Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Breaking Off the Engagement At the chrysanthemum banquet, the young ladies of every household did their utmost to display their talents. Dances, calligraphy, paintings, poetry, music, songs, and odes dazzled the eyes. Ling Jiayue held a cup of Biluochun tea and blew on it, saying softly, “To attract the attention of these princes and young masters from influential families, they really are willing to go all out.” It was already early winter, and Ling Jiayue was dressed extremely warmly. If not for her slender build, it would probably have been impossible to make out her figure. Lingxue pouted beside her. “Miss, look at everyone else. They’re wearing only a few thin layers underneath, with pleated skirts and beautiful, light outer robes. At most, they add a cape. Who dresses like you? You’re already wearing enough layers underneath, yet you still insist on adding a rabbit-fur cloak. Winter hasn’t even arrived yet.” Ling Jiayue smiled. “Isn’t it because I caught a chill?” Lingxue bent down and whispered in her ear, “Miss, if only you would take off your veil…” As she spoke, Lingxue quickly glanced around. “There isn’t a single woman here whose looks can compare with yours. Only the Eighth Princess is exceptional enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.” “Is that so?” Ling Jiayue’s gaze drifted toward Ling Ziqi. She danced with graceful movements and a slender figure, her eyes full of tender emotion. The young men from influential families stared at her so intently that their eyes nearly popped out. “Then I’m afraid some people are going to humiliate themselves today.” After Ling Ziqi finished her dance, everyone praised her in succession. Even the Empress Dowager was beaming as she complimented her. “Ziqi’s dance can be called the finest of the day. It complements the chrysanthemums filling the garden perfectly. Reward her.” “Thank you, Empress Dowager.” Ling Ziqi glanced from the corner of her eye toward Ling Jiayue on her right, a smile playing at her lips. “Empress Dowager, actually, there is someone here whose dancing is sure to surpass mine. Wouldn’t you like to see her perform?” “Oh?” The Empress Dowager was surprised. She swept her gaze over the many women present before asking, “Who?” Ling Ziqi’s lips curled slightly as she looked in that direction. “The Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter—my elder sister, Ling Jiayue.” The moment her voice fell, the entire gathering erupted in an uproar. Feeling the gazes around her, Ling Jiayue did not try to avoid them. She rose openly and walked before the Empress Dowager, then curtsied. “This humble girl Ling Jiayue pays her respects to the Empress Dowager.” The Empress Dowager sized her up for a moment. Seeing her graceful figure and pure, lovely bearing, she asked, “Are you the young woman betrothed to the Third Prince?” “Yes.” “Then why are you wearing a veil over your face?” Ling Jiayue bent at the waist apologetically. “This humble girl only recently returned to the capital from Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple on Farshield Mountain. I have not yet adjusted to the local climate and caught a chill, making my appearance rather unsightly. I was afraid I might frighten the Empress Dowager, which is why I covered my face. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me.” After hearing the explanation, the Empress Dowager said generously, “It is nothing. Since that is the case, there is no need for you to dance. Go back and sit down.” Ling Jiayue replied, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. This humble girl’s health is fine. Since this is my first time entering the palace, I would like to offer a dance to bring a smile to the Empress Dowager.” With that, Ling Jiayue flung open her long water sleeves and began to dance to the gentle breeze. Her dark hair drifted like fragrant ink. At times, she resembled a butterfly with delicate wings; at times, a graceful willow branch; and at others, the snow falling in profusion on a winter day. Her body was supple, her face hazily veiled, and her beautiful eyes held a captivating charm. Her dance was truly exquisite. “Wonderful!” When the dance ended, the Empress Dowager was delighted. “Give her a substantial reward!” “Elder Sister Jiayue, at a time like this, you still refuse to remove your veil and give thanks?” Ling Ziqi suddenly spoke, her words filled with disdain. “You’ve been back for so many days. Don’t you even understand the rules for thanking the Empress Dowager?” One could not wear a veil while giving thanks, as doing so would show disrespect. Ling Jiayue raised a brow. “How could I not know? I simply already explained clearly why I am wearing a veil.” She then turned toward the Empress Dowager. “This humble girl begs Your Majesty for a favor. May I come another day to claim today’s reward? Would that be acceptable, Your Majesty?” “How dare you!” Ling Ziqi was so furious that she nearly jumped to her feet. “It would be bad enough if you were ugly, but you actually dare to play word games here?” The Empress Dowager was puzzled. “Ziqi, what do you mean?” Ling Ziqi put on an aggrieved expression. “Empress Dowager, you may not know this, but my elder sister was sent to a remote ancient temple when she was young. Her features are hideous, and she is probably unworthy of the Third Prince. I am worried that she might bring shame upon the imperial family in the future, so I have merely spoken the truth. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me.” Her words caused another uproar throughout the gathering. Mu Yuyang’s expression was especially unpleasant. He was astonished beyond measure. The woman who had danced like a celestial being moments ago was actually an ugly woman? The Empress Dowager was equally astonished and looked toward Ling Jiayue. “Is this true?” Ling Ziqi gave a cold snort. “If the Empress Dowager does not believe me, simply lift her veil and see for yourself.” With a thud, Ling Jiayue fell to her knees. When she raised her head, her eyes were misty with tears. “Empress Dowager, it is true that I was raised in a remote ancient temple deep in the mountains, unlike my sisters. I also do not wish to bear the crime of bringing shame upon the imperial family. I humbly request that the Third Prince dissolve our engagement.” Mu Yuyang had thought he was about to gain a beautiful wife. Now he learned that she was ugly, and seeing tears streaming down her face only filled him with disgust. He wished he could immediately cast her aside. “This prince is unwilling to marry an ugly woman either. I agree to your request. Tomorrow, I will petition Father to dissolve our engagement.” Ling Jiayue secretly rejoiced, but her face remained streaked with tears. “Is what the Third Prince said true?” Mu Yuyang turned his chin away in disgust. “This prince always keeps his word.” Despite his handsome appearance, his heart was crude and vile. Ling Jiayue mocked him inwardly. She would never lower herself to such a man. The Empress Dowager let out a long sigh. “There is no harm in dissolving the engagement. A woman’s conduct is what matters. Since you were raised among Buddhists, you may come to Jingshang Palace often in the future and discuss Buddhist matters with me.” The moment these words were spoken, the discussions grew even louder. The Empress Dowager had clearly tacitly approved of the Third Prince dissolving his engagement with Ling Jiayue. Ling Ziqi did not understand her intentions. Believing that Ling Jiayue was merely feeling inferior, she became even more arrogant. “Elder Sister Jiayue, there is no need to care about what others think. The capital is so large, and Father will surely find you a good marriage in the future. For now, why don’t you remove your veil and let everyone have a look?” “Fine.” Ling Jiayue rose to her feet. With her right hand, she untied the ribbon at her left ear and slowly lifted the veil, revealing her cheek. “Hiss—” Everyone present drew in a sharp breath. Every man was visibly moved and wished he could widen his eyes to take in her beauty more closely. Every woman was envious and jealous, yet also captivated by her gentle, elegant bearing, leaving them unable to hate her. Her skin was like jade, her breath as delicate as a secluded orchid. Her eyes were clear and limpid, her lips naturally red, her brows naturally dark. She seemed like a celestial maiden descended into the mortal realm—so pure that no one dared profane her, yet so breathtakingly beautiful that they could not help being drawn to her. She was worthy of being called the number-one beauty in the Ye Kingdom! “This humble girl has made a spectacle of herself before the Empress Dowager,” Ling Jiayue said as she slowly curtsied. Ling Ziqi’s expression changed drastically. Pointing at her face, she cried out, “How is this possible? Wasn’t your face rotten?” “My face was rotten?” Ling Jiayue touched her cheek, the corners of her lips curving upward. “I merely caught a chill. Didn’t Younger Sister know?” “That’s enough.” Although the Empress Dowager was astonished by Ling Jiayue’s extraordinary beauty, Ling Ziqi’s noisy outburst had already displeased her. By now, she understood the situation clearly. “I am tired. Let us end the banquet for today.” Ling Ziqi no longer dared to say anything and could only join everyone else in seeing the Empress Dowager off. After the banquet ended, Ling Jiayue was just about to leave when someone called out to her. “Ling Jiayue, stop right there!” Mu Yuyang stormed over and seized her wrist. His eyes were filled with icy hostility. “What did you mean just now? Were you deliberately humiliating me?” Lingxue was so frightened that she hurriedly knelt down and replied, “Third Prince, my mistress did not mean that. I hope Your Highness will be magnanimous!” “Get lost!” Mu Yuyang kicked Lingxue aside, flying into a rage. “Is there a place here for you to speak? You lowly slave!” Ling Jiayue was thoroughly enraged. She forcefully broke free of his grip, bent down to help Lingxue up, and said coldly, “The Third Prince agreed to it himself. Why do you claim that I humiliated you?” “You still dare say you did not humiliate me?” A violent aura suddenly rose from Mu Yuyang’s entire body, radiating danger. “You admitted before everyone that you were an ugly woman, forcing me to dissolve our engagement. Yet you possess such beauty. You clearly intended to make me lose face!” Ling Jiayue’s voice remained calm, and not a ripple crossed her face. “It is true that I was poisoned by Jade Scorpion Powder a few days ago. My entire body was covered in red rashes. I simply did not expect to have recovered by today.” “You’re lying! Do you take this prince for a fool?” “Heh. If the Third Prince does not believe me, you may summon my good younger sister and ask her yourself.” With that, Ling Jiayue took Lingxue with her, walked around him, and left without looking back. Mu Yuyang watched her departing figure until it vanished beyond the palace wall. A murderous intent rose in his eyes. “Hongsheng, go and invite Miss Ling Ziqi here. Tell her I have something to discuss with her.” “Yes!” That night, at the Prime Minister’s residence. News of Ling Jiayue and Mu Yuyang dissolving their engagement quickly spread throughout the capital, causing an enormous commotion. When Ling Jiayue returned to the Ling Residence, she saw Ling Taian sitting in the center of the main hall with an ashen expression. Madam Liu and the other wives were also present, each wearing a different expression. “Jiayue, do you know your mistake?” Ling Taian asked in a deep voice. Ling Jiayue was not the least bit afraid. She calmly replied, “Your daughter knows she was wrong, but she does not regret it.” Ling Taian’s expression was stern. “This was an engagement personally bestowed by the Emperor, yet you treated it like child’s play and toyed with the Third Prince and the Empress Dowager. Have you considered the consequences?” “Thud!” Ling Jiayue took several steps forward, straightened her veil and clothing, and respectfully knelt before Ling Taian. Her gaze was resolute. “Father, although the Third Prince is a dragon among men, his temperament is erratic and violent, and he is addicted to women. Beneath that golden and beautiful exterior, he is rotten to the core. Your daughter is unwilling to marry him.” “Preposterous!” Ling Taian slammed his palm against the table in fury. “How can an imperial marriage bestowed by the Emperor be treated so frivolously by a daughter of the family? You will remain at home for a month to reflect on your mistakes. Without my permission, you are not to leave!” With that, Ling Taian flung his sleeve and stormed away. No one dared to speak. Only after Ling Taian had left did Madam Liu and Ling Jiaxuan step forward to help Ling Jiayue up. “Oh my, First Madam, is this the wonderful daughter you raised?” Madam Zhang covered her mouth and snickered, unable to conceal her delight. “Jiayue’s reputation was ruined by her own hands today. She can’t blame anyone else for that.” Madam Liu had just helped Jiayue up. Seeing Madam Zhang kick her while she was down, she shot her an icy glare and was about to speak when Jiayue beat her to it. “Third Madam, rather than wasting your concern for Jiayue, why not save it for your own daughter?” With that, Jiayue gently comforted Madam Liu. “Mother, let’s go back.” Ling Taian appeared furious, but the punishment was neither painful nor severe. Clearly, he had only put on a show for the imperial family. He truly was the most benevolent Prime Minister in the Ye Kingdom. All the Ling family’s children had returned home and been taken away by the various wives, but Ling Ziqi was the only one missing. Madam Zhang immediately grew confused. She pulled Ling Zixue over and asked, “Where is your younger sister? Why didn’t she come back with you?” Ling Zixue replied, “After the banquet ended, the Third Prince summoned her, so we came back first.” “I knew it. That girl Jiayue is hideous beyond compare. How could she possibly rival our Ziqi?” Madam Zhang said smugly, her true feelings exposed. Ling Zixue gave a bitter smile. “Mother, how could Younger Sister compare with Jiayue in the slightest?” The Third Prince’s summons might not be good news at all… “Mother, if there’s nothing else, I’m going to the riding grounds.” Ling Zixue had barely stepped out when Ling Ziqi returned to the residence. Wearing a veil, she threw herself into Madam Zhang’s arms and began wailing in agony. “Mother, Mother! Look at your daughter’s face! What am I going to do?” Madam Zhang’s heart sank. She lifted one corner of the veil, only to be so terrified by the densely packed red bumps that her soul nearly left her body. “Who did this?”