The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 103
With Old Madam Wen’s arrival, the sky was nearly dark by the time Wen Shuse reached the Ming residence. After Xie Shao dropped her off, he went to Pei Qing’s place to pick up Cui Nian.
When Wen Shuse entered the room, Ming Wanrou had already dressed and was in the middle of having her makeup done. Her eyes kept darting left and right, and several times, the momo had to gently guide her head back. “Imperial Grandson Consort, please stop moving. Otherwise, if the hair cannot be arranged properly, we will have to start again. Just bear with it a little longer. It will be done soon.”
Ming Wanrou had just turned her head when, from the corner of her eye, she saw Wen Shuse hurrying in. She let out a breath of relief and, keeping her neck stiff, complained, “Why are you only arriving now? I have waited until even the stars and moon have come out.”
“Old Madam arrived, so I was delayed for a while. Fortunately, I still made it in time.” Wen Shuse had someone bring over a high stool and sat down beside Ming Wanrou, watching as the momo dressed her hair.
The momo arranging Ming Wanrou’s hair had been brought from Fengcheng by Eldest Madam Ming. There was no need to speak of her clever hands; she was also someone blessed with good fortune. Her house was full of children and grandchildren, and her family was harmonious. With every stroke of the comb, she recited a phrase of blessing for Ming Wanrou.
Wen Shuse watched carefully. She saw that once each strand entered the momo’s hands, every single hair was combed into perfect order.
Her own wedding had been held in such haste, and she herself had been muddled and dazed. Even now, when she thought back on it, she could not remember the part where her hair and makeup were done. Only after watching Ming Wanrou’s wedding preparations did she realize that a young lady’s marriage involved so many intricate and joyful customs.
Ming Wanrou glanced at her and saw her looking enchanted. She asked softly, “Envious?”
Wen Shuse shook her head. “Not envious.”
Ming Wanrou pouted, despising her for saying one thing while meaning another. Only after her makeup and hair were finished did she say softly, “If you regret it, we can ask Commander Xie to make it up to you. This time, I will definitely escort you as your bridal companion.”
Only she could say such a thing. Who in the world got married twice?
Wen Shuse was indeed envious that Ming Wanrou had a wedding ceremony that belonged entirely to her. But people were different, and so were their fates.
Her and her husband’s wedding had been special, different from everyone else’s. Precisely because of that, it had left such a deep memory. Every time she thought of it, she would sigh over how hard-won this marriage had been.
As long as the two of them lived well together, why bother holding another wedding? Would that not be adding legs to a snake?
“I do not regret it. A’Yuan is the first bride I have ever seen. After watching you marry, when my children and grandchildren marry in the future, I will at least have gained some experience and can give them advice.”
Ming Wanrou’s face reddened. “You have only just married, yet you are already thinking about children and grandchildren. Are you not embarrassed?”
“What is there for me to be embarrassed about? I have already been married for more than half a year.”
Ever since Ming Wanrou had misunderstood her words and passed them on to Zhou Kuang, every time Wen Shuse spoke with her, she would somehow manage to wound her once.
Knowing she could not argue with Wen Shuse, Ming Wanrou questioned her, “Are you here to send me off as a bride, or are you here to show off?”
Wen Shuse restrained herself and stopped teasing her, turning to proper matters instead. “After you enter the palace, it will not be like being in the Ming Mansion. You must keep a few more thoughts for yourself.”
That was exactly what Ming Wanrou was nervous about. With a bitter face, she said, “What thoughts could I have? I would like to learn, but unfortunately, my mouth cannot keep anything in. With two or three sentences, everything in my heart is dragged out. Before, our two families were only separated by one wall. If something happened, I could still look for you to discuss it. But from now on, one of us will be outside the palace walls and one inside. If I encounter something, who am I supposed to ask for advice?”
“When this marriage was first arranged, the Ming family already felt I was climbing too high. Now that Jing Wang has been named Crown Prince and I have become the Imperial Grandson Consort, everyone thinks I’ve just stumbled into good fortune. You do not know this, but yesterday, Grandmother pulled me aside and spoke to me the entire night. Every word and sentence never strayed from family honor. Her meaning was that the Ming family’s future is now tied to me alone. Is this not putting a rope around my neck? I am pulling the cart in front, while the whole Ming family sits behind me, relying entirely on my strength? With my coarse brain, how could I have such great ability?”
“I am marrying Zhou… the Imperial Grandson not because I covet this glory and wealth, but because I feel he is someone I can rely on and entrust my life to. I only want to live steady days, supporting my husband and teaching our children. If they expect me to accomplish great things for the family, then I am afraid they will be disappointed.”
These words were true. With that straight mind of hers, she could not even outplay the sisters in her own household, let alone the pile of monsters and demons she would face after entering the palace.
Last time, even Wen Shuse herself had been tripped up by the Sixth Young Lady Yang and the Second Young Master. If it were Ming Wanrou, she might not even hear the other party’s sarcasm.
But a person like this also had her own advantages. If she could not understand, she would live more easily. If she did not fuss over everything, then the other side would have nowhere to exert their schemes.
Wen Shuse comforted her. “When the Crown Princess arranged the marriage with the Imperial Grandson, the Ming family had two young ladies. Do you know why the Crown Princess chose you in particular?”
Ming Wanrou paused, then showed some self-awareness. “Because she thought I was stupid?”
Though this was the truth, there was another way to say it. “Because you have a big heart.”
Ming Wanrou sighed. “Only you know how to say it nicely.”
In the past, with just a little coaxing, Wen Shuse could make her forget what she had originally wanted to say. It seemed the Ming family had truly given her no small amount of pressure.
Wen Shuse continued, “Everyone says clever people are good, but how many household disputes are not caused by clever people? Fools have fools’ fortune. Are you not proof of that saying now? Among the Ming family’s sisters, which one has married better than you? Look at the Imperial Grandson. Not only is his status high, but though his appearance cannot compare with that of my family’s Commander Xie, he is still handsome and dignified. Most importantly, the Imperial Grandson likes you. He can treasure and pamper you like a jewel. A good husband is already hard to find, and a good husband who likes you is even harder to find. You should be happy.”
Ming Wanrou did not know whether to laugh or cry. She had never seen someone praise another person while also praising her own husband along the way. But her heart did open up.
“You are right. I am marrying my own person. I only need to live my own life well.”
The two spoke for a while. Then Eldest Madam Ming arrived.
The mother and daughter had private words to say to each other, so Wen Shuse could no longer remain in the room. She went to the outer chamber to wait for the hour when the bride would be received.
Just as the sky began to lighten, movement began outside.
After a string of firecrackers loud enough to shake one’s eardrums, the eunuch receiving the bride called out, “Respectfully welcoming the Imperial Grandson Consort onto the bridal palanquin.”
The rear courtyard instantly became a flurry of activity. Wen Shuse hurried inside and, together with Eldest Madam Ming, supported Ming Wanrou by the hand as she crossed the threshold.
Wen Shuse was just about to let go when Ming Wanrou suddenly gripped her tightly. “Gao Xian, I’m a little afraid.”
Wen Shuse knew what she was afraid of and encouraged her, “Don’t be afraid. One night and it will be over. Look at me, did I not also make it through? Am I not still strong and healthy?”
Ming Wanrou drew in a long breath. “When I leave the palace, I will come find you.”
“Good.”
Second Young Master Ming, who had been waiting outside the door, stepped forward and took Ming Wanrou from Eldest Madam Ming and Wen Shuse’s hands, slowly leading her toward the entrance.
Wen Shuse followed among the crowd, watching as Ming Wanrou climbed into the bridal palanquin in the alley. The lively sounds gradually moved outside the gate.
Just as Ming Wanrou’s palanquin was lifted, from the other end of the alley, more than a dozen fireworks suddenly shot into the sky all at once. Brilliant flames dyed the smoky-blue dawn with a sheet of colored light.
The crowd burst into cheers. Wen Shuse lifted her head along with everyone else to watch. Xiangyun, standing beside her, had never seen fireworks so grand, and sighed, “Miss, they’re so beautiful.”
Wen Shuse nodded. They were indeed beautiful. “Remember to settle the account with the Imperial Grandson.”
Last time, she had gifted the Sixth Young Lady Yang a fireworks display. After the word spread, many people came to Mixian Tower to inquire about it.
Zhou Kuang had also heard of the matter and wanted to give Miss Ming a grand wedding, letting all of the Eastern Capital share in the excitement. That day, when he went to Mixian Tower to drink, he had repeatedly instructed Wen Huai to prepare the best fireworks and set them off all along the route.
No sooner had the fireworks here burned out than fireworks in the distance began again. For an ordinary family receiving a bride, who would be willing to burn money like this? Such a sight might not be seen even once in a hundred years. There were too many people in the residence watching the spectacle, and Xiangyun, afraid Wen Shuse would be jostled, reached out to shield her from the crowd.
Now that the bride had gone, Wen Shuse did not remain any longer. She soon left the residence and followed behind the bridal palanquin. Since the hour was still early, she did not get into the carriage. Instead, she watched the fireworks while strolling slowly forward.
She remembered the first time she had come to the Eastern Capital. Her eyes had been full of all the bustle and liveliness, yet it had all felt very far away from her. Now, at last, it was closely connected to her.
She, too, had become part of the Eastern Capital.
From now on, she would continue accompanying her husband, taking root in this land of the Eastern Capital and blooming into a flame that belonged to the two of them.
After leaving the alley, Wen Shuse’s neck had grown sore from looking up. She had just lowered her head when she saw her husband walking toward her through the crowd.
The light from the firecrackers reflected upon him, making him shine brilliantly. A handsome husband truly never grew tiresome to look at, no matter how many times one saw him. The young lady watched him in a daze and stopped where she was, waiting for him.
Her husband saw her as well. His steps quickened, and he soon reached her. “Why did you walk out?”
Wen Shuse was equally surprised. “Why did Husband come?”
Today was the Imperial Grandson’s wedding. The palace was lively and chaotic, and the Emperor’s side should not have been without people.
Xie Shao did not answer her immediately. He reached out and took her hand, his fingers clasping tightly with hers. Then he lifted his eyes to glance at the jubilant crowd and leaned down beside her ear. “His Majesty has passed away.”
Wen Shuse froze.
She had thought the Emperor would be able to hold on until after the Imperial Grandson completed his marriage. In the end, he still had not managed to endure it. If he passed away at this time, then A’Yuan and the Imperial Grandson’s consummation would have to wait another two years.
Wen Shuse sucked in a cold breath. How pitiful…
“Other than the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, and the two eunuchs serving inside, no one knows. Before His Majesty left, he gave instructions: the mourning is to be temporarily withheld and not announced. Only after the Imperial Grandson’s wedding banquet ends will the funeral bell be struck tomorrow at noon.”
The Emperor withheld the mourning for the sake of those two. Even now, A’Yuan and the Imperial Grandson were still being kept in the dark.
As long as the wedding banquet did not become a funeral banquet, that was good enough.
But Wen Shuse was worried about another matter. “What about Noble Consort…”
“The Crown Prince’s people are guarding outside. No one can get in. Father has already entered the palace. Today is the Imperial Grandson’s wedding, so no one suspects anything. The Yang family does not know for the time being.”
Once the funeral bell rang tomorrow, the court would likely face another storm. The Emperor had left behind an imperial edict.
First: Crown Prince Zhou Qian would ascend the throne, and Imperial Grandson Zhou Kuang would be made Crown Prince.
Second: Noble Consort Yang was not to be buried in the same tomb as him. She was to be buried separately in the Zhou imperial mausoleum, together with the Empress.
The first article was only natural. The second article, however, would not sit well with the Yang family.
The Yang family’s dream of an Empress Dowager was gone. After Noble Consort Yang’s death, she would not even be able to enter the Emperor’s tomb. No matter how magnanimous they were, this time, they would likely not let matters rest.
But no matter how difficult the road ahead was, he would meet it head-on, for his little wife, for their bright future.
Xie Shao gently covered her hand with his fingers, linked with hers. He glanced at the fireworks still blooming in the distance, then tilted his head and asked her, “Wife, are you envious?”
This was the second time tonight someone had asked whether she was envious.
Wen Shuse still shook her head. “In this world, there are so many beautiful people and beautiful things. How could I possibly envy them all? I envy others, and others envy me too. Life is lived by oneself. Whether it is good or not, only the one living it knows. Before I married, I still had a heart full of ambitions. Now, only one remains: to love Husband until our hair turns white and we grow old together.”
Only envying mandarin ducks, not immortals. Wind and rain existed everywhere. As long as her husband was by her side, that was enough.
His little wife’s mouth was truly sweet. The gloom in his heart was swept clean, blooming along with the fireworks before him. Xie Shao lightly bumped his shoulder against hers and asked, “What other ambitions did Wife have before?”
What ambitions?
To look at a few more handsome young gentlemen? To visit the music house and order a few young masters to play music for her?
These “ambitions” absolutely could not be told to her husband. As soon as she opened her mouth, she began making things up.
“To find a good husband and give birth to a chubby baby…”
The corner of her husband’s lips lifted. Being reminded by her like this, he inexplicably conjured the image of an infant, and his heart flooded with warmth. “Wife, rest assured. I’ll certainly work hard.”
The crowd grew larger and larger, all squeezing toward the mouth of the alley. Her husband pulled the young lady in front of him and held her tightly in his arms.
Fireworks were beautiful when they bloomed, but after they burned out, they left behind rolling smoke. A gust of wind suddenly swept through, and the smoke rushed over, choking people’s noses and mouths. Her husband quickly lifted his sleeve and shielded the young lady’s face.
Mountain mist and haze, the long road of life, everything was unpredictable. As long as his wife was by his side, that was enough.
End of Main Story