Higher Level Wife

Chapter 14

Chapter 14: After the Years

Translated by Pill Bug

Edited by Gumihou

“To think that grandfather went through such trouble for the sake of one concubine. I’ve just strolled out of the main garden, thinking I’ve seen all that’s worth seeing only to suddenly catch sight of a green tiled flying eave. The lofty edges of the green tile roof draw the eye, bringing attention to the fresh greenery and red apricot flowers flourishing around it, hinting at an otherworldly scenery just beyond these walls. Like a brilliant village appearing around an unexpected bend, or the appearance of another world at the end of a darkened path.”

Jin Fengju found himself with some free time today and decided to take a stroll around the main estate garden. His walk unexpectedly brought him close to the walls of Night Breeze Pavilion and his romantic scholar’s heart lit up at the sight of an unexpected harmony of beauty.

“Master… should we take a closer look?” Jin Ming hurried over to inquire.

Jin Fengju laughed, “No need, did you not see the courtyard door? Clearly, the owner wishes to enjoy her spring time alone. Since they have no wish for visitors, we should not disturb her peace. Let us return.”

“Yes,” Jin Ming’s mouth was agreeable but his heart was cursing that Fu woman: Why did you close the door in broad daylight? You deserve to sit and waste your youth inside that courtyard for the rest of your life. A great opportunity had just fallen out of the sky but was wasted just like that. This is really the so-called, weak life, weak fortune, ah.

Jin Fengju turned around to walk away but suddenly stopped. “Where is this singing coming from? I don’t seem to have heard this song before.”

One of the maids next to him said, “There were some actresses by the Jade Lake this morning, perhaps they are rehearsing a new play? If Master likes it, tomorrow happens to be Concubine Xu’s birthday, perhaps we could invite them to sing?”

Jin Fengju nodded and said: “That’s good too, it has been a long time since I’ve last heard a play. The current play seems a little unfinished but sounds promising.”

The Jade Lake happened to lie in the north of the garden, in the same direction as Night Breeze Pavilion. Both were a little far away from Jin Fengju’s location. However, thanks to his martial arts, his hearing was better than average.

As for the others, including Jin Ming who knew a little kung fu, none of them could hear anything. Jin Fengju only had a vague idea of where the direction of the singing came from and the maid’s conjecture seemed reasonable. In the end, he did not really pay any attention to the matter.

Until the hour of Concubine Xu’s birthday, nobody could locate the singer.

Time flew by and in a blink of an eye, five years passed like a speeding white horse leaping over a gorge. One leap and it was gone.

“There’s no need for brother-in-law to worry, the emperor’s dragon body is as healthy as a flourishing plant blooming in spring. The matter of deciding who will be Crown Prince is still early. Brother-in-law has been careful to keep a low profile these past few years. Prince Hong had no opportunity to repeat his tricks with us, and now Prince Lie had stepped forward to compete with him for the emperor’s favour.

This is a good thing for brother-in-law. Although there is one more rival for the Crown Prince position, it also prevents Prince of Hong from standing out by himself. As the saying goes, when cranes and clams compete, only the fisherman profits. If they do not compete, how can brother-in-law pick up this excellent bargain so eagerly provided by them?”

Seated in Prince Rong’s back garden, Jin Fengju, dressed in elegant white, was speaking to a handsome man in his 30s. Between them was a table covered in wine and snacks. It was clear that these two had been drinking together for some time.

At Jin Fengju’s eloquent words, the melancholy on the handsome man’s face disappeared. Downing his cup of wine, he laughed and said, “I’d been wallowing in sorrow hoping you’d come back from Suzhou soon. As expected, the moment you’re here, you set my mind at ease with just two lines.

How is it that words became more favourable when spoken from your lips? The past two nights of sorrow now felt like a farce. Aih! In truth, us brothers should not attack each other like this. I know there’s no need for pretence before you so I shall speak frankly. There is no such thing as flesh and blood among royalties. However, now that I have ridden on the tiger, I must fight till the end.”

Jin Fengju maintained his indifferent smile as he took a sip of wine, “Of course, you must fight, why shouldn’t you? My dear brother-in-law is a man blessed enough to survive the imperial palace. Wouldn’t it be such a disappointment if he did not achieve an earth shattering position at the end of this? Furthermore, there’s no turning back now. Brother-in-law, now that we have reached this point, not only you but the rest of our families and the courtiers supporting you can no longer retreat.”

Zhao Lun [1] nodded, “You are right. Fengju, in your opinion, what should we do next? Continue keeping a low profile?”

“Where brother-in-law’s temperament has been honed after five years of silent endurance, Prince Hong is impetuous while Prince Lie is arrogant. As for the other princes, they are merely mediocre. If my expectations are correct, several important matters will appear before the court soon and the emperor will most likely let brother-in-law handle one or two matters.

Brother-in-law, there’s no need to think about other things. So long as you handle the matter properly and please everyone in court, that’s good enough. The old man is not senile yet. No, I should say he’s still very sharp here,” Jin Fengju pointed at his own head with a laugh. “If we compare him to the emperors of the past, there aren’t many who could match your old man. So long as brother-in-law handles matters properly, I’m sure the old man would… understand what to do.”

The final four words were heavy with meaning. Zhao Lun leaned forward, nodding now and then before finally saying, “I understand. This is not the time to think about offending or suppressing others. It’s better to stay low profile and not catch their attention. Let them bite each other to death instead.”

Suddenly he laughed out loud and declared, “Just look at all those courtiers and imperial princes. How many schemers and plotters are they raising? I, on the other hand, have none. With you on my side, I don’t need to waste my resources on a single useless plotter or schemer. After all, a single Jin Fengju is worth a hundred of those parasites put together.”

“Brother-in-law, according to you, even if I am better than a thousand parasites, aren’t I still a parasite?” Jin Fengju laughed as he shook his head in amusement.

Zhao Lun laughed heartily, “Yes, yes, yes, your brother-in-law said the wrong thing. Of course, our Fengju is not a parasite. You’re the great scholar born under the Wen Qu Star [2], hahaha…”

“Brother-in-law, you’re drunk.” Jin Fengju stood up and said respectfully to Zhao Lun, “Well brother-in-law, it’s getting late, I have to go back. There are concubines and wives at home to appease. If I return too late, I’m afraid they will suspect that I’ve gone to the brothel to make fireworks.”

Zhao Lun also stood up and grumbled, “I just don’t understand you. With your ability and status, what’s a little trip to the brothel? Who is there to stop you? But look at you, keeping yourself so clean and contained, only indulging in those few women in your estate. Let me tell you, those wives and concubines of yours are getting old. While it’s fine to keep those who bore your children, you can just kick out the rest and replace them with fresh, pretty ones. Yet you still refuse to listen to me.”

Jin Fengju smiled mildly and said, “Brother-in-law, it’s best not to let elder sister hear this. Otherwise, won’t she be sad?”

Zhao Lun slapped his hand over his mouth and looked furtively around for a moment before jerking his lips into an awkward smile, “Don’t worry, don’t worry, this will never reach her ears. That great lady has borne this king two sons and three daughters in the seven years she has been in this palace. Who would dare offend or show a hint of disrespect? Even I have to yield three points out of four to your sister.”

Jin Fengju laughed, feeling relieved to know that his sister was doing well. Though he was an intelligent man, even he eventually grew tired of playing these little games of intrigue within his house. Generally, he tried to stay out of the way and watch his own family members play out their little schemes against each other.

If the rise and fall of Prince Rong’s faction were not tied to the rise and fall of his own family, he would not have thrown himself into these bothersome games either. Thus, whenever Zhao Lun praised him for his extraordinary wisdom, he still saw himself as nothing more than a parasite.

[Gumihou: Oooh! The time skip!]

Pill Bug TL Notes:

[1] Who’s this?

Gumihou: Prince Rong, aka Rong Qin Wang

[2] 文曲星下凡 Wenqu Star, 4th star in the big dipper, said to be in charge of literary luck in Chinese legends. People who can write good essays and get hired as high officials are considered Incarnations of Wenqu Star.

Gumihou: The Wen Qu Star is also an astrological sign. Those born under the Wen Qu star are said to be bright, smart, clever and intelligent. They are also refined and elegant in appearance but is fond of pretty stuff and focussed a lot on outer appearance.

http://zwdsastrology.blogspot.com/2011/02/wen-qu.html

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