Bai Li’s Dream – Chapter 120

Chapter 120: Gaze

Night fell, the pleasure boat glided into the Jinshui River, kicking off the night’s revelry.

Shangguan Yue stood at the highest point, overlooking the bustling hall.

“Wang Tong didn’t come today?” he asked.

Jixiang nodded: “No, His Majesty is going to the Temple of the Holy Ancestor for the sacrificial ceremony tomorrow, he can’t be out and about, he’s gone back.”

Shangguan Yue let out an “oh,” relieved: “That’s great.”

Why is it great that Wang Tong isn’t here? Jixiang didn’t understand. Was it because Wang Tong’s identity would affect the pleasure boat? No, the people on the pleasure boat were all either rich or noble. Was it because Wang Tong was good at gambling and always won money? That shouldn’t be the case either, whether he wins or loses money, it doesn’t affect their earnings.

Looking at Shangguan Yue again, he seemed to be searching for something, his face full of anticipation.

Jixiang also looked around.

“I’m going to rest tonight,” Shangguan Yue said, “Don’t let anyone disturb me.”

Jixiang responded with a “yes,” watching Shangguan Yue enter a room behind a hidden door.

The room was not lit, pitch black. Shangguan Yue sat down and whispered, “Bai Li.”

No figure appeared in the darkness, and no one answered.

Shangguan Yue lay down, resting his hands behind his head, watching the quiet night until a soft knock on the door came.

The sound came from the other side.

This wasn’t the location Jixiang knew.

Shangguan Yue got up and went to the wall, gently pressing a spot. A small door opened on the wall.

“Young Master.”

A maid knelt in the passageway and bowed in the darkness.

This was Princess Jinyu’s person, arranged by him on the pleasure boat to relay messages in a timely manner.

“What are the Princess’s orders?” Shangguan Yue asked in a low voice.

The maid whispered, “The Princess wants you to remember to go see His Majesty’s carriage pass by tomorrow, consider it as showing respect to the ancestors.”

Previously, the Princess had also proposed taking him to the Heaven Worship Ceremony, having him disguised and mixed among her attendants. “You are of the Li family’s bloodline, and the only male of this generation, you should go and pay respects.”

Shangguan Yue wanted to laugh inwardly. Strictly speaking, the ancestors didn’t acknowledge him yet. He declined, explaining that even with a disguise, it would be hard to avoid mistakes, especially with the Imperial Consort’s Husband also present. It was better to wait until later.

Princess Jinyu also felt that it would be troublesome if something went wrong. There was plenty of time, no need to rush, so she didn’t insist.

But she still sent someone to remind him, this could be considered an elder’s care.

Shangguan Yue smiled gratefully in the darkness: “Thank you, Aunt, I will definitely go.”

The maid bowed her head in return and retreated into the passageway. Shangguan Yue closed the door, laughed self-deprecatingly in the darkness, and lay down again.

When he opened his eyes again, the darkness had faded, and the morning light rippled through the room like water.

Shangguan Yue lay on the floor, dazed for a moment.

As before, he had no dreams all night, and naturally didn’t see Bai Li.

How on earth can he see her again?

He didn’t believe that there was no such person in the world… or rather, ghost.

Not during the day, not at night, not even in dreams. Could it be only when he was near death?

Shangguan Yue suddenly thought of the words spoken between lovesick men and women, “Do you really have to wait until I’m dead to see me?”

The thought flashed through his mind, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

The door was knocked on again, this time the real door, accompanied by Jixiang’s low voice, “Young Master, the boat has docked.”

Shangguan Yue jumped up and opened the door: “Let’s go, let’s go see the imperial procession.”

From the Imperial Street to Mingde Gate, teams of soldiers and officials had been on the move since before dawn.

As the sunlight brightened, when people saw the elephant adorned with jewels coming from afar, the crowd standing by the street erupted in cheers, and cheers also rose from the teahouses and restaurants along the street where windows were allowed to be opened.

For the Emperor’s Heaven Worship Ceremony, which hadn’t been seen for many years, noble families and influential figures had booked good positions for viewing and paying respects early on.

The Marquis of Dongyang’s Residence had also booked a room.

But the Madam of Dongyang didn’t come. She was past the age of watching such lively events and only wanted to stay at home in peace, letting the younger members of the family come and enjoy themselves.

At this moment, seeing the elephant adorned with jewels slowly approaching, Zhou Jiuniang couldn’t help but shake Zhuang Li’s hand.

“Such a big elephant, such a big elephant,” she asked again, “Have you seen one before, Sister-in-law?”

Zhuang Li smiled and shook her head: “No.”

The Zhou family’s young ladies beside them nudged Zhou Jiuniang: “You haven’t seen one before either, stop talking, the elephant will be gone soon if you don’t watch.”

Zhou Jiuniang chuckled and hurriedly grabbed the window lattice, looking out intently.

Although the elephant walked slowly, it eventually passed. Following behind were the palace musicians, playing various instruments.

Zhou Jiuniang wasn’t interested in these, turning around to talk to her sisters. Zhuang Li was about to turn around too, but suddenly stopped and looked outside.

“What’s wrong?” Chun Yue, who was beside her, noticed and asked in a low voice, seeing Zhuang Li’s gaze sweeping across the ranks of musicians.

Zhuang Li felt like someone was looking at her.

But at a glance, hundreds of musicians were all focused on playing their instruments, and she couldn’t make out anything.

Maybe it was just a random glance. At such a crucial moment, it was impossible for the musicians to be distracted. Making a mistake during the ceremony would cost them their heads.

Besides, the streets were also crowded with people, who knows where the gaze came from.

Zhuang Li subconsciously looked across the street. At the window diagonally ahead, there were also many people standing, one of whom was yawning.

Although his sleeves covered half his face, Zhuang Li recognized him at a glance.

Shangguan Yue.

Since leaving him at the Zhang Family Medical Clinic, Zhuang Li hadn’t deliberately inquired about him.

But since she hadn’t heard any news of the Zhang Family Medical Clinic closing down, nor had she heard Zhou Jingyun mention Princess Jinyu and the Imperial Consort’s Husband making a fuss, it seemed that the matter had quietly ended.

As long as he was alive, her risk was worth it.

Also, she had to find a chance to ask him how he recognized her.

Zhuang Li was slightly lost in thought. How to find a chance? The last time she encountered Shangguan Yue was through Hua Xiaoxian’s dream.

Now, both Hua Xiaoxian and Li Shilang were gone.

Across the street, Shangguan Yue looked up, obviously noticing her gaze.

An idea popped into Zhuang Li’s mind. She could just let their eyes meet across the street, be attracted to each other at first sight, and then be etched in his memory…

As the thought flashed through her mind, she was about to smile, but suddenly saw Shangguan Yue, who was about to look over, turn around and face inwards.

This…

At the same time, Shangguan Yue seemed to have said something, and the young masters over there suddenly looked at her and burst into laughter.

“…As expected, there is a young lady looking at you, Jiang Erlang.”

“…Haha, my charm attracts attention wherever I go.”

“…I don’t think she’s looking at Jiang Erlang, she’s looking at Sun Saburo.”

“…Hey, young lady, who are you looking at?”

The boisterous laughter from the window across the street attracted the attention of the women on Zhuang Li’s side, and they immediately expressed their displeasure. “Which family’s scoundrels are those?” “How rude.”

How could those young masters let go of such an opportunity? Their laughter grew louder. “That young lady looked at us first.” “She’s the one who’s being improper.” “We are innocent young men.”

The street became noisy, attracting the reprimands of the patrolling guards.

“Silence!”

“Do not disturb the imperial procession!”

The musicians had passed, and officials riding tall horses were approaching. Behind the officials were the carriages of the imperial relatives, and in the distance, the Emperor’s palanquin was faintly visible.

Those who could occupy this position were all either rich or noble, and they knew better than to offend the imperial procession, so they all quieted down.

The Zhou family’s maids hurriedly brought veils for the young ladies to wear, to avoid further trouble.

While putting one on Zhuang Li, Chun Yue whispered, “Don’t be afraid, Young Madam, those prodigals are all like this, just ignore them.”

The veil covered Zhuang Li’s embarrassment. She hadn’t expected to be mistaken for a lecher.

Was her gaze just now that…lecherous?

Was this Shangguan Yue really shy, or was he doing it on purpose?

Forget it, she’ll find another chance. Zhuang Li withdrew her gaze and looked towards the imperial procession with the Zhou sisters.

Shangguan Yue, who had his back to the street, only then took his sleeve away from his mouth and curled his lip.

✿✿✿

He knew that young lady was looking at him.

This wasn’t strange.

Although he rarely went out during the day, and even more rarely appeared in public, whenever he did, he would be stared at openly by women, and secretly peeked at.

As for her appearance, it was a bit blurry through the bright sunlight, and he didn’t want to look anyway. When he saw the woman’s hair ornaments, he lowered his gaze and turned away.

Ruibo, look, it wasn’t him who was interested in a married woman, it was that young married woman who was interested in him.

This was just a small matter.

The Zhou sisters didn’t care about this small matter. They often encountered such things, and they wouldn’t really think that Zhuang Li was staring at those men.

Only Zhou Jiuniang secretly tugged at Zhuang Li’s sleeve and whispered, “Sister-in-law, that young master is really handsome, I noticed him a long time ago.”

Zhuang Li laughed and leaned down slightly, whispering, “Then do you think that young master is more handsome, or is your brother more handsome?”

This question seemed to stump Zhou Jiuniang. She hesitated for a moment: “Well, I guess my brother is more handsome.”

Zhuang Li smiled: “Because he’s your brother?”

Zhou Jiuniang was a bit unconvinced and asked her back, “Then who does Sister-in-law think is more handsome?”

Zhuang Li also put on a thoughtful look and said, “My husband is the Marquis’s Heir, so I think he’s handsome.”

Zhou Jiuniang quickly seized the opportunity and drawled, “What if he wasn’t your husband?”

Zhuang Li said, “Then I would think he’s even more handsome.”

Ah, Zhou Jiuniang was a bit surprised. Why? If he wasn’t her brother or husband, without any bias, how could he still be more handsome?

Zhuang Li smiled: “Because he’s not mine, so he’s more attractive…”

Chun Yue, who was beside them, couldn’t listen anymore. She coughed loudly, interrupting Zhuang Li’s words, and at the same time pointed outside: “Young Madam, Miss Jiuniang, look quickly, isn’t that the Marquis’s Heir coming over there?”

Zhou Jiuniang threw aside the words she didn’t understand and hurriedly squeezed to the window, leaning out to look. “Where, where?”

Chun Yue then glared at Zhuang Li and scolded in a low voice, “What are you saying, Young Madam?”

Perhaps because they were becoming more and more familiar, she felt that Young Madam’s temperament was also different from before.

A bit mischievous, a bit unrestrained.

Zhuang Li chuckled: “I’m telling the truth.” Then, without waiting for Chun Yue to scold her again, she stood behind Zhou Jiuniang, pointed with her hand, “Over there, tenth row, fifth column, third person on the right.”

The street was crowded with officials in rows, their official robes in various colors, their ages and figures varying. Zhou Jiuniang only felt dazzled at a glance, and so did her other sisters.

When Zhuang Li pointed out the specific location, everyone immediately spotted Zhou Jingyun’s outstanding figure and face among the officials.

Zhou Jiuniang waved her hand happily.

But knowing that they couldn’t make noise on this occasion, and could only shout “Long live the Emperor,”

She covered her mouth and lowered her voice.

The other sisters were also laughing: “Sister-in-law is amazing, she can spot the Marquis’s Heir at a glance.” “This is called telepathy.”

As they were talking and laughing, they suddenly saw Zhou Jingyun in the procession look up towards them.

Zhou Jiuniang immediately waved her hand even harder, mouthing the words, “Brother.”

The other sisters hurriedly pushed Zhuang Li to the front. “The Marquis’s Heir is looking at Sister-in-law.”

Zhuang Li was pushed to the front, meeting Zhou Jingyun’s gaze. She smiled slightly and, imitating Zhou Jiuniang, raised her hand in front of her and waved.

Zhou Jingyun in the procession smiled and withdrew his gaze.

But this smile had already caused more commotion on the street.

“Who is that?”

“It’s the Marquis of Dongyang’s Heir!”

“It really is the Marquis of Dongyang’s Heir!”

“Yes, yes, he’s back. It’s been so many years since we’ve seen him.”

“Let me see, let me see, I haven’t seen him before.”

Countless voices came from the windows on both sides, interspersed with the jeers of many prodigals. “Silence!” “You young ladies, this is disrespectful before the Emperor!”

The patrolling guards and officials had to repeatedly shout to stop them.

Shangguan Yue, with his back turned, laughed along: “The Marquis Zhou’s Heir is really popular.”

His companion patted him. “Take a look, he’s about to pass.”

Shangguan Yue didn’t move: “Then I won’t look, I’ll leave it to you guys.”

His companions laughed and joked until someone shouted, “It’s Princess Jinyu’s carriage.”

With these words, Shangguan Yue turned around.

His companions weren’t surprised by his action. After all, the Imperial Consort’s Husband was following Princess Jinyu’s carriage.

“Over there, over there, in front of the carriage.” Someone even pointed it out to Shangguan Yue.

With a bit of sympathy, this father and son rarely had the chance to meet, and could only look at each other from across the street.

Shangguan Yue looked over. Because of the sacrificial regulations, Princess Jinyu’s carriage wasn’t as grand as usual. The Imperial Consort’s Husband, walking in front, had a solemn expression, looking a bit stiff, but his gaze occasionally glanced towards the street. He quickly spotted Shangguan Yue.

The Imperial Consort’s Husband smiled slightly.

Shangguan Yue waved at him, also smiling. The next moment, his gaze fell on the carriage behind the Imperial Consort’s Husband, where a gaze was also fixed on him.

Through the hanging curtain, Princess Jinyu saw Shangguan Yue’s waving hand suddenly raise higher, and the smile on his face became even brighter.

Everyone thought this smile was for the Imperial Consort’s Husband, right?

The Imperial Consort’s Husband himself probably thought so too, right?

A smile appeared on Princess Jinyu’s face, growing wider and wider. If not for the constraints of propriety, she would have burst out laughing.

As Princess Jinyu’s carriage passed by, the commotion also surged like waves.

“Long live the Emperor!”

“Long live!”

At the same time, the guards and officials on duty here shouted in unison, “Kneel!”

With this sound, everyone on the street, by the windows, knelt down in unison, bowing their heads towards the Emperor’s carriage and shouting, “Long live, long live!”

It seemed that only this shout remained between heaven and earth.

The people within it, whether commoners or nobles, couldn’t help but tremble. The Emperor’s palanquin in their sight was too dazzling to look at directly.

This was the Son of Heaven.

There was another phoenix palanquin behind the Emperor.

Amidst the thunderous cheers, praises for the Empress also rang out.

“Long live the Empress!”

Although surrounded by guards, eunuchs, and palace maids, layer upon layer, those kneeling in the front couldn’t see the faces of the Emperor and Empress clearly, but this was still the closest they could get to the Emperor and Empress.

Some people were moved to tears, some kowtowed excitedly, countless gazes followed the Emperor’s carriage, hoping to catch another glimpse, to be touched by a bit of the Emperor’s aura.

Compared to the Emperor and Empress’s palanquins, a carriage closely following behind seemed somewhat inconspicuous.

However, there were still people who didn’t look at the Emperor and Empress, their gazes fixed only on this carriage.

Shangguan Yue, kneeling on the ground, could see the figure of a woman sitting upright.

That must be Consort Bai.

Bai Li’s elder sister.

Bai Li… Shangguan Yue thought, is she here at this moment?

Zhuang Li knelt on the ground, looking at a figure that was even more blurry than in her dreams, but real.

The curtained carriage quietly followed the Emperor and Empress’s magnificent procession, slowly passing by.