LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 42: capital
Cui Yi finally understood what it meant to be a hero in despair. Without food, how could they fight? Without money, how could they buy rice?
"Why didn't you bring more cash?!" Cui Yi was almost in tears.
Chi Ying sighed, "Your Highness, we were raided. No matter how much we gathered, it would be confiscated when leaving the city."
Cui Yi felt choked up, unable to spit it out or swallow it. After a long struggle, he forced out a sentence, "Only three carts were allowed. Why didn't you bring the one with more money?"
Chi Ying explained, "The three carts I brought were the most important things: your clothes and armor, gold and medicine, books, and seeds for next year..."
"Now that we don't have enough to eat, you're still thinking about next year!" Cui Yi exploded like a powder keg. "Now the entire army is starving, and your seeds can't turn into food instantly!"
Chi Ying fell silent, lowered her head, and let him vent.
Cui Yi was furious, directing all his anger at her. "And books! What are you bringing books for? Can you find gold or food in books? When everyone has no food to eat, are you going to feed them books?"
Although Cui Yi had lost his temper before, it was always directed at others. This was the first time he unleashed his fury on her without reservation. The two maidservants were terrified and dared not intervene. Chi Ying remained calm, neither crying nor arguing, as if she had anticipated this day.
It takes two to tango. Seeing no response from her after his rant, Cui Yi became even angrier. He swept the porridge bowl off the table, causing it to shatter on the floor with a loud clang.
Chi Ying quietly put down her chopsticks. Cui Yi kicked the door open and left in a huff.
"Your Ladyship..." Xiao Qiu trembled as she called her.
Last night, after Cui Yi left, a maid from the Xie family brought some midnight snacks. The dishes were indeed richer, but anyone could see they were leftovers from the welcoming banquet. Although Cui Yi wanted to ensure they had enough to eat, he couldn't supervise the kitchen to prepare and deliver the meals.
However, within one night, the caring husband turned into a raging beast, blaming her for their hunger. Chi Ying wanted to tell him that even with money, they couldn't buy food, but she decided against it.
Nong Yue bent down to pick up the shards. "I'll get another bowl of porridge."
Chi Ying stood up indifferently. "No need. I'm not hungry." She turned toward the inner room. "I'm still tired. Don't disturb me."
The two maidservants silently agreed and cleaned up the mess. Nong Yue fetched a bowl of plain rice porridge and placed it on the outer table for Chi Ying to eat later. From inside, she heard suppressed, faint sobbing.
Chi Ying lay in bed, pulling the blanket high. If not careful, one might think she was sleeping.
Nong Yue sighed silently, deciding not to enter. She left the porridge on the table, waiting for her to wake up and eat.
No matter how strong and resilient she was, she was still just a sixteen-year-old girl. Abandoned by her parents, enduring contempt and humiliation, even her husband, her only support, treated her as a scapegoat. Anyone would cry.
Lunch was still insufficient, and Cui Yi didn't come to check on them. After crying in the morning, Chi Ying felt slightly relieved but still looked depressed. She spent most of her time holding her daughter, Cui Xian, staring blankly.
Before dinner, Xie Yong visited, offering condolences and expressing regret for the poor hospitality. Chi Ying guessed his purpose but didn't point it out. After some pleasantries, Xie Yong finally got to the point. "My father discussed Xie Yuchan's wedding with His Highness this afternoon. It's scheduled for the first day of next month."
Chi Ying nodded. "I understand."
Xie Yong looked puzzled. "Your Ladyship... Don't you have anything else to say?"
Chi Ying thought for a moment and asked, "Didn't I treat you well in the capital? Why am I treated so poorly now as a guest in your home?"
Xie Yong looked extremely embarrassed, apologized profusely, and promised to solve the problem. That night, dinner was somewhat better.
During the half-month stay at the Xie family residence, it was perhaps the darkest period of Chi Ying's life. She was often hungry, cold, and restless, facing contempt everywhere.
The entire Xie family was busy preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter. Despite Cui Yi being demoted, his reputation as a war god was undeniable. Who could guarantee he wouldn't rise again? Xie Xiao spared no expense on the wedding, renovating the entire house and hiring tailors to make new clothes for the bride and groom, as well as the servants involved in the ceremony, aiming for a royal wedding atmosphere.
On the wedding day, Chi Ying was called to Xie Yuchan's boudoir to assist.
Xie Yuchan, naturally beautiful and achieving her wish, smiled broadly from the moment she woke up. Her radiant face contrasted sharply with Chi Ying's weary appearance.
"Oh, you're here," the bride sat in front of the mirror while the matchmaker applied makeup. Catching sight of Chi Ying entering, she said sarcastically, "Who said His Highness wouldn't marry me? Now, how does it look? Brother Yingrong will soon become my husband, and certain people won't be able to act arrogantly anymore."
The maidservants, loyal to their mistress, chimed in. One praised, "Miss and His Highness are a perfect match, destined to be together. Who else deserves to be His Highness's consort besides Miss?"
Another added, "Exactly. Our Miss is the most beautiful lady. His Highness would naturally prefer someone like Miss rather than those plain-looking women."
Standing by the door, Chi Ying remained silent. Xie Yuchan, unsatisfied, pointedly called out, "Changsun Zhiying."
Chi Ying responded calmly, "What does Your Highness wish?"
Xie Yuchan hummed arrogantly, stood up, spread her arms, and asked, "Does my gown look good? Compared to when you entered as a concubine, who looks better?"
Chi Ying glanced at her and replied, "If the best tailor in Xuanzhou makes a gown, then there's no unattractive gown in the world. Naturally, Your Highness looks better."
Xie Yuchan didn't catch the sarcasm and was pleased with Chi Ying's submissive demeanor. Smiling triumphantly, she returned to the mirror for the finishing touches.
Chi Ying took a deep breath, focusing on standing quietly outside.
The wedding procession was grand, and the marriage ceremony solemn, but none of it mattered to Chi Ying. She walked beside the bridal sedan, watching Cui Yi ride on Jinwu, adorned with red flowers, scattering osmanthus petals. The festive noise overwhelmed her, making her feel like she was in someone else's dream.
From initially planning Cui Yi's marriage to witnessing him becoming someone else's groom, Chi Ying felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity. In her past life, Cui Jie had many concubines, yet she never felt jealous, taking pride in her virtue. But now, reflecting on it, she realized how foolish she had been. Without love, jealousy wouldn't exist.
Initially, she aimed to protect her parents, but inadvertently, Cui Yi became her top priority. For his sake, she could even persuade him to accept the Xie family and Xie Yuchan, despite knowing it hurt both of them.
The Xie family's influence in Xuanzhou was vast, with relatives and friends everywhere. Hundreds of tables were set up in the courtyard, and there was even a continuous feast at the entrance. Everyone in the city could enjoy free wine and food, truly a citywide celebration.
Cao Qian, as a trusted aide, also attended the event, shielding Cui Yi from excessive drinking. Returning from the restroom, he encountered Chi Ying and Xiao Qiu and stopped to greet them. "Your Ladyship."
Chi Ying smiled slightly. "Thank you for your hard work, General Cao."
Cao Qian, already half-drunk, said, "It's my duty, but His Highness... is unhappy. He drinks every toast offered, ignoring everything else. Your Ladyship shouldn't oppose His Highness. These days, he hasn't smiled once. If not for you and Miss, His Highness wouldn't have bowed to the Xie family."
Chi Ying nodded. "I know. Please advise His Highness to drink less. Excessive drinking harms health."
"Yes." Cao Qian staggered back.
After Cao Qian left, Chi Ying stood motionless. Xiao Qiu, with tears in her voice, tugged at her arm. "Lady, if you're sad, cry it out. It will make you feel better."
Chi Ying smiled and touched her face. "Silly girl, I can't cry. Not for Cui Xian's sake."
She couldn't cry, couldn't bow down. No matter how difficult, it couldn't be worse than being burned alive in the cold palace in her previous life. Humbling herself was a necessity. As long as Cui Yi still cared for her, she had hope for a comeback.
The celebration lasted until midnight, with guests gradually dispersing. Several servants carried the drunken Cui Yi back to the main chamber. Xie Yuchan, impatiently waiting, rushed out upon hearing him enter, only to find him sound asleep, impossible to wake.
Xie Yuchan, frustrated, ordered the maidservants to fetch Chi Ying. "Longsun Zhiying."
Chi Ying glanced at the unconscious Cui Yi and ignored him, asking, "Why did Your Highness call me?"
Xie Yuchan defiantly put her hands on her hips. "His Highness is drunk. How can we consummate our marriage? Wake him up and sober him up, or you'll stand here all night."
Chi Ying smirked mockingly. "His Highness is drunk? Does he not know tonight is the wedding night? Ha ha!"
"You!" Xie Yuchan was speechless with rage and slapped Chi Ying across the face, drawing blood. Chi Ying stumbled, nearly deafened by the ringing in her ears.
Xie Yuchan yelled angrily, "You dare to mock me? Who do you think you are? You dared to laugh at me! His Highness only has eyes for me. You, a traitor, have no right to mock me!"
Chi Ying held her face, sensing something from Xie Yuchan's words.
"Treason?"
Xie Yuchan glared fiercely. "Still pretending? You married His Highness to collaborate with your sister, the Crown Princess, to destroy him. Don't think I don't know. A few days ago, my cousin shot down a pigeon you sent. The letter revealed your treachery. By suggesting the soldiers plant crops, the emperor suspected His Highness of rebellion, leading to his exile to Ganzhou. Now you want to gain favor with the Crown Prince? Filthy traitor!"
Chi Ying gasped. Someone intercepted her secret message? Another plot by Shan Jian? To completely alienate her from Cui Yi's camp. How would Bai Lichang and Yang Qiong react, seeing her as a traitor? Would they leave, believing Cui Yi incompetent?
Although she realized the unnaturalness of the early morning events during the assassination attempt—this October, Emperor Jianyuan hadn't planned any maple-viewing activities—it was a premeditated scheme to frame Cui Yi. She thought it was due to Cui Yi's long-held military power, but now she understood the deeper motive. Emperor Jianyuan feared Cui Yi's stockpiling of food for rebellion!
So that's how it was! Chi Ying almost laughed aloud. What a cunning plan by Cui Jie and Shan Jian. Poor Emperor Jianyuan, mistaking his eldest son for a wolf in sheep's clothing, aiding him in suppressing Cui Yi.
Talk about having a stepmother and a stepfather! She truly experienced it firsthand!
Cui Yi remained deeply asleep, and Chi Ying had to stand outside. Watching the lights go out, the maidservants left one by one, each casting contemptuous glances at her.
The November night was bitterly cold. Standing in the courtyard without her sable coat, Chi Ying shivered uncontrollably, her breath forming white clouds that lingered. Touching her body, she felt nothing but icy coldness. Shivering uncontrollably, her legs eventually became numb and immobile.
Just when she thought she'd freeze to death, the door unexpectedly opened. Cui Yi, wrapped in a red silk robe, stepped out.
Seeing her standing in the cold wind, Cui Yi was initially surprised, then realized it must be Xie Yuchan's doing. Sighing, he descended the steps and approached her.
Chi Ying forced a smile. "Why are you awake now, Your Highness?"
Cui Yi reached out to embrace her, but Chi Ying retreated, tripping and falling to the ground.
"These past fifteen days, I've thought a lot," Cui Yi lowered his hand, not helping her up, speaking unusually calmly. "Since Mother passed away, I've kept retreating and tolerating, but now I have nowhere to retreat. As long as I live, the Crown Prince won't stop."
Cui Yi continued, "I've changed my mind. I am the legitimate eldest son. I want this empire and that throne. No matter the cost, I will sit on it and make those who have wronged me pay."
On the second day of their marriage, Cui Yi left early for the military camp. Xie Xiao and Lady Ye came to see their daughter and were anxious upon learning that the couple had not consummated their marriage. They blamed the guests from last night who had gotten the groom drunk.
Lady Ye held her daughter's hand and whispered, "Having children is crucial. Don't delay any longer. Fortunately, the concubine's first child was a girl. Yuchan, you must quickly consummate your marriage with the prince and give birth to an heir as soon as possible. Only then will our Xie family have a future."
Xie Xiao stroked his beard worriedly, "I fear that Changsun Chiyin is still favored by the prince. He is staying in Xuanzhou now, living in our house, so you can still keep them apart. Once the army moves to Ganzhou, it will be out of our control whether the prince favors or neglects whom."
Lady Ye also looked worried, "The prince didn't react much when he heard about Changsun Chiyin's betrayal. Does he really like her that much? In terms of appearance, manners, and family background, where does our Yuchan fall short compared to that girl? What is the prince thinking?"
Xie Yuchan sneered, "That fox-like woman must be good at seducing men, making Yingrong brother lose his soul..."
Xie Xiao angrily rebuked, "Nonsense! Who taught you to say such things? You are supposed to be a lady!" Xie Yuchan fell silent out of fear, but Lady Ye did not seem to mind, "Yuchan is right. Why don't we find some experts to teach our daughter a few tricks?"