Chapter 52: Naming is So Difficult

Proofread By :- Mim

 

Chu Jinyao hesitated for a moment, then turned to Linglong and said, “You wait here for me.”

 

Linglong was surprised. “Miss!”

 

“We both saw him. It wouldn’t be right to pretend we didn’t.”

 

Chu Jinyao walked toward the pavilion while Linglong remained outside, standing in a position where she could see but not hear what was being said.

 

“Your Highness,” Chu Jinyao said, bowing to Qin Yi.

 

Qin Yi turned around, noticing that Chu Jinyao was standing far away. He found it odd. “Why are you standing so far away?”

 

Chu Jinyao paused briefly before replying, “I’m here to thank Your Highness.”

 

“Oh?” Qin Yi raised an eyebrow, playing along with her distant attitude. “And what are you thanking me for?”

 

Chu Jinyao didn’t want to directly thank him for standing up for her, especially since all he had said was that the County Princess should be disciplined. If she acknowledged that, it would be too awkward. So, she diplomatically said, “I’m thanking Your Highness for the medicine you gave me yesterday and for escorting me back to my courtyard.”

 

“But didn’t you say that you never saw me? So where did these gestures come from?”

 

Chu Jinyao felt increasingly embarrassed. She knew her words today had displeased him, but the situation had forced her hand. She could only reply, “It was a special situation. I was in a difficult position, but surely Your Highness can understand.”

 

“I don’t understand.”

 

Chu Jinyao gritted her teeth before awkwardly adding, “Surely you do, don’t you?”

 

At this, Qin Yi burst into laughter. He found that whenever he was in a bad mood, seeking out Chu Jinyao always cheered him up. She was like a living treasure—months had passed, and she seemed even more clueless than before.

 

Not understanding what was so funny, Chu Jinyao could only awkwardly wait for him to finish laughing. Fortunately, after Qin Yi laughed, he stopped teasing her and said generously, “Alright, no one will bring this up again. You can rest easy.”

 

Relieved, Chu Jinyao quickly bowed and said, “Your Highness’s word is gold, so you won’t go back on it, right?”

 

Qin Yi found her amusing. “Are you doubting me?”

 

“No, not at all!” Chu Jinyao denied it, adopting the most obedient demeanor. Feeling reassured after getting his confirmation, she added, “I don’t want to disturb Your Highness any longer. I’ll take my leave.”

 

“Wait,” Qin Yi called out, his expression suddenly curious. “Are you for real?”

 

“Huh?” Chu Jinyao was confused. What didn’t she get? Of course she was real—how could she be anything else?

 

“Never mind, I understand now.” Qin Yi sighed, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. Yesterday, he had assumed Chu Jinyao was acting distant because she recognized him. Now, he realized she genuinely hadn’t figured out that he was the same person she had encountered through the jade pendant. Qin Yi couldn’t help but want to see what was going on in her head. How could she not have recognized him by now?

 

Qin Yi was so exasperated he didn’t want to talk anymore. He decided to stop dropping hints. Let’s see how long it would take her to figure it out on her own.

 

Deciding to keep his distance for now, Qin Yi’s demeanor became colder. “I understand. You may leave.”

 

Chu Jinyao felt even more puzzled, but she bowed and left as instructed.

 

As she walked away, Qin Yi stood still, narrowing his eyes in contemplation.

 

Meanwhile, back at the Old Princess Consort’s quarters, the mood had become increasingly tense after the Crown Prince left.

 

The County Princess was still crying uncontrollably, and the Princess Consort sat beside her, sobbing as well. The Old Princess Consort, growing increasingly frustrated, eventually had her maids help her leave the room.

 

Lanze helped the Old Princess Consort to the couch, thoughtfully placing a cushion behind her back. She asked, “Old Princess Consort, what do you plan to do?”

 

“What can I do?” the Old Princess Consort snapped irritably. “She’s been spoiled into having such a temperament, not thinking ahead. And with her mother always defending her, what can I say?”

 

Lanze knew better than to comment on this directly. After a pause, she gently suggested, “But we must address today’s matter. After all, it upset the Crown Prince. The whole household is waiting for you to make a decision. What will you do?”

 

The Old Princess Consort knew this, of course. No matter how frustrated she was, the issue had to be resolved. After thinking for a while, she said quietly, “Call the Heir over.”

 

Lanze’s eyes flickered, and she quickly left to carry out the order.

 

Lin Xiyuan had been busy assisting the Prince Huailing lately, with little free time. However, upon receiving his grandmother’s summons, he made time to visit her.

 

“Grandmother, you wanted to see me?”

 

The Old Princess Consort dismissed everyone else, leaving only Lanze and another maid to guard the door. She looked Lin Xiyuan up and down with a smile and said, “My dear boy, you’ve grown so much.”

 

Lin Xiyuan felt uncomfortable under her gaze. Frowning slightly, he asked, “Grandmother, what did you want to talk to me about?”

 

“You’re seventeen now, aren’t you?” the Old Princess Consort said, not answering directly. “Time flies. You’ve grown up so quickly.”

 

Lin Xiyuan waited silently for her to continue. Sure enough, after a moment, she looked up at him with a smile and said, “You’re at the age where you should be settling down. Is there anyone you fancy?”

 

Lin Xiyuan found the question absurd. Frowning, he replied, “Grandmother, I’m only seventeen. I haven’t even started my official career yet. Why would I need to marry so soon?”

 

“Nonsense,” the Old Princess Consort said, pretending to scold him. “Seventeen is a perfectly reasonable age. Boys from noble families are usually engaged by fifteen or sixteen and married by seventeen. By eighteen, they’re fathers!”

 

Lin Xiyuan felt exasperated. “Grandmother, the Crown Prince is already eighteen, and I don’t see him married with children.”

 

The Old Princess Consort lightly slapped his arm. “You’re comparing yourself to the Crown Prince? His situation is different. Besides, the Crown Prince’s wedding may not be far off.”

 

Lin Xiyuan raised an eyebrow and sighed. “Grandmother, are you and Mother still holding onto that dream?”

 

As someone who was close in age to the Crown Prince, Lin Xiyuan had a better understanding of him than the older generation. His father, mother, and grandmother all clung to the idea of marrying the County Princess to the Crown Prince, but Lin Xiyuan knew the Crown Prince was not someone easily swayed. No matter how well the Prince Huailing’s household played their cards, it would all be in vain if the Crown Prince wasn’t interested.

 

The Old Princess Consort frowned at Lin Xiyuan’s attitude, speaking with more force. “Your mother and sister are still hoping. You mustn’t speak so negatively.”

 

Lin Xiyuan smiled but remained silent.

 

Seeing that she had been too stern, the Old Princess Consort softened her tone and said, “No matter what happens with the Crown Prince, you’ve reached the age to marry. If you’re not comfortable, we can finalize the engagement now and hold the wedding next year.”

 

“Absolutely not!” Lin Xiyuan protested. “Grandmother, there’s no need to rush. Why are you pushing me?”

 

“You think I’m pushing you now,” the Old Princess Consort said stubbornly, “but once you’re married, you’ll understand my intentions. Besides, although marriages are arranged by parents, your wife is someone you’ll spend your life with. Isn’t it better to know in advance who she’ll be? What do you think of the Fifth Young Lady currently staying with us?”

 

“The Fifth Young Lady?” Lin Xiyuan’s heart skipped a beat. “Which Fifth Young Lady?”

 

“Who else? The only one with that rank here,” the Old Princess Consort said, finally spelling it out for him. “I’m talking about Miss Chu, Chu Jinyao. Her grandmother has already expressed interest in a marriage alliance.”

 

Chu Jinyao… Lin Xiyuan’s mind went blank for a moment, and suddenly, getting married didn’t seem so objectionable. He hesitated, then said, “I wouldn’t dare go against Grandmother’s wishes. I’ll follow your lead.”

 

The Old Princess Consort raised an eyebrow, her suspicions confirmed. A moment ago, you were so resistant. Now, you’re saying you’ll follow my lead? She gave Lin Xiyuan a teasing look but didn’t hold it against him.

 

“Since you have no objections, I’ll bring this up with your parents tonight. We’ll finalize everything soon. But we can’t neglect your sister either.”

 

Lin Xiyuan sighed, finally understanding where this was heading. “Grandmother, please just tell me what you want me to do.”

 

The Old Princess Consort smiled. “It’s nothing much. I just need you to host a gathering and invite the Crown Prince. We’ll have all the children of the house join, including your sister. It’ll be a lively event, and hopefully, during the gathering, the Crown Prince will change his opinion of Baozhu.”

 

In short, the Old Princess Consort wanted Lin Xiyuan to throw a party, invite the Crown Prince, and give the County Princess another chance to make a good impression on him.

 

Lin Xiyuan sighed but didn’t refuse. He had his own reasons for agreeing, so he said, “Alright, I’ll try. But I can’t guarantee the Crown Prince will come.”

 

The Old Princess Consort was satisfied. “That’s fine. Just do your best.”

 

After some more conversation, Lin Xiyuan excused himself. As he opened the door, he unexpectedly bumped into someone.

 

Startled, Lin Xiyuan quickly steadied the person. Upon seeing who it was, he smiled. “Oh, it’s Sister Lanze. Be careful where you step.”

 

Lanze blushed, murmuring her thanks before hurriedly standing up straight. “Thank you for your concern, Heir.”

 

Lin Xiyuan smiled again, then left without giving it much thought.

 

That evening, when the Princess Consort heard about the Old Princess Consort’s plan, she was taken aback. “Mother, what did you just say?”

 

The Old Princess Consort smiled warmly. “I’m merely suggesting it. Whether it happens or not is up to you and your husband to decide.”

 

The Prince Huailing, who had no particular opinion on the matter, agreed. “If Mother thinks it’s a good idea, then let’s do it.”

 

The Princess Consort was furious. How could they agree to this without even consulting her? After all, she was the Shizi’s mother! But she couldn’t openly oppose them, so she carefully said, “Mother, I’m sure Chu’s Fifth Young Lady is a fine lady, but marriage is not something to be taken lightly. Especially for someone like Xiyuan, whose wife will have to manage the entire household. We can’t rush into this decision.”

 

Before the Old Princess Consort could respond, the Prince Huailing grew angry. “Filial piety comes first. Mother has already spoken, and you dare question her decision?”

 

Embarrassed, the Princess Consort quickly backed down. “I didn’t mean to question her. I just… wanted to discuss it with her.”

 

The Prince Huailing huffed and turned away, leaving the Princess Consort feeling utterly humiliated. She dared not bring up the matter again.

 

Later, in her private quarters, the Princess Consort vented her frustrations to her maid. “Xiyuan is my son! If anyone should choose his wife, it’s me. How dare she overstep and make the decision for me? And the Prince Huailing—so blindly filial! Does he not see that I’m the one who bore him children and manages his household?”

 

The Princess Consort’s rant brought her to tears, and her maid wept alongside her. Just as they had calmed down, a servant arrived to announce, “My Lady, Miss Yang is here to see you.”

 

…

 

Chu Jinyao had just finished tidying up the dried flower petals in her courtyard when a maid from the Old Princess Consort’s residence arrived. As soon as the maid entered, she praised Chu Jinyao, saying, “Oh, Fifth Young Lady, you’re playing with flower petals? How elegant and refined!”

 

“I wouldn’t say that,” Chu Jinyao replied with a smile. “I just thought it would be a shame to let such beautiful blue-purple petals go to waste. But enough about that. What brings you here?”

 

The maid grinned. “The Old Princess Consort asked me to let you know that in two days, the Heir will be hosting a banquet and invites all the young ladies to attend.”

 

Chu Jinyao found the invitation strange and politely declined. “The Heir is hosting. The County Princess and your other young ladies should attend. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go.”

 

“Why not?” the maid replied. “You’re just as close to us as the rest of the family. The Heir is the County Princess’s brother, and by extension, he’s your brother too. You should definitely attend. The Heir himself insisted that you come. If you refuse, it would seem as though you don’t see us as your own family.”

 

Chu Jinyao thought to herself, I don’t see you as family. But since the invitation was so insistent, she had no choice but to accept. “I understand. Thank you for delivering the message. Zhizhi, see our guest out.”

 

On the day of the banquet, Chu Jinyao dressed modestly, choosing a white top with a light purple skirt embroidered with floral patterns. She made sure not to stand out too much while still being presentable, then left for the event with Linglong.

 

Lin Xiyuan had chosen the garden as the venue, specifically a semi-enclosed courtyard. The room allowed for both rest and entertainment, with access to a nearby lotus pond and two weeping crabapple trees planted in the corners. From the setup alone, it was clear that the host had put a lot of thought into the event.

 

As soon as Chu Jinyao entered, she saw Yang Qixia standing in the center of the courtyard. Upon seeing Chu Jinyao, Yang Qixia smiled and approached her. “Fifth Sister! You look stunning today. With you around, none of us can compete. The title of the number one beauty in the house definitely belongs to you.”

 

With the County Princess and Lin Baoying present, there was no way Chu Jinyao could let Yang Qixia’s words go unchallenged. She laughed and deflected, saying, “You’re teasing me, Sister Yang. I can’t compare to even a tenth of your beauty. Besides, who could rival the County Princess in terms of grace and elegance?”

 

Yang Qixia had no choice but to laugh and say, “Fifth Sister, you’re so clever.” She dropped the subject, realizing she couldn’t continue along that line.

 

After deftly deflecting the comment, Chu Jinyao found herself wondering why Yang Qixia had been so antagonistic today. Normally, while they weren’t on the best terms, Yang Qixia would only make subtle jabs at her. This was the first time she had come at her so directly.

 

The conversation quickly drew the attention of others inside. A maid came out and said with a smile, “Miss Yang, Fifth Young Lady, why aren’t you coming in?”

 

Chu Jinyao smiled back. “We’re coming,” she said before turning to Yang Qixia. “Shall we go in, Sister Yang?”

 

“Of course,” Yang Qixia replied, linking arms with Chu Jinyao. As they walked in, Yang Qixia subtly showed off the ornate hairpin in her hair. “Fifth Sister, look at this. Aunt gave it to me. She said it was part of her dowry, passed down from Grandmother. Can you believe she gave me such a precious heirloom? By the way, I noticed you haven’t been visiting your aunt’s residence much lately. Is everything alright?”

 

Chu Jinyao glanced at the hairpin—intricately crafted and clearly old—and immediately understood what was happening. Yang Qixia had been specially favored by the Princess Consort, and now she was here to flaunt it. It was obvious that a power struggle was brewing between the Old Princess Consort and the Princess Consort.

 

For the Old Princess Consort, it didn’t matter which granddaughter-in-law came from which family. But for the Princess Consort, there was no way she would let her son’s rightful wife come from the Chu family, especially not someone related to the secondary branch. She wouldn’t tolerate her future daughter-in-law conspiring with the second branch to cause her trouble.

 

The Princess Consort had decided to support Yang Qixia instead, and now Yang Qixia was here to show off. Chu Jinyao saw through her intentions but had no interest in getting involved. Marriage was an arrangement between families—she would simply wait quietly for the final decision to be made.

 

Seeing through Yang Qixia’s ploy, Chu Jinyao no longer cared. After entering the room, she quickly found a place to sit. Not long after, the County Princess arrived, and the other guests gathered around, talking about writing poetry. Finding it dull, Chu Jinyao slipped away to another room.

 

The inner room was quiet, with a chessboard placed by the window, an unfinished game still laid out.

 

Curious, Chu Jinyao approached. In her younger years, she hadn’t had the chance to learn much about music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, so she was intrigued by the board.

 

Sitting down on the side of the white pieces, she eagerly began to place chess pieces on the board. But she was no expert, and soon enough, the black pieces were overtaken by the white.

 

Chu Jinyao was having fun when suddenly, a voice came from behind her. “What are you doing?”

 

Startled, Chu Jinyao jumped up, almost tripping over her own skirt. Qin Yi caught her by the arm, his grip steady despite her momentum.

 

Sighing, Qin Yi seemed to have grown used to these mishaps. With his support, Chu Jinyao quickly regained her balance. Once she was steady, she nearly leaped out the window. “Your Highness!”

 

“Always so startled,” Qin Yi muttered, glancing down at the chessboard. When he saw what she had done to the game, his eyebrows shot up in surprise.

 

Chu Jinyao’s face turned bright red. “Your Highness, was this your game?”

 

“Who else’s could it be?” Qin Yi asked, half amused and half exasperated. “You don’t know how to play chess?”

 

The answer was obvious. Qin Yi had taught her how to write—how could she know how to play chess?

 

Caught in the act of ruining his game, Chu Jinyao blushed with embarrassment. “If you want to finish the game, I won’t disturb you any longer. I’ll leave now.”

 

“You made a mess of the game, and now you’re just going to leave?”

 

“Then… what should I do?”

 

Qin Yi sat down across from her and gestured to the seat opposite. “Sit.”

 

Obediently, Chu Jinyao sat down, expecting a lecture. Instead, Qin Yi said, “Pick up the white pieces. I’ll teach you how to play.”

 

Author’s note: Qin Yi, possibly suffering from perfectionism, also known as Qin “I-Must-Teach-Everyone-to-Fix-What-Bothers-Me” Yi.