FIMA Ch87: Like Something

Emperor Jianzhao, sitting at the top, glanced at the people gathered around the Empress Dowager to look at the painting, and then at his beloved son Xie Huan, whose face was darkened.

For a moment, he felt quite helpless.

The birthday gift presented to the Empress Dowager was something he and Xie Huan had carefully planned.

This was also the time to choose a consort for Xie Huan, and marriage signified true adulthood. It also meant the backing of in-laws. Xie Huan, having no maternal family to support him, had always been isolated in the court. But after marriage, his wife’s family would become his family.

Then, by gaining a reputation for loyalty and filial piety through the birthday gift, he would officially step into the spotlight.

It was a perfect plan.

Who knew Xie Xuan would come up with such a novel longevity painting, attracting not only the Empress Dowager but also many court officials who were art enthusiasts.

Recalling the previous failure at the sacrificial ceremony, Emperor Jianzhao felt unsure if this was a coincidence or destined.

At this moment, Emperor Jianzhao noticed a small commotion among the Imperial General.

Although he didn’t know what Gu Siyuan had specifically said from afar, judging by Gu Siyuan’s expression, it must have been some disdainful comment about the painting.

For a moment, Emperor Jianzhao felt much relieved. There were still some clear-headed people.

Moreover, both the Capital Generals and the Imperial General were firmly in his hands.

No matter what his sons did, they couldn’t cause much trouble. Just wait a bit longer, and once Xie Huan truly stood up after marriage, there would be no need to hide his thoughts anymore.

Emperor Jianzhao’s eyebrows relaxed slightly.

The birthday banquet continued.

After the princes presented their gifts, it was the turn of other members of the royal family to offer their longevity gifts one by one.

Although not as exquisite and thoughtful as the princes’ gifts, they were still very precious.

The Empress Dowager, being elderly, leaned slightly on her chair after the excitement, her fatigue evident.

Emperor Jianzhao and the concubines quickly approached to inquire after her.

The Empress Dowager waved her hand gently, saying kindly: “Let the young people enjoy themselves; don’t mind me.”

Everyone naturally agreed.

After a while, when a round of singing and dancing paused, everyone stood up together, raised their glasses, and offered blessings to the Empress Dowager, speaking all kinds of auspicious words.

Empress Dowager Jiang, always kind and tolerant, mustered her energy and joined them in a toast.

Then, supported by her two aunts, she went to rest in the back hall of the Ning Shou Palace.

Apart from the daughter of the Deputy Minister of Justice, Wen Xiuyong, who was granted a jade ruyi scepter, the other young ladies received gold hairpins, jewelry, and other such items. Among them, Jiang Yuanyuan received the most lavish gifts.

However, Jiang Yuanyuan was not happy at all.

At this moment, her heart was filled with shock, along with a slight sense of confusion and unease.

Even the esteemed Madam Jiang of the Cheng’en Duke’s Manor could no longer maintain her dignified composure, her body trembling slightly.

How could this be?

The “Ruyi,” represented being chosen by the royal family as a daughter-in-law.

No matter how precious and abundant the jewelry bestowed by the Empress Dowager, how could it compare to the position of a prince’s consort?

Second madam Jiang, sitting to the side after her initial shock, had an unreadable expression on her face, but there was a trace of secret delight deep in her eyes.

Jiang Ruirui looked at the rewards in front of her. Although they were still much less than her elder sister’s as usual, for the first time, she didn’t feel jealous, only slightly sympathetic.

Her once most noble and proud elder sister couldn’t become the consort of the Sixth Prince…

The garden was lively with singing and dancing.

However, it had long lost its novelty to those accustomed to the royal family. After the Empress Dowager retired to rest in the rear hall, Emperor Jianzhao watched for a while and also got up to leave, calling the Fourth Prince, Xie Huan, to join him.

Today’s birthday gift from Xie Huan was indeed commendable. Although Xie Xuan had stolen the limelight, his filial piety was not diminished. Moreover, he had chosen a main consort, marking his true coming of age.

At this time, Emperor Jianzhao summoning this usually neglected prince alone did not arouse much suspicion.

Gu Siyuan, along with the Imperial Generals, followed behind the two to escort them.

Afterwards, the other princes also left, one after another.

Madam Jiang of the Cheng’en Duke’s Manor seized an opportunity, quickly pulling Jiang Yuanyuan into a side hall of Ning Shou Palace, where Xiang Song, a servant beside the Empress Dowager, was waiting.

If it were someone else, not being chosen would simply mean not being chosen, and there would be no reason to question the royal family. But since the Jiang family was the Empress Dowager’s maternal family, an explanation was needed.

Madam Jiang grabbed Xiang Song’s hand, barely maintaining a dignified face, and asked in great confusion, “Gugu, what does the Empress Dowager mean by this? Our Yuanyuan…?”

Xiang Song patted Madam Jiang’s wrist and said softly, “Madam, the Empress Dowager has always loved Miss Yuanyuan.”

Madam Jiang felt resentful in her heart. If she really loved her, how could she go back on her word like this?

But on the surface, she could only smile and nod, “Yes, yes, I naturally know that the Empress Dowager has always been fond of Yuanyuan. But what is the matter with the Sixth Prince? Or does the Empress Dowager have other plans?”

“Miss Yuanyuan is both talented and beautiful, and she is the Empress Dowager’s kin. How could she not find a suitable husband in the future?” Xiang Song’s expression did not change.

Hearing this, Madam Jiang trembled, realizing that there was no hope left in this matter.

No matter how good, how could it compare to a prince?

Not to mention, the Sixth Prince was deeply valued by both the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, with a great hope of ascending to that position in the future. Now, everything was gone.

For a long while, Madam Jiang was still unwilling, grabbing Xiang Song’s hand and saying, “Gugu, I still don’t understand. Didn’t the Empress Dowager always approve of Jiang Yuanyuan? Everything was fine when we entered the palace a few days ago. Why the sudden change today? Did Yuanyuan do something wrong?”

Xiang Song’s brows furrowed slightly; these words were already overstepping.

Madam Jiang handed over a hefty purse, pleading, “Gugu, please ease my mind.”

Xiang Song pushed the purse away, not accepting it. Considering that this person was ultimately the Empress Dowager’s niece-in-law and Jiang Yuanyuan had always had a good reputation in front of the Empress Dowager, she finally explained softly, “Miss Yuanyuan did nothing wrong. It’s just that the Sixth Prince is still young and doesn’t intend to take a main consort for now.”

Madam Jiang was naturally clever and immediately understood the meaning behind Xiang Song’s words. She was momentarily dazed, “Gugu means the Sixth Prince, the Sixth Prince doesn’t agree…”

Saying the Sixth Prince was young was just an excuse; he was only a year younger than the Fourth Prince, Xie Huan. Moreover, the First and Second Princes were even younger when they got married, only fifteen years old.

Xiang Song patted Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanyuan’s arms and, without saying another word, turned and left.

The atmosphere in the side hall completely fell silent.

Jiang Yuanyuan’s eyes widened slightly, her gaze unfocused.

She had always disliked Xie Xuan and was extremely resistant to marrying him.

But for the sake of Xie Huan’s grand ambition and for the man she loved, she was willing to endure humiliation.

However, at this moment, she suddenly realized that the man she looked down on also didn’t fancy her. It was really…

How could this be?

What right did Xie Xuan have to look down on her?

Jiang Yuanyuan’s gaze darkened.

Madam Jiang was already quite uneasy, and now realizing that her daughter might be even more unable to accept it, she quickly calmed herself and soothed her, “Yuanyuan, what Xiang Song Gugu said makes sense. There are plenty of good men in the world. My daughter is so outstanding; what kind of man can’t she get?”

Jiang Ruirui and Madam Jiang the second were happily drinking and watching the performance. When they saw Madam Jiang and Jiang Yuanyuan come out, they immediately turned to look.

Madam Jiang the second asked, “Sister-in-law, where did you go? Why so long?”

Madam Jiang quickly smiled and said, “It’s nothing, just went out to get some fresh air and sober up. Sister-in-law, enjoy the food and drink with Ruirui.”

Saying this, she reached out and patted her daughter’s shoulder.

Jiang Yuanyuan, however, did not respond as she wished. She ignored everyone, standing there dazed, unlike her usual graceful and noble self.

Madam Jiang finally couldn’t maintain her expression, closed her eyes slightly, and let out a long sigh.

Jiang Ruirui bit her lip as she looked at her elder sister.

The scene was the same; the beautiful sun and the beautiful peony garden were the same, but within just an hour, everything seemed to have changed.

Previously, the elder sister, who looked down on the entire peony garden with disdain, now showed a helpless expression once she truly lost something.

So, it turned out, everyone was just an ordinary person…

Madam Jiang the second curled her lips, having already guessed that nothing would change. She raised her voice and said, “Sister-in-law, the banquet is almost over; many people have already left, we should go too, it’s getting dark.”

Madam Jiang nodded, “Let’s go then.”

Jiang Yuanyuan finally lifted her head, looking at Madam Jiang the second and Jiang Ruirui.

Since the Empress Dowager hinted that she would marry the Sixth Prince, the second aunt and Jiang Ruirui, who used to compete with her for everything at home, have been flattering and fawning over her daily.

Everything had to follow her and her mother’s opinions. They didn’t dare to make decisions on their own or even raise their voices.

But now, their attitudes have completely changed.

Jiang Yuanyuan felt resentment in her heart, but more than that, she felt a sudden sense of fear.

If her second aunt and Jiang Ruirui were like this…

What about others? How would others see her?

How could she go out in the future? How could she face people who might already be secretly laughing at her?

All the emotions in her heart eventually turned into hatred for Xie Xuan.

Why did Xie Xuan do this?

Why did Xie Xuan treat her this way?

What right did he have to look down on her?

…

And Xie Xuan, who had left the banquet midway, naturally knew nothing of these thoughts.

Because he also wanted to ask, why?

Why did he, a prince, always have to be bullied by Gu Siyuan, this brute?

Earlier, Gu Siyuan had escorted Emperor Jianzhao and Xie Huan back to the Imperial Hall to rest.

After standing General outside the hall for a while, it was already nearing dusk when his colleagues from the Imperial Generals came to change shifts with him.

Gu Siyuan had just descended the steps of the Imperial Hall when he heard movements behind him. Xie Huan emerged from the hall and specifically called out, “General Gu!”

Xie Huan was in an extremely bad mood today. Neither the birthday gift plan nor Jiang Yuanyuan entering the Sixth Prince Xie Xuan’s mansion had achieved his goals.

Both had been thwarted by Xie Xuan.

Perhaps feeling a sense of camaraderie from having a common enemy, or perhaps for other reasons, Xie Huan came over to talk to Gu Siyuan.

Gu Siyuan was not particularly polite to Xie Huan. This was his usual demeanor; although he disliked Xie Xuan the most, his attitude towards the other princes was also indifferent, without obvious dislike.

However, Xie Huan was tireless, warm as jade, and always spoke to him kindly.

A prince being so approachable made it hard for Gu Siyuan to dismiss him, so he just walked along like a wooden person, listening.

As they walked, turning past Yujing Garden, Gu Siyuan caught a glimpse of a familiar hem passing by.

He squinted at the person.

Xie Huan enthusiastically called out, “Sixth Brother, you’re out too.”

Xie Xuan nodded, then glanced coldly at Gu Siyuan before quickly walking away.

Seeing their exchanged glances, Xie Huan softly said, “The Sixth Brother is still young; no need to mind him, General Gu.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Siyuan sneered, “Seventeen is still young? The Sixth Highness’s age calculation is indeed innovative.”

These words were quite blunt.

However, Xie Huan wasn’t displeased, knowing this was aimed at Xie Xuan.

Thinking of this, he initially wanted to chat more with Gu Siyuan, but seeing Gu Siyuan’s visibly unpleasant expression, he thought it was best not to rush. He casually badmouthed Xie Xuan a bit before cheerfully bidding farewell.

Seeing Gu Siyuan’s improved mood after he left, Xie Huan thought he had judged correctly.

After sending off the annoying Xie Huan, Gu Siyuan hurriedly turned back to follow the direction Xie Xuan had left.

He thought that with so much time passing, the person should be far away, but upon turning past the cloister in Yujing Garden, he saw the familiar figure beside a rockery.

Gu Siyuan slowed his steps.

Xie Xuan was sitting on a large stone beside the rockery, leisurely crossing his legs. Seeing the approaching person, he uncertainly asked, “Oh, General Gu, why are you here?”

Hmph, weren’t you chatting happily with someone just now?

Gu Siyuan naturally noticed his off tone, stepped forward, and stopped nearby, nonchalantly saying, “I just saw a little lion baring its teeth and claws entering Yujing Garden. Afraid it might bite people in anger, I came to catch it.”

Xie Xuan glared at him fiercely, “Who are you calling a little lion that bites people?”

Gu Siyuan pinched his soft cheek, calmly saying, “Talking about the little lion, are you it?”

Xie Xuan blushed angrily, growling as he bit the webbing between his thumb and forefinger, “Why do you always bully me?”

Gu Siyuan didn’t move, letting him bite. Such light strength was completely painless to him.

After biting for a while, Xie Xuan slowly raised his head.

Looking at the clear bite marks on the big hand, he felt regret and annoyance, “Why didn’t you dodge or struggle?”

Gu Siyuan’s lips curled slightly, “I’m afraid if I did, Your Highness would accuse me of bullying you again.”

Xie Xuan lightly touched the bite marks with his fair fingers, his mouth still unforgiving, “You are bullying me, treating others so well but only bullying me, and loudly saying my painting was just for show.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

Actually, I think I painted that myself.

However, Gu Siyuan was too lazy to argue further, fearing another accusation.

He pinched Xie Xuan’s cheek, “Should I take back what I said just now and say it again?”

Xie Xuan hummed and hawed.

He knew he was being unreasonable, but it was the feeling of being spoiled and pampered.

However, the Sixth Highness would never admit he was unreasonable.

Thinking this, he suddenly lowered his head, his lips gently touching the bite marks on Gu Siyuan’s hand, then licking lightly, “Alright, it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Gu Siyuan felt the soft wet sensation on his hand, his gaze darkening.

He grabbed the person’s waist, lifting him from sitting to standing on the stone, making their eyes level, and coldly saying, “Sixth Highness, have you forgotten what I said at Chuntao Pavilion?”

Xie Xuan blinked, smilingly pretending to be innocent, “What did you say? I don’t remember.”

As he said this, his hands didn’t stay idle, his fair, slender arms circling Gu Siyuan’s neck.

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, his gaze still cold.

But his large hand slowly moved from the slender waist downward.

Inside the rockery cave.

“Pa…” With a light sound, the jade belt fell to the ground.

Xie Xuan’s body trembled slightly.

Unsure where he was touched.

“Mm…” Xie Xuan muffled a groan.

“Lord Gu, General Gu, I was wrong; spare me!”

Gu Siyuan’s stern face lowered slightly, his voice deep, “Shh! Don’t make a sound! Someone’s coming.”

Sure enough, soon, a light sound of a twig snapping came from not far away.

“Mm…” Xie Xuan immediately swallowed all the moans and groans.

But his beautiful eyes couldn’t help turning red, tears welling up.

After the person left.

“Tsk, do you know what we look like?” Xie Xuan leaned against someone, still speaking, his voice muffled.

Gu Siyuan looked at him, his expression cold, “Like what? Like having an affair.”

“…” Xie Xuan.

Tsk, look at this person.

A face like eternal ice, but such…

Fake, so fake.

What happened at Ning Shou Palace that day, whether the Sixth Prince chose a main consort or anything else, soon disappeared in the capital.

Because on the third day of the Empress Dowager’s birthday, a major case first reported by the Shuntian Prefecture caused an instant uproar in the court.