Chapter 18
That night, Yin Jiuyi’s Shadow Guard came again, dropping off a few bottles and jars before disappearing.
The next day, when my father returned from court, Prince An actually came home with him.
My father’s face was full of displeasure. He shot me a glare, but still left through the Front Hall.
Yin Jiuyi took a sip of tea, pulled a casket from his sleeve, and handed it to me. “Miss Zhuzhu, hush money.”
I opened the casket. Oh, inside was a night pearl the size of a fist.
Zhang Jincan also had a night pearl, but its size and luster were far inferior to the one in front of me.
After an internal struggle, I closed the casket and pushed it back, keeping my eyes straight ahead. “Your Highness, my name is not Zhuzhu.”
“Then what is your name?”
His slightly husky voice reached my ears. His beautiful eyes glimmered as he smiled at me, lips curved.
Heaven truly favored him; even his voice was pleasant, magnetic yet clear. At that moment, I couldn’t help but think of snow slipping off the eaves.
Steadying myself, I said, “Zhang Qiuhe.”
“Zhuzhu suits you better,” he commented to himself, then continued, “If Miss Zhuzhu doesn’t accept this gift, I really can’t feel at ease. For my own comfort, please accept it.”
As he spoke, he pushed the casket toward me again. “Please, Miss Zhuzhu, accept it with a smile.”
A prince doing business is hardly something to boast about openly.
I couldn’t refuse again. “Very well, I’ll accept it. I won’t tell anyone.”
After seeing Yin Jiuyi off, my father turned back. His gaze landed on the casket in my hand, then slowly shifted to my face, scrutinizing. With a note of warning, he said, “Prince An indulges in wine and women, has many beautiful concubines, and is the most wanton of all. Don’t entertain any improper thoughts. I’m looking for a husband for you. Stay at home these days, and don’t go out causing trouble.”
“But Zhang… elder sister still hasn’t-”
“Your sister’s affairs are none of your concern.”
Leaving those cold words behind, my father departed.
Not long after, the Emperor ordered the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the Crown Prince’s selection of a Crown Princess.
Everyone in the household already knew that Zhang Jincan was the predetermined candidate for Crown Princess, but the selection was no trivial matter and had to be conducted with proper etiquette and protocol.
There would be three rounds of selection, each with layers of examination, and only after more than three months would the candidate be finalized.
After the second round, three other young ladies remained besides Zhang Jincan: Qi Mei, the eldest legitimate daughter of the Duke of Qi; Yang Jingwan, the second legitimate daughter of the Minister of War; and Lin Suyin, granddaughter of Old Scholar Lin.
The Emperor, thinking that they had been in the palace for over a month and had not seen their families, issued a decree allowing them to return home for a few days’ rest.
When Zhang Jincan returned from the palace, she was thinner and much more subdued, taking on a frail, willowy look.
No one knew what punishment or misfortune she had endured in the palace. As soon as she entered, she collapsed into the Eldest Wife’s arms, tears streaming down like a flood, impossible to stop.
Their family poured their hearts out to each other, so warm and affectionate. Standing aside, I truly felt out of place and quietly withdrew.