Kunning Chapter 8: Hibiscus

In this life, Jiang Xuening had no initial intentions of reestablishing any contact with Zhou Yinzhi. However, an unexpected encounter with Xie Wei has altered her plans.

Now faced with the presence of Xie Wei, she finds herself compelled to ensure her own safety. Despite Zhou Yinzhi being a villain, the advantage of aligning with such characters lies in the potential for mutual benefit. As long as their interests align, they can pursue a common path and attain what they desire.

On this particular day, she sought out Jiang Boyou and presented a copy of "Children's Learning Qionglin" as an account book. Fearing that Xie Wei might attract the attention of the household servants, she acknowledged that her approach may not be sophisticated but certainly wasn't devoid of cleverness.

In her previous life, she lacked interest in matters concerning the capital and the court. At the tender age of fourteen, almost fifteen, she pondered her own experiences and destiny, unaware of the appearance of her enigmatic parents in Beijing. Lost in the wilderness, her heart was filled with fear and panic, leaving no room to decipher the deeper meaning behind someone's words during an illness.

Despite hearing those words before, she genuinely forgot them. Subsequently, she attempted to recall but could only vaguely remember phrases like "Shen Lang's character transcends responsibility" and "the common people of Li are human beings, and the Ninth Five-Year Lord is also a human being."

Nevertheless, Xie Wei persistently tested her thrice before relenting. Even though four years had passed in this life, witnessing her actions today might prompt him to reconsider, suspecting that she had always remembered his words but had mastered the art of feigning ignorance.

The courtyard was exceptionally quiet in the afternoon, with delicate branches hanging from the flower stand. The sun cast a slanting shadow to the west, resembling a red gauze draped over the verandah and in front of the steps.

Despite instructing Tang'er to locate Zhou Yinzhi, Jiang Xuening found herself sitting on the porch for an extended period, gradually calming her nerves. Contemplating the current situation, she identified three potential courses of action: First, persist in bravely pretending to be naive.

Ultimately, she was the first to showcase her abilities, earning herself prestige. However, Yan Lin took the blame, claiming that she had acted on his instructions. Yan Lin, indifferent to the exposure of secrets, was willing to acknowledge the crime as long as she pointed the finger at him. Furthermore, if everything went smoothly in the Marquis of Yongyi's household, Yan Lin could protect her. The lingering question was whether Xie Wei would believe her narrative.

The second option involved aligning herself with You Fangyin, who, despite being a devil in disguise, played a significant role in her previous life. However, obstacles existed: Yan Lin controlled the military in Yongyi's Marquis Mansion, while You Fangyin was a wealthy merchant with extensive connections. What capabilities and influence did she possess to capture Xie Wei's attention and gain his acceptance?

The third choice involved opposing Xie Wei outright without any strategic moves. Armed with knowledge of his deepest secrets, final schemes, and insights into court dynamics, her rebirth granted her foresight. Yet, she grappled with the stark reality: Xie Wei now held the position of the emperor's master, while she remained a mere girl. The vast disparity in status and power raised fears of her demise before any meaningful resistance could begin. Additionally, Xie Wei's cleverness thrived in the present, whereas her understanding of him from her previous life remained stagnant. How could she ensure victory in such a battle?

Reflecting on You Fangyin's oft-repeated phrase, "all roads lead to the capital," Jiang Xuening found herself facing apparent dead ends. Still, a fourth option lingered.

Regardless of Xie Wei's might, he was, after all, a man. In her previous life, she had adeptly manipulated men using feminine wiles. In this life, she could entertain the notion of coaxing the brilliant emperor. The idea sent shivers down her spine, and she promptly quashed it, admonishing herself: "No, you must not entertain such a dreadful idea…"

Associating Xie Wei with Shen Jie, Yan Lin, Zhou Yinzhi, and even Zhang Zhe, she recognized that they were distinct entities.

Jiang Xuening will forever remember a moment from her past life when she felt utterly lost. In desperation, she devised a plan: donning a pale yellow palace dress, adorned with captivating makeup, she would visit Xinuang Pavilion at night, carrying a cup of soup from the imperial dining room. However, when Xie Wei laid eyes on her attire and makeup, his gaze darkened, and his barely perceptible raised eyebrows revealed that he saw through her facade. He greeted her with a faint smile, saying, "Your Majesty, have some self-respect." That night, overwhelmed with shame, she hastily retreated.

Even now, the memory of that incident makes Jiang Xuening cringe, and the thought of reliving such humiliation is unbearable. Acting against Xie Wei, especially in a self-inflicted manner, is out of the question for her.

Considering her current predicament, the most viable options are the first and second methods. The third option is dismissed by Jiang Xuening as a dead end; she will never willingly oppose Xie Wei unless pushed to a desperate extreme.

Having pondered these choices, meeting Zhou Yinzhi becomes crucial for various reasons—whether to address the impending involvement of Yongyi Hou Mansion in the old case of King Pingnan or simply to establish herself as a useful asset and bargaining chip.

However, before Zhou Yinzhi arrives, Jiang Xuening encounters an unexpected visitor. Tang'er hasn't returned yet when a woman approaches her, smiling and bowing. This woman, part of Meng's retinue, conveys that Madam heard about trouble involving Jiang Xuening's household and wishes to discuss the matter. This news surprises both Jiang Xuening and Mrs. Meng, who are puzzled by her sudden absence the previous night.

Jiang Xuening, who isn't particularly close to her biological mother Meng Shi, greets both her and Jiang Xuehui with a somewhat muted tone. The strained relationship is evident, and despite the formalities, her demeanor suggests an underlying discomfort: "I understand. Let's proceed."

Jiang Xuehui, standing beside her, was completely disregarded.

Upon learning of Jiang Xuening's grudge against her sister Hui, Mrs. Meng furrowed her delicate eyebrows but refrained from commenting on it directly. Instead, she urged, "Rise and tell me what's happening today. Are the maids causing a commotion?"

Jiang Xuening responded, "They've been unruly in the household for a while, and today it's escalating. Yesterday, while I was out with Yan Lin, I mentioned that Yan Lin had taught a method to discipline them. That's why the situation unfolded this way when I returned. If any disturbance occurs, it's the daughter's fault, not to blame the mother."

When others refer to Yan Lin, they usually address him as the "Little Marquis" or "Yan Shizi," including Jiang Boyou and the Meng family. However, Jiang Xuening is an exception. Openly calling him by name signifies the special favor Yan Lin bestows upon her.

Hearing this, Mrs. Meng's frown deepened.

Despite Yan Lin's prestigious background, unruly behavior like Ning's poses a challenge to Meng's traditional values. Ning used to be quite obedient when she was first taken in, but ever since meeting Yan Lin, she adopted a male disguise and roamed the city under the alias "Master Jiang's Cousin." The entire family had to cover for her.

Feeling the need to address the matter firmly, Mrs. Meng stated, "In the past, I thought it was excessive for you to go out with Shizi Yan. However, since the master has acquiesced to this arrangement, I can't say much about it. But tolerance is not approval, Ning. You must be mindful of your actions. The eldest daughter stays out all night and indulges in frivolous activities throughout the day. Even if you have a prince to look after you, your reputation is still at stake. Consider your sister, who is yet to be married—what will others say about the Jiang family's girl?"

Meng Shi's words hold merit.

If news of her actions were to circulate, it would indeed implicate Jiang Xuehui.

Reason dictated to Jiang Xuening that she shouldn't perceive anything wrong with these words, yet an undercurrent of hostility within her made her subtly clench her palms by her sides. She closed her eyes and replied, "What mother said is true. The daughter will exercise greater caution in the future."

Hearing her somewhat perfunctory response, Mrs. Meng stood there with a composed expression, but a momentary anger flickered across her face.

With a decisive "snap," she pressed down the teacup in her hand, seemingly on the verge of reprimanding her.

Observing the scene, Jiang Xuehui, standing nearby, felt a twitch in her eyelids and sighed inwardly. Although her mother meant well, such stern words undoubtedly forced her younger sister into a challenging position. This account might need settling in the future. How could she sit idly and watch the Meng family's censure?

Jiang Xuehui hurriedly intervened, gently holding Meng Shi's hand to prevent her from taking further action. She said, "You must understand that my sister, who may have been reluctant to heed Yan Shizi's words in the past, is now willingly accepting advice from others to manage her household. She has become more mature and stable. If Prince Yan can guide my sister towards improvement, why worry about gossip? A decent marriage for my sister will reflect positively on the family. In the future, my marriage may also benefit from my sister's honor. I implore mother to ease her concerns. Today, when I faced trouble with the Wang Xing household, it was my sister who stepped forward to help."

Jiang Xuening, silently observing, knew it was merely a case of Wang Xing's family spreading rumors and pilfering her belongings, unrelated to Jiang Xuehui.

Mrs. Meng, hearing this explanation, found it plausible.

However, retracting her earlier words proved difficult. When she raised her eyes, she saw Jiang Xuening standing there with a stoic, expressionless face. Although the facial features resembled hers, the subtle charm at the eyes and brows reminded her more of Wanniang, that wretched woman.

She immediately lost her composure, waved her hand dismissively, and said, "Never mind. In any case, your father is in charge of your affairs. Go back and spare us the nighttime greetings."

"Yes, the daughter will take her leave."

Meng Shi didn't want to linger, and Jiang Xuening had no intention of prolonging the encounter.

She bowed gracefully and exited.

At this moment, the sky was gradually darkening, casting a brilliant glow on the setting sun.

Beneath the wall behind the western chamber, a wood hibiscus was planted, its pink flowers varying in shades, creating a stunning display under the sunlight.

As she walked by with Lian'er, a hibiscus branch suddenly brushed against her head.

The blossoming hibiscus fell, prompting Jiang Xuening to instinctively reach out and catch it. When she looked up, she saw Yan Lin, donned in a dark black robe with a leather belt around his waist. Seated on the hibiscus-adorned wall, one leg casually bent, he held a sword in one hand and greeted her with a smile. "Today's lecture ended early, but His Holy Majesty detained me in conversation for quite some time. I've just left the palace. The day after tomorrow is the Double Ninth Festival, and there will be a lantern festival in Beijing. You should go and see."

The warm hues of the sunset bathed the flowers and caressed his cheeks.

Jiang Xuening found herself momentarily dazzled, lost in a reverie.

After a brief lapse, she comprehended his words: the Double Ninth Lantern Festival. It brought to mind the events of her previous life when Shen Zhiyi, Leyang's Eldest Princess, met her disguised as a man and fell in love during that very festival.