Chapter 5: Insomnia
New names:
陈志明 - Chen Zhiming
尉迟广 - Yu/Wei* Chi Guang (not sure if Wei is a surname or a title because Wei can also mean military officer or a two-character surname. So it can be Weichi Guang or Military officer Chi Guang or Wei Chiguang
定国公 (Dinguo gong) - Duke/Lord of Dinguo
李承焕 - Li Chenghuan
李承胤 - Li Chengyin
______
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
Without giving Meng Chang'an a chance to ask curious questions, the Princess had already put away the old box and locked it in the cabinet next to the bed. She then stood up and smiled slightly: "It is late at night, so let us get some rest!"
Alright, since the Princess didn't want to explain clearly, Meng Chang'an naturally wouldn't insist. She just slightly pursed her lips, then conscientiously climbed into the wedding bed, lifted the quilt, and snuggled in.
Oh, it is warm inside this bed?
Meng Chang'an couldn't help but show a little joy.
Autumn deepened and the heavy dew chilled the air. After walking through half of the corridor, Meng Chang'an, dressed in her thin nightwear, felt the cold creeping in. However, the moment she laid her hand on the warm bed, Young Master Meng found herself in comforting warmth.
Unfortunately, before she could enjoy this kind of treatment, the warmth that covered the soles of her feet made the Young Master break out in a cold sweat.
Meng Chang'an didn't notice when the Princess climbed onto the bed. Unexpectedly, the woman was already lying generously beside her at this moment and even placed her soles directly against hers.
"Is it cold? Your feet are so cold."
With a word of deep concern, Meng Chang'an stopped the questioning and resistance that she was about to blurt out.
After silently swallowing what she originally wanted to say, Meng Chang'an changed her words and said: "I am not afraid of the cold..."
By this statement, she was subtly telling the Princess that there was no need for her to be so close to her.
Who would have expected that the person beside her didn't retract her foot as Meng Chang'an had expected? Instead, she casually put her arm around her waist and moved closer, saying, "It seems I am a bit cold, hmm, it is warmer like this."
No way...
Meng Chang'an suddenly stiffened.
Is this distance, this touch, this embrace, a little too close?
But they were both women and if she pushed her away now, it might easily lead to some misunderstanding.
Just as Meng Chang'an was torn between how to discreetly create some distance between them, the hand resting on her waist was slowly moving up beneath her sleeping robe.
Meng Chang'an's eyes widened suddenly.
Now the Young Master couldn't care less about misunderstandings. After quickly squeezing the hand of the person next to her that was about to fall on her chest, she finally squeezed out the words she had been holding back through her teeth: "Your Highness, what are you doing?!"
The tone was obviously questioning, but coupled with the lingering blush on Meng Chang'an's cheeks, she appeared somewhat shy.
Li Qiubai blinked, looked at the red face close at hand, and asked innocently: "You and I are both women, Do you think I could do anything to you? Do you really think I am trying to be inappropriate with you?"
How should one refute this?
Meng Chang'an's breath was stuck in her throat, and she couldn't swallow it or spit it out.
However, after a slight pause, Li Qiubai immediately put on a look of sudden realization, "Ah, I almost forgot that women can also have sexual intercourse with each other. No wonder you misunderstood. But do not worry, I am not such a lecherous person. I am just worried that your chest binding will be uncomfortable after being tied up for a long time, so I just wanted to remind you to untie it. Do not think wrongly."
Am I overthinking this again...?
Recalling the remarks made by the Princess in the spring pool just now that she suspected that she would have wild ideas about women because she was interested in them, Meng Chang'an's little face instantly turned red. After holding it in for a long time, she could only say one sentence: "I know..."
Afterward, regardless of how she might appear in Li Qiubai's eyes, Meng Chang'an chose not to offer further explanations. She simply turned her back, hiding herself under the covers, and silently began to undo the chest binder she wore beneath her sleeping wear.
Calm down! Stay calm! Just because the elders in the sect often fall in love with women, does not mean you should misinterpret every woman's intentions!
After all, this woman is practically your sister-in-law now. Her actions are likely just a sign of sisterly care and concern for you!
Right! Most women in this world must be like me, preferring men rather than women!
Thinking of this, Meng Chang'an felt a little more comfortable, and she was no longer so resistant to Li Qiubai's hug and touch just now.
Between sisters-in-law, having a good relationship seems quite normal!
Li Qiubai was unaware of how much Meng Chang'an had thought about in those few short moments. By the time Meng Chang'an had undone her bindings and adjusted her nightwear before turning back, Li Qiubai had already created a bit of distance between them, lying flat on her back and staring at the ceiling.
Since Young Master Meng didn't want her to be so close, it was better to maintain some distance to avoid scaring her away.
Unexpectedly, just when Li Qiubai had finally made up her mind, Meng Chang'an, who had been cautious moments ago, took the initiative to come closer, tugging at her sleeve and, in one smooth motion, holding her arm.
For the first time in her life, the Princess, who had been so actively approached by Young Master Meng, was extremely nervous.
She kept her arm still, fearing that any movement might make the person beside her retract her hand. After managing to calm her racing heart, she pretended to be calm and asked, "Why did you suddenly stop disliking me?"
When asked this question, Young Master Meng naively thought that the Princess had misunderstood her actions as a sign of disdain. Feeling in the wrong, she didn't dare say much and could only explain with a wry smile: "Sister-in-law really misunderstood, how could I dislike you?! It is just that I have never been so close to anyone, so I am not used to it!”
Hearing "sister-in-law" again and again, Li Qiubai became upset for a while. She didn't want to hear these words coming from Meng Chang'an's mouth, but she could only deceive herself and others and use this title to maintain the relationship between them.
Two people who originally had nothing to do with each other, if not for this relationship, how could they have come together like this?
Li Qiubai pursed her lips, and after concealing the traces of resentment in her eyes, she shifted her gaze away from the ceiling. She turned to look at Meng Chang'an's slightly upturned lips and pretended to smile calmly, saying, "Then you will have to get used to it slowly. Your current identity is as my husband. If you resist my touch even in front of others, will it not confirm the rumors that you are a fake consort?"
Mm, that makes sense.
Meng Chang'an didn't notice anything strange, and even nodded in agreement, "Do not worry, Your Highness, I will definitely play the role of a loving couple with you in front of outsiders!"
After all, they can only pretend to be husband and wife.
Looking at Young Master Meng's serious assurance, Li Qiubai felt sour and bitter in her heart.
"Well, then I can rest assured."
After silently concealing her unexplainable emotions, Li Qiubai had already rested her head on Meng Chang'an's shoulder. She turned to lie on her side, and her hand gently encircled Meng Chang'an's waist. She softly said, "It is getting late, sleep."
After saying that, Li Qiubai closed her eyes first.
Meng Chang'an was stunned for a moment, but after regaining her senses, she finally acquiesced to let Li Qiubai intention to sleep in her arms.
After all, it can be considered that I took the initiative to show my kindness to Her Highness. We are both women and we also like men. What would be the big deal if I am used as a warm bed for one night?
Thinking like this, Meng Chang'an was able to hug the Princess with peace of mind and closed her eyes as well.
However, with the candlelight still burning, Young Master Meng found it difficult to fall asleep.
Sniffing the faint fragrance in her nose, the Princess found it even more difficult to fall asleep as well.
Regardless of how the two in the sleeping chamber spent their night, and regardless of any turmoil outside the sleeping chamber, the main hall of the Princess' residence remained lively and bustling.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
The guests who had gathered for the wedding banquet today were mostly high-ranking court officials and imperial relatives. Even if they heard the commotion outside about the capture of assassins, they remained seated as usual, calmly toasting and chatting with their colleagues.
The wisdom of not panicking like the Emperor's eunuchs was a universal concept. Regardless of how composed their masters appeared, many of the servants they had brought along remembered their duties and discreetly inquired about the situation within the palace.
On the surface, it seemed that everyone in the front hall didn't know what happened. However, after the banquet concluded, news of the intrusion of assassins into the Princess' residence had spread in various versions among the different factions.
After drinking too much, many people can no longer control their mouths.
Chen Zhiming, the Minister of Rites, who was responsible for arranging all the matters for the Princess' wedding tonight, was waiting outside the Princess' palace after the ceremony for their carriage to arrive. He couldn't help complaining to his colleagues who had worked with him for more than ten years: "I do not know. Whose assassin is so short-sighted that he would choose a day like this to cause trouble?! If he messes up Her Highness' wedding night, I, the officiating person, maybe the first to suffer!"
Wei Chi Guang, the Minister of War at the side, touched his stubble and said with a smile: "Brother Chen, do not get angry. They have not succeeded yet, have they? Besides, there has not been any major disturbance inside the Princess' residence tonight. His Majesty will not blame you."
Colleagues who had worked together for over a decade and referred to each other as brothers naturally had a good relationship. So, Chen Zhiming spoke frankly to Wei Chi Guang: "Is it not thanks to the powerful martial arts of the Prince Consort? If he were not there and something went wrong tonight, not to mention His Majesty, Oh, the Duke of Dingguo and the Grand Prince alone could tear me to pieces! I have not forgotten Duke of Dingguo’s livid face just now!”
Compared to Chen Zhiming's anxious and defeated appearance, Wei Chi Guang felt that his role as the Minister of War better suited the personality of the Minister of Rites. After laughing twice, he didn't forget to comfort his good friend, saying, "Brother Chen, do not worry. Although our teacher has always loved the Second Princess, his granddaughter, he will not lose his reason because of such a matter. If they really want to settle scores, he will only blame the culprit's head, and it will not come to you."
"What brother said makes sense!" After being reminded by Wei Chi Guang, Chen Zhiming nodded and agreed: "I heard that some time ago, someone exposed the case of the Yuzhou governor's massacre of a whole family that was covered up by the Fourth Prince in front of the Second Princess on the street. They begged the Second Princess to help them report it to the court, and even a joint petition from the local people has been submitted. However, this matter has been delayed until now because of Her Highness' wedding. So far, there have only been rumors but no movement. If something happens to the Second Princess at this juncture, the Fourth Prince may not be able to escape His Majesty's inquiry. When the time comes, it will be the Fourth Prince who will be in trouble first, not me!"
Chen Zhiming finally thought more clearly, but unfortunately, before he could laugh out loud, a cold shout scared away his drunkenness.
"Minister Chen is so brave! How dare you even arrange the affairs of the imperial children!"
The two of them were frightened by the scolding at the same time and trembled. They followed the sound and found that the Seventh Prince Li Chenghuan had walked behind them unknowingly.
It is indeed a bit embarrassing to have someone overhear you speaking ill of others.
Chen Zhiming awkwardly tugged at the corners of his mouth. He had thought everyone had left, so he dared to complain to Wei Chi Guang a bit. He hadn't expected the Seventh Prince to still be lingering in the Princess' residence.
However, the panic lasted only a moment. Soon, Wei Chi Guang had regained his composure, discreetly pressing down Chen Zhiming's hand that was about to rise. He calmly bowed to Li Chenghuan and said, "Seventh Prince, you jest. Minister Chen has had a bit too much to drink and uttered some nonsense. It is just some random words; I hope the Seventh Prince will not take it to heart."
"I think what Minister Wei Chi said is nonsense."
Li Chenghuan sneered, and without arguing with them or saying anything polite, he just threw up his sleeves and left.
Having spent a long time in the court, these people had become quite skilled at telling lies with their eyes wide open.
After Li Chenghuan's figure had disappeared on this street, Chen Zhiming finally let out a sigh of relief. He glanced around to make sure no one was approaching before he dared to continue speaking quietly to Wei Chiguang, "Brother, did the Highnesses not leave their seats early? It has been quite a while since the banquet dispersed, so why did the Seventh Prince come out of the Princess' residence now?"
Chen Zhiming had to wait to finish his business before leaving, while Wei Chi Guang was sticking around to catch a ride with Chen Zhiming's carriage. However, those Highnesses had left their seats early, and now that most of the guests had dispersed, why would the Seventh Prince come out of the Princess' residence at this moment?
Wei Chi Guang leaned on his elbow, touched his own stubble, and his gaze fell on the horse-drawn carriage slowly emerging from the distant alley. He nodded thoughtfully as he looked at the palace lanterns hanging beside the carriage, "Mm, it does seem a bit strange."
Following Wei Chi Guang's gaze, as the carriage passed them on the main road, Chen Zhiming also noticed the pattern on the palace lanterns beside the carriage.
"Oh, so it is the Fourth Prince's carriage, that explains it."
It is well-known that the Seventh Prince and the Fourth Prince are both brothers and cousins, and they have always been very close. After seeing the pattern on the palace lantern, Chen Zhiming suddenly realized.
It seems that the Seventh Prince's delay in leaving the Princess' residence until now may have something to do with what happened tonight.
But at this moment, the two Princes sitting together in the carriage did not know what they were thinking.
After the carriage had moved away from the crowd, the Fourth Prince, Li Chengyin, who had remained silent for a while, finally put down the letter in his hand. By the light of the night pearls inside the carriage, he looked at Li Chenghuan and whispered, "Who allowed you to be so impulsive? Have you considered how many people are here at the Princess' residence today? Do you think that I lived my life long enough that you acted at this moment?"
Li Chenghuan was not angry at being scolded, and he didn't have a cold face like when he faced Chen Zhiming just now. He just approached forward with a smile and said: "Fourth Brother, do not be angry for now. Although I made a mistake tonight and could not burn that joint petition, we did gain something tonight!"
Li Chengyin frowned. Although he didn't think he could hear any good news from this Seventh Brother, he still followed his words and asked, "What is the gain?"
"Fourth Brother, do you know that the person who married Second Princess tonight was not really He Changping, whom Father arranged, but an impostor!"
Li Chengyin was stunned for a moment and then read through the letter in his hand again.
As Li Chengyin rechecked the letter with a sense of speculation, a smile gradually crept across his face.
Indeed, if the Consort in the Princess' palace is real, how could his men have found the whereabouts of Wushang Palace, Ye Wuyou, and He Changping, outside the imperial city today?
He thought this was just groundless gossip, but now it seems there's something fishy going on.
After careful consideration and believing what Li Chenghuan said, the Fourth Prince smiled and said, "Very well, it seems the Second Princess has hit herself in the foot this time. She dared to commit the crime of deceiving the Emperor. Perhaps she has forgotten that Father cannot tolerate anything more than this crime."
Seeing his expression, Li Chenghuan smiled even more happily: "Then I will go to the palace to report to Father!"
"No need, if that is the case, depending on Father's level of suspicion, he might think that we are deliberately competing against that woman." The smile on Li Chengyin's lips became deeper and deeper, and his eyes were full of cold light: "Tomorrow At the palace banquet, it would be interesting if Father could find out by himself. I really want to see what else our Eldest Brother can do to fight me if he loses her help this time!"
But after a moment, Li Chengyin had an idea in his mind.
