Substitute Marriage - Chapter 8
“Not at all,” Xiao Lan replied, withdrawing her gaze. She had been looking at the Prince Consort because she seemed to have seen the poem that Wei Lin had just recited on the desk in the outer chamber of their sleeping quarters.
As the conversation eased, the drinking game had already returned to Wei Lin.
“The apricot blossoms, faint and fragrant, still smell sweet,
Fallen leaves on the west wind ask at the window.
Night accompanies the moonlight, frost stretches for miles,
As three cups of osmanthus wine dance in colorful gauze.”
“Wonderful—”
“Wonderful—”
A storm of praise echoed throughout the hall.
Xiao Lan’s brow furrowed slightly. She had seen this poem before on the desk in her outer chamber! She remembered it clearly; the poem’s title was “The Moon again in Mid-Autumn.”
Xiao Lan couldn’t help but ask, “Elder Brother, have you given this poem a title?”
“I have,” Wei Lin said, casting a dismissive glance at Wei Jin. He felt confident that even the ‘ugly’ princess was enchanted by him so he replied proudly, “The Moon again in Mid-Autumn.”
Xiao Lan’s heart skipped a beat but her expression remained calm as she said, “A fitting title.”
After a pause, she continued, “However, the poem does not seem to contain any reference of reuniting at the Mid-Autumn Festival so why did you choose the phrase ‘The Moon Again’? Could you explain it to me, Elder Brother?”
The moment she heard this poem come from Wei Lin she was immediately shocked and puzzled. While she had addressed the question to the elder brother, her gaze had silently fallen on the second brother, her Prince Consort, whilst some absurd and chaotic thoughts surfaced in her mind.
Unable to participate in the imperial examinations, the elder brother…
Xiao Lan’s question had also piqued the crowd’s curiosity.
” Young marquis, please explain.”
Wei Lin, who was now the focus of all the eyes in the hall, froze for a moment before quickly concealing his panic. He subtly leaned towards Wei Jin, who remained as composed as a mountain.
Sensing Wei Lin’s silent plea for help, Wei Jin cooperatively stood up. However, he ignored Wei Lin’s urgent, desperate signals and didn’t offer any hidden clues as he had in the past to help Wei Lin deceive others. Instead, Wei Jin walked a few steps forward and stopped just ahead of Wei Lin, saying, “Perhaps I can attempt to provide an explanation for the Princess.”
Wei Lin: “…”
“The word ‘still’ in the phrase ‘the apricot blossoms, faint and fragrant, still smell sweet’ suggests that the fragrance of apricot blossoms and the freshness of the grass have been enjoyed before. The word ‘already’ in ‘fallen leaves on the west wind ask at the window’ implies that one has already witnessed the autumn wind sweeping the fallen leaves past the window. Combining these meanings, the title ‘The Moon Again in Mid-Autumn’ becomes appropriate.”
With the pavilion full of guests and the music playing softly, Wei Jin’s tender gaze remained fixed on one single point. It was as if under the thousands of twinkling candle-lights, his eyes sought only one person—a person he had searched for, a thousand times over.
Xiao Lan was dressed in a goose-yellow cross-collared skirt, with a belt adorned with crab-apple flowers around her waist which made her look as though she were the queen of all flowers. Her slim waist, ungraspable with a single hand, outshone even the splendid palace lanterns.
Someone in the hall whispered, “The Prince Consort is quite the literary romantic, isn’t he? Even if it’s for his own brother, it seems a bit much, doesn’t it?”
Another person chuckled quietly, “It’s precisely because they’re brothers that there’s a bit of competition.”
“Who could possibly deny that?”
They were teasing the Prince Consort for being jealous because Xiao Lan sought Wei Lin’s literary expertise and eager to show he was more capable, Wei Jin rose up to the challenge.
Though they had spoken softly, many of the ladies still overheard the conversation. Suddenly, Xiao Lan felt a flush on her face, especially when she saw the Prince Consort giving her a slight smile. It was as though he was indeed showing off about something.
Xiao Ming smirked slowly. “If Wei Lin knew that Wei Jin had his eyes on you, would he die of jealousy?”
However, only Xiao Lan heard this statement. Xiao Lan thought about finding an opportunity to explain things to the Prince Consort. She didn’t want to have any ties to the older brother.
Other noblewomen stole glances at Wei Jin in admiration. Compared to the eldest son, they all favored the second son more. He was talented in both literature and martial arts. He was also strong and healthy. Whether it were matters outside or within the household, he seemed more dependable that the older brother! Glancing at Xiao Lan, who wore a mask, they couldn’t help but feel pity—What a great man the second son of the Wei family was!
“The Prince Consort’s poetic interpretation is insightful and aligns well with the tone of the poem. He is truly a blessing to our great Qi, excelling in both literary and martial arts!” The Assistant Director of the Ministry of Personnel praised, “Writing poetry is challenging, but interpreting it is even more so. The Wei brothers are truly of one heart and mind—what a joy!”
Though he praised both brothers on the surface, the deeper meaning was meant to commend the Prince Consort.
No matter how weak the elder brother was, he could only rely on his noble status and inheritance to survive and live a carefree life. The Prince Consort, however, held no official position, and according to the laws of Qi, even if the Prince Consort was granted a military title, he couldn’t hold command over any troops.
Whose path was easier or harder was clearly evident.
Everyone smiled as they nodded, and Emperor Xiao Heng gave a satisfied nod.
Wen Yan kept a smile on her face although it wasn’t sincere.
Oblivious to all this, Wei Lin cleared his throat saying, “Indeed, my brother and I often discuss poetry and literary classics.”
With that, the orchestra started playing opera tunes, and the family banquet continued. Xiao Lan lowered her head, avoiding the intense gaze fixed on her.
Wei Jin understood the confusion in her eyes and pursed his lips slightly, restraining the surge of emotions within him.
There was no rush…He needed to proceed slowly.
As the banquet continued and the wine flowed, many guests began to show signs of intoxication. The older guests took their leave, and Emperor Xiao Heng graciously permitted their departure. The younger crowd stayed in the hall, continuing to socialize and exchange pleasantries with each other.
Xiao Ming stood up unsteadily. Realizing that she had surpassed her usual alcohol intake, she decided to return to her former palace quarters. Not long after she left, Xiao Heng also rose and exited the banquet.
Noticing that both her aunt and uncle had left, Xiao Lan became concerned. She hadn’t been drinking, so her mind was clear. Knowing that the two had something they wished to discuss, she worried they might part ways on bad terms. Given that it was a day of reunion after spending years apart, she didn’t want things to end in a misunderstanding, so she decided to follow them.
Leaving the Ling Xiao Pavilion, Xiao Lan made her way toward a nearby elevated platform. The moonlight filtered through the lush garden, casting a silver sheen over everything. The cold night breeze carried a familiar voice—though not that of her aunt.
“You’ve certainly made quite a spectacle of yourself!”
Xiao Lan halted and shifted her steps, moving silently to hide behind a nearby wall.
“Since it was your brother’s poem, it was up to him to explain it. And yet, when the Princess questioned your brother, you were so eager to jump in and show off. Why?… Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on in your mind!” Wen Yan’s voice was harsh, her eyes filled with a hatred so intense it seemed she wished to tear the illegitimate son before her into pieces.
The Prince Consort stood tall, his posture elegant and coldly aloof. His robe fluttering slightly in the autumn breeze, created a lonely and helpless silhouette. Wen Yan ranted for a while, but the Prince Consort remained silent, like a shadow in the moonlight, his face obscured in the depths of the darkness. It was as if he was used to such treatment.
Looking at that lean, steadfast figure, Xiao Lan felt a pang of bitterness. It was as though an invisible hand was gripping her insides, squeezing tightly and making it hard to breathe.
When Wen Yan finally ceased her scolding, Wei Jin spoke softly, “Mother, you overthink things. I was merely helping my brother when he was at a loss for words. Besides…” He paused, glancing to the side with a hint of meaning in his gaze. “I was explaining the poem to my own wife. What ulterior motives could I possibly have?”
The word “wife” rang sharply in Wen Yan’s ears. His gaze, which no longer seemed sharp under the moonlight, carried an unyielding spirit.
Startled, Wen Yan felt a chill run down her spine under his icy gaze. Yet, the fortress of control she had built over the years was not so easily shaken. Her expression grew even harsher as she delivered her most cutting insult, “What nonsense are you spouting! You and the Princess are master and servant! Don’t forget your place!!”
Wei Jin was an illegitimate child born into darkness, without even a household registry. The only reason he had married Xiao Lan was that the world believed him to be the legitimate son of the Marquis. If Xiao Lan had discovered that Wei Jin’s mother was a criminal—a government prostitute—he would have already been executed a hundred times over!
Wen Yan’s reprimand was meant to keep the illegitimate son in check by reminding him of his lowly status.
Once her son, Wei Lin, inherited the title, this illegitimate son would be of no use to her. She would then quietly dispose of him to eliminate any future troubles. If luck favored her, her son might even gain more from it.
Wen Yan’s vicious scheme was crystal clear to Wei Jin. In his youth, he had been ignorant and powerless to resist. He was forced to live under Wen Yan’s thumb just to survive. He later honed his skills slowly by slowly till he reached where he was today. And now, he would never allow Xiao Lan to be tainted by this mother-and-son duo. Even if his background were to lead him to the guillotine, he would not hesitate to protect her!
Dimming Wei Lin’s brilliance was just the beginning. However, now was not the time to completely fall out with them. He could only swallow his pride and endure.
Just then, a melodious female voice pierced through the still night.
“Madam Wei, you’re gravely mistaken!”
Wen Yan shuddered violently and spun around. When Wen Yan saw Xiao Lan’s figure, the words ‘Who dares to eavesdrop?’ died in her throat.
Her expression quickly shifted to being gentle and calm. “The night is getting colder, Princess. Why have you come out? Be careful not to catch a cold.”
Not realizing that Xiao Lan hadn’t addressed her as “mother-in-law,” she smiled, attempting to brush aside the earlier conflict.
But Xiao Lan was not about to let it go. “The distinction between sovereign and subject applies within temples, ancestral halls, government offices, and other solemn places. Right now, we are at the Ling Xiao Pavilion celebrating a family banquet for a joyous gathering. There is nothing improper about the Prince Consort calling me his wife.”
Wei Jin’s eyes were fixed on her intently. Xiao Lan stood draped in a thin veil of moonlight, her brocade shawl trailing from her arm to the white jade steps below. The wind and frost bowed to her presence, as if she brought a breath of life that could disperse all the hideous decay around her. She stood like a timely rain in the golden autumn. It was as though she had descended from the heavens to pull him out of the desolate pit in which he stood, washing away all the filth.
In a daze, Wei Jin saw himself as that fragile boy from twelve years ago, thrown into a pit filled with molten gold.
“Furthermore, husband and wife are one, sharing everything as one. The Prince Consort and I are husband and wife, hence ‘one sovereign.’ According to national law, the Prince Consort is also Madam Wei’s sovereign.”
Xiao Lan wanted Wen Yan to understand that if they were to discuss the distinction between sovereign and subject, then by law, the Prince Consort was also Wen Yan’s sovereign!
The ruler-subject relationship was greater than that of father and son, even more so than mother and son. By this logic, Wen Yan’s scolding of the Prince Consort was an act of insubordination.
Despite having her uncle’s protection, Xiao Lan’s life in the palace was still fraught with danger. Palace servants were often fickle…when you were favored, they revered you, but when you lost favor, they humiliated you.
When the Prince Consort was late for the eldest brother’s birthday banquet, the clan elder and leader publicly rebuked him in front of the younger generation of the entire clan. His birth mother did not even stand up for him. Over time, the members of the Wei clan went from watching indifferently, to actively making things worse.
Such was the way of the world. They probably hadn’t even realized that while Wei Jin had indeed passed the imperial examination, without connections in court, he would still struggle to advance! Let alone the fact that the eldest brother’s title was not yet in his hands.