Chapter 76: Meng’s Sleight of Hand

Wu Qinglin and his sister paused and turned back.

Zhao Consort and her companions glanced their way briefly, but did not linger, continuing onward.

Princess Lin’an hurried after them. “Please wait!”

She left her palace maid some distance behind, gathered up her skirts, and ran a few steps to catch up.

Wu Tan turned to look at Wu Qinglin, noticing the faint furrow of his brow.

Princess Lin’an approached, her face flushed, standing awkwardly in front of Wu Qinglin.

Wu Tan asked her brother, “Should I give you privacy?”

Wu Qinglin’s expression remained unchanged. He addressed Princess Lin’an directly, “Your Highness called me—do you have instructions for me?”

“I…” Princess Lin’an hesitated, glanced at Wu Tan, words unspoken.

Wu Tan bore no ill will toward the princess, but—

She stood firmly by her brother’s side.

If he asked her to step away, she would. Since he clearly harbored no particular feelings for Princess Lin’an, she would not indulge the princess’s wish for a private conversation.

So when Princess Lin’an looked her way, Wu Tan deliberately ignored her gaze.

Princess Lin’an dared not meet Wu Qinglin’s eyes directly. With Wu Tan present, her embarrassment deepened.

But having chased after him alone was already an act of courage, with so many eyes in the palace watching. She could not linger too long; gathering her resolve, she finally met Wu Qinglin’s gaze.

“Prince Wu, I’m sorry!” she apologized sincerely, fearing Wu Qinglin would hold ill opinion of her, her tone anxious. “I… I didn’t know my mother would act as she did. I think she was forced by Aunt Qingyang and lost her head; we never meant to pressure you, no… I mean, things turned out like this, but neither my mother nor I intended it. I truly apologize.”

Whatever Zhao Consort did was for her sake. Even if her methods were extreme and she didn’t agree, the matter had already happened; she could hardly blame her mother.

She hadn’t expected to meet the Wu siblings after leaving Zhengyang Palace, but upon seeing them, she felt compelled to do something.

Thus, for the first time in her life, she acted boldly, chasing after him.

“It’s all right,” Wu Qinglin replied succinctly, not a word more.

Princess Lin’an could sense the indifference and distance in his demeanor.

Unlike Li Xun’er, she was not so uninhibited. Attempting such a thing for the first time, she was nervous and mortified, her face red as blood, biting her lip, unsure what to say, yet unwilling to give up.

Wu Qinglin waited a moment, then broke the silence. “If Your Highness came just to apologize, it’s really unnecessary. Between ruler and subject, your apology is more than I deserve. You need not concern yourself with earlier events. I’ll take my leave.”

He offered a brief gesture of respect and turned to depart.

Wu Tan hurriedly curtsied to Princess Lin’an and followed.

Princess Lin’an remained rooted, knowing she should not pursue further. Yet, having made such a brave attempt, wanting to grasp the one she liked, she steeled herself and called out again, “Prince Wu!”

Wu Qinglin had no wish to turn back, but not wanting to be criticized for discourtesy, he paused once more.

Princess Lin’an ran after him again, as if afraid any hesitation would rob her of courage. She blurted out, “Earlier in Zhengyang Palace, when my father questioned you… what do you truly think? Did you answer only to appease him, or…?”

Her reputation had been ruined, though not her fault, she felt ashamed—especially before the man she admired.

Her face burned, but she forced herself to finish, unable to say another word.

Wu Qinglin hadn’t expected her to confront him directly. His brow twitched, but his expression stayed composed, polite yet distant. “If Your Highness believes my reply to His Majesty was improper, I can apologize. But my answer was deliberate and honest: I wish only to serve the court loyally, and dare not change my purpose for anything else.”

So, it was because of the ancestral rule that a princess should not wield great power in court?

“What if…” Princess Lin’an’s hope rekindled. She lowered and then raised her gaze, eyes brightening as she summoned her courage. “What if I could persuade my father to make an exception?”

She had little confidence in convincing the emperor to break such a rule. But her reputation was in ruins; to put it bluntly, the emperor had little use for her as a tool for alliance or influence. If Wu Qinglin truly wished it, the emperor could marry her to the Wu family, as if she no longer existed.

She had never imagined she could humble herself so before someone, yet at that moment, she felt no shame—only expectation.

“Your Highness!” Wu Qinglin interrupted, calm and businesslike. “You are of noble birth, the emperor’s cherished daughter; His Majesty will arrange a happy marriage for you. As a subject, I wish only to serve and live honorably, expecting nothing more. I trust you understand.”

Princess Lin’an was not wicked; he did not wish to wound her. But her persistent pursuit was unpleasant.

Wu Qinglin’s attitude was firm.

Princess Lin’an stared at him, tears springing forth.

The most humiliating question finally burst out: “If not for all that has happened recently, would you have answered differently? Do you despise me?”

For a young woman, enduring such events was a tragedy.

Wu Qinglin did not wish to add to her misery, but a moment’s softness would harm both parties.

“My position and intentions are clear to His Majesty. I’ll take my leave.”

He could have consoled her, but—

There was no need.

With that, Wu Qinglin offered a respectful bow and left.

Wu Tan glanced at Princess Lin’an, feeling some sympathy, but powerless to help. She sighed quietly and curtsied, following her brother.

As they walked a considerable distance, Wu Tan glanced back; Princess Lin’an still stood motionless, watching them.

She turned to Wu Qinglin, remarking, “It seems she truly likes you!”

Wu Qinglin’s expression did not waver. “Just because she likes me doesn’t mean I must respond.”

“Oh!” Wu Tan smiled. “So you really have no interest in her.”

Wu Qinglin, wary of her sharp tongue, glared at her. “What do you know, little girl? Don’t speak carelessly in the palace.”

This time, Wu Tan obediently refrained from retorting. She glanced back, saw Princess Lin’an still standing, and mused, “I think the emperor asked you that question on purpose, so you’d refuse in front of the princess and her mother. Too bad… she didn’t understand.”

“Hmm?” Wu Qinglin looked at her, puzzled.

“He wanted you to reject her directly, so Princess Lin’an would give up hope. I heard Southern Liang has been unfriendly, and Deyuan’s southern border is hard to defend. Father has guarded it for years, and the emperor can’t easily part with our family. If Princess Lin’an’s reputation is ruined and he still insists on marrying her to you—once it might be a favor, now it would publicly embarrass the Wu family. But as it’s his daughter, he can’t say so outright. To prevent her and her mother from holding onto hope, he borrowed your words to make your position clear, thus ending her hopes.”

Unfortunately, Princess Lin’an didn’t grasp the emperor’s intention and chased after him personally.

Wu Qinglin hadn’t considered this deeply before, but after Wu Tan spoke, he fell silent, then suddenly said, “Actually… I should have agreed earlier.”

The safest answer would have been—

Let His Majesty decide!

“What?” Wu Tan jumped, tugging his sleeve to halt him. “Brother, you’re not…”

Did he mean he had feelings for Princess Lin’an?

“No!” Wu Qinglin cut her off, meeting her gaze with seriousness. “By refusing outright, the emperor may think our family is greedy for power, unwilling to give up control of the southern border—not a good impression. Knowing he can’t do without Father and the Wu family, I should have done the opposite. But…”

He wasn’t afraid of misunderstanding or entanglement, but feared the emperor might keep him in the capital.

Wu Qinglin held a conviction—

As long as the Wu family stood, he must be the one to hold power, strong enough to be his sister’s support and protection.

Wu Tan watched expectantly, waiting for him to finish.

Wu Qinglin, however, stopped speaking. “Let’s go, we should hurry back; Grandmother will be worried!”

He patted Wu Tan’s shoulder and led her forward.

Wu Tan thought of his unfinished words, then recalled overhearing the old lady and Madam Zhou’s conversation days prior…

The old lady was sure Wu Qinglin would not marry Princess Lin’an because he refused to relinquish authority, but was this due to distrust of their father?

That question lingered in Wu Tan’s mind.

After some thought, she asked her brother, “Brother, if today’s situation happened to me, would Father, faced with a matter affecting the family’s fate, sacrifice me as the emperor did his daughter? For example, when the crown prince’s marriage was proposed—if I’d said I was unwilling, would Father plead with the emperor for me?”

Wu Qinglin’s heart skipped a beat.

He slowed his steps, turning to his sister with a frown.

Wu Tan looked up at him earnestly.

Her young face was still so innocent; Wu Qinglin felt a pang.

Wu Xun would not deliberately sacrifice his daughter for family interests; he was a man of some integrity. But when it came to the crown prince’s marriage, Wu Qinglin was sure—if the emperor requested, and it concerned the Wu clan’s glory, Father would not let his daughter refuse on a whim.

He forced a smile and patted his sister’s head.

“No!” he said firmly.

Wu Tan was puzzled. “No what? He wouldn’t plot, or wouldn’t sacrifice?”

Wu Qinglin chuckled, flicking her forehead. “You’re just worried you’ll marry someone unsuitable, aren’t you? Don’t worry, as long as it doesn’t involve the royal family, now—your brother can make the decision for you.”

“What—” Wu Tan protested, dissatisfied with his answer.

Wu Qinglin strode ahead briskly.

Wu Tan ran after him. “I’m asking serious questions, don’t brush me off!”

She instinctively tried to grab his sleeve, but as they rounded the imperial garden and encountered patrolling guards, she quickly composed herself, following demurely.

They had come to the palace in a carriage sent by Empress Jiang, but as they left unexpectedly, she seemed to have forgotten, and no carriage awaited them. Fortunately, Mu Song had followed on horseback, so Wu Qinglin was not worried about walking home. Yet, outside the palace, the old lady’s carriage was waiting.

“Prince, Second Miss!” Mu Song greeted, bowing. “The old lady was worried and followed.”

Wu Qinglin nodded and boarded the carriage with Wu Tan.

The old lady, anxious, had been reciting prayers and beads inside. Seeing her grandchildren safe, she finally relaxed and instructed the coachman to head home.

On the way, she asked, “Was there any trouble in the palace?”

Wu Qinglin had yet to answer when Wu Tan teased, “It’s all because your eldest grandson is too outstanding! Lately, everyone wants to take advantage of him.”

The old lady’s heart skipped a beat, her expression changing slightly. “Is it… Princess Lin’an? I’ve heard rumors. Earlier, Consort Zhao invited me to visit the palace, but I avoided it, worried someone might set a trap to frame our family…”

Princess Qingyang had the poems forged to provoke, intending to blame Wu Qinglin—she could claim he refused to marry the princess and, unwilling to defy the palace openly, resorted to such measures. But things went awry; Consort Zhao managed to offend the Wu family first.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Wu Qinglin reassured, shooting Wu Tan a look. “It’s about Princess Lin’an’s marriage; Consort Zhao brought it up to His Majesty, but I made my position clear to everyone. The emperor did not insist, so there will be no further trouble. Rest assured.”

You really refused in person?

The old lady and Madam Zhou exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions odd.

The old lady had long believed he wouldn’t marry the princess, but now that it happened, she was still uneasy. After a moment’s thought, she couldn’t help but say, “Qinglin, it’s not that I want to nag, but you’re not young anymore. It’s time to settle your marriage. If you were engaged early, even if not married right away, you wouldn’t keep running into such troubles. Or, tell me what kind of woman you like.”

Even if not married yet, at least there would be a direction.

Wu Tan joined in, “Exactly! Princess Changping and her mother are unpleasant, but today the princess offered to ask the emperor to let you remain in the army, and you still wouldn’t compromise. Brother, I’m curious what kind of sister-in-law you’d accept?”

“I won’t compromise simply for her sake,” Wu Qinglin poured water, handing a cup to the old lady, his expression calm, clearly uninterested in Princess Lin’an. “I said I wouldn’t let her delay my career, but that’s just one reason. Grandmother always said, marry for character and family harmony, right? Princess Lin’an may have good character, but she’s repeatedly caught off guard, helpless… Such incompetence isn’t about kindness or malice. As a man, I should protect my wife and solve problems, but I don’t want a parasitic vine beside me. Grandmother, you understand?”

The old lady had asked about his marriage before, but this was the first candid discussion.

She pondered, then nodded approvingly. “Indeed, especially as our Dingyuan Marquis family is a military clan. We don’t expect a wife to assist, but she mustn’t be a burden.”

Wu Tan was a bit confused. “Brother, after all that, what do you like? Any criteria?”

“Grandmother’s standards: family, character, temperament. That’s all.” Wu Qinglin, weary from recent events, didn’t evade. But reconsidering, he felt now wasn’t the time. “But with trouble lately, getting engaged now might harm the innocent. Better to wait.”

The old lady didn’t know Zhao Consort well, but Princess Qingyang was certainly trouble.

Mentioning them made her uneasy.

After the palace ordeal, Wu Qinglin was in a poor mood, and the carriage grew somber.

Madam Zhou quickly shifted topics, smiling, “Enough teasing the prince—soon Second Miss will need a marriage too. What kind of husband would you prefer? The old lady can start looking early, so no one else snatches a good match.”

“Me?” Wu Tan leaned on the table, counting cups, uninterested. “As long as he’s not ugly, but at least treats me better than brother and grandmother do!”

The old lady laughed. “Your demands aren’t high… but with that standard, you might not marry easily!”

Wu Tan protested, sitting up. “Grandmother, you only favor your eldest grandson, but don’t need to dampen my spirits!”

The old lady poked her forehead. “You don’t know how good your brother is to you…”

The banter lightened the mood. The carriage was filled with laughter all the way home.

Princess Lin’an, meanwhile, returned to Moyang Palace, distracted, until Lady Ye called, “Your Highness!” She looked up, seeing Zhao Consort and Madam Zheng waiting.

Madam Zheng, worried for Consort Zhao, had stayed.

Zhao Consort was uneasy, rising to meet her daughter, grabbing her hands, “How did it go?”

Even after the emperor’s reprimand, her daughter’s predicament forced her to worry.

Facing Wu Qinglin’s rejection, Princess Lin’an felt more sorrow than embarrassment. She had held back her tears until now, but seeing her mother’s concern, she broke down.

Zhao Consort needed no answer; the result was clear. Her heart sank. “What did you say to him? What did he say?”

Princess Lin’an couldn’t repeat the words, but seeing her mother’s exhausted yet hopeful face, she withdrew her hands and wiped her tears. “Mother, don’t ask. It’s over. Father has spoken; there’s nothing more for us. Let it be.”

“How can it be?” Zhao Consort protested. “You know your situation…”

“That’s exactly why we can’t cause more trouble.” Princess Lin’an cut her off.

Wu Qinglin’s decisive refusal had left her desolate, drained of strength.

He was too resolute, leaving her no room for self-deception.

“But—” Zhao Consort persisted, but Madam Zheng stepped in, “Your Highness, the emperor is angry. At this point, we can’t afford any more trouble. For the princess’s sake, endure it for now; wait until the rumors die down.”

“What good is waiting? This isn’t something that disappears with time!” Zhao Consort snapped.

Princess Lin’an’s failure to win Wu Qinglin meant her last hope was gone.

Zhao Consort paced angrily, when Aunt Qi hurried in, visibly anxious.

Madam Zheng noticed first, “Is something wrong?”

Aunt Qi replied, “The Empress sent someone, ordering Consort Zhao to move to Huayang Palace.”

Zhao Consort was startled.

Madam Zheng was surprised, “Isn’t she confined?”

Aunt Qi looked uneasy, not meeting Consort Zhao’s eyes. “The emperor ordered Consort Zhao to be confined in Huayang Palace. The Empress says His Majesty is furious; you must obey and move.”

“The rear hall of Huayang Palace is under renovation, with craftsmen coming and going. Aside from all the strangers, it’s inconvenient… And if you move, everyone will know you’re confined—won’t the news spread outside the palace?” Madam Zheng worried.

Now, Consort Zhao had to set aside Princess Lin’an’s affairs, steadying herself, asking Aunt Qi, “Who did the Empress send? Tell her…”

Aunt Qi’s expression tightened, her voice strained. “It’s… Fang Jin!”

Fang Jin was the Empress’s most trusted attendant; her presence for such a minor task signaled the Empress’s attitude—no leniency.

Consort Zhao’s face froze, then she sat slowly, bitterly smiling, “We’ve truly been ruined by that wretch Qingyang. The Empress is holding a grudge, humiliating me.”

She had lost imperial favor; knowing Empress Jiang was punishing her, she dared not resist, hastily instructing Princess Lin’an before moving to Huayang Palace.

But in reality, Consort Zhao underestimated the situation.

Originally, the emperor had instructed Magistrate Hu Tianming to punish those spreading rumors about Princess Lin’an, suppressing gossip with severe penalties. Naturally, everyone grew wary; no one would risk their life for idle chatter.

The rumors quickly died down, but at this juncture, word spread that Princess Lin’an’s mother, Consort Zhao, had fallen from favor and was confined, with no clear reason. This led to speculation—was it related to the princess’s scandal?

Thus, the rumors moved underground, becoming even more sordid.

On the Wu family’s side, Wu Tan was busy keeping watch on Lady Meng, with no time for anything else.

She sympathized with Princess Lin’an, but as Wu Qinglin said, in her situation, only she could stand up; no one else could help.

“Miss, should we keep watching the mistress? She’s only been busy preparing Third Miss’s wedding and occasionally socializing, as usual. Nothing more.” Wu Tan had assigned Xingzi to watch Lady Meng, but seeing little change, Xingzi complained.

“But she was clearly anxious and dissatisfied with Wu Qingqiong’s marriage. She should be plotting something…” Wu Tan was puzzled.

When the imperial decree came, Lady Meng was frantic—there was no reason for her to suddenly calm down.

As they pondered, Anqiao came in with an invitation. “Miss, the old lady sent this. Tomorrow, the Old Madam of the Ningguo Duke’s household is holding a birthday banquet; you should pick your outfit in advance.”

Ningguo Duke’s household was the maternal family of Empress Dowager Zhou. Though older than the Wu family’s old lady, they were from the same hometown and close friends.

Every year, the old lady attended the birthday banquet.

“Got it.” Wu Tan took the invitation. “Is Lady Meng and Wu Qingqiong going as well?”

Anqiao shook her head. “The old lady’s maid said Lady Meng claimed to be busy preparing the wedding and won’t attend.”

Wu Tan waved the invitation to dismiss Anqiao.

Xingzi sneered, “I think Lady Meng’s afraid Third Miss will embarrass herself if she goes out.”

Wu Tan glanced at her, inspiration striking. “Go to the gatehouse—each family’s invitations are recorded there. Check carefully who Lady Meng visited since the seventh of this month, and who came to see her.”

“Sure!” Xingzi perked up and ran off, soon returning with a list.

Wu Tan took the list and frowned. “The eighth was when the palace decree arrived; today’s the fourteenth. In five days, she went out three times? Isn’t she supposed to be busy with the wedding? She’s never socialized this frequently, and no one visited her?”

Xingzi hadn’t thought much, but now realized something was off. “No! The gatehouse said two ladies sent invitations, but Lady Meng declined, claiming she was busy. And on the tenth, when the shop managers come monthly to report accounts, she didn’t meet them either!”

So the trick was here?

Lady Meng hadn’t been inactive—she’d used a diversion.

—Extra Notes—

Lin’an is rather innocent and pitiable…

Well, all of brother’s troublesome admirers are dealt with for now; time to focus on preparing Prince Uncle… right?

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