Seducing the Heart - Chapter 36

Following the visit from Yang Efeng and Zhou Zhongguang, Qin Zhanluo declined the well wishes of the remaining officials to avoid disturbing Yun Jin’s recovery. After all, Yun Jin had only just begun to heal and required quiet rest. It was truly unsuitable for her to endure unnecessary disturbances. Peace finally returned to Changning Palace for several days.

Although Li Fuluan did not visit in person, she remained concerned about Yun Jin’s injuries and sent Heqing to invite Qin Zhanluo over. Qin Jingyi was also seated in the hall, her words and manner filled with self-reproach. Unless she heard with her own ears that Yun Jin was safe and sound, she would never be able to move past the guilt.

Heqing led the way as usual, stopping outside the palace doors to gesture for the Grand Princess to enter. She then turned around to round up several young maidservants who had sneaked off to slacken. When the Empress had sought someone to run errands earlier, none were present except for Zao Zi, who was always strictly observant of the rules. Such laxity was truly unseemly.

Upon entering Phoenix Palace, Qin Zhanluo greeted the two women. “Mother, Imperial Aunt.”

Li Fuluan waved a hand to her daughter and signaled Zao Zi, who stood nearby, to pour tea for the Grand Princess. “Luo Er, sit.”

Qin Zhanluo nodded and took a seat opposite them. The cushions beneath them were thin and soft, perfectly suited for long conversations without causing fatigue. Once she was settled, Qin Jingyi could not help but ask about the matter that had worried her for days. “Luo Er, how is Yun Jin now?”

Qin Zhanluo lifted the cup Zao Zi had poured. Not wishing for her aunt to continue worrying, she replied reassuringly, “A Jin has regained consciousness and is no longer in danger. It is expected she will fully recover in a bit more time.”

She lowered her eyes and took a sip of tea, her mood suddenly becoming a bit desolate. “I was the one who involved A Jin this time, causing her to be struck by such poison. Fortunately, she is fine in the end, or else.”

Otherwise, even Qin Zhanluo herself could not imagine what her state of mind would be now.

Hearing that Yun Jin had indeed woken up, Qin Jingyi finally felt a weight lift from her heart. “How is it your involvement? This matter is entirely the fault of your Imperial Aunt. If I had not invited you two to watch the dance that night, perhaps none of this would have happened.”

Zao Zi was discerning. After pouring the tea, she caught a single look from Li Fuluan and stepped out of the hall of her own accord, absenting herself from the discussions of her masters.

With the two women competing to take the blame, Li Fuluan found it difficult to interject for a moment and could only listen from the side. Qin Zhanluo set down her teacup and forced a small smile. “This was truly my own moment of negligence. Even if we had not accepted Imperial Aunt’s invitation, we might have encountered danger in other circumstances.”

How could she entirely blame the Grand Princess? Qin Zhanluo knew perfectly well that the target had always been herself. A Jin had simply shielded her from the blow.

Qin Jingyi noticed the change in her niece’s emotions. Unable to think of any words of comfort, she fell silent. This finally gave Li Fuluan the opportunity to say what she had intended all along. As an onlooker, she saw the situation with exceptional clarity.

“Luo Er, you need not blame yourself. A Jin being poisoned while shielding you was merely an accident. The fact that she wanted to protect you is proof enough that she cares for you deeply.”

Li Fuluan observed Qin Zhanluo’s expression. Seeing that she seemed to be listening, she struck while the iron was hot. “Similarly, you care for her deeply, do you not? Otherwise, you would not have braved everything to go to Yundu to seek the renewal of your bond.”

In truth, as Qin Zhanluo and Yun Jin had walked together to this point, Li Fuluan could certainly be considered both a witness and a primary mover of their fate.

In recent years, many princes and high officials had been preoccupied with the marriage of Princess Zhaoning. Those who were bold enough to propose a match for their eligible juniors to the Emperor were many. Yet, this Princess had always remained unmoved, never showing any interest. She was cold, noble, and beyond reproach.

One day at court, General Yang subtly expressed that his ignorant son had long admired Princess Zhaoning. As was the custom, Qin Yuxiao dismissed it with a casual excuse. However, Zhaoning had reached marriageable age. As long as she did not choose a Prince Consort, these people would not cease their machinations. Thus, Qin Yuxiao consulted with Li Fuluan, deciding they must personally ask for her thoughts.

On the surface, Li Fuluan came as the Emperor’s envoy, but in secret, she wanted to probe her daughter’s true feelings. She knew that if Qin Zhanluo was unwilling to marry, there were only two possibilities: either she had simply not met anyone suitable, or someone was already living in her heart.

Zhaoning was the only offspring of Li Fuluan and Qin Yuxiao. Her identity was never as simple as being the only Grand Princess of Northern Chu. Though never explicitly stated, Qin Zhanluo was the default successor to the throne in everyone’s hearts. Supporting a female emperor was no easy task.

In her youth, Qin Zhanluo rarely felt happy. She was forced to memorize various tedious national policies and was taught complex etiquette by specialized nannies, learning things quite different from ordinary princesses. Zhaoning did not disappoint. She was brilliant and industrious. Whether in memorization or martial arts, she far surpassed the young men of her age. As she grew older, her grasp of power became increasingly adept.

The price for this, however, was a significant change in her temperament. At such a young age, her nature was suppressed, and her behavior was constantly shackled by invisible constraints. She was not happy. By the time Qin Yuxiao and Li Fuluan realized this, they hurried to make changes, but it was already somewhat too late.

Zhanluo rarely smiled. Even as her mother, Li Fuluan sometimes found it difficult to guess what her daughter was thinking. But she knew that Luo Er felt resentment in her heart.

Consequently, Zhanluo was given a reprieve. Qin Yuxiao sent her to Jia Zhu Temple to pray for Northern Chu, though he was actually following the Empress’s advice to mend the fold after the sheep are lost. Li Fuluan had secretly left the palace to see Qin Zhanluo twice, and to her surprise, she found that her daughter had truly changed. The smile had returned to her eyes, coming from her heart.

Li Fuluan was delighted by the change but puzzled by the cause, so she sent people to observe in secret. She eventually learned that Luo Er’s joyful transformation was all because of one person. That person took Luo Er through the streets at night to taste snacks and admire lanterns. That person took Luo Er to the highest tower in the Imperial City to view the moon and release Kongming lanterns. That person took Luo Er to watch dances and ride in boats.

That person accompanied Luo Er in doing many such ordinary things. They were common activities that many youths in the world had done, yet they were things Qin Zhanluo had only ever heard about from others. To her, everything was new and strange.

Li Fuluan felt a sudden pang of heartache. For so many years, Luo Er was born into a royal family with fine clothes and food, yet she had never truly experienced even a shred of happiness. Thus, she allowed the presence of that youth, even after she discovered that the girl was actually a Prince from Yundu disguised as a woman.

Once, when Zhaoning and that youth were out boating, Li Fuluan happened to follow them secretly. She hid carefully, intending to observe from a place where they would not discover her. The child’s body was too weak, and it was the first time Li Fuluan read a trace of heartache and worry in Luo Er’s eyes.

But Qin Zhanluo’s subsequent behavior exceeded her expectations. Qin Zhanluo first gazed at the sleeping youth beside her for a long while, then carefully embraced her. Her movements were gentle and cautious, carrying a hint of nervousness. But Li Fuluan saw it clearly from a distance. Her daughter’s eyes were shimmering with care, her every action treating that youth as a precious treasure.

Li Fuluan’s heart skipped a beat. Luo Er’s feelings for that youth seemed to have surpassed ordinary friendship between playmates.

After returning from her prayers, Qin Zhanluo was clearly a different person. She was no longer bound by common etiquette or stiff and pedantic. On the contrary, even her brows held a newfound spirit. No matter how the tutors taught her thereafter, she remained calm and composed, her hidden sharpness growing. Qin Yuxiao was very satisfied.

Li Fuluan gradually felt that perhaps what she had seen that day was nothing significant. It was only natural for Luo Er to treasure such a special playmate. This remained until she accidentally discovered a painting hidden in Qin Zhanluo’s study. The youth in the painting had a smile in her eyes, her demeanor elegant and composed, with a touch of innate royal dignity.

“Mother.” A cool call came from behind, and Li Fuluan did not even have time to hide. Qin Zhanluo pushed open the door and saw Li Fuluan trying to set down the painting in her hand with some fluster.

Qin Zhanluo knew exactly who was in that painting. She lowered her eyes slightly and pursed her lips. Li Fuluan held the painting, not yet knowing how to speak.

“Mother, I know you once followed us.” The girl’s voice was cool and flat, causing Li Fuluan’s movement of drinking tea to pause. “Mother, what do you think of A Jin?”

Li Fuluan knew the child’s name was Yun Jin, which was a very beautiful name. It appeared that Luo Er had long been aware of her observations, but she had never spoken of it. Li Fuluan sighed in her heart. Luo Er had indeed grown up without her noticing.

“That little girl is very good. Mother likes her very much.” Though Li Fuluan was an elder, she never wished to be perfunctory with her daughter, so her tone was exceptionally serious. After all, it was that person who changed the Luo Er whose brows always held a trace of gloom. She was grateful.

“I like her very much, too.”

Li Fuluan’s heart throbbed heavily, yet she could not bring herself to ask what kind of like Qin Zhanluo meant. The matter passed as if it were a common occurrence. By mutual understanding, neither of them ever mentioned it again. However, the painting was later taken away by Qin Zhanluo, and Li Fuluan never found it again.

“Luo Er, recently the sons of several ministers have intended to propose marriage.” Li Fuluan pushed the register in her hand toward her. “Your Imperial Father’s meaning is that this decision must be made by you personally.”

On this matter, Li Fuluan and Qin Yuxiao had long reached an agreement. They would never force Qin Zhanluo. Everything was for her to decide. From the day of her birth, she was the Phoenix of Northern Chu. The Phoenix’s decisions should be hers to hold.

Qin Zhanluo did not touch the register. Her expression was neutral yet exceptionally firm. “I already have someone I love. In this life, it can be no one but her.”

Li Fuluan knew her well, so she asked tentatively, “Is it that child named Yun Jin?”

Qin Zhanluo did not hide it, answering decisively, “Yes.”

It was the expected answer, so Li Fuluan was not particularly shocked. She simply had not expected that Luo Er had never given up on those feelings. In fact, they had only grown more intense.

“Luo Er, have you truly thought this through? Setting everything else aside, simply the fact that you both are women.”

“Will Mother care?”

Li Fuluan fell into a silent pause for a moment, then laughed to herself. “Luo Er knows that your Imperial Father and I only want you to be happy. Beyond that, we ask for nothing else.”

On Li Fuluan’s side, this was considered a preliminary agreement. Next, she had to find a way to convince the Emperor. Thus, Li Fuluan told the Emperor the story of Qin Zhanluo’s time with Yun Jin in her youth in great detail. However, she deliberately omitted certain details regarding Yun Jin for the time being.

After listening, Qin Yuxiao remained silent for a long time, then sighed. “I pushed her too hard back then.” The image of Qin Zhanluo’s unhappiness from those years had always been hidden in his heart. Even later, he often felt regret and guilt for his single minded pursuit of achievement at that time.

“So, Your Majesty, is this an agreement?”

“I have said before, as long as it is Luo Er’s decision, she shall have the final word.” Qin Yuxiao pondered for a moment, his tone shifting slightly. “However, I want her to agree to one condition.”

Qin Zhanluo was to be the future heir of Northern Chu. She could not stay in Yundu to accompany Yun Jin forever. Thus, Qin Yuxiao made a pact with Qin Zhanluo. Only after she agreed did he allow her to go to Yundu under the name of a marriage alliance.

On the night two or three days after Qin Zhanluo had left Northern Chu, Li Fuluan prepared a table of imperial dishes in her Phoenix Palace and invited Qin Yuxiao to enjoy them together. She and Qin Yuxiao had been married for many years, and he had always favored her alone. Back then, Li Fuluan had chosen Qin Yuxiao because of his devotion, and she had willingly stayed in this harem. Because of his deep love for her, he never took concubines. She was the only one in the harem.

Li Fuluan smiled, pouring wine and serving dishes for him. Even after many years, her every look and smile remained the Emperor’s favorite. Qin Yuxiao’s expression was gentle and relaxed, savoring the rare leisure away from the court. When the time was right, Li Fuluan picked up her wine cup and slowly swirled it.

“Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.”

“Hmm? What is it, Fuluan?” Qin Yuxiao found it strange. Though he had not drunk much wine tonight, he felt slightly intoxicated. The wine seemed a bit strong.

Li Fuluan had already dismissed the maids in the Phoenix Palace. She looked into his eyes and told him the truth she had intentionally hidden. “The Prince that Luo Er loves is actually a woman.”

“What did you say?” Qin Yuxiao’s brow furrowed, and he immediately made to rise and order someone to bring Qin Zhanluo back.

“Alright, it is too late.” Li Fuluan offered a smile, advising him with foresight. In any case, this man could not move now.

Qin Yuxiao realized something was wrong and became somewhat annoyed. “This is nonsense! Fuluan! You actually drugged me!”

“Your Majesty should stay here comfortably. I promised Luo Er that I would never give you the chance to catch up to her.”

Not only did Li Fuluan not give him the chance to chase her, even if she had, his men would not be able to catch her now. Furthermore, even if she were brought back, what would it accomplish? Luo Er had already been so decisive.

“Nonsense! Absolute nonsense!”

“Your Majesty, if one truly loves someone, why must one be obsessed with the distinction between Yin and Yang? The world talks of natural laws and social norms, strictly following etiquette. But in this world, what truly counts as proper etiquette?” A different meaning flickered in Li Fuluan’s eyes. “If there had been a layer of etiquette between us back then, would Your Majesty have chosen to give me up?”

She knew he would not. Qin Yuxiao had once flared up and raged against the ministers’ advice to take more concubines, swearing she would be his only Empress in this life. An Emperor’s word is law. Since then, no one dared to mention it again.

All matters in the world are but for a bit of joy. It is often within reach, yet some spend their whole lives unable to find it. If their Princess’s heart was already firm, and she was certain this was the only way she could find her happiness, then why force her to let go?

Qin Yuxiao felt helpless, clearly persuaded by her words. His tone softened. “Alright, I know I cannot win an argument against you. Since this is Luo Er’s decision, what can I do? Let her be.”

“That is more like it. Come, Your Majesty, eat.” Li Fuluan picked a dish he liked and held the chopsticks to his lips. “Come, open wide, ah.”

Though Qin Yuxiao still frowned, he swallowed the food.

Support