Chapter 22: Spare Me, Crown Princess

In matters such as these, one must learn to emphasize the lighter aspects and skirt around the heavier ones; the rest may be spoken of freely, but the remainder—those must not be uttered, not even a word.

Li Bo, upon hearing such experiences, was just about to offer words of comfort to Qiao Qingyun. Suddenly, the woman turned and looked at Commander Wang, asking, “Brother Wang, do you have any wine?”

“Huh? Miss, you wish to drink?” Qingluo was clearly startled. “Tomorrow the bridal matron will come to measure your gown. If the Crown Prince finds out you’ve been drinking, won’t he have me killed?”

Qiao Qingyun laughed merrily at Qingluo’s words. “Why should I fear him? Don’t worry, I’ll only have a little. Tonight’s moon is so beautifully round.”

After much insistence from Qiao Qingyun, Qingluo could only follow Commander Wang to fetch a large supply. Qiao Qingyun then simply ordered them to roast a leg of lamb, eschewing charcoal and opting to build a fire with wood.

“Mmm! Delicious!” Qiao Qingyun tasted the tender lamb, her eyes curving into crescents, as if she hadn’t enjoyed such delicacies in ages.

The others shared her praise, but when the wine arrived, Qiao Qingyun seized a wine jar and began pouring it straight into her mouth. The wine spilled onto her front, soaking her robe, but she paid no mind and continued to feast on the roasted meat.

“Miss, what song did you just sing?” Zhong Shi, captivated by Qiao Qingyun's earlier performance, asked instinctively.

Hongying was stunned, clearly not expecting her brother to inquire.

“From Black River. It’s a secret, but isn’t it beautiful? Don’t you agree?” Qiao Qingyun’s eyes grew hazy. The people here grew more lively as they drank, and so did she; whenever she drank too much, she wished to dance.

Bathed in moonlight, Qiao Qingyun danced once more. Her white gown made her seem like a fairy from the moon palace. Though her looks were not especially striking, her bearing was ethereal.

Each movement was captivating, and Qingluo felt fortunate to witness it.

“No wonder Xiao Si said the Crown Prince is blessed; it’s true!” To marry such a woman was surely a good thing—even if life grew dull, at least someone could help pass the time.

No one knew how long it was before Qiao Qingyun finally retired to her bed, with Zhong Shi keeping watch at her door.

Watching her walk inside, Zhong Shi noted she showed no sign of drunkenness; in truth, Qiao Qingyun had only pretended to be tipsy.

If she were to display her drunkenness, wouldn’t that be terribly embarrassing?

Zhong Shi watched the sun rise outside; at last, morning had come.

Before Qiao Qingyun had awakened, jubilant voices sounded at the door.

“Crown Princess! Crown Princess!”

The repeated calls made Qiao Qingyun frown deeply, her face clouded with anger. “Qingluo.”

“Here.” Qingluo pushed open the door and hurried to Qiao Qingyun’s side.

“Who is outside?” The woman’s displeasure was evident; one glance told Qingluo that Qiao Qingyun was truly furious.

Qingluo bowed her head. “It’s the bridal matron. Hongying has blocked her outside, saying no one may enter unless you give the order.”

Qiao Qingyun nodded, rested a moment, then followed Qingluo to wash up.

Finally, after changing clothes and bathing, Qiao Qingyun recovered her composure. Even if it was the bridal matron, she shouldn’t be so noisy—it was an affront to her position.

When Qiao Qingyun ordered Hongying to let the woman in, the bridal matron entered, her face full of reluctance, a black mole with long hairs on her chin.

“The Crown Princess is truly precious—no one may disturb your sleep, even in the morning.”

Qiao Qingyun’s anger blazed; upon hearing this, she seized a cup and smashed it beside the matron with a loud crack.

“Ah!” The bridal matron jumped in fright, her face cut by shards of porcelain, blood streaming instantly.

“Ah! I’m bleeding! I’m bleeding!”

“Someone, the bridal matron has behaved improperly before me—drag her out and beat her to death. Let the Crown Prince find another.”

Qiao Qingyun’s voice was as gentle as a breeze, yet it struck the matron’s heart heavily. Even Liu Fu, who had accompanied her, was dumbfounded.

How could she order death so swiftly, just over a word?

“Crown Princess, spare me! Crown Princess, spare me!” The matron pleaded desperately.

Qiao Qingyun sneered, “How can I spare you? You’re nothing but a bully. Did the Crown Prince tell you to say such things to me?”

Hearing this, the bridal matron broke out in a cold sweat, bowing her head without a word, tacitly admitting guilt. Qiao Qingyun appeared unconcerned. “The Crown Prince will be my husband. If he told you to speak so, then it’s fine. If not—Liu Fu, is the Crown Prince in the residence today?”

Liu Fu was startled and answered with a salute, “He is.”

“Very well. Today, I shall ask him what this means—an early show of authority?”

Of course, Qiao Qingyun merely said this to frighten. The bridal matron, terrified, clutched Qiao Qingyun’s trouser leg, kowtowing repeatedly.

“Crown Princess, spare me! Spare me! It’s all my fault, all my fault! Please spare my humble life!”

Qiao Qingyun took the opportunity and, seeing the matron’s pitiful state, bent down and gently lifted her chin, coldly smiling. “What does it mean to distinguish ranks? I am the master, you are the servant. Is it not proper for servants to wait until their mistress rises?”

“Yes, yes, it’s proper.” The matron dared not say otherwise, nodding repeatedly. Qiao Qingyun finally returned to her seat.

“Whether it’s you or anyone else who treats me this way, I will retaliate without hesitation. As long as I am the Crown Princess, none of you will rise above me. Don’t provoke my wrath—a drawn-and-quartered punishment is always possible.”

Hearing this, the bridal matron’s spine went cold. She kowtowed incessantly. “Yes, yes.”

“Enough. Come and take my measurements.” Qiao Qingyun waved her hand, letting the matter pass.

Liu Fu wiped the sweat from his brow. He’d never seen Qiao Qingyun like this—she truly frightened him.

Before long, the bridal matron came out, extremely nervous and restrained, no longer the arrogant figure she once was. She responded to Qiao Qingyun’s instructions with bows and nods, fearing she might displease her.

“This task I entrust to you is not to make things difficult for me. If there’s any flaw in my wedding gown, know that your entire clan could be executed.”

“Yes, I dare not.” The matron nodded repeatedly, terrified she might not leave the Qiao residence alive.

“All right, go now.” Qiao Qingyun waved her hand, watching them depart. Liu Fu didn’t dare linger either; today, Qiao Qingyun was so uncharacteristically fierce, he hastened away.

“Miss? This…” Qingluo was somewhat concerned.