Marrying the Sweet Story’s Melodramatic Villainess [Transmigration] - Chapter 11

Cui Yi’s “Clear Liquor” began to take the elite circles of Chang’an by storm. The catalyst for this craze was the “influencer” duo of the era: Cui Yan and Tang Wensi. Cui Yan had shared the wine with his colleagues in the civil service. This group of officials spent their leisure time composing poetry and prose; they were the heavyweights of the literary world. Their “social circles” were flooded with poems so evocative that everyone else was left itching to taste the wine for themselves. To be ignorant of the legendary “Thousand-Mile Intoxication” (Qianli Zui) was to prove oneself an outcast from high society.

Then there was Tang Wensi. Whenever she acquired something precious, she shared it with her family first. Her mother, Lady Pei, was a socialite by nature. Once she had a taste of the extraordinary wine, she promoted it among her peers, describing it as a nectar unparalleled in the world. This only fueled the public’s curiosity.

Even the Grand Princess, Yan Linlang, heard the rumors. Knowing her niece’s personality, she initially thought the claims were exaggerated. Coincidentally, Pei Mingjiao was present at the time. With a slightly awkward expression, she interjected, “Mother, that wine is indeed a rare and excellent vintage.”

Yan Linlang arched an eyebrow. “How does it compare to the Tribute Wine?”

The “Tribute Wine” referred to Jade Floating Grain (Yu Fu Liang), which was reserved exclusively for the Imperial Family, though the Emperor would occasionally bestow it upon his closest ministers during festivals. As the Emperor’s biological sister, Yan Linlang never lacked for it.

Recalling the unique, silky texture of Cui Yi’s wine, Pei Mingjiao’s mouth watered. “It is even better.”

“I recall you are on good terms with that Lady Cui,” Yan Linlang remarked, being a woman who appreciated the finer things in life. “Why not find her and exchange something for a few jars so I may have a taste?”

The Grand Princess possessed treasures from across the realm. After considering her storehouse, she said, “I won’t let the young lady suffer a loss. We shall trade a necklace of ox-blood red coral for two jars of wine. What do you think?”

Coral was notoriously difficult to harvest, and ox-blood red coral was the most precious variety. Such an exchange was a grand gesture indeed.

Pei Mingjiao did not lack for jewels, but she felt a strange knot in her heart. She had made up her mind to reconcile with Cui Yi, but for some reason, she felt a bit embarrassed. After all, Cui Yi had taken the initiative to send wine to her cousin, but in her own case, she had to go out of her way to request a trade.

Seeing her daughter’s conflicted expression, Yan Linlang became intrigued. “What is it? Did you have a falling out with Lady Cui?”

“Certainly not,” Pei Mingjiao retorted immediately. Since Cui Yi had helped her at the residence of Princess Consort Xihua, they had reconciled. Facing her mother, Pei Mingjiao voiced her small grievance: “Cui Yi sent that wine as a gift to my cousin, but she didn’t send any to me.”

Amused by this typical young girl’s sentiment, Yan Linlang thought of her daughter’s prickly temper and spoke pointedly: “The value of an acquaintance lies in mutual understanding, and the value of understanding lies in knowing each other’s hearts. Jiao-niang, how you treat others is how they will treat you in return.”

Pei Mingjiao was stunned. She wanted to argue that she was a County Princess, her mother was the Grand Princess, and the Emperor was her uncle—surely others should be the ones catering to her. Why should she care about the feelings of others?

As a look of bewildered confusion crossed Pei Mingjiao’s lovely face, Yan Linlang said no more. She dropped the subject of the wine, knowing she had to respect the girl’s pride.

At noon, Pei Mingjiao lay on her couch for a nap, but sleep eluded her. She opened her eyes and asked her attendants, “Do I really treat Cui Yi poorly?”

The maids looked at each other until Caizhu whispered a reminder: “County Princess, you often bestow gifts and care upon Lady Gu, but as for Lady Cui… er…”

Pei Mingjiao looked back on her past actions. As she thought harder, she began to break out in a cold sweat. She sat up abruptly. “Quick! Go and pick out some items to send to Cui Yi.”

No wonder Cui Yi treated her differently than her cousin. Cui Yi had helped her, yet she hadn’t even offered a word of thanks. If their positions were reversed, she would certainly be unhappy.

Caizhu complied.

After much deliberation, Pei Mingjiao decided to handwrite a letter of gratitude herself.

At that same moment, Cui Yi was with Lady Du, reviewing visiting cards from various prominent families in Chang’an. Stroking a paper card, Cui Yi smiled at Lady Du. “Mother, it seems our wine is quite popular.”

Lady Du gathered the cards together; she was an expert at management. “While the shop is still being renovated, we should host a wine-tasting banquet. Once they’ve tasted it, they will scramble to buy it.”

Cui Yi agreed.

Lady Du then guided Cui Yi in writing invitation cards. For every name they wrote, she would introduce the person’s status and personality. The room was filled with the pleasant scent of agarwood incense. Lady Du spoke softly about the intricate web of interests and factions within Chang’an. Now that Cui Yi’s health had improved, social engagements were inevitable. In the capital, where nobles gathered like clouds, she had to be careful not to make mistakes.

Cui Yi lowered her eyes and listened intently.

Just then, the gatekeeper reported that County Princess Yongjia had sent someone to deliver gifts.

Lady Du was surprised and looked at her daughter. Cui Yi’s brush paused. She set it down, her expression remaining characteristically cool, but her eyelashes fluttered slightly. Her calm eyes betrayed a hint of confusion. Why is the antagonist sending me things?

Lady Du had the items brought in.

As the gifts were displayed, the room seemed to brighten. Silk fabrics and pearl hairpins were all sent in sets of five. The most precious item was a bottle of Guyuan Pills. These pills were crafted by Grandmaster Tianyi using the world’s rarest medicinal ingredients, known for their ability to warm the vital essence and replenish blood and qi.

Lady Du worried about how to return the favor, while Cui Yi read the accompanying letter. The handwriting was different from previous ones—it was elegant and unconstrained.

“I am indebted to your kindness for lending a helping hand. This virtue and sentiment shall never be forgotten… May you find joy every year and success in all things. May fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness always be upon you.” ①

Cui Yi realized the letter was Pei Mingjiao expressing her gratitude for the help she received previously. Looking at the gifts, she caught a glimpse of the immense wealth of the antagonist’s family. She said to Lady Du, “This is the County Princess’s ‘Reward of Thanks.'”

Cui Yi did not elaborate on what she was being thanked for.

Lady Du did not pry, merely remarking, “The County Princess has truly been thoughtful. Make sure you use those Guyuan Pills.”

Cui Yi tucked the letter away. Although she didn’t know why the County Princess had sent five of everything, she instructed, “Send five jars each of Thousand-Mile Intoxication and Honey Wine to the County Princess.”

Then, having a sudden thought, Cui Yi picked up her brush and swiftly wrote an invitation, inviting Pei Mingjiao to the wine-tasting banquet in three days. She then handed it to the servant to deliver.

Lady Du had the gifts moved to Cui Yi’s courtyard and resumed their conversation. Cui Yi continued to listen quietly, but her heart was not as calm as before. Lady Du noticed her distraction and dismissed the maids. She lowered her voice solemnly: “Yi-niang, the Emperor has no sons. The Grand Princess and His Majesty are born of the same mother, and County Princess Yongjia enjoys great Imperial favor. By befriending her now, there is no telling how many ‘monsters and demons’ will emerge from the shadows. Our family is already at the height of wealth; you must be discerning.”

The history of succession struggles was always bloody and cruel; Cui Yi understood this well. “Mother, do not worry. I understand.”

Cui Yi had no intention of participating in the original plot or the affairs of the court. Once the time was right and the world was open to her, she intended to leave and see it for herself.

Seeing that Cui Yi had taken her words to heart, Lady Du dropped the sensitive topic. Looking at her increasingly radiant daughter, she began to make plans. Her brother’s third son was a young talent with a gentle temperament and no marriage contract. He was set to enter officialdom next year and was Cui Yi’s cousin—he would surely never mistreat her. Having made up her mind, Lady Du prepared to write a letter back to Fanyang.

Cui Yi, unaware that a marriage was being arranged for her, was currently contemplating how to completely break free from the original plot of the book.