Volume 1, Chapter 20: Dancing Before Me Without End

Liu Yuru could no longer concern herself with her sister-in-law. After chatting for a while, she noticed the Princess looked a bit weary, so she said, "Your Highness, I have prepared a modest banquet today and would be honored if you could grace my residence for a midday meal. Might I hope for the pleasure of your company?"

"With such a gracious invitation from my sister-in-law, it would be improper for me to decline," Princess Changning replied with a nod.

The two women exchanged formal courtesies and took their leave, returning to the residence first to ensure the preparations for the family banquet were in order.

After resting for an hour, Princess Changning reapplied her makeup. Forgoing her royal procession, she took an ordinary carriage, accompanied only by two palace maids and her guards, and headed toward Zhao Ziqian’s prefectural residence.

---

Within the prefectural residence of Zhao Ziqian, the layout was elegant and serene, with several old elm trees along the courtyard corridors lending an air of antiquity.

When the Princess's party arrived, Zhao Ziqian was already waiting at the entrance. Dressed in his official robes and standing ramrod straight, he promptly led his household in a bow as the Princess alighted. "Your humble servant, Zhao Ziqian, welcomes Your Highness."

"Since this is a family gathering, cousin, please dispense with the formalities," Princess Changning said with a slight nod.

Her gaze swept over the men behind him, and she offered a polite nod to the several gorgeously dressed gentlemen among them.

Liu Yuru then escorted the Princess into the floral hall, where the seating was divided by a screen. On the outside were the men, and on the inside, the female family members. At that moment, the women were chatting under the corridor adjacent to the hall. They included Liu Yuru’s older sister Liu Yueyin, her younger sister Liu Qiaomei, Zhao Ziqian’s maternal cousin Tian Xiao, Liu Yuru’s sister-in-law Song Yingying, and Song Qingqing.

Tian Xiao, aged about twenty-two, was the wife of the Prefectural Vice-Magistrate Liu Yi; they had married in the capital three years prior, an event Princess Changping had even attended.

Princess Changning took the seat of honor in the floral hall, and the women curtsied in unison, saying respectfully, "Greetings, Your Highness."

"Sisters-in-law, sisters, please rise," the Princess said with a gentle expression. "And the younger ones, please take your seats. Today is just for a casual gathering, so let us set aside the rigid etiquette."

Princess Changning then bestowed gifts upon the young children and infants present.

Once Liu Yuru had escorted the Princess to her seat, the others took their places in order of precedence. As the maids served the dishes, Liu Yueyin asked with concern, "Your Highness, the journey must have been exhausting. Are you able to partake in some wine? This is a grain spirit brewed this year; the gentlemen are drinking it as well."

"I can have a little. Do you ladies usually drink?" the Princess asked with a smile. Among women, her tolerance for alcohol was legendary.

"We only have a small cup, but since it is a happy occasion today, we shall all have a few," Liu Yuru laughed.

Song Yingying quickly stood to pour wine for the Princess, smiling as she said, "The streets of Binzhou are bustling with merchants. While not as lively as the capital, one can still appreciate the local customs here. Would Your Highness be interested in a stroll tomorrow?"

Princess Changning shook her head. "The streets are unnecessary. I would much rather visit the former residence of the previous dynasty’s Prince Regent to admire the lotus flowers."

"What an elegant interest, Your Highness. I shall arrange it immediately; everything will be prepared by tomorrow," Liu Yuru promised.

"Cousin-in-law, let me handle the arrangements. That lotus garden is open to the public; we can go after noon," Tian Xiao offered eagerly.

Liu Yuru nodded with a smile, but just as she was about to speak, Song Qingqing interjected, "That is true. Once the Princess reaches Sheye, she will no longer see such scenery. After all, she will be there to serve the King of Sheye."

The implication was dripping with provocation.

Gu Han was seated at the men’s table. Although separated by a screen, he was sitting just a few steps away and heard Song Qingqing’s taunt. His face turned cold, but he remained silent.

"Cousin, you have brought this matter up repeatedly. At first, I thought nothing of it," Princess Changning said, her expression unfazed. She offered a faint smile. "But seeing the deep affection in your eyes, I realize how much you admire the King of Sheye. Since I am going to be his Queen, why don’t you accompany me and serve him as well?"

As soon as these words left her lips, Song Qingqing’s expression stiffened. "Even if you are a Princess, you cannot force a marriage."

Tian Xiao quickly tugged at Song Qingqing, shaking her head with a frown.

Princess Changning laughed with feigned realization. "Is that so!"

Seeing the atmosphere grow awkward, Song Yingying quickly changed the subject. "Come, Your Highness, try these candied fruits. They are our family's secret recipe."

Liu Yuru also hurriedly served the Princess. "Your Highness, do try this braised chicken; it is the signature dish of Binzhou's most prestigious restaurant!"

---

After the banquet, Song Qingqing found an excuse to run to the front courtyard. Approaching Gu Han, she feigned shyness and said, "Brother Gu, are you heading to the Commander’s Mansion? I have an appointment with Magistrate Li’s daughter. May I accompany you?"

Gu Han cast a cold glance at her. "I am busy." With that, he strode away, not even sparing her a flicker of his gaze.

Song Qingqing stomped her foot in anger. She then went to Zhao Ziqian’s study and whispered, "Brother, I have taken a fancy to Gu Han. Can you write to Grandfather and ask him to propose a marriage for me at the Duke of Zhen’s residence?"

Zhao Ziqian frowned, looking at his willful younger sister. "Have you no shame?"

"I am still better than that Princess who keeps male concubines!" Song Qingqing grabbed her brother’s arm and shook it. "Don't Grandfather and Father want to choose an outstanding match for me?"

Zhao Ziqian pondered for a moment. "Gu Han is indeed a talent, but Grandfather has never had any dealings with the Duke of Zhen. I fear it will not be easy."

"Brother, just write the letter to Grandfather; he will surely have a plan," Song Qingqing plotted secretly.

"Very well, I shall write it now," he said, sitting down to grind the ink.

---

When Princess Changning returned to her private residence, the Magnolia Courtyard next to the floral hall was filled with people—nearly twenty young men.

She suddenly felt as if she were the Emperor conducting a palace selection. Turning back, she sat in the grand armchair in the main room and took a sip of tea as Xu Hai hurried over to report on the day's affairs at the Red Sleeve House.

"That Qi Da is your cousin, is he reliable?"

"Your Highness, rest assured, he is under my control," Xu Hai gave her a knowing smile.

"Very well. The arrangement to rotate the accountants every six months is fine. You keep an eye on them."

"There is one more thing," Xu Hai hesitated for a moment before saying with a chuckle, "Lord Song has reserved some of the young women and a room at the Red Sleeve House for tomorrow."

"Oh? And here I thought he was a man of upright character," Changning said with a sigh of mock regret. "What a pity. The Red Sleeve House has scaled back its services; I wonder if it will be to my cousin's liking."

Eunuch Xu could only offer a sheepish smile as he refilled the Princess’s tea.

Changning waved her hand. "Enough. Let them come in one by one."

Xu Hai nodded quickly and stepped outside, calling out, "Line up! One at a time, so the Princess may inspect you!"

The men, each harboring their own thoughts, followed Xu Hai's instructions and formed a neat line. Princess Changning momentarily felt as if she were judging a talent show.

The first to approach the door was a frail youth with a pale complexion and delicate features that hinted at poor health. Princess Changning stared at him for a moment and asked, "What is your name? What are your talents?"

The youth bowed his head, his voice raspy. "In reply to Your Highness, this commoner is named Zhao Wenbin. My family suffered a tragedy; my father passed away and my mother died young. I am now destitute. I earned the title of Xiucai at twelve, but have repeatedly failed the provincial examinations. Now at eighteen, I owe nearly a hundred taels in debt to the bookstore and have no other way to survive, so I dared to come here."

"Oh?" Princess Changning raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over his gaunt face with a look that was neither quite a smile nor a frown. "You are quite young, yet your bearing is not bad. But this frail appearance—did studying too hard break your constitution?"

Zhao Wenbin blushed and said in a low voice, "I am ashamed, Your Highness... it is a result of malnutrition."