Chapter 10: I Will Vouch For My Wife’s Purity
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
New names:
丽妃 (Lì fēi) - Consort Li
良嫔 - (Liáng pÃn) - Concubine Liang
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Young Master Meng learned from the leader of the Demonic Sect, Zhong Shujin. Following the master, like that woman, Young Master Meng has always been a protective person.
Since she acknowledged the Princess as her family, there is absolutely no reason for her to watch her family being mistreated in front of her.
Even though the Princess has repeatedly advised her to be cautious in the imperial palace, she is unwilling to silently endure and watch her own sister-in-law face criticism for no reason.
"I have heard that the late virtuous Empress was the daughter of the Duke of Dingguo, from a noble family. From a young age, she often accompanied her father on military expeditions. She was the only woman in our dynasty who gained the late Emperor's approval to lead troops into battle, demonstrating her prowess as a female general. The title of General Huwei was enough to make the enemy forces tremble at the sound."
Young Master Meng took the lead to step across the threshold and stepped onto the hall step by step until she stopped in the middle of the hall, successfully attracting everyone's attention.
Even though she is fully aware that no one present could be provoked by someone like her from the martial world, she remains fearless. Standing upright in the middle of the hall with hands behind her back, her gaze swept over the faces of the four concubines on both sides, memorizing the features of these ignorant women who had spoken ill of the Princess.
"How many women in the world aspire to emulate the virtuous Empress, whether for family or country, seeking honor and recognition? Eager to contribute to their homeland with their own strength! Yet, due to national policies, our dynasty does not allow women to join the military! Do you all know how many women in our Great Chang Dynasty have carried a lifelong regret for this? If not for the virtuous Empress setting an example, how could the women of our dynasty today proudly stand tall and be praised as the equals of men? Our Princess has the special permission of His Majesty to join the military, something many women in the world envy. How can you perceive it as something disgraceful? Do you believe that a woman's life should be confined to the deep inner chambers, learning arts and crafts, appreciating flowers and grass, lamenting the passing seasons? Or perhaps engaging in petty rivalries, using cunning strategies? Is that what you consider proper and respectable?"
Young Master Meng's every word was so loud that everyone in the hall was immediately speechless.
During the grand wedding ceremony last night, many had caught a glimpse of this Prince Consort from a distance through the crowd, making it easy to recognize her. At a time like this, hearing Meng Chang'an speak in such a manner inevitably led people to think that she was merely defending Li Qiubai.
After a moment of silence, Consort Li finally grasped the underlying sarcasm in Meng Chang'an's words. Fueled by sudden anger, she slammed the table and stood up, shouting at the person before her, "Outrageous! What does this idle person from the martial world understand?! Your nonsensical words, who are you trying to mock? Daring to insinuate in front of the Empress Dowager and the Empress, it is too audacious!"
"I was not insinuating or mocking anyone. Do not be too paranoid, Your Highness." Young Master Meng showed no fear, squinting at the concubine. She continued, "I just want to ask, if all women in the world were like the virtuous late Empress, willing to contribute to their homeland with their own strength, would that be a bad thing?"
"You..." Consort Li, taken aback by Meng Changan's retort, momentarily forgot the occasion, expressing her frustration, "Who said it is bad for her to contribute to the homeland! I am just saying that she disregards her purity before marriage..."
"Consort Li!"
Before Consort Li could finish her sentence, Young Master Meng had already suppressed her smile, sternly proclaiming, "My wife's purity is something I will vouch for. But if I hear anyone baselessly tarnishing her purity again, do not blame me for showing no mercy!"
In that instant, the chilling gaze of Young Master Meng and the subtle aura of hostility emanating from her intimidated Consort Li, causing her to instinctively take a step back.
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
The Princess, observing Young Master Meng's assertive and fierce demeanor, felt her heart grow even warmer. For a moment, she forgot to greet the Empress Dowager and stood silently behind Young Master Meng, watching her arrogant posture as if no one else existed.
At this moment, she actually just wanted to watch this person continue to protect her, pity her, and stand up for her.
"The Prince Consort is right. Without evidence, it is better not to speak recklessly. It is just a piece of bridal cloth, yet you all make it sound so serious that it even brought a dispute before me. Now, I only want to know, what is improper about Qiu'er gaining His Majesty's permission to accompany the army? If all women in the world could contribute to their homeland like this, how could there be unrest? Why would our dynasty need to seek peace through marriage? How has this matter turned into a fault of the late Empress in your eyes?"
The Empress Dowager, who had been silent at the upper end for a while, finally spoke. With a glance at Young Master Meng, she set her cup down on the table and looked at the concubines present.
"Consort* Li, and Concubine Liang, you two may express your opinions. Qiu'er is just accompanying the army, wanting to contribute to the Great Chang Dynasty. What is wrong with that?"
*Consort Li's title is fei while Concubine Liang is pin. Consort Li is one rank higher between the two among the imperial harem
The sound of the cup hitting the table was neither too heavy nor too light, but coupled with the Empress Dowager's questioning tone, it sent a shock through Consort Li's heart.
She had assumed that, no matter how much the Empress Dowager cherished the Second Princess, in the face of such a breach of decorum, the Empress Dowager would not speak much on her behalf. Unexpectedly, the unfolding situation now deviated somewhat from her expectations.
Casting a discreet glance at the Empress, who had come with them and was smiling but remained silent, Consort Li noticed that there was no intention of her offering a defense. Only then did Consort Li realize that she had been made a pawn.
Combined with the intimidation from Young Master Meng earlier, Consort Li's legs weakened, and she knelt, trembling as she said, "Your Highness, it is a misunderstanding... I did not mean that. I just wanted to say..."
Concubine Liang, who was harmonizing with Consort Li, was now in a state of panic, she hastily knelt beside Consort Li. However, she lacked the courage to meet the Empress Dowager's gaze, bowing her head in silence, allowing cold sweat to trickle down her forehead.
"If you can not even hold your tongue straight, there Ãs no need to talk anymore." The Empress Dowager said lightly.
After these words, she scanned the expressions of everyone present and finally fixed her gaze on the seemingly indifferent Empress. "If this matter were only discussed in front of me, it would be one thing. But if it reaches the Emperor's ears, provoking his wrath, it would be a failure of duty on your part as the Empress. Moreover, can the innocence of this young lady be casually tarnished by those gossiping women with just a few words?"
Regardless of the Empress Dowager's implied intentions, the Empress remained composed and responded calmly, "Yes, I will certainly discipline the talkative palace servants when I return to the palace, preventing them from spreading any filthy words that may tarnish Your Highness' innocence."
"It seems the Empress still understands the bigger picture. Consort Li and Concubine Liang, both of you may rise. The Empress understands that Consort Li speaks straightforwardly, and what was said today can be forgiven. However, when you return, you should reflect on what words are appropriate to speak within the palace and what should be avoided. Even though the Twelfth Prince is still young, you must consider his well-being. Otherwise, if such idle gossip continues to harm the prospects of several Princes, not only will this Empress Dowager be displeased, but His Majesty is unlikely to show leniency!"
Hearing that the Empress Dowager mentioned her son, Consort Li broke into a cold sweat.
After a somewhat cryptic statement, the Empress Dowager continued to look toward Li Qiubai. She cast away the imposing aura from earlier and smiled, "Qiu'er, come sit beside Grandmother and let Grandmother have a good look at you!"
Li Qiubai smiled faintly, making no attempt to decline. She stepped onto the elevated platform in front of everyone and sat beside the Empress Dowager on the spacious cushion. Looking at the old woman's white hair, she sighed lightly, "Imperial Grandmother, anger harms the body. Please do not let your temper affect your health."
"Ai, you are such a considerate granddaughter, knowing to care for your grandmother's feelings."
The Empress Dowager immediately smiled, hastily grabbing Li Qiubai's hand and inquiring with concern, "Have you suffered any grievances since your marriage?"
Li Qiubai curled up her lips and cast her gaze directly on Meng Chang'an below, without concealing the passion in her eyes. "Do not worry, Imperial Grandmother, my husband treats me very well."
With that, the Empress Dowager then turned her gaze to the young man in red below.
Had she not timely intervened to stop the confrontation between him and Consort Li, he would likely have offended all those consorts and concubines before relenting. Though not the wisest course of action, if he was doing it for her granddaughter, his impulsive and imprudent behavior seemed somewhat more pleasing to the eye.
"Mm, that is good. This child indeed seems like someone who knows how to treat his wife. Deyun, arrange a seat for the Prince Consort."
"Yes, Your Highness."
In this way, Noble Consort* Ying, who had not said much since coming to Yong'an Palace and only watched the show in silence, spoke quietly.
*a rank higher than Consort Li
"Imperial Mother, I have heard some rumors from the martial world. They all say that the Jade Swordsman is gentle and polite. However, upon seeing him today, I cannot help but feel that our Prince Consort does not quite match the image of the elegant gentleman described in those rumors. It seems like he has a bit of the ruffian spirit from the common folk."
The Empress Dowager gradually restrained the smile on her face and gazed down at the young man in red, carefully scrutinizing him.
"How could that be? Looking at him now, our Prince Consort does not differ much from the portrait presented by the painter that day."
Noble Consort Ying chuckled, covering her mouth, and continued, "Indeed. I was wondering about it. How could a face that looks the same have such a vastly different personality? I never expected that the noble son rumored to be as gentle as jade would behave in a manner almost akin to public insult. What is the difference between him and a shrew?"
Hearing this, Li Qiubai only slightly raised the corners of her mouth.
Now she understood. The reason the Empress brought people to Yong'an Palace today was not to wait for her but for Meng Chang'an.
Fortunately, Meng Chang'an reacted quickly, and without even a moment of guilt, she continued without changing her expression: "This lady is really joking. No matter how good-tempered people are in this world, seeing someone throw dirty water on your wife for no reason, you will not be able to calm down, right?”
The Empress also smiled, seemingly casually remarking, "But I heard that someone broke into the Princess' residence last night, publicly pointing out that the Prince Consort was a thief in disguise. I wonder if this is true?"
At that moment, the smile faded from the Empress Dowager's face, replaced by a hint of coldness in her gaze toward Meng Chang'an.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Meng Chang'an's heart sank at her words.
Author's Note:
I updated for ten days in a row, and it's all so sweet. Surprisingly, no one praised me! It's truly heartbreaking! So, feeling excessively saddened, this author decided to take a break on the first day of the Lunar New Year and will resume updates the day after tomorrow. This way, it's good to avoid starting the new year with work, ensuring a year of hard work ahead...
Therefore, here, with determination, I wish everyone a Happy New Year. May everyone be joyful, healthy, and live a long life. I hope everyone can live to see the completion of my work!
Once again, a reminder, during these unusual times, go out less if possible, it's better to stay obediently at home! When going out, be sure to wear a mask! Absolutely, take good care of yourselves!
One last thing, red envelopes for comments on this chapter! They will be sent until the next chapter update. Remember to leave a positive comment!
