RATMOFANF: Chapter 70

 Glossary

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

·Qingluan (青鸾): Ninth Princess, Li Ling's cousin.

·Sihua (思画): A female official serving Qingluan, skilled in painting.

·Zhaolu (朝露): Qingluan's personal maidservant.

·Fushu (福叔): Steward Fu of Zhenguo Duke Manor.

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Chapter 70: The Youngest Lady of the First Rank in Chang'an City

Women who could become female officials within the inner palace all hailed from noble families. Aside from possessing exceptional talent and skill, they were naturally also perceptive and shrewd.

Take the female official named "Sihua" by Qingluan's side, for example. Besides being skilled at painting, she was an extremely clever person.

Yesterday, the Ninth Princess had given her a special task: to take advantage of today's opportunity to watch the military review and deliver a scroll of calligraphy, written by the Princess herself, to the wife of the Zhenguo Duke heir. Furthermore, she was specifically instructed to return and paint a true-to-life portrait of that heir's wife.

Sihua was also curious about this heir's wife. When she first heard that the ethereal, immortal-like heir of Zhenguo Duke Manor had married a woman from a vastly mismatched social background, she had pondered what exceptional qualities this woman possessed to win over someone like Li Ling.

The moment she saw Jingxiu today, she understood.

With such beauty that could topple cities, let alone marrying into a ducal household, even entering the imperial harem would make her a singularly stunning bloom.

After returning to the palace, she found herself in a difficult position. Even though she was skilled at painting, she had no confidence in capturing even one-tenth of the heir's wife's essence. Moreover, how could she not guess the Ninth Princess's true thoughts?

The heir's wife her heart truly hoped for was certainly not such a peerless beauty.

Sihua agonized for a long time. Fortunately, being clever, she adopted this tactful method to complete her task for the Princess.

Qingluan's gaze returned to the painting. Although she couldn't see the woman's face clearly, her posture indicated she was undoubtedly beautiful.

Her already somewhat pale face lost even more color. Dispirited, she whispered to Sihua, "You may withdraw."

After Sihua left, she spread the scroll on the table, propped her fragrant cheek on her hand, and began staring blankly again, her eyes welling up with tears.

Seeing this, Qingluan's personal maid, Zhaolu, worried she would fall into excessive brooding again, hurried forward to console her. "Do not distress yourself, Princess." She looked at the portrait on the table. "This servant thinks this Shen-shi is merely an ordinary woman."

Only then did Qingluan regain her senses. She seemed eager to believe what Zhaolu said but couldn't truly set her mind at ease. "Really? Zhaolu, look. Even with her head bowed, these eyebrows and eyes, this demeanor, and this figure..." She sniffled. "People outside all say this Shen girl is the most beautiful woman in Chang'an City."

Zhaolu smiled reassuringly. "No matter how beautiful she is, what does it matter? The heir doesn't care for feminine charms."

Seeing the tension in Qingluan's tightly furrowed brows finally ease a little, she continued persuading, "She's just from a minor family with no significant background. Didn't you hear what Sihua said earlier? When she went to see her today, this Shen girl kept her head lowered the whole time. It shows she hasn't seen much of the world, just an empty vase."

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Hearing Zhaolu's words, Qingluan felt slightly comforted and murmured, "Then do you think Cousin might truly like her?"

Zhaolu humored her, "In this servant's opinion, the Li family heir only married her out of a sense of duty and helplessness because she lost her reputation after he rescued her from drowning."

"If we're talking about affection, how could it compare to yours? The heir has protected you since childhood. Don't you know this clearly?"

The sorrow on Qingluan's face finally dissipated. She sighed melancholically, "It's just a pity I hadn't yet come of age, allowing this Shen girl to seize the opportunity."

Zhaolu sighed inwardly. No matter what, the Zhenguo Duke heir was already married—the matter was settled. Yet her mistress remained hopelessly infatuated and unwilling to let go. She was prone to overthinking and had poor health; how could Zhaolu dare speak bluntly? She could only console her according to her wishes.

"What can be done? If you are truly set on marrying the Li family heir and no other, after you come of age, explain it to His Majesty. She's just the daughter of a minor family. As long as His Majesty issues an edict ordering the Li family heir to divorce her, won't you get your wish?"

Qingluan sighed wistfully, "That's what I think too." She twisted the gold-threaded handkerchief in her hands, saying resentfully, "I just blame myself for being too timid before. If I had spoken earlier to Father Emperor, Aunt, or Grandmother, I wouldn't have these troubles today."

As she spoke, tears fell again.

Zhaolu quickly soothed her, "It's not your fault. Who speaks of such things to their elders before coming of age? Besides, after the New Year, you will be of age. It won't be too late to speak of it then."

Qingluan sobbed, "The imperial family has always intermarried with the Li family for generations. I thought my matter with Cousin would follow naturally. Who would have thought... I'm just afraid Cousin has truly developed feelings for that Shen woman. If so, what shall I do in the future?"

She was on the verge of crying her heart out, and no amount of Zhaolu's coaxing could calm her.

Zhaolu urged anxiously, "If the Princess worries about this, why not wait a while and personally test the waters? Then you'll know what's in his heart."

Hearing this, Qingluan gradually stopped crying. Her eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but begin to contemplate.

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The 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, New Year's Eve—a time for family reunion.

The Zhenguo Duke Manor was decorated with lanterns and streamers, brimming with festive atmosphere everywhere. A eunuch from the inner court, dressed in dark red official robes, one hand holding a whisk and the other clutching a bright yellow imperial edict, arrived at the main gate of Zhenguo Duke Manor, escorted by four or five junior eunuchs. He announced in a singsong voice, "Shen-shi, wife of Zhenguo Duke heir Li Ling, is to receive the decree!"

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

The gatekeeper sprinted to the inner courtyard. Moments later, Jingxiu, leading a group of stewards, arrived at the main gate and knelt to receive the decree.

The eunuch proclaiming the decree unfurled the edict and proclaimed loudly, "By the decree of Heaven and the mandate of the Emperor, it is proclaimed: Shen-shi, wife of Zhenguo Duke heir Li Ling, is gentle and virtuous in nature, well-versed in domestic duties, and endowed with noble virtue. Upon the petition for conferment submitted by her husband, Li Ling, Commander of the City Patrol Office, she is hereby appointed as Lady of the Third Rank (meaning: a titled noblewoman). Respect this!"

Jingxiu led everyone in respectfully giving thanks for the imperial grace. The eunuch then handed the imperial edict, the token, and the ceremonial robe with pheasant motifs to Jingxiu, saying with a beaming smile, "Congratulations, My Lady."

Jingxiu received the edict and token, a warm smile on her face. "Won't you come in for some tea, Eunuch?"

The eunuch clasped his hands. "The palace is busy at year's end. This humble servant shall not intrude."

Steward Fu hurried forward and slipped a bulging pouch into the eunuch's hand. "We've troubled you to make this trip. Please accept this small token of appreciation for some tea for everyone."

The eunuch and Steward Fu went through the customary polite refusals. Secretly weighing the pouch in his hand, he tucked it into his sleeve and said to Jingxiu with a smile, "You are now the youngest Lady of the First Rank in our Chang'an City. Hehe, your future is boundless."

Jingxiu smiled in reply, "I appreciate your auspicious words."

After seeing off the eunuch, Jingxiu led the party back inside and asked, "Has the heir and the others returned yet?"

Today was the last day of duty; the family was to have a reunion dinner in the evening.

Steward Fu replied, "Someone from the West Court just came to say the eldest master has returned. The heir and the third master have not yet returned."

Jingxiu asked, "How are the preparations for the evening banquet?"

Steward Fu replied, "Everything is in perfect order."

Jingxiu nodded and first returned to Qingfeng Yuan. As soon as she entered the room, her maids, who had already received the news, crowded around her all at once.

Danzhu jumped with excitement. "Miss, let us see what the ceremonial robe for a Lady of Rank looks like!"

Bilü opened her round eyes wide. "Miss, let me feel the fabric."

Ziyun said with a smile, "Our young master, though not as smooth-talking and skilled at as others, truly cares for his wife in practical ways."

(End of Chapter)

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Translator's Note: check out my other work— My Younger Sister Insisted On A Marriage Exchange Wanting To Make Me The Wife Of A Marquis and The Marquis’s Beloved is a Black-Hearted Lotus (⁠*⁠＾⁠3⁠＾⁠)⁠/⁠～⁠♡

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