Chapter 62: County Princess Ji'an! A Beauty in Tang Attire Makes Her Entrance!

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On the morning of the second day, the street outside the main gates of the Liu Manor was densely packed with a throng of people. However, these individuals stood in orderly rows, all gazing expectantly towards the distant end of the street, awaiting the arrival of a great personage! News that the County Princess would be temporarily residing at the Liu Manor for a few days had already spread like wildfire throughout the entire Eastern Capital. Consequently, those waiting here now included not only members of the Liu family but also other officials, both high and low-ranking, along with their families.

Naturally, many an eye cast in Liu Shen's direction was filled with envy and resentment. After all, everyone present was a garrison official in the Eastern Capital; how was it that he was so fortunate as to first host the Marquis of Jining, and now, hot on his heels, the County Princess was also to arrive?! Looking at it this way, the Liu family was poised for a meteoric rise! Perhaps it wouldn't be long before they could leave the Eastern Capital and return to the Imperial City!

"Duke Chen! I hear your esteemed son will soon be heading to the capital for the imperial examinations!" Liu Shen, whose household had previously been rather neglected, now seized the opportunity to engage in conversation with several of his superiors and colleagues from within the Eastern Capital. "My own worthless son will also be participating in this year's provincial examination! Why not let the two of them travel together?" "My boy has caught the favorable eye of the County Princess; it's only a matter of time before he receives a promotion and advances in rank!" "In the future, our two families should interact more frequently. Mutual support in our official careers will surely be beneficial to us all!"

However, the official addressed as Duke Chen merely cast a cool glance at Liu Shen, then, with a contemptuous smirk, said, "Whoever can successfully form a marriage alliance with Prince Ning, that is whom I shall consider an ally!" The moment these words fell, Liu Shen was momentarily stunned, but he quickly understood their implication.

After all, the current claims about the County Princess and Liu Chang being childhood sweethearts were all his own assertions. The officials of the Eastern Capital would certainly not believe them until they witnessed something concrete with their own eyes. Moreover, if Liu Chang truly possessed the qualifications to marry the County Princess, then three years ago, he should have already become the esteemed son-in-law of Prince Ning's household. Why then would his entire family have been demoted to a garrison post in the Eastern Capital? Even though the County Princess was, as they said, recently widowed, it didn't necessarily mean she was someone the Liu family could successfully curry favor with!

Having understood these points, Liu Shen immediately closed his mouth and said no more. However, in his heart, he secretly made a firm resolution. You people fawn over the powerful and trample on the weak, ignoring me! Just wait until the County Princess and my son become an item; we'll see what expressions you wear then!

Meanwhile, in the queue where the female relatives stood, He Weifang was craning her neck, searching for something. "Hmm? Why don't I see the Marquis of Jining?" Upon scanning her surroundings and realizing that not only was Wei Tingyu absent, but his three consorts were also nowhere to be found, He Weifang's heart immediately began to flutter with anxiety. Logically, with the County Princess arriving, the Marquis of Jining should also be present to offer greetings! Since he was nowhere in sight, could it be that he had already departed?

It had to be known that the previous night, He Weifang had waited for more than half the night in a state of both trepidation and eager anticipation, yet Wei Tingyu had not come to seek her out again. While she had breathed a sigh of relief, she had also mentally cursed this "heartless man" a few times! "After all, he had just 'possessed' me the day before, and today he doesn't even show his face!" Now, with no sign of Wei Tingyu or his consorts, He Weifang grew even more frantic. Could it be that this fellow is truly a scumbag, one who simply 'pulls up his trousers and bolts' after having his way with a woman?

At this thought, she even furrowed her delicate brows. As a result, she caught sight of her mother-in-law glaring at her with an expression of fury. Heavens! This gave He Weifang quite a fright! After all, she was currently searching for her lover; being caught in the act by her mother-in-law made her subconsciously feel guilty. With a troubled conscience, she hastily turned her head, no longer daring to scan her surroundings, though her small eyes continued to dart about restlessly.

And at that very moment, a grand procession of carriages and horses appeared in the distance, slowly making its way towards the main gates of the Liu Manor!

...

"My Lord Marquis, you really are something! The County Princess is arriving today, and you are still dilly-dallying in your room!" Dou Zhao, having fastened Wei Tingyu's sash, looked at her husband before her with an affectedly sweet and complaining pout.

"County Princess? Am I particularly well-acquainted with her?" Wei Tingyu, however, merely let out a dismissive, cold chuckle. Then, taking advantage of Dou Zhao's momentary inattention, he swiftly wrapped an arm around her slender waist, pulled her forward, bent his head, and planted a resounding kiss on her small lips!

Although Wei Tingyu was not well-acquainted with the County Princess, he bore her no ill will either! However, her ostentatious display of pomp was truly excessive; before even arriving in the Eastern Capital the previous night, she had dispatched messengers to instruct everyone to gather at the main gates to welcome her. While Wei Tingyu's current status might not compare to that of her father, Prince Ning, he absolutely disdained engaging in such sycophantic acts! Furthermore, as a transmigrator possessing a "golden finger," even if Prince Ning himself were to arrive, Wei Tingyu might not necessarily pay him much heed, let alone a mere County Princess. He now possessed sufficient capital to openly challenge them!

"Ah!" Dou Zhao, caught completely off guard, her vermilion lips thus "conquered," couldn't help but shoot Wei Tingyu a playful glare. She then quickly retreated two steps, escaping the circle of his arms. Simultaneously, her face blushing, she cast a surreptitious glance at Miao Ansu and Zhao Zhangru nearby. These two "sisters," upon seeing Dou Zhao being thus taken advantage of by Wei Tingyu so early in the morning, not only showed no signs of jealousy but instead covered their mouths and tittered with amusement. Their expressions were entirely like those of "melon-eating" bystanders, as if the matter had nothing whatsoever to do with them.

"He is a Marquis, after all; how can he be so rascally!" Dou Zhao felt a strong urge to scold Wei Tingyu soundly, but she didn't quite know how to phrase it. Moreover, for a wife to berate her husband was considered highly disrespectful. Thus, she could only sigh helplessly and voice her complaint.

"Am I rascally?" Wei Tingyu blinked, then beckoned to Miao Ansu, who was standing nearby still holding his cloak. Upon seeing this, Miao Ansu's small face immediately flushed crimson. Nevertheless, she obediently walked over to Wei Tingyu, allowing his large hand to encircle her shoulder. Then, as she watched Wei Tingyu's face slowly descend towards hers, although her heart was filled with shyness, she still obediently closed her eyes. When the sensation on her lips departed, Miao Ansu's small face was already thoroughly flushed, yet she merely gazed at Wei Tingyu with dazed, bewildered eyes, unable to utter a single word.

"Just look at how wonderfully obedient Susu is!" Wei Tingyu was genuinely smug at this moment. Setting aside all else, this young woman, Miao Ansu, was truly both submissive and compliant, perfectly fulfilling the fantasies of all men with chauvinistic tendencies! Yes! he thought. Susu must be established as the paragon for all women in this household, a model for everyone to emulate! Of course, this was merely Wei Tingyu's current wishful thinking. At least within this room, Zhao Zhangru regarded such behavior with utter disdain.

"Susu, ah! How could you behave like that?" Zhao Zhangru, seeing Miao Ansu's demeanor, as docile as a little kitten, couldn't help but exclaim, "We all agreed before that we would unite, that we wouldn't let the Lord Marquis act so arbitrarily! How could you betray your sisters so quickly?"

"A husband is the guiding principle for a wife; moreover, I am merely a concubine," Miao Ansu replied softly, feeling rather embarrassed by Zhao Zhangru's pointed remark.

"Sigh! I believe you are beyond saving!" Zhao Zhangru, with an expression of utter exasperation, slapped her own forehead. "The Lord Marquis just beckons to you, and you scurry over like an eager puppy? Indeed, when trying to accomplish great deeds, the thing one fears most is a traitor in the ranks!"

"Accomplish what great deeds?" Wei Tingyu was thoroughly amused by this. So, my three consorts have been secretly conspiring to stage a rebellion in my own manor, have they?

"What great deeds could we possibly accomplish? It's all just playful banter!" Dou Zhao also laughed at this point. Previously, the three ladies had indeed conspired quite well: how they would manage Wei Tingyu in the future, ensure he wasn't too philandering, prevent him from casually bringing new "sisters" into the household, and so on... However, looking at the current situation, it was clearly impossible to control him! Especially Miao Ansu; she possessed not an iota of resistance against Wei Tingyu's charms. Of course, Dou Zhao also knew in her heart that her own situation wasn't much better; at best, she could probably hold out for two or three seconds longer than Miao Ansu!

"Alright, it's about time," Dou Zhao, at this thought, stepped forward again, took the cloak from Miao Ansu's hands, and draped it over Wei Tingyu's shoulders. She then lightly patted his chest twice. "The County Princess is, after all, a member of the imperial family. We should not be overly discourteous." Only upon hearing this did Wei Tingyu nod. His principal wife's words were indeed reasonable! And she had a valid point. Although he was not afraid of Prince Ning at present, there was no need to escalate matters to the point of open conflict. He should, at least for now, continue to bide his time and conceal his true strength.

"Wait!" However, just as Wei Tingyu turned to leave, Zhao Zhangru suddenly called out, "Has My Lord Marquis forgotten something?" "Forgotten what?" This time, not only Wei Tingyu but also Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu were taken aback. The two women exchanged a glance, neither understanding what Zhao Zhangru was referring to.

"It's just..." Zhao Zhangru, seeing all three pairs of eyes on her, suddenly felt a little embarrassed. Nevertheless, she stubbornly looked at Wei Tingyu, extended a slender, jade-like finger, and pointed to her own crimson lips. "My Lord Marquis cannot favor one and neglect the other..." Understood! In that instant, all three of them showed expressions of dawning comprehension. This young woman was displeased because she had just seen Wei Tingyu kiss Dou Zhao and then Miao Ansu, but had neglected to kiss her! But that's not right! they thought. Didn't she just criticize Miao Ansu for succumbing so easily to Wei Tingyu's tenderness?

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Zhao Zhangru, noticing Miao Ansu's gaze, which was now filled with a teasing glint, felt her own small face flush red. Nevertheless, she bravely walked over, stood on her tiptoes, and planted a firm kiss on Wei Tingyu's lips. Then, paying no heed to the three individuals愣 in place, she turned and strode out of the room. "My Lord Marquis, aren't you going to hurry? I can already hear the bells of the County Princess's carriage at the gate!" As Zhao Zhangru's voice drifted back, the three remaining individuals finally snapped out of their reverie.

Wei Tingyu's lips twitched. At this moment, he was truly somewhat speechless. Good heavens! This Zhao Zhangru is certainly proactive enough! But then again... was I just teased by her? Where am I supposed to put my dignity as a Marquis after that?

...

"Reporting to Your Highness, the County Princess! We have arrived at the Liu Manor!" County Princess Ji'an's attendant maid, after the carriage had come to a complete stop, stepped forward to announce their arrival to the occupant within. She then slowly opened the carriage door. Immediately, a face of exquisite, classical Tang Dynasty beauty appeared within the sight of all present. It had to be said, County Princess Ji'an truly possessed the captivating grace and charm of a Tang Dynasty belle! Coupled with the inherent noble aura from her royal lineage, the female relatives present were all deeply impressed and awed. The men, almost in unison, lowered their heads. After all, until the County Princess deigned to speak, no one would dare to rashly lift their gaze and offend her august presence! Yet, amidst the crowd, there was one man who craned his neck to look at the County Princess. Their eyes met in an instant, and simultaneously, both revealed knowing smiles.

County Princess Ji'an took a deep breath and slowly emerged from the carriage. Instantly, everyone present knelt and paid their respects, "We greet Your Highness, the County Princess, and wish you golden well-being!" County Princess Ji'an's gaze swept across the assembly and immediately fell upon He Weifang, who was standing beside Liu Chang's mother. From her attire and position, she instantly knew this woman was Liu Chang's principal wife. Her expression flickered. A servant quickly darted forward, prostrating himself beside the carriage to serve as a human stool. County Princess Ji'an then stepped directly onto the servant's back to descend. However, after alighting, she did not speak immediately. Instead, she allowed everyone to remain kneeling there for a considerable moment before finally, in a languid tone, she said, "You may dispense with the formalities."

"Our thanks to Your Highness!" the crowd replied in unison and rose. Liu Chang, however, frowned slightly at this moment. He had already sensed that something was amiss; this County Princess seemed rather different from the "white moonlight" image he held of her in his memory. Although Liu Chang was narrow-minded and enjoyed putting on airs, he generally considered himself a person of lofty principles. He instinctively felt a sense of aversion towards the County Princess's high-and-mighty, inconsiderate manner.

"Your Highness..." Liu Shen, as the head of the Liu household, stepped forward at this point, offered a respectful bow to County Princess Ji'an, and was just about to usher her inside when he saw her turn directly and walk towards Liu Chang.

"Zishu! It has been a long time. Have you been well lately?" County Princess Ji'an looked directly at Liu Chang and inquired, simultaneously casting a sidelong glance at He Weifang, who was standing not far away. This was clearly a deliberate act of provocation! However, her actions at this moment only filled He Weifang with utter disdain! This Liu Chang, if you like him, you can have him! This old lady isn't going to compete with you for him! Did you really think I would become jealous and fight with you over this scoundrel? He Weifang found County Princess Ji'an's act of "shadow boxing"—fighting an imaginary rival—to be utterly laughable!

Liu Shen, however, became quite smug at this juncture. He cast a sidelong glance at Duke Chen, who had just rebuffed him, as if to say, Did you see that? Is County Princess Ji'an's affection for my son false?

"All is well," Liu Chang replied with a faint smile. "I have heard of Your Highness's recent bereavement. I hope Your Highness will not grieve excessively."

County Princess Ji'an smiled faintly, then turned her gaze to Liu Shen and inquired, "I hear that the Marquis of Jining is also currently lodging in this manor. Why is there no sign of him?"

"His Lordship, the Marquis, he..." Liu Shen was taken aback. He had personally gone to inform Wei Tingyu early that morning. Who would have thought the Marquis wouldn't deign to come out and offer a greeting? As a mere minor garrison official of the Eastern Capital, how could he dare to question him further?

"Greetings, County Princess!" However, at that very moment, a firm yet melodious voice called out from within the courtyard gates of the Liu Manor. Then, Wei Tingyu, accompanied by his three consorts, slowly emerged.

County Princess Ji'an was momentarily startled. Looking at Wei Tingyu, she frowned delicately. Although both were aristocrats from the capital, they had never met before. However, she had heard of this Marquis of Jining's reputation: one who was utterly engrossed in writing poetry and painting, the very model of a profligate young master, devoid of any grand ambition. And wasn't he now here, having leisurely made his way to the Eastern Capital? He even brought three beautiful consorts with him—indeed, just as the rumors described, a man like "mud that cannot be plastered onto a wall"!

However, the sight of Dou Zhao, Miao Ansu, and Zhao Zhangru also gave County Princess Ji'an a slight jolt. For these three women, in terms of appearance, beauty, and aura, were all first-class stunners! Most importantly, judging by their current expressions and radiant complexions, it was evident that their lives in the Marquis's Manor were exceedingly happy. This caused County Princess Ji'an, who had endured three years of utter misery, to feel a surge of profound resentment!

"Marquis of Jining, could it be that you overindulged in fine wine last night and ended up sleeping amongst the flowers?" Thinking this, County Princess Ji'an felt extremely displeased. She looked at Wei Tingyu with a cold frown and posed this question.

"Your Highness jests!" Wei Tingyu chuckled. "However, this Liu Manor does indeed have an abundance of flowers! For instance, the night before last, I truly did overindulge in fine wine and ended up falling asleep amidst a bed of flowers!" After saying this, Wei Tingyu even cast a pointed glance towards He Weifang, who was standing amongst the group of female relatives.

He Weifang had also been paying close attention to this side. Only after seeing Wei Tingyu appear did her heart finally relax completely. At least she knew this man hadn't truly seduced and abandoned her; he had merely risen late! However, now, hearing him speak of sleeping drunkenly amidst the flowers of the Liu Manor the night before last—wasn't he referring to her? Although such words were metaphorical, could they be spoken so openly in public? If someone with a perceptive mind were to understand the implication... At this thought, He Weifang's face turned beet red. She quickly darted her eyes left and right but found that no one seemed to have interpreted his words in an untoward manner.

On the contrary, that fellow Liu Shen even sidled up, an obsequious expression plastered on his face, and said with a fawning smile, "Is it not because we heard of the arrival of distinguished guests that we hastily filled the courtyard with fresh flowers? It was all to bring a smile to our esteemed guests and to demonstrate the sincerity of our Liu family!"

Watching her father-in-law behave in such an utterly shameless manner, He Weifang actually felt a surge of vindictive satisfaction. He is talking about sleeping with your daughter-in-law, yet you still eagerly rush forward to flatter him! Such "sincerity" is truly a rare commodity in this world!