in2ebook Chapter 257 Elegant Leisure
Chapter 257 Elegant Leisure
Qin Yizhen had only one thought at that moment—Princess Huizhen's procrastination had really caused trouble!
If Eastern Qin wanted to annex Western Liang, it needed to have a legitimate reason for doing so. By holding the bloodline of the Western Liang royal family, it could take advantage of the internal strife in Western Liang and use their name to legitimately swallow Western Liang.
As for who would marry this prince of Western Liang, it would naturally be the legitimate princess of Eastern Qin, Princess Huizhen, who would be the most suitable.
Qin Yi was truly terrified: "Does Mother mean... if this matter succeeds, perhaps my elder sister will marry Liang Xihuai and have a child?"
Empress Dowager Cheng lowered her eyes: "Perhaps."
Perhaps, they've already come up with an idea, or even want to put it into practice.
If one has no idea, it will be like the Western Liang princess wanting to marry Cheng Yan—absolutely impossible.
Qin Yizhen opened her mouth, wanting to ask, "Is my elder sister willing?" But after thinking about it carefully, she felt that she shouldn't ask that question. After all, Princess Huizhen was a princess of a country, and now Dong Qin was planning a great cause for the country.
The world is a natural order where unity inevitably leads to division, and division inevitably leads to unity. Eastern Qin does not want to lose, nor does it want to become a nation that perishes. The only way is to exert all its strength to become the winner.
In this game, the royal family had no way out. The winner would rise to the top, unify the world, and become the supreme ruler, while the loser would suffer a crushing defeat and be buried with the collapsing nation.
Having seized this opportune moment, they will surely do their utmost to plan ahead.
It was Princess Huizhen's turn to marry, and she could no longer refuse.
If anyone is to blame, it's her own fault.
She recently turned eighteen, but she still refuses to get married. They have tried to persuade her more than once or twice, but she only wants to play and enjoy the blessings of having two wives, and just won't get married.
"Will Eastern Qin and Western Liang go to war?" Qin Yizhen asked Empress Dowager Cheng.
"A war is inevitable."
When Qin Yizhen left the study, her mind was still a little muddled. It wasn't until she stepped outside the hall and felt the cool autumn breeze that she became more clear-headed.
That day, after leaving the palace, she went directly to the women's teahouse run by Song Pingping.
After several months of hard work, Song Pingping finally redecorated and transformed the residence into a teahouse named Fengya Xianju.
The teahouse is a three-courtyard complex with two side courtyards and a small garden. It is spacious, elegantly furnished, and very comfortable. With tea, snacks, and fine wine, and with maids who know martial arts on guard, it is an excellent place to go.
Today is the opening day of Fengya Xianju. Qin Yizhen accepted Song Pingping's invitation to come here in person to give her a facial and earn some money for cosmetics.
As soon as the carriage stopped in front of Fengya Xianju, Song Pingping led several maids to greet it.
After exchanging greetings and leading the person into the courtyard, she said with a smile, "Pingping thought the princess wasn't coming. I almost waited in vain."
"Having accepted your invitation, how could I not come? So, is anyone else coming today?"
"I've sent out quite a few invitations, but not many people have come. Perhaps they look down on my little shop. However, if they hear that the princess is coming, it won't be long before many people come with their invitations."
"Oh, by the way, the Lady of Changting has also come with her daughter; they're inside."
"Oh, she brought her daughter with her?"
"Yes, she even gave me a pot of plum blossoms that were in full bloom. I have to say, her daughter is really capable. It's only October, and she's already managed to get plum blossoms blooming. Oh dear, such a good girl, I wonder which lucky boy will end up with her."
Lu Jianjia is cheerful and lively, but she is also polite and knows how to behave appropriately. Many people like her, including Qin Yizhen.
Qin Yizhen used to think that Emperor Jing'an's future empress, Zhao Yutong, had a very good personality. She was well-educated, resilient, intelligent, reasonable, virtuous, and generous.
If she were to become a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, or even an empress, Zhao Yutong would certainly be a good match. But if she wanted a daughter, she preferred someone like Lu Jianjia.
They are clever, cute, lively and interesting. The mother and daughter can also play together, grow flowers, embroider, play the piano and practice calligraphy, etc.
"It's really a good deal for Lady Changting." Qin Yizhen suppressed the corners of her mouth.
Upon hearing this, Song Pingping understood the meaning and immediately smiled: "Then Princess, you'd better hurry up and give birth to a daughter as lovely as Miss Lu. Then I will buy new clothes and jewelry for the Princess and the little girl."
Song Pingping used to dislike Cheng Yan, thinking that the bastard was really annoying for taking her princess. She only regretted that she was not a man and that her family background was not good. Now she thinks that it would be nice to have a little girl.
"Then you don't need to. I'm not so poor that I can't afford to raise a girl." I can afford to raise a girl, but how to give birth to one is a headache.
That bastard Cheng Yan is quite attentive to her, telling her not to take the medicine, but she just won't agree. How can she have a child like this?
“Princess, you are wrong. Although you are not short of money and can certainly raise your daughter, it is a good thing for her to have more people who like and care about her.”
"You're so good with words..."
The group entered the main gate, turned past the screen wall, and then arrived at the second courtyard. This courtyard was spacious, with several trees planted, flower beds, and a small pond where various koi carp were kept.
The second courtyard is where guests are received, consisting of four side rooms with a plaque.
The first is "the east wind thaws the ice," the second is "observing flowers and inquiring about matters," the third is "feathered robes and misty clouds," and the fourth is "distant green mountains and dark eyebrows."
The east wind thaws the ice, marking the beginning of spring, a time to await spring's arrival. The beginning of spring is the start of spring and should be the dominant time.
"Observing flowers and asking about matters" refers to the Grain Rain season, when all flowers are in full bloom.
The phrase "feathered robes shrouded in mist and haze" likely refers to the line, "Her feathered robes are always tinged with the color of mist and haze, untouched by the dust of the world, like peach and plum blossoms."
As for the 'distant green hills,' it probably signifies the return of spring and the revival of all things.
Qin Yizhen glanced around, observing the scenery in the courtyard. She found it elegant and casual, refined yet tasteful, and couldn't help but nod in approval.
It is indeed a great place for tea and leisurely gatherings; Song Pingping has clearly put a lot of thought into it.
Song Pingping invited Qin Yizhen into the main room, 'East Wind Thawing,' clapped her hands and had tea and snacks served. She then asked Qin Yizhen, "What would the princess like to do today?"
"In the elegant and secluded residence, there are books such as storybooks to read, maids to sing and play music, and even storytelling and chess games. Whatever pastime the princess likes, the elegant and secluded residence has it all."
"Oh? You have everything?" Qin Yizhen became curious and, after thinking for a moment, asked, "If I would like to see a sword dance, do you have any?"
“Of course there are.” Song Pingping laughed. “Princess, have you forgotten that all the maids and guards I’ve recruited are women, and they are all skilled in martial arts? If the princess has such a request, there will surely be someone willing to offer them up.”
"What if we were to set up a banquet with a flowing, meandering stream?"
"A table has also been prepared in the storeroom in the back courtyard; just have someone bring it over."