“If it is not possible then forget it.” Sheng Chumu tried his best to remain nonchalant.
“Sure, sure sure! As long as you don’t become a monk... if you want her then you can have her!” Madam Sheng did not dare to object anymore.
“Madam Sheng, does that mean you allow me to bring Lady Fu Rou over from the Han Mansion?” Sheng Chumu wanted a confirmation.
“Why are you still calling me Madam Sheng?” Madam Sheng shouted, “Yes I agree! I agree!”
“But I am going to say this first. The only reason I am bringing her out is to continue the bloodline of the Duke Lu Residence. Once I have repaid you all for raising me, I will seek to find and cleanse myself once again.”
Madam Sheng was finally starting to see that her son was truly determined to leave human society. She started to see Fu Rou as her only hope. “Son, you can’t do that. After all, she is still an honourable, gentle and beautiful lady. How can you leave her alone after making her give birth to your children? Son, Buddha teaches us to be kind. You have to treat her well for her entire life.”
“We can talk about this in the future.” Sheng Chumu pressed his palms together acting indifferently. Internally, he was jumping with joy.
Consort Han stood in front of the embroidered screen as she looked at the peony. The peony looked as if it had just bloomed. It appeared life-like, seeming to sway in the wind. It was placed directly across the door, seeming to mirror the garden outside. She could not help but reach out to touch it as she gasped in amazement.
“This has been embroidered well.” She hid her appreciation for it as she maintained a neutral tone. “There is an important meeting in the residence today. Place this screen at the main entrance where the noble guests will enter. It will brighten the place up.”
The biggest event in Chang’an was happening. It was time for the Crown Prince to pick a Crown Princess. Both the Emperor and Empress Zhangsun were focused on this matter. Currently, the palace has already predetermined two ladies. One was Lu Yunji’s daughter and the other was Sun Tan’s daughter. They were both not bad and the decision was up to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince and Prince Han had the same father and mother. They were both Empress Zhangsun’s children and had always been of the same mind. Hence, the Han Mansion was designated to be the place where the choosing of the Crown Princess was going to be held. On this day, in the name of hunting, Prince Han invited the Crown Prince out of the palace. Consort Han then invited the Lu family and the Sun family to bring their daughters along.
Consort Han was just about to ask Fu Rou what kind of reward she desired before she caught sight of Sheng Chumu poking his head through the door. He looked extremely happy. She guessed that her mother had given approval and she no longer had to show Fu Rou an attitude. She asked Fu Rou to leave.
As soon as Fu Rou stepped out of the door, she was pulled aside by Sheng Chumu.
Sheng Chumu entered Fu Rou’s room and he told her how he managed to get his mother’s approval. Fu Rou felt slightly bitter-sweet when she heard how Sheng Chumu even went to a temple and threatened to become a monk. She was glad that he did not misplace her trust in him. The two of them interlocked both their hands, with emotions flowing heavily between them. All of a sudden, they were interrupted by two sparrows.
“Did you manage to see?”
“Yes, I did. So the reason why Elder Brother went crazy was because of this beautiful lady.”
“Beautiful lady? I want to see too, let me see.”
“Keep quiet, if Elder Brother finds out that we are here. We are dead.”
Sheng Chumu laughed awkwardly at Fu Rou as he walked silently to the door. He suddenly pushed the door open. The sparrows, no, his two brothers, fell flat into the room.
Sheng Chumu’s lips turned up in an artificial smile as he tugged his two brothers’ ears. “Since we are brothers, what is there to be modest about? Just walk right in to have a look.” He introduced them to Fu Rou. “This is Chuling and that is Chujun.”
The two brothers shouted in synchrony, “Nice to meet you, Sister-in-law!”
It was the first time that Fu Rou was meeting them. They were all stunning in their own ways and their personalities were different as well. Chuling seemed composed and quick-witted. On the other hand, Chujun looked lively and clever. It was today that she could make the judgement that although the three brothers were famous for being hedonists, they were simply big playful men. Their personalities were not bad.
“Who is your Sister-in-law? What glib tongues. No wonder your Elder Brother says that you all are devious and only know how to flirt with girls.” Therefore, Fu Rou spoke to them casually, causing them to feel closer to each other, like a family.
“That’s not right. Today, we are here to visit Elder Brother and you, Sister-in-law.” Sheng Chuling raised his eyebrows playfully at Sheng Chujun. Sheng Chujun added on. “That’s right. We are also here to see the future Crown Princess.”
“Crown Princess?” Sheng Chumu asked curiously.
“Elder Brother, recently you have been so into leaving the family, shaving your head and starving yourself that you have lost touch of the new developments in Chang’an.”
“The Crown Prince is choosing a Crown Princess. She will either be from the Lu or Sun family.”
Fu Rou’s eyes widened. Lu Yunji was already behaving like he owned the place. What will happen if his daughter becomes the Crown Princess?
“Lu Yunji, that monkey. He can continue dreaming!” Less was needed to say about Sheng Chumu. With his old and new hatred added together, he was definitely not going to let Lu Yunji get what he wanted.
Chapter 10.2: Chasing the Beauty
In the hunting grounds at the hill behind the Han Mansion, there were numerous wild animals. A few of the more precious animals were given by the Emperor and the Empress. The Emperor thought that this chubby son of his was adorable. Although he was not concerned with national affairs, he was well-read and could manage a school. Together with other scholars, his son published several good books and writing, entertaining him during his free time. Hence, the Emperor often rewarded him.
The Empress’ intentions were simple. The Crown Prince loved to hunt. If the Han Mansion had a hunting ground, the two brothers could spend more time together and improve their relationship. Moreover, the Han Mansion was located outside the palace and if they were to talk about matters there, it would still be considered within the family.
At this moment, a horn blared, signaling the end of the hunt.
Chen Ji, who had been sleeping soundly on a tree branch, was abruptly awoken. When he looked down, he saw a man trying to climb up the tree he was on. He slipped every time he took a step. His posture was comical.
Chen Ji looked around and saw an eagle that had been shot, hanging on a tree branch. Using both his hands to support him, he scooped the eagle and hopped swiftly off the tree. He landed gently onto the ground.
“I didn’t know Your Highness also knows how to climb trees.” Chen Ji held the eagle in his hands. However, the way he held it could not be said to be extremely respectful. After all, he was at the bottom rung of society, he might as well give off a lazy vibe.
“You know who I am?” That man had clean features and emanated a noble vibe. He spoke in a manner that no one would dare to contradict him.
Chen Ji kept his eyes lowered at the ground as he kneeled. “I recognise the robe that Your Highness is wearing.”
“Rise.” The Crown Prince accepted the way he spoke as he replied warmly. “I didn’t climb the tree for the eagle. I climbed it for the golden arrow. The golden arrow was given to me by my Father Emperor and I cannot lose it. You cannot spread rumours about this. Do you understand?”
“Understood.” Chen Ji got up. “I will take my leave.”