprocate the Princess’s gift, Wenbin Garden had already gathered numerous noble scions summoned by imperial decree, gradually filling with bustling activity.

To participate in the Princesses’ matchmaking banquet, the noble scions were required to undergo etiquette training by palace Female Officials.

Yin Xing, who had been delayed by two days due to illness, now had no choice but to leave his secluded courtyard.

Early that morning, Yin Xing followed a minor official to the corridor leading to the training hall. He observed numerous young noble scions accompanied by their servants, secretly sighing at the fierce competition ahead.

Perhaps sabotaging the etiquette training and failing the exam would be a convenient way to escape, Yin Xing mused to himself.

As Yin Xing rounded the corner, he was surprised to see several noble scions being escorted under guard. Their faces, once arrogant, were now filled with solemn fear. A few minor officials whispered among themselves.

This year, several headstrong young noble scions have been negligent and disrespectful toward their etiquette lessons. They clearly intend to avoid the marriage selection process, showing blatant contempt for the Imperial Edict.

Confinement is a light punishment. If they continue to defy the court, they’ll be stripped naked and forced to carry brambles as punishment, utterly humiliating themselves and disgracing their families.

Exactly! Every time the princesses hold their grand selection banquets, there are always a few reckless noble scions who try to evade participation. Little do they realize that once the Imperial Edict is issued, disobedience is forbidden. The consequences range from the family losing their titles and fiefs to complete annihilation. They’re truly courting death.

At these words, Yin Xing froze in his tracks. Hearing about the naked punishment, he hurriedly clutched his robes tighter, suddenly deciding that studying diligently might be the wiser course.

Crossing the corridor, Yin Xing entered the classroom. Several students were already seated, their gazes turning toward him with veiled meanings.

Puzzled and wary, Yin Xing tensed, fearing his true identity had been exposed. His small face tightened as he walked to a corner desk by the window and took his seat.

A man at the next table, his eyes filled with admiration, raised his hand in a salute. You must be the valiant warrior who recently attempted to escape his arranged marriage by jumping ship, only to fail and then set himself on fire, right? I am Huai Ren, son of the Marquis of Lingzhou.

Yin Xing shook his head silently, wondering if this person was really talking about him.

Jumping ship? That was when he was attacked and fell overboard. Setting himself on fire? That was clearly arson committed by villains he was an innocent victim. How had he become a valiant warrior actively seeking destruction?!

Brother Yin, don’t be so modest, Huai Ren continued enthusiastically. We all understand the bitterness of being trapped by circumstances. That’s why we admire your willingness to face death even more!

Yin Xing felt like ignoring him, but when he glanced around, he saw that most of the others were looking at him with similar expressions. He wondered how the rumors had spread so quickly through the capital.

The fact that his attack, fall overboard, and injuries on a riverboat far from the capital had become common knowledge was a testament to the irresistible allure of gossip.

Soon, a stern-faced female official entered the classroom, finally silencing the chatter around Yin Xing.

Noble scions, we have already instructed the Imperial Dynasty’s princesses on the customs befitting their esteemed status over the past two days. Today is the final day of these lessons, so four personal attendants have brought the princesses’ portraits. Please commit these images to memory to avoid any misidentification or breaches of etiquette during the banquet, which could lead to grave consequences.

Understood.

Yin Xing hadn’t expected the princesses’ matchmaking to involve a formal curriculum. He secretly rejoiced that he had escaped this ordeal by feigning illness for the past two days.

As the four opulent portraits of the princesses were slowly unveiled before him, Yin Xing observed that their facial features appeared pleasant enough, not at all as terrifying as he had imagined.

Yet Yin Xing couldn’t help but feel that none of the princesses’ portraits could compare to Xuan Yizhen’s actual presence. He wondered which noble family she belonged to.

He regretted not having the chance to ask her when she had collapsed from a sudden headache last time.

Yin Xing’s thoughts drifted as his right fingertip rested on the jade pendant pouch tucked beside him, cherishing it deeply.

The female official spoke with earnestness and a hint of warning, His Majesty the Emperor has five imperial daughters. However, Princess Zhanghua, the Empress’s only daughter, holds a unique title and thus stands apart from the standard succession. Nevertheless, we must all address her with the utmost respect. Here, from left to right, are the portraits of the other four princesses, arranged by age.

As her words faded, Yin Xing refocused his attention, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He murmured in confusion, Five imperial daughters, yet only four portraits?

Brother Yin, you clearly don’t understand women, Huai Ren whispered from the next table. Any woman with even a passable appearance would have a portrait, let alone Princess Zhanghua, who wields immense power. Unless she’s hideously ugly, of course. Though I advise you not to trust portraits too much.

Yin Xing didn’t acknowledge him, inwardly disliking Huai Ren’s casual objectification and baseless speculation about women’s appearances.

These noble scions are clearly not good people.

At that moment, the Female Official’s gaze swept across the assembled noble scions, observing them with measured deliberation. Each princess has her own temperament and preferences, she instructed calmly. Gentlemen, you must carefully discern how best to serve them. Though there is a clear distinction between sovereign and subject, even if you are not chosen as a consort, your merits may earn you commendation and appointment to official positions. This would bring glory to your families. Today, you are permitted to send letters expressing your intentions. Please cherish this opportunity.

The assembled nobles straightened their postures, their expressions shifting slightly as they responded in unison, Yes.

The scene struck Yin Xing as less like a matchmaking event and more like a job interview, with the letters serving as a test.

It seems the princesses aren’t seeking husbands, but rather playthings to command and amuse themselves with. Yin Xing’s urge to flee intensified.

If my deception is exposed, I’ll be torn apart by five horses!

At noon, Wenbin Garden bustled with activity as crowds strolled through its corridors. From the upper floors of the pavilions, female officials surveyed the scene. Most of the noble scions selected for this occasion were tall and handsome, making it no wonder the four princesses had eagerly extended their invitations early on.

The requirement for the noble scions to write letters expressing their intentions was likely more about the princesses’ vanity, a way to flaunt their prestige.

Born into the Imperial Dynasty, none of the princesses wanted to appear less influential than the others. Even when choosing a consort, they engaged in fierce competition.

The so-called selection of a consort was merely a matter of choosing a pleasing plaything.

The female official’s gaze swept across the assembled noble scions. Most had brought one or two fair-skinned attendants. Wenbin Garden prohibited female guests, and these noble scions, born into privileged families and accustomed to extravagant lifestyles, naturally had their own ways of indulging their desires.

As long as no scandals erupted, the officials turned a blind eye.

However, one young noble scion had arrived without an attendant. The official scrutinized him closely. His features were delicate and pleasing, his bright eyes particularly striking and endearing. Though undeniably handsome, his slender frame suggested he was still quite young—perhaps originally intended as a playmate for the Fourth Princess.

Yet this very youth was Yin Xing, the young Marquis of Xizhou, whom Princess Zhanghua’s personal guards had secretly returned to Wenbin Garden.

At previous princess selection ceremonies, Princess Zhanghua, known for her reclusive nature, had never made an appearance or sent representatives, making her absence all the more conspicuous.

After all, Princess Zhanghua’s status was vastly different from that of the other four princesses.

The Emperor had chosen two prospective consorts for her, both sons of the four great noble families who had inherited the title of Duke of State.

In contrast, the noble scions gathered in Wenbin Garden were mostly from Marquis families, their lower status making them ineligible to marry Princess Zhanghua.

Lady Song, have you found the son of the Marquis of Xizhou yet? Two attendants, richly dressed and adorned with small gold and jade ornaments, stood in the pavilion, portraits in hand, their expressions haughty.

Please take a look, Lady Song said, suppressing her unease as she gestured. She understood why the Eldest and Third Princesses had sent their attendants to select Yin Xing, but she had no intention of interfering in the princesses’ open and covert rivalries.

On the surface, the princesses’ jealousy and competition revolved around Princess Zhanghua. In reality, it was a proxy war between the powerful noble families and the imperial princes, fueled by the absence of an heir to the Empress and the lack of a designated Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, Yin Xing, unaware of the trouble brewing, gazed out at the clear skies, fragrant blossoms, and melodious birdsong—a scene that should have been idyllic.

Yet Yin Xing’s heart was heavy. After his previous escape attempt, the courtyard outside his secluded quarters was now heavily guarded. His only hope of escaping again might be to send a letter inviting one of the princesses to meet him.

The garrulous Huai Ren trailed beside Yin Xing, muttering, Writing letters is such a headache. No matter who you invite, you’ll offend the other princesses.

What’s the problem? Just don’t write any, Yin Xing replied, maintaining a safe distance to avoid suspicion.

If you don’t write even one, you’ll meet a gruesome end. The princesses of the Imperial Dynasty are more terrifying than you can imagine, Huai Ren warned in a low voice, glancing around before continuing. The Eldest Princess’s consorts all die of mysterious illnesses each year. The Second Princess’s consorts are castrated and divorced annually. Princess Zhanghua’s two prospective consorts met bizarre deaths. You can’t afford to offend any of them.

Yin Xing’s heart skipped a beat. Castrated? As in… actually castrated?!

Just as Yin Xing was about to make a hasty escape, two richly dressed attendants approached, each presenting a gilded invitation.

The golden light shimmered, dazzlingly bright, reflecting off the walls and blindingly bright.

In the brightly lit chamber, where the ethereal strains of a zither drifted through the air, Xuan Yizhen asked calmly, The Eldest Princess and the Third Princess have extended invitations. Which will Yin Xing accept?

Lady Ji replied truthfully, Your Majesty, Yin Xing publicly accepted the Third Princess’s invitation and promised to prepare a grand surprise gift. This clearly betrays your expectations.

If Yin Xing had feared the princesses’ authority, he could have simply displayed the Nine-Headed Phoenix Jade Pendant. He must have been utterly unable to resist the temptation.

Xuan Yizhen continued playing the zither, her pale fingers plucking the strings. The music flowed, clear and melodious, as she said indifferently, Yin Xing’s ability to incite such rivalry between the two princesses is already an amusing start. Aunt Ji, there’s no need to be so harsh.

As the clear, melodious zither music continued, Lady Ji realized she couldn’t fathom Princess Zhanghua’s true intentions.

If Yin Xing were to align himself with another princess, it would not only damage Princess Zhanghua’s prestige but also embolden her rivals.

In the quiet chamber, a bird’s feather drifted through the window and landed nearby. Lady Ji retrieved the letter attached to it, read it, and stepped forward, her voice tinged with anger. Your Highness, the son of the Marquis of Xizhou has been inquiring about your residence and attempting to arrange a meeting. He’s a treacherous scoundrel, switching allegiances like the tides.

Switching allegiances? That adds an interesting twist to the drama. Let’s play along for a while, Xuan Yizhen said, stopping her playing. The zither music ceased abruptly. She sat upright, gracefully lifted her teacup, and spoke with detached calm.

Though her words were ordinary, Lady Ji fell silent, not daring to speak further.

Xuan Yizhen swirled the clear tea in her hand, watching the leaves rise and fall. The shimmering liquid reflected the beauty of a lakeside scene, as if the tea itself contained a miniature landscape.

As the sun set, its golden rays painted the water with fiery hues, enhancing the lake’s splendor. The Third Princess’s grand ship had been waiting patiently for hours, but when a soldier rushed to report, his voice was frantic Your Highness, the son of the Marquis of Xizhou has vanished!

Within the capital, multiple military units patrolled the streets, causing widespread panic. As dusk deepened, Yin Xing clutched his gift, dodging soldiers as he navigated the labyrinthine alleys based on the directions he had gathered.

When Yin Xing finally entered the Lakeside Pavilion, he was surprised by how close this meeting place was to where he had arranged to meet the Third Princess.

Halt, a familiar, melodious voice called from behind a screen. The voice possessed a natural clarity and serenity, yet carried an undercurrent of aloofness and danger.

Yizhen, it’s me! Yin Xing, knowing Xuan Yizhen’s gentle nature, boldly peeked around the screen, calling out sweetly. He then saw her seated by the window, her cold, elegant figure draped in moon-white robes embroidered with gold thread. She radiated a noble, peerless beauty that left him momentarily dazed.

Blushing, Yin Xing extended the full bouquet of peach blossoms. For you! he said eagerly.

Why?

Because I know you love flowers. I hope you’ll like these.

Xuan Yizhen lowered her gaze to the vibrant blossoms, her jade-like fingers lightly brushing against them. Suddenly, she found herself thinking that changing allegiances wasn’t so bad after all.

Fish, after all, needed time to acclimate to their environment and recognize their owner.

But Xuan Yizhen didn’t realize that Yin Xing, this particular fish, had come today specifically to bid farewell.