Chapter 3, Enclosure
Meili took the jewelry box that she hadn't seen for two years, which contained the jewels she had painstakingly collected. Now, they seemed... so ordinary!
Once ... she had also been wildly excited and had hoped.
Old Lady Wu, being experienced and wise, gave Jiang Liu a knowing glance and urged, "Go on, go on, pick a light red one, the lighter the better"
After completing her greetings, Granny Wu smiled warmly and said, "Our Fujin knows that you will also be going to the hunting grounds tomorrow, so she sent this old servant to assist in your preparations."
She smiled as she looked at the old woman through the open window. The woman was somewhat plump and had a very amiable appearance. Just as she stood up, the person had already entered. Uncle Hai introduced her as Old Woman Wu, who was sent by Ruoyu to deliver clothes. He gratefully opened the package brought by Old Woman Wu, which contained a set of elegant sapphire blue hunting attire.
The eunuch outside the door urged impatiently in a loud voice: "Miss Meili, quickly receive the imperial decree!"
"Gege, you can choose for yourself."
Men ... ... even more!
A man loves a woman so deeply that he would give up his life for her, but it is merely a matter of commitment! And what is the outcome? The Qing Dynasty is about to go to war with the Zunghars, and Sister Ziqing has died. The prince, who originally had a bright future, has become a criminal of the court, guarding the tomb of Emperor Taizong. ... Just like her ... ! ... Restricted!
At night, she still cannot fall asleep, not because of excitement... The panic caused by the fierce fire in the middle of the night has not yet subsided. The despair of suddenly finding herself engulfed in flames upon opening her eyes, with no one coming to her rescue despite her loud cries, lingers on. She always finds it difficult to sleep soundly.
Meili understood why Uncle Hai treated Aunt Wu so kindly, because of gratitude. Not only was Uncle Hai grateful, but she was also grateful
This bustling scene... She is merely an outsider, now and in the past, only that at that time she stubbornly refused to acknowledge it, turning a blind eye to the truth
Meili's carriage was slow, and by the time they arrived at the hunting ground, the other families' young ladies and noble consorts had already arrived. From a distance, the lush greenery of the hunting ground was adorned with colorful flags fluttering in the breeze, and below were a dazzling array of handsome men and beautiful women. The horses, each of different colors, were strong and majestic, while the servants occasionally struck large drums to scare away the animals. Laughter and cheerful voices filled the air, creating a captivating scene of the hunt
Two years ago, she thought she was clever and worldly enough, how laughable! She believed that marrying Jingxuan would bring her safety and stability, that she would no longer be looked down upon. What she did not consider was, why would Jingxuan want to marry her?
The decree is quite simple; tomorrow, the noble ladies who receive the decree will accompany the Empress Dowager and the Empress to the hunting grounds west of the city. ... Meili raised her hand high above her head to present the decree, and even said that she should be allowed to rest for a few days ... . ... This is the will of the Emperor; it allows you to live if you are to live, and to die if you are to die, showing no regard for your feelings.
In order to attract his attention at the hunting ground, Uncle Hai even went to her uncle's house to ask for money to tailor a hunting outfit. She deliberately caused some trouble at the hunting ground, hoping he would come over to handle it; even if he scolded her a few times, it would be better than nothing, as at least he would see the careful preparation she had made for him. Only she knew how much complaint and disdain such luxurious attire had cost her. She had no mother, no caring wet nurse or nanny; all her efforts relied solely on herself, even down to getting her ears pierced.
After the eunuch left, Uncle Hai was overjoyed, saying that the ancestors still remembered his family’s young lady, showing great benevolence. He busied himself with finding a good tailor to make hunting attire for her. With the spring hunting season approaching, this city-wide hunt carried significant implications for selecting outstanding candidates. Over the years, such hunting events have resembled a disguised matchmaking gathering, bringing together those who rarely meet. The noble ladies and princesses naturally sharpened their eyes to see which young masters were handsome and valiant, hoping to find suitable matches for their daughters. The young ladies were even more excited; just seeing so many handsome men appearing together for horseback competitions was enough to keep them awake for several nights.
Meili smiled and nodded
Uncle Hai was in the front yard, deeply preoccupied as he brushed the horse. Meili stopped at the stone steps at the door and did not approach, saying, "Uncle Hai... I think I will take a car instead."
All illusions have long since shattered
"Princess, all the prominent princesses will be attending today. If you wear flowers, it will surely attract laughter!" Jiang Liu frowned and tried to stop her.
At the beginning, she was heartbroken and desperate over his indifference. Even if he did not wish to marry her, he should not have coldly demanded severe punishment for her. Even the Empress Dowager stood up to defend her, yet he remained relentless, causing her to be trapped in the cold palace, akin to a prison, for a full three years. ... Later ... ... She no longer blamed him. If he had not acted this way, the ancestors would have forcibly made her his wife. He ... ... must first protect himself. She no longer blamed him. If he had not acted this way, the ancestors would have forcibly made her his wife. He ... ... must first protect himself.
Even now, when she recalls her once self-deceived infatuation with Jing Xuan from years ago, it is mingled with much worldly concern. Does she truly love Jing Xuan? She loves his unmatched handsome appearance, and he loves his distinguished and noble status; as long as she marries him, her life will no longer be filled with embarrassment and hardship. But does she love the person he is? Apart from that captivatingly beautiful face, that cold and imposing noble demeanor, does she love his heart? ... Heart ...? ... When has she ever touched his heart? When has he ever allowed her to approach his heart? Apart from that captivatingly beautiful face, that cold and imposing noble demeanor, does she love his heart? ... Heart ...? ... When has she ever touched his heart? When has he ever allowed her to approach his heart?
Just before departure, an eunuch came to inform her that she need not enter the palace, but should go directly to the hunting grounds
stumbling block
When she heard Jiang Liu anxiously calling her to the courtyard to receive the imperial edict, Mei Li instinctively felt a surge of fear. Could it be that the Emperor had changed his mind? Would they take her back again?
All the men in the arena are born into wealth and have illustrious backgrounds. They seek women... What kinds are not found in the streets and alleys? There are many stunning beauties in Jiangnan and beyond that they cannot obtain. When they look at the women in the arena, they consider her surname, her background; they are not choosing a wife, but rather a support system, an ally.
If it weren't for the incident with Brother Chengyi, Jingxuan...! ... is destined to become the prince consort of the Zunghar! He is to marry a powerful and wealthy Mongolian princess! As for her, what does Shumulou Meili have? She is merely an orphaned girl with no substantial dowry, and her family background is weak. It is only because the ancestors took pity on her that she was granted the title of Heshuo Gege, hoping she would marry well; even the emperor cousin does not favor her.
The girl's sentiments had long been exhausted in the cold tranquility of the Anning Palace
Every time she asks herself, what does she mean to him
The terror of imperial power, the difficulty of touching divine authority... She has already experienced it too deeply
Meili smiled, could it be that if she wore such gaudy jewelry, people wouldn't laugh? ... Even if ... ? ... she wore the most beautiful jewelry in the world, would people still not laugh, and would she no longer be Meili Gege?
Fortunately, Jiang Liu and Granny Wu also woke up early; they seemed even more excited than she was. Before dawn, they dragged her up to get dressed. Granny Wu rummaged through the jewelry box, unable to make a decision.
Meili gazed from a distance for a while, then, under the guidance of the young eunuch, walked towards the direction of the imperial umbrella
The ancestors... have always been very fond of her. After experiencing so much, she has come to understand deeply. Compared to the hardships of the world of fame and fortune, who understands better than the ancestors? Although her appearance tomorrow will merely serve as a source of amusement and gossip, the ancestors still want her to go, which makes one feel that at least she has a grand empress dowager behind her
Tonight, for the young ladies who cannot sleep at the thought of seeing the man they adore, do they not realize that their fate does not lie in the hands of the matchmaker, nor in the hands of the emperor's ancestors, but rather in the hands of power and circumstance! Whose father holds a higher status, whose father the emperor relies upon, behold, the most dazzling man in the arena belongs to her
Sitting quietly in the chair with the imperial edict in hand, Meili was roused from her deep contemplation by Uncle Hai's enthusiastic call. He was leading an old matron in from outside, and the broad smile on his face indicated that only esteemed guests could enjoy such preferential treatment
Everything, after all, is merely the shallow longing and infatuation of a young girl. At that time, what did she understand about love
Uncle Hai nodded repeatedly and immediately called for someone to prepare the carriage. Although it was rather unusual to take a carriage to participate in the hunting event, given that Gege had previously caused a death due to a horse, not only was she unwilling to ride again, but he was also very concerned about any further mishaps.
Although Jiang Liu is young, she is clever and skillful. Upon seeing that Granny Wu is an expert in hairstyling, she quickly kneels down to seek her guidance as a disciple. Meili also willingly sits in front of the mirror, allowing the old and the young to twist and braid her hair.
Meili slowly released her tightly clenched hands and stepped out to receive the imperial edict. Fortunately, it was a gracious decree. She lowered her eyes and respectfully knelt on the ground, even if it was a decree to take her back... Could she escape it...? Regardless of fortune or misfortune, she had no right to choose, nor could she evade it. All she could do was kneel down and obey.
She could not see what kind of bun was arranged at the back of her head in the mirror, which was somewhat boring, but she enjoyed it and felt very warm. Compared to the indifference that went unnoticed, she was now quite happy.
In her youth, she believed that jewelry only needed to be large and heavy to signify status and wealth. She picked up a clumsy red ruby clasp, which reminded her of a fallen landlord who would smear pig fat on his mouth before going out, pretending to eat meat every day. She chuckled and fiddled with it in the box, no wonder Aunt Wu couldn't choose. The set of jewelry bestowed by her ancestors was exquisite, yet it was made of jadeite, which did not match her royal blue attire
"Jiang Liu, please go to the yard and pick a light-colored flower for me to wear," she instructed
She does not want to go, she... She is also afraid of facing so many condescending and mocking eyes. She wants to curl up in her little nest like a mouse, letting the storm rage outside... But she cannot disregard the good intentions of her ancestors, she cannot... ... to give face and not take it seriously.