The Splendid Brocade of the Painting Physician – Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Placing Hidden Pawns, Setting Up Secret Schemes

In the Zheng Clan’s residence located in Yecheng’s Central Altar district, the clan head, Zheng Daozhong, flew into a rage after hearing his grandson, Fourteenth Young Master, recount what had happened.

“To think that this Gao Changgong is actually a lecher! After a trip to Southern Chen, he’s been bewitched by a Southern woman to such an extent! Did he really say he doesn’t need me, Zheng Daozhong, to speak well of him in the court?”

“Grandfather, it’s more than that! He didn’t even give A’yue a decent look! I think all your previous efforts in the court, working hard for him, repeatedly offending He Shikai and Lady Lu for his sake, were just you being sentimental!”

Fourteenth Young Master continued, even suggesting, “In my opinion, Grandfather, you should cut your losses immediately. It’s clear that a marriage alliance between A’yue and Prince of Lanling is impossible. Why not switch our support to Lady Lu and He Shikai? With them speaking well of you before His Majesty, our Yingyang Zheng Clan will surely have a glorious future!”

Before he could finish, Zheng Daozhong glared at him and snapped, “What kind of people are He Shikai and Lu Lingxuan? My Zheng family has been a family of integrity for generations. How can we associate with such treacherous villains!”

“Grandfather, you value this ‘integrity for generations’ too much, which is why our Yingyang Zheng Clan has less and less standing in the Qi court and is increasingly ignored by the Emperor. So what if Lady Lu was born a servant? So what if He Shikai’s ancestors were profit-driven Hu merchants? They are now the favored officials by the Emperor of Qi!”

“Silence! Who put you up to saying these things!”

Zheng Daozhong’s sharp rebuke silenced Fourteenth Young Master.

After a moment of silence, Zheng Daozhong suddenly said, “I heard that the woman Prince of Lanling married is from the Lanling Xiao Clan. Why do I feel like I’ve met this lady before?”

Hearing this, Fourteenth Young Master seemed to recall something as well, his eyes brightening with suspicion. “Could it be… her? Grandfather, do you remember when I was at the old residence in Luoyang, I encountered a stunningly beautiful woman, truly as beautiful as a celestial fairy? She was skilled in medicine and painting. The painting she gave you at the end even burned itself up. That woman was very strange, with a touch of sorcery…”

Fourteenth Young Master’s words jogged Zheng Daozhong’s memory. He remembered the painting that could rival the Ice Well Terrace Night Banquet painting from yesterday. There was a poem inscribed on it, but after he glanced at it, the painting spontaneously combusted, as if he were unworthy of possessing it.

For a long time afterward, he felt a great sense of regret.

“Yes, it could be her. Could this truly be a marriage destined by fate? She wasn’t acquainted with Prince of Lanling back then, was she? Yet they met in the South and became husband and wife?” Zheng Daozhong mused.

“Grandfather, why are you celebrating for someone else? Are you going to ignore the grievance your precious granddaughter has suffered?”

Zheng Daozhong gave Fourteenth Young Master a look of exasperation and helplessness before striding towards the door. He happened to encounter Zheng Yue, her eyes red from crying, running back from the street. A maid behind her kept calling out, “Young Miss, be careful!”

When Zheng Yue reached him, Zheng Daozhong asked, “A’yue, what’s wrong again?”

Seeing it was her grandfather, Zheng Yue quickly wiped away her tears and forced a smile. “Grandfather, A’yue is fine. I just haven’t figured things out yet, I can’t let go.”

“Still about Gao Changgong?”

At the mention of Gao Changgong, Zheng Yue’s tears flowed freely again. Zheng Daozhong said angrily, “Gao Changgong not marrying you is his loss. A’yue, you are the granddaughter of the Zheng family. With the nobility of our Zheng Clan, you are worthy of even a prince. He, Gao Changgong, is just an unfavored Prince of a Commandery. Moreover, he’s now entangled with that bewitching woman. He won’t have a good ending!”

After saying this, he sighed and tried to persuade her. “A’yue, let him go! Grandfather will find you another good marriage!”

“No—” Before Zheng Daozhong could finish, Zheng Yue knelt down and pleaded, “Grandfather, please don’t marry me off to anyone else. In this life, A’yue will only marry Gao Changgong. If possible, even if it means sharing the same status as that woman, serving one husband together, A’yue is willing!”

“What did you say?”

Zheng Daozhong couldn’t believe these words came from his granddaughter’s mouth.

“Grandfather, if I can discuss it with Xiaoguan, I’m willing to be the Right Consort, just like Jia Chong in the Jin Dynasty, who had both a Left and Right Consort. I only want to be with Xiaoguan. If he truly loves that woman, then A’yue doesn’t mind sharing him with her.

I truly can’t give up…”

“You—”

Zheng Daozhong was so furious he was about to slap her, but Fourteenth Young Master rushed forward to stop him.

“Grandfather, A’yue is just unable to let go for now. I’ll help you persuade her. Don’t be angry, Grandfather. After all, she is the only legitimate daughter of our Zheng family!”

She is also our best bargaining chip for a marriage alliance with the imperial clan or other aristocratic families!

Fourteenth Young Master’s words seemed to remind Zheng Daozhong of this. He looked at Zheng Yue, sighed heavily in disappointment, and then strode towards the imperial palace.

Zheng Yue cried even more heartbrokenly.

Fourteenth Young Master consoled her, “A’yue, don’t be sad. If you really love Gao Changgong that much, Big Brother can help you!”

“You, help me?” As if grasping at a lifeline, Zheng Yue asked with a mix of joy and fear, “How can you help me?”

“Well, Big Brother will take you to see someone. She can read people’s destinies and change their fates. Maybe she can help you achieve your wish?”

✿✿✿

Zheng Fourteenth Young Master brought Zheng Yue to a tavern in Yecheng’s Yuanzisi district. They settled into a private room, separated by a large mica screen. As Zheng Yue sat down, she could see the silhouette of the woman on the other side of the screen, elegant and noble, her composed posture exuding an aura of authority.

“Young lady, you’ve come to me seeking a marriage alliance?” The woman on the other side of the screen spoke before Zheng Yue could even open her mouth.

Her voice was gentle, giving off a maternal warmth.

“Yes, my brother said you have the ability to read destinies and change fates. A’yue has a request.”

“Tell me.”

“What must A’yue do to have a chance of spending this life with Prince of Lanling, Gao Changgong?”

“As far as I know, Prince of Lanling brought back a woman from the South whom he cherishes deeply and has already married as his principal wife.”

“Yes, A’yue knows she can’t compare to that woman and can’t replace her position in Changgong’s heart. My only wish now is to be by his side in this life.”

The woman behind the screen chuckled, a sound that seemed to carry a hint of disdain and pity.

“If you yourself admit that you can’t compare to that woman, how can you win Gao Changgong’s heart?”

Zheng Yue’s heart skipped a beat. She seemed startled by her own foolish thoughts. She thought about how, in the past, whenever she attended banquets, she was always the one being flattered and fawned over by other noble ladies. Countless young masters from aristocratic families had shown interest in her, hoping to marry her as their principal wife. After she came of age, suitors had flocked to the Zheng family, a testament to the prestige and honor her surname and family brought her.

And just because Changgong only had eyes for that woman and no longer glanced at her, she had become so self-deprecating and insignificant?

No, this wasn’t her, Zheng Yue!

“Zheng Yue, you are also the legitimate daughter nurtured by the entire Yingyang Zheng Clan. You are proficient in the Six Arts of a Gentleman, in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Even if your painting skills are not yet on par with that of Princess Consort of Lanling, with diligent practice, you may not necessarily lose to her!”

“To win Gao Changgong’s heart, you must learn to love what he loves. Humble yourself and please her, even if you hate her. Respect her, care for her, just as Gao Changgong loves her.

Until one day, when you have mastered all her skills, you can completely replace her!”

Zheng Yue listened, half understanding. She murmured to herself, “Can I truly replace her position in Changgong’s heart? But Changgong’s feelings for her…”

“Nothing is impossible. As long as you are willing to persevere, to sacrifice, to work hard, even to go to any lengths, then everything is possible!”

Is it really possible?

Zheng Yue’s heart surged with hope. Her confidence soared. She quickly bowed and said, “Please, Immortal Lady, guide me!”

“Cater to his preferences. Go to her side. Even if you are just her maid, you will have plenty of opportunities!”

✿✿✿

As Xiao Jinyu was practicing the “Woshuo” game that Li Mi had taught her, word came from outside the residence that Zheng Yue and Gao Yanzong had come to visit.

At that moment, Prince of Lanling had been summoned to the palace by Gao Zhan. Zheng Yue’s visit surprised Xiao Jinyu.

“My lady, I’m afraid Zheng A’yue has come with ill intentions. A’xiu has also heard some things about this young lady in Yecheng recently. She seems to have said that she will only marry the Prince in this life…”

✿✿✿

Xiao Jinyu simply nodded, thinking to herself: Logically, after Changgong made himself so clear last time, this Zheng lady should have given up. Why is she still throwing herself at him now?

“Let them in.”

“My lady…” A’xiu was puzzled.

“Let her in. Let’s see what she’s up to.”

“Alright… alright!”

Just as A’xiu was about to head out, she saw Fenghuang already striding towards the entrance, reaching the gate in no time.

Zheng Yue and Gao Yanzong were slightly surprised to see Fenghuang opening the door before entering the residence together.

Zheng Yue kept her head lowered, not daring to look at the beautiful young man. Under his guidance, they walked straight to the back garden.

“Fourth Brother isn’t here today?” Having not seen Gao Changgong along the way, Gao Yanzong couldn’t help but ask. Before he knew it, they had reached their destination. As he looked up, he saw Xiao Jinyu in the distance, dressed in white and wearing a veil, sitting on a rock by the pond. The gentle breeze rustled her white sleeves, creating an ethereal image.

Gao Yanzong stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Sister-in-law, I apologize for this intrusion.”

Then, with a hint of concern, he asked, “You must have suffered on your journey back to Yecheng with Fourth Brother. The injury on your face, is it truly incurable? I heard that you are skilled in medicine, exceptionally so…”

“Yes.”

Xiao Jinyu simply nodded in response and then turned her gaze to Zheng Yue, noticing the box she was carrying. She felt a twinge of surprise and curiosity.

Only then did Gao Yanzong seem to remember Zheng Yue. He hurriedly explained, “Oh, Zheng A’yue said she has let go of Fourth Brother, but she still wants to be friends with him and Sister-in-law. So today, she brought a wedding gift to congratulate you both.

Speaking of which, we brothers haven’t been very thoughtful. Although you haven’t held a wedding ceremony in Yecheng yet, you did travel thousands of miles from the Chen Kingdom to our Qi Kingdom. We should have sent you a congratulatory gift on the day you arrived in Yecheng!”

With that, he ordered a servant to bring in a large chest and place it before Xiao Jinyu.

“Sister-in-law, this is my gift to you both. Yanzong sincerely hopes that you two will be loving and inseparable, hand in hand until old age!”

Hearing those last words, Zheng Yue couldn’t help but pale, her hands trembling slightly. She struggled to suppress her displeasure and forced a smile, presenting the box in her arms to Xiao Jinyu.

“Zheng A’yue also wishes the Princess Consort and the Prince a long and happy life together, never to be apart!”

Xiao Jinyu gestured for Fenghuang to take the box.

At this moment, Gao Yanzong asked excitedly, “Sister-in-law, can you truly pray for rain?”

Then, his face clouded with worry. “It hasn’t rained in Yecheng for over a month. If this continues, the autumn harvest will surely fail. Grain will become a major problem. Moreover, if my prediction is correct, there will definitely be another war between our Qi and the Zhou Kingdom by the end of the year. By then, I’m afraid even the soldiers’ pay…”

“There won’t be a problem…” Xiao Jinyu interrupted with a smile.

Hearing her confident answer, Gao Yanzong asked curiously, “Then, Sister-in-law, can you tell us when the rain will fall?”

Zheng Yue’s eyes lit up with anticipation.

Catching her expression in her peripheral vision, Xiao Jinyu pondered for a moment before replying, “It should be three days from now, at the hour of Wu （noon）, third quarter.”

“Really? You can actually calculate that?”

Gao Yanzong was overjoyed, without a trace of doubt.

“Yes.”

Xiao Jinyu’s firm answer filled Gao Yanzong with even greater joy. He cupped his hands in thanks and prepared to leave. He initially intended to take Zheng Yue with him, but to his surprise, she said, “A’yue admires the Princess Consort’s talent. I wonder if I could visit the residence often to exchange painting techniques with the Princess Consort?”

“Zheng Yue, what are you saying? Sister-in-law doesn’t have time to exchange painting techniques with you. She’ll be praying for rain in three days. This concerns her life. Please don’t disturb her anymore!”

Zheng Yue’s nose twitched, as if she was about to cry again. Just then, she heard Xiao Jinyu say, “You may. However, Zheng A’yue, I dislike deceitful people. If you treat me with sincerity, I will reciprocate. But if you harbor ulterior motives, I will not tolerate you.”

Although her tone was calm, Zheng Yue sensed the underlying chill in her words.

“Of… of course. Zheng A’yue will heed the Princess Consort’s words and never act with deceit or betrayal!”

After saying this, Zheng Yue left the residence with Gao Yanzong.

Fenghuang asked, puzzled, “Qing Gege, it’s clear that Zheng Yue came with ill intentions. Why did you agree to let her visit the residence?”

“If she truly came with ill intentions, then she must have a plan. Fenghuang, help me investigate her movements these past few days.”

“So Qing Gege wants to turn the tables on her?” Understanding her intent, Fenghuang’s face brightened with delight. He replied resolutely, “Yes!”

✿✿✿

When Prince of Lanling returned to the residence, Fenghuang had already presented the information he had gathered to Xiao Jinyu. The results surprised her.

“Zheng Yue and her brother, Zheng Fourteenth Young Master, went to the Fenglai Tavern on Yuanzisi East Street to meet someone. At the time, Lady Lu’s son, Mu Tipo, was also at the tavern. This Zheng Fourteenth Young Master seems to be close to Mu Tipo, even fawning over him.”

“Qing Gege, the most infuriating thing is that this Zheng Fourteenth Young Master is the same person who seized the property deeds for your mother’s estate and land in Luoyang. That shameless scoundrel even tried to force you to be his concubine…

To think that Zheng Yue is his sister…”

Hearing this, Prince of Lanling was enraged, especially when he thought about how Xiao Jinyu, having just lost her mother and with only Fenghuang by her side, had been robbed and bullied by Zheng Fourteenth Young Master.

Gao Changgong’s heart ached. He immediately summoned Lu Yu.

“Prince, what are your orders?”

“Find some men and bring that Zheng Fourteenth Young Master here. I have some questions for him!”

“Yes!”

After Lu Yu left to carry out his orders, Gao Changgong pulled Xiao Jinyu into his arms and asked worriedly, “I heard Zheng Yue came to the residence with Yanzong. Did she give you any trouble?”

“Changgong, don’t worry. No one can trouble me. Not only did she not give me any trouble, but she even expressed a desire to become sworn sisters with me.” Xiao Jinyu replied with a smile.

Gao Changgong couldn’t help but smile as well, but he was still puzzled. He thought to himself: Could it be that Zheng Yue has come to her senses? Why would she suddenly befriend A’yu?

As he pondered this, he heard Xiao Jinyu say, “It’s just that this Zheng Yue is probably being used by someone.”

“Changgong, what did His Majesty summon you to the palace for?”