Chapter 25: Invite Her Highness To A Brothel?
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
New name:
严俞 - Yan Yu
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Seeing that Meng Chang'an's expression seemed less than favorable, Ye Qianxun initially thought of stopping there. However, considering the danger he almost caused her life, and fearing that Meng Chang'an might not fully grasp the situation, Ye Qianxun had no choice but to honestly add another sentence.
"In fact, you do not need to worry too much about him. When I saw him, there was no one kidnapping or threatening him..."
With this revelation, Meng Chang'an's expression became even more somber.
Seeing this, Ye Chi hurriedly advised, "Miss, do not listen to this brat talking nonsense. There must be some misunderstanding..."
"If that is the case, then so be it," Meng Chang'an gritted her teeth and said fiercely, "Otherwise, if he truly betrays Her Highness for the sake of lingering in the flowers, I will not let him off! I will not be surnamed Meng if I do not break his legs!"
Seeing Meng Chang'an's extremely serious and ferocious expression, Ye Chi couldn't help but shiver.
He had heard about the ruthlessness of the Blood Flame Sect's Young Master, but having seen Meng Chang'an's gentle and amiable demeanor for so long, he almost forgot that this person was indeed the young master of the Blood Flame Sect.
In such a situation, Ye Chi could only silently sympathize with his clan's Young Master for a moment and dared not say much else.
Although the Young Master didn't think his elder brother to be capable of such actions, she still held Ye Qianxun and questioned him again and again.
It wasn't until Ye Qianxun carefully explained how he discovered He Changping's whereabouts from beginning to end that Meng Chang'an finally let it rest.
"I understand, Brother Ye. You do not need to mention this much to my father; I will handle it myself. You two can go back now."
In that case, the two cousins had no choice but to bid farewell and leave the courtyard.
After they departed, Meng Chang'an strolled around the courtyard but still couldn't find the Princess’ figure. Even after searching the study and failing to locate her, so she had to give up.
Meng Chang'an pursed her lips slightly, drooping the corners of her eyes, and silently left the study.
The good mood upon waking gradually dissipated.
"Prince Consort!"
Young Master Meng had just stepped out of the courtyard when someone from a distance called out to her.
"Do you plan to have lunch at the residence or outside, Prince Consort? We can prepare it for you in the residence!"
The person was none other than Yan Yu, the steward from the Princess' residence.
Meng Chang'an responded with a question, "Where is the Princess?"
Aiyo, these newlyweds are really inseparable and don't want to be separated for a moment.
Understanding the situation, Yan Yu promptly responded, "Her Highness has left the residence. Does the Prince Consort intend to find her?"
Young Master Meng, unaware of Yan Yu's thoughts, straightforwardly inquired, "Hm, Steward Yan, do you know where the Princess went?"
In this way, Yan Yu stroked his beard and said with a smile: “Her Highness went to the Drunken Immortal Inn to meet friends. Before she left, she instructed me to just take the Prince Consort directly to Drunken Immortal Inn if you wish to find her.
Tsk, that woman’s guess was quite accurate.
In this way, a slight smile appeared in Young Master Meng's eyes.
Now that the Princess has already made arrangements, Young Master Meng naturally agreed happily: "Then I'll trouble Steward Yan."
“Prince Consort need not be polite. This servant Yan will have someone prepare the carriage right away."
Yan Yu casually gestured to a guard to prepare the carriage, while he personally led Young Master Meng on the way, escorting her towards the main gate of the Princess' residence.
Halfway through, Meng Chang'an hesitated for a while before mustering the courage to ask, "Steward Yan, could you please find a map of the capital for me?"
Upon hearing this, Yan Yu paused for a moment, looking somewhat uneasy, and replied, "Well... a map of the capital is not something that can be casually shown to anyone."
Meng Chang'an also had considered this point before hesitating on how to approach it. Understanding his concerns, she took a step back and said, "It doesn't need to be too detailed, no need for the kind of map that intricately depicts the layout of each military defense. Just a map that shows the main pathways between streets and alleys will do. I am afraid of getting lost while wandering in the capital, so I just want to have a look beforehand."
With the Young Master Meng expressing her concerns, Steward Yan finally felt at ease and said, "Then, Prince Consort, please wait a moment in the carriage. This servant Yan will prepare the map for you right away."
If it weren't for the Princess' instructions to treat Prince Consort as the master, Steward Yan wouldn't have dared to prepare this map of the capital for her.
Though he wasn't sure of the purpose behind Young Master Meng wanting the map, the Princess had spoken beforehand, and Steward Yan dared not go against her words.
He didn't inquire further but complied obediently.
When Steward Yan found the map and brought it to the gate, Young Master Meng had already been sitting in the carriage outside the residence for quite some time.
Worried about the Prince Consort waiting for too long, Steward Yan quickened his pace more than usual.
Unfortunately, before he could place the map on the carriage, just as he stepped out of the Princess' residence gate, someone had already dismounted and intercepted him.
"Steward Yan, what a coincidence!"
The white horse halted beside the steps outside the princess's residence. The young man on the horse leaped down, flipping from the horse's back to land gracefully in front of Steward Yan. After steadying himself, the young man retrieved a card from his pocket and handed it to Steward Yan, politely saying, "I am Lin Xingyang, here to visit the Prince Consort. I hope Steward Yan can facilitate and announce my arrival."
"Young General Lin?"
Lin Xingyang didn't need to tell him his family name for Yan Yu to recognize him.
The elderly general of the Lin family, Lin Zhenshi, was originally just a general in the Shu region. However, due to his remarkable military achievements and the prime minister's promotion, he was able to move to the capital. Over the past decade, Old General Lin had earned numerous military merits and now held the esteemed position of Cavalry General. The Lin family, filled with capable military leaders, had gained the Emperor's favor in recent years, transforming this initially inconspicuous outsider family into a rising force in the capital.
Therefore, Steward Yan was familiar with this precious eldest grandson from General Lin's family.
Steward Yan was a bit surprised and curious about the connection between this young general and their Prince Consort, directly asking, "This servant Yan has never heard of any acquaintance between the Young General Lin and our Prince Consort. Why would Young General Lin suddenly think of coming to find our Prince Consort?"
"To be honest, after seeing your Prince Consort's skill at the palace banquet last night, I thought of seeking some advice."
This translation is originally posted on https://love4baihe.blogspot.com please read it there. and check out other stories too.
This answer was a bit perfunctory. Regardless of whether others believed him or not, Steward Yan found the explanation quite evasive.
"This..."
However, before Steward Yan could refuse, Meng Chang'an in the carriage had already lifted the window and shouted towards the two conversing by the steps, "Steward Yan, let him come over."
Oh, it turns out it is really the Young Master.
Before Steward Yan could react, Lin Xingyang excitedly ran to the side of the carriage and jumped onto it.
"Steward Yan, could you please have someone feed my horse?!"
With the Prince Consort already instructing someone, Steward Yan didn't have much to say. Without interjecting, he handed the rolled map to Young Master Meng, cautioned the coachman to drive carefully, and then retreated on his own.
When he turned to go back home, Yan Yu sighed helplessly and shook his head.
At this critical moment, the main heir from a prominent minister in the Prime Minister's faction dares to openly seek their Prince Consort?
The Prime Minister is originally from the Empress's family, and there has always been discord between them and the Crown Prince and the Second Princess. Now, with the young general from the Lin family coming to find the Prince Consort, how can people not speculate?
In this public setting, the actions and words of the young general will undoubtedly be scrutinized by others.
In Steward Yan's view, the political waters in the capital seem to be getting murky.
However, even so, Meng Chang'an can somewhat understand that Lin Xingyang openly presenting a greeting card to her in this manner is not entirely appropriate.
"Why did you come looking for me?" Meng Chang'an, sitting opposite Lin Xingyang, asked straightforwardly. Seeing her direct question, Lin Xingyang didn't beat around the bush. He leaned back against the carriage wall, looking relaxed, and confessed, "I originally wanted to come and figure things out, to see if it is really you. Now that I have confirmed it, it is only natural to let those who are secretly watching you know that I have a good relationship with you. Our Lin family wants to support you!"
Meng Chang'an was slightly moved.
She had long known that although her appearance closely resembled her elder brother's, it might deceive those unfamiliar with them. However, when facing someone familiar, it was undoubtedly impossible to conceal the truth.
Therefore, she wasn't surprised that Lin Xingyang could recognize her. She just sighed slightly and asked, "Are you not afraid of causing trouble for Grandfather Lin?"
Last night, Meng Chang'an had also glanced at the grandfather and grandson from a distance. Although she didn't understand court politics, she could sense that, given the current situation, it would be more appropriate for them to act as if they were strangers who didn't know each other.
"What is there to be afraid of? You have become a target for everyone in the capital now. Each one wants to use you to trouble the Grand Prince. If I, the younger brother, do not come to support you, who else do you expect to help you?"
One of the Young Master’s godmothers is Lin Ziyan, who happens to be Lin Xingyang's biological aunt. Hence, the two have been considered siblings since childhood, and although they rarely meet, their relationship has always been good.
Understanding his intention to help, Meng Chang'an didn't hold back. She cast him a sidelong glance and said, "With the Grand Prince by my side, there is no need for you to worry. Instead, you, foolishly coming to get involved at this time, are you not afraid of being scolded when you return? I suggest you first think about how to explain my identity if Grandfather Lin asks when you get back home."
"Do not worry about that; I have already come up with a story. It will not cause you any trouble!"
After saying this, Lin Xingyang belatedly asked, "So, where are you heading with this carriage?"
"Do you just follow me without knowing where I am going? Are you not afraid I might sell you?"
Young Master felt a bit helpless, but she didn't bother arguing with the Young General Lin. She simply lowered her head, focused on studying the map in her hands, and quietly noted the layout of certain streets and alleys. She casually replied, "I am going to have lunch with Her Highness. Do you want to join?"
"I am going, why would I not?"
Speaking of this, Lin Xingyang couldn't contain his curiosity and inquired about the events of last night, "By the way, I am curious. Why does Her Highness protect you so much? She even disregarded the Emperor's face for your sake!"
With the Young General Lin asking like this, it once again aroused Meng Chang'an's curiosity.
Meng Chang'an furrowed her brows, forcibly suppressing the sudden surge of unusual emotions. After dismissing the unlikely speculation from her mind, she replied, "You are asking me? Who should I ask? How would I know what is on the Princess’ mind? If you are genuinely curious, just go and ask her directly."
"How would I dare?!"
Lin Xingyang shrunk his head, timidly saying, "I really do not want Her Highness to look at me coldly. It is too scary."
After saying this, Young General Lin suddenly thought of something and immediately smiled ambiguously. "Nowadays, rumors are circulating outside about the deep affection between the Princess and her Prince Consort. Could it be true, as the rumors say? You and Her Highness are not just putting on a show but actually have a real relationship. That is why you cannot bear to be apart from Her Highness, even going out of your way to have lunch with her?"
"What nonsense are you thinking?!" Meng Chang'an felt annoyed and blushed. She immediately rolled up the map and gave Lin Xingyang's head a firm smack and emphasized, "I do not have a liking for women! I just wanted to visit a brothel, but I was afraid of being too conspicuous, so I thought of asking Her Highness to go together!”
"Invite Her Highness to a brothel?"
Young General Lin looked dumbfounded, suddenly admiring Young Master Meng immensely.
"Sister, throughout history, you are the first Prince Consort I have seen who dared to invite a princess to a brothel!"
After saying that, without waiting for Young Master Meng to respond, he continued: "Tell me, what material do you want for the coffin? I will order one for you right now!"
Author's Note:
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