Chapter 229: Sealing the Imperial Brush
Towards this kind of behavior of Jin Qinwang’s, frequently sending piles and piles of good things for no reason, the Luo family was also accustomed to seeing and no longer finding it strange. Quite a few felt envious inside, but not that many were bitterly jealous. Every time, Jing Wan would always have a portion of the things divided out. This time was also the same. Actually, Li Hong Yuan already made preparations. He’d already set aside a portion for the Luo family beforehand, while the best ones were given to Jing Wan to use. On one hand, it was because he knew that Jing Wan won’t monopolize, and on the other hand, he also didn’t want Jing Wan to draw in too much hate from the Luo family. Jing Wan and him were different after all. She cared about her family, and with good things, she would always share with them.
Those set aside for the Luo family, in Li Hong Yuan’s eyes, were just defective goods. Even so, the majority of the Luo family, after receiving, all loved it too much to part with. These were good things that they in the past were unable to even dream of. Then, thinking of those in Jing Wan’s hands………..Forget it, people need to know to be content. Being too greedy won’t have any good ending.
Jing Wan originally wanted to give Luo Old Madam the black fox fur to inlay the clothes with. After all, the black fox fur Li Hong Yuan sent was also limited, and moreover, fox fur was thick to begin with, so making it into an entire set of clothes was a bit too unfitting. However, Luo Old Madam refused. The things Jin Qinwang prepared for his own fiancee, she, an old woman, taking up, what did that count as? Those given to her were already very good, and moreover, the best things, she naturally also wished for it to be used on Jing Wan.
Obtaining these things, the one that was the most unhesitant was probably just Gong mama, swiftly having these furs divided up. Cloak, mantle, and overcoat, everything that should be present all present, let alone using on clothes as decoration.
Jing Wan very much wanted to say, mama, no need to use it up all at once. She was still growing in height, and in a year or two, won’t it be too short? These things weren’t the same as normal clothes, when not fitting anymore, or perhaps after the season passes, will just dispose of. That was practically just wasting natural resources recklessly and will get hit by lightning alright?!
——–Miss, don’t worry, would Jin Qinwang still lack this bit of things. In the future, can just purchase new ones again. Besides, even if a little short, just add on a little more in the future. It won’t be causally wasted.
Alright, Jing Wan shut her mouth. Even if she said more, it actually didn’t have any effect either. The people by her side’s craftsmanship in making clothes was definitely very remarkable. Even if piecing together, Jing Wan felt, she simply won’t be able to find the seams. They were all capable people among capable people.
However, accepting this many good things, Jing Wan felt, should she also give back a bit of something? But thinking left and right, what good things didn’t the other party have? Just in terms of these materialistic things, probably completely unable to find something that she has that he doesn’t have.
Perhaps, personally making a bit of something to express her feelings, the so-called ‘the gift light, the affections heavy’?
As someone crippled in the feminine arts (e.g. needlework), it’s best not to embarrass oneself. Jing Wan reckon, the things she sends over, he probably won’t not use, but thinking of that person, the things he wore and used, which one wasn’t a premium good among premium goods? In other words, it was just the highest-end goods among high-end goods. Suddenly having a low-end thing appear on him was practically out of place. Even just thinking about it destroyed the image.
Then, what can she give him? Seemingly aside from herself…………..Hold it! Jing Wan facepalmed. Ever since encountering that bastard, she has also become increasingly dirty. Since she can’t think of anything, then just set the thought aside for now.
However, recently, Jing Wan feels the atmosphere in the capital was seemingly somewhat off. Moreover, she hasn’t seen her grandfather in several days. Setting aside the mornings, with him going out too early, to still not be able to see him at night was a bit unusual. Since her grandmother didn’t mention, Jing Wan also didn’t ask. In any case, it was nothing more than just those trifling matters in court, you screwing me over, and me scheming against you, mutually setting up one another.
A few days later, Jing Wan was already starting to use the hand furnace. The temperature in the capital was much lower than Qi’an Fu’s. Jing Wan felt she has become delicate. Unless necessary, otherwise she just cooped up inside, not wanting to go out. Because the ‘earth dragon[1]‘ was set up, the inside of the room was rather comfortable.
Luo Old Madam has already reduced the number of times for paying respect to her to once every three days, but Jing Wan still would go over every day, just a little later in the mornings, and a little earlier at night. Probably having formed into a habit, or perhaps because of lingering fears from when Luo Old Madam nearly passed away a few years ago, if Jing Wan doesn’t see her every day, she seemingly will feel a bit restless inside.
Speaking of which, this day, when Jing Wan was accompanying Luo Old Madam in using the evening meal, she learned that quite a few court officials were being kept overnight in the palace, including her grandfather.
Jing Wan’s heart violently jumped. How come this felt like the trend towards imprisoning the court officials and forcing the emperor to abdicate in revolt? Jing Wan put down her chopsticks, wiping her mouth, “Grandmother, what happened?”
“Kang Qinwang has returned.”
Jing Wan finally recalled, during the summer holidays, there wasn’t this person. Afterwards, it was said that he’d personally requested to go assist the disaster relief. How come finally returning at this time? Counting the days, it seems to already be four months. Could it be that the recent disturbance had something to do with him?
“A few days ago, on the way back, encountered assassins, and under the imperial guard’s protection went missing. His Majesty dispatched people to search, yet haven’t been able to find, until today, where he came back on his own alone in ragged clothes, seemingly like a beggar, carrying injuries on him. When entering the capital, he’d gotten blocked, and if not for coincidentally encountering someone closely related to him, once he gets discovered by the people that don’t want him to live, afraid…………..”
Jing Wan understood Luo Old Madam’s unspoken words. Indeed, even in the capital, there still weren’t many that recognized the members of the imperial family. Moreover, ordinary people afraid wouldn’t have known that Kang Qinwang had encountered assassin and went missing. For a beggar to dare pass off as someone from the imperial family, and even a qinwang, if alarmed, for instance, the city gate guards having long been bribed by others, then might directly get killed on the spot, dying very wronged.
“………..Kang Qinwang can also be considered smart for once, having gotten blocked yet didn’t loudly argue either, instead swallowing his anger and retreating back. Looking at it like this, seemingly not too fitting of his temper.”
Indeed, Kang Qinwang was impulsive and short-tempered, and even arrogant and conceited. For a mere city gate guard to dare block him, he actually didn’t get violent and directly kick the person? “Probably someone must have told him something beforehand.”
Luo Old Madam nodded her head, “Extremely possible. Kang Qinwang’s disaster relief this time really wasn’t smooth at all, encountering the disaster victims’ insurrection several times, and one time, when inspecting the dam, there was suddenly a flood, causing him to fall into the water, nearly losing his life. Once or twice, it’s a coincidence, but as the number of times increase………….Fortunately brought along enough guards, and protected tightly.”
Once or twice was a coincidence, but as the number of times increase, it was probably just inevitable for one think of schemes and machinations.
“Kang Qinwang, after quickly making himself presentable again, just directly entered the palace, and halfway through recounting what happened while shedding tears in front of his Majesty, the person just fainted. The entire Imperial Physician Court were all alarmed. Reportedly, Kang Qinwang was quite severely injured, and to have been able to persevere that long, truly wasn’t easy. Previously, his spirit was probably tense the whole time, then suddenly relaxing, he just wasn’t able to hold on anymore. Seemingly his life was just hanging by a thread. His Majesty was in a thundering rage.”
“It’s not like grandfather and them are doctors, what use is there for his Majesty to have them retained?”
“Who knows.” Luo Old Madam indifferently answered. Towards Kang Qinwang’s life or death, she all didn’t care.
Jing Wan however laughed, “Rui Qinwang and Gong Qinwang afraid will become fretful.”
Luo Old Madam glanced at her. How the others will be, Luo Old Madam rather didn’t have any thoughts. Jin Qinwang most likely was a driving force in this matter as well. Towards everyone, he was cold-blooded and ruthless. That bit of remaining human warmth and tenderness seemingly all left for Wan Wan. If it can continue like this forever, it would also be Wan Wan’s good fortune. Then, she probably can also close her eyes in peace.
Jing Wan subconsciously touched her own face, “What is grandmother looking at?”
“Nothing. The matters in court have nothing to do with us. It’s already the twelfth lunar month, less than a month from the new year.”
“En, hope can have a peaceful new year.”
“This rather is irrelevant. Even if Kang Qinwang meets with misfortune, it would still be just that, it’s not like…………..”
Indeed, a qinwang dying wasn’t enough for others to observe a period of mourning for him.
“Rather, for Wan Wan, you, this is your first time spending the winter in the north. Absolutely need to be careful, don’t get a cold.” This bit was what Luo Old Madam was actually the most worried about.
“My body has always been very good. Grandmother, no need to worry for me. Rather, grandmother, you, having not been in the capital for many years, by all means, need to pay attention to yourself.” Ever since entering winter, she seemingly paid attention every day, just worrying that grandmother will fall ill.
The two of them both had the other regarded very heavily.
When Jing Wan was going back, she momentarily paused in her steps, taking a small detour, heading to Falling Plum Residence.
“Third miss has come.” The old servant woman guarding the gates of Falling Plum Residence hurriedly fetched a hanging lantern to lead the way for her.
Learning that Jing Wan came over, Luo Rong Yan and Zhang-shi hurriedly got up and came out. One can’t blame them for being like this either. Ever since their relationship with Jing Wan became increasingly worse, even if they have the heart to patch things up, they still don’t know where to start. Aside from coming to pay her respect, Jing Wan just never voluntarily set a single foot in Falling Plum Residence. Clearly Falling Plum Residence was just separated by a wall from Elegant Haitang Residence, even having the little gate open.
“Father, mother.” Jing Wan curtsied, “It’s cold outside, how come you two came out?”
Zhang-shi’s eyes reddened, about to shed tears, but recalling that her daughter hated this the most, hurriedly used the handkerchief to press against the corner of her eyes. “You also know it’s cold, quickly come in.”
“No need, switching between hot and cold like this, on the contrary, isn’t good. I just wanted to cut a few branches of plum blossoms back to make flower arrangements.”
Although disappointed, hearing her say this, Luo Rong Yan immediately opened his mouth, “Father will help you cut.”
Jing Wan didn’t reject, smiling, “Many thanks father.”
Luo Rong Yan waved his hand, “I’m your father, no need to be this courteous.”
The servant girl was further perceptive, immediately fetching over a pair of scissors. No one will say, right now it was pitch dark, cut what flowers.
Speaking of the plum blossoms in Falling Plum Residence, which ones bloomed the best, probably no one knew better than Luo Rong Yan.
Towards the plum blossoms in this courtyard, Luo Rong Yan very much cherished. On normal days, even for himself, he was all unwilling to cut down to put in a flower vase, yet this while, he didn’t hesitate in the slightest, holding the scissors and cutting with all his might, also not worrying about having that area cut bald.
Jing Wan was rather speechless. Cutting flowers wasn’t cut like this either. After cutting, one still needed to take the aesthetic into consideration. Moreover, that flower basket was all about to overflow. It was just for a flower vase, really don’t need this many.
“Father, it’s enough.”
Luo Rong Yan paused, retracting his hands, having the scissors handed to the servant girl, personally carrying the basket over, “Is it enough? Seemingly a bit few.”
“More than enough.” Jing Wan took the basket, then handed it to her servant girl. “Father and mother quickly go in, it’s almost the new year, by all means don’t catch a cold. This daughter will also be returning first.”
Luo Rong Yan nodded, “When the plum blossoms wither and fall, just let someone come cut more.”
“Alright, you two quickly go in then.”
“Walk a little slower at night, don’t fall.” Zhang-shi couldn’t help urging a few words, and seemingly still worried, called for two more people to add two more lanterns for Jing Wan.
Jing Wan slowly returned to Elegant Haitang Residence.
Kang Qinwang in the end got saved, and Le Cheng Emperor’s anger also extinguished a little. However, this matter clearly won’t be over with just like this. It’ll definitely be strictly investigated to the end. However, everyone was all clear inside, it definitely won’t be that easy to investigate.
On the twenty-third of the twelfth lunar month, Le Cheng Emperor formally sealed the imperial brush. From top to bottom, everyone collectively began resting for the holiday.
[1] 地龙 – Literal translation just earth dragon; this is a method of heating in ancient times. In the underground of the building (specifically the imperial palaces and rich people homes), there will be ‘flame paths’, and the flame path will have an opening on the surface. By lighting a fire outside it, the heat will transmit into the rooms through the paths.
T/N: Jing Wan’s relationship with her parents have this really bittersweet feeling, but I feel a lot of things in life are just that way tho. Also the day when Kang Qinwang actually does something smart lmaooo.
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