Seducing the Heart - Chapter 24.2

Yun Siji observed the birds as they began to clash. The General lived up to his reputation, attacking aggressively with pecks and kicks. Although Black Whirlwind resisted with all its might, it was still a notch below.

“I personally believe the General will be the final victor.” From every perspective, the General appeared stronger.

Yun Mosheng heard the answer and smiled with unreadable meaning, nodding slightly. “Perhaps so. Let us continue watching.”

The match followed a best-of-three format. Two rounds had passed. Both roosters were panting, having clashed fiercely for several rounds, losing the initial fury of their first encounter. Currently, they had each won one round. Just as the third round was about to begin, Yun Mosheng suddenly called a halt. “Take them outside the arena to rest for a moment. We shall resume shortly.”

Yun Siji watched as Yun Mosheng gave private instructions to Tianxi. Unable to discern the reason, he began to wonder: Why did Father invite me to watch this cockfight? Is it pure appreciation, or is there a hidden meaning?

Seeing Yun Siji in deep thought, Yun Mosheng did not intend to point it out directly. “This tea is the finest Snow Peak Silver Needle. Take some back with you when you return to the Eastern Palace.”

Yun Siji replied respectfully, “Thank you, Father.”

Eunuch Tianxi was holding the General tightly in his arms when it pecked his hand hard, causing a bead of blood to emerge. Wincing in pain, he shouted in a high-pitched voice, “What are you all just standing there for? Someone, come here! Pour this jar of wine down this beast’s throat!”

The surrounding eunuchs and maids hurried forward to restrain the cock so it could not injure anyone else. They pried its beak open and forced the wine inside. The General struggled violently.

“Godfather! Godfather! Is your hand alright? Quickly, apply this salve.” Deshun rushed over anxiously and cursed the cock. However, he felt curious. “Godfather, why are we giving the General wine? Isn’t he about to fight that black bird?”

Tianxi looked at his hand and gave a cold laugh. “It is precisely because of the match that we are giving the beast wine. Watch the amount! I said a whole jar in anger, but don’t drown it. Otherwise, one of you will have to go out and fight Black Whirlwind in its place!”

“Don’t worry, Eunuch Tianxi, we are being careful.”

Soon, the General was carried back. Deshun was confused but hesitated to ask more. Godfather always said that to keep one’s life, one should speak less; but if he didn’t ask, his heart felt like it was being scratched by a kitten.

Tianxi saw his expression and understood. “Oh, why did I pick such a useless thing like you? Only because you are filial, otherwise I would never have accepted such a wooden-headed son!”

Deshun smiled fawningly. “Hehe, Godfather loves me most. Perhaps you could explain a little?”

“Fine, I’ll tell you.” Tianxi enjoyed Deshun’s shoulder massage and stopped being mysterious. “This was commanded by His Majesty. It is to ensure that the beast does not win!”

“Ah? Why is that?”

“Why?” Tianxi’s expression changed suddenly, and he gave Deshun a light rap on the head. “Why do you have so many ‘whys’? I told you to deliver snacks to Noble Lady Cui, have you done it yet? If you delay and upset the masters, you’ll have to watch your skin!”

“Don’t hit me, Godfather! I’m going! I’m going right now!”

The cockfight resumed. At first, the General was as aggressive as ever, but because of the wine, he became dizzy and was pinned down by Black Whirlwind. Covered in wounds, he struggled but ultimately could not get up. It was unclear if he was injured or simply drunk. The black bird mimicked all the General’s usual victory tactics, nearly pecking off the comb he was so proud of. Feathers were scattered everywhere. The General, who had always been fearless because of his undefeated streak, had now lost. His future treatment would likely be poor; at worst, ending up as a meal was not impossible.

“Based on the result just now, it seems you guessed wrong, Imperial Son.” Yun Mosheng dismissed the attendants, leaving only the Crown Prince in the pavilion.

Yun Siji did not argue, simply smiling and agreeing. Seeing Yun Mosheng’s cup was empty, he hurried to refill it.

“Imperial Son, did you observe anything unusual about the General?”

“His steps seemed less crisp than the first two times.” Yun Siji watched his father’s face for any sign of disapproval before continuing. “His face looked red, as if he had drunk too much wine.”

Yun Mosheng nodded with satisfaction. “Correct. He was given wine. I ordered it.”

“Father intentionally let the General lose?” Yun Siji was still somewhat confused, thinking perhaps his father had simply decided the outcome on a whim. But since he was specifically invited to watch, there had to be a deeper meaning.

Yun Mosheng knew his son was puzzled, so he sipped his tea and explained patiently, “You thought the General would win because you believed he was superior in size and combat ability. But I did not think so. I intended for Black Whirlwind to win.”

This was because Black Whirlwind knew how to please its master better than the General. Though both were fed by him, the black bird was loyal to Yun Mosheng and never flapped its wings or showed aggression in his presence.

Yun Siji understood. He finally realized the message his father wanted to convey. Amidst a faint sense of dread, he felt a surge of joy. Although the Crown Prince was slightly lacking in imperial strategy, he possessed the virtue of filial piety. Yun Mosheng knew that among all his children, only Yun Siji was truly sincere toward him and never dared to disobey.

Therefore, he would remain the Crown Prince. In the Emperor’s eyes, although they were all raised by him, he preferred the prince who was easy to control and obedient. Lack of strategy or ability was not vital; these could be tempered over time. But if one did not know how to be submissive… a flash of darkness crossed Yun Mosheng’s eyes.

“This son will forever respect and love Father,” Yun Siji promised solemnly.

“I may be getting old, but I am not blind. I know many things about this court, even the factions my sons have gathered.” Yun Siji sat as if on a bed of needles as the Emperor listed his hidden and public allies one by one. He broke into a cold sweat. So his father had known all along but had simply allowed it to happen without saying a word.

“I know where most of these people stand, but there is one person I have never truly seen through.” Therefore, that person was a hidden risk.

Yun Siji thought for a moment and had an epiphany. “Father, do you mean… Royal Brother Jin?”

“Yun Jin is a child with a decent temperament. He knows how to protect himself and remains moderate. It is a pity that even I cannot grasp his true intentions.”

Hearing this, Yun Siji felt relieved and laughed. “I report to Father: Brother Jin is actually my man.”

Yun Mosheng was surprised. Seeing Yun Siji’s confident expression, he raised an eyebrow. “It seems Jin’er has long since stood on the side of the Eastern Palace?”

“Correct. To avoid the eyes of the other princes, Brother Jin and I have kept our contact low-key. He is a key hidden piece supporting me.”

Yun Mosheng accidentally resolved a long-standing doubt and nodded in reflection. “Jin’er himself is fine, but you must remember that the Princess Consort of Jin is my true concern. I wonder if it was a mistake to betroth her to him. Her status is awkward, and Yun Jin’s attitude toward her is unclear. But if she were to whisper in his ear…”

“I heard Yun Jin hasn’t stepped into ‘No Envy of Immortals’ for half a month?” Yun Mosheng’s tone shifted, the implication clear.

“I understand.” Yun Siji’s eyes flickered. It seemed he should find an opportunity to visit that Royal Sister-in-law in the future.

In the bustling streets, the cries of vendors rose and fell. Every so often, pedestrians would stop to browse the stalls. Ying Xi accompanied her mistress on a stroll, finding almost everything on the stalls curious. She had been sent to the palace as a child and rarely had the chance to see such marketplace scenes. It was only after Princess Zhaoning came for the marriage that she could step outside the palace walls. She was naturally excited.

To onlookers, she looked like a sheltered young lady who didn’t know the ways of the world. “Your Highness, look at this hairpin.”

Qin Zhanluo turned to look at Ying Xi, her tone helpless. “Ying Xi, what did I tell you?”

When outside, she was to be called ‘Lady’ or ‘Sister’. But Ying Xi dared not break the rules, nor could she use her mistress’s pet name, so she settled for calling her ‘Mistress’.

“Mistress, look at this hairpin. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Qin Zhanluo followed her gaze and saw a jade hairpin. While it had some impurities, it could still be called a vibrant emerald green. Although it didn’t suit her, since Ying Xi liked it, she could buy it for her.

“Vendor, how much for this jade hairpin?”

The vendor narrowed his eyes. He had been observing the two for some time. He crossed his fingers in a ‘ten’ sign. “Ten taels of silver.”

“So expensive?” Ying Xi toyed with the hairpin, surprised.

“Young lady, I don’t like hearing that. Look at the quality of this jade; where else will you find such a green one?”

Qin Zhanluo knew he was cheating them because they looked like newcomers. She said calmly, “Is that so? Is this jade truly worth ten taels?”

“Honest prices for all, ten times the refund if it’s fake!” Seeing that the beautiful lady looked more affluent and was clearly the decision-maker, the vendor worked hard to earn her money.

Qin Zhanluo remained noncommittal and picked up another hairpin on the stall. This one was entirely black, pure and translucent. Under the sun, its darkness was striking. She imagined a certain person wearing it and made her decision. Yun Jin preferred black silk robes embroidered with cranes or gold thread; this black jade hairpin would suit her perfectly.

“And how much for this black one?”

The vendor sensed she liked it and didn’t hesitate to raise the price on the spot. “Fifty taels.”

“Fifty taels?” Ying Xi’s face darkened. “How can a black-hearted vendor like you keep your stall open until now?”

“You brat, do you know how to speak?” The vendor knew his price was high, but he looked at Qin Zhanluo and feigned reluctance. “Whether this jade is good or not, you should know in your heart. I imagine you want to give this to a sweetheart? A heavy gift shows sincere intent. Though I haven’t studied much, I’ve heard that ‘a marriage across a thousand miles is tied by a single thread’. You shouldn’t care about a little silver, right?”

“Heh, look at Old Man Dong cheating people again. I’ve listened to your nonsense for half the day and couldn’t help but expose you. Who doesn’t know your stuff isn’t that rare?”

“What? You’re here to sabotage me?” The vendor felt guilty and tried to defend himself. “Don’t listen to his lies, he’s just jealous of my business!”

Ying Xi rolled her eyes. A young man with his arms crossed stood there, one eye closed and the other fixed on Old Man Dong. “Old Man Dong, you say I’m lying? Shall I go find Officer Li and have him come hear your prices?”

Hearing about the authorities, the vendor became frightened. He said to the two women, “I’m not selling these two hairpins anymore!”

Qin Zhanluo and Ying Xi each held a hairpin and had no intention of putting them back. “Not selling? Won’t that prove you have a guilty conscience?”

“That’s right, Old Man Dong. Weren’t you so confident just now? Sell them to the ladies!”

The vendor was in a dilemma. “Ah, I must have owed you in a past life, you brat!” He remembered the thirty strokes he had received last time. “Fine, I’ll be honest. Some of the things on my stall are ordinary, and I overcharged. Give me five taels for the green one and ten taels for the black one.”

Qin Zhanluo hid a smile. “Deal. Hand over the money, vendor.”

“What? Lady, you are mistaken. You should give me the silver.”

The cold female voice said unhurriedly, “Honest prices for all, ten times the refund if it’s fake.”

“Hahaha! Old Man Dong, even you have a day like this!” The young man laughed heartily and ran off as the vendor flared up.

Suddenly, the sound of clapping came from behind. “Wonderful! The Princess Consort of Jin is indeed brilliantly clever.”

Qin Zhanluo turned. The man was dressed in noble silk with five-clawed dragons embroidered on the inside of his sleeves and a dragon-patterned jade pendant at his waist. He was looking at her with a smile. Even without an introduction, his attire made his identity clear.

Yun Siji, Yun Jin’s brother and the Crown Prince.

“I don’t need your money. Here is a hundred taels for you. That black jade hairpin is actually worth a thousand.” Qin Zhanluo handed the silver to the vendor and left with the Crown Prince. The vendor was stunned, eventually wailing, “My thousand taels! Gone!” He had tried to sell cheap goods at a high price, but had accidentally sold a treasure as a cheap item.

“On the day of Brother Jin’s wedding, I could not attend in person due to his poor health. I hope the Princess Consort does not mind.” Yun Siji smiled warmly. Though he hadn’t attended, he had sent over a dozen crates of gifts. He never missed a chance to show favor to his supporters.

“It is nothing. Your Highness’s gifts were generous; the sentiment is received.” In truth, since their marriage, neither of them had been interested in opening any of the congratulatory gifts. Yun Jin had them cataloged, and they disappeared the next day.

Qin Zhanluo remained calm. The Crown Prince hadn’t come to the street by accident.

“Is the relationship between the Princess Consort and Brother Jin harmonious?” Yun Siji sighed. “I often hear rumors of his youthful playfulness, but that is because he is young and immature. Do not take it to heart. I know best that Brother Jin is a man of deep sentiment, worthy of life-long trust.”

Qin Zhanluo nodded. “I have heard of the Prince’s past. But since we are married and he has agreed not to take concubines, I find it… acceptable.”

Yun Siji smiled and nodded, but he was not as happy as he looked. This Princess Zhaoning spoke casually but left no openings. He still couldn’t judge their true relationship. He took a sip of tea. “By the way, is Brother Jin’s health well? I suddenly realized I haven’t visited him in a while. I shall visit another day.”

Qin Zhanluo raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness cares for the Prince deeply; the brotherly bond must be excellent.”

“Naturally. I have always treated him as a biological brother, and he respects me greatly.”

Qin Zhanluo seemed thoughtful. After more indirect probing which she handled effortlessly, Yun Siji finally insisted on giving her a pair of exquisite bracelets before letting her go.

Outside the teahouse, Qin Zhanluo looked at the box and gave a casual laugh, handing it to Ying Xi. “Ying Xi, these are for you.”

Ying Xi took the box and wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Hmph, sending such junk to our Princess. Anything our Queen gives out on a whim is more precious than this.” To Ying Xi, these were far less valuable than the green hairpin her mistress had just bought her. That was a gift of love!

“Mistress, what was that Crown Prince talking about? He seemed to be full of schemes.”

Qin Zhanluo laughed. “Schemes? Where did you see that?”

“He doesn’t look like a good person! His smile is annoying! Not like our Prince; his smile is gentle. This one…” Ying Xi thought for a moment. “His smile is just like that vendor, Old Man Dong.”

Qin Zhanluo laughed. “You indeed…” She realized she truly liked the way Yun Jin looked at her with a silent smile. It seemed to hold a thousand layers of meaning for the observer to interpret.

“Your Highness, shall we return to the palace?” A black-clad guard knelt.

“Prepare the carriage,” Yun Siji replied coldly. “This sister-in-law of mine is truly not simple. She suits Brother Jin well.” Both were unreadable and elusive.

Support