Volume 1, Chapter 10: Rumors Say He Shares a Coffin with the Corpse

Song Wenyue was furious. She was dressed in a moon-white gown today, adorned with hairpins that were the latest seasonal arrivals. Though perhaps a bit understated, there was no fault to be found in her attire.

How, then, did it become "plain" in Song Yaozhu's mouth? Why didn't she mention that she herself was nothing but a nouveau riche bumpkin who had never seen the world!

"Naturally, I cannot compare to you, Sister, and the affection you receive from the Prince," she forced a smile, already regretting that she had approached her in the first place.

Although this was a market hosted by the Shangjing Poetry Society, Xie Liwei’s attendance in previous years had made the society incredibly famous among the literati of the capital. Every student in Shangjing took pride in becoming a member!

"Your Highness, please go about your business. My sister and I will go sit in the women’s section for a while."

Although the Great Chen Dynasty had open social customs, the noble families of the capital valued reputation highly. Unmarried women were required to wear veils or hats with hanging silk curtains when going out. The teahouse was divided into male and female sections, separated only by a screen as a matter of formality.

Once seated, without waiting for Song Wenyue to introduce her friends, Song Yaozhu turned to Caiyin and said, "Have someone go brew tea, and remember to use the set I brought. Do not use the teahouse's equipment."

The young ladies who were close to Song Wenyue exchanged glances. It was true that fastidious nobles would bring their own tea sets and leaves when going out, but what was Song Yaozhu’s background? How dare she put on such airs in front of them? She had truly flown onto a branch to become a phoenix and now looked down on everyone!

"I wonder what kind of tea the Princess has brought? Shall we be fortunate enough to have a taste?"

Song Yaozhu wore a gentle smile as she replied, "It is five hundred taels a pound. I suspect you all cannot afford to drink it."

The group went silent. How could anyone be so cutting with their words!

Song Wenyue was even more incensed. She had wanted to see Song Yaozhu tormented by the Prince of Xiaoyao until she was a shadow of her former self, not watch her flaunt her wealth in front of her! Feeling stifled, she stood up abruptly and said, "I am going out to get some air."

Her friends followed suit, leaving Song Yaozhu sitting alone.

"Your Highness, is this really appropriate?" Caijin asked cautiously. She had tried to advise against this getup earlier, but the Princess had insisted, leaving her with no choice.

Song Yaozhu gestured for her to come closer and whispered, "Find a maid who looks unfamiliar to follow them and listen to what they are saying."

Caijin’s eyes widened. Eavesdropping?

***

Over in the courtyard, Song Wenyue walked arm-in-arm with her friends, all of them riled up by Song Yaozhu's display of wealth.

"When I saw your sister at your home before, I thought she was easy to get along with. Why is she now so..."

"She is the Princess now; naturally, she is someone we cannot hope to reach."

"Isn't it said that the Prince of Xiaoyao is ruthless and cruel, and that the women in his household rarely survive? I heard he even plays them to death. Why would he bring her out?"

The speaker lowered her voice, voicing the thoughts of the others. They all looked at Song Wenyue.

Song Wenyue, already in a foul mood, let the biting words slip out: "Mother said she bears a striking resemblance to the late Empress."

"No way!" The group gasped. Suddenly, someone recalled an old rumor.

"When I was young, I heard that when he was escorting her coffin back to her hometown, rumors spread that he had lain inside the coffin with the corpse."

"How revolting!"

It wasn't just because it was a corpse; sharing a coffin was something only a husband and wife would do. Since Xie Liwei was Xie Wanqing’s younger brother, was he not telling the world that he harbored illicit intentions toward his own sister?

Song Wenyue gasped as well. Wouldn't that make things far too easy for Song Yaozhu?

Yet, aloud she said, "Such words must not be overheard by others. The Prince and the late Empress were siblings of deep affection; the Emperor himself praised them for it."

People are always filled with endless curiosity for gossip. Although they didn't show it on their faces, once they returned to their seats, the way they looked at Song Yaozhu had changed.

Aware of what they had been saying behind her back, Song Yaozhu spoke, feigning indifference, "I hear many talented young men have come today. I wonder if any of the Princes will attend."

Hearing the word "Princes," Song Wenyue shuddered reflexively. Yes, if she wanted to trample Song Yaozhu back under her feet, she had to marry even better than her! The Third Prince—he was her chance.

Meanwhile, Xie Liwei had taken his seat among the judges. Since the Emperor had granted him the title "Prince of Xiaoyao," he had indeed lived a carefree life. His presence was felt at every poetry gathering and elegant assembly. Coupled with his fame from a young age, many scholars loved to associate with him. His poor reputation was limited to his private household; they were scholars and men, after all—surely he wouldn't persecute them? Thus, he had become a renowned critic in Shangjing, with young talents taking pride in his appraisal.

Soon, someone stepped forward to host the event, assigning themes for everyone to compose poems about, which would then be critiqued by the judges.

***

Song Yaozhu had no interest in poetry. Her energy in her past life had been spent on conquering the world; she had no time for such flowery pastimes. Bored, she looked around, scanning the ladies and noblewomen without restraint. Since they already saw her as an uncultured country bumpkin, she might as well play the part.

At this moment, Song Yaozhu felt that letting herself go was simply wonderful! In her previous life, constrained by her status as the legitimate daughter of the Xie family, she was not just herself but a representative of the family. She had to maintain decorum and never bring shame upon them, constantly suppressing her true nature. Now that those shackles were gone, it was absolutely exhilarating!

Suddenly, her gaze drifted to a private room on the second floor. The window was half-open, and the figure standing within was obscured, but based on her knowledge of Yuwen Wuji, she knew it was him. What kind of poetry gathering was worth him leaving the palace to witness in person?

Inside the room, Yuwen Wuji’s eyes fell upon the woman dripping in jewels. With such "lavish" attire, it would be difficult not to be eye-catching. Beyond her appearance, she shared not a single trait with Xie Wanqing. On the other hand, the Fourth Miss Song by her side behaved with great dignity and grace, though she wore a veil, making it impossible to see her face.

"Li Wei, tell me, can someone in their teens still be properly molded?"

Hearing this, Li Wei’s heart skipped a beat. He thought, Surely you don't mean to abduct the Princess of Xiaoyao and "train" her, do you? One does not touch a minister's wife! And you were the one who bestowed the marriage yourself!

"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, there is a common saying: 'A dog cannot change its habit of eating dung.' Once a person’s character is formed, I fear it is difficult to change."

Li Wei felt a chill down his spine. Over the years, he had found it increasingly difficult to fathom what his master was thinking. This was a married woman! As a model for his subjects, how could he dare to entertain such thoughts?

His master remained silent for a long time before saying, "Let us see them first."

Li Wei stood frozen in place. See whom? The Third Miss or the Fourth?