Chapter 106: The Debut of the Young Matron Wanwan
Dressed in a pale green ruqun, draped in light gauze, with lips stained by rouge and a floral mark pasted on his forehead, his cascading black hair was pinned into a bun topped with a pearl-tasseled crown. Wei Wanlan’s current appearance was indistinguishable from that of a young, newlywed matron.
He stared blankly into the bronze mirror, tilting his head, vaguely realizing that he had been led into a pit by the Big Bad Guy and couldn’t climb out.
He had only wanted to get close to the Regent King’s office… how did he end up coming out looking like this!?
This was his first time cosplaying an ancient young matron; he used to only dress up as young girls!
No, no, no, that wasn’t the point.
The point was, he was a perfectly good Emperor; how did he turn into a young wife?
So, Wei Wanlan tilted his head and scrutinized himself in the bronze mirror.
Although, even as a young matron, he was very beautiful. The matron look didn’t detract from his looks one bit; in fact, because his hair was swept up, his clear, bright eyes were fully revealed, looking watery and spirited.
It just felt… a little bit strange…
His gaze met the Regent King’s in the mirror.
Su Jingzhi was tying metal bracers onto his left arm. Even though he was wearing magnificent robes that typically called for wide, flowing sleeves, he still bound his cuffs tight when going out, revealing his slender, powerful hands, ready to grip a blade at any moment. Some habits couldn’t be changed; he was a swordsman as well as a general.
Wei Wanlan, however, curled his toes inside his shoes. The sensation on his toes still lingered. He shifted his gaze away in the dark and said, “Let’s go.”
The Grand Pu in the Eastern Capital officially began after nightfall.
But in reality, long before darkness fell, the citizens could no longer contain their excitement. Supporting the elderly and leading the young, they poured out of their homes. The long streets and residential alleys were empty of inhabitants as everyone crowded onto the main thoroughfare. The lights were brilliant, the crowds bustling, everyone dressed as festively as if it were the New Year. It was truly a scene of bustling prosperity.
Clang—
Clang clang clang—
As the twilight faded and the drums sounded, marking the deepening night, young men responsible for running errands struck large gongs while shouting to maintain order. Hearing the gongs, the citizens consciously fell silent and stood still, casting countless gazes from both sides of the street toward the speaker.
The master of ceremonies for the Grand Pu, a reputable gentleman of the city, cupped his hands to the crowd, indicating he was about to speak.
However, Wei Wanlan was too far away, and the master of ceremonies’ voice was nowhere near as loud as the gong striker’s. He couldn’t hear clearly what was being said, but fortunately, the gong striker repeated it:
“From the Xu hour (7-9 PM), the Grand Pu feast begins.”
“At the end of the Xu hour, the Hundred Variety Shows will parade through the city.”
“From the Hai hour (9-11 PM), the fireworks display.”
“At the end of the Hai hour, the float parade.”
So they were announcing the schedule of the celebration.
Wei Wanlan nodded slightly and stepped onto the main street of Luoyang.
The feast had just begun. Long tables lined both sides of the street, densely packed with people. The tables were covered with red cloth and laden with plates and bowls containing food and drink. Most were seasonal fruits and vegetables, though there were some meat dishes, but exposed to the air, they would likely go cold before long.
Wei Wanlan reached out with a little dragon claw and grabbed an apple that looked crisp and juicy, just about to take a bite. His other wrist was suddenly clasped by Su Jingzhi, interrupting his movement and pulling him a little closer. So, he didn’t get to eat the apple.
Wei Wanlan furrowed his brows, watching Su Jingzhi put the apple back. It was the same with the sugar cake last time; he took it home but wouldn’t let him eat it, and in the end, it was given to someone else.
“Wuu.”
“You ate dinner before coming out. No whining.”
How could the dinner at the posthouse compare to eating at a banquet outside!
The Big Bad Guy didn’t understand atmosphere at all.
Just then, a surge of people crowded past. Wei Wanlan stumbled, nearly knocked over by the wave of people, the tassels on his head swaying.
The young men and women looked back, giggling: “Sorry about that, Madam!”
What the heck is “Madam”? So awkward.
After the feast came the Hundred Variety Shows parading through the city.
“Wow!”
“Wow, wow!”
“Wow, wow, wow—”
Performers arrived amidst waves of cheers and gasps of amazement. The magic tricks of the ancients were truly stunning. It was completely different from watching a stage performance in a theater; this was performed right in front of your face.
Wei Wanlan was very close to a magician. He watched as the master inexplicably pulled a white rabbit out of an empty sleeve.
The rabbit was round and fluffy. Wei Wanlan couldn’t help but reach out and pet the top of the rabbit’s head, causing the rabbit to squint its eyes.
So cute.
Unconsciously, Wei Wanlan tugged at the Regent King: “So amazing, this master is so amazing! The rabbit is real!”
Their palms were connected. Su Jingzhi enjoyed the little fool’s reaction, but this behavior of praising another man right in front of him made him unhappy, regardless of who was being praised. The two feelings canceled each other out; Su Jingzhi felt a mix of sweetness and sourness, so he remained silent.
“Father, I’ve seen magic even more amazing than this master’s. That ‘fetching items from thin air’ was truly a masterpiece.”
That voice sounds a bit familiar…
The voice drifted from behind Wei Wanlan into his ears. His ears twitched.
Immediately after, he heard another equally familiar voice responding:
“Hmph, you’re so young, this is your first time even leaving the village. Where would you have seen ‘fetching items from thin air’???”
“Right in our Fenggu Village. There was an official from Chang’an—”
Xi Yan!
It was Xi Yan and his father.
Wei Wanlan’s heart skipped a beat. He remembered that after saving Xi Antai, he had sent someone to send a message to Xi Yan. Xi Yan must have come into the city to pick up his father and, catching the Grand Pu, they went strolling together.
Sure enough, Wei Wanlan turned his head slightly and saw Xi Yan, still dressed in animal skins like a little savage. Then he felt something nuzzling his calf—it was the tip of a nose. It was Xi Yan’s wolf, dutifully pretending to be a dog.
I’m doomed QAQ.
Xi Yan had seen him use the System!
And he had lied to Xi Yan, saying it was a magic trick.
Now, if Xi Yan chatted a bit more with his father, he would surely deduce that the “official” stranded in Fenggu Village was the very same Great Wei Emperor who later rescued them at the Governor’s Office.
That would be bad. He had never told the Regent King he knew any magic tricks, and he had even acted so surprised by the magician just now.
If the Regent King thought about it further and insisted he conjure something up, and he didn’t know what this wretched system might suddenly pull out…
If he conjured up something too supernatural or chaotic…
—Wuwuwu, I’ll definitely be treated as a little monster!
—My cover will be blown! I have to run!
Wei Wanlan turned his head strategically, ready to bolt, terrified that the Xi father and son would meet the Regent King. But the Regent King actually grabbed hold of him.
Wei Wanlan couldn’t move and had to turn back.
Su Jingzhi: “There’s an acquaintance. Wait a moment.”
In the moment they stopped, Xi Yan and his father also noticed the movement of these two.
When Xi Antai saw Su Jingzhi, his eyes suddenly became extremely bright. Ignoring the crowd around them, he lifted his robes to kneel, his voice trembling as he called out: “Young… General. Young General!”
“Vice General Xi, I trust you have been well.”
Xi Yan, holding the wolf, stood frozen. Under his messy bangs, his gaze was like a cold star: “You are—”
He lowered his voice, probing with uncertainty, quietly sizing up Su Jingzhi, before finally revealing a respectful awe for the other’s majesty: “…The Regent King?”
Xi Antai scolded, “Unmannered child, why haven’t you paid respects to the Prince? What are you staring at!”
Xi Yan hurriedly paid his respects to Su Jingzhi.
Xi Antai continued to weep with trembling voice, tears flashing in his old eyes. Where was the tough man from their first meeting at the Governor’s Office?
“Since I bid farewell to the Great General and left Chang’an fifteen years ago, I have lived in the wilderness, seeking medicine and doctors, wandering from place to place. I dared not write a letter to Chang’an, for fear of causing the Great General and Madam to worry.”
“Although I luckily survived the ordeal in the Luoyang prison, I know my body is ruined, and I fear my days are numbered. To have the fortune of seeing the Young General today and speaking a few words… even if I die tomorrow, I will die without regrets.”
Su Jingzhi: “…”
What kind of talk is that?
He killed the conversation in two sentences.
The scene instantly became awkward, making one feel cold all over.
Although Wei Wanlan was trying his best to minimize his presence, his nature as a peace dove compelled him to whisper a redeeming sentence for Xi Antai:
“Surviving a great disaster brings future fortune. I observe that Uncle Xi has an honest face and a sense of justice; he is someone who will live a long life.”
The Regent King expressed agreement: “Mm.”
Xi Yan also nodded repeatedly.
Wei Wanlan breathed a sigh of relief for them. But then he saw Xi Yan and his father focus their gaze entirely on him. Even the wolf sat down and looked at him. When this wolf wasn’t biting people, it really looked quite like a dog.
“Who is this?” Xi Antai asked.
Wei Wanlan was startled. Xi Yan took half a step forward, seemingly about to answer. Wei Wanlan thought, This is bad. They had met face-to-face in Fenggu Village; he couldn’t guarantee Xi Yan wouldn’t recognize him in this outfit, and he didn’t want to establish a connection with him.
So he decided to bluff it out.
He used a false voice, pinching his throat to make his boyish voice sound softer. He guaranteed these two wouldn’t dare question him further:
“This concubine is the new wife of the Su family.”
Su Jingzhi’s grip on his hand tightened abruptly!
Wei Wanlan felt a bit of pain from the grip, his palm instantly sweating. He wiggled his fingers inside the Regent King’s palm. To outsiders, this small protest looked full of coquettishness and charm. The beauty’s cheeks were flushed, and the two were holding hands tightly; it would be impossible to say they weren’t newlyweds.
Moreover, how would Xi Antai and Xi Yan dare to connect the current Emperor and the Su family’s daughter-in-law as the same person?
The Xi father and son had lived in Fenggu Village for years; the Xi family had long been disconnected from the court. They didn’t know whether the Regent King was actually married or not. Since Su Jingzhi didn’t deny it, they could only assume Wei Wanlan was the Regent King’s Princess Consort, and the Prince had brought his Consort out to play.
Xi Yan quickly bowed, daring not to offend, and secretly pulled the wolf further away, afraid it might bite someone.
Xi Antai, however, was beaming with joy, unable to hide the smile on his brows and lips, as happy as if he had just held a grandson. If the setting hadn’t been inappropriate, fearing others might hear and reveal their identities, Uncle Xi surely would have shouted, “Greetings to the Princess Consort.”
But it was close enough.
Uncle Xi said excitedly: “The Young General and the Young Madam are truly a match made in heaven. Traveling together like this, your affection must be very deep! To have the fortune of seeing the Young General with a family of his own… the Young Madam will surely fill the Su family with children and grandchildren in the future. Xi… this humble Xi offers congratulations in advance!”
After speaking, Uncle Xi looked at Su Jingzhi and Wei Wanlan.
Su Jingzhi seemed to nod slightly.
Wei Wanlan, however, had to brace himself to accept the gaze. Because with the Regent King’s nod, it felt like transitioning from one kind of awkwardness to another. Uncle Xi really knew how to drop bombshells.
Children and grandchildren filling the hall? How am I supposed to give the Su family a hall full of descendants? With a belly full of cubs? Like a koi fish spawning? QAQ
We can’t do it!
Not even one!!
Stop mentioning cubs in this book!!!
But seeing Xi Antai so comforted in his old age, he really had to keep acting. After all, it was a script he improvised himself; he shouldn’t spoil the mood. Wei Wanlan managed a shy and timid smile.
The topic of cubs really made his small face explode with redness.
In the flickering lights of the night, Wei Wanlan’s mind wandered again and again. By the time he snapped out of it, Xi Antai and his son had already said their goodbyes and left.
An-noy-ing.
This political intrigue novel is indecent!
Always casually mentioning cubs!
So shameful, wuwu…
Suddenly, the first firework shot up into the sky and exploded!
Bang.
A thunderous boom.
The large cluster of exploded fireworks continued to twinkle in the sky, the firelight like scattered stars.
Wei Wanlan raised his eyelids, the fireworks salvaging some of the awkwardness. He looked up at the sky.
Then, one firework after another rushed into the firmament, turning the sky from clusters of two or three flowers into a brocade of blossoms. The brilliance flickered and danced, illuminating the Luoyang night as if it were day.
It was a fireworks display.
The citizens of the Eastern Capital all looked up at the sky.
The firelight illuminated their expressions of surprise or joy.
Wei Wanlan’s doe eyes were filled with fireworks, staring unblinkingly at the sky.
Where had he seen such fireworks before?
The last time was at the Reviewing Stand, right?
It seemed it was also with the person beside him.
Wei Wanlan intentionally tried to hide his emotions, craning his neck until it almost broke.
He admired the sky, refusing to turn his head. Even though he knew the Regent King seemed to be looking at him, he deliberately dared not meet his gaze again.
However, as his body leaned, he was bumped by other citizens watching the fireworks, causing him to stumble into the Regent King’s aura, instantly feeling the scent and warmth he liked.
“Mmph…”
Wei Wanlan looked bewildered, his hands half-curled, resting on Su Jingzhi’s chest. He quickly lowered his head.
But his chin was lifted by someone.
He gazed at the Regent King amidst the fleeting fireworks, finding that the man’s pupils were filled with his reflection. He felt there was no escape, yet his heart was filled with a subtle tenderness. He looked for a while longer, not knowing where that feeling came from. Pearl tassels hung by his temples, and his heart seemed to sway rustlingly along with the tassel pendants.
It was the first time Wei Wanlan had seen Su Jingzhi smiling.
The corners of his mouth curved slightly; all majesty and coldness were put away, looking like a young man, his eyes holding only kindness and purity.
He lowered his gaze with a smile and asked him: “Who are you?”
Wei Wanlan was dazed, feeling dazzled by that smile:
“I am—Wei Wanlan.”
“Who else?”
The feeling of throbbing was becoming more and more obvious.
Wei Wanlan closed his eyes, earning another light laugh from the Big Villain. He pressed on, refusing to let go: “Who else are you?”
I am also the Little Emperor…
Also Wei Xiaowan…
Also the Little Madam…
Also the transmigrator who wants to kill you…
And the “new wife of the Su family”…
It turned out he had established so many connections with the Big Villain, intentionally or unintentionally. Mentioning any few of them could tell a long story of entanglements. It made one feel helpless, as if falling into a spiderweb.
“I…”
“—Citizens! Remnants of Turkic forces have been found fleeing in the east of the city! Please do not panic, citizens!”
This overly abrupt report caught the entire Luoyang Grand Pu off guard and interrupted it.
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