Crimson_Lore
patreon
Chapter 3: Propose
🕑 Added 2025-01-21 12:21:00 +0000 UTCA woman dressed in a pale pink gown, styled as an ordinary family's young lady, stood elegantly amidst a group of admirers, her delicate and graceful figure commanding attention.
She gazed silently, looking down at her.
A cinnabar mark adorned her forehead, and her lips were painted a striking red.
Her beauty was beyond compare.
Yet, unlike the other women who were either overly enthusiastic or shy, her expression remained unchanged.
She neither threw flowers nor fruit but wore a faint, perfectly timed smile that seemed to have been etched onto her face since birth—
Her eyes, however, burned with an unquenchable fire.
It was Li Qingwu.
Their gazes locked across the distance. Li Qingwu, seemingly unprepared for her sudden glance, froze momentarily before hurriedly looking away. Her figure quickly disappeared into the loft.
The windows and doors were shut tight.
Qiu Che withdrew her gaze thoughtfully.
The next moment, a figure on horseback entered her line of sight.
...
The bustling sounds of the street faded away. Li Qingwu sat at a table, her heart still racing as she recalled that fleeting glance.
Placing a hand on her chest to steady herself, she whispered to Fu Ling, "Is he gone?"
"Far away," Fu Ling replied, lowering the window frame. She turned to the still-flustered Li Qingwu and sighed in exasperation before pouring her some water. "Miss, you—"
"Silence," Li Qingwu interrupted softly. "Outside, you must address me as Miss."
"Yes, Miss," Fu Ling corrected hastily. "But I must say, that top scholar may be handsome, but the other two from the top three this year are equally brilliant. Why, Miss, do you favor this unknown Young Master Qiu so much? To the extent of—"
Sneaking out of the palace just to catch a glimpse of him.
If the Emperor found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Li Qingwu took a sip of water and replied gently, "He’s handsome, he’s the top scholar, and he’s upright and kind. Isn’t that reason enough for me to admire him?"
Fu Ling thought to herself, "The other qualities I can accept, but where did this ‘upright and kind’ come from?"
Before she could voice her thoughts, the loft’s door was suddenly kicked open.
Startled, Fu Ling turned and instinctively shouted, "How dare you—"
Her words faltered as her eyes fell on the figure behind the armed guards who had stormed in.
Li Qingwu stood up, composedly pulling Fu Ling back before bowing gracefully. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Fu Ling snapped out of her shock and dropped to her knees. The maids in the room followed suit, kneeling in unison.
Li Qingwu kept her head low, not hearing any commands to rise, so she maintained her bow, steady as a mountain.
Yet, the slight trembling of her clasped hands betrayed her nervousness.
She had no authorization to leave the palace; this was a clandestine escape.
"I was unaware of your newfound courage, daring to sneak out of the palace," the Emperor’s stern and cold voice finally broke the silence. "Le He, you’ve always been the most disciplined and well-mannered. Perhaps today you can offer me a reasonable explanation?"
A cold sweat dripped from Li Qingwu’s brow.
On the street, Wu Yiqi twirled an elaborate folding fan, the flamboyant calligraphy on its surface unreadable due to its atrocious strokes.
Wu Yiqi, oblivious to the poor aesthetics, spoke leisurely, "If I’m not mistaken, that was the favored Princess Le He, wasn’t it?"
"Do you know her?"
Qiu Che said nothing, his gaze shifting away from Wu Yiqi.
Feeling the weight of Qiu Che’s silent disapproval, Wu Yiqi coughed and sidled closer to whisper conspiratorially, "Let me give you some advice—don’t even think about her. She’s the capital’s most beautiful woman, a renowned talent in the arts, and the Emperor’s cherished daughter, a legitimate first-rank princess."
"I’m aware of all that," Qiu Che interrupted lightly. "What’s your point?"
Wu Yiqi cleared his throat and leaned in even closer, lowering his voice. "My grandfather told me she’s my betrothed. The Emperor is planning to grant us a marriage. So, give up any ideas you might have. A gentleman doesn’t covet his friend’s wife, right? You’re a scholar; you should know this principle better than anyone."
Qiu Che glanced at him indifferently and said, "You’re presumptuous. Who said we’re friends?"
Wu Yiqi retorted, "We took the same imperial exams and celebrated our success together. Doesn’t that make us friends?"
Qiu Che replied, "I don’t even know you. How does that make us friends?"
Wu Yiqi: "..."
"Fine," he said, fanning himself smugly. "Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Wu Yiqi of the Wu family, grandson of the Prime Minister. Surely you’ve heard of me?"
Qiu Che nodded nonchalantly.
"I noticed you during the exams," Wu Yiqi continued. "You’ve got some skills. I’ve never met anyone who could outscore me in academics—not once, but multiple times! Tell me, did you bribe the examiners?"
"Young Master Wu," Qiu Che interrupted calmly.
"Yes?"
Qiu Che’s tone remained measured. "The Qiu family may not be as affluent or influential as the Wu family, but spreading baseless accusations could bring trouble to yourself. Be cautious with your words."
"..."
Wu Yiqi froze momentarily before laughing awkwardly. "Come on, I was just joking. No need to take it so seriously—"
"I was joking too," Qiu Che interjected with a faint smile. "Are you taking it seriously?"
Wu Yiqi: "..."
"Alright, you win! But I’ve decided we’re friends from now on!"
"..."
"Hey, say something!"
"If it pleases you, Young Master Wu."
"..."
As their conversation continued, Yang Qiu followed behind them at a measured distance, his expression thoughtful.
...
When the two were chatting, Yang Qiu trailed behind them, neither too far nor too close, a thoughtful glint flickering in his eyes.
After the parade, the next event was the Qujiang Banquet, which many officials attended with their families. It was an occasion to witness the much-discussed tradition of "selecting a husband from the top scorers."
This year’s top three scholars were particularly handsome, making the banquet even livelier.
As the top scorer, Qiu Che was the center of attention. Throughout the banquet, many offered her drinks and requested her to compose poems, but she politely declined, citing either "an inability to hold her liquor" or "not feeling well enough to engage much."
However, using such excuses repeatedly drew some mockery. Someone sneered, “How is it that you seemed perfectly fine in the hall earlier, but now, at the banquet, you’re suddenly unwell? Brother Qiu, could it be that you look down on us and refuse to drink with us?”
The previously harmonious and joyous atmosphere froze instantly.
Qiu Che paused before raising her head, feigning confusion as she replied, “Naturally. Even if I were unwell, I would still uphold decorum in His Majesty’s presence. Surely, you don’t think yourself more distinguished than His Majesty?”
Her words drew audible gasps from those around, and the scholar who had spoken turned pale. “Y-You! Don’t twist my words! I never meant such a thing!”
“Oh, I see. My apologies for the misunderstanding.”
Feigning realization, Qiu Che added, “Still, I believe you have a point. Since I’m unwell, I may disrupt everyone’s enjoyment. Let’s end it here for today. We are all future colleagues, so let’s find another time to gather.”
With that, she stood decisively and left.
Wu Yiqi, watching with wide eyes, quickly rose, cupped his hands to the crowd, and followed her out.
As they walked, he exclaimed about Qiu Che’s boldness in offending people while marveling at her cleverness. He insisted on following her, claiming he wouldn’t feel at ease until they became friends.
Unable to shake him off, Qiu Che let him tag along.
As they neared the Qiu residence, she noticed a large crowd gathered outside its usually quiet gates. She paused slightly.
From a distance, she saw her stepmother, Madam Liu, barely maintaining a smile as she tightly gripped a handkerchief.
Qiu Chudong, noticing her unease, patted her hand and reassured her, “Madam, remember what I said earlier—great accomplishments require ignoring small matters.”
“You’re right, Father.”
Beside them, Qiu Zhe chimed in smugly, “Mother, once I become a high-ranking official, you’ll live in luxury! Anyway, the position she earned will be mine sooner or later. What’s there to worry about?”
Madam Liu forced a smile but said nothing.
From afar, Qiu Che’s expression turned cold as she slowed her horse.
Wu Yiqi, still chattering beside her, noticed and praised her skills. “Not only are you a literary champion, but you’re also skilled at riding! Impressive!”
Qiu Che: “…”
She ignored him and said flatly, “We’re at the Qiu residence. Will you continue following me, Master Wu?”
“Is that your family?”
Following her gaze, Wu Yiqi became excited. “Wow, such a grand welcoming ceremony! Your parents must value your success in the imperial exams. How could I miss such an occasion? Let me join you—wait… that flamboyantly dressed person looks just like you!”
He paused, examining them closely. “I get it! You’re twins, aren’t you?”
Qiu Che tugged at the corners of her mouth, her expression smiling yet cold. She uttered two words: “Sworn enemies.”
With that, she rode forward leisurely, ignoring Wu Yiqi’s shocked face.
At the gate, her father, Qiu Chudong, approached with an ingratiating smile. “Che’er! I heard you ranked first in the exams and returned home. Congratulations! I also heard the Emperor has granted you a sixth-rank official position as a literary editor. Is that true?”
Qiu Che looked at his cautious yet eager expression and thought of her past life. She had been deceived by such a face countless times.
Each time, she thought her father was genuinely happy for her, which drove her to study harder and achieve greater honors—only to ignore the subtle inconsistencies.
In the end, everything she earned was handed over to her elder brother, Qiu Zhe.
Why was her father always so thrilled about her promotions despite disliking her?
Of course, it was because these positions were gifts for his beloved son, Qiu Zhe.
Qiu Che had envisioned this reunion countless times. In her imagination, she might feel hatred, pain, or suffocating despair. Yet, when the moment arrived, she felt nothing but calm.
It was as if this man, her blood relative who had raised her for decades, along with their shared past and love-hate relationship, had vanished with the dreamlike memories of her previous life.
All that remained was a selfish, cold-hearted opportunist.
“Brother Qiu, Brother Qiu—”
Wu Yiqi’s voice snapped her back to reality.
He hadn’t noticed her mood and teased, “Your father’s asking you something. Why aren’t you responding?”
Qiu Chudong, glancing at Wu Yiqi’s expensive attire, rubbed his hands nervously. “Che’er, you haven’t introduced this guest yet.”
Without sparing her father a glance, Qiu Che replied to Wu Yiqi, “If you want to watch the drama, stay. I’m heading to my room.”
She dismounted, handed her horse to a waiting servant, and walked toward the door.
Qiu Zhe, unable to contain himself, shouted, “What do you mean by this? Our father, mother, and so many others came to welcome you, yet you look so displeased! Do you think being an official makes you better than us? Just wait, I’ll…”
Before he could finish, Madam Liu pinched his wrist, silencing him with a glare.
Qiu Che paused, turned, and gave him a fleeting glance.
“Oh,” she said suddenly. “Being an official does make me better.”
“If you’re so capable, why didn’t you pass the exams?”
Qiu Zhe: “…”
Her servant, Yu Yan, laughed behind her, while Qiu Chudong’s smile faltered. “How can you speak to your elder brother like that?”
“Wait, wait,” Wu Yiqi interjected, dismounting. Having watched the drama unfold, he remarked, “Not to be rude, but does your family not get along? Or is it just you they’re isolating? Why is it that the moment you return home after ranking first, your brother berates you, and no one scolds him for being rude? Yet when you talk back, you’re reprimanded?”
His voice was loud enough for everyone at the gate to hear.
Before Qiu Che could respond, Qiu Chudong’s face darkened further. Yet, considering Wu Yiqi’s status as an outsider, he suppressed his anger and said, “This is a family matter. Master Wu, I suggest you not involve yourself…”
“Oh, listen to that temper,” Wu Yiqi mocked, closing his fan. “Are you chasing me away, Master Qiu? I wasn’t aware that a small family like the Qius could afford to drive out someone from the Wu household.”
Qiu Chudong’s face turned pale. He quickly bowed. “Forgive me! I didn’t realize I was speaking to the esteemed grandson of Minister Wu. Please, forgive my rudeness…”
Qiu Che, growing impatient, clicked her tongue softly.
“Enough,” Wu Yiqi said lazily. “It seems the Qiu family doesn’t welcome me. I won’t intrude further… Brother Qiu, farewell. I’ll be sure to tell my grandfather about the hospitality I received here.”
Qiu Chudong panicked, trying to explain, but Qiu Che cut him off. “Farewell.”
Wu Yiqi: “…”
Not even going to try to stop me, huh?
Muttering complaints, Wu Yiqi left the Qiu residence, only to receive a message from his family moments later. He stopped his horse and looked at the messenger in surprise. “Wait, what did you just say?”
The servant bowed and repeated softly, “The palace sent word. The Princess has expressed she already has someone in mind for marriage. She petitioned His Majesty for a decree in court today, angering him greatly.”
“She’s currently kneeling outside the throne room as punishment.”
“The Princess? Isn’t she usually His Majesty’s favorite? How could such a matter anger him so much?”
The servant hesitated before replying, “She named her chosen suitor—the top scorer in this year’s imperial exams, Qiu Che, the second son of the Qiu family.”
