5 Princess Tong Qing's Gifts

The East courtyard was empty of the monastery patrons when the He sisters arrived at the pavilion in the middle of the large lotus pond. Here and there, the lotus blossoms were blooming happily, inviting onlookers to come for a closer look. In the water among the blooms were hundreds of koi joyfully swimming back and forth. Overall, the courtyard was a peaceful retreat that could make one forget the passage of time and the noisy world outside.

It was the perfect place for He Xue Zhen to reflect on the turmoil in her heart.

While their maid served tea, He Yu Ting tried to engage her in minor conversations before excusing herself to tour the garden when her sister seems to be in a daze. Wanting to be alone, He Xue Zhen allowed Li Ping to accompany He Yu Ting and Li Mei.

Her gaze drifting among the lotuses, He Xue Zhen never thought there will be a day she would fall in love. Even more, this was the type a person would call love at first sight as in the plays she sometimes attended with her sister. She always thought she would marry when it was time and hope to gradually come to love her husband just as her parents did.

Like her father and mother before marriage, she never met her fiancé, Feng Peng Fei. And while there were many bad rumors about the type of person he is, it was well known that he was not a lustful man. He kept no concubines in the side rooms nor were there any rumors of relationships with other women. In that regards, He Xue Hua considered herself luckier than most others who have to live with their husband's other women and children.

But now that another person suddenly occupied her heart, how will she spend her days once her fiancé comes for her? The thought made her heart hurt but she couldn't stop herself from imaging her future days with a man she doesn't love but must devote herself to.

Not realizing that she had been contemplating for a long time and feeling thirsty, He Xue Hua was surprised to find her tea in the teacup had warmed when she pressed the jade cup against her lips. Wanting to refresh the tea in her cup, she reached for the teapot.

"Miss He."

The sudden address of her name from a familiar voice startled He Xue Hua and she almost dropped the cup in her hand. Thankfully she had a good grip and didn't embarrass herself by dropping it. Standing up and turning around, she was shocked to find the Marquis standing at the threshold of the pavilion. Quickly, she made a curtsy, making sure to keep her trembling hands hidden under her sleeves and carefully averting her eyes by starting the design of his shoes. "He Xue Hua greets Marquis Jiao."

Her greeting was met with silence and she became nervous. Wondering if she had offended him in some way, He Xue Hua carefully lifted her eyes to look at his face. Her heart stuttered at the piercing dark eyes staring back at her. "Miss He is too polite," he finally said, his voice sounding normal as if nothing was amidst while his eyes continued to bore into her own. When he finished his sentence, the marquis went to sit down at the table. "I didn't think that after a few months, Miss He now considers me a stranger. I thought that after going through some turbulent times together, you and I are at the very least friends."

Friends? He Xue Hua couldn't help but froze, realizing the reason for the Marquis' displeasure. It was true that he had saved her life. Even more, that moment when her life was in peril and she was about to meet her death, his sudden dashing appearance suddenly appeared before her eyes. He was not afraid of death and courageously jumped down the cliff's edge to rescue her. It was an image that etched in her heart forever. How could she not be grateful? Not to mention being unable to keep herself from giving her heart to him. A stranger? He will never be a stranger to her.

But He Xue Hua knew her lot in life. He was not destined for her, even as friends. In this world, what man and woman could consider themselves friends?

Moreover, Marquis Jiao was a man with great potential and powerful status. One day he will become the nation's prime minister, a man above all but the emperor. She was not even noble in blood or title. How could they even be friends? At most, he was her savior.

"I don't dare," He Xue Hua replied after much thought. Her response was met with silence but she could easily feel a strange aura radiating off him, making her can't help but be a bit fearful that she had offended him again. Just as He Xue Hua felt that she couldn't stand the silence any longer, he suddenly spoke.

"Today is an auspicious day, mother wants to come and pray for the health of the emperor and the prosperity of the nation, so I accompanied her," he informed her as he poured himself a cup of tea and then pour another cup for her. "Miss He, please sit and have some tea."

"T-thanks, Marquis Jiao," she responded as she carefully sat across from him.

"Unfortunately, although I often accompanied her here, my actions today is quite selfish," he continued as he raised the cup to his lip. "Thankfully, the person I accompanied arrive safety and I was not punished for my selfishness. In the end, the person I want to meet appeared."

Her hand that was holding the teacup shook and she quickly placed it back down on the table. Was he trying to tell her that he came here especially to see her?

"Marquis Jiao had made many accomplishments for the Emperor and the nation. The heavens will not punish you for being selfish once in a while."

He laughed but didn't respond. Instead, he drank his tea and went stand at the edge of the pavilion, taking in the beautiful view of the lotus pond.

"Did Miss He and your sister receive the medicine my estate sent over for Miss He Yu Ting's injuries?"

He Xue Hua quickly stood and curtsied in thanks. "Yes. Our household did receive the medicine and my father had sent words and gifts to thank the Marquis Estate for your thoughtful consideration. Our household is just a lowly merchant family, I hope the Marquis doesn't look down on our meager gifts and accept our gratitude." While she responded, she couldn't help but twist her fingers into a fist under her sleeves, hoping the Marquis may understand her meaning. If… if perhaps there are feelings, she could only use these measly words to respond. If there's none, then her words were still appropriate.

"Our Jiao Estate has never been inconsiderate of others. As long as the thoughts and feelings are sincere, we will happily accept and reciprocate," He turned around and looked at her, his determined eyes glittering against the sunlight as he stared at her. "Miss He, I, Jiao Heng have always prided myself in being a straightforward person and a man of integrity. Meeting that day by the cliff, it could also be considered fate."

Stepping forward, he took out a two small engraved, mahogany boxes from his sleeve and put them on the table. "Imperial mother have heard of you and your sister's bravery in protecting the army's rations. She also heard of the He's family business and its practice in giving blankets and food to the poor. She long admires your family for your courage and kindness. These are the gifts she bestows upon Miss He and your sister. Please don't look down on the Jiao Estate and accept our sincerity." After he finished, he gave her a hard look before walking away.

Meanwhile, He Yu Ting led the two maids to the back courtyard of the monastery. She knew her sister wanted some time alone. However, the front courtyard was filled with people of the Prime Minister's Estate, so she could only idle her time by touring the back courtyard.

Who knew that after walking around for a while, a familiar figure saw her and didn't hesitate to approach her. As the figure came to stand before her, He Yu Ting and her maids curtsied. "He Yu Ting greets General Jiao."

He smiled, his eyes sparkling against the bright sunlight. "Miss He, it's been a long time. Have you been well?"

"Thanks for the general's thought. I have been well."

Jiao Ying Jie stared at her for a moment before bursting out laughing. These He family's sisters… always so gentle and polite. If he didn't witness her brave attempt to save the army rations and save her sister, he wouldn't believe that there was deep strength hidden within her. Not wanting to give her a hard time, he casually commented and asked, "Today is an auspicious day, is Miss He here to pray?"

If one is not here to pray on an auspicious day, what are they here for? This question suddenly popped into her thoughts, but she didn't dare say it. However, it seems that the general caught wind of it from her expression as his eyes expressed amusement as he stared back at her. He Yu Ting had no choice but to nod. "I came with my sister to pray. But upon arrival, Princess Tong Qing was coming out of the main hall. We didn't want to disturb the princess so we could only wait in the side courtyard."

"Miss He and your sister are too polite." He stated after a moment. "My mother has heard of your bravery a few months ago and had expressed her wish to meet you both. It's too bad she already left." When he noted that He Yu Ting didn't make any response, he changed the subject. "How are the wounds on your hands?"

"The medicine general gave me last time were good. There's no scarring just like you said."

"Good! No scarring is very good." He smiled, his eye lighting up as he looked at her. As a military man, he isn't shallow. Getting wounded and obtaining scars on the body was nothing but occupational hazards of a military life. However, for a woman, having scars was not ideal and could affect some aspects of life. Thus, her not obtaining any scars was good. He also doesn't want her to be reminded that due to his negligence, she and her sister almost lost their lives.

His looking at her made He Yu Ting couldn't help but blush. This man… why was he looking at her like that? Like he could see into her soul.

Flustered, He Yu Ting quickly excused herself. "I left my sister at the Lotus Pavilion for a while now and should head back. I ask to be excused."

Before she could even curtsy, who knew that he amusedly commented, "Good. I'll escort you there. Earlier, elder brother said he hadn't visited the East courtyard to see the lotus pond in a long time and wanted to go see it. He must still be there."

Was Marquis Jiao at the East courtyard too? This news stunned her for a few moments. Then her sister being there too, wouldn't that mean they will meet?

He Yu Ting fretted in her heart. Her sister meeting the Marquis again was not a good thing. If after not meeting many months, her sister's affection towards him was this strong, what would seeing him again do to her fragile heart?

At this moment, she wanted to run back to the East courtyard, but the man escorting her was General Jiao. Therefore, she could only follow him at a leisurely pace. All the while, she couldn't help but beg in her heart: Oh great General Jiao, could you please walk faster?!

The distant returning to the Lotus Pavilion wasn't great so it wasn't long before they arrived. Who knew that once they crossed the bridge and entered the pavilion, the only person there was He Xue Hua.

"He Xue Hua greets General Jiao," her sister greeted the moment she saw him and then turned to her sister. "Yu Ting, how did you two came here together?"

"I came across Miss He while touring the back courtyard and escorted her back. Miss He, how are you?" General Jiao answered before He Yu Ting could open her mouth.

He Xue Hua smiled and cautiously answered, "Thank you, General Jiao, for asking. He Xue Hua is fine."

General Jiao nodded and looked around. "Elder brother mentioned about wanting to come here to view the lotuses. Your younger sister informed me that Miss He was also here for a while. Did you happen to see him?"

He Yu Ting saw a slight tremor on her sister's hands and something flashed across her eyes. Thankfully, her sister concealed it so well and General Jiao did not notice it.

"Yes. Marquis Jiao was just here. He only sat for a few moments, said a few words, then quickly left after."

"In that case, I will go find him," he smiled at the two sisters and bid farewell. However, he didn't forget to remind He Yu Ting to take care of her wounds well before he left. He Yu Ting was also curious at the look in his eyes when he looked behind them into the pavilion.

"Jiejie, this is…" He Yu Ting asked as He Xue Hua pushed an opened ornate box toward her.

Her sister frowned as she eyed the content within the engraved, mahogany box. "They're from Princess Tong Qing. Marquis Jiao helped her send it to me earlier at the lotus pavilion. He said she admires our courage and kindness."

He Yu Ting turned the box around to face her and then took one of the delicately carved bracelets into her hand. After looking at it for a moment, her eyes widen in shock. She looked at her sister. "This—"

With a nod, He Xue Hua answered the unspoken question, her eyes filled with longing and distress as she glanced the precious jewel. "Princess Tong Qing's heirloom."

In the city of Jing, who doesn't know of Princess Tong Qing's specially crafted heirlooms? Every family of means who wants to further their status and careers and have daughters of marriageable ages knew of these precious and most sought-after treasures.

It was rumored that before she was bestowed her title, Princess Tong Qing's dowry was a set of precious blood jade stones from her maternal family. As an unfavored concubine daughter with a maternal family from an insignificant and poor clan, the jades was all her stepmother was willing to give for her dowry since it was all her mother brought when she entered the family to be one of her father's concubines.

Thus, even after Princess Tong Qing entered the palace, she valued the blood jades above all the extravagant treasures and generous gifts the previous Emperor had bestowed on her. After giving birth to both her sons, the princess ordered for the blood jades to be made into bangles and waist pendants. Each bangle were delicately carved with a set of dragon and phoenix with gold embellishments to match each pairing pendants. She intended to give the pendants to each of her sons and then gift her future daughter-in-law with the bangles when they married. As each piece has the characters "happiness" carved into the jade, it was clear what Princess Tong Qing wishes for both of her sons' marriages.

But while the bangles represented a mother's love and wish for her sons, to the rest of the country, it represents a future of riches, prestige, and power. It was no wonder every family in the capital yearned to process these items for themselves.

He Yu Ting never though she will have a chance to catch a glimpse of these bangles. Even more, she never thought she'll have a chance to view the item this close! But for Princess Tong Qing to gift it to her sister and her…

Her eyes widened in shock once she'd finally realized the reason behind her sister's distress and she quickly returned the bangle to its original place. "We cannot accept these."

"But we cannot reject them either," He Xue Hua stated worriedly. "The princess is not someone we can ignore or reject."

He Yu Ting cannot help but sigh and nodded in agreement. Princess Tong Qing may not be of royal blood, but her title was still a princess. Even more, this title was bestowed by the previous Emperor. Not even the current Emperor could take it away from her. One may not give her face, but one cannot disregard the imperial dragon sitting on the throne behind her. She also had a husband who was the prime minister and two very accomplished sons. To refuse such a person will spell disaster for the whole clan.

Her heart beating against her chest, she cannot help but think of the consequences of accepting the gift as well as the consequences of not accepting it.

While He Xue Hua's engagement was not an official one, it was not a secret in the city of Jing that she was spoken for. Otherwise, her sister would have been married years ago. With her beauty and grace, she was among some of the top beauties in the capital. It was just that her intended was a powerful and merciless man most families are unwilling to cross.

The Red Dragon Trading Guild might not be noble or royalty but they possessed enormous power and wealth in the kingdom. Their influences reached well beyond the borders of the empire and they have allies in neighboring countries. Even more, it was rumored their wealth was comparable to that of the emperor. Naturally, this standing in wealth and prestige would threaten the throne. Fortunately, the Feng family clan had a sacred doctrine that has been passed on for generations: All descendants of the clan are forbidden to become an official, marry into an official or royal family, or to involve themselves with political matters. Any members found to associate themselves disobeying this doctrine are be disowned and no longer allowed to use the name Feng. Thus, with the exception of trades, the Feng clan, and the Trading Guild do not associate themselves with the political matters of the empire, allowing the current monarch to sigh in relief. However, despite the doctrine, the Feng clan's influence in the empire was still significant and not many families, noble or otherwise, were willing to cross them.

To send the bangles to He Xue Hua was a direct offense against the Feng clan. So why did Princess Tong Qing sent the bangles over? He Yu Ting doesn't consider herself an ignorant person, so she knew the intentions of the princess in sending over not one but both of the heirlooms. The Princess must also know of He Xue Hua's engagement yet still didn't hesitate to send them over. Was she not afraid of the repercussion that will follow?

The matter was too complicated to think at the moment. She could only try to find a solution. "We cannot reject nor could we accept… Jiejie, the only other option is to meet to Marquis Jiao."

He Xue Hua sighed and nodded in agreement.

To have Princess Tong Qing's approval and blessing, she doesn't know if this gift was a blessing…or a curse.