AFTER BEING MARRIED OFF TO A BLIND VILLIAN - CHAPTER 9

Chapter 9

Chi Ying had originally been able to hide from him for a few days using her cold as an excuse, but when Prince Zhao brought up Consort Zhuang, she could no longer delay under false pretenses, lest she invite criticism for being disrespectful to her mother-in-law.

Drinking medicine daily and carefully recuperating, by early third month when the weather warmed, she finally recovered completely.

Chi Ying collected her emotions and had Xiangqin help her dress and apply makeup.

Before the water chestnut flower vanity mirror, Xiangqin helped her put on the earrings Prince Zhao had sent over. Her eyes immediately brightened: "This red chalcedony truly complements the consort's complexion."

Xiangqin had once attended Chi Yingyue. She could see now that Second Miss and Third Miss did share some similarity in their features and contours, but looking closely, they weren't entirely the same. Second Miss was like a peony, bright and flamboyant. Third Miss resembled a begonia—clear and graceful. Both possessed rare beauty.

If last year Third Miss had still been excessively thin and frail, after these days of good care, she was like a begonia blooming brilliantly in spring—more stunning with each passing day.

Xiangqin applied powder and rouge on this face daily, feeling quite guilty inside, only fearing that this thick, heavy makeup would soil Third Miss's jade-pure, dust-clean features.

Chi Ying stroked the chalcedony at her ear. Actually, the first time she saw these earrings, she'd had only one thought, they were precious and didn't match her status.

If these earrings could be pawned, they would certainly fetch a considerable sum. With that silver, she'd have the confidence to escape, and Mother's medicine wouldn't be a worry... But alas, she could only think about it.

Wearing these earrings wasn't out of fondness. These ornate pieces of jewelry all looked the same to her. It was just that Prince Zhao seemed to pay special attention to her jewelry. Last time he had specifically asked about her broken earrings. To avoid him becoming suspicious and asking too many questions, she would simply wear whatever he sent.

After the morning meal, Qingzhi entered and said: "Consort, His Highness has arrived and is waiting for you outside the courtyard."

Not having seen him for many days, hearing this name, Chi Ying's body still instinctively tensed.

Rising and stepping out the door, she saw a man in an ivory robe with ink-wash patterns standing outside, holding a black jade bamboo staff, his bearing like clouds, sun, pines, and snow—graceful, elegant, dignified as jade trees.

Hearing the sound, the man turned to "look" over. "Is the consort fully recovered?"

Chi Ying forced herself to get used to the title "Consort" and stepped forward to bow in curtsy. "Thanks to Your Highness's concern, this Consort has fully recovered. However, having been invaded by cold for many days, I couldn't go to Yanguī Tower to attend to medicine, nor could I attend to Mother Consort. I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

She'd coughed for many days, and her voice was still somewhat hoarse, like thin snow falling from plum branches, rustling past the eardrums as if leaving dark fragrance floating.

Yan Xuecui's throat rolled lightly as he gripped the bamboo staff in his hand. "Mother Consort prefers quiet, and there are many servants in the manor. You needn't attend morning and evening or serve medicine. As for me... it's indeed been a long time since I've seen the Consort."

He turned toward the courtyard gate. "So long that my injuries are nearly healed and no longer require the Consort's bandaging and medicine, no need to trouble you with going back and forth."

Chi Ying followed carefully, always feeling there was something indescribable in his words... passive-aggressive sarcasm?

Yan Xuecui sensed her gaze, his brows lifting slightly. "What, does the Consort hope for my recovery, or not?"

Chi Ying was slightly startled and hastily said: "This Consort naturally hopes for Your Highness's recovery. It's just that Your Highness's earlier words made this Consort feel both anxious and guilty, momentarily unsure how to respond."

Yan Xuecui smiled: "I see."

Chi Ying pressed her lips together. "Mm."

Though Prince Zhao's health was intimately connected to whether she could leave the prince's manor early, she'd never had thoughts of hoping something would happen to him. The ones who made her substitute were Yin Shi and her daughter, not Prince Zhao.

Reaching the outside of Shouchun Hall, Chi Ying quietly glanced at him, curious in her heart how he would deceive Consort Zhuang. After all, blindness wasn't an ordinary illness or injury, it wasn't something that could be hidden by gritting one's teeth or concealing it. He'd even hidden it for over a year.

Yan Xuecui had informed them in advance of his arrival. Aunt Qionglin was already waiting outside the courtyard gate. Seeing them approach, she respectfully stepped forward to bow: "Your Highness, Consort."

Yan Xuecui told her to dispense with formalities and asked: "How has Mother Consort been recently?"

Qionglin said: "Her Ladyship's spirits are fair. Only occasionally she can't recognize people clearly or remember things. The few times she was lucid, she kept mentioning you and the consort. She woke up this morning, and the female physician is helping her with a massage."

Yan Xuecui nodded slightly. Walking to the covered corridor, he handed the blind staff to the guard beside him and unhurriedly stepped through the entrance.

Chi Ying followed step by step, her eyes almost never leaving his footsteps for an inch, afraid of some accident.

Fortunately, the fine wool felt inside the room was spread very evenly. Items like lamp stands, incense burners, and drum stools had all been arranged in position beforehand, it could be said to be completely unobstructed.

Yan Xuecui walked slowly inside, his steps steady throughout. He stopped precisely before the black lacquered "Five Bats Presenting Longevity" couch where Consort Zhuang was half-reclining, bowed his head in salute, and called warmly: "Mother Consort."

Chi Ying quickly followed him in salute.

Consort Zhuang had always regretted not being able to attend the young couple's wedding ceremony. Now seeing her son and daughter-in-law, a talented man and beautiful woman, like a perfect pair—joy beyond words filled her heart. Yet she pretended to look at Yan Xuecui with reproach: "You're a busy and an important person. Not coming to see Mother Consort is one thing, but you can't even spare time to accompany your new bride in serving tea?"

Chi Ying pressed her lips together as an indescribable shame crept into her heart.

Both times she'd come to Shouchun Hall, Consort Zhuang had been in a lucid state, treating her as her own daughter-in-law, as a junior worthy of affection. During her illness, she'd even sent people with tonics, clothes, and jewelry. She was a gentle, loving elder.

It was hard to imagine what she looked like when her hysteria flared and she wielded a blade at her own biological son. If one day she learned what she'd done, what pain she would feel.

Thinking of this, Chi Ying raised her eyes to look at Prince Zhao.

His deep gray eyes held amusement. Facing Consort Zhuang's direction, he answered calmly and composedly: "Military affairs are keeping me busy. We're preparing for this year's military examination since spring began. I hope Mother Consort will understand."

According to Great Jin's long-standing rules, once princes reached fifteen, they were assigned to various government offices to gain experience, familiarize themselves with governmental operations, and assist in departmental affairs—the Cabinet, Six Ministries, Five Courts were all included. Ostensibly to cultivate ability, but secretly it was also a way for princes to befriend court officials and cultivate their own power bases.

Prince Ding, Yan Xuezhi, had previously gone to the Ministry of Personnel. After Yan Xuecui established military merit on the northern frontier and returned to court, he naturally went to the Ministry of War.

But what Consort Zhuang didn't know was that since he'd gone blind, he hadn't supervised affairs at the Ministry of War for a year.

She only thought he was devoted to official duties with no time for family. "Whether Mother Consort understands or not isn't important. You should ask whether your newlywed wife is willing to understand."

Chi Ying hadn't expected the mother and son to suddenly involve her and was caught off guard.

Yan Xuecui looked over with a smile, as if deliberately asking: "Is the consort willing to understand?"

Chi Ying's cheeks flushed red. "I... I understand."

Yan Xuecui: "Mother Consort, you see."

Lady Zhuang glared at him: "You."

Yan Xuecui only smiled.

Consort Zhuang lowered her eyes and inadvertently swept past his palm wrapped in gauze. Immediately her brow furrowed: "How did this happen?"

Chi Ying's heart tightened sharply. Anyone with eyes could tell Consort Zhuang was looking at his hand, but Prince Zhao didn't know.

Fortunately, Prince Zhao quickly reacted, raising his hand to move the joints, casually saying: "While inspecting the garrison, I sustained a minor injury sparring with someone."

Consort Zhuang was helpless: "Your love of martial arts since childhood is one thing, but you're married now. Can't you be more steady?"

Yan Xuecui didn't argue and readily admitted his fault.

Chi Ying stood to the side quietly watching the mother and son.

Prince Zhao's eyes... if one didn't look carefully, or didn't think about blindness, it was actually hard to notice the faint emptiness concealed beneath those gray eyes. Moreover, before Consort Zhuang he smiled and chatted freely, without half the sensitivity, constraint, or tension of a blind person. His hearing was extremely keen, he could adjust the direction of his gaze in time based on Consort Zhuang and Aunt Qionglin's voices. His voice was warm and bright, his expression relaxed, handling everything with ease.

No wonder Aunt Fangchun always said he was kindhearted. Actually, it was probably only before the womenfolk of the prince's manor that his gentleness didn't conceal sharp edges.

Even in Consort Zhuang's eyes, he was still a child who didn't let people worry less.

Those bad rumors outside hadn't polluted Consort Zhuang's ears. Shouchun Hall was like a secluded Peach Blossom Spring, far excluded from all the schemes and gossip.

Thinking of this in her heart, unconsciously she stared at him in a daze. Unexpectedly, Prince Zhao suddenly "looked" over, startling her heart into pounding. She instinctively avoided his "gaze."

The chalcedony earrings collided with a crisp sound. Coming back to her senses, Chi Ying realized she'd lost her composure.

He was blind. What was she dodging?

The corner of Yan Xuecui's lips curved up as he inquired softly: "Consort?"

Consort Zhuang also looked over, but only saw her daughter-in-law's cheeks flushed red under Qilang's gaze, full of shyness and sweetness—truly a newlywed couple.

It was then she noticed the chalcedony earrings swaying lightly at Chi Ying's ears. She naturally recognized this piece of jewelry and raised her brows to ask Yan Xuecui: "Did you personally select these earrings?"

Yan Xuecui pressed his lips together. "I've made Mother Consort laugh."

Lady Zhuang smiled: "I knew your eye was good. In the past, when Elder Liu loved ceramics, you at such a young age could tell when the crackling glaze firing wasn't right. Minister Shen loved jade, and you could also speak knowledgeably about quality, luster, and carving. For Princess Yuxi's birthday, the Eight Treasures necklace you sent was her favorite... These earrings also suit the consort extremely well. Her skin is fair—they look good on her."

Chi Ying silently watched the man before her talking and laughing freely, a touch of sourness spreading through her heart.

Like a chef losing his sense of taste, a musician going deaf, a general's legs becoming disabled—he couldn't see this world, so he could no longer ride spirited horses in youthful boldness, nor could he see the scenery of the four seasons. Those superior treasures and precious objects, passing through his hands, became only gray, cold shells.

Everyone felt regret for the loss of beautiful things. Chi Ying was naturally no exception.

Consort Zhuang thought of something at this moment and asked with concern: "Yingyue, has your cold fully recovered recently?"

Hearing this form of address, Chi Ying immediately came back to herself, responding as calmly and naturally as possible: "All recovered. Making Mother Consort worry was this daughter-in-law's fault."

Consort Zhuang: "Family doesn't talk like that."

She smiled as she looked over the young couple before her. "You've been married less than a month. Qilang, you should appropriately set aside those official duties. You can at least finish work on time, can't you? Spend more time with Yingyue. Our manor has been cold and quiet for years, it should liven up."

Chi Ying understood the meaning of these words.

Though she knew Prince Zhao had no interest in carnal pleasures and would certainly not share a bed with her, and she herself wouldn't stay at the prince's manor long—she'd have to leave eventually, hearing such teasing still made her flush red with embarrassment.

Aunt Qionglin also teased from the side: "Your Ladyship, look, the consort is shy."

Chi Ying felt completely at a loss, but considering Consort Zhuang's condition, she could only cooperate and chat for a while.

Fortunately, before long, Consort Zhuang showed some signs of fatigue. Seeing Prince Zhao rise to take his leave, Chi Ying also secretly breathed a sigh of relief and helped support Lady Zhuang back to bed.

Only when turning around did she realize with alarm that the drum stool where they'd been sitting was precisely to Prince Zhao's left front. For him to exit, he'd have to navigate around the drum stool accurately without error or he'd trip. Seeing Prince Zhao about to collide with it, Chi Ying's heart tightened. Almost instinctively she stepped forward to support his arm. "Your Highness..."

Still shaken, she said in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Watch your step."

Yan Xuecui was silent for a moment, feeling the warmth and firmness of that palm covering his arm. He closed his eyes, suppressing the improper thoughts surging beneath his flesh.

Chi Ying didn't notice his subtle change in expression, but seemed to feel the strong pulse at his wrist.

Intertwining with her own rapid, flustered heartbeat.

Even though it was only unavoidable contact in an urgent moment, she still felt deeply embarrassed. After supporting him around the drum stool, she promptly released her hand and carefully followed at his side.

Yan Xuecui only felt the sensation on his arm slowly disappear, that bit of warmth that had seeped through his clothing from her palm also gradually dissipating.

His brows lowered slightly, as if something had been drawn away. A subtle sense of emptiness spread through his heart like a spider's web.

Walking to the covered corridor, Chi Ying waited for the cool breeze to blow away the heat from her face before her mood slowly calmed. She wanted to explain her earlier presumption, and also wanted to say please don't take Consort Zhuang's words to heart, the matter of consummation wasn't urgent, but she didn't know how to begin.

The guards waited below the stone steps. Seeing Prince Zhao emerge, they immediately handed up the bamboo staff.

Aunt Fangchun stood attending to the side, finding an opportunity to step forward: "Your Highness, now that the Consort's cold has recovered and Your Highness's injuries are mostly healed, why not return to reside at Shuyu Pavilion early? Consort Zhuang hopes you and the consort will soon be truly united. If this continues to drag on, I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain to Her Ladyship..."

Chi Ying's heart thumped. Seeing Prince Zhao pause his steps, she hastily said: "Your Highness manages myriad affairs daily, busy with official duties. This consummation ceremony..."

"The consummation ceremony," Prince Zhao's fingertips pressed over the black jade inlaid on his staff handle, readily turning toward Fangchun. "Then according to your suggestion, begin preparations.”

TRANSLATOR: Guys, i just realized this book is rated 18, and i cannot continue posting it on my website. i am still trying to figure out what to do when we get to those chapters.

Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/

GLOSSARY

Characters

Chi Ying (池萤) - Female protagonist; concubine-born third daughter who substitutes for her legitimate elder sister in marriage to the Prince of Zhao

Yan Xuecui / Prince of Zhao (晏雪摧 / 昭王) - Male protagonist; blind prince with a dark reputation, suffers from touch-starvation condition

Chi Yingyue (池颖月) - Chi Ying's legitimate elder sister who was originally supposed to marry the Prince of Zhao

Countess Yin / Yin-shi (殷氏)- Chi Yingyue's mother; the legitimate wife who arranged the substitute marriage

Aunt Xue / Xue Yiniang (薛姨娘) - Chi Ying's mother; a concubine in poor health

Consort Zhuang (庄妃) - The Prince of Zhao's mother

Prince Ding (定王) - The deceased elder brother of Prince of Zhao

Emperor Yongcheng (永成帝) - The current emperor

Servants & Attendants

Xiangqin (香琴) - Chi Ying's maid, originally serving Lady Yin's interests

Baoshan (宝扇) - Chi Ying's maid

Aunt Fangchun (芳春姑姑) - Senior servant managing household affairs

Steward Yuan / Yuan-de (元德) - The Prince of Zhao's chief steward

Qingzhi (青芝) & Yintiao (银翘) - Maids at the manor

Qingze (青泽) - The Prince of Zhao's attendant

Physician Lin (林院判) - The physician treating the Prince of Zhao

 Locations

Prince of Zhao's Manor (昭王府) - The prince's residence

Shuyu Pavilion (漱玉斋) - Chi Ying's residence, formerly the Prince of Zhao's chamber

Yangui Tower (雁归楼)- The Prince of Zhao's current residence with a dungeon beneath

Shouchun Hall (寿春堂)- Consort Zhuang's residence

Changyuan Earl Manor (昌远伯府)- Chi family's declining noble household

Titles & Terms

Wang/Prince (王)- Imperial prince title

Wangfei/Princess Consort (王妃) - Wife of a prince

Dianxia/Your Highness (殿下) - Formal address for a prince

Niangniang/Your Ladyship (娘娘) - Formal address for an imperial consort

Di (嫡) - Legitimate-born (from legal wife)

Shu (庶) - Concubine-born

Substitute marriage (替嫁)- Marrying in place of another

Consummation/Yuan fang (圆房) - Completing the marriage ceremony through intercourse

Returning home visit/Hui men (回门) - Traditional bride's first visit to natal home after marriage

Cultural Items

Bamboo cane/scrolls (竹杖/竹简) - The prince uses these for mobility and reading

Incense (熏香) - Various types used for ambiance

Dragon and phoenix candles (龙凤喜烛) - Wedding candles

Phoenix seal (鳳印)- Symbol of empress status

Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons pattern (百子千孙图) - Auspicious bedding embroidery symbolizing fertility

———–—————————————

Vote and leave a review for this series' translation here!

Appreciate the translator's hard work by Supporting us!

———–—————————————

▒ TABLE OF CONTENT

← Previous Next →

Table of Contents

Rate this translation!