What an Audacious and Sly Servant! - Chapter 56

CHAPTER 56 – THE GRIEVING ONE

The days quietly passed, after the Frost’s Descent[1], the weather had become colder.

Winter in the capital city had always been very appealing. The fluttering snowflakes were exceedingly had a sense of propriety, not too much and not too little. Every day, they would just enough to cover the roof with a layer of thick, feather white quilt. Combined it with the green brick walls and the bright red lanterns, it was extremely pretty.

Chu Xun was hugging a hand warmer, he seemed like a big worm.

‘Achoo——’ It was his thirteenth sneeze ever since he woke up this morning until now. Right now Chu Xun had yet to wear his clothes properly, his quilt was still warm. He pinched his nose as he howled at Xiao Jing Zi, “Ah, this can’t do! This can’t do! This cold is too strong. You, quickly go and find Senior Official Song to ask for a leave. Today I’m not going to the morning class.”

Xiao Jing Zi immediately went out. Coincidentally, he came across Mei Qian Deng at the door.

In Mei Qian Deng’s hands was a bowl of sweet potato gruel. It was steaming hot and the sweet aroma filled the area.

“Ah! Little Young Master!” Xiao Jing Zi immediately stopped her and reminded, “His Highness Crown Prince had caught a cold. The morning class today is cancelled.” After saying so, Xiao Jing Zi lifted the hem of his clothes and walked with small steps out of the Ming Jue Palace.

Mei Qian Deng unwittingly looked inside Chu Xun’s room through the half opened door. She instantly saw Chu Xun sneezed yet again. That sneeze was too violent, even a large amount of snot came out from His Highness Crown Prince. It was an instant situation: Two lines of snot flew out and landed on the philtrum. However, the snot was too heavy and continued to slip into his mouth from the philtrum.

Chu Xun had yet to close his mouth when he suddenly tasted a salty, creamy substance. ‘Pei! Pei! Pei!’ He rushed to find a silk handkerchief. He had just came off the bed, wearing only inner clothes. He couldn’t find a handkerchief. He seemed to be without any hesitation as he pulled up the sleeve of his own white silk inner clothes and rubbed it over his face. Finally, he pretended as if nothing had happened. He hugged the hand warmer inside the quilt and continue to wait for Xiao Jing Zi’s return.

“……” Mei Qian Deng silently watched this scene until its end. The already not so imposing image of Chu Xun in her heart, noiselessly fell further. She was just preparing to walk away when she debated with herself. Then, she returned and knocked Chu Xun’s door, bringing the warm gruel inside for His Highness Crown Prince.

Chu Xun had a downcast face. His voice when talking was gloomy and husky. “Why did you come?”

“Xiao Jing Zi said you caught a cold. This gruel, you drink first. During the Mid-autumn in my house, didn’t you want to secretly dig sweet potatoes? Yesterday I saw there were some freshly dug in the kitchen. It’s just their size is smaller, not really good to bake so I made a gruel instead.”

When Chu Xun heard her, he was very happy but susceptible like a young miss as his handsome face hanged down. He was a bit unhappy. He questioned closely, “What do you mean give me to drink first? Who are you planning to give first actually?”

“Of course it’s Xiao Jian.”

“……” If jealous of a brat, this Crown Prince will lose! Chu Xun criticised a sentence in his mind. He seized the sweet potato gruel from Mei Qian Deng’s hands and lowered his head as he ate it. Henceforth, there is nothing to be vie for. In any case, it’s already inside this Crown Prince’s stomach.

Mei Qian Deng quietly gazed at Chu Xun finishing the gruel. When she took back the empty bowl, she deliberately avoided Chu Xun’s sleeves.

That sensitive nerve of Chu Xun’s tensed again. He was puzzled over Mei Qian Deng’s little action. He remembered earlier he used his own sleeves to remove the snot and instantly glanced at the sleeve. As expected, there was a lump of semi-cloudy unknown substance glued on his sleeve. It just only because it was a white colour fabric that it was not too obvious.

“Cough, cough……”

This scheming boy immediately faked coughing. He raised his hand to half cover his face with the sleeve, just nicely blocked that lump of unknown matter in front of his mouth. He adopted the standard saying, “Quickly go out, in case of infecting the cold to you.”

“Crown Prince, mouth rinsing water.” Mei Qian Deng came forward and smoothly took the tray on the table. On it were items to wash his face. Previously Xiao Jing Zi took it inside because he decided to serve Chu Xun wash face. It just that Xiao Jing Zi had yet to finish serving when he got ordered by Chu Xun to ask for a leave from Senior Official Song first.

This time, His Highness Crown Prince had yet to brush his teeth, had yet to wash his face but already finished eating breakfast.

“Cough, cough, cough! Cough, cough, cough! You, quickly go out!”

At the same time, Zhao Mo Ran had already entered the palace. The moment he heard Chu Xun caught a cold, he had to go meet His Highness Crown Prince to inquire of his health and show concern. Only then would he not neglect the etiquette a sincere and loyal subordinate should have. Hence, he followed Xiao Jing Zi back to the Ming Jue Palace. Chu Xun had already tidied himself up. It just that his expression was not really good.

When Chu Xun saw Zhao Mo Ran had arrived, he invited the latter inside while he sat on the main seat. He pointed at the chairs near the back, “My cold is contagious. It’s better for you to sit further away from me.”

Zhao Mo Ran complied as he picked the second last chair to sit. He exchanged pleasantries, “Wishing for Your Highness Crown Prince to take good care of your health and get better soon.”

“En, if you have nothing else, quickly go back. The weather is cold.” Chu Xun had always been much estranged with Zhao Mo Ran. In the recent months, his indifferent and perfunctory manner was much obvious.

Zhao Mo Ran pretended he didn’t aware. He shamelessly said, “I have a matter. I have a matter with Little Seventh. Since Your Highness Crown Prince take a leave, Little Seventh and I have no need to accompany Your Highness to the class. So, I want to bring Little Seventh and Xiao Jian out of the palace to enjoy the snow scene.”

A certain person huffed. “In such cold day, what to do if you all frostbitten and fall sick?”

“We’re martial arts practitioners, coarse skin and thick flesh. It will not be easy for us to fall sick.” Hey, are you implying this Crown Prince is delicately bought up, frail inside and squeamish?

Chu Xun was about to retort when Cao Cao was mentioned and here he was[2]. Mei Qian Deng had just finished her breakfast. She was carrying the empty bowl, heading to the kitchen to clean up. She passed through the main hall and got stopped by the sharp-sighted and deft Zhao Mo Ran. He pulled Mei Qian Deng to sit at the purposely left out last empty chair.

“Little Seventh, what is in your bowl?” Zhao Mo Ran was particularly enthusiastic.

Mei Qian Deng indifferently answered, “There is nothing inside.”

“What is inside it originally? Let me take a smell.” He leant forward to smell the empty bowl. From the angle where Chu Xun sat, it seemed as if Zhao Mo Ran was kissing Mei Qian Deng’s wrist.

Chu Xun gritted his teeth. He really wanted to fly over and wordlessly grab the empty bowl in Mei Qian Deng’s hands and threw it onto that shameless face. This Zhao Mo Ran was much cunning than him. It was obvious he left the last empty seat and waited Mei Qian Deng came over and sit on it. This was why he picked the second last seat earlier.

“So it’s sweet potato gruel…… Little Seventh, I want to eat too.”

“There’s no more. The whole pot had been finished.”

Come to speak of it, it was coincidental. In these few months Mei Qian Deng had been much estranged with Zhao Mo Ran. It was as if she had planned it with Chu Xun. For an unknown reason, they would treat the Alliance Leader Zhao’s young master coldly together.

Although Zhao Mo Ran had sensed it and grieved in his heart, he didn’t find the right time to ask Mei Qian Deng the exact situation. Hence, he only treat as if he was not aware of it. It was because he was scared if he asked too suddenly, Mei Qian Deng wouldn’t answer. He was scared too if he forced Mei Qian Deng too much, she would say out some reason that would make him helpless. After all, Seventh Young Master Mei would either say nothing or say directly, had never twist around the words.

“Little Seventh, I was talking with His Highness too. Today His Highness is in bad health. Using this free time, big brother I will bring you and Xiao Jian out of the palace to enjoy the snow. How is it?”

“We won’t go.”

“Come on. I found a good place. You will surely like it.”

“The Grand Princess passed a verbal instruction, to let me bring Xiao Jian to visit the Princess Residence.”

You see? Mei Qian Deng was this resolute and decisive. If she said no going then it would be not going. No matter whether she was happy to say out the reason.

Hence, at this morning the unusually lucky Zhao Mo Ran was rejected by female warrior Mei twice. He had nothing to lose. Under a strong request, he won over the chance to be alone with Mei Qian Deng as she sent him out of the palace.

Throughout the journey they were silent.

Seeing that they were about to reach the palace gate, Zhao Mo Ran stopped walking. He rarely revealed a solemn expression as he asked Mei Qian Deng with a heavy feeling, “Little Seventh. Do you have any misunderstanding with me? Why do you keep avoiding me recently?”

Mei Qian Deng hanged her head so he couldn’t see her expression clearly.

“If you don’t reply, that means you’re admitting it. You really do have an objection about me! Little Seventh, tell me. Where did I do wrong? I will change it. Or is it some matters make you misunderstood? Ask me. My matters, my thoughts and my everything. I’m willing to reveal it all for you as long as you want to know.” Zhao Mo Ran was agitated as he spoke. He wanted to pull Mei Qian Deng’s hands but she quickly dodged.

Some anguished ripples appeared in Young Master Zhao’s heart.

Mei Qian Deng looked up at him. Underneath her eyes seemed to have some accumulated snow. “Yue family’s case, there is someone secretly passing the information into the palace and said about Xiao Jian’s identity.”

Zhao Mo Ran’s heart thudded. He immediately responded, “You suspect it’s me?”

Mei Qian Deng didn’t say.

Zhao Mo Ran said, “Or is it, the Crown Prince suspect it’s me. So, you too think it’s me?”

In Mei Qian Deng’s heart, she felt these two people were actually not that much different.

“Xiao Jian’s identity seems like it’s unrelated to you. But Mo Nian Yuan is your people. The ministers in the imperial court will naturally turn the spearhead at you. Hehe, if this happens, the one profits the most other than the imperial court will naturally be my Zhao family. Furthermore, my father is the Martial Arts Alliance Leader. He knows a lot of jianghu secrets. For you all to suspect me, it’s natural.” Zhao Mo Ran was extremely disappointed. He seemed like he had lose some spirit.

“Zhao……” Mei Qian Deng wanted to call him Young Master but on the second thought she changed it, “Brother Zhao, I just want to play it safe. Xiao Jian is innocent.” The hidden meaning was, she actually didn’t care who spread the information into the palace. Mei Qian Deng avoided Zhao Mo Ran was merely because Chu Xun suspected it was Zhao Mo Ran. Taking a broader view, the only person who could protect Xiao Jian was Chu Xun. Hence, she followed Chu Xun, only revered Chu Xun.

From the start when Mei Qian Deng received the decree to enter the palace, she had already clearly recognise the reality. No matter who she meet, her only support and backer was Chu Xun. She didn’t have to think much, only needed to be steadfast like a huge rock. To say she was loyal, she was a one-track mind, it was also another type of wisdom.

“Alright. Alright. Alright.” Zhao Mo Ran said ‘alright’ three times before turning his head around and left. Coincidentally, a period of little snow came from the sky, setting off Young Master Zhao’s particularly solitary back.

Mei Qian Deng sent him off far with her eyes before she turned around and returned to the Ming Jue Palace. There was someone standing at the entrance of Ming Jue Palace. Mei Qian Deng walked inside and took a look, it was the heavily wrapped like a bear Chu Xun. He wore a cotton-padded jacket with a cloak draped over his shoulders and even wrapped his neck with a white fox fur scarf. Even so, Chu Xun’s coughing still continued. More than half of his face was buried inside the handkerchief, revealing only a pair of watery, red eyes.

“Crown Prince, you’re already in this state, why are you still coming out for?” Mei Qian Deng stopped three steps away from him, seemed to be rather avoiding him.

“The horse carriage has been prepared, just set out like this to Imperial Sister’s place.”

Mei Qian Deng ‘oh’ once and entered the room. She carried Xiao Jian out. She had yet to climb up the horse carriage when she heard a sniffling sound inside the carriage. She immediately pushed open the curtain, “Crown Prince, Grand Princess didn’t call for you.”

“What? If not called, I can’t come? This Crown Prince wants to go and see Imperial Sister. Can’t I?”

“But you’re this ill……”

“I willing!” He cut off Mei Qian Deng’s words. Actually, he couldn’t feel at ease of Mei Qian Deng. Because he knew the reason why the Grand Princess summoned Mei Qian Deng to the Princess Residence.

However, Mei Qian Deng obviously couldn’t notice His Highness Crown Prince’s efforts as she insisted on finishing her line, “What to do if you passes the cold to Xiao Jian?”

Mei Qian Deng narrowed his eyes as he looked at Xiao Jian. The current Xiao Jian could speak more properly. He bent over towards Chu Xun, “Dada good, dada handsome, dada hug hug.”

A certain person was satisfied but he didn’t have the intention of hugging that baby. He only praised a line, “En, Xiao Jian is really clever.”

At the Princess Residence.

Chu Yin sat on the main seat. She let her brother Crown Prince sat beside her but Chu Xun shook his head and choose to stick close to Mei Qian Deng.

Mei Qian Deng brought Xiao Jian to salute the Grand Princess first and then she looked around.

“He’s resting in the room. Your sister-in-law’s medicine is outstandingly effective, just that it make others sleep more often.”

Mei Qian Deng nodded her head. Xie Yun’s medical skill was naturally brilliant. In less than a year, Nan Bai Cheng’s chronic illness had turned better. It just that he was injured for too long so he needed to slowly nurse back to health. Xie Yun saw that the treatment was good enough so she left the prescription. A few days ago, she had already returned to the Mei Zi River Islet with Eldest Young Master Mei. She only needed to return periodically to re-examine.

Chu Yin’s aloof and beautiful eyes measured up the child in Mei Qian Deng’s hands. Xiao Jian was not afraid of strangers. His dark, watery eyes were gazing at the Grand Princess. Due to the Grand Princess’ age and temper, she released much richer maternal love radiance than the other two people on the scene. Xiao Jian was slightly staring in awe.

“This child is quite cute.” Chu Yin waved her hand, motioning Mei Qian Deng to bring Xiao Jian over so that she could carefully see him.

Mei Qian Deng directly put down Xiao Jian. That brat had always been naturally familiar, taking to his heels he ran toward the Grand Princess. A two years old child, when running his feet were slightly bowed and hobbled along. It was exactly that little appearance that attracted others’ fondness.

It was rare to see the cold like an iceberg Grand Princess revealed a happy smile. She carried up Xiao Jian who pounced over. Xiao Jian hence became the first child to sit on the Grand Princess’ thighs. This fact, when Xiao Jian had grown up in the future he used it to boost to others. That was part of the story to be recounted later.

Chu Yin teased Xiao Jian for a while before she looked up at Mei Qian Deng and said, “Today, calling you to bring the child here because there is something to be discuss with you.”

Mei Qian Deng silently stood there. She seemed to be quite calm. But no one knew if she was flustered in her heart, if she was not calm inside. Chu Xun was standing beside her. He sneaked a glance at Mei Qian Deng. He was extremely nervous in his heart. He held the hand warmer tightly, unable to stop a loud and clear sneeze: “Achoo——”

The atmosphere turned rather abnormal.

“You too know bengong never give birth in these few years.” The Grand Princess changed her form of address. It could be seen how serious she was. This form of address implied the unable to defy the imperial family. “Coincidentally, this child has no parents and it’s extremely inappropriate to raise him inside the palace. Bengongwishes to raise him, bestowing him a shelter. It’s also to relieve bengong’s childless sorrow. Qian Deng, what do you think?”

Objectively, this was undoubtedly the best place for Xiao Jian. There was only whether the Grand Princess was willing, there was no part for others to reject. Xiao Jian’s identity was a special one so the Emperor and all the officials would disagree. Later if he followed Mei Qian Deng out of the palace, Mei Qian Deng knew that she couldn’t completely protect him by herself. And, if he was handed over to Mo Nian Yuan, it was more unreliable than Mei Qian Deng raised him by herself. This uncle of his was too weak and was quite a rascal. He would surely raise Xiao Jian astray.

On the other hand, the Grand Princess’s identity was an honourable one. When Chu Xun ascended the throne later, the Grand Princess could be considered as below only one person and above ten thousand people. He would live in luxury, with great wealth and glory if he was with the Grand Princess. It was a fortune that others couldn’t get even if they spent eight lifetimes yet it landed on Xiao Jian. Mei Qian Deng really didn’t have any reason to decline.

But Mei Qian Deng still had to ask her, “Why Grand Princess suddenly wants to raise Xiao Jian?”

“Your sister-in-law said, even if Nan Bai Cheng’s injury heals we don’t have much chance in having a child. After various turns in these years, we had missed too much. Bengong just want to give Nan Bai Cheng and myself a complete family. How about it, are you willing to grant bengong’s wish?”

Mei Qian Deng pursed her lips, her eyes were icy cold.

Chu Xun was so nervous that he had even held his breath. He was really afraid Mei Qian Deng that boor would say something that disobey his big sister. For this matter, Chu Xun had begged Chu Yin for a very long time before she agreed to raise Xiao Jian. Chu Yin agreed with this based on the fact that Xie Yun had treated Nan Bai Cheng. If at the end Mei Qian Deng replied she wasn’t willing, how should he wrap this up?

“Grand Princess’ place is naturally the best shelter for Xiao Jian. It’s just that……” Mei Qian Deng spoke like how she usually did.

Chu Xun’s heart jumped to his throat. This boor! What it’s just that?!

“It’s just that Xiao Jian is not an orphan. I’m taking care of Xiao Jian for a few days on behalf of someone else. He still has a biological uncle. We have to ask his opinion since he’s his relative.”

Of course the Grand Princess was the supreme noble with comprehensive etiquette. Hearing so, she immediately sent people to bring over Mo Nian Yuan. She had just said Xiao Jian was very cute when Mo Nian Yuan instantly cut in, “This humble one’s ancestral grave must be releasing green smoke[3]. Since Grand Princess likes him, just take and play with this child. One day when you’re sick of playing with him, it is fine to return him to this humble one then. Long live for Grand Princess!”

Is this really the biological uncle?!

The Grand Princess looked back at Mei Qian Deng, “With this, from now on Xiao Jian will stay at the Princess Residence. Yue Xiao Jian this name will be considered as a pet name. From now on, he is Chu Xi Yan[4], wishing him to be free from affectation character.”

[Mini Theatre]

Deep in the night, two cottons were plugged inside the Crown Prince’s nostrils as he arrived at the Grand Princess’ residence again.

Chu Xun, “This time, many thanks to Imperial Sister!”

Chu Yin was polishing her fingernails. With the aloof bearing, she lightly sighed. “No need to thank me. It’s only each taking what they need. However, if Mei Qian Deng manages to guess it was your idea, what will you do? Mei Qian Deng that temper, on the outside is calm and indifferent but deep inside is the most one-track mind.”

Chu Xun revealed a depressed look that most youngsters wouldn’t have, “Right now, since she had agreed to give Xiao Jian to you and didn’t lay bare this matter, why should I worry needlessly? Not thinking, not thinking.” There were even more troublesome matters that further pained his head yet unable to think of a solution after this. He merely wanted to protect Mei Qian Deng well. The more Xiao Jian was close to her, it would be much worse for her later. Obviously it was for her own good yet it felt like he had did something guilty.

“Why don’t you talk to her properly and clearly? Mei Qian Deng is not someone who lacks common sense.”

Chu Xun shook his head. “The more I say, probably the more I can’t explain clearly.” There were too many involved in this. From Xiao Jian to the Yue family, from Yue family to the Ru Nunnery, from Ru Nunnery to countless ties. One step wrong, all the other steps would be wrong. Chu Xun didn’t dare to move recklessly. He was also worried of the subsequent turmoil. It was not necessarily the best choice.

The Grand Princess stared at her own brother. Based on her memory, she had never seen the conceited Crown Prince would set his heart on someone this much. Although she was very curious inside, she was not a nosy person so she waved her hand. “Then, leave now. Don’t let the cold stay in here. Bai Cheng’s body is still weak.”

“…… Imperial Sister, you adopted Xiao Jian and let him carried the Chu surname. Even if you don’t ask Imperial Father whether he agrees, you still have to ask Lord Nan’s opinion, don’t you? What if Lord Nan he thinks this is marrying into the wife’s family? What if he disagree? What if he want to let Xiao Jian surnames Nan?”

“You, stand up. Go out of the door and turn left. Immediately scram back.”

[1] The 18th of the 24 solar terms. Between 23rd October to 6th November

[2] Idiom. Means, speak of the devil.

[3] Means, something good has happen such as official promotion. However, it can also be a mocking or scolding people.

[4] 楚希言