RATMOFANF: Chapter 25

 Character Glossary

· Grand Princess Fu Xi (福熹大长公主): Li Ling's mother.

· Ju Momo (菊嬷嬷): The Grand Princess's personal maid at the Deer Park.

· Shen Jingxiu (沈静姝): The female protagonist, Li Ling's wife.

· San Guniang (三姑娘): The Third Young Lady, Li Ling's younger sister. Her personal name is Jin Yan (瑾嫣).

· Liang Jin (梁进): Li Ling's personal attendant/guard.

· Ninth Princess Qingluan (九公主青鸾): Li Ling's cousin, a princess in the palace.

· Bóyuē (伯约): The courtesy name (字) of Li Ling.

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Chapter 25: The Ninth Princess Is Harmed, How Can He Not Be Anxious

The main hall, with its carved beams and painted rafters, was resplendent in gold and jade. Ambergris smoke curled upwards from the gilded animal-shaped incense burners. Shards of sunlight filtered through the latticed pearwood window, scattering over the gold-threaded, phoenix-embroidered bed curtains on the daybed.

The Grand Princess awoke from her afternoon nap. The maid attending her nap hurriedly presented fragrant tea. The Princess took it and sipped, then lifted her eyes to see Ju Momo entering with quick, light steps. The Princess asked, "Have you found out? What exactly happened to the Ninth Princess?"

Ju Momo replied, "It's been clarified. It wasn't poison; she accidentally ate peanuts."

The Grand Princess set down her teacup. "That child has always been allergic to peanuts. How could she have accidentally eaten them so easily?"

Ju Momo said, "I heard it seems to be related to the Eighth Princess. The inner court is still investigating."

Hearing it involved the Eighth Princess, the Grand Princess became somewhat concerned. Although both were her nieces, this Ninth Princess was the daughter of the Zhenguo Duke Manor's Second Gu Nainai (paternal aunt), so the emotional connection was ultimately different.

Ju Momo, discerning the Grand Princess's worry, couldn't help but say, "That Eighth Princess is the daughter of the favored Consort Meng. She has always been arrogant and domineering. For Qingluan to have a conflict with someone like her, life in the palace will naturally become more difficult."

The Grand Princess picked up her teacup, blew on it, but did not drink. She set it back down. Her fine brows slightly furrowed, her phoenix eyes moved, and she spoke as if to herself, "This matter is likely not that simple."

Hearing this, Ju Momo pondered for a moment and then asked tentatively, "Does Your Highness think this is the handiwork of the one from the Jiāofáng Diàn (the Empress's residence)?"

The Grand Princess was silent for a long while before asking, "Has Bóyuē come over again these past two days?"

Ju Momo shook her head and replied, "Since the Ninth Princess's incident, the Young Master rushed back urgently. He hasn't been over these two days."

The Grand Princess asked again, "Is the Ninth Princess seriously harmed?"

Ju Momo replied, "Fortunately, the Princess didn't eat much. I've heard she's out of danger now."

Seeing the Grand Princess fall silent again, Ju Momo sighed and said, "Ah! The Ninth Princess is also pitiable. Without a birth mother to protect her, she's bound to suffer disadvantages everywhere in the palace."

Hearing Ju Momo's words, the Grand Princess sighed softly. "What good is having a birth mother present? If Āxián were still here, she might have been able to contend with that Mèng clan a bit. But what weight does Ātiān carry?"

The Āxián mentioned by the Grand Princess was the eldest daughter of the Zhenguo Duke Manor, Li Ling's eldest paternal aunt. Ātiān was Li Ling's younger paternal aunt.

The previous generation of the Zhenguo Duke Manor had two daughters who entered the palace. The eldest was stunningly beautiful, capable, and intelligent, and she got along well with her sister-in-law, the Grand Princess. Therefore, the Grand Princess often took her in and out of the palace. Through these interactions, she caught the eye of the then Crown Prince, who would become Emperor Ming, who requested the previous Emperor to betroth the eldest Li daughter as his Crown Princess.

After marriage, the eldest Li daughter and the Crown Prince were loving and harmonious. However, after the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the harem gradually filled out. A dancer named Meng gained Emperor Ming's favor, was taken into the harem, and received abundant grace and favor.

This Meng woman happened to be ambitious. Using her wiles, she captivated the Emperor and rose steadily to the position of Consort. Later, relying on Emperor Ming's favor, she even looked down upon the Li daughter, who was the Empress.

The two clashed repeatedly.

Both were beloved by Emperor Ming, so he played both sides, openly and secretly shielding the concubine.

Empress Li was deeply frustrated by this. The imperial eldest son she gave birth to was also congenitally deficient and died before reaching one year old.

Betrayed by her husband and having lost her young son, Empress Li became dispirited after this blow.

To help her secure favor, the Li family sent their second daughter into the palace.

With her younger sister by her side, Empress Li gradually regained her spirits and later became pregnant again.

Although Consort Meng enjoyed exclusive favor, the two sisters supported each other and managed to get by in the palace. But then, for some unknown reason, the younger sister offended Emperor Ming, and the Emperor, in a fit of anger, sent her to the cold palace.

Empress Li was exhausted, both physically and mentally over this. The child she gave birth to had no breath of life, and she lost all hope completely. On her deathbed, she only begged Emperor Ming, for the sake of their bond as a young married couple, to forgive her younger sister.

Emperor Ming, filled with guilt towards his wife, ultimately pardoned the second Li daughter and restored her rank. A few years later, the second Li daughter bore Emperor Ming a daughter, the Ninth Princess Qingluan. However, she herself, due to years of depression and having injured her body during childbirth, passed away before the month of confinement was over.

The Grand Princess had a deep bond with the deceased eldest Li daughter. Whenever these matters were mentioned, she would grieve.

Seeing her sorrowful again, Ju Momo hurriedly consoled her, "Of the women who marry emperors, how many meet a good end? Your Highness, please don't think about these matters anymore. Fortunately, the children are all striving. Your Highness should find comfort in that."

Mentioning the children, the Grand Princess said, "Bóyuē must also be having a hard time these past two days."

Ju Momo replied, "Seeing the Ninth Princess being framed, the Young Master must be terribly anxious."

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

"It is hard on Bóyuē," the Grand Princess said, then paused and asked, "How is Shū'er? Yesterday I heard from Jǐn'er that she wasn't feeling well. Did you send the imperial physician to see her?"

Ju Momo replied, "This old servant took the physician over yesterday. The Second Madam said it was nothing serious, just a slight chill from being on the boat."

Just as they were speaking, an announcing maid entered and reported, "Your Highness, the Heir's wife and the San Guniang are outside requesting an audience."

The Grand Princess said with a smile, "Please invite them both in quickly."

The maid assented and withdrew.

Ju Momo said with a smile, "It's only been one day since you saw them last, and Your Highness already misses the children."

The Grand Princess said, "Usually, not seeing them doesn't feel like anything, but this period, with them in front of me every day, my heart naturally becomes concerned."

Ju Momo said, "The Second Madam is thoughtful, meticulous, and has a good temperament. No wonder Your Highness likes her."

"For Your Highness to have such a good daughter-in-law is truly good fortune."

The Grand Princess shot her a reproachful glance. "It's Bóyuē who has the good fortune. Nanny, don't misplace it."

While mistress and servant were chatting idly, Jingxiu and the San Guniang were led in by a maid. Both paid their respects respectfully to the Grand Princess.

The Grand Princess was happy in her heart, but her words held a tone of blame. "It's so hot today. Instead of staying in your rooms to avoid the heat, why have you come all this way?"

The San Guniang moved closer to the Grand Princess and said mysteriously, "Mother, guess what Second Sister-in-law has brought for you?"

"Oh?" The Grand Princess looked at her daughter quizzically, then at Jingxiu.

Jingxiu opened the small woven bamboo food basket she was carrying and presented it to the Grand Princess. Smiling, she said, "It's nothing rare. Just a few small snacks I made myself. My hands are clumsy, the work is rough. I don't know if they will be to Mother's taste."

Before the Grand Princess could reply, the San Guniang had already impatiently picked up a piece from the basket with her chopsticks, brought it to the Grand Princess's mouth, and said, "Second Sister-in-law's snacks are delicious. Mother, try it quickly."

The Grand Princess tasted a bite. It was sweet, soft, and glutinous, melting in the mouth. Even though she was accustomed to rare delicacies, she had to genuinely admire her daughter-in-law's skill. She asked, "What is this made with? How does it have such a fine texture?"

Jingxiu replied, "This is made from red beans and lotus seeds, ground finely, and then mixed with honey, lily bulbs, and pine nuts."

The San Guniang asked with a smile, "Mother, how do you find the texture?"

The Grand Princess took the chopsticks from her daughter's hand, picked up another piece of the snack herself, and tasted it. She praised, "The texture is quite excellent. Not bad!"

Hearing her mother's approval, the San Guniang, as if having found a kindred spirit, said, "I also think Second Sister-in-law's snacks are even better than those made by the imperial kitchens." Then, looking at the Grand Princess, she asked, "Guess how many I ate at Second Sister-in-law's place today?"

The Grand Princess looked at her daughter with a smile. "How could Mother guess that?"

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

The Ju Momo at the side smiled mischievously and teased, "I'm afraid what the Second Madam made couldn't even keep up with what the Third Young Lady ate, could it?"

The San Guniang smiled sheepishly. "Not that bad! Second Sister-in-law made a lot for me. But, well, I didn't even eat lunch at noon; I just had snacks at Second Sister-in-law's place."

The Grand Princess drew her daughter into her embrace and chided, "How can you be so greedy at your age?"

Seeing the Grand Princess happy with the children, Ju Momo made arrangements. "It's hot today. How about this old servant has them set up the evening meal under the corridor? Let's have the Second Madam and the Third Young Lady dine here tonight."

The San Guniang clapped her hands in agreement. "I love the Eight-Treasure Squab here at Mother's place the most. I want to eat that tonight."

The Grand Princess naturally had no reason to disagree. Smiling, she said to Ju Momo, "Have them go and prepare it."

Ju Momo assented and was just about to leave when the announcing maid entered again and reported, "Your Highness, Official Liang from the Young Master's side is waiting outside. He says he is following the Young Master's orders to fetch the Second Madam and take her back."

(End of Chapter)

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Grand Princess: Look at my son. It's only been two days without seeing his wife, and he already misses her.

San Guniang: Second Brother is so annoying! He's snatching her away from me again!

Jingxiu: Li Ling! You just wait. Let's see how I deal with you when I get back!

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