EMPEROR OF ZHONG YUAN

Chapter 13 Confessions and Revelations

Double Third Festival, otherwise known as Shangsi Festival in the western provinces, was originally a ceremonial custom of getting rid of evil spirits by bathing in the river and holding sacrificial ceremonies on the riverside to honor the ancestors. This eventually became the old ways and was done early morning hours, particularly the hour of the tiger, and the rest of the day included spring outings and flower appreciation gatherings. At night, a big masquerade party was held where men and women would interact freely adorned with decorative wooden face masks. This was a huge reason for excitement among the younger generation as it allowed interaction without parental supervision or chaperones. However, Wei Qian was not excited for Suzhou’s Double Third Festival night party like Sang Zhi. Wei Qian could not go as she was constantly uncomfortable and her painful episodes were not predictable thus could cripple her at any moment. Wei Qian sighed for the thousand time as Sang Zhi animatedly explained to her in length and detail why she couldn’t miss Suzhou’s night party. “Qianqian, you are not listening! There will be delicious snacks and great performances and dancing and music and flowers and many great things. You cannot miss it.” Wei Qian was still in her sleeping dress despite it being mid-afternoon, and she had no plans of changing nor getting out for the next few days. It was likely she would not participate in the sacrificial ceremony tomorrow morning.“Sang Zhi, I already told you. I can’t go. Please don’t insist any longer.” Wei Qian pleaded, her head slightly throbbing in pain from her persistent headache. Sang Zhi sighed, seeing Wei Qian so pale and ill she found her conscience and sat beside her, “Alright. The truth was that my brother wanted to take you to the night party and confess to you. When you refused to meet him earlier, he was heartbroken and asked me to come see you and make sure you were not too critically ill. But Qianqian, please consider going. I heard that Wei Xin has similar symptoms to you but she’s hellbent on going. If you don’t go, you’ll be judged for being arrogant and worrying your parents.” Wei Qian remained silent, thinking about Sang Zhi’s words. Since they got back from the Sang residence this morning, Wei Xin has insisted on not meeting anyone, not even Concubine Shang, and only allowed the physician who checked on Wei Qian afterwards to check on her. How could such a coincidence happen in this world? Wei Qian found the whole thing suspicious but didn’t have concrete evidence and thus couldn’t tell anyone other than A’Luo who was also unable to do anything. “Alright. If I’ll be feeling better tomorrow after taking the medicine the physician prescribed, then I will go with you.” Sang Zhi was happy she nearly jumped up from her chair. Observing Sang Zhi’s innocence despite her being Wei Qian’s elder by a year, Wei Qian couldn’t help but be envious of her. Wei Qian seemingly had no reason to envy Sang Zhi, however at times Wei Qian wished she could live a carefree and ignorant life. Ignorance is bliss, she would tell A’Luo many times, and it was something she greatly believed in. However, she had nine siblings and her mother was not favored by her father. At times, Wei Qian knew that were it not for the Gao family, their lives in the Ling residence would be full of hardship. After her first brother was sold off like a bundle of silk to the Shang family, Wei Qian would wonder if she were Ling Ding Xu’s age if the same thing would happen to her. Would she have been sold to the Shang family or be married off to another merchant family like the Gu family just for the sake of money and prosperity. Will the marriage alliance with Liang be what she has most been afraid off? Given off and later forgotten? Wei Qian had many thoughts in her head she felt dizzy, making her nearly fall off from her chair. Sang Zhi quickly reached her side, “Qianqian, are you alright? Don’t exhaust yourself and get some rest. I won’t bring the matter of my brother or the Double Third Festival again, I promise.” Wei Qian nodded as she weakly walked to her bed and laid down. Sang Zhi helped her cover herself and Wei Qian smiled as her eyes became heavy and she quickly fell asleep.When Wei Qian woke up, it was already dark and the night was covered in twinkling stars. A’Luo was nowhere to be seen and Wei Qian was hungry, so she woke up and got ready. She wore a simple outer robe and her white fur coat and walked out, her legs a bit weak and numb from falling asleep for so long. When Wei Qian opened the door and took a step outside, a warm air scented with orchids greeted her and Wei Qian couldn’t help but smile as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the smell with a pleased expression on her face. When Wei Qian opened her eyes, she noticed that beside the lampstand in her front lawn, the garden that was previously desolate and with only thin bushes was filled with purple orchids on flower pots. Purple orchids are extremely rare in Great Jin and are usually imported from Eastern Hua and sold in Great Jin for an arm and a leg. For Wei Qian to see so many pots of purple orchids in her lawn, naturally she was amazed and entranced. “Do you like them?” A young voice Wei Qian found obnoxiously familiar spoke a few steps away from Wei Qian’s current position. In the dark with little light, Wei Qian could not see the person’s face. She could only note that he was dressed like the footmen of the residence. “Who are you? Reveal yourself or I’ll scream and alert everyone.”Gracefully and calmly, as though without worries and fear, the young man came forward and stood beside the lampstand, the light illuminating his handsome and youthful face. “I heard that Third Miss is unwell and thus unable to make it to our appointment, so I decided to come to you. When I am here, Third Miss threatens to scream. How pitiful I am indeed.” Wang Yan said with pretentious sadness followed by a cheeky look as he met Wei Qian’s surprised gaze. “Wang Yan? What are you doing here? Did you bring these purple orchids?” Wang Yan nodded, undisturbed by Wei Qian’s shook. “I did. Why? Don’t you like them?” Wei Qian couldn’t help but be dumbfounded. Wang Yan spoke like the purple orchids were just something that could be picked from the streets while she was awestruck that he could afford so many of them. “Whether I like them or not is not the issue. Do you know how much a single pot costs? Where did you get them?” Wang Yan, finally understanding the reason behind Wei Qian’s shock, explained with a coy smile, “Ah. As you know, I am the Third Young Master of the Wang family of Quling province. Such trifling things are not a bother to me. If you don’t like them, I’ll have them thrown away.” Wang Yan’s last words were enough to weaken Wei Qian’s legs in shock and astonishment, making her reach out for the lampstand for support. “You are deliberately making it hard for me, Wang Yan. Don’t think you can bully me in my own home. I’ll scream and you’ll get kicked out!” Wei Qian said despite her exasperation.Wang Yan took a provocative step forward, making him stand closely in front of Wei Qian and whispered in her ear seductively, “Go ahead. Should everyone know that the Third Miss of the Ling family and the Third Master of the Wang family were meeting in secret, the Ling family will have no choice but to arrange your marriage. Once that happens, you won’t be able to scream for help ever again. Don’t worry, I’m willing to be your matrilocal husband, if you want.” Wei Qian was once again felt speechless by Wang Yan’s audacity and could only look at him with shock and raging anger in her eyes. Wang Yan, on the other hand, was pleased with himself and could not stop smiling and looking at Wei Qian with mischief dancing in his eyes. Having been agitated so much, Wei Qian’s health worsened and she began feeling dizzy and nauseous. Wang Yan set all jokes aside and seriously observed her, “Are you alright? You don’t look too well.” Wei Qian was about to say something when she lost feeling of her legs for moment and fell into Wang Yan’s embrace. Wang Yan was startled by this but still had the nerve to joke, “Third Miss can’t wait until our wedding. Third Miss is truly a master of deception. Even Wang Yan was deceived and will now have to be responsible for you.” He said with a laugh, but Wei Qian didn’t scold him and instead mumbled slowly, “Not feeling well.” Wang Yan immediately turned serious, took Wei Qian in his arm and carried her to her room, closing the door behind them. Wang Yan helped Wei Qian sit up on her bed and prepped her pillow so she could lie on it comfortably, before going ahead to help her remove her shoes and cover her with the blanket.As Wang Yan was in the process of doing this, Wei Qian had regained some of her strength and could clearly see what he was doing. Wei Qian stared at Wang Yan who was silent and serious as he did all these things, and it made Wei Qian’s heart flutter as she was touched by Wang Yan’s show of devotion. However, she immediately snapped out of it, thinking to herself, “What am I thinking? Wang Yan is a playboy. He must have done this for countless other young ladies and made them swoon for him this way. I must not be like them.” Oblivious to Wei Qian’s thoughts, Wang Yan carefully covered Wei Qian and squatted by her bedside, his eyes carefully looking at Wei Qian. For a moment, he couldn’t help but feel his heart beat faster and is body grow hotter. Wei Qian was more intriguing this way than all the times they had met before. Wei Qian had her hair down and her face bare, void of any makeup or jewelry. While she was pale due to her illness, it did nothing to her beauty and to some extent even made her seem more cute, docile and innocent. While Wei Qian was unsure of the reason behind Wang Yan’s searching gaze, she wasn’t entirely oblivious to the thoughts running in his head. “Why did you bring me purple orchids?” Wang Yan did not answer her, and continued to stare at Wei Qian barefacedly. Wei Qian was surprisingly unbothered and stared at Wang Yan patiently, something telling her he will answer her question.Wang Yan thought deeply of Wei Qian. Why did he ask her to join him at Mu So Restaurant early today morning? Why did he get anxious and restless when he had heard that she was sick? Why did he feel sour and full of bile when he heard that Sang Xiao Yu had gone to visit her? Why did he immediately believe the physician that crushed purple orchids can have medicinal effect for those with painful menstrual cycles? Why did he go to the extent of risking owing debt just so he could buy purple orchids from that rascal Liu Cheng Feng? Why did he pretend to be drunk and force Ding Wu to host him for the night in secret just so he could have easier access to Wei Qian? Why did he feel at ease and content when he saw Wei Qian appreciate the orchids and smile widely? Wang Yan always thought of himself as a selfish and materialistic man, always in it for profit and not for charity. Wang Yan helped the Sang family run Madam Sang’s dowry shops in exchange for a place to stay, and for the past two years the Shang shops have double their profit and gained a lot of money, and all this is credited to Wang Yan’s inborn talent for business. After all, he was the son of a merchant, therefore even though he was not paid to his standards, Wang Yan had enough money to want to pursue his interests and start his own business. Yet everything he had done today went contrary to what he believed in. Was Wei Qian truly that valuable to him after only a day of interaction? Wang Yan was not clear on the matter and thought himself confused.In the midst of this silence, Wei Qian remembered what had happened yesterday night. It was late into the night, and the courtyard was silent with only the rustling of grass and the hanging lanterns making a slight disturbance. Wei Qian had just come from the latrine, her face pale and her legs numb and weak, and Wei Qian decided to stop by an open stand and rest for a while to gain some strength in her legs. When she arrived, she found a figure slumped on the floor with several wine bottles surrounding him. It was Wang Yan. He was extremely drunk and had slept on the floor. Wei Qian turned around, wanting to leave when she heard Wang Yan wake up and move a bit. “Maid, bring me more wine. I want more wine!” Wang Yan spoke in a tantrum. Wei Qian turned to face him, her face shocked at being addressed as a maid, “Hey, Wang Yan. I am not a maid, much less your maid!” Wang Yan finally opened his eyes and looked at Wei Qian drowsily, his face red from being drunk and his movements were sluggish. “Hey! You! What did you call me? I am Young Master, maid. Don’t disrespect me just because I am not your master’s son or relative.” Wei Qian sighed and walked up to Wang Yan, and once she was settled squatting in front of him, she spoke, “Young Master Wang, please look carefully. I am not a maid. I am Ling Wei Qian. Look carefully, Young Master Wang.”Wang Yan blinked several times in order to look carefully, but gave up and moved back with his eyes closed, “Hey, maid. You are not Ling Wei Qian. You must be more drunk than me. Drink less, it’s not good for your health.” Wei Qian exhaled exasperatingly, unsure of whether to be angry or amused by such a scene. Wei Qian went ahead and sat beside Wang Yan and took the bottle in his hand and drunk the little wine left in one go. Wang Yan immediately scolded, “Hey, you maid. You dare drink this young master’s wine. Do you want to be punished?” Wei Qian returned the bottle back to him and said, “Why are you drinking wine if it’s bad for your health. As a maid, I should at least serve young master faithfully.” Wang Yan sighed again, “Oh no. Another maid who is in love with me. Hey maid, I don’t need a concubine or a bed warmer. Just go back and I will not speak of this to anyone.” Wei Qian scoffed at Wang Yan’s narcissism, “Young Master, why do you think I am in love with you? I could be just passing by and wanting company. You are drunk and delusional; you are the best company in this silent and empty night.” Wang Yan remained silent, his head bobbing from lack of stability or soberness. Wei Qian sat in silence as well before turning to find Wang Yan smiling dreamily, making her smile as well, “Young Master, why are you smiling?” Wang Yan answered, “There is this girl I think I like, but I don’t know why I like her. I can only smile like a fool when I recall our moments.”Wei Qian was curious and asked, “What kind of girl is she for Young Master to like her so much, that even when you are drunk you still think of her?” Wang Yan exhaled heavily, and Wei Qian gave up on getting an answer, but Wang Yan suddenly stood up and began to speak excitedly, “That girl is very, very, very beautiful. She is intelligent but doesn’t show it. She is very talented, a great talent among her peers, and has the heart of qin at such a young age. She has politics in her heart and music in her eyes, but she doesn’t know it. Although she is sly and cunning, she is the best girl for me. I won’t look at any other but her.” Wang Yan stopped suddenly and turned to Wei Qian, and with big steps he reached her side, startling her to a freeze. “You maid, you actually pretended to be her. Pft. You can never be as noble and endearing as her.” Wei Qian, realizing that Wang Yan was talking about her this entire time, blushed and looked away saying, “Young Master, could it be that you like Third Miss Ling because she poses a challenge to you?” Wang Yan groaned, shaking his head as he took a few drunken steps back, “Maid, there is something you don’t know. I am pitiful and degraded. In the Sang residence, although I am a young master, I am still treated like a lowly and disposable person. However, from the moment I saw Ling Wei Qian, I knew she saw me differently. She seemed to want to defend me, even fight for me. I knew that she saw me as her equal. Yet I had to break her expectations. Although, I want her to like me, I can’t afford her feelings.” Wang Yan slumped beside Wei Qian who was teary and emotional. “No wonder you hide your real self with the playboy façade. I was not mistaken about you, Wang Yan.” Wei Qian thought as she looked at Wang Yan with a sad smile.“Why can’t you afford her feelings? Is it because of your identity as an illegitimate son?” Wang Yan nodded drunkenly, “Ling Wei Qian deserves the best. Maybe, Sang Xiao Yu can give it to her. Do you know, I, Wang Yan, want to start my own business. I may go to Jing Province or the Xi Province. Anywhere but Quling or Shang Province. My father sees me as a disgrace, my stepmother sees me as an eye sore and her son, my second brother, sees me as his enemy. Having this kind of life, naturally I can only give up Ling Wei Qian and make myself worthy of her in the future. As long as she is willing to wait for me, I won’t let her down.” Wei Qian’s eyes were teary, and when Wang Yan spoke pitifully Wei Qian found herself crying, almost sobbing. Wei Qian scoffed, trying to hide the hoarseness of her voice caused by the silent sobs, and spoke lightly with a kind of insincere scorn, “Why would I wait for you, you bastard!” Wang Yan laughed and said drowsily, “Yeah. Why should you wait for me?” When Wei Qian heard this, she turned to look at him, wondering if he had known this entire time that it was her and not a maid, but she found him sleeping soundly, completely knocked out. Wei Qian sighed and sniffled, and thought, “You, Wang Yan, are really shameless.” As Wei Qian came back from recalling this memory imbedded in her mind and heart, the Wang Yan in front of her seemed to appear more sincere and cute, and it made Wei Qian happy. “Sang Zhi told me that you are in constant pain and can hardly stand. When I went to Liu’s Herbal Apothecary and asked them for the best remedy, they said that purple orchids are the best remedy when crushed and boiled with honey. So, I bought all the purple orchids they had, because I wanted to be the only one to be able to give you this.” Wei Qian asked, her tone light, “Why?” Wang Yan did not hesitate and answered firmly, “Because I want to be special to you.” Before Wei Qian spoke again, Wang Yan continued, “I want you to think of me every time you drink your medicine or when you see the orchids in the garden. I want you to owe me so I can have an excuse to see you. I want you to be nice to me because you owe me for the flowers. I want you to go to tomorrow’s Double Third Festival night party with me, not Sang Xiao Yu.” Wei Qian nodded without a second thought, “Alright. I will go with you.” Wang Yan was stunned and nearly stammered when he asked, “Why?” Wei Qian smiled, and thought truthfully, “Because you like me, you fool.” But later she answered dismissively, “What do you think? If I owe you then I can’t refuse you, can I? Besides, I had already promised Sang Zhi that I will go. If I refuse you, then it’ll be too awkward when we see each other at the party. Don’t you think?” Wang Yan laughed, though a certain sadness lingered in his actions, “You are right. Alright, since you have agreed then I won’t disturb you more. I had Ding Wu bring me here under the guise of me being too drunk, so if he doesn’t find me he will get suspicious of my act. I’ll get going now.” Wei Qian stayed silent for a while, and spoke with a clear voice, “I like lilies.” Wang Yan remained frozen, not expecting Wei Qian to say this. Wei Qian went on to explain, “Next time, whether it is for medicine or to make me happy, buy me white lilies. They are my favorite.” Wang Yan smirked, “Oh. Is this Third Miss way of asking to be pursued? Let me make myself clear, Third Miss. I, Wang Yan, have pursued many young ladies, but I won’t pursue you.” Wei Qian wanted to ask why but thought that if she did then it would prove Wang Yan’s thought that she does want him to pursue. “Go ahead, I know you want to ask why.” Wang Yan quipped coyly. Wei Qian turned her head, her eyes closed haughtily, “Who said I want you to pursue me? I just told you my favorite flower so you won’t waste so much money in the future. Don’t have such narcissistic thoughts.”Wang Yan chuckled, “Alright. I won’t.” Just before Wei Qian could speak, a voice came from outside. “Qian’er, are you still awake. Mummy brought you your medicine and some food, you haven’t eaten today my dear.” It was First Madam Gao. Panic and anxiety struck Wei Qian as she was fearful of being found with Wang Yan, an unmarried young man, in her room without chaperone and in the middle of the night. Her mother’s shock-stricken face was already taunting her sanity, and she could already hear the rumors and foresee the wedding arrangements. Oh, what a horror. She hurriedly urged the calm and collected Wang Yan, her voice in a harsh whisper, “Go, hide. If she sees you, we will be in trouble!” Wang Yan, undisturbed, cooed, “Your mother is here. Wei Qian, in the future, you will call me husband.” Wei Qian got agitated and wanted to hit Wang Yan but he smoothly avoided it and took light steps and hid in Wei Qian’s closet. Before Wei Qian could collect her thoughts, her mother opened the door and looked at her, and Wei Qian thought herself doomed and that her mother had known everything. “Qian’er, why did you not answer when I called you? Your mother was worried.” First Madam Gao said as she slid the door shut and came to seat by Wei Qian’s bedside. “A’Luo told me you fell asleep so I sent her to help in the kitchen. I made you some fried egg rice which you liked so much when you were younger. Have it when it’s hot.” Wei Qian nodded and stayed silent, subconsciously throwing glances at the closet. Wei Qian got an idea, “Mummy, I might eat a bit slow as I am feeling too weak today. Mummy has worked so hard; you also need to rest or you’ll fall sick.” First Madam Gao, almost confused, spoke, “What nonsense are you speaking? Qian’er, you are my only daughter. How can I leave you alone and get rest when you have no one by your side? Don’t worry about me, your mother, and just have something. Okay?” Wei Qian could only nod obediently and allow her mother to spoon food her. “Something happened today. The Liu’s Herbal Apothecary brought some purple orchids saying that they are a gift from Third Master Wang? Do you know of this matter?”Wei Qian bit her tongue by accident when her mother asked her, making her feel embarrassed and already caught on a lie. Thinking the food was too hot, First Madam Gao apologized, “Qian’er, I’m so sorry. Are you hurt? I’m sorry I forgot the food is still hot. I’ll be more careful, huh?” Wei Qian nodded again, throwing side glances at the closet while her mother tried to cool the food. When her tongue felt better, Wei Qian decided to answer, “Yes, mother. I knew. Before I left, I had asked Young Master Wang to ask around for some purple orchids. Sang Zhi once told me that purple orchids boiled with honey can really aid with painful menstrual cycles. That is why I asked him to ask around. As a merchant, he has more connections to the nearby apothecaries. However, I did not expect him to buy all of them from the store. Truly a waste.” First Madam Gao observed her daughter, a certain suspicion growing, before asking, “How did you know that he had bought all of them from the store?” Wei Qian’s heart nearly rose to her throat in fear that she had been discovered. Not to mention with Wang Yan’s weird personality, he could suddenly burst out of the closet and demand her hand in marriage. She answered, trying to sound confident despite feeling the opposite, “Mother, there’s something you don’t know. Young Master Wang, that man, is a farsighted man. When I spoke to him at the Sang residence, I realized he has intention of starting his own business. He is a business man, sly and seeking profits. I was sure that he would buy all of them, send them here under the guise of a gift, then claim that we of the Ling family owe him a lot. That way, he can start a business in Bingzhou with our help. Mother, you must find a way to avoid him.” First Madam Gao seemed to withdraw her suspicions and said, “Mmh. If you really think so, although now that we have already accepted the purple orchids, it would be rude and uncourteous to return them. How do you plan on dealing with them?” Wei Qian genuinely thought about it and said, “We can send half of them to First Brother under Young Master Wang and my name, that way First Brother can reach out and help me when need be. Also, mummy. I heard that Wei Xin has similar symptoms to mine. How is she?” First Madam Gao shook her head, feeding Wei Qian a spoonful, “I don’t know. Wei Xin refuses to be tended to anyone except A'Bao and is adamant on it. Even I don’t know how she is doing. I have exempted A’Bao from her other household duties so she can help Wei Xin to the best of her ability. Other things, without Wei Xin’s approval, not much can be done.” First Madam Gao went ahead and fed Wei Qian another spoonful, “About the matter of the purple orchids, your idea sounds reasonable. It is easier to send something to Xicheng from Suzhou than Bingzhou, so your idea is without much flaws. It will depend on Young Master Wang whether he will appreciate the gesture or not.” Wei Qian threw a lasting glance on the closet, her mind commenting, “Now I don’t owe you anything, Wang Yan.” First Madam asked, “What about the other half?” Wei Qian replied after swallowing her food, “I was thinking, purple orchids are hard to cultivate in Great Jin and are considered treasures. Grandmother Tang has always liked exotic flowers, and not to mention she is Empress Yin’s maternal aunt. Mother and Grandmother have been at odds lately, and considering our future circumstances, we may have to build a cordial relation with her. Mummy, what do you think?” First Madam Gao nodded, feeding Wei Qian another spoonful of fried rice, “What you are saying makes a lot of sense. In these past years, Third Madam and I have been logging heads on the matter with the Gao’s Qin and Poetry Literati Shop. Most of my brothers are either martial artists running amok in the large Jianghu (martial world) or they are military soldiers serving in respectable positions in the army. Only Third Madam’s sons: Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Brother, are slowly growing into the way of the scholar and taking interest in father’s passions namely the guqin (old Chinese stringed instrument), poetry and calligraphy. Third Madam feels threatened by my constant involvement in the shop’s running and is constantly contradicting me so that Father won’t consider you of Ding Wei to take over the business.” Gao’s Qin and Poetry Literati Shop was all over Great Jin and was a successful business appreciated by the many scholars who look up to Grand Scholar Master Gao. Should Ding Wei or Wei Qian take over the business, naturally they will receive the immense support from the millions of scholars in the Empire, and make them the most revered scholarly figure in Jin. Third Madam knew of this and was the reason she wanted one of her sons to take over the business. With a resolving tone First Madam Gao said, “Alright. I shall do it as you have advised. I will send the other half to Third Madam Tang and create a sort-of truce between us. Hopefully, it won’t be in vain.”Wei Qian shook her head and said, “It won’t. Mummy, you need not worry.” First Madam Gao went ahead to speak with a worried tone as she fed Wei Qian another spoon full, “First, it was the marriage alliance. Now, you are sick. I, your mother, am really worried about you.” Marriage alliance? Wang Yan thought as he tried to keep his breathing shallow and undetectable. Wei Qian’s eyes widened as she realized if her mother talked about the marriage alliance with Liang’s Young Master Gaoshang then Wang Yan would hear everything. With no way of warning her mother without revealing her secret, Wei Qian could only, painfully, allow her mother to speak and hope that Wang Yan will not reveal this to anyone. Wei Qian made a noise, to which First Madam Gao said, “I know. I had promised you that I would find a way to change their preference from you to Wei Xin. But, you know how the Lord of Ji is like. He’s adamant and insist that it has to be you. Just before I came here, your father sent a message via pigeon saying that you had long been chosen because you have relations to the Ling, Gao and Shang family. These three families are not easy to rally without cause, and His Majesty has always wanted to bring these three families to the court to side with Crown Prince. However, we have been making things difficult and His Majesty’s patience seems to be running out. There seems to be no other way other than you being the bride for the marriage alliance.”Wei Qian became sullen and did not say anything despite having already swallowed down her food. First Madam Gao smiled, and putting the food away she reached out and held Wei Qian’s hands tenderly, “Qian’er, don’t be sad. I know, you are scared and worried, but you should know that this may not necessarily be a bad thing. In order for you to be considered as a bride, His Majesty will have to confer your father with a Title of the Second Noble Rank like Earl or Marquis. This is also a good thing. Moreover, your brother Ding Xu may get a chance to enter the court as an official which has always been his heart’s desire.” Wei Qian nodded and said with a low voice, “I know.” First Madam Gao sighed, tearing up, “My daughter. My only daughter. How I wish you weren’t put in this position. It breaks my heart, telling you these things like the world isn’t being unfair to you. What of those Titles of the First Rank?  I wish I could do more for you as your mother instead of trying to convince you to accept this ‘fate’. I wish I could grant you a love marriage and let you live a safe, happy and contently life. But it seems that I am incapable and incompetent, unable to protect my own daughter.” Seeing her mother’s tears, Wei Qian felt sad and depressed, and reached out to wipe her mother’s tears. “What are you saying, mummy? You are the world’s best mother. Everything I have learnt has come from your tolerance and loving nature. My passion for politics and governance has been nurtured by you. I dare not take that for granted. Besides, Young Master Gaoshang may not necessarily be a bad man. Young Lady Gaoshang told me herself that her little brother is a good man with many talents. He is also the Medicine King’s disciple. You tell me, mummy, would a disciple of the Medicine King be a bad person?”First Madam Gao shook her head, smiling slightly. Wei Qian’s heart felt more uplifted upon seeing her mother smile, and she said, “No, right? Then why do you worry so much? Above all, I am your daughter and Grand Scholar Master’s granddaughter. I am not easily bullied, brought down or used. Mummy, no need to worry and cry, and no need to pity yourself. You have raised a capable daughter; therefore, you should give yourself some more credit.” First Madam Gao laughed, wiping away her tears with a cloth taken out of her sleeve. “Qian’er words are true. From now on, your mother will not worry or cry.” After a moment of cleaning her face and calming her emotions, First Madam Gao spoke, “I should get back and arrange things as we have spoken. After all, there is still time before the marriage alliance is confirmed. We can take things slow and deal with them as they come. You should go back to sleep and take it easy else your illness worsens. You need not go anywhere tomorrow if you don’t want, but going out might do you some good. You should have considered it by now.” Wei Qian agreed, “Yes, I did mummy. I will go with Sang Zhi if I am feeling better tomorrow.” First Madam Gao smiled, aiding Wei Qian to lie down and cover her with a blanket, “Alright. Rest well, my dear. Your mother loves you.”After First Madam Gao turned off most of the candles in the room, leaving those by Wei Qian’s bed on, Wei Qian quickly stood and with the candle lamp in her hand, went ahead to open the closet. Wang Yan looked at her, various emotions flashing across his eyes at the sight of her. “You heard it all?” Wang Yan nodded, stepping out of the closet. Wei Qian asked, “What do you think?” Wang Yan replied while fixing the creases on the servant uniform, avoiding Wei Qian’s gaze, “It doesn’t matter. Tomorrow, we shall go out together and enjoy the festival like good friends. After tomorrow, we resume to be strangers. You said it yourself, you only agreed because it would be awkward if we met during the festival when you had refused me. However, you won’t need to feel that way after tomorrow. At dawn I will speak to First Madam and offer to personally escort the purple orchids to First Young Master Ling. That way, I won’t be around after the festival. You can get married without me disturbing your peace of mind.” A depressing silence lingered before Wang Yan laughed and said, “I better go before I am discovered. See you soon, goodbye, Third Miss Ling.” And with that, even without looking at her, Wang Yan walked away and used the front door. Wei Qian, her eyes sad and angry, said with a soft voice, “Wang Yan, you really are good at cutting ties and lying to people. Just like a true businessman.” Wang Yan froze at the doorstep, his heart heavy with grief. He thought, “Ling Wei Qian, in this life, I am not meant to have you or any good thing. I can only love you in silence while giving you up.” Unbeknownst to Wei Qian, Wang Yan was never truly drunk that night.