Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Not every princess is skilled in embroidery, just like Princess Ying, whose craftsmanship is not necessarily better than others. Moreover, it is said that the princess has a bad temper and is quite unattractive, which is why she ended up marrying Zhong Xue in Zhao State.
When San Chun accompanied Ying to Zhao Palace to deliver the embroidered goods, she was taken aback by the news. Using such a daughter as a bargaining chip to form an alliance with Zhong Xue shows just how ruthless this Zhao Wang is. As for Zhong Xue, his lack of anger likely indicates that he does not care about the princess; as long as she has some value, he will make use of her.
San Chun couldn't quite figure out who was at a disadvantage or who was benefiting from this arrangement. She even thought they might be a perfect match—one extraordinarily ugly and the other extraordinarily wicked. Especially since this deal was quite profitable for the Embroiderer's Workshop, it wouldn't hurt to congratulate them for the sake of her livelihood.
After delivering the embroidered goods, she walked back with Ying. On the way, Ying had an upset stomach and found a public restroom to relieve herself.
San Chun stood outside waiting and, feeling bored, looked around. Suddenly, she saw a woman running across the street with her face covered by a white cloth.
The woman had an extremely large build, with thick legs that made loud "thud" sounds with each step, as if someone were pounding on the ground while building a house.
She was running fast but seemed unable to stop in time as she charged straight toward San Chun.
Startled, San Chun quickly stepped aside, but the woman unexpectedly barreled right into the restroom.
San Chun didn't dare to look at what happened next; she closed her eyes and could vaguely hear Ying's screams from inside, along with a strong foul odor wafting out.
It seemed that the Feces Bucket had been overturned.
With a sigh, she thought that being too heavy had its downsides; such momentum could not be halted.
Then she heard Ying calling for her. When she opened her eyes and saw what was happening, she felt an overwhelming urge to run away.
The restroom door had been smashed in. Inside, besides the toppled Feces Bucket, there were two people on the ground. Ying was completely pinned beneath the Fat Woman's body; her face was hidden from view, and only her legs were flailing desperately, proving that she hadn't been crushed to death yet.
San Chun rushed over to help but found that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't budge the woman on top. In desperation, she called for passersby to assist her. It took three or four strong men working together to finally lift the woman off.
Ying was freed and sat down on the ground, gasping for breath.
She had just adjusted her pants and was about to leave when that woman crashed in; otherwise, being exposed in public would have been utterly humiliating. Even so, those watching couldn't help but chuckle softly; it was unclear whether they were laughing at her or at the Fat Woman.
Covered in filth and feeling embarrassed to linger on the street, the woman insisted that they compensate her for her clothes. With no other option, they decided to take her back with them.
Once back at the Embroiderer's Workshop, they prepared water for her to wash up. Initially hoping that the Fat Woman would leave soon, they soon realized there were no particularly large clothes available in the workshop. After trying on several outfits without success and visiting a tailor shop without finding anything suitable either,
they couldn't possibly let her walk around naked. Even if she agreed to it, people on Main Street would certainly object. After some thought, Ying decided that since there was fabric available at the Embroiderer's Workshop and tailors on hand, they could take her measurements and make something for her right away.
After asking for her name, she said her name was Ying, and she had run away from a marriage she did not want to return to just yet. The person who welcomed her was very kind, and despite her not-so-tragic experiences, she ended up crying and sniffling. In the end, the person agreed to take her in, allowing her to eat and drink until her family came looking for her.
San Chun paid close attention to her name. Ying? Princess Zhao was also named Ying; could this be just a coincidence? With the doubts of the person who welcomed her, they were also quite concerned and often tested her.
Even though this Princess Ying refused to reveal her identity, just her commanding demeanor and picky attitude made it clear what her status was. No commoner would possess such an air of authority.
Now the entire Handan City was searching for this princess, and the person who welcomed her did not dare keep her for too long. After preparing some clothes for her, they hurried to the government office to report.
Shortly after she left, officials arrived at the Embroiderer's Workshop, kneeling in a flurry, asking the princess to depart.
However, Princess Ying refused to leave, crying that she had entrusted herself to the wrong person. A good girl was being forced to marry Chengyang Jun; it felt like a beautiful flower being planted in cow dung.
The person who welcomed her and several girls stood in the room softly advising her, saying things like "Princess, take care of yourself," "Do not be sad," or "Things will work out in the end."
San Chun was quite dismissive of her self-pity. Judging by looks alone, Zhong Xue was more than enough for her. It could not be said that a beautiful flower was being wasted on cow dung; at most, it was a rotten flower paired with a pile of dog waste.
She kindly advised, "The princess may not know that Chengyang Jun is one of the Four Great Young Masters. His appearance is comparable to Zhao Young Master Ji Xun's and is certainly not as terrible as rumored."
Princess Ying blinked through tearful eyes. "Have you seen Chengyang Jun?"
"Yes."
"Is he truly similar in appearance to my brother?"
"Yes."
"But... they say Chengyang Jun is extremely cruel and would hang human skins on the city gates."
"That is for enemies; he would never do such a thing to family." Suddenly realizing this statement was true, it was just like how he treated her—with patience and care.
"But I already have someone I love," Princess Ying said, biting her nails with a shy expression.
Implying that she would not marry Zhong Xue?
San Chun felt an inexplicable surge of anger as she stood upright, staring at her. She exclaimed, "You are a princess; do you know what it means to be a princess? Your parents and relatives gave you life, and the common people raised you. If a princess refuses to agree to a marriage, it could lead to war, resulting in suffering for countless lives and rivers of blood. How can a princess bear such a burden? The lives of the people should be sacrificed to protect the land beneath your feet, not the foolish love of a princess. Whether you want to marry or not, you must marry; this is not something you can decide."
Her words were powerful and impassioned, so much so that even she felt she was acting solely for her benefit.
In truth, she only wanted Zhong Xue to marry her as a form of revenge against him. In just a short while, Princess Ying had displayed her true abilities; it turned out that her temper was not genuine but rather her madness was real. She was incredibly strong, able to lift anything and grab people as if they were chickens. With her around Zhong Xue, if he displeased her, giving him a beating would also be quite enjoyable. Just thinking about this brought her immense satisfaction, a sense of happiness from finally trapping Zhong Xue. Perhaps only a woman like Ying could keep him in check, capable of sitting on him until he couldn't move.
That Princess Ying seemed either frightened or something else entirely; she unexpectedly began to cry, wailing loudly.
San Chun took a breath, feeling somewhat sympathetic. Just as she was about to say a few comforting words, someone outside lightly clapped their hands and called out, "Very good, very good indeed."
A man entered the guest room, around thirty years old, tall with bronze skin, his features sharp and deep-set. His dark and profound icy eyes appeared wild and untamed, exuding an alluring charm. His sculpted features were strikingly handsome, radiating an aura of dominance akin to that of a king. At that moment, his wickedly handsome face wore a carefree smile.
Though his appearance was not extraordinary, his commanding presence made an immediate impact on those who saw him for the first time.
Princess Ying seemed very afraid of him; upon seeing him, she immediately stopped crying and timidly called out, "Six Brothers."
San Chun then realized that this was Ji Xun's older brother, Young Master Ji Yan. She had often heard Ji Xun mention this brother; among his siblings, he resembled their father the most and had the best relationships in the palace. He was known for his social skills; when Ji Xun had to go to the State of Chu as a hostage, it was only this brother who spoke on his behalf. Thus, every time Six Brothers was mentioned, Ji Xun expressed gratitude.
Young Master Ji Yan shot a glare at Princess Ying, then turned to San Chun, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement.
"This lady seems well-spoken; she must have some education."
San Chun bowed respectfully. "I am merely San Chun, an uncouth person who does not deserve such praise from Young Master."
Young Master Ji Yan raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You have met me before?"
"No, but who in Handan does not know Young Master Ji Yan, revered by the common people?"
Young Master Ji Yan laughed heartily. "You must be referring to my younger brother Ji Xun."
San Chun smiled slightly and felt a bit fond of this young master; his carefree nature reminded her somewhat of Qing.
As a princess could not linger in the Embroiderer's Workshop, Young Master Ji Yan urged her to leave quickly. Princess Ying seemed reluctant and frequently looked back at those in the workshop for help; however, no one could assist her in such matters as everyone kept their heads down pretending not to see. With no choice left, she could only dawdle as she walked out.
Ji Yan walked out and stopped after a few steps, turning to San Chun and saying, "You have done well in advising the princess. What reward do you want?"
San Chun initially wanted to decline, but thinking of Ji Xun, hesitated and replied, "Chun wishes to become an embroiderer, to have a place to showcase her talents."
Ji Yan nodded and did not say much more before leaving.
As she watched the young master’s retinue disappear into the distance, an inexplicable bitterness surged within her. Once, she too was high above others, but now she was merely an ant among the masses, far removed from the glory and wealth she once knew. It would be a lie to say she didn’t care, but even if her heart felt uncomfortable, there was nothing she could do. At Azure Wind Academy, she had to learn to adapt and find a way to survive in adversity. Although her current situation was not particularly good, at least she was away from conflict...
After standing for a long time, Ying asked, "What are you looking at?"
She smiled and said, "Don’t you think their carriages are beautiful?"
"They are indeed beautiful; those are noble carriages, something we can only dream of," Ying replied with a smile, suddenly seeming hesitant.
"If you call me sister, I should give you some advice: one must not aim too high and should know one's own status."
San Chun, being clever, understood the implication of her words. She probably heard about her request to Ji Yan for a chance to showcase her talents and now saw her lingering over the noble carriages, thinking that she wanted to climb the social ladder.
Comment 0 Comment Count