Chapter 79

As It Should Be Madam Liu saw that she could not dissuade Ling Jiayue and sighed. “Enough, enough. You have your own ideas, and your mother can no longer persuade you otherwise. Do whatever you wish. I’ll tell your father to look after you more carefully in the imperial court.” Seeing how understanding Madam Liu was, Ling Jiayue happily took her hand. “Thank you, Mother. You needn’t worry. Nothing will happen to me.” Seeing Ling Jiayue’s firm, confident expression, Madam Liu thought to herself: Silly girl, how could you know how treacherous the imperial court is? Can’t you listen to your mother’s advice? All I want is for you to remain safe and sound. What Madam Liu did not know, however, was that Ling Jiayue had once been a general who commanded thousands upon thousands of soldiers. When the Third Prince saw Ling Jiayue accept the title of County Lady, he let out a sinister laugh. Mu Yuyang rose to his feet and raised his cup toward Ling Jiayue in congratulations. “Miss Ling is the first County Lady in all of Dayi. Allow me to offer you my congratulations.” Everyone present was sharp and perceptive. The moment they saw the Third Prince rise to congratulate Ling Jiayue, they understood the importance the imperial family attached to her appointment as County Lady. They all rose as well, raising their cups toward her. “Congratulations, County Lady.” Seeing everyone rise to congratulate her, Ling Jiayue stood gracefully and returned their toast. “Thank you, everyone.” Seeing how poised and dignified Ling Jiayue was, Mu Yuye secretly praised her in his heart. He said to Empress Su Wanrong, “Empress, I find this Ling Jiayue truly impressive. She is quite worthy of the title of County Lady.” Empress Su Wanrong pouted coquettishly. “Your Majesty, there has never been a precedent for a woman to hold office in Dayi. You are being utterly reckless.” Mu Yuye laughed heartily. “Empress, don’t underestimate My judgment. I find this Ling Jiayue to be no ordinary person. Let us see how far she can go. If she truly proves to be incompetent, it would not be too late for Me to strip her of the title.” As Mu Yuye spoke, a trace of murderous intent flashed through his eyes. In an instant, the dignity and authority of the Son of Heaven radiated from him without reserve. Seeing that she could not change Mu Yuye’s mind, Su Wanrong let the matter go. Their conversation was overheard in its entirety by Chu Chaoci. He, too, quietly studied Ling Jiayue, thinking: Her calligraphy doesn’t seem like the work of the person I remember. There is a certain heroic spirit in it. And this extraordinary bearing and temperament of hers truly do not seem like something a mere Prime Minister’s household could have cultivated. After a while, Chu Chaoci smiled. If she truly is her, then that would be good. But if she is not, wouldn’t a “brand-new” Ling Jiayue be even better?! Having made up his mind, Chu Chaoci watched Ling Jiayue with keen interest. Ling Jiayue seemed to sense his gaze and gave a cold snort before turning her back to him, showing him only her back. Murong Xi noticed that Chu Chaoci had developed unusual feelings for Ling Jiayue. He sneered inwardly, yet he had a premonition that if Ling Jiayue was not eliminated soon, she would become his greatest hidden threat in the future. As a result, the look he gave her grew even colder. At the peach-blossom banquet, Ling Jiayue had truly dazzled everyone. First, she had managed to make the Censor’s Wife surrender her dowry treasure, the Exquisite Box, without shedding a drop of blood. Now, relying on her superb calligraphy, she had won the admiration of the sovereigns of Ye Kingdom and Dayi and risen in a single leap to become a County Lady. What height was that—something countless women could only dream of attaining. Seeing Ling Jiayue calmly accept the title of County Lady, Ling Jiaxuan was worried that the treacherous schemes of the imperial court might harm her. Yet pride filled his heart even more. This was the bearing a noble young lady of an established family ought to have: brave and fearless, no less impressive than any man. This was exactly how the Prime Minister’s legitimate daughter should be! Ling Jiaxuan raised his wine cup and offered Ling Jiayue his congratulations from afar. Ling Pingzhang genuinely admired Ling Jiayue for what she had accomplished and raised his cup alongside Ling Jiaxuan to congratulate her as well. Ling Jiayue also lifted her cup. The three of them drained their wine in one go, their spirits soaring to the heavens. Seeing that the men had finished competing in literary talent and the women had finished competing in calligraphy, Empress Su Wanrong spoke. “It is getting late. I see that the young masters and ladies of the various families are growing somewhat tired. Let us have lunch first, then go to the Mulan Horse Ranch this afternoon for horse racing.” It turned out that the main event of the peach-blossom banquet was horse racing at the Mulan Horse Ranch. The ranch was near the border between Ye Kingdom and Dayi. The surroundings were peaceful and secluded, and the terrain was broad and open, making it an excellent place for horse racing. Near the Mulan Horse Ranch was a peach-blossom grove. With spring in full bloom, peach blossoms filled the area, fluttering beautifully through the air. Thus, the gathering was called the peach-blossom banquet. “We respectfully obey the Empress’s imperial decree,” everyone said, rising to bow. “Excellent. I’m hungry as well. I was just thinking that your Dayi had become so stingy that it wouldn’t even provide us with a meal,” Chu Chaoci teased at that moment. “The Sovereign of Ye Kingdom jests,” Empress Su Wanrong replied in her gentle voice, her manner unfailingly warm and dignified. “No matter how stingy Dayi may be, we still know how to provide a meal.” Empress Su Wanrong gave the steward matron beside her a meaningful glance. The steward matron then relayed the order: “The Empress commands that the midday meal be served.” “Yes!” the little eunuchs from the Imperial Kitchen had already been waiting outside the banquet hall. Upon hearing the Empress’s order, they hurried in carrying the prepared dishes and placed one exquisite course after another on every table. Since it was spring, the people of Dayi enjoyed eating sprouts at this time of year, paired with chives and other ingredients to rid the body of the stagnant impurities accumulated during winter. Alongside various cured meats, the feast sent a rich aroma wafting through the air and made everyone’s mouths water. Chu Chaoci praised the food. “I have long heard that Dayi is highly accomplished in the culinary arts. Now that I have seen it for myself, I find the reputation well deserved. Another day, I must send several chefs to Dayi to learn how to prepare these dishes properly.” “The Sovereign of Ye Kingdom jests,” Empress Su Wanrong said, gently parrying his words. “Dayi has no particularly fresh or varied ingredients. We can only put more effort into the combinations and seasonings. If you enjoy the food, I can have the imperial chefs prepare more for you. I guarantee you will eat your fill before you leave.” Though the two kingdoms had formed marriage alliances for many years because of the peach-blossom banquet, Chu Chaoci’s words sounded as though he wanted to plant a spy in Dayi. Su Wanrong naturally would not allow that. Of course, her reply also reflected Mu Yuye’s intentions. Chu Chaoci had originally intended to use the matter of the food as an excuse to send in several spies and lay the groundwork for uncovering the mineral deposit in the future. Su Wanrong’s refusal, however, brought him to his senses. The food matter had been too conspicuous. He would have to proceed gradually at a later date. While the people in the upper echelons parried one another with polite words, Ling Jiayue and the others began their meal. Ling Jiayue tasted the delicious sprouts and meat and praised them. “The Imperial Kitchen’s dishes really are different. The flavors are light and sweet, making them perfect for this season.” Hearing this, Madam Liu said, “If you like them, Mother will have the cooks at home learn how to make them when we return. Then they can prepare them for you.” “All right. Thank you, Mother.” “Silly child, there’s no need to be so polite with your mother.”