Author: Yue Xia Die Ying

NOTES:

  1. Fǔ – household; official residence; mansion
  2. Fù huáng – Father Emperor; A respectful way for the Emperor’s sons to address their father
  3. Huáng shū – Imperial uncle; Prince’s term for Emperor’s younger brother
  4. Cǎo bāo – idiot; straw bag
  5. Hou Shizi – Viscount; Marquis’ heir
  6. Xiangjun (Country Lord) – Title given to wives or daughters of high ranking noblemen
  7. Jùn jūn – Title given to female members of the imperial clan; 2 ranks above Xiangjun; Translated as “Lady of a Commandery” or “Lady of the First Rank” (I will be using the term Jun Princess for this rank)

Chapter 8 (Part 2) – Wrong

“Alas.” Ban Hua sighed with one hand on her cheek. Unfortunately, she was not familiar with Rong Xia, and had never seen him in her dreams. So she really didn’t know who the woman was who could snatch Shi Feixian’s beloved.

“Then let’s just wait for a while.” Yin shi touched her daughter’s head. “If the Xie family really marries the Second Prince, we will …”

In fact, what could they do? Theirs was an empty title with no real power. If there was someone who rebelled against the emperor, all they could do was to obediently become fish on the chopping board* with no ability to resist.

“Sister, it would be good if you knew who the rebellious person is.” Ban Heng said gloomily, “At least we can choose whether to kill him or hug his thigh.”

If all the things in your sister’s dream come true, it means that this person is the destined son of God. Do you think that killing him would be as easy as just speaking the words?” Ban Huai said in a displeased tone, “Just properly be a wastrel and don’t embarrass yourself by thinking.”

On an auspicious day in the autumn of the 21st year of the Emperor Yun Qing’s reign, the Emperor asked a titled lady to act as matchmaker for the Second Prince and offer betrothal gifts to Miss Xie Wanyu, the daughter of the Zhongping Bo Fu.

Zhongping Bo Fu can only be regarded as a nouveau riche household. It is reasonable to say that the daughter of this family couldn’t reach high enough to be married into the Prince’s Household. The Emperor made the decision for the Second Prince to marry such a Princess with little influence carelessly because though he could dote on his second son, he had no intention of allowing the Seccond Prince to replace the Crown Prince.

For Zhongping Bo Fu, this is not a very good marriage, but the Emperor had asked a first ranked official’s titled lady wife to matchmake in person. So, he couldn’t say anything and he didn’t dare to refuse.

After learning that Xie Wanyu was actually going to marry the second prince, the four members of the Ban family acted as though they were mourning their deceased parents and hid at home to weep disconsolately on each other’s shoulders.

The Da Yue Palace is the place where successive generations of emperors of the Daye Dynasty have lived and it was also the place where many princes have dreamed of living.

The Second Prince, Jiang Luo, knelt in front of the Emperor Yun Qing with his face full of resentment and unwillingness, “Fu Huang*, the Xie family girl is not your son’s favourite person. Why do you want to force your son to marry her?”

“I have seen that this Xie family’s girl has a pretty appearance, has good deportment, and more importantly, has a very gentle temperament that can match you well.” Emperor Yun Qing lowered his head and avoided looking at Jiang Luo, “If you can’t get over it now, go back and think about it slowly. When you come around to the idea, I will let you out of the palace again.”

“Fu Huang!” Jiang Luo looked at Emperor Yun Qing in disbelief. “Both my brother and I are your sons, but why do you treat me this way? What good is that Xie Wanyu? In terms of talent and knowledge, she is not as good as the Shi family’s young lady. Her bearing and deportment is not as good as Kangning Junzhu from Imperial Uncle’s** family and as for her appearance…” Jiang Luo sneered, “Even Ban Hua, that straw bag***, looks better than her. Why should I marry such a woman? “

“Since you think that Ban Hua looks better than her, then you should marry Ban Hua!” Emperor Yun Qing said a little impatiently “In this world, where are there so many perfect women? Why can’t you be content with your situation?”

Jiang Luo gritted his teeth. Fearing that if he continued to act stubborn, Fu Huang would really make him marry Ban Hua, he bowed his head to Emperor Yun Qing and silently retreated.

This time, it was not that there was no perfect woman for him, but just that Fu Huang was not willing to let him have her.

In the palace of the eldest princess, a few witty remarks from Ban Hua made the elder princess smile from ear to ear, looking at her with her fondness showing in full light.

Ban Heng ate a snack while complaining: “Grandmother, do n’t believe my sister. When she whipped that Shen Yu, she was merciless, swinging that whip like a veritable tiger. Even I was scared by her posture. “

“Our family’s girl needs to be more strong-willed” the eldest princess clapped her classmates. “People from our kind of family don’t have to imitate other women’s behaviour of ingratiating themselves unwillingly. If anyone provokes you, don’t hesitate to come and tell your grandmother and I’ll get justice for you.”

Ban Hua, holding Princess Dening ’s hand, smiled cleverly: “You don’t have to worry about me. Both my brother and I are doing well. As long as you are in good health, I won’t be afraid of anything.”

“Good, good, good!” Princess Dening embraced Ban Hua with a kind and gentle smile, “If it’s for the sake of our family’s Hua Hua, this Princess wil live for a hundred years.”

“And also stay young forever, getting younger with each year.”

“Well then, I’ll stay young forever.” Princess Dening responded with a laugh.

When the two siblings left the princess palace, Princess Dening stuffed a lot of gifts into their arms as though she was afraid that her useless son had deprived the two children.

“Cough.. cough, cough” Seeing the siblings riding their horses further and further away, Princess Dening took out a handkerchief to cover the corner of her mouth and supported herself by holding the hand of the mómo beside her, letting out a long sigh.

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TL’s Meanderings:

Here’s another chapter done.